bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a training program for emergency medical service physician dispatchers to reduce emergency departments visits
Authors: Foucaud Amandine , Gilbert Thomas , Vincent Adélaïde , Jomard Nathalie , Comte Brigitte , Porthault Sylvie , Comte Gaële , Theurey Odile , Gueugniaud Pierre‐Yves , Bourelly Laura , Rabilloud Muriel , Boutitie Florent , Douplat Marion , Tassa Ouazna , Haesebaert Julie , Termoz Anne , Schott Anne‐Marie
Published: November 2022

Background

Emergency Departments (ED) have seen an increasing number of older patients who are mostly referred following a call to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Long waiting times in settings, which are not designed to meet older patients' needs, may increase the risk of hospital‐acquired complications. Unnecessary visits should therefore be avoided as much as possible. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether a program to provide geriatric knowledge and tools to the dispatching physicians of the EMS could decrease ED referrals of older patients.

Methods

Design: Before‐and‐after study with two 6‐month periods before and after intervention.

Participants: All calls received by a dispatching physician of the Rhône EMS from 8 am to 6 pm concerning patients aged 75 years or above during the study period.

Intervention: A program consisting of training dispatching physicians in the specific care of older patients and the developing, with a multidisciplinary team, of specific tools for dispatching physicians.

Outcome: Proportion of ED referrals of patients aged 75 years or above after a call to the EMS.

Results

A total of 2671 calls to the Rhône EMS were included corresponding to 1307 and 1364 patients in the pre‐and post‐intervention phases, respectively. There was no significant difference in the proportion of referrals to the ED between the pre‐intervention (61.7%) and the post‐intervention (62.8%) phases (p = 0.57). Contact of the patients with their General Practitioner (GP) in the month preceding the call was associated with a 22% reduced probability of being referred to an ED.

Conclusions

No beneficial effect of the intervention was demonstrated. This strategy of intervention is probably not effective enough in such time‐constraint environment. Other strategies with a specific parallel dispatching of geriatric calls by geriatricians should be tested to avoid these unnecessary ED referrals.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials NCT02712450.
Effective Firm Alignment with SIGEL Crises: The Temporal Mindsets of Decision Makers
Authors: Pérez‐Nordtvedt Liliana , Shin Kilho , Lee Joohan
Published: November 2022

When COVID‐19 hit, a surprising, intractable, global, existential, and lingering (SIGEL) crisis was unleashed, creating challenges unknown to humankind. To avoid failure, firms’ realignment to fit this SIGEL crisis became necessary. Yet, not all firms realigned. Why? Because of these firms' decision makers' temporal mindsets or their interpretative lenses about time. Contrary to the assumption that fast crisis response is essential, we argue and find that decision makers' time urgency (i.e., innate self‐imposed pressure to act quickly) hinders their firms' effective alignment. While past focus (i.e., innate tendency to attend to the past) had ‘o effect on effective firm alignment, present focus (i.e., innate tendency to attend to the present) and future focus (i.e., innate tendency to attend to the future) had a positive effect. Interestingly, data show that the co‐existence of (1) high future, low present, and low past and (2) high future, high present, and high past foci in decision makers' minds drive the most effective firm alignment, but (3) low future, low present, and low past foci drive the least. Using US and UK panel data, we show, conceptually and empirically, the importance of temporal mindsets to firm alignment with SIGEL crises.
Influence of periodontitis on levels of autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A systematic review
Authors: Eezammuddeen Nazurah Nik , Vaithilingam Rathna Devi , Hassan Norul Husna Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Background and objective

Periodontitis (PD) is a dysbiotic disease of tooth‐supporting structures that has been associated with various systemic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To date, evidence demonstrated increased prevalence of RA among PD patients and postulated PD to have a role in the development of autoantibodies in RA patients. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to assess the available evidence to ascertain the effect of PD on levels of autoantibodies in the serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of RA patients.

Material and methods

The systematic review was conducted in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Relevant literature was searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Ebscohost databases from inception until 31 August 2020. The risk of bias in each study was determined based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tool. Results from random‐effect meta‐analyses were presented as summary estimates of odds ratios (ORs) for seropositivity and standardised mean difference (SMD) of autoantibody levels with 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity tests and meta‐regression were performed to assess the robustness of the results and potential cause of heterogeneity.

Results

The electronic and manual searches gathered 932 articles. Following screening and full‐text assessment, a total of 29 studies were included in the analysis. Twenty‐eight published observational studies were included in the quantitative analysis in the form of random‐effect meta‐analysis which revealed that PD was associated with anti‐citrullinated proteins autoantibodies (ACPAs) and Rheumatoid Factor (RF) seropositive RA patients (OR for ACPA seropositivity: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.13–2.93) (OR for RF seropositivity: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.05–2.24). Also, RA patients with PD had increased serum levels of ACPA and RF. However, high heterogeneity among studies' results, partially ascribed to the unstandardised case definition of PD and laboratory testing of autoantibodies. Apart from ACPA and RF in serum, studies which reported on other RA‐related autoantibodies, as well as autoantibody levels in saliva and GCF were scarce.

Conclusion

RA patients with PD tend to have greater ACPA and RF levels in their serum when compared with the RA patients without PD supporting the plausible role of PD in the development of systemic autoimmunity in RA patients.
Combined transposition of internal obturator and superficial gluteal muscles for perineal hernia treatment in dogs: 17 cases (2017‐2020)
Authors: Carbonell Rosselló G. , Turner A. , Macias C. , Ramírez J. M.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To report the results of the combined transposition of the internal obturator muscle and superficial gluteal muscle for perineal hernia treatment in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective case series of dogs treated with this technique from November 2017 to May 2020, including pre‐ and post‐operative clinical findings, outcome and complications.

Results

Seventeen dogs were included in the study. Twelve dogs were presented with unilateral perineal hernia and five dogs with bilateral perineal hernias. Mean duration of clinical signs before presentation was 9 months. All perineal hernias were successfully repaired using a transposition of the internal obturator muscle to cover the ventral aspect of the perineal hernia and the superficial gluteal muscle to cover the dorsal aspect of the hernia with minimal tension. All dogs regained normal defecation within 24 hours post‐surgery. Average follow‐up time was 16 months. No recurrence of clinical signs or rectal deviation was observed. Five dogs developed a superficial minor partial necrosis of the T‐shaped incision and two had surgical site infections.

Clinical Significance

Perineal herniorrhaphy using a combined transposition of the internal obturator and the superficial gluteal muscles is feasible and offered excellent results in this cohort of dogs. It may be considered as a technique for repairing chronic and extensive unilateral and bilateral perineal hernias.
Demographic and histopathologic features of dogs with abnormally high concentrations of hepatic copper
Authors: Ullal Tarini Vedantham , Lakin Steven , Gallagher Brooke , Sbardellati Nick , Abdo Zaid , Twedt David C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Copper associated hepatopathy (CAH) has become an important and prevalent disease since the 1990's, coincidental with changes in copper (Cu) content in commercial dog foods. Knowing the demographic and histopathologic features related to hepatic Cu concentrations might aid in diagnosing CAH in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The primary aim was to identify demographic and histopathologic features associated with abnormally high hepatic Cu concentrations.

Animals

Dogs that underwent liver histopathology and Cu quantification at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory between July 2010 and February 2020.

Methods

Data was retrospectively collected from an electronic database. A Gaussian multiple regression model on the log scale was used to evaluate associations between hepatic Cu and a set of demographic and histologic features selected with machine learning methods.

Results

Of 4559 cases meeting criteria, 50% had hepatic Cu > 400 and 19% had Cu > 1000 ppm (parts per million) dry weight (reference range 120‐400). Median hepatic Cu was 391 ppm, range 4.5 to 31500. Age was negatively associated (P < .02), but specific breeds (Doberman pinscher, Labrador retriever, and West Highland white terrier) were positively associated with abnormally high hepatic Cu (P < .001). Severity of inflammation (mild, moderate, and severe) and necrosis/apoptosis were associated with abnormally high hepatic Cu (P < .01).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Abnormally high hepatic Cu is prevalent in hepatic biopsies from dogs. Machine learning modeling showed that necroinflammation, not cholestasis or cirrhosis, on hepatic histopathology, is predictive of higher hepatic Cu and might be a reliable histologic predictor of CAH.
‘Just pretending’: Narratives of professional identity transitions in internal medicine
Authors: Kerins Joanne , Smith Samantha E. , Tallentire Victoria R.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Health professional identity transitions involve a dynamic period of liminality prompting a time of considerable uncertainty and self‐doubt. For postgraduate trainees in the United Kingdom, the transition to medical registrar can be a significant deterrent to recruitment and retention. Narrative analysis offers insight into identity work during transitions with potential to inform strategies for developing professional identities. This study aimed to use narrative analysis to explore trainees' experiences and their sense of agency during the liminal phase of this transition.

Methods

Following ethical approval, internal medicine (IM) trainees in their second year of IM training were interviewed. Transcripts were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed to identify narratives describing liminality during the transition to the role of medical registrar, including examples of rejecting and claiming identity grants. Narrative analysis, as described by Riessman and influenced by James Gee's units of discourse, was undertaken, with an agentive lens applied to the data.

Results

Between January 2021 and February 2022, 19 IM trainees were interviewed. Given the in‐depth analysis, four narratives were purposively selected to present, including trainees rejecting and claiming the medical registrar role. Trainees tended to describe negative experiences, but those with a higher sense of agency demonstrated positive reflection and identity construction through narrative. There was often identity dissonance between how trainees defined their stage in the transition to medical registrar and how their narrative illustrated their identity work.

Conclusion

This study exemplifies narrative analysis' linguistic and agentive lenses in exploring the experience of the liminal identity transitional period. The findings reflect the identity dissonance experienced by trainees during this time and sheds light on their sense of agency throughout. It heralds a need to acknowledge the significant liminality experienced during transitions throughout medical training and to empower a sense of agency to support identity work.
Generation of Pmel‐dependent conditional and inducible Cre‐driver mouse line for melanocytic‐targeted gene manipulation
Authors: Nasrin Morsheda , Ahmed Osama , Han Xujun , Nojebuzzaman Md , Abo‐Ahmed Ahmed I. , Yazawa Shigenobu , Osawa Masatake
Published: November 2022

Conditional and inducible gene targeting using Cre/loxP‐mediated recombination is a powerful reverse genetics approach used to study spatiotemporal gene functions in specified cell types. To enable temporal gene manipulation in the melanocyte lineage, we established a novel inducible Cre‐driver mouse line by targeting an all‐in‐one tetracycline/doxycycline (Dox)‐inducible Cre expression cassette into the Pmel locus (PmelP2A‐TetON3G‐TRE3G‐iCre), a gene locus preferentially expressed in pigment cells. By crossing these Cre‐driver mice with a strong Cre‐reporter mouse line, Gt(ROSA)26Sortm9(CAG‐tdTomato)Hze, we show the effectiveness of the PmelP2A‐TetON3G‐TRE3G‐iCre mouse line in facilitating Dox‐inducible Cre/loxP recombination in a wide variety of pigment cell lineages including hair follicle melanocytes and their stem cells. Furthermore, to demonstrate proof of concept, we ablated Notch signaling postnatally in the PmelP2A‐TetON3G‐TRE3G‐iCre mice. In agreement with the previously reported phenotype, induced ablation of Notch signaling in the melanocyte lineage resulted in premature hair graying, demonstrating the utility of the PmelP2A‐TetON3G‐TRE3G‐iCre allele. Therefore, the PmelP2A‐TetON3G‐TRE3G‐iCre mouse line is suitable for assessing gene functions in melanocytes using an in vivo inducible reverse genetics approach. Furthermore, we unexpectedly identified previously unrecognized PMEL‐expressing cells in non‐pigmentary organs in the mice, suggesting unanticipated functions of PMEL other than melanosome formation.
Multiple oral sinus tract and trismus leading to a surprising diagnosis of osteopetrosis: Case report
Authors: Pinheiro Tiago Novaes , Desideri Vieira Ana Julia , Salino Alessandra Valle , de Oliveira Aranha Ribeiro Eliane , Felipe do Vale Hugo , de Souza Leitão Rodrigo , Carlos Roman , Tavares Ângelo Cintra Luciano
Published: November 2022

Aims

We report a rare case of late diagnosis of malignant osteopetrosis in a 36‐year‐old male patient due to multiple intraoral sinus tracts and trismus.

Case Report

The patient reported a history of facial scars that could not be attributed to the older external fistulas that were present and various complicated dental extractions since infancy. In addition, the patient had not been previously diagnosed with any other significant diseases other than blindness since infancy. Computed tomography revealed a marble‐like sclerotic pattern of all cranial bones, a thickened parietal bone, and a narrowing of the encephalic space and the optic canal. Further laboratory and imaging studies revealed complete sclerosed bone of the chest and pelvis, anemia, reticulocitosis, extramedular hematopoiesis, altered dehydrogenasis lactate, and acid phosphatasis. An interdisciplinary treatment was initiated with medical and dental care monitoring. The patient is still receiving attention after 4 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

The outcome of this case represents the daily challenges faced by interdisciplinary care providers and reveals pearls and pitfalls that can serve as a reference for professional practice in such cases.
The distinction between provoked and unprovoked aggression in toddlerhood, and associations with empathy‐related processes
Authors: Peets Kätlin , Vecchio Tamara Del
Published: November 2022

Physical aggression in toddlerhood has received considerable attention in the past 20 years. The underlying theme has been that toddlers behave aggressively due to not yet being able to regulate their frustration. However, there is some evidence to suggest that early aggression can occur for other reasons. In this study, we tested the distinction between provoked and unprovoked aggression in toddlerhood, and examined whether different empathy‐related processes would show unique associations with each type of aggression. Participants were 200 mothers of children aged 15–21 months (Mage = 18.32 months, SD = 1.75) who completed measures of provoked and unprovoked aggression, and empathy‐related processes. We found that the two‐factor aggression model fit the data well. In addition, when controlling for the overlap between other‐oriented empathy and personal distress, other‐oriented empathy demonstrated a negative association with unprovoked aggression, and personal distress showed a positive link with provoked aggression. Our findings underscore the importance of studying early physical aggression in a more nuanced way to better understand different functions it may serve in toddlerhood.
The role of the Belt and Road Initiative: New opportunity for Chinese exporters?
Authors: Jiang Lingduo , Zhang Guofeng , Zhang Hang
Published: November 2022

Using Chinese Customs data for the 2007–2018 period, we investigate how Chinese exporters respond to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Based on a difference‐in‐differences identification strategy, we find that the BRI causes a substantial increase in China's total exports to BRI countries at the HS‐8 digit product level, and this export‐promoting effect is due to a significant increase in export quantity. We also find that exports increase more to countries along the Maritime Silk Road than those along the Land Silk Road. Moreover, the BRI contributes to optimising the export structure by increasing the proportion of general exports, promoting intermediate exports, improving upstreamness of exports and cutting excess capacity through international market demand. Combined with the existing studies focusing on the impacts on bilateral or global trade, our study helps develop a complete picture of the BRI effects from the perspective of the sponsor country.
Hafnium oxide films grown on silicon substrates by electron beam-induced deposition
Authors: Kobayashi Shunsuke
Published: November 2022

Electron beam-induced deposition (EBID) is an effective technique for directly fabricating materials with arbitrary shapes on substrates. EBID techniques have mostly been applied to the deposition of metals; however, only a few methods have been applied to metal oxides. As an application of metal oxides in EBID, I report on the fabrication of hafnium oxide (HfO2) films and their structural analysis using transmission electron microscopy techniques. Hafnium tetra-tert-butoxide [Hf(OC4H9)4] was supplied as a precursor from the gas injection system to deposit HfO2 films on silicon substrates. As a result of structural analysis, the grain size of the HfO2 film was less than 1 nm and residual carbon in the film remained. Although deposition conditions to reduce or remove residual carbon in the films need to be improved, the results demonstrate the applicability of one method of HfO2 fabrication and the potential of the EBID method for various metal oxide depositions.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
Linear viscoelasticity of double associative polymers with varied density of the secondary interaction
Authors: Yang Huanhuan , Wu Shilong , Chen Quan
Published: November 2022

This study examines the linear viscoelasticity of double-associative ionomers based on poly(hexyl methacrylate). The ionomer samples are unentangled and contain a fixed number of ionic stickers per chain, fion≅4, but a varied number of hydrogen-bonding stickers per chain, fH = 5.5–27. Increasing fH has distinct effects on the glassy and rubbery dynamics. On the one hand, the glassy relaxation mode distribution broadens, and the glassy-to-rubbery transition region delays significantly with increasing fH. On the other hand, the delay of the ionic dissociation and, accordingly, the terminal relaxation (activated by continuous ionic dissociations) are much weaker. This contrast suggests that the ionic dissociation is not only activated by the segmental motion of the main backbone but is also partly activated by the motion of the side chains that is less dependent on fH.
Dynamics of dual-junction-functionality associative polymer networks with ion and nanoparticle metal-coordinate cross-link junctions
Authors: Song Jake , Li Qiaochu , Chen Pangkuan , Keshavarz Bavand , Chapman Brian S. , Tracy Joseph B. , McKinley Gareth H. , Holten-Andersen Niels
Published: November 2022

We provide a canonical introduction to dual-junction-functionality associative polymer networks, which combine high and low functionality (f) dynamic cross-link junctions to impart load-bearing, dissipation, and self-repairing ability to the network. This unique type of network configuration offers an alternative to traditional dual-junction networks consisting of covalent and reversible cross-links. The high-f junctions can provide load-bearing abilities similar to a covalent cross-link while retaining the ability to self-repair and concurrently confer stimuli-responsive properties arising from the high-f junction species. We demonstrate the mechanical properties of this design motif using metal-coordinating polymer hydrogel networks, which are dynamically cross-linked by different ratios of metal nanoparticle (high-f) and metal ion (low-f) cross-link junctions. We also demonstrate the spontaneous self-assembly of nanoparticle-cross-linked polymers into anisotropic sheets, which may be generalizable for designing dual-junction-functionality associative networks with low volume fraction percolated high-f networks.
Nonlinear shear rheology of single and double dynamics metal-ligand networks
Authors: Pyromali Christina , Li Yanzhao , Zhuge Flanco , Fustin Charles-André , van Ruymbeke Evelyne , Vlassopoulos Dimitris
Published: November 2022

We present a systematic experimental study of the shear rheology of metallosupramolecular assemblies based on entangled telechelic star polymers comprising one (single dynamic network) or two (double dynamics network) types of physical bonds with the aim to unravel the role of concentration and strength of these bonds on the nonlinear response. Model dynamic networks functionalized with terpyridine ligands were formed by adding different metal ions with increasing bonding strength, zinc, copper, and cobalt. The dynamics are driven by entanglement/disentanglement processes and a ligand exchange mechanism. Steady-state viscosities of single and double dynamics networks collapse onto a universal curve over a wide range of Weissenberg numbers based on terminal time (up to about 300 for single and 1000 for double), exhibiting stronger shear thinning (with an exponent of −0.76) compared to entangled neutral star polymers. Double dynamics networks consisting of two different metal ions (with different lifetimes) exhibit stronger mechanical coherence (rate-dependent fractional viscosity overshoot) and accumulate larger strain at steady-state flow compared to single-ion counterparts. The shear stress growth function signals exhibit weak, albeit unambiguous shear strain hardening, which becomes more pronounced for stronger associations. They also exhibit double overshoot, which reflects the interplay of association strength and chain deformation. Increasing the strength of associations leads to the failure of the Cox–Merz rule, which is more severe for single dynamic networks. The markedly different behavior of double dynamics networks is attributed to the fact that at sufficiently high ion content, the weaker bond acts as a sacrificial component, which provides local energy dissipation and enhances the overall deformability. This bears analogies with their linear viscoelastic response, which has revealed that the arm disentanglement (delayed due to the reversible bonds) effectively interpolates between the two single dynamic network components, depending on composition. Our results suggest ways to tailor the mechanical properties of this class of materials by judicious choice of the type and content of the ion.
How double dynamics affects the large deformation and fracture behaviors of soft materials
Authors: Cui Kunpeng , Gong Jian Ping
Published: November 2022

Numerous mechanically strong and tough soft materials comprising of polymer networks have been developed over the last two decades, motivated by new high-tech applications in engineering and bio-related fields. These materials are characterized by their dynamic complexities and large deformation behaviors. In this Review, we focus on how chain dynamics affects the large deformation and fracture behaviors of soft materials. To favor readers without a rheology background, first we review the linear rheology behaviors of several simple networks. We show that, by playing with the physical entanglement, chemical cross-linking, and physical association of the building polymers, a very rich panel of dynamic responses can be obtained. Then, we show examples of how chain dynamics affects the deformation and fracture behaviors of dually cross-linked hydrogels having chemical cross-linkers and physical bonds. We also provide examples on the unique deformation behavior of physical double-network gels made from triblock polymers. Thereafter, examples of the influence of chain dynamics on the crack initiation and growth behaviors are presented. We show that even for chemically cross-linked double-network hydrogels that exhibit elastic behaviors in a common deformation window, the chain dynamics influences the damage zone size at the crack tip. Finally, we conclude this Review by proposing several directions for future research.
The Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Physical and Mental Health, and Physical Activity: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hadwen Brook , Pila Eva , Thornton Jane
Published: November 2022

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be associated with worse physical and mental health in adulthood, and low physical activity engagement, but the relationships are not fully understood. Objectives: To establish the scope of the literature exploring associations between ACEs, physical activity, and physical and mental health. Methods: We conducted this scoping review according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and PsycInfo for relevant articles. Results: Eighteen studies were included, 17 observational and 1 randomized controlled trial. The majority of studies were cross-sectional and employed self-reported physical activity and ACE measures. Six studies explored physical health, 9 explored mental health, and 3 explored both. Associations between ACEs and poor physical health outcomes (poor self-reported physical health, inflammation, high resting heart rate, and obesity) were consistently weaker or attenuated among those who were physically active. Physical activity may also moderate the associations between ACEs and depressive symptoms, psychological functioning, and health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Associations between ACEs and poor physical and mental health were observed in those with less frequent physical activity engagement, though the majority of evidence relies on cross-sectional observational designs with self-report instruments. Further research is required to determine whether physical activity can prevent or treat poor physical and mental health in the presence of ACEs.
Inverse Saxophone—A Device to Study the Role of Individual Finger Perturbations on Grasp Stability
Authors: Jacob Thomas , Dutta Swarnab , Annamalai Salai Jeyaseelan , SKM Varadhan
Published: November 2022

The efficient coordination of fingertip forces to maintain static equilibrium while grasping an object continues to intrigue scientists. While many studies have explored this coordination, most of these studies assumed that interactions of hands primarily occur with rigid inanimate objects. Instead, our daily interactions with living and nonliving entities involve many dynamic, compliant, or fragile bodies. This paper investigates the fingertip force coordination on a manipulandum that changes its shape while grasping it. We designed a five-finger perturbation system with linear actuators at positions corresponding to each finger that would protrude outward from the center of the handle or retract toward the center of the handle as programmed. The behavior of the perturbed fingers and the other fingers while grasping this device was studied. Based on previous experiments on expanding and contracting handles, we hypothesized that each finger would exhibit a comparable response to similar horizontal perturbations. However, the response of the little finger was significantly different from the other fingers. We speculate that the central nervous system demonstrates preferential recruitment of some fingers over others while performing a task.
Clinical Performance of the Osmotic Shock-MALDI MS Method to Detect Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase in Clinical Isolates
Authors: Lee Saeyoung , Hwang Seohyun , Cheon Dong Huey , Jang Heejung , Yang Won Suk , Kim Min Jin , Lee SunHwa , Baek Je-Hyun
Published: November 2022

The World Health Organization recently highlighted the serious worldwide problem of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant or antibiotic multidrug-resistant bacteria. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, including carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), are major antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be identified by various methods, including antibiotic susceptibility testing, PCR, and immunologic assays.
North American House Sparrows Are Competent for Usutu Virus Transmission
Authors: Kuchinsky Sarah C. , Marano Jeffrey , Hawks Seth A. , Loessberg Emma , Honaker Christa F. , Siegel Paul B. , Lahondère Chloé , LeRoith Tanya , Weger-Lucarelli James , Duggal Nisha K.
Published: November 2022

Usutu virus (USUV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus that can cause neuroinvasive disease, including meningitis and encephalitis, in humans and has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths in wild birds. The perpetuation of USUV in nature is dependent on transmission between
Culex
spp. mosquitoes and various avian species.
synDNA—a Synthetic DNA Spike-in Method for Absolute Quantification of Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing
Authors: Zaramela Livia S. , Tjuanta Megan , Moyne Oriane , Neal Maxwell , Zengler Karsten
Published: November 2022

The synDNAs designed in this study enable accurate and reproducible measurements of absolute amount and fold changes of bacterial species in complex microbial communities. The method proposed here is versatile and promising as it can be applied to bacterial communities or genomic features like genes and operons, in addition to being easily adaptable by other research groups at a low cost.
Omicron Wave SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis: Evaluation of Saliva, Anterior Nasal, and Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples
Authors: Migueres Marion , Mansuy Jean-Michel , Vasseur Sandrine , Claverie Nicolas , Lougarre Catherine , Soulier Françoise , Trémeaux Pauline , Izopet Jacques
Published: November 2022

Diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 is an essential component of the global strategy for the prevention and control of COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, numerous studies have evaluated the diagnostic sensitivity of different respiratory and oral specimens for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Cysteine-Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer of Lysinibacillus varians GY32
Authors: Kong Guannan , Yang Yonggang , Luo Yeshen , Liu Fei , Song Da , Sun Guoping , Li Daobo , Guo Jun , Dong Meijun , Xu Meiying
Published: November 2022

Extracellular electron transport (EET) is a key driving force in biogeochemical element cycles and microbial chemical-electrical-optical energy conversion on the Earth. Gram-positive bacteria are ubiquitous and even dominant in EET-enriched environments.
Toxin-Antitoxin Systems Alter Adaptation of Mycobacterium smegmatis to Environmental Stress
Authors: Zhang Lan-Yue , Wang Chun-Liang , Yan Mei-Yi , Geng Yi-Man , Yin Han , Jia Hong-Yan , Zhu Chuan-Zhi , Li Zi-Hui , Ren Gai-Xian , Pan Li-Ping , Sun Yi-Cheng , Zhang Zong-De
Published: November 2022

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are mechanisms for rapid adaptation of bacteria to environmental changes.
Mycobacterium smegmatis
, a model bacterium for studying
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, encodes eight putative TA systems. Here, we constructed an
M. smegmatis
mutant with deletions of all eight TA-encoding genes and evaluated the resistance of these mutants to environmental stresses.
Characterization and Function of Glycans on the Spike Proteins of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern
Authors: Zheng Luping , Wang Ke , Chen Minghai , Qin Fujun , Yan Chuang , Zhang Xian-En
Published: November 2022

Though glycosylation sites of SARS-CoV-2 S protein remain highly conserved, we confirmed that mutations in the
Spike
gene affect the S protein glycan expression pattern in different variants. More importantly, we found that glycans were differentially expressed on the S protein of the Omicron variant, enabling different forms of receptor binding and neutralization resistance.
Slow cooling in the metamorphic cores of Grenvillian large metamorphic core complexes and the thermal signature of the Ottawan orogenic lid
Authors: Rivers* Toby , Volkert* Richard A.
Published: November 2022

Prolonged slow cooling (average 1–3 °C/m.y.) of Ottawan phase granulite-facies gneisses (peak temperature ≥850 °C ca. 1090–1080 Ma) through the argon closure temperatures (TC) of hornblende ca. 980–920 Ma and biotite ca. 890–820 Ma in the western Grenville Province and in an inlier in the central Appalachians is well established, but its tectonic setting has not been systematically investigated. Here, the case is made that this slow cooling occurred in the suprasolidus cores of large metamorphic core complexes that were exhumed during mid-Ottawan (ca. 1050 Ma) extensional orogenic collapse. The ductile midcrustal metamorphic cores of the large metamorphic core complexes are overlain across gently dipping extensional detachments by a brittle-ductile cover composed of upper orogenic crust, parts of which preserve evidence of relict pre-Ottawan fabrics and peak prograde Ottawan temperatures of <500 °C (TC of Ar in hornblende), collectively implying thermal, structural, and rheological decoupling across the detachments. Slow average rates of cooling of the orogenic midcrust for >150 m.y. imply an anomalously hot upper mantle and mask short periods of more rapid cooling indicated by analyses of retrograde diffusional mineral zoning patterns. It is suggested that these slow average rates of cooling, coupled with slow average rates of exhumation of ≤0.1 km/m.y. modeled for one data set, were a result of decompression melting of rising asthenosphere and emplacement of voluminous mafic intrusions within or at the base of the crust, which reduced the buoyancy of the residual thinned lithosphere. This process is compatible with either delamination of subcontinental lithospheric mantle or slab rollback.

The high-strain extensional detachments of the large metamorphic core complexes are sites of amphibolite-facies retrogression, suggesting a feedback between ingress of hydrous fluid, which was likely derived from beneath the detachment during crystallization of migmatite, and strain. Extensional juxtaposition of the hot midcrust (T >850 °C) and cooler cover (T <500 °C) across the detachments led to conductive heating of the base of the cover, locally raising its temperature above 500 °C, as recorded by amphibolite-facies metamorphism and young cooling ages.

The slow cooling and exhumation of Grenvillian large metamorphic core complexes contrast with much faster rates in smaller metamorphic core complexes in other settings (e.g., North American Cordillera). The slow rates of these processes in large metamorphic core complexes are attributed to the prolonged high temperature and low viscosity of their metamorphic cores due to proximity of the asthenosphere, and to the intrusion of voluminous asthenospheric mafic magmas that both advected heat and reduced lithospheric buoyancy.
Supplemental Material: Reconstructing backwater hydrodynamics from fluvial-deltaic deposits using stratigraphic inversion: An example from the Tullig Sandstone, Western Irish Namurian Basin, County Clare, Ireland
Authors: Wu Chenliang , al. et
Published: November 2022

Tectonic history, structural restoration, field locations, and uncertainty analysis. Supplemental Data: original measurements for cross set and sandstone bed thicknesses.
Supplemental Material: Large-scale Permo-Triassic back-arc extensions of the Mongol- Okhotsk Ocean
Authors: Zhu Mingshuai , Miao Laicheng , et al.
Published: November 2022

Figure S1: Discrimination diagrams for the granite dikes in the Monhhan ophiolite. Table S1: Major and trace element compositions of the Monhhan ophiolite and intruding granite. Table S2: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb analytical data for the gabbro, intruding granite, and associated sandstone in the Monhhan ophiolite. Table S3: Lu–Hf data for zircons from the gabbro and intruding granite in the Monhhan ophiolite.
The commercial determinants of Indigenous health and well-being: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Crocetti Alessandro Connor , Cubillo (Larrakia) Beau , Lock (Ngiyampaa) Mark , Walker (Yorta Yorta) Troy , Hill (Torres Strait Islander) Karen , Mitchell (Mununjali) Fiona , Paradies (Wakaya) Yin , Backholer Kathryn , Browne Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Health inequity within Indigenous populations is widespread and underpinned by colonialism, dispossession and oppression. Social and cultural determinants of Indigenous health and well-being are well described. Despite emerging literature on the commercial determinants of health, the health and well-being impacts of commercial activities for Indigenous populations is not well understood. We aimed to identify, map and synthesise the available evidence on the commercial determinants of Indigenous health and well-being.

Methods

Five academic databases (MEDLINE Complete, Global Health APAPsycInfo, Environment Complete and Business Source Complete) and grey literature (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Google Scholar, Google) were systematically searched for articles describing commercial industry activities that may influence health and well-being for Indigenous peoples in high-income countries. Data were extracted by Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers and narratively synthesised.

Results

56 articles from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden were included, 11 of which were editorials/commentaries. The activities of the extractive (mining), tobacco, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, alcohol and gambling industries were reported to impact Indigenous populations. Forty-six articles reported health-harming commercial practices, including exploitation of Indigenous land, marketing, lobbying and corporate social responsibility activities. Eight articles reported positive commercial industry activities that may reinforce cultural expression, cultural continuity and Indigenous self-determination. Few articles reported Indigenous involvement across the study design and implementation.

Conclusion

Commercial industry activities contribute to health and well-being outcomes of Indigenous populations. Actions to reduce the harmful impacts of commercial activities on Indigenous health and well-being and future empirical research on the commercial determinants of Indigenous health, should be Indigenous led or designed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples.
Physician-reported barriers to using evidence-based antibiotic prescription guidelines in primary care: protocol for a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Bursey Krystal , Hall Amanda , Pike Andrea , Etchegary Holly , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Patey Andrea M , Romme Kristen
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Overprescription of antibiotics poses a significant threat to healthcare globally as it contributes to the issue of antibiotic resistance. While antibiotics should be predominately prescribed for bacterial infections, they are often inappropriately given for uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and related conditions, such as the common cold. This study will involve a qualitative systematic review of physician-reported barriers to using evidence-based antibiotic prescription guidelines in primary care settings and synthesise the findings using a theoretical basis.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review of qualitative studies that assess physicians’ reported barriers to following evidence-based antibiotic prescription guidelines in primary care settings for URTIs. We plan to search the following databases with no date or language restrictions: MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library and PsycInfo. Qualitative studies that explore the barriers and enablers to following antibiotic prescription guidelines for URTIs for primary care physicians will be included. We will analyse our findings using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which is a theoretically designed resource based on numerous behaviour change theories grouped into 14 domains. Using the TDF approach, we will be able to identify the determinants of our behaviour of interest (ie, following antibiotic prescription guidelines for URTIs) and categorise them into the 14 TDF domains. This will provide the necessary information to develop future evidence-based interventions that will target the identified issues and apply the most effective behaviour change techniques to affect change. This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.
Adaptive single-KIR+NKG2C+NK cells expanded from select superdonors show potent missing-self reactivity and efficiently control HLA-mismatched acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Haroun-Izquierdo Alvaro , Vincenti Marianna , Netskar Herman , van Ooijen Hanna , Zhang Bin , Bendzick Laura , Kanaya Minoru , Momayyezi Pouria , Li Shuo , Wiiger Merete Thune , Hoel Hanna Julie , Krokeide Silje Zandstra , Kremer Veronika , Tjonnfjord Geir , Berggren Stéphanie , Wikström Kristina , Blomberg Pontus , Alici Evren , Felices Martin , Önfelt Björn , Höglund Petter , Valamehr Bahram , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Björklund Andreas , Hammer Quirin , Kveberg Lise , Cichocki Frank , Miller Jeffrey S , Malmberg Karl-Johan , Sohlberg Ebba
Published: November 2022

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells hold great promise as a source for allogeneic cell therapy against hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Current treatments are hampered by variability in NK cell subset responses, a limitation which could be circumvented by specific expansion of highly potent single killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)+NKG2C+adaptive NK cells to maximize missing-self reactivity.

Methods

We developed a GMP-compliant protocol to expand adaptive NK cells from cryopreserved cells derived from select third-party superdonors, that is, donors harboring large adaptive NK cell subsets with desired KIR specificities at baseline. We studied the adaptive state of the cell product (ADAPT-NK) by flow cytometry and mass cytometry as well as cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-Seq). We investigated the functional responses of ADAPT-NK cells against a wide range of tumor target cell lines and primary AML samples using flow cytometry and IncuCyte as well as in a mouse model of AML.

Results

ADAPT-NK cells were >90% pure with a homogeneous expression of a single self-HLA specific KIR and expanded a median of 470-fold. The ADAPT-NK cells largely retained their adaptive transcriptional signature with activation of effector programs without signs of exhaustion. ADAPT-NK cells showed high degranulation capacity and efficient killing of HLA-C/KIR mismatched tumor cell lines as well as primary leukemic blasts from AML patients. Finally, the expanded adaptive NK cells had preserved robust antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity potential and combination of ADAPT-NK cells with an anti-CD16/IL-15/anti-CD33 tri-specific engager led to near-complete killing of resistant CD45dimblast subtypes.

Conclusions

These preclinical data demonstrate the feasibility of off-the-shelf therapy with a non-engineered, yet highly specific, NK cell population with full missing-self recognition capability.
Highly excited and exotic fully-strange tetraquark states
Authors: Dong Rui-Rui , Su Niu , Chen Hua-Xing
Published: November 2022

Some hadrons have the exotic quantum numbers that the traditional $$\bar{q} q$$

q

¯

q

mesons and qqq baryons can not reach, such as $$J^{PC} = 0^{--}/0^{+-}/1^{-+}/2^{+-}/3^{-+}/4^{+-}$$

J

PC

=

0

-
-

/

0

+
-

/

1

-
+

/

2

+
-

/

3

-
+

/

4

+
-

, etc. We investigate for the first time the exotic quantum number $$J^{PC}=4^{+-}$$

J

PC

=

4

+
-

, and study the fully-strange tetraquark states with such an exotic quantum number. We systematically construct all the diquark–antidiquark interpolating currents, and apply the method of QCD sum rules to calculate both the diagonal and off-diagonal correlation functions. The obtained results are used to construct three mixing currents that are nearly non-correlated, and we use one of them to extract the mass of the lowest-lying state to be $$2.85^{+0.19}_{-0.22}$$

2
.

85

-
0.22

+
0.19

 GeV. We apply the Fierz rearrangement to transform this mixing current to be the combination of three meson–meson currents, and the obtained Fierz identity suggests that this state dominantly decays into the P-wave $$\phi (1020) f_2^\prime (1525)$$

ϕ

(
1020
)

f
2
′

(
1525
)

channel. This fully-strange tetraquark state of $$J^{PC}=4^{+-}$$

J

PC

=

4

+
-

is a purely exotic hadron to be potentially observed in future particle experiments.
Constraints on ultralight axions, vector gauge bosons, and unparticles from geodetic and frame-dragging measurements
Authors: Poddar Tanmay Kumar
Published: November 2022

The geodetic and frame-dragging effects are the direct consequences of the spacetime curvature near Earth which can be probed from the Gravity probe B (GP-B) satellite. The satellite result matches quite well with Einstein’s general relativistic result. The gyroscope of the satellite which measures the spacetime curvature near Earth contains lots of electrons and nucleons. Ultralight axions, vector gauge bosons, and unparticles can interact with these electrons and nucleons through different spin-dependent and spin-independent operators and change the drift rate of the gyroscope. Some of these ultralight particles can either behave as a long range force between some dark sector or Earth and the gyroscope or they can behave as a background oscillating dark matter fields or both. These ultralight particles can contribute an additional precession of the gyroscopes, limited to be no larger than the uncertainty in the GP-B measurements. Compared with the experimental results, we obtain bounds on different operator couplings.