bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of COVID-19 patients who developed pressure injuries: a scoping review
Authors: Sandhu Julie , Miller Charne , Kapp Suzanne
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To describe the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 who developed pressure injuries (PIs), the characteristics of PIs experienced, and the incidence and prevalence of PIs among the patients with COVID-19. PIs are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare expense. PIs have been reported among patients who have contracted COVID-19. Understanding the characteristics of COVID-19 patients, and how PIs are prevented and managed, may inform care and optimise the outcomes for COVID-19-positive patients.

Method:

A scoping review was conducted. All study designs, including grey literature, published in the English language from December 2019 to March 2021, reporting on patients with COVID-19 and PIs, were included.

Results:

In total, 27 publications (n=4820 patients) were included in the review. The reported incidence rate of PIs was 7.3–77.0%. The causative factors noted were: prone positioning (28.5%); medical devices (21.4%); and medical devices used during prone positioning (14.2%). The most common PI sites were the cheeks (18.7%). PIs occurred on average at 14.7 days post-acute care admission. Of the PIs where staging information was specified (67.7%), the most common was Stage 2/II (45.2%). PI risk may intensify on account of the intrinsic mechanism of COVID-19-associated intensive care treatment.

Conclusion:

PI prevention and management should be prioritised for patients with COVID-19, given the reported high prevalence of PIs and exacerbated risk arising from the use of prone position and medical devices. Further research is required to understand the association between COVID-19 and PIs, and to guide effective prevention and treatment approaches.
Acetabular Fracture Fixation in Paget’s Disease
Authors: Ambulgekar Rajesh Kishanrao , Ghag Niranjan Sunil
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Acetabular injuries are uncommon, with a reported yearly incidence of three cases per 100,000 people. Paget’s disease of the bones is a frequent condition marked by accelerated yet disordered bone remodeling. Some people have no symptoms, but others have bone discomfort or other consequences, including fractures and deformities. Case Report: We are presenting the case of a 38-year-old man with Paget’s disease who had a right roof, anterior wall, and posterior wall fracture of the acetabulum with an inferior pubic rami fracture, which was treated surgically with a plate and screw followed by physiotherapy and resulted in a favorable clinical outcome. Conclusion: Paget’s disease may be asymptomatic initially but may present with pathological fractures. Acetabular fractures in these patients have a good clinical outcome if they are repaired, but increased bone remodeling can lead to arthritic changes.
A Rare Case of Burkholderia Osteomyelitis Affecting the Hip Joint in an Adult
Authors: Jayakumar B , James P Ajay
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Burkholderia pseudomallei is a gram-negative bacillus. It is predominant in Southeast Asia and Australia. Melioidosis of the hip joint is a very rare condition. This case report is to the best of our knowledge, the only study showcasing an acute proximal femoral osteomyelitis of the hip joint caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. Case Report: A 47-year-old male, a known case of diabetes mellitus since 7 years, presented with fever for 2 weeks and pain over left hip for 10 days. He gave a history of treatment for typhoid fever with multiple intravenous and intramuscular injections, 1 month before his present symptoms. On Examination: His left hip joint was tender and all movements of the hip were restricted. His blood investigations revealed high counts (TC=10,150), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (116), and a positive C-reactive protein (CRP). X-ray of the hip joint was normal. An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip joint showed bone marrow edema and infiltrates of the left proximal femur, suggestive of an osteomyelitis. The patient was treated with an initial open bone biopsy and culture, which was reported as no growth. Due to persistent surgical site infection, a repeat pus culture and sensitivity yielded growth of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Hence, a wound debridement, bone curettage, and antibiotic cement bead application (Using vancomycin and tobramycin) was done. The wound healed well, and the CRP values and counts dropped rapidly to become normal. Oral cotrimoxazole was started as per the eradication regime. The cement beads were removed after 2 months. A repeat MRI done after 1 month showed that the collection in the left femur was resolving. The patient was treated with injection ceftazidime (1 g Iv Bd X 3 weeks) and was advised to continue oral cotrimoxazole for a total of 6 months. Conclusion: Isolated bone infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei is probably underreported in India. It has a variable presentation and closely mimics tuberculosis. Its early diagnosis, early aggressive surgical treatment, and prolonged antibiotic administration are vital to prevent the chronicity of this infection and decrease the morbidity. Keywords: Melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia osteomyelitis, osteomyelitis
Minimally Invasive Reconstruction of an Allen Three Traumatic Thumb Injury with Platelet-rich Fibrin and Stacked Dermal Regeneration Template
Authors: Saha Srinjoy
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The human thumb is critical for performing complex movements with the hand. Injuries to the thumb can significantly impact an individual’s livelihood, and those with exposed bones or tendons have traditionally been treated with terminalization or reconstructive flap surgeries. However, many patients feel that their results could be better. Case Report: We attempted a novel approach stacking multiple layers of a dermal regeneration template in a quest for better results. A young male teacher presented to our clinic with a 2-day-old severely injured thumb tip. Attempting to regenerate the lost fingertip, we first stacked the inner absorbable layers of the template layer-by-layer over the exposed bone and raw areas. Then, we injected platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) around the wound intraoperatively and at weekly intervals for a month to encourage soft-tissue development. After 6 months, we observed near-total soft-tissue development and good anatomical restoration of the lost thumb tip. Sensation returned to near-normal levels, with full functional recovery of the thumb and hand. Conclusion: Our minimally invasive approach to reconstructing the distal thumb after an Allen Type 3 traumatic injury, utilizing PRF and a regenerative template, is a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments. This innovative method has improved upon previously described results and may offer hope to many patients with severe thumb injuries. Keywords: Thumb, dermal regeneration template, platelet-rich plasma, PRF. trauma, soft-tissue defect, hand, tissue reconstruction, tissue scaffold, biodegradable matrix, acellular.
Overcoming tissue specular reflection challenges in micro camera endoscopy for in-vivo clinical applications.
Authors: Niemitz Lorenzo , van der Stel Stefan , Sørensen Simon Toft , Messina Walter , Sekar Sanathana Konugolu Venkata , Sterenborg Henricus , Engels Stefan Andersson , Ruers Theo , Burke Ray
Published: March 2023

Surgical guidance and diagnostics by diffuse optical imaging using micro camera technology at the tip endoscopic probes have the potential to act as intra-operative supportive tools for clinicians. Micro camera probes need to address undesirable specular reflections in order to be clinically relevant. In this work we overcome specular reflections caused by the glossy uneven tissue surface. We adapt and compare two techniques for miniaturised probes designed to view tissue. Two camera probes are developed using different modalities to remove these surface reflections, with line-of-sight to further miniaturisation. 1) The multi-flash technique illuminates the sample from four different positions, causing a shift in reflections which is filtered out in a post processing image reconstruction step. 2) The cross polarisation technique integrates orthogonal polarisers on to the tip of the illumination fibres and camera, respectively, to filter out the polarisation maintaining reflections. These form part of an imaging system that is capable of rapid image acquisition using different illumination wavelengths. The system is validated on tissue mimicking phantoms with high surface reflection, as well as excised human breast tissue. It is demonstrated that both methods effectively remove the specular reflections, revealing previously hidden underlying information. The methods demonstrate two effective options for improving image quality in miniaturised systems, for human and machine observers, in a surgical setting.
Highly luminescent ultra-thin films with rare earth for plasmonic applications
Authors: Noginova Natalia , MUNGA JOHN , RAB MD , Yang Chi , Noginov Mikhail , Shahbazyan Tigran , Durach Maxim
Published: March 2023

Amphiphilic complexes with luminescent rare earth metal ions suitable for Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposi-tion have been synthetized. LB monolayers with closely packed Eu complexes deposited directly on silver demonstrate significant far-field emission in contrast to the theoretical predictions of full quenching. Angu-lar radiation and polarization patterns of the electric and magnetic dipole emission of Eu3+ point to a high excitation efficiency of surface plasmon polaritons. Different luminescent behavior of closely packed emit-ters in comparison to diluted systems is tentatively attributed to the collective state of emitters in LB layers formed via near-field coupling with surface plasmons.
High-Efficiency focusing grating coupler with distributed Bragg reflector
Authors: WEI JINMEI , Zhang Yuejun , Li Yan , Dai Tingge , xiangyu Li , Wei Zhang
Published: March 2023

We propose a high-efficiency silicon nitride focusing grating coupler with a bottom reflector. The bottom reflector consists of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) with a stack of Si3N4 and SiO2 layers. Moreover, the taperless structure of focusing grating couplers is utilized to further increase the density of integration. The result shows that the reflectivity of the grating coupler with 8-layer DBR reaches 98% at 1550nm, the peak coupling efficiency (CE) is -2.1dB and the 1dB bandwidth is 66nm. Compared to the focusing grating without DBR, the CE is improved by 1.87 dB with slight change in 1dB bandwidth, and the footprint is only 27.1×37.1μm^2.
Clinical courses, impact and prognostic indicators for a persistent course of low back pain: Results from a population-based cohort study
Authors: Gomes Luís Antunes , Rodrigues Ana Maria , Branco Jaime C. , Canhão Helena , Cruz Eduardo Brazete
Published: March 2023

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a long-term health condition with distinct clinical courses. Its characterization together with the identification of prognostic factors for a persistent LBP course may trigger the development of personalized interventions. This study aimed to investigate the courses of chronic LBP (CLBP), its cumulative impact, and the indicators for the persistence of pain.

Material and methods

Patients with active CLBP from the EpiDoC, a population-based cohort study of a randomly recruited sample of 10.661 adults with prolonged follow-up, were considered. Pain, disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed at three time-points over five years. According to their pain symptoms over time, participants were classified as having a persistent (pain at the baseline and at all the subsequent time-points) or a relapsing pain course (pain at the baseline and no pain at least in one of the subsequent time-points). A mixed ANOVA was used to compare mean differences within and between patients of distinct courses. Prognostic indicators for the persistent LBP course were modulated through logistic regression.

Results

Among the 1.201 adults with active CLBP at baseline, 634 (52.8%) completed the three time-points of data collection: 400 (63.1%) had a persistent and 234 (36.9%) a relapsing course. Statistically significant interactions were found between the group and time on disability (F (2,1258) = 23.779, p<0.001) and HRQoL (F (2,1252) = 82.779, p<0.001). In the adjusted model, the persistent course was associated with the disability level (OR 1.86, CI95% 1.40–2.40, p<0.001), depressive symptoms (OR 1.96, CI95% 1.21–3.18, p = 0.007), female gender (OR 1.90, CI95% 1.26–2.87, p = 0.002) and having a manual job (OR 1.46, CI95% 1.02–2.10, p = 0.040).

Conclusion

In the long-term, patients with CLBP may follow a persistent or relapsing course of pain. Being female, presenting depressive symptoms, having a manual job and higher disability at baseline predicts a persistent course of LBP.
Modification of the structural stability of human serum albumin in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lin Hsien-Jung L. , Parkinson David H. , Holman J. Connor , Thompson W. Chad , Anderson Christian N. K. , Hadfield Marcus , Ames Stephen , Zuniga Pina Nathan R. , Bowden Jared N. , Quinn Colette , Hansen Lee D. , Price John C.
Published: March 2023

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can indicate changes in structure and/or concentration of the most abundant proteins in a biological sample via heat denaturation curves (HDCs). In blood serum for example, HDC changes result from either concentration changes or altered thermal stabilities for 7–10 proteins and has previously been shown capable of differentiating between sick and healthy human subjects. Here, we compare HDCs and proteomic profiles of 50 patients experiencing joint-inflammatory symptoms, 27 of which were clinically diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The HDC of all 50 subjects appeared significantly different from expected healthy curves, but comparison of additional differences between the RA and the non-RA subjects allowed more specific understanding of RA samples. We used mass spectrometry (MS) to investigate the reasons behind the additional HDC changes observed in RA patients. The HDC differences do not appear to be directly related to differences in the concentrations of abundant serum proteins. Rather, the differences can be attributed to modified thermal stability of some fraction of the human serum albumin (HSA) proteins in the sample. By quantifying differences in the frequency of artificially induced post translational modifications (PTMs), we found that HSA in RA subjects had a much lower surface accessibility, indicating potential ligand or protein binding partners in certain regions that could explain the shift in HSA melting temperature in the RA HDCs. Several low abundance proteins were found to have significant changes in concentration in RA subjects and could be involved in or related to binding of HSA. Certain amino acid sites clusters were found to be less accessible in RA subjects, suggesting changes in HSA structure that may be related to changes in protein-protein interactions. These results all support a change in behavior of HSA which may give insight into mechanisms of RA pathology.
The effects of simple graphical and mental visualization of lung sounds in teaching lung auscultation during clinical clerkship: A preliminary study
Authors: Kuriyama Ayaka , Kasai Hajime , Shikino Kiyoshi , Shiko Yuki , Kawame Chiaki , Takeda Kenichiro , Tajima Hiroshi , Hayama Nami , Suzuki Takuji , Ito Shoichi
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The study aimed to evaluate visualization-based training’s effects on lung auscultation during clinical clerkship (CC) in the Department of Respiratory Medicine on student skills and confidence.

Methods

The study period was December 2020–November 2021. Overall, 65 students attended a lecture on lung auscultation featuring a simulator (Mr. Lung™). Among them, 35 (visualization group) received additional training wherein they were asked to mentally visualize lung sounds using a graphical visualized lung sounds diagram as an example. All students answered questions on their self-efficacy regarding lung auscultation before and after four weeks of CC. They also took a lung auscultation test with the simulator at the beginning of CC (pre-test) and on the last day of the third week (post-test) (maximum score: 25). We compared the answers in the questionnaire and the test scores between the visualization group and students who only attended the lecture (control group, n = 30). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and analysis of covariance were used to compare the answers to the questionnaire about confidence in lung auscultation and the scores of the lung auscultation tests before and after the training.

Results

Confidence in auscultation of lung sounds significantly increased in both groups (five-point Likert scale, visualization group: pre-questionnaire median 1 [Interquartile range 1] to post-questionnaire 3 [1],p<0.001; control group: 2 [1] to 3 [1],p<0.001) and was significantly higher in the visualization than in the control group. Test scores increased in both groups (visualization group: pre-test 11 [2] to post-test 15 [4],p<0.001; control group: 11 [5] to 14 [4],p<0.001). However, there were no differences between both groups’ pre and post-tests scores (p= 0.623).

Conclusion

Visualizing lung sounds may increase medical students’ confidence in their lung auscultation skills; this may reduce their resistance to lung auscultation and encourage the repeated auscultation necessary to further improve their long-term auscultation abilities.
Assessing the mobility of Bronze Age societies in East-Central Europe. A strontium and oxygen isotope perspective on two archaeological sites
Authors: Pospieszny Łukasz , Makarowicz Przemysław , Lewis Jamie , Szczepanek Anita , Górski Jacek , Włodarczak Piotr , Romaniszyn Jan , Grygiel Ryszard , Belka Zdzislaw
Published: March 2023

European Bronze Age societies are generally characterised by increased mobility and the application of isotopic methods to archaeology has allowed the rate and range of human travels to be quantified. However, little is known about the mobility of the people inhabiting East-Central Europe in the late Early and Middle Bronze Age (1950–1250 BC) whose primary subsistence strategy was herding supported by crop cultivation. This paper presents the results of strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope analyses in the enamel of people buried in collective graves at the cemeteries in Gustorzyn and Żerniki Górne. These sites are located in Kujawy and the Nida Basin, a lowland and an upland region with clearly different environmental conditions, respectively. Both sites are classified as belonging to the Trzciniec cultural circle and were used between 16th and 13th centuries BC. Among the 34 examined individuals only an adult female from Gustorzyn can be assessed as non-local based on both 87Sr/86Sr and δ18O signatures in her first molar. This may indicate the practice of exogamy in the studied population but more generally corresponds with the hypothesis of limited mobility within these societies, as has previously been inferred from archaeological evidence, anthropological analysis, and stable isotope-based diet reconstruction. New and existing data evaluated in this paper show that the 87Sr/86Sr variability in the natural environment of both regions is relatively high, allowing the tracking of short-range human mobility. A series of oxygen isotope analyses (conducted for all but one individuals studied with strontium isotopes) indicates that δ18O ratios measured in phosphate are in agreement with the predicted modern oxygen isotope precipitation values, and that this method is useful in detecting travels over larger distances. The challenges of using both 87Sr/86Sr and δ18O isotopic systems in provenance studies in the glacial landscapes of temperate Europe are also discussed.
Transcriptomes reveal microRNAs and mRNAs in different photoperiods influencing cashmere growth in goat
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhao Ruoyang , Wu Tiecheng , Ma Yuejun , Gao Yulin , Wu Yahan , Hao Bayasihuliang , Yin Jun , Li Yurong
Published: March 2023

Cashmere goat has a typical characteristic in seasonal growth of cashmere. Studies have shown that one of the main factors affecting the cyclical growth of the cashmere is the photoperiod, however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Inner Mongolia Arbas cashmere goat was used to reveal the mRNA-microRNA regulatory mechanisms of cashmere growth in different photoperiod. Skin samples from cashmere goats under light control (short photoperiod) and normal conditions (long photoperiod) were collected. Sequencing was performed after RNA extraction. The differentially expressed miRNA and mRNA expression profiles were successfully constructed. We found 56 significantly differentially expressed known mRNAs (P<0.01) and 14 microRNAs (P<0.05). The association analysis of the microRNAs and mRNAs showed that two differentially expressed miRNAs might be targeted by six differentially expressed genes. Targeting relationships of these genes and miRNAs are revealed and verified. In all, the light control technology provides a new way to promote cashmere growth. Our results provide some references in the cashmere growth and development.
Evolutionary binary feature selection using adaptive ebola optimization search algorithm for high-dimensional datasets
Authors: Oyelade Olaide N. , Agushaka Jeffrey O. , Ezugwu Absalom E.
Published: March 2023

Feature selection problem represents the field of study that requires approximate algorithms to identify discriminative and optimally combined features. The evaluation and suitability of these selected features are often analyzed using classifiers. These features are locked with data increasingly being generated from different sources such as social media, surveillance systems, network applications, and medical records. The high dimensionality of these datasets often impairs the quality of the optimal combination of these features selected. The use of the binary optimization method has been proposed in the literature to address this challenge. However, the underlying deficiency of the single binary optimizer is transferred to the quality of the features selected. Though hybrid methods have been proposed, most still suffer from the inherited design limitation of the single combined methods. To address this, we proposed a novel hybrid binary optimization capable of effectively selecting features from increasingly high-dimensional datasets. The approach used in this study designed a sub-population selective mechanism that dynamically assigns individuals to a 2-level optimization process. The level-1 method first mutates items in the population and then reassigns them to a level-2 optimizer. The selective mechanism determines what sub-population is assigned for the level-2 optimizer based on the exploration and exploitation phase of the level-1 optimizer. In addition, we designed nested transfer (NT) functions and investigated the influence of the function on the level-1 optimizer. The binary Ebola optimization search algorithm (BEOSA) is applied for the level-1 mutation, while the simulated annealing (SA) and firefly (FFA) algorithms are investigated for the level-2 optimizer. The outcome of these are the HBEOSA-SA and HBEOSA-FFA, which are then investigated on the NT, and their corresponding variants HBEOSA-SA-NT and HBEOSA-FFA-NT with no NT applied. The hybrid methods were experimentally tested over high-dimensional datasets to address the challenge of feature selection. A comparative analysis was done on the methods to obtain performance variability with the low-dimensional datasets. Results obtained for classification accuracy for large, medium, and small-scale datasets are 0.995 using HBEOSA-FFA, 0.967 using HBEOSA-FFA-NT, and 0.953 using HBEOSA-FFA, respectively. Fitness and cost values relative to large, medium, and small-scale datasets are 0.066 and 0.934 using HBEOSA-FFA, 0.068 and 0.932 using HBEOSA-FFA, with 0.222 and 0.970 using HBEOSA-SA-NT, respectively. Findings from the study indicate that the HBEOSA-SA, HBEOSA-FFA, HBEOSA-SA-NT and HBEOSA-FFA-NT outperformed the BEOSA.
Deaths from undetected COVID-19 infections as a fraction of COVID-19 deaths can be used for early detection of an upcoming epidemic wave
Authors: Rangayyan Yashaswini Mandayam , Kidambi Sriram , Raghavan Mohan
Published: March 2023

With countries across the world facing repeated epidemic waves, it becomes critical to monitor, mitigate and prevent subsequent waves. Common indicators like active case numbers may not be sensitive enough in the presence of systemic inefficiencies like insufficient testing or contact tracing. Test positivity rates are sensitive to testing strategies and cannot estimate the extent of undetected cases. Reproductive numbers estimated from logarithms of new incidences are inaccurate in dynamic scenarios and not sensitive enough to capture changes in efficiencies. Systemic fatigue results in lower testing, inefficient tracing and quarantining thereby precipitating the onset of the epidemic wave. We propose a novel indicator for detecting the slippage of test-trace efficiency based on the number of deaths/hospitalizations resulting from known and hitherto unknown infections. This can also be used to forecast an epidemic wave that is advanced or exacerbated due to a drop in efficiency in situations where the testing has come down drastically and contact tracing is virtually nil as is prevalent currently. Using a modified SEIRD epidemic simulator we show that (i) Ratio of deaths/hospitalizations from an undetected infection to total deaths converges to a measure of systemic test-trace inefficiency. (ii) This index forecasts the slippage in efficiency earlier than other known metrics. (iii) Mitigation triggered by this index helps reduce peak active caseload and eventual deaths. Deaths/hospitalizations accurately track the systemic inefficiencies and detect latent cases. Based on these results we make a strong case that administrations use this metric in the ensemble of indicators. Further, hospitals may need to be mandated to distinctly register deaths/hospitalizations due to previously undetected infections. Thus the proposed metric is an ideal indicator of an epidemic wave that poses the least socio-economic cost while keeping the surveillance robust during periods of pandemic fatigue.
The importance of oxytocin neurons in the supraoptic nucleus for breastfeeding in mice
Authors: Hagihara Mitsue , Miyamichi Kazunari , Inada Kengo
Published: March 2023

The hormone oxytocin, secreted from oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular (PVH) and supraoptic (SO) hypothalamic nuclei, promotes parturition, milk ejection, and maternal caregiving behaviors. Previous experiments with whole-body oxytocin knockout mice showed that milk ejection was the unequivocal function of oxytocin, whereas parturition and maternal behaviors were less dependent on oxytocin. Whole-body knockout, however, could induce the enhancement of expression of related gene(s), a phenomenon called genetic compensation, which may hide the actual functions of oxytocin. In addition, the relative contributions of oxytocin neurons in the PVH and SO have not been well documented. Here, we show that females with conditional knockout of oxytocin gene in both the PVH and SO undergo grossly normal parturition and maternal caregiving behaviors, while dams with a smaller number of remaining oxytocin-expressing neurons exhibit severe impairments in breastfeeding, leading to the death of their pups within 24 hours after birth. We also found that the growth of pups is normal even under oxytocin conditional knockout in PVH and SO as long as pups survive the next day of delivery, suggesting that the reduced oxytocin release affects the onset of lactation most severely. These phenotypes are largely recapitulated by SO-specific oxytocin conditional knockout, indicating the unequivocal role of oxytocin neurons in the SO in successful breastfeeding. Given that oxytocin neurons not only secrete oxytocin but also non-oxytocin neurotransmitters or neuropeptides, we further performed cell ablation of oxytocin neurons in the PVH and SO. We found that cell ablation of oxytocin neurons leads to no additional abnormalities over the oxytocin conditional knockout, suggesting that non-oxytocin ligands expressed by oxytocin neurons have negligible functions on the responses measured in this study. Collectively, our findings confirm the dispensability of oxytocin for parturition or maternal behaviors, as well as the importance of SO-derived oxytocin for breastfeeding.
Efficacy of ANTHRASIL (Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)) in rabbit and nonhuman primate models of inhalational anthrax: Data supporting approval under animal rule
Authors: Kammanadiminti Srinivas , Comer Jason , Meister Gabriel , Carnelley Trevor , Toth Derek , Kodihalli Shantha
Published: March 2023

To meet the requirements of the Animal Rule, the efficacy of monotherapy with ANTHRASIL® (Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)) for inhalational anthrax was evaluated in blinded studies using rabbit and nonhuman primate models. Animals in both studies were randomized to treatment groups exposed to ~ 200 LD50 Bacillus anthracis (Ames strain) spores by the aerosol route to induce inhalational anthrax. Rabbits (N = 50/group) were treated with either 15 U/kg ANTHRASIL or a volume-matching dose of IGIV after disease onset as determined by the detection of bacterial toxin in the blood. At the end of the study, survival rates were 2% (1 of 48) in the IGIV control group, and 26% (13 of 50) in the ANTHRASIL-treated group (p = 0.0009). Similarly, ANTHRASIL was effective in cynomolgus monkeys (N = 16/group) when administered therapeutically after the onset of toxemia, with 6% survival in the IGIV control and a dose-related increase in survival of 36%, 43%, and 70% with 7.5, 15 or 30 U/kg doses of ANTHRASIL, respectively. These studies formed the basis for approval of ANTHRASIL by FDA under the Animal Rule.
Concerted and multidisciplinary management of COVID-19 drug therapies during the first two epidemic waves in a tertiary hospital in Marseille, France: Results of the PHARMA-COVID study
Authors: Peretti Matthieu , Rebaudet Stanislas , Chiche Laurent , Pegliasco Hervé , Coquet Emilie
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of local therapeutic recommendation updates made by the COVID multidisciplinary consultation meeting (RCP) at the Hôpital Européen Marseille (HEM) through the description of the drug prescriptions for COVID-19 during the first two waves of the epidemic.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analysed data from the hospital’s pharmaceutical file. We included all patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between February 1, 2020 and January 21, 2021 and extracted specific anti-COVID-19 therapies (ST) from computerized patient record, as well as patients’ demographic characteristics, comorbidities and outcome. The evolution of ST prescriptions during the study period was described and put into perspective with the updates of local recommendations made during the first (V1, from 2/24/2020 to 7/27/2020), and second (V2, from 7/28/2020 to 1/21/2021) epidemic waves.

Results

A total of 607 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, 197 during V1 and 410 during V2. Their mean age was 65 years-old, and they presented frequent comorbidities. In total, 93% of hospitalized patients received ST: anticoagulants (90%), glucocorticoids (39%) mainly during V2 (49% vs 17%, P<0.001), and azithromycin (30%) mainly during V1 (71% vs 10%, P<0.001). Lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine were prescribed to 17 and 7 inpatients, respectively, and only during V1. Remdesivir was never administered. A total of 22 inpatients were enrolled into clinical trials.

Conclusions

The effective dissemination of evidence-based and concerted recommendations seems to have allowed an optimized management of COVID-19 drug therapies in the context of this emerging infection with rapidly evolving therapeutic questions.
Comprehensive evaluation method of stope stability and its application in deep metal mine
Authors: Qi Zhaojun , Liu Huanxin , An Zhihai , Yin Yantian , Liu Zhen , Zhu Mingde , Wang Yunsen , Zhou Hong
Published: March 2023

The problem of high stress conditions is a critical challenge for mining activity in deep metal mines, and the difficulty and economic cost of maintaining stope stability also increases. In order to ensure stope stability in the mining process, it is necessary to evaluate stope stability for a more stable stope structure. However, there are many kinds of methods for rock stability assessment, and most of them are based on empirical and analytical methods, which lead to uncertain results. In this paper, a comprehensive evaluation method including factors of stope stability, self-stabilization time, maximum safety span, and support measure is determined, which is more likely to provide a comprehensive result. Finally, it was verified by the field application in Jiaojia Gold Mine. Results show that it can accurately evaluate the stope stability from different aspects compared with the traditional single evaluation method, and it leads to a more comprehensive and reliable result.
Grassland songbird abundance is influenced more strongly by individual types of disturbances than cumulative disturbances associated with natural gas extraction
Authors: Davis Stephen K. , Kalyn Bogard Holly J. , Kirk David Anthony , Moretto Lauren , Brigham R. Mark
Published: March 2023

Grassland birds have undergone widespread global population declines due to loss and degradation of native grasslands. Activities associated with non-renewable energy derived from oil and natural gas extraction have substantially increased on grasslands. The cumulative disturbance generated by natural gas development creates a network of non-linear (e.g., bare ground and exotic plant species) and linear (e.g., roads, trails, pipelines) features that may degrade habitat quality for grassland species. We quantified grassland songbird abundance in two areas of southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada, to determine whether variation in abundance 1) depended on the type and amount of disturbance at two spatial extents, and 2) was more affected by the cumulative impacts of natural gas development than any single type of disturbance. We found that specific types of disturbances impacted the abundance of most species to varying degrees. The cover of different types of linear disturbance had the strongest effect on the most species. Natural gas disturbance within 450 m of point counts was more influential than disturbance within 200 m for nearly all species in both areas. Only Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) abundance was most strongly influenced by the cumulative amount of disturbance with abundance decreasing with increased disturbance. Overall, we detected few consistent patterns among species, or within species between our two study areas. Our results indicated that the impact of natural gas infrastructure can extend beyond the local influences associated with well sites and that relatively small amounts of disturbance (<2%) may impact grassland songbird abundance. We recommend that researchers use caution when studying well-density effects or combining individual types of disturbance without understanding the separate effects each type of disturbance has on the species or community of interest. Not doing so may lead to investing resources into management practices that do not have the greatest possible benefit for grassland songbirds.
Exploring the associations between the perception of water scarcity and support for alternative potable water sources
Authors: Semasinghe Christina , Jatrana Santosh , King Tanya J.
Published: March 2023

This study examines the association between the perception of water scarcity and support for alternative water sources in general, and specifically desalination and recycled water. It also examines the mediating role that perception of climate change has on the aforementioned association. A 46-item survey (n = 588) was conducted in the Geelong region of Australia. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent association between perceived water scarcity and socio-demographic factors, with support for alternative water sources, desalination and recycled water. 82% of respondents supported undefined ‘alternative water sources’. However, support for specific alternatives was lower (desalination: 65%; recycled water: 40.3%). Perception of water scarcity was significantly associated with increased odds of support for alternative water sources (OR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.25–3.00) and support for recycled water (OR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.68–3.31). There was no significant relationship between perception of water scarcity and support for desalination (OR 0.959 95% CI: 0.677–1.358). Climate change was found to mediate perceived water scarcity and support for alternative sources (OR 1.360, 95% CI: 0.841–2.198). The mediation of the relationship between perceived water scarcity and support for recycled water by climate change was not strong. These results facilitate enhanced community engagement strategies.
Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease
Authors: Watase Mayuko , Mochimaru Takao , Kawase Honomi , Shinohara Hiroyuki , Sagawa Shinobu , Ikeda Toshiki , Yagi Shota , Yamamura Hiroyuki , Matsuyama Emiko , Kaji Masanori , Kurihara Momoko , Sato Midori , Horiuchi Kohei , Watanabe Risa , Nukaga Shigenari , Irisa Kaoru , Satomi Ryosuke , Oyamada Yoshitaka
Published: March 2023

No biomarkers have been identified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for predicting fibrosis progression or prognosis in progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD). We investigated BALF biomarkers for PF-ILD diagnosis and prognosis assessment. Overall, 120 patients with interstitial pneumonia who could be diagnosed with PF-ILD or non PF-ILD were enrolled in this retrospective study. PF-ILD was diagnosed according to Cottin’s definition. All patients underwent bronchoscopy and BALF collection. We evaluated blood and BALF parameters, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns, and spirometry data to identify factors influencing PF-ILD diagnosis and prognosis. On univariate logistic analysis, age, sex, the BALF white blood cell fraction (neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), BALF flow cytometric analysis (CD8), and an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on HRCT were correlated with PF-ILD diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that sex (male), age (cut-off 62 years, area under the curve [AUC] 0.67; sensitivity 0.80; specificity 0.47), white blood cell fraction in BALF (NLR, neutrophil, and lymphocyte), and CD8 in BALF (cut-off 34.2; AUC 0.66; sensitivity, 0.74; specificity, 0.62) were independent diagnostic predictors for PF-ILD. In BALF, the NLR (cut-off 8.70, AUC 0.62; sensitivity 0.62; specificity 0.70), neutrophil count (cut-off 3.0, AUC 0.59; sensitivity 0.57; specificity 0.63), and lymphocyte count (cut-off 42.0, AUC 0.63; sensitivity 0.77; specificity 0.53) were independent diagnostic predictors. In PF-ILD patients (n = 77), lactate dehydrogenase (cut-off 275, AUC 0.69; sensitivity 0.57; specificity 0.78), Krebs von den Lungen-6 (cut-off 1,140, AUC 0.74; sensitivity 0.71; specificity 0.76), baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) (cut-off 1.75 L, AUC 0.71; sensitivity, 0.93; specificity, 0.46), and BALF neutrophil ratio (cut-off 6.0, AUC 0.72; sensitivity 0.79; specificity 0.80) correlated with death within 3 years. The BALF cellular ratio, particularly the neutrophil ratio, correlated with the diagnosis and prognosis of PF-ILD. These findings may be useful in the management of patients with interstitial pneumonia.
Factors associated with prevalent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease among adolescents and adults exposed to rifampin-resistant tuberculosis in the household
Authors: Kim Soyeon , Hesseling Anneke C. , Wu Xingye , Hughes Michael D. , Shah N. Sarita , Gaikwad Sanjay , Kumarasamy Nishi , Mitchell Erika , Leon Mey , Gonzales Pedro , Badal-Faesen Sharlaa , Lourens Madeleine , Nerette Sandy , Shenje Justin , de Koker Petra , Nedsuwan Supalert , Mohapi Lerato , Chakalisa Unoda A. , Mngqbisa Rosie , Escada Rodrigo Otávio da Silva , Ouma Samuel , Heckman Barbara , Naini Linda , Gupta Amita , Swindells Susan , Churchyard Gavin ,   on behalf of the ACTG A5300/IMPAACT 2003 PHOENIx Feasibility Study Team
Published: March 2023

Background

Understanding factors associated with prevalent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and prevalent TB disease in household contacts of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) may be useful for TB program staff conducting contact investigations.

Methods

Using data from a cross-sectional study that enrolled index participants with rifampin-resistant pulmonary TB and their household contacts (HHCs), we evaluated HHCs age ≥15 years for factors associated with two outcomes: Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and TB disease. Among HHCs who were not already diagnosed with current active TB disease by the TB program, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was determined by interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). TB disease was adjudicated centrally. We fitted logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Seven hundred twelve HHCs age ≥15 years enrolled from 279 households in eight high-TB burden countries were a median age of 34 years, 63% female, 22% current smokers and 8% previous smokers, 8% HIV-positive, and 11% previously treated for TB. Of 686 with determinate IGRA results, 471 tested IGRA positive (prevalence 68.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 64.6%, 72.8%)). Multivariable modeling showed IGRA positivity was more common in HHCs aged 25–49 years; reporting prior TB treatment; reporting incarceration, substance use, and/or a period of daily alcohol use in the past 12 months; sharing a sleeping room or more evenings spent with the index participant; living with smokers; or living in a home of materials typical of low socioeconomic status.

Forty-six (6.5% (95% Confidence Interval: 4.6%, 9.0%)) HHCs age ≥15 years had prevalent TB disease. Multivariable modeling showed higher prevalence of TB disease among HHCs aged ≥50 years; reporting current or previous smoking; reporting a period of daily alcohol use in the past 12 months; and reporting prior TB treatment.

Conclusion

We identified overlapping and distinct characteristics associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and TB disease that may be useful for those conducting household TB investigations.
Negative regulation of type I interferon signaling by integrin-linked kinase permits dengue virus replication
Authors: Kao Yi-Sheng , Wang Li-Chiu , Chang Po-Chun , Lin Heng-Ming , Lin Yee-Shin , Yu Chia-Yi , Chen Chien-Chin , Lin Chiou-Feng , Yeh Trai-Ming , Wan Shu-Wen , Wang Jen-Ren , Ho Tzong-Shiann , Chu Chien-Chou , Zhang Bo-Cheng , Chang Chih-Peng
Published: March 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) infection can induce life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome in infected patients. DENV is a threat to global health due to its growing numbers and incidence of infection in the last 50 years. During infection, DENV expresses ten structural and nonstructural proteins modulating cell responses to benefit viral replication. However, the lack of knowledge regarding the cellular proteins and their functions in enhancing DENV pathogenesis impedes the development of antiviral drugs and therapies against fatal DENV infection. Here, we identified that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a novel enhancing factor for DENV infection by suppressing type I interferon (IFN) responses. Mechanistically, ILK binds DENV NS1 and NS3, activates Akt and Erk, and induces NF-κB-driven suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression. Elevated SOCS3 in DENV-infected cells inhibits phosphorylation of STAT1/2 and expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Inhibiting ILK, Akt, or Erk activation abrogates SOCS3 expression. In DENV-infected mice, the treatment of an ILK inhibitor significantly reduces viral loads in the brains, disease severity, and mortality rate. Collectively, our results show that ILK is a potential therapeutic target against DENV infection.
Estimation of population structure, growth and condition of Parastromateus niger in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Husna Asmaul , Mondol Md. Rashedul Kabir , Hasan Md Rabiul , Hossain Md. Yeamin
Published: March 2023

Black pomfret (Parastromateus niger) is one of the major commercial species of pomfret fishery in Bangladesh. This study illustrates the population structure (Length Frequency Distribution, LFD), relationship between length and weight (LWR), relationships between length and length (LLRs), Fulton’s condition factor (KF) and relative weight (WR) of P. niger in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). A total of 225 P. niger were collected from the four locations during January to December 2020. LFD analysis indicates three length classes 21-27 cm, 30-32 cm and 35-37 cm, respectively. This species showed isometric growth pattern (b = 2.981) that indicates that the size and weight increases proportionally and the surrounding habitat provides favourable environment for the growth. LWR between TL and BW were highly correlated (r² = 0.951). LLRs also showed significant correlation between TL and SL (r² = 0.845) and TL and FL (r² = 0.861). The mean value of KF was found as 1.60 which indicates that the BoB provides healthy environment for this species. The mean value of WR (101.09) indicates that the relationship between prey and predator was in balanced condition. This study suggests optimum catchable length for P. niger at 27 cm. Therefore, these findings could provide important information to design effective conservation and management planning for this species.
New records of five Staurothele species (Verrucariacaea, Ascomycota) from Iran
Authors: Abkouh Abdul Saleh Kamyabi , Iranbakhsh Alireza , Moniri Mahroo Haji , Asri Younes
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to the taxonomic investigation of the genus Staurothele (Ascomycota, Verrucariaceae) in northeast Iran. Lichen samples were collected from the Khorasan Razavi province and their morphological, anatomical, and ecological features were studied. Five species (Staurothele lecideoides, Staurothele frustulenta, Staurothele drummondii, Staurothele rufa, and Staurothele polygonia) were documented for the first time from Iran.
Origin, environmental presence and health effects of microplastics
Authors: Papp András , Tanaka Manami , Máté Zsuzsanna , Paulik Edit
Published: March 2023

Microplastics (MPs) – consisting of small plastic particles with size less than 5 mm – have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Even though plastics are mass produced and proved to be useful in many applications, they may have potentially negative impacts on environment and human health. Multiple sizes, shapes, and polymer types, and their various sources can influence the environmental and human health effects of MPs. Being present in oceans, freshwater, soils and air, MPs can cause human exposure via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, resulting possibly in oxidative stress, inflammation, altered balance in metabolism and immune system, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and cancer risk. Also, MPs can act as vectors of toxicants or microorganisms. All the same, public awareness towards MPs is currently low, and a lot of studies related to MPs are still ongoing. Further research is needed for a better understanding of MPs’ occurrence in environmental systems and their human health effects.
Erratum: Action of Ganoderma lucidum mycelial growth filtrates on Erysiphe diffusa and embryotoxicity assessment in a chicken embryo model
Authors: Da Cruz Mycheli P. , Larentis Lucas T. , Vismara Edgar de S. , Vismara Lilian de S. , Freitas Patricia F. de , Mazaro Sérgio M.
Published: March 2023

Erratum