bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an advance care planning training program for practice professionals in Japan incorporating shared decision making skills training: a prospective study of a curricular intervention
Authors: Goto Yuko , Miura Hisayuki , Yamaguchi Yasuhiro , Onishi Joji
Published: July 2022

Background

We developed a novel training program for health care professionals that incorporated shared decision making (SDM) skills training into an advance care planning (ACP) training course, the first in Japan. This study aimed to assess the training program’s impact on health care professionals’ knowledge, skill, attitudes, and confidence to initiate ACP.

Methods

Using the novel Japanese educational program, we evaluated the effect of 8-month programs conducted eight community training sites of professionals who can practice ACP in a local area in Aichi Prefecture (the Aichi ACP Project). SDM skills training was provided during the workshops conducted in the ACP training course, and the participants’ satisfaction and understanding of the training were assessed. After the completion of two workshops, information on SDM skill results from the training and submitted assignments were collected anonymously from the training sites.

Result

A total of 404 participants completed all education programs. After the first workshop, at least 95% of trainees stated that they were satisfied with the training and that it was useful for ACP practice. The evaluation of the results between the first and second workshops indicated improvement in SDM skills on some items of the SDM measures. In the second workshop, at least 90% of participants submitted implementation reports, and after the second workshop, a survey of confidence in ACP practice was administered, with responses indicating improvement. There were high levels of interest in education related to the ACP practices of oneself and others.

Conclusions

This educational program can be an effective for developing professionals who can practice ACP with SDM skills.
Knowledge, attitude, practice and perceived barriers of nurses working in intensive care unit on pain management of critically ill patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sweity Essa M. , Salahat Ahmad M. , Sada Abd alrhman , Aswad Ahmad , Zabin Loai M. , Zyoud Sa’ed H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Pain is a major obstacle and one of the main reasons people seek medical attention and is a frequent stressor for many clients in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, clients should not be left complaining, especially when solutions are available; each patient has the right to assess and manage their pain in the best way possible. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAPs) regarding pain management in Palestinian ICU settings and to determine the possible obstacles that may hinder effective and competent pain management for critically ill clients.

Methods

This cross-sectional research was conducted online through social media. An approved questionnaire was used to assess KAPs and obstacles in pain treatment approaches for critically ill patients. Bloom’s cutoff points for adequate practice, appropriate knowledge, and a positive attitude were applied. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 was used for analyses.

Results

One hundred ninety-one nurses were approached, the majority of the participants in this investigation were males (n = 127, 66.5%), and the mean age of the study participant was 29 ± 7 (year). The overall knowledge score was 15, measured for median knowledge = 7 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 4–8, and higher scores indicate more knowledge about the management and control of pain. The total attitude score = 11, the median = 6, with an IQR of 5–7. The reluctance to prescribe opioids was 79.6%, the lack of proficiency in pain management knowledge was 78.5%, and rigorous controls over opioid use were 77.5%, which was the lion's share of commonly recognized hurdles. The overall practice score was 10, with a median of 5.0 with an IQR of 3.0 to 6.0, and nurses revealed that they would evaluate all the steps involved in pain management in each round they have.

Conclusions

This research reveals a knowledge, attitude, and practice gap among the working nurses. Therefore, adequate and efficient plans must be aimed at ICU nurses to foster the level of knowledge and direct attitudes toward pain control through applicable interventional programs.
Hours of work and on-call weeks preferences of Canadian midwives: relationships with intention to stay in the profession
Authors: Zeytinoglu Isik U. , Sayin Firat K. , Neiterman Elena , HakemZadeh Farimah , Geraci Johanna , Plenderleith Jennifer , Lobb Derek
Published: July 2022

Background

Midwives have long workdays and work many weeks on call. There is a concern that these extended work schedules can negatively affect their intention to stay in the profession.

Purpose

This study provides evidence on Canadian midwives’ preferences for and experiences with policies and guidelines which limit the hours of work and weeks per year preferred to be on call, and examines the relationship between preferences and midwives’ intention to stay in the profession.

Methods

Data come from our 2018 pan-Canadian survey of midwives. Descriptive statistics of 720 midwives’ preferences and experiences are provided. In the correlations followed by the OLS regressions, 596 midwives’ data are used to test the associations between preferences and intention to stay in the profession. STATA (version 15) is used. A thematic analysis of 274 midwives’ responses to the open-ended survey question is conducted to give voice to midwives on what can be done for retention.

Results

Three quarters of the 720 respondents prefer policies and guidelines to limit hours of work in a 24-hour period, though less than half have policies and guidelines on hours of work. More than half prefer to have fewer on-call weeks or never to be on call, less than a third prefer same number of on-call weeks, and only 2% prefer more weeks to be on call. Midwives are currently working on average 33 weeks per year on call. OLS regression analysis shows that ‘met preference’ for hours of work and on-call weeks are positively associated with intention to stay. In responding to the open-ended survey question, midwives recommend limiting the consecutive hours of work and on-call weeks to manageable hours and weeks to retain them in the profession.

Conclusion

Midwives whose preferences are met are the ones intending to stay in the profession. There is, however, a large number of midwives with ‘unmet needs’ preferring to have policies and guidelines to limit the hours but do not have that currently, and would like to work fewer weeks on call than currently. These are the midwives who are not intending to stay in the profession.
Patient satisfaction and its health provider-related determinants in primary health facilities in rural China
Authors: Gao Qiufeng , Liu Meili , Peng Lanxi , Zhang Yang , Shi Yaojiang , Teuwen Dirk E. , Yi Hongmei
Published: July 2022

Background

Patient satisfaction is an important outcome measure of health service and is one of the main reasons for the gradual deterioration of doctor–patient relationships in China. This study used the standardized patient (SP) method to explore patient satisfaction and its health provider-related determinants among primary health facilities in rural China.

Methods

The dataset comprised 1138 clinic cases in 728 rural primary health facilities in 31 counties, spread across four provinces. Information regarding the consultation interaction between the unannounced SPs and primary physicians was recorded. Patient satisfaction was gathered from the feedback of SPs after the visit.

Results

The overall average score of SP satisfaction with rural primary health facilities was only 13.65 (SD = 3.22) out of 20. The SP scores were found to be consistent with those of real patients. After controlling variances in patient population via the SP method, the regression analysis demonstrated that health provider-related factors, such as physician-level characteristics, consultation process, affordability, and convenience, have a significant correlation with patient satisfaction among primary physicians. Among factors relating to physician-level characteristics, affordability, convenience and the consultation process of the visit, the quality of the consultation process (e.g., consultation time, proactively providing necessary instructions and other crucial information) were found to be the prominent determinants.

Conclusions

This study revealed the need to improve patient satisfaction in primary health facilities in rural China. To solve this issue, we recommend that policies to increase medical service quality be implemented in rural primary healthcare systems.
DNA recovery from used malaria RDT to detect Plasmodium species and to assess Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity: a pilot study in Madagascar
Authors: Andrianaranjaka Voahangy Hanitriniaina I. , Ravaoarisoa Elisabeth , Rakotomanga Tovonahary A. , Ralinoro Fanomezantsoa , Rakoto Danielle A. Doll , Randrianarivo Ranjàna H. , Jeannoda Victor , Ratsimbasoa Arsène
Published: July 2022

Background

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are widely used for malaria diagnosis in Madagascar, where Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species. Molecular diagnosis is essential for malaria surveillance, but requires additional blood samples for DNA extraction. Used RDTs is an attractive alternative that can be used as a source of DNA. Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection, usually determined by the genotyping of polymorphic regions of merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 genes (msp1, msp2), and the repeated region RII of the glutamate-rich protein gene (glurp) have been associated with malaria transmission levels and subsequently with the impact of the deployed control strategies.

Thus, the study aims to use RDT as DNA source to detect Plasmodium species, to characterize Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and determine the multiplicity of infection.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted in two sites with different epidemiological patterns: Ankazomborona (low transmission area) and Matanga (high transmission area). On May 2018, used RDT (SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag P.f/Pan, 05FK63) were collected as DNA source. Plasmodium DNA was extracted by simple elution with nuclease free water. Nested-PCR were performed to confirm Plasmodium species and to analyse P. falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp genes polymorphisms.

Results

Amongst the 170 obtained samples (N = 74 from Ankazomborona and N = 96 from Matanga), Plasmodium positivity rate was 23.5% (40/170) [95% CI 17.5–30.8%] by nested-PCR with 92.2% (37/40) positive to P. falciparum, 5% (2/40) to Plasmodium vivax and 2.5% (1/40) to P. falciparum/P. vivax mixed infection. Results showed high polymorphisms in P. falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp genes. Multiple infection rate was 28.6% [95% CI 12.2–52.3%]. The mean of MOI was 1.79 ± 0.74.

Conclusion

This pilot study highlighted that malaria diagnosis and molecular analysis are possible by using used malaria RDT. A large-scale study needs to be conducted to assess more comprehensively malaria parasites transmission levels and provide new data for guiding the implementation of local strategies for malaria control and elimination.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered
Aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer-based photodynamic therapy in cancer: from chemical to clinical
Authors: Meng Zijuan , Xue Huiying , Wang Tingting , Chen Biao , Dong Xiyuan , Yang Lili , Dai Jun , Lou Xiaoding , Xia Fan
Published: July 2022

Cancer remains a serious threat to human health owing to the lack of effective treatments. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising non-invasive cancer treatment that consists of three main elements: photosensitizers (PSs), light and oxygen. However, some traditional PSs are prone to aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), leading to reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capacity. Aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-PSs, due to their distorted structure, suppress the strong molecular interactions, making them more photosensitive in the aggregated state instead. Activated by light, they can efficiently produce ROS and induce cell death. PS is one of the core factors of efficient PDT, so proceeding from the design and preparation of AIE-PSs, including how to manipulate the electron donor (D) and receptor (A) in the PSs configuration, introduce heavy atoms or metal complexes, design of Type I AIE-PSs, polymerization-enhanced photosensitization and nano-engineering approaches. Then, the preclinical experiments of AIE-PSs in treating different types of tumors, such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and its great potential clinical applications are discussed. In addition, some perspectives on the further development of AIE-PSs are presented. This review hopes to stimulate the interest of researchers in different fields such as chemistry, materials science, biology, and medicine, and promote the clinical translation of AIE-PSs.

Graphical Abstract
Suicidal ideation, attempt and associated factors among people living with cancer in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Molla Alemayehu , Aderaw Mekidem , Mulat Haregewoin , Fanta Biruk , Nenko Goshu , Adane Aynishet
Published: July 2022

Background

Suicide and cancer are serious public health problems worldwide, and people living with cancer are at high risk of having suicidal behaviors, such as ideation, plan and attempt. Patients with cancer had high possibilities of having suicidal ideation and attempt which lead to poor adherence of medication, worsening of their medical illness, and end the life. Even though people are affected by cancer in Ethiopia, there are limited studies regarding suicidal problem among patients with cancer. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of suicidal ideation and attempt among people living with cancer in Ethiopia.

Methods

Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among total of 416 participants. Outcome variables were assessed using suicidality module of World health organization (WHO) composite international diagnostic interview (CIDI). Data were analyzed using SPSS-20 and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted and variables with P value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant with corresponding 95% CI.

Results

The overall magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt were 16.6% and 5.5%, respectively. Being divorced [(AOR = 2.97, (95% CI 1.22, 7.22)], having depression [(AOR = 2.67, (95%CI 1.34, 5.32)], the first 18 months, since diagnosed cancer [(AOR = 2.57, (95%CI 1.15, 5.75)], severe pain [(AOR = 3.27, (95%CI 1.18, 9.04)] and stage IV cancer [(AOR = 3.35, (95%CI 1.26, 9.04)] were significantly associated with suicidal Ideation. Whereas, female sex [(AOR = 5.32, (95%CI 1.39, 20.25)], having depression [(AOR = 4.8, (95%CI 1.23, 18)] and advanced stage of cancer [(AOR = 6.76, (95%CL 1.2, 37)] were significantly associated with suicidal attempt.

Conclusions

The magnitude of Suicidal ideation and attempt in this study were high. Health care providers working in cancer treatment unit should give more attention to patients with high suicidal risk factors. Consultation services should be strengthened with psychiatric professionals in oncology treatment clinic.
The optimal angle of screw for using cement-screw technique to repair tibial defect in total knee arthroplasty: a finite element analysis
Authors: Zhao Guanghui , Yao Shuxin , Ma Jianbing , Wang Jianpeng
Published: July 2022

Background

The cement-screw technique is a convenient method to repair tibial plateau defects in primary and revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the optimal angle of screw insertions is unknown. This study aimed to perform a finite element analysis (FEA) to determine the optimal screw angle for the repair of tibial plateau defects in TKA.

Methods

Seven FEA models were set and two common different defects (defect 1: area < 12%, depth < 12 mm; defect 2: area > 12%, depth > 12 mm) were simulated. One screw was used in defect 1, and one or two screws were used in defect 2. Screws were parallel to the proximal cortical bone (oblique screw) or perpendicular to the upper surface (vertical screw) of the tibia. Contact stresses on cancellous bone in different areas were determined. Maximum principal stress on the cancellous bone around each screw was also compared.

Results

The FEA models showed that stresses on the surface of cancellous bone in tibial defect (0.13–0.39 MPa) and stress focus spot (0.45 MPa) around the screw were lower when one vertical screw was used in defect 1. The stresses on the surface of cancellous bone in tibial defect (0.09–0.44 MPa), stresses in the medial tibial plateau (0.14–0.21 MPa), and stress focus spot around the screws were lowest (0.42 MPa and 1.37 MPa) when two vertical screws were used in defect 2, followed by of one vertical and one oblique (0.16–0.48 MPa; 0.15–0.21 MPa; 1.63 MPa and 1.11 MPa). No other statistically significant differences were found.

Conclusions

Either for one or two screws, those perpendicular to the upper surface achieve better stability than those parallel to the proximal cortical bone of the tibia. If two vertical screws cannot be performed, one vertical and one oblique is also acceptable.
Neuregulin-1 signaling regulates cytokines and chemokines expression and secretion in granulosa cell
Authors: Banerjee Saswati , Mishra Sameer , Xu Wei , Thompson Winston E. , Chowdhury Indrajit
Published: July 2022

Background

Granulosa cells (GCs) are multilayered somatic cells within the follicle that provide physical support and microenvironment for the developing oocyte. In recent years, the role of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), a member of the EGF-like factor family, has received considerable attention due to its neurodevelopmental and cardiac function. However, the exact physiological role of NRG1 in GC is mainly unknown. In order to confirm that NRG1 plays a regulatory role in rat GC functions, endogenous NRG1-knockdown studies were carried out in GCs using RNA interference methodology.

Results

Knockdown of NRG1 in GCs resulted in the enhanced expression and secretion of the cytokines and chemokines. In addition, the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/ERK1/2 was significantly low in GCs under these experimental conditions. Moreover, in vitro experimental studies suggest that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) treatment causes the physical destruction of GCs by activating caspase-3/7 activity. In contrast, exogenous NRG1 co-treatment of GCs delayed the onset of TNFα-induced apoptosis and inhibited the activation of caspase-3/7 activity. Furthermore, current experimental studies suggest that gonadotropins promote differential expression of NRG1 and ErbB3 receptors in GCs of the antral follicle. Interestingly, NRG1 and ErbB3 were intensely co-localized in the mural and cumulus GCs and cumulus-oocyte complex of pre-ovulatory follicles in the estrus stage.

Conclusions

The present studies suggest that gonadotropins-dependent NRG1-signaling in GCs may require the balance of the cytokines and chemokines expression and secretion, ultimately which may be supporting the follicular maturation and oocyte competence for ovulation and preventing follicular atresia.
Large-scale manipulation of promoter DNA methylation reveals context-specific transcriptional responses and stability
Authors: de Mendoza Alex , Nguyen Trung Viet , Ford Ethan , Poppe Daniel , Buckberry Sam , Pflueger Jahnvi , Grimmer Matthew R. , Stolzenburg Sabine , Bogdanovic Ozren , Oshlack Alicia , Farnham Peggy J. , Blancafort Pilar , Lister Ryan
Published: July 2022

Background

Cytosine DNA methylation is widely described as a transcriptional repressive mark with the capacity to silence promoters. Epigenome engineering techniques enable direct testing of the effect of induced DNA methylation on endogenous promoters; however, the downstream effects have not yet been comprehensively assessed.

Results

Here, we simultaneously induce methylation at thousands of promoters in human cells using an engineered zinc finger-DNMT3A fusion protein, enabling us to test the effect of forced DNA methylation upon transcription, chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, and DNA methylation persistence after the removal of the fusion protein. We find that transcriptional responses to DNA methylation are highly context-specific, including lack of repression, as well as cases of increased gene expression, which appears to be driven by the eviction of methyl-sensitive transcriptional repressors. Furthermore, we find that some regulatory networks can override DNA methylation and that promoter methylation can cause alternative promoter usage. DNA methylation deposited at promoter and distal regulatory regions is rapidly erased after removal of the zinc finger-DNMT3A fusion protein, in a process combining passive and TET-mediated demethylation. Finally, we demonstrate that induced DNA methylation can exist simultaneously on promoter nucleosomes that possess the active histone modification H3K4me3, or DNA bound by the initiated form of RNA polymerase II.

Conclusions

These findings have important implications for epigenome engineering and demonstrate that the response of promoters to DNA methylation is more complex than previously appreciated.
The e-mental health treatment in Stockholm myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronaries or Takotsubo syndrome study (E-SMINC): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Olsson Erik M. G. , Norlund Fredrika , Rondung Elisabet , Humphries Sophia M. , Held Claes , Lyngå Patrik , Spaak Jonas , Sundin Örjan , Sundelin Runa , Leissner Philip , Kövamees Lena , Tornvall Per
Published: July 2022

Background

In the aftermath of a myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) or Takotsubo syndrome (TS), patients commonly express high levels of stress and anxiety. Current treatment alternatives rarely address these issues.

Methods

The study is a randomised controlled trial, where 90 patients with a discharge diagnosis of MINOCA or TS who also report symptoms of stress or anxiety will be randomised 2–6 weeks after their cardiac event. The treatment consists of 10 weeks of Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and starts immediately after randomisation for the treatment group. The control group receives usual care. Main outcomes are symptoms of anxiety measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, anxiety subscale, and perceived stress measured with the Perceived Stress Scale, 14-item version, 10 weeks after randomisation. Secondary measures include cardiac specific anxiety, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, quality of life, cortisol measured in hair and physiological stress responses (heart rate variability, blood pressure and saliva cortisol) during a stress procedure. Ten weeks after randomisation, the control group will also receive treatment. Long-term follow-up in the self-report measures mentioned above will be conducted 20 and 50 weeks after randomisation where the total group’s development over time is followed, and the groups receiving intervention early versus late compared.

Discussion

At present, there are no randomised studies evaluating psychological treatment for patients with MINOCA or TS. There is an urgent need for treatment alternatives aiming at relieving stress and anxiety considering the high mental stress and anxiety levels observed in MINOCA and TS, leading to decreased quality of life. CBT aiming at reducing mental stress has been shown to be effective regarding prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease. The current protocol describes a randomised open-label controlled trial evaluating an Internet-based CBT program for reduction of stress and anxiety in patients with increased mental stress and/or anxiety with a discharge diagnosis of either MINOCA or TS.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04178434. Registered on 26 November 2019
The erector spinae block: a novel approach to pain management in acute appendicitis
Authors: Brewer Jonathan , Conger Holly , Rash Robert
Published: July 2022

Background

Acute abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints that patients present with in the emergency room and has long been a challenge to effectively manage without relying on opioid analgesia. The use of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks (UGRA) represents a new frontier in multimodal pain control regimens in the acute setting. An erector spinae plane (ESP) block is believed to mediate pain relief in multiple dermatomes through blockage of both visceral and somatic nerves. Analgesia provided by a single injection can help keep a patient comfortable for hours without breakthrough pain and the subsequent need for frequent redosing of opioid pain medication. To this date, there is very limited evidence of an ESP block in the utilization of acute appendicitis in the emergency department.

Case report

This case report presents a 26-year-old female with a past medical history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and a tubal ligation that presented with 7/10 right lower quadrant abdominal pain that began 1 h prior to arrival. She stated that she felt like this was similar to her PCOS exacerbations in the past. During her evaluation, she underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of her abdomen and pelvis that was remarkable for acute, uncomplicated appendicitis. She was given 4 mg of morphine for her pain with little response, so the offer was made for an erector spinae block that the patient elected to receive. After being consented both for the procedure and for research, she received a right-sided erector spinae block with 20 mL’s of 0.2% ropivacaine (2 mg/mL) at the L1 vertebral level. After approximately 15 min, she stated that she had a reduction in her pain from a 6/10 to a 1/10 that persisted throughout the rest of her stay in the emergency department.
Krüppel-like factor 5 accelerates the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease via BACE1-mediated APP processing
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Cui Yuting , Liu Jing , Song Qiao , Cao Min , Hou Yuli , Zhang Xiaomin , Wang Peichang
Published: July 2022

Background

The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain plays a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ is generated via amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleavage through the amyloidogenic pathway. In this pathway, β-secretase (BACE1) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme. Its expression increases through an unknown mechanism in patients with AD. Thus, the key regulatory mechanism of BACE1 in the AD process should be revealed to understand the pathogenesis of AD and explore the key treatment targets of AD.

Methods

Here, APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice were employed to observe the Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) and BACE1 levels in the serum and brain tissues. HT22 cells were used to explore the relationship between KLF5 and BACE1.

Results

In this study, KLF5 was found to be a novel transcription factor that positively regulated BACE1 by binding to the BACE1 promoter. The KLF5 levels significantly increased not only in the CSF and serum of patients with AD but also in the brain tissue of APP/PS1 mice. They were closely related to cognitive capacity. KLF5 accelerated APP amyloidogenic metabolism and promoted Aβ synthesis through BACE1. Silencing BACE1 could block the KLF5-induced amyloidogenic process of APP. ML264 ameliorated the cognitive deficits and slowed down APP amyloidogenic cleavage in APP/PS1 mice.

Conclusion

The findings above suggest that upregulation of KLF5 might be a critical element in AD progression by accelerating BACE1-mediated APP amyloidogenic cleavage. The inhibition of KLF5 or the combined inhibitory effect of KLF5 and the BACE1 promoter might be a potential strategy to prevent AD pathogenesis.
Genomic and physiological traits provide insights into ecological niche adaptations of mangrove endophytic Streptomyces parvulus VCCM 22513
Authors: Quach Ngoc Tung , Vu Thi Hanh Nguyen , Bui Thi Lien , Le Thi Thanh Xuan , Nguyen Thi Thu An , Ngo Cao Cuong , Phi Quyet-Tien
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Endophytic Streptomyces parvulus VCCM 22513 isolated from Bruguiera gymnorrhiza in Quang Ninh mangrove forest, northern Vietnam showed abiotic stress tolerance consisting of antioxidant, salt-tolerant, and aromatic-compound degrading activities. The goal of this study was to shed light on genomic bases rendering mangrove endophytic S. parvulus more resilient to environmental stressors.

Methods

Phenotypic analysis including antioxidant activities, hydrogen peroxide and sodium chloride resistance, and aromatic compound utilization were evaluated. The genome of strain VCCM 22513 was sequenced using Illumina Miseq sequencing platform and assembled using SPAdes.

Results

Out of 15 endophytic actinomycetes associated with B. gymnorrhiza in Quang Ninh mangrove, northern Vietnam, VCCM 22513 extract showed remarkable antioxidant activities through (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging assays of 72.1 ± 0.04% and 38.3 ± 0.16% at 1.6 mg/ml, respectively. The genome consists of a 7,688,855 bp linear chromosome, 6782 protein-coding sequences, and 68 tRNAs. Genomic analysis identified strain VCCM 22513 as Streptomyces parvulus and confirmed a highly conserved core genome and stability of S. parvulus under natural selection. Genome mining revealed the presence of genetic determinants involved in mycothiol and ergothioneine biosynthesis (26 genes), oxidative stress resistance (43 genes), osmoadaptation (87 genes), heat and cold stress (34 genes), aromatic compound degradation (55 genes). Further genome-wide comparison between S. parvulus VCCM 22513 and 11 Streptomyces genomes showed that VCCM 22513 possesses significantly higher copies of genes involved in mycothiol and ergothioneine biosynthesis. In support of this finding, the strain exhibited much resistance to 0.6–1.0 M H2O2 and 6% (w/v) NaCl as compared to Streptomyces cavourensis YBQ59 isolated from Cinnamomum cassia Prels. In addition, the complete pathways for degradation of aromatic compounds including protocatechuate, gentisate, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate, cinnamate, 3-phenylpropionate, and styrene were only identified in the genome of VCCM 22513.

Conclusions

The present study revealed for the first time adaptive responses of mangrove endophytic S. parvulus VCCM 22513 to survive in hostile environment. The information shown here provided better understanding of underlying mechanisms related to adaptation and partially plant-microbe interaction of Streptomyces associated with mangrove plants.
Behavioral manifestations in rodent models of autism spectrum disorder: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Panzenhagen Alana Castro , Cavalcanti Amanda , Stein Dirson João , de Castro Ligia Lins , Vasconcelos Mailton , Abreu Mariana Boechat , Almeida Roberto Farina , Bertoglio Leandro José , Herrmann Ana Paula
Published: July 2022

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with severe social communication, interaction, and sensory processing impairments. Efforts to understand its etiology and pathophysiology are crucial for improving treatment and prevention measures. Preclinical models of ASD are essential for investigating the biological mechanisms and should present translatability potential. We aim to evaluate the consistency of the most commonly used rodent models of ASD in displaying autistic-like behavior through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

This review will focus on the most frequently used autism models, surveying studies of six genetic (Ube3a, Pten, Nlgn3, Shank3, Mecp2, and Fmr1), three chemically induced (valproic acid (VPA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C))), and one inbred model (BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse strain). Two independent reviewers will screen the records. Data extraction of behavioral outcomes and risk of bias evaluation will be performed. We will conduct a meta-analysis whenever at least five studies investigate the same model and behavioral outcome. We will also explore the heterogeneity and publication bias. Network meta-analyses are planned to compare different models.

Discussion

By shortening the gap between animal behavior and human endophenotypes or specific clinical symptoms, we expect to help researchers on which rodent models are adequate for research of specific behavioral manifestations of autism, which potentially require a combination of them depending on the research interest.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42021226299.
New results on the sign of the Green function of a two-point n-th order linear boundary value problem
Authors: Almenar Pedro , Jódar Lucas
Published: July 2022

This paper provides conditions for determining the sign of all the partial derivatives of the Green functions of n-th order boundary value problems subject to a wide set of homogeneous two-point boundary conditions, removing restrictions of previous results about the distance between the two extremes that define the problem. To do so, it analyzes the sign of the derivatives of the solutions of related two-point n-th order boundary value problems subject to $n-1$
n
−
1
boundary conditions by introducing a new property denoted by ‘hyperdisfocality’.
Effects of pelvic obliquity and limb position on radiographic leg length discrepancy measurement: a Sawbones model
Authors: Hamad Mohammed Nazmy , Livshetz Isaac , Sood Anshum , Patetta Michael , Gonzalez Mark H. , Amirouche Farid A.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Potential sources of inaccuracy in leg length discrepancy (LLD) measurements commonly arise due to postural malalignment during radiograph acquisition. Preoperative planning techniques for total hip arthroplasty (THA) are particularly susceptible to this inaccuracy, as they often rely solely on radiographic assessments. Owing to the extensive variety of pathologies that are associated with LLD, an understanding of the influence of malpositioning on LLD measurement is crucial. In the present study, we sought to characterize the effects of varying degrees of lateral pelvic obliquity (PO) and mediolateral limb movement in the coronal plane on LLD measurement error (ME).

Methods

A 3-D sawbones model of the pelvis with bilateral femurs of equal-length was assembled. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were captured at various levels of PO: 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°. At each level of PO, femurs were individually rotated medio-laterally to produce 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° of abduction/adduction. LLD was measured radiographically at each position combination. For all cases of PO, the right-side of the pelvis was designated as the higher-side, and the left as the lower-side.

Results

At 0° PO, 71% of tested variations in femoral abduction/adduction resulted in LLD ME < 0.5-cm, while 29% were ≥ 0.5-cm, but < 1-cm. ME increased progressively as one limb was further abducted while the contralateral limb was simultaneously further adducted. The highest ME occurred with one femur abducted 15° and the other adducted 15°. Similar magnitudes of ME were seen in 98% of tested femoral positions at 5° of PO. The greatest ME (~ 1 cm) occurred at the extremes of right-femur abduction and left-femur adduction. At 10° of PO, a higher prevalence of cases exhibited LLD ME > 0.5-cm (39%) and ≥ 1-cm (8%). The greatest errors occurred at femoral positions similar to those seen at 5° of PO. At 15° of PO, half of tested variations in femoral position resulted in LLD ME > 1-cm, while 22% of cases produced errors > 1.5-cm. These clinically significant errors occurred at all tested variations of right-femur abduction, with the left-femur in either neutral position, abduction, or adduction.

Conclusion

This study aids surgeons in understanding the magnitude of radiographic LLD ME produced by varying degrees of PO and femoral abduction/adduction. At a PO of ≤5°, variations in femoral abduction/adduction of up to 15° produce errors of marginal clinical significance. At PO of 10° or 15°, even small changes in mediolateral limb position led to clinically significant ME (> 1-cm). This study also highlights the importance of proper patient positioning during radiograph acquisition, demonstrating the need for surgeons to assess the quality of their radiographs before performing preoperative templating for THA, and accounting for PO (> 5°) when considering the validity of LLD measurements.
Ethanolic extract of rice bran: a thermally stable preservative for edible oils and cake
Authors: Seneviratne Kaveesha P. , Anjali N. V. P. , Senanayake Chathuri M. , Jayathilaka Nimanthi , Seneviratne Kapila N.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thermal stability of the rice bran extract (RBE) and analyze the effect of RBE on the shelf-life of sunflower oil and the quality characteristics and shelf-life of baked cake. The thermal stability of RBE was evaluated by a Rancimat test using sunflower oil. Properties such as moisture content, porosity, crumb density and pore area of cakes baked with RBE and the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were compared. Sensory properties such as taste, aroma, texture, color and overall acceptability of the cake samples were compared using a sensory panel test. The shelf-life of the cakes was evaluated by microbial counts and chemical methods. Thermally treated RBE and BHT for 2 h at 180 °C retained 75% of their initial capacity in protecting sunflower oil while RBE had a significantly higher protection factor (p < 0.05). Cakes baked with RBE received higher scores for taste, color and overall acceptability compared to control or BHT-added cake. BHT-added cake and RBE-added cake exceeded the aerobic plate count (APC) and yeast and mold count (YMC) on days 11 and 13 respectively, while the control cakes without added antioxidants exceeded the APC and YMC on day 7. Both BHT- and RBE-added cakes maintained hexanal levels below 5 mg/kg over 28 days while the control cake exceeded this level on day 21. The results suggest that RBE can be used as a natural food additive to improve the quality and shelf-life of baked foods and edible oils.

Graphical Abstract
Endurance Training Improves GLP-1 Sensitivity and Glucose Tolerance in Overweight Women
Authors: Åkerström Thorbjörn , Stolpe Malene N , Widmer Renate , Dejgaard Thomas F , Højberg Jens M , Møller Kirsten , Hansen Jakob S , Trinh Beckey , Holst Jens J , Thomsen Carsten , Pedersen Bente K , Ellingsgaard Helga
Published: July 2022

Context and objective

Obesity and inactivity are risk factors for developing impaired glucose tolerance characterized by insulin resistance and reduced beta-cell function. The stimulatory effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) on insulin secretion is also impaired in obese, inactive individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether endurance training influences beta-cell sensitivity to GLP-1.

Participants and intervention

Twenty-four female participants, age 46 ± 2 years, body mass index 32.4 ± 0.9 kg/m2, and maximal oxygen consumption 24.7 ± 0.8 mL/kg/min participated in a 10-week exercise training study.

Methods

Beta-cell sensitivity to GLP-1 was assessed in a subset of participants (n = 6) during a 120-minute hyperglycemic glucose clamp (8.5 mM) including a 1-hour GLP-1 (7-36 amide) infusion (0.4 pmol/kg/min). Changes in glucose tolerance, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed by oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans, magnetic resonance scans, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) tests, respectively.

Results

The c-peptide response to infusion of GLP-1 increased 28 ± 3% (P < 0.05) toward the end of the hyperglycemic clamp. The insulin response remained unchanged. Training improved glucose tolerance and reduced GLP-1, insulin, and glucagon levels during the OGTTs. Training increased VO2max (from 24.7 ± 0.8 to 27.0 ± 0.7 mL/kg/min; P < 0.05) and reduced visceral fat volume (from 4176 ± 265 to 3888 ± 266 cm3; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Along with improved glycemic control, endurance training improved beta-cell sensitivity to GLP-1 in overweight women. The study was deemed not to constitute a clinical trial and was not registered as such.
Ketamine Induces Delirium-Like Behavior and Interferes With Endosomal Tau Trafficking
Authors: Ren Xinghua , Zhang Siyi , Yang Yongyan , Song Annie , Liang Feng , Zhang Yiying , Dong Yuanlin , Wu Xu , Xie Zhongcong
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

Ketamine is an intravenous anesthetic. However, whether ketamine can induce neurotoxicity and neurobehavioral deficits remains largely unknown. Delirium is a syndrome of acute brain dysfunction associated with anesthesia and surgery in patients, and tau protein may contribute to postoperative delirium. Finally, ketamine may affect the function of the endosome, the key organelle for tau release from neurons. Therefore, we set out to determine the effects of ketamine on delirium-like behavior in mice and on tau trafficking in cultured cells.

METHODS:

We used the buried-food test, open-field test, and Y-maze test in adult mice to assess the presence of delirium-like behavior in mice. We quantified tau amounts in the serum of mice. We used cell fraction methods to determine the effects of ketamine on tau intracellular trafficking, extracellular release, and endosome trafficking in cultured cells.

RESULTS:

Ketamine induced delirium-like behavior in mice and increased tau amounts in serum of mice. The ketamine treatments also led to increased accumulation of endosomes, as evidenced by increased endosomal markers Rab5 and Rab7. Moreover, ketamine inhibited endosome maturation, demonstrated by decreased membrane-bound but increased cytoplasm amounts of Rab5 and Rab7. Consequently, ketamine increased tau in the endosomes of cultured cells and the cell culture medium.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data suggest that ketamine may interfere with intracellular tau trafficking and induce delirium-like behavior, promoting future research regarding the potential neurotoxicity of anesthetics.
Lignin-based Nanofiltration Membrane with High Permeability, Acid-alkali and Chlorine Resistances toward the Removal of Multivalent Salts and Dyes
Authors: Sun Wenge , Zhang Na , Li Qiang , Luo Xin , Baqiah Hussein , Cui Wanling , Li Zhen , Deng Huining
Published: July 2022

A lignin-based nanofiltration membrane was fabricated using aminated lignin and trimesoyl chloride as raw materials by an interfacial polymerization approach. The obtained membrane possesses excellent pure water permeability (31.2 L m−2 h−1 bar−1), high retention rates (>95%) to multivalent salts (EDTA and sodium citrate) and organic dyes (brilliant blue R and congo red), satisfactory acid-alkali and chlorine resistances, and separation-performance stability. It also shows better retention capability and alkaline stability than those of a membrane fabricated with pristine alkali lignin due to the high crosslinking degree.
Soldiers’ Heart: A Prospective Study of Cardiac Remodeling in Soldiers Undergoing Progressive Intensity Exercise Training
Authors: STANTON KELLY M. , WYLIE LAURA , KOTCHETKOVA IRINA , COY AMY , CARROLL GERARD , LA GERCHE ANDRÉ , CELERMAJER DAVID S.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Most studies reporting cardiac changes with exercise have been cross sectional. The few available longitudinal studies have lacked standardization for environmental confounders. We prospectively assessed the relationship between increasing exercise intensity and cardiac remodeling in a highly standardized cohort of healthy young army soldiers.

Methods

Sixty-three male army recruits (22 ± 3 yr) underwent a 12-wk moderate-intensity mixed strength and endurance exercise program, followed by a further 15-wk high-intensity exercise program, with highly controlled exercise, diet, and sleep patterns. Fitness (multistage fitness test), anthropometry, and 2D echocardiography were assessed.

Results

Moderate-intensity exercise was associated with increased fitness and decreased body fat % (both P < 0.01). There was no significant incremental change in these parameters after high-intensity exercise. By contrast, both moderate- and high-intensity exercises were associated with dose-dependent increases in left atrial and left ventricular (LV) volumes, LV mass, and right ventricular (RV) size (all P < 0.01). At the end of high-intensity training, 51% had a dilated LV and 59% had a dilated RV compared with published normal ranges. Almost all had normal LV systolic function and strain before and after exercise training. A small number of soldiers had mildly decreased RV systolic function at baseline and after moderate-intensity exercise (3% and 6%, respectively).

Conclusions

We describe “soldiers’ heart,” which is characterized by balanced chamber dilatation, normal LV mass, and largely normal systolic function and myocardial strain. This prospective and highly controlled longitudinal study also found that increasing intensity exercise was associated with increasing chamber dimensions, which paralleled an increase in fitness after moderate-intensity exercise. After high-intensity exercise, however, cardiac chamber size continued to increase, but fitness did not increase further.
Term Limits and Bargaining Power in Electoral Competition
Authors: Gieczewski Germán
Published: July 2022

I study a dynamic model of electoral competition between candidates with heterogeneous valence. When the candidates’ and voters’ policy preferences differ, the winner extracts rents, limited only by the voters’ threat of electing the weaker candidate. This threat becomes more costly to the voters when the relevant time horizon is longer. Thus, term limits can increase the voters’ bargaining power and their welfare. Term limits are even more important for curbing rent extraction if entry is strategic, as in that case strong incumbents face weaker competition. The paper also compares the welfare properties of seniority caps and stochastic term limits. (JEL C78, D72)
Contract Duration and the Costs of Market Transactions
Authors: MacKay Alexander
Published: July 2022

The optimal duration of a supply contract balances the costs of re-selecting a supplier against the costs of being matched to an inefficient supplier when the contract lasts too long. I develop a structural model of contract duration that captures this trade-off and provide an empirical strategy for quantifying (unobserved) transaction costs. I estimate the model using federal supply contracts for a standardized product, where suppliers are selected by procurement auctions. The estimated transaction costs are substantially greater than consumer switching costs and a significant portion of total buyer costs. Counterfactuals illustrate the importance of accounting for the duration margin. (JEL D22, D23, D44, D86, H57, L14)