bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of electronic learning centres in public libraries in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Mbambo Sifiso Michael , Jiyane Glenrose Velile , Zungu Nkosingiphile Mbusozayo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to establish the use of electronic learning centres in public libraries in the city of Johannesburg, which is under one of the biggest metropolitan municipalities in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adopted, and questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The target population for this study was the entire users of the electronic learning centres and librarians in the public libraries within the city of Johannesburg.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed that there are different services, levels of awareness and training.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to public libraries in the city of Johannesburg. Academic, special and mobile libraries were not included in this study because they were not open to the general public. Users who were not using the electronic learning centres were excluded from this study.

Practical implications

Adequate use and awareness of services of electronic learning centres in public libraries are instrumental in the satisfaction of users’ needs using the electronic learning centres. The suggestions of this study will be useful to decision makers and heads of the electronic learning centres on how to enhance the use of the electronic learning centres in the city of Johannesburg.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the use of electronic learning centres in public libraries in the city of Johannesburg, which is under one of the biggest metropolitan municipalities in South Africa.
Psychological contract breach moderates job satisfaction–citizenship behaviour relationship
Authors: Koomson Samuel
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study finds out if a satisfied physician will show citizenship behaviour (OCB) in a work environment where psychological contract breach (PCB) exist.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data from 214 physicians across 26 health-care units were analysed. Research philosophy was positivism, research design was explanatory and study design was cross-sectional. Preliminary tests were conducted. Reflective measurement and structural models were examined. PLS algorithm tool and bootstrapping procedure were utilised. Control variables were sex, age, employment type and tenure. A significant level was set at 5%. Smart PLS 2.0M.3 software was employed.

Findings

The scientist found support for a significant moderating effect of PCB on the nexus between job satisfaction (JST) and OCB, such that PCB demoralised a satisfied physician in showing OCB. In contrast, a fulfilled psychological contract motivated satisfied physicians to exhibit OCB.

Practical implications

PCB, if not addressed, may lead satisfied physicians to show low OCB, which has devastating effects for health-care organisations and their patients. Creating balanced, fulfilled and harmonious relationship within physicians will transform the workplace into a more meaningful and purposeful atmosphere.

Originality/value

This study offers empirical health-care literature on the moderating effect of PCB, a psychosocial stressor, on the direct relationship between JST and OCB, integrating and lengthening the social exchange theory, resource-based theory and activation theory.
Building opportunity – Boyes Group realty incorporated
Authors: Lane Brian , Klassen Brooke
Published: December 2021

Research methodology

The case was written based on personal interviews with Jordan Boyes.

Case overview/synopsis

Boyes Group, a private real estate brokerage in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, had been growing rapidly. Company founder Jordan Boyes needed to determine where to continue expanding. Saskatoon held great potential in home building, and he wondered if this would be a direction for his company. His real estate reputation was excellent, but he wondered if building homes would jeopardize his current relationships with local builders. He wanted to move fast, to avoid giving up market share to his competitors.

Complexity academic level

This case was designed for undergraduate and graduate classes in strategy.
High‐quality data from a forensically relevant single‐cell pipeline enabled by low PBS and proteinase K concentrations
Authors: Sheth Nidhi , Duffy Ken R. , Grgicak Catherine M.
Published: December 2021

Interpreting forensic DNA signal is arduous since the total intensity is a cacophony of signal from noise, artifact, and allele from an unknown number of contributors (NOC). An alternate to traditional bulk‐processing pipelines is a single‐cell one, where the sample is collected, and each cell is sequestered resulting in n single‐source, single‐cell EPGs (scEPG) that must be interpreted using applicable strategies. As with all forensic DNA interpretation strategies, high quality electropherograms are required; thus, to enhance the credibility of single‐cell forensics, it is necessary to produce an efficient direct‐to‐PCR treatment that is compatible with prevailing downstream laboratory processes.

We incorporated the semi‐automated micro‐fluidic DEPArray™ technology into the single‐cell laboratory and optimized its implementation by testing the effects of four laboratory treatments on single‐cell profiles. We focused on testing effects of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) since it is an important reagent that mitigates cell rupture but is also a PCR inhibitor. Specifically, we explored the effect of decreasing PBS concentrations on five electropherogram‐quality metrics from 241 leukocytes: profile drop‐out, allele drop‐out, allele peak heights, peak height ratios, and scEPG sloping. In an effort to improve reagent use, we also assessed two concentrations of proteinase K. The results indicate that decreasing PBS concentrations to 0.5X or 0.25X improves scEPG quality, while modest modifications to proteinase K concentrations did not significantly impact it. We, therefore, conclude that a lower than recommended proteinase K concentration coupled with a lower than recommended PBS concentration results in enhanced scEPGs within the semi‐automated single‐cell pipeline.
Seed size affects rodent–seed interaction consistently across plant species but not within species: evidence from a seed tracking experiment of 41 tree species
Authors: CHEN Si , FENG Li , WANG Bo
Published: December 2021

Scatter‐hoarding rodents play a crucial role in seed survival and seed dispersal. As one of the most important seed traits, seed size and its effect on rodent–seed interaction attract lots of attention. Current studies usually target one or a few species and show inconsistent patterns; however, few experiments include a large number of species although many plant species usually coexist in natural forest and overlap in fruiting time. Here, we tracked the dispersal and predation of 26 100 seeds belonging to 41 tree species in a subtropical forest for 2 years. Most species showed no relationships between seed size and rodent foraging preference, while the remaining species displayed diverse of patterns: monotonic decrease and increase trends, and hump‐shaped and U‐shaped patterns, indicating that a one‐off study with a few species might give misleading information. However, the seed size effect across species was consistent in both years, indicating that including a large number of species that hold a sufficient range of seed size may avoid the aforementioned bias. Interestingly, seed size effect differed among rodent foraging processes: a negative effect on seed harvest, a hump‐shaped effect on seed removal and removal distance, while a positive effect on overwinter survival of cached seeds, indicating that rodents may make trade‐offs between large and small seeds both among foraging processes and within a single process, thus lead to a parabolic relationship between seed size and seed dispersal success, that is medium‐sized seeds were more likely to be removed and cached, and transported with a further distance.
Pharmacological prevention of post‐operative pancreatitis: systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials on animal studies
Authors: Cecire Jack , Adams Kristian , Pham Helen , Pang Tony , Burnett David
Published: December 2021

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a significant complication of pancreatic resection with recent evidence showing a strong association between post‐operative pancreatitis and subsequent development of POPF. Incidence and severity of pancreatitis following endoscopic therapy has been effectively reduced with indomethacin prophylaxis, however further agents require evaluation. We present a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis of the prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids or n‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) of induced pancreatitis in rodent models.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane library to identify eligible randomized control trials (RCT) involving animal models that examined NAC or corticosteroids. The primary outcome was the subsequent effect on serum amylase and IL‐6 and the histopathological markers of severity such as pancreatic oedema and necrosis.

Results

Four RCTs (n = 178) met inclusion criteria examining NAC and eight RCTs (n = 546) examining corticosteroid agents (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone). Prophylactic administration of all corticosteroid agents showed a net effect in favour of reducing markers of severity of pancreatitis. NAC showed a significant reduction in severity of amylase and necrosis.

Conclusion

The RCTs examined suggest that prophylactic administration of corticosteroid agents and NAC can reduce the severity of pancreatitis as indicated by histopathologic markers, serum amylase and IL‐6 levels.
FZD10‐targeted α‐radioimmunotherapy with 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 achieves complete remission in a synovial sarcoma model
Authors: Sudo Hitomi , Tsuji Atsushi B. , Sugyo Aya , Harada Yosuke , Nagayama Satoshi , Katagiri Toyomasa , Nakamura Yusuke , Higashi Tatsuya
Published: December 2021

Synovial sarcomas are rare tumors arising in adolescents and young adults. The prognosis for advanced disease is poor, with an overall survival of 12‐18 months. Frizzled homolog 10 (FZD10) is overexpressed in most synovial sarcomas, making it a promising therapeutic target. The results of a phase 1 trial of β‐radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with the 90Y‐labeled anti‐FZD10 antibody OTSA101 revealed a need for improved efficacy. The present study evaluated the potential of α‐RIT with OTSA101 labeled with the α‐emitter 225Ac. Competitive inhibition and cell binding assays showed that specific binding of 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 to SYO‐1 synovial sarcoma cells was comparable to that of the imaging agent 111In‐labeled OTSA101. Biodistribution studies showed high uptake in SYO‐1 tumors and low uptake in normal organs, except for blood. Dosimetric studies showed that the biologically effective dose (BED) of 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 for tumors was 7.8 Bd higher than that of 90Y‐labeled OTSA101. 90Y‐ and 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 decreased tumor volume and prolonged survival. 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 achieved a complete response in 60% of mice, and no recurrence was observed. 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 induced a larger amount of necrosis and apoptosis than 90Y‐labeled OTSA101, although the cell proliferation decrease was comparable. The BED for normal organs and tissues was tolerable; no treatment‐related mortality or obvious toxicity, except for temporary body weight loss, was observed. 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 provided a high BED for tumors and achieved a 60% complete response in the synovial sarcoma mouse model SYO‐1. RIT with 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 is a promising therapeutic option for synovial sarcoma.
ScotCap – A large observational cohort study
Authors: MacLeod Campbell , Hudson Jemma , Brogan Michelle , Cotton Seonaidh , Treweek Shaun , MacLennan Graeme , Watson Angus J. M.
Published: December 2021

Aim

The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) in a lower gastrointestinal diagnostic care pathway.

Method

This large multicentre prospective clinical evaluation recruited symptomatic patients (patients requiring investigation of symptoms suggestive of colorectal pathology) and surveillance patients (patients due to undergo surveillance colonoscopy). Patients aged 18 years or over were invited to participate and undergo CCE by a secondary‐care clinician if they met the referral criteria for a colonoscopy. The primary outcome was the test completion rate (visualization of the whole colon and rectum). We also measured the need for further tests after CCE.

Results

A total of 733 patients were invited to take part in this evaluation, with 509 patients undergoing CCE. Of these, 316 were symptomatic patients and 193 were surveillance patients. Two hundred and twenty‐eight of the 316 symptomatic patients (72%) and 137 of the 193 surveillance patients (71%) had a complete test. It was found that 118/316 (37%) of symptomatic patients required no further test following CCE, while 103/316 (33%) and 81/316 (26%) required a colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, respectively. Fifty‐three of the 193 surveillance patients (28%) required no further test following CCE, while 104/193 (54%) and 30/193 (16%) required a colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, respectively. No patient in this evaluation was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Two patients experienced serious adverse events – one capsule retention with obstruction and one hospital admission with dehydration due to the bowel preparation.

Conclusion

CCE is a safe, well‐tolerated diagnostic test which can reduce the proportion of patients requiring colonoscopy, but the test completion rate needs to be improved to match that of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Early Welsh cervical screening programme learning as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Leeson Simon , Evered Andrew , Powell Gareth , Lilly Kate , Singh Neelam , Hillier Sharon , Dunk Louise
Published: December 2021

Background

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on the cervical screening programme in Wales for the eligible women, sample takers, and laboratory and colposcopy services.

Aims

To explore what changes due to the pandemic have adversely affected screening outcomes in Wales and what lessons can be learned to improve cervical screening in Wales and elsewhere.

Methods

A review of the screening performance in 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 in Wales as well as a comparison with other cervical screening programme responses to the pandemic.

Results

A 3 month pause of screening together with a change in a variety of working practices, including social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, use of virtual meetings, and home working have been implemented. The combination of a pause to the issuing of invitations, plus reduced services in primary and secondary care, together with population lockdown, have contributed to longer waiting times for colposcopy and potentially delayed cancer diagnoses. Some programme changes which were being evaluated prior to the pandemic could be developed now to mitigate the impact of the pandemic such as improved information, increased screening intervals for human papillomavirus‐based screening programmes, and home working for call and recall staff.

Conclusions

Despite a considerable short‐term interruption to the cervical screening programme, some changes introduced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic could provide key lessons learnt for improvement for cervical cancer prevention services.
Acquisition of the counting principles during the subset‐knower stages: Insights from children's errors
Authors: Cheung Pierina , Toomey Mary , Jiang Yahao Harry , Stoop Tawni B. , Shusterman Anna
Published: December 2021

Studies on children's understanding of counting examine when and how children acquire the cardinal principle: the idea that the last word in a counted set reflects the cardinal value of the set. Using Wynn's (1990) Give‐N Task, researchers classify children who can count to generate large sets as having acquired the cardinal principle (cardinal‐principle‐knowers) and those who cannot as lacking knowledge of it (subset‐knowers). However, recent studies have provided a more nuanced view of number word acquisition. Here, we explore this view by examining the developmental progression of the counting principles with an aim to elucidate the gradual elements that lead to children successfully generating sets and being classified as CP‐knowers on the Give‐N Task. Specifically, we test the claim that subset‐knowers lack cardinal principle knowledge by separating children's understanding of the cardinal principle from their ability to apply and implement counting procedures. We also ask when knowledge of Gelman & Gallistel's (1978) other how‐to‐count principles emerge in development. We analyzed how often children violated the three how‐to‐count principles in a secondary analysis of Give‐N data (N = 86). We found that children already have knowledge of the cardinal principle prior to becoming CP‐knowers, and that understanding of the stable‐order and word‐object correspondence principles likely emerged earlier. These results suggest that gradual development may best characterize children's acquisition of the counting principles and that learning to coordinate all three principles represents an additional step beyond learning them individually.
Ecogeographical patterns in owl plumage colouration: Climate and vegetation cover predict global colour variation
Authors: Passarotto Arianna , Rodríguez‐Caballero Emilio , Cruz‐Miralles Ángel , Avilés Jesús M.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Ecogeographical rules link animal colours, especially those produced by melanin pigments, with variation in environmental conditions over wide geographical scales. In particular, Gloger’s rule, coined for endothermic animals in two versions, suggests that tegument darkness should increase at high temperature, as well as in highly humid environments. On the other hand, the thermal melanism hypothesis predicts that darker colourations should be more frequent in colder areas given their thermoregulation benefits.

Location

Global.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Strigiformes.

Methods

Here, we provide a global comparative test of these contrasting expectations in all extant owls (n = 198 species), a group of nocturnal birds displaying huge variability in the degree of melanin‐based plumage colouration and environmental specialization. Combining analyses at both species and assemblage level, we assessed the climatic and environmental variables explaining variation in plumage lightness and redness across broad geographical gradients.

Results

Darker and redder owl phenotypes are more likely found near the equator. Species and assemblage level analyses reveal that owls have more frequently darker and redder plumages in warmer regions. In addition, owl species living in more vegetated areas are darker, and owl assemblages show darker colours in wetter areas.

Main conclusions

Global patterns of colour variation in owls do not fit expectations from the thermal melanism hypothesis but support Gloger’s rule. Our findings also stress that several alternative selective forces may explain climatic effects on colouration over large geographical scales. Experimental work is urged to uncover the possible mechanisms behind the detected associations between owl colour and environmental variables.
Aging‐related metabolic changes in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of senescence‐accelerated mouse‐prone 8
Authors: Hoshino Teruhide , Kato Yoshiaki , Sugahara Keisuke , Katakura Akira
Published: December 2021

Aim

Sarcopenia – aging‐related loss of muscle mass and muscle strength – is a key feature of the frailty model. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular biological changes associated with aging in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 mouse model by capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry.

Methods

Three groups of senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 mice were used, namely, 12‐week‐old (young; n = 5), 40‐week‐old (elderly; n = 5) and 55‐week‐old mice (late elderly; n = 5). The extensor digitorum longus muscle was collected. After preliminary analyses, metabolome analysis was carried out by capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry. Additionally, we examined whether the activity of enzymes in the metabolic pathway fluctuated with aging, by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Among the 116 water‐soluble metabolites associated with the central energy metabolism pathway, changes were observed in 19 metabolites between 12‐ and 40 ‐weeks‐old, in 40 metabolites between 40‐ and 55‐weeks‐old, and in 57 metabolites between 12‐ and 55‐weeks‐old. The fluctuated metabolites that were common among the groups were Val, putrescine and His. The levels of putrescine, associated with cell proliferation, protein synthesis and nucleic acid synthesis, and β‐Ala and His, a component of carnosine that is characterized by its anti‐oxidant and anti‐fatigue effects, decreased with age.

Conclusions

We confirmed that there were two aging‐related metabolic changes in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 mice. Based on the changes in metabolites, cell senescence and fatigue in the extensor digitorum longus muscle might increase in old mice compared with those in young mice, showing molecular biological changes with aging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 160–167.
Cross‐border expansion of digital platforms and transformation of the trade and distribution networks of imported fresh fruits from Southeast Asia to China
Authors: Yang Chun
Published: December 2021

Since the late 2000s, digital platforms have developed rapidly and expanded extensively to various industries of the global economy. Existing literature on the rise of digital platforms has primarily focused on the national‐level context, while overlooking their cross‐border dynamics and subsequent effects on the reconfiguration of cross‐border production networks/value chains. Among the agri‐food sector, the fresh fruits sector is one of many that have undergone profound restructuring induced by the increasing penetration of digital platforms. In an attempt at making connections between the insights of the burgeoning platforms and global production networks (GPN)/global value chains (GVC) literatures, this study develops an interconnected analytical framework to examine the cross‐border expansion of China's digital platforms and resultant digital platform‐driven transformation of regional trade and distribution networks/value chains in the evolving regulatory and market conditions in home and host countries. Based on the onsite field investigations in Vietnam, Thailand and China during the late 2018 and early 2020, this study explores the emerging platform conglomerates through domestic intra‐platform and cross‐border interplatform vertical integration and extra‐platform partnership in the cross‐border expansion to the upstream trade and downstream distribution of fresh fruit imports from Southeast Asia toward China's market. The contributions of the article lie in three aspects. First, it enriches the platform literature by incorporating the cross‐border dynamics and expansion of digital platforms. Second, it advances the GPN/GVC literature by highlighting the power of digital platforms as new types of lead firms in the digital transformation of production networks/value chains. Third, it sheds light on the emerging China market‐oriented reconfiguration of the Southeast Asian fresh fruit production networks coordinated by the Chinese platform conglomerates. The analytical framework developed in this study could hopefully be extended to examine digital platform‐driven restructuring of a wider array of industries across variegated territories in the digital global economy.
Interaction Effects Between Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Duijff Rogier , Bloemendal Martin , Bakker Mark
Published: December 2021

Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) is an energy efficient technique to provide heating and cooling to buildings by storage of warm and cold water in aquifers. In regions with large demand for ATES, ATES adoption has lead to congestion problems in aquifers. The recovery of thermal energy stored in aquifers can be increased by reducing the distance between wells of the same temperature while safeguarding individual system performance. Although this approach is implemented in practice, the understanding of how this affects both the recovery efficiency and the needed pumping energy is lacking. In this research, the effect of well placement on the performance of individual systems is quantified, and guidelines for planning and design are developed. Results show an increase in thermal recovery efficiency of individual systems when the thermal zones of wells of the same temperature are combined, which is explained by reduced surface area of the thermal zone over which losses occur. The highest increase of the thermal recovery efficiency is found for systems with a small storage volume and long well screens. The relative increase of the thermal recovery efficiency is 12% for average‐sized systems with a storage volume of 250,000 m3/year, and 25% for small systems (50,000 m3/year). The optimal distance between wells of the same temperature is 0.5 times the thermal radius, following the trade‐off between an increase of the thermal recovery efficiency and the increase in pumping energy. The distance between wells of opposite temperature must be larger than three times the thermal radius to avoid negative interaction.
Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome as an uncommon cause of dyspnoea: a literature review
Authors: Lombardi Marco , Del Buono Marco G. , Princi Giuseppe , Locorotondo Gabriella , Lombardo Antonella , Vergallo Rocco , Montone Rocco A. , Burzotta Francesco , Trani Carlo , Crea Filippo , Sanna Tommaso
Published: December 2021

Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is an uncommon but challenging clinical condition characterised by positional dyspnoea (platypnoea) and arterial desaturation (orthodeoxia) in the upright position that improve in the supine position. Since its first description, many cases have been reported and many conditions have been associated with this syndrome. Herein, we review the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic work‐up and management of patients with POS, aiming to increase the awareness of this often misdiagnosed condition.
Epigenetic regulation of inflammation by CxxC domain‐containing proteins*
Authors: Onodera Atsushi , Kiuchi Masahiro , Kokubo Kota , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: December 2021

Epigenetic regulation of gene transcription in the immune system is important for proper control of protective and pathogenic inflammation. Aberrant epigenetic modifications are often associated with dysregulation of the immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, leading to pathogenic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Two classical epigenetic markers—histone modifications and DNA cytosine methylation, the latter is the 5 position of the cytosine base in the context of CpG dinucleotides—play multiple roles in the immune system. CxxC domain‐containing proteins, which basically bind to the non‐methylated CpG (i.e., epigenetic “readers”), often function as “writers” of the epigenetic markers via their catalytic domain within the proteins or by interacting with other epigenetic modifiers. We herein report the most recent advances in our understanding of the functions of CxxC domain‐containing proteins in the immune system and inflammation, mainly focusing on T cells and macrophages.
Growth of tungsten bronze phase out of niobate perovskite phase for opto‐ferroelectric applications
Authors: Bai Yang , Prucker Constantin , Khansur Neamul H.
Published: December 2021

Engineering the optical bandgaps of classic ferroelectrics from the typical ultraviolet range down to the visible range is an emerging methodology of developing the next‐generation optoelectric and opto‐ferroelectric devices including ferroelectric solar cells, light‐driven transistors and modulators, and multi‐sensors/energy harvesters. Recently, a material interface comprised of a pseudo‐morphotropic phase boundary between the tungsten bronze and perovskite phases of the KNBNNO [(K,Na,Ba)x(Ni,Nb)yOz] has been reported to be an effective approach for bandgap engineering while retaining excellent ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity of the perovskite‐phased KNBNNO. However, this approach requires the compositions of the materials to be determined at the synthesis stage, leaving little room for any further modification of the microstructure and functional properties at the post‐processing stage. This paper presents a post‐processing method, that is, atmospheric annealing in N2 and O2, to grow the necessary tungsten bronze phase out of the perovskite phase in the KNBNNO. This method is advantageous over the previously reported because it enables to grow the tungsten bronze–perovskite interface region independent of the initial composition. The distinctive electrical properties and the giant tunability of photoconductivity of the tungsten bronze phase, the perovskite phase, and the interface are characterized in detail in this paper, supporting the exploitation of fabricating opto‐ferroelectric devices using the reported method which is compatible and comparable with some of the post‐processing methods applied in the silicon industry.
A CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection platform (CRISPR-CPA): Application for detection of Nocardia farcinica
Authors: Qiu Xiaotong , Xu Shuai , Liu Xueping , Han Lu , Zhao Bing , Che Yanlin , Han Lichao , Hou Xuexin , Li Dan , Yue Yuan , Chen Shenglin , Kang Yutong , Sun Lina , Li Zhenjun
Published: December 2021

Aims

To establish a CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection platform and apply it to the detection of Nocardia farcinica.

Methods and Results

A CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection platform, termed CRISPR-CPA (CRISPR/Cas12a combined with PCR amplification), which employed PCR for pre-amplification of target sequences and CRISPR-Cas12a-based detection for decoding of the PCR amplicons, was developed. To demonstrate its feasibility, CRISPR-CPA was applied to the detection of N. farcinica. A pair of PCR primers and a crRNA, which targeting the conservative and specific part of gyrA of N. farcinica reference strain IFM 10152, were designed according to the principle of CRISPR-CPA. The whole detection process of N. farcinica CRISPR-CPA assay, including sample pre-treatment and DNA extraction (~20 min), PCR pre-amplification (60 min), CRISPR-based detection (10 min), can be completed within 90 min. A total of 62 isolates were used to evaluate the specificity of N. farcinica CRISPR-CPA assay. Clinical specimens were employed to determine the feasibility of the method in practical application. The limit of detection of the N. farcinica CRISPR-CPA assay is 1 pg DNA per reaction in pure cultures and 105 CFU/ml in sputum specimens, which is similar with culture but significantly more timesaving.

Conclusions

The N. farcinica CRISPR-CPA assay is an economic and specific method to detect N. farcinica and provides a high-efficiency tool for screening of pathogens especially of some hard-to-culture and slow-growth infectious agents.

Significance and Impact of the Study

In CRISPR-CPA system, the PCR primers are engineered with a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) site of Cas12a effector and an additional base A was added at the 5′ end of the engineered PCR primer for protecting PAM site, thus the CRISPR-CPA can detect any sequence. Also, we applied CRISPR-CPA to rapidly detect N. farcinica, which is slow-growing bacteria and is firstly detected by a CRISPR-based method.
Nocturnal blood pressure surge in seconds is a new determinant of left ventricular mass index
Authors: Kokubo Ayako , Kuwabara Mitsuo , Ota Yuki , Tomitani Naoko , Yamashita Shingo , Shiga Toshikazu , Kario Kazuomi
Published: December 2021

Nocturnal blood pressure (BP) surge in seconds (sec‐surge), which is characterized as acute transient BP elevation over several tens of seconds, could be a predictor of target organ damage. However, it is not clear that the severity of sec‐surge is different between sec‐surges induced by sleep apnea (SA) (apnea/hypopnea detected by polysomnography (PSG) or oxygen desaturation) and those induced by non‐SA factors (rapid eye movement, micro arousal, etc.), and sec‐surge variables associate with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) independently of conventional BP variables. The authors assessed these points with 41 patients (mean age 63.2±12.6 years, 29% female) who underwent full PSG, beat‐by‐beat (BbB) BP, and cuff‐oscillometric BP measurement during the night. All patients were included for the analysis comparing sec‐surge severity between inducing factors (SA and non‐SA factors). There were no significant differences in the number of sec‐surges/night between SA‐related sec‐surges and non‐SA‐related sec‐surges (19.5±26.0 vs. 16.4±29.8 events/night). There were also no significant differences in the peak of sec‐surges, defined as the maximum systolic BPs (SBPs) in each sec‐surge, between SA‐related sec‐surges and non‐SA‐related sec‐surges (148.2±18.5 vs. 149.3±19.2 mm Hg). Furthermore, as a result of multiple regression analysis (n = 18), the peak of sec‐surge was significantly and strongly associated with the left ventricular mass index (standardized β = 0.62, p = .02), compared with the mean nocturnal SBPs measured by oscillometric method (β = −0.04, p = .87). This study suggests that peak of sec‐surge could be a better predictor of LVH compared to parameters derived from regular nocturnal oscillometric SBP.
Food intake, masticatory function, tooth mobility, loss of posterior support, and diminished quality of life are associated with more advanced periodontitis stage diagnosis
Authors: Uy Samantha N. M. R. , Deng Ke , Fok Chris Tat Cheun , Fok Melissa R. , Pelekos George , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: December 2021

Aim

To describe periodontal and functional characteristics of subjects diagnosed with different stages of periodontitis and to associate measures of masticatory function and quality of life with periodontitis stage.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study on a convenience sample of 214 subjects with periodontitis seeking oral care in a hospital setting. They received a full‐mouth intra‐oral examination including dental and periodontal charting by a single calibrated examiner who also established the periodontitis stage diagnosis. Subjects were assessed using the OHIP‐14, a validated masticatory dysfunction questionnaire, and a quantitative test based on the ability to mix a dual colour chewing gum. Mixing was quantified based on the variance of hue (VOH) with a colorimetric software. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Subjects with stage IV periodontitis reported greater impairment of oral‐health‐related quality of life, reduced food intake or altered food type intake attributed to difficulties in chewing, objective measures of masticatory dysfunction, tooth loss, as well as more advanced periodontal breakdown compared with subjects with stages I–III of the disease. Quantitative assessment of masticatory function was associated, in a multivariate analysis, with (i) loss of functional tooth units in the premolar/molar region, presence of hypermobile teeth, and severity of periodontal attachment loss, and (ii) age, body mass index, and periodontitis stage IV and grade C diagnosis.

Conclusions

Subjects with stage IV periodontitis are characterized by a specific set of signs and symptoms of advanced periodontal breakdown and functional impairment, which impact on the quality of life and masticatory function/food intake choices. Stage IV periodontitis captures a clinical entity with distinct features and treatment needs.

This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03928080).
Long non‐coding ribonucleic acid ATP2B1‐AS1 modulates endothelial permeability through regulating the miR‐4729–IQGAP2 axis in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Ren Zengjin , Wang Xue
Published: December 2021

Aims/Introduction

Mounting evidence shows that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important to modulate the biological process of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We aimed to investigate the role of lncRNAs in DR and elucidate the exact mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out to distinguish the lncRNA ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 1 antisense RNA 1 (ATP2B1‐AS1) expression in DR patients and HG‐treated human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). Dual‐luciferase reporter system was used to verify that ATP2B1‐AS1 could act as a microRNA (miR)‐4729 sponge, and miR‐4729 could bind to 3′UTR of IQ motif‐containing GTPase‐activating protein 2 (IQGAP2). Cell proliferation assay, wound healing migration assay, transwell assay, tube formation assay and immunofluorescence were used to investigate cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in HRECs.

Results

The present results showed that ATP2B1‐AS1 was downregulated in DR patients and high‐glucose‐induced HRECs. In gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays, ATP2B1‐AS1 overexpression could significantly reduce cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and permeability induced by high glucose in vitro. Additionally, we carried out dual‐luciferase reporter experiments to determine that ATP2B1‐AS1 could act as a miR‐4729 sponge. ATP2B1‐AS1 overexpression could rescue miR‐4729 mimics and short hairpin RNA‐IQGAP2 induced cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in HRECs.

Conclusions

The present study showed that ATP2B1‐AS1 acted as a miR‐4729 sponge to regulate IQGAP2 reducing high‐glucose‐induced endothelial dysfunction in DR.
A mixed‐methods evaluation of home‐based primary care in dementia within an integrated system
Authors: Nguyen Huong Q. , Vallejo Jessica D. , Macias Mayra , Shiffman Maricela Garcia , Rosen Romina , Mowry Velda , Omotunde Omotayo , Hong Benjamin , Liu In‐Lu Amy , Borson Soo
Published: December 2021

Background

No prior studies have examined the effects of home‐based primary care (HBPC) in persons living with dementia (PLWD), within an ecosystem of serious illness care in an integrated healthcare system. Our objectives were to compare the characteristics of PLWD receiving HBPC and their hospital utilization and end‐of‐life care, with those of a matched comparison group, and to understand the experiences of family caregivers of PLWD receiving HBPC.

Methods

This mixed‐methods study used a retrospective observational cohort design with PLWD receiving HBPC (n = 287) from 2015 to 2020 and a strata‐matched comparison group (n = 861), and qualitative phone interviews with 16 HBPC family caregivers in 2020. Inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score‐adjusted models were used to compare time‐to‐first hospital‐based utilization and, for decedents, home palliative and hospice care and place of death. Care experience was captured through caregiver interviews.

Results

Patients receiving HBPC had a similar risk of hospital utilization [adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06 (95% CI: 0.89–1.26), p = 0.51] as a matched non‐HBPC comparison group after a median follow‐up of 199 days. However, HBPC decedents (n = 159) were more likely to receive home palliative care or hospice [rate ratio, RR: 1.23 (95% CI: 1.07–1.42), p < 0.01] and to die at home [RR: 1.66 (95% CI: 1.35–2.05), p < 0.001] than were non‐HBPC decedents (n = 423). Caregivers reported that HBPC provided coordinated, continuous, and convenient care that was aligned with families' priorities and goals; however, some expressed unmet needs, especially for help paying for personal care and medical supplies/equipment, and a desire for clearer communication about program operations and more quality oversight for contract services.

Conclusions

Although HBPC for PLWD was associated with a similar risk of hospital utilization compared to a matched non‐HBPC comparison group, HBPC resulted in more patient‐centered end‐of‐life care for decedents. Prospective studies of HBPC that further elicit and address unmet needs are warranted.
The association between dietary factors and body weight and composition in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Billich Natassja , Evans Maureen , Truby Helen , Ryan Monique M. , Davidson Zoe E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a X‐linked neuromuscular disorder. Boys with DMD have high rates of obesity, although little is known about dietary factors that may contribute to weight gain in this population. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary factors, body mass index (BMI) z‐score, body composition and motor function and to describe dietary intake in boys with DMD.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of 3‐day food diaries from ambulant and steroid treated boys with DMD aged 5–13 years was conducted. Correlation analysis explored the relationship between dietary factors, BMI z‐score, fat mass percentage (FM%) and lean mass percentage (LM%).

Results

The median age was 8.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 7.2–10.5 years). Median energy kg–1 day–1 in those within a healthy weight range (n = 11) was 316 kJ kg–1 day–1 (IQR = 276–355 kJ kg–1 day–1) and greater than estimated requirements and, for those above a healthy weight (n = 26), energy intake was 185 kJ kg–1 day–1 (IQR = 143–214 kJ kg–1 day–1) and lower than estimated requirements. Energy kg–1 day–1 was negatively associated with BMI z‐score (r = −0. 650) and FM% (r = −0.817) but positively associated with LM% (r = 0.805; all analyses p = <0.01). Younger age was associated (r = −0.609 p = <0.01) with a higher energy kg–1 day–1. For all participants, vegetable, grains, meat/alternatives and dairy intakes were sub‐optimal.

Conclusions

Younger boys with DMD within a healthy weight range are overconsuming energy dense nutrient poor foods. A focus on improving diet quality during early childhood may prove to be a useful strategy for reducing excess weight gain and supporting healthier eating habits in this vulnerable clinical population.
Early recognition method for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in community mental health care: Illness insight, self‐management and control
Authors: Johansen Kirsten Kjær , Marcussen Jette , Hansen Jens Peter , Hounsgaard Lise , Fluttert Frans
Published: December 2021

Aims and objective

To investigate how participating in the early recognition method treatment strategy affect illness insight and management, in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in community mental healthcare.

Background

The current practice in mental healthcare focus on shared decision‐making and self‐managing capacity, but poor insight is a predictor of poor adherence and dropout. Engagement in illness management and recovery predict the treatment response.

Design

Semi‐structured interviews with a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach.

Methods

We conducted 36 semi‐structured interviews with 26 patients. The interviews were conducted before and after participating in the intervention using the early recognition method strategy. The analysis was based on Ricoeur's theory of interpretation: Naive reading, structural analysis, interpretation and discussion. The COREQ checklist was used as reporting guideline.

Results

The experience of participating in treatment as usual and early recognition method revealed two main themes. The first theme ‘patient care’ describes how dialogue and collaboration increase awareness of the illness and how to gain control. The second theme ‘insight and experience’ describes how illness affects personality and self‐image, and how insight entails control and self‐confidence.

Conclusion

Managing life with severe mental illness is complex and challenging. However, the experience of guidance, support and collaboration between patient and nurse are essential to improve these circumstances.

Relevance to clinical practice

A systematic approach to the patient' symptoms, as in the early recognition method strategy, enhances knowledge of the individual patient' symptoms, both for nurse and patient. A knowledge that is significant for meeting individual treatment needs. Therefore, applying this strategy is likely to enhance collaboration and improve treatment outcome.
Image diagnosis models for the oral assessment of older people using convolutional neural networks: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Muramatsu Misato , Muramatsu Masumi , Takahashi Naoto , Hagiwara Atsuko , Hagiwara Jyun , Takamatsu Yuichiro , Morooka Ryo , Ochi Morio , Kaitani Toshiko
Published: December 2021

Aims

The purpose of this study was to construct a model for oral assessment using deep learning image recognition technology and to verify its accuracy.

Background

The effects of oral care on older people are significant, and the Oral Assessment Guide has been used internationally as an effective oral assessment tool in clinical practice. However, additional training, education, development of user manuals and continuous support from a dental hygienist are needed to improve the inter‐rater reliability of the Oral Assessment Guide.

Design

A retrospective observational study.

Methods

A total of 3,201 oral images of 114 older people aged >65 years were collected from five dental‐related facilities. These images were divided into six categories (lips, tongue, saliva, mucosa, gingiva, and teeth or dentures) that were evaluated by images, out of the total eight items that comprise components of the Oral Assessment Guide. Each item was classified into a rating of 1, 2 or 3. A convolutional neural network, which is a deep learning method used for image recognition, was used to construct the image recognition model. The study methods comply with the STROBE checklist.

Results

We constructed models with a classification accuracy of 98.8% for lips, 94.3% for tongue, 92.8% for saliva, 78.6% for mucous membranes, 93.0% for gingiva and 93.6% for teeth or dentures.

Conclusions

Highly accurate diagnostic imaging models using convolutional neural networks were constructed for six items of the Oral Assessment Guide and validated. In particular, for the five items of lips, tongue, saliva, gingiva, and teeth or dentures, models with a high accuracy of over 90% were obtained.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The model built in this study has the potential to contribute to obtain reproducibility and reliability of the ratings, to shorten the time for assessment, to collaborate with dental professionals and to be used as an educational tool.
The Phenotypic, Psychological, and Social Interplays of Skin Color and Developmental Outcomes among Mexican‐origin Adolescents
Authors: Wang Jun , Yan Jinjin , Osman Kayla M. , Li Xin , Zeiders Katharine H. , Shen Yishan , Victory Melissa , Kim Su Yeong
Published: December 2021

Mexican‐origin children from immigrant families are impacted by various systemic oppressions in life. The study seeks to examine how adolescents’ developmental outcomes are associated with specific phenotypic, psychological, and social features of skin color, as manifested by skin tone, skin color satisfaction, and foreigner stress. By taking a holistic approach, we examine both positive and negative adjustment outcomes, including delinquency, resilience, and effortful control. Participants were 604 Mexican‐origin adolescents aged between 11.08 and 15.29 (Mage = 12.91, SD = 0.92) with at least one immigrant parent. The findings highlight the harm of foreigner stress and the benefit of skin color satisfaction in Mexican‐origin adolescents’ development of delinquency, resilience, and effortful control, especially for those with a darker skin color.