bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital at home for acute medical illness: The 21st century acute medical unit for a changing population
Authors: Knight Thomas , Lasserson Daniel
Published: November 2021

Recent trends across Europe show a year‐on‐year increase in the number of patients with acute medical illnesses presenting to hospitals, yet there are no plans for a substantial expansion in acute hospital infrastructure or staffing to address demand. Strategies to meet increasing demand need to consider the fact that there is limited capacity in acute hospitals and focus on new care models in both hospital and community settings. Increasing the efficiency of acute hospital provision by reducing the length of stay entails supporting acute ambulatory care, where patients receive daily acute care interventions but do not stay overnight in the hospitals. This approach may entail daily transfer between home and an acute setting for ongoing treatment, which is unsuitable for some patients living with frailty. Acute hospital at home (HaH) is a care model which, thanks to advances in point of care diagnostic capability, can provide a credible model of acute medical assessment and treatment without the need for hospital transfer. Investment and training to support scaling up of HaH are key strategic aims for integrated healthcare systems.
Dental care utilization in Massachusetts before and after initiation of medication for opioid use disorder: A cross‐sectional study of a state all‐payer claims database
Authors: Simon Lisa , Choudhary Abhishek , Ticku Shenam , Barrow Jane , Tobey Matthew
Published: November 2021

Background

Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at higher risk of poor oral health. Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with OUD, but it is unknown how initiation of MOUD affects access to oral health services.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of all individuals in the Massachusetts All‐Payer Claims Database prescribed oral buprenorphine‐naloxone or injectable naltrexone from 2013 to 2016. We evaluated dental utilization in the year before and after beginning MOUD. A logistic regression predicting dental utilization was conducted.

Results

Among the 54,791 individuals, rates of dental utilization were low both before and after MOUD (10.5% and 10% with a dental visit, respectively). Of those who did not have a dental visit in the year before starting MOUD, 95.1% did not have a dental visit in the year after. Rates of various procedure types were comparable before and after MOUD. In a logistic regression, a prior dental visit was associated with 9.82 times the odds (95% CI 9.14–10.55) of having a dental visit after starting MOUD; increasing age, being prescribed naltrexone, having a mood disorder or HIV, year of initiation or being on Medicaid were also associated with having a dental visit. Male patients and those with Medicare or private insurance were less likely to have a dental visit.

Conclusions

Initiating MOUD did not substantially result in increased dental access or substantial changes in dental procedures received. Patients receiving treatment for OUD may require additional support to access dental care.
Sharing and Non‐sharing Happiness: Evidence from Cross‐Cultural Studies in the United States and Japan
Authors: De Almeida Igor , Uchida Yukiko , Ellsworth Phoebe C.
Published: November 2021

Two studies were conducted to analyze how individuals feel and express their happiness in shared versus non‐shared events. We hypothesized that the Japanese (interdependence‐fostering culture), unlike Americans (independence‐fostering culture), would show higher levels of happiness in shared situations than in non‐shared situations. Study 1: participants were asked to describe two types of happy events (shared and non‐shared) they had experienced, and then indicate how strongly they had felt and expressed happiness. Results suggest that the Japanese felt and expressed higher degrees of happiness in shared situations than non‐shared situations, while Americans did not report this difference. Study 2: participants read the descriptions generated in Study 1 and answered how they would feel and express happiness. Japanese respondents scored higher in feeling and expressing happiness in shared situations than in non‐shared situations. Americans showed the same pattern, but with a smaller difference. While the Japanese tend to experience more happiness in shared situations than in non‐shared situations, Americans experience happiness similarly in both situations. These results may be related to the function of emotions in each culture.
Classification Schemes Gone Awry: Implications for Museum Research and Exhibition Display Practices
Authors: Mohan Urmila , Rodgers Susan
Published: November 2021

Classification schemes for collecting, studying, and displaying objects in museum contexts are power‐filled forms of knowledge in Foucauldian senses. When such typologies are imprecise or, more harmfully, misleading or forthrightly mistaken, a museum’s collecting practices, curatorial interpretations, and exhibition display decisions can go astray and obscure the social structural and ideological processes that produced the objects in the first place. This introductory essay explores these issues in general theoretical terms and sets the scene for our special issue’s four case studies of historically and ethnographically complex exhibitions in several museums from Manhattan to Brooklyn to Worcester, MA. The literature on the impact of colonialism on museum worlds’ systems of thought and classification is especially important. [museum typologies, curatorship, classification schemes]
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in elderly patients: Systematic review and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kawamura Iwanari , Aikawa Tadao , Yokoyama Yujiro , Takagi Hisato , Kuno Toshiki
Published: November 2021

Aims

Catheter ablation (CA) is established therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, there is a limited understanding of CA in elderly patients. We studied the long‐term efficacy and periprocedural safety of radiofrequency and cryoballoon CA for elderly patients with AF.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched through April 2021 to investigate the comparative outcomes between elderly and non‐elderly patients who underwent CA for AF. The primary efficacy and safety endpoints were AF recurrence and procedure‐related complications, respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed by procedure type of CA.

Results

The search identified 20 observational studies with 110,606 patients, including 8009 elderly patients (7.2%). The risk of AF recurrence was not significantly different between elderly and non‐elderly patients (hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–2.00; p = .10, I2 = 70%). However, relative to the non‐elderly, elderly patients had significantly higher major complications (risk ratio [RR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14–1.54], p < .01, I2 = 0%) and overall complications (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.00–1.57; p = .05, I2 = 56%) with higher cerebrovascular events (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.25–2.25; p = < .01, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis with cryoballoon CA showed that procedure‐related complications in elderly patients were similar to those in non‐elderly patients but not with radiofrequency CA.

Conclusions

CA for AF in elderly patients has comparable long‐term efficacy compared to that in non‐elderly patients; however, the incidence of procedure‐related complications were higher in elderly patients. Cryoballoon CA did not confer a higher procedure‐related risk in elderly patients.
Probing the Ni2+‐selective Response of Fluorescent Probe NiSensor‐1 with the NiCast Photocaged Complex†‡
Authors: Hickey Erin E. , Kennedy Daniel P. , Gwizdala Celina , Basa Prem N. , Müller Peter , MacDonald John , Burdette Shawn C.
Published: November 2021

CTEA (N,N‐bis[2‐(carboxylmethyl)thioethyl]amine) is a mixed donor ligand that has been incorporated into multiple fluorescent sensors such as NiSensor‐1 that was reported to be selective for Ni2+. Other metal ions such as Zn2+ do not produce an emission response in aqueous solution. To investigate the coordination chemistry and selectivity of this receptor, we prepared NiCast, a photocage containing the CTEA receptor. Cast photocages undergo a photoreaction that decreases electron density on a metal‐bound aniline nitrogen atom, which shifts the binding equilibrium toward unbound metal ion. The unique selectivity of CTEA was examined by measuring the binding affinity of NiCast and the CTEA receptor for Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ under different conditions. In aqueous solution, Ni2+ binds more strongly to the aniline nitrogen atom than Cd2+; however, in CH3CN, the change in affinity virtually disappears. The crystal structure of [Cu(CTEA)], which exhibits a Jahn–Teller–distorted square pyramidal structure, was also analyzed to gain more insight into the underlying coordination chemistry. These studies suggest that the fluorescence selectivity of NiSensor‐1 in aqueous solution is due to a stronger interaction between the aniline nitrogen atom and Ni2+ compared to other divalent metal ions except Cu2+.
The Status ofDein Romance Indefinites, Partitives and Pseudopartitives*
Authors: Espinal M.Teresa , Cyrino Sonia
Published: November 2021

This paper focuses on the status ofdein Romance indefinites, partitives and pseudopartitives. It argues that there is neither a ‘partitive article’ nor a ‘partitive preposition’ in syntax.Dein Romance indefinites is the overt Spell‐Out of an abstract operatordethat cancels the definiteness of articles and is responsible for indefiniteness.Dein Romance partitives is the overt Spell‐Out of arelatorhead that takes a definite DP as complement and a QP in the specifier position. Finally, pseudopartitivity is shown to have crosslinguistic parallels with indefinites, and it is derived by postulating a mono‐projectional analysis in which a semilexical N selects for ade‐phrase, in exactly the same way that quantifiers and cardinals select for indefinitede‐phrases.
Opioid misuse in pregnancy
Authors: Thomson Sara , Khalil Ahmed , Hafford Sadie , Waterstone Mark
Published: November 2021

Key content

The UK has one of the highest rates of opioid misuse in Europe, with dramatic escalation over the last decade.

Much of this drug use in women coincides with childbearing age and continues into pregnancy.

Opioid misuse in pregnancy is associated with considerable obstetric and neonatal complications.

Management of women with opioid misuse in pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach with specialist input from drug services.

Opioid substitution regimes with methadone or buprenorphine during pregnancy have been shown to improve perinatal outcomes and the woman’s compliance with care.

Learning objectives

To be familiar with the obstetric and neonatal complications that can arise from opioid misuse in pregnancy; in particular, neonatal abstinence syndrome.

To appreciate the wider needs of women who misuse opioid medication and how we can support them during the antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum periods.

To understand how opioid substitution regimes with methadone or buprenorphine can lead to an improvement in pregnancy and infant outcomes.

Ethical issues

While opioid substitution regimes reduce illicit drug use, improve compliance with obstetric care and improve neonatal birthweight, women should be counselled that they do not eliminate the risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Should we be commencing opioid‐dependent women on long‐term contraception prior to discharge to avoid potential future unplanned pregnancies?

What safeguarding issues need to be addressed for the pregnant mother, unborn child and other existing children?
22R‐ but not 22S‐hydroxycholesterol is recruited for diosgenin biosynthesis
Authors: Zhou Chen , Yang Yuhui , Tian Jingyi , Wu Yihan , An Faliang , Li Changfu , Zhang Yansheng
Published: November 2021

Diosgenin is an important compound in the pharmaceutical industry and it is biosynthesized in several eudicot and monocot species, herein represented by fenugreek (a eudicot), and Dioscorea zingiberensis (a monocot). Formation of diosgenin can be achieved by the early C22,16‐oxidations of cholesterol followed by a late C26‐oxidation. This study reveals that, in both fenugreek and D. zingiberensis, the early C22,16‐oxygenase(s) shows strict 22R‐stereospecificity for hydroxylation of the substrates. Evidence against the recently proposed intermediacy of 16S,22S‐dihydroxycholesterol in diosgenin biosynthesis was also found. Moreover, in contrast to the eudicot fenugreek, which utilizes a single multifunctional cytochrome P450 (TfCYP90B50) to perform the early C22,16‐oxidations, the monocot D. zingiberensis has evolved two separate cytochrome P450 enzymes, with DzCYP90B71 being specific for the 22R‐oxidation and DzCYP90G6 for the C16‐oxidation. We suggest that the DzCYP90B71/DzCYP90G6 pair represent more broadly conserved catalysts for diosgenin biosynthesis in monocots.
Targeting plant cysteine oxidase activity for improved submergence tolerance
Authors: Taylor‐Kearney Leah J. , Flashman Emily
Published: November 2021

Plant cysteine oxidases (PCOs) are plant O2‐sensing enzymes. They catalyse the O2‐dependent step which initiates the proteasomal degradation of Group VII ethylene response transcription factors (ERF‐VIIs) via the N‐degron pathway. When submerged, plants experience a reduction in O2 availability; PCO activity therefore decreases and the consequent ERF‐VII stabilisation leads to upregulation of hypoxia‐responsive genes which enable adaptation to low O2 conditions. Resulting adaptations include entering an anaerobic quiescent state to maintain energy reserves and rapid growth to escape floodwater and allow O2 transport to submerged tissues. Stabilisation of ERF‐VIIs has been linked to improved survival post‐submergence in Arabidopsis, rice (Oryza sativa) and barley (Hordeum vulgare). Due to climate change and increasing flooding events, there is an interest in manipulating the PCO/ERF‐VII interaction as a method of improving yields in flood‐intolerant crops. An effective way of achieving this may be through PCO inhibition; however, complete ablation of PCO activity is detrimental to growth and phenotype, likely due to other PCO‐mediated roles. Targeting PCOs will therefore require either temporary chemical inhibition or careful engineering of the enzyme structure to manipulate their O2 sensitivity and/or substrate specificity. Sufficient PCO structural and functional information should make this possible, given the potential to engineer site‐directed mutagenesis in vivo using CRISPR‐mediated base editing. Here, we discuss the knowledge still required for rational manipulation of PCOs to achieve ERF‐VII stabilisation without a yield penalty. We also take inspiration from the biocatalysis field to consider how enzyme engineering could be accelerated as a wider strategy to improve plant stress tolerance and productivity.
Financial structure and earnings manipulation activities in China
Authors: Khan Muhammad Kaleem , Qin Yixuan , Zhang Chengsi
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to analyse the monitoring adeptness of the financial system in China, particularly in controlling earnings management activities. First, this study identifies the reasons and motivations of managers for involvement in earnings management activities. Second, this study determines whether China's financial system has developed sufficiently to be capable of establishing a strong monitoring mechanism over firms. The study compares how an equity‐based financial structure develops an efficient monitoring system with that of a bank‐based one. A panel dataset of 2997 listed Chinese firms spanning the years 1998–2015 shows that the agency issue is the main reason that firms engage in earnings management activities. Management of financially constrained firms is found to be more prudent than management of other firms because they avoid masking firm performance. The study concludes that Chinese firms are restrained from indulging in managing earnings practices owing to the overwhelming development of the financial system. Moreover, firms in capital market‐based financial structures are more inclined to avoid earnings management compared with those in bank‐based structures.
Altered plasma cytokines in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mazrier Hamutal , Vogelnest Linda J. , Taylor Rosanne M. , Williamson Peter
Published: November 2021

Background

Canine (Canis lupus familiaris) atopic dermatitis (AD) shares similar clinical signs to human AD. The abnormal immune response of AD is orchestrated by T lymphocytes, and may include variable involvement of cytokines, regulatory T (Treg) cells, eosinophils, mast cells and other immune components. Helper T (Th)2 cytokines often predominate initially, followed by Th1 cytokines in more chronic phases.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Pro‐inflammatory and Treg cytokines have been shown to play a role in human AD, yet their importance is not clear in canine AD. Hence, this study aimed to measure the concentrations of cytokines/chemokines not traditionally associated with Th1/Th2 response.

Animals

Canine AD patients (n = 27), compared to control dogs (n = 11).

Methods and materials

A total of 19 plasma cytokines were assayed using canine specific multiplex immuno‐assays.

Results

The plasma concentrations of CXC Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8), interleukin (IL)‐7 and IL‐15 cytokines were elevated in canine AD patients, compared to control dogs. In addition, stem‐cell factor (SCF) concentrations were reduced in the plasma of canine AD patients compared to control dogs. Distinct cytokine profiles were found in dogs belonging to the Staffordshire breeds, a group with increased risk of AD. In particular, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) had significantly elevated concentrations.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Some of the plasma cytokine alterations in canine AD described here, particularly of IL‐7, have not been reported previously. Monitoring these distinctive cytokine alterations could be useful for diagnosis and monitoring of canine AD in dogs.
Amycolatopsis spp. infection with correlative histopathological findings from the paw of a cat
Authors: Cole Stephen D. , Harvey Bridget K. , Shea Emily , Bradley Charles W.
Published: November 2021

This report describes the clinical presentation and diagnosis of a deep cutaneous Amycolatopsis spp. infection in a cat. Diagnosis was based on a combination of methods including culture, 16s rRNA sequencing and histopathological evaluation. Histopathological findings demonstrated unique melanin production. This report highlights the potential for infection by Actinomycetales beyond Nocardia and Actinomyces.
Balance Recoverability and Control of Bipedal Walkers With Foot Slip
Authors: Mihalec Marko , Trkov Mitja , Yi Jingang
Published: November 2021

Low-friction foot/ground contacts present a particular challenge for stable bipedal walkers. The slippage of the stance foot introduces complexity in robot dynamics and the general locomotion stability results cannot be applied directly. We relax the commonly used assumption of nonslip contact between the walker foot and the ground and examine bipedal dynamics under foot slip. Using a two-mass linear inverted pendulum model, we introduce the concept of balance recoverability and use it to quantify the balanced or fall-prone walking gaits. Balance recoverability also serves as the basis for the design of the balance recovery controller. We design the within- or multi-step recovery controller to assist the walker to avoid fall. The controller performance is validated through simulation results and robustness is demonstrated in the presence of measurement noises as well as variations of foot/ground friction conditions. In addition, the proposed methods and models are used to analyze the data from human walking experiments. The multiple subject experiments validate and illustrate the balance recoverability concept and analyses.
In Vitro Simulation of Shoulder Motion Driven by Three-Dimensional Scapular and Humeral Kinematics
Authors: Sulkar Hema J. , Knighton Tyler W. , Amoafo Linda , Aliaj Klevis , Kolz Christopher W. , Zhang Yue , Hermans Tucker , Henninger Heath B.
Published: November 2021

In vitro simulation of three-dimensional (3D) shoulder motion using in vivo kinematics obtained from human subjects allows investigation of clinical conditions in the context of physiologically relevant biomechanics. Herein, we present a framework for laboratory simulation of subject-specific kinematics that combines individual 3D scapular and humeral control in cadavers. The objectives were to: (1) robotically simulate seven healthy subject-specific 3D scapulothoracic and glenohumeral kinematic trajectories in six cadavers, (2) characterize system performance using kinematic orientation accuracy and repeatability, and muscle force repeatability metrics, and (3) analyze effects of input kinematics and cadaver specimen variability. Using an industrial robot to orient the scapula range of motion (ROM), errors with repeatability of ±0.1 mm and <0.5 deg were achieved. Using a custom robot and a trajectory prediction algorithm to orient the humerus relative to the scapula, orientation accuracy for glenohumeral elevation, plane of elevation, and axial rotation of <3 deg mean absolute error (MAE) was achieved. Kinematic accuracy was not affected by varying input kinematics or cadaver specimens. Muscle forces over five repeated setups showed variability typically <33% relative to the overall simulations. Varying cadaver specimens and subject-specific human motions showed effects on muscle forces, illustrating that the system was capable of differentiating changes in forces due to input conditions. The anterior and middle deltoid, specifically, showed notable variations in patterns across the ROM that were affected by subject-specific motion. This machine provides a platform for future laboratory studies to investigate shoulder biomechanics and consider the impacts of variable input kinematics from populations of interest, as they can significantly impact study outputs and resultant conclusions.
Thermal Analyses of Nanowarming-Assisted Recovery of the Heart From Cryopreservation by Vitrification
Authors: Joshi Purva , Ehrlich Lili E. , Gao Zhe , Bischof John C. , Rabin Yoed
Published: November 2021

This study explores thermal design aspects of nanowarming-assisted recovery of the heart from indefinite cryogenic storage, where nanowarming is the volumetric heating effect of ferromagnetic nanoparticles excited by a radio frequency electromagnet field. This study uses computational means while focusing on the human heart and the rat heart models. The underlying nanoparticle loading characteristics are adapted from a recent, proof-of-concept experimental study. While uniformly distributed nanoparticles can lead to uniform rewarming, and thereby minimize adverse effects associated with ice crystallization and thermomechanical stress, the combined effects of heart anatomy and nanoparticle loading limitations present practical challenges which this study comes to address. Results of this study demonstrate that under such combined effects, nonuniform nanoparticles warming may lead to a subcritical rewarming rate in some parts of the domain, excessive heating in others, and increased exposure potential to cryoprotective agents (CPAs) toxicity. Nonetheless, the results of this study also demonstrate that computerized planning of the cryopreservation protocol and container design can help mitigate the associated adverse effects, with examples relating to adjusting the CPA and/or nanoparticle concentration, and selecting heart container geometry, and size. In conclusion, nanowarming may provide superior conditions for organ recovery from cryogenic storage under carefully selected conditions, which comes with an elevated complexity of protocol planning and optimization.
Periodic Unsteady Kinematics of Hub Flows in a Shrouded Multistage Compressor
Authors: Lee Jaehyoung , Lim Sungkyung , Shin Hyoun-Woo , Lee Sungryong , Song Seung Jin
Published: November 2021

Periodic unsteady flow kinematics in a shrouded multistage low-speed axial compressor has been measured for the first time. Data have been acquired at the inlet and exit of a shrouded third-stage stator with a particular focus on the hub flows. The newly found features of the hub flow in a shrouded multistage compressor are different from those at the midspan or in unshrouded (i.e., cantilevered) compressors. First, the merging of the second-stage stator and third-stage rotor wakes causes positive radial migration near the rotor wake pressure surface at the hub of the third-stage stator inlet. Second, the low-momentum labyrinth seal leakage flow of the third-stage stator merges with the third-stage rotor wake to create streamwise vorticity at the third-stage stator inlet hub. Third, contrary to unshrouded stators, suction side hub corner separation in the shrouded third-stage stator reduces rotor wake stretching. Thus, velocity disturbances are attenuated less, and amplitudes of periodic fluctuations in flow angles are larger at the third-stage stator exit hub than at midspan. The positive radial migration of the rotor wake hub flow and wake stretching reduction are expected to decrease efficiency, whereas streamwise vorticity generation is expected to increase efficiency.
A Nonparametric Method for Estimating Rates of Intracellular Ice Formation Due to Independent Competing Mechanisms
Authors: Karlsson Jens O. M.
Published: November 2021

The probability of intracellular ice formation (IIF) has conventionally been analyzed by counting the cumulative number of IIF events observed in a cell population, and normalizing to the total cell count to estimate the cumulative IIF probability. However, this method is invalid when attempting to distinguish among multiple, independent IIF mechanisms, because of confounding effects due to competition for a finite pool of unfrozen cells. Therefore, an alternative approach for analyzing IIF data is proposed, based on treating IIF as a marked point process, in which the points represent IIF events and the marks represent different mechanisms of IIF. Using the new method, it is possible to quantify the kinetics associated with any IIF mechanism for which corresponding events can be marked (i.e., experimentally distinguished from competing IIF mechanisms). The proposed approach is nonparametric, making possible characterization of IIF mechanisms that have not yet been fully elucidated. The new analytical approach was compared to the conventional method of IIF analysis using data from a simulated experiment, demonstrating that the new method yielded superior estimates of the cumulative distribution function of IIF times when two competing mechanisms of IIF were active. The proposed algorithm was also applied to cryomicroscopic IIF observations in adherent endothelial cells, yielding rate estimates for two concurrent IIF processes. Furthermore, a proof is presented to demonstrate that when the proposed data analysis algorithm is applied to IIF data from a single mechanism of IIF, the results are equivalent to those obtained by the conventional method of analysis.
Interaction Assessment of Diagonally Spaced Identical Corrosion Defects and Fully Aligned Unequal-Sized Corrosion Defects Under Combined Loads
Authors: Zhang Shulong , Zhou Wenxing
Published: November 2021

In this study, the interaction effects of closely spaced corrosion defects on the burst capacity of oil and gas pipelines under combined internal pressure and longitudinal compression are investigated by using parametric three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element analyses. Full-scale burst tests reported in the literature are used to validate the finite element model. It is observed that the interaction effects of diagonally spaced defects on the burst capacity are strongly related to the overlapping portion of the defect width or circumferential spacing between the two defects. The analysis results indicate that the strongest interaction between diagonally spaced defects under combined loads occurs if the defects have zero circumferential separation. The interaction weakens as the defects are more and more overlapped or separated circumferentially. It is also observed that the interaction effect associated with longitudinally or circumferentially aligned, unequal-sized corrosion defects is negligible under the internal pressure only or combined loads.
Oxidative damage and delayed replication allow viable
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to go undetected
Authors: Saito Kohta , Mishra Saurabh , Warrier Thulasi , Cicchetti Nico , Mi Jianjie , Weber Elaina , Jiang Xiuju , Roberts Julia , Gouzy Alexandre , Kaplan Ellen , Brown Christopher D. , Gold Ben , Nathan Carl
Published: November 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
that sustains moderate oxidative damage survives undetected on solid media, but growth delay restores replicative ability.
Cross-Genus “Boot-Up” of Synthetic Bacteriophage in Staphylococcus aureus by Using a New and Efficient DNA Transformation Method
Authors: Assad-Garcia Nacyra , D’Souza Roshan , Buzzeo Rachel , Tripathi Arti , Oldfield Lauren M. , Vashee Sanjay , Fouts Derrick E.
Published: November 2021

The continued emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens has heightened the urgency for alternative antibacterial strategies. Phages provide an alternative treatment strategy but are difficult to optimize.
Type IX Secretion System Effectors and Virulence of the Model Flavobacterium columnare Strain MS-FC-4
Authors: Thunes Nicole C. , Conrad Rachel A. , Mohammed Haitham H. , Zhu Yongtao , Barbier Paul , Evenhuis Jason P. , Perez-Pascual David , Ghigo Jean-Marc , Lipscomb Ryan S. , Schneider John R. , Li Nan , Erbes Devon H. , Birkett Clayton , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , Welch Timothy J. , McBride Mark J.
Published: November 2021

Flavobacterium columnarecauses columnaris disease in wild and aquaculture-reared freshwater fish and is a major problem for aquaculture. Little is known regarding the virulence factors involved in this disease, and control measures are inadequate.
Substrate Specificity of the 3-Methylmercaptopropionyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase (DmdC1) from Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3
Authors: Wang Tao , Shi Hao , Whitman William B.
Published: November 2021

We report the kinetic properties of DmdC1 from the model organism
R. pomeroyi
and close an important gap in the literature. While the crystal structure of this enzyme was recently solved and its mechanism of action described (X.
Structural and Biochemical Basis of a Marine Bacterial Glycoside Hydrolase Family 2 β-Glycosidase with Broad Substrate Specificity
Authors: Yang Jian , Li Shubo , Liu Yu , Li Ru , Long Lijuan
Published: November 2021

The decomposition of algal glycans driven by marine bacterial communities represents one of the largest heterotrophic transformations of organic matter fueling marine food webs and global carbon cycling. However, our knowledge on carbohydrate cycling is limited due to structural complexity of marine polysaccharides and the complicated enzymatic machinery of marine microbes.
Are COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Needed? The Science behind Boosters
Authors: Burckhardt Rachel M. , Dennehy John J. , Poon Leo L. M. , Saif Linda J. , Enquist Lynn W.
Published: November 2021

Waning vaccine-induced immunity coupled with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has led to increases in breakthrough infections, prompting consideration for vaccine booster doses. Boosters have been reported to be safe and increase SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibody levels, but how these doses impact the trajectory of the global pandemic and herd immunity is unknown.
Draft Genome Sequence of Fusarium equiseti K3, a Fungal Species Isolated from Hexachlorocyclohexane-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Khan Nelson , Toscan Rodolfo Brizola , Lunayo Accadius , Wamalwa Benson , Muge Edward , Mulaa Francis J. , Kallies René , Harms Hauke , Wick Lukas Y. , Nunes da Rocha Ulisses
Published: November 2021

We present the draft genome sequence of
Fusarium equiseti
strain K3, a fungus isolated from a hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-contaminated soil (Kitengela, Kenya). The 37.88-Mb draft genome sequence consists of 206 contigs, 12,311 predicted protein-coding sequences, and 261 tRNA sequences.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Bacteriophage PRF-SP1
Authors: Mutusamy Prasanna , Jaya Jothi Sasireigga , Lee Su Yin , Petersen Bent , Sicheritz-Ponten Thomas , Clokie Martha R. J. , Loke Stella , Millard Andrew , Parimannan Sivachandran , Rajandas Heera
Published: November 2021

We characterized the complete genome sequence of the lytic
Salmonella enterica
bacteriophage PRF-SP1, isolated from Penang National Park, a conserved rainforest in northern Malaysia. The novel phage species from the
Autographiviridae
family has a 39,966-bp double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome containing 49 protein-encoding genes and shares 90.96% similarity with
Escherichia
phage DY1.
Heliorhodopsin Evolution Is Driven by Photosensory Promiscuity in Monoderms
Authors: Bulzu Paul-Adrian , Kavagutti Vinicius Silva , Chiriac Maria-Cecilia , Vavourakis Charlotte D. , Inoue Keiichi , Kandori Hideki , Andrei Adrian-Stefan , Ghai Rohit
Published: November 2021

Heliorhodopsins are enigmatic, novel rhodopsins with a membrane orientation that is opposite to all known rhodopsins. However, their cellular and ecological functions are unknown, and even their taxonomic distribution remains a subject of debate.
High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Rural Peru, 2021: a Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study
Authors: Moreira-Soto Andres , Pachamora Diaz Johanna Maribel , González-Auza Lilian , Merino Merino Xiomara Jeanleny , Schwalb Alvaro , Drosten Christian , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Talledo Michael , Arévalo Ramirez Heriberto , Peralta Delgado Roxana , Bocanegra Vargas Spassky , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: November 2021

Latin America is a global hot spot of the COVID-19 pandemic. Serological studies in Latin America have been mostly performed in urban settings.
Characterization of Amino Acid Substitutions in the Two-Component Regulatory System AdeRS Identified in Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Lucaßen K. , Xanthopoulou K. , Wille J. , Wille T. , Wen Y. , Hua X. , Seifert H. , Higgins P. G.
Published: November 2021

The active efflux of antimicrobials by bacteria can lead to antimicrobial resistance and persistence and can affect multiple different classes of antimicrobials. Efflux pumps are tightly regulated, and their overexpression can be mediated by changes in their regulators.
Metagenomics of Antarctic Marine Sediment Reveals Potential for Diverse Chemolithoautotrophy
Authors: Garber Arkadiy I. , Zehnpfennig Jessica R. , Sheik Cody S. , Henson Michael W. , Ramírez Gustavo A. , Mahon Andrew R. , Halanych Kenneth M. , Learman Deric R.
Published: November 2021

The impacts of climate change in polar regions, like Antarctica, have the potential to alter numerous ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. Increasing temperature and freshwater runoff from melting ice can have profound impacts on the cycling of organic and inorganic nutrients between the pelagic and benthic ecosystems.
Phylogenetic Distribution of WhiB- and Lsr2-Type Regulators in Actinobacteriophage Genomes
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Hardy Aël , Luthe Tom , Frunzke Julia
Published: November 2021

Actinobacteriophages are viruses that infect bacterial species of the diverse phylum of Actinobacteria. Phages engage in a close relationship with their bacterial host.
A Faithful Gut: Core Features of Gastrointestinal Microbiota of Long-Distance Migratory Bats Remain Stable despite Dietary Shifts Driving Differences in Specific Bacterial Taxa
Authors: Víquez-R Luis , Speer Kelly , Wilhelm Kerstin , Simmons Nancy , Medellín Rodrigo A. , Sommer Simone , Tschapka Marco
Published: November 2021

Migratory animals live in a world of constant change. The whole-body ecosystem needs a strong adapting capacity to thrive despite the changes.
Trust and responsibility in food systems transformation. Engaging with Big Food: marriage or mirage?
Authors: Yates Joe , Gillespie Stuart , Savona Natalie , Deeney Megan , Kadiyala Suneetha
Published: November 2021

Concentration of power among transnational ‘Big Food’ companies has contributed to food systems that are unsustainable, unhealthy and inequitable for people and planet. Given these commercial determinants of health, if ‘food systems transformation’ is to be authentic—more than a passing narrative—then leveraging Big Food is paramount. To this end, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers are increasingly encouraged to engage with these powerful entities. However, given the conflicts of interest at stake, engagement relies on trust and transparency, that all stakeholders take responsibility for their actions and demonstrate commitment to do no harm. Given Big Food’s track record in influencing policy, shifting costs and responsibility for their harms—and while profit primarily drives business decision making—we question whether it is logical to expect trust.

This analysis explores concepts of responsibility and trust in relation to food systems transformation involving public-private partnerships. Through short cautionary case studies—looking at the United Nations Food Systems Summit, and Big Food’s plastic burden—it argues that unless such companies take responsibility for their cross-cutting effects and earn authentic trust through demonstrably doing no harm, their participation in evidence generation and policy processes should be limited to responding to information requests and adhering to regulation. Any involvement in research agenda-setting or formulating policy solutions introduces conflicts of interest, legitimises corporate irresponsibility and jeopardises scientific integrity. Big Food has dynamism and power to address food system problems, but while it contributes to so many of these problems it should follow—not formulate—transformational evidence, policies and regulations.
Children and Young People’s Health Partnership Evelina London Model of Care: economic evaluation protocol of a complex system change
Authors: Soley-Bori Marina , Lingam Raghu , Satherley Rose-Marie , Forman Julia , Cecil Lizzie , Fox-Rushby Julia , Wolfe Ingrid
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The Children and Young People’s Health Partnership (CYPHP) Evelina London Model of Care is a new approach to integrated care delivery for children and young people (CYP) with common health complaints and chronic conditions. CYPHP includes population health management (services shaped by data-driven understanding of population and individual needs, applied in this case to enable proactive case finding and tailored biopsychosocial care), specialist clinics with multidisciplinary health teams and training resources for professionals working with CYP. This complex health system strengthening programme has been implemented in South London since April 2018 and will be evaluated using a cluster randomised controlled trial with an embedded process evaluation. This protocol describes the within-trial and beyond-trial economic evaluation of CYPHP.

Methods and analysis

The economic evaluation will identify, measure and value resources and health outcome impacts of CYPHP compared with enhanced usual care from a National Health Service/Personal Social Service and a broader societal perspective. The study population includes 90 000 CYP under 16 years of age in 23 clusters (groups of general practitioner (GP) practices) to assess health service use and costs, with more detailed cost-effectiveness analysis of a targeted sample of 2138 CYP with asthma, eczema or constipation (tracer conditions). For the cost-effectiveness analysis, health outcomes will be measured using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) using the Child Health Utility 9 Dimensions (CHU-9D) measure. To account for changes in parental well-being, the Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well-being Scale will be integrated with QALYs in a cost–benefit analysis. The within-trial economic evaluation will be complemented by a novel long-term model that expands the analytical horizon to 10 years. Analyses will adhere to good practice guidelines and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence public health reference case.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approval from South West-Cornwall and Plymouth Research Ethics Committee (REC Reference: 17/SW/0275). Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, made available in briefing papers for local decision-makers, and provided to the local community through website and public events. Findings will be generalisable to community-based models of care, especially in urban settings.

Trial registration number

NCT03461848.
Doctors’ engagement with a formal system of continuing professional development in Ireland: a qualitative study in perceived benefits, barriers and potential improvements
Authors: Hanlon Holly Rose , Prihodova Lucia , Russell Thelma , Donegan Deirdre , O'Shaughnessy Ann , Hoey Hilary
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To examine experiences of participation in a mandatory system of continuing professional development (CPD) among doctors in Ireland, in order to identify areas for improvement.

Design

A qualitative cross-sectional design was used.

Participants

1408 participants (701 male, 707 female) were recruited via email from a population of 4350 doctors enrolled on a Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) for the 2017/2018 year, and completed an online survey as part of a larger study examining experiences and attitudes towards participation in PCS. A subset of the sample (434 participants) responded to an optional open-ended question about PCS participation. Responses to the open-ended question were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Thematic analysis resulted in five main themes relating to perceived barriers to PCS participation across a wide range of areas: ‘Evidence of participation’, ‘The structure of PCS’, ‘Questioning the benefits of formal CPD’, ‘Workplace challenges’ and ‘Access issues’.

Conclusions

Taken together, the five themes outlined in this study give a wide-ranging, in-depth picture of the challenges faced by Irish doctors, which expand on well-documented factors such as time constraints, to illustrate a series of complex, interacting factors. Some barriers, such as difficulty obtaining evidence of participation, may be relatively easily addressed. Others, such as issues with the way the PCS is structured, are more intractable, and require further research to understand more fully and develop appropriate solutions.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for cancer-related fatigue: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Yiwei , Xia Jialin , Chen Zhihan , Tian Xiaoping , Ren Yulan
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a prevalent symptom in cancer survivors. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) has been reported as a promising therapy for CRF. This protocol is proposed for a systematic review that aims to assess the efficacy and safety of TEAS for CRF.

Methods and analysis

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Medline, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry System, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform will be searched from inception to 31 January 2021 without language limitations. The eligible randomised controlled trials will be included. The primary outcomes include changes in the revised Piper fatigue scale, the Brief fatigue inventory, the Multidimensional fatigue inventory and the Functional assessment of chronic illness therapy fatigue. The secondary outcomes are the quality-of-life measurement index, the Hamilton anxiety scale, the Hamilton depression scale and adverse events. The selection of studies, data extraction and assessment of risk of bias will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Data synthesis will be performed using RevMan V.5.4.1. The quality of evidence will be evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. This study will strictly adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this is a systematic review and meta-analysis based on previously published studies involving no private information of patients. The results of this study will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020220282.
Healthcare utilisation trajectories in patients dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure or cancer: a nationwide register-based cohort study
Authors: Vestergaard Anne Høy Seemann , Christiansen Christian Fynbo , Neergaard Mette Asbjoern , Valentin Jan Brink , Johnsen Søren Paaske
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To investigate illness trajectories as reflected by healthcare utilisation, including hospital and intensive care unit admissions, consultations in general practice and home care provision, before death comparing people dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure and cancer.

Design

Nationwide register-based cohort study.

Setting

Data on all hospital admissions, including intensive care unit admissions, consultations in general practice and home care provision were obtained from nationwide Danish registries.

Participants

All adult decedents in Denmark dying from COPD, heart failure or cancer between 2006 and 2016.

Outcome measures

For each day within 5 years before death, we computed a daily prevalence proportion (PP) of being admitted to hospital or consulting a general practitioner. For each day within 6 months before death, we computed PPs of being admitted to intensive care or receiving home care. The PPs were plotted and compared by regression analyses adjusting for age, gender, comorbidity level, marital/cohabitation status, municipality and income level.

Results

Among 1 74 086 patients dying from COPD (n=22 648), heart failure (n=11 498) or cancer (n=139 940), the PPs of being admitted to hospital or consulting a general practitioner showed similar steady progression and steep increase in the last year of life for all patient populations. The PP of being admitted to intensive care showed modest increase during the last 6 months of life, accelerating in the last month, for all patient populations. For patients with COPD and heart failure, the PP of receiving home care remained stable during the last 6 months of life but increased steadily for patients with cancer.

Conclusion

We found limited differences in healthcare resource utilisation at the end of life for people with COPD, heart failure or cancer, indicating comparable illness trajectories.

This supports the need to reconsider efforts in achieving equal access to palliative care interventions, which is still mainly offered to patients with cancer.