bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AaSEPALLATA1 integrates jasmonate and light-regulated glandular secretory trichome initiation in Artemisia annua
Authors: Chen Tian-Tian , Liu Hang , Li Yong-Peng , Yao Xing-Hao , Qin Wei , Yan Xin , Wang Xiu-Yun , Peng Bo-Wen , Zhang Yao-Jie , Shao Jin , Hu Xin-Yi , Fu Xue-Qing , Li Ling , Wang Yu-Liang , Tang Ke-Xuan
Published: February 2023

Glandular secretory trichomes (GSTs) can secrete and store a variety of specific metabolites. By increasing GST density, valuable metabolites can be enhanced in terms of productivity. However, the comprehensive and detailed regulatory network of GST initiation still needs further investigation. By screening a complementary DNA library derived from young leaves of Artemisia annua, we identified a MADS-box transcription factor, AaSEPALLATA1 (AaSEP1), that positively regulates GST initiation. Overexpression of AaSEP1 in A. annua substantially increased GST density and artemisinin content. The HOMEODOMAIN PROTEIN 1 (AaHD1)-AaMYB16 regulatory network regulates GST initiation via the jasmonate (JA) signaling pathway. In this study, AaSEP1 enhanced the function of AaHD1 activation on downstream GST initiation gene GLANDULAR TRICHOME-SPECIFIC WRKY 2 (AaGSW2) through interaction with AaMYB16. Moreover, AaSEP1 interacted with the JA ZIM-domain 8 (AaJAZ8) and served as an important factor in JA-mediated GST initiation. We also found that AaSEP1 interacted with CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (AaCOP1), a major repressor of light signaling. In this study, we identified a MADS-box transcription factor that is induced by JA and light signaling and that promotes the initiation of GST in A. annua.
Differential transpiration between pods and leaves during stress combination in soybean
Authors: Sinha Ranjita , Shostak Benjamin , Induri Sai Preethi , Sen Sidharth , Zandalinas Sara I , Joshi Trupti , Fritschi Felix B , Mittler Ron
Published: February 2023

Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of droughts, heat waves, and their combinations, diminishing agricultural productivity and destabilizing societies worldwide. We recently reported that during a combination of water deficit (WD) and heat stress (HS), stomata on leaves of soybean (Glycine max) plants are closed, while stomata on flowers are open. This unique stomatal response was accompanied by differential transpiration (higher in flowers, while lower in leaves) that cooled flowers during a combination of WD + HS. Here, we reveal that developing pods of soybean plants subjected to a combination of WD + HS use a similar acclimation strategy of differential transpiration to reduce internal pod temperature by approximately 4 °C. We further show that enhanced expression of transcripts involved in abscisic acid degradation accompanies this response and that preventing pod transpiration by sealing stomata causes a significant increase in internal pod temperature. Using an RNA-Seq analysis of pods developing on plants subjected to WD + HS, we also show that the response of pods to WD, HS, or WD + HS is distinct from that of leaves or flowers. Interestingly, we report that although the number of flowers, pods, and seeds per plant decreases under conditions of WD + HS, the seed mass of plants subjected to WD + HS increases compared to plants subjected to HS, and the number of seeds with suppressed/aborted development is lower in WD + HS compared to HS. Taken together, our findings reveal that differential transpiration occurs in pods of soybean plants subjected to WD + HS and that this process limits heat-induced damage to seed production.
Transcriptome Profiling Data of Tea Leaves During Infection by the Dark Brown Tea Leaf Spot Pathogen Epicoccum mackenziei
Authors: Zhang Jun , Huang Hongke , Xia Zhongqiu , Yang Yuqin , Jiang Xinyue , Zhang Ruixin , Liao Kangcen , Pan Tianxinyi , Wang Delu , Chen Zhuo
Published: February 2023

Dark brown leaf spot on tea ( Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) caused by Epicoccum mackenziei Jayasiri, Camporesi & K. D. Hyde has caused a loss in the yield and quality of tea leaves in Guizhou Province, Southwest China. No research has been published on the gene expression profiles of tea leaves during infection by E. mackenziei. In this study, we report the high-quality transcriptome sequencing of tea genes during infection, using high-throughput next-generation sequencing on the Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform. The infection resulted in significantly up- or downregulated expression of the 960 or 397 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) from tea leaves, respectively. The DEmRNAs were annotated using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. The expression of DEmRNA peroxidase 21 (TEA000222.1) was upregulated in response to infection by the pathogen and was enriched in terms of defense response to fungi at the biological process aspect. Expression of 26 or 13 of the tea DEmRNAs enriched in the pathways of plant-pathogen interaction were up- or downregulated, respectively, such as the genes WRKY transcription factor 1 (TEA028099.1), probable disease resistance protein At4g27220 (TEA018574.1), and serine/threonine-protein kinase CDL1 (TEA006388.1), which were downregulated. This comprehensive gene expression profiling study of tea leaves infected by this fungal pathogen will provide a valuable resource for future research on the identification of the host genes associated with the response to pathogen challenge and ultimately with disease resistance in the host.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Pediatric anxiety
Authors: Foreman Ruth Madden , Zappas Michelle
Published: February 2023

New guidelines for identifying anxiety in pediatric patients constitute important changes in screening for primary care providers, including primary care NPs. This article seeks to guide NPs in both following the screening guidelines and providing strategic care for patients and their families.
Restoring Trust in Science and Medicine: Empowering and Educating Future Physicians in Science Communication With the Public
Authors: Arora Vineet M. , Krishnamoorthi V. Ram , Bloomgarden Eve , Jain Shikha , Sunderrajan Aashna , Tesema Naomi , Zietowski Maeson , Farnan Jeanne , Serritella Sara
Published: February 2023

While the traditional medical school curriculum specializes in teaching doctor–patient communication at the individual patient level, the need to train physicians to communicate science and medicine effectively to the public at large is, for the most part, ignored. With the unchecked proliferation of misinformation and disinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that current and future medical professionals learn to engage in the public arena using multiple methods (written, oral, social media) across multimedia platforms to dispel misinformation and accurately educate the public. This article describes the authors’ interdisciplinary approach at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine to teaching science communication to medical students, early experiences, and future directions in this vein. The authors’ experiences show that medical students are viewed as trusted sources of health-related information, and thus, need the skills and training to tackle misinformation and that students across these learning experiences appreciated the opportunity to choose a topic of their interest according to what matters to them and their communities most. The feasibility of successfully teaching scientific communication in an undergraduate and medical education curriculum is confirmed. These early experiences support the feasibility and impact of training medical students to improve communication about science with the general public.
ANTERIOR SEGMENT OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN DETERMINATION OF ENTRY SITE FOR VITRECTOMY IN HIGHLY MYOPIC EYES
Authors: Hirono Kazushi , Inoue Maiko , Tanaka Shin , Uchio Eiichi , Yanagi Yasuo , Kadonosono Kazuaki
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of anterior segment optical coherent tomography (AS OCT) in estimating the length of the pars plana and optimizing the sclerotomy entry site in vitrectomy for highly myopic eyes, facilitating membrane peeling.

Methods:

Twenty-three eyes with myopic traction maculopathy were studied. The pars plana was examined using two methods: preoperative AS OCT and intraoperative measurement. The distance from the limbus to the ora serrata in two groups was measured to compare differences in length. The actual length of the entry site from the limbus and forceps used were noted in all eyes studied.

Results:

The mean axial length was 29.2 ± 2.3 mm for all 23 eyes. The average length between the limbus and ora serrata measured with AS OCT and intraoperative examination was 6,710 µm (SD ± 459) and 6,671 µm (SD ± 402), respectively, in the superotemporal region (P > 0.05), and 6,340 µm (SD ± 321) and 6,204 µm (SD ± 402), respectively, in the superonasal region (P >0.05). The mean length of the entry site from the limbus was 6.2 mm, and 28-mm forceps were used in 17 of 23 eyes (77%).

Conclusion:

The length of the pars plana varies depending on the axial length of the eye. Preoperative AS OCT enables accurate measurement of the pars plana in eyes with high myopia. AS OCT examination can help determine the optimal site for sclerotomy, allowing easier access to the macular region for membrane peeling in highly myopic eyes.
The Comparison of Soft HydroCone (Toris K) Silicone Hydrogel and Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses in Patients With Posterior Microphthalmos
Authors: Ozcelik Ferah , Erdogdu Erdem , Altan Cigdem
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To evaluate and compare soft HydroCone (Toris K) silicone hydrogel and rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGPCLs) in patients with posterior microphthalmos (PMs), for visual rehabilitation and comfort.

Methods:

The records of 11 patients who were followed up in our hospital with the diagnosis of PM and were fitted with both Toris K and RGPCLs in our contact lens department were reviewed retrospectively. Patient age, gender, axial length (AL), topographic keratometry (K) values and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with both lens types and subjective lens comfort status were recorded.

Results:

A total of 22 eyes of 11 patients with a mean age of 20.9±11.1 years were included in the study. The mean AL were 16.01±0.1 and 15.9±0.2 mm in the right and left eyes, respectively. Mean K1 and K2 were 48.6±2.2 and 49.4±2.2 D, respectively. Mean logMAR BCVA of the 22 eyes before contact lens fitting was 0.63±0.56 with spectacle. After Toris K and RGPCLs fitting, mean logMAR BCVA were 0.43±0.20 and 0.35±0.25, respectively. Both lenses provided better visual acuity than spectacles; RGPCLs also provided significantly better visual acuity than HydroCone lens (P<0.05). Eight of 11 patients (73%) had ocular discomfort with RGPLs, and there was no complaint with Toris K.

Conclusions:

The corneal surfaces are steeper in patients with PMs than in normal population. For that reason, their vision should be rehabilitated by special design keratoconus lenses like Toris K and RGPCLs. Although vision rehabilitation seems better with RGPCLs, these patients prefer Toris K more because of discomfort.
Food Insecurity Is Associated With Chronic Liver Disease Among US Adults
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Mehta Manaav , Leung Cindy W.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Food insecurity is associated with many poor health outcomes. Most contemporary liver disease is metabolic and impacted by nutritional status. Data regarding the association between food insecurity and chronic liver disease are limited. We evaluated the linkage between food insecurity and liver stiffness measurements (LSMs), a key measure of liver health.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of 3502 subjects aged 20 years and older from the 2017 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Food security was measured using the US Department of Agriculture’s Core Food Security Module. Models were adjusted using age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, poverty-income ratio, smoking, physical activity, alcohol intake, sugary beverage intake, Healthy Eating Index-2015 score. All subjects underwent vibration-controlled transient elastography, which provides LSMs (kPa) and a measure of hepatic steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter, dB/m). LSM was stratified: <7, 7 to 9.49, 9.5 to 12.49 (advanced fibrosis), and ≥12.5 (cirrhosis) in the whole-study population and stratified by age (20 to 49 y and 50 y and older)

Results:

There were no significant differences in mean controlled attenuation parameter, alanine aminotransferase, or aspartate aminotransferase values by food security status. However, food insecurity was associated with a higher mean LSM (6.89±0.40 kPa vs. 5.77±0.14 kPa, P=0.02) for adults 50 years and older. After multivariate adjustment, food insecurity was associated with higher LSMs across all risk stratifications for adults 50 years and older: LSM≥7 kPa [odds ratio (OR): 2.06, 95% CI, 1.06 to 4.02]; LSM≥9.5 kPa (OR: 2.50, 95% CI, 1.11 to 5.64); LSM≥12.5 kPa (OR: 3.07, 95% CI, 1.21 to 7.80).

Conclusions:

Food insecurity is associated with liver fibrosis and an increased risk of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in older adults.
Identification of Papilledema in Pediatric Patients With Meningitis Using Ocular Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Authors: Schissler Kathryn , Gonzalez Kayla , Chicaiza Henry
Published: February 2023

Ocular point-of-care ultrasound is used by physicians for an array of diagnoses. In this case series, we describe how pediatric emergency medicine physicians utilized ocular point-of-care ultrasound in the management of patients with papilledema secondary to meningitis or its treatment.
How Many Plastic Surgeons Does It Take to Write an Article? A 10-Year Bibliometric Analysis of Authorship Inflation
Authors: Ngaage Ledibabari Mildred , Ketheeswaran Suvethavarshini , Shores Jaimie T.
Published: February 2023

Background

Publications measure academic productivity; they can affect research funding and career trajectory. There is a trend of increased authors per publication in surgery journals. We sought to determine whether authorship inflation exists in the plastic surgery literature and identify independent predictors of the number of co-authors.

Methods

We performed a bibliometric analysis of articles published in 3 high impact plastic surgery journals at 2-year intervals between 2010 and 2020. For each publication, we collected details on year of publication, article type, plastic surgery topic, gender of senior author, geographical origin of study, and the number of authors.

Results

A total of 5593 articles were collected. The median number of authors per article increased over time (ρ = 0.20, P < 0.001). Cohort studies, basic science investigations, literature reviews, and systematic reviews experienced a significant increase in the number of authors per article from 2010 to 2020 (P < 0.001). The rise in the number of authors was consistent across all plastic surgery topics (P < 0.001). Both male and female senior authors had a significant increase in the number of co-authors (P < 0.001). The regression model demonstrated that article type (cohort studies, basic science investigations, and systematic reviews) predicted more co-authors, whereas geographical region (Africa, Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and United Kingdom and Ireland) and plastic surgery topics (aesthetic and hand surgery) predicted fewer authors.

Conclusions

The number of authors per publication is increasing in plastic surgery. Author proliferation was consistent across most article types and unaffected by gender. Possible reasons behind this trend include research complexity, increased collaboration, or gift authorship.
Comparing Outcomes in the Therapeutic and Prophylactic Breast for Bilateral Mastectomy With Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Peoples Abigail E. , Waler Alexandria R. , Duet Mary L. , Prabhu Shamit S. , Katz Adam J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Increasingly patients with unilateral breast cancer elect to undergo bilateral mastectomy with subsequent reconstruction. Studies have aimed to better identify the risks associated with performing mastectomy on the noncancerous breast. Our study aims to identify differences in complications between therapeutic and prophylactic mastectomy in patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of implant-based breast reconstruction from 2015 to 2020 at our institution was completed. Patients with less than 6-month follow-up after final implant placement had reconstruction using autologous flaps, expander or implant rupture, metastatic disease requiring device removal, or death before completion of reconstruction were excluded. McNemar test identified differences in incidence of complications for therapeutic and prophylactic breasts.

Results

After analysis of 215 patients, we observed no significant difference in incidence of infection, ischemia, or hematoma between the therapeutic and prophylactic sides. Therapeutic mastectomies had higher odds of seroma formation (P = 0.03; odds ratio, 3.500; 95% confidence interval, 1.099–14.603). Radiation treatment status was analyzed for patients with seroma; 14% of patients unilateral seroma of the therapeutic side underwent radiation (2 of 14), compared with 25% patients with unilateral seroma of the prophylactic side (1 of 4).

Conclusions

For patients undergoing mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction, the therapeutic mastectomy side has an increased risk of seroma formation.
Quantitative Analysis on Cartilage Growth Between Ipsilateral and Contralateral Donor Sites in Microtia Patients
Authors: Lu Zijing , Hu Zhiqi , Miao Yong , Jia James , Mao Xiaoyan , Huang Wenhua
Published: February 2023

Background

Costal cartilage harvest is required in patients with unilateral microtia when autologous reconstruction is being considered. However, whether an ipsilateral or contralateral donor site should be used remains controversial. This is the first study to compare cartilaginous growth between ipsilateral and contralateral donor sites in patients with unilateral microtia.

Methods

In this retrospective study of 58 patients, the lengths of the sixth to ninth costal cartilages and 3 position-defining measurements with respect to the sixth to ninth costochondral junctions were calculated using 3-dimensional costal cartilage imaging. Patients were divided into subgroups, and the lateral differences between isolated microtia and hemifacial microsomia and between the growing and adult age groups, were compared.

Results

In the isolated group, the sixth and seventh costal cartilages were longer on the contralateral side. The transverse dimension on the contralateral side, with respect to the sixth and seventh costochondral junctions, was also larger than that on the ipsilateral side in growing patients. However, no significant difference was observed between the 2 sides in the hemifacial microsomia group; there was also no difference between the age-related groups in this regard (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that age- and side-related differences in donor sites should be considered in patients with isolated microtia.
The Use of Preoperative Antibiotics in Hardware-Based Hand Procedures Is Not Necessary
Authors: Dahmus Emma S. , Frank Katie , Jacob Glen
Published: February 2023

Background

A survey to American Society for Surgery of the Hand members by Dunn et al showed that the use of preoperative antibiotics was random and not standardized for all hand procedures (Hand (N Y). 2020;15(4):534–541). Previous publications support that preoperative antibiotics for clean, soft-tissue procedures are not necessary, but there is minimal evidence regarding the need for preoperative antibiotics for hardware-based hand procedures. The purpose of our study is to compare infectious outcomes for patients undergoing hardware-based hand surgery between those who did and those who did not receive preoperative antibiotics.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on hardware-based surgical patients from the senior author's hand practice between January 2015 and October 2021. All patients either received imbedded permanent hardware or temporary percutaneous k-wire fixation. Exclusion criteria included polytrauma patients, patients with open hand wounds, and patients with less than 2 outpatient follow-up visits. Primary outcomes measured were 30- and 90-day postoperative antibiotic prescriptions and need to return to the operating room. Basic demographic information such as age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, and smoking status were recorded and compared.

Results

Four hundred seventy-two patients were reviewed, with 365 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two hundred twenty patients did not receive preoperative antibiotics and 145 patients did receive preoperative antibiotics. χ2 tests to analyze for associations between the variables were used. Thirteen patients in the no preoperative antibiotic group (5.9%), compared with 5 patients in the preoperative antibiotic group (3.4%), received a postoperative antibiotic prescription within 30 days (P = 0.288). Sixteen patients in the no preoperative antibiotic group (7.3%), compared with 8 patients in the preoperative antibiotic group (5.5%) received a postoperative antibiotic prescription within 90 days (P = 0.508). One patient in the nonantibiotic group required return to the operating room for irrigation and debridement.

Conclusions

There are no significant differences in the need for 30- and 90-day postoperative antibiotic prescriptions between those who did or did not receive preoperative antibiotics based on this single-surgeon experience.
Fluid Distribution Patterns in Early-Stage Upper Extremity Lymphedema
Authors: Friedman Rosie , Lee Clarissa , Kinney JacqueLyn R. , Salehi Betsa Parsai , Kim Geunwon , Singhal Dhruv , Tsai Leo L.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stage 1 (early stage) upper extremity lymphedema is characterized by fluid infiltration in the subcutaneous tissues that does not exceed 50% of the extremity circumference at any level. The spatial fluid distribution in these cases has not been detailed and may be important to help determine the presence and location of compensatory lymphatic channels. The aim of this study is to determine whether there was a pattern of distribution of fluid infiltration in patients with early-stage lymphedema that could correspond to known lymphatic pathways in the upper extremity.

Methods

A retrospective review identified all patients with MRI stage 1 upper extremity lymphedema who were evaluated at a single lymphatic center. Using a standardized scoring system, a radiologist graded the severity of fluid infiltration at 18 anatomical locations. A cumulative spatial histogram was then created to map out regions where fluid accumulation occurred most and least frequently.

Results

Eleven patients with MRI stage 1 upper extremity lymphedema were identified between January 2017 and January 2022. The mean age was 58 years and the mean BMI was 30 m/kg2. One patient had primary lymphedema and the remaining 10 had secondary lymphedema. The forearm was affected in nine cases, and fluid infiltration was predominantly concentrated along the ulnar aspect, followed by the volar aspect, while the radial aspect was completely spared. Within the upper arm, fluid was primarily concentrated distally and posteriorly, and occasionally medially.

Conclusions

In patients with early-stage lymphedema, fluid infiltration is concentrated along the ulnar forearm and the posterior distal upper arm, which aligns with the tricipital lymphatic pathway. There is also sparing of fluid accumulation along the radial forearm in these patients, suggesting a more robust lymphatic drainage along this region, possibly due to a connection to the lateral upper arm pathway.
Hugh John Forster Cairns. 21 November 1922—12 November 2018
Authors: Samson Leona D. , Cairns Will
Published: February 2023

John Cairns was a magnet for scientists (and non-scientists) of all types, from undergraduates to Nobel laureates. For him science was fun, and discussing science with others even more fun. Soon after finishing medical school (Oxford) at the end of the Second World War he gravitated towards research, his first publication linking the incidence of penicillin-resistant bacteria with long hospital stays. He then studied virology with Macfarlane Burnet FRS in Melbourne, Australia, after which he repaid his two years of National Service from the Second World War at the Virus Research Institute in Entebbe, Uganda. He returned to Australia (Canberra), continuing influenza virus research. However, while visiting Caltech in the 1950s, he was exposed to the emerging field of molecular biology, of which he became a pioneer. After returning to Canberra from a sabbatical with Alfred Hershey at Cold Spring Harbor in 1961, he showed that the
Escherichia coli
genome is circular, and demonstrated the replication fork. In 1963 he was appointed director of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). He successfully saved CSHL from bankruptcy before handing over directorship to Jim Watson (ForMemRS 1981). At CSHL he proved that the so-called Kornberg DNA polymerase was not required for replication of the
E. coli
genome. In the 1970s Cairns turned his attention to understanding cancer and moved to North London to direct a small research institute in Mill Hill, a satellite of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund based in central London. Cairns wrote two influential reviews on cancer plus the book
Cancer: science and society
, seamlessly weaving together information across disciplines, from human population levels to molecular levels, plus everything in between. He fostered multi-disciplinary basic research at the Mill Hill labs, recruiting scientists who used model organisms such as bacteria, fruit flies, slime moulds, amphibians and mice as models to explore the determinants of cell fate during development; such pathways seemed likely to be involved in the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. Cairns created and fostered an exceptionally stimulating, interactive, nurturing and cutting-edge research environment that launched the careers of many scientists. In his own lab at Mill Hill, Cairns discovered new pathways for DNA alkylation repair in
E. coli
, and subsequently as professor of cancer biology at the Harvard School of Public Health he discovered what is now known as stress-induced mutagenesis, also in
E. coli
.
Instantaneous gelation and non-existence of weak solutions for the Oort–Hulst–Safronov coagulation model
Authors: Rai Pooja , Kumar Giri Ankik , John Volker
Published: February 2023

The possible occurrence of instantaneous gelation to the Oort–Hulst–Safronov (OHS) coagulation equation is investigated for a certain class of unbounded coagulation kernels. The existence of instantaneous gelation is confirmed by showing the non-existence of mass-conserving weak solutions. Finally, it is shown that for such kernels, there is no weak solution to the OHS coagulation equation at any time interval.
Periodic gaits and flip bifurcation of a biped robot walking on level ground with two feasible switching patterns of motion
Authors: Zhou Guanfeng , Jiang Bo , Long Tengfei , Jiang Guirong
Published: February 2023

In this article, a biped robot walking on horizontal ground with two feasible switching patterns of motion (two-phase gait and three-phase gait) is presented. By using the first-order Taylor approximate at the equilibrium point, a simplified linear continuous dynamic equation is obtained to discuss the walking dynamics of the biped robot. Conditions for the existence and stability of period-1 gaits

(
P
(
1
,
2
)
,
P
(
1
,
3
)
)

and period-2 gaits

(
P
(
2
,
2
,
2
)
,
P
(
2
,
2
,
3
)
,
P
(
2
,
3
,
3
)
)

are obtained by using a discrete map. Among the periodic gaits, the

P
(
2
,
2
,
3
)

type gait has never been reported in previous studies. Flip bifurcation of periodic gait is investigated. Numerical results for periodic gaits and bifurcation diagram are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Waves in the Earth’s core. III. A perturbative approach to quasi-free-decay modes
Authors: Maitra Matthew , Luo Jiawen , Jackson Andrew
Published: February 2023

We consider the canonical problem of magnetic field decay in an electrically conducting fluid ball. The problem is closely allied to the problem of the decay modes of a rigid ball, and the spatial form of the eigenmodes survives largely intact. The decaying but oscillatory behaviour of the new fluid eigenmodes first discovered by Schmitt a decade ago (and named quasi-free-decay (QFD) modes) is deduced by application of perturbation methods to the case of rapid rotation and a static applied background magnetic field that is uniform and axial. Some, but not all, of the rigid-case poloidal eigenmodes share decay rates with other toroidal modes, necessitating the use of both degenerate and non-degenerate perturbation theory within this paper. The perturbation theory is developed in terms of the Elsasser number

Λ

(measuring the competition between Coriolis and Lorentz forces), and the analytic results are in striking accord with numerical calculations even when

Λ

is of

O

(
1
)

. We find linear scaling of the QFD eigenfrequency with

Λ

and small changes in the decay rate that scale with

Λ
2

. Although the modes are overdamped (quality factor

Q
<
1

), they are not strongly overdamped when the applied field is strong

Λ
∼
1

.
Why is violence high and persistent in deprived communities? A formal model
Authors: de Courson Benoît , Frankenhuis Willem E. , Nettle Daniel , van Gelder Jean-Louis
Published: February 2023

There is massive variation in rates of violence across time and space. These rates are positively associated with economic deprivation and inequality. They also tend to display a degree of local persistence, or ‘enduring neighbourhood effects’. Here, we identify a single mechanism that can produce all three observations. We formalize it in a mathematical model, which specifies how individual-level processes generate the population-level patterns. Our model assumes that agents try to keep their level of resources above a ‘desperation threshold’, to reflect the intuitive notion that one of people's priorities is to always meet their basic needs. As shown in previous work, being below the threshold makes risky actions, such as property crime, beneficial. We simulate populations with heterogeneous levels of resources. When deprivation or inequality is high, there are more desperate individuals, hence a higher risk of exploitation. It then becomes advantageous to use violence, to send a ‘toughness signal’ to exploiters. For intermediate levels of poverty, the system is bistable and we observe
hysteresis
: populations can be violent because they were deprived or unequal in the past, even after conditions improve. We discuss implications of our findings for policy and interventions aimed at reducing violence.
Pre-Post Analysis of the Impact of British Columbia Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Clinics on Patient Health and Care Experience
Authors: Contandriopoulos Damien , Bertoni Katherine , Duhoux Arnaud , Randhawa Gurprit K.
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a primary care nurse-practitioner-led clinic model piloted in British Columbia (Canada) on patients’ health and care experience.

Design

The study relies on a quasi-experimental longitudinal design based on a pre-and-post survey of patients receiving care in NP-Led clinics. The pre-rostering survey (T0) was focused on patients’ health status and care experiences preceding being rostered to the NP clinic. One year later, patients were asked to complete a similar survey (T1) focused on the care experiences with the NP clinic.

Setting

To solve recurring problems related to poor primary care accessibility, British Columbia opened four pilot NP-led clinics in 2020. Each clinic has the equivalent of approximately six full-time NPs, four other clinicians plus support staff. Clinics are located in four cities ranging from core urban to peri rural.

Participants

Recruitment was conducted by the clinic’s clerical staff or by their care provider. A total of 437 usable T0 surveys and 254 matched and usable T1 surveys were collected.

Primary outcome measures

The survey instrument was focused on five core dimensions of patients’ primary care experience (accessibility, continuity, comprehensiveness, responsiveness, and outcomes of care) as well as on the SF-12 Short-form Health Survey.

Results

Scores for all dimensions of patients’ primary care experience increased significantly: Accessibility (T0=5.9, T1=7.9, p<0.000), Continuity (T0=5.5, T1=8.8, p<0.000), Comprehensiveness (T0=5.6, T1=8.4, p<0.000), Responsiveness (T0=7.2, T1=9.5, p<0.000), Outcomes of care (T0=5.0, T1=8.3, p<0.000). SF-12 Physical health T-scores also rose significantly (T0=44.8, T1=47.6, p<0.000) but no changes we found in the mental health T scores (T0=45.8, T1=46.3 p=0.709).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the NP-Led primary care model studied here likely constitutes an effective approach to improve primary care accessibility and quality.

Strengths and limitations

This study evaluates the impact of a primary care nurse-practitioner-led clinic model piloted in British Columbia (Canada) on patients’ health and care experience

The study rests on a pre-post survey without a control group therefore the differences observed could be caused by external factors

Data collection took place between 2020 and 2022, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Only four NP-PCC clinics exist and participation in the survey was voluntary and uncompensated limiting the number of respondents
Old tools, new applications: use of environmental bacteriophages for typhoid surveillance and evaluating vaccine impact
Authors: Hooda Yogesh , Islam Shuborno , Kabiraj Rathin , Rahman Hafizur , da Silva Kesia E. , Raju Rajan Saha , Luby Stephen P , Andrews Jason R , Saha Samir K , Saha Senjuti
Published: February 2023

Typhoid-conjugate vaccines (TCVs) provide an opportunity to reduce the burden of typhoid fever, caused bySalmonellaTyphi, in endemic areas. As policymakers design vaccination strategies, accurate and high-resolution data on disease burden is crucial. However, traditional blood culture-based surveillance is resource-extensive, prohibiting its large-scale and sustainable implementation.SalmonellaTyphi is a water-borne pathogen, and here, we tested the potential of Typhi-specific bacteriophage surveillance in surface water bodies as a low-cost tool to identify whereSalmonellaTyphi circulates in the environment. In 2021, water samples were collected and tested for the presence ofSalmonellaTyphi bacteriophages at two sites in Bangladesh: urban capital city, Dhaka, and a rural district, Mirzapur.SalmonellaTyphi-specific bacteriophages were detected in 66 of 211 (31%) environmental samples in Dhaka, in comparison to 3 of 92 (3%) environmental samples from Mirzapur. In the same year, 4,620 blood cultures at the two largest pediatric hospitals of Dhaka yielded 215 (5%) culture-confirmed typhoid cases, and 3,788 blood cultures in the largest hospital of Mirzapur yielded 2 (0.05%) cases. 75% (52/69) of positive phage samples were collected from sewage. All isolated phages were tested against a panel of isolates from differentSalmonellaTyphi genotypes circulating in Bangladesh and were found to exhibit a diverse killing spectrum, indicating diverse bacteriophages were isolated. These results suggest an association between the presence of Typhi-specific phages in the environment and the burden of typhoid fever, and the potential of utilizing environmental phage surveillance as a low-cost tool to assist policy decisions on typhoid control.

Highlights

-

Typhi-specific bacteriophages can be isolated from surface waters in endemic countries using low-cost methods

-

More Typhi-specific bacteriophages are obtained in areas with higher typhoid cases

-

Typhi-specific bacteriophages exhibit diverse activity spectrum against a panel ofSalmonellaTyphi isolates circulating in Bangladesh

-

Environmental surveillance can be used as a tool to predict typhoid burden

Graphical abstract
Synthesising environmental, epidemiological, and genetic data to assist decision making for onchocerciasis elimination
Authors: Shrestha Himal , McCulloch Karen , Chisholm Rebecca H , Armoo Samuel , Vierigh Francis , Sirwani Neha , Crawford Katie E , Osei-Atweneboana Mike , Grant Warwick N , Hedtke Shannon M
Published: February 2023

Background

Population genetics is crucial for understanding the transmission dynamics of diseases like onchocerciasis. Landscape genetics identifies the ecological features that impact genetic variation between sampling sites. Here, we have used a landscape genetics framework to understand the relationship between environmental features and gene flow of the filarial parasiteOnchocerca volvulusand of its intermediate host and vector, blackflies in the genusSimulium. We analysed samples from the ecological transition region separating the savannah and forest ecological regions of Ghana, where the transmission ofO. volvulushas persisted despite almost half a century of onchocerciasis control efforts.

Methods

We generated a baseline microfilarial prevalence map from the point estimates of pre-ivermectin microfilarial prevalence from 47 locations in the study area. We analysed mitochondrial data from 164 parasites and 93 blackflies collected from 15 communities and four breeding sites, respectively. We estimated population genetic diversity and identified correlations with environmental variables. Finally, we compared baseline prevalence maps to movement suitability maps that were based on significant environmental variables.

Results

We found that the resistance surfaces derived from elevation (r = 0.793, p = 0.005) and soil moisture (r = 0.507, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with genetic distance between parasite sampling locations. Similarly, for the vector populations, the resistance surfaces derived from soil moisture (r = 0.788, p = 0.0417) and precipitation (r = 0.835, p = 0.0417) were significant. The correlation between the baseline parasite prevalence map and the parasite resistance surface map was stronger than the correlation between baseline prevalence and the vector resistance surface map. The central parts of the transition region which were conducive for both the parasite and the vector gene flow were most strongly associated with high baseline onchocerciasis prevalence.

Conclusions

We present a framework for incorporating environmental, genetic, and prevalence data for identifying when ecological conditions are favourable for onchocerciasis transmission between communities. We identified areas with higher suitability for parasite and vector gene flow, which ultimately might help us gain deeper insights into defining transmission zones for onchocerciasis. Furthermore, this framework is translatable to other onchocerciasis endemic areas and to other vector-borne diseases.
PRACTICES OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AND EXPERIENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AMONG SOLID WASTE MANAGERS IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS OF RIVERS STATE
Authors: Amadi Stanley Nyemahame , Clement Emmanuel , Pelebo Emmanuel Tamunobelema , Apugo Uchechukwu Ifeanyichukwu
Published: February 2023

Background

Waste generation is a daily occurrence and requires a proper system of collection, management, and disposal. This function lies on municipal solid waste managers (MSWM) who use manual methods of waste collection and management in the conduct of their activities. This exposes them to various forms of occupational health risks.

Aim

The study investigated the occupational risk exposure of waste managers in Port Harcourt metropolis.

Materials and Method

This descriptive cross-sectional survey collected data from solid waste collectors or managers who have worked for over a year in the Rivers state, using a researcher-administered semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPPS version 23.

Results

A total of 317 were recruited, with the majority as males (68.5%), aged between 30 – 39 years (56.5%), married (55.5%), permanent staff (54.3%), educated to the tertiary level (31.2%), have over 5 years of experience (52.1%) and earn between 30,000 – 39,000 Naira monthly (44.8%). Also, 87.1% of the respondents had good practice of occupational health and safety, while 61.5% and 32% of the waste managers have been exposed to work-related accidents and diseases respectively in course of carrying out their job within the last 12 months. Cuts (30.0%), puncture wounds (20.5%), and road accidents (20.2%) as the most experienced hazards by the workers, while allergies (23.2%) and rash/other skin diseases (22.1%) were the most experienced type of illness.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of occupational hazards can be attributed to poor working conditions and lack of adequate safety gear. Hence, there is a need for increased governmental budgetary allocation for the provision safety gear and training
Dynamics of Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 coinfections during the COVID-19 pandemic in India
Authors: Ravikumar Sandhra , Tamboli Ekant , Rahangdale Shefali , Salsekar Lekha , Tomar Siddharth Singh , Khairnar Krishna
Published: February 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 exhibits similar aetiology, mode of transmission and clinical presentation as the H1N1pdm09 (a subtype of Influenza A) and Influenza A (other subtypes), and can exist as a coinfection in the same patient. It is essential to understand the coinfection dynamics of these viruses for effective management of the disease. This study examined 959 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected from the six states and three union territories in India from May to December 2022. The clinical data was accessed from the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and the Indian council of medical research (ICMR) COVID-19 data portal. The samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2, H1N1pdm09 and Influenza A using Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction q(RT-PCR). All 959 samples were subjected to SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing (WGS) using Oxford Nanopore Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). From the 959 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples, 17.5% were co-infected with H1N1pdm09, 8.2% were co-infected with Influenza A, and 74.2% were only positive for SARS-CoV-2. The comparative analysis of viral load among the coinfected cases revealed that Influenza A and H1N1pdm09 had higher viral loads than SARS-CoV-2 in the studied samples. Out of 959 samples subjected to WGS, 815 and 144 were considered quality control (QC) passed, and QC failed, respectively, for SARS-CoV-2 variant calling. SARS-CoV-2 WGS identified 46 different variants belonging to the Omicron lineage. The SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A coinfection group; and the SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1pdm09 coinfection group showed a higher proportion of symptomatic cases. This work demonstrates the need for coinfection analysis for the H1N1pdm09 virus, Influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 while studying the etiological agent in individuals with ILI/SARI symptoms. It is recommended that, in addition to determining the aetiology of ILI/SARI, an examination for H1N1pdm09 and Influenza A be conducted concurrently utilising molecular tools such as WGS and RT-PCR to understand the variant dynamics and the viral load for taking an informed decision during the patient management and treatment discourse.
ASYMPTOMATIC MONKEY POX VIRUS INFECTION: A SELF-SAMPLING SCREENING INTERVENTION ADRESSED TO GAY, BISEXUAL AND OTHER MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN AND TRANS WOMEN IN SPAIN
Authors: Agustí Cristina , Martínez-Riveros Héctor , Hernández-Rodríguez Àgueda , Casañ Cristina , Díaz Yesika , Alonso Lucía , Martró Elisa , Muñoz-Basagoiti Jordana , Gallemí Marçal , Folch Cinta , Sönmez Ibrahim , Adell Héctor , Villar Marta , de León Alexia París , Martinez-Puchol Sandra , Pelegrin A.C , Perez-Zsolt Daniel , Raïch-Regué Dàlia , Mora Rubén , Villegas Luis , Clotet Bonaventura , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria , Cardona Pere-Joan , Casabona Jordi
Published: February 2023

We aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic cases of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and trans women (TW), using a self-sampling strategy. Anal and pharyngeal swabs were tested by MPXV real-time PCR and positive samples inoculated into Vero E6 cells, which were subsequently checked for cytopathic effect (CPE).

Seven out 113 participants were MPXV positive (6.19% (95% CI: 1.75%-10.64%)). Five tested positive in pharyngeal swabs, one in anal swab and one in both. Six did not present symptoms recognized as MPXV infection. Three samples were positive for CPE, and showed anti-vaccinia pAb staining by FACS and confocal microscopy.

We describe Mpox cases that remain undiagnosed and show reproductive virus despite low viral loads and who might be able to infect others. Restricting testing to individuals reporting Mpox symptoms may not be enough to contain outbreaks.
Safety Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy Versus Combined Thrombectomy and Intravenous Thrombolysis in Tandem Lesions
Authors: Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Farooqui Mudassir , Hassan Ameer E. , Jumaa Mouhammad A. , Divani Afshin A. , Ribo Marc , Abraham Michael , Petersen Nils H. , Fifi Johanna , Guerrero Waldo R. , Malik Amer M. , Siegler James E. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Yoo Albert J. , Linares Guillermo , Janjua Nazli , Quispe-Orozco Darko , Tekle Wondwossen G. , Alhajala Hisham , Ikram Asad , Rizzo Federica , Qureshi Abid , Begunova Liza , Matsouka Stavros , Vigilante Nicholas , Salazar-Marioni Sergio , Abdalkader Mohamad , Gordon Weston , Soomro Jazba , Turabova Charoskon , Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Mokin Maxim , Yavagal Dileep R. , Jovin Tudor , Sheth Sunil , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: February 2023

Background and Purpose

We aimed to describe the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with tandem lesions (TLs) and whether using intraprocedural antiplatelet therapy (APT) influences MT’s safety with IVT treatment.

Methods

This is a sub-analysis of a pooled, international multicenter cohort of patients with acute anterior circulation TLs treated with MT. Primary outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and parenchymal hematoma type 2 (PH2). Additional outcomes included hemorrhagic transformation (HT), successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] 2b-3), complete reperfusion (mTICI 3), favorable functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin score [mRS] 0-2), excellent functional outcome (90-day mRS 0-1), in-hospital mortality, and 90-days mortality.

Results

Of 691 patients, 599 were included (255 underwent IVT+MT and 344 MT alone). There was no difference in the risk of sICH (aOR=1.43; 95%CI:0.72–2.87;p=0.308), PH2 (aOR=1.14; 95%CI:0.57– 2.28;p=0.705), and HT (aOR=0.92; 95%CI:0.54–1.57;p=0.751) between the IVT+MT and MT alone groups after adjusting for confounders. There was an IVT-by-intraprocedural APT interaction for sICH (pinteraction=0.031). Administration of IVT was associated with an increased risk of sICH in patients who received IV-APT (aOR=3.58; 95%CI:1.17–10.89;p=0.025). The IVT+MT group had higher odds of 90-days mRS 0-2 (aOR=1.76; 95%CI:1.05–2.94;p=0.030). The odds of successful reperfusion, complete reperfusion, 90-days mRS 0-1, in-hospital mortality, or 90-days mortality did not differ between the IVT+MT vs. MT alone groups.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the combination of IVT with MT for TL did not increase the overall risk of sICH, PH2, or overall HT independently of the cervical revascularization technique used. However, intraprocedural IV-ATP during acute stent implantation might be associated with an increased risk of sICH in patients who received IVT prior to MT. Importantly, IVT+MT treatment was associated with a higher rate of favorable functional outcome at 90 days.