bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-situ muconic acid extraction reveals sugar consumption bottleneck in a xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain
Authors: Nicolaï Thomas , Deparis Quinten , Foulquié-Moreno María R. , Thevelein Johan M.
Published: June 2021

Background

The current shift from a fossil-resource based economy to a more sustainable, bio-based economy requires development of alternative production routes based on utilization of biomass for the many chemicals that are currently produced from petroleum. Muconic acid is an attractive platform chemical for the bio-based economy because it can be converted in chemicals with wide industrial applicability, such as adipic and terephthalic acid, and because its two double bonds offer great versatility for chemical modification.

Results

We have constructed a yeast cell factory converting glucose and xylose into muconic acid without formation of ethanol. We consecutively eliminated feedback inhibition in the shikimate pathway, inserted the heterologous pathway for muconic acid biosynthesis from 3-dehydroshikimate (DHS) by co-expression of DHS dehydratase from P. anserina, protocatechuic acid (PCA) decarboxylase (PCAD) from K. pneumoniae and oxygen-consuming catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (CDO) from C. albicans, eliminated ethanol production by deletion of the three PDC genes and minimized PCA production by enhancing PCAD overexpression and production of its co-factor. The yeast pitching rate was increased to lower high biomass formation caused by the compulsory aerobic conditions. Maximal titers of 4 g/L, 4.5 g/L and 3.8 g/L muconic acid were reached with glucose, xylose, and a mixture, respectively. The use of an elevated initial sugar level, resulting in muconic acid titers above 2.5 g/L, caused stuck fermentations with incomplete utilization of the sugar. Application of polypropylene glycol 4000 (PPG) as solvent for in situ product removal during the fermentation shows that this is not due to toxicity by the muconic acid produced.

Conclusions

This work has developed an industrial yeast strain able to produce muconic acid from glucose and also with great efficiency from xylose, without any ethanol production, minimal production of PCA and reaching the highest titers in batch fermentation reported up to now. Utilization of higher sugar levels remained conspicuously incomplete. Since this was not due to product inhibition by muconic acid or to loss of viability, an unknown, possibly metabolic bottleneck apparently arises during muconic acid fermentation with high sugar levels and blocks further sugar utilization.
Food marketing and gender among children and adolescents: a scoping review
Authors: Castronuovo Luciana , Guarnieri Leila , Tiscornia María Victoria , Allemandi Lorena
Published: June 2021

Background

Pervasive marketing of unhealthy foods is a contributing factor to the growth of the global epidemic of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity. Sex and gender differences come into play in the design of and responses to these marketing strategies, contributing to the perpetuation of stereotyped behavior and generating disparities in food choices and health. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature regarding gender differences in food marketing design and perception among children and adolescents to facilitate evidence-based policy dialogues to address gender-based health disparities in NCD prevention.

Methods

Scoping review of articles published in scientific journals in English and Spanish, from 2003 to 2018, that addressed the influence of food marketing among children and adolescents including a gender perspective. The methodological quality of each article was assessed following criteria specific to each study design.

Results

From a total of 37 articles (39 studies) included in the review, 17 were experimental and 22 had descriptive, cross-sectional designs. Twenty-one studies were found to have low methodological quality, while 10 and 8 were of medium and high quality, respectively. A total of 23 studies among children and adolescents found gender-based differences. Differences were found in the following dimensions: food marketing on intake; responses to specific marketing; perceptions and attitudes towards food marketing and marketing regulation initiatives; exposure to food advertising and gendered marketing content. The evidence was not conclusive in any of the dimensions.

Conclusions

The evidence suggests that food marketing has a similar impact on the consumption of unhealthy foods on boys and girls, but boys were found to be exposed to food advertising more intensively and their preferences to be more affected by this exposure, coinciding with a male-dominant advertising content. Limitations of these studies include taking gender as an unproblematic construct equivalent to biological sex and the lack of studies focused on developing countries. As gender is a cross-sectional dimension that interacts with other factors driving health disparities, an integrated gender perspective is needed to develop effective, evidence-based policies to control food marketing and tackle the childhood overweight and obesity pandemic.
Lesion segmentation in breast ultrasound images using the optimized marked watershed method
Authors: Shen Xiaoyan , Ma He , Liu Ruibo , Li Hong , He Jiachuan , Wu Xinran
Published: June 2021

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most serious diseases threatening women’s health. Early screening based on ultrasound can help to detect and treat tumours in the early stage. However, due to the lack of radiologists with professional skills, ultrasound-based breast cancer screening has not been widely used in rural areas. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) technology can effectively alleviate this problem. Since breast ultrasound (BUS) images have low resolution and speckle noise, lesion segmentation, which is an important step in CAD systems, is challenging.

Results

Two datasets were used for evaluation. Dataset A comprises 500 BUS images from local hospitals, while dataset B comprises 205 open-source BUS images. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperformed its related classic segmentation methods and the state-of-the-art deep learning model RDAU-NET. Its accuracy (Acc), Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Jaccard index (JI) reached 96.25%, 78.4% and 65.34% on dataset A, and its Acc, DSC and sensitivity reached 97.96%, 86.25% and 88.79% on dataset B, respectively.

Conclusions

We proposed an adaptive morphological snake based on marked watershed (AMSMW) algorithm for BUS image segmentation. It was proven to be robust, efficient and effective. In addition, it was found to be more sensitive to malignant lesions than benign lesions.

Methods

The proposed method consists of two steps. In the first step, contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) and a side window filter (SWF) are used to preprocess BUS images. Lesion contours can be effectively highlighted, and the influence of noise can be eliminated to a great extent. In the second step, we propose adaptive morphological snake (AMS). It can adjust the working parameters adaptively according to the size of the lesion. Its segmentation results are combined with those of the morphological method. Then, we determine the marked area and obtain candidate contours with a marked watershed (MW). Finally, the best lesion contour is chosen by the maximum average radial derivative (ARD).
Personalised nutrition advice reduces intake of discretionary foods and beverages: findings from the Food4Me randomised controlled trial
Authors: Livingstone Katherine M. , Celis-Morales Carlos , Navas-Carretero Santiago , San-Cristobal Rodrigo , Forster Hannah , Woolhead Clara , O’Donovan Clare B. , Moschonis George , Manios Yannis , Traczyk Iwona , Gundersen Thomas E. , Drevon Christian A. , Marsaux Cyril F. M. , Fallaize Rosalind , Macready Anna L. , Daniel Hannelore , Saris Wim H. M. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Gibney Mike , Gibney Eileen R. , Walsh Marianne , Brennan Lorraine , Martinez J. Alfredo , Mathers John C. ,   on behalf of the Food4Me Study
Published: June 2021

Background

The effect of personalised nutrition advice on discretionary foods intake is unknown. To date, two national classifications for discretionary foods have been derived. This study examined changes in intake of discretionary foods and beverages following a personalised nutrition intervention using these two classifications.

Methods

Participants were recruited into a 6-month RCT across seven European countries (Food4Me) and were randomised to receive generalised dietary advice (control) or one of three levels of personalised nutrition advice (based on diet [L1], phenotype [L2] and genotype [L3]). Dietary intake was derived from an FFQ. An analysis of covariance was used to determine intervention effects at month 6 between personalised nutrition (overall and by levels) and control on i) percentage energy from discretionary items and ii) percentage contribution of total fat, SFA, total sugars and salt to discretionary intake, defined by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) classifications.

Results

Of the 1607 adults at baseline, n = 1270 (57% female) completed the intervention. Percentage sugars from FSS discretionary items was lower in personalised nutrition vs control (19.0 ± 0.37 vs 21.1 ± 0.65; P = 0.005). Percentage energy (31.2 ± 0.59 vs 32.7 ± 0.59; P = 0.031), percentage total fat (31.5 ± 0.37 vs 33.3 ± 0.65; P = 0.021), SFA (36.0 ± 0.43 vs 37.8 ± 0.75; P = 0.034) and sugars (31.7 ± 0.44 vs 34.7 ± 0.78; P < 0.001) from ADG discretionary items were lower in personalised nutrition vs control. There were greater reductions in ADG percentage energy and percentage total fat, SFA and salt for those randomised to L3 vs L2.

Conclusions

Compared with generalised dietary advice, personalised nutrition advice achieved greater reductions in discretionary foods intake when the classification included all foods high in fat, added sugars and salt. Future personalised nutrition approaches may be used to target intake of discretionary foods.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01530139. Registered 9 February 2012.
Determining optimal clinical target volume margins in high-grade glioma based on microscopic tumor extension and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nie Shulun , Zhu Yufang , Yang Jia , Xin Tao , Xue Song , Zhang Xianbin , Sun Jujie , Mu Dianbin , Gao Yongsheng , Chen Zhaoqiu , Ding Xingchen , Yu Jinming , Hu Man
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In this study, we performed a consecutive macropathologic analysis to assess microscopic extension (ME) in high-grade glioma (HGG) to determine appropriate clinical target volume (CTV) margins for radiotherapy.

Materials and methods

The study included HGG patients with tumors located in non-functional areas, and supratotal resection was performed. The ME distance from the edge of the tumor to the microscopic tumor cells surrounding brain tissue was measured. Associations between the extent of ME and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated by multivariate linear regression (MVLR) analysis. An ME predictive model was developed based on the MVLR model.

Results

Between June 2017 and July 2019, 652 pathologic slides obtained from 30 HGG patients were analyzed. The mean ME distance was 1.70 cm (range, 0.63 to 2.87 cm). The MVLR analysis identified that pathologic grade, subventricular zone (SVZ) contact and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion status were independent variables predicting ME (all P < 0.05). A multivariable prediction model was developed as follows: YME = 0.672 + 0.513XGrade + 0.380XSVZ + 0.439XMGMT + 0.320XIDH + 0.333X1p/19q. The R-square value of goodness of fit was 0.780. The receiver operating characteristic curve proved that the area under the curve was 0.964 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

ME was heterogeneously distributed across different grades of gliomas according to the tumor location and molecular marker status, which indicated that CTV delineation should be individualized. The model could predict the ME of HGG, which may help clinicians determine the CTV for individual patients.

Trial registration The trial was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100046106). Registered 4 May 2021-Retrospectively registered.
Outcomes with multi-disciplinary management of central lung tumors with CT-guided percutaneous high dose rate brachyablation
Authors: Yoon Stephanie M. , Suh Robert , Abtin Fereidoun , Moghanaki Drew , Genshaft Scott , Kamrava Mitchell , Drakaki Alexandra , Liu Sandy , Venkat Puja , Lee Alan , Chang Albert J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Centrally located lung tumors present treatment challenges given their proximity to mediastinal structures including the central airway, esophagus, major vessels, and heart. Therapeutic options can be limited for medically inoperable patients, particularly if they have received previous thoracic radiotherapy. High dose rate (HDR) brachyablation was developed to improve the therapeutic ratio for patients with central lung tumors. The purpose of this study is to report initial safety and efficacy outcomes with this treatment for central lung malignancies.

Methods

From September 2015 to August 2019, a total of 25 patients with 37 pulmonary tumors were treated with percutaneous HDR brachyablation. Treatment was delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of interventional radiologists, pulmonologists, and radiation oncologists. Twenty-three patients received a median dose of 21.5 Gy (range 15–27.5) in a single fraction, whereas two patients received median dose of 24.75 Gy (range 24–25.5) over 2–3 fractions. Tumor local control (LC) was evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. Treatment-related toxicities were graded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0, with adverse events less than 90 days defined as acute, and those occurring later were defined as late. LC, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Of 37 treated tumors, 88% were metastatic. Tumor location was central and ultra-central in 24.3% and 54.1%, respectively. Average tumor volume was 11.6 cm3 (SD 12.4, range 0.57–62.8). Median follow-up was 19 months (range 3–48). Two–year LC, PFS, and OS were 96.2%, 29.7%, and 65.5%, respectively. Thirteen of 39 (33.3%) catheter implantation procedures were associated with trace minor pneumothorax requiring no intervention, 1 (2.5%) procedure with minor radiographic pulmonary hemorrhage, and 4 (10.3%) with major pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertions. All procedural complications resolved within 24 h from treatment. Acute grade 1–2 toxicity was identified in 4 patients, whereas none developed late toxicity beyond 90 days of follow-up.

Conclusion

Percutaneous HDR brachyablation is a safe and promising treatment option for centrally located primary and metastatic lung tumors. Future comparisons with stereotactic body radiotherapy and other ablative techniques are warranted to expand multi-disciplinary management options.
Totally endoscopic surgical resection for a blood cyst originated from mitral valve: a case report
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Lin , Li Lianggang , Ren Tong , Jiang Shengli
Published: June 2021

Background

Intracardiac blood cysts are very rare primary cardiac tumors. Blood cysts originated from the mitral valve represent a minority of cases, and previous cases have been mainly treated with conventional surgery through median sternotomy. When the tumor involves heart valves and histopathological diagnosis remains unknown preoperatively, minimally invasive surgical resection of an intracardiac tumor can be challenging, especially through an endoscopic approach. We herein present the first case of successful surgical resection for a rare mitral valve originated blood cyst in a minimally invasive, totally thoracoscopic approach.

Case presentation

An apparently healthy 38-year-old male presented to his local hospital with six months history of palpitation and exertional dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mobile round cystic mass inside the left ventricle, attached to the anterolateral papillary muscle and chordae tendineae of the mitral valve. The local doctor diagnosed an intracardiac tumor and suggested a surgical resection through median sternotomy. However, the patient refused to have a sternotomy. He was then referred to us seeking minimally invasive surgery. We assessed the location, appearance and relationship to nearby structures of the tumor with echocardiography, and made a diagnosis of a suspected primary cystic intracardiac tumor. Since we had enough experience of totally endoscopic mitral surgery, our surgical plan was to resect the tumor in the aid of thoracoscopy, and manage the possible deformation and dysfunction of the cardiac structure if necessary. Using femoro-femoral cannulation and cardiopulmonary bypass, we successfully resected the tumor through a thoracoscopic approach in a closed chest, and well preserved the subvalvular structure and valvular function. Postoperative recovery was quick and uneventful. Pathologic diagnosis confirmed a simple blood cyst.

Conclusions

Surgical resection is warranted for symptomatic cases of intracardiac blood cysts. With prudent preoperative diagnosis and comprehensive surgical plan, we believe the thoracoscopic approach is a safe, curative and viable alternative for complete resection of cardiac valvular tumors.
Cannabinoid receptors distribution in mouse cortical plasma membrane compartments
Authors: Miranzadeh Mahabadi Hajar , Bhatti Haseeb , Laprairie Robert B. , Taghibiglou Changiz
Published: June 2021

The type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) are class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by endogenous lipids called endocannabinoids to modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in neurons throughout the central nervous system (CNS), and inflammatory processes throughout the body. CB1 receptor is one of the most abundant GPCRs in the CNS and is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes, including mood, appetite, and nociception. CB2 receptor is primarily found on immunomodulatory cells of both the CNS and the peripheral immune system. In this study, we isolated lipid raft and non-lipid raft fractions of plasma membrane (PM) from mouse cortical tissue by using cold non-ionic detergent and sucrose gradient centrifugation to study the localization of CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor. Lipid raft and non-lipid raft fractions were confirmed by flotillin-1, caveolin-1 and transferrin receptor as their protein biomarkers. Both CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor were found in non-raft compartments that is inconsistent with previous findings in cultured cell lines. This study demonstrates compartmentalization of both CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor in cortical tissue and warrants further investigation of CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor compartmental distribution in various brain regions and cell types.
Assessing the efficacy of a stepped-care group treatment programme for borderline personality disorder: study protocol for a pragmatic trial
Authors: Pickard Judy A. , Finch Adam , Huxley Elizabeth , Townsend Michelle L. , Deuchar Stephanie , Lewis Kate L. , Pratt Jason , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a high prevalence and serious mental health disorder that has historically challenged the finite resources of health services. Despite empirical evidence supporting structured psychological therapy as the first line of treatment, there remains significant barriers in providing timely access to evidence-based treatment for this population. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of providing a stepped-care structured psychological group treatment to individuals with BPD within local mental health services. The secondary aims of the study are to identify the variables that predict the need to step up or down in care and the effectiveness of treatment on psychosocial functioning.

Methods

Participants seeking treatment at two community mental health services will be invited to participate. Randomised controlled trial assignment will be to either (i) group skills treatment or (ii) treatment as usual. Group treatment will be offered via a stepped-care pathway with participants initially attending a 12-week group with the option of a subsequent 16-week group. The criteria for inclusion in continuing treatment includes meeting > 4 BPD diagnostic criteria or severity on GAF (< 65) at the completion of the 12-week group. Data will be collected at baseline and at five follow-up time points over a 12-month period.

Discussion

This pragmatic trial will provide valuable information regarding the effectiveness of a progressive stepped-care group treatment for individuals with BPD in the real-world setting of a community mental health service. It will further the current understanding of variables that predict treatment dose and duration.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000477224. Registered on 3 April 2018
Filaricidal activity of Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum extracts
Authors: Abongwa Melanie , Samje Moses , Ayimele Godfred A. , Babiaka Smith B. , Bulman Christina , Sakanari Judy , Koszewski Nick J. , Verma Saurabh , Goff Jesse , Cho-Ngwa Fidelis , Martin Richard J. , Robertson Alan P.
Published: June 2021

Background

Drugs currently used for controlling onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are mainly microfilaricidal, with minimal or no effect on the adult worms. For efficient management of these diseases, it is necessary to search for new drugs with macrofilaricidal activities that can be used singly or in combination with existing ones. Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum are two plants commonly used in the local management of these infections in Bambui, a township in the North West Region of Cameroon, but there is currently no documented scientific evidence to support their claimed anthelmintic efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to provide evidence in support of the search for means to eliminate these diseases by screening extracts and chromatographic fractions isolated from these plants for efficacy against the parasitic roundworms Onchocerca ochengi and Brugia pahangi.

Methods

The viability of O. ochengi adult worms was assessed using the MTT/formazan assay. Fully confluent monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLC-MK2) served as the feeder layer for the O. ochengi microfilariae (mfs) assays. Viability of the mfs was assessed by microscopic examination for mean motility scoring (relative to the negative control) every 24 h post addition of an extract. The Worminator system was used to test the effects of the extracts on adult B. pahangi motility, and mean motility units were determined for each worm. Cytotoxicity of the active extracts on N27 cells was assessed using the MTS assay.

Results

Extracts from D. oliveri and P. febrifugum were effective against the adult roundworms O. ochengi and B. pahangi. Interestingly, extracts showing macrofilaricidal activities against O. ochengi also showed activity against O. ochengi mfs. The hexane stem bark extract of D. oliveri (DOBHEX) was more selective for adult O. ochengi than for mfs, with a half maximal and 100% inhibitory concentration (IC50 and IC100, respectively) against adult O. ochengi of 13.9 and 31.3 μg/ml, respectively. The in vitro cytotoxicity of all active extracts on N27 cells showed selective toxicity for parasites (selectivity index > 1). Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extracts yielded fractions with activity against adult B. pahangi, thus confirming the presence of bioactive principles in the plant extracts.

Conclusions

Our study supports the use of D. oliveri and P. febrifugum in the traditional treatment of onchocerciasis and LF. The further purification of active extracts from these plants could yield lead compounds for filarial drug discovery and development.

Graphical Abstract
Genetic subtypes, allelic effects, and convergent neurodevelopmental mechanisms
Authors: Das Maitreya , Girirajan Santhosh
Published: June 2021

High-throughput sequencing of large affected cohorts have helped uncover a plethora of risk genes for complex neurodevelopmental disorders. However, untangling complex disease etiology also involves understanding the functional consequences of these mutations in order to connect risk variants to resulting phenotypes. Here, we highlight the efforts of Mannucci and colleagues to define a novel molecular subtype of neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mutations in DHX30 and characterize location-specific mutational effects in cell culture and zebrafish models.
Associations of early marriage and early childbearing with anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of nationwide survey
Authors: Tiruneh Fentanesh Nibret , Tenagashaw Mesfin Wogayehu , Asres Degnet Teferi , Cherie Hirut Assaye
Published: June 2021

Background

Early marriage and early childbearing are common practices in Ethiopia. Girls who get married and give birth at a very young age are more likely to experience several health problems including anemia among others. However, the effects of early marriage and early childbearing on anemia status of adolescent girls have not been quantified in previous studies. In this study, we assessed whether early marriage and early childbearing measured at both individual and community levels are associated with adolescent anemia.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2016 demographic and health survey of Ethiopia. Our study focused on 3172 late female adolescents (15–19 years). We used the chi-squared test and spearman correlation coefficients for bivariate analysis. The relationship between early marriage and childbearing with anemia was evaluated using multilevel binary logistic regression models while controlling other determinants.

Results

Overall prevalence of anemia among female adolescents was 23.8% (95% CI; 22.3–25.2). Our multivariable multilevel analysis showed that individual-level marital status (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.06–2.02) and community-level childbearing status (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.25–6.29) were positively associated with anemia among female adolescents.

Conclusion

Our findings show the presence of significant association between early marriage & early childbearing with adolescent anemia. Therefore, there is a need for effective policies and programs to end the practice of early child marriage and the consequent adolescent pregnancy in Ethiopia. This will help to improve nutritional status of adolescent girls as well as nutritional outcomes of their children.
Flexural Capacity Prediction Model For Steel Fibre-Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Zhong Aocheng , Sofi Massoud , Lumantarna Elisa , Zhou Zhiyuan , Mendis Priyan
Published: June 2021

Steel fibre (SF) reinforcement has been shown to improve the ductility of high strength concrete (HSC), which is known to be brittle. Research conducted to date on steel fibre reinforced concrete and its effects have emphasised post-failure performance and cracking mechanism. The difficulty in predicting the behaviour of fibres is due to the randomly distributed nature of the material within the matrix leading to a probability distribution of results. Published literature has shown a benefit of adding steel fibres in terms of the ductility performance of structures. Clearly, there is a potential for such material as replacement of conventional steel reinforcement. This study proposes a theoretical model of evaluating the potential of using steel fibres as a replacement material to conventional steel reinforcement bars based on the case study, laboratory and theoretical methodologies. The compressive strength of the concrete at key dates, the effective fibre cross-sectional were measured, and a prediction model was created based on the measurement parameters. The use of four-point flexural testing, standard compressive testing and software image modelling provided the study with relevant data used to analyse and compare to the prediction. Greater ductility performance and toughness were observed with increased fibre volumes, confirming proposed predictions and conclusion drawn from published literature. No consistent or conclusive correlations between fibre volumes and the compressive strength of concrete were found. A relationship between fibre volumes and predicted moment capacities of steel fibre reinforced concrete beams was found based on the proposed theoretical flexural analysis method.
A mixed method mentorship audit: assessing the culture that impacts teaching and learning in a polytechnic
Authors: Hubbard Murdoch Natasha , Ens Eliisha , Gustafson Barbara , Chambers-Richards Tamara
Published: June 2021

The benefits of mentorship to individuals in post-secondary relate to wellbeing, satisfaction, and perceived success which translates to organizational commitment. Mentorship improves skills in academic roles and leadership, yet a disconnect remains on what mentees and mentors expect and what institutions provide. Supports are required for mentorship to be effective in empowering employees and creating a culture that espouses competence and autonomy through collaboration and creativity. The aim of this research was to replicate and advance an earlier study assessing nursing and health sciences in a polytechnic to describe the perceived mentorship culture for faculty, professional services, and leadership, across a provincial organization. This was accomplished through a sequential descriptive mixed methods study assessing the building blocks and hallmarks of a Mentorship Culture Audit. This paper reports on both the comparative assessment from 2013 and this new quantitative survey, along with a qualitative component enhancing the understanding of the mentorship culture within a polytechnic providing a variety of programming for vocational students. The audit revealed the employee perception of a mentorship culture to a mean of 4.52 on a seven-point Likert scale and noted areas of strength or infrastructure to be developed. Qualitative data portrayed further understanding where hallmarks of mentorship promoted or were lacking for informal or formal structures. Organizations benefit from mentorship. Tailoring mentorship to a framework ensures mentorship is anchored for success. This study is unique in its replication, the mixed methods approach, and its originality as an organizational level mentorship assessment.
In Parkinson's patient-derived dopamine neurons, the triplication of α-synuclein locus induces distinctive firing pattern by impeding D2 receptor autoinhibition
Authors: Lin Min , Mackie Phillip M. , Shaerzadeh Fatima , Gamble-George Joyonna , Miller Douglas R. , Martyniuk Chris J. , Khoshbouei Habibeh
Published: June 2021

Pathophysiological changes in dopamine neurons precede their demise and contribute to the early phases of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Intracellular pathological inclusions of the protein α-synuclein within dopaminergic neurons are a cardinal feature of PD, but the mechanisms by which α-synuclein contributes to dopaminergic neuron vulnerability remain unknown. The inaccessibility to diseased tissue has been a limitation in studying progression of pathophysiology prior to degeneration of dopamine neurons. To address these issues, we differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a PD patient carrying the α-synuclein triplication mutation (AST) and an unaffected first-degree relative (NAS) into dopaminergic neurons. In human-like dopamine neurons α-synuclein overexpression reduced the functional availability of D2 receptors, resulting in a stark dysregulation in firing activity, dopamine release, and neuronal morphology. We back-translated these findings into primary mouse neurons overexpressing α-synuclein and found a similar phenotype, supporting the causal role for α-synuclein. Importantly, application of D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole, restored the altered firing activity of AST-derived dopaminergic neurons to normal levels. These results provide novel insights into the pre-degenerative pathophysiological neuro-phenotype induced by α-synuclein overexpression and introduce a potential mechanism for the long-established clinical efficacy of D2 receptor agonists in the treatment of PD.
Weakened seasonality of the African rainforest precipitation in boreal winter and spring driven by tropical SST variabilities
Authors: Wang Xin-Yue , Zhu Jiang , Xin Meijiao , Song Chentao , Li Yadi , Zhou Yi , Li Xichen
Published: June 2021

Precipitation in the equatorial African rainforest plays an important role in both the regional hydrological cycle and the global climate variability. Previous studies mostly focus on the trends of drought in recent decades or long-time scales. Using two observational datasets, we reveal a remarkable weakening of the seasonal precipitation cycle over this region from 1979 to 2015, with precipitation significantly increased in the boreal winter dry season (~ 0.13 mm/day/decade) and decreased in the boreal spring wet season (~ 0.21 mm/day/decade), which account for ~ 14% (the precipitation changes from 1979 to 2015) of their respective climatological means. We further use a state-of-the-art atmospheric model to isolate the impact of sea surface temperature change from different ocean basins on the precipitation changes in the dry and wet seasons. Results show that the strengthening precipitation in the dry season is mainly driven by the Atlantic warming, whereas the weakening precipitation in the wet season can be primarily attributed to the Indian Ocean. Warming Atlantic intensifies the zonal circulation over the African rainforest, strengthening moisture convergence and intensifying precipitation in the boreal winter dry season. Warming Indian Ocean contributes more to reducing the zonal circulation and suppressing the convection in the boreal spring wet season, leading to an opposite effect on precipitation. This result has important implication on local ecology as well as global climate system.
A procedure for stable electrical measurements on a rock sample against high contact resistance as a prerequisite for electrical tomography
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi , Yoshimura Ryokei , Yamazaki Ken’ichi , Oshiman Naoto
Published: June 2021

As a basis for the electrical tomography of laboratory-scale rock samples (~ 10 cm), we developed a procedure for stable, multi-point, electrical measurement on rock samples that is effective even at high contact and sample resistance. Electrodes were strongly attached to the surface of high-resistivity rock using conductive and adhesive epoxy. Sustained current injection for long periods into high-resistance rocks was fulfilled using a constant direct current source with high internal resistance. Accurate voltage measurement across the high-resistance rock was accomplished by differential measurement using two high input resistance voltmeters. Measurements of high resistance also require a stable measurement environment: the temperature and humidity in the laboratory were controlled using an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, and a vinyl tent. Signal noise arising from human activities was eliminated by the remote operation of the measuring equipment and switching terminal. The proposed measurement procedure was evaluated in terms of the stability and accuracy of measured values and its applicability to electrical tomography. To assess measurement stability, we performed multiple measurements of a dry granite sample at various levels of absolute humidity. Our procedure recorded highly reproducible measurements under each humidity condition. The observed changes in measured values with absolute humidity indicate the importance of stabilising the temperature and humidity conditions in the laboratory. Applying our technique to multiple plastic samples with known resistivity confirmed its accuracy. To evaluate its applicability to electrical tomography, we measured the potential distribution on a dry granite surface in response to an injected current using a simple 40-electrode array. The potential distribution measured by our procedure agreed well with that predicted by forward modelling, demonstrating the robustness of our procedure in array measurements, and thus indicating its potential applicability to tomographic measurements for a variety of targets even under severe conditions including the relative dryness of ambient humidity.
Influence of surcharge on cone penetration test results and the inspection of various approaches for capturing its effect: a case study
Authors: Soleimani Fard Houman , Goudarzy Meisam
Published: June 2021

Studies in recent decades demonstrate the significant effect of stress configuration (e.g., vertical stress and lateral confinement) on the shear strength or, in this study, the cone penetration test (CPT) results. Addition of a surcharge over the ground changes the stress condition, and consequently, the CPT tip resistance. In this study, the results of different CPTs conducted before and after backfilling with various thicknesses in a land development project were reviewed while focusing on the trend of an increase in CPT penetration resistance due to the additional surcharge. Both pre- to post-fill stress ratios and soil type affect the rise in corrected $${q}_{c}$$

q
c

values after backfilling. Moreover, there has always been a sudden increase in $${q}_{c}$$

q
c

values around the pre-fill surface in all studied cases. In this study, another approach was derived from the reanalysis of CPT data from a specific site for predicting the post-fill corrected $${q}_{c}$$

q
c

from pre-fill results by considering the above-mentioned factor. Likewise, post-fill results were predicted by depth-normalized pre-fill CPT results using Robertson’s normalization method. The proposed approach in this study showed a better match with the site data compared to the normalization method, especially at and around the pre-fill surface.
Development and evaluation of a parent advisory group to inform a research program for knowledge translation in child health
Authors: Hartling Lisa , Elliott Sarah A. , Buckreus Kelli , Leung Julie , Scott Shannon D.
Published: June 2021

Background

In response to a growing movement to involve patients and community stakeholders in health research, we established a parent advisory group in 2016. The group meets regularly to act as advisors and partners for our research program. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experiences establishing the group, and results from parent evaluations.

Methods

We contacted 191 organizations to recruit parents and caregivers of children who wanted to contribute to child health research. Our initial goal was to recruit 8 to 10 parents who would meet regularly (approximately 8 times per year). We conducted an online baseline survey of members after the first two meetings to understand motivations for participating and early experiences. Sixteen months later we conducted another online survey to identify what was going well and areas for improvement.

Results

Twelve parents initially joined the group. The baseline survey (n = 9 complete) identified motivations for participation: wanting a patient/family voice in health research; personal experience accessing health system for child’s care; wanting to improve healthcare communications. Concerns about participation included: having sufficient time to attend meetings; whether contributions would be worthwhile; and uncertainty about how the group’s input would be used in practice. Parents identified aspects that were working well: opportunity to provide constructive feedback; diversity among parents involved; well-run and organized meetings (agenda and materials sent prior to meeting, skilled facilitation, adequate time for discussion). Items parents identified as not working well were: fluctuating attendance; not knowing others in the group; challenges if attending remotely. At follow-up, there were seven active members. The follow-up survey (n = 5 complete) identified positive feedback related to group dynamics (e.g., collegial, everyone participates) and organization of meetings. Suggestions for improvement included increasing membership, regular attendance, and providing adequate information/context to allow meaningful input.

Conclusions

Our experience establishing a parent advisory group and evaluation of the group by parent members have yielded tremendous insights around involving parents and patient proxies in health research. The parent advisory group is a dynamic entity requiring ongoing communication between researchers and members. Effective means of evaluating engagement is essential to ensure it is meaningful. Dedicated time, funding and resources are required for success.
Knot formation in a thoracic epidural catheter: a case report
Authors: Mizota Toshiyuki , Kimura Kayo , Takeda Chikashi
Published: June 2021

Background

Although most epidural catheter knot formation has been reported in lumbar epidural catheter placement, knot formation in a thoracic epidural catheter has been experienced.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old woman was scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia. The epidural catheter was inserted through the Th10–Th11 intervertebral space and was placed 7 cm into the epidural space. Two days after the surgery, the anesthesiologist was called because of difficulty in removing the epidural catheter. The catheter was eventually removed when the anesthesiologist carefully pulled it while strongly bending the patient’s body to the right, although resistance was still noted. The removed catheter was observed to have a hard single knot formed at about 3 mm from the tip.

Conclusions

A knot formation of an epidural catheter placed at the thoracic level was experienced. Limiting the length of catheter placement may prevent knot formation.
MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of cisplatin resistance in gastric tumor cells
Authors: Zangouei Amir Sadra , Moghbeli Meysam
Published: June 2021

Combined chemotherapeutic treatment is the method of choice for advanced and metastatic gastric tumors. However, resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is one of the main challenges for the efficient gastric cancer (GC) treatment. Cisplatin (CDDP) is used as an important regimen of chemotherapy for GC which induces cytotoxicity by interfering with DNA replication in cancer cells and inducing their apoptosis. Majority of patients experience cisplatin-resistance which is correlated with tumor metastasis and relapse. Moreover, prolonged and high-dose cisplatin administrations cause serious side effects such as nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and anemia. Since, there is a high rate of recurrence after CDDP treatment in GC patients; it is required to clarify the molecular mechanisms associated with CDDP resistance to introduce novel therapeutic methods. There are various cell and molecular processes associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) including drug efflux, detoxification, DNA repair ability, apoptosis alteration, signaling pathways, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). MicroRNAs are a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs involved in chemo resistance of GC cells through regulation of all of the MDR mechanisms. In present review we have summarized all of the miRNAs associated with cisplatin resistance based on their target genes and molecular mechanisms in gastric tumor cells. This review paves the way of introducing a miRNA-based panel of prognostic markers to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and clinical outcomes in GC patients. It was observed that miRNAs are mainly involved in cisplatin response of gastric tumor cells via regulation of signaling pathways, autophagy, and apoptosis.
Predicting wildfire impacts on the prehistoric archaeological record of the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, USA
Authors: Friggens Megan M. , Loehman Rachel A. , Constan Connie I. , Kneifel Rebekah R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Wildfires of uncharacteristic severity, a consequence of climate changes and accumulated fuels, can cause amplified or novel impacts to archaeological resources. The archaeological record includes physical features associated with human activity; these exist within ecological landscapes and provide a unique long-term perspective on human–environment interactions. The potential for fire-caused damage to archaeological materials is of major concern because these resources are irreplaceable and non-renewable, have social or religious significance for living peoples, and are protected by an extensive body of legislation. Although previous studies have modeled ecological burn severity as a function of environmental setting and climate, the fidelity of these variables as predictors of archaeological fire effects has not been evaluated. This study, focused on prehistoric archaeological sites in a fire-prone and archaeologically rich landscape in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, USA, identified the environmental and climate variables that best predict observed fire severity and fire effects to archaeological features and artifacts.

Results

Machine learning models (Random Forest) indicate that topography and variables related to pre-fire weather and fuel condition are important predictors of fire effects and severity at archaeological sites. Fire effects were more likely to be present when fire-season weather was warmer and drier than average and within sites located in sloped, treed settings. Topographic predictors were highly important for distinguishing unburned, moderate, and high site burn severity as classified in post-fire archaeological assessments. High-severity impacts were more likely at archaeological sites with southern orientation or on warmer, steeper, slopes with less accumulated surface moisture, likely associated with lower fuel moistures and high potential for spreading fire.

Conclusions

Models for predicting where and when fires may negatively affect the archaeological record can be used to prioritize fuel treatments, inform fire management plans, and guide post-fire rehabilitation efforts, thus aiding in cultural resource preservation.
Highlighting photonics: looking into the next decade
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Segev Mordechai
Published: June 2021

Let there be light–to change the world we want to be! Over the past several decades, and ever since the birth of the first laser, mankind has witnessed the development of the science of light, as light-based technologies have revolutionarily changed our lives. Needless to say, photonics has now penetrated into many aspects of science and technology, turning into an important and dynamically changing field of increasing interdisciplinary interest. In this inaugural issue of eLight, we highlight a few emerging trends in photonics that we think are likely to have major impact at least in the upcoming decade, spanning from integrated quantum photonics and quantum computing, through topological/non-Hermitian photonics and topological insulator lasers, to AI-empowered nanophotonics and photonic machine learning. This Perspective is by no means an attempt to summarize all the latest advances in photonics, yet we wish our subjective vision could fuel inspiration and foster excitement in scientific research especially for young researchers who love the science of light.