bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IRF-2 inhibits cancer proliferation by promoting AMER-1 transcription in human gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Yan-Jie , Luo Shu-Neng , Wu Hao , Zhang Ning-Ping , Dong Ling , Liu Tao-Tao , Liang Li , Shen Xi-Zhong
Published: February 2022

Background

Interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF-2) acts as an anti-oncogene in gastric cancer (GC); however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

This study determined the expression of IRF-2 in GC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and explored the predictive value of IRF-2 for the prognoses of GC patients. Cell function and xenograft tumor growth experiments in nude mice were performed to test tumor proliferation ability, both in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) assay was used to verify the direct target of IRF-2.

Results

We found that IRF-2 expression was downregulated in GC tissues and was negatively correlated with the prognoses of GC patients. IRF-2 negatively affected GC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. ChIP-Seq assay showed that IRF-2 could directly activate AMER-1 transcription and regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which was validated using IHC, in both tissue microarray and xenografted tumor tissues, western blot analysis, and cell function experiments.

Conclusions

Increased expression of IRF-2 can inhibit tumor growth and affect the prognoses of patients by directly regulating AMER-1 transcription in GC and inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Targets preliminary screening for the fresh natural drug molecule based on Cosine-correlation and similarity-comparison of local network
Authors: Zhao Pengcheng , Lin Lin , Wu Mozheng , Wang Lili , Geng Qi , Li Li , Zhao Ning , Shi Jianyu , Lu Cheng
Published: February 2022

Background

Chinese herbal medicine is made up of hundreds of natural drug molecules and has played a major role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for several thousand years. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the target of natural drug molecules for exploring the mechanism of treating diseases with TCM. However, it is very difficult to determine the targets of a fresh natural drug molecule due to the complexity of the interaction between drug molecules and targets. Compared with traditional biological experiments, the computational method has the advantages of less time and low cost for targets screening, but it remains many great challenges, especially for the molecules without social ties.

Methods

This study proposed a novel method based on the Cosine-correlation and Similarity-comparison of Local Network (CSLN) to perform the preliminary screening of targets for the fresh natural drug molecules and assign weights to them through a trained parameter.

Results

The performance of CSLN is superior to the popular drug-target-interaction (DTI) prediction model GRGMF on the gold standard data in the condition that is drug molecules are the objects for training and testing. Moreover, CSLN showed excellent ability in checking the targets screening performance for a fresh-natural-drug-molecule (scenario simulation) on the TCMSP (13 positive samples in top20), meanwhile, Western-Blot also further verified the accuracy of CSLN.

Conclusions

In summary, the results suggest that CSLN can be used as an alternative strategy for screening targets of fresh natural drug molecules.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic universal prevention program for both internalizing and externalizing problems in children: two feasibility studies
Authors: Kishida Kohei , Hida Noriko , Ishikawa Shin-ichi
Published: February 2022

Background

The present study examined the effectiveness of the Universal Unified Prevention Program for Diverse Disorders (Up2-D2) for internalizing and externalizing problems for children aged 9–11 years.

Methods

We used two feasibility studies. The Up2-D2 entailed 12 sessions delivered by teachers; each session was developed based on cognitive-behavioral and positive psychological interventions. In Studies 1 and 2, 58 elementary school children aged 9–11 and 73 elementary school children aged 10–11 attended the Up2-D2. The teachers in Study 1 received 1.5 h of on-site teacher training for learning rationales for interventions, how to run the program, and received ongoing supervision by professionals with mental health expertise. In contrast, the teachers in Study 2 were given self-learning DVD materials in place of on-site training and ongoing supervision.

Results

Mixed models revealed that general difficulties, which is total score of both internalizing and externalizing problems, decreased in Study 1 but not in Study 2. Additional analyses for children with subclinical general difficulties revealed that general difficulties, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems decreased in Study 1, whereas in Study 2, general difficulties and internalizing problems decreased, except for externalizing problems.

Conclusions

These results suggest that on-site teacher training and ongoing supervision are imperative for improving general difficulties in children at a universal level. In addition, universal preventive interventions by classroom teachers without on-site training and continuous supervision might be efficacious for reducing general difficulties and internalizing problems for children with subclinical difficulties.
Determinants of HIV infection among children born to HIV positive mothers on prevention of mother to child transmission program at referral hospitals in west Amhara, Ethiopia; case control study
Authors: Alemu Asrat , Molla Wondwosen , Yinges Kindu , Mihret Muhabaw Shumye
Published: February 2022

Background

Human Immune Deficiency Virus infection among children has continued to be a global concern with an estimated 160,000 new infections in 2018. Over 90% acquire HIV from their mother. Currently, 92% of pregnant women are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite, greater achievements in coverage of PMTCT and ARV drug in Ethiopia as well as in west Amhara, child HIV infections are yet an important public health problem with a high transmission rate. There are limited studies done in Ethiopia on identifying determinants of child HIV infection.

Objective

This study was aimed at identifying determinants of HIV infection among children born to HIV positive mothers on the PMTCT program at referral hospitals in the west Amhara, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

An unmatched case–control study was conducted at referral hospitals in the west Amhara region, Ethiopia. Data were collected through document review, which has been registered from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2020. A two-stage sampling technique was applied. Consecutive sampling technique for cases and simple random sampling technique for controls was done to include a total of 320 samples (66 cases and 254 controls). Epi data 4.6 for data entry and SPSS 23 for analysis were used. Variables with p- value ≤0.2 in bivariate regression were run in the multivariable logistic regression and AOR with 95% CI and a p-value ≤0.05 was used to declare determinants.

Result

Home delivery (AOR = 4.3; 95%CI: 2.0, 11.6), mixed feeding (AOR = 10; 95%CI: 3.2, 17.9), poor maternal ARV drug adherence (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 13.4), advanced WHO clinical stage (AOR = 11.4; 95% CI: 4.1,19.1), poor nevirapine adherence (AOR = 10; 95% CI: 3.2, 22.4) and late enrollment of the infant (AOR = 15; 95% CI: 3.0, 3.0,20.5) were determinants.

Conclusion

Minister of Health and NGOs should work on mobilization of the community and awareness creation on the important of exclusive breast feeding, drugs adherence, on benefit of health institutional delivery as well as the risk of homedelivery.
Comparison of confound adjustment methods in the construction of gene co-expression networks
Authors: Cote Alanna C. , Young Hannah E. , Huckins Laura M.
Published: February 2022

Adjustment for confounding sources of expression variation is an important preprocessing step in large gene expression studies, but the effect of confound adjustment on co-expression network analysis has not been well-characterized. Here, we demonstrate that the choice of confound adjustment method can have a considerable effect on the architecture of the resulting co-expression network. We compare standard and alternative confound adjustment methods and provide recommendations for their use in the construction of gene co-expression networks from bulk tissue RNA-seq datasets.
Dynamic 3D genome architecture of cotton fiber reveals subgenome-coordinated chromatin topology for 4-staged single-cell differentiation
Authors: Pei Liuling , Huang Xianhui , Liu Zhenping , Tian Xuehan , You Jiaqi , Li Jianying , Fang David D. , Lindsey Keith , Zhu Longfu , Zhang Xianlong , Wang Maojun
Published: February 2022

Background

Despite remarkable advances in our knowledge of epigenetically mediated transcriptional programming of cell differentiation in plants, little is known about chromatin topology and its functional implications in this process.

Results

To interrogate its significance, we establish the dynamic three-dimensional (3D) genome architecture of the allotetraploid cotton fiber, representing a typical single cell undergoing staged development in plants. We show that the subgenome-relayed switching of the chromatin compartment from active to inactive is coupled with the silencing of developmentally repressed genes, pinpointing subgenome-coordinated contribution to fiber development. We identify 10,571 topologically associating domain-like (TAD-like) structures, of which 25.6% are specifically organized in different stages and 75.23% are subject to partition or fusion between two subgenomes. Notably, dissolution of intricate TAD-like structure cliques showing long-range interactions represents a prominent characteristic at the later developmental stage. Dynamic chromatin loops are found to mediate the rewiring of gene regulatory networks that exhibit a significant difference between the two subgenomes, implicating expression bias of homologous genes.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on the spatial-temporal asymmetric chromatin structures of two subgenomes in the cotton fiber and offers a new insight into the regulatory orchestration of cell differentiation in plants.
Combined quadriceps tendon reconstruction and total knee replacement with computer navigation: a case report
Authors: Abdulkareem Imran Haruna , Liu Perry , Adhikhari Ajeya , Kader Deiary
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic quadriceps tendon rupture is technically challenging for surgeons due to scarring and tendon retraction. The presence of concurrent ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis compounds the issue even further. Although a combined presentation is rare, treatment options to manage each coexisting pathology simultaneously are scarcely reported. We describe the case of a 67-year-old Caucasian male who had such a presentation, and was subsequently treated with a one-stage extensor mechanism autograft reconstruction and total knee replacement with computer navigation.

Case

The patient was a 67-year-old male Caucasian, who had previously sustained an acute rupture of his right quadriceps tendon that was adequately repaired 6 months prior. Despite an initial satisfactory result, he reported deterioration in his mobility in the few months thereafter, with worsening knee pain. His comorbidities consisted of hypertension, asthma, and a body mass index of 40.4 kg/m2. Otherwise, there were no risk factors for tendon rerupture. Clinical examination later revealed a large palpable gap in the right suprapatellar region and weakness of active knee extension. No traumatic cause for this new presentation was identified. Suspicion of a chronic quadriceps tendon rupture was confirmed on radiological imaging, but the investigations also noted the presence of severe tricompartmental osteoarthritis of the ipsilateral, native knee joint. The combined procedure took place in one surgical sitting. The total knee replacement with patella resurfacing was performed first and assisted by computer navigation. The quadriceps tendon reconstruction was then conducted sequentially using the patient’s hamstring tendons (semitendinosus and gracilis). The tensile strength was reinforced with use of a Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System (LARS) ligament. Initial outcomes were excellent, and these results were maintained at 6 months postoperatively, with the patient reporting no pain and having full range of movement.

Conclusion

Our techniques used have not previously been reported, but are successful options in treating coexisting chronic quadriceps tendon rupture and ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis. The advantage of using computer navigation with an extramedullary femoral jig can lead to improved accuracy of bone cuts, which is important in the presence of anatomical disruption. Chronic failures of the extensor mechanism require different approaches depending on the inherent and underlying pathology. We feel that the multidisciplinary team approach to the management and use of two surgeons with differing expertise added to the successful outcome of this complex case.
The new Veterinary Medicines Regulation: rising to the challenge
Authors: More Simon J. , McCoy Finola , McAloon Catherine I.
Published: February 2022

This article focuses on the new Veterinary Medicines Regulation, which is applicable across all Member States of the European Union, including Ireland, from 28 January 2022. From this date, prophylactic use of antimicrobials (AMs) in groups of animals is banned, metaphylactic use in groups of animals is restricted, and certain AMs are reserved for humans only. In the Irish dairy industry, as elsewhere, successful implementation of the Regulation will require a high level of mastitis control across all herds, and measures to support high standards in antibiotic stewardship. National actions will be critical, to support optimal mastitis control throughout the national herd. For private veterinary practitioners (PVPs), the Regulation will lead to specific prescribing changes, including the requirement to shift from blanket to selective dry cow therapy. Further, prescribing choices will need to be guided by the categorisation for AMs developed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). More broadly, the Regulation requires a fundamental shift in thinking both in terms of AM usage and of the role of the PVP. Given the close association between mastitis control and intramammary AM stewardship, it is imperative that prescribing and mastitis control decisions are made concurrently. A herd health approach will be critical, within a Client-Patient-Practice Relationship as outlined by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. On those farms with sub-optimal mastitis control, mastitis issues need to be sustainably resolved. A detailed farm investigation by the PVP, in partnership with the farmer and other milk quality professionals, is essential, to understand the epidemiology and on-farm drivers of mastitis, to develop farm-specific action plans, and to facilitate ongoing monitoring of progress. It is vital that PVPs provide leadership, with the provision of a holistic, herd health approach to inform both prescribing and mastitis control decisions in herds under their care.
The need to improve antimicrobial susceptibility testing capacity in Ugandan health facilities: insights from a surveillance primer
Authors: Chaplain Duku , Asutaku Butti Ben , Mona Muhammad , Bulafu Douglas , Aruhomukama Dickson
Published: February 2022

Background

Lab-based surveillance (LBS) of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not systematically implemented in Uganda. We aimed to identify the gaps in establishing regular LBS of AMR in Uganda.

Methods

This was a retrospective records review. It was done at Mulago Hospital (MH) Microbiology Lab (MHL). It analyzed lab records on bacteria and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles (ASPs) over 6 months. Since MH is the national referral hospital, we hypothesized that (1) MHL is the best resourced and that any limitations seen here are amplified in labs at regional referral hospitals (RRHs) and health centers (HCs); (2) data from MHL on LBS mirrors that from labs at RRHs and HCs; (3) the state of records from MHL show lab performance and the presence or absence of standard operating procedures (SOPs), as would be the case at RRHs and HCs.

Results

The lab got 1760 samples over the six months. The most common sample was urine (659, 37.4%). From the 1760 samples, data on 478 bacterial isolates were available. Urine gave the most isolates (159, 33.3%). Most of the isolates were gram-negative (267, 55.9%). Escherichia coli (100, 37%) was the most common gram-negative (of the Enterobacteriaceae). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17, 6%) was the most common gram-negative (of the non-Enterobacteriaceae). The gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to β-lactams. These were highly sensitive to carbapenems. The Staphylococcus aureus were highly resistant to β-lactams. The gram-positive bacteria were highly sensitive to vancomycin. ASPs for all bacterial categories were incomplete.

Conclusions

The findings from MHL suggest that there is a need to improve antimicrobial susceptibility testing capacity. They also suggest that the situation at RRHs and HCs around the country could be worse. So, there is a need to extend the political will, which already exists, into operational and implementation action.
Mapping socio-physical legacies of Emirati villas: contingency and spatial continuity or rift
Authors: Rashid Mamun , Ara Dilshad Rahat , Abdalla Salem Buhashima
Published: February 2022

UAE urban housing and planning history discourses commonly assume a sharp division between the pre-oil (before the 1950s) and the post-oil (since the 1960s) eras. It is a misleading assumption that flattens historical legacies and exempts pre-oil tribal and maritime built landscape from having a bearing on the emergence of more recent ‘iconic’ villas for the Emiratis/UAE citizens. Besides, status quo urban narratives are further dismissive of non-iconic citizen centric modern housing prototypes of the late 1960s. In this context, our approach is to illustrate the intertwined evolution of contingent driven dwelling features, changes as well as continuities across the pre-oil and post-oil eras. By interconnecting history with user-led spatial changes in current Emirati houses, we argue that, while sustainability has become more of a catchphrase and the ‘iconic' villa façade—the marketing brand, the concept, acceptance, and spatial realization are indeed set by historical overlays of local and transnational experimentation, arbitration, and adaptation. Thus, the current design and policy led national housing prototypes would be corrective, regenerative and successful if assembled through an iterative design process that accommodates emerging sustainable frameworks as well as user-driven spatial interventions. This approach sustains the socio-physical legacies of the Emirati houses and their cultural legitimacy in the built-environment.
A mathematical determination of foveal attachment in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment when obscured by bullous retina
Authors: Kousha Obaid , Tarafdar Sonali , Ellis John
Published: February 2022

In primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), the foveal attachment is an important prognostic factors for post-operative vision. When the fovea is obscured by the RRD, its attachment status is considered uncertain. Using a model of the reduced emmetropic and − 10 dioptre myopic eye and the physical properties of the detached retina, we aimed to mathematically ascertain if it is clinically possible for the fovea to be attached while it is obscured by the primary RRD. With the patient upright, a primary RRD due to a 12 o’clock break directly above the fovea was considered. Mathematically, once the trough of the RRD touches the visual axis the edge of the RRD nearest to fovea is $$2.77\,{\text{mm}}$$

2.77

mm

away from fovea in emmetropic eye and $$2.89\;\,{\text{mm}}$$

2.89

mm

in myopic eye. When the RRD reaches the fovea, its trough is $$2.20{\text{ mm}}$$

2.20

mm

below the visual axis in emmetropic eye and $$2.29{\text{ mm}}$$

2.29

mm

in myopic eye. However, in vivo the RRD makes an acute angle with the retinal pigment epithelium and the corrugation of the retina in RRD shortens the retina. When these in vivo constraints are considered, in both of the above situations the fovea will be detached. If the fovea is obscured by an RRD, the fovea is very likely to be detached. In idiomatic terms, if the fovea cannot be seen, the fovea cannot see. This is an important clinical diagnosis for appropriate triage of the patient.
Loss to Follow-Up and the Care Cascade for Cervical Cancer Care in Rural Guatemala: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Garcia Andrea , Juarez Michel , Sacuj Neftali , Tzurec Evelyn , Larson Karen , Miller Ann , Rohloff Peter
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

More than 80% of cervical cancer cases and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we analyze a large geographically extensive cross-sectional data set from the Western rural highlands of Guatemala. Our objective is to better characterize weak points in care along the cervical cancer care continuum and investigate sociodemographic and clinical correlates of loss to follow-up.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of electronic health records data from July 21, 2015, through December 10, 2020 for a cytology-based screening and cervical cancer treatment program. We used a care cascade analysis to characterize the progression of individuals through screening, confirmatory testing, and treatment. We examined demographic and clinical factors correlated with screening and loss to follow-up using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 8,872 individuals were included in the analysis. Five thousand nine hundred thirteen cervical cancer screenings were conducted. 4.1% of all screening tests were abnormal, including 0.61% cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or overt cervical cancer. Care cascade analysis showed that 67% of eligible women accepted screening. Of those requiring confirmatory testing or treatment, 73% completed recommended follow-up. In adjusted multivariable analysis, prior history of sexual transmitted infection, prior experience with cervical cancer screening, older age, and current contraceptive use were associated with accepting screening. Age and contraceptive use were also associated with retention in care after a positive first screen.

CONCLUSION

In a large rural Guatemalan retrospective cohort, a care continuum analysis showed that both declining the opportunity to receive cervical cancer screening as well as declining confirmatory testing after a first positive screen were both important weak points along the care continuum. These data support the need for comprehensive and culturally appropriate initiatives to improve screening uptake and retention in care.
The Safety and Effectiveness of the Contour Neurovascular System (Contour) for the Treatment of Bifurcation Aneurysms: The CERUS Study
Authors: Liebig Thomas , Killer-Oberpfalzer Monika , Gal Gyula , Schramm Peter , Berlis Ansgar , Dorn Franziska , Jansen Olav , Fiehler Jens , Wodarg Fritz
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

The Contour is a novel intra-aneurysmal flow disrupting device to treat intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Contour device for treatment of nonruptured intracranial bifurcation aneurysms through a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study.

METHODS:

Thirty-four patients were enrolled. Primary end points were successful occlusion at 6 mo for efficacy and any major stroke or nonaccidental death up to 30 d or major disabling stroke within 6 mo for safety. Secondary end points were occlusion at 12 mo, retreatment rate, procedure time, and procedure-related/device-related adverse events. Procedural and follow-up imaging was reviewed by an independent core laboratory. Adverse events were reviewed and adjudicated by a clinical events committee.

RESULTS:

In total, 32 of 34 aneurysms were successfully implanted and, 2 of 34 in the intention-to-treat (ITT) group did not receive the Contour and were excluded from follow-up after 30 d. In addition, 2 of 32 were lost to angiographic follow-up and regarded as treatment failure. The primary safety end point was met in 2 patients in the ITT group. In the perprotocol (PP) group, complete occlusion was seen in 14 of 32 (44%) at 6 mo and 22 of 32 (69%) at 12 mo. Adequate occlusion (Raymond–Roy [RR] 1 and 2) was reached in 84% at a last available follow-up. One patient from the ITT group and 1 from the PP group received additional treatment during follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

The Contour seems to be both safe and effective in the treatment of intracranial bifurcation aneurysms.
Optimal Glucose Target After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Eagles Matthew E. , Newton Braedon D. , Rosgen Brianna K. , Ayling Oliver G. S. , Muram Sandeep , Tso Michael K. , Mitha Alim P. , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Hyperglycemia has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, there remains debate as to what optimal glucose targets should be in this patient population.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess whether we could identify an optimal glucose target for patients with aSAH.

METHODS:

We performed a post hoc analysis of the “clazosentan to overcome neurological ischemia and infarction occurring after subarachnoid hemorrhage” trial data set. Patients had laboratory results drawn daily for the entirety of their intensive care unit stay. Maximum blood glucose levels were assessed for a relationship with unfavorable outcomes using multiple logistic regression analysis. Maximum blood glucose levels were dichotomized based on the Youden index, which identified a maximum level of <9.2 mmol/L as the optimal cut point for prediction of unfavorable outcomes. Nearest neighbor matching was used to assess the relationship between maintaining glucose levels below the cut point and unfavorable functional outcomes (defined as a modified Rankin score of >2 at 3 mo post-aSAH). The matching was performed after calculation of a propensity score based on identified predictors of outcome and glucose levels.

RESULTS:

Three hundred eighty-nine patients were included in the matched analysis. Propensity scores were balanced on both the covariates and outcomes of interest. There was a significant average treatment effect (−0.143: 95% confidence interval −0.267 to −0.019) for patients who maintained glucose levels <9.2 mmol/L.

CONCLUSION:

Maintaining glucose levels below the identified cut point was associated with a decreased risk for unfavorable outcomes in this retrospective matched study.
Effects of mechanical stimulation on metabolomic profiles of SW1353 chondrocytes: shear and compression
Authors: Welhaven Hope D. , McCutchen Carley N. , June Ronald K.
Published: February 2022

Mechanotransduction is a biological phenomenon where mechanical stimuli are converted to biochemical responses. A model system for studying mechanotransduction are the chondrocytes of articular cartilage. Breakdown of this tissue results in decreased mobility, increased pain, and reduced quality of life. Either disuse or overloading can disrupt cartilage homeostasis, but physiological cyclical loading promotes cartilage homeostasis. To model this, we exposed SW1353 cells to cyclical mechanical stimuli, shear and compression, for different durations of time (15 and 30 min). By utilizing liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), metabolomic profiles were generated detailing metabolite features and biological pathways that are altered in response to mechanical stimulation. In total, 1457 metabolite features were detected. Statistical analyses identified several pathways of interest. Taken together, differences between experimental groups were associated with inflammatory pathways, lipid metabolism, beta-oxidation, central energy metabolism, and amino acid production. These findings expand our understanding of chondrocyte mechanotransduction under varying loading conditions and time periods.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies HuR as a regulator of apoptosis induced by dsRNA and virus
Authors: Gao Huixin , Lin Yuxia , Huang Changbai , Li Xiaobo , Diamond Michael S. , Liu Chao , Zhang Rong , Zhang Ping
Published: February 2022

We performed an unbiased whole-genome CRISPR/Cas9 screen in A549 cells to identify potential regulators involved in cell death triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Of several top candidate genes, we identified the RNA-binding gene ELAV like protein 1 (256529), which encodes the protein Hu antigen R (HuR). Depletion of HuR led to less cell death induced by dsRNA. HuR is mainly involved in apoptosis, and all of its RNA recognition motifs are essential for its pro-apoptotic function. We further showed that the HuR depletion had no influence on the mRNA level of the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2, but instead that HuR downregulates BCL2 translation in a cap-independent way. Polysome fractionation studies showed that HuR retarded the BCL2 mRNA in the non-translating pool of polysomes. Moreover, protection from dsRNA-induced apoptosis by HuR depletion required the presence of BCL2, indicating that the pro-apoptotic function of HuR is executed by suppressing BCL2. Consistent with this, HuR regulated apoptosis induced by infection of encephalomyocarditis or Semliki Forest virus. Collectively, our work identified a suite of proteins that regulate dsRNA-induced cell death, and elucidated the mechanism by which HuR acts as a pro-apoptotic factor.
The Lithium-ion Battery: Two Breakthroughs in Development and Two Reasons for the Nobel Prize
Authors: Yoshino Akira
Published: February 2022

The author received the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Development of the lithium-ion battery, which was the subject of the Prize, is reviewed, highlighting the importance of breakthroughs in basic research and mass production technology research. The importance of these two breakthroughs is emphasized, which is expected to support the success of further R&D essential for the world.
Efficient Production of 1,3-Butadiene from 1,4-Butanediol over Yb2O3 Catalyst Prepared through Hydrothermal Aging
Authors: Matsuda Asami , Sato Fumiya , Yamada Yasuhiro , Sato Satoshi
Published: February 2022

Vapor-phase catalytic dehydration of 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) was investigated over rare earth metal oxide (RE2O3) catalysts to produce 1,3-butadiene (BD). Among eight RE2O3, Yb2O3 showed the highest catalytic activity to produce BD via an intermediate 3-buten-1-ol (3B1OL). Hydrothermal (HT) aging of precursor precipitate of Yb2O3 greatly enhanced the catalytic activity and the selectivity to 3B1OL of the resulting Yb2O3 catalyst. It was confirmed that the morphology of Yb2O3 and the catalytic activity varied with the HT conditions. Hydrothermally aged Yb2O3 reduced the formation of propylene, a decomposed product of 3B1OL, even at high temperatures above 400 °C. HT-aged Yb2O3 followed by calcination at 700 °C showed excellent catalytic activity in the dehydration of 1,4-BDO with the highest BD productivity of 34.6 mol kgcat−1 h−1 and a high BD yield of 97.4% at 450 °C.
Educational and methodological manual for teachers of preschool educational organizations "Elements of fairy-tale therapy in the socio-communicative development of older preschool children"
Authors: Kolesova N.A.
Published: February 2022

The textbook emphasizes the relevance of the problem of the socio-communicative development of children of older preschool age. The manual consists of two chapters: the first chapter reveals general approaches and features of using elements of fairy-tale therapy in working with children of older preschool age to form their socio-personal competencies, describes the features of perceptions of preschool-age children when reading tales into their hearing, and also reveals the use of elements of fairy-tale therapy in pedagogical measures for the socio-communicative and speech development of older preschool children. The second chapter is devoted to the description of the most effective methods that make it possible to determine the degree of assimilation of the child's socio-personal competencies and the level of effectiveness of pedagogical influence aimed at communication and interaction between the children of the group. Practical materials are presented in the form of therapeutic tales that can be used by teachers of preschool educational organizations in corrective and developmental work on the socio-communicative development of older preschool children. The educational and methodological manual is addressed to teachers of preschool educational organizations, can be used in the system of further training in educational programs "Pedagogical activities in the context of the implementation of GEF preschool education," "Modern educational technologies in the context of the implementation of GEF preschool education."
Cause-specific mortality and risk factors of death among inpatients of a psychiatric hospital
Authors: Myślicka Dominika , Zagożdżon Paweł , Pierucka Magdalena
Published: February 2022

Cel pracy

Celem badania było określenie ogólnych i specyficznych współczynników umieralności wewnątrzszpitalnej oraz identyfikacja czynników ryzyka zgonów.

Metoda

Badanie obejmowało 15 997 kart dokumentacji medycznej pacjentów hospitalizowanych w Szpitalu dla Nerwowo i Psychicznie Chorych w Starogardzie Gdańskim w latach 2005-2012. Badanie zostało zaprojektowane jako retrospektywne badanie kohortowe z wykorzystaniem proporcjonalnego modelu Coxa do analizy przeżycia. Obliczono znormalizowany wskaźnik umieralności (SMR) i jego 95% przedziały ufności (95% CI).

Wyniki

Niezależnymi czynnikami ryzyka zgonu były: płeć męska, starszy wiek, nadciśnienie tętnicze, miażdżyca, zawał serca w wywiadzie, niewydolność serca, marskość wątroby, gruźlica, choroba nowotworowa w wywiadzie, niedokrwistość, występowanie stanu zapalnego. Majaczenie niewywołane alkoholem i innymi substancjami psychoaktywnymi było związane z najwyższym ryzykiem zgonu ze wszystkich diagnoz psychiatrycznych. Bezrobocie wiązało się z dwa razy wyższym ryzykiem zgonu w trakcie hospitalizacji. SMR dla całej populacji pacjentów hospitalizowanych wyniósł 17,88 (95% CI 15,99-20,00).

Wnioski

Choroby współistniejące mają istotny i klinicznie znaczący wpływ na umieralność wewnątrzszpitalną u pacjentów psychiatrycznych w Polsce. Świadomość klinicystów i aktywne monitorowanie stanów chorobowych wśród takich pacjentów jest konieczne, aby zmniejszyć ryzyko umieralności wewnątrzszpitalnej w placówkach psychiatrycznych.
Polish Validation of the Internet Gaming Disorder-20 (IGD-20) Test
Authors: Grajewski Piotr , Dragan Małgorzata
Published: February 2022

Cel pracy

Celem badania była walidacja polskiej adaptacji kwestionariusza Internet Gaming Disorder-20 (IGD-20, Zaburzenie Grania w Internecie-20), który jest zgodny z kryteriami diagnostycznymi DSM-5.

Metoda

W badaniu walidacyjnym uwzględniono odpowiedzi uzyskane od 652 graczy. W celu potwierdzenia struktury narzędzia zastosowano konfirmacyjną analizę czynnikową. Trafność zbieżną sprawdzano poprzez zastosowanie narzędzi do pomiaru nasilenia objawów psychopatologicznych i myśli nałogowych. W analizach wzięto pod uwagę również najczęściej wybierane przez graczy gatunki gier.

Wyniki

Analiza czynnikowa potwierdziła 5-cio czynnikową strukturę kwestionariusza IGD-20, co jest zgodne z wynikami badań dotyczących innych wersji językowych. Wskaźniki dopasowania ocenianie łącznie wskazują na dobre dopasowanie danych do modelu: χ2(142)=690,059; p<0,001; RMSEA=0,077 (90% CI: 0,071-0,083); CFI=0,950; TLI=0.940; SMRR=0,053. Narzędzie charakteryzuje się wysoką spójnością wewnętrzną (wskaźnik omega McDonalda wyniósł 0,93). Wykazano również istotne statystycznie korelacje pomiędzy symptomami grania problemowego i objawami psychopatologicznymi oraz nasileniem myśli nałogowych. Okazało się, że osoby badane grają najkrócej w gry edukacyjne, w porównaniu do innych gatunków gier, a częstotliwość ich wybierania korelowała ujemnie z natężeniem objawów grania problemowego.

Wnioski

Badanie walidacyjne polskiej wersji kwestionariusza IGD-20 potwierdziło dobre właściwości psychometryczne narzędzia oraz jego wewnętrzną strukturę. Dalsze badania powinny koncentrować się na roli różnic międzypłciowych oraz sprawdzeniu właściwości narzędzia w próbie klinicznej graczy.
Balanced Opioid Prescribing via a Clinical Trade-Off: Pain Relief vs. Adverse Effects of Discomfort, Dependence, and Tolerance/Hypersensitivity
Authors: Gökçınar Abdullah , Çakanyıldırım Metin , Price Theodore , Adams Meredith C. B.
Published: February 2022

In the backdrop of the opioid epidemic, opioid prescribing has distinct medical and social challenges. Overprescribing contributes to the ongoing opioid epidemic, whereas underprescribing yields inadequate pain relief. Moreover, opioids have serious adverse effects including tolerance and increased sensitivity to pain, paradoxically inducing more pain. Prescribing trade-offs are recognized but not modeled in the literature. We study the prescribing decisions for chronic, acute, and persistent pain types to minimize the cumulative pain that incorporates opioid adverse effects (discomfort and dependence) and the risk of tolerance or hypersensitivity (THS) developed with opioid use. After finding closed-form solutions for each pain type, we analytically investigate the sensitivity of acute pain prescriptions and examine policies on incorporation of THS, patient handover, and adaptive treatments. Our analyses show that the role of adverse effects in prescribing decisions is as critical as that of the pain level. Interestingly, we find that the optimal prescription duration is not necessarily increasing with the recovery time. We show that not incorporating THS or information curtailment at patient handovers leads to overprescribing that can be mitigated by adaptive treatments. Last, using real-life pain and opioid use data from two sources, we estimate THS parameters and discuss the proximity of our model to clinical practice. This paper has a pain management framework that leads to tractable models. These models can potentially support balanced opioid prescribing after their validation in a clinical setting. Then, they can be helpful to policy makers in assessment of prescription policies and of the controversy around over- and underprescribing.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Decision Analysis Special Issue on Emerging Topics in Health Decision Analysis.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health [Grants K08 EB022631, R24 DA055306, R33 DA046085, and U24 NS115708].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/deca.2021.0447 .
Inf-Convolution, Optimal Allocations, and Model Uncertainty for Tail Risk Measures
Authors: Liu Fangda , Mao Tiantian , Wang Ruodu , Wei Linxiao
Published: February 2022

Inspired by the recent developments in risk sharing problems for the value at risk (VaR), the expected shortfall (ES), and the range value at risk (RVaR), we study the optimization of risk sharing for general tail risk measures. Explicit formulas of the inf-convolution and Pareto-optimal allocations are obtained in the case of a mixed collection of left and right VaRs, and in that of a VaR and another tail risk measure. The inf-convolution of tail risk measures is shown to be a tail risk measure with an aggregated tail parameter, a phenomenon very similar to the cases of VaR, ES, and RVaR. Optimal allocations are obtained in the settings of elliptical models and model uncertainty. In particular, several results are established for tail risk measures in the presence of model uncertainty, which may be of independent interest outside the framework of risk sharing. The technical conclusions are quite general without assuming any form of convexity of the tail risk measures. Our analysis generalizes in several directions the recent literature on quantile-based risk sharing.
Midwife scan clinic: response to increased demand for third trimester ultrasound
Authors: Sparks Pippa , Nixon Vicky
Published: February 2022

In response to the high UK stillbirth rate, the Saving Babies' Lives care bundles of 2016 and 2019 recommended increased focus on reduced fetal movements and fetal growth restriction. Adopting the recommendations precipitated a sharp increase in third trimester scans, causing existing ultrasound services to be overwhelmed. A midwife scan clinic, established at Kingston Hospital NHS Trust in 2019, has been found to manage this increased scan demand efficiently and effectively. Midwife-sonographers triage scan requests, perform the scans and provide post-scan management in a one-stop-shop scenario. Evaluation of the service found that it has reduced multiple appointments, streamlined women's experience, provided continuity of care and proved cost-effective. Unexpected positive outcomes also occurred for breech presentation at term and for women under the care of the safeguarding team. Combining midwifery and ultrasound skills in a midwife scan clinic is a quality improvement initiative that facilitates the increasingly central role that ultrasound plays in fetal surveillance.
Stress-free vet visits: considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Williams Jane
Published: February 2022

Visits to the small animal veterinary practice are typically stressful for many animals, especially where they already have an anxious or fearful disposition. Although the purpose of the visit is to improve the animal's welfare (by improving physical health and wellbeing), there may be an impact on the animal's mental health and emotional state. The current pandemic situation has made vet visits even more difficult, because a number of options for preparing for the visit, or carrying out the visit itself, have not always been available. This article considers techniques for minimising fear, anxiety and stress in companion animals being treated at the vet practice, through preparation, protocols and procedures. Principles of good practice when helping animals to have the least stressful experience during a vet visit are considered. Additional special measures for particularly anxious or fearful animals are also discussed. The identification of stress-reducing protocols is largely based on the low-stress handling techniques identified in research and the importance of these as perceived by veterinary staff. Changes within the practice that have impacted animals' anxiety levels, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, are identified and considered. Reflections concerning the pandemic experience, as provided to the author by a number of veterinary surgeons and nurses, are recorded and considered as the basis for further research. Consideration is also given to the feasibility and value of retaining some changes implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The happy trainee
Authors: O'Neill Hayley
Published: February 2022

Hayley O'Neill gives an update on what's changed for her business in the last 18 months
Barriers and facilitators of early mobilisation for intensive care unit delirium: perspectives from patients, family members and carers. A qualitative study protocol
Authors: Bennion Jacqueline , Garrett Roger , Mansell Stephanie K , Barron Duncan , Martin Daniel , Mein Gill
Published: February 2022

Background/Aims

One-third of patients develop delirium following admission to an intensive care unit. Intensive care unit delirium is associated with poor patient outcomes, including long-term disability and high mortality. Early mobilisation contributes towards the prevention and reduction of intensive care unit delirium. However, the implementation of early mobilisation is infrequent. The aim of this protocol is to explore participants' experiences of the barriers to, and facilitators of, early mobilisation in the adult intensive care unit specific to people experiencing delirium.

Methods

Three moderators will carry out up to six focus groups including up to five participants in each group. Focus group discussions will be used to explore the experiences of patients, carers and family members using Microsoft Teams. Participants will be recruited from the charity ICUsteps using a purposive sampling technique.

Results

Discussions will be audio-recorded and simultaneously transcribed verbatim using the otter.ai programme. Member check approval will be sought to ensure accuracy of data. Framework analysis using a thematic methodology will identify themes in the data.

Conclusions

It is anticipated that the findings of this study will contribute towards further understanding the implementation of early mobilisation in order to improve measures for prevention and management of delirium in the adult intensive care unit.
Ageing and eczema
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: February 2022

Skin conditions are more common as people age, with approximately 70% of older people having a treatable skin condition. Ageing related changes to the skin and health conditions can make it difficult for older people to care for their skin, causing eczema to develop. An inability to care for age related skin conditions can lead to infection, discomfort and can affect the persons quality of life. This article explores how ageing affects the skin, how different types of eczema can develop and how these are managed.
Support without restraint
Authors: Halliwell Amanda
Published: February 2022

A year on from the Care Quality Commission's recommendations for supporting people with mental ill health, autism and learning disabilities without restrictive practices, they report on the progress to date. Amanda Halliwell investigates.
Description of the female of Pelecinobaccha portachueloi Miranda, 2014 (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: MIRANDA GIL FELIPE GONÇALVES
Published: February 2022

Data text: Pelecinobaccha was reviewed by Miranda et al. (2014), where the species Pelecinobaccha portachueloi Miranda, 2014 in Miranda et al. 2014 was described based on a single male. Further study of material deposited at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes (CNC) revealed a female specimen that keys out and fits the description of the male of P. portachueloi and is from the same locality (Miranda et al., 2014). This short note aims on describing the female and imaging it (Figs. 1–7). Terminology follows Miranda et al. (2020).
Microwave phase detection of coherent population trapping resonance in a Cs vapor cell
Authors: Petersen Michael , Abdel Hafiz Moustafa , de Clercq Emeric , Boudot Rodolphe
Published: February 2022

We report a phase-sensitive microwave detection setup for spectroscopy of coherent population trapping (CPT) resonance in a Cs vapor cell. In this scheme, the optically carried microwave interrogation signal that interacts with atoms is detected by a fast photodiode at the cell output and is then mixed with the local oscillator microwave signal itself. This detection scheme produces at the output of the microwave mixer a dispersive CPT signal that can be directly used for correction of the local oscillator frequency onto the atomic resonance. The evolution of the dispersive CPT resonance signal with the laser power is briefly reported. With this detection scheme, we demonstrate the operation of a CPT atomic clock with a short-term fractional frequency stability of

1
×

10

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11

at 1 s, which is in good agreement with the slope of the frequency discriminator and the residual microwave phase noise of the setup.