bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zootherapy as a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover: a mixed-methods study of the use of animal products in medicinal and cultural practices in Nigeria
Authors: Friant Sagan , Bonwitt Jesse , Ayambem Wilfred A. , Ifebueme Nzube M. , Alobi Alobi O. , Otukpa Oshama M. , Bennett Andrew J. , Shea Corrigan , Rothman Jessica M. , Goldberg Tony L. , Jacka Jerry K. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding how and why people interact with animals is important for the prevention and control of zoonoses. To date, studies have primarily focused on the most visible forms of human-animal contact (e.g., hunting and consumption), thereby blinding One Health researchers and practitioners to the broader range of human-animal interactions that can serve as cryptic sources of zoonotic diseases. Zootherapy, the use of animal products for traditional medicine and cultural practices, is widespread and can generate opportunities for human exposure to zoonoses. Existing research examining zootherapies omits details necessary to adequately assess potential zoonotic risks.MethodsWe used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data from questionnaires, key informant interviews, and field notes to examine the use of zootherapy in nine villages engaged in wildlife hunting, consumption, and trade in Cross River State, Nigeria. We analyzed medicinal and cultural practices involving animals from a zoonotic disease perspective, by including details of animal use that may generate pathways for zoonotic transmission. We also examined the sociodemographic, cultural, and environmental contexts of zootherapeutic practices that can further shape the nature and frequency of human-animal interactions.ResultsWithin our study population, people reported using 44 different animal species for zootherapeutic practices, including taxonomic groups considered to be “high risk” for zoonoses and threatened with extinction. Variation in use of animal parts, preparation norms, and administration practices generated a highly diverse set of zootherapeutic practices (n = 292) and potential zoonotic exposure risks. Use of zootherapy was patterned by demographic and environmental contexts, with zootherapy more commonly practiced by hunting households (OR = 2.47,p < 0.01), and prescriptions that were gender and age specific (e.g., maternal and pediatric care) or highly seasonal (e.g., associated with annual festivals and seasonal illnesses). Specific practices were informed by species availability and theories of healing (i.e., “like cures like” and sympathetic healing and magic) that further shaped the nature of human-animal interactions via zootherapy.ConclusionsEpidemiological investigations of zoonoses and public health interventions that aim to reduce zoonotic exposures should explicitly consider zootherapy as a potential pathway for disease transmission and consider the sociocultural and environmental contexts of their use in health messaging and interventions.
Pathogenic Variants in ZSWIM7 Cause Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Yatsenko Svetlana A , Gurbuz Fatih , Topaloglu Ali Kemal , Berman Andrea J , Martin Pierre-Marie , Rodríguez-Escribà Marta , Qin Yingying , Rajkovic Aleksandar 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Context
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a genetically heterogeneous condition associated with infertility and an increased risk of comorbidities. An increased number of genes implicated in DNA damage response pathways has been associated with POI as well as predisposition to cancers.

Objective
We sought to identify and characterize patients affected by POI caused by pathogenic variants in genes involved in DNA damage response during meiosis.

Setting
Study subjects were recruited at academic centers.

Patients or Other Participants
Individuals with a diagnosis of POI and their family members were enrolled for genetic analysis. Clinical findings, family history, and peripheral blood samples were collected.

Research design
Exome sequencing was performed on the study participants and their family members (when available). Protein conservation analysis and in silico modeling were used to obtain the structural model of the detected variants in the ZSWIM7 gene.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Rare deleterious variants in known and candidate genes associated with POI.

Results
Homozygous deleterious variants in the ZSWIM7 gene were identified in 2 unrelated patients with amenorrhea, an absence of puberty, and prepubertal ovaries and uterus. Observed variants were shown to alter the ZSWIM7 DNA-binding region, possibly affecting its function.

Conclusions
Our study highlights the pivotal role of the ZSWIM7 gene involved in DNA damage response during meiosis on ovarian development and function. Characterization of patients with defects in DNA repair genes has important diagnostic and prognostic consequences for clinical management and reproductive decisions.
Intestinal Epithelial NAD+ Biosynthesis Regulates GLP-1 Production and Postprandial Glucose Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Nagahisa Taichi , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Kosugi Shotaro , Homma Koichiro , Miyashita Kazutoshi , Irie Junichiro , Yoshino Jun , Itoh Hiroshi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Obesity is associated with perturbations in incretin production and whole-body glucose metabolism, but the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), which mediates the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism, plays a critical role in obesity-associated intestinal pathophysiology and systemic metabolic complications. To this end, we generated a novel mouse model, namely intestinal epithelial cell-specific Nampt knockout (INKO) mice. INKO mice displayed diminished glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production, at least partly contributing to reduced early-phase insulin secretion and postprandial hyperglycemia. Mechanistically, loss of NAMPT attenuated the Wnt signaling pathway, resulting in insufficient GLP-1 production. We also found that diet-induced obese mice had compromised intestinal NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis and Wnt signaling pathway, associated with impaired GLP-1 production and whole-body glucose metabolism, resembling the INKO mice. Finally, administration of a key NAD+ intermediate, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), restored intestinal NAD+ levels and obesity-associated metabolic derangements, manifested by a decrease in ileal Proglucagon expression and GLP-1 production as well as postprandial hyperglycemia in INKO and diet-induced obese mice. Collectively, our study provides mechanistic and therapeutic insights into intestinal NAD+ biology related to obesity-associated dysregulation of GLP-1 production and postprandial hyperglycemia.
High temperature perception in leaves promotes vascular regeneration and graft formation in distant tissues
Authors: Serivichyaswat Phanu T. , Bartusch Kai , Leso Martina , Musseau Constance , Iwase Akira , Chen Yu , Sugimoto Keiko , Quint Marcel , Melnyk Charles W. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT
Cellular regeneration in response to wounding is fundamental to maintain tissue integrity. Various internal factors including hormones and transcription factors mediate healing, but little is known about the role of external factors. To understand how the environment affects regeneration, we investigated the effects of temperature upon the horticulturally relevant process of plant grafting. We found that elevated temperatures accelerated vascular regeneration in Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato grafts. Leaves were crucial for this effect, as blocking auxin transport or mutating PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4) or YUCCA2/5/8/9 in the cotyledons abolished the temperature enhancement. However, these perturbations did not affect grafting at ambient temperatures, and temperature enhancement of callus formation and tissue adhesion did not require PIF4, suggesting leaf-derived auxin specifically enhanced vascular regeneration in response to elevated temperatures. We also found that elevated temperatures accelerated the formation of inter-plant vascular connections between the parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum and host Arabidopsis, and this effect required shoot-derived auxin from the parasite. Taken together, our results identify a pathway whereby local temperature perception mediates long distance auxin signaling to modify regeneration, grafting and parasitism.
This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
The β8 integrin cytoplasmic domain activates extracellular matrix adhesion to promote brain neurovascular development
Authors: De Arpan , Morales John E. , Chen Zhihua , Sebastian Sumod , McCarty Joseph H. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT
In the developing mammalian brain, neuroepithelial cells interact with blood vessels to regulate angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier maturation and other key neurovascular functions. Genetic studies in mice have shown that neurovascular development is controlled, in part, by Itgb8, which encodes the neuroepithelial cell-expressed integrin β8 subunit. However, these studies have involved complete loss-of-function Itgb8 mutations, and have not discerned the relative roles for the β8 integrin extracellular matrix (ECM) binding region versus the intracellular signaling tail. Here, Cre/lox strategies have been employed to selectively delete the cytoplasmic tail of murine Itgb8 without perturbing its transmembrane and extracellular domains. We report that the β8 integrin cytoplasmic domain is essential for inside-out modulation of adhesion, including activation of latent-TGFβs in the ECM. Quantitative sequencing of the brain endothelial cell transcriptome identifies TGFβ-regulated genes with putative links to blood vessel morphogenesis, including several genes linked to Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These results reveal that the β8 integrin cytoplasmic domain is essential for the regulation of TGFβ-dependent gene expression in endothelial cells and suggest that cross-talk between TGFβs and Wnt pathways is crucial for neurovascular development.
Metabolic cost of thermoregulation decreases after the molt in developing Weddell seal pups
Authors: Pearson Linnea E. , Weitzner Emma L. , Tomanek Lars , Liwanag Heather E. M. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT
Allocation of energy to thermoregulation greatly contributes to the metabolic cost of endothermy, especially in extreme ambient conditions. Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) pups born in Antarctica must survive both on ice and in water, two environments with very different thermal conductivities. This disparity likely requires pups to allocate additional energy toward thermoregulation rather than growth or development of swimming capabilities required for independent foraging. We measured longitudinal changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR) for Weddell seal pups (n=8) in air and water from one to seven weeks of age, using open-flow respirometry. Concurrently, we collected molt, morphometric and dive behavior data. Absolute metabolic rate (MR) in air followed the expected allometric relationship with mass. Absolute MR in water was not allometric with mass, despite a 3-fold increase in mass between one and seven weeks of age. Developmental stage (or molting stage), rather than calendar age, determined when pups were thermally capable of being in the water. We consistently observed post-molt pups had lower RMR in air and water (6.67±1.4 and 7.90±2.38 ml O2 min−1 kg−1, respectively) than pre-molt (air: 9.37±2.42 ml O2 min−1 kg−1, water: 13.40±3.46 ml O2 min−1 kg−1) and molting pups (air: 8.45±2.05 ml O2 min−1 kg−1, water: 10.4±1.63 ml O2 min−1 kg−1). RMR in air and water were equivalent only for post-molt pups. Despite the increased energy cost, molting pups spent three times longer in the water than other pups. These results support the idea of an energetic trade-off during early development; pups expend more energy for thermoregulation in water, yet gain experience needed for independence.
Knifefish turning control and hydrodynamics during forward swimming
Authors: Hawkins Olivia H. , Ortega-Jiménez Víctor M. , Sanford Christopher P. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT
Rapid turning and swimming contribute to ecologically important behaviors in fishes such as predator avoidance, prey capture, mating and the navigation of complex environments. For riverine species, such as knifefishes, turning behaviors may also be important for navigating locomotive perturbations caused by turbulent flows. Most research on fish maneuvering focuses on fish with traditional fin and body morphologies, which primarily use body bending and the pectoral fins during turning. However, it is uncertain how fishes with uncommon morphologies are able to achieve sudden and controllable turns. Here, we studied the turning performance and the turning hydrodynamics of the black ghost knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons, N=6) which has an atypical elongated ribbon fin. Fish were filmed while swimming forward at ∼2 body lengths s−1 and feeding from a fixed feeder (control) and an oscillating feeder (75 Hz) at two different amplitudes. 3D kinematic analysis of the body revealed the highest pitch angles and lowest body bending coefficients during steady swimming. Low pitch angle, high maximum yaw angles and large body bending coefficients were characteristic of small and large turns. Asynchrony in pectoral fin use was low during turning; however, ribbon fin wavelength, frequency and wave speed were greatest during large turns. Digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) showed larger counter-rotating vortex pairs produced during turning by the ribbon fin in comparison to vortices rotating in the same direction during steady swimming. Our results highlight the ribbon fin's role in controlled rapid turning through modulation of wavelength, frequency and wave speed.
Bridging the skills gap: apprentice assistant practitioners having an impact in mental healthcare services. Part 4. The practice trainer experience
Authors: Beard Alison , Miller Tracy , Morris Andy 
Published: February 2022

In understanding the impact of apprentice assistant practitioners (AAPs) on mental healthcare services, it is important to understand the role of the practice trainer (PT). This article is the last in a series of four looking at AAPs in mental healthcare services. It will focus on the experiences of the PTs as they support AAPs working towards their qualified AAP role. The challenges faced by mental healthcare services and the role of the PT in supporting workforce development via the AAPs will be introduced. Semi-structured interviews were carried out on two PTs working in the north west of England and employed at the University of Bolton. Both participants work with AAPs employed in mental healthcare services and consented to take part. During the interview, the PTs were asked to outline how long they had worked in role, followed by an exploration into their experiences of supporting AAPs within mental healthcare services. The PTs were asked to give their opinion on the development of their role, throughout the programme, with particular reference to the restrictions and changes COVID-19 had made to their role.
The terminal phase in Parkinson's disease: a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Rogers Alice , Trotter Sophie , Richfield Edward , Thomas Sue , Wee Bee 
Published: February 2022

Background: Extending specialist palliative care to people with Parkinson's disease (PD) has been a priority over the past two decades. Despite improvements in advance care planning and early integration of palliative services, little is known about the dying phase of PD. Aims: To systematically review and synthesise the literature describing the occurrence and management of symptoms in the terminal phase of PD. Methods: Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Web of Science from 1990 to 2020 were conducted. Thematic synthesis of qualitative articles and narrative synthesis of quantitative articles were integrated to produce the final analysis. Findings: 285 articles were reviewed and 18 met the inclusion criteria. Professionals found recognition of the terminal phase challenging, and palliative care services are underused. Difficulties include titration of dopaminergic medication, leading to premature termination, or incorrect dosing, of medication. Conclusion: More research is needed to capture the terminal phase of PD, in both the hospital and community setting, in order to increase the evidence base for symptom management.
A 5-year journey of improvement in a nurse-led botulinum toxin type A clinic for chronic migraine
Authors: Jones Siobhan , Button Paul M , Button Julie A 
Published: February 2022

To enable the clinic to meet the increasing demand for botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) treatment the clinic developed a continuous process improvement programme in 2015. The configuration of clinic setup was standardised by utilising lean techniques and patients were categorised as ‘runners’ (uncomplicated/routine), ‘repeaters’ (more time-consuming, complex) and ‘strangers’ (new patients). This enabled a standardised patient pathway with fixed appointment times. The time allocated depended on the type of patient and whether the patient could be treated in a 15-minute or a 30-minute time slot. Objectives: To measure and monitor the value created by the continuous improvement process, to refine service delivery including the efficiency and capacity of the chronic migraine clinic. Method: Data was collected at the end of each month and a trend analysis of the number of chronic migraine patient treatments was carried out. Corrective actions were taken if the number of treatments fell below the anticipated demand. We calculated the increased capacity over the five-year period based on the data collected. To determine if the increased capacity required additional human resources, we also reviewed the headache specialist nurse resources allocated for chronic migraine treatments over the same period. Results: In 2015 the clinic had a waiting list of 35 patients, with a wait time of 4-6 months. At that time there was only capacity to accommodate 28 new patient referrals for BoNTA. During the period between 2015 and 2019, the total number of yearly treatments more than doubled from 791 to 1634. The clinic, at this point, was conducted by one headache specialist nurse. An additional nurse was then employed to support the increasing demand in early 2019. After implementing the improved process the clinic was able to eliminate the waiting list. In 2019 it generated capacity to accommodate 116 new patient referrals, which was an increase of 414% compared to 2015. Conclusions: The service efficiency programme implemented in 2015 has enabled the clinic to increase capacity to meet the increasing demands in the administration of BoNTA treatment. For the first 4 years, this was achieved without incurring any additional nursing costs. In addition, because of the success of the programme, more patients with chronic migraine have benefited from accessing BoNTA treatment.
Benefit finding: understanding the impact and public health factors among COVID-19 patients in China
Authors: Wang Sitong , Zhou Yanan , Li Li , Kent Susan 
Published: February 2022

Background:This study aimed to determine the level of benefit finding among COVID-19 patients in a hospital in mainland China, and to identify its associated impact and public health factors.Methods:Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 288 COVID-19 patients were recruited in Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China to complete a survey on benefit finding. The level of benefit finding evaluated by the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS), mental resilience evaluated by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), social support evaluated by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), medical coping modes evaluated by the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), and general information was collected by self-designed questionnaires. T-test and chi-square test were used for single-factor analyses. For multiple factor analyses, multivariate regression analyses were performed.Result:The mean BFS score of 288 participants was 61.26±10.25. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the factors associated with the level of benefit finding among COVID-19 patients in China included education level, having experienced major event, social support, optimism, confrontive coping and resigned coping mode.Conclusions:In general, the patients with COVID-19 in this study had a middle level of benefit finding. Health professionals should take measures to identify the influencing factors on the quality of the life and take targeted intervention measures.
Exploring barriers, motivators and solutions to achieve a healthy lifestyle among undergraduate student nurses
Authors: Austin Daniela , May Jon , Andrade Jackie , Nichols Andy 
Published: February 2022

Background: Many preregistration student nurses tend to be overweight or obese and have unhealthy lifestyles. Aims: This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of these issues, to identify barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle as well as potential solutions, and to explore the use of smartphone health apps. Methods: An online questionnaire examined diet and physical activity habits, general health and attitudes to eHealth. An in-class questionnaire with a new sample assessed current lifestyle, barriers to healthier living, support needed to achieve goals and the use of health apps. Findings: Half of student nurses were overweight or obese and only 41% met the recommended levels of physical activity. An in-class questionnaire revealed that more than half of them wanted to have a better diet and to exercise more. Conclusion: Generally, student nurses were not satisfied with their current lifestyles. A lack of motivation and time were the most frequently reported barriers; an intervention focusing on motivational support could be an acceptable and effective means of achieving and sustaining positive behaviour change.
Leg ulcer service provision in NHS hospitals
Authors: Lian Yaping , Anderson Irene , Stather Philip 
Published: February 2022

Leg ulcers are painful, distressing and common in the older population. They are costly to treat and put pressure on NHS providers. Compression therapy is the mainstay of treatment of venous leg ulceration. Aim: To explore the service provision for compression therapy for inpatients with leg ulcers in UK hospitals. Methods: An online survey was carried out to explore the service provision in hospital settings. It was distributed to Wounds UK National Conference delegates and to wound care specialist groups using social media. Results: The authors received 101 responses from health professionals in the UK. Of these, 67.3% reported there was no dedicated service for inpatients with leg ulceration and only 32% said compression therapy was provided in their hospitals. Conclusion: This survey confirmed there is a significant shortfall in care provision for patients with leg ulcers in secondary care and highlighted the wide variations in service delivery in hospitals. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for these variations.