bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges facing workstyle reform for Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists revealed from time studies
Authors: Sekine Masayuki , Nishijima Koji , Nakagawa Satoshi , Suzuki Yukio , Murakami Takashi , Kato Yasuhito , Umazume Takeshi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Komatsu Hiroaki , Doi Koutaro , Miura Kiyonori , Kudo Yoshiki , Unno Nobuya , Kimura Tadashi , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: April 2022

Aim

We aimed to grasp the actual working hours of Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYN doctors) as accurately as possible, using the same method of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW).

Methods

The time study targeted OB/GYN doctors working at 10 universities nationwide including Niigata University and 21 institutions which take a role of perinatal care in Niigata prefecture. Working hours per week were calculated based on the following categories: regular and overtime work inside the hospital, work outside the hospital, self‐improvement, education, research, and others. Data on weekly working hours were converted to yearly data for analyses.

Results

A time study of 10 universities nationwide revealed that 30% of doctors work overtime for more than 1860 h even if they do not include on‐call shifts in their working hours. In 21 institutions in Niigata, physicians in Niigata University worked more overtime than other hospitals. It became clear that community health care was supported by dispatching physicians working at university. Furthermore, the results of simulations predicted the pessimistic situation of perinatal medical care in Niigata.

Conclusions

Our study showed the possibility to exist much more OB/GYN doctors who work more than 1860 h of overtime work per year than the data presented by the MHLW based on nation‐wide survey in 2019. The fact that the working hours at the side jobs had a great influence on the increase in overtime work of physicians in University was the same result as the report of MHLW published in 2021.
Oral administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NR16 isolated from Kimchi ameliorates murine allergic rhinitis
Authors: Yang J. , Bae J. , Choi C.-Y. , Choi S.-P. , Yun H. S. , Chun T.
Published: April 2022

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type I hypersensitivity mediated by dominant T helper 2 (Th2) response over the Th1 response after re-exposure to a specific allergen. Currently, socio-economic cost evoked by AR is quickly increasing since the prevalence of AR is gradually increasing in all ages worldwide. Several probiotic Lactobacillus strains have been described with potential immunomodulatory effects against type I hypersensitivity such as AR. Thus, the aim of the present work was to characterize basic probiotic property and immunomodulatory role of newly isolated Lactobacillus strains from Kimchi, a traditional fermented Korean food, in AR. Among the identified strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NR16 revealed to be a powerful Th1 inducer since immune cells co-cultured with NR16 produced the highest quantity of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) but secreted a low amount of IL-4 in vitro. Therefore, NR16 was selected for the following assays conducted with mice with birch pollen–induced AR. Oral administration of NR16 reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and leukocyte infiltration in lesions of mice. In conclusion, oral administration of NR16 may mitigate symptoms of AR by inducing Th1 immune response, which might rebalance Th2/Th1 ratio by decreasing Th2 cytokine production in specific lesions of mucosa.
Consciousness as a natural kind and the methodological puzzle of consciousness
Authors: Taylor Henry
Published: April 2022

A new research programme conceives of consciousness as a natural kind. One proposed virtue of this approach is that it can help resolve the methodological puzzle of consciousness, which involves distinguishing consciousness from cognitive access. The present article raises a novel problem for this approach. The problem is rooted in the fact that there may be episodes of conscious experience that have not been classified as such. I argue that conceiving of consciousness as a natural kind cannot distinguish consciousness from cognitive access.
Incidence of late severe intestinal complications after bowel atresia/stenosis
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Tanami Yutaka , Sato Yumiko , Ishimaru Tetsuya , Kawashima Hiroshi , Oguma Eiji
Published: April 2022

Background

To determine the incidence and risk factors for late severe intestinal complications after surgical repair for intra‐abdominal congenital intestinal atresia/stenosis.

Methods

We included 51 patients who underwent surgical repair for congenital intestinal atresia/stenosis. Late severe intestinal complications included adhesive ileus, incisional hernia, or volvulus. Whether surgical intervention was urgent or not was recorded. The location of the atresia/stenosis was classified into two groups: atresia/stenosis located at the oral or anal side from the Treitz ligament. The type of atresia/stenosis was classified as low‐risk types (type I, mucosal web/II, fibrous cord/IIIa, mesenteric gap defect) and high‐risk types (IIIb, apple peel/IV, multiple atresia). We compared the incidence of late intestinal complications between the location of intestinal atresia/stenosis at the oral and anal side of Treitz ligament, and between low‐ and high‐risk types of atresia/stenosis using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Eight (15.7%) had late intestinal complications, all of which occurred in patients with intestinal atresia/stenosis located on the anal side of the ligament of Treitz. Urgent surgical intervention was needed in four cases. There was a significant difference in the location of atresia/stenosis (with vs. without late intestinal complications at oral/anal side of the Treitz ligament: 0/8 vs. 24/19; P = 0.005) and the type of intestinal atresia/stenosis (with vs. without that accompanying low‐/high‐risk type: 5/3 vs. 41/2; P = 0.023).

Conclusions

Physicians should consider the presence of intestinal complications that require surgical intervention in patients undergoing surgical reconstruction for jejunal and ileal atresia/stenosis with abdominal symptoms.
On Adposition Phrases in Dagara*
Authors: Hien Alain Noindonmon
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a reanalysis of adposition phrases expressing locations in Dagara. It has been observed in the literature that locative adpositions are postpositional in Dagara, which is arguably a head‐initial language and does have a preposition as well. This paper examines the behavior of what has been analyzed as postpositions with respect to stranding, case marking, focalization, and number marking and argues that they should be analyzed as nouns heading noun phrases. In addition, it is argued that noun phrases headed by the nouns in question are accompanied by an empty preposition.
Three Decades of Post‐Communist Fertility Transition in a Subnational Context: The Case of Slovakia
Authors: Šprocha Branislav , Bleha Branislav , Nováková Gabriela
Published: April 2022

Fertility transition is taking place in all post‐communist countries. Not many studies have been conducted at the subnational level to prove the universal nature of this transition or, on the contrary, the diversity of regional trajectories. This study attempts to reveal whether the same explanatory schemes can be applied to fertility transformation mechanisms on a regional as well as a national level. Using a principal component analysis and a cluster analysis, significant spatial differences were found. A rather unique finding is that while there is some convergence in terms of intensity, fertility tempo is a major factor for diversity. This study tries to explain regional differences and, their changes over time. Some economic factors are identified as being important for explaining spatial differences in the fertility quantum and – alongside some cultural factors – in the fertility tempo as well.
Perineal hernia repair in dorsal recumbency in 23 dogs: Description of technique, complications, and outcome
Authors: Tobias Karen M. , Crombie Kathryn
Published: April 2022

Objective

To describe repair of perineal hernias in dogs positioned in dorsal recumbency.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Sample population

Twenty‐three dogs with perineal hernias treated by herniorrhaphy, with or without adjunctive procedures.

Methods

Medical records from 2016 to 2020 were reviewed for technique description and animal outcomes, and owners and referring veterinarians were contacted for follow‐up information.

Results

Internal obturator muscle transposition (IOMT) was performed in 22 dogs, and polypropylene mesh repair was performed in one dog. Transection of the internal obturator tendon was feasible in all dogs undergoing IOMT. Eighteen dogs underwent abdominal pexy procedures, castration, or both during the same anesthetic period. No intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative complications were noted in the hospital in 14 dogs and after release in 11. Incisional infection/drainage and persistent urinary incontinence were reported in four and two dogs, respectively. Hernias reoccurred in four dogs and tended to be more common in dogs that had undergone previous herniorrhaphies (p = .053). Recurrence rates were lowest in dogs that had no prior hernia repair or organ pexy (p = .035).

Conclusion

Perineal hernia repair was feasible in dorsal recumbency. Complication and recurrence rates of perineal herniorrhaphy in dorsal recumbency were similar to those reported for dogs undergoing the procedure in sternal recumbency.

Clinical significance

Positioning of patients for perineal hernia repair can be dictated by surgeon preference. Perineal hernia repair in dorsal recumbency allows a single‐stage abdominal and perineal approach without repositioning.
Modelling changing sensitivity to alternating temperatures during induction of secondary dormancy in buried Polygonum aviculare L. seeds to aid in managing seedbank behaviour
Authors: Malavert Cristian , Batlla Diego , Benech‐Arnold Roberto L.
Published: April 2022

Seed dormancy is a common attribute of many weed species in temperate habitats that controls the seasonality of weed emergence from soil seedbanks. For some weed species, it is not enough to reduce seed dormancy, as germination can only proceed after exposure to dormancy termination factors (i.e. light and alternating temperatures). Sensitivity to alternating temperatures in Polygonum aviculare seeds increases during dormancy release. However, it is not known whether this sensitivity is lost during dormancy induction. The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify the changes in dormancy level of P. aviculare seeds during secondary dormancy induction, as measured by changes in sensitivity to alternating temperatures driven by the soil temperature. To achieve these objectives, seeds were stratified at 5°C until obtaining a minimum dormancy level. The seeds were then buried in pots and induced into secondary dormancy by storing them at 10, 15, 20 and 25°C for different time periods. During storage, seeds were exhumed periodically and exposed to different cycle‐doses of 10/24°C (12 h/12 h) (0, 1, 3, 5 and 15 cycles) to test germination. Our results showed that the high sensitivity to alternating temperatures achieved during primary dormancy release, decreased during secondary dormancy induction with a rate that is temperature dependent. These changes in sensitivity to alternating temperatures were quantified as a function of the accumulation of thermal time, which was calculated over a base temperature of 7.9°C. Coupling the present model with a previous one to assess changes in sensitivity to alternating temperatures during dormancy release, allowed us to develop a model for the prediction of cyclic changes in sensitivity to alternating temperature in relation to the thermal environment experienced by the seeds during burial. We present this model as a valuable tool for managing the weed seedbank through different agronomic practices.
Segregación y atracción de capital humano en Colombia
Authors: Ramos Ruiz José Luis , Polo Otero José Luis , De la Puente Sierra Pedro , Vega Cárcamo Jean
Published: April 2022

Durante la última década, el número de individuos con alto nivel educativo en las principales ciudades de Colombia ha  aumentado. En el presente documento, se busca evidencia acerca de la divergencia en la acumulación de capital humano entre algunas ciudades del Caribe colombiano y otras ciudades como Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga y Cúcuta.  A través del análisis estadístico y econométrico de medidas de segregación y atracción de capital humano, se encontró que para el Caribe colombiano hay evidencia de una convergencia en la acumulación de capital humano, lo cual contradice los planteamientoshechos por Christopher Berry y Edward Glaeser en su investigación del año 2005.
Estrategias de desarrollo urbano sostenible a escala barrial. San Miguel, Caucasia (Antioquia-Colombia)
Authors: Cardona Rodríguez Natalia , Rivera Flórez Luis Alejandro , Rodríguez Gaviria Edna Margarita
Published: April 2022

Se presentan el desarrollo y los resultados de un ejercicio de gestión comunitaria del riesgo frente a eventos de inundación en el barrio San Miguel del municipio de Caucasia, Antioquia (Colombia), a partir de la adaptación de la metodología propuesta por la Iniciativa de Ciudades Emergentes y Sostenibles (ICES) y el modelo de Mejoramiento Integral de Barrios (MIB), los cuales se estructuraron desde un enfoque cualitativo de investigación-acción, y cuyos resultados tuvieron implicaciones en el contexto comunitario y el ordenamiento territorial para el desarrollo urbano sostenible del barrio y del territorio, manifestadas en el mejoramiento de las condiciones de vida en Caucasia por medio de la elaboración de un plan de acción para la reducción de inundaciones en el contexto local.
Mechanics Modeling of Electrodes for Wireless and Bioresorbable Capacitive Pressure Sensors
Authors: Deng Yujun , Huang Yonggang
Published: April 2022

Bio-implantable pressure sensors are of great significance for many life-threatening clinical applications that require real-time monitoring of the internal pressure of the human body. Wireless and bioresorbable capacitive pressure sensors overcome the shortcomings of the traditional, resistance-based pressure sensors (e.g., leading to infections and restrictions of natural body motion movements), but they have low sensitivity. One effective way to improve the sensitivity is to increase the volume of the dielectric (air) cavity. Analytic models are established in this paper for the deformation of the electrodes in the wireless and bioresorbable capacitive pressure sensor, and the models show explicitly the sensitivity dependence on the sensor geometry and material properties. The models show that the pressure increase in the air cavity overwhelms the bending stiffness of the electrodes, therefore dominating the deflection of the electrode in capacitors. The traditional strategy to reduce the initial separation between electrodes is not suitable. Instead, increasing the initial volume of the air cavity provides an effective strategy to improve the sensitivity of the bio-implantable wireless pressure sensors.
Effect of Binders on Punch Force of Anodized Aluminum Alloy Sheet With Solid Lubrication Coatings
Authors: Tu J. S. , Li Y. H. , Wang Y. , Zhan S. P. , Jia D. , Duan H. T.
Published: April 2022

Studying the mechanism of binder is important for improving the coating formation process of solid lubricants. Two-component polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and styrene-butadiene styrene (SBS) copolymer were selected as binders for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) solid lubricant. The influence of solid lubricant coating prepared with different binders on the stamping properties of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy was compared and analyzed using the cupping test. A lubrication model was developed based on the results. Due to the difference in the molecular structure of the binders, the prepared solid lubricants have different characteristics and affect the dispersion of lubricant coating and its performance. When the content of PTFE reaches 15 wt% and the coating thickness is 10 µm, the anodic aluminum alloy sheet with PVB coating has the smallest punch force.
Cavitation Characterization of Fluid Machinery Based on Cyclostationary Analysis: Part 2—Cavity Development Evaluation by Modulation Intensity
Authors: Wu Kelin , Wu Chengshuo , Wu Peng , Cao Linlin , Ye Haojie , Wu Dazhuan , Antoni Jérôme
Published: April 2022

In the previous paper, the high potential of the spectral correlation to identify cavity type has been demonstrated. This paper dedicates its efforts to cavity development evaluation and shows how the proposed modulation intensity indicators can achieve this goal. First, the signal model of cavitating impeller is established, and detailed cyclostationary analysis is implemented. Then, modulation intensity indicators—absolute carrier power level (AP), relative carrier power level (RP), and characteristic modulation components ratio (CMCR), are designed to evaluate cavitation degree. The AP proves to be useful in measuring the early developing cavitation, the CMCR is capable of detecting the key turning point from the early developing cavitation to the fully developed cavitation, and the RP can reflect cavitation degree from the view of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In summary, these indicators solidly complement each other, thus their combination provides an efficient solution to cavitation characterization. Lastly, the diagnosis strategies of qualitative detection by carrier distribution in Part 1 and quantitative characterization by modulation intensity in Part 2 are promising to be generalized to more scenarios.
Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of aluminum-indium oxide thin films and associated device applications
Authors: Lee Won-Bum , Jeong Hyun-Jun , Kim Hye-Mi , Park Jin-Seong
Published: April 2022

In this study, aluminum-indium oxide (AIO) semiconductors were fabricated by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) using trimethyl (dimethylamino)propyl dimethyl indium and trimethylaluminum as the indium and aluminum precursors, respectively. The ALD supercycle consists of n indium oxide subcycles and one aluminum oxide subcycle, where n is 6, 9, 19, or 29. As the number of indium oxide subcycles decrease, the aluminum concentration in the AIO thin film increases and diminishes the thin film crystallinity. In addition, the chemical binding states of the AIO thin film also change with the number of indium oxide subcycles. AIO thin films made with a high number of indium oxide subcycles show stable aluminum oxide bonding and low oxygen related defects. In contrast, AIO thin films deposited with a small number of indium oxide subcycles form unstable AlOx, InOx, and oxygen related defects. The control of aluminum concentration in AIO thin films is essential to control the defect sites in the thin film. Finally, thin film transistors using AIO thin films are fabricated, demonstrating 2.16 V, 6.07 cm2/V s, and 1.50 V/decade with an optimized number of indium oxide subcycles.
Acoustic spectrometry of bubbles in an estuarine front: Sound speed dispersion, void fraction, and bubble density
Authors: Reeder D. Benjamin , Joseph John E. , Rago Thomas A. , Bullard Jeremy M. , Honegger David , Haller Merrick C.
Published: April 2022

Estuaries constitute a unique waveguide for acoustic propagation. The spatiotemporally varying three-dimensional front between the seawater and the outflowing freshwater during both flood and ebb constitutes an interfacial sound speed gradient capable of supporting significant vertical and horizontal acoustic refraction. The collision of these two water masses often produces breaking waves, injecting air bubbles into the water column; the negative vertical velocities of the denser saltwater often subduct bubbles to the bottom of these shallow waveguides, filling the water column with a bubbly mixture possessing a significantly lower effective sound speed. A field experiment was carried out in the mouth of Mobile Bay, Alabama in June 2021 to characterize estuarine bubble clouds in terms of their depth-dependent plume structure, frequency-dependent sound speed and attenuation, bubble size distribution, bubble number density, and void fraction. Results demonstrate that sound speed in the bubbly liquid consistently falls below the intrinsic sound speed of bubble-free water; specifically, the bubbly liquid 1.3 m below the surface in a front in this environment possesses effective sound speeds, void fractions, and bubble number densities of approximately 750 m/s, 0.001%, and 2 × 106 bubbles/m3, respectively.
Practices and Procedures in Clinical Pediatric Exercise Laboratories in North America
Authors: Teson Kelli M. , Watson Jessica S. , Mays Wayne A. , Knecht Sandy , Curran Tracy , Rebovich Paul , Williams David D. , Paridon Stephen M. , White David A.
Published: April 2022

Interinstitutional differences in clinical pediatric exercise laboratory (CPEL) practices may affect patient care and efficacy of multicenter research. Purpose: To describe current practices/procedures in CPELs and explore differences in CPELs employing exercise physiologists to those that do not. Methods: A 40-item survey was distributed to CPELs in North America focusing on (1) staffing; (2) exercise stress testing (EST) volumes, reporting, and interpretation; and (3) EST procedures/protocols. Results: Of the 55 responses, 89% were in the United States, 85% were children’s hospitals with university affiliation, and 58% were cardiology specific. Exercise physiologists were employed in 56% of CPELs, and 78% had master’s degrees or higher. Certifications were required in most CPELs (92% emergency life-support, 27% professional, and 21% clinical). Median volume was 201 to 400 ESTs per year, 80% used treadmill, and 10% used cycle ergometer as primary modalities. Ninety-three percent of CPELs offered metabolic ESTs, 87% offered pulmonary function testing, 20% used institution-specific EST protocols, and 72% offered additional services such as cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation. CPELS staffing exercise physiologists performed higher volumes of ESTs (P = .004), were more likely to perform metabolic ESTs (P = .028), participated in more research (P < .001), and provided services in addition to ESTs (P = .001). Conclusions: Heterogeneity in CPELs staffing and operation indicates need for standardization.
Policy reforms for antibiotic use claims in livestock
Authors: Price Lance B. , Rogers Laura , Lo Kevin
Published: April 2022

Antibiotics detected in “raised without antibiotics” cattle underscore the need to ensure the integrity of labeling claims
Functional primordial germ cell–like cells from pluripotent stem cells in rats
Authors: Oikawa Mami , Kobayashi Hisato , Sanbo Makoto , Mizuno Naoaki , Iwatsuki Kenyu , Takashima Tomoya , Yamauchi Keiko , Yoshida Fumika , Yamamoto Takuya , Shinohara Takashi , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Kurimoto Kazuki , Hirabayashi Masumi , Kobayashi Toshihiro
Published: April 2022

The in vitro generation of germ cells from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can have a substantial effect on future reproductive medicine and animal breeding. A decade ago, in vitro gametogenesis was established in the mouse. However, induction of primordial germ cell–like cells (PGCLCs) to produce gametes has not been achieved in any other species. Here, we demonstrate the induction of functional PGCLCs from rat PSCs. We show that epiblast-like cells in floating aggregates form rat PGCLCs. The gonadal somatic cells support maturation and epigenetic reprogramming of the PGCLCs. When rat PGCLCs are transplanted into the seminiferous tubules of germline-less rats, functional spermatids—that is, those capable of siring viable offspring—are generated. Insights from our rat model will elucidate conserved and divergent mechanisms essential for the broad applicability of in vitro gametogenesis.
A gamma-ray pulsar timing array constrains the nanohertz gravitational wave background
Authors:   The Fermi-LAT Collaboration*†
Published: April 2022

After large galaxies merge, their central supermassive black holes are expected to form binary systems. Their orbital motion should generate a gravitational wave background (GWB) at nanohertz frequencies. Searches for this background use pulsar timing arrays, which perform long-term monitoring of millisecond pulsars at radio wavelengths. We used 12.5 years of Fermi Large Area Telescope data to form a gamma-ray pulsar timing array. Results from 35 bright gamma-ray pulsars place a 95% credible limit on the GWB characteristic strain of 1.0 × 10−14at a frequency of 1 year–1. The sensitivity is expected to scale withtobs, the observing time span, astobs−13/6. This direct measurement provides an independent probe of the GWB while offering a check on radio noise models.
Gender, biology, and behavior
Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a Primatologist
Frans de Waal
Norton, 2022. 408 pp.
Authors: King Barbara J.
Published: April 2022

There is much to learn from a primatologist’s framework for gender diversity
Targeting memories to treat trauma
Authors: Mews Philipp
Published: April 2022

Blocking a metabolic enzyme controls the encoding of memories
New goals for science philanthropy
Authors: Córdova France A.
Published: April 2022

Science philanthropy is experiencing a growth spurt, propelled by the newly acquired wealth of individuals and foundations, as well as a desire to address challenges such as infectious disease, fire, drought, and food and water security. Especially in the United States, this is altering the dynamics of the research ecosystem, which has been dominated by government funding since the end of World War II. This change comes with new perspectives and approaches to solving the world’s problems. And it comes with a commitment to increase equity in funding.
New crop of mRNA vaccines aim for accessibility
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: April 2022

If approved, they could bring the pandemic’s star vaccine technology to more of the world
Congress restores earmarking—but with limits
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: April 2022

One legislator simulates peer review to make her selection process more rigorous
Use of the Hollow-Fiber Infection Model to Measure the Effect of Combination Therapy of Septic Shock Exposures of Meropenem and Ciprofloxacin against Intermediate and Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates
Authors: Karabasevic Natalija , Roberts Jason A. , Stronach Luke , Naicker Saiyuri , Wallis Steven C. , Sjövall Fredrik , Sime Fekade
Published: April 2022

Meropenem-ciprofloxacin combination therapy was compared to the respective monotherapy in a Hollow-Fiber Infection Model against two
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates. Following initial kill of ∼ 5-logs by each monotherapy, rapid regrowth occurred within 24 h, reaching 10
8
– 10
10
CFU/mL at 120 h.
Development of a Bead-Based Multiplex Assay for Use in Multianalyte Screening and Surveillance of HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Syphilis, and Herpes
Authors: Yufenyuy Ernest L. , Vedapuri Shanmugam , Zheng Amy , Cooley Gretchen , Danavall Damien , Mayur Shukla , Kodani Maja , Chen Cheng , Tun Ye , Fakile Yetunde F. , Martin Diana , Kamili Saleem , Karem Kevin , Parekh Bharat S.
Published: April 2022

Diagnostic assays that can simultaneously determine the presence of infection with multiple pathogens are key for diagnosis and surveillance. Current multiplex diagnostic assays are complex and often have limited availability.
Immunogenicity of Mumps Virus Genotype G Vaccine Candidates in Jeryl Lynn-Immunized Mice
Authors: Briggs Kelsey , Kirby Cara , Beavis Ashley C. , Zengel James , Patil Preetish , Sauder Christian , He Biao
Published: April 2022

At present, most individuals have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which contains genotype A mumps vaccine. One hurdle in developing a new mumps vaccine against circulating genotype G virus is whether the new genotype G vaccine can generate immunity in humans that are immunized against genotype A virus.
Complete Genome Sequence of Brevibacterium frigoritolerans Ant232, Isolated from Antarctic Snow
Authors: Choe Yong-Hoe , Lee Jong Ik , Kim Mincheol
Published: April 2022

We report the complete and circularized genome sequences of
Brevibacterium frigoritolerans
Ant232, generated using a combination of Illumina and PacBio platforms. The high-quality complete genome consists of a circular 5,586,945-bp chromosome and a 305,498-bp plasmid, with G+C contents of 40.66% and 36.8%, respectively.
Emergence, Evolution, and Biological Characteristics of H10N4 and H10N8 Avian Influenza Viruses in Migratory Wild Birds Detected in Eastern China in 2020
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Wang Mengjing , Zhang Hong , Zhao Conghui , Zhang Yaping , He Guimei , Deng Guohua , Cui Pengfei , Li Yubao , Liu Wenqiang , Shen Jinyan , Sun Xiaohong , Wang Wenting , Zeng Xianying , Li Yanbing , Chu Dong , Peng Peng , Guo Jing , Chen Hualan , Li Xuyong
Published: April 2022

The emerging avian influenza reassortants and mutants in birds pose an increasing threat to poultry and public health. H10 avian influenza viruses are widely prevalent in wild birds, poultry, seals, and minks and pose an increasing threat to human health.
Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Re-Identification of
Pseudomonas putida
/
fluorescens
Clinical Isolates Identified by Biochemical Bacterial Identification Systems
Authors: Tohya Mari , Teramoto Kanae , Watanabe Shin , Hishinuma Tomomi , Shimojima Masahito , Ogawa Miho , Tada Tatsuya , Tabe Yoko , Kirikae Teruo
Published: April 2022

Most of the clinical isolates, identified as
P. putida
or
P. fluorescens
, were misidentified in clinical laboratories. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that these isolates belonged to different
Pseudomonas
species, including novel species. WGS is a gold-standard method to identify
Pseudomonas
species, and MALDI-TOF MS analysis has the potential to complement WGS to reliably identify them.
Natural Vibrations of Micropolar Elastic Flexible Plates and Shallow Shells
Authors: Sargsyan A. H. , Sargsyan S. H.
Published: April 2022

A mathematical model representing the dynamics of geometrically nonlinear (flexible) micropolar elastic thin plates in Cartesian and curvilinear coordinates is constructed (the approach is generalized to the case of micropolar flexible shallow shells as well). The model is developed under the assumption that the elastic deflection of a plate is comparable with the plate thickness but is small compared to the characteristic plate size in plan. Based on the given model of micropolar elastic flexible plates, the problem on free vibrations is solved for rectangular and circular plates and shallow shells. Effective manifestations of characteristic features of a micropolar material are considered in comparison with the corresponding classical material.
Painful ulcerations: the sole clinical sign of mixed cryoglobulinaemia secondary to marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Gan Christian , Howard Matthew David , Mulcahy Anthea , Yazdabadi Anousha
Published: April 2022

A man in his 70s with background vascular disease presented with 7 months of painful non-resolving lower leg ulcers with eschar and petechiae, left lower ear lobe ulceration and dusky inflammation of the right ear. He demonstrated good bilateral pedal pulses and no peripheral oedema. No lymphadenopathy was palpated.

Biopsy suggested leucocytoclastic vasculitis on chronic stasis changes. Blood investigations showed elevated rheumatoid factor and mixed polyclonal IgG and monoclonal IgM cryoglobulins. He was diagnosed with mixed cryoglobulinaemia, and consequent conducted flow cytometry revealed CD5 +marginal zone lymphoma with elevated serum free light chains and kappa/lambda ratio.

One-month following rituximab and chlorambucil therapy, the patient’s pain had much improved, ear ulcers had healed and several leg ulcers had reduced in width and depth. The petechial eruption had also resolved.
Cognitive performance of military men and women during prolonged load carriage
Authors: Armstrong Nicola C , Smith S J R , Risius D , Doyle D , Wardle S L , Greeves J P , House J R , Tipton M , Lomax M
Published: April 2022

Background

This study evaluated cognitive workload in soldiers undertaking a long duration march wearing different loads.

Methods

Military participants (n=12 men and n=10 women) performed four 3-hour loaded marches (12.25 km at 4.9 km/hour) wearing either 21 kg, 26 kg, 33 kg or 43 kg. During the march, accuracy and response time were measured using the verbal working memory n-back test (0, 1, 2 and 3) and two bespoke Go/No Go tests (visual/auditory) to assess inhibition of a pre-potent response.

Results

The physical demands of the march increased with load and march duration but remained at moderate intensity. N-back test accuracy ranged from 74% to 98% in men and 62% to 98% in women. Reduced accuracy was observed as load and time increased. Accuracy during the visual Go/No Go test also reduced with load, accuracy ranged from 69% to 89% in men and 65% to 90% in women. No differences due to load or time were observed during completion of the auditory Go/No Go task; accuracy ranged from 93% to 97% in men and 77% to 95% in women. A number of participants were unable to complete the march due to discomfort. Reports of discomfort were more frequent in women, which may have contributed to the greater reductions in accuracy observed.

Conclusion

These data provide further evidence that cognitive performance of military personnel can be affected during long duration loaded marching. Women reported discomfort from equipment more frequently than men, which may make them more susceptible to declines in cognitive performance. These findings highlight important considerations for equipment procurement.
Multisite prospective Liver Disease and Reproductive Ageing (LIVRA) study in US women living with and without HIV
Authors: Price Jennifer , Ma Yifei , Adimora Adaora , Fischl Margaret , French Audrey L , Golub Elizabeth T , Konkle-Parker Deborah , Kuniholm Mark H , Ofotokun Ighovwerha , Plankey Michael , Sharma Anjali , Tien Phyllis C
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The Liver Disease and Reproductive Ageing (LIVRA) study leverages the infrastructure of the decades-long multicentre prospective Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) to examine the contributions of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and ageing to liver disease progression in women.

Participants

From 2013 to 2018, LIVRA enrolled 1576 participants (77 HCV-seropositive only, 248 HIV/HCV-seropositive, 868 HIV-seropositive only and 383 HIV/HCV-seronegative) who underwent vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE). A VCTE quality assurance programme was established to ensure consistency and accuracy for longitudinal assessment of steatosis (fatty liver) via the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and fibrosis via liver stiffness (LS). Demographic, lifestyle factors, anthropometry, clinical and medication history, host genetics, immune markers and hormone levels were collected as part of the WIHS.

Findings to date

At baseline, 737 of 1543 women with CAP measurements had steatosis (CAP ≥248 dB/m) and 375 of 1576 women with LS measurements had significant fibrosis (LS ≥7.1 kPa), yielding a prevalence of 48% and 24%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, waist circumference (WC) and insulin resistance were independently associated with higher CAP (17.8 dB/m per 10 cm (95% CI:16.2 to 19.5) and 1.2 dB/m per doubling (95% CI:0.8 to 1.6), respectively). By contrast, HIV/HCV seropositivity and HCV seropositivity alone were associated with less steatosis compared with HIV/HCV-seronegative women, although the latter did not reach statistical significance (−9.2 dB/m (95% CI:–18.2 to –0.3) and −10.4 dB/m (95% CI: −23.8 to 3.1), respectively). Factors independently associated with higher LS were age (4.4% per 10 years (95% CI: 0.4% to 8.4%)), WC (5.0% per 10 cm (95% CI: 3.3% to 6.6%)), CAP steatosis (0.6% per 10 dB/m (95% CI: 0.1% to 1.0%)), HIV/HCV seropositivity (33% (95% CI: 24% to 44%)) and HCV seropositivity alone (43% (95% CI: 28% to 60%)). Excluding scans that were invalid based on traditional criteria for unreliability did not affect the results.

Future plans

Enrolled women undergo VCTE at 3-year intervals unless LS is ≥9.5 kPa, indicating advanced fibrosis, in which case VCTE is performed annually. Participants also undergo VCTE every 6 months until 18 months after HCV treatment initiation. Analysis of the data collected will provide insights into the impact of ageing/ovarian function, host genetics, immune function and contemporary HIV and HCV treatments on liver disease progression.
Association of stay-at-home orders and COVID-19 incidence and mortality in rural and urban United States: a population-based study
Authors: Jiang David H , Roy Darius J , Pollock Benjamin D , Shah Nilay D , McCoy Rozalina G
Published: April 2022

Objective

We examined the association between stay-at-home order implementation and the incidence of COVID-19 infections and deaths in rural versus urban counties of the United States.

Design

We used an interrupted time-series analysis using a mixed effects zero-inflated Poisson model with random intercept by county and standardised by population to examine the associations between stay-at-home orders and county-level counts of daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths in rural versus urban counties between 22 January 2020 and 10 June 2020. We secondarily examined the association between stay-at-home orders and mobility in rural versus urban counties using Google Community Mobility Reports.

Interventions

Issuance of stay-at-home orders.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Co-primary outcomes were COVID-19 daily incidence of cases (14-day lagged) and mortality (26-day lagged). Secondary outcome was mobility.

Results

Stay-at-home orders were implemented later (median 30 March 2020 vs 28 March 2020) and were shorter in duration (median 35 vs 54 days) in rural compared with urban counties. Indoor mobility was, on average, 2.6%–6.9% higher in rural than urban counties both during and after stay-at-home orders. Compared with the baseline (pre-stay-at-home) period, the number of new COVID-19 cases increased under stay-at-home by incidence risk ratio (IRR) 1.60 (95% CI, 1.57 to 1.64) in rural and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.30 to 1.42) in urban counties, while the number of new COVID-19 deaths increased by IRR 14.21 (95% CI, 11.02 to 18.34) in rural and IRR 2.93 in urban counties (95% CI, 1.82 to 4.73). For each day under stay-at-home orders, the number of new cases changed by a factor of 0.982 (95% CI, 0.981 to 0.982) in rural and 0.952 (95% CI, 0.951 to 0.953) in urban counties compared with prior to stay-at-home, while number of new deaths changed by a factor of 0.977 (95% CI, 0.976 to 0.977) in rural counties and 0.935 (95% CI, 0.933 to 0.936) in urban counties. Each day after stay-at-home orders expired, the number of new cases changed by a factor of 0.995 (95% CI, 0.994 to 0.995) in rural and 0.997 (95% CI, 0.995 to 0.999) in urban counties compared with prior to stay-at-home, while number of new deaths changed by a factor of 0.969 (95% CI, 0.968 to 0.970) in rural counties and 0.928 (95% CI, 0.926 to 0.929) in urban counties.

Conclusion

Stay-at-home orders decreased mobility, slowed the spread of COVID-19 and mitigated COVID-19 mortality, but did so less effectively in rural than in urban counties. This necessitates a critical re-evaluation of how stay-at-home orders are designed, communicated and implemented in rural areas.
Parents’ experiences regarding neonatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic: country-specific findings of a multinational survey
Authors: Kostenzer Johanna , von Rosenstiel-Pulver Charlotte , Hoffmann Julia , Walsh Aisling , Mader Silke , Zimmermann Luc J I
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems, challenging neonatal care provision globally. Curtailed visitation policies are known to negatively affect the medical and emotional care of sick, preterm and low birth weight infants, compromising the achievement of the 2030 Development Agenda. Focusing on infant and family-centred developmental care (IFCDC), we explored parents’ experiences of the disruptions affecting newborns in need of special or intensive care during the first year of the pandemic.

Design

Cross-sectional study using an electronic, web-based questionnaire.

Setting

Multicountry online-survey.

Methods

Data were collected between August and November 2020 using a pretested online, multilingual questionnaire. The target group consisted of parents of preterm, sick or low birth weight infants born during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and who received special/intensive care. The analysis followed a descriptive quantitative approach.

Results

In total, 1148 participants from 12 countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine) were eligible for analysis. We identified significant country-specific differences, showing that the application of IFCDC is less prone to disruptions in some countries than in others. For example, parental presence was affected: 27% of the total respondents indicated that no one was allowed to be present with the infant receiving special/intensive care. In Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and Sweden, both the mother and the father (in more than 90% of cases) were allowed access to the newborn, whereas participants indicated that no one was allowed to be present in China (52%), Poland (39%), Turkey (49%) and Ukraine (32%).

Conclusions

The application of IFCDC during the COVID-19 pandemic differs between countries. There is an urgent need to reconsider separation policies and to strengthen the IFCDC approach worldwide to ensure that the 2030 Development Agenda is achieved.
Defining timeliness in care for patients with lung cancer: a scoping review
Authors: Ansar Adnan , Lewis Virginia , McDonald Christine Faye , Liu Chaojie , Rahman Muhammad Aziz
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Early diagnosis and reducing the time taken to achieve each step of lung cancer care is essential. This scoping review aimed to examine time points and intervals used to measure timeliness and to critically assess how they are defined by existing studies of the care seeking pathway for lung cancer.

Methods

This scoping review was guided by the methodological framework for scoping reviews by Arksey and O’Malley. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO electronic databases were searched for articles published between 1999 and 2019. After duplicate removal, all publications went through title and abstract screening followed by full text review and inclusion of articles in the review against the selection criteria. A narrative synthesis describes the time points, intervals and measurement guidelines used by the included articles.

Results

A total of 2113 articles were identified from the initial search. Finally, 68 articles were included for data charting process. Eight time points and 14 intervals were identified as the most common events researched by the articles. Eighteen different lung cancer care guidelines were used to benchmark intervals in the included articles; all were developed in Western countries. The British Thoracic Society guideline was the most frequently used guideline (20%). Western guidelines were used by the studies in Asian countries despite differences in the health system structure.

Conclusion

This review identified substantial variations in definitions of some of the intervals used to describe timeliness of care for lung cancer. The differences in healthcare delivery systems of Asian and Western countries, and between high-income countries and low-income-middle-income countries may suggest different sets of time points and intervals need to be developed.
Male partner unknown HIV status as a risk factor for HIV incidence and clinical outcomes in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programmes in 21 WHO priority countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mmotsa Tshiamo Moshading , Ngandu Nobubelo Kwanele , Adetokunboh Olatunji O , Nyasulu Peter
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Research has shown an association between increased disclosure of HIV status by pregnant and breastfeeding women and improved clinical health and that of their infant. Increasing awareness about their male partner’s HIV status will no doubt lead to even better outcomes at the population level. Male partner involvement is important for improving outcomes of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) as it improves social support and commitment from both parents of the baby to ensure sustained good health. Although lack of knowledge of the HIV status of a male partner is of great concern, limited research has been done to determine whether it remains one of the barriers to reaching the proposed goals of eliminating MTCT in pregnant or postpartum women. Our aim is to determine if lack of knowledge of a male partner’s HIV status is a significant risk factor for HIV incidence and poor HIV clinical outcomes among pregnant women and postpartum women and their infants.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental and observational studies will be conducted. The review will focus on knowledge of male partner’s HIV status in the 21 priority countries most affected by HIV in Africa. We will search electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane library, Science Direct, CINAHL, LILACS and SciELO databases from January 2011 to December 2021. We will also search the Pan African and WHO clinical trial registries and conference archives. We will conduct a quality assessment of eligible studies and evaluate the heterogeneity of the pooled studies using the I2 statistic. The statistical analysis will be performed using STATA statistical software V.16.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will use publicly available data and ethics exemption has been obtained from Human Research Ethics Committees, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. The protocol was registered on Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, registration number CRD42021247686, in May 2021. Findings of this systematic review will be disseminated in peer-review journals including various media platforms, that is, webinars, symposia, conferences or congresses.

PROSPERO registration number

Registration number CRD42021247686.
Effects of climate change in the elderly’s health: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Montoro-Ramírez Eva M , Parra-Anguita Laura , Álvarez-Nieto Carmen , Parra Gema , López-Medina Isabel
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Climate change is a global problem that affects human health, especially the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly. However, no scope review includes the perspective of institutions specialised in climate change and health and whose reports are the basis for policies orientated on the environmental health. Therefore, this study aims to identify these effects on older people health. The results will allow health professionals to have valuable information enabling them to provide quality care in meeting the demand that this situation is producing.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review of the relevant literature will be performed from 2008 to 2021. The Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA-Scoping Review Extension checklist will be used. A peer-reviewed search will be conducted using the electronic databases Medline, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Cuiden Plus between October and December 2021. Original quantitative studies and reports from official agencies on the effects of climate change on the elderly health in any health and geographical context will be included. Literature selection will be made by two reviewers. The table format used for data extraction will be reviewed by the review team and tested by two reviewers.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require approval by an ethics committee to be conducted. This article will result in the mapping of the direct and indirect effects of climate change on the health of the elderly. The results will be published in scientific journals to be accessible to health professionals in the creation of care plans for the elderly at climate risk.