bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of an obstetric balloon as a pelvic spacer in preventing empty pelvis syndrome after total pelvic exenteration in rectal cancers – A prospective safety and efficacy study for the Bakri balloon
Authors: Kazi Mufaddal , Desouza Ashwin , Bankar Sanket , Jajoo Bhushan , Dohale Sayali , Vadodaria Divya , Ghadi Aayushi , Ghandade Netra , Vasudevan Lakshanya , Nashikkar Chaitali , Saklani Avanish
Published: November 2022

Aim

Empty pelvis syndrome (EPS) is a source of considerable morbidity following total pelvic exenteration. None of the available methods have been universally successful in mitigating this problem. The aim of this work was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the obstetric Bakri balloon in preventing empty pelvis syndrome.

Method

This study was a combined prospective and retrospective study of all total pelvic exenterations for rectal cancers from a single institution performed between October 2013 and May 2022. Since December 2019 the Bakri balloon was used in all patients who provided consent. EPS within 90 days was the primary end point, and included bowel obstruction, pelvic collection and entero‐perineal fistula. Comparison with those patients who did not have a Bakri balloon was performed.

Results

Seventy‐five patients with a Bakri balloon were compared with 96 patients without a balloon placed after pelvic exenteration. No patient experienced an untoward complication from balloon deployment. The incidence of EPS was 13.3% and 22.9% in the Bakri and no Bakri cohorts, respectively (p = 0.110). Every component of EPS was proportionally lower, without statistical significance. Based on point estimates, the number needed to treat to prevent EPS using the Bakri balloon was 10.

Conclusions

Use of the Bakri balloon was safe without serious adverse events. The incidence of EPS after total pelvic exenteration was not statistically different with the use of the Bakri balloon despite a 9.6% reduction. A larger comparative study is needed to evaluate the efficacy of the balloon.
Microscopic observations of SARS‐CoV‐2 like particles in different oral samples
Authors: Brahim Belhaouari Djamal , Baudoin Jean‐Pierre , Lagier Jean‐Christophe , Monnet‐Corti Virginie , La Scola Bernard , Antezack Angéline
Published: November 2022

The emerging coronavirus pneumonia epidemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has spread rapidly around the world. The main routes of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 are currently recognised as aerosol/droplet inhalation. However, the involvement of the oral cavity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is poorly known. The current data indicates the presence of viral RNA in oral samples, suggesting the implication of saliva in SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, however, no direct observation of SARS‐CoV‐2 particles in different oral samples has been reported. In this study, we investigated whether particles of SARS‐CoV‐2 were present in oral samples collected from three symptomatic COVID‐19 patients. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the correlative strategy of light microscopy and electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining, we showed the presence of SARS‐like particles in RT‐qPCR SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive saliva, dental plaque and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples. In the saliva samples, we demonstrated the presence of epithelial oral cells with morphogenetic features of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected cells. Inside those cells, vacuoles filled with nascent particles were observed, suggesting the potential infection and replication of SARS‐CoV‐2 in oral tissues. Our results corroborate previous studies and confirm that the oral cavity may be a potential niche for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and a potential source of transmission.
Transparency of local government financial statements: Analyzing citizens’ perceptions
Authors: Haustein Ellen , C. Lorson Peter
Published: November 2022

Worldwide, open data initiatives aim at making information publicly available and transparent. Increasingly, local governments (LGs) are publishing financial statements in order to inform citizens, in their function as both service recipients and resource providers, about the LGs’ financial situation. However, it remains questionable as to whether LG financial statements are appropriate mechanisms of public accountability: it is debated, on the one hand, whether citizens are interested in accounting information, and on the other hand, if they are able to understand the information presented in financial statements. This study is the first of its kind applying the think aloud method to analyze citizens’ perceptions of LGs’ financial statements in a sample of 30 German citizens with diverse socio‐demographic characteristics. The paper explores citizens’ general interest in accounting information and their ability to extract basic financial information from these statements so that increased transparency can be assumed. This explorative study reveals that although citizens demand transparency and financial information, they find it challenging to understand financial statements. Citizens seem to be overwhelmed by the information and call for delegation of the tasks or simplified reporting formats.
USP6‐associated neoplasm as a tentative subset of postoperative spindle cell nodule
Authors: Sun Lili , Zhao Zehua , Zhu Yanmei
Published: November 2022

Aim

Postoperative spindle cell nodule (PSCN) is a pseudosarcomatous proliferative lesion of unclear molecular genetic origins.

Methods and results

We examined seven patients with PSCN, using routine haematoxylin–eosin (H&E) slide preparations and a series of immunostains. The latter targeted keratin, vimentin, α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK [D5F3]), and other proteins. Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 6 (USP6) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements were also analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). There were histories of prior surgical intervention (n = 6) or trauma (n = 1) in all seven patients. All lesions were highly cellular and mitotically active spindle cell proliferations, with no cytologic atypia, nuclear pleomorphism, or aberrant mitoses. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining disclosed focal, weak keratin positivity in two lesions, whereas vimentin (diffuse, strongly positive) and SMA (tram‐track pattern) were present in each instance, and ALK (D5F3) was entirely negative. FISH analysis confirmed USP6 gene rearrangements in all seven cases, showing no ALK gene rearrangements. RNA sequencing results showed an MYH9::USP6 gene fusion in only one lesion (No. 6).

Conclusion

A subset of PSCN is marked by USP6 gene rearrangements, a genetic feature of nodular fasciitis (NF). Given its similarity to NF, a designation as USP6‐associated neoplasm (UAN) seems reasonable, signifying a transient clonal neoplastic lesion.
Strong negative effects of recent wildfires on two endemic Macaronesian bush‐crickets
Authors: Rhee Howon , Hauth Katharina , Greis Kira , Elle Ortwin , Dellinger Thomas , Miller Arthur , Hochkirch Axel
Published: November 2022

Wildfires increase globally in frequency and extent as a consequence of climate change. These wildfires may have negative effects on insect populations.

Macaronesia is a global biodiversity hotspot with wildfires occurring annually, but the consequences of these wildfires on endemic insects are poorly understood.

Using bioacoustics monitoring, we studied the consequences of recent wildfires on two endemic silvicolous Macaronesian Bush‐Cricket species, which are listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Our results show that wildfires had strong negative effects on populations of both species. However, when analysing the effects of fire history and size, we found that one of the species was found on older burnt sites, suggesting a capacity to recolonise smaller burnt areas from adjacent non‐burnt areas.

Reducing wildfire frequency and size will be crucial to conserving the two species. Additionally, restoring native laurel forest vegetation will support the recovery of both species.
Wildlife reserve design with connectivity and buffer requirements
Authors: Patrício Pedro Ferrão
Published: November 2022

This paper deals with the problem of finding the optimal configuration of a network of land parcels connecting and protecting core areas through corridors and buffer areas within budget. We focus on polynomial‐sized integer linear programming formulations, building on previous research and borrowing some ideas from other authors. We establish the relationships between the proposed and past models in linear programming relaxation terms and test them on synthetic instances with up to 400 land parcels.
Co‐existence of two Yersinia ruckeri biotypes and serotype O1a retrieved from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farmed in Puno, Peru
Authors: Fernandez‐Espinel Carla , Medina‐Morillo Marco , Irgang Rute , Sotil Giovanna , Araya‐León Henry , Flores‐Dominick Violeta , Romalde Jesús L. , Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben , Yunis‐Aguinaga Jefferson
Published: November 2022

Yersinia ruckeri causes important economic losses for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farms worldwide. This bacterial disease is likely the most common among trout in Peru; however, no commercial vaccine is available nationally, which is, in part, due to a lack of information on the bacterium. The aim of the current study was to characterize 29 Y. ruckeri isolates sampled from seven cage‐reared farms in the Puno Region, the focal point for aquaculture activities in Peru. For this, samples were taken from fish with clinical signs (i.e. haemorrhages, uni‐ or bilateral exophthalmia, hyphaemia and/or melanosis). Notable among our findings was the existence of both Y. ruckeri biotype 1 (9 isolates) and biotype 2 (20 isolates; negative for sorbitol and Tween 80). The isolates further differed in API profiles 5307100 (21 isolates), 1307100 (4 isolates), 1305100 (2 isolates), 1307120 (1 isolate) and 5305100 (1 isolate), with the main differences being in the tests for lysine decarboxylase, gelatine hydrolysis and D‐saccharose fermentation. Despite these differences, all isolates shared identical ERIC‐PCR and REP‐PCR profiles and belonged to the O1a serotype. Fingerprints were identical to the reference strain CECT 955 (serotype O1a). The information obtained will be used for epidemiological purposes by health authorities and for the development of a vaccine against Y. ruckeri, a prominent request made by fish farmers in Peru.
Acquired port‐wine stains: A report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Saliba Elie , Yumeen Sara , Tannous Zeina
Published: November 2022

Background

Acquired port‐wine stains (APWS) are rare vascular malformations that share the same clinical and histological features as their congenital counterparts. Rare cases of AWPS secondary to trauma or in association with medications have been reported in the literature.

Patients and Methods

We report two cases of APWS. One case appeared at the age of 2 months, the earliest reported in the literature and continued to evolve till the age of 3 years presenting with multifocal distribution mainly affecting the lower face. The second case developed during oral isotretinoin intake and persisted after discontinuation of the treatment.

Results and Conclusions

The second patient declined treatment, but the first patient had a remarkable improvement following treatment with the pulsed dye laser, which remains the standard of care for capillary malformations on the face.
Test‐to‐Stay in Kindergarten Through 12th Grade Schools After Household Exposure to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Scott Zeni , Uthappa Diya M. , Mann Tara K. , Kim Hwasoon , Brookhart M. A. , Edwards Laura , Rak Zsolt , Benjamin Daniel K. , Zimmerman Kanecia O. ,   the ABC Science Collaborative
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Test‐to‐stay (TTS) is a strategy to limit school exclusion following an exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). We evaluated the use of TTS within universally masked kindergarten through 12th grade (K‐12) school settings following household SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure.

METHODS

Three hundred twenty‐two participants were enrolled. Serial rapid antigen testing was performed up to 15 days post‐exposure. Analysis‐eligible participants completed the 15‐day testing protocol, tested positive any time during the testing window, or received a negative test on or after day 9. Primary outcomes included within‐school tertiary attack rate (TAR) (test positivity among close contacts of positive TTS participants), and school days saved among TTS participants.

RESULTS

Seventy‐three of 265 analysis‐eligible participants tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 (secondary attack rate of 28% [95% CI: 16‐63%]). Among 77 within‐school close contacts, 2 were positive (TAR = 3% [95% CI: 1‐5%]). Participant absences were limited to 338 days, resulting in 82% of 1849 school days saved.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

TTS facilitates continued in‐person learning and can greatly reduce the number of missed school days.

CONCLUSIONS

Within universally masked K‐12 schools, TTS is a safe alternative to school exclusion following household SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure.
Examining Second Language Listening and Metacognitive Awareness: A Meta‐Analytic Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: In'nami Yo , Cheung Mike W.‐L. , Koizumi Rie , Wallace Matthew P.
Published: November 2022

Second language (L2) listening comprehension is a function of many variables. We focused on metacognitive awareness, which we measured using the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire (MALQ; Vandergrift et al., 2006), and meta‐analyzed (a) the factor structure of the MALQ and (b) the relationship between metacognitive awareness and L2 listening comprehension. We used meta‐analytic structural equation modeling to synthesize 29 studies that provided Pearson's product‐moment correlation matrices from 4,574 learners. Results showed (a) that the MALQ measured metacognitive awareness as a single factor with five subcomponents (their interrelationship and relative contribution to metacognitive awareness varied) and (b) that metacognitive awareness explained listening comprehension (b* = .306). The results were moderated by publication type, the response format of listening comprehension tests, and participant type. The findings can help researchers to better conceptualize the construct of metacognitive awareness in relation to listening comprehension as well as to score metacognitive awareness.
‘Noticing’ in health professions education: Time to pay attention?
Authors: Clement Tim , Bolton Joanne , Griffiths Leonie , Cracknell Carolyn , Molloy Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Background

Health professions education teaches students to notice particular things, but has given little attention to teaching ‘noticing’ as a form of personal inquiry. The former is self‐evidently important, as it develops a way of seeing and behaving that is uniquely relevant to each health profession. Despite this emphasis, health professionals may fail to notice ‘warning signs’ in patients, be unaware of their own biases or develop unrecognised habits that have moved away from accepted standards. It has been suggested that such ‘not noticing’ is currently endemic.

Approach

We situate our exploration of noticing in the mathematics and science education literature and John Mason's treatise on ‘The discipline of noticing’, differentiating between the observations that people make as they go about their lives (‘ordinary’ noticing), the specialised noticing that underpins professional expertise (Professional Noticing) and practices that can enhance the capacity to notice and to learn from experience (Intentional Noticing). We make the case for teaching health professions students about these conceptualisations of noticing, being able to notice with all our senses, and learning about the practices of Intentional Noticing in particular, which we suggest will have utility across health professional careers and personal lives.

Implications

We acknowledge the difficulties in transferring heterogenous finding from one field to another but suggest that there are gains to be made in applying these noticing concepts to health professions education. We tentatively propose some strategies and activities for developing Professional Noticing and the practices of Intentional Noticing and link them to a new module that we are piloting with health professions students. As well as aiding health professionals sharpen their noticing abilities, reinvigorate their practice and interrogate assumptions that underpin health care, we suggest that ideas about ‘noticing’ may also help educators and researchers in the health professions reimagine their work.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Expandable Prosthesis Reconstruction to Treat Osteosarcoma around the Knee in Children
Authors: Huang Junqi , Cheng Jiajia , Bi Wenzhi , Xu Meng , Jia Jinpeng , Han Gang , Wang Wei
Published: November 2022

Objective

Survival and reconstruction in osteosarcoma is quite challenging. The study aimed to investigate the prognosis in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and determine the clinical outcomes of expandable endoprosthesis reconstruction in children.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2014, we retrospectively analyzed 29 skeletally immature children (mean age, 10.5 years; range, 6–15 years) with osteosarcoma around the knee. Of the 29 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and limb salvage surgery, an expandable prosthesis was implanted for reconstruction. No patients were missed during follow‐up. The evaluation index involved follow‐up time, complication, functional results, and lengthening procedures. The survivorship and recurrence were assessed by GraphPad Software, and the function was evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system.

Results

A mean follow‐up time was 8.9 years (range, 6–12 years), and the overall 5‐year survival was 89.1% based on Kaplan–Meier analysis. Three patients suffered a relapse and one underwent amputation. Lung metastasis developed in one patient. At 6 months after the operation, patients had a mean MSTS score of 27 points (range, 24–29). Two patients underwent revision surgery, one for implant infection and one for aseptic loosening. Prognosis is correlated with alkaline phosphatase change after treatment.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy scheme and limb salvage can achieve high survival rates. This expandable prosthesis was associated with good function and low complication rates. The character of expandability could be a method to overcome discrepancies in the growth period.
Short‐acting β2‐agonist use and asthma exacerbations in Swedish children: A SABINA Junior study
Authors: Melén Erik , Nwaru Bright I. , Wiklund Fredrik , de Fine Licht Sofie , Telg Gunilla , Maslova Ekaterina , van der Valk Ralf J. P. , Tran Trung N. , Ekström Magnus , Janson Christer
Published: November 2022

Background

In adults and adolescents with asthma, use of ≥3 short‐acting β2‐agonist (SABA) canisters/year is associated with increased exacerbation risk. Whether this association is present in younger children remains unknown. In this SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) Junior study, we assessed the association of SABA collection with exacerbation risk in the general Swedish pediatric asthma population.

Methods

This population‐based cohort study utilized linked data from the Swedish national healthcare registries involving patients with asthma (<18 years) treated in secondary care between 2006–2015. Exacerbation risk, by baseline SABA collection (0–2 vs. ≥3 canisters, further examined as ordinal/continuous variable) and stratified on comorbid atopic disease (allergic rhinitis, dermatitis and eczema, and food/other allergies), was assessed for 1‐year follow‐up using negative binomial regression.

Results

Of 219,561 patients assessed, 45.4%, 31.7%, and 26.5% of patients aged 0–5, 6–11, and 12–17 years, respectively, collected ≥3 SABA canisters during the baseline year (high use). Collection of ≥3 SABA canisters (vs. 0–2) was associated with increased exacerbation risk during follow‐up (incidence rate ratios [95% confidence interval]: 1.35 [1.29–1.42], 1.22 [1.15–1.29], and 1.26 [1.19–1.34] for 0–5‐, 6–11‐, and 12–17‐year‐olds, respectively); the association persisted with SABA as a continuous variable and was stronger among patients without atopic diseases (32%–44% increased risk versus. 14%–21% for those with atopic disease across groups).

Conclusions

High SABA use was associated with increased asthma exacerbation risk in children, particularly in those without comorbid atopic diseases, emphasizing the need for asthma medication reviews and reformative initiatives by caregivers and healthcare providers on SABA use.
Pay to protect: Examining the factors of the use of market‐based instruments for local water sustainability
Authors: Bailey Daniel Benjamin , Kwon Sung‐Wook , Wright Nathaniel
Published: November 2022

Given the myriad of policy instruments aimed at enhancing water quantity conservation available to municipalities, what drives them to opt for a market‐based instrument (MBI)? MBIs can be effective and efficient policy instruments to enhance water quantity conservation, but there is little known about why municipalities utilize them. This study hypothesizes that three contextual elements influence a municipality's use of an MBI: the natural, political, and structural environment. The results from two logistic regression models suggest that in a municipality suffering a higher drought level, both a conservative political environment and operating under a council‐manager form of government (with the effect more pronounced under a non‐council‐manager form) will increase the likelihood that it will use an MBI to address water conservation.
Single-Month Unemployment Rate Estimates for the Brazilian Labour Force Survey Using State-Space Models
Authors: Gonçalves Caio , Hidalgo Luna , Silva Denise , den Brakel Jan
Published: November 2022

The Brazilian Labour Force Survey publishes monthly national indicators based on 3-month rolling data. This paper presents state-space models to produce state-level single-month unemployment rate estimates. The models account for sampling errors and the increased dynamics in the labour force series due to the unforeseen SARS-COV-2 pandemic. Bivariate time series models with claimant count auxiliary data and multivariate models combining survey data of several states are investigated. The results demonstrated the benefits of the univariate state-space approach to produce unemployment official statistics for Brazil. Additionally, the regional multivariate model shows promising results but requires further investigation.
Emotion socialization in cultural context: Lessons from Asian‐heritage families
Authors: Wang Qi
Published: November 2022

Emotion socialization is a critical pathway via which children develop emotional competence valued in their cultural community. This article introduces a multi‐level analysis approach as a conceptual and methodological framework to study family emotion socialization in cultural context. Each of the studies in this Social Development Quartet is discussed within the framework in light of emotion socialization in Asian‐heritage families. A theoretical synthesis is then provided to highlight a few take‐home messages that will help to guide future research endeavors on emotion socialization and development.
Nucleation and growth of molybdenum disulfide grown by thermal atomic layer deposition on metal oxides
Authors: Soares Jake , Letourneau Steven , Lawson Matthew , Mane Anil U. , Lu Yu , Wu Yaqiao , Hues Steven M. , Li Lan , Elam Jeffrey W. , Graugnard Elton
Published: November 2022

To enable greater control over thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), here we report studies of the reactions of molybdenum hexafluoride (MoF6) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) with metal oxide substrates from nucleation to few-layer films. In situ quartz crystal microbalance experiments performed at 150, 200, and 250 °C revealed temperature-dependent nucleation behavior of the MoF6 precursor, which is attributed to variations in surface hydroxyl concentration with temperature. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with ex situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the presence of molybdenum oxide and molybdenum oxyfluoride species during nucleation. Density functional theory calculations additionally support the formation of these species as well as predicted metal oxide to fluoride conversion. Residual gas analysis revealed reaction by-products, and the combined experimental and computational results provided insights into proposed nucleation surface reactions. With additional ALD cycles, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated steady film growth after ∼13 cycles at 200 °C. XPS revealed that higher deposition temperatures resulted in a higher fraction of MoS2 within the films. Deposition temperature was found to play an important role in film morphology with amorphous films obtained at 200 °C and below, while layered films with vertical platelets were observed at 250 °C. These results provide an improved understanding of MoS2 nucleation, which can guide surface preparation for the deposition of few-layer films and advance MoS2 toward integration into device manufacturing.
Thermoacoustic Soret separation
Authors: Swift G. W. , Geller D. A.
Published: November 2022

In a fluid mixture in a channel with an axial time-averaged temperature gradient, high-amplitude oscillating flow can greatly increase the axial flux of thermal diffusion (Soret) separation of the components of the mixture. The enhancement occurs when the oscillating lateral temperature gradient greatly exceeds the axial gradient, causing a large oscillating concentration that can be favorably time-phased with the oscillating flow. This process can occur even with a negligible pressure oscillation or with a negligible temperature response to pressure, as is the case in most liquid solutions. The thermal boundary condition imposed by realistic solids on thermoacoustic liquids is imperfect, adding mathematical complications that are absent for typical gases, for which the solid surface is temporally isothermal. Compared with gas mixtures, the high Lewis number in typical liquid solutions reduces the separation flux associated with the time-averaged temperature gradient, but it also reduces the remixing associated with the time-averaged mole-fraction gradient. For large enough channels, the second-law separation efficiency is only slightly reduced from that of steady liquid Soret separation.
Reflections on Working With Black Youth From Underserved Communities in the United States: Decolonizing My Whiteness Through Critical Collaborative Interrogation
Authors: Book Robert T. , Darpatova-Hruzewicz Donka , Dada David
Published: November 2022

This autoethnographic paper introduces a decolonizing methodological process termed—critical collaborative interrogation (CCI)—one offering a more radically reflexive approach to teasing out inherent power relations within sport-for-development spaces. The process of CCI utilized four autobiographical vignettes written by the first author as means of decolonizing his whiteness, vis-à-vis, an academic peer from his present and a coworker from his past. By ascribing to a decolonizing praxis, we contend that CCI offers not only a novel way to elucidate innate racial biases, complicities, and moral imperatives within sport-for-development work, but also promoting CCI as a transformative process by drawing upon “other” ways of knowing and alternative perspectives.
Structural Equation Models Suggest That On-Farm Noncrop Vegetation Removal Is Not Associated with Improved Food Safety Outcomes but Is Linked to Impaired Water Quality
Authors: Weller Daniel L. , Love Tanzy M. T. , Weller Donald E. , Murphy Claire M. , Rahm Brian G. , Wiedmann Martin
Published: November 2022

Currently, on-farm food safety decisions are typically made independently of conservation considerations, often with detrimental impacts on agroecosystems. Comanaging agricultural environments to simultaneously meet conservation and food safety aims is complicated because farms are closely linked to surrounding environments, and management decisions can have unexpected environmental, economic, and food safety consequences.
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Hijacks Host IPO5 to Sustain the Intracytoplasmic Stability of Its Capsid Protein
Authors: Lin Cui , Hu Jingyu , Dai Yadong , Zhang Huandong , Xu Kang , Dong Weiren , Yan Yan , Peng Xiran , Zhou Jiyong , Gu Jinyan
Published: November 2022

Circovirus is the smallest virus to cause immune suppression in pigs. The capsid protein (Cap) is the only viral structural protein that is closely related to viral infection.
The ESX-1 Substrate PPE68 Has a Key Function in ESX-1-Mediated Secretion in Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Damen Merel P. M. , Meijers Aniek S. , Keizer Esther M. , Piersma Sander R. , Jiménez Connie R. , Kuijl Coenraad P. , Bitter Wilbert , Houben Edith N. G.
Published: November 2022

Pathogenic mycobacteria, suchMycobacterium tuberculosisandMycobacterium marinum, use a type VII secretion system (T7SS) subtype, called ESX-1, to mediate intracellular survival via phagosomal rupture and subsequent translocation of themycobacteriumto the host cytosol. Identifying the ESX-1 substrate that is responsible for this process is problematic because of the intricate network of codependent secretion between ESX-1 substrates.
Streptococcus agalactiae
npx
Is Required for Survival in Human Placental Macrophages and Full Virulence in a Model of Ascending Vaginal Infection during Pregnancy
Authors: Lu Jacky , Moore Rebecca E. , Spicer Sabrina K. , Doster Ryan S. , Guevara Miriam A. , Francis Jamisha D. , Noble Kristen N. , Rogers Lisa M. , Talbert Julie A. , Korir Michelle L. , Townsend Steven D. , Aronoff David M. , Manning Shannon D. , Gaddy Jennifer A.
Published: November 2022

This study sheds new light on the way that group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) defends itself against oxidative stress in the infected host. The enzyme encoded by the GBS gene
npx
is an NADH peroxidase that, our study reveals, provides defense against macrophage-derived reactive oxygen stress and facilitates infections of the uterus during pregnancy. This enzyme could represent a tractable target for future treatment strategies against invasive GBS infections.
The RNA-Binding Protein ProQ Promotes Antibiotic Persistence in Salmonella
Authors: Rizvanovic Alisa , Michaux Charlotte , Panza Margherita , Iloglu Zeynep , Helaine Sophie , Wagner E. Gerhart H. , Holmqvist Erik
Published: November 2022

Bacteria can avoid eradication by antibiotics through a phenomenon known as persistence. Persister cells arise through phenotypic heterogeneity and constitute a small fraction of dormant cells within a population of actively growing bacteria, which is susceptible to antibiotic killing.
Complete Structural Predictions of the Proteome of African Swine Fever Virus Strain Georgia 2007
Authors: Spinard Edward , Azzinaro Paul , Rai Ayushi , Espinoza Nallely , Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Valladares Alyssa , Borca Manuel V. , Gladue Douglas P.
Published: November 2022

Here, we announce the predicted structures of the 193 proteins encoded by African swine fever virus (ASFV) strain Georgia 2007 (ASFV-G). Previously, only the structures of 16 ASFV proteins were elucidated.
Understanding the Genome-Wide Transcription Response To Various cAMP Levels in Bacteria Using Phenomenological Models
Authors: Chakraborty Shweta , Singh Parul , Seshasayee Aswin Sai Narain
Published: November 2022

Different genes may follow different trends in response to various transcription factor concentrations. In this study, we ask two questions: (i) what are the trends that different genes follow in response to changing transcription factor concentrations and (ii) what methods can be used to extract information from the gene trends so obtained.
Similar and Divergent Roles of Stringent Regulator (p)ppGpp and DksA on Pleiotropic Phenotype of Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Huang Can , Meng Jiao , Li Wenqian , Chen Jingyu
Published: November 2022

The synergetic actions between the stringent response signaling molecules, (p)ppGpp and DksA, have been widely reported. However, recent transcriptomic and phenotypic studies have suggested that independent or even opposite actions exist between them.
Plasmodium falciparum Sexual Commitment Rate Variation among Clinical Isolates and Diverse Laboratory-Adapted Lines
Authors: Stewart Lindsay B. , Freville Aline , Voss Till S. , Baker David A. , Awandare Gordon A. , Conway David J.
Published: November 2022

Only sexual-stage malaria parasites are transmitted from human blood to mosquitoes. Thus, it is vital to understand variations in sexual commitment rates because these may be modifiable or susceptible to blocking.
Two-Period Study Results from a Large Italian Hospital Laboratory Attesting SARS-CoV-2 Variant PCR Assay Evolution
Authors: Liotti Flora Marzia , De Maio Flavio , Ippoliti Chiara , Santarelli Giulia , Monzo Francesca Romana , Sali Michela , Santangelo Rosaria , Ceccherini-Silberstein Francesca , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Posteraro Brunella
Published: November 2022

Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 pose more important public health concerns than the previously circulating Alpha or Delta variants, particularly regarding the efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and therapeutics. Precise identification of these variants highly requires performant PCR-based assays that allow us to reduce the reliance on NGS-based assays, which remain the reference method in this topic.
Supplemental Material: Validation of earthquake ground-motion models in southern California, USA, using precariously balanced rocks
Authors: Rood Anna H. , al. et
Published: November 2022

All the fragility, fragility age, and hazard validation results in color for each precariously balanced rock, and all the input and output cosmogenic-nuclide exposure dating data.
Supplemental Material: Provenance and evolution of East Asian large rivers recorded in the East and South China Seas: A review
Authors: Cao Licheng , Shao Lei , al. et
Published: November 2022

Description of the studied large river basins, Figures S1–S11, and Tables S1–S4.
Supplemental Material: Geology of the Liuyuan Complex, NW China: A Permian back-arc basin ophiolite at the southern edge of the Central Asian orogenic belt
Authors: Santos Gabriel S. , Lin Shoufa , al. et
Published: November 2022

Table S1: Geochemistry. Table S2: Mineral chemistry. Table S3: Geochronology.
Clostridium septicumbrain abscess
Authors: Tan Daryl Jian An , Sng Edwin Chong Yu , Ling Xi Wern
Published: November 2022

We present a previously well woman in her 70s who was admitted for 2 weeks of progressively worsening abdominal pain, high fever and drowsiness. She was eventually diagnosed withClostridium septicumbrain abscess, meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis. The diagnosis was challenging as cerebrospinal fluid cultures were negative and a microbiological diagnosis was only obtained on brain biopsy. Despite early initiation of antibiotics that would have been effective againstC. septicum, her central nervous system (CNS) infection progressed, and she eventually succumbed to the infection. Infections withC. septicumare typically fulminant and associated with high mortality. In a patient with a CNS infection and concomitant abdominal manifestations, infection withC. septicumshould be considered.
Developing and implementing National Health Insurance: learnings from the first try in Benin
Authors: Houeninvo Hilaire Gbodja , Bello Kéfilath , Hounkpatin Hashim , Dossou Jean-Paul
Published: November 2022

In 2008, Benin government launched a national health insurance scheme, but this had been suspended in 2017. We aim to understand how existing ideas and institutions, stakeholders’ behaviour and their interests shaped policy-making process and policy content, from its launch to its suspension.

Methods

We used a case study design, framed by the policy triangle of Walt and Gilson. We collected data through document review, quantitative data extraction from routine information, and interviews with 20 key informants. We performed a content analysis using both complementarily deductive and inductive analysis.

Results

This study confirms the keen interest for national health insurance scheme in Benin among various stakeholders. Compared with user fee exemption policies, it is considered as more sustainable, with a more reliable financing, and a greater likelihood to facilitate population’s access to quality healthcare without financial hardships.

Exempting the poor from paying health insurance premiums was however considered as an equitable mean to facilitate the extension of the health insurance to informal sector workers.

The whole arrangements failed to deliver appropriate skills, tools, coordination and incentives to drive the policy implementers to make individual and organisational changes necessary to adjust to the objectives and values of the reform. These deficiencies compromised the implementation fidelity with unintended effects such as low subscription rate, low services utilisation and sustainability threats.

Conclusion

Supporting countries in documenting policy processes will ease learning across their tries for progressing towards Universal Health Coverage, as more than one try will be necessary.
Understanding the clinical profile of patients with frozen shoulder: a longitudinal multicentre observational study
Authors: Mertens Michel GCAM , Meeus Mira , Noten Suzie , Verborgt Olivier , Fransen Erik , Lluch Girbés Enrique , Aguilar Rodríguez Marta , Navarro-Ledesma Santiago , Fernandez-Sanchez Manuel , Luque-Suarez Alejandro , Struyf Filip , Dueñas Lirios
Published: November 2022

Introduction

There is a large diversity in the clinical presentation of frozen shoulder (FS) and the clinical outcome is not always satisfactory. The aim of the current study was to examine to what extent range of motion (ROM) limitation, metabolic factors (diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders), autonomic symptoms and pain sensitivity may contribute to the prognosis in terms of shoulder pain and disability and quality of life in patients with FS.

Methods

Patients with stage 1 or 2 FS were longitudinally followed-up during 9 months after baseline assessment. They completed six questionnaires and underwent quantitative sensory testing (pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation) and ROM assessment.

Results

One hundred and forty-nine patients with FS were initially recruited and 121 completed at least one follow-up measurement. Shoulder pain and disability improved over time and diabetes mellitus was found to be a prognostic factor for final outcome. Several domains of quality of life also improved over time and external rotation ROM, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorder and autonomic symptoms were found to be prognostic factors for final outcome. These prognostic factors explained 2.5%–6.3% of the final outcome of shoulder pain and disability and quality of life.

Discussion and conclusion

In patients with FS, prognostic variables were able to predict different outcomes, indicating that outcomes in this population can be variable-dependent. Other variables not explored in this study might contribute to the prognosis of patients with FS, which should be investigated in future research. In clinical practice, baseline assessment of prognostic factors and focusing on a more holistic approach might be useful to inform healthcare practitioners about progression of patients with FS during a 9-month period.
Which events are experienced as traumatic by obstetricians and gynaecologists, and why? A qualitative analysis from a cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews
Authors: Sheen Kayleigh , Goodfellow Laura , Balling Katie , Rymer Janice , Weeks Andrew , Spiby Helen , Slade Pauline
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To explore the events perceived as traumatic by obstetricians and gynaecologists (O&G), and to examine factors contributing to the perception of trauma.

Design

Mixed methods: cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews.

Sample and setting

Fellows, members and trainees of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

Methods

An online survey was distributed to 6300 fellows (May–June 2017), members and trainees of RCOG; 1095 (17%) completed surveys were returned. Of these, 728 (66%) reported work-related trauma experience, with 525 providing a brief description of an event. Forty-three participants with trauma experience were purposively sampled and completed an in-depth interview (October 2017–March 2018), which were analysed using Template Analysis. Information regarding the scale and impact of trauma experience is presented elsewhere. The present analysis provides new information describing the events and perceptions of why events were traumatic.

Primary outcome measures

The nature of traumatic events in this clinical setting, taken from survey descriptions of perceived traumatic events and information from the in-depth interviews.

Results

Events perceived as traumatic by O&G were similar between consultants, trainees and other RCOG members no longer working in O&G. Maternal or neonatal death/stillbirth, haemorrhage and events involving a difficult delivery were most frequently reported. Sudden and unpredictable events, perceived preventability, acute sensory experiences and high emotionality contributed to trauma perception. Respondents’ trauma was compounded by an absence of support, involvement in investigation procedures and pre-existing relationships with a recipient of care.

Conclusions

Identification of events most likely to be perceived as traumatic, and wider circumstances contributing to the perception of trauma, provide a basis on which to focus preventative and supportive strategies for O&G. Training on the nature of traumatic events, self-help for early stress responses, processing support and rapid access to trauma-focused psychological input (where required) are needed.
Care preferences of older migrants and minority ethnic groups with various care needs: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Peters-Nehrenheim Viktoria , Rommerskirch-Manietta Mike , Purwins Daniel , Roes Martina , Tezcan-Güntekin Hürrem
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Worldwide, our societies are characterised by increasing diversity, which is greatly contributed to by people who have migrated from one country to another. To provide person-centred care, healthcare staff need to consider the personal background, biography and preferences of people with care needs. Little is known about the care preferences of older migrants and minority ethnic groups. The purpose of this planned scoping review is to explore and systematically investigate current research addressing the care preferences of older migrants and minority ethnic groups. In addition, gaps requiring further research will be identified. To the best of our knowledge, this scoping review will be the first to synthesise the literature regarding the preferences in nursing care of older migrants and minority ethnic groups.

Methods

A scoping review will be conducted to identify and analyse the care preferences of older migrants and minority ethnic groups (population 60 years or older with various care needs). Based on the research aim, we will systematically search the electronic databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL (via EBSCO) and PsycINFO (via EBSCO). We will include literature published in English and German with no restrictions regarding the publication date. The identified records will be independently screened (title/abstract and full text) by two reviewers. Data from the included studies will be extracted by one and verified by a second researcher. We will analyse the identified preferences with an inductive content analysis and will narratively present the review results in the form of tables.

Ethics and dissemination

There are no ethical concerns related to conducting this study. We will discuss our results with practitioners in the field of nursing care of older people with migration backgrounds. We will present our results and make them available to the public at (inter)national conferences and in the form of peer-reviewed and practice articles.
Cognitive function and treatment response trajectories in first-episode schizophrenia: evidence from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Millgate Edward , Griffiths Kira , Egerton Alice , Kravariti Eugenia , Casetta Cecilia , Deakin Bill , Drake Richard , Howes Oliver D , Kassoumeri Laura , Khan Sobia , Lankshear Steve , Lees Jane , Lewis Shon , Mikulskaya Elena , Oloyede Ebenezer , Owens Rebecca , Pollard Rebecca , Rich Nathalie , Smart Sophie , Segev Aviv , Verena Sendt Kyra , MacCabe James
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This prospective cohort study tested for associations between baseline cognitive performance in individuals early within their first episode and antipsychotic treatment of psychosis. We hypothesised that poorer cognitive functioning at the initial assessment would be associated with poorer antipsychotic response following the subsequent 6 weeks.

Design

Prospective cohort .

Setting

National Health Service users with a first-episode schizophrenia diagnosis, recently starting antipsychotic medication, recruited from two UK sites (King’s College London, UK and University of Manchester, UK). Participants attended three study visits following screening.

Participants

Eighty-nine participants were recruited, with 46 included in the main analysis. Participants required to be within the first 2 years of illness onset, had received minimal antipsychotic treatment, have the capacity to provide consent, and be able to read and write in English. Participants were excluded if they met remission criteria or showed mild to no symptoms.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Antipsychotic response was determined at 6 weeks using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), with cognitive performance assessed at each visit using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). The groups identified (responders and non-responders) from trajectory analyses, as well as from >20% PANSS criteria, were compared on baseline BACS performance.

Results

Trajectory analyses identified 84.78% of the sample as treatment responsive, and the remaining 15.22% as treatment non-responsive. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions observed no significant relationship between baseline BACS on subscale and total performance (BACS t-score: OR=0.98, p=0.620, Cohen’s d=0.218) and antipsychotic response at 6 weeks.

Conclusions

This investigation identified two clear trajectories of treatment response in the first 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment. Responder and non-responder groups did not significantly differ on performance on the BACS, suggesting that larger samples may be required or that an association between cognitive performance and antipsychotic response is not observable in the first 2 years of illness onset.

Trial registration number

REC: 17/NI/0209.