bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Will ALMA reveal the true core mass function of protoclusters?
Authors: Padoan P , Pelkonen V-M , Juvela M , Haugbølle T , Nordlund Å
Published: April 2023

Characterizing pre-stellar cores in star-forming regions is an important step towards the validation of theoretical models of star formation. Due to their sub-arcsecond resolution, ALMA observations can potentially provide samples of pre-stellar cores up to distances of a few kpc, where regions of massive star formation can be targeted. However, the extraction of real cores from dust-continuum observations of turbulent star-forming clouds is affected by complex projection effects. In this work, we study the problem of core extraction both in the idealized case of column-density maps and in the more realistic case of synthetic 1.3 mm ALMA observations. The analysis is carried out on 12 regions of high column density from our 250 pc simulation. We find that derived core masses are highly unreliable, with only a weak correlation between the masses of cores selected in the synthetic ALMA maps and those of the corresponding three-dimensional cores. The fraction of real three-dimensional cores detected in the synthetic maps increases monotonically with mass and remains always below 50 per cent. Above $\sim 1\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ , the core mass function derived from the column-density maps is steeper than that of the three-dimensional cores, while the core mass function from the synthetic ALMA maps has a slope closer to that of the real three-dimensional cores. Because of the mass uncertainties, proper guidance from realistic simulations is essential if ALMA observations of protoclusters at kpc distances are to be used to test star formation models.
Should healthcare workers with occupational exposure to HPV be vaccinated?
Authors: Shemtob Lara , Asanati Kaveh , Jayasekera Prativa
Published: April 2023

Many healthcare workers will be familiar with explaining the merits of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to patients. But few will be aware that in the USA, HPV vaccination is being recommended for certain healthcare workers at risk of occupational exposure, due to an emerging link between smoke-generating procedures on HPV-associated lesions, and upper aerodigestive tract disease. Is there enough evidence to justify the precautionary principle?
Simple bulk reconstruction in anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory correspondence
Authors: Terashima Seiji
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we show that bulk reconstruction in the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence is rather simple and has an intuitive picture, by showing that the HKLL (Hamilton-Kabat-Lifschytz-Lowe) bulk reconstruction formula can be simplified. We also reconstruct the wave packets in the bulk theory from the CFT primary operators. With these wave packets, we discuss the causality and duality constraints and find our picture is the only consistent one. Our picture of the bulk reconstruction can be applied to the asymptotic AdS spacetime.
Targeted Deletion of Rictor in BMSCs Reduces the Biological Activity of K7M2 Cells and Mitigates OS-Induced Bone Destruction
Authors: Lu Jinhong , Dai Dongfang , Zhang Jiacheng , Wang Rong , Miao Dengshun , Sun Weiwei
Published: April 2023

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are indispensable cells constituting the bone marrow microenvironment that are generally recognized as being involved in the development and progression of osteosarcoma (OS). To explore whether mTORC2 signaling inhibition in BMSCs suppressed OS growth and tumor-caused bone destruction, 3-month-old littermates genotyped Rictorflox/flox or Prx1-cre; Rictorflox/flox (with same gender) were injected with K7M2 cells in the proximal tibia. After 40 days, bone destruction was alleviated in Prx1-cre; Rictorflox/flox mice, as observed on X-ray and micro-CT. This was accompanied by decreased serum N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PINP) levels and reduced tumor bone formation in vivo. Interactions between K7M2 and BMSCs were studied in vitro. Rictor-deficient BMSCs, which were cultured in tumor-conditioned medium (TCM), caused reduced bone proliferation and suppressed osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, compared with the control group, K7M2 cells cultured in BCM (culture medium extracted from Rictor-deficient BMSCs) displayed less proliferation, migration, and invasion, and attenuated osteogenic activity. Forty types of cytokines were then analyzed by mouse cytokine array and decreased levels CCL2/3/5 and interleukin-16 were detected in Rictor-deficient BMSCs. These results suggested that inhibition of mTORC2 (Rictor) signaling pathway in BMSCs exerted anti-OS effects through 2 mechanisms: (1) by suppressing the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs induced by OS to alleviate bone destruction; (2) by reducing the secretion of cytokines by BMSCs, which are closely related to OS cell growth, migration, invasion, and tumorigenic osteogenesis.
Loss of LRP1 in Adult Neural Stem Cells Impairs Migration to Ischemic Lesions
Authors: Dietert Kristi , Mahesula Swetha , Hegde Sheetal , Verschelde John , Reed Pamela , Sprague Shane , Kokovay Erzsebet , Sayre Naomi L
Published: April 2023

After ischemia, cells in the brain parenchyma upregulate stromal derived factor 1 (SDF1), driving chemokine receptor CXCR4-mediated migration of adult neural stem cells to the ischemic injury. We discovered a novel regulator of CXCR4 in neural stem cells, low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1 (LRP1). We used Nestin-driven knockout of LRP1 and induction of td-tomato in neural stem cells of adult mice. We observed reduced localization of td-tomato positive cells to the lesion, and find disrupted CXCR4-mediated neural stem cell migration in vitro, which is likely driven by LRP1-mediated loss of CXCR4 expression in vivo. Our results suggest that LRP1 is a novel regulator of CXCR4 in neural stem cells. This heretofore unknown interaction between LRP1 and CXCR4 could have significant consequences for multiple aspects of neural stem cell physiology.
Social Workers’ Perspectives on Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Authors: Conrick Kelsey M , Gause Emma , Rivara Frederick P , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , Moore Megan
Published: April 2023

Extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which allow for the temporary restriction of firearm access for individuals at substantial risk of harming themselves and/or others, are a promising policy tool to address increasing rates of firearm-related suicide, homicide, and mass shootings. Social workers frequently assess clients at risk of firearm-related harm, positioning social workers to play a key role in ERPO implementation. This study sought to understand social workers’ perspectives on ERPOs. Authors invited 6,910 licensed social workers in Washington state to participate in a survey in May and June of 2021 about facilitators and barriers to their willingness to counsel clients’ family members, contact law enforcement, or independently file ERPOs for clients at risk of harm to self (HTS) or others (HTO). Of the 1,381 survey participants, most were willing to counsel (96 percent for HTS; 96 percent HTO), contact law enforcement (84 percent for HTS; 87 percent for HTO), or independently file an ERPO (78 percent for HTS; 79 percent for HTO). Common barriers associated with willingness were lack of understanding about the ERPO process and concerns with involving the legal system/law enforcement. Key facilitators included training social workers about ERPOs and availability of legal experts for consultations. Social workers are willing to incorporate ERPOs into their practice for clients, but remaining barriers need to be addressed to support the practice.
Modeling the Impact of Proportion, Sowing Date, and Architectural Traits of a Companion Crop on Foliar Fungal Pathogens of Wheat in Crop Mixtures
Authors: Levionnois Sébastien , Pradal Christophe , Fournier Christian , Sanner Jonathan , Robert Corinne
Published: April 2023

Diversification of cropping systems is a lever for the management of epidemics. However, most research to date has focused on cultivar mixtures, especially for cereals, even though crop mixtures can also improve disease management. To investigate the benefits of crop mixtures, we studied the effect of different crop mixture characteristics (i.e., companion proportion, sowing date, and traits) on the protective effect of the mixture. We developed a SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Removed) model of two damaging wheat diseases ( Zymoseptoria tritici and Puccinia triticina), which were applied to different canopy components, ascribable to wheat and a theoretical companion crop. We used the model to study the sensitivity of disease intensity to the following parameters: wheat-versus-companion proportion, companion sowing date and growth, and architectural traits. For both pathogens, the companion proportion had the strongest effect, with 25% of companion reducing disease severity by 50%. However, changing companion growth and architectural traits also significantly improved the protective effect. The effect of companion characteristics was consistent across different weather conditions. After decomposing the dilution and barrier effects, the model suggested that the barrier effect is maximized for an intermediate proportion of companion crop. Our study thus supports crop mixtures as a promising strategy to improve disease management. Future studies should identify real species and determine the combination of host and companion traits to maximize the protective effect of the mixture.
Effector Identification in Plant Pathogens
Authors: Lovelace Amelia H. , Dorhmi Sara , Hulin Michelle T. , Li Yufei , Mansfield John W. , Ma Wenbo
Published: April 2023

Effectors play a central role in determining the outcome of plant−pathogen interactions. As key virulence proteins, effectors are collectively indispensable for disease development. By understanding the virulence mechanisms of effectors, fundamental knowledge of microbial pathogenesis and disease resistance have been revealed. Effectors are also considered double-edged swords because some of them activate immunity in disease resistant plants after being recognized by specific immune receptors, which evolved to monitor pathogen presence or activity. Characterization of effector recognition by their cognate immune receptors and the downstream immune signaling pathways is instrumental in implementing resistance. Over the past decades, substantial research effort has focused on effector biology, especially concerning their interactions with virulence targets or immune receptors in plant cells. A foundation of this research is robust identification of the effector repertoire from a given pathogen, which depends heavily on bioinformatic prediction. In this review, we summarize methodologies that have been used for effector mining in various microbial pathogens which use different effector delivery mechanisms. We also discuss current limitations and provide perspectives on how recently developed analytic tools and technologies may facilitate effector identification and hence generation of a more complete vision of host−pathogen interactions.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
A review of food allergy-related costs with consideration to clinical and demographic factors
Authors: Golding Michael A. , Protudjer Jennifer L.P.
Published: April 2023

Purpose of review

To provide an overview of the magnitude and sources of food allergy-related costs, with a particular emphasis on the recent literature. We also aim to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with differences in food allergy-related costs.

Recent findings

Recent research has expanded upon previous studies by making greater use of administrative health data and other large sample designs to provide more robust estimates of the financial burden of food allergy on individuals and the healthcare system. These studies shed new light on the role of allergic comorbidities in driving costs, and also on the high costs of acute food allergy care. Although research is still largely limited to a small group of high-income countries, new research from Canada and Australia suggests that the high costs of food allergy extend beyond the United States and Europe. Unfortunately, as a result of these costs, newly emerging research also suggests that individuals managing food allergy, may be left at greater risk of food insecurity.

Findings underscore the importance of continued investment in efforts aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of reactions, as well as programs designed towards helping offset individual/household level costs.
Bilateral Simultaneous Penetrating Keratoplasty: A 40-Year Odyssey
Authors: Castillejo Becerra Clara M. , Bourne William M. , Patel Sanjay V.
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to report 40-year follow-up on a case of bilateral simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty (PK) involving a contralateral autograft.

Methods:

This was a case report.

Results:

A 39-year-old man developed right corneal scarring and lipid keratopathy from previous herpes zoster keratouveitis with visual acuity of 20/200. The left eye had dense amblyopia with visual acuity of 20/300. In 1980, he underwent right PK using a contralateral autograft and simultaneous left PK with an allograft. The right autograft provided excellent visual acuity until the graft failed 40 years later. The left allograft underwent severe endothelial graft rejection 2 months after surgery with gradual corneal clearance over the next 21 months. The left allograft remained clear through 40 years without graft failure.

Conclusions:

Long-term useful vision and graft survival were achieved with a penetrating autograft by avoiding endothelial graft rejection in the setting of previous herpes zoster keratitis and the patient being functionally monocular. Despite almost failing from severe endothelial graft rejection in the absence of ocular risk factors, the left allograft recovered and remained clear through 40 years possibly because peripheral host endothelial cells repopulated the donor.
Associations between four polymorphisms of the SLCO1B1 and effectiveness of the statins: a meta-analysis
Authors: Nguyen Hong Ha , Nguyen Cuc Thi Thu , Mai Tran Ngoc Phuong , Huong Phung Thanh
Published: April 2023

Objective

Statins are the first-choice therapy for dyslipidemia, but their effectiveness can be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. This study was conducted to assess the association of variants of the solute carrier anion transporter family 1B1 (SLCO1B1) gene, which encodes a transporter involving the hepatic clearance of the statins and their therapeutic efficacy.

Method

A systematic review was performed on four electronic databases to identify relevant studies. The pooled mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) in percentage change of concentration of LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, and triglycerides was calculated. Heterogeneity between studies and publication bias, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were also carried out using R software.

Results

Twenty-one studies on 24 365 participants and four variants [rs4149056 (c.521T>C), rs2306283 (c.388A>G), rs11045819 (c.463C>A), rs4363657 (g.89595T>C)] were analyzed. A statistically significant association was found between the LDL-C-lowering effectiveness and the rs4149056 and rs11045819 in the heterozygote model; and the rs4149056, rs2306283, and rs11045819 in the homozygote model. In the subgroup analyses, non-Asian populations, simvastatin, and pravastatin showed significant associations between LDL-C-lowering efficacy and the rs4149056 or rs2306283. Significant associations between the rs2306283 and HDL-C-increasing effectiveness were found in the homozygote model. Regarding TC-reducing, significant associations were observed in the heterozygote and homozygote models of the rs11045819. There was no heterogeneity and publication bias among most studies.

Conclusion

SLCO1B1 variants can be used as signals to predict the statins’ effectiveness.
The Utilization of Fresh Frozen Cartilage in Asian Rhinoplasty: A New Approach
Authors: Wan Rou , Weissman Joshua P. , Ullrich Peter J. , Joshi Chitang , Williams Tokoya , Galiano Robert D.
Published: April 2023

Asian rhinoplasty generally requires augmentation procedures rather than reduction. Alloplastic grafts are fraught with higher complication rates. Autologous cartilage grafts are safer. However, Asian patients typically do not have adequate septal cartilages, and other autologous cartilage grafts may cause surgical site morbidities, prolonged surgical time, and complications, including warping and infection. Asian rhinoplasties were performed using fresh frozen cartilage by the senior author. Patients’ demographics and medical histories were recorded. Anthropometric measurements (nasofrontal angle, nasofacial angle, nasolabial angle, and Goode ratio) were taken on two-dimensional photographs. FACE-Q scales were used to assess patient-reported outcomes. Five Asian patients underwent rhinoplasty using the fresh frozen cartilage and were followed up for an average period of 14.2 ± 3.35 months. There was no resorption, warping, or infection. Anthropometric measurements showed no significant changes 2–4 months or 8–20 months after surgery. At the time of the 1-year follow-up, mean FACE-Q Satisfaction with Nose, and Satisfaction with Nostrils scores improved from 35.2 ± 10.06 to 60 ± 15.48 (P = 0.0002), and 42.6 ± 20.31 to 59.8 ± 38.21 (P = 0.12), respectively. Fresh frozen cadaveric cartilage is a novel option for Asian rhinoplasty. Our study demonstrated its safety and satisfying surgical outcomes.
Establishment of Saudi Arabia’s Plastic Surgery Interest Club: First-year Outcomes and Future Directions
Authors: Mortada Hatan , Al Qurashi Abdullah A. , Aljaaly Hattan A.
Published: April 2023

Background:

The purpose of this article is to share our first-year outcomes and the overall impact of the plastic surgery interest club (PSIC) since its establishment, and to discuss the future directions that any interested club may follow and benefit from.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study utilized a self-developed questionnaire that experts in the field revised. The authors recruited active PSIC members during the year 2021–2022 to assess the overall impact of the club in their various interests of the field as well as to have an overview of their opinions of this newly done initiative in Saudi Arabia. The data collection spanned from October 2021 to September 2022.

Results:

The authors analyzed the responses from 66 active members with a response rate of 78%. We found various significant positive impacts of the PSIC in the community of plastic surgery in Saudi Arabia. There was a significant difference in the interest in pursuing a career in plastic surgery before and after being a member of PSIC, with a P value of 0.0001. The members became noticeably more interested in pursuing an academic career and publishing field data after enrolling in PSIC research activities.

Conclusions:

The authors provided an analysis of 1-year outcomes of the PSIC in Saudi Arabia; there were many positive impacts of such an initiative in enhancing the local community of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The authors strongly encourage the adaption of such initiatives in various parts of the globe to develop the field of plastic surgery further.
Hand Therapy after Flexor and Extensor Tendon Repair: Assessing Predictors of Loss to Follow-up
Authors: Bennett Desmond J. , Bango Jugert , Rothkopf Douglas M.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Postoperative hand therapy (HT) is important for regaining function and preventing complications in patients undergoing tendon repair of the hand and wrist. Loss to follow-up (LTFU) can hinder this process; so we sought to determine factors that predict attrition of these patients.

Methods:

Charts were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent extensor or flexor tendon repair of the hand, wrist, or forearm between 2014 and 2019. Demographic data, including age, sex, zip code, employment status, education level, and insurance type, were collected, and the rate of LTFU was calculated. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors.

Results:

A total of 149 patients were identified and analyzed. The rate of LTFU was 42%. Factors that predicted loss were younger age, male gender, lower educational degree, and a documented psychiatric history. Employment status, insurance type, and distance from the HT center did not predict attrition. The number of HT weeks recommended by the occupational therapist did not differ between those who were lost and those who were not. Lost patients completed, on average, 57% of their suggested HT course.

Conclusions:

The current study identified demographic factors associated with attrition in patients undergoing tendon repair of the distal upper extremity. Factors included patients who were younger, male gender, less educated, and had a documented psychiatric history. By identifying factors that predict LTFU, specific strategies can be developed to reduce attrition rates, particularly for at-risk populations, to improve patient care after tendon repair.
SARS-CoV-2 Testing of the Maxillary Sinus Immediately after COVID-19 Recovery
Authors: Maeba Takahiro , Watanabe Haruka , Wakuta Naoki
Published: April 2023

We report the case of a 19-year-old woman with left orbital floor fracture after a motorcycle accident. She presented with headache and diplopia; computed tomography showed herniation of the inferior rectus muscle into the maxillary sinus with orbital floor fracture. She was admitted for observation of her concussion and tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) half a day after admission. Her COVID-19 symptoms were mild; the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen quantification test was below the standard value on the 10th day of hospitalization, and her isolation was lifted. She had diplopia with vertical eye motion disorder and underwent reconstruction of her orbital floor fracture on the 11th day. Although the orbital floor was connected to the maxillary sinus due to the orbital floor fracture, the presence and the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in the maxillary sinus were unknown. The surgeons performed the operation while wearing N95 masks. A SARS-CoV-2 antigen quantification test and PCR test were performed on a sample from the maxillary sinus mucosa obtained through the orbital floor fracture before reconstruction of orbital floor with a titanium mesh implant; both were negative. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 testing from the maxillary sinus immediately after COVID-19 recovery. We believe that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from the maxillary sinus is small if the antigen test from the nasopharynx is negative.
Epidemiology of Injuries in Elite Male Futsal Players
Authors: Lopes Mário , Martins Francisco , Brito João , Figueiredo Pedro , Tomás Rita , Ribeiro Fernando , Travassos Bruno
Published: April 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to describe and characterize injuries sustained by elite male futsal players in Portugal.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Top-tier Portuguese league in the 2019 to 2020 season.

Participants:

One hundred sixty-seven players from 9 elite/international-level (tier 4) futsal teams.

Independent variables:

The location, type, body side, body part, mechanism of injury, severity, occurrence, days lost, training, and match exposure were collected.

Main Outcome Measures:

Injury incidence, prevalence, and burden.

Results:

The study was conducted during an 8-month season. A total of 133 injuries were recorded, and 92 (67.6%) players sustained injuries. The overall time-loss injury incidence was 4.5 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure. Injury incidence during matches was higher than during training sessions (25.9 vs 3.0 per 1000 hours of exposure, respectively). Average time loss was 9 days, and moderate injuries were the most frequent (44%), followed by mild injuries (24%). Injury burden was 73.8 days lost per 1000 hours of total player exposure. Sprains/ligament (29%) and muscle rupture/tear/strains (32%) were the most common injuries. The groin (19%), thigh (17%), knee (19%), and ankle (15%) were the most affected body areas. Noncontact injuries were the most reported mechanism (65%), and 24% were overuse injuries.

Conclusions:

This study showed that elite/international-level (tier 4) male futsal players are more prone to noncontact injuries, primarily affecting the lower limbs. The incidence during match play increased by 9-fold compared with training sessions.
Concussion Knowledge and Self-Reported Behaviors in Youth Rugby Players and Their Coaches: A Population-Wide Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Bazo Marco , Arpone Marta , Baioccato Veronica , Ermolao Andrea , Gregori Dario , Da Dalt Liviana , Bressan Silvia
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To investigate concussion knowledge and self-reported behaviors in Italian youth rugby players and their coaches. To investigate predictors of lower concussion knowledge and association between athletes' self-reported knowledge and behavior.

Design:

Cross-sectional, population-wide, survey study.

Setting:

All rugby clubs (n = 52) of the Veneto region (Italy).

Participants:

Players and coaches of all under 15, 17 and 19 teams. Overall, 1719 athlete surveys (92.2% male; response rate, 71.1%) and 235 coach surveys (93.6% male; response rate, 93.2%) were eligible for analysis.

Intervention:

Surveys circulated from September 20 to December 13, 2021.

Main Outcome Measures:

Knowledge scores were reported as a percentage of correct answers. Descriptive statistics were reported for all answers. The primary outcomes were concussion knowledge and self-reported behaviors. The secondary outcomes were the association between knowledge and participant individual factors and self-reported behaviors.

Results:

Median knowledge score for athletes was 55% (IQR: 44-67) and for coaches was 60% (IQR: 52.5-69). Only 33.3% of athletes and 40% of coaches were aware of an increased risk of a second concussion after sustaining one. Athletes who had never heard of the word concussion (effect: −9.31; SE: 1.35, 95% CI: −12.0 to −6.7; P < 0.0001) and coaches with longer coaching experience (effect: −4.35; SE: 2.0, 95% CI: −8.29 to −0.41; P < 0.03) reported lower knowledge scores. There was no statistical association between knowledge scores and athlete self-reported behavior.

Conclusion:

Athletes and coaches had a similar level of concussion knowledge. Knowledge score of athletes did not predict self-reported behaviors. Although enhanced concussion education should be undertaken, interventions to ensure appropriate concussion reporting behaviors are also required.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms Profile in Gastroparesis Compared to Other Functional and Organic Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Varni James W. , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Febo-Rodriguez Liz , Shulman Robert J.
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

The primary objective was to compare the patient-reported gastrointestinal symptoms profiles of pediatric patients with gastroparesis to pediatric patients with 1 of 7 other functional gastrointestinal disorders and organic gastrointestinal diseases using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales.

Methods:

The gastrointestinal symptoms profiles of 64 pediatric patients with gastroparesis who manifested abnormal gastric retention based on gastric emptying scintigraphy testing were compared to 582 pediatric patients with 1 of 7 physician-diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders (functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional constipation, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis). The PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales encompass 10 individual multi-item scales which measure stomach pain, stomach discomfort when eating, food and drink limits, trouble swallowing, heartburn and reflux, nausea and vomiting, gas and bloating, constipation, blood in poop, and diarrhea/fecal incontinence, with an overall total gastrointestinal symptoms score.

Results:

The gastrointestinal symptoms profile analysis identified significantly worse overall total gastrointestinal symptoms scores between pediatric patients with gastroparesis compared to all other gastrointestinal groups except for irritable bowel syndrome (most Ps < 0.001), with significant differences for stomach discomfort when eating compared to all 7 other gastrointestinal groups (most Ps < 0.001). Nausea and vomiting were significantly worse for gastroparesis compared to all other gastrointestinal groups except for functional dyspepsia (all Ps < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients with gastroparesis self-reported significantly worse overall total gastrointestinal symptoms compared to all other gastrointestinal diagnostic groups except for irritable bowel syndrome, with stomach discomfort when eating and nausea and vomiting symptoms exhibiting the greatest differences compared to most gastrointestinal diagnostic groups.
A Path Forward in Nurse-Led Research
Authors: Cámpoli Marcela , Mulvey Tanya
Published: April 2023

To raise nurses' voices and promote nurse-led research, the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Research Council 2022 Research Priorities included disseminating a research agenda for practice-based research, promoting interprofessional research, and encouraging equitable and inclusive participation on research teams. Expressions of nurses from around the world, however, described how organizational constraints and financial barriers are real challenges that nurse researchers must face, along with forming interdisciplinary teams to work with human subjects. Entities doing research seem to have a heavy focus on academic research where clinical bedside nurses feel separated from nursing research. Including all frontline nurses in research is a must; therefore, nurses' voices are loud and clear when asking for global efforts to be reoriented toward nurse-led, practice-based research and to turn the research priorities into easy-to-carry-forward and achievable actionable items.
Development of a Joint Professional Practice Model for the Total Nursing Force of the United States Military
Authors: Swiger Pauline A. , Campbell Caitlin Marley , Javed Mariyam , Orina Judy , Hodson Patricia , McCarthy Mary , Robins Katherine , Foots Lozay , Williams Kathy M. , Patrician Patrician A.
Published: April 2023

Professional practice models are a hallmark of professional organizations. Creating a model that can apply across contexts, however, can be a challenge. This article describes the process that a team of nurse leaders and researchers used to create a professional practice model that would serve active-duty and civilian nurses working in military treatment facilities.
Measuring the Work Environment
Authors: Campbell Caitlin Marley , Swiger Pauline A. , Warshawsky Nora , Li Peng , Olds Danielle , Cramer Emily , Patrician Patrician A.
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to obtain direct care hospital nurse input on the relevance of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and to determine whether additional items are needed to measure the contemporary nursing work environment (NWE).

BACKGROUND

Instruments accurately measuring the NWE are essential due to the NWE's association with nurse, patient, and organizational outcomes. However, the most frequently used instrument for measuring the NWE has not been scrutinized by today's practicing direct care nurses to ensure its current relevancy.

METHODS

Researchers administered a survey with a modified PES-NWI and open-ended questions to a national sample of direct care hospital nurses.

RESULTS

Three items from the PES-NWI may be suitable for removal, and additional items may be added to accurately measure the current NWE.

CONCLUSION

Most PES-NWI items remain relevant for modern nursing practice. However, some revisions could enable greater precision in measuring the current NWE.
I Would Like to Do It Very Much! Leisure Participation Patterns and Determinants of Brazilian Children and Adolescents With Physical Disabilities
Authors: Souto Deisiane Oliveira , Cardoso de Sa Cristina dos Santos , de Lima Maciel Flaviana Kelly , Vila-Nova Fabio , Gonçalves de Souza Mariane , Guimarães Ferreira Rafaela , Longo Egmar , Leite Hércules Ribeiro
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

To describe the patterns, preferences, and predictors of participation in leisure activities of children and young people with physical disabilities from Brazil.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study that included 50 children/young people with physical disabilities from the southeast of Brazil. The children were assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities.

Results:

Children/young people participated in an average of 38% of the activities, with a greater number and frequency of informal, recreational, social, and self-improvement activities. The average frequency of participation in the activities was twice in the previous 4 months. The enjoyment in the participated activities was high. There was a greater preference for recreational, social, and physical activities. Age and functional classification were predictors of participation.

Conclusion:

This study of children with disabilities from the southeast of Brazil supports studies in other low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating low diversity and intensity of participation in leisure activities, but with high levels of enjoyment.
Assassin bugs enhance prey capture with a sticky resin
Authors: Soley Fernando G. , Herberstein Marie E.
Published: April 2023

Tool-use in animals is a complex and rare phenomenon, particularly in insects. Tool-use in assassin bugs has been suggested as several species apply adhesive plant resins to their body, which has been hypothesized to function in enhancing prey capture. Here, we staged predatory interactions of resin-deprived and resin-equipped assassin bugs (
Gorareduvius
sp.) and discovered that applying resin as a tool conveys a clear predatory advantage to the assassin bugs.
Gorareduvius
sp. can thus be considered a tool-user, and since this behaviour was present in all individuals, including newly hatched nymphs, tool-use can be considered to be stereotyped. Our study, along with others, suggests that, when compared with other insects, tool-use is disproportionately common within the assassin bugs.
Bacillus cabrialesii subsp. cabrialesii subsp. nov. and Bacillus cabrialesii subsp. tritici subsp. nov., plant growth-promoting bacteria and biological control agents isolated from wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico
Authors: de los Santos-Villalobos Sergio , Valenzuela-Ruiz Valeria , Montoya-Martínez Amelia C. , Parra-Cota Fannie I. , Santoyo Gustavo , Larsen John
Published: April 2023

Strain TSO2T, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and biological control agent, was isolated from wheat rhizosphere sampled from the Yaqui Valley in Mexico. The strain was identified using a polyphasic approach. Based on its analysis of the full-length 16S rRNA gene, strain TSO2T was assigned to the genus

Bacillus

, which was supported by morphological and metabolic traits, such as Gram-positive staining, rod shape, spore formation, strictly aerobic metabolism, catalase-positive activity, starch, and casein hydrolysis, reduction of nitrate to nitrite, growth in presence of lysozyme and 2 % NaCl, citrate utilization, growth at pH 6.0, acid production from glucose and indole production from tryptophan. Additionally, strain TSO2T possesses swarming motility, presenting a featureless mat pattern that can cover the whole petri dish. The whole-genome phylogenetic relationship analysis elucidated that strain TSO2T is closely related to

Bacillus cabrialesii

TE3T. The maximum values for average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization from the genome-to-genome distance calculator (GGDC) were 97 and 73.4 %, respectively, related to

Bacillus cabrialesii

TE3T, where both ANI and GGDC values were barely above the species delimitation threshold, but below the subspecies limit. Also, strain TSO2T showed the ability to produce a fatty acid (C18 : 0) that is not present in closely related

Bacillus

species. These results provide evidence that strain TSO2T is a novel subspecies of the species

Bacillus cabrialesii

, for which the name

Bacillus cabrialesii

subsp. tritici subsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of

Bacillus cabrialesii

subsp. tritici subsp. nov. is TSO2T (CM-CNRG TB52T=LBPCV TSO2T). The description of this novel subspecies automatically creates the subspecies

Bacillus cabrialesii

subsp. cabrialesii subsp. nov. for which the type strain is TE3T (CM-CNRG TB54T=CCStamb A1T).
Using extracted data from Kaplan-Meier curves to compare COVID-19 vaccine efficacy
Authors: Tansawet Amarit , Numthavaj Pawin , Oranratnachai Songporn , Filbertine Grace , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , McKay Gareth J , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: April 2023

Although various COVID-19 vaccines have shown efficacy against placebo in randomized clinical trials, no head-to-head comparisons are yet available. This study aims to compare the efficacy of available COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine trials searched in May 2021 were included. Data were extracted from Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves using the WebPlotDigitizer program for the individual participant (IP) data simulation. A mixed-effect acceleration failure model with log-logistic and Weibull distributions was used to estimate relative effects for individual vaccines as well as grouped by class: inactivated virus, mRNA, and viral vector. Primary studies were considered as the random effect in the model. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated and compared across vaccine groups. All vaccines were efficacious in lowering symptomatic infection compared to placebo. CoronaVac, Ad26.COV2.S, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, rAd26/rAd5, WIV04, HB02, and BNT162b2 showed 7.61 (4.50, 12.87), 6.77 (4.08, 11.24), 5.01 (2.93, 8.57), 4.50 (2.52, 8.01), 3.90 (2.04, 7.45), 3.18 (1.62, 6.21), and 2.15 (1.22, 3.78) times significantly higher risk of infection than mRNA-1273. mRNA vaccines were the most efficacious vaccine group compared to inactivated virus and viral vectors with HRs (95% CI) of 0.27 (0.20, 0.37) and 0.28 (0.21, 0.37), respectively. Although all vaccines showed significant protection compared to no vaccination. mRNA vaccines, including mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2, showed the highest efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Simulated IP data from the KM curve might allow treatment comparison when there is no primary study comparing active treatments.
Healthcare seeking behavior and delays in case of drug-resistant Tuberculosis patients in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Noman Md. Zulqarnine Ibne , Islam Shariful , Akter Shaki , Parray Ateeb Ahmad , Amando Dennis G , Karki Jyoti , Atsna Zafria , Mitra Dipak , Hossain Shaikh A. Shahed
Published: April 2023

Background:The emergence of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) has become a major threat globally and Bangladesh is no exception. Delays in healthcare seeking, proper diagnosis and initiation of treatment cause continuous transmission of the resistant tubercule bacilli through the communities. This study aimed to assess the different health care-seeking behaviors and delays among DR-TB patients in Bangladesh.

Method:A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2018, among 92 culture positive and registered DR-TB patients in four selected hospitals in Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with survey questionnaire as well as record reviews.

Result:Among the 92 study participants, the median patient delay was 7 (IQR 3, 15) days, the median diagnostic delay was 88 (IQR 36.5, 210), the median treatment delay was 7 (IQR 4,12) days, and the median total delay among DR-TB patients was 108.5 (IQR 57.5, 238) days. 81.32% sought initial care from informal healthcare providers. The majority (68.48%) of the informal healthcare providers were drug sellers while 60.87% of patients sought care from more than four healthcare points before being diagnosed with DR-TB. The initial care seeking from multiple providers was associated with diagnostic and total delays.

Conclusion:In Bangladesh, DR-TB cases usually seek care from multiple providers, particularly from informal providers, and among them, alarmingly higher healthcare-seeking related delays were noted. Immediate measures should be taken both at the health system levels and, in the community, to curb transmission and reduce the burden of the disease.
Role of T and B lymphocyte cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors in major depression and suicidal behaviors: effects of in vitro cannabidiol administration
Authors: Maes Michael , Rachayon Muanpetch , Jirakran Ketsupar , Sughondhabirom Atapol , Almulla Abbas F. , Sodsai Pimpayao
Published: April 2023

Early flow cytometry studies revealed T cell activation in major depressive disorder (MDD) (Maes et al., 1990-1993). MDD is characterised by activation of the immune-inflammatory response system (IRS) and the compensatory immunoregulatory system (CIRS), including deficits in T regulatory (Treg) cells. This study examines the number of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) receptor bearing T/B lymphocytes in MDD, and the effects of in vitro cannabidiol (CBD) administration on CB1/CB2. Using flow cytometry, we determined the percentage of CD20+CB2+, CD3+CB2+, CD4+CB2+, CD8+CB2 and FoxP3+CB1+ cells in 19 healthy controls and 29 MDD patients in 5 conditions: baseline, stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 with or without 0.1 µg/mL, 1.0 µg/mL or 10.0 µg/mL CBD. We found that CB2+ was significantly higher in CD20+ than CD3+ and CD4+, and CD8+ cells. Stimulation with anti-CD3/CD8 beads increases the number of CB2-bearing CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells, as well as CB1-bearing FoxP3+ cells. There was an inverse association between the number of reduced CD4+CB2+ and IRS profiles, including M1 macrophage, T helper-(Th)-1 and Th-17 phenotypes. MDD is characterized by lowered basal FoxP3+CB1+% and higher CD20+CB2+%. 33.2% of the variance in the depression phenome (including severity of depression, anxiety, and current suicidal behaviors) is explained by CD20+CB2+% (positively) and CD3+CB2+% (inversely). All 5 immune cell populations were significantly increased by 10 µg/mL CBD administration. In conclusion, reductions in FoxP3+CB1+% and CD3+/CD4+CB2+% contribute to deficits in immune homeostasis in MDD, while increased CD20+CB2+% may contribute to the pathophysiology of MDD by activating T-independent humoral immunity.

Summations

Lowered CD4+CB2+ T cells are associated with increased immune-inflammatory responses (IRS) in major depressive disorder (MDD)

Lowered CD3+CB2+% and increased CD20+CB2+% predict severity of depression and suicidal behaviors

Lowered CD3/CD4+CB2+ may impact the immune homeostatic processes leading to enhanced IRS in MDD

Increased CD20+CB2+% may activate T-independent humoral immunity and enhance IRS responses.

Considerations

Depletion of CB1 bearing T regulatory and CB2 bearing T and T helper cells and increased CB2+ bearing B cells are new drug targets in MDD.

The findings deserve replication in other countries and cultures.

Future research should examine CB2 bearing macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells in MDD
Prevalence of Bacteriologically-Confirmed Tuberculosis in Urban Blantyre, Malawi 2019-20: Substantial Decline Compared to 2013-14 National Survey
Authors: Feasey Helena R A , Khundi McEwen , Nzawa Soko Rebecca , Nightingale Emily , Burke Rachael M , Henrion Marc Y R , Phiri Mphatso D , Burchett Helen E , Chiume Lingstone , Nliwasa Marriott , Twabi Hussein H , Mpunga James A , MacPherson Peter , Corbett Elizabeth L
Published: April 2023

Recent evidence shows rapidly changing tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology in Southern and Eastern Africa, with need for subdistrict prevalence estimates to guide targeted interventions. We conducted a TB prevalence survey to estimate current TB burden in Blantyre city, Malawi. From May 2019 to March 2020, 215 households in middle/high-density residential Blantyre, were randomly-selected from each of 72 clusters. Consenting eligible participants (household residents ≥ 18 years) were interviewed, including for cough (any duration), and offered HIV testing and chest X-ray; participants with cough and/or abnormal X-ray provided two sputum samples for microscopy, Xpert MTB/Rif and mycobacterial culture. TB disease prevalence and risk factors for prevalent TB were calculated using complete case analysis, multiple imputation, and inverse probability weighting. Of 20,899 eligible adults, 15,897 (76%) were interviewed, 13,490/15,897 (85%) had X-ray, and 1,120/1,395 (80%) sputum-eligible participants produced at least one specimen, giving 15,318 complete cases (5,895, 38% men). 29/15,318 had bacteriologically-confirmed TB (189 per 100,000 complete case (cc) / 150 per 100,000 with inverse weighting (iw)). Men had higher burden (cc: 305 [95% CI:144-645] per 100,000) than women (cc: 117 [95% CI:65-211] per 100,000): cc adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.70 (1.26-5.78). Other significant risk factors for prevalent TB on complete case analysis were working age (25-49 years) and previous TB treatment, but not HIV status. Multivariable analysis of imputed data was limited by small numbers, but previous TB and age group 25-49 years remained significantly associated with higher TB prevalence.

TB prevalence for Blantyre was considerably lower than the 1,014 per 100,000 for urban Malawi in the 2013-14 national survey, at 150-189 per 100,000 adults, but some groups, notably men, remain disproportionately affected. TB case-finding is still needed for TB elimination in Blantyre, and similar urban centres, but should focus on reaching the highest risk groups, such as older men.
Mpox: Seroepidemiology and risk factors amidst increasing cases in Ghana
Authors: Donkor Irene Owusu , Dorcoo Christopher , Gyamfi Grace Opoku , Sumboh Jeffrey Gabriel , Asare Ama Akyampomaa Owusu , Ohene Sally-ann , Bonney Joseph H. K. , Munster Vincent , Fischer Robert
Published: April 2023

Withdrawal Statement

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript to run confirmatory assays to confirm the initial results obtained. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference for the project. If you have anyquestions,please contact the corresponding author. The authors will resubmit an updated version of the manuscriptin due time.
Self-Supervised Contrastive Learning to Predict Alzheimer’s Disease Progression with 3D Amyloid-PET
Authors: Kwak Min Gu , Su Yi , Chen Kewei , Weidman David , Wu Teresa , Lure Fleming , Li Jing
Published: April 2023

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an important task that facilitates the development of treatment and prevention strategies and may potentially improve patient outcomes. Neuroimaging has shown great promise, including the amyloid-PET which measures the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain – a hallmark of AD. It is desirable to train end-to-end deep learning models to predict the progression of AD for individuals at early stages based on 3D amyloid-PET. However, commonly used models are trained in a fully supervised learning manner and they are inevitably biased toward the given label information. To this end, we propose a self-supervised contrastive learning method to predict AD progression with 3D amyloid-PET. It uses unlabeled data to capture general representations underlying the images. As the downstream task is given as classification, unlike the general self-supervised learning problem that aims to generate task-agnostic representations, we also propose a loss function to utilize the label information in the pre-training. To demonstrate the performance of our method, we conducted experiments on the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset. The results confirmed that the proposed method is capable of providing appropriate data representations, resulting in accurate classification.