bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of a new dental plaque removal device utilizing micro mist spray for removing oral biofilm in vitro
Authors: Hihara Hiroki , Tagaino Ryo , Washio Jumpei , Laosuwan Kittipong , Wicaksono Dimas Prasetianto , Izumita Kuniyuki , Koide Rie , Takahashi Nobuhiro , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: June 2021

Background

Removal of oral biofilm from the oral mucosa is essential for preventing risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infection in elderly people. Currently, no device is available which can remove oral biofilm from oral mucosa effectively and safely. Therefore, the effectiveness and safety of the Micro Scale Mist UNIT (MSM-UNIT), a newly developed dental plaque removal device utilizing high speed sprays of fine water droplets, were evaluated for biofilm removal, including the rate and surface roughness for simulated tooth surface and mucous membrane.

Methods

Simulated tooth and oral mucosa coated with an artificial biofilm of Streptococcus mutans were used for evaluation of effectiveness, with uncoated substrates as the controls. The MSM-UNIT and a conventional air ablation device were operated under recommended instructions. The effectiveness was evaluated from the rate of removal of the biofilm, and the safety was evaluated from the damage observed by scanning electron microscope and surface roughness.

Results

The biofilm removal rate of the MSM-UNIT was significantly higher than that of AIRFLOW. Little damage was observed in the area treated by the MSM-UNIT. The surface roughness of the MSM-UNIT treated area on simulated tooth surface and oral mucosa showed no significant difference to the control area. In contrast, cracks and powder were observed in the area treated by AIRFLOW. In particular, the surface roughness of the AIRFLOW treated area for Toughsilon was significantly larger than that of the control.

Conclusions

The MSM-UNIT could be used safely and effectively for removing biofilm not only on simulated tooth surfaces but also simulated mucous membrane. The MSM-UNIT has no harmful effect on teeth or oral mucosa, and may be used for comprehensive oral care for patients during nursing care and the perioperative period.
Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool for family caregivers of cancer patients receiving home-based hospice care
Authors: Zhou Sijia , Zhao Qianqian , Weng Huimin , Wang Ning , Wu Xia , Li Xinxin , Zhang Lili
Published: June 2021

Background

Family caregivers need to be supported in caring for patients at the end of life, but practical tools to assess their support needs have been missing in China. So this study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT).

Methods

Cross-cultural adaptation of the original CSNAT for a Chinese setting was performed according to Brislin’s translation guidelines. A pilot study was conducted with 15 Chinese family caregivers of cancer patients receiving hospice home care and 5 medical staff. A cross-sectional survey of 205 family caregivers was conducted from December 2018 to May 2019 at a home-based hospice care institute in Shenzhen, China. The validation procedure comprised the establishment of (1) content validity by a group of six experts; (2) face validity by 15 family caregivers; (3) criterion validity by calculating Spearman’s correlations between the CSNAT and caregiving burden, caregiving preparedness and quality of life scales; (4) internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha.

Results

The CSNAT demonstrated good face validity and good content validity. CSNAT scores showed clear positive correlations with caregiving burden and negative correlations with preparedness for caregiving and quality of life. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.899), although such reliability testing is not recommended for this tool.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of the CSNAT is a valid tool that is appropriate for identifying needs of family caregivers of cancer patients in home-based hospice care.
Kinematics approach with neural networks for early detection of sepsis (KANNEDS)
Authors: Cruz Márcio Freire , Ono Naoaki , Huang Ming , Altaf-Ul-Amin Md. , Kanaya Shigehiko , Cavalcante Carlos Arthur Mattos Teixeira
Published: June 2021

Background

Sepsis is a severe illness that affects millions of people worldwide, and its early detection is critical for effective treatment outcomes. In recent years, researchers have used models to classify positive patients or identify the probability for sepsis using vital signs and other time-series variables as input.

Methods

In our study, we analyzed patients’ conditions by their kinematics position, velocity, and acceleration, in a six-dimensional space defined by six vital signs. The patient is affected by the disease after a period if the position gets “near” to a calculated sepsis position in space. We imputed these kinematics features as explanatory variables of long short-term memory (LSTM), convolutional neural network (CNN) and linear neural network (LNN) and compared the prediction accuracies with only the vital signs as input. The dataset used contained information of approximately 4800 patients, each with 48 hourly registers.

Results

We demonstrated that the kinematics features models had an improved performance compared with vital signs models. The kinematics features model of LSTM achieved the best accuracy, 0.803, which was nine points higher than the vital signs model. Although with lesser accuracies, the kinematics features models of the CNN and LNN showed better performances than vital signs models.

Conclusion

Applying our novel approach for early detection of sepsis using neural networks will prove to be an invaluable, more accurate method than considering only simple vital signs as input variables. We expect that other researchers with similar objectives can use the model presented in this innovative approach to improve their results.
Very long intergenic non-coding (vlinc) RNAs directly regulate multiple genes in cis and trans
Authors: Cao Huifen , Xu Dongyang , Cai Ye , Han Xueer , Tang Lu , Gao Fan , Qi Yao , Cai DingDing , Wang Huifang , Ri Maxim , Antonets Denis , Vyatkin Yuri , Chen Yue , You Xiang , Wang Fang , Nicolas Estelle , Kapranov Philipp
Published: June 2021

Background

The majority of the human genome is transcribed in the form of long non-coding (lnc) RNAs. While these transcripts have attracted considerable interest, their molecular mechanisms of function and biological significance remain controversial. One of the main reasons behind this lies in the significant challenges posed by lncRNAs requiring the development of novel methods and concepts to unravel their functionality. Existing methods often lack cross-validation and independent confirmation by different methodologies and therefore leave significant ambiguity as to the authenticity of the outcomes. Nonetheless, despite all the caveats, it appears that lncRNAs may function, at least in part, by regulating other genes via chromatin interactions. Therefore, the function of a lncRNA could be inferred from the function of genes it regulates. In this work, we present a genome-wide functional annotation strategy for lncRNAs based on identification of their regulatory networks via the integration of three distinct types of approaches: co-expression analysis, mapping of lncRNA-chromatin interactions, and assaying molecular effects of lncRNA knockdowns obtained using an inducible and highly specific CRISPR/Cas13 system.

Results

We applied the strategy to annotate 407 very long intergenic non-coding (vlinc) RNAs belonging to a novel widespread subclass of lncRNAs. We show that vlincRNAs indeed appear to regulate multiple genes encoding proteins predominantly involved in RNA- and development-related functions, cell cycle, and cellular adhesion via a mechanism involving proximity between vlincRNAs and their targets in the nucleus. A typical vlincRNAs can be both a positive and negative regulator and regulate multiple genes both in trans and cis. Finally, we show vlincRNAs and their regulatory networks potentially represent novel components of DNA damage response and are functionally important for the ability of cancer cells to survive genotoxic stress.

Conclusions

This study provides strong evidence for the regulatory role of the vlincRNA class of lncRNAs and a potentially important role played by these transcripts in the hidden layer of RNA-based regulation in complex biological systems.
A novel mutation of COL2A1 in a large Chinese family with avascular necrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Zhang Zeng , Zhu Kechao , Dai Huiyong , Wang Qi , Zhang Changqing , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: June 2021

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) is a debilitating bone disease, characterized by collapse of the femoral head and subsequent loss of hip joint function. Heterozygous mutations in COL2A1 have been identified to cause familial ANFH. Here we report on a large Chinese family with ANFH and a novel heterozygous mutation (c.3517 G > A, p.Gly1173Ser) in exon 50 of COL2A1 in the Gly-X–Y domain. Previously, only five different COL2A1 mutations have been described in patients with familial ANFH. Therefore, our findings provide significant clues to the phenotype–genotype relationships in familial ANFH and may be helpful in clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, these results should assist further studies of the mechanisms underlying collagen diseases.
Analysis of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in infertile women with a history of thyroid cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Ning , Zeng Lin , Yan Jie , Chi Hongbin , Qiao Jie
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent studies have revealed that women with infertility have a higher risk of thyroid cancer (TC) than fertile women. However, studies on whether a history of thyroid cancer affects clinical outcomes in women who conceive using in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) are scarce. We investigate whether a history of thyroid cancer (TC) affects the in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes and increases the risk of adverse obstetric outcomes in women with infertility.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 384 women with infertility who underwent their first IVF/ICSI treatment at the Peking University Third Hospital between 2010 and 2019. Participants were divided into the TC (64 women with TC history) and control (320 women matched from 85,272 women without thyroid diseases) groups. Controls were individually matched to the TC group according to age, body mass index, concomitant infertility factors, first IVF/ICSI dates, and controlled ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer procedure protocols. IVF/ICSI outcomes, including the numbers of retrieved oocytes and high-grade embryos, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, preterm delivery, and live birth rates, and adverse obstetric outcome risk were assessed.

Results

The TC group had significantly higher thyroid hormone and lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels than the control group. Despite similar gonadotropin treatment dosage, the TC group had a significantly lower numbers of retrieved oocytes and high-grade embryos than the control group. The occurrence rates of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, preterm delivery, live births, and adverse obstetric outcomes, including multiple gestation, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, low birth weight, and large-for-gestational-age infants, were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

TC history did not affect the pregnancy outcomes or increase the risk of adverse obstetric outcomes after the first IVF/ICSI, but it may decrease the number of retrieved oocytes and high-grade embryos.
ACURATE neo™ aortic valve implantation via carotid artery access: first case report
Authors: Aludaat Chadi , Canville Alexandre , Landolff Quentin , Godin Matthieu , Bauer Fabrice , Doguet Fabien
Published: June 2021

Background

The ACURATE neo™ transcatheter heart valve (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) is predominantly implanted via femoral access. Transcarotid use of this prothesis has never been reported.

Case presentation

We present the case of an 89-year-old woman referred to us for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). After apparatus imaging of the aortic annulus and the peripheral vascular pathway, the heart team was confronted with a triple challenge: (i) The preferable choice of a self-expanding valve because of a small aortic annulus in an obese woman. (ii) Gaining favorable access to the coronary ostia, considering multiple recent coronary stenting. (iii) Utilizing an alternative arterial access because of iliac and femoral severely calcified stenosis. Implanting the ACURATE neo™ transcatheter heart valve (THV) via carotidal access allowed us to overcome these challenges. The procedure was performed successfully without any short-term complications.

Conclusion

We report the first case of implantation of an ACURATE neo™ transcatheter heart valve (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) via the right common carotid artery.
LINC00511 drives invasive behavior in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating exosome secretion and invadopodia formation
Authors: Peng Xueqiang , Li Xinyu , Yang Shuo , Huang Mingyao , Wei Shibo , Ma Yingbo , Li Yan , Wu Bo , Jin Hongyuan , Li Bowen , Tang Shilei , Fan Qing , Liu Jingang , Yang Liang , Li Hangyu
Published: June 2021

Background

Tumor cells are known to release large numbers of exosomes containing active substances that participate in cancer progression. Abnormally expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been confirmed to regulate multiple processes associated with tumor progression. However, the mechanism by which lncRNAs affect exosome secretion remains unclear.

Methods

The underlying mechanisms of long noncoding RNA LINC00511 (LINC00511) regulation of multivesicular body (MVB) trafficking, exosome secretion, invadopodia formation, and tumor invasion were determined through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immunoblotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, confocal colocalization analysis, electron microscopy, and invasion experiments.

Results

We revealed that the tumorigenesis process is associated with a significant increase in vesicle secretion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Additionally, LINC00511 was significantly more highly expressed in HCC tissues and is related to vesicle trafficking and MVB distribution. We also found that in addition to the formation of invadopodia in HCC progression, abnormal LINC00511 induces invadopodia formation in HCC cells by regulating the colocalization of vesicle associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7) and synaptosome associated protein 23 (SNAP23) to induce the invadopodia formation, which are key secretion sites for MVBs and control exosome secretion. Finally, we revealed that LINC0051-induced invadopodia and exosome secretion were involved in tumor progression.

Conclusions

Our experiments revealed novel findings on the relationship between LINC00511 dysregulation in HCC and invadopodia production and exosome secretion. This is a novel mechanism by which LINC00511 regulates invadopodia biogenesis and exosome secretion to further promote cancer progression.
Clinical risk factors associated with radiographic osteoarthritis progression among people with knee pain: a longitudinal study
Authors: Simic Milena , Harmer Alison R. , Agaliotis Maria , Nairn Lillias , Bridgett Lisa , March Lyn , Votrubec Milana , Edmonds John , Woodward Mark , Day Richard , Fransen Marlene
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to identify modifiable clinical factors associated with radiographic osteoarthritis progression over 1 to 2 years in people with painful medial knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted within a randomised controlled trial, the “Long-term Evaluation of Glucosamine Sulfate” (LEGS study). Recruitment occurred in 2007–2009, with 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments by blinded assessors. Community-dwelling people with chronic knee pain (≥4/10) and medial tibiofemoral narrowing (but retaining >2mm medial joint space width) on radiographs were recruited. From 605 participants, follow-up data were available for 498 (82%, mean [sd] age 60 [8] years). Risk factors evaluated at baseline were pain, physical function, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), statin use, not meeting physical activity guidelines, presence of Heberden’s nodes, history of knee surgery/trauma, and manual occupation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted adjusting for age, sex, obesity, high blood pressure, allocation to glucosamine and chondroitin treatment, and baseline structural disease severity (Kellgren and Lawrence grade, joint space width, and varus alignment). Radiographic osteoarthritis progression was defined as joint space narrowing ≥0.5mm over 1 to 2 years (latest follow-up used where available).

Results

Radiographic osteoarthritis progression occurred in 58 participants (12%). Clinical factors independently associated with radiographic progression were the use of NSAIDs, adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.05 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.8), and not meeting physical activity guidelines, OR 2.07 (95% CI 0.9 to 4.7).

Conclusions

Among people with mild radiographic knee osteoarthritis, people who use NSAIDs and/or do not meet physical activity guidelines have a greater risk of radiographic osteoarthritis progression.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00513422. This original study trial was registered a priori, on August 8, 2007. The current study hypothesis arose before inspection of the data.
Is Behçet’s syndrome associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease? A real-world evidence in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chun-Yu , Chen Hung-An , Wu Chun-Hsin , Su Yu-Jih , Hsu Tsai-Ching , Hsu Chung-Yuan
Published: June 2021

Background

A variety of chronic inflammatory diseases are linked to ischemic heart disease (IHD); however, this association is less well studied in patients with Behçet’s syndrome (BS). The primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of BS on the risk of IHD. The secondary objective was to estimate the long-term mortality risk in patients with BS.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort design based on the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, patients diagnosed with BS between 2000 and 2013, without prior history of IHD, were compared to non-BS individuals. The BS and non-BS cohorts were matched with a 1:2 ratio by propensity score, accounting for the following confounders: age, sex, year of index date, comorbidities, and drug exposure. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to derive the hazard ratio (HR) for IHD and mortality. The long-term survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

After propensity score matching, a total of 1554 patients newly diagnosed with BS and 3108 control subjects were identified. The incidence rate of IHD in the BS and control groups was 2.7 and 2.9 per 1000 person-years, respectively. The risk of IHD was comparable between BS and control cohorts [adjusted HR, 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66 to 1.62]. The 5- and 10-year survival rate of BS patients was 96.8% and 95.0%, respectively. Patients with BS exhibited a significantly higher risk of mortality than the sex- and age-matched general population (adjusted HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.32).

Conclusion

Unlike other chronic systemic autoimmune disorders, BS does not appear to be associated with an excess risk of IHD.
Mental health and stress among ICU healthcare professionals in France according to intensity of the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Laurent Alexandra , Fournier Alicia , Lheureux Florent , Louis Guillaume , Nseir Saad , Jacq Gwenaelle , Goulenok Cyril , Muller Grégoire , Badie Julio , Bouhemad Bélaïd , Georges Marjolaine , Mertes Paul-Michel , Merdji Hamid , Castelain Vincent , Abdulmalak Caroline , Lesieur Olivier , Plantefeve Gaëtan , Lacherade Jean-Claude , Rigaud Jean-Philippe , Sedillot Nicholas , Roux Damien , Terzi Nicolas , Beuret Pascal , Monsel Antoine , Poujol Anne-Laure , Kuteifan Khaldoun , Vanderlinden Thierry , Renault Anne , Vivet Bérengère , Vinsonneau Christophe , Barbar Saber Davide , Capellier Gilles , Dellamonica Jean , Ehrmann Stephan , Rimmelé Thomas , Bohé Julien , Bouju Pierre , Gibot Sébastien , Lévy Bruno , Temime Johanna , Pichot Cyrille , Schnell David , Friedman Diane , Asfar Pierre , Lebas Eddy , Mateu Philippe , Klouche Kada , Audibert Juliette , Ecarnot Fiona , Meunier-Beillard Nicolas , Loiseau Mélanie , François-Pursell Irène , Binquet Christine , Quenot Jean-Pierre ,   PsyCOVID-ICU Trial Investigators and the CRICS TRIGGERSEP Group (Clinical Research in Intensive Care and Sepsis Trial Group for Global Evaluation and Research in Sepsis)
Published: June 2021

Background

We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on mental health of professionals working in the intensive care unit (ICU) according to the intensity of the epidemic in France.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 77 French hospitals from April 22 to May 13 2020. All ICU frontline healthcare workers were eligible. The primary endpoint was the mental health, assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Sources of stress during the crisis were assessed using the Perceived Stressors in Intensive Care Units (PS-ICU) scale. Epidemic intensity was defined as high or low for each region based on publicly available data from Santé Publique France. Effects were assessed using linear mixed models, moderation and mediation analyses.

Results

In total, 2643 health professionals participated; 64.36% in high-intensity zones. Professionals in areas with greater epidemic intensity were at higher risk of mental health issues (p < 0.001), and higher levels of overall perceived stress (p < 0.001), compared to low-intensity zones. Factors associated with higher overall perceived stress were female sex (B = 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08–0.17), having a relative at risk of COVID-19 (B = 0.14; 95%-CI = 0.09–0.18) and working in high-intensity zones (B = 0.11; 95%-CI = 0.02–0.20). Perceived stress mediated the impact of the crisis context on mental health (B = 0.23, 95%-CI = 0.05, 0.41) and the impact of stress on mental health was moderated by positive thinking, b = − 0.32, 95% CI = − 0.54, − 0.11.

Conclusion

COVID-19 negatively impacted the mental health of ICU professionals. Professionals working in zones where the epidemic was of high intensity were significantly more affected, with higher levels of perceived stress. This study is supported by a grant from the French Ministry of Health (PHRC-COVID 2020).
Krasnoselski–Mann-type inertial method for solving split generalized mixed equilibrium and hierarchical fixed point problems
Authors: Chuasuk Preeyanuch , Kaewcharoen Anchalee
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present Krasnoselski–Mann-type inertial method for solving split generalized mixed equilibrium and hierarchical fixed point problems for k-strictly pseudocontractive nonself-mappings. We establish that the weak convergence of the proposed accelerated iterative method with inertial terms involves a step size which does not require any prior knowledge of the operator norm under several suitable conditions in Hilbert spaces. Finally, the application to a Nash–Cournot oligopolistic market equilibrium model is discussed, and numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our iterative method.
Thermochemical degradation of cotton fabric under mild conditions
Authors: Cuiffo Michael , Jung Hye Jung , Skocir Asta , Schiros Theanne , Evans Emily , Orlando Elizabeth , Lin Yu-Chung , Fang Yiwei , Rafailovich Miriam , Kim Taejin , Halada Gary
Published: June 2021

Textile waste presents a major burden on the environment, contributing to climate change and chemical pollution as toxic dyes and finishing chemicals enter the environment through landfill leachate. Moreover, the majority of textile waste reaching landfills is discarded clothing, which could be reused or recycled. Here we investigate environmentally benign morphology changing of cotton textiles as a precursor for reintegration into a circular materials economy. At 50 °C using low concentrations of acids and bases, the interfiber structures of woven cotton were successfully degraded when treated with the following sequence of chemical treatment: citric acid, urea, sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, and sodium nitrate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal separation of the constituent fibers without depolymerization of the cellulose structure, and streaming potential measurements indicate that surface charge effects play a key role in facilitating degradation. The proposed reaction procedures show feasibility of effective waste-fabric recycling processes without chemically intensive processes, in which staple fibers are recovered and can be re-spun into new textiles.
Self-reported vs. objectively assessed adherence to inhaled corticosteroids in asthma
Authors: Jensen Frodi Fridason , Håkansson Kjell E. J. , Overgaard Nielsen Britt , Weinreich Ulla Møller , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli
Published: June 2021

Background

Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma is vital for disease control. However, obtaining reliable and clinically useful measures of adherence remains a major challenge. We investigated the association between patient-reported adherence and objectively measured adherence based on filled prescriptions with inhaled corticosteroids in adults with asthma.

Methods

In total, 178 patients with asthma were asked to self-assess adherence during routine visits at a respiratory outpatient clinic. Self-assessment was performed using Foster score (“How many days in a 7-day week do you take your medication as prescribed?”, with the answer divided by 7). Objective adherence was calculated as medication possession ratio (MPR). Bivariate and multivariable linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, FEV1, GINA treatment step, excessive use of SABA, and history of exacerbations were used for analyses.

Results

Of the included patients, 87.6% reported a Foster score of 100%, while the mean ICS MPR was 54.0% (SD 25%). Complex regimens such as twice-daily dosing or dual inhaler-use were associated with lower adherence (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Foster score was predictive of ICS MPR, with an absolute 32% increase in MPR between patients reporting Foster scores of 0 and 100% (95% CI 13–50%, p < 0.001). Female sex predicted higher ICS MPR (p = 0.019). Previous asthma-related hospitalization(s) predicted lower ICS MPR (p = 0.039).

Conclusion

Although a weak association was found between Foster score and ICS MPR, findings do not support the use of Foster score, and by that self-reported adherence, as a reliable marker of controller adherence in asthma due to significant mismatch between patient-reported adherence and MPR. Future studies should address the complex interplay between patient-reported and objectively assessed adherence to controller medication in asthma.
Molecular characterization and biological activity of native Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate
Authors: Elmenofy Wael , El-Gaied Lamiaa , Yasser Norhan , Osman Engy , Sayed Samy , Abd El-Maksoud Reem M. , Naguib El Shaimaa , Abdelal Aziza
Published: June 2021

Background

Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV) is considered a promising biocontrol agent that can be used for the effective control of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which is an economic pest on many cultivated plants and crops in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The genome of the SpliNPV-AN1956 isolate has been fully sequenced, providing a reference strain for comparison of new isolates. In this study, identification, biological activity, and genetic characterization of a field collected SpliNPV isolate were carried out.

Results

The examination of viral occlusion bodies (OBs) by TEM showed a typical baculovirus OBs of type nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) with polyhedral structures. The phylogenetic analysis of the late expression factor- 5 (lef-5) gene as well as the restriction profile analysis confirmed the identity of SpliNPV as a variant isolate. Digestion with ScaI endonuclease showed that 4 fragments of 50, 35, 27, and 13 kb were detected but 3.2 kb was absent in SpliNPV-Cab3 pattern compared to the reference strain. Meanwhile, upon digestion with PstI and HindIII endonucleases, no differences were observed in both isolates’ pattern. Moreover, the virulence evaluation against S. littoralis 1st instar larvae indicated that LC50 value of SpliMNPV-Cab3 was higher than that estimated for the reference strain. Also, ST50 of SpliNPV-Cab3 (120 h) was significantly different with that of the reference strain (132 h).

Conclusion

The host specificity based on virulence parameters make SpliNPV-Cab3 isolate a potential candidate to be involved in the integrated pest management strategies for the control of S. littoralis population with a prospect to biopesticide development.
Anterior expansion and posterior addition to the notochord mechanically coordinate zebrafish embryo axis elongation
Authors: McLaren Susannah B. P. , Steventon Benjamin J.
Published: June 2021

How force generated by the morphogenesis of one tissue impacts the morphogenesis of other tissues to achieve an elongated embryo axis is not well understood. The notochord runs along the length of the somitic compartment and is flanked on either side by somites. Vacuolating notochord cells undergo a constrained expansion, increasing notochord internal pressure and driving its elongation and stiffening. Therefore, the notochord is appropriately positioned to play a role in mechanically elongating the somitic compartment. We used multi-photon cell ablation to remove specific regions of the zebrafish notochord and quantify the impact on axis elongation. We show that anterior expansion generates a force that displaces notochord cells posteriorly relative to adjacent axial tissues, contributing to the elongation of segmented tissue during post-tailbud stages. Unexpanded cells derived from progenitors at the posterior end of the notochord provide resistance to anterior notochord cell expansion, allowing for stress generation along the anterior-posterior axis. Therefore, notochord cell expansion beginning in the anterior, and addition of cells to the posterior notochord, act as temporally coordinated morphogenetic events that shape the zebrafish embryo anterior-posterior axis.
Recommendations from long-term care reports, commissions, and inquiries in Canada
Authors: Wong Eric K. C. , Thorne Trina , Estabrooks Carole , Straus Sharon E.
Published: June 2021

Background:Multiple long-term care (LTC) reports have issued similar recommendations for improvement across Canadian LTC homes. Our primary objective was to identify the most common recommendations made over the past 10 years. Our secondary objective was to estimate the total cost of studying LTC issues repeatedly from 1998 to 2020.

Methods:The qualitative and cost analyses were conducted in Canada from July to October 2020. Using a list of reports, inquiries and commissions from The Royal Society of Canada Working Group on Long-Term Care, we coded recurrent recommendations in LTC reports. We contacted the sponsoring organizations for a cost estimate, including direct and indirect costs. All costs were adjusted to 2020 Canadian dollar values.

Results:Of the 80 Canadian LTC reports spanning the years of 1998 to 2020, 24 (30%) were based on a national level and 56 (70%) were focused on provinces or municipalities. Report length ranged from 4 to 1491 pages and the median number of contributors was 14 (interquartile range, IQR, 5–26) per report. The most common recommendation was to increase funding to LTC to improve staffing, direct care and capacity (67% of reports). A median of 8 (IQR 3.25–18) recommendations were made per report. The total cost for all 80 reports was estimated to be $23,626,442.78.

Conclusions:Problems in Canadian LTC homes and their solutions have been known for decades. Despite this, governments and non-governmental agencies continue to produce more reports at a monetary and societal cost to Canadians.
Health professionals’ attitudes toward religiosity and spirituality: a NERSH Data Pool based on 23 surveys from six continents
Authors: Kørup Alex , Søndergaard Jens , Alyousefi Nada A , Lucchetti Giancarlo , Baumann Klaus , Lee Eunmi , Karimah Azimatul , Ramakrishnan Parameshwaran , Frick Eckhard , Büssing Arndt , Schouten Esther , Butcher Wyatt , Hefti René , Wermuth Inga , de Diego-Cordero Rocio , Menegatti-Chequini Maria Cecilia , Hvidt Niels Christian
Published: June 2021

Background

In order to facilitate better international and cross-cultural comparisons of health professionals (HPs) attitudes towards Religiosity and/or Spirituality (R/S) we updated the NERSH Data Pool.

Methods

We performed both a network search, a citation search and systematic literature searches to find new surveys.

Results

We found six new surveys (N=1,068), and the complete data pool ended up comprising 7,323 observations, including 4,070 females and 3,253 males. Most physicians (83%, N=3,700) believed that R/S had “some” influence on their patients’ health (CI95%) (81.8%–84.2%). Similarly, nurses (94%, N=1,020) shared such a belief (92.5%–95.5%). Across all samples 649 (16%; 14.9%–17.1%) physicians reported to have undergone formal R/S-training, compared with nurses where this was 264 (23%; 20.6%–25.4%).

Conclusions

Preliminary analysis indicates that HPs believe R/S to be important for patient health but lack formal R/S-training. Findings are discussed. We find the data pool suitable as a base for future cross-cultural comparisons using individual participant data meta-analysis.
Supplemental oxygen in Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Malawi: a prospective cohort study of patients admitted to medical wards
Authors: Thomson Helen , Mlaviwa Maness , Rylance Jamie , Jones Hannah , Reuben Ammoah , Stolbrink Marie
Published: June 2021

Background: Oxygen is designated an essential drug by the World Health Organisation, and reduces mortality in hypoxic patients. In low-resource settings the provision of oxygen seldom meets its demand. This study explores predictors and observed time-course of hypoxaemia in order to help inform needs assessments for oxygen in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of adults with hypoxaemia admitted to medical wards of a teaching hospital in Malawi between February and March 2020. Vital signs and oxygen therapy were recorded daily. We analysed outcomes (death, discharge from hospital or ongoing inpatient care at 14 days after admission) using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression time-to-event analysis.

Results: 33 patients were recruited with median age 45 years (IQR 33-61). 13 (39%) were female. Median pre-treatment oxygen saturations were 84% (IQR 76-87%). Oxygen delivery devices were often shared with other patients (n=10, 33%) and the flow rate was often unknown (n=14, 47%), mostly because of broken equipment (n=8, 57%). Median duration of oxygen therapy was 3 days (IQR 1-7). Death occurred in 16 (49%). Hazard ratios for short oxygen therapy were reduced in patients who had a chest radiograph performed (HR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02–0.30), in ex-smokers (HR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00-0.22) and in never smokers (HR 0.03, 95% CI 0.00 – 0.78).

Conclusions: Delivering oxygen therapy in lower-middle income countries is challenging; broken equipment and shared delivery devices prevented titration of flow rates. Patients were relatively young and at a high risk of death. Patients with a chest radiograph received oxygen for longer than those without. This hypothesis generating study can be used to build a more comprehensive understanding of oxygen supply need at the hospital level.
Solar energy discourse in the Sunshine State
Authors: Augustyn Prisca
Published: June 2021

This case study of a 2016 Florida constitutional amendment analyses the semiotic devices and mechanisms of shaping public opinion on solar energy and beliefs about energy distribution. After a nationwide rise in rooftop solar installations between 2014 and 2015, utilities in several US states were faced with challenges to their business models. Anticipating similar problems in Florida, utilities and energy corporations promoted constitutional amendments. This semiotic analysis follows the voter from the billboards and flyers to the text on the ballot. Starting from Peirce’s phenomenological categories, this critical analysis of the campaign reveals how the goals of the amendment were shrouded in positive environmental and consumer protection narratives. Lakoff ’s cognitive linguistics and Stibbe’s ecolinguistics support a deeper analysis of the ballot text. This study shows that by leaving key concepts (especially net metering) out of the discourse, the ballot text successfully framed an anti-solar amendment as a pro-consumer measure, while hiding the direct legal implications concerning alternative energy distribution. In particular, this study explains the opposition to the sharing of surplus in the context of neoclassical economics as a key factor in shaping beliefs about alternative energy distribution.
Metaphor, induction and innovation: Getting outside the box
Authors: Sahakyan Inesa
Published: June 2021

Today more than ever innovation seems vital for us to anticipate the future and adapt to our rapidly changing world. But what is innovation and how is it accomplished? How can the mind generate innovative ideas? To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the human capacity to innovate, the present study aims at answering two basic questions: first, ‘what makes innovation possible?’ and second, ‘why are innovative ideas unusual?’. These questions are addressed within the framework of Peircean semiotics, in particular in the light of Peirce’s conception of inference. Different types of inferences are studied to determine the mode of reasoning which is central to innovative thought. While creativity and innovation are often analysed through the prism of abduction, this study puts forward an alternative approach drawing a parallel between modes of inferences and types of hypoicons. It claims that what makes innovation possible is metaphoric reasoning underlying induction.
The dialogic nature of double consciousness and double stimulation: Implications from Peirce and Vygotsky
Authors: West Donna E.
Published: June 2021

The objective in this paper is to demonstrate the indispensability of Peirce’s double consciousness to foster abductive reasoning, so that internal/external dialogue inform the worthiness of hunches. These forms of dialogue establish a mental give-and-take forum in which novel meanings/effects are particularly highlighted and noticed. Such attentional shifts are compelled by surprising states of affairs within the beholder’s internal, interpretive competencies, or from external factors (pictures, gestural or linguistic performatives). The dialogic nature of these signs pre-forms operations not possible non-dialogically; they command, interrogate, or suggest alterations to established conduct/beliefs in contexts in which propositional/argumentative conflicts are obviated.

This inquiry proposes experimental methodologies to measure when double consciousness (via private/inner speech) mediates hypothesis-making. Vygotsky’s conflict of motive at four distinct developmental stages constitutes the foundation for the proposed experiments. Designs draw upon Vygotsky’s ‘double stimulation’ paradigms that force decision-making processes when conflicts of motive surface. Paradigms include forced imitation of one model while ignoring another (imitating bear, not dragon), and altering a visual array to depict logical sequencing accurately (the “Cycles Test”; “The Odd One Out”). These conflicts require children to change their conduct/beliefs to accommodate to atypical states of affairs.
Deterrence Effects of Enforcement Schemes: An Experimental Study
Authors: Agranov Marina , Buyalskaya Anastasia
Published: June 2021

Private and public organizations are interested in finding effective ways to reduce crime and promote ethical behavior without investing heavy resources into monitoring and compliance. In this paper, we experimentally study how revealing different information about a fine distribution affects deterrence of an undesirable behavior. We use a novel incentive-compatible elicitation method to observe subjects lying (the undesirable behavior) and quantify the extent to which this behavior responds to information structures. We find that punishment schemes that communicate only partial information (the minimum fine in particular) are more effective than full information schemes at deterring lying. We explore the mechanism driving this result and link it to subjects’ beliefs about their own versus the average expected fine in treatments with partial information.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.
FGM: Your responsibilities
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: June 2021

Teachers in England and Wales are subject to the duty to report FGM. What does this mean in practical terms and how should you advise and train staff to ensure compliance? Suzanne O'Connell recaps the duty
Avoiding zombie apocalypse
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: June 2021

It is a sad fact of life that there are clients who do not like to pay their bills in a timely fashion. What might be considered sport for them can become a burning and pressing issue for others. Adam Bernstein, in collaboration with Chris Else, explains the prompt action that is necessary
Student wellbeing and issues of mental health
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky
Published: June 2021

Every day, school staff will encounter students struggling with issues of mental health. In this practical guide, Dr Pooky Knightsmith looks at spotting the signs, the common mental health issues, how to intervene, talk and listen to young people, referring successfully to CAMHS, and eight tips for supporting young people
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) untuk Mengukur Pengaruh Pelayanan, Harga, dan Keselamatan terhadap Tingkat Kepuasan Pengguna Jasa Angkutan Umum Selama Pandemi Covid-19 di Kota Ambon
Authors: Putlely Zakheus , Lesnussa Yopi Andry , Wattimena Abraham Z , Matdoan Muhammad Yahya
Published: June 2021

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is a statistical analysis technique used to build and test statistical models in the form of causal models. Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) are government policies to break the chain of spreading the corona virus (Covid-19). This policy certainly has an impact on drivers of public transport services. This research shows that the passengers are very satisfied with the travel safety factor. Meanwhile, service factors and passenger public transport fares are in the satisfied category. Furthermore, the variable service quality (MP), the price of public transportation (H), and passenger safety (KP) have an influence on passenger satisfaction. Because the t-value is greater than 1.96 (for the real level of 5%). The influence of service quality, price and safety variables on passenger satisfaction is 78.1%, the remaining 21.9% is influenced by other variables outside the research.
Keywords: covid-19, structural equation modeling, satisfaction.
Numerical Tool for MOS Calculation with Different Mechanical/ Thermal Loads and Safety Factors Combinations
Authors: ONCESCU Ionut-Cosmin , NASTASE Mihaela
Published: June 2021

For aerospace vehicles, such as rockets and satellites that are subjected to high mechanical and thermal loading, it is necessary to better understand how the structure is influenced by these loads. Because reducing the mass of the structure while maintaining strength is a very important requirement, field-tested components will be subject to different SFs (safety factors) than those that are only subjected to FEA (Finite Element Analysis). Also to further reduce the magnitude of the load factors in the MOS (Margin of Safety) calculation, mechanical loads are considered to have a different safety factor than the thermal loads. This paper proposes a solution, a tool developed to calculate MOS for structural parts for different safety factors on mechanical and thermal loads, based on data obtained from FEA. The tool takes as input the results from the NASTRAN result files and creates one excel file with MOS for each component requested by the user and different types of summary.
Optimization laser parameters to simulate solar cell degradation induced by space radiation
Authors: AZIZ Sara , EL-FIKY Dalia , GAD Gad M. , MAHROUS Ayman
Published: June 2021

Space radiation has a catastrophic impact on solar cells performance, appears as a degradation in their electrical and physical properties, this may cause a satellite failure; to overcome this issue, ground testing is required. In this paper, the pulsed laser was used as an alternative irradiation tool to induce degradation in solar cell performance in order to simulate the space radiation effect on solar cells. Firstly, the solar cells were irradiated with a wavelength of 532 nm at different locations, with the same power to optimize the most effective area to irradiation. Secondly, the solar cells were irradiated to the optimized location with different laser fluences; the results showed a degradation in electrical and physical performance. The amount of degradation is proportional to the laser fluence. Dark current voltage (DIV) curves have been measured before and after laser irradiation. Solar cell degradation rates have been calculated based on the Degradation coefficients (KL, RC) and electrical damage models.