bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paving initial forecasting COVID-19 spread capabilities by nonexperts: A case study
Authors: Roth Idan , Yosef Arthur
Published: August 2024

Objective

The COVID-19 outbreak compelled countries to take swift actions across various domains amidst substantial uncertainties. In Israel, significant COVID-19-related efforts were assigned to the Israeli Home Front Command (HFC). HFC faced the challenge of anticipating adequate resources to efficiently and timely manage its numerous assignments despite the absence of a COVID-19 spread forecast. This paper describes the initiative of a group of motivated, though nonexpert, people to provide the needed COVID-19 rate of spread of the epidemic forecasts.

Methods

To address this challenge, the Planning Chamber, reporting to the HFC Medical Commander, undertook the task of mapping HFC healthcare challenges and resource requirements. The nonexpert team continuously collected public COVID-19-related data published by the Israeli Ministry of Health (MoH) of verified cases, light cases, mild cases, serious condition cases, life-support cases, and deaths, and despite lacking expertise in statistics and healthcare and having no sophisticated statistical packages, generated forecasts using Microsoft® Excel.

Results

The analysis methods and applications successfully demonstrated the desired outcome of the lockdown by showing a transition from exponential to polynomial growth in the spread of the virus. These forecasting activities enabled decision-makers to manage resources effectively, supporting the HFC's operations during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Nonexpert forecasting may become a necessity and be beneficial, and similar analysis efforts can be easily replicated in future events. However, they are inherently short-lived and should persist only until knowledge centers can bridge the expertise gap. It is crucial to identify major events, such as lockdowns, during forecasting due to their potential impact on spread rates. Despite the expertise gap, the Planning Chamber's approach provided valuable resource management insights for HFC's COVID-19 response.
WALANT Proximal Row Carpectomy Under Field Sterility: A Case Report and Description of Technique
Authors: Ponich Brett , Platt Alexander , Turk Madison , Ramji Maleka , Knox Aaron
Published: August 2024

Field sterility and Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique is a commonly used operative technique for many hand and wrist pathologies. We present a case of a successful proximal row carpectomy using WALANT and field sterility in a minor surgery operating theatre setting. These techniques can be applied in appropriate patients to reduce the overall cost of surgery, anesthetic complications, and prolonged hospital stay.
Patients’ and Care Providers’ Reported Barriers and Suggestions for Improving HIV Viral Load Testing in Tanzania: A Qualitative Study in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Karoli Peter M. , Shayo Elizabeth H. , Shayo Grace A. , Kiwale Zenais A. , Hawkins Claudia A. , Kaaya Sylvia F. , Hirschhorn Lisa R.
Published: August 2024

The study explores barriers and suggestions for improving viral load testing (VLT) uptake in Tanzania, revealing that only 58% of patients receive VLT annually, contrary to the Tanzanian National Guidelines toward the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets. Twelve individual interviews and three patient-focus groups were conducted as part of a qualitative study conducted in six human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics in Dar es Salaam to identify potential suggestions for access enhancement, as well as barriers to VLT uptake. Using King’s theory of goal attainment, we found that missing appointments was the primary individual barrier to VLT uptake, along with limited knowledge among individuals living with HIV. Participants also face system–level barriers, such as a lack of integrated care and evening service availability. The study suggests that, despite challenges, there is potential for improvement in the uptake and quality of VLT services in Tanzanian public health facilities through a holistic approach.
Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity in People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Song Dan , Hightow-Weidman Lisa , Yang Yijiong , Wang Jing
Published: August 2024

Background

Most people living with HIV (PLWH) are sedentary. This study aimed to synthesize the findings of qualitative studies to understand barriers and facilitators of physical activity (PA) among PLWH, categorized using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Methods

Systematic searches of four databases were conducted to identify eligible studies. Thematic synthesis was used to inductively code, develop, and generate themes from the barriers and facilitators identified. Inductive data-driven themes were deductively categorized using the relevant domains of the COM-B model and the TDF.

Results

Fourteen articles were included. The most prominent TDF domain for barriers was skills, particularly symptoms/health issues such as fatigue and pain, while the most prominent TDF domain for facilitators was reinforcement, particularly experiencing benefits from PA.

Conclusion

The breadth of factors identified suggests the need for comprehensive strategies to address these challenges effectively and support PLWH in adopting and sustaining PA routines.
Return to Play After Arthroscopic Management of Rotator Cuff Tears in Professional Athletes of Contact Sports
Authors: Yagnik Gautam P. , Szukics Patrick F. , Seiler Jacob R. , Ravich Jonas W. , Vargas Luis A. , Zvijac John E. , Uribe John W.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Rotator cuff tears are rare injuries in professional athletes who participate in contact sports, and limited data exist to guide players and team physicians regarding outcomes after surgical management.

Purpose:

To report the outcomes and return-to-play rates of professional contact sport athletes who underwent arthroscopic management of rotator cuff tears.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All professional athletes of contact sports who underwent arthroscopic management of a rotator cuff tear between 2002 and 2019 at the institution were identified. Patient information collected were age, sport, position, date of injury, date of surgery, and time to return to play; surgical data included tear size, acuity, pattern, and procedure performed. The primary outcome measure was the ability to return to play and the number of games played after surgery.

Results:

Overall, 10 rotator cuff tears in 9 professional athletes (8 tears in football players and 2 tears in hockey players) were identified; 9 of the tears were full-thickness tears that underwent arthroscopic single-row repair, while 1 was a partial tear that was debrided. Of the 9 athletes, 8 were able to return to play at the same level, at a mean time of 9.5 ± 4.3 months. The mean playing time after surgery was 32 ± 25 games (2.7 ± 2 seasons) for the football players and 22 games (1 season) for the hockey player who returned. Postoperative imaging was available in 8 of the 10 tears, and 7 of 8 (88%) demonstrated a healed repair. One football player and 1 hockey player with large (>3 cm) full-thickness tears did not return to play. The mean age of these players was 34.5 years and both had >10 years of professional playing experience.≥

Conclusion:

The study findings demonstrated that the majority (80%; n = 8) of the professional athletes in contact sports in this series were able to return to play at the same level after arthroscopic management of a symptomatic rotator cuff tear.
The Politics of Pandemic Emotions: How Trust in the Trump Administration and Distrust of the Media Affected the Psychological Toll of COVID-19
Authors: Froese Paul , Bonhag Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Initial studies of the COVID-19 pandemic’s emotional toll indicated different outcomes based on partisanship and media consumption. This study builds on prior research by utilizing a broad set of measures to test how (1) political party affiliation, (2) trust in President Trump, (3) news media sources, and (4) distrust in the media’s portrayal of the pandemic impacted self-ascribed increases in negative emotions during the later stages of the pandemic. Using original data from a national survey conducted in the early months of 2021, we confirm that news media and partisanship played a key role in Americans’ perceived increases in psychological distress. Specifically, we find that Democrats were more likely than Republicans to report increased worry and loneliness due to the pandemic. Viewers of CNN were also more likely to disclose increased worry, loneliness, and sadness than Fox News viewers. But both of these findings were related to and mitigated by issues of trust and distrust. In particular, trust that the Trump administration effectively responded to the pandemic was strongly associated with emotional stability above and beyond partisan differences. In addition, distrust of “mainstream media” coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic was linked with lower odds of increased negative emotions due to the pandemic.
Evaluating Clinical Skill Competence and Professional Behaviors in Nursing Students Following Simulation Training at the University of Tabuk
Authors: Albalawi Muna Mutlag , Rezq Khulud Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Simulation training has become an integral component of nursing education, offering students opportunities to develop and refine their clinical skills in a controlled and safe environment.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical skill competence and professional behaviors of undergraduate nursing students following simulation training.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for this study.

Setting

The study was conducted in the simulation center at the University of Tabuk using the Clinical Competency Questionnaire (CCQ), with data collected between January 1, 2023 and February 28, 2023. Participants were enrolled using a convenience sampling method, including nursing students in the 3rd and 4th years who trained in the simulation center and agreed to participate.

Results

The study results indicate that a majority of students demonstrated strong theoretical knowledge and practical competence in performing sterile techniques and administering oral medications with minimal or no supervision, with percentages of 74.7% and 73.3%, respectively. A significant proportion of students reported uncertainty or lack of skill in performing shift reports using SBAR (38.4%) and assessing gastrostomy tube placement (32.9%). Students exhibited satisfactory knowledge and competence in maintaining appropriate appearance, attire, and conduct (71.2%), understanding, and supporting group goals (71.2%), and comprehending patients’ rights (69.9%).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that nursing students attain a relatively high level of clinical competence and self-confidence after simulation training. This study recommends incorporating simulation training in nursing education, which enhances professional behaviors like appearance, group goals, and patient rights, but requires improvement in constructive criticism, problem prevention, and cultural competence.
Culturally Grounded Well-Being Assessment for Arab Americans
Authors: Atari-Khan Rawan , Gerstein Lawrence H.
Published: August 2024

Recognizing the influence culture plays in shaping our understanding of various phenomena, scholars have posed questions about how well-being might be differentially defined across diverse racial/ethnic groups. In the field of psychology, frequently used instruments of well-being are grounded in individualistic cultural frameworks that assume factors such as greater autonomy/independence are associated with improved well-being. For minoritized groups in the United States, such as Arab Americans, who ascribe to collectivist values, these instruments may not be culturally relevant. The purpose of the present study was to use an etic–emic approach to identify what well-being means for Arab Americans. In doing so, Arab Americans responded to open-ended questions about their experiences and understandings of well-being. Thematic analysis of these responses captured how well-being connects to living incongruence with Arab cultural values, including centrality of family, community, and spirituality/religion as well as the establishment of basic needs and safety within one’s identity. Mental health providers are encouraged to use the results to support their Arab American clients by tending to these determinants of well-being in culturally relevant ways. Specifically, clinicians can critically consider how their treatment approaches may cater to Western assumptions of what it means to be well and healthy. In doing so, they can consider ways of incorporating the unique experiences of Arab Americans into treatment by understanding the impact racial–ethnic trauma has on well-being and considering how the emphasis on relationships, religion, and the mind–body connection may impact their clients.
Value switching: Extracting profit from the city
Authors: Troy Laurence , Randolph Bill , Pinnegar Simon
Published: August 2024

Land and property, and the wealth extracted from it, has reappeared as a central concern in understanding the process of urbanisation under capitalism. Much of the academic discussion centres on the re-emergence of ‘rentier capitalism’ drawing on 19th-century concepts of land economics. However, the accumulation of wealth through property ownership and the development process points towards a value proposition contained in the land question that is not satisfactorily explained by notions of ‘rent’ or ‘rentier’ capitalism, rooted as they are on 19th-century concepts of the land development process. This article seeks to extend this debate by exploring multiple regimes of value that underpin the contemporary urban development process. The first part of the article maps out four intersecting regimes of land value, before arguing by reference to empirical analysis of land and property sales data in Sydney Australia that switching between these value regimes – value switching – is a key transformative moment in the urban development process. Specifically, this article argues that value switching, as triggered by the land use planning process, has become the key driver of urban development dynamics and adds a further dimension to theories on land and housing development in the financialised city.
Symptom Burden Contributes to Sleep Problems Through Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Multigroup Analysis
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Yang Eunjin , Park Chang , Cho Eunhee , Fritschi Cynthia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between symptom burden and sleep problems and the role of depressive symptoms on these relationships in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The study employed a cross-sectional, correlational design with secondary analysis. De-identified data sets from three original studies were combined. A total of 189 men and women with type 2 diabetes were recruited using convenience sampling in midwestern United States. Symptom burden, sleep impairment and sleep disturbance, depressive symptoms, demographics, and diabetes-related variables were assessed. The participants were grouped into glucose-controlled and -uncontrolled groups to examine a multigroup effect. Multigroup path analyses were conducted.

Results

The results indicated that symptom burden had direct and indirect effects through depressive symptoms on sleep disturbance in the controlled group, whereas only a direct effect was found in the uncontrolled group. For sleep-related impairment, significant direct and indirect effects of symptom burden were found via depressive symptoms in both groups, and the strength of the effects on each path differed between the groups.

Conclusions

Diabetes symptom burden was associated with sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment in middle-aged and older adults with diabetes. A different approach should be considered for sleep management according to their A1C levels, and depressive symptoms can be a therapeutic target to treat sleep problems in the population.
SpeedBridge Technique for Open Distal Triceps Tendon Repair
Authors: Kaarre Janina , Marcaccio Stephen E. , Ahrendt Gillian , Steuer Fritz , Nammour Michael , Benvegnu Neilen A. , Dalton Jonathan F. , Lin Albert
Published: August 2024

Background:

Distal triceps tendon ruptures occur most commonly in middle-aged males, with possible rupture locations including the musculotendinous junction, mid-tendon, or most commonly, at the tendinous insertion. This surgical technique video demonstrates a hybrid distal triceps tendon repair construct utilizing transosseous sutures, SpeedBridge compression, and knotless suture anchor fixation.

Indications:

Indications for this procedure include an acute injury with complete avulsion of the distal triceps tendon from the olecranon and extension weakness. The goals of surgical repair include restoration of the tendon footprint on the olecranon and the creation of a strong fixation construct that balances tension to optimize healing and restore functional range of motion.

Technique Description:

The proximal avulsed tendon is prepared with two number 2 suture tapes placed in a locking Krackow fashion. The locking stitch exit point is determined at a distance proximal to the distal end of the tendon to optimize tension after the reduction of the tendon to the footprint. Two looped sutures are then passed through the tendon at the same exit level as the locking stitch, 1 on the medial and lateral sides of the locking stitch, respectively. Two transosseous tunnels are drilled obliquely, from proximal to distal, through the olecranon. A 4.75-mm suture anchor is then drilled and tapped in the proximal ulna, in between 2 transosseous tunnel exit points, for lateral placement. The medial and lateral locked stitches are passed through the medial and lateral transosseous tunnels, respectively. The SpeedBridge construct is formed by passing one suture from each locking stitch limb back through the tendon using the previously placed looped sutures as shuttling devices. After appropriate tensioning, the sutures are secured into the previously drilled 4.75-mm suture anchor in a specific fashion.

Results:

Current literature suggests that the SpeedBridge technique for triceps tendon repair demonstrates good functional and clinical outcomes with high satisfaction rates, elbow functional scores, and rates of returning to work/activity, coupled with low complication rates.

Conclusion:

The hybrid SpeedBridge construct is an effective technique for acute distal triceps tendon repair.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Minimalism, Law, Ideology, and the Public Impact of the Supreme Court
Authors: Barak-Corren Netta , Shlomai-Kunitz Noam
Published: August 2024

For many decades, researchers sought to understand whether courts influence public opinion and what factors moderate or intensify such influence. In this study, we elucidate these questions with an original longitudinal survey experiment ( N = 920) conducted before and after a major U.S. Supreme Court decision addressing freedom of religion and nondiscrimination law. We focus on three key factors and their influence in the short and longer term: the perceived breadth of the decision; whether the decision is congruent with the background law; and the decision's congruence with individuals’ ideology. We triangulate and extend our findings with data from a representative cross-sectional survey conducted by an independent research institute ( N = 16,761). Our findings lend mixed support to the theory that narrow decisions can curb the public impact of the Supreme Court and expose a relationship between judicial minimalism and background laws. We discuss the implications for Supreme Court strategy and for the research on Supreme Court impact on public opinion.
Draft genome sequence and annotation of the polyextremotolerant polyol lipid-producing fungus Aureobasidium pullulans NRRL 62042
Authors: Dielentheis-Frenken Marie R. E. , Wibberg Daniel , Blank Lars M. , Tiso Till
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The ascomycotic yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium exhibits the natural ability to synthesize several secondary metabolites, like polymalic acid, pullulan, or polyol lipids, with potential biotechnological applications. Combined with its polyextremotolerance, these properties make Aureobasidium a promising production host candidate. Hence, plenty of genomes of Aureobasidia have been sequenced recently. Here, we provide the annotated draft genome sequence of the polyol lipid-producing strain A. pullulans NRRL 62042.

Data description

The genome of A. pullulans NRRL 62042 was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq 6000. Genome assembly revealed a genome size of 24.2 Mb divided into 39 scaffolds with a GC content of 50.1%. Genome annotation using Genemark v4.68 and GenDBE yielded 9,596 genes.
General practitioners’ assessment and management of chronic kidney disease in older patients- a mixed methods study
Authors: Guppy Michelle , Bowles Esther Joy , Glasziou Paul , Doust Jenny
Published: August 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly managed in general practice, with established guidelines for diagnosis and management. CKD is more prevalent in the older population, and is associated with lifestyle diseases as well as social deprivation. Older patients also commonly experience multimorbidity. Current CKD guidelines do not take age into account, with the same diagnostic and management recommendations for patients regardless of their age. We sought to investigate general practitioners’ (GPs’) approach to older patients with CKD, and whether their assessment and management differed from guideline recommendations. We explored the reasons for variation from guideline recommendations.

Methods

This was a mixed methods study of Australian GPs. An online anonymous survey about the use of CKD guidelines, and assessment and management of CKD was sent to 9500 GPs. Four hundred and sixty-nine (5%) of GPs responded, and the survey was completed by 399 GPs. Subsequently, 27 GPs were interviewed in detail about their diagnostic and management approach to older patients with declining kidney function.

Results

In the survey, 48% of GPs who responded found the CKD guidelines useful for diagnosis and management. Four themes arose from our interviews: age-related decline in kidney function; whole person care; patient-centred care; and process of care that highlighted the importance of continuity of care. GPs recognised that older patients have an inherently high risk of lower kidney function. The GPs reported management of that higher risk focused on managing the whole person (not just a single disease focus) and being patient-centred. Patient-centred care expressed the importance of quality of life, shared decision making and being symptom focused. There was also a recognition that there is a difference between a sudden decline in kidney function and a stable but low kidney function and GPs would manage these situations differently.

Conclusions

GPs apply guidelines in the management of CKD in older patients using a patient-centred and whole person approach to care. Older patients have a high prevalence of multimorbidity, which GPs carefully considered when applying existing CKD-specific guidelines. Future iterations of CKD Guidelines need to give due consideration to multimorbidity in older patients that can adversely impact on kidney function in addition to the expected age-related functional decline.
Safety and effectiveness of tofacitinib in Korean adult patients with ulcerative colitis: post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Yoon Hyuk , Ye Byong Duk , Kang Sang-Bum , Lee Kang-Moon , Choi Chang Hwan , Jo Joo-young , Woo Juwon , Cheon Jae Hee
Published: August 2024

Background

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to identify the safety and effectiveness of tofacitinib in patients with UC in routine clinical settings in Korea.

Methods

This open-label, observational, prospective, post-marketing surveillance study was conducted at 22 hospitals in the Republic of Korea. Patients with moderate to severe active UC who received tofacitinib were included and followed up for up to 52 weeks. Tofacitinib was administered at a dosage of 10 mg twice daily for at least 8 weeks, followed by 5 or 10 mg twice daily at the investigator’s discretion based on clinical evaluation according to the approved Korean label. Safety including adverse events (AEs) and effectiveness including clinical remission, clinical response, and endoscopic mucosal healing were evaluated. Safety analysis set was defined as all patients registered for this study who received at least one dose of tofacitinib according to the approved Korean label and followed up for safety data. Effectiveness analysis set included patients in the safety analysis set who were evaluated for overall effectiveness assessment and excluded patients who had received tofacitinib less than 8 weeks.

Results

A total of 110 patients were enrolled, of whom 106 patients were included in the safety population. The median duration of treatment was 370 days and the treatment duration ranged from 16 to 684 days for the safety population. AEs occurred in 42 patients (39.6%). Serious AEs (SAEs) occurred in 7 patients (6.6%) and of them, there were 2 cases of serious infections. These serious infections were reported as Adverse Event of Special Interest (AESI) in this study and no other AESI were reported. There were no cases of death during the study period. Clinical remission rates were 40.0%, 46.7%, 57.6%, and 55.1% at 8, 16, 24, and 52 weeks, and clinical response rates were 77.8%, 87.9%, 56.6%, and 81.4% at each visit, respectively. Endoscopic mucosal healing rates were 58.7% at 16 weeks and 46.2% at 52 weeks.

Conclusion

Tofacitinib was effective in Korean patients with moderate to severe active UC and the safety findings were consistent with the known safety profile of tofacitinib.

This study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of tofacitinib in Korean patients with moderate to severe active UC in routine clinical settings.

Trial registration

This study is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT04071405, registered on 28 August 2019.
Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody landscape in Norway in the late summer of 2022: high seroprevalence in all age groups with patterns of primary Omicron infection in children and hybrid immunity in adults
Authors: Tunheim Gro , Fossum Even , Robertson Anna Hayman , Rø Gunnar Øyvind Isaksson , Chopra Adity , Vaage John T. , Vikse Elisabeth Lea , Kran Anne-Marte Bakken , Magnus Per , Trogstad Lill , Mjaaland Siri , Hungnes Olav , Lund-Johansen Fridtjof
Published: August 2024

Background

According to Norwegian registries, 91% of individuals ≥ 16 years had received ≥ 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine by mid-July 2022, whereas less than 2% of children < 12 years were vaccinated. Confirmed COVID-19 was reported for 27% of the population, but relaxation of testing lead to substantial underreporting. We have characterized the humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Norway in the late summer of 2022 by estimating the seroprevalence and identifying antibody profiles based on reactivity to Wuhan or Omicron-like viruses in a nationwide cross-sectional collection of residual sera, and validated our findings using cohort sera.

Methods

1,914 anonymized convenience sera and 243 NorFlu-cohort sera previously collected from the Oslo-area with reported infection and vaccination status were analyzed for antibodies against spike, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral Wuhan strain and Omicron BA.2 RBD, and nucleocapsid (N). Samples were also tested for antibodies inhibiting RBD-ACE2 interaction. Neutralization assays were performed on subsets of residual sera against B.1, BA.2, XBB.1.5 and BQ.1.1.

Results

The national seroprevalence estimate from vaccination and/or infection was 99.1% (95% CrI 97.0-100.0%) based on Wuhan (spike_W and RBD_W) and RBD_BA2 antibodies. Sera from children < 12 years had 2.2 times higher levels of antibodies against RBD_BA2 than RBD_W and their seroprevalence estimate showed a 14.4 percentage points increase when also including anti-RBD_BA2 antibodies compared to Wuhan-antibodies alone. 50.3% (95% CI 45.0-55.5%) of residual sera from children and 38.1% (95% CI 36.0-40.4%) of all residual sera were positive for anti-N-antibodies. By combining measurements of binding- and ACE2-RBD-interaction-inhibiting antibodies, reactivity profiles indicative of infection and vaccination history were identified and validated using cohort sera. Residual sera with a profile indicative of hybrid immunity were able to neutralize newer Omicron variants XBB.1.5 and BQ.1.1.

Conclusions

By late summer of 2022, most of the Norwegian population had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, and almost all children had been infected. Antibody profiles indicated that children mostly had experienced a primary Omicron infection, while hybrid immunity was common among adults. The finding that sera displaying hybrid immunity could neutralize newer Omicron variants indicates that Wuhan-like priming of the immune response did not have a harmful imprinting effect and that infections induce cross-reacting antibodies against future variants.
Burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in Germany: a systematic review
Authors: Poshtiban Anahita , Wick Moritz , Bangert Mathieu , Damm Oliver
Published: August 2024

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infection and hospitalizations among infants, young children, and the elderly. This systematic literature review aimed to summarize the epidemiological and economic burden estimates of RSV infection at any age in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search to identify full-text articles published from 2003 to 2023 and reporting data on the epidemiological or economic burden of RSV in Germany. Based on pre-specified eligibility criteria, data on incidence, rates of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, clinical manifestation, underlying conditions, seasonality, health care resource use and costs were extracted.

Results

After screening 315 full-text articles, we included 42 articles in the review. The characteristics of the included studies were heterogenous regarding study population, setting, age groups and RSV-related outcome measures.

The most frequently reported epidemiological outcome measures were RSV detection rate (n = 33), followed by clinical manifestation (n = 19), seasonality (n = 18), and underlying conditions of RSV infection (n = 13). RSV detection rates were reported across heterogenous study populations, ranging from 5.2 to 55.4% in pediatric inpatient cases and from 2.9 to 14% in adult inpatient cases. All articles that reported RSV detection rates across several age groups demonstrated the highest burden in infants and young children. Few articles reported RSV-related outcome measures distinctively for the outpatient setting.

Health care resource use, such as hospital length of stay, ICU admission rate and treatment of patients with RSV infection were described in 23 articles, of which only one study quantified associated costs from 1999 to 2003 for children ≤ 3 years. In-hospital ICU admission rates varied between 3.6 and 45%, depending on population characteristics as age and underlying conditions.

Conclusions

This systematic review revealed that RSV imposes substantial disease burden in infants, young children, and the elderly in Germany, whereby infants are particularly affected. To date, there has been limited exploration of the impact of RSV infection on healthy children or the elderly in Germany. Given their notably high reported burden in studies, the medical and economic RSV burden in these groups should move more into focus.
Is public transport a promising strategy for increasing physical activity? Evidence from a study of objectively measured public transport use and physical activity
Authors: Evans Jack. T. , Stanesby Oliver , Blizzard Leigh , Greaves Stephen , Timperio Anna , Jose Kim , Sharman Melanie J. , Palmer Andrew J. , Cleland Verity J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Greater public transport use has been linked to higher physical activity levels. However, neither the amount of physical activity associated with each daily public transport trip performed, nor the potential total physical activity gain associated with an increase in trips/day, has been determined. Using objective measures, we aimed to quantify the association between public transport use, physical activity and sedentary time.

Methods

A longitudinal study of Australian adults living in Hobart, Tasmania, who were infrequent bus users (≥ 18 years; used bus ≤ 2 times/week). The number of bus trips performed each day was determined from objective smartcard data provided by the public transportation (bus) provider across a 36-week study timeframe. Accelerometer measured steps/day (primary outcome), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (min/day), and sedentary time (min/day) were assessed across four separate one-week periods.

Results

Among 73 participants across 1483 day-level observations, on days that public transport was used, participants achieved significantly more steps (β = 2147.48; 95%CI = 1465.94, 2829.03), moderate to vigorous physical activity (β = 22.79; 95% CI = 14.33, 31.26), and sedentary time (β = 37.00; 95% CI = 19.80, 54.21) compared to days where no public transport trips were made. The largest increase in steps per day associated with a one-trip increase was observed when the number of trips performed each day increased from zero to one (β = 1761.63; 95%CI = 821.38, 2701.87). The increase in the number of steps per day was smaller and non-significant when the number of trips performed increased from one to two (β = 596.93; 95%CI=-585.16, 1779.01), and two to three or more (β = 632.39; 95%CI=-1331.45, 2596.24) trips per day. Significant increases in sedentary time were observed when the number of trips performed increased from zero to one (β = 39.38; 95%CI = 14.38, 64.39) and one to two (β = 48.76; 95%CI = 25.39, 72.12); but not when bus trips increased from two to three or more (β=-27.81; 95%CI=-76.00, 20.37).

Conclusions

Greater public transport use was associated with higher physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Bus use may yield cumulative increases in steps that amount to 15–30% of the daily recommended physical activity target. A policy and public health focus on intersectoral action to promote public transport may yield meaningful increases in physical activity and subsequent health benefits.
“I will take part in the revolution with our people”: a qualitative study of healthcare workers’ experiences of violence and resistance after the 2021 Myanmar coup d’etat
Authors: Haar Rohini J. , Crawford Katerina , Fast Larissa , Win Than Htut , Rubenstein Leonard , Blanchet Karl , Lillywhite Louis , Tint-Zaw Nicholus , Mon Myo-Myo
Published: August 2024

Background

In Myanmar, ongoing conflict since the 2021 military coup d’etat has been characterized by targeted violence against health workers (HWs), particularly those participating in the pro-democracy movement. Existing knowledge about the challenges faced by health workers in Myanmar is scant, including their perspectives on mitigating their suffering and the broader impact on community health. This knowledge gap prompted our study to assess the extent of the violence, its impact on the workers and the community, and identify resource priorities.

Methods

This qualitative study employed purposive and snowball sampling to recruit health workers affiliated with the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). We interviewed 24 HWs in Myanmar between July and December 2022, predominantly physicians and nurses. We used a semi-structured interview guide and conducted interviews remotely due to the security situation. We adopted content analysis to understand participation in the CDM movement, experiences of violence, personal and professional impacts, the sequelae to community health, how HWs responded as well as their ongoing needs.

Results

Thematic content analysis revealed that violence was both individually targeted and widespread. Health workers faced professional, financial, and personal impacts as a result. The health system as a whole has been severely diminished. Health workers have had to adapt to continue to provide care, for example some fled to rural areas and worked clandestinely, exchanging their services for food and shelter. In those settings, they continued to face insecurity from airstrikes and arrests. Health workers have also experienced moral distress and burden due to their resistance and protest against the regime.

Conclusion

The coup and ensuing violence severely disrupted the healthcare system, resulting in shortages of supplies, reduced quality of care, and exacerbated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing significant hardships, HWs remained resilient, engaging in resistance efforts within the CDM and seeking support from local communities and international organizations. They expressed a need for increased awareness, financial assistance, and concrete support for the health system to address the crisis.
Microbial conversion of ethanol to high-value products: progress and challenges
Authors: Sun Manman , Gao Alex Xiong , Liu Xiuxia , Bai Zhonghu , Wang Peng , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo
Published: August 2024

Industrial biotechnology heavily relies on the microbial conversion of carbohydrate substrates derived from sugar- or starch-rich crops. This dependency poses significant challenges in the face of a rising population and food scarcity. Consequently, exploring renewable, non-competing carbon sources for sustainable bioprocessing becomes increasingly important. Ethanol, a key C2 feedstock, presents a promising alternative, especially for producing acetyl-CoA derivatives. In this review, we offer an in-depth analysis of ethanol's potential as an alternative carbon source, summarizing its distinctive characteristics when utilized by microbes, microbial ethanol metabolism pathway, and microbial responses and tolerance mechanisms to ethanol stress. We provide an update on recent progress in ethanol-based biomanufacturing and ethanol biosynthesis, discuss current challenges, and outline potential research directions to guide future advancements in this field. The insights presented here could serve as valuable theoretical support for researchers and industry professionals seeking to harness ethanol's potential for the production of high-value products.

Graphic Abstract
Metabolomics analysis of patients with Schistosoma japonicum infection based on UPLC-MS method
Authors: Li Junhui , Jiang Jie , Zhu Yi , Zhang Yu , Zhu Jiang , Ming Yingzi
Published: August 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis is still one of the most serious parasitic diseases. Evidence showed that the metabolite profile in serum can potentially act as a marker for parasitic disease diagnosis and evaluate disease progression and prognosis. However, the serum metabolome in patients with Schistosoma japonicum infection is not well defined. In this study, we investigated the metabolite profiles of patients with chronic and with advanced S. japonicum infection.

Methods

The sera of 33 chronic S. japonicum patients, 15 patients with advanced schistosomiasis and 17 healthy volunteers were collected. Samples were extracted for metabolites and analyzed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS).

Results

We observed significant differences in metabolite profiles in positive and negative ion modes between patients with advanced and chronic S. japonicum infection. In patients with chronic S. japonicum infection, 199 metabolites were significantly upregulated while 207 metabolites were downregulated in advanced infection. These differential metabolites were mainly concentrated in steroid hormone biosynthesis, cholesterol metabolism and bile secretion pathways. We also found that certain bile acid levels were significantly upregulated in the progression from chronic to advanced S. japonicum infection. In receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, we identified three metabolites with area under the curve (AUC) > 0.8, including glycocholic (GCA), glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDCA) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) concentrated in cholesterol metabolism, biliary secretion and primary bile acid biosynthesis.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that GCA, GCDCA and TCDCA can potentially act as novel metabolite biomarkers to distinguish patients in different stages of S. japonicum infection. This study will contribute to the understanding of the metabolite mechanisms of the transition from chronic to advanced S. japonicum infection, although more studies are needed to validate this potential role and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Graphical Abstract
Syndecan 4 is a marker of endothelial inflammation in pathological aging and predicts long-term cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Giuliani Angelica , Ramini Deborah , Sbriscia Matilde , Crocco Paolina , Tiano Luca , Rippo Maria Rita , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Rose Giuseppina , De Luca Maria , Olivieri Fabiola , Sabbatinelli Jacopo
Published: August 2024

Background

Endothelial cellular senescence is emerging as a key mechanism of age-related vascular dysfunction. Disruption of the endothelium glycocalyx and shedding of the syndecan (SDC) ectodomains have been associated with several age-related diseases. Although SDC4 is highly expressed in endothelial cells, its levels and shedding in senescent endothelial cells and vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with aging are still unknown.

Methods

To assess whether SDC4 expression was affected by inflammatory conditions, we evaluated its levels in young human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with TNF-α at a concentration of 50 ng/mL for 24 h and in cells undergoing replicative senescence. Plasma levels of SDC4 were evaluated in two previously recruited cohorts of (i) subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D, n = 110) followed for a median of 16.8 years and age- and gender-matched healthy subjects (n = 100), and (ii) middle-aged subjects with mild-to-moderate dyslipidemia. Binomial logistic regression was used to assess whether SDC4 levels could be prognostic for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

In the in vitro study, we showed that HUVECs, when exposed to TNF-α or undergoing replicative senescence, exhibited elevated expression levels of SDC4 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), as well as increased shedding of SDC4 into the extracellular microenvironment, in comparison to actively proliferating young HUVECs.

Analysis of human samples revealed that patients with T2D without complications exhibited higher SDC4 levels compared to healthy controls and those with T2D vascular complications. In particular, patients with a history of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) had lower SDC4 levels. The longitudinal evaluation revealed that higher SDC4 levels predict the onset of new MACE during a 16.8-year follow-up. In the second cohort, no significant association was observed between SDC4 and endothelial dysfunction, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) or nitric oxide metabolites. SDC4 levels correlated positively with C-reactive protein (CRP) in both cohorts and with PAI-1 in the cohort of patients with T2D.

Conclusion

Overall, we conclude that the shedding of SDC4 from endothelial cells increases under acute (TNF-α treatment) and chronic (senescence) inflammatory conditions and that increased circulating SDC4 levels are associated with systemic inflammation in pathological aging.
Automatic molecular fragmentation by evolutionary optimisation
Authors: Yu Fiona C. Y. , Vallejo Jorge L. Gálvez , Barca Giuseppe M. J.
Published: August 2024

Molecular fragmentation is an effective suite of approaches to reduce the formal computational complexity of quantum chemistry calculations while enhancing their algorithmic parallelisability. However, the practical applicability of fragmentation techniques remains hindered by a dearth of automation and effective metrics to assess the quality of a fragmentation scheme. In this article, we present the Quick Fragmentation via Automated Genetic Search (QFRAGS), a novel automated fragmentation algorithm that uses a genetic optimisation procedure to generate molecular fragments that yield low energy errors when adopted in Many Body Expansions (MBEs). Benchmark testing of QFRAGS on protein systems with less than 500 atoms, using two-body (MBE2) and three-body (MBE3) MBE calculations at the HF/6-31G* level, reveals mean absolute energy errors (MAEE) of 20.6 and 2.2 kJ $$\hbox {mol}^{-1}$$mol-1, respectively. For larger protein systems exceeding 500 atoms, MAEEs are 181.5 kJ $$\hbox {mol}^{-1}$$mol-1for MBE2 and 24.3 kJ $$\hbox {mol}^{-1}$$mol-1for MBE3. Furthermore, when compared to three manual fragmentation schemes on a 40-protein dataset, using both MBE and Fragment Molecular Orbital techniques, QFRAGS achieves comparable or often lower MAEEs. When applied to a 10-lipoglycan/glycolipid dataset, MAEs of 7.9 and 0.3 kJ $$\hbox {mol}^{-1}$$mol-1were observed at the MBE2 and MBE3 levels, respectively.

Scientific ContributionThis Article presents the Quick Fragmentation via Automated Genetic Search (QFRAGS), an innovative molecular fragmentation algorithm that significantly improves upon existing molecular fragmentation approaches by specifically addressing their lack of automation and effective fragmentation quality metrics. With an evolutionary optimisation strategy, QFRAGS actively pursues high quality fragments, generating fragmentation schemes that exhibit minimal energy errors on systems with hundreds to thousands of atoms. The advent of QFRAGS represents a significant advancement in molecular fragmentation, greatly improving the accessibility and computational feasibility of accurate quantum chemistry calculations.
Muscle degeneration in aging Drosophila flies: the role of mechanical stress
Authors: Chechenova Maria , McLendon Lilla , Dallas Bracey , Stratton Hannah , Kiani Kaveh , Gerberich Erik , Alekseyenko Alesia , Tamba Natasya , An SooBin , Castillo Lizzet , Czajkowski Emily , Talley Christina , Brown Austin , Bryantsev Anton L.
Published: August 2024

Muscle wasting is a universal hallmark of aging which is displayed by a wide range of organisms, although the causes and mechanisms of this phenomenon are not fully understood. We used Drosophila to characterize the phenomenon of spontaneous muscle fiber degeneration (SMFD) during aging. We found that SMFD occurs across diverse types of somatic muscles, progresses with chronological age, and positively correlates with functional muscle decline. Data from vital dyes and morphological markers imply that degenerative fibers most likely die by necrosis. Mechanistically, SMFD is driven by the damage resulting from muscle contractions, and the nervous system may play a significant role in this process. Our quantitative model of SMFD assessment can be useful in identifying and validating novel genetic factors that influence aging-related muscle wasting.