bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of ultrasound-based inflammation patterns with peripheral innate lymphoid cell populations, serum cytokines/chemokines, and treatment response to methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis
Authors: Kato Manami , Ikeda Kei , Sugiyama Takahiro , Tanaka Shigeru , Iida Kazuma , Suga Kensuke , Nishimura Nozomi , Mimura Norihiro , Kasuya Tadamichi , Kumagai Takashi , Furuya Hiroki , Iwamoto Taro , Iwata Arifumi , Furuta Shunsuke , Suto Akira , Suzuki Kotaro , Kawakami Eiryo , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Objectives

We aimed to explore the associations of musculoskeletal inflammation patterns with peripheral blood innate lymphoid cell (ILC) populations, serum cytokines/chemokines, and treatment response to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods

We enrolled 100 patients with either RA or SpA and performed ultrasound to evaluate power Doppler signals for synovitis (52 joint regions), tenosynovitis (20 tendons), and enthesitis (44 sites). We performed clustering analysis using unsupervised random forest based on the multi-axis ultrasound information and classified the patients into groups. We identified and counted ILC1-3 populations in the peripheral blood by flow cytometry and also measured the serum levels of 20 cytokines/chemokines. We also determined ACR20 response at 3 months in 38 patients who began treatment with methotrexate after study assessment.

Results

Synovitis was more prevalent and severe in RA than in SpA, whereas tenosynovitis and enthesitis were comparable between RA and SpA. Patients were classified into two groups which represented synovitis-dominant and synovitis-nondominant inflammation patterns. While peripheral ILC counts were not significantly different between RA and SpA, they were significantly higher in the synovitis-nondominant group than in the synovitis-dominant group (ILC1-3: p = 0.0007, p = 0.0061, and p = 0.0002, respectively). On the other hand, clustering of patients based on serum cytokines/chemokines did not clearly correspond either to clinical diagnoses or to synovitis-dominant/nondominant patterns. The synovitis-dominant pattern was the most significant factor that predicted clinical response to methotrexate (p = 0.0065).

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal inflammation patterns determined by ultrasound are associated with peripheral ILC counts and could predict treatment response to methotrexate.
Modulation of inflammatory responses by fractalkine signaling in microglia
Authors: Inoue Koichi , Morimoto Hiroyuki , Ohgidani Masahiro , Ueki Takatoshi
Published: May 2021

Reactive microglia are suggested to be involved in neurological disorders, and the mechanisms underlying microglial activity may provide insights into therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases. Microglia produce immunological responses to various stimuli, which include fractalkine (FKN or CX3CL1). CX3CR1, a FKN receptor, is present in microglial cells, and when FKN is applied before lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, LPS-induced inflammatory responses are inhibited, suggesting that the activation of the FKN signal is beneficial. Considering the practical administration for treatment, we investigated the influence of FKN on immunoreactive microglia using murine primary microglia and BV-2, a microglial cell line. The administration of LPS leads to nitric oxide (NO) production. NO was reduced when FKN was administered 4 h after LPS administration without a change in inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In contrast, morphological changes, migratory activity, and proliferation were not altered by delayed FKN treatment. LPS decreases the CX3CR1 mRNA concentration, and the overexpression of CX3CR1 restores the FKN-mediated decrease in NO. CX3CR1 overexpression decreased the NO production that is mediated by LPS even without the application of FKN. ATP and ethanol also reduced CX3CR1 mRNA concentrations. In conclusion, the delayed FKN administration modified the LPS-induced microglial activation. The FKN signals were attenuated by a reduction in CX3CR1 by some inflammatory stimuli, and this modulated the inflammatory response of microglial cells, at least partially.
Evaluating data-driven methods for short-term forecasts of cumulative SARS-CoV2 cases
Authors: Ahmad Ghufran , Ahmed Furqan , Rizwan Muhammad Suhail , Muhammad Javed , Fatima Syeda Hira , Ikram Aamer , Zeeb Hajo
Published: May 2021

Background

The WHO announced the epidemic of SARS-CoV2 as a public health emergency of international concern on 30th January 2020. To date, it has spread to more than 200 countries and has been declared a global pandemic. For appropriate preparedness, containment, and mitigation response, the stakeholders and policymakers require prior guidance on the propagation of SARS-CoV2.

Methodology

This study aims to provide such guidance by forecasting the cumulative COVID-19 cases up to 4 weeks ahead for 187 countries, using four data-driven methodologies; autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), exponential smoothing model (ETS), and random walk forecasts (RWF) with and without drift. For these forecasts, we evaluate the accuracy and systematic errors using the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE), respectively.

Findings

The results show that the ARIMA and ETS methods outperform the other two forecasting methods. Additionally, using these forecasts, we generate heat maps to provide a pictorial representation of the countries at risk of having an increase in the cases in the coming 4 weeks of February 2021.

Conclusion

Due to limited data availability during the ongoing pandemic, less data-hungry short-term forecasting models, like ARIMA and ETS, can help in anticipating the future outbreaks of SARS-CoV2.
Interleukin-1β-induced matrix metalloproteinase-3 via ERK1/2 pathway to promote mesenchymal stem cell migration
Authors: Chang Chun-Hao , Lin Yun-Li , Tyan Yeu-Sheng , Chiu Yun-Hsuan , Liang Ya-Han , Chen Chie-Pein , Wu Jiahn-Chun , Wang Hwai-Shi
Published: May 2021

Human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs), a source of cell therapy, have received a great deal of attention due to their homing or migrating ability in response to signals emanating from damaged sites. It has been found that IL-1β possesses the ability to induce the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in bone marrow MSCs. MMP-3 is involved in cell migration in various types of cells, including glioblastoma, vascular smooth muscle, and adult neural progenitor cells. In this study, we proposed that IL-1β influences hUCMSCs migration involving MMP-3. The expression level of MMP-3 in IL-1β-induced hUCMSCs was verified using cDNA microarray analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, ELISA and Western blot. Wound-healing and trans-well assay were used to investigate the cell migration and invasion ability of IL-1β-treated hUCMSCs. In addition, we pre-treated hUCMSCs with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, MMP-3 inhibitors (ALX-260-165, UK 356618), or transfected with MMP-3 siRNA to confirm the role of MMP3 in IL-1β-induced cell migration. Our results showed that IL-1β induced MMP-3 expression is related to the migration of hUCMSCs. Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2(ERK1/2) inhibitor U0126, p38 inhibitor SB205380, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and Akt inhibitor GSK 690693 decreased IL-1β-induced MMP-3 mRNA and protein expression. The migration and invasion ability analyses showed that these inhibitors attenuated the IL-1β-induced migration and invasion ability of hUCMSCs. In conclusion, we have found that IL-1β induces the expression of MMP-3 through ERK1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways to enhance the migration of hUCMSCs. These results provide further understanding of the mechanisms in IL-1β-induced hUCMSCs migration to injury sites.
Long-term effect of simplified dietary education on the nutritional status of patients after a gastrectomy
Authors: Ryu Kyeong-Won , Bae Jae-Moon , Kim Eun-Mee , An Ji Yeong , Choi Min-Gew , Lee Jun Ho , Sohn Tae Sung
Published: May 2021

Dietary education is regarded as an important and useful tool for influencing nutritional status. Since long, dietary education has been performed to improve the nutritional status of patients after a gastrectomy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of simplified dietary education on the nutritional status of patients after a gastrectomy. A total of 1,150 patients with gastric cancer underwent surgery between March 2014 and October 2015 at the Samsung Medical Center (SMC). Of these, we used the case-control matching method (1:1 match) by stratifying the factors of age and sex and included 100 patients in each group. The clinicopathologic data of the patients for two years after the gastrectomy were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The educated group (ED, N = 100) was provided with a simplified, ordinary dietary education at regular outpatient clinic visits that occurred at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after gastrectomy and at 1-year intervals thereafter. The clinicopathologic characteristics and nutritional parameters of the educated group (ED) (N = 100) and the non-educated group (NED) (n = 100) were compared. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical characteristics and serological parameters. Nutritional parameters, which included body weight loss, body mass index (BMI) change, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), were also not significantly different between the two groups. Simplified dietary education at regular outpatient clinic visits was ineffective in reducing weight loss after a subtotal gastrectomy. Further research or other methods may be needed to reduce weight loss after a gastrectomy.
Characterisation of the Semliki Forest Virus-host cell interactome reveals the viral capsid protein as an inhibitor of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Contu Lara , Balistreri Giuseppe , Domanski Michal , Uldry Anne-Christine , Mühlemann Oliver
Published: May 2021

The positive-sense, single-stranded RNA alphaviruses pose a potential epidemic threat. Understanding the complex interactions between the viral and the host cell proteins is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying successful virus replication strategies and for developing specific antiviral interventions. Here we present the first comprehensive protein-protein interaction map between the proteins of Semliki Forest Virus (SFV), a mosquito-borne member of the alphaviruses, and host cell proteins. Among the many identified cellular interactors of SFV proteins, the enrichment of factors involved in translation and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) was striking, reflecting the virus’ hijacking of the translation machinery and indicating viral countermeasures for escaping NMD by inhibiting NMD at later time points during the infectious cycle. In addition to observing a general inhibition of NMD about 4 hours post infection, we also demonstrate that transient expression of the SFV capsid protein is sufficient to inhibit NMD in cells, suggesting that the massive production of capsid protein during the SFV reproduction cycle is responsible for NMD inhibition.
Community music interventions, popular music education and eudaimonia
Authors: Powell Bryan
Published: May 2021

The fields of community music and popular music education have expanded rapidly over the past few decades. While there are many similarities between these two fields, there are aspects that set these two areas of practice apart. This article seeks to explore the intersections of community music interventions and popular music education to explain how they are similar and in which ways they are unique. This discussion centres on examinations of facilitation, ownership of music, training and certification, inclusivity, life-long music making, amateur engagement, informal learning and non-formal education, and social concerns. The Greek philosophy of eudaimonism, understood as ‘human flourishing’ is then used to explore the opportunities for human fulfilment through popular music education and community music approaches.
Solitary Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to the Rectus Abdominis 13 Years After the Initial Treatment
Authors: Kato Rei , Sakamoto Akio , Noguchi Takashi , Matsuda Shuichi , Terajima Hiroaki
Published: May 2021

Solitary muscle metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is extremely rare, and late metastasis is also rare. We present a 59-year-old man who had received initial treatment for HCC 13 years previously. Ultrasonography revealed a tumor between the abdominal wall and the liver surface. Tumor resection was performed with suspected intrahepatic metastasis or abdominal wall metastasis of HCC, and the tumor was found to be within the rectus abdominis without an association with the liver. Histologically, the resected material was confirmed to be a muscle metastasis of HCC. We discuss the management of muscle metastasis of HCC.
Accuracy and Safety of 1,055 Transjugular Liver Biopsies in Postliver Transplant Patients
Authors: Lee Edward Wolfgang , Sue Megan J. , Saab Sammy , DiNorcia Joseph , McWilliams Justin P. , Kaldas Fady , Ding Peng-xu , Padia Siddharth A. , Agopian Vatche , Farmer Douglas , Busuttil Ronald W.
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the rates of complications and diagnostic yield of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) recipients.

METHODS:

From January 2009 to December 2019, 1,055 TJLBs were performed in 603 adult DDLT recipients with a mean age of 54 (±12 years). Data were retrospectively reviewed to determine the diagnostic efficacy and incidence of major and minor complications in the 3-day and 1-month period after TJLB. In addition, data were stratified according to platelet count and international normalized ratio to determine the safety of TJLB in patients with varying degrees of coagulopathy.

RESULTS:

TJLB yielded diagnostic rate of 98.1% (1,035/1,055), with an overall complication rate of 8.3% (88/1,055). Major complications accounted for 0.85% (9/1,055), and minor complications occurred in 7.48% (79/1,055). When patients were stratified by platelet count (0–50, 51–100, 101–200, 201–300, and >300 × 103 platelets/μL), no significant difference was noted in complication rates (9.5%, 8.6%, 7.6%, 8.5%, and 10.7%, respectively). When grouped by international normalized ratio (0–1, 1.1–2.0, 2.1–3.0, and >3.0), there was no statistical difference in complication rates (8.3%, 8.5%, 7.7%, and 0%, respectively).

DISCUSSION:

TJLB is a safe, adequate, and effective method to investigate hepatic disorders in DDLT recipients with severe coagulopathy.
‘Decolonising the Medical Curriculum‘: Humanising medicine through epistemic pluralism, cultural safety and critical consciousness
Authors: Wong Sarah H.M. , Gishen Faye , Lokugamage Amali U.
Published: May 2021

The Decolonising the Curriculum movement in higher education has been steadily gaining momentum, accelerated by recent global events calling for an appraisal of the intersecting barriers of discrimination that ethnic minorities can encounter. While the arts and humanities have been at the forefront of these efforts, medical education has been a ‘late starter’ to the initiative. In this article, we describe the pioneering efforts to decolonise the undergraduate medical curriculum at UCL Medical School (UCLMS), London, by a group of clinician educators and students, with the aim of training emerging doctors to treat diverse patient populations equitably and effectively. Throughout this process, students, faculty and members of the public acted as collaborative ‘agents of change’ in co-producing curricula, prompting the implementation of several changes in the UCLMS curriculum and rubric. Reflecting a shift from a diversity-oriented to a decolonial framework, we outline three scaffolding concepts to frame the process of decolonising the medical curriculum: epistemic pluralism, cultural safety and critical consciousness. While each of these reflect a critical area of power imbalance within medical education, the utility of this framework extends beyond this, and it may be applied to interrogate curricula in other health-related disciplines and the natural sciences. We suggest how the medical curriculum can privilege perspectives from different disciplines to challenge the hegemony of the biomedical outlook in contemporary medicine – and offer space to perspectives traditionally marginalised within a colonial framework. We anticipate that through this process of re-centring, medical students will begin to think more holistically, critically and reflexively about the intersectional inequalities within clinical settings, health systems and society at large, and contribute to humanising the practice of medicine for all parties involved.
GEOGRAFIA DA SAÚDE POR DENTRO E POR FORA DA GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Pereira Martha Priscila Bezerra
Published: May 2021

A necessidade de se encontrar respostas em um tempo cada vez menor ou apresentar uma ideia o mais rápido possível faz com que se depare com determinadas palavras ou termos que nem sempre são percebidos ou se forem, que não há tempo para se entender com mais profundidade. Essa situação está presente por exemplo, quando se trabalha com uma problemática específica e se recorre à menção de uma área, disciplina, campo ou outra denominação apenas para situar o leitor. No caso da Geografia da Saúde, tem sido utilizadas várias classificações quando mencionada, seja por uma necessidade específica ou um contexto de trabalho, assim como são várias as denominações diferenciadas que tratam de temas parecidos com o da Geografia da Saúde, mas que por estarem no âmbito de outra ciência, são pouco conhecidos. Desta forma, este artigo busca entender como se classifica a Geografia da Saúde e como é influenciada por outras ciências, acarretando várias nomenclaturas com significados próximos. Para esta pesquisa foram realizadas as seguintes etapas: a) levantamento bibliográfico; b) revisão da literatura e; c) análise comparativa. Como resultados principais, percebeu-se que a Geografia da Saúde, quando tratada pelos profissionais de Geografia, pode ser entendida como um espaço nodal, formando uma plataforma metodológica, pois compartilha de temas relacionados a várias disciplinas para formar seu objeto de interesse, mas utilizando as bases teórico-metodológicas da Geografia. Quando a Geografia da Saúde está sendo apresentada a outros profissionais, ela fornece um modo de olhar específico para determinada problemática, possibilitando a busca de soluções a partir de outras bases. Há muitas denominações parecidas e que também buscam problemáticas que são de interesse da Geografia da Saúde, porém, devido estar em outras ciências, possuem bases teórico-metodológicas diferenciadas.
Entrevista a Anne Haas Dyson: “La escritura infantil está entramada con el dibujo, el habla, el canto y el juego”
Authors: Atorresi Ana , Eisner Laura
Published: May 2021

Anne Haas Dyson comenzó a dictar clases a comienzos de la década de 1970, como maestra, y continúa haciéndolo hoy, como profesora, en la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad de Illinois. Hace unos 50 años que investiga, mediante métodos etnográficos, los procesos sociales y culturales de escolarización y literacidad en la infancia; en particular, las culturas infantiles y el rol de la cultura popular en su desarrollo; las prácticas de literacidad extraescolares y escolares en la infancia transcultural actual; las políticas lingüísticas de la escuela y su incidencia en las identidades de los niños y niñas que usan variedades no estándar; el modo en que las sociedades construyen las infancias y la manera en que las niñas y los niños actúan como agentes para edificar infancias propias. Estas investigaciones le han valido a Dyson importantes distinciones y premios. Su amplia obra, que aún no ha sido traducida al español, incluye los siguientes títulos: Child cultures, schooling, and literacy: global perspectives on composing unique lives (2016); ReWRITING the basics: literacy learning in children’s cultures (2013); The brothers and sisters learn to write: popular literacies in childhood and school culture (2003); Writing superheroes: contemporary childhood, popular culture, and classroom literacy (1997); Negotiating a permeable curriculum: on literacy, diversity, and the interplay of children’s and teacher’s worlds (1993); Social worlds of children learning to write in an urban primary school (1993), y Visions of children as language users: research on language and language education in early childhood (1991).
El laboratorio en el diagnóstico multidisciplinar del desarrollo sexual anómalo o diferente (DSD)
Authors: Granada Maria Luisa , Audí Laura
Published: May 2021

Objetivos

El desarrollo sexual anómalo o diferente (DSD) con cariotipo 46,XY incluye anomalías en el desarrollo gonadal y/o genital (externo y/o interno).

Contenido

Los marcadores bioquímicos útiles para el diagnóstico diferencial de los DSD con cariotipo 46,XY incluyen las hormonas del eje hipotálamo-hipófiso gonadal como son las gonadotropinas LH y FSH (en condiciones basales o tras la estimulación con LHRH), la hormona anti-Mülleriana, la inhibina B, el factor insulinoide tipo 3 y las hormonas esteroideas de origen suprarrenal (se incluirá la hormona hipofisaria ACTH) y testicular (cortisol, aldosterona y sus precursores, testosterona y sus precursores, dihidrotestosterona y estradiol). Las hormonas esteroideas se analizarán en condiciones basales o tras la estimulación con ACTH (hormonas adrenales) y/o con HCG (hormonas testiculares). Los patrones de variación de las distintas hormonas dependerán de la causa y la edad de cada paciente. El diagnóstico molecular debe incluir el análisis de un gen candidato, un panel de genes o el análisis de un exoma completo.

Perspectivas

El diagnóstico diferencial de los DSD con cariotipos 46,XX ó 46,XY debe ser multidisciplinar, incluyendo los antecedentes clínicos, morfológicos, de imagen, bioquímicos y genéticos. Se han elaborado numerosos algoritmos diagnósticos.
Employment Rank and the Choice of Health Insurance Benefit Scheme among Bangladeshi Civil Servants
Authors: Hamid Syed Abdul , Begum Afroza , Ahsan Syed M , Howlader Sushil Ranjan , Uddin Azhar , Rahman Taslima , Rahman Md. Hafizur
Published: May 2021

This study surveys 622 Bangladeshi civil servants of all administrative jurisdictions and elicits their preference for health insurance schemes. The latter vary in the amount of sum assured as well as in terms of premium sharing rules with the government. The paper also explores the financial burden that the premium subsidy may impose on the exchequer and the state’s fiscal capacity to shoulder it. We discover a very high willingness to join the scheme. Though all three premium-sharing options posit flat rates common for all employment ranks, respondents appear to prefer premiums proportional to their basic salary.
Influence of l-quebrachitol on the properties of centrifuged natural rubber
Authors: Hu Benxiang , Zhou Yuanbing , Luo Ming-Chao , Wei Yan-Chan , Liu Gui-Xiang , Liao Shuangquan , Zhao Yanfang
Published: May 2021

Nonrubber components (NRCs) play an important role in the outstanding mechanical property of natural rubber (NR). The main inositol component of NRCs in natural rubber latex (NRL) is l-quebrachitol. In this study, the influence of l-quebrachitol on the properties of centrifuged natural rubber (CNR) was investigated. The NRL was centrifuged twice to remove most of the NRCs. After that, l-quebrachitol was added in the latex with per hundreds of rubber (phr) vary from 0% to 0.8%, and the vulcanized CNR were prepared. It is shown that the properties of vulcanized CNR were greatly changed, with T
90 reduced from 19 to 15 min, the tensile strength increased from 5 to 9 MPa, T
g reduced by about 2°C, and the ability for strain-induced crystallization was enhanced. It was proved by FTIR results that l-quebrachitol was linked to the CNR crosslinking network with ester bond.
Allium jesdianum hydro alcoholic extract ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by suppressing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) gene expression in diabetic rats with streptozotocin
Authors: Alaee Mona , Amri Jamal , Karami Hadi , Latifi Seyed Amirhossein , Salemi Zahra , Salehi Mehdi
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major complications of diabetes, the use of medicinal plants is increasing due to fewer side effects. This study was designed to examine antidiabetic effects of Allium jesdianum (A. jesdianum) ethanolic extract and evaluate its effects on oxidative stress markers and the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) genes in the kidney of type 1 diabetic rats.

Methods

In this study, we randomly divided 24 rats into four groups with six rats in each group as follows: Cnt group: normal control receiving normal saline, Dibt group: diabetic control receiving normal saline daily, Dibt + A. jesdianum 250 group: diabetic rats receiving A. jesdianum at a dose of 250 mg/kg bw daily, Dibt + A. jesdianum 500 group: diabetic rats receiving A. jesdianum at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw daily. To induce diabetes, we used 55 mg/kg bw dose of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The concentration of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum urea, creatinine and albumin, SOD, MDA (using spectrophotometric methods) and gene expression of CTGF and RAGE in kidney tissue (using real-time PCR methods) were quantified in the diabetic rats that received A. jesdianum for 42 days, and were compared to control rats.

Results

The results showed that in the diabetic group the FBG and serum urea, creatinine and expression of kidney CTGF and RAGE genes and the levels of SOD and MDA significantly increased and serum albumin significantly decreased compared to the Cnt group (p<0.001). Administration of A. jesdianum significantly improved the FBG and serum urea, creatinine and albumin compared to Dibt group (p<0.05). It was shown the A. jesdianum significantly decrease the kidney expression levels of CTGF and RAGE genes and improve oxidative stress (increased SOD and decreased MDA) in the kidney tissues when compared to Dibt group (p<0.001). Also, it was found that the beneficial effects of the A. jesdianum were dose-dependent.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that administration of A. jesdianum for 42 days has beneficial anti-diabetic and anti-nephropathic effects in diabetic rats and can be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of diabetes.
Complementary role of p57kip2 immunostaining in diagnosing hydatidiform mole subtypes
Authors: Zainal Nurzaireena , Kampan Nirmala Chandralega , Rose Isa M. , Ghazali Razmin , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir , Yussoff Noor Haliza , Tamil Azmi , Jamil Muhammad Abdul , Hussin Noor Hamidah
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Gestational trophoblastic disease comprises of a spectrum of pregnancy-related tumours which includes complete (CHM) and partial hydatidiform moles (PHM). Accurate diagnosis and subclassification of HM subtypes are crucial as prognosis differs. Histopathological examination using haemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining remains the basis for diagnosing HM, with only 80% accuracy. p57kip2 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) protein and is strongly paternally imprinted, being expressed from maternal allele. Therefore, complete mole (CHM) with only paternal genome has nearly absent expression of p57kip2 compared to partial mole (PHM) having both paternal and maternal genomes. This study is aimed to determine usefulness of p57kip2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis in the diagnosis of HM subtypes.

Methods

A total of 82 archived paraffin embedded HM tissues with subtypes classified based on H&E staining – 39 (47.5%) CHM, 41 (50.0%) PHM and two (2.43%) unclassified molar pregnancy were retrieved. All tissue samples were subjected for p57kip2 IHC analysis and HM subtypes were then reclassified.

Results

A total of 66 cases (80.5%) were re-classified as CHM, 14 cases (17.1%) as PHM and two cases (2.4%) were decidual and cystic tissues. Analysis using p57kip2 immunostaining showed a diagnostic discrepancy of 33.0% from routine H&E staining and helps to improve the characterisation of the HM subtypes specifically at early gestations which have less distinctive morphologies.

Conclusions

IHC using p57kip2 monoclonal antibody should be considered as a routine ancillary test to H&E in improving the diagnosis of HM subtypes particularly in developing countries with limited resources.
A novel swarm intelligence assisted Euclidean distance based single detection index approach in transmission line relaying for fast decision making
Authors: Chinta Durga Prasad , Biswal Monalisa
Published: May 2021

Intelligent threshold value improves the speed and accuracy of any fault detector unit. But in the literature, any such traditional threshold selection mechanism is not available to implant in the fault detector unit of protective relay. This paper introduces a swarm intelligence-based threshold setting mechanism for fault detector. In this context, the Euclidean distance approach (EDA) with a single detection index is used for transmission network protection. The detection index function is formulated with fault parameters on a priority base. Further, the modified particle swarm optimization technique with adaptive inertia strategy is used to identify the optimal threshold value of detection index function. With swarm intelligence based optimal threshold, numerous cases are investigated on a test power system and obtained results show the efficacy of the method.
Exploring ESOL teachers’ perspectives on the language learning experiences, challenges, and motivations of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK
Authors: Chamorro Gloria , Garrido-Hornos María del Carmen , Vázquez-Amador María
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of ESOL teachers on the language learning experiences, challenges, and motivations that refugees and asylum seekers have when they learn the language of the host country. This information was collected using an online questionnaire, which was completed by 72 teachers from different institutions throughout the UK teaching English to refugees and asylum seekers. The results revealed teachers’ perspectives on the main language learning challenges (e.g. lack of first language literacy) and motivations (e.g. accessing education/jobs) experienced by these learners, as well as the main challenges faced (e.g. lack of equipment) and techniques used (e.g. tailored materials/methods) by our respondents. The present paper presents these findings and any correlations found between the teachers’ responses and their background or their students’ profile, and discusses some implications for language teachers, teacher educators, and policy makers to support refugee students’ language learning more successfully.
A review on the concept of aging in Ayurveda literature
Authors: Yamuna Sisupalan Aswathy , Changuli Krishna Bhat Prathibha , Soman Devipriya , Puthanmadom Venkatraramana Sharma Anandaraman
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Various aspects of aging in Ayurveda literature has been explored and correlated it with modern biological understanding.

Content

The concept of longevity is better understood upon the baseline understanding of Aging ie. Jara. Manda Jara or Ajara is synonymous with longevity. Vriddhavastha/Jirnavastha/Jara (old age) is the period after 60 or 70 years of age. This stage of life becomes very crucial as degenerative changes occur in the body. Deterioration occurs to Dhatus, Indriya (perception power), Bala (strength), Virya (potency), Utsaha (enthusiasm), Paurusha (masculinity), Parakrama (valour), Grahana (reception), Dharana (retention), Smarana (memory), Vachana (speech). Brihatrayis and Laghutrayis were reviewed to analyze the various aspects of Ayu and Jara and correlated with research papers establishing the concept of aging in terms of evidence-based technological advancements. Databases like PubMed, Scopus were searched using keywords like Jara, Ayu Lakshana, Aging, Old age, Senescence, biomarkers, DNA, blood biochemistry, proteomics, genomics, microbiota, microbiome, androgen, estrogen, lipolysis, peripheral blood monocytes, collagen, cognitive function; with the help of Boolean operators.

Various aspects of Jara in Ayurveda have been analyzed by taking ample references from evidence-based technological advancements related to the physiology of aging. The indicators of biological aging based on recent researches like genomic irregularities, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, altered protein expression, immunological markers, oxidative stress, pathological microbiota profile, telomere shortening in peripheral blood monocytes, lipolysis, and many other factors have been put forward for basic evidence in relation with Jara Lakshana.

Outlook

Understanding the physiology of aging will give the insight to manage the elderly. So, the need of the hour is to develop strategies or to conduct more researches which prevent senile disorders and thus increase the health span for the future generation.
Compensatory depression of arterial pressure and reversal of ECG abnormalities by Annona muricata and Curcuma longa in hypertensive Wistar rats
Authors: Oridupa Olayinka Ayotunde , Oyagbemi Ademola Adetokunbo , Adejumobi Olumuyiwa , Falade Folusho Bolawaye , Obisesan Ayobami Deborah , Abegunde Bukola Adedayo , Ekwem Precious Chima , Adegboye Victor Oluwaseun , Omobowale Temidayo Olutayo
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Increasing hypertension incidence in Sub-Sahara Africa and the current cost of management of the metabolic disorder has necessitated research on medicinal plants employed in African Traditional Medicine for hypertension. Thus, this study evaluated antihypertensive effect of Annona muricata leaves or Curcuma longa rhizomes in experimentally-induced hypertensive male Wistar rats (n=70) which were unilaterally nephrectomized and daily loaded with 1% salt. Cardiovascular and haematological changes, as well as urinalysis were determined.

Methods

Rats were uninephrectomized and NaCl (1%) included in drinking water for 42 days. Extract-treated hypertensive rats were compared to normotensive, untreated hypertensive and hypertensive rats treated with lisinopril (5 mg/70 kg) or hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg/70 kg). A. muricata extract or C. longa extract were administered at 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg. Blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean arterial) and electrocardiogram was measured on day 41. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected from day 42. Blood samples were collected on day 43 for haematology (PCV, red cell indices, WBC and its differentials, and platelets).

Results

A. muricata or C. longa extracts caused a decline in elevated blood pressure of hypertensive rats. Heart rate and QT segment reduction coupled with prolonged QRS duration were reversed in extract-treated rats, with significant increases in hemogram parameters indicating increased blood viscosity. Also, leukocyturia, proteinuria and ketonuria with increased urine alkalinity, urobilinogen and specific gravity which are classical indicators of poor prognostic outcomes in hypertension were reversed in extract-treated rats.

Conclusions

In conclusion, A. muricata and C. longa have cardioprotective effect with reversal of derangements in haemogram and urinalysis associated with hypertension.
40 Gb/s wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical network (WDM-PON) for undersea wireless optical communication
Authors: Rashid Md. Harun Ar , Sikder Subrata , Sadik Kazi Farhan , Newaz S.H. Shah , Jayner Kazi Towfiqul Islam , Hossain Md. Mahbub , Ahsan Md. Shamim
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate the design and simulation of a long range four-channel wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical network (WDM-PON) operating at 40 Gb/s (4 × 10 Gb/s) in downstream transmission for undersea wireless optical communication. The proposed model consists of two separate subsections between the optical transmitter and receiver. The first subsection consists of the central office and 50 km long feeder fiber for transmitting the optical signal from a distant base station to the 1 × 4 optical demultiplexer located at the sea shore. The second subsection comprises 500 m distributed fiber from the 1 × 4 optical demultiplexer to the terminal point placed at the bottom of the sea and 15–20 m optical wireless channel inside sea water. Simulation results confirmed successful transmission of optical signals from the 50 km distant optical transmitter to the optical receiver located maximum 15 m inside the sea water with a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼20.96 dB, bit error rate of ∼1.55 × 10−8, and quality factor of ∼5.584. The eye diagram at the receiving end also exemplifies quality downstream data transmission at a rate of 10 Gb/s per channel. In addition, we compare the simulation results of the four-channel 40 Gb/s WDM-PON system with a four-channel WDM-PON system operating at 4 Gb/s (4 × 1 Gb/s). Simulation results confirm maximum reach of 17.5 m inside sea water at a cost of significant reduction in data rate. Furthermore, we analyze the system availability of the proposed WDM-PONs and find convincing results for high-speed secured data transmission under water.
The contemporary value of dedicated preterm birth clinics for high-risk singleton pregnancies: 15-year outcomes from a leading maternal centre
Authors: Jin Wallace , Hughes Kelly , Sim Shirlene , Shemer Scott , Sheehan Penelope
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Preterm birth clinics provide dedicated obstetric care to women at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). There remains a lack of conclusive evidence to support the overall utility of such clinics, attributable to a paucity and heterogeneity of primary data. This study audits Australia’s largest and oldest dedicated preterm birth clinic with the aim to add primary data to the area and offer opportunities for similar clinics to align practice.

Methods

A retrospective audit of referrals to the Preterm Labour Clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, between 2004 and 2018 was conducted. 1,405 singleton pregnancies met inclusion criteria. The clinic’s key outcomes, demographics, predictive tests and interventions were analysed. The primary outcomes were SPTB before 37, 34 and 30 weeks’ gestation.

Results

The overall incidence of SPTB in the clinic was 21.2% (n=294). Linear regression showed reductions in the adjusted rates of overall SPTB and pre-viable SPTB (delivery <24 weeks) from 2004 (108%; 8%) to 2018 (65%; 2% respectively). Neonatal morbidity and post-delivery intensive care admission concurrently declined (p=0.02; 0.006 respectively). Rates of short cervix (cervical length <25 mm) increased over time (2018: 30.9%) with greater uptake of vaginal progesterone for treatment. Fetal fibronectin, mid-trimester short cervix, and serum alkaline phosphatase were associated with SPTB on logistic regression.

Conclusions

Dedicated preterm birth clinics can reduce rates of SPTB, particularly deliveries before 24 weeks’ gestation, and improve short-term neonatal outcomes in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth.
Preparedness of Nigerian University Libraries for the Acquisition and Management of Digital Records
Authors: Asogwa Brendan , Ali Adizetu , Onoh Chioma , Asogwa Martha , Ngwuchukwu Margaret , Igbokwe Josephine , Ezeani Chinwe
Published: May 2021

This paper assessed the extent to which federal university libraries in Nigeria have prepared for management of their records in electronic format. Specifically it investigated the extent to which university libraries have provided ICT infrastructures for digital records, made institutional plans for e-records management, and enacted policies that guide e-records management, among other areas. Survey research design was used. The instruments for data collection were questionnaire, observation checklist, and oral interviews. The population of the study was 84 librarians drawn randomly from 18 federal university libraries in Nigeria. Data was analyzed using mean scores and simple percentages. The criterion of judgment was that if the mean value of any item of the research instruments scored 2.50+ and above, it was rated high; if otherwise, it was considered low. The study found that ICT facilities were available in all the libraries, but the state of preparedness for their utilization for e-records management was low. Inadequate funding, intermittent electricity supply, absence of e-records management policy, etc. were the major factors hindering preparedness for e-records management. Adequate budgetary provision, increasing power supply, and enactment of digital records management policy were among the recommendations made. With regards to practical implications, federal university libraries may not steadily use their e-records in a networked/connected environment. These records may become inaccessible over time. This study was the first to investigate extensively on the state of preparedness of Nigerian university libraries for digital records management.
An Unbalanced and Inadequate Development of the Chinese Public Libraries’ Public Culture Services: An Investigation of 31 Senior Library Specialists
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wan Yi , Chun Jiao
Published: May 2021

In response to the new principal contradiction between people’s growing needs for a better life and the inadequate and imbalanced development in different social fields in China, Chinese public libraries have fast developed Public Cultural Services (PCS) to meet users’ needs. This study investigates senior library specialists’ perspectives on unbalanced and inadequate development of Chinese public libraries’ PCS. The study collected data from 31 senior library specialists from 10 provinces or municipalities through online survey. In addition, eight experts from public libraries were also interviewed. The data reveals that the main roles of public libraries providing PCS include ensuring equal access to cultural resources, protecting cultural heritage, developing unique cultural products or service, and promoting public cultural products to ensure cultural diversity. Provincial and prefectural libraries take most of the PCS’ responsibilities while county, township, and village libraries’ responsibilities are less. Moreover, there is unbalanced development and inadequate development of library PCS in China. External factors such as economy development, government expenditure on cultural activities, and education development, and internal factors such as internal management weakness and libraries’ investment on cultural service are the top factors. This means that if Chinese public libraries want to better improve PCS, they should try to seek financial resource support and improve their internal management. This study is valuable for public library management and policymakers at different bureaucratic levels to understand issues of PCS in China. It also helps public libraries better learn their strengths and weaknesses in PCS.
Technological Readiness and Computer Self-efficacy as Predictors of E-learning Adoption by LIS Students in Nigeria
Authors: Okuonghae Omorodion , Igbinovia Magnus Osahon , Adebayo John Oluwaseye
Published: May 2021

The study focused on technological readiness and computer self-efficacy as predictors of E-learning adoption by Library and Information Science (LIS) students in Nigeria. While literatures have suggested that E-learning adoption is context based, there is a need to examine the predictors of E-learning adoption within the Nigerian context, given the increasing need for E-learning adoption as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a result, the study used the descriptive correlational research design to study a group of LIS students in Nigeria. Consequently, LIS students in the Nigeria Library and Information Science Students (NLISS) Facebook group were used for the study. The population of the group was 1,807 at the time the study was conducted and the sample size for the study was 320 randomly selected respondents. The sample size was achieved using the Krejcie, R. V., and D. W. Morgan. 1970. “Determining Sample Size for Research Activities.” Educational and Psychological Measurement 30: 607–10 table for determining sample size. Data was collected from the respondents using a closed-ended questionnaire consisting of adapted scales for all the variables. The 223 responses retrieved within a period of three weeks were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings from the investigation showed technological readiness, computer self-efficacy and E-learning adoption of the LIS students is very high. Though technological readiness and computer self-efficacy had relative contribution to E-learning adoption, computer self-efficacy had higher contribution. The study also revealed that significant relationships exist between technological readiness and E-learning adoption, computer self-efficacy and E-learning adoption, technological readiness and computer self-efficacy, while technological readiness and computer self-efficacy had joint prediction on E-learning adoption by LIS students in Nigeria. The study therefore emphasized the need to consider certain individual factors as criteria to the successful adoption of E-learning among LIS students in Nigeria.
Bribri media tantum verbs and the rise of labile syntax
Authors: Pacchiarotti Sara , Kulikov Leonid
Published: May 2021

In this article, we first show that the Bribri (Chibchan) middle voice suffix -rderives passive voice from active transitive and agentive intransitive verbs, as well as anticausative verbs from nominal and adjectival roots. Second, we focus on five media tantum verbs, i.e., forms that synchronically carry the -rsuffix and have no counterpart without -r. Unlike most other verbs, these five forms are labile, i.e., they can occur in syntactically intransitive and transitive constructions with no (supra-)segmental change. After describing the valence patterns in which Bribri media tantum labile (MTL) verbs occur, we investigate whether: (i) their non-absolutive arguments behave like ergative phrases; and whether (ii) MTL verb forms in two-argument constructions behave like active voice transitive verb stems. Third, we outline a hitherto unnoticed diachronic path for the rise of lability in a small subgroup of Bribri media tantum verbs.
Prognostic value of preoperative inflammation-based predictors in patients with bladder carcinoma after radical cystectomy
Authors: Gui Huiming , Song Yutong , Yin Yongsheng , Wang Hanzhang , Rodriguez Ronald , Wang Zhiping
Published: May 2021

Aims

Emerging evidence has related inflammation-based biomarkers to numerous carcinomas, including bladder carcinoma (BC). However, the role of inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of BC remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare preoperative plasma fibrinogen (PF) and other inflammatory biomarkers such as the platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and serum albumin level to predict the prognosis of patients with BC.

Methods

This article focused on a retrospective analysis of 175 patients with newly diagnosed BC who were admitted to our hospital from March 2005 to March 2016. Of these BC patients, 136 had undergone radical cystectomy (RC).

Results

According to multivariate analysis, high PF level was an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) in 136 BC patients receiving RC (HR = 3.759;P= 0.011), but not for all 175 BC patients. Combining the NLR and PF values showed higher predictive accuracy for OS than NLR or PF alone (P< 0.05). Additionally, for 136 BC patients who had undergone RC, a close relationship was found between high PF levels (≥3.39 g/L) and lymph node metastasis (P= 0.011) and clinical T stage (P= 0.015). Furthermore, PF was a superior prognostic factor compared with the LMR, PLR, CRP, and albumin values in 136 BC patients who had undergone RC (P< 0.001).

Conclusions

The preoperative PF level may be a prognostic biomarker; and when combined with the NLR, it can improve the predictive ability of the survival of BC patients, particularly of BC patients who underwent RC.