bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled changes in pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen impact the physiology and ecology of herbivorous kelp forest grazers
Authors: Donham Emily M. , Strope Lauren T. , Hamilton Scott L. , Kroeker Kristy J.
Published: February 2022

Understanding species’ responses to upwelling may be especially important in light of ongoing environmental change. Upwelling frequency and intensity are expected to increase in the future, while ocean acidification and deoxygenation are expected to decrease the pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) of upwelled waters. However, the acute effects of a single upwelling event and the integrated effects of multiple upwelling events on marine organisms are poorly understood. Here, we use in situ measurements of pH, temperature, and DO to characterize the covariance of environmental conditions within upwelling‐dominated kelp forest ecosystems. We then test the effects of acute (0–3 days) and chronic (1–3 months) upwelling on the performance of two species of kelp forest grazers, the echinoderm, Mesocentrotus franciscanus, and the gastropod, Promartynia pulligo. We exposed organisms to static conditions in a regression design to determine the shape of the relationship between upwelling and performance and provide insights into the potential effects in a variable environment. We found that respiration, grazing, growth, and net calcification decline linearly with increasing upwelling intensity for M. francicanus over both acute and chronic timescales. Promartynia pulligo exhibited decreased respiration, grazing, and net calcification with increased upwelling intensity after chronic exposure, but we did not detect an effect over acute timescales or on growth after chronic exposure. Given the highly correlated nature of pH, temperature, and DO in the California Current, our results suggest the relationship between upwelling intensity and growth in the 3‐month trial could potentially be used to estimate growth integrated over long‐term dynamic oceanographic conditions for M. franciscanus. Together, these results indicate current exposure to upwelling may reduce species performance and predicted future increases in upwelling frequency and intensity could affect ecosystem function by modifying the ecological roles of key species.
Complexation of pea protein isolate with dextran sulphate and interfacial adsorption behaviour and O/W emulsion stability at acidic conditions
Authors: Shen Kejie , Long Jie , Li Xingfei , Hua Yufei , Chen Yeming , Kong Xiangzhen , Zhang Caimeng
Published: February 2022

This study was aimed at improving the emulsifying property and physical stability of pea protein isolate (PPI) stabilised emulsions at acidic conditions by complexation with dextran sulphate (DS). Soluble and insoluble complexes with different charge and particle size were formed depending on the phase separation behaviour. The surface adsorption of PPI became slower after complexation with DS, but the percentage of adsorbed proteins at the oil–water interface was not affected. The formation of PPI–DS soluble complexes at high content of DS (≥0.4%) significantly improved the negative net charges of PPI, prevented the aggregation of protein, which further improved the emulsifying property of PPI at acidic conditions through the strong electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance effects. Insoluble complexes with relatively weak net charge and large particles were formed at low DS content (≤0.2%), resulting in the bridging flocculation of oil droplets at pH 5 and 4. Thus, the emulsifying ability of PPI under acidic conditions could be significantly improved by formation of soluble complexes with DS.
Application of plant proteins as alternative emulsifiers in double emulsions: using kappa‐carrageenan for complex coacervation and microencapsulation of riboflavin
Authors: Hua Xin Yi , Chiang Jie Hong , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: February 2022

Compared to animal proteins, this paper describes the use of plant proteins as alternative emulsifiers in double emulsion (DE) fabrication followed by complex coacervation. This is an additional way to improve stability, sustainability and lower production costs. In this study, kappa‐carrageenan (k‐carr) was used in complex coacervation with DE stabilised by pea protein isolate (PPI), mung bean protein isolate and chickpea protein concentrate (CPC) at pH 2 and 3 to form microcapsules (DECC). By investigating the particle sizes, microstructures and visual observations over 9 days at 4 °C, PPI/k‐carr DECC and CPC/k‐carr DECC at pH 2 were the most stable. Riboflavin encapsulation in PPI/k‐carr DECC achieved an encapsulation efficiency of 65.46%, preserving ~20% of riboflavin across the storage period. As compared to DE systems, complex coacervation significantly improved riboflavin encapsulation stability. The results highlight the potential of PPI as an alternative emulsifier in DECC for the delivery of bioactive compounds.
Social globalization, well‐being indicators and unaccompanied child migration from Central America
Authors: Farriss Lucia D.
Published: February 2022

This research investigates the effect of well‐being indicators and social globalization on the migration of Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) from Central America. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the surge in UAC that began in 2014 at the U.S. southern border is driven primarily by violence or whether other factors are at play. The apprehension of UAC serves as a proxy for measuring unaccompanied child migration to the United States. Unemployment rates of young adults and expected years of schooling are included as a measure of youth engagement in productive activities, while homicide rates measure the threat to leading a productive, healthy life. Global social network links are considered as possible pull factors of migration and measured through a social globalization index. The results of a fixed effects regression model reveal that youth idleness, along with increased social globalization, prove to be significant in explaining heightened UAC migration.
Restorative difficulty evaluation system of endodontically treated teeth
Authors: Ferrari Marco , Pontoriero Denise I. K. , Ferrari Cagidiaco Edoardo , Carboncini Fabio
Published: February 2022

Objective

This article provides an updated overview of restorative procedures of endodontically treated teeth.

Clinical considerations

The different techniques and procedures to restore an endodontic treated tooth were considered in the last decades. While they are generally performed using bonding procedures in combination with or without the placement of a post into the root to build up the abutment, there has been a lack of interest in restorative difficulties that can be faced. Failures are represented such as debonding of the post, fracture of the root, decementation, and/or fracture of the restoration, microleakage of the margins. Essentially, the presence of a sufficient failure is considered a key point of a long prognosis. Different clinical factors can directly influence the type of restoration and the longevity of the treatment. The restorative difficulty evaluation system (RDES) is proposed in this article. This new system is composed of eight different clinical factors that are divided into six levels of difficulties. The RDES is composed of 1. Endodontic complexity and outcome, 2. Vertical amount of coronal residual structure and dimension of the pulp chamber, 3. Horizontal amount of coronal residual structure, 4. Restoration marginal seal, 5. Local interdisciplinary conditions, 6. the complexity of the treatment planning, 7. Functional need, 8. Dental wear and esthetic need.

Conclusion

This article reviews the RDES and outlines critical steps and tips for clinical success.

Clinical significance

The RDES allows to any clinician to evaluate restorative difficulties when an endodontic treated tooth must be restored, combines clinical aspects that can involve from the single tooth to a full mouth rehabilitation.
Nurses’ perceived barriers to the delivery of person‐centred care to complex patients: A qualitative study using theoretical domains framework
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Inayat Shahzad , Masih Samuel
Published: February 2022

Aims and Objectives

To determine nurses’ perceived barriers to the delivery of person‐centred care to complex patients with multiple chronic conditions in acute care settings.

Background

Complex patients have multiple physical and mental health problems, and their life is also greatly affected by sociocultural and economic determinants of health. These patients require person‐centred care, but nurses often find it challenging to provide effective care to these patients due to their complex health needs.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design was used. The COREQ guidelines were followed for reporting.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 19 nurses in two hospitals. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework, which entails 14 domains about factors affecting behaviours.

Results

The key barriers were identified under environmental context and resources, social influences, emotions, knowledge and skills domains. Deep‐rooted social issues delay patients’ health‐seeking and nurses’ abilities to understand patients’ needs and discern appropriate care. Interpersonal hostility influenced nurse–patient–families interactions, and doctor–nurses conflicts affected collaborative efforts towards optimal care.

Conclusions

Nurses’ perceived barriers to care were intertwined with the deep‐rooted social and cultural beliefs about nurses’ image, patients’ expectations and families’ preference for home remedies over specialised nursing care. These barriers to person‐centred care demonstrate an intricate interplay of personal, social and organisational issues and power struggles. Multifaceted implementation strategies targeting environmental context and resources, social influences, emotions, knowledge and skills domains may be beneficial to enable nurses to provide better person‐centred care to complex patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Designing implementation facilitation teams, organising person‐centred care grand rounds, and allocation of stress management resources to address hostility, social‐cultural influences, and organisational barriers is essential. Nurses could focus on their self‐awareness and collaborative skills to address emotional and interprofessional conflicts.
Effects of extended paternity leave on family dynamics
Authors: Hart Rannveig Kaldager , Andersen Synøve Nygaard , Drange Nina
Published: February 2022

Objective

Test if an extended paternity quota impacts couples' division of leave and paid work, and if these changes influence union stability, marriage propensity, and further childbearing.

Background

Influential empirical and theoretical works have linked unequal division of household and paid work to increasing divorce rates and falling fertility. This suggests that paternity quota reforms may affect family dynamics if they facilitate more time alone for a father and his young child.

Methods

We analyze an extension of the Norwegian parental leave father's quota from 6 to 10 weeks with a regression discontinuity design. Full population data of parents of children born in a 4‐month window around the reform are drawn from Norwegian administrative registers (N = 9757).

Results

The reform significantly increased the amount of leave taken by fathers and reduced the amount of leave taken by mothers, while his and her subsequent earnings were unmoved. Neither union stability, fertility nor cohabiters' propensity to marry were affected by the change in leave uptake.

Conclusion

The reform succeeded in changing the division of paid parental leave between parents. However, these changes did not translate into changes in earnings, family stability, or parity progression. This suggests that policies that induce fathers to spend more time with their young child do not move the “stalled” gender revolution along.
High species turnover and low intraspecific trait variation in endemic and non‐endemic plant species assemblages on an oceanic island
Authors: Hanz Dagmar Martina , Beloiu Mirela , Wipfler Raja , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Field Richard , Jentsch Anke , Vetaas Ole Reidar , Irl Severin David Howard
Published: February 2022

Questions

Both species turnover and intraspecific trait variation can affect plant assemblage dynamics along environmental gradients. Here, we asked how community assemblage patterns in relation to species turnover and intraspecific variation differ between endemic and non‐endemic species. We hypothesized that endemic species show lower intraspecific variation than non‐endemic species because they tend to have high rates of in situ speciation, whereas non‐endemic species are expected to have a larger gene pool and higher phenotypic plasticity.

Location

La Palma, Canary Islands.

Methods

We established 44 sampling sites along a directional gradient of precipitation, heat load, soil nitrogen, phosphorus and pH. Along this gradient, we estimated species abundances and measured three traits (plant height, leaf area and leaf thickness) on perennial endemic and non‐endemic plant species. In total, we recorded traits for 1,223 plant individuals of 43 species. Subsequently, we calculated community‐weighted mean traits to measure the relative contribution of species turnover, intraspecific variation and their covariation along the analysed gradient.

Results

The contribution of intraspecific variation to total variation was similar in endemic and non‐endemic assemblages. For plant height, intraspecific variation explained roughly as much variation as species turnover. For leaf area and leaf thickness, intraspecific variation explained almost no variation. Species turnover effects mainly drove trait responses along the environmental gradient, but intraspecific variation was important for responses in leaf area to precipitation.

Conclusions

Despite their distinct evolutionary history, endemic and non‐endemic plant assemblages show similar patterns in species turnover and intraspecific variation. Our results indicate that species turnover is the main component of trait variation in the underlying study system. However, intraspecific variation can increase individual species’ fitness in response to precipitation. Overall, our study challenges the theory that intraspecific trait variation is more important for the establishment of non‐endemic species compared with endemic species.
Chest CT‐assessed comorbidities and all‐cause mortality risk in COPD patients in the BODE cohort
Authors: Ezponda Ana , Casanova Ciro , Divo Miguel , Marín‐Oto Marta , Cabrera Carlos , Marín Jose M. , Bastarrika Gorka , Pinto‐Plata Víctor , Martin‐Palmero Ángela , Polverino Francesca , Celli Bartolome R. , de Torres Juan P.
Published: February 2022

Background and objective

The availability of chest computed tomography (CT) imaging can help diagnose comorbidities associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their systematic identification and relationship with all‐cause mortality have not been explored. Furthermore, whether their CT‐detected prevalence differs from clinical diagnosis is unknown.

Methods

The prevalence of 10 CT‐assessed comorbidities was retrospectively determined at baseline in 379 patients (71% men) with mild to severe COPD attending pulmonary clinics. Anthropometrics, smoking history, dyspnoea, lung function, exercise capacity, BODE (BMI, Obstruction, Dyspnoea and Exercise capacity) index and exacerbations rate were recorded. The prevalence of CT‐determined comorbidities was compared with that recorded clinically. Over a median of 78 months of observation, the independent association with all‐cause mortality was analysed. A ‘CT‐comorbidome’ graphically expressed the strength of their association with mortality risk.

Results

Coronary artery calcification, emphysema and bronchiectasis were the most prevalent comorbidities (79.8%, 62.7% and 33.9%, respectively). All were underdiagnosed before CT. Coronary artery calcium (hazard ratio [HR] 2.09; 95% CI 1.03–4.26, p = 0.042), bronchiectasis (HR 2.12; 95% CI 1.05–4.26, p = 0.036) and low psoas muscle density (HR 2.61; 95% CI 1.23–5.57, p = 0.010) were independently associated with all‐cause mortality and helped define the ‘CT‐comorbidome’.

Conclusion

This study of COPD patients shows that systematic detection of 10 CT‐diagnosed comorbidities, most of which were not detected clinically, provides information of potential use to patients and clinicians caring for them.
Clustering Structure of Microstructure Measures
Authors: Zhu Liao , Sun Ningning , Wells Martin T.
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates popular market microstructure measures for stock returns prediction and builds a clustering model for them to study their correlation and the best measures to use as representatives. Using high-dimensional statistical methods, we build the clustering dendrogram and select 20 representatives from all measures. Furthermore, we provide several interesting insights of the market microstructure measures from our clustering results. We found that the time-weighting technique is only useful for Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) related measures. HHI measures on the number of trades are always redundant. However, the HHI measures on quotes are very important. Also, we find a strong relationship between quote prices and quote shares.
Assessment of workplace integration of migrant nurses and midwives within international health care settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McBrien Barry , O’Brien Frances , Shetty Shobha Rani , Eustace-Cook Jessica , Byrne Gobnait
Published: February 2022

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to map the available evidence on the assessment of workplace integration of migrant nurses and midwives in international health care settings.

Introduction:

Internationally, migrant nurses and midwives are an increasingly important resource in government strategy for addressing the current and predicted workforce shortages in health care. Much has been documented about the orientation stages of their transition to foreign workplaces but few sources have considered the workplace integration of this population.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will include all studies involving migrant nurses and midwives who are working outside their country of initial nurse or midwife registration for at least one year. The context will be all hospital, community, and residential care home settings, including the mental health, intellectual disability, and maternity care sectors.

Methods:

The JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews will be used to conduct this review. The databases to be searched will include CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar. Gray literature will also be searched and a hand search will be conducted of sources that fall outside these database searches. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. The extracted data will be presented in a tabulated chart accompanied by a narrative summary that aligns with the objectives and scope of this review.
Process-Recipe Development for Printing of Multilayer Circuitry With Z-Axis Interconnects Using Aerosol-Jet Printed Dielectric Vias
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Narangaparambil Jinesh , Soni Ved , Miller Scott
Published: February 2022

Flexible electronics is emerging as a new consumer-industry phenomenon. The promise of additively printed flexible electronics has sparked interest in a detailed understanding of the parameters and interactions of the printing process with the realized performance. Aerosol Jet printing technology has garnered increased interest, owing to a noncontact nature of print process and the high standoff allowing for printing on nonplanar surfaces. Prior efforts with aerosol-jet printing have focused on single-layer substrates. The current efforts focus on higher end printed circuit boards designs, which may need multilayers, with multilayer stacking of interconnections and z-axis connections through vias. The results presented in the paper attempt to address the need for process recipes for multilayer circuits and z-axis interconnects. Aerosol printing method has been shown to have wide compatibility with wide array of inks such as silver, copper, and carbon. Realization of high-volume scale-up of the process needs process recipes with statistical assessment of process stability and variance. In this paper, z-axis interconnects have been realized with the help of Aerosol printable silver ink and dielectric polyimide ink. The interaction of the sintering profile and the realized conductivity and shear load value of the printed conductive metal layers has been presented for each of the additional layers. Additive build-up processes may need successive exposure to temperature for the purpose of sintering. The downstream-printed conductive lines would undergo different sintering conditions and would then be tested for parameters such as interconnect resistance and shear load to failure. This paper explores the printing of multilayer up to eight conductive layers. Sintering profile for lower resistance per unit length and higher shear load to failure was tested.
An Experimental Study on Friction Contact Between Chamfered Labyrinth Fin and High Speed Rotor
Authors: Yan Xin , Dai Xinbo , He Kun
Published: February 2022

This study reports an experimental work on friction contact between the chamfered labyrinth fin and high speed rotor at different incursion rates, final incursion depths, and sliding velocities. The small (original design case) and large specimens were selected to quantify the geometrical impact on the mass loss, plastic deformation, wear pattern, contact forces, and frictional temperature variations in the chamfered labyrinth fins. The results show that the contact-separations and contact force fluctuations are generated in rubbing events, which significantly affect the wear characteristics, contact forces, and temperature distributions for the small and large specimens. The abrasive and oxidation wears have pronounced influence on the wear behaviors of the tested specimen. At the same incursion condition, the mass loss percentages for the large specimen and small specimen are almost identical. As the sliding velocity increases from 55 m/s to 110 m/s, the mass loss percentage is decreased by 12–36%. For the large specimen, the mushrooming damage is mainly generated in the fin tip. The averaged frictional coefficient is 0.08–0.17, and the maximum temperature in the contact region is 640–700 °C. For the small specimen, the combined mushrooming and bending damage is generated in the labyrinth fin tip. The averaged frictional coefficient is 0.13–0.25, and the maximum temperature is 560–600 °C in the contact region. Due to the increased elasticity for the small specimen, the temperature fluctuation in the rubbing event is not as significant as the large one.
Quantum randomness generation via orbital angular momentum modes crosstalk in a ring-core fiber
Authors: Zahidy Mujtaba , Tebyanian Hamid , Cozzolino Daniele , Liu Yaoxin , Ding Yunhong , Morioka Toshio , Oxenløwe Leif K. , Bacco Davide
Published: February 2022

Genuine random numbers can be produced beyond a shadow of doubt through the intrinsic randomness provided by quantum mechanics theories. While many degrees of freedom have been investigated for randomness generation, adequate attention has not been paid to the orbital angular momentum of light. In this work, we present a quantum random number generator based on the intrinsic randomness inherited from the superposition of orbital angular momentum modes caused by the cross talk inside a ring-core fiber. We studied two possible cases: a first one, device-dependent, where the system is trusted, and a second one, semi-device-independent, where the adversary can control the measurements. We experimentally realized the former, extracted randomness, and, after privacy amplification, we achieved a generation rate higher than 10 Mbit/s. In addition, we presented a possible realization of the semi-device-independent protocol using a newly introduced integrated silicon photonic chip. Our work can be considered as a starting point for novel investigation of quantum random number generators based on the orbital angular momentum of light.
Demographic Correlates of Movement Behaviors in Infants: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhang Zhiguang , Predy Madison , Hesketh Kylie D. , Pritchard Lesley , Carson Valerie
Published: February 2022

Background: Demographic correlates of movement behaviors in infants are unclear. This study examined the longitudinal associations between demographic correlates and movement behaviors in infants. Methods: Participants were 411 parents of infants from the Early Movers project in Edmonton, Canada. Movement behaviors, infant and parental age, and nonparental care time were assessed using a parental questionnaire at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Other infant and parental demographic variables were assessed at 2 months of age. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were conducted. Results: Infant age was associated with all movement behaviors except for restrained time. White infants and those with older parents had less tummy time but increased odds of having reading time. Infants of the most educated parents also had lower tummy time. Higher parental education and more siblings were associated with no screen time and longer infant sleep time. Infants with immigrant parent(s) were less likely to have reading time. No associations were found for infant sex, time spent in nonparental care, and parental marital status. Conclusion: Since no single demographic group demonstrated healthy patterns for all movement behaviors, promotion of a healthy balance of movement behaviors may be needed universally for all infants.
Prehabilitation for Recreational Runners: Motivators, Influencers, and Barriers to Injury Prevention Strategies for Running-Related Injury
Authors: Linton Linda , Barr Morag , Valentin Stephanie
Published: February 2022

Context: Injury prevention programs are effective when implemented in team sports, but many recreational runners have less access to such focused interventions or peer support and often seek other sources to learn about injury reduction strategies. Objective: This study aimed to explore runners’ motivations in attending a prehabilitation (prehab) for runners workshop, establish their comprehension of prehab, and identify barriers to ongoing engagement with injury prevention. Design: Qualitative study using focus groups. Participants and Setting: Twenty-two runners participating in prehab for runners workshops took part in one of 4 focus groups, each recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Grounded Theory to create codes, subthemes, and themes. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) Participation was influenced by experience of previous injury and worry of cessation of running. As the workshop ran weekly for 4 weeks, opportunity to see someone more than once who was also a physiotherapist influenced participation. (2) Runners welcomed clarification for online exercises and advice suggested for runners. They were surprised by the difficulty of single-leg neuromuscular facilitation exercises and reported benefit from most or all information especially non-exercise-based approaches such as load management, pain monitoring, and running cues. (3) Participants were empowered by a structured, holistic, and evidence-based approach that embraced autonomy for exercise self-selection and progression. Confidence to engage in open discussion was due to small group size. (4) Barriers to prehab were personal responsibility, equipment, time, lack of supervision, and peer influence. Conclusion: A composite approach to strategies for injury risk reduction during prehab, combining progressive exercises with educational resources, can address runners’ individual needs. Early discussion of motivational tools on commencement of prehab with guidance from runners on how to incorporate prehab independently into running training is recommended. Providing these tools allows runners to self-identify the approach best suited to their personal running profile at that given time.
Structures of the Omicron spike trimer with ACE2 and an anti-Omicron antibody
Authors: Yin Wanchao , Xu Youwei , Xu Peiyu , Cao Xiaodan , Wu Canrong , Gu Chunyin , He Xinheng , Wang Xiaoxi , Huang Sijie , Yuan Qingning , Wu Kai , Hu Wen , Huang Zifu , Liu Jia , Wang Zongda , Jia Fangfang , Xia Kaiwen , Liu Peipei , Wang Xueping , Song Bin , Zheng Jie , Jiang Hualiang , Cheng Xi , Jiang Yi , Deng Su-Jun , Xu H. Eric
Published: February 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has become the dominant infective strain. We report the structures of the Omicron spike trimer on its own and in complex with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) or an anti-Omicron antibody. Most Omicron mutations are located on the surface of the spike protein and change binding epitopes to many current antibodies. In the ACE2-binding site, compensating mutations strengthen receptor binding domain (RBD) binding to ACE2. Both the RBD and the apo form of the Omicron spike trimer are thermodynamically unstable. An unusual RBD-RBD interaction in the ACE2-spike complex supports the open conformation and further reinforces ACE2 binding to the spike trimer. A broad-spectrum therapeutic antibody, JMB2002, which has completed a phase 1 clinical trial, maintains neutralizing activity against Omicron. JMB2002 binds to RBD differently from other characterized antibodies and inhibits ACE2 binding.
Nitrate Is an Environmental Cue in the Gut for Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Biofilm Dispersal through Curli Repression and Flagellum Activation via Cyclic-di-GMP Signaling
Authors: Miller Amanda L. , Nicastro Lauren K. , Bessho Shingo , Grando Kaitlyn , White Aaron P. , Zhang Yi , Queisser Gillian , Buttaro Bettina A. , Tükel Çagla
Published: February 2022

Recent studies provided important insight into our understanding of the role of c-di-GMP signaling and the regulation of enteric biofilms. Despite an improved understanding of how c-di-GMP signaling regulates
S.
Typhimurium biofilms, the processes that affect the intracellular c-di-GMP levels and the formation of multicellular communities
in vivo
during infections remain unknown.
Comparative Analysis of Colon Cancer-Derived Fusobacterium nucleatum Subspecies: Inflammation and Colon Tumorigenesis in Murine Models
Authors: Queen Jessica , Domingue Jada C. , White James Robert , Stevens Courtney , Udayasuryan Barath , Nguyen Tam T. D. , Wu Shaoguang , Ding Hua , Fan Hongni , McMann Madison , Corona Alina , Larman Tatianna C. , Verbridge Scott S. , Housseau Franck , Slade Daniel J. , Drewes Julia L. , Sears Cynthia L.
Published: February 2022

Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality, and it is hypothesized that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota contributes to colon tumorigenesis.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
, a member of the oropharyngeal microbiome, is enriched in a subset of human colon tumors. However, it is unclear whether this genetically varied species directly promotes tumor formation, modulates mucosal immune responses, or merely colonizes the tumor microenvironment.
Novel CRK-Cyclin Complex Controls Spindle Assembly Checkpoint in
Toxoplasma
Endodyogeny
Authors: Hawkins Lauren M. , Naumov Anatoli V. , Batra Mrinalini , Wang Changqi , Chaput Dale , Suvorova Elena S.
Published: February 2022

The rate of
Toxoplasma
tachyzoite division directly correlates with the severity of the disease, toxoplasmosis, which affects humans and animals. Thus, a better understanding of the tachyzoite cell cycle would offer much-needed efficient tools to control the acute stage of infection.
Haemodynamic changes with varying chest compression rates in asphyxiated piglets
Authors: Bruckner Marlies , Neset Mattias , O'Reilly Megan , Lee Tze-Fun , Cheung Po-Yin , Schmölzer Georg M
Published: February 2022

Background

Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend that chest compressions (CCs) be delivered at a rate of 90/min. The aim of the study was to investigate the haemodynamic effects of different CC rates in a neonatal piglet model.

Methods

Six asphyxiated piglets were randomised to CC with rates of 60/min, 90/min, 120/min, 150/min and 180/min for 1 min at each rate. CCs superimposed with sustained inflations were performed with an automated CC machine.

Results

Six newborn piglets (age 0–3 days, weight 2.0–2.3 kg) were included in the study. Overall, there was a gradual increase in stroke volume, minimum and maximum rate of left ventricle pressure change (dp/dtminand dp/dtmax), and carotid blood flow until CC rate of 150/min, with a level-off effect at a CC rate of 180/min. However, cardiac output continued to increase with the highest being at a CC rate of 180/min.

Conclusion

Rate of CC was associated with changes in haemodynamic parameters during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CC rate of 150–180/min during CC resulted in the highest cardiac output and arterial blood pressure.

Trial registration number

Preclincialtrials.eu PCTE0000249.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy resistant to both therapeutic plasma exchange and albumin dialysis
Authors: Lia Massimiliano , Berg Thomas , Weydandt Laura Christina , Stepan Holger
Published: February 2022

Intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy (ICP) represents, depending on its severity, a serious risk for the fetus. Those cases with unusually high bile acid levels may be resistant to pharmaceutical treatment and can be treated with plasma exchange or albumin dialysis. However, the success rate of these therapeutic options and the factors influencing therapeutic response are unknown. Furthermore, if these options fail to improve ICP and serum bile acid levels are very high (>200 μm/L), there are no clear recommendations when delivery should be planned. Here, we report a patient with severe ICP resistant to both therapeutic plasma exchange and albumin dialysis. Caesarean section was performed at 32 weeks of gestation followed by rapid remission of ICP.
Effect of a multifaceted intervention on the utilisation of primary health for maternal and child health care in rural Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Okonofua Friday , Ntoimo Lorretta Favour , Yaya Sanni , Igboin Brian , Solanke Ojuolape , Ekwo Chioma , Johnson Ermel Ameswue Kpogbe , Sombie Issiaka , Imongan Wilson
Published: February 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a set of multifaceted interventions designed to increase the access of rural women to antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and childhood immunisation services offered in primary healthcare facilities.

Design

The study was a separate sample pretest–post-test quasi-experimental research.

Setting

The research was conducted in 20 communities and primary health centres in Esan South East and Etsako East Local Government Areas in Edo State in southern Nigeria

Participants

Randomly selected sample of ever married women aged 15–45 years.

Interventions

Seven community-led interventions implemented over 27 months, consisting of a community health fund, engagement of transport owners on emergency transport of pregnant women to primary health centres with the use of rapid short message service (SMS), drug revolving fund, community education, advocacy, retraining of health workers and provision of basic equipment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcome measures included the number of women who used the primary health centres for skilled pregnancy care and immunisation of children aged 0–23 months.

Results

After adjusting for clustering and confounding variables, the odds of using the project primary healthcare centres for the four outcomes were significantly higher at endline compared with baseline: antenatal care (OR 3.87, CI 2.84 to 5.26 p<0.001), delivery care (OR 3.88, CI 2.86 to 5.26), postnatal care (OR 3.66, CI 2.58 to 5.18) and childhood immunisation (OR 2.87, CI 1.90 to 4.33). However, a few women still reported that the cost of services and gender-related issues were reasons for non-use after the intervention.

Conclusion

We conclude that community-led interventions that address the specific concerns of women related to the bottlenecks they experience in accessing care in primary health centres are effective in increasing demand for skilled pregnancy and childcare in rural Nigeria.
Clinical pneumonia in the hospitalised child in Malawi in the post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era: a prospective hospital-based observational study
Authors: Iroh Tam Pui-Ying , Chirombo James , Henrion Marc , Newberry Laura , Mambule Ivan , Everett Dean , Mwansambo Charles , Cunliffe Nigel , French Neil , Heyderman Robert S , Bar-Zeev Naor
Published: February 2022

Objective

Assess characteristics of clinical pneumonia after introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), by HIV exposure status, in children hospitalised in a governmental hospital in Malawi.

Methods and findings

We evaluated 1139 children ≤5 years old hospitalised with clinical pneumonia: 101 HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) and 1038 HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU). Median age was 11 months (IQR 6–20), 59% were male, median mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was 14 cm (IQR 13–15) and mean weight-for-height z score was −0.7 (±2.5). The highest Respiratory Index of Severity in Children (RISC) scores were allocated to 10.4% of the overall cohort. Only 45.7% had fever, and 37.2% had at least one danger sign at presentation. The most common clinical features were crackles (54.7%), nasal flaring (53.5%) and lower chest wall indrawing (53.2%). Compared with HUU, HEU children were significantly younger (9 months vs 11 months), with lower mean birth weight (2.8 kg vs 3.0 kg) and MUAC (13.6 cm vs 14.0 cm), had higher prevalence of vomiting (32.7% vs 22.0%), tachypnoea (68.4% vs 49.8%) and highest RISC scores (20.0% vs 9.4%). Five children died (0.4%). However, clinical outcomes were similar for both groups.

Conclusions

In this post-PCV setting where prevalence of HIV and malnutrition is high, children hospitalised fulfilling the WHO Integrated Management of Childhood Illness criteria for clinical pneumonia present with heterogeneous features. These vary by HIV exposure status but this does not influence either the frequency of danger signs or mortality. The poor performance of available severity scores in this population and the absence of more specific diagnostics hinder appropriate antimicrobial stewardship and the rational application of other interventions.
Influence of prehospital management on the outcome of spinal cord decompression sickness in scuba divers
Authors: Andre Sophie , Lehot Henri , Morin Jean , Louge Pierre , de Maistre Sébastien , Roffi Romain , Druelle Arnaud , Gempp Emmanuel , Vallée Nicolas , Vergne Muriel , Blatteau Jean-Eric
Published: February 2022

Background

Decompression sickness (DCS) with spinal cord involvement has an unfortunately high rate of long-term sequelae. The objective of this study was to determine the association of prehospital variables on the outcome of spinal cord DCS, especially the influence of the initial clinical presentation and the time to recompression.

Methods

This was a retrospective study using prospectively collected data which included divers with spinal cord DCS seen at a single hyperbaric centre study from 2010 to 2018. Information regarding dive, latency of onset of symptoms, time to recompression and prehospital management, that is, use of oxygen, treatment and means of evacuation, were analysed as predictor variables. The initial clinical severity was estimated by the score of the French society of diving and hyperbaric medicine (MEDSUBHYP). The primary end point was the presence or absence of sequelae at discharge assessed by the modified score of the Japanese Orthopedic Association.

Results

195 divers (48±12 years, 42 women) were included. 34% had neurological sequelae at discharge. In multivariate analysis, a MEDSUBHYP score ≥6 and a time to recompression >194 min were significantly associated with incomplete neurological recovery (OR 9.5 (95% CI 4.6 to 19.8), p<0.0001 and OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.03 to 4.5), p=0.04, respectively). Time to recompression only appeared to be significant for patients with high initial clinical severity. As time to recompression increased, the level of sequelae also increased (p=0.014).

Conclusion

Determining the initial clinical severity is critical in identifying patients who need to be evacuated for recompression as quickly as possible.
Dietary macronutrients and the gut microbiome: a precision nutrition approach to improve cardiometabolic health
Authors: Jardon Kelly M , Canfora Emanuel E , Goossens Gijs H , Blaak Ellen E
Published: February 2022

Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiome is an important regulator of body weight, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammatory processes, and may thereby play a key role in the aetiology of obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Interindividual responsiveness to specific dietary interventions may be partially determined by differences in baseline gut microbiota composition and functionality between individuals with distinct metabolic phenotypes. However, the relationship between an individual’s diet, gut microbiome and host metabolic phenotype is multidirectional and complex, yielding a challenge for practical implementation of targeted dietary guidelines. In this review, we discuss the latest research describing interactions between dietary composition, the gut microbiome and host metabolism. Furthermore, we describe how this knowledge can be integrated to develop precision-based nutritional strategies to improve bodyweight control and metabolic health in humans. Specifically, we will address that (1) insight in the role of the baseline gut microbial and metabolic phenotype in dietary intervention response may provide leads for precision-based nutritional strategies; that (2) the balance between carbohydrate and protein fermentation by the gut microbiota, as well as the site of fermentation in the colon, seems important determinants of host metabolism; and that (3) ‘big data’, including multiple omics and advanced modelling, are of undeniable importance in predicting (non-)response to dietary interventions. Clearly, detailed metabolic and microbial phenotyping in humans is necessary to better understand the link between diet, the gut microbiome and host metabolism, which is required to develop targeted dietary strategies and guidelines for different subgroups of the population.
Sex-specific differences in adverse outcome events among patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Evers-Dörpfeld Simone , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Hennings Elisa , Eken Ceylan , Coslovsky Michael , Rodondi Nicolas , Beer Jürg H , Moschovitis Giorgio , Ammann Peter , Kobza Richard , Ceylan Selinda , Krempke Melina , Meyer-Zürn Christine S , Moutzouri Elisavet , Springer Anne , Sticherling Christian , Bonati Leo H , Osswald Stefan , Kuehne Michael , Conen David
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess whether women with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a higher risk of adverse events than men during long-term follow-up since controversial data have been published.

Methods

In the context of two very similar observational multicentre cohort studies, we prospectively followed 3894 patients (28% women) with previously documented AF for a median of 4.02 (3.00–5.83) years. The primary outcome was a composite of ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the composite outcome, hospitalisation for heart failure, major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding, stroke or systemic embolism and non-cardiovascular death.

Results

Mean age was 73.1 years in women vs 70.8 years in men. The incidence of the primary endpoint in women versus men was 2.46 vs 3.24 per 100 patient-years, respectively (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.74, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.94; p=0.01). Women died less frequently from cardiovascular (aHR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.78; p<0.001) and non-cardiovascular causes (aHR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.98; p=0.04). There were no significant sex-specific differences in stroke (incidence 1.05 vs 1.00; aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.49, p=0.93), myocardial infarction (incidence 0.67 vs 0.72; aHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.57, p=0.94), major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (incidence 4.51 vs 4.34; aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.15, p=0.63) or heart failure hospitalisation (incidence 3.28 vs 3.07; aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.32, p=0.60).

Conclusion

In this large study of patients with established AF, women had a lower risk of death than men, but there were no sex-specific differences in other adverse outcomes.
Agreement between L1 and E6/E7-based assays for detection of high-risk HPV in cervical, oropharyngeal and penile cancers
Authors: Alcaniz Boada Elia , Cuschieri Kate , Graham Catriona , Moncur Sharon , Bhatia Ramya
Published: February 2022

Aims

Human papillomavirus (HPV) molecular testing targets either the late gene L1 or early genes E6 and/or E7. Loss of L1 during integration is suggested to compromise sensitivity in samples associated with cancer, however, clear evidence for this is lacking. Our aim is to address this by performing a head-to-head comparison between assays targeting L1 vs E6/E7, using a series of high-grade and invasive disease samples within different biological matrices and anatomical sites.

Methods

We obtained 298 samples comprising of liquid-based cytology and biopsies of cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3, in addition to biopsies of penile and oropharyngeal cancers. Two commercially available HPV primary screening assays and two assays with extended genotyping were applied to the sample set targeting L1 (Abbott RealTime HR HPV Assay and Optiplex HPV Genotyping Test) and E6/E7 genes (Xpert HPV Test and EuroArray HPV Test).

Results

Agreement for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) for all samples types between the screening assays is over 88% and over 96% for the two genotyping assays. For HPV 16 agreement is over 90% for both screening and genotyping assays. Kappa statistics show good to very good agreement between the screening and genotyping assays for hrHPV and HPV 16.

Conclusions

Analysis of the valid results from our data indicates that L1 and E6/E7 targeting assays show similar performance for detection of hrHPV in high grade cervical lesions and cancers of cervix, penis and oropharynx.