bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting long-term risk of reoperations following abdominal and pelvic surgery: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Toneman Masja K. , Krielen Pepijn , Jaber Ahmed , Groenveld Tjitske D. , Stommel Martijn W.J. , Griffiths Ewen A. , Parker Mike C. , Bouvy Nicole D. , van Goor Harry , Ten Broek Richard P.G.
Published: April 2023

Background:

The risk of reoperations after abdominal and pelvic surgery is multifactorial and difficult to predict. The risk of reoperation is frequently underestimated by surgeons as most reoperations are not related to the initial procedure and diagnosis. During reoperation, adhesiolysis is often required, and patients have an increased risk of complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide an evidence-based prediction model based on the risk of reoperation.

Materials and methods:

A nationwide cohort study was conducted including all patients undergoing an initial abdominal or pelvic operation between 1 June 2009 and 30 June 2011 in Scotland. Nomograms based on multivariable prediction models were constructed for the 2-year and 5-year overall risk of reoperation and risk of reoperation in the same surgical area. Internal cross-validation was applied to evaluate reliability.

Results:

Of the 72 270 patients with an initial abdominal or pelvic surgery, 10 467 (14.5%) underwent reoperation within 5 years postoperatively. Mesh placement, colorectal surgery, diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, previous radiotherapy, younger age, open surgical approach, malignancy, and female sex increased the risk of reoperation in all the prediction models. Intra-abdominal infection was also a risk factor for the risk of reoperation overall. The accuracy of the prediction model of risk of reoperation overall and risk for the same area was good for both parameters (c-statistic=0.72 and 0.72).

Conclusions:

Risk factors for abdominal reoperation were identified and prediction models displayed as nomograms were constructed to predict the risk of reoperation in the individual patient. The prediction models were robust in internal cross-validation.
Association Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings and Time to Return to Sport After Muscle Injuries in High-Level Youth Athletes
Authors: Martínez-Silván Daniel , Wik Eirik Halvorsen , Arnáiz Javier , Farooq Abdulaziz , Mónaco Mauricio
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To describe the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and time to return to sport (RTS) from muscle injuries in youth athletes.

Design:

Prospective collection of injury surveillance data over 6 seasons (2014-2015 to 2019-2020) and reanalysis of MRIs by a radiologist blinded to RTS time after the data collection period.

Setting:

National sports academy and sports medicine hospital.

Participants:

Male youth (11-19 years) athletes participating in the football (soccer) or athletics (track and field) programs with a muscle injury.

Independent Variables:

Magnetic resonance imaging findings (eg, grade and location) in time-loss muscle injuries.

Main Outcome Variables:

Injury incidence, distributions, and RTS time.

Results:

In total, 353 time-loss muscle injuries were recorded for 1089 athlete-seasons, of which 85 satisfied our inclusion criteria (MRI within 14 days). Return to sport time was significantly longer for reinjuries compared with index injuries. Associations between MRI findings and RTS time were specific to the muscle group, with significant differences in RTS time observed between categories of structure, location, and grade. The largest number of injuries was to the hamstrings (n = 46), where injuries involving the tendon were more severe than those involving the myotendinous junction and muscle, proximal injuries were more severe than mid-portion and distal, and longer RTS time was observed for higher injury grade (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Muscle injuries in youth are diverse and cannot be treated as a single injury type. Specific injury durations can be expected depending on injury characteristics such as reinjury, location, structure, and grade.
Physical Contact and Suspected Injury Rates in Female versus Male Youth Ice Hockey: A Video-Analysis Study
Authors: Williamson Rylen A. , Cairo Alexis L. , Heming Emily E. , Kolstad Ash T. , Hagel Brent E. , Emery Carolyn A.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Canada's national winter sport of ice hockey has high youth participation; however, research surrounding female ice hockey is limited and the injury burden remains high. This study compared rates of head contact (HC), body checking (BC; high-intensity player-to-player contact), and suspected concussion between female and male youth ice hockey.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Game video-recordings captured in Calgary, Canada.

Participants:

Ten female (BC prohibited) and 10 male (BC permitted) U15 elite AA (13-14-year-old) game video-recordings collected in the 2021 to 22 seasons and 2020 to 21, respectively.

Assessment of Risk Factors:

An analysis of player-to-player physical contact and injury mechanisms using video-analysis.

Main Outcome Measures:

Videos were analyzed in Dartfish video-analysis software and all physical contacts were coded based on validated criteria, including HCs (direct [HC1], indirect [HC2]), BC (levels 4-5 on a 5-point intensity scale), and video-identified suspected concussions. Univariate Poisson regression clustering by team-game offset by game-length (minutes) were used to estimate incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR, 95% confidence intervals).

Results:

The female game had a 13% lower rate of total physical contacts (IRR = 0.87, 0.79-0.96) and 70% lower rate of BC (IRR = 0.30, 0.23-0.39). There were however no differences in the rates of direct HC (IRR = 1.04, 0.77-1.42) or suspected concussion (IRR = 0.42, 0.12-1.42) between the cohorts. Although prohibited in the female game, only 5.4% of HC1s and 18.6% of BC resulted in a penalty.

Conclusions:

The rates of HC1s and suspected concussions were similar across youth ice hockey. BC rates were lower in the female game, yet still prevalent despite being prohibited.
Cervical Stenosis After Conization Associated With False-Negative Human Papillomavirus-Based Post-Treatment Testing
Authors: Harris Linda Ruth
Published: April 2023

Complete cervical stenosis after cold-knife conization resulted in false-negative human papillomavirus-based follow-up tests and delayed diagnosis of invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
Recent evidence of advanced preservation rhinoplasty
Authors: Ferreira Miguel G. , Santos Mariline
Published: April 2023

Purpose of review

The philosophy of preservation rhinoplasty originated 100 years ago. Many variations have appeared in the last 10 years, with different opinions emerging in the literature and scientific meetings.

Recent findings

New technological devices (piezo and diamond burs), new anatomical concepts (W and E-points, lateral and dorsal keystone area), and many new surgical strategies have led to a recent revolution in rhinoplasty.

Preservation rhinoplasty is a surgical strategy/philosophy that has gained popularity among rhinoplasty surgeons. Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty is the ‘queen’ of preservation rhinoplasty, and an array of surgeons’ variations have come about. Ferreira et al. have proposed a classification for dorsal preservation rhinoplasty that splits it into foundation techniques and surface techniques. Foundation techniques are all techniques with impaction osteotomies – push or letdown; in this group, there is always a more minor or significant disruption between the skull and the nasal pyramid. Surface techniques are techniques that work on the surface of the nose (like the traditional structured approaches); in this group, there are no impaction osteotomies, so there is no disruption between the skull and the nose.
Randomized clinical trials of physical therapy for cerebral palsy: a review of study outcomes, methodological quality, and publication merits
Authors: Meireles André L. F. , Menegol Natália A. , Perin Giovana A. , Sanada Luciana S.
Published: April 2023

The study aimed to examine the main characteristics of clinical trials of motor interventions in physical therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was used to collect information on clinical trials regarding motor outcomes in physical therapy in children with CP. Two reviewers independently screened, selected the studies, and extracted data. The characteristics extracted were CP subtype; age group; gross motor function and manual motor ability; methodological quality; open access status; 2020 journal impact factor, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) endorsement; primary outcome; intervention adopted, and assessment instruments. The search strategy resulted in 313 articles from 120 different journals. Most of the clinical trials included participants with spastic bilateral subtype, aged between 6 and 12 years old, and with fewer limitations in gross and manual motor abilities. The most used primary outcomes covering the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domain of activity were gross motor function (18.8%) and upper limb and hand function (16.3%), with the Gross Motor Function Measurement being the most frequently used instrument (19.8%). Articles with better scores on the PEDro scale were published in journals with a higher impact factor, and higher rates of CONSORT endorsement, and most were not open access. Clinical trials investigating motor interventions used in physical therapy for children with CP tend to focus on patients with milder gross and manual motor function impairments and often explore the body function domain of the ICF. Furthermore, these studies have moderate methodological quality, and a substantial proportion of them fail to follow adequate reporting and methodological recommendations.
Sedation Weaning Initiative Targeting Methadone Exposure: Single Center Improvements in Withdrawal Symptoms and Hospital Length of Stay for Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care
Authors: King Caitlin E. , Wood Danielle N. , Koo Jeannie , Cutler Austin B. , Vesel Travis P.
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

Sedation and pain medications are necessary in the management of postoperative pediatric cardiac patients. Prolonged exposure to these medications can lead to negative side effects including withdrawal. We hypothesized that standardized weaning guidelines would decrease exposure to sedation medications and decrease withdrawal symptoms. The primary aim was to decrease average days of methadone exposure to within goal for moderate- and high-risk patients within 6 months.

Design:

Quality improvement methods were used to standardize sedation medication weaning in a pediatric cardiac ICU.

Setting:

This study took place at Duke Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiac ICU in Durham, North Carolina from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021.

Patients:

Children less than 12 months old admitted to the pediatric cardiac ICU who underwent cardiac surgery.

Interventions:

Sedation weaning guidelines were implemented over the course of 12 months. Data were tracked every 6 months and compared with the 12 months pre-intervention. Patients were stratified into low, moderate, and high risk withdrawal categories based on duration of opioid infusion exposure.

Measurements and Main Results:

Total sample size was 94 patients in the moderate and high risk categories. Process measures included documentation of Withdrawal Assessment Tool scores and appropriate methadone prescription in patients which increased to 100% post-intervention. For outcome measures, we observed decreased dexmedetomidine infusion duration, decreased methadone wean duration, decreased frequency of elevated Withdrawal Assessment Tool scores, and decreased hospital length of stay post-intervention. For the primary aim, methadone wean duration consistently decreased after each study period. Our intervention did not adversely impact balancing measures.

Conclusions:

A quality improvement initiative to standardize sedation weaning in a Pediatric Cardiac ICU was successfully implemented and was correlated with decreased duration of sedation medications, decreased withdrawal scores, and decreased length of stay.
Real-Time Augmented Reality Annotation for Surgical Education During Laparoscopic Surgery: Results from a Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial and Future Aspects
Authors: Huettl Florentine , Heinrich Florian , Boedecker Christian , Vradelis Lukas , Ludt Annekathrin , Kneist Werner , Lang Hauke , Hansen Christian , Huber Tobias
Published: April 2023

Background:

We developed an interactive augmented reality tool (HoloPointer) that enables real-time annotation on a laparoscopy monitor for intraoperative guidance. This application operates exclusively via verbal commands and head movements to ensure a sterile workflow.

Study Design:

Purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the integration of this new technology into the operating room. This prospective single-center study included 32 elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies (29 surgical teams, 15 trainees, 13 trainers). Primary objectives and assessment measures was the HoloPointer’s influence on surgical performance (subjective assessment, global operative assessment of laparoscopic skills - GOALS, and Critical View of Safety -CVS). Secondary objectives and outcome variables were its influence on operation time, quality of assistance (5 point likert-scale), and user-friendliness (System Usability Scale - SUS, 0-100 points).

Results:

Gestural corrections were reduced by 59.4% (4.6 SD 8.1 vs. 1.9 SD 4.7; p > 0.05) and verbal corrections by 36.1% (17.8 SD 12.9 vs. 11.4 SD 8.1; p > 0.05). Subjective surgical performance could be improved by 84,6% of participants. No statistically significant differences were observed for objective parameters GOALS, CVS and operation time. In the SUS, the application achieved an average score of 72.5 SD 16.3 (good user-friendliness). Of the participants, 69.2% wanted to use the HoloPointer more frequently.

Conclusion:

The majority of trainees had improved their surgical performance using the HoloPointer in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies, and the rate of classic but potentially misleading corrections was noticeably reduced. The HoloPointer has the potential to improve education in minimally invasive surgery.
Nitrogen dioxide gas-sensing properties of hydrothermally synthesized WO
3
· nH
2
O nanostructures
Authors: Hambir Shraddha , Jagtap Shweta
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen dioxide (NO
2
) has been identified as a serious air pollutant that threats to our environment, human life and world ecosystems. Therefore, detection of this air pollutant is crucial. Metal oxide semiconductor is one of the best approaches frequently used to detect NO
2
at relatively low temperatures. Hydrated tungsten trioxide (WO
3
· H
2
O), an n-type semiconductor, is regarded to be a promising material for fabricating gas sensors, which are widely used in environmental and safety monitoring. In this work, WO
3
· nH
2
O nanoparticles have been synthesized using a polyfunctional surfactant-mediated hydrothermal approach in the addition of H
2
C
2
O
4
and K
2
SO
4
at a molar ratio of 1 : 1. This paper has also reported the effect of reaction temperature (120°C to 200°C) on morphological changes and gas-sensing performance. The characterization of these synthesized nanostructures was carried out by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The UV absorption peak was obtained around 300 nm. FESEM analysis showed sheet-like structures come together to form flower-type morphology. The synthesized WO
3
· nH
2
O flower-like structures was then used for NO
2
gas-sensing application. The prepared sensors showed considerably better sensor response (
R
g
/
R
a
= 17.48) at 185°C for 25 ppm NO
2
.
Body odour disgust sensitivity is associated with xenophobia: evidence from nine countries across five continents
Authors: Zakrzewska Marta Z. , Challma Sandra , Lindholm Torun , Cancino-Montecinos Sebastian , Olofsson Jonas K. , Liuzza Marco Tullio
Published: April 2023

Body odour disgust sensitivity (BODS) reflects a behavioural disposition to avoid pathogens, and it may also involve social attitudes. Among participants in the USA, high levels of BODS were associated with stronger xenophobia towards a fictitious refugee group. To test the generalizability of this finding, we analysed data from nine countries across five continents (
N
= 6836). Using structural equation modelling, we found support for our pre-registered hypotheses: higher BODS levels were associated with more xenophobic attitudes; this relationship was partially explained by perceived dissimilarities of the refugees' norms regarding hygiene and food preparation, and general attitudes toward immigration. Our results support a theoretical notion of how pathogen avoidance is associated with social attitudes: ‘traditional norms’ often involve behaviours that limit inter-group contact, social mobility and situations that might lead to pathogen exposure. Our results also indicate that the positive relationship between BODS and xenophobia is robust across cultures.
An updated meta-analysis of the primed goal-organizational behaviour relationship
Authors: Latham Gary P. , Chen Xiao , Piccolo Ronald F. , Itzchakov Guy
Published: April 2023

Environmental cues (e.g. achievement-related words and pictures) can prime/activate, in the absence of awareness, a mental representation of importance stored in memory. Chen
et al
.'s 2021
Applied Psychology: An International Review
70
, 216–253. (
doi:10.1111/apps.12239
) meta-analysis revealed a moderate, significant overall effect for the goal priming-organizational behaviour relationship, with three moderators identified: context-specific versus a general prime, prime modality (i.e. visual versus linguistic) and experimental setting (field versus laboratory). An independent researcher found that their finding was negligibly affected by a publication bias. Shanks & Vadillo (2021),
Royal Society Open Science
8
, 210544. (
doi:10.1098/rsos.210544
) (field:
k
= 13,
N
= 683,
d
= 0.64), questioned Chen
et al
.'s conclusion regarding the effect size found in field studies (field:
k
= 8,
N
= 357,
d
= 0.68). In this paper, we discussed Shanks & Vadillo's selection of additional field experiments that led to their conclusion of a publication bias. We updated Chen
et al
.'s meta-analysis to include relevant studies conducted since that study's publication. The present meta-analysis reproduced the original findings in Chen
et al
. (field:
k
= 11,
N
= 534,
d
= 0.67). The updated findings are consistent with: (i) laboratory findings, (ii) the findings obtained in field experiments on consciously set goals and (iii) goal setting theory (Latham & Locke, 2018 In
Handbook of industrial, work & organizational Psychology
, vol.
1
(eds D Ones, N Anderson, C Viswesvaran, H Sinangil), pp. 103–124).
Expansion and evolution of the R programming language
Authors: Staples Timothy L.
Published: April 2023

Languages change over time, driven by creation of new words and cultural pressure to optimize communication. Programming languages resemble written language but communicate primarily with computer hardware rather than a human audience. I tested whether there were detectable changes over time in use of R, a mature, open-source programming language used for scientific computing. Across 393 142 GitHub repositories published between 2014 and 2021, I extracted 143 409 288 R functions, programming ‘verbs’, pairing linguistic and ecological analyses to detect change to diversity and composition of functions used over time. I found the number of R functions in use increased and underwent substantial change, driven primarily by the popularity of the ‘tidyverse' collection of community-written extensions. I provide evidence that users can change the nature of programming languages, with patterns that match known processes from natural languages and genetic evolution. In R, there appear to be selective pressures for increased analytic complexity and R functions in decline that are not yet extinct (extinction debts). R's evolution towards the tidyverse may also represent the start of a division into two distinct dialects, which may impact the readability and continuity of analytic and scientific inquiries codified in R, as well as the language's future.
A nearly complete skull of the sauropod dinosaurDiamantinasaurus matildaefrom the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Australia and implications for the early evolution of titanosaurs
Authors: Poropat Stephen F. , Mannion Philip D. , Rigby Samantha L. , Duncan Ruairidh J. , Pentland Adele H. , Bevitt Joseph J. , Sloan Trish , Elliott David A.
Published: April 2023

Titanosaurian sauropod dinosaurs were diverse and abundant throughout the Cretaceous, with a global distribution. However, few titanosaurian taxa are represented by multiple skeletons, let alone skulls.Diamantinasaurus matildae, from the lower Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, was heretofore represented by three specimens, including one that preserves a braincase and several other cranial elements. Herein, we describe a fourth specimen ofDiamantinasaurus matildaethat preserves a more complete skull—including numerous cranial elements not previously known for this taxon—as well as a partial postcranial skeleton. The skull ofDiamantinasaurus matildaeshows many similarities to that of the coevalSarmientosaurus musacchioifrom Argentina (e.g. quadratojugal with posterior tongue-like process; braincase with more than one ossified exit for cranial nerve V; compressed-cone–chisel-like teeth), providing further support for the inclusion of both taxa within the clade Diamantinasauria. The replacement teeth within the premaxilla of the new specimen are morphologically congruent with teeth previously attributed toDiamantinasaurus matildae, and Diamantinasauria more broadly, corroborating those referrals. Plesiomorphic characters of the new specimen include a sacrum comprising five vertebrae (also newly demonstrated in the holotype ofDiamantinasaurus matildae), rather than the six or more that typify other titanosaurs. However, we demonstrate that there have been a number of independent acquisitions of a six-vertebrae sacrum among Somphospondyli and/or that there have been numerous reversals to a five-vertebrae sacrum, suggesting that sacral count is relatively plastic. Other newly identified plesiomorphic features include: the overall skull shape, which is more similar to brachiosaurids than ‘derived' titanosaurs; anterior caudal centra that are amphicoelous, rather than procoelous; and a pedal phalangeal formula estimated as 2-2-3-2-0. These features are consistent with either an early-branching position within Titanosauria, or a position just outside the titanosaurian radiation, for Diamantinasauria, as indicated by alternative character weighting approaches applied in our phylogenetic analyses, and help to shed light on the early assembly of titanosaurian anatomy that has until now been obscured by a poor fossil record.
Solid-phase synthesis and properties of stereocontrolled boranophosphate/phosphate and phosphorothioate/phosphate chimeric oligouridylates
Authors: Sato Kazuki , Nukaga Yohei , Wada Takeshi
Published: April 2023

This study describes the stereoselective synthesis of boranophosphate/phosphate (PB/PO) and phosphorothioate/phosphate (PS/PO) chimeric oligouridylates using the solid-phase method. Oxazaphospholidine monomer was used to construct the stereodefined PB and PS linkages. The study introduces modifications to oligouridylate derivatives in the intended positions with the intended stereochemistry of phosphorous atoms. Additionally, biophysical and biochemical properties of the synthesized oligomers were evaluated. Notably, it was found that a (
S
p)-PB/PO chimeric oligouridylate had higher hybridization ability than the unmodified counterpart to an unmodified oligoadenylate. This is the first report that elucidates the effect of both stereochemistry and type of
P
-modification (PB and PS) on properties of oligoribonucleotides.
Changes of
Cinchona
distribution over the past two centuries in the northern Andes
Authors: González-Orozco Carlos E. , Guillén Esther García , Cuvi Nicolás
Published: April 2023

The
Cinchona
genus is important for humanity due to its ethnobotanical properties, and in particular its ability to prevent and treat malaria. However, there have been historical changes of
Cinchona
distribution in the tropical Andes that remain undocumented. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, several explorers recorded
Cinchona
precise localities in present-day Colombia and Ecuador, countries which harbour about half of the species of the genus, including
C. officinalis
. We compare historical and twentieth-century records to evaluate whether elevational ranges, mean elevation and latitude varied between the two periods. A large expansion of 662.5 m in average elevation for
Cinchona
and 792.5 m in elevational range for
C. officinalis
was found. These findings have implications for the conservation of economically important species and help us understand the impacts of the Anthropocene over time.
Arthrobacter caoxuetaonis sp. nov., Arthrobacter zhangbolii sp. nov. and Arthrobacter gengyunqii sp. nov., isolated from Marmota himalayana faeces from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhang Gui , Yang Jing , Cheng Yanpeng , Ye Lin , Lai Xin-He , Yang Caixin , Ma Caiyun , Tao Yuanmeihui , Jin Dong , Lu Shan , Liu Liyun , Xu Jianguo
Published: April 2023

Six aerobic or facultative anaerobic, motile, Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative strains (zg-Y453T, zg-Y324, zg-Y462T, zg-Y411, zg-Y809T and zg-Y786) were isolated from different faecal samples of Marmota himalayana from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Pale yellow, round, raised and moist colonies appeared 48 h after incubation at 28 °C on brain–heart infusion plates supplemented with 5 % defibrinated sheep blood. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence alignment, two strain pairs (zg-Y453T/zg-Y324 and zg-Y462T/zg-Y411) shared the highest similarities to

Arthrobacter luteolus

(99.5 and 99.2 %), and the other one (zg-Y809T/zg-Y786) to

Arthrobacter citreus

(99.5 %). Results of phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences showed that these six strains represented three separate species within the genus

Arthrobacter

. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the three novel type strains (zg-Y453T/zg-Y462T/zg-Y809T) and other known species in this genus were all below respective thresholds (70.2–81.5/19.6–24.2 %, 70.6–81.8/19.8–25.0 %, and 70.4–88.2/19.9–35.3 %). Although phylogenetically related, there were obvious chemotaxonomic and phenotypic differences: strain pair zg-Y462T/zg-Y411 had anteiso-C15 : 0 as the only major fatty acid; the three novel species had different dominant quinones, MK-8(H2) in strains zg-Y462T/zg-Y809T (74.8/81.1 %) and MK-8(H2)/MK-9(H2) (43.1/53.0 %) in zg-Y453T; similarly, the ability to reduce nitrate in strains zg-Y453T and zg-Y462T could differentiate them from zg-Y809T. All strains had diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol, but differed slightly in the types of unidentified glycolipids, phospholipids and lipids. Based on the results of these polyphasic taxonomic analyses, three novel species within the genus

Arthrobacter

are proposed, namely Arthrobacter caoxuetaonis sp. nov. (type strain, zg-Y453T=GDMCC 1.2809T=JCM 35173T), Arthrobacter zhangbolii sp. nov. (type strain, zg-Y462T=GDMCC 1.2880T=JCM 35170T) and Arthrobacter gengyunqii sp. nov. (type strain, zg-Y809T=GDMCC 1.2808T=JCM 35168T).
Sexual risk-taking behavior amongst emerging adults in a tertiary institution of learning in Coastal Kenya: A qualitative study of stakeholders’ perspectives using causal loop mapping
Authors: Chea Stevenson K. , Kagonya Vincent A. , Oyugi Eunice A. , Nasambu Carophine , Menza Isaac , Ibrahim Fauz , Abdullahi Osman , Anika Alice , Hassan Amin S. , Abbeddou Souheila , Michielsen Kristien , Abubakar Amina
Published: April 2023

Background

It is known from previous studies that university students in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) engage in sexual risk-taking behaviour (SRTB). However, there is paucity of data on correlates of SRTB among university students (emerging adults {EmA}) at the Kenyan Coast thus hindering intervention planning. This study seeks to provide an in-depth qualitative understanding of correlates of SRTB and their interconnectedness among university students at the Kenyan coast combining qualitative research with a systems thinking approach.

Methods

Using the ecological model, and employing in-depth interviews, we explored the perceptions of twenty-one EmA and five other stakeholders on what constitutes and influences SRTB among EmA at a tertiary institution of learning in Coastal Kenya. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach. A causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to map the interconnectedness of the correlates of SRTB.

Results

Our findings show that unprotected sex, transactional sex, cross-generational sex, multiple sex partnerships, gender-based violence, sex under influence of alcohol/drugs, early sex debut, and sharing sex toys were common SRTBs. Based on the ecological model and CLD, most of the reported risk factors were interconnected and operated at the individual level followed by those that operate at social level.

Conclusion

Our study shows that EmA are mostly engaging in unprotected sex. Enhancing sexuality education programs for students in Kenyan universities and strengthening support systems including counselling for those using alcohol/drugs may help reduce SRTB among EmA in universities in Kenya.
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Switzerland and its impact on disease spread
Authors: Dunbar M. Bekker-Nielsen , Held L.
Published: April 2023

We analyse infectious disease case surveillance data stratified by region and age group to estimate COVID-19 spread and gain an understanding of the impact of introducing vaccines to counter the disease in Switzerland. The data used in this work is extensive and detailed and includes information on weekly number of cases and vaccination rates by age and region. Our approach takes into account waning immunity. The statistical analysis allows us to determine the effects of choosing alternative vaccination strategies. Our results indicate greater uptake of vaccine would have led to fewer cases with a particularly large effect on undervaccinated regions while an alternative distribution scheme ignoring age would affect the vulnerable population at the time (the elderly) and is less ideal.
Development of a digital platform for the equitable promotion of mother and child health among marginalized populations: Formative study from a lower-middle income country
Authors: Haq Zaeem ul , Naeem Ayesha , Zaeem Durayya , Sohail Mohina , Ain Noor ul
Published: April 2023

Background

Health inequities exist between and within countries and communities for maternal and child health, nutrition, and early childhood development. Socially excluded bear the major brunt of this disparity. Innovative ways of providing healthcare are required to meet the needs of such populations. We report the development and feasibility testing ofSehat Ghar(Health House), an android-based digital application for volunteer health workers from a population not covered by Primary Healthcare (PHC).

Methods

We carried out a mixed-methods study with three steps. First, we conducted 13 in-depth interviews and two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with stakeholders to explore the gaps in community knowledge and practices. To address these gaps, we developed theSehat GharApp, comprised of video-based health education to demonstrate practices that mothers and families need to adopt. Second, we trained ten volunteer Community Health Workers (CHWs) from the same community to deliver health education using the App, and assessed their knowledge and skill improvement. Third, these CHWs visited pregnant and lactating mothers at home, that we monitored using a structured observation list.

Results

Initial exploration revealed a need for health-related knowledge and suboptimal healthcare utilization from neighbouring public hospitals.Sehat Gharemployed behaviour change techniques, including knowledge transfer, improving mothers’ self-efficacy, and enhanced family involvement in mother and childcare to address this. Volunteer women were trained from the community, who, after the training, showed a significant improvement in mean knowledge score [Before:M= 8.00 (SD= 1.49), After:M= 11.40 (SD= 1.43), p=.0007]. Our monitoring found these CHWs excellent in their interaction with mothers and excellent or very good in using the App. The CHW and her community reported their liking and satisfaction with the App and wanted its delivery on a regular basis.

Conclusions

The digital applicationSehat Gharis a simple, easy-to-use resource for CHWs and is acceptable to the community. Mothers appreciate the content and presentation and are ready to incorporate its messages into their daily practices. The real-world effectiveness of the innovation is currently being tested on 250 mother-infant pairs. With its usefulness and adaptability, and the rapidly spreading mobile phone and Internet technology, the innovation can educate communities at a large scale in a minimum amount of time, contributing to equitable coverage of health services in resource-constrained settings.
Persistence of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Dementia Prognostication: A Comparison of Three Operational Definitions of Mild Behavioral Impairment
Authors: Guan Dylan X. , Smith Eric E. , Pike G. Bruce , Ismail Zahinoor
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

This study compares three operational definitions of mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in the context of MBI prevalence estimates and dementia risk modeling.

METHODS

Participants were dementia-free older adults (n=13701) from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center. Operational definitions of MBI were generated based on neuropsychiatric symptoms at one (OV), two-consecutive (TCV), or >2/3 (TTV) of dementia-free study visits. Definitions were compared in prevalence and in Cox regressions using MBI to predict incident dementia.

RESULTS

OV MBI was the most prevalent (54.4%), followed by TCV (32.3%) and TTV (26.7%) MBI. However, OV MBI had the lowest rate of incident dementia (HR=2.54, 95%CI: 2.33–2.78) and generated poorer model metrics than TCV MBI (HR=4.06, 95%CI: 3.74–4.40) and TTV MBI (HR=5.77, 95%CI: 5.32–6.26).

DISCUSSION

Case ascertainment with longer timeframe MBI operational definitions may more accurately define groups at risk of dementia in datasets lacking tools designed to detect MBI.

HIGHLIGHTS

Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) can identify older adults at risk of dementia.

Neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) assessment tools can be proxy measures for MBI.

Hazard for dementia was highest for MBI defined by NPS presence at >2/3 of visits.
Norovirus GII wastewater monitoring for epidemiological surveillance
Authors: Ammerman ML , Mullapudi S , Gilbert J , Figueroa K , Cruz FPN , Bakker KM , Eisenberg MC , Foxman B , Wigginton KR
Published: April 2023

Norovirus surveillance using case reports and syndromic detection often lags rather than leads outbreaks. To assess the timeliness of norovirus wastewater testing compared with syndromic, outbreak and search term trend data for norovirus, we quantified norovirus GII in composite influent samples from 5 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using reverse transcription-digital droplet PCR and correlated wastewater levels to syndromic, outbreak, and search term trend data. Wastewater HuNoV RNA levels were comparable across all WWTPs after fecal content normalization. Norovirus wastewater values typically coincided with or led syndromic, outbreak, and search term trend data. The best correlations were observed when the wastewater sewershed population had high overlap with the population included by other monitoring methods. The provision of norovirus-specific measures and earlier detection of norovirus found using wastewater surveillance suggests that wastewater-based surveillance of human norovirus GII will enhance existing public health surveillance efforts of norovirus.
Infants and young children generate more durable antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection than adults
Authors: Joshi Devyani , Nyhoff Lindsay E. , Zarnitsyna Veronika I. , Moreno Alberto , Manning Kelly , Linderman Susanne , Burrell Allison R , Stephens Kathy , Norwood Carson , Mantus Grace , Ahmed Rafi , Anderson Evan J. , Staat Mary A. , Suthar Mehul S. , Wrammert Jens
Published: April 2023

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, research has shown that adult patients mount broad and durable immune responses to infection. However, response to infection remains poorly studied in infants/young children. In this study, we evaluated humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 in 23 infants/young children before and after infection. We found that antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike antigens peaked approximately 30 days after infection and were maintained up to 500 days with little apparent decay. While the magnitude of humoral responses was similar to an adult cohort recovered from mild/moderate COVID-19, both binding and neutralization titers to WT SARS-CoV-2 were more durable in infants/young children, with Spike and RBD IgG antibody half-life nearly 4X as long as in adults. The functional breadth of adult and infant/young children SARS-CoV-2 responses were comparable, with similar reactivity against panel of recent and previously circulating viral variants. Notably, IgG subtype analysis revealed that while IgG1 formed the majority of both adults’ and infants/young children’s response, IgG3 was more common in adults and IgG2 in infants/young children. These findings raise important questions regarding differential regulation of humoral immunity in infants/young children and adults and could have broad implications for the timing of vaccination and booster strategies in this age group.
Predicting Hospital Readmission among Patients with Sepsis using Clinical and Wearable Data
Authors: Amrollahi Fatemeh , Shashikumar Supreeth Prajwal , Yhdego Haben , Nayebnazar Arshia , Yung Nathan , Wardi Gabriel , Nemati Shamim
Published: April 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Recent data demonstrate that patients with sepsis have a significantly higher readmission risk than other common conditions, such as heart failure, pneumonia and myocardial infarction and associated economic burden. Prior studies have demonstrated an association between a patient’s physical activity levels and readmission risk. In this study, we show that distribution of activity level prior and post-discharge among patients with sepsis are predictive of unplanned rehospitalization in 90 days (P-value<1e-3). Our preliminary results indicate that integrating Fitbit data with clinical measurements may improve model performance on predicting 90 days readmission.
Prediction of Unplanned Hospital Readmission using Clinical and Longitudinal Wearable Sensor Features
Authors: Yhdego Haben H. , Nayebnazar Arshia , Amrollahi Fatemeh , Boussina Aaron , Shashikumar Supreeth , Wardi Gabriel , Nemati Shamim
Published: April 2023

Predictive models have been suggested as potential tools for identifying highest risk patients for hospital readmissions, in order to improve care coordination and ultimately long-term patient outcomes. However, the accuracy of current predictive models for readmission prediction is still moderate and further data enrichment is needed to identify at risk patients. This paper describes models to predict 90-day readmission, focusing on testing the predictive performance of wearable sensor features generated using multiscale entropy techniques and clinical features. Our study explores ways to incorporate pre-discharge and post-discharge wearable sensor features to make robust patient predictions. Data were used from participants enrolled in the AllofUs Research program. We extracted the inpatient cohort of patients and integrated clinical data from the electronic health records (EHR) and Fitbit sensor measurements. Entropy features were calculated from the longitudinal wearable sensor data, such as heart rate and mobility-related measurements, in order to characterize time series variability and complexity. Our best performing model acheived an AUC of 83%, and at 80% sensitivity acheived 75% specificity and 57% positive predictive value. Our results indicate that it would be possible to improve the ability to predict unplanned hospital readmissions by considering pre-discharge and post-discharge wearable features.
RNA polymerase is a molecular motor that converts its transcribing genetic information to free energy for its movement
Authors: Tsuruyama Tatsuaki
Published: April 2023

RNA polymerase (RNAP) is an enzyme that catalyzes RNA synthesis from a DNA template via translocation on the DNA. Several studies on RNAP translocation have shown an unexplainable discrepancy in the experimental value of the average free energy change (ΔG) required for RNAP translocation. To address this inconsistency, we propose a model of the transcription system based on information thermodynamics integrating information theory and thermodynamics. The state function of RNAP was defined from its position on the template DNA, its migration direction, and the deoxyribonucleotide (dNTP) that it transcribes. Based on the state function,ΔGwas defined consisting ofΔGthrequired for determining its positionmand other thermodynamic factors, andΔGdrequired for determining movement orientation orΔGNvalue from the dNTP sequence information of the DNA transcribed by RNAP.ΔGdwas calculated using the fluctuation theorem applying movement orientation andΔGNwas estimated based on information thermodynamics of mutual information given by dNTP appearance ratio. It was found that the involvement of eitherΔG(d)orΔG(N)in free energy caused a discrepancy inΔGvalues. In conclusion, information thermodynamics can be a framework for information processing in the cell, and RNAP serves as a good model of molecular machine moves through the conversion of information.

Significance Statement

RNA polymerase directly converts deoxyribonucleotide sequence information from template DNA to free energy for its movement along the DNA strand.
Transitions in density, pressure, and effective temperature drive collective cell migration into confining environments
Authors: Lin Wan-Jung , Pathak Amit
Published: April 2023

Epithelial cell collectives migrate through tissue interfaces and crevices to orchestrate processes of development, tumor invasion, and wound healing. Naturally, traversal of cell collective through confining environments involves crowding due to the narrowing space, which seems tenuous given the conventional inverse relationship between cell density and migration. However, physical transitions required to overcome such epithelial densification for migration across confinements remain unclear. Here, in contiguous microchannels, we show that epithelial (MCF10A) monolayers accumulate higher cell density before entering narrower channels; however, overexpression of breast cancer oncogene +ErbB2 reduced this need for density accumulation across confinement. While wildtype MCF10A cells migrated faster in narrow channels, this confinement sensitivity reduced after +ErbB2 mutation or with constitutively-active RhoA. The migrating collective developed pressure differentials upon encountering microchannels, like fluid flow into narrowing spaces, and this pressure dropped with their continued migration. These transitions of pressure and density altered cell shapes and increased effective temperature, estimated by treating cells as granular thermodynamic system. While +RhoA cells and those in confined regions were effectively warmer, cancer-like +ErbB2 cells remained cooler. Epithelial reinforcement by metformin treatment increased density and temperature differentials across confinement, indicating that higher cell cohesion could reduce unjamming. Our results provide experimental evidence for previously proposed theories of inverse relationship between density and motility-related effective temperature. Indeed, we show across cell lines that confinement increases pressure and effective temperature, which enable migration by reducing density. This physical interpretation of collective cell migration as granular matter could advance our understanding of complex living systems.
Discovery and Validation ofRUNX1DNA Methylation in Differentiating Papillary Thyroid Cancer from Benign Nodules
Authors: Li Junjie , Yin Yifei , Huang Haixia , Li Mengxia , Li Hong , Zhang Minmin , Jiang Chenxia , Yang Rongxi
Published: April 2023

Although most thyroid nodules can be diagnosed preoperatively by thyroid ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy, it remains a challenge to accurately identify malignancy of thyroid nodules when the biopsy is indeterminate. This study aims to explore a novel biomarker to distinguish benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Tissue samples from patients with Stage I&II papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and benign thyroid nodules (BTN) were collected for genome profiling by methylation EPIC 850K array and RNA-Sequencing. Genes with significantly differential DNA methylation and inverse mRNA expression were filtered out. The altered methylation ofRUNX1gene was validated in two independent case-control studies with a total of 699 formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples using mass spectrometry and calculated by binary logistic regression analysis. Hypomethylation ofRUNX1gene in PTC patients compared to BTN subjects was verified in Validation Ⅰ (140 PTC vs. 189 BTN, ORs ≥ 1.50 per-10% methylation,P≤ 4.40E-05, for all measurable CpG sites) and Validation Ⅱ (184 PTC vs. 186 BTN, ORs ≥ 1.72 per-10% methylation,P≤ 2.38E-11, for all measurable CpG sites). Besides,RUNX1methylation achieved good accuracy in differentiating early-stage PTC from BTN in Validation Ⅰ (AUC: 0.74) and Validation Ⅱ (AUC: 0.79). Gender- and age-stratified analysis revealedRUNX1hypomethylation as an important risk factor for thyroid disease in younger women. We disclosed a significant association betweenRUNX1hypomethylation and PTC, suggestingRUNX1methylation based on FFPE tissue samples as a potential biomarker for predicting malignancy of thyroid nodules.