bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing pediatric palliative care in a low-middle income country: an implementation study, a challenging but not impossible task
Authors: Garcia-Quintero Ximena , Parra-Lara Luis Gabriel , Claros-Hulbert Angelica , Cuervo-Suarez Maria Isabel , Gomez-Garcia Wendy , Desbrandes Francois , Arias-Casais Natalia
Published: November 2020

Background

The disparities in access to pediatric palliative care and pain management in Latin America remains an unaddressed global health issue. Efforts to improve the development of Palliative Care (PC) provision have traditionally targeted services for adults, leaving the pediatric population unaddressed. Examples of such services are scarce and should be portrayed in scientific literature to inform decision-makers and service providers on models of care available to tackle the burden of Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) in Low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of a pediatric palliative care program, “Taking Care of You” (TCY), in a tertiary care, university hospital in Cali, Colombia.

Methods

A program’s database was built with children between 0 to 18 years old and their families, from year 2017 to 2019. Descriptive analysis was carried out to evaluate the impact of the program and service delivery. A theory-based method was directed to describe the PPC program, according to the implementation of self-designed taxonomy, mapping theoretical levels and domains. Clinical outcomes in patients were included in the analysis.

Results

Since 2017 the program has provided PPC services to 1.965 children. Most of them had an oncologic diagnosis and were referred from hospitalization services (53%). The number of ambulatory patients increased by 80% every trimester between 2017 and 2018. A 50% increase was reported in hospitalization, emergency, and intensive care units during the same time period.

Conclusions

The program addressed a gap in the provision of PPC to children in Cali. It shows effective strategies used to implement a PPC program and how the referral times, coordination of care, communication with other hospital services were improved while providing compassionate/holistic care to children with life-limiting and threatening diseases and in end-of-life. The implementation of this program has required the onset of specific strategies and arrangements to promote awareness and education proving it a hard task, yet not impossible.
Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anthelmintic activity of Imperata cylindrica underground parts
Authors: Lalthanpuii Pawi Bawitlung , Lalchhandama Kholhring
Published: November 2020

Background

Imperata cylindrica is considered as an agricultural weed, but it is a valuable plant in the traditional medicines of Southeast Asia. In the Mizo traditional medicine of India and Myanmar, the rhizomes and roots are used as a remedy for bacterial, fungal and intestinal helminth infections.

Methods

An extract of the whole underground parts was prepared in Soxhlet apparatus using chloroform as a solvent. After concentrating in a vacuum rotary evaporator, the extract was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anthelmintic activity was tested in vitro against the tapeworm Raillietina tetragona and the roundworm Ascaridia galli. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the structural changes on the helminths after treatment with the plant extract.

Results

Twenty-two compounds were identified from the plant extract out of which fatty acids were the predominant compounds. Palmitic acid was the most abundant. Bioactive phytosterols such as campesterol and stigmasterol were also detected. The plant extract was significantly effective on both the helminths and showed dose-dependent anthelmintic activity as that of albendazole. The tapeworm treated with the plant extract showed deformities on the suckers, clumping of the spines, tegumental folds and erosion of microtriches. Extensive damage was also seen on the roundworm including cuticular shrinkage, collapse of the lips, and formation of warty surface throughout the body.

Conclusion

I. cylindrica extract effectively killed and caused detrimental effects on parasitic tapeworm and roundworm. The study therefore validates the traditional usage among the Mizo people, and guarantees further investigation on the exact compound(s) and mechanism of action.
Psychometric properties of a modified cultural awareness scale for use in higher education within the health and social care fields
Authors: Kumlien Christine , Bish Melanie , Chan Engle A. , Rew Lynn , Chan P. S. , Leung Doris , Carlson Elisabeth
Published: November 2020

Background

Cultural awareness and cultural competence have become important skills in higher education as populations continue to grow in diversity around the world. However, currently, there are few instruments designed to assess student awareness of the aspects of culture, and the existing instruments need further development and testing for use with different target populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a modified version of the Cultural Awareness Scale (CAS) for use in higher education within the health and social care fields.

Methods

A modified version of the CAS was developed, which was tested psychometrically using cross-sectional data. In total, 191 undergraduate students from different health and social care undergraduate programs in Sweden and Hong Kong responded to a call to test the modified instrument.

Results

The results showed that the modified CAS is a four-factor measure of cultural awareness and possesses satisfactory internal consistency. Results also support the use of the modified CAS as a generic tool to measure cultural awareness among students in higher education within the health and social care fields.

Conclusion

The modified CAS showed satisfactory psychometric properties and can be recommended as a generic tool to measure cultural awareness among students in higher education within the health and social care fields. However, further psychometric testing on the effectiveness of the modified CAS as a tool to evaluate the efficacy of cultural awareness interventions is required.
Preventable medication harm across health care settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hodkinson Alexander , Tyler Natasha , Ashcroft Darren M. , Keers Richard N. , Khan Kanza , Phipps Denham , Abuzour Aseel , Bower Peter , Avery Anthony , Campbell Stephen , Panagioti Maria
Published: November 2020

Background

Mitigating or reducing the risk of medication harm is a global policy priority. But evidence reflecting preventable medication harm in medical care and the factors that derive this harm remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the prevalence, severity and type of preventable medication harm across medical care settings.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to compare the prevalence of preventable medication harm. Searches were carried out in Medline, Cochrane library, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO from 2000 to 27 January 2020. Data extraction and critical appraisal was undertaken by two independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was employed followed by univariable and multivariable meta-regression. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic, and publication bias was evaluated. PROSPERO: CRD42020164156.

Results

Of the 7780 articles, 81 studies involving 285,687 patients were included. The pooled prevalence for preventable medication harm was 3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2 to 4%, I2 = 99%) and for overall medication harm was 9% (95% CI 7 to 11%, I2 = 99.5%) of all patient incidence records. The highest rates of preventable medication harm were seen in elderly patient care settings (11%, 95% 7 to 15%, n = 7), intensive care (7%, 4 to 12%, n = 6), highly specialised or surgical care (6%, 3 to 11%, n = 13) and emergency medicine (5%, 2 to 12%, n = 12). The proportion of mild preventable medication harm was 39% (28 to 51%, n = 20, I2 = 96.4%), moderate preventable harm 40% (31 to 49%, n = 22, I2 = 93.6%) and clinically severe or life-threatening preventable harm 26% (15 to 37%, n = 28, I2 = 97%). The source of the highest prevalence rates of preventable harm were at the prescribing (58%, 42 to 73%, n = 9, I2 = 94%) and monitoring (47%, 21 to 73%, n = 8, I2 = 99%) stages of medication use. Preventable harm was greatest in medicines affecting the ‘central nervous system’ and ‘cardiovascular system’.

Conclusions

This is the largest meta-analysis to assess preventable medication harm. We conclude that around one in 30 patients are exposed to preventable medication harm in medical care, and more than a quarter of this harm is considered severe or life-threatening. Our results support the World Health Organisation’s push for the detection and mitigation of medication-related harm as being a top priority, whilst highlighting other key potential targets for remedial intervention that should be a priority focus for future research.
Ni-modified magnetic nanoparticles for affinity purification of His-tagged proteins from the complex matrix of the silkworm fat body
Authors: Minkner Robert , Xu Jian , Takemura Kenshin , Boonyakida Jirayu , Wätzig Hermann , Park Enoch Y.
Published: November 2020

Purification of recombinant proteins is often a challenging matter because high purity and high recovery are desired. If the expressed recombinant protein is also in a complex matrix, such as from the silkworm expression system, purification becomes more challenging. Even if purification from the silkworm expression system is troublesome, it benefits from a high capacity for the production of recombinant proteins. In this study, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were investigated as a suitable tool for the purification of proteins from the complex matrix of the silkworm fat body. The MNPs were modified with nickel so that they have an affinity for His-tagged proteins, as the MNP purification protocol itself does not need special equipment except for a magnet. Among the three different kinds of investigated MNPs, MNPs with sizes of 100 nm to 200 nm and approximately 20 nm-thick nickel shells were the most suitable for our purpose. With them, the total protein amount was reduced by up to at least approximately 77.7%, with a protein recovery of around 50.8% from the silkworm fat body. The minimum binding capacity was estimated to be 83.3 µg protein/mg MNP. Therefore, these MNPs are a promising tool as a purification pretreatment of complex sample matrices.
Deficiency of microglial Hv1 channel is associated with activation of autophagic pathway and ROS production in LPC-induced demyelination mouse model
Authors: Chen Man , Yang Lin-Lin , Hu Zi-Wei , Qin Chuan , Zhou Luo-Qi , Duan Ya-ling , Bosco Dale B. , Wu Long-Jun , Zhan Ke-Bin , Xu Sha-Bei , Tian Dai-Shi
Published: November 2020

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinated disease of the central nervous system. Activation of microglia is involved in the pathogenesis of myelin loss.

Objective

This study is focused on the role of Hv1 in regulating demyelination and microglial activation through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-mediated demyelination. We also explored autophagy in this process.

Methods

A model of demyelination using two-point LPC injection into the corpus callosum was established. LFB staining, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and electron microscopy were used to study the severity of demyelination. Microglial phenotype and autophagy were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Morris water maze was used to test spatial learning and memory ability.

Results

We have identified that LPC-mediated myelin damage was reduced by Hv1 deficiency. Furthermore, we found that ROS and autophagy of microglia increased in the demyelination region, which was also inhibited by Hv1 knockout.

Conclusion

These results suggested that microglial Hv1 deficiency ameliorates demyelination through inhibition of ROS-mediated autophagy and microglial phenotypic transformation.
Epidemiology of injuries in professional ice hockey: a prospective study over seven years
Authors: Ornon Gregory , Ziltener Jean-Luc , Fritschy Daniel , Menetrey Jacques
Published: November 2020

Background

Ice hockey injuries epidemiology is still poorly understood and very few studies are focused on it, especially about professional players.

Methods

Our prospective study collected all injuries occurring on ice during practice and games over 7 years (2006–2013) in a professional hockey team playing in the 1st division championship in Switzerland.

Results

During the 7 seasons, we recorded a total of 525 injuries and 190 injuries with time loss (TL).

Mean injuries incidence was 5.93 (95% CI 5.28 to 6.27) injuries/1000 h/player and with time loss 2.14 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.39) injuries/1000 h/player.

The lower limb was the most affected part of the body, with a total of 40.4% of all injuries, mostly knee Medial Collateral Ligament tear and muscle adductors/abdominal sprain. For the upper limb, shoulder was the most affected joint with mostly acromioclavicular sprain and shoulder dislocation.

Forwards had a significant (p < 0.05) higher risk than defensemen for knee Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tear. There was no significant difference in the concussion risk between forwards and defensemen, but defensemen had a significant higher risk (p < 0.05) to have a more severe concussion.

Conclusion

This study provides a better understanding about professional ice hockey epidemiology, which is still insufficiently researched and understood. We also found some significant risk factors, being a forward for knee MCL tear, being a defensemen for concussion severity.

Concussion program prevention seems to be effective but it is crucial to continue the follow up of concussion on long term and expand the surveillance system to all the League.
Exploring the mRNA expression level of RELN in peripheral blood of schizophrenia patients before and after antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Yin Jiajun , Lu Yana , Yu Shui , Dai Zhanzhan , Zhang Fuquan , Yuan Jianmin
Published: November 2020

Background

The Reelin (RELN) gene encodes the protein reelin, which is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein that plays a key role in brain development. Additionally, this protein may be involved in memory formation, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity, which have been shown to be disrupted in schizophrenia (SCZ). A decreasing trend in the expression of RELN mRNA in the brain and peripheral blood of SCZ patients has been observed. There is a need to determine whether changes in RELN mRNA expression in SCZ patients are the result of long-term antipsychotic treatment rather than the etiological characteristics of schizophrenia. The expression levels of RELN mRNA in the peripheral blood of 48 healthy controls and 30 SCZ patients before and after 12-weeks of treatment were measured using quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

The expression levels of RELN mRNA in the SCZ group were significantly lower than that of healthy controls; however, after 12-weeks of antipsychotic treatment, RELN mRNA levels were significantly increased in the SCZ group.

Conclusion

The up-regulation of RELN mRNA expression was current in SCZ patients after antipsychotic treatment, suggesting that the changes in RELN mRNA expression were related to the effect of the antipsychotic treatment.
Psychiatric morbidities of female obesity before and after dieting: an Egyptian sample
Authors: Shalaby Amr Said , Sadik Sadik Abdel Maseeh , Mahmoud Dalia Abdel Moneim
Published: November 2020

Background

The rate of occurrence of psychiatric morbidities like anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and the overall quality of life are very high among female patients with obesity; therefore, our study investigates such variables before and after weight loss in female patients on diet restriction; this can help obesity-multidisciplinary teams target these psychiatric correlates to reach a more satisfactory outcome.

Results

Anxiety, depression, and perceived stress scores decreased significantly in parallel to the weight loss reported (p< 0.0001). Except for social functioning, all other domains of quality of life improved significantly after weight loss. Those with higher education level showed significantly lower stress, anxiety, and depression scores before weight loss compared to married and highly educated ones respectively. After weight loss, highly educated participants showed lower perceived stress and depression scores than those with middle education.

Conclusions

Anxiety, depression, and perceived stress factors are significantly decreased after weight reduction with an improved quality of life as well compared to their scores prior.
Continuous Intrathecal Morphine Infusion for Pain Management in a Polytrauma Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Boncyk Christina S. , Brennan Kaitlyn A. , Guillamondegui Oscar , Benson Clayne
Published: November 2020

Polytrauma patients are at high risk for neurologic complications as a result of the primary mechanism of their trauma and/or delirium caused by subsequent pain, sedatives and analgesic exposure, sleep disturbances, infections, metabolic derangements, organ dysfunctions, withdrawal syndromes, or other factors. The high prevalence of delirium within trauma intensive care units increases risks for both patients and providers and is associated with worsened patient outcomes. This case report explains the rationale and utilization of continuous intrathecal morphine administration to improve pain control while reducing and eliminating intravenous (IV) analgesics and sedatives to enable wakefulness in a polytrauma patient with refractory agitated delirium.
Postpartum Headache—Unmasking the Zebra Among the Horses: A Case Report
Authors: Jones Anastasia , Cometa M. Anthony , Euliano Tammy , Lopez Brandon M.
Published: November 2020

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a complication of dural puncture. An epidural blood patch (EBP) is the standard treatment; however, when EBP fails, alternative treatments and/or diagnoses must be considered. We present a case of orthostatic headache initially diagnosed as PDPH but likely due to spontaneous intracranial hypotension. It is imperative for anesthesiologists, as members of an interdisciplinary peripartum team, to be familiar with the evaluation and treatment of postpartum headache and recognize when further workup and consultation may be indicated.
A molecular and cellular analysis of human embryonic optic fissure closure related to the eye malformation coloboma
Authors: Patel Aara , Anderson Glenn , Galea Gabriel L. , Balys Monika , Sowden Jane C.
Published: November 2020

Ocular coloboma is a congenital eye malformation, resulting from a failure in optic fissure closure (OFC) and causing visual impairment. There has been little study of the epithelial fusion process underlying closure in the human embryo and coloboma aetiology remains poorly understood. We performed RNAseq of cell populations isolated using laser capture microdissection to identify novel human OFC signature genes and probe the expression profile of known coloboma genes, along with a comparative murine analysis. Gene set enrichment patterns showed conservation between species. Expression of genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was transiently enriched in the human fissure margins during OFC at days 41-44. Electron microscopy and histological analyses showed that cells transiently delaminate at the point of closure, and produce cytoplasmic protrusions, before rearranging to form two continuous epithelial layers. Apoptosis was not observed in the human fissure margins. These analyses support a model of human OFC in which epithelial cells at the fissure margins undergo a transient epithelial-to-mesenchymal-like transition, facilitating cell rearrangement to form a complete optic cup.
The late Byzantine and early Ottoman Trikala of Thessaly
Authors: TEREZAKIS Georgios
Published: November 2020

Η σύνθεση των δεδομένων του οθωμανικού καταστίχου BBA/MM 10 με τα στοιχεία των πηγών της υστεροβυζαντινής περιόδου, αποκαλύπτει τη συνέχεια στις λειτουργίες της πόλης των Τρικάλων ως εξέχοντος διοικητικού και εμπορικού κέντρου, ενώ το αγροτικό σκέλος της οικονομίας της πόλεως είχε ενδεχομένως περιοριστεί. Η βασική διαφοροποίηση έχει να κάνει με την ισχυρή, και πλειοψηφική ήδη από τα μέσα του 15ου αιώνα, παρουσία του μουσουλμανικού στοιχείου, που αλλάζει σε σημαντικό βαθμό την φυσιογνωμία της πόλης
Clinical supervision in a high secure hospital: a service evaluation
Authors: Lewis Stephanie , Mead Jaide , Treasaden Ian
Published: November 2020

Few environments demand a higher level of emotional competences than forensic care settings, and the importance of clinical supervision to mitigate against the risks of such an environment cannot be underestimated. This paper explores the efficacy of clinical supervision provided to nursing staff within a high secure hospital using the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale. Results indicated that the nursing workforce were overall very satisfied with their clinical supervision, specifically clinical team leaders are most likely to be very satisfied. Results also showed the significance of time: clinical supervision is more effective when it lasts between 30–60 minutes, but correspondingly, time is one of the key barriers to accessing clinical supervision.
Psychosis in the family
Authors: Chadwick Peter
Published: November 2020

Peter Chadwick discusses how psychosis affected the people he lived with in a psychiatric aftercare hostel.
On the question of diversity
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: November 2020

Making businesses more diverse means considering potential employees from a range of different backgrounds and with a variety of perspectives, traits and abilities. Adam Bernstein outlines the benefits the neurodivergent can bring and the steps that can be taken to make an organisation more inclusive
"Gå eller rulla – alla vill knulla!": Funktionsrättsaktivism i nyliberala landskap
Authors: Mery Karlsson Mikael
Published: November 2020

Den här studien analyserar mötet mellan den sexualpolitiska rörelsen och funktionsrättsrörelsen i kampen för allas rätt till sexualitet och intimitet oavsett kroppsfunktionalitet.
Enhancement of Visible-Light Photo-Activity of BiVO4
Authors: Golmohammadi M. , Alvani A.A. Sabbagh , Sameie H. , Salimi R. , Poelman D.
Published: November 2020

This study describes photophysical properties of pure and Ag-doped BiVO4 nanocrystals. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy illustrated that the absorption of BiVO4:Ag increases due to prolong and suppress electron-hole pair recombination.
Localized photonic states and dynamic process in nonreciprocal coupled Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain
Authors: Cui Wen-Xue , Qi Lu , Xing Yan , Liu Shutian , Zhang Shou , Wang Hong-Fu
Published: November 2020

We investigate the localized photonic states and dynamic process in one-dimensional nonreciprocal coupled Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain. Through numerical calculation of energy eigenvalue spectrum and state distributions of the system, we find that different localized photonic states with special energy eigenvalues can be induced by the nonreciprocal coupling, such as zero-energy edge states, interface states and bound states with pure imaginary energy eigenvalues. Moreover, we analyze the dynamic process of photonic states in such non-Hermitian system. Interestingly, it is shown that the nonreciprocal coupling has an evident gathering effect on the photons, which also break the trapping effect of topologically protected edge states. In addition, we consider the impacts of on-site defect potentials on the dynamic process of photonic states for the system. It is indicated that the photons go around the defect lattice site and still present the gathering effect, and different forms of laser pulses can be induced with the on-site defect potentials in different lattice sites. Furthermore, we present the method for the quantum simulation of current model based on the circuit quantum electrodynamic lattice.
Efficient intensity-based fringe projection profilometry method resistant to global illumination
Authors: Deng Ji , Li Jian , Feng Hao , Ding Shumeng , Xiao Yu , Han Wenzhong , Zeng Zhoumo
Published: November 2020

Intensity-based fringe projection profilometry (IBFPP) is used widely because of its simple structure, high robustness, and noise resilience. Most IBFPP methods assume that any scene point is illuminated by direct illumination only, but global illumination effects introduce strong biases in the reconstruction result for many real-world scenes. To solve this problem, this paper describes an efficient IBFPP method for reconstructing three-dimensional geometry in the presence of global illumination. First, the average intensity of two sinusoidal patterns is used as a pixel-wise threshold to binarize the codeword patterns. The binarized template pattern is then used to convert other binarized fringe patterns into traditional Gray-code patterns. A proprietary compensation algorithm is then applied to eliminate fringe errors caused by environmental noise and lens defocusing. Finally, simple, efficient, and robust phase unwrapping can be achieved despite the effects of subsurface scattering and interreflection. Experimental results obtained in different environments show that the proposed method can obtain three-dimensional information reliably when influenced by global illumination.
2 µm passively Q-switched all-solid-state laser based on a Ta2NiSe5 saturable absorber
Authors: Zhang Huiyun , Xu Shuanghu , Wang Qiangguo , Meng Lihua , Liu Shande , Zhang Yuping
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a novel 2D ternary chalcogenide Ta2NiSe5 is fabricated into a saturable absorber by using the liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) method and successfully applied to the passive Q-switching experiment of Tm:YAP all-solid-state laser at 2 µm. The nonlinear optical absorption (NOA) properties of Ta2NiSe5 at 2 µm was measured by using an open-aperture Z-scan method, showing saturation fluence and modulation depth of 400 µJ/cm2 and 24%, respectively. By using Ta2NiSe5 as saturable absorber, the shortest pulse width of 740 ns and maximum repetition frequency of 71 kHz are obtained, respectively. This results prove that the Ta2NiSe5 is an excellent saturable absorber to achieve passively Q-switched laser at 2 µm, for the first time to the best of our knowledge.
Auftragsklärung im Coaching – eine Multi-Stakeholder-Perspektive
Authors: Squarra Annika , Webers Thomas
Published: November 2020

Dem Personalentwicklungsinstrument Coaching wird im Unternehmenskontext eine immer größere Bedeutung zugeschrieben. Dabei wird jedem Einsatz eine Auftragsklärung vorgeschaltet, in der verschiedene Stakeholder – Coach, Auftraggeber*In und Klient*In – involviert sind. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine Verhandlungssituation, die einen Nährboden für Konflikte bieten kann. Strategien der Stakeholder sowie ihr subjektives Erleben stellen in diesem Zusammenhang eine empirische Forschungslücke dar und werden in dieser qualitativen Interviewstudie mit Expert*Innen untersucht. Aufgrund der Vielfalt an betrachteten Aspekten ergibt sich aus den Daten der Analyse keine eindeutige Kernstrategie, darüber hinaus sind die Ergebnisse teils widersprüchlich. Die Coaches nehmen gemäß eigener Aussage eine vorwiegend parteiische Haltung gegenüber dem*der Klient*In ein und betrachten den*die Auftraggeber*In als Gegenspieler*In in der betrieblichen Arena. Die Auftraggebenden ihrerseits äußern, in der Interaktion mit Coach und Klient*In als wohlwollende Teamplayer zu agieren. Die Klient*Innen differenzieren zwischen diesen Darstellungen von Coaches und Auftraggebenden und ihren eigenen Wahrnehmungen. Es eröffnen sich letztlich Interpretationsspielräume, sodass weiterer Forschungsbedarf offensichtlich wird.
Eco-evo-devo implications and archaeobiological perspectives of trait covariance in fruits of wild and domesticated grapevines
Authors: Bonhomme Vincent , Picq Sandrine , Ivorra Sarah , Evin Allowen , Pastor Thierry , Bacilieri Roberto , Lacombe Thierry , Figueiral Isabel , Terral Jean-Frédéric , Bouby Laurent
Published: November 2020

The phenotypic changes that occurred during the domestication and diversification of grapevine are well known, particularly changes in seed morphology, but the functional causes and consequences behind these variations are poorly understood. Wild and domesticate grapes differ, among others, in the form of their pips: wild grapes produce roundish pips with short stalks and cultivated varieties have more elongated pips with longer stalks. Such variations of form are of first importance for archaeobotany since the pip form is, most often, the only remaining information in archaeological settings. This study aims to enlighten archaeobotanical record and grapevine pip development by better understanding how size and shape (co)variates between pip and berry in both wild and domesticated Vitis vinifera. The covariation of berry size, number of seeds per berry (“piposity”), pip size and pip shape were explored on 49 grapevine accessions sampled among Euro-Mediterranean traditional cultivars and wild grapevines. We show that for wild grapevine, the higher the piposity, the bigger the berry and the more elongated the pip. For both wild and domesticated grapevine, the longer is the pip, the more it has a “domesticated” shape. Consequences for archaeobotanical studies are tested and discussed, and these covariations allowed the inference of berry dimensions from archaeological pips from a Southern France Roman site. This systematic exploration sheds light on new aspects of pip-berry relationship, in both size and shape, on grapevine eco-evo-devo changes during domestication, and invites to explore further the functional ecology of grapevine pip and berry and notably the impact of cultivation practices and human selection on grapevine morphology.
Surgical benefit of mandibular morphometric analysis: A new tool to standardize mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Prevost Alice , Delanoe Franck , Cavallier Zoé , Muller Samuel , Lopez Raphael , Lauwers Frédéric
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The gold-standard for reconstruction of large mandibular defects is the use of free flaps of vascularized autologous bone with the fibula as the preferred donor site. The use of "custom cutting guides" for this indication is becoming increasingly prevalent. But cost of the procedure averages around 2,500 dollars per patient excluding treatment and entails selection criteria. We think it is possible to standardize mandibular reconstructions from an anatomical mean. The objective of this study was to perform a mandibular morphometric analysis in order to obtain a set of "mean" measurements, which can be used by all surgeons interested in mandibular reconstruction.

Methods

We performed a morphometric analysis consisting of three-dimensional mandibular reconstructions of 30 men and 30 women. Several reference points were set and defined to evaluate specific lengths and angles of interest. We conducted an intra and inter-sexual descriptive analysis of measurements obtained.

Results

We did not identify any major intra-sexual differences within each group. The gonial angle is more open in women and the measurements characterizing the basilar contour are more prominent in men. We did not identify any differences in alveolar region parameters.

Conclusion

The results of this study constitute a morphological tool for surgeons, from bone graft to free flap. These results also confirm us that the use of «custom cutting guides» for mandibular reconstruction may be excessive. It is pertinent to examine the value of "custom made" mandibular reconstructions since the differences observed are of the order of millimeters.
Individual and structural barriers to Latin American refugees and asylum seekers' access to primary and mental healthcare in Chile: A qualitative study
Authors: Carreño-Calderón Alejandra , Cabieses Baltica , Correa-Matus M. Eliana
Published: November 2020

Background

Since 2010 there has been a growing population of refugees and asylum seekers in Latin America. This study sought to investigate the perceived experiences and healthcare needs of refugees and asylum seekers of Latin American origin in Chile in order to identify main barriers to healthcare and provide guidance on allied challenges for the public healthcare system.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative case study with semi-structured interviews applied to refugees and asylum seekers (n = 8), healthcare workers (n = 4), and members of Non-Governmental Organizations and religious foundations focused on working with refugees and asylum seekers in Chile (n = 2).

Results

Although Chilean law guarantees access to all levels of healthcare for the international migrant population, the specific healthcare needs of refugees and asylum seekers were not adequately covered. Primary care and mental healthcare were the most required types of service for participants, yet they appeared to be the most difficult to access. Difficulties in social integration -including access to healthcare, housing, and education- upon arrival and lengthy waiting times for legal status of refugees also presented great barriers to effective healthcare provision and wellbeing. Healthcare workers and members of organizations indicated the need for more information about refugee and asylum-seeking populations, their rights and conditions, as well as more effective and tailored healthcare interventions for them, especially for emergency mental healthcare situations.

Conclusions

All participants perceived that there was disinformation among institutional actors regarding the healthcare needs of refugees and asylum seekers in Chile. They also perceived that there were barriers to access to primary care and mental healthcare, which might lead to overuse of emergency services. This study highlights a sense of urgency to protect the social and healthcare needs of refugees and asylum seekers in Latin America.
Prevalence and associated factors of premenstrual syndrome among women of the reproductive age group in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Geta Teshome Gensa , Woldeamanuel Gashaw Garedew , Dassa Tamirat Tesfaye
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Premenstrual syndrome is a clinical condition characterised by the cyclic occurrence of physical and emotional symptoms, which can interfere with normal activity. It significantly affects the health-related quality of life and can result in decreased work productivity. The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome varies widely in different countries and different regions of the same country. Thus, this study was aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its associated factors among women in Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

Published studies searched from electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, google scholars, HINARI, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were used. All studies done among women of the reproductive age group in Ethiopia and reported in the English language were included. The current study was reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two authors extracted the data independently by using Microsoft excel extraction format and transported to STATA 14 software for analysis. I2test was used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. A random-effect model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of premenstrual syndrome. The prevalence and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) were presented using a forest plot.

Results

After careful screening of 33 studies, nine studies were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in Ethiopia was found to be 53% (95% CI: 40.64, 65.36). Subgroup analysis by university versus high school showed a pooled prevalence of 53.87% (95% CI: 40.97, 67.60) and 56.19% (95% CI: 6.80, 105.58), respectively. The pooled odds ratio shows that age at menarche, menstrual pattern and hormonal contraceptive use had no statistically significant association with premenstrual syndrome.

Conclusion

More than half of the women under reproductive age group were experiencing premenstrual syndrome in Ethiopia.
Comparative analysis of clinical, physiological, temperamental and personality characteristics of elderly subjects and young subjects with asthma
Authors: Panek Michał G. , Karbownik Michał S. , Kuna Piotr B.
Published: November 2020

Background

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease of a complex etiology in which genetic, environmental and personality variables are important factors determining the development of complicated strategies related to coping with stress and temperament traits. Our thesis is that coping styles in asthmatic patients are modified by the environment (chronic inflammation and stress) which affects individual temperament traits in the course of time. Thus, patient age is one of factors which determine the clinical image of asthma and its natural history.

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the variables describing stress coping styles and temperament in young (18 to 35 years old) and elderly asthmatics (aged ≥60 years).

Material and methods

A total of 200 patients, 104 elderly and 96 young asthmatics were enrolled in the study. Apart from medical examination, the following tests were performed in all subjects: the Formal Characteristics of Behavior- Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale.

Results

Elderly patients with asthma exhibited higher intensity of anxiety as a trait, a higher level of depression and experienced dyspnea, as well as higher levels of stress coping strategies such as Avoidance-Oriented Coping (AOC), Distraction Seeking (DS) and Social Diversion (SD) compared to young asthmatics. In elderly patients, Perseverance and Sensory Sensitivity traits have been observed to decline with the duration and development of asthma at later life stages as opposed to young asthmatics, in whom these temperament characteristics are elevated.

Conclusions

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease of a complex etiopathogenesis that has a complex interplay with mental health. The present study confirms a relationship between age and stress coping strategies as well as temperament traits.
Relative expression of microRNAs, apoptosis, and ultrastructure anomalies induced by gold nanoparticles in Trachyderma hispida (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: El-Ashram Saeed , Kheirallah Dalia Abdel Moneim , El-Samad Lamia Moustafa , Toto Noura A.
Published: November 2020

The extensive use of nanomaterials generates toxic effects on non-target species and the ecosystem. Although gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are generally expected to be safe, the recent study contains conflicting data regarding their cytotoxicity in the darkling beetlesTrachyderma hispida. The study postulated cellular perturbation in the ovarian tissue of the beetles induced by a sublethal dose of Au-NPs (0.01 mg/g). When compared with the controls, a significant inhibition in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes selenium-dependent (GPOX) and selenium-independent (GSTP) glutathione peroxidases (GPx) was observed in the treated beetles. The study proposed microRNAs (miRNA-282 and miRNA-989) as genotoxic markers for the first time, reporting a significant suppression in their transcriptional levels in the treated beetles. Furthermore, TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) and flow cytometry assays (annexin V-Fitc) indicated a significant increase in ovarian cell apoptosis in the treated beetles. Additionally, an ultrastructure examination revealed pathological changes in the ovarian cells of the treated beetles. The resulting anomalies in the present study may interrupt the fecundity of the beetles and lead to the future suppression of beetle populations.
Small hiatal hernia and postprandial reflux after vertical sleeve gastrectomy: A multiethnic Asian cohort
Authors: Lye Tiffany Jian Ying , Ng Kiat Rui , Tan Alexander Wei En , Syn Nicholas , Woo Shi Min , Lim Eugene Kee Wee , Eng Alvin Kim Hock , Chan Weng Hoong , Tan Jeremy Tian Hui , Lim Chin Hong
Published: November 2020

Background

Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular bariatric procedure performed in Asia, as obesity continues to be on the rise in our population. A major problem faced is the development of de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after LSG, which can be chronic and debilitating. In this study, we aim to assess the relationship between the presence of small hiatal hernia (HH) and the development of postoperative GERD, as well as to explore the correlation between GERD symptoms after LSG and timing of meals. In doing so, we hope to gain a better understanding about the type of reflux that occurs after LSG and take a step closer towards effectively managing this difficult to treat condition.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent LSG in our hospital from Dec 2008 to Dec 2016. All patients underwent preoperative upper GI endoscopy, during which the identification of hiatal hernia takes place. Patients' information and reflux symptoms are recorded using standardized questionnaires, which are administered preoperatively, and again during postoperative follow up visits.

Results

Of the 255 patients, 125 patients (74%) developed de novo GERD within 6 months post-sleeve gastrectomy. The rate of de novo GERD was 57.1% in the group with HH, and 76.4% in the group without HH. Adjusted analysis showed no significant association between HH and GERD (RR = 0.682; 95% CI 0.419 to 1.111; P = 0.125). 88% of the patients who developed postoperative GERD reported postprandial symptoms occurring only after meals, and the remaining 12% of patients reported no correlation between the timing of GERD symptoms and meals.

Conclusion

There is no direct correlation between the presence of small hiatal hernia and GERD symptoms after LSG. Hence, the presence of a small sliding hiatal hernia should not be exclusion for sleeve gastrectomy. Electing not to perform concomitant hiatal hernia repair also does not appear to result in higher rates of postoperative or de novo GERD.
Antileishmanial compounds from Connarus suberosus: Metabolomics, isolation and mechanism of action
Authors: Morais Lais S. , Dusi Renata G. , Demarque Daniel P. , Silva Raquel L. , Albernaz Lorena C. , Báo Sônia N. , Merten Christian , Antinarelli Luciana M. R. , Coimbra Elaine S. , Espindola Laila S.
Published: November 2020

Leishmaniasis is a disease impacting public health worldwide due to its high incidence, morbidity and mortality. Available treatments are costly, lengthy and toxic, not to mention the problem of parasite resistance. The development of alternative treatments is warranted and natural products demonstrate promising activity. This study investigated the activity of Connarus suberosus extracts and compounds against Leishmania species. Several C. suberosus extracts were tested against L. amazonensis promastigotes. Active and inactive extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS and data evaluated using a metabolomics platform, revealing an unknown neoflavonoid (connarin, 3), isolated together with the pterocarpans: hemileiocarpin (1) and leiocarpin (2). The aforementioned compounds (1–3), together with the benzoquinones: rapanone (4), embelin (5) and suberonone (6) previously isolated by our group from the same species, were tested against: (i) L. amazonensis and L. infantum promastigotes, and (ii) L. amazonensis intracellular amastigotes, with the most active compound (3) also tested against L. infantum amastigotes. Cytotoxicity against murine peritoneal macrophages was also investigated. Compounds 2 and 3 presented an IC50 33.8 μM and 11.4 μM for L. amazonensis promastigotes; and 44.3 μM and 13.3 μM for L. infantum promastigotes, respectively. For L. amazonensis amastigotes, the IC50 of 2 was 20.4 μM with a selectivity index (SI) of 5.7, while the IC50 of 3 was 2.9 μM with an SI of 6.3. For L. infantum amastigotes, the IC50 of 3 was 7.7 μM. Compounds 2 and 3 presented activity comparable with the miltefosine positive control, with compound 3 found to be 2–4 times more active than the positive control, depending on the Leishmania species and form. The extracts and isolated compounds showed moderate toxicity against macrophages. Compounds 2 and 3 altered the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and neutral lipid body accumulation, while 2 also impacted plasma membrane permeabilization, culminating in cellular disorder and parasite death. Transmission electron microscopy of L. amazonensis promastigotes treated with compound 3 confirmed the presence of lipid bodies. Leiocarpin (2) and connarin (3) demonstrated antileishmanial activity. This study provides knowledge of natural products with antileishmanial activity, paving the way for prototype development to fight this neglected tropical disease.
dagLogo: An R/Bioconductor package for identifying and visualizing differential amino acid group usage in proteomics data
Authors: Ou Jianhong , Liu Haibo , Nirala Niraj K. , Stukalov Alexey , Acharya Usha , Green Michael R. , Zhu Lihua Julie
Published: November 2020

Sequence logos have been widely used as graphical representations of conserved nucleic acid and protein motifs. Due to the complexity of the amino acid (AA) alphabet, rich post-translational modification, and diverse subcellular localization of proteins, few versatile tools are available for effective identification and visualization of protein motifs. In addition, various reduced AA alphabets based on physicochemical, structural, or functional properties have been valuable in the study of protein alignment, folding, structure prediction, and evolution. However, there is lack of tools for applying reduced AA alphabets to the identification and visualization of statistically significant motifs. To fill this gap, we developed an R/Bioconductor package dagLogo, which has several advantages over existing tools. First, dagLogo allows various formats for input sets and provides comprehensive options to build optimal background models. It implements different reduced AA alphabets to group AAs of similar properties. Furthermore, dagLogo provides statistical and visual solutions for differential AA (or AA group) usage analysis of both large and small data sets. Case studies showed that dagLogo can better identify and visualize conserved protein sequence patterns from different types of inputs and can potentially reveal the biological patterns that could be missed by other logo generators.
Orações de Sapiência da Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Coimbra 1921 - 2020
Authors: Veiga Francisco , Martins Teresa Alcobia
Published: November 2020

Perto de atingir os 100 anos desde a primeira vez que surgiu a designação Faculdade de Farmácia e porque só após 2025 voltará esta Faculdade a ser chamada para, na Sala Grande dos Atos, proferir nova intervenção oratória, consideramos a altura oportuna para consolidar esta obra e dela dar conhecimento a toda a comunidade académica. De realçar que, ao longo deste século, apenas foram proferidas sete Orações de Sapiência, dada a tardia passagem do Ensino de Farmácia a Ensino Superior e ainda mais tardia passagem da Escola de Farmácia a Faculdade de Farmácia. São estas sete Orações de Sapiência «em louvor das Ciências e exortação dos ouvintes ao estudo delas» que agora reunimos num único volume e que consideramos contribuir não só para ilustrar o que foi a História da Faculdade de Farmácia de Coimbra, mas também relembrar e homenagear os autores que redigiram estas Orações de Sapiência e, neles, todos os docentes desta Faculdade.