bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cancer screening services provided for people living with HIV in Botswana, 2022–2023
Authors: Mathoma Anikie , Sartorius Benn , Mahomed Saajida
Published: May 2024

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) have an increased risk of cancers. Currently, Botswana has no screening guidelines for common cancers in PLHIV except cervical cancer. Also, the proportion of PLHIV who are screened for cancer is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate cancer screening services for PLHIV receiving care in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics. Resources for cancer screening were assessed and medical records of adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2020 to 2021 in 20 high-volume HIV clinics in Gaborone and Francistown were reviewed. Questionnaires assessing knowledge and practices of cancer screening were administered to health workers. The majority of clinics had the required resources for cancer screening (specifically cervical cancer). Of the 62 health workers working at the HIV clinics, 57 (91.9%) completed the questionnaire: 35 (62.5%) nurses and 22 (37.5%) doctors. Only 26.3% of the health workers were trained in cervical cancer screening. Doctors were more likely to report practicing routine screening of other cancers (e.g. breast) (p = 0.003) while more nurses reported assessing patients for cancer history during follow-up visits (p = 0.036). Most health workers did not perform physical examinations to detect cancer at initial or follow-up visits. Of the 1000 records of PLHIV reviewed, 57.3% were females, and only 38% of these were screened for cervical cancer. Besides cervical cancer, almost all (97.8%) were not screened for any cancer at ART initiation and during follow-up. These findings highlight the need to improve cancer screening services of PLHIV in Botswana through the training of health workers, and the development and enhanced use of screening guidelines.
Effects of Catecholaminergic and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Response Inhibition
Authors: Koyun Anna Helin , Wendiggensen Paul , Roessner Veit , Beste Christian , Stock Ann-Kathrin
Published: May 2024

Background

The principle of gain control determines the efficiency of neuronal processing and can be enhanced with pharmacological or brain stimulation methods. It is a key factor for cognitive control, but the degree of how much gain control may be enhanced underlies a physical limit.

Methods

To investigate whether methylphenidate (MPH) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) share common underlying mechanisms and cognitive effects, we administered MPH and anodal tDCS (atDCS) over the right inferior frontal gyrus both separately and combined, while healthy adult participants (n = 104) performed a response selection and inhibition task. The recorded EEG data were analyzed with a focus on theta band activity, and source estimation analyses were conducted.

Results

The behavioral data show that MPH and atDCS revealed interactive effects on the ability to inhibit responses. Both MPH and atDCS modulated task-related theta oscillations in the supplementary motor area when applied separately, making a common underlying mechanism likely. When both stimulation methods were combined, there was no doubling of effects in the supplementary motor area but a shift to inferior frontal areas in the cortical network responsible for theta-driven processing.

Conclusions

The results indicate that both MPH and atDCS likely share a common underlying neuronal mechanism, and interestingly, they demonstrate interactive effects when combined, which are most likely due to the physical limitations of gain control increases. The current study provides critical groundwork for future combined applications of MPH and non-invasive brain stimulation.
Cross-efficiency aggregation by ordered visibility graph averaging: method, and application in portfolio selection
Authors: Kumari Reenu , Aggarwal Abha , Gupta Anjana
Published: May 2024

Accepted by: Ali Emrouznejad

In research and practice of data envelopment analysis (DEA), the arithmetic average is commonly used to aggregate cross-efficiency scores. For this, each decision-making unit contributes an equal weight, and many essential decision-making details are lost in the final aggregated cross-efficiency. We propose a novel application of the ordered visibility graph averaging (OVGA) operator for DEA cross-efficiency aggregation and apply the proposed method to study the portfolio selection problem. When solving this problem, several practical concerns, such as a budget, cardinality, buy-in requirements and restrictions against short selling, are also considered. The proposed OVGA aggregated cross-efficiency approach is explained through a numerical example, followed by the formulation of optimal portfolios based on these cross-efficiencies. The suggested method is also tested using empirical data from the Indian banking industry. The results of this study can be used to create the most acceptable portfolio in stock companies, financial institutions and businesses in the public and private sectors.
The Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Community Indoor Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Francis Mark Rohit , Gidado Saheed , Nuorti J Pekka
Published: May 2024

Background

Quantifying the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in indoor settings is crucial for developing effective non-vaccine prevention strategies and policies. However, summary evidence on the transmission risks in settings other than households, schools, elderly care, and health care facilities is limited. We conducted a systematic review to estimate the secondary attack rates (SARs) of SARS-CoV-2 and the factors modifying transmission risk in community indoor settings.

Methods

We searched Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO COVID-19 Research Database, MedrXiv, and BiorXiv from 1 January 2020 to 20 February 2023. We included articles with original data for estimating SARS-CoV-2 SARs. We estimated the overall and setting-specific SARs using the inverse variance method for random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

We included 34 studies with data on 577 index cases, 898 secondary cases, and 9173 contacts. The pooled SAR for community indoor settings was 20.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.0%–32.5%). The setting-specific SARs were highest for singing events (SAR, 44.9%; 95% CI, 14.5%–79.7%), indoor meetings and entertainment venues (SAR, 31.9%; 95% CI, 10.4%–65.3%), and fitness centers (SAR, 28.9%; 95% CI, 9.9%–60.1%). We found no difference in SARs by index case, viral, and setting-specific characteristics.

Conclusions

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission was highest in indoor settings where singing and exercising occurred. Effective mitigation measures such as assessing and improving ventilation should be considered to reduce the risk of transmission in high-risk settings. Future studies should systematically assess and report the host, viral, and setting-specific characteristics that may modify the transmission risks of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in indoor environments.
Why Westphalia Still Matters: Territorial Rights under Empire
Authors: Mueser Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Territory is a distinctive feature of modern international politics, but there is little consensus over what about it is distinctively modern. Recent scholarship in historical international relations (IR) takes modern territoriality to be defined by the practice of creating and enforcing borders. Scholarship therefore dismisses the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, once thought to be the origin of the sovereign territorial state, because it did not change border practices. However, this approach ignores legal history. I argue that territory is a legal concept, and a history of modern territoriality must explain under what conditions rulers expressed their authority as territorial in nature. This article explains why the legal evolution of territorial rights (landeshoheit, iure territorii) in early modern Europe was distinctive of the Holy Roman Empire (HRE). While national monarchies asserted their “sovereignty” as non-territorial in order to capture overseas empires, the HRE developed a legal doctrine of territorially circumscribed jurisdiction within the imperial hierarchy. The Peace of Westphalia was a culminating event in which diverse privileges were recast as a single territorial right. Territorial autonomy was not only consistent with the hierarchy of the HRE but was fundamental to preserving it. This article has two contributions. First, it adds to recent scholarship on modern territoriality by explaining how legal history furnished the preconditions for ruling territory. Second, it places Westphalia and the empire’s legal history within the recent turn toward empire in historical IR. An important source for the development of international law was the internal constitution of the HRE. This prompts us to reconsider the notion that international law assumes a world of sovereign territorial states. On the contrary, early international law concerned territorial states nested within imperial hierarchy, not the anarchy of sovereignty.
The individual contributions of blaB, blaGOB and blaCME on MICs of β-lactams in Elizabethkingia anophelis
Authors: Chen Pei-Jing , Tan Mei-Chen , Huang Wei-Cheng , Hsu Shu-Yuan , Chen Te-Li , Yang Chiou-Ying , Kuo Shu-Chen
Published: May 2024

Background

The blaB, blaGOB and blaCME genes are thought to confer β-lactam resistance to Elizabethkingia anophelis, based on experiments conducted primarily on Escherichia coli.

Objectives

To determine the individual contributions of β-lactamase genes to increased MICs in E. anophelis and to assess their impact on the in vivo efficacy of carbapenem therapy.

Methods

Scarless gene deletion of one or more β-lactamase gene(s) was performed in three clinical E. anophelis isolates. MICs were determined by broth microdilution. Hydrolytic activity and expressions of β-lactamase genes were measured by an enzymatic assay and quantitative RT–PCR, respectively. In vivo efficacy was determined using Galleria mellonella and murine thigh infection models.

Results

The presence of blaB resulted in >16-fold increases, while blaGOB caused 4–16-fold increases of carbapenem MICs. Hydrolysis of carbapenems was highest in lysates of blaB-positive strains, possibly due to the constitutionally higher expression of blaB. Imipenem was ineffective against blaB-positive isolates in vivo in terms of improvement of the survival of wax moth larvae and reduction of murine bacterial load. The deletion of blaB restored the efficacy of imipenem. The blaB gene was also responsible for a >4-fold increase of ampicillin/sulbactam and piperacillin/tazobactam MICs. The presence of blaCME, but not blaB or blaGOB, increased the MICs of ceftazidime and cefepime by 8–16- and 4–8-fold, respectively.

Conclusions

The constitutionally and highly expressed blaB gene in E. anophelis was responsible for increased MICs of carbapenems and led to their poor in vivo efficacy. blaCME increased the MICs of ceftazidime and cefepime.
Development of a multimodal geomarker pipeline to assess the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on pediatric health outcomes
Authors: Manning Erika Rasnick , Duan Qing , Taylor Stuart , Ray Sarah , Corley Alexandra M S , Michael Joseph , Gillette Ryan , Unaka Ndidi , Hartley David , Beck Andrew F , Brokamp Cole ,   RISEUP Research Team, Anyigbo Chidiogo , Crosby Lori , de Leon Magdely Diaz , Egbo John , Foley Ben , Henize Adrienne , Jones Margaret , Jones Nana-Hawa Yayah , Kahn Robert , Krantz Landon , Lipps Lauren , Power-Hayes Alexandra , Quinn Charles , Quinonez Elizabeth , Riley Carley , Sandoval Laura , Shook Lisa , Steller Jeffrey
Published: May 2024

Objectives

We sought to create a computational pipeline for attaching geomarkers, contextual or geographic measures that influence or predict health, to electronic health records at scale, including developing a tool for matching addresses to parcels to assess the impact of housing characteristics on pediatric health.

Materials and Methods

We created a geomarker pipeline to link residential addresses from hospital admissions at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) between July 2016 and June 2022 to place-based data. Linkage methods included by date of admission, geocoding to census tract, street range geocoding, and probabilistic address matching. We assessed 4 methods for probabilistic address matching.

Results

We characterized 124 244 hospitalizations experienced by 69 842 children admitted to CCHMC. Of the 55 684 hospitalizations with residential addresses in Hamilton County, Ohio, all were matched to 7 temporal geomarkers, 97% were matched to 79 census tract-level geomarkers and 13 point-level geomarkers, and 75% were matched to 16 parcel-level geomarkers. Parcel-level geomarkers were linked using our exact address matching tool developed using the best-performing linkage method.

Discussion

Our multimodal geomarker pipeline provides a reproducible framework for attaching place-based data to health data while maintaining data privacy. This framework can be applied to other populations and in other regions. We also created a tool for address matching that democratizes parcel-level data to advance precision population health efforts.

Conclusion

We created an open framework for multimodal geomarker assessment by harmonizing and linking a set of over 100 geomarkers to hospitalization data, enabling assessment of links between geomarkers and hospital admissions.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix Application for Complex Wound Reconstruction
Authors: Grande Payton Kathryn , Hill David , McElfresh Jenessa , Velamuri Ram , Liu Xiangxia
Published: May 2024

Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) is a synthetic dermal template recently developed to reconstruct complex wounds. Current literature describes BTM outcomes in the presence of infection and other comorbidities but is limited by small sample sizes. The purpose of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to determine the current breadth and success of BTM use for complex wound closure. Databases were searched to identify previously published studies describing BTM use in human wounds. Studies were excluded if conducted in vitro, using nonhuman animals, or for procedures irrelevant to wound care. A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 202 patients. The most common injury treated with BTM was burns (68 cases, 33.7%) followed by acute surgical wounds (59 cases, 29.2%). The large majority of patients did not experience any postoperative infections (76.6%). Infected wounds were associated with a 7.5-day delay from BTM to grafting. Univariate regression analyses showed a negative association between time to BTM implantation and age, exposed muscle, and exposed tendon (p < 0.001). In total 92% of patients received BTM implantation less than 2 weeks from admission. A total of 84% of patients had a greater than 95% BTM take. The median time to split-thickness skin graft (STSG) was 34 days, and 92% of patients experienced a greater than 95% STSG survival. To our knowledge, this is the first reported systemic review on the application of BTM for wound reconstruction. According to the published data, BTM is a versatile dermal template for complex wounds coverage with a low risk of infection, high template take rate, and excellent autograft survival.
Towards a relevant African philosophy of education
Authors: Chapfika Blessing
Published: May 2024

Most African philosophers would accept the observation that the ‘African philosophy question’—Is there an African philosophy, and if there is, what is it?—and the different responses to it have not only generated much debate in African philosophy but have also had a significant impact on its development. Since its inception about half a century ago, African philosophy has gained recognition as a member of the world philosophies and established itself as an academic discipline. African philosophy owes these significant inroads, at least in part, to the challenge presented by the African philosophy question and the African predicament. In view of this, it remains crucial that African philosophers continue to clarify the nature of African philosophy as a field of study. Oruka captures the different scholarly responses to the African philosophy question in his famous four varieties or trends of African philosophy: (1) ethnophilosophy, (2) nationalist–ideological philosophy, (3) philosophical sagacity, and (4) professional philosophy. This article offers a general critique of these varieties of African philosophy, reflects on the nature of African philosophy and philosophizing, and argues for a relevant African philosophy of education. The article argues an African philosophy of education that considers features of the African thought that enable and enthuse African people to problem-solve and participate fully in and contribute to world affairs. As such, the article advocates Africanization, criticality, dialogue, and African humanism as the sine qua non features of African philosophy of education. The article also responds to some notable objections to the proposed African philosophy of education.
Interaction of extreme drought and insect herbivores on grassland community is affected by drought pattern
Authors: Luo Ye , Ke Yuguang , Wang Hongqiang , Xu Chong , Gu Qian , Yu Qiang , Smith Melinda D , Madrimov Rajabboy , Samatov Nuriddin , Yang Wei , Wu Honghui
Published: May 2024

Extreme drought and insect herbivores can affect plant community non-independently, and their interaction may be influenced by drought pattern. However, few studies have explored the interaction on plant community structure, and no study has investigated whether the interaction is affected by drought pattern. We explored the interaction of different extreme drought patterns and insect herbivores with a manipulated experiment in a semiarid grassland. There were three treatments for drought: control—ambient precipitation; chronic drought—66% precipitation reduction in the growing season (May–August); intense drought—completely exclusion of rain events from June to July. Herbivores removal and present treatments were imposed within each drought treatment. We found that although herbivores had no significant effects on the impacts of droughts on total species richness, it alleviated the impacts of chronic drought on total cover, and the alleviating role decreased under intense drought. Comparing with intense drought, more increasing of grass cover led to more alleviation under chronic drought associated with the decrease of forb which has low leaf carbon and dry matter content, along with high starch, calcium, magnesium and manganese concentration. These results indicate that the interaction of drought and herbivores is affected by drought pattern, and the changes in leaf traits that reduce herbivores feeding in grass might alleviate the impact of drought on grassland.
On the origin of the quasi-periodic micro-pulses observed in the radio-frequency emission of some neutron stars
Authors: Jones P B
Published: May 2024

The linear relationship between pulsar micro-pulse widths and rotation period is consistent with the existence of a physical length L on the neutron-star surface and seen on the observer arc of transit across the polar cap. Within the ion–proton model it is the width of the minimum area of surface that can support the critical growth rate of the unstable two-beam Langmuir mode that is the source of the radio emission.
NF-κB factors cooperate with Su(Hw)/E4F1 to balance Drosophila/human immune responses via modulating dynamic expression of miR-210
Authors: Zhou Hongjian , Huang Yu , Jia Chaolong , Pang Yujia , Liu Li , Xu Yina , Jin Ping , Qian Jinjun , Ma Fei
Published: May 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in controlling immune responses, but their dynamic expression mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we firstly confirm that the conserved miRNA miR-210 negatively regulates innate immune responses of Drosophila and human via targeting Toll and TLR6, respectively. Secondly, our findings demonstrate that the expression of miR-210 is dynamically regulated by NF-κB factor Dorsal in immune response of Drosophila Toll pathway. Thirdly, we find that Dorsal-mediated transcriptional inhibition of miR-210 is dependent on the transcriptional repressor Su(Hw). Mechanistically, Dorsal interacts with Su(Hw) to modulate cooperatively the dynamic expression of miR-210 in a time- and dose-dependent manner, thereby controlling the strength of Drosophila Toll immune response and maintaining immune homeostasis. Fourthly, we reveal a similar mechanism in human cells, where NF-κB/RelA cooperates with E4F1 to regulate the dynamic expression of hsa-miR-210 in the TLR immune response. Overall, our study reveals a conservative regulatory mechanism that maintains animal innate immune homeostasis and provides new insights into the dynamic regulation of miRNA expression in immune response.
Duckling survival increased with availability of flooded wetland habitat and decreased with salinity concentrations in a brackish marsh
Authors: Peterson Sarah H , Ackerman Joshua T , Hartman C Alex , Greenawalt Andrew C , Casazza Michael L , Herzog Mark P
Published: May 2024

Waterfowl population recruitment is sensitive to duckling survival. We quantified predator types and survival rates for Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard) and Mareca strepera (Gadwall) ducklings in one of the largest brackish water marshes in western North America (Suisun Marsh, California) using 556 radio-tagged ducklings from 284 broods tracked during the 2016 to 2019 breeding seasons. Overall, 78% of ducklings died and 84% of mortalities occurred < 7 days after hatch. After hatching in upland fields, survival was greater for broods that hatched closer to flooded wetlands; broods had a ≥ 75% chance of surviving the move from the nest to water when nests were located ≤ 140 m from the nearest wetland and ≤ 50% chance of surviving when nests were located ≥ 970 m from the nearest wetland. Predation accounted for 91% of mortalities and was attributed to mammals (27.6%), birds (22.0%), snakes (4.4%), and unknown predators (46.0%). Anas platyrhynchos survival to fledging (54 days) was only 3.2% and 0.9% during 2 drier years and 11.7% and 16.7% during 2 wetter years. Mareca strepera survival to fledging was 9.4% to 11.2% among years. Daily survival rates for ducklings generally increased with the amount of flooded wetlands within 0.5 km (A. platyrhynchos) and 1.0 km (M. strepera) of the nest at hatch. Additionally, survival rates increased with duckling age and body mass at hatch for both species and decreased with hatch date for A. platyrhynchos but not M. strepera, which may be partially due to the earlier onset of A. platyrhynchos nesting. For ducklings that survived the initial move to water, survival rates were negatively correlated with salinity and this effect was more pronounced for younger ducklings. Anas platyrhynchos survival to 7 days post hatch decreased by 9.1% (wetter year) to 31.4% (drier year) when ducklings were in 12 ppt water (99th quantile of cumulative salinity concentrations experienced by ducklings) versus 0.5 ppt water. Mareca strepera survival to 7 days decreased by 7.4% when ducklings were in 12 ppt vs. 0.5 ppt water. Our results suggest that maintaining a network of low salinity wetlands within 1 km of upland nesting sites would likely improve duckling survival rates, especially during the critical 7-day period after hatch.
Avian hatching failure rates did not increase during the last century, although species of high conservation concern appear particularly susceptible to factors leading to reproductive failure
Authors: Heggøy Oddvar , Gohli Jostein , Lislevand Terje
Published: May 2024

Increasing levels of global environmental change may have negative impacts on fertility and embryo viability in animals that could explain a recently reported increase in hatching failure in bird eggs across the globe. Here we test this relationship again by analyzing a dataset containing almost twice as many species and covering a longer time period than earlier works (n = 431 species during the period 1906–2022). We also tested for effects of Red List status and global population size. We found that hatching failure rates in a combined group of bird species currently classified as threatened (IUCN Red List categories Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable) or Near Threatened, peaked in the late 1970s to early 1980s and thereafter declined. A similar trend also existed in species with relatively small global populations. In contrast, no temporal trends were found in species in the Least Concern category, or in species with large global populations. Moreover, hatching failure rates declined significantly with increasing global population sizes. The temporal peak of hatching failure rates in threatened and Near Threatened species corresponds with the peak in environmental levels of the insecticide DDT. While this could suggest that environmental pollution caused the temporal trends in hatching failure rates, effects of inbreeding in small and threatened populations sampled more frequently during this period could not be excluded. Although we found no evidence suggesting that the rates of hatching failure in bird eggs are increasing, the current study supports previous works showing that species of high conservation concern appear to be more susceptible to factors leading to reproductive failure than other species.
Transcription factor ZmEREB97 regulates nitrate uptake in maize (Zea mays) roots
Authors: Wu Qi , Xu Jinyan , Zhao Yingdi , Wang Yuancong , Zhou Ling , Ning Lihua , Shabala Sergey , Zhao Han
Published: May 2024

Maize (Zea mays L.) has very strong requirements for nitrogen. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulations of nitrogen uptake and translocation in this species are not fully understood. Here, we report that an APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) transcription factor ZmEREB97 functions as an important regulator in the N signaling network in maize. Predominantly expressed and accumulated in main root and lateral root primordia, ZmEREB97 rapidly responded to nitrate treatment. By overlapping the analyses of differentially expressed genes and conducting a DAP-seq assay, we identified 1,446 potential target genes of ZmEREB97. Among these, 764 genes were coregulated in 2 lines of zmereb97 mutants. Loss of function of ZmEREB97 substantially weakened plant growth under both hydroponic and soil conditions. Physiological characterization of zmereb97 mutant plants demonstrated that reduced biomass and grain yield were both associated with reduced nitrate influx, decreased nitrate content, and less N accumulation. We further demonstrated that ZmEREB97 directly targets and regulates the expression of 6 ZmNRT genes by binding to the GCC-box-related sequences in gene promoters. Collectively, these data suggest that ZmEREB97 is a major positive regulator of the nitrate response and that it plays an important role in optimizing nitrate uptake, offering a target for improvement of nitrogen use efficiency in crops.
Heat and law enforcement
Authors: Behrer A Patrick , Bolotnyy Valentin
Published: May 2024

Using administrative criminal records from Texas, we show how high temperatures affect the decision-making of police officers, prosecutors, and judges. We find that police reduce the number of arrests made per reported crime on the hottest days and that arrests made on these days are more likely to be dismissed in court. For prosecutors, high temperature on the day they announce criminal charges does not appear to affect the nature and severity of the charges. Judges, however, dismiss fewer cases, issue longer prison sentences, and levy higher fines when ruling on hot days. Our results suggest that the psychological and cognitive consequences of exposure to high temperatures have meaningful consequences for criminal defendants as they interact with the criminal justice system.
Impact of the gut microbiome composition on social decision-making
Authors: Falkenstein Marie , Simon Marie-Christine , Mantri Aakash , Weber Bernd , Koban Leonie , Plassmann Hilke
Published: May 2024

There is increasing evidence for the role of the gut microbiome in the regulation of socio-affective behavior in animals and clinical conditions. However, whether and how the composition of the gut microbiome may influence social decision-making in health remains unknown. Here, we tested the causal effects of a 7-week synbiotic (vs. placebo) dietary intervention on altruistic social punishment behavior in an ultimatum game. Results showed that the intervention increased participants’ willingness to forgo a monetary payoff when treated unfairly. This change in social decision-making was related to changes in fasting-state serum levels of the dopamine-precursor tyrosine proposing a potential mechanistic link along the gut–microbiota–brain-behavior axis. These results improve our understanding of the bidirectional role body–brain interactions play in social decision-making and why humans at times act “irrationally” according to standard economic theory.
The Targeted Motor Control Screening Tool Is Valid for 4-Year-Old Children
Authors: Brown Laura , Bacon Amanda , Pacey Verity , Ilhan Emre
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective was to determine the validity of the Targeted Motor Control (TMC) screening tool with the Neurosensory Motor Developmental Assessment (NSMDA) in 4-year-old children.

Methods

In this single cohort observational study, children (3 years 9 months to 4 years 5 months) completed the TMC and the NSMDA in a randomized order 5 to 14 days apart.

Results

Seventy-six children (mean age = 4 years 2 months; standard deviation = 2.5 months; n = 35 male) completed both assessments. Forty-two children performed within the normal range on the NSMDA. There were significant and positive moderate correlations between the item totals overall and for each area on the NSMDA and the TMC (r = 0.40–0.61), and between the NSMDA functional grade for each area and the corresponding TMC areas (r = 0.47–0.67). However, the correlation between the NSMDA sensorimotor functional grade and the TMC sensory score was significant but low and positive (r = 0.35). The optimal cut-off score for detecting children at risk of atypical development on the TMC was a score of <9 (n = 42) (sensitivity = 82.4%; specificity = 66.7%), with a positive likelihood ratio of 2.47 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57–3.89) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.26 (95% CI = 0.12–0.56).

Conclusion

The TMC is a valid screening tool to identify 4-year-old children at risk of motor delay.

Impact

Early identification of developmental concerns using a validated screening tool is recommended. The TMC is a valid performance-based screening tool that can be used to identify children at risk of atypical motor development who would benefit from further developmental assessment so that, if indicated, timely intervention can be implemented.
Erosive progression by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and conventional radiography in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Therkildsen Josephine , Klose-Jensen Rasmus , Hänel Mathias , Langdahl Bente L , Thygesen Jesper , Thomsen Jesper S , Manske Sarah L , Keller Kresten K , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to assess erosive progression during 1 year compared with conventional radiography (CR) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This prospective study included 359 patients with RA (disease duration ≥5 years) between March 2018 and October 2020. HR-pQCT and CR were obtained at inclusion and after 1 year. Erosive assessment was performed at two metacarpophalangeal joints of the dominant hand using HR-pQCT, and progression was defined as an increase in erosion number ≥1 or an increase in erosive volume > least significant change. CR of hands, wrists and feet was evaluated using Sharp/van der Heijde scores and erosive progression was defined as a 1.1-point increase in erosion score according to the smallest detectable change.

Results

In paired analyses (n = 310), erosive progression was identified in 30 patients using CR and in 40 patients using HR-pQCT. In the 40 patients with erosive progression on HR-pQCT, progression was not identified by CR in 33 patients. Adding HR-pQCT to CR doubled the proportion of patients identified with progression from 30 (10%) to 63 (20%) patients. Using CR as the reference, the sensitivity of HR-pQCT for identifying erosive progression was 23.3% (95% CI: 9.9, 42.3%) and the specificity was 88.2% (95% CI: 83.8, 91.7%).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with erosive progression are overlooked using CR only to monitor erosive progression. Adding high-resolution peripheral CT to CR doubles the proportion of patients who may benefit from individualized therapy targeting erosive progression in RA.
Effect of wheat middling incorporation into wet corn distillers grains with solubles on apparent diet digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in growing and finishing diets
Authors: Duncan Zachary M , DeBord Zachary L , Pflughoeft Madison G , Hollenbeck William R , Titgemeyer Evan C , Olson K C , Blasi Dale A
Published: May 2024

Two separate cross-over experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of incorporating wheat middlings into wet corn distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on apparent diet digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in growing and finishing diets. In experiment 1, four ruminally cannulated heifers (313 ± 42.9 kg) were limit fed a high-energy growing diet that included WDGS (CON) or WDGS + wheat middlings (CON + WM) at 40% of diet dry matter (DM). The diet also contained (DM basis) 39.5% dry-rolled corn, 7.5% supplement, and 13% warm-season grass hay. In experiment 2, four ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (321 ± 17.4 kg) were fed a finishing diet that included WDGS (CON) or WDGS + wheat middlings (CON + WM) at 30% of diet DM. The diet also contained (DM basis) 60.3% dry-rolled corn, 2.7% supplement, and 7.0% warm-season grass hay. Experiments consisted of two 15-d periods that were conducted concurrently. Each period included 10 d of diet adaptation, 4 d of fecal collection, and 1 d of ruminal fluid collection. Fecal samples were collected on days 11 to 14 of each period and composite samples were analyzed for chromium to estimate apparent diet digestibility. On day 15, ruminal fluid samples were collected prior to feeding and again at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24-h post-feeding. In experiment 1, DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake did not differ (P ≥ 0.11) between diets; however, starch intake was greater (P = 0.03) for heifers fed CON + WM compared with CON. Apparent DM, OM, NDF, and starch digestibilities were similar between diets (P ≥ 0.13), but feeding CON + WM tended to lead to lesser (P = 0.06) apparent ADF digestibility. Ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations did not differ between diets (P ≥ 0.16); however, ruminal ammonia concentrations tended to be less (P = 0.09) for CON + WM compared with CON. In experiment 2, DM intake did not differ (P = 0.65) between diets. Apparent DM digestibility was greater (P = 0.01) for CON + WM compared with CON but the difference was small. Intake and apparent digestibility of OM, NDF, ADF, and starch did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) between diets. Ruminal ammonia concentrations were lesser (P = 0.03) while ruminal pH was greater (P = 0.02) for CON + WM compared with CON. Overall, incorporation of wheat middlings into WDGS had minimal impacts on feed intake, apparent diet digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics when fed to growing and finishing cattle.
The mathematics pipeline in England: inclusion and the excellence stream
Authors: Brignell Christopher , Noyes Andrew , Jacques Laurie
Published: May 2024

In England, there is currently heightened political interest in increasing mathematics attainment and maximizing post-16 participation. The latter is not merely an issue for upper secondary but requires a long-view of students’ mathematical progress. This paper reports such a system-level overview of the mathematics education pipeline in England based on analysis of linked data from the National Pupil Database (NPD) and Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). A sequence of mixed-effect logistic regression models at each phase of the education pipeline are developed to predict attainment in General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), A level and undergraduate mathematics and participation in post-16 and university mathematics. In particular, we focus on the impact of prior attainment and student demographics: gender, ethnicity and socio-economic status. The analysis identifies four important findings. Firstly, female participation and attainment in A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics is lower than that of male students, which impacts their representation in undergraduate mathematics, despite them marginally outperforming male students at both GCSE and degree level. Secondly, the attainment and participation of students of Asian ethnicity in GCSE and A level Mathematics is striking in its positive divergence from the trends of other ethnic groups, whereas White students have higher attainment than other ethnic groups at university. Thirdly, many students from poorer backgrounds fall behind their peers during years 7 to 11, and their participation and attainment in A level Mathematics is also reduced compared to their more affluent peers. Lastly, students who study A level Further Mathematics are more likely to study undergraduate mathematics, but they are no more likely to achieve a first-class degree, compared to those who haven’t studied Further Mathematics. The findings should be informative to policymakers and other stakeholders who can put in place enhancements and interventions to improve the outcomes for underrepresented groups.
Single-cell insights into mouse testicular toxicity under peripubertal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Authors: Li Yongning , Tian Yaru , Xu Miao , Qiu Xuemei , Bao Zhongjian , Shi Miaoying , Deng Fuchang , Chen Yuanyuan , Tang Song , Wan Yi , Jia Xudong , Yang Hui
Published: May 2024

Male fertility depends on normal pubertal development. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a potent antiandrogen chemical, and exposure to DEHP during peripuberty can damage the developing male reproductive system, especially the testis. However, the specific cellular targets and differentiation processes affected by DEHP, which lead to testicular toxicity, remain poorly defined. Herein, we presented the first single-cell transcriptomic profile of the pubertal mouse testis following DEHP exposure. To carry out the experiment, 2 groups (n = 8 each) of 3-week-old male mice were orally administered 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt or 100 mg/kg body weight DEHP daily from postnatal day 21–48, respectively. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, a total of 31 distinct cell populations were identified, notably, Sertoli and Leydig cells emerged as important targets of DEHP. DEHP exposure significantly decreased the proportions of Sertoli cell clusters expressing mature Sertoli markers (Sox9 and Ar), and selectively reduced the expression of testosterone synthesis genes in fetal Leydig cells. Through cell–cell interaction analyses, we observed changed numbers of interactions in Sertoli cells 1 (SCs1), Leydig cells 1 (LCs1), and interstitial macrophages, and we also identified cell-specific ligand gene expressions in these clusters, such as Inha, Fyn, Vcam1, and Apoe. Complementary in vitro assays confirmed that DEHP directly reduced the expression of genes related to Sertoli cell adhesion and intercellular communication. In conclusion, peripubertal DEHP exposure reduced the number of mature Sertoli cells and may disrupt testicular steroidogenesis by affecting the testosterone synthesis genes in fetal Leydig cells rather than adult Leydig cells.
Complanatuside A ameliorates 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced colitis in mice by regulating the Th17/Treg balance via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yueyue , Song Xue , Xia Yongsheng , Zhang Wenjing , Li Wenjie , Wang Yu , Li Jing , Geng Zhijun , Zhang Xiaofeng , Wang Lian , Zuo Lugen , Hu Jianguo
Published: May 2024

Immunity imbalance of T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells is involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). Complanatuside A (CA), a flavonol glycoside, exerts anti‐inflammatory activities and our study aimed to identify its effect on TNBS‐induced colitis and the possible mechanisms. We found that CA alleviated the symptoms of colitis in TNBS mice, as demonstrated by prevented weight loss and colon length shortening, as well as decreased disease activity index scores, inflammatory scores, and levels of proinflammatory factors. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CA markedly reduced the percentage of Th17 cells while increasing the percentage of Treg cells in TNBS mice. Under Th17 cell polarizing conditions, CA inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells while the Treg cell differentiation was elevated under Treg cell polarizing conditions. Furthermore, it was observed that JAK2 interacted with CA through six hydrogen bonds via molecular docking. The phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 was reduced by CA, which might be correlated with the protective effect of CA on colitis. In conclusion, CA reduced the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in TNBS‐induced colitis, which may provide novel strategies for CD treatment.
Pilot Testing Transcreated Spanish-Language Study Materials for Symptom Research With Infants and Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fortney Christine A. , Garcia Dana , Gerhardt Cynthia A. , Baughcum Amy E. , Slaughter Jonathan L. , Rodriguez Erin M.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Rising admission rates of Hispanic/Latinx families to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have increased the number of non-English-speaking individuals who may wish to participate in research studies. However, a lack of appropriately translated research study materials may limit the opportunity for these families to be involved in research that could impact the care that infants and families receive in the NICU.

Purpose:

The primary purpose was to pilot test study materials that were transcreated from English to Spanish with the assistance of a bilingual community advisory board with Spanish-speaking parents of NICU infants.

Methods:

A total of 19 Spanish-speaking parents (15 mothers and 4 fathers) who were representative of the population of interest completed paper-and-pencil surveys, along with a cognitive interview. Preliminary data related to decision-making and goals of care, infant symptoms, and their experiences in the NICU were also collected.

Results:

The internal reliability of the transcreated study instruments ranged from good to excellent (α= 0.82-0.99). Participants reported that study materials were not offensive and did not make them feel uncomfortable; however, they found some words/phrases to be confusing. Parents had the opportunity to provide suggested wording changes.

Implications for Practice and Research:

Language barriers and a lack of cultural responsiveness can affect the care that infants and their families receive. More accurate and culturally appropriate transcreation of study materials can remove barriers to research participation and facilitate better communication with non-English-speaking families, which may lead to the development of better-informed evidence-based interventions and clinical practices in the NICU.
Prophylactic Unfractionated Heparin in Antepartum Hospitalizations
Authors: Mok Thalia , Nguyen Anissa V. , Kwan Lorna , Steinberg Irving , Vallera Cristianna , Silverman Neil S. , Rao Rashmi
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effect of gestational age–based dosing of unfractionated heparin (UFH) compared with standard dosing of UFH for thromboprophylaxis on an elevated serum activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during prolonged antepartum hospitalizations.

METHODS:

This was a randomized trial of pregnant persons who were admitted in the antepartum period for at least 72 hours. Participants were randomly allocated to the standard dose of UFH (5,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours) or the gestational age–based dose of UFH (first trimester [less than 14 weeks]: 5,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours; second trimester [14–27 6/7 weeks]: 7,500 units subcutaneously every 12 hours; third trimester (28 weeks or more): 10,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours). The primary outcome was the proportion of antepartum patients who had an elevated serum aPTT value above the normal range (more than 36.2 seconds) 6 hours after an UFH dose. Secondary outcomes included the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and reported side effects of heparin administration.

RESULTS:

Between December 15, 2020, and April 1, 2022, 97 patients with antepartum hospitalizations were screened and 46 were randomized: 22 allocated to standard dosing and 24 allocated to gestational age–based dosing of UFH. A significantly greater proportion of antepartum patients who received gestational age–based dosing had an abnormal elevation in aPTT compared with those who received standard dosing (33.3% vs 4.8%, P=.02). Gestational age–based dosing resulted in higher maximum [interquartile range] aPTT (30.4 [27.4, 37.5] vs 26.6 [23.0, 29.6], P=.01) and anti-Xa levels (0.09 [0.09, 0.11] vs 0.09 [0.09, 0.09], P=.04). There was no significant difference in VTE between groups (P=.47).

CONCLUSION:

Gestational age–based dosing of UFH for thromboprophylaxis of antepartum hospitalizations was associated with significantly increased rates of elevated coagulation parameters compared with standard fixed dosing. This study suggests a need for close monitoring if higher doses of UFH during pregnancy are used later in gestation. The efficacy of gestational age–based dosing compared with standard dosing for UFH to prevent thromboembolic events remains an area for future investigation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04635839.