bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting mechanisms for hidden hearing loss: Synaptopathy vs myelin defects
Authors: Budak Maral , Grosh Karl , Sasmal Aritra , Corfas Gabriel , Zochowski Michal , Booth Victoria
Published: January 2021

Hidden hearing loss (HHL) is an auditory neuropathy characterized by normal hearing thresholds but reduced amplitudes of the sound-evoked auditory nerve compound action potential (CAP). In animal models, HHL can be caused by moderate noise exposure or aging, which induces loss of inner hair cell (IHC) synapses. In contrast, recent evidence has shown that transient loss of cochlear Schwann cells also causes permanent auditory deficits in mice with similarities to HHL. Histological analysis of the cochlea after auditory nerve remyelination showed a permanent disruption of the myelination patterns at the heminode of type I spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) peripheral terminals, suggesting that this defect could be contributing to HHL. To shed light on the mechanisms of different HHL scenarios observed in animals and to test their impact on type I SGN activity, we constructed a reduced biophysical model for a population of SGN peripheral axons whose activity is driven by a well-accepted model of cochlear sound processing. We found that the amplitudes of simulated sound-evoked SGN CAPs are lower and have greater latencies when heminodes are disorganized, i.e. they occur at different distances from the hair cell rather than at the same distance as in the normal cochlea. These results confirm that disruption of heminode positions causes desynchronization of SGN spikes leading to a loss of temporal resolution and reduction of the sound-evoked SGN CAP. Another mechanism resulting in HHL is loss of IHC synapses, i.e., synaptopathy. For comparison, we simulated synaptopathy by removing high threshold IHC-SGN synapses and found that the amplitude of simulated sound-evoked SGN CAPs decreases while latencies remain unchanged, as has been observed in noise exposed animals. Thus, model results illuminate diverse disruptions caused by synaptopathy and demyelination on neural activity in auditory processing that contribute to HHL as observed in animal models and that can contribute to perceptual deficits induced by nerve damage in humans.
The impact of interactions on invasion and colonization resistance in microbial communities
Authors: Kurkjian Helen M. , Akbari M. Javad , Momeni Babak
Published: January 2021

In human microbiota, the prevention or promotion of invasions can be crucial to human health. Invasion outcomes, in turn, are impacted by the composition of resident communities and interactions of resident members with the invader. Here we study how interactions influence invasion outcomes in microbial communities, when interactions are primarily mediated by chemicals that are released into or consumed from the environment. We use a previously developed dynamic model which explicitly includes species abundances and the concentrations of chemicals that mediate species interaction. Using this model, we assessed how species interactions impact invasion by simulating a new species being introduced into an existing resident community. We classified invasion outcomes as resistance, augmentation, displacement, or disruption depending on whether the richness of the resident community was maintained or decreased and whether the invader was maintained in the community or went extinct. We found that as the number of invaders introduced into the resident community increased, disruption rather than augmentation became more prevalent. With more facilitation of the invader by the resident community, resistance outcomes were replaced by displacement and augmentation. By contrast, with more facilitation among residents, displacement outcomes shifted to resistance. When facilitation of the resident community by the invader was eliminated, the majority of augmentation outcomes turned into displacement, while when inhibition of residents by invaders was eliminated, invasion outcomes were largely unaffected. Our results suggest that a better understanding of interactions within resident communities and between residents and invaders is crucial to predicting the success of invasions into microbial communities.
Modeling multi-sensory feedback control of zebrafish in a flow
Authors: Burbano-L. Daniel A. , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: January 2021

Understanding how animals navigate complex environments is a fundamental challenge in biology and a source of inspiration for the design of autonomous systems in engineering. Animal orientation and navigation is a complex process that integrates multiple senses, whose function and contribution are yet to be fully clarified. Here, we propose a data-driven mathematical model of adult zebrafish engaging in counter-flow swimming, an innate behavior known as rheotaxis. Zebrafish locomotion in a two-dimensional fluid flow is described within the finite-dipole model, which consists of a pair of vortices separated by a constant distance. The strength of these vortices is adjusted in real time by the fish to afford orientation and navigation control, in response to of the multi-sensory input from vision, lateral line, and touch. Model parameters for the resulting stochastic differential equations are calibrated through a series of experiments, in which zebrafish swam in a water channel under different illumination conditions. The accuracy of the model is validated through the study of a series of measures of rheotactic behavior, contrasting results of real andin-silicoexperiments. Our results point at a critical role of hydromechanical feedback during rheotaxis, in the form of a gradient-following strategy.
Essentiality of c-di-AMP in Bacillus subtilis: Bypassing mutations converge in potassium and glutamate homeostasis
Authors: Krüger Larissa , Herzberg Christina , Rath Hermann , Pedreira Tiago , Ischebeck Till , Poehlein Anja , Gundlach Jan , Daniel Rolf , Völker Uwe , Mäder Ulrike , Stülke Jörg
Published: January 2021

In order to adjust to changing environmental conditions, bacteria use nucleotide second messengers to transduce external signals and translate them into a specific cellular response. Cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) is the only known essential nucleotide second messenger. In addition to the well-established role of this second messenger in the control of potassium homeostasis, we observed that glutamate is as toxic as potassium for a c-di-AMP-free strain of the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. In this work, we isolated suppressor mutants that allow growth of a c-di-AMP-free strain under these toxic conditions. Characterization of glutamate resistant suppressors revealed that they contain pairs of mutations, in most cases affecting glutamate and potassium homeostasis. Among these mutations, several independent mutations affected a novel glutamate transporter, AimA (Amino acid importer A, formerly YbeC). This protein is the major transporter for glutamate and serine in B. subtilis. Unexpectedly, some of the isolated suppressor mutants could suppress glutamate toxicity by a combination of mutations that affect phospholipid biosynthesis and a specific gain-of-function mutation of a mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (YfkC) resulting in the acquisition of a device for glutamate export. Cultivation of the c-di-AMP-free strain on complex medium was an even greater challenge because the amounts of potassium, glutamate, and other osmolytes are substantially higher than in minimal medium. Suppressor mutants viable on complex medium could only be isolated under anaerobic conditions if one of the two c-di-AMP receptor proteins, DarA or DarB, was absent. Also on complex medium, potassium and osmolyte toxicity are the major bottlenecks for the growth of B. subtilis in the absence of c-di-AMP. Our results indicate that the essentiality of c-di-AMP in B. subtilis is caused by the global impact of the second messenger nucleotide on different aspects of cellular physiology.
Effect of cultivation system on quality changes in durum wheat grain and flour produced in North-Eastern Europe
Authors: Banach Joanna Katarzyna , Majewska Katarzyna , Żuk-Gołaszewska Krystyna
Published: January 2021

Grain of the highest hardness was produced from durum wheat grown without the use of growth regulator, at the lowest sowing density (350 seeds m-2) and nitrogen fertilization dose of 80 kg ha-1. The highest values L* and b* were determined in the grain of wheat cultivated without additional agrotechnical measures (growth regulator and nitrogen fertilization). Study results, supported by correlation analysis, indicated that high-quality grain with desired flour quality parameters (level of: FER ≈ 64%; FPS ≈ 98%; L* ≈ 92) can be produced from spring durum wheat grown without the growth regulator and at 80 kg·ha-1nitrogen fertilization. Additionally, this variant of applied cultivation system can reduce costs of durum wheat production and contamination of the natural environment.
Lessons from movement ecology for the return to work: Modeling contacts and the spread of COVID-19
Authors: Shaw Allison K. , White Lauren A. , Michalska-Smith Matthew , Borer Elizabeth T. , Craft Meggan E. , Seabloom Eric W. , Snell-Rood Emilie C. , Travisano Michael
Published: January 2021

Human behavior (movement, social contacts) plays a central role in the spread of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 was driven by global human movement, and initial lockdown measures aimed to localize movement and contact in order to slow spread. Thus, movement and contact patterns need to be explicitly considered when making reopening decisions, especially regarding return to work. Here, as a case study, we consider the initial stages of resuming research at a large research university, using approaches from movement ecology and contact network epidemiology. First, we develop a dynamical pathogen model describing movement between home and work; we show that limiting social contact, via reduced people or reduced time in the workplace are fairly equivalent strategies to slow pathogen spread. Second, we develop a model based on spatial contact patterns within a specific office and lab building on campus; we show that restricting on-campus activities to labs (rather than labs and offices) could dramatically alter (modularize) contact network structure and thus, potentially reduce pathogen spread by providing a workplace mechanism to reduce contact. Here we argue that explicitly accounting for human movement and contact behavior in the workplace can provide additional strategies to slow pathogen spread that can be used in conjunction with ongoing public health efforts.
Changes in VO2max and cardiac output in response to short-term high-intensity interval training in Caucasian and Hispanic young women: A pilot study
Authors: De Revere Jamie L. , Clausen Rasmus D. , Astorino Todd A.
Published: January 2021

Data obtained in primarily Caucasian (C) and African American adults show that ethnicity does not mediate responsiveness to exercise training. It is unknown if Hispanics (H), who face elevated health risks and are less active than C, exhibit a similar response to exercise training. This study compared cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic responses to high intensity interval training (HIIT) between C and H women. Twelve C and ten H women ages 19–35 yr who were non-obese and inactive completed nine sessions of HIIT over a 3 wk period. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was assessed twice at baseline during which thoracic impedance was used to evaluate heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). Habitual physical activity was assessed using accelerometry. Results showed a significant main effect of training for VO2max in C and H (F = 13.97, p = 0.001) and no group by training interaction (p = 0.65). There was a main effect of training for CO and SV in C and H (F = 7.57, p = 0.01; F = 7.16, p = 0.02), yet post hoc analyses revealed significant increases were only exhibited in C. There was a tendency for a group by training interaction for a-VO2diff (F = 1.32, p = 0.054), and a large effect size was seen in H (d = 1.02). Overall, data show no effect of ethnicity on changes in VO2max with low-volume HIIT, yet C and H may achieve this outcome differently. Longer studies in similar populations are needed to verify this result.
Pyrimidone inhibitors targeting Chikungunya Virus nsP3 macrodomain by fragment-based drug design
Authors: Zhang Sixue , Garzan Atefeh , Haese Nicole , Bostwick Robert , Martinez-Gzegozewska Yohanka , Rasmussen Lynn , Streblow Daniel N. , Haise Mark T. , Pathak Ashish K. , Augelli-Szafran Corinne E. , Wu Mousheng
Published: January 2021

The macrodomain of nsP3 (nsP3MD) is highly conserved among the alphaviruses and ADP-ribosylhydrolase activity of Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) nsP3MD is critical for CHIKV viral replication and virulence. No small molecule drugs targeting CHIKV nsP3 have been identified to date. Here we report small fragments that bind to nsP3MD which were discovered by virtually screening a fragment library and X-ray crystallography. These identified fragments share a similar scaffold, 2-pyrimidone-4-carboxylic acid, and are specifically bound to the ADP-ribose binding site of nsP3MD. Among the fragments, 2-oxo-5,6-benzopyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid showed anti-CHIKV activity with an IC50 of 23 μM. Our fragment-based drug discovery approach provides valuable information to further develop a specific and potent nsP3 inhibitor of CHIKV viral replication based on the 2-pyrimidone-4-carboxylic acid scaffold. In silico studies suggest this pyrimidone scaffold could also bind to the macrodomains of other alphaviruses and coronaviruses and thus, have potential pan-antiviral activity.
Integrated transcriptome, small RNA and degradome sequencing approaches proffer insights into chlorogenic acid biosynthesis in leafy sweet potato
Authors: Liu Yi , Su Wenjin , Wang Lianjun , Lei Jian , Chai Shasha , Zhang Wenying , Yang Xinsun
Published: January 2021

Leafy sweet potato is rich in total phenolics (TP) which play key roles in health protection, the chlorogenic acid (CGA) constitutes the major components of phenolic compounds in leafy sweet potato. Unfortunately, the mechanism of CGA biosynthesis in leafy sweet potato is unclear. To dissect the mechanisms of CGA biosynthesis, we performed transcriptome, small RNA (sRNA) and degradome sequencing of one low-CGA content and one high-CGA content genotype at two stages. A total of 2,333 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the enriched DEGs were related to photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The functional genes, such as CCR, CCoAOMT and HCT in the CGA biosynthetic pathway were down-regulated, indicating that the way to lignin was altered, and two possible CGA biosynthetic routes were hypothesized. A total of 38 DE miRNAs were identified, and 1,799 targets were predicated for 38 DE miRNAs by using in silico approaches. The target genes were enriched in lignin and phenylpropanoid catabolic processes. Transcription factors (TFs) such as apetala2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) and Squamosa promoter binding protein-like (SPL) predicated in silico were validated by degradome sequencing. Association analysis of the DE miRNAs and transcriptome datasets identified that miR156 family negatively targeted AP2/ERF and SPL. Six mRNAs and six miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR, and the results showed that the expression levels of the mRNAs and miRNAs were consistent with the sequencing data. This study established comprehensive functional genomic resources for the CGA biosynthesis, and provided insights into the molecular mechanisms involving in this process. The results also enabled the first perceptions of the regulatory roles of mRNAs and miRNAs, and offered candidate genes for leafy sweet potato improvements.
The interrelationship between meteorological parameters and leptospirosis incidence in Hambantota district, Sri Lanka 2008–2017 and practical implications
Authors: Ehelepola N. D. B. , Ariyaratne Kusalika , Dissanayake D. S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis. Leptospirosis incidence (LI) in Sri Lanka is high. Infected animals pass leptospires to the environment with their urine. Leprospires' survival in the environment to infect a new host depends on meteorological factors. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) modulate the weather in Sri Lanka.

Objectives

The determination of interrelationship between the LI in the Hambantota District, and local meteorological parameters, ENSO and IOD.

Methods

We acquired notified leptospirosis cases in the Hambantota District and population data. We calculated weekly leptospirosis incidences for 2008 to 2017.Weather data from two weather stations was obtained, averaged and converted into weekly data. We plotted time series graphs and observed the correlation between seven aggregated weather parameters and LI. We estimated cross-correlations between those weather parameters and LI. As our principal analysis we determined correlation between LI and seven local weather parameters, Nino 3.4, Nino4 and Dipole Mode Index (DMI) indices using wavelet analysis.

Results

Our wavelet analysis results showed troughs of minimum, maximum, mean temperatures, soil temperature, the evaporation rate, the duration of sunshine were followed by peaks in LI and peaks of rainfall followed by peaks of LI, all after lag periods. Our time series graphs and cross-correlation determination results are generally in agreement with these results. However there was no significant correlation between rainfall and LI in the cross-correlation analysis. There were peaks of LI following both peaks and troughs of DMI. There was no clear correlation between both Nino indices and LI.

Discussion

This may be the first long-term study demonstrating soil temperature, evaporation rate and IOD are correlating with LI. The correlation pattern of LI with temperature parameters differs from similar past studies and we explain the reasons. We propose ways to control high LI we observed after periods of weather favorable for transmission of leptospirosis.
Bayesian algorithm to estimate position and activity of an orphan gamma source utilizing multiple detectors in a mobile gamma spectrometry system
Authors: Bukartas Antanas , Wallin Jonas , Finck Robert , Rääf Christopher
Published: January 2021

To avoid harm to the public and the environment, lost ionizing radiation sources must be found and brought back under the regulatory control as soon as possible. Usually, mobile gamma spectrometry systems are used in such search missions. It is possible to estimate the position and activity of point gamma sources by performing Bayesian inference on the measurement data. The aim of this study was to theoretically investigate the improvements in the Bayesian estimations of the position and activity of a point gamma source due to introduction of data from multiple detectors with angular variations of efficiency. Three detector combinations were tested—a single 123% HPGe detector, single 4l NaI (Tl) detector and a 123% HPGe with 2x4l NaI (Tl) detector combination—with and without angular efficiency variations for each combination resulting in six different variants of the Bayesian algorithm. It was found that introduction of angular efficiency variations of the detectors did improve the accuracy of activity estimation slightly, while introduction of data from additional detectors lowered the signal-to-noise ratio threshold of the system significantly, increasing the stability and accuracy of the estimated source position and activity, for a given signal-to-noise ratio.
The development and validation of a social media fatigue scale: From a cognitive-behavioral-emotional perspective
Authors: Zhang Shiyi , Shen Yanni , Xin Tao , Sun Haoqi , Wang Yilu , Zhang Xiaotong , Ren Siheng
Published: January 2021

Social media fatigue (SMF), which refers to social media users’ tendency to withdraw from social media because of feeling overwhelmed, is closely related to individuals’ social life and well-being. Many studies focused on understanding SMF and exploring its enablers and influences. However, few pieces of research administered a standard measurement of SMF. This study aimed to develop and validate a measure of SMF, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1599 participants in total. Semi-structured interviews of 30 participants were firstly conducted as a pilot study, and an initial version of the social media fatigue scale (SMFS) with 24 items was generated. Then, both exploratory factor analysis (N = 509) and confirmatory factor analysis (N = 552) as well as reliability and validity analysis (N = 508) were conducted and a 15-item SMFS was finally developed. The results demonstrated that: 1) SMF was a multi-dimension concept including a cognitive aspect, an emotional aspect and a behavioral aspect; 2) the three-dimensional structure of the SMFS (cognitive-behavioral-emotional structure) fitted the data well; 3) the McDonald’s Omega coefficients for the SMFS was 0.83, suggesting that the SMFS was reliable; 4) criterion validity was satisfactory as indicated by both the significant correlations between self-rated scores of fatigue and total SMFS scores and the significant regression model of SMF on social media privacy, social media confidence, and negative feeling after comparison. Based on the Limited Capacity Model, the present study expanded SMF from a unidimensional model to a three-dimension model, and developed a 15-item SMFS. The study enriched the existing knowledge of SMF, and coined a reliable and valid tool for measuring it. Besides, concluding the typical characteristics of SMF, the study may provide some inspiration for both researchers and social media managers and operators in mitigating SMF.
Factors that determine dependence in daily activities: A cross-sectional study of family practice non-attenders from Slovenia
Authors: Poplas Susič Antonija , Klemenc-Ketiš Zalika , Blagus Rok , Ružić Gorenjec Nina
Published: January 2021

Background

Independence in daily activities is defined as the ability to perform functions related to daily living, i.e. the capacity of living independently in the community with little or no help from others.

Objective

We focused on non-attenders as a subgroup of patients whose health status is not well known to family practice teams. Our goal was to estimate the prevalence of dependence and its severity level in the daily activities of patients, and to determine the factors that are associated with the occurrence of dependence.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Settings and participants

Data was obtained in family medicine settings. Participants in the study were adults living in the community (aged 18 or over) who had not visited their chosen family physician in the last 5 years (non-attenders) and who were able to participate in the study. Through the electronic system, we identified 2,025 non-attenders. Community nurses collected data in the participants’ homes. The outcome measure was dependence in daily activities, assessed through eight items: personal hygiene; eating and drinking; mobility; dressing and undressing; urination and defecation; continence; avoiding hazards in the environment; and communication.

Results

The final sample consisted of 1,999 patients (98.7% response rate). The mean age was 59.9 (range 20 to 99). Dependence in daily activities was determined in 466 or 23.3% (95% CI: [21.5, 25.2]) of the patients. Older patients (over 60 years), with at least one chronic disease, increased risk of falling, moderate feelings of loneliness and a lower self-assessment of health were statistically significantly more likely to be dependent in their daily activities, according to our multivariate model.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of family practice non-attenders were found to be dependent in daily activities, though at a low level. We identified several factors associated with this dependence. This could help to identify people at risk of being dependent in daily activities in the general adult population, and enable specific interventions that would improve their health status.
Gestational breast cancer in New South Wales: A population-based linkage study of incidence, management, and outcomes
Authors: Safi Nadom , Saunders Christobel , Hayen Andrew , Anazodo Antoinette , Lui Kei , Li Zhuoyang , Remond Marc , Nicholl Michael , Wang Alex Y. , Sullivan Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Background

The incidence of gestational breast cancer (GBC) is increasing in high-income countries. Our study aimed to examine the epidemiology, management and outcomes of women with GBC in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using linked data from three NSW datasets. The study group comprised women giving birth with a first-time diagnosis of GBC while the comparison group comprised women giving birth without any type of cancer. Outcome measures included incidence of GBC, maternal morbidities, obstetric management, neonatal mortality, and preterm birth.

Results

Between 1994 and 2013, 122 women with GBC gave birth in NSW (crude incidence 6.8/ 100,000, 95%CI: 5.6–8.0). Women aged ≥35 years had higher odds of GBC (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6.09, 95%CI 4.02–9.2) than younger women. Women with GBC were more likely to give birth by labour induction or pre-labour CS compared to women with no cancer (AOR 4.8, 95%CI: 2.96–7.79). Among women who gave birth by labour induction or pre-labour CS, the preterm birth rate was higher for women with GBC than for women with no cancer (52% vs 7%; AOR 17.5, 95%CI: 11.3–27.3). However, among women with GBC, preterm birth rate did not differ significantly by timing of diagnosis or cancer stage. Babies born to women with GBC were more likely to be preterm (AOR 12.93, 95%CI 8.97–18.64), low birthweight (AOR 8.88, 95%CI 5.87–13.43) or admitted to higher care (AOR 3.99, 95%CI 2.76–5.76) than babies born to women with no cancer.

Conclusion

Women aged ≥35 years are at increased risk of GBC. There is a high rate of preterm birth among women with GBC, which is not associated with timing of diagnosis or cancer stage. Most births followed induction of labour or pre-labour CS, with no major short term neonatal morbidity.
Renal function in a cohort of HIV-infected patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in an outpatient setting in Ethiopia
Authors: Fiseha Temesgen , Gebreweld Angesom
Published: January 2021

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of abnormal renal function among Ethiopian HIV-infected patients at baseline prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and during follow-up.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of HIV infected patients who initiated ART at the outpatient ART clinic of Mehal Meda Hospital of North Shewa, Ethiopia from January 2012 to August 2018. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical records of patients. Renal function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to determine the factors associated with abnormal renal function at baseline and during follow-up.

Results

Among 353 patients, 70 (19.8%) had baseline eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 and 102 (28.9%) had eGFR = 60–89.9 ml/min/1.73m2. Factors associated with baseline renal impairment (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2) included female sex (AOR = 3.52, CI 1.75–7.09), CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 (AOR = 2.75, CI 1.40–5.42), BMI < 25 Kg/m2 (AOR = 3.04, CI 1.15–8.92), low hemoglobin (AOR = 2.19, CI 1.16–4.09) and high total cholesterol (AOR = 3.15, CI 1.68–5.92). After a median of 3.0 years of ART, the mean eGFR declined from 112.9 ± 81.2 ml/min/1.73m2 at baseline to 93.9 ± 60.6 ml/min/1.73m2 (P < 0.001). The prevalence of renal impairment increased from 19.8% at baseline to 22.1% during follow-up. Of 181 patients with baseline normal renal function, 49.7% experienced some degree of renal impairment. Older age (AOR = 3.85, 95% CI 2.03–7.31), female sex (AOR = 4.18, 95% CI 2.08–8.40), low baseline CD4 (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.24–4.69), low current CD4 count (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.15–4.68), high BMI (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.49–5.71), and low hemoglobin (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI 2.00–7.46) were the factors associated with renal impairment during follow-up.

Conclusion

Impaired renal function was common in HIV-infected patients initiating ART in an outpatient setting in Ethiopia, and there appears to be a high prevalence of renal impairment after a median ART follow-up of 3 years. There is a need for assessment of renal function at baseline before ART initiation and regular monitoring of renal function for patients with HIV during follow-up.
Understanding the dynamics of obesity prevention policy decision-making using a systems perspective: A case study of Healthy Together Victoria
Authors: Clarke Brydie , Kwon Janelle , Swinburn Boyd , Sacks Gary
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Despite global recommendations for governments to implement a comprehensive suite of policies to address obesity, policy adoption has been deficient globally. This paper utilised political science theory and systems thinking methods to examine the dynamics underlying decisions regarding obesity prevention policy adoption within the context of the Australian state government initiative, Healthy Together Victoria (HTV) (2011–2016). The aim was to understand key influences on policy processes, and to identify potential opportunities to increase the adoption of recommended policies.

Methods

Data describing government processes in relation to the adoption of six policy interventions considered as part of HTV were collected using interviews (n = 57), document analyses (n = 568) and field note observations. The data were analysed using multiple political science theories. A systematic method was then used to develop a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) for each policy intervention. A simplified meta-CLD was generated from synthesis of common elements across each of the six policy interventions.

Results

The dynamics of policy change could be explained using a series of feedback loops. Five interconnected balancing loops served to reduce the propensity for policy change. These pertained to an organisational norm of risk aversion, and the complexity resulting from a whole-of-government policy approach and in-depth stakeholder consultation. However, seven virtuous reinforcing loops helped overcome policy resistance through policy actor capabilities that were improved over time as policy actors gained experience in advocating for change.

Conclusion

Policy processes for obesity prevention are complex and resistant to change. In order to increase adoption of recommended policies, several capabilities of policy actors, including policy skills, political astuteness, negotiation skills and consensus building, should be fostered and strengthened. Strategies to facilitate effective and broad-based consultation, both across and external to government, need to be implemented in ways that do not result in substantial delays in the policy process.
Job satisfaction of clinical pharmacists and clinical pharmacy activities implemented at Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen-Thi Hai-Yen , Nguyen-Ngoc Thuy-Tram , Do-Tran Minh-Thu , Do Dung Van , Pham Luyen Dinh , Le Nguyen Dang Tu
Published: January 2021

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Vietnam pioneered the practice of clinical pharmacy; however, hospitals in HCMC have faced numerous challenges that might influence the job satisfaction of clinical pharmacists (CPs). Additionally, there have been no official statistics about clinical pharmacy activities that have been reported so far. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the current status of the clinical pharmacy profession and to analyze the key factors affecting job satisfaction of CPs in HCMC. This was a cross-sectional study. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to all the CPs in all the 128 hospitals in HCMC via an online survey tool from May to June 2020. Only about 30% of the respondents were full-time CPs. The percentage of CPs participating in clinical wards was relatively low (52.79%). “Provide drug information for patients and medical employees” was the most common clinical pharmacy activity, with the percentage of CPs participating in it being nearly 90%. Overall, 74.1% of the 197 CPs surveyed were satisfied with their current job. The factors that they were satisfied with the most and the least were “Inter & Intra professional relationships” (95.9%) and “Income” (59.9%), respectively. The only demographic and work-related characteristic that had a statistically significant association with overall job satisfaction was “Ward round participation”. Most clinical pharmacy tasks noted a high rate of participation from the CPs. Nevertheless, hospitals in HCMC was found to be experiencing a shortage of CPs and low levels of participation of CPs in ward rounds, and most CPs were unable to completely focus on clinical pharmacy tasks. Regarding CPs’ job satisfaction-related aspects, income and ward round participation appear to be the two factors that should be increased, in order to enhance CPs’ job satisfaction.
In situ kinetic measurements of α-synuclein aggregation reveal large population of short-lived oligomers
Authors: Zurlo Enrico , Kumar Pravin , Meisl Georg , Dear Alexander J. , Mondal Dipro , Claessens Mireille M. A. E. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Huber Martina
Published: January 2021

Knowledge of the mechanisms of assembly of amyloid proteins into aggregates is of central importance in building an understanding of neurodegenerative disease. Given that oligomeric intermediates formed during the aggregation reaction are believed to be the major toxic species, methods to track such intermediates are clearly needed. Here we present a method, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), by which the amount of intermediates can be measured over the course of the aggregation, directly in the reacting solution, without the need for separation. We use this approach to investigate the aggregation of α-synuclein (αS), a synaptic protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease and find a large population of oligomeric species. Our results show that these are primary oligomers, formed directly from monomeric species, rather than oligomers formed by secondary nucleation processes, and that they are short-lived, the majority of them dissociates rather than converts to fibrils. As demonstrated here, EPR offers the means to detect such short-lived intermediate species directly in situ. As it relies only on the change in size of the detected species, it will be applicable to a wide range of self-assembling systems, making accessible the kinetics of intermediates and thus allowing the determination of their rates of formation and conversion, key processes in the self-assembly reaction.
Effects of a large-scale, natural sediment deposition event on plant cover in a Massachusetts salt marsh
Authors: Moore G. E. , Burdick D. M. , Routhier M. R. , Novak A. B. , Payne A. R.
Published: January 2021

In mid-winter 2018, an unprecedented sediment deposition event occurred throughout portions of the Great Marsh in Massachusetts. Evaluation of this event in distinct marsh areas spanning three towns (Essex, Ipswich, and Newbury) revealed deposition covering 29.2 hectares with an average thickness of 30.1±2.1 mm measured shortly after deposition. While sediment deposition helps marshes survive sea level rise by building elevation, effects of such a large-scale deposition on New England marshes are unknown. This natural event provided an opportunity to study effects of large-scale sediment addition on plant cover and soil chemistry, with implications for marsh resilience. Sediment thickness did not differ significantly between winter and summer, indicating sediment is not eroding or compacting. The deposited sediment at each site had similar characteristics to that of the adjacent mudflat (e.g., texture, bivalve shells), suggesting that deposited materials resulted from ice rafting from adjacent flats, a natural phenomenon noted by other authors. Vegetative cover was significantly lower in plots with rafted sediment (75.6±2.3%) than sediment-free controls (93.1±1.6%) after one growing season. When sorted by sediment thickness categories, the low thickness level (1–19 mm) had significantly greater percent cover than medium (20–39 mm) and high (40–90 mm) categories. Given that sediment accretion in the Great Marsh was found to average 2.7 mm per year, the sediment thickness documented herein represents ~11 years of sediment accretion with only a 25% reduction in plant cover, suggesting this natural sediment event will likely increase long-term marsh resilience to sea level rise.
Diversity of microbial communities and soil nutrients in sugarcane rhizosphere soil under water soluble fertilizer
Authors: Niu Huan , Pang Ziqin , Fallah Nyumah , Zhou Yongmei , Zhang Caifang , Hu Chaohua , Lin Wenxiong , Yuan Zhaonian
Published: January 2021

The dynamics of soil microbial communities are important for plant health and productivity. Soil microbial communities respond differently to fertilization. Organic water soluble fertilizer is an effective soil improver, which can effectively improve soil nutrient status and adjust soil pH value. However, little is known about the effects of water soluble fertilizers on soil microbial community, and the combined effects on soil nutrients and sugarcane productivity. Therefore, this study sought to assess the effects of water soluble fertilizer (1,050 kg/hm2 (WS1), 1,650 kg/hm2 (WS2)) and mineral fertilizer (1,500 kg/hm2 (CK)) on the soil microbial community, soil nutrients and crop yield of sugarcane. The results showed that compared with CK, the application of water soluble fertilizers (WS1 and WS2) alleviated soil acidity, increased the OM, DOC, and AK contents in the soil, and further improved agronomic parameters and sugarcane yield. Both WS1 and WS2 treatments significantly increased the species richness of microorganisms, especially the enrichment of beneficial symbiotic bacteria such as Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes, which are more conducive to the healthy growth of plants. Furthermore, we found that soil nutrient contents were associated with soil microbial enrichment. These results indicate that water soluble fertilizer affects the enrichment of microorganisms by improving the nutrient content of the soil, thereby affecting the growth and yield of sugarcane. These findings therefore suggest that the utilization of water soluble fertilizer is an effective agriculture approach to improve soil fertility.
The extraperitoneal French AmbUlatory cesarean section technique leads to improved pain scores and a faster maternal autonomy compared with the intraperitoneal Misgav Ladach technique: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dimassi Kaouther , Halouani Ahmed , Kammoun Amine , Ami Olivier , Simon Benedicte , Velemir Luka , Fauck Denis , Triki Amel
Published: January 2021

Objective

To determine whether the French AmbUlatory Cesarean Section (FAUCS) technique reduces postoperative pain and promotes maternal autonomy compared with the Misgav Ladach cesarean section (MLCS) technique in elective conditions.

Study design

One hundred pregnant women were randomly, but in a non-blinded manner, assigned to undergo FAUCS or MLCS. The primary outcome was a postoperative mean pain score (PMPS), and secondary outcomes were a combined pain/medication score, time to regain autonomy, surgical duration, calculated blood loss, surgical complications, and neonatal outcome.

Results

Women in the FAUCS group experienced less pain than those in the MLCS group (PMPS = 1.87 [1.04–2.41] vs. 2.93 [2.46–3.75], respectively; p < 0.001). Six hours after surgery, the combined pain/medication score for FAUCS patients was 33% lower than that for MLCS patients (p < 0.001). FAUCS patients more rapidly regained autonomy, with 94% reaching autonomy within 12 h vs. 4% of MLCS patients (p < 0.001). There were no differences in maternal surgical or neonatal complications between groups.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that FAUCS can reduce postoperative pain and accelerate recovery, suggesting that this technique might be superior to MLCS and should be more widely used. One potentially key difference between FAUCS and MLCS is that MLCS includes 100 mcg spinal morphine anesthesia in addition to the same anesthesia used by FAUCS. Any interpretation of apparent differences must take the presence/absence of morphine into account.
Forecasting hospital demand in metropolitan areas during the current COVID-19 pandemic and estimates of lockdown-induced 2nd waves
Authors: Capistran Marcos A. , Capella Antonio , Christen J. Andrés
Published: January 2021

We present a forecasting model aim to predict hospital occupancy in metropolitan areas during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Our SEIRD type model features asymptomatic and symptomatic infections with detailed hospital dynamics. We model explicitly branching probabilities and non-exponential residence times in each latent and infected compartments. Using both hospital admittance confirmed cases and deaths, we infer the contact rate and the initial conditions of the dynamical system, considering breakpoints to model lockdown interventions and the increase in effective population size due to lockdown relaxation. The latter features let us model lockdown-induced 2nd waves. Our Bayesian approach allows us to produce timely probabilistic forecasts of hospital demand. We have applied the model to analyze more than 70 metropolitan areas and 32 states in Mexico.
Comparing the fit of N95, KN95, surgical, and cloth face masks and assessing the accuracy of fit checking
Authors: O’Kelly Eugenia , Arora Anmol , Pirog Sophia , Ward James , Clarkson P. John
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has made well-fitting face masks a critical piece of protective equipment for healthcare workers and civilians. While the importance of wearing face masks has been acknowledged, there remains a lack of understanding about the role of good fit in rendering protective equipment useful. In addition, supply chain constraints have caused some organizations to abandon traditional quantitative or/and qualitative fit testing, and instead, have implemented subjective fit checking. Our study seeks to quantitatively evaluate the level of fit offered by various types of masks, and most importantly, assess the accuracy of implementing fit checks by comparing fit check results to quantitative fit testing results.

Methods

Seven participants first evaluated N95 and KN95 respirators by performing a fit check. Participants then underwent quantitative fit testing wearing five N95 respirators, a KN95 respirator, a surgical mask, and fabric masks.

Results

N95 respirators offered higher degrees of protection than the other categories of masks tested; however, it should be noted that most N95 respirators failed to fit the participants adequately. Fit check responses had poor correlation with quantitative fit factor scores. KN95, surgical, and fabric masks achieved low fit factor scores, with little protective difference recorded between respiratory protection options. In addition, small facial differences were observed to have a significant impact on quantitative fit.

Conclusion

Fit is critical to the level of protection offered by respirators. For an N95 respirator to provide the promised protection, it must fit the participant. Performing a fit check via NHS self-assessment guidelines was an unreliable way of determining fit.
The independent factors associated with oxygen therapy in COVID-19 patients under 65 years old
Authors: Ni Yue-Nan , Wang Ting , Liang Bin-miao , Liang Zong-An
Published: January 2021

Background

The number of hospitalized young coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has increased significantly. However, specific data about COVID-19 patients under 65 years old who are admitted to the hospital are scarce.

Methods

The COVID-19 patients under 65 years old who were admitted to the hospital in Sichuan Province, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, and Wuhan Red Cross Hospital were included in this study. Demographic information, laboratory data and clinical treatment courses were extracted from electronic medical records. Risk factors associated with oxygen therapy were explored.

Results

Eight hundred thirty-three COVID-19 patients under 65 years old were included. Of the included patients, 29.4% had one or more comorbidities. Oxygen therapy was required in 63.1% of these patients, and the mortality was 2.9% among the oxygen therapy patients. Fever (odds ratio [OR] 2.072, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.312–3.271, p = 0.002), dyspnea (OR 2.522, 95% CI 1.213–5.243, p = 0.013), chest distress (OR 2.278, 95% CI 1.160–4.473, p = 0.017), elevated respiratory rate (OR 1.114, 95% CI 1.010–1.228, p = 0.031), and decreased albumin (OR 0.932, 95% CI 0.880–0.987, p = 0.016) and globulin levels (OR 0.929, 95% 0.881–0.980, p = 0.007) were independent factors related to oxygen therapy.

Conclusions

Oxygen therapy is highly required in COVID-19 patients under 65 years old who are admitted to the hospital, but the success rate is high. Respiratory failure-related symptoms, elevated respiratory rate, low albumin and globulin levels, and fever at admission are independent risk factors related to the requirement of oxygen.
Public acceptance of privacy-encroaching policies to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lewandowsky Stephan , Dennis Simon , Perfors Andrew , Kashima Yoshihisa , White Joshua P. , Garrett Paul , Little Daniel R. , Yesilada Muhsin
Published: January 2021

The nature of the COVID-19 pandemic may require governments to use privacy-encroaching technologies to help contain its spread. One technology involves co-location tracking through mobile Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth to permit health agencies to monitor people’s contact with each other, thereby triggering targeted social-distancing when a person turns out to be infected. The effectiveness of tracking relies on the willingness of the population to support such privacy encroaching measures. We report the results of two large surveys in the United Kingdom, conducted during the peak of the pandemic, that probe people’s attitudes towards various tracking technologies. The results show that by and large there is widespread acceptance for co-location tracking. Acceptance increases when the measures are explicitly time-limited and come with opt-out clauses or other assurances of privacy. Another possible future technology to control the pandemic involves “immunity passports”, which could be issued to people who carry antibodies for the COVID-19 virus, potentially implying that they are immune and therefore unable to spread the virus to other people. Immunity passports have been considered as a potential future step to manage the pandemic. We probe people’s attitudes towards immunity passports and find considerable support overall, although around 20% of the public strongly oppose passports.