bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refining Patient-Centered Measures of End-of-Life Care Quality for Children With Cancer
Authors: Ananth Prasanna , Mun Sophia , Reffat Noora , Kang Soo Jung , Pitafi Sarah , Ma Xiaomei , Gross Cary P. , Wolfe Joanne
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE:

There are no existing quality measures (QMs) to optimize end-of-life care for children with cancer. Previously, we developed a set of 26 candidate QMs. Our primary objective in this study was to achieve stakeholder consensus on priority measures.

METHODS:

We conducted an iterative, cross-sectional electronic survey, using a modified Delphi method to build consensus among clinician and family stakeholders. In each of the two rounds of surveys, stakeholders were asked to rate QMs on a 9-point Likert scale, on the basis of perceived importance. Health care professionals were additionally asked to rate measures on perceived feasibility. After each round, we computed median scores on importance and feasibility of measurement, retaining QMs with median importance scores ≥ 8.

RESULTS:

Twenty-five participants completed both rounds of the survey. In round 1, participants were asked to rate 26 QMs; nine QMs, including QMs pertaining to health care use, were removed because of median importance scores < 8. Two new measures were proposed for consideration in round 2, on the basis of participant feedback. Following round 2, 17 QMs were ultimately retained. QMs related to symptom screening and palliative care consultation were rated highly in importance and feasibility. QMs related to communication were rated highly important, yet less feasible. Measuring whether a patient's needs were heard by their health care team was rated among the least feasible.

CONCLUSION:

Childhood cancer stakeholders prioritized QMs pertaining to patient-reported outcomes, deeming measures of health care resource use less important. Future research should seek to develop novel tools for quality assessment to enhance feasibility of implementing priority measures.
Impact of Ar:O2gas flow ratios on microstructure and optical characteristics of CeO2-doped ZnO thin films by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Sowjanya M. , Shariq Mohammad , Pilli S. R. , Khan M. Shakir , Alharbi T. , Chaudhary Anis Ahmad , Pamu D. , Chowdharuy R. , Fathy A. M. , Slimani Yassine , Imran Mohd
Published: October 2021

In this study, a radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique was applied to deposit eminently oriented ZnO thin films on stainless steel (SS316L). The effect of different ratios (Ar:O2) of gas flow ((20:0), (15:5), (10:10), (5:15), (0:20)) on optical and structural properties of CeO2-doped ZnO thin films has been examined. The increase in grain size of thin films was observed with a partial increase in the Ar:O2sputtering gas at substrate temperature of 673 K. The average surface roughness of the thin films has increased with sputtering gas. The photoluminescence peak exhibited a broad green-yellow band spiked at 467 nm for all the samples of CeO2-doped ZnO thin films and a wide band of visible light focused in the 500–600 nm range. Intensity reduction of deep level emission peaks of ZnO films was observed. The refractive index of undoped and CeO2-doped ZnO thin films with various sputtering gas ratios (Ar:O2) were also investigated. The optimized argon gas flow rate findings allow us to choose the deposition conditions for CeO2-doped ZnO thin films for solar thermal applications.
Extended Injection Intervals of Gonadotropins by Intradermal Administration in IVF Treatment
Authors: Hsu Chao Chin , Hsu Isabel , Chang Hui Hua , Hsu Rosie , Dorjee Sonam
Published: October 2021

Context

Gonadotropins can be administered every 5 days under intradermal injection in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of intradermal injection of recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) for women undergoing IVF.

Methods

Women who received their first IVF treatment enrolled in this prospective intervention in 2018. All women received a bolus of 900 IU rhFSH intradermally at day 2 of the treatment cycle followed by additional dosage of rhFSH at day 7 and/or day 10. The main outcome measures included the total dose of rhFSH and number of injections required, sequential serum FSH level detected, and number of mature oocytes retrieved.

Results

Seventy women completed the study. On average, 2.31 ± 0.73 injections and 1662 ± 397 IU of rhFSH were administered. While the baseline FSH level was 5.6 ± 2.2 IU/L, the serum concentrations of FSH after rhFSH administration were 35.3 ± 7.0 on the first day (24 hours) and 10.7 ± 3.7 IU/L on the fifth day (120 hours). A total of 10.5 ± 6.6 mature oocytes were retrieved, resulting in 7.3 ± 5.1 pronuclear embryos; 1.8 ± 0.6 embryos were transferred to the uterus. Our findings resulted in 72% fertilization, 91% cleavage, 31% implantation, and 36% live birth rates. Although fewer larger follicles were found, noninferiority results were noted in the mature oocytes retrieved, good embryos available, and clinical pregnancy rate compared with those received conventional daily subcutaneous rhFSH administration.

Conclusion

Intradermal administration of rhFSH, with a smaller dose of rhFSH and fewer injections, may achieve the goal of a cost-effective and more patient-friendly regimen.
Increased Prevalence of Fractures in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Swedish Population-based National Cohort Study
Authors: Falhammar Henrik , Frisén Louise , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Almqvist Catarina , Nordenström Anna
Published: October 2021

Context

Low bone mineral density has been reported in individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), but the prevalence of fractures is unclear.

Objective

To study the prevalence of fractures in CAH.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Patients with CAH (n = 714, all 21-hydroxylase deficiency) were compared with controls matched for sex and year and place of birth (n = 71 400). Data were derived by linking National Population-Based Registers.

Main Outcome Measures

Number and type of fractures.

Results

Mean age was 29.8 ± 18.4 years. Individuals with CAH had more fractures compared to controls [23.5% vs 16.1%, odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% CI 1.35-1.91], and this was found in both sexes (females: 19.6% vs 13.3%, OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.23-2.02; males: 28.7% vs 19.6%, OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29-2.12). Fractures were significantly increased in patients born before the introduction of neonatal screening but not in those born afterwards. Any major fracture associated with osteoporosis (spine, forearm, hip, or shoulder) was increased in all individuals with CAH (9.8% vs 7.5%, OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.72). The highest prevalence of fractures was seen in SV phenotype and I172N genotype while nonclassic phenotype and I2 splice genotype did not show increased prevalence. A transport accident as a car occupant and fall on the same level were more common in patients with CAH, both sexes, than in controls.

Conclusions

Patients with CAH had an increased prevalence of both any fracture and fractures associated with osteoporosis (both sexes) but not for patients neonatally screened. We conclude that fracture risk assessment and glucocorticoid optimization should be performed regularly.
Serum Estradiol and 20 Site-Specific Cancers in Women: Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Larsson Susanna C , Kar Siddhartha , Perry John R B , Carter Paul , Vithayathil Mathew , Mason Amy M , Easton Douglas F , Burgess Stephen
Published: October 2021

Context

The causal role of endogenous estradiol in cancers other than breast and endometrial cancer remains unclear.

Objective

This Mendelian randomization study assessed the causal associations of endogenous 17β-estradiol (E2), the most potent estrogen, with cancer risk in women.

Methods

As primary genetic instrument, we used a genetic variant in the CYP19A1 gene that is strongly associated with serum E2 levels. Summary statistics genetic data for the association of the E2 variant with breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer were obtained from large-scale consortia. We additionally estimated the associations of the E2 variant with any and 20 site-specific cancers in 198 825 women of European descent in UK Biobank. Odds ratios (OR) of cancer per 0.01 unit increase in log-transformed serum E2 levels in pmol/L were estimated using the Wald ratio.

Results

Genetic predisposition to higher serum E2 levels was associated with increased risk of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (OR 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; P = 2.5 × 10−3), endometrial cancer overall (OR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.11; P = 7.3 × 10−13), and endometrial cancer of the endometrioid histology subtype (OR 1.10; 95% CI, 1.07-1.13; P = 2.1 × 10−11). There were suggestive associations with breast cancer overall (OR 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P = 0.02), ovarian cancer of the endometrioid subtype (OR 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10; P = 0.02), and stomach cancer (OR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.00-1.26; P = 0.05), but no significant association with other cancers.

Conclusion

This study supports a role of E2 in the development of ER-positive breast cancer and endometrioid endometrial cancer but found no strong association with other cancers in women.
Efficacy of Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules by Shear Wave Elastography—the Stiffness Map
Authors: Yoo Myung Hi , Kim Hye Jeong , Choi In Ho , Park Suyeon , Yun Sumi , Park Hyeong Kyu , Byun Dong Won , Suh Kyoil
Published: October 2021

Background

Fine needle aspiration is the gold standard for differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules; however, the malignancy rate for indeterminate cytology is 20% to 50%.

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy of shear wave elastography added to ultrasonography for differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 258 consecutive patients. Thyroid nodules were divided into 4 categories according to maximum elasticity (EMax) and nodule depth/width (D/W) ratio: Category 1 (EMax ≥ 42.6 kPa; D/W < 0.9); Category 2 (EMax < 42.6 kPa; D/W < 0.9); Category 3 (EMax ≥ 42.6 kPa; D/W ≥ 0.9); and Category 4 (EMax < 42.6 kPa; D/W ≥ 0.9). The EMax cutoff value was set using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to predict nodular hyperplasia (NH) vs follicular neoplasm (FN). Cutoff value for nodule D/W ratio was set using ROC curve analysis for malignancy.

Results

NH was the most prevalent pathology group in Category 1, FN in Category 2, and papillary thyroid carcinoma in Category 3. Category 3 demonstrated the highest rate of malignancy (81.8%) and had 55.4% sensitivity and 90% specificity for predicting malignancy. When assessing the benign pathology of NH in follicular patterned lesion, Category 1 demonstrated the highest NH prevalence of 88.9% (34/37) and had 73.9% sensitivity and 85.0% specificity.

Conclusion

The performance for malignancy was highest in Category 3 and predictive ability for benign pathology of NH in follicular lesion was highest in Category 1. The information of EMax and nodule D/W ratio was useful to predict the pathology of thyroid nodules.
How many online workers are there in the world? A data-driven assessment
Authors: Kässi Otto , Lehdonvirta Vili , Stephany Fabian
Published: October 2021

An unknown number of people around the world are earning income by working through online labour platforms such as Upwork and Amazon Mechanical Turk. We combine data collected from various sources to build a data-driven assessment of the number of such online workers (also known as online freelancers) globally. Our headline estimate is that there are 163 million freelancer profiles registered on online labour platforms globally. Approximately 19 million of them have obtained work through the platform at least once, and 5 million have completed at least 10 projects or earned at least $1000. These numbers suggest a substantial growth from 2015 in registered worker accounts, but much less growth in amount of work completed by workers. Our results indicate that online freelancing represents a non-trivial segment of labour today, but one that is spread thinly across countries and sectors.
Modern Approaches to the Risk Management of the Retailers` Innovative Projects in the Context of a Pandemic
Authors: Vetrova A.
Published: October 2021

The relevance of the research is due to the fact that in the conditions of the pandemic the priority for the retailers is to do business through the innovative projects implementation. These processes are associated with the various risks when it is required to choose a competent approach to their management. There are many different modern approaches, but it is necessary to choose the most effective one, which will not entail serious losses. In the article the concepts of an innovative project and risk management are discussed, the modern approaches to risk management are explored and their classification is considered. It has been carried out the analysis of the developed and implemented innovative projects by the largest Russian retailer X5 Retail Group in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical data on the implementation of innovative projects are presented, problems in the risk management of innovative projects are identified and recommendations for solving these problems are proposed.
Virtual Tools for Managing the Rating Promotion of Universities
Authors: Timoshenko G.
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the results of the participation of Russian universities in the authoritative international Webometrics ranking, the choice of ways to strengthen the positions and increase the number of universities in its top lists. Methodological tools of the research: analysis of statistical sources of information. The paper analyzes the dynamics of the position in the international Webometrics ranking of leading Russian universities and the Russian Federation as a whole in recent years. The directions of promotion of Russian universities-leaders of the Webometrics rating in international and domestic social networks are considered. The study allows us to conclude that there is a close connection between the network activity of universities and the webometric success of the university, as well as the need for more active interaction with the audience, a detailed study of its preferences and improvement of approaches to the formation of the communication policy of the educational institution.
Parental attitudes and intensification of borderline personality traits: the mediational role of self-control and identity integration
Authors: Kwapis Krzysztof , Prusak Jacek , Pohl Aleksandra , Krawczyk Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

Cel pracy

Celem artykułu jest ustalenie związku między postawami rodzicielskimi, samokontrolą, integracją tożsamości a cechami zaburzenia osobowości borderline (ZOB) w nieklinicznej próbie osób dorosłych, a także określenie roli samokontroli i integracji tożsamości jako predyktorów ZOB oraz jako potencjalnych mediatorów związku postaw rodzicielskich z cechami ZOB.

Metoda

Badania zostały przeprowadzone z udziałem 162 osób dorosłych pochodzących z populacji ogólnej, które wypełniały Kwestionariusz Retrospektywnej Oceny Postaw Rodziców (KPR-Roc) Plopy, podskalę Kwestionariusza Styl Życia 05/SK Trzebińskiej, podskalę „Integracja Tożsamości” Wielowymiarowego Kwestionariusza Samooceny MSEI autorstwa O’Brien i Epsteina w polskiej adaptacji Fecenec oraz Skalę Samokontroli (SCS) autorstwa Tangney i in. w adaptacji Kwapisa i Bartczuka.

Wyniki

Otrzymane wyniki wskazują na istotne korelacje samokontroli i integracji tożsamości z postawami rodzicielskimi (z wyjątkiem postawy nadmiernie ochraniającej obojga rodziców), a także ujemne korelacje zarówno integracji tożsamości, jak i samokontroli z nasileniem cech ZOB. Zgodnie z wyniki uzyskanymi za pomocą modelowania strukturalnego, niekonsekwentna postawa matki i integracja tożsamości mają wyłącznie bezpośredni wpływ na cechy ZOB, natomiast nadmiernie wymagająca postawa matki i samokontrola wpływają na nasilenie tych cech jedynie pośrednio. Niekonsekwentna postawa ojca wywiera na cechy ZOB wpływ zarówno bezpośredni, jak i pośredni. Mediatorami związku nadmiernie wymagającej postawy matki i niekonsekwentnej postawy ojca z cechami ZOB są samokontrola i integracja tożsamości. Wpływ samokontroli na nasilenie cech ZOB jest zapośredniczony przez integrację tożsamości.

Wnioski

Postawy rodzicielskie matki i ojca mają związek z samokontrolą, integracją tożsamości i nasileniem cech ZOB. Samokontrola i integracja tożsamości są mediatorami wpływu wybranych postaw rodzicielskich na nasilenie cech ZOB.
LA APERTURA DE LAS CONFERENCIAS DE WASHINGTON ENTRE CHILE Y PERÚ EN LA PRENSA ESTADOUNIDENSE (1922)
Authors: Soto Lara José Julián
Published: October 2021

Se describen y analizan los discursos periodísticos estadounidenses durante la apertura de las conferencias de Washington celebradas entre Chile y Perú en 1922. Partiendo del supuesto teórico que la prensa es un actor político que construye los acontecimientos que tematiza, se efectuó un análisis de contenido a 120 noticias. La conclusión sostiene que la prensa representó las conferencias en un plano epistémico, proyectivo y político.
PENGARUH MOTIVASI, KOMPLEKSITAS TUGAS, DAN INSENTIF MONETER TERHADAP KINERJA INDIVIDU
Authors: Azzardina Aulia
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the relationship between motivation and task complexity on performance. Monetary incentives are involved in this study as a moderating variable. The motivation examined in this research is intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. A 2x2 quasi-experiment has been conducted and involving 66 university students. Two and three-way ANOVA are used for hypothetical testing. The result shows that individuals with intrinsic motivation have shown better performance than those with extrinsic motivation. After individuals have faced more complex tasks, they achieved lower scores than those who faced less complex tasks. Prior studies suggested that motivation could be destructed by monetary incentives. However, there is no interaction proof when moderating variable is involved. The relationship between motivation and performance is not influenced by monetary incentives. In line with it, the relationship between task complexity and performance is also not strengthened or weakened by the given monetary incentives information. Thus, monetary incentives failed to influence the relationship between motivation, task complexity and performance.
Lower face and lifting treatments
Authors: Gewargis Jemma , Swaminathan Vikram
Published: October 2021

Lower face age changes are hugely impactful on the overall ageing concerns presented by patients, and lower face-lifting treatments form an integral part of the rejuvenation and beautification of the face, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is essential that the clinician possesses a deeper understanding of facial anatomy in this region, to allow a more holistic, rather than isolated, approach to rejuvenation and reduce complication risks and downtime. A combination of dermal filler and neuromodulators can be used in the lower face to produce effective, long-lasting and natural facial rejuvenation results.
Dermal fillers and biofilms: implications for aesthetic clinicians
Authors: Murray Gillian , Convery Cormac
Published: October 2021

Biofilms have been linked to dermal filler complications. Gillian Murray and Dr Cormac Convery explain their role and what clinicians can do to identify biofilm, as well as how to manage and treat them
All about cellulite: a review of the causes, treatments and new technologies
Authors: Miller Amy
Published: October 2021

Cellulite is an aesthetic condition that affects the vast majority of post-pubescent females worldwide. It is difficult to treat, and any results are difficult to maintain. Subcutaneous fibrous septa, anchoring the skin to the underlying tissue and piercing the subcutaneous fat perpendicular to the dermis, lead to the dimpled or wavy topography of the surface. Treatment to improve cellulite must include release of these septa, as well as strengthening of the dermis. As the causes of cellulite are multifactorial, combination treatments, including surgical subcision, lasers, radiofrequency, microfocused ultrasound, acoustic wave therapy and collagenase, are the best option for significant and long-lasting cellulite improvement. Optimum treatment protocols are yet to be determined.
The body image experiences of women working within the aesthetics sector: a thematic analysis of online survey and interview responses
Authors: Owen Alison , Taylor Jennifer
Published: October 2021

Background:

Body dissatisfaction can have negative implications on health and wellbeing.

Aims:

Women working within the aesthetics sector have been identified as being vulnerable to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating; however, research exploring this population is scarce. This research aimed to investigate the area further.

Methods:

Online surveys and interviews were used to explore the body image experiences of 41 women working in the aesthetics sector.

Findings:

Thematic analysis highlighted three themes: a feeling that looking ‘good’ was necessitated by their profession; ubiquitous and inevitable nature of appearance comparisons; and an appearance satisfaction dichotomy, with some reporting feeling satisfied and others dissatisfied.

Conclusion:

The body image experiences of women working in the aesthetic sector are mixed and can be complex. The implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: McGloin Claudia
Published: October 2021

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary
A light on the horizon?
Authors: Amrani Clare
Published: October 2021

Clare Amrani discusses the latest exciting updates taking place within the association, reviews the progress made in the medical aesthetics arena to move towards a more regulated profession and examines, in the light of what has taken place in other specialities, what might happen if regulations fail to work, or are simply absent
The key elements of a national aesthetic treatment licensing regime
Authors: Sines Professor David
Published: October 2021

Professor David Sines explains the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners' stance on a national aesthetic treatment licensing regime in the UK
To post, or not to post—that is the question
Authors: Hool Claire
Published: October 2021

Social media has fast become an essential marketing tool for businesses, as it is the first point of contact for a staggering number of potential patients and consumers. Claire Hool explores the ways to use social media to safely and effectively promote your business, and what considerations should be made before pressing the post button
Keeping your finger on the pulse of your business: now is the time for a practice health check
Authors: Dickons Gilly
Published: October 2021

Gilly Dickons details the steps that clinics should take to carry out a full health check and ensure that they are making the most of their business moving out of the COVID-19 pandemic
Socially acceptable behaviour
Authors: Cheema Jasnoop
Published: October 2021

In an age where organisations must have an online presence to compete and social media is virtually ubiquitous, it is essential that they have a policy on employees' social media use. Whether in the workplace or at home, a single post—even if it is not intended to be malicious—can cause irreparable harm
Analgesia prescribing in primary care
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: October 2021

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Fungal skin infections
Authors: Perry Margaret
Published: October 2021

Fungal infections of the skin continue to place a burden on healthcare services. Margaret Perry provides an overview of the most common conditions

Fungal infections of the skin continue to place a burden on healthcare and are a significant issue globally in terms of their cost and impact on resources. Some are more difficult to treat than others and there is a wide variation in duration of treatment, depending on the site and severity. Many fungal infections share similarities in appearance with other skin conditions, which can sometimes make diagnosis difficult. This article details some of the most common conditions and aims to give nurses and non-medical prescribers an overview of evidence-based treatment and management as well as to increase confidence when managing some of these troublesome diseases.
Nurturing the Seeds of Sustainability Education: Information Regime in Brazilian Public HEI
Authors: Maruyama Úrsula , Issberner Liz-Rejane , Do Prado Rios Patrícia Andrea
Published: October 2021

We are currently living the Anthropocene, a period in which humans have generated impacts on nature that corresponds to a geological force capable of modifying the planet’s biophysical parameters, affecting its sustainability. Knowledge is a condition for emancipation, and citizens endowed with sustainability knowledge will be able to influence political decisions and the society. Currently, the universities are expected to provide tools for understanding environmental issues from a more holistic perspective, rather than relying on traditional reductionist approaches. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the Brazilian Federal Technological Scientific Professional Education Network’s (RFEPCT) commitment to relevant environmental issues raised by the Anthropocene. Additionally, the ‘information regime’ approach was selected to identify factors that may contribute or influence its composition and the information-power relationships. The results show that the RFEPCT members’ actions are carried out in isolation, needing an element that integrates information and effectively articulates their social networks. The managerial priority was mostly motivated by economic issues or by public regulation and requirements. This study presents an original and unique Mapping on RFEPCT Information Regime elements and offers a HEI Environmental Agenda as a contribution.
Comprehensive analysis of lectin-glycan interactions reveals determinants of lectin specificity
Authors: Mattox Daniel E. , Bailey-Kellogg Chris
Published: October 2021

Lectin-glycan interactions facilitate inter- and intracellular communication in many processes including protein trafficking, host-pathogen recognition, and tumorigenesis promotion. Specific recognition of glycans by lectins is also the basis for a wide range of applications in areas including glycobiology research, cancer screening, and antiviral therapeutics. To provide a better understanding of the determinants of lectin-glycan interaction specificity and support such applications, this study comprehensively investigates specificity-conferring features of all available lectin-glycan complex structures. Systematic characterization, comparison, and predictive modeling of a set of 221 complementary physicochemical and geometric features representing these interactions highlighted specificity-conferring features with potential mechanistic insight. Univariable comparative analyses with weighted Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests revealed strong statistical associations between binding site features and specificity that are conserved across unrelated lectin binding sites. Multivariable modeling with random forests demonstrated the utility of these features for predicting the identity of bound glycans based on generalized patterns learned from non-homologous lectins. These analyses revealedglobaldeterminants of lectin specificity, such as sialic acid glycan recognition in deep, concave binding sites enriched for positively charged residues, in contrast to high mannose glycan recognition in fairly shallow but well-defined pockets enriched for non-polar residues. Focusedfine specificityanalysis of hemagglutinin interactions with human-like and avian-like glycans uncovered features representing both known and novel mutations related to shifts in influenza tropism from avian to human tissues. As the approach presented here relies on co-crystallized lectin-glycan pairs for studying specificity, it is limited in its inferences by the quantity, quality, and diversity of the structural data available. Regardless, the systematic characterization of lectin binding sites presented here provides a novel approach to studying lectin specificity and is a step towards confidently predicting new lectin-glycan interactions.
Resistance to a CRISPR-based gene drive at an evolutionarily conserved site is revealed by mimicking genotype fixation
Authors: Fuchs Silke , Garrood William T. , Beber Anna , Hammond Andrew , Galizi Roberto , Gribble Matthew , Morselli Giulia , Hui Tin-Yu J. , Willis Katie , Kranjc Nace , Burt Austin , Crisanti Andrea , Nolan Tony
Published: October 2021

CRISPR-based homing gene drives can be designed to disrupt essential genes whilst biasing their own inheritance, leading to suppression of mosquito populations in the laboratory. This class of gene drives relies on CRISPR-Cas9 cleavage of a target sequence and copying (‘homing’) therein of the gene drive element from the homologous chromosome. However, target site mutations that are resistant to cleavage yet maintain the function of the essential gene are expected to be strongly selected for. Targeting functionally constrained regions where mutations are not easily tolerated should lower the probability of resistance. Evolutionary conservation at the sequence level is often a reliable indicator of functional constraint, though the actual level of underlying constraint between one conserved sequence and another can vary widely. Here we generated a novel adult lethal gene drive (ALGD) in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, targeting an ultra-conserved target site in a haplosufficient essential gene (AGAP029113) required during mosquito development, which fulfils many of the criteria for the target of a population suppression gene drive. We then designed a selection regime to experimentally assess the likelihood of generation and subsequent selection of gene drive resistant mutations at its target site. We simulated, in a caged population, a scenario where the gene drive was approaching fixation, where selection for resistance is expected to be strongest. Continuous sampling of the target locus revealed that a single, restorative, in-frame nucleotide substitution was selected. Our findings show that ultra-conservation alone need not be predictive of a site that is refractory to target site resistance. Our strategy to evaluate resistance in vivo could help to validate candidate gene drive targets for their resilience to resistance and help to improve predictions of the invasion dynamics of gene drives in field populations.
High-quality reference genome of Fasciola gigantica: Insights into the genomic signatures of transposon-mediated evolution and specific parasitic adaption in tropical regions
Authors: Luo Xier , Cui Kuiqing , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Zhipeng , Wu Zhengjiao , Huang Weiyi , Zhu Xing-Quan , Ruan Jue , Zhang Weiyu , Liu Qingyou
Published: October 2021

Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica are causative pathogens of fascioliasis, with the widest latitudinal, longitudinal, and altitudinal distribution; however, among parasites, they have the largest sequenced genomes, hindering genomic research. In the present study, we used various sequencing and assembly technologies to generate a new high-quality Fasciola gigantica reference genome. We improved the integration of gene structure prediction, and identified two independent transposable element expansion events contributing to (1) the speciation between Fasciola and Fasciolopsis during the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary mass extinction, and (2) the habitat switch to the liver during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, accompanied by gene length increment. Long interspersed element (LINE) duplication contributed to the second transposon-mediated alteration, showing an obvious trend of insertion into gene regions, regardless of strong purifying effect. Gene ontology analysis of genes with long LINE insertions identified membrane-associated and vesicle secretion process proteins, further implicating the functional alteration of the gene network. We identified 852 predicted excretory/secretory proteins and 3300 protein-protein interactions between Fasciola gigantica and its host. Among them, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase genes, with specific gene copy number variations, might play a central role in the phase I detoxification process. Analysis of 559 single-copy orthologs suggested that Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica diverged at 11.8 Ma near the Middle and Late Miocene Epoch boundary. We identified 98 rapidly evolving gene families, including actin and aquaporin, which might explain the large body size and the parasitic adaptive character resulting in these liver flukes becoming epidemic in tropical and subtropical regions.
Exposure, hazard, and vulnerability all contribute to Schistosoma haematobium re-infection in northern Senegal
Authors: Lund Andrea J. , Sokolow Susanne H. , Jones Isabel J. , Wood Chelsea L. , Ali Sofia , Chamberlin Andrew , Sy Alioune Badara , Sam M. Moustapha , Jouanard Nicolas , Schacht Anne-Marie , Senghor Simon , Fall Assane , Ndione Raphael , Riveau Gilles , De Leo Giulio A. , López-Carr David
Published: October 2021

Background

Infectious disease risk is driven by three interrelated components: exposure, hazard, and vulnerability. For schistosomiasis, exposure occurs through contact with water, which is often tied to daily activities. Water contact, however, does not imply risk unless the environmental hazard of snails and parasites is also present in the water. By increasing reliance on hazardous activities and environments, socio-economic vulnerability can hinder reductions in exposure to a hazard. We aimed to quantify the contributions of exposure, hazard, and vulnerability to the presence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium re-infection.

Methodology/Principal findings

In 13 villages along the Senegal River, we collected parasitological data from 821 school-aged children, survey data from 411 households where those children resided, and ecological data from all 24 village water access sites. We fit mixed-effects logistic and negative binomial regressions with indices of exposure, hazard, and vulnerability as explanatory variables of Schistosoma haematobium presence and intensity, respectively, controlling for demographic variables. Using multi-model inference to calculate the relative importance of each component of risk, we found that hazard (Ʃwi = 0.95) was the most important component of S. haematobium presence, followed by vulnerability (Ʃwi = 0.91). Exposure (Ʃwi = 1.00) was the most important component of S. haematobium intensity, followed by hazard (Ʃwi = 0.77). Model averaging quantified associations between each infection outcome and indices of exposure, hazard, and vulnerability, revealing a positive association between hazard and infection presence (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.12, 1.97), and a positive association between exposure and infection intensity (RR 2.59–3.86, depending on the category; all 95% CIs above 1)

Conclusions/Significance

Our findings underscore the linkages between social (exposure and vulnerability) and environmental (hazard) processes in the acquisition and accumulation of S. haematobium infection. This approach highlights the importance of implementing both social and environmental interventions to complement mass drug administration.
Gastric examination using a novel three-dimensional magnetically assisted capsule endoscope and a hand-held magnetic controller: A porcine model study
Authors: Oh Dong Jun , Nam Ji Hyung , Park Junseok , Hwang Youngbae , Lim Yun Jeong
Published: October 2021

Magnetically assisted capsule endoscopy (MACE) is a noninvasive procedure and can overcome passive capsule movement that limits gastric examination. MACE has been studied in many trials as an alternative to upper endoscopy. However, to increase diagnostic accuracy of various gastric lesions, MACE should be able to provide stereoscopic, clear images and to measure the size of a lesion. So, we conducted the animal experiment using a novel three-dimensional (3D) MACE and a new hand-held magnetic controller for gastric examination. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance and safety of 3D MACE and hand-held magnetic controller through the animal experiment. Subsequently, via the dedicated viewer, we evaluate whether 3D reconstruction images and clear images can be obtained and accurate lesion size can be measured. During real-time gastric examination, the maneuverability and visualization of 3D MACE were adequate. A polypoid mass lesion was incidentally observed at the lesser curvature side of the prepyloric antrum. The mass lesion was estimated to be 10.9 x 11.5 mm in the dedicated viewer, nearly the same size and shape as confirmed by upper endoscopy and postmortem examination. Also, 3D and clear images of the lesion were successfully reconstructed. This animal experiment demonstrates the accuracy and safety of 3D MACE. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the feasibility of 3D MACE for human gastric examination.
Fatty acid metabolism in lambs supplemented with different condensed and hydrolysable tannin extracts
Authors: Valenti Bernardo , Campidonico Luca , Natalello Antonio , Lanza Massimiliano , Salami Saheed A. , Priolo Alessandro , Serra Andrea , Pauselli Mariano , Luciano Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Five groups of lambs (n = 9 each) were used to test the effect of plant extracts rich in hydrolysable (HT) or condensed tannin (CT) on animal performance, fatty acid composition of rumen content, liver and meat. The control group (CO) received a concentrate-based diet without tannins supplementation. The other groups received the same diet as the control lambs plus 4% chestnut (CH) and tara (TA) extracts as a source of HT and mimosa (MI) and gambier (GA) extracts as a source of CT. One-way ANOVA was used to assess the overall effect of dietary treatments, tannins supplementation (CO vs. CH+TA+MI+GA) and the effect of tannin type (HT vs. CT: CH+TA vs. MI+GA) on animal performance, rumen content, liver and intramuscular FA. Dietary CH negatively affected animal performance. The rumen content of the different groups showed similar levels of 18:3 c9c12c15, 18:2 c9c12, 18:2 c9t11, 18:1 t11 and 18:0, whereas 18:1 t10 was greater in CO. Also, 18:1 t10 tended to be lower in the rumen of HT than CT-fed lambs. These data were partially confirmed in liver and meat, where CO showed a greater percentage of individual trans 18:1 fatty acids in comparison with tannins-fed groups. Our findings challenge some accepted generalizations on the use of tannins in ruminant diets as they were ineffective to favour the accumulation of dietary PUFA or healthy fatty acids of biohydrogenation origin in the rumen content and lamb meat, but suggest a generalized influence on BH rather than on specific steps.
CXCR6+CD4+ T cells promote mortality during Trypanosoma brucei infection
Authors: Liu Gongguan , Abas Osama , Strickland Ashley B. , Chen Yanli , Shi Meiqing
Published: October 2021

Liver macrophages internalize circulating bloodborne parasites. It remains poorly understood how this process affects the fate of the macrophages and T cell responses in the liver. Here, we report that infection byTrypanosoma bruceiinduced depletion of macrophages in the liver, leading to the repopulation of CXCL16-secreting intrahepatic macrophages, associated with substantial accumulation of CXCR6+CD4+T cells in the liver. Interestingly, disruption of CXCR6 signaling did not affect control of the parasitemia, but significantly enhanced the survival of infected mice, associated with reduced inflammation and liver injury. Infected CXCR6 deficient mice displayed a reduced accumulation of CD4+T cells in the liver; adoptive transfer experiments suggested that the reduction of CD4+T cells in the liver was attributed to a cell intrinsic property of CXCR6 deficient CD4+T cells. Importantly, infected CXCR6 deficient mice receiving wild-type CD4+T cells survived significantly shorter than those receiving CXCR6 deficient CD4+T cells, demonstrating that CXCR6+CD4+T cells promote the mortality. We conclude that infection ofT.bruceileads to depletion and repopulation of liver macrophages, associated with a substantial influx of CXCR6+CD4+T cells that mediates mortality.
Omnia vincit amor: Poética del amor
Authors: Lombardi Satriani Luigi M.
Published: October 2021

Luigi M. Lombardi Satriani, figura decana y admirada de la Antropología italiana, ofrece un cancionero moderno en el que desvela los diferentes amores que lo han acompañado a lo largo de su vida, larga y fecunda. La mirada de los amores pasados que aun duran o han sido consumidos por la muerte es retrospectiva y distanciada, hecha desde el tiempo de la senectud, pero no por ello aséptica. Algunos amores son evocados y precisados de forma breve, otros se asemejan a la descripción densa en una suerte de etnografía del Amor. Unos son ostensibles, otros se narran de un modo más íntimo y en muchos abundan las referencias librescas y artísticas. El poeta rinde un homenaje a Petrarca, pero en este canzionere del s. XXI los amores fragmentarios se asumen con todas sus consecuencias, las benéficas y las dolorosas, sin contrición y con alegría por haber amado y sido amado. Se subvierten los modelos literarios y la célebre pareja de Dante, Francesca y Paolo, hoy no son castigados, sino que son celebrados. Omnia vincit… canta a todos los afectos desde la gratitud y la tenacidad del hombre anciano con obstinación para seguir amando mientras haya vida.
Pengaruh Pendapatan Orang Tua terhadap Status Gizi Anak Usia 4-5 Tahun pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Aziza Nurul Aziza , Mil Silvie
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia has occurred since the end of 2019, which impacts parents' income and the fulfilment of children's nutrition. This study aims to determine the effect of parental income on the nutritional status of children aged 4-5 years in Koja District, North Jakarta, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research method uses quantitative research with a population consisting of children aged 4-5 years in Koja District, North Jakarta. Sampling using random sampling technique, so that the respondents of this study amounted to 77 respondents. Data analysis used linear regression of 2 variables. Estimation of validity and reliability was carried out to determine the quality of the questions. The results showed that there was an effect of parental income during the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional status of children aged 4-5 years in Koja District, North Jakarta, with a significance value of 0.000 which was smaller than 0.05 and based on the significance test with the t-value formula, the result was 5.359 greater than t-table of 1.995. The coefficient value of the two variables shows a value of 0.277 or 27.7% of parental income affecting the nutritional status of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The declining income of parents in the Koja Subdistrict, North Jakarta, during the COVID-19 pandemic can affect the availability of food and the fulfilment of balanced nutrition for children every day, which impacts the nutritional status of children. This research contributes to the understanding that policymakers, in particular, need to pay serious attention to the development of children's nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Penggunaan Gadget pada Anak: Hubungan Pengawasan dan Interaksi Orang Tua terhadap Perkembangan Bicara dan Bahasa Anak
Authors: Aulia Septyani Reta , Lestari Pudji , Suryawan Ahmad
Published: October 2021

Lack of supervision on gadgets can affect children's speech and language development, especially without interaction with parents. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between parental supervision and interaction with gadgets in children aged 4-5 years with the risk of speech and language development delays. The method used in this research is observational analytic. In analyzing the data, this study uses non-parametric statistical test Chi Square. The results of this study found that most respondents with speech and language development results are at risk of being late, rarely get supervision from their parents when using gadgets, namely, 23 respondents (79.31%), and most of the respondents' parents also said they did not interact when their children were using gadgets. gadgets as many as 23 respondents (79.31%). So that we get the results that there is a relationship between supervision (p value 0.001 < 0.05) and interaction (p value 0.000 < 0.05) of parents and children when using gadgets with children's speech and language development. Supervision and parental interaction on the use of gadgets in children are very important, considering the age of 4-5 years is included in the golden age where this period is a very sensitive developmental period because it will affect the future development of children. The findings in this study are expected to provide implications for parents to be able to increase supervision and interact with the use of gadgets in children.
Pengembangan Buku Panduan Anti-Bullying untuk Mengembangkan Keterampilan Sosial-Emosional Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Agustin Ningrum Mallevi , Mahendra R. K. Wardhani Andhea
Published: October 2021

The incidence of bullying that often occurs among teenagers and adults has begun to spread among early childhood. Lack of knowledge about bullying sometimes makes teachers and parents ignore things that can lead to bullying. The purpose of this study was to produce a product in the form of a guidebook for anti-bullying activities for children aged 5-6 years for proper and effective Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers. This research includes Research and Development model ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluate). The data collection technique in this study used an online questionnaire in a google form which was distributed to 40 ECE teachers. The results of the study show that 1) The guidebook “Anti-Bullying” is suitable for use and meets the material feasibility score of 80.5% in the valid category and the media feasibility 87.5% with the very valid category; 2) The trial results show that the guidebook is very effective to use for ECE teachers with a percentage of 88.1%. The findings of this study contribute in the form of understanding and input to policymakers to make this book the main reference for bullying prevention in early childhood.
Review : Interaksi Alelopati dan Senyawa Alelokimia : Potensinya Sebagai Bioherbisida
Authors: Darmanti Sri
Published: October 2021

Gulma merupakan salah satu kendala biotik utama dalam meningkatkan produksi berbagai tanaman budidaya.  Pengendalian gulma dengan herbisida sintetis merupakan cara yang umum dilakukan karena mudah dan murah, tetapi  cara ini tidak ramah lingkungan dan penggunaan jangka panjang dapat mengakibatkan resistensi pada gulma. Senyawa  alelokimia secara alami digunakan tumbuhan untuk pertahanan terhadap ganguan lingkungan (interaksi alelopati),  termasuk  untuk menekan pertumbuhan tanaman pengganggu yang ada disekitarnya. Mekanisme penghambatan  oleh alelokimia  mirip dengan herbisida sintetik, sehingga alelopati berpotensi digunakan sebagai bioherbisida.  Kelebihan bioherbisida dibanding herbisida sintetik adalah larut dalam air  sehingga mudah diaplikasikan, memiliki banyak molekul kaya oksigen dan nitrogen, sedikit mengandung ”atom berat”, sedikit halogen dan tidak memiliki struktur cincin tidak alami, memiliki paruh waktu yang  pendek sehingga tidak terjadi akumulasi senyawa di dalam tanah dan kecil kemungkinan menimbulkan dampak pada organisme non target.