bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BAX gene (−248 G > A) polymorphism in a sample of patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Cardoso-Duarte Ligia C.A. , Fratelli Caroline F. , Pereira Alexandre S.R. , Souza Jéssica Nayane Gomes de , Freitas Renata de Souza , Morais Rafael Martins de , Sobrinho Alaor Barra , Sousa Silva Calliandra M. , de Oliveira Jamila Reis , Oliveira Diêgo Madureira de , Silva Izabel Cristina R.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Papillary thyroid cancer corresponds to approximately 1% of all carcinomas; nevertheless, it is the most prevalent endocrine neoplasm in the world. Studies reveal that the BAX (−248 G > A) polymorphism may be associated with negative regulation of BAX gene transcription activity, causing a decrease in its protein expression.

Objective

The present study aimed to describe the genotype and allele frequencies of BAX single nucleotide polymorphisms (−248 G > A) (rs4645878) in the research patients, and to associate its presence with susceptibility to papillary thyroid cancer.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted with 30 patients with papillary thyroid cancer. For the evaluation of genetic polymorphisms, the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was employed. Allele and genotype frequencies were estimated using the SPSS program, and significant associations were considered when p < 0.05.

Results

There was a significant genotypic difference between papillary thyroid cancer and the control group (p = 0.042). The GG genotype provided a protective factor for papillary thyroid cancer (p = 0.012, odds ratio (OR) = 0.313; confidence interval (CI) = 0.123–0.794). Likewise the G allele was a protective factor for papillary thyroid cancer (p = 0.009; OR = 0.360; CI = 0.163–0.793). The BAX gene polymorphism (−248 G > A) was associated with papillary thyroid cancer.

Conclusion

BAX (−248 G > A) GG genotype carriers, or at least one mutated allele, was associated with papillary thyroid cancer in the Brazilian population studied, and the G allele presence is considered a protective factor against papillary thyroid cancer occurrence.
Analgesic characteristics of a newly developed α2δ ligand, mirogabalin, on inflammatory pain
Authors: Komatsu Shuji , Nakamura Shingo , Nonaka Takahiro , Yamada Toshihiko , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: November 2021

Mirogabalin is a novel α2δ ligand approved in Japan for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. However, the sites of action of α2δ ligands to produce analgesic effects on inflammatory pain remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the analgesic effect and site of action of mirogabalin using the rat formalin test, an acute inflammatory pain model. Mirogabalin was administered orally, intrathecally, and intracerebroventricularly. Open field tests were performed to evaluate the effect of oral-, intrathecally, and intracerebroventricularly administered mirogabalin on locomotor activity and orientation ability. Oral mirogabalin produced an analgesic effect when the formalin test was performed 4 h, but not 1 or 2 h, after oral administration. Intrathecal, but not intracerebroventricular, administration of mirogabalin produced analgesic effects when mirogabalin was administered 10 min before formalin injection. These analgesic effects were not antagonized by idazoxan, an α2 adrenergic antagonist; WAY100135, a 5-HT1A antagonist; or naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist. Mirogabalin attenuated moving distances 1 and 2 h after oral administration and 10 min after intracerebroventricular administration, but not 10 min after intrathecal administration. In the oral administration group, the time course of the analgesic effect was different from that of moving distance. In the intracerebroventricular group, mirogabalin attenuated moving distances but did not produce an analgesic effect. In the intrathecal group, mirogabalin produced an analgesic effect but did not affect moving distances. These findings suggest that the analgesic effect of mirogabalin on the rat formalin test is mediated by spinal action and not by the activation of α2, 5-HT1A, or opioid receptors, and that the inhibitory effect of mirogabalin on moving distances is mediated by the supraspinal brain.
Behavioural evidence of altered sensory attenuation in obesity
Authors: Scarpina Federica , Fossataro Carlotta , Sebastiano Alice Rossi , Bruni Francesca , Scacchi Massimo , Mauro Alessandro , Garbarini Francesca
Published: November 2021

Body ownership (i.e., the conscious belief of owning a body) and sense of agency (i.e., being the agent of one’s own movements) are part of a pre-reflective experience of bodily self, which grounds on low-level complex sensory–motor processes. Although previous literature had already investigated body ownership in obesity, sense of agency was never explored. Here, we exploited the sensory attenuation effect (i.e., an implicit marker of the sense of agency; SA effect) to investigate whether the sense of agency was altered in a sample of 18 individuals affected by obesity as compared with 18 healthy-weight individuals. In our experiment, participants were asked to rate the perceived intensity of self-generated and other-generated tactile stimuli. Healthy-weight individuals showed a significantly greater SA effect than participants affected by obesity. Indeed, while healthy-weight participants perceived self-generated stimuli as significantly less intense as compared to externally generated ones, this difference between stimuli was not reported by affected participants. Our results relative to the SA effect pinpointed an altered sense of agency in obesity. We discussed this finding within the motor control framework with reference to obesity. We encouraged future research to further explore such effect and its role in shaping the clinical features of obesity.
Does instructing attentional focus direction affect static single leg balance performance?
Authors: Monahan Cory J , Hurley Wendy L
Published: November 2021

Balance and postural control exercises are generally included as a part of exercise programs, during which movement practitioners can provide instructions to facilitate the performance of motor skills. Instructions can be used as cues to direct attentional focus, which has been found to affect the performance of motor skills, including balance and postural control tasks. However, no known studies to date have investigated the effect of both internal and external attentional focus instructions on static single leg balance performance, and it seems unclear whether effects of such instructions are related specifically to the direction of attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of instructing the direction of attentional focus on single leg static balance performance as reflected by the complexity of the center of pressure (COP) profile. Participants (N = 46) between the ages of 19–28 years old were randomly assigned to one of three group conditions: internal focus (INTn=15), external focus (EXTn=16) and control (CONn=15). Participants performed a thirty-five second static single leg balance task. Outcome measures were the scaling exponent determined from a detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) to infer complexity of the COP profile in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions, and root mean square error (RMSE) of the COP profile in AP and ML directions. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined there were no statistically significant differences in the measured variables among groups. The results do not support the claim that manipulating the direction of attentional focus affects static single leg balance performance.
Subcutaneous cladribine to treat multiple sclerosis: experience in 208 patients
Authors: Allen-Philbey Kimberley , De Trane Stefania , Mao Zhifeng , Álvarez-González Cesar , Mathews Joela , MacDougall Amy , Stennett Andrea , Zhou Xia , Yildiz Ozlem , Adams Ashok , Bianchi Lucia , Blain Camilla , Chapman Christine , Chung Karen , Constantinescu Cris S , Dalton Catherine , Farrell Rachel A , Fisniku Leonora , Ford Helen , Gran Bruno , Hobart Jeremy , Khaleeli Zhaleh , Mattoscio Miriam , Pavitt Sue , Pearson Owen , Peruzzotti-Jametti Luca , Scalfari Antonio , Sharrack Basil , Silber Eli , Tallantyre Emma C , Webb Stewart , Turner Benjamin P , Marta Monica , Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Juliusson Gunnar , Giovannoni Gavin , Baker David , Schmierer Klaus
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To report on safety and effectiveness of subcutaneous cladribine (Litak®) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods:

Litak® was offered to MS-patients irrespective of disease course. Litak® 10 mg was administered for 3–4 days during week 1. Based on lymphocyte count at week 4, patients received another 0–3 doses at week 5. A second course was administered 11 months later. Follow-up included adverse events, relapses, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), 9-hole-peg and Timed-25-foot-walking tests, no-evidence-of-disease-activity (NEDA), no-evidence-of-progression-or-active-disease (NEPAD), MRI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light chain (NfL), and lymphocyte counts.

Results:

In all, 208 patients received at least one course of treatment. Age at baseline was 44 (17–72) years and EDSS 0–8.5. Cladribine was generally well tolerated. One myocardial infarction, one breast cancer, and three severe skin reactions occurred without long-term sequelae. Two patients died (one pneumonia, one encephalitis). Lymphopenia grade 3 occurred in 5% and grade 4 in 0.5%. In 94 out of 116 pwMS with baseline and follow-up (BaFU) data after two treatment courses, EDSS remained stable or improved. At 18 months, 64% of patients with relapsing MS and BaFU data ( n = 39) had NEDA. At 19 months, 62% of patients with progressive MS and BaFU data ( n = 13) had NEPAD. Of n = 13 patients whose CSF-NfL at baseline was elevated, 77% were normalised within 12 months.

Conclusions:

Litak® was well tolerated. Effectiveness in relapsing MS appeared similar to cladribine tablets and was encouraging in progressive MS. Our data suggest cladribine may be safe and effective in MS-patients irrespective of their disease stage.
Novel emerging biomarkers to immunotherapy in kidney cancer
Authors: Ged Yasser , Voss Martin H.
Published: November 2021

The treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma has significantly evolved in recent years, particularly with the advent of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the striking benefits observed on a population level, outcomes vary and some patients do not respond to ICI-based regimens, ultimately require salvage therapies. An ever deeper understanding of the disease biology mediated by the development of multiple high-throughput molecular omics has led to significant progress in biomarkers discovery. But despite growing insights into the molecular underpinnings of the tumor microenvironment, biomarkers have not been integrated successfully into clinical practice. In this review, we discuss some of the novel emerging predictive biomarkers to ICIs in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Outsourcing Outreach: ‘Counter-translation’ of Outreach Activities at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
Authors: Kent Alexandra
Published: November 2021

This article examines the outreach activities of the ongoing trials in the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). The ECCC was designed to hold the leaders of Cambodia's notoriously violent Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) accountable. Outreach programmes have now become part of transitional justice initiatives as means to anchor their work in local and national consciousness in target countries. Using ethnographic data gathered in 2019–2020, this article explores how outreach activities have changed over time as they have become subject to new influences. I focus in particular on how some local actors have begun appropriating them in ways that represent a ‘counter-translation’ of the intentions originally propagated by the architects of the ECCC.
In Vitro Inhibition of Piper nigrum and Piperine on Growth, Migration, and Invasion of PANC-1 Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Jeong Ji Hye , Ryu Jae-Ha , Lee Hwa Jin
Published: November 2021

Several dietary and medicinal herbs have been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Although Piper nigrum has been shown to have anti-cancer activities against various cancer cells, its anti-pancreatic cancer properties have not been reported. In the present study, P. nigrum extract (PNE) inhibited proliferation of PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells. Flow cytometry showed G0/G1 arrest caused by PNE in PANC-1 cells. In addition, Western blot analysis showed that PNE suppressed the protein levels of cell cycle regulators such as cyclin B1, cyclin D1, survivin, and Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1). These findings suggested that the inhibitory activity of PNE against the growth of PANC-1 cells was correlated with cell cycle arrest and repression of cell cycle regulators. Wound healing and trans-well assays showed that PNE suppressed migration and invasion of PANC-1 cells. Piperine, a major alkaloid of Piper nigrum, was identified as the main component of PNE by HPLC analysis. Piperine also attenuated the cell growth, migration, and invasion of PANC-1 cells, suggesting its contribution to the anti-pancreatic cancer effects of PNE. These results demonstrate that PNE and its major constituent, piperine, have anti-pancreatic cancer properties such as growth-inhibition, anti-migration, and anti-invasion of cancer cells.
Bannaxanthone E Induced Cell-Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Ha , Thu Ha Nguyen Thi , Tra Nguyen Thanh , Tu Anh Le Thi , The Son Ninh , Tuyen Nguyen Van , Van Kiem Phan
Published: November 2021

The anti-cancer activity of bannaxanthone E isolated from Garcinia mckeaniana leaves was assessed through a flow cytometric method on human lung SK-LU-1 cancer cells, including cell cycle changes and induction of cell apoptosis. Treatment with bannaxanthone E led to the suppression of cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase to 19.6% at 4 µM, and induced apoptosis via cell morphological changes, increased the fluorescence signal in caspase-3/7 activation, and accumulation of apoptotic cells in the SK-LU-1 line at 4 µM to 25.7%.
Methodology to Quantify Collagen Subtypes and Crosslinks: Application in Minipig Cartilages
Authors: Bielajew Benjamin J. , Hu Jerry C. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

This study develops assays to quantify collagen subtypes and crosslinks with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and characterizes the cartilages in the Yucatan minipig.

Methods

For collagen subtyping, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was performed on tissues digested in trypsin. For collagen crosslinks, LC-MS analysis was performed on hydrolysates. Samples were also examined histologically and with bottom-up proteomics. Ten cartilages (femoral condyle, femoral head, facet joint, floating rib, true rib, auricular cartilage, annulus fibrosus, 2 meniscus locations, and temporomandibular joint disc) were analyzed.

Results

The collagen subtyping assay quantified collagen types I and II. The collagen crosslinks assay quantified mature and immature crosslinks. Collagen subtyping revealed that collagen type I predominates in fibrocartilages and collagen type II in hyaline cartilages, as expected. Elastic cartilage and fibrocartilages had more mature collagen crosslink profiles than hyaline cartilages. Bottom-up proteomics revealed a spectrum of ratios between collagen types I and II, and quantified 42 proteins, including 24 collagen alpha-chains and 12 minor collagen types.

Discussion

The novel assays developed in this work are sensitive, inexpensive, and use a low operator time relative to other collagen analysis methods. Unlike the current collagen assays, these assays quantify collagen subtypes and crosslinks without an antibody-based approach or lengthy chromatography. They apply to any collagenous tissue, with broad applications in tissue characterization and tissue engineering. For example, a novel finding of this work was the presence of a large quantity of collagen type III in the white-white knee meniscus and a spectrum of hyaline and fibrous cartilages.
Individual Differences in Colour Perception: The Role of Low-Saturated and Complementary Colours in Ambiguous Images
Authors: Jeong EunYoung , Jeong In-Ho
Published: November 2021

Individual differences in colour perception, as evidenced by the popular debate of “The Dress” picture, have garnered additional interest with the popularisation of additional, similar photographs. We investigated which colorimetric characteristics were responsible for individual differences in colour perception. All objects of the controversial photographs are composed of two representative colours, which are low in saturation and are either complementary to each other or reminiscent of complementary colours. Due to these colorimetric characteristics, we suggest that one of the two complementary pixel clusters should be estimated as the illuminant hue depending on assumed brightness. Thus, people perceive the object's colours as being biased toward complementarily different colour directions and perceive different pixel clusters as chromatic and achromatic. Even though the distance between colours that people perceive differently is small in colour space, people perceive the object's colour as differently categorized colours in these ambiguous photographs, thereby causing debate. We suggest that people perceive the object's colours using different “modes of colour appearance” between surface-colour and self-luminous modes.
You are not alone: Smartphone use, friendship satisfaction, and anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Stevic Anja , Koban Kevin , Binder Alice , Matthes Jörg
Published: November 2021

Due to ‘stay-at-home’ measures, individuals increasingly relied on smartphones for social connection and for obtaining information about the COVID-19 pandemic. In a two-wave panel survey ( NTime2 = 416), we investigated associations between different types of smartphone use (i.e., communicative and non-communicative), friendship satisfaction, and anxiety during the first lockdown in Austria. Our findings revealed that communicative smartphone use increased friendship satisfaction over time, validating how smartphones can be a positive influence in difficult times. Friendship satisfaction decreased anxiety after one month, signaling the importance of strong friendship networks during the crisis. Contrary to our expectations, non-communicative smartphone use had no effects on friendship satisfaction or anxiety over time. Reciprocal effects showed that anxiety increased both types of smartphone use over time. These findings are discussed in the context of mobile media effects related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Folic acid awareness and usage among females at Saudi Electronic University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-Mohaithef Mohammed , Alaslani Hadeel , Javed Nargis Begum , Chandramohan Sriram
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

This study evaluates awareness of folic acid and neural tube defects, use of folic acid and knowledge of folic acid usage among female university students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Jeddah branch of Saudi Electronic University. A total of 400 female students in the 19–45 years age group were contacted to participate in the study using a convenience sampling method. Eighty-eight students refused to participate, so 312 students were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of participants and their awareness, usage and knowledge of folic acid are presented as frequencies and percentages. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute crude odds ratios to show the association between demographic factors and knowledge of folic acid supplementation. A further adjusted odds ratio was calculated to control for other cofactors. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Overall, 81.1% (253/312) of respondents had heard of folic acid, 30.4% knew about neural tube defects, and 47.1% of respondents reported using folic acid supplements. Marriage was found to be associated with awareness of folic acid (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.64 (1.01–6.91)). Health sciences specialization and experience of pregnancy were associated with the usage of folic acid (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 3.46 (1.73–6.91) and adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 6.70 (3.09–14.53), respectively). A bachelor’s and above education level was found to be associated with knowledge of folic acid deficiency leading to neural tube defects (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.03 (1.17–3.52)), and health sciences specialization was found to be associated with knowledge of natural sources of folic acid (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.33 (1.25–4.36)). Similarly, marriage was found to be associated with knowledge of the correct dosage of folic acid and timing of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 6.34 (3.50–11.48) and adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 3.45 (1.93–6.16), respectively). Experience of pregnancy was found to be an associated with good total knowledge of folic acid (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 3.05 (1.65–5.63); p = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The study findings highlight the lack of awareness among female university students about the importance of folic acid usage in the prevention of neural tube defects. There is a need for interventional programs in universities to create awareness.
Potentials and barriers of using digital tools for collecting daily measurements in multiple sclerosis research
Authors: Katrine Westergaard , Ritzel Signe Baattrup , Caroline Krogh , Marie Lynning , Olsgaard Bergien Sofie , Lasse Skovgaard
Published: November 2021

Objective

Digital tools offer new ways of collecting outcome data in intervention research. Little is known about the potentials and barriers of using such tools for outcome measurement in multiple sclerosis trials. This study aimed to examine reporting adherence and barriers experienced by people with multiple sclerosis in an intervention study using three different digital tools for outcome measurement.

Methods

This was a mixed-methods study conducted in the context of a randomized controlled trial. Data collected during the randomized controlled trial were analysed to assess reporting adherence. Twenty-three semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to investigate randomized controlled trial participants’ experiences.

Results

Reporting adherence was high for all three measurement tools, but lower in the control group. Four main barriers were defined: (1) the self-monitoring aspect and repeated tests imbedded in the digital tools affected participants’ behavior during the randomized controlled trial. (2) Self-monitoring caused some participants to worry more about their health. (3) Passively collected data did not always correspond with participants’ own experiences, which caused them to question the validity of the collected data. (4) Daily reporting using different digital tools placed a significant burden on participants.

Conclusion

The study indicates a high reporting adherence using digital tools among people with multiple sclerosis. However, future studies should carefully consider the overall burden imposed on participants when taking this approach. Measures should be taken to avoid the potential unintended effects of the self-monitoring and gamification aspects of using digital tools. These measures could include passive monitoring, reducing the frequency of reporting and blinding participants to their own data.
Diagnostic value of aquaporin-4-IgG live cell based assay in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Redenbaugh Vyanka , Montalvo Mayra , Sechi Elia , Buciuc Marina , Fryer James P. , McKeon Andrew , Lennon Vanda A. , Mills John R. , Weinshenker Brian G. , Wingerchuk Dean M. , Chen John J. , Tariq Bhatti M. , Lopez Chiriboga A. Sebastian , Pittock Sean J. , Flanagan Eoin P.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Determine the utility of aquaporin 4 IgG (AQP4-IgG) testing (live cell-based assay) for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD).

Methods

We included Mayo Clinic patients (1/1/2018-12/31/2019) tested for serum AQP4-IgG by live cell-based flow-cytometric assay. Medical records were reviewed to assess if patients fulfilled 2015 NMOSD criteria.

Results

Of 1371 patients tested, 41 were positive (3%) and all fulfilled NMOSD criteria with AQP4-IgG (specificity = 100%). Only 10/1330 testing negative met NMOSD criteria without AQP4-IgG (sensitivity = 80%) and seven of these 10 were MOG-IgG positive.

Conclusions

AQP4-IgG by live cell-based assay was highly specific and without false positives in a high throughput setting.
The determinants of Jordan's stability case study: The arab spring (2011–2019) and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hamed Ibrahim Nayera Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Why was Jordan able to survive the Arab Spring revolutions and the COVID-19 pandemic despite lacking financial capabilities compared to other monarchies? Based on the political system and a comparative case study approach, this article argues that during the Arab Spring, the absence of internal pressure for change and the presence of internal and external support led Jordan's state practice to change into a balanced approach of both authoritarianism and revolution to sustain stability. However, in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Jordan faced a more imminent economic and health threat, coupled with a change in the positions of its external allies. The findings confirm that, in both cases, Jordan faced critical internal and external threats. During the Arab Spring, international assistance supported Jordan. However, during COVID-19, a global pandemic and changing international positions, Jordan did not receive international assistance. Consequently, the Jordanian monarchy had to control the political system through authoritarian policies. Therefore, in a changing environment with shifting international positions, the more the threat is imminent to Jordan's stability, the more Jordan's internal inherited elements sustain its stability.
Entecavir-associated thrombocytopenia
Authors: Yu Yi , Feng Hao
Published: November 2021

Entecavir (ETV) is widely used in the treatment of hepatitis B, but there are only a few reports about entecavir-associated thrombocytopenia, and it is considered as an immediate response and inappropriate to continue the treatment with other nucleoside analogues. Now, we report the third case, and this case was delayed response and we switched to treatment with tenofovir (TDF). There was a 66-year-old female who was infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Her platelet count decreased from 111*109/L to 3*109/L and was prone to gum bleeding and skin ecchymosis after she received ETV treatment for 88 days. As a treatment option, ETV was replaced by TDF immediately, frequent platelets transfusions and thrombopoietin were applied for several days, daily prednisone of 50 mg was concomitantly taken, and then platelet count improved after 10 days. She was diagnosed with entecavir-associated thrombocytopenia after analysis of the temporal relationship and exclusion of other causes of thrombocytopenia by blood and bone marrow examinations. Our case suggested that the platelet count should be monitored regularly in patients during ETV treatment, and it may be a feasible option to choose TDF to maintain antiviral treatment when entecavir-associated thrombocytopenia occurs.
Standardizing Discharge Furosemide Duration Following Congenital Heart Surgery
Authors: Trivedi Mira , Diaz-Castrillon Carlos Eduardo , Morell Evonne
Published: November 2021

Background: Pediatric cardiothoracic surgery has evolved over the last several decades with shorter bypass times and less need for hypothermic arrest. Diuretics have been commonly used in the post-operative period with no guidelines on duration following cardiopulmonary bypass. As a result, we conducted a single-center quality improvement project to reduce overuse of diuretics in post-operative patients without causing an increase in complications. We devised an early diuretic wean protocol that was implemented upon patient discharge. Methods: All patients who underwent uncomplicated congenital heart surgery after November 2018 were considered for the protocol. We defined an early diuretic wean protocol with a total duration of ten days of single diuretic therapy following hospital discharge. Patients were evaluated in clinic two weeks following discharge, after completion of diuretic therapy, to assess for clinical symptoms and development of effusions. Results: Retrospective pre-protocol data found the average duration a patient was on diuretics was 32 days following hospital discharge from uncomplicated congenital heart surgery. Following implementation of the protocol, there was a decrease in the total duration to 14 days, demonstrating a 56% decrease. With this practice change, there was no notable increase in adverse events. Conclusions: With implementation of the protocol, practice variability was minimized and the average post-operative diuretic duration was decreased without an increase in pleural and/or pericardial effusions or readmissiosn rates. Future directions and ongoing changes include expanding to a multicenter quality improvement collaborative focusing on decreasing the average duration of furosemide to less than five days after hospital discharge.
Developments in Quality of Work-Life Research and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Abdullah Nor Azimah Chew , Zakaria Nazlina , Zahoor Nida
Published: November 2021

Objective of this paper was to observe trends and developments in quality of work-life research throughout the decades. Previous researchers mostly focused on systematic and general literature reviews. In this paper bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review were combined to observe the trends and developments in quality of work-life research. An electronic Scopus database search initially produced of 867 documents on quality of work-life. Further purposive screening reduced the documents to 752 altogether. Furthermore, a detailed literature review of top 10 most cited publications throughout the decades of quality of work-life research was conducted, to explore construct development, antecedents, and outcomes of quality of work-life. Bibliometric analysis revealed that most of the research was produced from United States, and in areas of business, management, and accounting. Literature review revealed that from 1970s to 1980s, the focus of quality of work-life research was mainly on construct development. From 1990s onward, researchers mostly focused on identifying antecedents and outcomes of quality of work-life at organizational and employee level. Findings of this research suggests various employee and organizational level factors which have been neglected by most influential studies of quality of work-life throughout the decades. Future researchers should focus on these factors to motivate government and organizations to incorporate these factors in their system, and to support the quality of work-life research.
Validation of the SDM Process Scale to Evaluate Shared Decision-Making at Clinical Sites
Authors: Fowler Floyd J. , Sepucha Karen R. , Stringfellow Vickie , Valentine KD
Published: November 2021

The Shared Decision-Making (SDM) Process scale (scored 0-4) uses 4 questions about decision-making behaviors: discussion of options, pros, cons, and preferences. We use data from mail surveys of patients who made surgical decisions at 9 clinical sites and a national web survey to assess the reliability and validity of the measure to assess shared decision-making at clinical sites. Patients at sites using decision aids to promote shared decision-making for hip, knee, back, or breast cancer surgery had significantly higher scores than national cross-section samples of surgical patients for 3 of 4 comparisons and significantly higher scores for both comparisons with “usual care sites.” Reliability was supported by an intra-class correlation at the clinical site level of 0.93 and an average correlation of SDM scores for knee and hip surgery patients treated at the same sites of 0.56. The results document the reliability and validity of the measure to assess the degree of shared decision-making for surgical decisions at clinical sites.
Climate Change and Human Health ECHO: Global Telementoring for Health Professionals
Authors: Katzman Joanna G , Herring David , Schramm Paul , Tomedi Laura , Maury John-Michael , Kalishman Summers , Kazhe-Dominguez Briana , Liu Jinyang , Martin Chamron , Arora Sanjeev
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVE

To increase the knowledge and communication skills of health professionals related to climate change and human health (CCHH).

METHODS

From February to April 2021, Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) created an 8-week, synchronous and virtual, CCHH ECHO telementoring series for health professionals. Didactics, simulated cases, and climate change tools were used to educate the interprofessional group of participants.

RESULTS

During this CCHH ECHO pilot series, 625 unique participants represented 45 US states and 25 countries. The participants reported that they increased their knowledge, skills, and communication techniques regarding climate change and health.

CONCLUSIONS

The human health effects of climate change is an emerging field, and increasing knowledge and communication skills among health practitioners is of critical importance. The CCHH ECHO is one potential platform that may reach a diverse community of health professionals globally due to the diffusion and demonopolization of knowledge.
Transformational Learning Strategies for the Secondary General Music Classroom
Authors: Bucura Elizabeth , Brashier Rachel
Published: November 2021

This article discusses transformative learning in secondary general music (SGM), while considering students’ transitions from elementary to secondary music classes. SGM is uniquely situated for expanded pedagogies and musicianship, yet a gap in music activities persists between elementary and secondary classes and between home and school. The authors suggest that autonomous learning opportunities can foster ownership and meaning making for students toward lifelong musicianship as well as toward transformative learning. Three overlapping aspects of transformative SGM are discussed: skill-building, exploring contextual understandings, and making time and space for creativity and ownership. Emergent curricula that take students’ interests and experiences into account is encouraged. The authors advocate for projects that encourage collaboration beyond the school walls to foster purposeful connections to prior learning and personal music growth.
What Does Critical Race Theory Have to do With Music Education?
Authors: Liu Chiao-Wei
Published: November 2021

As more states pass bills banning critical race theory in schools, it is especially important for teachers to understand what critical race theory is and the implications of such bills. To understand what critical race theory is and intends to do. I look at its origins and how it has been employed in the field of education. Recognizing the legacy of European colonialism in music education, I propose that teachers critically examine our own subjectivities and engage with students’ counterstories to disrupt the dominant narrative.
Long-term outcomes of distal locking in extracapsular fractures treated with trochanteric Gamma3 nails
Authors: Hernández-Pascual Carlos , Santos-Sánchez José Ángel , García-González Juan Manuel , Silva-Viamonte Carlos Fernando , Pablos-Hernández Carmen , Ramos-Pascua Luis , Mirón-Canelo José Antonio
Published: November 2021

Background

Few publications have assessed long-term results of distal locking of short endomedullary nails for extracapsular hip fracture. Virtually all of them focus on immediate differences. Criteria for the use of static or dynamic locking are unclear in most nailing systems, and use is advised in unstable fracture patterns or with risk of bell-clapper effect, but often influenced by the “orthopaedic school”.

Materials and methods

This is a historical cohort study on patients diagnosed and operated in 2014 and followed up until endpoint, considered as consolidation or major complication, plus evaluation of overall long-term survival. They were categorised as static distal locking (ST) or dynamic distal locking (DN). Both are comparable, except for all stable pre-operative classifications, Fracture Mobility Score (FMS) at discharge, and immediate post-operative loading, all of which were in favour of DN.

Results

Consolidation took place in > 95% of patients, with a non-statistically significant delay trend in ST. Less than 6% in both ST and DN had major complications, with no differences. Most cases suffered early cut-out. Significant fracture collapse was the most frequent minor complication. There were more statistically significant minor and total complications in ST. Infection, without differences, can precede cut-out. Lateral thigh pain was similar and could be related to back-out. In DN, 21.1% of cases were truly dynamised. We did not find differences in mobility or in long-term survival.

Conclusions

Any type of distal locking seems to be safe for consolidation, despite a slightly longer consolidation time in static locking. Early cut-out was the main complication, while others were very infrequent, which is an advantage over helical blade devices. There was a higher rate of minor and overall mechanical complications in ST, but infection and lateral thigh pain were similar. Most non-traumatic mechanical complications occurred around 5–6 weeks. About one in five of the DN truly dynamised, with all cases occurring before 8 weeks. Mobility until endpoint and overall long-term survival were not influenced by the locking mode used.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study, level 2b.
Association Mapping and Functional Analysis of Rice Cold Tolerance QTLs at the Bud Burst Stage
Authors: Wang Dan , Liu Zhuo , Xiao Yinghui , Liu Xionglun , Chen Yue , Zhang Zhuo , Kang Houxiang , Wang Xuli , Jiang Su , Peng Shasha , Tan Xinqiu , Zhang Deyong , Liu Yong , Wang Guo-Liang , Li Chenggang
Published: November 2021

Cold tolerance at the bud burst stage (CTB) is a key trait for direct-seeded rice. Although quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting CTB in rice have been mapped using traditional linkage mapping and genome-wide association study (GWAS) methods, the underlying genes remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the CTB phenotype of 339 cultivars in the Rice Diversity Panel II (RDP II) collection. GWAS identified four QTLs associated with CTB (qCTBs), distributed on chromosomes 1–3. Among them, qCTB-1-1 overlaps with Osa-miR319b, a known cold tolerance micro RNA gene. The other three qCTBs have not been reported. In addition, we characterised the candidate gene OsRab11C1 for qCTB-1-2 that encodes a Rab protein belonging to the small GTP-binding protein family. Overexpression of OsRab11C1 significantly reduced CTB, while gene knockout elevated CTB as well as cold tolerance at the seedling stage, suggesting that OsRab11C1 negatively regulates rice cold tolerance. Molecular analysis revealed that OsRab11C1 modulates cold tolerance by suppressing the abscisic acid signalling pathway and proline biosynthesis. Using RDP II and GWAS, we identified four qCTBs that are involved in CTB and determined the function of the candidate gene OsRab11C1 in cold tolerance. Our results demonstrate that OsRab11C1 is a negative regulator of cold tolerance and knocking out of the gene by genome-editing may provide enhanced cold tolerance in rice.
Metformin attenuates LPS-induced neuronal injury and cognitive impairments by blocking NF-κB pathway
Authors: Zhou Chenliang , Peng Bo , Qin Zhenghui , Zhu Wei , Guo Cuiping
Published: November 2021

Background

Neuroinflammatory response is considered to be a high-risk factor for cognitive impairments in the brain. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) is an endotoxin that induces acute inflammatory responses in injected bodies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LPS-associated cognitive impairments still remain unclear.

Methods

Here, primary hippocampal neurons were treated with LPS, and western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to investigate whether LPS induces neurons damage. At the same time, SD rats were injected with LPS (830 μg/Kg) intraperitoneally, and Open field test, Novel Objective Recognition test, Fear condition test were used to detect cognitive function. LTP was used to assess synaptic plasticity, and molecular biology technology was used to assess the NF-κB pathway, while ELISA was used to detect inflammatory factors. In addition, metformin was used to treat primary hippocampal neurons, and intraventricularly administered to SD rats. The same molecular technics, behavioral and electrophysiological tests were used to examine whether metformin could alleviate the LPS-associated neuronal damage, as well as synaptic plasticity, and behavioral alterations in SD rats.

Results

Altogether, neuronal damage were observed in primary hippocampal neurons after LPS intervention, which were alleviated by metformin treatment. At the same time, LPS injection in rat triggers cognitive impairment through activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, and metformin administration alleviates the LPS-induced memory dysfunction and improves synaptic plasticity.

Conclusion

These findings highlight a novel pathogenic mechanism of LPS-related cognitive impairments through activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, and accumulation of inflammatory mediators, which induces neuronal pathologic changes and cognitive impairments. However, metformin attenuates LPS-induced neuronal injury and cognitive impairments by blocking NF-κB pathway.
Predicting asymptomatic neurosyphilis using peripheral blood indicators
Authors: Li Weijie , Han Jiaqi , Zhao Pan , Wang Dagang , Sun Tianhao , Guo Jie , He Yanqun , Qu Pei , Liu Ying , Shen Congle , Wang Yajie
Published: November 2021

Background

The high misdiagnosis rate of asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS) has long challenged infectious disease clinicians. We aim to develop a model for diagnosing ANS in asymptomatic syphilis (AS) patients without CSF indicators.

Results

277 AS patients with HIV-negative and underwent lumbar puncture were enrolled in this horizontal study.The area under the curve for predicting ANS by CSF leukocytes and protein was 0.643 and 0.675 [95% CI, 0.583–0.699VS.0.616–0.729]. Through LRM, the AUC increased to 0.806 [95% CI, 0.732–0.832], and the Youden's index was 0.430. If the score is ≤ 0.159, ANS can be excluded with a predictive value of 92.9%; we can identify ANS while the score is over 0.819, with a predictive value of 91.7% and a specificity of 99.25%. This study showed that the LRM can diagnose ANS in AS patients effectively.

Conclusion

Given a large number of misdiagnosis ANS patients and CSF results' insufficiency, the model is more practical. Our research will help clinicians track suspected syphilis, especially those who cannot accept the CSF test.
The vaccination threshold for SARS-CoV-2 depends on the indoor setting and room ventilation
Authors: Mikszewski A. , Stabile L. , Buonanno G. , Morawska L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Effective vaccines are now available for SARS-CoV-2 in the 2nd year of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there remains significant uncertainty surrounding the necessary vaccination rate to safely lift occupancy controls in public buildings and return to pre-pandemic norms. The aim of this paper is to estimate setting-specific vaccination thresholds for SARS-CoV-2 to prevent sustained community transmission using classical principles of airborne contagion modeling. We calculated the airborne infection risk in three settings, a classroom, prison cell block, and restaurant, at typical ventilation rates, and then the expected number of infections resulting from this risk at varying percentages of occupant immunity.

Results

We estimate the setting-specific immunity threshold for control of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 to range from a low of 40% for a mechanically ventilation classroom to a high of 85% for a naturally ventilated restaurant.

Conclusions

If vaccination rates are limited to a theoretical minimum of approximately two-thirds of the population, enhanced ventilation above minimum standards for acceptable air quality is needed to reduce the frequency and severity of SARS-CoV-2 superspreading events in high-risk indoor environments.
Seasonality of confirmed malaria cases from 2008 to 2017 in Togo: a time series analysis by health district and target group
Authors: Thomas Anne , Bakai Tchaa A. , Atcha-Oubou Tinah , Tchadjobo Tchassama , Bossard Nadine , Rabilloud Muriel , Voirin Nicolas
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to assess the seasonality of confirmed malaria cases in Togo and to provide new indicators of malaria seasonality to the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP).

Methods

Aggregated data of confirmed malaria cases were collected monthly from 2008 to 2017 by the Togo’s NMCP and stratified by health district and according to three target groups: children < 5 years old, children ≥ 5 years old and adults, and pregnant women. Time series analysis was carried out for each target group and health district. Seasonal decomposition was used to assess the seasonality of confirmed malaria cases. Maximum and minimum seasonal indices, their corresponding months, and the ratio of maximum/minimum seasonal indices reflecting the importance of malaria transmission, were provided by health district and target group.

Results

From 2008 to 2017, 7,951,757 malaria cases were reported in Togo. Children < 5 years old, children ≥ 5 years old and adults, and pregnant women represented 37.1%, 57.7% and 5.2% of the confirmed malaria cases, respectively. The maximum seasonal indices were observed during or shortly after a rainy season and the minimum seasonal indices during the dry season between January and April in particular. In children < 5 years old, the ratio of maximum/minimum seasonal indices was higher in the north, suggesting a higher seasonal malaria transmission, than in the south of Togo. This is also observed in the other two groups but to a lesser extent.

Conclusions

This study contributes to a better understanding of malaria seasonality in Togo. The indicators of malaria seasonality could allow for more accurate forecasting in malaria interventions and supply planning throughout the year.