bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk prediction in medically treated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Quan Ruilin , Yang Yuanhua , Yang Zhenwen , Tian Hongyan , Li Shengqing , Shen Jieyan , Ji Yingqun , Zhang Gangcheng , Zhang Caojin , Wang Guangyi , Liu Yuhao , Cheng Zhaozhong , Yu Zaixin , Song Zhiyuan , Zheng Zeqi , Cui Wei , Chen Yucheng , Liu Shuang , Chen Xiaoxi , Qian Yuling , Xiong Changming , Shan Guangliang , He Jianguo
Published: April 2021

Background

At present, there is no generally accepted comprehensive prognostic risk prediction model for medically treated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients.

Methods

Consecutive medically treated CTEPH patients were enrolled in a national multicenter prospective registry study from August 2009 to July 2018. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to derive the prognostic model, and a simplified risk score was created thereafter. Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration, and compared to the Swedish/COMPERA risk stratification method. Internal and external validation were conducted to validate the model performance.

Results

A total of 432 patients were enrolled. During a median follow-up time of 38.73 months (IQR: 20.79, 66.10), 94 patients (21.8%) died. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival estimates were 95.5%, 83.7%, and 70.9%, respectively. The final model included the following variables: the Swedish/COMPERA risk stratum (low-, intermediate- or high-risk stratum), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR, ≤ or > 1600 dyn·s/cm5), total bilirubin (TBIL, ≤ or > 38 µmol/L) and chronic kidney disease (CKD, no or yes). Compared with the Swedish/COMPERA risk stratification method alone, both the derived model [C-index: 0.715; net reclassification improvement (NRI): 0.300; integrated discriminatory index (IDI): 0.095] and the risk score (C-index: 0.713; NRI: 0.300; IDI: 0.093) showed improved discriminatory power. The performance was validated in a validation cohort of 84 patients (C-index = 0.707 for the model and 0.721 for the risk score).

Conclusions

A novel risk stratification strategy can serve as a useful tool for determining prognosis and guide management for medically treated CTEPH patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01417338).
Evaluating health service outcomes of public involvement in health service design in high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Lloyd Nicola , Kenny Amanda , Hyett Nerida
Published: April 2021

Background

Internationally, it is expected that health services will involve the public in health service design. Evaluation of public involvement has typically focused on the process and experiences for participants. Less is known about outcomes for health services. The aim of this systematic review was to a) identify and synthesise what is known about health service outcomes of public involvement and b) document how outcomes were evaluated.

Methods

Searches were undertaken in MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL for studies that reported health service outcomes from public involvement in health service design. The review was limited to high-income countries and studies in English. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and critical appraisal guidelines for assessing the quality and impact of user involvement in health research. Content analysis was used to determine the outcomes of public involvement in health service design and how outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A total of 93 articles were included. The majority were published in the last 5 years, were qualitative, and were located in the United Kingdom. A range of health service outcomes (discrete products, improvements to health services and system/policy level changes) were reported at various levels (service level, across services, and across organisations). However, evaluations of outcomes were reported in less than half of studies. In studies where outcomes were evaluated, a range of methods were used; most frequent were mixed methods. The quality of study design and reporting was inconsistent.

Conclusion

When reporting public involvement in health service design authors outline a range of outcomes for health services, but it is challenging to determine the extent of outcomes due to inadequate descriptions of study design and poor reporting. There is an urgent need for evaluations, including longitudinal study designs and cost-benefit analyses, to fully understand outcomes from public involvement in health service design.
Long-term cigarette smoke exposure dysregulates pulmonary T cell response and IFN-γ protection to influenza virus in mouse
Authors: Wu Wenxin , Tian Lili , Zhang Wei , Booth J. Leland , Ainsua-Enrich Erola , Kovats Susan , Brown Brent R. , Metcalf Jordan P.
Published: April 2021

Background

Influenza is a highly contagious, acute, febrile respiratory infection caused by a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus, which belongs in the Orthomyxoviridae family. Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure worsens influenza infection in terms of frequency and severity in both human and animal models.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice with or without CS exposure for 6 weeks were inoculated intranasally with a single, non-lethal dose of the influenza A virus (IAV) A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) strain. At 7 and 10 days after infection, lung and mediastinal lymph nodes (MLN) cells were collected to determine the numbers of total CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, and IAV-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, using flow cytometry. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was also collected to determine IFN-γ levels and total protein concentration.

Results

Although long-term CS exposure suppressed early pulmonary IAV-antigen specific CD8 + and CD4 + T cell numbers and IFN-γ production in response to IAV infection on day 7 post-infection, CS enhanced numbers of these cells and IFN-γ production on day 10. The changes of total protein concentration in BALF are consistent with the changes in the IFN-γ amounts between day 7 and 10, which suggested that excessive IFN-γ impaired barrier function and caused lung injury at the later stage of infection.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that prior CS exposure caused a biphasic T cell and IFN-γ response to subsequent infection with influenza in the lung. Specifically, the number of IAV antigen-specific T cells on day 10 was greatly increased by CS exposure even though CS decreased the number of the same group of cells on day 7. The result suggested that CS affected the kinetics of the T cell response to IAV, which was suppressed at an early stage and exaggerated at a later stage. This study is the first to describe the different effect of long-term CS on T cell responses to IAV at early and late stages of infection in vivo.
Defective monocyte-derived macrophage phagocytosis is associated with exacerbation frequency in COPD
Authors:   COPDMAP consortium, Singh R. , Belchamber K. B. R. , Fenwick P. S. , Chana K. , Donaldson G. , Wedzicha J. A. , Barnes P. J. , Donnelly L. E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Lower airway bacterial colonisation (LABC) in COPD patients is associated with increased exacerbation frequency and faster lung function decline. Defective macrophage phagocytosis in COPD drives inflammation, but how defective macrophage function contributes to exacerbations is not clear. This study investigated the association between macrophage phagocytosis and exacerbation frequency, LABC and clinical parameters.

Methods

Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) were generated from 92 stable COPD patients, and at the onset of exacerbation in 39 patients. Macrophages were exposed to fluorescently labelled Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae for 4 h, then phagocytosis measured by fluorimetry and cytokine release by ELISA. Sputum bacterial colonisation was measured by PCR.

Results

Phagocytosis of H. influenzae was negatively correlated with exacerbation frequency (r = 0.440, p < 0.01), and was significantly reduced in frequent vs. infrequent exacerbators (1.9 × 103 RFU vs. 2.5 × 103 RFU, p < 0.01). There was no correlation for S. pneumoniae. There was no association between phagocytosis of either bacteria with age, lung function, smoking history or treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, or long-acting bronchodilators. Phagocytosis was not altered during an exacerbation, or in the 2 weeks post-exacerbation. In response to phagocytosis, MDM from exacerbating patients showed increased release of CXCL-8 (p < 0.001) and TNFα (p < 0.01) compared to stable state.

Conclusion

Impaired COPD macrophage phagocytosis of H. influenzae, but not S. pneumoniae is associated with exacerbation frequency, resulting in pro-inflammatory macrophages that may contribute to disease progression. Targeting these frequent exacerbators with drugs that improve macrophage phagocytosis may prove beneficial.
SNRPD1 confers diagnostic and therapeutic values on breast cancers through cell cycle regulation
Authors: Dai Xiaofeng , Yu Lihui , Chen Xiao , Zhang Jianying
Published: April 2021

Background

SNRPD1 is a spliceosome-associated protein and has previously been implicated with important roles in cancer development.

Methods

Through analyzing the differential expression patterns and clinical association of splicing associated genes among tumor and tumor adjacent samples across different tumors and among different breast cancer subtypes, we identify the tumor promotive role of SNRPD1 using multiple publicly available datasets. Through pathway, gene ontology enrichment analysis and network construction, we linked the onco-therapeutic role of SNRPD1 with cell cycle. Via a series of experimental studies including knockdown assay, qPCR, western blotting, cell cycle, drug response assay, we confirmed the higher expression of SNPRD1 at both gene and protein expression levels in triple negative breast cancer cells, as well as its roles in promoting cell cycle and chemotherapy response.

Results

Our study revealed that SNRPD1 over-expression was significantly associated with genes involved in cell cycle, cell mitosis and chromatin replication, and silencing SNRPD1 in breast cancer cells could lead to halted tumor cell growth and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 stage. We also found that triple negative breast cancer cells with reduced SNRPD1 expression lost certain sensitivity to doxorubicin whereas luminal cancer cells did not.

Conclusions

Our results suggested the prognostic value of SNRPD1 on breast cancer survival, its potential as the therapeutic target halting cell cycle progression for breast cancer control, and warranted special attention on the combined use of doxorubicin and drugs targeting SNRPD1.
NEIL3 may act as a potential prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Cui , Liu Jian , Zhou Haomiao , Qian Xin , Sun Hui , Chen Xuewen , Zheng Miaosen , Bian Tingting , Liu Lei , Liu Yifei , Zhang Jianguo
Published: April 2021

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the leading cause of cancer-related death. This study aimed to develop and validate reliable prognostic biomarkers and signature.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes were identified based on three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Based on 1052 samples’ data from our cohort, GEO and The Cancer Genome Atlas, we explored the relationship of clinicopathological features and NEIL3 expression to determine clinical effect of NEIL3 in LUAD. Western blotting (22 pairs of tumor and normal tissues), Real-time quantitative PCR (19 pairs of tumor and normal tissues), and immunohistochemical analyses (406-tumor tissues subjected to microarray) were conducted. TIMER and ImmuCellAI analyzed relationship between NEIL3 expression and the abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in LUAD. The co-expressed-gene prognostic signature was established based on the Cox regression analysis.

Results

This study identified 502 common differentially expressed genes and confirmed that NEIL3 was significantly overexpressed in LUAD samples (P < 0.001). Increased NEIL3 expression was related to advanced stage, larger tumor size and poor overall survival (p < 0.001) in three LUAD cohorts. The proportions of natural T regulatory cells and induced T regulatory cells increased in the high NEIL3 group, whereas those of B cells, Th17 cells and dendritic cells decreased. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that NEIL3 may activate cell cycle progression and P53 signaling pathway, leading to poor outcomes. We identified nine prognosis-associated hub genes among 370 genes co-expressed with NEIL3. A 10-gene prognostic signature including NEIL3 and nine key co-expressed genes was constructed. Higher risk-score was correlated with more advanced stage, larger tumor size and worse outcome (p < 0.05). Finally, the signature was verified in test cohort (GSE50081) with superior diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

This study suggested that NEIL3 has the potential to be an immune-related therapeutic target and an independent predictor of LUAD prognosis. We also developed a prognostic signature for LUAD with a precise diagnostic accuracy.
Costing electronic private sector malaria surveillance in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Authors: Levin Ann , Potter Rebecca , Tesfazghi Kemi , Phanalangsy Saysana , Keo Phally , Filip Elijah , Phone Si Hein , Eliades M. James
Published: April 2021

Background

Private sector malaria programmes contribute to government-led malaria elimination strategies in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar by increasing access to quality malaria services and surveillance data. However, reporting from private sector providers remains suboptimal in many settings. To support surveillance strengthening for elimination, a key programme strategy is to introduce electronic surveillance tools and systems to integrate private sector data with national systems, and enhance the use of data for decision-making. During 2013–2017, an electronic surveillance system based on open source software, District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), was implemented as part of a private sector malaria case management and surveillance programme. The electronic surveillance system covered 16,000 private providers in Myanmar (electronic reporting conducted by 200 field officers with tablets), 710 in Cambodia (585 providers reporting through mobile app), and 432 in Laos (250 providers reporting through mobile app).

Methods

The purpose of the study was to document the costs of introducing electronic surveillance systems and mobile reporting solutions in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar, comparing the cost in different operational settings, the cost of introduction and maintenance over time, and assessing the affordability and financial sustainability of electronic surveillance. The data collection methods included extracting data from PSI’s financial and operational records, collecting data on prices and quantities of resources used, and interviewing key informants in each setting. The costing study used an ingredients-based approach and estimated both financial and economic costs.

Results

Annual economic costs of electronic surveillance systems were $152,805 in Laos, $263,224 in Cambodia, and $1,310,912 in Myanmar. The annual economic cost per private provider surveilled was $82 in Myanmar, $371 in Cambodia, and $354 in Laos. Cost drivers varied depending on operational settings and number of private sector outlets covered in each country; whether purchased or personal mobile devices were used; and whether electronic (mobile) reporting was introduced at provider level or among field officers who support multiple providers for case reporting.

Conclusion

The study found that electronic surveillance comprises about 0.5–1.5% of national malaria strategic plan cost and 7–21% of surveillance budgets and deemed to be affordable and financially sustainable.
TWIST2 and the PPAR signaling pathway are important in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Ge Xiaoxiao , Li Yongqing , Zhang Bingyang , Wang Peijun , Hao Mingju , Gao Peng , Zhao Yueyi , Sun Tao , Lu Sumei , Ma Wanshan
Published: April 2021

Background

To investigate the roles of the transcription factors twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (TWIST1), twist family bHLH transcription factor 2 (TWIST2), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Methods

The protein levels of TWIST1, TWIST2 and PPARγ were determined in the serum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients and healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An in vivo model for fatty liver was established by feeding C57BL/6 J mice a high-fat diet (HFD). An in vitro model of steatosis was established by treating LO-2 cells with oleic acid (OA). RNA sequencing was performed on untreated and OA-treated LO-2 cells followed by TWIST1, TWIST2 and PPARγ gene mRNA levels analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and pathway analysis.

Results

The TWIST2 serum protein levels decreased significantly in all fatty liver groups (P < 0.05), while TWIST1 varied. TWIST2 tended to be lower in mice fed an HFD and was significantly lower at 3 months. Similarly, in the in vitro model, the TWIST2 protein level was downregulated significantly at 48 and 72 h after OA treatment. RNA sequencing of LO-2 cells showed an approximately 2.3-fold decrease in TWIST2, with no obvious change in TWIST1 and PPARγ. The PPAR signaling pathway was enriched, with 4 genes upregulated in OA-treated cells (P = 0.0018). The interleukin (IL)-17 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways were enriched in OA-treated cells.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence that the TWIST2 and PPAR signaling pathways are important in NAFLD and shed light on a potential mechanism of steatosis.
Overexpression of CRABP2 inhibits dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in human osteoblast cells
Authors: Zhang Haiping , Yu Ziliang , Sun Farui , Jin Jin
Published: April 2021

Background

The purpose of the current study was to explore the role and underlying mechanism of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) in dexamethasone (DEX)-induced apoptosis in human osteoblast cells.

Methods

GSE10311 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by the limma/R package. Primary human osteoblast was isolated and treated with different concentration of DEX (0, 10-8, 10-7, 10-6, 10-5, and 10-4 mol/L), and cell viability and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. A CRABP2 overexpression plasmid (oe-CRABP2) was used to overexpress CRABP2, and western blotting was conducted to detect protein expression.

Results

We found that CRABP2 was downregulated in the DEX-treated group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses indicated that DEGs were associated with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. DEX downregulated CRABP2 gene and protein expression, inhibited viability, and induced human osteoblast apoptosis. Overexpression of CRABP2 reversed DEX-induced apoptosis in human osteoblast. Moreover, overexpression of CRABP2 delayed the progression of DEX-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) animal model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CRABP2 is effective at inhibiting DEX-induced human osteoblast apoptosis and delayed ONFH progression.
Serial measurement of pancreatic stone protein for the early detection of sepsis in intensive care unit patients: a prospective multicentric study
Authors: Pugin Jérôme , Daix Thomas , Pagani Jean-Luc , Morri Davide , Giacomucci Angelo , Dequin Pierre-François , Guitton Christophe , Que Yok-Ai , Zani Gianluca , Brealey David , Lepape Alain , Creagh-Brown Ben , Wyncoll Duncan , Silengo Daniela , Irincheeva Irina , Girard Laurie , Rebeaud Fabien , Maerki Iwan , Eggimann Philippe , François Bruno
Published: April 2021

Background

The early recognition and management of sepsis improves outcomes. Biomarkers may help in identifying earlier sub-clinical signs of sepsis. We explored the potential of serial measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and pancreatic stone protein (PSP) for the early recognition of sepsis in patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This was a multicentric international prospective observational clinical study conducted in 14 ICUs in France, Switzerland, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Adult ICU patients at risk of nosocomial sepsis were included. A biomarker-blinded adjudication committee identified sepsis events and the days on which they began. The association of clinical sepsis diagnoses with the trajectories of PSP, CRP, and PCT in the 3 days preceding these diagnoses of sepsis were tested for markers of early sepsis detection. The performance of the biomarkers in sepsis diagnosis was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Of the 243 patients included, 53 developed nosocomial sepsis after a median of 6 days (interquartile range, 3–8 days). Clinical sepsis diagnosis was associated with an increase in biomarkers value over the 3 days preceding this diagnosis [PSP (p = 0.003), PCT (p = 0.025) and CRP (p = 0.009)]. PSP started to increase 5 days before the clinical diagnosis of sepsis, PCT 3 and CRP 2 days, respectively. The area under the ROC curve at the time of clinical sepsis was similar for all markers (PSP, 0.75; CRP, 0.77; PCT, 0.75).

Conclusions

While the diagnostic accuracy of PSP, CRP and PCT for sepsis were similar in this cohort, serial PSP measurement demonstrated an increase of this marker the days preceding the onset of signs necessary to clinical diagnose sepsis. This observation justifies further evaluation of the potential clinical benefit of serial PSP measurement in the management of critically ill patients developing nosocomial sepsis.

Trial registrationThe study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT03474809), on March 16, 2018.https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03474809?term=NCT03474809&draw=2&rank=1.
scMET: Bayesian modeling of DNA methylation heterogeneity at single-cell resolution
Authors: Kapourani Chantriolnt-Andreas , Argelaguet Ricard , Sanguinetti Guido , Vallejos Catalina A.
Published: April 2021

High-throughput single-cell measurements of DNA methylomes can quantify methylation heterogeneity and uncover its role in gene regulation. However, technical limitations and sparse coverage can preclude this task. scMET is a hierarchical Bayesian model which overcomes sparsity, sharing information across cells and genomic features to robustly quantify genuine biological heterogeneity. scMET can identify highly variable features that drive epigenetic heterogeneity, and perform differential methylation and variability analyses. We illustrate how scMET facilitates the characterization of epigenetically distinct cell populations and how it enables the formulation of novel hypotheses on the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. scMET is available at https://github.com/andreaskapou/scMET.
The effects of exercise and low-calorie diets compared with low-calorie diets alone on health: a protocol for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Beigrezaei Sara , Yazdanpanah Zeinab , Soltani Sepideh , Rajaie Seyede Hamide , Mohseni-Takalloo Sahar , Zohrabi Tayebeh , Kaviani Mojtaba , Forbes Scott C. , Baker Julien S. , Salehi-Abargouei Amin
Published: April 2021

Background

Exercise and weight loss diets are two independent non-pharmaceutical strategies used to improve several aspects of body composition and health. We plan to systematically review controlled clinical trials investigating weight loss diets alone compared to weight loss diets in conjunction with exercise on energy intake, body weight, body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, sex hormones, and mental health.

Methods and analysis

PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI (Web of Science), Scopus, and Google Scholar will be searched to retrieve potential controlled clinical trials investigating the effects of exercise in conjunction with weight loss diets compared with weight loss diets alone on energy intake, body weight and composition (fat mass, fat-free mass), anthropometrics (waist circumference), cardiometabolic markers, sex hormones [testosterone, estradiol, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)], liver and kidney enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), quality of life, and depression in adults. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) will be derived using random effects model. Several subgroup analyses based on follow-up duration, the health status of the participants, the diet used for weight loss, the exercise protocol, participants’ sex, and other possible variables will be conducted to explore possible sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias will be explored by inspecting funnel plots and by conducting asymmetry tests. Overall quality of the evidence will be assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool.

Discussion

We envisage that this systematic review and meta-analysis will provide valuable information regarding the effectiveness of adding exercise to weight loss diets. No primary data is going to be collected; therefore, ethical approval is not required. The resulting manuscripts will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at international and national conferences.

Systematic review registration

The study protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Registration ID: CRD42020173434).
Lactic acid separation and recovery from fermentation broth by ion-exchange resin: A review
Authors: Din Nur Akmal Solehah , Lim Seng Joe , Maskat Mohamad Yusof , Mutalib Sahilah Abd , Zaini Nurul Aqilah Mohd
Published: April 2021

Lactic acid has become one of the most important chemical substances used in various sectors. Its global market demand has significantly increased in recent years, with a CAGR of 18.7% from 2019 to 2025. Fermentation has been considered the preferred method for producing high-purity lactic acid in the industry over chemical synthesis. However, the recovery and separation of lactic acid from microbial fermentation media are relatively complicated and expensive, especially in the process relating to second-generation (2G) lactic acid recovery. This article reviews the development and progress related to lactic acid separation and recovery from fermentation broth. Various aspects are discussed thoroughly, such as the mechanism of lactic acid production through fermentation, the crucial factors that influence the fermentation process, and the separation and recovery process of conventional and advanced lactic acid separation methods. This review's highlight is the recovery of lactic acid by adsorption technique using ion-exchange resins with a brief focus on the potential of in-site separation strategies alongside the important factors that influenced the lactic acid recovery process by ion exchange. Apart from that, other lactic acid separation techniques, such as chemical neutralization, liquid–liquid extraction, membrane separation, and distillation, are also thoroughly reviewed.
Acceptance and commitment therapy for fatigue interference in advanced gastrointestinal cancer and caregiver burden: protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mosher Catherine E. , Secinti Ekin , Kroenke Kurt , Helft Paul R. , Turk Anita A. , Loehrer Patrick J. , Sehdev Amikar , Al-Hader Ahmad A. , Champion Victoria L. , Johns Shelley A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Fatigue interference with activities, mood, and cognition is one of the most prevalent and bothersome concerns of advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients. As fatigue interferes with patient functioning, family caregivers often report feeling burdened by increasing responsibilities. Evidence-based interventions jointly addressing cancer patient fatigue interference and caregiver burden are lacking. In pilot studies, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown promise for addressing symptom-related suffering in cancer patients. The current pilot trial seeks to test a novel, dyadic ACT intervention for both advanced GI cancer patients with moderate-to-severe fatigue interference and their family caregivers with significant caregiving burden or distress.

Methods

A minimum of 40 patient-caregiver dyads will be randomly assigned to either the ACT intervention or an education/support control condition. Dyads in both conditions attend six weekly 50-min telephone sessions. Outcomes are assessed at baseline as well as 2 weeks and 3 months post-intervention. We will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of ACT for improving patient fatigue interference and caregiver burden. Secondary outcomes include patient sleep interference and patient and caregiver engagement in daily activities, psychological flexibility, and quality of life. We will also explore the effects of ACT on patient and caregiver physical and mental health service use.

Discussion

Findings will inform a large-scale trial of intervention efficacy. Results will also lay the groundwork for further novel applications of ACT to symptom interference with functioning and caregiver burden in advanced cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT04010227. Registered 8 July 2019.
Spatially different annual cycles but similar haemosporidian infections in distant populations of collared sand martins
Authors: Hahn Steffen , Briedis Martins , Barboutis Christos , Schmid Raffaella , Schulze Martin , Seifert Nina , Szép Tibor , Emmenegger Tamara
Published: April 2021

Background

Populations of long-distance migratory birds experience different environments and are consequently exposed to different parasites throughout their annual cycles. Though, specific whereabouts and accompanied host-parasite interactions remain unknown for most migratory passerines. Collared sand martins (Riparia riparia) breeding in the western Palaearctic spend the nonbreeding period in Africa, but it is not yet clear whether specific populations differ in overwintering locations and whether these also result in varying infections with vector-transmitted endoparasites.

Results

Geolocator tracking revealed that collared sand martins from northern-central and central-eastern Europe migrate to distant nonbreeding sites in West Africa and the Lake Chad basin in central Africa, respectively. While the ranges of these populations were clearly separated throughout the year, they consistently spent up to 60% of the annual cycle in Africa. Ambient light recorded by geolocators further indicated unsheltered roosting during the nonbreeding season in Africa compared to the breeding season in Europe.

We found 5–26% prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in three breeding populations and one migratory passage population that was only sampled but not tracked. In total, we identified seven Plasmodium and nine Haemoproteus lineages (incl. two and seven new lineages, respectively), the latter presumably typical for swallows (Hirundinae) hosts. 99.5% of infections had a low intensity, typical for chronic infection stages, whereas three individuals (0.5%) showed high parasitaemia typical for acute infections during spring migration and breeding.

Conclusions

Our study shows that blood parasite infections are common in several western Palaearctic breeding populations of collared sand martins who spent the nonbreeding season in West Africa and the lake Chad region. Due to long residency at the nonbreeding grounds blood parasite transmissions may mainly occur at host population-specific residences sites in Europe and Africa; the latter being likely facilitated by unsheltered roosting and thus high vulnerability to hematophagous insects. The rare cases of high parasitaemia during spring migration and breeding further indicates either relapses of chronic infection or primary infections which occurred shortly before migration and during breeding.
Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on education in Nigeria: Insights from teachers and students on virtual/online learning
Authors: Ebohon Osamudiamen , Obienu Anayochukwu Chukwunonso , Irabor Francis , Amadin Frank Iwebuke , Omoregie Ehimwenma Sheena
Published: April 2021

Background

As in many countries worldwide, due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, higher institutions in Nigeria closed in March 2020 and only began reopening in October of the same year. As a result of the lockdown, some higher institutions had to quickly move from the traditional face-to-face teaching method to virtual learning. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on education in Nigeria and also provide recommendations that may be useful in developing remote teaching contingency strategies. Five-point Likert-scale questionnaire targeting students and teachers separately was designed to get feedbacks from both students and teachers on their experiences, issues and successes. The questionnaires were divided into five categories: virtual classrooms, course learning outcomes, alternative method of assessment, impact of online teaching and satisfaction.

Results

A total of 703 students and 60 teachers from five different local universities participated in this study. All participants (> 50%) had difficulties with Internet connection. Students (67%) as well as teachers (59%) agree that they had limited interactions with one another and this negatively influence student’s satisfaction (p < 0.01). While students were split on the most appropriate method of assessment, teachers (63%) believe assignments and oral examinations are more suitable for online teaching. Many teachers (66%) admitted that it was difficult assessing students’ abilities and performance. Some students (> 40%) were concerned about the number of assignments given. Most teachers (84%) believe there is an increase in tendency for examination malpractice when assessment was conducted virtually. Students had significantly (p < 0.05) higher marks in all courses during online assessment compared to previous session involving face-to-face teaching. About 83% of teachers admitted it was difficult explaining complex scientific concepts.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, we provided recommendations to help educational institutions in Nigeria develop remote teaching contingency strategies.
Exercising to Improve Movement Quality: Why and How
Authors: Bennett Hunter , Arnold John , Davison Kade
Published: April 2021

Apply It!

• Exercise interventions targeting improvements in movement quality can increase training safety and effectiveness.

• Movement quality–specific training can cause improvements in functionally relevant performance outcomes in a way that may be perceived as easier than traditional training interventions.

• Assessing movement quality before prescribing exercise can highlight areas of training focus while identifying key exercises that your clients can perform safely.
Adapting Fitness and Neuromotor Self-Tracking Over the Life Span
Authors: Kennedy-Armbruster Carol , Burton Lee , Kercher Vanessa M. , Doyle Danielle
Published: April 2021

Apply It!

After reading this article, the health and fitness professional will

• Learn how to empower clients to take personal responsibility for their functional movement throughout the life span

• Explore self-tracking designed to teach clients to assess and record health-related and neuromotor movement patterns

• Apply behavioral and coaching theories to the application of self-assessment to prevent musculoskeletal issues while engaging in regular movement practices.
Non-coplanar VMAT plans for postoperative primary brain tumour to reduce dose to hippocampus, temporal lobe and cochlea: a planning study
Authors: Cheung Eva Yi Wah , Lee Kevin Ho Yuen , Lau Wilson Tin Long , Lau Amy Pik Yan , Wat Pak Ying
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare radiotherapy plan quality of coplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (CO-VMAT) and non-coplanar VMAT (NC-VMAT) for post-operative primary brain tumour.

Methods:

A total of 16 patients who were treated for primary brain tumours were retrospectively selected for this study. For each patient, identical CT sets with structures were used for both CO-VMAT and NC-VMAT planning. For CO-VMAT, one full arc and two coplanar half arcs were used. For NC-VMAT, one full coplanar and two non-coplanar half arcs with couch rotation of 315° or 45° were used. Dose constraints were adhered to the RTOG 0614, RTOG 0933 and TMH protocol. Dose volumetric parameters were collected for statistical analysis.

Results:

. NC-VMAT achieved significant dose reduction in contralateral hippocampus, both temporal lobes and cochleae, and other OARs while the plan qualities remained the same. In particular, NC-VMAT decreased contralateral hippocampus mean dose by 1.67Gy. Similarly, the NC-VMAT decreased temporal lobe mean dose by 6.29Gy and 2.8Gy for ipsilateral and contralateral side respectively. Furthermore, it decreased cochlea mean dose by 5.34Gy and 0.97Gy for ipsilateral and contralateral side respectively. Overall, there was a reduction of 5.4% of normal brain tissue volume receiving low dose irradiation.

Conclusion:

The proposed NC-VMAT showed more favourable plan quality than the CO-VMAT for primary brain tumours, in particular to hippocampus, temporal lobes, cochleae and OARs located to the contralateral side of tumours.

Advances in knowledge:

For primary brain tumours radiotherapy, NC-VMAT can reduce doses to the hippocampus, both temporal lobes, and cochleae, as well as OARs located to the contralateral side of tumours.
Cultural Intelligence as a Mediating Factor among International Students Adaptability in India
Authors: K Khyati , Johnson Joel , Mohta Vandita
Published: April 2021

In this paper,the authors have analysed the problemsfaced by foreign students in India while adapting to theIndian academic and work environment. For conductingthe research, numerous international students from Christ(Deemed to be University), Bangalore were interviewed,and the problems faced by them were documented. TheLikert scale has been used to measure Cognitive,Emotional and Physical CQ of both Indian andinternational students. The paper has been curated inacase study approach through primary research whichforms as a base for understanding the situation of foreignstudents in India and recommending suggestions forreducing cultural conflict.The paper identifies language,cuisine and limited social circle as the major challengesfaced by foreign students. The paper also evaluates therole that cultural intelligence plays as an enabling factorfor better cross-cultural adjustment. The researchers havealso suggested techniques for inculcating culturalintelligence among students.
Employee Retention – Challenges and Realities Faced by Corporates for New Recruits as well as Existing Employees
Authors: KM Ravi Kumar
Published: April 2021

Identifying and nurturing employee’s talents andproviding them the right opportunity to grow in theorganization according to their skills, competencies, andwants will not only reduce attrition of the existingemployees but also provide a congenial atmosphere forthe new recruits to adapt to the changed scenario andsettle-down faster.It will helps them in understandingand addressing the organization’s goal and linking thesame to individual achievements. The study reveals howidentifying employee needs and providing them the rightplace in the organization to grow reduces the existingemployees’ attrition and provide the new recruits a betteracceptance and support in the organization.
La visión de los gobiernos brasileros sobre China (2003-2020) por medio de la teoría del rol
Authors: Flórez de Andrade Angelo Flórez , Chaves García Carlos Alberto
Published: April 2021

China es en la actualidad el principal socio comercial de Brasil. Sus relaciones van más allá de lo comercial y se extienden a cooperación en temas educativos, tecnoló­gicos, políticos. En este artículo se presenta el análisis de la percepción de diferentes gobiernos brasileros sobre los gobiernos de la República Popular de China (rpc) de 2003 a 2019, utilizando la teoría de rol de Kalevi Holsti. Para la realización de este trabajo se hizo un análisis cualitativo de contenido de fuentes primarias a partir de la revisión de documentos oficiales como planes de desarrollo y discursos de los diferentes gobiernos brasileros. Al revisar estos documentos se encontraron marcadas diferencias entre los roles asignados a China por los gobiernos del Partido de los Trabajadores, el gobierno Temer y el gobierno Bolsonaro.
El alineamiento en seguridad internacional de los países de la Alianza del Pacífico con Estados Unidos: una aproximación desde el realismo constructivista
Authors: Ramírez Bullón Javier Ernesto , Pérez Jiménez Alexandra , Badillo Sarmiento Reynell
Published: April 2021

Los estudios de regionalismo han desestimado indagaciones que analicen la Alianza del Pacífico (AP) en el ámbito de la seguridad. Este artículo busca comprender el rol de las ideas de seguridad en el grado de alineamiento de las políticas exteriores de los países de la ap con Estados Unidos (ee. uu.). Esta investigación emplea una perspectiva ecléctica que combina aportes del constructivismo y del realismo y aplica una metodología cualitativa que complementa el rastreo de procesos históricos con el análisis temático de discursos presidenciales y libros blancos de defensa. Los hallazgos sugieren que los miembros de la ap han demarcado un patrón común de conducta frente a las acciones en materia de seguridad internacional propuestas por Washington en el Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas (ONU). Entre los factores que explican este comportamiento se encuentran trayectorias dependientes de cooperación en seguridad con ee. uu. y nociones compartidas de amenaza internacional.
Encontros com a deficiência na universidade: deslocando o capacitismo em oficinas de formação inventiva
Authors: Kastrup Virgínia , Pozzana Laura
Published: April 2021

O ingresso de alunos com deficiência nas universidades públicas pelo sistema de cotas foi estabelecido com a lei 13.409 e desde 2018 a Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) vem recebendo esses estudantes. Para além do desenvolvimento de dispositivos pedagógicos que garantam a acessibilidade desses alunos, coloca-se o problema das relações com professores, bem como entre alunos com e sem deficiência. Um dos problemas é a presença do capacitismo, que se manifesta em atitudes preconceituosas e práticas de opressão em relação às pessoas com deficiência. Uma formação universitária fundada na aquisição de competências e habilidades pode concorrer para que a política cognitiva capacitista seja perpetuada e mesmo acirrada. O conceito de formação inventiva (DIAS, 2011;2012) vai contra a lógica da capacitação e visa produzir outras políticas de cognição por meio de diferentes estratégias e dispositivos de formação. O objetivo do artigo é analisar a experiência de estudantes de iniciação científica e estagiárias em oficinas de formação inventiva no contexto de projetos de pesquisa-intervenção e de extensão com pessoas com deficiência. O estudo utiliza o método da cartografia (DELEUZE, GUATTARI, 1995; ROLNIK, 2006; PASSOS, KASTRUP e ESCÓSSIA, 2009; PASSOS, KASTRUP e TEDESCO, 2014) e analisa diários de campo, com ênfase na narrativa de encontros dos estudantes com pessoas com deficiência. O estudo identifica experiências de problematização da imagem da deficiência como incapacidade, analisa o papel do corpo aprendiz e das experiências multissensoriais em oficinas de formação inventiva, indicando possíveis deslocamentos na política cognitiva capacitista.
Começar e, talvez, acabar... Inventar um corpo que escreve na formação de pesquisadores em educação
Authors: Gonçalves Teresa N. R.
Published: April 2021

Neste artigo apresentam-se práticas de estudo em torno da leitura e da escrita como práticas de pesquisa, pensa-se como estas práticas constituem a pesquisa como espaço de interrogação e como através delas se vai inventando um corpo que escreve na formação de professores. A questão central é: como se cria um espaço em que este corpo possa se constituir? Para responder a esta questão, explicitam-se entendimentos de leitura e escrita, suas relações e as condições para que elas aconteçam na sala de aula a partir de movimentos produzidos na formação de pesquisadores em educação. A partir de Barthes, Foucault, Anzaldúa, Prado Coelho ou Murakami discute-se a possibilidade de experimentação de uma física da leitura e da escrita no campo da pesquisa em educação e suas implicações, apresentando alguns elementos que compõem as práticas apresentadas.
Saúde e trabalho na educação: lutas a partir do Fórum Cosate
Authors: Barros Maria Elizabeth Barros de , Cruz Cristiane Bremenkamp , Zahn Jomar
Published: April 2021

Este artigo traz discussões acerca de uma trajetória de pesquisa-intervenção em Educação a partir de experiências tecidas no processo de constituição de Comissões de saúde por local de trabalho (Cosates) em escolas públicas de um município do sudeste brasileiro. Acompanha a constituição do Fórum Cosate e a participação de diferentes instituições, além da comunidade civil, nas lutas por políticas públicas que priorizem o cuidado à saúde no âmbito da Educação. Situa a prática da Conversa e da Roda como ferramenta teórico-metodológica para uma experiência ético-política-formadora, como força motriz para a produção de saúde. Como conclusão, o artigo apresenta a potencialidade de coletivos de trabalho nos processos formativos como modo de fazer frente à individualização que nos segmentariza no contemporâneo.
Redes no território: experimentações de um programa de extensão entre desassossegos e regulamentações da vida
Authors: Heckert Ana Lucia Coelho , Costa Caíco Barbosa da , Bermudes Daniel Barros , Rocha Isabelle Emerick da , Barcellos Joyce Dos Anjos , Pereira Kaick Rocha , Rébuli Leonardo Martins Roriz , Souza Mariana Ribeiro de , Silva Raiani Dercilia da , Ferreira Thamires Lemos
Published: April 2021

Este artigo visa compartilhar e colocar em análise um percurso de extensão e pesquisa-intervenção trilhado, durante uma década no município de Cariacica/ES, por um Programa de Extensão e Pesquisa de uma universidade pública. Os objetivos das intervenções efetuadas consistiam em fomentar a produção de redes entre políticas públicas, e finalizou focalizando ações da juventude de periferia. Este artigo focaliza algumas das ações efetuadas no âmbito deste Programa de Extensão e Pesquisa nos últimos 04 anos, quando o foco do trabalho incidiu nas questões relativas à juventude negra da periferia, apontando a pesquisa intervenção como método de fazer pesquisa e extensão.
O Inimigo construído: a disputa de representações sobre o jovem da Cidade de Deus
Authors: Gebara Marcelle Raja , Salztrager Ricardo
Published: April 2021

A proposta desse artigo é pensar a construção do estereótipo do jovem morador da Cidade de Deus – comunidade localizada na zona oeste do Rio de Janeiro – a partir do filme Cidade de Deus, confrontando-a com a visão de mídias comunitárias locais sobre esses mesmos jovens. Na primeira parte do texto, traremos a história da Cidade de Deus, a partir de fragmentos da entrevista com o arquiteto que a projetou. Em seguida, faremos uma análise sobre o filme e sua narrativa ficcional, enfatizando os efeitos que produz na vida dos moradores. Para finalizar, temos a análise de algumas passagens das mídias locais, visando demonstrar como elas também podem se configurar enquanto um dispositivo de produção de verdades sobre o morador da Cidade de Deus. Toda a discussão será balizada por uma série de apontamentos teóricos de Foucault e Butler.
Empoderando nossos Úteros: por uma prática de afirmação da vida
Authors: Caetano Patricia De Lima
Published: April 2021

Útero. Cavidade primeira de todos os começos...O fértil pântano original em que a vida pode se desenvolver:(O primeiro) ninho, segurança;Órgão a partir do qual se expressa o ritmo (feminino);Músculo extremamente forte.... Alojar a vida, alimentar, abrir-se e conceder a vida (pelo nascimento). (Significado simbólico para útero, por Rüdiger Dahlke)