bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterotypic transcriptional condensates formed by prion-like paralogous proteins canalize flowering transition in tomato
Authors: Huang Xiaozhen , Xiao Nan , Zou Yupan , Xie Yue , Tang Lingli , Zhang Yueqin , Yu Yuan , Li Yiting , Xu Cao
Published: March 2022

Background

Paralogs that arise from gene duplications during genome evolution enable genetic redundancy and phenotypic robustness. Variation in the coding or regulatory sequence of paralogous transcriptional regulators diversifies their functions and relationships, which provides developmental robustness against genetic or environmental perturbation. The fate transition of plant shoot stem cells for flowering and reproductive success requires a robust transcriptional control. However, how paralogs function and interact to achieve such robustness is unknown.

Results

Here, we explore the genetic relationship and protein behavior of ALOG family transcriptional factors with diverse transcriptional abundance in shoot meristems. A mutant spectrum covers single and higher-order mutant combinations of five ALOG paralogs and creates a continuum of flowering transition defects, showing gradually enhanced precocious flowering, along with inflorescence simplification from wild-type-like to progressively fewer flowers until solitary flower with sterile floral organs. Therefore, these paralogs play unequal roles and act together to achieve a robust genetic canalization. All five proteins contain prion-like intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) and undergo phase separation. Accumulated mutations following gene duplications lead to IDR variations among ALOG paralogs, resulting in divergent phase separation and transcriptional regulation capabilities. Remarkably, they retain the ancestral abilities to assemble into a heterotypic condensate that prevents precocious activation of the floral identity gene ANANTHA.

Conclusions

Our study reveals a novel genetic canalization mechanism enabled by heterotypic transcriptional condensates formed by paralogous protein interactions and phase separation, uncovering the molecular link between gene duplication caused IDR variation and robust transcriptional control of stem cell fate transition.
Postpartum depression and associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shuman Clayton J. , Peahl Alex F. , Pareddy Neha , Morgan Mikayla E. , Chiangong Jolyna , Veliz Philip T. , Dalton Vanessa K.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To describe postpartum depression and associated risk factors among postpartum patients in the United States (US) between February and July 2020. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design to collect survey data from a convenience sample of postpartum patients who lived in the US and delivered a live infant after the US declared COVID-19 a public health emergency.

Results

Our sample included 670 postpartum patients who completed an online survey inclusive of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and selected demographic items (e.g. NICU admission status, infant gestational age, infant feeding method). In our sample, 1 in 3 participants screened positive for postpartum depression and 1 in 5 had major depressive symptoms. Participants who fed their infants formula had 92% greater odds of screening positive for postpartum depression and were 73% more likely to screen positive for major depressive symptoms compared to those who breastfed or bottle-fed with their own human milk. Participants with infants admitted to a NICU had 74% greater odds of screening positive. Each 1 week increase in weeks postpartum increased the odds of screening positive by 4%. Participants who worried about themselves and their infants contracting COVID-19 had 71% greater odds of screening positive.
Role of imaging in rare COVID-19 vaccine multiorgan complications
Authors: Cau Riccardo , Mantini Cesare , Monti Lorenzo , Mannelli Lorenzo , Di Dedda Emanuele , Mahammedi Abdelkader , Nicola Refky , Roubil John , Suri Jasjit S. , Cerrone Giulia , Fanni Daniela , Faa Gavino , Carriero Alessandro , Scuteri Angelo , Francone Marco , Saba Luca
Published: March 2022

As of September 18th, 2021, global casualties due to COVID-19 infections approach 200 million, several COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized to prevent COVID-19 infection and help mitigate the spread of the virus. Despite the vast majority having safely received vaccination against SARS-COV-2, the rare complications following COVID-19 vaccination have often been life-threatening or fatal. The mechanisms underlying (multi) organ complications are associated with COVID-19, either through direct viral damage or from host immune response (i.e., cytokine storm). The purpose of this manuscript is to review the role of imaging in identifying and elucidating multiorgan complications following SARS-COV-2 vaccination—making clear that, in any case, they represent a minute fraction of those in the general population who have been vaccinated. The authors are both staunch supporters of COVID-19 vaccination and vaccinated themselves as well.
Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion for liver cirrhosis after the Kasai operation in children with biliary atresia
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Liem , Nguyen Hoang Phuong , Ngo Duy Minh , Ha Thu Hien Thi , Mai Kieu - Anh , Bui Thu Hang , Nguyen Phan Van , Pham Lan Huong , Hoang Duc Minh , Cao Anh Dao Thi
Published: March 2022

Aim

To evaluate the safety and early outcomes of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) infusion for liver cirrhosis due to biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai operation.

Methods

An open-label clinical trial was performed from January 2017 to December 2019. Nineteen children with liver cirrhosis due to BA after Kasai operation were included. Bone marrow was harvested through anterior iliac crest puncture under general anesthesia. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by Ficoll gradient centrifugation and then infused into the hepatic artery. The same procedure was repeated 6 months later. Serum bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and prothrombin time were monitored at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the first transplantation. Esophagoscopies and liver biopsies were performed in patients whose parents provided consent. Mixed-effect analysis was used to evaluate the changes in Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) scores.

Results

The average MNC and CD34+ cell counts per kg body weight were 50.1 ± 58.5 × 106/kg and 3.5 ± 2.8 × 106 for the first transplantation and 57.1 ± 42.0 × 106/kg and 3.7 ± 2.7 × 106 for the second transplantation. No severe adverse events associated with the cell therapy were observed in the patients. One patient died 5 months after the first infusion at a provincial hospital due to the rupture of esophageal varices, while 18 patients survived. Liver function was maintained or improved after infusion, as assessed by biochemical tests. The severity of the disease reduced markedly, with a significant reduction in PELD scores.

Conclusion

Autologous BMMNC administration for liver cirrhosis due to BA is safe and may maintain or improve liver function.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03468699. Name of the registry: Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology.

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03468699?cond=biliary+atresia&cntry=VN&draw=2&rank=2. Registered on March 16, 2018. The trial results will also be published according to the CONSORT statement at conferences and reported in peer-reviewed journals.
Magnitude and determinants of delay in diagnosis of tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis: 2020
Authors: Fetensa Getahun , Wirtu Desalegn , Etana Belachew , Tolossa Tadesse , Wakuma Bizuneh
Published: March 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a main public health concern in the world resulting in significant morbidity and mortality as well as in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, there are various primary studies with inconsistent findings. Delay in the diagnosis of TB is determined by different factors like the type of TB, marital status, TB-HIV co-infection, employment status, place of residence, educational status, type of first visited a health facility, and gender of the patient. This review will produce pooled evidence on delay in diagnosis and associated factors among TB that might have huge public health impacts, like unfavorable treatment outcomes, increase transmission of the disease in the community for better intervention.

Methods

The presence of systematic reviews and meta-analysis on similar topics was checked and the topic was registered on PROSPERO to prevent duplication with the registration number of (CRD42020158963). Both published and unpublished studies conducted in Ethiopia from 2002 to April 1 2020 were searched thoroughly using electronic databases. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Heterogeneity was checked by using I2 and Cochrane Q test. In the presence of heterogeneity, a random effect model was employed to estimate the pooled magnitude and determinants of diagnosis delay of TB. Publication bias was checked by using the graphical funnel plot and Egger’s statistical test.

Result

The Pooled magnitude of tuberculosis diagnosis delay in Ethiopia was 45.42% [95%CI 34.44, 56.40]. Residing in urban, having educational status and patients with positive serostatus were protective against TB diagnostic delay while having extra-pulmonary TB and not being married were risk factors for delaying TB diagnosis.

Conclusion

TB diagnosis delays in Ethiopia are significantly high. Sociodemographic and institutional factors were significantly contributing to the delay. Therefore, national TB control programs need to identify and address gaps, barriers, and weaknesses along the entire patient care cascade, to improve appropriately.
Using practice facilitation to improve alcohol-related care in primary care: a mixed-methods pilot study protocol
Authors: Bachrach Rachel L. , Chinman Matthew , Rodriguez Keri L. , Mor Maria K. , Kraemer Kevin L. , Garfunkel Cécile E. , Williams Emily C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Alcohol use is a significant risk factor for disability and death in U.S. adults, and approximately one out of every six Veterans seen in primary care (PC) report unhealthy alcohol use. Unhealthy alcohol use is associated with increased risk for poor medical outcomes, substantial societal costs, and death, including suicide. Based on substantial evidence from randomized controlled trials and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, VA/DoD clinical guidelines stipulate that all Veterans screening positive for unhealthy alcohol use should receive evidence-based alcohol care in PC, including brief counseling interventions (BI) and additional treatment (e.g., pharmacotherapy) for those with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The VA pioneered implementing alcohol screening and BI in PC, yet substantial implementation gaps remain. To improve alcohol-related care, this study will conduct a pilot study to assess whether a multi-faceted evidence-based implementation strategy—practice facilitation—has the potential to improve PC-based alcohol-related care at a single VA clinic.

Methods

We will first recruit and conduct qualitative interviews with Veterans with unhealthy alcohol use (n = 20–25) and PC stakeholders (N = 10–15) to understand barriers and facilitators to high-quality alcohol care and use results to refine and hone the multifaceted practice facilitation intervention. Qualitative interviews, analysis, and refinement of the intervention will be guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Focus groups with a small sample of PC providers and staff (n = 5–7) will be used to further refine the practice facilitation intervention and assess its acceptability and feasibility. The refined practice facilitation intervention will then be offered in the PC clinic to assess implementation (e.g., reach) and effectiveness (reduced drinking) outcomes based on the RE-AIM framework.

Discussion

This research directly addresses one of the largest public health crises of our time, as alcohol kills more people than opioids and is associated with increased risk of suicide. If successful, this pilot may generate an intervention with far-reaching effects on adverse outcomes experienced by Veterans with unhealthy alcohol use, including increased access to care and suicide prevention.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04565899; Date of registration: 9/25/2020
Precise activity measurements of medical radionuclides using an ionization chamber: a case study with Terbium-161
Authors: Juget Frédéric , Talip Zeynep , Nedjadi Youcef , Durán M. Teresa , Grundler Pascal V. , Zeevaart Jan Rijn , van der Meulen Nicholas P. , Bailat Claude
Published: March 2022

Background

161Tb draws an increasing interest in nuclear medicine for therapeutic applications. More than 99% of the emitted gamma and X-rays of 161Tb have an energy below 100 keV. Consequently, precise activity measurement of 161Tb becomes inaccurate with radionuclide dose calibrators when using inappropriate containers or calibration factors to account for the attenuation of this low energy radiation. To evaluate the ionization chamber response, the sample activity must be well known. This can be performed using standards traceable to the Système International de Référence, which is briefly described as well as the method to standardize the radionuclides.

Methods

In this study, the response of an ionization chamber using different container types and volumes was assessed using 161Tb. The containers were filled with a standardized activity solution of 161Tb and measured with a dedicated ionization chamber, providing an accurate response. The results were compared with standardized solutions of high-energy gamma-emitting radionuclides such as 137Cs, 60Co, 133Ba and 57Co.

Results

For the glass vial type with an irregular glass thickness, the 161Tb measurements gave a deviation of 4.5% between two vials of the same type. The other glass vial types have a much more regular thickness and no discrepancy was observed in the response of the ionization chamber for these type of vials. Measurements with a plastic Eppendorf tube showed stable response, with greater sensitivity than the glass vials.

Conclusion

Ionization chamber measurements for low-energy gamma emitters (< 100 keV), show deviation depending on the container type used. Therefore, a careful selection of the container type must be done for activity assessment of 161Tb using radionuclide dose calibrators. In conclusion, it was highlighted that appropriate calibration factors must be used for each container geometry when measuring 161Tb and, more generally, for low-energy gamma emitters.
Conversion surgery for undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas: a case report
Authors: Igarashi Yosuke , Gocho Takeshi , Taniai Tomohiko , Uwagawa Tadashi , Hamura Ryoga , Shirai Yoshihiro , Yasuda Jungo , Haruki Koichiro , Furukawa Kenei , Ikegami Toru
Published: March 2022

Background

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGCs) is a rare subtype of pancreatic cancer (PC), and its clinicopathological characteristics are still unclear. Herein, we report a case of initially unresectable UCOGC that was successfully resected after FOLFIRINOX therapy.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old man was referred to us for evaluation of a pancreatic mass detected by computed tomography (CT) during a medical checkup. Computed tomography showed a 7.5-cm tumor located in the pancreatic head and body, which involved the common hepatic artery (CHA), gastroduodenal artery (GDA), and main portal vein (PV) with tumor thrombus. UCOGC was suspected by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration, and the patient was diagnosed with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer. After ten cycles of FOLFIRINOX, the tumor size decreased to 3 cm and the tumor thrombus in the main portal trunk had disappeared in the follow-up CT scan. However, the patient experienced severe adverse drug reactions, including neutropenia and liver dysfunction. Therefore, we performed pancreatoduodenectomy with portal vein resection. The pathological diagnosis was UCOGC with a negative tumor margin. He was treated with FOLFIRINOX, and remains recurrence-free for 6 months after surgery.

Conclusions

We experienced a case undergoing conversion surgery for unresectable UCOGC, which resulted in R0 resection. FOLFIRINOX could be a possible regimen to achieve conversion surgery for UCOGC.
Efficacy of non-obstructive aortic angioscopy for detecting a thoracic aortic graft rupture: a case report
Authors: Yamana Fumio , Maeda Koichi , Hamanaka Yuma , Kodani Noriko , Domae Keitaro , Hata Masatoshi , Higuchi Yoshiharu , Shirakawa Yukitoshi , Masai Takafumi
Published: March 2022

Background

Non-anastomotic thoracic aortic graft rupture is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose. Non-obstructive general angioscopy can help monitor the aortic intima and detect the locations of abnormal findings, while aortic angioscopy can detect vulnerable plaques in the aorta, which are difficult to visualize using conventional diagnostic methods. Herein, we report the case of a patient with non-anastomotic thoracic aortic graft rupture diagnosed using non-obstructive aortic angioscopy.

Case presentation

An 85-year-old man who had undergone total arch replacement 5 years prior complained of chest pain. Emergent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed an intra-mediastinal hematoma around the vascular graft of the ascending aorta and angiography revealed pooling of contrast medium on the dorsal side of the vascular graft. We suspected extravasation of the thoracic vascular graft. Aortic angioscopic examination revealed a red vascular graft defect that matched extravasation at the contralateral level of the prosthetic left common carotid artery branch. Subsequently, non-anastomotic thoracic aortic graft rupture was diagnosed. The patient underwent a two-debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair (Zone 0) with a right subclavian artery-left common carotid artery-left subclavian artery bypass. Postoperative angiography revealed disappearance of the extravasation from the graft rupture site, patent grafted vessels with flow, and no endoleak. Follow-up CT at 6 months postoperatively showed no extravasation.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of non-anastomotic thoracic aortic graft rupture detected using non-obstructive aortic angioscopy. Aortic angioscopy can help establish a definitive diagnosis in patients with aortic graft rupture.
Sensing Technology for Assessing Motor Behavior in Ballet: A Systematic Review
Authors: Quadrado Virginia , Moreira Margarida , Ferreira Hugo , Passos Pedro
Published: March 2022

Background

Human performance in classical ballet is a research field of growing interest in the past decades. Technology used to acquire data in human movement sciences has evolved, and is specifically being applied to evaluate ballet movements to better understand dancers’ profiles. We aimed to systematically review sensing technologies that were used to extract data from dancers, in order to improve knowledge regarding the performance of ballet movements through quantification.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were accessed through 2020. All studies that used motor control tools to evaluate classical ballet movements, and possible comparisons to other types of dance and sports movements were selected. Pertinent data were filled into a customized table, and risk of bias was carefully analyzed.

Results

Eighty studies were included. The majority were regarding classical ballet and with pre-professional dancers. Forty-four studies (55%) used two or more types of technology to collect data, showing that motion capture technique, force plates, electromyography, and inertial sensors are the most frequent ways to evaluate ballet movements.

Discussion

Research to evaluate ballet movements varies greatly considering study design and specific intervention characteristics. Combining two or more types of technology may increase data reliability and optimize the characterization of ballet movements. A lack of studies addressing muscle–brain interaction in dancers were observed, and given the potential of novel insights, further studies in this field are warranted. Finally, using quantitative tools opens the perspective of defining what is considered an elite dancer.
Periodic hypersomnolence in a young female patient: a case report and literature review
Authors: Alemohammad Zahra Banafsheh , Jamshidi Sajedeh , Najafi Arezu
Published: March 2022

Background

Kleine–Levin syndrome (KLS) is a disease with periodic hypersomnolence accompanied by abnormal behavior with a rare prevalence in female.

Case presentation

Here, we report a young lady with chief complaint of hypersomnolence for 6 years of visits and any history of sleep attack, sleep paralysis, and cataplexy. Polysomnography was performed for the patient. The respiratory disturbance index was normal. In MSLT the patient had two SOREMs with mean sleep latency of 7 min. She was diagnosed as Kleine–Levin syndrome as the sleepiness symptoms had a periodic pattern without other characteristics of central hypersomnolence disorders. The patient did not report behavioral characteristics of KLS reported in previous literature. She improved spontaneously after a while in follow-ups without any further treatment.

Conclusions

Although KLS is reported rarely in female gender and there are previous defined behavioral symptoms for this syndrome, periodic pattern of sleepiness should raise this diagnosis after exclusion of other hypersomnolence causes.
A comparative study between ultrasound-guided ilioingunial/iliohypogastric nerve block versus transverse abdominis plane block in patients undergoing oblique inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Elwany Ahmed Fathi , Mohamed Sohair Abass , EL-Fatah Amr Mohamed Abd , El-sayed Nasser El-sayed , Samir Ghada Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Background

Combined ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (IIN/IHN) block and transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block are used under ultrasound (USG) visualization for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery. This study compares USG-guided TAP versus IIN/IHN block for post-operative analgesia efficacy in adults undergoing inguinal hernia surgery, among 100 patients randomized into group A received TAP block by using levobupivacaine 0.5% 25 ml and group B received IIN+IHN blocks by using levobupivacaine 0.5% 10 ml before induction of general anesthesia.

Results

The mean duration (in minutes) to require rescue analgesia was found to be 1003.2 ± 99.6 (min) in group A and 1317 ± 69 (min) in group B. In a comparison of these two values the difference in the meantime to rescue analgesic requirement was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

USG-guided IIN/IHN block delays the need for rescue analgesia and reduces the postoperative analgesic requirement compared to USG-guided TAP block.
Bacterial communities in the gastrointestinal tract segments of helminth-resistant and helminth-susceptible sheep
Authors: Paz Erwin A. , Chua Eng Guan , Hassan Shamshad Ul , Greeff Johan C. , Palmer Dieter G. , Liu Shimin , Lamichhane Binit , Sepúlveda Néstor , Liu Junhua , Tay Chin Yen , Martin Graeme B.
Published: March 2022

Background

Helminth parasitism is a world-wide problem in livestock industries, with major impacts on health, welfare and productivity. The role of the gut microbiota in host-helminth interactions in ruminants has been extensively examined and the present study added to this body of knowledge by assessing the effects of resistance and susceptibility to helminth infection in the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT). Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) for faecal egg count (FEC) were used to select the 10 highly helminth-susceptible (High-FEC) and 10 highly helminth-resistant (Low-FEC) sheep. FEC status was confirmed during the experiment. Using samples from the faeces and the lumen of the rumen, abomasum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, and colon, DNA was extracted and used for 16 rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Results

The most frequent genera identified along the GIT were Eubacterium, Oscillibacter, and Ruminococcus. Intersectoral-specialization zones were identified along the GIT, with the duodenum displaying major differences between the High-FEC and Low-FEC animals in values for alpha and beta diversity. After taking all samples into account and adjusting for GIT segment, the High-FEC and Low-FEC sheep differed significantly for four genera Butyrivibrio, Mycoplasma, Lachnoclostridium and Succiniclasticum. In the duodenum, the abundances of Aminipila, Lachnoclostridium and Mogibacterium differed significantly between the High-FEC and Low-FEC sheep. In the ileum, on the other hand, the genus Mycoplasma was significantly depleted in the Low-FEC group.

Conclusions

The gastro-intestinal microbial profile varies widely between helminth-resistant and helminth-susceptible sheep. Each GIT section appears to support a particular bacterial composition leading to inter-sectoral differences among the various microbial communities. The microbial populations were most rich and diverse in the duodenum of helminth-resistant sheep, comprising bacterial genera that generally ferment carbohydrates. This observation suggests that helminth-resistant sheep can reorganize the duodenal microbiome taxa which may restrict the development of parasites.
The life-cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and life-cycle costs of e-waste management in Thailand
Authors: Mangmeechai Aweewan
Published: March 2022

There is no clear direction in the management of electrical and electronic waste products (e-waste), as there are no regulations on ways to do so. This research attempts to understand the trade-off between the economic value and the environmental effects of the current disposal of e-waste to find ways to optimize waste management, focusing on cellphones, television cathode ray tubes, desktop computers, and air conditioners. A life cycle greenhouse gas and life cycle costs were conducted. Under the e-waste management status quo, most household e-waste is kept in houses because owners do not know where to discard it. In addition, informal sectors, such as domestic farmers or workers, have been actively involved in collecting and dismantling e-waste for more than a decade, leading to poor management standards for both health and the environment. Without e-waste management regulations, informal dismantlers of products gain slight profits by collecting and selling parts and discarding all non-recyclable waste in municipal garbage dumps. The current practice actually adds greenhouse gas to the atmosphere mainly due to improper logistics management and discarding of refrigerants. The logistics are inefficient because the dismantling communities and recycling locations are far apart. Most e-waste is generated, and most recycling industries are located in the central region (the richest areas), while the dismantling communities are located in the northeastern region (the poorest areas). Furthermore, the life cycle of greenhouse gas and the life cycle costs of e-waste are affected by transportation, and not all e-waste parts can be recycled within the country. High-tech mineral extraction cannot be practiced in the country, and thus, circuit boards and batteries are exported for recycling. To promote a circular economy, e-waste management regulations should be implemented, the costs of proper e-waste management should be internalized, and a full recycling industry should be established in the country.
Principle and performance of BDSBAS and PPP-B2b of BDS-3
Authors: Yang Yuanxi , Ding Qun , Gao Weiguang , Li Jinlong , Xu Yangyin , Sun Bijiao
Published: March 2022

Within the framework of differential augmentation, this paper introduces the basic technical framework and performance of the BeiDou Global Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) Satellite-Based Augmentation System (BDSBAS), including orbit products, satellite clock offset products, ionosphere and its integrity performance. The basic principle of BDS-3 Precise Point Positioning (PPP-B2b) is expounded, the similarities and differences between the PPP service provided by BDS-3 and International Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Service (IGS) are discussed, and the limitations of PPP-B2b are analyzed. Since both the BDSBAS and PPP-B2b utilize a ground monitoring station network to determine the satellite orbits and clock offset corrections, and broadcast differential corrections through the three Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites of BDS-3, the feasibility of the co-construction of BDSBAS and PPP-B2b is analyzed, strategies for the infrastructure sharing and correction broadcasting are presented, and the influences of BDSBAS correction broadcasting strategy adjustment are evaluated. In addition, it assesses the possibility of broadcasting differential corrections through the Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO) satellites of BDS-3, and the feasibility of augmenting satellite navigation with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
A study of nasal epithelial cell gene expression in a sample of mild to severe asthmatic children and healthy controls
Authors: Behairy Ola Galal Ali , Mohammad Osama Ibrahim , Salim Rabab F. , Sobeih Ahmad Ata
Published: March 2022

Background

Airway epithelium contributes to the natural history of bronchial asthma through the production of various cytokines and chemokines. The purpose of this study was to assess nasal epithelial cell genes (TMEM178, FKBP5, CLCA1, SERPINB2 and periostin) in childhood asthma and their utility in predicting asthma severity, and atopic status. Seventy asthmatic children were included and further subdivided into mild, moderate and severe persistent asthma together with 30 apparently healthy children as a control group. All children were subjected to medical history taking, clinical examination. Nasal epithelial samples were collected for detection of epithelial cell genes (TMEM178, FKBP5, CLCA1, SERPINB2 and periostin) by real-time PCR.

Results

TMEM178 showed significant down-regulation in asthmatic children and its expression levels decreased significantly with the progression of asthma severity. CLCA1, SERPINB2 and periostin showed statistically significant up-regulation in asthmatic children, whereas FKBP5 was increased in asthmatic children but with non-significant up-regulation when compared with the control group. Regarding atopic status, relative gene expression levels of CLCA1, SERPINB2 and periostin were significantly up-regulated in atopic asthma.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the role of nasal airways epithelial cells in predicting asthma severity and atopic status, as TMEM178 expression gained attention as a predictor of asthma severity. CLCA1, SERPINB2 and periostin expression were up-regulated not only in asthmatic children, but also in atopic asthma.
Momordica charantia nanoparticles potentiate insulin release and modulate antioxidant gene expression in pancreas of diabetic rats
Authors: Elekofehinti Olusola Olalekan
Published: March 2022

Background

Green synthesis of nanoparticles with medicinal plants has inherent potential in the management of diabetes mellitus. This study synthesized Momordica charantia nanoparticles using silver nitrate to investigate the antidiabetic properties of this extract and the synthesized nanoparticles in vivo.

Results

The M. charantia nanoparticles used were synthesized biologically under ambient conditions from methanolic leaf extract of M. charantia using 1 mM concentration of aqueous silver nitrate and characterized using spectroscopic methods, FTIR and scanning electron microscopy. In vivo, the antidiabetic activity of M. charantia nanoparticle was assessed in streptozotocin-induced (65 mg/kg) rats. Rats were treated with M. charantia nanoparticle (50 mg/kg), aqueous leaf extract (100 mg/kg) metformin (100 mg/kg) and silver nitrate nanoparticle (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. Following treatment, rats were killed for biochemical analysis. Also, reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction analyses of Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5, glucagon-like peptide-1, Insulin, superoxide dismutase, catalase and Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) - were carried out in the pancreas. A significant reduction in blood sugar levels was noted in rats treated with M. charantia nanoparticles. A reduction (p < 0.05) of pancreas alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase was observed when compared with diabetic untreated rats. M. charantia nanoparticles significantly increase the antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rats when compared with diabetic untreated rats. The decrease in the level of triglyceride, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein was observed when compared with diabetic control rats and also a significant increase in the expression of Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5, glucagon-like peptide-1, insulin, superoxide dismutase, catalase and NFE2-related factor 2 genes was observed when compared with diabetic untreated rats.

Conclusions

Momordica charantia nanoparticles exhibited potential antidiabetic activity in the rat model of diabetes and thus may serve as a therapeutic agent that could be developed for medical applications in the future.
Measures of Intracranial Injury Size Do Not Improve Clinical Decision Making for Children With Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries and Intracranial Injuries
Authors: Greenberg Jacob K. , Olsen Margaret A. , Johnson Gabrielle W. , Ahluwalia Ranbir , Hill Madelyn , Hale Andrew T. , Belal Ahmed , Baygani Shawyon , Foraker Randi E. , Carpenter Christopher R. , Ackerman Laurie L. , Noje Corina , Jackson Eric M. , Burns Erin , Sayama Christina M. , Selden Nathan R. , Vachhrajani Shobhan , Shannon Chevis N. , Kuppermann Nathan , Limbrick David D.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

When evaluating children with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) and intracranial injuries (ICIs), neurosurgeons intuitively consider injury size. However, the extent to which such measures (eg, hematoma size) improve risk prediction compared with the kids intracranial injury decision support tool for traumatic brain injury (KIIDS-TBI) model, which only includes the presence/absence of imaging findings, remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the extent to which measures of injury size improve risk prediction for children with mild traumatic brain injuries and ICIs.

METHODS:

We included children ≤18 years who presented to 1 of the 5 centers within 24 hours of TBI, had Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 13 to 15, and had ICI on neuroimaging. The data set was split into training (n = 1126) and testing (n = 374) cohorts. We used generalized linear modeling (GLM) and recursive partitioning (RP) to predict the composite of neurosurgery, intubation >24 hours, or death because of TBI. Each model's sensitivity/specificity was compared with the validated KIIDS-TBI model across 3 decision-making risk cutoffs (<1%, <3%, and <5% predicted risk).

RESULTS:

The GLM and RP models included similar imaging variables (eg, epidural hematoma size) while the GLM model incorporated additional clinical predictors (eg, Glasgow Coma Scale score). The GLM (76%-90%) and RP (79%-87%) models showed similar specificity across all risk cutoffs, but the GLM model had higher sensitivity (89%-96% for GLM; 89% for RP). By comparison, the KIIDS-TBI model had slightly higher sensitivity (93%-100%) but lower specificity (27%-82%).

CONCLUSION:

Although measures of ICI size have clear intuitive value, the tradeoff between higher specificity and lower sensitivity does not support the addition of such information to the KIIDS-TBI model.
Ο πανοπτισμός στα ψηφιακά μέσα
Authors: Τζίμα Μαρία
Published: March 2022

Μια από τις πολλές εφαρμογές των τεχνολογιών πληροφορίας και επικοινωνών (ΤΠΕ) είναι η καταγραφή και η αποθήκευση δεδομένων πάσης φύσεως διαδικτυακών δραστηριοτήτων. Αυτή η δυνατότητά τους εξυπηρετεί την άσκηση κοινωνικού ελέγχου που υλοποιείται από κέντρα εξουσίας, από χώρους κοινωνικής δικτύωσης (social media), και άλλα διαδικτυακά περιβάλλοντα αμφιβόλου προθέσεως. Αποτέλεσμα της δεδομένης κατάστασης είναι η αυτοματοποιημένη επιτήρηση των πολιτών σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο στην οποία οι ειδικοί αναφέρονται συχνά με τον όρο πανοπτισμός. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή επιχειρείται η προσέγγιση της ψηφιακής επιτήρησης των κοινωνιών, των κινδύνων και των επιπτώσεων που αυτή συνεπάγεται, εστιάζοντας κυρίως στην παιδική ηλικία. Για το σκοπό αυτό πραγματοποιήθηκε έρευνα δράσης κατά την οποία υλοποιήθηκαν δυο ερευνητικές διαδικασίες. Αρχικά εκτιμήθηκε η γνώση και οι θέσεις των εκπαιδευτικών για το θέμα, μέσω ανάλυσης δεδομένων ποσοτικού και ποιοτικού χαρακτήρα που συλλέχτηκαν με χρήση ερωτηματολογίου. Το δείγμα αποτέλεσαν 147 εκπαιδευτικοί όλων των βαθμίδων. Στη συνέχεια επιχειρήθηκε η διερεύνηση των μαθησιακών αποτελεσμάτων παρέμβασης με χρήση Δραματικής τέχνης (παιχνίδια ρόλων) συνδυαστικά με άλλα εκπαιδευτικά εργαλεία: όπως, Μυθολογία, έργα τέχνης, δημιουργική συζήτηση σε 12 παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας. Πρόκειται για ποιοτική μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση όπου εφαρμόστηκε η pre και post διαδικασία ώστε να εκτιμηθεί το μαθησιακό αποτέλεσμα, της υλοποιημένης παρέμβασης. Τα εργαλεία συλλογής δεδομένων αποτέλεσαν οι ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις, τα σχετικά ιχνογραφήματα των παιδιών, φύλλα εργασίας και οι συνεντεύξεις των παιδαγωγών της τάξης που συμμετείχαν στην παρέμβαση. Η έρευνα στους εκπαιδευτικούς ανέδειξε από τη μια πλευρά το μέτριο επίπεδο γνώσης γύρω από το θέμα της ψηφιακής επιτήρησης, αλλά από την άλλη, μέσα από τις τοποθετήσεις τους διαπιστώθηκε η ανάγκη για έναρξη των σχετικών εκπαιδευτικών δράσεων από την προσχολική ακόμη ηλικία, όπως και η ανάγκη της δικής τους σχετικής επιμόρφωσης. Η έρευνα διαμέσω της παρέμβασης οδήγησε στο συμπέρασμα ότι η βιωματική προσέγγιση μέσω της Δραματικής Τέχνης μπορεί να επιδράσει θετικά στη μάθηση και κατανόηση του πολύπλοκου ζητήματος της ψηφιακής επιτήρησης, εφαρμοζόμενη ακόμη και, σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας. Ειδικότερα διαφαίνεται ότι τα μικρά παιδιά κατανόησαν τις δυνατότητες των ΤΠΕ για επιτήρηση, απέκτησαν νέα γνώση και στάθηκαν κριτικά απέναντι στις παρουσιαζόμενες λειτουργίες επιτήρησης σε ικανοποιητικό επίπεδο. Η συνεκτίμηση των συμπερασμάτων των δυο ερευνών, τόσο της έρευνας στους εκπαιδευτικούς όσο και της παρέμβασης με τη χρήση Δραματικής Τέχνης, οδηγεί στο συμπέρασμα ότι η αποτελεσματικότερη αγωγή και εκπαίδευση των παιδιών απέναντι στους αναδυόμενους κινδύνους μπορεί να επιτευχθεί εφόσον, εξασφαλίζονται ταυτόχρονα η σχετική επιμόρφωση των εκπαιδευτικών, ο σχεδιασμός και η υλοποίηση εκπαιδευτικών δράσεων με ενιαίο και διαρκή χαρακτήρα, καθώς και, η έγκαιρη έναρξη της εκπαίδευσης από την προσχολική ηλικία.
Trends in frailty and its associated factors in the community dwelling elderly Indian population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective analytical study
Authors: Gautam Karan , Krishnan K Shyam , Kumar K Vijaya , Nayak Megha M
Published: March 2022

Background: There is a scarcity of quality literature on the prevalence of frailty among community dwelling elderly in India. This study was originally planned to analyze the longitudinal trends in frailty status of community dwelling elderly in an Indian population as well to identify factors associated with frailty in the Indian context. However, the recruitment phase of this study coincided with one of the largest lockdowns in history, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and this gave us a unique opportunity to study the effects this pandemic enforced, as a result of the necessary restrictions, on the frailty status as well the factors affecting frailty in the elderly.

Methods: A prospective observational study was designed and conducted amongst 19 community dwelling elderly of Dakshina Kannada District, in Karnataka India. Outcome variables of frailty (EFIP), physical activity (PASE), functional mobility (TUG), gait speed (10-meter walk test), nutritional status (MNA®-SF) body composition (BIA), and strength (dynamometry), were measured at baseline and on follow-up after three months. The changes occurring in these variables over the three-month period were analyzed and the change in frailty was independently correlated with changes in each of the other outcomes.

Results: We couldn’t identify any statistically significant difference in frailty over a period of three months. However, there was a highly significant change in the physical activity status, lower extremity muscle strength, body composition, functional mobility, gait speed, and cognitive function in the same time period.

Conclusions: Though individual determinants of frailty in community dwelling changed over a three-month period, these changes failed to produce any observable/measurable difference in frailty status.
Predictors of social response to COVID-19 among health care workers caring for individuals with confirmed COVID-19 in Jordan
Authors: Dalky Heyam , Khraisat Adam , Khalifeh Anas H. , Abuhammad Sawsan , Hamdan-Mansour Ayman
Published: March 2022

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 forced public health authorities around the world to call for national emergency plans. Public responses, in the form of social discrimination and stigmatizing behaviors, are increasingly being observed against individuals with confirmed COVID-19 and healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for those individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the perception of social discrimination and coping strategies, and explore predictors of social discrimination and coping with COVID-19 among HCWs and individuals with confirmed COVID-19.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive-comparative design to collect data, using a convenience sample of 105 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 and 109 HCWs using a web-based survey format.

Results: In this study, individuals confirmed with COVID-19 reported a high level of social discrimination compared with HCWs (t = 2.62, p < 0.01), while HCWs reported a high level of coping with COVID-19 compared to individuals with COVID-19 (t = -3.91, p < 0.001). Educational level, age, monthly income, and taking over-the-counter medication were predictors of social discrimination and coping with COVID-19 among HCWs and individuals with confirmed COVID-19.

Conclusions: The findings showed that individuals with confirmed COVID-19 were more likely to face social discrimination, and HCWs cope with COVID-19 better than ordinary individuals with confirmed COVID-19.
Development and implementation of a tool for measuring the training effectiveness of the patient-centered consultation model
Authors: Jorgensen Merete , Thorsen Hanne , Siersma Volkert , Winther Bang Christine
Published: March 2022

Background: The patient-centered consultation model comprises four elements: exploring health, illness, and disease experiences, understanding the whole person, finding common ground, and enhancing the patient-doctor relationship. This method is taught at the course in general practice at Copenhagen University. The aim of the study was to develop a simple tool consisting of a questionnaire about the patient-centered elements and a test video consultation. The outcome is the change in the students’ ability to identify these elements. Used as a pre-course and post-course test it can inform the teachers which elements of the patient-centered consultation need intensifying in the teaching.

Methods: The students from a course in general practice volunteered to participate in all steps of the development. They took part in individual interviews to select items from an already existing questionnaire (DanSCORE). The preliminary questionnaire was tested for face and content validity, pilot-tested and tested for test-retest reliability. All video consultations were transcribed and assessed for patient-centered elements through a conversation analysis. The videos showed medical students seeing real patients.

Results: The preliminary version of the questionnaire (called DanOBS) had 23 items. In the subsequent interviews, items were reduced to 17, each with three response options. After the pilot test, the questionnaire was further reduced to 13 items, all strictly relevant to the model and with two response options. The final questionnaire had acceptable test-retest reliability. The number of test consultation videos underwent a reduction from six videos to one.

Conclusions: The DanOBS combined with a test video consultation, used as a pre-and post-course test demonstrates for teachers which elements in the patient-centered consultation need to be intensified in the teaching.
The genome sequence of the angle shades moth, Phlogophora meticulosa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Phlogophora meticulosa (the angle shades; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 539 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly, 95.17%, is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the Z sex chromosome assembled. Some unassigned scaffolds are identified as belonging to the W chromosome based on half-depth coverage and comparison to other Noctuidae W chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length.
Internal Audit in the Context of Industry 4.0
Authors: Zaharov Igor' , Glazkova G.
Published: March 2022

The article discusses issues of improving audit activity in the conditions of economic activity in the transition from the economy of knowledge to the economy of mind. Special attention is paid to the concept of improving audit in the conditions of formation of the digital economy.
Understanding the career dynamics of IT professionals in digital transformation times: a systematic review of career anchors studies
Authors: Cabot Catherine , Gagnon Stéphane
Published: March 2022

The concept of career anchors has long been a reference model to guide Human Resources Management (HRM) practices within the information technology (IT) discipline. However, as the digital transformation phenomenon grows increasingly disruptive, the misalignment of human resources is becoming more apparent as IT professionals are faced with mixed job demands requiring multidisciplinary skillsets. Along with the lack of workforce diversity and high turnover rates, these HRM challenges are impacting career dynamics and talent management practices. A systematic literature review of 20 empirical studies reveals three broad themes: debunking the dual-ladder construct of traditionally opposing technical and management career paths, fostering a diverse workforce through a variety of demographic profiles, and understanding the response strategies of IT professionals. While career anchors proved to be a useful model, it falls short in the context of the current structural changes of professional career choices and talent requirements, which requires a more diverse and dynamic model. This finding leads to a new research agenda emphasizing the study of Business Technology Management (BTM). This new concept refers to an emerging transdisciplinary profession, uniting Project Management (PM), Information Systems (IS) and IT competencies within a common body of knowledge for leading digital transformation projects.