bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Borders and resilience: Asylum seeker reception at the securitized Finnish-Swedish border
Authors: Prokkola Eeva-Kaisa
Published: April 2021

The past decade has witnessed a shift from “open borders” policies and cross-border cooperation towards heightened border securitization and the building of border walls. In the EU context, since the migration influx of 2015–2016, many Member States have retained the re-instituted Schengen border controls intended to be temporary. Such heightened border securitization has produced high levels of anxiety among various populations and increased societal polarization. This paper focuses on the processes underpinning asylum seeker reception at the re-bordered Finnish-Swedish border and in the Finnish border town of Tornio. The asylum process is studied from the perspective of local authorities and NGO actors active in the everyday reception, care and control practices in the border securitization environment enacted in Tornio in 2015. The analysis highlights how the ‘success’ of everyday reception work at the Tornio border crossing was bound to the historical openness of the border and pre-existing relations of trust and cooperation between different actors at various scales. The paper thus provides a new understanding of the significance of borders and border crossings from the perspective of resilience and highlights some of the paradoxes of border securitization. It notes that although border closures are commonly envisioned as a direct response to forced migration, the everyday practices and capacities of the asylum reception at the Finnish-Swedish border are themselves highly dependent on pre-existing border crossings and cross-border cooperation.
Filtered violence: Human rights law, forced displacement and land politics in Colombia
Authors: Counter Max
Published: April 2021

How does human rights law arbitrate the spatial dimensions of violence? This paper broaches this question from a “critical geographies of human rights” standpoint to grapple with how human rights law defines the spatial dimensions of the very violence it sets out to confront. Through a focus on Colombia’s 2011 “Victims’ and Land Restitution Law” (the Victims’ Law), I demonstrate how human rights law does not just attempt to ameliorate legacies of violence, but that it circumscribes the spatial valences of violence in particular ways. Colombia has one of the world’s largest displaced populations and since 2011 has managed an extensive restitution program designed to restore land title to conflict victims who lost or sold property due to armed conflict. In this case, human rights law is productive of a “juridical gaze” that illuminates the spatial dynamics of forced displacement in a manner that obscures or only indirectly addresses the relationship between forced displacement and inequality in land ownership. Drawing on contemporary debates concerning the relationship between human rights and neoliberal inequality, I argue that that human rights law produces spatial renderings of violence that reflect the underlying degree to which human rights projects recognize or eschew material inequality and its relationship to violence.
Exploring the Factors of Social Exclusion: Empirical Study of Rural Haryana, India
Authors: Haluwalia Sumit , Bhat G. M. , Rani Meera
Published: April 2021

The present study aims to explore the factors of social exclusion which are affecting scheduled castes most. Furthermore, it also presents the socio-economic condition of the scheduled castes. The current study was undertaken in the rural Haryana state of India. To attain the objectives, a well-structured interview schedule was framed to collect adequate data for analysis. Data were collected from the 486 rural scheduled castes household heads of the Fatehabad Block of the Fatehabad district of Haryana state using the purposive-cum-proportionate stratified sampling technique. Collected data were analysed with the help of the factor analysis technique. Identified factors by using factor analysis technique were the labour market, social relation, banking and finance, poverty, social environment and participation. Findings suggest that large sampled households have the lower socio-economic profile. Identified factors have a strong nexus with the poor socio-economic profile of the scheduled castes. Further, findings of the study also indicate that identified factors mutually reinforce each other and keep the trap of exclusion operative due to which scheduled castes continue to have poor socio-economic status in the society and largely remain excluded.
Fluorescein angiographic characteristic in predominantly classic and occult types of neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with ranibizumab
Authors: Çavdarlı Cemal , Çomçalı Sebile , Topcu Yılmaz Pınar , Alp Mehmet Numan
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose:

Randomised-controlled clinical trials (the ANCHOR and MARINA) examined the intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) efficacy for eyes having fluorescein angiographic classic and occult (OCC) neovascular lesions. No significant difference in the treatment response between the lesion types was observed. Fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are complementary devices that provide information about neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n-AMD). The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical aspects of fluorescein angiographic characteristics in predominantly classic (PDC) and OCC subtypes of n-AMD treated with intravitreal ranibizumab.

Methods:

Treatment-naive fluorescein angiographic OCC-n-AMD and PDC-n-AMD patients, who received monthly intravitreal ranibizumab for 3 months after baseline, and were followed-up with pro re nata injections between March 2013 and February 2018, were included. Means of the visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intravitreal injection and visit numbers of the groups were compared throughout 24 months.

Results:

We included 41 eyes of PDC-n-AMD patients and 36 eyes of OCC-n-AMD patients. The mean ages were 74.5 ± 10.6 and 71.9 ± 9.4, respectively. The baseline, and 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month VA results of the OCC group were significantly better than those in the PDC. However, VA gain in the PDC group at 3, 6, and 12 months was significantly higher than that in the OCC group. The mean of baseline CMT of the PDC (353 ± 118 µm) was significantly higher than that in the OCC group (293 ± 64 µm). No significant differences in terms of the number of visits or injections, or CMT change from the baseline values between groups were observed.

Conclusion:

The OCC-n-AMD patients had better baseline and follow-up VA and CMT means than the PDC-n-AMD patients. However, the PDC-n-AMD patients are expected to benefit more than the OCC-n-AMD patients in terms of VA gains.
Advancing team cohesion: Using an escape room as a novel approach
Authors: Cohen Tara N , Griggs Andrew C , Kanji Falisha F , Cohen Kate A , Lazzara Elizabeth H , Keebler Joseph R , Gewertz Bruce L
Published: April 2021

Objective

An escape room was used to study teamwork and its determinants, which have been found to relate to the quality and safety of patient care delivery. This pilot study aimed to explore the value of an escape room as a mechanism for improving cohesion among interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Methods

This research was conducted at a nonprofit medical center in Southern California. All participants who work on a team were invited to participate. Authors employed an interrupted within-subjects design, with two pre- and post-escape room questionnaires related to two facets of group cohesion: (belonging – (PGC-B) and morale (PGC-M)). Participants rated their perceptions of group cohesion before, after, and one-month after the escape room. The main outcome measures included PGC-B/M.

Results

Sixty-two teams participated (n = 280 participants) of which 31 teams (50%) successfully “escaped” in the allotted 45 minutes. There was a statistically significant difference in PGC between the three time periods, F(4, 254) = 24.10, p < .001; Wilks’ Λ = .725; partial η2 = .275. Results indicated significantly higher scores for PGC immediately after the escape room and at the one-month follow-up compared to baseline.

Conclusions

This work offers insights into the utility of using an escape room as a team building intervention in interprofessional healthcare teams. Considering the modifiability of escape rooms, they may function as valuable team building mechanisms in healthcare. More work is needed to determine how escape rooms compare to more traditional team building curriculums.
Anxiety disorders and asthma among adolescents in Uganda: role of early-life exposures
Authors: Mpairwe Harriet , Mpango Richard Stephen , Sembajjwe Wilber , Webb Emily L. , Elliott Alison M. , Pearce Neil , Kinyanda Eugene
Published: April 2021

The reasons for the positive association between anxiety disorders and asthma are unknown. We investigated the possible role of shared exposures in early life.

We conducted a case–control study among adolescents (age 12–17 years) with and without asthma in urban Uganda, as part of a larger asthma case–control study. Anxiety disorders were diagnosed by psychiatric clinical officers. We focused on generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Asthma was doctor-diagnosed by study clinicians. We used questionnaires to collect data on early-life exposures. The data were analysed using multiple logistic regression.

We enrolled 162 adolescents; 73 of them had asthma. Adolescents with asthma were more likely to have any of the three anxiety disorders studied (46.6%) than adolescents without asthma (21.4%) (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.68, 95% CI 1.30–5.53). The association was strong for GAD (aOR 4.49, 95% CI 1.48–13.56) and panic disorder (aOR 5.43, 95% CI 2.11–14.02), but not for social anxiety disorder. The early-life risk factors associated with anxiety disorders among adolescents were similar to asthma risk factors previously published, including urban residence at birth (aOR 3.42, 95% CI 1.29–9.09) and during most of the first 5 years of life (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.07–7.66), father's tertiary education (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.00–4.37), and adolescent's history of other allergy-related diseases (aOR 4.64, 95% CI 1.66–13.00).

We confirm a positive association between anxiety disorders and asthma among adolescents in urban Uganda. The early-life risk factors associated with anxiety disorders among adolescents were similar to those for asthma in the same age group, suggesting shared underlying environmental exposures.
COL4A3expression in asthmatic epithelium depends on intronic methylation and ZNF263 binding
Authors: Nemani Sai Sneha Priya , Vermeulen Cornelis Joseph , Pech Martin , Faiz Alen , Oliver Brian George G. , van den Berge Maarten , Burgess Janette Kay , Kopp Matthias V. , Weckmann Markus
Published: April 2021

Background

Reduction of COL4A3, one of the six isoforms of collagen 4, in asthmatic airways results in increased inflammation and angiogenesis, implicating it as a central part of asthma pathogenesis. However, to date, the path underlying these diminished COL4A3 levels has been elusive. This study investigated a possible mechanism underlying the reduction of COL4A3 expression.

Methods

Bronchial biopsies of 76 patients with asthma and 83 controls were subjected to RNA-sequencing and DNA methylation bead arrays to identify expression and methylation changes. The binding of ZNF263 was analysed by chromatin-immunoprecipitation sequencing coupled with quantitative (q)PCR. Effects ofZNF263silencing, using small interfering RNA, on theCOL4A3expression were studied using qPCR.

Results

COL4A3expression was significantly reduced in bronchial biopsies compared to healthy controls, whereas DNA methylation levels at cg11797365 were increased.COL4A3expression levels were significantly low in asthmatics without inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use, whereas the expression was not statistically different between asthmatics using ICS and controls. Methylation levels at cg11797365in vitrowere increased upon consecutive rhinovirus infections.

Conclusion

Our data indicate an epigenetic modification as a contributing factor for the loss ofCOL4A3expression in asthmatic airway epithelium.
Actin polymerization state regulates osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Sun Bing , Qu Rongmei , Fan Tingyu , Yang Yuchao , Jiang Xin , Khan Asmat Ullah , Zhou Zhitao , Zhang Jingliao , Wei Kuanhai , Ouyang Jun , Dai Jingxing
Published: April 2021

Background

Actin is an essential cellular protein that assembles into microfilaments and regulates numerous processes such as cell migration, maintenance of cell shape, and material transport.

Methods

In this study, we explored the effect of actin polymerization state on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). The hASCs were treated for 7 days with different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 nM) of jasplakinolide (JAS), a reagent that directly polymerizes F-actin. The effects of the actin polymerization state on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and the maturity of focal adhesion-related proteins were assessed. In addition, western blotting and alizarin red staining assays were performed to assess osteogenic differentiation.

Results

Cell proliferation and migration in the JAS (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 nM) groups were higher than in the control group and the JAS (50 nM) group. The FAK, vinculin, paxillin, and talin protein expression levels were highest in the JAS (20 nM) group, while zyxin expression was highest in the JAS (50 nM) group. Western blotting showed that osteogenic differentiation in the JAS (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 nM) group was enhanced compared with that in the control group, and was strongest in the JAS (50 nM) group.

Conclusions

In summary, our data suggest that the actin polymerization state may promote the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs by regulating the protein expression of focal adhesion-associated proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings provide valuable information for exploring the mechanism of osteogenic differentiation in hASCs.
Validation of the professional good care scale in nursing homes (GCS-NH)
Authors: Pérez-Rojo Gema , López Javier , Noriega Cristina , Martínez-Huertas José Angel , Velasco Cristina
Published: April 2021

Background

There is extensive concern about older people’s care in institutions, especially recently in the past years. One of the reasons is linked to the cases of elder abuse, not only shown by academic and scientific sources, but also by social and mass media and their impact on public perception of the institutional setting. What is more, current COVID-19 pandemic consequences on older people have provoked alarm and worry especially about what is happening in institutions.

Methods

The sample for this study consists of 286 staff working in nursing homes in Spain. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Professional Good Care Scale in Nursing Homes (GCS-NH).

Results

Results of parallel analyses and exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) showed a four-factor model for the 32-item scale: humanization (9 items), non-infantilization (10 items), respect (7 items) and empowerment (6 items). Then, psychometric properties were tested analysing internal consistency (reliability) and convergent, divergent and criterion validity. High internal consistency (reliability) and different validity evidence were obtained for the total scores of the GCS-NH and its subscales. GCS-NH scores were also capable of detecting risk of probable institutional elder abuse.

Conclusions

Results show that this scale is an appropriate, valid, and reliable multidimensional instrument to evaluate good care in older institutionalized people by staff. Good care is an outcome of a complex construct in which a wide range of factors converge (staff, older people, and environmental characteristics). The GCS-NH has potential to be used as a multidimensional tool to assess good care.
Differential effects of KRAS mutational status on long-term survival according to the timing of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Sakai Nozomu , Furukawa Katsunori , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Kuboki Satoshi , Takano Shigetsugu , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: April 2021

Background

The relationship between KRAS mutational status and timing of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) remains unclear. This study evaluated the relationship between KRAS mutational status and long-term survival in patients with synchronous CRLM.

Methods

Of the 255 patients who underwent initial hepatic resection for CRLM between January 2001 and December 2018, the KRAS mutational status was examined in 101 patients. Medical records of these patients were reviewed to evaluate recurrence and survival outcomes.

Results

KRAS mutant status was identified in 38 patients (37.6%). The overall survival (OS) was significantly better in patients with wild-type KRAS than in those with mutant KRAS status. In patients with synchronous metastases, the OS of patients with wild-type KRAS was significantly better than those with mutant KRAS. Multivariate analyses indicated shorter OS to be independently associated with positive primary lymph node, and large tumor size and R1 resection in patients with metachronous metastasis, whereas to be independently associated with mutant KRAS status in patients with synchronous metastasis. Furthermore, in the subgroup of patients with synchronous metastases, the repeat resection rate for hepatic recurrence was significantly high in those with wild type KRAS than in those with mutant KRAS.

Conclusion

KRAS mutation is an independent prognostic factor in patients with synchronous CRLM, but not in patients with metachronous CRLM.
Intraoperative optical coherence tomography guided corneal sweeping for removal of remnant Interface fluid during ultra-thin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Mimouni Michael , Kronschläger Martin , Ruiss Manuel , Findl Oliver
Published: April 2021

Background

Remnant interface fluid following Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) is associated with postoperative detachments. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) guided meticulous peripheral corneal sweeping for removal of interface fluid during ultra-thin (UT) DSAEK.

Methods

This retrospective study included all eyes underwent iOCT guided UT-DSAEK from October 2016 to February 2018 at the Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria. Peripheral meticulous corneal sweeping was performed to remove excess fluid. Central graft thickness (CGT) was measured prior to surgery, after graft bubbling and after corneal sweeping. Remnant interface fluid rates were compared between eyes that underwent rebubbling and those that did not.

Results

Overall, 28 eyes of 28 patients with a mean age of 73.9 ± 10.0 years were included. An iOCT guided meticulous peripheral sweeping was performed in 89.3% (n = 25) of the cases. Following 84% (n = 21) of the peripheral sweeping performed, remnant fluid was no longer identified. Following peripheral sweeping the interface fluid height was reduced from 17.31 ± 15.96 μm to 3.46 ± 9.52 μm (p < 0.001) and CGT was reduced by 7% (p < 0.001). Rebubbling was performed in 17.9% (n = 5) of the cases. The rebubbling group had a greater proportion of patients that had remnant fluid identified with iOCT at the end of surgery despite meticulous peripheral sweeping (60.0% versus 4.4%, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The iOCT identified subclinical remnant fluid in nearly 90% of UT-DSAEK cases. An iOCT guided peripheral corneal sweeping led to resolution of interface fluid in a majority of cases. Eyes with persistent remnant fluid despite peripheral corneal sweeping are more likely to require subsequent rebubbling.
Effect of three different needle holders on gastrointestinal anastomosis construction time and bursting pressure in equine jejunal segments
Authors: Averay Kate , van Galen Gaby , Ward Michael , Verwilghen Denis
Published: April 2021

Background

Equine small intestinal resection and anastomosis is a procedure where optimizing speed, without compromising integrity, is advantageous. There are a range of different needle holders available, but little is published on the impact surgical instrumentation has on surgical technique in veterinary medicine.

The objectives of this study were to investigate if the needle holder type influences the anastomosis construction time, the anastomosis bursting pressure and whether the bursting pressure is influenced by the anastomosis construction time.

Single layer end-to-end jejunojejunal anastomoses were performed on jejunal segments harvested from equine cadavers. These segments were randomly allocated to four groups. Three groups based on the needle holder type that was used: 16.5 cm Frimand (Group 1), 16 cm Mayo-Hegar (Group 2) or 20.5 cm Mayo-Hegar (Group 3) needle holders. One (Group 4) as control without anastomoses. Anastomosis construction time was recorded. Bursting pressure was determined by pumping green coloured fluid progressively into the lumen whilst recording intraluminal pressures. Maximum pressure reached prior to failure was recorded as bursting pressure. Construction times and bursting pressures were compared between needle holder, and the correlation between bursting pressure and construction time was estimated.

Results

Construction times were not statistically different between groups (P = 0.784). Segments from Group 2 and Group 3 burst at a statistically significantly lower pressure than those from Group 4;P = 0.031 andP = 0.001 respectively. Group 4 and Group 1 were not different (P = 0.125). The mean bursting pressure was highest in Group 4 (189 ± 61.9 mmHg), followed by Group 1 (166 ± 31 mmHg) and Group 2 (156 ± 42 mmHg), with Group 3 (139 ± 34 mmHg) having the lowest mean bursting pressure. Anastomosis construction time and bursting pressure were not correlated (P = 0.792).

Conclusions

The tested needle holders had a significant effect on bursting pressure, but not on anastomosis construction time. In an experimental setting, the Frimand needle holder produced anastomoses with higher bursting pressures. Further studies are required to determine clinical implications.
Identification of blood immune and metabolic indicators explaining the variability of growth of pigs under contrasted sanitary conditions
Authors: Le Floc’h N. , Gondret F. , Resmond R.
Published: April 2021

Background

Health and growth of pigs are affected by the hygiene of housing. Lower growth performance observed in poor hygiene of housing conditions is explained by reduced feed intake and metabolic changes caused by the activation of body defences. In a previous experiment, we reported contrasted average values of body weight gain, concentrations of circulating metabolites, redox and immune indicators in blood of pigs housed in good or poor hygiene conditions during the growing period. This study addressed inter-individual variability in these responses to determine whether a particular blood profile explains average daily gain (ADG) of the pig.

Results

The data originated from 160 growing pigs, half of which subjected to a hygiene challenge for 6 weeks (W0 to W6) and the others housed in good hygiene conditions. Pigs originated from two lines divergently selected for residual feed intake (RFI). Individual body weights were recorded during this period, and relative ADG (rADGW0-W6) was calculated as the ADG corrected by the initial body weight measured at W0. Blood samples were taken before (W0) and 3 weeks (W3) after the beginning of the challenge. The analysed dataset consisted of 51 metabolites and indicators of immune and inflammatory responses measured on 136 pigs having no missing value for any variables, when calculated as the differences W3 minus W0 in circulating concentrations. An algorithm tested all possible linear regression models and then selected the best ones to explain rADGW0-W6. Six variables were identified across the best models and correlated with rADGW0-W6 with a goodness of fit (adjusted R2) of about 67%. They were changes in haptoglobin, global antioxidant capacity of plasma (Biological Antioxidant Power or BAP), free fatty acids, and 3 amino acids: leucine, tryptophan, and 1-methylhistidine. The effects of housing conditions and RFI lines were comprised in the variables of the selected models and none of these conditions improved accuracy of the predictive models, leading to genericity of the pinpointed metabolic changes in relation to variability of ADG.

Conclusions

This approach allows us to identify blood variables, whose changes in blood concentrations correlated to ADG under contrasted sanitary conditions.
The SRSF1/circATP5B/miR-185-5p/HOXB5 feedback loop regulates the proliferation of glioma stem cells via the IL6-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Junshuang , Jiang Yang , Zhang Haiying , Zhou Jinpeng , Chen Lian , Li Hao , Xu Jinkun , Zhang Guoqing , Jing Zhitao
Published: April 2021

Background

Glioma is the most common and malignant tumor of central nervous system. The tumor initiation, self-renewal, and multi-lineage differentiation abilities of glioma stem cells (GSCs) are responsible for glioma proliferation and recurrence. Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in the progression of glioma, the detailed mechanisms remain unknown.

Methods

qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and bioinformatic analysis were performed to detect the expression of circATP5B, miR-185-5p, HOXB5, and SRSF1. Patient-derived GSCs were established, and MTS, EDU, neurosphere formation, and limiting dilution assays were used to detect the proliferation of GSCs. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to detect these molecules’ regulation mechanisms.

Results

We found circATP5B expression was significantly upregulated in GSCs and promoted the proliferation of GSCs. Mechanistically, circATP5B acted as miR-185-5p sponge to upregulate HOXB5 expression. HOXB5 was overexpressed in glioma and transcriptionally regulated IL6 expression and promoted the proliferation of GSCs via JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Moreover, RNA binding protein SRSF1 could bind to and promote circATP5B expression and regulate the proliferation of GSCs, while HOXB5 also transcriptionally regulated SRSF1 expression.

Conclusions

Our study identified the SRSF1/circATP5B/miR-185-5p/HOXB5 feedback loop in GSCs. This provides an effective biomarker for glioma diagnosis and prognostic evaluation.
N-acetyl cysteine induces quiescent-like pancreatic stellate cells from an active state and attenuates cancer-stroma interactions
Authors: Feng Haimin , Moriyama Taiki , Ohuchida Kenoki , Sheng Nan , Iwamoto Chika , Shindo Koji , Shirahane Kengo , Ikenaga Naoki , Nagai Shuntaro , Nakata Kohei , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: April 2021

Background

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) occupy the majority of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, contributing to aggressive behavior of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). Recently, anti-fibrotic agents have proven to be an effective strategy against cancer, but clinical trials have shown little efficacy, and the driving mechanism remains unknown. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is often used for pulmonary cystic fibrosis. Pioglitazone, an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, was habitually used for type II diabetes, but recently reported to inhibit metastasis of PCCs. However, few studies have focused on the effects of these two agents on cancer-stromal interactions.

Method

We evaluated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the number of lipid droplets in PSCs cultured with or without NAC. We also evaluated changes in invasiveness, viability, and oxidative level in PSCs and PCCs after NAC treatment. Using an indirect co-culture system, we investigated changes in viability, invasiveness, and migration of PSCs and PCCs. Combined treatment effects of NAC and Pioglitazone were evaluated in PSCs and PCCs. In vivo, we co-transplanted KPC-derived organoids and PSCs to evaluate the effects of NAC and Pioglitazone’s combination therapy on subcutaneous tumor formation and splenic xenografted mouse models.

Results

In vitro, NAC inhibited the viability, invasiveness, and migration of PSCs at a low concentration, but not those of PCCs. NAC treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress level and expression of α-SMA, collagen type I in PSCs, which apparently present a quiescent-like state with a high number of lipid droplets. Co-cultured PSCs and PCCs mutually promoted the viability, invasiveness, and migration of each other. However, these promotion effects were attenuated by NAC treatment. Pioglitazone maintained the NAC-induced quiescent-like state of PSCs, which were reactivated by PCC-supernatant, and enhanced chemosensitivity of PCCs. In vivo, NAC and Pioglitazone’s combination suppressed tumor growth and liver metastasis with fewer stromal components and oxidative stress level.

Conclusion

NAC suppressed activated PSCs and attenuated cancer-stromal interactions. NAC induces quiescent-like PSCs that were maintained in this state by pioglitazone treatment.
Autochthonous, zoonotic Onchocerca lupi in a South Texas dog, United States
Authors: Verocai Guilherme G. , Sobotyk Caroline , Lamison Allegra , Borst Mindy M. , Edwards Erin E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Onchocerca lupi is an emerging, zoonotic filarioid nematode associated with ocular disease in companion animals in North America and the Old World. The areas where this parasite is assumed to be endemic in the USA comprise southwestern states. Thus far, all cases reported outside of the southwest are associated with travel or animal movement.

Methods

An 11-year-old, castrated male Pitbull dog from McAllen, Hidalgo County, southern Texas, with no travel history, was diagnosed with a perforating corneal ulceration of the right eye. Enucleation was performed and tissues submitted for histopathology.

Results

Histologically, sections of two filarioid nematodes were observed. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue using a commercial kit. We performed PCR targeting the cox1 gene of the mitochondrial DNA, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Altogether, these results confirmed the identification of the nematode specimens as O. lupi, phylogenetically belonging to haplotype 1.

Conclusion

We report the first autochthonous case of O. lupi in a dog from Hidalgo County, southern Texas, USA. Our finding suggests Texas as an additional state where this zoonotic nematode is endemic. Further investigations are required to understand the epidemiology of this parasite along the USA/Mexico border.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-PLI: interpretable multi‐task deep learning model for unifying protein–ligand interaction datasets
Authors: Hu Fan , Jiang Jiaxin , Wang Dongqi , Zhu Muchun , Yin Peng
Published: April 2021

The assessment of protein–ligand interactions is critical at early stage of drug discovery. Computational approaches for efficiently predicting such interactions facilitate drug development. Recently, methods based on deep learning, including structure- and sequence-based models, have achieved impressive performance on several different datasets. However, their application still suffers from a generalizability issue because of insufficient data, especially for structure based models, as well as a heterogeneity problem because of different label measurements and varying proteins across datasets. Here, we present an interpretable multi-task model to evaluate protein–ligand interaction (Multi-PLI). The model can run classification (binding or not) and regression (binding affinity) tasks concurrently by unifying different datasets. The model outperforms traditional docking and machine learning on both binary classification and regression tasks and achieves competitive results compared with some structure-based deep learning methods, even with the same training set size. Furthermore, combined with the proposed occlusion algorithm, the model can predict the important amino acids of proteins that are crucial for binding, thus providing a biological interpretation.
Laboratory investigation of coupled electrical interaction of fracturing rock with gases
Authors: Enomoto Yuji , Yamabe Tsuneaki , Sugiura Shigeki , Kondo Hitoshi
Published: April 2021

In the coupled electric interaction of rock fractures and gas invasion, that is, when gases interact with newly created crack surfaces, the unpaired electrons within the rock crystal defects are thermally stimulated, released into the crack due to the temperature rise at the crack tip via plastic work, and attached to ambient gas molecules to electrify them in a negative state. Using a working hypothesis that this mechanism is the source mechanism of seismo-electromagnetic phenomena, we conducted laboratory experiments in which rocks were fractured with pressurized N2, CO2, CH4, and hot water vapour. Fractures were induced by a flat-ended indenter equipped with a flow channel, which was loaded against blocks of quartz diorite, gabbro, basalt, and granite. Fracture-induced negatively electrified gas currents at ~ 25 °C and ~ 160 °C were successfully measured for ~ ≥ 100 μs after full development of the crack. The peak electric currents were as high as 0.05–3 μA, depending on the rock species and interaction area of fractured rock and gas and to a lesser extent on the gas species and temperature. The peak current from fracturing granite, which showed higher γ-ray activity, was at least 10 times higher than that from fracturing gabbro, quartz diorite, and basalt. The results supported the validity of the present working hypothesis, that coupled interaction of fracturing rock with deep Earth gases during quasi-static rupture of rocks in the focal zone of a fault might play an important role in the generation of pre- and co-seismic electromagnetic phenomena.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the greater omentum: case report and review of literature
Authors: Eltawil Karim M. , Whalen Carly , Knapp Bryce
Published: April 2021

Background

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare neoplasm of mesenchymal origin occurring most often in the visceral pleura, however, it has been described in almost every anatomic location of the human body. While most SFTs have a benign behavior, they can potentially be locally aggressive and demonstrate a malignant behavior.

Case presentation

A 63 year-old male patient presented with lower abdominal pain and nausea and was noted on CT to have a large, heterogeneous lower abdominal mass with no evidence of metastatic disease. A surgical resection was performed and the mass appeared to be connected to the greater omentum with a vascular pedicle. It was not invading any intra-abdominal or pelvic organs. Pathology revealed an SFT of omental origin. The mitotic count was less than 4 per 10 high-power fields and all pathologic characteristics did not meet the criteria for a malignant SFT.

Conclusions

We report an extremely rare case of SFT originating from the greater omentum. A multidisciplinary team approach was followed to plan the patient’s management strategy.
Graded activity with and without daily-monitored-walking in patients with type 2 diabetes with low back pain: secondary analysis of a randomized-clinical trial
Authors: Idowu Opeyemi Ayodiipo , Adeniyi Ade Fatai , Edo Andrew , Fasanmade Adesoji
Published: April 2021

Background

Graded activity is gradually emerging as a preferred choice in improving psychosocial outcomes including pain self-efficacy, fear-avoidance beliefs, and back-pain beliefs in the general population with low back pain (LBP). Such evidence is, however, lacking among patients with concomitant LBP and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This secondary analysis of a randomized control trial aimed to compare the efficacy between graded activity augmented with additional daily-monitored-walking and graded activity alone on disability, pain self-efficacy (PSE), fear-avoidance beliefs (FAB), back-pain beliefs (BPB) and glycaemic control (HbA1c) in patients with concomitant LBP and T2DM.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with concomitant LBP and T2DM were randomised into two groups, graded activity with daily-monitored-walking group (GAMWG = 29) or (graded activity group (GAG = 29) in this 12-week single-blind trial. Both groups received graded activity (home/work-place visits, back school and sub-maximal exercises) while the GAMWG received additional daily-monitored-walking. Disability and selected psychosocial outcomes were assessed at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12 using Roland-Morris disability, fear-avoidance behaviour, pain self-efficacy and back belief questionnaires. Glycaemic control was assessed at weeks 0 and 12 using a point-of-care system (In2it, Biorad Latvia). Data were analysed using mean, median, Friedman’s ANOVA, Mann-Whitney test and t-tests.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 48.3 ± 9.4 years (95%CI: 45.6, 50.9) while 35.3% were males. The GAMWG participants (n = 25) had better outcomes (P < 0.05) than GAG participants (n = 26) on PSE (1.0, 3.0; r = − 0.1) and FAB (0.01, − 2.0; r = − 0.1) at week 4, LBP-related disability (0.01, − 2.0; r = − 0.2) at week 8 and glycaemic control at week 12 (− 0.59 ± 0.51%,-0.46 ± 0.22%). No other between-group comparisons were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Graded activity with daily-monitored-walking provided earlier improvements on disability, pain self-efficacy, fear-avoidance beliefs, and glycaemic control, but not back pain beliefs, in patients with concomitant LBP and T2DM.

Trial registration

PACTR201702001728564; 26 July, 2016 (retrospectively registered).
A light-activatable antibiotic with high activation efficiency and uncompromised bactericidal potency in the activated state
Authors: Hou Delong , Wang Rui , Wang Zhonghui , Yang Gaofu , Xu Zhou , Zeng Qi , Chen Yi
Published: April 2021

Achieving activatable antibiotics represents one promising solution to tackle the occurrence of side effects, one major issue now plaguing antibiotic usage in collagen-based biomaterials. Despite considerable effort, however, rationale design of activatable antibiotics that display high activation efficiency and uncompromised bactericidal potency in the activated state remains difficult. Here, we demonstrate a design principle that helps to address this challenge. This strategy differs from previous attempts by underscoring photolytic removal of a functionality directly conjugated to the pharmacophore of an antibiotic, enabling not only an activation efficiency significantly improved beyond previous light-activatable antibiotics, but also bactericidal activity in the activated state as potent as the parent drug.

Graphical abstract
Diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in differentiation between normal and abnormally thickened endometrium: prospective study
Authors: Latif Mahmoud Abdel , Tantawy M. Salah , Mosaad Hebatullah Safwat
Published: April 2021

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be beneficial to differentiate between endometrium and other uterine layers. It is believed that it can be used to differentiate between normal and abnormally thickened endometrium. The purpose of this study was to find out the diagnostic value of DTI as an extension of DWI in characterization of abnormally thickened endometrium and differentiate it from normal.

Results

This study included 68 females, results of 3 of them were excluded (unable to complete the study), so the final number was 65 females subdivided into 2 groups; (A) control: 24 (13 premenopausal and 11 asymptomatic postmenopausal), (B) pathological thickened endometrium: 41 (11 premenopausal and 30 postmenopausal): benign (21 patients) and malignant (20 patients). The collected data was correlated to the histopathological results (as the gold standard) in cases of endometrial pathologies. The mean DW-ADC values for normal, benign, and malignant patients were 1.43 ± 0.13, 1.56 ± 0.17, and 0.86 ± 0.16 respectively and with significant statistical difference between normal and benign endometrial lesions (P value = 0.006), and between normal and malignant endometrial lesions, and between benign and malignant endometrial lesions (P value ˂ 0.001).

The DTI-FA mean values for normal, benign, and malignant patients were 0.349 ± 0.08, 0.29 ± 0.09, and 0.299 ± 0.08 respectively and with significant statistical difference between normal and benign endometrial lesions (P value = 0.02), but there is no significant statistical difference regarding DTI-FA values between normal and malignant endometrial lesions or between benign and malignant endometrial lesions (P value ˃ 0.05). Also, there is a significant statistical difference regarding DTI-MD mean values between normal (1.59 ± 0.06) and benign (1.37 ± 0.09), normal and malignant (0.71 ± 0.25), and between benign and malignant endometrial lesions (P value ˂ 0.001). The DT-MD had a higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy than both DW-ADC and DT-FA in differentiating normal, benign, and malignant endometrial pathologies.

Conclusion

DTI (added to DWI) is a valuable non-invasive tool that can increase the accuracy in differentiating normal, benign, and malignant endometrial conditions, helping early management, and decrease the possibility of misdiagnosis.
Perception of radiography lecturers towards the proposed doctor of radiography program
Authors: Maduka Beatrice Ukamaka , Ugwu Anthony Chukwuka , Adirika Bakky Ngozi
Published: April 2021

Background

Radiography as a profession has undergone significant changes in recent times with the introduction of new imaging modalities, increase in the ranges of radiological investigations, and a diversification in the role of radiographers. As a result of these, there is a need to step up the radiography program to meet up with these changes. This study aims at ascertaining the perception of radiography lecturers in Nigeria towards the proposed doctor of radiography program. A cross-sectional study of radiography lecturers in Nigeria was conducted from February to July 2020. Subjects were recruited through a convenient sampling technique. Validated questionnaires were sent online to all the lecturers. The questionnaire contained 32 questions divided into 3 sections. Section A captured the demographic data of the lecturers. Section B captured information on the ability of the doctor of radiography program to produce graduates with a broad orientation in all specialties of radiography. Section C elicited information on the ability of the doctor of radiography program to produce high-quality radiographers.

Results

A total of 62 lecturers comprising 51 males (82.3%) and 11 females (17.7%) participated in the study. The grand mean of all the items in sections B and C were 3.03 and 3.25 respectively which show that the respondents are confident that the proposed program will produce high-quality and versatile radiographers.

Conclusion

The lecturers showed a positive perception towards the doctor of radiography program. Hence, they strongly believe that the proposed program will produce more versatile radiographers than the bachelor’s program.
Encephalocele: know it to deal with it
Authors: Pal Nilkanth Laxman , Juwarkar Ambika Sumeet , Viswamitra Sanjaya
Published: April 2021

Background

Encephaloceles refer to the herniation of intracranial contents through the defect in the dura and calvarium. This article aims to equip the radiologists with all the necessary information to approach a case of encephalocele in a systematic manner and report in an organized format. Thus reduce the reporting time without overlooking any detail.

Main text

An extensive literature review was performed searching through the standard textbooks and electronic databases to obtain thorough information on the various encephaloceles particularly from a radiological point of view. The author’s observations were also incorporated in the review. Among the available imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging is the most versatile and considered the imaging modality of choice because of superior anatomic resolution in the characterization of central nervous system malformation. This study provides the reporting radiologist with a methodical guide to approach a case of encephalocele discussing the imaging protocol, relevant anatomy, classification, associated abnormalities, and imaging prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Encephalocele has always been a subject of predicament for radiologists. Understanding the relevant terminologies, anatomy, imaging protocols, classification, associated malformations/anomalies, and imaging prognostic factors will help to methodically approach each case and provide a systematic and comprehensive report.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Egyptian physical therapists
Authors: Abu-Taleb Walaa , Rehan Youssef Aliaa
Published: April 2021

Background

Physical therapists (PTs) are frequently exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). There is limited evidence on the prevalence of these injuries and their potential risk factors in Egyptian PTs. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of WMSDs among Egyptian PTs as well as potential risk factors and therapists’ coping strategies. Further, it investigated the association between WMSDs and socioeconomic factors.

Results

Three hundred eighty-five eligible participants completed a survey. The prevalence of WMSDs was 99.5%. The five top affected anatomic regions were lower back (69.1%), neck (65.7%), shoulder (47.7%), wrist/hand (39.1%), and upper back (37.0%). Therapists rated awkward positions and handling of heavy patients as the most common predisposing factors for sustaining injuries. Regarding coping strategies, seeking informal help from peers to treat injuries-related symptoms and changing the posture of therapists and patients while working were mostly used by PTs. Overall, female therapists had higher injury prevalence than males (Cramer’s V < 0.5, p ≤ 0.05); except for upper back (p > 0.05). Education and working in multiple facilities simultaneously (public and private clinics) correlated significantly to sustaining injuries in the upper back (V = 0.14, p = 0.049 and V = 0.178, p = 0.002, respectively) and neck (V = 0.16, p = .019 and V = 0.142, p = 0.020, respectively). WMSDs were not associated with therapists’ experience or specialty (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

WMSDs injuries in PTs are prevalent in Egypt, especially in females, therapists with lower academic education, and those working in multiple facilities simultaneously.
Acute mastoiditis with facial paralysis as initial symptom of acute myeloid leukemia relapse: a rare case report
Authors: Yücel Levent , Başak Hazan , Beton Süha
Published: April 2021

Background

Extramedullary involvement of leukemia usually occurs in the skin and central nervous system. Isolated leukemic involvement of the temporal bone is a very uncommon situation, and it is seen frequently concomitant to hematologic or molecular relapse.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old male with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M2 with t (8,21) (FAB classification) in remission for 2 years was referred to our clinic with severe ear pain, persistent ear discharge, and hearing loss with left facial paralysis for 4 days. Physical examination revealed purulent ear discharge with severe edema of the left ear canal. The temporal computed tomography revealed otomastoiditis. However, temporal magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 9 × 6 × 5 mm contrast-enhancing lesion in the internal acoustic canal and thickening in VIIth and VIIIth cranial nerves. Mastoidectomy was performed for exploration and biopsy. The histopathological results of the mastoid bone and soft tissue samples revealed a relapse of AML. One month after the first chemotherapy regime, ear discharge stopped and facial palsy recovered totally. However, the patient died 9 months after the diagnosis of relapse.

Conclusion

Temporal bone relapse should be suspected in AML patients with symptoms of otomastoiditis and facial palsy. Further investigations including radiological examinations, surgery, and biopsy for avoiding misdiagnosis and delay in treatment are needed.