bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ experiences of encountering patients with mental illness in prehospital emergency care – a qualitative interview study
Authors: Johanna Zetterberg , Elin Visti , Mats Holmberg , Henrik Andersson , Jonas Aléx
Published: April 2022

Background

Nurses working in prehospital emergency care (PEC) encounter patients with all types of health conditions. Increasingly, they are encountering patients suffering from mental illness and this trend reflects the worldwide increase in mental illness. There is very little current knowledge of encounters between nurses and patients with mental illness in ‘PEC’, especially from the nurses’ perspectives.

Aim

The aim of the study is to investigate nurses’ experiences of encountering patients with mental illness in ‘PEC’.

Methods

The participants were recruited in a region in southeast Sweden (that covers approximately 5600 km2 and has 300,000 inhabitants). In total, 17 nurses consented to participate. The participants were asked to narrate their individual experience of encountering patients with mental illness. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, then analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

The result is presented in terms of three themes and eight sub-themes. The main themes are ‘Lacking trust in the patient and one’s own abilities’, ‘Being under internal and external influences’ and ‘Moving towards a genuine nurse-patient relationship’.

Conclusion

The results show that nurses strive to lay the foundation for a trusting relationship. Simultaneously nurses encountering is characterized by a mistrust and it is influenced by pre-understanding and emotions when they take care for patients. The findings could be used to develop nurses’ readiness and capability to encounter patients with mental illness and to respond appropriately to the patients somatic and mental care needs.
A safety evaluation of allogeneic freeze-dried platelet-rich plasma or conditioned serum compared to autologous frozen products equivalents in equine healthy joints
Authors: Garbin Livia Camargo , Contino Erin K. , Olver Christine S. , Frisbie David D.
Published: April 2022

Background

Hemoderivatives such as autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used as potential disease-modifying therapies in musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA). These therapies are based on the delivery of multiple growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines that are known to participate in inflammatory processes. The variability of cytokine content due to the autologous nature of the product, the non-availability for immediate use and need for storage at low temperatures are limitations for its use in the field. An allogeneic freeze-dried conditioned serum (CS) and PRP would provide field clinicians with a more practical approach to use such products in daily practice. Based on in vitro preliminary data, this experimental study aimed to test the in vivo safety of allogeneic freeze-dried CS and PRP in healthy joints, using the horse as a model.

Results

Eight horses were randomly assigned and treated with PRP or CS. Horses had three joints injected with ALLO-FD PRP or CS, and three contralateral joints injected with the AUTO version of the same product, by a blinded clinician. Horses were evaluated clinically, and had synovial fluid collected at different time points and evaluated for cell content, PGE2 and protein. Both CS and PRP products triggered a self-limiting and mild inflammatory response in equine healthy joints. This was indicated by the transient increase in nucleated cell count, PGE2 and total protein in synovial fluid. This mild inflammatory response did not result in significant lameness and was not different among the groups.

Conclusions

The allogeneic freeze-dried PRP and CS showed to be overall safe and not dissimilar compared to their autologous frozen version in equine healthy joints. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the modulatory effects of these therapies in a clinical setting.
Evaluation of mutagenesis, necrosis and apoptosis induced by omeprazole in stomach cells of patients with gastritis
Authors: da Mata Ana Maria Oliveira Ferreira , Paz Marcia Fernanda Correia Jardim , de Menezes Ag-Anne Pereira Melo , dos Reis Antonielly Campinho , da Silva Souza Bruna , de Carvalho Sousa Carlos Dimas , Machado Sônia Alves , Medeiros Thiago Soares Gondim , Sarkar Chandan , Islam Muhammad Torequl , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Daştan Sevgi Durna , Alshehri Mohammed M. , de Castro e Sousa João Marcelo , de Carvalho Melo Cavalcante Ana Amélia
Published: April 2022

Background

Gastritis is a superficial and prevalent inflammatory lesion that is considered a public health concern once can cause gastric ulcers and gastric cancer, especially when associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, are the most widely used drugs to treat this illness. The aim of the study was evaluate cytogenetic effects of omeprazole in stomach epithelial cells of patients with gastritis in presence and absence of H. pylori, through cytogenetic biomarkers and catalse and superoxide dismutase analysis.

Methods

The study included 152 patients from the Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital Getúlio Vargas, Teresina—Brazil, that reported continuous and prolonged omeprazole use in doses of 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg. The participants were divided into groups: (1) patients without gastritis (n = 32); (2) patients without gastritis but with OME use (n = 24); (3) patients with gastritis (n = 26); (4) patients with gastritis undergoing OME therapy (n = 26); (5) patients with gastritis and H. pylori (n = 22) and (6) patients with gastritis and H. pylori on OME therapy (n = 22).

Results

OME induced cytogenetic imbalance in the stomach epithelium through the formation of micronuclei (group 6 > 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; group 5 > 1, 2, 3; group 4 > 1, 2, 3); bridges (groups 4 and 6 > 1, 2, 3, 5 and group 2 > 3, 5); buds (groups 2,4,6 > , 1, 3, 5); binucleated cells (group 6 > 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; group 4 > 1, 2, 3); (groups 2 and 3 > 1); picnoses (group 6 > 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), groups 2 and 5 > 1, 3; group 4 > 1, 2, 3, 5); cariorrexis (groups 6 and 4 > 1, 2, 3, 5; groups 2, 3, 5 > 1) and karyolysis (groups 2, 4, and 6 > 1, 3, 5; groups 3 and 5 > 1). The OME cytogenetic instability was associated with H. pylori infection, indicating clastogenic/aneugenic effects, chromosomes alterations, gene expression changes, cytotoxicity and apoptosis.

Conclusions

The cytogenetic changescan be attributed to several mechanisms that are still unclear, including oxidative damage, as observed by increased catalase and superoxide dismutase expresion. Positive correlations between antioxidant enzymes were found with micronuclei formation, and were negative for picnoses. Thus, the continuous and prolonged omeprazole use induces genetic instability, which can be monitored through cytogenetic analyzes, as precursor for gastric cancer.
Identification of novel prognostic targets in glioblastoma using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yin Xiaofeng , Wu Quansheng , Hao Zheng , Chen Laizhao
Published: April 2022

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant grade of glioma. Highly aggressive characteristics of GBM and poor prognosis cause GBM-related deaths. The potential prognostic biomarkers remain to be demonstrated. This research builds up predictive gene targets of expression alterations in GBM utilizing bioinformatics analysis.

Methods and results

The microarray datasets (GSE15824 and GSE16011) associated with GBM were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GBM and non-tumor tissues. In total, 719 DEGs were obtained and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for function enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we constructed protein–protein Interaction (PPI) network among DEGs utilizing Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) online tool and Cytoscape software. The DEGs of degree > 10 was selected as hub genes, including 73 upregulated genes and 21 downregulated genes. Moreover, MCODE application in Cytoscape software was employed to identify three key modules involved in GBM development and prognosis. Additionally, we used the Gene expression profiling and interactive analyses (GEPIA) online tool to further confirm four genes involving in poor prognosis of GBM patients, including interferon-gamma-inducible protein 30 (IFI30), major histocompatibility complex class II-DM alpha (HLA-DMA), Prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide (P4HB) and reticulocalbin-1 (RCN1). Furthermore, the correlation analysis indicated that the expression of IFI30, an acknowledged biomarker in glioma, was positively correlated with HLA-DMA, P4HB and RCN1. RCN1 expression was positively correlated with P4HB and HLA-DMA. Moreover, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis further validated the upregulation of four prognostic markers in GBM tissues.

Conclusions

Analysis of multiple datasets combined with global network information and experimental verification presents a successful approach to uncover the risk hub genes and prognostic markers of GBM. Our study identified four risk- and prognostic-related gene signatures, including IFI30, HLA-DMA, P4HB and RCN1. This gene sets contribute a new perspective to improve the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic outcomes of GBM.
Rapamycin improves the quality and developmental competence of mice oocytes by promoting DNA damage repair during in vitro maturation
Authors: Yang Qiyu , Xi Qingsong , Wang Meng , Long Rui , Hu Juan , Li Zhou , Ren Xinling , Zhu Lixia , Jin Lei
Published: April 2022

Background

Increasing evidence has shown that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a critical role in oocyte meiosis and embryonic development, however, previous studies reporting the effects of rapamycin on oocyte IVM showed different or even opposite results, and the specific mechanisms were not clear.

Methods

The immature oocytes from female mice underwent IVM with rapamycin at different concentrations to select an optimal dose. The maturation rate, activation rate, subsequent cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ROS levels, and DNA damage levels were evaluated and compared in oocytes matured with or without rapamycin. In addition, the expression levels of genes associated with mTORC1 pathway, spindle assembly, antioxidant function, and DNA damage repair (DDR) were also assessed and compared.

Results

Rapamycin at 10 nM was selected as an optimal concentration based on the higher maturation and activation rate of IVM oocytes. Following subsequent culture, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were elevated in activated embryos from the rapamycin group. Additionally, oocytes cultured with 10 nM rapamycin presented decreased ROS levels, reduced chromosome aberration, and attenuated levels of γ-H2AX. No significant effects on the percentages of abnormal spindle were observed. Correspondingly, the expressions of Nrf2, Atm, Atr, and Prkdc in IVM oocytes were markedly increased, following the inhibition of mTORC1 pathway by 10 nM rapamycin.

Conclusion

Rapamycin at 10 nM could ameliorate the developmental competence and quality of IVM oocytes of mice, mainly by improving the chromosome alignments. The inhibition of mTORC1 pathway, which involved in activating DDR-associated genes may act as a potential mechanism for oocyte quality improvement by rapamycin.
Development of a highly efficient virus-free regeneration system of Salvia miltiorrhiza from Sichuan using apical meristem as explants
Authors: Yao Si Cheng , Jiang Yuan Yuan , Ni Su , Wang Long , Feng Jun , Yang Rui Wu , Yang Li Xia , Len Qiu Yan , Zhang Li
Published: April 2022

Bcakground

The dry root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza are used to treat cardiovascular diseases, chronic pain, and thoracic obstruction over 2000 years in Asian countries. For high quality, Sichuan Zhongjiang is regarded as the genuine producing area of S. miltiorrhiza. Given its abnormal pollen development, S. miltiorrhiza from Sichuan (S.m.-SC) relies on root reproduction and zymad accumulation; part of diseased plants present typical viral disease symptoms and seed quality degeneration. This study aim to detected unknown viruses from mosaic-diseased plants and establish a highly efficient virus-free regeneration system to recover germplasm properties.

Results

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) were detected from mosaic-diseased plants. Primary apical meristem with two phyllo podium in 0.15–0.5 mm peeled from diseased plants were achieved 73.33% virus-free rate. The results showed that the medium containing MS, 0.5 mg/L 6-BA, 0.1 mg/L NAA, 0.1 mg/L GA3, 30 g/L sucrose and 7.5 g/L agar can achieve embryonic-tissue (apical meristem, petiole and leaf callus) high efficient organogenesis. For callus induction, the optimal condition was detected on the medium containing MS, 2 mg/L TDZ, 0.1 mg/L NAA by using secondary petiole of virus-free plants under 24 h dark/d condition for 21 d. The optimal system for root induction was the nutrient solution with 1/2 MS supplemented with 1 mg/L NAA. After transplant, the detection of agronomic metric and salvianolic acid B content confirmed the great germplasm properties of S.m.-SC virus-free plants.

Conclusions

A highly efficient virus-free regeneration system of S.m.-SC was established based on the detected viruses to recover superior seed quality. The proposed system laid support to control disease spread, recover good germplasm properties in S.m.-SC.
Application of enhanced recovery after surgery care protocol in the perioperative care of patients undergoing lumbar fusion and internal fixation
Authors: Sun Zengmei , Qi Yanqiu
Published: April 2022

Background

To explore the effects and deficiencies of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) care protocol on patients undergoing lumbar fusion and internal fixation in perioperative care.

Methods

A total of 166 patients with lumbar fusion and internal fixation were collected and divided into two groups, among which 86 patients received ERAS care protocol were attributed into ERAS group, while the other 80 patients received traditional perioperative care protocol were assigned to control group. Then, the degree of pain, self-care ability and the degree of recovery were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Barthel index (BI) rating scale and the Sino-version Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, respectively. Moreover, further analysis was performed based on patients’ different age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and education of patients in ERAS group.

Results

The hospitalization time and the incidence of complication in the ERAS group were obviously lower than those in control group (both, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in hospitalization expenses between the two groups (P > 0.05). The BI score of the ERAS group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and the percentage of ODI score in ERAS group was significantly downregulated in comparison with that in control group (P < 0.05). Intra-group analysis in ERAS showed that, compared with older patients, younger patients had higher BI scores (P < 0.05) and lower ODI scores (P < 0.05); meanwhile, overweight patients had lower BI scores (P < 0.05), and the ODI score decreased with the increase in education level of the patients.

Conclusions

ERAS care protocol can significantly shorten the hospitalization time and reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications of patients, significantly enhance the self-care ability of patients after discharge and promote the rapid recovery of patients after surgery.
Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of LPG cookstoves compared to usual cooking practices to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity in rural Bangladesh called Poriborton: the CHANge trial
Authors: Raynes-Greenow Camille , Alam Ashraful , Billah Sk Masum , Islam Sajia , Agho Kingsley , Rokonuzzaman S. M. , Thornburg Jonathan , El Arifeen Shams , Chowdhury Atique Iqbal ,   The Poriborton Trial Team, Jalaludin Bin , Goodwin Nick , Hayes Alison , Huda Tanvir , Jaman Md. Jahiduj , Khan Jasmin , Dibley Michael J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Household air pollution is a leading health risk for global morbidity and mortality and a major health risk in South Asia. However, there are no prospective investigations of the impact of household air pollution on perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our trial aims to assess the impact of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking to reduce household air pollution exposure on perinatal morbidity and mortality compared to usual cooking practices in Bangladesh.

Hypothesis

In a community-based cluster randomised controlled trial of pregnant women cooking with LPG throughout pregnancy, perinatal mortality will be reduced by 35% compared with usual cooking practices in a rural community in Bangladesh.

Methods

A two-arm community-based cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in the Sherpur district, Bangladesh. In the intervention arm, pregnant women receive an LPG cookstove and LPG in cylinders supplied throughout pregnancy until birth. In the control or usual practice arm, pregnant women continue their usual cooking practices, predominately traditional stoves with biomass fuel. Eligible women are pregnant women with a gestational age of 40–120 days, aged between 15 and 49 years, and permanent residents of the study area. The primary outcome is the difference in perinatal mortality between the LPG arm and the usual cooking arm. Secondary outcomes include (i) preterm birth and low birth weight, (ii) personal level exposure to household air pollution, (iii) satisfaction and acceptability of the LPG stove and stove use, and (iv) cost-effectiveness and cost-utility in reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality. We follow up all women and infants to 45 days after the birth. Personal exposure to household air pollution is assessed at three-time points in a sub-sample of the study population using the MicroPEM™. The total required sample size is 4944 pregnant women.

Discussion

This trial will produce evidence of the effectiveness of reduced exposure to household air pollution through LPG cooking to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality compared to usual cooking practices. This evidence will inform policies for the adoption of clean fuel in Bangladesh and other similar settings.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001214224. Prospectively registered on 19 July 2019
Study of effect of nimodipine and acetaminophen on postictal symptoms in depressed patients after electroconvulsive therapy (SYNAPSE)
Authors: Verdijk Joey P. A. J. , Pottkämper Julia C. M. , Verwijk Esmée , van Wingen Guido A. , van Putten Michel J. A. M. , Hofmeijer Jeannette , van Waarde Jeroen A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Postictal phenomena as delirium, headache, nausea, myalgia, and anterograde and retrograde amnesia are common manifestations after seizures induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Comparable postictal phenomena also contribute to the burden of patients with epilepsy. The pathophysiology of postictal phenomena is poorly understood and effective treatments are not available. Recently, seizure-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-mediated postictal vasoconstriction, accompanied by cerebral hypoperfusion and hypoxia, has been identified as a candidate mechanism in experimentally induced seizures in rats. Vasodilatory treatment with acetaminophen or calcium antagonists reduced postictal hypoxia and postictal symptoms. The aim of this clinical trial is to study the effects of acetaminophen and nimodipine on postictal phenomena after ECT-induced seizures in patients suffering major depressive disorder. We hypothesize that (1) acetaminophen and nimodipine will reduce postictal electroencephalographic (EEG) phenomena, (2) acetaminophen and nimodipine will reduce magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of postictal cerebral hypoperfusion, (3) acetaminophen and nimodipine will reduce clinical postictal phenomena, and (4) postictal phenomena will correlate with measures of postictal hypoperfusion.

Methods

We propose a prospective, three-condition cross-over design trial with randomized condition allocation, open-label treatment, and blinded end-point evaluation (PROBE design). Thirty-three patients (age > 17 years) suffering from a depressive episode treated with ECT will be included. Randomly and alternately, single doses of nimodipine (60 mg), acetaminophen (1000 mg), or water will be given two hours prior to each ECT session with a maximum of twelve sessions per patient. The primary outcome measure is ‘postictal EEG recovery time’, expressed and quantified as an adapted version of the temporal brain symmetry index, yielding a time constant for the duration of the postictal state on EEG. Secondary outcome measures include postictal cerebral perfusion, measured by arterial spin labelling MRI, and the postictal clinical ‘time to orientation’.

Discussion

With this clinical trial, we will systematically study postictal EEG, MRI and clinical phenomena after ECT-induced seizures and will test the effects of vasodilatory treatment intending to reduce postictal symptoms. If an effect is established, this will provide a novel treatment of postictal symptoms in ECT patients. Ultimately, these findings may be generalized to patients with epilepsy.

Trial registration

Inclusion in SYNAPSE started in December 2019. Prospective trial registration number is NCT04028596 on the international clinical trial register on July 22, 2019.
Efficacy of leg swing versus quadriceps strengthening exercise among patients with knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Ruiyang , Sun Pingping , Zhan Yu , Xie Xuetao , Yan Weibing , Luo Congfeng
Published: April 2022

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of global disability. According to current guidelines, exercise is the most recommended and important non-surgical treatment for knee OA. However, the best type of exercise for this condition remains unclear. Evidence has shown that traditional Chinese exercises may be more effective. Therefore, the current prospective, two-armed, single-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to identify an effective physiotherapy for knee OA.

Methods/design

In total, 114 patients with painful knee OA will be recruited from the orthopedic outpatient department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital. To compare the therapeutic effect of two different home-based exercise programs, the participants will be randomly assigned into the experimental group (leg swing exercise) or the control group (quadriceps strengthening exercise). Each participant in both groups will be required to attend five individual sessions with a physiotherapist who will teach the exercise program and monitor progress. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises at home every day for 12 weeks. Clinical outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks after starting the intervention. The primary outcomes are average overall knee pain and physical function in daily life. The secondary outcomes include other measures of knee pain, physical function, patient-perceived satisfactory improvement, health-related quality of life, physical activity and performance, muscle strength of the lower limb, and adherence.

Discussion

This study will provide more evidence on the effects of traditional Chinese exercise on improving physical function and relieving joint pain among patients with knee OA. If proven effective, leg swing exercise can be used as a non-surgical treatment for knee OA in the future.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial RegistryChiCTR2000039005. Registered on 13 October 2020.
YqeH contributes to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli pathogenicity by regulating motility, biofilm formation, and virulence
Authors: Yin Lei , Cheng Baoyan , Tu Jian , Shao Ying , Song Xiangjun , Pan Xiaocheng , Qi Kezong
Published: April 2022

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a pathotype of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli and one of the most serious infectious diseases of poultry. It not only causes great economic losses to the poultry industry, but also poses a serious threat to public health worldwide. Here, we examined the role of YqeH, a transcriptional regulator located at E. coli type III secretion system 2 (ETT2), in APEC pathogenesis. To investigate the effects of YqeH on APEC phenotype and virulence, we constructed a yqeH deletion mutant (APEC40-ΔyqeH) and a complemented strain (APEC40-CΔyqeH) of APEC40. Compared with the wild type (WT), the motility and biofilm formation of APEC40-ΔyqeH were significantly reduced. The yqeH mutant was highly attenuated in a chick infection model compared with WT, and showed severe defects in its adherence to and invasion of chicken embryo fibroblast DF-1 cells. However, the mechanisms underlying these phenomena were unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the transcriptional effects of the yqeH deletion to clarify the regulatory mechanisms of YqeH, and the role of YqeH in APEC virulence. The deletion of yqeH downregulated the transcript levels of several flagellum-, biofilm-, and virulence-related genes. Our results demonstrate that YqeH is involved in APEC pathogenesis, and the reduced virulence of APEC40-ΔyqeH may be related to its reduced motility and biofilm formation.
Some new dynamic Gronwall–Bellman–Pachpatte type inequalities with delay on time scales and certain applications
Authors: El-Deeb Ahmed A. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: April 2022

The main objective of the present article is to prove some new delay nonlinear dynamic inequalities of Gronwall–Bellman–Pachpatte type on time scales. We introduce very important generalized results with the help of Leibniz integral rule on time scales. For some specific time scales, we further show some relevant inequalities as special cases: integral inequalities and discrete inequalities. Our results can be used as handy tools for the study of qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of dynamic equations on time scales. Some examples are provided to demonstrate the applications of the results.
Existence of solutions for a class of nonlinear fractional difference equations of the Riemann–Liouville type
Authors: Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Guirao Juan L. G. , Hamed Y. S.
Published: April 2022

Nonlinear fractional difference equations are studied deeply and extensively by many scientists by using fixed-point theorems on different types of function spaces. In this study, we combine fixed-point theory with a set of falling fractional functions in a Banach space to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions of a class of fractional difference equations. The most important part of this article is devoted to correcting a significant mistake made in the literature in using the power rule by providing further conditions for its validity. Also, we provide specific conditions under which difference equations have attractive solutions and the solutions are also asymptotically stable. Furthermore, we construct some fractional difference examples in order to illustrate the validity of the observed results.
Cold exposure prevents fat accumulation in striped hamsters refed a high-fat diet following food restriction
Authors: Huo Da-Liang , Bao Meng-Huan , Cao Jing , Zhao Zhi-Jun
Published: April 2022

Background

In mammals, body mass lost during food restriction is often rapidly regained, and fat is accumulated when ad libitum feeding is resumed. Studies in small cold-acclimated mammals have demonstrated significant mobilization of fat deposits during cold exposure to meet the energy requirements of metabolic thermogenesis. However, no studies to our knowledge have examined the effect of cold exposure on fat accumulation during body mass recovery when refed ad libitum. In this study, striped hamsters restricted to 80% of their regular food intake were then refed ad libitum and exposed to one of three conditions: Intermittent cold temperature (5 °C) for 2 h per day (ICE-2 h/d), intermittent cold temperature (5 °C) for 12 h per day (ICE-12 h/d), or persistent cold exposure (PCE) for four weeks. We measured energy intake, fat deposit mass, serum thyroid hormone levels, and uncoupling protein 1 expression in brown adipose tissue.

Results

There was no significant effect of intermittent or persistent cold exposure on body mass regain, whereas energy intake increased significantly and total fat deposit decreased in the ICE-12 h/d and PCE groups compared to the ICE-2 h/d group and control group maintained at 23 °C (CON). In the ICE-12 h/d and PCE groups, hamsters had 39.6 and 38.3% higher serum 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine levels, respectively, and 81.6 and 71.3% up-regulated expression of uncoupling protein 1, respectively, in brown adipose tissue compared to their counterparts in the CON group. The rate of mitochondrial state III and state IV respiration O2 consumption and the activity of cytochrome c oxidase in BAT and liver were significantly higher in the ICE-12 h/d and PCE groups than in the ICE-2 h/d and CON groups.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest thyroid hormone-mediated heat production in brown adipose tissue and liver may be involved in preventing fat accumulation during refeeding in animals frequently or persistently exposed to cold conditions.
Impacts of computer-assisted diagnostic assessment on sustainability of L2 learners’ collaborative writing improvement and their engagement modes
Authors: Pourdana Natasha
Published: April 2022

Diagnostic assessment (DIA) is under-researched in second/foreign language education despite its common practice across a wide range of professions such as medicine, mechanics, and information technology. This study aimed at exploring the impact of computer-assisted DIA on the sustainable improvement of English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) learners’ collaborative writing and engagement modes. To do so, 36 selected EFL university students were paired to collaborate on writing data commentary tasks whose performances were subjected to the teacher’s regular DIA in Google Meet and task-wise student reflective logs over ten weeks. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated dyads’ significant progress in lower-level writing skills (sentence structure, word choice & grammar, mechanics), but no considerable progress in higher-level writing skills (organization and development). The results of one-way ANOVA showed the DIA impact on individuals’ sustainable writing improvement from the pretest to the immediate and delayed posttests. Students’ reflective logs were analyzed to explore their behavioral, emotional, and cognitive modes of engagement in computer-assisted DIA. Theme frequency analysis indicated the participants’ active behavioral engagement in terms of their notable amount of time per task. They conveyed their emotional engagement in the user-friendliness of Google Meet, real-time social presence, and low anxiety experienced with DIA. Their cognitive engagement was depicted by their major approval of DIA and positive self-assessment of writing improvement. Yet, some participants were critical to the prioritization of language form(s) over the content in teacher DIA practice. This study yielded pedagogical implications for the L2 teachers to blend DIA, task-based academic writing, and student collaboration in e-learning contexts.
How can we recruit more men of African or African-Caribbean ancestry into our research? Co-creating a video to raise awareness of prostate cancer risk and the PROFILE study
Authors: Hainsworth Emma , McGrowder Eva , McHugh Jana , Bancroft Elizabeth , Mahabir Sean , Webber Winston , Eeles Rosalind , Cruickshank Susanne
Published: April 2022

Background

Men of African ancestry are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer (PrCa) compared to men from other backgrounds. The PROFILE study aims to understand whether genetic information can better target who needs PrCa screening. PROFILE has so far had difficulty reaching men of African or African -Caribbean ancestry to take part. In this involvement project we worked in partnership with a group of such men to co-create a video to raise awareness of PrCa risk amongst this community and promote participation in the study.

Methods

We recruited seven men of African or African-Caribbean ancestry who completed an initial survey on the Cancer Patients’ Voice platform. We then held an online discussion panel and maintained contact to encourage dialogue and planning of the video. Utilising a participatory approach, the ideas for the video were decided in collaboration with the panel who held expert knowledge of various communities and understood the messages that would best resonate and engage with other men of the same origins. Once the video had been edited and finalised, two members of the group expressed interest in writing up the project and are listed as co-authors.

Results

The video in its entirety was driven by the panel’s ideas. The choice of a barber shop setting; leading with a positive case study and highlighting the importance of men’s family members rather than a focus on scientific language, statistics or researchers were all features that were discussed and agreed upon by the panel. The men shared the video within their networks. It was placed on websites and promoted as part of a social media campaign during Black History Month.

Conclusions

Groups with the greater healthcare needs and the most to gain from advances in care and treatment can often be the most excluded from research participation. This is pertinent in PrCa research where men of African or African-Caribbean ancestry are at greater risk. The project gave equal power and decision making to the men and provides an example of successful inclusive involvement. The result was a unique approach to making a study video.
Understanding the psychodynamic functioning of patients with PTSD and CPTSD: qualitative analysis from the OPD 2 interview
Authors: Favaretto Taís Cristina , Both Luciane Maria , da Cruz Benetti Sílvia Pereira , Freitas Lúcia Helena Machado
Published: April 2022

The traumatic event produces intolerable excitations to the psychic apparatus that searches to relief them through the production of symptoms. When established, patients with post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) may experience flashbacks, somatizations, negative emotions about themselves, and difficulty in social contact. This work seeks to understand how the psychodynamic functioning of women victims of interpersonal and urban violence, diagnosed with these disorders, is organized, identifying traumatic experiences, ways of interpersonal relationships, conflicts and psychic structures and use of defense mechanisms, and for peculiarities that may differentiate these disorders. The qualitative transversal method was used through the content analysis of clinical interviews based on the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis (OPD-2). The sample of this study consisted of five women with PTSD and five with CPTSD. The following categories were created: reasons for seeking care, symptoms and desire for treatment, traumatic developmental events, and characteristics of the psychic functioning. Early trauma generates psychic organizations with greater disintegration. A new traumatic event destabilizes the psychic organization and intensifies symptoms. Relationships were marked by dependence and isolation. Participants with CPTSD presented tendency to disintegration related to the object relation regulation and the psychic conflict was of Individuation versus Dependence, with more primitive flaws in object representations, existential need for the other and direct discharge of impulses. Participants with PTSD had moderate to low level of object relation integration and the conflict was need to be care of versus self-sufficiency, with self-representations being fragile and with reduced capacity to manage impulses. Thus, it could be observed that OPD-2 is capable of assessing in a broad and deep way patients with traumatic disorders, in addition to identifying essential peculiarities to guide health professionals towards treatment in the search for better quality of life for patients.
Imaged-guided focused ultrasound in combination with various formulations of doxorubicin for the treatment of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Haumann Rianne , Bianco John I. , Waranecki Piotr M. , Gaillard Pieter J. , Storm Gert , Ries Mario , van Vuurden Dannis G. , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. , Hulleman Esther
Published: April 2022

Background

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a notoriously difficult tumor to treat, with an overall survival of DIPG patients being only 11 months. One of the major obstacles for the effective treatment of DIPG is the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In order to circumvent the BBB, drug delivery methods are needed that target the pontine area. One such approach is microbubble-mediated focused ultrasound (FUS)—a non-invasive method that can temporarily and locally open the BBB. Previously, it was shown that FUS is safe with minimal side effects and rapid recovery times in preclinical animal models with different DIPG tumors. However, recent studies have shown that combining FUS with a single treatment of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin did not improve survival in a DIPG xenograft model. As the duration of doxorubicin exposure might play a role in tumor response, we hypothesized that the use of a long-circulation (PEGylated) liposomal formulation of doxorubicin could lead to improved overall survival through a longer exposure time to the tumor.

Method

DIPG xenograft models were established with orthotopic injections of HSJD-DIPG-07 tumor cells into the pontine area of female athymic nude-foxn1nu mice. Tumor engraftment was confirmed with bioluminescence imaging (BLI) 40 days post-inoculation. Mice were randomized into groups receiving either liposomal formulations of doxorubicin (2B3-101 or Caelyx®) or free doxorubicin in combination with or without FUS treatment. Treatment groups received 5 mg/kg 2B3-101 or Caelyx® 1 h before FUS treatment or 5 mg/kg free doxorubicin immediately after FUS.

Results

Histological analysis, however, revealed liposome extravasation in healthy controls but not in HSJD-DIPG-07 xenograft 24 h after treatment. Furthermore, BLI monitoring did not show reduced signal after treatment, which was further illustrated with a survival analysis, showing no significant difference between treated and control animals (p = 0.3).

Conclusion

We did not observe a treatment effect after a single dose of free doxorubicin or the liposomal formulations 2B3-101 or Caelyx® in combination with FUS in DIPG-bearing mice.
Ameliorative effect of ethanol extract of Eragrostis tremula Hochst. ex Steud. against diazepam-induced amnesia in mice
Authors: Nazifi Abdullahi Balarabe , Abubakar Abdulhakim , Magaji Mohammed Garba , Aliyu Musa , Danjuma Nuhu Mohammed
Published: April 2022

Background

Eragrostis tremula Hochst. ex Steud. (Poaceae) is used in ethno-medicine as a memory enhancer. Studies have shown that the whole plant possesses memory enhancing potentials and could be beneficial in the management of amnesia and cognitive deficit.

Aim

This study was aimed at investigating the actions of E. tremula extract on diazepam-induced amnesia in mice. Acute toxicity profiling was done as stated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD 425). Oral doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of E. tremula extract were used for the diazepam-induced amnesia studies. Cognitive function was evaluated using elevated plus maze (EPM) and novel object recognition tests (NORT). The brain tissues were evaluated for the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results

The oral median toxic dose of E. tremula extract was assessed to be > 5000 mg/kg in mice. The extract substantially (p < 0.05) reduced the transfer latency of mice during the retention phase of EPM test. In the NORT, E. tremula extract at all the doses appreciably (p < 0.05) reduced the exploration time on the familiar object. Also, it substantially (p < 0.05) improved the recognition index. E. tremula extract substantially (p < 0.05) reduced the MDA levels, and at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, it prevented the cortical and hippocampal tissues from lesions produced by diazepam.

Conclusions

Eragrostis tremula extract is practically safe after acute administration and possesses anti-amnesic actions.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation to the motor cortex after stroke (NETS): study protocol
Authors:   The NETS Trial Collaboration Group,   Writing Committee, Gerloff Christian , Heise Kirstin-Friederike , Schulz Robert , Hummel Friedhelm C. , Wolf Silke , Zapf Antonia ,   Study Investigators, Cordes Diana , Gerloff Christian , Heise Kirstin-Friederike , Hummel Friedhelm , Schulz Robert , Wolf Silke , Haevernick Kerstin , Krüger Heike , Krause Linda , Suling Anna , Wegscheider Karl , Zapf Antonia , Dressnandt Jürgen , Schäpers Barbara , Schrödl Christoph , Hauptmann Björn , Kirchner Anja , Brault Anna , Gutschalk Alexander , Richter Constanze , Nowak Dennis A. , Veldema Jitka , Koch Giacomo , Maiella Michele , Dohle Christian , Jettkowski Katrin , Pilz Mario , Hamzei Farsin , Olischer Lydia , Renner Caroline , Groß Marcus , Jöbges Michael , Voller Bernhard
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The WHO estimates that each year 5 million people are left permanently disabled after stroke. Adjuvant treatments to promote the effects of rehabilitation are urgently needed. Cortical excitability and neuroplasticity can be enhanced by non-invasive brain stimulation but evidence from sufficiently powered, randomized controlled multi-center clinical trials is absent.

Methods

Neuroregeneration enhanced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in stroke (NETS) tested efficacy and safety of anodal tDCS to the primary motor cortex of the lesioned hemisphere in the subacute phase (day 5–45) after cerebral ischemia. Stimulation was combined with standardized rehabilitative training and repeatedly applied in 10 sessions over a period of 2 weeks in a planned sample of 120 patients. Primary outcome parameter was upper-extremity function at the end of the 2-weeks intervention period of active treatment or placebo (1:1 randomization), measured by the upper-extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment. Sustainability of the treatment effect was evaluated by additional follow-up visits after 30 and 90 days. Further secondary endpoints included metrics of arm and hand function, stroke impact scale, and the depression module of the patient health questionnaire.

Perspective

NETS was aimed at providing evidence for an effective and safe adjuvant treatment for patients after stroke.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00909714. Registered May 28, 2009.
Advances in research on maize lethal necrosis, a devastating viral disease
Authors: Jiao Zhiyuan , Tian Yiying , Wang Juan , Ismail Ragab Gomaa , Bondok Ahmed , Fan Zaifeng
Published: April 2022

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is a devastating disease of maize caused by synergistic infection with maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and at least one potyvirid (e.g., sugarcane mosaic virus, SCMV). MLN results in leaf necrosis, premature aging, and even whole plant death and can cause up to 100% losses in yield. MLN has emerged worldwide and resulted in serious loss in maize production. Over the past decade, extensive research has been conducted to understand the epidemic and pathogenic mechanisms of MLN. In this review, we summarize recent findings in understanding the biological functions of proteins from both viruses and discuss recent advances in molecular plant-virus interactions, particularly the co-evolutionary arms race between maize anti-viral defense and viral pathogenesis (counter-defense). Based on recent research progress, we discuss how to combine different strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of maize resistance to MCMV/SCMV, and the possible approaches for effective control of MLN.
The need to identify novel biomarkers for prediction of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Authors: Kabodmehri Roya , Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Sorouri Zahra Rafiei , Gashti Nasrin Ghanami
Published: April 2022

Background

Premature ovarian failure (POF)/premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by disrupting ovarian function under 40 years old. A major health problem of this disorder is female infertility. There are no proven treatments to increase the rate of pregnancy with autologous oocytes in these patients. This review aims to summarize our present knowledge about POI-induced infertility treatments and to highlight the importance of future researches in the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers and treatment of patients with this disorder.

Methods

A literature review was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar databases by relevant keywords, such as POI, POF, premature ovarian failure, premature ovarian insufficiency, and biomarkers.

Results

Two hundred three studies were included in the study following the search for the keywords. Titles and abstracts of the identified articles were evaluated for detecting relevant full-length articles.

Conclusion

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level appears to have considerable value as a diagnostic test for POI, but it is not reliable enough to be able to predict accurately the timing of onset of impending POI. Using an accurate biomarker, POI can be diagnosed early and infertility treatment that is concerned about can be done on time. Biomarkers in combination with other diagnostic tests could result in prediction of POI before the development of complete ovarian failure.
Budd-Chiari syndrome: epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a case series in Northwest Spain
Authors: Pérez-González Alexandre , Argibay Ana , Lorenzo-Castro Rut , Martín-Granizo Ignacio , Rivera-Gallego Alberto
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare vascular disease of the liver, characterised by occlusion of the venous outflow tract. Cancer, pyogenic liver infection, and prothrombotic haematological conditions are the most frequent causes of BCS. The treatment and prognosis of the disease are closely related to the underlying cause.

Methods

This is a retrospective case-series study performed in Spain, in a health area of around 523,000 inhabitants. Cases were identified in the discharge database of the hospital between 2000 and 2020. Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and prognosis data were obtained from the patient medical records.

Results

A total of 15 cases were identified. Most of them were male patients (n = 8, 53.3%) with a median age of 52 years. The most common cause of BCS was cancer (n = 6, 40.0%) followed by liver abscesses (n = 4, 26.7%). The most frequent clinical course was subacute hepatitis (n = 8, 53.3%); 12 of the 15 patients (80%) received anticoagulant treatment, and interventional treatment was carried out in 4 patients (26.7%). Seven patients died within 6 months (46.7%), 6 of them due to progression of the underlying disease, most often cancer; 2 patients (13.3%) developed liver cirrhosis after BCS.

Discussion

The incidence of BCS was low but higher than in other European studies. In addition, this current research showed a different aetiology than previously described. The mortality rate was extremely high and closely related to the underlying disease. The involvement of classic prothrombotic haematological factors was less common than previously described.