bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acessibilidade aos serviços odontológicos no SUS: revisão da literatura
Authors: Damasceno Kairo Silvestre Meneses , Cruz Denise Nogueira , Barros Sandra Garrido de
Published: March 2021

Introdução: A saúde como um direito inerente à cidadania na Constituição de 1988 foi uma conquista de grupos sociais que, à época, insatisfeitos com as desigualdades e exclusão de parte da população aos serviços de saúde, lutaram pela consolidação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Através desta conquista, políticas públicas foram implementadas para garantir este direito. No entanto, as desigualdades de acesso aos serviços de saúde são, ainda, um problema presente que impede o efetivo exercício do SUS em virtude de barreiras encontradas em diferentes dimensões, como a estrutural, operacional e relacional. Objetivo: Revisar a produção científica sobre a acessibilidade aos serviços odontológicos do SUS, caracterizando as principais barreiras de acesso. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura com busca ativa de artigos publicados no período de 2010 a 2017 nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), utilizando os descritores “acesso”, “acessibilidade”, “serviços odontológicos” e “saúde bucal”. Resultados: Um total de 24 artigos foram selecionados, apresentando como principais barreiras de acesso a falta de informação sobre os serviços e da importância da saúde bucal, a autoavaliação quanto à saúde bucal, a falta de materiais, recursos humanos e insumos, a não efetivação das políticas públicas vigentes, dentre outros. Conclusão: A superação das barreiras de acesso é fundamental para diminuir as iniquidades sociais e promover a justiça social, bem como novos estudos voltados para os grupos considerados mais vulneráveis.
Produção de mudas de pitaya com diferentes segmentos de cladódio e reguladores de crescimento vegetal
Authors: Ruths Rodrigo , Bonome Lisandro Tomas da Silva , Tomazi Yasmin , Siqueira Diogo José , Moura Gabriela Silva , Lima Cláudia Simone Madruga
Published: March 2021

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a aplicação de regulares vegetais e biofertilizante no desenvolvimento de segmentos de cladódios e formação de mudas da espécie Selenicereus setaceus. O experimento foi instalado em esquema fatorial 5x4x7, sendo 5 tratamentos: biofertilizante, auxina 500 ppm, giberelina 100 ppm, citocinina 200 ppm e testemunha; quatro segmentos de cladódios: apical, mediano, basal (10 cm) e inteiro (40 cm) e sete períodos de avaliação: 0, 20, 39, 64, 91, 116 e 143 dias após o plantio. Os cladódios tratados com auxina apresentaram maiores médias de comprimento e massa seca de raiz, enquanto que, aqueles tratados com biofertilizante menores. A massa seca de raiz de cladódios inteiros foi superior a observada em segmentos menores. Os tratamentos com cladódio inteiro e região basal apresentaram maiores médias de número de brotações em comparação as regiões mediana e apical. Os tratamentos com auxina e citocinina promoveram maior número de brotações nos cladódios. O maior comprimento de brotações foi observado para o tratamento com cladódios inteiros.
Subjetividade na avaliação da aprendizagem
Authors: Barroso Itauany do Nascimento , Reis Jéssica Flavia dos , Amorim Vanêssa Pena Rezende
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a subjetividade pode ou não influenciar na avaliação de aprendizagem, inclusive interferindo na progressão do aluno para séries posteriores. A pesquisa foi realizada através de estudos bibliográficos, onde os dados foram coletados e interpretados em artigos, livros, trabalhos acadêmicos e demais textos científicos. Como resultado, foi verificado sobre a formação docente quanto à avaliação de aprendizagem, assim como identificado o contexto histórico e os conceitos sobre avaliação. Por fim, analisou-se as relações entre a subjetividade, a aprendizagem e a avaliação. Como conclusão, observou-se que a subjetividade está presente não apenas no processo de avaliação da aprendizagem, mas sim, em todo meio educacional, por ser parte inerente dos indivíduos que o compõem. E com o professor não seria diferente, sendo que é preciso ter a consciência da subjetividade durante as correções das atividades desenvolvidas pelos alunos, para buscar minimizá-la de forma a não prejudicar os estudantes.
O papel do farmacêutico na prevenção de erros de medicação
Authors: Ferreira Fabiana Sari , Pereira Thais Arnoni , Souza Beatriz Paludo de , Sanches Andréia Cristina Conegero
Published: March 2021

Visando a promoção de práticas seguras e a geração de indicadores para o monitoramento e avaliação do processo da utilização dos medicamentos, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os erros de prescrição e dispensação evitados pela equipe farmacêutica a fim de contribuir para a qualidade do serviço. Trata-se de uma análise transversal realizada na farmácia central em um hospital escola no período de 01 janeiro a 31 dezembro de 2019. Foram avaliados os registros de intervenções farmacêuticas e da conferência das medicações antes da dispensação. Os dados coletados produziram indicadores que foram analisados através do Diagrama de Pareto e confrontados com os eventos notificados na instituição. Os erros de prescrição mais detectados pela intervenção farmacêutica foram a frequência e a dose inadequada. Os erros prevenidos durante a conferência dos pacotes de medicações foram a falta de medicamento prescrito e troca de horário. Além disso, das notificações relacionadas aos erros de medicação, foram observados que 32,88% eram referentes aos erros de prescrição, 41,10% aos erros de dispensação e 26,03% aos erros de administração. Mesmo com a subnotificação, foram registrados 3343 eventos prevenidos pela equipe farmacêutica, mostrando que sua atuação é indispensável e faz parte das estratégias de prevenção de eventos adversos no âmbito hospitalar.
Liana Plants of the Natural Flora of Azerbaijan, Their Botanical-Geographical Spread and Use
Authors: Mehraliyev A. , Kafarova O.
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Liane-type plants of natural flora of Azerbaijan were studied, their distribution areas were partially identified, and also taxonomic composition and application areas were given in the paper. Lianas are a minority in the flora and mainly in grasses and shrubs forms as have shown results of studies. 25 species of lianas of 11 families and 14 genera are spread in the natural flora of Azerbaijan. This is consist only 0.5% of the total natural flora of Azerbaijan (4,500 species). Many perennial and annual lianas belonging to the Convolvulaceae family (Bingweed), especially Convolvulus cantabrica L., Convolvulus commutatus Boiss., Convolvulus erinaceus Ledeb. etc. species are very rare in nature. This group of plants is most widespread in the Kur-Araz lowland and the Greater Caucasus, and the least were found in the Caspian lowlands, Nakhchivan mountains and Gobustan as shown result of the study of the distribution areas of lianas. The use of lianas of natural flora in urban landscaping has been studied, and many species can be used for landscaping due to their bioecological properties. Some species (i. e., Hedera helix L., Lonicera caprifolium L., etc.) are currently used in vertical landscaping should be noted. However, research has shown that the flora also contains many species of ornamental lianas that can be involved in vertical landscaping.
Effect of the Crops Density and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Cotton Crop Yield in Summer Planting
Authors: Aslanov Q. , Quliyeva N.
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the issues of scientific solution of the State Program for the development of cotton growing in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Ganja-Gazakh zone has been irrigated for a long time and is widely used both in the cultivation of cotton and grain, melons and vegetables. The results of the influence of organic and mineral fertilizers on the plant density of cotton after barley harvest are analyzed. The optimal doses of fertilizers for obtaining a high, high-quality and sustainable yield of raw cotton have been determined.
Characteristic Properties of the Spread of Associative Diseases in Domestic Chickens
Authors: Mammadov R.
Published: March 2021

In private poultry farms, located in the Fatmai and Sarai settlements of Apsheron district there have been carried out scatological and helminthological examination for various age groups. It became known that in Fatmai settlement infection of birds with various invasions, including with IE of ascaridiosis was 32.0%, II 2–31 of specimens, with IE of raillietinosis 18.9%, II 1–9 of specimens, with IE of heterakiosis was 30.9%, II 2–28 of specimens, and according to the results of examinations, conducted on poultry in Sarai settlement, with ascaridiosis having IE of 30.7%, II 1–29 of specimens, with IE of raillietinosis of 19.1%, II 2–17 of specimens, with IE of heterakiosis of 30.2%, II 1–23 of specimens of helminths, have been identified in the mixed form.
Turkey Helminths in Azerbaijan
Authors: Bilalov R.
Published: March 2021

The fauna of turkey helminths was studied in specialized and subsidiary farms of the population in 23 districts of the republic belonging to 4 natural and climatic zones: Kur-Aras and Lankaran lowlands, foothill and mountain belts of the Great and Lesser Caucasus. We have registered 12 species of turkey helminths, of which one species is recorded for the first time in turkeys in the CIS, and 9 species in Azerbaijan. When opening 676 turkeys, infection with helminths was revealed by 75.4%, including nematodes — 74.4%, cestodes — 7.8%, trematodes — 0.14%.
The Reform of National Systems of Design Education in the Context of New Social and Economic Conditions of the Second Half of the 20th Century on the Example of Ukraine and Sakartvelo (Georgia)
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, Kutateladze Vladyslav
Published: March 2021

The changes in design education in the second half of the 20th century that took place in Ukraine and Sakartvelo (Georgia) are considered in the article. This was the period of formation of training models for designers including the stage of pre-university education. Three conceptual and methodological foundations of learning are defined. The initial level of design education is considered on the examples of Ukrainian and Kartvelian practices, which are designed to provide education of susceptibility to manifestations of material culture. The next step is a survey of professional level that is training of secondary and higher qualification specialists, advanced professional training, retraining, and functioning of scientific institutions in both states. The required framework for national design training systems has been identified. The turn of the 1980–90s is fundamental in reorienting the goals and objectives of training of designers and creating an updated model. Just at that time the principle of a new type of professional thinking formation called “universal designer” was applied. It solved system problems of organizing daily aspects of living activity. This led to the emerging of alternative teaching methods, one of which being the concept of advanced morphology. It is noted that due to objective difficulties both states failed to implement a new model of specialists to the full extend. However, the contours of its capabilities are clearly defined, namely when there are options for choosing a specialization not on the basis of sector-specific industry principle, but according to the model of design issues.
Teachers Teaching Management During Belajar dari Rumah (BDR) Policy In Higher Education: A Piece of Teacher Sharing Ways
Authors: Latief Suryawahyuni , Hendrayani Santi , Samsuddin Samsuddin
Published: March 2021

Teaching is an educator activity in the learning process, which aims to develop the potential that students have in the form of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Since the Covid 19 pandemic, the government has issued a policy of "Belajar Dari Rumah" (BDR) as an effort to overcome the spread of the virus. Teaching in accordance with BDR policy makes educators at private universities in Jambi city who do not have a Learning Management System (LMS) conduct teaching management in accordance with their expertise and knowledge. This study aims to describe the experience of educators in universities who do not have LMS in managing teaching during the Covid 19 pandemic so that learning can run according to learning objectives using a qualitative descriptive approach, involving ten educators with different scientific fields and courses. This research uses a qualitative research method involving ten educators from private universities in Jambi who do not have LMS. Data have collected through observations, interviews, and documents. The data collected have analyzed through the stages of reducing data, displaying data, and drawing conclusions in accordance with research objectives. The data analyzed is using the technique validity of data through data triangulation. The study found that the management of educator teaching in private universities in Jambi city who do not have LMS is implemented BDR policies during the pandemic period following the established implementation rules without leaving the meaning of learning and learning process standards that have set out in government regulations through the stage of teaching management.

Keywords: Work from Home, Learning, Belajar dar Rumah, Teaching Management
Restoring the Memory of the Forgotten Dutch Embroidery Designer Nellie van Rijsoort
Authors: Kargól Marta
Published: March 2021

In 1932, Nellie van Rijsoort (1910–1996), the Dutch embroidery maker and designer, opened her atelier in Rotterdam. Among her clients were prestigious fashion stores in the Netherlands as well as wealthy middle-class customers. After the Second World War, van Rijsoort left Rotterdam and continued her career in Melbourne in the rapidly developing fashion network of Australia. Today, samples of embroidered fabrics and fashion drawings by Nellie van Rijsoort are part of the collections of the Museum Rotterdam and the National Trust of Australia in Melbourne. These collections provide insight into half a century of history of embroidered fabrics. This article illustrates the largely forgotten career of the embroidery designer. The first part of the article outlines the position and meaning of van Rijsoort's atelier in the fashion networks of the Netherlands and Australia, while the second part provides an analysis of embroidery samples and drawings, which reveal the place and function of embroideries as dress decorations.
Coronavirus-Induced Host Cubic Membranes and Lipid-Related Antiviral Therapies: A Focus on Bioactive Plasmalogens
Authors: Deng Yuru , Angelova Angelina
Published: March 2021

Coronaviruses have lipid envelopes required for their activity. The fact that coronavirus infection provokes the formation of cubic membranes (CM) (denoted also as convoluted membranes) in host cells has not been rationalized in the development of antiviral therapies yet. In this context, the role of bioactive plasmalogens (vinyl ether glycerophospholipids) is not completely understood. These lipid species display a propensity for non-lamellar phase formation, facilitating membrane fusion, and modulate the activity of membrane-bound proteins such as enzymes and receptors. At the organism level, plasmalogen deficiency is associated with cardiometabolic disorders including obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. A straight link is perceived with the susceptibility of such patients to SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) infection, the severity of illness, and the related difficulty in treatment. Based on correlations between the coronavirus-induced modifications of lipid metabolism in host cells, plasmalogen deficiency in the lung surfactant of COVID-19 patients, and the alterations of lipid membrane structural organization and composition including the induction of CM, we emphasize the key role of plasmalogens in the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, or MERS-CoV) entry and replication in host cells. Considering that plasmalogen-enriched lung surfactant formulations may improve the respiratory process in severe infected individuals, plasmalogens can be suggested as an anti-viral prophylactic, a lipid biomarker in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infections, and a potential anti-viral therapeutic component of lung surfactant development for COVID-19 patients.
Adenosine Receptor and Its Downstream Targets, Mod(mdg4) and Hsp70, Work as a Signaling Pathway Modulating Cytotoxic Damage in Drosophila
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsien , Maaroufi Houda Ouns , Kucerova Lucie , Rouhova Lenka , Filip Tomas , Zurovec Michal
Published: March 2021

Adenosine (Ado) is an important signaling molecule involved in stress responses. Studies in mammalian models have shown that Ado regulates signaling mechanisms involved in “danger-sensing” and tissue-protection. Yet, little is known about the role of Ado signaling inDrosophila. In the present study, we observed lower extracellular Ado concentration and suppressed expression of Ado transporters in flies expressing mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT). We altered Ado signaling using genetic tools and found that the overexpression of Ado metabolic enzymes, as well as the suppression of Ado receptor (AdoR) and transporters (ENTs), were able to minimize mHTT-induced mortality. We also identified the downstream targets of the AdoR pathway, the modifier of mdg4 (Mod(mdg4)) and heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70), which modulated the formation of mHTT aggregates. Finally, we showed that a decrease in Ado signaling affects otherDrosophilastress reactions, including paraquat and heat-shock treatments. Our study provides important insights into how Ado regulates stress responses inDrosophila.
The Transcription Factor C/EBPβ Promotes HFL-1 Cell Migration, Proliferation, and Inflammation by Activating lncRNA HAS2-AS1 in Hypoxia
Authors: Yang Xue , Qi Fei , Wei Shanchen , Lin Lianjun , Liu Xinmin
Published: March 2021

Objective

Recent studies were widely concerned about the role of lncRNAs in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH). HAS2 was found significantly highly expressed in HPH, but the antisense of HAS2 (HAS2-AS1) has not been explored in HPH, providing a new potential therapeutic target of HPH.

Methods

In this study, human fetal lung fibroblast-1 (HFL-1) cells were cultured under hypoxia conditions to stimulate the pathological process of HPH. Transwell and wound-healing assays were used to detect HFL-1 cell migration, and CCK 8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation. The upstream transcription factor of HAS2-AS1 was predicted by JASPAR website, and the binding site between C/EBPβ and HAS2-AS1 was predicted by JASPAR, too. In order to verify the association between C/EBPβ and the HAS2 promoter region, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter gene detection, western blot to detect the expression of inflammation-related proteins, and qRT-PCR to detect the expression of HAS2-AS1 and HAS2. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with HPH patient microarray data was downloaded from the GEO database and analyzed by R software.

Results

Our study showed that HAS2-AS1 and C/EBPβ were highly expressed in hypoxic HFL-1 cells, and the knockdown of HAS2-AS1 expression could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and inflammatory response of HFL-1 cells. C/EBPβ binds to the promoter region of HAS2-AS1 and has a positive regulation effect on the transcription of HAS2-AS1. Furthermore, C/EBPβ can regulate the proliferation, migration, and inflammatory response of HFL-1 cells through HAS2-AS1.

Conclusion

This study suggested that C/EBPβ could upregulate HAS2-AS1 expression and induce HFL-1 cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation response.
Structural Basis of Potential Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease
Authors: Mengist Hylemariam Mihiretie , Dilnessa Tebelay , Jin Tengchuan
Published: March 2021

The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is still devastating the world causing significant social, economic, and political chaos. Corresponding to the absence of globally approved antiviral drugs for treatment and vaccines for controlling the pandemic, the number of cases and/or mortalities are still rising. Current patient management relies on supportive treatment and the use of repurposed drugs as an indispensable option. Of a crucial role in the viral life cycle, ongoing studies are looking for potential inhibitors to the main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2) to tackle the pandemic. Although promising results have been achieved in searching for drugs inhibiting the Mpro, work remains to be done on designing structure-based improved drugs. This review discusses the structural basis of potential inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, identifies gaps, and provides future directions. Further, compounds with potential Mprobased antiviral activity are highlighted.
A Novel BODIPY Quaternary Ammonium Salt-Based Fluorescent Probe: Synthesis, Physical Properties, and Live-Cell Imaging
Authors: Deng Peng , Xiao Fuyan , Wang Zhou , Jin Guofan
Published: March 2021

The development of biological fluorescent probes is of great significance to the field of cancer bio-imaging. However, most current probes within the bulky hydrophobic group have limited application in aqueous medium and restricted imaging under physiological conditions. Herein, we proposed two efficient molecules to study their physical properties and imaging work, and the absorption and fluorescence intensity were collected with varying ions attending in aqueous medium. We enhance the water solubility through the quaternization reaction and form a balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobicity with dipyrrome-theneboron difluoride (BODIPY) fluorophore. We introduced pyridine and dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) by quaternization and connected the BODIPY fluorophore by ethylenediamine. The final synthesized probes have achieved ideal affinity with HeLa cells (human cervical carcinoma cell line) in live-cell imaging which could be observed by Confocal Microscope. The probes also have a good affinity with subcutaneous tumor cells in mice in in vivo imaging, which may make them candidates as oncology imaging probes.
The M. tuberculosis Rv1523 Methyltransferase Promotes Drug Resistance Through Methylation-Mediated Cell Wall Remodeling and Modulates Macrophages Immune Responses
Authors: Ali Sabeeha , Ehtram Aquib , Arora Naresh , Manjunath P. , Roy Deodutta , Ehtesham Nasreen Z. , Hasnain Seyed E.
Published: March 2021

The acquisition of antibiotics resistance is a major clinical challenge limiting the effective prevention and treatment of the deadliest human infectious disease tuberculosis. The molecular mechanisms by which initially Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) develop drug resistance remain poorly understood. In this study, we report the novel role of M.tb Rv1523 MTase in the methylation of mycobacterial cell envelope lipids and possible mechanism of its contribution in the virulence and drug resistance. Initial interactome analyses predicted association of Rv1523 with proteins related to fatty acid biosynthetic pathways. This promoted us to investigate methylation activity of Rv1523 using cell wall fatty acids or lipids as a substrate. Rv1523 catalyzed the transfer of methyl group from SAM to the cell wall components of mycobacterium. To investigate further the in vivo methylating role of Rv1523, we generated a recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis strain that expressed the Rv1523 gene. The M. smegmatis strain expressing Rv1523 exhibited altered cell wall lipid composition, leading to an increased survival under surface stress, acidic condition and resistance to antibiotics. Macrophages infected with recombinant M. smegmatis induced necrotic cell death and modulated the host immune responses. In summary, these findings reveal a hitherto unknown role of Rv1523 encoded MTase in cell wall remodeling and modulation of immune responses. Functional gain of mycolic acid Rv1523 methyltransferase induced virulence and resistance to antibiotics in M. smegmatis. Thus, mycolic acid methyltransferase may serve as an excellent target for the discovery and development of novel anti-TB agents.
Personalised, Rational, Efficacy-Driven Cancer Drug Dosing via an Artificial Intelligence SystEm (PRECISE): A Protocol for the PRECISE CURATE.AI Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Tan Benjamin Kye Jyn , Teo Chong Boon , Tadeo Xavier , Peng Siyu , Soh Hazel Pei Lin , Du Sherry De Xuan , Luo Vilianty Wen Ya , Bandla Aishwarya , Sundar Raghav , Ho Dean , Kee Theodore Wonpeum , Blasiak Agata
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Oncologists have traditionally administered the maximum tolerated doses of drugs in chemotherapy. However, these toxicity-guided doses may lead to suboptimal efficacy. CURATE.AI is an indication-agnostic, mechanism-independent and efficacy-driven personalised dosing platform that may offer a more optimal solution. While CURATE.AI has already been applied in a variety of clinical settings, there are no prior randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on CURATE.AI-guided chemotherapy dosing for solid tumours. Therefore, we aim to assess the technical and logistical feasibility of a future RCT for CURATE.AI-guided solid tumour chemotherapy dosing. We will also collect exploratory data on efficacy and toxicity, which will inform RCT power calculations.

Methods and analysis: This is an open-label, single-arm, two-centre, prospective pilot clinical trial, recruiting adults with metastatic solid tumours and raised baseline tumour marker levels who are planned for palliative-intent, capecitabine-based chemotherapy. As CURATE.AI is a small data platform, it will guide drug dosing for each participant based only on their own tumour marker levels and drug doses as input data. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants in whom CURATE.AI is successfully applied to provide efficacy-driven personalised dosing, as judged based on predefined considerations. Secondary outcomes include the timeliness of dose recommendations, participant and physician adherence to CURATE.AI-recommended doses, and the proportion of clinically significant dose changes. We aim to initially enrol 10 participants from two hospitals in Singapore, perform an interim analysis, and consider either cohort expansion or an RCT. Recruitment began in August 2020. This pilot clinical trial will provide key data for a future RCT of CURATE.AI-guided personalised dosing for precision oncology.

Ethics and dissemination: The National Healthcare Group (NHG) Domain Specific Review Board has granted ethical approval for this study (DSRB 2020/00334). We will distribute our findings at scientific conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number: NCT04522284
Resilience, Reorientation, and Reinvention: School Leadership During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: McLeod Scott , Dulsky Shelley
Published: March 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly across the globe, many schools struggled to react both quickly and adequately. Schools were one of the most important societal institutions to be affected by the pandemic. However, most school leaders have little to no training in crisis leadership, nor have they dealt with a crisis of this scale and this scope for this long. This article presents our findings from interviews of 43 school organizations around the globe about their responses during the early months of the pandemic. Primary themes from the interviews included an emphasis on vision and values; communication and family community engagement; staff care, instructional leadership, and organizational capacity-building; equity-oriented leadership practices; and recognition of potential future opportunities. These findings resonate with the larger research literature on crisis leadership and have important implications for school leaders’ future mindsets, behaviors, and support structures during crisis incidents.
Caring For, About, and With: Exploring Musical Meaningfulness Among Suzuki Students and Parents
Authors: Hendricks Karin S. , Einarson Kathleen M. , Mitchell Nancy , Guerriero Elizabeth M. , D’Ercole Patricia
Published: March 2021

An investigation of the relationships between empathy, music learning, and shared music values may provide new insights into the ways that musical meaningfulness and the symbiotic eudaimonic ideal – “flourishing of oneselfandof others” – might be cultivated. We investigated the relationships between parent perceptions of children’s empathy, parent beliefs and values about music, and formal Suzuki training over a period of 6 months, to understand ways in which shared music learning experiences might relate to emotional and musical connections between parents and children. Participants were parents of 48 Suzuki students at a structured Suzuki school in the Midwestern United States. We designed a survey containing an adapted version of the Griffith Empathy Measure for children with additional questions regarding family demographics and values regarding music education. Participants completed the survey at the start of the lesson year, and again 6 months later. Children who persisted in group lessons throughout the study began with significantly higher empathy scores, compared to those children who did not participate in group lessons. Children’s initial empathy scores were significantly positively correlated with parents’ ratings of the importance of music instruction generally, and of Suzuki instruction particularly, to their family. A significant but moderate correlation was found between initial empathy scores and the belief that music would help the child succeed in other areas. This exploratory study highlights potential relationships between family music values, children’s empathy, and participation in group music-making. Our findings are consistent with research demonstrating that child and parent personalities predict the duration of formal music training for children. They also support the philosophy of musical meaningfulness, by suggesting ways in which meaningful connections may be forged simultaneously between people who care for one another, and between people and the activities they care about. Our results point to the importance of providing a variety of music learning activities and structures that reflect the personality, needs, and interests of children and parents. We offer specific recommendations for future research to draw further insights and implications about these relationships.
Beige Adipose Tissue Identification and Marker Specificity—Overview
Authors: Pilkington Anna-Claire , Paz Henry A. , Wankhade Umesh D.
Published: March 2021

Adipose tissue (AT) is classified based on its location, physiological and functional characteristics. Although there is a clear demarcation of anatomical and molecular features specific to white (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT), the factors that uniquely differentiate beige AT (BeAT) remain to be fully elaborated. The ubiquitous presence of different types of AT and the inability to differentiate brown and beige adipocytes because of similar appearance present a challenge when classifying them one way or another. Here we will provide an overview of the latest advances in BeAT, BAT, and WAT identification based on transcript markers described in the literature. The review paper will highlight some of the difficulties these markers pose and will offer new perspectives on possible transcript-specific identification of BeAT. We hope that this will advance the understanding of the biology of different ATs. In addition, concrete strategies to distinguish different types of AT may be relevant to track the efficacy and mechanisms around interventions aimed to improve metabolic health and thwart excessive weight gain.
Low Prognosis by the POSEIDON Criteria in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Multicenter and Multinational Prevalence Study of Over 13,000 Patients
Authors: Esteves Sandro C. , Yarali Hakan , Vuong Lan N. , Carvalho José F. , Özbek İrem Y. , Polat Mehtap , Le Ho L. , Pham Toan D. , Ho Tuong M.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of low-prognosis patients according to the POSEIDON criteria using real-world data.

Design

Multicenter population-based cohort study.

Settings

Fertility clinics in Brazil, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Patients

Infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology using standard ovarian stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

Per-period prevalence rates of POSEIDON patients (overall, stratified by POSEIDON groups and by study center) and the effect of covariates on the probability that a patient be classified as “POSEIDON”.

Results

A total of 13,146 patients were included. POSEIDON patients represented 43.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.0–43.7) of the studied population, and the prevalence rates varied across study centers (range: 38.6–55.7%). The overall prevalence rates by POSEIDON groups were 44.2% (group 1; 95% CI 42.6–45.9), 36.1% (group 2; 95% CI 34.6–37.7), 5.2% (group 3; 95% CI 4.5–6.0), and 14.4% (group 4; 95% CI: 13.3–15.6). In general, POSEIDON patients were older, had a higher body mass index (BMI), lower ovarian reserve markers, and a higher frequency of female factor as the primary treatment indication than non-POSEIDON patients. The former required larger doses of gonadotropin for ovarian stimulation, despite achieving a 2.5 times lower number of retrieved oocytes than non-POSEIDON patients. Logistic regression analyses revealed that female age, BMI, ovarian reserve, and a female infertility factor were relevant predictors of the POSEIDON condition.

Conclusions

The estimated prevalence of POSEIDON patients in the general population undergoing ART is significant. These patients differ in clinical characteristics compared with non-POSEIDON patients. The POSEIDON condition is associated with female age, ovarian reserve, BMI, and female infertility. Efforts in terms of diagnosis, counseling, and treatment are needed to reduce the prevalence of low-prognosis patients.
Molecular Genetic and Genomic Alterations in Cushing’s Syndrome and Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Kamilaris Crystal D. C. , Stratakis Constantine A. , Hannah-Shmouni Fady
Published: March 2021

The genetic alterations that cause the development of glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid producing benign adrenocortical tumors and hyperplasias have largely been elucidated over the past two decades through advances in genomics. In benign aldosterone-producing adrenocortical tumors and hyperplasias, alteration of intracellular calcium signaling has been found to be significant in aldosterone hypersecretion, with causative defects including those in KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, CACNA1D, CACNA1H, and CLCN2. In benign cortisol-producing adrenocortical tumors and hyperplasias abnormal cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A signaling has been found to play a central role in tumorigenesis, with pathogenic variants in GNAS, PRKAR1A, PRKACA, PRKACB, PDE11A, and PDE8B being implicated. The role of this signaling pathway in the development of Cushing’s syndrome and adrenocortical tumors was initially discovered through the study of the underlying genetic defects causing the rare multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes McCune-Albright syndrome and Carney complex with subsequent identification of defects in genes affecting the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A pathway in sporadic tumors. Additionally, germline pathogenic variants in ARMC5, a putative tumor suppressor, were found to be a cause of cortisol-producing primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. This review describes the genetic causes of benign cortisol- and aldosterone-producing adrenocortical tumors.
Levothyroxine Therapy in Elderly Patients With Hypothyroidism
Authors: Effraimidis Grigoris , Watt Torquil , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla
Published: March 2021

Levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of overt hypothyroidism can be more challenging in elderly compared to young patients. The elderly population is growing, and increasing incidence and prevalence of hypothyroidism with age are observed globally. Elderly people have more comorbidities compared to young patients, complicating correct diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism. Most importantly, cardiovascular complications compromise the usual start dosage and upward titration of L-T4 due to higher risk of decompensating cardiac ischemia and -function. It therefore takes more effort and care from the clinician, and the maintenance dose may have to be lower in order to avoid a cardiac incidence. On the other hand, L-T4 has a beneficial effect on cardiac function by increasing performance. The clinical challenge should not prevent treating with L-T4 should the patient develop e.g., cardiac ischemia. The endocrinologist is obliged to collaborate with the cardiologist on prophylactic cardiac measures by invasive cardiac surgery or medical therapy against cardiac ischemic angina. This usually allows subsequent successful treatment. Management of mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism is even more complex. Prevalent comorbidities in the elderly complicate correct diagnosis, since many concomitant morbidities can result in non-thyroidal illness, resembling mild hypothyroidism both clinically and biochemically. The diagnosis is further complicated as methods for measuring thyroid function (thyrotropin and thyroxine) vary immensely according to methodology and background population. It is thus imperative to ensure a correct diagnosis by etiology (e.g., autoimmunity) before deciding to treat. Even then, there is controversy regarding whether or not treatment of such mild forms of hypothyroidism in elderly will improve mortality, morbidity, and quality of life. This should be studied in large cohorts of patients in long-term placebo-controlled trials with clinically relevant outcomes. Other cases of hypothyroidism, e.g., medications, iodine overload or hypothalamus-pituitary-hypothyroidism, each pose specific challenges to management of hypothyroidism; these cases are also more frequent in the elderly. Finally, adherence to treatment is generally challenging. This is also the case in elderly patients, which may necessitate measuring thyroid hormones at individually tailored intervals, which is important to avoid over-treatment with increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality, osteoporosis, cognitive dysfunction, and muscle deficiency.
MiR-452 Regulates C2C12 Myoblast Proliferation and Differentiation via Targeting ANGPT1
Authors: Yang Lingzhi , Qi Qi , Wang Jian , Song Chengchuang , Wang Yanhong , Chen Xi , Chen Hong , Zhang Chunlei , Hu Linyong , Fang Xingtang
Published: March 2021

microRNAs are a kind of endogenous, non-coding, single-strand small RNA. They have been reported as an important regulatory factor in skeletal myogenesis. In this study, miR-452 was selected from RNA high-throughput sequencing data to explore its regulatory role in myogenesis. Functionally, miR-452 overexpression could promote C2C12 myoblast proliferation while inhibiting myogenic differentiation. On the contrary, inhibition of miR-452 could suppress C2C12 myoblast proliferation but accelerate myogenic differentiation. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase report assays showed that Angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), RB1, and CACNB4 were the potential target genes of miR-452. To further confirm the target relationship between ANGPT1, RB1, and CACNB4 with miR-452, the mRNA level and protein level of these genes were detected by using RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Result analysis indicated that ANGPT1 was a target gene of miR-452. In addition, knockdown of ANGPT1 could obviously promote C2C12 myoblast proliferation but block their differentiation. In summary, these results demonstrated that miR-452 promoted C2C12 myoblast proliferation and inhibited their differentiation via targeting ANGPT1.
The Manipulation of the Lipid Mediator Metabolism as Adjunct Host-Directed Therapy in Tuberculosis
Authors: Nienaber Arista , Hayford Frank E. A. , Variava Ebrahim , Martinson Neil , Malan Linda
Published: March 2021

Host-directed therapies (HDTs) enhance the host response to tuberculosis (TB) infection to reduce disease severity. For instance, the manipulation of lipid mediator production diminishes the hyperactive immune response which is a known pathological feature of TB that generates lung tissue damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) are examples of such HDTs. In this mini-review, we recapitulate the literature available on the effects of NSAIDs and n-3 LCPUFA in TB as well as the immunological pathways underpinning these effects. Many NSAIDs have a great deal of data describing their effects and safety and in many jurisdictions are inexpensive, and sold over the counter in neighborhood convenience stores and supermarkets. The potential benefits of NSAIDs in TB are well-documented in pre-clinical studies. The reduction of pro-inflammatory lipid mediator production by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways with NSAIDs has been found to improve lung histopathology, bacterial control, and survival. Additionally, n-3 LCPUFA and its novel bioactive metabolites produced by COX and lipoxygenase (LOX) have been identified as safe and effective pro-resolving and antibacterial pharmaconutrients. Nevertheless, heterogeneous results have been reported in pre-clinical TB studies. Recently, the importance of the correct timing of NSAIDs and n-3 LCPUFA administration in TB has also been highlighted. This mini-review will provide a better understanding of the potential contribution of these therapies toward reducing inflammatory lung damage and improving bactericidal activity, especially during later stages of TB infection. It further highlights that clinical trials are required to confirm benefit and safety in TB patients.
NK Cells in Autoimmune Diseases: Protective or Pathogenic?
Authors: Liu Meifang , Liang Shujuan , Zhang Cai
Published: March 2021

Autoimmune diseases generally result from the loss of self-tolerance (i.e., failure of the immune system to distinguish self from non-self), and are characterized by autoantibody production and hyperactivation of T cells, which leads to damage of specific or multiple organs. Thus, autoimmune diseases can be classified as organ-specific or systemic. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of autoimmunity. Recent studies have demonstrated the contribution of innate immunity to the onset of autoimmune diseases. Natural killer (NK) cells, which are key components of the innate immune system, have been implicated in the development of multiple autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune liver disease. However, NK cells have both protective and pathogenic roles in autoimmunity depending on the NK cell subset, microenvironment, and disease type or stage. In this work, we review the current knowledge of the varied roles of NK cell subsets in systemic and organic-specific autoimmune diseases and their clinical potential as therapeutic targets.
Carvacrol, Thymol, and Garlic Essential Oil Promote Skin Innate Immunity in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Through the Multifactorial Modulation of the Secretory Pathway and Enhancement of Mucus Protective Capacity
Authors: Firmino Joana P. , Fernández-Alacid Laura , Vallejos-Vidal Eva , Salomón Ricardo , Sanahuja Ignasi , Tort Lluis , Ibarz Antoni , Reyes-López Felipe E. , Gisbert Enric
Published: March 2021

One of the main targets for the use of phytogenics in aquafeeds is the mucosal tissues as they constitute a physical and biochemical shield against environmental and pathogenic threats, comprising elements from both the innate and acquired immunity. In the present study, the modulation of the skin transcriptional immune response, the bacterial growth capacity in skin mucus, and the overall health condition of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles fed a dietary supplementation of garlic essential oil, carvacrol, and thymol were assessed. The enrichment analysis of the skin transcriptional profile of fish fed the phytogenic-supplemented diet revealed the regulation of genes associated to cellular components involved in the secretory pathway, suggesting the stimulation, and recruitment of phagocytic cells. Genes recognized by their involvement in non-specific immune response were also identified in the analysis. The promotion of the secretion of non-specific immune molecules into the skin mucus was proposed to be involved in thein vitrodecreased growth capacity of pathogenic bacteria in the mucus of fish fed the phytogenic-supplemented diet. Although the mucus antioxidant capacity was not affected by the phytogenics supplementation, the regulation of genes coding for oxidative stress enzymes suggested the reduction of the skin oxidative stress. Additionally, the decreased levels of cortisol in mucus indicated a reduction in the fish allostatic load due to the properties of the tested additive. Altogether, the dietary garlic, carvacrol, and thymol appear to promote the gilthead seabream skin innate immunity and the mucus protective capacity, decreasing its susceptibility to be colonized by pathogenic bacteria.
Inotodiol From Inonotus obliquus Chaga Mushroom Induces Atypical Maturation in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Maza Perry Ayn Mayson A. , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Yong-Su , Sun Gyu-Min , Sung Youn-Joo , Ponomarenko Ludmila P. , Stonik Valentine A. , Ryu Minsook , Kwak Jong-Young
Published: March 2021

Dendritic cells (DCs) have the ability to stimulate naïve T cells that coordinate subsequent adaptive response toward an inflammatory response or tolerance depending on the DC differentiation level. Inotodiol, a lanostane triterpenoid found inInonotus obliquus(wild Chaga mushroom), is a natural compound with a wide range of biological activities. In this study, we investigated whether inotodiol promotes the maturation of bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) and inotodiol-treated BMDCs induce T cell activation. Inotodiol increased the expression of surface maturation markers, including MHC-I, MHC-II, CD86, and CD40, on BMDCs without affecting the production of various cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-12p40 in these cells. T cells primed with inotodiol-treated BMDCs proliferated and produced IL-2, without producing other cytokines, including IL-12p40 and IFN-γ. Injection of inotodiol into mice induced maturation of splenic DCs and IL-2 production, and the administration of inotodiol and inotodiol-treated BMDCs induced the proliferation of adoptively transferred CD8+T cellsin vivo. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin abrogated the upregulation of Akt phosphorylation and CD86 and MHC-II expression induced by inotodiol. However, inotodiol failed to induce phosphorylation of the IκB kinase and degradation of IκB-α, and increased expression of CD86 induced by inotodiol was not blocked by an IκB kinase inhibitor. These results suggest that inotodiol induces a characteristic type of maturation in DCs through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase activation independent of NF-κB, and inotodiol-treated DCs enhance T cell proliferation and IL-2 secretion.