bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Demodex gatoi in shelter and feral cats in a southeastern region of the United States
Authors: Baiz Susan , Frank Linda A. , Drake Elizabeth R. , Kania Stephen
Published: August 2022

Background

Demodex gatoi is a contagious ectoparasite that causes pruritic dermatitis in otherwise healthy cats. The diagnosis of this mite can be difficult, and its prevalence is unknown.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to identify the prevalence of D. gatoi in a population of cats with no known previous exposure to treatments using real‐time PCR and superficial skin scrapings.

Animals

Fifty cats from shelters and 50 cats from feral populations of eastern Tennessee were included in this study.

Materials and methods

To identify the presence of D. gatoi, superficial skin scrapings and plucked hairs were collected from multiple sites for microscopic and PCR evaluation, respectively.

Results

Ten of 100 cats were positive for D. gatoi. Nine cats had a positive PCR for D. gatoi with negative skin scrapings. One mite was identified on superficial skin scrapings from one cat, which was negative on PCR. Four of 50 feral cats (8%) were positive for D. gatoi. Of the shelter cats, four of 20 stray cats (20%) and two of 30 owner‐surrendered cats (6.67%) were positive. Only one of 10 positive cats had skin lesions.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These findings demonstrate that asymptomatic cats represent a source of infection for D. gatoi to healthy cats. This mite should be considered a differential diagnosis in pruritic cats with a history of potential exposure. Additionally, skin scrapings appear to be insensitive; thus, multiple diagnostic tests, including PCR, should be performed to identify the presence of D. gatoi.
Volatility Asymmetry and Spillover Effects in Crude Oil Futures Market: Evidence from China
Authors: Hui GAO , Chen GAO Tian
Published: August 2022

In order to study the international influence and function of domestic crude oil futures prices in depth, based on the daily data of 2018-2022, this paper uses Granger causality test, cointegration test, ECM model and several forms of GARCH model to make empirical research on the price correlation, volatility, asymmetry and risk spillover effects of domestic crude oil, Brent crude oil, WTI crude oil and Oman crude oil futures in the three major foreign crude oil markets. The study found that there is a Granger causal relationship and a cointegration relationship between domestic and foreign crude oil futures prices. There are interactions in the crude oil futures markets at home and abroad, and there are different fluctuation patterns in the short-term fluctuation process. There are asymmetries, leverage effects and spillover effects in the volatility of the four crude oil futures markets at home and abroad with different intensities. The bearish news of the three foreign markets is greater than the impact of the bullish news than that of the domestic one. There are risk spillover effects and volatility effects between domestic and the three foreign crude oil futures markets, and the domestic spillover effect on foreign crude oil is greater than the spillover effect on domestic crude oil from abroad. The conclusion is that the international influence of domestic crude oil futures prices is stronger than that of Omani crude oil, and weaker than Brent and WTI crude oil. The leverage effect of the three foreign markets is greater than that of China, and the leverage effect of the Oman crude oil futures market is the strongest. The asymmetry and spillover effect of fluctuations in the domestic and foreign crude oil futures markets lead to the risk and speculation of the three foreign markets being greater than that of the domestic one, and the speculative arbitrage through the domestic and foreign crude oil markets may cause huge market risks, and it is suggested that the internationalization of the domestic futures market needs more systems and mechanisms to support the construction.
Shear and Fatigue Properties of Lead-Free Solder Joints: Modeling and Microstructure Analysis
Authors: Wei Xin , Belhadi Mohamed El Amine , Hamasha Sa'd , Alahmer Ali , Zhao Rong , Prorok Bart , Sakib A. R. Nazmus
Published: August 2022

The reliability of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC)-based solder alloys has been extensively investigated after the prohibition of lead in the electronics industry owing to their toxicity. Low-temperature solder (LTS) alloys have recently received considerable attention because of their low cost and reduced defects in complex assemblies. The shear and fatigue properties of individual solder joints were tested using an Instron micromechanical testing system in this research. Two novel solder alloys (Sn-58Bi-0.5Sb-0.15Ni and Sn-42Bi) with low melting temperatures were examined and compared with Sn-3.5Ag and Sn-3.0Ag-0.8Cu-3.0Bi. The surface finish was electroless nickel-immersion gold (ENIG) during the test. Shear testing was conducted at three strain rates, and the shear strength of each solder alloy was measured. A constant strain rate was used for the cyclic fatigue experiments. The fatigue life of each alloy was determined for various stress amplitudes. The failure mechanism in shear and fatigue tests was characterized using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The results revealed that Sn-3.0Ag-0.8Cu-3.0Bi had superior shear and fatigue properties compared to other alloys but was more susceptible to brittle failure. The shear strain rate affected the failure modes of Sn-3.0Ag-0.8Cu-3.0Bi, Sn-58Bi-0.5Sb-0.15Ni, and Sn-42Bi; however, Sn-3.5Ag was found to be insensitive. Several failure modes were detected for Sn-3.5Ag in both shear strength and fatigue tests.
A Comparative Study of Self-Piercing Riveting and Friction Self-Piercing Riveting of Cast Aluminum Alloy Al–Si7Mg
Authors: Yang Bingxin , Ma Yunwu , Shan He , Li Yongbing
Published: August 2022

Cast aluminum alloys are promising materials that can simplify the manufacturing process of automobile body structures. However, the low ductility of cast aluminum poses significant challenges to existing riveting technologies. In the present work, dissimilar AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy and Al–Si7Mg cast aluminum were joined by self-piercing riveting (SPR) and friction self-piercing riveting (F-SPR) processes to reveal the effect of friction heat on rivetability of low-ductility cast aluminum alloys. The joint macro-morphology, microstructure, peak tooling force, microhardness distribution, tensile-shear, and cross-tension performance of the two processes were comparatively studied. Results indicated that the in-situ softening effect of friction heat in the F-SPR process could effectively improve the ductility of cast aluminum, avoid cracking, and reduce the tooling force by 53%, compared to the SPR process. The severe plastic deformation and friction heat induced by rivet rotation results in refined equiaxed grains of aluminum near the rivets and solid-state bonding between aluminum sheets in the rivet cavity. The F-SPR joints are superior to SPR joints in both tensile-shear and cross-tension performance due to the avoidance of cracking, increase of mechanical interlocking, and solid-state bonding of interfaces. Significantly, when Al–Si7Mg is placed on the lower layer, the peak tensile-shear and cross-tension loads of the F-SPR joints are 7.2% and 45.5% higher than the corresponding SPR joints, respectively.
Design of Approximate Explicit Model Predictive Controller Using Parametric Optimization
Authors: Tsai Ying-Kuan , Malak Richard J.
Published: August 2022

This paper introduces a new technique, called state-parameterized nonlinear programming control (sp-NLPC), for designing a feedback controller that can stabilize intrinsically unstable nonlinear dynamical systems using parametric optimization. Stability-preserving constraints are included in the optimization problem solved offline by the predictive parameterized Pareto genetic algorithm (P3GA), a constrained nonlinear parametric optimization algorithm. The optimal control policy is approximated from P3GA output using radial basis function (RBF) metamodeling. The sp-NLPC technique requires fewer assumptions and is more data-efficient than alternative methods. Two nonlinear systems (single and double inverted pendulums on a cart) are used as benchmarking problems. Performance and computational efficiency are compared to several competing control design techniques. Results show that sp-NLPC outperforms and is more efficient than competing methods. A qualitative investigation on phase plane analysis for the controlled systems is presented to ensure stability. The approximating state-dependent solution for the control input lends itself to applications of control design for control co-design (CCD). Such extensions are discussed as part of future work.
Kinematic Analysis and Dimension Optimization of a New Reconfigurable Parallel Mechanism With 1R2T and 2R1T Operation Modes
Authors: Ye Wei , Hu Lihuan , Li Qinchuan
Published: August 2022

This paper introduces a novel reconfigurable parallel mechanism (RPM) consisting of two PRU limbs (P denotes a prismatic joint, R denotes a revolute joint, U denotes a universal joint) and one PUU limb. The proposed RPM can evolve into two distinct configurations from the switch configuration, in which one configuration has one rotational degree-of-freedom (DOF) and two translational DOFs, and the other configuration has two rotational DOFs and one translational DOF. First, the DOFs of the RPM in each configuration are analyzed using screw theory. Then, position modeling for the RPM is carried out. Inverse position solutions and forward position solutions are derived. Further, performance evaluation and optimization are conducted using the motion/force transmission method. Finally, a prototype is developed, and preliminary experiments are carried out. The proposed RPM has the potential to be used in applications with multi-task requirements.
Prediction of the Anisotropy of Chiral Mechanical Metamaterials via Micropolar Modeling
Authors: Li Tiantian , Li Yaning
Published: August 2022

The anisotropic elastic mechanical properties of a family of single material chiral mechanical metamaterials are explored systematically. An integrated monoclinic-micropolar constitutive model is developed to quantify the anisotropic mechanical properties of the chiral designs with different geometries. The model predictions are thoroughly verified by mechanical experiments on three-dimensional (3D) printed specimens and finite element simulations with periodic boundary conditions. The new integrated monoclinic-micropolar model can predict the anisotropic elastic properties in all directions. Normalized model parameters for this family of chiral designs are provided. Finally, the anisotropic effective stiffness and effective Poisson’s ratio of all geometric designs in this family are quantified. The anisotropy and the completeness of auxeticity are evaluated systematically.
Bioinspired two-in-one nanotransistor sensor for the simultaneous measurements of electrical and mechanical cellular responses
Authors: Gao Hongyan , Yang Feiyu , Sattari Kianoosh , Du Xian , Fu Tianda , Fu Shuai , Liu Xiaomeng , Lin Jian , Sun Yubing , Yao Jun
Published: August 2022

The excitation-contraction dynamics in cardiac tissue are the most important physiological parameters for assessing developmental state. We demonstrate integrated nanoelectronic sensors capable of simultaneously probing electrical and mechanical cellular responses. The sensor is configured from a three-dimensional nanotransistor with its conduction channel protruding out of the plane. The structure promotes not only a tight seal with the cell for detecting action potential via field effect but also a close mechanical coupling for detecting cellular force via piezoresistive effect. Arrays of nanotransistors are integrated to realize label-free, submillisecond, and scalable interrogation of correlated cell dynamics, showing advantages in tracking and differentiating cell states in drug studies. The sensor can further decode vector information in cellular motion beyond typical scalar information acquired at the tissue level, hence offering an improved tool for cell mechanics studies. The sensor enables not only improved bioelectronic detections but also reduced invasiveness through the two-in-one converging integration.
Molecular basis of the key regulator WRINKLED1 in plant oil biosynthesis
Authors: Qiao Zhu , Kong Que , Tee Wan Ting , Lim Audrey R. Q. , Teo Miao Xuan , Olieric Vincent , Low Pui Man , Yang Yuzhou , Qian Guoliang , Ma Wei , Gao Yong-Gui
Published: August 2022

Vegetable oils are not only major components of human diet but also vital for industrial applications. WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is a pivotal transcription factor governing plant oil biosynthesis, but the underlying DNA-binding mechanism remains incompletely understood. Here, we resolved the structure of Arabidopsis WRI1 (AtWRI1) with its cognate double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), revealing two antiparallel β sheets in the tandem AP2 domains that intercalate into the adjacent major grooves of dsDNA to determine the sequence recognition specificity. We showed that AtWRI1 represented a previously unidentified structural fold and DNA-binding mode. Mutations of the key residues interacting with DNA element affected its binding affinity and oil biosynthesis when these variants were transiently expressed in tobacco leaves. Seed oil content was enhanced in stable transgenic
wri1-1
expressing an AtWRI1 variant (W74R). Together, our findings offer a structural basis explaining WRI1 recognition and binding of DNA and suggest an alternative strategy to increase oil yield in crops through WRI1 bioengineering.
FIND-IT: Accelerated trait development for a green evolution
Authors: Knudsen Søren , Wendt Toni , Dockter Christoph , Thomsen Hanne Cecilie , Rasmussen Magnus , Egevang Jørgensen Morten , Lu Qiongxian , Voss Cynthia , Murozuka Emiko , Østerberg Jeppe Thulin , Harholt Jesper , Braumann Ilka , Cuesta-Seijo Jose A. , Kale Sandip M. , Bodevin Sabrina , Tang Petersen Lise , Carciofi Massimiliano , Pedas Pai Rosager , Opstrup Husum Jeppe , Nielsen Martin Toft Simmelsgaard , Nielsen Kasper , Jensen Mikkel K. , Møller Lillian Ambus , Gojkovic Zoran , Striebeck Alexander , Lengeler Klaus , Fennessy Ross T. , Katz Michael , Garcia Sanchez Rosa , Solodovnikova Natalia , Förster Jochen , Olsen Ole , Møller Birger Lindberg , Fincher Geoffrey B. , Skadhauge Birgitte
Published: August 2022

Improved agricultural and industrial production organisms are required to meet the future global food demands and minimize the effects of climate change. A new resource for crop and microbe improvement, designated FIND-IT (Fast Identification of Nucleotide variants by droplet DigITal PCR), provides ultrafast identification and isolation of predetermined, targeted genetic variants in a screening cycle of less than 10 days. Using large-scale sample pooling in combination with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) greatly increases the size of low–mutation density and screenable variant libraries and the probability of identifying the variant of interest. The method is validated by screening variant libraries totaling 500,000 barley (
Hordeum vulgare
) individuals and isolating more than 125 targeted barley gene knockout lines and miRNA or promoter variants enabling functional gene analysis. FIND-IT variants are directly applicable to elite breeding pipelines and minimize time-consuming technical steps to accelerate the evolution of germplasm.
RNA binding protein RBM46 regulates mitotic-to-meiotic transition in spermatogenesis
Authors: Qian Baomei , Li Yang , Yan Ruoyu , Han Shenglin , Bu Zhiwen , Gong Jie , Zheng Bangjin , Yuan Zihan , Ren Sen , He Qing , Zhang Jinwen , Xu Chen , Wang Ruilin , Sun Zheng , Lin Mingyan , Zhou Jian , Ye Lan
Published: August 2022

Meiosis entry during spermatogenesis requires reprogramming from mitotic to meiotic gene expression profiles. Transcriptional regulation has been extensively studied in meiosis entry, but gain of function for master transcription factors is insufficient to down-regulate mitotic genes. RNA helicase YTHDC2 and its partner MEIOC emerge as essential posttranscriptional regulators of meiotic entry. However, it is unclear what governs the RNA binding specificity of YTHDC2/MEIOC. Here, we identified RNA binding protein RBM46 as a component of the YTHDC2/MEIOC complex. Testis-specific
Rbm46
knockout in mice causes infertility with defective mitotic-to-meiotic transition, phenocopying global
Ythdc2
or
Meioc
knockout. RBM46 binds to 3′ UTR of mitotic transcripts within 100 nucleotides from YTHDC2 U-rich motifs and targets these transcripts for degradation. Dysregulated RBM46 expression is associated with human male fertility disorders. These findings establish the RBM46/YTHDC2/MEIOC complex as the major posttranscriptional regulator responsible for down-regulating mitotic transcripts during meiosis entry in mammalian spermatogenesis, with implications for understanding meiosis-related fertility disorders.
Comment on “Microglial activation states drive glucose uptake and FDG-PET alterations in neurodegenerative diseases”
Authors: Zimmer Eduardo R. , Pascoal Tharick A. , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Nordberg Agneta , Pellerin Luc
Published: August 2022

Astrocytes might be the major contributor to the radioactive signal captured by PET in the microglia-dependent modulation of FDG-PET.
Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of Halogenation and Drug Transportation Genes Encoded in the Albofungin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster
Authors: Wang Zhe-Chong , Lo I-Wen , Lin Kuan-Hung , Cheng An Ning , Zadeh Saeid Malek , Huang Yen-Hua , Li Tsung-Lin
Published: August 2022

Albofungin, a natural product produced from Streptomycetes, exhibits bioactivities against bacteria, fungi, and tumor cells. The biosynthetic logic, regulations, and resistance of albofungin remain yet to be addressed.
Heterogeneous Growth Enhancement of Vibrio cholerae in the Presence of Different Phytoplankton Species
Authors: King Kelly , Bramucci Anna R. , Labbate Maurizio , Raina Jean-Baptiste , Seymour Justin R.
Published: August 2022

Many environmental strains of
V. cholerae
do not cause cholera epidemics but remain a public health concern due to their roles in milder gastrointestinal illnesses. With emerging evidence that these infections are increasing due to climate change, determining the ecological drivers that enable outbreaks of
V. cholerae
in coastal environments is becoming critical.
Endothelial Cell Infection by Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus Is a Lytic or Persistent Infection Depending on Tissue Origin but Requires Viral Pentamer Complex and pp65 Tegument Protein
Authors: Choi K. Yeon , El-Hamdi Nadia , McGregor Alistair
Published: August 2022

Congenital CMV is a leading cause of cognitive impairment and deafness in newborns, and a vaccine is a high priority. The only small animal model for congenital CMV is the guinea pig and guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) encoding functional HCMV homolog viral glycoprotein complexes necessary for cell entry that are neutralizing-antibody vaccine targets.
Regulatory Interplay between RNase III and Antisense RNAs in E. coli: the Case of AsflhD and FlhD, Component of the Master Regulator of Motility
Authors: Lejars Maxence , Caillet Joël , Solchaga-Flores Eugenio , Guillier Maude , Plumbridge Jacqueline , Hajnsdorf Eliane
Published: August 2022

The role of antisense RNAs (asRNAs) in the regulation of gene expression remains largely unexplored in bacteria. Here, we confirm that asRNAs can be part of layered regulatory networks, since some are found opposite to genes encoding global regulators.
Hybrid Immunity Shifts the Fc-Effector Quality of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine-Induced Immunity
Authors: Bowman Kathryn A. , Stein Daniel , Shin Sally , Ferbas Kathie G. , Tobin Nicole H. , Mann Colin , Fischinger Stephanie , Ollmann Saphire Erica , Lauffenburger Douglas , Rimoin Anne W. , Aldrovandi Grace , Alter Galit
Published: August 2022

Recent data indicates improved immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in individuals who experience a combination of two mRNA vaccine doses and infection, “hybrid immunity,” compared to individuals who receive vaccination or experience infection alone. While previous infection accelerates the vaccine-induced immune response following the first dose of mRNA vaccination, subsequent doses demonstrate negligible increases in antibody titers or T cell immunity.
Cryptococcus neoformans Database in Synthetic Biology Open Language
Authors: Garcia de Resende Sophia , Batista Ana Carolina Campos , Gomide Mayna da Silveira , Pandolfo Luis Henrique Scarparo , Ferreira da Silva Leonardo , Silva-Pereira Ildinete , Coelho Cíntia Marques
Published: August 2022

Cryptococcus neoformans
is the etiologic agent of cryptococcosis, a lethal worldwide disease. Synthetic biology could contribute to its better understanding through engineering genetic networks. However, its major challenge is the requirement of accessible genetic parts. The database presented here provides 23 biological parts for this organism in Synthetic Biology Open Language.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Nitrogen-Fixing Strains Isolated from Soil Cooled for Growing Temperate Root Crops in a Tropical Climate
Authors: Shaárani Shazwana , Ahmad Sabri Nurul Syazwani , Riyadi Fatimah Azizah , Md Akhir Fazrena Nadia , Othman Nor’azizi , Hara Hirofumi
Published: August 2022

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria can form a symbiotic relationship with several members of the major plant groups and with fungi. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of three nitrogen-fixing strains isolated from soil cooled for growing temperate root crops in a tropical climate.
Supplemental Oxygen Alters the Airway Microbiome in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Vieira Jacob , Jesudasen Sirus , Bringhurst Lindsay , Sui Hui-Yu , McIver Lauren , Whiteson Katrine , Hanselmann Kurt , O’Toole George A. , Richards Christopher J. , Sicilian Leonard , Neuringer Isabel , Lai Peggy S.
Published: August 2022

The airway microbiome in persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) is correlated with lung function and disease severity. Supplemental oxygen use is common in more advanced CF, yet its role in perturbing airway microbial communities is unknown.
Coating and Corruption of Human Neutrophils by Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles
Authors: du Teil Espina Marines , Fu Yanyan , van der Horst Demi , Hirschfeld Claudia , López-Álvarez Marina , Mulder Lianne M. , Gscheider Costanza , Haider Rubio Anna , Huitema Minke , Becher Dörte , Heeringa Peter , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: August 2022

Severe periodontitis is a dysbiotic inflammatory disease that affects about 15% of the adult population, making it one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Importantly, periodontitis has been associated with the development of nonoral diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatic cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Comparative Genomics Analysis and Outer Membrane Vesicle-Mediated Horizontal Antibiotic-Resistance Gene Transfer in Avibacterium paragallinarum
Authors: Xu Jie , Mei Chen , Zhi Yan , Liang Zhi-xuan , Zhang Xue , Wang Hong-jun
Published: August 2022

The functions and roles of OMVs on ARG and virulent gene transfer and dissemination have been reported in numerous Gram-negative bacteria. However, the role of OMVs in mediating antibiotic resistance in
A. paragallinarum
has not been reported.
Culturomics of Bacteria from Radon-Saturated Water of the World’s Oldest Radium Mine
Authors: Kapinusova Gabriela , Jani Kunal , Smrhova Tereza , Pajer Petr , Jarosova Irena , Suman Jachym , Strejcek Michal , Uhlik Ondrej
Published: August 2022

The mine Svornost in Jáchymov (Joachimstahl), Czech Republic is a former silver-uranium mine and the world’s first and for a long time only radium mine, nowadays the deepest mine devoted to the extraction of water which is saturated with radon and has therapeutic benefits given its chemical properties. This healing water, which is approximately 13 thousand years old, is used under medical supervision for the treatment of patients with neurological and rheumatic disorders.
Diagnostic test accuracy of dipstick urinalysis for diagnosing urinary tract infection in febrile infants attending the emergency department
Authors: Waterfield Thomas , Foster Steven , Platt Rebecca , Barrett Michael J , Durnin Sheena , Maney Julie-Ann , Roland Damian , McFetridge Lisa , Mitchell Hannah , Umana Etimbuk , Lyttle Mark D
Published: August 2022

Objective

To report the diagnostic test accuracy of dipstick urinalysis for the detection of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in febrile infants aged 90 days or less attending the emergency department (ED).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients

Febrile infants aged 90 days or less attending between 31 August 2018 and 1 September 2019.

Main outcome measures

The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of dipstick urinalysis in detecting UTIs defined as growth of ≥100 000 cfu/mL of a single organism and the presence of pyuria (>5 white blood cells per high-power field).

Setting

Eight paediatric EDs in the UK/Ireland.

Results

A total of 275 were included in the final analysis. There were 252 (92%) clean-catch urine samples and 23 (8%) were transurethral bladder catheter samples. The median age was 51 days (IQR 35–68.5, range 1–90), and there were 151/275 male participants (54.9%). In total, 38 (13.8%) participants had a confirmed UTI. The most sensitive individual dipstick test for UTI was the presence of leucocytes. Including ‘trace’ as positive resulted in a sensitivity of 0.87 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.94) and a specificity of 0.73 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.79). The most specific individual dipstick test for UTI was the presence of nitrites. Including trace as positive resulted in a specificity of 0.91 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.94) and a sensitivity of 0.42 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.59).

Conclusion

Point-of-care urinalysis is moderately sensitive and highly specific for diagnosing UTI in febrile infants. The optimum cut-point to for excluding UTI was leucocytes (1+), and the optimum cut-point for confirming UTI was nitrites (trace).

Trial registration number

NCT04196192.
Non-invasive intracranial pressure estimation using ultrasonographic measurement of area of optic nerve subarachnoid space
Authors: Zhang Yue , Cao Kai , Pang Ruiqi , Wang Ning , Qu Xin , Kang Jun , Wang Ningli , Liu Hanruo
Published: August 2022

Objective

To verify whether the area of the ONSAS (ONSASA) obtained by transorbital ultrasonography can be used to accurately evaluate the intracranial pressure (ICP).

Methods

The recorded indexes included the optic nerve diameter, the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), the width of both sides of the ONSAS (ONSASW) at 3 mm from the optic nerve head and the entire ONSASA outlined between 3 and 7 mm. After exploring and comparing five models to describe the relationship between body mass index (BMI), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), ONSASA and ICP, the best model was determined.

Results

In all, 90 patients with neurological diseases undergoing continuous invasive ICP monitoring were included in the study. In the training group, the correlation coefficient for the association between the ICP and ONSASA (Pearson’s correlation r=0.953) was higher than that for the association of the ICP with the ONSD (r=0.672; p<0.0001) and ONSASW at 3 mm behind the globe (r=0.691; p<0.0001). In the training group, the weighting function for prediction of the ICP was as follows: non-invasive ICP=2.050×ONSASA−0.051×BMI +0.036*MABP−5.837. With 20 mm Hg as the cut-off point for a high or low ICP, the sensitivity and specificity of ONSASA predicting ICP was 1.00 and 0.92. Receiver operator curve analysis revealed that the calculated cut-off value for predicting elevated ICP was 19.96 (area under curve= 0.960, 95% CI 0.865 to 1.00).

Conclusion

Measurement of the ONSASA using ultrasonography can serve as a practical method for rapid and non-invasive quantification for evaluating ICP through an accurate mathematical formula with the BMI and MABP considered as contributing parameters.

Trial registration number

The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Study no ChiCTR2100045274).
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome presenting with thrombotic microangiopathy triggered by malignant hypertension: a case report and literature review
Authors: Onomura Hitomi , Shimizu Takahiro , Suzuki Junichiro , Nakai Noriyoshi , Teramachi Yuri , Tomonori Kato , Akiguchi Ichiro , Ito Yasuhiro
Published: August 2022

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a disease characterised by reversible subcortical vasogenic oedema, neurological symptoms and abnormal findings on head imaging. It is recognised as one of the most prominent organ disorders in hypertensive emergencies but is rarely associated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA).

Case presentation

A woman in her 40s with untreated hypertension had occasional headaches in the past 4 months. The headaches worsened during the 3 weeks prior to admission. On the day of admission, the patient presented with severe headache accompanied by frequent vomiting. MRI of the head revealed oedematous changes in the brainstem, including the subcortical, cerebellum and pons. Fundus examination revealed hypertensive retinopathy with papilloedema. Blood tests indicated thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction and haemolytic anaemia, and a blood smear confirmed fragmented erythrocytes. Coombs’ test, and tests for ADAMTS13 activity and infectious and autoimmune diseases were negative. The patient was diagnosed with PRES, secondary to malignant hypertension (MH) and associated with TMA. Antihypertensive therapy promptly improved the clinical symptoms, blood pressure, and the abnormal MRI and blood test findings. The patient was discharged from the hospital 20 days after admission.

Conclusions

We report a rare case of PRES that was associated with TMA and triggered by MH. Antihypertensive therapy was effective in alleviating the associated adverse clinical symptoms. Differentiation of underlying diseases is essential for early intervention, since treatment depends on factors causing TMA.
Protocol for a controlled before-after quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention to reduce gaps in hypertension care and control in low-income communes of Medellin, Colombia
Authors: Londoño Agudelo Esteban Augusto , Battaglioli Tullia , Soto Alonso , Vásquez Gómez José , Aguilar Ramírez Hernán , Pérez Ospina Viviana , Rodríguez Salvá Armando , Ortiz Solórzano Patricia , Pérez Dennis , Gómez-Arias Rubén , Van Der Stuyft Patrick
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Research on public health interventions to improve hypertension care and control in low-income and middle-income countries remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and assess the process and fidelity of implementation of a multi-component intervention to reduce the gaps in hypertension care and control at a population level in low-income communes of Medellin, Colombia.

Methods and analysis

A multi-component intervention was designed based on international guidelines, cross-sectional population survey results and consultation with the community and institutional stakeholders. Three main intervention components integrate activities related to (1) health services redesign, (2) clinical staff training and (3) patient and community engagement. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated in a controlled before-after quasi-experimental study, with two deprived communes of the city selected as intervention and control arms. We will conduct a baseline and an endline survey 2 years after the start of the intervention. The primary outcomes will be the gaps in hypertension diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and control. Effectiveness will be evaluated with the difference-in-difference measures. Generalised estimation equation models will be fitted considering the clustered nature of data and adjusting for potential confounding variables. The implementation process will be studied with mixed methods. Implementation fidelity will be documented to assess to which degree the intervention components were implemented as intended.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Research Committee of Metrosalud in Colombia (reference 1400/5.2), the Medical Ethics Committee of the Antwerp University Hospital (reference 18/40/424) and the Institutional Review Board of the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine (reference 1294/19). We will share and discuss the study results with the community, institutional stakeholders and national health policymakers. We will publish them in national and international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05011838.
Cohort profile: the British Columbia COVID-19 Population Mixing Patterns Survey (BC-Mix)
Authors: Adu Prince A , Binka Mawuena , Mahmood Bushra , Jeong Dahn , Buller-Taylor Terri , Damascene Makuza Jean , Iyaniwura Sarafa , Ringa Notice , Velásquez García Héctor A , Wong Stanley , Yu Amanda , Bartlett Sofia , Wilton James , Irvine Mike A , Otterstatter Michael , Janjua Naveed Zafar
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Several non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as physical distancing, handwashing, self-isolation, and school and business closures, were implemented in British Columbia (BC) following the first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 on 26 January 2020, to minimise in-person contacts that could spread infections. The BC COVID-19 Population Mixing Patterns Survey (BC-Mix) was established as a surveillance system to measure behaviour and contact patterns in BC over time to inform the timing of the easing/re-imposition of control measures. In this paper, we describe the BC-Mix survey design and the demographic characteristics of respondents.

Participants

The ongoing repeated online survey was launched in September 2020. Participants are mainly recruited through social media platforms (including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp). A follow-up survey is sent to participants 2–4 weeks after completing the baseline survey. Survey responses are weighted to BC’s population by age, sex, geography and ethnicity to obtain generalisable estimates. Additional indices such as the Material and Social Deprivation Index, residential instability, economic dependency, and others are generated using census and location data.

Findings to date

As of 26 July 2021, over 61 000 baseline survey responses were received of which 41 375 were eligible for analysis. Of the eligible participants, about 60% consented to follow-up and about 27% provided their personal health numbers for linkage with healthcare databases. Approximately 83.5% of respondents were female, 58.7% were 55 years or older, 87.5% identified as white and 45.9% had at least a university degree. After weighting, approximately 50% were female, 39% were 55 years or older, 65% identified as white and 50% had at least a university degree.

Future plans

Multiple papers describing contact patterns, physical distancing measures, regular handwashing and facemask wearing, modelling looking at impact of physical distancing measures and vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and uptake are either in progress or have been published.
Usability and feasibility assessment of a smartphone application (Suhriday) for heart failure self-care remote monitoring in an Indian tertiary health care setting: a pilot mixed-methods study
Authors: Bylappa Bhuvana Kolar , Kamath Deepak Y , Josephine Immaculate Sheela , Shaikh Jabraan , Kamath Anant , Rioniz Preethi , Kulkarni Shruthi , Varghese Kiron , Xavier Denis
Published: August 2022

Background/objectives

Remote monitoring as a component of chronic heart failure (CHF) management programmes has demonstrated utility in reducing the risk of rehospitalisation and mortality. There is little evidence on mobile health app facilitated remote monitoring in India. We conducted a pilot usability and feasibility assessment of a smartphone-based application (Suhriday) to remotely monitor patients with CHF.

Methods

We used a mixed-methods design. Usability testing consisted of the think-aloud approach followed by semistructured in-depth interviews (SSIs) and a satisfaction questionnaire. Feasibility testing was done using acceptability and user satisfaction questionnaires in addition to SSIs. We trained five purposively sampled patients with CHF (based on health literacy and gender) and their caregivers (n=10) in self-care monitoring and app use. Usability was assessed using metrics such as task completion, time required for task completion and user satisfaction using Brooke’s System Usability Scale (SUS). Content analysis of the transcripts with deductive coding was performed for both usability and feasibility interviews. The number and types of medical alerts transmitted through the app were captured and escalated to the treating team.

Results

Critical tasks involving (1) opening the app and identifying task list, (2) reporting blood pressure, weight, heart rate and fluid intake and (3) reporting symptoms were completed within 60 s by four patients. Median (IQR) SUS score was 85 (75–92.5) indicating high level of usability. There were 62 alerts from four patients over 4 weeks, with 36 (58.1%) excess fluid intake alerts and 16 (25.8%) blood pressure variations being the most frequent. One participant had challenges using the app and was monitored through active phone calls.

Conclusion

Overall usability and satisfaction with Suhriday were good and we were able to remotely manage patients. However, patients with limited health literacy and those facing technological challenges required active structured telephone support.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication timing on the risk of thromboembolism events in patients with peptic ulcer disease: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Lai Jung-Nien , Liao Yi-Jun , Lin Cheng-Li , Chang Chi-Sen , Peng Yen-Chun
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on venous thromboembolism (VTE) events, and the differences between early and late treatment timing.

Design

A population-based cohort study.

Setting

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database.

Participants

A total of 6736 patients who received H. pylori eradication therapy from 2000 to 2010 were identified. We randomly selected 26 944 subjects matching in gender, age and baseline year as comparison cohort.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The incidence rate ratios of VTE in the H. pylori eradication cohorts to that of the control cohort were examined. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the relative HRs and 95% CI of VTE development.

Results

The total incidence rate of VTE was observed in the late H. pylori eradication cohort, the early H. pylori eradication cohort and the control cohort (15.2, 3.04 and 2.91 per 1000 person-years, respectively). An age-specific trend was found in the late H. pylori eradication cohort, with a greater rate of VTE in the 50–65 years and more than 65 years age groups (adjusted HR 5.44; 95% CI 4.21 to 7.03 and 3.13; 95% CI 2.46 to 3.99). With comorbidities, the late H. pylori eradication cohort seemed to have the highest VTE incidence rate and adjusted HR (4.48, 95% CI 3.78 to 5.30).

Conclusions

Late H. pylori eradication was associated with a significantly increased risk of VTE, and there was a significantly greater risk of VTE in patients with female gender, age more than 50 years and with comorbidities.
Facilitators and barriers to using virtual reality and augmented reality and its impact on social engagement in aged care settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: To-Miles Flora , Mann Jim , Hung Lillian
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Increasingly more studies are being conducted on the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in aged care settings. These technologies can decrease experiences of loneliness which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the growing interest in using VR/AR in care settings among older adults, a comprehensive review of studies examining the facilitators and barriers of adopting VR/AR in these settings is needed. This scoping review will focus on facilitators and barriers related to VR/AR in care settings among older adults, as well as the impact on social engagement and/or loneliness.

Methods and analysis

We will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. We will search the following databases: CINHAL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Additional articles will be handpicked from reference lists of included articles. Inclusion criteria includes articles that focus on older adults using VR or AR in aged care settings. Our team (which includes patient and family partners, an academic nurse researcher, a clinical lead and trainees) will be involved in the search, review and analysis process.

Ethics and dissemination

We will be collecting data from publicly available articles for this scoping review, so ethics approval is not required. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on the strategies, facilitators, and barriers of using VR/AR in aged care settings, findings will offer insights and recommendations for future research and practice to better implement VR/AR. The results of this scoping review will be shared through conference presentations and an open-access publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Changes in life satisfaction, depression, general health and sleep quality of Spanish older women during COVID-19 lockdown and their relationship with lifestyle: an observational follow-up study
Authors: Marcos-Pardo Pablo Jorge , Abelleira-Lamela Tomás , Vaquero-Cristobal Raquel , González-Gálvez Noelia
Published: August 2022

Objetives

To analyse the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on mental well-being variables of older women, and to determine the influence of lifestyle and age on such effects. The hypothesis of the study was that all parameters related to mental well-being would worsen in older women during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Design

Observational follow-up study. Pre lockdown measurements were taken before the lockdown. Post lockdown measurements were taken as soon as began the de-escalation.

Setting

Senior centres in the Region of Murcia (Spain).

Participants

The sample was composed of 40 older women volunteers, over 54 years of age (mean age=62.35±8.15 years).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Pre lockdown and post lockdown evaluations were carried out face to face. The following questionnaires were completed: Satisfaction with Life Scale, The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, The Short Form 36 Health Survey, The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Prevention with Mediterranean Diet.

Results

Post lockdown, a worsening was found in the variables of life satisfaction (p=0.001); depression (p<0.001), quality of life in physical role (p=0.006), pain (p=0.004), emotional role (p<0.001) and mental health (p<0.001); and sleep quality (p=0.018), sleep latency (p=0.004), sleep disturbances (p=0.002) and global sleep quality score (p=0.002). It was found how age influenced the variables of pain (p=0.003) and social role (p=0.047), as well as the influence of a healthy lifestyle on the variables analysed (F=6.214; p=0.017). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was shown to be a protective factor against increased depression (p=0.03). Spending time sitting was shown to be a risk factor for physical role health (p=0.002), as was advanced age on health due to worsening pain (p=0.005), or an unhealthy lifestyle on increased consumption of sleeping aids (p=0.017).

Conclusion

The lockdown had a great negative impact on Spanish older women on mental well-being variables.

Trial registration number

NCT04958499.
Development of prediction models for complications after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty: a single-centre retrospective cohort study in the Netherlands
Authors: Sweerts Lieke , Hoogeboom Thomas J , van Wessel Thierry , van der Wees Philip J , van de Groes Sebastiaan A W
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop prediction models for patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to predict the risk for surgical complications based on personal factors, comorbidities and medication use.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care in outpatient clinic of university medical centre.

Participants

3776 patients with a primary THA or TKA between 2004 and 2018.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Multivariable logistic regression models were developed for primary outcome surgical site infection (SSI), and secondary outcomes venous thromboembolism (VTE), postoperative bleeding (POB), luxation, delirium and nerve damage (NER).

Results

For SSI, age, smoking status, body mass index, presence of immunological disorder, diabetes mellitus, liver disease and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were included. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 71.9% (95% CI=69.4% to 74.4%) was found. For this model, liver disease showed to be the strongest predictor with an OR of 10.7 (95% CI=2.4 to 46.6). The models for POB and NER showed AUCs of 73.0% (95% CI=70.7% to 75.4%) and 76.6% (95% CI=73.2% to 80.0%), respectively. For delirium an AUC of 85.9% (95% CI=83.8% to 87.9%) was found, and for the predictive algorithms for luxation and VTE we found least favourable results (AUC=58.4% (95% CI=55.0% to 61.8%) and AUC=66.3% (95% CI=62.7% to 69.9%)).

Conclusions

Discriminative ability was reasonable for SSI and predicted probabilities ranged from 0.01% to 51.0%. We expect this to enhance shared decision-making in considering THA or TKA since current counselling is predicated on population-based probability of risk, rather than using personalised prediction. We consider our models for SSI, delirium and NER appropriate for clinical use when taking underestimation and overestimation of predicted risk into account. For VTE and POB, caution concerning overestimation exceeding a predicted probability of 0.08 for VTE and 0.05 for POB should be taken into account. Furthermore, future studies should evaluate clinical impact and whether the models are feasible in an external population.
Study protocol for assessing knowledge, attitudes and belief towards HPV vaccination of parents with children aged 9–14 years in rural communities of North West Cameroon: a qualitative study
Authors: Elit Lorraine , Ngalla Calvin , Afugchwi Glen Mbah , Tum Eric , Fokom-Domgue Joël , Nouvet Elysée
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Despite human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine being incorporated in the National Immunisation Programme in Cameroon in 2019, HPV vaccine uptake among eligible girls has been poor (5%). The barriers to HPV vaccination in this high-burden setting have not been previously studied, especially in rural areas. We propose to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of parents of girls aged 9–14 years regarding HPV vaccine.

Methods and analysis

Study design: a qualitative descriptive study will be conducted using one-on-one semi-structured interviews with parents of girls aged 9–14 years from 3 health districts in Cameroon (Mbingo, Njinikom and Fundong) who can converse in English or Pidgin English. Enrolment will occur until thematic saturation—approximately 40 participants. Analysis: quantitative methods will be used to describe the interviewees. All interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed and loaded into a tool to facilitate analysis (ATLAS.ti). Transcripts will be coded and thematic analysis will be conducted. Analysis will occur concurrent with interviews.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics: institutional review board approval will be obtained from the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board (CBCHB), Cameroon and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. Dissemination: study findings will be presented via a report and webinar to the Ministry of Health, the funders, the CBCHB and in person to healthcare providers and interested members of the general population in the study region. Plans are to share findings internationally through peer-reviewed publication(s) and presentation(s).

Trial registration number

NCT05325138.