bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Cervical Paravertebral Extensors in Patients with Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Grouped According to mK‐Line
Authors: Wang Zhao‐Lin , Cao Jian , Mou Jian‐Hui , Sun Dong , Yan Dong , Liu Peng
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to quantify the morphology, composition, and asymmetry of the paravertebral extensor muscles (PSEMs) in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who had different modified K‐line (mK‐line) and the minimum interval between the mK‐line and OPLL (INTmin) values and to investigate the relationship between PSEMs and symptoms and outcomes following laminoplasty. These original findings elucidated that the atrophy of PSEMs could predict decompression outcomes and provided a theoretical basis for paraspinal muscle rehabilitation.

Methods

A total of 94 consecutive patients who underwent laminoplasty for OPLL between January 2020 and January 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The relative cross‐sectional areas (rCSA), functional cross‐sectional areas (rFCSA), and FCSA/CSA ratio of the multifidus (MF), semispinalis cervicalis (SSCe), semispinalis capitis (SSCa), and splenius capitis (SpCa) were measured at the C3–C7 segments on cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study compared the differences between the mK‐line (+) group and the mK‐line (−) group, as well as between the INTmin <4 mm group and the INTmin ≥4 mm group, using the independent t‐test or Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables and the χ2‐test for categorical variables. The correlations between the PSEMs and symptoms were analyzed using either the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

The relative total CSA (rTCSA) of the PSEMs, especially the MF, was significantly smaller in the mK‐line (−) group. However, the FCSA/CSA of the right deep extensor muscle (DEM) was larger. The asymmetry of the MF TFCSA/TCSA showed a significant difference between the mK‐line groups. In the INTmin <4 mm group, the PSEMs rCSA and rFCSA were significantly smaller, while the bilateral MF TFCSA/TCSA and right SSCe TFCSA/TCSA were larger. The asymmetry of the superficial extensor muscle rCSA was significantly lower in the group with INTmin <4 mm. The postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA) and mJOA recovery rate were positively correlated with the INTmin and DEM rCSA and negatively correlated with the asymmetry of MF FCSA/CSA.

Conclusions

In patients with mK‐line (−) or INTmin <4 mm, the PSEMs were smaller, and the DEM atrophy and composition changes were predominant. The MF asymmetry was higher in patients with mK‐lines (−), whereas the SEM atrophy and asymmetry were more prevalent in patients with INTmin <4 mm. The DEM was related to the preoperative and postoperative mJOA scores. DEM‐preserving surgery or DEM‐specific rehabilitation exercises can improve the recovery of patients with OPLL during the perioperative period. In addition, attention should be paid to the evaluation of the SEM, especially the SpCa at the C3 and C5 levels.
Navigating Middle Eastern Disputes: The “Two‐Goods” Approach of China's Constructive Intervention*
Authors: Zhang Chuchu , Ashwarya Sujata
Published: December 2023

In recent years, China has sought to modify its traditional low‐key approach to the Middle East by adopting a “constructive intervention” strategy. Our research examines what China's self‐described constructive intervention entails and how it intends to implement its novel approach. Combining quantitative and qualitative research, we analyze the discourse of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokespeople at press conferences and telephone call‐ins. Our findings indicate that the narratives of spokespeople are rich in nuance and employ various strategies to obscure their positions, including oscillatory statements, no statements, indirect statements, and responses of “no idea.” The constructive intervention is essentially a selective intervention strategy, and it provides Beijing with greater latitude and flexibility to adjust its decisions and maneuvers in order to achieve “two‐goods” foreign policy: (i) changing the undesirable elements and (ii) preserving the favorable elements of the status quo.
TaTHI2 interacts with Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase TaCPK5 to suppress virus infection by regulating ROS accumulation
Authors: Yang Jin , Chen Lu , Zhang Juan , Liu Peng , Chen Ming , Chen Zhihui , Zhong Kaili , Liu Jiaqian , Chen Jianping , Yang Jian
Published: December 2023

Thiamine (vitamin B1) biosynthesis involves key enzymes known as thiazole moieties (THI1/THI2), which have been shown to participate in plant responses to abiotic stress. However, the role of THI1/THI2 in plant immunity remains unclear. In this study, we cloned TaTHI2 from wheat and investigated its function in Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV) infection. Overexpression of TaTHI2 (TaTHI2‐OE) inhibited CWMV infection, while TaTHI2 silencing enhanced viral infection in wheat. Interestingly, the membrane‐localized TaTHI2 protein was increased during CWMV infection. TaTHI2 also interacted with the Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase 5 (TaCPK5), which is localized in the plasma membrane, and promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by repressing TaCPK5‐mediated activity of the catalase protein TaCAT1. CWMV CP disrupted the interaction between TaTHI2 and TaCAT1, reducing ROS accumulation and facilitating viral infection. Additionally, transgenic plants overexpressing TaTHI2 showed increased seed number per ear and 1000‐kernel weight compared to control plants. Our findings reveal a novel function of TaTHI2 in plant immunity and suggest its potential as a valuable gene for balancing disease resistance and wheat yield. Furthermore, the disruption of the TaTHI2‐mediated plant immune pathway by CWMV CP provides further evidence for the evolutionary arms race between plants and viruses.
The effect of intercropping leguminous green manure on theanine accumulation in the tea plant: A metagenomic analysis
Authors: Duan Yu , Wang Ting , Zhang Peixi , Zhao Xinjie , Jiang Jie , Ma Yuanchun , Zhu Xujun , Fang Wanping
Published: December 2023

Intercropping is a widely recognised technique that contributes to agricultural sustainability. While intercropping leguminous green manure offers advantages for soil health and tea plants growth, the impact on the accumulation of theanine and soil nitrogen cycle are largely unknown. The levels of theanine, epigallocatechin gallate and soluble sugar in tea leaves increased by 52.87% and 40.98%, 22.80% and 6.17%, 22.22% and 29.04% in intercropping with soybean–Chinese milk vetch rotation and soybean alone, respectively. Additionally, intercropping significantly increased soil amino acidnitrogen content, enhanced extracellular enzyme activities, particularly β‐glucosidase and N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase, as well as soil multifunctionality. Metagenomics analysis revealed that intercropping positively influenced the relative abundances of several potentially beneficial microorganisms, including Burkholderia, Mycolicibacterium and Paraburkholderia. Intercropping resulted in lower expression levels of nitrification genes, reducing soil mineral nitrogen loss and N2O emissions. The expression of nrfA/H significantly increased in intercropping with soybean–Chinese milk vetch rotation. Structural equation model analysis demonstrated that the accumulation of theanine in tea leaves was directly influenced by the number of intercropping leguminous green manure species, soil ammonium nitrogen and amino acid nitrogen. In summary, the intercropping strategy, particularly intercropping with soybean–Chinese milk vetch rotation, could be a novel way for theanine accumulation.
Differential response of phenylpropanoid pathway as linked to hormonal change in two Brassica napus cultivars contrasting drought tolerance
Authors: Lee Bok‐Rye , Park Sang‐Hyun , Muchlas Muchamad , La Van Hien , Al Mamun Md , Bae Dong‐Won , Kim Tae‐Hwan
Published: December 2023

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is a significant agro‐economic crop with a wide range of uses. Drought is the most frequent unfavourable environmental stressor restraining its growth and development worldwide. This study was conducted to characterize the drought‐responsive phenylpropanoid pathway and its link to hormonal changes in two cultivars, drought‐resistant “Saturnin” and drought‐susceptible “Mosa.” Drought susceptibility in cv. Mosa was confirmed by its lower water use efficiency and higher lipid peroxidation levels with reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. In cv. Saturnin, higher salicylic acid (SA) levels and expression of dehydration‐responsive element binding 2 (DREB2) and non‐expressor of pathogenesis‐related gene 1 (NPR1) led to an upregulation of production of anthocyanin pigment 1 (PAP1) and phenylpropanoid pathway‐related gene (CHS, F5H and COMT1) expression, increasing hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid compound concentrations. However, in cv. Mosa, higher increases in the activity of lignifying enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, coniferyl alcohol peroxidase, syringaldazine peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase) and expression of the lignin synthesis‐related gene cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (CAD2) were found along with greater increases in abscisic acid (ABA) levels and upregulation of ABA‐responsive element binding 2 (AREB2) and basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor MYC2. These results indicate that drought‐induced SA‐mediated activation of the hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid pathways contributes to drought resistance, whereas ABA‐mediated lignification contributes to drought susceptibility.
Joint associations of sleep duration and physical activity with cognitive impairment among rural elderly over 65 years old: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wu Jie , Wang Chenchen , Qi Shengxiang , Qin Zhenzhen , Xu Hao , Hong Xin
Published: December 2023

Background

During the long preclinical phase of dementia, accelerated cognitive impairment is regarded as a cardinal marker. Thus, the identification of risk factors for cognitive impairment is of great significance for dementia prevention. This study aims to examine the joint associations of sleep duration and physical activity with cognitive impairment among rural elderly over 65 years old, and provide suggestions for improving the cognitive function in rural elderly over 65 years old.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in rural Nanjing by recruiting 1147 individuals aged above 65 years. Cognitive function was assessed using the brief community screening instrument for dementia. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models, and a significant difference was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Compared with participants with proper sleep duration and sufficient physical activity, participants with short sleep duration and insufficient physical activity (odds ratio (OR): 1.820; 95% CI: 1.265 ~ 2.618), long sleep duration and sufficient physical activity (OR: 2.428; 95% CI: 1.137 ~ 5.183) showed an increased likelihood of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Inappropriate sleep duration combined with insufficient physical activity was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of cognitive impairment in rural elderly over 65 years old.
Verbascum species as a new source of saffron apocarotenoids and molecular tools for the biotechnological production of crocins and picrocrocin
Authors: Morote Lucía , Rubio‐Moraga Ángela , López Jiménez Alberto José , Aragonés Verónica , Diretto Gianfranco , Demurtas Olivia Costantina , Frusciante Sarah , Ahrazem Oussama , Daròs José‐Antonio , Gómez‐Gómez Lourdes
Published: December 2023

Crocins are glucosylated apocarotenoids present in flowers and fruits of a few plant species, including saffron, gardenia, and Buddleja. The biosynthesis of crocins in these plants has been unraveled, and the enzymes engineered for the production of crocins in heterologous systems. Mullein (Verbascum sp.) has been identified as a new source of crocins and picrocrocin. In this work, we have identified eight enzymes involved in the cleavage of carotenoids in two Verbascum species, V. giganteum and V. sinuatum. Four of them were homologous to the previously identified BdCCD4.1 and BdCCD4.3 from Buddleja, involved in the biosynthesis of crocins. These enzymes were analyzed for apocarotenogenic activity in bacteria and Nicotiana benthamiana plants using a virus‐driven system. Metabolic analyses of bacterial extracts and N. benthamiana leaves showed the efficient activity of these enzymes to produce crocins using β‐carotene and zeaxanthin as substrates. Accumulations of 0.17% of crocins in N. benthamiana dry leaves were reached in only 2 weeks using a recombinant virus expressing VgCCD4.1, similar to the amounts previously produced using the canonical saffron CsCCD2L. The identification of these enzymes, which display a particularly broad substrate spectrum, opens new avenues for apocarotenoid biotechnological production.
Higher semiadditive algebraic K-theory and redshift
Authors: Ben-Moshe Shay , Schlank Tomer M.
Published: December 2023

We define higher semiadditive algebraic K-theory, a variant of algebraic K-theory that takes into account higher semiadditive structure, as enjoyed for example by the$\mathrm {K}(n)$- and$\mathrm {T}(n)$-local categories. We prove that it satisfies a form of the redshift conjecture. Namely, that if$R$is a ring spectrum of height$\leq n$, then its semiadditive K-theory is of height$\leq n+1$. Under further hypothesis on$R$, which are satisfied for example by the Lubin–Tate spectrum$\mathrm {E}_n$, we show that its semiadditive algebraic K-theory is of height exactly$n+1$. Finally, we connect semiadditive K-theory to$\mathrm {T}(n+1)$-localized K-theory, showing that they coincide for any$p$-invertible ring spectrum and for the completed Johnson–Wilson spectrum$\widehat {\mathrm {E}(n)}$.
Central-Station Heating in Detroit
Authors: Walker J. H.
Published: December 2023

This paper discusses the general problem of the utilization of the heat ordinarily discharged to the condensing water in a central electric generating station. The impossibility of its complete utilization for the purpose of heating buildings and the difficulties in the way of even its partial utilization are pointed out, with particular reference to conditions existing in Detroit.

The development of the central heating system of The Detroit Edison Company is traced, showing how the use of exhaust steam for heating was abandoned in favor of live steam. The reasons why it is more commercially expedient under the existing local conditions to supply live steam to the heating system and to generate all electric current in the condensing stations are also fully brought out.

The latter part of the paper describes some interesting features of the central heating system in Detroit, such as the boiler plants, distributing system, underground pipe and tunnel construction, consumers’ installations and meters. Special mention is also made of distribution losses, condensation return lines, and the method of transmitting steam through feeders at high velocities and with large pressure drops.

The paper concludes with a discussion of the advantages of central heating service and of the obstacles to its wider use and points out the possibility of operating individual plants in combination with the central plant.
Crude-Oil Motors vs. Steam Engines in Marine Practice
Authors: Morton J. W.
Published: December 2023

This paper is a discussion of the various factors to be considered in choosing the form of motive power for war vessels and cargo ships; also a presentation of the advantages and disadvantages as compared to steam engines of high- and low-powered oil motors of both the constant-pressure and constant-volume type. The relative values of four-stroke cycle, two-stroke cycle, double-acting, and horizontal, oil motors are also compared and some details of their construction such as lubrication systems, piston cooling and scavenging pumps are analyzed.
Air Fans for Driving Electric Generators on Airplanes
Authors: Gray G. Francis , Reed John W. , Elderkin P. N.
Published: December 2023

In this paper the authors briefly describe the method employed by the Radio Development Section of the War Department in testing air fans used for driving the electric generators usually installed on airplanes for radio communication. They also discuss at some length the various types of air fans and present numerous photographs and curves clearly illustrating the construction of the fans and their operating characteristics.

The difficulty of the problem lay in designing a fan which would turn at constant speed in the air streams of widely varying speed set up by the airplane in flight. The various types of fans tested were: Fixed-blade fans of special blade shape; fixed-blade fans with wind brakes centrifugally regulated; fixed-blade fans using a friction clutch or a friction brake centrifugally regulated, and pivoted-blade fans in which the pitch is centrifugally regulated.
A Perfected High-Pressure Rotary Compressor
Authors: Lord Chester B.
Published: December 2023

Of the three types of rotary compressors, namely, the centrifugal blower, the gear-type and the eccentric rotor with telescopic blade, the last is the least efficient. Particulars are given by the author, however, of a new and improved construction of this type in which leakage, friction and packing troubles have been eliminated to such an extent that a volumetric efficiency of 92 per cent at seven compressions (100 lb. per sq. in.) is said to be commercially obtainable. It is also stated that this compressor will, without adjustment or alteration, handle gas or air, or a liquid, or a gas and a liquid at the same time, and that it is possible to obtain a pressure of 500 lb. in a single-stage machine and 1000 lb. in three stages with the three units on the same shaft.

The uses of the rotary compressor are enumerated in the paper and its special advantages are set forth, these being (1) small weight per unit of capacity, (2) small amount of floor space required, (3) small initial cost of installation, (4) employment of direct drive, (5) small amount of headroom required, (6) simplification of construction and small amount of adjustment or repair, and (7) auto-lubrication.
Wage Payment
Authors: De Leeuw A. L.
Published: December 2023

This paper calls attention to the fact that the main terms in controversies between capital and labor are ill defined or not defined at all. The fact is emphasized that there is at present no equitable way of determining wages, and, as a result, that there is no possibility of collective bargaining. Wages at the present time are paid for time given, whereas they should be paid for work produced.

Employers alone cannot correct this condition, but employers and organized labor together, assisted by qualified engineers, might go far in correcting this unsatisfactory condition of wage payment.
Combustion of Heavier Fuels in Constant-Volume Engines and in Engines of the Super-Inductive Type
Authors: Cammen Leon
Published: December 2023

Well-recognized liquid-fuel conditions make it imperative to prepare for the demand for engines capable of running on fuel heavier than gasoline, such as paraffin gas oil and similar products. The cardinal element governing the design of such engines is the rate of combustion of the fuel-air mixture, and since oil-air mixtures have a much lower basic rate of combustion than gasoline, conditions have to be created in the cylinder which will accelerate the combustion. One method of doing this, suggested in the paper, is by the use of superinduction, and an installation is described showing its application and formulæ for power output are deduced. The design of kerosene engines and the carburation of kerosene and similar fuels are discussed in some detail.
Satisficing Strategy in Engineering Design
Authors: Guo Lin , Chen Suhao
Published: December 2023

In engineering-design problems, usually, there are multiple goals with different units, continuous and discrete variables, nonlinear equations, nonconvex equations, and coupled decisions. Ideally, all goals’ target are reached simultaneously within the feasible space. However, the optimal solution may not be available. To deal with all those complexities, a modeling strategy named “satisficing” was proposed in the 1980s. The satisficing strategy allows designers to find “good enough” but may not be optimal solutions. In this paper, we review the publications applying the satisficing strategy on engineering-design problems, and categorize the methods regarding the design stages they manage. We define the methods dealing with all four design stages—formulation, approximation, solution, and evaluation—as the whole process satisficing methods. We review the publications using the whole process satisficing strategy in great detail. In the past 30 years, the whole process satisficing strategy has been improved and applied to a wide variety of engineering-design problems, based on which derived methods, concepts, and platforms are developed. We generalize the specialties, advantages, and scope of applications of the methods in the whole process satisficing strategy. We expect this paper provides information on when and how designers may apply satisficing for their problems.
TiO2 Nanolayer–Coated Carbon as Pt Support for Enhanced Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Jin Yuan , Tan Meihui , Liu Huiyuan , Ma Qiang , Xu Qian , Su Huaneng
Published: December 2023

To facilitate the large-scale application of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), the issue of low Pt/C durability due to Pt degradation and carbon corrosion in harsh DMFC operating conditions must be addressed. A promising strategy is to hybridize metal oxides with carbon materials, resulting in a durable and conductive support that exhibits a strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) effect on platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs). In this study, we introduced a TiO2 coating on carbon black, creating a TiO2 nanolayer between Pt and carbon black. The nanolayer not only protects the carbon black but also activates the SMSI effect on Pt. The resulting Pt/C@TiO2 electrocatalyst exhibits superior durability than commercial Pt/C. After the accelerated durability test, the mass activity loss of the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) of Pt/C@TiO2 (32%) is significantly lower than that of Pt/C (46.8%). Moreover, the MOR activity of Pt/C@TiO2 is higher than Pt/C as well. It suggests that Pt/C@TiO2 shows great potential as a highly durable and active electrocatalyst for DMFCs.
Investigation of the Enhancement of Heat Transfer in a Flat Plate Solar Collector With a Corrugated Tube Under Thermosiphon Effect
Authors: Lopes Ewerton Ferreira , Salviano Leandro Oliveira
Published: December 2023

The development of new technologies for energy generation and use has been increasing significantly. In this projection, the use of flat solar collectors to convert solar energy into thermal energy through water heating for residential and commercial purposes has grown due to the potential reduction of up to 40% in electrical energy consumption promoted by these devices. A promising but underexplored area in engineering is the study of the intensification of heat transfer in these devices by changing the dimensional and constructive characteristics of the elevation tubes, especially through a numerical approach by passive systems that operate under the thermosiphon effect. Thus, this work aims to investigate, by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the heat transfer process in a flat plate solar collector with a concentric plate to the elevation tube, evaluating different diameters, angles of inclination, and slope corrugation profiles subjected to a constant heat flux. The numerical modeling considers a single-phase, incompressible, permanent, three-dimensional, and laminar flow, in addition to the Boussinesq approximation. The results showed that significant increases in the heat transfer rate can be achieved with absorber plates in comparison to those configurations without absorber plates. Moreover, the increase in the tube diameter allowed gains of up to 5.1% in the heat transfer rate, while the increase in the angle of inclination did not promote significant improvements. The triangular profile R10 P20 configuration increased the Nusselt number by 8%, while the R5 P20 configuration promoted a 25% gain in thermo-hydraulic performance.
Incineration Bottom Ash (IBA) Processing
Authors: Appleby James
Published: December 2023

With this document, Blue Phoenix summarizes its expertise in Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) Processing. Blue Phoenix wishes to stress the importance of responsible residue ash management and the need for high end processing to maximize metals recovery and being able to reuse the mineral aggregates as construction aggregates to prevent them from the need to be landfilled due to environmental concerns.

At Blue Phoenix Group, we do not see landfills as the final destination for residue ash. No, we see new beginnings. We see materials to construct buildings, highways and pavements. We see metals for new cars, computers and mobile phones. And we see a future in which waste-to-energy plants are fully circular.
Full-band modeling of AM and FM interband cascade laser frequency combs
Authors: Povolotskyi Michael , Vurgaftman Igor
Published: December 2023

A numerical model for the simulation of frequency combs in interband cascade lasers is developed. The approach is based on slowly varying amplitude approximation for electromagnetic field and semiconductor Bloch equations for the electron gas. The electron gas nonequilibrium distribution function is computed explicitly. Effects of both radiative and nonradiative recombination are considered. The model is applied to both amplitude modulated and frequency modulated combs.
Upper-level inter-disciplinary microbiology CUREs increase student’s scientific self-efficacy, scientific identity, and self-assessed skills
Authors: Borlee Grace I. , Kinkel Traci , Broeckling Bettina , Borlee Bradley R. , Mayo Christie , Mehaffy Carolina
Published: December 2023

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in authentic research and generally increase the participation rate of students in research. Students’ participation in research has a positive impact on their science identity and self-efficacy, both of which can predict integration of students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), especially for underrepresented students. The main goal of this study was to investigate instructor-initiated CUREs implemented as upper-level elective courses in the Biomedical Sciences major. We hypothesized that these CUREs would (i) have a positive impact on students’ scientific identity and self-efficacy and (ii) result in gains in students’ self-assessed skills in laboratory science, research, and science communication. We used Likert-type surveys developed by Estrada et al. (14) under the Tripartite Integration Model of Social Influence to measure scientific identity, self-efficacy, and scientific value orientation. When data from all CUREs were combined, our results indicate that students’ self-efficacy and science identity significantly increased after completion. Students’ self-assessment of research and lab-related skills was significantly higher after completion of the CUREs. We also observed that prior to participation in the CUREs, students’ self-assessment of molecular and bioinformatic skills was low, when compared with microbiological skills. This may indicate strengths and gaps in our curriculum that could be explored further.
Draft genome sequences of
Listeria monocytogenes
strains of sequence type 1733 which constituted a pseudo-outbreak due to contaminated blood agar media
Authors: Lee Sangmi , Sadat Asmaa , Kucerova Zuzana , Kathariou Sophia
Published: December 2023

We report genome sequences of
Listeria monocytogenes
sequence type (ST) 1733 from a 2013 pseudo-outbreak, where
L. monocytogenes
isolation from non-sterile sites (urine, wound, or abscess) was an artifact from contaminated sheep blood in the isolation media. Two ST1733 strains from wound and urine in 2005 are also reported.
Whole-genome sequencing and characterization of
Escherichia coli
human isolate DP033
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Kanrar Siddhartha , Elder Jacob , Ream Amy , Huang Lihan , Gehring Andrew , Uhlich Gaylen , Clabots Connie , Johnson James R.
Published: December 2023

The whole-genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
strain DP033 is reported here. DP033 was isolated from a human rectal specimen in Tilburg, the Netherlands.
In silico
analysis showed that DP033 possessed 36 virulence-related genes and is a presumptive extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
and uropathogenic
E. coli
strain.
mSphere of Influence: The complex world of bacterial biogeography
Authors: Bridges Andrew A.
Published: December 2023

Drew Bridges works in the field of bacterial signal transduction and studies the formation and disassembly of bacterial biofilms. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the paper “Biogeography of a human oral microbiome at the micron scale” by Mark Welch et al. (J. L. Mark Welch, B. J. Rossetti, C. W. Rieken, F. E. Dewhirst, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 113:E791–E800, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1522149113
) inspired him to change his research trajectory.
Effect of chair placement on physicians’ behavior and patients’ satisfaction: randomized deception trial
Authors: Iyer Ruchita , Park Do , Kim Jenny , Newman Courtney , Young Avery , Sumarsono Andrew
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of chair placement on length of time physicians sit during a bedside consultation and patients’ satisfaction.

Design

Single center, double blind, randomized controlled deception trial.

Setting

County hospital in Texas, USA.

Participants

51 hospitalist physicians providing direct care services, and 125 observed encounters of patients who could answer four orientation questions correctly before study entry, April 2022 to February 2023.

Intervention

Each patient encounter was randomized to either chair placement (≤3 feet (0.9 m) of patient’s bedside and facing the bed) or usual chair location (control).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the binary decision of the physician to sit or not sit at any point during a patient encounter. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, as assessed with the Tool to Assess Inpatient Satisfaction with Care from Hospitalists (TAISCH) and the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys, time in the room, and both physicians’ and patients’ perception of time in the room.

Results

125 patient encounters were randomized (60 to chair placement and 65 to control). 38 of the 60 physicians in the chair placement group sat during the patient encounter compared with five of the 65 physicians in the control group (odds ratio 20.7, 95% confidence interval 7.2 to 59.4; P<0.001). The absolute risk difference between the intervention and control groups was 0.55 (95% confidence interval 0.42 to 0.69). Overall, 1.8 chairs needed to be placed for a physician to sit. Intervention was associated with 3.9% greater TAISCH scores (effect estimate 3.9, 95% confidence interval 0.9 to 7.0; P=0.01) and 5.1 greater odds of complete scores on HCAHPS (95% confidence interval 1.06 to 24.9, P=0.04). Chair placement was not associated with time spent in the room (10.6 minutes
v
control 10.6 minutes) nor perception of time in the room for physicians (9.4 minutes
v
9.8 minutes) or patients (13.1 minutes
v
13.5 minutes).

Conclusion

Chair placement is a simple, no cost, low tech intervention that increases a physician’s likelihood of sitting during a bedside consultation and resulted in higher patients’ scores for both satisfaction and communication.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT05250778
.
Effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy on pain intensity in postpartum women with nipple or perineal trauma: protocol for a multicentre, double-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gondim Edna Jéssica Lima , Nascimento Simony Lira , Gaitero Maria Victória Candida , Mira Ticiana Aparecida Alves de , Gonçalves Andrea de Vasconcelos , Surita Fernanda G
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Photobiomodulation (PBM) using low-level laser can affect tissue repair mechanisms and seems promising in reducing pain intensity. However, few studies support the effectiveness of PBM on postpartum period complications, such as nipple and/or perineal trauma and pain, probably due to the low doses used. The primary objective of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of PBM on pain intensity in the nipple and perineal trauma in women in the immediate postpartum period. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the effect on tissue healing and the women’s satisfaction.

Methods and analysis

A double-blind, multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial will be performed in two public referral maternity hospitals in Brazil with 120 participants, divided into two arms: 60 participants in the nipple trauma arm and 60 participants in the perineal trauma arm. Participants will be women in the immediate postpartum period, who present with nipple trauma or perineal trauma and report pain intensity greater than or equal to 4 points on the Numerical Rating Scale for Pain. Block randomisation will be performed, followed by blinding allocation. In the experimental group, one application of PBM will be performed between 6 hours and 36 hours after birth. For the sham group, the simulation will be carried out without triggering energy. Both participants and the research evaluator will be blinded to the allocation group. Intention-to-treat method and the between-group and within-group outcome measures analysis will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

This research protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committees of the University of Campinas, Brazil, and of the School Maternity Assis Chateaubriand, Brazil (numbers CAAE: 59400922.1.1001.5404; 59400922.1.3001.5050). Participants will be required to sign the informed consent form to participate. Results will be disseminated to the health science community.

Trial registration number

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-2qm8jrp).
Assessment of the Global Fund-supported procurement and supply chain reforms at the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Agency: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Lesego Abaleng , Tsegaye Tsion , Were Lawrence P.O. , Sakvarelidze George , Garg Sunil , Morrison Linden , Nigussie Solomon , Githendu Patrick , Achoki Tom
Published: December 2023

Objective

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) partnered with the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA) in 2018–2019 to reform procurement and supply chain management (PSCM) procedures within the Ethiopian healthcare system. This assessment sought to determine the impact of the reforms and document the lessons learnt.

Design

Mixed-methods study incorporating qualitative and quantitative analysis. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were applied for the qualitative methods, and the data collected was transcribed in full and subjected to thematic content analysis. Descriptive analysis was applied to quantitative data.

Setting

The study was based in Ethiopia and focused on the EPSA operations nationally between 2017 and 2021.

Participants

Twenty-five Ethiopian healthcare decision-makers and health workers.

Intervention

Global Fund training programme for health workers and infrastructural improvements

Outcomes

Operational and financial measures for healthcare PSCM.

Results

The availability of antiretrovirals, tuberculosis and malaria medicines, and other related commodities, remained consistently high. Line fill rate and forecast accuracy were average. Between 2018 and 2021, procurement lead times for HIV and malaria-related orders reduced by 43.0% relative to other commodities that reported an increase. Many interview respondents recognised the important role of the Global Fund support in improving the performance of EPSA and provided specific attributions to the observed successes. However, they were also clear that more needs to be done in specific critical areas such as financing, strategic reorganisation, data and information management systems.

Conclusion

The Global Fund-supported initiatives led to improvements in the EPSA performance, despite several persistent challenges. To sustain and secure the gains achieved so far through Global Fund support and make progress, it is important that various stakeholders, including the government and the donor community, work together to support EPSA in delivering on its core mandate within the Ethiopian health system.
Impact of treatment of hyperkalaemia on quality of life: design of a prospective observational cohort study of long-term management of hyperkalaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease or chronic heart failure in Japan
Authors: Shibagaki Yugo , Yamazaki Hajime , Wakita Takafumi , Ware John E , Wang Jui , Onishi Yoshihiro , Yajima Toshitaka , Sada Ken-Ei , Yamamoto Yosuke , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Hyperkalaemia (HK) is a frequent complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or chronic heart failure (CHF). HK must be managed, both to protect patients from its direct clinical adverse outcomes and to enable treatment with disease-modifying therapies including renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors. However, the experiences of patients undergoing treatment of HK are not clearly understood. Optimising treatment decisions and improving long-term patient management requires a better understanding of patients’ quality of life (QOL). Thus, the aims of this research are: (1) to describe treatment patterns and the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL, (2) to study the relationships between treatment patterns and the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL and (3) to study the relationships between the control of serum potassium (S-K) and the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL, in patients with HK.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective cohort study with 6 months of follow-up in 30–40 outpatient nephrology and cardiology clinics in Japan. The participants will be 350 patients with CKD or CHF who received their first potassium binders (PB) prescription to treat HK within the previous 6 months. Medical records will be used to obtain information on S-K, on treatment of HK with PBs and with diet, and on the patients’ characteristics. To assess the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL, questionnaires will be used to obtain generic health-related QOL, CKD-specific and CHF-specific QOL, and PB-specific QOL. Multivariable regression models will be used to quantify how treatment patterns and S-K control are related to the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL.

Ethics and dissemination

Institutional review boards at all participating facilities review the study protocol. Patient consent will be obtained. The results will be published in international journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05297409.
Intervention of muscle-building and antifrailty exercise combined with Baduanjin for frailty of different functional levels: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xu Shuaixuan , Gong Zhuyun , Wang Fang , Cao Mengyu , Liu Jinwei , Chen Chao , Zhang Nihui , Kang Jingwen , Xu Chuang , Peng Nan
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Frailty has been currently considered as a multidimensional concept, including physical, cognitive and social frailty. Frailty has also been associated with a range of adverse events, which might increase the risks of disability, falls, fractures, delirium and death. Increasing evidence has shown that multicomponent exercise training can improve physical and cognitive function, delay or reverse frailty. However, there is still a lack of exercise intervention programmes for the frail older adults in China. This trial aims to investigate the effects of the muscle-building and antifrailty exercise combined with Baduanjin on the physical function of frail older adults, as well as the effectiveness and safety of the intervention.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective randomised controlled trial. A total of 192 patients, aged 70 years or older, who are diagnosed as prefrailty or frailty based on the Fried criteria will be included. Prior written and informed consent will be obtained from every subject. These subjects will be randomly assigned to the exercise intervention group (n=96) and the control group (n=96). The exercise intervention group will undergo different exercise programmes for different levels of physical function. They will perform the muscle-building and antifrailty exercise three times per week for 30–60 min for 24 weeks. The control group will implement health education on frailty and maintain the old lifestyle without any intervention.

The primary outcomes include the change in frailty and functional capacity, assessed according to the Fried Scale and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Secondary outcomes include the changes in body composition, Activities of daily living, Mini-Mental State Examination, The Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and the haematological indicators.

Ethics statement

The study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the PLA General Hospital (approval no.: S2022-600-02).

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300070535.
Haematological dynamics following treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: a protocol for systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis
Authors: Munir Abdalla , Dahal Prabin , Kumar Rishikesh , Singh-Phulgenda Sauman , Siddiqui Niyamat Ali , Naylor Caitlin , Wilson James , Buck Gemma , Rahi Manju , Alves Fabiana , Malaviya Paritosh , Sundar Shyam , Ritmeijer Koert , Stepniewska Kasia , Pandey Krishna , Guérin Philippe J , Musa Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease with an estimated 30 000 new cases occurring annually. Despite anaemia being a common haematological manifestation of VL, the evolution of different haematological characteristics following treatment remains poorly understood. An individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) is planned to characterise the haematological dynamics in patients with VL.

Methods and analysis

The Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO) VL data platform is a global repository of IPD from therapeutic studies identified through a systematic search of published literature (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021284622). The platform currently holds datasets from clinical trials standardised to a common data format. Corresponding authors and principal investigators of the studies indexed in the IDDO VL data platform meeting the eligibility criteria for inclusion were invited to be part of the collaborative IPD-MA. Mixed-effects multivariable regression models will be constructed to identify determinants of haematological parameters by taking clustering within study sites into account.

Ethics and dissemination

This IPD-MA meets the criteria for waiver of ethical review as defined by the Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee (OxTREC) granted to IDDO, as the research consists of secondary analysis of existing anonymised data (exempt granted on 29 March 2023, OxTREC REF: IDDO). Ethics approval was granted by the ICMR-Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences ethics committee (letter no.: RMRI/EC/30/2022) on 4 July 2022. The results of this analysis will be disseminated at conferences, the IDDO website and peer-reviewed publications in open-access journals. The findings of this research will be critically important for control programmes at regional and global levels, policymakers and groups developing new VL treatments.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021284622.
Perceptions of academic staff and students of senior high school in implementing game-based exercises in physical education classes—a research protocol for a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Manlapaz Donald , Vergara Jose Avelino , Alpuerto Keisha Marie Bea , De Los Santos Iszaac Khalil Señora , Enriquez Michaela Urian , Manicio Zamantha Zamora , Mendres Joshua Emmanuel Ferrera , Tolosa Casey Gwyn Salvaleon , Vilela Zachary Gabriel Dee , Zabat Zeraia Ezra Gabriel Alonzo
Published: December 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on both physical activity and fitness as several pursuits and activities have been restricted. Coupled with this, increased food intake and sedentary lifestyles have produced poor physical health outcomes. Online physical education classes have been more difficult to conduct given the limitations of the setup. As such, exergaming has been identified as a possible educational tool that could improve students’ motivation, participation and fitness levels and reduce negative behaviours in class while contributing to the current curriculum.

Objectives

The study explores the perspectives of both the physical education academic staff and senior high school students from the University of Santo Tomas on the implementation of exergaming to determine the feasibility of exergaming as an educational tool in the Philippines’ physical education curriculum.

Methodology

A descriptive qualitative design will be used and participants will be selected through criterion sampling. The authors will conduct a process of question development and pilot FGDs beforehand to ensure smooth proceedings. Once done, they will undergo FGDs conducted through Google Meet. Data will be coded and analysed via thematic analysis using manual coding and NVivo V.12 software to summarise central themes and perceptions.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will abide by the Nuremberg Code, Declaration of Helsinki, Belmont Report, Data Privacy Act of 2012 and National Ethical Guidelines (for health-related research) of 2017. The study has received approval from the University of Santo Tomas (UST)-College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) Ethics Review Committee. All participant data will be labelled according to random two-digit computer generated codes to preserve anonymity and stored in password-protected laptops and Google Drive folders to preserve confidentiality. Results will be made available to individual UST physical education academic staff and senior high school students prior to publication in peer-reviewed journal.