bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease: Through the Lens of Salivary Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Rastogi Simran , Rani Komal , Kumar Saroj
Published: November 2021

The elusiveness encircling around the domain of cognition, its impairment, and the poor prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease has made early diagnosis a necessity. The noticeable symptoms in these conditions appear years later after the neuropathological changes occur in the brain. Exosomes, a small-sized extracellular vesicle facilitate intercellular communication of disease pathologies and their cargo can provide molecular information about its place of origin. The study titled “A novel approach to correlate the salivary exosomes and their protein cargo in the progression of cognitive impairment into Alzheimer’s disease” was an attempt toward understanding the role of salivary small-sized extracellular vesicular (EV’s) cargo in monitoring the progression. Outcomes of the study represent, that the salivary small-sized EV’s (ssEV’s) levels were higher in the cognitively impaired and Alzheimer’s diseased as well the differential expression of the protein in the cargo correlates well with the disease severity staging. Thus, it can help in the development of an early non-invasive screening method.
Identification of Heterotic Loci with Desirable Allelic Interaction to Increase Yield in Rice
Authors: Xiong Yin , Zhang Chaopu , Zhou Hongju , Sun Wenqiang , Wang Peng , Wang Dianwen , Qiu Xianjin , Ali Jauhar , Yu Sibin
Published: November 2021

Heterosis denotes the superiority of a hybrid plant over its parents. The use of heterosis has contributed significantly to yield improvement in crops. However, the genetic and molecular bases on heterosis are not fully understood. A large number of heterotic loci were identified for 12 yield-related traits in one parental population of chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) and two test populations, which were interconnected by CSSLs derived from two rice genome-sequenced cultivars, Nipponbare and Zhenshan 97. Seventy-five heterotic loci were identified in both homozygous background of Zhenshan 97 and heterogeneous background of an elite hybrid cultivar Shanyou 63. Among the detected loci, at least 11 were colocalized in the same regions encompassing previously reported heterosis-associated genes. Furthermore, a heterotic locus Ghd8NIP for yield advantage was verified using transgenic experiments. Various allelic interaction at Ghd8 exhibited different heterosis levels in hetero-allelic combinations of five near-isogenic lines that contain a particular allele. The significant overdominance effects from some hetero-allelic combinations were found to improve yield heterosis in hybrid cultivars. Our findings support the role of allelic interaction at heterotic loci in the improvement of yield potential, which will be helpful for dissecting the genetic basis of heterosis and provide an optional strategy for the allele replacement in molecular breeding programs in hybrid rice.
RNAseq analysis of treatment-dependent signaling changes during inflammation in a mouse cutaneous wound healing model
Authors: St. Laurent Georges , Toma Ian , Seilheimer Bernd , Cesnulevicius Konstantin , Schultz Myron , Tackett Michael , Zhou Jianhua , Ri Maxim , Shtokalo Dmitry , Antonets Denis , Jepson Tisha , McCaffrey Timothy A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite proven therapeutic effects in inflammatory conditions, the specific mechanisms of phytochemical therapies are not well understood. The transcriptome effects of Traumeel (Tr14), a multicomponent natural product, and diclofenac, a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, were compared in a mouse cutaneous wound healing model to identify both known and novel pathways for the anti-inflammatory effect of plant-derived natural products.

Methods

Skin samples from abraded mice were analyzed by single-molecule, amplification-free RNAseq transcript profiling at 7 points between 12 and 192 h after injury. Immediately after injury, the wounds were treated with either diclofenac, Tr14, or placebo control (n = 7 per group/time). RNAseq levels were compared between treatment and control at each time point using a systems biology approach.

Results

At early time points (12–36 h), both control and Tr14-treated wounds showed marked increase in the inducible COX2 enzyme mRNA, while diclofenac-treated wounds did not. Tr14, in contrast, modulated lipoxygenase transcripts, especially ALOX12/15, and phospholipases involved in arachidonate metabolism. Notably, Tr14 modulated a group of cell-type specific markers, including the T cell receptor, that could be explained by an overarching effect on the type of cells that were recruited into the wound tissue.

Conclusions

Tr14 and diclofenac had very different effects on the COX/LOX synthetic pathway after cutaneous wounding. Tr14 allowed normal autoinduction of COX2 mRNA, but suppressed mRNA levels for key enzymes in the leukotriene synthetic pathway. Tr14 appeared to have a broad ‘phytocellular’ effect on the wound transcriptome by altering the balance of cell types present in the wound.
Culture positivity may correlate with long-term mortality in critically ill patients
Authors: Ou Wei-Fan , Wong Li-Ting , Wu Chieh-Liang , Chao Wen-Cheng
Published: November 2021

Background

The long-term outcome is currently a crucial issue in critical care, and we aim to address the association between culture positivity and long-term mortality in critically ill patients.

Methods

We used the 2015–2019 critical care database at Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Taiwanese nationwide death registration files. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was conducted to determine hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We enrolled 4488 critically ill patients, and the overall mortality was 55.2%. The follow-up duration among survivors was 2.2 ± 1.3 years. We found that 52.6% (2362/4488) of critically ill patients had at least one positive culture during the admission, and the number of patients with positive culture in the blood, respiratory tract and urinary tract were 593, 1831 and 831, respectively. We identified that a positive culture from blood (aHR 1.233; 95% CI 1.104–1.378), respiratory tract (aHR 1.217; 95% CI 1.109–1.364) and urinary tract (aHR 1.230; 95% CI 1.109–1.364) correlated with an increased risk of long-term mortality after adjusting relevant covariates.

Conclusions

Through linking two databases, we found that positive culture in the blood, respiratory tract and urinary tract during admission correlated with increased long-term overall mortality in critically ill patients.
Prediction of BRCA gene mutation status in epithelial ovarian cancer by radiomics models based on 2D and 3D CT images
Authors: Mingzhu Liu , Yaqiong Ge , Mengru Li , Wei Wei
Published: November 2021

Background

The objective of this study is to explore the value of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) radiomics models based on enhanced computed tomography (CT) images in predicting BRCA gene mutations in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of 106 patients with ovarian cancer confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed and genetic testing was performed. Radiomics features extracted from the 2D and 3D regions of interest of the patients’ primary tumor lesions were selected in the training set using the maximum correlation and minimum redundancy method. Then, the best features were selected through Lasso tenfold cross-validation. Feature subsets were employed to establish a radiomics model. The model’s performance was evaluated via area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and its clinical validity was assessed by using the model’s decision curve.

Results

On the validation set, the area under the curve values of the 2D, 3D, and 2D + 3D combined models were 0.78 (0.61–0.96), 0.75 (0.55–0.92), and 0.82 (0.61–0.96), respectively. However, the DeLong test P values between the three pairs of models were all > 0.05. The decision curve analysis showed that the radiomics model had a high net benefit across all high-risk threshold probabilities.

Conclusions

The three radiomics models can predict the BRCA gene mutation in ovarian cancer, and there were no statistically significant differences between the prediction performance of the three models.
Comparative efficacy and safety of first-line treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer with ALK-rearranged: a meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Ma Hao-chuan , Liu Yi-hong , Ding Kai-lin , Liu Yu-feng , Zhao Wen-jie , Zhu Yan-juan , Chang Xue-song , Chen Ya-dong , Xiao Zhen-zhen , Yu Ya-ya , Zhou Rui , Zhang Hai-bo
Published: November 2021

Background

Whereas there are many pharmacological interventions prescribed for patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)- rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), comparative data between novel generation ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain scant. Here, we indirectly compared the efficacy and safety of first-line systemic therapeutic options used for the treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC.

Methods

We included all phase 2 and 3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any two or three treatment options. Eligible studies reported at least one of the following outcomes: progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), or adverse events of grade 3 or higher (Grade ≥ 3 AEs). Subgroup analysis was conducted according to central nervous system (CNS) metastases.

Results

A total of 9 RCTs consisting of 2484 patients with 8 treatment options were included in the systematic review. Our analysis showed that alectinib (300 mg and 600 mg), brigatinib, lorlatinib and ensartinib yielded the most favorable PFS. Whereas there was no significant OS or ORR difference among the ALK-TKIs. According to Bayesian ranking profiles, lorlatinib, alectinib 600 mg and alectinib 300 mg had the best PFS (63.7%), OS (35.9%) and ORR (37%), respectively. On the other hand, ceritinib showed the highest rate of severe adverse events (60%).

Conclusion

Our analysis indicated that alectinib and lorlatinib might be associated with the best therapeutic efficacy in first-line treatment for major population of advanced NSCLC patients with ALK-rearrangement. However, since there is little comparative evidence on the treatment options, there is need for relative trials to fully determine the best treatment options as well as the rapidly evolving treatment landscape.
Community oncologists’ perceptions and utilization of large-panel genomic tumor testing
Authors: Anderson Eric C. , Hinton Alexandra C. , Lary Christine W. , Fenton Anny T. H. R. , Antov Andrey , Edelman Emily , Helbig Petra , Reed Kate , Miesfeldt Susan , Thomas Christian A. , Hall Michael J. , Roberts J. Scott , Rueter Jens , Han Paul K. J. ,   MCGI Working Group, Erickson Nicholette , Movalia Mayur , Skacel Marek , Espinosa Allan , Gupta Ridhi , Kumar Rachit , Polkinghorn Richard , Darus Christopher , Remick Scot , Christman Robert , Rasmussen Karen , Thomas Christian A. , Brooks Philip , Chodkiewicz Catherine , Harb Antoine , Sinclair Sarah , Rubin Peter , Connelly Elizabeth , Georges Peter , Bourne Jennifer , Choquette Linda , Fasman Ken , Flewellen Cristen , Edelman Emily , Guerrette Lory , Helbig Petra , Mockus Susan , Reed Kate , Rueter Jens , Sanghavi Kunal
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Large-panel genomic tumor testing (GTT) is an emerging technology with great promise but uncertain clinical value. Previous research has documented variability in academic oncologists’ perceptions and use of GTT, but little is known about community oncologists’ perceptions of GTT and how perceptions relate to clinicians' intentions to use GTT.

Methods

Community oncology physicians (N = 58) participating in a statewide initiative aimed at improving access to large-panel GTT completed surveys assessing their confidence in using GTT, attitudes regarding the value of GTT, perceptions of barriers to GTT implementation, and future intentions to use GTTs. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to characterize these perceptions and to explore the relationships between them.

Results

There was substantial variability in clinicians’ perceptions of GTT. Clinicians generally had moderate confidence in their ability to use GTT, but lower confidence in patients’ ability to understand test results and access targeted treatment. Clinicians had positive attitudes regarding the value of GTT. Clinicians’ future intentions to use GTT were associated with greater confidence in using GTT and greater perceived barriers to implementing GTT, but not with attitudes about the value of GTT.

Conclusions

Community oncologists’ perceptions of large-panel genomic tumor testing are variable, and their future intentions to use GTT are associated with both their confidence in and perceived barriers to its use, but not with their attitudes towards GTT. More research is needed to understand other factors that determine how oncologists perceive and use GTT in clinical practice.
Quantitative evaluation of retinal microvasculature and retrobulbar vessels after intravenous chemotherapy for retinoblastoma
Authors: Yi Xiuqian , Sun Jie , Qian Jiang , Guo Jie , Xue Kang
Published: November 2021

Backgroud

To evaluate the changes in retinal microvasculature and retrobulbar blood flow, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and Color Doppler imaging (CDI) after intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) in patients with retinoblastoma (RB).

Methods

This was a retrospective comparative case control series involving 30 patients. Ten bilateral RB patients that had a preserved eye with extramacular tumours (group I), 10 unilateral RB treated with IVC that had a normal fellow study eye (group II), and 10 age-matched healthy controls. The macular retinal thickness, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and the macular and peripapillary retinal vessel densities (RVD) were measured. The peak systolic and end diastolic velocities of the ophthalmic, central retinal and posterior ciliary arteries were determined. A comparison among the three groups was conducted.

Results

Between the three cohorts, OCTA revealed no significant difference in FAZ area, superficial foveal and parafoveal RVD, deep parafoveal RVD and peripapillary RVD, (P > 0.05). By contrast, the mean deep foveal RVD, the full, inner and outer foveal and the parafoveal retinal thickness were significantly lower in group I compared with the controls, (P = 0.0329, 0.0153, 0.0311 0.0352, 0.0215). No significant difference in the blood flow velocities occurred in the retrobulbar circulation (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

In patients with retinoblastoma, OCTA did not detect significant changes of retinal thickness and vessel density in the eyes treated with IVC, but a slight reduction in retinal thickness and the deep foveal RVD seemed to occur in bilateral RB eyes. The retrobulbar blood flow parameters showed no measurable changes.
Roles of multimodal intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a case series of 113 patients
Authors: Chen Yu , Luo Chunmei , Wang Juan , Liu Libangxi , Huang Bo , Li Chang-Qing , Zhou Yue , Feng Chencheng
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite the wide use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in spinal surgeries, the efficacy of IONM during percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PE-TLIF) surgery in detecting postoperative neurological deficits has not been well characterized.

Methods

MIONM data from 113 consecutive patients who underwent PE-TLIF surgeries between June 2018 and April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative neurological deficits were documented and analyzed, and the efficacy and specificity of various IONM techniques were compared.

Results

Of the 113 consecutive patients, 12 (10.6%) with IONM alerts were identified. The MIONM sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 96.2%, respectively. The frequency of neurological complications, including minor deficits, was 6.2% (n = 7); all of the neurological complications were temporary. The ability of single IONM modalities to detect neurological complications varied between 25.0 and 66.6%, whereas that of all modalities was 100%.

Conclusions

MIONM is more effective and accurate than unimodal monitoring in assessing nerve root function during PE-TLIF surgeries, reducing both neurological complications and false-negative findings. We recommend MIONM in PE-TLIF surgeries.
Clinical applications of genetic analysis and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry in rare types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Li Zhuoguang , Liang Yan , Du Caiqi , Yu Xiao , Hou Ling , Wu Wei , Ying Yanqing , Luo Xiaoping
Published: November 2021

Background

Our study aims to summarize the clinical characteristics of rare types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) other than 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), and to explore the clinical applications of genetic analysis and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in rare CAH.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 5 rare cases of CAH admitted to our hospital and summarized their clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, diagnosis and mutational spectrum.

Results

After gene sequencing, complex heterozygous variants were detected in all patients (2 cases were lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH), 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3β-HSD deficiency) and P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) each accounted for 1 case), which were consistent with their clinical manifestations. Among them, 4 novel variants were detected, including c.650 + 2 T > A of the StAR gene, c.1145 T > C (p. L382P) of the CYP11B1 gene, c.1622C > T (p. A541V) and c.1804C > T (p. Q602 *) of the POR gene. The LC-MS/MS results for steroid hormones in patients were also consistent with their genetic variants: 2 patients with LCAH showed a decrease in all steroid hormones; 11β-OHD patient showed a significant increase in 11-deoxycortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone; patient with 3β-HSD deficiency showed a significant increase in DHEA; and PORD patient was mainly characterized by elevated 17OHP, progesterone and impaired synthesis of androgen levels.

Conclusions

The clinical manifestations and classification of CAH are complicated, and there are cases of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. It’s necessary to combine the analysis of clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations for diagnosis; if necessary, LC-MS/MS analysis of steroid hormones or gene sequencing is recommended for confirming diagnosis and typing.
Arctiin suppresses H9N2 avian influenza virus-mediated inflammation via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling
Authors: Zhou Beixian , Wang Linxin , Liang Yueyun , Li Jing , Pan Xiping
Published: November 2021

Background

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) infect avian and mammalian hosts and provide internal genes for new emerging highly pathogenic avian viruses that cause severe pneumonia with high mortality, for which few medications are available. Arctiin, a bioactive lignan glycoside, has been reported to possess multiple pharmacological properties. However, the effect of arctiin on H9N2 virus infection is unclear. In the current study, we analyzed the effect of arctiin on H9N2 virus infection and the underlying molecular mechanism in vitro.

Methods

The antiviral effect against H9N2 virus was determined by plaque reduction assay (PRA) and progeny virus reduction assay. We employed MTT assay, qRT-PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence and Western blotting to better understand the anti-inflammatory effect and corresponding mechanism of arctiin on H9N2 virus-infected cells.

Results

The results showed that arctiin had antiviral activity against H9N2 virus. Arctiin treatment reduced H9N2 virus-triggered proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, arctiin significantly suppressed H9N2 virus-mediated expression of COX-2 and PGE2. Furthermore, we found that arctiin inhibited H9N2 virus-mediated activation of RIG-I/JNK MAPK signaling. Interestingly, arctiin treatment obviously reversed H9N2 virus-induced reduction of Nrf2, increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and upregulated Nrf2 signaling target genes (HO-1 and SOD2). Zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp)—an HO-1 inhibitor—weakened the inhibitory effect of arctiin on H9N2 virus-induced RIG-I/JNK MAPK and proinflammatory mediators.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results suggested that the anti-inflammatory effects of arctiin on H9N2 virus infection may be due to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and blocked RIG-I/JNK MAPK signaling; thus, arctiin may be a promising agent for prevention and treatment of H9N2 virus infections.
Comparative and phylogenetic analyses of eleven complete chloroplast genomes of Dipterocarpoideae
Authors: Yu Yang , Han Yuwei , Peng Yingmei , Tian Zunzhe , Zeng Peng , Zong Hang , Zhou Tinggan , Cai Jing
Published: November 2021

Background

In South-east Asia, Dipterocarpoideae is predominant in most mature forest communities, comprising around 20% of all trees. As large quantity and high quality wood are produced in many species, Dipterocarpoideae plants are the most important and valuable source in the timber market. The d-borneol is one of the essential oil components from Dipterocarpoideae (for example, Dryobalanops aromatica or Dipterocarpus turbinatus) and it is also an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation known as “Bingpian” in Chinese, with antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and can enhance anticancer efficiency.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed 20 chloroplast (cp) genomes characteristics of Dipterocarpoideae, including eleven newly reported genomes and nine cp genomes previously published elsewhere, then we explored the chloroplast genomic features, inverted repeats contraction and expansion, codon usage, amino acid frequency, the repeat sequences and selective pressure analyses. At last, we constructed phylogenetic relationships of Dipterocarpoideae and found the potential barcoding loci.

Results

The cp genome of this subfamily has a typical quadripartite structure and maintains a high degree of consistency among species. There were slightly more tandem repeats in cp genomes of Dipterocarpus and Vatica, and the psbH gene was subjected to positive selection in the common ancestor of all the 20 species of Dipterocarpoideae compared with three outgroups. Phylogenetic tree showed that genus Shorea was not a monophyletic group, some Shorea species and genus Parashorea are placed in one clade. In addition, the rpoC2 gene can be used as a potential marker to achieve accurate and rapid species identification in subfamily Dipterocarpoideae.

Conclusions

Dipterocarpoideae had similar cp genomic features and psbM, rbcL, psbH may function in the growth of Dipterocarpoideae. Phylogenetic analysis suggested new taxon treatment is needed for this subfamily indentification. In addition, rpoC2 is potential to be a barcoding gene to TCM distinguish.
LncRNA SNHG20 promotes migration and invasion of ovarian cancer via modulating the microRNA-148a/ROCK1 axis
Authors: Yang Qi , Dong Yu-Jie
Published: November 2021

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is characterized by early metastasis and poor prognosis, which threatens the health of women worldwide. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 20 (SNHG20), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), has been verified to be significantly up-regulated in several tumors, including OC. MicroRNA-148a (miR-148a)/rho-kinase1 (ROCK1) axis plays an important role in the modulation of tumor development. However, whether SNHG20 can regulate OC progression through miR-148a/ROCK1 axis remains unclear. Normal human ovarian epithelial cell line and four OC cell lines were adopted for in vitro experiments. Real-time PCR was performed to assess the levels of SNHG20 and miR-148a. OC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were detected using clone formation, flow cytometry, transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. Tumor xenograft assay was applied to evaluate the effect of SNHG20 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Significant higher expression of SNHG20 was observed in OC cell lines. SNHG20 markedly promoted the invasion, migration, proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of OC cells. SNHG20 enhanced ROCK1 expression by sponging miR-148a, and the direct binding between SNHG20/ROCK1 and miR-148a was identified.

Conclusion

SNHG20 promoted invasion and migration of OC via targeting miR-148a/ROCK1 axis. The present research may provide a novel insight for the therapeutic strategies of OC.
The Reflective Fostering Programme—improving the wellbeing of children in care through a group intervention for foster carers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Midgley Nick , Irvine Karen , Rider Beth , Byford Sarah , Cirasola Antonella , Ganguli Poushali , Katangwe-Chigamba Thando , Murdoch Jamie , Pond Martin , Pursch Benita , Redfern Sheila , Richards Zena Louise , Shepstone Lee , Sims Erika , Smith Caroline , Sprecher Eva , Swart Ann Marie , Wyatt Solange , Wellsted David
Published: November 2021

Background

The needs of children in care are a government priority, yet the evidence base for effective interventions to support the emotional wellbeing of children in care is lacking. Research suggests that supporting the carer-child relationship, by promoting the carer’s reflective parenting, may be an effective approach to improving the wellbeing of these children.

Methods

The study comprises a definitive, superiority, two-armed, parallel, pragmatic, randomised controlled trial, with embedded process evaluation and economic evaluation, and an internal pilot, to evaluate the effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness, of the Reflective Fostering Programme. Randomisation is at the individual level using a 1:1 allocation ratio. The study is being conducted in local authority sites across England, and is targeted at foster carers (including kinship carers) looking after children aged 4 to 13. Consenting participants are randomly allocated to the Reflective Fostering Programme (intervention arm) in addition to usual support or usual support alone (control arm). The primary outcome is behavioural and emotional wellbeing of the child 12 months post-baseline, and secondary outcomes include the following: foster carer’s level of stress, quality of life, reflective capacity, compassion fatigue and burnout, placement stability, the quality of the child-carer relationship, child’s capacity for emotional regulation, and achievement of personalised goals set by the carer.

Discussion

A feasibility study has indicated effectiveness of the Programme in improving the child-carer relationship and emotional and behavioural wellbeing of children in care. This study will test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of implementing the Reflective Fostering Programme as an additional aid to the support already available to local authority foster carers.

Trial registration

ISRCTN 70832140.
Use of modified composite index of anthropometric failure and MUAC-for-age to assess prevalence of malnutrition among school-age children and adolescents involved in the school feeding program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Destaw Zelalem , Wencheko Eshetu , Zemenfeskidus Samuel , Challa Yohannes , Tiruneh Melkamu , Fite Meti Tamrat , Shaleka Dilu , Ashenafi Mogessie
Published: November 2021

Background

Malnutrition hampers educational performance of schoolchildren coming from low-income families. School feeding program was, thus, launched in public primary schools in Addis Ababa very recently. It is, thus, important to measure the initial nutritional status of participating students to see the effect of the program on their nutritional wellbeing.

Methods

The first-round survey was made at the initiation of the program. A multi-stage stratified sampling from 50 schools located in the ten sub cities of Addis Ababa yielded 4500 children and adolescents of ages five to 19 years. Data was collected on age, height, weight and MUAC of the schoolchildren. Nutritional status was evaluated using conventional anthropometric indicators, modified Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (mCIAF), and MUAC-for-age. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to examine classification of malnourishment by MUAC-for-age versus BMI-for-age and mCIAF versus MUAC-for-age. Multilevel mixed effects model was applied to investigate variations in the prevalence of malnutrition across sub cities.

Findings

The area under the ROC curves (AUC) for MUAC-for-age against BMI-for-age z-scores was 0.68 and that of mCIAF against MUAC-for-age was 0.70, respectively, indicating an overall better classification of malnourishment. Mixed effects model showed significant variations in nutritional status of schoolchildren across sub cities. Conventional measures showed that prevalence of stunting, thinness, or underweight among the sample children and adolescents was 23.4, 18.4, and 16.5%, respectively. Assessment by mCIAF, instead, showed a higher prevalence of overall malnutrition (43.4%). MUAC-for-age indicated an acute malnutrition measurement of 33.4%. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) in nutritional status were seen between boys and girls, and among age groups as measured by mCIAF.

Interpretation

Conventional measures of nutritional status undermined level of malnutrition. Instead, mCIAF and MUAC-for-age gave higher estimates of the magnitude of the existing prevalence of malnutrition among the school children and adolescents.
Glioblastoma multiform with primitive neuronal component, radiological and histology features: a case report
Authors: Valbuena Santiago , Ortega Alejandro , Centeno Macarena , Rimbau Jordi Manuel
Published: November 2021

Background

Glioblastoma multiform with primitive neuronal component (GBM-PNC) has been recently defined as a rare variant of glioblastoma multiform (GBM), which shows characteristically pathological pattern of less differentiated areas with small blue cell morphology and neuroectodermic immunophenotype. New studies emphasize its characteristics and differences, which have become vitally important due to the changes in therapeutic management.

Case presentation

We present the case of 57-year-old male patient who onset symptoms were secondarily widespread partial seizures and expression aphasia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reported left enhanced temporal infiltrating lesion, requiring surgery twice throughout two years. At first surgery, pathological samples revealed embryonic tumor of the central nervous system (grade IV, WHO 2016), so PACKER protocol consisting of CSRT (craniospinal radiation) plus weekly vincristine followed by 8 cycles of cisplatin, lomustine and vincristine usually used for medulloblastomas or other primitive neuroectodermal tumors was started. However, due to reappearance of symptoms and progression in MRI, reoperation was performed with definitive diagnosis of GBM-PNC (Grade IV, WHO 2016) and switched to STUPP protocol.

Conclusions

It is important to take into account the chance of this entity when histological, radiological and intraoperative findings orient toward a primitive neural tumor since the presence of GBM could be overlooked leading to mistakes in diagnosis and the therapeutic orientation.
A fully automated method of human identification based on dental panoramic radiographs using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Kim Young Hyun , Ha Eun-Gyu , Jeon Kug Jin , Lee Chena , Han Sang-Sun
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

This study aimed to develop a fully automated human identification method based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a large-scale dental panoramic radiograph (DPR) data set.

Methods:

In total, 2760 DPRs from 746 subjects who had 2–17 DPRs with various changes in image characteristics due to various dental treatments (tooth extraction, oral surgery, prosthetics, orthodontics, or tooth development) were collected. The test data set included the latest DPR of each subject (746 images) and the other DPRs (2014 images) were used for model training. A modified VGG16 model with two fully connected layers was applied for human identification. The proposed model was evaluated with rank-1, -3, and -5 accuracies, running time, and gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM)-applied images.

Results:

This model had rank-1, -3, and -5 accuracies of 82.84%, 89.14%, and 92.23%, respectively. All rank-1 accuracy values of the proposed model were above 80% regardless of changes in image characteristics. The average running time to train the proposed model was 60.9 s per epoch, and the prediction time for 746 test DPRs was short (3.2 s/image). The Grad-CAM technique verified that the model automatically identified humans by focusing on identifiable dental information.

Conclusion:

The proposed model showed good performance in fully automatic human identification despite differing image characteristics of DPRs acquired from the same patients. Our model is expected to assist in the fast and accurate identification by experts by comparing large amounts of images and proposing identification candidates at high speed.
Diversity of Terrestrial Gastropods in Kabylia Region (Tizi-Ouzou, Northern Algeria)
Authors: Ramdini Ramdane , Ali Reham Fathey , Sadouk Ghania , Medjdoub-Bensaad Ferroudja
Published: November 2021

The goal of this study was to record the malacofauna of the Kabylia region, Tizi-Ouzou, in Northern Algeria, at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, and to report the distribution pattern of terrestrial gastropod diversity in five different types of habitat (dune, agricultural fields, rural sites, forests, and mountain locations). A total of 33 species of terrestrial snails and slugs were recorded, which represented 27 genera of 19 families, mainly Geomitridae and Helicidae. The rural habitat was the richest, with 23 species, while the mountain habitat yielded 20 species. The dune and forest habitats showed the smallest species richness.
Objectively-measured physical activity and stress levels in workers: a systematic review physical activity and stress in workers
Authors: Marins Marcelo Frio , Silva Barbara Sutil da , Feter Natan , Silva Marcelo Cozzensa da
Published: November 2021

To investigate the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and occupational stress in different work environments. This systematic review, registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020214884), followed the PRISMA methodology. The search took place in October/2020 in the following databases: Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, MedLine/PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, OVID MEDLINE, Scielo and CINAHL. Keywords related to eligible participants (adults and workers), interventions (physical activity objectively measured), comparison (control group or baseline), outcome (stress), and study design (observational studies) were combined using Boolean terms. From 1,524 identified records, 12 articles were included, totaling 2,082 workers. 66.7% of the studies were carried out in Europe and 50.0% among health professionals. Blue collar workers (20.7% [n = 430]) and white collar workers (18.3% [n = 382]), medical resident (6.5% [n = 135]) and protection services (9.7% [n = 202]) were the predominant occupations. Physical activity was higher in blue-collar workers than in white-collar workers, and shift-working nurses were more active compared to non-shift workers and office workers. Increased mental workload was not associated with time spent on physical activities in most studies (10 [83.3%)]). Some studies showed that light physical activity was associated with higher levels of stress and moderate to vigorous physical activity was beneficial for reducing stress dimensions. In conclusion, most studies did not find an association between objectively measured physical activity and the level of stress in workers. Studies with robust methodologies and covering different groups of workers remain necessary.
Mudanças percebidas no estilo de vida no distanciamento social: validade preliminar do questionário
Authors: Santos Sueyla Ferreira da Silva dos , Sousa Thiago Ferreira de , Fonseca Silvio Aparecido , Alvarenga Ana Maria , Pereira Karine Moraes , Silva Farias Gildeene , Lima Luiz  Rodrigo Augustemak de , Mussi Fernanda Carneiro
Published: November 2021

Este estudo teve como objetivos: 1) apresentar o questionário “Percepção das Mudanças no Estilo de Vida Durante o Período de Distanciamento Social” (PERMEV), elaborado para a aplicação em adultos; 2) estimar a validade de face e conteúdo, e a reprodutibilidade. Foram elaboradas 40 questões agrupadas aos domínios: Alimentação, Atividade física, Comportamento sedentário, Sono, Controle do estresse, Relacionamentos, Comportamentos preventivos e Comportamentos durante o distanciamento social. Especialistas na área da saúde realizaram o julgamento da adequação e pertinência do conteúdo das questões. Posteriormente, o instrumento foi reestruturado e submetido à análise da validade de clareza por trabalhadores e estudantes de instituições de ensino superior. Em seguida, realizou-se a análise da reprodutibilidade com a aplicação do teste e reteste com intervalo de 15 a 30 dias e utilizou-se o coeficiente Kappa (K) para a concordância dos dados. O nível de significância estatística adotado foi de 5%. Participaram 75 especialistas para a etapa de validade de face e conteúdo, com valores médios de adequação de 89,3% e de pertinência de 89,7%. A validade de clareza foi de 90,2%. Participaram da reprodutibilidade 83 estudantes e servidores de instituições de ensino superior brasileiras e o nível de concordância variou de K de 0,182 a 0,584. Conclui-se que o questionário PERMEV apresentou validade de face e conteúdo e de clareza excelente (≥ 90%), bem como a validade de reprodutibilidade foi razoável para avaliar as mudanças no estilo de vida de adultos durante períodos de distanciamento social, a exemplo, a pandemia da COVID-19.
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) in the Nayarit Coastal Plain, México: presence, relative abundance and activity patterns
Authors: Luja Víctor H. , Rodríguez-Estrella Ricardo , Guzmán-Báez Diana J. , Jiménez Luis
Published: November 2021

El gato montés, Lynx rufus, es una de las seis especies de felinos silvestres que habitan en México. Se distribuye desde el nivel del mar hasta los 3,600 m, ocupando una gran variedad de hábitats entre los que se encuentran los desiertos, ecosistemas de montaña y humedales.  Sin embargo, a la fecha, no existe información ecológica de la especie en humedales costeros.  El objetivo general de este trabajo es proveer la primera información ecológica obtenida de forma sistemática sobre el gato montés en la Planicie Costera de Nayarit (PCN).  Evaluamos su presencia histórica y actual, su abundancia relativa y patrones de actividad.  Determinamos la presencia histórica del gato montés en la PCN mediante una búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas utilizando las palabras: “Lynx”, “rufus”, “lince”, “bobcat” y “Nayarit”.  Implementamos el protocolo del Censo Nacional del Jaguar usando cámaras trampa en un área de 72 km2 para documentar la presencia, distribución, abundancia relativa y patrones de actividad del gato montés. A través de la búsqueda en bases de datos encontramos 23 registros de gato montés en un área de al menos 3,000 km2 de la PCN. A partir de nuestro trabajo de campo obtuvimos 30 registros independientes con una abundancia relativa de 1.28 fotografías de gato montés / 100 días cámara.  Documentamos la presencia de al menos 10 individuos diferentes, incluyendo adultos de ambos sexos y una hembra presuntamente embarazada. Su actividad es nocturna; 40 % de los registros ocurrieron entre las 00:00-06:00 hr.  El gato montés habita los ecosistemas costeros de Nayarit.  Los valores elevados de abundancia relativa sugieren una población estable en la PCN con respecto a lo que ha sido reportada en hábitat ideales para la especie tales como los matorrales y bosques templados.  Su actividad nocturna coincide con lo que reportan otros trabajos para la especie.  Aunque, en general, el gato montés se adapta bien al disturbio generado por actividades humanas, los impactos que estas tienen sobre sus poblaciones en los humedales costeros aún se desconocen.  Para asegurar la permanencia de sus poblaciones es necesario realizar futuros estudios sobre su dieta, reproducción, ámbito hogareño y conectividad genética de la especie en los ecosistemas costeros del occidente de México.
First record of Lasiurus arequipae in the Department of Tacna, Perú
Authors: Mamani-Contreras Ruth , Aragón-Alvarado Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Lasiurus arequipae fue descrita recientemente en el departamento de Arequipa como especie nueva y endémica para Perú, con distribución geográfica poco conocida.  Se reporta la especie en Lomas de Sama Grande, departamento de Tacna, Perú.  El espécimen fue recolectado durante un estudio sobre la fauna local de murciélagos, identificado con la clave taxonómica de Málaga et al. (2020), y comparado con el holotipo y paratipos depositados en la Colección Científica del Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, Arequipa, Perú.  Se trata de una hembra, adulto, conservado como piel, cráneo y esqueleto (sin limpiar).  Además, se presenta un mapa de distribución actual de la especie y contribuciones sobre su ecología.  Destaca la observación de un refugio potencial asociado con el árbol de olivo.  Este nuevo registro se ubica a 287 km al suroeste de la localidad de Huatiapa, que es el sitio más cercano de registro en donde se llevó a cabo el primer estudio en el departamento de Arequipa. Este hallazgo eleva a 11 las especies de murciélagos para el departamento de Tacna.  Se sugieren esfuerzos de muestreo con métodos complementarios para generar un mayor conocimiento de la historia natural y ecología de esta especie, y establecer acciones de conservación.
Brief characterization of the behavior of the spiny rat Trinomys setosus (Rodentia: Echimyidae) in captivity
Authors: Bueno Flávia Regina , Spinelli de Oliveira Elisabeth , Klein Wilfried
Published: November 2021

Las ratas espinosas del Atlántico (Trinomys setosus, Echimyidae) son roedores caviomorfos neotropicales pertenecientes a un grupo ecológicamente diverso, muy desconocido desde el punto de vista comportamental.  El aseo se considera frecuente en Rodentia, siendo estimado que tanto los roedores silvestres como los de laboratorio emplean de 15 a 50 % de su tiempo de vigilia con esta tarea.  De esta forma, nos preguntamos si el comportamiento de aseo en T. setosus es similar a aquel observado en especies estrechamente relacionadas, y caracterizamos en detalle las principales categorías de comportamiento observadas en la especie.  La ocurrencia de aseo personal (lavado de cara, lavado de cuerpo, lavado de la región pélvica y rascado) fue cuantificada durante sesiones únicas de 30 minutos en 16 individuos adultos (cuatro machos y doce hembras), en el contexto de actividad, reposo y categorías de mantenimiento (defecación y micción).  Se identificaron las siguientes categorías de comportamiento: 1) actividad locomotora, 2) permanecer inmóvil, 3) defecar, 4) lavarse la cara, 5) lavarse el cuerpo, 6) lavarse la región pélvica, 7) rascarse, 8) orinar, 9) sacudirse, 10) vocalizar.  El comportamiento de aseo siguió las descripciones estereotipadas para otras especies de roedores y su ocurrencia representó el 6.7 % (hembras) y el 5.9 % (machos) del tiempo estudiado.  El aseo, visto en una gran variedad de taxones animales, involucra numerosas funciones además del propósito principal del cuidado del cuerpo, que son de gran importancia para el bienestar animal.  En comparación con los roedores comúnmente estudiados, como ratas, ratones, hámsteres y conejillos de indias, T. setosus destina relativamente poco tiempo al comportamiento de aseo, de forma comparable a su especie hermana T. yonenagae
Abnormal tooth and home range size of a male tayra (Eira barbara) in Atlantic Rain Forest, South Brazil
Authors: Vera Marques Rosane , Fernández-Montejo Andrea Sarahí , Villafañe-Trujillo Álvaro José
Published: November 2021

El estudio de anormalidades dentales en mustélidos ha permitido identificar y describir patologías de especímenes distribuidos en diferentes hábitats y continentes.  Estos análisis han sido implementados en cráneos de animales muertos.  A través de un monitoreo no invasivo, se detectó a un mustélido neotropical in situ con una anormalidad dental, esa característica fue aprovechada para obtener información ecológica de la especie.  Se analizaron registros de cámara trampa de un cabeza de viejo (Eira barbara) en vida libre en el sur de Brasil, el cual presentaba un canino superior izquierdo sobre-desarrollado, esta característica permitió identificarlo individualmente y recapturarlo.  Mediante la estimación de densidad de Kernel se calculó el tamaño de su ámbito hogareño.  Se revisaron cráneos de la especie en busca de anormalidades dentales.  El espécimen fue recapturado en 5 estaciones de foto-muestreo dentro del Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula (FLONA-SFP) en 11 ocasiones diferentes, durante un periodo de 7 meses (Marzo a Septiembre de 2012), el tamaño de su ámbito hogareño fue de 4.79 km2.  Se encontraron diferencias en la cantidad de molares en dos mandíbulas de los cinco cráneos revisados.  Aparentemente el canino anormal no ha interferido en la alimentación del espécimen, ya que ha alcanzado la adultez.  El cabeza de viejo podría ocupar un área fuera de nuestro polígono de estudio dentro de la FLONA-SFP, por lo cual el tamaño de su ámbito hogareño podría ser más grande de lo que se reporta.
Comparative stages of atretic oocytes between Episesarma versicolor and E. singaporense from Thailand: Implication on the reproductive success
Authors:   Department of Marine Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Fisheries Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Trang Campus, Sikao, Trang 92150, Thailand, Sudtongkong Chanyut , Senarat Sinlapachai ,   Department of Marine Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Fisheries Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Trang Campus, Sikao, Trang 92150, Thailand, Kong-oh Supparat ,   Department of Marine Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Fisheries Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Trang Campus, Sikao, Trang 92150, Thailand, Poolprasert Pisit ,   Program of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand, Wongkamhaeng Koraon ,   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Jiraungkoorskul Wannee ,   Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Published: November 2021

Informative reviews on the oocyte atresia referring to degeneration and resorptive mechanism are warranted in common animals, but it is rarely still found in carbs. In this current study, we focused on characteristics and stage of the atretic oocyte from two important female sesarmid carbs (violet vinegar crab, Episesarma versicolor, and Singapore vinegar crab, E. singaporense) during ovarian maturation. A total of 30 female samples in each carb species were collected from the Palian mangrove area of Trang province, Thailand. The results shared among those carb samples that both primary growth (PGs) and secondary growth (SGs) phases underwent a degenerative process of atresia. The latter of atresia during SGs was also divided into five stages (I, II, III, IV, and V). The degeneration of follicular cell and yolk architecture identifying in the SGs were highlighted. The number of atresias was slightly compared between E. versicolor and E. singaporense; therefore, there were no significant differences. Our observation suggested that the low number of atresia might be associated with the increased reproductive success of two female sesarmid carb living in natural habitats.