bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encouraging student ethical behavior through ethical climate in higher education
Authors: Susilowati Nurdian , Kusmuriyanto Kusmuriyanto , Abiprayu Kris Brantas
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the direct and indirect effects of learning styles, ethics education, and ethical climate on student’s ethical behavior. The samples were obtained through a proportionate random sampling technique so that 273 students had taken the courses of conservation education, professional ethics for teachers, and business ethics. The data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using path analysis. The research findings showed that learning styles and ethical education could directly influence ethical behavior. At the same time, the ethical climate did not have a direct influence on ethical behavior. The ethical climate could not mediate the effect of learning styles and ethics education on ethical behavior. It means that learning styles and ethical education contribute significantly to the formation of good behavior and student’s characters. It is supporting a learning styles approach suggests that it offers benefit to students.
Assessing socio-cultural factors affecting integration of Almajiris into formal education system in Katsina state, Nigeria
Authors: Thomas Olutola Adekunle , Olatoye Rafiu Ademola , Adamu Garba Kofanaisa
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the socio-cultural factors affecting integration into the formal education system in Katsina State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. There were 653 Almajiris purposively selected from twelve Almajiris schools in Katsina State. A researcher-designed questionnaire titled: ‘‘Almajiris socio-cultural factors questionnaire’’ (ASCFQ) with test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.88 was used to collect data for the study. Analysis of data was carried out using frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that most parents abandon their children in these informal Arabic schools. Most Almajiris (603, that is 92.3%) responded that their Mallams (Teachers) do not feed them. Therefore, the only means of survival is through begging and doing menial jobs. Based on these findings, it is recommended that all the identified socio-economic factors affecting the integration of Almajiris into the formal education system should be addressed by the government. This can be done through public enlightenment campaigns and provision of incentives.
First attempt at rehabilitation of Asiatic Black Bear cubs to the wild in Thailand
Authors: Steinmetz Robert , Phumanee Worrapan , Phoonjampa Rungnapa , Weingdow Suthon
Published: May 2021

Returning orphan bear cubs to the wild can benefit bear welfare and conservation but is hindered in Asia by the scarcity of documented experience.  We experimented with rehabilitation of two Asiatic Black Bear cubs in Thailand using the assisted method of soft-release.  We raised the 5-month old cubs for 11 months with minimal human contact in a remote enclosure in high quality habitat, letting cubs out periodically to walk with caretakers in the forest.  The caretakers acted as surrogate mothers, allowing cubs to safely acquire foraging skills and familiarity with the forest.  Supplementary feeding resulted in the cubs’ rapid weight gain (average 157g/day), faster than would occur in the wild.  Faster growth allowed the cubs to be released sooner, reducing the likelihood of long-term habituation.  After three months of rehabilitation, the bear cubs started showing signs of being wary of the caretakers (e.g., cautious when we approached their enclosure) and their focus during walks switched from play to foraging.  After seven months they began to spend nights away from their enclosure, thus declining the supplemental food.  This sequence and timing of increasing separation and independence from people matched other assisted soft releases in the region.  The cubs went missing in month 12, shortly before planned collaring and release. They were seen together 2.5 months later on a fruiting tree and ran away when approached.  Assisted soft releases might be a promising option for bear rehabilitation in Asia but more data are needed to evaluate their effectiveness relative to other methods.  This method affords direct observations of bears in the wild that can augment our knowledge of bear behavior and ecology.
Old Routes, New Dreams: Reminiscences of the Southern Silk Road and Bengal-China Connectivities
Authors: Bhattacharya Jayati
Published: May 2021

An increasing optimism at the prospect of “shared prosperity” has revived attention on ancient historical routes such as the Southern Silk Road compelling us to rethink notions of the “centre” and the “periphery” in comprehending binaries of nation-states and agencies of globalization. This article focuses on revisiting circulatory movements and networks from the past across land and sea between Bengal delta and China in strengthening the networks and a new alignment of communities and economic possibilities. It explores some of the lesser-studied historical routes in the region and different dimensions of “place making” in the popular imagination and new synergies to redefine the Bengal-China connections.
In Pursuit of a Replication Culture in Mathematics Education
Authors: Star Jon R.
Published: May 2021

As we celebrate the launch of a new mathematics education journal focused (at least in part) on replication studies, I add to a conversation initiated by others (e.g., Aguilar, 2020) around what it would mean for our field to be more amendable to replication. This paper begins by examining several replication studies in mathematics education as a way to reflect upon types of replication studies and the importance of replication in our field. I then problematize the idea of a conceptual replication, and I explore the boundary between a replication and a follow-up study. Finally, I consider what it might take for the field of mathematics education to become a more replication-friendly culture by introducing a distinction between idea-initiated research and results-initiated research.
Distribution of epi-endogeic and endogeic earthworm species (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) in the forest belt of the Northwest Caucasus
Authors: GERASKINA ANNA , SHEVCHENKO NIKOLAY
Published: May 2021

The distribution of the often dominant in density and biomass epi-endogeic and endogeic earthworm species in forests of the Northwest Caucasus was estimated based on a large array of field data and GIS modeling of modern potential areas. Quantitative accountings of earthworms were conducted annually from 2014 to 2019 in different types of forests: sticky alder forest, small-leaved forests, broadleaf forests (hornbeam and beech forests), coniferous-deciduous forests, dark coniferous forests, and pine forests (792 geographic locations). It is shown that the native species of the Caucasian fauna dominate in the number and biomass from piedmont to high mountain forests. The most widespread species that is found in all types of forests from low to high mountains and makes the main contribution to the biomass of earthworms is the Crimean-Caucasian subendemic Dendrobaena schmidti. Peregrine species of epi-endogeic and endogeic earthworms inhabit sticky alder forest, small-leaved, broadleaf and pine forests in which they inhabit together with native species, while not dominating either in numbers or in biomass among other species. Dark coniferous forests are inhabited mainly by the native endogeic species D. schmidti and A. jassyensis. Maxent modeling shows that the species of the endogeic earthworm group have wider potential areas than epi-endogeic species. The most significant bioclimatic factors that make the greatest contribution to the distribution: amount of precipitation in the driest month, altitude above the sea level, isothermality.
Multi-Stakeholder Frameworks for Rectification of Non-Compliance in Cleaning Supply Chains: The Case of the Cleaning Accountability Framework
Authors: Rawling Michael , Kaine Sarah , Josserand Emmanuel , Boersma Martijn
Published: May 2021

There is now an expanding body of literature on the significant problem of business non-compliance with minimum labour standards including ‘wage theft’. Extended liability regulation beyond the direct employer is seen as one solution to this non-compliance in fragmented but hierarchically organised industries—such as the cleaning industry. This article uses empirical evidence to assess the effectiveness of one such regulatory scheme, the Cleaning Accountability Framework (CAF), in addressing non-compliance with minimum labour standards (including provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the Cleaning Services Award 2020). We find that CAF has been successful in identifying and rectifying certain non-compliance, improving working conditions for some cleaners involved in the scheme. We synthesise the key success factors of CAF in view of envisioning the adoption of such co-regulation frameworks in other industries. We also propose legal reforms that will support change across the cleaning industry.
Construction of enzalutamide-resistant cell model of prostate cancer and preliminary screening of potential drug-resistant genes
Authors: Feng Tao , Wei Dechao , Zhao Jiahui , Li Qiankun , Guo Pengju , Yang Xiaobing , Li Mingchuan , Jiang Yongguang , Luo Yong
Published: May 2021

Among many factors of causing castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression, a growing number of evidences have shown androgen receptors play a critical role. Therefore, blocking androgen receptor remains a therapeutic goal of CRPC. However, resistance to androgen receptor inhibitors, for example, enzalutamide, limits therapeutic efficacy for many patients. In this study, to develop an enzalutamide-resistant cell model for molecular mechanism investigation of enzalutamide-resistance, we continuously treated C4-2B cells with multiplied concentrations of enzalutamide. The IC50 of resistant cells was identified as 14.7705 µM, and the resistance index was calculated as 12.4. In addition, we verified the resistance of resistant cells through experiments in vivo and found the genes in androgen receptor signaling pathway (androgen receptor, Jagged1, Notch1) and those in androgen receptor alternative signaling pathways behaved the opposite. For some of the former, their mRNA and protein expression reduced markedly while for the latter, for example, CXCR7, AKT, STAT3, FOXP3, they rose dramatically in the expression level of protein and mRNA. More importantly, the tumor volume, tumor wet weight, PSA and VEGF secretion level, positive staining rate of Ki67 nuclei in resistant strain heterogeneous tumor treated with enzalutamide were significantly higher than those of maternal cell heterogeneous tumor treated with enzalutamide, whereas no obvious difference was detected between resistant strain heterogeneous tumor treated with enzalutamide and those of the resistant strain treated with reference drug. Finally, we identified 654 differentially expression genes and 2 compounds (atracurium besilate, methotrexates) associated with the amelioration of enzalutamide-resistance. Overall, we successfully established an enzalutamide-resistance cell model and screened out some resistance genes and candidate small molecule drugs.
Validation of perceived physical fatigability using the simplified-Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale
Authors: Hu Yixin , Zhang Hangming , Xu Weihao , Zhao Ming , Liu Juan , Wu Linna , Zou Lin , Zuo Jing , Liu Yunxia , Fan Li , Bair Woei-Nan , Qiao Yujia (Susanna) , Glynn Nancy W.
Published: May 2021

Background

The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) was developed to capture fatigue and demand in a single tool, filling a gap that no validated questionnaire existed to measure perceived fatigability. Since fatigability is a more sensitive measure of a person’s susceptibility to fatigue, we validated the simplified-Chinese version of the PFS among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban community in Beijing between November 2018 and July 2019. The PFS was translated into simplified-Chinese by the translation, retro-translation method. Internal consistency of the Physical subscale of the PFS was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent validity and discriminant validity were evaluated against physical performance measures (i.e., Short Physical Performance Battery & Timed Up and Go Test) and daily living performance (i.e., Barthel Index & Instrumental activity of daily living).

Results

Our study included 457 participants, including 182 men (39.8%) and 275 women (60.2%). The age range of the included participants was 61–96 years (mean = 84.8 years, SD = 5.8 years). The simplified-Chinese version of PFS Physical scores showed strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81). Higher PFS Physical scores were associated with worse physical performance, and daily living performance (|correlation coefficient| range: 0.36–0.56, p < .001). Age- and sex-adjusted PFS Physical scores had moderate to good overall discrimination for correctly classifying people by their physical performance and daily living performance (AUCs range 0.70–0.87, p < .001).

Conclusions

The PFS simplified-Chinese version is a valid instrument to assess perceived physical fatigability in Chinese-speaking older adults with good convergent validity. Thus, the PFS, with low cost and greater feasibility, is a desired tool to measure fatigability in large population studies.
Association of serum antibodies against the Mycobacterium avium complex and hemoptysis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ogata Hiroaki , Moriwaki Atsushi , Nakagawa Taisuke , Sakoda Soichiro , Ishimatsu Akiko , Taguchi Kazuhito , Aso Hiroshi , Nogami Hiroko , Kadowaki Masako , Tateshi Yuko , Yoshida Makoto
Published: May 2021

Background

Hemoptysis is very common and can be life threatening in clinical practice for nontuberculous mycobacteria. The serum antibody against the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC-Ab), the majority of nontuberculous mycobacteria species, is well known to reflect the activity of MAC lung disease; however, there is no study investigating the association between the MAC-Ab and hemoptysis in MAC patients. Therefore, we assessed whether the MAC-Ab is a good biomarker for hemoptysis among subjects with MAC lung disease.

Methods

This study was conducted as a five-year retrospective survey at the National Hospital Organization Fukuoka National Hospital. A total of 155 patients aged ≥20 years with MAC lung disease were enrolled and separated into seropositive and seronegative groups using the cutoff for MAC-Ab levels of 0.7 U/ml. The prevalence of hemoptysis and odds ratios for the presence of hemoptysis were estimated and compared between the groups. To investigate the linear trends in the relationship between MAC-Ab levels and hemoptysis, the subjects were classified into three groups using the tertile distribution of the MAC-Ab.

Results

The prevalence of hemoptysis was twice as high in the seropositive group than in the seronegative group (42.2 and 21.7%, respectively, P = 0.02). The multivariable-adjusted risk of hemoptysis was elevated in the seropositive group as compared with the seronegative group (odds ratio = 2.79 (95% confidence interval 1.15–7.44)). Likewise, when categorizing the subjects into three groups, the risk of hemoptysis increased with increasing MAC-Ab levels (P = 0.03 for trend).

Conclusions

A positive MAC-Ab level was a significant risk factor for hemoptysis among patients with MAC lung disease. There were also positive trends in the association between the MAC-Ab titer and the likelihood of hemoptysis. Measuring the MAC-Ab may contribute not only to early detection of the risk of hemoptysis but also to early intervention with anti-NTM therapy and, as a result, to the prevention of hemoptysis in MAC patients.
The differential demographic pattern of coronavirus disease 2019 fatality outside Hubei and from six hospitals in Hubei, China: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Lu Qing-Bin , Zhang Hai-Yang , Che Tian-Le , Zhao Han , Chen Xi , Li Rui , Jiang Wan-Li , Zeng Hao-Long , Zhang Xiao-Ai , Long Hui , Wang Qiang , Wu Ming-Qing , Ward Michael P. , Chen Yue , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Yang Yang , Fang Li-Qun , Liu Wei
Published: May 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has been largely controlled in China, to the point where case fatality rate (CFR) data can be comprehensively evaluated.

Methods

Data on confirmed patients, with a final outcome reported as of 29 March 2020, were obtained from official websites and other internet sources. The hospitalized CFR (HCFR) was estimated, epidemiological features described, and risk factors for a fatal outcome identified.

Results

The overall HCFR in China was estimated to be 4.6% (95% CI 4.5–4.8%, P < 0.001). It increased with age and was higher in males than females. Although the highest HCFR observed was in male patients ≥70 years old, the relative risks for death outcome by sex varied across age groups, and the greatest HCFR risk ratio for males vs. females was shown in the age group of 50–60 years, higher than age groups of 60–70 and ≥ 70 years. Differential age/sex HCFR patterns across geographical regions were found: the age effect on HCFR was greater in other provinces outside Hubei than in Wuhan. An effect of longer interval from symptom onset to admission was only observed outside Hubei, not in Wuhan. By performing multivariate analysis and survival analysis, the higher HCFR was associated with older age (both P < 0.001), and male sex (both P < 0.001). Only in regions outside Hubei, longer interval from symptom onset to admission, were associated with higher HCFR.

Conclusions

This up-to-date and comprehensive picture of COVID-19 HCFR and its drivers will help healthcare givers target limited medical resources to patients with high risk of fatality.
Effectiveness of sepsis bundle application and outcomes predictors to cirrhotic patients with septic shock
Authors: Yang Yong-Ye , Hsu Yin-Chou
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Cirrhotic patients with septic shock have a poorer prognosis compared with the general population. Our study aimed to investigate the survival benefit of the implementation of hour-1 bundle proposed by Surviving Sepsis Campaign, and to analyze the predictors associated with short-term mortality of these patients.

Methods

A single-center, retrospective case-control study was conducted among adult patients who visited the emergency department between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019. All patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and septic shock were enrolled. Their baseline characteristics, laboratory results, source of sepsis, and sepsis bundle management were recorded. We further divided the patients into survivor and non-survivor groups to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results

A total of 88 patients were eligible for this study. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 53.4% (47/88). The proportion of hour-1 bundle achievement was 30.7% (27/88). There were no significant mortality differences between the hour-1 bundle achievement and non-achievement groups (44.4% vs. 57.4%, p = 0.35). Compared with the patients in the survivor group, patients in the non-survivor group had significantly more advanced stage of cirrhosis and a lower proportion of receiving source control (4.3% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.02). The chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA) score (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] =1.52, p < 0.01), serum lactate (AHR =1.03, p < 0.01), and source control (AHR =0.54, p = 0.02) were identified as independent prognostic factors in the multivariate regression model. Furthermore, the CLIF-SOFA score (area under curve [AUC]: 0.81) and lactate levels (AUC: 0.77) revealed good mortality discrimination ability in cirrhotic patients with septic shock.

Conclusions

The application of the hour-1 bundle did not reveal a significant survival benefit to cirrhotic patients with septic shock. Clinicians could utilize CLIF-SOFA scores and lactate levels for mortality risk stratification and put more emphasis on the feasibility of source control to improve their prognosis.
Assessing migraine patients with multifocal pupillographic objective perimetry
Authors: Ali Eman N. , Carle Corinne F. , Lueck Christian J. , Kolic Maria , Maddess Ted
Published: May 2021

Background

To establish the effects of stimulating intrinsically-photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) on migraine severity, and to determine if migraine produces objectively-measured visual field defects.

Methods

A randomized, open labelled, crossover study tested migraineurs and normal controls using multifocal pupillographic objective perimetry (mfPOP) with 44 test-regions/eye. A slow blue protocol (BP) stimulated ipRGCs, and a fast yellow protocol (YP) stimulated luminance channels. Migraine diaries assessed migraine severity. Per-region responses were analyzed according to response amplitude and time-to-peak.

Results

Thirty-eight migraineurs (42.0 ± 16.5 years, 23 females) and 24 normal controls (39.2 ± 15.2 years, 14 females) were tested. The proportion of subjects developing a migraine did not differ after either protocol, either during the 1st day (odds ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval 0.2–4.4, p = 0.48) or during the first 3 days after testing (odds ratio 0.8; 95% confidence interval 0.3–2.1, p = 0.68). Migraine days/week did not increase following testing with either protocol in comparison to the baseline week (1.4 ± 1.6 pre-testing (mean ± SD), 1.3 ± 1.4 post-BP, and 1.3 ± 1.2 post-YP; p = 0.96), neither did other measures of severity. Migraine occurring up to 2 weeks before testing significantly lowered amplitudes, − 0.64 ± 0.14 dB (mean ± SE), while triptan use increased amplitudes by 0.45 ± 0.10 dB, both at p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Stimulating ipRGCs did not affect migraine occurrence or severity. Pupillary response characteristics were influenced by the occurrence of a recent migraine attack and a history of triptan use.
Comparison of 4- and 4 plus-courses S-1 administration as adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Bo , Shen Shuo , You Siting , Zhang Guoxiao , Gao Suizhi , Shi Xiaohan , Wang Huan , Yin Xiaoyi , Xu Xiongfei , Guo Shiwei , Jin Gang
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The study aimed to investigate the potential benefit of more than 4 courses of S1 adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after surgery.

Method

Data were retrospectively collected from consecutive patients who underwent S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy following curative pancreatectomy between January 2016 and December 2018.

Four-courses and > 4 courses cohorts were compared for overall survival (OS) as a primary outcome, and relapse-free survival (RFS) and adverse event incidence as secondary outcomes.

Results

Four-courses and > 4 courses cohorts comprised 99 patients and 64 ones, respectively. TNM stage (stage II vs. I: HR, 2.125; 95% CI, 1.164–4.213; P = 0.015), duration of S-1 administration (4 vs. > 4 courses: HR, 3.113; 95% CI, 1.531–6.327; P = 0.002) and tumor grade (G3 vs. G1/2: HR, 3.887; 95% CI, 1.922–7.861; P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors. Under the condition of patients’ survival time beyond 8 months, the OS of patients in > 4 courses cohort was significantly prolonged compared with that of 4 courses cohort (4 vs. > 4 courses: HR, 2.284; 95% CI, 1.197–4.358; P = 0.012), especially for patients in TNM stageII (4 vs. > 4 courses: HR, 2.906; 95% CI, 1.275–6.623; P = 0.011).RFS and adverse events incidence did not signifcantly difer between both cohorts.

Conclusion

Prolonged duration of S-1 intake is beneficial to prognosis of patients with PDAC resection.
Prediction model for the risk of osteoporosis incorporating factors of disease history and living habits in physical examination of population in Chongqing, Southwest China: based on artificial neural network
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Wang Liangxu , Sun Yanli , Wu Miao , Ma Yingjie , Yang Lingping , Meng Chun , Zhong Li , Hossain Mohammad Arman , Peng Bin
Published: May 2021

Background

Osteoporosis is a gradually recognized health problem with risks related to disease history and living habits. This study aims to establish the optimal prediction model by comparing the performance of four prediction models that incorporated disease history and living habits in predicting the risk of Osteoporosis in Chongqing adults.

Methods

We conduct a cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling in this study. We use a questionnaire From January 2019 to December 2019 to collect data on disease history and adults’ living habits who got dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We established the prediction models of osteoporosis in three steps. Firstly, we performed feature selection to identify risk factors related to osteoporosis. Secondly, the qualified participants were randomly divided into a training set and a test set in the ratio of 7:3. Then the prediction models of osteoporosis were established based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Deep Belief Network (DBN), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and combinatorial heuristic method (Genetic Algorithm - Decision Tree (GA-DT)). Finally, we compared the prediction models’ performance through accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to select the optimal prediction model.

Results

The univariate logistic model found that taking calcium tablet (odds ratio [OR] = 0.431), SBP (OR = 1.010), fracture (OR = 1.796), coronary heart disease (OR = 4.299), drinking alcohol (OR = 1.835), physical exercise (OR = 0.747) and other factors were related to the risk of osteoporosis. The AUCs of the training set and test set of the prediction models based on ANN, DBN, SVM and GA-DT were 0.901, 0.762; 0.622, 0.618; 0.698, 0.627; 0.744, 0.724, respectively. After evaluating four prediction models’ performance, we selected a three-layer back propagation neural network (BPNN) with 18, 4, and 1 neuron in the input layer, hidden and output layers respectively, as the optimal prediction model. When the probability was greater than 0.330, osteoporosis would occur.

Conclusions

Compared with DBN, SVM and GA-DT, the established ANN model had the best prediction ability and can be used to predict the risk of osteoporosis in physical examination of the Chongqing population. The model needs to be further improved through large sample research.
Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among sexually active men in Ghana
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Dadzie Louis Kobina , Tetteh Justice Kanor , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: May 2021

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV are major public health problems. This study, therefore, sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported STIsamong sexually active men in Ghana.

Methods

Data from the 2014 Ghana demographic and health survey wereused to conduct the study. This research included a total of 3051 sexually active men aged 15–59 years. Self-reported STI was the outcome variable. The data were analyzed using both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (binary logistic regression) analysis.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported STIs in the past 12 months preceding the survey was 6.0% (CI:4.7–6.8). Compared to men aged 45-59 years, those aged 25–34 (aOR = 2.96, CI: 1.64–5.35), 15–24 (aOR = 2.19, CI: 1.13–4.26), and 35–44 (aOR = 2.29, CI: 1.23–4.24) were more likely to report an STI. Men who had 2 or more sexual partners apart from their spouse were more likely to report an STI compared to those with no other partner apart from spouse (aOR = 4.24, CI: 2.52–7.14). However, those who had their first sex when they were 20 years and above (AOR = 0.66, CI: 0.47–0.93) and men who read newspaper/magazine had lower odds (aOR = 0.53, CI: 0.37–0.77) of reporting STIs compared to those who had sex below 20 and those who did not read newspaper/magazine respectively.

Conclusion

The study has revealed a relatively low prevalence of self-reported STI among sexually active men in Ghana. Sexually active men aged 25–34 years, those whose age at first sex is below 20 years and those with two or more sexual partners apart from their spouse had higher odds of reporting STIs. However, reading a newspaper was found to be positive in reducing the odds of reporting STIs. To reduce STIs among sexually active men in Ghana, it is important for health systems and stakeholders to consider these factors and put in place measures to mitigate those that put men at risk of STIs and encourage the adoption of the protective factors. Mass media can be used as a useful avenue for encouraging men to report STIs in order to avoid transmitting them to their partners.
Three-dimensional-printed custom-made hemipelvic endoprosthesis for the revision of the aseptic loosening and fracture of modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis: a pilot study
Authors: Wang Jie , Min Li , Lu Minxun , Zhang Yuqi , Lin Jingqi , Luo Yi , Zhou Yong , Tu Chongqi
Published: May 2021

Background

The aims of this pilot study were (1) to assess the efficacy of 3D-printed custom-made hemipelvic endoprosthesis in restoring the natural location of acetabulum for normal bodyweight transmission; (2) to evaluate the short-term function of the revision with this endoprosthesis and (3) to identify short-term complications associated with the use of this endoprosthesis.

Methods

Between February 2017 and December 2017, seven patients received revision with 3D-printed custom-made hemipelvic endoprosthesis. The body weight moment arm (BWMA) and cup height discrepancy (CHD) after primary and revisional surgery were analyzed to assess acetabulum location with plain radiography. After a median follow-up duration of 29 months (range 24–34), the function was evaluated with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS-93) score and Harris hip score (HHS). Complications were recorded by chart review.

Results

The acetabulum locations were deemed reasonable, as evaluated by median BWMA (primary vs. revision, 10 cm vs. 10 cm) and median CHD (primary vs. revision, 10 mm vs. 8 mm). The median MSTS-93 score and HHS score were 21 (range 18–23) and 78 (range 75–82) after the revision. No short or mid-term complication was observed in the follow-up of this series.

Conclusions

Revision with 3D-printed custom-made hemipelvic endoprostheses benefited in reconstructing stable pelvic ring and natural bodyweight transmission for patients encountering the aseptic loosening and fracture of modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis. The revision surgery and appropriate rehabilitation program improved patients’ function to a median MSTS score of 22 and pain-free ambulation. The incidence of the complications was low via this individualized workflow.
Investigating ADR mechanisms with Explainable AI: a feasibility study with knowledge graph mining
Authors: Bresso Emmanuel , Monnin Pierre , Bousquet Cédric , Calvier François-Elie , Ndiaye Ndeye-Coumba , Petitpain Nadine , Smaïl-Tabbone Malika , Coulet Adrien
Published: May 2021

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are statistically characterized within randomized clinical trials and postmarketing pharmacovigilance, but their molecular mechanism remains unknown in most cases. This is true even for hepatic or skin toxicities, which are classically monitored during drug design. Aside from clinical trials, many elements of knowledge about drug ingredients are available in open-access knowledge graphs, such as their properties, interactions, or involvements in pathways. In addition, drug classifications that label drugs as either causative or not for several ADRs, have been established.

Methods

We propose in this paper to mine knowledge graphs for identifying biomolecular features that may enable automatically reproducing expert classifications that distinguish drugs causative or not for a given type of ADR. In an Explainable AI perspective, we explore simple classification techniques such as Decision Trees and Classification Rules because they provide human-readable models, which explain the classification itself, but may also provide elements of explanation for molecular mechanisms behind ADRs. In summary, (1) we mine a knowledge graph for features; (2) we train classifiers at distinguishing, on the basis of extracted features, drugs associated or not with two commonly monitored ADRs: drug-induced liver injuries (DILI) and severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR); (3) we isolate features that are both efficient in reproducing expert classifications and interpretable by experts (i.e., Gene Ontology terms, drug targets, or pathway names); and (4) we manually evaluate in a mini-study how they may be explanatory.

Results

Extracted features reproduce with a good fidelity classifications of drugs causative or not for DILI and SCAR (Accuracy = 0.74 and 0.81, respectively). Experts fully agreed that 73% and 38% of the most discriminative features are possibly explanatory for DILI and SCAR, respectively; and partially agreed (2/3) for 90% and 77% of them.

Conclusion

Knowledge graphs provide sufficiently diverse features to enable simple and explainable models to distinguish between drugs that are causative or not for ADRs. In addition to explaining classifications, most discriminative features appear to be good candidates for investigating ADR mechanisms further.
Leadership assumptions on implementation of patient involvement methods
Authors: Jeppesen Kathrine Håland , Frederiksen Kirsten , Joergensen Marianne Johansson , Beedholm Kirsten
Published: May 2021

Background

From 2014 to 17, a large-scale project, ‘The User-involving Hospital’, was implemented at a Danish university hospital. Research highlights leadership as crucial for the outcome of change processes in general and for implementation processes in particular. According to the theory on organizational learning by Agyris and Schön, successful change requires organizational learning. Argyris and Schön consider that the assumptions of involved participants play an important role in organizational learning and processes. The purpose was to explore leaders’ assumptions concerning implementation of patient involvement methods in a hospital setting.

Methods

Qualitative explorative interview study with the six top leaders in the implementation project. The semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed in accordance with Kvale and Brinkmanns’ seven stages of interview research.

Result

The main leadership assumptions on what is needed in the implementation process are in line with the perceived elements in organizational learning according to the theory of Argyris and Schön. Hence, they argued that implementation of patient involvement requires a culture change among health care professionals. Two aspects on how to obtain success in the implementation process were identified based on leadership assumptions: “The health care professionals’ roles in the implementation process” and “The leaders’ own roles in the implementation process”.

Conclusion

The top leaders considered implementation of patient involvement a change process that necessitates a change in culture with health care professionals as crucial actors. Furthermore, the top leaders considered themselves important facilitators of this implementation process.
Tubule-specific protein nanocages potentiate targeted renal fibrosis therapy
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Chen Qian , Zhang Liyuan , Zheng Haiping , Lin Chunjie , Yang Qunfang , Liu Tao , Zhang Haigang , Chen Xiaohong , Ren Lei , Shan Wenjun
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite the dramatic advances in modern medicine, efficient therapeutic measures for renal fibrosis remain limited. Celastrol (CLT) is effective in treating renal fibrosis in rat models, while causing severe systemic toxicity. Thus, we designed a tubule-specific nanocage (K3-HBc NCs) that effectively deliver CLT to tubular epithelial cell in a virus-like manner. The targeting ligand (K3) to tubular epithelial cells was displayed on the surface of Hepatitis B core protein (HBc) NCs by genetic fusion to the major immunodominant loop region. Ultra-small CLT nanodots were subtly encapsulated into the cavity through electrostatic interaction with the disassembly and reassembly of K3-HBc NCs, to yield K3-HBc/CLT complex. The efficacy of K3-HBc/CLT NCs were demonstrated in Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis.

Results

The self-assembled K3-HBc/CLT could specifically target tubular epithelial cells via affinity with K3 ligand binding to the megalin receptor, significantly attenuating renal fibrosis. Remarkably, K3-HBc/CLT NCs significantly increased therapeutic efficacy and reduced the systemic toxicity in comparison with free CLT in UUO-induced mouse renal fibrosis model. Importantly, analysis of RNA sequencing data suggested that the anti-fibrotic effect of K3-HBc/CLT could be attributed to suppression of premature senescence in tubular epithelial cells via p21Cip1 and p16Ink4a pathway.

Conclusion

The tubule-specific K3-HBc/CLT represented a promising option to realize precise treatment for renal fibrosis.
The Amplatzer device and pedicle muscle flap transposition for the treatment of bronchopleural fistula with chronic empyema after lobectomy: two case reports
Authors: Wu Yongyong , He Zhongliang , Xu Weihua , Chen Guoxing , Liu Zhijun , Lu Ziying
Published: May 2021

Background

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) refers to an abnormal channel between the pleural space and the bronchial tree. It is a potentially fatal postoperative complication after pulmonary resection and a complex challenge for thoracic surgeons because many patients with BPF ultimately develop refractory empyema, which is difficult to manage and has a major impact on quality of life and survival. Therefore, an operative intervention combined with conservative and endoscopic therapies may be required to control infection completely, to occlude BPF, and to obliterate the empyema cavity during treatment periods.

Case presentation

Two patients who suffered from BPF complicated with chronic empyema after lobectomy were treated in other hospitals for a long time and did not recover. In our department, we performed staged surgery and creatively combined an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) device (AGA Medical Corp, Golden Valley, MN, USA) with pedicled muscle flap transposition. First, open-window thoracostomy (OWT), or effective drainage, was performed according to the degree of contamination in the empyema cavity after the local infection was controlled. Second, Amplatzer device implantation and pedicled muscle flap transposition was performed at the same time, which achieved the purpose of obliterating the infection, closing the fistula, and tamponading the residual cavity. The patients recovered without complications and were discharged with short hospitalization stays.

Conclusions

We believe that the union of the Amplatzer device and pedicle muscle flap transposition seems to be a safe and effective treatment for BPF with chronic empyema and can shorten the length of the related hospital stay.
The Interface of Nuclear and Membrane Steroid Signaling
Authors: Treviño Lindsey S , Gorelick Daniel A
Published: May 2021

Steroid hormones bind receptors in the cell nucleus and in the cell membrane. The most widely studied class of steroid hormone receptors are the nuclear receptors, named for their function as ligand-dependent transcription factors in the cell nucleus. Nuclear receptors, such as estrogen receptor alpha, can also be anchored to the plasma membrane, where they respond to steroids by activating signaling pathways independent of their function as transcription factors. Steroids can also bind integral membrane proteins, such as the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor. Membrane estrogen and progestin receptors have been cloned and characterized in vitro and influence the development and function of many organ systems. Membrane androgen receptors were cloned and characterized in vitro, but their function as androgen receptors in vivo is unresolved. We review the identity and function of membrane proteins that bind estrogens, progestins, and androgens. We discuss evidence that membrane glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors exist, and whether glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid nuclear receptors act at the cell membrane. In many cases, integral membrane steroid receptors act independently of nuclear steroid receptors, even though they may share a ligand.
Efficient generation of endogenous protein reporters for mouse development
Authors: O'Hagan Daniel , Kruger Robin E. , Gu Bin , Ralston Amy
Published: May 2021

Fluorescent proteins and epitope tags can reveal protein localization in cells and animals, yet the large size of many tags hinders efficient genome targeting. Accordingly, many studies have relied on characterizing overexpressed proteins, which might not recapitulate endogenous protein activities. Here, we present two strategies for higher throughput production of endogenous protein reporters in mice, focusing on the blastocyst model of development. Our first strategy makes use of a split fluorescent protein, mNeonGreen2 (mNG2). Knock-in of a small portion of the mNG2 gene, in frame with gene coding regions of interest, was highly efficient in embryos, potentially obviating the need to establish mouse lines. When complemented by the larger portion of the mNG2 gene, fluorescence was reconstituted and endogenous protein localization faithfully reported in living embryos. Our second strategy achieves in-frame knock-in of a relatively small protein tag, which provides high efficiency and higher sensitivity protein reporting. Together, these two approaches provide complementary advantages and enable broad downstream applications.
Atg32-dependent mitophagy sustains spermidine and nitric oxide required for heat-stress tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kaur Jasvinder , Goldsmith Juliet , Tankka Alexandra , Bustamante Eguiguren Sofía , Gimenez Alfredo A. , Vick Lance , Debnath Jayanta , Vlahakis Ariadne
Published: May 2021

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the selective autophagic degradation of mitochondria, termed mitophagy, is critically regulated by the adapter protein Atg32. Despite our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms by which Atg32 controls mitophagy, its physiological roles in yeast survival and fitness remains less clear. Here, we demonstrate a requirement for Atg32 in promoting spermidine production during respiratory growth and heat-induced mitochondrial stress. During respiratory growth, mitophagy-deficient yeast exhibit profound heat-stress induced defects in growth and viability due to impaired biosynthesis of spermidine and its biosynthetic precursor S-adenosyl methionine. Moreover, spermidine production is crucial for the induction of cytoprotective nitric oxide (NO) during heat stress. Hence, the re-addition of spermidine to Atg32 mutant yeast is sufficient to both enhance NO production and restore respiratory growth during heat stress. Our findings uncover a previously unrecognized physiological role for yeast mitophagy in spermidine metabolism and illuminate new interconnections between mitophagy, polyamine biosynthesis and NO signaling.
The “Real R0”: A Resection Margin Smaller Than 0.1 cm is Associated with a Poor Prognosis After Oncologic Esophagectomy
Authors: St-Amour Penelope , Winiker Michael , Sempoux Christine , Fasquelle François , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus , Mantziari Styliani
Published: May 2021

Background

Although resection margin (R) status is a widely used prognostic factor after esophagectomy, the definition of positive margins (R1) is not universal. The Royal College of Pathologists considers R1 resection to be a distance less than 0.1 cm, whereas the College of American Pathologists considers it to be a distance of 0.0 cm. This study assessed the predictive value of R status after oncologic esophagectomy, comparing survival and recurrence among patients with R0 resection (> 0.1-cm clearance), R0+ resection (≤ 0.1-cm clearance), and R1 resection (0.0-cm clearance).

Methods

The study enrolled all eligible patients undergoing curative oncologic esophagectomy between 2012 and 2018. Clinicopathologic features, survival, and recurrence were compared for R0, R0+, and R1 patients. Categorical variables were compared with the chi-square or Fisher’s test, and continuous variables were compared with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, whereas the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used for survival analysis.

Results

Among the 160 patients included in this study, 113 resections (70.6%) were R0, 34 (21.3%) were R0+, and 13 (8.1%) were R1. The R0 patients had a better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than the R0+ and R1 patients. The R0+ resection offered a lower long-term recurrence risk than the R1 resection, and the R status was independently associated with DFS, but not OS, in the multivariate analysis. Both the R0+ and R1 patients had significantly more adverse histologic features (lymphovascular and perineural invasion) than the R0 patients and experienced more distant and locoregional recurrence.

Conclusions

Although R status is an independent predictor of DFS after oncologic esophagectomy, the < 0.1-cm definition for R1 resection seems more appropriate than the 0.0-cm definition as an indicator of poor tumor biology, long-term recurrence, and survival.
Facile Synthetic Methods for Diverse N-Arylphenylalanine Derivatives via Transformations of Aryne Intermediates and Cross-Coupling Reactions
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuneyuki , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: May 2021

Synthesis of diverse N-arylphenylalanine derivatives through sequential transformations of N-arylphenylalanine ester-type platforms is disclosed. The highly functionalized platforms were prepared by an oxidative cross-coupling reaction leaving aryne generating moieties and halogeno groups intact. Great transformability of N-arylphenylalanine ester-type platforms by aryne reactions and cross-coupling reactions allowed us to prepare analogs of bioactive compounds.
Current Issues of Providing the Personnel of the Radiation Hazardous Facilities with Personal Protection Equipment
Authors: Rubcov V. , Trebuhin A. , Nefedov A. , Klochkova E. , Olenina I. , Zinoviev V.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The article covers issues related to the providing personal protection for the personnel of radiation hazardous facilities. Specific character of working conditions at the enterprises in the field of atomic energy use is caused by extremely high toxic level of radioactive substances and the fact that there is no human sense organ which can identify dangerous levels of radiation exposure. Establishment of mandatory requirements for manufacturing, identification and verification of personal protection equipment (PPE) in the field of atomic energy use is needed because using of low-quality PPE and PPE not complying with working conditions poses a risk for the health of workers. The article provides results of analysis of the regulatory frameworks, both current and under development, which set the requirements for PPE.

Results: Since 2017 Rosatom is executing plans for development of series of industry standards specifying requirements for PPE in the field of atomic energy use and methods of their testing. More than 25 interstate and national standards on PPE were included in the Summary list of standardization documents in the field of atomic energy use. PPE was included in the list of products subject to mandatory certification and having requirements for safety assurance in the field of atomic energy use specified.

Industry and national standards establishing requirements for PPE protecting from tritium, radioactive noble gases, radioactive iodine, high-toxic alpha-emitting radionuclides, as well as standards on methods of their testing are planned to be developed soon.

Conclusion: The system of standardizing requirements for PPE in the field of atomic energy use being created, together with existing system of certification of PPE in the field of atomic energy use will help to increase effectiveness of personal protection of the personnel at radiation and chemical hazardous facilities in nuclear industry.