bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignancy and NF-κB signalling strengthen coordination between expression of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded oxidative phosphorylation genes
Authors: Perez Marcos Francisco , Sarkies Peter
Published: December 2021

Background

Mitochondria are ancient endosymbiotic organelles crucial to eukaryotic growth and metabolism. The mammalian mitochondrial genome encodes for 13 mitochondrial proteins, and the remaining mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nuclear genome. Little is known about how coordination between the expression of the two sets of genes is achieved.

Results

Correlation analysis of RNA-seq expression data from large publicly available datasets is a common method to leverage genetic diversity to infer gene co-expression modules. Here we use this method to investigate nuclear-mitochondrial gene expression coordination. We identify a pitfall in correlation analysis that results from the large variation in the proportion of transcripts from the mitochondrial genome in RNA-seq data. Commonly used normalisation techniques based on total read counts, such as FPKM or TPM, produce artefactual negative correlations between mitochondrial- and nuclear-encoded transcripts. This also results in artefactual correlations between pairs of nuclear-encoded genes, with important consequences for inferring co-expression modules beyond mitochondria. We show that these effects can be overcome by normalizing using the median-ratio normalisation (MRN) or trimmed mean of M values (TMM) methods. Using these normalisations, we find only weak and inconsistent correlations between mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes in the majority of healthy human tissues from the GTEx database.

Conclusions

We show that a subset of healthy tissues with high expression of NF-κB show significant coordination, suggesting a role for NF-κB in ensuring balanced expression between mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Contrastingly, most cancer types show robust coordination of nuclear and mitochondrial OXPHOS gene expression, identifying this as a feature of gene regulation in cancer.
DropletQC: improved identification of empty droplets and damaged cells in single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Muskovic Walter , Powell Joseph E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Advances in droplet-based single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) have dramatically increased throughput, allowing tens of thousands of cells to be routinely sequenced in a single experiment. In addition to cells, droplets capture cell-free “ambient” RNA predominantly caused by lysis of cells during sample preparation. Samples with high ambient RNA concentration can create challenges in accurately distinguishing cell-containing droplets and droplets containing ambient RNA. Current methods to separate these groups often retain a significant number of droplets that do not contain cells or empty droplets. Additionally, there are currently no methods available to detect droplets containing damaged cells, which comprise partially lysed cells, the original source of the ambient RNA.

Results

Here, we describe DropletQC, a new method that is able to detect empty droplets, damaged, and intact cells, and accurately distinguish them from one another. This approach is based on a novel quality control metric, the nuclear fraction, which quantifies for each droplet the fraction of RNA originating from unspliced, nuclear pre-mRNA. We demonstrate how DropletQC provides a powerful extension to existing computational methods for identifying empty droplets such as EmptyDrops.

Conclusions

We implement DropletQC as an R package, which can be easily integrated into existing single-cell analysis workflows.
Structural changes and expression of hepatic fibrosis-related proteins in coculture of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces and human hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Cao Deping , Shamsan Emad , Jiang Bofan , Fan Haining , Zhang Yaogang , Dehwah Mustafa Abdo Saif
Published: December 2021

Background

Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of human hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE). AE can cause damage to several organs, primarily the liver, and have severe outcomes, such as hepatic failure and encephalopathy. The main purpose of this study was to explore the interactions between hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and E. multilocularis protoscoleces (PSCs). The results of this study provide an experimental basis for further examination of the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis due to AE infection.

Methods

We investigated the role of Echinococcus multilocularis (Echinococcus genus) PSCs in hepatic fibrosis by examining structural changes and measuring hepatic fibrosis-related protein levels in cocultures of PSCs and human HSCs. Structural changes were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and levels of the hepatic fibrosis-related proteins collagen I (Col-I), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and osteopontin (OPN) were measured by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Under coculture (1) both PSCs and HSCs exhibited morphological changes, as observed by TEM; (2) Col-I, α-SMA, and OPN expression levels, which were determined by western blotting and ELISA, significantly increased after 3 days of incubation.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of AE-induced hepatic fibrosis.

Graphical abstract
Anti-tumor effect of polysaccharide from Pleurotus ostreatus on H22 mouse Hepatoma ascites in-vivo and hepatocellular carcinoma in-vitro model
Authors: Khinsar Kavish Hasnain , Abdul Sattar , Hussain Akbar , Ud Din Riaz , Lei Liu , Cao Jing , Abbasi Majid , Ur Rehman Ata , Farooqui Nabeel , Yi Xin , Min Huang , Wang Liang , Mintao Zhong
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated death across the globe. Malignant ascites are the major clinical attributes in cancer patients. Despite the advancements in HCC treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and hormonal therapy, researchers are pursuing novel natural edible compounds for the treatment of cancer to eliminate dreadful side effects. Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most edible cuisines in Asia as well as all over the world. It has been a source of nutritious diet since it was classified as an edible mushroom with no or negligible side effects. The present study focused on the natural anti-cancerous and anti-ascites capabilities of polysaccharides extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus in-vivo as well as in-vitro. Administration of polysaccharide Pleurotus ostreatus showed a significant decrease in tumor cell metastasis while the increase in the survival period among mice models of H22 malignant ascites. Downregulation of regenerative genes Foxp3 and Stat3 and secretion of immunological factors such as IL-2, TNF α, and INF γ were observed after treating with the partially pure extracted polysaccharide. Twining with the hypothesis of tumor suppression in-vivo model polysaccharide showed a decrease in invasion and migration abilities and henceforth responsible for the gene regulation such Cytochrome C which supposedly induced the chain of gene regulation process resulting in apoptosis in HCC cell lines observed in-vitro experiments. Collective research findings manifested that polysaccharide extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus bears anti-proliferative activity and thus influence tumor suppression in-vivo and in-vitro against hepatocellular carcinoma and can be used for therapeutic purposes as a potential anti-cancerous source in the future.
A DNA adductome analysis revealed a reduction in the global level of C5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine in the non-tumoral upper urinary tract mucosa of urothelial carcinoma patients
Authors: Matsushita Yuto , Iwashita Yuji , Ohtsuka Shunsuke , Ohnishi Ippei , Yamashita Takashi , Miyake Hideaki , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: December 2021

Background

DNA adducts, covalent modifications to DNA due to exposure to specific carcinogens, cause the mispairing of DNA bases, which ultimately results in DNA mutations. DNA methylation in the promoter region, another type of DNA base modification, alters the DNA transcription process, and has been implicated in carcinogenesis in humans due to the down-regulation of tumor suppressor genes. Difficulties are associated with demonstrating the existence of DNA adducts or chemically modified bases in the human urological system. Apart from aristolochic acid-DNA adducts, which cause urothelial carcinoma and endemic nephropathy in a particular geographical area (Balkan), limited information is currently available on DNA adduct profiles in renal cell carcinoma and upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, including renal pelvic cancer and ureteral cancer.

Method

To elucidate the significance of DNA adducts in carcinogenesis in the urothelial system, we investigated 53 DNA adducts in the non-tumoral renal parenchyma and non-tumoral renal pelvis of patients with renal cell carcinoma, upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, and other diseases using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A comparative analysis of tissue types, the status of malignancy, and clinical characteristics, including lifestyle factors, was performed.

Results

C5-Methyl-2′-deoxycytidine, C5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5hmdC), C5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine, 2′-deoxyinosine, C8-oxo-2′-deoxyadenosine, and C8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were detected in the renal parenchyma and renal pelvis. 8-OHdG was more frequently detected in the renal pelvis than in the renal cortex and medulla (p = 0.048 and p = 0.038, respectively). 5hmdC levels were significantly lower in the renal pelvis of urothelial carcinoma patients (n = 10) than in the urothelium of patients without urothelial carcinoma (n = 15) (p = 0.010). Regarding 5hmdC levels in the renal cortex and medulla, Spearman’s rank correlation test revealed a negative correlation between age and 5hmdC levels (r = − 0.46, p = 0.018 and r = − 0.45, p = 0.042, respectively).

Conclusions

The present results revealed a reduction of 5hmdC levels in the non-tumoral urinary tract mucosa of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. Therefore, the urothelial cell epithelia of patients with upper urinary tract cancer, even in non-cancerous areas, may be predisposed to urothelial cancer.
The Middle Meningeal Artery: Branches, Dangerous Anastomoses, and Implications in Neurosurgery and Neuroendovascular Surgery
Authors: Martínez Jaime L. , Domingo Ricardo A. , Sattur Mithun , Porto Guilherme , Rivas Gabriella A. , Al Kasab Sami , Spiotta Alejandro
Published: December 2021

The middle meningeal artery (MMA) has always been the workhorse corridor for devascularization of dural-based intracranial lesions and, more recently, has been established as a target for the endovascular management of chronic subdural hematomas. The MMA anatomy is complex and deceitful, and its territory of irrigation (including cranial nerves) is poorly understood. Furthermore, MMA variations and anastomoses are more frequent than expected, which may predispose to procedure-related morbidity. A literature search was conducted in electronic databases per PRISMA guidelines for studies describing normal and abnormal MMA anatomy including variations in MMA origin and dangerous anastomoses. Our institutional case series of greater than 100 MMA embolizations for management of chronic subdural hematomas were reviewed for abnormal MMA anatomy, and clinically relevant case examples are presented. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the MMA to provide a better understanding and appreciation of this artery, including pearls and pitfalls, that we hope will aid the neurosurgeon and neurointerventionalist in safely tackling these lesions.
Breech presentation and moxibustion: should it be offered to improve maternal outcomes?
Authors: Zanchin Claudia Dalcin
Published: December 2021

Background

It is known that moxibustion promotes cephalic version, thereby increasing the likelihood of vaginal birth, reducing the chances of a caesarean section and augmentation in labour. This study aimed to review and critically appraise research articles on the benefits of moxibustion use for low-risk women with breech presentation.

Methods

This study reviewed research articles published in English between July 2010 and July 2020. A computerised search using Maternity and Infant Care, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Medline databases was undertaken, using a combination of terms such as ‘moxibustion’, ‘childbirth’, ‘birth’, ‘labour’ and ‘labor’. One article was chosen after reading the references of the articles selected. Overall five research articles were analysed using specific critique guidelines.

Results

The studies confirmed the use of moxibustion to turn a breech fetus, and found that in combination with acupuncture, moxibustion decreases the rate of caesarean section syntocinon use before and during labour for women who had a vaginal birth, as well as slightly decreasing instrumental use at birth. Moxibustion was safe and well accepted by women. However, studies need to be interpreted with caution because of clinical and statistical heterogeneity, and further quality evidence is required.

Conclusions

Moxibustion use for women with uncomplicated pregnancies may reduce the number of breech presentations at birth, caesarean section rates, syntocinon use and instrumental births.
Ankyloglossia management: a collaborative approach to educating healthcare professionals
Authors: Birch Alexandra , Bowen Nicola , Lumsden Hilary , Penn Katy , Williams Lisa
Published: December 2021

The University of Wolverhampton are currently the only university in the UK to offer an accredited training course in advanced clinical skills in tongue tie (ankyloglossia) management (including frenulotomy) and attracts applicants from across the UK (and beyond). The 1-year programme, offered in collaboration with The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, prepares healthcare practitioners to practise safely and effectively as a tongue tie practitioner and is suitable for professionals from a variety of settings including midwifery, health visiting, advanced neonatal nursing practice, dentistry and paediatrics. The course comprises two online study days and the remainder of the 12 months is dedicated to clinical practice. The programme allows practitioners to gain an understanding of the underpinning theory of ankyloglossia (commonly known as tongue tie) and its management, as well as being able to achieve competency in clinical practice.
Effect of acute static stretching on the passive mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cini Anelize , Sonda Francesca Chaida , de Oliveira Borges Mariana , Vaz Marco Aurélio , Lima Cláudia Silveira
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims

Little is known about the effectiveness of static stretching on the tendinous structures. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of acute static stretching on the passive mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon.

Methods

Databases were searched with the descriptors ‘muscle stretching exercises,’ ‘adult’ and ‘Achilles tendon’ with a sample consisting of physically active young adults. Two blind reviewers performed the review.

Results

A total of four studies were selected. After the meta-analysis, no significant difference was observed for range of motion (−0.73; 95% confidence interval −2.18–0.71; I2=0%), muscle-tendon unit (−0.02; 95% confidence interval −0.23–0.19; I2= 83%), muscle (−0.43; 95% confidence interval −0.92–0.06; I2= 0%) and tendon stiffness (3.70; 95% confidence interval 1.57–5,83; I2=0%; P=0.0007) and passive torque (−1.35; 95% confidence interval −4.75–2.05; I2= 0%). Maximum voluntary isometric contraction showed an alteration with a longer stretching time (1215 seconds).

Conclusions

Passive static stretching (60–1215 seconds) does not significantly alter the analysed variables.
Statistical analysis of earthquake catalogue and magnitude of completeness for Northern and Southwestern Pakistan
Authors: Khurram Shahzada
Published: December 2021

A historical and instrumental earthquake catalogue is prepared for the Northwest Himalayan Fold and Thrust Belt and Makran Subduction Zone Pakistan from 1960 to 2019 with homogenized moment magnitude. The local and some international published sources were utilized for the preparation of catalogue. This earthquake catalogue contained numbers of duplicate, repeated, dependent and independent events. Declustering process was opted to remove the dependent events such as foreshock and aftershock from catalogue to separate the mainshock only in term of distance and time space window. The declustering found 2714 clusters of earthquakes with total of 19512 (57.19 %) events out of 34112. Only cluster events which contained the mainshock or independent events were drawn on seismicity map with color identification. Maximum likelihood method was used to compute the value of magnitude of completeness i.e., Mc = 3.8 with estimation of a and b-values. Years vise magnitude of completeness was also computed to check the time period variation. The completeness of magnitude for different intervals of time indicates the impartial approximation of previous recorded seismicity. Temporal and spatial maps were also drawn to investigate the slope “b” and rate of productivity “a” in the study region. It is noted that b-values varied from 0.2 to 2.0 due to stress and intensive tectonic setting whereas a value increases due to increase the seismicity rate with respect to region. Seismotectonic map was drawn to delineate the major faults, seismicity pattern and tectonic activities. This work further can be used for single value hazard assessment for any region and their response spectra to update buildings and bridges codes.
Simulation study on the enhancement of resonance energy transfer through surface plasmon coupling in a GaN porous structure
Authors: Kuo Yang , Lu You-Jui , Shih Chun-Yen , Yang C. C.
Published: December 2021

To understand the behavior of resonance energy transfer from a quantum well (donor) into a quantum dot (acceptor) located inside an oriented subsurface tubular void above the quantum well, the emission and energy transfer enhancements of the donor and acceptor dipoles are numerically studied. By reasonably assuming that the acceptor absorption efficiency is not influenced by the surface plasmon (SP) resonance of a nearby metal nanostructure, the acceptor absorption enhancement through SP coupling is proportional to the increase ratio of the donor-induced field intensity at the acceptor position. Therefore, the energy transfer enhancement can be obtained by multiplying this field intensity ratio with the radiated power ratio of the acceptor between the two cases under comparison. It is found that the emission and energy transfer enhancements are significantly higher when the orientations of the donor and acceptor dipoles are perpendicular to the void tube, in comparison with those in the case of parallel orientation. The differences in emission and energy transfer between the two dipole-orientation cases become larger when a surface Ag nanoparticle is applied to the sample for inducing SP coupling. The oriented subsurface tubular void can lead to a polarization-dependent energy transfer behavior.
Optically transparent water-based wideband switchable radar absorber/reflector with low infrared radiation characteristics
Authors: Li Huangyan , Yuan Hang , Costa Filippo , Cao Qunsheng , Wu Wen , Monorchio Agostino
Published: December 2021

An optically transparent water-based radar-infrared compatible stealth structure is proposed in this paper, which acts as a wideband microwave switchable absorber/reflector and features low infrared radiation at the same time. The enhanced wideband switching function between the microwave absorbing state (10.52–20.04 GHz for TE mode and 10.52–20.21 GHz for TM mode) and the reflecting state in the entire band (5–26.5 GHz) is realized through the injection and discharge of pure water. The low infrared radiation characteristics can be obtained by properly designing the infrared shielding layer (IR-SL) on the top and the temperature management through water circulation. The unique properties of the proposed structure in microwave, optical and infrared bands are validated by separate experiments. Owing to its multifunctional performance, the proposed design is expected to be applied in various potential applications, especially the multispectral stealth area.
Structured vanadium dioxide metamaterial for tunable broadband terahertz absorption
Authors: Zhang Ruoya , Luo Yuehao , Xu Jike , Wang Huaying , Han Haiyan , Hu Dan , Zhu Qiaofen , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2021

A tunable broadband terahertz (THz) absorber based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed, which is composed of a structured VO2 metamaterial layer, a dielectric layer, and a metal layer. The simulation results show that the peak absorption intensity of the absorber can be dynamically adjusted from 3.6% to 100% by changing the conductivity of VO2. When the conductivity of VO2 is 2×105 S/m, an excellent broadband absorption phenomenon appears, and the bandwidth of absorption rate greater than 90% is as wide as 4.10 THz from 3.25 THz to 7.35 THz. The impedance matching theory and the electric field distribution are used to explain the physical mechanism of the proposed absorber. In addition, the absorber shows the advantages of polarization-insensitiveness and wide-angle absorption. It is expected that this absorber can have potential applications such as modulators and photoelectric switches.
High-dose drug heat map analysis for drug safety and efficacy in multi-spheroid brain normal cells and GBM patient-derived cells
Authors: Lee Sang-Yun , Teng Yvonne , Son Miseol , Ku Bosung , Moon Ho Sang , Tergaonkar Vinay , Chow Pierce Kah-Hoe , Lee Dong Woo , Nam Do-Hyun
Published: December 2021

To test the safety and efficacy of drugs via a high does drug heat map, a multi-spheroids array chip was developed by adopting a micropillar and microwell structure. In the chip, patient-derived cells were encapsulated in alginate and grown to maturity for more than 7 days to form cancer multi-spheroids. Multi-spheroids grown in conventional well plates require many cells and are easily damaged as a result of multiple pipetting during maintenance culture or experimental procedures. To address these issues, we applied a micropillar and microwell structure to the multi-spheroids array. Patient-derived cells from patients with Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and lethal form of central nervous system cancer, were used to validate the array chip performance. After forming multi-spheroids with a diameter greater than 100μm in a 12×36 pillar array chip (25mm × 75mm), we tested 70 drug compounds (6 replicates) using a high-dose to determine safety and efficacy for drug candidates. Comparing the drug response of multi-spheroids derived from normal cells and cancer cells, we found that four compounds (Dacomitinib, Cediranib, LY2835219, BGJ398) did not show toxicity to astrocyte cell and were efficacious to patient-derived GBM cells.
Improved HIV case finding among key populations after differentiated data driven community testing approaches in Zambia
Authors: Kamanga Joseph , Stankevitz Kayla , Martinez Andres , Chiegil Robert , Nyirenda Lameck , Mulenga Florence , Chen Mario , Mpofu Mulamuli , Lubasi Sam , Bateganya Moses
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Open Doors, an HIV prevention project targeting key populations in Zambia, recorded low HIV positivity rates (9%) among HIV testing clients, compared to national adult prevalence (12.3%), suggesting case finding efficiency could be improved. To close this gap, they undertook a series of targeted programmatic and management interventions. We share the outcomes of these interventions, specifically changes in testing volume, HIV positivity rate, and total numbers of key populations living with HIV identified.

Methods

The project implemented a range of interventions to improve HIV case finding using a Total Quality Leadership and Accountability (TQLA) approach. We analyzed program data for key populations who received HIV testing six months before the interventions (October 2017–March 2018) and 12 months after (April 2018–March 2019). Interrupted time series analysis was used to evaluate the impact on HIV positivity and total case finding and trends in positivity and case finding over time, before and after the interventions.

Results

While the monthly average number of HIV tests performed increased by only 14% post-intervention, the monthly average number of HIV positive individuals identified increased by 290%. The average HIV positivity rate rose from 9.7% to 32.4%. Positivity rates and case finding remained significantly higher in all post-intervention months. Similar trends were observed among FSW and MSM.

Conclusions

The Open Doors project was able to reach large numbers of previously undiagnosed key populations by implementing a targeted managerial and technical intervention, resulting in a significant increase in the HIV positivity rate sustained over 12 months. These results demonstrate that differentiated, data-driven approaches can help close the 95-95-95 gaps among key populations.
Risk-taking behaviors in adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM): An association between homophobic victimization and alcohol consumption
Authors: Cordoba Evette , Garofalo Robert , Kuhns Lisa M. , Pearson Cynthia , Bruce Josh , Batey D. Scott , Radix Asa , Belkind Uri , Hidalgo Marco A. , Hirshfield Sabina , Garibay Rodriguez Rafael , Schnall Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether homophobic victimization was associated with alcohol consumption and riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs among adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from a national HIV prevention trial (NCT03167606) for adolescent MSM aged 13–18 years (N = 747). Multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations between homophobic victimization (independent variable) and alcohol-related outcomes (dependent variables), controlling for age, parents’ education level, sexual orientation, health literacy, race, and ethnicity.

Results

Most participants (87%) reported at least one form of homophobic victimization in their lifetime, with verbal insults being the most frequently reported (82%). In the bivariate analysis, alcohol consumption and riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence were associated with many forms of victimization. Exposure to at least one form of victimization was associated with increased odds of alcohol consumption (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.38–3.87) and riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.26–4.00), after controlling for covariates.

Conclusion

Increased risk of alcohol consumption and risky alcohol-related behaviors were found among adolescent MSM who experienced homophobic victimization. Interventions should address homophobic victimization and its impact on adolescent MSM, as well as disentangling motivations for underage drinking, riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence.
Factors stimulating value micro-businesses attribute to digital marketing technology (DMT) adoption
Authors: Eze Sunday C. , Chinedu-Eze Vera C. , Awa Hart O. , Alharthi Rami Hashem E.
Published: December 2021

Most micro-business managers in Nigeria do not see the adoption of digital marketing technology (DMT) as vital for business. Many consider it as a precondition to support managerial or operational activities, not as a tactical and/or strategic tool. Although most studies focused on large organisations, the outcome of such research may not be appropriate to micro-businesses. This is informed by the negligence of micro-businesses’ idiosyncrasies and their thought of digitalization as a precondition for managerial activities without considering the value small businesses attached to these devices in terms of aiding the use as strategic tools. This renders micro-businesses’ digitalization an under-reflected phenomenon. Yet, studies spend less on examining the factors that specifically stimulate the value micro-businesses attach to these applications, leading to constant adoption and usage. Hence, there is a need for a thorough exploration of the factors that shape the value of digital marketing applications in micro-businesses in Nigeria. The study is qualitative in nature and interviews (unstructured and semi-structured) were carried out with 26 micro-businesses which was drawn purposefully from the online database and underpinned by Technology, Organisation and Environment (TOE) framework. The study revealed eleven (11) critical success factors stimulating value micro-businesses attribute to digital marketing technology (DMT) adoption. These factors include long-term functional capacity, integration capacity, expansion capacity which are related totechnology context. Collective capability, collaborative experience are linked to theorganisation contextwhile adaptive training, service delivery, customer fulfilment are linked toenvironmental context. The study also unveiledexpectancy contextwhich is linked to budget, growth and profitability and aid in the extension of the TOE framework. This study will be of importance to academics and practitioners because it provides further awareness into DMT adoption framework, factors critical to the DMT adoption and may assist in reducing the number of resources spent in search of information aimed at helping DMT adoption by micro-businesses.
Acaricidal activity of Foeniculum vulgare against Rhipicephalus annulatus is mainly dependent on its constituent from trans-anethone
Authors: Aboelhadid Shawky M. , Arafa Waleed M. , Abdel-Baki Abdel-Azeem S. , Sokmen Atalay , Al-Quraishy Saleh , Hassan Ahmed O. , Kamel Asmaa A.
Published: December 2021

Globally, the economic losses due to hard ticks infestation and the control of the associated diseases have been calculated at USD $13.9–18.7 billion per year. The economic impact is related to its direct damage to the skins, blood loss, anemia, severe immunological reactions and indirect losses that related to the effects of hemoparasites, cost of treatment for clinical cases and expenses incurred in the control of ticks. The current study evaluated the acaricidal activities of fennel Foeniculum vulgare essential oil and its main components; trans-anethole and fenchone; against R. annulatus. GC–MS analysis revealed that this oil contained 16 components representing 99.9% of the total identified compounds with E-anethole being the predominant component(64.29%), followed by fenchone (9.94%). The fennel oil and trans-anethole showed significant acaricidal activities. The LC50 of the fennel oil was attained at concentrations of 12.96% for adult ticks and 1.75% for tick larvae meanwhile the LC50 of trans-anethole was reached at concentrations of 2.36% for adult tick and 0.56% for tick larvae. On the contrary, fenchone showed no any significant adulticidal activities and its LC50 attained at a concentration of 9.11% for tick larvae. Regarding repellence activities, trans-anethole achieved 100% repellency at the concentration of 10% while fennel showed 86% repellency at the same concentration. Fenchone showed no repellency effect. Treatment of larvae with fennel, trans-anethole, and fenchone LC50 concentrations significantly inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity. Meanwhile, glutathione s-transferase activity was significantly decreased in fennel treated larvae but no significant effect was found in the larvae of trans-anethole and fenchone groups. These results indicate that the acaricide effect of fennel oil may attributed to its high content of trans-anethole. This was supported by potent adulticidal, larvicidal, and repellency effects of trans-anethole against Rhipeciphalus annulatus tick and therefore it could be included in the list of acaricide of plant origin.
Primary school staff perspectives of school closures due to COVID-19, experiences of schools reopening and recommendations for the future: A qualitative survey in Wales
Authors: Marchant Emily , Todd Charlotte , James Michaela , Crick Tom , Dwyer Russell , Brophy Sinead
Published: December 2021

School closures due to the COVID-19 global pandemic are likely to have a range of negative consequences spanning the domains of child development, education and health, in addition to the widening of inequalities and inequities. Research is required to improve understanding of the impact of school closures on the education, health and wellbeing of pupils and school staff, the challenges posed during face-to-face reopening and importantly to identify how the impacts of these challenges can be addressed going forward to inform emerging policy and practice. This qualitative study aimed to reflect on the perspectives and experiences of primary school staff (pupils aged 3–11) in Wales regarding school closures and the initial face-to-face reopening of schools and to identify recommendations for the future. A total of 208 school staff completed a national online survey through the HAPPEN primary school network, consisting of questions about school closures (March to June 2020), the phased face-to-face reopening of schools (June to July 2020) and a return to face-to-face education. Thematic analysis of survey responses highlighted that primary school staff perceive that gaps in learning, health and wellbeing have increased and inequalities have widened during school closures. Findings from this study identified five recommendations; (i) prioritise the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff; (ii) focus on enabling parental engagement and support; (iii) improve digital competence amongst pupils, teachers and parents; (iv) consider opportunities for smaller class sizes and additional staffing; and (v) improve the mechanism of communication between schools and families, and between government and schools.
Public service motivation and organizational performance: Catalyzing effects of altruism, perceived social impact and political support
Authors: Zubair Syed Sohaib , Khan Mukaram Ali , Mukaram Aamna Tariq
Published: December 2021

With the increasing pressures and demands from the public sector to be more efficient and effective and accountable, the idea of Public Service Motivation (PSM) and Organization Performance (OP) has become more relevant and critical. This quantitative research hypothesizes that PSM leads towards higher level of organizational performance among public sector officials and also explores the intervening effects of Altruism (ALT), Perceived Social Impact (PSI) and Political Support (PS) in this context. Based on self-administered questionnaire, data was collected from 405 public officials using random sampling strategy. Covariance Based Structural Equation Modelling was used to test the hypothesized model. Following the validation of the measurement model, structural model was developed to test the various paths predicted in the hypotheses. Analysis revealed that PSM, PS and ALT have a positive relationship with OP whereas PSM relationship with PS could not be established.
The Dickman Impulsivity Inventory: Validation and measurement invariance among Portuguese young adults
Authors: Pechorro Pedro , Revilla Rebecca , Resende Miguel , Abrunhosa Gonçalves Rui , Nunes Cristina , Cyders Melissa A.
Published: December 2021

The Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII) measures impulsive personality related to both negative and positive behaviors and characteristics. The main aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the DII among a Southern-European sample of Portuguese young adults. Our convenience sample (N = 429, M = 22.11 years, SD = 3.35, range = 18–42), composed of women (n = 237, M = 22.08 years, SD = 3.35, age range = 18–42) and men (n = 192, M = 22.14 years, SD = 3.34, range = 18–35), was collected from a university context. The two-factor latent structure of the DII composed of functional and dysfunctional impulsivity was supported, although three items had to be removed due to low standardized loadings, and strong cross-gender measurement invariance was established. Our analyses of the DII also provided evidence of criterion-related validity, known-groups validity, and internal consistency/reliability. Our findings support the use of the DII among Portuguese young adults.
Mouse pneumonia model by Acinetobacter baumannii multidrug resistant strains: Comparison between intranasal inoculation, intratracheal instillation and oropharyngeal aspiration techniques
Authors: Bergamini Gabriella , Perico Maria Elisa , Di Palma Stefano , Sabatini Daniela , Andreetta Filippo , Defazio Rossella , Felici Antonio , Ferrari Livia
Published: December 2021

Infectious pneumonia induced by multidrug resistant (MDR)Acinetobacter baumanniistrains is among the most common and deadly forms of healthcare acquired infections. Over the years, different strategies have been put in place to increase host susceptibility to MDRA.baumannii, since only a self-limiting pneumonia with no or limited local bacterial replication was frequently obtained in mouse models. Direct instillation into the trachea or intranasal inoculation of the bacterial suspension are the techniques used to induce the infection in most of the preclinical models of pneumonia developed to date. More recently, the oropharyngeal aspiration procedure has been widely described in the literature for a variety of purposes including pathogens administration. Aim of this study was to compare the oropharyngeal aspiration technique to the intranasal inoculation and intratracheal instillation in the ability of inducing a consistent lung infection with two MDRA.baumanniiclinical isolates in immunocompromised mice. Moreover, pneumonia obtained by bacteria administration with two out of three techniques, intratracheal and oropharyngeal, was characterised in terms of histopathology of pulmonary lesions, biomarkers of inflammation level and leukocytes cells infiltration extent after mice treatment with either vehicle or the antibiotic tigecycline. The data generated clearly showed that both strains were not able to colonize the lungs when inoculated by intranasal route. By contrast, the bacterial load in lungs of mice intratracheally or oropharyngeally infected significantly increased during 26 hours of monitoring, thus highlighting the ability of these strains to generate the infection when directly instilled into the lower respiratory airways. Furthermore, the intragroup variability of mice was significantly reduced with respect to those intranasally administered. Tigecycline was efficacious in lung bacterial load and cytokines release reduction. Findings were supported by semi-quantitative histopathological evaluation of the pulmonary lesions and by inflammatory biomarkers analysis. To conclude, both intratracheal instillation and oropharyngeal aspiration techniques showed to be suitable methods for inducing a robust and consistent pneumonia infection in mice when difficult MDRA.baumanniiclinical isolates were used. Noteworthy, oropharyngeal aspiration not requiring specific technical skills and dedicated equipment, was proven to be a safer, easier and faster technique in comparison to the intratracheal instillation.
Do manual therapies have a specific autonomic effect? An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Roura Sonia , Álvarez Gerard , Solà Ivan , Cerritelli Francesco
Published: December 2021

Background

The impact of manual therapy interventions on the autonomic nervous system have been largely assessed, but with heterogeneous findings regarding the direction of these effects. We conducted an overview of systematic reviews to describe if there is a specific autonomic effect elicited by manual therapy interventions, its relation with the type of technique used and the body region where the intervention was applied.

Methods

We conducted an overview according to a publicly registered protocol. We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EPISTEMONIKOS and SCOPUS, from their inception to march 2021. We included systematic reviews for which the primary aim of the intervention was to assess the autonomic effect elicited by a manual therapy intervention in either healthy or symptomatic individuals. Two authors independently applied the selection criteria, assessed risk of bias from the included reviews and extracted data. An established model of generalisation guided the data analysis and interpretation.

Results

We included 12 reviews (5 rated as low risk of bias according the ROBIS tool). The findings showed that manual therapies may have an effect on both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. However, the results from included reviews were inconsistent due to differences in their methodological rigour and how the effects were measured. The reviews with a lower risk of bias could not discriminate the effects depending on the body region to which the technique was applied.

Conclusion

The magnitude of the specific autonomic effect elicited by manual therapies and its clinical relevance is uncertain. We point out some specific recommendations in order to improve the quality and relevance of future research in this field.
Determinants of tuberculosis treatment interruption among patients in Vihiga County, Kenya
Authors: Wekunda Paul Waliaula , Aduda Dickens S. Omondi , Guyah Bernard
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite robust Tuberculosis (TB) program with effective chemotherapy and high coverage, treatment interruption remains a serious problem. Interrupting TB treatment means that patients remain infectious for longer time and are at risk of developing drug resistance and death. This study was conducted to identify and describe predictors of TB treatment interruption.

Methods

A cohort of 291 notified TB patients from 20 selected health facilities in Vihiga County were enrolled in to the study and followed up until the end of treatment. Patient characteristics that potentially predict treatment interruption were recorded during treatment initiation using structured questionnaires. Patients who interrupted treatment were traced and reasons for stoppage of treatment recorded. Kaplan Meier method was used to estimate probabilities of treatment interruption by patient characteristics and determine time intervals. The Log rank test for the equality of survival distributions analyzed significance of survival differences among categorical variables. For multivariable analysis, Cox proportional hazard model, was fitted to identify predictors of TB treatment interruption through calculation of hazard ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). For variable analysis, statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Reasons for treatment interruption were categorized according to most recurrent behavioral or experiential characteristics.

Results

Participants’ median age was 40 years (IQR = 32–53) and 72% were male. Of the 291 patients, 11% (n = 32) interrupted treatment. Incidences of treatment interruption significantly occurred during intensive phase of treatment. Independent predictors of treatment interruption included alcohol consumption (HR = 9.2, 95% CI; 2.6–32.5, p < 0.001), being female (HR = 5.01, 95% CI; 1.68–15.0, p = 0.004), having primary or lower education level (HR = 3.09, 95% CI; 1.13–8.49, p < 0.029) and having a treatment supporter (HR = 0.33, 95% CI; 0.14–0.76, p = 0.009). Reasons for interrupting treatment were categorized as: alcoholism, feeling better after treatment initiation, associated TB stigma, long distance to health facility, lack of food, perception of not having TB and pill burden.

Conclusion

TB treatment interruption was high and largely associated with patients’ socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics. These multidimensional factors suggest the need for interventions that not only target individual patients but also environment in which they live and receive healthcare services.
Relation of abnormal cardiac stress testing with outcomes in patients undergoing renal transplantation
Authors: Anderson Kelsey , Bavishi Chirag , Kolte Dhaval , Gohh Reginald , Arrighi James A. , Stockwell Philip , Abbott J. Dawn
Published: December 2021

Cardiovascular risk stratification is often performed in patients considered for renal transplantation. In a single center, we sought to examine the association between abnormal stress testing with imaging and post-renal transplant major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) using multivariable logistic regression. From January 2006 to May 2016 232 patients underwent renal transplantation and 59 (25%) had an abnormal stress test result. Compared to patients with a normal stress test, patients with an abnormal stress test had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure. Among those with an abnormal result, 45 (76%) had mild, 10 (17%) moderate, and 4 (7%) severe ischemia. In our cohort, 9 patients (3.9%) had MACE at 30-days post-transplant, 5 of whom had an abnormal stress test. The long-term MACE rate, at a median of 5 years, was 32%. After adjustment, diabetes (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.12–5.00, p = 0.02), CAD (OR: 3.05, 95% CI 1.30–7.14, p = 0.01) and atrial fibrillation (OR: 5.86, 95% CI 1.86–18.44, p = 0.002) were independently associated with long-term MACE, but an abnormal stress test was not (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.37–1.92, p = 0.68). In conclusion, cardiac stress testing was not an independent predictor of long-term MACE among patients undergoing renal transplant.
Allopurinol to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van der Pol Karel H. , Wever Kimberley E. , Verbakel Mariette , Visseren Frank L. J. , Cornel Jan H. , Rongen Gerard A.
Published: December 2021

Aims

To compare the effectiveness of allopurinol with no treatment or placebo for the prevention of cardiovascular events in hyperuricemic patients.

Methods and results

Pubmed, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched from inception until July 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies in hyperuricemic patients without significant renal disease and treated with allopurinol, versus placebo or no treatment were included. Outcome measures were cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or a combined endpoint (CM/MI/S). For RCT’s a random effects meta-analysis was performed. For observational studies a narrative synthesis was performed. Of the original 1995 references we ultimately included 26 RCT’s and 21 observational studies. We found a significantly reduced risk of combined endpoint (Risk Ratio 0.65 [95% CI] [0.46 to 0.91]; p = 0.012) and myocardial infarction (RR 0.47 [0.27 to 0.80]; p = 0.01) in the allopurinol group compared to controls. We found no significant effect of allopurinol on stroke or cardiovascular mortality. Of the 15 observational studies with sufficient quality, allopurinol was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality in 1 out of 3 studies that reported this outcome, myocardial infarction in 6 out of 8, stroke in 4 out of 7, and combined end-point in 2 out of 2. Cardiovascular benefit was only observed when allopurinol therapy was prolonged for more than 6 months and when an appropriate allopurinol dose was administered (300 mg or more/day) or sufficient reduction of serum urate concentration was achieved (<0.36 mmol/l).

Conclusions

Data from RCT’s and observational studies indicate that allopurinol treatment reduces cardiovascular risk in patients with hyperuricemia. However, the quality of evidence from RCTs is low to moderate. To establish whether allopurinol lowers the risk of cardiovascular events a well-designed and adequately powered randomized, placebo-controlled trial is needed in high-risk patients with hyperuricemia.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration CRD42018089744