bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of free‐living physical activity measurements between ActiGraph GT3X‐BT and Fitbit Charge 3 in young people with haemophilia
Authors: Matlary Ruth Elise D. , Holme Pål André , Glosli Heidi , Rueegg Corina Silvia , Grydeland May
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Measurement of physical activity (PA) using commercial activity trackers such as Fitbit devices has become increasingly popular, also for people with haemophilia (PWH). The accuracy of the Fitbit model Charge 3 has not yet been examined.

Aims

To compare the Fitbit Charge 3 against the research‐grade accelerometer ActiGraph GT3X‐BT in measuring average daily steps and minutes spent in different PA intensities.

Methods

Twenty‐four young PWH wore a wrist‐worn Fitbit Charge 3 and hip‐worn ActiGraph GT3X‐BT simultaneously for seven consecutive days in free‐living conditions. Correlation of and differences between the devices for daily averages of PA parameters were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and paired t‐test, respectively. Agreement between devices was assessed using Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

Twenty participants (mean age 21.8) were included in the analyses. We found moderate to high correlations between Fitbit and ActiGraph measured daily averages for all PA variables, but statistically significant differences between devices for all variables except daily minutes of moderate PA. Fitbit overestimated average daily steps, minutes of light, vigorous and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA. Bland‐Altman plots showed a measurement bias between devices for all parameters with increasing overestimation by the Fitbit for higher volumes of PA.

Conclusion

The Fitbit Charge 3 overestimated steps and minutes of light, moderate and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA as compared to the ActiGraph GT3X‐BT, and this bias increased with PA volume. The Fitbit should therefore be used with caution in research, and we advise users of the device to be cognizant of this overestimation.
Associations between dementia diagnosis and end‐of‐life care utilization
Authors: Luth Elizabeth A. , Manful Adoma , Prigerson Holly G. , Xiang Lingwei , Reich Amanda , Semco Robert , Weissman Joel S.
Published: July 2022

Background

Dementia is a leading cause of death for older adults and is more common among persons from racial/ethnic minoritized groups, who also tend to experience more intensive end‐of‐life care. This retrospective cohort study compared end‐of‐life care in persons with and without dementia and identified dementia's moderating effects on the relationship between race/ethnicity and end‐of‐life care.

Methods

Administrative claims data for 463,590 Medicare fee‐for‐service decedents from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses examined the association of dementia with 5 intensive and 2 quality of life‐focused measures. Intensity measures included hospital admission, ICU admission, receipt of any of 5 intensive procedures (CPR, mechanical ventilation, intubation, dialysis initiation, and feeding tube insertion), hospital death, and Medicare expenditures (last 30 days of life). Quality of life measures included timely hospice care (>3 days before death) and days at home (last 6 months of life). Models were adjusted for demographic and clinical factors.

Results

54% of Medicare decedents were female, 85% non‐Hispanic White, 8% non‐Hispanic Black, and 4% Hispanic. Overall, 51% had a dementia diagnosis claim. In adjusted models, decedents with dementia had 16%–29% lower odds of receiving intensive services (AOR hospital death: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.70–0.72; AOR hospital admission: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.83–0.86). Patients with dementia had 45% higher odds of receiving timely hospice (AOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.42–1.47), but spent 0.74 fewer days at home (adjusted mean: −0.74, 95% CI: (−0.98)–(−0.49)). Compared to non‐Hispanic White individuals, persons from racial/ethnic minoritized groups were more likely to receive intensive services. This effect was more pronounced among persons with dementia.

Conclusions

Although overall dementia was associated with fewer intensive services near death, beneficiaries from racial/ethnic groups minoritized with dementia experienced more intensive service use. Particular attention is needed to ensure care aligns with the needs and preferences of persons with dementia and from racial/ethnic minoritized groups.
The medieval skincare routine according to the formulations of Madgistra Trotula and the Medical School of Salerno and its reflection on cosmetology of the third millennium
Authors: Pisanti Simona , Mencherini Teresa , Esposito Tiziana , D'Amato Valeria , Re Tania , Bifulco Maurizio , Aquino Rita P.
Published: July 2022

Background

Officinal plants, minerals, animal derivatives, and miscellaneous have always been used to treat and improve appearance despite the different aesthetic canons of a specific historical and cultural context.

Objective

The aim of this work was to make a critical comparison between medieval and modern dermocosmetics analyzing the works of Trotula de Ruggiero, a female doctor of the 11th century teaching and working inside the illustrious “Medical School of Salerno,” who devoted particular attention to the promotion of female care, beauty, and well‐being.

Methods

We applied the historical‐critical method analyzing the Latin text and the nglish translation of the standardized corpus of the main Trotula medieval manuscript De Ornatu Mulierum with a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from botany to pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, pharmacology and pathology.

Results

We identified the medicinal plants, derivatives of animal origin and minerals used in the recipes of Trotula, highlighting their biological properties in the light of current scientific knowledge. A critical comparison between medieval and modern dermocosmetics is reported also taking into consideration the chemical, pharmaceutical, and technological literature.

Conclusion

Beyond the obvious changes in the paradigms of cosmetology and the different beauty canons of Middle Age with respect to modern times, our results emphasize the attention of Trotula to female care, beauty and well‐being as well as the extraordinary combination of tradition and modernity in her work.
CSR and firm profitability: Evidence from a meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Hirsch Stefan , Petersen Thies , Koppenberg Maximilian , Hartmann Monika
Published: July 2022

We analyze the literature on the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP) by applying meta‐regression analysis (MRA) to 7800 results of 512 empirical studies. Our findings reveal a small positive link between CSP and CFP as well as the presence of publication bias that favors statistically significant CSP–CFP regression coefficients. We also evaluate the impact of the underlying research design on the heterogeneity in published effects using Bayesian and frequentist model‐averaging (FMA). We consider 42 contextual characteristics and our results show that reported CSP–CFP effects are smaller in cases where a binary index is used to measure CSP or when CSP is used as the dependent variable. In contrast, firms in industrial sectors or operating in China rather than the United States exhibit stronger effects. Finally, the CSP–CFP effect is driven by the choice of the econometric estimator and the inclusion of firm size as control variable.
Assessing conservation priorities of threatened medicinal plants in China: A new comprehensive phylogenetic scoring system
Authors: Shan Zhang‐Jian , Zhang Qian , Peng Dan‐Xiao , Ye Jian‐Fei , Cao Lan , Chen Zhi‐Duan , Qin Hai‐Ning
Published: July 2022

Over‐harvesting, habitat loss and fragmentation, and biological invasions have led to a sharp decline in wild medicinal plants population in China, where they are an essential component of traditional medicine and used widely. The current national list of protected medicinal materials, the State Key‐protected Wild Medicinal Species List (SKPWMSL), which has not been revised for 30 years, is in urgent need of an update. This study proposes a new scoring system with seven indicators that set the conservation priorities of threatened medicinal plants. The advantages of our approach include: (i) quantitative methods with high repeatability and comparability; and (ii) consideration of the evolutionary history of medicinal species. After assessing 911 threatened medicinal angiosperms in China, we identified 112 species as key medicinal plants for conservation priority (KMPCP). We suggest promoting the SKPWMSL with KMPCP as a supplement and update. Meanwhile, our scoring system will improve the future setting of conservation priority and can be extended to other countries or regions.
How high‐fat diet affects bone in mice: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Zhang Zhanrong , Pei Lei , Zhang Xiaozhou , Li Boyuan , Meng Yichen , Zhou Xuhui
Published: July 2022

High‐fat diet (HFD) feeding for mice is commonly used to model obesity. However, conflicting results have been reported on the relationship between HFD and bone mass. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we synthesized data from 80 articles to determine the alterations in cortical and trabecular bone mass of femur, tibia, and vertebrae in C57BL/6 mice after HFD. Overall, we detected decreased trabecular bone mass as well as deteriorated architecture, in femur and tibia of HFD treated mice. The vertebral trabecula was also impaired, possibly due to its reshaping into a more fragmentized pattern. In addition, pooled cortical thickness declined in femur, tibia, and vertebrae. Combined with changes in other cortical parameters, HFD could lead to a larger femoral bone marrow cavity, and a thinner and more fragile cortex. Moreover, we conducted subgroup analyses to explore the influence of mice's sex and age as well as HFD's ingredients and intervention period. Based on our data, male mice or mice aged 6–12 weeks old are relatively susceptible to HFD. HFD with > 50% of energy from fats and intervention time of 10 weeks to 5 months are more likely to induce skeletal alterations. Altogether, these findings supported HFD as an appropriate model for obesity‐associated bone loss and can guide future studies.
Three dimensions of COVID‐19 risk perceptions and their socioeconomic correlates in the United States: A social media analysis
Authors: Qiao Shan , Li Zhenlong , Liang Chen , Li Xiaoming , Rudisill Caroline
Published: July 2022

Social media analysis provides an alternate approach to monitoring and understanding risk perceptions regarding COVID‐19 over time. Our current understandings of risk perceptions regarding COVID‐19 do not disentangle the three dimensions of risk perceptions (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and negative emotion) as the pandemic has evolved. Data are also limited regarding the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on COVID‐19‐related risk perceptions over time. To address these knowledge gaps, we extracted tweets regarding COVID‐19‐related risk perceptions and developed indicators for the three dimensions of risk perceptions based on over 502 million geotagged tweets posted by over 4.9 million Twitter users from January 2020 to December 2021 in the United States. We examined correlations between risk perception indicator scores and county‐level SDOH. The three dimensions of risk perceptions demonstrate different trajectories. Perceived severity maintained a high level throughout the study period. Perceived susceptibility and negative emotion peaked on March 11, 2020 (COVID‐19 declared global pandemic by WHO) and then declined and remained stable at lower levels until increasing once again with the Omicron period. Relative frequency of tweet posts on risk perceptions did not closely follow epidemic trends of COVID‐19 (cases, deaths). Users from socioeconomically vulnerable counties showed lower attention to perceived severity and susceptibility of COVID‐19 than those from wealthier counties. Examining trends in tweets regarding the multiple dimensions of risk perceptions throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic can help policymakers frame in‐time, tailored, and appropriate responses to prevent viral spread and encourage preventive behavior uptake in the United States.
The association between dental arch length and oral health‐related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post‐radiotherapy
Authors: Abed Hassan , Reilly Damien , Burke Mary , Sharka Rayan , Daly Blánaid
Published: July 2022

Aims

To assess the association between length of dental arch and oral health‐related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post‐radiotherapy.

Methods

Thirty head and neck cancer participants reported their oral health‐related quality of life using the oral health impact profile‐14 instrument and their global self‐rating of general and oral health. All patients had received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The length of dental arch was assessed in three tooth relational categories: canine‐to‐canine, shortened (premolars to premolars), and long (molars to molars) dental arches. Inclusion of participants for any of the three categories required verification of opposing teeth relationship with Shim Stock paper.

Results

Out of 30 head and neck cancer patients, eight (27%) had a canine‐to‐canine dental arch, 14 (46%) had a shortened dental arch, and eight (27%) had a long dental arch. The median oral health impact profile‐14 scores for participants respectively with the canine‐to‐canine dental arch was six (IQR = 9.25), seven (IQR = 8) for participants with shortened dental arch, and 11 (IQR = 12.5) for participants with long dental arch. There were no significant differences in oral health impact profile‐14 scores between the three‐tooth relational groups (Kruskal‐Wallis H = 0.769, df = 2, P‐value = .681). Similarly, there were no significant differences between three‐tooth relational groups on the self rating of general (Chi‐squared = 1.714, df = 2, P‐value = .424) and oral health (Chi‐squared = 1.393, df = 2, P‐value = .498).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, no association was found between the length of dental arch and oral health‐related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post‐radiotherapy. Other factors such as dry mouth, oral mucositis, loss of taste, and trismus should be considered as contributory factors to reduced oral health‐related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post‐radiotherapy, particularly in relation to eating difficulties.
Narratives of the Process: Parliamentary debates about Catalonia's referendum of 2017
Authors: Franco‐Guillén Núria , Rubio‐Carbonero Gema
Published: July 2022

On 1 October 2017, Catalonia held an independence referendum. The Spanish state had previously declared this referendum illegal and activated political and security devices to prevent it from being held. The referendum was the tipping point of the so‐called Catalan ‘Process’, which would continue with the suspension of Catalonia's self‐government and the imprisonment of several Catalan politicians and activists. Heated political discussion has centred current Spanish (and sometimes even European) politics on issues related to the legitimacy of both the Process and the actors involved in it. This paper aims to understand how the different Catalan political parties framed the Process by looking at the parliamentary discourses which prevailed in the Catalan Parliament one month before and one month after the holding of the referendum. The data are analysed using a mixed‐methods approach. We combine topic models (used to generate different frames associated with different political leanings inductively) with an in‐depth examination of the contents of these frames. The results shed light on how the Catalan Process is framed according to different political leanings and contribute to our understanding of stateless and state‐wide nationalism strategies.
Evaluación de patrones temporales en la dinámica para el cambio de cobertura vegetal en zonas rurales tropicales durante el periodo 2013-2018. Caso de estudio Chaguaní-Colombia
Authors: González Gina Paola , Toro Casas Valeria , Dorado Castillo Elkin Oswaldo , Ramírez Castañeda Leila Nayibe
Published: July 2022

El índice de vegetación de diferencia normalizada (NDVI) es un método implementado para la detección de cambios en las coberturas vegetales. Con el fin de evaluar la calidad de la vegetación del municipio de Chaguaní-Cundinamarca en Colombia durante el periodo 2013-2018, se emplearon imágenes satelitales Landsat 8 OLI TIRS, con el fin de extraer los valores del NDVI. En los resultados se identifican ascensos en el suelo desnudo desde 25.477 hectáreas hasta 50.270 hectáreas entre los años 2013 y 2014, está situación pone en un estado crítico el municipio de Chaguaní, ya que disminuye las zonas cultivables, afectando la seguridad alimentaria de la zona.
Capacitação do Cuidador Informal: estudo das dificuldades e das variáveis preditivas
Authors: Almeida Francisco , Martins Rosa , Martins Carina
Published: July 2022

Introdução:  Cuidador Informal (CI) enfrenta múltiplas dificuldades no cuidado da pessoa dependente. Objetivos: avaliar as dificuldades sentidas pelos cuidadores informais no cuidado à pessoa dependente e identificar variáveis preditivas dessas dificuldades. Materiais e Métodos: estudo observacional, transversal, descritivo-correlacional e de cariz quantitativo que utilizou uma amostra do tipo não probabilístico por conveniência, constituída por 119 CI, da Região Centro de Portugal. O instrumento de medida utilizado integrou uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos e uma Escala de Avaliação das Dificuldades do Cuidador Informal (EADCI). Resultados: foram observadas maioritariamente dificuldades moderadas, sendo estas mais elevadas ao nível das dimensões cuidar de mim e das atividades de vida diária. Constituíram-se variáveis preditivas o grau de dependência funcional da pessoa dependente a idade do CI e a existência de barreiras arquitetónicas. Conclusão: estes resultados indicam que os CI apresentam dificuldades a vários níveis do cuidar da pessoa dependente, fortalecendo a necessidade de implementar novas estratégias capazes de responder a estes desafios.
Carga laboral en personal de salud asistencial y administrativo en una institución de II nivel en Colombia
Authors: Acosta-Romo Maria Fernanda , Castro-Bastidas David Andrés , Bravo-Riaño Diego Francisco
Published: July 2022

Introducción: la carga laboral es un elemento de interés a ser evaluado en el área de la salud, debido a que puede influir en la calidad de atención en salud. Objetivo: determinar la carga laboral del personal de salud asistencial y administrativo en una institución de salud de II nivel en Colombia, 2019. Método: estudio observacional de corte transversal. Se estudió a 108 trabajadores, de los cuales 76 fueron asistenciales y 32 administrativos; se diseñó y validó un instrumento mediante ronda de expertos en investigación en salud. La carga laboral se evalúo mediante un instrumento validado y adaptado al español denominado NASA-TLX. Resultados: en personal asistencial predominó el sexo femenino 58,7 % y administrativo el masculino 68,8 %, el rango de edad que prevaleció fue de 28 a 34 años con 49,6 %. El 42 % del personal asistencial tenía estudios técnicos, en el personal administrativo el 43,8 % tenía título universitario. En cuanto a jornada laboral asistencial se evidenció dedicación de 48 horas en un 52 % y 83,3 % en administrativos. Tipo de vinculación: temporal asistencial 72 % y el 59,4 % de los administrativos de planta. Evaluación de la carga laboral: en la dimensión de exigencia mental, los dos grupos presentaron promedios mayores de 10 puntos. Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mediana de exigencia física para los dos grupos de estudio (p= 0,00). Conclusión: los trabajadores del área asistencial y administrativa presentan carga laboral en las dimensiones de exigencia mental y exigencia física, de ahí la necesidad de mejorar la planificación de los recursos humanos dentro de las organizaciones de salud.
Grupo de síntomas de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y cuidados paliativos: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Cabal  Escandóna Victoria , Montes Monsalve Luz Adriana , Celis Sarmiento Nelson Stiven , Ortiz Mahecha Astrih Liliana
Published: July 2022

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una entidad patológica que se caracteriza por una serie de manifestaciones físicas persistentes como tos, fatiga, disnea y producción de esputo; síntomas que generan malestar en el paciente desde el momento del diagnóstico y que, al ser una enfermedad irreversible por el daño tisular que causa, progresivamente va incidiendo de manera negativa en la calidad de vida. De otra parte, se ha reportado presencia de síntomas psicológicos como depresión, inseguridad, ansiedad y alteraciones emocionales en los pacientes diagnosticados con EPOC. Así mismo, los pacientes con este diagnóstico tienden a desarrollar comportamientos que alteran sus relaciones sociales familiares y laborales, por cuanto tienden a aislarse debido a la sintomatología, especialmente física.
La situación planteada genera la necesidad de desarrollar un trabajo de investigación con el objetivo de reconocer el clúster de síntomas físicos, psicológicos y sociales de los pacientes diagnosticados con EPOC, e identificar si se plantea un abordaje desde la atención paliativa. El estudio se desarrolló mediante una revisión sistemática de literatura en la que se identificaron 1776 artículos, de los que se evaluaron 41 para la identificación del clúster de síntomas. Se identificó el binomio disnea y tos, fatiga y expectoración como el clúster de síntomas físicos; la depresión y la ansiedad constituyen el clúster de síntomas psicológicos, y el impacto en la calidad de vida y la percepción de aislamiento o exclusión social.
Stagnation Point and Meniscus of Low Inertia Free Drag-Out of Liquid by Thin Strip
Authors: Ahmed Rubel , Kosasih Buyung , Johnstone Andrew D.
Published: July 2022

The time-averaged film thickness of the coating on a smooth strip from a bath can be predicted by the Landau-Levich (LL), and Derjaguin theory for low inertia and low Capillary number, Ca. Using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method incorporating adhesion force of the liquid to the strip surface, cohesion between liquid particles, and robustly tuned artificial viscosity, the flow and the evolution of meniscus of liquid drag-out within Ca range 0.06≤Ca≤0.25 and fluid Property number P0=0.1 is studied to characterize the stagnation point locations and the meniscus shape. The predicted time-averaged film thicknesses match closely with the LL prediction and previously published experimental data and other theoretical models. The distances of the stagnation points from the strip Xstg are within (2.5±0.3)h∞ and insensitive to Ca. These stagnation points are always on the meniscus air–liquid interface. However, the stagnation point elevation from the bath liquid level, Ystg increase with Ca.
Can Anthropometry be Used to Dictate Participant-Specific Thigh Marker Placements Which Minimize Error in Hip Joint Center Estimation?
Authors: Buchman-Pearle Jessa M. , Acker Stacey M.
Published: July 2022

Specific participant characteristics may be leveraged to dictate marker placements which reduce soft tissue artifact; however, a better understanding of the relationships between participant characteristics and soft tissue artifact are first required. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy in which measures of whole-body and thigh anthropometry could predict mislocation error of the hip joint center, tracked using skin-mounted marker clusters. Fifty participants completed squatting and kneeling, while pelvis and lower limb motion were recorded. The effect of soft tissue artifact was estimated from 6 rigid thigh marker clusters by evaluating their ability to track the position of the hip joint center most like the pelvis cluster. Eighteen backward stepwise linear regressions were performed using 10 anthropometric measures as independent variables and the mean of the peak difference between the thigh and pelvis cluster-tracked hip joint centers. Fourteen models significantly predicted error with low to moderate fit (R = .38–.67), explaining 14% to 45% of variation. Partial correlations indicated that soft tissue artifact may increase with soft tissue volume and be altered by local soft tissue composition. However, it is not recommended that marker placement be adjusted based on anthropometry alone.
Bilateral Improvements Following Unilateral Home-Based Training in Plantar Flexors: A Potential for Cross-Education in Rehabilitation
Authors: Mandal Sumona , Wong Liang Zhi , Simmons Niall D. , Mirallais Andreas , Ronca Flaminia , Kumar Bhavesh
Published: July 2022

Context: Cross-education (CE) refers to neuromuscular gains in the untrained limb upon contralateral limb training. To date, only laboratory-based exercise programs have demonstrated CE. Home-based exercise prescription eliciting CE could have greater clinical applicability. Objective: To determine the effect of an 8-week, home-based unilateral strength training intervention on isokinetic muscle strength, muscular excitation, and power in trained and untrained plantar flexors. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-four healthy participants were randomized to intervention (n = 20) or control (n = 14). The intervention group completed 3 sets of 12 repetitions of progressively loaded unilateral calf raises 3 days per week. Concentric and eccentric peak torque were measured using isokinetic dynamometry at 30°/s and 120°/s. Maximal electromyogram amplitude was simultaneously measured. Power was measured using a jump mat. All variables were measured at preintervention, midintervention, and postintervention. Results: Strength significantly increased bilaterally pre–post at both velocities concentrically and eccentrically in intervention group participants. Maximal electromyogram amplitude significantly increased pre–post bilaterally at both velocities in the medial gastrocnemii of the intervention group. Power significantly increased bilaterally pre–post in the intervention group, with a dose–response effect demonstrated in the untrained plantar flexors. The CE effects of strength, power, and electromyogram activation were 23.4%, 14.6%, and 25.3%, respectively. All control group values were unchanged pre–post. Conclusion: This study shows that a simple at-home unilateral plantar flexor exercise protocol induces significant increases in contralateral strength, muscular excitation, and power. These results suggest the applicability of CE in home rehabilitation programs aiming to restore or maintain neuromuscular function in inactive individuals or immobilized ankles.
Using Monte Carlo Simulation to Propagate Processing Parameter Uncertainty to the Statistical Analyses of Biomechanical Trajectories
Authors: Pataky Todd C.
Published: July 2022

Biomechanical trajectories are often routed through a chain of processing steps prior to statistical analysis. As changes in processing parameter values can affect these trajectories, care is required when choosing data processing specifics. The purpose of this Research Note was to demonstrate a simple way to propagate data processing parameter uncertainty to statistical inferences regarding biomechanical trajectories. As an example application, the correlation between foot contact duration and vertical ground reaction force during constant-speed treadmill walking was considered. Uncertainty was modeled using plausible-range uniform distributions in three data processing steps, and Monte Carlo simulation was used to construct probabilistic representations of both individual vertical ground reaction force measurements and the ultimate statistical results. Whereas an initial, plausible set of parameter values yielded a significant correlation between contact duration and late-stance vertical ground reaction force, Monte Carlo simulations revealed strong sensitivity, with “significance” being reached in fewer than 40% of simulations, with relatively little net effect of parameter uncertainty magnitude. These results indicate that propagating processing parameter uncertainty to statistical results promotes a cautious, nuanced, and robust view of observed effects. By extension, Monte Carlo simulations may yield greater interpretive consistency across studies involving data processing uncertainties.
Leveraging gene therapy to achieve long-term continuous or controllable expression of biotherapeutics
Authors: Cripe Timothy P. , Hutzen Brian , Currier Mark A. , Chen Chun-Yu , Glaspell Andrea M. , Sullivan Grace C. , Hurley Julia M. , Deighen Mackenzie R. , Venkataramany Akila S. , Mo Xiaokui , Stanek Joseph R. , Miller Anthony R. , Wijeratne Saranga , Magrini Vincent , Mardis Elaine R. , Mendell Jerry R. , Chandler Dawn S. , Wang Pin-Yi
Published: July 2022

T cells redirected to cancer cells either via a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) or a bispecific molecule have been breakthrough technologies; however, CAR-T cells require individualized manufacturing and bispecifics generally require continuous infusions. We created an off-the-shelf, single-dose solution for achieving prolonged systemic serum levels of protein immunotherapeutics via adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer. We demonstrate proof of principle in a CD19
+
lymphoma xenograft model using a single intravenous dose of AAV expressing a secreted version of blinatumomab, which could serve as a universal alternative for CD19 CAR-T cell therapy. In addition, we created an inducible version using an exon skipping strategy and achieved repeated, on-demand expression up to at least 36 weeks after AAV injection. Our system could be considered for short-term and/or repeated expression of other transgenes of interest for noncancer applications.
An inactivated multivalent influenza A virus vaccine is broadly protective in mice and ferrets
Authors: Park Jaekeun , Fong Legaspi Sharon L. , Schwartzman Louis M. , Gygli Sebastian M. , Sheng Zhong-Mei , Freeman Ashley D. , Matthews Lex M. , Xiao Yongli , Ramuta Mitchell D. , Batchenkova Natalia A. , Qi Li , Rosas Luz Angela , Williams Stephanie L. , Scherler Kelsey , Gouzoulis Monica , Bellayr Ian , Morens David M. , Walters Kathie-Anne , Memoli Matthew J. , Kash John C. , Taubenberger Jeffery K.
Published: July 2022

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) present major public health threats from annual seasonal epidemics and pandemics and from viruses adapted to a variety of animals including poultry, pigs, and horses. Vaccines that broadly protect against all such IAVs, so-called “universal” influenza vaccines, do not currently exist but are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrated that an inactivated, multivalent whole-virus vaccine, delivered intramuscularly or intranasally, was broadly protective against challenges with multiple IAV hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes in both mice and ferrets. The vaccine is composed of four β-propiolactone–inactivated low-pathogenicity avian IAV subtypes of H1N9, H3N8, H5N1, and H7N3. Vaccinated mice and ferrets demonstrated substantial protection against a variety of IAVs, including the 1918 H1N1 strain, the highly pathogenic avian H5N8 strain, and H7N9. We also observed protection against challenge with antigenically variable and heterosubtypic avian, swine, and human viruses. Compared to control animals, vaccinated mice and ferrets demonstrated marked reductions in viral titers, lung pathology, and host inflammatory responses. This vaccine approach indicates the feasibility of eliciting broad, heterosubtypic IAV protection and identifies a promising candidate for influenza vaccine clinical development.
Genome-Wide Identification of the LexA-Mediated DNA Damage Response in Streptomyces venezuelae
Authors: Stratton Kathryn J. , Bush Matthew J. , Chandra Govind , Stevenson Clare E. M. , Findlay Kim C. , Schlimpert Susan
Published: July 2022

The transcriptional regulator LexA functions as a repressor of the bacterial SOS response, which is induced under DNA-damaging conditions. This results in the expression of genes important for survival and adaptation.
d
-Proline Reductase Underlies Proline-Dependent Growth of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Johnstone Michael A. , Self William T.
Published: July 2022

Stickland metabolism is a core facet of
C. difficile
physiology that likely plays a major role in host colonization. Here, we carefully delineate the effects of each amino acid on the growth of
C. difficile
with respect to the selenoenzymes
d
-proline reductase and glycine reductase.
Genome Sequence of the Estuarine
Synechococcus
sp. Strain NB0720_010
Authors: MacKenzie Campbell A. , Marston Marcia F. , Tabima Javier F. , Ahlgren Nathan A.
Published: July 2022

Marine
Synechococcus
spp. are unicellular cyanobacteria widely distributed in the world’s oceans. We report the complete genome sequence of
Synechococcus
sp. strain NB0720_010, isolated from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. NB0702_10 has several large (>3,000-amino acid) protein-coding genes that may be important in its interactions with other cells, including grazers in estuarine habitats.
Goblet Cell Hyperplasia Increases SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Osan Jaspreet , Talukdar Sattya N. , Feldmann Friederike , DeMontigny Beth Ann , Jerome Kailey , Bailey Kristina L. , Feldmann Heinz , Mehedi Masfique
Published: July 2022

SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19’s first case was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and by March 2020 it was declared a pandemic by the WHO. It has been shown that various underlying conditions can increase the chance of having severe COVID-19.
Recombinant Noroviruses Circulating in Spain from 2016 to 2020 and Proposal of Two Novel Genotypes within Genogroup I
Authors: Navarro-Lleó Noemi , Santiso-Bellón Cristina , Vila-Vicent Susana , Carmona-Vicente Noelia , Gozalbo-Rovira Roberto , Cárcamo-Calvo Roberto , Rodríguez-Díaz Jesús , Buesa Javier
Published: July 2022

Human noroviruses are the most common cause of viral diarrhea. There are no approved vaccines to prevent their infections yet, which would be very useful to protect infants, small children, and the elderly in residential institutions.
Physical behaviors and their association with type 2 diabetes mellitus risk markers in urban South African middle-aged adults: an isotemporal substitutionapproach
Authors: Kufe Clement N , Goedecke Julia H , Masemola Maphoko , Chikowore Tinashe , Soboyisi Melikhaya , Smith Antonia , Westgate Kate , Brage Soren , Micklesfield Lisa K
Published: July 2022

Introduction

To examine the associations between physical behaviors and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk markers in middle-aged South African men and women.

Research design and methods

This cross-sectional study included middle-aged men (n=403; age: median (IQR), 53.0 (47.8–58.8) years) and women (n=324; 53.4 (49.1–58.1) years) from Soweto, South Africa. Total movement volume (average movement in milli-g) and time (minutes/day) spent in different physical behaviors, including awake sitting/lying, standing, light intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), were determined by combining the signals from two triaxial accelerometers worn simultaneously on the hip and thigh. All participants completed an oral glucose tolerance test, from which indicators of diabetes risk were derived. Associations between physical behaviors and T2DM risk were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and body composition.

Results

Total movement volume was inversely associated with measures of fasting and 2-hour glucose and directly associated with insulin sensitivity, basal insulin clearance, and beta-cell function, but these associations were not independent of fat mass, except for basal insulin clearance in women. In men, replacing 30 min of sitting/lying, standing or LPA with the same amount of MVPA time was associated with 1.2–1.4 mmol/L lower fasting glucose and 12.3–13.4 mgl2/mUmin higher insulin sensitivity. In women, substituting sitting/lying with the same amount of standing time or LPA was associated with 0.5–0.8 mmol/L lower fasting glucose. Substituting 30 min sitting/lying with the same amount of standing time was also associated with 3.2 mgl2/mUmin higher insulin sensitivity, and substituting 30 min of sitting/lying, standing or LPA with the same amount of MVPA time was associated with 0.25–0.29 ng/mIU higher basal insulin clearance in women.

Conclusion

MVPA is important in reducing T2DM risk in men and women, but LPA appears to be important in women only. Longitudinal and intervention studies warranted to provide more specific PA recommendations.
Liver steatosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among HIV-positive and negative adults in urban Zambia
Authors: Chihota Belinda Varaidzo , Riebensahm Carlotta , Muula Guy , Sinkala Edford , Chilengi Roma , Mulenga Lloyd , Bosomprah Samuel , Vinikoor Michael J , Bolton-Moore Carolyn , Egger Matthias , Rauch Andri , Berzigotti Annalisa , Wandeler Gilles
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The growing importance of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and high HIV prevalence in urban African settings may increase the burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). We assessed liver steatosis among HIV-positive and negative adults in urban Zambia.

Methods

Adults 30 years and older who were newly diagnosed with HIV, or tested HIV-negative at two primary care clinics in Lusaka, Zambia, were assessed for liver steatosis. Cardiometabolic data were collected through comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessments. Transient elastography was performed to measure controlled-attenuation parameter (≥248 dB/m). We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine the factors associated with the presence of steatosis.

Results

We enrolled 381 patients, including 154 (40%) antiretroviral therapy-naïve people living with HIV (PLWH) with a median CD4+ count of 247 cells/mm3and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.8 kg/m2. Liver steatosis was observed in 10% of participants overall and was more common among HIV-negative adults than in PLWH (15% vs 3%). The proportion of patients with steatosis was 25% among obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) participants, 12% among those overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), and 7% among those with a BMI <25 kg/m2. Among patients with a fasting glucose ≥7 mmol/L or confirmed diabetes, 57% had liver steatosis. In multivariable analyses, HIV status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.18, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53), confirmed diabetes or elevated fasting glucose (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 1.57 to 9.78) and elevated blood pressure (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.34 to 6.48) were associated with steatosis. The association between BMI>25 kg/m2and liver steatosis was attenuated after adjustment for potential confounders (aOR 1.96, 95% CI 0.88–4.40). Overall, 21 (9%) participants without HIV and 4 (3%) with HIV met the criteria for MAFLD. Among individuals with liver steatosis, 65% (95% CI 49% to 80%) fulfilled criteria of MAFLD, whereas 15 (39%) of them had elevated transaminases and 3 (8%) F2–F4 fibrosis.

Conclusions

The prevalence of liver steatosis in this urban cohort of HIV-positive and negative adults in Zambia was low, despite a large proportion of patients with high BMI and central obesity. Our study is among the first to report data on MAFLD among adults in Africa, demonstrating that metabolic risk factors are key drivers of liver steatosis and supporting the adoption of the criteria for MAFLD in African populations.
Developing a global practice-based framework of person-centred care from primary data: a cross-national qualitative study with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals
Authors: Giusti Alessandra , Pukrittayakamee Panate , Alarja Ghadeer , Farrant Lindsay , Hunter Joy , Mzimkulu Olona , Gwyther Liz , Williams Nokuzola , Wannarit Kamonporn , Abusalem Lana , Alajarmeh Sawsan , Alrjoub Waleed , Thongchot Lakkana , Janwanishstaporn Satit , Edilbi Adib , Al-Ani Ruba , Shamieh Omar , Guo Ping , Bashan Nkhoma Kennedy , Venkatapuram Sridhar , Harding Richard
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Person-centred care (PCC) is internationally recognised as a critical component of high-quality healthcare. However, PCC evolved in a few high-income countries and there are limited data exploring this concept across the vast majority of countries which are low- and middle-income. This study aimed to appraise and adapt a PCC model across three serious physical conditions in three middle-income countries and generate an evidence-based framework and recommendations for globally relevant PCC.

Methods

Cross-national, cross-sectional qualitative study. In depth, semistructured interviews conducted with: advanced cancer patients in Jordan (n=50), their caregivers (n=20) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) (n=20); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in South Africa (n=22), their caregivers (n=19) and HCPs (n=22); heart failure patients in Thailand (n=14), their caregivers (n=10) and HCPs (n=12). Data were analysed using framework analysis. Santanaet al’s PCC model (2018) and Giustiet al’s systematic review (2020) were used to construct an a priori coding frame for deductive analysis, with additional inductive coding for coding that did not fit the frame.

Results

The findings both reveal specific practical actions that contribute towards delivering PCC and highlight new cross-national domains of person-centredness: interdependency and collectivism; bringing care into the home and community; equity and non-discrimination; addressing health and illness within the context of limited resources; and workforce well-being.

Conclusion

The data suggest that PCC requires particular structural features of the healthcare system to be in place, such as professional education in PCC values and partnerships with community-based workers. These structures may better enable PCC processes, including tailored information sharing and providing genuine opportunities for patients to do the things that matter to them, such as making informed care decisions and sustaining social relationships. PCC must also accommodate a collectivist perspective and support the well-being of the workforce.
Different Approaches to requesting Consent for Routine data linkage in Neonatal follow-up (ACORN): protocol for a 2×2 factorial randomised trial
Authors: Harding Jane E , Rajay Aakash Bajirao , Alsweiler Jane Marie , Brown Gavin , Crowther Caroline Anne , Franke Nike , Gamble Greg , McKinlay Christopher , Milne Barry , Rogers Jenny , Wouldes Trecia
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Routinely collected data can be linked to research data to create a rich dataset and inform practice. However, consent is normally required to link identifiable data. Reported rates of consent to data linkage for children ranged from 21% to 96%, but no studies have investigated different approaches to seeking consent for data linkage for school-age children.

Methods and analysis

The Approaches to Consent for Routine Data Linkage in Neonatal Follow-up (ACORN) trial is a 2×2 factorial randomised trial to assess whether, for children who participated in neonatal randomised trials (pre-hypoglycaemia Prevention with Oral Dextrose Gel (hPOD), hPOD and The Impact of Protein Intravenous Nutrition on Development in Extremely Low Birth Weight Babies (ProVIDe)) and are approached to participate in an in-person assessment at 6–7 years of age, parental consent to data linkage is higher if consent is sought (1) after the in-person assessment (delayed) or concurrently and (2) for health and education data combined or separately. The primary outcomes will be rates of consent to linkage of (1) either health or education data and (2) both health and education data. A pilot study indicates the potentially available cohort size of 2110 (80% follow-up of the neonatal trial cohorts) would be adequate to detect an absolute difference of 6%–5%–4% from a baseline consent rate of 70%–85%–90%, respectively (2-tailed alpha 0.05, 90% power). With at least 1136 participants, the ACORN trial would have 90% power to detect an absolute difference of 5% in the primary outcome for each factor, assuming a consent rate of 90% in the control groups and alpha 0.05. Data are categorical and will be presented as number and per cent. The effects of factors will be tested using generalised linear models and presented as ORs and 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval by the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee (19/STH/202). Dissemination will be via peer-reviewed publications, scientific meetings, educational sessions and public fora.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621000571875 (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).
Effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision on teacher mental health and school climate: results of the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kuyken Willem , Ball Susan , Crane Catherine , Ganguli Poushali , Jones Benjamin , Montero-Marin Jesus , Nuthall Elizabeth , Raja Anam , Taylor Laura , Tudor Kate , Viner Russell M , Allwood Matthew , Aukland Louise , Dunning Darren , Casey Tríona , Dalrymple Nicola , De Wilde Katherine , Farley Eleanor-Rose , Harper Jennifer , Hinze Verena , Kappelmann Nils , Kempnich Maria , Lord Liz , Medlicott Emma , Palmer Lucy , Petit Ariane , Philips Alice , Pryor-Nitsch Isobel , Radley Lucy , Sonley Anna , Shackleford Jem , Tickell Alice , Team MYRIAD , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne , Ukoumunne Obioha C , Greenberg Mark T , Ford Tamsin , Dalgleish Tim , Byford Sarah , Williams J Mark G
Published: July 2022

Background

Education is broader than academic teaching. It includes teaching students social–emotional skills both directly and indirectly through a positive school climate.

Objective

To evaluate if a universal school-based mindfulness training (SBMT) enhances teacher mental health and school climate.

Methods

The My Resilience in Adolescence parallel group, cluster randomised controlled trial (registration:ISRCTN86619085; funding: Wellcome Trust (WT104908/Z/14/Z, WT107496/Z/15/Z)) recruited 85 schools (679 teachers) delivering social and emotional teaching across the UK. Schools (clusters) were randomised 1:1 to either continue this provision (teaching as usual (TAU)) or include universal SBMT. Data on teacher mental health and school climate were collected at prerandomisation, postpersonal mindfulness and SBMT teacher training, after delivering SBMT to students, and at 1-year follow-up.

Finding

Schools were recruited in academic years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. Primary analysis (SBMT: 43 schools/362 teachers; TAU: 41 schools/310 teachers) showed that after delivering SBMT to students, SBMT versus TAU enhanced teachers’ mental health (burnout) and school climate. Adjusted standardised mean differences (SBMT minus TAU) were: exhaustion (−0.22; 95% CI −0.38 to −0.05); personal accomplishment (−0.21; −0.41, −0.02); school leadership (0.24; 0.04, 0.44); and respectful climate (0.26; 0.06, 0.47). Effects on burnout were not significant at 1-year follow-up. Effects on school climate were maintained only for respectful climate. No SBMT-related serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

SBMT supports short-term changes in teacher burnout and school climate. Further work is required to explore how best to sustain improvements.

Clinical implications

SBMT has limited effects on teachers’ mental and school climate. Innovative approaches to support and preserve teachers’ mental health and school climate are needed.