bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conditional deficiency of m6A methyltransferase Mettl14 in substantia nigra alters dopaminergic neuron function
Authors: Teng Yan , Liu Zhihao , Chen Xingmin , Liu Yanzhuo , Geng Fan , Le Weidong , Jiang Haisong , Yang Lu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractN6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of eukaryotes and plays a vital role in post‐transcriptional regulation. Recent studies demonstrated that m6A is essential for the normal function of the central nervous system (CNS), and the deregulation of m6A leads to a series of CNS diseases. However, the functional consequences of m6A deficiency within the dopaminergic neurons of adult brain are elusive. To evaluate the necessity of m6A in dopaminergic neuron functions, we conditionally deleted Mettl14, one of the most important part of m6A methyltransferase complexes, in the substantia nigra (SN) region enriched with dopaminergic neurons. By using rotarod test, pole test, open‐field test and elevated plus maze, we found that the deletion of Mettl14 in the SN region induces impaired motor function and locomotor activity. Further molecular analysis revealed that Mettl14 deletion significantly reduced the total level of m6A in the mRNA isolated from SN region. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an essential enzyme for dopamine synthesis, was also down‐regulated upon Mettl14 deletion, while the activation of microglia and astrocyte was enhanced. Moreover, the expression of three essential transcription factors in the regulation of TH including Nurr1, Pitx3 and En1, with abundant m6A‐binding sites on their RNA 3’‐untranslated regions (UTR), was significantly decreased upon Mettl14 deletion in SN. Our finding first confirmed the significance of m6A in maintaining normal dopaminergic function in the SN of adult mouse.
CELF2 is a candidate prognostic and immunotherapy biomarker in triple‐negative breast cancer and lung squamous cell carcinoma: A pan‐cancer analysis
Authors: Wang Libo , Liu Zaoqu , Liu Long , Guo Chunguang , Jiao Dechao , Li Lifeng , Zhao Jie , Han Xinwei , Sun Yuling 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCUGBP Elav‐like family member 2(CELF2) plays crucial roles in the development and activation of T cell. However, the impacts of CELF2 on tumour‐infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and clinical outcomes of tumours remain unclear. In this study, we found that elevated CELF2 expression was markedly correlated with prolonged survival in multiple tumours, particularly in breast and lung cancers. Notably, CELF2 only impacted the prognosis of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) with lymph node metastasis. Further investigation showed CELF2 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration abundance of dendritic cells (DCs), CD8+ T cells and neutrophils in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) and DCs in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). CELF2 also had strong correlations with markers of diverse TIICs such as T cells, tumour‐associated macrophages and DCs in BRCA and LUSC. Importantly, CELF2 was significantly associated with plenty of immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) and outperformed five prevalent biomarkers including PD‐1, PD‐L1, CTLA‐4, CD8 and tumour mutation burden in predicting immunotherapeutic responses. Immunohistochemistry also revealed lower protein levels of CELF2 in TNBC and LUSC compared to normal tissues, and patients with high expression showed significantly prolonged prognosis. In conclusion, we demonstrated that increased CELF2 expression was closely related to better prognosis and superior TIIC infiltration and ICM expression, particularly in BRCA and LUSC. CELF2 also performed well in evaluating the immunotherapeutic efficacy, suggesting CELF2 might be a promising biomarker.
Position statement on the role of nurses in therapeutic patient education in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Thormann K. , Aubert H. , Barbarot S. , Britsch‐Yilmaz A. , Chernyshov P. , Deleuran M. , El‐Hachem M. , de Groot J. , Heratizadeh A. , Raymakers F. , Stalder J.F. , Wollenberg A. , Simon D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn chronic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), therapeutic failure due to poor patient adherence to treatment is commonly reported. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) is an approach to improve self‐management and adherence. Several studies demonstrated that TPE programmes have positive effects on disease management resulting in decreased disease severity and improved quality of life in AD patients. Various healthcare professionals (dermatologists, nurses, psychologists, dieticians) have been involved. TPE performed by trained dermatology nurses are highly efficient and improve various health‐related outcomes. The aim of this position paper is to analyse the aims, modalities and efficacy of TPE in AD, to identify specific roles of dermatology nurses, to assess qualification requirements, and to propose practical recommendations. Potential activities of nurses in ongoing and future TPE programmes for AD patients will be discussed.
Using Emancipation Checklists with Youths Aging Out of Foster Care: An Example from Prince George’s County
Authors: Shdaimah Corey , Summers Alicia , Park Eunsong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study examined implementation of a 12‐item questionnaire, the Emancipation Checklist, designed to help child welfare judicial decision‐makers (JD) identify and monitor older youth achievement of milestones toward adulthood. Drawing on case file reviews, focus groups with professional stakeholders and young adults, and court observations, we found that stakeholders, including youths in foster care, viewed the EC as helpful in catalyzing conversation and follow up. Inconsistent use and documentation and ambiguity of some questions impeded its value. We provide recommendations for clear and consistent use, follow up, and further research to examine the impact of the EC on readiness for adulthood.
Optimization of tools for the detection and identification of Cryptocotyle metacercariae in fish: Digestion method and viability studies
Authors: Duflot Maureen , Midelet Graziella , Bourgau Odile , Buchmann Kurt , Gay Mélanie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSome trematode metacercariae, including marine digeneans belonging to the genus Cryptocotyle, induce black spots in target tissues due to the attraction of fish host melanophores. To promote precise quantification of infection, the counting of black spots has to be confirmed by reliable quantification of metacercariae after tissue digestion. This process ensures the isolation of undamaged parasites for morphological and molecular identification. The aim of this work was to optimize the pepsin digestion protocol and to assess the duration of viability of Cryptocotyle metacercariae in fish post‐mortem (pm). Four digestion protocols were compared by measuring the viability rate of metacercariae. The present study shows that the orbital digestion method was the least destructive for metacercariae and allowed better quantification of Cryptocotyle infection. Moreover, morphological identification seemed reliable up to 8 days pm for Cryptocotyle infection.
Associations of seasonal variations and meteorological parameters with incidences of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Guo Chuan‐Guo , Tian Linwei , Zhang Feifei , Cheung Ka Shing , Leung Wai K 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated the seasonal variations of non‐variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), but there is scanty data on lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) and the association with other meteorological parameters.MethodsWe included all patients hospitalized for UGIB and LGIB between 2009 and 2018 in Hong Kong. The monthly age‐standardized and sex‐standardized GIB incidences were fitted to meteorological data including average temperature (AT), maximum temperature (MaxT), minimum temperature (MinT), temperature range (TR), average precipitation, average atmospheric pressure (AtomP), and average relative humidity after adjusting for prescriptions of aspirin, proton pump inhibitors, and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy using the autoregressive integrated moving average model.ResultsDespite a gradual decline in UGIB incidences, the incidences of UGIB were still higher in winter months. The incidence and fluctuation of both UGIB and LGIB were higher in the older age groups, especially those ≥80 years. The seasonality was only identified in those ≥60 years for UGIB, and only in those ≥80 years for LGIB. UGIB incidence was inversely associated with AT, MaxT, and MinT, but positively associated with TR and AtomP. LGIB was also significantly associated with AT, MaxT, MinT, and AtomP.ConclusionDespite the changes in GIB incidences, the seasonal patterns of GIB were still marked in the elderly. With the aging population, the impacts of seasonal variations on GIB incidences could be considerable.
An integrated model of care utilizing community health workers to promote safe transitions of care
Authors: Ohuabunwa Ugochi , Johnson Ebony , Turner Joyce , Jordan Queenie , Popoola Victor , Flacker Jonathan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesHealthcare systems' adoption and sustenance of successful transitional care models (TCMs) have been limited by cost‐prohibitive resource needs. Cost‐effective TCMs that improve patient outcomes are needed to promote adoption by healthcare systems and sustainability. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a TCM utilizing community health workers (CHWs) in reducing inappropriate healthcare utilization and costs.DesignA cohort study with a pre–post intervention evaluation of the intervention group.SettingA 953‐bed academic urban safety‐net hospital.ParticipantsEligible participants (N = 154) were hospitalized or had repeated emergency room (ER) visits, identified to be at high risk for readmission.InterventionPromotion of self‐management skills acquisition and care coordination by CHWs achieved through predischarge interdisciplinary team meetings, regular home visits and phone contact, accompaniment to primary care physicians' (PCP) appointments, support with transportation, medications, and self‐management education.MeasurementsOutcome measures were readmissions, ER visits, and PCP establishment.ResultsMean age of participants was 67, 65% were male, 92% African American. There was a significant reduction in overall number of readmissions (Z = 9.6, p < 0.001), also observed at 30‐day (Z = 5.5, p < 0.001), 3‐month (Z = 4.3, p < 0.001), 6‐month (Z = 4.0, p = 0.001), and 1‐year (Z = 5.4, p < 0.001) post‐intervention. There was a significant reduction in the overall number of ER visits (Z = 5.5, p < 0.001), also seen at 3‐month (Z = 3.3, p < 0.001), 6‐month (Z = 3.0, p < 0.001), and 1‐year (Z = 4.0, p < 0.001) intervals. Care with a PCP was established in 86.6% of participants. Utilization costs were significantly lower post‐intervention ($11,530,376.39 vs $4,017,493.17, p < 0.001).ConclusionUse of CHWs during transitions of care may be a cost‐effective approach to reducing healthcare utilization and costs and may promote adoption and sustainability within healthcare systems.
Neuropeptide CART modulates dopamine turnover in the nucleus accumbens: Insights into the anatomy of rewarding circuits
Authors: Awathale Sanjay N. , Choudhary Amit G. , Subhedar Nishikant K. , Kokare Dadasaheb M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNeuropeptide cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) is known to influence the activity of the canonical mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway and modulate reward seeking behaviour. CART neurons of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) send afferents to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) and these nuclei, in turn, send secondary projections to nucleus accumbens. We try to dissect the precise sites of CART’s action in these circuits in promoting reward. Rats were implanted with bipolar electrode targeted at the lateral hypothalamus‐medial forebrain bundle (LH‐MFB) and trained to press the lever through intracranial self‐stimulation (ICSS) protocol. CART (55–102) administered directly into posterior VTA (pVTA) or PVT of the conditioned rats significantly increased the number of lever presses, indicating reward‐promoting activity of the peptide. Concomitant increase in dopamine (DA) and 3, 4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) efflux was noted in the microdialysate collected from the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). On the other hand, immunoneutralization of endogenous CART with CART antibodies injected directly in the pVTA or PVT reduced the lever press activity as well as DA and DOPAC efflux in the AcbSh. Injection of CART (1–39) in pVTA or PVT was ineffective. We suggest that CART cells in the LH‐MFB area send afferents to (a) pVTA and influence dopaminergic neurons projecting to AcbSh and (b) PVT, from where the secondary neurons may feed into the AcbSh. Excitation of the CARTergic pathway to the pVTA as well as the PVT seems to promote DA release in the AcbSh and contribute to the generation of reward.
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Visualising oxytocin neurone activity in vivo: The key to unlocking central regulation of parturition and lactation
Authors: Perkinson Michael R. , Kim Joon S. , Iremonger Karl J. , Brown Colin H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDuring parturition and lactation, oxytocin neurones in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei fire high‐frequency bursts of action potentials that are coordinated across the entire population. Each burst generates a large pulse of oxytocin release into the circulation to induce uterine contraction for parturition and mammary duct contraction for milk ejection. Bursts are stimulated by cervical stretch during parturition and by suckling during lactation. However, the mechanisms by which these stimuli are translated into episodic bursts are poorly understood, as are the mechanisms that coordinate bursts across the oxytocin neurone population. An elegant series of experiments conducted in the 1980s and 1990s used serial paired recordings to show that oxytocin neurones do not act as a syncytium during bursts; rather, they start each burst within a few hundred milliseconds of each other but with no distinct “leaders” or “followers”. In addition to afferent noradrenergic inputs that relay the systemic stimuli to oxytocin neurones, bursts depend on somato‐dendritic oxytocin release within the hypothalamus. Hence, bursts are considered to be an emergent property of oxytocin neurones that is bootstrapped by appropriate afferent stimulation. Although much progress was made using traditional electrophysiological recordings in head‐fixed anaesthetised animals, research has effectively stalled in the last few decades. However, the emergence of new technologies to monitor neuronal activity in freely‐behaving animals has reinvigorated efforts to understand the biology underpinning burst firing in oxytocin neurones. Here, we report the use of fibre photometry to monitor the dynamics of milk ejection bursts in the oxytocin neurone population of freely‐behaving mice. This approach will shed light on the neural mechanisms that control the oxytocin bursts underpinning parturition and lactation.
The micro and ultrastructural anatomy of bone spicules found in the osteochondral junction of bovine patellae with early joint degeneration
Authors: Hargrave‐Thomas Emily J. , Thambyah Ashvin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe structural changes in the tissues of the osteochondral junction are a topic of interest, especially considering how bone changes are involved in the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Our research group has previously demonstrated that at the cement line boundary between the zone of calcified cartilage (ZCC) and the subchondral bone, in mature bovine patellae with early OA, there are numerous bone spicules that have emerged from the underlying bone. These spicules contain a central vascular canal and a bone cuff. In this study, we use high‐resolution differential interference contrast optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to compare the cartilage–bone junction of three groups of mature bovine patellae showing healthy to mild to moderately degenerate cartilage. The ZCC and bone junction was carefully examined to estimate the frequency of marrow spaces, bone spicules and fully formed bone bulges. The results reveal that bone spicules are associated with all grades of cartilage tissue studied, with the most occurring in the intermediate stages of tissue health. The micro and ultrastructure of the bone spicule are consistent with that of an osteon, especially those found in compression zones in long bones. Also considering the coexistence of marrow spaces and fully formed bone, this study suggests that these bone spicules arise similar to the formation of osteons in the bone remodelling process. The significance of this conclusion is in the way researchers approach the bone formation issue in the early degenerative joint. Instead of endochondral ossification, we propose that bone formation in OA is more akin to a combination of primary bone remodelling and de novo bone formation.
Decision fatigue among clinical nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Pignatiello Grant A. , Tsivitse Emily , O’Brien Julia , Kraus Noa , Hickman Ronald L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesThe purpose of this study was to report the psychometric properties, including validity and reliability, of the decision fatigue scale (DFS).BackgroundDecision fatigue may impair nurses’ ability to make sound clinical decisions and negatively impact patient care. Given the negative impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on psychological well‐being and the workplace environment, decision fatigue may be even more apparent among clinical nurses. Valid assessment of this condition among clinical nurses may inform supportive interventions to mitigate the negative sequelae associated with states of decision fatigue.DesignThis study was a secondary analysis of a parent study using a cross‐sectional descriptive design.MethodsA convenience sample of 160 staff nurses was recruited online from across the United States. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and subjective measures of decision fatigue, nursing practice environment scale and traumatic stress. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), correlation coefficients and internal consistency reliability coefficients were computed to examine the DFS’s validity and reliability within this sample.ResultsThe EFA yielded a single factor, 9‐item version of the DFS. The DFS scores were strongly correlated with traumatic stress and moderately correlated with the nursing practice environment, and the scale displayed appropriate internal consistency.ConclusionsThis is the first known study to provide evidence of the DFS’s validity and reliability in a sample of registered nurses working during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The results of this study provide evidence of a reliable and valid assessment instrument for decision fatigue that can be used to measure the burden of decision‐making among registered nurses.Relevance to clinical practiceGiven the relationship between traumatic stress and the nursing work environment, decision fatigue may be a modifiable target for interventions that can enhance the quality of decision‐making among clinical nurses.
Removable Partial Dentures with Polyetheretherketone Framework: The Influence on Residual Ridge Stability
Authors: Lo Russo Lucio , Chochlidakis Konstantinos , Caradonna Giammarco , Molinelli Fabrizio , Guida Laura , Ercoli Carlo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeTo provide, in a clinical case‐control study, 1‐year data on edentulous residual ridge dimensional changes for patients wearing removable partial dentures (RPD) with Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) framework, fabricated with a digital workflow, and a control group of untreated patients.Materials and MethodsTen patients were treated with PEEK RPD, and six controls were studied. Intraoral scans at baseline (T0) and after a median period of 1 year (T1) were superimposed, trimmed, and reoriented (T0r and T1r), moved to a metrology software, and realigned. A curve (C0) was then traced on T0r, along the residual ridge crest; its projection (C1) on T1r was obtained. The mean distance C0‐C1 was the dependent variable of interest and represented the 1‐year changes in the height of the edentulous ridge. In addition, mean 3D distance between T0 and T1 at each edentulous area was measured. Differences in these outcomes measured between RPD treated and control groups were statistically assessed.ResultsTwenty‐six and 14 edentulous areas were investigated in the RPD treated and control groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed for potentially confounding variables, such as median follow‐up time (12.5 vs. 13 months, respectively), the alignment accuracy between T0r and T1r (0.01 mm vs. 0 mm, respectively), the median number of remaining teeth (6 vs. 8.5, respectively), and the median length of edentulous areas (25.5 mm vs. 22.8 mm, respectively). For the outcomes of interest, no statistically significant difference was seen in the mean distance between C0 and C1 (i.e., changes in residual ridge height: −0.39 ± 0.52 mm vs. −0.52 ± 0.54 mm, respectively) or in the mean 3D distance at corresponding points of the denture bearing areas (−0.3 ± 0.46 mm vs. −0.4 ± 0.35, respectively).ConclusionsAlthough 1 year is a relatively short observation period, this clinical study shows that there are no short‐term differences in edentulous residual ridge height and overall dimensions between patients wearing PEEK RPD, fabricated with a digital workflow, and controls without an RPD.
Quality of government and economic growth at the municipal level: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Balaguer‐Coll Maria Teresa , Narbón‐Perpiñá Isabel , Peiró‐Palomino Jesús , Tortosa‐Ausina Emili 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper analyzes the relationship between government efficiency—an important dimension of quality of government—and economic growth at the municipal level in 1,820 Spanish municipalities during the period 2008–2015. At this level of disaggregation, the literature is virtually nonexistent due to severe data constraints. The efficiency of local government provides an accurate indicator of how good local authorities are in managing their budget. This variable is expected to be highly correlated with other more traditional quality of government indicators, such as corruption. After computing our measure, we then use it in a growth regression framework. We find a dominant positive effect of government efficiency on income per capita growth, which is robust to a wide variety of scenarios. Our findings also suggest that increases in local government quality are particularly rewarding for the poorest municipalities.