bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating metacognitive strategy awareness for multimodal listening
Authors: Cartner Helen , Cameron Denise
Published: October 2022

When we listen to human discourse, we do this in a context which may include the words themselves, tone of voice, stress on words, as well as gestures, visual context, facial expressions and interpersonal distance, which work to produce a multimodal message. The development of listening skills then implies focussing not only on audio input but also on all types of non-verbal input. This article describes a case study of a university listening paper where 12 predominantly English as a second language participants filled out a widely recognised pre and post Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire consisting of 21 questions. Seven additional questions were added to the questionnaires that related to multimodal aspects of listening. Four of the research participants were also involved in in-depth interviews. Findings indicate the following three main themes relating to student perceptions: that metacognitive listening strategies help their listening; that the teacher has an important role in teaching strategies and selecting listening material; and that overall, video material is more useful than audio material alone for the development of listening comprehension.
Mutations in lysine methyltransferase 2C and PEG3 are associated with tumor mutation burden, prognosis, and antitumor immunity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Huang Yili , Liu Jinsong , Zhu Xiaole
Published: October 2022

Background

As a common cancer-related death worldwide, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) has significantly increased mortality in recent years. In recent years, tumor mutation burden (TMB) has been regarded as the most popular biomarker for PAAD immunotherapy. However, it remains unclear which gene mutations affect TMB and immune response in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The somatic mutation images of PAAD samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Based on the expression data of the TCGA and IGCC cohorts, various bioinformatics algorithms are used for evaluating the prognostic value and functional annotation of some frequently somatically mutated genes. Furthermore, the correlation between gene mutation and tumor immunity was also evaluated.

Results

The results showed that lysine methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C) and paternally expressed 3 (PEG3) are frequently mutated genes in PAAD. Patients with KMT2C and PEG3 mutations have higher TMB severity and a lousy prognosis. In addition, the mutations of KMT2C and PEG3 genes positively regulate the metabolic and protein-related pathways in PAAD. Meanwhile, significant differences in the composition of the immune cells were observed for KMT2C and PEG3 mutations PAAD patients, for providing additional guidelines for antitumor treatments in various KMT2C and PEG3 mutation states in PAAD.

Conclusion

This study reveals that KMT2C and PEG3 mutation may serve as biomarkers for predicting prognosis and guiding anti-PAAD immunotherapy for PAAD patients.
The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Perfectionism in University Students During Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Manova Viktoriya , Khoury Bassam
Published: October 2022

The present study examined the empirical and conceptual association between two definitions of trait mindfulness (socio-cognitive and mindfulness-meditation) and trait, cognitive, and self-presentational components of perfectionism. These associations were investigated in a student sample of emerging adults ( n = 390), who completed measures of trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation, perfectionistic cognitions, trait mindfulness-meditation, and trait socio-cognitive mindfulness. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that socially prescribed perfectionism was negatively related to the non-reactivity and acting with awareness facets of mindfulness-meditation, while self-oriented perfectionism had a positive relationship with the novelty seeking and novelty producing facets of socio-cognitive mindfulness. Perfectionistic cognitions were negatively associated with non-judging. Non-display and non-disclosure of imperfections were also negatively associated with facets of mindfulness-meditation and socio-cognitive mindfulness. Level of study (i.e., undergraduate or graduate) did not moderate the associations between perfectionism and mindfulness variables. Our study provides evidence for negative and positive associations between specific mindfulness facets and components of perfectionism. The results have implications for a theoretical and empirical understanding of the relationship between perfectionism and mindfulness and can inform the design of interventions to teach students how to cope with distressing forms of perfectionism during emerging adulthood.
Inclusión de la música tradicional colombiana en la especialidad de canto de conservatorios superiores de Bogotá: Experiencias docents
Authors: Morales María Angélica Murcia , Díaz Ana García
Published: October 2022

La enseñanza del canto en las universidades generalmente está centrada en la educación de la lírica europea. Sin embargo, desde hace unos años, se comienza a observar la presencia de las músicas tradicionales cantadas en las aulas de canto. En este estudio se ha observado la experiencia de los docentes de canto de las universidades de Bogotá que incluyen el estudio de las músicas tradicionales en su currículo educativo. A través de una entrevista etnográfica semi-estructurada y analizando los datos de forma cualitativa, se presentan los retos e inquietudes de 13 docentes de estas universidades frente a esta inclusión, las diferencias en la enseñanza que encuentran con la música europea y el impacto tanto a nivel músico-vocal como a nivel sociocultural. Se concluye que la percepción de los docentes es ampliamente positiva, entendiendo la música como una herramienta para el reconocimiento de la propia cultura del país.
La educación musical de Edgar Willems y su concepto de musicoterapia activa en el desarrollo integral del ser humano
Authors: Polo Beatriz Hernández
Published: October 2022

Los planteamientos pedagógicos de Edgar Willems parten de una concepción holística de la música que persigue no solo la formación propiamente musical, sino la formación tanto a nivel afectivo como psicológico de los individuos a través de la audición, la melodía, el ritmo, las canciones o el movimiento. A lo largo de sus escritos, centrados esencialmente en la iniciación musical, l a musicoterapia es un tema recurrente que aparece vinculado a sus planteamientos educativos, de tal forma que sostiene que la propia formación musical puede ofrecer beneficios terapéuticos en los destinatarios. Parece evidente que, si bien el acercamiento a la disciplina musicoterapéutica parte de premisas de carácter divulgativo, a su vez ofrece una visión extendida que pone en valor el potencial que puede albergar la educación musical como herramienta para un desarrollo integral del ser humano.
Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor in right thigh: 2 cases report and literature review
Authors: Wang Ruifeng , Zhou Jiayu , Yu Yupei , Deng Junqi , Wu Ze , Ou Chunlin , Wu Yanhao , Yang Keda , Wang Junpu
Published: October 2022

Background:

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) is a very rare tumor of bone and soft tissue that has no specific clinical manifestations. Here we present 2 cases of PMT in the right thigh, including comparatively adequate immunohistochemistry.

Case Presentation:

We described 2 cases of PMT in the right thigh with manifestations of hypophosphatemia. PET-CT examination showed that both patients had lesions with increased expression of somatostatin receptors in the right thigh. Bland cells and dirty calcified stroma were exhibited under the microscope. And immunohistochemical detection of FGF-23 was positive.

Conclusions:

PMT is a very uncommon tumor for which diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. Considering the importance of surgery for the treatment of this disease, a full understanding of its clinicopathological features will facilitate the diagnosis of this disease.
Preparing for Increasing Inclusion in Rural Schools: A University and Rural Educational Service Agency Collaboration
Authors: Sundeen Todd H.
Published: October 2022

Inclusion rates for students with disabilities in general education settings have increased nationwide. To further extend this progress, schools, districts, and educational service agencies in rural areas have sought ways to improve their own inclusion metrics. This article describes a technical assistance arrangement that was initiated between a rural educational service agency and a local university. In this article, we provide details of the collaboration and the steps that were implemented to successfully improve inclusion rates and access to the general education curriculum for students with disabilities. Detailed descriptions of the two major project stages are provided. Summaries of data collected from special educator and general educator surveys are included. Additionally, this article discusses educator training delivered, collaboration opportunities provided, and administrative supports incorporated into efforts to increase inclusion in a meaningful way for students in five target schools. A summary of what worked and what still needs improvement is also provided.
Single object profiles regression analysis (SOPRA): a novel method for analyzing high-content cell-based screens
Authors: Gurumurthy Rajendra Kumar , Pleissner Klaus-Peter , Chumduri Cindrilla , Meyer Thomas F. , Mäurer André P.
Published: October 2022

Background

High-content screening (HCS) experiments generate complex data from multiple object features for each cell within a treated population. Usually, these data are analyzed by using population-averaged values of the features of interest, increasing the amount of false positives and the need for intensive follow-up validation. Therefore, there is a strong need for novel approaches with reproducible hit prediction by identifying significantly altered cell populations.

Results

Here we describe SOPRA, a workflow for analyzing image-based HCS data based on regression analysis of non-averaged object features from cell populations, which can be run on hundreds of samples using different cell features. Following plate-wise normalization, the values are counted within predetermined binning intervals, generating unique frequency distribution profiles (histograms) for each population, which are then normalized to control populations (control-based normalization). These control-normalized frequency distribution profiles are analyzed using the Bioconductor R-package maSigPro, originally developed to analyze time profiles. However, statistically significant altered frequency distributions are also identified by maSigPro when integrating it into the SOPRA workflow. Finally, significantly changed profiles can be used to generate a heatmap from which altered cell populations with similar phenotypes can be identified, enabling the detection of siRNAs and compounds with the same ‘on-target’ profile and reducing the number of false positive hits.

Conclusions

SOPRA is a novel analysis workflow for the detection of statistically significant normalized frequency distribution profiles of cellular features generated in high-throughput RNAi screens. For the validation of the SOPRA software workflow, a screen for cell cycle progression was used. We were able to identify such profiles for siRNA-mediated gene perturbations and chemical inhibitors of different cell cycle stages. The SOPRA software is freely available from Github.
Population attributable fractions for risk factors and disability burden of dementia in Jiangxi Province, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Yuhang , Zheng Huilie , Xu Fenfei , Guo Jin , Liu Zhitao , Wang Shengwei , Chen Xiaoyun , Cao Yu , Zou Wei , Hu Songbo
Published: October 2022

Background

In view of the fact that there is no effective treatment for dementia, the number of years that dementia patients have to live with dementia will gradually increase for the rest of their lives, and the disability loss caused by dementia will increase. It is urgent to study the influence of risk factors on dementia by making use of the potential of prevention. The purpose of this study is to quantify the burden of dementia disability attributable to risk factors by assessing the population attributable fractions (PAFs) in Jiangxi Province, which is one of the regions of moderate aging process of China.

Methods

The prevalence data of nine risk factors were obtained through the Sixth National Health Service Survey in 2018, which covered 2713 older people. Levin’s formula was used to calculate the PAF for each risk factor for dementia. We adjusted the PAF for communality between risk factors, and used these values to calculate overall weighted PAFs and the years lived with disability (YLDs), which were attributable to nine risk factors.

Results

The number of dementia cases and their proportions that can theoretically be prevented by nine identified risk factors were 111636 (99595-120877) and 66.8% (59.6-72.3), respectively. The total YLDs of dementia were estimated to be 61136 (46463-78369) (males: 36434 [24100-49330], females: 23956 [14716-34589]). Physical inactivity (11639 [8845-14920]), low social contact (9324 [7086-11952]), and hearing loss (5668 [4307-7265] were the top three contributors to dementia.

Conclusions

The moderate aging areas represented by Jiangxi Province have great potential in the prevention of dementia. Targeted interventions and management of risk factors can effectively reduce the disability burden of dementia.
Effects of self-management exercise group participation in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Yokozuka Mieko , Okazaki Kanako , Hoshi Masayuki , Shiine Ayumi , Fukumoto Tomoko
Published: October 2022

Background

The effects of physical fitness and age on motor function in older adults who continue to exercise remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of participation in self-management exercise groups in adults aged ≥65 years.

Methods

The motor functions of 372 citizens who participated in a self-management exercise group for 1 year were examined. The motor functions were assessed by measuring grip strength, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, 5-m fastest walking time (walking time) and timed up and go test. The participants were grouped according to their baseline grip strength (low or high grip strength groups). The baseline parameters were compared to those assessed 1 year after group participation. In addition, the rates of long-term care/support need certification were examined at 2-year follow-up.

Results

In the low grip strength group aged ≥75 years, the grip strength of men, and grip strength and five-repetition sit-to-stand test results of women improved after 1 year. In the high grip strength group, the five-repetition sit-to-stand and timed up and go test results of men aged 65–74 years and five-repetition sit-to-stand test results of men aged ≥75 years improved. Among women in the high grip strength group, grip strength, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, walking time, and timed up and go test results improved in the participants aged 65–74 and ≥ 75 years. The number of new long-term care/support need certifications was comparable in both groups.

Conclusions

Participation in self-management exercise groups led to maintaining or improving physical fitness among community-dwelling-older adults. Furthermore, higher baseline grip strength was associated with improvements in many motor functions; therefore, participation in self-management exercise groups before the onset of functional decline is desirable.
A unique case of anti-GBM disease with concomitant anti-PLA2R positivity
Authors: Molnár Adél , Tislér András , Dobi Deján , Pethő Ákos
Published: October 2022

Background

Concomitant occurrence of anti-GBM disease and anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy have been previously described. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report that documents the co-occurrence of the diseases proven by both serologic and histologic methods.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old woman presented to hospital with nausea, bilateral lower extremity edema, dyspnea, dark urine, and then anuria. Symptoms developed one month after an upper respiratory tract infection. Laboratory results showed acute kidney injury, and hypoalbuminemia. Immunologic examination revealed both anti-GBM and anti-PLA2R positivity. Kidney biopsy demonstrated the histological features of Goodpasture’s disease and anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy. Steroid, cyclophosphamide, and plasmapheresis were commenced. Despite the combined immunosuppressive, the patient remained on renal replacement therapy.

Conclusions

Microbial kidney injury can trigger multiple autoimmune diseases. The simultaneous occurrence of anti-glomerular basement (anti-GBM) disease and membranous nephropathy is extremely rare. Delayed recognition leads to delayed treatment, causing worse renal and patient outcomes, as well as increased financial costs.
Higher pre-treatment skin sympathetic nerve activity and elevated resting heart rate after chemoradiotherapy predict worse esophageal cancer outcomes
Authors: Tang Chen-Ling , Tsai Wei-Chung , Lee Jui-Ying , Wang Yao-Kuang , Chen Yi-Hsun , Liu Yu-Wei , Lin Ming-Chieh , Fang Pen-Tzu , Huang Yu-Ling , Wu I-Chen
Published: October 2022

Background

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT), which might affect the autonomic system, is the mainstay therapy for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Autonomic dysfunction has been found to possibly lead to cancer mortality in those with elevated resting heart rates (RHR). Skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) is a new method of stimulating electrical signals in skin to evaluate autonomic function from sympathetic tone. In this study, we investigated the association between changes in RHR and autonomic function and ESCC mortality.

Methods

Thirty-nine stage II-IV ESCC patients receiving CRT between March 2019 and November 2020 were prospectively enrolled and carefully selected, followed up and received the same meticulous supportive care. Serial RHR was recorded every two weeks from before CRT to eight weeks after CRT and average SKNA were recorded before and four weeks after CRT. All-cause mortality was defined as primary outcome.

Results

We found the RHR of ESCC patients to be significantly elevated and peaking at four weeks after CRT (p < 0.001) and then to gradually decrease. Those with an elevated RHR above the cutoff level (18 beat-per-minute) at eight weeks after CRT had worse overall survival. In addition, those with higher baseline sympathetic tone (average SKNA ≥ 0.86 μV) also had poor outcome.

Conclusions

Increased pre-treatment sympathetic tone and elevated RHR after CRT are alarm signs of poor ESCC outcome. Further exploration of the mechanisms underlying these associations could potentially lead to intervention strategies for reducing mortality.

Trial registration

This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03243448.
Mediating role of impaired wisdom in the relation between childhood trauma and psychotic-like experiences in Chinese college students: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jiamei , Liu Zhening , Long Yicheng , Tao Haojuan , Ouyang Xuan , Wu Guowei , Chen Min , Yu Miaoyu , Zhou Liang , Sun Meng , Lv Dongsheng , Cui Guangcheng , Yi Qizhong , Tang Hong , An Cuixia , Wang Jianjian , Wu Zhipeng
Published: October 2022

Background:

The association between childhood trauma (CT) and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) is well-established. Many previous studies have recognized wisdom as a protective factor for mental health, but its role in the relation between CT and PLEs remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the mediating effect of wisdom in the above association among Chinese college students.

Methods:

We conducted a nationwide survey covering 9 colleges across China and recruited a total of 5873 students using online questionnaires between September 14 and October 18, 2021. Convenience sampling was adopted. We employed the San Diego Wisdom Scale (SD-WISE), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), and the 15-item Positive Subscale of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-15) to measure the wisdom, CT and PLEs, respectively. Descriptive, correlation, and mediation analysis were utilized.

Results:

The positive correlation between CT and PLEs was well-replicated among college students (Pearson’s r = 0.30, p < 0.001). Wisdom was negatively associated with CT (Pearson’s r = − 0.46, p < 0.001) and frequency of PLEs (Pearson’s r = − 0.25, p < 0.001). Total wisdom scores partially mediated the relationship between cumulative childhood trauma, neglect, abuse and PLEs, separately. The mediated model respectively explained 21.9%, 42.54% and 18.27% of the effect of CT on PLEs. Our model further suggested that childhood trauma could be related to PLEs through decreasing the following wisdom components: decisiveness, emotional regulation and prosocial behavior.

Conclusion:

For the first time, our results suggested that impaired wisdom played a role in the translation from childhood adversity to subclinical psychotic symptoms, implicating wisdom as a possible target for early intervention for psychosis among young individuals. Longitudinal work is warranted to verify the clinical implications.
Physical activity and gestational weight gain: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Hamann Virginie , Deruelle Philippe , Enaux Christophe , Deguen Séverine , Kihal-Talantikite Wahida
Published: October 2022

Background

Now that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is recognized as leading to complications during pregnancy that affect foetal growth, limiting weight gain during pregnancy has become a public health concern. Our aim was to perform a systematic review to assess whether observational studies reported associations between Physical Activity (PA) and Gestational Weight Gain (GWG). We were particularly interested in whether insufficient PA might be associated with high GWG.

Methods

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched the MEDLINE ® databases for articles published up to February 2020 concerning case-control, cohort, and ecological studies assessing the association between PA during pregnancy and the risk of excessive and/or inadequate GWG.

Results

21 observational studies on the PA of pregnant women were screened. 11 of these focused on excessive GWG, and of these a majority tend to show a significant association between various aspects of PA and excessive GWG. However, the results were more mitigated when it came to rate of GWG: three studies found that neither meeting PA recommendations nor high levels of total PA nor time spent in moderate vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or engaged in sedentary behaviour were associated with weekly GWG, while two others suggested that pregnant women not meeting PA guidelines in late pregnancy did have a higher rate of GWG. Of the seven studies investigating total GWG, only one found no association with PA. All studies suggested an inverse association between PA and total GWG – yet not all studies are statistically significant.

Conclusion

Despite the small number of observational studies selected for our research, our findings support the main international findings, suggesting that active pregnant women gained less weight than inactive women; a lack of PA may therefore contribute to excessive GWG. The limitations of this body of evidence impede the formulation of firm conclusions. Further studies focusing clearly on the general PA assessment classification scheme are called for, to address limitations capable of affecting the strength of association.
Contribution of community health workers to the treatment of common illnesses among under 5-year-olds in rural Uganda
Authors: Bagenda Fred , Wesuta Andrew Christopher , Stone Geren , Ntaro Moses , Patel Palka , Kenney Jessica , Baguma Stephen , Ayebare David Santson , Bwambale Shem , Matte Michael , Kawungezi Peter Chris , Mulogo Edgar Mugema
Published: October 2022

Background

The control of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea is important for the reduction in morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years. Uganda has adopted the Integrated Community Case Management strategy using Community Health Workers (CHWs) to address this challenge. The extent and trend of these three conditions managed by the CHWs are not well documented. This study was done to describe the epidemiology and trends of the three common illnesses treated by the CHWs in Bugoye Sub-County in rural Uganda.

Methods

A retrospective review of monthly morbidity data for children less than 5 years of age for the period April 2014–December 2018 for CHWs in rural Bugoye Sub-County in Kasese district, Uganda was done. The total number reviewed was 18,430 records. The data were analysed using STATA version 14.

Results

In total male were 50.2% of the sample, pneumonia was the highest cause of illness among the infants (< 1 year), while malaria was the highest among the children 1 year–59 months. Infection with a single illness was the commonest recorded cause of presentation but there were some children recorded with multiple illnesses. All the CHWs were managing the three common illnesses among children under 5 years. The trend of the three common illnesses was changing from malaria to pneumonia being the commonest. Children aged 12–24 months and 25–59 months were at 2.1 times (95% CI 1.7–2.4) and 5.2 times (95% CI 4.6–5.9), respectively, more likely to get malaria but less likely to get pneumonia and diarrhoea.

Conclusion

Community Health Workers in rural Uganda are contributing significantly to the management of all the three commonest illnesses among under-5 years-old children. The trend of the commonest illness is changing from malaria to pneumonia. Children under 1 year are at a higher risk of getting pneumonia and diarrhoea and at a lower risk of getting malaria.
Malaria surveillance and case management in remote and indigenous communities of Panama: results from a community-based health worker pilot
Authors: Bhavnani Darlene , García Espinosa Bernardo , Baird Madeline , Presley Nicholas , Le Menach Arnaud , Bradley Christina , Outten Marcela , González Oscar
Published: October 2022

Background

Panama is one of eight countries in Mesoamerica that aims to eliminate malaria by 2022. Malaria is concentrated in indigenous and remote regions like Guna Yala, a politically autonomous region where access to health services is limited and cases are predominately detected through intermittent active surveillance. To improve routine access to care, a joint effort was made by Guna Yala authorities and the Ministry of Health to pilot a network of community health workers (CHWs) equipped with rapid diagnostic tests and treatment. The impact of this pilot is described.

Methods

Access to care was measured using the proportion of villages targeted by the effort with active CHWs. Epidemiological impact was evaluated through standard surveillance and case management measures. Tests for differences in proportions or rates were used to compare measures prior to (October 2014-September 2016) and during the pilot (October 2016-September 2018).

Results

An active CHW was placed in 39 (95%) of 41 target communities. During the pilot, CHWs detected 61% of all reported cases from the region. Test positivity in the population tested by CHWs (22%) was higher than in those tested through active surveillance, both before (3.8%) and during the pilot (2.9%). From the pre-pilot to the pilot period, annual blood examination rates decreased (9.8 per 100 vs. 8.0 per 100), test positivity increased (4.2% to 8.5%, Χ2 = 126.3, p < 0.001) and reported incidence increased (4.1 cases per 1000 to 6.9 cases per 1000 [Incidence Rate Ratio = 1.83, 95% CI 1.52, 2.21]). The percent of cases tested on the day of symptom onset increased from 8 to 27% and those treated on the day of their test increased from 26 to 84%.

Conclusions

The CHW network allowed for replacement of routine active surveillance with strong passive case detection leading to more targeted and timely testing and treatment. The higher test positivity among those tested by CHWs compared to active surveillance suggests that they detected cases in a high-risk population that had not previously benefited from access to diagnosis and treatment. Surveillance data acquired through this CHW network can be used to better target active case detection to populations at highest risk.
Longitudinal assessment of preparation for care transition among adolescents and young adults with rheumatologic disease: a single-center pilot study
Authors: Roberts Jordan E. , Halyabar Olha , Petty Carter R. , Alfieri Maria , Esty Brittany , Dallas Johnathan , Hazen Melissa , Stein Sandra , Son Mary Beth F.
Published: October 2022

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with rheumatologic diseases are at high risk for poor outcomes and gaps in care when transitioning from pediatric to adult care. However, tools for evaluating transition readiness and assessing the impact of transition interventions are limited. We implemented a written transition policy at our pediatric rheumatology center and evaluated preparation for transition among AYA 16 and older before and after distribution. 31 of 77 patients completed the follow-up survey (response rate 40%). Patient report of transition counseling increased following written transition policy implementation, though these results were not statistically significant in our small cohort. Most follow-up respondents (n = 19, 61%) had not yet completed care transfer; 4 (13%) had arranged a visit with an adult rheumatologist and 8 (26%) had fully transitioned to adult care. Those who successfully completed care transfer were older, had completed higher levels of education, and had significantly higher baseline transition preparation scores compared to those with no transfer arranged or planned visit only. Our single-center pilot study demonstrated that longitudinal assessment of transition preparation is feasible and that scores are significantly associated with care transfer outcomes. Tracking transition preparation over time may provide practices with information on areas of highest need for transition guidance and predict successful transfer among AYA with rheumatologic disease.
‘Choice should be made through… educated decisions not regressive dictates’: discursive framings of a proposed ‘sugar tax’ in Bermuda: analysis of submissions to a government consultation
Authors: Williams Sarah , Hill Sarah E. , Oyebode Oyinlola
Published: October 2022

Background

Several governments have introduced taxes on products with high sugar content as part of their obesity prevention strategies. Bermuda is the first jurisdiction to apply such measures in the Caribbean – a region of small island developing states and territories with high obesity prevalence and substantial reliance on imported food products. This study examines how commercial and health actors framed the proposed introduction of a 75% import tariff on high-sugar products, based on written submissions to the Bermudan government.

Methods

Eleven submissions containing written comments were analysed with reference to their framing of the proposed import tariff, the ‘problem’ of obesity, and the relationship between the two (including alternative policy approaches for tackling obesity).

Results

Key emergent frames werecomplexity,partnership,products,personal responsibility,affordabilityandevidence. Respondents favoured different framings, depending on whether they supported or opposed the proposed import duty. Commercial actors were universally opposed, presenting obesity as a ‘complex’ problem that would be better addressed through government-industry partnerships (a framing particularly favoured by international and regional business associations). Increased product range and an emphasis on personal responsibility were also positioned as policy alternatives. Health actors expressed partial support for the proposed sugar tax, although this was tempered by a perceived lack of evidence where the proposal differed from sugar taxes introduced elsewhere. Like commercial respondents, health actors framed obesity as a ‘complex’ problem and emphasised the need for other measures, including efforts to address the affordability of fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion

In responding to a proposed ‘sugar tax’ in Bermuda, commercial actors opposed the proposal and stated a clear preference for ‘partnership’ approaches to tackling obesity. Commercial responses were dominated by local businesses (with only two responses received from international or regional business associations), perhaps reflecting Bermuda’s reliance on tourism and hospitality and the specificity of the proposed intervention (that is, an import tariff rather than an excise tax). The much smaller number of responses from health actors suggests limited civil society capacity. Nevertheless, the Bermudan government successfully introduced a 75% tariff on high-sugar imports, demonstrating the potential for policy innovation to address obesity in small-island jurisdictions.
Dosimetric evaluation of VMAT and helical tomotherapy techniques comparing conventional volumes with clinical target volumes based on new ESTRO ACROP post-mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction contouring guidelines
Authors: Göksel Evren Ozan , Tezcanli Evrim , Arifoğlu Alptekin , Küçücük Halil , Şenkesen Öznur , Abacıoğlu Ufuk , Aslay Işık , Şengöz Meriç
Published: October 2022

Background

The ESTRO-ACROP Consensus Guideline (EACG) recommends implant excluded clinical target volume (CTVp) definitions for post-mastectomy radiation therapy after implant-based immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Helical Tomotherapy (HTp) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMATp) treatment techniques in terms of CTVp coverage and reduced organ at risk (OAR), normal tissue and implant doses when CTVp was used for treatment planning as the target structure instead of conventional CTV.

Methods

Eight left-sided and eight right-sided breast cancer patients who underwent IBR after mastectomy were included in this study. Planning CT data sets were acquired during free breathing and patients were treated with HT technique targeted to conventional CTV. Retrospectively, CTVp was delineated based on EACG by the same radiation oncologist, and treatment plans with HTp and VMATp techniques were generated based on CTVp. For each patient, relevant dosimetric parameters were obtained from three different treatment plans.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference on target coverage in terms of, PTVp-D95, PTVp-Vpres, homogeneity index (p > 0.05) between HTp and VMATp plans. But, the conformity numbers were significantly higher (HTp vs VMATp, 0.69 ± 0.15 vs 0.79 ± 0.12) for VMATp (Z = − 2.17, p = 0.030). While HTp significantly lowered Dmax and Dmean for LAD (LAD-Dmax: χ2 = 12.25, p = 0.002 and LAD-Dmean: χ2 = 12.30, p = 0.002), neither HTp nor VMATp could reduce maximum and mean dose to heart (p > 0.05). Furthermore, heart volume receiving 5 Gy was significantly higher for VMATp when compared to HTp (21.2 ± 9.8 vs 42.7 ± 24.8, p: 0.004). Both techniques succeeded in reducing the mean dose to implant (HTp vs HT, p < 0.001; VMATp vs HT, p < 0.001; VMATp vs HTp, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Both HTp and VMATp techniques succeeded to obtain conformal and homogeneous dose distributions within CTVp while reducing the mean implant dose. HTp was found to be superior to VMATp with regards to lowering all OAR doses except for CB.
Reducing global health inequalities for a rare disorder: evaluating the international Prader–Willi Syndrome Organisation’s Echo® programme
Authors: Rujeedawa Tanzil , McNairney Nora , Cordner Shelly , O’Brien James , Loughnan Georgina , Holland Anthony
Published: October 2022

Background

People with rare disorders face significant global health inequalities; the challenge is how to raise awareness and develop a nucleus of experts in a country who are then able to provide guidance to others in that country. The International Prader–Willi Syndrome Organisation (IPWSO) established Project ECHO® with the aim of facilitating the sharing of knowledge and the building of international partnerships to reduce global health inequalities for a particular rare genetically-determined neurodevelopmental disorder, Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS). Four different ECHO programmes were established for the following groups: (a) Individuals (usually parents) who had taken on a leadership role in their country; (b) health professionals interested in PWS; (c) professional care providers supporting children and adults with PWS; and (d) a Latin American ECHO in Spanish. The programme started in 2020 and an evaluation was undertaken after one year to determine: the extent to which IPWSO had been able to recruit and retain individuals globally; the nature and extent of any benefits gained from the sessions; and examples of how individual involvement in the programme had led to local benefits. The methods included analysing routinely kept process indicators and survey data from the attendees of one component of the programme (the Leadership ECHO), together with a qualitative analysis of survey data and recorded interviews of attendees from countries of differing socio-economic status.

Results

We describe the IPWSO ECHO programme and report on the outcomes from the evaluation of one aspect of the programme, the Leadership ECHO. Attendance of the Leadership ECHO sessions was satisfactory, with a mean of 24.7 participants, with participants attending a mean of 5.67 sessions, i.e., 30% of sessions. There was also good global reach, with individuals attending from 34 countries, although there were notable geographic regions with very limited representation. Feedback and interviews demonstrated the positive impact of the programme with some early evidence of positive developments at national level.

Conclusions

Families and professionals from countries with a range of expertise and services offered to people with PWS remained engaged throughout the ECHO programme, established networks of support and fostered the development of good practice.
Factors affecting reproductive performance in the Swedish Bernese mountain dog
Authors: Axnér Eva , Rasmus Linda Sofia , Melangen Toril
Published: October 2022

Background

Good reproductive performance is fundamental for the development of a breed. Previous studies have indicated that the Bernese mountain dog has a relatively high prevalence of reproductive problems such as a high prevalence of dystocia and a low mean litter size. When reproduction is impaired, selection for other traits, including improved health, will become more difficult. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate reproductive data and factors affecting these in the Bernese mountain dog. Data collected by the Swedish Sennenhund Club during the years 2010–2020 were evaluated by statistical analyses.

Results

Information from 1287 reported matings were included with a total of 614 bitches and 399 sires. For five reported matings that did not result in a litter, there was no information about the male identity. The reported matings resulted in 798 litters (62% whelping rate) from 502 bitches and 314 males. Paternal and maternal age had a significant effect on whelping rate with a negative effect of increasing age (P < 0.01). Median litter size at birth (LSB) was 6.00 (range 0–14) and was significantly affected by both paternal (P = 0.021) and maternal age (P < 0.001). Parity affected litter size at birth with a lower litter size in 4 year old bitches giving birth to their first litter compared to bitches giving birth to their second to fourth litters. Stillbirth occurred in 51.6% of the litters with a total of 15.4% puppies being stillborn. Total puppy mortality, including stillbirth, was 19.1%. The only factor affecting stillbirth was LSB while both LSB and season affected the risk of having post-natal puppy loss in the litter. The total prevalence of caesarean sections (CS) was 33.0%. The risk of CS decreased significantly with increasing parity and increased with increasing age. The risk of CS was significantly higher for litters with 1–2 puppies compared with litters with 3–9 puppies. The coefficient of inbreeding (F) calculated on 5 generations had no effect on any of the outcomes.

Conclusions

Parity and maternal age had opposite effects on reproductive outcomes with a positive effect of parity on increasing litter size and decreasing CS rate. The proportion of unsuccessful matings was high with a negative effect of increasing age of both males and females.
Dpr10 and Nocte are required for Drosophila motor axon pathfinding
Authors: Lobb-Rabe Meike , DeLong Katherine , Salazar Rio J. , Zhang Ruiling , Wang Yupu , Carrillo Robert A.
Published: October 2022

The paths axons travel to reach their targets and the subsequent synaptic connections they form are highly stereotyped. How cell surface proteins (CSPs) mediate these processes is not completely understood. The Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an ideal system to study how pathfinding and target specificity are accomplished, as the axon trajectories and innervation patterns are known and easily visualized. Dpr10 is a CSP required for synaptic partner choice in the neuromuscular and visual circuits and for axon pathfinding in olfactory neuron organization. In this study, we show that Dpr10 is also required for motor axon pathfinding. To uncover how Dpr10 mediates this process, we used immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify Dpr10 associated proteins. One of these, Nocte, is an unstructured, intracellular protein implicated in circadian rhythm entrainment. We mapped nocte expression in larvae and found it widely expressed in neurons, muscles, and glia. Cell-specific knockdown suggests nocte is required presynaptically to mediate motor axon pathfinding. Additionally, we found that nocte and dpr10 genetically interact to control NMJ assembly, suggesting that they function in the same molecular pathway. Overall, these data reveal novel roles for Dpr10 and its newly identified interactor, Nocte, in motor axon pathfinding and provide insight into how CSPs regulate circuit assembly.
General control nonderepressible 1 interacts with cationic amino acid transporter 1 and affects Aedes aegypti fecundity
Authors: Pinch Matthew , Muka Theodore , Kandel Yashoda , Lamsal Mahesh , Martinez Nathan , Teixeira Marialuisa , Boudko Dmitri Y. , Hansen Immo A.
Published: October 2022

Background

The amino acid transporter protein cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1) is part of the nutrient sensor in the fat body of mosquitoes. A member of the SLC7 family of cationic amino acid transporters, it is paramount for the detection of elevated amino acid levels in the mosquito hemolymph after a blood meal and the subsequent changes in gene expression in the fat body.

Methods

We performed a re-annotation of Aedes aegypti cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) and selected the C-terminal tail of CAT1 to perform a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify putative interactors of this protein. One interesting interacting protein we identified was general control nonderepressible 1 (GCN1). We determined the expression pattern of GCN1 in several adult organs and structures using qRT-PCR and western blots. Finally, we knocked down GCN1 using double-stranded RNA and identified changes in downstream signaling intermediates and the effects of knockdown on vitellogenesis and fecundity.

Results

In a screen for Ae. aegypti CAT1-interacting proteins we identified GCN1 as a putative interactor. GCN1 is highly expressed in the ovaries and fat body of the mosquito. We provide evidence that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit alpha (eIF2α) phosphorylation changed during vitellogenesis and that RNA interference knockdown of GCN1 in whole mosquitoes reduced egg clutch sizes of treated mosquitoes relative to controls.

Conclusions

Aedes aegypti CAT1 and GCN1 are likely interacting partners and GCN1 is likely necessary for proper egg development. Our data suggest that GCN1 is part of a nutrient sensor mechanism in various mosquito tissues involved in vitellogenesis.

Graphical Abstract
Spontaneous rupture of a large splenic artery aneurysm in a 59-year-old male patient with pemphigus vulgaris: a case report
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Ahmad , Shahriarirad Reza , Asgharzadeh Majdazar Vahid , Moeini Farsani Mohammad , Tadayon Seyed Mohammad Kazem
Published: October 2022

Background

There is currently no information on the anatomical risk factors for splenic artery aneurysm rupture, specifically the location or size of the lesion; therefore, reporting this entity to obtain data and ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality is essential. Here we report a case of a male patient with spontaneous rupture of a large splenic artery aneurysm presenting with abdominal pain.

Case presentation

A 59-year middle-eastern male, with known pemphigus vulgaris presented with a chief complaint of headache and syncope, followed by abdominal pain along with severe metabolic acidosis. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvic showed a splenic artery aneurysm of 33 × 30 mm with a 150 × 90 mm hematoma formation around the aneurysm site. The patient underwent an operation and splenectomy, with confirmation of the diagnosis of ruptured splenic artery aneurysm.

Conclusion

It is essential to consider splenic aneurysm rupture as a second-line differential diagnosis, especially among patients with comorbid diseases, as this can lead to timely and appropriate lifesaving intervention.
Oscillatory and spectral properties of fourth-order differential operator and weighted differential inequality with boundary conditions
Authors: Baiarystanov Askar , Kalybay Aigerim , Oinarov Ryskul
Published: October 2022

In the paper, we study the oscillatory and spectral properties of a fourth-order differential operator. These properties are established based on the validity of some weighted second-order differential inequality, where the inequality’s weights are the coefficients of the operator. The inequality, in turn, is established for functions satisfying certain boundary conditions that depend on the boundary behavior of its weights at infinity and at zero.