bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution and development of the bird chondrocranium
Authors: Hüppi Evelyn , Werneburg Ingmar , Sánchez-Villagra Marcelo R.
Published: April 2021

Background

Birds exhibit an enormous diversity in adult skull shape (disparity), while their embryonic chondrocrania are considered to be conserved across species. However, there may be chondrocranial features that are diagnostic for bird clades or for Aves as a whole. We synthesized and analyzed information on the sequence of chondrification of 23 elements in ten bird species and five outgroups. Moreover, we critically considered the developmental morphology of the chondrocrania of 21 bird species and examined whether the diversity in adult skull shape is reflected in the development of the embryonic skull, and whether there are group-specific developmental patterns.

Results

We found that chondrocranial morphology is largely uniform in its major features, with some variation in the presence or absence of fenestrae and other parts. In kiwis (Apteryx), the unique morphology of the bony skull in the orbito-nasal region is reflected in its chondrocranial anatomy. Finally, differences in morphology and chondrification sequence may distinguish between different Palaeognathae and Neognathae and between the Galloanserae and Neoaves. The sequence of chondrification is largely conserved in birds, but with some variation in most regions. The peri- and prechordal areas in the base of the chondrocranium are largely conserved. In contrast to the outgroups, chondrification in birds starts in the acrochordal cartilage and the basicranial fenestra is formed secondarily. Further differences concern the orbital region, including early chondrification of the pila antotica and the late formation of the planum supraseptale.

Conclusion

Synthesizing information on chondrocranial development confronts terminological issues and a lack of comparable methods used (e.g., different staining; whole-mounts versus histology). These issues were taken into consideration when assessing differences across species. The summary of works on avian chondrocranial development, covered more than a century, and a comparison of the chondrification sequence among birds could be conducted. Future studies could test the hypothesis that chondrocranial disparity in Aves, in terms of the shape and proportion of individual elements, could be as large as adult skull disparity, despite conserved developmental patterns and the richness of forms in other (dermal) portions of the skull.
Modulation of steroidogenesis by Actaea racemosa and vitamin C combination, in letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rat model: promising activity without the risk of hepatic adverse effect
Authors: Azouz Asmaa A. , Ali Sara E. , Abd-Elsalam Reham M. , Emam Shimaa R. , Galal Mona K. , Elmosalamy Sherif H. , Alsherbiny Muhammed A. , Hassan Bardes B. , Li Chun Guang , El Badawy Shymaa A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Complementary remedies such as the Chinese herb ‘Sheng Ma’ (Black cohosh;Actaea racemosa‘AR’) are being sought to overcome the shortcomings of conventional hormonal and surgical therapies developed for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, AR-induced hepatotoxicity necessitates a cautionary warning to be labeled on its products as recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia, where four out of seven hepatotoxic cases in Sweden were possibly associated with black cohosh products.

Methods

We investigated the effects, safety, and molecular targets of black cohosh ethanolic extract and/or vitamin C on ovarian functionality and oxidative response in hyperandrogenism-induced PCOS rats. A well-established rat model using oral letrozole, daily, for 21 days was employed. The rats then received the AR extract with and without vitamin C for 28 days. The hormonal evaluation, antioxidant status, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical analysis, cell proliferation, and the expression ratio of the aromatase (Cyp19α1) gene were evaluated. Additionally, holistic profiling of the AR arsenal of secondary metabolites was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole high-resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS).

Results

Beneficial effects were exerted by AR in PCOS rats as antioxidant status, hormonal profile, lipid profile, glucose level, liver functions, and the induced Ki-67 expression in the granulosa, theca cell layers and interstitial stromal cells were all improved. Notably, the combination of AR with vitamin C was not only more effective in reversing the dysregulated levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and mRNA level of Cyp19α1 gene in the PCOS rat, but also safer. The combination regulated both ovarian and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels with histological improvement observed in the liver and ovaries. In addition, the untargeted metabolomic profiling enabled the identification of 61 metabolites allocated in five major chemical classes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the benefit of the combinatorial effects of AR and vitamin C in mitigating the reproductive and metabolic disorders associated with PCOS with the elimination of AR hepatotoxic risk.
Use of probiotics to reduce infections and death and prevent colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria among newborn infants in Tanzania (ProRIDE Trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kuwelker Kanika , Langeland Nina , Löhr Iren Høyland , Gidion Joshua , Manyahi Joel , Moyo Sabrina John , Blomberg Bjørn , Klingenberg Claus
Published: April 2021

Background

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) has emerged as an urgent global health threat and is by the World Health Organization ranked as priority 1 among pathogens in need of new treatment. Studies have shown high mortality in Tanzanian children with ESBL-E infections. Gut colonization of ESBL-E, which is a potential risk factor of ESBL-E infections, is reported to be very high among children in Tanzania. Probiotics may potentially reduce gut colonization of multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, there is limited data on whether probiotics may reduce ESBL-E carriage in infants. The ProRIDE Trial aims to evaluate whether the use of probiotics can reduce morbidity and mortality among infants in Haydom, Tanzania, and whether this effect is associated with a reduction in ESBL-E colonization and/or infections.

Methods/design

This large randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial aims to recruit 2000 newborn infants at Haydom Lutheran Hospital and the surrounding area in the period of November 2020 to November 2021. Participants will be enrolled from days 0 to 3 after birth and randomized to receive probiotics or placebo for 4 weeks. Participants will be followed-up for 6 months, during which three visits will be made to collect clinical and demographic information, as well as rectal swabs and fecal samples which will be subjected to laboratory analysis. The primary composite outcome is the prevalence of death and/or hospitalization at 6 months of age.

Discussion

As the use of probiotics may give a more favorable gut composition, and thereby improve health and reduce morbidity and mortality, the results may have implications for future therapy guidelines in Africa and internationally.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04172012. Registered on November 21, 2019
Acupuncture for comorbid mild-moderate depression and chronic musculoskeletal pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Sheng , Liu Jing , Huang Jianpeng , Luo Ding , Wu Qian , Ning Baile , Chen Ling , Liu Jianhua , Fu Wen-Bin
Published: April 2021

Background

Depression and chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) are the leading causes of years lived with disabling diseases worldwide. Moreover, they often commonly coexist, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. A safe and effective treatment is urgently needed. Previous studies have shown that acupuncture is a cost-effective treatment for simple depression or CMSP. However, there is limited evidence that acupuncture is effective for depression comorbid with CMSP.

Methods

This is a randomized, sham acupuncture-controlled trial with three arms: real acupuncture (RA), sham acupuncture (SA), and healthy control (HC). Forty-eight depression combined CMSP participants and 12 healthy people will be recruited from GDTCM hospital and randomized 2:2:1 to the RA, SA, and HC groups. The patients will receive RA or SA intervention for 8 weeks, and HC will not receive any intervention. Upon completion of the intervention, there will be a 4-week follow-up. The primary outcome measures will be the severity of depression and pain, which will be assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), respectively. The secondary outcome measures will be cognitive function and quality of life, which will be measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), P300, and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). In addition, the correlation between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and symptoms will also be determined.

Discussion

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and underlying mechanism of acupuncture in depression comorbid with CMSP. This study could provide evidence for a convenient and cost-effective means of future prevention and treatment of combined depression and CMSP.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800014754. Preregistered on 2 February 2018. The study is currently recruiting.
Differences in the attitudes to sport psychology consulting between individual and team sport athletes
Authors: Rooney Dáire , Jackson Robin C. , Heron Neil
Published: April 2021

Background

The purpose of the present study was to investigate how an athlete’s participation in either an individual or team sport is related to their attitude toward sport psychology consulting and their willingness to consult a sport psychology practitioner.

Method

The Sport Psychology Attitudes-Revised form (SPA-R) (Martin, et al., Sport Psychol 16:272-90, 2020) was completed by 120 athletes from individual and team sports. A 2 (Type of sport: individual and team) × 2 (Gender) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted with attitudes towards sport psychology as dependent variables. To identify attitudes that accentuated the differences related to type of sport, follow-up univariate analyses were performed.

Results

Results revealed that overall athletes involved in individual sports reported more positive attitudes towards sport psychology consulting than athletes involved in team sports. In particular, the athletes involved in individual sports were more likely to have greater confidence in sport psychology consulting. The findings also show that gender may mediate this association, indicated by a nearly significant two-way interaction effect for gender and type of sport (individual versus team) regarding confidence in sport psychology. The source of this marginal result was a larger effect of sport type for females than for males.

Conclusions

The findings of this study imply that athletes involved in individual sports are more likely to have positive attitudes towards sport psychology compared to athletes competing in team-based sports, with females more likely to view sport psychology positively than compared to their male counterparts. The results may go some way to assist sport psychologists to understand and address athletes’ concerns and to improve receptivity to sport psychology services.
A preliminary study of schema therapy for young adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: a single-arm, uncontrolled trial
Authors: Oshima Fumiyo , Murata Tomokazu , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Seto Mikuko , Shimizu Eiji
Published: April 2021

Objective

Psychological problems associated with isolation and mistrust are common among young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Schema therapy (ST) has recently been shown to be effective against chronic personality problems of various mental disorders, including personality disorders. This pilot clinical trial aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of ST in young adults with high-functioning ASD.

Results

Following the intervention, a significant reduction in early maladaptive schemas and improvements in quality of life and social adjustment were observed. ST may be feasible and is applicable to young adults with HF-ASD.

Trial registration UMIN000014535; registered on July 11, 2014
Late postpancreatectomy hemorrhage from the gastroduodenal artery stump into an insufficient hepaticojejunostomy: a case report
Authors: Zeyara Adam , Tingstedt Bobby , Andersson Bodil
Published: April 2021

Background

Mortality after elective pancreatic surgery in modern high-volume centers is very low. Morbidity remains high, affecting 20–40% of patients. Late postpancreatectomy hemorrhage is a rare but potentially lethal complication. The exceptionality in our case lies in the underlying mechanism of its clinical presentation. It is a demonstration of the difficulties associated with finding the source of bleeding in late postpancreatectomy hemorrhage.

Case presentation

An 82-year-old White female was diagnosed with a periampullary malignancy and underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. Postoperatively, the patient suffered from an anastomotic leak in the hepaticojejunostomy, which was treated with percutaneous pigtail drains in the abdomen and in the biliary tract. On the fourth postoperative week she presented blood in both drains and in her stool. Given our knowledge about the biliary anastomotic leak, this presentation led us to suspect an intraluminal source (biliary tract or gastrojejunostomy) with blood leaking through the insufficient hepaticojejunostomy into the abdominal cavity. Upper tract endoscopy and computed tomography angiography were, however, unremarkable. Further investigation with conventional angiography identified the bleeding source at the gastroduodenal artery stump, which was successfully coiled. Hence, the gastroduodenal artery stump was bleeding into the insufficient hepaticojejunostomy, filling up the biliary tree and the small intestine. After coiling of the artery, the remainder of the postoperative care was uneventful.

Conclusion

Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage presents a major clinical challenge after pancreatoduodenectomy, with significant morbidity and high risk for mortality. The treating physician must be alert and active in the investigation and treatment of the bleeding source to ensure a successful outcome.
Experimental co-infection of variant infectious bursal disease virus and fowl adenovirus serotype 4 increases mortality and reduces immune response in chickens
Authors: Xu A-hui , Sun Lu , Tu Kai-hang , Teng Qing-yuan , Xue Jia , Zhang Guo-zhong
Published: April 2021

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) cause infectious bursal disease (IBD) and hydropericardium-hepatitis syndrome, respectively. Recently, studies have reported co-infections of poultry with IBDV and FAdV-4, which is an important problem in the poultry industry. Here, the variant IBDV strain ZD-2018-1 and FAdV-4 isolate HB1501 were used to assess the pathogenicity of co-infection in 1-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Compared with chickens infected with only FAdV-4, those coinfected with IBDV and FAdV-4 showed enhanced clinical symptoms, higher mortality, more severe tissue lesions, and higher biochemical index levels. Furthermore, the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and interferon-γ mRNAs in the IBDV-FAdV-4 coinfected chickens was delayed, and the antibody response levels were significantly lower in those birds compared with the FAdV-4-infected chickens. These results indicate that co-infection with variant IBDV ZD-2018-1 and FAdV-4 HB1501 could significantly promote the pathogenicity of FAdV-4 and reduce the immune response in chickens. This study provides the foundation for further investigation of the interaction mechanism in IBDV and FAdV-4 co-infection.
The TonB system in Aeromonas hydrophila NJ-35 is essential for MacA2B2 efflux pump-mediated macrolide resistance
Authors: Dong Yuhao , Li Qing , Geng Jinzhu , Cao Qing , Zhao Dan , Jiang Mingguo , Li Shougang , Lu Chengping , Liu Yongjie
Published: April 2021

The TonB system is generally considered as an energy transporting device for the absorption of nutrients. Our recent study showed that deletion of this system caused a significantly increased sensitivity ofAeromonas hydrophilato the macrolides erythromycin and roxithromycin, but had no effect on other classes of antibiotics. In this study, we found the sensitivity ofΔtonB123to all macrolides tested revealed a 8- to 16-fold increase compared with the wild-type (WT) strain, but this increase was not related with iron deprivation caused bytonB123deletion. Further study demonstrated that the deletion oftonB123did not damage the integrity of the bacterial membrane but did hinder the function of macrolide efflux. Compared with the WT strain, deletion ofmacA2B2, one of two ATP-binding cassette (ABC) types of the macrolide efflux pump, enhanced the sensitivity to the same levels as those ofΔtonB123. Interestingly, the deletion ofmacA2B2in theΔtonB123mutant did not cause further increase in sensitivity to macrolide resistance, indicating that the macrolide resistance afforded by the MacA2B2pump was completely abrogated bytonB123deletion. In addition,macA2B2expression was not altered in theΔtonB123mutant, indicating that any influence of TonB on MacA2B2-mediated macrolide resistance was at the pump activity level. In conclusion, inactivation of the TonB system significantly compromises the resistance ofA. hydrophilato macrolides, and the mechanism of action is related to the function of MacA2B2-mediated macrolide efflux.
Plant antimicrobial peptides: structures, functions, and applications
Authors: Li Junpeng , Hu Shuping , Jian Wei , Xie Chengjian , Yang Xingyong
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of short, usually positively charged polypeptides that exist in humans, animals, and plants. Considering the increasing number of drug-resistant pathogens, the antimicrobial activity of AMPs has attracted much attention. AMPs with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against many gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi are an important defensive barrier against pathogens for many organisms. With continuing research, many other physiological functions of plant AMPs have been found in addition to their antimicrobial roles, such as regulating plant growth and development and treating many diseases with high efficacy. The potential applicability of plant AMPs in agricultural production, as food additives and disease treatments, has garnered much interest. This review focuses on the types of plant AMPs, their mechanisms of action, the parameters affecting the antimicrobial activities of AMPs, and their potential applications in agricultural production, the food industry, breeding industry, and medical field.
3D-printed saw guides for lower arm osteotomy, a comparison between a synthetic CT and CT-based workflow
Authors: Willemsen Koen , Ketel Mirte H. M. , Zijlstra Frank , Florkow Mateusz C. , Kuiper Ruurd J. A. , van der Wal Bart C. H. , Weinans Harrie , Pouran Behdad , Beekman Freek J. , Seevinck Peter R. , Sakkers Ralph J. B.
Published: April 2021

Background

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed saw guides are frequently used to optimize osteotomy results and are usually designed based on computed tomography (CT), despite the radiation burden, as radiation-less alternatives like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have inferior bone visualization capabilities. This study investigated the usability of MR-based synthetic-CT (sCT), a novel radiation-less bone visualization technique for 3D planning and design of patient-specific saw guides.

Methods

Eight human cadaveric lower arms (mean age: 78y) received MRI and CT scans as well as high-resolution micro-CT. From the MRI scans, sCT were generated using a conditional generative adversarial network. Digital 3D bone surface models based on the sCT and general CT were compared to the surface model from the micro-CT that was used as ground truth for image resolution. From both the sCT and CT digital bone models saw guides were designed and 3D-printed in nylon for one proximal and one distal bone position for each radius and ulna. Six blinded observers placed these saw guides as accurately as possible on dissected bones. The position of each guide was assessed by optical 3D-scanning of each bone with positioned saw guide and compared to the preplanning. Eight placement errors were evaluated: three translational errors (along each axis), three rotational errors (around each axis), a total translation (∆T) and a total rotation error (∆R).

Results

Surface models derived from micro-CT were on average smaller than sCT and CT-based models with average differences of 0.27 ± 0.30 mm for sCT and 0.24 ± 0.12 mm for CT. No statistically significant positioning differences on the bones were found between sCT- and CT-based saw guides for any axis specific translational or rotational errors nor between the ∆T (p = .284) and ∆R (p = .216). On Bland-Altman plots, the ∆T and ∆R limits of agreement (LoA) were within the inter-observer variability LoA.

Conclusions

This research showed a similar error for sCT and CT digital surface models when comparing to ground truth micro-CT models. Additionally, the saw guide study showed equivalent CT- and sCT-based saw guide placement errors. Therefore, MRI-based synthetic CT is a promising radiation-less alternative to CT for the creation of patient-specific osteotomy surgical saw guides.
Climate change, 24-hour movement behaviors, and health: a mini umbrella review
Authors: Zisis Evaline , Hakimi Shawn , Lee Eun-Young
Published: April 2021

Background

The worsening climate change and alarming prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases continue to threat human life and existence. Accumulating evidence suggests that favorable patterns of 24-h movement behaviors, high physical activity, low sedentary behavior, and adequate sleep, may positively contribute to achieving dual benefits of climate change mitigation and disease prevention. The purposes of this mini umbrella review were to summarize the most up-to-date, high-level evidence exploring the relationships between climate change, 24-h movement behaviors, and health and elaborate on the mechanisms linking the three variables of interest.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar during March–October 2020. Inclusion criteria were: (1) systematic review; (2) reviewed relationships between climate change and movement behaviors and/or health in any directions; (3) written in English; (4) published in 2010–2020. Narrative synthesis was conducted to highlight the main relationships observed and address the current state of knowledge and priorities for future research. In order to illustrate the potential mechanisms between climate change, movement behaviors, and health, the main results from included systematic reviews were summarized and a conceptual framework was developed for future research.

Results

Based on the evidence from eight systematic reviews published in the past decade, multi-directional (i.e., uni-, bi-, or U-shaped) links were observed between climate change and varying human health outcomes. However, little is understood about the association between climate change and 24-h movement behaviors. Two reviews suggested the negative impact of climate change on sleep and bi-directional relationships between climate change and physical activity/sport. One review included two studies suggesting the unfavorable impact of climate change on sedentary behavior; however, the evidence was limited. Finally, no reviews examined the mechanisms by which climate change, movement behaviors, and health impact one another. Based on the findings of this mini umbrella review, a conceptual framework is proposed that could guide future work to unpack mechanisms between climate change, movement behaviors, and health.

Conclusions

This mini umbrella review highlights the importance of better understanding the mechanisms between climate change, movement behaviors, and health in developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies to climate change, while paying close attention to vulnerable countries/communities/population groups.
Are researchers getting the terms used to denote different types of recreational cannabis right?—a user perspective
Authors: Mason Ava , Sami Musa , Notley Caitlin , Bhattacharyya Sagnik
Published: April 2021

Background

While current cannabis research has advanced our understanding into the effects of its individual components, there is a pressing need to identify simple terminology that is understood in the same way by researchers and users of cannabis. Current categorisation in research focuses on the two main cannabinoids: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD); and two different species of cannabis: indica and sativa. Recreational cannabis has also been categorised by researchers as ‘skunk’ or ‘hash’. Focusing on individuals who use cannabis frequently, this study aimed to identify views on current terms used to denote different types of cannabis and to identify terms validated by participants. These views were extracted from responses of the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ), a widely used instrument in the literature.

Methods

We qualitatively analysed 236 free-text responses from Question 23 of the CEQ survey (using Iterative Categorisation) relating to categorization and consumption methods. Data was used from a previous study (Sami et al., Psychol Med 49:103–12, 2019), which recruited a convenience sample of 1231 participants aged 18 years and above who had previously used cannabis.

Results

Regarding type of cannabis used, specific strain names (n = 130), concentrates (n = 37), indica/sativa (n = 22) and THC/CBD terms (n = 22) were mentioned. Other terms used were hybrids (n = 10), origins of specific strains (n = 17), edibles (n = 8), and herbal cannabis (n = 7). Regarding problems with specific terms, participants were skeptical about terms such as skunk and super skunk (n = 78) preferring terms like THC/CBD, indica/sativa, specific marketed strains and references to preparation methods.

Conclusions

The results suggest a disparity between the common terms used by researchers in academia and those used by cannabis consumers. While there are advantages and limitations of using these terms to bridge views of researchers and individuals who use cannabis, this study underscores the importance of formally assessing chemical constituents rather than relying on self-report data and of incorporating cannabis user views on current terms used in research, potentially also incorporating descriptors of preparation and consumption methods.
Implementing eScreening for suicide prevention in VA post-9/11 transition programs using a stepped-wedge, mixed-method, hybrid type-II implementation trial: a study protocol
Authors: Pittman James O. E. , Lindamer Laurie , Afari Niloofar , Depp Colin , Villodas Miguel , Hamilton Alison , Kim Bo , Mor Maria K. , Almklov Erin , Gault John , Rabin Borsika
Published: April 2021

Background

Post-9/11 veterans who enroll in VA health care frequently present with suicidal ideation and/or recent suicidal behavior. Most of these veterans are not screened on their day of enrollment and their risk goes undetected. Screening for suicide risk, and associated mental health factors, can lead to early detection and referral to effective treatment, thereby decreasing suicide risk. eScreening is an innovative Gold Standard Practice with evidence to support its effectiveness and implementation potential in transition and care management (TCM) programs. We will evaluate the impact of eScreening to improve the rate and speed of suicide risk screening and referral to mental health care compared to current screening methods used by transition care managers. We will also evaluate the impact of an innovative, multicomponent implementation strategy (MCIS) on the reach, adoption, implementation, and sustained use of eScreening.

Methods

This is an eight-site 4-year, stepped-wedge, mixed-method, hybrid type-II implementation trial comparing eScreening to screening as usual while also evaluating the potential impact of the MCIS focusing on external facilitation and Lean/SixSigma rapid process improvement workshops in TCM. The aims will address: 1) whether using eScreening compared to oral and/or paper-based methods in TCM programs is associated with improved rates and speed of PTSD, depression, alcohol, and suicide screening & evaluation, and increased referral to mental health treatment; 2) whether and to what degree our MCIS is feasible, acceptable, and has the potential to impact adoption, implementation, and maintenance of eScreening; and 3) how contextual factors influence the implementation of eScreening between high- and low-eScreening adopting sites. We will use a mixed methods approach guided by the RE-AIM outcomes of the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). Data to address Aim 1 will be collected via medical record query while data for Aims 2 and 3 will be collected from TCM staff questionnaires and qualitative interviews.

Discussion

The results of this study will help identify best practices for screening in suicide prevention for Post-9/11 veterans enrolling in VA health care and will provide information on how best to implement technology-based screening into real-world clinical care programs.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04506164; date registered: August 20, 2020; retrospectively registered
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of UK healthcare workers
Authors: Gilleen James , Santaolalla Aida , Valdearenas Lorena , Salice Clara , Fusté Montserrat
Published: April 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant psychological impact on healthcare workers (HCWs).

Aims

There is an urgent need to understand the risk and protective factors associated with poor mental well-being of UK HCWs working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Shortly after the April 2020 UK COVID-19 peak 2773 HCWs completed a survey containing measures of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and stress, as well as questions around potential predictors such as roles, COVID-19 risk perception and workplace-related factors. Respondents were classified as high or low symptomatic on each scale and logistic regression revealed factors associated with severe psychiatric symptoms. Change in well-being from pre- to during COVID-19 was also quantified.

Results

Nearlya third of HCWs reported moderate to severe levels of anxiety and depression, and the number reporting very high symptoms was more than quadruple that pre-COVID-19. Several controllable factors were associated with the most severe level of psychiatric symptoms: insufficient personal protective equipment availability, workplace preparation, training and communication, and higher workload. Being female, ‘front line’, previous psychiatric diagnoses, traumatic events, and being an allied HCW or manager were also significantly associated with severe psychiatric symptoms. Sharing stress, resilience and ethical support for treatment decisions were significantly associated with low psychiatric symptoms. Front-line workers showed greater worsening of mental health compared with non-front-line HCWs.

Conclusions

Poor mental well-being was prevalent during the COVID-19 response, however, controllable factors associated with severe psychiatric symptoms are available to be targeted to reduce the detrimental impact of COVID-19 and other pandemics on HCW mental health.
Cure and Hormonal Control After Prolactinoma Resection: Case Series and Systematic Review
Authors: Penn Marisa C , Cardinal Tyler , Zhang Yanchen , Abt Brittany , Bonney Phillip A , Lorenzo Patricia , Lin Michelle , Rosner Jack , Weiss Martin , Zada Gabriel , Carmichael John D
Published: April 2021

Context

Surgical management of prolactinomas is an important treatment for patients intolerant of dopamine agonist therapy. However, predictors of postoperative outcomes remain unclear.

Object

While transsphenoidal surgical resection (TSSR) is important second-line therapy in prolactinoma patients, predictors of surgical cure and biochemical remission following TSSR remain sparse.

Methods

A retrospective review of prolactinoma patients undergoing TSSR at the USC Pituitary Center from 1995 to 2020 was conducted. Participants were categorized as surgical cure (normalization of serum prolactin without medical treatment), surgical noncure, biochemical control (prolactin normalization with or without adjuvant therapy), and nonbiochemical control. A systematic review of the outcomes of surgically managed prolactinomas was performed.

Results

The 40 female and 16 male participants had an average age of 35.6 years. Prior treatment included transsphenoidal resection (6, 11%) and dopamine agonist treatment (47, 84%). The 40 macroadenomas and 15 microadenomas exhibited suprasellar extension (24, 43%) and parasellar invasion (20, 36%). Fifteen (27%) were purely intrasellar. Gross total resection was achieved in 25 patients (45%) and subtotal in 26 (46%). Surgical cure was achieved in 25 patients (46%) and biochemical control in 35 (64%). Surgical cure was more likely in smaller, noninvasive tumors, those that were fully resected, and patients with lower preoperative (< 1000 ng/mL) and immediately postoperative (< 7.6 ng/mL) prolactin levels. Ten of 26 patients (38%) undergoing adjuvant therapy achieved biochemical control, which was less likely in men and those with higher preoperative prolactin or invasive tumors.

Conclusion

Surgical resection of prolactinomas is a safe procedure that, when offered judiciously, can achieve symptom and/or biochemical control in a majority of patients. A variety of predictors may be useful in advising patients on likelihood of postoperative remission.
Are cone beam CT image matching skills transferrable from planning CT to planning MRI for MR-only prostate radiotherapy?
Authors: Brooks Rachel L , McCallum Hazel M , Pearson Rachel A , Pilling Karen , Wyatt Jonathan
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Treatment verification for MR-only planning has focused on fiducial marker matching, however, these are difficult to identify on MR. An alternative is using the MRI for soft-tissue matching with cone beam computed tomography images (MR-CBCT). However, therapeutic radiographers have limited experience of MRI. This study aimed to assess transferability of therapeutic radiographers CT-CBCT prostate image matching skills to MR-CBCT image matching.

Methods:

23 therapeutic radiographers with 3 months–5 years’ experience of online daily CT-CBCT soft-tissue matching prostate cancer patients participated. Each observer completed a baseline assessment of 10 CT-CBCT prostate soft-tissue image matches, followed by 10 MR-CBCT prostate soft-tissue image match assessment. A MRI anatomy training intervention was delivered and the 10 MR-CBCT prostate soft-tissue image match assessment was repeated. Limits of agreement were calculated as the disagreement of the observers with mean of all observers.

Results:

Limits of agreement at CT-CBCT baseline were 2.8 mm, 2.8 mm, 0.7 mm (vertical, longitudinal, lateral). MR-CBCT matches prior to training were 3.3 mm, 3.1 mm, 0.9 mm, and after training 2.6 mm, 2.4 mm, 1.1 mm (vertical, longitudinal, lateral). Results show similar limits of agreement across the assessments, and variation reduced following the training intervention.

Conclusion:

This suggests therapeutic radiographers’ prostate CBCT image matching skills are transferrable to a MRI planning scan, since MR-CBCT matching has comparable observer variation to CT-CBCT matching.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first publication assessing interobserver MR-CBCT prostate soft tissue matching in an MR-only pathway.
Pictorial review: imaging of the spinal manifestations of achondroplasia
Authors: Khalid Kirran , Saifuddin Asif
Published: April 2021

Achondroplasia is the commonest hereditary skeletal dysplasia exhibiting dwarfism with characteristic rhizomelic (proximal) shortening of the limbs. It is predominantly linked with an autosomal dominant inheritance, but sporadic mutations can occur which are associated with advanced maternal age. Approximately 1 in every 25 000–30 000 live births are affected, and the overall life expectancy is marginally reduced by ~10 years. Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor causes a decrease in endochondral ossification, which results in stunted growth of cartilaginous bones. A resultant narrowed foramen magnum and a short clivus are seen which predisposes to craniocervical spinal canal stenosis. Apnoeic events arising from the compression of the vertebral arteries at the level of the craniocervical junction lead to fatality in the young, with a death rate as high as 7.5%. Decrease in the caudal inter-pedicular distance is characteristic and a contributory factor for cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal canal stenosis, most pronounced in the lumbar spine with patients often requiring surgical intervention to ease symptoms. Thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis and sacral manifestations such as small sacro-sciatic notches and a horizontal pelvis are seen. The aim of this pictorial review is to demonstrate the imaging findings of the spinal and pelvic manifestations of achondroplasia.
El huerto escolar desde un enfoque indagativo: investigando las lombrices.
Authors: Morón Monge Hortensia , Carballido Morejón José Luis , Daza Navarro Mª Paula
Published: April 2021

El presente trabajo es una investigación basada en una experiencia educativa realizada con 21 estudiantes de quinto de primaria en un colegio de la provincia de Sevilla (España), surgida a partir de la observación de las lombrices en el huerto escolar. A raíz de esta situación se desarrolla dicha experiencia desde un enfoque metodológico indagativo o IBL de carácter abierto. Se expone, a modo de resultados, las oportunidades didácticas de este recurso para la enseñanza de la ciencia, así como su impacto formativo en el alumnado. Para la recogida y análisis de datos se ha diseñado una parrilla de observación compuesta por cinco categorías (habilidades científicas, actitudes positivas hacia la ciencia, comportamiento y uso respetuoso de materiales e instrumentos, hábitos saludables y sensibilización medioambiental) basadas en las recomendaciones del currículum de educación primaria de Andalucía y la literatura de revisión. En los resultados se contrasta cualitativamente la situación de partida (pre-experiencia) con los aprendizajes alcanzados al final de la experiencia (post-experiencia) donde comprobamos cómo han mejorado en las categorías observadas. Finalmente, este trabajo pone en valor el uso de este recurso desde un enfoque interdisciplinar de la enseñanza para mejorar no solo conocimientos y habilidades científicas, sino también para fomentar hábitos de respeto y sensibilización medioambiental.
Análisis de las emociones en el trabajo de indagación: «La Caja Negra».
Authors: Agen Federico , Ezquerra Ángel
Published: April 2021

El estudio de la influencia de las emociones en el aprendizaje es una tendencia emergente en la investigación en didáctica de las ciencias. Varios trabajos han demostrado la función crítica que desempeñan las emociones en el proceso de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. Por tanto, es determinante que, tanto profesores como alumnos, dispongan de los conocimientos necesarios para poder controlarlas y gestionarlas. En este trabajo se presenta una actividad de aprendizaje por indagación en la que se analizaron las emociones mostradas por los estudiantes. La propuesta fue implementada con alumnos de la Facultad de Educación-CFP-UCM, divididos en grupos de observadores y observados. Los observadores realizaron un registro de las emociones que mostraban sus compañeros durante las diferentes fases de la indagación del contenido de una «caja negra». Para ello, utilizaron un formulario, disponible mediante enlace a docs.google.com. El análisis muestra que la frustración y la confusión son las emociones detectadas con la frecuencia más alta en este tipo de trabajo de indagación. Además, las manifestaciones de los distintos tipos de emociones muestran un flujo emocional relacionado con las fases de la indagación. Este trabajo confirma la importancia de las emociones activadoras -positivas y negativas- para la realización de tareas de aprendizaje; también, nos anima a promover la inclusión de la capacidad de gestión de las emociones en la formación docente.
La arqueología experimental como estrategia educativa: realidad y posibilidades.
Authors: Montoya Martínez Francisco José , Egea Vivancos Alejandro
Published: April 2021

Desde hace décadas en los centros educativos españoles se han multiplicado experiencias didácticas o talleres de arqueología experimental. ¿Aprovechan estas actividades todo su potencial educativo? A través de una metodología de investigación mixta y por medio de un muestreo no probabilístico y no aleatorio se analizan once proyectos de arqueología experimental que se han implementado en los últimos años en las aulas de Educación Secundaria en España. El estudio de estos casos, obtenidos a través de la bibliografía, de la información hallada en Internet y a través de entrevistas con empresas especializadas, ha permitido establecer distintos patrones de actuación y categorizar los diversos tipos de actividades que se realizan habitualmente en los centros educativos. Los resultados demuestran que el grueso de este tipo de experiencias no aprovechan todo el potencial educativo que realmente tiene la arqueología experimental. La amplia mayoría de experiencias analizadas no desarrollan actividades previas, de consolidación o de evaluación de la actividad. También se detecta que muchas se limitan a trabajar la prehistoria y, por tanto, se vinculan únicamente a los contenidos de 1.º ESO (12-13 años). Se propone finalmente un modelo estándar de actuación (PAEduca) de cara a que futuras actividades de este tipo puedan alcanzar un valor educativo más significativo y valioso, tanto para estudiantes como para docentes y centros educativos.
Emociones en la universidad. Un estudio en una asignatura vinculada con el Trabajo Final de Grado.
Authors: Beatriz Vaja Arabela , Manavella Agustina María
Published: April 2021

La necesidad de considerar a los aspectos emocionales como importantes en los aprendizajes, comenzó a reconocerse en los últimos años. El objetivo general del artículo apunta a ampliar el conocimiento acerca de las emociones en el contexto educativo universitario y a proponer algunas líneas de acción. Trabajamos con un grupo de estudiantes avanzados de una carrera universitaria, que cursaron la asignatura Taller de Apoyo al Trabajo Final de Grado durante el 2018. Analizamos las respuestas proporcionadas por el grupo a un cuestionario ad hoc, elaborado para conocer más acerca de las emociones que las estudiantes experimentaron en relación con diversas actividades propuestas en el contexto del taller. Los resultados se presentan en dos ejes: en primer lugar, comentamos las emociones que los participantes reconocen experimentar en relación con actividades de elaboración de un proyecto y en segundo lugar, describimos las emociones acerca del proceso general realizado y de las proyecciones a futuro. Para finalizar, en la discusión y conclusiones retomamos los resultados más relevantes y proponemos líneas de actuación en relación con la docencia y la investigación, a los fines de que ambos ámbitos consideren las emociones que los estudiantes experimentan en los contextos académicos.
Ejercicios de activación en clases de traducción inversa
Authors: Cases Berbel Elke , Nieto García Paola
Published: April 2021

En muchas ocasiones no se presta suficiente atención a la realidad de la traducción inversa en el mercado profesional de la traducción. A la luz de esta situación, nuestra investigación recoge datos sobre el mercado de la traducción inversa en general y de la traducción hacia el alemán en España en particular. Tras la recopilación de estos datos queda patente la necesidad de la asignatura de traducción inversa en los planes de estudio españoles. Además, como docentes universitarios, debemos ofrecer a nuestros discentes herramientas para poder enfrentarse a esta combinación sin temor ni ansiedad. Para ello proponemos una serie de ejercicios de activación que, en principio, se usan únicamente en clases de alemán para extranjeros, pero que, adaptados a las necesidades de los estudiantes de traducción, les permiten ser conscientes de sus debilidades y, de esta manera, corregir las lagunas gramaticales y estructurales que pudieran presentar. Nuestro objetivo es abrir una puerta a la didactización de la asignatura de traducción inversa, a la vez que dar seguridad y motivación a los discentes. Tras la puesta en práctica de estos ejercicios en dos asignaturas de traducción inversa en centros distintos, vemos resultados positivos que demuestran que estos ejercicios se vuelven básicos para la activación del alemán y de las estrategias de traducción en nuestros aprendientes
Aprendizaje corporeizado de la lengua alemana: metodología docente para traductores e intérpretes
Authors: Koreneva Antonova Olga
Published: April 2021

Las Ciencias Cognitivas experimentales muestran importantes progresos en cuanto al funcionamiento de los mecanismos de la adquisición de conocimiento y de la memoria. Esos avances deben ser considerados en la carrera de Traducción e Interpretación, ya que la profesión de traductor o intérprete no solo requiere una buena fluidez lingüística, sino también competencias cognitivas específicas muy desarrolladas. Así, numerosos estudios neuro y psicolingüísticos demuestran que las habilidades de la memoria de trabajo y del control ejecutivo interlingüístico, tan imprescindibles para la labor de traducción/interpretación que comprende el balanceo entre dos lenguas, son susceptibles a su entrenamiento mediante prácticas tempranas. Igualmente, existen progresos significativos en el conocimiento sobre otras competencias necesarias para esta labor, como pueden ser la fluidez conceptual, la competencia metafórica o la práctica de discurso en público, entre otras. El presente trabajo describe una experiencia de la didáctica del alemán para futuros traductores o intérpretes que integra los avances de las Ciencias Cognitivas experimentales. Se trata del entrenamiento de las competencias traductoras desde la fase inicial del aprendizaje del alemán, lo que convierte los estudios de Traducción e Interpretación en una experiencia empírica y corporeizada motivadora tanto para los alumnos como para los docentes.
Pedagogy by proxy: teachers’ digital competence with crowd-sourced lesson resources
Authors: Hidson Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

This study explores how teachers of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) faced with a major National Curriculum change were able to teach the new elements of the programmes of study. A multiple case study involving nine experienced teachers was carried out, using thematic analysis to explore audio-visual and documentary data from lesson planning sessions captured mostly via video calling and desktop sharing. The process captured the various ways that teachers located, modified and re-used digital materials and accessed online communities of practice to develop crowd-sourced curricula. The results reveal that the alignment of teachers’ digital competence with their need to assimilate unfamiliar but necessary concepts into the pedagogical reasoning process facilitated the teachers in developing sufficient subject knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). Knowledge deficits slowed down the fluency of teachers’ lesson-planning processes, but the location and use of crowd-sourced resources helped them to develop PCK. The teachers’ digital competences in sourcing suitable teaching resources from their communities of practice allowed the development of pedagogy by proxy.