bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanica Medicina Sacra: Biblical Vegetarianism in Philippe Hecquet’s Theological Medicine
Authors: Reed Julia
Published: December 2021

In the early eighteenth century, the French Jansenist physician Philippe Hecquet began publishing prolifically on the benefits of what he called “meatless medicine,” calling for a “Catholic cook” to guide France’s physical, moral, and spiritual health. This paper analyzes Hecquet’s defense of vegetarianism as an early modern example of a distinct kind of Biblical medicine – what Hecquet termed “theological medicine” – in the context of his understanding of bodily mechanism, natural history, and Biblical literalism, in his Traité des dispenses du carême (1709) and La medecine théologique, ou la medecine créée (1733). I argue that vegetarianism was the first principle of Hecquet’s Biblical medicine, which he considered both a natural and revealed truth to be grasped and applied by the pious physician.
Prayer and Physic in Seventeenth-Century England
Authors: Kassell Lauren , Ralley Robert
Published: December 2021

Historians have often represented prayer as an instrumental response to illness. We argue instead that prayer, together with physic, was part of larger regimes to preserve health and prevent disease. We focus on early modern England, through the philosophical writings of the physician, Robert Fludd, and the medical records of the clergyman, Richard Napier. Fludd depicted health as a fortress and illness as an invasion by demons; the physician counsels the patient in maintaining and restoring moral and bodily order. Napier documented actual uses of prayer. As in Fludd’s trope, through prayer, Napier and his patients enacted their aspiration for health and their commitment to a Christian order in which medicine only worked if God so willed it. Prayer, like physic, was a key part of a regime that the wise practitioner aimed to provide for his patients, and that they expected to receive from him.
The Epistemic Role of Consciousness from a Practical Point of View
Authors: Smith Sean M.
Published: December 2021

This paper concerns the way that phenomenal consciousness helps us to know things about the world. Most discussions of how consciousness contributes to our store of knowledge focus on propositional knowledge. In this paper, I recast the problem in terms of practical knowledge by reconstructing some neglected strands of argument in William James’s analyses of bodily affect and habitual action in The Principles of Psychology (1890/1950). I will argue that my reading of James’s view provides a plausible account of how phenomenally conscious states feed practical knowledge. I will also show that my reconstruction of James view harmonizes well with recent empirical findings.
Holding Transnational Corporations Accountable for Environmental Harm Through Counterclaims in Investor-State Dispute Settlement: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Thomé Hugo
Published: December 2021

Considering the imperative need to protect our environment, the present article begins by highlighting the absence of a comprehensive international framework under which transnational corporations may be held accountable for environmental harm. Drawing from the successful decisions on environmental counterclaims in Perenco v Ecuador and Burlington Resources v Ecuador, this article thus argues that this legal void could be filled by holding transnational corporations accountable for environmental harm under international investment law. However, the practice of environmental counterclaims as they have materialised in these recent decisions emphasises the existence of a gap between theory and reality and, thus, their limited chances of success. It is nevertheless suggested that, in the context of current debates surrounding an investor-State dispute settlement reform, States hold the cards to ensure that transnational corporations are held accountable for environmental harm under international investment law.
COVID-19 Border Closures: A Violation of Non-Refoulement Obligations in International Refugee and Human Rights Law?
Authors: Ogg Kate , Taoi Chanelle
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 has presented a number of challenges for the international refugee protection regime. An issue that has received little attention is the relationship between states tightening their borders in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and their non-refoulement obligations. This raises the question of how international law responds when non-refoulement obligations may conflict with other international human rights such as the rights to life and health. Further, the legal analysis of whether a particular COVID-19 border policy is in violation of non-refoulement obligations must take into account how the travel restriction will be implemented. This article provides an overarching analysis of non-refoulement provisions in international refugee and human rights law and which COVID-19 international travel restrictions may be in breach of these obligations. We examine different types of COVID-19 travel restrictions and argue that many are undoubtedly violations of non-refoulement, but others raise unsettled questions of international law. Nevertheless, there is jurisprudence and scholarship to support the proposition that a state’s non-refoulement obligations can be triggered even in these more contested scenarios.
On the identity of Spio filicornis (O.F. Müller, 1776)—with the designation of a neotype, and the description of two new species from the North East Atlantic Ocean based on morphological and genetic studies
Authors: MEIßNER KARIN , BICK ANDREAS , BASTROP RALF
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to solve taxonomic problems pertaining to Spio filicornis (O.F. Müller, 1776). The original description by O. F. Müller was very brief and type material was not deposited. Based on the literature the confusion about the identity of the species has been tremendous; e.g., it was only recently realized that at least two different species from the North and Baltic Seas could be identified as S. filicornis (Bick et al. 2010). The present study is based on material collected by the authors in 2009 at the type locality in Iluilârssuk, near Paamiut, SW Greenland. Spio filicornis is redescribed in detail and illustrated comprehensively. A neotype has been designated and deposited in the collection of Rostock University. Species formerly referred to as S. cf. filicornis from the North and Baltic Seas (Bick et al. 2010) are formally described as two new species, Spio arndti sp. nov., and S. symphyta sp. nov. The morphological diagnostic characters within Spio are discussed. Information on three molecular markers (16S rDNA, 18S rDNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) is also provided. The genetic divergence between the three Spio species corroborates the taxonomic discrimination.
Holothuria (Selenkothuria) carere, a new species of sea cucumber (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the Mexican Pacific
Authors: HONEY-ESCANDÓN MAGALI , SOLÍS-MARÍN FRANCISCO A. , LAGUARDA-FIGUERAS ALFREDO
Published: December 2021

A new species of sea cucumber of the subgenus Selenkothuria Deichmann, 1958 is described. Holothuria (Selenkothuria) carere n. sp. was found in the Mexican Pacific, from intertidal to 6 m depth. The absences of ossicles in the body wall, as well as in the dorsal and ventral tube feet make this species unique among the species of this subgenus. Smooth straight rods with distal perforations and projections are present only in the dorsal and anal papillae, papillae at the base of the tentacles and in the tentacles. This species is distinctive within the subgenus. The shape of the ossicles shows some similarities with H. (S.) glaberrima Selenka, 1867.
A new species and new host records of syringophilid mites (Acari: Syringophilidae) from passerines from Kenya
Authors: SKORACKI MACIEJ , HROMADA MARTIN , WAMITI WANYOIKE
Published: December 2021

Syringophilopsis dicruri sp. nov. (Acari: Syringophilidae) ex Dicrurus adsimilis (Bechstein) (Passeriformes: Dicruridae) from Kenya is described. Five new hosts are recorded for 4 syringophilid species: Chlorocichla flaviventris (Smith) and Andropadus latirostris Strickland (Pycnonotidae) for Syringophilopsis veselovsky Skoracki et al., 2009; Ploceus vitellinus Vieillot (Ploceidae) for S. nitens Skoracki and Dabert, 2001; Acrocephalus palustris (Bechstein) (Sylviidae) for Neoaulonastus bisetatus (Fritsch, 1958) and Cyanomitra olivacea (Smith) (Nectariinidae) for Picobia oritis Skoracki et al., 2009. The syringophilid fauna of the Ethiopian region is summarized in table.
Four new troglophilous species of the genus Pholcus Walckenaer (Araneae, Pholcidae) from Guizhou Province, China
Authors: CHEN HUI-MING , ZHANG FENG , ZHU MING-SHENG
Published: December 2021

Four new troglophilous Pholcus spiders from Guizhou Province, China, are diagnosed, described and illustrated under the names: Pholcus anlong sp. nov., P. ceheng sp. nov., P. xingren sp. nov. and P.xingyi sp. nov. This is the first report on cave-dwelling Pholcus species from Guizhou Province, China.
MagicTouch PTA Sirolimus Coated Balloon for Femoropopliteal and Below the Knee Disease: Results From XTOSI Pilot Study Up To 12 Months
Authors: Choke Edward , Tang Tjun Yip , Peh Eilane , Damodharan Karthikeyan , Cheng Shin Chuen , Tay Jia Sheng , Finn Aloke V.
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Sirolimus coated balloon (SCB) is a promising treatment option to prevent restenosis for peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). This is a pilot first-in-human study of MagicTouch percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) SCB for treatment of PAOD for both femoropopliteal and below the knee arteries (BTK).

Material and Methods:

Xtreme Touch-Neo [MagicTouch PTA] Sirolimus Coated Balloon (XTOSI) pilot study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, single-center trial evaluating MagicTouch PTA SCB for symptomatic PAOD. Primary endpoint was defined as primary patency at 6 months (duplex ultrasound peak systolic velocity ratio ≤2.4). Secondary endpoints included clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), amputation free survival (AFS), all-cause mortality, and limb salvage success.

Results:

Fifty patients were recruited. The mean age was 67 (n=31 [62%] males). SCB was applied to femoropopliteal in 20 patients (40%) and BTK in 30 patients (60%). Majority of treatments (94%) were performed for limb salvage indications (Rutherford scores 5 or 6). This was a high risk cohort, in which 90% had diabetes, 36% had coronary artery disease, 20% had end stage renal failure, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score was 3 or more in 80%. Mean lesion length treated was 227±81 mm, of which 36% were total occlusions. Technical and device success were both 100%. At 30 days, mortality was 2% and major limb amputation was also 2%. Six-month primary patency was 80% (88.2% for femoropopliteal; 74% for BTK). At 12 months, freedom from CD-TLR was 89.7% (94.1% for femoropopliteal; 86.3% for BTK), AFS was 81.6% (90.0% for femoropopliteal; 75.9% for BTK), all-cause mortality was 14.3% (10.0% for femoropopliteal; 17.2% for BTK), and limb salvage success was 92.9% (94.4% for femoropopliteal; 91.7% for BTK). There was a statistically significant increase between baseline and 6-month toe pressures for both femoropopliteal (57.3±23.3 mm Hg vs 82.5±37.8 mm Hg; p<.001) and BTK lesions (52.8±19.2 mm Hg vs 70.7±37 mm Hg; p<.037). At 12 months, wound healing rate was 33/39 (84.6%).

Conclusions:

MagicTouch PTA SCB in the XTOSI study showed promising 6-month primary patency and encouraging 12-month freedom from CD-TLR, AFS, and limb salvage rates. No early safety concerns were raised. Randomized trials are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of SCB for treatment of PAOD.
Mining massive genomic data of two Swiss Braunvieh cattle populations reveals six novel candidate variants that impair reproductive success
Authors: Häfliger Irene M. , Seefried Franz R. , Spengeler Mirjam , Drögemüller Cord
Published: December 2021

Background

This study was carried out on the two Braunvieh populations reared in Switzerland, the dairy Brown Swiss (BS) and the dual-purpose Original Braunvieh (OB). We performed a genome-wide analysis of array data of trios (sire, dam, and offspring) from the routine genomic selection to identify candidate regions showing missing homozygosity and phenotypic associations with five fertility, ten birth, and nine growth-related traits. In addition, genome-wide single SNP regression studies based on 114,890 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for each of the two populations were performed. Furthermore, whole-genome sequencing data of 430 cattle including 70 putative haplotype carriers were mined to identify potential candidate variants that were validated by genotyping the current population using a custom array.

Results

Using a trio-based approach, we identified 38 haplotype regions for BS and five for OB that segregated at low to moderate frequencies. For the BS population, we confirmed two known haplotypes, BH1 and BH2. Twenty-four variants that potentially explained the missing homozygosity and associated traits were detected, in addition to the previously reported TUBD1:p.His210Arg variant associated with BH2. For example, for BS we identified a stop-gain variant (p.Arg57*) in the MRPL55 gene in the haplotype region on chromosome 7. This region is associated with the ‘interval between first and last insemination’ trait in our data, and the MRPL55 gene is known to be associated with early pregnancy loss in mice. In addition, we discuss candidate missense variants in the CPT1C, MARS2, and ACSL5 genes for haplotypes mapped in BS. In OB, we highlight a haplotype region on chromosome 19, which is potentially caused by a frameshift variant (p.Lys828fs) in the LIG3 gene, which is reported to be associated with early embryonic lethality in mice. Furthermore, we propose another potential causal missense variant in the TUBGCP5 gene for a haplotype mapped in OB.

Conclusions

We describe, for the first time, several haplotype regions that segregate at low to moderate frequencies and provide evidence of causality by trait associations in the two populations of Swiss Braunvieh. We propose a list of six protein-changing variants as potentially causing missing homozygosity. These variants need to be functionally validated and incorporated in the breeding program.
Diagonal earlobe crease and long-term survival after myocardial infarction
Authors: Thilo Christian , Meisinger Christine , Heier Margit , von Scheidt Wolfgang , Kirchberger Inge
Published: December 2021

Background

The association between the presence of a diagonal earlobe crease (DEC) and coronary artery disease has been prescribed earlier. However, it is unclear whether patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and DEC have a higher risk of dying.

Methods

Study participants were persons with AMI who were included in the KORA Myocardial Infarction Registry Augsburg from August 2015 to December 2016. After taking pictures of both earlobes, two employees independently assessed the severity of DEC in 4°. For analysis, the expression of the DEC was dichotomized. Information on risk factors, severity and therapy of the AMI was collected by interview and from the medical record. Vital status post AMI was obtained by population registries in 2019. The relationship between DEC and survival time was determined using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Out of 655 participants, 442 (67.5%) showed DEC grade 2/3 and 213 (32.5%) DEC grade 0/1. Median observation period was 3.06 years (5–1577 days). During this period, 26 patients (12.2%) with DEC grade 0/1 and 92 patients (20.8%) with grade 2/3 died (hazard ratio 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–2.96, p = 0.0037). In the fully adjusted model, patients with DEC grade 2/3 had a 1.48-fold increased risk of death compared to the DEC grade 0/1 patient group (CI 0.94–2.34, p = 0.0897). The fully adjusted model applied for 1-year survival revealed a significant, 2.57-fold hazard ratio of death (CI 1.07–6.17, p = 0.0347) for the patients with DEC grade 2/3.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that DEC is independently associated with 1-year AMI survival.
Infection of Plasmodium falciparum and helminths among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana
Authors: Akosah-Brempong G. , Attah S. K. , Hinne I. A. , Abdulai A. , Addo-Osafo K. , Appiah E. L. , Osei M.-M. , Afrane Y. A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Infections of Plasmodium species, Schistosoma species and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) inflict a significant burden on children mostly in deprived communities in Ghana. Despite the deployment of malaria vector control and the annual Mass Drug Administration by National Control Programmes, these infections still pose major public health concerns in Ghana. Some remote communities which are hard-to-reach are not covered by MDA campaigns which is a major challenge to meeting elimination targets. Adequate data is necessary for formulating policies and strengthening interventions to mitigate transmission. This study assessed the infection burden of Plasmodium, Schistosoma species and STH infections among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana.

Method

School children living in communities in Southern (Ada Foah, Pediatorkope, Tuanikope) and Northern (Kpalsogu) Ghana were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A total of 493 (241 males and 252 females) school children aged (2–15 years) were enrolled in the study. Stool samples were collected to screen for Schistosoma mansoni and STH infections using the formol-ether concentration technique and urine samples were also collected to screen for S. haematobium using the routine urine examination method. Plasmodium parasitaemia was determined from thick and thin finger-prick blood samples.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of P. falciparum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections were 17.2% (95%CI 12.8–19.7), 22.6% (95%CI 25.2–32.7), 1.6% (95%CI 0.89–5.2), 1.2% (95%CI 0.78–4.8) and 1.2% (95%CI 0.78–4.8) respectively. Plasmodium falciparum infection was generally widespread in all the study sites with Ada Foah recording the highest prevalence (35.3%) and Kpalsogu recording the lowest (5.8%). Schistosoma mansoni was present in only two Southern communities with Tuanikope recording the highest prevalence of 70.3% as against 51.5% recorded in Pediatorkope. A total of 4.5% (95% CI 2.82–10.8) of the children were co-infected with P. falciparum, Schistosoma species and STHs. This occurred only in the Southern communities; of which combination of P. falciparum and S. mansoni were predominant (1.4%).

Conclusion

A relatively low burden of parasites co-infection among children only in the Southern communities was detected. However, there were a high prevalence of single infections of P. falciparum and S. mansoni in those communities. Control measures for the helminths needs to be restarted in the island communities with a high burden of S. mansoni infections and that of Plasmodium needs to be scaled up in Ada Foah where P. falciparum infections were high.
Psychometric properties of the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS) in a longitudinal sample of people experiencing non-affective psychosis
Authors: Harris Kamelia , Haddock Gillian , Peters Sarah , Gooding Patricia
Published: December 2021

Background

Suicidal ideation is a key precursor for suicide attempts and suicide deaths. Performing routine screening of suicide precursors can help identify people who are at high risk of death by suicide. This is, arguably, an important suicide prevention effort. The aim of this study was to assess the validity, reliability, and factor structure of the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS) in a three-month longitudinal study with people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or non-affective psychosis and experiences of suicidal ideation and/or behaviours. It was predicted that the SIDAS would have high internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent, discriminant and construct validity.

Methods

Ninety-nine participants experiencing psychosis completed the SIDAS at baseline and 89 participants completed it 3 months later. Additionally, participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Defeat and Entrapment Scales. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the SIDAS were investigated in comparison to other constructs. Factor analysis was performed to examine the factor structure of the scale.

Results

Principal component analysis yielded a theoretically coherent one-dimensional factor structure of SIDAS, suggesting good construct validity (PCA = .71). The SIDAS had high internal consistency (α = .89) and good test-retest reliability (α = .73). It was highly correlated with other self-report measures, including the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Defeat and Entrapment scales, indicating excellent construct validity.

Conclusion

The SIDAS is a valid and reliable self-report instrument for assessing the severity of suicidal ideation in a population of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or non-affective psychosis. Further research should test the psychometric properties of the scale in individuals experiencing different mental health problems in cross-cultural settings, in order to establish its broader validity, reliability, and clinical utility.
The role of pentraxin3 in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in COPD patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: He Qian , Zhang Ming , Feng Chunlai
Published: December 2021

Background

The use of galactomannan (GM) testing in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has improved the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the high false-positive rate leads to overdiagnosis. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) as an indicator of inflammation plays an important role in resistance to Aspergillus infections. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of PTX3 for diagnosing IPA with COPD.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data on patients with suspected COPD and IPA who had been hospitalized in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between September 2017 and November 2020. PTX3 and GM were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

A total of 165 patients were included in the study, of whom 35 had confirmed or probable IPA. The remaining 130 patients served as controls. The median plasma and BALF PTX3 levels were significantly higher in patients with IPA than in control patients (3.74 ng/mL vs. 1.29 ng/mL, P < 0.001; and 3.88 ng/mL vs. 1.58 ng/mL, P < 0.001 in plasma and BALF, respectively). The plasma GM, plasma PTX3, BALF GM, and BALF PTX3 assays had sensitivities of 60.0%, 77.1%, 78.6%, and 89.3%, respectively, and specificities of 73.8%, 69.2%, 80.7%, and 77.1%, respectively. The sensitivity of PTX3 in plasma and BALF was higher than that of GM. However, the specificity of PTX3 and GM did not differ significantly between the IPA group and the control group. The specificity of the assays for the diagnosis of IPA was > 90% in patients who were PTX3-positive and GM-positive in plasma and BALF.

Conclusions

BALF and plasma PTX3 levels were significantly higher in COPD patients with IPA. The sensitivity of PTX3 was superior to that of GM for diagnosing IPA in patients with COPD. The combination of GM and PTX3 is useful for the diagnosis of IPA in patients with COPD.
Laparoscopic surgery produced less surgical smoke and contamination comparing with open surgery: the pilot study in fresh cadaveric experiment in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Taweerutchana Voraboot , Suwatthanarak Tharathorn , Methasate Asada , Akaraviputh Thawatchai , Swangsri Jirawat , Phalanusitthepha Chainarong , Trakarnsanga Atthaphorn , Parakonthun Thammawat , Srisuworanan Nicha , Tawantanakorn Thikhamporn , Ratanalekha Rosarin , Lohsiriwat Varut , Chinswangwatanakul Vitoon
Published: December 2021

Background

The SARS-CoV2 virus has been identified in abdominal cavity of the COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the potential viral transmission from any surgical created smoke in these patients is of concern especially in laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to compare the amount of surgical smoke and surgical field contamination between laparoscopic and open surgery in fresh cadavers.

Methods

Cholecystectomy in 12 cadavers was performed and they were divided into 4 groups: laparoscopic approach with or without smoke evacuator, and open approach with or without smoke evacuator. The increased particle counts in surgical smoke of each group were analyzed. In the model of appendectomy, surgical field contamination under ultraviolet light and visual contamination scale between laparoscopic and open approach were compared.

Results

Open cholecystectomy significantly produced a greater amount of overall particle sizes, particle sizes < 5 μm and particle sizes ≥ 5 μm than laparoscopic cholecystectomy (10,307 × 103 vs 3738 × 103, 10,226 × 103 vs 3685 × 103 and 81 × 103 vs 53 × 103 count/m3, respectively at p < 0.05). The use of smoke evacuator led to decrease in the amount of overall particle sizes of 58% and 32.4% in the open and laparoscopic chelecystectomy respectively. Median (interquatile range) visual contamination scale of surgical field in open appendectomy [3.50 (2.33, 4.67)] was significantly greater than laparoscopic appendectomy [1.50 (0.67, 2.33)] at p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy yielded less smoke-related particles than open cholecystectomy. The use of smoke evacuator, abeit non-significantly, reduced the particles in both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy had a lower degree of surgical field contamination than the open approach.
Medical students’ perceptions and coping strategies during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: studies, clinical implication, and professional identity
Authors: Wurth Sophie , Sader Julia , Cerutti Bernard , Broers Barbara , Bajwa Nadia M. , Carballo Sebastian , Escher Monica , Galetto-Lacour Annick , Grosgurin Olivier , Lavallard Vanessa , Savoldelli Georges , Serratrice Jacques , Nendaz Mathieu , Audétat-Voirol Marie-Claude
Published: December 2021

Background

The unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic during spring 2020 has disrupted medical education worldwide. The University of Geneva decided to shift on-site classwork to online learning; many exams were transformed from summative to formative evaluations and most clinical activities were suspended. We aimed to investigate the perceived impact of those adaptations by the students at the Faculty of Medicine.

Methods

We sent an online self-administered survey to medical students from years 2 to 6 of the University of Geneva, three months after the beginning of the pandemic. The survey explored students’ main activities during the first three months of the pandemic, the impact of the crisis on their personal life, on their training and on their professional identity, the level of stress they experienced and which coping strategies they developed. The survey consisted of open-ended and closed questions and was administered in French.

Results

A total of 58.8% of students responded (n = 467) and were homogeneously distributed across gender. At the time of the survey, two thirds of the participants were involved in COVID-19-related activities; 72.5% voluntarily participated, mainly fueled by a desire to help and feel useful. Many participants (58.8%) reported a feeling of isolation encountered since the start of the pandemic. Main coping strategies reported were physical activity and increased telecommunications with their loved ones. Most students described a negative impact of the imposed restrictions on their training, reporting decreased motivation and concentration in an unusual or distraction-prone study environment at home and missing interactions with peers and teachers. Students recruited to help at the hospital in the context of increasing staff needs reported a positive impact due to the enriched clinical exposure. Perceived stress levels were manageable across the surveyed population. If changed, the crisis had a largely positive impact on students’ professional identity; most highlighted the importance of the health care profession for society and confirmed their career choice.

Conclusion

Through this comprehensive picture, our study describes the perceived impact of the pandemic on University of Geneva medical students, their training and their professional identity three months after the start of the pandemic. These results allowed us to gain valuable insight that reinforced the relevance of assessing the evolution of the situation in the long run and the importance of developing institutional support tools for medical students throughout their studies.
Novel high-resolution targeted sequencing of the cervicovaginal microbiome
Authors: Andralojc Karolina M. , Molina Mariano A. , Qiu Mengjie , Spruijtenburg Bram , Rasing Menno , Pater Bernard , Huynen Martijn A. , Dutilh Bas E. , Ederveen Thomas H. A. , Elmelik Duaa , Siebers Albert G. , Loopik Diede , Bekkers Ruud L. M. , Leenders William P. J. , Melchers Willem J. G.
Published: December 2021

Background

The cervicovaginal microbiome (CVM) plays a significant role in women’s cervical health and disease. Microbial alterations at the species level and characteristic community state types (CST) have been associated with acquisition and persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections that may result in progression of cervical lesions to malignancy. Current sequencing methods, especially most commonly used multiplex 16S rRNA gene sequencing, struggle to fully clarify these changes because they generally fail to provide sufficient taxonomic resolution to adequately perform species-level associative studies. To improve CVM species designation, we designed a novel sequencing tool targeting microbes at the species taxonomic rank and examined its potential for profiling the CVM.

Results

We introduce an accessible and practical circular probe-based RNA sequencing (CiRNAseq) technology with the potential to profile and quantify the CVM. In vitro and in silico validations demonstrate that CiRNAseq can distinctively detect species in a mock mixed microbial environment, with the output data reflecting its ability to estimate microbes’ abundance. Moreover, compared to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, CiRNAseq provides equivalent results but with improved sequencing sensitivity. Analyses of a cohort of cervical smears from hrHPV-negative women versus hrHPV-positive women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia confirmed known differences in CST occurring in the CVM of women with hrHPV-induced lesions. The technique also revealed variations in microbial diversity and abundance in the CVM of hrHPV-positive women when compared to hrHPV-negative women.

Conclusions

CiRNAseq is a promising tool for studying the interplay between the CVM and hrHPV in cervical carcinogenesis. This technology could provide a better understanding of cervicovaginal CST and microbial species during health and disease, prompting the discovery of biomarkers, additional to hrHPV, that can help detect high-grade cervical lesions.
Acute pain and self-directed discharge among hospitalized patients with opioid-related diagnoses: a cohort study
Authors: Compton Peggy , Aronowitz Shoshana V. , Klusaritz Heather , Anderson Evan
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients with substance use disorders are more likely than those without to have a self-directed hospital discharge, putting them at risk for poor health outcomes including progressing illness, readmissions, and death. Inadequate pain management has been identified as a potential motivator of self-directed discharge in this patient population. The objective of this study was to describe the association between acute pain and self-directed discharges among persons with opioid-related conditions; the presence of chronic pain in self-directed discharges was likewise considered.

Methods

We employed a large database of all hospitalizations at acute care hospitals during 2017 in the city of Philadelphia to identify adults with opioid-related conditions and compare the characteristics of admissions ending with routine discharge versus those ending in self-directed discharge. We examined all adult discharges with an ICD-10 diagnoses related to opioid use or poisoning and inspected the diagnostic data to systematically identify acute pain for the listed primary diagnosis and explore patterning in chronic pain diagnoses with respect to discharge outcomes.

Results

Sixteen percent of the 7972 admissions involving opioid-related conditions culminated in self-directed discharge, which was more than five times higher than in the general population. Self-directed discharge rates were positively associated with polysubstance use, nicotine dependence, depression, and homelessness. Among the 955 patients with at least one self-directed discharge, 15.4% had up to 16 additional self-directed discharges during the 12-month observation period. Those admitted with an acutely painful diagnosis were almost twice as likely to complete a self-directed discharge, and for patients with multiple admissions, rates of acutely painful diagnoses increased with each admission coinciding with a cascading pattern of worsening infectious morbidity over time. Chronic pain diagnoses were inconsistent for those patients with multiple admissions, appearing, for the same patient, in one admission but not others; those with inconsistent documentation of chronic pain were substantially more likely to self-discharge.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the importance of pain care in disrupting a process of self-directed discharge, intensifying harm, and preventable financial cost and suffering. Each admission represents a potential opportunity to provide harm reduction and treatment interventions addressing both substance use and pain.
Police discretion in encounters with people who use drugs: operationalizing the theory of planned behavior
Authors: del Pozo Brandon , Sightes Emily , Goulka Jeremiah , Ray Brad , Wood Claire A. , Siddiqui Saad , Beletsky Leo A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Policing shapes the health risks of people who use drugs (PWUD), but little is understood about interventions that can align officer practices with PWUD health. This study deploys the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to understand what influences police intentions to make discretionary referrals to treatment and harm reduction resources rather than arrest on less serious charges.

Methods

On-line surveys integrating TPB constructs and adapting an instrument measuring police intentions to make mental health treatment referrals were completed by police employees in Indiana, Massachusetts, and Missouri. They also included items about stigma towards PWUD and attitudes and beliefs about opioid addiction, treatment, and recovery.

Findings

Across the sites, 259 respondents perceived control over their decision to arrest for misdemeanors (69%) and confiscate items such as syringes (56%). Beliefs about others’ approval of referrals to treatment, its ability to reduce future arrests, and to increase trust in police were associated with stated practices of nonarrest for drug and possession and making referrals (p ≤ .001), and nonarrest for syringe possession (p ≤ .05). Stigma a towards PWUD was negatively associated with stated practices of nonarrest (p ≤ .05). Respondents identified supervisors as having the most influence over use of discretion, seriousness of the offense as the most influential value, and attitude of the suspect as the most important situational factor. The 17 Likert scale items analyzed had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81.

Conclusion

The TPB offers untapped potential to better understand and modify police practices. In designing interventions to improve the health outcomes of police encounters with PWUD, further research should validate instruments that measure the relationship between these variables and discretionary intentions, and that measure role-relevant police stigma towards PWUD.
Chemistry, lung toxicity and mutagenicity of burn pit smoke-related particulate matter
Authors: Kim Yong Ho , Warren Sarah H. , Kooter Ingeborg , Williams Wanda C. , George Ingrid J. , Vance Samuel A. , Hays Michael D. , Higuchi Mark A. , Gavett Stephen H. , DeMarini David M. , Jaspers Ilona , Gilmour M. Ian
Published: December 2021

Background

Open burning of anthropogenic sources can release hazardous emissions and has been associated with increased prevalence of cardiopulmonary health outcomes. Exposure to smoke emitted from burn pits in military bases has been linked with respiratory illness among military and civilian personnel returning from war zones. Although the composition of the materials being burned is well studied, the resulting chemistry and potential toxicity of the emissions are not.

Methods

Smoke emission condensates from either flaming or smoldering combustion of five different types of burn pit-related waste: cardboard; plywood; plastic; mixture; and mixture/diesel, were obtained from a laboratory-scale furnace coupled to a multistage cryotrap system. The primary emissions and smoke condensates were analyzed for a standardized suite of chemical species, and the condensates were studied for pulmonary toxicity in female CD-1 mice and mutagenic activity in Salmonella (Ames) mutagenicity assay using the frameshift strain TA98 and the base-substitution strain TA100 with and without metabolic activation (S9 from rat liver).

Results

Most of the particles in the smoke emitted from flaming and smoldering combustion were less than 2.5 µm in diameter. Burning of plastic containing wastes (plastic, mixture, or mixture/diesel) emitted larger amounts of particulate matter (PM) compared to other types of waste. On an equal mass basis, the smoke PM from flaming combustion of plastic containing wastes caused more inflammation and lung injury and was more mutagenic than other samples, and the biological responses were associated with elevated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels.

Conclusions

This study suggests that adverse health effects of burn pit smoke exposure vary depending on waste type and combustion temperature; however, burning plastic at high temperature was the most significant contributor to the toxicity outcomes. These findings will provide a better understanding of the complex chemical and combustion temperature factors that determine toxicity of burn pit smoke and its potential health risks at military bases.
ROMO1 is required for mitochondrial metabolism during preimplantation embryo development in pigs
Authors: Zhou Dongjie , Sun Ming-Hong , Lee Song-Hee , Cui Xiang-Shun
Published: December 2021

Background

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulator 1 (ROMO1) is a mitochondrial membrane protein that is essential for the regulation of mitochondrial ROS production and redox sensing. ROMO1 regulates ROS generation within cells and is involved in cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, senescence, and death. Our purpose is to investigates the impact of ROMO1 on the mitochondria during porcine embryogenesis.

Results

We found that high expression of ROMO1 was associated with porcine preimplantation embryo development, indicating that ROMO1 may contribute to the progression of embryogenesis. Knockdown of ROMO1 disrupted porcine embryo development and blastocyst quality, thereby inducing ROS production and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential. Knockdown of ROMO1 induced mitochondrial dysfunction by disrupting the balance of OPA1 isoforms to release cytochromec, reduce ATP, and induce apoptosis. Meanwhile, ROMO1 overexpression showed similar effects as ROMO1 KD on the embryos. Overexpression of ROMO1 rescued the ROMO1 KD-induced defects in embryo development, mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis.

Conclusions

ROMO1 plays a critical role in embryo development by regulating mitochondrial morphology, function, and apoptosis in pigs.
Lovastatin as a supplement to mitigate rumen methanogenesis: an overview
Authors: Ábrego-Gacía Amaury , Poggi-Varaldo Héctor M. , Robles-González Vania , Ponce-Noyola Teresa , Calva-Calva Graciano , Ríos-Leal Elvira , Estrada-Bárcenas Daniel , Mendoza-Vargas Alfredo
Published: December 2021

Methane from enteric fermentation is the gas with the greatest environmental impact emitted by ruminants. Lovastatin (Lv) addition to feedstocks could be a strategy to mitigate rumen methane emissions via decreasing the population of methanogenic archaea (MA). Thus, this paper provides the first overview of the effects of Lv supplementation, focusing on the inhibition of methane production, rumen microbiota, and ruminal fermentation. Results indicated that Lv treatment had a strong anti-methanogenic effect on pure strains of MA. However, there are uncertainties from in vitro rumen fermentation trials with complex substrates and rumen inoculum.

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has emerged as a cost-effective option to produce Lv. In this way, SSF of agricultural residues as an Lv-carrier supplement in sheep and goats demonstrated a consistent decrease in ruminal methane emissions. The experimental evidence for in vitro conditions showed that Lv did not affect the volatile fatty acids (VFA). However, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the production of VFA was decreased. Lv did not negatively affect the digestibility of dry matter during in vitro and in vivo methods, and there is even evidence that it can induce an increase in digestibility. Regarding the rumen microbiota, populations of MA were reduced, and no differences were detected in alpha and beta diversity associated with Lv treatment. However, some changes in the relative abundance of the microbiota were induced. Further studies are recommended on: (i) Lv biodegradation products and stability, as well as its adsorption onto the solid matter in the rumen, to gain more insight on the “available” or effective Lv concentration; and (ii) to determine whether the effect of Lv on ruminal fermentation also depends on the feed composition and different ruminants.
Vinasse: from a residue to a high added value biopolymer
Authors: Trapé Daiana V. , López Olivia V. , Villar Marcelo A.
Published: December 2021

This work aimed to study the feasibility of using vinasse for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by Bacillus megaterium. To optimize the culture medium, a Box–Behnken design was employed considering carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (Ph) concentrations as independent variables and PHB productivity as the response variable. The productivity decreased when C or N were increased, probably due to the presence of phenolic compounds and the limitation of N for the production of PHB by Bacillus sp. bacteria. An additional experimental design to optimize the C/N ratio and growing conditions (fermentation time and temperature) was carried out. Fermentation time had a statistically significant effect on PHB productivity reaching 10.6 mg/L h. On the other hand, the variability in physicochemical properties of vinasse samples led to significant differences in PHB productivity. Lower productivity values were obtained when vinasse had higher values of DBO. Therefore, biopolymers production from vinasse is a feasible alternative to valorize this bioethanol by-product.

Graphical Abstract
Personal recovery and its challenges in forensic mental health: systematic review and thematic synthesis of the qualitative literature
Authors: Senneseth Mette , Pollak Charlotte , Urheim Ragnar , Logan Caroline , Palmstierna Tom
Published: December 2021

Background

There has been a call for a framework to guide recovery-oriented practices in forensic mental health services.

Aims

This study aims to examine personal recovery and its challenges in forensic mental health settings in relation to the established framework for personal recovery in mental illness: connectedness, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment (CHIME).

Method

This study is an updated and expanded systematic review and thematic synthesis of the qualitative literature. A systematic search of six electronic databases (Web of Science, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE and SocIndex) was carried out in January 2019, using the terms [Recover*] AND [Forensic OR Secure] AND [Patient* OR Offend* OR Service User*]. Only studies that included service user's own perceptions and were published from 2014 onward were included in the review. Data were examined with thematic synthesis and subsequently analysed in relation to the CHIME framework.

Results

Twenty-one studies were included in the review. Findings suggest that some adjustments to the original CHIME framework are needed for it to be more relevant to forensic populations, and that an additional recovery process regarding feeling safe and being secure (safety and security) could be added to CHIME, providing the CHIME-Secure framework (CHIME-S). Specific challenges and barriers for forensic recovery were identified and found to represent the opposite of the recovery processes defined by CHIME (e.g. hopelessness).

Conclusions

We present the CHIME-S as a framework for the personal recovery processes of forensic mental health service users. The CHIME-S may guide the recovery-oriented work of forensic mental health services.
Early diagnosis and response assessment in chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: changes in lesion volume and signal intensity assessed by whole-body MRI
Authors: Kieninger Angelina , Schäfer Jürgen F. , Tsiflikas Ilias , Moll Monika , Kümmerle-Deschner Jasmin , Kraus Mareen S. , Esser Michael
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) in early diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) and the prediction of clinical response through quantitative MRI features.

Methods:

20 children (mean age, 10.3 years; range, 5–14 years) with CRMO underwent WB-MRI and were assessed with a clinical score (Jansson) at baseline (median time after first encounter, 8 months) and follow-up (median time after baseline, 11.5 months). Baseline WB-MRI scans were classified as early (within 6 months after first encounter) and late. Clinical responders and non-responders were compared regarding number and localization of bone lesions, lesion volume and T2 signal intensity (SI) ratio (lesion to muscle).

Results:

Diagnosis of CRMO was made promptly in the early WB-MRI group (n = 10; median, 3 months) compared to the late WB-MRI group (n = 10; 18 months; p = 0.006). Bone lesions were mainly located in the lower extremities (n = 119/223; 53%). No significant difference was detected regarding the number of bone lesions and lesion volume in the subgroups of clinical responders (n = 10) and non-responders (n = 10). Responders showed a higher volume reduction of bone lesions at follow-up compared to non-responders (p = 0.03). Baseline and follow-up SI ratios were lower in responders (5.6 and 5.8 vs 6.1 and 7.2; p = 0.047 and p = 0.005).

Conclusion:

The use of WB-MRI within 6 months of disease suspicion may serve as a benchmark to support early diagnosis of CRMO. T2 SI ratios and the reduction of lesions’ volume correlate with clinical outcome.

Advances in knowledge:

WB-MRI at an early stage of suspected CRMO plays a key role for early diagnosis. This is the first study showing that quantitative MRI features are suitable for response assessment and can be used as prognostic markers for the prediction of clinical response.