bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Curious Construct of Active Learning
Authors: Lombardi Doug , Shipley Thomas F. ,   Astronomy Team, Biology Team, Chemistry Team, Engineering Team, Geography Team, Geoscience Team, and Physics Team, Bailey Janelle M. , Bretones Paulo S. , Prather Edward E. , Ballen Cissy J. , Knight Jennifer K. , Smith Michelle K. , Stowe Ryan L. , Cooper Melanie M. , Prince Michael , Atit Kinnari , Uttal David H. , LaDue Nicole D. , McNeal Peggy M. , Ryker Katherine , St. John Kristen , van der Hoeven Kraft Kaatje J. , Docktor Jennifer L.
Published: April 2021

The construct of active learning permeates undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but despite its prevalence, the construct means different things to different people, groups, and STEM domains. To better understand active learning, we constructed this review through an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration involving research teams from psychology and discipline-based education research (DBER). Our collaboration examined active learning from two different perspectives (i.e., psychology and DBER) and surveyed the current landscape of undergraduate STEM instructional practices related to the modes of active learning and traditional lecture. On that basis, we concluded that active learning—which is commonly used to communicate an alternative to lecture and does serve a purpose in higher education classroom practice—is an umbrella term that is not particularly useful in advancing research on learning. To clarify, we synthesized a working definition of active learning that operates within an elaborative framework, which we call the construction-of-understanding ecosystem. A cornerstone of this framework is that undergraduate learners should be active agents during instruction and that the social construction of meaning plays an important role for many learners, above and beyond their individual cognitive construction of knowledge. Our proposed framework offers a coherent and actionable concept of active learning with the aim of advancing future research and practice in undergraduate STEM education.
Attitude and Acceptability of the Self-Sampling in HPV Carrier Women
Authors: Rodríguez Gloria Maricela Guerra , Ornelas Octavio Augusto Olivares , Vázquez Héctor Manuel Gil , Esquivel Dalia Sarahí Silguero , Champion Jane Dimmitt
Published: April 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a primary cause of cervical cancer. Multiple strains of HPV lead to cervical intraepithelial injuries that later progress to cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes toward and acceptability of self-sampling among Mexican women who have HPV.

Methods:

The descriptive, cross-sectional design included a convenience sample of Mexican women with a previous diagnosis of cervical dysplasia.

Results:

Women ( n = 61) were young adults ( M = 27 years, SD = 6.92) reporting single marital status (55%) and sexually active (93%). Mean age at onset of sexual activity was 17 years; a majority of women (78.8%) had more than one sexual partner in their lifetime with 56.6% reporting between two and five partners. All (100%) of the women indicated that they would “choose self-sampling for HPV detection” and would recommend it to other women. Concerning “attitudes toward HPV,” the women responded that it is necessary to comply with HPV treatment and understand that preventative measures can avoid HPV transmission.

Conclusion:

Women reported high acceptability for self-sampling and positive attitudes toward HPV diagnostic procedures. Women indicated substantial interest in learning more about HPV, its transmission, preventive measures, routine testing, and recommended self-sampling for HPV detection.
Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with aortic stiffness in nondialysis diabetic patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lin Ssu-Chin , Wu Tsung-Jui , Wu Du-An , Hsu Bang-Gee
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Albuminuria and serum adiponectin levels are factors that have been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. Here we investigated the relationship between serum adiponectin levels and aortic stiffness in nondialysis diabetic kidney disease patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 80 nondialysis diabetic kidney disease patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured using applanation tonometry; cfPWV values of >10 m/s were defined as aortic stiffness. Serum adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay.

Results

Forty-two patients (52.5%) with nondialysis diabetic kidney disease were diagnosed with aortic stiffness. The patients in this group were older ( p =  0.011), had higher systolic blood pressure ( p =  0.002) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios ( p =  0.013), included fewer females ( p =  0.024), and had lower serum adiponectin ( p =  0.001) levels than those in the control group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that serum adiponectin was independently associated with aortic stiffness (odds ratio = 0.930, 95% confidence interval: 0.884–0.978, p =  0.005) and also positively correlated with cfPWV values by multivariable linear regression ( β = –0.309, p =  0.002) in nondialysis diabetic kidney disease patients.

Conclusions

The results suggested that serum adiponectin levels could be used to predict aortic stiffness in nondialysis diabetic kidney disease patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease.
Popliteal entrapment syndrome—The case for a new classification
Authors: Jayaraj Arjun , Gloviczki Peter , Duncan Audra A , Kalra Manju , Oderich Gustavo S , DeMartino Randall R , Bower Thomas C
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To assess the ability of the current classification system for popliteal entrapment syndrome to accurately capture all patients, and if not, to design an all-inclusive new classification.

Methods

Retrospective review of all interventions performed for popliteal entrapment syndrome between 1994 and 2013 at our institution was performed. Preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings were used to establish the compressive morphology of popliteal entrapment syndrome. Patients were categorized, when possible, into six types of the current classification system (Rich classification, modified by Levien) and into seven types of a new classification.

Results

Sixty-seven limbs of 49 patients were operated on for unilateral (31) or bilateral (18) popliteal entrapment syndrome. The current classification system captured the anatomy of only 43 (64%) of 67 limbs with popliteal entrapment syndrome. Compressive morphologies without a defined class included aberrant insertion of the lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle, muscle slip originating from the lateral head of gastrocnemius or hamstrings, hypertrophied hamstring muscle, abnormal fibrous bands, perivascular connective tissue, and prominent lateral femoral condyle. The new classification captured 100% of the limbs with popliteal entrapment syndrome.

Conclusions

Current classification of popliteal entrapment syndrome is inadequate as more than one-third of the cases reviewed fell outside of the standard classification system. Consideration of a more inclusive new anatomic classification system is warranted.
Teacher leaders’ brokerage practice in China: Impact on teacher learning in a school–university partnership
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Wong Jocelyn LN
Published: April 2021

School–university partnerships bring meaningful learning opportunities for teachers, and empowering teachers with leadership roles has become an important approach for teacher learning. This study shows how teacher leaders exercised brokerage practice to support teacher learning in one small-scale school–university partnership in China based on interview data from a university expert, three school management team members, eight master teachers and backbone teachers as teacher leaders, and nine teachers. The study discusses the significance of expanding the forms of teacher leadership with brokerage practices, examines the combination of professional and managerial roles embedded within teacher leaders’ brokerage, and addresses the issue of unequal distribution of learning opportunities. Implications are also discussed.
Characterization of the tumor immune-microenvironment of adenocarcinoma of lung with a metastatic lesion in the pancreas treated successfully with first-line, single-agent pembrolizumab
Authors: Saltman David L. , Nielsen Tyler J. , Salina Davide , Hout David R. , McMahon Frank B. , Valev Boris R. , Huk Michael , Chandra Pranil K. , Spille Jeremy , Seitz Robert S. , Schweitzer Brock L.
Published: April 2021

Single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer can significantly prolong progression-free and overall survival when compared with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Here, we report a case of newly diagnosed adenocarcinoma of the lung with a solitary brain metastasis and a biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma in the tail of the pancreas. Cytomorphology and immunohistochemistry suggested the lung and pancreas tumors were distinct primaries. However, molecular analysis of the lung primary and tumor in the pancreas revealed the same mutations of functional significance in PIK3CA, NF1 and TP53, suggesting the tumors were clonal. A total of three cycles of single-agent pembrolizumab, and radiation to the lung and brain administered between cycles 1 and 2, resulted in marked responses in lung, brain and pancreatic tumors. Despite the discontinuation of the pembrolizumab after three cycles due to severe immune-mediated toxicities, the patient has had no progression 11 months after stopping all active treatment. Results of a novel 27-gene immuno-oncology (IO) expression assay revealed strong IO scores for the lung and pancreatic tumors, indicating a favorable tumor immune-microenvironment and possibly explaining the significant response.
Multiple sclerosis: prevalence of the ‘central vein’ sign in white matter lesions on gadolinium-enhanced susceptibility-weighted images
Authors: Sparacia Gianvincenzo , Agnello Francesco , Iaia Alberto , Banco Aurelia , Galia Massimo , Midiri Massimo
Published: April 2021

Aims

To evaluate prospectively whether an intravenous gadolinium injection could improve the detection of the central vein sign on susceptibility-weighted imaging sequences obtained with a 1.5 T magnetic resonance scanner in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to unenhanced susceptibility-weighted images.

Materials and methods

This prospective, institution review board-approved study included 19 patients affected by multiple sclerosis (six men; 13 women; mean age 40.8 years, range 20–74 years). Patients had the relapsing–remitting clinical subtype in 95% of cases, and only one (5%) patient had the primary progressive clinical subtype of multiple sclerosis. T2-weighted images, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, unenhanced and contrast-enhanced susceptibility-weighted images were evaluated in consensus by two neuroradiologists for the presence of the central vein sign. The readers were blinded to magnetic resonance imaging reports, clinical information, the presence and the localisation of focal hyperintense white matter lesions. Any discordance between readers was resolved through a joint review of the recorded images with an additional neuroradiologist.

Results

A total of 317 multiple sclerosis lesions were analysed. The central vein sign had a higher prevalence detection rate on gadolinium-enhanced susceptibility-weighted images (272 of 317 lesions, 86%) compared to unenhanced susceptibility-weighted images (172 of 317 lesions, 54%).

Conclusion

Gadolinium-enhanced susceptibility-weighted imaging improves the detection rate of the central vein sign in multiple sclerosis lesions.
Post-mastectomy pain syndrome: A timely review of its predisposing factors and current approaches to treatment
Authors: Tan Pei Yu , Anand Singh Prit , Chan Diana Xin Hui
Published: April 2021

Background:

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) has been reported to occur in 25–60% of patients following surgeries for breast cancer, the highest occurring cancer in women worldwide. There has been much research interest due to this high prevalence. However, there is still a lack of incorporation of PMPS prevention strategies in standard perioperative plans, and our understanding of this condition is still incomplete.

Objectives:

This narrative review discusses recent literature on modifiable risk factors, current approaches to prevention and treatment and potential directions for future treatment and research.

Methods:

A PubMed search with the relevant keywords was done for articles published in the last 10 years.

Results:

The incidence of PMPS can be reduced by early recognition and management of modifiable risk factors as well as the perioperative use of analgesics and regional nerve blocks. These also have a significant role in the management of established PMPS together with surgical interventions and physical therapy.

Conclusions:

PMPS is still poorly defined and hence underdiagnosed and undertreated at this point. Perioperative peripheral nerve blocks have a very promising role as preventive analgesia to reduce the risk of developing PMPS, but large-scale randomised controlled studies will need to be done to evaluate their comparative efficacy. There is a need to prioritise PMPS prevention as a standard inclusion into the perioperative plans of mastectomy patients.
Utility of 3T single-voxel proton MR spectroscopy for differentiating intracranial meningiomas from intracranial enhanced mass lesions
Authors: Matsusue Eiji , Inoue Chie , Tabuchi Sadaharu , Yoshioka Hiroki , Nagao Yuichiro , Matsumoto Kensuke , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Fujii Shinya
Published: April 2021

Background

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides structural and metabolic information that is useful for the diagnosis of meningiomas with atypical radiological appearance. However, the metabolite that should be prioritized for the diagnosis of meningiomas has not been established.

Purpose

To evaluate the differences between the metabolic peaks of meningiomas and other intracranial enhanced mass lesions (non-meningiomas) using MR spectroscopy in short echo time (TE) spectra and the most useful metabolic peak for discriminating between the groups.

Material and Methods

The study involved 9 meningiomas, 22 non-meningiomas, intracranial enhancing tumors and abscesses, and 15 normal controls. The ranking of the peak at 3.8 ppm, peak at 3.8 ppm/Creatine (Cr), β-γ Glutamine-Glutamate (bgGlx)/Cr, N-acetyl compounds (NACs)/Cr, choline (Cho)/Cr, lipid and/or lactate (Lip-Lac) at 1.3 ppm/Cr, and the presence of alanine (Ala) were derived. The metabolic peaks were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. ROC analysis was used to determine the cut-off values for differentiating meningiomas from non-meningiomas using statistically significant metabolic peaks.

Results

The ranking of the peak at 3.8 ppm among all the peaks, peak at 3.8 ppm/Cr, bgGlx/Cr, Lip-Lac/Cr, and the presence of Ala discriminated meningiomas from non-meningiomas with moderate to high accuracy. The highest accuracy was 96.9% at a threshold value of 3 for the rank of the peak at 3.8 ppm.

Conclusion

A distinct elevated peak at 3.8 ppm, ranked among the top three highest peaks, allowed the detection of meningiomas.
How Do Individual-Level Characteristics Influence Cross-Domain Risk Perceptions Among Chinese Urban Residents?
Authors: Zhang Yanbo , Wang Yibao , Ahmad Ahmad Bayiz , Shah Ashfaq Ahmad , Qing Wen
Published: April 2021

While previous studies show that risk perceptions vary across populations and domains, there is little empirical evidence on the interplay between individual-level characteristics and risk domains in shaping perceived social risks in a country such as China. This study examines empirically the effects of individual-level characteristics on risk perceptions across different domains. Based on a large sample survey data from 31 provincial capitals in China, our analysis demonstrates that risk perceptions fall into four domains: contingencies, health threat, natural hazards, and social security. The multilevel model estimates indicate that confidence in local government responsible for risk management and being a male are uniformly and significantly correlated to less risk perceptions among all risk domains. Education presents a consistent pattern in amplifying risk perceptions, with only some effects on perceived health threat and contingencies displaying statistical significance. Also, age and income exhibit mixed associations with risk perceptions, only with age significantly attenuating perceived contingencies. The results also demonstrate that religious faith, party membership, and Hukou are related to risk perceptions. We discuss the theoretical and policy implications of our findings and conclude with research limitations and future research avenues.
Development of the Short Scale of the Multidimensional Emotional Competence Questionnaire in a German Sample
Authors: Gerbeth Sebastian , Stamouli Elena , Mulder Regina H.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is the development of a short self-report tool of the Multidimensional Emotional Competence Questionnaire (MECQ). The MECQ consists of 109 items representing 11 factors resulting in an ineffective usability in combination with other measurement instruments and constitutes the reason for this study. Based on the selection criteria at content and statistical level, the results of the analyses of 777 participants suggest the creation of a 32-item short version (MECQ-s). Confirmatory factor analysis supports a four-dimensional structure, including 11 factors of emotional competence (EC). The internal consistency reliability coefficients ranged from α = .75 to .76. A comparison between the MECQ and the MECQ-s provides evidence of construct validity. The main difference between the MECQ-s and other existing self-report tools is its multidimensionality integrating several factors of EC. Researchers and practitioners can use it to measure, map and describe, or evaluate EC.
Clients’ Perspective on Predetermined Time Limits for Therapy in the Context of the Norwegian Welfare System
Authors: Stige Signe Hjelen , Binder Per-Einar , Stiegler Jan Reidar , Schanche Elisabeth , Hummelslund Didrik Andreassen , Hjeltnes Aslak
Published: April 2021

Limited capacity and high demand for mental health care drive efforts to improve the efficiency of treatment and increasingly result in predetermined time limits for treatment, even in government-covered treatment in welfare systems. How do clients experience having predetermined time limits for psychotherapy? We analyzed the transcripts of interviews with 18 participants who had completed a return to work (RTW) intervention based on emotion-focused therapy (EFT) that had predetermined time limits. The analysis identified four experiential trajectories through therapy with predetermined time limits, representing four narrative themes: Trajectory A: It is ok to stop here—Not wanting more therapy; Trajectory B: Seeing the benefits of continued therapy, but ready to give life a go without treatment; Trajectory C: Being on one’s own too early—Economic obstacles hindering the continuation of therapy; and Trajectory D: I need more than this—Securing continued therapy. Having the therapist communicate the timeframes for therapy clearly, while leaving room for individual tailoring of therapy, was experienced as very important by clients receiving psychotherapy with predetermined time limits.
Risk factors for complications following pelvic ring and acetabular fractures: A retrospective analysis at an urban level 1 trauma center
Authors: Henstenburg Jeffrey M , Larwa Joseph A , Williams Christine S , Shah Mitesh P , Harding Susan P
Published: April 2021

Background:

Pelvic ring and acetabular fractures are some of the most morbid in orthopedic trauma. They commonly require large exposures for fixation and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study attempts to identify risk factors for complications following operative fixation of pelvic injuries.

Methods:

126 patients treated for pelvic injuries were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, procedure characteristics, and outcomes were recorded. Variables associated with complications were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Complications occurred in 12 patients. Higher BMI, longer length of stay, and ilioinguinal approach were significantly associated with increased infection risk. Co-morbid heart disease and concurrent smoking status showed a trend for increased infection risk. Higher BMI and ilioinguinal approach were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of re-operation. Positive psychiatric history and Medicaid payer status showed a trend toward higher reoperation risk.

Conclusion:

Knowledge of these risk factors can help guide management and predict outcomes following pelvic fracture fixation.
Identifying Predatory Journals in Plastic Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Gallo Matteo , Gallo Lucas , Mowakket Sadek , Murphy Jessica , Duku Eric , Thoma Achilles
Published: April 2021

Background:

Predatory journals promise high acceptance rates and quick publication in exchange for a processing fee. As these journals aim to maximize profits, they neglect traditional mechanisms used to ensure a high-quality publication. Unsolicited email invitations are a characteristic of predatory journals that often inundate the inboxes of surgeons. The objective of this study is to use these emails to identify potentially predatory journals in the area of surgery and plastic surgery.

Methods:

Unsolicited email requests from surgery-related journals were collected over a 3-month period. Journals were evaluated using a modified version of the Rohrich and Weinstein checklist. The average number of “predatory” criteria met by these potentially predatory journals (PPJs) was compared to that of the top open-access plastic surgery journals which were assumed to be non-predatory for the purposes of this study.

Results:

In total, 437 unsolicited email requests were received. Of these, 92 emails, representing 57 PPJs, were eligible for inclusion. On average, the PPJs met 5 of the 12 “predatory” criteria, compared to less than 1 in the comparison group. Approximately 96% of these emails, or the respective websites, contained obvious spelling or grammatical mistakes; 98% of these emails came from journals not listed on Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and/or Web of Science.

Conclusions:

Of the journals that sent unsolicited emails, 98% met 2 or more criteria and were deemed to be predatory. If a journal contains grammatical mistakes and is not listed on Scopus, DOAJ, and/or Web of Science, authors should be cautious.
Attending to Methodological Challenges in Qualitative Research to Foster Participation of Individuals with Chronic Critical Illness and Communication Impairments
Authors: Howard Fuchsia , Crowe Sarah , Beck Scott , Haljan Gregory
Published: April 2021

Individuals with chronic critical illness experience multiple complex physiological disturbances including ongoing respiratory failure, requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, and thus communication impairments. In conducting a qualitative interpretive description study, we sought to ensure that individuals with chronic critical illness themselves were included as participants. Our commitment to recruiting these individuals to the study and ensuring their data meaningfully informed the analysis and findings required us to reconsider and challenge some of the traditional notions of high-quality qualitative research and develop appropriate practical strategies. These strategies included: (1) centering participant abilities and preferences, (2) adopting a flexible approach to conducting interviews, (3) engaging in a therapeutic relationship, and (4) valuing “thin” data. In this article, we extend existing literature describing the complexities of conducting research with individuals with communication impairments and strategies to consider in the hopes of informing future research with other populations historically excluded from study participation.
When Is My Care Team Rounding? A Simple Signage Intervention to Increase Awareness of Rounding Times
Authors: Qureshi Aater , Vats Anu , Jenkins Nyasia , Sleiman Andressa , Akel Miis , Tran Brian , Felipe Alfeil , Ger Christie , Wicklund Meredith , Busl Katharina M , Baron-Lee Jacqueline
Published: April 2021

Patient and caregiver awareness of multidisciplinary rounds (MDR) times, and their subsequent involvement in MDR, aids in decreasing adverse health outcomes, reducing average length of stay, and increasing satisfaction. The objective of this study was to increase patient and caregiver awareness of MDR times using signage interventions and to assess the state of rounding processes with patient and caregiver satisfaction pre- and post-intervention. We administered survey questions to assess MDR interaction and awareness regarding MDR times. Patient and caregiver awareness of rounding times increased significantly by 25.87% ( P = .0043) post-intervention. Although patients’ confidence in the physician remained largely unchanged after the intervention due to high initial confidence levels, MDR satisfaction metrics increased slightly post-intervention. Thus, our signage intervention increased rounding time awareness in the MDR process.
An Interprofessional, Multimodal, Family-Centered Quality Improvement Project for Sleep Safety of Hospitalized Infants
Authors: Erlick Mariah , Fioravanti Irene Dutko , Yaeger Jeffrey , Studwell Spencer , Schriefer Jan
Published: April 2021

The American Academy of Pediatrics published expanded guidelines for infant safe sleep in 2011, expanding the definition from “back to sleep” to “safe to sleep,” more fully describing risk factors and guidelines. In 2016, the guidelines were revised to promote “providers modeling safe sleep behavior” to the highest level of recommendation. Previous studies have addressed the difficulty in creating clear, consistent communication between health care providers and families during an infant’s inpatient stay. This institutional update describes an interprofessional and family-centered quality improvement project to improve sleep safety for hospitalized infants through a multimodal approach. Five family-centered interventions were designed: a designated safe sleep web page, a clear bedside guide to safe sleep, additional training for nursing staff in motivational interviewing, a Kamishibai card audit system, and electronic health record smart phrases. These coordinated interventions reflect advantages of an interprofessional and family-centered approach: building rapport and achieving improvements to infant sleep safety.
Evaluation of pharmacists’ awareness of illegal online pharmacies and perceived impact on safe access to medicines
Authors: Hertig John B , James Shannon M , Hummel Connor J , Rubin Matthew J
Published: April 2021

Background:

An estimated 95% of all online pharmacies operate unlawfully. Illegal online pharmacies distribute substandard and falsified medical products that may result in patient harm and suboptimal treatment, leading to an overall mistrust of medications, healthcare providers, and health systems. As medication experts, pharmacists are trusted to guide patients in selection of safe and effective medication therapy.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine gaps in knowledge and recognition of the negative clinical and safety impacts associated with illegal Internet pharmacies by licensed pharmacists.

Methods:

A 37-question electronic survey was developed and distributed to pharmacists across the United States by email via a database from the American Pharmacists Association. Descriptive statistics was utilized to analyze data.

Results:

A total of 347 pharmacists from across the United States responded to at least one question in the survey. In all, 58% of pharmacists reported a lack of confidence in their ability to counsel patients on the identification of illegal pharmacy websites. Fewer than 60% of pharmacists were able to accurately identify the legitimacy of a webpage based on visual characteristics. In addition, 75% of pharmacists reported being unfamiliar with resources available to help consumers identify safe and legitimate online pharmacies.

Conclusion:

Integration of the topic into pharmacy education curricula, training on available resources, and additional research into the prevalence and impact of illegal pharmacy websites are necessary to ensure that pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are adequately prepared to protect their communities from the threat of illegal online pharmacies.
Structure optimization of woven fabric composites for improvement of mechanical properties using a micromechanics model of woven fabric composites and a genetic algorithm
Authors: Hwang Gunyong , Kim Dong Hyun , Kim Myungsoo
Published: April 2021

This research aims to optimize the mechanical properties of woven fabric composites, especially the elastic modulus. A micromechanics model of woven fabric composites was used to obtain the mechanical properties of the fiber composite, and a genetic algorithm (GA) was employed for the optimization tool. The structure of the fabric fiber was expressed using the width, thickness, and wave pattern of the fiber strands in the woven fabric composites. In the GA, the chromosome string consisted of the thickness and width of the fill and warp strands, and the objective function was determined to maximize the elastic modulus of the composite. Numerical analysis showed that the longitudinal mechanical properties of the strands contributed significantly to the overall elastic modulus of the composites because the longitudinal property was notably larger than the transverse property. Therefore, to improve the in-plane elastic modulus, the resulting geometry of the composites possessed large volumes of related strands with large cross-sectional areas and small strand waviness. However, the numerical results of the out-of-plane elastic modulus generated large strand waviness, which contributed to the fiber alignment in the out-of-plane direction. The findings of this research are expected to be an excellent resource for the structural design of woven fabric composites.
Dyspnoea and respiratory muscle ultrasound to predict extubation failure
Authors: Dres Martin , Similowski Thomas , Goligher Ewan C. , Pham Tai , Sergenyuk Liliya , Telias Irene , Grieco Domenico Luca , Ouechani Wissale , Junhasavasdikul Detajin , Sklar Michael C. , Damiani L. Felipe , Melo Luana , Santis Cesar , Degravi Lauriane , Decavèle Maxens , Brochard Laurent , Demoule Alexandre
Published: April 2021

Background

This study investigated dyspnoea intensity and respiratory muscle ultrasound early after extubation to predict extubation failure.

Methods

The study was conducted prospectively in two intensive care units in France and Canada. Patients intubated for at least 48 h were studied within 2 h after an extubation following a successful spontaneous breathing trial. Dyspnoea was evaluated by a dyspnoea visual analogue scale (Dyspnoea-VAS) ranging from 0 to 10 and the Intensive Care Respiratory Distress Observational Scale (IC-RDOS). The ultrasound thickening fraction of the parasternal intercostal and the diaphragm was measured; limb muscle strength was evaluated using the Medical Research Council (MRC) score (range 0–60).

Results

Extubation failure occurred in 21 out of 122 enrolled patients (17%). The median (interquartile range (IQR)) Dyspnoea-VAS and IC-RDOS were higher in patients with extubation failureversussuccess: 7 (4–9)versus3 (1–5) (p<0.001) and 3.7 (1.8–5.8)versus1.7 (1.5–2.1) (p<0.001), respectively. The median (IQR) ratio of parasternal intercostal muscle to diaphragm thickening fraction was significantly higher and MRC was lower in patients with extubation failure compared with extubation success: 0.9 (0.4–2.1)versus0.3 (0.2–0.5) (p<0.001) and 45 (36–50)versus52 (44–60) (p=0.012), respectively. The thickening fraction of the parasternal intercostal and its ratio to diaphragm thickening showed the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for an early prediction of extubation failure (0.81). AUCs of Dyspnoea-VAS and IC-RDOS reached 0.78 and 0.74, respectively.

Conclusions

Respiratory muscle ultrasound and dyspnoea measured within 2 h after extubation predict subsequent extubation failure.
Effect of IL-15 addition on asbestos-induced suppression of human cytotoxic T lymphocyte induction
Authors: Kumagai-Takei Naoko , Nishimura Yasumitsu , Matsuzaki Hidenori , Lee Suni , Yoshitome Kei , Ito Tatsuo , Otsuki Takemi
Published: April 2021

Background

Asbestos fibers possess tumorigenicity and are thought to cause mesothelioma. We have previously reported that exposure to asbestos fibers causes a reduction in antitumor immunity. Asbestos exposure in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) showed suppressed induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), accompanied by a decrease in proliferation of CD8+ T cells. Recently, we reported that asbestos-induced suppression of CTL induction is not due to insufficient levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2). In this study, we continue to investigate the mechanism responsible for the effect of asbestos fibers on the differentiation of CTLs and focus on interleukin-15 (IL-15) which is known to be a regulator of T lymphocyte proliferation.

Methods

For MLR, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured with irradiated allogenic PBMCs upon exposure to chrysotile B asbestos at 5 μg/ml for 7 days. After 2 days of culture, IL-15 was added at 1 ng/ml. After 7 days of MLR, PBMCs were collected and analyzed for phenotypic and functional markers of CD8+ T cells with fluorescence-labeled anti-CD3, anti-CD8, anti-CD45RA, anti-CD45RO, anti-CD25, and anti-granzyme B antibodies using flow cytometry. To examine the effect of IL-15 on the expression level of intracellular granzyme B in proliferating and non-proliferating CD8+ lymphocytes, PBMCs were stained using carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and then washed and used for the MLR.

Results

IL-15 addition partially reversed the decrease in CD3+CD8+ cell numbers and facilitated complete recovery of granzyme B+ cell percentages. IL-15 completely reversed the asbestos-induced decrease in percentage of granzyme B+ cells in both non-proliferating CFSE-positive and proliferating CFSE-negative CD8+ cells. The asbestos-induced decrease in the percentage of CD25+ and CD45RO+ cells in CD8+ lymphocytes was not reversed by IL-15.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that CTLs induced upon exposure to asbestos possess dysfunctional machinery that can be partly compensated by IL-15 supplementation, and that IL-15 is more effective in the recovery of proliferation and granzyme B levels from asbestos-induced suppression of CTL induction compared with IL-2.
Complete genome sequence analysis of the peanut pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum strain Rs-P.362200
Authors: Chen Kun , Wang Lihui , Chen Hua , Zhang Chong , Wang Shanshan , Chu Panpan , Li Shaokang , Fu Huiwen , Sun Tao , Liu Menghan , Yang Qiang , Zou Huasong , Zhuang Weijian
Published: April 2021

Background

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex is an important soil-borne disease worldwide that affects more than 450 plant species, including peanut, leading to great yield and quality losses. However, there are no effective measures to control bacterial wilt. The reason is the lack of research on the pathogenic mechanism of bacterial wilt.

Results

Here, we report the complete genome of a toxic Ralstonia solanacearum species complex strain, Rs-P.362200, a peanut pathogen, with a total genome size of 5.86 Mb, encoding 5056 genes and the average G + C content of 67%. Among the coding genes, 75 type III effector proteins and 12 pseudogenes were predicted. Phylogenetic analysis of 41 strains including Rs-P.362200 shows that genetic distance mainly depended on geographic origins then phylotypes and host species, which associated with the complexity of the strain. The distribution and numbers of effectors and other virulence factors changed among different strains. Comparative genomic analysis showed that 29 families of 113 genes were unique to this strain compared with the other four pathogenic strains. Through the analysis of specific genes, two homologous genes (gene ID: 2_657 and 3_83), encoding virulence protein (such as RipP1) may be associated with the host range of the Rs-P.362200 strain. It was found that the bacteria contained 30 pathogenicity islands and 6 prophages containing 378 genes, 7 effectors and 363 genes, 8 effectors, respectively, which may be related to the mechanism of horizontal gene transfer and pathogenicity evaluation. Although the hosts of HA4–1 and Rs-P.362200 strains are the same, they have specific genes to their own genomes. The number of genomic islands and prophages in HA4–1 genome is more than that in Rs-P.36220, indicating a rapid change of the bacterial wilt pathogens.

Conclusion

The complete genome sequence analysis of peanut bacterial wilt pathogen enhanced the information of R. solanacearum genome. This research lays a theoretical foundation for future research on the interaction between Ralstonia solanacearum and peanut.
A comparative study on the reproductive success of two rewarding Habenaria species (Orchidaceae) occurring in roadside verge habitats
Authors: Zhang Wenliu , Gao Jiangyun
Published: April 2021

Background

Most orchid species have been shown to be severely pollination limited, and the factors affecting reproductive success have been widely studied. However, the factors determining the reproductive success vary from species to species. Habenaria species typically produce nectar but exhibit variable fruit set and reproductive success among species. Here, we investigated the influence of the flowering plant density, inflorescence size, breeding system, and pollinator behaviour on the reproductive success of two rewarding Habenaria species.

Results

Our observations indicated that Habenaria limprichtii and H. petelotii co-occur in roadside verge habitats and present overlapping flowering periods. Both species were pollination limited, although H. limprichtii produced more fruits than H. petelotii under natural conditions during the 3-year investigation. H. petelotii individuals formed distinct patches along roadsides, while nearly all H. limprichtii individuals clustered together. The bigger floral display and higher nectar sugar concentration in H. limprichtii resulted in increased attraction and visits from pollinators. Three species of effective moths pollinated for H. limprichtii, while Thinopteryx delectans (Geometridae) was the exclusive pollinator of H. petelotii. The percentage of viable seeds was significantly lower for hand geitonogamy than for hand cross-pollination in both species. However, H. limprichtii may often be geitonogamously pollinated based on the behaviours of the pollinators and viable embryo assessment.

Conclusions

In anthropogenic interference habitats, the behaviours and abundance of pollinators influence the fruit set of the two studied species. The different pollinator assemblages in H. limprichtii can alleviate pollinator specificity and ensure reproductive success, whereas the more viable embryos of natural fruit seeds in H. petelotii suggested reducing geitonogamy by pollinators in the field. Our results indicate that a quantity-quality trade-off must occur between species with different breeding strategies so that they can fully exploit the existing given resources.
Guidelines are needed for studies of pre-treatment HIV drug resistance: a methodological study
Authors: Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Ongolo-Zogo Clémence , Mendoza Olivia C. , Zani Babalwa , Morfaw Frederick , Nyambi Agatha , Wang Annie , Kiflen Michel , El-Kechen Hussein , Leenus Alvin , Youssef Mark , Rehman Nadia , Hermans Lucas , MacDonald Virginia , Bertagnolio Silvia
Published: April 2021

Background

The expansion of access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been accompanied by an increase in pre-treatment drug resistance (PDR). While it is critical to monitor the increasing prevalence of PDR across countries and populations to inform optimal regimen selection, the completeness of reporting is often suboptimal, limiting the interpretation and generalizability of the results. Indeed, there is no formal guidance on how studies investigating the prevalence of drug resistance should be reported. Thus, we sought to determine the completeness of reporting in studies of PDR and the factors associated with sub-optimal reporting to ascertain the need for guidelines.

Methods

As part of a systematic review on the global prevalence of PDR in key populations (men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, people who inject drugs and people in prisons), we searched 10 electronic databases until January 2019. We extracted information on selected study characteristics useful for interpreting prevalence data. Data were extracted in duplicate. Analyses of variance and correlation were used to explore factors that may explain the number of items reported.

Results

We found 650 studies of which 387 were screened as full text and 234 were deemed eligible. The included studies were published between 1997 and 2019 and included a median of 239 (quartile 1 = 101; quartile 3 = 778) participants. Most studies originated from high-income countries (125/234; 53.0%). Of 23 relevant data items, including study design, setting, participant sociodemographic characteristics, HIV risk factors, type of resistance test conducted, definition of resistance, the mean (standard deviation) number of items reported was 13 (2.2). We found that more items were reported in studies published more recently (r = 0.20; p < 0.002) and in studies at low risk of bias (F [2231] = 8.142; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Incomplete reporting in studies on PDR makes characterising levels of PDR in subpopulations across countries challenging. Hence, guidelines are needed to define a minimum set of variables to be included in such studies.
Pre-inhalation of hydrogen-rich gases protect against caerulein-induced mouse acute pancreatitis while enhance the pancreatic Hsp60 protein expression
Authors: Li Kun , Yin Hongling , Duan Yi , Lai Peizhen , Cai Yancheng , Wei Youzhen
Published: April 2021

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) lacks targeted prevention and treatment measures. Some key points in the pathogenesis of AP remain unclear, such as early activation of pancreatic enzymes. Several recent reports have shown the protective effect of hydrogen on several AP animal models, and the mechanism is related to antioxidant activity. Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) is known to accompany pancreatic enzymes synthesis and secretion pathway of in pancreatic acinar cells, while role of hsp60 in AP remains a topic. Aim of this study was to investigate effect of hydrogen pretreatment on AP and the mechanisms, focusing on pancreatic oxidative stress and Hsp60 expression.

Methods

80 mice were randomly assigned into four groups: HAP group, AP group, HNS group, and NS group and each group were set 3 observation time point as 1 h, 3 h and 5 h (n = 6–8). Mouse AP model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 50 μg/kg caerulein per hour for 6 injections both in AP and HAP groups, and mice in NS group and HNS group given normal saline (NS) injections at the same way as control respectively. Mice in HAP group and HNS group were treated with hydrogen-rich gases inhalation for 3 days before the first injection of caerulein or saline, while mice in AP group and NS group in normal air condition. Histopathology of pancreatic tissue, plasma amylase and lipase, plasma IL-1 and IL-6, pancreatic glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and Hsp60 mRNA and protein expression were investigated. Comparisons were made by one-way analysis of variance.

Results

The pancreatic pathological changes, plasma amylase and lipase activity, and the increase of plasma IL-1 and IL-6 levels in AP mice were significantly improved by the hydrogen-rich gases pretreatment, Meanwhile, the pancreatic GSH content increased and the pancreatic MDA content decreased. And, the hydrogen-rich gases pretreatment improved the Hsp60 protein expression in pancreatic tissues of AP mice at 1 h and 5 h.

Conclusions

Pre-inhalation of hydrogen-rich gases have a good protective effect on AP mice, and the possible mechanisms of reduced oxidative stress and the early increased pancreatic Hsp60 protein deserve attention.
Comprehensive analysis of IgA nephropathy expression profiles: identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic agents
Authors: Gholaminejad Alieh , Gheisari Yousof , Jalali Sedigheh , Roointan Amir
Published: April 2021

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disease recognized by the presence of IgA antibody depositions in kidneys. The underlying mechanisms of this complicated disease are remained to be explored and still, there is an urgent need for the discovery of noninvasive biomarkers for its diagnosis. In this investigation, an integrative approach was applied to mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in PBMCs to discover a gene signature and novel potential targets/biomarkers in IgAN.

Methods

Datasets were selected from gene expression omnibus database. After quality control checking, two datasets were analyzed by Limma to identify differentially expressed genes/miRNAs (DEGs and DEmiRs). Following identification of DEmiR-target genes and data integration, intersecting mRNAs were subjected to different bioinformatic analyses. The intersecting mRNAs, DEmiRs, related transcription factors (from TRRUST database), and long-non coding RNAs (from LncTarD database) were used for the construction of a multilayer regulatory network via Cytoscape.

Result

“GSE25590” (miRNA) and “GSE73953” (mRNA) datasets were analyzed and after integration, 628 intersecting mRNAs were identified. The mRNAs were mainly associated with “Innate immune system”, “Apoptosis”, as well as “NGF signaling” pathways. A multilayer regulatory network was constructed and several hub-DEGs (Tp53, STAT3, Jun, etc.), DEmiRs (miR-124, let-7b, etc.), TFs (NF-kB, etc.), and lncRNAs (HOTAIR, etc.) were introduced as potential factors in the pathogenesis of IgAN.

Conclusion

Integration of two different expression datasets and construction of a multilayer regulatory network not only provided a deeper insight into the pathogenesis of IgAN, but also introduced several key molecules as potential therapeutic target/non-invasive biomarkers.