bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working with cattle slurry on farms: emission and dispersion of hydrogen sulfide gas during stirring
Authors: Gyte Amy , Kelsey Adrian
Published: March 2024

Over the past 15 years, there have been numerous fatalities related to working with animal slurry. Working with cattle slurry releases toxic gases, in particular, hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which can cause acute central nervous system toxicity, breathing difficulties, and death if exposed to high concentrations. Real-time measurements of H2S gas were taken over distance and time, during the stirring of cattle slurry on farms. Gas was measured at eight slurry stores with differing typical configurations of indoor or outdoor stores and with or without slatted flooring. Highest H2S gas levels were measured from indoor stores under slatted floors, and generally at positions closest to the stirrer or the point of maximum stirring, with levels decreasing with distance from source. Most of the data indicate H2S gas levels increase very rapidly after stirring starts, and mostly decline to baseline levels within 30 min post start of stirring. There were, however, circumstances where gas levels remained high and only started to decline once the stirrer had stopped. H2S gas levels at all farms, at all positions measured were consistently below 10 ppm within 30 min of the stirrer being stopped. The current data highlight areas of the farm and ways of working that have the potential for workers and others to be at risk of exposure to toxic slurry gases. The area should be left to ventilate naturally for at least 30 min after the stirrer has been stopped before re-entering buildings. Influencing the design of stirring equipment and future slurry stores would likely reduce the risk of worker exposure to slurry gases.
Humic acid improves wheat growth by modulating auxin and cytokinin biosynthesis pathways
Authors: Rathor Pramod , Upadhyay Punita , Ullah Aman , Gorim Linda Yuya , Thilakarathna Malinda S
Published: March 2024

Humic acids have been widely used for centuries to enhance plant growth and productivity. The beneficial effects of humic acids have been attributed to different functional groups and phytohormone-like compounds enclosed in macrostructure. However, the mechanisms underlying the plant growth-promoting effects of humic acids are only partially understood. We hypothesize that the bio-stimulatory effect of humic acids is mainly due to the modulation of innate pathways of auxin and cytokinin biosynthesis in treated plants. A physiological investigation along with molecular characterization was carried out to understand the mechanism of bio-stimulatory effects of humic acid. A gene expression analysis was performed for the genes involved in auxin and cytokinin biosynthesis pathways in wheat seedlings. Furthermore, Arabidopsis thaliana transgenic lines generated by fusing the auxin-responsive DR5 and cytokinin-responsive ARR5 promoter to ß-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter were used to study the GUS expression analysis in humic acid treated seedlings. This study demonstrates that humic acid treatment improved the shoot and root growth of wheat seedlings. The expression of several genes involved in auxin (Tryptophan Aminotransferase of Arabidopsis and Gretchen Hagen 3.2) and cytokinin (Lonely Guy3) biosynthesis pathways were up-regulated in humic acid-treated seedlings compared to the control. Furthermore, GUS expression analysis showed that bioactive compounds of humic acid stimulate endogenous auxin and cytokinin-like activities. This study is the first report in which using ARR5:GUS lines we demonstrate the biostimulants activity of humic acid.
Uncovering genetic associations in the human diseasome using an endophenotype-augmented disease network
Authors: Woerner Jakob , Sriram Vivek , Nam Yonghyun , Verma Anurag , Kim Dokyoon
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Many diseases, particularly cardiometabolic disorders, exhibit complex multimorbidities with one another. An intuitive way to model the connections between phenotypes is with a disease-disease network (DDN), where nodes represent diseases and edges represent associations, such as shared single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), between pairs of diseases. To gain further genetic understanding of molecular contributors to disease associations, we propose a novel version of the shared-SNP DDN (ssDDN), denoted as ssDDN+, which includes connections between diseases derived from genetic correlations with intermediate endophenotypes. We hypothesize that a ssDDN+ can provide complementary information to the disease connections in a ssDDN, yielding insight into the role of clinical laboratory measurements in disease interactions.

Results

Using PheWAS summary statistics from the UK Biobank, we constructed a ssDDN+ revealing hundreds of genetic correlations between diseases and quantitative traits. Our augmented network uncovers genetic associations across different disease categories, connects relevant cardiometabolic diseases, and highlights specific biomarkers that are associated with cross-phenotype associations. Out of the 31 clinical measurements under consideration, HDL-C connects the greatest number of diseases and is strongly associated with both type 2 diabetes and heart failure. Triglycerides, another blood lipid with known genetic causes in non-mendelian diseases, also adds a substantial number of edges to the ssDDN. This work demonstrates how association with clinical biomarkers can better explain the shared genetics between cardiometabolic disorders. Our study can facilitate future network-based investigations of cross-phenotype associations involving pleiotropy and genetic heterogeneity, potentially uncovering sources of missing heritability in multimorbidities.

Availability and implementation

The generated ssDDN+ can be explored at https://hdpm.biomedinfolab.com/ddn/biomarkerDDN.
PyCoMo: a python package for community metabolic model creation and analysis
Authors: Predl Michael , Mießkes Marianne , Rattei Thomas , Zanghellini Jürgen
Published: March 2024

PyCoMo is a python package for quick and easy generation of genome-scale compartmentalized community metabolic models that are compliant with current openCOBRA file formats. The resulting models can be used to predict (i) the maximum growth rate at a given abundance profile, (ii) the feasible community compositions at a given growth rate, and (iii) all exchange metabolites and cross-feeding interactions in a community metabolic model independent of the abundance profile; we demonstrate PyCoMo’s capability by analysing methane production in a previously published simplified biogas community metabolic model.

Availability and implementation

PyCoMo is freely available under an MIT licence at http://github.com/univieCUBE/PyCoMo, the Python Package Index, and Zenodo.
Treatment of extramammary Paget disease with imiquimod in a real-life setting: a multicentre retrospective analysis in Spain
Authors: Escolà Helena , Llombart Beatriz , Escolà-Rodríguez Alba , Barchino-Ortiz Lucía , Marcoval Joaquim , Alcaraz Inmaculada , Beà-Ardébol Sònia , Toll Agustí , Miñano-Medrano Román , Rodríguez-Jiménez Pedro , López-Nuñez María , Ferrándiz-Pulido Carla , Jaka Ane , Masferrer Emili , Aguayo-Ortiz Rafael S , Yébenes Mireia , Arandes-Marcocci Jorge , Ruiz-Salas Verónica , Turrión-Merino Lucía , Just Miquel , Sánchez-Schmidt Júlia , Leal Lorena , Mayo-Martínez Fátima , Haya-Martínez Lara , Sandoval-Clavijo Alejandra , Greta Dradi Giulia , Delgado Yolanda , Verdaguer-Faja Júlia , López-Castillo Daniel , Pujol Ramon M , Deza Gustavo
Published: March 2024

Background

Topical imiquimod has been shown to be an effective treatment for extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), although available evidence supporting its use is based on case reports and small series of patients.

Objectives

To investigate the therapeutic outcomes and analyse potential clinicopathological factors associated with the imiquimod response in a large cohort of patients with EMPD.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 125 patients with EMPD treated with imiquimod at 20 Spanish tertiary-care hospitals.

Results

During the study period, patients received 134 treatment regimens with imiquimod, with 70 (52.2%) treatments achieving a complete response (CR), 41 (30.6%) a partial response and 23 (17.2%) no response. The cumulative CR rates at 24 and 48 weeks of treatment were 46.3% and 71.8%, respectively, without significant differences between first-time and previously treated EMPD. Larger lesions (≥ 6 cm; P = 0.04) and EMPD affecting > 1 anatomical site (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a worse treatment response. However, the CR rate did not differ significantly by the number of treatment applications (≤ 4 vs. > 4 times per week; P = 0.112). Among patients who achieved CR, 30 of 69 (43%) treatments resulted in local recurrences during a mean follow-up period of 36 months, with an estimated 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival of 55.7% and 36.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Imiquimod appears as an effective therapeutic alternative for both first-line and previously treated EMPD lesions. However, a less favourable therapeutic response could be expected in larger lesions and those affecting > 1 anatomical site. Based on our results, a three to four times weekly regimen of imiquimod with a treatment duration of at least 6 months could be considered an appropriate therapeutic strategy for patients with EMPD.
Epidemiology and Treatment Outcomes of Tuberculosis With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection—California, 2016–2020
Authors: Bertumen J Bradford , Pascopella Lisa , Han Emily , Glenn-Finer Rosie , Wong Robert J , Chitnis Amit , Jaganath Devan , Jewell Mirna , Gounder Prabhu , McElroy Sara , Stockman Lauren , Barry Pennan
Published: March 2024

Background

Improved epidemiologic and treatment data for active tuberculosis (TB) with chronic hepatitis B virus (cHBV) infection might inform and encourage screening and vaccination programs focused on persons at risk of having both conditions.

Methods

We matched the California Department of Public Health TB registry during 2016–2020 to the cHBV registry using probabilistic matching algorithms. We used chi-square analysis to compare the characteristics of persons with TB and cHBV with those with TB only. We compared TB treatment outcomes between these groups using modified Poisson regression models. We calculated the time between reporting of TB and cHBV diagnoses for those with both conditions.

Results

We identified 8435 persons with TB, including 316 (3.7%) with cHBV. Among persons with TB and cHBV, 256 (81.0%) were non–US-born Asian versus 4186 (51.6%) with TB only (P < .0001). End-stage renal disease (26 [8.2%] vs 322 [4.0%]; P < .001) and HIV (21 [6.7%] vs 247 [3.0%]; P = .02) were more frequent among those with TB and cHBV compared with those with TB only. Among those with both conditions, 35 (11.1%) had TB diagnosed >60 days before cHBV (median, 363 days) and 220 (69.6%) had TB diagnosed >60 days after cHBV (median, 3411 days).

Conclusions

Persons with TB and cHBV were found more frequently in certain groups compared with TB only, and infrequently had their conditions diagnosed together. This highlights an opportunity to improve screening and treatment of TB and cHBV in those at high risk for coinfection.
Impact of aspirin use on rates of metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer: insights from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Patel Jay , Khanna Tejasvini , Sohal Aalam , Dhaliwal Armaan , Chaudhry Hunza , Kalra Shivam , Singh Ishandeep , Dukovic Dino , Bains Kanwal
Published: March 2024

Despite advancing treatment methods, esophageal cancer (EC) maintains a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Through various mechanisms, aspirin has been suggested to have a chemopreventive effect on EC. However, the long-term impact, particularly regarding the rate of metastasis, needs to be further elucidated. NIS 2016–2020 was used to identify adult patients (age > 18 years) with EC using ICD-10 codes. Patients with missing demographics and mortality were excluded. Patients were stratified into two groups based on aspirin use. Data were collected on patient demographics, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and comorbidities (hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), congestive heart failure (CHF), coagulopathy, alcohol use, smoking, and obesity). The outcomes studied were rates of total metastasis, gastrointestinal (GI) metastasis, non-GI metastasis, and lymphoid metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of aspirin use on various metastases after adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, and ECI. Out of 190,655 patients, 20,650 (10.8%) patients were aspirin users. Majority of the patients in the aspirin group were aged > 65 years (74.7%), males (82.1%), White race (84%), and had medicare insurance (71%). There was a higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, CAD, CKD, CHF, and smoking in aspirin users than non-aspirin users. Patients with aspirin users had a lower incidence of metastasis (28.9% vs. 38.7%, P < 0.001), GI metastasis (14.2% vs. 20.6%, P < 0.001), non-GI metastasis (15.1% vs. 22%, P < 0.001), and lymphoid metastasis (8.9% vs. 11.3%, P < 0.001) than non-aspirin users. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with aspirin use had lower odds of having metastasis (aOR-0.73, 95% CI-0.70-0.77, P < 0.001). Our study noted that aspirin use is associated with a reduction in the rate of metastasis in patients with EC. These studies support the use of aspirin in patients with EC and suggest the need for further studies to understand the mechanism by which aspirin use reduces metastasis in patients with EC.
Using stink bug migration behavior for physical exclusion
Authors: Marshall Adrian T , Beers Elizabeth H
Published: March 2024

Stink bugs have become an increasing concern for tree fruit growers due to changing management strategies and the introduction of an invasive species. The use of broad-spectrum insecticides for stink bug control disrupts biological control and leads to secondary pest outbreaks. To seek alternative tactics, we investigated the physical exclusion of native stink bugs with single-wall net barriers at orchard borders. First, stink bug capture on clear sticky panels along orchard edges showed that movement between the native shrub-steppe vegetation and the orchard occurs for much of the growing season instead of the presumed single migration event in August. Most stink bugs were captured between 1 m and 3 m heights, signifying a 4 m exclusion barrier would intercept migrating bugs. We tested large net barriers (4 m × 23 m) constructed of plain netting with or without deltamethrin-infused netting in flaps compared to a no-net control. The capture of target and nontarget arthropods was determined with plastic tarps below the nets or on the open ground of the control. Net barriers did not directly affect stink bug densities in the orchards, although orchard populations were low overall. Barriers did intercept stink bugs, and the addition of deltamethrin flaps enhanced stink bug mortality but at the price of nontarget arthropod mortality. Our results indicate that stink bug management efforts should focus earlier in the growing season and given the long period of migration, barriers are a more sustainable way of slowing movement into the orchard than the current sole reliance on chemical control.
European practices on antithrombotic management during percutaneous mechanical circulatory support in adults: a survey of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care of the ESC and the European branch of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization
Authors: Van Edom Charlotte J , Swol Justyna , Castelein Thomas , Gramegna Mario , Huber Kurt , Leonardi Sergio , Mueller Thomas , Pappalardo Federico , Price Susanna , Schaubroeck Hannah , Schrage Benedikt , Tavazzi Guido , Vercaemst Leen , Vranckx Pascal , Vandenbriele Christophe
Published: March 2024

Aims

Bleeding and thrombotic complications compromise outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) and/or microaxial flow pumps like Impella™. Antithrombotic practices are an important determinant of the coagulopathic risk, but standardization in the antithrombotic management during pMCS is lacking. This survey outlines European practices in antithrombotic management in adults on pMCS, making an initial effort to standardize practices, inform future trials, and enhance outcomes.

Methods and results

This online cross-sectional survey was distributed through digital newsletters and social media platforms by the Association of Acute Cardiovascular Care and the European branch of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. The survey was available from 17 April 2023 to 23 May 2023. The target population were European clinicians involved in care for adults on pMCS. We included 105 responses from 26 European countries. Notably, 72.4% of the respondents adhered to locally established anticoagulation protocols, with unfractionated heparin (UFH) being the predominant anticoagulant (Impella™: 97.0% and V-A ECMO: 96.1%). A minority of the respondents, 10.8 and 14.5%, respectively, utilized the anti-factor-Xa assay in parallel with activated partial thromboplastin time for UFH monitoring during Impella™ and V-A ECMO support. Anticoagulant targets varied across institutions. Following acute coronary syndrome without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), 54.0 and 42.7% were administered dual antiplatelet therapy during Impella™ and V-A ECMO support, increasing to 93.7 and 84.0% after PCI.

Conclusion

Substantial heterogeneity in antithrombotic practices emerged from participants’ responses, potentially contributing to variable device–associated bleeding and thrombotic complications.
Safety of lung resection surgery after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in the post-vaccination era
Authors: Im Somin , Na Kwon Joong , Park Ji Hyeon , Na Bubse , Park Samina , Park In Kyu , Kang Chang Hyun , Kim Young Tae
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the postoperative outcomes of lung resection in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and determine the optimal timing of surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-centre cohort study included patients who underwent lung resection between June 2021 and June 2022. Patients were divided into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and non-COVID-19 groups based on their preoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection history, and postoperative outcomes were compared. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors of complications after lung resection surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 1194 patients were enrolled, of whom, 79 had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the COVID-19 group, 66 patients (90.4%) had received at least 1 vaccination dose. The average interval between infection and surgery was 67 days, with no significant impact on postoperative outcomes. Regarding postoperative outcomes, there were no significant differences in major complication rate (6.3% vs 5.4%, P = 0.613), respiratory complication rate (19.0% vs 12.2%, P = 0.079) or length of stays (4.9 ± 3.4 vs 5.0 ± 5.6, P = 0.992) between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, male sex, poor pulmonary function test, open surgery and extensive lung resection were risk factors for postoperative complications, while preoperative COVID-19 infection status was not a statistically significant risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

In the post-vaccination era, lung resection surgery can be safely performed shortly after SARS-CoV-2 infection, even within 4 weeks of infection.
Adapting an evidence-based, home cardiac rehabilitation programme for people with heart failure and their caregivers to the Danish context: DK:REACH-HF study
Authors: Eghøj Martin , Zinckernagel Line , Brinks Thea S , Kristensen Astrid L S , Hviid Signe S , Tolstrup Janne S , Dalal Hasnain M , Taylor Rod S , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe O
Published: March 2024

Aims

Adapting interventions with an existing evidence base offers a more efficient approach than developing a new intervention. The aim of this study was to describe the process of adapting a home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme (REACH-HF) intervention originally developed in the UK for people with heart failure (HF) to the Danish health system—the ‘DK:REACH-HF’ programme.

Methods and results

We followed methodological framework for the conduct and reporting of studies adapting interventions, utilizing documentary analysis, qualitative interviews, stakeholder consultations, and mapping of the Danish policy context. Our study found broad support for the REACH-HF intervention as an alternative to existing centre-based CR. We also identified three key areas of adaptation for the Danish context. First, reduce the word count of the intervention’s resources by linking to existing publicly available CR materials. Second, while retaining REACH-HF core components, adapt its content and delivery to reflect differences between Denmark and UK. Third, develop a digital version of the intervention.

Conclusion

Using an evidence-based approach, we successfully adapted the REACH-HF intervention to the context of the Danish healthcare setting, maintaining core components of the original intervention and developing both a paper-based and digital version of the programme material. To inform scaled national implementation of the DK:REACH-HF programme, we seek to undertake a pilot study to test the adapted intervention materials feasibility and acceptability to healthcare practitioners, patients, and their caregivers and confirm the positive impact on the outcomes of HF patients and caregivers.
Association of neighbourhood walkability and haemoglobin A1c levels among Latino and non-Hispanic White patients with diabetes
Authors: Lucas Jennifer A , Marino Miguel , Giebultowicz Sophia , Dinh Dang , Datta Roopradha , Boston David , Heintzman John
Published: March 2024

Background

Neighbourhood walkability can benefit cardiovascular health. Latino patients are more likely than non-Hispanic White patients to have diabetes, and evidence has shown better diabetes-related outcomes for patients living in neighbourhoods conducive to physical activity. Our objective was to determine whether neighbourhood walkability was associated with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels among English- and Spanish-preferring Latino patients compared to non-Hispanic White patients.

Methods

We used electronic health record data from patients in the OCHIN, Inc. network of community health centres (CHC) linked to public walkability data. Patients included those age ≥ 18 with ≥ 1 address recorded, with a study clinic visit from 2012 to 2020, and a type 2 diabetes diagnosis (N = 159,289). Generalized estimating equations logistic regression, adjusted for relevant covariates, was used to model the primary binary outcome of always having HbA1c < 7 by language/ethnicity and walkability score.

Results

For all groups, the walkability score was not associated with higher odds and prevalence of always having HbA1c < 7. Non-Hispanic White patients were most likely to have HbA1c always < 7 (prevalence ranged from 32.8% [95%CI = 31.2–34.1] in the least walkable neighbourhoods to 33.4% [95% CI 34.4–34.7] in the most walkable), followed by English-preferring Latinos (28.6% [95%CI = 25.4–31.8]–30.7% [95% CI 29.0–32.3]) and Spanish-preferring Latinos (28.3% [95% CI 26.1–30.4]–29.3% [95% CI 28.2–30.3]).

Conclusions

While walkability score was not significantly associated with glycaemic control, control appeared to increase with walkability, suggesting other built environment factors, and their interaction with walkability and clinical care, may play key roles. Latino patients had a lower likelihood of HbA1c always < 7, demonstrating an opportunity for equity improvements in diabetes care.
Use of infant simulators as an aid in pregnancy and parenting educational interventions for school-aged students: a scoping review
Authors: Dinh Thi Thuy Ha , Lees David B , Van Dam Pieter J , McGarry Denise Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

Schools and school teachers often focus on content aimed at delaying sexual debut and preventing teenage pregnancy, and address the impacts of risky behaviours on infant health. Infant simulators are increasingly used in health education courses. However, it is unclear how effective this education is. In this review, we examined the evidence for the effectiveness and use of pregnancy/parenting education programmes for school-aged students using infant simulators. Infant simulators are lifelike replicas of human newborn babies that have electronic capacity to mimic a range of infant behaviours. These may include feeding, comfort needs and nappy changing. Responses to these replicated behaviours may be recorded to provide feedback of the adequacy of the response for educational purposes and provide feedback to prospective parents and caregivers. This review followed the guidelines for conducting a scoping review developed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). After following the process as recommended by the JBI, 32 eligible articles were selected for inclusion. Eight themes emerged from the analysis and it was found that the use of infant simulators in terms of effectiveness was not conclusive. This may be due to lack of longitudinal studies examining the impact of the education provided. Furthermore, the literature did not address innovations of infant simulators that replicate infants with particular characteristics, those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, shaken baby syndrome or challenges from parental substance use. Further research is required to determine the long-term impact of using infant simulators on reducing risky behaviours. Given these challenges, it is important to support initiatives for sex, pregnancy and parenting education among all students.
Calmodulin-like protein MdCML15 interacts with MdBT2 to modulate iron homeostasis in apple
Authors: Liu Xiao-Juan , Liu Xin , Zhao Qiang , Dong Yuan-Hua , Liu Qiangbo , Xue Yuan , Yao Yu-Xin , You Chun-Xiang , Kang Hui , Wang Xiao-Fei
Published: March 2024

BTB and TAZ domain proteins (BTs) function as specialized adaptors facilitating substrate recognition of the CUL3–RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL3) complex that targets proteins for ubiquitination in reaction to diverse pressures. Nonetheless, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which the apple scaffold protein MdBT2 responds to external and internal signals is limited. Here we demonstrate that a putative Ca 2+ sensor, calmodulin-like 15 (MdCML15), acts as an upstream regulator of MdBT2 to negatively modulate its functions in plasma membrane H+-ATPase regulation and iron deficiency tolerance. MdCML15 was identified to be substantially linked to MdBT2, and to result in the ubiquitination and degradation of the MdBT2 target protein MdbHLH104. Consequently, MdCML15 repressed the MdbHLH104 target, MdAHA8’s expression, reducing levels of a specific membrane H+-ATPase. Finally, the phenotype of transgenic apple plantlets and calli demonstrated that MdCML15 modulates membrane H+-ATPase-produced rhizosphere pH lowering alongside iron homeostasis through an MdCML15–MdBT2–MdbHLH104–MdAHA8 pathway. Our results provide new insights into the relationship between Ca2+ signaling and iron homeostasis.
Divining Elections: Religious Citizens’ Political Projections and Electoral Turnout in Israel and France
Authors: Overbeck Maximilian , Aharoni Tali , Baden Christian , Freedman Michael , Tenenboim-Weinblatt Keren
Published: March 2024

How do religious citizens’ election projections influence voter turnout? While previous studies have demonstrated the significant impact of religious orientation on individuals’ general future outlook, little is known about the influence of religion on voters’ electoral expectations and how these expectations affect voter turnout. In this paper, we employ a nuanced conceptual framework of election projections and examine the impact of religion on both the affective and probabilistic aspects of citizens’ expectations regarding election outcomes. Our analysis draws upon original panel survey data collected in two countries, focusing on the 2021 Israeli general elections and the 2022 French presidential elections. The findings reveal a mobilizing effect of religious citizens’ election projections in both Israel and France. Specifically, religious voters tend to have more positive affective forecasts about their projected election outcomes, consequently resulting in increased voter turnout. While affective forecasting plays a significant role in religious citizens’ turnout, probabilistic certitude does not have a similar effect. We discuss the contribution and implications of these findings for research on religion and political behavior.
RpoS Acts as a Global Repressor of Virulence Gene Expression in Escherichia coli O104:H4 and Enteroaggregative E coli
Authors: Berger Petya , Dumevi Rexford M , Berger Michael , Hastor Ines , Treffon Janina , Kouzel Ian U , Kehl Alexander , Scherff Natalie , Dobrindt Ulrich , Mellmann Alexander
Published: March 2024

In 2011, in Germany, Escherichia coli O104:H4 caused the enterohemorrhagic E coli (EHEC) outbreak with the highest incidence rate of hemolytic uremic syndrome. This pathogen carries an exceptionally potent combination of EHEC- and enteroaggregative E coli (EAEC)–specific virulence factors. Here, we identified an E coli O104:H4 isolate that carried a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the start codon (ATG > ATA) of rpoS, encoding the alternative sigma factor S. The rpoS ATG > ATA SNP was associated with enhanced EAEC-specific virulence gene expression. Deletion of rpoS in E coli O104:H4 Δstx2 and typical EAEC resulted in a similar effect. Both rpoS ATG > ATA and ΔrpoS strains exhibited stronger virulence-related phenotypes in comparison to wild type. Using promoter-reporter gene fusions, we demonstrated that wild-type RpoS repressed aggR, encoding the main regulator of EAEC virulence. In summary, our work demonstrates that RpoS acts as a global repressor of E coli O104:H4 virulence, primarily through an AggR-dependent mechanism.
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae among hospitalized patients in Cape Town, South Africa: molecular epidemiology and characterization
Authors: Marais Gert , Moodley Clinton , Claassen-Weitz Shantelle , Patel Fadheela , Prentice Elizabeth , Tootla Hafsah , Nyakutira Nyasha , Lennard Katie , Reddy Kessendri , Bamford Colleen , Niehaus Abraham , Whitelaw Andrew , Brink Adrian ,   Cape Town Antimicrobial Stewardship Study Alliance, Page Claudine , Schoeman Elizabeth , de Klerk Elizma , Lategan Karin , Pienaar Karlien , Henning Liezl , Du Plessis Mandy , Maseko Nomfundo , Nel Salome , Narainsamy Melenie , Vermeulen Michelle , du Toit Narissa , van Heerden Teresa , Sitharam Liza , Barendse Asa , Nagel Dane , Prince Jacqueline , Vass Letitia , Strauss Rileen , Fakier Rushana , Samuel Catherine , van Zyl Marelieze , Isaacs Leigh-Ann , Hendricks Shareefa , Dodd Amy , Daniels Reecka , Zemanay Widaad , Van Heerden Judi , Hapeela Nchimunya , Brown Parveen , Daniels Zubayr , Vasuthevan Sharon , Scott Enid , Ricks Esmeralda , Curle Patricia , Wojno Justyna
Published: March 2024

Background

The molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in Cape Town remains largely unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology, resistome, virulome and mobilome of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) within Cape Town to guide therapy, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control practices.

Methods

Eighty-five CRKP isolates from hospitalized patients underwent WGS as part of a prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study, conducted between 1 November 2020 and 30 November 2022, across public-sector and private-sector hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa.

Results

MLST revealed three novel types, ST6785, ST6786 and ST6787, while the most common were ST219, ST307, ST17, ST13 and ST2497. Different predominant clones were noted in each hospital. The most common carbapenemase gene was blaOXA-48-like, detected in 71% of isolates, with blaNDM detected in 5%. Notably, co-detection of two carbapenemase genes (blaOXA-48-like and blaNDM) occurred in 13% of isolates. The yersiniabactin siderophore was detected in 73% of isolates, and was most commonly associated with the ICEKp5 mobile element. All carbapenemases were located on plasmids. The genes blaOXA-181 and blaOXA-232 colocalized with a ColKP3 replicon type on assembled contigs in 83% and 100% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions

CRKP epidemiology in Cape Town reflects institutionally dominant, rather than regional, clones. The most prevalent carbapenemase gene was blaOXA-48-like, in keeping with CRKP epidemiology in South Africa in general. Emerging clones harbouring both blaOXA-48-like and blaNDM, such as ST17, ST2497 and the novel ST6787, are a concern due to the limited availability of appropriate antimicrobial agents in South Africa.
Effects of different supplemental levels of protease DE200 on the production performance, egg quality, and cecum microflora of laying hens
Authors: Cai Peiran , Liu Shiqi , Tu Yuang , Fu Dabo , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xixi , Zhou Ying , Shan Tizhong
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of the protease DE200 on the performance, egg quality, organ index, and cecum microflora of Hy-line W36 laying hens. In this experiment, a total of 180 laying hens aged 300 d were randomly divided into three treatment groups and fed diets containing 0, 100, or 200 g/t DE200. The experimental period was 8 wk, including 2 wk of prefeeding and 6 wk of the formal experiment. Regular feeding was performed thrice a day and eggs were collected twice daily, and the feed intake and the egg quality were recorded. The results showed that in terms of production performance, dietary supplementation with different levels of DE200 significantly increased egg production (EP; P < 0.05) and significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P < 0.05) without affecting egg weight (EW). In addition, the addition of DE200 significantly reduced the egg breakage rate (P < 0.05) and tended to increase the Haugh unit and decrease the water content of the yolk (P > 0.05). In the cecal microflora, the addition of DE200 increased the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes at the phylum level while reducing the proportion of Fusobacteria. Furthermore, at the genus level, the addition of DE200 increased the proportions of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium and reduced the proportion of Megamonas. This study suggested that the protease DE200 can be used as a feed supplement to improve the production performance of laying hens.
Relative contributions of osteal macrophages and osteoclasts to postnatal bone development in CSF1R-deficient rats and phenotype rescue following wild-type bone marrow cell transfer
Authors: Batoon Lena , Keshvari Sahar , Irvine Katharine M , Ho Eileen , Caruso Melanie , Patkar Omkar L , Sehgal Anuj , Millard Susan M , Hume David A , Pettit Allison R
Published: March 2024

Macrophage and osteoclast proliferation, differentiation and survival are regulated by colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) signaling. Osteopetrosis associated with Csf1 and Csf1r mutations has been attributed to the loss of osteoclasts and deficiency in bone resorption. Here, we demonstrate that homozygous Csf1r mutation in rat leads to delayed postnatal skeletal ossification associated with substantial loss of osteal macrophages in addition to osteoclasts. Osteosclerosis and site-specific skeletal abnormalities were reversed by intraperitoneal transfer of wild-type bone marrow cells (bone marrow cell transfer, BMT) at weaning. Following BMT, IBA1+ macrophages were detected before TRAP+ osteoclasts at sites of ossification restoration. These observations extend evidence that osteal macrophages independently contribute to bone anabolism and are required for normal postnatal bone growth and morphogenesis.
Chlamydia psittaci infected cell studies by 4Pi Raman and atomic force microscopy
Authors: Khalenkow Dmitry , Tormo Alejandro Diaz , De Meyst Anne , Van Der Meeren Louis , Verduijn Joost , Rybarczyk Joanna , Vanrompay Daisy , Le Thomas Nicolas , Skirtach Andre G
Published: March 2024

Chlamydia psittaci is an avian bacterial pathogen that can cause atypical pneumonia in humans via zoonotic transmission. It is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium that proliferates inside membrane bound inclusions in the cytoplasm of living eukaryotic cells. The study of such cells with C. psittaci inside without destroying them poses a significant challenge. We demonstrated in this work the utility of a combined multitool approach to analyze such complex samples. Atomic force microscopy was applied to obtain high-resolution images of the surface of infected cells upon entrance of bacteria. Atomic force microscopy scans revealed the morphological changes of the cell membrane of Chlamydia infected cells such as changes in roughness of cell membrane and the presence of micro vesicles. 4Pi Raman microscopy was used to image and probe the molecular composition of intracellular bacteria inside intact cells. Information about the structure of the inclusion produced by C. psittaci was obtained and it was found to have a similar molecular fingerprint as that of an intracellular lipid droplet but with less proteins and unsaturated lipids. The presented approach demonstrates complementarity of various microscopy-based approaches and might be useful for characterization of intracellular bacteria.
Pharmacist-led intervention to improve treatment outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ihekoronye Maduabuchi Romanus , Osemene Kanayo Patrick , Oamen Theophilus Ehidiamen
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Pharmacists’ contribution to medication therapy management in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is under-reported in Nigeria. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a pharmacy-based intervention on knowledge, pharmacy refills, medication adherence, and glycemic control among patients with T2D.

Methods

A two-arm prospective, randomized, controlled trial among 309 T2D patients over 25 weeks duration was conducted in a tertiary hospital. The intervention group (n = 155) received weekly health education and follow-up sent as phone-based short message service (SMS), alongside standard care. Control group (n = 154) received only standard care. Primary (HbA1c reduction) and secondary (refill adherence, knowledge, and medication adherence) outcomes were assessed and compared in both groups at baseline and endline.

Key findings

Intervention improved glycemic control (HbA1c reduction) directly (t = 8.253, P < .001) and indirectly through improved pharmacy refill adherence as 115 (76%) of the intervention group were refill adherent (Proportion of Days Covered [PDC] > 80%). For controls, mean baseline and endline knowledge scores were 2.798 and 2.816, respectively (t = 1.19092, P > .005), while the intervention group had 2.732 and 4.462, respectively (t = 9.76157, P < .005) on a 5-point Likert scale. Baseline and endline adherence scores for control group were 3.41 and 3.50, respectively (t = 0.92477, P > .05), while the intervention group had 3.35 and 6.72, respectively (t = 17.87981, P < .05) on the 8-point Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).

Conclusion

Pharmacist-led intervention significantly improved medication refills, glycemic control, knowledge, and medication adherence. Pharmacists should exploit mobile telephony for health education and follow-up services to improve treatment outcomes in medication therapy management of T2D.
Stylometric analysis of French plays of the 17th century
Authors: Savoy Jacques
Published: March 2024

The automatic assignment of a text to one or more predefined categories presents multiple applications. In this context, the current study focuses on author attribution in which the true author of a doubtful text must be identified. This analysis focuses on the style of sixty-six French comedies in verse written by seventeen supposed authors during the 17th century. The hypothesis we want to verify assumes that the real author is the name appearing on the cover (called the signature hypothesis). In order to validate the reliability of two attribution procedures, we used two additional corpora based on 200 extracts of novels written in French, with thirty authors and 140 Italian novels authored by forty persons. After this verification, we propose an improvement of the Delta method as well as a new analysis grid for this model. Finally, we applied these approaches to our French comedy corpus. The results demonstrate that the signature hypothesis must be discarded. Moreover, these works present similar styles, making any attribution difficult to support with a high degree of certainty.
Diffusion Bonding 321-Grade Stainless Steel: Failure and Multimodal Characterization
Authors: Lazar Isac , Knutsson Axel , Romero Hector Pous , Hektor Johan , Bushlya Volodymyr , Mikkelsen Anders , Lenrick Filip
Published: March 2024

Vacuum diffusion-bonded printed circuit heat exchangers are an attractive choice for the high-temperature, high-pressure demands of next-generation energy applications. However, early reports show that the high-temperature materials desired for these applications suffer from poor bond strengths due to precipitation at the bond line, preventing grain boundary migration. In this study, a diffusion bond of the high-temperature stainless steel grade 321H is investigated, and poor mechanical properties are found to be caused by Ti(C, N) precipitation at the bond line. Through in situ studies, it is found that Ti diffuses from the bulk to the mating surfaces at high temperatures. The Ti subsequently precipitates and, for the first time, an interaction between Ti(C, N) and Al/Mg-oxide precipitates at the bond line is observed, where Ti(C, N) nucleates on the oxides forming a core-shell structure. The results indicate that small amounts of particular alloying elements can greatly impact diffusion bond quality, prompting further research into the microstructural evolution that occurs during bonding conditions.
A review of the injuries caused by occupational footwear
Authors: Pereira-Barriga M C , Borrero-Hernández J M , García-Iglesias J J , López-López D , Ruiz-Frutos C , Allande-Cussó R , Gómez-Salgado J
Published: March 2024

Background

Occupational footwear is intended to provide protection against the risks associated with work activities. The choice of footwear is complex due to the welfare, health and safety conditions of workers.

Aims

To identify the injuries and problems caused by occupational footwear through a systematic review of the existing literature.

Methods

A literature search was carried out in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Dialnet Plus, Pubmed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases over the period 2000–23, following the PRISMA Declaration guidelines.

Results

A total of 27 studies were included in the review. The results indicated that there is a wide variety of injuries caused by occupational footwear: from dermal injuries (e.g. calluses) and injuries to the nail apparatus to inflammatory pathologies such as plantar fasciitis or bursitis. In addition, inappropriate footwear can cause pain in the ankle and foot, knees, hips and lower back. Other results include the discomfort derived from the footwear itself.

Conclusions

Inappropriate footwear can cause injuries to the foot and other related bone structures. Further studies are needed on the detection of foot injuries caused by occupational footwear and the levels of action at this level to improve the worker’s health, the adaptability of the footwear to the wearer, and the worker’s comfort and adherence to the footwear.
Quantifying the Cost of Shigella Diarrhea in the Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella Surveillance Study
Authors: Morozoff Chloe , Ahmed Naveed , Chinkhumba Jobiba , Islam Md Taufiqul , Jallow Abdoulie F , Ogwel Billy , Zegarra Paredes Loyda Fiorella , Sanogo Doh , Atlas Hannah E , Badji Henry , Bar-Zeev Naor , Conteh Bakary , Güimack Fajardo Mario , Feutz Erika , Haidara Fadima C , Karim Mehrab , Mamby Keita Adama , Keita Youssouf , Khanam Farhana , Kosek Margaret N , Kotloff Karen L , Maguire Rebecca , Mbutuka Ishmail S , Ndalama Maureen , Ochieng John Benjamin , Okello Collins , Omore Richard , Perez Garcia Karin F , Qamar Farah Naz , Qudrat-E-Khuda Syed , Qureshi Sonia , Rajib Md Nazmul Hasan , Shapiama Lopez Wagner Valentino , Sultana Shazia , Witte Desiree , Yousafzai Mohammad Tahir , Awuor Alex O , Cunliffe Nigel A , Jahangir Hossain M , Paredes Olortegui Maribel , Tapia Milagritos D , Zaman K , Means Arianna Rubin
Published: March 2024

Background

Comparative costs of public health interventions provide valuable data for decision making. However, the availability of comprehensive and context-specific costs is often limited. The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study—a facility-based diarrhea surveillance study across 7 countries—aims to generate evidence on health system and household costs associated with medically attended Shigella diarrhea in children.

Methods

EFGH working groups comprising representatives from each country (Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Pakistan, Peru, and The Gambia) developed the study methods. Over a 24-month surveillance period, facility-based surveys will collect data on resource use for the medical treatment of an estimated 9800 children aged 6–35 months with diarrhea. Through these surveys, we will describe and quantify medical resources used in the treatment of diarrhea (eg, medication, supplies, and provider salaries), nonmedical resources (eg, travel costs to the facility), and the amount of caregiver time lost from work to care for their sick child. To assign costs to each identified resource, we will use a combination of caregiver interviews, national medical price lists, and databases from the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization. Our primary outcome will be the estimated cost per inpatient and outpatient episode of medically attended Shigella diarrhea treatment across countries, levels of care, and illness severity. We will conduct sensitivity and scenario analysis to determine how unit costs vary across scenarios.

Conclusions

Results from this study will contribute to the existing body of literature on diarrhea costing and inform future policy decisions related to investments in preventive strategies for Shigella.