bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Clinical Isolates of Nosocomial Infections
Authors: Korotetskiy I. S. , Jumagaziyeva A. B. , Shilov S. V. , Kuznetsova Т. V. , Iskakbayeva Z. А. , Myrzabayeva A. N. , Korotetskaya N.V. , Ilin A. I. , Reva O. N.
Published: October 2021

The study focuses on identification and characterization of clinical isolates of nosocomial infections with an aim to create a Bank of model microorganisms for further study of mechanisms and prospects of clinical use of novel medicines causing a reversion susceptibility to antibiotics in drug resistant pathogens.

Clinical samples of nosocomial infections were collected from phthisiological hospitals in Almaty. Clinical isolates were characterized by morpho-cultural, tinctorial, physiological and biochemical properties and also by susceptibility to antibiotics. Our studies showed that the isolates are characterized by an increased ability to form biofilms that significantly complicates the therapy and prevention of these outbreaks. Moreover, isolates were characterized by varying degrees of susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs. The strains of Citrobacter were resistant to azithromycin, which is considered as a reserve drug. This fact raises a concern about the circulation and the spread in hospitals of microorganisms resistant to the latest generation of antibiotics.

Obtained genome-scale contigs were used for taxonomic affiliation of the isolates and for identification of genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance. The search for genetic determinants of drug resistance in the obtained genome sequences confirmed the resistance to some antibiotics obtained by phenotypic methods.

Whole genome sequences were obtained for 4 clinical isolates identified as Citrobacter koseri SCAID URN1-2019, Citrobacter freundii SCAID PHRX1-2019, Escherichia coli SCAID URN1-2019 and Streptococcus pneumoniae SCAID PHRX1-2019. The genomes were deposited in the NCBI database under accession numbers CP052059, CP052058, CP052057, and CP052060.
Optimization of PCR Purification Using Silica-Coated Magnetic Beads
Authors: Berdimuratova K.T. , Amirgazin A.O , Kuibagarov М.А. , Lutsay V.B. , Mukanov K.K. , Shevtsov A.B.
Published: October 2021

Purification of nucleic acids is still an important step in molecular genetic research. The development of whole genome sequencing technologies has increased the requirements for the purity of the nucleic acids used, and also required the selection of DNA fragments by size. Buffer systems that contain PEG/NaCl solutions and silica-coated magnetic beads allow to purify nucleic acids and selectively sorb certain sizes of DNA. In this article, we present a simple protocol for the purification of PCR products with the ability to absorb the required DNA molecules. It was determined that the use of an optimized PEG / NaCl buffer system with magnetic silica gel in a ratio of 1.5: 1 with a PCR product allows to get rid of DNA fragments 100 and less base pairs (bp), as well as other contaminants, while maintaining this is more than 90% of the DNA in solution. The ratio of 0.35: 1 allows for high-affinity sorption of DNA molecules larger than 400 bp. The practical use of the obtained data allows us to improve the quality of sequencing without increasing the cost of research.
Isolation of Bacillus Strains with Keratinolitic Activity
Authors: Aktayeva S. , Baltin K. , Khassenov B.
Published: October 2021

Environmental safety and economic feasibility determine the search for new ways of processing waste in poultry farms. Most of this waste is down and feathers, which are 90% β-keratin. Feathers can be a valuable source of amino acids and peptones when properly processed. The most effective is enzymatic treatment of feather keratin. The search for new strains producing keratinolytic enzymes seems to be a promising direction. On the territory of the poultry farm, 4 strains were isolated from the places of accumulation of feathers. They are able to use chicken feathers as their sole source of organic matter. Based on morphological, genomic, and proteomic analyzes, the isolated strains were identified as Bacillus sp. It was found that the strains secrete proteolytic enzymes that hydrolyze collagen, casein, β-keratin and do not hydrolyze bovine serum albumin. Feather hydrolysis experiments showed that the Bacillus sp. A5.3 possesses maximum keratinolytic activity, and on the second day, the destruction of the second order barbs is observed. The keratinase activity of the strain on azokeratin after an hour of incubation on feather medium was 27.4 U/ml. The optimal conditions for the complex of secreted proteolytic enzymes are pH 7.0-8.0 and temperature 35-40 °C. The isolated Bacillus sp. A5.3 strain is a promising source of proteases and keratinases.
The Effect of a Biopreparation on Legume (Pisum Sativum)
Authors: Martynenko V.V. , Rysbek A.B. , Kurmanbayev A.A. , Baigonusova Zh.A.
Published: October 2021

A field experiment of a biological preparation based on the association of nitrogen-fixing bacteria was carried out. The composition includes active and compatible strains of nitrogen-fixing and nodule bacteria. As a result, the biological preparation had a positive effect on germination, length and vegetative mass of peas. The results of research indicate the perspective of the industrially valuable strains of this association. Optimal conditions for the work of the biological preparation are light mechanical composition of the soil and the provision of moisture during the growing season of plants. This preparation may be recommended for use in the Northern regions of Kazakhstan.
Toward a physical model of the clavichord
Authors: Jiolat Jean-Théo , d'Alessandro Christophe , Le Carrou Jean-Loïc , Antunes José
Published: October 2021

String excitation by the tangent in the clavichord is a unique mechanism. The tangent, keeping in contact with the string after the initial strike, continuously controls the string tension. Four main flexible subsystems are considered in the clavichord: the tangent/key subsystem, the string subsystem, the bridge-soundboard subsystem, and the string damper subsystem. A modal description of the dynamics of these subsystems is proposed. Parameters of the subsystems are estimated on a copy of a historical instrument by Hubert (1784). The different subsystems and their couplings are modeled using a modal Udwadia–Kalaba formulation. The string-tangent interaction is modeled via the intermittent contact dynamics, using the Kirchoff–Carrier string model. Realistic string, soundboard, and tangent motions are obtained using a time-domain synthesis scheme that computes the dynamics of the uncoupled subsystems and the constraints resulting from coupling between them. Simulated motions of the model in response to a driving force on the key are analyzed. The results are consistent with experimental measurements and published data on the dynamics of the clavichord. The model is able to reproduce the main acoustic features of the instrument: force on the key for intonation control, key velocity for dynamic nuances control, and constant spectral slope for varying dynamic nuances.
Phosphorylative Inactivation of Aminoglycosidic Antibiotics by
Escherichia coli
Carrying R Factor
Authors: Umezawa Hamao , Okanishi Masanori , Kondo Shinichi , Hamana Koei , Utahara Ryozo , Maeda Kenji , Mitsuhashi Susumu
Published: October 2021

Kanamycin and paromamine are inactivated by an enzyme solution prepared from
Escherichia coli
carrying R factor; and the 3-hydroxyl group of 6-amino-6-deoxy-D-glucose moiety of kanamycin or the 3-hydroxyl group of glucosamine moiety of paromamine is phosphorylated. These inactivated products and dihydrostreptomycin inactivated by the enzyme solution are converted to the original antibiotics by treatment with alkaline phosphatase.
Antibody-Producing Cells in Division
Authors: Claflin Alice J. , Smithies Oliver
Published: October 2021

Cells producing antibody were detected by a modified Jerne plaque technique. Of plaques initially containing a single central cell, 2.6 percent (45/1742) later had two. Mitosis of cells producing antibody was directly observed, with a mitotic time of not less than 40 minutes for the one mitosis timed at 37°C.
A Mycobacterium tuberculosis NBTI DNA Gyrase Inhibitor Is Active against Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Ganapathy Uday S. , del Río Rubén González , Cacho-Izquierdo Mónica , Ortega Fátima , Lelièvre Joël , Barros-Aguirre David , Aragaw Wassihun Wedajo , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Lindman Marissa , Dartois Véronique , Gengenbacher Martin , Dick Thomas
Published: October 2021

Fluoroquinolones—the only clinically used DNA gyrase inhibitors—are effective against tuberculosis (TB) but are in limited clinical use for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung infections due to intrinsic drug resistance. We sought to test alternative DNA gyrase inhibitors for anti-NTM activity.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Gyrase Inhibitors (MGIs), a subclass of Novel Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors (NBTIs), were recently shown to be active against the tubercle bacillus.
Identification of a Novel Pyruvyltransferase Using
13
C Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance To Analyze Rhizobial Exopolysaccharides
Authors: Wells Derek H. , Goularte Nicolette F. , Barnett Melanie J. , Cegelski Lynette , Long Sharon R.
Published: October 2021

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are crucial for geochemical cycles and global nitrogen nutrition. Symbioses between legumes and rhizobial bacteria establish root nodules, where bacteria convert dinitrogen to ammonia for plant utilization.
MdaB and NfrA, Two Novel Reductases Important in the Survival and Persistence of the Major Enteropathogen Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Nasher Fauzy , Taylor Aidan J. , Elmi Abdi , Lehri Burhan , Ijaz Umer Z. , Baker Dave , Goram Richard , Lynham Steven , Singh Dipali , Stabler Richard , Kelly David J. , Gundogdu Ozan , Wren Brendan W.
Published: October 2021

Changes in cellular redox potential result in alteration in the oxidation state of intracellular metabolites and enzymes; consequently, cells make adjustments that favor growth and survival. The work we present here answers some of the many questions that have remained elusive over the years of investigation into the enigmatic microaerophile bacterium
Campylobacter jejuni
.
Pyruvate Oxidase as a Key Determinant of Pneumococcal Viability during Transcytosis across Brain Endothelium
Authors: Anil Anjali , Apte Shruti , Joseph Jincy , Parthasarathy Akhila , Madhavan Shilpa , Banerjee Anirban
Published: October 2021

Host cellular barriers have innate immune defenses to restrict microbial passage into sterile compartments. Here, by focusing on the blood-brain barrier endothelium, we investigated mechanisms that enable
Streptococcus pneumoniae
to traverse through host barriers.
Supplemental Material: A prolonged, two-step oxygenation of Earth’s early atmosphere: Support from confidence intervals
Authors: Hodgskiss Malcolm S.W. , Sperling Erik A.
Published: October 2021

Details of the equations used, and compiled geological/geochemical data.
Sphenoid sinusitis: a rare cause of ischaemic stroke
Authors: Young Kenneth Stuart , Kiam Jian Shen , Metcalf Kneale , Nassif Ramez
Published: October 2021

We present the case of a 61-year-old woman who presented to the accident and emergency department with an ischaemic stroke, on a background of receiving intravenous and oral antibiotics to treat chronic left sphenoid sinusitis. Initially presenting with right-sided weakness and aphasia, a diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke was made. Antibiotics had been commenced 1 month prior to the ischaemic stroke. Imaging at that time showed changes in keeping with chronic sphenoid sinusitis along with a small dehiscence in the lateral wall of the left sphenoid sinus and thrombosis of the left superior ophthalmic vein. During that admission blood cultures grewStreptococcus constellatus, a member of the Streptococcus milleri group. We discuss the unusual aetiology of this stroke, the emerging evidence associating chronic rhinosinusitis with stroke and the complex multidisciplinary approach required for management in this case.
Rare association of severe iron-deficiency anaemia and moderate pericardial effusion
Authors: Jariwala Pankaj , Jadhav Kartik , Jaishetwar Ganesh , Vallavoju Prasad
Published: October 2021

Pericardial effusion secondary to isolated severe iron-deficiency anaemia is an extremely rare condition. We present a case with severe anaemia presented with moderate pericardial effusion. Pericardial effusion completely resolved with correction of anaemia.
Demographic, lifestyle and comorbid risk factors for all-cause mortality in a Danish cohort of middle-aged adults with incident asthma
Authors: Tupper Oliver Djurhuus , Andersen Zorana Jovanovic , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli
Published: October 2021

Objective

We aimed to identify factors associated with all-cause mortality in adults with incident asthma.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional cohort study, in the metropolitan areas of Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark.

Participants

Adults aged 50–64 years enrolled in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort were followed up from baseline (1993–1997) in the National Patients Registry for first-time admissions for asthma and vital status. We defined incident asthma as at least one first-time hospital admission with asthma as the primary registered diagnosis between baseline and end of follow-up (2013) in participants without previously known asthma. Among the cohort comprising 57 053 individuals, we identified 785 adults (aged 50—64) with incident asthma, of whom 76 died during follow-up.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Baseline reported socioeconomic and lifestyle traits, and comorbidities associated with all-cause mortality.

Results

Self-reported leisure-time physical activity was associated with a substantial reduction in risk with an HR of 0.53 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.85). Being male, single and having a diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality with an HR of 1.83 (95% CI 1.14 to 2.38), 2.16 (95% CI 2.06 to 4.40), 2.47 (95% CI 1.54 to 3.95) and of 2.42 (95% CI 0.96 to 6.11), respectively.

Conclusions

This long-term study of adults with hospital contacts for incident asthma revealed that self-reported leisure-time physical activity is associated with an approximately 50% reduction in all-cause mortality. In contrast, both hypertension and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of mortality.
Understanding quality of contraceptive services from women’s perspectives in Gujarat, India: a focus group study
Authors: Holt Kelsey , Uttekar Bella Vasant , Reed Reiley , Adams Madeline , Kanchan Lakhwani , Langer Ana , Barge Sandhya
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Understanding quality of contraceptive care from clients’ perspectives is critical to ensuring acceptable and non-harmful services, yet little qualitative research has been dedicated to this topic. India’s history of using incentives to promote contraceptive use, combined with reports of unsafe conditions in sterilisation camps, make a focus on quality important. The study objective was to understand women’s experiences with and preferences for contraceptive counselling and care in the public sector in India.

Design

Qualitative study using eight focus group discussions (FGDs). FGDs were thematically analysed using a framework approach.

Setting

Rural and urban areas in one district in Gujarat.

Participants

31 sterilisation and 42 reversible contraceptive users who were married and represented different backgrounds. Inclusion criteria were: (1) female, (2) at least 18 years and (3) receipt of contraception services in the last 6 months from public health services.

Results

Providers motivate married women to use contraception and guide women to specific methods based on how many children they have. Participants found this common practice acceptable. Participants also discussed the lack of counselling about reversible and permanent options and expressed a need for more information on side effects of reversible methods. There were mixed opinions about whether compensation received for accepting long-term methods affects contraceptive decision making. While many women were satisfied with their experiences, we identified minor themes related to provider coercion towards provider-controlled methods and disrespectful and abusive treatment during sterilisation care, both of which require concerted efforts to address systemic factors enabling such experiences.

Conclusions

Findings illuminate opportunities for quality improvement as we identified several gaps between how women experience contraceptive care and their preferences, and with ideals of quality and rights frameworks. Findings informed adaptation of the Quality of Contraceptive Counselling Scale for India, and have implications for centring quality and rights in global efforts.
Assessing the effectiveness and implementation of a chronic disease self-management programme in faith-based organisations in Barbados: protocol for a cluster randomised parallel trial
Authors: Sobers Natasha P , Hambleton Ian Richard , Hassan Saria , Anderson Simon George , Brathwaite-Graham Lisa , Lewis Kia , Ferguson Trevor S
Published: October 2021

Introduction

In the COVID-19 environment of reduced patient interaction with the healthcare system, evidenced-based self-care of chronic disease is vital. We will evaluate the effect of an online chronic disease self-management programme (CDSMP) plus medication adherence tools on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (primary aim) and, seek to understand the barriers and facilitators to implementation of this modified CDSMP in faith-based organisations (FBOs) (secondary aim).

Methods

We will conduct an unblinded cluster randomised trial in FBOs throughout Barbados. Eligibility: Persons ages 35–70 years; a previous diagnosis of hypertension or currently on antihypertensive therapy and the occurrence of two or more blood pressure readings above 130 mm Hg (systolic) or 80 mm Hg (diastolic) on the day of recruitment. Persons not known to have hypertension but who have two or more blood pressure readings at or above 130 mm Hg (systolic) or 80 mm Hg (diastolic) on two recruitment days at least 1 week apart will also be eligible. The unit of randomisation is a church cluster which consists of 7–9 churches. We will perform block randomisation to assign 24 clusters to intervention or control. The intervention has three components: modified CDSMP workshops, distribution of medication pill boxes and use of social media (WhatsApp V.2.0) to encourage medication adherence. Controls will receive one didactic lecture only. We will determine the mean changes in SBP levels for the intervention group versus controls and compare differences in outcomes 6 months’ post intervention using mixed effects regression models.

Ethics and dissemination

This project has received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the University of the West Indies in Barbados. Dissemination will use peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs to government and guidelines to leaders of FBOs. We aim to increase the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension and inform implementation of self-management programmes in small populations.

Trail registration number

NCT04437966
Assessing relative COVID-19 mortality during the second wave: a prospective Swiss population-based study
Authors: Siegfried Sandra , Bopp Matthias , Günthard Huldrych , Keiser Olivia , Weibull Caroline E , Crowther Michael , Hothorn Torsten
Published: October 2021

Objective

During the first COVID-19 wave in Switzerland, relative mortality was at least eight times higher compared with the uninfected general population. We aimed to assess sex-specific and age-specific relative mortality associated with a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis during the second wave.

Design

Prospective population-based study.

Setting

Individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 after the start of the second wave on 1 October 2020 were followed up until death or administrative censoring on 31 December 2020.

Participants

5 179 740 inhabitants of Switzerland in fall 2018 aged 35–95 years (without COVID-19) and 257 288 persons tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR or antigen testing during the second wave.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The planned outcome measure was time to death from any cause, measured from the date of a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis or 1 October in the general population. Information on confirmed SARS-CoV-2 diagnoses and deaths was matched by calendar time with the all-cause mortality of the general Swiss population of 2018. Proportional hazards models were used to estimate sex-specific and age-specific mortality rates and probabilities of death within 60 days.

Results

The risk of death for individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the second wave in Switzerland increased at least sixfold compared with the general population. HRs, reflecting the risk attributable to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, were higher for men (1.40, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.52) and increased for each additional year of age (1.01, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02). COVID-19 mortality was reduced by at least 20% compared with the first wave in spring 2020.

Conclusion

General mortality patterns, increased for men and older persons, were similar in spring and in fall. Absolute and relative COVID-19 mortality was smaller in fall.

Trial registration

The protocol for this study was registered on 3 December 2020 athttps://osf.io/gbd6r.
Recovery, rehabilitation and follow-up services following critical illness: an updated UK national cross-sectional survey and progress report
Authors: Connolly Bronwen , Milton-Cole Rhian , Adams Claire , Battle Ceri , McPeake Joanne , Quasim Tara , Silversides Jon , Slack Andrew , Waldmann Carl , Wilson Elizabeth , Meyer Joel
Published: October 2021

Objective

To comprehensively update and survey the current provision of recovery, rehabilitation and follow-up services for adult critical care patients across the UK.

Design

Cross-sectional, self-administered, predominantly closed-question, electronic, online survey.

Setting

Institutions providing adult critical care services identified from national databases.

Participants

Multiprofessional critical care clinicians delivering services at each site.

Results

Responses from 176 UK hospital sites were included (176/242, 72.7%). Inpatient recovery and follow-up services were present at 127/176 (72.2%) sites, adopting multiple formats of delivery and primarily delivered by nurses (n=115/127, 90.6%). Outpatient services ran at 130 sites (73.9%), predominantly as outpatient clinics. Most services (n=108/130, 83.1%) were co-delivered by two or more healthcare professionals, typically nurse/intensive care unit (ICU) physician (n=29/130, 22.3%) or nurse/ICU physician/physiotherapist (n=19/130, 14.6%) teams. Clinical psychology was most frequently lacking from inpatient or outpatient services. Lack of funding was consistently the primary barrier to service provision, with other barriers including logistical and service prioritisation factors indicating that infrastructure and profile for services remain inadequate. Posthospital discharge physical rehabilitation programmes were relatively few (n=31/176, 17.6%), but peer support services were available in nearly half of responding institutions (n=85/176, 48.3%). The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in either increasing, decreasing or reformatting service provision. Future plans for long-term service transformation focus on expansion of current, and establishment of new, outpatient services.

Conclusion

Overall, these data demonstrate a proliferation of recovery, follow-up and rehabilitation services for critically ill adults in the past decade across the UK, although service gaps remain suggesting further work is required for guideline implementation. Findings can be used to enhance survivorship for critically ill adults, inform policymakers and commissioners, and provide comparative data and experiential insights for clinicians designing models of care in international healthcare jurisdictions.
Protocol for a prospective multisite cohort study investigating hysterectomy versus uterine preservation for pelvic organ prolapse surgery: the HUPPS study
Authors: Scime Natalie V , Ramage Kaylee , Brennand Erin A
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of pelvic organs into the vagina resulting in bulge symptoms and occurs in approximately 50% of women. Almost 20% of women will elect surgical correction of this condition by age 85. Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) with concomitant vaginal vault suspension is a long-standing practice in POP surgery to address apical (uterine) prolapse. Yet, contemporary evidence on the merits of this approach relative to preservation of the uterus through suspension is needed to better inform surgical decision making by patients and their healthcare providers. The objective of this study is to evaluate POP-specific health outcomes and service utilisation of women electing uterine suspension compared with those electing hysterectomy and vaginal vault suspension for POP surgery up to 1-year postsurgery.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective cohort study planning to enrol 321 adult women with stage ≥2 POP from multiple sites in Alberta, Canada. Following standardised counselling from study surgeons, participants self-select either a hysterectomy based or uterine preservation surgical group. Data are being collected through participant questionnaires, medical records and administrative data linkage at four time points spanning from the presurgical consultation to 1-year postsurgery. The primary outcome is anatomic failure to correct POP, and secondary outcomes include changes in positioning of pelvic structures, retreatment, subjective report of bulge symptoms, pelvic floor distress and impact, sexual function and health service use. Data will be analysed using inverse probability weighting of propensity scores and generalised linear models.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board at the University of Calgary (REB19-2134). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and educational handouts for patients.

Trial registration number

NCT04890951.
Quantifying healthcare and welfare sector workers’ preferences around COVID-19 vaccination: a cross-sectional, single-profile discrete-choice experiment in France
Authors: Díaz Luévano Carolina , Sicsic Jonathan , Pellissier Gerard , Chyderiotis Sandra , Arwidson Pierre , Olivier Cyril , Gagneux-Brunon Amandine , Botelho-Nevers Elisabeth , Bouvet Elisabeth , Mueller Judith
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To analyse preferences around promotion of COVID-19 vaccination among workers in the healthcare and welfare sector in Fance at the start of the vaccination campaign.

Design

Single-profile discrete-choice experiment. Respondents in three random blocks chose between accepting or rejecting eight hypothetical COVID-19 vaccination scenarios.

Setting

4346 healthcare and welfare sector workers in France, recruited through nation-wide snowball sampling, December 2020 to January 2021.

Outcome

The primary outcomes were the effects of attributes’ levels on hypothetical acceptance, expressed as ORs relative to the reference level. The secondary outcome was vaccine eagerness as certainty of decision, ranging from −10 to +10.

Results

Among all participants, 61.1% made uniform decisions, including 17.2% always refusing vaccination across all scenarios (serial non-demanders). Among 1691 respondents making variable decisions, a strong negative impact on acceptance was observed with 50% vaccine efficacy (compared with 90% efficacy: OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.06) and the mention of a positive benefit–risk balance (compared with absence of severe and frequent side effects: OR 0.40, 0.34 to 0.46). The highest positive impact was the prospect of safely meeting older people and contributing to epidemic control (compared with no indirect protection: OR 4.10, 3.49 to 4.82 and 2.87, 2.34 to 3.50, respectively). Predicted acceptance was 93.8% for optimised communication on messenger RNA vaccines and 16.0% for vector-based vaccines recommended to ≥55-year-old persons. Vaccine eagerness among serial non-demanders slightly but significantly increased with the prospect of safely meeting older people and epidemic control and reduced with lower vaccine efficacy.

Discussion

Vaccine promotion towards healthcare and welfare sector workers who hesitate or refuse vaccination should avoid the notion of benefit–risk balance, while collective benefit communication with personal utility can lever acceptance. Vaccines with limited efficacy will unlikely achieve high uptake.
Combined inhibition of CXCL12 and PD-1 in MSS colorectal and pancreatic cancer: modulation of the microenvironment and clinical effects
Authors: Suarez-Carmona Meggy , Williams Anja , Schreiber Jutta , Hohmann Nicolas , Pruefer Ulrike , Krauss Jürgen , Jäger Dirk , Frömming Anna , Beyer Diana , Eulberg Dirk , Jungelius Jarf Ulf , Baumann Matthias , Mangasarian Aram , Halama Niels
Published: October 2021

Background

Immunotherapy in microsatellite stable colorectal or pancreatic cancer has not shown promising results. It has been hypothesized that targeting immunosuppressive molecules like SDF1-alpha/CXCL12 could contribute to immunotherapy and animal models showed promising results on T cell activation and migration in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition.

Methods

Here, we describe the successful application of anti-CXCL12 (NOX-A12) in patients with advanced stage pretreated metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer (OPERA trial). The treatment consisted of 2 weeks of anti-CXCL12 monotherapy with NOX-A12 followed by combination therapy with pembrolizumab (n=20 patients) until progression or intolerable toxicity had occurred.

Results

The treatment was safe and well tolerated with 83.8% grade I/II, 15.5% grade III and 0.7% grade V adverse events. Of note, for a majority of patients, time on trial treatment was prolonged compared with their last standard treatment preceding trial participation. Systematic serial biopsies revealed distinct patterns of modulation. Tissue and clinical responses were associated with Th1-like tissue reactivity upon CXCL12 inhibition. A downregulation of a cytokine cassette of interleukin (IL)-2/IL-16/CXCL-10 was associated with tumor resistance and furthermore linked to a rare, CXCL12-associated CD14+CD15+promonocytic population. T cells showed aggregation and directed movement towards the tumor cells in responding tissues. Serum analyses detected homogeneous immunomodulatory patterns in all patients, regardless of tissue responses.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that the combination of CXCL12 inhibition and checkpoint inhibition is safe and grants further exploration of synergistic combinatorial strategies.
Optimizing orthopedic trauma care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. A closed-loop audit of implementing a virtual fracture clinic and fast-track pathway in a Dutch level 2 trauma center
Authors: Geerdink Thijs H , Salentijn Dorien A , de Vries Kristin A , Noordman Philou C W , van Dongen Johanna M , Haverlag Robert , Goslings J Carel , van Veen Ruben N
Published: October 2021

Background

Guidelines concerning outpatient management of patients during the coronavirus pandemic required minimized face-to-face follow-up and increased remote care. In response, we established a virtual fracture clinic (VFC) review for emergency department (ED) patients with musculoskeletal injuries, meaning patients are reviewed ‘virtually’ the next workday by a multidisciplinary team, instead of routine referral for face-to-face fracture clinic review. Patients wait at home and are contacted afterwards to discuss treatment. Based on VFC review, patients with minor injuries are discharged, while for other patients an extensive treatment plan is documented using injury-specific care pathways. Additionally, we established an ED orthopedic trauma fast-track to reduce waiting time. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which our workflow supported adherence to national coronavirus-related guidelines and effects on ED waiting time.

Methods

A closed-loop audit was performed during two 4-week periods using predefined standards: (1) all eligible ED orthopedic trauma patients are referred for VFC review; (2) reached afterwards; and follow-up is (3) patient initiated, or (4) performed remotely, whenever possible. Total ED waiting time, time to review, time for review, and time after review were assessed during both audit periods and compared with previous measurements.

Results

During both audits, the majority of eligible ED patients were referred for VFC review (1st: n=162 (88.0%); 2nd: n=302 (98.4%)), and reached afterwards (1st: 98.1%; 2nd: 99.0%). Of all referred patients, 17.9% and 13.6% were discharged ‘virtually’ during first and second audits, respectively, while 45.0% and 41.1% of scheduled follow-up appointments were remote. Median total ED waiting time was reduced (1st: −36 minutes (p<0.001); 2nd: −33 minutes (p<0.001)). During the second audit, median ED time to review was reduced by −13 minutes (p<0.001), as well as time for review: −10 minutes (p=0.019).

Discussion

In line with national guidelines, our VFC review allowed time-effective review and triage of the majority of ED orthopedic trauma patients, supporting patient-initiated and remote follow-up, whenever possible. ED waiting time was reduced after implementing the VFC review and orthopedic trauma fast-track.

Level of evidence

IV.
Model development for energy dissipation over gabion stepped weirs using GEP and GMDH techniques
Authors: Hussain Ajmal , Ansari Mujib Ahmad , Ahmed Md Nisar , Ahmad Faisal , Jahangeer Jahangeer
Published: October 2021

A gabion stepped weir is a permeable weir that consists of a gabion box filled with stone aggregates. It is cost-effective structure used for the dissipation of water flow energy from upstream to downstream. Gabion weir also allows the movement of aquatic life and transportation of physical and chemical substances present in water. In this study, energy dissipation in terms of inverse relative energy dissipation (IRED) over gabion stepped weir has been studied. It was observed that the existing predictor does not give a reasonable estimate for IRED. Therefore, the data have been reanalysed to develop a generalized regression equation for IRED. Generalized models using Gene Expression Programming (GEP) and Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) were also developed. The predictions based on GMDH model (R = 0.979, E = 0.96 and RMSE = 0.314) were found more satisfactory than those given by traditional regression equations (R = 0.929, E = 0.91 and RMSE = 0.557) as well as those given by the GEP model (R = 0.959, E = 0.94 and RMSE  = 0.476). Sensitivity analysis shows that the Froude number before the jump is the most important parameter for the prediction of IRED.
The Effect of Thermal Cycling on the Tensile and Shear Behaviors of the Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Epoxy
Authors: Anvari Ali , Khanna Sanjeev
Published: October 2021

The aim of this research is to study the tensile and shear properties and mechanical behavior of carbon nanotube- (CNT-) reinforced epoxy after the resulting composites have been exposed to different thermal cycling environments. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are cylindrical molecules that consist of rolled-up sheet of single-layer carbon atoms (graphene) with a diameter of less than 1 nanometer (nm). Thermal cycling environments can exist in many conditions, such as in-earth orbit for satellites which rotate around the earth and pass through the sun illumination and earth’s shadow, and for airplanes which fly in different altitudes with different temperatures. Carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy is one of the nanocomposite materials which have been broadly used in many applications such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and other industries. The goal of this study is to fabricate this nanocomposite with different multiwall and single-wall CNT concentrations and expose it to different thermal cycle numbers and determine the changes in tensile and shear properties and failure characteristics. For this purpose, tension and short-beam tests have been used in this research. The addition of multiwall CNT produces better mechanical properties compared to the use of SWCNT reinforcement. However, unreinforced epoxy showed the highest mechanical properties.
Industrial Printing Image Defect Detection Using Multi‐Edge Feature Fusion Algorithm
Authors: Liu Bangchao , Chen Youping , Xie Jingming , Chen Bing
Published: October 2021

Online defect detection system is a necessary technical measure and important means for large‐scale industrial printing production. It is effective to reduce artificial detection fatigue and improve the accuracy and stability of industry printing line. However, the existing defect detection algorithms are mainly developed based on high‐quality database and it is difficult to detect the defects on low‐quality printing images. In this paper, we propose a new multi‐edge feature fusion algorithm which is effective in solving this problem. Firstly, according to the characteristics of sheet‐fed printing system, a new printing image database is established; compared with the existing databases, it has larger translation, deformation, and uneven illumination variation. These interferences make defect detection become more challenging. Then, SIFT feature is employed to register the database. In order to reduce the number of false detections which are caused by the position, deformation, and brightness deviation between the detected image and reference image, multi‐edge feature fusion algorithm is proposed to overcome the effects of these disturbances. Lastly, the experimental results of mAP (92.65%) and recall (96.29%) verify the effectiveness of the proposed method which can effectively detect defects in low‐quality printing database. The proposed research results can improve the adaptability of visual inspection system on a variety of different printing platforms. It is better to control the printing process and further reduce the number of operators.
Successful Treatment of Rhabdomyolysis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury with Haemoadsorption and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Hui Wun Fung , Hon Kam Lun , Lun Kin Shing , Leung Karen Ka Yan , Cheung Wing Lum , Leung Alexander K. C.
Published: October 2021

We report two children with rhabdomyolysis-associated acute kidney injury who were successfully treated with a haemoadsorption column CytoSorb® in addition to continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). A 14-year-old girl with multiorgan failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation developed rhabdomyolysis due to reperfusion injury. Her creatine kinase (CK) and lactate levels continued to escalate despite high-dose CRRT. A haemoadsorption column was therefore added post-CRRT filter, which brought down the CK level from 264,500 IU/L to 97,436 IU/L after 8 hours of therapy. Another 4-year-old boy with epilepsy and cerebral palsy who was admitted for gastroenteritis with dehydration developed acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis with a peak CK level of 946,060 IU/L. He was initially treated with CRRT for 40 hours, which reduced his CK level to 147,580 IU/L. Two sessions of haemoadsorption were then performed in addition to the CRRT, which further lowered his CK level to 32,306 IU/L in 48 hours. Both patients demonstrated enhanced reduction of CK levels when the haemoadsorption column was used in addition to the CRRT, and no specific complication related to the haemoadsorption therapy was reported. Our cases showed that haemoadsorption can be considered as an adjunctive therapy for children with severe rhabdomyolysis-associated acute kidney injury.
Thrombosed Aneurysm of Superficial Epigastric Vein Simulating Inguinal Hernia: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Skandalou Eleni , Papadopoulos Panagiotis , Kavelidou Marianthi , Kalfadis Stavros , Tzigkalidis Theodoros , Skandalos Ioannis
Published: October 2021

Aim. Presentation of two cases of superficial epigastric vein aneurysm simulating inguinal hernia. To our knowledge, only one other case is reported in the literature. Case presentation. The first case was a 34-year-old female with left inguinal pain and swelling which was clinically diagnosed as inguinal hernia. The second case was a 28-year-old female with inguinal pain and swelling, depicted with triplex ultrasonography and computed tomography, and was suspected to have inguinal hernia or enlarged inguinal lymph node. During the surgical exploration, both patients were found to have thrombosed aneurysm of the superficial epigastric vein. During the surgical exploration, both patients were found to have thrombosed aneurysm of the superficial epigastric vein. The superficial epigastric vein was ligated, and the venous aneurysms (6×4×3and2×3×2.5 cm, respectively) were excised. Histological examination of the thrombosed aneurysm showed complete replacement of the vascular wall by fibrous tissue, thrombosis, and an inflammatory reaction. There were no postoperative complications, and both patients were discharged on the second postoperative day. The 3-month and 1-year follow-up examination, respectively, was uneventful. Conclusion. Although venous aneurysms in the inguinal area are rare, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of a groin swelling.
Prediction of BlastInduced Ground Vibration (BIGV) of Metro Construction Using Difference Evolution AlgorithmOptimized Gaussian Process (DE‐GP)
Authors: Jiang Tengfei , Jiang Annan , Zheng Shuai , Xu Mengfei
Published: October 2021

Rock blasting often has an irreversible impact on the surrounding environment and threatens the safety of life and property. Therefore, accurate prediction of blast‐induced ground vibration (BIGV) is a prerequisite for safe construction. In view of the fact that traditional blasting peak particle velocity (PPV) empirical formulas cannot be accurately predicted, this study selected 88 sets of blasting monitoring data, based on distance from the blast‐face, maximum charge per delay, total charge, hole depth, spacing, burden, stemming length, and powder factor being used as input variables and PPV being used as output variable to characterize BIGV. First, a nonlinear mapping relationship between input variables and output variable is established through the Gaussian process (GP). The differential evolution algorithm (DE) is used to optimize the hyperparameters σf, σn, and l of the GP, and a blasting PPV model based on the DE‐GP is constructed. The proposed model is compared with the empirical formulas, least square support vector machine (LSSVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and GP model, and its prediction performance is evaluated by statistical indicators such as root mean square error (RMSE). Finally, the cosine amplitude method (CAM) is used to analyze the sensitivity of blasting parameters. The results show that the DE‐GP algorithm for blasting vibration velocity prediction has higher precision and accuracy, which is significantly better than other models, and is the closest to the measured PPV. Distance from the blast‐face, total charge, and maximum charge per delay have a greater impact on the prediction of PPV, while stemming length and powder factor have a smaller impact on the prediction of PPV. The DE‐GP model proposed by this research has certain reference value for the prediction and control of PPV in blasting construction.
Antibacterial and Therapeutic Potentials of the Capsicum annuum Extract against Infected Wound in a Rat Model with Its Mechanisms of Antibacterial Action
Authors: Ekom Steve Endeguele , Tamokou Jean-De-Dieu , Kuete Victor
Published: October 2021

The wound healing process is essential to reform the damaged tissue and prevent its invasion by pathogens. The present study aims at evaluating the antibacterial and therapeutic properties of the Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) extract against infected wound in a rat model with its mechanisms of antibacterial action. The fruit extract was prepared by maceration in methanol. The broth microdilution method was used to investigate the antibacterial activity of the methanol extract of C. annuum fruits. The therapeutic effect of the extract gel was performed on an excision wound infected with Staphylococcus aureus using a rat model. The total phenol, flavonoid, and tannin contents as well as the antibacterial mechanisms of action of the extract were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The C. annuum fruit extract showed antibacterial properties which can be linked to its total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents. The antibacterial activity is due to the inhibition of the biofilm formation, ATPases/H+ proton pump, and dehydrogenase activity as well as the alteration of the bacterial cell membrane through the leakage of nucleic acids, reducing sugars and proteins. The extract gel showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the percentage of wound closure and eradicated S. aureus at the infection site. The extract gel was nonirritating to the skin and slightly irritating to the eyes and should be used with caution. Overall, the findings of the present study support the traditional use of the studied plant in the treatment of wounds and infectious diseases associated with the tested bacteria.
Challenges of Diagnosing Viral Myocarditis in Adolescents in the Era of COVID-19 and MIS-C
Authors: Shah Hemali P. , Frye Richard , Chang Sunny , Faherty Erin , Steele Jeremy , Karnik Ruchika
Published: October 2021

Myocarditis has a wide array of clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic to sudden cardiac death. Pediatric myocarditis is a rare disease, with an estimated annual incidence of 1 to 2 per 100,000 children though its true prevalence remains unknown due to its variable and often subclinical presentation. The diagnosis of myocarditis is challenging in the era of COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), which can have overlapping clinical conundrum. Here, we present a case of a 17-year-old male presenting with chest tightness, shortness of breath, and electrocardiogram (EKG) findings concerning for myocardial injury along with elevated inflammatory markers such as D-dimer, ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), and CRP (C-Reactive Protein). We discuss the key elements of our clinical experience with this case and review the literature for pediatric myocarditis, with a focus on differentiating it from MIS-C in the current COVID-19 pandemic era.
Uncertainty-Based Trimmed Coefficient of Variation with Application
Authors: Hussein Al-Marshadi Ali , Aslam Muhammad , Abdullah Alharbey
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the neutrosophic trimmed average, neutrosophic trimmed standard deviation, and neutrosophic trimmed coefficient of variation (NTCV) are introduced. The application of the proposed neutrosophic trimmed descriptive statistics is given with the help of measurement data. The comparisons of the proposed NTCV are compared with the existing neutrosophic coefficient of variation (NCV). From the comparisons, it is concluded that the proposed NTCV is more efficient than NCV in terms of consistency and measures of indeterminacy. Based on the study, it is recommended to apply the proposed NTCV in the industry when there is a need to make decisions on the basis of measurement data.