bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Screening Program to Enhance Enrollment of Women and Minorities in CREST-2
Authors: Lal Brajesh K. , Meschia James F. , Jones Michael , Aronow Herbert D. , Lackey Angelica , Lake Rachel , Howard George , Brott Thomas G.
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose:

The CREST-2 (Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial) consists of 2 parallel randomized stroke prevention trials in patients with asymptomatic high-grade stenosis of the cervical carotid artery. The purpose of this report is to detail the outcomes of a health screening effort to increase trial enrollment of women and minorities.

Methods:

Life Line screening (LLS) conducts nationwide screening for vascular disease. Screenings within a 50-mile radius of each CREST-2 center were identified for participation in a joint CREST-LLS program over the course of one year (November 2018 to October 2019) whereby patients with an abnormal carotid ultrasound were referred to the local CREST-2 center for further workup, management, and potential consideration for trial enrollment.

Results:

LLS completed the screening of 588 198 individuals in 29 732 zip codes across the United States. Of those, 230 021 individuals were screened at events occurring near a CREST-2 clinical center and 646 (0.3%) were found to have abnormal carotid ultrasound findings. Each of the 646 individuals was contacted by CREST-LLS program staff for permission to be referred to their local CREST-2 center; 200 (31%) consented to be contacted by CREST-2. Of those, 39 (19.5%) agreed to be, and were, evaluated at their local CREST-2 center. High-grade stenosis was confirmed in 27 patients. A total of 3 patients were eligible for the trial and were enrolled, one woman but no racial/ethnic minorities.

Conclusions:

The LLS program appears to identify community-living individuals with high-grade carotid stenosis through ultrasonography. However, the prevalence of abnormal carotid findings was low. In addition, screening and offering participation into the CREST-2 trial had no substantial impact on the proportion of women and minorities enrolled in the trial. Additional innovative strategies are needed to promote enrollment of diverse patients with carotid stenosis into stroke prevention trials.
Nothing Personal: Blavatsky and Her Indian Interlocutors
Authors: Chajes Julie
Published: January 2022

The Theosophical Society was an influential transnational religious movement founded by H. P. Blavatsky and others in 1875. With its theology of the impersonal Divine, Theosophy was particularly influential on the New Age, which inherited a propensity to see the divine in impersonal terms. Offering a corrective to the recent historiographical tendency that focuses solely on Theosophy’s Western aspects, this article analyzes Blavatsky’s written “conversations” on the nature of the Divine with two Indian Theosphists, T. Subba Row (1856–1890) and Mohini Chatterji (1858–1936). Contextualizing these discussions both globally and locally, it reveals Blavatsky’s engagement with Subba Row’s Vedantic reading of John Stuart Mill and her concurrent rejection of Mohini’s Brahmo-Samaj inspired theism. The article considers the power dynamics that lay behind these negotiations. It argues that they involved a mutual drive for legitimacy and were the result of complex transcultural encounters that resist reductionist historiographical tendencies.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Ectamenognonus Buysson (Coleoptera, Elateridae, Elaterinae) from Japan
Authors: ARIMOTO KÔICHI
Published: January 2022

In Japan, the genus Ectamenogonus Buysson, 1893 (tribe Megapenthini Gurjeva, 1973, subfamily Elaterinae Leach, 1815) was considered to have five species. However, the Japanese species remain unclear. The taxonomy of Japanese Ectamenogonus is revised and four species are confirmed: E. matobai (Kishii, 1973), E. miyakoensis sp. nov., E. plebejus (Candèze, 1873), and E. robustus (Kishii, 1966). Ectamenogonus matobai, E. plebejus, and E. robustus are redescribed. Ectamenogonus miyakoensis is described. Ectamenogonus yakuensis (Ôhira, 1970) and E. takumii Kishii, 2006 are synonymized with E. plebejus and E. robustus, respectively. A key to the four species in Japan is provided.
Contribution to the knowledge of Chinese Gryllacrididae (Orthoptera) IV: New additions of Chinese Furcilarnaca Gorochov, 2004
Authors: LIU JING , WU XIANGYI , BIAN XUN
Published: January 2022

Based on the specimens from Guangxi and Yunnan deposited in the Guangxi Normal University, the paper is firstly reported the female sex of two known species from China, viz. Furcilarnaca armata (Bey-Bienko, 1957) and Furcilarnaca forceps (Bey-Bienko, 1962). The female of Furcilarnaca armata (Bey-Bienko, 1957) is very similar to Furcilarnaca chiangdao in seventh abdominal tergite and subgenital plate, and they may belong to the same species. After examining the female subgenital plate of Furcilarnaca chirurga (Bey-Bienko, 1962), we treat Furcilarnaca hirta as a valid species. Mitochondrial genomes of six specimens of three Furcilarnaca species were sequenced and annotated in this study. The organization and gene content of new sequenced mitogenomes were conserved, except for significant variation of the control region. All the PCGs started with the typical ATN codons and most ended with complete TAA or TAG codons. Combined with five mitogenomes in NCBI, a total of twelve specimens (including one outgroup) were used in phylogenetic analysis based on 13 PCGs. The result revealed that Furcilarnaca was a monophyletic group. These data will provide more meaningful genetic information and validate the phylogenetic relationships within the Gryllacrididae.
Diagnostic notes on the spider orb-weaving genera Carepalxis and Ocrepeira (Araneae: Araneidae), with description of three new species from Central Brazil
Authors: FERREIRA-SOUSA LEONARDO , MOTTA PAULO CÉSAR
Published: January 2022

Three new species of the araneid spider genera Carepalxis L. Koch, 1872 and Ocrepeira Marx, 1883 from Central Brazil are described and illustrated: Carepalxis topazio new species, based on a single female from Cristalina; C. quasimodo new species, from Brasília and Jaborandi based on females and a male, this being the first male of Carepalxis described in the American continent; and Ocrepeira planalto new species, based on males and females from Cavalcante, Cristalina, Jaborandi and Alto Paraíso. A key to Carepalxis females in the New World is provided. Furthermore, the similarity between American Carepalxis and Ocrepeira is discussed, with diagnostic considerations.
Authenticity or Self-Enhancement? Effects of Self-Presentation and Authentic Leadership on Trust and Performance
Authors: Kim Tae-Yeol , David Emily M. , Chen Tingting , Liang Yongyi
Published: January 2022

We theorized and tested an integrated model that examines the simultaneous effects of authentic self-expression and self-enhancement (including authentic and exaggerated self enhancement) on employee outcomes. Using a multisource, two-wave survey design and a sample of 143 working groups from 566 employees, we tested the indirect effects of self-presentation on job performance through (a) trust from coworkers and (b) felt trust from coworkers. We found that through trust from coworkers, authentic self-expression had a positive indirect effect on job performance, whereas authentic and exaggerated self-enhancement had negative indirect effects. Via felt trust from coworkers, authentic self-enhancement had a positive indirect effect on job performance, whereas exaggerated self-enhancement had a negative indirect effect. In addition, we identified a boundary condition of these relationships. The positive relationship between authentic self-expression and trust from coworkers and the negative relationship between exaggerated self-enhancement and trust from coworkers were stronger when working for highly authentic leaders. Contrary to expectations, the relationship between authentic self-enhancement and trust from coworkers was negative and significant when working for less authentic leaders.
Local and Transnational Identity, Positionality and Knowledge Production in Africa and the African Diaspora
Authors: Adebayo Kudus Oluwatoyin , Njoku Emeka T.
Published: January 2022

How does shared identity between researcher and the researched influence trust-building for data generation and knowledge production? We reflect on this question based on two separate studies conducted by African-based researchers in sociology and political science in Nigeria. We advanced two interrelated positions. The first underscores the limits of national belonging as shorthand for insiderness, while the second argues that when shared national/group identity is tensioned other intersecting positions and relations take prominence. We also show that the researched challenge and resist unequal power relations through interview refusal or by evading issues that the researcher considers important, but the participant perceives as intrusive. We shed light on the vagaries, overlaps, and similarities in the dynamics of belonging and positionality in researching Africans in and outside Africa as home-based researchers. Our contribution advances the understanding of field dynamics in the production of local and cross-border knowledge on Africa/Africans.
Stab resistance of flexible composite reinforced with warp-knitted fabric like scale structure at quasi-static loading
Authors: Liu Qing , LanlanWang  , Luo Min , Wu Qian , Kang Yong , Ma Pibo
Published: January 2022

The stab-resistant fabric like scale structure has a promising application prospect for areas of stab prevention owing to its great flexibility and excellent stab-resistance performance. In this paper, a kind of novel stab-resistant fabric has been designed by coating with epoxy resin (ER) and silicon carbide (SiC) particles, which was based on the warp-knitted fabric like scale structure (WKFS). The uniformity of dispersion has been investigated with different diameter and mass fraction of SiC, and polymerization degree of polyglycols (PEG); the flexibility and quasi-static properties of different kinds of WKFS treated with different coating solution has been studied, and the coating solution was prepared by mixing SiC particles and ER at different ratios. The results showed that the dispersion uniformity of the dispersion was the best when the diameter of SiC is 1 μm, the content is 50%, and the polymerization degree of PEG is 600. The longitudinal flexibility of the stab-resistant fabric is greater than that of transverse due to the gap between the longitudinal scales, and the addition of SiC particles can increase the transverse and longitudinal flexibility of stab-resistant fabric, and the flexible properties were the greatest when SiC:ER = 50:30. In addition, the WKFS treated with SiC of 16.7% has fatigue resistance; the damage mechanism of the fabric treated with pure ER is thankful to the brittleness of the resin; the added SiC particles hinder the further crack propagation of the resin, and the failure mode is mainly in stretch.
Promise and peril-defining ethical telehealth practice from the clinician and patient perspective: A qualitative study
Authors: Keenan Amanda Jane , Tsourtos George , Tieman Jennifer
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We undertook a qualitative study to examine and compare the experience of ethical principles by telehealth practitioners and patients in relation to service delivery theory. The study was conducted prior to and during the recent global increase in the use of telehealth services due to the COVID-19 pandemic,

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 telehealth practitioners and patients using constructionist grounded theory methods to collect and analyse data. Twenty-five axial coded data categories were then unified and aligned through selective coding with the Beauchamp and Childress (2013) framework of biomedical ethics. The groups were then compared.

Results

Thirteen categories aligned to the ethical framework were identified for practitioners and 12 for patients. Variance existed between the groups. Practitioner results were non-maleficence 4/13 or (31%), beneficence 4/13 (31%), professional–patient relationships 3/12 (22%), autonomy 1/13 (8%) and justice 1/13 (8%). Patient data results were non-maleficence 4/12 (33%), professional–patient relationships 3/12 (33%), autonomy 2/12 (18%), beneficence 1/12 (8%) and justice 1/12 (8%).

Conclusions

Ethical principles are experienced differently between telehealth practitioners and patients. These differences can impact the quality and safety of care. Practitioners feel telehealth provides better care overall than patients do. Patients felt telehealth may force a greater share of costs and burdens onto them and reduce equity. Both patients and practitioners felt telehealth can be more harmful than face-to-face service delivery when it creates new or increased risk of harms. Building sufficient trust and mutual understanding are equally important to patients as privacy and confidentiality.
Embedded Micro-detectors for EUV Exposure Control in FinFET CMOS Technology
Authors: Wang Chien-Ping , Lin Burn Jeng , Wu Pin-Jiun , Shih Jiaw-Ren , Chih Yue-Der , Chang Jonathan , Lin Chrong Jung , King Ya-Chin
Published: January 2022

An on-wafer micro-detector for in situ EUV (wavelength of 13.5 nm) detection featuring FinFET CMOS compatibility, 1 T pixel and battery-less sensing is demonstrated. Moreover, the detection results can be written in the in-pixel storage node for days, enabling off-line and non-destructive reading. The high spatial resolution micro-detectors can be used to extract the actual parameters of the incident EUV on wafers, including light intensity, exposure time and energy, key to optimization of lithographic processes in 5 nm FinFET technology and beyond.
Gene regulation network analyses of pistil development in papaya
Authors: Liao Zhenyang , Dong Fei , Liu Juan , Xu Lele , Marshall-Colon Amy , Ming Ray
Published: January 2022

Background

The pistil is an essential part of flowers that functions in the differentiation of the sexes and reproduction in plants. The stigma on the pistil can accept pollen to allow fertilization and seed development. Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a dioecious plant, where female flowers exhibit normal pistil, while the male flowers exhibit aborted pistil at a late stage of pistil development.

Results

The developmental stages of papaya pistil were analyzed after first dividing it into slices representing the primordium stage 1 (S1), the pre-meiotic stages S2, post-meiotic stage S3, and the mitotic stage S4. The SS scoring algorithm analysis of genes preferentially expressed at different stages revealed differentially expressed genes between male and female flowers. A transcription factor regulatory network for each stage based on the genes that are differentially expressed between male and female flowers was constructed. Some transcription factors related to pistil development were revealed based on the analysis of regulatory networks such as CpAGL11, CpHEC2, and CpSUPL. Based on the specific expression of genes, constructed a gene regulatory subnetwork with CpAGL11-CpSUPL-CpHEC2 functioning as the core. Analysis of the functionally enriched terms in this network reveals several differentially expressed genes related to auxin/ brassinosteroid signal transduction in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. At the same time, significant differences in the expression of auxin and brassinosteroid synthesis-related genes between male and female flowers at different developmental stages were detected.

Conclusions

The pistil abortion of papaya might be caused by the lack of expression or decreased expression of some transcription factors and hormone-related genes, affecting hormone signal transduction or hormone biosynthesis. Analysis of aborted and normally developing pistil in papaya provided new insights into the molecular mechanism of pistil development and sex differentiation in dioecious papaya.
Automatic exposure compensation in intraoral digital radiography: effect on the gray values of dental tissues
Authors: Maciel Evelyn Rute Carneiro , Nascimento Eduarda Helena Leandro , Gaêta-Araujo Hugo , Pontual Maria Luiza dos Anjos , Pontual Andrea dos Anjos , Ramos-Perez Flávia Maria Moraes
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effect of automatic exposure compensation (AEC)
of intraoral radiographic systems on the gray values of dental tissues in images acquired with or without high-density material in the exposed region using different exposure times and kilovoltages. The influence of the distance of the high-density material was also investigated.

Methods

Radiographs from the molar region of two mandibles were obtained using the RVG 6100 and the Express systems, operating at 60 and 70 kV and 0.06, 0.10, and 0.16 s. Subsequently, a titanium implant was inserted in the premolar’s socket and other images were acquired. Using the ImageJ software, two regions of interest were determined on the enamel, coronary dentine, root dentine, and pulp of the first and second molars to obtain their gray values.

Results

In the RVG 6100, the implant did not affect the gray values (p > 0.05); the increase in kV decreased it in all tissues (p < 0.05), and the exposure time affected only the root dentine and pulp. In the Express, only enamel and coronary dentine values changed (p < 0.05), decreasing with the implant presence and/or with the increase in exposure factors. The distance of the implant did not affect the results (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

AEC’s performance varies between the radiographic systems. Its effect on the gray values depends not only on the presence or absence of high-density material but also on the kV and exposure time used.
Mediators of screening uptake in a colorectal cancer screening intervention among Hispanics
Authors: Shokar Navkiran K. , Salinas Jennifer , Dwivedi Alok
Published: January 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Although a number of CRC screening tests have been established as being effective for CRC prevention and early detection, rates of CRC screening test completion in the US population remain suboptimal, especially among the uninsured, recent immigrants and Hispanics. In this study, we used a structural equation modelling approach to identify factors influencing screening test completion in a successful CRC screening program that was implemented in an uninsured Hispanic population. This information will enhance our understanding of influences on CRC screening among historically underscreened populations.

Methods

We used generalized structural equation models (SEM) utilizing participant reported information collected through a series of surveys. We identified direct and indirect pathways through which cofactors, CRC knowledge and individual Health Belief Model constructs (perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, fatalism and self-efficacy) and a latent psychosocial health construct mediated screening in an effective prospective randomized CRC screening intervention that was tailored for uninsured Hispanic Americans.

Results

Seven hundred twenty-three participants were eligible for inclusion; mean age was 56 years, 79.7% were female, and 98.9% were Hispanic. The total intervention effect was comparable in both models, with both having a direct and indirect effect on screening completion (n = 715, Model 1: RC = 2.46 [95% CI: 2.20, 2.71, p < 0.001]; n = 699, Model 2 RC =2.45, [95% CI: 2.18, 2.72, p < 0.001]. In Model 1, 32% of the overall effect was mediated by the latent psychosocial health construct (RC = 0.79, p < 0.001) that was in turn mainly influenced by self-efficacy, perceived benefits and fatalism. In Model 2, the most important individual mediators were self-efficacy (RC = 0.24, p = 0.013), and fatalism (RC = 0.07, p = 0.033).

Conclusion

This study contributes to our understanding of mediators of CRC screening and suggests that targeting self-efficacy, perceived benefits and fatalism could maximize the effectiveness of CRC screening interventions particularly in Hispanic populations.
Observations and conversations: how communities learn about infection risk can impact the success of non-pharmaceutical interventions against epidemics
Authors: Silk Matthew J. , Carrignon Simon , Bentley R. Alexander , Fefferman Nina H.
Published: January 2022

Background

Individual behavioural decisions are responses to a person’s perceived social norms that could be shaped by both their physical and social environment. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, these environments correspond to epidemiological risk from contacts and the social construction of risk by communication within networks of friends. Understanding the circumstances under which the influence of these different social networks can promote the acceptance of non-pharmaceutical interventions and consequently the adoption of protective behaviours is critical for guiding useful, practical public health messaging.

Methods

We explore how information from both physical contact and social communication layers of a multiplex network can contribute to flattening the epidemic curve in a community. Connections in the physical contact layer represent opportunities for transmission, while connections in the communication layer represent social interactions through which individuals may gain information, e.g. messaging friends.

Results

We show that maintaining focus on awareness of risk among each individual’s physical contacts promotes the greatest reduction in disease spread, but only when an individual is aware of the symptoms of a non-trivial proportion of their physical contacts (~ ≥ 20%). Information from the social communication layer without was less useful when these connections matched less well with physical contacts and contributed little in combination with accurate information from physical contacts.

Conclusions

We conclude that maintaining social focus on local outbreak status will allow individuals to structure their perceived social norms appropriately and respond more rapidly when risk increases. Finding ways to relay accurate local information from trusted community leaders could improve mitigation even where more intrusive/costly strategies, such as contact-tracing, are not possible.
Determinants of complex regional pain syndrome type I in patients with scaphoid waist fracture- a multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Gong Hao , Zhao Gang , Liu Yuzhou , Lu Zhengfeng
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the incidence of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) in patients with scaphoid waist fracture and to explore associated factors.

Methods

This was a multicenter, prospective observational study. Demographic, imaging indicators and clinical data were collected before the conservative treatment of scaphoid waist fracture patients. The occurrence of CRPS I and pain condition were the main outcomes. To explore the factors associated with CRPS I, multivariate logistic regression model was used.

Results

A total of 493 scaphoid waist fracture participants undergoing conservative treatment were recruited for this study. The incidence of CRPS I was 20% (n = 87). The average time between injury and the onset of CRPS I was 6.7 ± 2.1 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex (odds ratio (OR): 1.669; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.189–2.338), diabetes mellitus (OR: 3.206; 95% CI: 2.284–4.492), and severe pain condition before treatment (visual analog scale (VAS) score more than 4 cm) (OR: 27.966; 95% CI: 19.924–39.187) were independently associated with CRPS I.

Conclusions

Patients suffering from scaphoid waist fracture may be at a higher risk of CRPS I, especially in women with diabetes mellitus who report severe pain before treatment. Early screening and regular follow up evaluation are recommended in these patients.
Co-option of the limb patterning program in cephalopod eye development
Authors: Neal Stephanie , McCulloch Kyle J. , Napoli Francesca R. , Daly Christina M. , Coleman James H. , Koenig Kristen M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Across the Metazoa, similar genetic programs are found in the development of analogous, independently evolved, morphological features. The functional significance of this reuse and the underlying mechanisms of co-option remain unclear. Cephalopods have evolved a highly acute visual system with a cup-shaped retina and a novel refractive lens in the anterior, important for a number of sophisticated behaviors including predation, mating, and camouflage. Almost nothing is known about the molecular-genetics of lens development in the cephalopod.

Results

Here we identify the co-option of the canonical bilaterian limb patterning program during cephalopod lens development, a functionally unrelated structure. We show radial expression of transcription factors SP6-9/sp1, Dlx/dll, Pbx/exd, Meis/hth, and a Prdl homolog in the squid Doryteuthis pealeii, similar to expression required in Drosophila limb development. We assess the role of Wnt signaling in the cephalopod lens, a positive regulator in the developing Drosophila limb, and find the regulatory relationship reversed, with ectopic Wnt signaling leading to lens loss.

Conclusion

This regulatory divergence suggests that duplication of SP6-9 in cephalopods may mediate the co-option of the limb patterning program. Thus, our study suggests that this program could perform a more universal developmental function in radial patterning and highlights how canonical genetic programs are repurposed in novel structures.
Hsa_circ_0003258 promotes prostate cancer metastasis by complexing with IGF2BP3 and sponging miR-653-5p
Authors: Yu Yu-Zhong , Lv Dao-Jun , Wang Chong , Song Xian-Lu , Xie Tao , Wang Tao , Li Zhi-Min , Guo Jia-Ding , Fu Du-Jiang , Li Kang-Jin , Wu Ding-Lan , Chan Franky Leung , Feng Ning-Han , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Zhao Shan-Chao
Published: January 2022

Background

More and more studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical regulatory role in many cancers. However, the potential molecular mechanism of circRNAs in prostate cancer (PCa) remains largely unknown.

Methods

Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified by RNA sequencing. The expression of hsa_circ_0003258 was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR and RNA in situ hybridization. The impacts of hsa_circ_0003258 on the metastasis of PCa cells were investigated by a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. Lastly, the underlying mechanism of hsa_circ_0003258 was revealed by Western blot, biotin-labeled RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase assays and rescue experiments.

Results

Increased expression of hsa_circ_0003258 was found in PCa tissues and was associated with advanced TNM stage and ISUP grade. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0003258 promoted PCa cell migration by inducing epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in vitro as well as tumor metastasis in vivo, while knockdown of hsa_circ_0003258 exerts the opposite effect. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0003258 could elevate the expression of Rho GTPase activating protein 5 (ARHGAP5) via sponging miR-653-5p. In addition, hsa_circ_0003258 physically binds to insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) in the cytoplasm and enhanced HDAC4 mRNA stability, in which it activates ERK signalling pathway, then triggers EMT programming and finally accelerates the metastasis of PCa.

Conclusions

Upregulation of hsa_circ_0003258 drives tumor progression through both hsa_circ_0003258/miR-653-5p/ARHGAP5 axis and hsa_circ_0003258/IGF2BP3 /HDAC4 axis. Hsa_circ_0003258 may act as a promising biomarker for metastasis of PCa and an attractive target for PCa intervention.
Oral administration of TiO2 nanoparticles during early life impacts cardiac and neurobehavioral performance and metabolite profile in an age- and sex-related manner
Authors: Mortensen Ninell P. , Pathmasiri Wimal , Snyder Rodney W. , Caffaro Maria Moreno , Watson Scott L. , Patel Purvi R. , Beeravalli Lakshmi , Prattipati Sharmista , Aravamudhan Shyam , Sumner Susan J. , Fennell Timothy R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly incorporated in everyday products. To investigate the effects of early life exposure to orally ingested TiO2NP, male and female Sprague–Dawley rat pups received four consecutive daily doses of 10 mg/kg body weight TiO2NP (diameter: 21 ± 5 nm) or vehicle control (water) by gavage at three different pre-weaning ages: postnatal day (PND) 2–5, PND 7–10, or PND 17–20. Cardiac assessment and basic neurobehavioral tests (locomotor activity, rotarod, and acoustic startle) were conducted on PND 20. Pups were sacrificed at PND 21. Select tissues were collected, weighed, processed for neurotransmitter and metabolomics analyses.

Results

Heart rate was found to be significantly decreased in female pups when dosed between PND 7–10 and PND 17–20. Females dosed between PND 2–5 showed decrease acoustic startle response and when dosed between PND 7–10 showed decreased performance in the rotarod test and increased locomotor activity. Male pups dosed between PND 17–20 showed decreased locomotor activity. The concentrations of neurotransmitters and related metabolites in brain tissue and the metabolomic profile of plasma were impacted by TiO2NP administration for all dose groups. Metabolomic pathways perturbed by TiO2NP administration included pathways involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism.

Conclusion

Oral administration of TiO2NP to rat pups impacted basic cardiac and neurobehavioral performance, neurotransmitters and related metabolites concentrations in brain tissue, and the biochemical profiles of plasma. The findings suggested that female pups were more likely to experience adverse outcome following early life exposure to oral TiO2NP than male pups. Collectively the data from this exploratory study suggest oral administration of TiO2NP cause adverse biological effects in an age- and sex-related manner, emphasizing the need to understand the short- and long-term effects of early life exposure to TiO2NP.
Remnants-preserving ACL reconstruction using direct tendinous graft fixation: a new rat model
Authors: Maurice Emeline , Godineau Thibault , Pichard Diane , El Hafci Hanane , Autret Gwennhael , Bensidhoum Morad , Migonney Véronique , Manassero Mathieu , Viateau Véronique
Published: January 2022

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair techniques are new emerging strategies prevailing, in selected cases, over standard reconstruction of the ACL with excision of its remnants. Mid-substance ACL tears represent a challenge for ACL repair techniques, and remnants-preserving ACL reconstruction (rp-ACLR) using an autograft remains the recommended treatment in this situation. However, morbidity associated with the autograft harvesting prompts the need for alternative surgical strategies based on the use of synthetic scaffolds. Relevant small animal models of mid-substance tears with ACL remnants preservation and reconstruction are necessary to establish the preliminary proof of concept of these new strategies.

Methods

A rat model of rp-ACLR using a tendinous autograft after complete mid-substance ACL transection was established. Twelve weeks following surgery, clinical outcomes and knee joints were assessed through visual gait analysis, Lachman tests, thigh perimeter measurements, magnetic resonance imaging, micro-computed tomography, and histology, to evaluate the morbidity of the procedure, accuracy of bone tunnel positioning, ACL remnants fate, osteoarthritis, and autograft bony integration. Results were compared with those obtained with isolated ACL transection without reconstruction and to right non-operated knees.

Results and discussion

Most operated animals were weight-bearing the day following surgery, and no adverse inflammatory reaction has been observed for the whole duration of the study. Autograft fixation with cortical screws provided effective graft anchorage until sacrifice. Healing of the transected ACL was not observed in the animals in which no graft reconstruction was performed. rp-ACLR was associated with a reduced degeneration of the ACL remnants (p = 0.004) and cartilages (p = 0.0437). Joint effusion and synovitis were significantly lower in the reconstructed group compared to the transected ACL group (p = 0.004). Most of the bone tunnel apertures were anatomically positioned in the coronal and/or sagittal plane. The most deviated bone tunnel apertures were the tibial ones, located in median less than 1 mm posteriorly to anatomical ACL footprint center.

Conclusion

This study presents a cost-effective, new relevant and objective rat model associated with low morbidity for the preliminary study of bio-implantable materials designed for remnants-preserving ACL surgery after mid-substance ACL tear.
Knockdown of NCK1-AS1 inhibits the development of atherosclerosis by targeting miR-1197/COX10 axis
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Juncheng , Du Lei , Shao Lufei , Zou Yourui , Liu Haibo , Liu Jinfang
Published: January 2022

Background

Although long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NCK1-AS1 plays important roles in human cancer, its function in atherosclerosis (AS) remains unclear.

Method

The expression of NCK1-AS1 in AS blood samples was detected by qRT-PCR. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to construct the AS cell model, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was used to evaluate NCK1-AS1 level. Cell phenotypes including proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometer, respectively. The malondialdehyde level was measured to evaluate oxidative stress. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was evaluated by western blot. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNK-α) was measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA assays. The relationship among NCK1-AS1, miR-1197 and COX10 was determined by bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

NCK1-AS1 was significantly upregulated in AS blood samples and ox-LDL stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Knockdown of NCK1-AS1 increased cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis and MDA level, and also inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNK-α) in ox-LDL stimulated VSMCs. NCK1-AS1 could positively regulate COX10 expression by directly sponging miR-1197. Moreover, co-transfection of sh-NCK1-AS1 and miR-1197 inhibitor, or co-transfection of sh-NCK1-AS1 and pc-COX10 (COX10 overexpressing plasmid) obviously reduced cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis, and increased MDA level in VSMCs followed by ox-LDL treatment for 24 h compared to that in sh-NCK1-AS1 transfected VSMCs.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that knockdown of NCK1-AS1 attenuated the development of AS by regulating miR-1197/COX10 axis, suggesting that this lncRNA might be a potential therapeutic target for AS.
Treatment of infantile idiopathic scoliosis using a novel thoracolumbosacral orthosis: a case report
Authors: McAviney Jeb. , Brown Benjamin T.
Published: January 2022

Background

The recommended treatment for mild to moderate infantile idiopathic scoliosis curves involves serial casting. There are concerns, however, regarding the safety of repeated casting in very young children owing to the requirement for anesthetization during the casting process. Very little research has been conducted on the influence of bracing as an initial treatment for scoliosis in this age group. This report details the successful treatment of a large thoracic curve using a thoracolumbosacral orthosis in an infant diagnosed with infantile idiopathic scoliosis.

Case presentation

The Dutch-Australian patient presented at 11 weeks of age with a 44° thoracic scoliosis and a rib vertebral angle difference of 14°. The history and physical examination failed to reveal a cause of the curvature, and a diagnosis of infantile idiopathic scoliosis was made. The patient was prescribed a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (ScoliBrace) to be worn on a part-time basis for a period of 8 months. At the end of the bracing program, the patient’s curve had been reduced to 7° and a rib–vertebral angle difference of 0°. A final follow-up of the patient at 2 years after the cessation of treatment revealed no evidence of scoliosis. The parents were compliant with the bracing protocol and reported that the treatment was tolerated by the infant.

Conclusion

The use of an orthosis as a standalone treatment in this patient resulted in significant reduction in a large thoracic scoliosis. Based on the results witnessed in this patient, further investigation into bracing as an alternative to casting is warranted.
Vaccination dropout rates among children aged 12-23 months in Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kayembe-Ntumba Harry-César , Vangola Felly , Ansobi Papy , Kapour Germain , Bokabo Eric , Mandja Bien-Aimé , Bompangue Didier
Published: January 2022

Background

Overall, 1.8 million children fail to receive the 3-dose series for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis each year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Currently, an emergency plan targeting 9 provinces including Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, is launched to reinforce routine immunization. Mont Ngafula II was the only health district that experienced high vaccination dropout rates for nearly five consecutive years. This study aimed to identify factors predicting high immunization dropout rates among children aged 12-23 months in the Mont Ngafula II health district.

Methods

A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 418 children in June-July 2019 using a two-stage sampling design. Socio-demographic and perception data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The distribution of 2017-2018 immunization coverage and dropout rate was extracted from the local health district authority and mapped. Logistic random effects regression models were used to identify predictors of high vaccination dropout rates.

Results

Of the 14 health areas in the Mont Ngafula II health district, four reported high vaccine coverage, only one recorded low vaccine coverage, and three reported both low vaccine coverage and high dropout rate. In the final multivariate logistic random effects regression model, the predictors of immunization dropout among children aged 12-23 months were: living in rural areas, unavailability of seats, non-compliance with the order of arrival during vaccination in health facilities, and lack of a reminder system on days before the scheduled vaccination.

Conclusions

Our results advocate for prioritizing targeted interventions and programs to strengthen interpersonal communication between immunization service providers and users during vaccination in health facilities and to implement an SMS reminder system on days before the scheduled vaccination.
Robot lecture for enhancing presentation in lecture
Authors: Ishino Tatsuya , Goto Mitsuhiro , Kashihara Akihiro
Published: January 2022

In lectures with presentation slides such as an e-learning lecture on video, it is important for lecturers to control their non-verbal behavior involving gaze, gesture, and paralanguage. However, it is not so easy even for well-experienced lecturers to properly use non-verbal behavior in their lecture to promote learners’ understanding. This paper proposes robot lecture, in which a robot substitutes for human lecturers, and reconstructs their non-verbal behavior to enhance their lecture. Towards such reconstruction, we have designed a model of non-verbal behavior in lecture. This paper also demonstrates a robot lecture system that appropriately reproduces non-verbal behavior of human lecturers with reconstructed one. In addition, this paper reports a case study involving 36 participants with the system, whose purpose was to ascertain whether robot lecture with reconstruction could be more effective for controlling learners' attention and more beneficial for understanding the lecture contents than video lecture by human and robot lecture with simple reproduction. The results of the case study with the system suggest the effect of promoting learners’ understanding of lecture contents, the necessity of reconstructing non-verbal behavior, and the validity of the non-verbal behavior model.
Does disability increase households’ health financial risk: evidence from the Uganda demographic and health survey
Authors: Guets Wilfried , Behera Deepak Kumar
Published: January 2022

Background

In the last few years, there has been a worldwide commitment to protect the vulnerable individuals from higher financial risk through out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure. This study examines the influence of disability and socio-demographic factors on households’ health financial risks in Uganda.

Methods

We used nationally representative cross-sectional data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) collected in 2016 by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in Uganda. We measured financial risk (households’ health expenditure) by money paid for health care services. We estimated the “probit” model to investigate the effect of disability on health financial risk.

Results

A total of 19,305 households were included in this study. Almost 32% of households paid money for health care services access, among which 32% paid through out-of-pocket. Almost 41% of household heads were affected by disability. The majority (73%) of families went to the public sector for health care services. The mean age was 45 years (SD ± 15). We find that disability is significantly associated with the household financial risk (p < 0.01). The private sector’s choice for health care services is likely to positively affect the financial risk compared to the public sector (p < 0.01). The wealthier the household was, the more money paid for health service was (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that disability and household socio-demographic characteristics were associated with health financial risk in Uganda. Identifying families with disability and experiencing difficult living conditions constitute an entry point for health authorities to enhance health coverage progress in low and middle-income countries.
Direct shear-wave seismic survey in Sanhu area, Qaidam Basin, west China
Authors: Deng Zhiwen , Zhang Rui , Gou Liang , Zhang Shaohua , Yue Yuanyuan , Chang Xuejun , Wu Yongguo , Wang Yan , Ni Yudong , Yan Zhihui , Gong Ting , Wang Haili , Feng Faquan , Liu Zhigang , Wu Long
Published: January 2022

The formation containing shallow gas clouds poses a major challenge for conventional P-wave seismic surveys in the Sanhu area, Qaidam Basin, west China, as it dramatically attenuates seismic P-waves, resulting in high uncertainty in the subsurface structure and complexity in reservoir characterization. To address this issue, we proposed a workflow of direct shear-wave seismic (S-S) surveys. This is because the shear wave is not significantly affected by the pore fluid. Our workflow includes acquisition, processing, and interpretation in calibration with conventional P-wave seismic data to obtain improved subsurface structure images and reservoir characterization. To procure a good S-wave seismic image, several key techniques were applied: (1) a newly developed S-wave vibrator, one of the most powerful such vibrators in the world, was used to send a strong S-wave into the subsurface; (2) the acquired 9C S-S data sets initially were rotated into SH-SH and SV-SV components and subsequently were rotated into fast and slow S-wave components; and (3) a surface-wave inversion technique was applied to obtain the near-surface shear-wave velocity, used for static correction. As expected, the S-wave data were not affected by the gas clouds. This allowed us to map the subsurface structures with stronger confidence than with the P-wave data. Such S-wave data materialize into similar frequency spectra as P-wave data with a better signal-to-noise ratio. Seismic attributes were also applied to the S-wave data sets. This resulted in clearly visible geologic features that were invisible in the P-wave data.
Managing Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Lung Cancer: Treatment and Novel Strategies
Authors: Passaro Antonio , Brahmer Julie , Antonia Scott , Mok Tony , Peters Solange
Published: January 2022

A proportion of patients with lung cancer experience long-term clinical benefit with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, most patients develop disease progression during treatment or after treatment discontinuation. Definitions of immune resistance are heterogeneous according to different clinical and biologic features. Primary resistance and acquired resistance, related to tumor-intrinsic and tumor-extrinsic mechanisms, are identified according to previous response patterns and timing of occurrence. The clinical resistance patterns determine differential clinical approaches. To date, several combination therapies are under development to delay or prevent the occurrence of resistance to ICIs, including the blockade of immune coinhibitory signals, the activation of those with costimulatory functions, the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and the targeting T-cell priming. Tailoring the specific treatments with distinctive biologic resistance mechanisms would be ideal to improve the design and results of clinical trial. In this review, we reviewed the available evidence on immune resistance mechanisms, clinical definitions, and management of resistance to ICIs in lung cancer. We also reviewed data on novel strategies under investigation in this setting.
Tragic Triad of Tobacco Dependence, Cancer, and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Urgent Call for Attention by Health Care Systems and Professionals
Authors: Presant Cary A. , Macalintal Jonjon , Ashing Kimlin Tam , Yeung Sophia , Tiep Brian , West Howard , Merla Amartej , Phillips Tanyanika
Published: January 2022

Tobacco smoke is a well-known carcinogen associated with multiple malignancies. Patients with cancer, as well as survivors, who continue to smoke are at a greater risk for poor cancer treatment outcomes. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increased frequency and severity of the infection in patients with cancer. Furthermore, smoking and/or vaping increases incidence or likelihood of progression of COVID-19. Cigarette smoking, cancer, and COVID-19 each impose disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minorities. Geographic and population-specific analyses reveal that neighborhoods with lower income and higher minority populations have more tobacco/vape shops and face increased risk associated with tobacco marketing. Referral to tobacco cessation has been reduced during the pandemic. To reduce the adverse health effects of tobacco dependence among patients with cancer during the pandemic, urgent evidence-based solutions are described for health systems and professionals to prioritize tobacco cessation for patients with cancer in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the basis of cessation implementation at City of Hope Medical Center.