bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Seafood Consumption in Action: Reinvigorating Consumers’ Right to Information in a Borderless Digital World
Authors: He Juan
Published: February 2022

Sustainable consumption is a core pillar to give effect to Goal 12 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations in 2015. This article identifies consumers’ right to information as a legal conduit to integrate consumer interests with those of industry and regulatory stakeholders through globalized and digitized supply chains. Drawing on the momentum for integration in global fisheries management, the article studies the rise and proliferation of transnational governance models for information to secure legal and sustainable seafood supplies. It critically evaluates the reasons for and consequences of less-than-full engagement and legal protection of consumers in major seafood retail markets, including the European Union and the USA. Their existing seafood traceability systems fail to make sufficient information available to consumers, despite the ability to trace imported seafood to the origin of catch. As the goal of sustainable consumption hinges on consumer choice in an increasingly borderless market, the unavoidable challenge is to enhance consumer-facing traceability and transparency.
Population sizes and activity patterns of little brown myotis in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Waag Austin G , Treanor John J , Kropczynski Jess N , Johnson Joseph S
Published: February 2022

The spread of white-nose syndrome into western North America has caused concerns that bat species inhabiting the region will soon experience population declines like those seen to the east. However, much of the region lacks baseline estimates of abundance for bats believed to be susceptible to WNS due to a scarcity of known hibernacula, where populations are traditionally monitored. The goal of this study was to determine the abundance, roost fidelity, and activity patterns of summer colonies of female little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) in an area with no known hibernacula. To accomplish this, we subcutaneously implanted passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags into 297 female little brown myotis from 2015 to 2018 and installed radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers and antennas inside three maternity roosts in Yellowstone National Park. Bats occupied RFID-monitored roosts on 32% of days and were never detected at maternity roosts located > 16 km from where they were tagged. Roost fidelity varied throughout summer and was greatest during late gestation and early lactation. This allowed us to combine nightly scans of RFID-tagged bats with visual emergence counts to estimate the population of bats using two roosts located >16 km apart during 2017–2018. Population estimates of both colonies were markedly higher (N* = 208 ± 6 bats and N* = 836 ± 67 bats during 2018) than the number of bats seen during evening emergence (high counts of 127 and 222, respectively). Nocturnal visits of tagged bats to these roosts increased around the time of parturition, indicative of bats returning to nurse young. These data show that emergence count and PIT tag data can be combined to monitor bat population abundance and activity patterns in areas where hibernacula are absent or where their locations are unknown.
The relationship of centralized pain in fibromyalgia syndrome with sleep, fatigue and quality of life
Authors: Unal-Ulutatar Cagri , Ozsoy-Unubol Tugba
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the central role of pain in patients’ lives by evaluating the relationship between the centralization of pain and clinical and functional parameters.

Methods

Adult patients aged 18–70 diagnosed with FM were included in the study. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to assess the severity of FM, and the Centrality of Pain Scale (COPS) was used to assess pain centralization. The European Quality of Life Scale 5 Dimension (EQ-5D) assessed quality of life, the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS-TR) sleep, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) depression.Spearman correlation coefficient (rho) was used to examine the relationship between COPS scores and other parameters, and p < .05 was considered significant.

Results

One hundred and sixty-five FM patients (143 female) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 43.7 ± 10.1 years, and the mean disease duration was 4.8 ± 7.8 years. Centrality of pain was found to be related to FIQ (rho = 0.59, p = .0005), EQ-5D (rho = −0.53, p = .0005), JSS-TR (rho = 0.43, p = .0005), and BDI (rho = 0.41, p = .0005).

Conclusion

Centralization of pain in FM was more common in patients with high disease severity, poor quality of life, and sleep and depression problems.
The prevalence of locomotive syndrome and its associated factors in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Handa Makoto , Kato Satoshi , Sakurai Goro , Yabe Takuya , Demura Satoru , Takeshita Yumie , Kanamori Takehiro , Nakano Yujiro , Shinmura Kazuya , Yokogawa Noriaki , Kashihara Naoko , Yahata Tetsutaro , Takamura Toshinari , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We investigated the prevalence of locomotive syndrome (LS) and related musculoskeletal diseases [osteoarthritis (OA), lumbar spondylosis, and spinal alignment] in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

Methods

Clinical data were collected from 101 patients (55 males; 46 females) admitted to our hospital for diabetes education from October 2018 to April 2021. Patients underwent full-spine and whole-legs standing radiography and physical measurements (10-m walking and grip strength tests and three LS risk tests).

Results

The estimated prevalence of LS was 86.1% (Stage 1: 44.5%, Stage 2: 41.6%), lumbar spondylosis was 11.9%, and hip, knee, and ankle OA were 16.9%, 51.5%, and 12.9%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified grip strength [odds ratio (OR) = 0.89, confidence interval (CI) = 0.83–0.94], diabetic retinopathy (OR = 5.85, CI = 1.64–20.78), knee OA (OR = 3.34, CI = 1.11–10.02), and a sagittal vertical axis >40 mm (OR = 3.42, CI = 1.13–10.39) as significantly associated risk factors for worsening LS in Type 2 DM patients.

Conclusions

This study clarified the epidemiological indicators of LS and associated factors in DM patients. Exercise therapy and DM management are effective strategies to reduce the occurrence and progression of LS.
Clinical efficacy of alternative TNF inhibitor and secukinumab between primary non-responder and secondary non-responder of prior TNF inhibitor in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Min Hong Ki , Kim Hae-Rim , Lee Sang-Heon , Hong Yeon Sik , Kim Moon-Young , Park Sung-Hwan , Kang Kwi Young
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To compare the drug retention times and clinical efficacy of alternative tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and secukinumab in primary and secondary non-responders with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

AS patients treated with biologics and enrolled in the Korean College of Rheumatology Biologics registry were examined. Patients who did not respond to previous TNFi treatment were defined as primary and secondary non-responders. Data regarding drug discontinuation and clinical efficacy were collected after 1 year. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to compare drug survival and associated factors. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare the clinical efficacy secukinumab with that of alternative TNFi.

Results

In total, 124 patients (83 receiving alternative TNFi and 41 receiving secukinumab) had biologic changes due to clinical inefficacy. Drug retention rates in the alternative TNFi and secukinumab groups were similar (P = 0.096). However, subgroup analyses including only secondary non-responders revealed that secukinumab users showed a higher hazard ratio (HR) for drug discontinuation (HR = 3.77, P = 0.045). In addition, secukinumab was negatively associated with achieving BASDAI50 or a major improvement in the ASDAS.

Conclusion

Alternative TNFi showed better drug retention and clinical efficacy in AS patients experiencing previous TNFi failure, in secondary non-responders. Therefore, alternative TNFi may be a more suitable treatment for secondary non-responders.
DNA methylation cues in nucleosome geometry, stability and unwrapping
Authors: Li Shuxiang , Peng Yunhui , Landsman David , Panchenko Anna R
Published: February 2022

Cytosine methylation at the 5-carbon position is an essential DNA epigenetic mark in many eukaryotic organisms. Although countless structural and functional studies of cytosine methylation have been reported, our understanding of how it influences the nucleosome assembly, structure, and dynamics remains obscure. Here, we investigate the effects of cytosine methylation at CpG sites on nucleosome dynamics and stability. By applying long molecular dynamics simulations on several microsecond time scale, we generate extensive atomistic conformational ensembles of full nucleosomes. Our results reveal that methylation induces pronounced changes in geometry for both linker and nucleosomal DNA, leading to a more curved, under-twisted DNA, narrowing the adjacent minor grooves, and shifting the population equilibrium of sugar-phosphate backbone geometry. These DNA conformational changes are associated with a considerable enhancement of interactions between methylated DNA and the histone octamer, doubling the number of contacts at some key arginines. H2A and H3 tails play important roles in these interactions, especially for DNA methylated nucleosomes. This, in turn, prevents a spontaneous DNA unwrapping of 3–4 helical turns for the methylated nucleosome with truncated histone tails, otherwise observed in the unmethylated system on several microseconds time scale.
Biomarkers of Exposure and Biomarkers of Potential Harm in Adult Smokers Who Switch to e-Vapor Products Relative to Cigarette Smoking in a 24-week, Randomized, Clinical Trial
Authors: Edmiston Jeffery S , Webb Katy M , Wang Jingzhu , Oliveri Douglas , Liang Qiwei , Sarkar Mohamadi
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Long-term health effects of e-vapor products (EVPs) are not well-established. We compared biomarkers of exposure (BoE) to select harmful and potentially harmful constituents and biomarkers of potential harm (BoPH) in adult smokers who switched to EVPs versus continued smoking for 24 weeks.

Methods

Adult smokers (n = 450, >10 cigarettes per day for ≥10 years) were randomly assigned to continue smoking (control) or switch to one of two cartridge-based EVPs (test 1: classic; test 2: menthol, 4% nicotine). BoE and BoPH were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. The results presented here are from a subset of 150 control and EVP subjects (switchers with exhaled carbon monoxide <8 ppm and <10% baseline cigarettes per day) followed for 24 total weeks.

Results

Total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and carboxyhemoglobin were significantly reduced (p < .0001) in tests 1 and 2 at 24 weeks. Urinary nicotine equivalents were not statistically significantly different between the control and EVP groups. At week 24, statistically significant reductions (p < .05) were observed for white blood cell counts, 11-dehydrothromboxane β2, and sICAM in both test groups, and there were several significant changes in measures of pulmonary function. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 8-epi-prostaglandin-F2α were directionally favorable in both EVP groups versus control.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that significant reductions of selected harmful and potentially harmful constituents in EVP aerosol results in significant reductions in BoEs and favorable changes in BoPHs after switching to EVPs for 24 weeks. These changes approached those reported for smoking cessation, suggesting that switching to exclusive use of the EVPs may be less harmful than continuing smoking.

Implications

Cigarette smoking causes serious diseases. Switching from cigarettes to a noncombustible product is a potential harm reduction pathway for adult smokers unable or unwilling to quit. Long-term health effects of e-vapor products (EVPs) compared with continued smoking have not been extensively studied. We present biomarker of exposure evidence on select harmful and potentially harmful constituents and biomarkers of potential harm related to inflammation and oxidative stress in adult smokers switching to two EVPs. This study demonstrates significant reductions in biomarkers of exposure (except for nicotine) accompanied with favorable changes in various biomarkers of potential harm, including pulmonary function. The totality of evidence suggests that exclusive EVP use may present lower health risks compared with smoking cigarettes.
Small Towns, Big Cities: Rural and Urban Disparities Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in the Central Savannah River Area
Authors: Hamilton Caroline A , Ayyala Deepak , Walsh David , Bramwell Christian , Walker Christopher , Wilson Dib Rita , Gosse Jessica , Ladak Amber , Morissette Patricia , Rao Arni , Chao Andrew , Vazquez Jose
Published: February 2022

Background

There is a lack of data surrounding the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among rural and urban communities. This study aims to determine whether there are differences in epidemiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes among individuals with COVID-19 among these communities.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 155 patients admitted to a single-center tertiary academic hospital located in Augusta, Georgia, with a large proportion of hospitalized patients transferred from or residing in rural and urban counties. Hospitalized adult patients were included in the study if they were admitted to AUMC between March 13, 2020, and June 25, 2020, and had a positive polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 regardless of the presence or absence of symptomatology. Demographics, admission data, and 30-day outcomes were examined overall and by geographical variation.

Results

Urban patients were more likely to be admitted to the general medical floor (P = .01), while rural patients were more likely to require an escalation in the level of care within 24 hours of admission (P = .02). In contrast, of the patients who were discharged or expired at day 30, there were no statistically significant differences in either total hospital length of stay or intensive care unit length of stay between the populations.

Conclusions

There may be many social determinants of health that limit a rural patient’s ability to seek prompt medical care and contribute to decompensation within the first 24 hours of admission. This study provides insight into the differences in clinical course among patients admitted from different community settings and when accounting for comorbid conditions.
Identification of New ATG8s-binding Proteins with Canonical LC3-interacting Region in Autophagosomes of Barley Callus
Authors: Buerte B , Zeng Zhanghui , Zhou Chun , Lian Guiwei , Guo Fu , Wang Junhui , Han Ning , Zhu Muyuan , Bian Hongwu
Published: February 2022

Autophagy is essential to maintain cellular homeostasis for normal cell growth and development. In selective autophagy, ATG8 plays a crucial role in cargo target recognition by binding to various adaptors and receptors with the ATG8-interacting motif, also known as the LC3-interacting region (LIR). However, the process of autophagy in the callus, as a proliferating cell type, is largely unknown. In this study, we overexpressed green fluorescent protein (GFP)-ATG8a and GFP-ATG8b transgenic barley callus and checked their autophagic activities. We identified five new ATG8 candidate interactors containing the canonical LIR motif by using immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry: RPP3, COPE, NCLN, RAE1 and CTSL. The binding activities between these candidate interactors and ATG8 were further demonstrated in the punctate structure. Notably, RPP3 was colocalized in ATG8-labeled autophagosomes under tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays showed that the interaction between RPP3 and ATG8 could be prevented by mutating the LIR of RPP3 or the LIR docking site (LDS) of ATG8, suggesting that RPP3 directly interacted with ATG8 in an LIR-dependent manner via the LDS. Our findings would provide the basis for further investigations on novel receptors and functions of autophagy in plants, especially in the physiological state of cell de-differentiation.
Loss of a pyridoxal-phosphate phosphatase rescues Arabidopsis lacking an endoplasmic reticulum ATP carrier
Authors: Altensell Jacqueline , Wartenberg Ruth , Haferkamp Ilka , Hassler Sebastian , Scherer Vanessa , Steensma Priscille , Fitzpatrick Teresa B , Sharma Anurag , Sandoval-Ibañez Omar , Pribil Mathias , Lehmann Martin , Leister Dario , Kleine Tatjana , Neuhaus H Ekkehard
Published: February 2022

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-located ATP/ADP-antiporter (ER-ANT1) occurs specifically in vascular plants. Structurally different transporters mediate energy provision to the ER, but the cellular function of ER-ANT1 is still unknown. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants lacking ER-ANT1 (er-ant1 plants) exhibit a photorespiratory phenotype accompanied by high glycine levels and stunted growth, pointing to an inhibition of glycine decarboxylase (GDC). To reveal whether it is possible to suppress this marked phenotype, we exploited the power of a forward genetic screen. Absence of a so far uncharacterized member of the HaloAcid Dehalogenase (HAD)-like hydrolase family strongly suppressed the dwarf phenotype of er-ant1 plants. Localization studies suggested that the corresponding protein locates to chloroplasts, and activity assays showed that the enzyme dephosphorylates, with high substrate affinity, the B6 vitamer pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP). Additional physiological experiments identified imbalances in vitamin B6 homeostasis in er-ant1 mutants. Our data suggest that impaired chloroplast metabolism, but not decreased GDC activity, causes the er-ant1 mutant dwarf phenotype. We present a hypothesis, setting transport of PLP by ER-ANT1 and chloroplastic PLP dephosphorylation in the cellular context. With the identification of this HAD-type PLP phosphatase, we also provide insight into B6 vitamer homeostasis.
Legitimacy of Algorithmic Decision-Making: Six Threats and the Need for a Calibrated Institutional Response
Authors: Grimmelikhuijsen Stephan , Meijer Albert
Published: February 2022

Algorithmic decision-making in government has emerged rapidly in recent years, leading to a surge in attention for this topic by scholars from various fields, including public administration. Recent studies provide crucial yet fragmented insights on how the use of algorithms to support or fully automate decisions is transforming government. This article ties together these insights by applying the theoretical lenses of government legitimacy and institutional design. We identify how algorithmic decision-making challenges three types of legitimacy—input, throughput, and output—and identify institutional arrangements that can mitigate these threats. We argue that there is no silver bullet to maintain legitimacy of algorithmic government and that a multiplicity of different institutional mechanisms is required, ranging from legal structures and civic participation to closer monitoring of algorithmic systems. We conclude with a framework to guide future research to better understand the implications of institutional design for the legitimacy of algorithmic government.
Effect of Probiotics on the Frequency of CD4+ T-Cells in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sachdeva Meenakshi , Sra Harnoor K , Agarwal Amit , Chauhan Anil , Pradhan Pranita , Singh Manvi , Singh Meenu
Published: February 2022

Background

Depletion of CD4+ T-cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue is the hallmark of HIV infection, with only partial restoration by potent antiretroviral therapy (ART). Gut dysbiosis, together with disruption of mucosal integrity contributes to chronic immune activation that further exacerbates the disease. Data from randomized controlled trials in pediatric HIV patients have indicated potential of probiotics in complementing routine ART in managing HIV-associated gastrointestinal complications. We have systematically extracted data from these trials and performed meta-analysis to quantify the effect of probiotics on CD4+ T-cell counts and any adverse events associated with their supplementation.

Methods

A systematic search through multiple databases yielded three studies that were pooled using fixed-effect model. Risk of bias assessment was done by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test.

Results

Included studies had moderate risk of bias and Egger’s statistics revealed no publication bias (p > 0.05). Pooled analysis showed significant improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts, with mean difference, 123.92 (95% CI: 104.36–143.48), p < 0.0001, no heterogeneity (I2=0) among the included trials. Subgroup analysis also depicted improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts irrespective of treatment duration, in both ART naïve and treated patients. No adverse effects with probiotic consumption were reported.

Conclusions

Probiotics supplementation led to an improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts among HIV-infected children with no observed adverse effects. Despite the inherent limitations of included studies, our systematic review would justify more well-designed, large-scale trials in children, which may guide pediatricians on whether to incorporate probiotics as an adjunct therapy to routine ART.
Structural Reforms and Labor Productivity Growth in Developing Countries: Intra or Inter-Reallocation Channel?
Authors: Konte Maty , Kouamé Wilfried A , Mensah Emmanuel B
Published: February 2022

This paper employs sectoral data to draw conclusions on how structural reforms—implemented during the period 1975–2005—affected differences in cross-country aggregate labor productivity growth in developing countries. Most important, it explores how the effects of reforms on productivity growth are distributed between the intrasectoral and intersectoral components of labor productivity growth. The findings indicate that most of the trade, product market, and financial sector reforms have increased productivity growth. Looking at the subcomponents of labor productivity growth, the results show that structural reforms work mainly through the intra-allocative efficiency channel but not through the interallocative efficiency channel. The intrasectoral component is the main driver of the impacts of reforms on productivity growth, with a contribution that ranges from 76 percent to 96 percent depending on the reform measure considered. The paper also examines the role of labor market regulations and finds that labor market rigidity/flexibility matters for how specific reforms induce reallocation of resources within and across sectors.
Endophthalmitis after corneal suture removal
Authors: Staropoli Patrick C. , Yannuzzi Nicolas A. , Jacobs David , Flynn Harry W.
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

To report 2 patients with acute-onset endophthalmitis after intraocular lens exchange and delayed corneal suture removal.

Patient and Clinical Findings:

An 83-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man developed pain, decreased vision, corneal infiltrate, marked intraocular inflammation, and vitreous membranes after corneal suture removal. Topical povidone–iodine was not used before suture removal, and the wounds showed negative results for Seidel test at presentation.

Diagnosis, Intervention, Outcomes:

Both patients were diagnosed with acute-onset endophthalmitis. One received vitreous tap and injection (T&I) and the other received both T&I and pars plana vitrectomy. Intravitreal vancomycin and ceftazidime were administered in both patients. Cultures demonstrated streptococcal species. Outcomes were poor: 1 eye was enucleated and the other showed light perception.

Conclusions:

Endophthalmitis in the setting of corneal suture removal can be associated with severe vision loss. Topical povidone–iodine antisepsis and topical antibiotics should be considered for endophthalmitis prophylaxis in this procedure.
Preoperative Optimization and Tips to Avoiding Surgical Complications Before the Incision
Authors: Cole Wendell W. , Familia McCayn , Miskimin Cadence , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: February 2022

In preparation for surgery, it is important for surgeons to have a detailed discussion with patients about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to surgery. Patient optimization, ensuring the patient is in the best medical condition before surgery, is also an important aspect of patient care that the surgeon must consider. Although complications cannot be eliminated, there are often opportunities to optimize patients, so these risks can be minimized based on current evidence-based medicine. To minimize the risk of complications, the surgeon should take an active role in each step of the patient’s care beginning with the history and physical examination, obtaining the correct preoperative labs, and continuing through positioning, draping, and prepping before making an incision.
Vascular Complications in Sports Surgery: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Dart Scott E. , Anderson Greg R. , Miller Mark D. , Werner Brian C.
Published: February 2022

Orthopedic sports surgery of the knee and shoulder is generally considered to be safe and effective. Vascular complications can occur during or after arthroscopy of either joint. A thorough understanding of anatomy, particularly when placing portals in non-routine locations, is extremely important. Prompt recognition of any vascular complication is of significant importance. This review will discuss the potential vascular complications for both knee and shoulder sports surgery, review the relevant anatomy, and discuss the treatment and expected outcome of each.
Antitobacco advertising and lung cancer stigma: a qualitative study of the experiences of people with a lung cancer diagnosis
Authors: Rose Shiho , Boyes Allison W. , Kelly Brian , Bridge Paula , Carlson Melissa , Coutts Emily , Paul Chris
Published: February 2022

Stigma is often experienced by people affected by lung cancer due to the known links between lung cancer and smoking. Antitobacco campaigns, although attempting to “de-normalise” smoking, may contribute to stigmatising people affected by cancer. The study examined how people diagnosed with lung cancer recall and respond to antitobacco advertisements postdiagnosis. Sixteen qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with a lung cancer diagnosis who were recruited from an Australian clinical cancer registry. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants mostly recalled narrative style antitobacco advertisements. A wide array of emotional responses to the advertisements were reported, including relief, shame, worry, discomfort, and resignation. Some participants avoided the advertisements altogether. Although some participants found the advertisements to be promoting stigma, others did not. Participants were not opposed to the broadcasting of antitobacco advertisements. Rather, the advertisements were perceived as appropriate and necessary. In conclusion, although people diagnosed with lung cancer reported experiencing some negative emotional responses to antitobacco advertising, they were supportive of its continuance.
Explaining the Disease Management Experiences of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Mohsenizadeh Seyed Mostafa , Manzari Zahra Sadat , vossoughinia Hassan , Ebrahimipour Hossein
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease is an unpredictable, chronic, recurrent gastrointestinal disorder with a wide range of social, physical, and psychological problems experienced by patients. The identification of these concerns is important to provide better healthcare. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and concerns of these patients. This study was conducted using a qualitative content analysis approach. The participants were 20 inflammatory bowel disease patients. Data were collected through unstructured interviews with purposive sampling and continued until data saturation. Data were comparatively analyzed continuously and simultaneously with data collection. Data analysis revealed two themes of “tension due to possible recurrence” and “fear of decline and deterioration.” The integration of these concepts suggested that patients experience “sinking into the marsh of recurrence” as a major concern that disrupts their successful management of inflammatory bowel disease. Identifying the concerns of inflammatory bowel disease patients regarding their cultural and social context is of paramount importance. The integration of such concerns into treatment can improve patients' coping abilities and improve their quality of life.
Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients
Authors: Elhusein Amal Mohamed , Fadlalmola Hammad Ali
Published: February 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease characterized by abdominal discomfort and bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is transferring the fecal bacteria and other microorganisms from a healthy person to another. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of FMT in treating IBS patients. We searched Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases through June 2021 using relevant key words. We included 19 studies. Fecal microbiota transplantation was significantly superior to placebo in IBS quality of life after 4 weeks (mean difference [MD] = 7.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.05–12.89, p = .04), 12 weeks (MD = 9.99, 95% CI: 5.78–14.19, p < .00001), and 24 weeks (MD = 8.49, 95% CI: 0.47–16.52, p = .04), with no difference regarding IBS improvement symptoms and the IBS Severity Scoring System (SSS). Single-arm analysis revealed that the incidence of improvement of IBS symptoms was 57.8% (45.6%–69.9%) with reduction in IBS-SSS (MD = −74, 95% CI: −101.7 to −46.3). Fecal microbiota transplantation was superior to placebo in improving quality of life after 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Also, FMT improved IBS symptoms and reduced the IBS-SSS score. However, no deference was detected between FMT and placebo in IBS-SSS score and IBS symptoms improvement.
Transmission models indicate Ebola virus persistence in non-human primate populations is unlikely
Authors: Hayman David T. S. , Sam John Reju , Rohani Pejman
Published: February 2022

Infectious diseases that kill their hosts may persist locally only if transmission is appropriately balanced by susceptible recruitment. Great apes die of Ebola virus disease (EVD) and have transmitted ebolaviruses to people. However, understanding the role that apes and other non-human primates play in maintaining ebolaviruses in Nature is hampered by a lack of data. Recent serological findings suggest that few non-human primates have antibodies to EVD-causing viruses throughout tropical Africa, suggesting low transmission rates and/or high EVD mortality (Ayouba Aet al.2019J. Infect. Dis.220, 1599–1608 (doi:10.1093/infdis/jiz006); Mombo IMet al.2020Viruses12, 1347 (doi:10.3390/v12121347)). Here, stochastic transmission models of EVD in non-human primates assuming high case-fatality probabilities and experimentally observed or field-observed parameters did not allow viral persistence, suggesting that non-human primate populations are highly unlikely to sustain EVD-causing infection for prolonged periods. Repeated introductions led to declining population sizes, similar to field observations of apes, but not viral persistence.
Brillouin–Raman microspectroscopy for the morpho-mechanical imaging of human lamellar bone
Authors: Alunni Cardinali M. , Di Michele A. , Mattarelli M. , Caponi S. , Govoni M. , Dallari D. , Brogini S. , Masia F. , Borri P. , Langbein W. , Palombo F. , Morresi A. , Fioretto D.
Published: February 2022

Bone has a sophisticated architecture characterized by a hierarchical organization, starting at the sub-micrometre level. Thus, the analysis of the mechanical and structural properties of bone at this scale is essential to understand the relationship between its physiology, physical properties and chemical composition. Here, we unveil the potential of Brillouin–Raman microspectroscopy (BRaMS), an emerging correlative optical approach that can simultaneously assess bone mechanics and chemistry with micrometric resolution. Correlative hyperspectral imaging, performed on a human diaphyseal ring, reveals a complex microarchitecture that is reflected in extremely rich and informative spectra. An innovative method for mechanical properties analysis is proposed, mapping the intermixing of soft and hard tissue areas and revealing the coexistence of regions involved in remodelling processes, nutrient transportation and structural support. The mineralized regions appear elastically inhomogeneous, resembling the pattern of the osteons' lamellae, while Raman and energy-dispersive X-ray images through scanning electron microscopy show an overall uniform distribution of the mineral content, suggesting that other structural factors are responsible for lamellar micromechanical heterogeneity. These results, besides giving an important insight into cortical bone tissue properties, highlight the potential of BRaMS to access the origin of anisotropic mechanical properties, which are almost ubiquitous in other biological tissues.
Modern contraceptive Use and its associated factors among married women in Senegal: Based on the recent National Demographic and Health Survey Data
Authors: Mulat Bezawit , Tsegaw Menen , Shitu Kegnie
Published: February 2022

Objective
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive use among married women in Senegal.
Method
The most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), which was conducted in 2019 in Senegal was used. For this study 5,659 women were included. Multivariable binary Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated withcontraceptive use.
Result
According to the study, 25.5% (95%CI (24.4, 26.7)) of married women in Senegal uses modern contraceptive methods. Being currently working (AOR=1.27, 95% CI (1.11, 1.46)), husband educational level (primary educational level (AOR=1.32 ,95% CI (1.07,1.61), higher educational levels (AOR= 1.83 , 95% CI (1.32, 2.54)), wealth index (middle ( AOR=1.37,95% CI (1.15,1.63) and rich (AOR=1.34,95% CI (1.11,1.62)), exposure to family planning messages (AOR=1.29,95% CI (1.13,1.48)), having ANC visits( AOR=2.01, 95% CI(1.13,3.57)) and not wanting a child (AOR=2.35, 95%CI (1.90,2.95)) were positively and significantly with contraceptives use. On the other hand, number of children (having no child (AOR=0.03, 95% CI (0.01,0.06)), 1-2 children (AOR=0.47,95% CI(0.38,0.59) and 3-4 children ( AOR=0.79, 95% CI(0.67,0.96)), women who thought ≥5 children are ideal ( AOR=0.73,95% CI(0.61,0.88)) , and had a desire for more children after 2 years (AOR=2.19, 95% CI(1.82,2.64) were negatively and significantly with contraceptives use.
Conclusion: contraceptive utilization was low among married women in Senegal. Contraceptive use was affected by family planning messages exposure, sociodemographic, and obstetric factors. Thus, a tailored behavior change intervention is required to increase contraceptive utilization among married women in Senegal.
Deep learning-based approach for detecting signs of atrial septal defect on chest radiographs: a proof of concept study
Authors: Matsuoka Ryo , Akazawa Hiroshi , Kodera Satoshi , Soma Katsura , Yagi Hiroki , Umei Masahiko , Kadowaki Hiroshi , Ishida Junichi , Shinohara Hiroki , Katsushika Susumu , Ieki Hirotaka , Yamaguchi Toshihiro , Higashikuni Yasutomi , Fujiu Katsuhito , Ito Kaoru , Yao Atsushi , Komuro Issei
Published: February 2022

Many patients with atrial septal defects (ASD) are asymptomatic and undiagnosed during the first few decades of life, but have overt heart failure, arrhythmias, cerebral infarction, and increased mortality in adults with advancing age. To provide a non-invasive, easy-to-use, and effective method for detecting ASD, we aimed to develop and validate a deep learning-based algorithm to diagnose ASD on chest radiographs. The ASD dataset was created from 173 chest radiographs of 74 patients with ASD and 170 chest radiographs of 100 patients without ASD. Convolutional neural network models (VGG16, ResNet50, DenseNet121, and Xception) for diagnosing ASD were pretrained using two different datasets, the large-scale real-world ImageNet dataset and the ChestX-ray14 dataset released by National Institutes of Health, followed by a round of training using the training set of the ASD dataset. Model performance was evaluated by five-fold stratified cross-validation. The best performance in ImageNet pretraining was achieved by ResNet50 model, and the cross-validation area under the curve (AUC) was 0.95, with sensitivity of 0.86, specificity of 0.87, and overall accuracy of 0.87. The best performance in ChestX-ray pretraining was achieved by Xception, and the cross-validation AUC was 0.93, with sensitivity of 0.85, specificity of 0.85, and overall accuracy of 0.85. The diagnostic performances of these models were comparable to those of cardiologists. Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping showed that the ImageNet-pretrained model focused on bilateral hilar regions, while the ChestX-ray14-pretrained model focused on areas around cardiac silhouette and lower lung fields. Our deep learning-based algorithms made a diagnosis of ASD on the input chest radiographs with high accuracy, and had potential to help clinicians make accurate diagnosis of ASD from routine chest radiography, leading to improvement of prognosis and quality of life in patients with ASD.
VeChat: Correcting errors in long reads using variation graphs
Authors: Luo Xiao , Kang Xiongbin , Schönhuth Alexander
Published: February 2022

Error correction is the canonical first step in long-read sequencing data analysis. The current standard is to make use of a consensus sequence as a template. However, in mixed samples, such as metagenomes or organisms of higher ploidy, consensus induced biases can mask true variants affecting haplotypes of lower frequencies, because they are mistaken as errors.

The novelty presented here is to use graph based, instead of sequence based consensus as a template for identifying errors. The advantage is that graph based reference systems also capture variants of lower frequencies, so do not mistakenly mask them as errors. We present VeChat, as a novel approach to implement this idea: VeChat distinguishes errors from haplotype-specific true variants based on variation graphs, which reflect a popular type of data structure for pangenome reference systems. Upon initial construction of an ad-hoc variation graph from the raw input reads, nodes and edges that are due to errors are pruned from that graph by way of an iterative procedure that is based on principles from frequent itemset mining. Upon termination, the graph exclusively contains nodes and edges reflecting true sequential phenomena. Final re-alignments of the raw reads indicate where and how reads need to be corrected.

Extensive benchmarking experiments demonstrate that PacBio and ONT reads corrected by VeChat contain 4 to 15, or, respectively, 2 to 10 times less errors than when corrected state of the art approaches. VeChat is implemented in an easy-to-use open-source tool and publicly available at https://github.com/HaploKit/vechat.
Gene Expression Meta-Analysis of Colon Rectal Cancer Tumour Cells Reveals Genes in Association With Tumorogenesis
Authors: Vaja Rutvi
Published: February 2022

Background

Every year, more than 12 million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer(CRC), and more than 600,000 people die from it, making it second most deadly form of cancer.This work analyzes differential gene expression across CRC and other glandular tumour samples to identify expression changes potentially contributing to the development of CRC tumorogenesis.

Methods

This work defines 13 gene signatures representing four CRC tumour and 10 other glandular tumours that are colonic by origin.Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) is used to define positive and negative CRC gene panels from GSEA-identified leading-edge genes using two CRC signatures. GSEA then is used to verify enrichment and leading-edge gene membership of CRC panels in two independent CRC gene signatures. Analysis is then extended to four individual and 10 glandular tumour signatures. Genes most associated with CRC tumorogenesis are predicted by intersecting membership of GSEA-identified leading-edges across signatures.

Results

Significant enrichment is observed between CRC gene identification signatures, from which the positive (55 genes) and negative (77 genes) CRC panels are defined. Non-random significant enrichment is observed between CRC gene panels and verification signatures, from which 54 over- and 72 under-expressed genes are shared across leading-edges. Considering other glandular tumour samples individually and in combination with CRC, significant non-random enrichment is observed across these signatures. Eight solute carrier family genes such as (SLC25A32, SLC22A3, SLC25A20, SLC36A1, SLC26A3,SLC9A2, SLC4A4 and SLC26A2) from the CRC panel were shared commonly across all the gene signatures leading-edges, regardless of the colonic tumour type.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis identifies gene expression changes associated with the process of CRC tumorogenesis. These changes may contribute to developing therapeutic treatments available for CRC patients.
COVID-19 contact tracing during first delta wave, Lebanon, 2021
Authors: Baakliny Maryo , Naim Julia , Hage Aya , Tohmeh Tatiana , Malak Reem Abdel , Bassila Joelle , Sweidan Hawraa , Zein Mohamad , Wehbeh Darine , Chaalan Kassem , Chaito Lina , Ghosn Nada
Published: February 2022

Background

On the 11th March, the WHO has declared COVID-19 pandemic. Officially, the virus was introduced in Lebanon on the 21st February 2020. Since then, the national curve has drawn several waves. From July to September 2021, Lebanon has experienced the first delta wave. As part of the investigation, contact tracing was enhanced to limit virus transmission. The objective is to describe close tracing approach and profile of close contacts identified during the first delta wave.

Methods

COVID-19 surveillance is integrated within the national communicable diseases surveillance. The case definitions are adopted from WHO guides. Laboratories report positive cases on daily basis to the Ministry of Public Health, on DHIS2 platform directly or indirectly via excel files importation. Once reported, case investigation is initiated. It includes contact tracing with: 1) identification of close contacts, 2) advice on quarantine and self-monitoring, 3) contact testing. Referral to field testing is made available free of charge for close contacts. Collected data is updated on DHIS2 platform. Later, data is cleaned and analyzed to generate the daily report including description of close contacts. The report is shared with decision makers, professionals, media and public.

Results

From week 2021W27 to week 2021W40, 85490 cases were reported. Case investigation rate reached 78.8% of the cases were investigated within 24 hours. 66.5% of investigated cases shared lists of contacts, with 3.6 as average number of contacts per case.

We identified a total of 161805 close contacts, 95% were from family members, 71% were not vaccinated and 10 % had prior COVID-19 infection.

As for contact testing, 65% had RT-PCR test upon investigation, with 32% positive result. Furthermore, 19205 were referred and tested via field testing, with 25% positivity rate. Of all identified contacts, the reported positive tests reached 56,904 representing 35.2% of all contacts.

Conclusion

During community transmission and mitigation strategy, contact tracing contributes to increase awareness to the contacts and importance to abide to quarantine measures and thus to slow down the virus circulation.

Current close contacts are characterized with new profile of prior infection, vaccination history and testing behavior. There is need to adapt the quarantine measures to close contacts based on their profile, and to ensure easy access to free testing.
Emergency department utilization and hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among unattached people actively seeking a primary care provider during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Marshall Emily Gard , Stock David , Buote Richard , Andrew Melissa K. , Breton Mylaine , Cossette Benoit , Green Michael E. , Isenor Jennifer E. , Mathews Maria , Lenskjold Anders , MacKenzie Adrian , Martin-Misener Ruth , McDougall Beth , Mooney Melanie , Moritz Lauren R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Primary care (PC) attachment improves healthcare access and prevention and management of chronic conditions. Yet, growing proportions of Canadians are unattached, signing-up on provincial waitlists. Understanding variations in healthcare utilization during COVID-19, and among potentially vulnerable unattached patients, is needed. This study compares emergency department (ED) utilization and hospitalization among those on and off a provincial PC waitlist, during the first two waves of COVID-19.

Methods

Waitlist and administrative health data were linked to describe persons ever/never on the waitlist between January 1, 2017, and December 24, 2020. ED utilization and ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) hospitalization rates by current waitlist status were quantified from physician claims and hospitalization data. Relative differences during COVID-19 first and second waves were compared with the previous year.

Results

During the study period, 100,867 Nova Scotians (10.1%) were on the waitlist. Those on the waitlist had higher ED utilization and ACSC hospitalizations. ED utilization was higher overall for individuals ≥65 years and females; lowest during first two COVID-19 waves; and differed more by waitlist status for those <65 years. ED contacts and ACSC hospitalizations decreased during COVID-19 relative to the previous year, and for ED utilization this difference was more pronounced for those on the waitlist.

Interpretation

Nova Scotians seeking PC attachment utilize hospital-based services more frequently than those not on the waitlist. Both groups had lower utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic than the year before. The degree to which forgone services produces downstream health burden remains to be seen.