bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Study of Nursing Practitioners’ Experiences on Dying Alone Due to COVID-19 in Greece
Authors: Voultsos Polychronis , Tsompanian Anna , Deligianni Maria , Tsaroucha Alexandra K. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundDying in isolation and without saying a goodbye before, during and after death causes patients, families and health providers to suffer greatly. In Greece, there is still limited knowledge about dying in isolation as perceived by frontline nursing practitioners working in a COVID-19 ward or ICU. Nursing practitioners spend a lot of time near their patients. Greece is most vulnerable country to the international problem of dying in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA prospective qualitative study using in-depth interviews with fifteen frontline nursing practitioners working in a COVID-19 ward or ICU was conducted from July 2021 through December 2021. We performed a thematic analysis of the data. ResultsDying in isolation without saying a goodbye before, during or after death emerged as an extremely inhuman experience that critically ill covid patients and their loved ones had to go through. Fear of spreading COVID-19 infection, fear of liability, and fear of hindering the performance of nursing duties were emerged as main reasons behind strict visitation restrictions. Patients and family members were reported to have expressed very strong desire to communicate and interact with each other. Most participants were shown to be with high levels of empathy, willingness to provide holistic care. Furthermore, most participants were shown to be with high levels of psychological and moral distress. All participants held that visitations should be allowed on an individual basis, and remote communication technology should be available to any covid patient. Importantly, it was identified in this study that physicians’ and nursing practitioners’ discretion and goodwill can significantly mitigate the problem of dying alone. In some COVID-19 health care settings visitations were allowed at physicians’ discretion. These “clandestine” visitations were mentioned as practices that existed in reality, even though they were not officially recognized by the Greek rules. Furthermore, the quality of nursing care seemed to have shifted towards a broader definition. Political neglect was a factor that emerged as a major factor that enlarges the problem of dying in isolation. Finally, and most importantly, a shift towards a less patient-centered model of care was emerged from the data analysis. ConclusionThe results reinforce the existing literature on many fronts. However, we identified some nuances that are of great importance in planning tailored interventions to mitigate the problems related to dying in isolation from COVID-19, and most importantly, hold down the commonly accepted patient-centered model of care. On the account of the patient-centered model of care and the modern (broad, positive-holistic) concept of health, providing holistic care for critically ill covid patients is both an institutional duty and a moral obligation.
Minimal scanning duration for producing individualized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation targets
Authors: Sun Jinmei , Du Rongrong , Zhang Bing , Hua Qiang , Wang Yingru , Zhang Yuanyuan , JI Gong-Jun , He Kongliang , Wang Kai 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the minimal scanning duration of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for producing individualized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targets that are superior to the group-level targets.Materials and Methods: This study included 30 healthy subjects and 20 depressive patients with high-sampled fMRI data (> 69 min). We computed suboptimal targets by gradually increasing the scanning duration beginning at 6 min. The target connectivity and spatial distance to the optimal target (based on the full-duration scanning data) were compared to an anatomically fixed target from a group analysis (termed as the group target). These analyses were repeated for healthy subjects and depressive patients, as well as for target masks in the dorsal prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and inferior parietal lobule (IPL). Results: As the scanning duration increased, the suboptimal targets gradually approached the optimal targets in the healthy subjects. Compared with the group targets, the suboptimal targets in the DLPFC showed higher connectivity strength after 10 min of data collection and shorter spatial distance after 40 min. Similar results were found in major depressive patients. In the IPL, the minimal scanning duration decreased to 6 and 8 min for connectivity strength and distance, respectively. Conclusion: These findings provide an important reference for individualized target definition in terms of scanning duration, which may standardize connectivity-based personalized studies.
“Are We Working (Too) Comfortably?”: Understanding The Nature Of And Factors Associated With Sedentary Behaviour When Working In The Home Environment
Authors: Niven Ailsa , Baker G. , Coral-Almeida E. , Fawkner S. G. , Jepson Professor R , Manner J. , Morton S , Nightingale G. , Sivaramakrishnan D. , Fitzsimons Claire 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objectives: Home working has increased due to COVID-19, but little is known about how this change has impacted the health risk behaviour of elevated sedentary time. The aim of this study was to assess occupational sitting behaviour when working at home, and use the Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model to identify influences on this behaviour. Design: Cross-sectionalMethods: University staff (n=267; 69% female; 92% white) who were predominantly working from home completed a questionnaire to assess sitting time, sitting breaks, demographic and occupational characteristics, and a 7-item COM-B questionnaire and open-ended questions to assess influences on time spent sitting whilst working from home. Data were analysed descriptively, a repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences in the COM-B items, and binary logistic regression was used to examine predictors of sitting time. Results: Staff spent on average 89.5% (SD=17.1) of their time sitting whilst working at home, and took an average of 1.36 (1.38) sitting breaks per hour. There were significant and meaningful differences in the influence of the COM factors on ability and willingness to reduce sitting behaviour (p<.0001; ηp2=.38), and the open-ended responses added further context. The included variables accounted for 19.6% of variance in sitting behaviour, with age, sitting breaks, motivation-automatic, and opportunity-physical contributing significantly. Conclusions: Working from home leads to elevated levels of sitting, and the COM-B provides a useful model to identify key influences on ability and willingness to reduce sitting. Strategies incorporating regular breaks, habit formation/reversal, and restructuring the physical environment may be beneficial.
Quercetin ameliorated insulin resistance via regulating METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification of PRKD2 mRNA in skeletal muscle and C2C12 myocyte cell line
Authors: Yang Jiao , Williams Albert , Wei Ning 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in many of pathological processes including insulin resistance (IR). Quercetin (Que), a bioactive compound with strong antioxidant activity, has potential therapeutic effects on IR-related metabolic diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of m6A and Que in hyperinsulinemia.Methods: Male C57Bl/6 mice received a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to establish an IR model. Biochemical analyzes, oral glucose tolerance test and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) were conducted. C2C12 cells were transfected with methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) siRNA before treatment with palmitate (PA). 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) was used to detect glucose uptake. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione (GSH) level were used to evaluate the levels of oxidative stress. SRAMP, a predicted site of m6A modification, was used to predict the relationship between METTL3 and erine-threonine kinase protein kinase D2 (PRKD2). Then, cells were treated with Que or/and transfected with pcDNA-METTL3 or PRKD2 siRNA. indirect calorimetry, Western blotting and qPCR were used to analyze protein and mRNA expression.Results: Que treatment reduced the body weight, blood glucose, plasma TG and serum insulin, ameliorated IR, and decreased oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice. Que at noncytotoxic doses promoted PA-induced glucose uptake and inhibited oxidative stress in C2C12 cells. Moreover, METTL3 and PRKD2 was downregulated in PA-induced C2C12 cells, and SRAMP revealed multiple m6A modification sites in the PRKD2 mRNA sequence. Downregulation of METTL3 enhanced PRKD2 expression by reducing m6A level and mRNA stability in PRKD2 mRNA transcript. C2C12 cells treatment with Que after inducing with PA inhibited m6A, METTL3 and phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 (p-IRS1) levels, increased the protein expression of PRKD2, glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) and p-AKT and glucose uptake, and reduced oxidative stress. However, METTL3 overexpression or PRKD2 silence reversed the inhibitory effects of Que on the levels of MDA, GLUT4 and p-AKT, and the promotive effects on glucose uptake, SOD, GSH and p-IRS1 levels.Conclusion: Que promoted glucose uptake, repressed oxidative stress and improved IR through METTL3-mediated N6-methylation of PRKD2 mRNA.
Isolation, screening, characterization, and optimization of bacterium isolated from calcareous soils for siderophore production
Authors: S REDDY KIRAN KALYAN V , S Meena , S Karthikeyan , D Jawahar 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The most effective agricultural practice to prevent iron deficiency in calcareous soils is fertilizing with synthetic chelates. These compounds are non-biodegradable, and persistent in the environment and hence there is a risk of leaching metals into the soil horizon. To tackle iron deficiency-induced chlorosis (IDC) in crops grown under calcareous soils, an environmentally friendly effective solutions are needed rather than chemical application as it affects the soil health further. Hence the present work aimed at isolating and screening calcareous soil-specific bacteria capable of producing the iron-chelating siderophores. Siderophore producing bacteria (SPB) was isolated from the rhizosphere of calcareous soil-grown groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.), of which seventeen bacterial isolates were positive for siderophore production assayed by Chrome Azurol Sulphonate. The performance of SPB isolates was compared for siderophore kinetics, level of siderophore production, type of siderophore produced (using Arnow and Csaky's tests), and iron-chelating capacity under 15mM KHCO3. Four best performing bacterial isolates were screened, with average siderophores yield ranging ∼60–80% under pH 8, with sucrose as a carbon source and NH2SO4 as a nitrogen source at 37°C. The four efficient SPB were molecularly identified as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, and Ochrobactrum grignonense based on 16S rDNA sequencing. The strains also showed a strong antagonistic effect against the phytopathogenic fungal strains viz., Sclerotium rolfsi and Macrophomina phaseolina in vitro. Our results indicate that the optimized conditions enhanced siderophores chelation and by suppressing the stem and root rot fungi which could help in cost effective and environmentally friendly manner.
Understanding CMIP6 Biases in the Representation of the Greater Horn of Africa Long and Short Rains
Authors: Schwarzwald Kevin , Goddard Lisa , Seager Richard , Ting Mingfang , Marvel Kate 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The societies of the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) are vulnerable to variability in two climatologically distinct rainy seasons, the March-May ‘long‘ rains and the October-December ‘short‘ rains. Recent trends in both rainy seasons, possibly related to patterns of low-frequency variability, have increased interest in future climate projections from General Circulation Models (GCMs). However, previous generations of GCMs historically have a poor record in simulating the regional hydroclimate. This study conducts a process-based evaluation of simulations of the GHA long and short rains in CMIP6, the latest generation of GCMs. Key biases in CMIP5 models remain or are worsened, including long rains that are too short and weak and short rains that are too long and strong. Model biases are driven by a complex set of related oceanic and atmospheric factors. A too strong climatological zonal sea surface temperature gradient in the Indian Ocean and convection over the GHA that is too deep in particular are connected with erroneously powerful short rains in models. Model mean state biases in the timing of the western Indian Ocean sea surface temperature seasonal cycle are associated with certain GHA rainfall timing biases; this connection is however not replicated in interannual variability within models, suggesting there may be a common driver of both biases. Ocean biases cannot explain rainfall biases on their own; simulations driven by historical SSTs (AMIP runs) often have larger biases than fully coupled runs. A path towards using biases to better understand uncertainty in projections of GHA rainfall is suggested.
Novel Topical Allogeneic Bone-Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment of Hard to Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers, a Phase I Trial.
Authors: Andersen Jonas Askø , Rasmussen Anne , Frimodt-Møller Marie , Engberg Susanne , Steeneveld Esther , Kirketerp-Møller Klaus , O’Brien Timothy , Rossing Peter 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate safety of treating diabetic foot ulcers with a topically administered mesenchymal stem cell product.Method: Individuals with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, toe blood pressure >39 mmHg and non-infected foot ulcers with duration of four to fifty-two weeks were screened.Participants were treated with a one-time application of a topically applied allogeneic cellular product containing CD362 enriched mesenchymal stem cells suspended in a collagen solution. Participants were subsequently followed for seven months to gather information on adverse event and serious adverse events.Results / Discussion: A total of sixteen individuals were screened, of whom two were included. The included participants incurred a total of seven adverse events and one serious adverse event. Increased exudation from the treated diabetic foot ulcer was observed for both participants and a connection to investigated medical product was suspected. The increased exudation was resolved within one week after application of investigated medical product, without any further complications. The serious adverse event consisted of a hospital admission due to neurological symptoms, which were assumed to be caused by hypoglycemia, with no suspected correlation to the investigated medical product. None of the other observed adverse events were suspected to be associated with the investigated medical product. Conclusion: This study presents data from two individuals with a diabetic foot ulcer treated with a novel topical mesenchymal stem cell product. An adverse event observed for both participants was suspected to be associated to the investigated medical product i.e. increased exudation, which was resolved within one week, did not lead to further complications and can easily be remedied by choosing bandages with higher absorption capacity or increasing frequency of bandages changes. This study lays the groundwork for further large scale randomized clinical studies. Trial registration: EudraCT number 2015-005580-16. Registered 12/06-2018
Comparative Evaluation Of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Versus Pregabalin For Treatment Of Postdural Puncture Headache Following Surgery Under Subarachnoid Block
Authors: Verma Abhishek , P Rajkumar M , Kochhar Anjali , Gupta Monika , Singh Rajpal , Kumar Krishan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: PDPH (postdural puncture headache) can be devastating for the patients and challenging for the clinicians at the same time. In many upcoming modalities of treatment of PDPH we compared sphenopalatine ganglion block and pregabalin among patients undergoing subarachnoid block. Methods: ASA grade I and II patients who developed PDPH following surgery (both elective and emergency) under subarachnoid block were included. Patients with moderate to severe headache were randomized into two groups. Group SP-received SPGB and group P-received pregabalin 150mg. Pain relief was assessed by visual analogue score (VAS) at regular intervals. Inj. paracetamol 1g IV was given as rescue analgesia. Follow up done for 72 hours or till pain relief. Main Results: Mean VAS measured at 1 hour interval in group SP (3.13±0.43) was significantly lower as compared to and group P (6.03±0.99) with p value (p=0.001). Mean VAS at 12 hours in group P was 2.70±0.75 as compared to group SP (3.40±1.03) and difference was statistically significant with p value (p=0.004). The requirement of rescue analgesia at 1 hour was found to be significantly lower in group SP (p=0.0008) and at 12-hour requirement was significantly lower in group P (p=0.001). No difference was observed in VAS score or rescue analgesia at all other time intervals. Conclusion: We conclude that any patient with moderate or severe PDPH, both the treatment modalities (sphenopalatine nerve block and pregabalin) are effective as SPG nerve block gives immediate relief and pregabalin provides sustained pain relief.
Production of extracellular amylase contributes to the colonization of Bacillus cereus 0-9 in wheat roots
Authors: Huang Qiubin , Liu Huiping , Zhang Juanmei , Wang Shaowei , Liu Fengying , Li Chengdie , Wang Gang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Bacteria usually secrete a variety of extracellular enzymes to degrade extracellular macromolecules to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their environmental adaptability. Bacillus cereus 0-9, a biocontrol bacterial strain isolated from the wheat root, has three genes annotated as amylase in the genome, but its function is unknown, and whether it is involved in its colonization process remains to be further studied. Methods: The gene mutant strains and fluorescently tagged strains were constructed by homologous recombination, and the amylase protein obtained by the prokaryotic expression system Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Iodine staining method was used to measure the activities of amylase proteins. We further observed the colonization abilities of test strains in wheat roots through frozen section technology.Results: The results showed that there were three amylase-encoding genes of amyC, amyP and amyS in the B. cereus 0-9 genome. Among the three amylases, only the ΔamyS mutant did not produce extracellular amylase, and the secretion ability was related to the signal peptide at positions 1-27. AmyS protein encoded by amyS gene is an α-amylase. The growth of R. cerealis was inhibited 84.7% by B. cereus 0-9, but the inhibited rate of ΔamyS strain decreased to 43.8%, and that of ΔamyS/amyS was restored when the amyS gene complementation. Further, the inhibited rate of ΔamySec strain was decreased to 46.8%, almost the same as ΔamyS mutant. Due to the deletion of amyS gene, the colonization capacity of ΔamyS (RFP) and ΔamySec (RFP) in wheat roots declined, while that of ΔamyS/amyS (RFP) was restored after the amyS gene was complemented, indicating that amyS gene influences the colonization of B. cereus 0-9 in wheat roots.For another, the colonization and biocontrol ability of the mutant was also restored after the addition of sugars such as glucose and maltose.Conclusions: B. cereus 0-9 has three genes of amyC, amyP and amyS annotated as amylase. Among them, only the deletion of amyS gene with signal peptide did not produce extracellular amylase. AmyS protein encoded by amyS gene is an α-amylase. Our results indicated the amyS gene is closely related to the colonization abilities of B. cereus 0-9 in wheat root, and the biocontrol abilities of B. cereus 0-9 to fight against R. cerealis. The extracellular amylase produced by B. cereus 0-9 can hydrolyze starch, and use the glucose, maltose and other nutrients to meet the needs of bacterial growth and multiply. Therefore, it is very possible that the secretion and hydrolytic activity of extracellular amylase can promote the colonization of B. cereus 0-9 in wheat roots, and play an important role in the prevention and control of plant diseases. Our results contribute to explore the mechanisms of microbial colonization in plant roots.
Abnormal Regional Brain Activities Along the Dorsal Stream During Visuospatial Processing in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Magnetoencephalography Study
Authors: Koike Masato , Noguchi-Shinohara Moeko , Morise Hirofumi , Kudo Kiwamu , Tsuchimine Shoko , Misaka Yoshihiro , Komatsu Junji , Abe Chiemi , Horimoto Mai , Kitagawa Sachiko , Ikeda Yoshihisa , Yamada Masahito , Ono Kenjiro 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The dorsal stream is responsible for visuospatial processing, and visuospatial impairment is common in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) during visuospatial processing, we investigated neural activity in the dorsal stream in patients with clinically diagnosed AD dementia (the dementia group), patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (the aMCI group), and cognitively unimpaired subjects (the CU group). We estimated the powers of neural responses induced by optic flow tasks in the five regions that form the dorsal stream, namely medial ventral occipital cortex (MVOcC), lateral occipital cortex, precuneus (Pcun), inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and superior parietal lobule, and compared two-region power ratios in the dementia group (n = 13), aMCI group (n = 11), and CU group (n = 20). Two of the two-region power ratios, namely IPL/Pcun and IPL/MVOcC, were found to be significantly higher in the dementia group than in the CU and aMCI groups, indicating that neural activity during visuospatial processing changes with the progression of AD, and a compensatory mechanism may be present in IPL, Pcun, and MVOcC of patients with AD. Thus, MEG during optic flow tasks may be useful for the investigation of neural activity in the dorsal stream in patients with AD.