bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus plantarum surface-displayed ASFV (p54) with porcine IL-21 generally stimulates protective immune responses in mice
Authors: Chen Xiao-Lei , Wang Jun-Hong , Zhao Wei , Shi Chun-Wei , Yang Kai-Dian , Niu Tian-Ming , Yang Gui-Lian , Cao Xin , Jiang Yan-Long , Wang Jian-Zhong , Huang Hai-Bin , Zeng Yan , Wang Nan , Yang Wen-Tao , Wang Chun-Feng
Published: August 2021

African classical swine fever virus (ASFV) has spread seriously around the world and has dealt with a heavy blow to the pig breeding industry due to the lack of vaccines. In this study, we produced recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) expressing an ASFV p54 and porcine IL-21 (pIL-21) fusion protein and evaluated the immune effect of NC8-pSIP409-pgsA'-p54-pIL-21 in a mouse model. First, we verified that the ASFV p54 protein and p54-pIL-21 fusion protein were anchored on the surface of L. plantarum NC8 by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Then, the results were verified by flow cytometry, ELISA and MTT assays. Mouse-specific humoral immunity and mucosal and T cell-mediated immune responses were induced by recombinant L. plantarum. The results of feeding mice recombinant L. plantarum showed that the levels of serum IgG and mucosal secreted IgA (SIgA), the number of CD4 and CD8 T cells, and the expression of IFN-γ in CD4 and CD8 T cells increased significantly, and lymphocyte proliferation occurred under stimulation with the ASFV p54 protein. Our data lay a foundation for the development of oral vaccines against ASFV in the future.
Sero-prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Geremew Habtamu , Geremew Demeke
Published: August 2021

Background

Syphilis remained a major cause of reproductive morbidity and poor pregnancy outcomes in developing countries. Previously, studies showed inconsistent results and failed to show the actual picture of the diseases in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was, first, to determine the updated pooled prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in Ethiopia and, second, to assess its associated factors.

Methods

A comprehensive search was made on PubMed, Google scholar, Science Direct, and African Journals Online databases to identify relevant articles. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled syphilis prevalence and odds ratio (OR) with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using STATA 14 statistical software.I2statistics and Egger’s regression test in conjunction with funnel plot was used to determine heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies respectively.

Result

We identified 13 suitable studies in this analysis. Accordingly, the pooled prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 2.32% (95% CI, 1.68–2.97). Specifically, syphilis prevalence was 2.53% (95% CI, 1.92–3.14%) and 1.90% (95% CI, 0.40–3.40%) as per the treponemal and non-ytreponemal diagnostic test, respectively. On the other hand, regional analysis indicated that 4.06% (95% CI, 2.86–5.26) in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP), 2.16% (95% CI, 1.57–2.75) in Amhara and 1.46% (95% CI, 0.69–2.23) in Oromia region. Being married (OR, 0.37 (95% CI, 0.12–0.91%)) was less likely to develop syphilis. On the other hand, women with history of multiple sexual partner (OR, 2.98 (95% CI, 1.15–7.70)) and women with history of previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) (OR, 4.88 (95% CI, 1.35–17.62)) have higher risk to develop syphilis. Besides, the pooled syphilis-HIV coinfection was 0.80% (95% CI, 0.60–1.01%).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of relatively high prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Therefore, it is recommended to further ramping up of current intervention measures to prevent future generations.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD42020211650
‘Treat my whole person, not just my condition’: qualitative explorations of hepatitis C care delivery preferences among people who inject drugs
Authors: Tsui Judith I. , Barry Michael P. , Austin Elizabeth J. , Sweek Elsa W. , Tung Elyse , Hansen Ryan N. , Ninburg Michael , Scott John D. , Glick Sara N. , Williams Emily C.
Published: August 2021

Background

The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)—a form of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment associated with shorter treatment course and greater efficacy—offers an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate HCV, but only if care delivery systems are developed to extend treatment to people who inject drugs (PWID). To support the design of a community-pharmacy program, we explored perspectives of PWID with chronic HCV with regard to barriers, motivators, preferences, and prior experiences related to HCV treatment and pharmacists.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with people living with HCV who reported active injection drug use. Participants were recruited from local community service and clinical organizations in the Seattle, Washington region, and focus groups and interviews were conducted in-person or via phone/video-conference. Rapid Assessment Process was used to analyze qualitative data. Dual coders used structured templates to summarize findings and engaged in iterative review to identify themes.

Results

Among the 40 participants, 65% were male, 52.5% were white, and 80% were not stably housed. On average, participants had been injecting drugs for 14 years and living with HCV for 6 years. Analyses revealed 3 themes: (1) limited knowledge regarding HCV and DAA treatments; (2) barriers/motivators for receiving treatment included fear of side effects, prior stigmatizing behaviors from physicians, and desire to protect relatives and the PWID community from HCV transmission; and (3) preferences for HCV care delivery, including a need for person-centered, low-barrier, and collaborative treatment integrated with other care (e.g. primary care and addiction treatment) for PWID. Participants were generally receptive to a community-pharmacy model for HCV treatment, but prior interactions with pharmacists were mixed and there were some concerns expressed that care delivered by pharmacists would not be equivalent to that of physicians.

Conclusions

Even in the direct-acting antivirals era, people who inject drugs still face major barriers to hepatitis C treatment which may be reduced by providing low-barrier points of access for care through pharmacists. Key recommendations for community-pharmacy design included providing care team training to reduce stigma and ensuring care team structures and culture target PWID-specific needs for education and engagement.
Safety, tolerability of ES16001, a novel varicella zoster virus reactivation inhibitor, in healthy adults
Authors: Hwang-Bo Jeon , Kim Byungwook , Park Dae Won , Lee Yeong-Geun , Kwon Jeong Eun , Chung Jae-Yong , Kang Se Chan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, is a clinical syndrome resulting from the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) within the sensory ganglia. We evaluated the safety and tolerability of ES16001 (ethanol extract of Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. ellipticus), a novel inhibitor of varicella zoster virus reactivation in healthy adults.

Method

Single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single and multiple ascending dose (SAD and MAD, respectively) studies were conducted in 20- to 45-year-old healthy adults without chronic disease. In the SAD study (n = 32), subjects randomly received a single oral dose of 240, 480, 960, or 1440 mg ES16001 or a placebo. In the MAD study (n = 16), subjects randomly received once daily doses of 480 or 960 mg ES16001 or a placebo for 5 days. The safety and tolerability of the drug were evaluated by monitoring participants’ treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and vital signs, electrocardiograms (ECGs), physical examinations, and clinical laboratory tests.

Results

In the SAD study, 11 adverse reactions were seen in 5 subjects, and in the MAD study, 8 adverse reactions were seen in 6 subjects. All adverse reactions were mild, and no serious adverse reactions occurred. The most common adverse reaction was an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), but all test values were in the clinically non-significant range, and their clinical significance was judged to be small considering the fact that most of the test values returned to normal immediately after the end of drug administration.

Conclusion

ES16001 has good safety and tolerability when administered both once and repeatedly to healthy subjects. Further research is needed to identify any possible drug-induced hepatotoxicity, which appears infrequently. Our findings provide a rationale for further clinical investigations of ES16001 for the prevention of HZ.

Trial registration: CRIS, KCT0006066. Registered 7 April 2021—Retrospectively registered, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/19071).
Developing a process-oriented approach towards Positive Energy Blocks: the wind-analysis contribution
Authors: Sibilla Maurizio
Published: August 2021

Positive Energy Block (PEB) is an emerging paradigm to transform cities into low carbon cities. It is expected that buildings will become the main components of the future energy infrastructure. This scenario demands a structural integration of the cyclical environmental variables in designing our buildings and cities as a whole. However, such an integration continue to be rare due to the dominance of object-oriented approaches. This study contributes to reducing these difficulties by developing a process-oriented approach, focusing on the wind contribution. The assumption posed herein is that the transition towards PEBs should be an opportunity to redefine the rules to organise the built environment structure integrating energy and urban environmental qualities. A case study, involving three public school buildings located in three different urban patterns in Rome, illustrates a preliminary step in developing an integrated platform to orient strategic design solutions towards PEBs. This is done by developing and assessing three indexes: wind form index, wind thermal-loss index, and wind energy production index. The results point out the usability and limits concerning the approach adopted, stressing the relevance of an integrated platform to support decision-makers in planning the agenda to transform buildings as components of PEBs.
Co- and postseismic slip behaviors extracted from decadal seafloor geodesy after the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake
Authors: Watanabe Shun-ichi , Ishikawa Tadashi , Nakamura Yuto , Yokota Yusuke
Published: August 2021

Investigations of the co- and postseismic processes of the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake provide essential information on the seismic cycle in the Japan Trench. Although almost all of the source region lies beneath the seafloor, recent seafloor geophysical instruments have enabled to detect the near-field signals of both the coseismic rupture and the postseismic stress relaxation phenomena. Annual-scale seafloor geodesy contributed to refining the postseismic deformation models, specifically to the incorporation of viscoelastic effects. However, because of the insufficiency in the spatial coverage and observation period of seafloor geodetic observations, no consensus on crustal deformation models has been reached, especially on the along-strike extent of the main rupture, even for the coseismic process. To decompose the postseismic transient processes in and around the source region, i.e., viscoelastic relaxation and afterslip, long-term postseismic geodetic observations on the seafloor play an essential role. Here, from decadal seafloor geodetic data, we provide empirical evidence for offshore aseismic afterslip on the rupture edges that had almost decayed within 2–3 year. The afterslip regions are considered to have stopped the north–south rupture propagation due to their velocity strengthening frictional properties. In the southern source region (~ 37° N), despite not being resolved by coseismic geodetic data, shallow tsunamigenic slip near the trench is inferred from postseismic seafloor geodesy as a subsequent viscoelastic deformation causing persistent seafloor subsidence at a geodetic site off-Fukushima. After a decade from the earthquake, the long-term viscoelastic relaxation process in the oceanic asthenosphere is currently in progress and is still dominant not only in the rupture area, but also in the off-Fukushima region.
Clinical outcomes of contemporary lateral augmentation techniques in primary ACL reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Beckers Lucas , Vivacqua Thiago , Firth Andrew D. , Getgood Alan M. J.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review the contemporary literature to determine if a lateral augmentation (LA) added to an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) provides better clinical and patient reported outcomes compared to an isolated ACLR.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Two authors independently conducted an electronic search using MEDLINE® and Embase® on February 6th, 2021 for level I-III randomized controlled trials (RCT) and prospective cohort studies without randomization, published after 2012 and with a minimum of two year follow-up. Publications were included when they reported on the objective knee stability examination, patient reported outcome scores, return to sports or graft rupture rate of any type of primary, isolated ACLR compared to ACLR combined with any type of LA.

Results

A total of 11 studies that reported on a combined total of 1892 unique patients were eligible for data extraction, including five RCTs and six prospective cohort studies. In 6 studies, an Anterolateral Ligament reconstruction (ALLR) was the LA of choice, while the 5 other publications used different types of Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis (LET). A significant reduction in graft ruptures was found in patients treated with ACLR + LA (3%) compared to isolated ACLR (12%). Rotational laxity was significantly higher in isolated ACLR (14%) compared to ACLR + LA (6%). Addition of a LA reduced anterior translation when assessed via instrumented laxity testing. No significant difference was found in the patient reported outcome scores (IKDC and Tegner) between both patient groups, except for the Lysholm Score which was significant in favour of the ACLR + LA group.

Conclusion

Combination of a primary ACLR with a LA can significantly reduce the risk of graft rupture and provide better rotatory stability, without jeopardizing patient reported outcomes.

Level of evidence

Level III, Systematic Review of Level I, II and III studies.
Successful endoscopic surgical treatment of pleuroperitoneal communication in two infant cases
Authors: Mori Teizaburo , Fujino Akihiro , Takahashi Masataka , Furugane Ryoya , Kobayashi Tamotsu , Kano Motohiro , Yoneda Akihiro , Kanamori Yutaka , Suzuki Ryutaro , Nishi Kentaro , Kamei Koichi , Kitamura Masayuki
Published: August 2021

Background

Pleuroperitoneal communication (PPC) is an uncommon, but potentially life-threatening complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). If a fistula does not close with conservative treatment, surgical repair is required. However, approximately half of these patients are forced to shift from PD to hemodialysis. Although it is important to confirm the site of the fistula to achieve a successful surgical treatment, this identification is more difficult in pediatric patients than in adults.

Case presentation

We report two infantile cases of severe PPC associated with PD. In both cases, the age at onset was less than 2 years, and right-sided pleural effusion with dyspnea was observed. PPC was diagnosed by the change in color of the pleural fluid after the injection of a dye into the peritoneal cavity. Peritoneal scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography (SPECT/CT) were performed, and these were effective in locating the fistula site. Endoscopic surgery (video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and laparoscopic surgery) was performed. Indocyanine green (ICG), which was injected into the abdominal cavity, showed the exact site of the fistula. The fistula was successfully closed by attaching an absorbable sheet to it from the thoracic side and an autograft (the falciform ligament) to it from the abdominal side in one patient. In the other patient, the fistula site was resected and sutured, and reinforced with an absorbable sheet. In both cases, PD was resumed without any complication.

Conclusion

We successfully treated two infants of PPC by endoscopic surgery. To identify the fistula site, the ICG navigation method was useful. Even in small infants, PPC can be treated successfully by endoscopic surgical repair if the site of the fistula is identified.
Isolation, characterization, antimicrobial and other bioactivity profiles of three Streptomyces strains isolated from Lake Gerio, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemo Olumuyiwa Moses , Ja’afaru Mohammed Inuwa , Adams Feyisayo Victoria
Published: August 2021

Background

Actinomycetes are prolific producers of bioactive compounds which can be used to combat microbial infections. Microbial infections have resulted to increase in mortality and morbidity rates world-wide, especially in developing nations. This study was carried out to isolate and identify actinomycetes with potentials of synthesizing bioactive compounds, to produce and partially purify antimicrobial extracts, to characterize bioactive compounds in the extracts, to assess their antibacterial activity and to profile other biological properties of the bioactive compounds synthesized by the actinomycetes.

Results

Streptomycessp. SUI (MT584797),Streptomycessp. SW72IV (MT584818) andStreptomycessp. SW72VII (MT584816) were isolated and identified. Ultraviolet–visible spectra absorption ranged between 241 and 251 nm wavelengths showing the polyene or chromone and unsaturation nature of the natural compounds. Infrared (IR) spectra indicated functional groups such as hydroxyl, aliphatic bromo, carbonyls, esters, carboxylic acids and silicon oxy compounds in the compounds produced by the three strains. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum (GC–MS) identified elaidic acid isopropyl ester (32.11%), Octadec-9-enoic acid (17.44%) and 2, 3-dihydroxyl elaidate (10%) to be mostly produced byStreptomycessp. SUI,Streptomycessp. SW72IV andStreptomycessp. SW72VII respectively. The three strains exhibited antimicrobial activity againstBacillussp.Pseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 9077,Staphylococcus aureusATCC 700699,Candida albicansandAspergilus flavus.

Conclusion

The results showed that the three strains ofStreptomycescould be sources of antimicrobial bioactive compounds and other secondary metabolites that can be used in the production of pharmaceutical bioactive agents that are effective against pathogens, and production of biological materials that can be used in cosmetics and food industries.
Does automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) add to breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in assessment of lesions in dense breasts?
Authors: Hegazy Rania Mohamed , Nada Omnia Mokhtar , Ali Engy A.
Published: August 2021

Background

As mammography has its known limitations in dense breast, additional imaging is usually needed. We aimed to evaluate the role of automated breast ultrasound in addition to tomosynthesis in detection and diagnosis of breast lesions in dense breasts. Seventy patients with dense breasts subjected to full-field digital mammography (FFDM) including digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS). Both studies were evaluated by two experienced radiologists to assess breast composition, mass characterization, asymmetry, calcification, axillary lymphadenopathy, extent of disease (EOD), skin thickening, retraction, architectural distortion, and BIRADS classification. All breast masses were interpreted as above described and then correlated with final pathological diagnosis.

Results

Study included 70 females presenting with different types of breast lesions. Eighty-two masses were detected: 53 benign (n = 53/82), 29 malignant (n = 29/82). Histopathology of the masses was reached by core biopsy (n = 30), FNAC (n = 14), and excisional biopsy (n = 11). The rest of the masses (n = 27/82) were confirmed by their characteristic sonographic appearances; 20 cases of multiple bilateral anechoic simple cysts, 7 typical fibroadenomas showed stationary course on follow-up. As regards the final BIRADS score given for both modalities, tomosynthesis showed accuracy of 93.1% in characterization of malignant masses with accuracy of 94.3% in benign masses, on the other hand automated ultrasound showed 100% accuracy in characterization of malignant masses with 98.1% accuracy in benign masses.

Conclusion

Adding ABUS to tomosynthesis has proven a valuable imaging tool for characterization of breast lesions in dense breasts both as screening and diagnostic tool. They proved to be more sensitive and specific than digital mammography alone in showing tissue overlap, tumor characterization, lesion margins, extent, and multiplicity of malignant lesions.
Machine Learning to Predict Tamoxifen Nonadherence Among US Commercially Insured Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Yerrapragada Gayathri , Siadimas Athanasios , Babaeian Amir , Sharma Vishakha , O'Neill Tyler J.
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

Adherence to tamoxifen citrate among women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can improve survival and minimize recurrence. This study aimed to use real-world data and machine learning (ML) methods to classify tamoxifen nonadherence.

METHODS

A cohort of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer from 2012 to 2017 were identified from IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Medicare claims databases. Patients with < 80% proportion of days coverage in the year following treatment initiation were classified as nonadherent. Training and internal validation cohorts were randomly generated (4:1 ratio). Clinical procedures, comorbidity, treatment, and health care encounter features in the year before tamoxifen initiation were used to train logistic regression, boosted logistic regression, random forest, and feedforward neural network models and were internally validated on the basis of area under receiver operating characteristic curve. The most predictive ML approach was evaluated to assess feature importance.

RESULTS

A total of 3,022 patients were included with 40% classified as nonadherent. All models had moderate predictive accuracy. Logistic regression (area under receiver operating characteristic 0.64) was interpreted with 94% sensitivity (95% CI, 89 to 92) and 0.31 specificity (95% CI, 29 to 33). The model accurately classified adherence (negative predictive value 89%) but was nondiscriminate for nonadherence (positive predictive value 48%). Variable importance identified top predictive factors, including age ≥ 55 years and pretreatment procedures (lymphatic nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and arterial surgery).

CONCLUSION

ML using baseline administrative data predicts tamoxifen nonadherence. Screening at treatment initiation may support personalized care, improve health outcomes, and minimize cost. Baseline claims may not be sufficient to discriminate adherence. Further validation with enriched longitudinal data may improve model performance.
National Study of Pain Medicine Access Among Māori and Non-Māori Patients With Lung Cancer in New Zealand
Authors: Gurney Jason K. , Stanley James , Adler Jonathan , McLeod Heather , Atkinson June , Sarfati Diana
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

Pain is among the most common and consequential symptoms of cancer, particularly in the context of lung cancer. Māori have extremely high rates of lung cancer, and there is evidence that Māori patients with lung cancer are less likely to receive curative treatment and more likely to receive palliative treatment and to wait longer for their treatment than non-Māori New Zealanders. The extent to which Māori patients with lung cancer are also less likely to have access to pain medicines as part of their supportive care remains unclear.

METHODS

Using national-level Cancer Registry and linked health records, we describe access to subsidized pain medicines among patients with lung cancer diagnosed over the decade spanning 2007-2016 and compare access between Māori and non-Māori patients. Descriptive and logistic regression methods were used to compare access between ethnic groups.

RESULTS

We observed that the majority of patients with lung cancer are accessing some form of pain medicine and there do not appear to be strong differences between Māori and non-Māori in terms of overall access or the type of pain medicine dispensed. However, Māori patients appeared more likely than non-Māori to first access pain medicines within 2 weeks before their death and commensurately less likely to access them more than 24 weeks before death.

CONCLUSION

Given the plausibility that there are differences in first access to pain medicines (particularly opioid medicines) among Māori approaching end of life, further investigation of the factors contributing to this disparity is required.
Biorelevant In Vitro Skin Permeation Testing and In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Characterization of Lidocaine from a Nonaqueous Drug-in-Matrix Topical System
Authors: Greuber Emileigh , Vought Kip , Patel Kalpana , Suzuki Hiroaki , Usuda Kazuhiro , Shiramizu Akira , Koplowitz Luana Pesco , Koplowitz Barry , Maibach Howard I. , Lissin Dmitri
Published: August 2021

Recently, lidocaine topical systems utilizing nonaqueous matrices have been developed and provide efficient lidocaine delivery through the skin, such that lower concentrations of drug provide equivalent or greater drug delivery than drug-in-matrix hydrogel lidocaine patches. This study characterizes drug delivery from a nonaqueous lidocaine topical system with increasing drug load both in vitro and in vivo. Topical systems formulated with either 1.8% or 5.4% lidocaine were applied to healthy volunteers’ backs (n = 15) for 12 h in a single-center, open-label, four-treatment, four-period crossover pharmacokinetic study. Subjects were dosed with either three 1.8% systems or one, two, or three 5.4% systems in each period. Blood was collected for up to 48 h, and plasma lidocaine levels were measured with a validated HPLC method. In parallel, human and mouse skin models characterized the in vitro skin permeation profile. The pharmacokinetic profile was linear between one, two, and three lidocaine 5.4% applications. Application of three lidocaine 1.8% systems (108 mg lidocaine) was bioequivalent to one lidocaine 5.4% system (108 mg lidocaine). Both topical systems remained well adhered to the skin and irritation was mild. The 5.4% system had approximately threefold higher skin permeability than the 1.8% system in the mouse and human skin models. The results indicate increasing the drug load by three times results in triple the drug delivery both in vivo and in vitro. The relationship between the in vitro permeation and in vivo absorption correlates and is nonlinear.
GATA3 is essential for separating patterning domains during facial morphogenesis
Authors: Abe Makoto , Cox Timothy C. , Firulli Anthony B. , Kanai Stanley M. , Dahlka Jacob , Lim Kim-Chew , Engel James Douglas , Clouthier David E.
Published: August 2021

Neural crest cells (NCCs) within the mandibular and maxillary prominences of the first pharyngeal arch are initially competent to respond to signals from either region. However, mechanisms that are only partially understood establish developmental tissue boundaries to ensure spatially correct patterning. In the ‘hinge and caps’ model of facial development, signals from both ventral prominences (the caps) pattern the adjacent tissues whereas the intervening region, referred to as the maxillomandibular junction (the hinge), maintains separation of the mandibular and maxillary domains. One cap signal is GATA3, a member of the GATA family of zinc-finger transcription factors with a distinct expression pattern in the ventral-most part of the mandibular and maxillary portions of the first arch. Here, we show that disruption of Gata3 in mouse embryos leads to craniofacial microsomia and syngnathia (bony fusion of the upper and lower jaws) that results from changes in BMP4 and FGF8 gene regulatory networks within NCCs near the maxillomandibular junction. GATA3 is thus a crucial component in establishing the network of factors that functionally separate the upper and lower jaws during development.
Molecular and physiological responses predict acclimation limits in juvenile brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Mackey Theresa E. , Hasler Caleb T. , Durhack Travis , Jeffrey Jennifer D. , Macnaughton Camille J. , Ta Kimberly , Enders Eva C. , Jeffries Ken M.
Published: August 2021

Understanding the resilience of ectotherms to high temperatures is essential because of the influence of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. The ability of species to acclimate to high temperatures may determine whether populations can persist in their native ranges. We examined physiological and molecular responses of juvenile brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) to six acclimation temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 23 and 25°C) that span the thermal distribution of the species to predict acclimation limits. Brook trout exhibited an upregulation of stress-related mRNA transcripts (heat shock protein 90-beta, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, glutathione peroxidase 1) and downregulation of transcription factors and osmoregulation-related transcripts (nuclear protein 1, Na+/K+/2Cl− co-transporter-1-a) at temperatures ≥20°C. We then examined the effects of acclimation temperature on metabolic rate (MR) and physiological parameters in fish exposed to an acute exhaustive exercise and air exposure stress. Fish acclimated to temperatures ≥20°C exhibited elevated plasma cortisol and glucose, and muscle lactate after exposure to the acute stress. Fish exhibited longer MR recovery times at 15 and 20°C compared with the 5 and 10°C groups; however, cortisol levels remained elevated at temperatures ≥20°C after 24 h. Oxygen consumption in fish acclimated to 23°C recovered quickest after exposure to acute stress. Standard MR was highest and factorial aerobic scope was lowest for fish held at temperatures ≥20°C. Our findings demonstrate how molecular and physiological responses predict acclimation limits in a freshwater fish as the brook trout in the present study had a limited ability to acclimate to temperatures beyond 20°C.
SnoRNA guide activities: real and ambiguous
Authors: Deryusheva Svetlana , Talross Gaëlle J.S. , Gall Joseph G.
Published: August 2021

In eukaryotes, rRNAs and spliceosomal snRNAs are heavily modified post-transcriptionally. Pseudouridylation and 2′-O-methylation are the most abundant types of RNA modifications. They are mediated by modification guide RNAs, also known as small nucleolar (sno)RNAs and small Cajal body-specific (sca)RNAs. We used yeast and vertebrate cells to test guide activities predicted for a number of snoRNAs, based on their regions of complementarity with rRNAs. We showed that human SNORA24 is a genuine guide RNA for 18S-Ψ609, despite some noncanonical base-pairing with its target. At the same time, we found quite a few snoRNAs that have the ability to base-pair with rRNAs and can induce predicted modifications in artificial substrate RNAs, but do not modify the same target sequence within endogenous rRNA molecules. Furthermore, certain fragments of rRNAs can be modified by the endogenous yeast modification machinery when inserted into an artificial backbone RNA, even though the same sequences are not modified in endogenous yeast rRNAs. In Xenopus cells, a guide RNA generated from scaRNA, but not from snoRNA, could induce an additional pseudouridylation of U2 snRNA at position 60; both guide RNAs were equally active on a U2 snRNA-specific substrate in yeast cells. Thus, post-transcriptional modification of functionally important RNAs, such as rRNAs and snRNAs, is highly regulated and more complex than simply strong base-pairing between a guide RNA and substrate RNA. We discuss possible regulatory roles for these unexpected modifications.
Prevalence of substance abuse and its associated factors among medical students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Karn Mitesh , Kandel Dipendra , Subedi Nuwadatta
Published: August 2021

Background: Substance abuse by medical students poses a significant risk not only on their personal life but also on their professional life by putting their patients at risk. Our study aims to find out the prevalence of substance abuse and factors associated with it among medical students.

Methods: A descriptive, online-questionnaire based, cross-sectional study was carried out at Gandaki Medical College, a medical school in Gandaki Province of Nepal. Whole sampling technique was used. SPSS-25.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were used for analyzing demographic and substance abuse related variables. Chi square and Fishers exact test was used to find out if any differences existed in substance abuse by demographic characteristics.

Results: Among 420 eligible participants, 219 participated in the survey (response rate: 52.2%). Alcohol was the most commonly used substance with overall lifetime prevalence of 58% followed by cigarette smoking and illegal drug abuse at 21.9% and 13.7%, respectively. The abuse of substances was significantly higher (p<0.05) in males, who were offered substances by friends, and amongst study participants who worked with an intoxicated colleague. The most common reason for substance abuse was “For pleasure, curiosity or to go along with friends” (23%, n=18). Major and minor dysfunction due to alcohol abuse was reported by 8(3.7%) and 33(15.1%) participants, while the same dysfunctions due to drug abuse were reported by 1(0.5%) and 14(6.4%) participants, respectively.

Conclusions: The prevalence of substance abuse was high among medical students and was found to be associated with male gender, if offer of substances were made by friends, and amongst those who worked with an intoxicated colleague. This problem of substance abuse among medical students should be addressed timely as failing to do so might have serious consequences on the healthcare system of the country.
Young infant clinical signs study­­, Pakistan: a data note
Authors: Shahid Shahira , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Brown Nick , Zaidi Anita K.M. , Jehan Fyezah , Nisar Muhammad Imran
Published: August 2021

Neonatal sepsis is the leading cause of child death globally with most of these deaths occurring in the first week of life.  It is of utmost public health importance that clinical signs predictive of severe illness and need for referral are identified early in the course of illness. From 2002-2005, a multi country trial called the Young Infant Clinical Signs Study (YICSS) was conducted in seven sites across three South-Asian (Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan), two African (Ghana, and South Africa), and one South American (Bolivia) country. The study aimed to develop a simplified algorithm to be used by primary healthcare workers for the identification of sick young infants needing prompt referral and treatment. The main study enrolled 8,889 young infants between the ages of 0-59 days old. This dataset contains observations on 2950 young infants aged 0-59 days from the Pakistan site. The data was collected between 2003-2004 with information on the most prevalent signs and symptoms. The data from this study was used to update the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness guidelines. The World Health Organisation (WHO) seven-sign algorithm has been used in other major community-based trials to study possible serious bacterial infection and its treatment regimens.
Investigating syntactic priming cumulative effects in MT-human interaction
Authors: Resende Natália
Published: August 2021

Background: A question that deserves to be explored is whether the interaction between English language learners and the popular Google neural machine translation (GNMT) system could result in learning and increased production of a challenging syntactic structure in English that differs in word order between speakers first language and second language. Methods: In this paper, we shed light on this issue by testing 30 Brazilian Portuguese L2 English speakers in order to investigate whether they tend to describe an image in English with a relation of possession between nouns using a prepositional noun phrase (e.g. the cover of the book is red) or re-use the alternative syntactic structure seen in the output of the GNMT (e.g. the book cover is red), thus manifesting syntactic priming effects. In addition, we tested whether, after continuous exposure to the challenging L2 structure through Google Translate output, speakers would adapt to that structure in the course of the experiment, thus manifesting syntactic priming cumulative effects. Results: Our results show a robust syntactic priming effect as well as a robust cumulative effect. Conclusions: These results suggest that GNMT can influence L2 English learners linguistic behaviour and that L2 English learners unconsciously learn from the GNMT with continuous exposure to its output.
Affordable and effective optokinetic response methods to assess visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in larval to juvenile zebrafish
Authors: Gómez Sánchez Alicia , Álvarez Yolanda , Colligris Basilio , Kennedy Breandán N.
Published: August 2021

The optokinetic response (OKR) is an effective behavioural assay to investigate functional vision in zebrafish. The rapid and widespread use of gene editing, drug screening and environmental modulation technologies has resulted in a broader need for visual neuroscience researchers to access affordable and more sensitive OKR, contrast sensitivity (CS) and visual acuity (VA) assays. Here, we demonstrate how 2D- and 3D-printed, striped patterns or drums coupled with a motorised base and microscope provide a simple, cost-effective but efficient means to assay OKR, CS and VA in larval-juvenile zebrafish.

In wild-type, five days post-fertilisation (dpf) zebrafish, the 2D or 3D drums printed with the standard OKR stimulus of 0.02 cycles per degree (cpd), 100% black-white contrast evoked equivalent responses of 24.2 or 21.8 saccades per minute, respectively. Furthermore, although the OKR number was significantly reduced compared to the 0.02 cpd drum (p<0.0001), the 2D and 3D drums evoked equivalent responses with the 0.06 and 0.2 cpd drums. Notably, standard OKRs varied with time of day; peak responses of 29.8 saccades per minute occurred in the early afternoon with significantly reduced responses occurring in the early morning or late afternoon (18.5 and 18.4 saccades per minute, respectively). A customised series of 2D printed drums enabled analysis of VA and CS in 5-21 dpf zebrafish. The saccadic frequency in VA and CS assays was inversely proportional to age, spatial frequency and contrast of the stimulus.

OKR, VA and CS of zebrafish larvae can be efficiently measured using 2D- or 3D-printed striped drums. For data consistency the luminance of the OKR light source, the time of day when the analysis is performed, and the order of presentation of VA and CS drums must be considered. These simple methods allow effective and more sensitive analysis of functional vision in zebrafish.
Recovery of the ascending reticular activating system and consciousness following comprehensive management in a patient with traumatic brain injury: a case report
Authors: Jang Sung Ho , Kwon Young Hyeon
Published: August 2021

We report on changes in the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) concurrent with the recovery of impaired consciousness following rehabilitation and cranioplasty in a patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI), which were demonstrated on diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). A 34-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage after falling from a height of approximately 7 m and underwent a right frontoparietotemporal decompressive craniectomy and hematoma removal. At 5 months after onset, when starting rehabilitation, the patient showed impaired consciousness, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 4. Comprehensive rehabilitative therapy was provided until 14 months after onset, and his GCS score improved to 8. Cranioplasty was performed using auto-bone at 14 months after onset. One month after cranioplasty, his GCS score improved to 12. On the 15-month DTT, the deviated lower dorsal ARAS was restored on both sides, and the right side had become thicker. The right lower ventral ARAS was reconstructed, and increased neural connectivity of the upper ARAS was detected in both the prefrontal cortices. Thus, changes in the ARAS were demonstrated in a patient with TBI during recovery of consciousness following rehabilitation and cranioplasty.
Analisis Kepuasan Mahasiswa Terhadap Kualitas Layanan Program Studi Bisnis Jasa Makanan FEB-UAD
Authors: Wardiyanta Wardiyanta , Septiyani Retnosyari
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membantu pihak manajemen Program Studi Bisnis Jasa Makanan dalam melakukan evaluasi terhadap layanan, mengarahkan upaya-upaya perbaikan dengan meningkatkan atribut pelayanan yang lemah sehingga jasa yang diberikan oleh program studi dapat memberikan kepuasan pada para pihak yang menggunakan jasanya. Penelitian yang mengintegrasikan metode Servqual dan QFD ini dilakukan di Program Studi Bisnis Jasa Makanan UAD dengan menggunakan desain penelitian campuran antara kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Penelitian didasarkan pada survei terhadap mahasiswa yang menjadi pengguna jasa program studi ini. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menjadi salah satu rujukan dalam perumusan rencana pengembangan program studi Bisnis Jasa Makanan UAD. Selain itu juga dapat berfungsi sebagai pendukung pengembangan manajemen perguruan tinggi, khususnya tentang konsep Total Quality Management in Education.
Alex's blog: a nurse's honest experience of navigating a PhD
Authors: Wray Alexandra
Published: August 2021

Alexandra's blog details her journey from nursing into the world of academia, as well as how she has managed her PhD journey
School nurses on the ‘other’ front line
Authors: White Sharon
Published: August 2021

Sharon White discusses the recent changes to school nursing services to reflect the need for stronger risk management processes and an awareness of vulnerable groups of children and young people, as well as her admiration of school nurses as she shares personal anecdotes of the impact she has seen school nurses make to the lives of children, young people and their families
Early literacy through music
Authors: Kay Maria
Published: August 2021

Musical activities hold a lot of opportunity for supporting language acquisition and phonological awareness. In this short introduction article Maria Kay discusses how music can be used to promote many of the skills required for literacy.
Recurrent cervical stitch sinus arising from the deep neck space after thyroidectomy: case study and review
Authors: Chen Hsing-Fu , Papadakis Marios , Jeng Seng-Feng
Published: August 2021

Objective:

We describe a one-stage surgical technique for the management of recurrent cervical stitch sinus after thyroidectomy.

Method:

A retrospective, single-centre study of all patients who were operated on because of cervical neck sinus after thyroidectomy. We provide a detailed description of our surgical approach, based on guided sinus removal after prior tract staining with methylene blue and subsequent obliteration using local strap muscle flap.

Results:

A total of seven patients with a mean age of 46 years were included in the study. All patients had a past history of thyroidectomy because of goitre (n=5) or thyroid cancer (n=2) which had previously been unsuccessfully debrided two or three times. Surgical sinus removal was successful in all cases and no recurrence was observed during the follow-up time.

Conclusions:

We conclude that a comprehensive en bloc resection down to the suture granuloma is essential in order to provide surgical cure and prevent recurrence.
Effect of interface pressure and skin surface temperature on pressure injury incidence: a turning schedule pilot study
Authors: Tarigan Sumiati , Yusuf Saldy , Syam Yuliana
Published: August 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the interface pressure and skin surface temperature in relation to the incidence of pressure injury (PI) using three different turning schedules.

Method:

This was a pilot study with a three-armed randomised clinical trial design. Participants at risk of PI and treated in the high dependency care unit in a regional hospital in Makassar, Indonesia participated in this study. Patients were repositioned at three different turning schedules (two-, three- and four-hourly intervals). Interface pressure measurement and skin surface temperature were measured between 14:00 and 18:00 every three days. The incidence of PI was assessed during the two-week observation period.

Results:

A total of 44 participants took part in the study. A one-way ANOVA test revealed no difference in interface pressure among the three different turning schedule groups within two weeks of observations: day zero, p=0.56; day four, p=0.95; day seven, p=0.56; day 10, p=0.63; and day 14, p=0.92. Although the average periumbilical temperature and skin surface temperature were not significant (p>0.05), comparison between these observation sites was significant on all observation days (p<0.05). Regarding the incidence of PI, the proportional hazard test for the development of PI in the three groups was considered not different (hazard ratio: 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.43–4.87, p=0.54).

Conclusion:

No difference in interface pressure and incidence of PI on the three turning schedules was observed; however, there was a potential increase in skin surface temperature in comparison with periumbilical temperature for all three turning schedules.
Social Justice Perception of Pre-Service Visual Arts Teachers: Visual Inquiries
Authors: Güler Ebru
Published: August 2021

This study seeks to reveal the perceptions of pre-service visual arts teachers on social justice through art-based practices focused on social justice. Designing on visual phenomenology, this study was performed in the fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. Five different activities involving visual inquiries are presented to reveal the perceptions of the pre-service teachers on social justice. The research participants are 35 (13 male, 22 female) sophomore-level pre-service teachers. The data are obtained through course documents, reflective diaries and semi-structured interviews. The data are then analysed through content analysis; reliability and validity are ensured through triangulation. This study identifies four different themes: association, questioning, transformation and reflection. The findings show that the pre-service teachers questioned common issues related to social justice. It was observed in the activities performed in this study that the pre-service teachers identified the visual themes. They mentioned common social justice issues based on the things they experienced and their observations. These are such as women's rights, violence against women, children's rights, LGBT, animal rights, language and religion differences, income imbalance, racism, and discrimination. The issues they questioned were the direct expression of the individual experiences of the pre-service teachers through visuals.