bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) in school age children with overweight and obesity: A proposed three‐factor structure
Authors: Manzano Michael A. , Strong David R. , Kang Sim D. Eastern , Rhee Kyung E. , Boutelle Kerri N.
Published: May 2021

Background

Obesity in youth is a significant public health concern, with eating behaviors being a major contributor. The Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) was developed to evaluate the appetitive characteristics of young children, across a myriad of eating domains. Despite the breadth of its use, the psychometric properties of the measure in children with overweight/obesity (OW/OB), particularly treatment seeking youth, remains largely unexplored.

Methods

The psychometric properties of the CEBQ were examined in a sample of school age children (8–12) with OW/OB. Parent–child dyads (N = 148) completed assessments prior to beginning a family weight management program. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed utilizing polychoric correlations, and emerging subscales were assessed to ensure that the range of response scores demonstrated adequate variability. Indices of the number of factors to be retained included acceleration factor (2), optimal coordinates (4), Velicer's MAP (5) and parallel analysis (11). These indices were used in combination with clinical utility to determine the final factor structure.

Results

A three‐factor structure emerged. The first factor combined many food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, satiety responsiveness and slowness in eating items, with the latter two domains loading negatively. The second factor retained the food fussiness subscale, and the third factor included items from the emotional over‐ and under‐eating subscales.

Conclusions

These results suggest that in children with OW/OB, eating behaviors may be optimally assessed using three domains: reward‐based eating, emotional eating and picky eating. Future research should explore how this structure holds in non‐treatment‐seeking samples and across wider socio‐demographic profiles.
Clinical validation of an artificial intelligence‐enabled wound imaging mobile application in diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Chan Kai Siang , Chan Yam Meng , Tan Audrey Hui Min , Liang Shanying , Cho Yuan Teng , Hong Qiantai , Yong Enming , Chong Lester Rhan Chaen , Zhang Li , Tan Glenn Wei Leong , Chandrasekar Sadhana , Lo Zhiwen Joseph
Published: May 2021

There is a lifetime risk of 15% to 25% of development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in patients with diabetes mellitus. DFUs need to be followed up on and assessed for development of complications and/or resolution, which was traditionally performed using manual measurement. Our study aims to compare the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of an artificial intelligence‐enabled wound imaging mobile application (CARES4WOUNDS [C4W] system, Tetsuyu, Singapore) with traditional measurement. This is a prospective cross‐sectional study on 28 patients with DFUs from June 2020 to January 2021. The main wound parameters assessed were length and width. For traditional manual measurement, area was calculated by overlaying traced wound on graphical paper. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability was analysed using intra‐class correlation statistics. A value of <0.5, 0.5–0.75, 0.75–0.9, and >0.9 indicates poor, moderate, good, and excellent reliability, respectively. Seventy‐five wound episodes from 28 patients were collected and a total of 547 wound images were analysed in this study. The median wound area during the first clinic consultation and all wound episodes was 3.75 cm2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.40–16.50) and 3.10 cm2 (IQR 0.60–14.84), respectively. There is excellent intra‐rater reliability of C4W on three different image captures of the same wound (intra‐rater reliability ranging 0.933–0.994). There is also excellent inter‐rater reliability between three C4W devices for length (0.947), width (0.923), and area (0.965). Good inter‐rater reliability for length, width, and area (range 0.825–0.934) was obtained between wound nurse measurement and each of the C4W devices. In conclusion, we obtained good inter‐rater and intra‐rater reliability of C4W measurements against traditional wound measurement. The C4W is a useful adjunct in monitoring DFU wound progress.
Is nurse‐led case management effective in improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Yi Lin , Padmalatha K.M. Sriyani , Yu Tsung , Lin Yi‐Hsuan , Ku Han‐Chang , Tsai Yi‐Tseng , Chang Ying‐Ju , Ko Nai‐Ying
Published: May 2021

Aims

To identify and synthesize the outcomes of nurse‐led case management interventions for improving cancer treatment.

Design

Systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and CEPS were searched for articles published from inception till June 2019, and search was finalized in January 2020.

Review Methods

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. The quality of evidence was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Outcomes were analysed by using a pool of data of 95% confidence intervals (CIs), p value and fitting model based on heterogeneity of test results.

Results

Eleven articles were included in the meta‐analysis. When compared with the regular care group, the nurse‐led case management group had: 1) shorter time from diagnosis to treatment by 9.07 days, 2) an improved treatment completion rates (OR = 2.45) and 3) more number of patients received hormone therapy.

Conclusion

The synthesized results presented that nurse‐led case management is more effective than regular care in improving treatment timeliness, treatment completion rates and hormone therapy rates.
Edaravone alleviated propofol‐induced neural injury in developing rats by BDNF/TrkB pathway
Authors: Yang Yangliang , Yi Jing , Pan Mengzhi , Hu Baoji , Duan Hongwei
Published: May 2021

As a variety of free radical scavenger, edaravone has shown its potential in producing antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in various disease models. However, the underlying mechanism behind the neuroprotective effects of edaravone remained unclear. This study is aimed at determining the effects of edaravone on neuroprotection and anti‐inflammatory through a propofol‐induced neural injury rat model. Firstly, an observation was made of apoptosis and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of developing under the influence of propofol. It was found out that propofol could produce inflammatory effects in the hippocampus by enhancing the astrogliosis (GFAP) activation and elevating the level of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Meanwhile, the increase of apoptosis cells and the decrease of neurons (NeuN) were speculated to aggravate neural injury. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that edaravone intervention can reverse the neural apoptosis and inflammation. Additionally, the intraperitoneal injection of edaravone, the intraperitoneal injection of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐mimicking small compound (7,8 dihydroxyflavone) and the intracranial injection of the exogenous BDNF were all respectively effective in alleviating the propofol‐induced neural apoptosis and inflammation in the hippocampus. It was also found out that edaravone‐activated downstream signalling through tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) receptors in astrocyte, microglia and neuron. However, the neural injury of propofol had no impact on long‐term learning and memory, except causing a short‐term neurotoxicity. In conclusion, edaravone could alleviate the propofol‐induced neural injury in developing rats through BDNF/TrkB pathway.
Lipotoxicity suppresses the synthesis of growth hormone in pituitary somatotrophs via endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Gong Ying , Yang Jianmei , Wei Shuoshuo , Yang Rui , Gao Ling , Shao Shanshan , Zhao Jiajun
Published: May 2021

Lipotoxicity has been shown to cause dysfunction of many organs and tissues. However, it is unclear whether lipotoxicity is harmful to the somatotrophs, a kind of cell that synthesize growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary. In this study, we performed an epidemiological study, serum levels of triglyceride (TG) and GH showed a negative correlation, even after adjustment for potential confounders. In an animal study, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) or a control diet for 28 weeks. HFD rats showed impaired GH synthesis, resulting in a decrease in circulating GH levels. The expression of pituitary Pit‐1, a key transcription factor of GH, was inhibited. We found that the inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was triggered in HFD rat pituitary glands and palmitic acid‐treated GH3 cells, respectively. On the contrary, applying 4‐phenyl butyric acid (4‐PBA) to alleviate ER stress or 4µ8c to specifically block the IRE1α pathway attenuated the impairment of both Pit‐1 and GH expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated that lipotoxicity directly inhibits the synthesis of GH, probably by reducing Pit‐1 expression. The IRE1α signaling pathway of ER stress may play an important role in this process.
Oral gliadin‐protected superoxide dismutase in addition to phototherapy for treating non‐segmental vitiligo: A 24‐week prospective randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Fontas E. , Montaudié H. , Passeron T.
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite a solid rationale, the usefulness of antioxidants in treating vitiligo has not been clearly demonstrated. Combining superoxide dismutase (SOD) with a wheat gliadin biopolymer protects it during the passage through the gastrointestinal tract.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of gliadin‐protected SOD (GP‐SOD), associated with narrowband ultraviolet B(NB‐UVB), for treating vitiligo.

Methods

We conducted a 24‐week monocentric interventional prospective randomized placebo‐controlled trial in the tertiary center for vitiligo care in the department of Dermatology of Nice University hospital, Nice, France.

Subjects with non‐segmental vitiligo affecting more than 5% of the total body surface were included. The subjects received gliadin‐protected SOD (GP‐SOD; 1 g/day for 12 weeks followed by 0.5 g/day for 12 weeks) or placebo in combination with twice‐weekly sessions of NB‐UVB. The primary endpoint was the total repigmentation rate at 24 weeks, compared with baseline, as assessed by investigator‐assessed Vitiligo Extent Score (VES) on standardized pictures.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included. After 24 weeks, a greater improvement in VES was observed in the GP‐SOD group (19.85%; SE 4.63,P < 0.0001) compared with the placebo group (8.83%; SE 4.72,P = 0.0676). Tolerance was good in both groups. No related side‐effect was reported.

Conclusions

The use of GP‐SOD appears to be a useful add‐on to phototherapy in the treatment of vitiligo patients.
Trends in the consumption of conventional dairy milk and plant‐based beverages and their contribution to nutrient intake among Canadians
Authors: Islam Naorin , Shafiee Mojtaba , Vatanparast Hassan
Published: May 2021

Background

Current evidence suggests a shift from conventional dairy milk to plant‐based beverages (PBBs) for a number of lifestyles and perceived health‐related reasons.

Methods

Using nationally representative cross‐sectional data from the 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Healthy Surveys, the main objectives of the present study were to (i) examine the trend in the proportion of Canadians (≥ 2 years) consuming plain milk and PBBs and (ii) determine the percentage contribution of plain milk and PBBs to daily energy and nutrient intakes.

Results

From 2004 to 2015, the percentage of Canadians consuming plain milk significantly decreased from 70.2% to 56.1%, whereas the percentage of PBBs consumers significantly increased from 1.8% to 3.0%. In 2015, plain milk provided almost 50% of the daily vitamin D intake, over 30% of calcium and vitamin B12, and over 20% of vitamin A and riboflavin among plain milk consumers. The top five nutrients provided by PBBs among PBBs consumers were vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin A and riboflavin. Although plain milk was a major contributor to saturated fat (14.5%) and protein (12.5%) intake among plain milk consumers, PBBs provided only 0.2% of saturated fat and 1.4% of protein intake in the diet of PBBs consumers.

Conclusions

The consumption of plain milk by Canadians has declined and the consumption of PBBs has increased, which may differentially affect the nutritional profile of the diet.
Neurochemical substrates linked to impulsive and compulsive phenotypes in addiction: A preclinical perspective
Authors: Jones Jolyon A. , Zuhlsdorff Katharina , Dalley Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2021

Drug compulsion manifests in some but not all individuals and implicates multifaceted processes including failures in top‐down cognitive control as drivers for the hazardous pursuit of drug use in some individuals. As a closely related construct, impulsivity encompasses rash or risky behaviour without foresight and underlies most forms of drug taking behaviour, including drug use during adverse emotional states (i.e., negative urgency). While impulsive behavioural dimensions emerge from drug‐induced brain plasticity, burgeoning evidence suggests that impulsivity also predates the emergence of compulsive drug use. Although the neural substrates underlying the apparently causal relationship between trait impulsivity and drug compulsion are poorly understood, significant advances have come from the interrogation of defined limbic cortico‐striatal circuits involved in motivated behaviour and response inhibition, together with chemical neuromodulatory influences from the ascending neurotransmitter systems. We review what is presently known about the neurochemical mediation of impulsivity, in its various forms, and ask whether commonalities exist in the neurochemistry of compulsive drug‐motivated behaviours that might explain individual risk for addiction.

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Exercise training rescues the electrical activity of liver‐projecting DMNV neurones in response to oxytocin in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: dos Santos Karoline Martins , Moraes Davi José de Almeida , da Silva Melina Pires , Antunes Vagner Roberto
Published: May 2021

A neural circuit between the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) constitutes part of an important parasympathetic autonomic pathway that controls hepatic glucose production. Intracerebroventricular injection of insulin activates oxytocinergic neurones in the PVN and elicits the release of oxytocin into the circulation, which plays an important role in the metabolism of glucose. Moreover, the central action of insulin can reduce the concentration of glucose in blood taken from the hepatic vein of Wistar rats via activation of vagal efferent nerves to the liver. This mechanism is impaired in sedentary spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Because aerobic exercise increases vagal tone, partly mediated by increasing the oxytocinergic connections between the PVN and DMNV, we hypothesised that oxytocin (OT) might alter the excitability of liver‐projecting DMNV neurones. Thus, we investigated the effects of OT on electrical properties of the liver‐projecting DMNV neurones from Wistar, SHR subjected to 4 weeks of exercise training, as well sedentary controls, using whole cell patch‐clamping. The results show that OT increased the resting membrane potential of DMNV neurones in Wistar rats, as well as the firing frequency of these cells, but not in sedentary SHR. However, in SHR subjected to 4 weeks of exercise training, the effects of OT on liver‐projecting DMNV neurones of were similar to those seen in Wistar rats. These findings show that OT elicits similar changes in the electrophysiological properties of liver‐projecting DMNV neurones of Wistar and exercise‐trained but not sedentary SHR. These results indicate that exercise training can restore the sensitivity of liver‐projecting DMNV neurones of exercise‐trained SHR to OT.
Prevalence of Hypopigmentary Disorders in Primary School Children in Zagazig City, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Khater Mohamed H , Abbas Reem A , Elshobaky Ola A , Khashaba Shrook A
Published: May 2021

Background

Epidemiologic data derived from population‐based studies are very important to understand human diseases and their implications. Highlighting skin problems by identifying their incidence and prevalence is vital to direct suitable medical attention toward them.

Aim

The aim of the study was to detect the prevalence and most common causes of hypopigmentation in primary school children in Zagazig City.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study on 185 students selected from two schools. Data were collected by filling a questionnaire, clinical examination, and Wood's light examination to detect hypopigmented skin disorders.

Results

The prevalence of hypopigmentation among studied population was 45.4%; the commonest cause was pityriasis alba 58.3%, followed by pityriasis versicolor 17.9%, postinflammatory hypopigmentation 10.7%, hypopigmented nevus 9.5%, and finally 3.6% vitiligo.

Conclusion

Hypopigmented skin disorders are important and easy to diagnosis skin diseases that need medical attention.
Indigenous social exclusion to inclusion: Case studies on Indigenous nursing leadership in four high income countries
Authors: Brockie Teresa , Clark Terryann C. , Best Odette , Power Tamara , Bourque Bearskin Lisa , Kurtz Donna L.M. , Lowe John , Wilson Denise
Published: May 2021

Aims and objectives

This discursive paper provides a call to action from an international collective of Indigenous nurse academics from Australia, Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand and the USA, for nurses to be allies in supporting policies and resources necessary to equitably promote Indigenous health outcomes.

Background

Indigenous Peoples with experiences of colonisation have poorer health compared to other groups, as health systems have failed to address their needs and preferences. Achieving health equity will require leadership from Indigenous nurses to develop and implement new systems of care delivery. However, little is known about how Indigenous nurses influence health systems as levers for change.

Design

A Kaupapa Māori case study design.

Methods

Using a Kaupapa Māori case study methodology, coupled with expert Indigenous nursing knowledge, we developed a consensus on key themes. Themes were derived from three questions posed across the four countries. Themes were collated to illustrate how Indigenous nurses have provided nursing leadership to redress colonial injustices, contribute to models of care and enhance the Indigenous workforce.

Results

These case studies highlight Indigenous nurses provide strong leadership to influence outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. Five strategies were noted across the four countries: (1) Indigenous nationhood and reconciliation as levers for change, (2) Indigenous nursing leadership, (3) Indigenous workforce strategies, (4) Development of culturally safe practice and Indigenous models of care and (5) Indigenous nurse activism.

Conclusions

In light of 2020 declared International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, we assert Indigenous nurses’ work must be visible to support development of strategic approaches for improving health outcomes, including resources for workforce expansion and for implementing new care models.

Relevance to clinical practice

Curating strategies to promote Indigenous nurse leaders around the world is essential for improving models of healthcare delivery and health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.
Assessing the concordance and accuracy between hospital discharge data, electronic health records, and register books for diagnosis of inpatient admissions of miscarriage: A retrospective linked data study
Authors: San Lazaro Campillo Indra , Meaney Sarah , Harrington Maria , McNamara Karen , Verling Anna Maria , Corcoran Paul , O'Donoghue Keelin
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite the high prevalence of miscarriage, there are few studies which assess the concordance of a diagnosis of miscarriage in routinely collected health databases.

Objectives

To determine agreement and accuracy for the diagnosis of miscarriage between electronic health records (EHR), the Hospital Inpatient‐Enquiry (HIPE) system, and hospital register books in Ireland.

Methods

This is a retrospective study comparing agreement of diagnosis of miscarriage between three hospital data sources from January to June 2017. All inpatient admissions for miscarriage were reviewed from a single, tertiary maternity hospital in Ireland. Kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value were calculated.

Results

In this retrospective concordance study, EHR records confirmed 96.2% diagnosis of miscarriage of HIPE records, and 95.1% of register books records. A total of 95 records were not recorded in the register books but were recorded in HIPE and EHR. This study found a considerable variability when comparing definitions of type of miscarriage (i.e., missed miscarriage, incomplete, and complete) between the three data sources.

Conclusion

Although this study found a high concordance in inpatient admissions for miscarriage between EHR, HIPE, and register books, a considerable discrepancy was found when classifying miscarriage between the three data sources.
Communication and coordination across event phases: A multi‐team system emergency response
Authors: Brown Olivia , Power Nicola , Conchie Stacey M.
Published: May 2021

This paper explores how multi‐agency response teams communicate and coordinate in different phases of a simulated terrorist incident. Procedural guidelines state that responders should coordinate their response to a major emergency across two phases: ‘response’ (when the incident is ongoing) and ‘recovery’ (when the threat has subsided, but the legacy of the incident is ongoing). However, no research has examined whether these phases map to the behaviours of responders in situ. To address this, we used measures of communication and coordination to examine how behaviours evolved during a simulated terrorist incident in the United Kingdom. We grounded our approach within the theoretical literature on multi‐team systems. It was found that the current response/recovery classification does not fit the nuanced context of an emergency. Instead, a three‐phase structure of ‘response/resolve/recovery’ is more reflective of behaviour. It was also found that coordination between agencies improved when communication networks became less centralized. This suggests that collaborative working in multi‐team systems may be improved by adopting decentralized communication networks.

Practitioner points

To better prepare responders for emergencies, we recommend a three‐phase structure of ‘response/resolve/recovery’ is introduced in place of the current guidelines that outline a two‐phase structure of response and recovery.

A three‐phase structure more accurately describes the behaviours of responders during emergencies and accounts for the shift in urgency between an ongoing incident (response) and shortly afterwards when the immediate threat has subsided (resolve).

Given the cognitive load on focal agencies, decentralized communication structures should be introduced in the early phases of an emergency to increase collaborative decision‐making across inter‐agency partners.
Temporal and geographic spreading of hepatitis B virus genotype A (HBV‐A) in Brazil and the Americas
Authors: Wolf Jonas Michel , Pereira Vagner Reinaldo Zingalli Bueno , Simon Daniel , Lunge Vagner Ricardo
Published: May 2021

Hepatitis B virus genotype A (HBV‐A) is disseminated in different countries around the world. It presents a high genetic diversity and is classified into seven subgenotypes (A1–A7). HBV‐A1 and HBV‐A2 are the most frequent and spread in almost all American countries. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of these two subgenotypes, with a special focus on the temporal and geographic spreading in the Americas and Brazil. Bayesian coalescent analyses with HBV‐A1 and HBV‐A2 whole‐genome sequences were performed to study viral phylodynamic and phylogeography. HBV‐A1 evolutionary history demonstrated that it was initially disseminated from Africa to other continents probably after the 1400s and mainly in the 17th–18th centuries. The whole viral population grew between the 1700s–1900s and then reached a stationary phase. In Brazil, HBV‐A1 common ancestors dated back to the 1600s with successive introductions between the 17th–18th centuries. In contrast, HBV‐A2 spread from Europe to other continents after the 1800s, with an increase in the viral population over decades. It was introduced in the 20th century in America and between the 1950s–1970s in Brazil, presenting a high increase in the viral population from the 1970s to the 1980s. The circulation continents for HBV‐A1 are Africa and America, while for HBV‐A2 are Europe and America. HBV‐A is one of the predominant genotypes in America (including Brazil) because of the early introduction by human migration processes of the subgenotypes A1 and A2 between the 16th and 20th centuries and the continuous spreading inside the continent over time.
Nicoletella semolinain the airways of healthy horses and horses with severe asthma
Authors: Payette Flavie , Charlebois Audrey , Fairbrother Julie‐Hélène , Beauchamp Guy , Leclere Mathilde
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background

Nicoletella semolinawas identified in the airways of horses and its low prevalence could be because of its difficult differentiation from otherPasteurellaceae.

Objectives

To develop a molecular method for the identification ofN. semolinaand to evaluate its prevalence in the mouth and the airways of healthy and severe asthmatic horses.

Animals

Six healthy and 6 severely asthmatic horses in phase I, 10 severely asthmatic horses in phase II, and 10 healthy horses in phase III.

Methods

Cohort (phases I and II) and cross‐sectional (phase III) studies. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction primers targeting thesodAgene were optimized.N. semolinawas quantified in oral and nasal washes and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF; phase I, sampled twice), in nasal washes and BALF (phase II, sampled twice), and in nasal washes (phase III).

Results

N. semolinawas found in the nose of 5, 10, and 9 horses in phases I, II, and III, respectively (first sampling for phases I and II). Six BALF from 5 different horses were positive forN. semolinain phase II. In phase I, there was no significant difference in the nasal loads of healthy horses (median (range): 2.04 × 104copies/mL (0‐2.44 × 105)) and asthmatic horses in exacerbation (3.75 × 102(0‐4.84 × 106); Wilcoxon's rank sum test,P = .57).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

N. semolinais commonly found in the airways of horses. The potential pathogenicity ofN. semolinaremains to be elucidated, but the molecular technique we developed will facilitate future studies.
Nurturing care indicators for the Brazilian Early Childhood Friendly Municipal Index (IMAPI)
Authors: Buccini Gabriela , Pedroso Jéssica , Coelho Stefanie , Ferreira de Castro Gabriel , Bertoldo Juracy , Sironi Alberto , Gondim Joao , Venancio Sonia Isoyama , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Barreto Marcos Ennes , Gubert Muriel Bauermann
Published: May 2021

The Nurturing Care Framework (NCF) calls for establishing a global monitoring and accountability systems for early childhood development (ECD). Major gaps to build low‐cost and large‐scale ECD monitoring systems at the local level remain. In this manuscript, we describe the process of selecting nurturing care indicators at the municipal level from existing routine information systems to develop the Brazilian Early Childhood Friendly Index (IMAPI). Three methodological steps developed through a participatory decision‐making process were followed. First, a literature review identified potential indicators to translate the NCF domains. Four technical panels composed of stakeholders from federal, state and municipal levels were consulted to identify data sources, their availability at the municipal level and the strengths and weakness of each potential indicator. Second, national and international ECD experts participated in two surveys to score, following a SMART approach, the expected performance of each nurturing care indicator. This information was used to develop analytical weights for each indicator. Third, informed by strengths and weaknesses pointed out in the previous steps, the IMAPI team reached consensus on 31 nurturing care indicators across the five NCF domains (Good health [n = 14], Adequate nutrition [4], Responsive caregiving [1], Opportunities for early learning [7] and Security and safety [4]). IMAPI represents the first attempt to select nurturing care indicators at the municipal level using data from existing routine information systems.
Anterior‐posterior electrophysiological activity characterizes Parkinsonian visual misperceptions
Authors: Muller Alana J. , Shine James M. , Rolle Camarin E. , Chitty Kate , Hall Julie M. , Halliday Glenda M. , Hermens Daniel F. , Lewis Simon J.G. , O’Callaghan Claire
Published: May 2021

Background

The neural mechanism underlying visual hallucinations (VH) in Parkinson's disease (PD) relates to impaired network‐level communication; however, the timing of this effect is poorly understood.

Aim

To elucidate the temporal evolution of EEG signals during misperceptions in PD patients.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with PD performed a validated behavioral task (the bistable percept paradigm, BPP) capable of eliciting visual misperceptions while being monitored using scalp electroencephalography (EEG). Using a data‐driven clustering analysis, EEG electrodes behaving similarly over time were clustered together. Misperceptions on the BPP were then related to the clustered time‐series EEG patterns.

Results

Patients with PD demonstrated distinctly different EEG signals during misperceptions, highlighted by early frontal and late posterior activity. Additionally, different aspects of the electrophysiological response during misperceptions were correlated with hallucination severity.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that VH in PD may be related to early activity in frontal regions followed by activity within posterior regions of the cortex. These results support specific predictions of hypothetical models that emphasize an imbalance in top‐down vs bottom‐up processing during misperceptions and advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of VH in PD.
Frequency‐dependent evolution in a predator–prey system
Authors: Ackleh Azmy S. , Veprauskas Amy
Published: May 2021

We present a discrete‐time predator–prey model in which the prey population is assumed to evolve in response to a toxicant. We incorporate frequency‐dependent selection into the prey evolution, assuming that an individual's susceptibility to predation depends on both the trait it possesses and the traits of others in the population. When frequency‐dependent selection is symmetric, we show that the trait equation is unable to track changes in the fitness landscape, that is, the fitness landscape may change while the trait continues to evolve to the same trait value. As a result, evolution may produce unfit prey populations. Meanwhile, we show that asymmetric frequency‐dependence may have a destabilizing effect on the system, resulting in a closed invariant curve via a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

When considering the impact that a toxicant or other disturbance may have on a system, it is important to consider the impact duration of the toxicant and whether any impacted species have the potential to evolve to reduce the impact of the toxicant.

Evolution of toxicant resistance may change system dynamics in a number of ways, such as enabling species persistence at higher toxicant levels. However, here we show that frequency‐dependent evolution has the potential to destabilize system dynamics, resulting in stable closed invariant curves.

Destabilization of system dynamics may have important consequences for species persistence, as periods of low abundance may increase the possibility of species extinction.
Effect of locally delivered protein complex‐loaded nanoparticles on bone remodelling of atrophic alveolar ridge in beagles
Authors: Lee Keun‐Ha , Cheon Lee Sang , Jung Kim Hye , Kang Yoon‐Goo , Kim Su‐Jung
Published: May 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of local injection of mineralized hybrid nanoparticles loading dentin matrix protein‐1 (DMP‐1) and matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) complex (P‐NPs) on the bone remodelling on atrophic alveolar ridges (AAR) ahead of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

Settings and Sample population

Four beagles were randomly allocated into Group C (OTM only) and Group NP (OTM with P‐NPs injection). Experimental model of AAR was prepared in 8 mandibular quadrants after extraction of the third premolars (n = 4 per Group).

Materials and Methods

Reciprocal traction of the second and fourth premolars was performed towards AAR for 8 weeks. P‐NPs were prepared by loading recombinant DMP‐1 and MMP‐13 complex into calcium carbonate (CaCO3)‐mineralized hybrid nanoparticles and injected at 0, 3 and 6 weeks. The rate of OTM and the bone remodelling characteristics were compared between Groups using fluorescent microscopic analysis and microstructural histomorphometric analysis.

Results

Group NP revealed higher bone volume fraction and higher trabecular ratio with lower bone mineral density than Group C on AAR area. Meanwhile, the root movement towards AAR was facilitated in Group NP representing more bodily movement than Group C.

Conclusion

Non‐invasive intervention of P‐NPs injection suggested a clinical potential to facilitate translational movement into the AAR with sustaining woven bone‐like microstructural environment.
Calcyclin (S100A6) Attenuates Inflammatory Response and Mediates Apoptosis of Chondrocytes in Osteoarthritis via the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐fei , Ma Jian‐xiong , Wang Yuan‐lin , Ma Xin‐long
Published: May 2021

Objective

To clarify the regulatory effect of Calcyclin (S100A6) on chondrocytes apoptosis and its relationship with progression of osteoarthritis in an effort to explore potential therapeutic targets for osteoarthritis.

Method

Immunofluorescence assay was produced to identify the rat chondrocyte sample and western blots assay was detected the expression changes of S100A6 between control group and osteoarthritis model which induced by interleukin‐1β. Adenovirus were transfected into the chondrocytes in vitro, in order to regulate the S100A6 expression. The influence of S100A6 on inflammatory reaction of osteoarthritis was detected by RT‐PCR. Also, Caspase‐3 activity assay and TUNEL assay were performed to evaluate the apoptosis changes. In addition, RT‐PCR and western blots were performed to verify that S100A6 mediated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Through the usage of pathway regulator, we detected S100A6 produced the effect by mediating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Results

We determined the expression of S100A6 decreased in osteoarthritis model, the relative expression level in osteoarthritis model was about 0.5 fold compared with control group. Through adenovirus transfection we revealed that the inflammatory factors of osteoarthritis (interleukin‐6 and matrix metalloproteinase‐13) showed a negative correlation with the S100A6 expression. The relative expression level of interleukin‐6 and matrix metalloproteinase‐13 were 1.534 and 1.259 when S100A6 was up‐regulated and the values were up to 2.445 and 2.074, respectively, when S100A6 was down‐regulated. Also, the data verified the apoptosis could be reduced when the S100A6 was up‐regulated and be activated when the S100A6 was down‐regulated, the Caspase‐3 activity was 16.512 U/μg and 24.45 U/μg respectively. Similar results were shown in TUNEL assay, the apoptosis index was 4.46% and 31.44%, respectively. Additionally, the results of polymerase chain reaction and western blots both demonstrated that the expression level of PI3K and AKT were increased when S100A6 was up‐regulated, conversely the expression level of those two signal modules were reduced if the S100A6 was down‐regulated. More importantly, the apoptosis triggered by S100A6 can be offset by the PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor and activator (LY294002 and IGF‐1), the values of Caspase‐3 activity and apoptosis index became close to the untreated osteoarthritis group. The experimental results in this study were statistically significant.

Conclusion

We investigated that Calcyclin (S100A6) relieved the inflammation and mediated the chondrocyte apoptosis through PI3K/AKT pathway and we confirmed that S100A6 might be an attractive therapeutic target.
Case series on stereotactic body radiation therapy in non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Yugo Dony , Lo Li‐Wei , Wu Yuan‐Hung , Chung Fa‐Po , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chang Shih‐Lin , Hu Yu‐Feng , Chao Tze‐Fan , Liao Jo‐Nan , Chang Ting‐Yung , Lin Chin‐Yu , Tuan Ta‐Chuan , Kuo Ling , Wu Cheng‐I , Liu Chih‐Min , Liu Shin‐Huei , Cheng Wen‐Han , Lugtu Isaiah C. , Jain Ankit , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as an alternative treatment for recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) is still unclear. This study aimed to report the outcome of SBRT in VT patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).

Methods

The determination of the target substrate for radiation was based on the combination of CMR results and electroanatomical mapping merged with the real‐time CT scan image. Radiation therapy was performed by Flattening‐filter‐free (Truebeam) system, and afterward, patients were followed up for 13.5 ± 2.8 months. We analyzed the outcome of death, incidence of recurrent VT, ICD shocks, anti‐tachycardia pacing (ATP) sequences, and possible irradiation side‐effects.

Results

A total of three cases of NICM patients with anteroseptal scar detected by CMR. SBRT was successfully performed in all patients. During the follow‐up, we found that VT recurrences occurred in all patients. In one patient, it happened during a 6‐week blanking period, while the others happened afterward. Re‐hospitalization due to VT only appeared in one patient. Through ICD interrogation, we found that all patients have reduced VT burden and ATP therapies. All of the patients died during the follow‐up period. Radiotherapy‐related adverse events did not occur in all patients.

Conclusions

SBRT therapy reduces the number of VT burden and ATP sequence therapy in NICM patients with VT, which had a failed previous catheter ablation. However, the efficacy and safety aspects, especially in NICM cases, remained unclear.
Genetic study of the resistance of faba bean (Vicia faba) against the fungus Ascochyta fabae through a genome‐wide association analysis
Authors: Faridi Rabia , Koopman Birger , Schierholt Antje , Ali Mohamed B. , Apel Stefanie , Link Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Ascochyta fabae is a fungal pathogen responsible for marked yield losses in spring and winter faba beans worldwide. The aim of this genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using 188 diverse winter faba bean inbred lines was to exploit earlier Ascochyta blight resistance studies and to identify new resistance loci. Phenotyping after artificial inoculation under controlled conditions revealed significant variation for all eight scored disease traits. This GWAS was based on 1829 AFLP marker and 229 SNP marker, including 17 so‐called ‘guide’ SNP markers. The latter were identified by map fragment alignments between the consensus smap of Webb et al., (2016, Plant Biotechnology Journal, 14, 177–185) and three earlier published Ascochyta blight resistance studies. A total of 12 markers were found significantly associated with six traits, explaining 5.6% to 21.7% of the phenotypic variance. One ‘guide’ SNP on chromosome III co‐localizes with the known resistance QTL Af1 on chromosome III. Probably nine new resistance trait‐associated marker loci were identified which will improve resistance breeding on winter faba beans and support a broader inclusion of the crop into rotations.
QTL‐seq identified QTLs and candidate genes for two‐seed pod length and width in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Xie Jianguo , Wang Qiao , Zhang Zhanguo , Xiong Xin , Yang Mingliang , Qi Zhaoming , Xin Dawei , Zhu Rongsheng , Sun Mingming , Dong Xiaohui , Jiang Hongwei , Chen Qingshan
Published: May 2021

Seed size is an important factor affecting soybean (Glycine max) yield and quality, and the length and width of the pods are significantly related to the seed size. Soybean two‐seed pod is a stable pod‐setting trait. Based on soybean chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL), QTL‐seq method was used to locate the QTL of soybean two‐seed pod length (TSPL) and width (TSPW) and to mine the related genes

A total of 3 QTLs for TSPL and 5 QTLs for TSPW were obtained. Among them, the positions of qTSPL‐B1‐1 and qTSPW‐B1‐1 overlapped, and this overlapping interval was used as the major QTL for soybean TSPL and TSPW. Haplotype analysis revealed that the haplotype variation of Glyma.11G051600 would cause the phenotypes of TSPL and TSPW to vary. RT‐pcr showed that the expression of Glyma.11G051600 was closely related to the development of soybean TSPL and TSPW. Therefore, Glyma.11G051600 was used as a common gene to regulate the growth and development of TSPL and TSPW. These results provide a basis for research on candidate genes and marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for soybean breeding.
Multicentric dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in a child with severe combined immunodeficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency
Authors: Wahjudi Tatjana D. , Kutzner Heinz , Bleeke Matthias , Hoeger Peter H.
Published: May 2021

We report the case of a 4‐year‐old boy, post‐human stem cell transplantation for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA), who developed multiple dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). We hypothesize a role for chimerism leading to accumulation of toxic metabolites which can cause DNA strand breaks and inhibit lymphocyte activation. Patients with ADA‐SCID should remain under lifelong dermatologic surveillance as DFSP lesions can be quite inconspicuous.
Minority rights and public autonomy: A nonculturalist argument for accommodating ethno‐cultural diversity
Authors: Karademir Aret
Published: May 2021

Ethno‐cultural minority rights have been regarded as a part of human rights since the last decade of the twentieth century. These rights are often formulated in predominantly culturalist terms. Citing the importance of culture in the lives of members, they are conceptualized as tools for protecting the distinct identity of minority cultures. This paper claims that this way of formulating minority rights is to portray minority communities as if they were not concerned with the pathologies of modern democracies, such as the increasing marginalization of citizens from democratic life, far‐right populism, and the subordination of democracy into the functional requirements of economy. Accordingly, it argues for a theory of minority rights that formulates these rights as tools for protecting democracy against such pathologies. In doing so, it takes its point of departure from Jürgen Habermas’s communicative action theory and his understanding of democracy and public autonomy.
Identification and characterization of circRNAs in maize seedlings under deficient nitrogen
Authors: Ma P. , Gao S. , Zhang H.Y. , Li B.Y. , Zhong H.X. , Wang Y.K. , Hu H.M. , Zhang H.K. , Luo B.W. , Zhang X. , Liu D. , Wu L. , Gao D.J. , Gao S.Q. , Zhang S.Z. , Gao S.B.
Published: May 2021

Here, deep sequencing results of the maize transcriptome in leaves and roots were compared under high‐nitrogen (HN) and low‐nitrogen (LN) conditions to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs).

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed non‐coding RNA with widely regulatory potency that has been identified in animals and plants. However, the understanding of circRNAs involved in responsive nitrogen deficiency remains to be elucidated.

A total of 24 and 22 DECs were obtained from the leaves and roots, respectively. Ten circRNAs were validated by divergent and convergent primers, and 6 DECs showed the same expression tendency validated by reverse transcriptase‐quantitative PCR. Integrating the identified differentially expressed miRNAs, 34 circRNAs could act as miRNA decoys, which might play important roles in multiple biological processes, including organonitrogen compound biosynthesis and regulation of the metabolic process. A total of 51 circRNA‐parent genes located in the genome‐wide association study identified loci were assessed between HN and LN conditions and were associated with root growth and development.

In summary, our results provide valuable information regarding further study of maize circRNAs under nitrogen deficiency and provide new insights into screening of candidate genes as well as the improvement of maize regarding nitrogen deficiency resistance. CircRNA–miRNA–mRNA co‐expression networks were constructed to explore the circRNAs that participated in biological development and nitrogen metabolism.
Zfp1, a putative Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor, influences Ustilago maydis pathogenesis at multiple stages
Authors: Cheung H. Y. Kitty , Donaldson Michael E. , Storfie Emilee R. M. , Spence Kelsey L. , Fetsch Jessie L. O. , Harrison Makayla C. , Saville Barry J.
Published: May 2021

As a biotrophic fungus, Ustilago maydis, the causal agent of common smut of maize, must establish and maintain a relationship with the host throughout the pathogenic cycle. Functional characterization of the U. maydis transcription factor Zfp1 suggests a role in modulating pathogenic development. Deletion of zfp1 resulted in attenuated pathogenic hyphal growth, reduced infection frequency, arrested disease symptom development, and decreased anthocyanin production. Complementation with Zfp1 constructs lacking conserved domains indicated it may function with and without DNA binding and suggests a role for the Fungal_trans domain in enabling full virulence. RNA‐sequencing revealed the transcription of approximately 30% of U. maydis genes, including those encoding predicted and confirmed effectors, were altered in the zfp1 deletion strain during pathogenic growth. Together, the results suggest that Zfp1 is a Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor that is required for the full induction of infection, anthocyanin production, and virulence.