bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Totally endoscopic surgical resection for a blood cyst originated from mitral valve: a case report
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Lin , Li Lianggang , Ren Tong , Jiang Shengli 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Intracardiac blood cysts are very rare primary cardiac tumors. Blood cysts originated from the mitral valve represent a minority of cases, and previous cases have been mainly treated with conventional surgery through median sternotomy. When the tumor involves heart valves and histopathological diagnosis remains unknown preoperatively, minimally invasive surgical resection of an intracardiac tumor can be challenging, especially through an endoscopic approach. We herein present the first case of successful surgical resection for a rare mitral valve originated blood cyst in a minimally invasive, totally thoracoscopic approach.

Case presentation
An apparently healthy 38-year-old male presented to his local hospital with six months history of palpitation and exertional dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mobile round cystic mass inside the left ventricle, attached to the anterolateral papillary muscle and chordae tendineae of the mitral valve. The local doctor diagnosed an intracardiac tumor and suggested a surgical resection through median sternotomy. However, the patient refused to have a sternotomy. He was then referred to us seeking minimally invasive surgery. We assessed the location, appearance and relationship to nearby structures of the tumor with echocardiography, and made a diagnosis of a suspected primary cystic intracardiac tumor. Since we had enough experience of totally endoscopic mitral surgery, our surgical plan was to resect the tumor in the aid of thoracoscopy, and manage the possible deformation and dysfunction of the cardiac structure if necessary. Using femoro-femoral cannulation and cardiopulmonary bypass, we successfully resected the tumor through a thoracoscopic approach in a closed chest, and well preserved the subvalvular structure and valvular function. Postoperative recovery was quick and uneventful. Pathologic diagnosis confirmed a simple blood cyst.

Conclusions
Surgical resection is warranted for symptomatic cases of intracardiac blood cysts. With prudent preoperative diagnosis and comprehensive surgical plan, we believe the thoracoscopic approach is a safe, curative and viable alternative for complete resection of cardiac valvular tumors.
Cannabinoid receptors distribution in mouse cortical plasma membrane compartments
Authors: Miranzadeh Mahabadi Hajar , Bhatti Haseeb , Laprairie Robert B. , Taghibiglou Changiz 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) are class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by endogenous lipids called endocannabinoids to modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in neurons throughout the central nervous system (CNS), and inflammatory processes throughout the body. CB1 receptor is one of the most abundant GPCRs in the CNS and is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes, including mood, appetite, and nociception. CB2 receptor is primarily found on immunomodulatory cells of both the CNS and the peripheral immune system. In this study, we isolated lipid raft and non-lipid raft fractions of plasma membrane (PM) from mouse cortical tissue by using cold non-ionic detergent and sucrose gradient centrifugation to study the localization of CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor. Lipid raft and non-lipid raft fractions were confirmed by flotillin-1, caveolin-1 and transferrin receptor as their protein biomarkers. Both CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor were found in non-raft compartments that is inconsistent with previous findings in cultured cell lines. This study demonstrates compartmentalization of both CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor in cortical tissue and warrants further investigation of CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor compartmental distribution in various brain regions and cell types.
Assessing the efficacy of a stepped-care group treatment programme for borderline personality disorder: study protocol for a pragmatic trial
Authors: Pickard Judy A. , Finch Adam , Huxley Elizabeth , Townsend Michelle L. , Deuchar Stephanie , Lewis Kate L. , Pratt Jason , Grenyer Brin F. S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a high prevalence and serious mental health disorder that has historically challenged the finite resources of health services. Despite empirical evidence supporting structured psychological therapy as the first line of treatment, there remains significant barriers in providing timely access to evidence-based treatment for this population. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of providing a stepped-care structured psychological group treatment to individuals with BPD within local mental health services. The secondary aims of the study are to identify the variables that predict the need to step up or down in care and the effectiveness of treatment on psychosocial functioning.

Methods
Participants seeking treatment at two community mental health services will be invited to participate. Randomised controlled trial assignment will be to either (i) group skills treatment or (ii) treatment as usual. Group treatment will be offered via a stepped-care pathway with participants initially attending a 12-week group with the option of a subsequent 16-week group. The criteria for inclusion in continuing treatment includes meeting > 4 BPD diagnostic criteria or severity on GAF (< 65) at the completion of the 12-week group. Data will be collected at baseline and at five follow-up time points over a 12-month period.

Discussion
This pragmatic trial will provide valuable information regarding the effectiveness of a progressive stepped-care group treatment for individuals with BPD in the real-world setting of a community mental health service. It will further the current understanding of variables that predict treatment dose and duration.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000477224. Registered on 3 April 2018
Filaricidal activity of Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum extracts
Authors: Abongwa Melanie , Samje Moses , Ayimele Godfred A. , Babiaka Smith B. , Bulman Christina , Sakanari Judy , Koszewski Nick J. , Verma Saurabh , Goff Jesse , Cho-Ngwa Fidelis , Martin Richard J. , Robertson Alan P. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Drugs currently used for controlling onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are mainly microfilaricidal, with minimal or no effect on the adult worms. For efficient management of these diseases, it is necessary to search for new drugs with macrofilaricidal activities that can be used singly or in combination with existing ones. Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum are two plants commonly used in the local management of these infections in Bambui, a township in the North West Region of Cameroon, but there is currently no documented scientific evidence to support their claimed anthelmintic efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to provide evidence in support of the search for means to eliminate these diseases by screening extracts and chromatographic fractions isolated from these plants for efficacy against the parasitic roundworms Onchocerca ochengi and Brugia pahangi.

Methods
The viability of O. ochengi adult worms was assessed using the MTT/formazan assay. Fully confluent monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLC-MK2) served as the feeder layer for the O. ochengi microfilariae (mfs) assays. Viability of the mfs was assessed by microscopic examination for mean motility scoring (relative to the negative control) every 24 h post addition of an extract. The Worminator system was used to test the effects of the extracts on adult B. pahangi motility, and mean motility units were determined for each worm. Cytotoxicity of the active extracts on N27 cells was assessed using the MTS assay.

Results
Extracts from D. oliveri and P. febrifugum were effective against the adult roundworms O. ochengi and B. pahangi. Interestingly, extracts showing macrofilaricidal activities against O. ochengi also showed activity against O. ochengi mfs. The hexane stem bark extract of D. oliveri (DOBHEX) was more selective for adult O. ochengi than for mfs, with a half maximal and 100% inhibitory concentration (IC50 and IC100, respectively) against adult O. ochengi of 13.9 and 31.3 μg/ml, respectively. The in vitro cytotoxicity of all active extracts on N27 cells showed selective toxicity for parasites (selectivity index > 1). Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extracts yielded fractions with activity against adult B. pahangi, thus confirming the presence of bioactive principles in the plant extracts.

Conclusions
Our study supports the use of D. oliveri and P. febrifugum in the traditional treatment of onchocerciasis and LF. The further purification of active extracts from these plants could yield lead compounds for filarial drug discovery and development.

Graphical Abstract
Genetic subtypes, allelic effects, and convergent neurodevelopmental mechanisms
Authors: Das Maitreya , Girirajan Santhosh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHigh-throughput sequencing of large affected cohorts have helped uncover a plethora of risk genes for complex neurodevelopmental disorders. However, untangling complex disease etiology also involves understanding the functional consequences of these mutations in order to connect risk variants to resulting phenotypes. Here, we highlight the efforts of Mannucci and colleagues to define a novel molecular subtype of neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mutations in DHX30 and characterize location-specific mutational effects in cell culture and zebrafish models.
Associations of early marriage and early childbearing with anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of nationwide survey
Authors: Tiruneh Fentanesh Nibret , Tenagashaw Mesfin Wogayehu , Asres Degnet Teferi , Cherie Hirut Assaye 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Early marriage and early childbearing are common practices in Ethiopia. Girls who get married and give birth at a very young age are more likely to experience several health problems including anemia among others. However, the effects of early marriage and early childbearing on anemia status of adolescent girls have not been quantified in previous studies. In this study, we assessed whether early marriage and early childbearing measured at both individual and community levels are associated with adolescent anemia.

Methods
We analyzed data from the 2016 demographic and health survey of Ethiopia. Our study focused on 3172 late female adolescents (15–19 years). We used the chi-squared test and spearman correlation coefficients for bivariate analysis. The relationship between early marriage and childbearing with anemia was evaluated using multilevel binary logistic regression models while controlling other determinants.

Results
Overall prevalence of anemia among female adolescents was 23.8% (95% CI; 22.3–25.2). Our multivariable multilevel analysis showed that individual-level marital status (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.06–2.02) and community-level childbearing status (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.25–6.29) were positively associated with anemia among female adolescents.

Conclusion
Our findings show the presence of significant association between early marriage & early childbearing with adolescent anemia. Therefore, there is a need for effective policies and programs to end the practice of early child marriage and the consequent adolescent pregnancy in Ethiopia. This will help to improve nutritional status of adolescent girls as well as nutritional outcomes of their children.
Flexural Capacity Prediction Model For Steel Fibre-Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Zhong Aocheng , Sofi Massoud , Lumantarna Elisa , Zhou Zhiyuan , Mendis Priyan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSteel fibre (SF) reinforcement has been shown to improve the ductility of high strength concrete (HSC), which is known to be brittle. Research conducted to date on steel fibre reinforced concrete and its effects have emphasised post-failure performance and cracking mechanism. The difficulty in predicting the behaviour of fibres is due to the randomly distributed nature of the material within the matrix leading to a probability distribution of results. Published literature has shown a benefit of adding steel fibres in terms of the ductility performance of structures. Clearly, there is a potential for such material as replacement of conventional steel reinforcement. This study proposes a theoretical model of evaluating the potential of using steel fibres as a replacement material to conventional steel reinforcement bars based on the case study, laboratory and theoretical methodologies. The compressive strength of the concrete at key dates, the effective fibre cross-sectional were measured, and a prediction model was created based on the measurement parameters. The use of four-point flexural testing, standard compressive testing and software image modelling provided the study with relevant data used to analyse and compare to the prediction. Greater ductility performance and toughness were observed with increased fibre volumes, confirming proposed predictions and conclusion drawn from published literature. No consistent or conclusive correlations between fibre volumes and the compressive strength of concrete were found. A relationship between fibre volumes and predicted moment capacities of steel fibre reinforced concrete beams was found based on the proposed theoretical flexural analysis method.
A mixed method mentorship audit: assessing the culture that impacts teaching and learning in a polytechnic
Authors: Hubbard Murdoch Natasha , Ens Eliisha , Gustafson Barbara , Chambers-Richards Tamara 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe benefits of mentorship to individuals in post-secondary relate to wellbeing, satisfaction, and perceived success which translates to organizational commitment. Mentorship improves skills in academic roles and leadership, yet a disconnect remains on what mentees and mentors expect and what institutions provide. Supports are required for mentorship to be effective in empowering employees and creating a culture that espouses competence and autonomy through collaboration and creativity. The aim of this research was to replicate and advance an earlier study assessing nursing and health sciences in a polytechnic to describe the perceived mentorship culture for faculty, professional services, and leadership, across a provincial organization. This was accomplished through a sequential descriptive mixed methods study assessing the building blocks and hallmarks of a Mentorship Culture Audit. This paper reports on both the comparative assessment from 2013 and this new quantitative survey, along with a qualitative component enhancing the understanding of the mentorship culture within a polytechnic providing a variety of programming for vocational students. The audit revealed the employee perception of a mentorship culture to a mean of 4.52 on a seven-point Likert scale and noted areas of strength or infrastructure to be developed. Qualitative data portrayed further understanding where hallmarks of mentorship promoted or were lacking for informal or formal structures. Organizations benefit from mentorship. Tailoring mentorship to a framework ensures mentorship is anchored for success. This study is unique in its replication, the mixed methods approach, and its originality as an organizational level mentorship assessment.
In Parkinson's patient-derived dopamine neurons, the triplication of α-synuclein locus induces distinctive firing pattern by impeding D2 receptor autoinhibition
Authors: Lin Min , Mackie Phillip M. , Shaerzadeh Fatima , Gamble-George Joyonna , Miller Douglas R. , Martyniuk Chris J. , Khoshbouei Habibeh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPathophysiological changes in dopamine neurons precede their demise and contribute to the early phases of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Intracellular pathological inclusions of the protein α-synuclein within dopaminergic neurons are a cardinal feature of PD, but the mechanisms by which α-synuclein contributes to dopaminergic neuron vulnerability remain unknown. The inaccessibility to diseased tissue has been a limitation in studying progression of pathophysiology prior to degeneration of dopamine neurons. To address these issues, we differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a PD patient carrying the α-synuclein triplication mutation (AST) and an unaffected first-degree relative (NAS) into dopaminergic neurons. In human-like dopamine neurons α-synuclein overexpression reduced the functional availability of D2 receptors, resulting in a stark dysregulation in firing activity, dopamine release, and neuronal morphology. We back-translated these findings into primary mouse neurons overexpressing α-synuclein and found a similar phenotype, supporting the causal role for α-synuclein. Importantly, application of D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole, restored the altered firing activity of AST-derived dopaminergic neurons to normal levels. These results provide novel insights into the pre-degenerative pathophysiological neuro-phenotype induced by α-synuclein overexpression and introduce a potential mechanism for the long-established clinical efficacy of D2 receptor agonists in the treatment of PD.
Weakened seasonality of the African rainforest precipitation in boreal winter and spring driven by tropical SST variabilities
Authors: Wang Xin-Yue , Zhu Jiang , Xin Meijiao , Song Chentao , Li Yadi , Zhou Yi , Li Xichen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPrecipitation in the equatorial African rainforest plays an important role in both the regional hydrological cycle and the global climate variability. Previous studies mostly focus on the trends of drought in recent decades or long-time scales. Using two observational datasets, we reveal a remarkable weakening of the seasonal precipitation cycle over this region from 1979 to 2015, with precipitation significantly increased in the boreal winter dry season (~ 0.13 mm/day/decade) and decreased in the boreal spring wet season (~ 0.21 mm/day/decade), which account for ~ 14% (the precipitation changes from 1979 to 2015) of their respective climatological means. We further use a state-of-the-art atmospheric model to isolate the impact of sea surface temperature change from different ocean basins on the precipitation changes in the dry and wet seasons. Results show that the strengthening precipitation in the dry season is mainly driven by the Atlantic warming, whereas the weakening precipitation in the wet season can be primarily attributed to the Indian Ocean. Warming Atlantic intensifies the zonal circulation over the African rainforest, strengthening moisture convergence and intensifying precipitation in the boreal winter dry season. Warming Indian Ocean contributes more to reducing the zonal circulation and suppressing the convection in the boreal spring wet season, leading to an opposite effect on precipitation. This result has important implication on local ecology as well as global climate system.
A procedure for stable electrical measurements on a rock sample against high contact resistance as a prerequisite for electrical tomography
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi , Yoshimura Ryokei , Yamazaki Ken’ichi , Oshiman Naoto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs a basis for the electrical tomography of laboratory-scale rock samples (~ 10 cm), we developed a procedure for stable, multi-point, electrical measurement on rock samples that is effective even at high contact and sample resistance. Electrodes were strongly attached to the surface of high-resistivity rock using conductive and adhesive epoxy. Sustained current injection for long periods into high-resistance rocks was fulfilled using a constant direct current source with high internal resistance. Accurate voltage measurement across the high-resistance rock was accomplished by differential measurement using two high input resistance voltmeters. Measurements of high resistance also require a stable measurement environment: the temperature and humidity in the laboratory were controlled using an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, and a vinyl tent. Signal noise arising from human activities was eliminated by the remote operation of the measuring equipment and switching terminal. The proposed measurement procedure was evaluated in terms of the stability and accuracy of measured values and its applicability to electrical tomography. To assess measurement stability, we performed multiple measurements of a dry granite sample at various levels of absolute humidity. Our procedure recorded highly reproducible measurements under each humidity condition. The observed changes in measured values with absolute humidity indicate the importance of stabilising the temperature and humidity conditions in the laboratory. Applying our technique to multiple plastic samples with known resistivity confirmed its accuracy. To evaluate its applicability to electrical tomography, we measured the potential distribution on a dry granite surface in response to an injected current using a simple 40-electrode array. The potential distribution measured by our procedure agreed well with that predicted by forward modelling, demonstrating the robustness of our procedure in array measurements, and thus indicating its potential applicability to tomographic measurements for a variety of targets even under severe conditions including the relative dryness of ambient humidity.
Influence of surcharge on cone penetration test results and the inspection of various approaches for capturing its effect: a case study
Authors: Soleimani Fard Houman , Goudarzy Meisam 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStudies in recent decades demonstrate the significant effect of stress configuration (e.g., vertical stress and lateral confinement) on the shear strength or, in this study, the cone penetration test (CPT) results. Addition of a surcharge over the ground changes the stress condition, and consequently, the CPT tip resistance. In this study, the results of different CPTs conducted before and after backfilling with various thicknesses in a land development project were reviewed while focusing on the trend of an increase in CPT penetration resistance due to the additional surcharge. Both pre- to post-fill stress ratios and soil type affect the rise in corrected $${q}_{c}$$

q
c

values after backfilling. Moreover, there has always been a sudden increase in $${q}_{c}$$

q
c

values around the pre-fill surface in all studied cases. In this study, another approach was derived from the reanalysis of CPT data from a specific site for predicting the post-fill corrected $${q}_{c}$$

q
c

from pre-fill results by considering the above-mentioned factor. Likewise, post-fill results were predicted by depth-normalized pre-fill CPT results using Robertson’s normalization method. The proposed approach in this study showed a better match with the site data compared to the normalization method, especially at and around the pre-fill surface.