bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-related quality of life of X-linked hypophosphatemia in Spain
Authors: Yanes M. I. Luis , Diaz-Curiel M. , Peris P. , Vicente C. , Marin S. , Ramon-Krauel M. , Hernandez J. , Broseta J. J. , Espinosa L. , Mendizabal S. , Perez-Sukia L. , Martínez V. , Palazón C. , Piñero J. A. , Calleja M. A. , Espin J. , Arborio-Pinel R. , Ariceta G.
Published: July 2022

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is lower than that of both the general population and the patients with other chronic diseases, mainly due to diagnostic delay, treatment difficulties, poor psychosocial support, and problems with social integration. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment are paramount to control the disease in patients with XLH, avoid complications, and maintain or improve their HRQoL. We, therefore, analyzed the HRQoL of pediatric and adult patients with XLH treated with conventional therapy in Spain.

Results

We used several versions of the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) instrument according to the age of patients with XLH. Then we compared the HRQoL of patients to that of the general Spanish population. Children with XLH (n = 21) had moderate problems in walking about (61.9%), washing or dressing themselves (9.52%), and performing their usual activities (33.33%). They also felt moderate pain or discomfort (61.9%) and were moderately anxious or depressed (23.81%). Adults with XLH (n = 29) had lower HRQoL, with problems in walking (93%, with 3.45% unable to walk independently), some level of pain (86%, with 3.45% experiencing extreme pain), problems with their usual activities (80%) and self-care (> 50%), and reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (65%). There were important differences with the general Spanish population.

Conclusions

XLH impacts negatively on physical functioning and HRQoL of patients. In Spanish patients with XLH, the HRQoL was reduced despite conventional treatment, clearly indicating the need to improve the therapeutic approach to this disorder.
Epstein-Barr virus and Burkitt’s lymphoma. Associations in Iraqi Kurdistan and twenty-two countries assessed in the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Muhealdeen Dana N. , Shwan Alan , Yaqo Rafil T. , Hassan Hemin A. , Muhammed Bryar O. , Ali Rawa M. , Hughson Michael D.
Published: July 2022

Background

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) has worldwide variations in incidence that are related to the age of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. This study examined the age-specific incidence rate (ASIR) of BL and community EBV seropositivity in Iraqi Kurdistan and compared results with data from countries tabulated in the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer volume 3 (IICC-3).

Methods

The ASIR (95% confidence intervals) of BL in Sulaimani Governorate of Iraqi Kurdistan were calculated for the years 2010–2020. Specimens from 515 outpatients were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies to EBV viral capsid antigen.

Results

In Sulaimani, 84% of BL occurred under 20 years of age, with an ASIR of 6.2 (4.7–7.7) per million children. This ASIR was not significantly different than that of Egypt, Morocco, Israel, Spain, or France. It was slightly higher than the ASIR of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany and markedly higher than for Asia and South Africa. In Africa and much of Asia, early childhood EBV exposure predominates, with nearly all children being infected by 5 years of age. In Sulaimani, just over 50% of children were EBV seropositive at 3 years old and 90% seropositivity was reached at 15 years of age. In Europe and North America, seropositivity is commonly delayed until adolescence or young adulthood and adult predominates over childhood BL.

Conclusion

In the Middle East, childhood BL is relatively common and adult BL is rare. In Sulaimani, EBV seropositivity increases progressively throughout childhood and reaches 92% at mid-adolescence. This may reflect the Mid East more widely. We suggest that the high childhood and low adult BL rates may be a regional effect of a pattern of EBV exposure intermediate between early childhood and adolescent and young adult infections.
Genomic sequence capture of Plasmodium relictum in experimentally infected birds
Authors: Ellis Vincenzo A. , Kalbskopf Victor , Ciloglu Arif , Duc Mélanie , Huang Xi , Inci Abdullah , Bensch Staffan , Hellgren Olof , Palinauskas Vaidas
Published: July 2022

Background

Sequencing parasite genomes in the presence of host DNA is challenging. Sequence capture can overcome this problem by using RNA probes that hybridize with the parasite DNA and then are removed from solution, thus isolating the parasite DNA for efficient sequencing.

Methods

Here we describe a set of sequence capture probes designed to target 1035 genes (c. 2.5 Mbp) of the globally distributed avian haemosporidian parasite, Plasmodium relictum. Previous sequence capture studies of avian haemosporidians from the genus Haemoproteus have shown that sequencing success depends on parasitemia, with low-intensity, chronic infections (typical of most infected birds in the wild) often being difficult to sequence. We evaluate the relationship between parasitemia and sequencing success using birds experimentally infected with P. relictum and kept under laboratory conditions.

Results

We confirm the dependence of sequencing success on parasitemia. Sequencing success was low for birds with low levels of parasitemia (< 1% infected red blood cells) and high for birds with higher levels of parasitemia. Plasmodium relictum is composed of multiple lineages defined by their mitochondrial DNA haplotype including three that are widespread (SGS1, GRW11, and GRW4); the probes successfully isolated DNA from all three. Furthermore, we used data from 25 genes to describe both among- and within-lineage genetic variation. For example, two samples of SGS1 isolated from different host species differed by 11 substitutions across those 25 genes.

Conclusions

The sequence capture approach we describe will allow for the generation of genomic data that will contribute to our understanding of the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of P. relictum, an extreme host generalist and widespread parasite.

Graphical Abstract
Dietary diversity and associated factors among preschool children in selected kindergarten school of Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Keyata Ebisa Olika , Daselegn Abebe , Oljira Alemayehu
Published: July 2022

Background

Preschool children are the most vulnerable group because of their high nutritional needs for growth and development. The study assessed dietary diversity scores and associated factors among preschool children in selected kindergarten schools of Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia.

Methods

The institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on a total 440 of preschool children. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the dietary diversity score of preschool children using a 24 h dietary recall method. Binary logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with dietary diversity scores of preschool children.

Results

The result showed that the majority (87.3%) of preschool children in the selected kindergarten school practiced a low dietary diversity score (less than four food groups). The result obtained from multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the age of preschool children [AOR 9.58(2.26–40.60)], sex of child [AOR 3.21(1.71–5.99)], and work of mother [AOR 7.49(2.33–24.07)] were significantly (p < 0.05 associated) with dietary diversity of children.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that many preschool children in the study area did not get a minimum dietary diversity score. Therefore, health extension workers must organize community-based behavior change nutritional education for mothers or caregivers to create awareness of preschool child dietary diversity practices.
Qualitative interviews in patients with lipodystrophy to assess the patient experience: evaluation of hunger and other symptoms
Authors: Martin Susan A. , Sanchez Robert J. , Olayinka-Amao Oyebimpe , Harris Charles , Fehnel Sheri
Published: July 2022

Background

New treatments are being evaluated for lipodystrophy; however, limited information is available on the patient experience. Results of a prior patient panel showed that hunger and temperature-related symptoms were an issue for participants. Therefore, evaluation of any changes in these symptoms is recommended for inclusion in new treatment options. The objective of this study was to further understand the patient experience and to evaluate newly developed items of hunger and temperature regulation.

Methods

Individual, in-depth telephone interviews were conducted via semi-structured discussion guide. Telephone interviews were conducted with 21 US patients with generalized lipodystrophy (GLD) or partial lipodystrophy (PLD). Eligibility requirements included self-reported PLD or GLD. Interviews included open-ended concept elicitation followed by a review of newly developed items assessing hunger, temperature sensations, and patient globals. Interviews were conducted in two rounds, with the newly developed items assessing hunger revised after each round of interviews based on participant feedback.

Results

Results indicated that hunger-related symptoms were considered a current issue for greater than half (N = 11) of participants, and all but one reported this as an issue at some point in their lives. Specifically, participants most often reported symptoms of increased appetite and not feeling full. The cognitive debriefing process indicated that the hunger-related symptoms, temperature, and global impression of change and severity items were correctly interpreted and easily completed by the participants. While not a focus of the interviews, the concept elicitation results demonstrated that pain was a frequently reported and bothersome symptom in this patient population.

Conclusions

This qualitative research provided evidence to support the use of clinical outcomes assessments such as hunger and temperature-related items in clinical trials.
Biocontrol potential of native entomopathogenic nematodes against coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Sujithra M. , Rajkumar M. , Mhatre Priyank Hanuman , Guru-Pirasanna-Pandi Govindharaj
Published: July 2022

Background

India is the world's leading producer of coconuts. Many biotic and abiotic constrains limit global palm yield and among the biotic factors, the coconut rhinoceros beetle,Oryctes rhinoceros(L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is the major problem in India. The adult beetle attacks the unopened leaves and inflorescences, resulting in a yield loss of more than 10%.O. rhinocerosgrubs and adults have different feeding habits as the adults feed on plant tissues, whereas the grubs primarily feed on rotting organic matter. Non-feeding stage, i.e. the larval stage, which is cryptic in nature and spends nearly 90–160 days in the breeding site, is amenable to any control measures so as to reduce the population of actual damaging adult stage. However, indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides has created a lot of environmental and regulatory issues, thus warranting an ecologically safe and environmental friendly alternative option. Hence, indigenous entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) strains, viz.Heterorhabditis indica(CPCRI-Hi1),Steinernema abbasi(CPCRI-Sa1), andS. carpocapsae(CPCRI-Sc1), virulence and reproductive capacity were evaluated against second instar larvae ofO. rhinoceros.

Results

Oryctes rhinoceroslarval susceptibility to EPN significantly varied with the treatment dose and period of exposure. The highest larval mortality was observed withS. carpocapsae(100%), andS. abbasi(92%) at 10 days post treatment, whereasH. indicastrain induced 72% mortality. At 72 h of incubation, the LC50values of Sc1, Sa1 and Hi1 strains were 1078, 1663 and 9780 IJs larva−1, respectively. With different concentration of EPN tested, the production of infective juveniles (IJs) inside the cadavers for Sc1, Sa1 and Hi1 varied between 3223–10,365; 4722–96,572 and 3483–85,453 larvae−1, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on the virulence, reproductive capacity, searching ability and LC50values, it is suggested that strain Sc1 have great potential as a biocontrol agent for theOryctesmanagement in coconut palms under humid tropical ecosystem. Present study found the effective native strain againstO. rhinoceros, and its field efficacy should be tested further to include the EPNs in the integrated pest management program in coconut.
Effects of waveform shape and electrode material on KiloHertz frequency alternating current block of mammalian peripheral nerve
Authors: Green David B. , Kilgore Joseph A. , Bender Shane A. , Daniels Robert J. , Gunzler Douglas D. , Vrabec Tina L. , Bhadra Niloy
Published: July 2022

Objectives

KiloHertz frequency alternating current waveforms produce conduction block in peripheral nerves. It is not clearly known how the waveform shape affects block outcomes, and if waveform effects are frequency dependent. We determined the effects of waveform shape using two types of electrodes.

Materials and methods

Acute in-vivo experiments were performed on 12 rats. Bipolar electrodes were used to electrically block motor nerve impulses in the sciatic nerve, as measured using force output from the gastrocnemius muscle. Three blocking waveforms were delivered (sinusoidal, square and triangular) at 6 frequencies (10–60 kHz). Bare platinum electrodes were compared with carbon black coated electrodes. We determined the minimum amplitude that could completely block motor nerve conduction (block threshold), and measured properties of the onset response, which is a transient period of nerve activation at the start of block. In-vivo results were compared with computational modeling conducted using the NEURON simulation environment using a nerve membrane model modified for stimulation in the kilohertz frequency range.

Results

For the majority of parameters, in-vivo testing and simulations showed similar results: Block thresholds increased linearly with frequency for all three waveforms. Block thresholds were significantly different between waveforms; lowest for the square waveform and highest for triangular waveform. When converted to charge per cycle, square waveforms required the maximum charge per phase, and triangular waveforms the least. Onset parameters were affected by blocking frequency but not by waveform shape. Electrode comparisons were performed only in-vivo. Electrodes with carbon black coatings gave significantly lower block thresholds and reduced onset responses across all blocking frequencies. For 10 and 20 kHz, carbon black coating significantly reduced the charge required for nerve block.

Conclusions

We conclude that both sinusoidal and square waveforms at frequencies of 20 kHz or higher would be optimal. Future investigation of carbon black or other high charge capacity electrodes may be useful in achieving block with lower BTs and onsets. These findings will be of importance for designing clinical nerve block systems.
Stakeholder engagement to inform evidence-based treatment implementation for children’s mental health: a scoping review
Authors: Triplett Noah S. , Woodard Grace S. , Johnson Clara , Nguyen Julie K. , AlRasheed Rashed , Song Frank , Stoddard Sophia , Mugisha Jules Cesar , Sievert Kristen , Dorsey Shannon
Published: July 2022

Background

There is a pervasive mental health treatment gap for children across the globe. Engaging stakeholders in child mental health evidence-based treatment (EBT) implementation projects may increase the likelihood of successful EBT implementation, thereby better addressing the treatment gap. However, little is known about the extent of stakeholder engagement to inform the implementation of child mental health EBTs.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review to characterize stakeholder engagement in child mental health EBT implementation projects, including what stakeholders are engaged, how they are engaged, when they are engaged, where they are engaged (i.e., location of projects), why they are engaged, and the reported impacts of stakeholder engagement. We searched seven databases: MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, ERIC, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. To be included, studies had to report on some form of stakeholder engagement that was undertaken to inform or explain the implementation of a child mental health EBT. We performed data extraction and synthesis to describe key study and stakeholder characteristics, stakeholder engagement methods and rationales, reported impacts of stakeholder engagement, and quality of reporting on stakeholder engagement.

Results

In total, 122 manuscripts met our inclusion criteria, from which we identified a total of 103 unique child mental health EBT implementation projects. Projects spanned 22 countries, which included low-, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income countries. The largest number of projects was in the USA and conducted in public mental health settings. Most projects engaged EBT providers during the active implementation phase and with limited depth, often gathering information from stakeholders without sharing decision-making power in implementation efforts. Across projects, impacts of stakeholder engagement spanned all of Proctor and colleague’s implementation outcomes.

Conclusions

Given that stakeholder engagement is often shallow and with limited shared decision-making, additional effort should be made to increase engagement to preempt challenges to EBT implementation and ensure implementation success. Such efforts may ensure the just distribution of power in EBT implementation efforts.

Trial registration

All procedures were pre-registered on the Open Science Framework prior to conducting the literature search (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/GR9AP).
Adrenal Insufficiency in Cirrhosis
Authors: Wentworth Brian J , Siragy Helmy M
Published: July 2022

Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis assessment in patients with cirrhosis is challenging. The phenotype of fatigue, hypotension, electrolyte disarray, and abdominal pain characterizing primary adrenal insufficiency (AI) overlaps significantly with decompensated liver disease. Reliance on total cortisol assays in hypoproteinemic states is problematic, yet abnormal stimulated levels in cirrhosis are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Alternative measures including free plasma or salivary cortisol levels have theoretical merit but are limited by unclear prognostic significance and undefined cirrhosis-specific reference ranges. Further complicating matters is that AI in cirrhosis represents a spectrum of impairment. Although absolute cortisol deficiency can occur, this represents a minority of cases. Instead, there is an emerging concept that cirrhosis, with or without critical illness, may induce a “relative” cortisol deficiency during times of stress. In addition, the limitations posed by decreased synthesis of binding globulins in cirrhosis necessitate re-evaluation of traditional AI diagnostic thresholds.
Transitions in development – an interview with Salah Elias
Authors: Grewal Seema
Published: July 2022

Salah Elias is Associate Professor in Developmental Biology at The University of Southampton, UK. His research aims to understand the mechanisms underlying oriented cell divisions in the mammary gland, focusing on how these divisions influence epithelial differentiation and architecture, and how their dysregulation can lead to malignant transformation. Salah set up his research group back in 2017 and has since been involved in various initiatives, including the ‘New PIs in Cell and Developmental Biology’ forum and activities relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We chatted with Salah over Zoom to find out more about his career and his transition to becoming an independent group leader.
Childhood Housing and Adult Outcomes: A Between-Siblings Analysis of Housing Vouchers and Public Housing
Authors: Pollakowski Henry O. , Weinberg Daniel H. , Andersson Fredrik , Haltiwanger John C. , Palloni Giordano , Kutzbach Mark J.
Published: July 2022

We create a national-level longitudinal dataset to analyze how children’s participation in public and voucher-assisted housing affects age-26 earnings and adult incarceration. Naïve OLS estimates suggest that returns to subsidized housing participation are negative, but that relationship is driven by household selection into assisted housing. Household fixed effects estimates indicate that additional years of public housing increase earnings by 6.2 percent for females and 6.1 percent for males, while voucher-assisted housing increases earnings by 4.8 percent for females and 2.7 percent for males. Childhood participation in assisted housing also reduces the likelihood of adult incarceration for all household race/ethnicity groups. (JEL I38, J13, J31, K42, R38)
Child Marriage Bans and Female Schooling and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Natural Experiments in 17 Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Wilson Nicholas
Published: July 2022

I measure the effect of child marriage bans on female educational attainment and employment using a difference-in-differences approach employing subnational spatial and cohort variation in a sample of over 250,000 female respondents from 17 low- and middle-income countries banning child marriage between 1995 and 2012. My results using the full study sample suggest that raising the minimum legal age of marriage to 18 increased age at marriage, age at first birth, and the likelihood of employment. In urban areas, the bans also reduced child marriage and increased educational attainment. Effects of the bans typically were smaller in rural areas, in countries with a lower pre-ban minimum legal age at marriage, for cohorts with lower temporal exposure to the ban, and for reducing marriage at ages just below 18, consistent with imperfect enforcement. (JEL I21, J12, J13, J16, J18, K38, O15)
Gini and Optimal Income Taxation by Rank
Authors: Simula Laurent , Trannoy Alain
Published: July 2022

We solve the nonlinear income tax program for rank-dependent social welfare functions, expressing the trade-off between size and inequality using the Gini and related families of positional indices. Absent bunching, ranks in the actual and optimal allocations are invariant. Exploiting this feature, we provide new, simple, and intuitive tax formulas for both the quasilinear and additive cases and new comparative static results. Our approach makes insights from optimal taxation more widely accessible. In some of our simulations the actual US tax policy is close to being optimal—except at the top, where optimal rates are much higher than in actuality. (JEL D31, D63, H21, H24, K34)
Depreciating Licenses
Authors: Weyl E. Glen , Zhang Anthony Lee
Published: July 2022

Many governments assign use licenses for natural resources, such as radio spectrum, fishing rights, and mineral extraction rights, through auctions or other market-like mechanisms. License design affects resource users’ investment incentives as well as the efficiency of asset allocation. No existing license design achieves first-best outcomes on both dimensions. Long-term licenses give owners high investment incentives but impede reallocation to high-valued entrants. Short-term licenses improve allocative efficiency but discourage investment. We propose a simple new mechanism, the depreciating license, and we argue that it navigates this trade-off more effectively than existing license designs. (JEL D44, D45, H82, K11, Q28, Q38, Q58)
The Long-Run Effects of Sports Club Vouchers for Primary School Children
Authors: Marcus Jan , Siedler Thomas , Ziebarth Nicolas R.
Published: July 2022

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the twenty-first century. While small-scale experiments change behaviors among adults in the short run, we know little about the effectiveness of large-scale policies or the longer-run impacts. To nudge primary school children into a long-term habit of exercising, the German state of Saxony distributed sports club membership vouchers among all 33,000 third graders in 2009. In 2018, we carried out a register-based survey to evaluate the policy. Even after a decade, awareness of the voucher program was significantly higher in the treatment group. We also find that youth received and redeemed the vouchers. However, we do not find significant short- or long-term effects on sports club membership, physical activity, overweightness, or motor skills. Apparently, membership vouchers for children are not a strong enough policy tool to overcome barriers to exercise regularly. (JEL H75, I12, I18, I21, I28, J13, Z21)
E-learning English textbook on the topic "Bacterial infections. What are they?"
Authors: Musina O.R. , Timeeva L.V. , Yarunina I.V.
Published: July 2022

The authors of this e-learning resource have developed a system of exercises aimed at mastering of professional medical vocabulary and developing skills of working with authentic texts on the topic ""Bacterial infections. What are they?"". Each section contains an authentic text that allows students to get aware and to memorize corresponding terminology. The peculiar feature of this EER is that after each text there is a series of exercises presented to develop skills of working with medical vocabulary. In addition, each section contains a glossary which includes lexical units for the studied topic. The structure of the electronic educational resource allows to fulfill the tasks of mastering medical professional vocabulary and oral speech skills. This e-learning resource consists of 10 sections united by one topic. The e-learning resource offers learners to study both in the classroom and at home to enhance the professional language.
Amor entre as grades: revisão sistemática sobre a conjugalidade no contexto do encarceramento
Authors: Reck Brum Rayssa , Scapin Teixeira Karina , Rossato Pereira Caroline Rubin , Najar Smeha Luciane
Published: July 2022

Este estudo teve por objetivo conhecer o panorama internacional de publicações e analisar a produção científica sobre a temática da conjugalidade na intersecção com o encarceramento. Para isso, realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, por meio de buscas de artigos publicados em periódicos científicos indexados, entre 2010 e 2020, na base de dados Web of Science. A partir da aplicação dos critérios de inclusão, 23 estudos foram selecionados para análise. Os dados quantitativos acerca da revisão foram analisados a partir de uma análise de frequência simples. Além disso, os principais resultados identificados nos estudos foram submetidos a uma análise de conteúdo qualitativa, que resultou em cinco categorias: repercussões da privação de liberdade na manutenção ou ruptura do casamento; dinâmicas conjugais atravessadas pela prisão; encarceramento e violência conjugal; casamento como fator protetivo; e intervenções psicológicas com casais no contexto do encarceramento. Os resultados sugerem importantes repercussões da privação de liberdade nas relações conjugais, da mesma forma que tais relações repercutem na vivência do encarceramento.
Antecedents of Customer Bargain Satisfaction In Informal Retail Markets: Insights from Street Shoppers in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Uzo Uchenna , Agbontaen Osaro , Adewusi Adedeji
Published: July 2022

This study aims to expand the understanding of customer satisfaction by looking at the factors that explain the under-investigated dimension of customer bargain satisfaction in informal retail markets. The study adopted an exploratory sequential approach by conducting two focus group
discussions and administering a cross-sectional survey of 1012 shoppers in Lagos, Nigeria. Factors such as product scarcity, product quality, customer identification with retailers, repurchase frequency, perception of the retail environment, and ethical sales behaviour affect customer bargain
satisfaction in informal retail markets. No known studies have investigated the dimension of customer bargain satisfaction. The focus on Africa's informal retail context unpacks situational conditions that trigger consumers' bargain behaviour.
Spatio-temporal epidemiology of animal and human rabies in northern South Africa between 1998 and 2017
Authors: Mogano Kgaogelo , Suzuki Toru , Mohale Debrah , Phahladira Baby , Ngoepe Ernest , Kamata Yusuke , Chirima George , Sabeta Claude , Makita Kohei
Published: July 2022

Background

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that is maintained in domestic dogs and wildlife populations in the Republic of South Africa. A retrospective study was conducted to improve understanding of the dynamics of rabies in humans, domestic dogs, and wildlife species, in relation to the ecology for three northern provinces of South Africa (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North-West) between 1998 and 2017.

Methods

A descriptive epidemiology study was conducted for human and animal rabies. Dog rabies cases were analyzed using spatio-temporal scan statistics. The reproductive number (Rt) was estimated for the identified disease clusters. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the genome sequences of rabies viruses isolated from dogs, jackals, and an African civet, and Bayesian evolutionary analysis using a strict time clock model. Several ecological and socio-economic variables associated with dog rabies were modeled using univariate analyses with zero-inflated negative binomial regression and multivariable spatial analyses using the integrated nested Laplace approximation for two time periods: 1998–2002 and 2008–2012.

Results

Human rabies cases increased in 2006 following an increase in dog rabies cases; however, the human cases declined in the next year while dog rabies cases fluctuated. Ten disease clusters of dog rabies were identified, and utilizing the phylogenetic tree, the dynamics of animal rabies over 20 years was elucidated. In 2006, a virus strain that re-emerged in eastern Limpopo Province caused the large and persistent dog rabies outbreaks in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. Several clusters included a rabies virus variant maintained in jackals in Limpopo Province, and the other variant in dogs widely distributed. The widely distributed variant maintained in jackal populations in North-West Province caused an outbreak in dogs in 2014. The Rt was high when the disease clusters were associated with either multiple virus strains or multiple animal species. High-risk areas included Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces characterized by woodlands and high temperatures and precipitation.

Conclusion

Canine rabies was maintained mainly in dog populations but was also associated with jackal species. Rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces were at high risk of canine rabies originating from dogs.
Japanese encephalitis virus persists in the human reproductive epithelium and porcine reproductive tissues
Authors: Chapagain Subash , Pal Singh Prince , Le Khanh , Safronetz David , Wood Heidi , Karniychuk Uladzimir
Published: July 2022

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the emerging and geographically expanding flavivirus and the major causative agent of encephalitis in humans in Asia. There are risks of JEV introduction into the Americas given a large population of amplifying hosts—pigs and wild boars, and insect vectors—Culex mosquitoes. There are emerging concerns about vector-free ways of flavivirus transmission, for example sexual and transplacental Zika virus transmissions, which may change flavivirus epidemiology and expand the geographical range to territories with no insect vectors. It is unknown whether JEV has tropism in the female lower reproductive tract and the potential for sexual transmission in humans. While clinical outcomes of transplacental JEV infection are described in humans and pigs, cellular targets and tissue tropism in the upper reproductive tract are also unknown. Here, we studied JEV infection phenotypes and host transcriptional responses in human reproductive epithelial cells. We found that JEV caused persistent infection and cytopathology in the vaginal epithelium, endometrial epithelium, and trophoblast. Human vaginal epithelial cells infected with JEV had altered transcriptional responses associated with inflammation and disruption of epithelial barrier function. Also, using pigs—the native amplifying host for JEV, we confirmed JEV tropism in the female lower and upper reproductive tracts. We discovered that JEV persists in the vaginal mucosa for at least 28 days and pigs shed the virus in vaginal secretions. We also found JEV persistence in the endometrium and placenta with transplacental and fetal infections. Altogether, we discovered that JEV targets the vaginal epithelium and has the potential for sexual transmission in humans. We also contributed to a better understanding of JEV pathogenesis during transplacental infection. Further studies are needed to better understand the interactions of JEV with reproductive tissues, how persistent infection affects female reproductive functions, and the risks for non-vector transmission.
A systematic review of statistical methodology used to evaluate progression of chronic kidney disease using electronic healthcare records
Authors: Cleary Faye , Prieto-Merino David , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: July 2022

Background

Electronic healthcare records (EHRs) are a useful resource to study chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression prior to starting dialysis, but pose methodological challenges as kidney function tests are not done on everybody, nor are tests evenly spaced. We sought to review previous research of CKD progression using renal function tests in EHRs, investigating methodology used and investigators’ recognition of data quality issues.

Methods and findings

We searched for studies investigating CKD progression using EHRs in 4 databases (Medline, Embase, Global Health and Web of Science) available as of August 2021. Of 80 articles eligible for review, 59 (74%) were published in the last 5.5 years, mostly using EHRs from the UK, USA and East Asian countries. 33 articles (41%) studied rates of change in eGFR, 23 (29%) studied changes in eGFR from baseline and 15 (19%) studied progression to binary eGFR thresholds. Sample completeness data was available in 44 studies (55%) with analysis populations including less than 75% of the target population in 26 studies (33%). Losses to follow-up went unreported in 62 studies (78%) and 11 studies (14%) defined their cohort based on complete data during follow up. Methods capable of handling data quality issues and other methodological challenges were used in a minority of studies.

Conclusions

Studies based on renal function tests in EHRs may have overstated reliability of findings in the presence of informative missingness. Future renal research requires more explicit statements of data completeness and consideration of i) selection bias and representativeness of sample to the intended target population, ii) ascertainment bias where follow-up depends on risk, and iii) the impact of competing mortality. We recommend that renal progression studies should use statistical methods that take into account variability in renal function, informative censoring and population heterogeneity as appropriate to the study question.
The IFRS adoption, accounting quality, and banking performance: An evaluation of susceptibilities and financial stability in developing economies
Authors: Ma Chao , Awan Rehmat Ullah , Ren Diandian , Alharthi Majed , Haider Jahanzaib , Kouser Robina
Published: July 2022

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) ’s adoption increased attention to International Accounting Standard Regulations worldwide. It has opened the door for empirical analysis having different perceptions of mandatory IFRS adoption. This paper’s main objective is to examine the impact of accounting quality and IFRS adoption on Pakistan’s banking sector efficiency. We have employed the Malmquist productivity index, Roychowdhury’s Earnings Management, and modified learner index to conduct the empirical analysis. The results mean how much banking sector efficiency is affected by accounting quality and IFRS adoption. The results demonstrate that the banking sector efficiency significantly increases through accounting quality and IFRS. Furthermore, it can be seen that the foreign banks’ efficiency in Pakistan is less than other banks compared to public or private banks. Additionally, more earnings timeliness has been noted in large banks than medium and small banks in Pakistan. Preferably, the practice of quality accounting relies on disclosed information through financial statements. In contrast, the organizations may evade the losses once the information quality is precise and appropriate. The study provides valuable information to managers and other stakeholders.
Mutations in SORL1 and MTHFDL1 possibly contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease in a multigenerational Colombian Family
Authors: Tejada Moreno Johanna Alexandra , Villegas Lanau Andrés , Madrigal Zapata Lucia , Baena Pineda Ana Yulied , Velez Hernandez Juan , Campo Nieto Omer , Soto Ospina Alejandro , Araque Marín Pedronel , Rishishwar Lavanya , Norris Emily T. , Chande Aroon T. , Jordan I. King , Bedoya Berrio Gabriel
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, affecting over 50 million people worldwide in 2020 and this number will triple to 152 million by 2050. Much of the increase will be in developing countries like Colombia. In familial forms, highly penetrant mutations have been identified in three genes, APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, supporting a role for amyloid-β peptide. In sporadic forms, more than 30 risk genes involved in the lipid metabolism, the immune system, and synaptic functioning mechanisms. We used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to evaluate a family of 97 members, spanning three generations, with a familiar AD, and without mutations in APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2. We sequenced two affected and one unaffected member with the aim of identifying genetic variants that could explain the presence of the disease in the family and the candidate variants were validated in eleven members. We also built a structural model to try to determine the effect on protein function. WES analysis identified two rare variants in SORL1 and MTHFD1L genes segregating in the family with other potential risk variants in APOE, ABCA7, and CHAT, suggesting an oligogenic inheritance. Additionally, the structural 3D models of SORL1 and MTHFD1L variants shows that these variants produce polarity changes that favor hydrophobic interactions, resulting in local structural changes that could affect the protein function and may contribute to the development of the disease in this family.
Low risk of acquiring melioidosis from the environment in the continental United States
Authors: Hall Carina M. , Romero-Alvarez Daniel , Martz Madison , Santana-Propper Ella , Versluis Lora , Jiménez Laura , Alkishe Abdelghafar , Busch Joseph D. , Maness Trevor , Stewart Jonathan , Sidwa Tom , Gee Jay E. , Elrod Mindy G. , Weiner Zachary , Hoffmaster Alex R. , Sahl Jason W. , Salzer Johanna S. , Peterson A. Townsend , Kieffer Amanda , Wagner David M.
Published: July 2022

Melioidosis is an underreported human disease of tropical and sub-tropical regions caused by the saprophyte Burkholderia pseudomallei. Although most global melioidosis cases are reported from tropical regions in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, there are multiple occurrences from sub-tropical regions, including the United States (U.S.). Most melioidosis cases reported from the continental U.S. are the result of acquiring the disease during travel to endemic regions or from contaminated imported materials. Only two human melioidosis cases from the continental U.S. have likely acquired B. pseudomallei directly from local environments and these cases lived only ~7 km from each other in rural Texas. In this study, we assessed the risk of acquiring melioidosis from the environment within the continental U.S. by surveying for B. pseudomallei in the environment in Texas where these two human melioidosis cases likely acquired their infections. We sampled the environment near the homes of the two cases and at additional sampling locations in surrounding counties in Texas that were selected based on ecological niche modeling. B. pseudomallei was not detected at the residences of these two cases or in the surrounding region. These negative data are important to demonstrate that B. pseudomallei is rare in the environment in the U.S. even at locations where locally acquired human cases likely have occurred, documenting the low risk of acquiring B. pseudomallei infection from the environment in the continental U.S.
The spatial heterogeneity of the impact of PM2.5 on domestic tourism flows in China
Authors: Zhu Nina , Luo Ya , Luo Feng , Li Xue , Zeng Gang
Published: July 2022

As haze pollution intensifies, its impact on tourism is becoming increasingly obvious. However, limited studies have analyzed the impacts of haze pollution on tourism. To explore the contribution rate and impact of PM2.5 pollution on tourism flows, panel data on 341 prefecture-level cities in China from 2001 to 2015 were used. The results illustrated that the changes in PM2.5 pollution and domestic tourism flows showed a similar partial-most anti-phase main spatial pattern in space, as well as other spatial patterns of PM2.5. From a regional perspective, the contribution rate of PM2.5 to domestic tourism flows was less than that of traditional factors, such as GDP, GDP_500, and 45A, but larger than that of the Airport factor. The contribution rate of the interaction between PM2.5 and 45A on domestic tourism flows was the largest. From a local perspective, PM2.5 pollution had a negative impact on domestic tourism flows in northern China, while it had a positive impact in other regions. The classic environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis showed applicability to the Chinese tourism industry, and the is of great significance for comprehensively understanding the impact of PM2.5 pollution on tourism flows and for promoting the sustainable development of domestic tourism.
The selenoprotein P 3’ untranslated region is an RNA binding protein platform that fine tunes selenocysteine incorporation
Authors: Shetty Sumangala P. , Kiledjian Nora T. , Copeland Paul R.
Published: July 2022

Selenoproteins contain the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec), which is incorporated at select UGA codons when a specialized hairpin sequence, the Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) element, is present in the 3’ UTR. Aside from the SECIS, selenoprotein mRNA 3’ UTRs are not conserved between different selenoproteins within a species. In contrast, the 3’-UTR of a given selenoprotein is often conserved across species, which supports the hypothesis that cis-acting elements in the 3’-UTR other than the SECIS exert post-transcriptional control on selenoprotein expression. In order to determine the function of one such SECIS context, we chose to focus on the plasma selenoprotein, SELENOP, which is required to maintain selenium homeostasis as a selenium transport protein that contains 10 Sec residues. It is unique in that its mRNA contains two SECIS elements in the context of a highly conserved 843-nucleotide 3’ UTR. Here we have used RNA affinity chromatography and identified PTBP1 as the major RNA binding protein that specifically interacts with the sequence between the two SECIS elements. We then used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to delete two regions surrounding the first SECIS element. We found that these sequences are involved in regulating SELENOP mRNA and protein levels, which are inversely altered as a function of selenium concentrations.
Epidemiology of aerophagia in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rajindrajith Shaman , Gunawardane Damitha , Kuruppu Chandrani , Dharmaratne Samath D. , Gunawardena Nipul K. , Devanarayana Niranga M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Aerophagia is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder among children. The disease leads to symptoms related to air in the intestine leading to burping, abdominal distension, and excessive flatus. We aimed to perform a systematic review and a meta-analysis to assess the epidemiology of aerophagia in children.

Methods

We conducted a thorough electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science) search for all epidemiological surveys conducted in children on aerophagia. All selected studies were assessed for their scientific quality and the extracted data were pooled to create a pooled prevalence of aerophagia.

Results

The initial search identified 76 titles. After screening and in depth reviewing, 19 studies representing data from 21 countries with 40129 children and adolescents were included in the meta-analysis. All studies have used standard Rome definitions to diagnose aerophagia. The pooled prevalence of aerophagia was 3.66% (95% Confidence interval 2.44–5.12). There was significant heterogeneity between studies [I2 98.06% with 95% Confidence interval 97.70–98.37). There was no gender difference in prevalence of aerophagia in children. The pooled prevalence of aerophagia was highest in Asia (5.13%) compared to other geographical regions.

Conclusion

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we found aerophagia has a significant prevalence across the world.
A land-use benefit evaluation system with case study verification
Authors: Sun Haiyuan , Cheng Linlin , Li Zhuo , Wang Qiyuan , Teng Jiahua
Published: July 2022

In regional land-use planning, many different demands for often-limited land resources must be weighed against each other. Analysis of the benefits of different land-use types is of great significance in land-use design. However, a good evaluation methodology does not exist. To facilitate a comparative analysis of land-use benefits, this paper presents an evaluation system consisting of four steps: (1) Connotation dissection to determine the land-use benefits, (2) construction of a land-use benefit classification system to summarize a limited number of land-use benefit types by an inductive method, (3) land-use benefit valuation, which includes a biophysical model, direct and indirect market valuations, and The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity value conversion method, and (4) case analysis of the evaluation results according to local conditions. Empirical results from a case study of Mentougou District, Beijing, China, show that (i) the evaluation results of land-use benefit groups provides information on each land-use type and the spatial distribution of land-use benefits in Mentougou District, (ii) the topography of Mentougou District has an important influence on economic and ecological land-use benefits, and (iii) there is a synergistic effect of economic and social land-use benefits.