Search

The literature is sparse on understanding the experiences of stakeholders with inclusive education in the Caribbean. Using a qualitative single case study, this study explores the lived experiences with inclusive education of non-teaching stakeholders (principal, dean of discipline, guidance counsellor, parents, and educational assistants) in a private school in Jamaica. Data was collected using individual interviews, focus group discussions and secondary data. Thematic analysis was used to interpret and present findings. Key findings revealed supportive school leadership, inconsistent teacher competence and pedagogy, controversies with educational assistants, and parental denial as barriers that undermine inclusivity. Leadership support that goes beyond the principal to include the school board of directors was highlighted as an important consideration. The study provides other implications and recommendations for the inclusive classroom in the Jamaican educational milieu. Although the findings are specific to this case, they can be transferred and applied to inclusive education in other contexts regionally and globally to inform inclusive practices and considerations.

Abstract Ex vivo studies of the brain are often employed as experimental systems in neuroscience. In general, brains for ex vivo MRI studies are usually fixed with paraformaldehyde to preserve molecular structure and prevent tissue destruction during long-term storage. As a result, fixing brain tissue causes microstructural changes and a decrease in brain volume. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the regional effect of brain volume and microstructural changes on the restricted diffusion of water molecules in the common marmoset brain using in vivo and ex vivo brains from the same individual. We used 9.4T magnetic resonance imaging and also compared the T2-weighted images and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data between in vivo and ex vivo brains to investigate changes in brain volume and diffusion of water molecules in 12 common marmosets. We compared fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, AD (axial diffusivity), and radial diffusivity values in white matter and gray matter between in vivo and ex vivo brains. We observed that AD showed the strongest correlation with regional volume changes in gray matter. The results showed a strong correlation between AD and changes in brain volume. By comparing the in vivo and ex vivo brains of the same individual, we identified significant correlations between the local effects of perfusion fixation on microstructural and volumetric changes of the brain and alterations in the restricted diffusion of water molecules within the brain. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex relationships between tissue fixation, brain structure, and water diffusion properties in the marmoset brain.

Abstract Mammalian wounds leave visible scars, and there are no methods for complete regeneration. However, mouse fetuses regenerate their skin, including epidermal and dermal structures, up to embryonic day (E)13. This regeneration pattern requires the formation of actin cables in the wound margin epithelium; however, the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Rac1 alters actin in cells and is involved in the formation of filopodia. We investigated whether actin remodeling and skin regeneration patterns can be reproduced through the regulation of Rac1 signaling. Rac1 expression was downregulated in E13 wounds and upregulated after E15 when scars remained. NSC23766, a Rac1-specific inhibitor, altered actin dynamics at the cell margin from filopodia formation to cable formation and inhibited the migration of mouse epidermal keratinocyte, PAM212, by Rac1 signaling suppression. NSC23766 suppressed Rac1 activity and completely regenerated the fetal mouse wounds, even at E14, by changing actin dynamics. Knocked-out Rac1 transgenic mice experienced delayed epithelialization of wounds with suppressed epidermal migration in adults; however, in fetuses, complete wound regeneration via Rac1 signal suppression was observed. Therefore, Rac1 suppression in the wound epidermis can achieve regenerative wound healing in fetuses and may be a potential candidate for healing scars.

Abstract Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major disease characterized by early albuminuria and heightened risk of renal deterioration. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, especially in glomeruli, plays an important role in the progression of DKD. ROS also cause activation of Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK-1), which is implicated in various organ injuries. However, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates ASK-1 activation in advanced DKD and its underlying mechanisms using GS442172, an ASK-1 inhibitor. In the DKD mouse model, activation of ASK-1 was observed. Although inhibition of ASK-1 activation improved hyperpermeability in glomerular endothelial cells. ASK-1 inhibition significantly reduced glomerular injury and albuminuria, while also attenuating tubular damage and interstitial fibrosis. RNA-seq analysis revealed an aging phenotype associated with ASK-1 activation in DKD. In vitro experiments demonstrated ASK-1 activation-induced cellular senescence in tubular cells via redox signaling. These results suggested that the critical role of ASK-1 activation in DKD pathogenesis, implicating glomerular injury, tubular damage, and cellular senescence. ASK-1 inhibitors are promising therapeutic strategies to mitigate the progression of DKD.

Functional triblock copolymers (BCPs), i.e., poly(glycidyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(lauryl methacrylate)-b-poly(glycidyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate) triblock copolymers [(P(GMA/MMA)-b-PLMA-b-P(GMA/MMA)], were investigated as toughening modifiers for all-methacrylate polymer blends. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was copolymerized with methacrylic acid (MAA) in the presence of the BCPs. Without MAA in the polymethacrylate matrices, the BCP blends formed micron-scale phase structures by polymerization-induced phase separation. In matrices copolymerized with MAA, self-assembled nanostructures, such as curved lamellae, worm-like cylindrical micelles, or spherical micelles were formed. The BCP blends with worm-like cylindrical nano-micelles achieved much higher fracture toughness than those with spherical nano-micelles. The toughening mechanisms were elucidated by transmission electron microscopy. Cavitation was initiated in worm-like cylindrical nano-micelles, and the aligned cavitation formed craze-like deformation with increased loads. This relieves hydrostatic tensile stress in front of the crack tip, forming a large shear yield zone within the craze-like deformation region, contributing to high toughness.

Abstract Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a widely cultivated legumes globally, is attracting interest as a functional food owing to its antioxidant properties derived from nutritional components such as polyphenols. We previously reported that yellow pea-based pasta (YPP) aids in controlling blood glucose and enhances the sensitivity to saltiness. This study examined the antioxidant effect of YPP and its effects on the salt intake and postprandial blood glucose levels by simulating a real-life scenario. In this open, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, 40 healthy adult men and women aged 20–65 years, whose salt intake exceeded the target salt equivalent level of the Japanese dietary intake standard, were allocated to the following groups (n = 20): the group consuming one serving of YPP per day and the group maintaining their regular daily dietary habits. The participants who were allocated to the YPP group showed significantly improved oxidative stress markers (BAP/d-ROMs ratio change: control = − 0.11, YPP = 0.27, p = 0.044; lipid peroxide change: control = 0.11, YPP = − 0.25, p

Abstract In this study, equine intestinal enteroids (EIEs) were generated from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and inoculated with equine coronavirus (ECoV) to investigate their suitability as in vitro models with which to study ECoV infection. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the EIEs were composed of various cell types expressed in vivo in the intestinal epithelium. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and virus titration showed that ECoV had infected and replicated in the EIEs. These results were corroborated by electron microscopy. This study suggests that EIEs can be novel in vitro tools for studying the interaction between equine intestinal epithelium and ECoV.

Abstract In dairy farming, the uncertainty of cow calving date often imposes waiting costs for days on farmers. Improving the accuracy of calving date prediction would mitigate these costs, specifically before a few days of the event. We monitored and analyzed the heart rate patterns of eight pregnant cows in the days leading up to calving using a dedicated monitoring device. We decomposed the heart rate data into three distinct components: trend, daily cycle, and the remainder, and discovered that the heart rate trend exhibited a sharp decline more than 40 h before the calving event via the trend turning point. To detect the turning point, we applied common financial technical indicators traditionally used to identify turning points of asset prices in trading markets for the extracted heart rate trend. This study remains a feasibility study because of the limited observations, but it indicates that these indicators can effectively capture the trend’s turning point in real time, offering a promising approach for enhanced calving prediction. In addition to discussing the practical implications for cow management, we also contemplate the broader utility of these technical indicators in the context of various dynamic scientific data analyses.

Abstract Background Amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS) improved sputum culture conversion rate at 6 months for patients with refractory Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) in an international phase 3 trial. Patient characteristics and chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings associated with ALIS effectiveness are poorly documented. Objective We aimed to clarify ALIS effectiveness for refractory MAC-PD at 6 months, elucidating associated patient characteristics and chest CT findings. Methods We reviewed medical records of 12 patients with refractory MAC-PD for whom ALIS treatment was initiated at Toho University Omori Medical Center from November 2021 through September 2022. All patients demonstrated treatment persistence for at least 3 months. They were divided into culture conversion and non-conversion groups using sputum culture conversion status after 6-month ALIS treatment initiation. Clinical and radiological characteristics were compared. Results Seven of the 12 patients (58.3%) achieved sputum culture conversion within 6 months. The culture conversion group had shorter pre-ALIS initiation treatment duration [21 months (16–25) vs. 62 months (32–69); p = 0.045]; lower cavitary lesion incidence on HRCT (28.6% vs. 100%; p = 0.028); and fewer clarithromycin (CLA)-resistant strains [0/7 (0%) vs. 3/5 (60%); p = 0.045]. Chest HRCT findings improved in 4 of 7 (57.1%) and 1 of 5 (20%) patients in the culture conversion and non-conversion groups, respectively. Conclusion ALIS facilitated sputum culture conversion within 6 months in 58.3% of patients with refractory MAC-PD. Sputum culture conversion was significantly more frequent for CLA-susceptible strains and patients with fewer cavitary lesions. Improved CT findings after ALIS did not always correspond to sputum culture conversion.

Abstract Insomnia is highly comorbid in patients with psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, and should be treated as an independent condition. Dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have been investigated as a treatment for chronic insomnia. The objective of this systematic review was to examine evidence for two DORAs, lemborexant and suvorexant, as treatments for insomnia comorbid with a psychiatric disorder. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase from their inception until January and April 2023, and included studies examining suvorexant and lemborexant for treating insomnia comorbid with psychiatric disorders. We also manually searched clinical trial registries ( https://clinicaltrials.gov and https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr ). Randomized clinical trials and observational/cohort studies were included. We identified 18 studies from PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase and three studies from clinicaltrials.gov and UMIN. Of the 21 reports, four were completed/terminated randomized clinical trials, eight were ongoing clinical trials, and nine were observational studies. We identified evidence for switching from benzodiazepine receptor agonists to a DORA, or using a DORA as add-on therapy and, therefore, discuss this topic as well. Two studies examined switching to or adding on a DORA in patients being treated with a benzodiazepine receptor agonist. DORAs may be as effective and safe for treating psychiatric comorbid insomnia (for most psychiatric conditions) as they are for treating primary insomnia. However, the evidence is limited to a few small studies. Further investigation of DORAs for the treatment of comorbid insomnia in those with coexisting psychiatric conditions is warranted.

Abstract Background We report the final results of treatment with aripiprazole, blonanserin, and paliperidone from the Japan Useful Medication Program for Schizophrenia (JUMPs), a 104-week naturalistic study. Methods JUMPs was an open-label, three-arm, randomized, parallel-group, 104-week study. Patients aged ≥ 20 years with schizophrenia requiring antipsychotic treatment or a switch from previous therapy were enrolled. The primary endpoint was treatment discontinuation rate over 104 weeks. Secondary endpoints included remission rate, Personal and Social Performance (PSP), safety, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and quality of life (QOL; EuroQol-5 dimension). Results In total, 251 patients received aripiprazole (n = 82), blonanserin (n = 85), or paliperidone (n = 84). Treatment discontinuation rates (aripiprazole, 80.5%; blonanserin, 81.2%; paliperidone, 71.4%) were not significantly different (p = 0.2385) among the treatment groups at 104 weeks; comparable outcomes were observed for endpoints, including remission (42.9%, 46.7%, and 45.8%), PANSS, and safety. In the overall cohort, while the improvement in the PSP total score at Week 104 was not significantly different from baseline, a significant improvement (p

Summary: The medial thigh, rich in lymphatic vessels, presents risks of seroma and lymphoedema after flap elevation. This study discusses a novel approach using indocyanine green (ICG) to preserve lymphatic vessels while harvesting a descending genicular artery perforator (DGAP) flap for knee reconstruction. Here, we present the case of a 44-year-old woman who developed a skin defect below the right knee after cellulitis and abscess debridement. Preoperative ICG lymphography identified the lymphatic pathways, allowing for a meticulous flap design to avoid vessel damage. The surgery resulted in successful flap integration and a full range of knee motion without complications. Follow-up ICG lymphography confirmed the preservation of the lymphatic vessels. This case underscores the importance of lymphatic preservation in medial thigh flap procedures to minimise postoperative complications, such as seroma, cellulitis, and transient lymphoedema. Further research is required to explore the applications of this technique in broader clinical settings.