bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proven COVID‐19—associated pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with severe respiratory failure
Authors: Fortarezza Francesco , Boscolo Annalisa , Pezzuto Federica , Lunardi Francesca , Jesús Acosta Manuel , Giraudo Chiara , Del Vecchio Claudia , Sella Nicolò , Tiberio Ivo , Godi Ilaria , Cattelan Annamaria , Vedovelli Luca , Gregori Dario , Vettor Roberto , Viale Pierluigi , Navalesi Paolo , Calabrese Fiorella
Published: June 2021

Background

An increasing number of reports have described the COVID‐19–associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) as being a further contributing factor to mortality. Based on a recent consensus statement supported by international medical mycology societies, it has been proposed to define CAPA as possible, probable, or proven on the basis of sample validity and thus diagnostic certainty. Considering current challenges associated with proven diagnoses, there is pressing need to study the epidemiology of proven CAPA.

Methods

We report the incidence of histologically diagnosed CAPA in a series of 45 consecutive COVID‐19 laboratory‐confirmed autopsies, performed at Padova University Hospital during the first and second wave of the pandemic. Clinical data, laboratory data and radiological features were also collected for each case.

Results

Proven CAPA was detected in 9 (20%) cases, mainly in the second wave of the pandemic (7/17 vs. 2/28 of the first wave). The population of CAPA patients consisted of seven males and two females, with a median age of 74 years. Seven patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. All patients had at least two comorbidities, and concomitant lung diseases were detected in three cases.

Conclusion

We found a high frequency of proven CAPA among patients with severe COVID‐19 thus confirming at least in part the alarming epidemiological data of this important complication recently reported as probable CAPA.
Change in children's perception of cancer in the last 10 years in Japan
Authors: Masumoto Daisuke , Yano Kanako , Matsui Honami , Ohta Asuka , Morita‐Tominaka Miyuki , Okumura Yosuke , Okamura Satoshi , Kurihara Kosuke , Linn Zayar , Hori Hiroki
Published: June 2021

Background

Social awareness of cancer can be changed with cancer education and proper distribution of cancer information. This study addressed the current situation and historical changes to children's perception of cancer.

Methods

Questionnaire surveys were conducted among healthy school children aged 10–15 years in 2008 and 2018. Knowledge of cancer was surveyed and compared with that of asthma, tuberculosis, and measles. The children were asked about their health information resources.

Results

The numbers of participants and collection rates were 438 and 63.9% in 2008, and 320 and 44.7% in 2018. Children's perception of cancer changed significantly in the last decade. The proportion of respondents answering “cancer affects children” changed from 78.3 to 89.5% (P = 0.0001), “cancer is preventable” from 42.0 to 49.7% (P = 0.0425), and “cancer is curable,” from 52.4 to 66.0% (P = 0.0003). Significantly more junior high school students answered that cancer is preventable than elementary school children in 2018 (55.9 vs 42.7%, P = 0.0028). The major resources of information on health were television, parents, and books. The proportion of children choosing the Internet significantly increased from 15.3 to 47.8% (P < 0.0001). Significantly more junior high school students selected television and the Internet than elementary school children (94.5 vs 86.9%, P = 0.0202 for television; 57.1 vs 37.9%, P = 0.0007 for the Internet).

Conclusions

The proportion of children correctly perceiving cancer information had increased in the last decade. Junior high school students better understood the information. The Internet is of increasing importance as an information resource for school children.
Aura of decay: Fetishising ruins with Benjamin and Lacan
Authors: Pohl Lucas
Published: June 2021

In recent years, geographers and related social scientists have worked intensively against the fetishisation of ruins. The ruin fetish is widely considered as being problematic, because it does not allow us to face the complex reality of processes of ruination and instead turns the ruin into an object with a fixed meaning and transcendental value. This paper supplements this current state of research via the fetish concepts of Walter Benjamin and Jacques Lacan, who both grasp fetishisation through the inscription of fantasy into an object. This fantasy is not inherently bound to the fetish object, but persists depending solely on our standpoint to it. The paper elaborates on the ruin having to be perceived from a certain distance to obtain a status as fetish object by turning into a nostalgic rem(a)inder of loss. While the fetishist maintains a distance to the fetish object, the explorative view of ruins, dismissively coined as “ruin porn,” is distinguished by its manner of getting as close as possible to it. Ruin porn is therefore not, as it is often stated, the most recent peak of the ruin fetish, but rather a way of losing sight of the ruin’s aura, a way of turning the fetish object into a pile of waste. Artists, on the other hand, bear witness to something that lies beyond the factual givenness of the ruin and thus reintroduce the fetish back into it. Shifting between these ways of fetishising, defetishising, and refetishising ruins, the paper investigates the conditions of the ruin fetish and ultimately calls for a more serious engagement with fantasies as a way of getting with the ruin fetish instead of getting over it.
EVALUATION ON THE EGFET PH SENSING PERFORMANCE OF SOL-GEL SPIN COATED TITANIUM DIOXIDE THIN FILM
Authors: Zulkefle Muhammad AlHadi , Herman Sukreen Hana , Abdul Rahman Rohanieza , Yusof Khairul Aimi , Rosli Aimi Bazilah , Abdullah Wan Fazlida Hanim , Zulkifli Zurita
Published: June 2021

For this study, TiO2 thin film was fabricated using the sol-gel spin coating method. The fabricated film was then applied as a sensing membrane in an extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) pH sensor system. The pH sensing performance of the sol-gel spin-coated TiO2 was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, and hysteresis where the value obtained was 58.70 mV/pH, 0.9922, and 86.17 mV respectively. The drift rate of the sample when being measured for 12 consecutive hours was also determined where measurement in pH 4, pH 7, and pH 10 yield drift rate of 1.72 mV/h, 4.14 mV/h, and 6.05 mV/h respectively.  Besides that, the TiO2 was characterized for its thickness (24.32 nm) and surface roughness (5.129 nm). From the results obtained, it was found that sol-gel spin-coated TiO2 thin film with thickness between 20 - 29 nm will have high pH sensitivity (more than 50 mV/pH).
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION OF COAL BOTTOM ASH MODIFIED WARM MIX ASPHALT
Authors: Ali Jattak Zulfiqar , Abdul Hassan Norhidayah , Mohd Satar Mohd Khairul Idham , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah , Hainin ‪Mohd Rosli
Published: June 2021

Bottom Ash (BA), a coal combustion by-product, found to be a potential material when used to produce asphalt mixture. However, some of its characteristics make it a questionable material for the surface course. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the compatibility of BA in Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology through the basic mechanical properties of the asphalt mixtures for binder course layer (AC 28). Two WMA chemical additives, Cecabase RT and Evotherm 3G, were used at the concentrations of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% from the binder's weight. The binder properties were assessed through penetration, softening point and viscosity tests. The Marshall mix design was used to determine the optimum binder content (OBC). The additive dosage and production temperature for WMA were determined through Marshall stability, flow, air voids and specific gravity. The results show that the additives did not significantly affect the binder properties, although, at 0.4% Evotherm 3G, a drop of 17.5% in penetration was observed. Cecabase RT produced WMA with promising results but did not enhance the workability of WMA containing bottom ash (BAWMA). By lowering the production temperature of 25 °C, WMA and BAWMA at 0.4 %, Evotherm 3G demonstrated comparable workability to the conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). The data achieved through this study would be a guiding approach towards the application of BA in WMA technology for sustainable pavements.
Cervical Cancer Epidemiology, Prevention and Screening among Women Living with HIV in the Americas region: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Caicedo-Martínez María , Ordóñez-Reyes Camila , Fernández-Deaza Ginna , Murillo Raúl , Mello Maeve B , Nuche-Berenguer Bernardo
Published: June 2021

Background: Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are more prone to persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer. Health systems should integrate HPV and HIV services considering particularities of WLHIV when offering comprehensive cervical cancer services. Objectives: To synthesize existing knowledge on cervical cancer epidemiology, as well as access to screening and prevention among women living with HIV in the Americas Region. Methods: Nine PICO questions will orient a systematic review of published literature in Medline and LILACS; supplemented with cross-referencing and search of grey literature in Trip and Google-Scholar. The protocol will follow PRISMA-P standards. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts independently; disagreements will be solved by consensus. Verification of eligibility based on full-text reading will be carried out. Studies finally included will be assessed for risk of bias based on standard tools by type of study. Data extraction tables will be built for every PICO question and reported in a structured format. A meta-analysis will be performed depending upon the results. Discussion: This systematic review anticipates finding valuable information for policy makers and public health actors as it aims to provide new data on a special population from the Americas region.
Calidad de vida profesional de docentes de una universidad del norte del Perú
Authors: Perez Loaiza Josely Karina , Monsalve Mera Alain Eduard , Ñique Carbajal Cèsar Armando , Mestanza Quispe Jeanette Del Milagro , Diaz Espinoza Elia Krhysé , Infante Palacios Karla Elena , Lluncor Ushiñahua Ingrid Paola
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de Calidad de Vida Profesional de los docentes de la Facultad de Medicina en una Universidad de Lambayeque, septiembre-noviembre 2019. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal ejecutado en la Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo a una población de 264 docentes de la Facultad de Medicina cuya muestra fue de 159, elegidos de modo proporcional al número docentes estratificados por las escuelas que conforman la facultad, aplicándose el cuestionario “Calidad de Vida Profesional” (CVP-35). Resultados: Se obtuvo buena CVP con una media de 6.74 de 10, respecto a motivación intrínseca alcanzó una media de 7.91 (buena), carga horaria obtuvo una media de 4.71 (mala) y apoyo directivo, media de 6.48 (buena). Conclusiones: La percepción de la CVP es buena, destacando la motivación intrínseca, aunque existe excesiva carga horaria, la motivación intrínseca y el apoyo directivo son elementos compensadores en la calidad de vida de los docentes.
Necrólisis epidérmica tóxica asociada al aumento de dosis de carbamacepina: presentación de un caso en un paciente geriátrico
Authors: Moreno Echeverri Marìa Manuela , Correa Sandra Milena Caicedo , Carvajal Diego Andrès Chavarro
Published: June 2021

Introducción El síndrome de Stevens Johnson (SJJ) y la necrólisis epidérmica tóxica (NET) son reacciones cutáneas severas, que se caracterizan por el daño de la epidermis y compromiso de mucosas. Los síntomas inician de 4-28 días posterior al inicio del medicamento. En el presente caso, la reacción adversa se presentó posterior a un aumento de dosis de carbamazepina. Si bien esta asociación ha sido poco descrita, es importante que el personal de salud la conozca, pues el retiro oportuno tiene implicaciones pronósticas importantes.

Métodos y resultados: Se describe caso de una paciente de 79 años con demencia frontotemporal e insomnio manejada con carbamazepina y con un ajuste de dosis a los 8 días, con lo que presentó SSJ con rápida progresión a NET.

Conclusiones: La identificación del agente causal es vital en pacientes con toxicodermias y no se debe descartar como agente etiológico un medicamento previamente tolerado por el paciente.
Algunas reflexiones sobre apnea obstructiva del sueño, ansiedad y consumo de alcohol
Authors: Mejía Avellaneda Carlos Augusto , Garciandia Jose Antonio
Published: June 2021

Introducción: La apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) es un trastorno prevalente, caracterizado por episodios repetidos de obstrucción completa o parcial de las vías respiratorias superiores, en el cual ocurre un colapso faríngeo repetitivo durante el sueño que produce una respiración interrumpida durante la noche (hipoxia nocturna), fragmentación del sueño y excitación simpática. Adicionalmente se producen alteraciones en señales bioquímicas, manifestadas en episodios de ansiedad, desbalance en el equilibrio apetito/saciedad y la persistencia o mantenimiento del etilismo.  

Objetivo: Plantear una hipótesis explicativa de la influencia de la apnea obstructiva como factor o elemento que influye en el origen y mantenimiento del consumo abusivo del alcohol.   

Metodología: revisión sistemática de la literatura médica publicada en inglés, español en la biblioteca de bases de datos biomédicas [PubMed, EMBASE,  Cochrane, Elsevier]. Con relación en las consecuencias bioquímicas de la AOS en los niveles de cortisol grelina y y leptina    

Discusión: se encuentra información de las alteraciones de los niveles de cortisol grelina y leptina como consecuencia de la apnea obstructiva del sueño que permite pesar en una relación entre apnea como factor de riesgo para el consumo de alcohol.  

Conclusiones: La Apnea Obstructiva de Sueño, al producir alteraciones a la alta, de la secreción de cortisol, grelina y leptina, contribuye a una mayor predisposición para el consumo de alcohol, el abuso y su expresión como alcoholismo.
Tuberculosis intestinal secundaria a uso de terapia biológica: ¿puede mimetizar la enfermedad de Crohn?
Authors: Mosquera-Klinger Gabriel
Published: June 2021

La Tuberculosis intestinal (TBI) y la enfermedad de Crohn (EC) son trastornos granulomatosos crónicos que podrían tener un compromiso transmural y afectar cualquier parte del tracto digestivo; en algunos casos estas entidades pueden tener una presentación similar desde el punto de vista clínico, radiológico, endoscópico e incluso histológico. presento 2 casos de pacientes con diagnóstico presuntivo inicial de EC con compromiso ileocolónico basados en los datos clínicos, hallazgos endoscópicos, serológicos, histológicos, pero con una respuesta clínica pobre a las terapias convencionales usadas en EC incluyendo esteroides; en ambos casos se descartaron inicialmente infecciones sistémicas y se iniciaron terapias inmunosupresoras con azatioprina y con anticuerpos contra factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (AntiTNFa) con lo cual desarrollaron formas diseminadas de tuberculosis, sin mejoría de las manifestaciones gastrointestinales; pero si tuvieron respuesta satisfactoria desde el punto de vista infeccioso y digestivo con los antituberculosos. En estos casos el diagnóstico es TBI mimetizando a la EC.
Analytical and Numerical Simulation of Asymmetric Converging Flow of Gas Under Drill Bits in Reverse Circulation Gas Drilling
Authors: Yang Xu , Guo Boyun , Timiyan Tamaralayefa Ayemidi
Published: June 2021

Reverse circulation gas drilling has been considered to solve engineering problems such as formation water influx, wellbore instability, and excess gas requirement in gas drilling. The performance of reverse circulation gas drilling depends to a large extent on the structure design of the drill bit. An analytical model and a numerical model were developed in this study to simulate the asymmetric converging flow of gas under the drill bit for reverse circulation gas drilling. The two models were compared and applied to the evaluation of a drill bit structure design for bottom hole cleaning capacity of gas flow. It was found that the pressure, velocity, and specific kinetic energy given by the analytical model are slightly lower than that given by the numerical model. The relative difference between the gas flowrates given by the analytical model and the numerical model is less than 5%. For the drill bit structure design considered in this study, the gas flow energy between the short blades is much higher than that between the long blades. A gas injection rate of 10 m3/min (360 ft3/min) is expected to clean the drill cuttings between the short blades, while a gas flowrate of 28 m3/min (990 ft3/min) is required to clean the drill cuttings between the long blades. Although the numerical model gives more accurate result than the analytical model in predicting hydraulics parameters, the analytical model is recommended for evaluating drill bit structure design because of its simplicity and conservativeness.
Aero-Thermal Aspects of Film Cooled Nozzle Guide Vane Endwall—Part 2: Thermal Measurements
Authors: Alqefl Mahmood H. , Nawathe Kedar P. , Chen Pingting , Zhu Rui , Kim Yong W. , Simon Terrence W.
Published: June 2021

Flow over gas turbine endwalls is complex and highly three-dimensional. As boundaries for modern engine designs are pushed, this already-complex flow is affected by aggressive application of film cooling flows that actively interact. This two-part study describes, experimentally, the aero-thermal interaction of cooling flows near the endwall of a first-stage nozzle guide vane passage (NGV). The approach flow conditions represent flow exiting a low-NOx combustor. The test section includes geometric and cooling details of a combustor-turbine interface in addition to endwall film cooling flows injected upstream of the passage. The first part of this study describes in detail, the passage aerodynamics as affected by injection of cooling flows. It reveals a system of secondary flows, including the newly discovered Impingement Vortex, which redefines our understanding of the aerodynamics of flow in a modern, film-cooled, first-stage vane row. The second part investigates, through thermal measurements, the distribution, mixing, and disruption of cooling flows over the endwall. Measurements are made with and without active endwall film cooling. Descriptions are made through adiabatic surface effectiveness measurements and correlations with in-passage velocity (presented in part one) and thermal fields. Results show that the newly discovered impingement vortex has a positive effect on coolant distribution through passage vortex suppression and by carrying the coolant to hard-to-cool regions in the passage, including the pressure surface near the endwall.
Characterization of nanoscale vertical-channel charge-trap memory thin film transistors using oxide semiconducting active and trap layers
Authors: Bae Soo-Hyun , Ryoo Hyun-Joo , Seong Nak-Jin , Choi Kyu-Jeong , Kim Gi-Heon , Yoon Sung-Min
Published: June 2021

We fabricated vertical-channel charge-trap memory thin film transistors (V-CTM TFTs) using an In–Ga–Zn–O channel and ZnO charge trap layers, in which a solution-processed SiO2 spacer pattern was introduced to scale down the vertical-channel length below 190 nm. The vertical gate-stack structure was implemented by atomic-layer deposition with excellent film conformality. The V-CTM TFTs with channel lengths of 190 (S1) and 140 nm (S2) showed charge-trap-assisted wide memory windows of 12.0 and 10.1 V, respectively. The memory margins between the on- and off-programmed currents were estimated to be 1.2 × 105 and 5.1 × 102 with a program pulse duration of 100 ms for S1 and S2, respectively. The programmed states did not exhibit any degradation with a lapse of retention for 104 s. With reducing the channel length, the number of endurance cycles decreased from 5000 to 3000 cycles. A vertical integration of oxide-based CTM device scaled down to sub-150 nm could be verified to show sound nonvolatile memory operations, even though there remain some technical issues such as a higher level of off-current for S2.
Associations of Social Network Characteristics With Gait Speed in Older Women From Physical Activity Community Groups
Authors: Arango-Paternina Carlos M. , Ramírez-Villada Jhon F. , Tibaduiza-Romero Annie A. , Rodríguez-Perdomo Leonardo
Published: June 2021

The identification of social network factors associated with gait speed may offer different perspectives for improving community and clinical interventions for older adults. The objective of this study was to explore the associations of the social network of friends with gait speed. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of 128 older adult women recruited in community groups of physical activity. Clinical screening, social network questions, body composition evaluation, and gait speed test were applied to the participants. Logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between characteristics of the social network of friends and high gait speed. Findings indicated that social isolation was not associated with high gait speed and that popularity and proportion of friends with high gait speed were significantly associated with high gait speed. Findings suggested that there was a relationship between social network factors and the ability to perform high gait speed.
Modeling the Life Cycle of the Intramitochondrial Bacterium “
Candidatus
Midichloria mitochondrii” Using Electron Microscopy Data
Authors: Comandatore Francesco , Radaelli Giacomo , Montante Sebastiano , Sacchi Luciano , Clementi Emanuela , Epis Sara , Cafiso Alessandra , Serra Valentina , Pajoro Massimo , Di Carlo Domenico , Floriano Anna Maria , Stavru Fabrizia , Bandi Claudio , Sassera Davide
Published: June 2021

Our results suggest that
Midichloria mitochondrii
, the intramitochondrial bacterium, does not invade mitochondria like predatory bacteria do but instead moves from mitochondrion to mitochondrion within the oocytes of
Ixodes ricinus
. A better understanding of the lifestyle of
M. mitochondrii
will allow us to better define the role of this bacterial symbiont in the host physiology.
Duplication and Functional Divergence of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Biosynthesis Genes in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Steyer Joel T. , Downes Damien J. , Hunter Cameron C. , Migeon Pierre A. , Todd Richard B.
Published: June 2021

Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis is important for pathogenic fungi to successfully cause disease in human and plant hosts. The enzymes for their production are absent from humans and, therefore, provide potential antifungal targets.
Phase Variation in HMW1A Controls a Phenotypic Switch in Haemophilus influenzae Associated with Pathoadaptation during Persistent Infection
Authors: Fernández-Calvet Ariadna , Euba Begoña , Gil-Campillo Celia , Catalan-Moreno Arancha , Moleres Javier , Martí Sara , Merlos Alexandra , Langereis Jeroen D. , García-del Portillo Francisco , Bakaletz Lauren O. , Ehrlich Garth D. , Porsch Eric A. , Menéndez Margarita , Mell Joshua C. , Toledo-Arana Alejandro , Garmendia Junkal
Published: June 2021

Human-adapted bacterial pathogens have evolved specific mechanisms to colonize their host niche. Phase variation is a contingency strategy to allow adaptation to changing conditions, as phase-variable bacterial loci rapidly and reversibly switch their expression.
Identification of Oxygen-Independent Pathways for Pyridine Nucleotide and Coenzyme A Synthesis in Anaerobic Fungi by Expression of Candidate Genes in Yeast
Authors: Perli Thomas , Vos Aurin M. , Bouwknegt Jonna , Dekker Wijb J. C. , Wiersma Sanne J. , Mooiman Christiaan , Ortiz-Merino Raúl A. , Daran Jean-Marc , Pronk Jack T.
Published: June 2021

NAD (NAD
+
) and coenzyme A (CoA) are central metabolic cofactors whose canonical biosynthesis pathways in fungi require oxygen. Anaerobic gut fungi of the Neocallimastigomycota phylum are unique eukaryotic organisms that adapted to anoxic environments.
Hierarchical Cell Death Program Disrupts the Intracellular Niche Required for Burkholderia thailandensis Pathogenesis
Authors: Place David E. , Christgen Shelbi , Tuladhar Shraddha , Vogel Peter , Malireddi R. K. Subbarao , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: June 2021

Burkholderia
infections result in a high degree of mortality when left untreated; therefore, understanding the host immune response required to control infection is critical. In this study, we uncovered a hierarchical cell death program utilized by infected cells to disrupt the intracellular niche of
Burkholderia thailandensis
by limiting bacterial intercellular spread, host cell-cell fusion, and bacterial replication. In macrophages, combined loss of key PANoptosis components results in extensive
B. thailandensis
infection-induced cell-cell fusion, bacterial replication, and increased cell death at later stages of infection compared with both wild-type (WT) and pyroptosis-deficient cells.
Linking a Gene Cluster to Atranorin, a Major Cortical Substance of Lichens, through Genetic Dereplication and Heterologous Expression
Authors: Kim Wonyong , Liu Rundong , Woo Sunmin , Kang Kyo Bin , Park Hyun , Yu Young Hyun , Ha Hyung-Ho , Oh Seung-Yoon , Yang Ji Ho , Kim Hangun , Yun Sung-Hwan , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: June 2021

Lichens play significant roles in ecosystem function and comprise about 20% of all known fungi. Polyketide-derived natural products accumulate in the cortical and medullary layers of lichen thalli, some of which play key roles in protection from biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g., herbivore attacks and UV irradiation).
An Autocrine Negative Feedback Loop Inhibits Dictyostelium discoideum Proliferation through Pathways Including IP3/Ca
2+
Authors: Tang Yu , Rijal Ramesh , Zimmerhanzel David E. , McCullough Jacquelyn R. , Cadena Louis A. , Gomer Richard H.
Published: June 2021

Many mammalian tissues such as the liver have the remarkable ability to regulate their size and have their cells stop proliferating when the tissue reaches the correct size. One possible mechanism involves the cells secreting a signal that they all sense, and a high level of the signal tells the cells that there are enough of them and to stop proliferating.
Progesterone-Mediated Enhancement of Hepatitis E Virus Replication in Human Liver Cells
Authors: Sooryanarain Harini , Ahmed S. Ansar , Meng Xiang-Jin
Published: June 2021

Hepatitis E is usually a self-limiting acute disease; however, during pregnancy, a severe form of fulminant hepatic failure and high mortality rate are associated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Increased levels of progesterone and HEV RNA are observed in pregnant women with fulminant hepatic failures.
Diverse Viruses in Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Fluids Have Restricted Dispersal across Ocean Basins
Authors: Thomas Elaina , Anderson Rika E. , Li Viola , Rogan L. Jenni , Huber Julie A.
Published: June 2021

Viruses play important roles in manipulating microbial communities and their evolution in the ocean, yet not much is known about viruses in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. However, viral ecology and evolution are of particular interest in hydrothermal vent habitats because of their unique nature: previous studies have indicated that most viruses in hydrothermal vents are temperate rather than lytic, and it has been established that rates of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) are particularly high among thermophilic vent microbes, and viruses are common vectors for HGT.
Multi-omics Study of Planobispora rosea, Producer of the Thiopeptide Antibiotic GE2270A
Authors: Del Carratore Francesco , Iorio Marianna , Pérez-Bonilla Mercedes , Schmidt Kamila , Pérez-Redondo Rosario , Sosio Margherita , Macdonald Sandy J. , Gyulev Ivan S. , Tsigkinopoulou Areti , Thomas Gavin H. , Genilloud Olga , Rodríguez-García Antonio , Donadio Stefano , Breitling Rainer , Takano Eriko
Published: June 2021

Planobispora roseais a genetically intractable bacterium used for the production of GE2270A on an industrial scale. GE2270A is a potent thiopeptide antibiotic currently used as a precursor for the synthesis of two compounds under clinical studies for the treatment ofClostridium difficileinfection and acne.
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Species-Specific Metabolite Production and Shared Nutrient Consumption by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Dunphy Laura J. , Grimes Kassandra L. , Wase Nishikant , Kolling Glynis L. , Papin Jason A.
Published: June 2021

Interactions between
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
can impact pathogenicity and antimicrobial efficacy. In this study, we aim to better understand the potential for metabolic interactions between
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
in an environment resembling the cystic fibrosis lung.
Structure of Chimpanzee Gut Microbiomes across Tropical Africa
Authors: Bueno de Mesquita Clifton P. , Nichols Lauren M. , Gebert Matthew J. , Vanderburgh Caihong , Bocksberger Gaëlle , Lester Jack D. , Kalan Ammie K. , Dieguez Paula , McCarthy Maureen S. , Agbor Anthony , Álvarez Varona Paula , Ayimisin Ayuk Emmanuel , Bessone Mattia , Chancellor Rebecca , Cohen Heather , Coupland Charlotte , Deschner Tobias , Egbe Villard Ebot , Goedmakers Annemarie , Granjon Anne-Céline , Grueter Cyril C. , Head Josephine , Hernandez-Aguilar R. Adriana , Jeffery Kathryn J. , Jones Sorrel , Kadam Parag , Kaiser Michael , Lapuente Juan , Larson Bradley , Marrocoli Sergio , Morgan David , Mugerwa Badru , Mulindahabi Felix , Neil Emily , Niyigaba Protais , Pacheco Liliana , Piel Alex K. , Robbins Martha M. , Rundus Aaron , Sanz Crickette M. , Sciaky Lilah , Sheil Douglas , Sommer Volker , Stewart Fiona A. , Ton Els , van Schijndel Joost , Vergnes Virginie , Wessling Erin G. , Wittig Roman M. , Ginath Yuh Yisa , Yurkiw Kyle , Zuberbühler Klaus , Gogarten Jan F. , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Muellner-Riehl Alexandra N. , Boesch Christophe , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Fierer Noah , Arandjelovic Mimi , Dunn Robert R.
Published: June 2021

Gut microbial communities are drivers of primate physiology and health, but the factors that influence the gut microbiome in wild primate populations remain largely undetermined. We report data from a continent-wide survey of wild chimpanzee gut microbiota and highlight the effects of genetics, vegetation, and potentially even tool use at different spatial scales on the chimpanzee gut microbiome, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic parasites.
Use of transcranial direct current stimulation in poststroke postural imbalance
Authors: Tonomura Tadayasu , Satow Takeshi , Hyuga Yuko , Mima Tatsuya
Published: June 2021

Independent gait following stroke is ultimate goal of rehabilitation. Non-invasive neuromodulation achieving it has never been reported. A 74-year-old woman suffered from subarachnoid haemorrhage, followed by hydrocephalus. Both were treated successfully. Even 1 year after the ictus, ambulation was difficult due to truncal instability with lateropulsion mainly to the left side. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was applied to the parietal area (2mA for 20 min/day; anode on left side, cathode on right) for 16 days. The intervention improved her truncal instability and she achieved independent gait. tDCS of the parietal area could be a novel treatment option for gait disturbance due to postural instability following stroke.
Knowledge, attitudes and experiences of self-harm and suicide in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: McPhillips Rebecca , Nafees Sadia , Elahi Anam , Batool Saqba , Krishna Murali , Krayer Anne , Huxley Peter , Chaudhry Nasim , Robinson Catherine
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Over 800 000 people die due to suicide each year and suicide presents a huge psychological, economic and social burden for individuals, communities and countries as a whole. Low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected by suicide. The strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt, and other types of self-harm have been found to be robust predictors of suicidal behaviour. An approach that brings together multiple sectors, including education, labour, business, law, politics and the media is crucial to tackling suicide and self-harm. The WHO highlights that evaluations of the knowledge and attitudes that priority groups, not only healthcare staff, have of mental health and suicidal behaviour are key to suicide prevention strategies. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the knowledge, attitudes and experiences different stakeholders in LMICs have of self-harm and suicide.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, BNI, Social Sciences and Cochrane Library will be searched. Reviewers working independently of each other will screen search results, select studies for inclusion, extract and check extracted data, and rate the quality of the studies using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology and Critical Appraisals Skills Programme checklists. In anticipation of heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis of quantitative studies will be provided and metaethnography will be used to synthesise qualitative studies.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. A report will be provided for the funding body, and the systematic review will be submitted for publication in a high-impact, peer-reviewed, open access journal. Results will also be disseminated at conferences, seminars, congresses and symposia, and to relevant stakeholders.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019135323.
Risk of dementia in gout and hyperuricaemia: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Pan Shu-Yue , Cheng Rui-Juan , Xia Zi-Jing , Zhang Qiu-Ping , Liu Yi
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Gout, characterised by hyperuricaemia with monosodium urate crystal formation and inflammation, is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults. Recent studies have found that elevated uric acid levels are related to the occurrence of dementia. We conducted a study to investigate the association between dementia and gout or hyperuricaemia.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Data sources

Studies were screened from inception to 28 June 2019 by searching Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases.

Eligibility criteria

Cohort studies comparing the risk of dementia in patients with gout and hyperuricaemia versus non-gout and non-hyperuricaemia controls were enrolled.

Data extraction and analysis

Two reviewers separately selected studies and extracted data using the Medical Subject Headings without restriction on languages or countries. The adjusted HRs were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the stability of the results. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Quality assessment was performed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

Four cohort studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in our meta-analysis. We found that gout and hyperuricaemia did not increase the risk of dementia, with a pooled HR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.28), but might decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a pooled HR of 0.78 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.95). There was little evidence of publication bias. Quality assessment of the included studies was high (range: 6–8 points).

Conclusions

Our study shows that gout and hyperuricaemia do not increase the risk of dementia. However, gout and hyperuricaemia might have a protective effect against AD. Due to the limited number of research articles, more investigations are needed to demonstrate the potential relationship between dementia and gout or hyperuricaemia.
Effect of bariatric surgery on employment status—a 7 years controlled nationwide registry study
Authors: Juhl Claus Bogh , Holst René , Mundbjerg Lene Hymøller , Stolberg Charlotte , Gran Jon Michael , Thomsen Gert Frank
Published: June 2021

Background

Severe obesity is associated with a reduced ability to work. Bariatric surgery is the most effective method to achieve a sustained weight loss. Previous studies have reported conflicting results regarding the effect of bariatric surgery on employment status. To address this, we investigated the effect of bariatric surgery on employment status in the Danish population.

Methods

In this nationwide study, we identified 5450 subjects who underwent bariatric surgery and 10 900 control subjects matched for age, sex and municipality. From accessible registries, we extracted data regarding employment, absenteeism, sick leave and pension. Using a multistate model, we compared time in occupational states and transitions between these states to determine the effect of bariatric surgery on employment status.

Findings

Before surgery, cases had an absolute risk increase (95% CI)(ARI (CI)) and a relative risk (RR (CI)) of being in full-time employment of −0.12 (−0.14 to −0.10) and 0.84 (0.82 to 0.86) and were more often unemployed or in a subsidised job than the background population. Taking into account the employment status before surgery, the bariatric surgery group increased their probability of being in full-time employment 1–3 years after bariatric surgery. However, this positive effect was not present with a longer duration of follow-up. Being male, above 50 years of age, or employed as a craftsman or office worker were associated with a sustained positive effect of being in full-time employment (ARI (CI) and RR (CI) 0.05 (0.04 to 0.05) and 1.05 (1.04 to 1.06), 0.06 (0.06 to 0.07) and 1.08 (1.07 to 1.09) and 0.05 (0.05 to 0.06) and 1.05 (1.05 to 1.06), respectively).

Interpretation

Compared with a matched control group, those undergoing bariatric surgery did not improve their employment status in the long term. Certain subgroups had a more sustained positive effect.
Efficacy and safety of left bundle branch area pacing versus right ventricular apex pacing in patients with atrioventricular block: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Zefeng , Du Xiao , Cheng Liting , Liang Zhuo , Dong Ruiqing , Hang Fei , Chen Jieruo , Wang Xinlu , Wang Ziyu , Chen Junjun , Wu Yongquan , Zhang Junmeng
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP) is a relatively new approach for physiologic pacing. A limited number of retrospective clinical studies, featuring small sample sizes, have shown that compared with right ventricular apex pacing (RVAP), the QRS duration of postoperative ECG in LBBaP patients is narrower and the cardiac systolic function is improved. However, there have been no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of LBBaP in patients with atrioventricular block (AVB). Therefore, the current study intends to address the paucity in RCT data evaluating LBBaP versus RVAP in AVB patients.

Analysis and methods

This study is a single-centre, randomised controlled superiority trial to be conducted at the Cardiac Centre of Beijing Anzhen Hospital. From January 2021 to December 2023, 210 consecutive AVB patients meeting the inclusion criteria and receiving pacemaker implantation will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly divided into an experimental group (LBBaP) and a control group (RVAP) at a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which will be assessed by echocardiography. The secondary outcomes in this study are synchrony of left ventricular systole, NT-proBNP, LVEDD, the 6-min walk distance, quality of life (SF-36 scale), all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death events, rehospitalisation rate and major complication rate.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Beijing Anzhen Hospital (No. 2020021X). The results of the trial will be presented at national and international conferences. We hypothesise that compared with RVAP, LBBaP will be superior for treating patients with AVB. This trial will provide evidence-based suggestion for the majority of electrophysiologists in pacing implantation.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2000034335.
Transcultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the mainland China version of Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture Questionnaire: a cross-sectional survey based on 50 nursing homes in China
Authors: Li Yaqin , Cheng Yufei , Hu Xiuying , Zhang Longhao
Published: June 2021

Objective

To provide a validated Chinese-language measurement of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture (NHSOPS) in mainland China. The primary goal is to carry out a transcultural adaptation of the NHSOPS Questionnaire into Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Design

A psychometric evaluation study is constructed. First, the ‘translation–back-translation–cultural adaptation’ and the pretesting procedure were followed to introduce the NHSOPS. Second, a cross-sectional survey was used to assess the psychometric properties for the mainland China version of the NHSOPS (M-NHSOPS), and a test–retest survey was then applied.

Setting and participants

The survey was carried out among 1397 nursing home staff from 50 nursing homes in Southwest China.

Outcome measures

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess the potential structure, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then applied. Reliability was assessed by the content validity index, Cronbach’s α and the test–retest value.

Results

Among the 1397 respondents, 1211 were included (86.7%). EFA was used, and a nine-factor structure was explored. Five factors (Cronbach’s α ＞0.6) were selected into the new structure for the M-NHSOPS. Moreover, data showed that it was suitable for CFA, and convergent validity and discriminant validity were satisfactory. On the other hand, M-NHSOPS contains five dimensions and 22 items. The overall Cronbach’s α value was 0.883; the values of each dimension ranged from 0.648 to 0.913. Additionally, content validity showed significant performance. Eventually, test–retest reliability was 0.892, and each dimension was 0.713, 0.809, 0.924, 0.795 and 0.859, respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusions

M-NHSOPS has acceptable reliability and satisfactory validity among staff of nursing homes in Southwest China, and further verification among samples in other regions of mainland China is required.
Caregivers’ estimate of early childhood developmental status in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bonney Emmanuel , Villalobos Michele , Elison Jed , Sung Sooyeon , Wosu Adaeze , SSemugabo Charles , Pariyo George , Kajungu Dan , Rutebemberwa Elizeus , Hyder Adnan A , Gibson Dustin
Published: June 2021

Objective

To characterise developmental milestones among young children living in rural communities in Uganda.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Iganga-Mayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in rural eastern Uganda.

Participants

A total of 720 caregivers of children aged 3–4 years old from a health and demographic surveillance site in rural eastern Uganda were recruited into this study. Caregivers reported on their child’s developmental skills and behaviours using the 10-item Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) developed by UNICEF. Childhood development was characterised based on the ECDI’s four domains: literacy-numeracy, learning/cognition, physical and socioemotional development. As an exploratory analysis, we implemented a hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis to identify homogenous subgroups of children based on the features assessed. The cluster analysis was performed to identify potential subgroups of children who may be at risk of developmental problems.

Results

Between November 2017 and June 2018, 720 caregivers of children aged 3–4 years completed the ECDI. The proportions of children at risk of delay in each domain were as follows: literacy-numeracy: 75% (n=538); socioemotional development: 22% (n=157); physical: 3% (n=22); and cognitive: 4% (n=32). The cluster analysis revealed a three-cluster solution that included 93% of children assigned to a low-risk group, 4% assigned to a moderate-risk group and 3% assigned to a high-risk group characterised by low scores in almost all domains.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that a high proportion of children in rural eastern Uganda demonstrate poor literacy-numeracy skills. These results underscore the need to improve population-based screening and intervention efforts to improve early childhood developmental outcomes, particularly in literacy and socioemotional domains, in low-income and middle-income countries such as Uganda.
Models of care for patients with knee osteoarthritis in primary healthcare: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Costa Daniela , Cruz Eduardo B , Rodrigues Ana M , Gonçalves-Bradley Daniela , Gomes Luís A , Donato Helena , Nunes Carla
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition with associated high disability and healthcare costs. Evidence of major gaps in the implementation of evidence-based interventions in people with knee OA led several healthcare systems to implement models of care (MoCs) in order to improve knowledge translation and guaranty their economic sustainability. Nevertheless, there are few studies that analyse the existing body of evidence of MoCs for patients with knee OA in primary healthcare settings. Therefore, we aim to identify MoCs developed for patients with knee OA implemented in primary healthcare and, analyse their core components and outcomes. This scoping review will create knowledge about the components and outcomes of these MoCs which, in the future, will facilitate their transferability to practice.

Methods and analysis

We will include studies that developed and implemented an MoC for people with knee OA in primary healthcare. We will use the PCC mnemonic, being ‘Population’—people with Knee OA, ‘Concept’—the MoCs and ‘Context’—the primary healthcare setting. We will conduct the search on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, as well as grey literature databases and relevant institutions and organisations websites, for articles published after 2000. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts followed by a full-text review to assess papers regarding their eligibility. We will evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies with the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool and apply a data abstraction form to describe and interpret the evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

As a secondary analysis, this scoping review does not require ethical approval. Findings will be published in peer-review journal, presented in scientific conferences and as a summary through primary healthcare units.