bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of T cell checkpoint pathways during β‐cell antigen presentation by engineered dendritic cells promotes protection from type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gudi Radhika R. , Perez Nicolas , Karumuthil‐Melethil Subha , Li Gongbo , Vasu Chenthamarakshan
Published: April 2022

Defective immune regulation has been recognized in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Immune regulatory T cell check‐point receptors, which are generally upregulated on activated T cells, have been the molecules of attention as therapeutic targets for enhancing immune response in tumour therapy. Here, we show that pancreatic β‐cell antigen (BcAg) presentation by engineered tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) that express CTLA4 selective ligand (B7.1wa) or a combination of CTLA4, PD1 and BTLA selective ligands (B7.1wa, PD‐L1 and HVEM‐CRD1 respectively; multiligand‐DCs) causes an increase in regulatory cytokine and T cell (Treg) responses and suppression of the effector T cell function as compared with engineered control‐DCs. Non‐obese diabetic mice treated with BcAg‐pulsed CTLA4‐ligand‐DCs and multiligand‐DCs at pre‐diabetic and early‐hyperglycaemic stages showed significantly lower degree of insulitis, higher frequencies of insulin‐positive islets, profound delay in and reversal of hyperglycaemia for a significant duration. Immune cells from the tDC‐treated mice not only produced lower amounts of IFNγ and higher amounts of IL10 and TGFβ1 upon BcAg challenge, but also failed to induce hyperglycaemia upon adoptive transfer. While both CTLA4‐ligand‐DCs and multiligand‐DCs were effective in inducing tolerance, multiligand‐DC treatment produced an overall higher suppressive effect on effector T cell function and disease outcome. These studies show that enhanced engagement of T cell checkpoint receptors during BcAg presentation can modulate T cell function and suppress autoimmunity and progression of the disease in T1D.
Beyond the familial: The development of emotional communication with mothers, fathers, and strangers
Authors: Salvadori Eliala A. , Colonnesi Cristina , Elsammak Linnea , Oort Frans J. , Messinger Daniel S.
Published: April 2022

Interaction with unfamiliar partners is a component of social life from infancy onward. Yet little is known about preverbal communication with strangers. This study compared the development of infant communication with strangers to communication with mothers and fathers and examined the contribution of temperament to partner‐specific communication patterns. A sample of 58 infants was observed at four and eight months during separate home‐based face‐to‐face interactions with three partners (mother, father, and stranger). Infant visual, facial, and vocal communication behaviors were coded microanalytically. Each parent reported on infant temperament at both ages. Multilevel regression analyses indicated that infants gazed longer at strangers than at fathers, exhibited less smiling to strangers than to mothers, and produced fewer vocalizations with strangers than with either parent. Both age and temperament moderated these differences. Vocal communication with fathers became more frequent at eight months; smiling to mothers was accentuated among infants with higher levels of temperamental surgency. Importantly, levels of communication behaviors with strangers were concurrently and longitudinally associated with those with mothers and fathers. Overall, findings suggest that infant emotional communication patterns are modulated by individual temperamental differences and are reproduced in and over time, though at different levels, when interacting with novel partners.
Bias, Fairness and Accountability with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhou Nengfeng , Zhang Zach , Nair Vijayan N. , Singhal Harsh , Chen Jie
Published: April 2022

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms has led to opportunities as well as challenges in their use. In this overview paper, we begin with a discussion of bias and fairness issues that arise with the use of AI techniques, with a focus on supervised machine learning algorithms. We then describe the types and sources of data bias and discuss the nature of algorithmic unfairness. In addition, we provide a review of fairness metrics in the literature, discuss their limitations, and describe de‐biasing (or mitigation) techniques in the model life cycle.
Topical application of oxygen nano‐bubble water enhances the healing process of ischaemic skin wound healing in an animal model
Authors: Aoki Kohei , Ida Yukiko , Fukushima Noritoshi , Matsumura Hajime
Published: April 2022

We investigated the usefulness of oxygen nano‐bubble water as an oxygen‐rich liquid for wound healing, by analysing its effect on the wound‐healing process in rats. Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 36) were divided into two groups: the wound‐healing model group without ischaemia (n = 18) and the ischaemic group (n = 18). In each rat, an 8 mm diameter full‐thickness skin defect wound was created on the back; in rats in the ischaemic group, a bi‐pedicle flap (width, 3.6 cm; length, 8.6 cm) was also created. The wounds of six rats from each group were then treated with AQUACELL soaked with oxygen nano‐bubble water, and compared with those of control rats, which were treated with purified water (same as that used to make the oxygen nano‐bubble water; n = 6) or physiological saline solution (n = 6). There was no significant difference in epithelialisation rate and number of days of epithelialisation among the subgroups in the wound‐healing model group. In the ischaemic group, there was a significant improvement in the wound‐healing rate and time of the oxygen nano‐bubble water subgroup. Oxygen nano‐bubble water therapy enhances the ischaemic wound‐healing process.
Radiation heating test and development of porous MgAl2O4 ceramics with high thermal shielding effect based on Mie theory
Authors: Akamine Shuko , Ogasawara Toshio , Ogawa Chiharu , Aoki Takuya
Published: April 2022

Porous MgAl2O4 ceramics designated as THERMOSCATTTM have diffuse reflectance based on the Mie theory. The reflectance greatly suppresses radiation heat transfer and has low emissivity at 1–5 μm wavelengths. Their thermal conductivity has been measured as less than 0.3 W/(m K) at 1500°C. Furthermore, porous MgAl2O4 ceramics have near‐zero hemispherical spectral emissivity values at 0.35–5 μm wavelengths. High heat resistance and low emissivity materials in the atmosphere are useful for the innermost layer of industrial furnaces to confine energy efficiently. Additionally, this material is useful as a radiation reflectors, such as in stand‐off thermal protection systems. This study elucidated the suppression of radiation transfer in porous MgAl2O4 ceramics attributable to low thermal emissivity. Therefore, the thermal insulation performance under radiation heating in vacuum, the emissivity validity evaluation of low‐emissivity porous materials using finite element analysis, and microstructure effects on radiation heating performance and mechanical properties were investigated.
Examining characteristics of descriptive phenomenological nursing studies: A scoping review
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Ng Esperanza Debby
Published: April 2022

Aim

To evaluate the characteristics and methodology consistency in nursing research with descriptive phenomenological design.

Design

Scoping review methodology.

Data sources

Three electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed) were systematically searched for qualitative studies with a descriptive phenomenological design published in nursing journals between January 2021 and December 2021.

Review methods

Quality appraisal of each study was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were extracted and presented narratively based on research objective, design justification and consistency, theoretical framework, sampling method and sample size, data collection method, data analysis approach and presentation of findings.

Results

One hundred and three studies were included in the review. Overall, the characteristics of the studies are mostly consistent with Husserl's phenomenology approach in terms of research objectives, the use of other theoretical frameworks, sampling and data collection methods. However, the findings revealed several inconsistencies between research design and data analysis techniques, the lack of design justification and the lack of mention of bracketing.

Conclusions

Apart from the need for more research and standardized guidelines to clarify the various qualitative research methods, future nurse researchers are urged to provide more methodological details when publishing a descriptive phenomenological study so that readers can examine the effectiveness and quality of the method.
The impact of the supply chain orientation fit between supply chain members: A triadic perspective
Authors: Gligor David , Feizabadi Javad , Pohlen Terrance , Maloni Michael , Ogden Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2022

Existing literature has established supply chain orientation (SCO) as a critical enabler of supply chain management. Although SCO is predicated on alignment across supply chain members, it has primarily been examined at the individual firm level. Given this limitation, we collected triadic archival and survey data from multiple levels of the supply chain to introduce the concepts of SCO supplier fit (i.e., firm's SCO matches its supplier) and SCO customer fit (i.e., firm's SCO matches its customer). The results reveal that SCO supplier fit and SCO customer fit each positively impacts firm operational and customer performance in return on assets (ROA) and return on sales (ROS). More specifically, a firm with an SCO matching its primary upstream or downstream partners performs significantly better than a firm with a higher or lower SCO. In fact, firms with relatively more SCO than key supply chain partners perform significantly worse than those having relatively less SCO. Finally, firms with both SCO supplier fit and SCO customer fit perform better than firms with SCO supplier or customer fit alone. Ultimately, SCO alignment across the supply chain appears to be more important than the level of SCO itself.
Twenty‐year longitudinal birth cohort study of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder before seven years of age
Authors: Iwasa Mitsuaki , Shimizu Yasuo , Sasayama Daimei , Imai Miho , Ohzono Hiroko , Ueda Miori , Hara Ikuko , Honda Hideo
Published: April 2022

Background

Previous longitudinal studies have demonstrated that psychosocial outcomes for autistic adults are very limited. However, most studies are clinic‐based and liable to selection bias and major methodological problems.

Methods

We conducted a long‐term follow‐up study with 278 autistic individuals from our previous birth cohort study comprising 31,426 individuals. All participants were born in northern Yokohama between 1988 and 1996, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by age seven, and followed up over 20 years. A total of 170 consented to participate in the study. Outcome measures included overall social functioning based on work, independent living, and friendships. Moreover, the time‐use data concerning social participation and activities of daily living were compared with the general population.

Results

Psychosocial outcomes in adulthood (average age 25) were very good in 13.7%, good in 25.0%, fair in 31.0%, poor in 25.6%, and very poor in 4.8% of the participants. The majority participated in major life areas of and work and education (96.4%), sports (82.1%), and recreational activities and/or hobbies (98.8%). The proportion of participants who engaged in housework and self‐care was comparable to that of the general population. Participants with IQ < 50 at age five had significantly worse outcomes than those with higher IQ; however, for those with IQ ≥ 50, outcomes were not significantly associated with IQ levels.

Conclusions

Although complete independence was difficult to accomplish, many autistic adults engaged in organized community activities and housework and self‐care. Time‐use survey could offer a variety of data in investigating psychosocial outcomes of ASD cross‐culturally.
The psychological consequences of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review
Authors: Aukerman Erica L. , Jafferany Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both males and females. In a society that places significant value on hair and associates it with attractiveness, a lack there of can have damaging psychological consequences. The psychosocial impact of hair loss is often overlooked due to the medically benign nature of offending conditions. Addressing the psychological aspects of androgenetic alopecia can improve holistic patient care and patient outcomes.

Methods

A search was conducted in PubMed using the following search strategy: androgenetic alopecia AND anxiety OR depression OR psychological OR psychosocial OR self‐esteem. Studies were excluded if they focused on any other type of alopecia or were published in a language other than English.

Results

A total of 13 studies were retained after the initial search process. The included studies date from 1992 to 2021. They all conclude that androgenetic alopecia serves as a significant psychosocial stressor in the lives of those affected. It impairs quality of life according to multiple measures.

Conclusion

The data examined from these studies shed light on the increased need to attend to the psychosocial comorbidity associated with androgenetic alopecia. These hair‐loss patients often present to dermatology clinics to seek treatment but would also benefit from psychological support.
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation and adoption of improvement coaching: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Rushton Sharron , Lewinski Allison A. , Hwang Soohyun , Zullig Leah L. , Ball Ricks Katharine A. , Ramos Katherine , Gordon Adelaide , Ear Belinda , Ballengee Lindsay A. , Brahmajothi Mulugu V. , Moore Thomasena , Blalock Dan V. , Williams John W. , Cantrell Sarah E. , Gierisch Jennifer M. , Goldstein Karen M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Healthcare organisations and teams perform improvement activities to facilitate high‐quality healthcare. The use of an improvement coach who provides support and guidance to the healthcare team may facilitate improvement activities; however, no systematic review exists on the facilitators and barriers to implementing an improvement coach.

Aims

We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis to examine the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of improvement coaching.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE®, Embase and CINAHL. The final search was in March 2021. The screening eligibility criteria included the following: interdisciplinary team receiving the coaching, improvement coaching, designs with a qualitative component and primary purpose of evaluating practice facilitation in OECD countries. An ecologically‐informed consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) served as the framework for coding. Patterns of barriers and facilitators across domains were identified through matrix analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using Critical Appraisal Skills Program. PRISMA reporting guidelines served as a guide for reporting this review.

Results

Nineteen studies with a qualitative component met the inclusion criteria. Four themes of barriers and facilitators crossed multiple CFIR domains: adaptability (e.g. making adjustments to the project; process, or approach); knowledge and skills (e.g. understanding of content and process for the project); engagement (e.g. willingness to be involved in the process) and resources (e.g. assets required to complete the improvement process).

Conclusion

Improvement coaching is a complex intervention that influences the context, healthcare team being coached and improvement activities. Improvement coaches should understand how to minimise barriers and promote facilitators that are unique to each improvement project across the domains. Limitations of the study are related to the nature of the intervention including potential publication bias given quality improvement focus; the variety of terms similar to improvement coaching or selection of framework.
Recent advances in memory consolidation and information processing during sleep
Authors: Hoedlmoser Kerstin , Peigneux Philippe , Rauchs Géraldine
Published: April 2022

Increasingly studied in a systematic manner since the 1970s, the cognitive processes of the brain taking place during sleeping periods remain an important object of scrutiny in the scientific community. In particular, sleep has been demonstrated to play a significant role for learning and memory consolidation processes, and sleep scientists have started unravelling its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. However, sleep remains a multidimensional phenomenon, and many questions remain left open for future research. In this selective review article, we address recent advances in particular domains in which sleep research has further progressed in the past decade. We highlight the developmental trajectory of sleep‐dependent learning and memory consolidation processes, from their development in childhood to their potential impairments in ageing, and the nature and extent of our capabilities for information processing, learning, and memory reinforcement during sleep.
Molecular interactions between the intestinal microbiota and the host
Authors: Hertli Salomé , Zimmermann Petra
Published: April 2022

The intestine is the most densely colonized region of the body, inhabited by a diverse community of microbes. The functional significance of the intestinal microbiota is not yet fully understood, but it is known that the microbiota is implicated in numerous physiological processes of the host, such as metabolism, nutrition, the immune system, and regulation of behavior and mood. This article reviews recent findings on how bacteria of the intestinal microbiota interact with the host.

Microbiota‐microbiota and microbiota‐host interactions are mediated by direct cell contact and by metabolites either produced by bacteria or produced by the host or the environment and metabolized by bacteria. Among them are short‐chain fatty, including butyrate, propionate, and acetate. Other examples include polyamines, linoleic acid metabolites, tryptophan metabolites, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide, vitamins, and secondary bile acids. These metabolites are involved in regulating the cell cycle, neurobiological signaling, cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, immune responses, and responses to antioxidants. Understanding the host‐microbiota pathways and their modulation will allow the identification of individualized therapeutic targets for many diseases. This overview helps to facilitate and promote further research in this field.
New horizons in the politics of water governance
Authors: Challies Edward , Tadaki Marc
Published: April 2022

The governance of water encapsulates fundamental choices about how to mediate struggles between core values and interests across society. This Special Issue illustrates how New Zealand is driving frontiers of experimentation in water governance as well as theoretical innovation in water governance research. This scholarship pushes forward global thinking about the epistemological politics of water, transformations in decision‐making and the roles of non‐state actors in water politics. This research carries forward the longstanding interest of New Zealand geographers in freshwater politics, generating analytical insights of global significance and practical relevance.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells: A route to acquired cisplatin resistance through epigenetics in HNSCC
Authors: Lima de Oliveira Julia , Moré Milan Thaís , Longo Bighetti‐Trevisan Rayana , Fernandes Roger Rodrigo , Machado Leopoldino Andréia , Oliveira de Almeida Luciana
Published: April 2022

Chemoresistance is associated with tumor recurrence, metastases, and short survival. Cisplatin is one of the most used chemotherapies in cancer treatment, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and many patients develop resistance. Here, we established cell lines resistant to cisplatin to better understand epigenetics and biological differences driving the progression of HNSCC after treatment. Cisplatin resistance was established in CAL‐27 and SCC‐9 cell lines. Gene expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, SIRT1, MTA1, KAT2B, KAT6A, KAT6B, and BRD4 indicated the cisplatin activates the epigenetic machinery. Increases in tumor aggressiveness were detected by BMI‐1 and KI‐67 in more resistant cell lines. Changes in cellular shape and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation were also observed. HDAC1 and ZEB1 presented an opposite distribution with down‐regulation of HDAC1 and up‐regulation of ZEB1 in the course of chemoresistance. Up‐regulation of ZEB1 and BMI‐1 in patients with HNSCC is also associated with a poor response to therapy. Cancer stem cells (CSC) population increased significantly with chemoresistance. Down‐regulation of HDAC1, HDAC2, and SIRT1 and accumulation of Vimentin and ZEB1 were observed in the CSC population. Our results suggest that in the route to cisplatin chemoresistance, epigenetic modifications can be associated with EMT activation and CSC accumulation which originate more aggressive tumors.
SlMIR164A regulates fruit ripening and quality by controlling SlNAM2 and SlNAM3 in tomato
Authors: Lin Dongbo , Zhu Xiaoen , Qi Binglin , Gao Zhong , Tian Peng , Li Ziwei , Lin Zeteng , Zhang Yongxia , Huang Tengbo
Published: April 2022

MiRNAs are important posttranscriptional regulators of plant development. Many miRNAs, such as the conserved miR164 species, are encoded by families of MIRNA genes, but the specific roles of individual MIRNA genes are largely undefined. Here, we characterize the functions and regulatory mechanisms of SlMIR164A, one of the primary genes of Sly‐miR164, in tomato. We show that SlMIR164A is preferentially expressed at late stages of fruit development and plays a vital role in controlling fruit ripening and quality. Loss of function of SlMIR164A by CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis results in accelerated fruit ripening and enhanced chloroplast development, which leads to altered sugar and organic acid contents and affects the nutritional quality of fruits. We also show that SlMIR164A modulates fruit ripening and quality through specific target genes, SlNAM2 and SlNAM3, which control key regulators of chloroplast function and fruit ripening processes. MIR164 genes have been shown to play conserved roles in regulating organ ageing, such as leaf senescence and fruit ripening, in a variety of plants, but whether and how their family members in tomato exert the same function remain to be elucidated. Our results reveal a previously undiscovered role of SlMIR164A in ripening control, which will further our understanding of the actions of MIR164 family, as well as the mechanisms of fruit ripening and quality control in tomato. Moreover, as loss of SlMIR164A exhibits minor impacts on organ morphology, our results can be leveraged in tomato breeding for specific manipulation of fruit ripening and quality to facilitate tomato improvement in agriculture.
Effects of specific collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on Achilles tendon properties
Authors: Jerger Simon , Centner Christoph , Lauber Benedikt , Seynnes Olivier , Sohnius Tim , Jendricke Patrick , Oesser Steffen , Gollhofer Albert , König Daniel
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of specific collagen peptides (SCP) combined with resistance training (RT) on changes in tendinous and muscular properties. In a randomized, placebo‐controlled study, 40 healthy male volunteers (age: 26.3 ± 4.0 years) completed a 14 weeks high‐load resistance training program. One group received a daily dosage of 5g SCP while the other group received 5g of a placebo (PLA) supplement. Changes in Achilles tendon cross‐sectional area (CSA), tendon stiffness, muscular strength, and thickness of the plantar flexors were measured. The SCP supplementation led to a significantly (p = 0.002) greater increase in tendon CSA (+11.0%) compared with the PLA group (+4.7%). Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed a significantly (p = 0.014) greater increase in muscle thickness in the SCP group (+7.3%) compared with the PLA group (+2.7%). Finally, tendon stiffness and muscle strength increased in both groups, with no statistical difference between the groups. In conclusion, the current study shows that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides combined with RT is associated with a greater hypertrophy in tendinous and muscular structures than RT alone in young physically active men. These effects might play a role in reducing tendon stress (i.e., deposition of collagen in load‐bearing structures) during daily activities.
Blood donor eligibility criteria for medical conditions: A BEST collaborative study
Authors: Jacquot Cyril , Tiberghien Pierre , van den Hurk Katja , Ziman Alyssa , Shaz Beth , Apelseth Torunn Oveland , Goldman Mindy ,   The Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Donor eligibility questions and criteria for medical conditions vary between blood centres, suggesting that they are based more on local regulations or experience, rather than on published data, which are limited. As the donor population ages, medical conditions become more common. We assessed donor health assessment criteria at blood centre members of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative. Our aim was to compare eligibility criteria and determine their underlying basis.

Materials and Methods

A REDCap survey was sent to blood centre participants, based on medical conditions of greatest interest suggested by the Donor Studies Team of the BEST Collaborative. Participants were asked about current donor health assessment questions, deferral criteria and the basis for their deferral policy (donor risk, recipient risk or both) for 20 medical conditions.

Results

Complete responses were received from 26 blood donor centres (24 separate responses) representing a combination of hospital‐based centres, large regional centres and community/national blood centres in 14 different countries. Most centres specifically ask about heart and lung conditions, whereas fewer than half inquire about kidney, gastrointestinal or neurological conditions. North American blood centres tended to be less restrictive, while regulatory restrictions are more prevalent in Europe. Most participants felt that the criteria were based on regulatory requirements or experience, rather than on published data.

Conclusion

There is considerable variability in criteria by region. Ideally, criteria would be more evidence‐based rather than based on regulatory requirements or experience. Deferral criteria must balance donor and recipient safety and maintain an adequate blood supply.
Measurement of bistatic sea surface scattering with a parametric acoustic source
Authors: Yang Zhiguo , Liu Baohua , Qi Lehua , White Paul R. , Li Jianghui , Kan Guangmin , Yu Shengqi
Published: April 2022

This work presents the results from a series of bistatic sea surface scattering experiments conducted in shallow water using a parametric acoustic array as a source and a receiver comprising a horizontal linear array. The experiments measured scattering at three frequencies (4, 8, and 15 kHz) and at three incident grazing angles (13º, 20º, and 30º). The measurements were made over a 5 day period during which a variety of environmental conditions were encountered. This paper provides an outline of the experiments and presents some results for the forward scattering strength. The results show that the wave direction has a significant effect on the surface forward scattering. At each incident grazing angle, the fluctuations of scattering strength due to environmental conditions decreases as the frequency increases.
Perceived Social Support, Reinjury Anxiety, and Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport in Soccer Players
Authors: Forsdyke Dale , Madigan Daniel , Gledhill Adam , Smith Andy
Published: April 2022

The burden of sports injury in soccer is high, and return to sport outcomes following injury are often poor. This is compounded by a current lack of understanding surrounding the factors that may optimize psychological readiness to return to sport. Consequently, in the present study, we aim to further our understanding of these issues by examining the role of perceived social support in predicting psychological readiness to return to sport. In doing so, we extend previous research by examining whether reinjury anxiety is a mediating factor in this relationship. A sample of 150 previously injured soccer players (mean age = 25.32 y) completed measures of perceived social support, reinjury anxiety during rehabilitation, and psychological readiness to return to sport. Mediation analyses showed that reinjury anxiety partly accounted for the positive relationship between perceived social support and psychological readiness to return to sport. These findings suggest that injured soccer players with higher perceptions of social support will experience less reinjury anxiety during rehabilitation and, as a consequence, will be more psychologically ready upon return to sport.
Bone Penetration of Cycloserine in Osteoarticular Tuberculosis Patients of China
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Yu Xia , Wen Shu’an , Xue Yi , Xiao Hua , Ren Ruyan , Wang Fen , Dong Lingling , Qin Shibing , Huang Hairong
Published: April 2022

The cycloserine concentrations in plasma and bone that were collected during operations on 28 osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) patients treated daily with a 500-mg cycloserine-containing regimen were determined. The median concentrations in plasma and bone were 16.29 μg/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 6.47 μg/mL) and 24.33 μg/g (IQR, 14.68 μg/g), respectively.
Symbiont Community Composition in
Rimicaris kairei
Shrimps from Indian Ocean Vents with Notes on Mineralogy
Authors: Methou Pierre , Hikosaka Masanari , Chen Chong , Watanabe Hiromi K. , Miyamoto Norio , Makita Hiroko , Takahashi Yoshio , Jenkins Robert G.
Published: April 2022

Hydrothermal vent shrimps in the genus
Rimicaris
are among the most charismatic deep-sea animals of Atlantic and Indian Oceans, often occurring on towering black smokers in dense aggregates of thousands of individuals. Although this dominance is only possible because of symbiosis, no study on the symbiosis of Indian Ocean
Rimicaris
species has been conducted.
Delineating the Drivers and Functionality of Methanogenic Niches within an Arid Landfill
Authors: Reynolds Mark C. , Finn Damien , Sarno Analissa F. , Allen Richard , Deathrage J. David , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa , Cadillo-Quiroz Hinsby
Published: April 2022

Microbiome analysis is becoming common in select municipal and service ecosystems, including wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion, but its potential as a microbial-status-informative tool to promote or mitigate CH
4
production has not yet been evaluated in landfills. Methanogenesis mediated by
Archaea
is highly active in solid-waste microbiomes but is commonly neglected in studies employing next-generation sequencing techniques.
Essential Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Mediating IL-1β Production and the Pathobiology of Staphylococcus aureus Endophthalmitis
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Singh Pawan Kumar , Ahmed Zeeshan , Singh Sukhvinder , Kumar Ashok
Published: April 2022

Staphylococcal endophthalmitis is one of the leading causes of blindness following ocular surgery and trauma. Dysregulated inflammation during bacterial endophthalmitis causes host-induced inflammatory damage and vision loss if it remains unchecked.
Regulation of Mannitol Metabolism in Enterococcus faecalis and Association with
par
EF0409
Toxin-Antitoxin Locus Function
Authors: Anbalagan Srivishnupriya , Sadlon Jessie , Weaver Keith
Published: April 2022

Enterococcus faecalis
is both a common member of the human gut microbiota and an opportunistic pathogen. Its evolutionary success is partially due to its metabolic flexibility, in particular its ability to import and metabolize a wide variety of sugars.
Regulatory Evolution of the
phoH
Ancestral Gene in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Valdespino-Díaz Marcos A. , Rosales-Reyes Roberto , De la Cruz Miguel A. , Bustamante Víctor H.
Published: April 2022

Two mechanisms mediating differentiation of bacteria are well known: acquisition of genes by horizontal transfer events and mutations in coding DNA sequences. In this study, we found that the
phoH
ancestral gene is differentially regulated between
Salmonella
Typhimurium and
Escherichia coli
, two closely related bacterial species.
Utility of Broad-Range PCR Sequencing for Infectious Diseases Clinical Decision Making: a Pediatric Center Experience
Authors: Naureckas Li Caitlin , Nakamura Mari M.
Published: April 2022

Broad-range PCR (BRPCR) sequencing is a promising tool for diagnosis of infectious conditions when traditional microbiologic strategies fail to identify a pathogen. Data on the optimal clinical scenarios in which to use this tool are limited.
Complete Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Nanosynbacter” Strain HMT-348_TM7c-JB, a Member of
Saccharibacteria
Clade G1
Authors: Baker Jonathon L.
Published: April 2022

Saccharibacteria
are abundant and diverse members of the human oral microbiome; however, they are poorly understood and appear to exhibit an epibiont/parasitic lifestyle dependent on host bacteria. Here, a complete metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) sequence of an organism from
Saccharibacteria
clade G1 human microbial taxon (HMT) 348 is reported, strain HMT-348_TM7c-JB.
Murine Gut Microbiome Meta-analysis Reveals Alterations in Carbohydrate Metabolism in Response to Aging
Authors: You Xiaomeng , Dadwal Ushashi C. , Lenburg Marc E. , Kacena Melissa A. , Charles Julia F.
Published: April 2022

Aging-associated microbial alteration is hypothesized to play an important role in host health and longevity. However, investigations regarding specific gut microbes or microbial functional alterations associated with aging have had inconsistent results.
A G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Modulates Gametogenesis via PKG-Mediated Signaling Cascade in Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Wang Peng-peng , Jiang Xuefeng , Zhu Liying , Zhou Dan , Hong Mingyang , He Lu , Chen Lumeng , Yao Shijie , Zhao Yan , Chen Guang , Wang Chengqi , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming , Zhu Xiaotong
Published: April 2022

Environmental changes from humans to mosquitoes activate gametogenesis of the malaria parasite, an obligative process for parasite transmission, but how the signals are relayed remains poorly understood. Here, we show the identification of a
Plasmodium
G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR180, and the characterization of its function in gametogenesis.
Evaluation of Host Depletion and Extraction Methods for Shotgun Metagenomic Analysis of Bovine Vaginal Samples
Authors: Ong Chian Teng , Boe-Hansen Gry , Ross Elizabeth M. , Blackall Patrick J. , Turni Conny , Hayes Ben J. , Tabor Ala E.
Published: April 2022

In addition to the host tissue collected during the sampling process, bovine vaginal samples are saturated with large amounts of extracellular DNA and secreted proteins that are essential for physiological purposes, including the reproductive cycle and immune defense. Due to the high host-to-microbe genome ratio, which hampers the sequencing efficacy for metagenome samples and the recovery of the actual metagenomic profiles, bovine vaginal samples cannot benefit from the full potential of shotgun sequencing.
αs in the Deep-Inelastic Scattering Scheme
Authors: Kotikov A. V. , Krivokhizhin V. G. , Shaikhatdenov B. G.
Published: April 2022

Deep inelastic scattering (DIS) data on $${{F}_{2}}$$ structure function accumulated by various collaborations in fixed-target experiments are analyzed in the nonsinglet approximation and within $$\overline {MS} $$ and DIS schemes. The study of high statistics deep inelastic scattering data provided by BCDMS, SLAC and NMC collaborations, is carried out by applying a combined analysis. The application of the deep inelastic scheme leads to the resummation of contributions that are important in the region of large x values. It is found that using the deep inelastic scheme does not significantly change the strong coupling constant itself but does strongly change the values of the twist-4 corrections.
Real-world visual outcomes of cataract surgery based on population-based studies: a systematic review
Authors: Han Xiaotong , Zhang Jiaqing , Liu Zhenzhen , Tan Xuhua , Jin Guangming , He Mingguang , Luo Lixia , Liu Yizhi
Published: April 2022

Background/aims

Quantity of cataract surgery has long been an important public health indicator to assess health accessibility, however the quality of care has been less investigated. We aimed to summarise the up-to-date evidences to assess the real-world visual outcomes after cataract surgery in different settings.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken in October 2021. Population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting vision-related outcomes after cataract surgery published from 2006 onward were included. A meta-analysis was not planned.

Results

Twenty-six cross-sectional studies from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and five cross-sectional studies from high-income countries (HICs) were included. The proportions of participants with postoperative presenting visual acuity (VA) ≥0.32 (20/60) were all over 70% in all HICS studies, but mostly below 70% in LMICS studies, ranging from 29.9% to 80.5%. Significant difference in postoperative VA was also observed within countries. The leading causes for postoperative visual impairment (defined mostly as presenting VA <20/60) mainly included refractive error, ocular comorbidities and surgical complications including posterior capsule opacification, except for one study in Nigeria wherein the leading cause was aphakia. Only four population-based cohort studies were included with 5–20 years of follow-up time, generally demonstrating no significant changes in postoperative visual outcomes during the follow-up.

Conclusions

We observed large inequality in the visual outcomes and principal causes of visual impairment after cataract surgery among different countries and regions. Structured quality control and enhancement programmes are needed to improve the outcomes of cataract surgery and reduce inequality.
Equitable access to quality trauma systems in low-income and middle-income countries: assessing gaps and developing priorities in Ghana, Rwanda and South Africa
Authors:   The Equi-Trauma Collaborative, Odland Maria Lisa , Abdul-Latif Abdul-Malik , Ignatowicz Agnieszka , Alayande Barnabas , Appia Ofori Bernard , Balanikas Evangelos , Bekele Abebe , Belli Antonio , Chu Kathryn , Ferreira Karen , Howard Anthony , Nzasabimana Pascal , Owolabi Eyitayo O , Nyamathe Samukelisiwe , Pognaa Kunfah Sheba Mary , Tabiri Stephen , Yakubu Mustapha , Whitaker John , Byiringiro Jean Claude , Davies Justine I
Published: April 2022

Injuries in low-income and middle-income countries are prevalent and their number is expected to increase. Death and disability after injury can be reduced if people reach healthcare facilities in a timely manner. Knowledge of barriers to access to quality injury care is necessary to intervene to improve outcomes. We combined a four-delay framework with WHO Building Blocks and Institution of Medicine Quality Outcomes Frameworks to describe barriers to trauma care in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Ghana, South Africa and Rwanda. We used a parallel convergent mixed-methods research design, integrating the results to enable a holistic analysis of the barriers to access to quality injury care. Data were collected using surveys of patient experiences of injury care, interviews and focus group discussions with patients and community leaders, and a survey of policy-makers and healthcare leaders on the governance context for injury care. We identified 121 barriers across all three countries. Of these, 31 (25.6%) were shared across countries. More than half (18/31, 58%) were predominantly related to delay 3 (‘Delays to receiving quality care’). The majority of the barriers were captured using just one of the multiple methods, emphasising the need to use multiple methods to identify all barriers. Given there are many barriers to access to quality care for people who have been injured in Rwanda, Ghana and South Africa, but few of these are shared across countries, solutions to overcome these barriers may also be contextually dependent. This suggests the need for rigorous assessments of contexts using multiple data collection methods before developing interventions to improve access to quality care.
A proposal for developing a platform that evaluates algorithmic equity and accuracy
Authors: Cerrato Paul , Halamka John , Pencina Michael
Published: April 2022

We are at a pivotal moment in the development of healthcare artificial intelligence (AI), a point at which enthusiasm for machine learning has not caught up with the scientific evidence to support the equity and accuracy of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. This proposal examines algorithmic biases, including those related to race, gender and socioeconomic status, and accuracy, including the paucity of prospective studies and lack of multisite validation. We then suggest solutions to these problems. We describe the Mayo Clinic, Duke University, Change Healthcare project that is evaluating 35.1 billion healthcare records for bias. And we propose ‘Ingredients’ style labels and an AI evaluation/testing system to help clinicians judge the merits of products and services that include algorithms. Said testing would include input data sources and types, dataset population composition, algorithm validation techniques, bias assessment evaluation and performance metrics.
Implementation of an emergency department virtual follow-up care process in a community-based hospital: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: El-Zammar Diala , Johal Raj , Eng Janice , Schulz Tiffany
Published: April 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients were apprehensive to seek acute care resulting in delayed diagnoses of serious conditions and reduction in emergency room (ER) visits by 50% in the Fraser Health Authority. Patients who did present to the ER left prior to their results being available and some refused admission and critical treatments.

At the Chilliwack General Hospital ER, a virtual care clinic was established to follow-up on patients after their initial ER visit, providing test results and ensuring patients are not clinically deteriorating at home. Specific criteria were created for safe referral to virtual follow-up. For 2 hours daily, an ER physician contacts selected patients by telephone to provide a virtual follow-up based on the patients’ needs.

Through the emergency department virtual care (EVC) pilot project, from May 14 to August 31, 2020, on average 58 telehealth visits were conducted weekly, with 19% of visits reaching unattached patients without a regular primary care provider. A patient survey revealed that 75% of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with telephone virtual care as a follow-up to their emergency department (ED) visit, while 95% would like to continue to receive telephone follow-up care. Additionally, based on a physician survey, 80% of providers were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall EVC experience. The majority (80%) would like to continue to provide the service. One patient was referred for a virtual care follow-up for imaging results that did not meet the referral criteria; the patient was diagnosed with a perforated appendicitis. They had an atypical presentation of abdominal pain and their care was delayed by several hours than if they were to present to the ED for in-person follow-up. The process and referral criteria may require minor modification and must be followed strictly to ensure safety and efficiency in providing telehealth follow-up in the acute care setting.
Association between serum urate level and carotid atherosclerosis: an insight from a post hoc analysis of the PRIZE randomised clinical trial
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Toyoda Shigeru , Kato Toru , Yoshida Hisako , Hamasaki Shuichi , Watarai Masato , Ishizu Tomoko , Ueda Shinichiro , Inoue Teruo , Node Koichi
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Elevated serum urate (SU) levels are associated with arterial atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular events. However, an optimal therapeutic target SU level for delaying atherosclerotic progression in patients with hyperuricaemia remains uncertain. The aim of this analysis was to assess an association between changes in SU level and carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) to examine whether an optimal SU concentration exists to delay atherosclerotic progression.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of the PRIZE (programme of vascular evaluation under uric acid control by xanthine oxidase inhibitor, febuxostat: multicentre, randomised controlled) study of Japanese adults with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia. The primary endpoint of this analysis was an association between changes in SU levels and mean common carotid artery IMT (CCA-IMT) after 24 months of febuxostat treatment.

Results

Among subjects treated with febuxostat (n=239), a total of 204 who had both data on SU and mean CCA-IMT at baseline and 24 months were included in this analysis. The mean baseline SU level was 7.7±1.0 mg/dL, and febuxostat treatment significantly reduced SU concentrations at 24 months (estimated mean change ‒3.051 mg/dL, 95% CI ‒3.221 to ‒2.882). A multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that a reduction in SU level was associated with changes in mean CCA-IMT values at 24 months (p=0.025). In contrast, the achieved SU concentrations were not associated with changes in mean CCA-IMT at 24 months.

Conclusion

A greater reduction in SU, but not its achieved concentrations, may be associated with delayed progression of carotid IMT in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia treated with febuxostat.

Trial registration number

UMIN000012911