bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“All in Breastfeeding”: An Approach to Improving Breastfeeding Support at the Rainbow Center for Women and Children
Authors: Remer Sarah , Russell Rebekah , Furman Lydia
Published: May 2022

It has been well documented in the literature that breastfeeding has many benefits for mothers and their infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding until the age of 1 or longer as desired by the mother and infant; however, many mothers face barriers to achieving this goal. More specifically, we noticed that at our Rainbow Center for Women and Children (the Center), few mothers were able to achieve exclusive or sustained breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine stakeholder views at the Center regarding barriers to breastfeeding in an underserved patient population and to develop a Breastfeeding Intervention Bundle from these responses to improve breastfeeding rates. We then surveyed participants including mothers, providers, and staff about support and comfort with knowledge gained over the period of the Intervention. While our study was unable to document a clear or sustained improvement in participant support or comfort related to breastfeeding over a 6-month period, we furthered our knowledge about barriers to breastfeeding and concluded that interventions to improve breastfeeding rates will likely need to be initiated at the systems level, not only at the individual patient and provider level, and with joint support from all stakeholders.
Development of a Nudge Program at One Alaska Food Pantry
Authors: Walch Amanda K. , Holland Kiana , Redmond Leslie C.
Published: May 2022

Food pantry clients experience many health disparities, including elevated incidence of diabetes, heart disease, and other nutrition-related conditions. Nutrition education interventions in the form of a nudge can be an effective method to increase nutrition knowledge and healthy pantry food selection. Currently there is no nutrition education program at the largest food pantry in Alaska. The goal of this project was to develop a nutrition intervention in the form of a nudge to increase the selection of nutritious foods by pantry clients. Methods included the development of nudges, or environmental cues, within the pantry as well as client education handouts and recipes for clients to take home. Implications for practice include the potential to increase staff and client knowledge and nutrition education, as well as for impacting the overall health and food security of the clients and their families. Additional implications include the availability of the program and resources for other food pantries across the state to customize for use in their facilities. After the program has been implemented, it can be evaluated across each site and its efficacy determined to implement into policy.
Indoxyl sulfate impairs in vitro erythropoiesis by triggering apoptosis and senescence
Authors: Duangchan Thitinat , Rattanasompattikul Manoch , Chitchongyingcharoen Narong , Mas-Oodi Sumana , Promkan Moltira , Rongkiettechakorn Nuttawut , Korpraphong Suksan , Supokawej Aungkura
Published: May 2022

Anemia is a major complication in over 50% of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. One of the main causes of anemia in CKD is the reduction of erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis from renal tubular cells. Therefore, first-line treatment of CKD is EPO administration; however, EPO unresponsiveness in several patients is frequently found. More undefined causes of anemia in CKD are under interest, especially uremic toxins, which are a group of solutes accumulated in CKD patients. The highly detectable protein-bound uremic toxin, indoxyl sulfate (IS) was investigated for its effects on in vitro erythropoiesis in this study. CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells were isolated from human umbilical cord blood and differentiated toward erythrocyte lineage for 14 days in various concentrations of IS (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL). The effects of IS on cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence were determined. Cell proliferation was investigated by manual cell counting. Cell surface marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Wright’s staining was performed to evaluate cell differentiation capacity. Apoptosis and senescence marker expression was measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TUNEL assay was performed to detect apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Our results demonstrated that IS reduced cell proliferation and impaired erythrocyte differentiation capacity. In addition, this study confirmed the effects of IS on cell apoptosis and senescence during erythropoietic differentiation. Therefore, the promotion of apoptosis and senescence might be one of the possible mechanisms caused by uremic toxin accumulation leading to anemia in CKD patients.
A Naturalistic Investigation of Trust, AI, and Intelligence Work
Authors: Dorton Stephen L. , Harper Samantha B.
Published: May 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often viewed as the means by which the intelligence community will cope with increasing amounts of data. There are challenges in adoption, however, as outputs of such systems may be difficult to trust, for a variety of factors. We conducted a naturalistic study using the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) to identify which factors were present in incidents where trust in an AI technology used in intelligence work (i.e., the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence) was gained or lost. We found that explainability and performance of the AI were the most prominent factors in responses; however, several other factors affected the development of trust. Further, most incidents involved two or more trust factors, demonstrating that trust is a multifaceted phenomenon. We also conducted a broader thematic analysis to identify other trends in the data. We found that trust in AI is often affected by the interaction of other people with the AI (i.e., people who develop it or use its outputs), and that involving end users in the development of the AI also affects trust. We provide an overview of key findings, practical implications for design, and possible future areas for research.
Patient-Perceived Outcomes Improve Faster Than Hip Strength in Recovery After Surgical Correction for Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Konnaris Maxwell A. , Junginger Lucas M. , Sibilsky Enselman Elizabeth R. , Bell Richard D. , Maerz Tristan , Bedi Asheesh
Published: May 2022

Background: Patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have hip strength deficits, instability, and increased risk for concomitant injury. While surgical intervention is an effective method of treatment for FAI, more information is needed about the recovery process. Purposes: We sought to understand how patients with FAI recover from surgical correction in the short term. Do patients’ perceptions of improvement correspond with measured improvements in hip strength? Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 17 patients (11 male, age range: 16–38 years) who were diagnosed with symptomatic FAI at a single surgeon’s practice. Hip strength (flexion, extension, and abduction) was measured preoperatively and at 14, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Patient-reported outcomes using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Hip Outcome Osteoarthritis Score (HOOS) subscales were measured at the same time points and at 2 weeks postoperatively. Results: Compared with preoperative values, there was a significant increase in postoperative values at 26 and 52 weeks in normalized isokinetic hip extension (29% and 38%, respectively) and normalized hip abduction (48% and 55%, respectively). No differences in strength were observed at 14 weeks. Modified Harris Hip Score and all HOOS subscales were decreased by 2 weeks postoperatively, and by 14 weeks mHHS improved by 21%, and HOOS subscales improved as well (activities of daily living by 18%, pain by 34%, quality of life by 69%, sport and recreation by 36%, and symptoms by 28%). Conclusion: We observed that patient-reported outcomes including symptoms, function, and satisfaction improved at 14 weeks, while objective measures of hip strength improved at 26 weeks following surgical correction of FAI. More rigorous study is indicated.
Interdisciplinary Research as a Complicated System
Authors: Dalton Amaris , Wolff Karin , Bekker Bernard
Published: May 2022

Notwithstanding the rapidly growing body of literature on interdisciplinary research, several of the crucial dynamics in interdisciplinary research systems remain poorly understood and undertheorized. To this effect we seek to provide a ‘fundamental’ ontology of interdisciplinary research systems. We principally understand an interdisciplinary research system as a complex system consisting of researchers from different disciplines that have undergone a pseudomorphosis (i.e. a false formation) into a complicated system through the formation of a central organizing principle. The central organizing principle provides a stricter definition of the research problem and subsequently coalesces the intentionality of system agents through a unification of their disparate aims and methodologies. This pseudomorphosis is thereby associated with an exchange of individual freedom for organizational utility resulting in internal tensions which are, we argue, most prominently expressed in the interplay of epistemic incompatibilities between disciplines. We explore three frameworks for successfully navigating these incompatibilities: circumvention, which is based on avoidance of areas of disciplinary incompatibility; pragmatism, which is based on ignoring areas of compatibility; and disciplinary synthesis which involves a paradigm shift in researchers’ understanding of their disciplinary propositions resolving perceived incompatibilities. It is anticipated that this paper may be of benefit to researchers and organizers seeking to effectively structure interdisciplinary research projects, specifically in terms of framing the research problem and the modes of inquiry, and in structuring the interdisciplinary research team.
Analysis of internal flow characteristics and structure optimization of vertical submersible axial flow pump device
Authors: Yang Fan , Lin Zhikang , Li Jindong , Nasr Ahmed , Cong Weiguo , Li Chao
Published: May 2022

In order to investigate the internal flow characteristics and hydraulic stability of vertical submersible pump station in forward and reverse operation, the steady and unsteady three-dimensional numerical simulation of vertical submersible axial-flow pump device was carried out based on CFD and the energy performance of the pump device was predicted. In this paper, the internal flow characteristics of the vertical submersible axial-flow pump device under forward and reverse operation were analyzed, and the optimization of the structure passed by water was carried out to improve the efficiency of the pump device in forward and reverse operation. The results show that the performance of the pump device is good when it is running in the forward direction, the peak efficiency of the pump device is 72.22% and the corresponding head is 4.01 m. When it is running in the reverse direction, the performance of the pump device decreases significantly with the peak efficiency is only 36.03% and the corresponding head is 3.34 m. The hydraulic loss in the dust-pan-shaped conduit is very small in the forward operation, the wellbore conduit is the main factor which affects the efficiency of the submersible axial flow pump device, the loss ratio is 12%–44%. When the pump device is in reverse operation, the hydraulic loss is similar but the hydraulic performance is poor and the hydraulic loss is obviously larger than that in forward operation. A guide plate is added to the dust-pan-shaped conduit at 0.27 D ( D is the nominal diameter of impeller) along the axis direction of the conduit, and a elbow flow conduit with the corner radius R of 0.83 D is selected to replace the wellbore conduit, the bad flow state disappeared and the efficiency of the pump device increased by 5.19% in the forward operation while the efficiency of the pump device increased by 9.62% in the reverse operation.
Concurrent training in team sports: A systematic review
Authors: Seipp Deborah , Quittmann Oliver J , Fasold Frowin , Klatt Stefanie
Published: May 2022

Background: Concurrent strength and endurance training could interfere with adaptation, which primarily affects long-term strength development. However, so far, research on this theme has rarely focused on ways to optimize concurrent strength and endurance training in team sports. Objectives: This paper aims to summarize the literature on the effects of concurrent training on aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways as well as strength and jump performance measures in team sports (invasion games) to provide recommendations for its application. Methods: A systematic literature review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted. Various reliable sources with only experimental studies investigating the effect of concurrent training on sport-specific performance measures in team sports (invasion games) were included. Two researchers independently evaluated the risk of bias with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Results: From 1649 records, 24 were included: 12 in children/adolescents ( n = 428; aged up to 18 years) and 12 in adults ( n = 620; aged 19–30 years), respectively. Thirteen of 24 studies reported improved endurance (V˙O2max, YoYoIR) and strength (CMJ, SJ and 1RM) performance by adding additional resistance training in young and adult team sport players with different training status, and nine of 24 studies reported more pronounced interference effects in older and more experienced players. Discussion: Concurrent training can improve endurance and strength performance in team sports athletes. However, it is revealed that concurrent training can lead to diminished effects, which might be minimized by extended recovery time between sessions, adapted sequencing order and endurance exercise modality. With maturity and developing training status, an increased importance of these variables was documented.
What is trauma-informed practice? Towards operationalisation of the concept in two prisons for women
Authors: Auty Katherine M , Liebling Alison , Schliehe Anna , Crewe Ben
Published: May 2022

A cultural initiative, ‘Becoming Trauma-Informed’, was introduced into prisons in England and Wales from 2015 based on the work of American clinical psychologist, Dr Stephanie Covington, and as part of a more general trend towards the recognition and treatment of trauma-related conditions in the community and in mental health settings. Becoming trauma-informed training for Prison Officers in England and Wales was carried out in all 12 women’s prisons during 2015–2017 and began in the long-term high-secure male estate from May 2018. The becoming trauma-informed work is based on considerable expertise, and a deep commitment by experts and practitioners to the development of trauma-informed practice. The authors welcome this ‘trauma-turn’ in thinking and practice and describe an extended pilot attempt to operationalise and measure its impact on the prison experience. The results were disappointing. By highlighting challenges, and exploring meaning-in-practice, we hope to contribute to the improvement of these initiatives.
‘In on the ground floor’: Women and the early BBC television service, 1932–1939
Authors: Murphy Kate
Published: May 2022

This is a working paper on women and the early BBC television service, prior to September 1939. It considers women in four main areas of work: in production roles, in secretarial/clerical support work, in Makeup and Wardrobe, and as on-screen announcers. Apart from the latter two, which were developed especially for television, it shows a clear link with radio practices, particularly the possibility of women moving through the ranks. The paper argues that, had there not been a seven year hiatus for the Second World War, women would have reached elevated positions in the television service much sooner.
Differential susceptibility to lipopolysaccharide affects the activation of toll-like-receptor 4 signaling in THP-1 cells and PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells
Authors: Kim Young Kyu , Hwang Jeong Ho , Lee Hoon Taek
Published: May 2022

Monocytes and macrophages that originate from common myeloid progenitors perform various crucial roles in the innate immune system. Stimulation with LPS combined with TLR4 drives the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through MAPKs and NF-κB pathway in different cells. However, the difference in LPS susceptibility between monocytes and macrophages is poorly understood. In this study, we found that pro-inflammatory cytokines—IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα showed greater induction in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 cells than in THP-1 cells. To determine the difference in cytokine expression, the surface proteins such as TLR4-related proteins and intracellular adaptor proteins were more preserved in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells than in THP-1 cells. MyD88 is a key molecule responsible for the difference in LPS susceptibility. Moreover, MAPKs and NF-κB pathway-related molecules showed higher levels of phosphorylation in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells than in THP-1 cells. Upon MyD88 depletion, there was no difference in the phosphorylation of MAPK pathway-related molecules. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the difference in LPS susceptibility between THP-1 cells and PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells occur as a result of gap between the activated MAPKs and NF-κB pathways via changes in the expression of LPS-related receptors and MyD88.
Leaving the day behind: endovascular therapy beyond 24 h in acute stroke of the anterior and posterior circulation
Authors: Purrucker Jan C. , Ringleb Peter A. , Seker Fatih , Potreck Arne , Nagel Simon , Schönenberger Silvia , Berberich Anne , Neuberger Ulf , Möhlenbruch Markus , Weyland Charlotte
Published: May 2022

Background:

There is little evidence of endovascular therapy (EVT) being performed in acute ischemic stroke beyond 24 h, and that evidence is limited to anterior circulation stroke.

Objective:

To extend evidence of efficacy and safety of EVT after more than 24 h in both anterior and posterior circulation stroke.

Methods:

Local, prospectively collected registries were screened for patients with acute ischemic stroke and large-vessel occlusion who had received either EVT > 24 h after last-seen-well but <24 h after symptom recognition (EVT>24LSW) or EVT > 24 h since first (definitive) symptom recognition (EVT>24DEF). Patients treated <24 h served as a group for comparison. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–2 or return to prestroke mRS at 3 months.

Results:

Between January 2014 and August 2021, N = 2347 were treated with EVT at our comprehensive stroke center, of whom n = 43 met the inclusion criteria (EVT>24LSW, n = 16, EVT>24DEF, n = 27). EVT>24LSW patients were treated at a median of 28.7 h [interquartile range (IQR) = 27.3–32.8] after last-seen-well and 7.3 h (IQR = 2.8–14.3) after symptom recognition; EVT>24DEF patients were treated 52.5 h (IQR = 26.5–94.2) after first symptoms. Favorable outcome was achieved by 23.3% (10/43) in the EVT > 24 compared with 39.4% (886/2250) in the EVT < 24 group ( p = 0.04). Bleeding rates were similar across groups. Mortality was also similar [EVT > 24, 27.9% (12/43) versus EVT < 24, 25.7% (584/2264), p = 0.727; posterior circulation, EVT > 24, 41.7% (5/12) versus EVT < 24, 36.5% (92/252) p = 0.764].

Conclusion:

In selected patients, EVT seems effective and safe beyond 24 h for both anterior and posterior circulation stroke.
An experimental and simulated investigation into the validity of unrestricted blast wave scaling models when applied to transonic flow in complex tunnel environments
Authors: Johnson Emily M , Grahl Nick , Langenderfer Martin J , Doucet David P , Schott Joseph , Williams Kelly , Rutter Barbara , Johnson Catherine
Published: May 2022

Since the inception of high explosives as an industrial tool, significant efforts have been made to understand the flow of energy from an explosive into its surroundings to maximize work produced while minimizing damaging effects. Many tools have been developed over the past century, such as the Hopkinson–Cranz (H-C) Scaling Formula, to define blast wave behavior in open air. Despite these efforts, the complexity of wave dynamics has rendered blast wave prediction difficult under confinement, where the wave interacts with reflective surfaces producing complex time-pressure waveforms. This paper implements two methods to better understand blast overpressure propagation in a confined tunnel environment and establish whether scaled tests can be performed comparatively to costly full-scale experiments. Time–pressure waveforms were predicted using both a 1:10 scaled model and three-dimensional air blast simulations conducted in Ansys Autodyn. A comparison of the reduced scale model simulation with a full-scale blast simulation resulted in self-similar overpressure waveforms when employing the H-C scaling model. Experimental overpressure waveforms showed a high level of correlation between the reduced scale model and simulations. Additionally, peak overpressure, duration, and impulse values were found to match within tolerances that are highly promising for applying this methodology in future applications. Using this validated relationship, the simulated model and reduced scale tests were used to predict an overpressure waveform in a full-scale underground mine opening to within 2.12%, 2.91%, and 7.84% for peak overpressure, time of arrival, and impulse, respectively. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of scaled, blast models when predicting blast wave parameters in a confined environment.
Patient and physician perspectives on the use and outcome measures of mHealth apps: Exploratory survey and focus group study
Authors: Jezrawi Rita , Balakumar Sarmini , Masud Rafia , Gabizon Itzhak , Bhagirath Vinai , Varughese Jobin , Brown Michael , Trottier Dan , Schwalm JD , McGillion Michael , Alvarez Elizabeth , Lokker Cynthia
Published: May 2022

Objective

Factors that physicians and patients consider when making decisions about using or recommending health apps are not well understood. We explored these factors to better assess how to support such decision making.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study in Ontario using qualitative focus groups and quantitative surveys. 133 physicians and 94 community dwelling adults completed online surveys and we held two focus groups of nine community dwelling participants who had cardiovascular risk factors and an interest in using mHealth apps. Quantitative survey data was analyzed descriptively. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim prior to inductive thematic content analysis. We integrated the results from the surveys and focus groups to understand factors that influence physicians' and patients' selection and use of such apps.

Results

Physicians recommend apps to patients but the level of evidence they prefer to use to guide selection did not align with what they were currently using. Patients trusted recommendations and reviews from medical organizations and healthcare professionals when selecting apps and were motivated to continue using apps when they supported goal setting and tracking, data sharing, decision making, and empowerment.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the significance of evaluating mHealth apps based on metrics that patients and physicians value beyond usage and clinical outcome data. Patients engage with apps that support them in confidently managing their health. Increased training and awareness of apps and creating a more rigorous evidence base showing the value of apps to supporting health goals will support greater adoption and acceptance of mHealth apps.
Perceptions of physical activity guidelines among wheelchair users with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Silveira Stephanie L. , Jeng Brenda , Cutter Gary , Motl Robert W.
Published: May 2022

Background

Physical activity guidelines provide prescriptive resources for population-level promotion of behavior change to improve health outcomes. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) recently created and disseminated physical activity guidelines for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) across the disease spectrum.

Objective

This study aimed to assess perceptions of the updated NMSS Physical Activity Guidelines among wheelchair users with MS.

Methods

One hundred thirty-four wheelchair users with MS participated in a cross-sectional study examining health behaviors. Outcomes were measured using an online questionnaire that included items related to demographic and clinical characteristics and a battery of questions regarding perceptions of the NMSS Physical Activity Guidelines based on Expanded Disability Status Scale groups 7.0–7.5 & 8.0–8.5.

Results

Among the 134 participants, 77 participants (58%) did not meet the general recommendations, 43 participants sometimes meet the general recommendations (32%), and 14 participants (10%) reported meeting the general recommendations. Participants reported positive perceptions across modalities (i.e. Breathing, Flexibility, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Core Exercises); however Upper and Lower Extremity Exercises were rated as the most challenging based on inability to complete independently.

Conclusion

Wheelchair users with MS in this study generally rated the NMSS Guidelines for Physical Activity as appropriate.
Development and Validation of a Scale Measuring Student Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Suh Woong , Ahn Seongjin
Published: May 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) education is becoming increasingly important worldwide. However, there has been no measuring instrument for diagnosing the students’ current perspective. Thus the aim of this study was to develop an instrument that measures student attitudes toward AI. The instrument was developed by verifying the reliability and validity by 8 computer education PhD using a sample of 305 K-12 students. This scale made students’ attitudes toward AI operational and quantifiable. Accordingly, educators can use it to diagnose the current status of students or verify the effectiveness of new AI education methods.
Colonial Gaze as Reflected in the Narratives of Memsahibs
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta
Published: May 2022

The article seeks to explore the dimensions of ‘otherness’ in the attitudes of the Memsahibs, that is, how these women who accompanied British men to India perceived the ‘other’ in terms of the physical, cultural and moral attributes of the Indians and more significantly how they negotiate the ‘other’ in terms of language, climate, food, and so on. Do these women strive hard to bridge the gap between the ‘self’ and the ‘other’ or continue to isolate themselves in their white enclaves? Did they try to reach out to the Indians or they deliberately tried to limit the contact zones with Indians? Whether their construction of Indians and Indian society is disparaging, sympathetic or appreciative? The three narratives have been perused to provide insights into these issues. The objective of the article is to deny the meta-narrative and instead present mini-narratives that reflect their plural and diverse experiences.
An in vivo accelerated developmental myelination model for testing promyelinating therapeutics
Authors: Lariosa-Willingham Karen , Leonoudakis Dmitri , Bragge Timo , Tolppanen Laura , Nurmi Antti , Flanagan Megan , Gibson Janelle , Wilson David , Stratton Jennifer , Lehtimäki Kimmo K. , Miszczuk Diana
Published: May 2022

Background

Therapeutic agents stimulating the process of myelination could be beneficial for the treatment of demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. The efficient translation of compounds promoting myelination in vitro to efficacy in vivo is inherently time-consuming and expensive. Thyroid hormones accelerate the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocytes, thereby promoting myelination. Systemic administration of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) accelerates brain maturation, including myelination, during early postnatal development. The objective of this study was to validate an animal model for rapid testing of promyelinating therapeutic candidates for their effects on early postnatal development by using T4 as a reference compound.

Methods

Daily subcutaneous injections of T4 were given to Sprague Dawley rat pups from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND10. Changes in white matter were determined at PND10 using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI). Temporal changes in myelination from PND3 to PND11 were also assessed by quantifying myelin basic protein (MBP) expression levels in the brain using the resonance Raman spectroscopy/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (RRS-ELISA) and quantitative immunohistochemistry.

Results

DTI of white matter tracts showed significantly higher fractional anisotropy in the internal capsule of T4-treated rat pups. The distribution of total FA values in the forebrain was significantly shifted towards higher values in the T4-treated group, suggesting increased myelination. In vivo imaging data were supported by in vitro observations, as T4 administration significantly potentiated the developmental increase in MBP levels in brain lysates starting from PND8. MBP levels in the brain of animals that received treatment for 9 days correlated with the FA metric determined in the same pups in vivo a day earlier. Furthermore, accelerated developmental myelination following T4 administration was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for MBP in coronal brain sections of treated rat pups.

Conclusions

T4-treated rat pups had increased MBP expression levels and higher MRI fractional anisotropy values, both indications of accelerated myelination. This simple developmental myelination model affords a rapid test of promyelinating activity in vivo within several days, which could facilitate in vivo prescreening of candidate therapeutic compounds for developmental hypomyelinating diseases. Further research will be necessary to assess the utility of this platform for screening promyelination compounds in more complex demyelination disease models, such us multiple sclerosis.
QTL mapping and identification of genes associated with the resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus in cultivated common bean using a high-density genetic linkage map
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Tang Yongsheng , Wang Lanfen , Chang Yujie , Wu Jing , Wang Shumin
Published: May 2022

Background

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important agricultural product with large nutritional value, and the insect pest Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) seriously affects its product quality and commodity quality during storage. Few researches on genes of bruchid resistance have investigated in common bean cultivars.

Results

In this study, a bruchid-resistant cultivar black kidney bean and a highly susceptible accession Longyundou3 from different gene banks were crossed to construct a recombinant inbred line population. The genetic analysis indicated a quantitative inheritance of the bruchid resistance trait controlled by polygenes. A high-density genetic map of a total map distance of 1283.68 cM with an average interval of 0.61 cM between each marker was constructed using an F6 population of 157 recombinant inbred lines. The map has 3106 bin markers, containing 2,234,769 SNPs. Using the high-density genetic map, a new quantitative trait locus for the resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus was identified on chromosome 6. New molecular markers based on the candidate region were developed, and this locus was further delimited to an interval of 122.3 kb between SSR markers I6–4 and I6–16 using an F2 population. This region comprised five genes. Phvul.006G003700, which encodes a bifunctional inhibitor, may be a potential candidate gene for bruchid resistance. Sequencing analysis of candidate gene identified a 5 bp insertion-deletion in promoter of gene Phvul.006G003700 between two parents. Expression analysis of candidate gene revealed that the expression level of Phvul.006G003700 in bruchid-resistant parent was markedly higher than that in bruchid-susceptible parent both in dry seeds and leaves.

Conclusions

A high-density genetic linkage map was constructed utilizing whole-genome resequencing and one new QTL for bruchid resistance was identified on chromosome 6 in common bean cultivar. Phvul.006G003700 (encoding a bifunctional inhibitor) may be a potential candidate gene. These results may form the basis for further research to reveal the bruchid resistance molecular mechanism of common bean.
Anticipatory care planning for community-dwelling older adults at risk of functional decline: a feasibility cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brazil Kevin , Cardwell Christopher , Carter Gillian , Clarke Mike , Corry Dagmar Anna S. , Fahey Tom , Gillespie Patrick , Hobbins Anna , McGlade Kieran , O’Halloran Peter , O’Neill Nina , Wallace Emma , Doyle Frank
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To determine the feasibility, implementation and outcomes of an Anticipatory Care Planning (ACP) intervention in primary care to assist older adults at risk of functional decline by developing a personalized support plan.

Design

Feasibility cluster randomized control trial.

Setting and participants

Eight primary care practices (four in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom and four in the Republic of Ireland) were randomly assigned to either intervention or control arm. Eligible patients were those identified in each practice as 70 years of age or older and assessed as at risk of functional decline. Study participants (interventionn = 34, controln = 31) and research staff were not blinded to group assignment.

Anticipatory care intervention

The intervention delivered by a registered nurse including: a) a home-based patient assessment; b) care planning on the basis of a holistic patient assessment, and c) documentation of a support plan.

Outcome measures

A conceptual framework (RE-AIM) guided the assessment on the potential impact of the ACP intervention on patient quality of life, mental health, healthcare utilisation, costs, perception of person-centred care, and reduction of potentially inappropriate prescribing. Data were collected at baseline and at 10 weeks and six months following delivery of the intervention.

Results

All pre-specified feasibility indicators were met.Patients were unanimous in the acceptance of the ACP intervention. Health care providers viewed the ACP intervention as feasible to implement in routine clinical practice with attending community supports. While there were no significant differences on the primary outcomes (EQ-5D-5L: -0.07 (-0.17, 0.04)p = .180; CES-D: 1.2 (-2.5, 4.8)p = .468) and most secondary measures, ancillary analysis on social support showed responsiveness to the intervention. Incremental cost analysis revealed a mean reduction in costs of €320 per patient (95% CI -31 to 25;p = 0.82) for intervention relative to the control.

Conclusions

We successfully tested the ACP intervention in primary care settings and have shown that it is feasible to implement. The ACP intervention deserves further testing in a definitive trial to determine whether its implementation would lead to better outcomes or reduced costs.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, ID:NCT03902743. Registered on 4 April 2019.
The challenge of care coordination by midwives during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national descriptive survey
Authors: Gaucher Laurent , Dupont Corinne , Gautier Sylvain , Baumann Sophie , Rousseau Anne
Published: May 2022

Background

As part of a decades-long process of restructuring primary care, independent (also known as community) healthcare workers are being encouraged to work in groups to facilitate their coordination and continuity of care in France. French independent midwives perform about half of the early prenatal interviews that identify mothers' needs during pregnancy and then refer them to the appropriate resources. The French government, however, structured the COVID-19 pandemic response around public health institutions and did not directly mobilise these community healthcare workers during the lockdown phase. These responses have raised questions about their role within the healthcare system in crises. This survey’s main objectives were to estimate the proportion of independent midwives who experienced new difficulties in referring women to healthcare facilities or other caregivers and in collaborating with hospitals during the first stage of this pandemic. The secondary objective was to estimate the proportion, according to their mode of practice, of independent midwives who considered that all the women under their care had risked harm due to failed or delayed referral to care.

Methods

We conducted an online national survey addressed to independent midwives in France from 29 April to 15 May 2020, around the end of the first lockdown (17 March–11 May, 2020).

Results

Of the 5264 registered independent midwives in France, 1491 (28.3%) responded; 64.7% reported new or greater problems during the pandemic in referring women to health facilities or care-providers, social workers in particular, and 71.0% reported new difficulties collaborating with hospitals. Nearly half (46.2%) the respondents considered that all the women in their care had experienced, to varying degrees, a lack of or delay in care that could have affected their health. This proportion did not differ according to the midwives’ form of practice: solo practice, group practice with other midwives only, or group practice with at least two types of healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

The pandemic has degraded the quality of pregnant women’s care in France and challenged the French model of care, which is highly compartmentalised between an almost exclusively independent primary care (community) sector and a predominantly salaried secondary care (hospital) sector.
Gene alternation of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with leptomeningeal metastases of lung adenocarcinoma using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Yang Hainan , Wen Lei , Pan Yingying , Shan Changguo , Hong Weiping , Wang Hui , Zhou Cheng , Cai Linbo , Zhou Caicun
Published: May 2022

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) provide a better prognosis in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the outcome of leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) remains poor. In addition, due to limited access to intracranial tumour tissue, gene alterations associated with leptomeningeal metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma (LM-LUAD) are unclear.

Methods

Forty-five patients with LM-LUAD from May 2019 to June 2021 in Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital were enrolled in this study. Seventy-five percent (34/45) of patients with LM harbored EGFR mutations, and patients with progressive disease (PD) of LM had 3rd-generation EGFR-TKI therapy and were defined as Cohort 1; those without 3rd-generation EGFR-TKI therapy were defined as Cohort 2. Next-generation targeted panel sequencing (NGS) was performed in each cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample of the two cohorts, and 9/45 LM-LUAD patients had matched plasma (PLA).

Results

The common gene alterations discovered in the CSF of LM-LUAD were EGFR mutation (34/45, 75%), TP53 (25/45, 56%), CDKN2A (9/45, 20%), ALK (7/45, 16%), CTNNB1 (6/45, 13%), MET (5/45, 11%), APC (4/45, 9%), FGF4 (4/45, 9%), FGF3 (4/45, 9%), ERBB2 (4/45, 9%), and PIK3CG (4/45, 9%). Cooccurring mutations of TP53 and EGFR were found in 49% (22/45) of patients and correlated with poor prognosis. CDKN2A was identified in 20% (9/45) of patients and presented slightly shorter overall survival (OS) than those without (7.1 versus 8.8 months, p = 0.2). Cohort 1 had more genes associated with poor prognosis, consisting of CDK4, CDKN2A, PIK3CG, or PIK3CA, and YES1 and MET were more likely to be detected in cohort 2. The alteration of EGFR was comparable between CSF and matched PLA. Incidences of gene alterations such as CDK4, CDKN2A, MET, SOX2, JAK2, BRAF, and PIK3CG were more likely to be identified in CSF. All mutant allele frequencies (MAF) were much higher in CSF than in matched PLA.

Conclusions

CSF could be a potential candidate for the genetic profiling of LM-LUAD, demonstrating the genetic characteristics of LM in EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma on diverse EGFR-TKI therapies.
Failure of crizotinib based systemic treatment in ALK positive histiocytosis involving the central nervous system: a case report and literature review
Authors: He Qiang , Zhang Wenjie , Li Qiang
Published: May 2022

Background

Among the histiocytic disorders, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive histiocytosis emerged in 2008. As more and more cases of the novel entity are reported, our understanding of it is deepened. However, only a few cases with central nervous system (CNS) involvement have been reported. Furthermore, the lesion in the suprasellar region has not been documented. 

Case presentation

We presented a case of ALK-positive histiocytosis involving the suprasellar region of a one-year-and-four-month-old boy. Through clinical, neuropathological, and genomic analyses, the patient was diagnosed with ALK-positive histiocytosis. After lesions were resected he started treatment with a combination of the three compounds vincristine, prednisolone, and crizotinib, but they did not work. Cytarabine was then added as an additional chemotherapy drug for him, and the lesions in the brain and lungs were shrunk by combining treatment of crizotinib, dexamethasone, vincristine, and cytarabine according to the RECIST (esponse Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours).

Conclusions

Additional adjuvant chemotherapy drugs are needed when ALK-inhibitor treatment is ineffective.
The burden of diarrhoeal diseases in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a time-series analysis of the global burden of disease study estimates (1990–2019)
Authors: Mbaka Gloire O. , Vieira Rute
Published: May 2022

Background

Diarrhoeal diseases are important causes of disability and mortality being one of the main causes of mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). One of the largest and wealthiest African countries, DRC has been for long subjected to continuous political and economic instability, conflicts and disease outbreaks. This study aimed to address the knowledge gap in understanding how prevalence, mortality and burden of diseases in DRC changed over time and examine the influence of specific factors in these disease-related outcomes.

Methods

A time-series analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 estimates was performed to describe prevalence, years lived with disabilities (YLDs) and mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases, by age-group and sex, between 1990–2019 in DRC. The contribution of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and child malnutrition risk factors to these outcomes was also analysed. Piecewise regression analysis was used to assess trends over time.

Results

The overall age-standardised prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases for both sexes in DRC was 1350.84 (UI:1240.16—1461.62) cases per 100,000 people in 1990. The prevalence increased until 2019, also fuelled by the movement of Rwandan refugees to DRC and First/Second Congo wars between 1996–2003. Age-standardised prevalence and mortality were consistently higher in males, compared to females, decreasing by 42% and 54%, respectively, between 1990 and 2019. Overall prevalence was also usually higher in over 70 years old, except between 1998–2003 when mortality in under five years old was the highest. Unsafe water sources and child wasting among under five years old were the main contributors to YLDs and deaths associated to diarrhoeal diseases in DRC.

Conclusion

Diarrhoeal diseases are important and preventable causes of disability and mortality in DRC. National measures of surveillance and cost-effective interventions targeting the identified risk groups could be effective in reducing its prevalence and associated burden.
The association between childhood hearing loss and self-reported peer victimisation, depressive symptoms, and self-harm: longitudinal analyses of a prospective, nationally representative cohort study
Authors: Butcher Emma , Cortina-Borja Mario , Dezateux Carol , Knowles Rachel
Published: May 2022

Background

Childhood hearing loss (HL) predicts poor mental health and is associated with a higher risk of communication difficulties. The relationship of childhood HL with specific types of poor mental health (such as depressive symptoms or self-harm) and peer victimisation remains unclear.

Methods

We analysed data from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), a prospective observational cohort study of children living in the UK at age 9 months and born between 2000 to 2002. Data were available on the children and their families at ages 9 months, then at 3, 5, 7, 11, and 14 years.

Participants were 10,858 singleton children with self-reported data on peer victimisation, depressive symptoms, and self-harm at age 14 years. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios (OR) for HL with peer victimisation, depressive symptoms, and self-harm. HL presence was examined in terms of any HL between ages 9 months and 14 years, as well as by HL trajectory type (defined by onset and persistence). Analyses were adjusted for potential sources of confounding, survey design, and attrition at age 14 years. Interactions between sex and HL were examined in each model and multiple imputation procedures used to address missing data.

Results

Children with any HL had increased odds of depressive symptoms (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.09–1.60), self-harm (1.41, 1.12–1.78) and, in girls only, peer victimisation (girls: 1.81, 1.29–2.55; boys: 1.05, 0.73–1.51), compared to those without HL. HL with later age at onset and persistence to age 14 years was the only trajectory associated with all outcomes.

Conclusions

Childhood HL may predict peer victimisation (in girls), depressive symptoms, and self-harm. Further research is needed to identify HL trajectories and methods to facilitate good mental health in children with HL.