bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying research priorities for health professions education research in sub-Saharan Africa using a modified Delphi method
Authors: Van Schalkwyk Susan C. , Kiguli-Malwadde Elsie , Budak Jehan Z. , Reid Michael J. A. , de Villiers Marietjie R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecent increases in health professions education (HPE) research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), though substantial, have predominantly originated from single institutions and remained uncoordinated. A shared research agenda can guide the implementation of HPE practices to ultimately influence the recruitment and retention of the health workforce. Thus, the authors aimed to generate and prioritise a list of research topics for HPE research (HPER) in SSA.MethodsA modified Delphi process was designed to prioritise a shared agenda. Members of the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth) technical working group (TWG) were asked to first list potential research topics. Then, members of the same TWG and attendees at the annual AFREhealth academic symposium held in Lagos, Nigeria in August 2019 rated the importance of including each topic on a 3-point Likert scale, through two rounds of consensus seeking. Consensus for inclusion was predefined as ≥70% of respondents rating the topic as “must be included.”ResultsHealth professions educators representing a variety of professions and 13 countries responded to the survey rounds. Twenty-three TWG members suggested 26 initial HPER topics; subsequently 90 respondents completed round one, and 51 completed round 2 of the modified Delphi. The final list of 12 research topics which met predetermined consensus criteria were grouped into three categories: (1) creating an enabling environment with sufficient resources and relevant training; (2) enhancing student learning; and (3) identifying and evaluating strategies to improve pedagogical practice.ConclusionsEstablishing research priorities for HPE is important to ensure efficient and appropriate allocation of resources. This study serves as a reminder of how the prevailing context within which HPE, and by implication research in the field, is undertaken will inevitably influence choices about research foci. It further points to a potential advocacy role for research that generates regionally relevant evidence.
Crosstalk between microglia and patient-derived glioblastoma cells inhibit invasion in a three-dimensional gelatin hydrogel model
Authors: Chen Jee-Wei Emily , Lumibao Jan , Leary Sarah , Sarkaria Jann N. , Steelman Andrew J. , Gaskins H. Rex , Harley Brendan A. C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlioblastoma is the most common and deadly form of primary brain cancer, accounting for more than 13,000 new diagnoses annually in the USA alone. Microglia are the innate immune cells within the central nervous system, acting as a front-line defense against injuries and inflammation via a process that involves transformation from a quiescent to an activated phenotype. Crosstalk between GBM cells and microglia represents an important axis to consider in the development of tissue engineering platforms to examine pathophysiological processes underlying GBM progression and therapy.MethodsThis work used a brain-mimetic hydrogel system to study patient-derived glioblastoma specimens and their interactions with microglia. Here, glioblastoma cells were either cultured alone in 3D hydrogels or in co-culture with microglia in a manner that allowed secretome-based signaling but prevented direct GBM-microglia contact. Patterns of GBM cell invasion were quantified using a three-dimensional spheroid assay. Secretome and transcriptome (via RNAseq) were used to profile the consequences of GBM-microglia interactions.ResultsMicroglia displayed an activated phenotype as a result of GBM crosstalk. Three-dimensional migration patterns of patient-derived glioblastoma cells showed invasion was significantly decreased in response to microglia paracrine signaling. Potential molecular mechanisms underlying with this phenotype were identified from bioinformatic analysis of secretome and RNAseq data.ConclusionThe data demonstrate a tissue engineered hydrogel platform can be used to investigate crosstalk between immune cells of the tumor microenvironment related to GBM progression. Such multi-dimensional models may provide valuable insight to inform therapeutic innovations to improve GBM treatment.
Astaxanthin protects cognitive function of vascular dementia
Authors: Zhu Ningwei , Liang Xiao , Zhang Ming , Yin Xiaolan , Yang Hui , Zhi Yajun , Ying Guizhen , Zou Jialing , Chen Lei , Yao Xiaokun , Li Hongwei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin (AST) on cognition function, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in vascular dementia (VD) mice.MethodVD mice model was established by left unilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (LUCCAO). Following LUCCAO, AST was intragastrically administered for 30 days. Object recognition test and morris water maze test were used to evaluate cognitive function. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe the hippocampal neuron structure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and bicinchoninic acid kit were respectively adopted to measure IL-1β and IL-4 protein expression and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.ResultsAST improved the discrimination ability of VD mice. The escape latency and path length of VD mice treated with AST were dramatically reduced. Besides, AST 200 mg/kg enhanced crossing platform time and the number of times crossing the platform quadrant, and alleviated the morphological impairment in VD mice. Moreover, we found that AST inhibited IL-1β expression and MDA content, whereas promoted IL-4 expression and SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionAST could improve cognitive impairment and hippocampal neurons in VD mice, which may be related to suppression of inflammatory response and oxidative stress.
A pilot study of stereotactic boost for malignant epidural spinal cord compression: clinical significance and initial dosimetric evaluation
Authors: Donovan Elysia K. , Greenspoon Jeffrey , Schnarr Kara L. , Whelan Timothy J. , Wright James R. , Hann Crystal , Whitton Anthony , Chow Tom , Parpia Sameer , Swaminath Anand 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a devastating complication of advanced malignancy, which can result in neurologic complications and significant deterioration in overall function and quality of life. Most patients are not candidates for optimal surgical decompression and as a result, receive urgent 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) to prevent or attempt to reverse neurologic progression. Multiple trials indicate that response and ambulatory rates after 3DCRT are inferior to surgery. The advent of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has created a method with which a “radiosurgical decompression” boost may facilitate improve outcomes for MESCC patients.

Methods
We are conducting a pilot study to investigate SBRT boost after urgent 3D CRT for patients with MESCC. The aim of the study is to establish feasibility of this two-phase treatment regimen, and secondarily to characterize post-treatment ambulation status, motor response, pain control, quality of life and survival.

Discussion
We describe the study protocol and present a case report of one patient. A quality assurance review was conducted after the first seven patients, and resultant dose-constraints were revised to improve safety and feasibility of planning through more conservative organ at risk constraints. There have been no severe adverse events (grade 3–5) to date. We have illustrated clinical and dosimetric data of an example case, where a patient regained full strength and ambulatory capacity.

Conclusions
Our study aims to determine if SBRT is a feasible option in addition to standard 3DCRT for MESCC patients, with the goal to consider future randomized trials if successful. Having a robust quality assurance process in this study ensures translatability going forward if future trials with multicenter and increased patient representation are to be considered.

Trial registration
clinicaltrials.gov; registration no. NCT03529708; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03529708; First posted May 18, 2018.
Fabrication of chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol and silk electrospun fiber seeded with differentiated keratinocyte for skin tissue regeneration in animal wound model
Authors: Fathi Afshin , Khanmohammadi Mehdi , Goodarzi Arash , Foroutani Lale , Mobarakeh Zahra Taherian , Saremi Jamileh , Arabpour Zohreh , Ai Jafar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHybrid fibrous mat containing cell interactive molecules offers the ability to deliver the cells and drugs in wound bed, which will help to achieve a high therapeutic treatment. In this study, a co-electrospun hybrid of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (Ch) and silk fibrous mat was developed and their wound healing potential by localizing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived keratinocytes on it was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. It was expected that fabricated hybrid construct could promote wound healing due to its structure, physical, biological specifications. The fabricated fibrous mats were characterized for their structural, mechanical and biochemical properties. The shape uniformity and pore size of fibers showed smooth and homogenous structures of them. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified all typical absorption characteristics of Ch-PVA + Silk polymers as well as Ch-PVA or pure PVA substrates. The contact angle and wettability measurement of fibers showed that mats found moderate hydrophilicity by addition of Ch and silk substrates compared with PVA alone. The mechanical features of Ch-PVA + Silk fibrous mat increase significantly through co-electrospun process as well as hybridization of these synthetic and natural polymers. Higher degrees of cellular attachment and proliferation obtained on Ch-PVA + Silk fibers compared with PVA and Ch-PVA fibers. In terms of the capability of Ch-PVA + Silk fibers and MSC-derived keratinocytes, histological analysis and skin regeneration results showed this novel fibrous construct could be suggested as a skin substitute in the repair of injured skin and regenerative medicine applications.
Identification of Rickettsia felis DNA in the blood of domestic cats and dogs in the USA
Authors: Hoque Md Monirul , Barua Subarna , Kelly Patrick John , Chenoweth Kelly , Kaltenboeck Bernhard , Wang Chengming 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe main vector and reservoir host ofRickettsia felis,an emerging human pathogen causing flea-borne spotted fever, is the cat fleaCtenocephalides felis. While cats have not been found to be infected with the organism, significant percentages of dogs from Australia and Africa are infected, indicating that they may be important mammalian reservoirs. The objective of this study was to determine the presence ofR. felisDNA in the blood of domestic dogs and cats in the USA.MethodsThree previously validated PCR assays forR. felisand DNA sequencing were performed on blood samples obtained from clinically ill domestic cats and dogs from 45 states (2008–2020) in the USA. The blood samples had been submitted for the diagnosis of various tick-borne diseases in dogs and feline infectious peritonitis virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, andBartonellaspp. in cats. Phylogenetic comparisons were performed on thegltAnucleotide sequences obtained in the study and those reported forR. felisandR. felis-like organisms.ResultsLow copy numbers ofR. felisDNA (around 100 copies/ml whole blood) were found in four cats (4/752, 0.53%) and three dogs (3/777, 0.39%). The very low levels of infection in clinically ill animals is consistent withR. felisbeing an unlikely cause of disease in naturally infected dogs and cats. The low copy numbers we found emphasize the requirement for very sensitive PCRs in prevalence studies.ConclusionsThe low prevalence of naturally infected PCR-positive cats is further evidence that cats are unlikely to be important reservoirs ofR. felis. Similarly, the low prevalence in dogs suggests they are not important reservoirs in the USA. Investigations should continue into the role other mammalian species may be playing in the epidemiology ofR. felisinfections.Graphical Abstract
Common and unique multimodal covarying patterns in autism spectrum disorder subtypes
Authors: Qi Shile , Morris Robin , Turner Jessica A. , Fu Zening , Jiang Rongtao , Deramus Thomas P. , Zhi Dongmei , Calhoun Vince D. , Sui Jing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe heterogeneity inherent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a substantial challenge to diagnosis and precision treatment. Heterogeneity across biological etiologies, genetics, neural systems, neurocognitive attributes and clinical subtypes or phenotypes has been observed across individuals with ASD.MethodsIn this study, we aim to investigate the heterogeneity in ASD from a multimodal brain imaging perspective. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) was used as a reference to guide functional and structural MRI fusion. DSM-IV-TR diagnosed Asperger’s disorder (n = 79), pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified [PDD-NOS] (n = 58) and Autistic disorder (n = 92) from ABIDE II were used as discovery cohort, and ABIDE I (n = 400) was used for replication.ResultsDorsolateral prefrontal cortex and superior/middle temporal cortex are the primary common functional–structural covarying cortical brain areas shared among Asperger’s, PDD-NOS and Autistic subgroups. Key differences among the three subtypes are negative functional features within subcortical brain areas, including negative putamen–parahippocampus fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) unique to the Asperger’s subtype; negative fALFF in anterior cingulate cortex unique to PDD-NOS subtype; and negative thalamus–amygdala–caudate fALFF unique to the Autistic subtype. Furthermore, each subtype-specific brain pattern is correlated with different ADOS subdomains, with social interaction as the common subdomain. The identified subtype-specific patterns are only predictive for ASD symptoms manifested in the corresponding subtypes, but not the other subtypes.ConclusionsAlthough ASD has a common neural basis with core deficits linked to social interaction, each ASD subtype is strongly linked to unique brain systems and subdomain symptoms, which may help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of ASD heterogeneity from a multimodal neuroimaging perspective.LimitationsThis study is male based, which cannot be generalized to the female or the general ASD population.
No preference for direct versus averted gaze in autistic adults: a reinforced preferential looking paradigm
Authors: Clin Elise , Maes Pauline , Stercq Fanny , Kissine Mikhail 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
With the overarching objective to gain better insights into social attention in autistic adults, the present study addresses three outstanding issues about face processing in autism. First, do autistic adults display a preference for mouths over eyes; second, do they avoid direct gaze; third, is atypical visual exploration of faces in autism mediated by gender, social anxiety or alexithymia?

Methods
We used a novel reinforced preferential looking paradigm with a group of autistic adults (n = 43, 23 women) pairwise matched on age with neurotypical participants (n = 43, 21 women). Participants watched 28 different pairs of 5 s video recordings of a speaking person: the two videos, simultaneously displayed on the screen, were identical except that gaze was directed at the camera in one video and averted in the other. After a 680 ms transition phase, a short reinforcement animation appeared on the side that had displayed the direct gaze.

Results
None of the groups showed a preference for mouths over eyes. However, neurotypical participants fixated significantly more the stimuli with direct gaze, while no such preference emerged in autistic participants. As the experiment progressed, neurotypical participants also increasingly anticipated the appearance of the reinforcement, based on the location of the stimulus with the direct gaze, while no such anticipation emerged in autistic participants.

Limitations
Our autistic participants scored higher on the social anxiety and alexithymia questionnaires than neurotypicals. Future studies should match neurotypical and autistic participants on social anxiety and alexithymia and complement questionnaires with physiological measures of anxiety.

Conclusions
The absence of preference for direct versus averted gaze in the autistic group is probably due to difficulties in distinguishing eye gaze direction, potentially linked to a reduced spontaneous exploration or avoidance of the eye region. Social attention and preference for direct versus averted gaze correlated with alexithymia and social anxiety scores, but not gender.
Assessment of acute and sub-chronic neurotoxicity of Morus alba L. fruits in rodents
Authors: Paul Arpita , Shakya Anshul , Zaman Md Kamaruz 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Morus alba L. fruits are consumed since long for their nutritional and medicinal values. Although there were studies on the neuroprotective activity of the fruit extract, safety profile of the fruit extract is not yet explored as per the recommended standard guidelines over the central nervous system (CNS). The present work was aimed to assess the neurotoxicity profile of chemically characterized extract of M. alba L. fruits (MA) using validated OECD guidelines, i.e., 425 and 424 in rodents.

Results
Neurobehavioural parameters were examined for motor, sensory and behavioural responses using actophotometer, hot plate and light and dark box test, respectively as per OECD 424. Interestingly, no sign of mortality and/or adversity on mice treated per-orally with MA (2000 mg/kg) was observed during the limit test as per OECD 425. Further, rats treated with MA (1000, 300 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days, showed insignificant (p < 0.05) changes in body weight, food consumption, neurobehavioural responses, organ weights and biochemical, haematological and histopathological features when compared with vehicle-treated animals.

Conclusion
The outcome of findings suggests that MA is safe in acute oral as well as sub-chronic (28 days) administration in mice and rats respectively. MA (1000 mg/kg) did not pose any toxic sign and symptoms on neurobehavioural responses in rats even after 28 days repeated treatment in compliance with OECD 424.
Display Optimization for Vertically Differentiated Locations Under Multinomial Logit Preferences
Authors: Aouad Ali , Segev Danny 
Published: November 2020

We introduce a new optimization model, dubbed the display optimization problem, that captures a common aspect of choice behavior, known as the framing bias. In this setting, the objective is to optimize how distinct items (corresponding to products, web links, ads, etc.) are being displayed to a heterogeneous audience, whose choice preferences are influenced by the relative locations of items. Once items are assigned to vertically differentiated locations, customers consider a subset of the items displayed in the most favorable locations before picking an alternative through multinomial logit choice probabilities. The main contribution of this paper is to derive a polynomial-time approximation scheme for the display optimization problem. Our algorithm is based on an approximate dynamic programming formulation that exploits various structural properties to derive a compact state space representation of provably near-optimal item-to-position assignment decisions. As a byproduct, our results improve on existing constant-factor approximations for closely related models and apply to general distributions over consideration sets. We develop the notion of approximate assortments that may be of independent interest and applicable in additional revenue management settings. Lastly, we conduct extensive numerical studies to validate the proposed modeling approach and algorithm. Experiments on a public hotel booking data set demonstrate the superior predictive accuracy of our choice model vis-à-vis the multinomial logit choice model with location bias, proposed in earlier literature. In synthetic computational experiments, our approximation scheme dominates various benchmarks, including natural heuristics—greedy methods, local search, priority rules—and state-of-the-art algorithms developed for closely related models. This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS IN INSTAGRAM LOGO
Authors: TANDI PAYUK EVA ERIVA 
Published: November 2020

This article investigated about semiotic that found in instagram logo. This article used Instagram, because many people nowadays used Instagram to express theirselves. The aim of this study is to find out the connotative and denotative meaning through the instagram. The researcher used John theory to reveal this study. In this research, the researcher applies the qualitative descriptive method. The method of collecting data is observation. The steps are choosing the logo that would be analyzed. The result is there are twelve data that has meaning from different logo on Instagram. They all have different functions based on the logo. The conclusion is Instagram as a social media app that allows users to share photos and videos, add captions, edit filters, engage with others, and explore the world by using this application.
Multimodales Erzählen in der Orchesterprobe
Authors: Messner Monika 
Published: November 2020

The focus of attention in this contribution are narrative sequences in orchestra rehearsals realized by the conductor using different semiotic resources such as talk, gesture, facial expressions, gaze and body movement. Adopting a conversation analytic approach to a video-recorded orchestra rehearsal, the article aims to illustrate how narrative elements are implemented in the primarily instructive context of the rehearsal and which functions such narrations fulfil (i. e. joke, argumentation etc.). It will be demonstrated how storytelling is started, unfolded and brought to an end under sequential and multimodal conditions. The analysis also considers how the musicians react to the conductor’s narrations – through gaze, facial expressions and talk – and how they contribute as listeners to the production of narratives. The findings show that the conductor as the narrator and the musicians as his audience organize narrating in orchestra rehearsals in an interactive, multimodal and sequential way.