bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ibrutinib combination therapy for advanced gastrointestinal and genitourinary tumours: results from a phase 1b/2 study
Authors: Oh Do-Youn , Maqueda Maria Alsina , Quinn David I. , O’Dwyer Peter J. , Chau Ian , Kim Sun Young , Duran Ignacio , Castellano Daniel , Berlin Jordan , Mellado Begona , Williamson Stephen K. , Lee Keun-Wook , Marti Francisca , Mathew Paul , Saif Muhammad Wasif , Wang Ding , Chong Elizabeth , Hilger-Rolfe Jacqueline , Dean James P. , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias
Published: November 2023

Background

Ibrutinib, a first-in-class inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, is approved for the treatment of various B-cell malignancies and chronic graft-versus-host disease. Based on encouraging preclinical data, safety and efficacy of ibrutinib combined with companion drugs for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), gastric/gastroesophageal junctional adenocarcinoma (GC), and colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) were evaluated.

Methods

Ibrutinib 560 mg or 840 mg once daily was administered with standard doses of everolimus for RCC, docetaxel for GC, and cetuximab for CRC. Endpoints included determination of the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of ibrutinib in phase 1b and efficacy (overall response rate [ORR] for GC and CRC; progression-free survival [PFS] for CRC) in phase 2.

Results

A total of 39 (RCC), 46 (GC), and 50 (RCC) patients were enrolled and received the RP2D. Safety profiles were consistent with the individual agents used in the study. Confirmed ORRs were 3% (RCC), 21% (GC), and 19% (CRC). Median (90% CI) PFS was 5.6 (3.9–7.5) months in RCC, 4.0 (2.7–4.2) months in GC, and 5.4 (4.1–5.8) months in CRC.

Conclusions

Clinically meaningful increases in efficacy were not observed compared to historical controls; however, the data may warrant further evaluation of ibrutinib combinations in other solid tumours.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02599324.
Symptoms and prevalence of common mental disorders in a heterogenous outpatient sample: an investigation of clinical characteristics and latent subgroups
Authors: Brattmyr Martin , Lindberg Martin Schevik , Lundqvist Jakob , Solem Stian , Hjemdal Odin , Anyan Frederick , Havnen Audun
Published: November 2023

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) provide clinicians with information about patients’ perceptions of distress. When linked with treatment and diagnostic registers, new information on common mental health disorders (CMHD) and service use, may be obtained, which might be useful clinically and for policy decision-making. This study reports the prevalence of CMHD and their association with PROM severity. Further, subgroups of self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety were examined, and their association with clinician-assessed mental disorders, functional impairment, and service use.

Methods

In a cohort study of 2473 (63% female) outpatients, CMHD was examined with pre-treatment scores of self-reported depression and anxiety, and the number of assessments and psychotherapy appointments one year after treatment start. Factor mixture modelling (FMM) of anxiety and depression was used to examine latent subgroups.

Results

Overall, 22% of patients with a CMHD had an additional comorbid mood/anxiety disorder, making the prevalence lower than expected. This comorbid group reported higher symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to patients with non-comorbid disorders. FMM revealed three classes: “anxiety and somatic depression” (33%), “mixed depression and anxiety” (40%), and “cognitive depression” (27%). The anxiety and somatic depression class was associated with older age, being single and on sick leave, higher probability of depressive-, anxiety-, and comorbid disorders, having more appointments and higher functional impairment. Although the cognitive depression class had less somatic distress than the mixed depression and anxiety class, they reported more functional impairment and had higher service use.

Conclusion

The results show that higher levels of somatic symptoms of depression could both indicate higher and lower levels of functional impairment and service use. A group of patients with high somatic depression and anxiety was identified, with severe impairment and high service needs. By gaining insights into CMHD factors’ relation with clinical covariates, self-reported risk factors of depression and anxiety could be identified for groups with different levels of aggravating life circumstances, with corresponding service needs. These could be important symptom targets in different groups of patients.
Emotional control in selected somatic and psychiatric diseases
Authors: Orzechowska Agata , Maruszewska Paulina , Gałecka Małgorzata , Hyland Philip , Boduszek Daniel , Gałecki Piotr , Bliźniewska-Kowalska Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

The aim

was to assess the level of subjective control of emotional states among patients treated for dermatological and gastrointestinal somatic diseases compared to those with depressive and anxiety disorders. The results were related to the analyzed dimensions of emotion regulation in healthy subjects.

Materials and methods

The reports of the conducted studies were compiled for a total of 310 people, including 120 patients diagnosed with a somatic disease (psoriasis, rosacea, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux), as well as 96 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders and 30 patients with anxiety disorders. The control group consisted of healthy subjects (64 individuals). To assess the psychological variables analyzed, the subjects completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire developed by J. Brzeziński.

Results

The study showed that the patients suffering from a chronic somatic symptom disorder, similarly to those treated for depression and anxiety disorders, differed from the healthy individuals in most aspects of emotional control. The patients with dermatological and gastrointestinal diseases differed statistically significantly from the patients with depression and the patients with anxiety disorders in relation to three dimensions of emotional control. Patients with a somatic disease are characterized by higher emotional and rational motivation, lower emotional resilience and lower emotional arousal.

Conclusions

A chronic disease co-occurs with the emotional sphere of a person’s daily functioning. Regardless of the diagnosis in terms of somatic disorders and mental illnesses, the way in which emotional states are controlled can be an important factor in the onset of the disease, coping with it as well as the treatment process.
Association between ventilatory ratio and mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID 19: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Parada-Gereda Henry M. , Avendaño Janneth M. , Melo Johana E. , Ruiz Claudia I. , Castañeda Margarita I. , Medina-Parra Jorge , Merchán-Chaverra Ricardo , Corzzo Dinia , Molano-Franco Daniel , Masclans Joan Ramón
Published: November 2023

Background

Mortality rates in patients with COVID-19 undergoing mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit are high. The causes of this mortality have been rigorously investigated. The aim of the present study is to establish mortality risk factors related to lung mechanics measured at days 1 and 5 in patients with covid-19 ARDS managed with invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit.

Methods

A retrospective observational multicenter study including consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19-induced ARDS, admitted to three institutions and seven intensive care units in the city of Bogota between May 20, 2020 and May 30, 2022 who required mechanical ventilation for at least five days. Data were collected from the medical records of patients who met the inclusion criteria on day 1 and day 5 of mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome assessed was mortality at day 30.

Results

A total of 533 consecutive patients admitted with ARDS with COVID-19 were included. Ventilatory ratio, plateau pressure and driving pressure measured on day 5 were significantly higher in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Overall, 30-day follow-up mortality was 48.8%. The increases between day 1 and day 5 in the ventilatory ratio (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.03–2.01, p = 0.04), driving pressure (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.10–2.22, p = 0.01); and finally plateau pressure (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.34–2.69, p = 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of death. There was no association between deterioration of PaO2/FIO2 index and mortality (OR 1.34, 95%CI 0.96–1.56, p = 0.053).

Conclusions

Ventilatory ratio, plateau pressure, driving pressure, and age were identified as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 on day 5 of invasive mechanical ventilation.
Preparation, purification, and biochemical of fat-degrading bacterial enzymes from pig carcass compost and its application
Authors: Duan Xinran , Zhai Wei , Li Xintian , Wu Sicheng , Wang Ye , Wang Lixia , Basang Wangdui , Zhu Yanbin , Gao Yunhang
Published: November 2023

Background

A lot of kitchen waste oil is produced every day worldwide, leading to serious environmental pollution. As one of the environmental protection methods, microorganisms are widely used treating of various wastes. Lipase, as one of the cleaning agents can effectively degrade kitchen waste oil. The composting process of pig carcasses produces many lipase producing microorganisms, rendering compost products an excellent source for isolating lipase producing microorganisms. To our knowledge, there are no reports isolating of lipase producing strains from the high temperature phase of pig carcass compost.

Methodology

Lipase producing strains were isolated using a triglyceride medium and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The optimal fermentation conditions for maximum lipase yield were gradually optimized by single-factor tests. The extracellular lipase was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and Sephadex G-75 gel isolation chromatography. Amino acid sequence analysis, structure prediction, and molecular docking of the purified protein were performed. The pure lipase's enzymatic properties and application potential were evaluated by characterizing its biochemical properties.

Results

In this study, a lipase producing strain of Bacillus sp. ZF2 was isolated from pig carcass compost products, the optimal fermentation conditions of lipase: sucrose 3 g/L, ammonium sulfate 7 g/L, Mn2+ 1.0 mmol/L, initial pH 6, inoculum 5%, temperature 25 ℃, and fermentation time 48 h. After purification, the specific activity of the purified lipase reached 317.59 U/mg, a 9.78-fold improvement. Lipase had the highest similarity to the GH family 46 chitosanase and molecular docking showed that lipase binds to fat via two hydrogen bonds at Gln146 (A) and Glu203 (A). Under different conditions (temperature, metal ions, organic solvents, and surfactants), lipase can maintain enzymatic activity. Under different types of kitchen oils, lipase has low activity only for ‘chicken oil’, in treating other substrates, the enzyme activity can exceed 50%.

Conclusions

This study reveals the potential of lipase for waste oil removal, and future research will be devoted to the application of lipase.
Evaluating the use of role-play simulations in teaching management of medical emergencies in the dental clinic
Authors: Al-Sebaei Maisa O.
Published: November 2023

Background

Practical hands-on training is necessary for clinical competence in managing medical emergencies in the dental setting. Therefore, the King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry developed a role-play simulation-based clinical module for training clinical years (Years 4, 5, and 6) dental students in medical emergency management between 2016 and 2020. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of years 4, 5, and 6 dental students before and after the completion of the role-play simulation-based medical emergency training module.

Methods

A mandatory four-hour annual training module was designed consisting of a 45-minute lecture on the medical emergency basic action plan and overview, four hands-on stations, and six role-play simulation-based medical emergency stations. A 16-item multiple choice test was used to assess the knowledge of the students before and after the training module every academic year. An objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) on a medical emergency scenario was administered to the students graduating each year. The difference between the pre- and post-module test scores and the one-time OSCE pass/fail rate were analyzed statistically using appropriate tests.

Results

A total of 846 students participated in the study between 2017 and 2020: 275 once, 483 twice, 87 thrice, and one participated four times; in total, 1,506 assessments were conducted. Overall, the pre-test and post-test mean scores were 9.4 ± 3.0 and 13.5 ± 1.6, respectively. All students showed significant improvements in the post-test scores compared to the pre-test scores. Year 4 students showed the highest improvement, followed by Year 5 and Year 6. There was a statistically significant association between the pass/fail rate of the OSCE station and the number of times the module was taken.

Conclusions

The significant improvement in the scores of clinical year students in this study supports an annual mandate for all dental students to undergo simulation-based competency training in their clinical years. Teaching institutions are recommended to utilize simulation and hands-on instruction to teach medical emergency management.
Experience with 2 years’ intervention to progressively reduce salt supply to kitchens in elderly care facilities—challenges and further research: post hoc analysis of the DECIDE-Salt randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yuan Yifang , Jin Aoming , Duan Peifen , Cao La’e , Wang Hongxia , Hu Senke , Li Jiayu , Feng Xiangxian , Qiao Qianku , Zhang Hui , Zhang Ruijuan , Li Huijuan , Gao Pei , Xie Gaoqiang , Yuan Jianhui , Cheng Lili , Wang Sujuan , Niu Wenyi , Elliott Paul , Gao Runlin , Labarthe Darwin , Wu Yangfeng
Published: November 2023

Background

Progressive reduction of sodium intake is an attractive approach for addressing excessive salt intake, but evidence for this strategy in real practice is limited. We aimed to determine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of a progressive sodium intake reduction intervention in real-world setting.

Methods

We randomized 48 residential elderly care facilities in China, with 1612 participants aged 55 years and older, to either progressive reduction (PR, 24 facilities) or no reduction (NR, 24 facilities) of the supply of study salt to the kitchens of these facilities for 2 years. The primary efficacy outcome was systolic blood pressure (SBP) at any scheduled follow-up visit. Secondary efficacy outcomes included diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at any scheduled follow-up visit, and major adverse cardiovascular events (comprising non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, hospitalized non-fatal heart failure, or vascular death) and total mortality. The perception of food saltiness, the addition of out-of-study salt in meals, and 24-h urinary sodium excretion were used as process indicators.

Results

Pre-specified analysis per randomization found no effect of the intervention on the 2-year overall mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and any other outcomes. However, post hoc analysis showed that the intervention effect on blood pressure varied over multiple follow-up visits (p for interaction < 0.046) and presented favorable differences at the 24-month visit (SBP =  − 3.0 mmHg, 95%CI =  − 5.6, − 0.5; p = 0.020; DBP =  − 2.0 mmHg, 95%CI − 3.4, − 0.63; p = 0.004). The effect on 24-h sodium was non-significant (− 8.4 mmol, 95%CI =  − 21.8 to 4.9, p = 0.216), though fewer participants with NR than with PR reported food tasting bland (odds ratio 0.46; 95%CI 0.29 to 0.73; p = 0.001). Reporting of bland food taste and other process measures indicated that intervention delivery and adherence were not fully achieved as designed.

Conclusions

The experience of this real-world study demonstrated that achieving acceptability and sustainability of the progressive sodium intake reduction strategy among older adults was challenging, but it has shown potential for effectiveness in these and potentially other residential settings if the lessons of DECIDE-Salt are applied in further studies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03290716).
A cross-sectional study of the relationship between injuries and quality of life, psychological distress, sleeping problems, and global subjective health in adults from three Norwegian counties
Authors: Aarø Leif Edvard , Ohm Eyvind , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Nilsen Thomas , Knapstad Marit , Vedaa Øystein , Nes Ragnhild Bang , Clarsen Benjamin , Klepp Knut-Inge
Published: November 2023

Background

Studies examining associations between injuries and outcomes like quality of life and psychological distress are important to understand a broader range of possible consequences of injuries for population health.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine associations between self-reported injury and quality of life, psychological distress, sleeping problems, and global subjective health.

Methods

The sample was drawn from the Norwegian National Population Register. Data were collected among the general adult populations in three Norwegian counties in 2019–2020 (response rate 45.3%, n = 74,030). Exposure variables were being injured during the last 12 months, cause of injury (if more than one, the most serious one), and functional impairment due to injuries. Outcome variables included measures of total quality of life, global quality of life, positive affect, negative affect, positive social relations, social capital (trust, belongingness, feeling safe), psychological distress, sleep problems, loneliness, and global subjective health. Data were analysed with General Linear Modelling in SPSS Complex.

Results

Reporting to have been injured once during the last 12 months was associated with slightly elevated levels of psychological distress, sleeping problems, and loneliness, and lower mean scores on quality-of-life indicators and global subjective health. Reporting being injured twice or more showed more pronounced contrasts to the reference group on the same outcomes, with Cohen’s d-values (absolute numbers) ranging from 0.17 to 0.54. For having been victim to violence, d-values ranged from 0.30 to 1.01. Moderate functional impairment due to injuries was associated with less favourable scores on all outcomes (d ranging from 0.15 to 0.71). For strong functional impairment d-values ranged from 0.35 to 1.17.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of distress and reduced levels of quality of life are particularly associated with multiple injuries, being victim to violence, and functional impairment due to injuries. Prospective, longitudinal studies with high quality instruments and large samples, allowing adjustment for baseline values of outcome variables, and utilization of state-of-the-art statistical techniques, would bring this research closer to examining causality.
Hypovirulence-associated mycovirus epidemics cause pathogenicity degeneration of Beauveria bassiana in the field
Authors: Zhang Zhengkun , Guo Wenbo , Lu Yang , Kang Qin , Sui Li , Liu Hongyu , Zhao Yu , Zou Xiaowei , Li Qiyun
Published: November 2023

Background

The entomogenous fungusBeauveria bassianais used as a biological insecticide worldwide, wildB. bassianastrains with high pathogenicity in the field play an important role in controlling insect pests via not only screening of highly virulent strains but also natural infection, but the pathogenicity degeneration of wild strains severely affected aforementioned effects. Previous studies have showed that multiple factors contributed to this phenomenon. It has been extensively proved that the mycovirus infection caused hypovirulence of phytopathogenic fungi, which has been used for plant disease biocontrol. However, it remains unknown whether the mycovirus epidemics is a key factor causing hypovirulence ofB. bassiananaturally in the field.

Methods

Wild strains ofB. bassianawere collected from different geographic locations in Jilin Province, China, to clarify the epidemic and diversity of the mycoviruses. A mycovirusBeauveria bassianachrysovirus 2 (BbCV2) we have previously identified was employed to clarify its impact on the pathogenicity of host fungiB. bassianaagainst the larvae of insect pestOstrinia furnacalis. The serological analysis was conducted by preparing polyclonal antibody against a BbCV2 coat protein, to determine whether it can dissociate outside the host fungal cells and subsequently infect new hosts. Transcriptome analysis was used to reveal the interactions between viruses and hosts.

Results

We surprisingly found that the mycovirus BbCV2 was prevalent in the field as a core virus in wildB. bassianastrains, without obvious genetic differentiation, this virus possessed efficient and stable horizontal and vertical transmission capabilities. The serological results showed that the virus could not only replicate within but also dissociate outside the host cells, and the purified virions could infectB. bassianaby co-incubation. The virus infection causesB. bassianahypovirulence. Transcriptome analysis revealed decreased expression of genes related to insect epidermis penetration, hypha growth and toxin metabolism inB. bassianacaused by mycovirus infection.

Conclusion

Beauveria bassianainfected by hypovirulence-associated mycovirus can spread the virus to new host strains after infecting insects, and cause the virus epidemics in the field. The findings confirmed that mycovirus infection may be an important factor affecting the pathogenicity degradation ofB. bassianain the field.
Patterns of service utilization among youth with substance use service need: a cohort study
Authors: Ow Nikki , Marchand Kirsten , Liu Guiping , Mallia Emilie , Mathias Steve , Sutherland Jason , Barbic Skye Pamela
Published: November 2023

Background

Integrated youth services (IYS) are vital to addressing the needs of youth who use substances. Evidence on the characteristics of youths accessing these services and the types of services accessed have been limited. The objectives were to identify sociodemographic, self-reported health and mental health, patterns of service utilization (service type and frequency of visits) among youths with different levels of substance use service needs (low, moderate, and high), and to estimate the extent to which substance use service needs, self-reported health and mental health influenced the frequency of visits and types of service utilized.

Methods

Data were collected from youth (12–24 years) accessing IYS centres in Canada. Information on socio-demographic factors, substance use in the last month, self-rated health measures, number of service visits, and type of services utilized were included. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relationship between substance use needs and number of service visits and the different type of services utilized.

Results

Of 6181 youths, 48.0% were categorized as low substance use service needs, 30.6% had moderate needs and 21.4% had high needs, with higher proportion of men in the high needs group. Mental health and substance use (MHSU) services were utilized the most across all three groups, followed by counseling. The median number of visits was 4 for the low and moderate needs group and 5 in the high needs group. People with high service needs had 10% higher rate of service visits and utilized 10% more services than people with low service needs (service visits: RR = 1.1 (95%CI: 1.1–1.2); service type: RR = 1.1 (95%CI:1.0-1.1)). The rate of service visits increased by 30 to 50% and the number of services increased by 10–20% for people who rated their health good/fair/poor. Similarly, the rate of service visits increased by 40 to 60% and the number of services increased by 20% for people who rated their mental health good/fair/poor.

Conclusions and impacts

Our study highlighted that regardless of service needs, youth who use alcohol and drugs have complex intersecting needs that present once they access integrated youth services.
Expanding the clinical spectrum of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase deficiency: novel PCK1 variants in four Arabian Gulf families
Authors: Al Busaidi Marwa , Mohamed Feda E. , Al-Ajmi Eiman , Al Hashmi Nadia , Al-Thihli Khalid , Al Futaisi Amna , Al Mamari Watfa , Al-Murshedi Fathiya , Al-Jasmi Fatma
Published: November 2023

Background

In metabolic stress, the cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C) enzyme is involved in energy production through the gluconeogenesis pathway. PEPCK-C deficiency is a rare childhood-onset autosomal recessive metabolic disease caused by PCK1 genetic defects. Previous studies showed a broad clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to recurrent hypoglycemia with/without lactic acidosis, encephalopathy, seizures, and liver failure.

Results

In this article, we discuss the occurrence of PEPCK-C deficiency in four families from the United Arab Emirates and Oman. All patients presented with unexplained hypoglycemia as a common feature. Two out of the seven patients presented with episodes of encephalopathy that resulted in seizures and neuroregression leading to global developmental delay and one patient had a neonatal presentation. Observed biochemical abnormalities include elevated lactate, transaminases, and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites in most patients. Elevated creatine kinase was documented in two patients. Whole exome sequencing revealed two novel (c.574T > C, and c.1268 C > T) and a previously reported splice site (c.961 + 1G > A) PCK1 variant in the affected families.

Conclusion

Patients become vulnerable during intercurrent illness; thus, prevention and prompt reversal of a catabolic state are crucial to avoid irreversible brain damage. This report will help to expand the clinical understanding of this rare disease and recommends screening for PEPCK-C deficiency in unexplained hypoglycemia.
Evaluation of ELISA and immunoaffinity fluorometric analytical tools of four mycotoxins in various food categories
Authors: Boshra Marina H. , El-Housseiny Ghadir S. , Farag Mohammed M.S. , Aboshanab Khaled M.
Published: November 2023

Mycotoxins (MTs) are secondary toxic metabolites that can contaminate food, impacting quality and safety, leading to various negative health effects and serious pathological consequences conferring urgent need to evaluate and validate the currently standard methods used in their analysis. Therefore, this study was aimed to validate ELISA and VICAM immunoaffinity fluorometric, the two common methods used to monitor the level of MTs according to the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control. A total of 246 food samples were collected and tested for Aflatoxins (196 samples), Ochratoxin A (139), Zearalenone (70), and Deoxynivalenol (100) using both analytical methods. Results showed that aflatoxins exceeded limits in 42.9, 100, and 13.3% of oily seeds, dried fruits, and chili and spices, respectively. For ochratoxin A, 3.9% of Gramineae and 8% of spices and chili (locally sourced) exceeded the limits, while 17.6% of imported pasta and noodles exceeded the limits for deoxynivalenol. Significant differences for the aflatoxins and ochratoxin A detection among different categories of chocolate, dried fruits, and oily seeds (p-value < 0.05). No zearalenone contamination was detected in the exported, imported, and locally sourced categories. No deoxynivalenol contamination was detected in the tested Gramineae category. In contrast, for pasta and noodles, the imported samples exhibited the highest contamination rate (above the upper limit of 750 µg/kg) with 17.6% of the samples testing positive for deoxynivalenol with no significant difference among different sample categories of Gramineae, pasta, and noodles (p-value > 0.05). In conclusion, our study found no significant differences between the ELISA and immunoaffinity fluorometric analysis in the detection of the respective MTs in various food categories and therefore, they can substitute each other whenever necessary. However, significant differences were observed among different food categories, particularly the local and imported ones, highlighting the urgent need for strict and appropriate control measures to minimize the risk of MTs adverse effects.
A practice guide on antimicrobial stewardship in nursing homes
Authors: Eikelenboom-Boskamp Andrea , van Loosbroek Mariëlle , Lutke-Schipholt Evelien , Nelissen-Vrancken Marjorie , Verkaaik Mike , Geels Paul , Natsch Stephanie , Voss Andreas
Published: November 2023

A practice guide to help nursing homes set up an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program was developed based on experiences gained during a project at one of the largest providers of elderly care in the South-east of the Netherlands. The guideline for the implementation of AMS in Dutch hospitals served as a starting point and were tailored to the unique characteristics of a nursing home setting. This practice guide offers recommendations and practical tools while emphasizing the importance of establishing a multidisciplinary approach to oversee AMS efforts. The recommendations and practical tools address various elements of AMS, including the basic conditions to initiate an AMS program and a comprehensive approach to embed an AMS program. This approach involves educating nurses and caregivers, informing volunteers and residents/their representatives, and the activities of an antibiotic team (A-team). The practice guide also highlights a feasible work process for the A-team. This process aims to achieve a culture of continuous learning and improvement that can enhance the overall quality of antibiotic prescribing rather than making individual adjustments to client prescriptions. Overall, this practice guide aims to help nursing homes establish an AMS program through collaborative efforts between involved physicians, pharmacists, clinical microbiologists, and infection control practitioners. The involved physician plays a crucial role in instilling a sense of urgency and developing a stepwise strategy.
Desalination of Hamipterus tianshanensis fossil by electrokinetic method: evaluation for treatment of clay-rich sandstone
Authors: Li Ying , Yang Yimin , Wang Xiaolin , Luo Wugan
Published: November 2023

The fossils of Hamipterus tianshanensis (Wang et al. in Curr Biol 24:1323–1330, 2014) and their eggs have important scientific significance because they can provide unique information about the reproduction, development, and evolution of pterosaurs. The fossils and the rock surrounding them have, however, been weathered, which including powdering and flaking, since they were relocated from Xinjiang to Beijing. The high content of soluble salts is a significant factor in fossil deterioration because the dissolution–recrystallization process can generate tremendous pressure and lead to decreased mechanical strength. This study evaluated the electrokinetic desalination performance for the fossils, and two types of poultices employed including paper pulp from Bioline® and CKS121 (cellulose: kaolin: sand = 1:2:1, w/w). Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ion chromatography (IC), and other methods were applied to evaluate the desalination effect. The surface salt content reduction by applied direct current (DC) was about 70%, and the inner salt content reduction was about 80%. The experimental results suggest that the electrokinetic method is a promising way to desalinate fossils. Nonetheless, cracks appeared in the surrounding rock crack after electrokinetic desalination, which can be explained by the montmorillonite swelling-induced stresses. Pre-consolidation, especially for electro-chemical method may solve the cracking problem for the clay-rich sandstone desalination.
Ten years of Heritage Science
Authors: Brereton Richard G
Published: November 2023

The article describes the revolutionary new ways of communicating the written word when moving from the Medieval to Modern period in Europe, primarily the use of paper and moveable typeface printing and how these catalysed important cultural developments. A similar revolution has taken place in the last 50 years with the development of the internet. The article looks at how scientific publishing has changed with electronic publishing, including the development of Open Access. The journal Heritage Science is placed into this context. Especially important for scientific journals in an era when anyone can post anything on a webpage, is maintaining standards through high quality refereeing which distinguishes formal scientific literature from informal websites.
Determinants of inappropriate complementary feeding among children 6–23 months of age in Dessie City Northeast Ethiopia: a case-control study
Authors: Tadesse Meron , Ali Dawed Yeshimebet , Fentaw Zinabu , Endawike Abel , Adamu Kidist
Published: November 2023

Background

Inappropriate complementary feeding is one of the leading causes of malnutrition among children 6–23 months old and delays children’s growth milestone. The determinants of inappropriate complementary feeding practice have diverse natures, so that many of the previous studies fail to generate adequate evidence on it. This study aim to address the determinants of in appropriate complementary feedings at community level.

Methods

A community-based unmatched case-control study design was carried out among children 6–23 months of age in Dessie City from April 13, 2021 to May 13, 2021. Nine kebeles were selected by simple random sampling method. One month prior to the data collection time survey was conducted and 482 samples were taken from the preliminary survey data; 241 cases and 241 controls by computer generated random numbers. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to investigate potential determinants of inappropriate complementary feeding practice. Binary logistics regression was used to identify independent determinants.

Results

Part working situation of mother [AOR = 0.21 CI: 0.08, 0.52] was negatively associated with inappropriate complementary feeding. Having no post-natal care visit [AOR = 4.062 CI:2.35,7.02], poor wealth status [AOR = 2.7 CI:1.09,6.68], food in-security [AOR = 4.49 CI:1.94,10.37], home delivery [AOR = 4.33 CI:1.43,13.15], having poor knowledge on infant and young child feeding [AOR = 5.94 CI:2.8,12.6], having no health education on complementary feeding [AOR = 2.54 CI:1.28,5.06] and father’s job [AOR = 2.2 CI:1.17,4.1] were found to be positively associated with inappropriate complementary feeding.

Conclusion

Mothers’ work situation, fathers’ job, wealth index, food security, mothers’ knowledge on infant feeding, post-natal care, health education on infant feeding and place of delivery were independent determinants for inappropriate complementary feeding. Thus, interventions shall effectively address those factors to alleviate the problem.
Weakly-supervised structural surface crack detection algorithm based on class activation map and superpixel segmentation
Authors: Liu Chao , Xu Boqiang
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a weakly-supervised structural surface crack detection algorithm that can detect the crack area in an image with low data labeling cost. The algorithm consists of a convolutional neural networks Vgg16-Crack for classification, an improved and optimized class activation map (CAM) algorithm for accurately reflecting the position and distribution of cracks in the image, and a method that combines superpixel segmentation algorithm simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) with CAM for more accurate semantic segmentation of cracks. In addition, this paper uses Bayesian optimization algorithm to obtain the optimal parameter combination that maximizes the performance of the model. The test results show that the algorithm only requires image-level labeling, which can effectively reduce the labor and material consumption brought by pixel-level labeling while ensuring accuracy.
The antiproliferative effect of FGF2 in K-Ras-driven tumor cells involves modulation of rRNA and the nucleolus
Authors: de Luna Vitorino Francisca N. , Levy Michaella J. , Mansano Wailemann Rosangela A. , Lopes Mariana , Silva Mariana Loterio , Sardiu Mihaela E. , Garcia Benjamin A. , Machado Motta Maria Cristina , Oliveira Carla Columbano , Armelin Hugo Aguirre , Florens Laurence A. , Washburn Michael P. , Pinheiro Chagas da Cunha Julia
Published: November 2023

The nucleolus is sensitive to stress and can orchestrate a chain of cellular events in response to stress signals. Despite being a growth factor, FGF2 has antiproliferative and tumor-suppressive functions in some cellular contexts. In this work, we investigated how the antiproliferative effect of FGF2 modulates chromatin-, nucleolus- and rDNA-associated proteins. The chromatin and nucleolar proteome indicated that FGF2 stimulation modulates proteins related to transcription, rRNA expression and chromatin-remodeling proteins. The global transcriptional rate and nucleolus area increased along with nucleolar disorganization upon 24 h of FGF2 stimulation. FGF2 stimulation induced immature rRNA accumulation by increasing rRNA transcription. The rDNA-associated protein analysis reinforced that FGF2 stimulus interferes with transcription and rRNA processing. RNA Pol I inhibition partially reversed the growth arrest induced by FGF2, indicating that changes in rRNA expression might be crucial for triggering the antiproliferative effect. Taken together, we demonstrate that the antiproliferative FGF2 stimulus triggers significant transcriptional changes and modulates the main cell transcription site, the nucleolus.
Seasonal energetics: are insects constrained by energy during dormancy?
Authors: Roberts Kevin T. , Szejner-Sigal Andre , Lehmann Philipp
Published: November 2023

In seasonal environments, many animals, including insects, enter dormancy, where they are limited to a fixed energy budget. The inability to replenish energetic stores during these periods suggests insects should be constrained by pre-dormancy energy stores. Over the last century, the community of researchers working on survival during dormancy has operated under the strong assumption that energy limitation is a key fitness trait driving the evolution of seasonal strategies. That is, energy use has to be minimized during dormancy because insects otherwise run out of energy and die during dormancy, or are left with too little energy to complete development, reproductive maturation or other costly post-dormancy processes such as dispersal or nest building. But if energy is so strongly constrained during dormancy, how can some insects – even within the same species and population – be dormant in very warm environments or show prolonged dormancy for many successive years? In this Commentary, we discuss major assumptions regarding dormancy energetics and outline cases where insects appear to align with our assumptions and where they do not. We then highlight several research directions that could help link organismal energy use with landscape-level changes. Overall, the optimal energetic strategy during dormancy might not be to simply minimize metabolic rate, but instead to maintain a level that matches the demands of the specific life-history strategy. Given the influence of temperature on energy use rates of insects in winter, understanding dormancy energetic strategies is critical in order to determine the potential impacts of climate change on insects in seasonal environments.
The distress context of social calls evokes a fear response in the bat Pipistrellus abramus
Authors: Yoshino-Hashizawa Kazuki , Nishiuchi Yuna , Hiragochi Midori , Kihara Motoki , Kobayasi Kohta I. , Hiryu Shizuko
Published: November 2023

Bats primarily use sound information, including echolocation, for social communication. Bats under stressful conditions, for example when confronted by a predator, will emit aggressive social calls. The presentation of aggressive social calls, including distress calls (DCs), is known to increase heart rate (fH), but how this change in fH is related to the bat's sound perception and how this evokes behaviors such as the fear response is unknown. Herein, we show that the perception of a distress context induces freezing behavior as a fear response in bats. We found that bats responded by freezing and displayed increased fH when they were presented with a conspecific donor bat in a distress situation evoked by gentle poking with a cotton swab. In addition, when we presented two types of auditory oddball paradigms with different probabilities of DCs and echolocation calls (ECs), the bats' fH increased when DCs were presented as deviant or control stimuli within standard ECs but did not increase when DCs were presented as standard stimuli. These results suggest that the situational context created by the frequency of sound presentation, rather than simply a single sound feature, induces fH increases and freezing as fear responses in bats.
The Economics of Electricity Reliability
Authors: Borenstein Severin , Bushnell James , Mansur Erin
Published: November 2023

The physics of an electrical grid requires that the supply injected into the grid is always in balance with the quantity consumed. If that balance is not maintained, cascading outages are likely to disrupt supply to all consumers on the grid. In the past, vertically integrated monopoly utilities have ensured that supply is adequate to meet demand and maintain grid stability, but with deregulation of generation, assuring adequate supply has become much more complex. The unique characteristics of electricity distribution means that there are immense potential externalities among market participants from supply shortfalls. In this paper, we discuss the institutions that US electricity markets have developed to avoid such destabilizing supply shortfalls when there are multiple generators and retailers in the market. Though many of the markets rely on standardized requirements for supplier reserves, we conclude that recent technological progress may steer future evolution towards a system that relies to a greater extent on economic incentives.
Brain-to-brain communication during musical improvisation: a performance case study
Authors: Ramírez-Moreno Mauricio A. , Cruz-Garza Jesús G. , Acharya Akanksha , Chatufale Girija , Witt Woody , Gelok Dan , Reza Guillermo , Contreras-Vidal José L.
Published: November 2023

Understanding and predicting others' actions in ecological settings is an important research goal in social neuroscience. Here, we deployed a mobile brain-body imaging (MoBI) methodology to analyze inter-brain communication between professional musicians during a live jazz performance. Specifically, bispectral analysis was conducted to assess the synchronization of scalp electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from three expert musicians during a three-part 45 minute jazz performance, during which a new musician joined every five minutes. The bispectrum was estimated for all musician dyads, electrode combinations, and five frequency bands. The results showed higher bispectrum in the beta and gamma frequency bands (13-50 Hz) when more musicians performed together, and when they played a musical phrase synchronously. Positive bispectrum amplitude changes were found approximately three seconds prior to the identified synchronized performance events suggesting preparatory cortical activity predictive of concerted behavioral action. Moreover, a higher amount of synchronized EEG activity, across electrode regions, was observed as more musicians performed, with inter-brain synchronization between the temporal, parietal, and occipital regions the most frequent. Increased synchrony between the musicians' brain activity reflects shared multi-sensory processing and movement intention in a musical improvisation task.
The Company She Seeks: How the Prismatic Effects of Ties to High-Status Network Contacts Can Reduce Status for Women in Groups
Authors: Yu Siyu , Shea Catherine
Published: November 2023

Women experience chronically inferior returns in organizations. One common recommendation is to form instrumental network ties with high-status others in groups. We integrate research on social status, social perceptions, and gender issues in social networks to suggest that, despite the theoretical and empirical appeal of this approach, instrumental ties to high-status network contacts (versus ties to lower-status network contacts) in groups may incur hidden social status costs for women in intragroup status-conferral processes. Instrumental ties to high-status network contacts may be perceived as a sign of agency of the focal person, which violates feminine gender norms. Women with these high-status network contacts in groups may therefore be perceived as less communal, thus subsequently lowering their status in the eyes of other group members compared with women with lower-status network contacts. Studies 1–4, across cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs, support our model. Study 5 suggests that signaling a group-oriented goal may mitigate the interpersonal, social perceptual costs of instrumental ties to high-status network contacts for women. The effect of ties with high-status network contacts for men is relatively inconsistent. This research reveals a potential social-network dilemma for women: Instrumental ties to high-status network contacts in groups and organizations are necessary for success and should be encouraged, yet they may also create an extra social perceptual hurdle for women. Organizations need to investigate social and structural solutions that harness the benefits of high-status network contacts for women, while minimizing any potential social perceptual costs.

Funding: Financial support from the Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University, is gratefully acknowledged.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2020.14640 .
Resuscitate, not palliate, emergency care
Authors: Boyle Adrian , Naravi Maya
Published: November 2023

Emergency care in the UK is in crisis, and stories of long waits, poor care and harm have become commonplace. This situation can no longer be ignored. This article looks at some of the ways in which emergency care can be resuscitated.
Comparison of drug concentrations in blood and gastric lavage fluid before and after gastric lavage: A case report
Authors: Zhou Yue , Tong Jia-Le , Peng Ai-Hua , Xu Shu-Yun
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.