bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sumadhur intervention on fertility and family planning decision-making norms: a mixed methods study
Authors: Mitchell Ashley , Puri Mahesh C. , Dahal Minakshi , Cornell Alia , Upadhyay Ushma D. , Diamond-Smith Nadia G.
Published: May 2023

Background

Mindful of social norms shaping health among women pressured to prove early fertility in Nepal, a bi-national research team developed and piloted a 4-month intervention engaging household triads (newly married women, their husbands, and mothers-in-law) toward advancing gender equity, personal agency, and reproductive health. This study evaluates the impact on family planning and fertility decision-making.

Methods

In 2021, Sumadhur was piloted in six villages with 30 household triads (90 participants). Pre/post surveys of all participants were analyzed using paired sample nonparametric tests and in-depth interviews with a subset of 45 participants were transcribed and analyzed thematically.

Results

Sumadhur significantly impacted (p < .05) norms related to pregnancy spacing and timing, and sex preference of children, as well as knowledge about family planning benefits, pregnancy prevention methods, and abortion legality. Family planning intent also increased among newly married women. Qualitative findings revealed improved family dynamics and gender equity, and shed light on remaining challenges.

Conclusions

Entrenched social norms surrounding fertility and family planning contrasted with participants’ personal beliefs, highlighting needed community-level shifts to improve reproductive health in Nepal. Engagement of influential community- and family-members is key to improving norms and reproductive health. Additionally, promising interventions such as Sumadhur should be scaled up and reassessed.
Genome mosaic structure of two novel HIV-1 recombinant forms (CRF01_AE/B) in men who have sex with men in Hebei, China
Authors: Lu Xinli , Gao Wenbin , Wang Yingying , Liu Meng , An Ning , Li Yan , Zhang Yuqi , Li Qi
Published: May 2023

Background

Homosexual contact is the main route of human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) transmission in Cangzhou Prefecture, Hebei, China. Moreover, the number of circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) in this key population is ever increasing.

Methods

In this study, we identified two novel URFs (hcz0017 and hcz0045) from two men who have sex with men (MSM) based in Cangzhou Prefecture. Phylogenetic and recombinant breakpoint analyses, based on the near full-length genomes (NFLGs) of the two novel URFs, showed that they originated from a recombination between HIV-1 CRF01_AE and subtype B.

Results

HXB2 numbering revealed that the NFLGs of hcz0017 and hcz0045 each contained the following seven subregions: hcz0017: IB (790–1,171 nt), IICRF01_AE (1,172–2,022 nt), IIIB (2,023–4,469 nt), IVCRF01_AE (4,470–5,866 nt), VB (5,867–7,462 nt), VICRF01_AE (7,463–8,379 nt), VIIB (8,380–9,411 nt); hcz0045: ICRF01_AE (790–5,147 nt), IIB (5,148–5,614 nt), IIICRF01_AE (5,615–6,035 nt), IVB (6,036–6,241 nt), VCRF01_AE (6,242–7,325nt), VIB (7,326–8,254 nt), VIICRF01_AE (8,255–9,411 nt). Moreover, the two MSM from whom the novel URFs originated from were diagnosed as recently HIV-1-infected, suggesting that the high prevalence of HIV-1 among MSM was related to high-risk sexual activity such as unprotected anal sex and multiple sexual partners.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the need to continually monitor HIV-1 diversity in Hebei and its neighboring provinces to achieve a more effective control of HIV-1 spread within the MSM community.
Advances in micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, somatic hybridizations, genetic transformation and cryopreservation for Passiflora improvement
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Aqa , Wai Myat Hnin , Rizwan Hafiz Muhammad , Qarluq Abdul Qahar , Xu Mengjie , Wang Lulu , Cheng Yan , Aslam Mohammad , Zheng Ping , Wang Xiaomei , Zhang Wenbin , Qin Yuan
Published: May 2023

Passion fruit is an essential commercial plant in the tropics and subtropics, which has lately seen a rise in demand for high-quality fruits and large-scale production. Generally, different species of passion fruit (Passiflorasp.) are propagated by sexual reproduction. However, asexual reproduction, such as stem cuttings, grafting, or tissue culture, is also available and advantageous in many instances. Recent research on passion fruit has concentrated on improving and establishing methodologies for embryogenesis, clonal proliferation via (somatic embryos), homozygote regeneration (by anther culture), germplasm preservation (via cryopreservation), and genetic transformation. These developments have resulted in potentially new directions for asexual propagation. Even though effective embryo culture and cryogenics are now available, however the limited frequency of embryogenic callus transformation to ex-vitro seedlings still restricts the substantial clonal replication of passion fruit. Here, in this review the advancement related to biotechnological approaches and the current understanding of Passiflora tissue culture. In vitro culture, organogenesis, cryopreservation, breeding, and productivity of Passiflora will significantly improve with novel propagation approaches, which could be applied to a wider range of germplasm.
Analgesia by intrathecal delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is dependent on Cav3.2 calcium channels
Authors: Gadotti Vinicius de Maria , Antunes Flavia Tasmin Techera , Zamponi Gerald W.
Published: May 2023

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is known to produce systemic analgesia that involves CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, there is compelling evidence that Δ9-THC can potently inhibit Cav3.2T-type calcium channels which are highly expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons and in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Here, we investigated whether spinal analgesia produced by Δ9-THC involves Cav3.2 channels vis a vis cannabinoid receptors. We show that spinally delivered Δ9-THC produced dose-dependent and long-lasting mechanical anti-hyperalgesia in neuropathic mice, and showed potent analgesic effects in models of inflammatory pain induced by formalin or Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) injection into the hind paw, with the latter showing no overt sex differences. The Δ9-THC mediated reversal of thermal hyperalgesia in the CFA model was abolished in Cav3.2 null mice, but was unaltered in CB1 and CB2 null animals. Hence, the analgesic effects of spinally delivered Δ9-THC are due to an action on T-type calcium channels, rather than activation of spinal cannabinoid receptors.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a mHealth application as a family supportive tool in paediatric otolaryngology perioperative process (TONAPP)
Authors: Dobrina Raffaella , Cassone Andrea , Dal Cin Margherita , Ronfani Luca , Giangreco Manuela , Schreiber Silvana , Zanchiello Sara , Starec Anja , Brunelli Laura , Brumatti Liza Vecchi , Bicego Livia
Published: May 2023

Background

Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) surgery is common in children, but hospitalisation, surgery, and home care after discharge are stressful experiences for young patients and their family caregivers. Findings from literature highlight a lack of time in hospitals to support ORL surgery children and their caregivers through the perioperative process, along with the risks of caregivers’ autonomous web or social media resources investigation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health application with content to support ORL patients and their caregivers in the perioperative period to reduce caregiver anxiety and child distress compared to standard care.

Methods

An open-label, two-arm randomised control trial design is being adopted. The intervention consists of a mobile health application with content to support ORL patients and their caregivers during the perioperative period. One hundred eighty participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned to the experimental group using the mHealth application or the control group. The control group receives standard information and education about the ORL perioperative period from healthcare providers orally or through brochures. The primary outcome is the difference between the intervention and control groups in preoperative caregiver state anxiety. Secondary outcome measures include children’s distress before surgery and family preparation for hospitalisation.

Discussion

The results of this study will be critical to the implementation of a new and safe model for the management of care and education in paediatrics. This model can achieve positive organisational and health outcomes by supporting continuity of care and empowering citizens to have informed participation and satisfaction in paediatric health promotion and management.

Trial registration

Trial identifier: NCT05460689 registry name: ClinicalTrials.gov. Date of registration: July 15, 2022. Last update posted: February 23, 2023.
A potential role for Giardia chaperone protein GdDnaJ in regulating Giardia proliferation and Giardiavirus replication
Authors: Zhang Hongbo , Zhao Chunyan , Zhang Xichen , Li Jianhua , Gong Pengtao , Wang Xiaocen , Li Xin , Wang Xin , Zhang Xu , Cheng Shuqin , Yue Taotao , Zhang Nan
Published: May 2023

Background

Giardia duodenalis (referred to as Giardia) is a flagellated binucleate protozoan parasite, which causes one of the most common diarrheal diseases, giardiasis, worldwide. Giardia can be infected by Giardiavirus (GLV), a small endosymbiotic dsRNA virus belongs to the Totiviridae family. However, the regulation of GLV and a positive correlation between GLV and Giardia virulence is yet to be elucidated.

Methods

To identify potential regulators of GLV, we performed a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen to search for interacting proteins of RdRp. GST pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay were used to verify the direct physical interaction between GLV RdRp and its new binding partner. In addition, their in vivo interaction and colocalization in Giardia trophozoites were examined by using Duolink proximal ligation assay (Duolink PLA).

Results

From Y2H screen, the Giardia chaperone protein, Giardia DnaJ (GdDnaJ), was identified as a new binding partner for GLV RdRp. The direct interaction between GdDnaJ and GLV RdRp was verified via GST pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation and BiFC. In addition, colocalization and in vivo interaction between GdDnaJ and RdRp in Giardia trophozoites were confirmed by Duolink PLA. Further analysis revealed that KNK437, the inhibitor of GdDnaJ, can significantly reduce the replication of GLVs and the proliferation of Giardia.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results suggested a potential role of GdDnaJ in regulating Giardia proliferation and GLV replication through interaction with GLV RdRp.

Graphical Abstract
Epigenomic profiling of isolated blood cell types reveals highly specific B cell smoking signatures and links to disease risk
Authors: Wang Xuting , Campbell Michelle R. , Cho Hye-Youn , Pittman Gary S. , Martos Suzanne N. , Bell Douglas A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Tobacco smoking alters the DNA methylation profiles of immune cells which may underpin some of the pathogenesis of smoking-associated diseases. To link smoking-driven epigenetic effects in specific immune cell types with disease risk, we isolated six leukocyte subtypes, CD14+ monocytes, CD15+ granulocytes, CD19+ B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD56+ natural killer cells, from whole blood of 67 healthy adult smokers and 74 nonsmokers for epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) using Illumina 450k and EPIC methylation arrays.

Results

Numbers of smoking-associated differentially methylated sites (smCpGs) at genome-wide significance (p < 1.2 × 10−7) varied widely across cell types, from 5 smCpGs in CD8+ T cells to 111 smCpGs in CD19+ B cells. We found unique smoking effects in each cell type, some of which were not apparent in whole blood. Methylation-based deconvolution to estimate B cell subtypes revealed that smokers had 7.2% (p = 0.033) less naïve B cells. Adjusting for naïve and memory B cell proportions in EWAS and RNA-seq allowed the identification of genes enriched for B cell activation-related cytokine signaling pathways, Th1/Th2 responses, and hematopoietic cancers. Integrating with large-scale public datasets, 62 smCpGs were among CpGs associated with health-relevant EWASs. Furthermore, 74 smCpGs had reproducible methylation quantitative trait loci single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were in complete linkage disequilibrium with genome-wide association study SNPs, associating with lung function, disease risks, and other traits.

Conclusions

We observed blood cell-type-specific smCpGs, a naïve-to-memory shift among B cells, and by integrating genome-wide datasets, we identified their potential links to disease risks and health traits.
Tau accumulation in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease: a longitudinal [18F]flortaucipir study
Authors: O’Connor Antoinette , Cash David M. , Poole Teresa , Markiewicz Pawel J. , Fraser Maggie R. , Malone Ian B. , Jiao Jieqing , Weston Philip S. J. , Flores Shaney , Hornbeck Russ , McDade Eric , Schöll Michael , Gordon Brian A. , Bateman Randall J. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Fox Nick C.
Published: May 2023

Cortical tau accumulation is a key pathological event that partly defines Alzheimer’s disease (AD) onset and is associated with cognitive decline and future disease progression. However, an improved understanding of the timing and pattern of early tau deposition in AD and how this may be tracked in vivo is needed. Data from 59 participants involved in two longitudinal cohort studies of autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) were used to investigate whether tau PET can detect and track presymptomatic change; seven participants were symptomatic, and 52 were asymptomatic but at a 50% risk of carrying a pathogenic mutation. All had baseline flortaucipir (FTP) PET, MRI and clinical assessments; 26 individuals had more than one FTP PET scan. Standardised uptake value ratios (SUVRs) in prespecified regions of interest (ROIs) were obtained using inferior cerebellar grey matter as the reference region. We compared the changes in FTP SUVRs between presymptomatic carriers, symptomatic carriers and non-carriers, adjusting for age, sex and study site. We also investigated the relationship between regional FTP SUVRs and estimated years to/from symptom onset (EYO). Compared to both non-carriers and presymptomatic carriers, FTP SUVRs were significantly higher in symptomatic carriers in all ROIs tested (p < 0.001). There were no significant regional differences between presymptomatic carriers and non-carriers in FTP SUVRs, or their rates of change (p > 0.05), although increased FTP signal uptake was seen posteriorly in some individuals around the time of expected symptom onset. When we examined the relationship of FTP SUVR with respect to EYO, the earliest significant regional difference between mutation carriers and non-carriers was detected within the precuneus prior to estimated symptom onset in some cases. This study supports preliminary studies suggesting that presymptomatic tau tracer uptake is rare in ADAD. In cases where early uptake was seen, there was often a predilection for posterior regions (the precuneus and post-cingulate) as opposed to the medial temporal lobe, highlighting the importance of examining in vivo tau uptake beyond the confines of traditional Braak staging.
Obesity and dyslipidemia are associated with partially reversible modifications to DNA hydroxymethylation of apoptosis- and senescence-related genes in swine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
Authors: Glasstetter Logan M. , Oderinde Tomiwa S. , Mirchandani Mohit , Rajagopalan Kamalnath Sankaran , Barsom Samer H. , Thaler Roman , Siddiqi Sarosh , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Tang Hui , Jordan Kyra L. , Saadiq Ishran M. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Eirin Alfonso , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: May 2023

Background

Obesity dysregulates key biological processes underlying the functional homeostasis, fate decisions, and reparative potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Mechanisms directing obesity-induced phenotypic alterations in MSCs remain unclear, but emerging drivers include dynamic modification of epigenetic marks, like 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). We hypothesized that obesity and cardiovascular risk factors induce functionally relevant, locus-specific changes in 5hmC of swine adipose-derived MSCs and evaluated their reversibility using an epigenetic modulator, vitamin-C.

Methods

Female domestic pigs were fed a 16-week Lean or Obese diet (n = 6 each). MSCs were harvested from subcutaneous adipose tissue, and 5hmC profiles were examined through hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (hMeDIP-seq) followed by an integrative (hMeDIP and mRNA sequencing) gene set enrichment analysis. For clinical context, we compared 5hmC profiles of adipose tissue-derived human MSCs harvested from patients with obesity and healthy controls.

Results

hMeDIP-seq revealed 467 hyper- (fold change ≥ 1.4; p-value ≤ 0.05) and 591 hypo- (fold change ≤ 0.7; p-value ≤ 0.05) hydroxymethylated loci in swine Obese- versus Lean-MSCs. Integrative hMeDIP-seq/mRNA-seq analysis identified overlapping dysregulated gene sets and discrete differentially hydroxymethylated loci with functions related to apoptosis, cell proliferation, and senescence. These 5hmC changes were associated with increased senescence in cultured MSCs (p16/CDKN2A immunoreactivity, senescence-associated β-galactosidase [SA-β-Gal] staining), were partly reversed in swine Obese-MSCs treated with vitamin-C, and shared common pathways with 5hmC changes in human Obese-MSCs.

Conclusions

Obesity and dyslipidemia are associated with dysregulated DNA hydroxymethylation of apoptosis- and senescence-related genes in swine and human MSCs, potentially affecting cell vitality and regenerative functions. Vitamin-C may mediate reprogramming of this altered epigenomic landscape, providing a potential strategy to improve the success of autologous MSC transplantation in obese patients.
Managing the integration of teaching resources for college physical education using intelligent edge-cloud computing
Authors: Wang Chang , Wang Di
Published: May 2023

These days, colleges and universities have accumulated many resources in teaching and scientific research due to the acceleration of education information in China. However, many teaching resources are in short supply due to a lack of standardized resource construction and the closeness of management methods. Physical education significant teaching resources in Chinese colleges and universities must be utilized. If not integrated, it would seriously restrict the development of physical education in China. However, the traditional management of physical education teaching resources tends to worsen the data management, which is easy to cause the loss of physical education teaching resources data. With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and other technologies, intelligent edge cloud computing can ensure the integrity of physical education teaching resources and improve utilization. In this paper, cloud computing is used to manage physical education teaching resources in colleges and universities, and virtualization technology is used to research physical education teaching resources. Moreover, a resource scheduling method is proposed to ensure equal load distribution across various edge resources. The proposed strategy also provides increased utilization levels for computing resources. The comparison between the sports teaching resources under cloud computing and traditional sports teaching resources found that cloud resource management's sharing degree of teaching equipment has increased by 20.6% compared with conventional resource management. The sharing degree of courses has increased by 16.5%, and the utilization rate of sports venues has increased by 27.1% compared with traditional resource management. The utilization rate of sports film and television materials increased by 30.7%. Teachers and students benefit significantly from college and university teaching resources in the context of cloud computing. It demonstrates how cloud computing may assist colleges and universities in managing and integrating their teaching resources more effectively. The management and integration of college sports resources through cloud computing can promote the mutual exchange of college resources and have practical significance for the development of college education.
Whole genome sequencing diagnostic yield for paediatric patients with suspected genetic disorders: systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment
Authors: Nurchis Mario Cesare , Altamura Gerardo , Riccardi Maria Teresa , Radio Francesca Clementina , Chillemi Giovanni , Bertini Enrico Silvio , Garlasco Jacopo , Tartaglia Marco , Dallapiccola Bruno , Damiani Gianfranco
Published: May 2023

Background

About 80% of the roughly 7,000 known rare diseases are single gene disorders, about 85% of which are ultra-rare, affecting less than one in one million individuals. NGS technologies, in particular whole genome sequencing (WGS) in paediatric patients suffering from severe disorders of likely genetic origin improve the diagnostic yield allowing targeted, effective care and management. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of WGS, with respect to whole exome sequencing (WES) and/or usual care, for the diagnosis of suspected genetic disorders among the paediatric population.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted querying relevant electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2010 to June 2022. A random-effect meta-analysis was run to inspect the diagnostic yield of different techniques. A network meta-analysis was also performed to directly assess the comparison between WGS and WES.

Results

Of the 4,927 initially retrieved articles, thirty-nine met the inclusion criteria. Overall results highlighted a significantly higher pooled diagnostic yield for WGS, 38.6% (95% CI: [32.6 – 45.0]), in respect to WES, 37.8% (95% CI: [32.9 – 42.9]) and usual care, 7.8% (95% CI: [4.4 – 13.2]). The meta-regression output suggested a higher diagnostic yield of the WGS compared to WES after controlling for the type of disease (monogenic vs non-monogenic), with a tendency to better diagnostic performances for Mendelian diseases. The network meta-analysis showed a higher diagnostic yield for WGS compared to WES (OR = 1.54, 95%CI: [1.11 – 2.12]).

Conclusions

Although whole genome sequencing for the paediatric population with suspected genetic disorders provided an accurate and early genetic diagnosis in a high proportion of cases, further research is needed for evaluating costs, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of WGS and achieving an informed decision-making process.

Trial Registration

This systematic review has not been registered.
Determinants of health-related quality of life among individuals with opioid use disorder, recently released from incarceration
Authors: Cadet Techna , Jalali Ali , Jeng Philip J. , Poole Sabrina , Woody George , Murphy Sean M.
Published: May 2023

Background\Objectives

Concomitant with low rates of pharmacotherapy for incarcerated individuals with OUD, there is a high rate of opioid overdose following re-entry into the community. Our research objective was to develop a better understanding of the factors that influence health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) among this population during the high-risk transition period from incarceration to community. Few studies have assessed health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) among individuals with OUD who are involved with the criminal-legal system, let alone over the period directly surrounding release from incarceration.

Methods

Secondary longitudinal analysis of data from a clinical trial where participants were randomized 1:1 to pre-release extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) + referral to community XR-NTX, vs. referral only. We conducted individual, multivariable regressions of EQ-5D domains (mobility, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression; usual activities and self-care were excluded due to insufficient variation in scores), and the overall preference/utility score. HRQoL data were subset to timepoints immediately before release (baseline) and 12 weeks post-release; treatment groups were collapsed across condition. Multiple imputation by chained equations was conducted to handle missing 3-month data in the dependent variables and covariates, ad hoc.

Results

Greater severity in the psychiatric composite score was associated with substantially lower HRQoL, across all measures, following release from incarceration. Greater severity in the medical composite score was associated with lower pain/discomfort-related HRQoL.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of ensuring individuals with OUD are linked not only to MOUD, but also treatment for their comorbid conditions upon release from incarceration.
Impact of urbanization on morbidity of hepatitis A: a national panel study in China during 2005–2018
Authors: Ming Bo-Wen , Yang Zhou , Yan Ze-Lin , Shi Chen , Xu Xiao-Han , Li Li , Ou Chun-Quan
Published: May 2023

Background

The effect of urbanization on the morbidity of hepatitis A remains unclear. We aimed to estimate the association between various urbanization-related indices and hepatitis A morbidity in China.

Methods

Data on the annual morbidity of hepatitis A, urbanization-related measures (i.e., gross domestic product per capita, the number of hospitalization beds per 1000 persons, illiteracy rate, tap water coverage, motor vehicles per 100 persons, population density, and the proportion of arable land), and meteorological factors in 31 provincial-level administrative divisions of Chinese mainland during 2005–2018 were collected from the National Population and Health Science Data Sharing Platform, China Statistical Yearbooks, and the China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System, respectively. Generalized linear mixed models were applied to quantify the impacts of different urbanization-related indices on the morbidity of hepatitis A in China after adjusting for covariates.

Results

A total of 537,466 hepatitis A cases were reported in China during 2005–2018. The annual morbidity had a decline of 79.4% from 5.64 cases to 1.16 cases per 100,000 people. There were obvious spatial variations with higher morbidity in western China. Nationally, gross domestic product per capita and the number of hospitalization beds per 1000 persons increased from 14,040 to 64,644 CNY and from 2.45 to 6.03 during 2005–2018, respectively. The illiteracy rate decreased from 11.0 to 4.9%. Gross domestic product per capita [relative risk (RR) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92–0.99], and the number of hospitalization beds per 1000 persons (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.75–0.83) were associated with the declined morbidity of hepatitis A. By contrast, the increased morbidity of hepatitis A was linked to the illiteracy rate (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06). Similar influential factors were detected for children and adults, with greater effects witnessed for children.

Conclusions

People in the western region suffered the heaviest burden of hepatitis A in Chinese mainland. Nationally, there was a sharp decline in the morbidity of hepatitis A. The urbanization process was associated with the reduction of hepatitis A morbidity in China during 2005–2018.

Graphical Abstract
A communicative validation study on an English listening test in Korea
Authors: Zhang Ci , Xu XiaoShu , Zhang Yunfeng
Published: May 2023

This study presents the validation process of a listening test based on a communicative language test proposed by Bachman (Fundamental considerations in language testing, 1990). It was administered to third-grade high school students by the sixteen Korean Provincial Offices of Education for Curriculum and Evaluation in September 2012 to assess their listening ability at the end of high school learning and compare it with the standard of the CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test). The research questions were the following. First, to what extent does the test measure the listening comprehension construct? Second, what sub-skills does the test measure? Third, to what extent does the test measure communicative ability? To answer these three questions, a study was designed to examine the test’s construct validity using classical test theory (CTT). Then, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied to find a model that would fit the score of 400 examinees to explain the correlation between six divisible sub-skills of English listening comprehension and twenty listening items. R-program is used as a tool to analyze the above data. The results show that this test is not discriminatory, as the purpose of a summative assessment is not to level students into different groups. With an acceptable measurement of the construct, this research concludes that the test does not have a clear division of listening sub-skills but, on the other hand, sufficiently measures communicative ability.
A two-stage deflection system for the extension of the energy coverage in space plasma three-dimensional measurements
Authors: Kasahara Satoshi , Tao Ryo , Yoshida Emiko , Yokota Shoichiro
Published: May 2023

The in situ measurement of charged particles plays a key role in understanding space plasma physics. Velocity distribution functions of ions and electrons have been acquired with electrostatic analyzers onboard spacecraft. Since conventional energy analyzers (e.g., top-hat electrostatic analyzers) have essentially a two-dimensional field of view, the solid angle coverage is achieved with the aid of spacecraft spin motion or with additional entrance deflection systems in front of the electrostatic analyzer. In the latter case, however, the full angular scan is realized only in the lower energy range (typically only up to 5–15 keV/e), due to the limitation of the electric field applied to the deflector. Here we propose a novel deflection system for extending the energy coverage up to tens of keV. This is especially useful for plasma observations in situations where the anisotropy of the energetic part (> 10 keV) of charged particles plays an essential role in plasma dynamics and hence is of significant interest.

Graphical Abstract
Neuroprotective effects of the PPARβ/δ antagonist GSK0660 in in vitro and in vivo Parkinson’s disease models
Authors: Antonosante Andrea , Castelli Vanessa , Sette Martina , Alfonsetti Margherita , Catanesi Mariano , Benedetti Elisabetta , Ardini Matteo , Cimini Annamaria , d’Angelo Michele
Published: May 2023

Background

The underlying mechanism of Parkinson’s disease are still unidentified, but excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation are considered key actors. Proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors involved in the control of numerous pathways. Specifically, PPARβ/δ is recognized as an oxidative stress sensor, and we have previously reported that it plays a detrimental role in neurodegeneration.

Methods

Basing on this concept, in this work, we tested the potential effects of a specific PPARβ/δ antagonist (GSK0660) in an in vitro model of Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, live-cell imaging, gene expression, Western blot, proteasome analyses, mitochondrial and bioenergetic studies were performed. Since we obtained promising results, we tested this antagonist in a 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned mouse model. In the animal model, behavioral tests, histological analysis, immunofluorescence and western blot of substantia nigra and striatum upon GSK0660 were assayed.

Results

Our findings suggested that PPARβ/δ antagonist has neuroprotective potential due to neurotrophic support, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative effects paralleled to an amelioration of mitochondria and proteasome activity. These findings are strongly supported also by the siRNA results demonstrating that by silencing PPARβ/δ a significative rescue of the dopaminergic neurons was obtained, thus indicating an involvement of PPARβ/δ in PD’s pathogenesis. Interestingly, in the animal model, GSK0660 treatment confirmed neuroprotective effects observed in the in vitro studies. Neuroprotective effects were highlighted by the behavioural performance and apomorphine rotation tests amelioration and the reduction of dopaminergic neuronal loss. These data were also confirmed by imaging and western blotting, indeed, the tested compound decreased astrogliosis and activated microglia, concomitant with an upregulation of neuroprotective pathways.

Conclusions

In summary, PPARβ/δ antagonist displayed neuroprotective activities against 6-hydroxydopamine detrimental effects both in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that it may represent a novel therapeutic approach for this disorder.
Spatial and temporal distribution of reported dengue cases and hot spot identification in Quezon City, Philippines, 2010–2017
Authors: Medina John Robert C. , Takeuchi Rie , Mercado Chris Erwin G. , de los Reyes Calvin S. , Cruz Rolando V. , Abrigo Melvin D. R. , Hernandez Paul Michael R. , Garcia Fernando B. , Salanguit Mika , Gregorio Ernesto R. , Kawamura Shin’ya , Hung Khew Ee , Kaneko Masami , Nonaka Daisuke , Maude Richard J. , Kobayashi Jun
Published: May 2023

Background

Dengue remains a major public health problem in the Philippines, particularly in urban areas of the National Capital Region. Thematic mapping using geographic information systems complemented by spatial analysis such as cluster analysis and hot spot detection can provide useful information to guide preventive measures and control strategies against dengue. Hence, this study was aimed to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of dengue incidence and identify dengue hot spots by barangay using reported cases from Quezon City, the Philippines from 2010 to 2017.

Methods

Reported dengue case data at barangay level from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2017 were obtained from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. The annual incidence rate of dengue from 2010 to 2017, expressed as the total number of dengue cases per 10,000 population in each year, was calculated for each barangay. Thematic mapping, global cluster analysis, and hot spot analysis were performed using ArcGIS 10.3.1.

Results

The number of reported dengue cases and their spatial distribution varied highly between years. Local clusters were evident during the study period. Eighteen barangays were identified as hot spots.

Conclusions

Considering the spatial heterogeneity and instability of hot spots in Quezon City across years, efforts towards the containment of dengue can be made more targeted, and efficient with the application of hot spot analysis in routine surveillance. This may be useful not only for the control of dengue but also for other diseases, and for public health planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Spotlight on Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Other Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Fernandez-Cuesta Lynnette , Sexton-Oates Alexandra , Bayat Leyla , Foll Matthieu , Lau Sally C.M. , Leal Ticiana
Published: May 2023

Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) encompass a spectrum of neoplasms that are subdivided into the well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors comprising the low- and intermediate-grade typical and atypical carcinoids, respectively, and the poorly differentiated, high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas including large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Here, we review the current morphological and molecular classifications of the NENs on the basis of the updated WHO Classification of Thoracic Tumors and discuss the emerging subclassifications on the basis of molecular profiling and the potential therapeutic implications. We focus on the efforts in subtyping SCLC, a particularly aggressive tumor with few treatment options, and the recent advances in therapy with the adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the frontline setting for patients with extensive-stage SCLC. We further highlight the promising immunotherapy strategies in SCLC that are currently under investigation.
Safety of Inpatient Zoledronic Acid in the Immediate Postfracture Setting
Authors: Fan WuQiang , Leder Benjamin Z , Mannstadt Michael , Ly Thuan V , Franco-Garcia Esteban , Bolster Marcy B
Published: May 2023

Context

Zoledronic acid (ZA) administered during the initial hospitalization for a fragility fracture improves the osteoporosis pharmacotherapy rate. Distinguishing the safety profile of inpatient ZA (IP-ZA) in this context is crucial if this approach is to be widely adopted.

Objective

To study the acute safety profile of IP-ZA.

Methods

An observational study of patients admitted to the Massachusetts General Hospital with fragility fractures who were eligible to receive IP-ZA. Patients were treated with or without IP-ZA. Acetaminophen, either as a single pre-ZA dose or standing multiple-doses-per-day regimen for 48 hours or longer after ZA infusion, was also administered along with protocolized vitamin D and calcium supplementation. Changes in body temperature, serum creatinine, and serum calcium were measured.

Results

A total of 285 consecutive patients, meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, are included in this analysis; 204 patients received IP-ZA. IP-ZA treatment was associated with a transient mean rise of body temperature of 0.31 °C on the day following its administration. Temperatures above 38 °C were seen in 15% of patients in the IP-ZA group and 4% in the nontreated group. Standing multiple-doses-per-day but not a single pre-ZA dose of acetaminophen effectively prevented this temperature increase. IP-ZA did not affect serum creatinine levels. Mean levels of serum total calcium and albumin-corrected calcium decreased by 0.54 mg/dL and 0.40 mg/dL, respectively, at their nadirs (Day 5). No patient experienced symptomatic hypocalcemia.

Conclusion

IP-ZA along with standing multiple-doses-per-day acetaminophen, administered to patients in the immediate postfracture period, is not associated with significant acute adverse effects.
A Systematic Review on Long-Term Postsurgical Pain Outcomes; What Is the Effect of Upper Extremity Regional Anesthesia?
Authors: Droog Wouter , Walbeehm Erik T. , Konijn Julia B. , Lucas Benthe M. J. , Coert J. Henk , Stolker Robert Jan , Galvin Eilish M.
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:

Chronic pain is a recognized complication of surgery, and it has been hypothesized that regional anesthesia might reduce the risk of development of chronic pain after upper extremity surgery.

METHODS:

A systematic literature review was performed to assess whether in patients undergoing elective upper extremity surgery (P), regional anesthesia (I), compared to general anesthesia (C), would result in lower long-term (>3 months) postoperative pain intensity (O). We included randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our primary outcome was numerical rating score or visual analogue scale for pain, at >3 months postoperatively. The Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collections, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases were searched for all reports assessing pain at >3 months after upper extremity surgery under general versus regional anesthesia. Secondary outcomes were: opioid prescription filling, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) incidence, the Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and scores on the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Quality (or certainty) of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) and nonrandomized trials (ROBINS-I).

RESULTS:

This review included 14 studies, comprising 7 RCTs and 7 nonrandomized studies. Six of the 7 studies (4 RCTs, N = 273; 2 nonrandomized studies, N = 305) using a pain score, our primary outcome, report comparable long-term postoperative pain scores after regional and general anesthesia. Six of the 7 studies using our secondary outcomes report comparable long-term outcomes in terms of opioid prescription filling (2 retrospective cohort studies [RCSs], N = 89,256), CRPS incidence (1 RCT, N = 301), MWS (1 RCT and 1 RCS, N = 215), and DASH score (1 RCT, N = 36). Comparable outcomes were reported in all 7 RCTs (N = 778) and in 5 of the 7 nonrandomized studies, comprising 5 RCSs (N = 89,608). Two prospective observational studies (POSTs), comprising 279 patients, report a statistically significant difference in outcomes, with less pain and better DASH scores after brachial plexus anesthesia. All 14 studies provided moderate to very low certainty evidence, and there was a serious risk of bias due to confounding bias in 5 of the 7 nonrandomized studies (N = 631).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this review indicate that upper extremity regional anesthesia, compared to general anesthesia, is unlikely to change pain intensity at >3 months postoperatively.
Luis Rosa Pérez
Authors: Rosa Pérez Luis
Published: May 2023

Luis Rosa explains why he considers himself a political prisoner; what it means to be a political prisoner; how the state, guards, and other prisoners treated him; life in prison; and the importance of solidarity. He also explains how growing up Puerto Rican in Chicago affected his decision to support Puerto Rican independence.
“You'll Never Walk Alone”: School Crossing Guard Associations and Labor Feminism in the Postwar United States
Authors: Ryan Francis
Published: May 2023

In the years immediately following World War II, cities and townships across the United States implemented public safety programs to oversee road crossing for children outside schools. The crossing guards assigned to coordinate safe passage at busy intersections were primarily women and, as part-time workers, were a distinct sector of an expanding public sector workforce. This article highlights the origins of these public safety initiatives and how crossing guards formed associations in the 1950s and 1960s to secure economic improvements. These independent organizations articulated an important variant of labor feminism in the early postwar era, and attention to the agendas put forward by these women opens new insight into this aspect of working-class activism. Into the 1970s, many guard associations merged with AFL-CIO unions, especially the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), becoming a catalyst for a range of programs that prioritized the needs of working women in collective bargaining agreements. The article concludes with an overview of the issues crossing guards and their organizations face in an age of increasing austerity in the new century.
A Novel and Simple Method Using Computed Tomography Streak Artifact to Determine the Orientation of Directional Deep Brain Stimulation Leads
Authors: Fayed Islam , Syed Mashaal , Gingold Eric , Alizadeh Mahdi , Sharan Ashwini , Wu Chengyuan
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Directional leads have garnered widespread use in deep brain stimulation (DBS) because of the ability to steer current and maximize the therapeutic window. Accurate identification of lead orientation is critical to effective programming. Although directional markers are visible on 2-dimensional imaging, precise orientation may be difficult to interpret. Recent studies have suggested methods of determining lead orientation, but these involve advanced intraoperative imaging and/or complex computational algorithms. Our objective is to develop a precise and reliable method of determining orientation of directional leads using conventional imaging techniques and readily available software.

METHODS:

We examined postoperative thin-cut computed tomography (CT) scans and x-rays of patients who underwent DBS with directional leads from 3 vendors. Using commercially available stereotactic software, we localized the leads and planned new trajectories precisely overlaying the leads visualized on CT. We used trajectory view to locate the directional marker in a plane orthogonal to the lead and inspected the streak artifact. We then validated this method with a phantom CT model by acquiring thin-cut CT images orthogonal to 3 different leads in various orientations confirmed under direct visualization.

RESULTS:

The directional marker creates a unique streak artifact that reflects the orientation of the directional lead. There is a hyperdense symmetric streak artifact parallel to the axis of the directional marker and a symmetric hypodense dark band orthogonal to the marker. This is often sufficient to infer the direction of the marker. If not, it at least renders 2 opposite possibilities for the direction of the marker, which can then be easily reconciled by comparison with x-ray images.

CONCLUSION:

We propose a method to determine orientation of directional DBS leads in a precise manner on conventional imaging and readily available software. This method is reliable across DBS vendors, and it can simplify this process and aid in effective programming.
Emotional behavior and brain anatomy of the mdx52 mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Saoudi Amel , Zarrouki Faouzi , Sebrié Catherine , Izabelle Charlotte , Goyenvalle Aurélie , Vaillend Cyrille
Published: May 2023

The exon-52-deleted mdx52 mouse is a critical model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), as it features a deletion in a hotspot region of the DMD gene, frequently mutated in patients. Deletion of exon 52 impedes expression of several brain dystrophins (Dp427, Dp260 and Dp140), thus providing a key model for studying the cognitive impairment associated with DMD and testing rescuing strategies. Here, using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and neurohistology, we found no gross brain abnormalities in mdx52 mice, suggesting that the neural dysfunctions in this model are likely at the level of brain cellular functionalities. Then, we investigated emotional behavior and fear learning performance of mdx52 mice compared to mdx mice that only lack Dp427 to focus on behavioral phenotypes that could be used in future comparative preclinical studies. mdx52 mice displayed enhanced anxiety and a severe impairment in learning an amygdala-dependent Pavlovian association. These replicable behavioral outcome measures are reminiscent of the internalizing problems reported in a quarter of DMD patients, and will be useful for preclinical estimation of the efficacy of treatments targeting brain dysfunctions in DMD.
Proton Conduction through Water Chain in a Hydrogen-Bonded Molecular Crystal of Hexaimidazole Ruthenium(II) Complex and Dicarboxylate
Authors: Kobayashi Fumiya , Higuchi Suguru , Tadokoro Makoto
Published: May 2023

The development of molecular proton conductors has garnered considerable attention owing to their potential for use as solid-state electrolytes for fuel cells. Creating hydrogen-bonding networks between HIm (imidazole) and carboxylate is an attractive approach for constructing efficient proton conducting pathways. Herein, high proton conduction in a new hydrogen-bonded molecular crystal of [RuII(HIm)6](Glu)·4H2O (1·4H2O, H2Glu = glutaric acid) is demonstrated. 1·4H2O exhibited a proton conductivity of 1.33 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 318 K and 100% relative humidity. This is attributed to a three-dimensional (3D) hydrogen-bonding network via hydrogen-bonding between HIm and carboxylate group and water molecules, leading to produce a one-dimensional (1D) hydrogen-bonding water chain, which provides a proton conducting pathway. The calculated activation energy (Ea) value was 0.38 eV at 283–318 K, suggesting that proton transport in 1·4H2O is associated with the Grotthuss mechanism. The hydrogen-bonding networks between HIm and carboxylate may play a role to promote the proton hopping mechanism. This study will provide new molecular proton conductors using imidazole metal complexes.