bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Recently Vaccinated Individuals to Detect Bias in Test-Negative Case–Control Studies of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness
Authors: Hitchings Matt D. T. , Lewnard Joseph A. , Dean Natalie E. , Ko Albert I. , Ranzani Otavio T. , Andrews Jason R. , Cummings Derek A. T.
Published: April 2022

Postauthorization observational studies play a key role in understanding COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness following the demonstration of efficacy in clinical trials. Although bias due to confounding, selection bias, and misclassification can be mitigated through careful study design, unmeasured confounding is likely to remain in these observational studies. Phase III trials of COVID-19 vaccines have shown that protection from vaccination does not occur immediately, meaning that COVID-19 risk should be similar in recently vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, in the absence of confounding or other bias. Several studies have used the estimated effectiveness among recently vaccinated individuals as a negative control exposure to detect bias in vaccine effectiveness estimates. In this paper, we introduce a theoretical framework to describe the interpretation of such a bias indicator in test-negative studies, and outline strong assumptions that would allow vaccine effectiveness among recently vaccinated individuals to serve as a negative control exposure.
Microglia-independent peripheral neuropathic pain in male and female mice
Authors: Tu YuShan , Muley Milind M. , Beggs Simon , Salter Michael W.
Published: April 2022

The dominant view in the field of pain is that peripheral neuropathic pain is driven by microglia in the somatosensory processing region of the spinal dorsal horn. Here, to the contrary, we discovered a form of neuropathic pain that is independent of microglia. Mice in which the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc was apposed to the sciatic nerve developed a constellation of neuropathic pain behaviours: hypersensitivity to mechanical, cold, and heat stimuli. However, NP application caused no activation of spinal microglia nor was pain hypersensitivity reversed by microglial inhibition. Rather, NP-induced pain hypersensitivity was dependent on cells within the NP which recruited macrophages to the adjacent nerve. Eliminating macrophages systemically or locally prevented NP-induced pain hypersensitivity. Pain hypersensitivity was also prevented by genetically disrupting the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor selectively in macrophages. Moreover, the behavioural phenotypes as well as the molecular mechanisms of NP-induced pain hypersensitivity were not different between males and females. Our findings reveal a previously unappreciated mechanism for by which a discrete peripheral nerve lesion may produce pain hypersensitivity, which may help to explain the limited success of microglial inhibitors on neuropathic pain in human clinical trials.
Cognitive functional therapy compared with core exercise and manual therapy in patients with chronic low back pain: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Castro Julia , Correia Luis , Donato Bruno de Sousa , Arruda Bruno , Agulhari Felipe , Pellegrini Marina J. , Belache Fabiana T.C. , de Souza Cíntia P. , Fernandez Jessica , Nogueira Leandro A.C. , Reis Felipe J.J. , Ferreira Arthur de Sá , Meziat-Filho Ney
Published: April 2022

Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) is a physiotherapy-led intervention that has evolved from an integration of foundational behavioral psychology and neuroscience within the physiotherapist practice directed at the multidimensional nature of chronic low back pain (CLBP). The current evidence about the comparative effectiveness of CFT for CLBP is still scarce. We aimed to investigate whether CFT is more effective than core training exercise and manual therapy (CORE-MT) in pain and disability in patients with CLBP. A total of 148 adults with CLBP were randomly assigned to receive 5 one-hour individualized sessions of either CFT (n = 74) or CORE-MT (n = 74) within a period of 8 weeks. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (numeric pain rating scale, 0-10) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index, 0-100) at 8 weeks. Patients were assessed preintervention, at 8 weeks and 6 and 12 months after the first treatment session. Altogether, 97.3% (n = 72) of patients in each intervention group completed the 8 weeks of the trial. Cognitive functional therapy was more effective than CORE-MT in disability at 8 weeks (MD = −4.75; 95% CI −8.38 to −1.11; P = 0.011, effect size= 0.55) but not in pain intensity (MD = −0.04; 95% CI −0.79 to 0.71; P = 0.916). Treatment with CFT reduced disability, but the difference was not clinically important compared with CORE-MT postintervention (short term) in patients with CLBP. There was no difference in pain intensity between interventions, and the treatment effect was not maintained in the mid-term and long-term follow-ups.
Innovative Assessments for Retention of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
Authors: Hite Amy , Overstreet Wendy , Giefer Cheryl , Belcher Greg
Published: April 2022

The Southeast Kansas (SEK) comprehensive rural Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) program was developed as part of an effort to increase the availability of SANE services nationwide. The primary goal of the program is to provide education to assist with training and certification of registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses in SEK to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations and become certified. This will provide better physical and mental health care for survivors and better evidence collection and higher prosecution rates in a rural, medically underserved area. The project established a rural academic–practice–community partnership to provide longitudinal immersive SANE clinical training. The success of the project in SEK will be impacted by the retention of SANEs; therefore, the integration of the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) self-assessment was seen as an important component of the grant implementation. ProQOL determines compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. The data collected from SANEs on their self-assessments with the ProQOL lead to early identification of SANEs experiencing negative effects of forensic nursing and the ability to intervene for decreased attrition.
Prescription for Success
Authors: Barbanel-Yuni Julie , Darcy Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Introduction

It was noted that caregivers of pediatric surgical patients are often not able to speak to the correct disposal of leftover narcotic pain medication. The purpose of this process improvement project was to increase the knowledge and use of activated-carbon-based deactivation kits during the discharge process to increase safe medication disposal.

Methods

A team was formed to increase safe disposal. The team developed a plan for the pharmacy to provide quick facts when dispensing narcotic pain medication, giving instructions to the parents about how to obtain an activated-carbon-based deactivation kit if they had unused narcotic medication. In addition, the dangers of incorrect disposal of narcotics were included. The nurses provided verbal education to the parents on the safe disposal at discharge to home. Furthermore, parents were reminded of the opportunity to utilize an activated-carbon-based deactivation kit provided from the hospital pharmacy to dispose of the narcotics during postsurgical follow-up call.

Results

The hospital pharmacy saw a sixfold increase in the dispensing of activated-carbon-based deactivation kits since the education was initiated. Caregivers noted a 68% increase in reporting of proper disposal of narcotics.

Discussion

Implementation of a standardized educational practice for the families of patients being discharged with narcotic medication resulted in an increased awareness of safe disposal of narcotics and an increase in dispensing of activated-carbon-based deactivation kits. Ultimately, this resulted in the families having a greater confidence in caring for their children at discharge as reported on patient satisfaction surveys.
High Expression of Circular RNA–Mitochondrial tRNA Translation Optimization 1 Assists the Diagnosis of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Cheng Xiyun , Shen Changmei , Liao Zhenrong
Published: April 2022

Objective

Persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is a paramount determinant in cervical cancer (CC) development. Circular RNAs have the potential to be promising biomarkers for various cancers. This study explored circular RNA–mitochondrial tRNA translation optimization 1 (circMTO1) expression in the serum of CC patients and its clinical value in diagnosing CC and predicting HR-HPV infection.

Materials and Methods

In total, 125 CC patients (including 78 cases with HR-HPV) were enrolled, with another 76 healthy people as controls. Serum circMTO1 and miR-199a expressions were detected by reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the diagnostic efficacy of circMTO1 for CC and HR-HPV infection was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic curve. According to the median of serum circMTO1 expression, CC patients were assigned into circMTO1 low/high expression groups to analyze the correlation between circMTO1 and clinical parameters using the Fisher and χ2 tests. Independent association of circMTO1 with HR-HPV infection in CC was evaluated via logistics multivariate regression analysis. Targeted relationship between miR-199a and circMTO1 was predicted by Starbase Web site and validated via dual-luciferase assay, with their correlation further assessed by Pearson analysis.

Results

Serum circMTO1 was increased in CC patients and prominently elevated in HR-HPV–positive CC patients, with a level greater than 1.485 assisting CC diagnosis and a level greater than 2.480 assisting HR-HPV–positive diagnosis. The circMTO1 was interrelated to clinical stage, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, invasion depth, and independently linked with HR-HPV infection in CC. Serum miR-199a was downregulated in HR-HPV–positive CC patients and inversely correlated with circMTO1.

Conclusions

Serum circMTO1 is upregulated in HR-HPV–positive CC patients and has a diagnostic value for HR-HPV infection in CC.
Leisure Time Physical Activity in Children and Young People With Cerebral Palsy: A Population-Based Study
Authors: van der Linden Marietta L. , Wordie Sarah J. , Dufton Bethany K. , Jagadamma Kavi C. , Hunter Cathleen , Mercer Thomas H. , Gaston Mark S. , Robb James E.
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

To describe leisure time physical activity in children and young people with cerebral palsy and identify barriers and facilitators to participation.

Methods:

Leisure time physical activity participation was derived from a national cerebral palsy register and associated factors were analyzed. Barriers and facilitators to participation were investigated through a survey.

Results:

Leisure time physical activity participation was recorded. Outcomes of participation decreased with increasing Gross Motor Function Classification System level. Leisure time physical activity “not in club” for 11- to 18-year-olds was significantly lower than for those aged 5 to 10 years for Gross Motor Function Classification System level II. The survey supported that disability and disliking help were common barriers and parental encouragement and enjoyment were common facilitators.

Conclusions:

Data from the register and survey provide insight into factors influencing leisure time physical activity participation in young people with cerebral palsy and how to increase.
Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bess Laura K. , Costa Jessica , Nguygen Anh Thy H. , Amankwah Ernest , Wilsey Michael J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

Clinical experience suggests that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs commonly in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). However, this is an understudied topic and prospective studies are absent. We determine the prevalence of GERD in infants with CMT, comparing clinical characteristics between CMT infants with and without GERD, and identifying infants with potentially undiagnosed GERD.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study of 155 infants with CMT younger than 12 months with and without GERD was evaluated by pediatric physical therapists.

Results:

GERD prevalence was 30.3%, including 6 (3.9%) infants with undiagnosed GERD. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in CMT infants with and without GERD.

Conclusions:

This is the first prospective cohort study determining the prevalence of GERD in infants referred for evaluation of CMT. Further prospective studies are needed to determine whether early intervention and treatment of GERD improves outcomes in infants with CMT (see Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A369).
Study Protocol: Multimodal Longitudinal Assessment of Infant Brain Organization and Recovery in Perinatal Brain Injury
Authors: Saiote Catarina , Sutter Ellen , Xenopoulos-Oddsson Annette , Rao Raghavendra , Georgieff Michael , Rudser Kyle , Peyton Colleen , Dean Douglas , McAdams Ryan M. , Gillick Bernadette
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

Perinatal brain injury is a primary cause of cerebral palsy, a condition resulting in lifelong motor impairment. Infancy is an important period of motor system development, including development of the corticospinal tract (CST), the primary pathway for cortical movement control. The interaction between perinatal stroke recovery, CST organization, and resultant motor outcome in infants is not well understood.

Methods:

Here, we present a protocol for multimodal longitudinal assessment of brain development and motor function following perinatal brain injury using transcranial magnetic stimulation and magnetic resonance imaging to noninvasively measure CST functional and structural integrity across multiple time points in infants 3 to 24 months of age. We will further assess the association between cortical excitability, integrity, and motor function.

Discussion:

This protocol will identify bioindicators of motor outcome and neuroplasticity and subsequently inform early detection, diagnosis, and intervention strategies for infants with perinatal stroke, brain bleeds, and related diagnoses.
Clinical Usefulness of 18F-FET PET in a Pediatric Patient With Suspected Demyelinating Disease
Authors: Kang Seo Young , Moon Byung Seok , Yoo Min Young , Yoon Hai-Jeon , Kim Bom Sahn
Published: April 2022

An 11-year-old boy who presented with headache and progressive right-sided weakness exhibited cortical swelling in the parafalcine area of both frontoparietal high convexity and splenium portion of corpus callosum on brain MRI. This suggested the possibility of encephalopathy, but required differential diagnosis from brain tumor. 18F-FET (O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine) PET/CT identified increased uptake along the parafalcine area of the frontoparietal lobes and the splenium portion of the corpus callosum. The relatively low target-to-background ratios were more indicative of inflammatory changes such as demyelinating disease. The patient recovered after empirical steroid and immunoglobulin treatment. Clinically, the patient was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
18F-SynVesT-1 PET in Focal Cortical Dysplasia Type II With Thickening Cortex
Authors: Tang Yongxiang , Yu Jie , Zhou Ming , Chen Chen , Hu Shuo
Published: April 2022

A case of 2-year-old girl with intractable seizures underwent 18F-FDG PET and MRI for seizure focus localization. MRI demonstrated cortical thickening and blurring of the gray-white matter interface in the right postcentral gyrus with focal hypometabolism in 18F-FDG PET. The patient subsequently was enrolled in clinical trial of 18F-SynVesT-1 PET study in epilepsy; a more restricted area of reduced 18F-SynVesT-1 uptake was noted in the thickened postcentral gyrus. The surgical limits of resection were defined based on ictal semiology, electroencephalography, and imagings. The patient is seizure-free after epilepsy surgery, with histopathology of focal cortical dysplasia type IIb.
More winners than losers over 12 years of monitoring tiger moths (Erebidae: Arctiinae) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama
Authors: Lamarre Greg P. A. , Pardikes Nicholas A. , Segar Simon , Hackforth Charles N. , Laguerre Michel , Vincent Benoît , Lopez Yacksecari , Perez Filonila , Bobadilla Ricardo , Silva José Alejandro Ramírez , Basset Yves
Published: April 2022

Understanding the causes and consequences of insect declines has become an important goal in ecology, particularly in the tropics, where most terrestrial diversity exists. Over the past 12 years, the ForestGEO Arthropod Initiative has systematically monitored multiple insect groups on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, providing baseline data for assessing long-term population trends. Here, we estimate the rates of change in abundance among 96 tiger moth species on BCI. Population trends of most species were stable (n= 20) or increasing (n= 62), with few (n= 14) declining species. Our analysis of morphological and climatic sensitivity traits associated with population trends shows that species-specific responses to climate were most strongly linked with trends. Specifically, tiger moth species that are more abundant in warmer and wetter years are more likely to show population increases. Our study contrasts with recent findings indicating insect decline in tropical and temperate regions. These results highlight the significant role of biotic responses to climate in determining long-term population trends and suggest that future climate changes are likely to impact tropical insect communities.
On the propagation of nonlinear waves in the atmosphere
Authors: Constantin A. , Johnson R. S.
Published: April 2022

Starting from the general equations of fluid dynamics that describe the atmosphere, and using asymptotic methods, we present the derivation of the leading-order equations for nonlinear wave propagation in the troposphere. The only simplifying assumption is that the flow in the atmosphere exists in a thin shell over a sphere. The systematic approach adopted here enables us to find a consistent balance of terms describing the propagation, and to identify the temperature and pressure gradients that drive the motion, as well as the heat sources required. This produces a new nonlinear propagation equation that is then examined in some detail. With the morning glory in mind, we construct a few exact solutions, which, separately, describe breezes, bores and oscillatory motion.
Do species factories exist? Detecting exceptional patterns of evolution in the mammalian fossil record
Authors: Toivonen Jaakko , Fortelius Mikael , Žliobaitė Indrė
Published: April 2022

A species factory refers to the source that gives rise to an exceptionally large number of species. However, what is it exactly: a place, a time or a combination of places, times and environmental conditions, remains unclear. Here we search for species factories computationally, for which we develop statistical approaches to detect origination, extinction and sorting hotspots in space and time in the fossil record. Using data on European Late Cenozoic mammals, we analyse where, how and how often species factories occur, and how they potentially relate to the dynamics of environmental conditions. We find that in the Early Miocene origination hotspots tend to be located in areas with relatively low estimated net primary productivity. Our pilot study shows that species first occurring in origination hotspots tend to have a longer average longevity and a larger geographical range than other species, thus emphasizing the evolutionary importance of the species factories.
Sensory environment affects Icelandic threespine stickleback's anti-predator escape behaviour
Authors: Ålund Murielle , Harper Brooke , Kjærnested Sigurlaug , Ohl Julian E. , Phillips John G. , Sattler Jessica , Thompson Jared , Varg Javier E. , Wargenau Sven , Boughman Janette W. , Keagy Jason
Published: April 2022

Human-induced changes in climate and habitats push populations to adapt to novel environments, including new sensory conditions, such as reduced visibility. We studied how colonizing newly formed glacial lakes with turbidity-induced low-visibility affects anti-predator behaviour in Icelandic threespine sticklebacks. We tested nearly 400 fish from 15 populations and four habitat types varying in visibility and colonization history in their reaction to two predator cues (mechano-visual versus olfactory) in high versus low-visibility light treatments. Fish reacted differently to the cues and were affected by lighting environment, confirming that cue modality and light levels are important for predator detection and evasion. Fish from spring-fed lakes, especially from the highlands (likely more diverged from marine fish than lowland fish), reacted fastest to mechano-visual cues and were generally most active. Highland glacial fish showed strong responses to olfactory cues and, counter to predictions from the flexible stem hypothesis, the greatest plasticity in response to light levels. This study, leveraging natural, repeated invasions of novel sensory habitats, (i) illustrates rapid changes in anti-predator behaviour that follow due to adaptation, early life experience, or both, and (ii) suggests an additional role for behavioural plasticity enabling population persistence in the face of frequent changes in environmental conditions.
The relationship between dietary trophic level, parasites and the microbiome of Pacific walrus (
Odobenus rosmarus divergens
)
Authors: Couch Claire , Sanders Justin , Sweitzer Danielle , Deignan Kristen , Cohen Lesley , Broughton Heather , Steingass Sheanna , Beechler Brianna
Published: April 2022

Arctic species are likely to experience rapid shifts in prey availability under climate change, which may alter their exposure to microbes and parasites. Here, we describe fecal bacterial and macroparasite communities and assess correlations with diet trophic level in Pacific walruses harvested during subsistence hunts by members of the Native Villages of Gambell and Savoonga on St Lawrence Island, Alaska. Fecal bacterial communities were dominated by relatively few taxa, mostly belonging to phyla Fusobacteriota and Firmicutes. Members of parasite-associated phyla Nematoda, Acanthocephala and Platyhelminthes were prevalent in our study population. We hypothesized that high versus low prey trophic level (e.g. fish versus bivalves) would result in different gut bacterial and macroparasite communities. We found that bacterial community structure correlated to diet, with nine clades enriched in walruses consuming higher-trophic-level prey. While no parasite compositional differences were found at the phylum level, the cestode genus
Diphyllobothrium
was more prevalent and abundant in walruses consuming higher-trophic-level prey, probably because fish are the intermediate hosts for this genus. This study suggests that diet is important for structuring both parasite and microbial communities of this culturally and ecologically important species, with potential implications for population health under climate change.
A Streptococcus pneumoniae lineage usually associated with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) serotypes is the most common cause of serotype 35B invasive disease in South Africa, following routine use of PCV
Authors: Ndlangisa Kedibone M. , du Plessis Mignon , Lo Stephanie , de Gouveia Linda , Chaguza Chrispin , Antonio Martin , Kwambana-Adams Brenda , Cornick Jennifer , Everett Dean B. , Dagan Ron , Hawkins Paulina A. , Beall Bernard , Corso Alejandra , Grassi Almeida Samanta Cristine , Ochoa Theresa J. , Obaro Stephen , Shakoor Sadia , Donkor Eric S. , Gladstone Rebecca A. , Ho Pak Leung , Paragi Metka , Doiphode Sanjay , Srifuengfung Somporn , Ford Rebecca , Moïsi Jennifer , Saha Samir K. , Bigogo Godfrey , Sigauque Betuel , Eser Özgen Köseoglu , Elmdaghri Naima , Titov Leonid , Turner Paul , Kumar K. L. Ravi , Kandasamy Rama , Egorova Ekaterina , IP Margaret , Breiman Robert F. , Klugman Keith P. , McGee Lesley , Bentley Stephen D. , von Gottberg Anne ,   The Global Pneumococcal Sequencing Consortium
Published: April 2022

Pneumococcal serotype 35B is an important non-conjugate vaccine (non-PCV) serotype. Its continued emergence, post-PCV7 in the USA, was associated with expansion of a pre-existing 35B clone (clonal complex [CC] 558) along with post-PCV13 emergence of a non-35B clone previously associated with PCV serotypes (CC156). This study describes lineages circulating among 35B isolates in South Africa before and after PCV introduction. We also compared 35B isolates belonging to a predominant 35B lineage in South Africa (GPSC5), with isolates belonging to the same lineage in other parts of the world. Serotype 35B isolates that caused invasive pneumococcal disease in South Africa in 2005–2014 were characterized by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Multi-locus sequence types and global pneumococcal sequence clusters (GPSCs) were derived from WGS data of 63 35B isolates obtained in 2005–2014. A total of 262 isolates that belong to GPSC5 (115 isolates from South Africa and 147 from other countries) that were sequenced as part of the global pneumococcal sequencing (GPS) project were included for comparison. Serotype 35B isolates from South Africa were differentiated into seven GPSCs and GPSC5 was most common (49 %, 31/63). While 35B was the most common serotype among GPSC5/CC172 isolates in South Africa during the PCV13 period (66 %, 29/44), 23F was the most common serotype during both the pre-PCV (80 %, 37/46) and PCV7 period (32 %, 8/25). Serotype 35B represented 15 % (40/262) of GPSC5 isolates within the global GPS database and 75 % (31/40) were from South Africa. The predominance of the GPSC5 lineage within non-vaccine serotype 35B, is possibly unique to South Africa and warrants further molecular surveillance of pneumococci.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 infection on young adult population: international observational federated study based on electronic health records through the 4CE consortium
Authors: Moal Bertrand , Orieux Arthur , Ferté Thomas , Neuraz Antoine , Brat Gabriel A , Avillach Paul , Bonzel Clara-Lea , Cai Tianxi , Cho Kelly , Cossin Sébastien , Griffier Romain , Hanauer David A , Haverkamp Christian , Ho Yuk-Lam , Hong Chuan , Hutch Meghan R , Klann Jeffrey G , Le Trang T , Loh Ne Hooi Will , Luo Yuan , Makoudjou Adeline , Morris Michele , Mowery Danielle L , Olson Karen L , Patel Lav P , Samayamuthu Malarkodi J , Sanz Vidorreta Fernando J , Schriver Emily R , Schubert Petra , Verdy Guillaume , Visweswaran Shyam , Wang Xuan , Weber Griffin M , Xia Zongqi , Yuan William , Zhang Harrison G , Zöller Daniela , Kohane Isaac S ,   The Consortium for Clinical Characterization of COVID-19 by EHR (4CE), Boyer Alexandre , Jouhet Vianney
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In young adults (18 to 49 years old), investigation of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been limited. We evaluated the risk factors and outcomes of ARDS following infection with SARS-CoV-2 in a young adult population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1st, 2020 and February 28th, 2021 using patient-level electronic health records (EHR), across 241 United States hospitals and 43 European hospitals participating in the Consortium for Clinical Characterization of COVID-19 by EHR (4CE). To identify the risk factors associated with ARDS, we compared young patients with and without ARDS through a federated analysis. We further compared the outcomes between young and old patients with ARDS.

Results

Among the 75,377 hospitalized patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR, 1001 young adults presented with ARDS ( 7.8% of young hospitalized adults). Their mortality rate at 90 days was 16.2% and they presented with a similar complication rate for infection than older adults with ARDS. Peptic ulcer disease, paralysis, obesity, congestive heart failure, valvular disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease and liver disease were associated with a higher risk of ARDS. We described a high prevalence of obesity (53%), hypertension (38%-although not significantly associated with ARDS), and diabetes (32%).

Conclusion

Trough an innovative method, a large international cohort study of young adults developing ARDS after SARS-CoV-2 infection has been gather. It demonstrated the poor outcomes of this population and associated risk factor.
TP53 somatic mutations in Asian breast cancer are associated with subtype-specific effects
Authors: Ragu Mohana Eswari , Ch’Wan Lim Joanna Mei , Ng Pei-Sze , Yip Cheng-Har , Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Teo Soo-Hwang , Pan Jia-Wern
Published: April 2022

Recent genomics studies of breast cancer in Asian cohorts have found a higher prevalence of TP53 mutations in Asian breast cancer patients relative to Caucasian patients. However, the effect of TP53 mutations on Asian breast tumours has not been comprehensively studied. Here, we report an analysis of 492 breast cancer samples from the Malaysian Breast Cancer (MyBrCa) cohort where we examined the impact of TP53 somatic mutations in relation to PAM50 subtypes by comparing whole exome and transcriptome data from tumours with mutant and wild type TP53. We found that the magnitude of impact of TP53 somatic mutations appears to vary between different subtypes. TP53 somatic mutations were associated with larger and more consistent differences in HR deficiency scores as well as transcriptional alterations in the luminal A and luminal B subtypes compared to the basal-like and Her2-enriched subtypes. The only pathways that were consistently dysregulated when comparing tumours with mutant and wild type TP53 across the different subtypes were the mTORC1 signaling and glycolysis pathways. These results suggest that therapies that target TP53 or other downstream pathways may be more effective against luminal A and B tumours in the Asian population.
Microgravity enhances the phenotype of Arabidopsis zigzag-1 and reduces the Wortmannin-induced vacuole fusion in root cells
Authors: Wang Mengying , Danz Katherine , Ly Vanessa , Rojas-Pierce Marcela
Published: April 2022

The spaceflight environment of the International Space Station poses a multitude of stresses on plant growth including reduced gravity. Plants exposed to microgravity and other conditions on the ISS display root skewing, changes in gene expression and protein abundance that may result in changes in cell wall composition, antioxidant accumulation and modification of growth anisotropy. Systematic studies that address the effects of microgravity on cellular organelles are lacking but altered numbers and sizes of vacuoles have been detected in previous flights. The prominent size of plant vacuoles makes them ideal models to study organelle dynamics in space. Here, we used Arabidopsis zigzag1 (zig-1) as a sensitized genotype to study the effect of microgravity on plant vacuole fusion. Wortmannin was used to induce vacuole fusion in seedlings and a formaldehyde-based fixation protocol was developed to visualize plant vacuole morphology after sample return, using confocal microscopy. Our results indicate that microgravity enhances the zig-1 phenotype by reducing hypocotyl growth and vacuole fusion in some cells. This study demonstrates the feasibility of chemical inhibitor treatments for plant cell biology experiments in space.
Pathogenic variants of sphingomyelin synthase SMS2 disrupt lipid landscapes in the secretory pathway
Authors: Sokoya Tolulope , Parolek Jan , Foged Mads Møller , Danylchuk Dmytro I. , Bozan Manuel , Sarkar Bingshati , Hilderink Angelika , Philippi Michael , Botto Lorenzo D. , Terhal Paulien A. , Mäkitie Outi , Piehler Jacob , Kim Yeongho , Burd Christopher G. , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Maeda Kenji , Holthuis Joost C. M.
Published: April 2022

Sphingomyelin is a dominant sphingolipid in mammalian cells. Its production in the trans-Golgi traps cholesterol synthesized in the ER to promote formation of a sphingomyelin/sterol gradient along the secretory pathway. This gradient marks a fundamental transition in physical membrane properties that help specify organelle identify and function. We previously identified mutations in sphingomyelin synthase SMS2 that cause osteoporosis and skeletal dysplasia. Here we show that SMS2 variants linked to the most severe bone phenotypes retain full enzymatic activity but fail to leave the ER owing to a defective autonomous ER export signal. Cells harboring pathogenic SMS2 variants accumulate sphingomyelin in the ER and display a disrupted transbilayer sphingomyelin asymmetry. These aberrant sphingomyelin distributions also occur in patient-derived fibroblasts and are accompanied by imbalances in cholesterol organization, glycerophospholipid profiles and lipid order in the secretory pathway. We postulate that pathogenic SMS2 variants undermine the capacity of osteogenic cells to uphold nonrandom lipid distributions that are critical for their bone forming activity.
Engineering a more specific E. coli glyoxylate/hydroxypyruvate reductase for coupled steady state kinetics assays
Authors: Vuksanovic Nemanja , Serrano Dante A. , Patterson Brandon M. , Silvaggi Nicholas R.
Published: April 2022

The E. coli glyoxylate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase A (EcGhrA) was investigated as a coupling enzyme to monitor the transamination of 2-ketoarginine and glycine by the L-enduracididine biosynthetic enzyme MppQ. Surprisingly, 2-ketoarginine proved to be an efficient substrate for EcGhrA. Since the promiscuity of EcGhrA prevented its use as a coupling enzyme to monitor the aminotransferase activity of MppQ, we set about engineering a more specific variant. X-ray crystal structures of EcGhrA were determined in the unliganded state, as well as with glyoxylate and 2-ketoarginine bound. The electron density maps of EcGhrA with 2-ketoarginine bound showed weak electron density for the side chain of this substrate, complicating the choice of active site residues to target for site-directed mutagenesis. The structure of the complex did, however, suggest that the side chain of W45 could interact with the guanidinium group of 2-ketoarginine. We therefore generated the EcGhrAW45F variant and tested it for activity with 2-ketoarginine, glyoxylate, oxaloacetate, α-ketoglutarate, α-oxofuranacetic acid, phenyl pyruvate, 3-mercaptopyruvate and 2-ketobutyric acid. The W45F variant exhibited a ∼10-fold decrease in the specificity constant (kcat/KM) for 2-ketoarginine, while the reaction with glyoxylate was not significantly impaired. The reactions of the W45F variant with the alternative substrates oxaloacetate and α-ketoglutarate were also impaired. Thus, the W45F variant is a less promiscuous enzyme than the wild-type. This engineered EcGhrAW45F variant could be generally useful as a coupling system for enzymes that produce glyoxylate, such as 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate aldolase or isocitrate lyase.
Robustness of the ferret model for influenza risk assessment studies: a cross-laboratory exercise
Authors: Belser Jessica A , Lau Eric HY , Barclay Wendy , Barr Ian G. , Chen Hualan , Fouchier Ron AM , Hatta Masato , Herfst Sander , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Lakdawala Seema S , Lee Leo Yi Yang , Neumann Gabriele , Peiris Malik , Perez Daniel R , Russell Charles , Subbarao Kanta , Sutton Troy C , Webby Richard J , Yang Huanliang , Yen Hui-Ling ,   Working group on the standardization of the ferret model for influenza risk assessment
Published: April 2022

Ferrets represent the preferred animal model for assessing the transmission potential of newly emerged zoonotic influenza viruses. However, heterogeneity among established experimental protocols and facilities across different laboratories may lead to variable results, complicating interpretation of transmission experimental data. Between 2018-2020, a global exercise was conducted by 11 participating laboratories to assess the range of variation in ferret transmission experiments using two common stock H1N1 influenza viruses that possess different transmission characteristics in ferrets. Inoculation route, dose, and volume were standardized, and all participating laboratories followed the same experimental conditions for respiratory droplet transmission, including a strict 1:1 donor:contact ratio. Additional host and environmental parameters likely to affect influenza transmission kinetics were monitored throughout. Overall transmission outcomes for both viruses across 11 laboratories were concordant, suggesting the robustness of the ferret model for zoonotic influenza risk assessment. To attain high confidence in identifying zoonotic influenza viruses with moderate-to-high or low transmissibility, our analyses support that as few as three but as many as five laboratories, respectively, would need to independently perform viral transmission experiments with concordant results. This exercise facilitates the development of a more homogenous protocol for ferret transmission experiments that are employed for the purposes of risk assessment.
Resilient WASH development for urban poor: the case of Ahmedabad slums
Authors: Thakore Akshat Yaumin , Iyer Mona , Mishra Gargi , Doshi Siddh
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Climate variability, accompanied by rapid urbanization and rising population disproportionality, impacts urban poor settlements. This paper aims to analyse the climate resilience for the urban poor in Ahmedabad through the lens of WASH development strategies. To assess the adaptive capacities of urban poor communities, a framework in the form of a vulnerability matrix has been used consisting of four key parameters – tenure, basic services, mobilization and partnership and disaster management capacities. The matrix implicitly recommends area-specific interventions to boost adaptive capacities and improve resilience based on WASH services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was designed to assess the climate resilience of WASH services in the urban poor settlements of Ahmedabad city. In all, seven slums were selected using a stratified sampling approach considering topography, access to WASH services and urban heat island effect. These slums were then assessed using a theoretical framework having four key parameters – tenure, basic service, mobilization and partnership and disaster management capacities. The data for the analysis was collected from both secondary and primary sources. For the latter, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, observational field visits and focused group discussions with the communities were done.

Findings

A ladder form of assessment matrix was derived from a thorough literature review and various pre-existing theories. This matrix consists of four key parameters – tenure, basic service, mobilization and partnership and disaster management capacities. The slums were evaluated by applying this framework, and direct and indirect relationships were established between the said parameters.

Research limitations/implications

This paper was adapted in the light of various obstacles put forward by the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the interviews with the bureaucrats and external researchers were conducted online, while the engagement with the slum dwellers was in-person, considering appropriate social and/or physical distancing norms. Implications of the Covid-19 second wave restricted the involvement of researchers with the communities at an ethnographic level.

Originality/value

The ladder form of vulnerability assessment framework has been developed and contextualized using the insights from literature review, field visits and multi-stakeholder consultations. It was helpful in identifying aspects that require suitable interventions for improving and imparting resilience among the urban poor settlements. The learnings from this paper are significant for planners and decision-makers in identifying and prioritizing context-specific future projects for a city.
Toward cultural significance awareness in HIS: a data model approach
Authors: Jouan Pierre , Hallot Pierre
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the challenging issue of developing a quantitative approach for the representation of cultural significance data in heritage information systems (HIS). The authors propose to provide experts in the field with a dedicated framework to structure and integrate targeted data about historical objects' significance in such environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This research seeks the identification of key indicators which allow to better inform decision-makers about cultural significance. Identified concepts are formalized in a data structure through conceptual data modeling, taking advantage on unified modeling language (HIS). The design science research (DSR) method is implemented to facilitate the development of the data model.

Findings

This paper proposes a practical solution for the formalization of data related to the significance of objects in HIS. The authors end up with a data model which enables multiple knowledge representations through data analysis and information retrieval.

Originality/value

The framework proposed in this article supports a more sustainable vision of heritage preservation as the framework enhances the involvement of all stakeholders in the conservation and management of historical sites. The data model supports explicit communications of the significance of historical objects and strengthens the synergy between the stakeholders involved in different phases of the conservation process.
Sustainable supply chain visibility assessment and proposals for improvements using fuzzy logic
Authors: Apeji Uje Daniel , Sunmola Funlade T.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Visibility management is essential to sustainable supply chains (SSCs), allowing the ability to see the chain end-to-end, with opportunities to derive benefits, including competitive advantage. Central to visibility management is visibility assessment and identification of areas for improvement. This paper aims to propose a method of assessing visibility in SSCs and the generation of proposals for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A hierarchically structured assessment template is developed that comprises of dimensions, factors and attributes of visibility in SSCs. The template permits the use of linguistic variables. A fuzzy logic approach is adopted to calculate visibility levels and generate improvement areas based on linguistic data captured through the template. An industry-based case study is used to illustrate the process.

Findings

This study reveals that visibility can be measured straightforwardly using the method developed in this paper. It is found that automation and contextual factors can significantly impact visibility levels, so also is sustainability awareness and practices adopted.

Originality/value

This paper describes a visibility assessment model that incorporates linguistic variables, fuzzy logic and the use of an adaptable visibility assessment template. The assessment model can identify potential inhibitors of visibility for SSC under study.
Industry 4.0 enabling manufacturing flexibility: technology contributions to individual resource and shop floor flexibility
Authors: Enrique Daisy Valle , Marcon Érico , Charrua-Santos Fernando , Frank Alejandro G.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper focuses on understanding the contribution of Industry 4.0 technologies to manufacturing flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple-case study was conducted through interviews and complementary data from 12 adopters of Industry 4.0 technologies from the industrial sector. To enable a broad perspective, cases from 5 industry sectors with different technological intensity levels were studied.

Findings

The findings show that Industry 4.0 technologies are mostly used to improve machine flexibility since there is a major focus on technological approaches rather than on wider flexibility. The results also showed that cloud services, IoT, and data analytics provide the basis for flexible operation, and collaborative robots, ERP/MES/PLM, AGVs, and traceability devices are the most commonly implemented technologies for flexibility. However, inherent contingency factors such as production complexity and product life cycle need to be considered.

Originality/value

This article expands the research on manufacturing flexibility, considering new capabilities introduced by Industry 4.0.
Maintenance practices and overall equipment effectiveness: testing the moderating effect of training
Authors: Duarte André Luís Castro Moura , Santiago Scarpin Marcia Regina Santiago
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the relationship between different maintenance practices and productive efficiency in continuous process productive plants as well as the moderating effect of good training practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were drawn from a database containing 609 observations of 29 productive units. Scales were validated using the Q-sort method. The panel data technique was used as the analysis methodology, with the inclusion of fixed effects for each productive plant.

Findings

Maintenance practices can effectively contribute to increasing the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of firms. Application of predictive maintenance practices should be considered as the primary training tool.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a secondary database, limiting the research design and data manipulation.

Practical implications

The article provides practitioners with an analysis of maintenance practices by category (predictive, preventive and corrective), and the impact of each practice on the OEE of continuous process productive plants. Moreover, it explores the importance of training for extracting more results from maintenance practices.

Social implications

Companies are investing in new technologies, but it is also essential to invest in training people. There is a demand for Industry 4.0 through the introduction of upskilling and reskilling programs.

Originality/value

This study used practice-based view (PBV) theory to explain how maintenance practices help firms achieve greater OEE. Furthermore, it introduced training practice as a moderating variable in the relationship between maintenance practices and OEE.
One-year push-off specimens using cocktail and polymeric fibres at elevated temperatures
Authors: Alimrani Naser , Balazs Gyorgy , Abdelmelek Nabil
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to test push-off specimens at elevated temperatures. This research work is part of the author’s PhD work. The author has published several of the significant findings that were remarkably cited in short time. This research is a continuation of that work, yet it has new findings as well. The author hopes this to be accepted and published.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach that was used herein is widely used in the field i.e., the push-off specimen testing. The author has used this approach to investigate the shear performance of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures. In addition, the author has used means of Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) to record the displacements of the loading.

Findings

Results showed that, at ambient temperature, shear capacity is significantly increased by the virtue of using cocktail fibres, while insignificant increase is noticed using polymeric fibres only. However, significant decrease is noticed when elevated temperatures are included for both mixes.

Originality/value

Many of the research findings here were accepted as New Scientific Results in my PhD Thesis. The novelty is remarkable and was appreciated by the committee.