bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Berbasis Psikologi Islam Melalui Implementasi Terapi Dzikir Dalam Pengembangan Kesehatan Mental Masyarakat Eks Pasien Covid-19
Authors: Andriani Faricha
Published: August 2021

Pemberdayaan masyarakat merupakan berbagai upaya yang dilakukan oleh individu atau kelompok suatu masyarakat dalam mengatasi kelemahan yang ada. Salah satu kelemahan yang ada dalam masyarakat dewasa ini yakni terjadinya stress psikososial yang terjadi pada eks pasien covid-19. Stress psikososial yang ada pada eks pasien covid-19 diantaranya yakni kecemasan, ketakutan, perilaku agresif, serta psikosomatik. Sehingga perlu pemberdayaan yang menyentuh aspek psikis agar memunculkan perilaku penyesuaian diri yang lebih positif, yakni dengan pendekatan terapi dzikir. Pada penelitian ini menggunkan metode PAR dengan melibatkan eks pasien covid-19 sebagai partisipan aktif dalam pemberdayaan. yang bertujuan memberikan gambaran terkait dengan pemberdayaan masyarakat eks pasien covid-19 terkait dengan pengembangan kesehatan mental melalui implementasi terapi dzikir. Dalam penelitian ini ditemukan bahwa melalui pemberdayaan dengan mengimplementasikan terapi dzikir maka para eks pasien covid-19 mampu 1) mendapatkan ketenangan batin; 2) membantu mengurangi perilaku maladaptive (histeris dan agresif); 3) membantu mengurangi gejala kondisi psikosomatis.
Mental-Health Phenotypes and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Upper-Extremity Illness
Authors: Miner Harrison , Rijk Léon , Thomas Jacob , Ring David , Reichel Lee M. , Fatehi Amirreza
Published: August 2021

Background:

Prior studies have suggested that misconceptions (i.e., unhelpful thoughts or cognitive errors resulting from cognitive bias) and distress (symptoms of anxiety or depression) are key factors associated with variation in health, as quantified with use of patient-reported outcome measures. The primary purpose of the present study was to identify mental-health phenotypes (i.e., combinations of various types of misconceptions and distress) that might help direct care and to test for differences in magnitude of activity tolerance, pain intensity, and self-efficacy in response to pain between phenotypes. We also studied demographic factors and diagnostic categories associated with mental-health phenotypes.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 137 patients seeking upper-extremity musculoskeletal specialty care completed a survey including demographics, mental-health questionnaires, and measures of upper-extremity-specific activity tolerance, pain intensity, and pain self-efficacy. We used cluster analysis to identify groups of patients with similar phenotypes. We used analysis of variance testing to assess differences in activity tolerance, pain intensity, and pain self-efficacy among phenotypes.

Results:

The cluster analysis yielded 4 unique mental-health phenotypes, which fit the theoretical conceptualizations of “low misconception and low distress,” “notable misconception,” “notable depression and notable misconception,” and “notable anxiety, depression, and misconception.” Patients with low bias and low distress had significantly greater activity tolerance and greater pain self-efficacy than the other phenotypes, as well as a significantly lower pain intensity than phenotypes with notable distress.

Conclusions:

Cluster analysis of mental-health questionnaire data can identify mental-health phenotypes that are associated with greater activity tolerance and pain intensity. This approach might help clinicians to strategize and prioritize approaches that correct unhelpful thoughts and ameliorate symptoms of distress among patients seeking musculoskeletal specialty care. Such strategies have the potential to achieve more comprehensive, whole-person care, more selective operative treatment, and improved outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Facilitating the Approval Process of Anti-Infective Technologies and Advancing Them to the Market
Authors: Goh Graham S. , Tornetta Paul , Parvizi Javad
Published: August 2021

Orthopaedic device-related infection is one of the most devastating complications in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. With increasing life expectancies as well as the lifelong risk of bacterial seeding on an implant, the prevention and treatment of device-related infection remains an important area for research and development. To facilitate information exchange and enhance collaboration among various stakeholders in the orthopaedic community, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) organized an inaugural workshop on orthopaedic device-related infections, exploring the regulatory challenges that are faced when proceeding from the bench level to marketing and clinical implementation of new infection-control devices and products. This article summarizes the perspectives of scientists, clinicians, and industry partners on the current regulatory approval process for orthopaedic anti-infective technologies as well as the proposed strategies to overcome these regulatory challenges.
The metaethical assumptions of arguments from evil
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Mishura Aleksandr S.
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to analyze the metaethical assumptions of arguments from evil (AE). In the first part of the paper, I discuss the main conceptual ingredients of AE: di­vine attributes and the concepts of gratuitous and horrendous evil. Then, I argue that AE are incompatible with metaethical antirealism because their premises might be true in the relevant sense only on realistic assumptions. I further argue that metaethical naturalism makes AE circular and metaethical supernaturalism renders them incoherent. The only form of realism that seems compatible with the arguments from evil, as I argue, is non­naturalism. In the second part of the paper, I argue that although coherentism might be used to construe arguments from evil, it makes such arguments dialectically weak be­cause it seems more rational for a theist to deny the reality of gratuitous and horren­dous evil then to deny the reality of God. I further show that moral intuitionism might explain why the denial of these kinds of evil might be difficult for theists. In the third part of the paper, I argue that the arguments from evil presuppose an external relation between moral judgements and motives as well as an indefeasible necessary relation between reasons and motives in God.
Aboriginal English and Responsive Pedagogy in Australian Education
Authors: Malcolm Ian G. , Königsberg Patricia , Collard Glenys
Published: August 2021

Aboriginal English1, the language many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students bring to the classroom, represents the introduction of significant change into the English language. It is the argument of this paper that the linguistic, social and cultural facts associated with the distinctiveness of Aboriginal English need to be taken into account in the English language education of both Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students in Australia.

The paper illustrates seven significant changes of expression which Aboriginal English has made possible in English. It then proposes a “responsive pedagogy” to represent a realistic and respectful pedagogicalresponse to the linguistic, social and cultural change which underlies Aboriginal English, drawing on current literature on second language and dialect acquisition and making frequent reference to materials whichhave been developed to support such pedagogy.

It is implied that only with a pedagogy responding to Aboriginal English as it is, and to its speakers, will a viable English medium education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people be enabled.

1Aboriginal English” is the term used to denote “a range of varieties of English spoken by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and some others in close contact with them which differ in systematic ways from Standard Australian English at all levels of linguistic structure and which are used for distinctive speech acts, speech events and genres” (Malcolm 1995, p 19).
Unrecognised language teaching: Teaching Australian Curriculum content in remote Aboriginal community schools
Authors: Poetsch Susan
Published: August 2021

The case study in this article offers a descriptive account of challenges involved in teaching Australian Curriculum content in the common teaching context in remote communities where an Indigenous language is spoken as the everyday form of communication and students learn English in what is essentially a foreign language setting. An on-theground description of the work of a Primary school teaching team servesto illustrate the language teaching aspect of delivering Australian Curriculum content in areas such as History, Geography and Science. This aspect of the teaching team’s work is underestimated in the curriculum itself and in the guidance provided to teachers, yet is essential for student learning in this context. While the team draws on students’ L1 and early L2 English proficiency abilities to teach curriculum content, this work is not expedited from outside their classroom. An analysis of current curriculum offerings and the teaching team’s approaches finds that they receive little direction for the extensive language planning required. The findings suggest an urgent need for tailor-made curriculum and teacher guidance which better recognise this dual language context. This article canvases different curriculum settings that would alleviate this situation considerably, not only for this teaching team but for others in similar remote schools.
LANGUAGE PRACTICES OF INDIGENOUS CHILDREN AND YOUTH: THE TRANSITION FROM HOME TO SCHOOL
Authors: Steele Carly
Published: August 2021

LANGUAGE PRACTICES OF INDIGENOUS CHILDREN AND YOUTH: THE TRANSITION FROM HOME TO SCHOOLWigglesworth, G., Simpson, J., & Vaughan, J. (Eds.) Springer, 2018
Acknowledgement of Country
Authors: TESOL in Context Journal Coordinator
Published: August 2021

Acknowledgement of CountryIn the spirit of reconciliation the Australian Council of TESOL Associations (ACTA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We acknowledge that the arrival of the English language to this continent impacted the traditional languages and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and celebrate the work to reclaim or maintain these languages. ACTA members teach English in addition to supporting the maintenance and development of First Languages, and encourage the acquisition and use of other languages – including First Nations Languages.
Editorial: Teaching and learning English in the age of COVID-19: Reflecting on the state of TESOL in a changed world
Authors: Neilsen Rod , Weinmann Michiko , Arber Ruth
Published: August 2021

As this issue of TESOL in context goes to press, we are looking back on a period of close to 18 months since the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality for Australia. The immediate, farreaching and ongoing impact of the pandemic on education has been captured and documented in much academic and professional debate to date (Kenley, 2020; Zentrum für Lehrerinnen- und Lehrerbildung Bamberg (ZLB), 2020). Restrictions on travel resulting from the pandemic have severely impacted teachers, students and teacher educators all over the world (Tran, 2020).
Considering the benefits of research participation: insights from a study of adult EAL educators
Authors: Tour Ekaterina , Creely Edwin , Waterhouse Peter
Published: August 2021

Despite the professional learning benefits that may be realised through participation in research, many institutions and teachers are reluctant to get involved. They (correctly) anticipate that it will require some time, effort, and commitment. They may understand that research is important for improving education practices but more direct and immediate value for them and, importantly, how to gain it may not be obvious. To address this issue, we report a part of a six-month study that used institutional ethnography as the method of inquiry. We present and analyse three generative episodes that we observed and experienced in the context of our research collaboration with the participants at one adult community-based English as an Additional Language (EAL) institution in Melbourne (Australia). These episodes provide important insights into the ways in which our participants were proactive in realising the benefits of participating in the research. The participating teachers brought research and practice into regular dialogue and strategically utilised our partnership for their professional learning. We conclude by discussing some practical strategies for EAL institutions, teachers, and researchers who want to unlock and maximise the learning potential of research partnerships.
El papel del turismo patrimonial en el índice de competitividad turística regional de Colombia: una evaluación de las relaciones mediante PLS-PM
Authors: Gil-León José Mauricio , Gutiérrez-Ayala Jhancarlos , Ramírez-Hernández Edgar Alonso
Published: August 2021

La relación entre el patrimonio cultural y el desarrollo económico de un territorio se explica cuando intermedian la cadena de valor turística, los factores endógenos del destino –como la tradición cultural– y los factores de soporte —infraestructura y condiciones políticas—. En este contexto es importante reconocer las dinámicas propias de los destinos, ya que estas permiten crear ventajas competitivas para así tomar la delantera con respecto a los competidores directos al momento de atraer turistas. Este artículo presenta una revisión metodológica del Índice de Competitividad Turística Regional de Colombia para las ciudades capitales, con el propósito de evaluar el desempeño de las ciudades y las relaciones existentes entre los factores endógenos, la cadena de valor turística y las condiciones económicas y sociales. Lo anterior se lleva a cabo mediante el método de Partial Least Squares[1]Path Modeling, con el fin de establecer relaciones entre variables no observables a partir de valores evaluados en escala de Likert. Los resultados muestran que existe una relación positiva entre el aprovechamiento del patrimonio cultural y la competitividad de un destino turístico. Bogotá, Medellín y Cartagena son las ciudades con mejor desempeño global, debido a la buena estructura de soporte que se da a la cadena turística y a las condiciones políticas. En ciudades con alto nivel patrimonial como, por ejemplo, Tunja o Popayán, se evidencian problemas en el desempeño por las condiciones de infraestructura, mercadeo y gestión del destino, lo que les impide aprovechar sus capacidades.
Liquid metal-tailored gluten network for protein-based e-skin
Authors: Chen Bin , Cao Yudong , Yan Zhuo , Liu Rui , Zhao Yunjiao , Zhang Xiang , Wu Minying , Qin Yixiu , Sun Chang , Yao Wei , Cao Ziyi , Ajayan Pulickel , Chee Mason , Dong Pei , Li Zhaofen , Shen Jianfeng , Ye Mingxin
Published: August 2021

Designing electronic skin (e-skin) with proteins is a critical way to endow e-skin with biocompatibility, but engineering protein structures to achieve controllable mechanical properties and self-healing ability remains a challenge. Here, we develop a hybrid gluten network through the incorporation of an eutectic gallium indium alloy (EGaIn) to design a self-healable e-skin with improved mechanical properties. The intrinsic reversible disulfide bonds/sulfhydryl groups reconfiguration of gluten networks is explored as a driving mechanism to introduce EGaIn as chemical cross-linkers to create hierarchical sulphur bonds, thus inducing the secondary structure rearrangement of gluten to form additional β-sheets as physical cross-linkers. Remarkably, this strategy allows the gluten network to realize a synthetic material-like stretchability (>1600%) and to endure a three-dimensional strain change. The obtained e-skin is biocompatible and biodegradable, and can sense strain changes from different scale human motions. The protein network micro-regulation method paves the way for future skin-like protein-based e-skin.
Hilbert’s First Problem and the New Progress of Infinity Theory
Authors: Wang Xijia
Published: August 2021

In the 19th century, Cantor created the infinite cardinal number theory based on the "1-1 correspondence" principle. The continuum hypothesis is proposed under this theoretical framework. In 1900, Hilbert made it the first problem in his famous speech on mathematical problems, which shows the importance of this question. We know that the infinitesimal problem triggered the second mathematical crisis in the 17-18th centuries. The Infinity problem is no less important than the infinitesimal problem. In the 21st century, Sergeyev introduced the Grossone method from the principle of "whole is greater than part", and created another ruler for measuring infinite sets. At the same time, 16 the development of the infinity theory provides new ideas for solving Hilbert's first problem, and provides a new mathematical foundation for Cosmic Continuum Theory
Electricity Generation Forecast of Shanghai Municipal Solid Waste Based on Bidirectional Long and Short Time Memory Model
Authors: Liu Bingchun , Zhang Ningbo , Wang Qingshan
Published: August 2021

Accurate prediction of Municipal Solid Waste electricity generation is very important for the fine management of cities. In this study, Shanghai was taken as the research object, and six influencing factors of Municipal Solid Waste production were used as input indexes to realize the effective prediction of Municipal Solid Waste production through constructing a neural network model based on bidirectional long short term memory. At the same time, based on the predicted results and the forecast formula of MSW electricity generation, this study realized the harmless treatment of Municipal Solid Waste in Shanghai. Firstly, the economic, demographic, and social indicators related to Municipal Solid Waste were determined. Secondly, the bidirectional long and short time memory model is used to learn the features of the input indexes. Finally, the electricity generation capacity of Shanghai municipal solid waste in the next six years is predicted with the municipal solid waste electricity generation formula. The experimental results show that, firstly, the MAPE value of the bidirectional long and short time memory combination model established in this paper is 7.390, and the prediction performance of this model is better than that of the other five structural methods. Second, it is predicted that in 2025, the maximum electricity generation of Shanghai Municipal Solid Waste under the three scenarios will be 512752MkW, and the minimum electricity generation of Shanghai Municipal Solid Waste will be 260668MkW. Finally, this paper can be used as a scientific information source for environmental sustainability decision-making of domestic Municipal Solid Waste electricity generation technology.
Modeling Spatial Landslide Probability in Volcanic Terrains Through Continuous Neighborhood Spatial Analysis and Multiple Logistic Regression in La Ciénega Watershed, Nevado de Toluca, Mexico
Authors: Castro-Miguel Rutilio , Paulín Gabriel Legorreta , Bonifaz-Alfonzo Roberto , Quesada José Fernando Aceves , Castillo-Santiago Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2021

Little work has been done on the effect of the pixel neighborhood information when modeling landslide susceptibility using Multiple Logistic Regression (MLR). This research uses in situ and neighborhood cartographic information to evaluate how pixel distance of sampling sites affects the precision and accuracy of the MLR landslide susceptibility model. Two landslide susceptibility models are used: MLR-in situ, calibrated and validated by using variables that are collected at the site of the sampling point; and MLR in combination with Continuous Neighborhood Spatial Analysis (CNSA) to incorporate a search radius to extract pixel values for each cartographic variable based on a distance ratio. La Ciénega watershed on the eastern flank of the volcano Nevado de Toluca is selected as a study area. Its climate, topography, geomorphology, and geology predispose it to episodic landslides. The resulting susceptibility maps are validated in terms of the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and they are compared with an inventory map in a contingency table; the MLR-CNSA model yields the better spatial prediction and representation of landslide susceptibility. The AUC evaluation indicates a predictive capability for the MLR-CNSA model of 0.969.
Scalable convergent synthesis of therapeutic oligonucleotides
Authors: Shi Xianglin , Zhou Xuan , Yan Wuming , Kiesman William , Fillon Yannick , Jiang Hong , Antia Firoz , Xiao Li , Yang Jing , Delavari Armin , Gronke Robert
Published: August 2021

The recent explosive growth in the number of oligonucleotide clinical development programs and drug approvals underscores their ability to treat diseases via mRNA regulation. Currently, solid-supported synthesis is limited to ≤ 5 kg (~ 1 mole) batch sizes and the feasibility of liquid-phase syntheses to supply materials of sufficient purity and amount for clinical trials has not been proven. Herein we describe the first convergent synthesis of a full-length 18-mer mixed backbone (PO/PS) 2’-MOE gapmer oligonucleotide by the phosphoramidite approach suitable for use in clinical trials. Techniques described to control impurities during its synthesis can be implemented in common active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities and should enable a >10-fold increase in production batch scaling.
Impact of COVID-19 on Post Graduate Medical Education and Training
Authors: Enujioke Sharon , McBrayer Kimberly , Soe Katherine , Imburgia Teresa , Robbins Cynthia
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The novel Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) has had a significant impact worldwide that led to changes in healthcare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on trainee’s mental health and educational preparedness.Methods: Trainees at the Indiana University School of Medicine were surveyed regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their training. Using a Likert scale, participants were asked questions pertaining to educational preparedness, mental health, and clinical work during the pandemic. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27. The study was approved as exempt by the Institutional review Board (IRB). Results: 324 of the 1204 trainees responded to the survey. The respondents were 76% white with an equal distribution of males and females. A majority of the respondents were first year residents with an equal distribution of second, third, and fourth year residents. Twenty-three percent of respondents were in a procedural residency or fellowship program. Better perceived educational preparedness was associated with an improved home-work balance during COVID-19 (β=0.506, p<0.0001) and having a department that advocated/supported focus on mental health during COVID-19 (β=0.177, p<0.0001). Worse perceived educational preparedness was associated with being in procedural vs. non-procedural dominant training program (β=-0.122, p=0.01). Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the training experience of residents and fellows. Departmental support increased mental well-being and perceived education preparedness in trainees. Trainees that felt they had a better home-work life balance had better educational preparedness compared to their peers. Also, trainees in procedural programs had less educational preparedness compared to their peers in non-procedural programs. This study highlights the importance for programs to find avenues to increase educational preparedness in their trainees while being attuned to the mental health of their trainees.
Malaria Outbreak Investigation and Response in Bolosso Sore Wereda, Welayta Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Dawud Awol Mohammed , Bizuneh Hailemichael , Assefa Zewdu
Published: August 2021

Background; Malaria is caused by one or more of the five species of plasmodium species that can infect by the bite of female Anopheles. In Ethiopia, about 68% of the total population resides in areas with high malaria risk and 2,174,707 cases and 662 deaths due to malaria were reported in 2014–2015 with case fatality rate of 0.03%. The outbreak was reported on April 22/2019 (WHO week 17) then we investigate the outbreak to describe the magnitude of morbidity and mortality due to malaria outbreak, identify the etiologic agent and investigate factors associated with an occurrence of malaria outbreak.Methods; we conducted case control study in Bolosso Sore woreda. We used outbreak investigation questionnaire to asses’ risk factor for both cases and controls of patients. We collected 75 cases and 150 controls by face to face interview by administered questionnaire. We analysed the data with Epi Info.Version7.2.0.1 and SPSS.V 23 and the statistical we used 95% CI. Result; the overall attack rate of the woreda was 36.4 per 1000. From the cases Males are slightly more affected than females (38: 37) .The most affected age group is >15 years, 54 (72%) followed by 5-14, 17(22.7%). Plasmodium falcifarem is the highest proportion of malaria in the wereda. Having impregnated treated net have no problem but impregnated treated net who have used sometimes (AOR 10.214; 95% CI) was identified as a risk factor for malaria or more likely affected by malaria ten times each respectively than those impregnated treated net used always. Conclusion; Presence of intermittent rivers nearest to the community, open deep well near to their home and usage of impregnated treated net (those impregnated treated net use sometimes and never use impregnated treated net) were risk factors for onset/occurrence of the outbreak of malaria. We recommend all malarias area insecticide treated bed net should be distributed for all households according to their family member. Beside this, utilization of bed net should be monitored and optimized.
A Facile Preparation of Multicolor Carbon Dots
Authors: Yu Risheng , Liang Sen , Ru Yi , Li Lu , Wang Zhikun , Chen Junlang , Chen Liang
Published: August 2021

Carbon dots (CDs) were preparedby classic critic acid and thiourea as precursors, modulating the volume ratio of solvent that is water and DMF under one-pot solvothermal reaction to prepared colortunable CDs with emissive wavelength from 450 nm to 640 nm. The distinct optical features of these CDs are basis with their differences in the particle size, and the content of the C-N/C-S and -C≡N, which can be adjusted by controlling the decomposed and carbonization processes during solvothermal reaction.Furthermore, the CDs have significantly potential to be achievedcontinuous luminescence emitting spectrum by modulating minor distinction which control the ratio of solvent, solvothermal reaction time and temperature. Therefore, the study achieved an efficient approach to tune the color and photoluminescence mechanism of CDs, promote the potential applications in biological and anti-counterfeiting inks.
Ecological Performance of Multifunctional Pesticide Tolerant Strains of Mesorhizobium Sp. In Chickpea With Recommended Pendimethalin, Ready-mix of Pendimethalin and Imazethpyr, Carbendazim and Chlorpyrifos Application
Authors: Mansotra Pallavi , Sharma Poonam , Sirari Asmita , Aggarwal Navneet
Published: August 2021

The present study was designed to screen the Mesorhizobium strains (50) for tolerance in four recommended pesticides for chickpea. It was followed by in-vitro development of robust pesticide tolerant strains by growth in pesticides amended media over several generations. Further, verification of the multifunctional traits of pesticide tolerant mesorhizobia under pesticide stress was conducted in-vitro. Among different pesticides, significantly high tolerance in Mesorhizobium strains was observed with recommended doses of pendimethalin (37%) and ready-mix (36%) followed by chlorpyrifos (31%) and carbendazim (30%), on an overall basis. Based on multifunctional traits, Mesorhizobium strains viz. MR2, MR17 and recommended MR33 were the most promising. Ecological performance of the potential Mesorhizobium strains alone and in dual-inoculation with recommended PGP rhizobacterium strain RB-1 (Pseudomonas argenttinensis JX239745.1) was further analyzed in field following standard pesticide application in PBG-7 and GPF-2 chickpea varieties for two consecutive rabi seasons (2015 and 2016). Dual-inoculant treatments; recommended RB-1+MR33 (4.1%) and RB-1+MR2 (3.8%) significantly increased the grain yield over Mesorhizobium alone treatments viz MR33 and MR2, respectively. Grain yield in PBG7 variety was significantly affected (7.3%) by the microbial inoculant treatments over GPF2 variety. Therefore, the potential pesticide tolerant strains MR2 and MR33 can be further explored as compatible dual-inoculants with recommended RB-1 for chickpea under environmentally stressed conditions (pesticide application) at multiple locations. Our approach using robust multifunctional pesticide tolerant Mesorhizobium for bio-augmentation of chickpea with might be helpful in the formulation of effective bio-inoculants consortia in establishing successful chickpea–Mesorhizobium symbiosis.
SARS-CoV-2 Neurotropism and Single Cell Responses in Brain Organoids Containing Innately Developing Microglia
Authors: Samudyata Samudyata , Oliveira Ana , Malwade Susmita , de Sousa Nuno Rufino , Goparaju Sravan , Orhan Funda , Steponaviciute Laura , Sheridan Steven , Perlis Roy , Rothfuchs Antonio , Sellgren Carl
Published: August 2021

Neuropsychiatric manifestations are common in both acute and post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the mechanism of these effects is unknown. Here, we derive human brain organoids with innately developing microglia to investigate the cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection on a single cell level. We find evidence of limited tropism to SARS-CoV-2 and observe extensive neuronal cell death that also include non-infected cells. Single cell transcriptome profiling reveals distinct responses in microglia and astrocytes that share features with cellular states observed in neurodegenerative diseases, includes upregulation of genes with relevance for synaptic stripping, and suggests altered blood brain barrier integrity. Across all cell types, we observe a global translational shut-down as well as altered carbohydrate metabolism and cellular respiration. Together, our findings provide insights into cellular responses of the resident brain immune cells to SARS-CoV-2 and pinpoint mechanisms that may be of relevance for the neuropathological changes observed in COVID-19 patients.
Horseradish peroxidase-conjugated-nanobody-based blocking ELISA for the rapid and sensitive clinical detection of African swine fever virus antibodies
Authors: Zhao Huijun , Ren Jiahui , Wu Shuya , Du Yongkun , Wan Bo , Zhuang Guoqing , Ji Pengchao , Wu Yanan , Zhang Angke , Zhang Gaiping
Published: August 2021

Background

African swine fever (ASF), which is caused by the ASF virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease that affects pigs and has the potential to cause mortality in almost 100% of domestic pigs and wild boars. Due to the lack of an effective vaccine, the control of ASF must depend on early, efficient, cost-effective detection and strict control and elimination strategies. Traditional molecular and serological testing methods are generally associated with high testing costs, complex operations and high technical requirements. As a promising alternative diagnostic tool to traditional antibodies, nanobodies (Nb) have the advantages of simpler and faster generation, good stability and solubility, and high affinity and specificity. The application of Nbs in the detection of ASFV antibodies in the serum has not yet been reported, to the best of our knowledge.
Results

Using a phage display technology, one specific Nb against the ASFV p54 protein that exhibited high specificity and affinity to the protein, Nb83, was successfully screened. Nb83 was labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to create an Nb83-HRP fusion protein in 293T cells. Following the optimization of the reaction conditions, the Nb83-HRP fusion protein was successfully used to establish a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect ASFV-specific antibodies in pig serum, for the first time. The cutoff value for the blocking ELISA was 39.16%. A total of 210 serum samples were tested using the developed blocking ELISA and a commercial ELISA kit. The specificity of the blocking ELISA was 100%, and the limit of detection was 1:5,120 in inactivated ASFV antibody-positive reference serum samples, with the coincidence rate between the two methods being 98.57%.
Conclusions

A specific, sensitive and repeatable blocking ELISA was successfully developed based on the unique Nb as a probe, providing a promising method for the detection of anti-ASFV antibodies in clinical pig serum.
A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis Between Maternal Fish Oil Supplement And Risk of Asthma/Wheeze In Offspring
Authors: Jia Yin , Huang Yafang , Wang Huili , Jiang Haili
Published: August 2021

Background: Prenatal exposure to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) present in oily fish may prevent asthma or wheeze in childhood.Objective: By limiting this systematic review to fish oil intervention that commenced in the gestational period, we aim to find more clear evidences about the relationship between supplement with fish oil during pregnancy and the risk of asthma/wheeze in offspring, and to improve the life satisfaction of children who suffered asthma.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the following database: PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, the Cochrane library, and Embase up to February 2021. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data of the characteristics, and assessed risk of bias. Eight randomized controlled trials totaling 3,037 mother-infant pairs were analyzed in the end. “Allergic asthma” and “asthma and/or wheeze” were assessed in our meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Dose–response data was examined using the robust-error meta-regression method.Results: This meta-analysis showed that n-3 PUFA during pregnancy did not significantly reduce the risk of asthma/wheeze (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.82 to1.04, p=0.21) and allergic asthma (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.86, p=0.44). Subgroup analyses revealed that the risk of childhood asthma/wheeze was significantly decreased: (1) in Europe (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.89), (2) when the dose was ≥1200 mg/d (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.88), (3) when supplementation started after gestational age 22 (RR 0.65; 95%CI 0.50 to 0.85), (4) when supplementation was from pregnancy to lactation (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.95). Furthermore, the linear dose–response analysis showed that when maternal supplementation of n-3 PUFA increased by 100mg/d, the risk of asthma/wheeze was reduced by 2%.Conclusions: Although perinatal replenishment of n-3 PUFA did not prevent allergic disease in offspring, under some conditions, it could reduce the incidence of asthma/wheeze and allergic asthma in children, and the higher the dose, the better the protective effect it has. Additional research is needed to confirm the hypothesis of a link between n-3 PUFA intake and prevention of childhood asthma/wheeze.
Dihydroartemisinin Ameliorates Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis and Epithelial Cellular Inflammation by Blocking the E2F7/HIF1α Pathway
Authors: Zhou Yan , Wang Jun-hao , Han Jian-peng , Feng Jian-yong , Guo Kuo , Du Fei , Chen Wen-bin , Li Yong-zhang
Published: August 2021

Objective: Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) has remained one of the most prevalent urological diseases, particularly in older men. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been identified as a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin that exhibits broad protective effects. However, the role of DHA in inhibiting CNP inflammation and prostatic epithelial cell proliferation remains largely unknown. Materials and Methods: CNP mice model was induced by carrageenan and Haemotoxylin Eosin (HE) ,immunofluorescence and immunochemistry staining were used to confirm CNP and E2F7 expression. Human prostatic epithelial cells (HPECs) and RWPE-1 was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic CNP model in vitro. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect proliferation and inflammatory genes expression. Cell proliferation was determined using MTT assay.Results: DHA significantly alleviated the rough epithelium and inhibited multilamellar cell formation in the prostatic gland cavity and prostatic index induced by carrageenan. In addition, DHA decreased the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 inflammatory factors in prostatitis tissues and in LPS-induced epithelial cells. Upregulation of transcription factor E2F7, which expression was inhibited by DHA, was found in CNP tissues, human BPH tissues and LPS-induced epithelial cells inflammatory response. Mechanically, we found that depletion of E2F7 by shRNA inhibited epithelial cell proliferation and LPS-induced inflammation while DHA further enhance these effects. Furthermore, HIF1α was transcriptional regulated by E2F7 and involved in E2F7-inhibited CNP and cellular inflammatory response. Interestingly, we found that inhibition of HIF1α blocks E2F7-induced cell inflammatory response but does not obstruct E2F7-promoted cell growth.Conclusion: The results revealed that DHA inhibits the CNP and inflammation by blocking the E2F7/HIF1α pathway. Our findings provide new evidence for the mechanism of DHA and its key role in CNP, which may provide an alternative solution for the prevention and treatment of CNP.
“What Do You Mean I Can't Have a Doctor? This is Canada!” – A Qualitative Study of the Myriad Consequences for Unattached Patients Awaiting Primary Care Attachment
Authors: Marshall Emily Gard , Wuite Sara , Lawson Beverley , Andrew Melissa K. , Edwards Lynn , MacKenzie Adrian , Woodrow Ana Correa , Peddle Sarah
Published: August 2021

Background
Patient access to primary healthcare (PHC) is the foundation of a strong healthcare system and healthy populations. Attachment to a regular PHC provider, a key to healthcare access, has seen a decline in some jurisdictions. This study explored the consequences of unattachment from a patient perspective, an under-studied phenomenon to date.
Methods
A realist-informed qualitative study was conducted with unattached patients in Nova Scotia, Canada. Semi-structured interviews with nine participants were conducted and transcribed for analysis. The framework method was used to carry out analysis, which was guided by Donabedian’s model of assessing healthcare access and quality.
Results
Five key findings were noted in this study: 1) Participants experienced a range of consequences from not having a regular PHC provider. Participants used creative strategies to 2) attempt to gain attachment to a regular PHC provider, and, to 3) address their health needs in the absence of a regular PHC provider. 4) Participants experienced negative feelings about themselves and the healthcare system, and 5) stress related to the consequences and added work of being unattached and lost care.
Conclusions
Unattached patients experienced a burden of care related to lost care and managing their own health and related information, due to the download of medical record management and system navigation to them. These findings may underestimate the consequences for further at-risk populations who would not have been included in our recruitment. This may result in poorer health outcomes, which could be mitigated by interventions at the structural level, such as enhanced centralized waitlists to promote attachment. Such waitlists may benefit from a triage approach to appropriately attach patients based on need.
Differential Location of NKT and MAIT Cells within Lymphoid Tissue
Authors: Johnson Darryl N. , Ruan Zheng , Petley Emma V. , Devi Sapna , Holz Lauren E. , Uldrich Adam P. , Mak Jeffrey Y. W. , Hor Jyh Liang , Mueller Scott N. , McCluskey James , Fairlie David P. , Darcy Phillip K. , Beavis Paul A. , Heath William R. , Godfrey Dale I.
Published: August 2021

Natural Killer T (NKT) cells and Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells that express semi-invariant αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) through which they recognise CD1d and MR1 molecules, respectively, in complex with specific ligands. These cells play important roles in health and disease in many organs, but their precise intra-organ location is not well established. Here, using CD1d and MR1 tetramer staining techniques, we describe the precise location of NKT and MAIT cells in lymphoid and peripheral organs. Within the thymus, NKT cells were concentrated in the medullary side of the corticomedullary junction. In spleen and lymph nodes, NKT cells were mainly localised within T cell zones (TCZ), although following in vivo activation with the potent NKT-cell ligand α-GalCer, they expanded throughout the spleen. MAIT cells were clearly detectable in Vα19 TCR transgenic mice and were rare but detectable in lymphoid tissue of non-transgenic mice. In contrast to NKT cells, MAIT cells were more closely associated with the B cell zone (BCZ) and red pulp (RP) of the spleen. Accordingly, we have provided an extensive analysis of the in situ localisation of NKT and MAIT cells and suggest differences between the intra-organ location of these two cell types.
Cost Profiling of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment in South Africa: Medicines That Are Still Too Expensive to Swallow
Authors: Singh Reeya , Oosthuizen Frasia , Wiafe Ebenezer , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Bangalee Varsha
Published: August 2021

Background

The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has improved chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) management and increased CML prevalence due to low mortality rates. CML management is potentially lifelong and expensive and requires pharmacoeconomic approaches and regular review of therapy to ensure that patients obtain cost-effective therapeutic outcomes. Although the introduction of TKIs generics has improved the availability of TKIs, the high-cost implications continue to hinder TKIs accessibility and translate into poor quality of life. To improve the availability and accessibility of TKIs in South Africa, interventional programs have been instrumental. A notable intervention is the collaborative effort of Novartis pharmaceuticals and The Max Foundation which has provided free access to Imatinib to patients in need. In recognition of the needs of CML patients, this study aimed to provide an overview of TKIs regulatory approval, availability, and cost profile in the South African (SA) context for the 2019 period.
Methods

The researchers searched the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) website on 20 August 2019 to identify TKIs, generic and innovator brands, that was duly registered. The costs of the registered TKIs were extracted from the Medicines Price Registry (2019) and the Department of Health awarded tenders for oncology medications (2019). The results were analysed quantitatively using Microsoft Excel and presented as tables.
Results

Three TKIs were registered in SA: Imatinib, Dasatinib, and Nilotinib. Generics were only available for Imatinib. Despite the numerous Imatinib generics available in the private sector, treatment for CML chronic phase (CP) patients in the private sector was more expensive than in the public sector. Apparent cost inequality was noted where the same TKI (Nilotinib 200 mg) costs substantially less (by 92.4%) in the public sector than in the private sector.
Conclusion

The study concluded that the accessibility to CML management in the private sector is hindered by the high cost of therapy compared to the public sector. The availability of generic forms of Imatinib eliminated monopoly and improved medicated access compared to Dasatinib and Nilotinib. To improve CML medication access, stakeholders' engagement is required to control cost.
Incorporating Male Sterility Increases Hybrid Maize Yield in Low Input African Farming Systems
Authors: Collinson Sarah , Hamidziripi Esnath , De Groote Hugo , Ndegwa Michael , Cairns Jill , Albertsen Marc , Ligeyo Dickson , Mashingaidze Kingstone , Olsen Michael
Published: August 2021

Maize is a staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa, but yields remain sub-optimal. Improved breeding and seed systems are vital to increase productivity. We describe a novel hybrid seed production technology that will benefit seed companies and farmers. This technology reduces the cost of seed production by preventing the need for detasseling. The resulting hybrids segregate 1:1 for pollen production, conserving resources for grain production and conferring a 200 kg ha-1 benefit across a range of yield levels. This represents a 10% increase for farmers operating at national average yield levels in sub-Saharan Africa. The yield benefit of fifty-percent non-pollen producing hybrids is equivalent to approximately six years of progress in plant breeding. Benefits to seed companies in the form of reduced production cost and improved seed purity will provide incentives to improve smallholder farmer access to higher quality seed of climate-smart hybrids. Demonstrated farmer preference for these hybrids will help drive their adoption.
Mitochondria-Targeted Nanoplatforms For Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy Against Hypoxia Tumor
Authors: Wen Jiexin , Luo Yong , Gao Hui , Zhang Liang , Wang Xiang , Huang Ju , Shang Tingting , Zhou Di , Wang Dong , Wang Zhigang , Li Pan , Wang Zhaoxia
Published: August 2021

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapeutic modality that can convert oxygen into cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) via photosensitizers to halt tumor growth. However, hypoxia and the unsatisfactory accumulation of photosensitizers in tumors severely diminish the therapeutic effect of PDT. In this study, a multistage nanoplatform is demonstrated to overcome these limitations by encapsulating photosensitizer IR780 and oxygen regulator 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarriers.Results: The as-synthesized nanoplatforms penetrated deeply into the interior regions of tumors and preferentially remained in mitochondria due to the intrinsic characteristics of IR780. Meanwhile, 3BP could efficiently suppress oxygen consumption of tumor cells by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory chain to further improve the generation of ROS. Furthermore, 3BP could abolish the excessive glycolytic capacity of tumor cells and lead to the collapse of ATP production, rendering tumor cells more susceptible to PDT. Successful tumor inhibition in animal models confirmed the therapeutic precision and efficiency. In addition, these nanoplatforms could act as fluorescence (FL) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging contrast agents, effectuating imaging-guided cancer treatment.Conclusions: This study provides an ideal strategy for cancer therapy by concurrent oxygen consumption reduction, oxygen-augmented PDT, energy supply reduction, mitochondria-targeted/deep-penetrated nanoplatforms and PA/FL dual-modal imaging guidance/monitoring. It is expected that such strategy will provide a promising alternative to maximize the performance of PDT in preclinical/clinical cancer treatment.