bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S3 Guideline “Smoking and Tobacco Dependence: Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment” – Short Version
Authors: Batra Anil , Kiefer Falk , Andreas Stefan , Gohlke Helmut , Klein Marianne , Kotz Daniel , Mons Ute , Mühlig Stephan , Pötschke-Langer Martina , Preuss Ulrich W. , Rüther Tobias , Rustler Christa , Thomasius Rainer , Ulbricht Sabina , Petersen Kay Uwe
Published: June 2022

Introduction: In addition to the prevention of tobacco consumption, the establishment and assurance of high-quality treatment for harmful use and dependence on tobacco products remains an important health-related task in Germany. Regular updating of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) S3 guideline “Smoking and Tobacco Dependence: Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment” (Tobacco Guideline) offers a sustainable and reputable source of knowledge on smoking cessation. Methods: Under the auspices of the German Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics, and Neurology (DGPPN) and the German Society for Addiction Research and Addiction Therapy (DG-Sucht), the Tobacco Guideline was revised in 2019–2020 by 63 experts, who were involved in the development process of the text, in 11 working groups. Undue influence of conflicts of interest on the guideline could be minimized through careful conflict of interest management. Delegates from 50 professional societies discussed the 80 guideline recommendations and voted online. Results: In addition to recommendations for screening and diagnostics, the Tobacco Guideline takes a positive stance towards the use of low-threshold counseling and support services. If, due to the severity of the tobacco-related disorder, brief counseling, telephone counseling, or internet- or smartphone-based methods are not sufficiently effective, individual or group behavioral therapy, possibly in combination with medication, is indicated. If nicotine replacement therapy is not effective, varenicline or bupropion should be offered. Alternative strategies with a lower level of recommendation are hypnotherapy, mindfulness-based treatments, or medication with cytisine. In adolescents and pregnant women, the use of medication should be limited to well-specified exceptions and nicotine replacement. The mean agreement with the recommendations reached a value of 98%. A general overview of the treatment recommendations of the Tobacco Guideline is provided by three clinical algorithms.
Survival Outcome after Reduced-Port Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Long-Term Follow-Up Analysis
Authors: Noda Yusuke , Naiki Taku , Sugiyama Yosuke , Nagai Takashi , Naiki-Ito Aya , Kawai Tatsuya , Hamamoto Shuzo , Etani Toshiki , Iida Keitaro , Tomiyama Nami , Aoki Maria , Shimizu Nobuhiko , Moritoki Yoshinobu , Akita Hidetoshi , Ando Ryosuke , Kawai Noriyasu , Yasui Takahiro
Published: June 2022

Introduction: This study had two objectives: (i) to evaluate oncological outcomes in a long-term follow-up of patients with bladder cancer after reduced-port laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RP-LRC) and (ii) to assess the effect of modified Glasgow prognostic scores (mGPS) on patient outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 100) who received RP-LRC between March 2012 and December 2018 at our institution and affiliated hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative serum albumin and C-reactive protein levels were determined. Patients were grouped based on clinical T stage (≤cT2: n = 75, ≥cT3: n = 25) using pooled cumulative data. Oncological outcomes and mGPS as a prognostic biomarker were analyzed retrospectively. Kaplan-Meier curves displayed recurrence and survival rates. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses evaluated potential prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Results: Patient characteristics between the two groups were statistically similar for preoperative hematological and mGPS status, blood loss level, rate of allogeneic transfusion, and pneumoperitoneum time. After a median follow-up period of 55 months, 40/100 patients experienced disease relapse. RFS and CSS for ≤cT2 were significantly less than for ≥cT3 (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). Distant metastasis occurred in 30 patients with similar distributions of relapse sites between T-stage cohorts. Median RFS for mGPS 1/2 were 18.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.8–not assessed [NA]) and 35.0 (95% CI: 8.7–NA) months, respectively, significantly worse than for mGPS 0 (median NA, 95% CI: NA–NA); CSS was similar. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed ≥cT3 stage, worse clinical N stage, and poor mGPS status were significant prognostic factors for short RFS and CSS. Conclusions: A large proportion of bladder cancer patients who undergo RP-LRC experience relapse, with ≥cT3 stage, worse clinical N stage or poor mGPS status identified as significant prognostic factors. Our findings may contribute to improved surgical procedures for such patients.
Door‐In–Door‐Out Time Effect on Clinical Outcome According to Reperfusion Time in Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Flores Alan , SeróMD Laia , Ustrell Xavier , Pellisé Anna , Viñas Jaume , Rodriguez Paula , Monterde Angela , de Oliveira Gislaine Castilho , Molina Carlos A. , Cardona Pedro , Valls Adrian , Marti‐Fabregas Joan , Giralt‐Steinhauer Eva , Serena Joaquín , Purroy Francisco , Zaragoza‐Brunet José , Barrachina Oriol , Gomez‐Choco Manuel , Palomeras Ernest , Cocho Dolores , Aragonés Josep Maria , Pedroza Claudia , Díaz Gloria , Jimenez Xavier , Garcia‐Tornel Alvaro , Ribó Marc , de la Ossa Natalia Perez ,   Catalan Stroke Code and Reperfusion Consortium
Published: June 2022

Background

Door‐in–door‐out time (DIDO) in nonthrombectomy stroke centers is a key performance indicator in acute stroke care. Nonetheless, the relative importance of DIDO on outcome in patients transferred for endovascular treatment (EVT) is not widely known. Therefore, we aim to explore the association between DIDO and clinical outcome according to onset to reperfusion time in patients undergoing EVT.

Methods

Observational multicenter study including patients transferred to a thrombectomy‐capable center from a local stroke center who underwent thrombectomy. The primary outcome was favorable clinical outcome, as evaluated by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months. We evaluated the association between DIDO and clinical outcome according to onset to reperfusion time and factors related to shorter DIDO time.

Results

Among 2710 patients transferred for thrombectomy evaluation, 970 (43.8%) patients received EVT. Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and DIDO time were 12 (interquartile range [IQR], 6–19) and 83 minutes (IQR, 66–108), respectively. Among patients undergoing EVT, no association was found between DIDO and clinical outcome. Considering only patients treated in the early time window (onset to reperfusion time ≤240 minutes), patients with favorable outcome had a shorter DIDO (60 [IQR, 52–68] versus 73 [IQR, 61–83] minutes;
P
=0.013). A receiver operating characteristic curve identified a cutoff of 67 minutes of DIDO time that better predicted favorable outcome (sensitivity, 70%; specificity, 73%; area under the curve, 0.741). A multivariate analysis showed that DIDO ≤67 minutes emerged as an independent factor associated with favorable outcome (odds ratio [OR], 5.29 [95% CI, 1.38–20.27];
P
=0.015). Door to computed tomography time was the only factor associated with DIDO ≤67 minutes (OR, 1.113 [95% CI, 1.018–1.261];
P
=0.022) in a multivariate analysis in this time frame.

Conclusions

In transferred patients undergoing EVT, DIDO has a significant impact on clinical outcome, mainly in the first hours from stroke onset. A benchmark of 67 minutes in DIDO time is proposed. Shorter door to computed tomography time appears to be an independent factor associated to achieve DIDO time ≤67 minutes. Measures to optimize workflow into referral centers are warranted.
Between the Personal and the Political: On Marianne Wex's Let's Take Back Our Space
Authors: Rodenbeck Judith
Published: June 2022

From 1972 to 1977 the West German artist Marianne Wex (1937-2020) undertook an extensive photographic research project that eventually was published as a book: Let's Take Back Our Space: “Female” and “Male” Body Language as a Result of Patriarchal Structures (1979). Both visual analysis and homeopathic demonstration of the patriarchal state's performative effect on somatic physical expression, the book is as much a work of renegade feminist sociology as it is a work of photo-conceptualism. This essay performs an archaeology of Let's Take Back Our Space, reading it in the context of contemporaneous aestheticopolitical discourses, including feminist autodidacticism.
“Does the pronominal copula exist in the Arabic verbless clause?”
Authors: Samaha Hanaa , Yap Teng Teng , Rajandran Kumaran
Published: June 2022

This study attempts to offer a single unified account for the syntactic features of the pronominal copula in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), traditionally known as ḍamīr al-faṣl ‘Separation Pronoun/SP’ within the Cardiff Grammar (CG) model of Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG). Such a pronoun is typically used in nominal verbless clauses to separate Subject from its Predicate (Complement) when both are definite. This study argues against the two traditional accounts that analyze it either as a redundant pronoun that has no significant syntactical function or as the second Subject in the nominal embedded clausal Complement of the first Subject. The study also proposes that the modern generative account that considers it a pronominal copula is problematic as the function of this pronoun is not linking, but rather separating, emphasizing, and disambiguating. Therefore, the study proposes to analyze this SP as an Extension of the Subject (SEx) in a tripartite structure.
The second species of Rudiaeschna (Odonata, Rudiaeschnidae) discovered in the Lower Cretaceous of Inner Mongolia, Northeast China
Authors: HUANG DI-YING , CORENTIN JOUAULT , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: June 2022

Rudiaeschna jarzembowskii sp. nov., the second species of the small aeshnopteran family Rudiaeschnidae, is described from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation at the Liutiaogou locality, Ningcheng County, Inner Mongolia, NE China. The new species differs from the type species of the family, namely Rudiaeschna limnobia, in possessing less cells and crossveins in nearly all parts of forewing. It also shows a distally forked vein RP2, a character that was previously only known in taxa of the much more recent and derived aeshnopteran family Aeshnidae.
Echiniscidae (Heterotardigrada) of South Africa
Authors: GĄSIOREK PIOTR , VONČINA KATARZYNA , BOCHNAK MARCIN , SURMACZ BARTŁOMIEJ , MOREK WITOLD , MICHALCZYK ŁUKASZ
Published: June 2022

setaceus sp. nov., E. similaris sp. nov., E. tetraspinosus sp. nov., Hypechiniscus africanus sp. nov. (the exarmatus group), Pseudechiniscus (Pseudechiniscus) aquatilis sp. nov., P. (P.) linnaei sp. nov., and P. (Meridioniscus) wallacei sp. nov. Moreover, E. longispinosus Murray, 1907 and E. perarmatus Murray, 1907 are formally re-described and their neotypes are established. Amendments to outdated descriptions of E. africanus Murray, 1907 and E. crassispinosus Murray, 1907 are also provided. Species descriptions and redescriptions contain detailed data on ecological preferences of species, their ontogenetic variability, sex ratios in gonochoristic/dioecious populations (males are recorded in African Echiniscus spp. for the first time), and, finally, on their phylogenetic relationships. The study reveals a diverse echiniscid assemblage, dominated by Echiniscus, that overlaps with the hotspots of Cape Floristic Region, Succulent Karoo, and Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany. According to our phylogenetic analyses, the great majority of South African Echiniscus species are endemics and they evolved from several species that colonised the region after the genus had originated (in contrast to earlier hypotheses, our work suggests that Echiniscus has the Laurasian rather than the Gondwanan origin). The remaining echiniscids found in South Africa represent pantropical or cosmopolitan species.
The relationship of acute delirium with cognitive and psychiatric symptoms after stroke: a longitudinal study
Authors: Nerdal Vilde , Gjestad Elise , Saltvedt Ingvild , Munthe-Kaas Ragnhild , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Ryum Truls , Lydersen Stian , Grambaite Ramune
Published: June 2022

Objective

Delirium, a common complication after stroke, is often overlooked, and long-term consequences are poorly understood. This study aims to explore whether delirium in the acute phase of stroke predicts cognitive and psychiatric symptoms three, 18 and 36 months later.

Method

As part of the Norwegian Cognitive Impairment After Stroke Study (Nor-COAST), 139 hospitalized stroke patients (49% women, mean (SD) age: 71.4 (13.4) years; mean (SD) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 3.0 (4.0)) were screened for delirium with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Global cognition was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q). Data was analyzed using mixed-model linear regression, adjusting for age, gender, education, NIHSS score at baseline and premorbid dementia.

Results

Thirteen patients met the criteria for delirium. Patients with delirium had lower MoCA scores compared to non-delirious patients, with the largest between-group difference found at 18 months (Mean (SE): 20.8 (1.4) versus (25.1 (0.4)). Delirium was associated with higher NPI-Q scores at 3 months (Mean (SE): 2.4 (0.6) versus 0.8 (0.1)), and higher HADS anxiety scores at 18 and 36 months, with the largest difference found at 36 months (Mean (SE): 6.2 (1.3) versus 2.2 (0.3)).

Conclusions

Suffering a delirium in the acute phase of stroke predicted more cognitive and psychiatric symptoms at follow-up, compared to non-delirious patients. Preventing and treating delirium may be important for decreasing the burden of post-stroke disability.
Comparison between endoscopic mucosal resection with a cap and endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Zheng Xiuli , Wu Mingli , Shi Huihui , Er Limian , Wang Kan , Cao Ying , Li Shengmian
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic mucosal resection with a cap (EMR-c) with those of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (R-NETs) ≤ 15 mm in diameter, and to analyze the risk factors of incomplete resection.

Methods

A total of 122 patients who underwent EMR-c or ESD for R-NETs at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between February 2007 and December 2020 were invovled in this study. The clinical outcomes of two groups were compared and evaluated.

Results

A total of 122 patients with 128 R-NETs underwent endoscopic resection (EMR-c, 80; ESD, 48). In terms of duration of operation, EMR-c was significantly shorter than ESD (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis suggested that tumor diameter ≥ 8 mm was an independent risk factor for incomplete resection in patients with R-NETs in this study.

Conclusions

Both EMR-c and ESD were safe and effective treatments for R-NETs ≤ 15 mm in diameter. In addition, tumor diameter ≥ 8 mm was an independent risk factor for incomplete resection.
Cholesterol granuloma in the choroid plexus of a cat
Authors: Wannemacher Rouven , Knebel Anna , Volk Holger A. , Hansmann Florian
Published: June 2022

Background

This case report describes the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as the histopathological findings in an elderly cat with an intracranial cholesterol granuloma.

Case presentation

An 11.5-year-old, male neutered cat was presented at the emergency service with deteriorating behavioral changes including aggression, and progressive generalized ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a large, well demarcated, inhomogeneous and contrast enhancing mass in the lateral ventricles with marked mass effect. Due to a poor clinical prognosis, the cat was euthanized. Histological examination identified the mass as a bilateral cholesterol granuloma in the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricles.

Conclusions

Although plexus cholesterol granulomas are rarely seen in cats, they should be considered as a differential diagnosis in elderly patients with neurological signs such as behavioral changes.
Pharmacokinetics of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for medical applications
Authors: Nowak-Jary Julia , Machnicka Beata
Published: June 2022

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have been under intense investigation for at least the last five decades as they show enormous potential for many biomedical applications, such as biomolecule separation, MRI imaging and hyperthermia. Moreover, a large area of research on these nanostructures is concerned with their use as carriers of drugs, nucleic acids, peptides and other biologically active compounds, often leading to the development of targeted therapies. The uniqueness of MNPs is due to their nanometric size and unique magnetic properties. In addition, iron ions, which, along with oxygen, are a part of the MNPs, belong to the trace elements in the body. Therefore, after digesting MNPs in lysosomes, iron ions are incorporated into the natural circulation of this element in the body, which reduces the risk of excessive storage of nanoparticles. Still, one of the key issues for the therapeutic applications of magnetic nanoparticles is their pharmacokinetics which is reflected in the circulation time of MNPs in the bloodstream. These characteristics depend on many factors, such as the size and charge of MNPs, the nature of the polymers and any molecules attached to their surface, and other. Since the pharmacokinetics depends on the resultant of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, research should be carried out individually for all the nanostructures designed. Almost every year there are new reports on the results of studies on the pharmacokinetics of specific magnetic nanoparticles, thus it is very important to follow the achievements on this matter. This paper reviews the latest findings in this field. The mechanism of action of the mononuclear phagocytic system and the half-lives of a wide range of nanostructures are presented. Moreover, factors affecting clearance such as hydrodynamic and core size, core morphology and coatings molecules, surface charge and technical aspects have been described.

Graphical Abstract
Housing instability and violence among women who use drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Silberg Claire , Likindikoki Samuel , Mbwambo Jessie , Mmari Kristin , Saleem Haneefa T.
Published: June 2022

Background

Women who use heroin and other drugs (WWUD) are a key population with elevated risk of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by intimate partners and non-partners. While housing instability has been shown to be associated with violence in high-income settings, this is an underexplored topic in sub-Saharan Africa. In this research, we aimed to assess the relationship between housing instability and various forms of violence within a sample of WWUD in Dar es Salaam.

Methods

This analysis uses data from a parent study from 2018. A total of 200 WWUD were recruited through respondent-driven sampling methods and administered a survey. Two multivariable logistic regression models were built to assess the relationship between housing instability and physical violence (Model 1) and housing instability and sexual violence (Model 2) while controlling for a number of sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Approximately 35% of participants were classified as housing unstable. More than half of participants (62%) reported experiencing physical violence in the past 12 months, and more than a third (36%) reported sexual violence in the same time period. Housing instability was found to be independently associated with both physical and sexual violence victimization in the past year when adjusting for covariates (Model 1 adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.40, 95% CI 1.22–4.46; Model 2 AOR: 1.93. 95% CI 1.02–3.67).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to document a significant association between housing instability and violence among WWUD communities in sub-Saharan Africa. This analysis adds to the growing body of literature on the relationship between stable housing and livelihood and health outcomes across differing populations. The cyclical nature of housing instability and violence may be disrupted through housing programming that provides safety, security, and stability for WWUD.
A tale of two transmitters: serotonin and histamine as in vivo biomarkers of chronic stress in mice
Authors: Hersey Melinda , Reneaux Melissa , Berger Shane N. , Mena Sergio , Buchanan Anna Marie , Ou Yangguang , Tavakoli Navid , Reagan Lawrence P. , Clopath Claudia , Hashemi Parastoo
Published: June 2022

Background

Stress-induced mental illnesses (mediated by neuroinflammation) pose one of the world’s most urgent public health challenges. A reliable in vivo chemical biomarker of stress would significantly improve the clinical communities’ diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to illnesses, such as depression.

Methods

Male and female C57BL/6J mice underwent a chronic stress paradigm. We paired innovative in vivo serotonin and histamine voltammetric measurement technologies, behavioral testing, and cutting-edge mathematical methods to correlate chemistry to stress and behavior.

Results

Inflammation-induced increases in hypothalamic histamine were co-measured with decreased in vivo extracellular hippocampal serotonin in mice that underwent a chronic stress paradigm, regardless of behavioral phenotype. In animals with depression phenotypes, correlations were found between serotonin and the extent of behavioral indices of depression. We created a high accuracy algorithm that could predict whether animals had been exposed to stress or not based solely on the serotonin measurement. We next developed a model of serotonin and histamine modulation, which predicted that stress-induced neuroinflammation increases histaminergic activity, serving to inhibit serotonin. Finally, we created a mathematical index of stress, Si and predicted that during chronic stress, where Si is high, simultaneously increasing serotonin and decreasing histamine is the most effective chemical strategy to restoring serotonin to pre-stress levels. When we pursued this idea pharmacologically, our experiments were nearly identical to the model’s predictions.

Conclusions

This work shines the light on two biomarkers of chronic stress, histamine and serotonin, and implies that both may be important in our future investigations of the pathology and treatment of inflammation-induced depression.
Exclusive breastfeeding practice among HIV infected mothers in the southern highlands of Tanzania; assessing the prevalence and factors associated with the practice, an analytical cross-sectional survey
Authors: Faustine Rose , Moshi Fabiola Vincent
Published: June 2022

Background

There is no other better way to safeguard an infant’s health in the first 6 months of life than exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Breast milk is valuable in all aspects of an infant’s physical and mental growth as well as immune development. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with EBF practice among HIV-infected mothers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.

Method

A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among lactating HIV-infected mothers. A random sampling procedure was used to obtain 372 HIV-infected mothers of infants from 6 to 12 months of age who were still breastfeeding at the time of data collection. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with EBF practice. Statistical package for social science (SPSS volume 20) software was used for data entry and analysis.

Results

The prevalence of EBF practice was 58.1% at 95% Confidence Interval of 52.9% to 63.1%. More than half of the respondents 199 (53.5%) had adequate knowledge while 173(46.5%) had inadequate knowledge about EBF. After adjusting for confounders, factors associated with EBF practice were knowledge about EBF [Adequate knowledge (AOR = 5.11 at 95% CI 3.2–8.17, p < 0.001)], ANC visits [Adequate (AOR = 1.76 at 95% CI 1.09–2.82, p = 0.002)], Income per day [1 0r more USD (AOR = 1.83 at 95% CI 1.14–2.94, p = 0.013)], positive perception of EBF [ positive perception (AOR = 3.51 at 95% CI 2.25–5.47, p < 0.001) and having ever experienced a breast problem AOR = 3.91 at 95% CI 1.89–8.08, p < 0.001.

Conclusion

More than half of interviewed mothers with HIV practiced EBF. The EBF practice among HIV lactating mothers was significantly influenced by adequate knowledge of EBF, positive perception toward EBF, adequate ANC visits, and having never experienced breast problems. Strengthening adherence to ANC routine visits, counseling on breastfeeding, and improving mothers’ knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding would contribute to the enhancement of EBF practice in this region. An innovative interventional study is recommended to develop more effective strategies to improve EBF knowledge and practice among HIV-infected mothers.
A chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particle vaccine protects mice against MERS-CoV challenge
Authors: Park Jung-Eun , Kim Ji-Hee , Park Jae-Yeon , Jun Sung-Hoon , Shin Hyun-Jin
Published: June 2022

Background

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory disease in humans, with a case fatality rate of approximately 35%, thus posing a considerable threat to public health. The lack of approved vaccines or antivirals currently constitutes a barrier in controlling disease outbreaks and spread.

Methods

In this study, using a mammalian expression system, which is advantageous for maintaining correct protein glycosylation patterns, we constructed chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particles (VLPs) and determined their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice.

Results

Western blot and cryo-electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that MERS-CoV VLPs were efficiently produced in cells co-transfected with MERS-CoV spike (S), envelope, membrane and murine hepatitis virus nucleocapsid genes. We examined their ability as a vaccine in a human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 knock-in C57BL/6 congenic mouse model. Mice immunized with MERS VLPs produced S-specific antibodies with virus neutralization activity. Furthermore, MERS-CoV VLP immunization provided complete protection against a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted MERS-CoV and improved virus clearance in the lung.

Conclusions

Overall, these data demonstrate that MERS-CoV VLPs have excellent immunogenicity and represent a promising vaccine candidate.
A comparative analysis of experienced uncertainties in relation to risk communication during COVID19: a four-country study
Authors: Cristea Florin , Weishaar Heide , Geurts Brogan , Delamou Alexandre , Tan Melisa Mei Jin , Legido-Quigley Helena , Aminu Kafayat , Mari-Sáez Almudena , Rocha Carlos , Camara Bienvenu , Barry Lansana , Thea Paul , Boucsein Johannes , Bahr Thurid , Al-Awlaqi Sameh , Pozo-Martin Francisco , Boklage Evgeniya , Jegede Ayodele Samuel , Bcheraoui Charbel El
Published: June 2022

Background

During outbreaks, uncertainties experienced by affected communities can influence their compliance to government guidance on public health. Communicators and authorities are, hence, encouraged to acknowledge and address such uncertainties. However, in the midst of public health crises, it can become difficult to define and identify uncertainties that are most relevant to address. We analyzed data on COVID-19-related uncertainties from four socio-economic contexts to explore how uncertainties can influence people’s perception of, and response to Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategies.

Results

This qualitative study, which adopts an interpretative approach, is based on data from a documentary review, key informant interviews (KII), and focus group discussions (FGD) with members of the general public and people with barriers to information from Germany, Guinea, Nigeria, and Singapore. Transcripts from the KII and FGD were coded and analyzed thematically. We interviewed a total of 155 KIs and conducted 73 FGD. Our analysis uncovered a divergence between uncertainties deemed relevant by stakeholders involved in policy making and uncertainties that people reportedly had to navigate in their everyday lives and which they considered relevant during the pandemic. We identified four types of uncertainties that seemed to have influenced people’s assessment of the disease risk and their trust in the pandemic control strategies including RCCE efforts: epidemiological uncertainties (related to the nature and severity of the virus), information uncertainties (related to access to reliable information), social uncertainties (related to social behavior in times of heightened risk), and economic uncertainties (related to financial insecurities).

Conclusion

We suggest that in future outbreaks, communicators and policy makers could improve the way in which affected communities assess their risk, and increase the trust of these communities in response efforts by addressing non-epidemiological uncertainties in RCCE strategies.
Vitamin D level in relation to depression symptoms during adolescence
Authors: Al-Sabah Reem , Al-Taiar Abdullah , Shaban Lemia , Albatineh Ahmed N. , Sharaf Alddin Reem , Durgampudi Praveen K.
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and depression symptoms among adolescents in Kuwait, a country with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

A school based cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 704 adolescents in middle schools. Data on depression symptoms were collected using the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). Data on covariates were collected from the parents by self-administered questionnaire and from adolescents by face-to-face interview. Blood samples were analyzed in an accredited laboratory; and 25(OH)D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Of 704 adolescents, 94 (13.35%; 95%CI:10.35–17.06%) had depression symptom (a score of 19 or more on the CDI). There was no significant difference in the median CDI score between different vitamin D status (p = 0.366). There was also no significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentration and CDI score (Spearman’s rank correlation = 0.01; p = 0.825).There was no significant association between 25(OH)D and depression symptoms whether 25(OH)D was fitted as a continuous variable (crude odds ratio (OR) 0 .99 [95%CI: 0.98, 1.01], p = 0.458 and adjusted OR 1.01 [95%CI: 0.99, 1.02], p = 0.233), categorical variable as per acceptable cut-of points (crude analysis p = 0.376 and adjusted analysis p = 0.736), or categorical variable as quartiles (crude analysis p = 0.760 and adjusted analysis p = 0.549).

Conclusion

Vitamin D status does not seem to be associated with depression symptoms among adolescents in our setting. Nevertheless, it is important to have sufficient vitamin D levels during adolescence for several other health benefits.
The high-volume haemodiafiltration vs high-flux haemodialysis registry trial (H4RT): a multi-centre, unblinded, randomised, parallel-group, superiority study to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of high-volume haemodiafiltration and high-flux haemodialysis in people with kidney failure on maintenance dialysis using linkage to routine healthcare databases for outcomes
Authors: Caskey Fergus J. , Procter Sunita , MacNeill Stephanie J. , Wade Julia , Taylor Jodi , Rooshenas Leila , Liu Yumeng , Annaw Ammar , Alloway Karen , Davenport Andrew , Power Albert , Farrington Ken , Mitra Sandip , Wheeler David C. , Law Kristian , Lewis-White Helen , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Hollingworth Will , Donovan Jenny , Lane J. Athene
Published: June 2022

Background

More than a third of the 65,000 people living with kidney failure in the UK attend a dialysis unit 2–5 times a week to have their blood cleaned for 3–5 h. In haemodialysis (HD), toxins are removed by diffusion, which can be enhanced using a high-flux dialyser. This can be augmented with convection, as occurs in haemodiafiltration (HDF), and improved outcomes have been reported in people who are able to achieve high volumes of convection. This study compares the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of high-volume HDF compared with high-flux HD in the treatment of kidney failure.

Methods

This is a UK-based, multi-centre, non-blinded randomised controlled trial. Adult patients already receiving HD or HDF will be randomised 1:1 to high-volume HDF (aiming for 21+ L of substitution fluid adjusted for body surface area) or high-flux HD. Exclusion criteria include lack of capacity to consent, life expectancy less than 3 months, on HD/HDF for less than 4 weeks, planned living kidney donor transplant or home dialysis scheduled within 3 months, prior intolerance of HDF and not suitable for high-volume HDF for other clinical reasons. The primary outcome is a composite of non-cancer mortality or hospital admission with a cardiovascular event or infection during follow-up (minimum 32 months, maximum 91 months) determined from routine data. Secondary outcomes include all-cause mortality, cardiovascular- and infection-related morbidity and mortality, health-related quality of life, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. Baseline data will be collected by research personnel on-site. Follow-up data will be collected by linkage to routine healthcare databases — Hospital Episode Statistics, Civil Registration, Public Health England and the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) in England, and equivalent databases in Scotland and Wales, as necessary — and centrally administered patient-completed questionnaires. In addition, research personnel on-site will monitor for adverse events and collect data on adherence to the protocol (monthly during recruitment and quarterly during follow-up).

Discussion

This study will provide evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HD as compared to HDF for adults with kidney failure in-centre HD or HDF. It will inform management for this patient group in the UK and internationally.

Trial registration

ISRCTN10997319. Registered on 10 October 2017
Balamuthia mandrillaris trophozoites ingest human neuronal cells via a trogocytosis-independent mechanism
Authors: Pengsart Worakamol , Tongkrajang Nongnat , Whangviboonkij Narisara , Sarasombath Patsharaporn Techasintana , Kulkeaw Kasem
Published: June 2022

Background

Environmental protozoa need an adaptation mechanism to survive drastic changes in niches in the human body. In the brain parenchyma, Balamuthia mandrillaris trophozoites, which are causative agents of fatal brain damage, must acquire nutrients through the ingestion of surrounding cells. However, the mechanism deployed by the trophozoites for cellular uptake remains unknown.

Methods

Amoebic ingestion of human neural cell components was investigated using a coculture system of clinically isolated B. mandrillaris trophozoites and human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Cell-to-cell interactions were visualized in a three-dimensional manner using confocal and holotomographic microscopes.

Results

The B. mandrillaris trophozoites first attached themselves to human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and then twisted themselves around the cytoplasmic bridge. Based on fluorescence-based cell tracking, the B. mandrillaris trophozoites then inserted invadopodia into the cytoplasm of the human cells. Subsequently, the human protein-enriched components were internalized into the trophozoites in the form of nonmembranous granules, whereas the human lipids were dispersed in the cytoplasm. Intervention of trogocytosis, a process involving nibbling on parts of the target cells, failed to inhibit this cellular uptake.

Conclusions

Human cell ingestion by B. mandrillaris trophozoites likely differs from trogocytosis, suggesting that a pathogen-specific strategy can be used to ameliorate brain damage.

Graphical Abstract
Expression of fatty acid synthase genes and their role in development and arboviral infection of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Chotiwan Nunya , Brito-Sierra Carlos A. , Ramirez Gabriella , Lian Elena , Grabowski Jeffrey M. , Graham Babara , Hill Catherine A. , Perera Rushika
Published: June 2022

Background

Fatty acids are the building blocks of complex lipids essential for living organisms. In mosquitoes, fatty acids are involved in cell membrane production, energy conservation and expenditure, innate immunity, development and reproduction. Fatty acids are synthesized by a multifunctional enzyme complex called fatty acid synthase (FAS). Several paralogues of FAS were found in the Aedes aegypti mosquito. However, the molecular characteristics and expression of some of these paralogues have not been investigated.

Methods

Genome assemblies of Ae. aegypti were analyzed, and orthologues of human FAS was identified. Phylogenetic analysis and in silico molecular characterization were performed to identify the functional domains of the Ae. aegypti FAS (AaFAS). Quantitative analysis and loss-of-function experiments were performed to determine the significance of different AaFAS transcripts in various stages of development, expression following different diets and the impact of AaFAS on dengue virus, serotype 2 (DENV2) infection and transmission.

Results

We identified seven putative FAS genes in the Ae. aegypti genome assembly, based on nucleotide similarity to the FAS proteins (tBLASTn) of humans, other mosquitoes and invertebrates. Bioinformatics and molecular analyses suggested that only five of the AaFAS genes produce mRNA and therefore represent complete gene models. Expression levels of AaFAS varied among developmental stages and between male and female Ae. aegypti. Quantitative analyses revealed that expression of AaFAS1, the putative orthologue of the human FAS, was highest in adult females. Transient knockdown (KD) of AaFAS1 did not induce a complete compensation by other AaFAS genes but limited DENV2 infection of Aag2 cells in culture and the midgut of the mosquito.

Conclusion

AaFAS1 is the predominant AaFAS in adult mosquitoes. It has the highest amino acid similarity to human FAS and contains all enzymatic domains typical of human FAS. AaFAS1 also facilitated DENV2 replication in both cell culture and in mosquito midguts. Our data suggest that AaFAS1 may play a role in transmission of dengue viruses and could represent a target for intervention strategies.

Graphical Abstract
Dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography-derived radiomics signature for detecting Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shiiba Takuro , Takano Kazuki , Takaki Akihiro , Suwazono Shugo
Published: June 2022

Background

We hypothesised that the radiomics signature, which includes texture information of dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography (DAT-SPECT) images for Parkinson’s disease (PD), may assist semi-quantitative indices. Herein, we constructed a radiomics signature using DAT-SPECT-derived radiomics features that effectively discriminated PD from healthy individuals and evaluated its classification performance.

Results

We analysed 413 cases of both normal control (NC, n = 101) and PD (n = 312) groups from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative database. Data were divided into the training and two test datasets with different SPECT manufacturers. DAT-SPECT images were spatially normalised to the Montreal Neurologic Institute space. We calculated 930 radiomics features, including intensity- and texture-based features in the caudate, putamen, and pallidum volumes of interest. The striatum uptake ratios (SURs) of the caudate, putamen, and pallidum were also calculated as conventional semi-quantification indices. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used for feature selection and construction of the radiomics signature. The four classification models were constructed using a radiomics signature and/or semi-quantitative indicator. Furthermore, we compared the classification performance of the semi-quantitative indicator alone and the combination with the radiomics signature for the classification models. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the classification performance. The classification performance of SURputamen was higher than that of other semi-quantitative indicators. The radiomics signature resulted in a slightly increased area under the ROC curve (AUC) compared to SURputamen in each test dataset. When combined with SURputamen and radiomics signature, all classification models showed slightly higher AUCs than that of SURputamen alone.

Conclusion

We constructed a DAT-SPECT image-derived radiomics signature. Performance analysis showed that the current radiomics signature would be helpful for the diagnosis of PD and has the potential to provide robust diagnostic performance.
Uplink coverage enhancements for extremely large-cell sites
Authors: Reddy M. Pavan , Rao G. Koteswara , Kumar D. Harish , Subhash K. , Amuru SaiDhiraj , Kuchi Kiran
Published: June 2022

In urban areas, the network operators deploy small-cell sites and install a large number of base stations to support densely populated cellular users. A similar small-cell deployment in rural areas is not feasible for the operators, as it will significantly increase the capital expenditure, and the return on the investment will also be comparatively lower. Hence, the most feasible way to provide cellular connectivity to rural areas is the deployment of large-cell sites. However, the technology developed for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-Advanced standard (or 4G) was evaluated for an inter-site distance of 1.732 km, making the large-cell connectivity required for rural areas an afterthought. For cellular last-mile rural connectivity to be a reality through IMT-2020 (or 5G), the key is to have future technologies supporting large cells. In large-cell sites, the users experience comparatively more path loss, and thus, have poor signal coverage. Further, compared to downlink, the transmission power in uplink is limited, and therefore, uplink transmissions define the coverage of the communication system. Motivated by this, we propose several coverage solutions for uplink, considering an extremely large-cell site scenario. We initially analyze the received signal-to-noise ratio with 4G/5G systems at various distances based on the link budget evaluation. At larger inter-site distances, we show that it is infeasible to achieve cellular coverage with the current 4G/5G specifications. We then propose enhancements related to the waveform, modulation and coding schemes, resource allocation, and power control mechanisms. We evaluate the proposed enhancements through system- and link-level simulations, and show a significant improvement in the coverage for cell-edge users. We also show that our proposed enhancements achieve close to two times the improvement in the network capacity when compared to the currently available 5G specifications.
Setting life cycle assessment (LCA) in a future-oriented context: the combination of qualitative scenarios and LCA in the agri-food sector
Authors: Voglhuber-Slavinsky Ariane , Zicari Alberto , Smetana Sergiy , Moller Björn , Dönitz Ewa , Vranken Liesbet , Zdravkovic Milena , Aganovic Kemal , Bahrs Enno
Published: June 2022

By combining qualitative scenarios and life cycle assessment (LCA), we place the latter in a larger context. This study outlines the importance of the integration of future perspectives into LCA, and also the significance of taking changes in the environment of technology into account, rather than just technological development itself. Accordingly, we focused on adapting the background system of an attributional LCA in the agri-food sector. The proposed technology was assumed not have evolved in the considered time horizon. In this context, the objectives of this paper were twofold: (i) to methodologically prove the applicability of integrating qualitative scenarios into LCA and (ii) to focus on changes in the background system, which is sometimes overlooked in the context of future-oriented LCA. This allowed to evaluate the future potential of different technologies, assessing their environmental impact under uncertain future developments. Methodologically, the qualitative information from scenarios was transformed into quantitative data, which was successively fed into the life cycle inventory (LCI) of the LCA approach. This point of integration into the second phase of LCA translates into future changes in the entire environment in which a technology is used. This means that qualitatively described scenario narratives need to be converted into value estimates in order to be incorporated into the LCA model. A key conclusion is that changes in the background of an LCA—the changing framework expressed through the inventory database—can be very important for the environmental impact of emerging technologies. This approach was applied to a food processing technology to produce apple juice. The proposed methodology enables technology developers to make their products future-proof and robust against socioeconomic development. In addition, the market perspective, if spelled out in the scenarios, can be integrated, leading to a more holistic picture of LCA with its environmental focus, while simultaneously empowering actors to make the right strategic decisions today, especially when considering the long investment cycles in the agri-food sector.
Role of positive mental health in reducing fears related to COVID-19 and general anxiety disorder in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Qaisar Khalid , Sohail Malik Muhammad , Qureshi Waheed Ahmad , Zakar Rubeena , Wrona Kamil J. , Fischer Florian
Published: June 2022

Background

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed multiple challenges to healthcare systems. Evidence suggests that mental well-being is badly affected due to compliance with preventative measures in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the role of positive mental health (subjective sense of wellbeing) to cope with fears related to COVID-19 and general anxiety disorder in the Pashtun community in Pakistan.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 501 respondents from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participating in an online-based study. We performed correlational analysis, hierarchical linear regression and structural equational modeling (SEM) to analyze the role of mental health in reducing fears and general anxiety disorder.

Results

The results of the SEM show that positive mental health has direct effects in reducing the fear related to COVID-19 (β = − 0.244, p < 0.001) and general anxiety (β = − 0.210, p < 0.001). Fears of COVID-19 has a direct effect on increasing general anxiety (β = 0.480). In addition, positive mental health also has an indirect effect (β = − 0.117, p < 0.001) on general anxiety (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.001) through reducing fear of coronavirus.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, there is a need to develop community health policies emphasizing on promotive and preventive mental health strategies for people practicing social/physical distancing.