bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Effect of Principal Instructional and Distributed Leadership on Professional Development of Teachers in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Amzat Ismail Hussein , Yanti Prima Gusti , Suswandari Suswandari
Published: July 2022

This quantitative study investigates the effect of instructional and distributed leadership practiced by school principals on teacher professional development in schools in Jakarta. The study also explores the causal-relation between instructional and distributed leadership. Stratified sampling was used by dividing schools in Jakarta into strata (west, north, east, and south) to gain 430 participants to answer a survey that covered instructional and distributed leadership and teacher professional development. Instrument developed by Alma was used distributed leadership, Hallinger for instructional leadership and The Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) developed by OCD was used for teacher professional development. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Model (SEM) through SmartPLS statistical software. The findings of PLS-SEM revealed the direct effect of both instructional and distributed leadership on teacher professional development. The findings also reported the direct effect of instructional leadership on distributed leadership. The findings provide empirical support for implementing instructional and distributed leadership practices in Jakarta schools, as they lead to teacher professional development. It also advocates for leadership training in these practices for school principals. Keyword: school leadership, instructional leadership, distributed leadership, Jakarta, Indonesia, SmartPLS.
Effectiveness of Granular Lockdown as an Epidemic Control Strategy in Kerala, India
Authors: Hariharan Hariprasad Thazhathedath , Surendran Anish Thekkumkara
Published: July 2022

Background

Lockdown is a time-tested methodology to cease infectious disease spread. The national and subnational lockdown effectively reduced the spread of COVID-19 in many countries, including India. The current article documents the effectiveness of lockdown at a more granular level, that is, the local self-government (LSG), the lowest administrative unit, in Kerala, a south Indian state.

Methods

We extracted all data pertaining to this study: the distribution of containment zones and the incidence of COVID-19 cases from official data sources of the Government of Kerala. As part of the study, we followed the progression of all LSGs as containment zones over the study period of 10 weeks (7/5/2020-15/7/2020). We created survival distributions characterizing the time to enter lockdown and the time to remain in lockdown for all the districts and the state. Finally, we conducted an interdistrict comparison of the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 per population for 6 months after the period of LSG containment was over to ascertain its effectiveness.

Results

Four northern districts of Kerala state had implemented lockdown strategy more rigorously both in the proportion of LSGs that has become a containment zone and in the period of containment compared to the rest of Kerala. As a result, the growth of COVID-19 cases in these 4 districts was less (7.5 times) than in the other districts (37 times) during the study period. However, the reduction in the disease incidence was not instantaneous; at the same time, it was not short-living as the difference continued to exist for 6 more months past lockdown.

Conclusion

Implementing granular lockdown strategies can effectively control the spread of disease only if it encompasses a sufficient area for an adequate period. We believe our research could help governments provide insights into the years-long and never-ending battle with the pandemic.
Overdominant expression of related genes of ion homeostasis improves K+ content advantage in hybrid tobacco leaves
Authors: Pi Kai , Luo Wen , Mo Zejun , Duan Lili , Ke Yuzhou , Wang Pingsong , Zeng Shuaibo , Huang Yin , Liu Renxiang
Published: July 2022

Background

Potassium(K+) plays a vital role in improving the quality of tobacco leaves. However, how to improve the potassium content of tobacco leaves has always been a difficult problem in tobacco planting. K+ content in tobacco hybrid is characterized by heterosis, which can improve the quality of tobacco leaves, but its underlying molecular genetic mechanisms remain unclear.

Results

Through a two-year field experiment, G70×GDH11 with strong heterosis and K326×GDH11 with weak heterosis were screened out. Transcriptome analyses revealed that 80.89% and 57.28% of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the strong and weak heterosis combinations exhibited an overdominant expression pattern, respectively. The genes that up-regulated the overdominant expression in the strong heterosis hybrids were significantly enriched in the ion homeostasis. Genes involved in K+ transport (KAT1/2, GORK, AKT2, and KEA3), activity regulation complex (CBL-CIPK5/6), and vacuole (TPKs) genes were overdominant expressed in strong heterosis hybrids, which contributed to K+ homeostasis and heterosis in tobacco leaves.

Conclusions

K+ homeostasis and accumulation in tobacco hybrids were collectively improved. The overdominant expression of K+ transport and homeostasis-related genes conducted a crucial role in the heterosis of K+ content in tobacco leaves.
Determination of the median effective dose of sufentanil for inhibiting the laryngeal mask insertion response in geriatric patients: a prospective, double-blinded, dose–response trial
Authors: Wang ShiFang , Wang WeiBing , Xiao JinBo , Yu HongPing , Zhou Hui , Xu Huang
Published: July 2022

Background

Laryngeal mask airway(LMA) have been widely used in clinical practice. Irritation to the patient during the insertion of a laryngeal mask can cause hemodynamic fluctuations, which is particularly unsafe for geriatric patients. We used probit regression analysis to determine the median effective dose of sufentanil to inhibit the response to LMA insertion in geriatric patients.

Methods

A total of 90 patients were selected for the study using the following inclusion criteria: age ≥ 65 years old, ASA grade I–III, and scheduled to undergo intravenous general anesthesia with LMA insertion. Each patient received a dose of sufentanil for anesthesia induction in one of six levels: 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.3 μg kg−1. LMA insertion was scored with a 3-point, 6-category scale, with scores ≥ 16 indicating effective LMA insertion, and < 16 indicating ineffective LMA insertion. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and bispectral index (BIS) were recorded 1 min before induction (T1), 1 min after induction (T2), 1 min after LMA insertion (T3), and 5 min after LMA insertion (T4) in each group. In addition, the plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels and adverse reactions were measured at T2 and T3 in each dosage group.

Results

Probit regression analysis showed that the ED50 of sufentanil inhibiting the response to LMA insertion in geriatric patients was 0.18 μg kg−1 (95% CI: 0.16–0.21 μg kg−1), and the ED95 was 0.31 μg kg−1 (95% CI: 0.27–0.38 μg kg−1), and the probit(p) = -2.34 + 12.90 × ln(Dose)($$\chi^{2}$$

χ
2

 = 0.725, p = 0.948). Among all the patients, the number of effective LMA insertions was 57 (group A), and the number of ineffective LMA insertions was 33 (group B). The MAP, HR, and NE in group B were significantly higher than in group A at T3.

Conclusions

Sufentanil can effectively inhibit the patient’s response to LMA insertion, with stable hemodynamics and small stress response. The ED50 and ED95 were 0.18 μg kg−1 (95% CI: 0.16–0.21 μg kg−1) and 0.31 μg kg−1(95% CI: 0.27–0.38 μg kg−1), respectively.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2100051827) on October 6, 2021.
A nomogram to predict left atrial appendage thrombus and spontaneous echo contrast in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Sun Shikun , Su Bo , Lin Jia , Zhao Caiming , Ma Changsheng
Published: July 2022

Background

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) significantly increases the risk of stroke. Although there is availability of prediction models, their ability to predict the risk of stroke in NVAF patients remains suboptimal. Therefore, there is need to improve prediction of high-risk individuals, which is critical for efficient management of patients with NVAF.

Objective

The objective of our paper is to develop a nomogram for predicting the risk of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), thereby replacing the risk of stroke in NVAF patients.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study that analyzed clinical data and echocardiographic indices of 387 patients with NVAF from October 2018 to June 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate independent factors that were used to construct the prediction nomogram.

Analysis

The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomogram to predict LAAT/SEC were tested using C-statistic and calibration plot. The performance of the nomogram was assessed against the CHA2DS2 score, CHA2DS2-VASc score and ATRIA score using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), integrated discrimination index (IDI) and net reclassification index (NRI).

Result

Out of the total 387 patients enrolled in this study, 232 had LAAT/SEC. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), albumin (ALB), LAA ejection fraction (LAAEF) and LAA global peak longitudinal strain (LAA GPLS) were independent predictors of LAAT/SEC. The constructed nomogram had good discriminative (C = 0.886) and calibration (0.876) abilities after bias correction by the C-index. Compared with other models, the decision curve analyses demonstrated that the nomogram had greater net benefits. Besides, the nomogram had significant improvement in predictive performance, sensitivity and reclassification for LAAT/SEC compared with the CHA2DS2 [(c-index: 0.886 vs. 0.576, p < 0.05), (NRI: 0.539, p < 0.05), (IDI: 0.432, p < 0.05)], CHA2DS2-VASc [(c-index: 0.886 vs0.579, p < 0.05), (NRI: 0.513, p < 0.05), (IDI: 0.432, p < 0.05)] or ATRIA [(c-index: 0.886 vs0.583, p < 0.05), (NRI: 0.546, p < 0.05), (IDI: 0.432, p < 0.05)].

Conclusion

Taken together, our data demonstrated that the developed nomogram was effective and had potential clinical application in the prediction of LAAT/SEC in patients with NVAF.
Comparison of dimethyl fumarate and interferon outcomes in an MS cohort
Authors: Sattarnezhad Neda , Healy Brian C. , Baharnoori Moogeh , Diaz-Cruz Camilo , Stankiewicz James , Weiner Howard L. , Chitnis Tanuja
Published: July 2022

Background

To compare the effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) in controlling disease activity in patients with relapsing–remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Clinical and imaging data from patients treated with either IFNβ-1a or DMF for at least one year were reviewed. The proportion of patients with at least one clinical relapse within 3–15 months after treatment onset, the proportion of patients with new T2 or gadolinium-enhancing lesions, and the proportion of subjects who achieved no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) status were assessed.

Results

Three hundred sixteen (98 on IFNβ-1a, 218 on DMF) subjects were included. Baseline demographics were comparable between groups except for age, disease duration, and the number of previous treatments being higher and relapse rate in the prior year being lower in the DMF-treated group. The proportion of patients having a clinical relapse (24.5% vs. 9.6%; OR = 3.04; P < 0.001) or a new MRI lesion (28.6% vs. 8.7%; OR = 4.19, P < 0.001) at 15 months were higher on IFNβ-1a. 79.9% of the patients achieved NEDA status at 15 months on DMF (vs. 51.1% for IFNβ-1a; OR = 0.26, P < 0.001). Further adjustment for demographics, disease characteristics, treatment and relapse history, and subgroup analyses confirmed these findings.

Conclusion

DMF was associated with less clinical and radiological disease activity compared to IFNβ-1a.
Identifying transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients at high-risk of adverse outcomes: development and validation of an approach using electronic health record data
Authors: Myers Laura J. , Perkins Anthony J. , Zhang Ying , Bravata Dawn M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Risk-stratification tools that have been developed to identify transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients at risk of recurrent vascular events typically include factors which are not readily available in electronic health record systems. Our objective was to evaluate two TIA risk stratification approaches using electronic health record data.

Methods

Patients with TIA who were cared for in Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals (October 2015—September 2018) were included. The six outcomes were mortality, recurrent ischemic stroke, and the combined endpoint of stroke or death at 90-days and 1-year post-index TIA event. The cohort was split into development and validation samples. We examined the risk stratification of two scores constructed using electronic health record data. The Clinical Assessment Needs (CAN) score is a validated measure of risk of hospitalization or death. The PREVENT score was developed specifically for TIA risk stratification.

Results

A total of N = 5250 TIA patients were included in the derivation sample and N = 4248 in the validation sample. The PREVENT score had higher c-statistics than the CAN score across all outcomes in both samples. Within the validation sample the c-statistics for the PREVENT score were: 0.847 for 90-day mortality, 0.814 for 1-year mortality, 0.665 for 90-day stroke, and 0.653 for 1-year stroke, 0.699 for 90-day stroke or death, and 0.744 for 1-year stroke or death. The PREVENT score classified patients into categories with extreme nadir and zenith outcome rates. The observed 1-year mortality rate among validation patients was 7.1%; the PREVENT score lowest decile of patients had 0% mortality and the highest decile group had 30.4% mortality.

Conclusions

The PREVENT score had strong c-statistics for the mortality outcomes and classified patients into distinct risk categories. Learning healthcare systems could implement TIA risk stratification tools within electronic health records to support ongoing quality improvement.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02769338.
A feasibility randomised controlled trial of a Fibromyalgia Self-management Programme for adults in a community setting with a nested qualitative study (FALCON)
Authors: Pearson Jennifer , Coggins Jessica , Derham Sandi , Russell Julie , Walsh Nicola E. , Lenguerrand Erik , Palmer Shea , Cramp Fiona
Published: July 2022

Background

Fibromyalgia is a condition associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and sleep problems. Fibromyalgia treatment guidelines recommend non-pharmacological interventions and the development of self-management skills. An example of a programme that fits these guidelines is the Fibromyalgia Self-management Programme (FSMP) which consists of one 2.5-hour weekly session over six successive weeks and includes education about fibromyalgia, goal setting, pacing, sleep hygiene and nutritional advice. The FSMP is currently provided in a secondary care hospital setting and co-delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Delivery in a primary care setting has the potential to improve the accessibility of the programme to people with fibromyalgia. Therefore, this feasibility study aimed to determine the practicality and acceptability of conducting a future definitive randomised controlled trial of the FSMP in a community setting.

Method

An exploratory, parallel-arm, one-to-one, randomised controlled trial. Participants were recruited from general practices across South West England, and the FSMP was co-delivered by physiotherapists and occupational therapists across two community sites. To determine the outcome measures for a future definitive trial several were tested. The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale-8, Chalder Fatigue Scale, Short form 36, 5-Level EQ-5D version and Jenkins Sleep Scale were collected at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patient participants, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to explore the acceptability and feasibility of delivering the FSMP in a community setting.

Results

A total of 74 participants were randomised to the FSMP intervention (n = 38) or control arm (n = 36). Attrition from the trial was 42% (31/74) at 6 months. A large proportion of those randomised to the intervention arm (34%, 13/38) failed to attend any sessions with six of the 13 withdrawing before the intervention commenced. The proportion of missing values was small for each of the outcome measures. Three overarching themes were derived from the interview data; (1) barriers and facilitators to attending the FSMP; (2) FSMP content, delivery and supporting documentation; and (3) trial processes.

Conclusion

It is feasible to recruit people with fibromyalgia from Primary Care to participate in a randomised controlled trial testing the FSMP in a community setting. However, improvement in trial attrition and engagement with the intervention is needed.

Trial registration

The trial is registered with ISRCTN registry and was assigned on 29/04/2019. The registration number is ISRCTN10824225.
Acute abdomen with gastric volvulus revealing an underlying pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: a case report
Authors: Chihab Mtanyous , Qadabashi Khaled , Abbas Huda , Attar Maysam , Aljaber Ahmad , Alabd Maden , Ayoub Kusay
Published: July 2022

Background

Pneumatosis intestinalis is an abnormal presence of free air outside the lumen of the intestines in many shapes. It is classified based on its etiology to primary or secondary, it affects adults as well as infants and can involve any part of the GI tract.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 55-year-old man with a past medical history of a surgically repaired perforated duodenal ulcer who presented with an acute abdominal pain, Flatulence and constipation. On examination of the abdomen; severe distension, tenderness and tympanicity on percussion were noted. An erect CXR was performed and showed bilateral sub-diaphragmatic air levels. We performed an abdominal Paracentesis under the right subcostal margin which led to evacuation of large amounts of air. Next, an investigational laparotomy showed that the reason was a gastric volvulus associated with an anterior and posterior gastric wall lacerations. The suitable surgical repair approach was taken, but another lesion was detected incidentally. A pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) was extended along large length of the intestines in many shapes and without any symptoms or signs.

Conclusions

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis has been reported continuously in relation to peptic ulcer disease (PUD). We aim to report a new association of a gastric volvulus and PCI secondary to pyloric stenosis caused by a duodenal ulcer; which we believe can aid in the diagnosing of dangerous complications, of a rare disease.
Renal pelvis mucosal artery hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Lv Wen , Fei Xiang , Song Yan
Published: July 2022

Background

Following a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure, the most common complications are considered to be intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. Many patients with postoperative bleeding can be treated conservatively, causing the perirenal hematoma to resolve spontaneously. The major causes of severe postoperative bleeding are pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistula, and segmental arterial injury. Typically, the first choice of treatment to manage severe bleeding complications is selective angioembolization (SAE) because of the very high success rate associated with this procedure.

Case presentation

This clinical case involves a 56-year-old man who underwent dual-channel PCNL treatment after diagnosing a left kidney staghorn stone and urinary tract infection. The operation was successful, with no apparent signs of bleeding. Tests revealed continued decreasing hemoglobin levels following the procedure. After the conservative treatment failed, renal angiography was performed immediately, indicating renal pelvis mucosal artery hemorrhage. In the three hours post-surgery, the SAE still failed to prevent bleeding. Further discussions led to formulating a new surgical plan using a nephroscope to enter the initial channel where hemostasis began. The hemostasis origin was found precisely in the mucosal artery next to the channel during the operation and was successfully controlled.

Conclusions

This case reveals there is poor communication and inadequate discussions about the potential failures of an SAE procedure. Swift clinical decision-making is imperative when dealing with high-level renal trauma to prevent delays in surgery that can threaten the safety of patients.
Giant renal schwannoma with obvious hemorrhage and cystic degeneration: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Chao Feng , Zuo Hui , Yu Jin Hong , Das Sushant Kumar , Li Yang
Published: July 2022

Background

Renal schwannomas are very rare and are usually benign. Its clinical symptoms and imaging features are nonspecific, and the diagnosis is usually confirmed by pathology after surgical resection.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old Chinese female was admitted to the hospital with right flank pain that had persisted for the six months prior to admission. This pain had worsened for 10 days before admission, and dyspnea occurred when she was supine and agitated. A right abdominal mass could be palpated on physical examination. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations revealed a large, nonenhanced, cystic and solid mass in the right kidney. The patient received radical nephrectomy for the right kidney. The diagnosis of schwannoma was confirmed by pathological examination.

Conclusions

We report a case of a large renal schwannoma with obvious hemorrhage and cystic degeneration, which can be used as a reference for further study.
A review of reproducible and transparent research practices in urology publications from 2014 to2018
Authors: Rauh Shelby , Johnson Bradley S. , Bowers Aaron , Tritz Daniel , Vassar Benjamin Matthew
Published: July 2022

Background

Reproducibility is essential for the integrity of scientific research. Reproducibility is measured by the ability of different investigators to replicate the outcomes of an original publication using the same materials and procedures. Unfortunately, reproducibility is not currently a standard being met by most scientific research.

Methods

For this review, we sampled 300 publications in the field of urology to assess for 14 indicators of reproducibility including material availability, raw data availability, analysis script availability, pre-registration information, links to protocols, and if the publication was available free to the public. Publications were also assessed for statements about conflicts of interest and funding sources.

Results

Of the 300 sample publications, 171 contained empirical data available for analysis of reproducibility. Of the 171 articles with empirical data to analyze, 0.58% provided links to protocols, 4.09% provided access to raw data, 3.09% provided access to materials, and 4.68% were pre-registered. None of the studies provided analysis scripts. Our review is cross-sectional in nature, including only PubMed indexed journals-published in English-and within a finite time period. Thus, our results should be interpreted in light of these considerations.

Conclusion

Current urology research does not consistently provide the components needed to reproduce original studies. Collaborative efforts from investigators and journal editors are needed to improve research quality while minimizing waste and patient risk.
Contribution of Eastern Mediterranean Region countries to palliative care journals from 1991 to 2020 and its relationship to the development of palliative care
Authors: Alsirafy Samy A. , Hassan Amneh D. , Sroor Mahmoud Y. , Samy Ismail , Mousa Somaia M. A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Palliative care (PC) is in an early stage of development in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) of the World Health Organization. A metric based on publishing in specialized PC journals may be useful in assessing PC development. This study was conducted to describe the contribution of EMR countries to PC research and to study the relationship between this contribution and the levels of PC development.

Methods

The Scopus database was used to search 21 PC journals (1991–2020) for articles with at least one EMR-affiliated author independently of his/her position in the article. As an indicator, the 3-year average articles per million population per year (AAMY) was calculated. Changes over time were calculated through a regression analysis. The relationship between the AAMY and the level of PC development and opioid consumption were assessed through Mann-Witney test using the worldmap PC development categories as a proxy, and Spearman analysis, respectively.

Results

The number of articles published during the 30-year period was 31,108 of which 402 (1.3%) were EMR-affiliated. There was a steady rise in the AAMY of the EMR (R2 = 0.894). The number of EMR-affiliated articles increased from 3 in the period 1991–1995 to 191 in 2016–2020. The 2018–2020 AAMY was significantly higher in countries with greater PC development than in those without (median [IQR] = 0.0975 [0.0254–0.1802] and 0.0098 [0–0.0256],p = 0.042). Also, it was significantly higher in countries that progressed to a higher level of PC development between 2006 and 2017 (p = 0.0159). There was a significant positive correlation between the average opioid consumption for the years 2017–2019 and the AAMY for the same period (p = 0.0043).

Conclusions

There is a slow steady progress in the contribution of EMR countries to PC journals, which corresponds to the level of PC development and its progress in the region. A metric based on the contribution to specialized PC journals may be a useful indicator of PC development.
The relationship of caregiver strain with resilience and hardiness in family caregivers of older adults with chronic disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sorayyanezhad Ashkan , Nikpeyma Nasrin , Nazari Shima , Sharifi Farshad , Sarkhani Naeimeh
Published: July 2022

Background

Providing long-term home care to older adults with chronic diseases may endanger the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of caregivers and lead to care strain.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the relationship of caregiver strain with resilience and hardiness in family caregivers of older adults with chronic disease.

Methodology

This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2020–2021 in Tehran. Participants were 230 family caregivers randomly recruited from 8 urban health care centers. Data were collected using a personal characteristics questionnaire, the Modified Caregiver Strain Index, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Family Hardiness Index, and the data were analyzed by using SPSS 22 version. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied for data analysis. P-values ≤0.05 were considered significant.

Results

A total of 230 caregivers participated in the study. The mean age of participants was (46.65 ± 13.63) years and most of them were female (73.9%). Mean scores of caregiver strain, resilience, and hardiness in family caregivers were 16.23 ± 4.5, 39.89 ± 10.9, and 31.21 ± 7.79, respectively. Pearson correlation showed a significant and inverse correlation between caregiver strain and resilience (r = -0.310, P = 0.002), and also a significant and inverse relationship between caregiver strain and hardiness (r = -0.276, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, family caregivers had moderate caregiver strain, low resilience, and high hardness. Caregiver strain in family caregivers of older adults with chronic disease is an important health issue associated with resilience and hardiness. To promote health, effective adaptation to long-term care, and reduce caregiver strain, designing effective interventions to increase resilience and hardiness in family caregivers seems necessary.
Use of allogeneic freeze-dried conditioned serum for the prevention of degradation in cartilage exposed to IL-1ß
Authors: Garbin Livia Camargo , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Frisbie David D.
Published: July 2022

Background

Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) has been extensively used in the field of veterinary orthopaedics and sports medicine. Due to the autologous and blood-derived nature of this product, issues such as individual variability, need for storage at low temperatures and non-availability for immediate are frequently encountered for ACS use in the field. To address those issues, we proposed the evaluation of an off-the-shelf allogeneic freeze-dried version of conditioned serum in an in vitro model of osteoarthritis. In this study, we evaluated if origin (autologous and allogeneic) and preparation (frozen and freeze-dried) of conditioned serum could influence in its effect in an in vitro model.

Results

IL-1β stimulation in cartilage led to a significant increase in media GAG and decreased levels of GAG in cartilage explants at the termination of the experiment. No significant differences were noted in outcomes measured in the cartilage explants with respect to the main effects of treatment (frozen versus freeze-dried serum), autologous versus allogeneic preparations or based on serum concentration.

Conclusions

The study did not observe any substantial differences in the response of cartilage to allogeneic freeze-dried CS when compared to other independent parameters (autologous and frozen preparations). Further investigation using in vivo systems appears warranted.
Epidemiology of canine mammary tumours on the Canary Archipelago in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez José , Santana Ángelo , Herráez Pedro , Killick David R. , de los Monteros Antonio Espinosa
Published: July 2022

Background

Mammary gland tumours are the most frequently diagnosed tumours in the female dogs but just a few studies have analysed their epidemiology. Therefore, we set out to describe the epidemiology of canine mammary cancer in the Canary Archipelago, Spain. We analysed a pathology tumour registry (PTR) and identified 7362 samples obtained from 5240 female dogs resident on the Canary Archipelago during an 18-year period (2003–2020). Using a case–control study design, we compared mammary tumour affected dogs with the Canarian canine population registry in order to elucidate the breed associations for these tumours.

Results

The frequency of a diagnosis of mammary tumours relative to all tumour diagnoses in female dogs decreased during the study period from 62.7% to 48.9%. Contemporaneously, the proportion of dogs diagnosed with mammary tumours who were also neutered increased from 13.6% to 26.9%. There was a negative correlation (R = -0.84) between these changes. Additional findings were that: the proportion of female dogs diagnosed with multiple tumours increased by 23.5% and that the proportion of malignant tumours 89.2% diagnosed has remained stable through the period. Benign mammary tumours were diagnosed at younger ages (9.2 years old) than carcinomas (9.7 years old) and sarcomas (10.4 years old). Epithelial mammary tumours were diagnosed at younger ages in entire female dogs. Samoyed, Schnauzer, Poodle, German Pinscher and Cocker Spaniel were the breeds with the highest odds-ratios (OR) in comparison with the reference (crossbreeds) while Miniature Pinscher, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Pointer as well as some local breeds such as the Canary Warren Hound and the Majorero had the lowest ORs.

Conclusions

This study provides a description of the changing epidemiology of canine mammary cancer in the Canary Archipelago over the last two decades. We found high rates of CMT with a significant predominance of malignant tumours. Exact risk factors are uncertain, but a combination of environmental, regional socioeconomic affecting human and their pets, and animal management factors are likely to play a part. Specifically, neutering was negatively associated with the proportion of epithelial mammary gland tumours and breeds native to the region were at lower risk of mammary tumours. A deeper analysis of all these factors will facilitate a deeper understanding of the epidemiology of mammary gland tumours in both the canine and the human population.
Expression of nuclear factor kappa B in ovine maternal inguinal lymph nodes during early pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Leying , Zhang Taipeng , Yang Zhen , Cai Chunjiang , Hao Shaopeng , Yang Ling
Published: July 2022

Background

Pregnancy-induced immunological changes contribute to the maternal immune tolerance. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway participates in regulating both innate and adaptive immunities, and lymph nodes play key roles in adaptive immune reaction. However, it is unclear whether early pregnancy changes the expression of NF-κB family in maternal lymph node in sheep.

Methods

In this study, the samples of inguinal lymph nodes were collected from ewes on day 16 of the estrous cycle, and on days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and expression of NF-κB family, including NF-κB p105 (NFKB1), NF-κB p100 (NFKB2), p65 (RELA), RelB (RELB) and c-Rel (REL), were analyzed through real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

The expression levels of NF-κB p105 and c-Rel downregulated, but NF-κB p100 upregulated on day 25 of pregnancy. The expression levels of p65, RelB and c-Rel peaked at day 13 of pregnancy, and expression level of RelB was higher during early pregnancy comparing to day 16 of the estrous cycle. In addition, p65 protein was located in the subcapsular sinus and lymph sinuses.

Conclusion

This paper reported for the first time that early pregnancy has effects on the expression of NF-κB family, which may contribute to the maternal immunoregulation through blood circulation and lymph circulation during early pregnancy in sheep.
Inhibitory effects of anthracyclines on partially purified 5′–3′ DNA helicase of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Rattaprasert Pongruj , Suntornthiticharoen Pattra , Limudomporn Paviga , Thima Kanthinich , Chavalitshewinkoon-Petmitr Porntip
Published: July 2022

Background

Plasmodium falciparum has been becoming resistant to the currently used anti-malarial drugs. Searching for new drug targets is urgently needed for anti-malarial development. DNA helicases separating double-stranded DNA into single-stranded DNA intermediates are essential in nearly all DNA metabolic transactions, thus they may act as a candidate for new drug targets against malarial parasites.

Methods

In this study, a P. falciparum 5′ to 3′ DNA helicase (PfDH-B) was partially purified from the crude extract of chloroquine- and pyrimethamine-resistant P. falciparum strain K1, by ammonium sulfate precipitation and three chromatographic procedures. DNA helicase activity of partially purified PfDH-B was examined by measuring its ability to unwind 32P-labelled partial duplex DNA. The directionality of PfDH-B was determined, and substrate preference was tested by using various substrates. Inhibitory effects of DNA intercalators such as anthracycline antibiotics on PfDH-B unwinding activity and parasite growth were investigated.

Results

The native PfDH-B was partially purified with a specific activity of 4150 units/mg. The PfDH-B could unwind M13-17-mer, M13-31-mer with hanging tail at 3′ or 5′ end and a linear substrate with 3′ end hanging tail but not blunt-ended duplex DNA, and did not need a fork-like substrate. Anthracyclines including aclarubicin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and nogalamycin inhibited the unwinding activity of PfDH-B with an IC50 value of 4.0, 7.5, 3.6, and 3.1 µM, respectively. Nogalamycin was the most effective inhibitor on PfDH-B unwinding activity and parasite growth (IC50 = 0.1 ± 0.002 µM).

Conclusion

Partial purification and characterization of 5′–3′ DNA helicase of P. falciparum was successfully performed. The partially purified PfDH-B does not need a fork-like substrate structure found in P. falciparum 3′ to 5′ DNA helicase (PfDH-A). Interestingly, nogalamycin was the most potent anthracycline inhibitor for PfDH-B helicase activity and parasite growth in culture. Further studies are needed to search for more potent but less cytotoxic inhibitors targeting P. falciparum DNA helicase in the future.
Improving multimorbidity measurement using individualized disease-specific quality of life impact assessments: predictive validity of a new comorbidity index
Authors: McEntee Mindy L. , Gandek Barbara , Ware John E.
Published: July 2022

Background

Interpretation of health-related quality of life (QOL) outcomes requires improved methods to control for the effects of multiple chronic conditions (MCC). This study systematically compared legacy and improved method effects of aggregating MCC on the accuracy of predictions of QOL outcomes.

Methods

Online surveys administered generic physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) QOL outcome measures, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), an expanded chronic condition checklist (CCC), and individualized QOL Disease-specific Impact Scale (QDIS) ratings in a developmental sample (N = 5490) of US adults. Controlling for sociodemographic variables, regression models compared 12- and 35-condition checklists, mortality vs. population QOL-weighting, and population vs. individualized QOL weighting methods. Analyses were cross-validated in an independent sample (N = 1220) representing the adult general population. Models compared estimates of variance explained (adjusted R2) and model fit (AIC) for generic PCS and MCS across aggregation methods at baseline and nine-month follow-up.

Results

In comparison with sociodemographic-only regression models (MCS R2 = 0.08, PCS = 0.09) and Charlson CCI models (MCS R2 = 0.12, PCS = 0.16), increased variance was accounted for using the 35-item CCC (MCS R2 = 0.22, PCS = 0.31), population MCS/PCS QOL weighting (R2 = 0.31–0.38, respectively) and individualized QDIS weighting (R2 = 0.33 & 0.42). Model R2 and fit were replicated upon cross-validation.

Conclusions

Physical and mental outcomes were more accurately predicted using an expanded MCC checklist, population QOL rather than mortality CCI weighting, and individualized rather than population QOL weighting for each reported condition. The 3-min combination of CCC and QDIS ratings (QDIS-MCC) warrant further testing for purposes of predicting and interpreting QOL outcomes affected by MCC.
Higher-order p-Laplacian boundary value problems with resonance of dimension two on the half-line
Authors: Iyase S. A. , Imaga O. F.
Published: July 2022

We apply the extension of coincidence degree to obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of at least one solution for a class of higher-order p-Laplacian boundary value problems with two-dimensional kernel on the half-line. The result obtained improves and generalizes some of the known results on p-Laplacian boundary value problems in the literature. We also validate our result with an example.
The effect of birth order on length of hospitalization for pediatric traumatic brain injury: an analysis of the 1987 Finnish birth cohort
Authors: Omer Mazin , Posti Jussi P. , Gissler Mika , Merikukka Marko , Hoffmann Ildiko , Bärnighausen Till , Wilson Michael Lowery
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between birth order and length of hospitalization due to pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

We prospectively followed 59,469 Finnish newborns from 1987 until age 18 years. Data on first diagnosis of TBI was recorded within the 1987 Finnish Birth Cohort (FBC). Hospitalization period was divided into two categories: 2 days or less and more than 2 days. The latter was considered in this study as longer hospitalization.

Results

Compared with first born siblings, later born siblings had an increased risk of a longer hospitalization for TBI (12.7% of fourth or higher born birth children diagnosed with TBI were hospitalized for 2 or more days, 11.3% of first born, 10.4% of third born and 9.0% of second born). Fourth or higher born children were more likely to experience a repeat TBI; 13.4% of fourth or higher born children diagnosed with TBI had 2–3 TBIs during the study period compared to 9% of third born, 7.8% of second born and 8.8% of the first born. Injuries in the traffic environment and falls were the most common contributors to pediatric TBI and occurred most frequently in the fourth or higher birth category; 29.3% of TBIs among fourth or higher birth order were due to transport accidents and 21% were due to falls.

Conclusions

This study revealed a significant increase in risk for longer hospitalization due to TBI among later born children within the same sibling group. The study provides epidemiological evidence on birth order as it relates to TBI, and its potential to help to explain some of the statistical variability in pediatric TBI hospitalization over time in this population.
A plastic and reconstructive surgery landscape assessment of Malawi: a scoping review of Malawian literature
Authors: Msokera Chifundo , Xepoleas Meredith , Collier Zachary J. , Naidu Priyanka , Magee William
Published: July 2022

Background

Plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) remains highly relevant to the unmet need for surgery in Malawi. Better understanding the current PRS landscape and its barriers may help address some of these challenges. This scoping review aimed to describe: (1) the scope and focus of the PRS literature being produced in Malawi and (2) the challenges, deficits, and barriers to providing accessible, high-quality PRS in Malawi.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted on four databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE) from inception through September 1, 2020 following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Results

The database search retrieved 3852 articles, of which 31 were included that examined the burden of PRS-related conditions in Malawi. Of these 31 articles, 25 primarily discussed burn-related care. Burns injuries have a high mortality rate; between 27 and 75% in the studies. The literature revealed that there are only two burn units nationally with one PRS specialist in each unit, compounded by a lack of interest in PRS specialization by Malawian medical students. Congenital anomalies were the only other PRS-related condition examined and reported in the literature, accounting for 23% of all pediatric surgeries in tertiary facilities.

Conclusions

There is a need to increase the country's capacity to handle burn reconstruction and other PRS-related conditions to reduce overall morbidity and mortality. Additional publicly funded research at the district and community level is warranted to determine the true burden of PRS disease in Malawi to derive health system strengthening and workforce capacity building strategies.
Codesign with more-than-humans: toward a meta co-design tool for human-non-human collaborations
Authors: Romani Alessia , Casnati Francesca , Ianniello Alessandro
Published: July 2022

What does more-than-human mean? How can we, as humans, understand that our ecology is only one of the many that do exist within the world? Furthermore, in which way should we step aside to let all ecological actors exercise their agency? And, more specifically, what should be the role of design and designers in tackling complex issues and in contributing to a major shift in thoughts? These questions fostered a reflection on the relation between possible futures and the design practice itself and set the basis for the creation of a provotype. A provotype (from “provocation” and “prototype”) is a conceptual product or an artifact whose objective is to foster reflections and provoke discussions mainly concerning social and environmental sustainability, innovations, and technologies, leaving gaps to be filled with the audience imagination.

The research reported in this contribution deals with issues and questions that fall under the umbrella of the topic of alternative biopolitics in future scenarios: how can we co-design with more-than-human actors? In which way can symbiosis between different entities be achieved? What is the meaning of interspecies justice, and which should be the steps to follow to fulfill it? And, finally, maybe the most significant question to focus on: how can communication between different entities be fostered? The designed provotype consists of a fictional event (“The first Multispecies Symposium”) which takes place in 2100, further helped the researchers in opening new reflections that made it possible to experiment with participatory design and to finalize a tool that can be used to share and expand reflections about futures without hierarchies, not human-centered, sustainable progress and hope, participative futures.
Is inequitable teacher sorting on the rise? Cross-national evidence from 20 years of TIMSS
Authors: Glassow Leah Natasha , Jerrim John
Published: July 2022

Unequal access to qualified teachers for children of different socioeconomic status—also known as inequitable teacher sorting—has been increasingly put forth as one potential factor contributing to the socioeconomic achievement gap. Despite this, few studies have investigated cross-national differences in teacher sorting, and none have examined it within-countries over time. International large-scale assessments in education are uniquely positioned to answer such questions due to their longitudinal nature at the system level. This study uses six waves of data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) from 1999 to 2019 for 32 education systems. We compare differences in grade 8 mathematics teacher qualifications for each country at each time point, across top and bottom groups on the student socioeconomic spectrum. Results show that on the whole many countries display negligible gaps in access to teacher quality, with some key exceptions. With respect to inequity in novice teacher sorting, the problem is most prevalent in low- and middle- income education systems (i.e. in Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Indonesia). Inequity in sorting based on mathematics education is less common, with no clear pattern in regards to level of economic development (i.e. in Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei). Socio-economic inequality in teacher sorting has also remained broadly stable over time. Based on experience and mathematics education, less than a handful of systems show systematic upward trends in teacher sorting inequity (i.e. in Chile, Morocco, Singapore, and New Zealand). Given the increasing focus on inequity in access to teacher competence, these results have economic and policy implications for tackling the socioeconomic achievement gap.
A primer on continuous-time modeling in educational research: an exemplary application of a continuous-time latent curve model with structured residuals (CT-LCM-SR) to PISA Data
Authors: Lohmann Julian F. , Zitzmann Steffen , Voelkle Manuel C. , Hecht Martin
Published: July 2022

One major challenge of longitudinal data analysis is to find an appropriate statistical model that corresponds to the theory of change and the research questions at hand. In the present article, we argue that continuous-time models are well suited to study the continuously developing constructs of primary interest in the education sciences and outline key advantages of using this type of model. Furthermore, we propose the continuous-time latent curve model with structured residuals (CT-LCM-SR) as a suitable model for many research questions in the education sciences. The CT-LCM-SR combines growth and dynamic modeling and thus provides descriptions of both trends and process dynamics. We illustrate the application of the CT-LCM-SR with data from PISA reading literacy assessment of 2000 to 2018 and provide a tutorial and annotated code for setting up the CT-LCM-SR model.