bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using community theater to improve demand for vaccination services in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Kaduru Chijioke Chikere , Mbagwu Geraldine Chinonso , Aadum Dumale Koko , Eshikhena Ganiyat , Idim Godwin Anusa , Ibe Uche Francis , Sabenus Timiebiere , Jenson Fofah Gawain , Egbe Edmund , Aworabhi-Oki Neni , Masa Happiness , Bekesu Martins , Oyeyemi Abisoye Sunday
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Despite abundant evidence showing immunization as a lifesaving public health measure, a large proportion of Nigerian children are still not or fully vaccinated. Lack of awareness and distrust of the immunization process by caregivers are some of the reasons for poor immunization coverage which need to be addressed. This study aimed at improving vaccination demand, acceptance and uptake in Bayelsa and Rivers State, both in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) of Nigeria through a human-centered process of trust building, education and social support.

Methods

A quasi-experimental intervention christened Community Theater for Immunization (CT4I) was deployed in 18 selected communities between November 2019 and May 2021 in the two states. In the intervention localities, relevant stakeholders including the leadership of the health system, community leaders, health workers and community members were engaged and actively involved in the design and performance of the theaters. The content for the theater showcased real stories, using a human-centered design (HCD) of ideation, co-creation, rapid prototyping, feedback collection and iteration. Pre- and post-intervention data on the demand and utilization of vaccination services were collected using a mixed method.

Results

In the two states, 56 immunization managers and 59 traditional and religious leaders were engaged. Four broad themes implicating user and provider factors emerged from the 18 focus group discussions as responsible for low immunization uptake in the communities. Of the 217 caregivers trained on routine immunization and theater performances, 72% demonstrated a knowledge increase at the post-test. A total of 29 performances attended by 2,258 women were staged with 84.2% of the attendees feeling satisfied. At the performances, 270 children received vaccine shots (23% were zero-dose). There was a 38% increase in the proportion of fully immunized children in the communities and 9% decline in the proportion of zero-dose children from baseline.

Conclusion

Both demand- and supply-side factors were identified as responsible for poor vaccination in the intervention communities. Our intervention demonstrates that caregivers will demand immunization services if they are engaged through community theater using a human-centered design (HCD). We recommend a scaling up of HCD to address the challenge of vaccine hesitancy.
MiR-455-3p inhibits gastric cancer progression by repressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling through binding to ARMC8
Authors: Zhan Ting , Chen Mengge , Liu Weijie , Han Zheng , Zhu Qingxi , Liu Meng , Tan Jie , Liu Jiaxi , Chen Xiaoli , Tian Xia , Huang Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

Background

Globally, gastric cancer (GC) is one of the world’s most widespread malignancies, with persistent high mortality and morbidity rates. Increasing evidence now suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in many biological processes, with miR-455-3p having key roles in the progression of diverse cancers. Nevertheless, miR-455-3p function and expression in GC remain unclear.

Methods

We explored miR-455-3p expression in GC using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). To further examine the effect of miR-455-3p in GC, after transfecting miR-455-3p mimics or inhibitors into GC cells, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and colony formation assays were performed to examine cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis, and expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Snail, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and Caspase-3 were assessed by western blotting (WB). Using online databases and luciferase assays, we identified armadillo repeat-containing protein 8 (ARMC8) as a promising target of miR-455-3p. A mouse tumor model was established to investigate actions of miR-455-3p in vivo. Expression levels of C-myc, cyclinD1, and β-catenin were examined using WB and immunofluorescence.

Results

MiR-455-3p expression was attenuated in GC tissue and cell lines. MiR-455-3p overexpression inhibited GC cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as facilitated apoptosis, while suppression of miR-455-3p had the opposite effects. From luciferase assays, we confirmed that ARMC8 was a novel and direct downstream target gene of miR-455-3p, and that the tumor suppressive role of miR-455-3p was in part reversed due to ARMC8 overexpression. Moreover, miR-455-3p inhibited GC growth in vivo via ARMC8. We also observed that miR-455-3p repressed canonical Wnt pathway activation by binding to ARMC8.

Conclusions

MiR-455-3p exerted tumor inhibitory effects in GC by targeting ARMC8. Therefore, intervening in the miR-455-3p/ARMC8/Wnt/βcatenin axis could be a promising novel treatment strategy for GC.
Addressing health disparities using multiply imputed injury surveillance data
Authors: Liu Yang , Wolkin Amy F. , Kresnow Marcie-jo , Schroeder Thomas
Published: July 2023

Background

Assessing disparities in injury is crucial for injury prevention and for evaluating injury prevention strategies, but efforts have been hampered by missing data. This study aimed to show the utility and reliability of the injury surveillance system as a trustworthy resource for examining disparities by generating multiple imputed companion datasets.

Methods

We employed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) for the period 2014–2018. A comprehensive simulation study was conducted to identify the appropriate strategy for addressing missing data limitations in NEISS-AIP. To evaluate the imputation performance more quantitatively, a new method based on Brier Skill Score (BSS) was developed to assess the accuracy of predictions by different approaches. We selected the multiple imputations by fully conditional specification (FCS MI) to generate the imputed companion data to NEISS-AIP 2014–2018. We further assessed health disparities systematically in nonfatal assault injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments (EDs) by race and ethnicity, location of injury and sex.

Results

We found for the first time that significantly higher age-adjusted nonfatal assault injury rates for ED visits per 100,000 population occurred among non-Hispanic Black persons (1306.8, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 660.1 – 1953.5), in public settings (286.3, 95% CI: 183.2 – 389.4) and for males (603.5, 95% CI: 409.4 – 797.5). We also observed similar trends in age-adjusted rates (AARs) by different subgroups for non-Hispanic Black persons, injuries occurring in public settings, and for males: AARs of nonfatal assault injury increased significantly from 2014 through 2017, then declined significantly in 2018.

Conclusions

Nonfatal assault injury imposes significant health care costs and productivity losses for millions of people each year. This study is the first to specifically look at health disparities in nonfatal assault injuries using multiply imputed companion data. Understanding how disparities differ by various groups may lead to the development of more effective initiatives to prevent such injury.
The value of frozen section diagnosis of tumor spread through air spaces in small-sized (≤ 2 cm) non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ding Yun , Zhao Shutong , Liu Xin , Ren Jie , Li Jiuzhen , Zhang Weiran , Xu Meilin , Sun Daqiang
Published: July 2023

Background

The current accuracy of frozen section diagnosis of tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poor. However, the accuracy and prognostic value of STAS assessment on frozen sections in small-sized NSCLC (diameter ≤ 2 cm) is unknown.

Methods

Three hundred fifty-two patients with clinical stage I NSCLC (≤ 2 cm) were included, of which the paraffin sections and frozen sections were reviewed. The accuracy of STAS diagnosis in frozen sections was assessed using paraffin sections as the gold standard. The relationship between STAS on frozen sections and prognosis was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank tests.

Results

STAS on frozen sections in 58 of 352 patients could not be evaluated. In the other 294 patients, 36.39% (107/294) was STAS-positive on paraffin sections and 29.59% (87/294) on frozen sections. The accuracy of frozen section diagnosis of STAS was 74.14% (218/294), sensitivity was 55.14% (59/107), specificity was 85.02% (159/187) and agreement was moderate (K = 0.418). In subgroup analysis, the Kappa values for frozen section diagnosis of STAS in the consolidation-to-tumor ratio (CTR) ≤ 0.5 group and CTR > 0.5 group were 0.368, 0.415, respectively. In survival analysis, STAS-positive frozen sections were associated with worse recurrence-free survival in the CTR > 0.5 group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The moderate accuracy and prognostic significance of frozen section diagnosis of STAS in clinical stage I NSCLC (≤ 2 cm in diameter; CTR > 0.5) suggests that frozen section assessment of STAS can be applied to the treatment strategy of small-sized NSCLC with CTR > 0.5.
Research evidence use in local government-led public health interventions: a systematic review
Authors: Dam Jennifer L. , Nagorka-Smith Phoebe , Waddell Alex , Wright Annemarie , Bos Joannette J. , Bragge Peter
Published: July 2023

Background

Local governments play an important role in improving public health outcomes globally, critical to this work is applying the best-available research evidence. Despite considerable exploration of research use in knowledge translation literature, how research is practically applied by local governments remains poorly understood. This systematic review examined research evidence use in local government-led public health interventions. It focused on how research was used and the type of intervention being actioned.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative literature published between 2000 and 2020 was searched for studies that described research evidence use by local governments in public health interventions. Studies reporting interventions developed outside of local government, including knowledge translation interventions, were excluded. Studies were categorised by intervention type and their level of description of research evidence use (where ‘level 1’ was the highest and ‘level 3’ was the lowest level of detail).

Findings

The search identified 5922 articles for screening. A final 34 studies across ten countries were included. Experiences of research use varied across different types of interventions. However, common themes emerged including the demand for localised research evidence, the legitimising role of research in framing public health issues, and the need for integration of different evidence sources.

Conclusions

Differences in how research was used were observed across different local government public health interventions. Knowledge translation interventions aiming to increase research use in local government settings should consider known barriers and facilitators and consider contextual factors associated with different localities and interventions.
Dose–effect of long-snake-like moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luo Hong , Gong Rui , Zheng Rui , Tan Jing , Chen Ruixue , Wu Jie , Ma Tingting
Published: July 2023

Background

The dose–effect relationship of Long-snake-like moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains poorly understood. In order to address this gap, we designed this trial to assess the association between different treatment duration of Long-snake-like moxibustion and its effects on CFS based on the combination measurements of the subjective patient-reported scales with objective medical infrared imaging technology─Thermal Texture Maps (TTM).

Methods

From December 2020 to January 2022, 60 female CFS patients were recruited and equally allocated to two groups: Group A, receiving 60-min Long-snake-like moxibustion per treatment, and Group B, receiving 30-min Long-snake-like moxibustion per treatment. The treatment was administered 3 times per week for a total of 4 weeks. The primary outcome was defined as the improvement of symptoms measured by the Fatigue scale-14 (FS-14), and secondary outcomes were designated as the improvement in Symptoms Scale of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency, Self-rating depression scale, and Self-rating anxiety scale. TTM scanning was employed twice for CFS patients (before and after 4-week treatment) and once for Healthy control subjects (HCs).

Results

At week 4, the scores of FS-14 and Symptoms Scale of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B (physical fatigue: 5.00 vs. 6.00, with 95%CI − 2.00 to 0.00, p = 0.003; FS-14 total score: 8.00 vs. 9.00, with 95%CI − 3.00 to 0.00, p = 0.012; total score of Symptoms Scale of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency: 9.80 vs. 13.07, with 95%CI − 5.78 to − 0.76, P = 0.012). All thermal radiation values of the two groups increased, and statistical differences in ΔTs between Group A and HCs were not obtained. More significant correlations between symptoms improvements and ΔT changes were observed in Group A, and its ΔT changes in Upper Jiao, Shenque (CV8), Zhongwan (CV12), Danzhong (CV17), Zhiyang (GV9), Dazhui (GV14), upper arm, thoracic segments, lumbar segments, renal region, popliteal fossa strongly correlated with the improvement of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency symptoms.

Conclusions

In the same course of treatment, the positive dose–effect relationship was found between the treatment duration of Long-snake-like moxibustion and CFS effect assessment. 60-min Long-snake-like moxibustion per treatment were associated with optimal clinical response and TTM improvement.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (No. ChiCTR2000041000, date of registration: 16 December 2020), http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=62488
TAOK3 limits age-associated inflammation by negatively modulating macrophage differentiation and their production of TNFα
Authors: Poirier Alexandre , Wu Chenyue , Hincapie Ana Maria , Martinez-Cordova Zuzet , Abidin Belma Melda , Tremblay Michel L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Human aging is characterized by a state of chronic inflammation, termed inflammaging, for which the causes are incompletely understood. It is known, however, that macrophages play a driving role in establishing inflammaging by promoting pro-inflammatory rather than anti-inflammatory responses. Numerous genetic and environmental risk factors have been implicated with inflammaging, most of which are directly linked to pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL1Ra, and TNFα. Genes involved in the signaling and production of those molecules have also been highlighted as essential contributors. TAOK3 is a serine/threonine kinase of the STE-20 kinase family that has been associated with an increased risk of developing auto-immune conditions in several genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Yet, the functional role of TAOK3 in inflammation has remained unexplored.

Results

We found that mice deficient in the serine/Threonine kinase Taok3 developed severe inflammatory disorders with age, which was more pronounced in female animals. Further analyses revealed a drastic shift from lymphoid to myeloid cells in the spleens of those aged mice. This shift was accompanied by hematopoietic progenitor cells skewing in Taok3−/− mice that favored myeloid lineage commitment. Finally, we identified that the kinase activity of the enzyme plays a vital role in limiting the establishment of proinflammatory responses in macrophages.

Conclusions

Essentially, Taok3 deficiency promotes the accumulation of monocytes in the periphery and their adoption of a pro-inflammatory phenotype. These findings illustrate the role of Taok3 in age-related inflammation and highlight the importance of genetic risk factors in this condition.
Synovial sarcoma of female urethra: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Cui Wei , Liao Yuan-Jian , Su Peng , Yang Hua , Zhang Neng
Published: July 2023

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare malignant soft tissue sarcoma that originates from primitive mesenchymal cells with epithelial differentiation potential. It is most commonly found in the limbs and trunk. In the urinary system, it is mostly found in the kidneys. However, synovial sarcomas originating from the external urethra are extremely rare. Only one case of synovial sarcoma arising from the vulvar urethral orifice has been reported previously, and we report a second case of synovial sarcoma of the urethral orifice. In addition, a total of 16 vulvar synovial sarcomas were identified and the literature are analyzed in this report reviews from 1966 to the present.
Minimally-invasive approach via percutaneous femoral cannulation for the resection of intra-cardiac masses: a single center experience in the Middle-East
Authors: Aluthman Uthman , Ashour Mohammed A. , Bafageeh Salman W. , Chandrakumaran Abivarma , Alrehaili Taraji S. , Abdulrahman Osama A. , Elmahrouk Ahmed F. , Alaamri Shalan , AlGhamdi Saeed A. , Jamjoom Ahmed A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Intra-cardiac masses are rare and challenging lesions with an overall incidence ranging of 0.02–0.2%. Minimally invasive approaches have been recently introduced for surgical resection of these lesions. Here, we evaluated our early experience using minimally invasive techniques in addressing intra-cardiac lesions.

Methodology

This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted between April 2018 to December 2020. All patients were diagnosed with cardiac tumors and treated via a right mini-thoracotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass through femoral cannulation at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah.

Results

Myxoma was the most common pathology representing 46% of cases followed by thrombus (27%), leiomyoma (9%), lipoma (9%) and angiosarcoma (9%). All tumors were resected with negative margins. One patient was converted to open sternotomy. Tumor locations were in the right atrium, left atrium, and left ventricle in 5, 3, and 3 patients, respectively. The median ICU stay was 1.33 days. The median length of hospitalization was 5.7 days. There was no 30-days hospital mortality recorded in this cohort.

Conclusion

Our early experience shows that minimally invasive resection can be performed safely and effectively for intra-cardiac masses. The minimally invasive approach using a mini-thoracotomy with percutaneous femoral cannulation can be an effective alternative in resecting intra-cardiac masses that achieves clear margin resection, quick post-operative recovery, and low rates of recurrence for benign lesions.
Xanthoma of rib: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mottola Emilia , Adotti Flavia , Pernazza Angelina , Della Rocca Carlo , D’Amati Giulia , Nardis Piergiorgio , Vannucci Jacopo , Bassi Massimiliano , Venuta Federico , Anile Marco
Published: July 2023

Background

Xanthomas are well-circumscribed benign proliferative lesions seen mainly in soft tissues. Usually, they are found in hyperlipidemia and familial hyperlipoproteinemia. Histologically, are characterized by macrophage-like mononuclear cells, multinucleated giant cells and abundant foam cells. The bone involvement, however, is notoriously rare and rib localization is extremely rare.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old man performed a chest X-ray and a subsequent chest Computed Tomography scan showing a rib lesion that was surgically removed and a diagnosis of rib xanthoma was made. The patient presented an unknown condition of hyperlipidemia.

Conclusion

Rib xanthoma can be discovered accidentally and can be helpful in identifying an unrecognized condition of hyperlipidemia.
BCR::ABL1-like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a single institution experience on identification of potentially therapeutic targetable cases
Authors: Płotka Anna , Przybyłowicz-Chalecka Anna , Korolczuk Maria , Kanduła Zuzanna , Ratajczak Błażej , Kiernicka-Parulska Jolanta , Mierzwa Anna , Godziewska Katarzyna , Jarmuż-Szymczak Małgorzata , Gil Lidia , Lewandowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

Background

BCR::ABL1-like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCR::ABL1-like ALL) is characterized by inferior outcomes. Current efforts concentrate on the identification of molecular targets to improve the therapy results. The accessibility to next generation sequencing, a recommended diagnostic method, is limited. We present our experience in the BCR::ABL1-like ALL diagnostics, using a simplified algorithm.

Results

Out of 102 B-ALL adult patients admitted to our Department in the years 2008–2022, 71 patients with available genetic material were included. The diagnostic algorithm comprised flow cytometry, fluorescent in-situ hybridization, karyotype analysis and molecular testing with high resolution melt analysis and Sanger Sequencing. We recognized recurring cytogenetic abnormalities in 32 patients. The remaining 39 patients were screened for BCR::ABL1-like features. Among them, we identified 6 patients with BCR::ABL1-like features (15.4%). Notably, we documented CRLF2-rearranged (CRLF2-r) BCR::ABL1-like ALL occurrence in a patient with long-term remission of previously CRLF2-r negative ALL.

Conclusions

An algorithm implementing widely available techniques enables the identification of BCR::ABL1-like ALL cases in settings with limited resources.
Comparison of postural sway in individuals with and without dynamic knee valgus
Authors: Karimi Kimia , Seidi Foad , Mousavi Seyed Hamed , Alghosi Mohammad , Morad Nafiseh Homaie
Published: July 2023

Background

Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a multi-planar faulty movement pattern that can cause faulty postural control. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the differences in postural sway (PS) between individuals aged 18–30 years old diagnosed with and without DKV.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 62 students (39 males and 23 females) with and without DKV (age: 24.58 ± 2.63 years) were selected and assigned to two groups by conducting the single-leg squat test in the screening stage. The Biodex balance system was then employed to compare the two groups in PS. Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the groups in PS (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

The study’s findings indicate that individuals with DKV did not exhibit any significant differences, compared to those without, about the anterior-posterior stability index (with p values for both static and dynamic situations at 0.309 and 0.198, respectively), medial-lateral stability index (with p values for both static and dynamic situations at 0.883 and 0.500, respectively), and overall stability index (with p values for both static and dynamic situations at 0.277 and 0.086, respectively).

Conclusion

Though several possible factors could contribute to the lack of significant differences in postural sway between individuals with and without DKV, such as measurement tool differences, variable sensitivity in postural stability tests, and differences in movement variability and test stance, we recommend analyzing postural sway in more functional tasks and with different methodological patterns in future studies. Such research could help develop targeted interventions for individuals with DKV and offer a better understanding of the relationship between postural control and DKV.
In-silico molecular designs to treat neurologic and ophthalmologic diseases caused by sorbitol excess: engineering the Agrobacterium vitis protein
Authors: Sharma Shonit Nair , Hojati Ashkhan , Gnanasambandam Bhargavee , Yerrabelli Rahul S. , Brozek Joshua
Published: July 2023

This work presents the design of a new protein based on the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporter solute binding protein (SBP) derived from Agrobacterium vitis, a gram-negative plant pathogen. The Protein Data Bank in Europe’s dictionary of chemical components was utilized to identify sorbitol and D-allitol. Allitol bound to an ABC transporter SBP was identified in the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB). Wizard Pair Fitting and Sculpting tools in PyMOL were used to replace bound allitol with sorbitol. PackMover Python code was used to induce mutations in the ABC transporter SBP’s binding pocket, and changes in free energy for each protein-sorbitol complex were identified. The results indicate that adding charged side chains forms polar bonds with sorbitol in the binding pocket, thus increasing its stabilization. In theory, the novel protein can be used as a molecular sponge to remove sorbitol from tissue and therefore treat conditions affected by sorbitol dehydrogenase deficiency.
Fixed point theorems and applications in p-vector spaces
Authors: Yuan George Xianzhi
Published: July 2023

The goal of this paper is to develop new fixed points for quasi upper semicontinuous set-valued mappings and compact continuous (single-valued) mappings, and related applications for useful tools in nonlinear analysis by applying the best approximation approach for classes of semiclosed 1-set contractive set-valued mappings in locally p-convex and p-vector spaces for $p \in (0, 1]$
p
∈
(
0
,
1
]
. In particular, we first develop general fixed point theorems for quasi upper semicontinuous set-valued and single-valued condensing mappings, which provide answers to the Schauder conjecture in the affirmative way under the setting of locally p-convex spaces and topological vector spaces for $p \in (0, 1]$
p
∈
(
0
,
1
]
; then the best approximation results for quasi upper semicontinuous and 1-set contractive set-valued mappings are established, which are used as tools to establish some new fixed points for nonself quasi upper semicontinuous set-valued mappings with either inward or outward set conditions under various boundary situations. The results established in this paper unify or improve corresponding results in the existing literature for nonlinear analysis, and they would be regarded as the continuation of the related work by Yuan (Fixed Point Theory Algorithms Sci. Eng. 2022:20, 2022)–(Fixed Point Theory Algorithms Sci. Eng. 2022:26, 2022) recently.
Carriage of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli among children in rural Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Akenten Charity Wiafe , Khan Neyaz Ahmed , Mbwana Joyce , Krumkamp Ralf , Fosu Dennis , Paintsil Ellis Kobina , Boahen Kennedy Gyau , Osei-Mensa James , Maiga-Ascofare Oumou , May Jürgen , Obiri-Danso Kwasi , Phillips Richard Odame , Ofori Linda Aurelia , Dekker Denise
Published: July 2023

Background

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) and Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) present a high burden in both communities and healthcare sectors, leading to difficult-to-treat infections. Data on intestinal carriage of ESBL-KP and ESBL-EC in children is scarce, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. We provide data on faecal carriage, phenotypic resistance patterns, and gene variation of ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP among children in the Agogo region of Ghana.

Methods

From July to December 2019, fresh stool samples were collected within 24 h from children < 5 years with and without diarrhoea attending the study hospital. The samples were screened for ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP on ESBL agar and confirmed using double-disk synergy testing. Bacterial identification and an antibiotic susceptibility profile were performed using the Vitek 2 compact system (bioMérieux, Inc.). ESBL genes, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, and blaTEM were identified by PCR and further sequencing.

Results

Of the 435 children recruited, stool carriage of ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP was 40.9% (n/N = 178/435) with no significant difference in prevalence between children with diarrhoea and non-diarrhoea. No association between ESBL carriage and the age of the children was found. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin and susceptible to meropenem and imipenem. Both ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP isolates showed over 70% resistance to tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Multidrug resistance was observed in over 70% in both ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP isolates. The blaCTX-M-15 was the most prevalent ESBL gene detected. blaCTX-M-27, blaCTX-M-14, and blaCTX-M-14b were found in non-diarrhoea stools of children, whereas blaCTX-M-28 was found in both the diarrhoea and non-diarrhoea patient groups.

Conclusions

The carriage of ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP among children with and without diarrhoea in the Agogo community with a high prevalence of blaCTX-M-15 is noteworthy, highlighting the importance of both the population as a possible reservoir. This study reports for the first time the ESBL gene blaCTX-M-28 among the studied populations in Ghana.
The incidence of nosocomial bloodstream infection and urinary tract infection in Australian hospitals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Mitchell Brett G , Stewardson Andrew J , Kerr Lucille , Ferguson John K , Curtis Stephanie , Busija Ljoudmila , Lydeamore Michael J , Graham Kirsty , Russo Philip L
Published: July 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare including increased awareness of infection prevention and control (IPC). The aim of this study was to explore if the heightened awareness of IPC measures implemented in response to the pandemic influenced the rates of healthcare associated infections (HAI) using positive bloodstream and urine cultures as a proxy measure.

Methods

A 3 year retrospective review of laboratory data from 5 hospitals (4 acute public, 1 private) from two states in Australia was undertaken. Monthly positive bloodstream culture data and urinary culture data were collected from January 2017 to March 2021. Occupied bed days (OBDs) were used to generate monthly HAI incidence per 10,000 OBDs. An interrupted time series analysis was undertaken to compare incidence pre and post February 2020 (the pre COVID-19 cohort and the COVID-19 cohort respectively). A HAI was assumed if positive cultures were obtained 48 h after admission and met other criteria.

Results

A total of 1,988 bloodstream and 7,697 urine positive cultures were identified. The unadjusted incident rate was 25.5 /10,000 OBDs in the pre-COVID-19 cohort, and 25.1/10,000 OBDs in the COVID-19 cohort. The overall rate of HAI aggregated for all sites did not differ significantly between the two periods. The two hospitals in one state which experienced an earlier and larger outbreak demonstrated a significant downward trend in the COVID-19 cohort (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

These mixed findings reflect the uncertainty of the effect the pandemic has had on HAI’s. Factors to consider in this analysis include local epidemiology, differences between public and private sector facilities, changes in patient populations and profiles between hospitals, and timing of enhanced IPC interventions. Future studies which factor in these differences may provide further insight on the effect of COVID-19 on HAIs.
Visions of recovery: a cross-diagnostic examination of eating disorder pro-recovery communities on TikTok
Authors: Greene Amanda K. , Norling Hannah N. , Brownstone Lisa M. , Maloul Elana K. , Roe Caity , Moody Sarah
Published: July 2023

Individuals seeking support or inspiration for eating disorder recovery may turn to pro-recovery content on social media sites such as TikTok. While research has thus far treated pro-recovery social media as a fairly homogeneous space, many pro-recovery hashtags single out particular eating disorder diagnoses. This exploratory study used codebook thematic analysis of 241 popular pro-recovery videos on TikTok to compare the presentation of eating disorders and eating disorder recovery across five different diagnosis-specific hashtags: #anarecovery, #arfidrecovery, #bedrecovery, #miarecovery, and #orthorexiarecovery. These hashtags refer to the following eating disorder diagnoses respectively: anorexia nervosa, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and orthorexia nervosa. Our analysis generated the following qualitative themes across the entire dataset: (1) centrality of food to eating disorders and recovery, (2) what eating disorders look and feel like, (3) recovery as a process, (4) getting and giving help, and (5) negotiating diet culture in recovery. To supplement our qualitative findings and facilitate cross-diagnostic comparisons, we also conducted one-way ANOVAs and chi-square tests to probe for statistically significant differences in audience engagement and code prevalence across the different hashtags. Our results indicate that there are clear differences in how recovery is envisioned on TikTok based on which diagnostic hashtags are employed. Such variations in how different eating disorders are imagined on popular social media demand further investigation and clinical consideration.
Chinese TikTok (Douyin) challenges and body image concerns: a pilot study
Authors: Hu Shuchen , Gan Jasmine , Shi Victoria , Krug Isabel
Published: July 2023

Background

Social media content on Western platforms promoting thinness, orthinspiration, has been found to negatively affect body image perception of users. Less is known about non-Western social media use and its effects on body image concerns. Chinese TikTok, known as Douyin, is a popular short video platform with 600 million daily active users. Recent trends on Douyin encourage users to demonstrate thinness through participation in ‘body challenges’. This paper argues that such content is comparable to thinspiration, however, to date hardly any research has been undertaken on these challenges. Thus, this pilot study aimed to analyse the content of three viral challenges and investigate their impact on Douyin users.

Methods

Thirty most viewed videos were collected for three challenges (N = 90): the Coin challenge, the A4 Waist challenge, and the Spider leg challenge. Videos were coded for variables relating to thin idealisation, including thin praise, sexualisation and objectification, and analysed through content analytic methods. Video comments (N ≈ 5500) were analysed through thematic analysis, and main themes were identified.

Results

Preliminary findings showed that participants who objectified their bodies to a greater extent expressed more negative body image concerns. In addition, comments on the videos had themes of thin praise, self-comparison, and promotion of dieting behaviours. In particular, videos of the A4 Waist challenge were found to incite more negative self-comparison in viewers.

Conclusion

Preliminary findings suggest all three challenges promote the thin ideal and encourage body image concerns. Further research about the broader impact of body challenges is needed.
Probing shallow subsurface structures in the arc-continent collision suture zone near Hualien in Eastern Taiwan with magnetotelluric methods
Authors: Chang Ping-Yu , Amania Haiyina Hasbia , Fikri Azhar , Puntu Jordi Mahardika , Lin Ding-Jiun , Kuo Chun-Hsiang , Wang Chien-Ying , Chang Wen-Yen
Published: July 2023

We used the magnetotelluric method (MT) to investigate near-surface structures at the northern end of the Longitudinal Valley in Hualien City, eastern Taiwan. This valley is considered the suture zone of the arc-continental collision between the Eurasian plate and the Philippine Sea plate, making it crucial to understand the geological settings at its northern end. We conducted MT measurements along the L2 and L3 lines on the north and south sides of the city, respectively. On the L2 survey line to the north of Hualien City, our inverted image indicates that the Tananao metamorphic complex, with a resistivity of several hundred ohm-m, is in vertical contact with sedimentary rock with a resistivity higher than 1000 Ω-m. This vertical contact zone is consistent with the distribution of the Beipu fault. However, the vast area between L2A and L2E is occupied by airports and military facilities, making it challenging to lay out survey stations to clearly analyze critical regional structures such as the Beipu and Milun faults. The 2D inversion results of the L3 are consistent with past reflection seismic interpretation results. The resistivity of the metamorphic Yuli Formation, which belongs to the continental basement rock in the west, is less than 200 Ω-m. Its top dips eastward, reaching depths greater than 2.5 km at the eastern end of the L3. The rocks above the metamorphic bedrock, composed of material with a resistivity greater than 1000 Ω-meters, are likely to be sedimentary rocks of the foreland basin. The difference in geological structure between the two survey lines, L2 and L3, may suggest the possible existence of an E-W orienting fault structure in the urban area between the two survey lines. Additionally, the rapid thickening of sedimentary rocks north of Hualien City may provide indirect evidence for the detachment model proposed by Shyu et al. (Tectonophysics 692:295-308, 2016). Further studies are required to resolve the resistivity structures and fault orientations in the urban region between the two survey lines.
Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite 2 (GOSAT-2): mission overview
Authors: Imasu Ryoichi , Matsunaga Tsuneo , Nakajima Masakatsu , Yoshida Yukio , Shiomi Kei , Morino Isamu , Saitoh Naoko , Niwa Yosuke , Someya Yu , Oishi Yu , Hashimoto Makiko , Noda Hibiki , Hikosaka Kouki , Uchino Osamu , Maksyutov Shamil , Takagi Hiroshi , Ishida Haruma , Nakajima Takashi Y. , Nakajima Teruyuki , Shi Chong
Published: July 2023

The Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite 2 (GOSAT-2) was launched in October 2018 as a successor to GOSAT (launched in 2009), the first satellite to specialize in greenhouse gas observations. Compared to the GOSAT sensors, the sensors of GOSAT-2 offer higher performance in most respects. The quality and quantity of data from observations are expected to be improved accordingly. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is better in both the SWIR and TIR bands of TANSO-FTS-2, which is the main sensor of GOSAT-2. This improvement ultimately enhances the accuracy of greenhouse gas concentration analysis. Furthermore, because of the improved SNR in the SWIR band, the northern limit at which data are obtainable in high-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere in winter, where observation data have remained unavailable because of weak signal strength, has moved to higher latitudes. As better data are obtained in greater quantities, progress in carbon cycle research for high-latitude regions is anticipated. Moreover, the improvement of SNR in the TIR band is expected to be considerable. Particularly, the resolutions of the vertical concentration distributions of CO2and CH4have been improved drastically. The first function introduced for GOSAT-2 that is not in GOSAT is an intelligent pointing mechanism: a cloud area avoidance function using the in-field camera of TANSO-FTS-2. This function can increase the amounts of observation data globally and can improve the accuracy of CO2emissions estimation and measurements of uptake intensity. The effects are expected to be strong, especially for the tropics because cumulus clouds are the most common cloud type. The intelligent pointing system can avoid the clouds effectively. Another important benefit of TANSO-FTS-2 is that the wavelength range of Band 3 of SWIR has been expanded for measuring carbon monoxide (CO). Because CO originates from combustion, it is used to evaluate some effects of human activities in urban areas and biomass burning in fields. Particularly, black carbon-type aerosols can be measured by the sub-sensor, TANSO-CAI-2, to assess biomass burning along with CO2and CO by TANSO-FTS-2.
A rare case report of pancreatic low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS)
Authors: Weiler Eric J. , Murickan Thomas , Drayer Crystal N. , Samat Sajjaad H. , Kia Michael A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is an uncommon neoplasm generally affecting muscle tissue. It presents rarely in abdominal viscera and even more rarely occurs in the pancreas. All types of pancreatic sarcomas are uncommon, and LGFMS is a rarer still. We present the case of an LGFMS in the pancreas. Because of its rarity, there are no guidelines for appropriate treatment or summations of the natural course of this illness.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 49-year-old female who presented with epigastric pain. She had a prior history of three episodes of acute pancreatitis many years earlier. A CT revealed a pancreatic body mass, which was biopsied. Pathology returned LGFMS. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. She did well after the case and did not require further intervention.

Conclusion

Though it is exceedingly rare, cases of pancreatic LGFMS should be reported in order to guide clinical decisions. LGFMS has been shown to have high malignant potential in other tissues, and there is no reason to think pancreatic masses will be different. By building a body of evidence about these rare tumors, patient care will benefit.
Should I Rest or Should I Go Now? A Randomized Cross-Over Trial Comparing Fixed and Self-Selected Rest Durations in High-Intensity Interval Training Cycling Sessions
Authors: Colorni Eyal , Ohayon Evyatar , Côté Julie N. , Obolski Uri , Halperin Israel
Published: July 2023

Background

In high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the rest durations between intervals are commonly prescribed using a fixed approach (e.g., 30 s between intervals). An alternative is the self-selected (SS) approach, in which trainees select their resting durations. Studies comparing the two approaches report mixed results. However, in these studies, trainees in the SS condition rested for as little or as long as they wished, leading to dissimilar total rest durations between conditions. Here, for the first time, we compare the two approaches while controlling for total rest duration.

Methods

Twenty-four amateur adult male cyclists completed a familiarization session, followed by two counterbalanced cycling HIIT sessions. Each session was composed of nine, 30-s intervals, in which the goal was to accumulate as many watts as possible on an SRM ergometer. In the fixed condition, cyclists rested for 90 s between intervals. In the SS condition, cyclists had 720 s (i.e., 8  × 90 s) of rest to allocate in any way they wished. We measured and compared watts, heart rate, electromyography of the knee flexors and extensors, rating of perceived effort and fatigue, perception of autonomy and enjoyment. Additionally, a subsample of ten cyclists completed a retest of the SS condition.

Results

With the exception of perception of autonomy, which was higher in the SS condition, outcomes were highly similar in both conditions. For example, the average aggregated differences were: 0.57 (95% CI − 8.94, 10.09) for watts; − 0.85 (95% CI − 2.89, 1.18) for heart rate; and 0.01 (95% CI − 0.29, 0.30) for rating of perceived effort (on a 0–10 scale). Additionally, the retest of the SS condition resulted in a similar rest allocation pattern across the intervals and in similar outcomes.

Conclusion

Given the similarities in performance, physiological and psychological outcomes between the fixed and SS conditions, both can be equally utilized based on coaches’ and cyclists’ preferences and training goals.
Vitamin C levels of selected Philippine indigenous berries as affected by fruit maturity and processing treatment
Authors: Castillo-Israel Katherine Ann T. , Flandez Lloyd Earl L. , Tuaño Arvin Paul P. , Sartagoda Kristel June D. , Compendio Ma. Carisse M.
Published: July 2023

The Philippines as a tropical country is home to several indigenous berries that offer enough supply of health-promoting bioactive compounds like vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important micronutrient in the human diet that is usually supplied by fruits and vegetables. The amount of this vitamin in different products varies depending on the species, variety, maturity, processing, and other conditions. In this study, the vitamin C contents of selected Philippine indigenous berries such as bignay and lipote were evaluated as affected by fruit maturity and processing treatment. Fruits of two bignay (Antidesma bunius (Linn.) Spreng), varieties, ‘Common’ and ‘Kalabaw’, as well as of lipote (Syzygium polycephaloides (C. B. Rob.) Merr.), at three maturity stages (unripe, half-ripe, and fully ripe) were acquired in Laguna, Philippines. Samples were subjected to two processing treatments: blanched (90 ± 5 °C, 2 minutes) and steamed (105 ± 5 °C, 5 minutes), while control samples did not undergo processing treatment. The flesh and seeds were separated, lyophilized, extracted, and subjected to quantification of vitamin C using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed that the vitamin C levels of both fruits were significantly affected by maturity, processing, and their interaction (P < .05). In general, a concomitant increase in vitamin C content was noted as fruit maturity progressed for both flesh and seeds (0.3 to 1.7-fold increase). Lipote seeds on the other hand, had decreased vitamin C content as maturity progresses (0.6-fold decrease). Moreover, blanching the fruits resulted in the highest retention of vitamin C in the fruit samples (247% at most). The general findings of this study indicated that the utilization of these indigenous berries for future functional product development must be accompanied by the blanching - as a pretreatment process, of the fully ripe fruits to attain enhanced vitamin C contents.

Graphical Abstract
Automatic and continuous blood pressure monitoring via an optical-fiber-sensor-assisted smartwatch
Authors: Li Liangye , Sheng Shunfeng , Liu Yunfei , Wen Jianpei , Song Changying , Chen Zhipeng , Xu Wangyang , Zhang Zhi , Fan Wei , Chen Chen , Sun Qizhen , Shum Perry-Ping
Published: July 2023

Automatic and continuous blood pressure monitoring is important for preventing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The evaluation of medication effects and the diagnosis of clinical hypertension can both benefit from continuous monitoring. The current generation of wearable blood pressure monitors frequently encounters limitations with inadequate portability, electrical safety, limited accuracy, and precise position alignment. Here, we present an optical fiber sensor-assisted smartwatch for precise continuous blood pressure monitoring. A fiber adapter and a liquid capsule were used in the building of the blood pressure smartwatch based on an optical fiber sensor. The fiber adapter was used to detect the pulse wave signals, and the liquid capsule was used to expand the sensing area as well as the conformability to the body. The sensor holds a sensitivity of -213µw/kPa, a response time of 5 ms, and high reproducibility with 70,000 cycles. With the assistance of pulse wave signal feature extraction and a machine learning algorithm, the smartwatch can continuously and precisely monitor blood pressure. A wearable smartwatch featuring a signal processing chip, a Bluetooth transmission module, and a specially designed cellphone APP was also created for active health management. The performance in comparison with commercial sphygmomanometer reference measurements shows that the systolic pressure and diastolic pressure errors are -0.35 ± 4.68 mmHg and -2.54 ± 4.07 mmHg, respectively. These values are within the acceptable ranges for Grade A according to the British Hypertension Society (BHS) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The smartwatch assisted with an optical fiber is expected to offer a practical paradigm in digital health.