bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychology’s medicalization of male baldness
Authors: Jankowski Glen S , Frith Hannah
Published: June 2021

Male baldness is physically benign though it is increasingly described as a “disease” based on claims that it is profoundly distressing. The medicalization of baldness was assessed using data extracted from a review of 37 male baldness psychosocial impact studies. Findings revealed most studies likely had commercial influences (78%), represented baldness as a disease (77%), were conducted on biased samples (68%), and advocated for baldness products/services (60%), omitting their limitations (68%). Health psychologists should challenge baldness medicalization so that men can make informed choices about what, if anything, they do with their baldness.
Affordances of memorability: Finnish reception of the oppression of Ingrian Finns in the Soviet Union
Authors: Savolainen Ulla
Published: June 2021

By addressing recent discussions on reception within the field of memory studies, this article aims to analyze the reasons for the alleged absence of public memory relating to the history of Ingria and the experiences of Ingrian Finns in Finland by focusing on Inkerin romaani (2002), a posthumous novel by Toivo Pekkanen. Through analysis of three scales of reception, the article explores the dynamics of memory and affordances of memorability. It argues that understanding memory dynamics requires looking at the reception of memory as well as its blockages. Moreover, this article suggests that these aspects of memory dynamics can be fruitfully analyzed and theorized through the notion of affordances of memorability.
Healthcare-associated infections over an eight year period in a large university hospital in Sicily (Italy, 2011–2018)
Authors: Russo Fiorino Giusy , Maniglia Marialuisa , Marchese Valentina , Aprea Luigi , Torregrossa Maria V , Campisi Fabio , Favaro Dario , Calamusa Giuseppe , Amodio Emanuele
Published: June 2021

Background:

Up to 7% of hospitalised patients acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI). The aim of the present study was to quantify the burden of HAIs in an Italian hospital, identifying involved risk factors.

Methods:

Prevalence point study carried out from 2011 to 2018. For each recruited patient, a data entry form was compiled including information on demographics, hospital admission, risk factors, antimicrobial treatment, and infection if present.

Results:

A total of 2844 patients were included and 218 (7.03%) reported an infection. HAI prevalence rates showed a significant increase (average annual per cent change (AAPC) +33.9%; p=0.018) from 2011 to 2014 whereas from 2014 to 2018 a gradual decline was observed (AAPC –6.15%; p=0.35). Urinary tract infection was the most common HAI (25.2%) and a total of 166 (76.1%) pathogens were isolated from 218 infections. Enterococcus and Klebsiella species were the most prevalent pathogens, causing 15.1% and 14.5% of HAIs, respectively. A significant higher risk of HAIs was found in patients exposed to central catheter (adjusted odds ratio (adj-OR)=5.40), peripheral catheter (adj-OR=1.89), urinary catheter (adj-OR=1.46), National Healthcare Safety Network surgical intervention (adj-OR=1.48), ultimately fatal disease (adj-OR=2.19) or rapidly fatal disease (adj-OR=2.09) and in patients with longer hospital stay (adj-OR=1.01).

Conclusion:

Intervention programmes based on guidelines dissemination and personnel training can contribute to reduce the impact of HAI. Moreover, McCabe score can be a very powerful and efficient predictor of risk for HAI. Finally, an unexpected very high burden of disease due to Enterobacteriaceae and Gram positive cocci that could be related to the frequent use of carbapenems and third generation cephalosporins in this hospital was found.
Resorbable Versus Titanium Rigid Fixation for Pediatric Mandibular Fractures: A Systematic Review, Institutional Experience and Comparative Analysis
Authors: Pontell Matthew E. , Niklinska Eva B. , Braun Stephane A. , Jaeger Nolan , Kelly Kevin J. , Golinko Michael S.
Published: June 2021

Study Design:

Pediatric mandible fractures mandate special consideration because of unerupted teeth, mixed dentition, facial growth and the inability to tolerate maxillomandibular fixation. No consensus exists as to whether resorbable or titanium plating systems are superior with regards to clinical outcomes.

Objective:

This study aims to systematically review and compare the outcomes of both material types in the treatment of pediatric mandible fractures.

Methods:

After PROSPERO registration, studies from 1990-2020 publishing on outcomes of ORIF of pediatric mandible fractures were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. An additional retrospective review was conducted at a pediatric level 1 trauma center.

Results:

1,144 patients met inclusion criteria (30.5% resorbable vs. 69.5% titanium). Total complication rate was 13%, and 10% required a second, unplanned operation. Complication rates in the titanium and resorbable groups were not significantly different (14% vs. 10%; P = 0.07), and titanium hardware was more frequently removed on an elective basis (P < 0.001). Condylar/sub-condylar fractures were more often treated with resorbable hardware (P = 0.01); whereas angle fractures were more often treated with titanium hardware (P < 0.001). Within both cohorts, fracture type did not increase the risk of complications, and comparison between groups by anatomic level did not demonstrate any significant difference in complications.

Conclusions:

Pediatric mandible fractures requiring ORIF are rare, and hardware-specific outcomes data is scarce. This study suggests that titanium and resorbable plating systems are equally safe, but titanium hardware often requires surgical removal. Surgical approach should be tailored by fracture anatomy, age-related concerns and surgeon preference.
Evaluation of the role of Babesia species and Cytauxzoon felis in feline anemia cases in Colorado, USA
Authors: Chan Pierce K , Hawley Jennifer R , Lappin Michael R
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood of cats in Colorado, USA, with suspected infectious causes of anemia for the presence of Babesia species and Cytauxzoon felis DNA. Results of PCR testing for other common vector-borne diseases potentially associated with anemia are also reported.

Methods

Samples from 101 cats were tested using a PCR assay that coamplified the DNA of C felis and Babesia species mitochondrial DNA. PCR testing for DNA of hemoplasmas, Bartonella species, Ehrlichia species, Anaplasma species, Neorickettsia risticii and Wolbachia genera was also performed if not carried out previously.

Results

Twenty-two cats (21.8%) were positive for DNA of an infectious agent. DNA from hemoplasma species were amplified from 14 cats (13.9%). Bartonella species DNA was amplified from four cats (4%) and Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Wolbachia genera DNA were amplified from one cat each. Babesia species and C felis mitochondrial DNA were not amplified from any sample.

Conclusions and relevance

Based on the results of this study, it does not appear that Babesia species or C felis are clinically relevant in anemic cats in Colorado, USA. For C felis, this suggests that the vector Amblyomma americanum is still uncommon in this geographic area.
Gene expression at a single-molecule level: implications for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wheat Justin C. , Steidl Ulrich
Published: June 2021

Nongenetic heterogeneity, or gene expression stochasticity, is an important source of variability in biological systems. With the advent and improvement of single molecule resolution technologies, it has been shown that transcription dynamics and resultant transcript number fluctuations generate significant cell-to-cell variability that has important biological effects and may contribute substantially to both tissue homeostasis and disease. In this respect, the pathophysiology of stem cell-derived malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, which has historically been studied at the ensemble level, may require reevaluation. To that end, it is our aim in this review to highlight the results of recent single-molecule, biophysical, and systems studies of gene expression dynamics, with the explicit purpose of demonstrating how the insights from these basic science studies may help inform and progress the field of leukemia biology and, ultimately, research into novel therapies.
Tyrosinase and laccase-producing Bacillus aryabhattai TFG5 and its role in the polymerization of phenols
Authors: Muniraj Iniyakumar , Shameer Syed , Uthandi Sivakumar
Published: June 2021

Background

Tyrosinases and laccases are oxidoreductase enzymes that are used widely in the food, feed, textile, and biofuel industries. The rapidly growing industrial demand for bacterial oxido-reductases has encouraged research on this enzyme worldwide. These enzymes also play a key role in the formation of humic substances (HS) that are involved in controlling the biogeochemical carbon cycle, providing nutrients and bio-stimulants for plant growth, and interacting with inorganic and organic pollutants besides increasing carbon sequestration and mitigating greenhouse gas emission in the environment. The present study aimed to screen and characterize extracellular tyrosinase and laccase-producing soil bacteria that could be utilized in the polymerization of phenols.

Results

Twenty isolates from different soil samples collected from forest ecosystems were characterized through ARDRA using restriction digestion with AluI, HpaII, and HaeIII restriction enzymes. The results of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed a 60 % similarity coefficient among 13 out of 20 isolates, of which, the isolate TFG5 exhibited only 10 % similarity when compared to all the other isolates. The isolate TFG5 exhibited both tyrosinase (1.34 U.mL− 1) and laccase (2.01 U.mL− 1) activity and was identified as Bacillus aryabhattai. The increased polymerization activity was observed when B. aryabhattai TFG5 was treated with phenols. The monomers such as catechol, p-Hydroxy benzoic acid, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid were polymerized efficiently, as evidenced by their FT-IR spectra depicting increased functional groups compared to the standard mushroom tyrosinase.

Conclusions

The polymerization ability of B. aryabhattai TFG5 could be applied to phenol-rich wastewater treatment for efficient precipitation of phenols. Furthermore, tyrosinases can be used for enhancing the synthesis of HS in soil.
The effects of intimate relationship characteristics on unprotected anal intercourse among same-sex male couples in China: a dyadic analysis using the actor-partner interdependence model
Authors: Chen Sha , Yang Qingling , He Juan , Fan Xiongzhi , Liu Zhongqi , Qiu Jialing , Zheng Zhiwei , Gu Jing , Cheng Weibin , Hao Yuantao , Li Jinghua , Hao Chun
Published: June 2021

Background

Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) within the context of concurrent sexual relationship are prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) who have regular male sex partners and it aggravates the risk of HIV infection among this community. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of intimate relationship characteristics on UAI among MSM couples at the dyadic level.

Methods

Two hundred four MSM couples were recruited from a HIV testing clinic from April 2017 to April 2018 in Guangzhou, China. The actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) was applied for dyadic analysis. Each MSM couple was divided into the insertive role and the receptive role according to their regular anal sex role. In this context, actor effect is the impact of an MSM’s intimate relationship characteristics on his own UAI, and partner effect is the impact of his partner’s intimate relationship characteristics on his UAI.

Results

Of the 408 participants, 58.82% had UAI with regular male sex partner (UAI-RP) and 8.09% had concurrent UAI. Intimate relationship characteristics were associated with concurrent UAI, but not associated with UAI-RP. For the receptive role, his relationship investment exerted significant actor and partner effects on concurrent UAI (AORactor = 1.31, P < 0.001; AORpartner = 1.17, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, receptive role’s violence experience within relationship exerted significant actor effects on his own concurrent UAI (AORactor = 6.43, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Relationship investment and violence experience influenced concurrent UAI among MSM couples and it varied in different sex roles. Additional assistance on empowerment, relationship therapy and sexual agreement is urgently needed to reduce their high possibility on engagement of HIV-related risk behaviors.
Early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation of employees with common mental disorders by using psychotherapeutic consultation at work: study protocol of a randomised controlled multicentre trial (friaa project)
Authors: Weber Jeannette , Angerer Peter , Brenner Lorena , Brezinski Jolanda , Chrysanthou Sophia , Erim Yesim , Feißt Manuel , Hansmann Marieke , Hondong Sinja , Kessemeier Franziska Maria , Kilian Reinhold , Klose Christina , Köllner Volker , Kohl Fiona , Krisam Regina , Kröger Christoph , Sander Anja , Schröder Ute Beate , Stegmann Ralf , Wegewitz Uta , Gündel Harald , Rothermund Eva , Herrmann Kristin
Published: June 2021

Background

Common mental disorders are one of the leading causes for sickness absence and early retirement due to reduced health. Furthermore, a treatment gap for common mental disorders has been described worldwide. Within this study, psychotherapeutic consultation at work defined as a tailored, module-based and work-related psychotherapeutic intervention will be applied to improve mental health care.

Methods

This study comprises a randomised controlled multicentre trial with 1:1 allocation to an intervention and control group. In total, 520 employees with common mental disorders shall be recruited from companies being located around five study centres in Germany. Besides care as usual, the intervention group will receive up to 17 sessions of psychotherapy. The first session will include basics diagnostics and medical indication of treatment and the second session will include work-related diagnostics. Then, participants of the intervention group may receive work-related psychotherapeutic consultation for up to ten sessions. Further psychotherapeutic consultation during return to work for up to five sessions will be offered where appropriate. The control group will receive care as usual and the first intervention session of basic diagnostics and medical indication of treatment. After enrolment to the study, participants will be followed up after nine (first follow-up) and fifteen (second follow-up) months. Self-reported days of sickness absence within the last 6 months at the second follow-up will be used as the primary outcome and self-efficacy at the second follow-up as the secondary outcome. Furthermore, a cost-benefit assessment related to costs of common mental disorders for social insurances and companies will be performed.

Discussion

Psychotherapeutic consultation at work represents a low threshold care model aiming to overcome treatment gaps for employees with common mental disorders. If successfully implemented and evaluated, it might serve as a role model to the care of employees with common mental disorders and might be adopted in standard care in cooperation with sickness and pension insurances in Germany.

Trial registration

The friaa project was registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS) at 01.03.2021 (DRKS00023049):https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023049.
Adapting ENABLE for patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers in Singapore: a qualitative formative evaluation
Authors: Yang Grace Meijuan , Dionne-Odom J. Nicholas , Foo Yi Han , Chung Ariel Hui Mei , Kamal Nur Haidah Ahmad , Tan Laurence , Yu Chou Chuen , Khanh Le Mai , Koh Audrey Rui Xuan , Teo Irene , Yoon Sungwon , Bakitas Marie
Published: June 2021

Background

ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends) is a nurse coach-led, early palliative care model for patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. Content covered includes problem-solving, advance care planning, symptom management and self-care. The aim was to evaluate the cultural acceptability of ENABLE among patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers in Singapore and identify modifications for an adapted ENABLE-SG model.

Methods

Qualitative formative evaluation with a thematic analysis approach in two hospitals in Singapore, involving patients (n = 10), family caregivers (n = 11) and healthcare professionals (n = 10) who care for patients with advanced cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore (i) the main needs and challenges facing individuals with advanced cancer and their family caregivers; (ii) patient involvement in healthcare decision making; and (iii) content and delivery of ENABLE.

Results

While physical needs were largely well met, participants expressed that psychosocial care was delivered too late in the illness trajectory. Healthcare decision making approaches varied from a patient-centred shared decision-making model to a family-centred model where patients may not know their cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The content was considered to be relevant, comprehensive and practical; financial assistance, adjustment to body image, and evaluation of complementary therapy were also recommended. Face-to-face rather than telephone sessions were preferred to facilitate rapport building.

Conclusions

ENABLE was broadly acceptable with some modifications, including adjusting the content to ensure it can be delivered even if the patient is not fully aware of cancer diagnosis and delivering the first session face-to-face with flexibility for subsequent sessions.
Association of statin use in older people primary prevention group with risk of cardiovascular events and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Awad Kamal , Mohammed Maged , Zaki Mahmoud Mohamed , Abushouk Abdelrahman I. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Blaha Michael J. , Lavie Carl J. , Toth Peter P. , Jukema J. Wouter , Sattar Naveed , Banach Maciej ,   on behalf of the Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group and the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP)
Published: June 2021

Background

Current evidence from randomized controlled trials on statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older people, especially those aged > 75 years, is still lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to extend the current evidence about the association of statin use in older people primary prevention group with risk of CVD and mortality.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched from inception until March 18, 2021. We included observational studies (cohort or nested case-control) that compared statin use vs non-use for primary prevention of CVD in older people aged ≥ 65 years; provided that each of them reported the risk estimate on at least one of the following primary outcomes: all cause-mortality, CVD death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Risk estimates of each relevant outcome were pooled as a hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects meta-analysis model. The quality of the evidence was rated using the GRADE approach.

Results

Ten observational studies (9 cohorts and one case-control study; n = 815,667) fulfilled our criteria. The overall combined estimate suggested that statin therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.86 [95% CI 0.79 to 0.93]), CVD death (HR: 0.80 [95% CI 0.78 to 0.81]), and stroke (HR: 0.85 [95% CI 0.76 to 0.94]) and a non-significant association with risk of MI (HR 0.74 [95% CI 0.53 to 1.02]). The beneficial association of statins with the risk of all-cause mortality remained significant even at higher ages (> 75 years old; HR 0.88 [95% CI 0.81 to 0.96]) and in both men (HR: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.74 to 0.76]) and women (HR 0.85 [95% CI 0.72 to 0.99]). However, this association with the risk of all-cause mortality remained significant only in those with diabetes mellitus (DM) (HR 0.82 [95% CI 0.68 to 0.98]) but not in those without DM. The level of evidence of all the primary outcomes was rated as “very low.”

Conclusions

Statin therapy in older people (aged ≥ 65 years) without CVD was associated with a 14%, 20%, and 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality, CVD death, and stroke, respectively. The beneficial association with the risk of all-cause mortality remained significant even at higher ages (> 75 years old), in both men and women, and in individuals with DM, but not in those without DM. These observational findings support the need for trials to test the benefits of statins in those above 75 years of age.
Preparing for tenure at a research-intensive university
Authors: Boyce Michael , Aguilera Renato J.
Published: June 2021

At research-intensive universities in the United States, eligible faculty must generally excel in research, teaching and service in order to receive tenure. To meet these high standards, junior faculty should begin planning for a strong tenure case from their first day on the job. Here, we provide practical information, commentary and advice on how biomedical faculty at research-intensive institutions can prepare strategically for a successful tenure review.
Triple versus LAMA/LABA combination therapy for patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Koarai Akira , Yamada Mitsuhiro , Ichikawa Tomohiro , Fujino Naoya , Kawayama Tomotaka , Sugiura Hisatoshi
Published: June 2021

Background

Recently, the addition of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) combination therapy has been recommended for patients with COPD who have severe symptoms and a history of exacerbations because it reduces the exacerbations. In addition, a reducing effect on mortality has been shown by this treatment. However, the evidence is mainly based on one large randomized controlled trial IMPACT study, and it remains unclear whether the ICS add-on treatment is beneficial or not. Recently, a large new ETHOS trial has been performed to clarify the ICS add-on effects. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety including ETHOS trial.

Methods

We searched relevant randomized control trials (RCTs) and analyzed the exacerbations, quality of life (QOL), dyspnea symptom, lung function and adverse events including pneumonia and mortality, as the outcomes of interest.

Results

We identified a total of 6 RCTs in ICS add-on protocol (N = 13,579). ICS/LAMA/LABA treatment (triple therapy) significantly decreased the incidence of exacerbations (rate ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.64–0.83) and improved the QOL score and trough FEV1 compared to LAMA/LABA. In addition, triple therapy significantly improved the dyspnea score (mean difference 0.33, 95% CI 0.18–0.48) and mortality (odds ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.87). However, triple therapy showed a significantly higher incidence of pneumonia (odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.16–2.00). In the ICS-withdrawal protocol including 2 RCTs, triple therapy also showed a significantly better QOL score and higher trough FEV1 than LAMA/LABA. Concerning the trough FEV1, QOL score and dyspnea score in both protocols, the differences were less than the minimal clinically important difference.

Conclusion

Triple therapy causes a higher incidence of pneumonia but is a more preferable treatment than LAMA/LABA due to the lower incidence of exacerbations, higher trough FEV1 and better QOL score. In addition, triple therapy is also superior to LABA/LAMA due to the lower mortality and better dyspnea score. However, these results should be only applied to patients with symptomatic moderate to severe COPD and a history of exacerbations.

Clinical Trial Registration: PROSPERO; CRD42020191978.
Does an increase in serum FGF21 level predict 28-day mortality of critical patients with sepsis and ARDS?
Authors: Li Xing , Shen Hua , Zhou Tinghong , Cao Xiaoyu , Chen Ying , Liang Yan , Lu Ting , He Jiafen , Dou Zhoulin , Liu Chuankai , Tang Yong , Zhu Zexiang
Published: June 2021

Background

Sepsis may be accompanied by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). It is essential to identify prognostic biomarkers in patients with sepsis and ARDS.

Objective

Determine whether changes in the level of serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can predict the 28-day mortality of ICU patients with sepsis and ARDS.

Methods

Consecutive sepsis patients were divided into two groups (Sepsis + ARDS and Sepsis-only), and the Sepsis + ARDS group was further classified as survivors or non-survivors. Demographic data and comorbidities were recorded. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and serum levels of cytokines and other biomarkers were recorded 3 times after admission. Multiple Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify risk factors associated with 28-day mortality in the Sepsis + ARDS group. Multivariate receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the different predictive value of FGF21 and SOFA.

Results

The Sepsis + ARDS group had a greater baseline SOFA score and serum levels of cytokines and other biomarkers than the Sepsis-only group; the serum level of FGF21 was almost twofold greater in the Sepsis + ARDS group (P < 0.05). Non-survivors in the Sepsis + ARDS group had an almost fourfold greater level of FGF21 than survivors in this group (P < 0.05). The serum level of FGF21 persistently increased from the baseline to the peak of shock and death in the non-survivors, but persistently decreased in survivors (P < 0.05). Changes in the serum FGF21 level between different time points were independent risk factors for mortality. No statistical difference was observed between the AUC of FGF21 and SOFA at baseline. 

Conclusion

A large increase of serum FGF21 level from baseline is associated with 28-day mortality in ICU patients with sepsis and ARDS.
A case of neck abscess caused by rare hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, capsular type K20 and sequence type 420
Authors: McHardy John Alexander , Selvaganeshapillai Vathshalan , Khanna Priya , Whittington Ashley Michael , Turton Jane , Gopal Rao Guduru
Published: June 2021

Background

This case report describes a neck abscess caused by a strain of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a middle aged man with diabetes without a history of travel to East and South East Asia. This case report is of notable significance as Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscesses are rarely seen in the UK and are very infrequently documented in individuals who have not first travelled to the high prevalence areas of East and South East Asia.

Case presentation

This case report describes a 53 year old diabetic man who contracted a Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscess which led to the development of sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was cultured from blood cultures and fluid aspirated from the abscess grew the pathogen with same antimicrobial susceptibility. Hypervirulence was demonstrated after the samples were analysed, at the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit Public Health England Colindale, and found to contain the K20 (rmp)A and rmpA2 virulence genes.

Discussion

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, encapsulated, non-motile bacillus notable for its ability to metastatically spread and cause potentially life threatening infections in otherwise healthy adults, but especially in those with diabetes. Genes responsible for the production of hyperviscous mucoid polysaccharide capsules and siderophores, such as those isolated in this case, enable the bacteria to more efficiently evade the hosts immune system and disseminate and invade surrounding and distant tissues. Data from Public Health England shows Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae are rare in the UK. A review of current literature also showed Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae almost exclusively occur in those who have traveled to East and South East Asia.

Conclusions

This case reported a rare Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscess outside of, and without travel to, East and South East Asia. This raises concerns about future, potentially life threatening, Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections becoming more widespread without the need for endemic travel. This concern is further exacerbated by the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Importance of personality and coping expectancy on patient-reported hearing disability, quality of life and distress level: a study of patients referred to an audiology service
Authors: Nordvik Øyvind , Heggdal Peder O. Laugen , Brännström K. Jonas , Aarstad Anne Kari , Aarstad Hans Jørgen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hearing loss (HL) affects up to 15% of the world’s adult population. Coping and personality are hypothesized to underlie quality of life (QoL) and distress scores. We aimed to study the importance of personality and coping in persons with HL for self-reported hearing disability, QoL, and distress.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out, including one hundred and fifty-eight adults seeking hearing aids. Pure-tone average hearing thresholds (PTA) were determined for each ear. A revised version of the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) served as a measure of self-reported hearing disability. Further, the generic part of the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) QoL questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) (distress measure) were answered. Levels of neuroticism and the Theoretically Originated Measure of the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (TOMCATS) coping expectancy were determined.

Results

Hearing disability was determined by PTA (better ear) and level of neuroticism. Distress and QoL were determined by neuroticism and coping.

Conclusion

More neuroticism was associated with worse outcome for the variables hearing disability, distress, and QoL. Helplessness and hopelessness were associated with worse hearing disability, increased distress, and lowered QoL. Patient reported hearing disability was also associated with PTA (better ear). There is a need to investigate further the associations between hearing disability and QoL to psychosocial parameters.
Prolactin promotes a partial recovery from the atrophy of both male and female gerbil prostates caused by castration
Authors: Zanatelli Marianna , Colleta Simone Jacovaci , Guerra Luiz Henrique Alves , Santos Fernanda Cristina Alcântara , Góes Rejane Maira , Vilamaior Patricia Simone Leite , Taboga Sebastião Roberto
Published: June 2021

Background

The male and female prostates are controlled by steroid hormones, suffering important morphological and physiological changes after castration. Prolactin is involved in the regulation of the male prostate, having already been identified in the tissue, acting through its receptor PRLR. In the Mongolian gerbil, in addition to the male prostate, the female prostate is also well developed and active in its secretion processes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to exogenous prolactin in the prostate of both intact and castrated male and female gerbils in order to establish if prolactin administration can sustain prostate cell activity in conditions of sexual hormone deprivation.

Methods

The morphological analyses were performed by biometric analysis, lesion histological analysis and morphometric-stereological aspects. In addition, immune-cytochemical tests were performed for prolactin and its receptor, as well as for the receptors of androgen and oestrogen and serum prolactin dosage. All data were submitted to ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests for comparison between groups. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The results showed a strong influence of prolactin on the morphology of the prostate, with the development of important epithelial alterations, after only 3 days of administration, and an expressive epithelial cell discard process after 30 days of administration. Prolactin acts in synergy with testosterone in males and mainly with oestrogens in females, establishing different steroid hormonal receptor immunoreactivity according to sex. It was also demonstrated that prolactin can assist in the recovery from some atrophic effects caused in the gland after castration, without causing additional tissue damage.

Conclusions

The prolactin and its receptor are involved in the maintenance of the homeostasis of male and female gerbils, and also cause distinct histological alterations after exogenous exposure for 3 and 30 days. The effects of prolactin are related to its joint action on androgens and oestrogens and it can also assist in the recovery from the atrophic effects of castration.
The landscape of biobanks in Poland—characteristics of Polish biobanking units at the beginning of BBMRI.pl organization
Authors: Chróścicka Anna , Paluch Angelika , Kozera Łukasz , Lewandowska-Szumieł Małgorzata
Published: June 2021

Background

Biobanking is an area of scientific activity that is growing in strength and importance. The variety of collections combining biological samples and medical scientific information makes biobanking an indispensable tool in the development of modern medicine. In 2016, Poland, a country with one of the largest populations in Europe, joined the Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure-European Research Infrastructure Consortium (BBMRI-ERIC) to facilitate access to quality-defined human disease-relevant biological resources. This push led to the development of the Polish Biobanking Network. The purpose of this paper is to present the current state of biobanks in Poland in the context of their location, nature and resources.

Methods

To obtain information about and overall characteristics of Polish entities dealing with biobanking biological material, the dedicated Information Survey was designed. The survey was prepared in an electronic form and consisted of 53 questions—both open and closed, single and multiple choice—with some questions depending on each other. Sixty-five Polish biobanks/biorepositories participated in the survey.

Results

Polish biobanks are mostly affiliated with research entities (universities—42% and research institutes—30%). The data collected indicate that a considerable number of Polish biobanks are specialized (33 units), in contrast to population-based biobanks (8 units). These biobanks are mostly focused on collecting samples from oncological (23 biobanks) and rare diseases (12 biobanks). In general, great diversity was found in the material collected. Scientists working in Polish biobanks are very open to scientific cooperation (declared by 60% of units) and sharing their collections with the international scientific environment. In terms of quality issues, most biobanks declared that their quality management system was in the process of implementation (45%) or had already been implemented (23%).

Conclusions

Although biobanking in Poland is still in its infancy, the results of this study seem promising and may be valuable to the wider biobanking research community. The distribution of biobanks throughout the Polish territory, their connection with scientific and clinical units, and their involvement in research on rare diseases may contribute to an increase in the number of multicenter studies.
Heterologous avian system for quantitative analysis of Syncytin-1 interaction with ASCT2 receptor
Authors: Štafl Kryštof , Trávníček Martin , Kučerová Dana , Pecnová Ľubomíra , Krchlíková Veronika , Gáliková Eliška , Stepanets Volodymyr , Hejnar Jiří , Trejbalová Kateřina
Published: June 2021

Background

Human Syncytin-1 is a placentally-expressed cell surface glycoprotein of retroviral origin. After interaction with ASCT2, its cellular receptor, Syncytin-1 triggers cell–cell fusion and formation of a multinuclear syncytiotrophoblast layer of the placenta. The ASCT2 receptor is a multi-spanning membrane protein containing a protruding extracellular part called region C, which has been suggested to be a retrovirus docking site. Precise identification of the interaction site between ASCT2 and Syncytin-1 is challenging due to the complex structure of ASCT2 protein and the background of endogenous ASCT2 gene in the mammalian genome. Chicken cells lack the endogenous background and, therefore, can be used to set up a system with surrogate expression of the ASCT2 receptor.

Results

We have established a retroviral heterologous chicken system for rapid and reliable assessment of ectopic human ASCT2 protein expression. Our dual-fluorescence system proved successful for large-scale screening of mutant ASCT2 proteins. Using this system, we demonstrated that progressive deletion of region C substantially decreased the amount of ASCT2 protein. In addition, we implemented quantitative assays to determine the interaction of ASCT2 with Syncytin-1 at multiple levels, which included binding of the soluble form of Syncytin-1 to ASCT2 on the cell surface and a luciferase-based assay to evaluate cell–cell fusions that were triggered by Syncytin-1. Finally, we restored the envelope function of Syncytin-1 in a replication-competent retrovirus and assessed the infection of chicken cells expressing human ASCT2 by chimeric Syncytin-1-enveloped virus. The results of the quantitative assays showed that deletion of the protruding region C did not abolish the interaction of ASCT2 with Syncytin-1.

Conclusions

We present here a heterologous chicken system for effective assessment of the expression of transmembrane ASCT2 protein and its interaction with Syncytin-1. The system profits from the absence of endogenous ASCT2 background and implements the quantitative assays to determine the ASCT2-Syncytin-1 interaction at several levels. Using this system, we demonstrated that the protruding region C was essential for ASCT2 protein expression, but surprisingly, not for the interaction with Syncytin-1 glycoprotein.

Graphical abstract
High risk sexual behaviours associated with traditional beliefs about gender roles among men interested in medical male circumcision in South Africa
Authors: Chetty-Makkan Candice M. , Grund Jonathan M. , Muchiri Evans , Price Matt A. , Latka Mary H. , Charalambous Salome
Published: June 2021

Background

Beliefs about gender roles and high-risk sexual behaviours underlie the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in South Africa. Yet, there is limited information on the relationships between beliefs about gender roles and risky sexual behaviours. Few studies have explored the association between beliefs about gender roles, high risk sexual behaviour, and health-seeking behaviour among men.

Methods

We investigated associations between gender beliefs (dichotomised as traditional or progressive) and high-risk sexual behaviour among South African men presenting for medical male circumcision (Apr 2014 to Nov 2015).

Results

Of 2792 enrolled men, 47.4% reported traditional gender beliefs. Participant ages ranged between 18–46 years (median age 26 years; interquartile range, 21–31 years). Most participants had at least one sex partner over the last 12 months (68.2%). Younger men (18–24 years old vs. 25–46 years old) (odds ratio [OR], 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–2.0]), those with multiple partners ([OR], 1.5 (CI) 1.3–1.8]) and participants unsure of their last partner’s HIV status (OR, 1.4 [95% CI 1.1–1.7]) were more likely to have traditional beliefs on gender roles.

Conclusion

Young men with traditional beliefs on gender roles may be more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviour and could be good candidates for HIV prevention programmes. N = 206 (max 350)

Trial registration Name of registry: Clinicaltrials.gov; Trial registration number: NCT02352961; Date of registration: 30 January 2015 “Retrospectively registered”; URL of trial registry record: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
Comparative cognition in three understudied ungulate species: European bison, forest buffalos and giraffes
Authors: Caicoya Alvaro Lopez , Amici Federica , Ensenyat Conrad , Colell Montserrat
Published: June 2021

Background

Comparative cognition has historically focused on a few taxa such as primates, birds or rodents. However, a broader perspective is essential to understand how different selective pressures affect cognition in different taxa, as more recently shown in several studies. Here we present the same battery of cognitive tasks to two understudied ungulate species with different socio-ecological characteristics, European bison (Bison bonasus) and forest buffalos (Syncerus caffer nanus), and we compare their performance to previous findings in giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis). We presented subjects with an Object permanence task, Memory tasks with 30 and 60 s delays, two inference tasks based on acoustic cues (i.e. Acoustic inference tasks) and a control task to check for the use of olfactory cues (i.e. Olfactory task).

Results

Overall, giraffes outperformed bison and buffalos, and bison outperformed buffalos (that performed at chance level). All species performed better in the Object permanence task than in the Memory tasks and one of the Acoustic inference tasks (which they likely solved by relying on stimulus enhancement). Giraffes performed better than buffalos in the Shake full Acoustic inference task, but worse than bison and buffalos in the Shake empty Acoustic inference task.

Conclusions

In sum, our results are in line with the hypothesis that specific socio-ecological characteristics played a crucial role in the evolution of cognition, and that higher fission-fusion levels and larger dietary breadth are linked to higher cognitive skills. This study shows that ungulates may be an excellent model to test evolutionary hypotheses on the emergence of cognition.
A framework for designing medical devices resilient to low-resource settings
Authors: Piaggio Davide , Castaldo Rossana , Cinelli Marco , Cinelli Sara , Maccaro Alessia , Pecchia Leandro
Published: June 2021

Background

To date (April 2021), medical device (MD) design approaches have failed to consider the contexts where MDs can be operationalised. Although most of the global population lives and is treated in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMCIs), over 80% of the MD market share is in high-resource settings, which set de facto standards that cannot be taken for granted in lower resource settings. Using a MD designed for high-resource settings in LMICs may hinder its safe and efficient operationalisation. In the literature, many criteria for frameworks to support resilient MD design were presented. However, since the available criteria (as of 2021) are far from being consensual and comprehensive, the aim of this study is to raise awareness about such challenges and to scope experts’ consensus regarding the essentiality of MD design criteria.

Results

This paper presents a novel application of Delphi study and Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to develop a framework comprising 26 essential criteria, which were evaluated and chosen by international experts coming from different parts of the world. This framework was validated by analysing some MDs presented in the WHO Compendium of innovative health technologies for low-resource settings.

Conclusions

This novel holistic framework takes into account some domains that are usually underestimated by MDs designers. For this reason, it can be used by experts designing MDs resilient to low-resource settings and it can also assist policymakers and non-governmental organisations in shaping the future of global healthcare.
Risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or higher (CIN3+) among women with HPV-test in 1990–1992, a 30-year follow-up study
Authors: Riibe Marit Østlyngen , Sørbye Sveinung Wergeland , Simonsen Gunnar Skov , Sundsfjord Arnfinn , Ekgren Josef , Maltau Jan Martin
Published: June 2021

Background/objective

Having a 30-year follow-up of a cohort of women tested for HPV is a unique opportunity to further study long-term risk of CIN3+. The study objective was to compare HPV status at baseline with the risk of CIN3+ in the follow-up period of 30 years.

Methods

All women (n = 642) referred to the HPV outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) in 1990–1992, with an HPV test at baseline, were included in a prospective cohort. HPV-testing was performed by two different HPV-DNA tests, and genotypes 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33 were identified. High-risk (HR) HPV genotypes (16, 18, 31 and 33) were classified as HPV positive, whereas low-risk (LR) genotypes (6 and 11) in addition to absent HPV were classified as HPV negative. A single cohort in which women were classified for their HPV status underwent follow-up prospectively to the last time-point of observation of 30 years.

Results

During follow-up, 148 (148/642) cases of CIN3+ were detected, of whom 70.3% (104/148) were HPV positive and 29.7% (44/148) were HPV negative at baseline. The proportions of women who developed CIN3+ following a positive and a negative test were 46.6% (104/223) and 10.5% (44/419), respectively. Most cases of CIN3+ were seen shortly after the baseline HPV test, with 112 cases of CIN3+ diagnosed within the first year. In total, 48.6% (72/148) with HPV 16 and 57.6% (19/33) with HPV 33 developed CIN3+. Within the first year, CIN3+ was detected in 37.8% (56/148) with HPV 16, and 51.5% (17/33) with HPV 33. The long-term risk of CIN3+ was significantly lower than the short-term risk, and mainly associated with HPV 16. Overall, eight cases of cervical cancer were detected. Five were HPV positive, harboured HPV 16 at baseline and developed cervical cancer after 3, 4, 5, 11 and 24 years of follow-up.

Conclusion and consequences

HPV status at baseline is predictive for the subsequent risk of developing CIN3+. Women with a positive HPV test in 1990–1992 had a significantly higher risk of CIN3+ during 30 years of follow-up than those with a negative test. HPV 16 was associated with the greatest long-term risk of cervical cancer. All patients with a positive HPV test at baseline should be followed up until negative.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN10836802. Registered 14 December 2020 - Retrospectively registered.