bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Hospitalization Rates and In-Hospital Mortality Rates of HIV–Related Opportunistic Infections in the United States, 2011–2018
Authors: Bielick Catherine , Strumpf Andrew , Ghosal Soutik , McMurry Tim , McManus Kathleen A
Published: February 2024

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–related opportunistic infections (OIs) cause substantial morbidity and mortality among people with HIV (PWH). US hospitalization and in-hospital mortality rates associated with OIs have not been published using data from the past decade.

Methods

We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample for the years 2011 through 2018. We used sociodemographic, financial, and hospital-level variables and identified hospitalizations for PWH and OI diagnoses. Using survey-weighted methods, we estimated all OI-related US hospitalization rates and in-hospital mortality per 100 000 PWH and modeled associated factors using survey-based multivariable logistic regression techniques.

Results

From 2011 to 2018, there were an estimated 1 710 164 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1 659 566–1 760 762) hospital discharges for PWH with 154 430 (95% CI, 148 669–159 717 [9.2%]) associated with an OI, of which 9336 (95% CI, 8813–9857; 6.0%) resulted in in-hospital mortality. Variables associated with higher odds of OI-related hospitalizations (compared to without an OI) included younger age, male sex, non-White race/ethnicity, and being uninsured (all likelihood ratio [LR] P < .001). Higher OI-related mortality was associated with older age (LR P < .001), male sex (LR P = .001), Hispanic race/ethnicity (LR P < .001), and being uninsured (LR P = .009). The OI-related hospitalization rate fell from 2725.3 (95% CI, 2266.9–3183.7) per 100 000 PWH in 2011 to 1647.3 (95% CI, 1492.5–1802.1) in 2018 (P < .001), but the proportion of hospitalizations with mortality was stable (5.9% in 2011 and 2018).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate an ongoing need for continued funding of HIV testing, health insurance for all PWH, OI screening initiatives, review of current prophylaxis guidelines, and recruitment of more HIV clinicians.
ARAapp: filling gaps in the ecological knowledge of spiders using an automated and dynamic approach to analyze systematically collected community data
Authors: Bach Alexander , Raub Florian , Höfer Hubert , Ottermanns Richard , Roß-Nickoll Martina
Published: February 2024

The ARAMOB data repository compiles meticulously curated spider community datasets from systematical collections, ensuring a high standard of data quality. These datasets are enriched with crucial methodological data that enable the datasets to be aligned in time and space, facilitating data synthesis across studies, respectively, collections. To streamline the analysis of these datasets in a species-specific context, a suite of tailored ecological analysis tools named ARAapp has been developed. By harnessing the capabilities of ARAapp, users can systematically evaluate the spider species data housed within the ARAMOB repository, elucidating intricate relationships with a range of parameters such as vertical stratification, habitat occurrence, ecological niche parameters (moisture and shading) and phenological patterns.

Database URL: ARAapp is available at  www.aramob.de/en
The challenging approach of a young patient with a primary intimal sarcoma of the heart: a case report
Authors: Martinho Mariana , Machado Bárbara , Cruz Inês , Fernandes Isabel , Pereira Hélder
Published: February 2024

Background

Primary intimal sarcomas of the heart are extremely rare and have a dismal prognosis. Their management represents a complex clinical challenge since complete surgical resection is the only reliable possibility of cure but is only possible in 50% of patients. In non-resectable disease, anthracycline-based therapy is the most effective treatment, but pazopanib may be used in patients unfit to receive anthracyclines.

Case summary

A 38-year-old man presented with acute right heart failure symptoms due to a primary intimal sarcoma of the heart. A definite diagnosis was made after cardiac surgery. Multi-modality cardiac imaging showed early recurrence of disease with mitral valve and pulmonary veins’ invasion, and the patient was deemed inoperable. Due to chronic kidney disease and previous heart failure symptoms, he was started on first-line pazopanib palliative treatment. After 11 months of chemotherapy, there was good clinical tolerance and no evidence of disease progression, which occurred after 13 months.

Discussion

This case highlights the value of a multi-modality imaging approach for cardiac masses. Most importantly, it reports the successful treatment of a young patient with a primary intimal sarcoma of the heart who was started on palliative pazopanib, with a significantly higher progression-free survival than is reported in the literature. This finding may support pazopanib as a good alternative as first-line treatment when there is contraindication for anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Long-term aspirin adherence following myocardial infarction and risk of cardiovascular events
Authors: Kristensen Anna Meta Dyrvig , Pareek Manan , Kragholm Kristian Hay , McEvoy John William , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Prescott Eva Bossano
Published: February 2024

Aims

Aspirin is considered mandatory after myocardial infarction (MI). However, its long-term efficacy has been questioned. This study investigated the effectiveness of long-term aspirin after MI.

Methods and results

Patients ≥40 years with MI from 2004 to 2017 who were adherent to aspirin 1 year after MI were included from Danish nationwide registries. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 years after MI, continued adherence to aspirin was evaluated. Absolute and relative risks of MI, stroke, or death at 2 years from each time point were calculated using multivariable logistic regression analysis with average treatment effect modelling standardized for age, sex, and comorbidities. Subgroup analyses were stratified by sex and age > and ≤65 years. Among 40 116 individuals included, the risk of the composite endpoint was significantly higher for non-adherent patients at all time points. The absolute risk was highest at 2–4 years after MI for both adherent [8.34%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.05–8.64%] and non-adherent patients (10.72%, 95% CI: 9.78–11.66%). The relative risk associated with non-adherence decreased from 4 years after index-MI and onwards: 1.41 (95% CI: 1.27–1.55) at 4–6 years and 1.21 (95% CI: 1.06–1.36) at 8–10 years (Ptrend = 0.056). Aspirin non-adherence in women and individuals >65 years was not associated with increased risk. Pinteraction at each of the time points: Age – <0.001, <0.001, 0.002, 0.51; Sex − 0.25, 0.02, 0.02, 0.82.

Conclusion

Non-adherence to long-term aspirin was associated with increased risk of MI, stroke, or death, but not in women or individuals >65 years. The risk decreased from 4 years after MI with near statistical significance.
Screening for sarcopenia with SARC-F in older patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Noda Takumi , Kamiya Kentaro , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Yamashita Masashi , Miki Takashi , Nozaki Kohei , Uchida Shota , Ueno Kensuke , Maekawa Emi , Terada Tasuku , Reed Jennifer L , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Ako Junya
Published: February 2024

Aims

SARC-F ≥ 4 points are used for detecting sarcopenia; however, finding a lower SARC-F cut-off value may lead to early detection of sarcopenia. We investigated the SARC-F score with the highest sensitivity and specificity values to identify sarcopenia in older patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Motor performances were also examined for each SARC-F score.

Methods and results

This retrospective cross-sectional study examined the sensitivity and specificity of every 1-point increase in the SARC-F score to predict sarcopenia. Eligible participants included patients with CVD (≥65 years old) who were admitted for acute CVD treatment and participated in cardiac rehabilitation. Patients completed the SARC-F questionnaire and the sarcopenia assessment. Area under the curves (AUCs) were investigated for the ability to predict sarcopenia. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare the mean value of physical functions (e.g. walking speed, leg strength, and 6 min walking distance) of each SARC-F score. A total of 1066 participants (63.8% male; median age: 76 years) were included. Sarcopenia was present in 401 patients. A SARC-F cut-off ≥2 presented the optimal balance between sensitivity (68.3%) and specificity (55.6%) to detect sarcopenia (AUCs = 0.658; 95% confidence interval: 0.625–0.691). When the patients had low scores (1–3), every 1 point increase in the SARC-F score was associated with lower physical functions such as lower muscle strength and shorter walking distance (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A SARC-F cut-off ≥2 was optimal for screening sarcopenia, and even a low SARC-F score is useful in detecting sarcopenia and low physical function at an early stage in patients with CVD.
Burden of cardiometabolic disorders and lifetime risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation among men and women: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Lu Zuolin , Ntlapo Noluthando , Tilly Martijn J , Geurts Sven , Aribas Elif , Ikram M Kamran , de Groot Natasja M S , Kavousi Maryam
Published: February 2024

Aims

To examine the association between the burden of cardiometabolic disorders with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and lifetime risk of AF incidence among men and women.

Methods and results

Four thousand one hundred and one men and 5421 women free of AF at baseline (1996–2008) from the population-based Rotterdam Study were included. Sex-specific Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to assess the association between the burden of cardiometabolic disorders and risk of new-onset AF. The remaining lifetime risk for AF was estimated at index ages of 55, 65, and 75 years up to age 108. Mean age at baseline was 65.5 ± 9.4 years. Median follow-up time was 12.8 years. In the fully adjusted model, a stronger association was found between a larger burden of cardiometabolic disorders and incident AF among women [hazard ratio (HR): 1.33% and 95% conference interval (CI): 1.22–1.46], compared to men [1.18 (1.08–1.29)] (P for sex-interaction <0.05). The lifetime risk for AF significantly increased with the number of cardiometabolic disorders among both sexes. At an index age of 55 years, the lifetime risks (95% CIs) for AF were 27.1% (20.8–33.4), 26.5% (22.8–30.5), 29.9% (26.7–33.2), 30.8% (25.7–35.8), and 33.3% (23.1–43.6) among men, for 0, 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 comorbid cardiometabolic disorders. Corresponding risks were 15.8% (10.5–21.2), 23.0% (19.8–26.2), 29.7% (26.8–32.6), 26.2% (20.8–31.6), and 34.2% (17.3–51.1) among women.

Conclusion

We observed a significant combined impact of cardiometabolic disorders on AF risk, in particular among women. Participants with cardiometabolic multimorbidity had a significantly higher lifetime risk of AF, especially at a young index age.
Sequential hybrid ablation vs. surgical CryoMaze alone for treatment of atrial fibrillation: results of multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bulava Alan , Wichterle Dan , Mokráček Aleš , Osmančík Pavel , Budera Petr , Kačer Petr , Vetešková Linda , Němec Petr , Skála Tomáš , Šantavý Petr , Chovančík Jan , Branny Piotr , Rizov Vitalii , Kolesár Miroslav , Šafaříková Iva , Rybář Marian ,   for the SURHYB Trial Investigators, Bulava Alan , Mokráček Aleš , Haniš Jiří , Hájek Přemysl , Šafaříková Iva , Sitek David , Novotný Adam , Osmančík Pavel , Kačer Petr , Heřman Dalibor , Rizov Vitalii , Süssenbek Ondřej , Wichterle Dan , Budera Petr , Szárszoi Ondrej , Salavec Lukáš , Peichl Petr , Kautzner Josef , Netuka Ivan , Ondrášek Jiří , Vetešková Linda , Němec Petr , Frantová Jana , Skála Tomáš , Šantavý Petr , Klimeš Dalibor , Majid Mariwan , Kolesár Miroslav , Červinka Pavel , Chovančík Jan , Branny Piotr , Jiravský Otakar
Published: February 2024

Aims

Data on the hybrid atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment are lacking in patients with structural heart disease undergoing concomitant CryoMaze procedures. The aim was to assess whether the timely pre-emptive catheter ablation would achieve higher freedom from AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) and be associated with better clinical outcomes than surgical ablation alone.

Methods and results

The trial investigated patients with non-paroxysmal AF undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve repair/replacement with mandatory concomitant CryoMaze procedure who were randomly assigned to undergo either radiofrequency catheter ablation [Hybrid Group (HG)] or no further treatment (Surgery Group). The primary efficacy endpoint was the first recurrence of AF/AT without class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs as assessed by implantable cardiac monitors. The primary clinical endpoint was a composite of hospitalization for arrhythmia recurrence, worsening of heart failure, cardioembolic event, or major bleeding. We analysed 113 and 116 patients in the Hybrid and Surgery Groups, respectively, with a median follow-up of 715 (IQR: 528–1072) days. The primary efficacy endpoint was significantly reduced in the HG [41.1% vs. 67.4%, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26–0.57, P < 0.001] as well as the primary clinical endpoint (19.9% vs. 40.1%, HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29–0.86, P = 0.012). The trial groups did not differ in all-cause mortality (10.6% vs. 8.6%, HR = 1.17, 95%CI: 0.51–2.71, P = 0.71). The major complications of catheter ablation were infrequent (1.9%).

Conclusion

Pre-emptively performed catheter ablation after the CryoMaze procedure was safe and associated with higher freedom from AF/AT and improved clinical outcomes.
Knockout of adenylosuccinate synthase purA increases susceptibility to colistin in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kano Tomonori , Ishikawa Kazuya , Furuta Kazuyuki , Kaito Chikara
Published: February 2024

Colistin is a cationic cyclic antimicrobial peptide used as a last resort against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. To understand the factors involved in colistin susceptibility, we screened colistin-sensitive mutants from an E. coli gene-knockout library (Keio collection). The knockout of purA, whose product catalyzes the synthesis of adenylosuccinate from IMP in the de novo purine synthesis pathway, resulted in increased sensitivity to colistin. Adenylosuccinate is subsequently converted to AMP, which is phosphorylated to produce ADP, a substrate for ATP synthesis. The amount of ATP was lower in the purA-knockout mutant than that in the wild-type strain. ATP synthesis is coupled with proton transfer, and it contributes to the membrane potential. Using the membrane potential probe, 3,3′-diethyloxacarbocyanine iodide [DiOC2(3)], we found that the membrane was hyperpolarized in the purA-knockout mutant compared to that in the wild-type strain. Treatment with the proton uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), abolished the hyperpolarization and colistin sensitivity in the mutant. The purA-knockout mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to aminoglycosides, kanamycin, and gentamicin; their uptake requires a membrane potential. Therefore, the knockout of purA, an adenylosuccinate synthase, decreases ATP synthesis concurrently with membrane hyperpolarization, resulting in increased sensitivity to colistin.
Merging and concatenation of sequencing reads: a bioinformatics workflow for the comprehensive profiling of microbiome from amplicon data
Authors: Ramakodi Meganathan P
Published: February 2024

A comprehensive profiling of microbial diversity is essential to understand the ecosystem functions. Universal primer sets such as the 515Y/926R could amplify a part of 16S and 18S rRNA and infer the diversity of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, the analyses of mixed sequencing data pose a bioinformatics challenge; the 16S and 18S rRNA sequences need to be separated first and analysed individually/independently due to variations in the amplicon length. This study describes an alternative strategy, a merging and concatenation workflow, to analyse the mixed amplicon data without separating the 16S and 18S rRNA sequences. The workflow was tested with 24 mock community (MC) samples, and the analyses resolved the composition of prokaryotes and eukaryotes adequately. In addition, there was a strong correlation (cor = 0.950; P-value = 4.754e-10) between the observed and expected abundances in the MC samples, which suggests that the computational approach could infer the microbial proportions accurately. Further, 18 samples collected from the Sundarbans mangrove region were analysed as a case study. The analyses identified Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, Cyanobacteria, and Crenarchaeota as dominant bacterial phyla and eukaryotic divisions such as Metazoa, Gyrista, Cryptophyta, Chlorophyta, and Dinoflagellata were found to be dominant in the samples. Thus, the results support the applicability of the method in environmental microbiome research. The merging and concatenation workflow presented here requires considerably less computational resources and uses widely/commonly used bioinformatics packages, saving researchers analyses time (for equivalent sample numbers, compared to the conventional approach) required to infer the diversity of major microbial domains from mixed amplicon data at comparable accuracy.
Patterns of Genomic Diversity in a Fig-Associated Close Relative of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Woodruff Gavin C , Willis John H , Phillips Patrick C
Published: February 2024

The evolution of reproductive mode is expected to have profound impacts on the genetic composition of populations. At the same time, ecological interactions can generate close associations among species, which can in turn generate a high degree of overlap in their spatial distributions. Caenorhabditis elegans is a hermaphroditic nematode that has enabled extensive advances in developmental genetics. Caenorhabditis inopinata, the sister species of C. elegans, is a gonochoristic nematode that thrives in figs and obligately disperses on fig wasps. Here, we describe patterns of genomic diversity in C. inopinata. We performed RAD-seq on individual worms isolated from the field across three Okinawan island populations. C. inopinata is about five times more diverse than C. elegans. Additionally, C. inopinata harbors greater differences in diversity among functional genomic regions (such as between genic and intergenic sequences) than C. elegans. Conversely, C. elegans harbors greater differences in diversity between high-recombining chromosome arms and low-recombining chromosome centers than C. inopinata. FST is low among island population pairs, and clear population structure could not be easily detected among islands, suggesting frequent migration of wasps between islands. These patterns of population differentiation appear comparable with those previously reported in its fig wasp vector. These results confirm many theoretical population genetic predictions regarding the evolution of reproductive mode and suggest C. inopinata population dynamics may be driven by wasp dispersal. This work sets the stage for future evolutionary genomic studies aimed at understanding the evolution of sex as well as the evolution of ecological interactions.
Dance Exergames for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Yoong Si Qi , Wu Vivien Xi , Chen Changwu , Lee Poh Yin , Wee Karen Siew Lin , Teo Justina , Chua Matthew Chin Heng , Jiang Ying
Published: February 2024

Background

A systematic review and meta-analysis with narrative synthesis was conducted to evaluate the impact of dance exergaming on older adults’ health-related outcomes and its feasibility, usability, and safety.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to December 7, 2023. Interventional studies using immersive or nonimmersive virtual reality platforms conducted on older adults ≥60 years old were eligible. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects model by pooling mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences. Outcomes were narratively synthesized when meta-analysis was not possible.

Results

Forty-three articles from 37 studies were included (n = 1 139 participants at baseline). Postintervention, dynamic balance measured using Berg Balance Scale (pooled MD = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.73–3.57, p < .0001), Timed-Up-and-Go times (pooled MD = −1.04, 95% CI: −2.06 to −0.03, p = .04), choice stepping reaction time (pooled MD = −92.48, 95% CI: −167.30 to −17.67, p = .02), and movement time (pooled MD = −50.33, 95% CI: −83.34 to −17.33, p = .003) were significantly better in the experimental group compared to the control group. Adherence ranged from 76.5% to 100%, whereas attrition ranged from 9.1% to 31.9%. Most participants completed the intervention with no or minimal adverse effects.

Conclusions

Dance exergames are effective, feasible, usable, and safe for older adults. Further research is needed as the findings were limited by small sample sizes. Many studies could not be included in the meta-analysis as outcomes were too varied.
Alcohol’s contribution to climate change and other environmental degradation: a call for research
Authors: Cook Megan , Critchlow Nathan , O’Donnell Rachel , MacLean Sarah
Published: February 2024

Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. The production, distribution and consumption of many fast-moving consumer goods contribute substantially to climate change, principally through releasing greenhouse gas emissions. Here we consider just some of the ways that alcohol—already a key contributor to an array of health, social and economic burdens—exacerbates environmental harms and climate change. We explore current evidence on alcohol production as a resource- and energy-intensive process, contributing to significant environmental degradation through water usage and other carbon emission costs. We argue that the impacts of alcohol production on climate change have been minimally explored by researchers. Yet the extent of the unfolding catastrophe beholds us to consider all available ways to mitigate unnecessary emissions, including from products such as alcohol. We then turn to suggestions for a research agenda on this topic, including investigations of commercial determinants, inequalities and product advice to help consumers choose lower-carbon options. We conclude by arguing that public health researchers already have an array of methodological expertise and experience that is well placed to produce the evidence needed to inform regulation and efforts by alcohol producers and consumers to minimize their contributions to environmental harms.
Diagnostic value of systematic bronchial aspirate on postoperative pneumonia after pulmonary resection surgery for lung cancer: a monocentre retrospective study
Authors: Georges Olivier , Abou Arab Osama , Ben Rahal Malek , de Dominicis Florence , Pfister Alejandro Witte , Merlusca Geoni , Iquille Jules , Berna Pascal
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES

Intraoperative bacterial airway colonization seems to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative pneumonia (POP). It can be easily assessed by performing a bronchial aspirate (BA). The objective of this study is to assess the diagnostic performance of the BA to predict POP.

METHODS

We conducted a single-centre retrospective observational study over a period of 10 years, from 1 January 2011 to 30 December 2020. The population study included patients admitted for a scheduled pulmonary resection surgery for lung cancer. Patients were classified into 2 populations depending on whether or not they developed a POP. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for developing POP. The diagnostic performance of BA was represented by its sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values.

RESULTS

A total of 1006 patients were included in the study. Uni- and multivariable analyses found that a positive BA was independently associated with a greater risk of developing POP with an odds ratio of 6.57 [4.165–10.865]; P < 0.001. Its specificity was 95%, sensitivity was 31%, positive predictive value was 66% and negative predictive value was 81%.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive intraoperative BA is an independent risk factor for POP after lung cancer surgery. Further trials are required to validate the systematic implementation of BA as an early diagnostic tool for POP.
Neurological and immunological adverse events after pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children using national immunization programme registry data
Authors: Kim Ju Hwan , Yoon Dongwon , Lee Hyesung , Choe Young June , Shin Ju-Young
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite the general consensus on the safety of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), safety concerns unveiled during post-licensure surveillance need to be addressed. We investigated whether there is a transient increased risk following a three-dose series of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) administered at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.

Methods

This was a population-based cohort study using the Korea immunization registry data linked to nationwide administrative claims data. Self-controlled risk interval analysis was conducted for PCV recipients who had an outcome of interest within pre-defined risk and control intervals between 2018 and 2022. The outcomes were anaphylaxis, asthma, encephalopathy, febrile seizure, Kawasaki disease and thrombocytopenia. We used conditional Poisson regression model to estimate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing the outcomes in the risk and control intervals.

Results

Of 1 114 096 PCV recipients, 8661 had outcomes either in the risk or control intervals. Their mean age at Dose 1 was 10.0 weeks, 58.3% were boys, and 85.3% received 13-valent PCV. PCV was not associated with an increased risk of any outcomes except for febrile seizure. There were 408 (56.0%) cases of febrile seizure in the risk interval, corresponding to an IRR of 1.27 (95% CI 1.10–1.47).

Conclusions

It is reassuring to note that there was no increased risk of the potential safety concerns following PCV administration. Despite the transient increased risk of febrile seizure, absolute numbers of cases were small. Febrile seizure is generally self-limiting with a good prognosis, and should not discourage parents or caregivers from vaccinating their children.
Toward a Responsible Artistic Agency: Mindful Representation of Fat Communities in Popular Media
Authors: Frazier Cheryl
Published: February 2024

When fat people are depicted in popular media, we often take their behavior to be representative of all fat people. How one fat person acts becomes representative of a broader pattern of behavior that all fat people are presumed to share, shaping the way we understand fatness. This way of generalizing presents fatness as a singular experience, reducing fat people to a monolithic narrative that often reinforces anti-fat bias. How do we avoid this reduction? How can we responsibly depict fat characters without perpetuating negative stereotypes about real fat people? Using the case of “Fat Thor” from Avengers: Endgame, I propose the beginnings of an account of responsible artistic agency which can be used to improve the ways that marginalized communities are depicted in art, with a particular focus on fat communities. Central to this account are two features: inclusion of and deference to members of the communities depicted from a variety of backgrounds throughout the production process, and mindfulness of the preexisting narrative web built around the communities depicted. I will use this discussion to highlight the need for a drastic shift in how we consider marginalized populations in art—in reimagining both who tells their stories, and what stories are told on their behalf.
Antimicrobial use and appropriateness in neutropenic fever: a study of the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey data
Authors: Singh Nikhil , Douglas Abby P , Slavin Monica A , Haeusler Gabrielle M , Thursky Karin A
Published: February 2024

Background

Neutropenic fever (NF) is a common complication in patients receiving chemotherapy. Judicious antimicrobial use is paramount to minimize morbidity and mortality and to avoid antimicrobial-related harms.

Objectives

To use an Australian national dataset of antimicrobial prescriptions for the treatment of NF to describe antimicrobial use, prescription guideline compliance and appropriateness; and to compare these findings across different healthcare settings and patient demographics. We also aimed to identify trends and practice changes over time.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Hospital NAPS) database from August 2013 to May 2022. Antimicrobial prescriptions with a NF indication were analysed for antimicrobial use, guideline compliance and appropriateness according to the Hospital NAPS methodology. Demographic factors, hospital classifications and disease characteristics were compared.

Results

A total of 2887 (n = 2441 adults, n = 441 paediatric) NF prescriptions from 254 health facilities were included. Piperacillin-tazobactam was the most prescribed antimicrobial. Overall, 87.4% of prescriptions were appropriate. Piperacillin-tazobactam and cefepime had the highest appropriateness though incorrect piperacillin-tazobactam dosing was observed. Lower appropriateness was identified for meropenem, vancomycin, and gentamicin prescribing particularly in the private hospital and paediatric cohorts. The most common reasons for inappropriate prescribing were spectrum too broad, incorrect dosing or frequency, and incorrect duration.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into antimicrobial prescribing practices for NF in Australia. We have identified three key areas for improvement: piperacillin-tazobactam dosing, paediatric NF prescribing and private hospital NF prescribing. Findings from this study will inform the updated Australian and New Zealand consensus guidelines for the management of neutropenic fever in patients with cancer.
Jump dispersal drives the relationship between micro- and macroevolutionary dynamics in the Sicydiinae (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) of Sundaland and Wallacea
Authors: Jamonneau Tom , Dahruddin Hadi , Limmon Gino , Sukmono Tedjo , Busson Frédéric , Nurjirana  , Gani Abdul , Patikawa Jesaya , Wuniarto Erwin , Sauri Sopian , Nurhaman Ujang , Wowor Daisy , Steinke Dirk , Keith Philippe , Hubert Nicolas
Published: February 2024

Insular biodiversity hotspots of Southeast Asia are remarkable for their biodiverse faunas. With a marine larval phase lasting up to several months, the freshwater fish subfamily Sicydiinae has colonized most islands of these hotspots. However, Sicydiinae diversity is still poorly understood in Southeast Asia. With the objective of estimating intraspecific genetic diversity and inferring past demography, we conducted the molecular inventory of Sicydiinae species in Sundaland and Wallacea using 652 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene, species delimitation methods, and Bayesian Skyline plot reconstructions. In total, 24 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units are delimited among the 603 sequences belonging to 27 species and 5 genera. Two cases of discordance between morphology and mitochondrial sequence are observed, suggesting ongoing speciation and/or introgression in 2 genera. Multiple new occurrences are reported, either for a single biodiversity hotspot or both, some of which correspond to observations of a few individuals far from the range distribution of their conspecifics. Among the 10 species or species groups whose intraspecific diversity was examined, high levels of genetic diversity and past population expansion are revealed by Tajima’s D tests and Bayesian Skyline Plot reconstructions. Together, these results indicate that long-distance dispersal is common and suggest that most endemic species originated through founder events followed by population expansion. Patterns of sexual dimorphism and males’ coloration among diverging species pairs seem to point to sexual selection as an important mechanism contributing to speciation in the Sicydiinae of Sundaland and Wallacea.
Please Give Me a Remedy: Women Human Rights Defenders Mobilize for Occupational Safety and Health
Authors: Nissen Aleydis
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the strategies that women human rights defenders use to engage in legal mobilization and overcome gendered barriers to justice. It does so through analysis of a specific health and safety dispute involving women workers and the Republic of Korea’s biggest semiconductor corporation.
Identification of druggable host dependency factors shared by multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Frasson Ilaria , Diamante Linda , Zangrossi Manuela , Carbognin Elena , Pietà Anna Dalla , Penna Alessandro , Rosato Antonio , Verin Ranieri , Torrigiani Filippo , Salata Cristiano , Dizanzo Marìa Paula , Vaccaro Lorenzo , Cacchiarelli Davide , Richter Sara N , Montagner Marco , Martello Graziano
Published: February 2024

abstract

The high mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 leads to the emergence of multiple variants, some of which are resistant to vaccines and drugs targeting viral elements. Targeting host dependency factors, e.g. cellular proteins required for viral replication, would help prevent the development of resistance. However, it remains unclear whether different SARS-CoV-2 variants induce conserved cellular responses and exploit the same core host factors. To this end, we compared three variants of concern and found that the host transcriptional response was conserved, differing only in kinetics and magnitude. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats screening identified host genes required for each variant during infection. Most of the genes were shared by multiple variants. We validated our hits with small molecules and repurposed the US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs. All the drugs were highly active against all the tested variants, including new variants that emerged during the study (Delta and Omicron). Mechanistically, we identified reactive oxygen species production as a key step in early viral replication. Antioxidants such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) were effective against all the variants in both human lung cells and a humanized mouse model. Our study supports the use of available antioxidant drugs, such as NAC, as a general and effective anti-COVID-19 approach.
Juvenile Justice Anger Management (JJAM) Treatment for Girls
Authors: Giallella Christy , Goldstein Naomi E. , Serico Jennifer , Haney-Caron Emily , Kalbeitzer Rachel , Zelechoski Amanda D. , Riggs Romaine Christina L. , Kemp Kathleen
Published: February 2024

Juvenile Justice Anger Management (JJAM) Treatment for Girls: Facilitator Guide and Participant Materials presents a manualized anger management and aggression reduction treatment designed for adolescent girls and young women placed in residential juvenile justice facilities. The treatment program lasts for eight weeks with 16 90-minute sessions of cognitive-behavioral group intervention. The JJAM treatment addresses young women’s unique gender and developmental needs in the juvenile justice system. The JJAM Facilitator Guide is a user-friendly, session-by-session guide, and accompanying materials are provided for both facilitators and participants. The session activities incorporate real-life examples provided by the participants so that activities and content can be tailored to the characteristics, needs, and interests of the specific individuals in each group.
Consequences of Anger and the Importance of Setting Goals
Authors: Goldstein Naomi E. S. , Serico Jennifer M. , Haney-Caron Emily , Giallella Christy L. , Kalbeitzer Rachel , Zelechoski Amanda D. , Riggs Romaine Christina L. , Kemp Kathleen
Published: February 2024

This chapter provides the participant materials for Session 2 of the Juvenile Justice Anger Management (JJAM) Treatment for Girls. This session focuses on the consequences of anger and the different kinds of anger. A template for goal sheets is provided; each session the girls will set goals that they can work towards. The session’s participant feedback form allows participants to reflect on examples of situations where they can practice anger control. These situations include witnessing a bunch of kids making fun of one’s best friend and receiving mean comments from an ex-partner. The chapter also explains how it is okay to feel angry, but there are usually consequences for one’s actions when one reacts to one’s anger in a bad way.
Stellar/BH population in AGN discs: direct binary formation from capture objects in nuclei clusters
Authors: Wang Yihan , Zhu Zhaohuan , Lin Douglas N C
Published: February 2024

The active galactic nucleus (AGN) disc has been proposed as a potential channel for the merger of binary black holes. The population of massive stars and black holes in AGN discs captured from the nuclei cluster plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of binary formation and final merger rate within the AGN discs. In this paper, we investigate the capture process using analytical and numerical approaches. We discover a new constant integral of motion for one object’s capture process. Applying this result to the whole population of the nuclei cluster captured by the AGN disc, we find that the population of captured objects depends on the angular density and eccentricity distribution of the nuclei clusters and is effectively independent of the radial density profile of the nuclei cluster and disc models. An isotropic nuclei cluster with thermal eccentricity distribution predicts a captured profile dN/dr ∝ r−1/4. The captured objects are found to be dynamically crowded within the disc. Direct binary formation right after the capture would be promising, especially for stars. The conventional migration traps that help pile up single objects in AGN discs for black hole mergers might not be required.
spatialHeatmap: visualizing spatial bulk and single-cell assays in anatomical images
Authors: Zhang Jianhai , Zhang Le , Gongol Brendan , Hayes Jordan , Borowsky Alexander T , Bailey-Serres Julia , Girke Thomas
Published: February 2024

Visualizing spatial assay data in anatomical images is vital for understanding biological processes in cell, tissue, and organ organizations. Technologies requiring this functionality include traditional one-at-a-time assays, and bulk and single-cell omics experiments, including RNA-seq and proteomics. The spatialHeatmap software provides a series of powerful new methods for these needs, and allows users to work with adequately formatted anatomical images from public collections or custom images. It colors the spatial features (e.g. tissues) annotated in the images according to the measured or predicted abundance levels of biomolecules (e.g. mRNAs) using a color key. This core functionality of the package is called a spatial heatmap plot. Single-cell data can be co-visualized in composite plots that combine spatial heatmaps with embedding plots of high-dimensional data. The resulting spatial context information is essential for gaining insights into the tissue-level organization of single-cell data, or vice versa. Additional core functionalities include the automated identification of biomolecules with spatially selective abundance patterns and clusters of biomolecules sharing similar abundance profiles. To appeal to both non-expert and computational users, spatialHeatmap provides a graphical and a command-line interface, respectively. It is distributed as a free, open-source Bioconductor package (https://bioconductor.org/packages/spatialHeatmap) that users can install on personal computers, shared servers, or cloud systems.
Promising Themes for Electronic Cigarette Prevention Campaigns for Youth and Young Adults
Authors: Zhao Xiaoquan , Malterud Andie , Curry Laurel , Malo Vincenzo , MacMonegle Anna , Nonnemaker James , Allen Jane
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most widely used tobacco product by youth and young adults in the United States. Effective prevention campaigns require the identification of appropriate content focus for message construction.

Aims and Methods

A sample of 2622 youth and young adults ages 15–24 were recruited through social media advertisements and completed an online survey. Respondents reported current e-cigarette use or intention to use if not currently using. They also indicated agreement or disagreement with 75 e-cigarette-related beliefs representing 16 themes. The relative promise of each theme/belief for campaign messaging was investigated by examining its association with the behavior/intention outcomes and the opportunity for positive change in its distribution (room to move).

Results

All themes showed significant associations with the behavior (ORs = 2.49–19.04) and intention (ORs = 2.21–6.11) outcomes. Room to move for themes ranged from 32.9% to 96.3% in behavior analysis and 15.6–93.9% in intention analysis. A normed relative promise index (M = 50, SD = 17) showed flavors (72), comparison to cigarettes (69), and relaxation and mental health (68) as the top ranked themes. Subgroup analyses by demographics revealed few differences. Results on the belief level were largely consistent with those on the theme level.

Conclusions

Data from this study provide timely evidence for the relative value of various themes/beliefs as potential targets for message development in e-cigarette prevention campaigns. The final selection of target themes/beliefs requires consideration of openness to persuasion, which may be informed by additional testing.

Implications

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most widely used tobacco products among youth and young adults in the United States. This study adds new evidence on the relative promise of a wide range of e-cigarette beliefs and belief clusters (themes) as potential targets for message development in educational campaigns. This evidence is important to consider in future campaign efforts directed at the youth and young adult populations in the United States.
Addressing Unmet PrEP Needs in Women: Impact of a Laboratory-Driven Protocol at an Urban, Essential Hospital
Authors: Stewart Jessica , Ruiz-Mercado Glorimar , Sperring Heather , Pierre Cassandra M , Assoumou Sabrina A , Taylor Jessica L
Published: February 2024

Background

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in women remains low. We developed a laboratory result–driven protocol to link women with a positive bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) to HIV PrEP at an urban safety-net hospital.

Methods

Electronic health records of women with positive chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or syphilis tests were reviewed, and those eligible for PrEP were referred for direct or primary care provider-driven outreach. We assessed the proportion of women with STIs who received PrEP offers, acceptance, and prescriptions before (July 1, 2018–December 31, 2018) and after (January 1, 2019–June 30, 2020) implementation to evaluate changes in the delivery of key elements of the PrEP care cascade (ie, PrEP offers, acceptance, and prescribing) for women with STIs after protocol implementation.

Results

The proportion of women who received PrEP offers increased from 7.6% to 17.6% (P < .001). After multivariable adjustment, only the postintervention period was associated with PrEP offers (odds ratio [OR], 2.49; 95% CI, 1.68–3.68). In subgroup analyses, PrEP offers increased significantly among non-Hispanic Black (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.65–4.58) and Hispanic (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 1.77–16.11) women but not among non-Hispanic White women (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.54–4.05). Significant changes in PrEP acceptance and prescriptions were not observed in the sample overall.

Conclusions

A laboratory result–driven protocol was associated with a significant increase in PrEP offers to Black and Hispanic women with STI. These results provide concrete suggestions for health systems seeking to increase PrEP access and equity among women.
Comparing Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing of Nasopharyngeal Swab and Lower Respiratory Tract Specimens for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia
Authors: Chew Rusheng , Tozer Sarah , Ulett Kimberly , Paterson David L , Whiley David , Sloots Theo , Fielding David , Zappala Christopher , Bashirzadeh Farzad , Hundloe Justin , Bletchley Cheryl , Woods Marion L
Published: February 2024

Using nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples instead of lower respiratory tract specimens for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) may be better tolerated and improve diagnostic accessibility. In this 2-year Australian retrospective cohort study of patients with clinically suspected PJP, P jirovecii PCR on NP swab samples had perfect specificity but low sensitivity (0.66).
Application of metal-organic frameworks-based functional composite scaffolds in tissue engineering
Authors: Yao Xinlei , Chen Xinran , Sun Yu , Yang Pengxiang , Gu Xiaosong , Dai Xiu
Published: February 2024

With the rapid development of materials science and tissue engineering, a variety of biomaterials have been used to construct tissue engineering scaffolds. Due to the performance limitations of single materials, functional composite biomaterials have attracted great attention as tools to improve the effectiveness of biological scaffolds for tissue repair. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great promise for application in tissue engineering because of their high specific surface area, high porosity, high biocompatibility, appropriate environmental sensitivities and other advantages. This review introduces methods for the construction of MOFs-based functional composite scaffolds and describes the specific functions and mechanisms of MOFs in repairing damaged tissue. The latest MOFs-based functional composites and their applications in different tissues are discussed. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of using MOFs-based composites in tissue engineering are summarized. The aim of this review is to show the great potential of MOFs-based functional composite materials in the field of tissue engineering and to stimulate further innovation in this promising area.
Performance of clinical, laboratory and imaging features for diagnosing spondyloarthritis—a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bento da Silva Ana , Lourenço Maria Helena , Ramiro Sofia , Falzon Louise , Cunha-Branco Jaime , van der Heijde Désirée , Landewé Robert , Sepriano Alexandre
Published: February 2024

Objective

The Berlin algorithm was developed to help diagnose axial SpA (axSpA), but new studies suggest some features typical of SpA are less specific than previously assumed. Furthermore, evidence is lacking for other SpA subtypes (e.g. peripheral SpA). We aimed to review the evidence on the performance of SpA features for diagnosing each SpA subtype.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review of studies reporting the diagnostic performance of one or more SpA features in patients with suspected SpA. The external reference was the rheumatologist’s diagnosis of SpA. Meta-analysis was performed, separately for each SpA subtype, to estimate pooled sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−, respectively). Meta-regression assessed the effect of covariates (e.g. feature’s prevalence) on each feature’s performance.

Results

Of 13 844 articles screened, 46 were included. Sacroiliitis on MRI, damage on pelvic radiographs and elevated CRP had the best balance between LR+ and LR− (LR+ 3.9–17.0, LR− 0.5–0.7) for diagnosing axSpA. HLA-B27 had an LR+ lower than anticipated (LR+ 3.1). Inflammatory back pain (IBP) had a low LR+ (LR+ ≈1), but substantially decreased the likelihood of axSpA when absent (LR− 0.3). Conversely, peripheral features and extramusculoskeletal manifestations showed a high LR+ (LR+ 1.6–5.0), but were as common in axSpA as non-axSpA (LR− ≈1). The specificity of most features was reduced in settings when these were highly prevalent. Limited data precluded a detailed analysis on diagnosing other SpA subtypes.

Conclusion

Imaging features and CRP have good diagnostic value for axSpA. However, the specificity of other features, especially HLA-B27 and IBP, is lower than previously known.