bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parent emotion talk with preschoolers from low‐income Mexican American and Chinese American families: Links to sociocultural factors
Authors: Chan Megan , Teng Doreen , Teng Yin‐Ping Teresa , Zhou Qing
Published: November 2022

Emotion talk (ET), an emotion socialization practice theorized to promote children's emotion understanding and emotion regulation, has been linked to better socioemotional adjustment in diverse samples. Immigrant children face developmentally unique challenges and opportunities related to their multi‐lingual and multi‐cultural experiences. The present study aimed to identify sociocultural correlates of parent ET in two groups of low‐income immigrant families with preschool‐age children: Mexican American (MA) and Chinese American (CA) families. In 90 parent‐child dyads (child age = 38 to 70 months, 59% girls; 46 Mexican American and 44 Chinese American) recruited from Head Start programs, parents’ (mostly mothers’) ET quality and quantity (i.e., use of emotion words, emotion questions and explanations, and overall elaborateness of ET) were coded from verbal transcripts of a shared picture book reading task. First, we found similarities and differences in ET across the two groups. Both MA and CA parents used emotion words, emotion questions, and emotion reasoning, whereas linking the story to personal emotion experience was infrequent. MA parents used more negative emotion words, emotion reasoning, and engaged in more elaborate ET than CA parents. Second, we examined the unique relations of multiple socio‐cultural factors (SES, cultural orientations, parent and child demographics) to parent ET. Parent education and child age were associated positively with emotion questions, income was associated positively with emotion reasoning, and parents’ heritage culture orientation was associated positively with the elaborateness of ET. The findings highlight the need to consider socio‐cultural variations in emotion socialization practices when adapting and disseminating socioemotional learning interventions.
Clinical significance of local control of primary tumour in definitive radiotherapy for scalp angiosarcomas
Authors: Kashihara Tairo , Ogata Dai , Okuma Kae , Nakamura Satoshi , Nakayama Hiroki , Mori Taisuke , Takahashi Akira , Namikawa Kenjiro , Takahashi Ayaka , Takahashi Kana , Kaneda Tomoya , Inaba Koji , Murakami Naoya , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Nakayama Yuko , Yamazaki Naoya , Igaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Scalp angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer. Definitive radiotherapy is a treatment option for localised scalp angiosarcoma patients. Although definitive surgical resection reportedly prolongs overall survival (OS), whether initial local treatment effect affects OS when definitive radiotherapy is administered is unclear. Therefore, this study analysed whether local recurrence within 6 months of irradiation correlates with OS and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). Furthermore, how local control affects patients' quality of life was investigated.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐one localised scalp angiosarcoma patients who had received definitive radiotherapy at our institution between October 2010 and July 2021 were analysed retrospectively. The most commonly used dose fractionation was 70 Gy in 35 fractions (83.9%). Local recurrence within 6 months of radiotherapy and other clinical factors were examined in univariate and subsequent multivariate analyses for correlation with OS and CSS.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 16 months (range, 6–45 months). Local recurrence was detected in 16 patients (51.6%), 12 of whom had recurrence within 6 months. In multivariate analyses, the presence of local recurrence within 6 months of radiotherapy was significantly associated with OS and CSS (p = 0.003, 0.0001, respectively). Ten of the 16 patients with local recurrence had severe symptoms such as bleeding, pain, difficulty opening the eye and malodour.

Conclusions

The initial local treatment effect was significantly associated with OS and CSS after definitive radiotherapy. Furthermore, local recurrence after radiotherapy resulted in a variety of symptoms, including bleeding and pain, which reduced the patient's quality of life.
Calibrating constitutive models with full‐field data via physics informed neural networks
Authors: Hamel Craig M. , Long Kevin N. , Kramer Sharlotte L. B.
Published: November 2022

The calibration of solid constitutive models with full‐field experimental data is a long‐standing challenge, especially in materials that undergo large deformations. In this paper, we propose a physics‐informed deep‐learning framework for the discovery of hyperelastic constitutive model parameterizations given full‐field surface displacement data and global force‐displacement data. Contrary to the majority of recent literature in this field, we work with the weak form of the governing equations rather than the strong form to impose physical constraints upon the neural network predictions. The approach presented in this paper is computationally efficient, suitable for irregular geometric domains, and readily ingests displacement data without the need for interpolation onto a computational grid. A selection of canonical hyperelastic material models suitable for different material classes is considered including the Neo–Hookean, Gent, and Blatz–Ko constitutive models as exemplars for general non‐linear elastic behaviour, elastomer behaviour with finite strain lock‐up, and compressible foam behaviour, respectively. We demonstrate that physics informed machine learning is an enabling technology and may shift the paradigm of how full‐field experimental data are utilized to calibrate constitutive models under finite deformations.
Phylogenomic inference of two widespread European leaf miner species complexes suggests mechanisms for sympatric speciation (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae: Ectoedemia)
Authors: Doorenweerd Camiel , Lee Kyung Min , van Nieukerken Erik J. , Mutanen Marko
Published: November 2022

Leafmining insects have extraordinarily intimate relationships with their host plants and are therefore prime candidates for potential ecological speciation in sympatry, but how commonly this mode of speciation occurs in any group of life remains debated. Prior research on the pygmy moth (Nepticulidae) genus Ectoedemia using morphology, DNA barcoding, and multi‐marker phylogenetic approaches left two unresolved species complexes, each with each four described species. In this study, we thoroughly sampled each complex across a range of host plants and localities across Europe. We used a double digest restriction‐site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing approach to clarify species boundaries. In the E. rubivora complex, ddRAD data resolved all four species, contrary to morphological and COI data, which supports a potential scenario of host plant‐driven speciation where the host plant specialization provides an ecological barrier to hybridization. However, we found no indication of host race formation within the oligophagous E. atricollis (Stainton). In the E. subbimaculella complex, SNP data only partly distinguishes between the parapatric E. subbimaculella (Haworth) and E. heringi (Toll), but with some statistical overlap, suggesting incomplete lineage sorting which may represent early phases of host‐based ecological speciation, or admixture following a period of isolation.
Closure, Underdetermination and the peculiarity of Sceptical scenarios
Authors: Tana Guido
Published: November 2022

Epistemologists understand radical scepticism as arising from two principles: closure and underdetermination. Both possess intuitive prima facie support for their endorsement. Understanding how they engender scepticism is crucial for any reasonable anti‐sceptical attempt. The contemporary discussion has focused on elucidating the relationship between them to ascertain whether they establish distinct sceptical questions and which of the two constitutes the ultimately fundamental threat. Major contributions to this debate are due to Brueckner, Cohen and Pritchard. This contribution aims at defending Brueckner's contention that underdetermination expresses the fundamental sceptical threat and that the closure‐based argument can ultimately be reduced to it, at least concerning sceptical contexts. This will be achieved by undermining Cohen's objections to Brueckner on both counts. Cohen's argument endorses a picture of evidential underdetermination, which, while apt for non‐sceptical contexts, cannot be applied to radical scepticism. A comparison with a case of scientific underdetermination is developed to argue for this idea. Our argument is then applied to the principle equivalence issue and to objections against it. It is then shown how this analysis possesses a distinctive effect on our understanding of the sceptical threat and the assessment of successful anti‐sceptical strategies.
Do international investment agreements attract foreign direct investment in knowledge intensive industries?
Authors: Ozawa Shunya
Published: November 2022

This study estimates the industry‐specific effects of international investment agreements (IIAs) on foreign direct investment (FDI) by focusing on how intellectual properties are intensively used in industries (i.e. knowledge intensity). It also considers the country‐level heterogeneity in the effects of IIAs by focusing on the intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in host countries and addresses the issue of why there is no consensus on the effects of IIAs among the previous studies. Using data of US outward FDI for the period 1999–2018, it finds that the IIAs between the United States and 56 countries promote FDI from knowledge‐intensive industries into countries with weak IPR protection. This result supports the hypothesis that IIAs have a positive effect on FDI if IIAs substitute for the weak legal protection of IPR in host countries.
Optimising cutting method and timing for the control of Abutilon theophrasti seed production
Authors: Kordbacheh Farnaz , Mohler Charles L. , Taylor Alan G. , Westbrook Anna S. , Rahimian‐Mashhadi Hamid , Alizadeh Hassan M. , DiTommaso Antonio
Published: November 2022

Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) is a widespread and problematic annual weed. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different cutting methods on the viability of A. theophrasti seeds. Three cutting methods were assessed: (1) Entire plant cut and dried (EPD)—plants were cut at soil level and dried with capsules attached on the greenhouse bench or soil surface for 4 weeks; (2) capsules detached and dried (CD)—capsules were removed from plants and dried for 4 weeks; and (3) capsules detached and tested while fresh (CF)—a control treatment. Before drying, the developmental stage (stage one, dark green; stage two, light green; stage three, yellowish‐green; or stage four, black with the slightly open capsule) and age (days after flowering, DAF) of each capsule was recorded. Seed viability was measured immediately in the CF treatment and after the 4‐week drying period in the EPD and CD treatments. No seeds in the EPD and CD treatments were viable when harvested at the first developmental stage (1–8 DAF) in either experiment, but 100% of seeds in the CF treatment in the field were viable when harvested at 8 DAF. In both greenhouse and field experiments, seeds attained full viability at earlier harvest ages in CF than in EPD or CD treatments, suggesting that seeds might become viable relatively early in development but lose viability if allowed to dry. These findings could be applied to optimise late‐season mechanical control of A. theophrasti.
Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis in fleas and ticks collected from dogs and cats of Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Salceda‐Sánchez Beatriz , Gasca‐Zarate Cecilia M. , Jiménez‐Soto Karen , Grostieta Estefania , López‐Sánchez Claudia G. , Soto‐Gutiérrez Juan J. , Lammoglia‐Villagómez Miguel Á. , Huerta‐Peña Javier , Hernández‐Carbajal Gabriela R. , Chagoya‐Fuentes Jorge L. , Jácome‐Sosa Edelmira , Pérez‐Brígido Carlos D. , Ballados‐González Gerardo G. , Becker Ingeborg , Sánchez‐Montes Sokani
Published: November 2022

Fleas and ticks represent the two main groups of ectoparasites that infest companion animals. In particular, the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and several members of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex are the main vectors of a wide range of pathogens on the American continent. They are competent vectors for several members of the genus Rickettsia, which encompass at least 15 pathogenic obligate intracellular bacteria that colonize the endothelial cells of vertebrates. In Mexico, 10 species of Rickettsia belonging to three groups have been detected in six species of ectoparasites from dogs in 9 of the 32 states of the country. However, in some larger regions of the country, active epidemiological surveillance has not been carried out. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the presence of members of the genus Rickettsia in fleas and ticks of dogs and cats in the state of Puebla, Mexico. A cross‐sectional study was carried out to collect ectoparasites of dogs and cats during August to November 2019. Samples were fixed in 70% ethanol and examined to identify the presence of Rickettsia DNA by the amplification and sequencing of specific fragments of the gltA and ompB genes using conventional PCR. The recovered sequences were compared with those deposited in GenBank, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to identify the position of the pathogens detected with respect to the valid species previously reported worldwide. Additionally, ecological parameters of the ectoparasite infestations were also calculated. We recovered 196 ectoparasites belonging to two species, 33 C. felis felis and 163 R. sanguineus s.l. (Rhipicephalus linnaei), parasitizing 46 hosts (42 dogs and 4 cats) in 11 localities of the state of Puebla. We detected the presence of Rickettsia felis in three pools of C. felis felis, and five from R. sanguineus s.l. Our work provides the first record of R. felis in hard ticks of Mexico and Central America, with new collection localities for this pathogen in central Mexico.
Pulmonary vascular reactivity to supplemental oxygen in Sherpa and lowlanders during gradual ascent to high altitude
Authors: Subedi Prajan , Gasho Christopher , Stembridge Michael , Williams Alexandra M. , Patrician Alexander , Ainslie Philip N. , Anholm James D.
Published: November 2022

Prolonged alveolar hypoxia leads to pulmonary vascular remodelling. We examined the time course at altitude, over which hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction goes from being acutely reversible to potentially irreversible. Study subjects were lowlanders (n = 20) and two Sherpa groups. All Sherpa were born and raised at altitude. One group (ascent Sherpa, n = 11) left altitude and after de‐acclimatization in Kathmandu for ∼7 days re‐ascended with the lowlanders over 8–10 days to 5050 m. The second Sherpa group (non‐ascent Sherpa, n = 12) remained continuously at altitude. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were measured while breathing ambient air and following supplemental oxygen. During ascent PASP and PVR increased in lowlanders and ascent Sherpa; however, with supplemental oxygen, lowlanders had significantly greater decrease in PASP (P = 0.02) and PVR (P = 0.02). After ∼14 days at 5050 m, PASP decreased with supplemental oxygen (mean decrease: 3.9 mmHg, 95% CI 2.1–5.7 mmHg, P < 0.001); however, PVR was unchanged (P = 0.49). In conclusion, PASP and PVR increased with gradual ascent to altitude and decreased via oxygen supplementation in both lowlanders and ascent Sherpa. Following ∼14 days at 5050 m altitude, there was no change in PVR to hypoxia or O2 supplementation in lowlanders or either Sherpa group. These data show that both duration of exposure and residential altitude influence the pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia.
A systematic review of computational models for the design of spinal cord stimulation therapies: from neural circuits to patient‐specific simulations
Authors: Liang Lucy , Damiani Arianna , Del Brocco Matteo , Rogers Evan R. , Jantz Maria K. , Fisher Lee E. , Gaunt Robert A. , Capogrosso Marco , Lempka Scott F. , Pirondini Elvira
Published: November 2022

Seventy years ago, Hodgkin and Huxley published the first mathematical model to describe action potential generation, laying the foundation for modern computational neuroscience. Since then, the field has evolved enormously, with studies spanning from basic neuroscience to clinical applications for neuromodulation. Computer models of neuromodulation have evolved in complexity and personalization, advancing clinical practice and novel neurostimulation therapies, such as spinal cord stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation is a therapy widely used to treat chronic pain, with rapidly expanding indications, such as restoring motor function. In general, simulations contributed dramatically to improve lead designs, stimulation configurations, waveform parameters and programming procedures and provided insight into potential mechanisms of action of electrical stimulation. Although the implementation of neural models are relentlessly increasing in number and complexity, it is reasonable to ask whether this observed increase in complexity is necessary for improved accuracy and, ultimately, for clinical efficacy. With this aim, we performed a systematic literature review and a qualitative meta‐synthesis of the evolution of computational models, with a focus on complexity, personalization and the use of medical imaging to capture realistic anatomy. Our review showed that increased model complexity and personalization improved both mechanistic and translational studies. More specifically, the use of medical imaging enabled the development of patient‐specific models that can help to transform clinical practice in spinal cord stimulation. Finally, we combined our results to provide clear guidelines for standardization and expansion of computational models for spinal cord stimulation.

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Weight Loss and Exercise Effects on Rate of Torque Development and Physical Function in Overweight Older Women
Authors: Williams Ewan R. , Straight Chad R. , Wilson Hannah K. , Lynall Robert C. , Gregory Chris M. , Evans Ellen M.
Published: November 2022

Exercise training (EX) and weight loss (WL) improve lower extremity physical function (LEPF) in older overweight women; however, effects on rate of torque development (RTD) are unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of WL + EX or WL alone on RTD, and relatedly LEPF, in overweight older women. Leg strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry, and RTD was calculated (RTD200 = RTD at 200 ms, RTDPeak = peak RTD, T2P = time to 1st peak). LEPF was determined via clinical functional tasks. Women (n = 44, 69.1 ± 3.6 years, 30.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2) completed a 6-month trial in EX + WL or WL groups with similar weight loss (−9.8 ± 4.2%, p > .95). EX + WL had greater improvements in (a) most LEPF tasks (p < .001) and (b) RTD200, compared with WL (36% vs. −16%, p = .031); no other RTD parameters differed. Changes in RTD parameters and LEPF were not related (all p > .05). RTD is responsive to EX but is not associated with LEPF in older women.
The Effect of Physical Activity on Body Constitution and Psychological Health in Older Adults: Evidence From an Analysis of a Biobank Research Database
Authors: Chen Ping-Ho , Fang Su-Chen , Lee Szu-Ying , Lin Wan-Ling , Tsai Shu-Feng , Huang Sheng-Miauh
Published: November 2022

This study aims to describe the relationship between physical activity, suboptimal health status based on traditional Chinese medicine, and psychological health in older people in Taiwan. A total of 4,497 older individuals were selected from the Taiwan Biobank Research Database. Suboptimal health status was assessed using a body constitution questionnaire to measure yang deficiency, yin deficiency, and stasis. The results showed that older adults involved in physical activity had a lower likelihood of yang/yin deficiency and stasis constitutions than physically inactive people. Participants with yang deficiency or stasis constitutions had a higher likelihood of poor psychological health, whereas those with yin deficiency had a greater likelihood of depression. People involved in physical activity had a lower likelihood of depression than physically inactive people. Compared with male older adults, females had a lower percentage of physical activity habits, poorer body constitutions, and poorer psychological health.
The Effect of Large Visual Illusion and External Focus of Attention on Gaze Behavior and Learning of Dart Throw Skill
Authors: Bahrami Somayeh , Abdoli Behrouz , Farsi Alireza , Aghdaei Mahin , Simpson Thomas
Published: November 2022

Research has shown that large visual illusions and an external focus of attention can improve novice’s motor learning. However, the combined effects of these approaches and the underlying mechanisms have yet to be studied. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of a large visual illusion and an external focus on the learning of a dart throwing task in novices and measured the perceptual mechanisms underpinning learning using quiet eye. Forty novice participants were randomly divided into four groups: large visual illusion, external focus of attention, combined large visual illusion and external focus of attention, and control group. The study consisted of a pretest, a practice phase, an immediate retention test, a 24-hr retention test, and a transfer test. Results revealed that all groups increased throwing accuracy and quiet eye duration from pretest to immediate retention. In the immediate retention, 24-hr retention, and transfer test, large visual illusion had greater accuracy and longer quiet eye duration than the control group. In addition, there were no significant differences between the visual illusion and external focus groups for throwing accuracy and quiet eye duration. The findings suggest that combining large visual illusion and external focus can independently improve motor learning but combining these manipulations does not have additive benefits.
Spirofused Tetrahydroisoquinoline-Oxindole Hybrids (Spiroquindolones) as Potential Multitarget Antimalarial Agents: Preliminary Hit Optimization and Efficacy Evaluation in Mice
Authors: Efange Noella M. , Lobe Maloba M. M. , Yamthe Lauve R. T. , Pekam Jeannette N. M. , Tarkang Protus A. , Ayong Lawrence , Efange Simon M. N.
Published: November 2022

Previous studies suggest that 3′,5′-dihydro-2′H-spiro[indoline-3,1′-isoquinolin]-2-ones (DSIIQs [spiroquindolones]) are multitarget antiplasmodial agents that combine the actions of spiroindolone and naphthylisoquinoline antimalarial agents. In this study, 12 analogues of compound (±)-5 (moxiquindole), the prototypical spiroquindolone, were synthesized and tested for antiplasmodial activity. Compound (±)-11 (a mixture of compounds 11a and 11b), the most potent analogue, displayed low-nanomolar activity against
P. falciparum
chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
] for 3D7 = 21 ± 02 nM) and was active against all major erythrocytic stages of the parasite life cycle (ring, trophozoite, and schizont); it also inhibited hemoglobin metabolism and caused extensive vacuolation in parasites. In drug-resistant parasites, compound (±)-11 exhibited potent activity (IC
50
for Dd2 = 58.34 ± 2.04 nM) against the
P. falciparum
multidrug-resistant Dd2 strain, and both compounds (±)-5 and (±)-11 displayed significant cross-resistance against the
P. falciparum
ATP4 mutant parasite Dd2 SJ733 but not against the Dd2 KAE609 strain.
Antibiotics Limit Adaptation of Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Hypoxia
Authors: Hull Rebecca C. , Wright Rosanna C. T. , Sayers Jon R. , Sutton Joshua A. F. , Rzaska Julia , Foster Simon J. , Brockhurst Michael A. , Condliffe Alison M.
Published: November 2022

Bacterial pathogens are confronted with a range of challenges at the site of infection, including exposure to antibiotic treatment and harsh physiological conditions, that can alter the fitness benefits and costs of acquiring antibiotic resistance. Here, we develop an experimental system to recapitulate resistance gene acquisition by
Staphylococcus aureus
and test how the subsequent evolution of the resistant bacterium is modulated by antibiotic treatment and oxygen levels, both of which are known to vary extensively at sites of infection.
Role of the Two Flagellar Stators in Swimming Motility of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Pfeifer Veronika , Beier Sönke , Alirezaeizanjani Zahra , Beta Carsten
Published: November 2022

Because of its heterogeneous habitat, the soil bacterium
Pseudomonas putida
needs to swim efficiently under very different environmental conditions. In this paper, we knocked out the stators MotAB and MotCD to investigate their impact on the swimming motility of
P. putida
.
Large-Scale CRISPRi and Transcriptomics of Staphylococcus epidermidis Identify Genetic Factors Implicated in Lifestyle Versatility
Authors: Spoto Michelle , Riera Puma Johanna P. , Fleming Elizabeth , Guan Changhui , Ondouah Nzutchi Yvette , Kim Dean , Oh Julia
Published: November 2022

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a bacteria that broadly inhabits healthy human skin, yet it is also a common cause of skin infections and bloodstream infections associated with implanted medical devices. Because human skin has many different types of
S. epidermidis
, each containing different genes, our goal is to determine how these different genes allow
S. epidermidis
to switch from healthy growth in the skin to being an infectious pathogen.
Restriction of Influenza A Virus by SERINC5
Authors: Lai Kin Kui , Munro James B. , Shi Guoli , Majdoul Saliha , Compton Alex A. , Rein Alan
Published: November 2022

SERINC5 (Ser5) is a cellular protein which has been found to interfere with the infectivity of HIV-1 and a number of other retroviruses. Virus particles produced in the presence of Ser5 are impaired in their ability to enter new host cells, but the mechanism of Ser5 action is not well understood.
The Obligate Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum Exploits Host Cell Multivesicular Body Biogenesis for Proliferation and Dissemination
Authors: Read Curtis B. , Lind Mary Clark H. , Chiarelli Travis J. , Izac Jerilyn R. , Adcox Haley E. , Marconi Richard T. , Carlyon Jason A.
Published: November 2022

Anaplasma phagocytophilum
causes granulocytic anaplasmosis, a globally emerging zoonosis that can be severe, even fatal, and for which antibiotic treatment options are limited.
A. phagocytophilum
lives in an endosomal-like compartment that interfaces with multiple organelles and from which it must ultimately exit to spread within the host. How the bacterium accomplishes these tasks is poorly understood.
Use of the Human Granulysin Transgenic Mice To Evaluate the Role of Granulysin Expression by CD8 T Cells in Immunity To Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Thakur Preeti , Sutiwisesak Rujapak , Lu Yu-Jung , Behar Samuel M.
Published: November 2022

Human CD8 T cells express the antimicrobial peptide granulysin in their cytotoxic granules, andin vitroanalysis suggest that it restricts growth ofMycobacterium tuberculosisand other intracellular pathogens. The murine model of tuberculosis cannot assess granulysin’s rolein vivo, as rodents lack the granulysin gene.
The Role of Chromatin and Transcriptional Control in the Formation of Sexual Fruiting Bodies in Fungi
Authors: Nowrousian Minou
Published: November 2022

Fungal fruiting bodies are complex, three-dimensional structures that arise from a less complex vegetative mycelium. Their formation requires the coordinated action of many genes and their gene products, and fruiting body formation is accompanied by major changes in the transcriptome.
Genetic Diversity of “
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus” Based on Four Hypervariable Genomic Regions in China
Authors: Gao Fanglan , Wu Bo , Zou Chengwu , Bao Yixue , Li Dean , Yao Wei , Powell Charles A. , Zhang Muqing
Published: November 2022

The hypervariable genomic regions derived from 35 published
C
Las genomes were used to decipher the genetic diversity of
C
Las strains and identify 10 new strains with high variations in prophage regions. Characterizing these variations in the
C
Las bacteria might provide insight into their evolution and adaptation to host plants and insects in China.
Characterization and DNA Stable-Isotope Probing of Methanotrophic Bioaerosols
Authors: Dillon Kevin P. , Krumins Valdis , Deshpande Aishwarya , Kerkhof Lee J. , Mainelis Gediminas , Fennell Donna E.
Published: November 2022

Currently, the cellular activities of bacteria in the airborne state outside of water droplets have not been heavily studied. Evidence suggests that these airborne bacteria produce ribosomes and metabolize gaseous compounds.
Breaching the Barrier: Genome-Wide Investigation into the Role of a Primary Amine in Promoting E. coli Outer-Membrane Passage and Growth Inhibition by Ampicillin
Authors: Maher Claire , Maharjan Ram , Sullivan Geraldine , Cain Amy K. , Hassan Karl A.
Published: November 2022

Due to the growing antibiotic resistance crisis, there is a critical need to develop new antibiotics, particularly compounds capable of targeting high-priority antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. In order to develop new compounds capable of overcoming resistance a greater understanding of how Gram-negative bacteria are able to prevent the uptake and accumulation of many antibiotics is required.
Response to sirolimus in a case of diffuse congenital hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia due to homozygousKCNJ11mutation
Authors: Oza Chirantap Markand , Khadilkar Vaman , Kadam Sandeep , Khadilkar Anuradha
Published: November 2022

We present a case of a male neonate with refractory and persistent neonatal hypoglycaemia not responding to octreotide. On evaluation for hypoglycaemia, his cortisol was within the reference range while the serum insulin concentrations were high. Gallium-68 dotatate scan (GA-68 DOTA) showed diffuse pancreatic involvement. Genetic diagnosis of congenital hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia due toKCNJ11mutation was made. He was started on tablet sirolimus, after which the child was off all other medication and was euglycaemic. However, he developed bilateral pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome with refractory shock. Our case highlights the response to sirolimus in a case of congenital hyperinsulinaemia (CHI) due toKCNJ11mutation and severe adverse event thereafter.
Effects of the free healthcare policy on health services’ usage by children under 5 years in Burkina Faso: a controlled interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Debe Siaka , Ilboudo Patrick G , Kabore Lassane , Zoungrana Noelie , Gansane Adama , Ridde Valéry , De Brouwere Vincent , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to analyse, at national level, the effects of the free healthcare policy for children on the use of health services by children under five in Burkina Faso. We hypothesised that this policy has led to an immediate and sustained increase in the use of health services for these children in the country.

Setting

We conducted a controlled interrupted time series. Monthly data at district level, spanning from January 2013 to December 2018 and corresponding to 72 monthly data points (39 before and 33 after), were extracted from the Burkina Faso National Health Information System. The analysed dataset included data from all the 70 health districts of the country.

Participants

The study consisted of aggregated data from children under five as the target for the policy with children aged between 5 and 14 years old as control group.

Intervention

The intervention was the introduction of the free healthcare policy for women and children under 5 years from April 2016.

Outcome

The primary outcome was the monthly mean rate of health services visits by children.

Results

Among the children under five, the rate of visits increased of 57% (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.57; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0) in the month immediately following the launching of the free healthcare policy. An increase in the rate of health facility visits of 1% (IRR=1.01; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1) per month was also noted during postintervention. Compared with the control group, we observed an increase in the rate of visits of 2.5% (IRR=1.025; 95% CI 1.023 to 1.026) per month.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the free healthcare policy increased the use of health facilities for care in Burkina Faso immediately after the implementation of the policy with a small increase in the rate overtime. Strategies to maintain the policy effect over time are necessary.
Cohort study of diagnostic delay in the clinical pathway of patients with chronic wounds in the primary care setting
Authors: Ahmajärvi Kirsti , Isoherranen Kirsi , Venermo Maarit
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Exact wound diagnosis is essential for successful wound management and a holistic care of the patient suffering from a wound. Wound management has been traditionally seen as a nursing area, but this can lead to considerable delays in wound diagnostics. A diagnostic delay has been recognised as an element of diagnostic error, which, in turn, affects patient safety. The aim of this cohort study was to examine diagnostic delays of chronic wound within primary care.

Setting

A specialised diagnostic unit, a wound care team, was established in the primary healthcare with the objective of reducing diagnostic and treatment delays in primary care.

Participants

The data consists of 197 consecutive patients attending their first appointment with the wound care team in 2016. The collected data included basic demographics, information about the clinical pathway, including doctor’s appointments in primary and specialised care, as well as the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic codes.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The diagnostic delays were calculated in days and divided into three groups: (1) patient-related delay, (2) diagnostic delay and (3) organisational delay.

Results

The median duration of a patient-related delay was 2 days (IQR 0–14), whereas a physician’s first evaluation was performed at a median of 8 (1–32) days from wound appearance and the correct diagnosis by the wound care team was established in a median of 57 (33–100) days. The organisational delay from first contact to diagnosis was a median of 41 (22–80) days. Only one in three patients had a diagnostic delay of less than 4 weeks.

Conclusions

According to this study, the diagnostic delay occurs within primary care, as an organisational delay from first contact to correct diagnosis. It is possible to arrange an optimal pathway of care in which a holistic wound care process starts within primary care.
Strengthening ethics committees for health-related research in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Chaudhry Iqra , Thurtle Val , Foday Edward , Leather Andrew J M , Samai Mohamed , Wurie Haja , Parmar Divya
Published: November 2022

Objective

Health-related research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has grown over the years. However, concerns have been raised about the state of research ethics committees (RECs). This scoping review examines the literature on RECs for health-related research in SSA and identifies strategies that have been applied to strengthen the RECs. It focuses on three aspects of RECs: regulatory governance and leadership, administrative and financial capacity and technical capacity of members.

Design

A scoping review of published literature, including grey literature, was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach.

Data sources

BioOne, CINAHL, Embase (via Ovid), Education Abstracts, Global Health, Google Scholar, Jstor, OpenEdition (French), Philosopher’s Index, PsycINFO, PubMed, Science Citation and Expanded Index (Web of Science), reference lists of included studies and specific grey literature sources.

Eligibility criteria

We included empirical studies on RECs for health-related research in SSA, covering topics on REC leadership and governance, administrative and financial capacity and the technical capacity of REC members. We included studies published between 01 January 2000 and 18 February 2022 and written in English, French, Portuguese or Swahili.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers screened the records. Data were extracted by one reviewer and cross-checked by another. Owing to the heterogeneity of included studies, thematic analysis was used.

Results

We included 54 studies. The findings show that most RECs in SSA work under significant administrative and financial constraints, with few opportunities for capacity building for committee members. This has an impact on the quality of reviews and the overall performance of RECs. Although most countries have national governance systems for RECs, they lack regulations on accountability, transparency and monitoring of RECs.

Conclusions

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on RECs for health-related research in SSA and contributes to our understanding of how RECs can be strengthened.
Identifying the important social outcomes for childhood cancer survivors: an e-Delphi study protocol
Authors: Milner Sarah , Feltbower Richard G , Absolom Kate , Glaser Adam
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Optimising the health of childhood cancer survivors is important given the high long-term survival rate coupled with a significant late effects burden. Included within the WHO’s definition of ‘Health’ are social outcomes. These are of interest given their impact on adult functioning within society, complex interactions with physical and mental health outcomes and potential for cross generational effects. Categories included within the definition of social outcomes are ill defined leading to potential gaps in research and service provision which could affect the ability of survivors to achieve their maximal potential. An e-Delphi study will be used to achieve expert consensus on the most important social outcomes for childhood cancer survivors to inform future research and ultimately, service provision.

Methods and analysis

A heterogeneous sample of at least 48 panel members will be recruited across four groups chosen to provide different perspectives on the childhood cancer journey: childhood cancer survivors, health professionals, social workers and teachers. Purposive sampling from a UK, regional long-term follow-up clinic will be used to recruit a representative sample of survivors. Other panel members will be recruited through local channels and national professional working groups. Opinions regarding breakdown and relevance of categories of social outcome will be collected through 3–5 rounds of questionnaires using an e-Delphi technique. Open ended, 7-point Likert scale and ranking questions will be used. Each round will be analysed collectively and per group to assess inter-rater agreement. Agreement and strength of agreement will be indicated by a median score of 6 or 7 and mean absolute deviation from the median, respectively.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study has been granted by Regional Ethics Committee 4, West of Scotland (ID 297344). Study findings will be disseminated to involved stakeholders, published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.
Changes in pharmaceutical retail market and regional inequality of community pharmacists accessibility in mainland China: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Feng Zhen , Ye Yun , Ye Hua , Tang Zhijia
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To describe the development of pharmaceutical retail market and community pharmacists in mainland China and identify challenges from both government and business perspectives.

Design

A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Community pharmacies providing primary care in mainland China.

Participants

Community pharmacies and community pharmacists in all 31 provincial units in mainland China registered in the National Medical Products Administration during 2014–2020. Number of community pharmacies ranged from 433 529 (2014) to 553 892 (2020). Number of community pharmacists ranged from 129 895 (2014) to 541 264 (2020).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Changes in pharmaceutical retail market and accessibility of community pharmacists over the study period. We also examined the qualification of pharmacists and regional differences.

Results

During 2014–2020, the total number of retail companies and pharmacies increased by 47.6% and 27.4%, respectively. The national retail chain rate boosted from 39.4% to 56.5%, and average number of stores per company increased from 40.2 to 49.7. The number of community pharmacists rose by 316.7%. Regarding accessibility, number of pharmacy stores per 10 000 inhabitants increased from 3.2 to 3.9; the average number of pharmacists per store and per 10 000 residents rose from 0.30 to 0.98 and from 0.95 to 3.83. However, the proportion holding a postgraduate or bachelor’s degree dropped to one-third. Pharmacy resources were unevenly distributed across the country. Correlations were observed between economic indicators and number of pharmacy stores and pharmacists (p<0.05).

Conclusions

In general, the accessibility and centralisation of retail pharmacies in China have shown a steady growth with a sign of regional disparities. The availability of community pharmacists has increased significantly, although with an unreasonable composition of academic qualifications and a shortage of personnel. Further efforts are necessary to provide sufficient pharmacy resources for community settings and resolve regional disparities.
Barriers and facilitators to use of a digital clinical decision support tool: a cohort study combining clickstream and survey data
Authors: Rosenberg Julie , Miller Kate , Pickard Olivia , Henrich Natalie , Karlage Ami , Weintraub Rebecca
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This research aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators clinicians face in using a digital clinical decision support tool—UpToDate—around the globe.

Design

We used a mixed-methods cohort study design that enrolled 1681 clinicians (physicians, surgeons or physician assistants) who applied for free access to UpToDate through our established donation programme during a 9-week study enrolment period. Eligibility included working outside of the USA for a limited-resource public or non-profit health facility, serving vulnerable populations, having at least intermittent internet access, completing the application in English; and not being otherwise able to afford the subscription.

Intervention

After consenting to study participation, clinicians received a 1-year subscription to UpToDate. They completed a series of surveys over the year, and we collected clickstream data tracking their use of the tool.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

(1) The variation in use by demographic; (2) the prevalence of barriers and facilitators of use; and (3) the relationship between barriers, facilitators and use.

Results

Of 1681 study enrollees, 69% were men and 71% were between 25 and 35 years old, with the plurality practicing general medicine and the majority in sub-Saharan Africa or Southeast Asia. Of the 11 barriers we assessed, fitting the tool into the workflow was a statistically significant barrier, making clinicians 50% less likely to use it. Of the 10 facilitators we assessed, a supportive professional context and utility were significant drivers of use.

Conclusions

There are several clear barriers and facilitators to promoting the use of digital clinical decision support tools in practice. We recommend tools like UpToDate be implemented with complementary services. These include generating a supportive professional context, helping clinicians realise the tools’ use and working with health systems to better integrate digital, clinical decision support tools into workflows.
Quality improvement project to improve the standardisation and efficiency of occupational therapy initial contact and assessment within a mental health inpatient service
Authors: Ige Joshua Jesudunsin , Hunt David Fancis
Published: November 2022

Timely contact and assessment between occupational therapists (OTs) and patients are vital to understanding their needs and creating person-centred interventions. Any delays in completing contact and assessment will likely impact patients’ experience and outcomes. The aim of this study was to ensure that 90% of all patients in a male and female ward received OT initial contact within two working days of admission by the end of June 2020.

With the teams working in collaboration, the first change idea of increasing the initial contact in two working days was introduced and the impact assessed on two of the five wards. The Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles used for this test of change included: Standardising the initial contact, informal training for the audit tool created to measure the admission process, increasing efficiency for documenting OT contact, updated exclusion/inclusion criteria for OT initial contact, refining documentation for contact and assessment, and the impact of COVID-19 on initial contact and admission processes.

Our test of change resulted in an increase in the average initial contact from 12.5% to 71.24%. Following this success, we spread the project to the three remaining wards. Feedback from OTs using the tools we introduced ensured that we made tools as user-friendly as possible. Likewise, teams who achieved particularly high compliance noted the importance of dedicating time to conduct initial contact.

Our team embarked on a quality improvement project that aimed to set a standard and increase compliance for achieving this standard. Alongside this, we developed an appropriate and pragmatic measure to track our progress. While we did not achieve 90%, we observed substantial improvements made across the participating service. Using the findings from the project, we have spread this approach to other wards and believe that it could easily be transferrable as a discreet package to other mental health settings.
Conclusion of diagnostic odysseys due to inversions disruptingGLI3andFBN1
Authors: Pagnamenta Alistair T , Yu Jing , Evans Julie , Twiss Philip ,   Genomics England Research Consortium,   Musculoskeletal GeCIP MDT, Offiah Amaka C , Wafik Mohamed , Mehta Sarju G , Javaid Mohammed K , Smithson Sarah F , Taylor Jenny C
Published: November 2022

Many genetic testing methodologies are biased towards picking up structural variants (SVs) that alter copy number. Copy-neutral rearrangements such as inversions are therefore likely to suffer from underascertainment. In this study, manual review prompted by a virtual multidisciplinary team meeting and subsequent bioinformatic prioritisation of data from the 100K Genomes Project was performed across 43 genes linked to well-characterised skeletal disorders. Ten individuals from three independent families were found to harbour diagnostic inversions. In two families, inverted segments of 1.2/14.8 Mb unequivocally disruptedGLI3and segregated with skeletal features consistent with Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome. For one family, phenotypic blending was due to the opposing breakpoint lying ~45 kb fromHOXA13. In the third family, long suspected to have Marfan syndrome, a 2.0 Mb inversion disruptingFBN1was identified. These findings resolved lengthy diagnostic odysseys of 9–20 years and highlight the importance of direct interaction between clinicians and data-analysts. These exemplars of a rare mutational class inform future SV prioritisation strategies within the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and similar genome sequencing initiatives. In over 30 years since these two disease-gene associations were identified, large inversions have yet to be described and so our results extend the mutational spectra linked to these conditions.