bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connectivity, reproduction number, and mobility interact to determine communities’ epidemiological superspreader potential in a metapopulation network
Authors: Lieberthal Brandon , Gardner Allison M.
Published: March 2021

Disease epidemic outbreaks on human metapopulation networks are often driven by a small number of superspreader nodes, which are primarily responsible for spreading the disease throughout the network. Superspreader nodes typically are characterized either by their locations within the network, by their degree of connectivity and centrality, or by their habitat suitability for the disease, described by their reproduction number (R). Here we introduce a model that considers simultaneously the effects of network properties and R on superspreaders, as opposed to previous research which considered each factor separately. This type of model is applicable to diseases for which habitat suitability varies by climate or land cover, and for direct transmitted diseases for which population density and mitigation practices influences R. We present analytical models that quantify the superspreader capacity of a population node by two measures: probability-dependent superspreader capacity, the expected number of neighboring nodes to which the node in consideration will randomly spread the disease per epidemic generation, and time-dependent superspreader capacity, the rate at which the node spreads the disease to each of its neighbors. We validate our analytical models with a Monte Carlo analysis of repeated stochastic Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) simulations on randomly generated human population networks, and we use a random forest statistical model to relate superspreader risk to connectivity, R, centrality, clustering, and diffusion. We demonstrate that either degree of connectivity or R above a certain threshold are sufficient conditions for a node to have a moderate superspreader risk factor, but both are necessary for a node to have a high-risk factor. The statistical model presented in this article can be used to predict the location of superspreader events in future epidemics, and to predict the effectiveness of mitigation strategies that seek to reduce the value of R, alter host movements, or both.
Human-pathogenic relapsing fever Borrelia found in bats from Central China phylogenetically clustered together with relapsing fever borreliae reported in the New World
Authors: Li Ze-Min , Xiao Xiao , Zhou Chuan-Min , Liu Jian-Xiao , Gu Xiao-Lan , Fang Li-Zhu , Liu Bin-Yan , Wang Lian-Rong , Yu Xue-Jie , Han Hui-Ju
Published: March 2021

Bats can harbor zoonotic pathogens causing emerging infectious diseases, but their status as hosts for bacteria is limited. We aimed to investigate the distribution, prevalence and genetic diversity of Borrelia in bats and bat ticks in Hubei Province, China, which will give us a better understanding of the risk of Borrelia infection posed by bats and their ticks. During 2018–2020, 403 bats were captured from caves in Hubei Province, China, 2 bats were PCR-positive for Borrelia. Sequence analysis of rrs, flaB and glpQ genes of positive samples showed 99.55%-100% similarity to Candidatus Borrelia fainii, a novel human-pathogenic relapsing fever Borrelia species recently reported in Zambia, Africa and Eastern China, which was clustered together with relapsing fever Borrelia species traditionally reported only in the New World. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pairwise genetic distances further confirmed the Borrelia species in the bats from Central China as Candidatus Borrelia fainii. No Borrelia DNA was detected in ticks collected from bats. The detection of this human-pathogenic relapsing fever Borrelia in bats suggests a wide distribution of this novel relapsing fever Borrelia species in China, which may pose a threat to public health in China.
Prevalence and prediction of Lyme disease in Hainan province
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhu Xiong , Hou Xuexia , Li Huan , Yang Xiaona , Chen Ting , Fu Xiaoying , Miao Guangqing , Hao Qin , Li Sha
Published: March 2021

Lyme disease (LD) is one of the most important vector-borne diseases worldwide. However, there is limited information on the prevalence and risk analysis using correlated factors in the tropical areas. A total of 1583 serum samples, collected from five hospitals of Hainan Province, were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and western blot (WB) analyses using anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies. Then, we mapped the distribution of positive rate (by IFA) and the spread of confirmed Lyme patients (by WB). Using ArcGIS, we compiled host-vector-human interactions and correlated data as risk factor layers to predict LD risk in Hainan Province. There are three LD hotspots, designated hotspot I, which is located in central Hainan, hotspot II, which contains Sanya district, and hotspot III, which lies in the Haikou-Qiongshan area. The positive rate (16.67% by IFA) of LD in Qiongzhong, located in hotspot I, was higher than that in four other areas. Of confirmed cases of LD, 80.77% of patients (42/52) whose results had been confirmed by WB were in hotspots I and III. Hotspot II, with unknowed prevalence of LD, need to be paid more attention considering human-vector interaction. Wuzhi and Limu mountains might be the most important areas for the prevalence of LD, as the severe host-vector and human-vector interactions lead to a potential origin site for LD. Qiongzhong is the riskiest area and is located to the east of Wuzhi Mountain. In the Sanya and Haikou-Qiongshan area, intervening in the human-vector interaction would help control the prevalence of LD.
12 Novel clonal groups of Leptospira infecting humans in multiple contrasting epidemiological contexts in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasundara Dinesha , Senavirathna Indika , Warnasekara Janith , Gamage Chandika , Siribaddana Sisira , Kularatne Senanayake Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage , Matthias Michael , Mariet Jean-François , Picardeau Mathieu , Agampodi Suneth , M. Vinetz Joseph
Published: March 2021

Leptospirosis is a ubiquitous zoonotic disease and a major clinical challenge owing to the multitude of clinical presentations and manifestations that are possibly attributable to the diversity ofLeptospira, the understanding of which is key to study the epidemiology of this emerging global disease threat. Sri Lanka is a hotspot for leptospirosis with high levels of endemicity as well as annual epidemics. We carried out a prospective study ofLeptospiradiversity in Sri Lanka, covering the full range of climatic zones, geography, and clinical severity. Samples were collected for leptospiral culture from 1,192 patients from 15 of 25 districts in Sri Lanka over two and half years. Twenty-five isolates belonging to four pathogenicLeptospiraspecies were identified:L.interrogans,L.borgpetersenii,L.weilii, andL.kirschneri. At least six serogroups were identified among the isolates: Autumnalis (6), Pyrogenes (4), Icterohaemorrhagiae (2), Celledoni (1), Grippotyphosa (2) and Bataviae (1). Seven isolates did not agglutinate using available antisera panels, suggesting new serogroups. Isolates were sequenced using an Illumina platform. These data add 25 new core genome sequence types and were clustered in 15 clonal groups, including 12 new clonal groups.L.borgpeterseniiwas found only in the dry zone andL.weiliionly in the wet zone. Acute kidney injury and cardiovascular involvement were seen only withL.interrogansinfections. Thrombocytopenia and liver impairment were seen in bothL.interrogansandL.borgpeterseniiinfections. The inadequate sensitivity of culture isolation to identify infectingLeptospiraspecies underscores the need for culture-independent typing methods forLeptospira.
Community-based Guinea worm surveillance in Chad: Evaluating a system at the intersection of human and animal disease
Authors: Rubenstein Beth L. , Roy Sharon L. , Unterwegner Karmen , Yerian Sarah , Weiss Adam , Zirimwabagabo Hubert , Chop Elisabeth , Romero Mario , Ouakou Philip Tchindebet , Moundai Tchonfienet , Guagliardo Sarah Anne J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Guinea worm is a debilitating parasitic infection targeted for eradication. Annual human cases have dropped from approximately 3,500,000 in 1986 to 54 in 2019. Recent identification of canine cases in Chad threatens progress, and therefore detection, prevention, and containment of canine cases is a priority. We investigated associations between disease knowledge, community engagement, and canine cases in Chad to identify opportunities to improve active surveillance.

Methods

We surveyed 627 respondents (villagers, local leaders, community volunteers, and supervisors) across 45 villages under active surveillance. Descriptive statistics were analyzed by respondent category. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the effects of volunteer visit frequency on villager knowledge.

Results

Knowledge increased with respondents’ associations with the Guinea worm program. Household visit frequency by community volunteers was uneven: 53.0% of villagers reported visits at least twice weekly and 21.4% of villagers reported never being visited. Villagers visited by a volunteer at least twice weekly had better knowledge of Guinea worm symptoms (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.04–2.79) and could name more prevention strategies (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.32–3.15) than villagers visited less frequently. The primary motivation to report was to facilitate care-seeking for people with Guinea worm. Knowledge of animal “containment” to prevent contamination of water, knowledge of rewards for reporting animal cases, and ability to name any reasons to report Guinea worm were each positively correlated with village canine case counts.

Conclusions

Community volunteers play crucial roles in educating their neighbors about Guinea worm and facilitating surveillance. Additional training and more attentive management of volunteers and supervisors could increase visit frequency and further amplify their impact. Emphasizing links between animal and human cases, the importance of animal containment, and animal rewards might improve surveillance and canine case detection. The surveillance system should be evaluated routinely to expand generalizability of data and monitor changes over time.
Silver nanoparticles from insect wing extract: Biosynthesis and evaluation for antioxidant and antimicrobial potential
Authors: Jakinala Parameshwar , Lingampally Nageshwar , Hameeda Bee , Sayyed R. Z. , Khan M. Yahya , Elsayed Elsayed Ahmed , El Enshasy Hesham
Published: March 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most widely synthesized and used nanoparticles (NPs). AgNPs have been traditionally synthesized from plant extracts, cobwebs, microorganisms, etc. However, their synthesis from wing extracts of common insect; Mang mao which is abundantly available in most of the Asian countries has not been explored yet. We report the synthesis of AgNPs from M. mao wings extract and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The synthesized AgNPs were spherical, 40–60 nm in size and revealed strong absorption plasmon band around at 430 nm. Highly crystalline nature of these particles as determined by Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction further confirmed the presence of AgNPs. Hydrodynamic size and zeta potential of AgNPs were observed to be 43.9 nm and -7.12 mV, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of characteristic amide proteins and aromatic functional groups. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids in the wings extract that may be responsible for biosynthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. Further, SDS-PAGE of the insect wing extract protein showed the molecular weight of 49 kDa. M. mao silver nanoparticles (MMAgNPs) exhibit strong antioxidant, broad-range antibacterial and antifungal activities, (66.8 to 87.0%), broad-range antibacterial and antifungal activities was found with maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 (35±0.4 mm) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini (86.6±0.4) which signifies their biomedical and agricultural potential.
Regulation of sperm motility in Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) spawning naturally in seawater with low salinity
Authors: Nichols Zoe G. , Rikard Scott , Alavi Sayyed Mohammad Hadi , Walton William C. , Butts Ian A. E.
Published: March 2021

Oyster aquaculture is expanding worldwide, where many farms rely on seed produced by artificial spawning. As sperm motility and velocity are key determinants for fertilization success, understanding the regulation of sperm motility and identifying optimal environmental conditions can increase fertility and seed production. In the present study, we investigated the physiological mechanisms regulating sperm motility in Eastern oyster,Crassostrea virginica. Sperm motility was activated in ambient seawater with salinity 4–32 PSU with highest motility and velocity observed at 12–24 PSU. In artificial seawater (ASW) with salinity of 20 PSU, sperm motility was activated at pH 6.5–10.5 with the highest motility and velocity recorded at pH 7.5–10.0. Sperm motility was inhibited or totally suppressed in Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+-free ASW at 20 PSU. Applications of K+(500 μM glybenclamide and 10–50 mM 4-aminopyridine), Ca2+(1–50 μM mibefradil and 10–200 μM verapamil), or Na+(0.2–2.0 mM amiloride) channel blockers into ASW at 20 PSU inhibited or suppressed sperm motility and velocity. Chelating extracellular Ca2+ions by 3.0 and 3.5 mM EGTA resulted in a significant reduction and full suppression of sperm motility by 4 to 6 min post-activation. These results suggest that extracellular K+, Ca2+, and Na+ions are involved in regulation of ionic-dependent sperm motility in Eastern oyster. A comparison with other bivalve species typically spawning at higher salinities or in full-strength seawater shows that ionic regulation of sperm motility is physiologically conserved in bivalves. Elucidating sperm regulation inC.virginicahas implications to develop artificial reproduction, sperm short-term storage, or cryopreservation protocols, and to better predict how changes in the ocean will impact oyster spawning dynamics.
Analysis of the real number of infected people by COVID-19: A system dynamics approach
Authors: Hu Bo , Dehmer Matthias , Emmert-Streib Frank , Zhang Bo
Published: March 2021

At the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was able to spread quickly in Wuhan and in the province of Hubei due to a lack of experience with this novel virus. Additionally, authories had no proven experience with applying insufficient medical, communication and crisis management tools. For a considerable period of time, the actual number of people infected was unknown. There were great uncertainties regarding the dynamics and spread of the Covid-19 virus infection. In this paper, we develop a system dynamics model for the three connected regions (Wuhan, Hubei excl. Wuhan, China excl. Hubei) to understand the infection and spread dynamics of the virus and provide a more accurate estimate of the number of infected people in Wuhan and discuss the necessity and effectivity of protective measures against this epidemic, such as the quarantines imposed throughout China. We use the statistics of confirmed cases of China excl. Hubei. Also the daily data on travel activity within China was utilized, in order to determine the actual numerical development of the infected people in Wuhan City and Hubei Province. We used a multivariate Monte Carlo optimization to parameterize the model to match the official statistics. In particular, we used the model to calculate the infections, which had already broken out, but were not diagnosed for various reasons.
Firm information disclosure environment and R&D investment: Evidence from Internet penetration
Authors: Wang Yukun , Li Chunling , Khan Muhammad Asif , Li Nian , Yuan Runsen
Published: March 2021

Guided by the conviction that “Clear waters and green mountains are as good as mountains of gold and silver”, China highly values sustainable economic and social development through innovation and Internet technology. Regression analysis is performed to examine the impact of corporate information disclosure environment proxied by the Internet penetration rate on innovation. Leveraging from the city-level Internet penetration rates data in China from 2003 to 2017, this study gets the following findings: (1) Firms headquartered in cities with high Internet penetration rates tend to be more innovative, i.e. they invest more in research and development. (2) This result is supported by several robustness checks, such as alternative measures of key variables, alternative empirical specifications, and tests to mitigate identification concerns. (3) "financing constraint" and "tolerance of innovation failure" are two channels that influence firms’ innovative endeavors. (4) Additional tests show that Internet penetration rates facilitate a firm’s output efficiency of innovation input, total factor productivity, and human capital environment for innovation. The above conclusions not only enrich the relevant literature on the influencing factors of corporate innovation from the perspective of the firm information disclosure environment but also provide an important reference for further understanding the positive role of macro technology development on social and economic development.
Speaking out of turn: How video conferencing reduces vocal synchrony and collective intelligence
Authors: Tomprou Maria , Kim Young Ji , Chikersal Prerna , Woolley Anita Williams , Dabbish Laura A.
Published: March 2021

Collective intelligence (CI) is the ability of a group to solve a wide range of problems. Synchrony in nonverbal cues is critically important to the development of CI; however, extant findings are mostly based on studies conducted face-to-face. Given how much collaboration takes place via the internet, does nonverbal synchrony still matter and can it be achieved when collaborators are physically separated? Here, we hypothesize and test the effect of nonverbal synchrony on CI that develops through visual and audio cues in physically-separated teammates. We show that, contrary to popular belief, the presence of visual cues surprisingly has no effect on CI; furthermore, teamswithoutvisual cues are more successful in synchronizing their vocal cues and speaking turns, and when they do so, they have higher CI. Our findings show that nonverbal synchrony is important in distributed collaboration and call into question the necessity of video support.
Multi-zone prediction analysis of city-scale travel order demand
Authors: Li Pengshun , Chang Jiarui , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2021

Taxi order demand prediction is of tremendous importance for continuous upgrading of an intelligent transportation system to realise city-scale and personalised services. An accurate short-term taxi demand prediction model in both spatial and temporal relations can assist a city pre-allocate its resources and facilitate city-scale taxi operation management in a megacity. To address problems similar to the above, in this study, we proposed a multi-zone order demand prediction model to predict short-term taxi order demand in different zones at city-scale. A two-step methodology was developed, including order zone division and multi-zone order prediction. For the zone division step, the K-means++ spatial clustering algorithm was used, and its parameter k was estimated by the between–within proportion index. For the prediction step, six methods (backpropagation neural network, support vector regression, random forest, average fusion-based method, weighted fusion-based method, and k-nearest neighbour fusion-based method) were used for comparison. To demonstrate the performance, three multi-zone weighted accuracy indictors were proposed to evaluate the order prediction ability at city-scale. These models were implemented and validated on real-world taxi order demand data from a three-month consecutive collection in Shenzhen, China. Experiment on the city-scale taxi demand data demonstrated the superior prediction performance of the multi-zone order demand prediction model with the k-nearest neighbour fusion-based method based on the proposed accuracy indicator.
Improved economic and clinical outcomes with oritavancin versus a comparator group for treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections in a community hospital
Authors: Saddler Kimberly , Zhang Jason , Sul Jennifer , Patel Pruthvi , Castro-Lainez Miriams , Stevens Mark L. , Kosler Sheryl , Lowery Emily , Sierra-Hoffman Miguel
Published: March 2021

Background

Oritavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic with in vitro bactericidal activity against gram-positive pathogens indicated for use in adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). Its concentration-dependent activity and prolonged half-life provide a convenient single-dose alternative to multi-dose daily therapies for ABSSSI. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to quantify the clinical and economic advantages of using oritavancin compared to other antibiotic agents that have been historically effective for ABSSSI.

Methods

Seventy-nine patients received oritavancin who had failed previous outpatient antibiotic therapy (OPAT) for cellulitis or abscess and were subsequently readmitted to the hospital as an inpatient between 2016 and 2018. These patients were compared to a cohort of 28 patients receiving other antibiotics following OPAT failure and subsequent hospitalization for these two infection types. The primary clinical end point was average length of stay (aLOS) and secondary endpoints included readmission rates for the same indication at 30 and 90 days after discharge and the average hospital cost (aHC).

Results

A total of 107 patients were hospitalized for treatment of cellulitis or abscess. Demographic characteristics of both the oritavancin and comparator groups were similar except for the presence of diabetes. The primary clinical endpoint showed a non-significant decrease in aLOS between the oritavancin group versus comparator (2.12 days versus 2.59 days; p = 0.097). The secondary endpoints revealed lower readmission rates associated with oritavancin treatment at 30 and 90 days; the average hospital cost was 5.9% lower for patients that received oritavancin.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that oritavancin provides not only a single-dose alternative to multi-day therapies for skin and skin structure infections, but also a clinical and economic advantage compared to other antibiotic agents.
Measuring inter- and intra-individual differences in visual scan patterns in a driving simulator experiment using active information storage
Authors: Wiebel-Herboth Christiane B. , Krüger Matti , Wollstadt Patricia
Published: March 2021

Scan pattern analysis has been discussed as a promising tool in the context of real-time gaze-based applications. In particular, information-theoretic measures of scan path predictability, such as the gaze transition entropy (GTE), have been proposed for detecting relevant changes in user state or task demand. These measures model scan patterns as first-order Markov chains, assuming that only the location of the previous fixation is predictive of the next fixation in time. However, this assumption may not be sufficient in general, as recent research has shown that scan patterns may also exhibit more long-range temporal correlations. Thus, we here evaluate the active information storage (AIS) as a novel information-theoretic approach to quantifying scan path predictability in a dynamic task. In contrast to the GTE, the AIS provides means to statistically test and account for temporal correlations in scan path data beyond the previous last fixation. We compare AIS to GTE in a driving simulator experiment, in which participants drove in a highway scenario, where trials were defined based on an experimental manipulation that encouraged the driver to start an overtaking maneuver. Two levels of difficulty were realized by varying the time left to complete the task. We found that individual observers indeed showed temporal correlations beyond a single past fixation and that the length of the correlation varied between observers. No effect of task difficulty was observed on scan path predictability for either AIS or GTE, but we found a significant increase in predictability during overtaking. Importantly, for participants for which the first-order Markov chain assumption did not hold, this was only shown using AIS but not GTE. We conclude that accounting for longer time horizons in scan paths in a personalized fashion is beneficial for interpreting gaze pattern in dynamic tasks.
A comparison of educational events for physicians and nurses in Australia sponsored by opioid manufacturers
Authors: Grundy Quinn , Mazzarello Sasha , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Karanges Emily A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Educational activities for physicians sponsored by opioid manufacturers are implicated in the over- and mis-prescribing of opioids. However, the implications of promotion to nurses are poorly understood. Nurses play a key role in assessing pain, addressing the determinants of pain, and administering opioid medications. We sought to understand the nature and content of pain-related educational events sponsored by opioid manufacturers and to compare events targeting physicians and nurses.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional, descriptive analysis of pharmaceutical company reports detailing 116,845 sponsored educational events attended by health professionals from 2011 to 2015 in Australia. We included events that were sponsored by manufacturers of prescription opioid analgesics and were pain related. We compared event characteristics across three attendee groups: (a) physicians only; (b) at least one nurse in attendance; and (c) nurses only. We coded the unstructured data using iteratively generated keywords for variables related to location, format, and content focus.

Results

We identified 3,411 pain-related events sponsored by 3 companies: bioCSL/CSL (n = 15), Janssen (n = 134); and Mundipharma (n = 3,262). Pain-related events were most often multidisciplinary, including at least one nurse (1,964/3,411; 58%); 38% (1,281/3,411) included physicians only, and 5% (166/3,411) nurses only. The majority of events were held in clinical settings (61%) and 43% took the form of a journal club. Chronic pain was the most common event topic (26%) followed by cancer pain and palliative care (18%), and then generic or unspecified references to pain (15%); nearly a third (32%) of event descriptions contained insufficient information to determine the content focus. Nurse-only events were less frequently held in clinical settings (32%; p < .001) and more frequently were product launches (17%; p < .001) and a significantly larger proportion focused on cancer or palliative care (33%; p < .001), generic pain topics (27%; p < .001), and geriatrics (25%; p < .001) than physician-only or multidisciplinary events.

Discussion

Opioid promotion via sponsored educational events extends beyond physicians to multidisciplinary teams and specifically, nurses. Despite lack of evidence that opioids improve outcomes for long-term chronic non-cancer pain, hundreds of sponsored educational events focused on chronic pain. Regulators should consider the validity of distinguishing between pharmaceutical companies’ “promotional” and “non-promotional” activities.
Plant structural diversity alters sediment retention on and underneath herbaceous vegetation in a flume experiment
Authors: Kretz Lena , Koll Katinka , Seele-Dilbat Carolin , van der Plas Fons , Weigelt Alexandra , Wirth Christian
Published: March 2021

Sediment retention is a key ecosystem function provided by floodplains to filter sediments and nutrients from the river water during floods. Floodplain vegetation is an important driver of fine sediment retention. We aim to understand which structural properties of the vegetation are most important for capturing sediments. In a hydraulic flume experiment, we investigated this by disentangling sedimentation on and underneath 96 vegetation patches (40 cm x 60 cm). We planted two grass and two herb species in each patch and conducted a full-factorial manipulation of 1) vegetation density, 2) vegetation height, 3) structural diversity (small-tall vs tall-tall species combinations) and 4) leaf pubescence (based on trait information). We inundated the vegetation patches for 21 h in a flume with silt- and clay-rich water and subsequently measured the amount of accumulated sediment on the vegetation and on a fleece as ground underneath it. We quantified the sediment by washing it off the biomass and off the fleece, drying the sediment and weighting it. Our results showed that all manipulated vegetation properties combined (vegetation density and height, and the interaction of structural diversity and leaf pubescence) explained sedimentation on the vegetation (total R2 = 0.34). The sedimentation underneath the vegetation was explained by the structural diversity and the leaf pubescence (total R2 = 0.11). We further found that vegetation biomass positively affected the sedimentation on and underneath the vegetation. These findings are crucial for floodplain management strategies with the aim to increase sediment retention. Based on our findings, we can identify management strategies and target plant communities that are able to maximize a floodplain’s ability to capture sediments.
Male allyship in institutional STEMM gender equity initiatives
Authors: Nash Meredith , Grant Ruby , Moore Robyn , Winzenberg Tania
Published: March 2021

This article examines men’s involvement in an institutional gender equity award scheme and how their self-concept as allies develops over time. It draws specifically on a subset of qualitative data from the four men participating in a study involving in-depth interviews with university staff involved in the self-assessment team of one Australian institution’s Science in Australia Gender Equality (SAGE) Athena SWAN pilot. Data related to the men’s experiences is the article’s focus. Key themes from the data include: 1) men’s motivations for engagement; 2) men’s self-understandings as ‘champions for change’ 3) the barriers/risks associated with male championship; and 4) men’s evolving perceptions and critiques of the male champions model. Findings show that men demonstrated personal growth and increased awareness through their participation in the pilot. Yet, their frustration with how equity and diversity was managed in their organisational context highlights pitfalls in the concept of a male ‘champion’. This article provides timely guidance for institutions seeking to engage allies in gender equity initiatives.
Imaging-guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma in typical and atypical sites: Long term follow up
Authors: Somma Francesco , Stoia Vincenzo , D’Angelo Roberto , Fiore Francesco
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To assess efficacy and safety of imaging-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Osteoid Osteoma (OO) in both typical and atypical sites.

Methods and materials

Between January 2014 and March 2019, 102 consecutive percutaneous RFA were performed and retrospectively reviewed. The procedures were performed using a RFA bipolar ablation system (Covidien, exposed tip of 0.7-1cm), under Computed Tomography (CT) guidance or using a navigation system (Masmec) under CT and Cone Beam CT (CBCT) guidance. Patients were followed up over 24 months. Clinical success and recurrences were considered on the base of established criteria. In patients with clinical failure and/or imaging evidence of relapse, retreatment was considered.

Results

Administered power per-procedure was ≤8 W (mean temperature, 90°C). The pre-procedure average value of visual analog scale (VAS) was 8.33+/-0.91. Primary and secondary success rate 96.08% (98/102) and100% (102/102), respectively. No major complication was described. Technical success was proved in every patient by CT scan acquisition after needle positioning. Relapse and tumour location were significantly correlated (p-value = 0.0165). The mean dose-length product was 751.55 mGycm2. Advanced bone healing was noted in 68 lesions after 1y-follow up and in 86 lesions after 2y-follow up.

Conclusion

Imaging-guided percutaneous RFA is a highly effective technique for OO, both in typical and atypical sites. CT or CBCT guidance, navigation systems and operator experience grant the technical success, which is the most crucial parameter affecting outcome.
Metal additive manufacturing and possible clinical markers for the monitoring of exposure-related health effects
Authors: Ljunggren Stefan A. , Ward Liam J. , Graff Pål , Persson Anders , Lind Malin Leijon , Karlsson Helen
Published: March 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) includes a series of techniques used to create products, in several different materials, such as metal, polymer or ceramics, with digital models. The main advantage of AM is that it allows the creation of complex structures, but AM promises several additional advantages including the possibility to manufacture on demand or replacing smaller worn parts by directly building on an existing piece. Therefore, the interest for and establishment of AM is rapidly expanding, which is positive, however it is important to be aware that new techniques may also result in new challenges regarding health and safety issues. Metals in blood and possible clinical effects due to metal exposure were investigated in AM operators at one of the first serial producing AM facilities in the world during two consecutive years with implementation of preventive measures in-between. As comparison, welders and office workers as control group were investigated. Health investigations comprised of surveys, lung function tests, antioxidant activity and vascular inflammation as well as renal- and hepatic function analysis. AM operators had significantly reduced nickel levels in blood (10.8 vs 6.2 nmol/L) as well as improved lung function (80 vs 92% of predicted) from year 1 to year 2. This is in line with previously published results displaying reduced exposure. Blood cobalt and nickel levels correlated with previously reported urinary levels, while blood chromium did not. Multivariate modelling showed that blood cobalt, antioxidant/inflammatory marker serum amyloid A1/serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 activity and the hepatic markers aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were higher in AM operators compared to controls. The study show that the selected clinical analyses could function as a complement to metal analyses in biological fluids when investigating exposure-related health effects in AM operators. However, validation in larger cohorts is necessary before more definite conclusions could be drawn.
Characteristics and influencing factors of Airbnb spatial distribution in China’s rapid urbanization process: A case study of Nanjing
Authors: Sun Shijie , Zhang Shengyue , Wang Xingjian
Published: March 2021

As in other countries, short-term rentals for tourism services are growing rapidly in China’s tourist cities, which are mainly operated through Airbnb. This paper explores whether the spatial distribution of Airbnb in China’s rapid urbanization process exhibits characteristics, paths, and drivers that are different from those of cities in other countries. Airbnb is a model for the global sharing economy, but it is increasingly influenced by other functions and facilities in cities as it grows. In this paper, the zero-expansion negative binomial regression was used to study the factors affecting the spatial distribution of Airbnb in Nanjing, China. The results showed that the spatial distribution of Airbnb listings was correlated with the distribution of cultural attractions, universities, public transport accessibility, shopping centers, and business apartments. By analyzing the driving forces of Airbnb’s development in Nanjing, this paper found that a large number of business apartments developed in cities were essential providers of Airbnb listings, and affected its spatial distribution. The gap between short-term and long-term rentals was also correlated with the distribution of Airbnb. In addition, similar to the previous literature findings, the increase in the proportion of professional hosts changes the original intention of Airbnb for sharing and communication. Our empirical results applies to the current situation of Airbnb in Chinese cities, which is conducive to the government’s more intelligent management and effective promotion of the Airbnb market. Our findings also provide positive references for urban renewal policies and public participation methods in China.
Correlation between skin temperature in the lower limbs and biochemical marker, performance data, and clinical recovery scales
Authors: de Carvalho Gabriela , Girasol Carlos Eduardo , Gonçalves Luiz Guilherme Cruz , Guirro Elaine Caldeira Oliveira , Guirro Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between tools commonly used in the detection of physiological changes, such as clinical complaints, a biochemical marker of muscle injury, and performance data during official matches, with infrared thermography, which has been commonly used in the possible tracking of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. Twenty-two athletes from a professional soccer club (age 27.7 ± 3.93 years; BMI 24.35 ± 1.80 kg/cm2) were followed during the season of a national championship, totaling 19 matches with an interval of 7 days between matches. At each match, the athletes used a Global Positioning System (GPS) device to collect performance data. Forty-eight hours after each match, every athlete’s perception of recovery, fatigue, and pain was documented. Blood was collected for creatine kinase (CK) analysis, and infrared thermography was applied. Only athletes who presented pain above 4 in either limb were included for thermographic analysis. Each thermographic image was divided into 14 regions of interest. For statistical analysis, we included only the images that showed differences ≥ 1° C. Data normality was verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test with Dallal-Wilkinson-Lilliefors correction. We used the Pearson correlation coefficient to verify the correlation between infrared thermography and the biochemical marker, performance data, and clinical recovery scales. No correlation was observed between mean skin temperature and blood CK levels, pain level, perception of recovery, and fatigue perception (r <0.2, p>0.05). Thus, infrared thermography did not correlate with CK level, pain, fatigue perception, or recovery, nor with performance variables within the field.
Association between thrombocytopenia and 180-day prognosis of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units: A two-center observational study
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Zhang Jing , Li Yiming , Liu Fang , Zhou Qing , Peng Zhiyong
Published: March 2021

Background

Thrombocytopenia has been proved to be associated with hospital mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. However, the detailed association of thrombocytopenia with subsequent progression of organ functions and long-term prognosis in critically ill COVID-19 patients remains to be explored.

Methods

Medical records of 167 confirmed cases of critically ill COVID-19 from February 16 to March 21, 2020 were collected in this two-center retrospective study. 180-day’s outcome and clinical organ development in patients with thrombocytopenia and non-thrombocytopenia were analyzed.

Findings

Among all 167 patients, the median age was 66 years and 67.07% were male. Significant differences were noticed in laboratory findings including white blood cells, blood urea, total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase and SOFA score between groups of thrombocytopenia and non-thrombocytopenia. Older age, lower platelet count and longer activated partial thromboplastin time at admission were determined to be risk factors of 28-day mortality, and all three, together with higher white blood cells were risk factors of 180-day mortality. Subsequent changes of six-point ordinal scale score, oxygenation index, and SOFA score in patients with thrombocytopenia showed marked worsening trends compared with patients without thrombocytopenia. Patients with thrombocytopenia had significantly higher mortality not only in 28 days, but also in 90 days and 180 days. The time-course curves in non-survival group showed a downtrend of platelet count and oxygenation index, while the curve of six-point ordinal scale kept an uptrend. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with thrombocytopenia had much lower probability of survival (p<0.01).

Interpretation

The thrombocytopenia was associated with the deterioration of respiratory function. Baseline platelet count was associated with subsequent and long-term mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Comprehensive assessments of the open mouth dynamic maneuver and metal artifact reduction algorithm on computed tomography images of the oral cavity and oropharynx
Authors: Bae Yun Jung , Kim Tae Eun , Choi Byung Se , Jeong Woo-Jin , Cho Se Jin , Baik Sung Hyun , Sunwoo Leonard , Kim Jae Hyoung
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To determine the optimal utility of the open mouth maneuver and Metal Artifact Reduction for the Orthopedic Implants (O-MAR) technique for CT of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

Methods

Between July 2017 and May 2019, 59 subjects who underwent both conventional and open mouth head and neck CT scans were included in this retrospective study. All images were reconstructed using the O-MAR algorithm. With conventional CT with/without the O-MAR (CTc_O/CTc) and open mouth CT with/without O-MAR (CTo_O/CTo), one reader measured the noise level in multiple anatomic regions of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Visual scores for the streak artifact and overall subjective image quality were assessed by two independent readers.

Results

For the mobile tongue, retromolar trigone, and palatine tonsil, the mean noise was significantly lower, and the mean visual scores were significantly higher, with CTo than with CTc or CTc_O (all, P < 0.001). The mean visual scores were higher with CTo_O than with CTo for the mobile tongue and palatine tonsil (all, P < 0.001). Contrarily, for the mouth floor and tongue base, the mean noise was significantly higher with CTo_O than with CTc or CTc_O, and the mean visual scores were significantly higher with CTc than with CTo or CTo_O (all, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The open mouth maneuver and O-MAR technique can have different influences on the CT image quality according to the anatomical subsites of the oral cavity and oropharynx.
MRI risk factors for development of avascular necrosis after closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip: Predictive value of contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Cheon Jung-Eun , Kim Ji Young , Choi Young Hun , Kim Woo Sun , Cho Tae-Joon , Yoo Won Joon
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify imaging risk factors on contrast-enhanced hip MRI after closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) that could predict future development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head.

Materials and methods

Fifty-eight infants (F: M = 53: 5, aged 3–18 months) who underwent immediate postoperative contrast-enhanced hip MRI after closed reduction of DDH were included in this study. Quality of reduction (concentric vs eccentric reduction with or without obstacles), abduction angle of the hip, presence of ossific nucleus, and pattern of contrast enhancement of the femoral head were retrospectively evaluated on MRI. Interobserver agreement of contrast enhancement pattern on MRI were evaluated by two radiologists. Development of AVN was determined through radiographic findings at 1 year after reduction.

Results

AVN of the femoral head developed in 13 (22%) of 58 patients. Excessive abduction of the hip joint (OR 4.65, [95% CI 1.20, 18.06] and global decreased enhancement of the femoral head (OR 71.66, [95% CI 10.54, 487.31]) exhibited statistically significant differences between the AVN and non-AVN groups (P < 0.05). Eccentric reduction (P = 0.320) did not show statistically significant difference between two groups and invisible ossific nucleus (P = 0.05) showed borderline significance. Multi-variable logistic regression indicated that global decreased enhancement of the femoral head was a significant risk factor of AVN (OR 27.92, 95% CI [4.17, 350.18]) (P = 0.0031). Interobserver agreement of contrast enhancement pattern analysis and diagnosis of AVN were good (0.66, 95% CI [0.52, 0.80]).

Conclusion

Contrast-enhanced hip MRI provides accurate anatomical assessment of the hip after closed reduction of DDH. Global decreased enhancement of the femoral head could be used as a good predictor for future development of AVN after closed reduction of DDH.
Drug-resistant TB prevalence study in 5 health institutions in Haiti
Authors: Hoffmann Jonathan , Chedid Carole , Ocheretina Oksana , Masetti Chloé , Joseph Patrice , Mabou Marie-Marcelle , Mathon Jean Edouard , Francois Elie Maxime , Gebelin Juliane , Babin François-Xavier , Raskine Laurent , Pape Jean William
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of death in the world. Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a major public health problem as treatment is long, costly, and associated to poor outcomes. Here, we report epidemiological data on the prevalence of drug-resistant TB in Haiti.

Methods

This cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted in five health centers across Haiti. Adult, microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients were included. Molecular genotyping (rpoB gene sequencing and spoligotyping) and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing were used to characterize rifampin-resistant MTB isolates detected by Xpert MTB/RIF.

Results

Between April 2016 and February 2018, 2,777 patients were diagnosed with pulmonary TB by Xpert MTB/RIF screening and positive MTB cultures. A total of 74 (2.7%) patients were infected by a drug-resistant (DR-TB) M. tuberculosis strain. Overall HIV prevalence was 14.1%. Patients with HIV infection were at a significantly higher risk for infection with DR-TB strains compared to pan-susceptible strains (28.4% vs. 13.7%, adjusted odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.5–4.4, P = 0.001). Among the detected DR-TB strains, T1 (29.3%), LAM9 (13.3%), and H3 (10.7%) were the most frequent clades. In comparison with previous spoligotypes studies with data collected in 2000–2002 and in 2008–2009 on both sensitive and resistant strains of TB in Haiti, we observed a significant increase in the prevalence of the drug-resistant MTB Spoligo-International-Types (SIT) 137 (X2 clade: 8.1% vs. 0.3% in 2000–02 and 0.9% in 2008–09, p<0.001), 5 (T1 clade: 6.8% vs 1.9 in 2000–02 and 1.7% in 2008–09, P = 0.034) and 455 (T1 clade: 5.4% vs 1.6% and 1.1%, P = 0.029). Newly detected spoligotypes (SIT 6, 7, 373, 909 and 1624) were also recorded.

Conclusion

This study describes the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of DR-TB strains circulating in Haiti from April 2016 to February 2018. Newly detected MTB clades harboring multi-drug resistance patterns among the Haitian population as well as the higher risk of MDR-TB infection in HIV-positive people highlights the epidemiological relevance of these surveillance data. The importance of detecting RIF-resistant patients, as proxy for MDR-TB in peripheral sites via molecular techniques, is particularly important to provide adequate patient case management, prevent the transmission of resistant strains in the community and to contribute to the surveillance of resistant strains.