bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgery goes EPA (Entrustable Professional Activity) – how a strikingly easy to use app revolutionizes assessments of clinical skills in surgical training
Authors: Diwersi Nadine , Gass Jörn-Markus , Fischer Henning , Metzger Jürg , Knobe Matthias , Marty Adrian Philipp
Published: July 2022

Objective

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are increasingly being used in competency-based medical education approaches. A general lack of time in clinical settings, however, prevents supervisors from providing their trainees with adequate feedback. With a willingness for more administrative tasks being low in both trainees and educators, the authors developed a radical user-friendly mobile application based on the EPA concept called “Surg-prEPAred”.

Design

Surg-prEPAred is designed to collect micro-assessment data for building competency profiles for surgical residents according to their curriculum. The goal of Surg-prEPAred is to facilitate the performance and documentation of workplace-based assessments. Through aggregated data the app generates a personalized competency profile for every trainee. During a pilot run of 4 months, followed by ongoing usage of the application with a total duration of 9 months (August 2019 to April 2020), 32 residents and 33 consultants made daily use of the application as a rating tool. Every rating included knowledge, skills and professional attitudes of the trainees. Before the initiation of the App and after the 9-month trial period trainees and supervisors where both sent questionnaires to evaluate the user friendliness and effectiveness of the App.

Results

Five hundred ten App based assessments were generated. Out of 40 pre-defined EPAs, 36 were assessed. 15 trainees and 16 supervisors returned the questionnaires and stated the surg-prEPAred App as very valuable, effective and feasible to evaluate trainees in a clinical setting providing residents with an individual competence portfolio to receive precision medical education.

Conclusions

The authors expectation is that the Surg-prEPAred App will contribute to an improvement of quality of medical education and thus to the quality of patient care and safety. In the future the goal is to have the App become an integral part of the official Swiss surgical curriculum accepted by the Swiss professional surgical society.
Treatment of status epilepticus in pediatrics: curriculum learning combined with in-situ simulations
Authors: Wei Huiping , Zhao Hui , Huang Ziming , Lei Xinyun , He Ming , Dong Ran , Wu Jiannan , Yue Jing
Published: July 2022

Background

Appropriate and timely treatment of status epilepticus (SE) reduces morbidity and mortality. Therefore, skill-based identification and management are critical for emergency physicians.

Purpose

To assess whether the ability of training physicians, residents, nurses, and others to respond to SE as a team could be improved by using curriculum learning [Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety of Team (TeamSTEPPS) course training] combined with in-situ simulations of emergency department (ED) staff.

Approach

A pre-training-post-training design was used on SE skills and teamwork skills. Emergency training, residents, and N1 and N2 nurses completed the SE skill and teamwork assessments (pre-training) through in-situ simulation. Next, the participating physicians and nurses attended the SE course [Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety of Team (TeamSTEPPS) course training], followed by conscious skill practice, including in-situ simulation drills every 20 days (eight times total) and deliberate practice in the simulator. The participants completed the SE skill and teamwork assessments (post-training) again in an in-situ simulation. Pre-training-post-training simulated SE skills and teamwork performance were assessed. The simulation training evaluation showed that the training process was reasonable, and the training medical staff had different degrees of benefit in increasing subject interest, improving operational skills, theoretical knowledge, and work self-confidence.

Findings

Sixty doctors and nurses participated in the intervention. When comparing the SE skills of 10 regular training physicians pre-training and post-training, their performance improved from 40% (interquartile range (IQR): 0–1) before training to 100% (IQR: 80.00–100) after training (p < 0.001). The teamwork ability of the 10 teams improved from 2.43 ± 0.09 before training to 3.16 ± 0.08 after training (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SE curriculum learning combined with in-situ simulation training provides the learners with SE identification and management knowledge in children and teamwork skills.
The viability of utilising phone-based text messages in data capture and reporting morbidities due to lymphatic Filariasis by community health workers: a qualitative study in Kilwa district, Tanzania
Authors: Kalinga Akili , Munga Michael , Ngenya Abdallah , John Winfrida , Kisoka William , Oriyo Ndekya , Mutalemwa Prince , Mandara Wilfred , Masagati Leonard , Ogondiek John , Korir Patricia , Klarmann-Schulz Ute , Horn Sacha , Kroidl Inge , Debrah Alex , Hoerauf Achim , Mwingira Upendo
Published: July 2022

Background

Globally, there is recognition of the value of using mobile phones among health providers in improving health systems performance. However, in many Low- and Middle-income countries where there is shortage of health providers, Community Health Workers have assumed some responsibilities especially relating to identifying and reporting on health problems within their communities. Despite the known benefits of using mobile phone technology to deliver health services, there is limited information on the extent to which Community Health Workers are able to effectively use the technology in data collection and reporting. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of utilizing phone-based text messages on Lymphatic Filariasis morbidity surveillance by Community Health Workers.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study whose data was collected through key informant interviews and focused group discussions among community health workers, health providers and staff of neglected tropical diseases control program. Collected transcripts were analysed through Thematic content analysis as it allowed for the identification of data codes through inductive reasoning.

Results

The use of mobile phone-based text messages in data collection and reporting lymphatic filariasis morbidity cases by Community Health Workers was perceived by study participants to be a relevant tool and feasible due to the ease of use of the technology. The tool was reported by end-users to significantly increase their performance and efficiency was gained in terms of reduced paper work, increased the number of patients accessing health care services and the ability to report in real-time. All respondents were confident that Community Health Workers were the right persons to interact with communities in tracking and reporting morbidity cases using mobile technology.

Conclusion

Mobile phone-based text messages have proven to be effective in routine workflows such as, data collection and reporting on Lymphatic Filariasis morbidity cases, patient to provider communication, decision making and supportive supervision. Mobile phones have also improved efficiency and general performance of end users in terms of increased number of cases identified and efficiency gained in terms of reduced paper work and the ability to collect and report in real-time.
Expression and activation of nuclear hormone receptors result in neuronal differentiation and favorable prognosis in neuroblastoma
Authors: Sainero-Alcolado Lourdes , Mushtaq Muhammad , Liaño-Pons Judit , Rodriguez-Garcia Aida , Yuan Ye , Liu Tong , Ruiz-Pérez María Victoria , Schlisio Susanne , Bedoya-Reina Oscar , Arsenian-Henriksson Marie
Published: July 2022

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood tumor derived from the sympathetic nervous system, presents with heterogeneous clinical behavior. While some tumors regress spontaneously without medical intervention, others are resistant to therapy, associated with an aggressive phenotype. MYCN-amplification, frequently occurring in high-risk NB, is correlated with an undifferentiated phenotype and poor prognosis. Differentiation induction has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for high-risk NB. We have previously shown that MYCN maintains an undifferentiated state via regulation of the miR-17 ~ 92 microRNA cluster, repressing the nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR).

Methods

Cell viability was determined by WST-1. Expression of differentiation markers was analyzed by Western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence analysis. Metabolic phenotypes were studied using Agilent Extracellular Flux Analyzer, and accumulation of lipid droplets by Nile Red staining. Expression of angiogenesis, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation markers, and tumor sections were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression from NB patient as well as adrenal gland cohorts were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software (v.8) and GSEA (v4.0.3), while pseudo-time progression on post-natal adrenal gland cells from single-nuclei transcriptome data was computed using scVelo.

Results

Here, we show that simultaneous activation of GR and ERα potentiated induction of neuronal differentiation, reduced NB cell viability in vitro, and decreased tumor burden in vivo. This was accompanied by a metabolic reprogramming manifested by changes in the glycolytic and mitochondrial functions and in lipid droplet accumulation. Activation of the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) further enhanced the differentiated phenotype as well as the metabolic switch. Single-cell nuclei transcriptome analysis of human adrenal glands indicated a sequential expression of ERα, GR, and RARα during development from progenitor to differentiated chromaffin cells. Further, in silico analysis revealed that patients with higher combined expression of GR, ERα, and RARα mRNA levels had elevated expression of neuronal differentiation markers and a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

Together, our findings suggest that combination therapy involving activation of several NHRs could be a promising pharmacological approach for differentiation treatment of NB patients.
Prodromal characteristics of dementia with Lewy bodies: baseline results of the MEMENTO memory clinics nationwide cohort
Authors: Blanc Frederic , Bouteloup Vincent , Paquet Claire , Chupin Marie , Pasquier Florence , Gabelle Audrey , Ceccaldi Mathieu , de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Krolak-Salmon Pierre , David Renaud , Fischer Clara , Dartigues Jean-François , Wallon David , Moreaud Olivier , Sauvée Mathilde , Belin Catherine , Harston Sandrine , Botzung Anne , Albasser Timothée , Demuynck Catherine , Namer Izzie , Habert Marie-Odile , Kremer Stéphane , Bousiges Olivier , Verny Marc , Muller Candice , Philippi Nathalie , Chene Geneviève , Cretin Benjamin , Mangin Jean-François , Dufouil Carole
Published: July 2022

Background

Isolated subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are the prodromal phases of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). MEMENTO is a nationwide study of patients with SCI and MCI with clinic, neuropsychology, biology, and brain imaging data. We aimed to compare SCI and MCI patients with symptoms of prodromal DLB to others in this study at baseline.

Methods

Participants of the French MEMENTO cohort study were recruited for either SCI or MCI. Among them, 892 were included in the Lewy sub-study, designed to search specifically for symptoms of DLB. Probable prodromal DLB diagnosis (pro-DLB group) was done using a two-criteria cutoff score among the four core clinical features of DLB. This Pro-DLB group was compared to two other groups at baseline: one without any core symptoms (NS group) and the one with one core symptom (1S group). A comprehensive cognitive battery, questionnaires on behavior, neurovegetative and neurosensory symptoms, brain 3D volumetric MRI, CSF, FDG PET, and amyloid PET were done.

Results

The pro-DLB group comprised 148 patients (16.6%). This group showed more multidomain (59.8%) MCI with slower processing speed and a higher proportion of patients with depression, anxiety, apathy, constipation, rhinorrhea, sicca syndrome, and photophobia, compared to the NS group. The pro-DLB group had isolated lower P-Tau in the CSF (not significant after adjustments for confounders) and on brain MRI widening of sulci including fronto-insular, occipital, and olfactory sulci (FDR corrected), when compared to the NS group. Evolution to dementia was not different between the three groups over a median follow-up of 2.6 years.

Conclusions

Patients with symptoms of prodromal DLB are cognitively slower, with more behavioral disorders, autonomic symptoms, and photophobia. The occipital, fronto-insular, and olfactory bulb involvement on brain MRI was consistent with symptoms and known neuropathology. The next step will be to study the clinical, biological, and imaging evolution of these patients.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01926249
Family support and transport cost: understanding health service among older people from the perspective of social-ecological model
Authors: Yuan Bocong , Zhang Tong , Li Jiannan
Published: July 2022

Background

This study is to investigate the interaction of family support, transport cost (ex-post), and disabilities on health service seeking behavior among older people from the perspective of social ecological model.

Method

We conduct a series of regressions including the Poisson model and Multiple logit model. The Heckman two-stage procedure is also conducted to check the robustness.

Results

Given that health care resources are generally concentrated in densely populated urban areas, access to services of higher-class health care facilities is found associated with higher transport cost (ex-post). Family support could also promote the access to higher-class health care facilities. Although disability may impede such access, this effect may be mitigated by paying higher transport cost (ex-post).

Conclusions

Alleviating transport deprivation and promoting family support are critical for access to better healthcare services among older people with disabilities.
Letter to the editor on “Geotemporospatial and causal inferential epidemiological overview and survey of USA cannabis, cannabidiol and cannabinoid genotoxicity expressed in cancer incidence 2003–2017, parts 1–3”
Authors: Chen Frank Yizhao , Barnes Michael , Lewis Evan Cole
Published: July 2022

We would like to thank authors Reece and Hulse (2022) for their three-part article titled “Geotemporospatial and causal inferential epidemiological overview and survey of USA cannabis, cannabidiol and cannabinoid genotoxicity expressed in cancer incidence 2003-2017”, in which the authors infer that cannabis use has a causal role in the development of various cancer types. While the authors use reputable datasets and a well-established epidemiological methodology, the authors’ conclusion of a causal association is limited due to biases inherent in ecological epidemiological studies. Though the researchers attempt to overcome these biases through validation and statistical manipulations, their approaches are insufficient to create conditions suitable for causal inferencing upon examination. There are also concerns in the practical and conceptual application of the studies’ dataset that further question the validity of the authors’ inferences. Further research exploring the potential benefits and harm of cannabinoids in the context of cancer must be performed before a distinct relationship can be defined.
Regulating the surface of anion-doped TiO2 nanorods by hydrogen annealing for superior photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Park Jongseong , Lee Seonyong , Lee Tae Hyung , Kim Changyeon , Jun Sang Eon , Baek Ji Hyun , Kim Jae Young , Lee‬ Mi Gyoung , Ahn Sang Hyun , Jang Ho Won
Published: July 2022

Dedications to achieve the highly efficient metal oxide semiconductor for the photoelectrochemical water splitting system have been persisted to utilize the TiO2 as the promising photoanode material. Herein, we report notable progress for nanostructured TiO2 photoanodes using facile sequential one-pot hydrothermal synthesis and annealing in hydrogen. A photocurrent density of 3.04 mA·cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode was achieved in TiO2 nanorod arrays annealed in hydrogen ambient, which is approximately 4.25 times higher than that of pristine TiO2 annealed in ambient air. 79.2% of incident photon-to-current efficiency at 380 nm wavelength demonstrates the prominence of the material at the near-UV spectral range region and 100 h chronoamperometric test exhibits the stability of the photoanode. Detailed studies regarding crystallinity, bandgap, and elemental analysis provide the importance of the optimized annealing condition for the TiO2-based photoanodes. Water contact angle measurement displays the effect of hydrogen annealing on the hydrophilicity of the material. This study clearly demonstrates the marked improvement using the optimized hydrogen annealing, providing the promising methodologies for eco-friendly mass production of water splitting photoelectrodes.

Graphical Abstract
Small-scale dosimetry for alpha particle 241Am source cell irradiation and estimation of γ-H2AX foci distribution in prostate cancer cell line PC3
Authors: Mellhammar Emma , Dahlbom Magnus , Vilhelmsson-Timmermand Oskar , Strand Sven-Erik
Published: July 2022

Background

The development of new targeted alpha therapies motivates improving alpha particle dosimetry. For alpha particles, microscopic targets must be considered to estimate dosimetric quantities that can predict the biological response. As double-strand breaks (DSB) on DNA are the main cause of cell death by ionizing radiation, cell nuclei are relevant volumes necessary to consider as targets. Since a large variance is expected of alpha particle hits in individual cell nuclei irradiated by an uncollimated alpha-emitting source, the damage induced should have a similar distribution. The induction of DSB can be measured by immunofluorescent γ-H2AX staining. The cell γ-H2AX foci distribution and alpha particle hits distribution should be comparable and thereby verify the necessity to consider the relevant dosimetric volumes.

Methods

A Monte Carlo simulation model of an 241Am source alpha particle irradiation setup was combined with two versions of realistic cell nuclei phantoms. These were generated from DAPI-stained PC3 cells imaged with fluorescent microscopy, one consisting of elliptical cylinders and the other of segmented mesh volumes. PC3 cells were irradiated with the 241Am source for 4, 8 and 12 min, and after 30 min fixated and stained with immunofluorescent γ-H2AX marker. The detected radiation-induced foci (RIF) were compared to simulated RIF.

Results

The mesh volume phantom detected a higher mean of alpha particle hits and energy imparted (MeV) per cell nuclei than the elliptical cylinder phantom, but the mean specific energy (Gy) was very similar. The mesh volume phantom detected a slightly larger variance between individual cells, stemming from the more extreme and less continuous distribution of cell nuclei sizes represented in this phantom. The simulated RIF distribution from both phantoms was in good agreement with the detected RIF, although the detected distribution had a zero-inflated shape not seen in the simulated distributions. An estimate of undetected foci was used to correct the detected RIF distribution and improved the agreement with the simulations.

Conclusion

Two methods to generate cell nuclei phantoms for Monte Carlo dosimetry simulations were tested and generated similar results. The simulated and detected RIF distributions from alpha particle-irradiated PC3 cells were in good agreement, proposing the necessity to consider microscopic targets in alpha particle dosimetry.
Subacute postoperative myofascial pain diagnosed and treated successfully by ultrasound: a case after laparoscopic hepatectomy
Authors: Hachisuka Rumiko , Taguchi Shima , Moriwaki Katsuyuki , Oshita Kyoko , Umeda Ayako , Tsutsumi Yasuo M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the causes of prolonged postoperative pain after abdominal surgery. However, diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome, especially its myofascial trigger point (MTrP), have not been well established.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old man experienced severe subacute abdominal pain after laparoscopic hepatectomy despite aggressive postoperative pain management. He had a positive Carnett’s sign, indicating abdominal wall pain, 2 weeks after the surgery. Ultrasonography showed a hyperechoic spot surrounded by a hypoechoic area in the inner abdominal oblique muscle under the palpable spot that fulfills the criteria of MTrP. The echogenic MTrP disappeared after repetitive ultrasound-guided trigger point injections (USG TPIs) with pain relief.

Conclusions

Our present case indicates that diagnosing myofascial pain by visualizing the echogenic MTrPs in the abdominal muscles, and subsequent USG TPIs, might provide an accurate maneuver for diagnosis and treatment of subacute myofascial pain after abdominal surgery.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Ackah Betty B. B. , Woo Michael , Stallwood Lisa , Fazal Zahra A. , Okpani Arnold , Ukah Ugochinyere Vivian , Adu Prince A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Vaccination against the novel coronavirus is one of the most effective strategies for combating the global Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a major obstacle in several regions of the world, including Africa. The objective of this rapid review was to summarize the literature on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Africa.

Methods

We searched Scopus, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, and OVID Medline for studies published from January 1, 2020, to March 8, 2022, examining acceptance or hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine in Africa. Study characteristics and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were extracted from the included articles.

Results

A total of 71 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Majority (n = 25, 35%) of the studies were conducted in Ethiopia. Studies conducted in Botswana, Cameroun, Cote D’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe were also included in the review. The vaccine acceptance rate ranged from 6.9 to 97.9%. The major reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns with vaccine safety and side effects, lack of trust for pharmaceutical industries and misinformation or conflicting information from the media. Factors associated with positive attitudes towards the vaccine included being male, having a higher level of education, and fear of contracting the virus.

Conclusions

Our review demonstrated the contextualized and multifaceted reasons inhibiting or encouraging vaccine uptake in African countries. This evidence is key to operationalizing interventions based on facts as opposed to assumptions. Our paper provided important considerations for addressing the challenge of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and blunting the impact of the pandemic in Africa.
An implementation study of electronic assessment of patient-reported outcomes in inpatient radiation oncology
Authors: Nordhausen Thomas , Lampe Katharina , Vordermark Dirk , Holzner Bernhard , Al-Ali Haifa-Kathrin , Meyer Gabriele , Schmidt Heike
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Despite evidence for clinical benefits, recommendations in guidelines, and options for electronic data collection, routine assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is mostly not implemented in clinical practice. This study aimed to plan, conduct and evaluate the implementation of electronic PRO (e-PRO) assessment in the clinical routine of an inpatient radiation oncology clinic.

Methods

The guideline- and evidence-based, stepwise approach of this single-center implementation study comprised preparatory analyses of current practice, selection of assessment instruments and times, development of staff training, and evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of the e-PRO assessment, as well as on-site support of the implementation. Process evaluation focused on potential clinical benefit (number of documented symptoms and supportive measures), feasibility and acceptance (patient contacts resulting in completion/non-completion of the e-PRO assessment, reasons for non-completion, preconditions, facilitators and barriers of implementation), and required resources (duration of patient contacts to explain/support the completion).

Results

Selection of instruments and assessment times resulted in initial assessment at admission (EORTC QLQ-C30, QSR 10), daily symptom monitoring (EORTC single items), and assessment at discharge (EORTC QLQ-C30). Recommendations for PRO-based clinical action and self-management advice for patients concerning nine core symptoms were developed. Staff training comprised group and face-to-face meetings and an additional e-learning course was developed. Analyses of clinical records showed that e-PRO assessment identified more symptoms followed by a higher number of supportive measures compared to records of patients without e-PRO assessment. Analysis of n = 1597 patient contacts resulted in n = 1355 (84.9%) completed e-PROs (initial assessment: n = 355, monitoring: n = 967, final assessment: n = 44) and n = 242 (15.2%) non-completions. Instructions or support to complete e-PROs took on average 5.5 ± 5.3 min per patient contact. The most challenging issue was the integration of the results in clinical practice.

Conclusion

E-PRO assessment in oncologic inpatient settings is acceptable for patients and can support symptom identification and the initiation of supportive measures. The challenge of making the “data actionable” within the clinical workflow and motivating clinical staff to use the results became evident.
Using co-production to implement patient reported outcome measures in third sector organisations: a mixed methods study
Authors: Foster Alexis , O’Cathain Alicia , Harris Janet , Weston Guy , Andrews Lucy , Andreeva Olga
Published: July 2022

Background

Third sector organisations such as charities and community groups are using Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) at an aggregated service level to demonstrate their impact to commissioners to generate or retain funding. Despite this motivation, organisations can struggle with implementing PROMs. Previous studies have identified facilitators including organisations using an appropriate measure, co-producing the PROMs process with staff, and investing resources to support the use of measures. However, to date no studies have applied this learning to third sector organisations to evaluate whether taking an evidence-informed implementation approach improves the use of PROMs.

Methods

A Community-Based Participatory Research approach was used which involved university-based researchers supporting two third sector organisations to implement PROMs. The researchers provided evidence-informed advice and training. The organisations were responsible for implementing PROMs. The researchers evaluated implementation through a mixed methods approach including five key informant interviews, four evaluation groups and analysis of collected PROMs data (n = 313).

Results

Both third sector organisations faced considerable constraints in incorporating known facilitators and addressing barriers. The organisations involved staff in choosing an acceptable measure. However, competing priorities including external pressures to use specific PROMs, busy workloads and staff opinions created challenges to using measures. Investment of time and energy into developing an outcomes-based organisational culture was key to enable the prioritisation of PROMs. For example, discussing PROMs in supervision so that they were viewed as part of people’s job roles. Organisations found that implementation took several years and was disrupted by other pressures.

Conclusions

Whilst organisations were motivated to implement PROMs to obtain or retain funding, they faced considerable practical and ideological challenges. Consequently, some stakeholders felt that alternative methods to measuring impact could potentially be more feasible than PROMs.
Humulus japonicus attenuates LPS-and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice
Authors: Go Jun , Park Hye-Yeon , Lee Da Woon , Maeng So-Young , Lee In-Bok , Seo Yun Jeong , An Jin-Pyo , Oh Won Keun , Lee Chul-Ho , Kim Kyoung-Shim
Published: July 2022

Background

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in cognitive decline and memory impairment in neurodegenerative disorders. Previously, we demonstrated that Humulus japonicus (HJ) has anti-inflammatory effects in rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The present study aimed to examine the protective potential of HJ extracts against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment and scopolamine-induced amnesia in mouse models. Cognitive improvement of mice was investigated by novel object recognition test. For analyzing effects on neuroinflammation, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were performed.

Results

We found that the oral administration of HJ significantly improved cognitive dysfunction induced by LPS in a novel object recognition test. The LPS-induced activation of microglia was notably decreased by HJ treatment in the cortex and hippocampus. HJ administration with LPS also significantly increased the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and decreased the mRNA expression of IL-12 in the parietal cortex of mice. The increased expression of LPS-induced complement C1q B chain (C1bq) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2) genes was significantly suppressed by HJ treatment. In addition, HJ administration significantly improved novel object recognition in a scopolamine-induced amnesia mouse model.

Conclusions

These findings revealed that HJ has a beneficial effect on cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation induced by systemic inflammation and on amnesia induced by scopolamine in mice.
Cancer Medicines: What Is Essential and Affordable in India?
Authors: Sengar Manju , Fundytus Adam , Hopman Wilma , Pramesh C.S. , Radhakrishnan Venkatraman , Ganesan Prasanth , Mathew Aju , Lombe Dorothy , Jalink Matthew , Gyawali Bishal , Trapani Dario , Roitberg Felipe , De Vries Elisabeth G.E. , Moja Lorenzo , Ilbawi André , Sullivan Richard , Booth Christopher M.
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE

The WHO essential medicines list (EML) guides selection of drugs for national formularies. Here, we evaluate which medicines are considered highest priority by Indian oncologists and the extent to which they are available in routine practice.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of an electronic survey developed by the WHO EML Cancer Medicine Working Group. The survey was distributed globally using a hierarchical snowball method to physicians who prescribe systemic anticancer therapy. The survey captured the 10 medicines oncologists considered highest priority for population health and their availability in routine practice.

RESULTS

The global study cohort included 948 respondents from 82 countries; 98 were from India and 67 were from other low- and middle-income countries. Compared with other low- and middle-income countries, the Indian cohort was more likely to be medical oncologist (70% v 31%, P < .001) and work exclusively in the private health system (52% v 17%, P < .001). 14/20 most commonly selected medicines were conventional cytotoxic drugs. Universal access to these medicines was reported by a minority of oncologists; risks of significant out-of-pocket expenditures for each medicine were reported by 19%-58% of oncologists. Risk of catastrophic expenditure was reported by 58%-67% of oncologists for rituximab and trastuzumab. Risks of financial toxicity were substantially higher within the private health system compared with the public system.

CONCLUSION

Most high-priority cancer medicines identified by Indian oncologists are generic chemotherapy agents that provide substantial improvements in survival and are already included in WHO EML. Access to these treatments remains limited by major financial burdens experienced by patients. This is particularly acute within the private health system. Strategies are urgently needed to ensure that high-quality cancer care is affordable and accessible to all patients in India.
A Review of Acute Physical Activity Effects on Brain and Cognition in Children
Authors: Hillman Charles H. , Logan Nicole E. , Shigeta Tatsuya T.
Published: July 2022

The prevalence of physical inactivity in children has become a global pandemic and has consequences for physical, as well as cognitive and brain, health. Single bouts of physical activity (PA), however, have shown a transient, positive effect on cognitive performance in preadolescent children. Acute bouts of moderate to vigorous PA have demonstrated benefits for cognition, including attention and executive function. These acute effects of PA on cognitive performance can be seen both immediately after and following a delay from the cessation of PA. Further, event-related potentials have been used to delineate real-time neural responses to behavioral tasks after PA interventions. A short bout of moderate-intensity aerobic PA serves to increase the allocation of attentional resources and improved cognitive processing and stimulus classification speed. As such, there are implications for evaluating the effect of PA within schools. Several neural mechanisms are suggested to explain the observed improvements in executive function after PA, such as the importance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on synaptogenesis, the expression of human growth factors, the activated release of catecholamines, and increased blood lactate levels. The ensuing descriptive review demonstrates the current understanding of the effects of acute PA on childhood brain and cognition and may serve as a basis for understanding PA-induced improvements in academic achievement.
Active Smarter Teachers: Primary School Teachers’ Perceptions and Maintenance of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention
Authors: Lerum Øystein , Bartholomew John , McKay Heather , Resaland Geir Kåre , Tjomsland Hege E. , Anderssen Sigmund Alfred , Leirhaug Petter Erik , Moe Vegard Fusche
Published: July 2022

The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) study evaluated the effect of a 7-month curriculum-prescribed physical activity intervention on academic performance in fifth-grade Norwegian students. However, there is also a need to examine teachers’ perception and maintenance of the ASK intervention. We conducted a prospective, mixed methods descriptive study across 1 yr of the ASK intervention. Data were collected via a self-report questionnaire, administered online, at two time points, immediately after the ASK intervention and 1 yr postintervention. The first questionnaire comprised open-ended questions about the teacher’s experience with the ASK intervention. The second questionnaire determined teachers’ maintenance of the ASK intervention. All teachers (N = 59) from the 28 intervention schools were eligible to participate. To prevent workload burden, teachers from the same school were offered the option to respond as a group to a single questionnaire. Thirty-one teachers from 22 schools completed the first questionnaire, and 26 teachers from 25 schools completed the second questionnaire. An analysis of the open-ended responses in the first questionnaire identified themes centering on the teacher’s perception of the ASK intervention, including benefits on student’s social engagement, professional competence, and interpersonal processes. Eighty-one percent reported that they maintained the use of physically active learning and physical activity breaks as part of their weekly pedagogical practice 1 yr postintervention. Only 18% reported maintained use of physical activity homework. A novel finding was a recognition that the interaction in physically active learning opportunities was especially beneficial for low academic achievement students. Furthermore, the findings indicate that it is important to collaborate with teachers to codesign interventions. This seems to be critical in order for teachers to achieve agency and empower teachers to integrate physical activity into their school day.
The role of 4-dimensional flow in the assessment of bicuspid aortic valve and its valvulo-aortopathies
Authors: Richards Caryl Elizabeth , Parker Alex E , Alfuhied Aseel , McCann Gerry P , Singh Anvesha
Published: July 2022

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital cardiac malformation and the leading cause of aortopathy and aortic stenosis in younger patients. Aortic wall remodelling secondary to altered haemodynamic flow patterns, changes in peak velocity, and wall shear stress may be implicated in the development of aortopathy in the presence of bicuspid aortic valve and dysfunction. Assessment of these parameters as potential predictors of disease severity and progression is thus desirable. The anatomic and functional information acquired from 4D flow MRI can allow simultaneous visualisation and quantification of the pathological geometric and haemodynamic changes of the aorta. We review the current clinical utility of haemodynamic quantities including velocity, wall sheer stress and energy losses, as well as visual descriptors such as vorticity and helicity, and flow direction in assessing the aortic valve and associated aortopathies.
The sociopolitics of the revivals of classical drama in Greece, Spain and Italy in the 20th century
Authors: Μπαλάσκας Βασίλειος
Published: July 2022

Η διατριβή διερευνά την αναβίωση του κλασικού δράματος σε αρχαιολογικούς χώρους ως κοινωνικοπολιτικό μηχανισμό των ευρωπαϊκών εθνών-κρατών κατά τον 20ό αιώνα. Η σύγχρονη χρήση των ελληνορωμαϊκών θεάτρων, αμφιθεάτρων και ωδείων εξαρτήθηκε από κοινωνικές ή καλλιτεχνικές επιρροές και διασυνδέσεις. Ειδικότερα, η ισπανική και η ελληνική περίπτωση αναπτύχθηκαν παράλληλα και απευθύνθηκαν σε παρόμοιες κοινωνικοπολιτικές αντιλήψεις, ενώ το ιταλικό παράδειγμα λειτούργησε ως πρότυπο για τη θεατρική τους παράδοση κατά τις πρώτες δεκαετίες του 20ού αιώνα. Από θεατρική άποψη, το ρεπερτόριο και ο προσανατολισμός του κλασικού δράματος επηρεάστηκαν από (υπερ)εθνικές τάσεις, ενώ οι σχέσεις εξουσίας μεταξύ θεατρικών σκηνοθετών, θιάσων και επίσημων φορέων καθόρισαν την πορεία αυτών των καλλιτεχνικών παραδόσεων. Η σκηνοθεσία του κλασικού δράματος στην Ελλάδα και την Ισπανία μετέτρεψε τους ελληνορωμαϊκούς χώρους σε κοινωνικοπολιτικούς φορείς εξουσίας που παρήγαγαν συλλογικές αφηγήσεις, θεατρικό εκσυγχρονισμό και οικονομική ανάπτυξη. Παρά τον διαφορετικό βαθμό ιδεολογικής εμπλοκής τους με τον κλασικό πολιτισμό, οι πολιτικές συνθήκες στην Ελλάδα και την Ισπανία κατά τον 20ό αιώνα προσφέρουν χώρο για στοχασμό και κριτική σύγκριση. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, η παρούσα μελέτη εξετάζει πώς οι ιστορικές πραγματικότητες οδήγησαν στη παραγωγή κλασικού δράματος σε ελληνορωμαϊκούς χώρους και πώς κάθε χώρα οικειοποιήθηκε και ανέδειξε αυτή την κλασική κληρονομιά ως εθνικό κοινωνικοπολιτικό κεφάλαιο.
Reconsidering the ethics of compulsive treatment in light of clinical psychiatry: A selective review of literature
Authors: Duarte Madeira Luis , Costa Santos Jorge
Published: July 2022

The ethics of compulsive treatment (CT) is a medical, social and legal discussion that reemerged after the ratification by 181 countries of the 2007 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD). The optional protocol of the UN-CRPD was ratified by 86 countries aiming to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights. It also determined the need to review mental health laws as under this light treatment of persons with disabilities, particularly those with mental disorders, cannot accept the use of CT. This selective review of literature aims to clarify inputs from clinical psychiatry adding evidence to the multi-disciplinary discussion. It provides contradictory evidence on how patients experience CT and its impact on their mental health and treatment programs, also which are main reasons for the use of CT and what efforts in psychiatry have been made to reduce, replace and refine it.
Adamant: a JSON schema-based metadata editor for research data management workflows
Authors: Chaerony Siffa Ihda , Schäfer Jan , Becker Markus M.
Published: July 2022

The web tool Adamant has been developed to systematically collect research metadata as early as the conception of the experiment. Adamant enables a continuous, consistent, and transparent research data management (RDM) process, which is a key element of good scientific practice ensuring the path to Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) research data. It simplifies the creation of on-demand metadata schemas and the collection of metadata according to established or new standards. The approach is based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) schema, where any valid schema can be presented as an interactive web-form. Furthermore, Adamant eases the integration of numerous available RDM methods and software tools into the everyday research activities of especially small independent laboratories. A programming interface allows programmatic integration with other software tools such as electronic lab books or repositories. The user interface (UI) of Adamant is designed to be as user friendly as possible. Each UI element is self-explanatory and intuitive to use, which makes it accessible for users that have little to no experience with JSON format and programming in general. Several examples of research data management workflows that can be implemented using Adamant are introduced. Adamant (client-only version) is available from: https://plasma-mds.github.io/adamant.
Study protocol for UNICEF and WHO estimates of global, regional, and national low birthweight prevalence for 2000 to 2020
Authors: Krasevec Julia , Blencowe Hannah , Coffey Christopher , Okwaraji Yemisrach B. , Estevez Diana , Stevens Gretchen A. , Ohuma Eric O. , Conkle Joel , Gatica-Domínguez Giovanna , Bradley Ellen , Muthamia Ben Kimathi , Dalmiya Nita , Lawn Joy E. , Borghi Elaine , Hayashi Chika
Published: July 2022

Background

Reducing low birthweight (LBW, weight at birth less than 2,500g) prevalence by at least 30% between 2012 and 2025 is a target endorsed by the World Health Assembly that can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by 2030. The 2019 LBW estimates indicated a global prevalence of 14.6% (20.5 million newborns) in 2015. We aim to develop updated LBW estimates at global, regional, and national levels for up to 202 countries for the period of 2000 to 2020.

Methods

Two types of sources for LBW data will be sought: national administrative data and population-based surveys. Administrative data will be searched for countries with a facility birth rate ≥80% and included when birthweight data account for ≥80% of UN estimated live births for that country and year. Surveys with birthweight data published since release of the 2019 edition of the LBW estimates will be adjusted using the standard methodology applied for the previous estimates. Risk of bias assessments will be undertaken. Covariates will be selected based on a conceptual framework of plausible associations with LBW, covariate time-series data quality, collinearity between covariates and correlations with LBW. National LBW prevalence will be estimated using a Bayesian multilevel-mixed regression model, then aggregated to derive regional and global estimates through population-weighted averages.

Conclusion

Whilst availability of LBW data has increased, especially with more facility births, gaps remain in the quantity and quality of data, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. Challenges include high percentages of missing data, lack of adherence to reporting standards, inaccurate measurement, and data heaping. Updated LBW estimates are important to highlight the global burden of LBW, track progress towards nutrition targets, and inform investments in programmes. Reliable, nationally representative data are key, alongside investments to improve the measurement and recording of an accurate birthweight for every baby.
«ОСОБУЮ ОПАСНОСТЬ ПРЕДСТАВЛЯЕТ КАНДАЛАКШСКОЕ НАПРАВЛЕНИЕ…»: БОЕВЫЕ ДЕЙСТВИЯ НА ЮГЕ ЗАПОЛЯРЬЯ В 1941 ГОДУ
Authors: MIRONICHEV E.P.
Published: July 2022

Монография посвящена малоизвестным эпизодам обороны Заполярья на кандалакшском направлении в 1941 году. На основе немецких, финских и отечественных архивных материалов, мемуаров и воспоминаний рассказывается о месте Кандалакши в военном планировании СССР, Германии и Финляндии, о непосредственной боевой подготовке сил, развёрнутых на этом участке фронта, а также о ходе и специфике боевых действий, которые велись советской и немецко-финляндской группировками до второй половины сентября 1941 года. Книга будет интересна краеведам, учёным-историкам, представителям поискового движения, а также всем, кто интересуется историей Северного (Карельского) фронта.
Strategic Communication Before Price Haggling: A Tale of Two Orientations
Authors: Guo Liang
Published: July 2022

Uncommitted reference prices can be endogenously credible because buyer search can regulate both high-cost and low-cost sellers’ incentives for deceptive communication.
Specificity of content and language integrated learning of students of non-linguistic specialties of higher education institutions
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Sergieieva V. Ye.
Published: July 2022

The article deals with the specificity of the content and language integrated learning of students of non-linguistic specialties of higher educational institutions which is an innovative method of teaching the subject by means of a foreign language and the main aim of which is the study of the subject and to improve students’ communicative skills in foreign languages. Based on the results of the conducted pedagogical experiment, the author comes to the conclusion that besides the obvious advantage expressed in the increase of the level of language training, there are several other advantages of content and language integrated learning, namely: students acquire the ability to cognitive and conscious learning, because this method gives them an opportunity to use knowledge from one context as a base for another, because it helps them apply, integrate and transfer the knowledge developing critical thinking; content and language integrated learning can increase students’ motivation to study foreign languages because students interested in a particular topic will have an additional incentive to master the language, which will give them an opportunity to master the material, participate in discussions and express their opinions; an increase in interest in foreign languages results in the development of interest in foreign cultures, and as a result intercultural communication, knowledge and understanding of intercultural differences, and respect for the cultures of other peoples are developed.