bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
0330 Self-Reported Exercise and Objectively Measured Sleep: A Big Data Analysis Using Consumer Sleep Technology
Authors: Gahan Luke , Gottlieb Elie , Aman Aman , Watson Nathaniel , Raymann Roy
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Exercise is bidirectionally associated with sleep, whereby exercise can be an efficacious element of behavioural therapy for sleep, and longer sleep duration has been associated with increased physical activity. Given poor sleep and physical inactivity are each widely recognized as critical public health priorities, further research into the relationship between objective sleep and indices of exercise using ecologically-valid sleep measurement tools is warranted. Here, we examined the association between self-reported exercise intensity and duration, and objectively measured sleep using consumer sleep technology.

Methods

Data from 2,662 users (mean age: 47.4, 36.5% female) across 343,308 nights were included in the analysis from the PSG-validated SleepScore Mobile Application, which uses a non-contact, sonar-based method to objectively capture sleep-related metrics, and questionnaires to capture self-reported data. Exercise intensity ( “At what level of intensity do you work out?”, 3 point scale) and exercise frequency (“How many times a week do you exercise for at least 20 mins?”, 5 point scale) were gathered used self-report questionnaires. Linear regression modelling was used for analysis, with age and gender used as confounding variables.

Results

Greater reported exercise frequency was associated with an increase in TST (ß=3.3 mins, SE=0.838, p<0.001) and sleep efficiency (ß=0.5%, SE=0.116, p<0.001). Exercise frequency was also associated with reductions in WASO (ß=-1.153mins, SE=0.429, p<0.01) and SOL (ß=-0.425mins, SE=0.163, p<0.01). Greater reported exercise intensity was associated with an increase in TST (ß=4.908 mins, SE=1.886, p<0.01) and sleep efficiency (ß=1.16%, SE=0.255, p<0.001). Exercise intensity was also associated with reductions in WASO (ß=-3.282mins, SE=0.965, p<0.01) and SOL (ß=-0.852mins, SE=0.272, p<0.01).

Conclusion

Self-reported exercise frequency and intensity were associated with improved objective sleep metrics across the board. This big data finding using ecologically-valid consumer sleep technology can further contribute to public health recommendations regarding the positive impact of exercise on sleep.

Support (If Any)
Nanomaterial Inhalation During Pregnancy Alters Systemic Vascular Function in a Cyclooxygenase-Dependent Manner
Authors: Griffith Julie A , Garner Krista L , Bowdridge Elizabeth C , DeVallance Evan , Schafner Kallie J , Engles Kevin J , Batchelor Thomas P , Goldsmith William T , Wix Kimberley , Hussain Salik , Nurkiewicz Timothy R
Published: June 2022

Pregnancy requires rapid adaptations in the uterine microcirculation to support fetal development. Nanomaterial inhalation is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction, which may impair gestation. We have shown that maternal nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) inhalation impairs microvascular endothelial function in response to arachidonic acid and thromboxane (TXA2) mimetics. However, the mechanisms underpinning this process are unknown. Therefore, we hypothesize that maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation during gestation results in uterine microvascular prostacyclin (PGI2) and TXA2 dysfunction. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed from gestational day 10–19 to nano-TiO2 aerosols (12.17  ± 1.67 mg/m3) or filtered air (sham-control). Dams were euthanized on gestational day 20, and serum, uterine radial arterioles, implantation sites, and lungs were collected. Serum was assessed for PGI2 and TXA2 metabolites. TXB2, the stable TXA2 metabolite, was significantly decreased in nano-TiO2 exposed dams (597.3 ± 84.4 vs 667.6 ± 45.6 pg/ml), whereas no difference was observed for 6-keto-PGF1α, the stable PGI2 metabolite. Radial arteriole pressure myography revealed that nano-TiO2 exposure caused increased vasoconstriction to the TXA2 mimetic, U46619, compared with sham-controls (−41.3% ± 4.3% vs −16.8% ± 3.4%). Nano-TiO2 exposure diminished endothelium-dependent vasodilation to carbaprostacyclin, a PGI2 receptor agonist, compared with sham-controls (30.0% ± 9.0% vs 53.7% ± 6.0%). Maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation during gestation decreased nano-TiO2 female pup weight when compared with sham-control males (3.633 ± 0.064 vs 3.995 ± 0.124 g). Augmented TXA2 vasoconstriction and decreased PGI2 vasodilation may lead to decreased placental blood flow and compromise maternofetal exchange of waste and nutrients, which could ultimately impact fetal health outcomes.
Recovered Hepatocytes Promote Macrophage Apoptosis Through CXCR4 After Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Nguyen Nga T , Umbaugh David S , Huang Eileen L , Adelusi Olamide B , Sanchez Guerrero Giselle , Ramachandran Anup , Jaeschke Hartmut
Published: June 2022

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the main cause of acute liver failure in Western countries. The mechanism of APAP hepatotoxicity is associated with centrilobular necrosis which initiates infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes, and other leukocytes to the area of necrosis. Although it has been recognized that this infiltration of immune cells plays a critical role in promoting liver repair, mechanism of immune cell clearance that is important for resolution of inflammation and the return to normal homeostasis are not well characterized. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor expressed on hepatocytes as well as neutrophils, monocytes, and hematopoietic stem cells. CXCR4 function is dependent on its selective expression on different cell types and thus can vary depending on the pathophysiology. This study aimed to investigate the crosstalk between hepatocytes and macrophages through CXCR4 to promote macrophage apoptosis after APAP overdose. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to APAP overdose (300 mg/kg). Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the mode of cell death of macrophages and expression pattern of CXCR4 during the resolution phase of APAP hepatotoxicity. The impact of CXCR4 in regulation of macrophage apoptosis and liver recovery was assessed after administration of a monoclonal antibody against CXCR4. RNA sequencing analysis was performed on flow cytometry sorted CXCR4+ macrophages at 72 h to confirm the apoptotic cell death of macrophages. Our data indicate that the inflammatory response is resolved by recovering hepatocytes through induction of CXCR4 on macrophages, which triggers their cell death by apoptosis at the end of the recovery phase.
Long-Term Health and Neurodevelopment in Children After Antenatal Exposure to Low-Dose Aspirin for the Prevention of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Landman Anadeijda J. E. M. C. , van Limburg Stirum Emilie V. J. , de Boer Marjon A. , van ‘t Hooft Janneke , Ket Johannes C. F. , Leemhuis Aleid G. , Finken Martijn J. J. , Oudijk Martijn A. , Painter Rebecca C.
Published: June 2022

(Abstracted from Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021;267:213–220)

Pregnant women with increased risk of preeclampsia are advised by international guidelines to take low-dose aspirin throughout their pregnancy. As this indicates that a substantial portion of fetuses experience exposure to aspirin, the question of long-term effects on child health is raised.
A Two-stage Approach for Rapid Assessment of the Proportion Achieving Viral Suppression Using Routine Clinical Data
Authors: Edwards Jessie K. , Donastorg Yeycy , Zadrozny Sabrina , Hileman Sarah , Gómez Hoisex , Seamans Marissa J. , Herce Michael E. , Ramírez Edwin , Barrington Clare , Weir Sharon
Published: June 2022

Background:

Improving viral suppression among people with HIV reduces morbidity, mortality, and transmission. Accordingly, monitoring the proportion of patients with a suppressed viral load is important to optimizing HIV care and treatment programs. But viral load data are often incomplete in clinical records. We illustrate a two-stage approach to estimate the proportion of treated people with HIV who have a suppressed viral load in the Dominican Republic.

Methods:

Routinely collected data on viral load and patient characteristics were recorded in a national database, but 74% of patients on treatment at the time of the study did not have a recent viral load measurement. We recruited a subset of these patients for a rapid assessment that obtained additional viral load measurements. We combined results from the rapid assessment and main database using a two-stage weighting approach and compared results to estimates obtained using standard approaches to account for missing data.

Results:

Of patients with recent routinely collected viral load data, 60% had a suppressed viral load. Results were similar after applying standard approaches to account for missing data. Using the two-stage approach, we estimated that 77% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 74, 80) of those on treatment had a suppressed viral load.

Conclusions:

When assessing the proportion of people on treatment with a suppressed viral load using routinely collected data, applying standard approaches to handle missing data may be inadequate. In these settings, augmenting routinely collected data with data collected through sampling-based approaches could allow more accurate and efficient monitoring of HIV treatment program effectiveness.
A single-center, cross-sectional study of cross-professional faculties’ perception to virtual class under different scenarios: A stepwise approach
Authors: Lin Yu-Fan , Chen Chen-Huan , Yang Ying-Ying , Kuo Nai-Rong , Li Tzu-Hao , Lirng Jiing-Feng , Hou Ming-Chih , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng
Published: June 2022

Background:

Virtual teaching in medical education is rising with the increased need caused by the recent pandemic. However, evaluations of the perception of clinical teachers across professions for setting a virtual class in different teaching scenarios are limited. This study aims to identify cross-professional clinical teachers’ perception of virtual classes and the acceptability of the virtual class-specific checklist for setting a virtual class.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate clinical teachers’ need to set and teach a virtual class and then designed a virtual class-specific checklist with five essential steps and a related training program in July 2021. After the training, 186 participants were randomly enrolled in October 2021 to evaluate their perceptions about setting virtual classes and the acceptability of the virtual class-specific checklist using an online assessment questionnaire.

Results:

In our institution, the number of faculty-led virtual classes has recently been on the increase. Our study revealed that most teachers agreed that virtual classes could break space and time limitations, but that the Internet environment could affect the fluency of the virtual class. They further agreed that the essential five steps in the checklist should vary depending on the type of teaching scenario. Most clinical teachers, with the exception of those who teach in the operating room, considered the operating room as the most difficult scenario for setting virtual classes.

Conclusion:

Faculty training for setting virtual classes is essential, and the essential virtual-class-specific five steps are suitable for different teachers and teaching scenarios. However, the virtual class-specific checklist should be further adjusted according to the limitations caused by emerging innovative virtual teaching technology.
Evaluation of a remote telemedicine platform using a novel handheld fundus camera: Physician and patient perceptions from real-world experience
Authors: Yeh Tsai-Chu , Lo Kang-Jung , Hwang De-Kuang , Lin Tai-Chi , Chou Yu-Bai
Published: June 2022

Background:

Although teleophthalmology has gained traction in recent years, it is at the center of the coronavirus disease pandemic. However, most hospitals are not ready owing to a severe lack of real-world experience. Furthermore, a limited number of studies have evaluated telemedicine applications on remote islands. This study aimed to evaluate real-world clinical and referral accuracy, image quality, physician-perceived diagnostic certainty, and patient satisfaction with telemedicine eye screening using a novel handheld fundus camera in a rural and medically underserved population.

Methods:

This prospective study included 176 eyes from a remote island. All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. Nonmydriatic retinal images obtained using a handheld fundus camera were reviewed by two retinal specialists to determine image quality, diagnosis, and need for referrals. The agreement of diagnosis between image-based assessments was compared with that of binocular indirect ophthalmoscopic assessments.

Results:

Image quality of fundus photographs was considered acceptable or ideal in 97.7% and 95.5% of eyes assessed by two reviewers, respectively. There was considerable agreement in diagnosis between the indirect ophthalmoscopic assessment and image-based assessment by two reviewers (Cohen’s kappa = 0.80 and 0.78, respectively). Likewise, substantial agreement was achieved in the referrals. The sensitivity for referable retinopathy from the two reviewers was 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57%-91%) and 78% (95% CI, 57%-91%), whereas specificity was 99% (95% CI, 95%-99%] and 98% (95% CI, 93%-99%), respectively. For physicians’ perceived certainty of diagnosis, 93.8% and 90.3% were considered either certain or reliable. Overall, 97.4% of participants were satisfied with their experiences and greatly valued the telemedicine services.

Conclusion:

Novel fundus camera-based telemedicine screening demonstrated high accuracy in detecting clinically significant retinopathy in real-world settings. It achieved high patient satisfaction and physician-perceived certainty in diagnosis with reliable image quality, which may be scaled internationally to overcome geographical barriers under the global pandemic.
Pregnancy-Related Stroke: A Review
Authors: Doiron Tucker , Ramseyer Abigail , Phelps Emily N. , Williams Anne J. , Teal Linda N. , Hollenbach Laura L. , Magann Everett F.
Published: June 2022

Importance

The maternal risk of strokes in the United States is approximately 30/100,000 pregnancies, and strokes are the eighth leading cause of maternal death. Because of the relationship between stroke and significant neurological disability/maternal death, obstetrical health care providers must be able to identify, evaluate, diagnosis, and treat these women.

Evidence Acquisition

PubMed was searched using the search terms “stroke” OR “cerebrovascular accident” OR “intracranial hemorrhage” AND “pregnancy complications” OR “risk factors” OR “management” OR “outcome.” The search was limited to the English language and was restricted to articles from 2000 to 2020.

Results

There were 319 abstracts identified, and 90 of the articles were ultimately used as the basis of this review. Presenting stroke signs and symptoms include headache, composite neurologic defects, seizures, and/or visual changes. Diagnosis is typically made with computed tomography scan using abdominal shielding or magnetic resonance imaging without contrast. Management options for an ischemic stroke include reperfusion therapy with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator catheter-based thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy. Hemorrhagic strokes are treated similarly to strokes outside of pregnancy, and that treatment is based on the severity and location of the hemorrhage.

Conclusions and Relevance

Early recognition and management are integral in decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with a stroke in pregnancy.

Relevance Statement

This study was an evidence-based review of stroke in pregnancy and how to diagnose and mange a pregnancy complicated by a stroke.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologist, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After completing this learning activity, the participant should be better able to identify the pregnancy-related risk factors for a stroke; explain the presenting signs and symptoms of a stroke in pregnancy; describe the imaging modalities available to diagnose a stroke; and outline treatment options for an ischemic stroke and a hemorrhagic stroke.
A 13-Year Study of Fatal Falls From Height in Northern Tunisia
Authors: Kort Ikram , Belhaj Azza , Kebsi Dhouha , Gharbaoui Meriem , Bellali Mohamed , Allouche Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Falls from height are a major cause of unintentional injury death, resulting in high disability and mortality. We investigated the characteristics of fatal falls and their relationship with intentionality, injury patterns, and death on impact.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, we examined 545 cases of fatal falls from height that underwent autopsy in the forensic department of the Charles Nicolle hospital of Tunis (Tunisia) between January 2008 and December 2020. Cases were reviewed in terms of demographics, fall characteristics, and autopsy findings.

Results

The population was predominately male (86.6%). Four hundred twenty-one (77.3%) originated from accidents, 120 (22%) were found to be suicidal, with 4 homicide cases. A notable decline in cases was noticed following the Jasmine revolution, 2011 (R squared = 0.8). The mean height of falls was 8 m. Higher falls were associated with a set of organ-specific injuries. Organ injury pattern did not differ based on intentionality. Female victims were 2.4 times more likely to sustain pelvic injuries than males. The majority of victims deceased before reaching health care structures. Death on impact was strongly associated with higher falls, cranial impact, and organ-specific injuries, including cardiac, pulmonary, and skull injuries.

Falls from height are in many cases preventable. A clearly defined fall safety policy, strict implementation of evidence-based interventions, efficient allocation of resources, and raising safety awareness must to be urgently implemented.

Conclusion

Understanding patterns of injury and the factors that influence death on impact may be of further interest in the prevention and management of survivors in the acute period.
Reconstruction of a Large Thoracic Radiation-Induced Ulcer Using a Free Extended Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap
Authors: Vicente-Pardo Andrea , Anderssen Lorca Belen , Sanchez-Garcia Alberto , Vicente-Pardo Paula , Pérez-García Alberto
Published: June 2022

Radiation therapy-induced skin ulcers are complex wounds that are unable to heal spontaneously. This affects the patient's quality of life and poses a major health problem. The most reliable curative treatment involves extensive debridement of the affected tissue and covering the wound with well-vascularized tissue. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with a huge clavicle osteoradionecrosis ulcer that required complex resection and reconstruction with an extended vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.
Caring for Patients With Electrical Burns Using the Holistic Neuman Systems Model: A Case Study
Authors: Savsar Adile , Yilmaz Sahin Sibel , Guvenc Gulten , Ayhan Hatice , Iyigun Emine
Published: June 2022

Patients with burns should be provided with holistic nursing care that considers all systems of the body. The Neuman Systems Model (NSM) is especially suited to holistic care as it proposes an open system approach and addresses five major interacting variables. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of the NSM when caring for a patient with electrical burns. In this case study, we planned and applied nursing care for a 20-year-old man with electrical burns based on the NSM. The study was conducted between November 25, 2018, and January 10, 2019. We used the six-item Neuman Diagnostic Tool (NDT) developed by Neuman in our interviews with the patient. We found that the electrical burns had caused multiple physiological, psychological, and sociocultural problems for our patient, most of which were physical problems, including the burn injury and subsequent limb amputation. The NDT guided our data collection and aided in our ability to determine stressors and formulate appropriate nursing diagnoses. The NSM strengthened the patient's flexible line of defense for coping individually and facilitated the identification of deficiencies in the normal and resistance lines of defense. The NSM provides a theoretical framework for nurses caring for patients with burns where entire systems are affected.
Cancer-Related Lymphedema Management: Development of Patient Education Resources
Authors: Tavares Tina , Vann Vicki
Published: June 2022

Lymphedema education following cancer surgery helps patients feel more empowered to perform their own self-care. This may lead to fewer lymphedema symptoms postoperatively resulting in an overall improvement in the patient's quality of life. We identified a need for written comprehensive postoperative lymphedema patient education at our institution. We created the educational resources with the help of a multidisciplinary team and these resources are currently being provided to the patients during their visit to our lymphedema clinic. Plastic and breast oncology nurses, a plastic surgeon specializing in lymphedema management, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, a patient education specialist, two affiliated medical artists, and marketing and language services personnel engaged in an 18-month collaborative effort to create a variety of patient education resources. The created resources included surgical and therapeutic information, nutrition and dietary guidelines, postoperative exercises, diagnostic testing and imaging information, facility services, glossary of terms, web resources, and a personalized treatment guide for the patient.
Niche construction in quantitative traits: heritability and response to selection
Authors: Fogarty Laurel , Wade Michael J.
Published: June 2022

A central tenet of niche construction (NC) theory is that organisms can alter their environments in heritable and evolutionarily important ways, often altering selection pressures. We suggest that the physical changes niche constructors make to their environments may also alter trait heritability and the response of phenotypes to selection. This effect might change evolution, over and above the effect of NC acting via selection alone. We develop models of trait evolution that allow us to partition the effects of NC on trait heritability from those on selection to better investigate their distinct effects. We show that the response of a phenotype to selection and so the pace of phenotypic change can be considerably altered in the presence of NC and that this effect is compounded when trans-generational interactions are included. We argue that novel mathematical approaches are needed to describe the simultaneous effects of NC on trait evolution via selection and heritability. Just as indirect genetic effects have been shown to significantly increase trait heritability, the effects of NC on heritability in our model suggest a need for further theoretical development of the concept of heritability.
Skeletal muscle function underpins muscle spindle abundance
Authors: Kissane Roger W. P. , Charles James P. , Banks Robert W. , Bates Karl T.
Published: June 2022

Muscle spindle abundance is highly variable within and across species, but we currently lack any clear picture of the mechanistic causes or consequences of this variation. Previous use of spindle abundance as a correlate for muscle function implies a mechanical underpinning to this variation, but these ideas have not been tested. Herein, we use integrated medical imaging and subject-specific musculoskeletal models to investigate the relationship between spindle abundance, muscle architecture and
in vivo
muscle behaviour in the human locomotor system. These analyses indicate that muscle spindle number is tightly correlated with muscle fascicle length, absolute fascicle length change, velocity of fibre lengthening and active muscle forces during walking. Novel correlations between functional indices and spindle abundance are also recovered, where muscles with a high abundance predominantly function as springs, compared to those with a lower abundance mostly functioning as brakes during walking. These data demonstrate that muscle fibre length, lengthening velocity and fibre force are key physiological signals to the central nervous system and its modulation of locomotion, and that muscle spindle abundance may be tightly correlated to how a muscle generates work. These insights may be combined with neuromechanics and robotic studies of motor control to help further tease apart the functional drivers of muscle spindle composition.
Diet, habitat and flight characteristics correlate with intestine length in birds
Authors: Duque-Correa María J. , Clauss Marcus , Hoppe Monika I. , Buyse Kobe , Codron Daryl , Meloro Carlo , Edwards Mark S.
Published: June 2022

A link between diet and avian intestinal anatomy is generally assumed. We collated the length of intestinal sections and body mass of 390 bird species and tested relationships with diet, climate and locomotion. There was a strong phylogenetic signal in all datasets. The total and small intestine scaled more-than-geometrically (95%CI of the scaling exponent > 0.33). The traditional dietary classification (faunivore, omnivore and herbivore) had no significant effect on total intestine (TI) length. Significant dietary proxies included %folivory, %frugi-nectarivory and categories (frugi-nectarivory, granivory, folivory, omnivory, insectivory and vertivory). Individual intestinal sections were affected by different dietary proxies. The best model indicates that higher consumption of fruit and nectar, drier habitats, and a high degree of flightedness are linked to shorter TI length. Notably, the length of the avian intestine depends on other biological factors as much as on diet. Given the weak dietary signal in our datasets, the diet intestinal length relationships lend themselves to narratives of flexibility (morphology is not destiny) rather than of distinct adaptations that facilitate using one character (intestine length) as proxy for another (diet). Birds have TIs of about 85% that of similar-sized mammals, corroborating systematic differences in intestinal macroanatomy between vertebrate clades.
Sex reversal explains some, but not all, climate-mediated sex ratio variation within a viviparous reptile
Authors: Hill Peta , While Geoffrey M. , Burridge Christopher P. , Ezaz Tariq , Munch Kirke L. , McVarish Mary , Wapstra Erik
Published: June 2022

Evolutionary transitions in sex-determining systems have occurred frequently yet understanding how they occur remains a major challenge. In reptiles, transitions from genetic to temperature-dependent sex determination can occur if the gene products that determine sex evolve thermal sensitivity, resulting in sex-reversed individuals. However, evidence of sex reversal is limited to oviparous reptiles. Here we used thermal experiments to test whether sex reversal is responsible for differences in sex determination in a viviparous reptile,
Carinascincus ocellatus,
a species with XY sex chromosomes and population-specific sex ratio response to temperature. We show that sex reversal is occurring and that its frequency is related to temperature. Sex reversal was unidirectional (phenotypic males with XX genotype) and observed in both high- and low-elevation populations. We propose that XX-biased genotypic sex ratios could produce either male- or female-biased phenotypic sex ratios as observed in low-elevation
C. ocellatus
under variable rates of XX sex reversal. We discuss reasons why sex reversal may not influence sex ratios at high elevation. Our results suggest that the mechanism responsible for evolutionary transitions from genotypic to temperature-dependent sex determination is more complex than can be explained by a single process such as sex reversal.
Genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of invasive, noninvasive and colonizing group B Streptococcus isolates in southern Brazil
Authors: Feuerschuette Otto Henrique May , Alves Eduardo Venâncio , Scheffer Mara Cristina , Vilela Ana Paula Pessoa , Barazzetti Fernando Hartmann , Feuerschuette Henrique Miranda , Cancelier Ana Carolina Lobor , Bazzo Maria Luiza
Published: June 2022

Introduction. Group B

Streptococcus

(GBS) is a human commensal bacterium that is also associated with infection in pregnant and non-pregnant adults, neonates and elderly people.

Gap Statement. The authors hypothesize that knowledge of regional GBS genetic patterns may allow the use of prevention and treatment measures to reduce the burden of streptococcal disease.

Aim. The aim was to report the genotypic diversity and antimicrobial sensitivity profiles of invasive, noninvasive urinary and colonizing GBS strains, and evaluate the relationships between these findings.

Methodology. The study included consecutive and non-duplicated GBS isolates recovered in southern Brazil from 2015 to 2017. We performed multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and PCR analyses to determine capsular serotypes and identify the presence of the resistance genes mefA/E, ermB and ermA/TR, and also antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Results. The sample consisted of 348 GBS strains, 42 MLVA types were identified, and 4 of them represented 64 % of isolates. Serotype Ia was the most prevalent (42.2 %) and was found in a higher percentage associated with colonization, followed by serotypes V (24.4 %), II (17.8 %) and III (7.8 %). Serotype V was associated with invasive isolates and serotypes II and III with noninvasive isolates, without significant differences. All isolates were susceptible to penicillin. GBS 2018/ hvgA was observed in 17 isolates, with 11 belonging to serogroup III. The Hunter–Gaston diversity index was calculated as 0.879. The genes mefA/E, erm/B and erm/A/TR were found in 45, 19 and 46 isolates.

Conclusion. This report suggests that the circulating GBS belong to a limited number of genetic lineages. The most common genotypes were Ia/MT12 and V/MT18, which are associated with high resistance to macrolides and the presence of the genes mefA/E and ermA/TR. Penicillin remains the antibiotic of choice. Implementation of continuous surveillance of GBS infections will be essential to assess GBS epidemiology and develop accurate GBS prevention, especially strategies associated with vaccination.
The Oxford Brain Health Clinic: Protocol and Research Database
Authors: O’Donoghue M.C. , Blane J. , Gillis G. , Mitchell R. , Lindsay K. , Semple J. , Pretorius P.M. , Griffanti L. , Fossey J. , Raymont V. , Martos L. , Mackay C.E.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Despite major advances in the field of neuroscience over the last three decades, the quality of assessments available to patients with memory problems in later life has barely changed. At the same time, a large proportion of dementia biomarker research is conducted in selected research samples that often poorly reflect the demographics of the population of patients who present to memory clinics. The Oxford Brain Health Clinic (BHC) is a newly developed clinical assessment service with embedded research in which all patients are offered high quality clinical and research assessments, including MRI, as standard.

Methods and analysis

Here we describe the BHC protocol, including aligning our MRI scans with those collected in the UK Biobank. We evaluate rates of research consent for the first 108 patients (data collection ongoing) and the ability of typical Psychiatry-led NHS memory-clinic patients to tolerate both clinical and research assessments.

Ethics and dissemination

Our ethics and consenting process enables patients to choose the level of research participation that suits them. This generates high rates of consent, enabling us to populate a research database with high quality data that will be disseminated through a national platform (the Dementias Platform UK data portal).

ARTICLE SUMMARY

The Oxford Brain Health Clinic embeds high-quality assessments into routine clinical care for typical patients with memory problems.

The BHC MRI protocol is aligned with the UK Biobank providing a unique opportunity to link the power of big-data and individual patients at the clinical interface.

The BHC ethics and consenting process, designed in partnership with an active PPI advisory group, enables patients to choose the level of research participation that suits them.

The BHC research database and associated information governance will facilitate research use of real-world clinical information where consent is given.

The Oxford BHC pilot required that patients were not contraindicated for MRI. Future work to expand the model will remove this constraint.
Fat infiltration in the vastus medialis implicates joint structural abnormalities in early-stage symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Hoki Atsushi , D’Amico Ella , Ambrosio Fabrisia , Iwasaki Tsubasa , Matsuda Yoshikazu , Iijima Hirotaka
Published: June 2022

Objective

Early knee osteoarthritis (KOA) presents as minor structural abnormalities in joint tissues, such as cartilage and subchondral bone, that cannot be assessed radiographically. Identification of a sensitive and convenient marker for early disease has the potential to enhance patient outcomes. This study determined 1) whether fat infiltration in muscle (i.e., muscle quality), as measured by ultrasound, is associated with structural abnormalities seen in early KOA and 2) which quadriceps muscles are appropriate as a novel marker for early KOA.

Methods

Participants with early symptomatic KOA (Kellgren Lawrence grade 1-2) underwent ultrasound assessment to measure the echo intensity of the vastus medialis and rectus femoris. The echo intensity corrected for ultrasound wave attenuation caused by subcutaneous fat was then calculated (i.e., corrected echo intensity). Structural abnormalities were assessed using the whole-organ magnetic resonance score (WORMS). A generalized linear mixed model was used to assess the relationship between the corrected echo intensity and WORMS score.

Results

Forty-nine participants (ages: 44-78 years, 65.3% women) with 52 knees were included. After adjustment for covariates, increased corrected echo intensity (i.e., poor muscle quality) in the vastus medialis muscle was significantly associated with greater structural abnormalities, including disrupted cartilage integrity in the medial tibiofemoral joint. The association was not significant in the rectus femoris muscle.

Conclusion

Individuals with poor muscle quality in the vastus medialis displayed compromised joint integrity. This study suggests that fat infiltration in vastus medialis assessed by ultrasound is an indicator of early symptomatic KOA.
Modelling the potential influence of human migration and strain mutation on Ebola virus disease dynamics
Authors: Njankou Sylvie Diane Djiomba , Nyabadza Farai
Published: June 2022

Migration of infected animals and humans, and mutation are considered as the source of the introduction of new pathogens and strains into a country. In this paper, we formulate a mathematical model of Ebola virus disease dynamics, that describes the introduction of a new strain of ebolavirus, through either mutation or immigration (which can be continuous or impulsive) of infectives. The mathematical analysis of the model shows that when the immigration of infectives is continuous, the new strain invades a country if its invasion reproduction number is greater than one. When the immigration is impulsive, a newly introduced strain is controllable when its reproduction number is less than the ratio of mortality to the population inflow and only locally stable equilibria exist. This ratio is one if the population size is constant. In case of mutation of the resident strain of ebolavirus, the coexistence of the resident and mutated strains is possible if their respective reproduction numbers are greater than one. Results indicate that the competition for the susceptible population is the immediate consequence of the coexistence of two different strains of ebolavirus in a country and this competition is favourable to the most infectious strain. Results also indicate that impulsive immigration of infectives when compared to continuous immigration of infectives gives time for the implementation of control measures. Our model results suggest controlled movements of people between countries that have had Ebola outbreaks despite the fact that closing boundaries is impossible.
The Development of the Substance Use Disorder Screening Test (SUDST) according to the DSM-5
Authors: Saengduenchai Sukuma , Nilaban Sumnao , Singtho Tanya , Ranuwattananon Apichart , Kalayasiri Rasmon
Published: June 2022

Objectives

A screening tool for substance use disorders is most needed for patient care and referral. The study aims to develop the Substance Use Disorder Screening Test (SUDST) to classify the severity of substance use disorders based on the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Methods

Eleven items of the SUDST, developed based on the DSM-5, were tested on 207 participants who were receiving treatment for methamphetamine use. Participants were interviewed with the SUDST, the screening test of the Ministry of Public Health Version 2 (V.2), the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (M.I.N.I) and were clinically diagnosed by attending psychiatrists.

Results

Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.79. The SUDST was highly significantly associated with the M.I.N.I., V.2, and the clinical diagnosis (p < 0.001). Factor analysis showed three components: 1) preoccupation and loss of control 2) risky/harmful use and 3) impact to bio-psychosocial aspects. Of the total score of 11, the cut-off points to identify severe, moderate, and mild levels of risk were ≥7, 5-6, and 3-4, respectively with sensitivity = 72.7%-96.5% and specificity = 61.9%-88.7%.

Conclusions

The SUDST had high reliability and validity that could be used for screening risk for substance use disorders.
Utilization of wearable activity monitors to support physical activity interventions in neurodegenerative diseases: a feasibility study
Authors: Shih Hai-Jung Steffi , Quinn Lori , Morgan-Jones Philippa , Long Katrina , Schreier Abigail R. , Friel Ciaran P.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of using wearable activity monitors as part of a physical activity (PA) intervention and describe patterns of device weartime and PA behavior in people with Parkinson (PD) and Huntington disease (HD).

Materials and Methods

Secondary analyses were conducted on two pilot studies where people with early-stage PD (n=13) and HD (n=14) enrolled in a 4-month PA coaching program. Participants wore a Fitbit Charge 2 and physical and occupational therapists guided them through understanding of PA data and goal-setting to build autonomy and facilitate PA uptake. Wear time, wear habits (delineated based on nighttime wear), and activity metrics including steps, resting heart rate, and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) *minutes were analyzed.

Results

Retention rate of the intervention was 85%. Participants had a mean (SD) of 92.3(9.2)% valid wear days over the intervention period. Average daily wear time was 18.4(4.5) hours, with an initial 2-week period of high wear time fluctuation. Regardless of diagnosis, day & night Fitbit wearers had more improvements in steps (d=1.02) and MET*min/week (d=0.69) compared to day-only wearers.

Conclusions

Implementing wearable activity monitors in a PA coaching intervention was feasible and provided insight into longitudinal PA behavior in people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Motivational Dysregulation with Melanocortin 4 Receptor Haploinsufficiency
Authors: Steiner Alex M. , Roscoe Robert F. , Booze Rosemarie M. , Mactutus Charles F.
Published: June 2022

Obesity, by any standard, is a global health crisis. Both genetic and dietary contributions to the development and maintenance of obesity were integral factors of our experimental design. As mutations of the melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) are the leading monogenetic cause of obesity, MC4R haploinsufficient rats were fed a range of dietary fat (0-12%) in a longitudinal design. Physiological and motivational assessments were performed using a locomotor task, 5-choice sucrose preference task, an operant task with fixed and progressive ratios, as well as a distraction operant task. Dendritic spine morphology of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc), cells with ample D1 and D2 receptors, was also assessed. The percentage of lipid deposits in the liver of each rat was also analyzed using the Area Fraction Fractionator probe for stereological measurements. MC4R haploinsufficiency resulted in a phenotypic resemblance for adult-onset obesity that was exacerbated by the consumption of a high-fat diet. Results from the operant tasks indicate that motivational deficits due to MC4R haploinsufficiency were apparent prior to the onset of obesity and exacerbated by dietary fat consumption after obesity was well established. Moreover, MSN morphology shifted to longer spines with smaller head diameters for the MC4R+/- animals under the high-fat diet, suggesting a potential mechanism for the dysregulation of motivation to work for food. Increasing our knowledge of the neural circuitry/mechanisms responsible for the rewarding properties of food has significant implications for understanding energy balance and the development of obesity.
A century of Jordanian architecture: narrating the development of the nation
Authors: Shawash Janset , Marji Noor , Marji Narmeen
Published: June 2022

Purpose

As the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan celebrates its first centenary, this paper presents a critical reading of the development of architecture in the Kingdom reflecting the transformation of national identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper achieves this aim by performing an analytical diachronic survey of the main architectural styles and trends that emerged in Jordan and links the architectural styles and trends to four main historical periods that characterize the national temporal trajectory, supported by examples of buildings, projects and architects that represent each period.

Findings

The results show the impacts of different forms of architectural modernism on local practice and explore attempts to create a national architectural identity that range in their ideological drive from Pan-Arabism to Jordanian localism.

Originality/value

The research adds to the discourse on Arab cities and architecture and shows the development of architectural trends in an Arab Muslim country, focusing on the interaction of architectural modernism with local variables. The research aims to supplement literature on Arab architecture with a critical and nuanced historical account of Jordanian architecture in the English language to serve a global audience.
A fully coupled 3D elastohydrodynamic model built with MITC element for static performance analysis of gas foil bearings
Authors: Zhou Zeyuan , Jia Hekun , Yin Bifeng
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present a 3D static performance analysis model for the gas foil journal bearing to provide better understanding of the gas foil journal bearing and extend the development of the calculation about the static performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The foil bearing can be seen as a shell structure, and the mixed interpolation of tensorial components (MITC) element was used to build the shell model. The augmented Lagrange method was used to calculate the contact involving friction between foils and between the foil and the bearing sleeve. A displacement-controlled load scheme was used to calculate the deformation of the foils. A mapping operator was used to map the film pressure from the gas to the surface of the top foil.

Findings

This method provides high precision of calculation in the prediction of the static performance. The calculation results were compared with the experimental data, and they show good agreement. Meanwhile, the model can be applied in the prediction of the bearing performance in a broad range of working conditions.

Originality/value

This method extends the calculation of the gas foil journal bearing to a 3D scale and shows good agreement with the experimental data. Meanwhile, the present model has a good adaptability on the revolution speed and can be applied to the predictions in varied working conditions.
Factors associated with depression during lockdown in college students who sought psychological consultation
Authors: Benavides Morales Jaime Andrés , López Peláez Jéssica
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the risk factors that affect depression in students who sought psychological consultation during lockdown period in the health department at a university in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 33 students (12 men and 21 women) with a mean age of 21 ± 2.5 years during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Convenience sampling was used. The beck depression inventory-II instrument and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to determine levels of depression and associated risk factors. A Google Form was designed with the respective instruments and sent along with the informed consent by email.

Findings

The results indicated that the population is characterized by presenting a level of mild (24.2%), moderate (15.2%) and severe (21.2%) depression. Concerning the levels of depression and risk factors, a significant difference was found with a history of violence (p-value = 0.000), mainly during childhood and adolescence, as well as objection to psychological therapy, belonging to a medium–high socioeconomic stratum, lack of family support and recent significant losses coupled with the lockdown because of the pandemic, which increased symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted using Google Forms, which meant that some questionnaires were incomplete. In addition, this study did not count with the full participation of patients who attended psychological consultation.

Practical implications

Universities should generate programs for early detection of risk factors and prevention of depression in students, which could affect academic performance, school dropout, interpersonal relationships and trigger suicidal ideation. These results can also be applied to reducing family violence, which has increased since the pandemic, by improving students' family dynamics.

Originality/value

Because of the scarce research on this topic in Latin America, this study contributes to mental health in this population. The university becomes a fundamental scenario in which the ability to help students develop an adequate expression of emotions, positive coping strategies and sense of life as protective factors against depression can be enhanced.