bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peer acceptance and peer status in relation to students’ special educational needs, migration biography, gender and socio‐economic status
Authors: Wahl Sebastian , Trauntschnig Mike , Hoffmann Lisa , Schwab Susanne
Published: March 2022

Research within the context of inclusive education is strongly focused on the investigation of students’ special educational needs (SEN). However, a broader understanding of inclusion requires consideration of other factors that may compromise inclusion, especially when it comes to social participation. This study investigates the social participation of 512 students from Austrian secondary mainstream schools. Aside from students’ SEN, their migration biography, gender and socio‐economic status (SES) were also considered. Students’ social participation was measured using peer nominations and peer status. The results indicate that, apart from students with SEN, those with a migration biography and low SES are at risk of low social participation. Amongst the popular students, those with SEN were significantly underrepresented. Regarding peer nominations, students with SEN received less positive and more negative nominations compared to those without SEN. Similar effects for negative nominations were found for students with migration biography and extreme SES. The results suggest that being at risk of low social participation is not only a problem for students with SEN but also a problem for those belonging to minority groups. In terms of research and practical implications (e.g., prevention of the negative outcomes of low social participation), the results of the current study suggest considering student diversity in a broader sense. Furthermore, students from other minority groups, such as those with a migration biography or students from low socio‐economic status backgrounds (SES), are likely to suffer from social exclusion.
Predation‐mediated edge effects reduce survival of wader nests at a wet grassland‐forest edge
Authors: Kaasiku T. , Rannap R. , Männil P.
Published: March 2022

Edge effects occur when the matrix has adverse impacts on the patches of remnant habitat. A widely explored example of this is the hypothesis of a higher predation pressure on bird nests closer to the habitat edge. In parallel with the recent loss of open habitats through afforestation as a climate change mitigation measure, an interest in the impact of forest on species dependent on open habitats has re‐emerged. We follow wader nest survival to study the issue of an edge effect in a system of wet grasslands fragmented by forests in a region where it has not been tested before, focussing mainly on northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), common ringed plover (Charadrius hiaticula), common redshank (Tringa totanus) and southern dunlin (Calidris alpina schinzii). To record nest survival, we monitored 753 nests of 10 wader species on coastal grasslands in Estonia for 3 consecutive years. A subset (n = 85) of these nests was equipped with camera traps to record nest predation events and predator association with forest edge. The distance to nearest trees and forest and a forest cover within a 1‐km buffer around each nest was measured. We recorded extremely low daily nest survival rates (0.903–0.922 for different species), with most nests lost to predation. We showed that nest survival is lower closer to the forest edge and negatively affected by the proportion of forest within a 1‐km buffer around each nest. Based on camera trap recordings, we suggest that the edge effect is caused by elevated nest predation rates by the most common predator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), closer to the forest edge. Future afforestation plans of open habitats need to acknowledge that the resulting fragmentation has a negative impact on nest survival of ground‐breeding birds. On the other hand, our results imply that restoration efforts aimed at removal of most damaging forest plantations could benefit breeding waders.
Cocaine's effects on the reactivity of the medial prefrontal cortex to ventral tegmental area stimulation: optical imaging study in mice
Authors: Park Kicheon , Clare Kevin , Volkow Nora D. , Pan Yingtian , Du Congwu
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is modulated by dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurons that project from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and disruption of this modulation might facilitate impulsive behaviors during cocaine intoxication. Here, we assessed the effects of acute cocaine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) on the reactivity of the PFC to VTA stimulation.

Methods

Using a genetically encoded calcium indicator (GCaMP6f), we optically imaged the neuronal Ca2+ reactance in medial PFC (mPFC) in response to ‘tonic‐like’ (5 Hz) and ‘phasic‐like’ (50 Hz) electrical VTA stimulation. The high temporal and spatial resolutions of our optical system allowed us to capture single Ca2+ neuronal transients from individual stimuli with ‘tonic‐like’ stimulation and to visualize single neuronal activation evoked by ‘phasic‐like’ VTA stimulation.

Results

‘Tonic‐like’ VTA stimulation induced a rapid increase in mean neuronal Ca2+ in mPFC followed by a plateau and recovery upon termination of stimulation. After cocaine, the mPFC sensitivity to ‘tonic‐like’ VTA stimulation was attenuated, with a 50.4% reduction (P = 0.03) in the number of Ca2+ transients corresponding to single electrical stimuli but the recovery time was lengthened (4.30 ± 0.25 sec to 5.41 ± 0.24 sec, P = 0.03). ‘Phasic‐like’ stimulation evoked a rapid Ca2+ fluorescence increase in mPFC with an immediate decay process, and while cocaine did not affect the peak response (7.17 ± 1.07% versus 7.13 ± 0.96%, P = 0.98) it shortened the recovery time to baseline (3.27 ± 0.11 sec versus 2.38 ± 0.23 sec, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Acute cocaine impairs reactivity of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to ventral tegmental area stimulation, decreasing its sensitivity to ‘tonic‐like’ stimulation and lengthening the recovery time to return to baseline while shortening it for phasic stimulation. These changes in mPFC might contribute to cocaine binging during intoxication.
Deciphering the origin of small metal artefacts from Castillo de Huarmey (Peru) with Pb, Cu, and Ag isotopes
Authors: Kałaska Maciej , Mathur Ryan , Kamenov George , Chyla Julia , Prządka‐Giersz Patrycja , Giersz Miłosz
Published: March 2022

This paper presents Ag, Cu, and Pb isotopes for five silver and 10 copper artefacts found in the first intact pre‐Columbian tomb of the Wari culture female elite at Castillo de Huarmey, Peru. Ag and Cu isotope data indicate that the metals were extracted from primary, hypogene ore deposits. Most of the Pb isotope data for the Castillo de Huarmey artefacts correlate with the core Wari site of Conchopata, suggesting utilization of ores from similar deposits. The observed spread in Pb isotopes can be explained by the utilization of regional ores with highly variable Pb isotopes, such as the Julcani deposit. Alternatively, the linear nature of the Pb isotope results obtained for these samples may also be a result of the mixing of ores from different deposits or the re‐smelting of metals. Some of the Pb isotope results also indicate imports from other remote regions, providing evidence for long‐distance interactions on a vast regional scale, in the northern (North Coast of Peru) and southern (Southern Peru and Potosi region in Bolivia) spheres of influence of the Wari Empire and the Tiwanaku state.
Risk of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in patients with epilepsy and users of antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Eroglu Talip E. , Folke Fredrik , Tan Hanno L. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar H.
Published: March 2022

Aims

A few studies suggested that epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs with sodium channel‐blocking properties were independently associated with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, these findings have not yet been replicated.

Methods

Using Danish registries, we conducted a nested case–control study in a cohort of individuals between 1 June 2001 and 31 December 2015. Cases were defined as OHCA from presumed cardiac causes, and were matched with non‐OHCA‐controls based on sex, and age on the date of OHCA. Exposure of interest was epilepsy or antiepileptic drug use. To study the association between individual antiepileptic drug use and the rate of OHCA, we compared each antiepileptic drug with valproic acid. Cox regression with time‐dependent covariates was conducted to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We identified 35 195 OHCA‐cases and 351 950 matched non‐OHCA controls. Epilepsy (cases: 3.58%, controls: 1.60%) was associated with increased rate of OHCA compared with the general population (HR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.64–1.88) when common OHCA risk factors were taken into account. When we studied antiepileptic drug use, we found that 2 antiepileptic drugs without sodium channel blockage, clonazepam (HR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.45–2.44) and pregabalin (HR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.05–1.69), were associated with OHCA, whereas none of the antiepileptic drugs with sodium channel blockage were associated with OHCA.

Conclusion

Epilepsy is associated with increased rate of OHCA. Our findings do not support a possible association between antiepileptic drugs with sodium channel‐blocking properties and OHCA.
Rare central nervous system lymphomas
Authors: Kaji Furqaan Ahmed , Martinez‐Calle Nicolás , Sovani Vishakha , Fox Christopher Paul
Published: March 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas are rare malignancies characterised by lymphoid infiltration into the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, meninges and/or eyes in the presence or absence of previous or concurrent systemic disease. Most CNS lymphomas are of the diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype for which treatment strategies, particularly the use of high‐dose methotrexate‐based protocols and consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation, are well established. Other histopathological subtypes of CNS lymphoma are comparatively less common with published data on these rare lymphomas dominated by smaller case series and retrospective reports. Consequently, there exists little clinical consensus on the optimal methods to diagnose and manage these clinically and biologically heterogeneous CNS lymphomas. In this review article, we focus on rarer CNS lymphomas, summarising the available clinical data on incidence, context, diagnostic features, reported management strategies, and clinical outcomes.
Evaluation of a novel medical device for pegfilgrastim administration
Authors: Aruga Tomoyuki , Doihara Hiroyoshi , Yanagita Yasuhiro , Ishida Takanori , Yamashita Toshinari , Uehara Kanou , Taira Tetsuhiko , Tsurutani Junji , Takeshita Takashi , Tsuyuki Shigeru , Kaneko Koji , Ohtake Tohru , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Hara Yui , Saji Shigehira
Published: March 2022

Pegfilgrastim, a pegylated form of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, has reduced the risk of developing febrile neutropenia, which is associated with an increase in severe infection and prolonged hospitalization. However, pegfilgrastim administration requires that patients visit hospital following cancer chemotherapy, thus imposing a burden on patients and those around them. An on‐body injector (OBI), which automatically administers pegfilgrastim about 27 hours after chemotherapy, was used in this study. The OBI, which consists of a main pump unit and infusion set, is a drug delivery device designed to be attached to the patient's body, with a timer‐controlled dosing function. This study was conducted in breast cancer patients to evaluate the safety of pegfilgrastim administered subcutaneously via the OBI. The study period consisted of screening and treatment observation periods involving four cycles of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel plus cyclophosphamide. One 3.6‐mg pegfilgrastim dose was administered subcutaneously via OBI during each cycle of chemotherapy. The study enrolled 35 patients, and no serious adverse events or febrile neutropenia occurred. Administration of pegfilgrastim was successfully completed at all times when the OBI was attached to the patient, and no safety concerns associated with OBI function arose. For outpatients requiring pegfilgrastim following cancer chemotherapy, the use of an OBI was considered to be a safe option to reduce the need for outpatient visits that restrict their activities of daily living.
RETRACTED: Exosomal miR‐106a‐5p accelerates the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through FBXW7‐mediated TRIM24 degradation
Authors: Li Chang‐Wu , Zheng Jing , Deng Guo‐Qing , Zhang Yu‐Guang , Du Yue , Jiang Hong‐Yan
Published: March 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in East Asia and causes increased health burden. Elucidating the regulatory mechanism of NPC progression is important for understanding the pathogenesis of NPC and developing novel therapeutic strategies. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma and normal tissues were collected. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using CCK‐8, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. A xenograft mouse model of NPC was established to analyze NPC cell growth and metastasis in vivo. The expression of miR‐106a‐5p, FBXW7, TRIM24, and SRGN was determined with RT‐qPCR and Western blot. MiR‐106a‐5p, TRIM24, and SRGN were upregulated, and FBXW7 was downregulated in NPC tissues and cells. Exosomal miR‐106a‐5p could enter NPC cells, and its overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of NPC cells, which were suppressed by knockdown of exosomal miR‐106a‐5p. MiR‐106a‐5p targeted FBXW7 to regulate FBXW7‐mediated degradation of TRIM24. Furthermore, TRIM24 regulated SRGN expression by binding to its promoter in NPC cells. Suppression of exosomal miR‐106a‐5p attenuated NPC growth and metastasis through the FBXW7‐TRIM24‐SRGN axis in vivo. Exosomal miR‐106a‐5p accelerated the progression of NPC through the FBXW7‐TRIM24‐SRGN axis. Our study elucidates novel regulatory mechanisms of NPC progression and provides potential exosome‐based therapeutic strategies for NPC.
Down‐regulated surfactant protein B in obese asthmatics
Authors: Cao Thi Bich Tra , Moon Ji‐Young , Yoo Hyun‐Ju , Ban Ga‐Young , Kim Seung‐Hyun , Park Hae‐Sim
Published: March 2022

Background

Obesity is a common comorbid condition in adult asthmatics and known as a feature of asthma severity. However, the molecular mechanism under obesity‐induced inflammation has not yet been fully understood.

Objective

Considering the essential role of hydrophobic surfactant protein B (SP‐B) in lung function, SP‐B was targeted to examine its involvement in the development of obesity‐induced airway inflammation in asthmatics.

Methods

The aim was to examine an alteration in circulating SP‐B according to obesity in adult asthmatics, 129 asthmatics were enrolled and classified into 3 groups (obese, overweight and normal‐weight groups) according to body mass index (BMI). Circulating SP‐B levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms of SFTPB gene were genotyped. Serum ceramide levels were measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Significantly lower serum SP‐B levels were noted in the obese group than in the overweight or normal‐weight group (p = .002). The serum SP‐B level was significantly correlated with serum levels of C18:0 ceramide and transforming growth factor beta 1 as well as BMI (r = −0.200; r = −0.215; r = −0.332, p < .050 for all). An inverse correlation was noted between serum SP‐B and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in female asthmatics (r = −0.287, p = .009). Genetic predisposition of the SFTPB gene at 9306 A>G to the obese and overweight groups was noted.

Conclusion

Obesity altered ceramide metabolism leading to pulmonary surfactant dysfunction and impaired resolution of airway inflammation, finally contributing to the phenotypes of obese asthmatics.
Effects of fitness and fatness on age‐related arterial stiffening in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cox Emily R. , Brown Wendy J. , Gajanand Trishan , Bailey Tom G. , Gomersall Sjaan R. , Chachay Veronique S. , Burton Nicola W. , Fassett Robert G. , Cox Stephen V. , Coombes Jeff S. , Keating Shelley E.
Published: March 2022

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease than the general population. Both non‐modifiable (age) and modifiable (low aerobic fitness, high body fatness) factors are separately predictive of cardiovascular risk, although they often occur concomitantly. This study aimed to examine the (1) association between age and arterial stiffness, a subclinical marker of cardiovascular risk; and (2) effects of body fatness and aerobic fitness on age‐related increases in arterial stiffness in people with T2D. Data from 64 individuals with T2D (age 59.8 ± 8.7 years, 40% female, HbA1c8.4 ± 1.6%) were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was used to quantify arterial stiffness. Aerobic fitness (relative V̇O2peak) was determined via indirect calorimetry during maximal exercise testing. Central body fatness was determined using waist circumference. Data were analysed using hierarchical multiple regressions. After adjustment for sex and duration of T2D, each one standard deviation (SD) increase in age (8.68 years) was associated with a 0.63 m·s−1increase in cfPWV (β = 0.416,p = 0.001). Following adjustment for aerobic fitness and body fatness, the standardized β was unchanged (0.417). A one SD increase in waist circumference (13.9 cm) and relative V̇O2peak(5.3 ml·kg−1·min−1) were associated with a similar magnitude of difference in cfPWV (0.47 m·s−1and −0.44 m·s−1, respectively). Therefore, age is a significant correlate of increased arterial stiffness in T2D, with higher aerobic fitness attenuating, and higher body fatness exacerbating, this increase. Interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes in people with T2D should target both increased aerobic fitness and reduced body fatness.
Heart transplantation in muscular dystrophy: Single‐center analysis
Authors: Visrodia Parth , Patel Nikhil J , Burford Matthew , Hamilton Michele A. , Patel Jignesh K. , Kobashigawa Jon A. , Kittleson Michelle M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Cardiac involvement may occur in many forms of muscular dystrophy (MD). While cardiac disease may progress to warrant heart transplantation (HTx), there may be contraindications related to extra‐cardiac disease including pulmonary and skeletal muscle involvement that limit overall survival and impairs post‐transplant rehabilitation efforts. This study describes the MD HTx experience at a single high‐volume center.

Methods

We examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with MD with heart failure (HF) (n = 28), patients with MD status post HTx (n = 20) and non‐MD HTx control group (n = 40) matched 2:1 for age at transplant, sex, listing status, and antibody sensitization.

Results

Patients with MD who underwent HTx had increased ventilator days (2 vs. 1 days, p = .013), increased hospital length of stay (20 vs. 12 days, p = .022), and increased discharge to inpatient rehab (60% vs. 8%, p < .001). By 1 year post HTx, patients with MD more often required assistive devices for walking (55% vs. 10%, p = .01). Nonetheless, post‐HTx survival was similar at 1 year (100% vs. 97.5%, p = .48) and 5 years (95.0% vs. 87.5%, p = .36). Of the HTx recipients with MD, 95% were followed by a neurologist, 60% by a neuromuscular specialist as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic at our center.

Conclusion

Transplantation is a feasible option for patients with MD and advanced HF. MD patients who undergo transplantation may benefit from multidisciplinary specialized care to optimize MD‐related morbidity.
The alpha‐7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist GTS‐21 engages the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 incretin hormone axis to lower levels of blood glucose in db/db mice
Authors: Meng Qinghe , Chepurny Oleg G. , Leech Colin A. , Pruekprasert Napat , Molnar Megan E. , Collier James Jason , Cooney Robert N. , Holz George G.
Published: March 2022

Aim

To establish if alpha‐7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist GTS‐21 exerts a blood glucose‐lowering action in db/db mice, and to test if this action requires coordinate α7nAChR and GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) stimulation by GTS‐21 and endogenous GLP‐1, respectively.

Materials and Methods

Blood glucose levels were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using db/db mice administered intraperitoneal GTS‐21. Plasma GLP‐1, peptide tyrosine tyrosine 1‐36 (PYY1‐36), glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glucagon, and insulin levels were measured by ELISA. A GLP‐1R–mediated action of GTS‐21 that is secondary to α7nAChR stimulation was evaluated using α7nAChR and GLP‐1R knockout (KO) mice, or by co‐administration of GTS‐21 with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, or the GLP‐1R antagonist, exendin (9‐39). Insulin sensitivity was assessed in an insulin tolerance test.

Results

Single or multiple dose GTS‐21 (0.5‐8.0 mg/kg) acted in a dose‐dependent manner to lower levels of blood glucose in the OGTT using 10‐14 week‐old male and female db/db mice. This action of GTS‐21 was reproduced by the α7nAChR agonist, PNU‐282987, was enhanced by sitagliptin, was counteracted by exendin (9‐39), and was absent in α7nAChR and GLP‐1R KO mice. Plasma GLP‐1, PYY1‐36, GIP, glucagon, and insulin levels increased in response to GTS‐21, but insulin sensitivity, body weight, and food intake were unchanged.

Conclusions

α7nAChR agonists improve oral glucose tolerance in db/db mice. This action is contingent to coordinate α7nAChR and GLP‐1R stimulation. Thus α7nAChR agonists administered in combination with sitagliptin might serve as a new treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Association between cardiorespiratory fitness and risk of all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality
Authors: Zhao Yang , Sun Haohang , Qie Ranran , Han Minghui , Zhang Ming , Shi Xuezhong , Yang Yongli , Lu Jie , Hu Dongsheng , Sun Liang
Published: March 2022

Objective

The association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality remains unclear in Chinese population. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of all‐cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and other‐cause mortality in Chinese adults using estimated CRF (eCRF).

Patients and Methods

We analysed data for 15,566 participants aged ≥20 years recruited in The Rural Chinese Cohort Study during 2007 to 2008 and followed for mortality during 2013 to 2014. eCRF was calculated with sex‐specific longitudinal non‐exercise algorithms. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality risk according to baseline eCRF.

Results

During a median of 6.01 years of follow‐up, 859 deaths occurred, including 359 from CVD, 221 from cancer, and 279 from other causes. Each 1 metabolic equivalent increment in eCRF was associated with decreased risk of all‐cause mortality (men: HR 0.70, 95% CI [0.66–0.74]; women: 0.59, [0.54–0.64]); CVD mortality (men: 0.70 [0.64–0.77]; women: 0.55, [0.48–0.62]); and other‐cause mortality (men: 0.68 [0.62–0.75]; women: 0.57, [0.49–0.66]). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was significantly higher for eCRF than its modifiable components (waist circumference, body mass index and resting heart rate) in predicting all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality incidence (all p < .001).

Conclusion

eCRF was inversely associated with all‐cause, CVD and other‐cause mortality.
Acquired scoliosis of the cervical spine secondary to vertebral neoplasia in an aged pony gelding
Authors: Fairburn Alison J. , Fews Debra , Mair Tim. S.
Published: March 2022

A 20‐year‐old New Forest pony gelding presented for investigation of a firm swelling on the right side of the neck and a variably sized patch of sweating on the right side of the cranial neck. Clinical examination revealed moderate scoliosis with right side convexity centred on the mid‐caudal cervical spine. Initial radiographic examination of the cervical spine showed very subtle heterogeneously increased opacity of the vertebral body of the fifth cervical vertebra (C5). Further investigations were declined by the owner. The pony’s clinical condition deteriorated over the following 6 weeks; at this stage, the pony showed proprioceptive deficits of both fore‐ and hindlimbs (grade 1/5 and 3/5 respectively) and difficulty lowering his head to eat from the ground. Repeat radiographs showed mildly increased opacity of the vertebral body of C5 with a small amount of new bone formation ventrally. Neoplasia of the fifth cervical vertebra was suspected. In view of the clinical deterioration and the likely very poor prognosis, the pony was subjected to euthanasia. Post‐mortem computed tomographic examination showed heterogeneously increased attenuation surrounding small, poorly defined regions of reduced attenuation in the trabecular bone of the vertebral body and right transverse process of C5. There was also moderate, irregular periosteal new bone formation on the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae with a poorly defined mildly hyperattenuating soft tissue structure adjacent to the right pedicle of C5 and extending into the right side of the vertebral canal, compressing the spinal cord to the left side. Post‐mortem examination revealed tan‐coloured tissue running along the right side of the C5 vertebral body, into the right side of the vertebral canal, compressing the spinal cord to the left side and invading adjacent epaxial muscles. Histopathological examination of this tissue was consistent with an undifferentiated sarcoma. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of acquired scoliosis secondary to cervical neoplasia in a horse or pony.
Essential components of care in a multidisciplinary headache center: Perspectives from headache neurology specialists
Authors: Goldman Roberta E. , Damush Teresa M. , Kuruvilla Deena E. , Lindsey Hayley , Baird Sean , Riley Samantha , Burrone BS Laura , Grinberg Amy S. , Seng Elizabeth K. , Fenton Brenda T. , Sico Jason J.
Published: March 2022

Background and Objective

Comprehensive headache care involves numerous specialties and components that have not been well documented or standardized. This study aimed to elicit best practices and characterize important elements of care to be provided in multidisciplinary headache centers.

Methods

Qualitative, semi‐structured telephone interviews with a purposive sample of headache neurology specialists from across the US, using open‐ended questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Coded data were further analyzed using immersion/crystallization techniques for final interpretation.

Results

Mean years providing headache care was 17.7 (SD = 10.6). Twelve of the 13 participants held United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties headache certification. Six described their practice site as providing multidisciplinary headache care. Participants explained most of their patients had seen multiple doctors over many years, and had tried numerous unsuccessful treatments. They noted patients with chronic headache frequently present with comorbidities and become stigmatized. All participants asserted successful care depends on taking time to talk with and listen to patients, gain understanding, and earn trust. All participants believed multidisciplinary care is essential within a comprehensive headache center, along with staffing enough headache specialists, implementing detailed headache intake and follow‐up protocols, and providing the newest medications, neuromodulation devices, botulinum toxin injections, monoclonal antibodies, nerve blocks and infusions, and treatment from a health psychologist. Other essential services for a headache center are other behavioral health practitioners providing cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, biofeedback and pain management; and autonomic neurology, neuropsychology, vestibular audiology, sleep medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, speech therapy, nutrition, complementary integrative health modalities, and highly trained support staff.

Conclusion

While headache neurology specialists form the backbone of headache care, experts interviewed for this study maintained their specialty is just one of many types of care needed to adequately treat patients with chronic headache, and this is best provided in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary center.
Internationalization of higher education in a post‐pandemic world: Challenges and responses
Authors: Huang Futao , Crăciun Daniela , de Wit Hans
Published: March 2022

This editorial discusses the impact from the COVID‐19 pandemic on the internationalization of higher education, focusing on what general and specific challenges internationalization of higher education in individual countries and systems has faced and will face, and what strategies they developed to deal with these challenges in a post‐pandemic world. Moreover, it outlines the COVID‐19 pandemic and both institutional and national policies for internationalization of higher education in a comparative and global perspective. Finally, it presents key findings from nine articles that are included in the Special Issue.
α4β7high CD4+ T cells are prone to be infected by HIV‐1 and associated with HIV‐1 disease progression
Authors: Mijiti Zilaiguli , Song Jin‐Wen , Jiao Yan‐Mei , Gao Lin , Ma Hai‐Mei , Guo Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Qing , Guo Yun‐Tian , Ding Jian‐Bing , Zhang Shi‐bin , Wang Fu‐Sheng
Published: March 2022

Introduction

To investigate the characteristics of β7high CD4+ T cells during HIV‐1 infection and the relationship between β7high CD4+ T cells and HIV‐1 disease progress.

Methods

This study enrolled 124 HIV‐1‐infected patients, including 80 treatment naïve patients (TNs), 41 patients who underwent antiretroviral therapy (ARTs), and three long‐term no progression patients (LTNPs). Nineteen matched healthy subjects were included as controls (HCs). The characteristics and frequency of β7high CD4+ T cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. An in vitro culture experiment was used to study HIV‐1 infection of β7high CD4+ T cells. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify HIV‐1 DNA and CA‐RNA levels.

Results

The frequency of β7high CD4+ T in the peripheral blood was significantly decreased and negatively correlated with disease progression during chronic HIV‐1 infection. A large proportion of β7high CD4+ T cells showed Th17 phenotype. Furthermore, β7high CD4+ T cells were preferentially infected by HIV‐1 in vitro and in vivo. There were no significant differences of HIV‐1 DNA, and CA‐RNA levels between β7high CD4+ T and β7low CD4+ T subsets in HIV‐1 infected individuals after antiviral treatment.

Conclusion

The β7high CD4+ T cells were negatively correlated with disease progression during chronic HIV‐1 infection. β7high CD4+ T cells are susceptible to infection with HIV‐1 and HIV‐1 latent cells.
Bladder cancer prospective cohort study on high‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer after photodynamic diagnosis‐assisted transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (BRIGHT study)
Authors: Kobayashi Keita , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Kawai Taketo , Ikeda Atsushi , Miyake Makito , Nishimoto Koshiro , Matsushita Yuto , Komura Kazumasa , Abe Takashige , Kume Haruki , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Oyama Masafumi , Miyake Hideaki , Inoue Keiji , Mitsui Takahiko , Kawakita Mutsushi , Ohyama Chikara , Mizokami Atsushi , Kuroiwa Hajime
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor with photodynamic diagnosis has been reported to result in lower residual tumor and intravesical recurrence rates in non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of photodynamic diagnosis‐transurethral resection of bladder tumor combined with oral 5‐aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride for high‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Methods

High‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer patients with an initial photodynamic diagnosis‐transurethral resection of bladder tumor (photodynamic diagnosis group) were prospectively registered between 2018 to 2020. High‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer cases with a history of initial white‐light transurethral resection of bladder tumor (white‐light group) were retrospectively registered. Propensity score‐matching analysis was used to compare residual tumor rates, and factors that could predict residual tumors at the first transurethral resection of bladder tumor were evaluated.

Results

Analyses were conducted with 177 and 306 cases in the photodynamic diagnosis and white‐light groups, respectively. The residual tumor rates in the photodynamic diagnosis and white‐light groups were 25.7% and 47.3%, respectively. Factor analysis for predicting residual tumors in the photodynamic diagnosis group showed that the residual tumor rate was significantly higher in cases with a current/past smoking history, multiple tumors, and pT1/pTis. When each factor was set as a risk level of 1, cases with a total risk score ≤1 showed a significantly lower residual tumor rate than cases with a total risk score ≥2 (8.3% vs 33.3%, odds ratio 5.46 [1.81–22.28]).

Conclusions

In high‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer cases, the odds of a residual tumor after initial photodynamic diagnosis‐transurethral resection of bladder tumor were 0.39‐fold that of the odds of those after initial white‐light transurethral resection of bladder tumor. A risk stratification model could be used to omit the second transurethral resection of bladder tumor in 27% of the cases.
RETRACTED: Effect of wound irrigation on the prevention of surgical site infections: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Chunmei , Meng Linghong , Ma Miguo , Li Na , Zhang Jingcen
Published: March 2022

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of wound irrigation on the prevention of surgical site infections. A systematic literature search up to January 2022 was done and 24 studies included 4967 subjects under surgery at the start of the study; antibiotic irrigation was used with 1372 of them, 1261 were aqueous povidone‐iodine irrigation, and 2334 were saline irrigation or no irrigation for surgical site infections prevention in all surgical populations. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect of different wound irrigation on the prevention of surgical site infections by the dichotomous method with a random or fixed‐influence model. Antibiotic irrigation had significantly lower surgical site infections in all surgical populations (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.36‐0.62, P < .001) compared with saline irrigation or no irrigation for the subject under surgery. Aqueous povidone‐iodine irrigation had significantly lower surgical site infections in all surgical populations (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.81, P = .01) compared with saline irrigation or no irrigation for the subject under surgery. Antibiotic irrigation and aqueous povidone‐iodine irrigation significantly lowered surgical site infections in all surgical populations compared with saline irrigation or no irrigation for the subject under surgery. Further studies are required.
High night temperature during maize post‐flowering increases night respiration and reduces photosynthesis, growth and kernel number
Authors: Kettler Belén Araceli , Carrera Constanza Soledad , Nalli Sonzogni Federico David , Trachsel Samuel , Andrade Fernando Héctor , Neiff Nicolás
Published: March 2022

In the last years globally, daily night‐time low temperatures have increased more than twice compared with maximum temperatures. There is little evidence about maize growth and yield responses to high night temperature (HNT) under field conditions. In this study, we aimed to (i) evaluate the effect of HNT during post‐flowering on kernel number (KN), crop growth rate expressed in chronological days and thermal units (CGRDand CGRTU, respectively), radiation use efficiency (RUE), night respiration (Rn), net photosynthesis (Amax), chlorophyll fluorescence and cell membrane stability (CMS), and (ii) identify associations among the measured physiological traits. Two hybrids (Te, temperate; and St, subtropical) were exposed to two thermal conditions from R1 + 2d to R1 + 16d: (i) HNT from 1900 to 0700 h, and (ii) ambient night temperature (ANT). The HNT resulted in reductions in KN (8%), CGRD(11%), and CGRTU(19%), with non‐significant changes in kernel weight and grain yield. Reductions in KN were better explained by drops in CGRTUthan in CGRD. Under HNT, Amax significantly decreased (p < 0.05; 17%, among experiments and hybrids) with insignificant changes in CMS and chlorophyll fluorescence. HNT caused a larger effect on Rn in Te (+40%) than in St. We found a strong negative relationship between Rn and Amax, indicating that high Rn might exhibit an indirect effect on Amax, altering carbon balance and growth.
Cell numbers, cell ratios, and developmental plasticity in the rod pathway of the mouse retina
Authors: Keeley Patrick W. , Patel Shivam S. , Reese Benjamin E.
Published: March 2022

The precise specification of cellular fate is thought to ensure the production of the correct number of neurons within a population. Programmed cell death may be an additional mechanism controlling cell number, believed to refine the proper ratio of pre‐ to post‐synaptic neurons for a given species. Here, we consider the size of three different neuronal populations in the rod pathway of the mouse retina: rod photoreceptors, rod bipolar cells, and AII amacrine cells. Across a collection of 28 different strains of mice, large variation in the numbers of all three cell types is present. The variation in their numbers is not correlated, so that the ratio of rods to rod bipolar cells, as well as rod bipolar cells to AII amacrine cells, varies as well. Establishing connectivity between such variable pre‐ and post‐synaptic populations relies upon plasticity that modulates process outgrowth and morphological differentiation, which we explore experimentally for both rod bipolar and AII amacrine cells in a mouse retina with elevated numbers of each cell type. While both rod bipolar dendritic and axonal arbors, along with AII lobular arbors, modulate their areal size in relation to local homotypic cell densities, the dendritic appendages of the AII amacrine cells do not. Rather, these processes exhibit a different form of plasticity, regulating the branching density of their overlapping arbors. Each form of plasticity should ensure uniformity in retinal coverage in the presence of the independent specification of afferent and target cell number.
Brain oxygen extraction and neural tissue susceptibility are associated with cognitive impairment in older individuals
Authors: Chiang Gloria C. , Cho Junghun , Dyke Jonathan , Zhang Hang , Zhang Qihao , Tokov Michael , Nguyen Thanh , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Amoashiy Michael , de Leon Mony , Wang Yi
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose

We investigated the effects of aging, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and cognitive impairment on brain iron levels and cerebral oxygen metabolism, known to be altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD), using quantitative susceptibility mapping and MR‐based cerebral oxygen extraction fraction (OEF).

Methods

In 100 individuals over the age of 50 (68/32 cognitively impaired/intact), OEF and neural tissue susceptibility (χn) were computed retrospectively from MRI multi‐echo gradient echo data, obtained on a 3 Tesla MRI scanner. The effects of age and WMH on OEF and χn were assessed within groups, and OEF and χn were assessed between groups, using multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Cognitively impaired subjects were found to have 19% higher OEF and 34% higher χn than cognitively intact subjects in the cortical gray matter and several frontal, temporal, and parietal regions (p < .05). Increased WMH burden was significantly associated with decreased OEF in the cognitively impaired, but not in the cognitively intact. Older age had a stronger association with decreased OEF in the cognitively intact group. Both older age and increased WMH burden were significantly associated with increased χn in temporoparietal regions in the cognitively impaired.

Conclusions

Higher brain OEF and χn in cognitively impaired older individuals may reflect altered oxygen metabolism and iron in areas with underlying AD pathology. Both age and WMH have associations with OEF and χn but are modified by the presence of cognitive impairment.
How Politicians Downplay Lower‐Educated Citizens' Opinions
Authors: Sevenans Julie , Walgrave Stefaan
Published: March 2022

An important challenge facing political decision making today is inequality in representation. Political scientists have shown that the preferences of certain groups—especially those who have higher incomes or are better educated—systematically preponderate in political decision making. Trying to elucidate the mechanisms behind these findings, this research note explores one specific possible driver of representational inequality: that politicians downplay the opinions of disadvantaged groups, and here specifically, of the lower‐educated. By means of a survey experiment with politicians, we test the idea that politicians have a hard‐wired inclination to assume that the opinions of citizens who have received lower (i.e., vocational) education are less thoughtful than the opinions of citizens who followed a higher (i.e., general) education. The findings are somewhat ambiguous but the expectation is at least partly corroborated by the evidence. The findings illustrate the psychological foundations that may ultimately make politicians disregard the preferences of the lower‐educated.
Family mealtime emotions and food parenting practices among mothers of young children: Development of the Mealtime Emotions Measure for Parents (MEM‐P)
Authors: White Hannah J. , Meyer Caroline , Palfreyman Zoe , Haycraft Emma
Published: March 2022

Family mealtimes can be important for supporting children's healthy development, yet the emotional context of mealtimes can vary considerably, likely impacting their overall success and enjoyment. Yet, despite having an important role, little is known about how parents emotionally experience mealtimes with their family. The first aim of the current study was to assess the factor structure of a novel self‐report measure to assess parents’ emotional responses experienced during family mealtimes (Mealtime Emotions Measure for Parents; MEM‐P). The second aim was to examine relationships between maternal mealtime emotions and their food parenting practices. Mothers of children aged between 1.5 and 6 years participated in this study. Mothers were invited to complete an online questionnaire measuring family mealtime emotions, anxiety, depression and food parenting practices. Exploratory factor analysis produced a three‐factor solution comprising both positive and negative emotion subscales: MEM‐P Efficacy; MEM‐P Anxiety; MEM‐P Stress and Anger. Mothers' positive mealtime emotions (mealtime efficacy) were related to greater use of practices promoting autonomy, providing a healthy home food environment, and modelling healthy eating. Higher anxiety about mealtimes was related to greater reports of child control over eating, and mealtime stress and anger was associated with greater use of food to regulate emotions. These findings highlight novel relationships between how mothers emotionally experience family mealtimes and the food parenting practices they use with their children. It is important to develop resources to help promote positive maternal experiences of family mealtimes and food‐based interactions.
Situational judgement test performance and subsequent misconduct in medical students
Authors: Tiffin Paul A. , Sanger Emily , Smith Daniel T. , Troughton Adam , Paton Lewis W.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Situational judgement tests (SJTs) have been widely adopted, internationally, into medical selection. It was hoped that such assessments could identify candidates likely to exhibit future professional behaviours. Understanding how performance on such tests may predict the risk of disciplinary action during medical school would provide evidence for the validity of such SJTs within student selection. It would also inform the implementation of such tests within student recruitment.

Methods

This cohort study used data for 6910 medical students from 36 UK medical schools who sat the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) SJT in 2013. The relationship between SJT scores at application and the risk of subsequent disciplinary action during their studies was modelled. The incremental ability of the SJT scores to predict the risk of disciplinary action, above that already provided by UCAT cognitive test scores and secondary (high) school achievement, was also evaluated in 5535 of the students with information available on this latter metric.

Results

Two hundred and ten (3.05%) of the students in the cohort experienced disciplinary action. The risk of disciplinary action reduced with increasing performance on the admissions SJT (odds ratio (OR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 0.92, p = 0.002). This effect remained similar after adjusting for cognitive performance and prior academic attainment (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.92, p = 0.004). The overall estimated effect‐size was small (Cohen's d = 0.08) and no evidence of ‘threshold’ effects were observed for the SJT scores and risk of disciplinary action.

Conclusions

Performance on admissions SJTs can, at least modestly, incrementally predict the risk of subsequent disciplinary action, supporting their use in this context. However, for this SJT and outcome, there did not seem a distinct threshold score above which the risk of disciplinary action disproportionately increased. This should be considered when using the scores within medical selection.
‘CT and CT image‐based texture image analysis in radiological diagnostics of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis’
Authors: Bracanovic Djurdja , Janovic Aleksa , Antic Svetlana , Rajkovic Katarina , Bracanovic Milos , Tomic Spiric Vesna , Dragutinovic Natasa , Jadzic Jelena , Barac Aleksandra
Published: March 2022

Background

This prospective study is focused on evaluating radiological properties of AFRS. We analysed specific CT features related to the presence of AFRS, as well as explored the possible usefulness of the texture image analysis (TIA) as an additional diagnostical parameter.

Methods

The CT images of maxillary sinuses of 37 adult patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis were analysed for homogeneity, high‐attenuation areas, density of the soft tissue mass, bony wall thickness and density. TIA included assessment of uniformity, contrast, homogeneity and entropy of sinus content.

Results

In the F+ group, soft tissue mass was significantly more non‐homogeneous, high‐attenuation areas were more prevalent, while soft tissue densities were higher. The sinus wall showed a tendency towards decreased thickness and significantly higher density in the F+ group. Among TIA parameters only homogeneity was significantly lower in the F+ group.

Conclusions

Presence of fungi should be suspected when the sinus is filled with a non‐homogenous soft tissue content of a high CT density not necessarily presented as clearly visible hyperattenuation material. Additional criteria in radiological diagnostics of AFRS should encompass assessment of sinus bony wall density. TIA may serve as a tool for quantitative assessment of subjective CT features such as homogeneity of the soft tissue mass for investigative purposes. However, other TIA parameters showed limited potential.