bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Abattoir Workers Toward Abattoirs Waste Management in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tolera Sina Temesgen , Alemu Fekade Ketema , Mengistu Dechasa Adare
Published: January 2022

Background:

During meat production, a large amount of wastes are generated that consist of feces, tissue waste, blood, fat, bone, animal trimmings, intestinal content, and urine that can be a potential risk to humans and the environment. Low knowledge, negative attitude, and poor practice can lead to poor waste management, which is more severe in developing countries like Ethiopia. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of abattoir workers toward abattoir waste management in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern Ethiopia’ abattoirs from 1st to 30th of January, 2020. Two hundred and sixty-seven (n = 267) abattoir workers in 4 selected abattoirs (Haramaya University, Haramaya town, Harar town and Dire Dawa City administration) were interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the strength between knowledge and attitude, knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice. A P-value of .05 was considered as a cut-off point for statistical significance.

Results:

This study revealed that 203 (76%) of the respondents had less knowledge, 69 (26%) had a positive attitude and 43 (16%) of them had a good practice toward abattoir waste management. There was a statistically significant difference between socio-demographic characteristics (education, work experience, and salary) and knowledge, attitudes and practices of the study participants. This study found moderate positive correlations between knowledge and attitude [ r = .404, P = .013], weak positive correlations between knowledge and practice [ r = .229, P = .009], and strong positive correlations between attitude and practice [ r = .717, P = .023] of the abattoir workers toward waste management.

Conclusion:

This study concluded that more than one-quarter, less than one-quarter, and about 3-quarter of the participants had less knowledge, negative attitude, and poor practice, respectively toward abattoir waste management. Therefore, regulatory bodies and other relevant industries must implement effective control measures that can be important to increase the knowledge, attitude, and practices of abattoir workers toward waste management.
Lab-Based Culprit Drug Identification Methods for Cutaneous Drug Eruptions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bose Reetesh , Finstad Alexandra , Ogbalidet Selam , Boshra Mina , Fahim Simone
Published: January 2022

Background

Identification of culprit drugs when managing cutaneous drug eruptions is essential. Causality assessment methods (CAMs) have been proposed, including lab-based techniques. However, no consensus guidelines exist.

Objectives

To identify and map the functionality and feasibility of lab-based CAMs.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to identify culprit drug identification methods. Publications on lab-based methods were analyzed. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched.

Results

Twenty-five publications met inclusion criteria. Nine lab-based CAMs were studied, including lymphocyte transformation test, cytokine measurement (ELISpot, ELISA, beads array assay), modified IFN-ɣ ELISpot, CellScan, histamine release, granzyme B-ELISpot, intracellular granulysin, lymphocyte toxicity assay, and HLA allele genotyping. Diagnostic accuracy was reported for 8/9 methods. Clinical assessment and operational algorithms were commonly used as validation benchmarks. Lab-based methods were assessed at different phases of a drug eruption including in the acute (18.1%), recovery (27.3%), acute and recovery (27.3%), or an unspecified phase (27.3%). Lymphocyte transformation test (specificity 30% to 100%, sensitivity 27% to 73%) and cytokine measurement (specificity 76% to 100%, sensitivity 20% to 84%) were the most common methods studied.

Conclusions

Lab-based CAMs can be low-risk, effective, and complementary of clinical methods. High-quality studies are needed to adequately develop and validate these tools for clinical practice.
Media and public sphere in Ethiopia: Mediated deliberations in public and commercial television programs
Authors: Kiflu Gebru Kahsay , Ali Adem Chanie , Nigussie Hagos
Published: January 2022

This paper explores if televised deliberations constitute the public sphere in Ethiopia, analysing the public service and commercial TV stations focussing on the EBC’s ETV Medrek, FBC’s Zuria Meles and LTV’s Sefiw Mihdar programs. It has drawn on content analysis of the mediated deliberations of the three TV programs and an in-depth interview with hosts of the programs. The study found that these television stations have created permanent elitist platforms where experts, the academia and other prominent figures discussed and debated that did not exist previously. In contrast, these programs did not create forums for ordinary citizens and other marginalised groups, including women. Indeed, these programs created limited space as platforms for different views, opinions, perceptions and diversity of participants in their discussions. These programs anticipated to covering event-oriented issues that kept changing each week. The program hosts faced internal and external influence mainly from political leaders in the daily routines of producing the programs in their respective media houses. Overall, the role of these TV stations in creating a platform for public sphere, setting the public agenda consistently and promoting public opinion formation endured minimal.
The Pandemic-Induced Personal Data Explosion
Authors: Canhoto Ana Isabel , Brough Aaron R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Government and private responses to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the generation and dissemination of personal data not previously available in the public sphere.

Focus of the Article

This “Notes from the Field” paper reflects on the implications of this surge of new data for the study and practice of social marketing. The paper examines how this phenomenon impacts on the following aspects of social marketing: (1) Setting of explicit social goals; (2) citizen orientation and focus; (3) value proposition delivery via the social marketing intervention mix; (4) theory-, insight-, data-, and evidence-informed audience segmentation; (5) competition/barrier and asset analysis; and (6) critical thinking, reflexivity, and being ethical.

Research Question

How are the government and private responses to the pandemic shaping the generation and use of personal data, and what are the implications of this eruption of data for the social marketing scholarly community?

Approach

The paper highlights how the pandemic resulted in significant changes in behavior of government and citizens alike, and how these changes, in turn, spurred the generation and dissemination of new personal data. Subsequently, we draw on the Core Social Marketing Concepts framework to explore how the aforementioned data explosion impacts on the six dimensions of this central framework.

Importance to the Social Marketing Field

The COVID-19 pandemic is more than a temporary public health event. Therefore, it is important to consider the lasting consequences that may stem from the pandemic-induced personal data explosion, for both consumers and social marketing scholars and practitioners.

Methods

This paper comments on a topical matter, and discusses its implications for the social marketing community.

Results

We find that the data explosion creates conflicting social marketing goals, and that inequalities in access to digital technology are increasingly impacting what voices are heard, and which concerns are prioritized. Moreover, new innovations may be enabled or needed, leading to the improvement of firms' ability to create value for individual citizens; the creation of new datasets—particularly among demographics that previously had a limited digital footprint—enhances the ability to segment markets and target social marketing activities. Furthermore, the pandemic-induced data explosion may lead to the identification of additional barriers to positive social behaviors that have emerged, diminished, or even disappeared during the pandemic; but researchers need to critically examine the consequences of the government and private behaviors at the macro, meso, and micro levels.

Recommendations for Research or Practice

We propose a research agenda for the social marketing community, consisting of 21 research questions.

Limitations

Our analysis focuses on the behavior of government and citizens in North America and Western Europe.
From Undergraduate Research to Graduation: Measuring the Robustness of the Pathway at a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Authors: Caraballo-Cueto José , Godreau Ísar , Tremblay Raymond
Published: January 2022

Based on several regression specifications that control for a host of covariates, this article demonstrates that the quantity of undergraduate research experience was by far the most important determinant for increased graduation rates at a 100% Hispanic-serving institution. Our finding also shows a causal relationship confirmed by propensity score matching analyses. Results underscore the high impact but sometimes underestimated contribution of undergraduate research to academic success, even for teaching-oriented colleges.
Leading When the Boss is Present: How Leadership Structure Schemas Affect Leadership Behavior
Authors: Wellman Ned , Ashford Susan J. , Sanchez-Burks Jeffrey , DeRue D. Scott
Published: January 2022

We examine how leadership structure schemas (LSS) – mental models of how leadership is most effectively structured in groups – interact with formal authority to influence individuals’ leadership behavior and perceptions of others who lead. Across two experiments and a field study, we find that for individuals without formal authority, holding a more shared LSS (relative to a more hierarchical LSS) is positively associated with leadership behavior. However, this effect reverses for individuals in authority positions. Additionally, individuals who engage in leadership behavior are seen as higher in interpersonal warmth by observers who hold a more shared rather than a more hierarchical LSS.
Effects of patient-reported outcome assessment order
Authors: Novotny Paul J , Dueck Amylou C , Satele Daniel , Frost Marlene H , Beebe Timothy J , Yost Kathleen J , Lee Minji K , Eton David T , Yount Susan , Cella David , Mendoza Tito R , Cleeland Charles S , Blinder Victoria , Basch Ethan , Sloan Jeff A
Published: January 2022

Background

In clinical trials and clinical practice, patient-reported outcomes are almost always assessed using multiple patient-reported outcome measures at the same time. This raises concerns about whether patient responses are affected by the order in which the patient-reported outcome measures are administered.

Methods

This questionnaire-based study of order effects included adult cancer patients from five cancer centers. Patients were randomly assigned to complete questionnaires via paper booklets, interactive voice response system, or tablet web survey. Linear Analogue Self-Assessment, Patient-Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System assessment tools were each used to measure general health, physical function, social function, emotional distress/anxiety, emotional distress/depression, fatigue, sleep, and pain. The order in which the three tools, and domains within tools, were presented to patients was randomized. Rates of missing data, scale scores, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were compared by the order in which they were assessed. Analyses included Cochran–Armitage trend tests and mixed models adjusted for performance score, age, sex, cancer type, and curative intent.

Results

A total of 1830 patients provided baseline patient-reported outcome assessments. There were no significant trends in rates of missing values by whether a scale was assessed earlier or later. The largest order effect for scale scores was due to a large mean score at one assessment time point. The largest difference in Cronbach’s alpha between the versions for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scales was 0.106.

Conclusion

The well-being of a cancer patient has many different aspects such as pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. These are assessed using a variety of surveys often collected at the same time. This study shows that the order in which the different aspects are collected from the patient is not important.
Comparison of bridge graft and end-to-side transfer for treatment of closed rupture of the flexor tendons in the little finger
Authors: Kuroda Takuma , Moriya Koji , Tsubokawa Naoto , Maki Yutaka , Inagaki Katsunori , Yoshizu Takae
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of bridge tendon grafts and end-to-side tendon transfers for treating closed ruptures of the flexor tendons in Zones 3 to 5 of the little finger. We selected the surgical procedure based on the passive distraction amplitude of the proximal part of the ruptured flexor tendon. Eleven patients comprised the bridge tendon graft group and ten patients comprised the end-to-side tendon transfer group. We found no significant between-group differences in the total active motion, percentage of total active motion, functional assessment by the Strickland and Glogovac criteria and grip strength compared with the unaffected hand. We believe that choosing the surgical procedure after determining the passive distraction amplitude of the ruptured tendon can be useful in clinical practice.

Level of evidence: III
Impetigo herpetiformis: A rare pregnancy-specific dermatosis
Authors: Abdelhafez Mohsen M. A. , Ahmed Karim A. M. , Mohd Daud Mohd Nazri Bin , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Kadir Fairrul , Baharuddin Dg Marshitah pg , Than Win Win , Hayatti Firdaus , Tay Kai Xin , Eldiastey Aya M.
Published: January 2022

Impetigo herpetiformis (IH) is a pregnancy-specific dermatosis that is currently considered a form of generalised pustular psoriasis and mainly occurs in late pregnancy during the third trimester. IH presents as erythematous patches and pustules and might have systemic involvement. The disease may be associated with severe maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. IH treatment is very challenging, however, various therapeutic options are available and effective for disease treatment.
A New Phenolic Diterpene From the Leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis
Authors: Zhang Tingwen , Zhao Deng-Gao , Li Shuting , Zhang Kun , Yang Mei-Li , Huang Xuan , Li Leyi , Ma Yan-Yan
Published: January 2022

As part of our continuous studies on dietary supplements for diabetes, 1 new phenolic diterpene, 7-butoxyrosmanol (1), and 3 known ones (2-4) were isolated from Rosmarinus officinalis. The new structure was elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including multiple nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, mass spectrometry, and x-ray diffraction analysis. In addition, compound 1 showed moderate activity against pancreatic lipase with an IC50 value of 46.2 μM.
An Update on the Dental Management of Children with Haemophilia
Authors: Yee Ruixiang , Duggal Monty S. , Wong Vivian Yung Yee , Lam Joyce Ching Mei
Published: January 2022

Children with haemophilia present a bleeding risk and a challenge for dentists. Guidelines on the dental management of haemophilia patients are largely based on expert consensus. Many existing guidelines also provide generic guidance mainly for adult patients, which have been adapted for children. However, children have unique needs that require additional considerations. With limited evidence available, it is important that dentists have an understanding of the principles of both medical and dental management and have a close collaboration with the haematologist at all times. Therefore, this paper provides some key principles related to various aspects of dental management of children with haemophilia. Furthermore, there has been a recent update to the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) Guidelines for the Management of Haemophilia,1 with references to novel medical therapies for haemophilia. Hence, this paper also aims to inform dentists with the standard and newer medical therapies for haemophilia, including a specific focus on the novel agent Emicizumab and the associated dental considerations.
Are Firms Biasing Stakeholder Expectations by Attributing Prior Poor Performance to COVID-19?
Authors: Desai Hrishikesh
Published: January 2022

Item 503(c) of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) Regulation S-K requires firms to disclose the ‘most significant’ factors that affect them in their Item 1A risk factor disclosures made in their 10-K (annual) or 10-Q (quarterly) SEC filings. Prior to COVID-19, firms discussed risk factors such as liquidity, competition, etc. as part of their Item 1A disclosures. The current pandemic has resulted in the COVID-19 risk factor being widely discussed as part of firms’ Item 1A risk factor disclosures. A ‘firm-specific’ discussion on this transient risk factor is unique in the sense that it can affect the salience of other, already disclosed, less transient but significant risk factors to investors and other stakeholders. Using a sample of 68 firms hard hit by COVID-19 with prior poor performance, I find that market reactions to their Item 1A risk factor disclosures were significantly more positive for firms that disclosed the COVID-19 risk factor in a certain firm-specific manner compared to those that didn’t. These results suggest that stakeholder perceptions of firms’ risk profiles are being biased to some extent as the less transient but other significant risk factors that were already affecting these firms seem to be underweighted by them in evaluating the firms’ risk profiles. I explain this bias further using the meta-theoretical framework of the elaboration likelihood model. I also propose a solution to this problem that involves making these disclosures in the form of risk matrices.

JEL Classifications: G38, M10, M40, M41, M48
Quotidian Beliefs and Practices in Maternal and Child Health Care: An Empirical Study Among the Irula Tribe of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Lakshmi M. Roja , Eswarappa Kasi
Published: January 2022

The present paper explores the cultural context of maternal and child health (MCH) care practices and beliefs of Irula tribes. It identifies the factors and analyses the pattern of their domiciliary deliveries and neonatal care among Irula, which is one of the PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) in Tamil Nadu. The paper adopted a descriptive research design based on the pilot survey and ethnographic fieldwork. It examines the health care beliefs and practices relating to maternal and neonatal care connected with a holistic view of the Irula community’s cultural dimensions. The paper also demonstrates the factors for domiciliary deliveries, non-utilization of prevailing state’s health interventions, and incentives for maternal and child health care services among the Irulas. Keeping in view the aforementioned argument, an empirical study was carried out in six Irular settlements of Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu.
No Evidence that Variations in Ambient Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and Psoriasis Severity are Associated
Authors: Okun Thomas S. D. , Okun Martin M.
Published: January 2022

Background: Seasonal variability in psoriasis severity may be related to changes in unintentional or intentional exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), or more intensive medication use during summer. Objective: Change in psoriasis severity for placebo-randomized subjects in clinical trials of moderate–severe psoriasis, as a function of estimated change in ambient UVR exposure, allows assessment of temporal changes in UVR on psoriasis without confounding from therapies that are prohibited during trial conduct. Methods: Placebo-randomized subject data, including dates and PASI for baseline and Week 16 visits, and approximate investigator location, pooled from the placebo-controlled double-blinded periods (Weeks 0–16) of 3 moderate–severe psoriasis clinical trials, were accessed through the Vivli data platform. Investigator locations were geocoded and linked to estimated mean daily ambient erythemally weighted UVR for the months corresponding to baseline and Week 16, using data from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument on board the NASA EOS Aura spacecraft. Results: Simple linear regression of percentage PASI change for 542 placebo-treated subjects with non-missing observations yielded a beta coefficient for percentage change in UVR of −0.009 (standard error = 0.008), with p = 0.243 and adjusted R2 = 0.0007. Lack of statistical significance was observed across multiple regression analyses adjusting for baseline covariates and for interaction terms, and for mean difference in percentage change UVR for PASI50 responders versus non-responders. Conclusion: Multiple analyses failed to provide evidence that temporal variations in ambient UVR are associated with variations in psoriasis severity.
Host-region parameters for an adjustable model for crustal earthquakes to facilitate the implementation of the backbone approach to building ground-motion logic trees in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis
Authors: Stafford Peter J , Boore David M , Youngs Robert R , Bommer Julian J
Published: January 2022

The backbone approach to constructing a ground-motion logic tree for probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) can address shortcomings in the traditional approach of populating the branches with multiple existing, or potentially modified, ground-motion models (GMMs) by rendering more transparent the relationship between branch weights and the resulting distribution of predicted accelerations. To capture epistemic uncertainty in a tractable manner, there are benefits in building the logic tree through the application of successive adjustments for differences in source, path, and site characteristics between the host region of the selected backbone GMM and the target region for which the PSHA is being conducted. The implementation of this approach is facilitated by selecting a backbone GMM that is amenable to such host-to-target adjustments for individual source, path, and site characteristics. The NGA-West2 GMM of Chiou and Youngs (CY14) has been identified as a highly adaptable model for crustal seismicity that is well suited to such adjustments. Rather than using generic source, path, and site characteristics assumed appropriate for the host region, the final suite of adjusted GMMs for the target region will be better constrained if the host-region parameters are defined specifically on the basis of their compatibility with the CY14 backbone GMM. To this end, making use of a recently developed crustal shear-wave velocity profile consistent with CY14, we present an inversion of the model to estimate the key source and path parameters, namely the stress parameter and the anelastic attenuation. With these outputs, the effort in constructing a ground-motion logic tree for any PSHA dealing with crustal seismicity can be focused primarily on the estimation of the target-region characteristics and their associated uncertainties. The inversion procedure can also be adapted for any application in which different constraints might be relevant.
Targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts in the bone marrow prevents resistance to CART-cell therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Sakemura Reona , Hefazi Mehrdad , Siegler Elizabeth L. , Cox Michelle J. , Larson Daniel P. , Hansen Michael J. , Manriquez Roman Claudia , Schick Kendall J. , Can Ismail , Tapper Erin E. , Horvei Paulina , Adada Mohamad M. , Bezerra Evandro D. , Kankeu Fonkoua Lionel Aurelien , Ruff Michael W. , Nevala Wendy K. , Walters Denise K. , Parikh Sameer A. , Lin Yi , Jelinek Diane F. , Kay Neil E. , Bergsagel P. Leif , Kenderian Saad S.
Published: January 2022

Pivotal clinical trials of B-cell maturation antigen-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T (CART)-cell therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) resulted in remarkable initial responses, which led to a recent US Food and Drug Administration approval. Despite the success of this therapy, durable remissions continue to be low, and the predominant mechanism of resistance is loss of CART cells and inhibition by the tumor microenvironment (TME). MM is characterized by an immunosuppressive TME with an abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Using MM models, we studied the impact of CAFs on CART-cell efficacy and developed strategies to overcome CART-cell inhibition. We showed that CAFs inhibit CART-cell antitumor activity and promote MM progression. CAFs express molecules such as fibroblast activation protein and signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family-7, which are attractive immunotherapy targets. To overcome CAF-induced CART-cell inhibition, CART cells were generated targeting both MM cells and CAFs. This dual-targeting CART-cell strategy significantly improved the effector functions of CART cells. We show for the first time that dual targeting of both malignant plasma cells and the CAFs within the TME is a novel strategy to overcome resistance to CART-cell therapy in MM.
Direct Visualisation of Skyrmion Lattice Defect Alignment at Grain Boundaries
Authors: Schönenberger Thomas , Huang Ping , Brun Lawrence D. , Guanghao Li , Magrez Arnaud , Carbone Fabrizio , Rønnow Henrik M.
Published: January 2022

We present a method to directly visualise a statistical analysis of skyrmion defect alignment at grain boundaries in the skyrmion host $$\hbox {Cu}_2$$

Cu
2

OSeO3. Using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we collected large data sets with several hundreds of frames containing skyrmion lattices with grain boundaries in them. To address the behaviour of strings of dislocations in these grain boundaries, we developed an algorithm to automatically extract and classify strings of dislocations separating the grains. This way we circumvent the problem of having to create configurations with well-defined relative grain orientations by performing a statistical analysis on a dynamically rearranging image sequence. With this statistical method, we are able to experimentally extract the relationship between grain boundary alignment and defect spacing and find an agreement with geometric expectations. The algorithms used can be extended to other types of lattices such as Abrikosov lattices or colloidal systems in optical microscopy.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy and cranial nerve VII palsy in a 24-year-old patient with COVID-19
Authors: Alexandri Maya , Reynolds Bradford Z. , Smith Hunter , Golden Bradley Michael , Gross Hartmut , Switzer Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Many documented secondary neurologic manifestations are associated with COVID-19, including mild peripheral and central nervous system disorders (such as hypo/anosmia, hypo/ageusia, and cranial nerve VII palsy) and severe problems (such as ischemic stroke, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and encephalitis). The list is growing. A new addition is non-alcohol Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 24-year-old male with no past medical history who developed stroke-like symptoms two days after testing positive for COVID-19. MRI of his brain showed T2 FLAIR hyperintensity in the splenium of the corpus collosum, mamillary bodies, periaqueductal gray matter, tectum, and ventral and dorsal medulla, an MRI signal concerning for non-alcohol Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Our patient had no risk factors for Wernicke’s encephalopathy. He was admitted and started on thiamine for Wernicke’s encephalopathy and steroids for his cranial VII nerve palsy. Both his symptoms and imaging improved. He was discharged on oral thiamine. Follow-up in the Neurology Clinic has confirmed his continued stable state.

Conclusions

This case is one of three documented cases of Wernicke’s encephalopathy believed to be caused by COVID-19 in patients without risk factors or chronic alcohol use. Ours is also the first case in which Wernicke’s encephalopathy presents with a concomitant cranial nerve VII palsy. While Emergency Medicine doctors must maintain a high index of suspicion for stroke in younger patients with COVID-19, our patient’s case augments the correlation between COVID-19 and Wernicke’s encephalopathy in patients without other risk factors for developing the syndrome.
Long-term individualized monitoring of sympatric bat species reveals distinct species- and demographic differences in hibernation phenology
Authors: Meier Frauke , Grosche Leo , Reusch Christine , Runkel Volker , van Schaik Jaap , Kerth Gerald
Published: January 2022

Background

Hibernation allows species to conserve energy and thereby bridge unfavorable environmental conditions. At the same time, hibernation imposes substantial ecological and physiological costs. Understanding how hibernation timing differs within and between species can provide insights into the underlying drivers of this trade-off. However, this requires individualized long-term data that are often unavailable. Here, we used automatic monitoring techniques and a reproducible analysis pipeline to assess the individualized hibernation phenology of two sympatric bat species. Our study is based on data of more than 1100 RFID-tagged Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii) and Natterer’s bats (Myotis nattereri) collected over seven years at a hibernaculum in Germany. We used linear mixed models to analyze species-, sex- and age-specific differences in entrance, emergence and duration of the longest continuous period spent in the hibernaculum.

Results

Overall, Daubenton’s bats entered the hibernaculum earlier and emerged later than Natterer’s bats, resulting in a nearly twice as long hibernation duration. In both species, adult females entered earlier and emerged from hibernation later than adult males. Hibernation duration was shorter for juveniles than adults with the exception of adult male Natterer’s bats whose hibernation duration was shortest of all classes. Finally, hibernation timing differed among years, but yearly variations in entrance and emergence timing were not equally shifted in both species.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that even in sympatric species, and across sex and age classes, hibernation timing may be differentially affected by environmental conditions. This highlights the necessity of using individualized information when studying the impact of changing environments on hibernation phenology.
Genome-Wide association study of quantitative biomarkers identifies a novel locus for alzheimer’s disease at 12p12.1
Authors: Lee Brian , Yao Xiaohui , Shen Li ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2022

Background

Genetic study of quantitative biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a promising method to identify novel genetic factors and relevant endophenotypes, which provides valuable information to deconvolute mechanistic complexity and better understand disease subtypes.

Results

Using the data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) between 565,373 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 16 key AD biomarkers from 1,576 subjects at four visits. We identified a novel locus rs5011804 at 12p12.1 significantly associated with several AD biomarkers, including three cognitive traits (CDRSB, FAQ, ADAS13) and one imaging trait (fusiform volume). Additional mediation and interaction analyses investigated the relationships among this SNP, relevant biomarkers, and clinical diagnosis, confirming and further elaborating the genetic effects seen in the GWAS.

Conclusion

Our GWAS not only affirms key AD genes but also suggests the promising role of the SNP rs5011804 due to its associations with several AD cognitive and imaging outcomes. The SNP rs5011804 has a reported association with adult asthma and slightly affects intracranial volume but has not been associated with AD before. Our novel findings contribute to a more comprehensive view of the molecular mechanism behind AD.
Choice of home blood pressure monitoring device: the role of device characteristics among Alaska Native and American Indian peoples
Authors: Railey Ashley F. , Dillard Denise A. , Fyfe-Johnson Amber , Todd Michael , Schaefer Krista , Rosenman Robert
Published: January 2022

Background

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is an effective tool in treatment and long-term management of hypertension. HBPM incorporates more data points to help patients and providers with diagnosis and management. The characteristics of HBPM devices matter to patients, but the relative importance of the characteristics in choosing a device remains unclear.

Methods

We used data from a randomized cross-over pilot study with 100 Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people with hypertension to assess the choice of a wrist or arm HBPM device. We use a random utility framework to evaluate the relationship between stated likely use, perceived accuracy, ease of use, comfort, and participant characteristics with choice of device. Additional analyses examined willingness to change to a more accurate device.

Results

Participants ranked the wrist device higher compared to the arm on a 5-point Likert scale for likely use, ease of use, and comfort (0.3, 0.5, 0.8 percentage points, respectively). Most participants (66%) choose the wrist device. Likely use (wrist and arm devices) was related to the probability of choosing the wrist (0.7 and − 1.4 percentage points, respectively). Independent of characteristics, 75% of participants would be willing to use the more accurate device. Ease of use (wrist device) and comfort (arm device) were associated with the probability of changing to a more accurate device (− 1.1 and 0.5 percentage points, respectively).

Conclusion

Usability, including comfort, ease, and likely use, appeared to discount the relative importance of perceived accuracy in the device choice. Our results contribute evidence that ANAI populations value accurate HBPM, but that the devices should also be easy to use and comfortable to facilitate long-term management.
A systematic review of the patient burden of Crohn’s disease-related rectovaginal and anovaginal fistulas
Authors: Iglay Kristy , Bennett Dimitri , Kappelman Michael D. , Thai Sydney , Aldridge Molly , Karki Chitra , Cook Suzanne F.
Published: January 2022

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD)-related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) and anovaginal fistulas (AVFs) are rare, debilitating conditions that present a substantial disease and treatment burden for women. This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed the burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF, summarizing evidence from observational studies and highlighting knowledge gaps.

Methods

This SLR identified articles in PubMed and Embase that provide data and insight into the patient experience and disease burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF. Two trained reviewers used pre-specified eligibility criteria to identify studies for inclusion and evaluate risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies.

Results

Of the 582 records identified, 316 full-text articles were assessed, and 16 studies met a priori eligibility criteria and were included. Few epidemiology studies were identified, with one study estimating the prevalence of RVF to be 2.3% in females with Crohn’s disease. Seven of 12 treatment pattern studies reported that patients had or required additional procedures before and/or after the intervention of interest, demonstrating a substantial treatment burden. Seven of 11 studies assessing clinical outcomes reported fistula healing rates between 50 and 75%, with varying estimates based on population and intervention.

Conclusions

This SLR reports the high disease and treatment burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF and identifies multiple evidence gaps in this field. The literature lacks robust, generalizable data, and demonstrates a compelling need for substantial, novel research into these rare and debilitating sequelae of CD.

Registration The PROSPERO registration number for the protocol for this systematic literature review is CRD42020177732.
Talaromyces marneffei and Mycobacterium tuberculosis co-infection in a patient with high titer anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies: a case report
Authors: Qiu Ye , Pan Mianluan , Yang Zhenming , Zeng Wen , Zhang Hui , Li Zhengtu , Zhang Jianquan
Published: January 2022

Background

High-titer anti-interferon (IFN)-γ autoantibodies are strongly associated with intracellular pathogens such as nontuberculous mycobacteria and Talaromyces marneffei, but they are not as commonly associated with Talaromyces marneffei co-infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a case of an HIV-negative Chinese man with a severe, disseminated co-infection of Talaromyces marneffei and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, who had a high-titer of anti IFN-γ autoantibodies and a CFI heterozygous nonsense gene mutation. The patient rapidly developed sepsis and died. Through by flow cytometry for CD4+ T cells’ intracellular phosphorylated STAT-1 and Th1 cells (CD4+ IFN-γ+ cells), we found that the patient’s serum can inhibited IFN γ-induced CD4+ T cells’ STAT-1 phosphorylation and Th1 cell differentiation in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but this phenomenon was not observed in normal control’s serum. In addition, the higher serum concentration in the culture medium, the more obvious inhibition of Th1 cell differentiation.

Conclusions

For HIV-negative individuals with relapsing, refractory, fatal double or multiple intracellular pathogen infections, especially Talaromyces marneffei, clinicians should be aware that if they might be dealing with adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome due to high-titer anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies. Systematic genetic and immunological investigations should also be performed.
CANT1 serves as a potential prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma and promotes cell proliferation and invasion in vitro
Authors: Yao Qiwei , Yu Yilin , Wang Zhiping , Zhang Mengyan , Ma Jiayu , Wu Yahua , Zheng Qunhao , Li Jiancheng
Published: January 2022

Background

Calcium-activated nucleotidase 1 (CANT1), functions as a calcium-dependent nucleotidase with a preference for UDP. However, the potential clinical value of CANT1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LA) has not been fully clarified. Thus, we sought to identify its potential biological function and mechanism through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments in LA.

Methods

In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the prognostic role of CANT1 in LA patients through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were utilized to analyze the expression of CANT1 in LA patients and their clinical-prognostic value. The immunohistochemistry staining was obtained from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). A Cox regression model was used to evaluate prognostic factors. Gene ontology (GO) and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the potential regulatory mechanism of CANT1 in the development of LA. Moreover, we also examined the relationship between CANT1 expression and DNA methylation. Finally, we did in vitro experiments to evaluate the biological behavior and role of CANT1 in LA cells (LACs).

Results

Our study showed that the CANT1 expression was significantly elevated in the LA tissues compared with the normal lung tissues. Increased CANT1 expression was significantly associated with the TN stage. A univariate Cox analysis indicated that high CANT1 expression levels were correlated with poor overall survival (OS) in LA. Besides, CANT1 expression was independently associated with OS in multivariate analysis. GO and GSEA analysis showed the enrichment of mitotic nuclear division, DNA methylation, and DNA damage. Then we found that the high expression of CANT1 is positively correlated with hypomethylation. The methylation level was associated with prognosis in LA patients. Finally, in vitro experiments indicated that knockdown of CANT1 resulted in decreased cell proliferation, invasion, and G1 phase cell-cycle arrest in LACs.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that CANT1 may serve as a potential prognosis biomarker in patients with LA. High CANT1 expression and promoter demethylation was associated with worse outcome. Finally, in vitro experiments verified the biological functions and behaviors of CANT1 in LA.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmic presentations to an Australian outer metropolitan and rural emergency department: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Leung King Fai Calvin , Golzan Mojtaba , Egodage Chaminda , Rodda Simon , Cracknell Richard , Macken Peter , Kaushik Shweta
Published: January 2022

Background

To analyse ophthalmic presentations to an outer metropolitan and a rural emergency department (ED) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

A retrospective comparative study of ophthalmic emergency presentations to Campbelltown Hospital (fifth busiest NSW metropolitan ED; population 310,000) and Bowral and District Hospital (rural ED; population 48,000) before and during COVID-19 was conducted. Patient demographics, triage category, referral source, diagnosis, length of stay, departure status, and follow-up location were assessed from coding data between March 1st to May 31st in 2019 and 2020, corresponding to the peak case numbers and restrictions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in NSW. Differences before and during COVID-19 were analysed using chi-squared tests or independent sample t-tests.

Results

There was no change in ophthalmic presentations at Campbelltown (n = 228 in 2019 vs. n = 232 in 2020; + 1.75%, p = 0.12) and an increase at Bowral (n = 100 in 2019 vs. n = 111 in 2020; + 11%, p < 0.01) during COVID-19. Urgent ophthalmic presentations (Triage Category 3) decreased at Bowral (p = 0.0075), while non-urgent ophthalmic presentations (Triage Category 5) increased at both hospitals (Campbelltown p < 0.05, Bowral p < 0.01).

Conclusions

There was no change in the total number of ophthalmic presentations to an outer metropolitan and an increase to a rural ED during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales, Australia. A change in the type of ophthalmic presentations at these peripheral EDs suggest that a high demand for ophthalmic services remained despite the pandemic and its associated gathering and movement restrictions. A flexible healthcare delivery strategy, such as tele-ophthalmology, may optimise patient care during and after COVID-19.
Ankle joint salvage and reconstruction by limited ORIF combined with an Ilizarov external fixator for complex open tibial pilon fractures (AO 43-C3.3) with segmental bone defects
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Yaxing , Ouyang Xiangyu , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2022

Background

Open pilon fractures combined with sizeable segmental bone defects are rare, difficult to treat, and often result in the loss of ankle joint function. The purpose of this study was to determine clinical outcomes in patients with open pilon fractures and sizeable segmental bone defects treated by limited ORIF combined with an Ilizarov external fixator.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of open pilon fractures with sizeable segmental bone defects treated by limited ORIF combined with the Ilizarov external fixator strategy between July 2014 and August 2019. All patients were included for assessments of fracture healing and infection rates. Ankle functional outcomes were assessed in all patients according to the Paley criteria and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) at least 24 months post-injury.

Results

All patients were followed up for a mean of 41.09 months. The mean bone defect size was 5.64 ± 1.21 cm. The average EFI and BTI were 1.56 ± 0.28 months/cm and 11.12 ± 0.74 days/cm, respectively. According to the Paley evaluation system, the success rate of ankle joint reconstruction was 64% (7/11). The mean score based on the AOFAS functional assessment was 77.73 ± 8.87. Five patients showed posttraumatic arthritis, one of whom required ankle arthrodesis. Three patients developed pin site infections, and one patient developed a deep infection after bone grafting.

Conclusion

The strategy of limited ORIF combined with an Ilizarov external fixator can restore ankle function in most patients with complex open tibial pilon fractures. Ankle stiffness, pin tract infection, and traumatic arthritis were the most common complications associated with this therapy.
TAS2R38 polymorphisms and oral diseases in Thais: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khimsuksri Sawita , Paphangkorakit Jarin , Pitiphat Waranuch , Coldwell Susan Elaine
Published: January 2022

Background

Polymorphisms at positions 49, 262, and 296 in the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor gene result in two common genetic haplotypes, PAV and AVI, named for the resulting amino acid substitutions. TAS2R38 genotype has been previously associated with caries risk in children. This study aimed to identify TAS2R38 polymorphisms among Thais and to explore any association between genotype and oral diseases.

Methods

Patients seeking care at Khon Kaen University Dental Hospital in Thailand were recruited to participate in the study. Saliva was collected for DNA extraction and genotyping. Patients completed a questionnaire to collect demographic variables and assess oral self-care behaviors. A calibrated dentist conducted an examination that included periodontal charting and recording of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT).

Results

A total of 250 patients (19–75 years) were enrolled in the study (116 males). Two haplotypes, PAV (67.2%) and AVI (32.8%) were found, resulting in 3 diplotypes; PAV/PAV (46.0%), PAV/AVI (42.4%) and AVI/AVI (11.6%). DMFT and periodontal status of 238 participants were recorded. The three diplotype groups were similar in age, sex, socio-economic indicators, oral self-care, and number of teeth. The odds of having periodontal disease, defined as at least one site with probing depth ≥ 5 mm, were lower in AVI/AVI and PAV/AVI compared with PAV/PAV. PAV/AVI tended to have less DMFT, while AVI/AVI tended to have more DMFT compared with PAV/PAV, however these trends did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

The frequency distribution of TAS2R38 genotypes was similar to that reported for other Asian populations. AVI/AVI genotype was associated with decreased prevalence of periodontal disease among Thai dental patients, whereas there was no significant association between TAS2R38 genotype and prevalence of tooth decay in this patient population.