bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nationwide experiences with trough levels, durability, and disease activity among inflammatory bowel disease patients following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Resál Tamás , Bacsur Péter , Horváth Miklós , Szántó Kata , Rutka Mariann , Bálint Anita , Fábián Anna , Bor Renáta , Szepes Zoltán , Fekete János , Farkas Klaudia , Miheller Pál , Molnár Tamás
Published: July 2023

Background:

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has complicated the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of different anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines under different treatments in IBD patients and identify predictive factors associated with lower serological response, including anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drug levels.

Design:

A prospective, double-center study of IBD patients was conducted following messenger ribonucleotide acid (mRNA) and non-mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Methods:

Healthy control (HC) patients were enrolled to reduce bias. Baseline and control samples were obtained 14 days after the second dose to assess the impact of conventional and biological treatments. Clinical and biochemical activity, serological response level, and anti-TNF drug levels were measured.

Results:

This study included 199 IBD (mean age, 40.9 ± 12.72 years) and 77 HC participants (mean age, 50.3 ± 12.36 years). Most patients (76.9%) and all HCs received mRNA vaccines. Half of the IBD patients were on biological treatment (anti-TNF 68.7%). Biological and thiopurine combined immunomodulation and biological treatment were associated with lower serological response ( p < 0.001), and mRNA vaccination promoted better antibody levels ( p < 0.001). Higher adalimumab levels caused lower serological response ( p = 0.006). W8 persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 level was equal in IBD and HC groups. Vaccination did not aggravate clinical disease activity ( p = 0.65).

Conclusion:

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is considerably efficacious in IBD patients, with mRNA vaccines promoting better antibody levels. The negative impact of combined biological treatment, especially with high adalimumab drug levels, on serological response to vaccination should be considered. Although midterm durability of vaccination is encouraging, more data are needed to expand the existing understanding on this issue.
Understanding the Unforeseen Consequences of an Incomplete Transitional Justice Ecology in the Philippines
Authors: Destrooper Tine
Published: July 2023

The Philippines is not typically the focus of transitional justice (TJ) scholarship. Yet, it has had to deal with violent legacies pertaining to each generation of TJ and has installed several TJ initiatives in response to this. This has given rise to a densely populated TJ landscape, spanning different periods and regions and including both formal and informal initiatives within various TJ pillars. In spite of this plethora of initiatives, the Philippines can hardly be called a ‘successful’ case of dealing with violent legacies – with the recent election of Bongbong Marcos as the most striking example thereof. In this article I argue that this can be understood in light of the absence of a genuine TJ ecology: there has not been an encompassing approach in which various kinds of initiatives interact with each other based on intersecting normative objectives. I argue that the case of the Philippines holds broader lessons regarding the importance of a more ecological understanding of TJ.
Prolonged Use of an Automated Insulin Delivery System Improves Sleep in Long-Standing Type 1 Diabetes Complicated by Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia
Authors: Malone Susan Kohl , Matus Austin M. , Flatt Anneliese J. , Peleckis Amy J. , Grunin Laura , Yu Gary , Jang Sooyong , Weimer James , Lee Insup , Rickels Michael R. , Goel Namni
Published: July 2023

Background:

This study assessed changes in actigraphy-estimated sleep and glycemic outcomes after initiating automated insulin delivery (AID).

Methods:

Ten adults with long-standing type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) participated in an 18-month clinical trial assessing an AID intervention on hypoglycemia and counter-regulatory mechanisms. Data from eight participants (median age = 58 years) with concurrent wrist actigraph and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data were used in the present analyses. Actigraphs and CGM measured sleep and glycemic control at baseline (one week) and months 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 (three weeks) following AID initiation. HypoCount software integrated actigraphy with CGM data to separate wake and sleep-associated glycemic measures. Paired sample t-tests and Cohen’s d effect sizes modeled changes and their magnitude in sleep, glycemic control, IAH (Clarke score), hypoglycemia severity (HYPO score), hypoglycemia exposure (CGM), and glycemic variability (lability index [LI]; CGM coefficient-of-variation [CV]) from baseline to 18 months.

Results:

Sleep improved from baseline to 18 months (shorter sleep latency [ P < .05, d = 1.74], later sleep offset [ P < .05, d = 0.90], less wake after sleep onset [ P < .01, d = 1.43]). Later sleep onset ( d = 0.74) and sleep midpoint ( d = 0.77) showed medium effect sizes. Sleep improvements were evident from 12 to 15 months after AID initiation and were preceded by improved hypoglycemia awareness (Clarke score [ d = 1.18]), reduced hypoglycemia severity (HYPO score [ d = 2.13]), reduced sleep-associated hypoglycemia (percent time glucose was < 54 mg/dL, < 60 mg/dL,< 70 mg/dL; d = 0.66-0.81), and reduced glucose variability (LI, d = 0.86; CV, d = 0.62).

Conclusion:

AID improved sleep initiation and maintenance. Improved awareness of hypoglycemia, reduced hypoglycemia severity, hypoglycemia exposure, and glucose variability preceded sleep improvements. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03215914 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03215914 .
Black Emerging Adults’ Critical Consciousness and Perceived Neighborhood Quality
Authors: Fike Kayla J. , Mattis Jacqueline S.
Published: July 2023

We examine the relations between critical consciousness and perceptions of neighborhood quality (PNQ) in the context of social positions among young Black adults in the U.S. ( n = 524 ; μ age = 26.4; SD = 3.29). Multigroup structural equation modeling revealed that social identities, such as age and income, were positively related to PNQ for Black women. Critical reflection and critical agency were positively related to PNQ for Black men and critical action was negatively associated with PNQ for Black women. Model fit indices suggest that gender significantly moderates these associations. These findings suggest that reflection on societal inequities, agency and motivation to address injustices, and social justice-oriented actions are related to how Black emerging adults perceive and evaluate urban areas, and in different ways for Black men and Black women. Considerations for studying spatial critical consciousness and for supporting Black emerging adults’ wellbeing in urban areas are discussed.
Proactive Personality and Employee Engagement: The Mediating Role of Employee Voice
Authors: Sheoran Neha , Goyal Richa , Sharma Himani
Published: July 2023

Recent market congestion and intense competition elevated the need for the organizations to engage their workforce to foster their loyalty. And, to achieve this objective, proactive personality of an employee characterized by ability to voice and ability to take initiative can prove fruitful in stimulating the engagement level. Based on the premise, this study aims to examine the relationship between proactive personality and employee engagement. Also, it intends to find novel progress in this area by investigating the mediating role of employee voice between proactive personality and employee engagement. For this, data were collected from 220 Indian service sector employees, which were then analysed using the SPSS (Version 20) and the Jamovi (Version 1.8.4.0) software. Particularly, the analysis comprised confirmatory factor analysis, followed by multiple regression and mediation analysis. The results revealed that proactive personality and employee engagement were significantly related, with employee voice partially mediating this relationship. These findings imply that as proactive employees are more like to raise their voice and provide valuable suggestions and ideas, and such proactive nature of theirs ultimately helps in augmenting their engagement towards their work.
Location Factors Impact the Career Choice of German Dental Practitioners – An Empirical Analytical Approach to Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Stein David
Published: July 2023

Objectives

In light of the increasing number of employed dentists and the decreasing rate of self-employed dentists, the factors that impact the decision to set up a dental office in Germany were investigated. Central to this approach is the provision of comprehensive dental care.

Methods

Using a pairwise comparison technique, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), location factors identified as relevant in a systematic literature review and then prioritized by the professionals were weighted and ranked.

Results

According to this, five factors generally dominate the decision to open a dental office. These are, in descending order: environment for the family, quality of life in the private environment, real income, perception of location, and good infrastructure. The strongest impact on the rank order of the influencing factors is the socio-demographic characteristic of gender. For female dentists, the family environment is in the first place (p  =  .3196/C.R.  =  0.1502). For male colleagues, this influence ranks third (p  =  .1550/C.R.  =  0.1468) and real income receives the first place (p  =  .244/C.R.  =  0.1468). For female dentists, the influence of income ranks fifth (p  =  .076/C.R.  =  0.1502). Female and male dentists who grew up in rural areas were less likely to prefer employment (13.6%) than subjects of urban origin (40.2%).

Conclusion

The method of AHP is a way to map a priority list of all relevant factors. It can successfully show variations related to specific personal attributes. Obviously, there are factors that are of greater importance for the decision-making process to set up a dental office.
Neonatal Jaundice Management: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Nurses and Midwives in the Northern Region, Ghana
Authors: Donkor Doreen Remember , Ziblim Shamsu-Deen , Dzantor Edem Kojo , Asumah Mubarick Nungbaso , Abdul-Mumin Alhassan
Published: July 2023

Background

Nurses and midwives play important role in managing neonatal jaundice and provide nursing health education to mothers on preventive and remedial measures to neonatal jaundice. However, the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of nurses and midwives towards neonatal jaundice is not well understood in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Aim of the study

The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses and midwives towards the management of neonatal jaundice.

Design and Method

This is a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted between the periods of January 2021 to August 2021 in the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Northern Region, Ghana. Descriptive analysis such as mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages were performed to give general description of the variables. Simple Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression models were performed to test the level of associations between the outcome and independent variables and predictors for neonatal jaundice. A p-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant for the test of association.

Results

Among the 202 nurses and midwives, the mean age was 30.6 ± 3.8 years and majority were females (71.3%). The overall good knowledge, attitudes, and practices score towards neonatal jaundice was 69.30%, 64.90%, and 62.90%, respectively. After adjusting for other variables, good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 22.41(10.21–49.18) p < .001) and good attitude (AOR = 25(11.86–55.07) p < .001) were positively associated with practices towards neonatal jaundice.

Conclusion/Interpretation

The participants demonstrated substantial knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards neonatal jaundice. However, there still exist some gaps in their knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards neonatal jaundice that need to be addressed to improve neonatal health outcomes in the study setting.
Ideology, environment, and open space in conflict arenas: The discrepancies and harmonizing strategies of West Bank Israeli settlers
Authors: Arieli Tamar , Schaffer Gad
Published: July 2023

The natural environments of conflict arenas often embody invisible contexts for political analysis. This study questions how environmental agendas are framed and acted upon by mid-level environmental professionals engaged in land-focused conflict. Ideological attachment to contested land together with engagement in the polemics of conflict, facilitate unique engagements with environmental agendas, particularly regarding open space preservation. This engagement prioritizes conflict-related goals and thus creates discrepancies between environmental knowledge, attitudes, and actions. Our study focuses on Israeli West Bank settlers who serve as mid-level environmental professionals and share professional dilemmas. Mid-level environmental professionals, rather than high-level policy and decision makers, are “street-level bureaucrats” and therefore a potentially novel and revealing source of environmental positions within the settler community. Through interviews focused on Israeli environment-related policies in the West Bank, we reveal disparities between environmental knowledge and the positions grounded in this group’s political identity and loyalties and identify the three particular harmonizing strategies employed in narrating the realities of their professional initiatives and agendas. We expose a distinct dual agenda, one which acknowledges environmental values and concerns, and yet only selectively recognizes and engages in goals of open space preservation when these challenge settlement infrastructure and expansion. These environmental discrepancies can be interpreted as the cynical political manipulation of environmental values, yet we propose that at a mid-level professional level, they can serve as self-rationalization in resolving dual loyalties to both political and environmental agendas. Personal realities and life experiences of environmental professionals affected by the conflict are identified as significant to the design and support of the resulting selective environmental agenda.
Trauma Translates to Activism: A Study of Select Dalit Women Poetry
Authors: Singh Shweta
Published: July 2023

Communities who have experienced trauma find a way of dealing and coping with it. Writing is a known coping-mechanism for people on a path to healing. Healing for Dalit community, however, seems a distant dream in view of their ongoing struggle over centuries. Until 1995, Dalit men politically spoke on the behalf of Dalit women that obliterated their voice and existence. Their political engagement thereafter, brought to fore their immediate issues and consolidated their standpoint as political agents. Dalit women’s position is understood as a unique one from an epistemological perspective, considering their identity lies at the intersections of caste, class and gender. Studies that mark them, only use an objective criterion while overlooking the anxieties and traumas of their lived-experience. Dalit literature began in the 1960s with the aim of representing the voice of Dalits in their own terms and language. An urge to intellectually deconstruct their position alienates the nuances of their existential reality. A holistic approach to the question of Dalit women will require an insight into their lives both on the academic as well as pragmatic level. Dalit women writings can pave a way to an understanding of this hybrid. This study will trace how Dalit women channelize their trauma into their writing for the purpose of activism. By segregating trauma into two categories, namely intergenerational and cultural, this study will highlight the aspect of trauma that Dalit women engage with through their writings. How does their revolt take shape and what are the issues that have contributed to their trauma are some of the ideas that will be addressed through this study.
The Prevalence of Depression and its Predictors among International Postgraduate Students Studying Public Health at a UK University
Authors: Hosseinpur Hanieh , Parsa Ali Davod , Kabir Russell
Published: July 2023

Objective:

This study examined the prevalence and existing predictors of depression in international postgraduate public health students at a university in England.

Material and Methods:

It was carried out as a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A total of 153 students enrolled in MSc in public health and community well-being and MPH in global public health courses were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. The Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression 10-Item Scale (CES-D-10) and Chi-squared tests were utilized to assess the prevalence of depression and the association of encountered challenges with depressive symptoms, respectively.

Outcomes:

The prevalence of depression was 34.6% in this study. A link was found between depressive symptoms and several socio-demographic factors such as ethnicity, source of funding, and accommodation status in the United Kingdom. There was also a significant association between depression and all general problems faced by international students except housing. Finally, of all the challenges faced at the university, communicating with lecturers was the only one associated with this disorder.

Conclusion:

This study highlighted the important predictors of depression among international public health students, which reflect the need for a more collaborative strategy pursued by all teams within the university to compact this crisis.
Determinants of housing moving intention of urban low-income residents in China: Life-cycle, lived experience, and place
Authors: Yu Li , Xu Wei , MacLachlan Ian , Townshend Ivan
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the residential mobility of urban low-income residents in two Chinese cities using survey data. Contrary to previous studies, our results reveal a relatively low level of housing mobility among the urban poor. In exploring the determinants of low-income housing mobility, we employ both life-cycle and social-psychological theories, with particular attention to the role of place-based factors and their interactions with other variables. Our analysis uncovers a strong relationship between housing mobility and life-cycle variables, albeit with considerable heterogeneity among residents. Additionally, the lived experience of housing emerges as a significant predictor of mobility. Lastly, we find that the interplay of place and space exerts a profound and complex influence on this process, shaping moving intentions at various geographical scales and interacting with other factors to determine the housing mobility of urban low-income groups.
On Examining Residential Segregation in Rural Gadag, Karnataka, India: The Case of the Banjara Tandas
Authors: Vijayan Bevin
Published: July 2023

Residential segregation of settlements on caste lines is common across Indian villages. Banjara settlements or tandas are an extreme form of residential segregation, rooted in colonial history and India's complex caste system, and an outcome of structural discrimination. This analysis examines the structural discrimination of tandas in the distribution of various infrastructure and compares it with the villages in proximity to it. A cross-sectional comparative study of infrastructure was conducted in Banjara tandas and villages in Gadag district, Karnataka, India. Composite scores were computed for various infrastructure and discriminant analysis done to classify tandas and villages. The villages have better physical infrastructure such as paved roads, multiple water supply sources, and better drains and amenities such as the community water filter, ration shop, veterinary center, milk society, banks, post office, and health facilities compared to tandas. Discriminant analysis indicated that social infrastructural indicators of health and education (Discriminant function coefficient −0.8689), followed by transportation (Discriminant function coefficient −0.3576) and water supply (Discriminant function coefficient −0.2939), are the most significant discriminating factors between tanda and villages. This disadvantage indicates structural discrimination that is a continuation of the stigma and labeling perpetrated upon them historically and the complex caste system in Indian societies.
Expectant management for umbilical artery thrombosis in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: a case report
Authors: Wang Qilin , Zhang Yanping , Zhou Rong
Published: July 2023

Background

Thrombosis of one of the umbilical arteries is a rare complication of pregnancy and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and intrauterine growth restriction. Although extremely rare, umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT) in monochorionic diamniotic twins is difficult to diagnose prenatally and manage. UAT has a poor prognosis and is associated with an increased perinatal mortality rate. In most previous cases, emergency cesarean section was performed or intrauterine fetal death occurred at the time of UAT diagnosis. Case presentation: Herein, we report an extremely rare case of sequential UAT in monochorionic diamniotic twins diagnosed via ultrasound at 29+ 5 weeks of gestation in a 34-year-old woman. Following expectant management with intensive monitoring for 16 days, two healthy infants were delivered through an emergency cesarean section. UAT in both fetuses was confirmed by pathological examination. The mother and twins described in this case underwent long-term follow-up and are currently in good health without any complications.

Conclusions

Based on our experience, we suggest that expectant management should be undertaken as long as the mother and infants are stable on ultrasonographic scans and are closely monitored. When UAT is suspected, we believe that the best delivery time should be determined by considering complaints of unusual fetal movements, non-stress test evidence, gestational age, amniotic fluid volume, and blood flow in the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus. Obstetricians should ensure that the patients and their families are clearly informed about all potential risks of expectant management for UAT.
The acceptability of evidence-informed guidance for parents in talking to their children about weight
Authors: Baber Fran , Gillison Fiona B , Grey Elisabeth B
Published: July 2023

Background

Many parents express concern about the impact of talking to children about weight on their self-esteem and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived relevance, utility and acceptability of new guidance for parents on talking to children about weight, developed to apply theory, evidence and expert advice into practice.

Methods

For this qualitative study, parents and public health practitioners (PHPs) were recruited from ten local authorities in England, through the National Child Measurement Programme between June and September 2021. Participants were sent a copy of the guidance document and took part in an interview approximately one week later. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and explored using thematic analysis.

Results

12 parents and 15 PHPs took part, and were similar in their responses reporting the guidance to be acceptable, relevant and helpful. Theme 1 explored how the guidance reduced perceptions of stigma and blame through the perspective and tone that was adopted. Theme 2 explored how the guidance could provide reassurance and increase confidence as a result of case study examples, and specific tips and advice. Theme 3 explored the extent to which participants perceived the advice to be realistic and how it could fit with existing PHP practice. Suggestions for improvement included adapting for relevance for lower income families and providing separate advice for parents of older and younger children.

Conclusions

The guidance was perceived as relevant and needed; it showed potential to reduce parents’ negative affect and concerns, and improve confidence around talking to children about weight.
Two microRNAs of plasma-derived small extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Geng Nan , Qi Yaopu , Qin Wenwen , Li Si , Jin Hao , Jiang Yifang , Wang Xiuhuan , Wei Shanna , Wang Ping
Published: July 2023

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) of plasma-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been proven to be associated with metastasis in several types of cancer. This study aimed to detect miRNAs of plasma-derived sEVs as potential biomarkers for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We assessed the miRNA profiles of plasma-derived sEVs from healthy individuals as the control group (CT group), NSCLC patients without distant organ metastasis as the NM-NSCLC group and patients with distant organ metastasis as the M-NSCLC group. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on samples, and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) of the three groups were screened. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and ClueGO were used to predict potential pathways of DEMs. MiRNA enrichment analysis and annotation tool (miEAA) was used to understand changes in the tumour microenvironment in NSCLC. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR) analysis was used to validate target miRNAs.

Result

NGS was performed on 38 samples of miRNAs of plasma-derived sEVs, and DEMs were screened out between the above three groups. Regarding the distribution of DEMs in the NM-NSCLC and M-NSCLC groups, KEGG pathway analysis showed enrichment in focal adhesion and gap junctions and ClueGO in the Rap1 and Hippo signaling pathways; miEAA found that fibroblasts were over-represented. From our screening, miRNA-200c-3p and miRNA-4429 were found to be predictive DEMs among the CT, NM-NSCLC and M-NSCLC groups, and qRT‒PCR was applied to verify the results. Finally, it was revealed that expression levels of miR-200c-3p and miR-4429 were significantly upregulated in M-NSCLC patients.

Conclusion

This study identified miRNA-200c-3p and miRNA-4429 as potential biomarkers for NSCLC metastasis.
Laboratory services in the context of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV testing requirements in Copperbelt Province, Zambia: a qualitative inquiry
Authors: Mwanza Jonathan , Doherty Tanya , Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Gray Glenda E. , Mutale Wilbroad , Kawonga Mary
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Reliable and timely laboratory results are crucial for monitoring the Prevention of the Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) cascade, particularly to enable early HIV diagnosis and early intervention. We sought to explore whether and how laboratory services have been prepared to absorb new testing requirements following PMTCT Test-and-Treat policy changes in three districts of Zambia.

Method

We employed in-depth interviews and thematic data analysis, informed by the health system dynamic framework. Twenty-Six health workers were purposively selected and a document review of laboratory services in the context of PMTCT was undertaken. All face-to-face interviews were conducted in three local government areas in the Copperbelt Province (one urban and two rural) between February 2019 and July 2020. We extracted notes and markings from the transcripts for coding. Different codes were sorted into potential themes and the data extracted were put within the identified themes. Trustworthiness was confirmed by keeping records of all data field notes, transcripts, and reflexive journals.

Results

The findings revealed that the health system inputs (infrastructure and supplies, human resources, knowledge, and information and finance) and service delivery were unequal between the rural and urban sites, and this affected the ability of health facilities to apply the new testing requirements, especially, in the rural-based health facilities. The major barriers identified include gaps in the capacity of the existing laboratory system to perform crucial PMTCT clinical and surveillance functions in a coordinated manner and insufficient skilled human resources to absorb the increased testing demands. The centralized laboratory system for HIV testing of mothers and exposed neonates meant facilities had to send specimens to other facilities and districts which resulted in high turnaround time and hence delayed HIV diagnosis.

Conclusion

New guidelines implemented without sufficient capacitation of health system laboratory capacity severely limited the effectiveness of PMTCT program implementation. This study documented the areas relating to health system inputs and laboratory service delivery where greater support to enable the absorption of the new testing requirements is needed.
Polyhydroxybutyrate production by recombinant Escherichia coli based on genes related to synthesis pathway of PHB from Massilia sp. UMI-21
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wang Ming , Song Linxin , Yu Dengbin , Zhou Shuangzi , Li Yu , Li Haiyan , Han Xuerong
Published: July 2023

Background

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is currently the most common polymer produced by natural bacteria and alternative to conventional petrochemical-based plastics due to its similar material properties and biodegradability. Massilia sp. UMI-21, a newly found bacterium, could produce PHB from starch, maltotriose, or maltose, etc. and could serve as a candidate for seaweed-degrading bioplastic producers. However, the genes involved in PHB metabolism in Massilia sp. UMI-21 are still unclear.

Results

In the present study, we assembled and annotated the genome of Massilia sp. UMI-21, identified genes related to the metabolism of PHB, and successfully constructed recombinant Escherichia coli harboring PHB-related genes (phaA2, phaB1 and phaC1) of Massilia sp. UMI-21, which showed up to 139.41% more product. Also, the vgb gene (encoding Vitreoscilla hemoglobin) was introduced into the genetically engineered E. coli and gained up to 117.42% more cell dry weight, 213.30% more PHB-like production and 44.09% more product content. Fermentation products extracted from recombinant E. coli harboring pETDuet1-phaA2phaB1-phaC1 and pETDuet1-phaA2phaB1-phaC1-vgb were identified as PHB by Fourier Transform Infrared and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis. Furthermore, the decomposition temperature at 10% weight loss of PHB extracted from Massilia sp. UMI-21, recombinant E. coli DH5α-pETDuet1-phaA2phaB1-phaC1 and DH5α-pETDuet1-phaA2phaB1-phaC1-vgb was 276.5, 278.7 and 286.3 °C, respectively, showing good thermal stability.

Conclusions

Herein, we presented the whole genome information of PHB-producing Massilia sp. UMI-21 and constructed novel recombinant strains using key genes in PHB synthesis of strain UMI-21 and the vgb gene. This genetically engineered E. coli strain can serve as an effective novel candidate in E. coli cell factory for PHB production by the rapid cell growth and high PHB production.
Unmasked immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome towards B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma during treatment of esophageal actinomycosis in a patient with advanced HIV: a case report
Authors: Vargas-Garcia Elsa K. , Fernandez-Aristi Augusto R. , Cornejo-Venegas Gonzalo , Montenegro-Idrogo Juan José , Chirinos-Vega Juan , Chiappe-Gonzalez Alfredo
Published: July 2023

Background

Actinomycosis is an unusual chronic bacterial infection, even rarer in people living with HIV. It is not considered an AIDS-defining disease. However, the role in co-presentation or overlap with other opportunistic conditions of advanced HIV is unknown.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old Peruvian male presented with a 4-month history of dysphagia, odynophagia, hyporexia and wasting. He underwent an upper digestive endoscopy, in which ulcers with a necrotic center were observed, therefore, the initial diagnostic assumption was esophageal cancer. Subsequent pathology report excluded neoplasms and confirmed the diagnosis of actinomycosis. Serology for human immunodeficiency virus was requested, yielding a positive result. Antimicrobial treatment with amoxicillin and antiretroviral therapy were indicated, with slow clinical improvement. After 4 months, epigastric discomfort presented, for which a new upper digestive endoscopy was performed, revealing a deep gastric ulcer, which was compatible with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusion

Esophageal actinomycosis in people living with HIV is very rare. We suggest HIV-associated immunosuppression is not enough to allow for actinomycosis to develop, and masked underlying entities should be sought. The existence of such entities in people living with HIV should raise awareness of the possibility of unmasked immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome once treatment has started.
HIV associated factors among men who have sex with men in Maanshan, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Qin Qi-rong , Qiao Ni-ni , Zhu Hong-bin , Mei Yu-nan , Zhang Qian , Fan Yin-guang
Published: July 2023

Background

This study conducted a survey of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Maanshan City of Anhui Province to assess the risk behaviors related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 2016 to June 2019. The MSM were recruited by a peer-driven sampling method. A face-to-face interview with anonymous questionnaire was used for data collection. The information collected by the survey was summarized and epidemiology described the basic characteristics of MSM, and then the related factors were statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 934 MSM were recruited with a average age was 30.5 (SD = 8.90) years old, including 816 (87.4%) HIV negative participants and 118 (12.6%) HIV positive ones. This study showed that freelancer (OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 1.96–8.23), scope of sexual partners distribution (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.36–2.33), number of male sexual partners (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.47–3.02), role of anal sex with men was receptive (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.25–5.13) and versatile (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.31–4.19) and non-steady sex partners (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.56–2.93) were risk factors for HIV infection, while monthly income (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57–0.82), education level (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66–0.95), frequency of condom use (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35–0.81) and number of oral sex partners (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.24–0.51) in the past 6 months were protective factors for HIV infection.

Conclusion

Risk behaviors were common in MSM, and urgent need for targeted and comprehensive interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviour and to prevent HIV infection in MSM.
Microglia play an important role in PRV infection-induced immune responses of the central nervous system
Authors: Sun Xiuxiu , Jin Xinxin , Liu Xi , Wang Lumeng , Li Li , Yang Junjie , Feng Helong , Lin Zhengdan , Zhan Cunlin , Zhang Wanpo , Gu Changqin , Hu Xueying , Liu Xiaoli , Cheng Guofu
Published: July 2023

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) can infect multiple hosts and lead to fatal encephalitis. There is a significant increase in the number of microglia in the brain of animals infected with PRV. However, whether and how microglia contribute to central nervous system damage in PRV infection remain unknown. In the present study, we elucidated that PRV infection can cause more severe inflammatory cell infiltration, thicker and more numerous vessel sleeve walls, and more severe inflammatory responses in the brains of natural hosts (pigs) than in those of nonnatural hosts (mice). In a mice infection model, activated microglia restricted viral replication in the early stage of infection. Acute neuroinflammation caused by microglia hyperactivation at late-stage of infection. Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed that microglia restricted viral replication and decreased viral infectivity. This may be associated with the phagocytic ability of microglia because we observed a significant increase in the expression of the membrane receptor TREM2 in microglia, which is closely related to phagocytosis, we observed that depletion of microglia exacerbated neurological symptoms, blood–brain barrier breakdown, and peripheral lymphocyte infiltration. Taken together, we revealed the dual role of microglia in protecting the host and neurons from PRV infection.
Tracking deuterium uptake in hydroponically grown maize roots using correlative helium ion microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy
Authors: Davoudpour Yalda , Kümmel Steffen , Musat Niculina , Richnow Hans Hermann , Schmidt Matthias
Published: July 2023

Background

Investigations into the growth and self-organization of plant roots is subject to fundamental and applied research in various areas such as botany, agriculture, and soil science. The growth activity of the plant tissue can be investigated by isotope labeling experiments with heavy water and subsequent detection of the deuterium in non-exchangeable positions incorporated into the plant biomass. Commonly used analytical methods to detect deuterium in plants are based on mass-spectrometry or neutron-scattering and they either suffer from elaborated sample preparation, destruction of the sample during analysis, or low spatial resolution. Confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy (CRM) can be considered a promising method to overcome the aforementioned challenges. The substitution of hydrogen with deuterium results in the measurable shift of the CH-related Raman bands. By employing correlative approaches with a high-resolution technique, such as helium ion microscopy (HIM), additional structural information can be added to CRM isotope maps and spatial resolution can be further increased. For that, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive workflow from sample preparation to data processing.

Results

A workflow to prepare and analyze roots of hydroponically grown and deuterium labeled Zea mays by correlative HIM-CRM micro-analysis was developed. The accuracy and linearity of deuterium detection by CRM were tested and confirmed with samples of deuterated glucose. A set of root samples taken from deuterated Zea mays in a time-series experiment was used to test the entire workflow. The deuterium content in the roots measured by CRM was close to the values obtained by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. As expected, root tips being the most actively growing root zone had incorporated the highest amount of deuterium which increased with increasing time of labeling. Furthermore, correlative HIM-CRM analysis allowed for obtaining the spatial distribution pattern of deuterium and lignin in root cross-sections. Here, more active root zones with higher deuterium incorporation showed less lignification.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that CRM in combination with deuterium labeling can be an alternative and reliable tool for the analysis of plant growth. This approach together with the developed workflow has the potential to be extended to complex systems such as plant roots grown in soil.
Atrial giant cell myocarditis with preserved left ventricular function: a case report and literature review
Authors: Tang Yilin , Qi Lin , Xu Ling , Lin Lei , Cai Junfeng , Shen Wei , Liu Yang , Li Ming
Published: July 2023

Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare and fatal inflammatory disorder induced by T-lymphocytes, typically affecting young adults. Generally, this disease presents with a rapidly progressive course and a very poor prognosis. In recent years, atrial GCM (aGCM) has been recognized as a clinicopathological entity distinct from classical GCM. As described by retrievable case reports, although its histopathological manifestations are highly similar to those of classical GCM, this entity is characterized by preserved left ventricular function and atrial arrhythmias, without ventricular arrhythmias. aGCM tends to show benign disease progression with a better clinical prognosis compared with the rapid course and poor prognosis of vGCM. We report a patient with aGCM with a history of renal abscess whose persistent myocardial injury considered to be associated with a history of renal abscess. Infection could be a potential trigger for the development of aGCM in this patient. An extensive literature review was also performed and the following three aspects were summarized: (1) Epidemiology and histopathological characteristics of aGCM; (2) The role of imaging in the evaluation of aGCM; (3) Diagnostic points and therapeutic decisions in aGCM.
A retrospective serosurvey of selected pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the Tuscany region, Italy
Authors: Ferrara Gianmarco , Brocherel Giuseppina , Falorni Beatrice , Gori Roberta , Pagnini Ugo , Montagnaro Serena
Published: July 2023

The expansion of urbanization in natural environments increases interactions between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. In Italy, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the most common wild carnivores. This species can serve as a reservoir and sentinel host for several infectious diseases. We aimed to improve knowledge about the exposure of red foxes to selected zoonotic (Anaplasma spp, Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia spp., and hepatitis E virus) and carnivore-specific pathogens (canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, pseudorabies virus, and Dirofilaria spp.) through a retrospective survey performed in the Tuscany region during the spring season of 2013. Using specific ELISAs and serum samples (n = 38) collected during a culling campaign, a prevalence of 2.6% for canine distemper virus, 18.4% for canine parvovirus, 5.2% for Anaplasma spp., 2.6% for Ehrlichia spp., 7.9% for Dirofilaria spp., 21.05% for hepatitis E virus, and 10.5% for pseudorabies virus was observed. Conversely, antibodies against Borrelia spp. were not identified in any of the animals. Our results revealed no significant sex-related differences in seroprevalence and confirmed hepatitis E virus as the most common pathogen in the analyzed samples. All of the animals that tested positive for tick-borne zoonotic agents presented ticks at the time of sampling. Our study confirms the exposure of red foxes in the Tuscany region to viral and bacterial infections raising medical and veterinary concern and indicating the need for large-scale surveillance to fully assess the epidemiological significance of these findings.
Reproducible evaluation of transposable element detectors with McClintock 2 guides accurate inference of Ty insertion patterns in yeast
Authors: Chen Jingxuan , Basting Preston J. , Han Shunhua , Garfinkel David J. , Bergman Casey M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Many computational methods have been developed to detect non-reference transposable element (TE) insertions using short-read whole genome sequencing data. The diversity and complexity of such methods often present challenges to new users seeking to reproducibly install, execute, or evaluate multiple TE insertion detectors.

Results

We previously developed the McClintock meta-pipeline to facilitate the installation, execution, and evaluation of six first-generation short-read TE detectors. Here, we report a completely re-implemented version of McClintock written in Python using Snakemake and Conda that improves its installation, error handling, speed, stability, and extensibility. McClintock 2 now includes 12 short-read TE detectors, auxiliary pre-processing and analysis modules, interactive HTML reports, and a simulation framework to reproducibly evaluate the accuracy of component TE detectors. When applied to the model microbial eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we find substantial variation in the ability of McClintock 2 components to identify the precise locations of non-reference TE insertions, with RelocaTE2 showing the highest recall and precision in simulated data. We find that RelocaTE2, TEMP, TEMP2 and TEBreak provide consistent estimates of $$\sim$$
∼
50 non-reference TE insertions per strain and that Ty2 has the highest number of non-reference TE insertions in a species-wide panel of $$\sim$$
∼
1000 yeast genomes. Finally, we show that best-in-class predictors for yeast applied to resequencing data have sufficient resolution to reveal a dyad pattern of integration in nucleosome-bound regions upstream of yeast tRNA genes for Ty1, Ty2, and Ty4, allowing us to extend knowledge about fine-scale target preferences revealed previously for experimentally-induced Ty1 insertions to spontaneous insertions for other copia-superfamily retrotransposons in yeast.

Conclusion

McClintock (https://github.com/bergmanlab/mcclintock/) provides a user-friendly pipeline for the identification of TEs in short-read WGS data using multiple TE detectors, which should benefit researchers studying TE insertion variation in a wide range of different organisms. Application of the improved McClintock system to simulated and empirical yeast genome data reveals best-in-class methods and novel biological insights for one of the most widely-studied model eukaryotes and provides a paradigm for evaluating and selecting non-reference TE detectors in other species.
Winnipeg-based elementary school teachers’ perspectives on food allergy management: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Santos Mae Jhelene L. , Merrill Kaitlyn , Riediger Natalie , Abrams Elissa M. , Piquemal Nathalie , Simons Elinor , Protudjer Jennifer L.P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Food allergy affects 7-8% of children worldwide. Teachers supervise children in school, where most children spend their day. Yet, teachers have variable food allergy-related knowledge.

Objective

We aimed to identify how Winnipeg-based elementary school teachers manage food allergy and prevent food-triggered allergic reactions in their classrooms and schools.

Methods

Kindergarten-Grade 6 public and private school teachers, from Winnipeg, Canada, were interviewed virtually upon providing written informed consent. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The study followed a pragmatic framework. Data were analysed via thematic analysis by multiple researchers.

Results

We interviewed 16 teachers, who primarily identified as female (87.5%). Most teachers worked in public schools (87.5%) and, on average, had 5.8 years of teaching experience. We identified four themes within the data. Most teachers (68.9%) had direct or indirect experience with food allergy. Theme 1 described the minimal standardization and inconsistent enforcement of food allergy policies between and within schools. Teachers also had varied food allergy knowledge. Theme 2 reflected teachers’ variable confidence/perceived knowledge towards food allergy management, including feeling of stress and anxiety. Theme 3 captured the lack of standardized food allergy education for teachers, and concerns about the adequacy of the current provincial program. Theme 4 described how teachers spoke of relying on other school staff, families and students to have effective communication.

Conclusion

Teachers’ food allergy management was informed by their knowledge and lived experience, guided by their school policies and individualized students’ needs. Teachers identified gaps in knowledge and communication, and desired more training and resources.