bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left-sided heart failure burden and mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a population-based study
Authors: Koteci Ardita , Morgan Ann D. , Portas Laura , Whittaker Hannah R. , Kallis Constantinos , George Peter M. , Quint Jennifer K.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), yet the extent of left-sided heart failure (HF) burden, whether this has changed with time and whether HF impacts mortality risk in these patients are unknown. The aims of this study were therefore to determine the temporal trends in incidence and prevalence of left-sided HF in patients with IPF in England and compare these to published estimates in the general population and those with comparable chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as determine the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with comorbid left-sided HF and IPF at population-level using electronic healthcare data.

Methods

Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum primary-care data linked to mortality and secondary-care data was used to identify IPF patients in England. Left-sided HF prevalence and incidence rates were calculated for each calendar year between 2010 and 2019, stratified by age and sex. Risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and IPF-specific mortality was calculated using multivariate Cox regression.

Results

From 40,577patients with an IPF code in CPRD Aurum, 25, 341 IPF patients met inclusion criteria. Left-sided HF prevalence decreased from 33.4% (95% CI 32.2–34.6) in 2010 to 20.9% (20.0–21.7) in 2019. Left-sided HF incidence rate per 100 person-years (95% CI) remained stable between 2010 and 2017 but decreased from 4.3 (3.9–4.8) in 2017 to 3.4 (3.0–3.9) in 2019. Throughout follow-up, prevalence and incidence were higher in men and with increasing age. Comorbid HF was associated with poorer survival (adjusted HR (95%CI) 1.08 (1.03–1.14) for all-cause mortality; 1.32 (1.09–1.59) for cardiovascular mortality).

Conclusion

Left-sided HF burden in IPF patients in England remains high, with incidence almost 4 times higher than in COPD, a comparable lung disease with similar cardiovascular risk factors. Comorbid left-sided HF is also a poor prognostic marker. More substantial reduction in left-sided HF prevalence than incidence suggests persistently high IPF mortality. Given rising IPF incidence in the UK, this calls for better management of comorbidities such as left-sided HF to help optimise IPF survival.
Development of dermatomyositis after anti-transcriptional intermediary factor 1-γ antibody seroconversion during treatment for small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sato Yuki , Tanino Yoshinori , Nikaido Takefumi , Togawa Ryuichi , Kawamata Takaya , Watanabe Natsumi , Sato Riko , Yamada Ryuki , Onuma Takumi , Tomita Hikaru , Saito Mikako , Rikimaru Mami , Morimoto Julia , Suzuki Yasuhito , Minemura Hiroyuki , Saito Junpei , Kanazawa Kenya , Yamada Syoki , Hashimoto Yuko , Shibata Yoko
Published: May 2022

Background

Inflammatory myositis, such as dermatomyositis, is sometimes complicated by cancer and is recognized as cancer-associated myositis. Although some autoimmune antibodies are considered to be involved in the development of myositis in cancer patients, the precise mechanism has not been clarified. The findings of the present case shed light on the mechanism by which anti-transcriptional intermediary factor 1 (TIF1)-γ Ab was produced and the pathogenesis of cancer-associated myositis.

Case presentation

We describe a case of dermatomyositis that developed in a 67-year-old man who had been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer of clinical T4N3M0 stage IIIB/limited disease during treatment. He received systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and dermatomyositis developed along with a significant decrease in tumor size. TIF1-γ Ab, which is one of the myositis-specific antibodies, was found to be seroconverted. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis showed that cancer cells were positive for the TIF1-γ antigen.

Conclusion

The findings of the present case suggest that transcriptional intermediary factor 1-γ, which is released from tumor cells, induces the production of TIF1-γ Ab, leading to the development of dermatomyositis.
Associations between serum vitamin D3, atherogenic indices of plasma and cardiometabolic biomarkers among patients with diabetes in the KERCADR study
Authors: Mahmoodi Mohammad Reza , Najafipour Hamid
Published: May 2022

Background

We sought the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH) D3) levels and atherogenic indices of plasma as novel predictive biomarkers of cardiometabolic disease risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The present study was a nested case-control study conducted on 252 participants with T2DM and controls from the second phase of the KERCADR cohort study. The participants with a mean (±SD) age of 49.79 ± 5.85 years were randomly selected and allocated into case and control groups. Independent t-test, Hierarchical Linear Regression, Univariate ANOVA, and partial correlation were used for analysis the data. Atherogenic indices of plasma include Castelli Risk Index I (CRI I), Castelli Risk Index II (CRI II), and the novel Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), and Atherogenic Coefficient (AC).

Results

There was a significant difference among case and control groups for AIP in males and females (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). The levels of AIP, CRI I, and AC significantly decreased (P = 0.017, P = 0.029, and P = 0.029, respectively) with improved serum vitamin D status only in control male participants. The main effect of BMI and vitamin D status on AIP, CRI I, and AC, and the main effect of BMI on CRI I, CRI II, and AC were significant in control males and females, respectively.

Conclusion

We conclude that there is a reverse significant association between AIP and serum vitamin D among healthy males. Low serum level of vitamin D is associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia. Therefore, improving vitamin D status as an important indicator may alleviate AIP as a surrogate marker for predicting the risk of CVD events in healthy men and women with normal BMI.
Digital science platform: an interactive web application and database of osteological material for anatomy education
Authors: Regulski Piotr , Tomczyk Jacek , Białowarczuk Mariusz , Nowak Wojciech , Niezgódka Marek
Published: May 2022

Background

To meet the remote-learning constraints imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Digital Science Platform was developed. Human anatomy courses require practical classes that involve working on prepared specimens, although access to such specimens has been restricted. Therefore, the aim was to prepare appropriate-quality, scanned 3D model databases of human bone specimens and an interactive web application for universal access to educational materials.

Main body

The database is located on the pcn.cnt.edu.pl website and contains 412 three-dimensional osteological models created via a structured light scanner, tomography and microtomography. The webservice contains a search engine and enables interactive visualization of the models. The database can be accessed, without restrictions, by any student or researcher wishing to use the models for noncommercial purposes. The stored models can be visualized with the open-source VisNow platform, which is also available to download from the webservice. The MariaDB backend database was deployed, and an Apache server with a personal home page (PHP) frontend was used.

Conclusion

The models in the database are unique due to the specific digitalization process and skeleton specimen origin. Further development of the Digital Science Platform is foreseen in the near future to digitize other valuable materials.
To teach or not to teach? Assessing medical school faculty motivation to teach in the era of curriculum reform
Authors: Hanson Elizabeth R. , Gantwerker Eric A. , Chang Deborah A. , Nagpal Ameet S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Medical schools have undergone a period of continual curricular change in recent years, particularly with regard to pre-clinical education. While these changes have many benefits for students, the impact on faculty is less clear.

Methods

In this study, faculty motivation to teach in the pre-clinical medical curriculum was examined using self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework. Basic science and clinical faculty were surveyed on factors impacting their motivation to teach using validated scales of motivation as well as open-ended questions which were coded using self-determination theory (SDT) as a guiding framework.

Results

Faculty reported that teaching activities often meet their basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Professors were more likely than associate professors to report that teaching met their need for autonomy. Faculty were more motivated by intrinsic as compared to external factors, although basic science faculty were more likely than clinical faculty to be motivated by external factors. Motivating and de-motivating factors fell into the themesResources, Recognition and Rewards, Student Factors, Self-Efficacy, Curriculum, Contribution,andEnjoyment. The majority of factors tied to the faculty’s need for relatedness. Based on these findings, a conceptual model for understanding medical school faculty motivation to teach was developed.

Conclusions

Assessing faculty motivation to teach provided valuable insights into how faculty relate to their teaching roles and what factors influence them to continue in those roles. This information may be useful in guiding future faculty development and research efforts.
Registered Nurses' experiences of reading and using research for work and education: a qualitative research study
Authors: Hines Sonia , Ramsbotham Joanne , Coyer Fiona
Published: May 2022

Background

Considerable resources have been expended, both in universities and health workplaces to improve nurses' abilities to interact with research and research literature to enable their engagement with evidence-based practice. Despite these efforts, a considerable number of nurses experience difficulty with research literature and are reluctant to use it in practice.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of Registered Nurses when they have been required to read and understand research literature for work or education.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study using online and in-person focus groups.

Methods

Focus groups (online and in-person) were conducted between June and November 2020. Forty participants were included. We used focus group recordings and field notes to collect data. Transcribed records of these focus groups were coded on the basis of similarity of meaning and then subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

Three distinct themes were identified from the data: 'coming into learning about research', fitting research into the reality of nursing life', and 'working towards using research.' Participants described their early experiences in learning about research, experiences both positive and negative in integrating research into practice, and their personal strategies for reading and using research, particularly in the context of significant anxiety about understanding the content of methods and results sections of quantitative research articles.

Conclusion

This study goes beyond the barriers and facilitators dichotomy that has been the majority of the conversation about nurses' evidence-based practice engagement previously, and explores the issues underlying aversion to research literature. Many nurses struggle with the language, numbers, and/or statistics used in research and this requires educational interventions suited to the problem and the population.
A comparison of 0.375% ropivacaine psoas compartment block and 2% prilocaine spinal anaesthesia in dogs undergoing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy
Authors: Sarotti Diego , Lardone Elena , Piras Lisa , Mancusi Davide , Franci Paolo
Published: May 2022

Background

In dogs undergoing routine elective orthopaedic surgeries carried out as same-day surgeries regional anaesthetic techniques (RATs) should aim to produce analgesia but minimising the postoperative motor dysfunction. Our objective was to compare the perioperative analgesic effects and the time to motor recovery between spinal anaesthesia (SA) with hyperbaric solution of prilocaine 2% (mg = 4 x [0.3 × BW (kg) + 0.05 × SCL (cm)]) and morphine (0.03 mg/kg) and combined ultrasound (US) and electro stimulator-guided psoas compartment and ischiatic nerve block (PB) with ropivacaine 0.375% (0.45 mL/kg). Dogs undergoing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) were randomly assigned to receive either SA or PB. Procedural failure, perioperative rescue analgesia, motor block recovery and complications were recorded.

Results

Procedural failure rate (PFR) was 19% (7 out of 36) for SA and 9% (3 out of 32) for PB (p = 0.31). Intraoperative rescue analgesia was administered to 6/29 (21%) SA group dogs and in 15/29 (52%) PB group dogs, respectively (p = 0.03). At 3 h after RAT, percentage of dogs with complete block recovery was 25/29 (86%) and 25/29 (86%) in group SA and PB, respectively (p = 1). Two cases of pruritus and one case of urinary retention were recorded in the SA group. Residual ischiatic nerve block was noted at 12 h after RAT in 2/15 (13%) of dogs in group PB; it completely resolved 24 h after RAT.

Conclusions

SA with prilocaine 2% and PB with ropivacaine 0.37% were found suitable for dogs undergoing same-day TPLO surgery. Pruritus and urinary retention in SA and residual block in both groups might occasionally delay the time of discharge.
Identification of a novel autophagy-related prognostic signature and small molecule drugs for glioblastoma by bioinformatics
Authors: Wang Dongjiao , Jiang Yuxue , Wang Tie , Wang Zhe , Zou Fei
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the autophagy-related prognostic signature (ARPs) via data mining in gene expression profiles for glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods

Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we obtained 156 GBM samples and 5 adjacent normal samples, and denoted them as discovery cohort. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen autophagy genes that related to GBM prognosis. Then, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model was used to construct an autophagy-based ARPs, which was validated in an external cohort containing 80 GBM samples. The patients in the above-mentioned cohorts were divided into low-risk group and high-risk group according to the median prognostic risk score, and the diagnostic performance of the model was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed between the high-risk and low-risk patients. Additionally, the genetic features of ARPs, such as genetic variation profiles, correlations with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and potential drug sensitivity, were further assessed in the TCGA-GBM data set.

Results

A signature of ARPs including NDUFB9, BAK1, SUPT3H, GAPDH, CDKN1B, CHMP6, and EGFR were detected and validated. We identified a autophagy-related prognosis 7-gene signature correlated survival prognosis, immune infiltration, level of cytokines, and cytokine receptor in tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the signature was tested in several pathways related to disorders of tumor microenvironment, as well as cancer-related pathways. Additionally, a range of small molecular drugs, shown to have a potential therapeutic effect on GBM.

Conclusions

We constructed an autophagy-based 7-gene signature, which could serve as an independent prognostic indicator for cases of GBM and sheds light on the role of autophagy as a potential therapeutic target in GBM.
Willingness to accept malaria vaccine among caregivers of under-5 children in Southwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Asmare Getachew
Published: May 2022

Background

Malaria is widespread in Ethiopia and has been a major cause of illness and death in that country. Therefore, Ethiopia has been exerting enormous efforts towards eliminating malaria by 2030. In the context of comprehensive malaria control, the malaria vaccine is used for the prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children living in regions with moderate- to-high malaria transmission.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of children under the age of five throughout the months of September 2021. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was designed for data collection, and binary logistic regression analysis was used. The final result of the association was determined based on an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) level, and p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

A total of 406 caregivers of children under the age of 5 were interviewed. Overall, 131 (32.3%) respondents were willing to vaccinate their children. Marital status (AOR = 1.243; 95% CI 1.021–3.897), knowledge (AOR = 3.120; 95% CI 1.689–5.027), and previous experience with childhood vaccination (AOR = 2.673; 95% CI 1.759–4.101) were found to be significantly associated with willingness to accept a malaria vaccine for their children, at p < 0.05.

Conclusions and recommendations

The willingness to accept a malaria vaccine for children among caregivers of children under the age of five was low in the study area. Thus, health education and communication are crucial for alleviating poor knowledge about malaria vaccines.
Challenges and lessons learned during the planning and early implementation of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine in three regions of Ghana: a qualitative study
Authors: Grant Jane , Gyan Thomas , Agbokey Francis , Webster Jayne , Greenwood Brian , Asante Kwaku Poku
Published: May 2022

Background

In 2019, the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine was introduced on a pilot basis in six regions of Ghana by the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service as part of the WHO-coordinated Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP). This is the first time a malaria vaccination programme has been implemented in any country. This paper describes the challenges faced, and lessons learned, during the planning and early implementation of the RTS,S/AS01E vaccine in three out of the six regions that implemented the programme in Ghana.

Methods

Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with regional and district health service managers and frontline health workers three months after the start of MVIP in May 2019. Data were coded using NVivo software version 12 and a coding framework was developed to support thematic analysis to identify the challenges and lessons learned during the RTS,S/AS01E implementation pilot, which were also categorized into the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Participants reported challenges related to the characteristics of the intervention, such as issues with the vaccine schedule and eligibility criteria, and challenges related to how it was implemented as a pilot programme. Additionally, major challenges were faced due to the spread of rumours leading to vaccine refusals; thus, the outer setting of the CFIR was adapted to accommodate rumours within the community context. Health service managers and frontline health workers also experienced challenges with the process of implementing RTS,S/AS01E, including inadequate sensitization and training, as well as issues with the timeline. They also experienced challenges associated with the features of the systems within which the vaccine was being implemented, including inadequate resources for cold-chain at the health facility level and transportation at the district and health facility levels. This study identified the need for a longer, more intensive and sustained delivery of contextually-appropriate sensitization prior to implementation of a programme such as MVIP.

Conclusions

This study identified 12 main challenges and lessons learned by health service managers and health workers during the planning and early implementation phases of the RTS,S/AS01E pilot introduction in Ghana. These findings are highly relevant to the likely scale-up of RTS,S/AS01E within Ghana and possible implementation in other African countries, as well as to other future introductions of novel vaccines.
Comprehensive analysis of both long and short read transcriptomes of a clonal and a seed-propagated model species reveal the prerequisites for transcriptional activation of autonomous and non-autonomous transposons in plants
Authors: Chen Ting-Hsuan , Winefield Christopher
Published: May 2022

Background

Transposable element (TE) transcription is a precursor to its mobilisation in host genomes. However, the characteristics of expressed TE loci, the identification of self-competent transposon loci contributing to new insertions, and the genomic conditions permitting their mobilisation remain largely unknown.

Results

Using Vitis vinifera embryogenic callus, we explored the impact of biotic stressors on transposon transcription through the exposure of the callus to live cultures of an endemic grapevine yeast, Hanseniaspora uvarum. We found that only 1.7–2.5% of total annotated TE loci were transcribed, of which 5–10% of these were full-length, and the expressed TE loci exhibited a strong location bias towards expressed genes. These trends in transposon transcription were also observed in RNA-seq data from Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type plants but not in epigenetically compromised Arabidopsis ddm1 mutants. Moreover, differentially expressed TE loci in the grapevine tended to share expression patterns with co-localised differentially expressed genes. Utilising nanopore cDNA sequencing, we found a strong correlation between the inclusion of intronic TEs in gene transcripts and the presence of premature termination codons in these transcripts. Finally, we identified low levels of full-length transcripts deriving from structurally intact TE loci in the grapevine model.

Conclusion

Our observations in two disparate plant models representing clonally and seed propagated plant species reveal a closely connected transcriptional relationship between TEs and co-localised genes, particularly when epigenetic silencing is not compromised. We found that the stress treatment alone was insufficient to induce large-scale full-length transcription from structurally intact TE loci, a necessity for non-autonomous and autonomous mobilisation.
Nicotinamide improves in vitro lens regeneration in a mouse capsular bag model
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Zhou Qingjun , Huang Yusen , Fan Zheng , Duan Haoyun , Wang Menghan , Li Zongyi , Xie Lixin
Published: May 2022

Background

Mammalian lens regeneration holds great potential as a cataract therapy. However, the mechanism of mammalian lens regeneration is unclear, and the methods for optimization remain in question.

Methods

We developed an in vitro lens regeneration model using mouse capsular bag culture and improved the transparency of the regenerated lens using nicotinamide (NAM). We used D4476 and SSTC3 as a casein kinase 1A inhibitor and agonist, respectively. The expression of lens-specific markers was examined by real-time PCR, immunostaining, and western blotting. The structure of the in vitro regenerated lens was investigated using 3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide (DiOC6) and methylene blue staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

The in vitro lens regeneration model was developed to mimic the process of in vivo mammalian lens regeneration in a mouse capsular bag culture. In the early stage, the remanent lens epithelial cells proliferated across the posterior capsule and differentiated into lens fiber cells (LFCs). The regenerated lenses appeared opaque after 28 days; however, NAM treatment effectively maintained the transparency of the regenerated lens. We demonstrated that NAM maintained lens epithelial cell survival, promoted the differentiation and regular cellular arrangement of LFCs, and reduced lens-related cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, NAM enhanced the differentiation and transparency of regenerative lenses partly by inhibiting casein kinase 1A activity.

Conclusion

This study provides a new in vitro model for regeneration study and demonstrates the potential of NAM in in vitro mammalian lens regeneration.
Global stability of an SAIRD epidemiological model with negative feedback
Authors: López-Cruz Roxana
Published: May 2022

In this work, we study the dynamical behavior of a modified SIR epidemiological model by introducing negative feedback and a nonpharmaceutical intervention. The first model to be defined is the Susceptible–Isolated–Infected–Recovered–Dead (SAIRD) epidemics model and then the S-A-I-R-D-Information Index (SAIRDM) model that corresponds to coupling the SAIRD model with the negative feedback. Controlling the information about nonpharmaceutical interventions is considered by the addition of a new variable that measures how the behavioral changes about isolation influence pandemics. An analytic expression of a replacement ratio that depends on the absence of the negative feedback is determined. The results obtained show that the global stability of the disease-free equilibrium is determined by the value of a certain threshold parameter called the basic reproductive number $\mathcal{R}_{0}$

R
0

and the local stability of the free disease equilibrium depends on the replacement ratios. A Hopf bifurcation is analytically verified for the delay parameter. The qualitative analysis shows that the feedback information index promotes more changes to the propagation of the disease than other parameters. Finally, the sensitivity analysis and simulations show the efficiency of the infection rate of the information index on an epidemics model with nonpharmaceutical interventions.
An integral equation representation for American better-of option on two underlying assets
Authors: Jeon Junkee , Kim Geonwoo
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study the problem for pricing of American better-of option on two assets. Due to two correlated underlying assets and early-exercise feature which requires two free boundaries to be determined for the option price, this problem is a complex. We propose a new and efficient approach to solve this problem. Mellin transform methods are mainly used to find the pricing formula, and explicit formula for the option price is derived as an integral equation representation. The formula has two free boundaries which are represented by the coupled integral equations. We propose the numerical scheme based on recursive integration method to implement the integral equations and show that our approach with the proposed numerical scheme is accurate and efficient in computing the prices. In addition, we illustrate significant movements on the option prices and two free boundaries with respect to the selected parameters.
Climate variability and trends in the Endorheic Lake Hayk basin: implications for Lake Hayk water level changes in the lake basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Mewded Mezgebu , Abebe Adane , Tilahun Seifu , Agide Zeleke
Published: May 2022

For sustainable climate hazard management, climate information at the local level is crucial for developing countries like Ethiopia, which has an exceptionally low adaptive capacity to changes in climate. As a result, rather than making local decisions based on findings from national-scale studies, the study area’s research gap of local level climate variability and trend was investigated within the endorheic Lake Hayk basin for the historic series from 1986 to 2015 to scientifically show climate change/variability implications on Lake Hayk water level variations. To achieve the study objective, the precipitation, temperature (station and ERA5 reanalysis product) and Lake water level (patchy lake level fused with remotely sensed water areas) were examined using various statistical approaches with the integration of remote sensing and geographical information system. The major findings revealed less variable (CV = 16.66%) and statistically nonsignificant declining trends (− 33.94 mm/decade) in annual precipitation. Belg and bega seasonal precipitations showed highly variable (CV = 43.94–47.46%) nonsignificant downward trends of 4.57 mm and 22 mm per decade respectively, whereas kiremt precipitation showed moderate variability (CV = 23.80%) and increased nonsignificantly at a rate of 21.89 mm per decade. Annual and seasonal mean temperatures exhibited less variable but statistically significant rising trends ranging from 0.20 to 0.45 °C each decade. The lake’s water level showed less variable nonsignificant rising trends (70 mm to 120 mm per year) on annual and seasonal scales between 1999 and 2005. The lake's surface area has decreased from 2243.33 ha in 2005 to 2165.33 ha in 2011. During 2011–2015, it demonstrated a high variable (CV > 30%) statistically significant dropping trend ranging from − 250 mm to − 340 mm per year on annual and seasonal periods. The study discovered that the endorheic lake Hayk basin was dominated by variable and diminishing precipitation, as well as continuous warming trends, particularly in recent years. It is argued that this climatic state was having a negative impact on Lake Hayk’s substantially dropping water level, necessitating an immediate basin-based water management decision to save Lake Hayk from extinction.
Content validation of a caregiver diary to monitor severity and recovery of pediatric patients with respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Tatlock Sophi , Bentley Sarah , Arbuckle Rob , Abetz-Webb Linda , Scott Jane
Published: May 2022

Background

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization and serious respiratory illness in infants/young children. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify important RSV-related signs of illness in infants that were observed by the parent/caregiver of the child and (2) assess content validity and usability of the Pediatric RSV Electronic Severity and Outcomes Rating System (PRESORS) to monitor signs of RSV-related illness.

Methods

Review of medical literature identified signs of pediatric RSV-related illness in PRESORS. Semi-structured interviews with caregivers of infants (0–24 months of age) hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection (in the two months prior to recruitment) were conducted to spontaneously elicit signs and impacts of the infant’s illness from caregiver observations. Caregivers completed PRESORS using a “think-aloud” protocol to confirm comprehension, relevance, and usability of the smartphone application. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis methods and Atlas.ti software.

Results

Interviews with 21 caregivers confirmed PRESORS captured 23/26 signs caregivers spontaneously reported. Cough, difficulty breathing, problems sleeping, and reduced feeding/drinking were the most worrying signs of severe RSV-related illness described. Cognitive debriefing indicated that caregivers: understood the wording of all PRESORS items and response options (except how to count heartbeats), recall periods were appropriate, and the PRESORS smartphone application was easy to use. Minor changes to enhance content validity were identified.

Conclusions

In-depth interviews confirmed content validity and usability of the PRESORS by caregivers of infants with RSV. Next steps are to assess the revised PRESORS in clinical studies and evaluate its measurement properties.
Intestinal Enteroendocrine Cell Signaling: Retinol-binding Protein 2 and Retinoid Actions
Authors: Calderon Rossana M , Smith Christopher A , Miedzybrodzka Emily L , Silvaroli Josie A , Golczak Marcin , Gribble Fiona M , Reimann Frank , Blaner William S
Published: May 2022

Retinol-binding protein 2-deficient (Rbp2–/–) mice are more prone to obesity, glucose intolerance, and hepatic steatosis than matched controls. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) blood levels are dysregulated in these mice. The present studies provide new insights into these observations. Single cell transcriptomic and immunohistochemical studies establish that RBP2 is highly expressed in enteroendocrine cells (EECs) that produce incretins, either GIP or glucagon-like peptide-1. EECs also express an enzyme needed for all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) synthesis, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1, and retinoic acid receptor-alpha, which mediates ATRA-dependent transcription. Total and GIP-positive EECs are significantly lower in Rbp2–/– mice. The plasma transport protein for retinol, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is also expressed in EECs and is cosecreted with GIP upon stimulation. Collectively, our data support direct roles for RBP2 and ATRA in cellular processes that give rise to GIP-producing EECs and roles for RBP2 and RBP4 within EECs that facilitate hormone storage and secretion.
Mapmaking and Sovereignty Building: Francisco Requena and the Late Eighteenth-Century Boundary Demarcation Commissions
Authors: Carvalho Francismar Alex Lopes de
Published: May 2022

After signing the 1777 Treaty of San Ildefonso, Spain and Portugal sent joint expeditions to demarcate their South American borders, as they had done a quarter century earlier. Focusing on the activities of Spanish commissioner Francisco Requena in western Amazonia in the 1780s and 1790s, this article shows that such efforts were not limited to confirming in loco the lines drawn in European courts. I demonstrate how Indigenous populations played on Iberian rivalries to maintain their autonomy and negotiate their resettlement. The very interactions between commissioners and Indigenous peoples intensified the porosity of border spaces. Because commissioners believed that sovereignty was defined through monarchical loyalty rather than simply lines on a map, they contributed to the movement of people and goods across the dividing line that they intended to create, making the border even more permeable to Indigenous claims to territoriality and cross-border interactions.
The Usual Suspects: Bourbon Quito through the Visita de Cárcel, 1732–1791
Authors: Black Chad Thomas
Published: May 2022

This article analyzes weekly visita de cárcel records from the Audiencia of Quito covering the years 1732–91. The first section considers the jail census as a manuscript form and performative practice. The second section identifies patterns in the visitas that document shifting carceral priorities during periods of political crisis and reform, increased detention of women, and the function of racial categories. These patterns suggest that Bourbon reformers used policing power as a form of social control while the visitas continued to operate as a performance of royal authority.
Unilateral Campotomy of Forel for Acquired Hemidystonia: An Open-Label Clinical Trial
Authors: Cunha de Azevedo Angelo Rafael , Contreras López William Omar , Navarro Paula Alejandra , Gouveia Flavia Venetucci , Germann Jürgen , Elias Gavin J.B. , Ruiz Martinez Raquel Chacon , Lopes Alho Eduardo Joaquim , Fonoff Erich Talamoni
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Hemidystonia (HD) is characterized by unilateral involuntary torsion movements and fixed postures of the limbs and face. It often develops after deleterious neuroplastic changes secondary to injuries to the brain. This condition usually responds poorly to medical treatment, and deep brain stimulation often yields unsatisfactory results. We propose this study based on encouraging results from case reports of patients with HD treated by ablative procedures in the subthalamic region.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the efficacy of stereotactic-guided radiofrequency lesioning of the subthalamic area vs available medical treatment in patients suffering from acquired HD.

METHODS:

This is an open-label study in patients with secondary HD allocated according to their treatment choice, either surgical or medical treatment; both groups were followed for one year. Patients assigned in the surgical group underwent unilateral campotomy of Forel. The efficacy was assessed using the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale, Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Scale, Arm Dystonia Disability Scale, and SF-36 questionnaire scores.

RESULTS:

Patients in the surgical group experienced significant improvement in the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale, Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Scale, and Arm Dystonia Disability Scale (39%, 35%, and 15%, respectively) 1 year after the surgery, with positive reflex in quality-of-life measures, such as bodily pain and role-emotional process. Patients kept on medical treatment did not experience significant changes during the follow-up. No infections were recorded, and no neurological adverse events were associated with either intervention.

CONCLUSION:

The unilateral stereotaxy-guided ablation of Forel H1 and H2 fields significantly improved in patients with HD compared with optimized clinical treatment.
Zebrafish behavior as a gateway to nervous system assembly and plasticity
Authors: Nelson Jessica C. , Granato Michael
Published: May 2022

Nervous system assembly relies on a diversity of cellular processes ranging from dramatic tissue reorganization to local, subcellular changes all driven by precise molecular programs. Combined, these processes culminate in an animal's ability to plan and execute behaviors. Animal behavior can, therefore, serve as a functional readout of nervous system development. Benefitting from an expansive and growing set of molecular and imaging tools paired with an ever-growing number of assays of diverse behaviors, the zebrafish system has emerged as an outstanding platform at the intersection of nervous system assembly, plasticity and behavior. Here, we summarize recent advancements in the field, including how developing neural circuits are refined to shape complex behaviors and plasticity.
A comparison of thermal sensitivities of wing muscle contractile properties from a temperate and tropical bat species
Authors: Rummel Andrea D. , Swartz Sharon M. , Marsh Richard L. , Faure Paul A.
Published: May 2022

Endotherms experience temperature variation among body regions, or regional heterothermy, despite maintaining high core body temperatures. Bat forelimbs are elongated to function as wings, which makes them vulnerable to heat loss and exaggerates regional heterothermy. A tropical bat species, Carollia perspicillata, flies with distal wing muscles that are substantially (>10°C) cooler than proximal wing muscles and significantly less temperature sensitive. We hypothesized that the difference between proximal and distal wing muscles would be even more extreme in a temperate bat species that is capable of flight at variable environmental temperatures. We measured the contractile properties of the proximal pectoralis muscle and distal extensor carpi radialis muscle at a range of temperatures in the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus, and compared their thermal dependence with that of the same muscles in C. perspicillata. We found that, overall, temperature sensitivities between species were remarkably similar. The sole exception was the shortening velocity of the pectoralis muscle in E. fuscus, which was less temperature sensitive than in C. perspicillata. This decreased temperature sensitivity in a proximal muscle runs counter to our prediction. We suggest that the relative lability of body temperature in E. fuscus may make better pectoralis function at low temperatures advantageous.
Prognostic Factors for Leiomyosarcoma with Isolated Metastases to the Lungs: Impact of Metastasectomy
Authors: Stork Theresa , Hegedüs Balazs , Guder Wiebke , Hamacher Rainer , Hardes Jendrik , Kaths Moritz , Plönes Till , Pöttgen Christoph , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich , Streitbürger Arne , Treckmann Juergen , Bauer Sebastian , Aigner Clemens , Collaud Stéphane
Published: May 2022

Background

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) most frequently metastasizes to the lung. Metastatic LMS is considered incurable. Selected patients may benefit from pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) within multimodal therapy. This study analyzed the prognostic relevance of clinicopathologic factors in these patients.

Methods

Patients with metastatic LMS to the lung treated in our center from 2004 to 2020 were included in this single-center retrospective study. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and prognostic factors were analyzed.

Results

The study had 64 patients (33 males, 52%) with metastatic LMS to the lung. The 5-year OS was 55% after the diagnosis of pulmonary metastases. Age older than 60 years at the primary tumor diagnosis, primary tumor larger than 70 mm, and five or more lung metastases were associated with poorer OS. Of the 64 patients, 44 underwent PM. The postoperative mortality rate was 0%. The patients selected for PM were younger and had smaller primary tumors, fewer metastases, and metastases that more often were metachronous. Metastasis grade (G1 vs. G2/3) and size (20-mm cutoff) were significant prognostic factors for OS (p = 0.05) and PFS (p = 0.028) after PM, respectively. The 44 patients who underwent PM had a survival benefit compared with the patients who were selected but did not undergo PM (n = 6) and the patients who were not selected for PM (n = 14). Three patients (7%) were alive and free of disease at the last follow-up visit respectively 5.5, 9, and 12 years after PM.

Conclusions

For patients with leiomyosarcoma, PM is safe. Despite aggressive multimodal treatment, most patients will experience recurrence and eventually die of their disease. However, a small subgroup of patients could potentially be cured after PM.
Preferential Formation of Squalene Monoepoxides via Microflow Reaction of Squalene and m-Chloroperbenzoic Acid
Authors: Sho Tomoya , Kawashima Hidehisa , Fujitani Tadahiro , Choi Jun-Chul , Kijima Masashi
Published: May 2022

The preferential monofunctionalization of squalene, a hydrocarbon biomass oil with hexaploid unsaturation, was attempted via epoxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid using a microflow technique. Controlling the concentration and residence time, the formation ratio of the monoepoxides to the produced epoxides was improved from 0.67 for a batch reaction to 0.85 for the microflow case. Furthermore, a high formation ratio of 0.97 was achieved utilizing a concentration of m-chloroperbenzoic acid that was 5 times lower than that of squalene.
Therapeutic and preventive effect of the antidisbiotic agent kvertulin on the condition of the oral cavity of patients who received oral applications of fried sunflower oil
Authors: Labush Iu.
Published: May 2022

Background. To determine the possibility of prevention of dental complications in the consumption of fried sunflower oil (FSO) with the antidisbiotic agent Kvertulin.

Methods. Patients underwent oral FSO applications for 10 days. The antidisbiotic agent was taken sublingually. The condition of the oral cavity was assessed by such indicators as salivation rate, hygienic indices, level in saliva of biochemical markers of inflammatory-dystrophic (elastase, MDA, urease), dysbiotic processes (urease, lysozyme, degree of dysbiosis) and antioxidant protection (catalase, index API).

Results. It was found that the consumption of FSO increases the level of elastase, urease, MDA and the degree of dysbiosis in saliva, but reduces the level of lysozyme, catalase and API index. Previous use of Kvertulin significantly reduced the level of elastase, urease, MDA and the degree of dysbiosis and increased the level of lysozyme, catalase and API index. The therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of quertulin in the patients who consumption of FSO was 64.4 %.

Conclusion: Consumption of FSO causes the development of inflammatory-dystrophic and dysbiotic complications in the oral cavity, which can be largely prevented with the antidisbiotic agent Kvertulin.
A white cane modified with ultrasonic detectors for people with visual impairment
Authors:   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Chinchai Pisak , Inthanon Rattanaroj ,   Rehabilitation and Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, Samitivej Chonburi Hospital, Mueang District, Chon Buri Province, Thailand, Wantanajittikul Kittichai ,   Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Chinchai Supaporn ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Published: May 2022

Background: A white cane is the most common equipment used by the blind for navigation. However, a cane can detect obstacles only at ground level, while many physical barriers can be at mid-body or head level. Objectives: The aim of this study was to create a white cane with ultrasonic sensors that could detect objects at waist and head levels. Materials and methods: Ten blindfolded participants, 5 males and 5 females, were recruited by means of purposive sampling into the study. All these participants tested the efficacy of the modified cane by walking through 3 obstacle spots; the first was a barrier at head level; the second and third were barriers at waist level. The instruments used were: 1) The Satisfaction Assessment for Assistive Devices and 2) the electrical and assembly compartments for the ultrasonic detector. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The results demonstrated that all blindfolded participants could get through the three testing stations by using the modified white cane. They also revealed high satisfaction with both the usability and efficiency of the modified cane. The highest satisfaction in usability was for the size of the cane ( gif.latex?\bar{x}±SD = 4.50±0.533). Participants also reported very high satisfaction with the efficiency of the cane in detecting objects at mid-body (gif.latex?\bar{x}±SD = 4.70±0.48) and head levels (gif.latex?\bar{x}±SD = 4.50±0.53). Conclusion: All these results indicated that the modified cane with ultrasonic detectors was beneficial for detecting objects at mid-body and head levels in visually impaired people.
PEST Analysis of Sports Characteristic Town Construction Under the Background of “Healthy China”
Authors: Xie Mengnan
Published: May 2022

Sport is psychoactive and work, other than for professional sport, is generally not taken into account. The important distinctive defining feature of sport is that competition must occur against, or against, an opponent. In order to remain competitive, an activity must be declared a victor by one of the participants. The activity is simply stress free without competition. This paper analyzes the macro environment of the construction of small towns with Chinese sports characteristics by literature study, logical analysis and PEST analysis. The results are as follows: the political environment: national policies and regulations are clear, and local governments can actively promote and carry out the construction of small towns with sports characteristics; the economic environment: the sports industry will be the pillar industry of stable economic growth, and the construction of small towns with sports contains huge economy consumption potential; social environment: people have a strong interest in sports culture, and national health has become a national strategy; technology environment: “Internet plus” and science & technology can provide huge technical support for the construction of sports featured towns. Optimization path: improve policies and government supervision, and plan reasonably; strengthen environmental protection, and carry forward traditional sports culture; create “sports plus” industrial ecosystem, and enhance regional economic development; innovate scientifically and cultivate construction talents.