bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPACEDOS: AN OPEN-SOURCE PIN DIODE DOSEMETER FOR APPLICATIONS IN SPACE
Authors: Kákona Martin , Ambrožová Iva , Inozemtsev Konstantin O , Ploc Ondřej , Tolochek Raisa V , Sihver Lembit , Velychko Olena , Chroust Jan , Kitamura Hisashi , Kodaira Satoshi , Shurshakov Vyacheslav A
Published: August 2022

A new Open-Source dosemeter, SPACEDOS, has been developed for measurements of cosmic radiation on board spacecraft and small satellites. Its main advantages are that it is small and lightweight with low power consumption. It can be adjusted for specific applications, e.g. used in pressurized cabins of spacecraft or in vacuum environments in CubeSats or larger satellites. The open-source design enables better portability and reproduction of the results than other similar detectors. The detector has already successfully performed measurements on board the International Space Station. The obtained results are discussed and compared with those measured with thermoluminescent detectors located in the same position as SPACEDOS.
RADIOCARBON DATING OF CHARCOALS FROM HISTORICAL MORTARS FROM TÝŘOV AND PYŠOLEC CASTLES
Authors: Pachnerová Brabcová Kateřina , Krofta Tomáš , Valášek Vojtěch , Suchý Václav , Kundrát Pavel , Šimek Pavel , Kozlovcev Petr , Kotková Kristýna , Fialová Anna , Povinec Pavel P , Válek Jan , Světlík Ivo
Published: August 2022

Organic inclusions in lime binders provide useful samples for radiocarbon dating of historical objects. Two Czech castles Týřov and Pyšolec from Late Middle Ages were explored, and tens of charcoals were found in their walls. The radiocarbon content of the charcoals was measured with accelerator mass spectrometry. The dating results showed that none of the charcoals were younger than the known historical ages (Týřov: 1260 - 1270, Pyšolec: 1300 - 1340), but some were considerably older. Two charcoals from Pyšolec castle dated to Palaeolithic, likely originating from fluvial sediments added as an aggregate to the mortar. When excluding these two charcoals, the others indicated most likely dates being 50–100 y older than the building dates of the castles. This systemic effect corresponds to the age of wood used for lime burning and shall be accounted for when dating mortars using charcoals.
MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION OF HPGE DETECTOR GC0518 USING MCNP5 CODE
Authors: Stríbrnský Branislav , Hinca Róbert , Farkas Gabriel , Petriska Martin , Slugeň Vladimír
Published: August 2022

For precise modeling of a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector, detailed knowledge of its geometry is necessary. Unfortunately, some of the detector geometric parameters are often not available. This study suggests simple procedures for determining geometry without the need for radiography. The study considers the HPGe detector GC0518 manufactured by Mirion. The detector datasheet is available, but the uncertainties do not allow the detector to be modeled without additional corrections. The detector was modeled using MCNP5 code and the results were compared with calibration point sources and Marinelli beakers measurements. We also performed measurements to obtain information on the germanium dead layer, crystal holder shape, inner hole shape and radii of the crystal edges. Then the model was optimized according to the measurements. Finally, the full energy peak efficiencies were evaluated. The relative differences between the measured and calculated efficiencies are less than 4.5% for point sources and 5.4% for Marinelli beakers.
MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF POLONIUM ION COLLECTION IN ELECTROSTATIC FIELD FOR THE PURPOSE OF RADON DETECTOR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kaschner Martin , Kafka Vladimír , Marčišovský Michal , Staněk Pavel , Švihra Peter
Published: August 2022

Radon detectors based on an electrostatic collection of polonium and detection of its alpha decay are a popular choice for the measurement of radon activity. Due to the nature of $^{222}$Rn decays, 88% of radon progeny have a positive charge, thus enabling their collection on an electrode. A simulation software focused on the drift and diffusion of ions in an electric field has been developed, providing a tool to study and characterise such detectors. It has been found that one such device achieves only 44% collection efficiency, caused by the loss of a large fraction of the ions before reaching the collection diode. An improvement of the design is therefore proposed, changing the placement of the sensor resulted in an simulated increase of the collection efficiency up to 93%. Preliminary measurements performed using prototypes of these detectors confirm the results of the simulations.
‘Unite behind the Science!’ Climate movements’ use of scientific evidence in narratives on socio-ecological futures
Authors: Rödder Simone , Pavenstädt Christopher Niklas
Published: August 2022

Following Greta Thunberg’s school strike in Stockholm in August 2018 and the October 2018 ‘declaration of rebellion’ by activists in the UK, 2019 saw several climate protest movements rise to public attention, including Fridays for Future (FFF), Extinction Rebellion (XR), and the US Sunrise Movement. What is striking about them is that they rather bluntly refer to science in their campaigns. In this paper, we present an in-depth and comparative study of how the new climate protest movements relate to scientific evidence. Employing a narrative analysis of different types of data (websites, press releases, and media coverage), we study the movements’ understandings of ‘the science’ as well as of science’s role in policy processes. We find that the movements in their initial phase predominantly rely on science for their legitimation and adopt a scientific worldview with very little ‘green ambivalence’. Notably, FFF and XR hold a deficit model of existing climate communication and enact roles as science communicators.
Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis: pathogenesis, assessment and treatment
Authors: Volkmann Elizabeth R. , McMahan Zsuzsanna
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

The majority of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) will experience involvement of their gastrointestinal over the course of their disease. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal involvement in SSc, the strategies pertaining to the assessment and treatment for this clinical dimension of SSc have historically been limited. However, the present review highlights recent research contributions that enhance our understanding of SSc-GI patient subsets and provides updates on pathogenic mechanisms of disease, assessment and symptom-directed management.

Recent findings

In the past few years, several studies have identified risk factors for more severe gastrointestinal disease in SSc and have provided insight to optimize diagnosis and management of SSc-GI symptoms. This article also provides a review of currently available investigations and therapies for individual SSc-GI disease manifestations and reflects on actively evolving areas of research, including our understanding the role of the gut microbiome in SSc.

Here, we provide important updates pertaining to the risk stratification, assessment, diagnosis and management of SSc patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. These findings provide opportunities to enhance patient care and highlight exciting opportunities for future research.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation: An Adjunctive Therapy for Infection Management in Orthopaedic Trauma
Authors: Kim Paul
Published: August 2022

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation is a device that provides the benefits of standard negative pressure wound therapy and instillation of a topical wound solution. This combination can benefit acute and chronic wounds by continuously cleansing the wound and providing soft tissue stability between staged operations or in preparation for a single procedure. Although skeletal stability is important in orthopaedic trauma, the overlying soft tissue envelop may also be compromised, which can lead to contamination and infection. This review will discuss the growing body of evidence for the use of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation with a focus on infection and recommendations for its proper use.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation-Dwell in Orthopaedic Trauma: How to Avoid Leaks and Frustration
Authors: Duda Marcus , Kim Paul
Published: August 2022

Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation-dwell (NPWTi-d) is the natural evolution of NPWT. This therapy combines the benefits of instillation with negative pressure. Advancements in the drape and the foam dressing has further advanced the utility of this therapy for use in orthopaedic trauma wounds. The technique for drape application plays an important role in maximizing the benefits of NPWTi-d. This article provides tips and guidance to ensure a proper dressing seal and other helpful instructions to maximize the benefits of NPWTi-d.
Tibial Tuberosity Fracture: A Highly Selective Injury
Authors: Badin Daniel , Raad Micheal , Sponseller Paul D.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Tibial tuberosity fracture (TTF) is an uncommon injury occurring mostly in adolescents. The association between race and TTF has not been investigated. We aimed to determine whether there is an association between race and hospital admission for pediatric TTF and to evaluate previously determined risk factors for TTF using a large sample.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional analysis of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality/Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 2016 Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID). We compared admissions for TTF to admissions for all other diagnoses. Because forearm fracture has not been found to be associated with race, univariate and multivariate analyses comparing admissions for TTF to admissions for forearm fracture were also performed. Sample weights were used to preserve national estimates.

Results:

Of 692 patients admitted for TTF in 2016, 93.2% were male. Factors associated with TTF admission compared with other admission diagnoses on multivariate analysis included male sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 17.67, confidence interval (CI) 12.25-25.47), age 13 to15 (aOR 10.33, CI 5.67-18.82, reference: age 8-12), and black (aOR 8.04, CI 3.91-16.49) and Hispanic (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.30-5.55) races/ethnicities (reference: Caucasian). Compared with forearm fracture admission, black race had an aOR of 22.05 (CI 10.08-48.21) for TTF admission on multivariate analysis. The effect of race on TTF admission also varied significantly with age, with 12 years carrying the strongest association of black race with TTF admission.

Conclusion:

Black race is a previously unreported, strong independent risk factor for TTF. Male sex and age 13 to 15 are also strong risk factors for TTF, making this a highly selective fracture.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III.
Immunization for midlife women
Authors: Brown Vivien
Published: August 2022

Objective

Menopause occurs at a critical juncture in life when preventative health care can have a major impact. However, recommendations for immunizations are often neglected, leading to unnecessary morbidity and mortality in aging women. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of immunization checkpoints at menopause to optimize the quality of care and health maintenance in older women and to provide an overview of the impact of immunizations on women's health.

Methods

This is an opinion article based on the current US and Canadian guidelines. A review of various guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Advisory Committee on Immunizations were conducted for each vaccine.

Results and Conclusions

Disease prevention benefits are well established for several diseases, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, human papillomavirus, streptococcus pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19. During clinical encounters, a needs assessment regarding vaccinations should be conducted. However, barriers to adult vaccination including lack of patient and provider knowledge about the need for vaccination, lack of priority for preventive services, and concerns regarding costs, insurance coverage, and reimbursement all contribute to the adult immunization gap. Given the importance of immunization and the need to decrease vaccine-preventable diseases, it is the obligation of healthcare practitioners to recommend vaccines and provide education on vaccination guidelines and associated risks. As women often seek medical attention at menopause because of changes in their physiology that require attention, it is the ideal time to discuss the importance of immunization.
The Effect of a Self-Management Program on Care Burden and Self-Efficacy in Family Caregivers of People With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: BANITALEBI Soheila , ETEMADIFAR Shahram , KHEIRI Soleiman , MASOUDI Reza
Published: August 2022

Background

Family caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) face many caring-related problems that increase their care burden and decrease their self-efficacy. Evidence-based self-management interventions may be used to improve care processes and resolve caregiver concerns.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a self-management program on care burden and self-efficacy in family caregivers of people with MS.

Methods

This study was performed in Iran in 2018–2019. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and assigned to control and intervention groups of 35 participants each using stratified randomization by gender. The intervention group participated in an eight-session self-management program. Data were collected using the Zarit Burden Interview and Scherrer Self-efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS Version 16.

Results

No significant difference in care burden scores was found between the two groups at baseline (p = .953). However, mean scores for care burden in the intervention group were significantly higher (p < .001) both immediately after completion of the intervention (42.6 ± 3) and at 3 months after completion of the intervention (36 ± 3), with the most significant improvement found immediately after the intervention. Similarly, no significant difference in self-efficacy scores was found between the groups at baseline (p = .976). However, mean scores for self-efficacy in the intervention group were significantly higher (p < .001) both immediately after and at 3 months after completion of the intervention (60.6 ± 4.7 and 72.7 ± 4, respectively), with the most significant improvement found at 3 months postintervention.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

Providing self-management programs to caregivers of people with MS is an effective approach to reducing their burden of care and increasing their self-efficacy. Enhancing self-management by learning adaptation skills, self-care skills, social support, and spiritual support promote improved self-efficacy and reduce the care burden of these caregivers.
Recurrent Dysplasia After a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure: Local Versus General Anesthesia
Authors: Tzur Yossi , Berkovitz-Shperling Roza , Laskov Ido , Grisaru Dan , Michaan Nadav
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to compare the rates of positive specimen margins and postconization recurrent dysplasia between loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEPs) performed under general anesthesia (GA) and LEEP under local anesthesia (LA).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive women who underwent LEEP between 2011 and 2019. Collected data included demographics, LEEP indication, cone dimensions, and margin involvement as well as recurrence rate. Women who had undergone previous conization, cold-knife conization, or those who were lost to follow-up during the first 2 years after the procedure were excluded.

Results

Overall, 71 women who underwent LEEP under GA and 75 women under LA were included. Demographic characteristics were similar between the groups, as were the rates of preceding abnormal cytology and high-grade dysplasia before conization. Although cone depth and volume were higher for LEEP specimens done under GA compared with LA, the rate of positive specimen margins was comparable both for the endocervical margin (16/71 [22.5%] vs 16/75 [21.3%], respectively; p = .861) and the ectocervical margin (14/71 [19.7%] vs 11/75 [14.7%], respectively; p = .418). During the first 2 years after conization, the rates of high-grade dysplasia (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia ≥ 2) in repeat biopsy and the need for repeat conization were also not significantly different between the GA and LA groups (4.2% vs 1.3%, p = .356; 7.0% vs 9.3%, p = .614, respectively).

Conclusions

Anesthesia mode does not seem to affect the rate of positive LEEP margins and the need for repeat conization. Our study findings suggest that LA should be preferred instead of GA in LEEP.
Moderating the Relationship Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease and Symptoms of PTSD
Authors: Fuss Alexandra , Lease Suzanne
Published: August 2022

Goals:

This study examined whether inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients endorse clinically significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and tested whether remission status and remission expectations effectively moderate the relationship between endorsements of PTSD symptoms and aspects of IBD.

Background Study:

The enduring somatic threat model speaks to the presentation of symptoms of trauma that result from ongoing somatic concerns rather than discrete external events. Literature shows patients living with acute conditions experience symptoms of PTSD; however, few studies extend this to the IBD population. In addition, literature suggests remission may serve as a protective factor for the impact of IBD; as such, aspects of remission may serve as moderators in the relationship between aspects of IBD and PTSD symptoms.

Results:

Among a sample of adults with IBD, results showed that 32.8% of participants met the established cutoff for PTSD symptoms warranting further diagnostic evaluation. The findings further showed several aspects of remission moderated the relationship between multiple distinct IBD related concerns and PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions:

Given the results of this study, it would be beneficial for providers to maintain awareness of the potential impact of PTSD symptoms, including the ways in which these symptoms may influence patient engagement/presentation. Ultimately, these results inform efforts to continue appropriate referral to mental health professionals for follow up.
Optimizing Care Teams by Leveraging Advanced Practice Providers Through Strategic Workforce Planning
Authors: Kuriakose Clair , Stringer Meredith , Ziegler Amy , Hsieh Chuyun , Atashroo Megan , Hendershott Joan , Tippett Vicki , Shah Deepa , Cianfichi Lisa , Katznelson Laurence , Mahoney Megan
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are integral members of the healthcare delivery team. However, there has been a lack of standardization and uniformity in how they are utilized across inpatient, ambulatory, and procedural settings.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary workforce planning committee was formed in March 2021 to evaluate all new and replacement full-time equivalent APP positions at Stanford Health Care (SHC), an academic medical center of more than 600 APPs, to optimize and standardize the role of APPs as per national benchmarks.

RESULTS

Six months since the launch of the committee, there has been a 10% increase in the number of visits and procedures performed by APPs providing better access for patients. In addition, there has been a 38.7% improvement in ambulatory APPs meeting their productivity target, 19.4% improvement in ambulatory APPs meeting utilization targets, and 36.8% improvement in ambulatory APPs meeting the 50th percentile and above as per the relative value unit benchmark published by the Medical Group Management Association for Academic Medical Centers. For inpatient APPs, there has been a 38.8% improvement in APPs meeting the average daily census target.

DISCUSSION

APP utilization is an important topic that has not been consistently addressed in the literature. Inappropriate utilization and lack of top of licensure practice have been associated with increased turnover, decreased job satisfaction, and professional development. By developing a multidisciplinary workforce planning committee, full-time employee positions are evaluated with a goal of optimizing and standardizing the role of APPs at SHC.
Psychometric Evaluation of The Irritability Scale-Initial Version in Chinese Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Amy Y. , Tang Lili , Ganocy Stephen , Chung Min-Huey , Chang Wen-Pei
Published: August 2022

Background

Irritability is a common experience of depressed Chinese patients but is understudied and poorly measured.

Objective

We aimed to assess psychometric properties of a new measure of irritability in Chinese cancer patients across the social and political spectrum.

Methods

The Irritability Scale-Initial Version (TISi) was translated into Chinese and tested in two samples of Chinese cancer patients undergoing treatments: 52 patients in Beijing, China, between 2018 and 2019 and 65 patients in Taipei, Taiwan, in 2020.

Results

The Chinese version of TISi demonstrated high internal consistency, high reliability based on the split-half method in the two samples, and satisfactory discriminant validity using the Chinese version of the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the 7-item depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in the Beijing sample. A confirmatory factor analysis produced factor loadings in both samples, which resembled a sample of American cancer patients. Three TISi items were loaded more highly on the physical instead of the original behavioral subscale in the Beijing sample. A possible influence of cultures was explained.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of TISi has satisfactory psychometric properties for assessing the level of irritability in Chinese cancer patients. Future large-sample studies are needed to further determine TISi’s factorial structure, test–retest reliability, sensitivity to change, and predictive validity for depression in Chinese cancer patients.
Pediatric injury trends and relationships with social vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-institutional analysis
Authors: Flynn-O'Brien Katherine T. , Collings Amelia T. , Farazi Manzur , Fallat Mary E. , Minneci Peter C. , Speck K. Elizabeth , Van Arendonk Kyle , Deans Katherine J. , Falcone Richard A. , Foley David S. , Fraser Jason D. , Gadepalli Samir , Keller Martin S. , Kotagal Meera , Landman Matthew P. , Leys Charles M. , Markel Troy A. , Rubalcava Nathan , St. Peter Shawn D. , Sato Thomas T. ,   On behalf of the Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric injury, particularly relative to a community's vulnerability, is unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the change in pediatric injury during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with prior years, focusing on intentional injury relative to the social vulnerability index (SVI).

METHODS

All patients younger than 18 years meeting inclusion criteria for the National Trauma Data Bank between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2020, at nine Level I pediatric trauma centers were included. The COVID cohort (children injured in the first 6 months of the pandemic) was compared with an averaged historical cohort (corresponding dates, 2016–2019). Demographic and injury characteristics and hospital-based outcomes were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds of intentional injury associated with SVI, moderated by exposure to the pandemic. Interrupted time series analysis with autoregressive integrated moving average modeling was used to predict expected injury patterns. Volume trends and observed versus expected rates of injury were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 47,385 patients that met inclusion criteria, with 8,991 treated in 2020 and 38,394 treated in 2016 to 2019. The COVID cohort included 7,068 patients and the averaged historical cohort included 5,891 patients (SD, 472), indicating a 20% increase in pediatric injury (p = 0.031). Penetrating injuries increased (722 [10.2%] COVID vs. 421 [8.0%] historical; p < 0.001), specifically firearm injuries (163 [2.3%] COVID vs. 105 [1.8%] historical; p = 0.043). Bicycle collisions (505 [26.3%] COVID vs. 261 [18.2%] historical; p < 0.001) and collisions on other land transportation (e.g., all-terrain vehicles) (525 [27.3%] COVID vs. 280 [19.5%] historical; p < 0.001) also increased. Overall, SVI was associated with intentional injury (odds ratio, 7.9; 95% confidence interval, 6.5–9.8), a relationship which increased during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric injury increased during the pandemic across multiple sites and states. The relationship between increased vulnerability and intentional injury increased during the pandemic.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
Mandrake: visualizing microbial population structure by embedding millions of genomes into a low-dimensional representation
Authors: Lees John A. , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Yang Zhirong , Corander Jukka
Published: August 2022

In less than a decade, population genomics of microbes has progressed from the effort of sequencing dozens of strains to thousands, or even tens of thousands of strains in a single study. There are now hundreds of thousands of genomes available even for a single bacterial species, and the number of genomes is expected to continue to increase at an accelerated pace given the advances in sequencing technology and widespread genomic surveillance initiatives. This explosion of data calls for innovative methods to enable rapid exploration of the structure of a population based on different data modalities, such as multiple sequence alignments, assemblies and estimates of gene content across different genomes. Here, we present Mandrake, an efficient implementation of a dimensional reduction method tailored for the needs of large-scale population genomics. Mandrake is capable of visualizing population structure from millions of whole genomes, and we illustrate its usefulness with several datasets representing major pathogens. Our method is freely available both as an analysis pipeline (https://github.com/johnlees/mandrake) and as a browser-based interactive application (https://gtonkinhill.github.io/mandrake-web/).

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Genomic population structures of microbial pathogens’.
Detecting bacterial adaptation within individual microbiomes
Authors: Lieberman Tami D.
Published: August 2022

The human microbiome harbours a large capacity for within-person adaptive mutations. Commensal bacterial strains can stably colonize a person for decades, and billions of mutations are generated daily within each person's microbiome. Adaptive mutations emerging during health might be driven by selective forces that vary across individuals, vary within an individual, or are completely novel to the human population. Mutations emerging within individual microbiomes might impact the immune system, the metabolism of nutrients or drugs, and the stability of the community to perturbations. Despite this potential, relatively little attention has been paid to the possibility of adaptive evolution within complex human-associated microbiomes. This review discusses the promise of studying within-microbiome adaptation, the conceptual and technical limitations that may have contributed to an underappreciation of adaptive
de novo
mutations occurring within microbiomes to date, and methods for detecting recent adaptive evolution.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Genomic population structures of microbial pathogens’.
Parvicella tangerina gen. nov., sp. nov. (Parvicellaceae fam. nov., Flavobacteriales), first cultured representative of the marine clade UBA10066, and Lysobacter luteus sp. nov., from activated sludge of a seawater-processing wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Lucena Teresa , Sánchez Olga , Sanz-Saez Isabel , Acinas Silvia G. , Garrido Laura , Mas Jordi , Macián M. Carmen , Ruvira María A. , Arahal David R. , Pujalte María J.
Published: August 2022

Two strains isolated from a sample of activated sludge that was obtained from a seawater-based wastewater treatment plant on the southeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain have been characterized to achieve their taxonomic classification, since preliminary data suggested they could represent novel taxa. Given the uniqueness of this habitat, as this sort of plants are rare in the world and this one used seawater to process an influent containing intermediate products from amoxicillin synthesis, we also explored their ecology and the annotations of their genomic sequences. Analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that one of them, which was orange-pigmented, was distantly related to

Vicingus serpentipes

(family

Vicingaceae

) and to other representatives of neighbouring families in the order

Flavobacteriales

(class

Flavobacteriia

) by 88–89 % similarities; while the other strain, which was yellow-pigmented, was a putative new species of

Lysobacter

(family

Xanthomonadaceae

, order

Xanthomonadales

, class

Gammaproteobacteria

) with

Lysobacter arseniciresistens

as closest relative (97.3 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity to its type strain). Following a polyphasic taxonomic approach, including a genome-based phylogenetic analysis and a thorough phenotypic characterization, we propose the following novel taxa: Parvicella tangerina gen. nov., sp. nov. (whose type strain is AS29M-1T=CECT 30217T=LMG 32344T), Parvicellaceae fam. nov. (whose type genus is Parvicella), and Lysobacter luteus sp. nov. (whose type strain is AS29MT=CECT 30171T=LMG 32343T).
Physical activity, balance, and bicycling in older adults
Authors: Baughn Maya , Arellano Victor , King Greg , Lightner Joseph S. , Grimes Amanda R. , Hawthorne-Crosby Brieanna
Published: August 2022

Falls are a critical public health issue among older adults. One notable factor contributing to falls in older adults is a deterioration of the structures supporting balance and overall balance control. Preliminary evidence suggests older adults who ride a bicycle have better balance than those who do not. Cycling may be an effective intervention to prevent falls among older adults. This study aims to objectively measure the relationship between bicycling, physical activity, and balance for older adults. Older adult cyclists (n=19) and non-cyclists (n=27) were recruited to (1) complete a survey that assessed demographics; (2) wear an accelerometer for 3 weeks to objectively assess physical activity; and (3) complete balance-related tasks on force platforms. Mann-Whitney U-tests were performed to understand differences in balance and physical activity between cyclists and non-cyclists. Cyclists are significantly more physically than non-cyclists (U = 102.00, p = .015; U = 81.00, p=.002). Cyclists had less sway velocity in eyes open conditions than non-cyclists (U = 360.00, p=.009), indicating a more tightly regulated postural control strategy that may relate to higher stability in cyclists. Task duration among cyclists in single-leg stand was longer than non-cyclists (left leg: p<.001 and right leg: p<.005) indicating increased postural stability. This study demonstrates the possible implications for cycling on balance and reducing fall risk.
Short-term intensive fasting improves red blood cell function and rejuvenates erythropoiesis via regulating MS4A3-CDK2 module
Authors: Xu Li , Wei Wen , Qian Jiawei , Zhang Suping , Jin Zhicong , Wang Xueqing , Li Lei , Gu Yue , Lv Yaqi , Zhao Chen , Gao Xueqin , Bu Wenwen , Zhang Ruizhi , Ma Xiaoya , Yang Yanjun , Yan Zhanjun , Chen Yuwei , Sun Qiyuan , Wang Li , Chen Zixing , Xu Youjia , Xu Peng , Zhao Yun , Fang Yixuan , Yuan Na , Wang Jianrong
Published: August 2022

Fasting is known to improve health, but the precisely beneficial effects of specific types of fasting and their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We herein report that in humans, occasional short-term intensive fasting (STIF), a traditional fasting format favored by Asians, promotes erythropoiesis and boosts the function of red blood cells (RBCs) in oxygen transportation, ATP generation, antioxidant capacity, and innate immune response. The rejuvenation of erythropoiesis is more pronounced in humans with low RBC counts. Using mouse models and a human erythroid progenitor cell model, we found that occasional STIF rejuvenates erythropoiesis by enhancing megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor selfrenewal and erythroid-biased differentiation without compromising normal hematopoiesis. Molecularly, STIF relies on an autophagy-dependent but erythropoietin (EPO) upregulation-independent MS4A3-CDK2 module to augment the production of RBCs. Our findings thus suggest that STIF can occasionally be practiced as an efficient noninvasive intervention for better erythropoiesis, particularly for adults with low RBC counts.

Graphical abstract

In brief

Xu et al showed that short-term intensive fasting (STIF), when occasionally practiced, boosts red blood cell function and promotes erythropoiesis by regulating MS4A3-CDK2 module to enhance megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor selfrenewal and erythroid-biased differentiation.

Highlights

Occasional STIF boosts the function of red blood cells

Occasional STIF promotes erythropoiesis, which is more significant in adults with low red blood cell counts

Occasional STIF selectively enhances MEP selfrenewal and erythroid-biased differentiation via MS4A3-CDK2 module

The erythropoietic MS4A3-CDK2 response to STIF is autophagy-dependent but EPO upregulation-independent.
Coverage and effectiveness of conditional cash transfer for people with drug resistant tuberculosis in Zimbabwe: a mixed methods study
Authors: Timire Collins , Sandy Charles , Ferrand Rashida A , Mubau Regina , Shiri Peter , Mbiriyawanda Obert , Mbiba Fredrick , Houben Rein MGJ , Pedrazzoli Debora , Bond Virginia , Foster Nicola , Kranzer Katharina
Published: August 2022

Background

The End TB strategy recommends social protection to mitigate socio-economic impacts of tuberculosis. Zimbabwe started implementing a conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme for people on drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) treatment in 2013. We aimed to determine the proportion of people receiving CCT and effectiveness of CCT in improving treatment outcomes, explore their experiences with registering for CCT and understand the impact of CCT from the perspective of beneficiaries.

Methods

Data from 2014-2021 were extracted from TB registers and CCT payment records within the National TB Programme. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with people who were completing treatment or had completed treatment within two months. Poisson regression, adjusted for province, year of treatment, age and sex was used to investigate associations between receiving CCT and successful treatment outcomes among people who were in DR-TB care for ≥3 months after treatment initiation. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 481 people were included in the quantitative study. Of these, 53% (254/481) received CCT at some point during treatment. People who exited DR-TB care within three months were 73% less likely to receive CCT than those who did not (prevalence ratio (PR)=0.27 [95%CI: 0.18-0.41]). Among those who were alive and in care three months after treatment initiation, CCT recipients were 32% more likely to have successful outcomes than those who did not (adjusted PR=1.32, [95%CI: 1.00-1.75]). Qualitative results revealed lack of knowledge about availability of CCT among people with DR-TB and missed opportunities by healthcare providers to provide information about availability of CCT. Delays and inconsistencies in disbursements of CCT were frequent themes.

Conclusion

CCT were associated with successful treatment outcomes. Improvements in coverage, timeliness and predictability of disbursements are recommended.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in admitted patients at a tertiary referral centre in North India
Authors: Ray Animesh , Singh Komal , Mehdi Farha , Chattopadhyay Souvick , Jadon Ranveer Singh , Nischal Neeraj , Soneja Manish , Sethi Prayas , Meena Ved Prakash , Trikha Anjan , Batra Gaurav , Wig Naveet
Published: August 2022

Background

Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is an important tool to estimate true burden of infection in a given population. Serosurveys, though being conducted in different parts of India, are not readily published in entirety and often do not report on the different characteristics of the population studied. In this present study, we aimed to serially estimate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody over 11 months at one of the largest government hospital in India.

Method

In this cross-sectional study which was conducted between between 9th June 2020 and 27th April 2021, consecutive patients admitted to medicine wards or intensive care units, who were negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or CBNAAT were included. The 2linic-demographic features of the subjects were recorded in pre-formed questionnaires. Anti-SARS-CoV2 antibody levels targeting recombinant spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) protein of SARS CoV-2 were estimated in serum sample by the ELISA method.

Results

A total of 916 patients were recruited over 11 months with mean age(±SD) 39.79±14.9 of years and 55% of population being males. In total 264(28.8%) patients were found to be seropositive. Residency in Delhi and non-smoking status conferred a higher risk for seropositivity. The adjusted odds ratio for seropositivity with regards to no smoking and residence out of Delhi were .31±.09 (Odds ratio ± S.E) and .65 ± .1 (Odds ratio ± S.E) respectively. No other factors like age, socio-economic status, contact history etc showed significant relationship with seropositivity.

Conclusion

The seropositivity rate among hospitalized patients was found to increase with time (from 8.45% to 38%) over a period of 9 months. Residence in Delhi and non-smokers had higher risk for seropositivity on multivariate analysis.
Increased adverse events following third dose of BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine in those with previous COVID-19, but not with concurrent influenza vaccine
Authors: Raw Rachael K. , Rees Jon , Chadwick David R.
Published: August 2022

Prior studies suggest that adverse events (AEs) following doses one and two of BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine are worse in those with a prior history of COVID-19. To establish whether this outcome applies to a third/booster dose, we conducted a survey with 534 healthcare workers (HCW) in Northeast England, who reported AEs following all three doses of BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine. We also explored AEs associated with concurrent seasonal influenza immunisation. For all doses of BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine there was a cluster of systemic AEs that were consistently worse in HCWs with a prior history of COVID-19. AEs were no worse in HCWs who received their third/booster dose within 7 days of the influenza jab, rather than further apart. Gender and the presence of ongoing COVID-19 symptoms (OCS) had no effect on AEs associated with COVID-19 or influenza vaccination, though younger HCWs experienced more AEs overall. Our findings have implications for vaccine hesitancy and immunisation protocols.
Association between Blood N-3 Fatty Acid Levels and Risk for COVID-19 in the UK biobank
Authors: Harris William S. , Tintle Nathan L. , Sathyanarayanan Swaminathan Perinkulam , Westra Jason
Published: August 2022

Background

The role of nutritional status and risk for contracting and/or suffering adverse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear. Preliminary studies suggest that higher n-3 PUFA intakes may be protective.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare risk for three COVID-19 outcomes (testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, hospitalization, and death) as a function of baseline plasma DHA levels.

Methods

DHA levels (% of total fatty acids) were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance. The three outcomes and relevant covariates were available for 110,584 subjects (hospitalization and death) and for 26,595 ever-tested subjects (positive for SARS-CoV-2) in the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. Outcome data between January 1, 2020 and March 23, 2021 were included. Omega-3 Index (red blood cell EPA+DHA%) values across DHA% quintiles were estimated. Multi-variable Cox-proportional hazards models were constructed and linear (per 1-SD) relations with risk for each outcome were computed as hazard ratios (HRs).

Results

In the fully adjusted models, comparing the fifth to the first DHA% quintiles, the HR for testing positive (95% CI) was 0.79 (0.71, 0.89; p<0.001), for being hospitalized was 0.74 (0.58, 0.94; P<0.05), and for dying with COVID-19 was 1.04 (0.69, 1.57; NS). On a per 1-SD increase in DHA% basis, the HRs were: for testing positive, 0.92 (0.89,0.96; p<0.001); for hospitalization, 0.89 (0.83, 0.97; p<0.01); and for death, 0.95 (0.83,1.09). Estimated Omega-3 Index values across DHA quintiles ranged from 3.5% (quintile 1) to 8% (quintile 5).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that nutritional strategies to increase circulating n-3 PUFA levels, such as increased consumption of oily fish and/or use of n-3 fatty acid supplements, may reduce risk for adverse COVID-19 outcomes.
HArtMuT - Modeling eye and muscle contributors in neuroelectric imaging
Authors: Harmening Nils , Klug Marius , Gramann Klaus , Miklody Daniel
Published: August 2022

Magneto- and electroencephalography (M/EEG) measurements record a mix of signals from the brain, eyes, and muscles. These signals can be disentangled for artifact cleaning e.g. using spatial filtering techniques. However, correctly localizing and identifying these components relies on head models that so far only take brain sources into account. We thus developed the Head Artefact Model using Tripoles (HArtMuT). This volume conduction head model extends to the neck and includes brain sources as well as sources representing eyes and muscles that can be modeled as single dipoles, symmetrical dipoles, and tripoles.

We compared a HArtMuT 4-layer Boundary Element Model (BEM) with the EEGLAB standard head model on their localization accuracy and residual variance (RV) using a HArtMuT Finite Element Model as ground truth. We also evaluated the RV on real-world data of mobile participants, comparing different HArtMuT BEM types with the EEGLAB standard head model. We found that HArtMuT improves localization for all sources, especially non-brain, and localization error and RV of non-brain sources were in the same range as those of brain sources. The best results were achieved by using cortical dipoles, muscular tripoles, and ocular symmetric dipoles, but dipolar sources alone can already lead to convincing results.

We conclude that HArtMuT is well suited for modeling eye and muscle contributions to the M/EEG signal. It can be used to localize sources and to identify brain, eye, and muscle components. HArtMuT is freely available and can be integrated into standard software.
SODAR: managing multi-omics study data and metadata
Authors: Nieminen Mikko , Stolpe Oliver , Kuhring Mathias , Weiner January , Pett Patrick , Beule Dieter , Holtgrewe Manuel
Published: August 2022

Scientists employing omics in life science studies face challenges such as the modeling of multi assay studies, recording of all relevant parameters, and managing many samples with their metadata. They must manage many large files that are the results of the assays or subsequent computation. Users with diverse backgrounds, ranging from computational scientists to wet-lab scientists, have dissimilar needs when it comes to data access, with programmatic interfaces being favored by the former and graphical ones by the latter.

We introduce SODAR, the system for omics data access and retrieval. SODAR is a software package that addresses these challenges by providing a web-based graphical user interface for managing multi assay studies and describing them using the ISA (Investigation, Study, Assay) data model and the ISA-Tab file format. Data storage is handled using the iRODS data management system, which handles large quantities of files and substantial amounts of data. SODAR also offers programmable APIs and command line access for metadata and file storage.

SODAR supports complex omics integration studies and can be easily installed. The software is written in Python 3 and freely available athttps://github.com/bihealth/sodar-serverunder the MIT license.
Time-dependent enhancement in ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron activity drives pain-facilitated fentanyl intake in males
Authors: Higginbotham Jessica A. , Abt Julian G. , Tiech Rachel H. , Morón Jose A
Published: August 2022

Pain affects over 50% of US adults. Opioids are potent analgesics used to treat pain symptoms but are highly prone to abuse – creating a major dilemma for public health. Evidence suggests that the proclivity for opioid abuse under pain conditions varies between sexes. However, the neural mechanisms underlying sex-specific effects of pain on opioid use are largely unclear. Here, we recapitulate clinical findings and demonstrate that pain increases self-administration of the widely abused opioid, fentanyl, selectively in male rats. These behavioral effects develop over time and are paralleled by sex- and pain-specific effects on fentanyl-evoked ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neuron activity, a critical mediator of motivation and reward. Usingin vivofiber photometry, we show that tonic VTA DA neuron activity is attenuated in males with pain. In contrast, phasic VTA DA neuron responses to self-administered fentanyl increase in magnitude at later timepoints and correspond with increases in fentanyl intake. The protracted increase in fentanyl-evoked VTA DA activity is necessary for pain to enhance fentanyl self-administration in males because chemogenetic inhibition of VTA DA neurons normalized fentanyl intake and associated fentanyl-evoked VTA DA neuron responses. These findings reveal time-dependent and sex-specific pain-induced adaptations to VTA DA neuron function that underlie maladaptive patterns of opioid use.
Variations of neuronal properties in the region of locus coeruleus of mice
Authors: Tortorelli Lucas Silva , Garad Machhindra , Megemont Marine , Haga-Yamanaka Sachiko , Goel Anubhuti , Yang Hongdian
Published: August 2022

Neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) have been traditionally viewed as a homogenous population. Recent studies begin to reveal their heterogeneity at multiple levels, ranging from molecular compositions to projection targets. To further uncover variations of neuronal properties in the LC, we took a genetic-based tagging approach to identify these neurons. Our data revealed diverse spike waveforms among neurons in the LC region, including a considerable fraction of narrow-spiking units. While all wide-spiking units possessed the regular waveform polarity (negative-positive deflection), the narrow units can be further divided based on opposing waveform polarities. Under anesthesia, wide units emitted action potential at a higher rate than the narrow units. Under wakefulness, only one subtype of narrow units exhibited fast-spiking phenotype. These neurons also had long latencies to optogenetic stimulation.In-situhybridization further supported the existence of a small population of putative GABAergic neurons in the LC core. Together, our data reveal characteristic differences among neurons in the LC region, and suggest that a fraction of electrophysiologically-identified narrow-spiking neurons can be fast-spiking interneurons, and their fast-spiking feature is masked by anesthesia.