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Open Access
The use of oxytocin in experimental models of the human female genital tract with implications for HIV susceptibility
(2024-11-18) Plesniarski, Andrew; Wylie, John (Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases); Triggs-Raine, Barbara (Biochemistry and Medical Genetics); Lin, Rongtuan (McGill University); Su, Ruey-Chyi; Ball, Terry
Introduction: Oxytocin has been implicated in reductions in inflammation at skin and gut epithelia, as well as improved wound healing outcomes in small animal models and clinical trials of skin wounds. Susceptibility to HIV infection at the female genital tract (FGT) has been associated with increased levels of inflammation and breakdown of the epithelial barrier. I sought to investigate whether oxytocin could 1) reduce inflammation and improve wound healing of FGT epithelial cells and 2) reduce susceptibility to vaginal HIV infection in a humanized mouse model. Methods: VK2/E6E7 (Vk2), Ect1/E6E7 (Ect1), and End1/E6E7 (End1) cell lines were used to model vaginal, ectocervical, and endocervical cells, respectively. Inflammation was assessed by the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine transcripts and secreted protein. The effect of oxytocin on wound healing was assessed using scratch assay models. Immunologically humanized mice treated longitudinally with oxytocin vaginal gel were challenged with HIV-1 and followed for ≥ 63 days. Cervicovaginal lavage, blood samples, and lymphatic tissues were collected for analysis. Additional analysis of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) expression of the FGT cell lines was performed using qPCR, Western blot, confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry, and calcium flux. Results: Media formulations for FGT epithelia were found to contain oxytocin. After correction of this factor using alternative culture media, it was found that oxytocin modulated pro-inflammatory cytokine transcript and protein levels in Ect1 and End1 cells and inhibited wound healing in Vk2 and End1 cells. OXTR validation in Vk2, Ect1, and End1 cells revealed non-significant mRNA protein levels, with oxytocin also failing to elicit calcium flux. Intravaginal administration of oxytocin gel had no effect on leukocyte activation or regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression in our humanized mice. Control mice did not succumb to HIV-1 infection, preventing conclusions on susceptibility. Conclusions: Oxytocin was found to alter pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and reduce wound healing in FGT epithelial cells in vitro, despite the absence of detectable OXTR expression. Additionally, FGT media formulations were found to confound previous oxytocin studies due to inherent oxytocin levels. Vaginal oxytocin gel did not affect leukocyte activation or cytokine levels in humanized mice, with further work on HIV-1 susceptibility needed.
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Open Access
Numerical modelling of drying processes in a mixed-flow grain dryer based on coupled discrete element and computational fluid dynamics method
(2024-10-21) Wu, Xinyi; Jian, Fuji (Biosystems engineering); Koksel, Filiz (Food and Human Nutritional Sciences); Sosa Morales, Maria Elena (University of Guanajuato); Cenkowski, Stefan; Zhang, Qiang
The main objective of this research was to develop a numerical model to simulate the transport phenomena involved in the grain drying processes in mixed-flow grain dryers by coupling the discrete element method (DEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and utilize the proposed model for the design assessment and optimization of mixed-low grain dryers. The formation of the grain bed and the movement of the grain kernels were simulated by the proposed DEM model which was developed using a commercial software package PFC3D (Particle Flow Code in Three Dimension, Itasca Consulting Group, Inc. Minneapolis, MN). Heat and mass transfer, as well as the air flow pattern were solved in the proposed CFD model, which was developed in ANSYS Fluent 2022. The coupling between the DEM and CFD models was realized by custom-coded algorithms in Matlab (Version 8.4) following a quasi-static fashion, i.e., each simulation was run incrementally in the time domain and the simulation results (data) were transferred between the CFD and DEM models after each time increment. The coupled CFD-DEM, as well as component DEM and CFD models, was validated against experimental data extracted from the literature in terms of grain temperature and moisture content distribution, as well as grain movement and airflow pattern. Close agreements were achieved between simulated results of the coupled CFD-DEM model and published experimental data, with an average difference of 4.3% for grain temperature and 2.5% for grain moisture content. The model revealed the detailed distribution patterns of grain movement, temperature and moisture content. Specifically, the grain movement was slowed down by the air ducts and dryer walls, causing nonuniform distribution of grain velocity across the dryer, with the lowest velocity at about 43% of the highest velocity. The low-velocity zones were found underneath the air ducts. This nonuniform distribution of grain velocity resulted in large disparities in the residence time of drying, with the longest residence time (66 min) being 3.3 times the shortest one (20 min) while the median time was 36 min. There were considerable variations in grain temperature within the drying column, with the highest grain temperature underneath the inlet air ducts, while “cold zones” existed in the near-wall region. The grain moisture content was not uniform across the dryer, with the lowest moisture content underneath the inlet air duct and the higher moisture near the dryer walls. Using empirical models in the literature, the potential reduction in grain quality during drying was estimated in terms of risks of germination reduction and fissure (stress cracking) of grain kernels, which were predicted based on the grain temperature and moisture simulated by the coupled CFD-DEM model. A valuable function of the model was the ability to predict the zones within the dryer where grain could potentially experience quality losses. These zones were generally located underneath the inlet air ducts. The model was also applied to assessment of different duct designs and layouts in mixed-flow grain dryers. It was found that the air ducts with 60-degree angles resulted in the best drying performance among the five duct geometries that were simulated. The best layout had the ratio of vertical distance to duct height of 1.35 and the ratio of horizontal distance to duct width of 1.5.
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Open Access
Infusion parameters, safety, and practical guidance for the manual administration of subcutaneous immunoglobulin 20% (Ig20Gly)
(BMC, 2024-10-04) Grosse-Kreul, Dorothea; Allen, Crystal; Kalicinsky, Chrystyna; Keith, Paul K.
Abstract Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs), also referred to as inborn errors of immunity, constitute a group of genetic conditions that affect the immune system. The current standard of care for patients with PIDs is lifelong immunoglobulin replacement therapy, delivered by intravenous (IVIG) or subcutaneous (SCIG) infusion. Immune globulin subcutaneous (human) 20% solution stabilized with glycine (Ig20Gly) is indicated as a replacement therapy for PIDs in adults and children of any age in Europe and in patients aged 2 years and above in the USA. Typically, Ig20Gly is administered using an infusion pump; however, delivery of Ig20Gly by manual administration has recently been approved in Europe. Practical recommendations on the use of Ig20Gly manual administration are lacking; this review therefore aims to provide guidance for use of this method of administration. Additionally, we summarize the infusion parameters, safety, patient-reported outcomes, and economic benefits associated with Ig20Gly manual administration. Manual administration of Ig20Gly was shown to permit faster rates of infusion than administration via infusion pump. Patients typically infused at two or fewer infusion sites with manual administration of Ig20Gly. Safety and tolerability profiles were similar for Ig20Gly manual administration and administration by infusion pump. Overall, there were comparable levels of patient satisfaction with manual administration and infusion pump, with patient preference deemed to be a key determinator of success for either method of administration. Economic studies identified cost savings for the healthcare system through manual administration compared with IVIG or SCIG infusion by infusion pump because of the reduced equipment costs and nurse support. For infusion of Ig20Gly by manual administration, a syringe and butterfly needle are used; patients are advised to start infusion at 1–2 mL/min to prevent discomfort. Overall, manual administration of Ig20Gly offers an effective and well-tolerated alternative to administration by infusion pump.
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Open Access
Review of clinical trials and guidelines for children and youth with mucopolysaccharidosis: outcome selection and measurement
(BMC, 2024-10-23) Howie, Alison H.; Tingley, Kylie; Inbar-Feigenberg, Michal; Mitchell, John J.; Angel, Kim; Gentle, Jenifer; Smith, Maureen; Offringa, Martin; Butcher, Nancy J.; Campeau, Philippe M.; Chakraborty, Pranesh; Chan, Alicia; Fergusson, Dean; Mamak, Eva; McClelland, Peyton; Mercimek-Andrews, Saadet; Mhanni, Aizeddin; Moazin, Zeinab; Rockman-Greenberg, Cheryl; Rupar, C. A.; Skidmore, Becky; Stockler, Sylvia; Thavorn, Kednapa; Wyatt, Alexandra; Potter, Beth K.
Abstract Background To inform the development of a core outcome set (COS) for children and youth with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), we aimed to identify all outcomes and associated outcome measurement instruments that are reported in recent clinical trials and recommended as measurements in clinical management guidelines. Methods To identify English-language clinical trials and guidelines pertaining to MPS published between 2011 and mid-2021, we applied a comprehensive peer-reviewed search strategy to relevant databases and registers on May 16, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened retrieved citations and then full-text articles to determine eligibility for inclusion. From articles meeting inclusion criteria, we extracted details of the study design, population, intervention, and comparator, along with verbatim outcomes and associated outcome measurement instruments. Outcomes were organized into domains within five a priori core areas: life impact, pathophysiological manifestations, growth and development, resource use, and death. We conducted descriptive analyses at the study level, grouping articles arising from the same study. Results From 2593 unique citations, 73 articles from 61 unique studies were included in the review, pertaining to all MPS subtypes except for exceptionally rare subtypes. Eighty-four unique outcomes were reported across the studies, 33 (39%) of which were reported by three or fewer studies. Most outcomes (55; 65%) were in the pathophysiological manifestations core area, followed by life impact (17; 20%) and growth and development (10; 12%); one outcome each pertained to resource use and death. The most frequently reported outcomes were general adverse events (45; 74%), immune-related adverse events (39; 64%), and urinary glycosaminoglycans (38; 62%). Substantial variability existed in the reporting of outcome measurement instruments. Some differences in outcome reporting were observed by MPS subtype and publication year. Discussion Outcomes reported in clinical trials and guidelines for MPS in children and youth vary considerably and largely focus on pathophysiological manifestations. A COS is needed to standardize the selection and measurement of meaningful outcomes across future studies. We will present the outcomes identified in this review to knowledge users as part of a consensus process to select the most critical outcomes for inclusion in the COS. Trial Registration The protocol for this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021267531) and in the COMET Database.
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Open Access
Bones at Home Supporting Haptic Learning and Universal Design beyond the Biological Anthropology Laboratory
(2024-10-14) Gilmour, Rebecca J.; Gamble, Julia A.
Remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a range of pedagogical challenges for anthropology laboratory courses. In biological anthropology courses such as Human Osteology, hands-on experience is essential to achieving learning outcomes, including basic bone and feature (i.e., landmark) identification, identification from fragmentary remains, and age and sex estimation. To address the need for training that includes object-based, tactile (haptic) learning in fields such as biological anthropology and archaeology, all Human Osteology students at Mount Royal University and the University of Manitoba took home plastic model skeletons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well remotely educated undergraduates (REUs) met human osteology learning objectives when supported by plastic model skeletons at home. We present the results of a survey designed to test core osteological skills obtained by REUs in comparison with undergraduates educated with in-person laboratory components (IPUs) and experts in the field (zero to four and five or more years of experience). REU scores did not differ significantly from those of IPU or Junior Experts with less than five years of experience. Students performed well in bone identification but were limited in their ability to apply common sex and age estimation methods and to identify incomplete elements. Our findings reinforce the importance of haptic learning and years of experience in human osteological learning. They support the use of take-home models as valuable resources in both remote and in-person undergraduate teaching. This work is a step toward more inclusive universal instructional design that can be applied across various anthropology laboratory courses.
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Open Access
The impact of patient-facility language discordance on potentially inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics in long-term care home in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective population health cohort study
(BMC, 2024-10-28) Reaume, Michael; Peixoto, Cayden; Pugliese, Michael; Tanuseputro, Peter; Batista, Ricardo; Kendall, Claire E.; Landry, Josette-Renée; Prud’homme, Denis; Chomienne, Marie-Hélène; Farrell, Barbara; Bjerre, Lise M.
Abstract Background Appropriate use of medication is a key indicator of the quality of care provided in long-term care (LTC). The objective of this study was to determine whether resident-facility language concordance/discordance is associated with the odds of potentially inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics (PIP-AP) in LTC. Methods We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of LTC residents in Ontario, Canada from 2010 to 2019. We obtained resident language from standardized resident assessments, and derived facility language by determining the proportion of residents belonging to each linguistic group within individual LTC homes. Using linked administrative databases, we identified all instances of PIP-AP during a 1-year follow-up period. PIP-AP was defined using the STOPP-START criteria, which have previously been shown to predict adverse clinical events such as emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. The association between linguistic factors and PIP-AP was assessed using adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results We identified 198,729 LTC residents consisting of 162,814 Anglophones (81.9%), 6,230 Francophones (3.1%), and 29,685 Allophones (14.9%). The odds of PIP-AP of were higher for both Francophones (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08–1.23) and Allophones (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08–1.15) when compared to Anglophones. When compared to English LTC homes, French LTC homes had greater odds of PIP-AP (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.20), while Allophone homes had lower odds of PIP-AP (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77–0.86). Residents living in language-discordant LTC homes had higher odds of PIP-AP when compared to LTC residents living in language-concordant LTC homes (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10). Conclusion This study identified linguistic factors related to the odds of PIP-AP in LTC, suggesting that the linguistic environment may have an impact on the quality of care provided to residents.
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Open Access
Exploring metabolic syndrome and dietary quality in Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study
(BMC, 2024-10-23) Namkhah, Zahra; Irankhah, Kiyavash; Sarviha, Sina; Sobhani, Seyyed R.
Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors affecting a quarter of the global population, with diet playing a significant role in its progression. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the Dietary Diabetes Risk Reduction Score (DDRRS) and the Macronutrient Quality Index (MQI) scoring systems in assessing the diet-related risk of metabolic syndrome. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data from 7431 individuals aged between 30 and 70 years, obtained from the Mashhad Cohort Study, were utilized to evaluate the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. A valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess participants’ dietary intake. The MQI was calculated based on carbohydrate, fat, and healthy protein components, while the DDRRS was also computed. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken to determine the presence of metabolic syndrome. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between MQI and DDRRS with metabolic syndrome and its components. Results According to the crude model, we observed lower odds of MetS in the highest quartile of DDRRS and MQI compared to the lowest quartile (P-trend < 0.001). This trend persisted in the fully adjusted models, revealing odds ratios of 0.399 (95% CI: 0.319-0.500) and 0.597 (95% CI: 0.476–0.749) for DDRRS and MQI, respectively. After controlling for all potential confounders, we observed lower odds of central obesity in the highest quartile of MQI (OR: 0.818, 95% CI: 0.676–0.989, P-trend = 0.027). Furthermore, we found that the odds of high triglyceride levels were lower in the highest quartile of DDRRS compared to the lowest quartile (OR: 0.633, 95% CI: 0.521, 0.770, P-trend < 0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, our study indicates that greater adherence to both DDRRS and MQI is linked to a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome and its components. These findings hold significant implications for public health and the development of personalized nutrition strategies.
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Open Access
Referral pathway and competency profiles of primary care physiotherapists and kinesiologists for physical activity interventions for diabetes: a modified Delphi study
(BMC, 2024-10-15) Proctor, Carly; Brown, Cara L.
Abstract Background High quality diabetes care is an essential service in primary care settings since the prevalence and associated complications of diabetes is increasing. Physical activity is effective for the prevention and management of diabetes yet is underutilized in diabetes care. Exercise professionals have specialized skills to deliver physical activity interventions, but effective interprofessional collaboration for diabetes care requires role clarity. This study established the competencies of entry-level physiotherapists and kinesiologists for physical activity interventions for diabetes care in primary care settings and used these competencies to develop clinical tools to promote role clarity in interprofessional care teams. Methods We used a modified Delphi process. Eleven physiotherapy and three kinesiology subject matter experts participated in two rounds of Delphi surveys to develop discipline and context specific competencies. These competencies were used to draft competency profiles and a referral pathway tool. Eleven of the participants then participated in a focus group for member-checking of the tools. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Results The modified Delphi process resulted in 38 physiotherapy and 27 kinesiology competencies that identify the distinct roles of physiotherapists and kinesiologists in delivering physical activity interventions for diabetes care. The physiotherapy competencies describes their unique role in supporting people with all types of diabetes to engage in physical activity despite complex medical or physical barriers. The kinesiology competencies indicate where these professionals may require additional training, especially when working with people living with type 1 diabetes or who are pregnant. All developed tools had good face validity and were seen to be potentially useful tools by the subject matter experts. Conclusions The findings highlight that both physiotherapists and kinesiologists have fundamental skills and abilities to deliver physical activity interventions to people living with diabetes, but that different exercise professionals may be needed depending on the complexity of the clinical profile. The developed clinical tools support improved interprofessional collaboration by clarifying physiotherapy and kinesiology roles in delivering physical activity interventions for diabetes care and highlighting how the two distinct professions can contribute to addressing the growing diabetes epidemic in primary care.
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Open Access
How do elected officials think about transportation equity?
(2024-11-01) Linovski, Orly; Dean, Jennifer; Leger, Samantha; McLaren, Abigail; Cascante, Isabel
Local politicians play a key role in determining policies and allocating resources that could help improve transportation equity. While transportation equity has been examined at some length at an academic level, there has been little direct research about how local politicians understand it. The goal of this brief is to help planners and advocates work effectively with politicians when trying to advance transportation equity. It draws on recent research that surveyed and interviewed local politicians in Canada about their values, experiences, and perspectives on transportation equity. This brief addresses these key questions: (1) How do elected officials get their information about transportation issues? (2) What do they think of when talking about transportation equity? (3) What are their values and priorities?
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Open Access
Impact of STEM on students’ intellectual engagement
(2024-10-26) Bendu, Charles; Milner-Bolotin, Marina (University of British Columbia); Lutfiyya, Zana (Educational Administration, Foundations and Psychology); Fuchs, Donald (Social Work); Freeze, Rick
This mixed-methods study investigated the experiences of 43 students (Grades 6-8) and 5 adults (2 principals, 2 STEM teachers, and 1 STEM support teacher) from two middle schools following an 8-week STEM intervention. It evaluated the intervention’s impact on students’ intellectual engagement, focusing on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Quantitative data collection involved a two-phase pre-test/post-test design using surveys and questionnaires, alongside qualitative data from interviews and STEM curriculum documents. Quantitative analysis utilized descriptive and parametric statistics involving matched-pairs t-tests (within-group) and independent samples t-tests (between-group), while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic coding. Results from the matched-pairs t-test for Alpha School’s post-STEM Survey indicated significantly higher mean scores compared to pre-STEM Survey results (t (19) = -7.698, p = .001), showing a statistically significant difference with a small effect size (d = -1.72). Similarly, the pre and post-STEM Questionnaires revealed higher post-STEM scores (t (14) = -9.784, p = .001, d = -2.52), with statistical significance but a small effect size. The independent t-test comparing Alpha and Beta Schools’ pre-STEM Questionnaire scores showed no significant difference (t = -1.506, df = 28, p = .143). However, post-STEM Questionnaire results indicated a significant difference (t = 6.398, df = 19.442, p = .001) with a large effect size (d = 2.34). Qualitative findings supported these quantitative results, highlighting a positive impact on intellectual engagement. The study underscores the need to integrate technology into STEM education and advocates for professional development in STEM-specific pedagogy to connect theory and practice. Keywords: Integrated STEM Education, STEM, STEM Support Teacher, Professional Development (PD), K-12 STEM Education