bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Falls among older general practice patients: risk factors and fall prevention in Belgium, 2019-2020
Authors: Moreels S , Boffin N , De Schreye R
Published: October 2021

Background

Around 30% of people aged 65 years and older living in the community fall every year. Falling among older persons is a multifactorial health condition needing multifactorial care. General practitioners (GPs) are well placed to implement a multifactorial management. Therefore a surveillance study of accidental falls was carried out to study characteristics of falls, fallers and fall risks; prevalence of risk factors and fall prevention by GPs.

Methods

A 2-year retrospective population-based study based on data collected by the Belgian network of Sentinel General Practices (SGP) on all community-dwelling patients aged ≥65 years consulting their GP for new fall-related injuries. Data of 2019-20 were pooled because of no significant difference. Factors associated with a multifactorial risk profile were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

During 2019-20, 759 accidental falls were registered. For 24% of fallers, medical and/or nursing intervention was required and 22% had a severe injury. During consult, 31% was referred to the hospital. 59% of patients showed at least one of the four most prevalent fall risks, i.e. deficits of mobility or balance, polypharmacy, cognitive impairment or psychotropic medication. A multifactorial risk profile was observed in 46% of patients and was associated with age, recurrent falling, falling in residential care center and during activities of daily living. Addressing surrounding and walking problems were most taken as preventive measures. For 28% of fallers, other healthcare providers (mainly nurse and physiotherapist) were involved in preventive care.

Conclusions

This study yields recent data on risk factors and preventive fall interventions in general practice in Belgium. Collaborative preventive fall measures are taken in about one in four patients, although previous SGP research (2009-10) showed that interventions were better implemented when specialized caregivers had been involved concurrently.

Key messages

Multifactorial interventions are crucial for preventing accidental falls in older general practice patients in Belgium. More collaboration between GPs and other caregivers is needed when taking preventive fall measures.
Surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections in the 2019/2020 season in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Capitani E , Montomoli E , Camarri A , Capecchi PL , Nante N , Mannini I
Published: October 2021

Background

Influenza is a major public health burden. In Italy there were 7.6 million symptomatic case of influenza in the 2019/2020 influenza season. In Italy, the influenza season lasts from October to April of the following year. We analysed influenza A and B viruses from hospitalized patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) to carry out epidemiological and virological surveillance.

Methods

68 oropharyngeal swabs were taken from the patients with SARI at Le Scotte University Hospital in Siena and they were given a questionnaire to record their underlying disease and vaccination status. Total RNA was extracted from the swabs by means of the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini kit and RT-PCR was carried out. After, biodirectional DNA sequencing reactions were performed. All statistical analyses were performed by means of GraphPad Prism 6 software.

Results

The median age of subject was 82 years and 52.9% were female. The subjects showed fever (89.7%), fatigue (77%), headache (47%), cough (75%), sore throat (70.5%), breathlessness (63.2%).We found that 20.5% of 68 subject were positive (13% for A H3N2 and 7% for A H1N1). Out of the 68 subject, 25% received seasonal influenza vaccination (91.6% trivalent vaccine and 8.4% quadrivalent vaccine). The most common underlying disease found in the positive subjects were cardiovascular diseases (50%), renal diseases (50%), lung diseases (42.8%), diabetes (35.7%), cancer (35%).

Conclusions

Epidemiological and virological surveillance remains an essential tool for monitoring virus circulation and possible mismatches with seasonal vaccine strains, and providing information that can be used to improve the composition of influenza vaccines. Our data support the importance of seasonal vaccination in subjects with chronic diseases to reduce hospitalisation and mortality.

Key messages

Virological surveillance is important for determining the spread of influenza viruses. Seasonal vaccination is considered as the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications.
Nutritional risk factors in Hungarian elderly-Biomarker2019 survey
Authors: Zámbó L , Bakacs M , Varga A , Horváth A , Guba G , Sepler Zs , Doroginé Török A , Zentai A , Feigl E , Sarkadi Nagy E
Published: October 2021

In Hungary, about a quarter of the population is over the age of 60 and their proportion is projected to increase considerably within a few decades. According to the 2009 and 2014 European Health Interview Survey data, 87% of Hungarian older adults suffer from at least one non-communicable disease (NCD). Many of the NCDs are associated with poor nutrition. Reliable data on nutritional status of this age group is scarce. The Biomarker2019 survey provides comprehensive data on the nutritional status of this vulnerable age group. The cross-sectional survey was carried out in western Hungary. Participants aged ≥60y were selected from non-institutionalized patients of general practitioners' practicing in Western Hungary (n = 200). Data collection involved a questionnaire, physical examinations, three-day dietary record, and a collection of biological samples (fasting blood and 24-hour urine). 77% of the participants had high blood pressure diagnosed by a physician. 85% of men and 76% of women were overweight or obese, according to the BMIs. The mean proportion of energy from fat was higher (men: 39 E%, women: 37 E%), that from carbohydrates was lower in men (43 E%) than recommended, while it was adequate in women (47 E%). The mean protein intake was adequate in both sexes. Cholesterol intake was 433 mg/day for men and 317 mg/day for women, both higher than the Hungarian recommendations. The fiber intake was 23.8 g/day for men and 23.6 g/day for women, both below the recommended values. Based on the estimates of salt intake from 24-hour urine, 90% of participants had a higher salt intake than recommended. Nutritional risk factors predisposing to the development of NCDs were identified in the sample. The results of the study contributed to the development of a food-based dietary guideline tailor made to the Hungarian elderly population (60+ Health - Dietary Guideline for the Elderly), its dissemination to the target audience has been started.

Key messages

The identification of nutritional risk factors in a sample of older adults contributed to the development of a new food-based dietary guideline for the elderly population. The results can form the basis of further public health interventions.
Respiratory health in Syria: an analysis of primary data from the Syrian American Medical Society
Authors: Basha L , Socarras A , Akhtar W , Hamze M , Albaik A , Tarakji A , Hamadeh M , Kewara M , Loutfi R , Abbara A
Published: October 2021

Despite a decade of conflict, there has been little exploration of respiratory health in Syria. We explore the burden and trends of respiratory consultations in Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) facilities in northwest Syria using mixed methods. We performed i) a scoping review of available academic and grey literature on respiratory health in Syria between 2011 and 2020 (17 databases) and ii) a retrospective review of routinely collected data relating to respiratory presentations in SAMS' facilities between March 2017 and June 2020. We identified 23 papers (19 peer-reviewed); 7 analysed primary data. Key themes included the impact of conflict on asthma diagnosis and management, the burden of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), the impact of chemical weapons and those relating to the destruction of the health system. In our quantitative analysis, data were available for 5,058,864 consultations, of which 1,228,722 (24%) were respiratory presentations. 45% of respiratory presentations were from hospitals, 44% from primary healthcare clinics and 9% from mobile clinics. The median monthly number of respiratory cases was 30,279 (25,792-33,732) out of a median 128,923 total monthly consultations (112,917-140,189). 73% of respiratory consultations were for children. Key findings include: respiratory presentations accounted for up to 38% of consultations each month with seasonal variation. RTIs accounted for 91% of all respiratory presentations. A steep decrease in consultations occurred between the end of 2019 (160,000) and the first quarter of 2020 (90,000), correlating with an escalation of violence in Idlib governorate. This study presents the largest quantitative analysis of respiratory data collected during the Syrian conflict. Our findings support the need for improved measures to aid the prevention, diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions during conflict. Further work exploring such interventions is needed.

Key messages

We present the largest study of the burden of respiratory presentations during the Syrian conflict accounting for 1,228,722 (24%) of all consultations; of these 72% were for children. Despite the burden of respiratory disease in the Syrian conflict, optimisation of respiratory health is neglected. Public health measures which address the causes and consequences are needed.
Spirometry feedback as a motivational tool for tobacco cessation
Authors: Ben Fredj M , Garrach B , Abroug H , Zemni I , Dhouib W , Bennasrallah C , Ben Hassine D , Kacem M , Bouanene I , Belguith Sriha A
Published: October 2021

Background

Tobacco use remains a major public health problem especially in developing countries and emerging economies. The evidence about the effect of spirometry on smoking cessation is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether a spirometry and lung age announcement were a motivator for smoking cessation.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial among patients who attended the smoking cessation clinic (SCC) at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital in Monastir, from June 2017 to February 2020. Participants were assigned into two groups, a control arm receiving standard program and intervention arm receiving standard program and lung age announcement. The primary outcome was the smoking cessation rates after one year of follow-up between the intervention arm and the control arm.

Results

A total of 500 patients were recruited and randomized with 250 patients in each group. At one-year endpoint, a total of 456 patients were reachable for assessment, 236 in control group and 220 in spirometry group. The loss rate was equal to 8.8% (54/500). Six months smoking rate was 78 (33.1%) in control group and 106 (48.0%) in intervention group (p = 0.002). One-year smoking cessation rate was higher in the intervention group than the control group (25.5% versus 16.5%), with a considerable statistical significance (p = 0.019). Spirometric lung age was significantly higher at paired comparison with chronologic age (58.81vs 46.54; p<.001); the mean difference was 10.24 years but with considerable inter-individual variability.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation is still a challenging procedure with a high risk of relapse. This study is an additional evidence for spirometry and lung age announcement as motivators for cessation.

Key messages

Spirometry increased the motivation of smoking cessation. The equipment of smoking cessation centers by spirometry may contribute on tobacco control.
A critical qualitative inquiry of the social practices of older adult gamblers
Authors: Johnson R , Pitt H , Randle M , Thomas S
Published: October 2021

Background

Older adults' participation in gambling is increasing internationally. Older adults have been identified as a group at greater risk of gambling harm. This may be due to their increased vulnerability due to life circumstances, such as retiring from paid work and social isolation. Current literature has focused on individual characteristics that may influence older adults gambling attitudes, behaviours, and experiences of harm, however, there has been little qualitative research that has explored other factors such as the influence of social practices surrounding gambling. This study explored how social practices influenced older adults' participation in gambling, and how these social practices may contribute to gambling risk.

Methods

A critical qualitative inquiry was conducted and involved semi-structured phone interviews with 40 Australian adults aged 55 years and over. A Constructivist Grounded Theory approach was taken, and Social Practice Theory guided the thematic analysis of the data.

Results

Two major themes were generated from the data. The first theme demonstrated that gambling was often embedded within older adults' social practices. For example, older adults would attend gambling venues with their social networks and engage in gambling as a way of building their social connection. Sometimes gambling occurred to try to meet the expectations of the wider social group, potentially increasing the risk of harm. Second, it was evident that gambling had become part a routine activity for older adults' everyday life.

Conclusions

Older adults social practices related to gambling were linked with the accessibility and availability of gambling products in community environments. Interventions aimed at preventing and reducing gambling harm in older adults need to shift away from the individual and instead focus on disrupting social practices, including the routines associated with gambling.

Key messages

Gambling was used by older adults to consolidate social connections and strengthen their sense of belonging within social groups and often involved routines around gambling. To prevent further harm from gambling to older adults, strategies should focus on the social context of older adults gambling rather than the individual characteristics of gamblers.
Mortality attributable to housing deprivation in Belgium between 1991 and 2015
Authors: Otavova M , Faes C , Masquelier B , Devleesschauwer B
Published: October 2021

Background

Poor housing condition is associated with increased mortality. Our aim is to measure the inequality in mortality attributable to housing deprivation in Belgium.

Methods

We utilized data on housing conditions from the 1991 population census, and data on mortality from the National Register in Belgium between Jan 1, 1991 and Dec 31, 2015. An area-level composite score was developed and computed for 18 267 statistical sectors in Belgium. The score was based on indicators encompassing multiple dimensions: occupancy status and its density, absence of central heating, bathroom, toilet, kitchen, double glazing. These indicators were combined to a score, ranked and assigned to deciles. The mortality attributable to housing inequality was calculated as the difference between the observed and expected deaths. The expected deaths were computed by applying mortality in the least deprived decile to other deciles, stratified by 5-year age group, sex, and time.

Results

Our results show that 20% of all deaths, equating to 2 564 289 deaths, occurring between 1991-2015 can be attributable to inequalities in housing. The proportion of deaths attributable to inequality in housing increased over time and was higher for men (26%) than for women (14%). The difference in age-standardized mortality rates between the most and the least deprived groups increased over time from 31 to 37% and from 10 to 26% for men and women, respectively.

Conclusions

Housing conditions play an important role in mortality inequalities and ensuring good housing conditions is necessary for reducing inequalities.

Key messages

Poor housing condition is associated with increased mortality. Our results show that 20% of all deaths, equating to 2 564 289 deaths, occurring between 1991-2015 can be attributable to inequalities in housing.
Effect of the essential oils of Satureja montana L., Myristica fragrans H. and Cymbopogon flexuosus S. on mycotoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus antifungal properties of essential oils
Authors: Rezende Danubia Aparecida de Carvalho Selvati , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Alves Eduardo , Brandão Rafaela Magalhães , Ferreira Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes , Caetano Alex Rodrigues Silva , Lunguinho Allan da Silva , Campolina Gabriela Aguiar , Nelson David Lee , Batista Luís Roberto
Published: October 2021

Essential oils can be a useful alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides because they have biological potential and are relatively safe for food and agricultural products. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activities of the essential oils from Satureja montana L., Myristica fragrans H. and Cymbopogon flexuosus S. against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus, as well as their effects on ergosterol synthesis and membrane morphology. The antifungal potential was evaluated by mycelial growth analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Fungicidal effects against A. flavus, with MFC of 0.98, 15.62 and 0.98 µL/mL, respectively, were observed for the essential oils from S. montana, M. fragrans and C. flexuosus. Aspergillus ochraceus did not grow in the presence of concentrations of 3.91, 15.62 and 0.98 µL/mL of the essential oils from S. montana, M. fragrans and C. flexuosus, respectively. The essential oils significantly inhibited the production of ochratoxin A by the fungus A. ochraceus. The essential oils also inhibited the production of aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2. The biosynthesis of ergosterol was inhibited by the applied treatments. Biological activity in the fungal cell membrane was observed in the presence of essential oils, given that deleterious effects on the morphologies of the fungi were detected. The essential oils under study are promising as food preservatives because they significantly inhibit toxigenic fungi that contaminate food. In addition, the essential oils hindered the biosynthesis of mycotoxins.
Elevated C-Reactive Protein in Alzheimer’s Disease Without Depression in Older Adults: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Natale Ginny , Clouston Sean A P , Smith Dylan M
Published: October 2021

We examined the association between differential diagnoses of major stroke and probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mixed AD on C-reactive protein (CRP) in older adults with and without depression. Secondary data analyses examined associations between blood-based measures of probable peripheral inflammation using CRP collected from dried blood spots in the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of individuals aged 50 and older. A validated pattern-recognition algorithm was utilized to identify cognitive decline indicative of probable AD, mixed AD, and major stroke. Negative binomial regressions were utilized to model concentrations of serologic CRP. On average, participants (N = 4 601) were 70 years old, female, and non-Hispanic White. Mixed AD participants had a 0.26 mg/dL increase in CRP compared to unimpaired participants, controlling for demographics, health behaviors, and comorbidities. Those with mixed AD had 2.14 times increased odds of having high CRP (odds ratio = 2.14 [1.19–3.85]). In analyses stratified by depression, adults with mixed AD and without depression had an additional 0.37 mg/dL increase in CRP (SE = 0.06; p < .001) compared to unimpaired adults. Those with AD without depression had a 0.20 mg/dL increase in CRP (SE = 0.07; p < .01). Age was not associated with increased CRP in nondepressed older adults. Depressed adults with major stroke had a −0.26 mg/dL decrease in CRP (SE = 0.11; p = .02), controlling for hypertension, alcoholic drinks/beverages per week, and smoking status. Concentration modeling revealed that participants with major stroke, probable AD, and probable mixed AD without depression had significantly higher CRP concentrations when compared to unimpaired older adults.
Crustal thickness andVp/Vsvariation beneath continental China revealed by receiver function analysis
Authors: Cheng Shihua , Xiao Xiao , Wu Jianping , Wang Weilai , Sun Li , Wang Xiaoxin , Wen Lianxing
Published: October 2021

Using data from 3837 seismic stations deployed in or around continental China, we construct high-resolution models of crustal thickness (H) and seismic compressional and shear velocity ratio (Vp/Vs or κ) in continental China by analysis of 150 543 receiver functions. We group the receiver functions in cells with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° in the North–South China Seismic Belt and parts of the North China Craton, and of 0.5° × 0.5° in other regions, classify the receiver functions based on their characteristics, and develop a modified H–κ stacking method to construct models in the regions where the receiver functions are significantly affected by sedimentary basins and by Moho architecture. The inferred crustal thickness model displays an eastward thinning trend from the thickest crust (>80 km) beneath the Qiangtang Block to the thinnest crust (<26 km) beneath the southern part of the Cathaysia Block. Crustal thickness is 26–50 km in several major basins and 26–55 km in the Precambrian cratonic blocks. The inferred Vp/Vs model in the crystalline crust displays moderate-to-high values (1.75–1.85) in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, the Tengchong volcanic field, the Emeishan large igneous province, the north-central areas of the Bohaiwan and Songliao basins, the western margin of the Taikang Hefei Basin and the southeastern margin of the Cathaysia Block. Lower values (≤1.72) characterize the major regions of the Cathaysia Block and the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, and the hinterlands of the Ordos Block and Sichuan Basin. We discuss possible tectonic processes, secular crustal evolution and crustal compositions that are consistent with our inferred crustal thickness and Vp/Vs structure in continental China. This study establishes a framework of seismic data sharing for future studies in the seismological community in one of the first steps of developing a China Seismological Reference Model.
Crystal structure of the Propionibacterium acnes surface sialidase, a drug target for P. acnes-associated diseases
Authors: Yu Angel C Y , Volkers Gesa , Jongkees Seino A K , Worrall Liam J , Withers Stephen G , Strynadka Natalie C J
Published: October 2021

Propionibacterium acnes, though generally considered part of the normal flora of human skin, is an opportunistic pathogen associated with acne vulgaris as well as other diseases, including endocarditis, endophthalmitis and prosthetic joint infections. Its virulence potential is also supported by knowledge gained from its sequenced genome. Indeed, a vaccine targeting a putative cell wall-anchored P. acnes sialidase has been shown to suppress cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory cytokine release induced by the organism, and is proposed as an alternative treatment for P. acnes-associated diseases. Here, we report the crystal structures of the surface sialidase and its complex with the transition-state mimic Neu5Ac2en. Our structural and kinetic analyses, together with insight from a glycan array screen, which probes subtle specificities of the sialidase for α-2,3-sialosides, provide a basis for the structure-based design of novel small-molecule therapeutics against P. acnes infections.
Evaluation of community readiness for change prior to a participatory physical activity intervention in Germany
Authors: Kehl M , Brew-Sam N , Strobl H , Tittlbach S , Loss J
Published: October 2021

A lack of communities’ readiness for change is reported as a major barrier toward an effective implementation of health promoting interventions in community settings. Adding an alternative readiness assessment approach to existing research practice, this study aimed to investigate how a selected community could be evaluated in-depth regarding its readiness for change based on multiple key informant perspectives, with the intention of using this knowledge for the preparation of improved local physical activity (PA) interventions for men above 50 years of age. We conducted semi-structured face-to-face key informant interviews with stakeholders and relevant persons from a local German community (N = 15). The interview guide was based on a comprehensive summary of community readiness dimensions. After verbatim transcription, we conducted thematic analysis to synthesize the complex results regarding community readiness related to PA. The data supported that the community disposed of a variety of resources regarding PA and showed signs of readiness for change. However, a certain degree of saturation regarding PA programs existed. The need for health enhancing PA interventions for men was only partly recognized. The local authority considered PA to be particularly important in the context of mobility and traffic safety. Including multiple stakeholders contributed to a balanced and in-depth assessment of community readiness and was helpful for determining starting points for tailored PA interventions due to the detection of complex relationships and structures. The study delivers preliminary evidence that a qualitative multi-perspective community readiness assessment adds value to quantified single-perspective readiness assessment research practice.
First mitochondrial genome-wide association study with metabolomics
Authors: Aboulmaouahib Brahim , Kastenmüller Gabi , Suhre Karsten , Zöllner Sebastian , Weissensteiner Hansi , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Gieger Christian , Wang-Sattler Rui , Lichtner Peter , Strauch Konstantin , Flaquer Antònia
Published: October 2021

In the era of personalized medicine with more and more patient-specific targeted therapies being used, we need reliable, dynamic, faster and sensitive biomarkers both to track the causes of disease and to develop and evolve therapies during the course of treatment. Metabolomics recently has shown substantial evidence to support its emerging role in disease diagnosis and prognosis. Aside from biomarkers and development of therapies, it is also an important goal to understand the involvement of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in metabolic regulation, aging and disease development. Somatic mutations of the mitochondrial genome are also heavily implicated in age-related disease and aging. The general hypothesis is that an alteration in the concentration of metabolite profiles (possibly conveyed by lifestyle and environmental factors) influences the increase of mutation rate in the mtDNA and thereby contributes to a range of pathophysiological alterations observed in complex diseases. We performed an inverted mitochondrial genome-wide association analysis between mitochondrial nucleotide variants (mtSNVs) and concentration of metabolites. We used 151 metabolites and the whole sequenced mitochondrial genome from 2718 individuals to identify the genetic variants associated with metabolite profiles. Because of the high coverage, next-generation sequencing-based analysis of the mitochondrial genome allows for an accurate detection of mitochondrial heteroplasmy and for the identification of variants associated with the metabolome. The strongest association was found for mt715G > A located in the MT-12SrRNA with the metabolite ratio of C2/C10:1 (P-value = 6.82*10−09, β = 0.909). The second most significant mtSNV was found for mt3714A > G located in the MT-ND1 with the metabolite ratio of phosphatidylcholine (PC) ae C42:5/PC ae C44:5 (P-value = 1.02*10−08, β = 3.631). A large number of significant metabolite ratios were observed involving PC aa C36:6 and the variant mt10689G > A, located in the MT-ND4L gene. These results show an important interconnection between mitochondria and metabolite concentrations. Considering that some of the significant metabolites found in this study have been previously related to complex diseases, such as neurological disorders and metabolic conditions, these associations found here might play a crucial role for further investigations of such complex diseases. Understanding the mechanisms that control human health and disease, in particular, the role of genetic predispositions and their interaction with environmental factors is a prerequisite for the development of safe and efficient therapies for complex disorders.
Plankton monitoring in the Northwest Atlantic: a comparison of zooplankton abundance estimates from vertical net tows and Continuous Plankton Recorder sampling on the Scotian and Newfoundland shelves, 1999–2015
Authors: Head Erica J H , Johnson Catherine L , Pepin Pierre
Published: October 2021

Assessment of zooplankton abundance, distribution, community composition, and temporal variability is critical to understanding the effects of climate variability and change on lower trophic level production and availability for consumption by larger consumers. Zooplankton sampling is performed across the Canadian continental shelf system by Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Atlantic Zone Monitoring Programme (AZMP). Sampling includes semi-monthly to monthly collection of zooplankton using vertical net tows (VNTs) deployed from near-bottom to surface at stations on the central Scotian Shelf (Stn 2, 150 m depth) and Newfoundland Shelf (Stn 27, 175 m depth), and by Continuous Plankton Recorders (CPRs) in the near-surface layers along routes over the Scotian and Newfoundland shelves (0–10 m depth). Here, we compare abundance metrics for 11 copepod taxa collected using both gear types in both regions between 1999 and 2015. Seasonal cycles of VNT and CPR abundance were similar for near-surface residents. VNT: CPR abundance ratios varied year-round for vertical migrants, as ontogenetic migrants shifted their vertical distribution, and as diel migrants changed their migratory behaviour. For some taxa, differences in annual average VNT: CPR abundance ratios between regions suggest differences in vertical distribution, while for others differences in inter-annual variability for VNT and CPR abundances suggest differences in the dynamics of the near- and sub-surface components of the populations.
Auxiliary diagnostic analyses used to detect model misspecification and highlight potential solutions in stock assessments: application to yellowfin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Minte-Vera Carolina V , Maunder Mark N , Aires-da-Silva Alexandre M
Published: October 2021

Integrated models (IMs) for stock assessment are simultaneously fit to diverse data sets to estimate parameters related to biological and fishery processes. Model misspecification may appear as contradictory signals in the data about these processes and may bias the estimate of quantities of interest. Auxiliary diagnostic analyses may be used to detect model misspecification and highlight potential solutions, but no set of good practices on what to use exist yet. In this study, we illustrate how to use auxiliary diagnostic analyses not only to identify model misspecification, but also to understand what data components provided information about abundance. The diagnostic tools included likelihood component profiles on the scaling parameter, age-structured production models, catch-curve analyses, and two novel analyses: empirical selectivity and monthly depletion models. While the likelihood profile indicated model misspecification, subsequent analyses were required to indicate the causes as unmodelled changes in selectivity and spatial structure of the population. The consistency between the catch-curve models, the monthly depletion models and the IM information on abundance comes from a strong signal shared by several purse-seine fisheries data sets: the length composition data informs absolute abundance while the indices of abundance constrain the trend in relative abundance.
El mandato transformador del Sistema Interamericano como respuesta a la pandemia a la luz del test democráticoThe Inter-American System’s transformative mandate as a response to the pandemic in light of the democratic test
Authors: Morales Antoniazzi Mariela
Published: October 2021

This article analyzes how Latin American democracies should react to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the perspective of a ius constitutionale commune in Latin America, it argues that the greatest challenge lies in passing the inter-American democratic test, which at the intersection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law can guarantee compliance with inter-American standards. A new rationale derives from the mechanisms adopted by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, in the exercise of the transformative mandate in times of pandemic. It concludes by identifying a “double” democratic test in Latin America that relies on the notion of collective guarantee of human rights standards.
Direct transaortic transcather valve-in-valve implantation into a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis during left ventricular assist device implantation: description of a surgical technique
Authors: Kiefer Philipp , Hoyer Alexandro , Borger Michael Andrew , Garbade Jens
Published: October 2021

The presence of a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis is considered a relative contraindication for left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD) due to the occurrence of thromboembolic events. Five patients were operated on for LVAD implantation with status post mechanical aortic valve implantation (n = 3 with status post Bentall procedure). After removal of the leaflets, a transcatheter balloon-expandable valve was placed within the mechanical ring in all patients. Three patients were discharged from hospital with a maximum follow-up of 3.3 years. Transaortic transcatheter valve implantation into a mechanical aortic valve during LVAD implantation is a feasible option. It reduces operative times and might also prevent thromboembolic events.
Effect of preoperative radiotherapy on overall survival in N2 non-small-cell lung cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database
Authors: Wang Yunan , Cao Yunliang , Wu Mengjia , Lu Yanyi , He Bo , Zhou Lei , Hu Wei
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of preoperative radiotherapy (PrORT) on the overall survival (OS) of patients with stage ipsilateral mediastinal lymph node metastasis (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer.

METHODS

A total of 1390 patients with stage N2 non-small-cell lung cancer between 2010 and 2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The efficacy of PrORT combined with surgery was compared with that of surgery alone on OS. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the baseline characteristics of patients who received (n = 239) and did not receive (n = 1151) PrORT. We compared the OS of the 2 groups using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank were used to compare the OS between the 2 groups test before and after PSM and to analyse subgroups of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

In whole group analysis before PSM, the median OS was superior in the PrORT group than in the surgery alone group (44.0 [34.4–56.6] vs 39.0 [34.5–43.5] months). There was a significant difference in OS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.819; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.677–0.991; P = 0.029]. Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference was found in OS between the 2 groups after PSM (HR: 0.856; 95% CI: 0.654–1.122; P = 0.260). Among subgroup analysis of the SCC group before PSM revealed that patients who received PrORT had significantly higher median OS than those who did not receive PrORT (52.0 [40.0–NA] vs 27.0 [22.0–32.0] months; HR: 0.591, 95% CI: 0.442–0.792, P = 0.000) and the differences in OS existed after PSM (P = 0.043). However, no significant difference was found in OS before and after matching in the adenocarcinoma group (P = 0.827 and P = 0.801, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

PrORT demonstrated an OS benefit for patients with stage N2 lung SCC; however, further prospective randomized clinical trials are warranted to confirm this finding.
Urban Particulate Matter Impairment of Airway Surface Liquid–Mediated Coronavirus Inactivation
Authors: Stapleton Emma M , Welch Jennifer L , Ubeda Erika A , Xiang Jinhua , Zabner Joseph , Thornell Ian M , Nonnenmann Matthew W , Stapleton Jack T , Comellas Alejandro P
Published: October 2021

Air pollution particulate matter (PM) is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity, although mechanistic studies are lacking. We tested whether airway surface liquid (ASL) from primary human airway epithelial cells is antiviral against SARS-CoV-2 and human alphacoronavirus 229E (CoV-229E) (responsible for common colds), and whether PM (urban, indoor air pollution [IAP], volcanic ash) affected ASL antiviral activity. ASL inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and CoV-229E. Independently, urban PM also decreased SARS-CoV-2 and CoV-229E infection, and IAP PM decreased CoV-229E infection. However, in combination, urban PM impaired ASL’s antiviral activity against both viruses, and the same effect occurred for IAP PM and ash against SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that PM may enhance SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Reduced transmission of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-KP) in patients with haematological malignancies hospitalized in an Italian hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Micozzi Alessandra , Assanto Giovanni Manfredi , Cesini Laura , Minotti Clara , Cartoni Claudio , Capria Saveria , Ciotti Giulia , Alunni Fegatelli Danilo , Donzelli Livia , Martelli Maurizio , Gentile Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Objectives

During the lockdown that started in Italy on 10 March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic, aggressive procedures were implemented to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in SARS-CoV-2-negative patients with haematological malignancies. These efforts progressively reduced Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-KP) spread among these patients. Here we evaluated the potential effects of measures against COVID-19 that reduced KPC-KP transmission.

Patients and methods

We analysed KPC-KP spread among 123 patients with haematological malignancies, hospitalized between March and August 2020, who were managed using measures against COVID-19. Their outcomes were compared with those of 80 patients hospitalized during the preceding 4 months (November 2019–February 2020).

Results

During March–August 2020, 15.5% of hospitalized patients were KPC-KP positive, compared with 52.5% in November 2019–February 2020 (P < 0.0001); 8% and 27.5% of patients in these two groups were newly KPC-KP positive, respectively (P = 0.0003). There were eight new KPC-KP-positive patients during January 2020 and none during June 2020. The weekly rate of hospitalized KPC-KP-positive patients decreased from 50% during March 2020 to 17% during August 2020. Four KPC-KP bloodstream infections (BSIs) were experienced by 123 patients (3%) in March–August 2020, and seven BSIs (one fatal) by 80 patients (8%) in November 2019–February 2020 (P = 0.02). Consumption and expense of ceftazidime/avibactam administered to KPC-KP-positive patients significantly decreased in March–August 2020.

Conclusions

Aggressive strategies to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission were applied to all hospitalized patients, characterized by high levels of KPC-KP endemicity and nosocomial transmission. Such measures prevented SARS-CoV-2 infection acquisition and KPC-KP horizontal transmission. Reduced KPC-KP spread, fewer associated clinical complications and decreased ceftazidime/avibactam consumption represented unexpected ‘collateral benefits’ of strategies to prevent COVID-19.
The roles of the US National Library of Medicine and Donald A.B. Lindberg in revolutionizing biomedical and health informatics
Authors: Miller Randolph A , Shortliffe Edward H
Published: October 2021

Over a 31-year span as Director of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), Donald A.B. Lindberg, MD, and his extraordinary NLM colleagues fundamentally changed the field of biomedical and health informatics—with a resulting impact on biomedicine that is much broader than its influence on any single subfield. This article provides substance to bolster that claim. The review is based in part on the informatics section of a new book, “Transforming biomedical informatics and health information access: Don Lindberg and the US National Library of Medicine” (IOS Press, forthcoming 2021). After providing insights into selected aspects of the book’s informatics-related contents, the authors discuss the broader context in which Dr. Lindberg and the NLM accomplished their transformative work.
The impact of genetic merit on ewe performance and efficiency parameters
Authors: Fetherstone Nicola , McHugh Noirin , Boland Tommy M , Creighton Philip , Galvin Norann , McGovern Fiona M
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ewe genetic merit on ewe performance and efficiency parameters. The study consisted of three genetic merit groups (New Zealand [NZ], High Irish, and Low Irish) and ran from 2016 to 2019, inclusive. Each genetic merit group contained 30 purebred Suffolk and 30 purebred Texel ewes, which were selected based on their maternal genetic indexes in their country of origin, namely Ireland (€uro-star Replacement index) or New Zealand (New Zealand Maternal worth). Ewe body condition score (BCS), ewe body weight (BW), milk yield, milk composition, dry matter intake (DMI), and efficiency parameters were all analyzed using linear mixed models. Ewe BW was similar across all genetic merit groups at each time point (P > 0.05). In comparison to both High and Low Irish ewes, NZ ewes had a higher BCS at mating, mid-pregnancy, lambing, week 10 post-lambing (PL, P < 0.05). Ewe BW change was similar across genetic merit groups, except between mating and mid-pregnancy where ewe BW loss was greater for NZ ewes than Irish ewes (P < 0.05) and between weeks 6 PL and 10 PL, where NZ ewes gained BW and High and Low Irish ewes lost BW (P < 0.01). Ewe milk yield, milk fat, total solids, and gross energy content were superior for milk produced by NZ ewes at week 6 PL in comparison to milk produced by High Irish and Low Irish ewes (P < 0.01). NZ ewes produced a greater quantity of milk solids/kg of BW at week 6 PL compared with High Irish ewes (P < 0.01), whereas Low Irish ewes did not differ from either NZ or High Irish (P > 0.05). Low Irish ewes had a greater daily DMI than High Irish ewes in late lactation (week 10 PL, P < 0.05) and had a greater DMI/kg of ewe BW compared with the High Irish ewes at the same time point (P < 0.05). NZ ewes weaned a litter BW equivalent to 60.4% of their mating BW, which was more than the Low Irish ewes who weaned 57.1% of the ewe’s BW at mating (P < 0.01), whereas the High Irish ewes did not differ from either the NZ or Low Irish ewes at 59.3% of the ewe’s BW at mating (P > 0.05). This study presents a range of parameters across ewes of high and low genetic merit, demonstrating the ability to achieve gains through selection of animals of high genetic merit. Sheep producers should consider genetic indexes as a tool to assist in the decision-making process of selecting replacement ewes and/or breeding rams, once satisfied the animal is correct, and meeting the breeding objectives of the system.
Effect ofTMEM154E35K variant (haplotypes 1 and 3) on the incidence of ovine lentivirus infection and ewe productivity during lifetime exposure
Authors: Murphy Thomas W , Chitko-McKown Carol G , Heaton Mike P , Freking Brad A
Published: October 2021

Ovine progressive pneumonia virus (OPPV) is a small ruminant lentivirus that is widespread throughout U.S. sheep flocks. Infections with OPPV are lifelong and effects are multi-systemic with significant implications for animal well-being and productivity. A protein isoform with lysine at position 35 (K35, haplotype “1”) encoded by the ovine transmembrane protein 154 (TMEM154) gene has been associated with reduced susceptibility to infection when two copies are present (i.e., diplotype “1,1”). Conversely, the ancestral protein isoform with glutamate at position 35 (E35, haplotype “3”) is associated with high susceptibility to infection when at least one copy is present. The beneficial effect of TMEM154 K35 alleles on ewe productivity has not been previously measured in controlled challenge experiments and was a major objective of this study. Ewes with TMEM154 diplotypes “1,1”; “1,3”; and “3,3” (n = 31, 47, and 30, respectively) were born and reared by OPPV-infected dams and managed under continual natural exposure to OPPV. Ewes were tested for serological status at 4-mo intervals for up to 5.5 yr. The incidence of infection in ewes with diplotype “1,1” was 6.5% to 9.7% and significantly lower (P < 0.001) than ewes with diplotype “1,3” (60.5 to 97.3%) or “3,3” (64.0 to 91.4%). Furthermore, the incidence among ewes with diplotype “1,1” did not increase from 10 to 67 mo of age (P > 0.99), whereas the incidence among diplotype “1,3” and “3,3” ewes increased steadily until reaching an asymptote at approximately 52 mo of age. Total number and weight of lamb weaned per ewe exposed through 5.5 yr from ewes with diplotype “1,1” far exceeded (P ≤ 0.05) those with diplotypes “1,3” and “3,3” by, on average, 2.1 lambs and 40 kg, respectively. The present study confirmed that TMEM154 diplotype “1,1” animals have reduced incidence of OPPV infection and, correspondingly, improved productivity. In flocks with a high frequency of TMEM154 haplotype “3,” selection for haplotype “1” appears to be a cost-effective approach to mitigate the impact of this economically important disease.
The Effect of Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Infestation on Behavior, Water, and Feed Intake, and Digestion Characteristics of Beef Cattle
Authors: Sanchez-Sandoval U A , Figueroa-Zamudio J J , Ramirez J , Löest C A , Soto-Navarro S A , Smythe B G
Published: October 2021

Seven mature Angus × Hereford crossbreed cows (544 ± 23.2 kg of body weight) fitted with duodenal and ruminal cannulas were used in a crossover design to evaluate the effects of horn fly (Haematobia irritans) (L.) infestation on horn fly-induced defensive behaviors, feed and water intake, as well as digestion characteristics of beef cows. Cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) a horn fly infested (1,000 flies per cow) or 2) a noninfested control group. All cows were housed in individual screened pens. Fly counts and infestations were performed daily to maintain consistent populations throughout the study. Sudan hay (11.4 % crude protein, dry matter basis) was selected to mimic forage quality that range cattle frequently graze in the southwest region. Horn fly-induced host defensive behaviors were greater (P ≤ 0.0002) for horn fly infested cattle. Intake of water, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber were similar (P ≥ 0.4765) among infested and noninfested cows. However, total volatile fatty acid concentration tended to increase (P = 0.0967) when horn flies were present. Dry matter fecal excretion and total tract digestion were not affected (P ≥ 0.2602) by horn fly infestation. These data indicate that horn fly infestations do not affect forage intake or digestion characteristics of beef cattle (Bos taurus) in confinement settings.