bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Researching employee experiences and behavior in times of crisis: Theoretical and methodological considerations and implications for human resource management
Authors: Zacher Hannes , Rudolph Cort W
Published: November 2021

Over the past 2 years, numerous empirical studies in the fields of human resource management, organizational behavior, and industrial, work, and organizational psychology have investigated employee experiences and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this paper is to take a step back and to outline several theoretical and methodological considerations when researching employee experiences and behavior in times of crisis more generally. These insights may be useful when developing conceptual models, designing empirical studies, and managing people in the context of future crises. We first review theoretical approaches that could be applied to explain changes in employee experiences and behavior in times of crisis, including stress theories, theories of adjustment to work-related changes, career construction theory, event system theory, transition-adaptation theories, the crisis management and resilience framework, and the social identity model of identity change. Second, we outline methodological considerations and best practices regarding the research design of quantitative empirical studies, sampling, measurement, and analytic strategies. Throughout, we highlight empirical studies on employee experiences and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic that have adopted these theoretical approaches and methodological best practices. We conclude with several suggestions for future theory development and empirical studies on employee experiences and behavior as well as human resource management in times of crisis.
Adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination: first 90 days of experience from a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India
Authors: Basavaraja Chetak Kadabasal , Sebastian Juny , Ravi Mandyam Dhati , John Sheba Baby
Published: November 2021

Background:

The COVID-19 vaccination program was introduced in India on 16 January 2021. The Government-issued fact sheet was the only source of information regarding Adverse Events Following Immunizations (AEFIs) for these vaccines. The objective of this study was to assess the AEFIs reported following COVID-19 vaccination in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Materials and methods:

The spontaneous reporting method was used for data collection for a period of 3 months. A data collection form was designed to collect the data from the study population who reported adverse events. Collected data were analyzed and categorized by severity and seriousness. The causality assessment team performed causality assessment of the AEFIs using the World Health Organization’s causality assessment algorithm.

Results:

A total of 11,656 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered at the study site during the study period, of which 9292 doses were COVISHIELD™ and 2364 doses were COVAXIN™. In all, 445 AEFIs were reported from 269 subjects with an incidence rate of 3.48%. The majority of the subjects with AEFIs belonged to the age group of 18–45 years. Out of the total 445 AEFIs, 418 AEFIs were expected as per the fact sheets, 409 with COVISHIELD™ and 9 with COVAXIN™. Most of the AEFIs [62.02% ( n = 276)] were observed at the system organ class of ‘General disorders and administration site conditions’. After the causality assessment, out of 433 AEFIs to COVISHIELDTM vaccine, 94.22% ( n = 408) of events were categorized to have ‘consistent causal association with immunization’. Out of 12 adverse events following COVAXIN™, 8 (66.66%) events were categorized as ‘consistent causal association with immunization’. All of them recovered from their adverse events without any sequelae.

Conclusion:

Spontaneous reporting is one of the cheapest methods that can be used for the reporting of AEFI. This method helps health care professionals to identify rare events and potential signals.
Resemiotized experience in classroom interaction: A student teacher’s interactional use of personal stories during teaching placement
Authors: Christensson Johan
Published: November 2021

One of the most important points of contact that student teachers have with the teaching profession occurs during placement, as placement provides a prime opportunity for them to interact with pupils and to further develop their teaching. In this article, a mediated discourse analytical perspective is employed as a lens to study a student teacher during his final teaching placement, with the aim of exploring how resemiotizations of previous experiences in the shape of oral stories can be interactionally used in the classroom. The data consist of three video recorded oral presentations, two video recorded sessions in a classroom, interview data, and observational field notes. Due to its potential to link past multimodal semiosis to present-time actions, nexus analysis is employed as the method for analysis. By unpacking a student teacher’s use of oral stories in the classroom, the study demonstrates how stories are adaptable resources that can be used to mark proximity to pupils, and thus serve as a means to manage the interaction order in the classroom. This is an activity with relevance for the teaching profession and, by extension, student teachers' development of professional identity.
The Role and Challenges of Clinical Imaging During COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Alhasan Mustafa , Hasaneen Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The Radiology department played a crucial role in detecting and following up with the COVID-19 disease during the pandemic. The purpose of this review was to highlight and discuss the role of each imaging modality, in the radiology department, that can help in the current pandemic and to determine the challenges faced by staff and how to overcome them.

Materials and Methods:

A literature search was performed using different databases, including PubMed, Google scholar, and the college electronic library to access 2020 published related articles.

Results:

A chest computed tomogram (CT) was found to be superior to a chest radiograph, with regards to the early detection of COVID-19. Utilizing lung point of care ultrasound (POCUS) with pediatric patients, demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity, compared to a chest radiography. In addition, lung ultrasound (LUS) showed a high correlation with the disease severity assessed with CT. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has some limiting factors with regard to its clinical utilization, due to signal loss. The reported challenges that the radiology department faced were mainly related to infection control, staff workload, and the training of students.

Conclusion:

The choice of an imaging modality to provide a COVID-19 diagnosis is debatable. It depends on several factors that should be carefully considered, such as disease stage, mobility of the patient, and ease of applying infection control procedures. The pros and cons of each imaging modality were highlighted, as part of this review. To control the spread of the infection, precautionary measures such as the use of portable radiographic equipment and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be implemented.
The economic burden of NIPC and BOS following allogeneic HSCT in patients with commercial insurance in the United States
Authors: Sacks Naomi C. , Healey Bridget E. , Raza Sajjad , Cyr Philip L. , Boerner Gerhard , Sheshadri Ajay
Published: November 2021

Noninfectious pulmonary complications (NIPC) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), including bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), cause significant morbidity and mortality, but their impact on health care resource utilization (HRU) and costs is unknown. This longitudinal retrospective study quantified the economic burden of NIPC and BOS in alloHSCT patients using commercial claims data from the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus database. Study patients were aged 0 to 64 years and underwent alloHSCT between 1 January 2006 and 30 September 2018, and were observable 12 months before and up to 5 years after index alloHSCT. NIPC patients were identified using International Classification of Disease (ICD) diagnosis codes. Outcomes were mean per patient HRU (inpatient admissions, outpatient office, hospital visits, and prescription medications) and costs paid by insurers in each post-transplant year. Among 2162 alloHSCT patients, 254 developed NIPCs, and 155 were propensity score (PS)-matched to non-NIPC patients. The year following transplantation, NIPC patients had significantly higher inpatient admission rates (3.8 ± 3.2 vs non-NIPC: 2.6 ± 2.4; P < .001) and higher total costs ($567 870 vs $412 400; P = .07), reflecting higher costs for inpatient admissions ($452 475 vs $300 202; P = .06). Among those observable for more years, costs remained higher for NIPC patients, reflecting significantly higher inpatient admission rates in the first 3 years following transplant. Subanalysis of patients with diagnoses likely reflective of BOS were consistent with these findings. AlloHSCT patients who developed NIPC had higher health care resource utilization and incurred higher costs compared with alloHSCT patients who did not develop NIPC following transplant.
trioPhaser: using Mendelian inheritance logic to improve genomic phasing of trios
Authors: Miller Dustin B. , Piccolo Stephen R.
Published: November 2021

Background

When analyzing DNA sequence data of an individual, knowing which nucleotide was inherited from each parent can be beneficial when trying to identify certain types of DNA variants. Mendelian inheritance logic can be used to accurately phase (haplotype) the majority (67–83%) of an individual's heterozygous nucleotide positions when genotypes are available for both parents (trio). However, when all members of a trio are heterozygous at a position, Mendelian inheritance logic cannot be used to phase. For such positions, a computational phasing algorithm can be used. Existing phasing algorithms use a haplotype reference panel, sequencing reads, and/or parental genotypes to phase an individual; however, they are limited in that they can only phase certain types of variants, require a specific genotype build, require large amounts of storage capacity, and/or require long run times. We created trioPhaser to address these challenges.

Results

trioPhaser uses gVCF files from an individual and their parents as initial input, and then outputs a phased VCF file. Input trio data are first phased using Mendelian inheritance logic. Then, the positions that cannot be phased using inheritance information alone are phased by theSHAPEIT4 phasing algorithm. Using whole-genome sequencing data of 52 trios, we show that trioPhaser, on average, increases the total number of phased positions by 21.0% and 10.5%, respectively, when compared to the number of positions thatSHAPEIT4or Mendelian inheritance logic can phase when either is used alone. In addition, we show that the accuracy of the phased calls output by trioPhaser are similar to linked-read and read-backed phasing.

Conclusion

trioPhaser is a containerized software tool that uses both Mendelian inheritance logic andSHAPEIT4to phase trios when gVCF files are available. By implementing both phasing methods, more variant positions are phased compared to what either method is able to phase alone.
Chromatin enrichment for proteomics in plants (ChEP-P) implicates the histone reader ALFIN-LIKE 6 in jasmonate signalling
Authors: Vélez-Bermúdez Isabel Cristina , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: November 2021

Background

Covalent modifications of core histones govern downstream DNA-templated processes such as transcription by altering chromatin structure and function. Previously, we reported that the plant homeodomain protein ALFIN-LIKE 6 (AL6), abona fidehistone reader that preferentially binds trimethylated lysin 4 on histone 3 (H3K4me3), is critical for recalibration of cellular phosphate (Pi) homeostasis and root hair elongation under Pi-deficient conditions.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that AL6 is also involved in the response of Arabidopsis seedlings to jasmonic acid (JA) during skotomorphogenesis, possibly by modulating chromatin dynamics that affect the transcriptional regulation of JA-responsive genes. Dark-grownal6seedlings showed a compromised reduction in hypocotyl elongation upon exogenously supplied JA, a response that was calibrated by the availability of Pi in the growth medium. A comparison of protein profiles between wild-type andal6mutant seedlings using a quantitative Chromatin Enrichment for Proteomics (ChEP) approach, that we modified for plant tissue and designated ChEP-P (ChEP in Plants), yielded a comprehensive suite of chromatin-associated proteins and candidates that may be causative for the mutant phenotype.

Conclusions

Altered abundance of proteins involved in chromatin organization inal6seedlings suggests a role of AL6 in coordinating the deposition of histone variants upon perception of internal or environmental stimuli. Our study shows that ChEP-P is well suited to gain holistic insights into chromatin-related processes in plants. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD026541.
RDFizing the biosynthetic pathway of E.coli O-antigen to enable semantic sharing of microbiology data
Authors: Lee Sunmyoung , Ono Tamiko , Aoki-Kinoshita Kiyoko
Published: November 2021

Background

The abundance of glycomics data that have accumulated has led to the development of many useful databases to aid in the understanding of the function of the glycans and their impact on cellular activity. At the same time, the endeavor for data sharing between glycomics databases with other biological databases have contributed to the creation of new knowledgebases. However, different data types in data description have impeded the data sharing for knowledge integration. To solve this matter, Semantic Web techniques including Resource Description Framework (RDF) and ontology development have been adopted by various groups to standardize the format for data exchange. These semantic data have contributed to the expansion of knowledgebases and hold promises of providing data that can be intelligently processed. On the other hand, bench biologists who are experts in experimental finding are end users and data producers. Therefore, it is indispensable to reduce the technical barrier required for bench biologists to manipulate their experimental data to be compatible with standard formats for data sharing.

Results

There are many essential concepts and practical techniques for data integration but there is no method to enable researchers to easily apply Semantic Web techniques to their experimental data. We implemented our procedure on unformatted information of E.coli O-antigen structures collected from the web and show how this information can be expressed as formatted data applicable to Semantic Web standards. In particular, we described the E-coli O-antigen biosynthesis pathway using the BioPAX ontology developed to support data exchange between pathway databases.

Conclusions

The method we implemented to semantically describe O-antigen biosynthesis should be helpful for biologists to understand how glycan information, including relevant pathway reaction data, can be easily shared. We hope this method can contribute to lower the technical barrier that is required when experimental findings are formulated into formal representations and can lead bench scientists to readily participate in the construction of new knowledgebases that are integrated with existing ones. Such integration over the Semantic Web will enable future work in artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable computers to infer new relationships and hypotheses in the life sciences.
A new strain of Volutella citrinella with nematode predation and nematicidal activity, isolated from the cysts of potato cyst nematodes in China
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Hui , Jiang Zhaochun , Bai Qing , Wu Shishi , Wang Yong , Li Cheng , Zeng Xiangyu , Gan Xiuhai , Xie Xin , Li Zhong , Yang Zaifu
Published: November 2021

Background

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are responsible for causing many plant diseases and are extremely difficult to control at present. Currently, due to the negative effects of chemical agents on the environment and human health, the development of new biological pesticides has become an important part of plant nematode control. Nematophagous fungi refers to a class of fungi that kill plant nematodes. Notably, a large number of nematophagous fungi resources remain to be studied. The objective of our study was to use in vitro screening to identify nematophagous fungi and select strains that were highly active against nematodes, providing a primary research for the development and utilization of new nematophagous fungi.

Results

A new nematophagous fungal strain (GUCC2219) was isolated from cysts of possibly Globodera spp. and Heterodera spp., identified as Volutella citrinella. The hyphae of V. citrinella produced ring structures of variable size and exhibited predatory and nematicidal activity. The hyphal predation rates (in vitro) against three species of nematodes, Aphelenchoides besseyi, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, and Ditylenchus destructor, averaged 59.45, 33.35, and 50.95%, respectively, while the fermentation broth produced by the fungus exhibited mortality rates of 100, 100, and 55.63%, respectively, after 72 h.

Conclusion

V. citrinella is a new strain with nematophagous properties, which are a novel discovery. At the same time, this is the first report of nematicidal and nematode predation activity in the genus Volutella.
California TRV-based VIGS vectors mediate gene silencing at elevated temperatures but with greater growth stunting
Authors: Rahman Jamilur , Baldwin Ian T. , Gase Klaus
Published: November 2021

Background

Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), a widely used functional genomics tool, requires growth temperatures typically lower than those of the plant’s native environment. Enabling VIGS under native conditions in the field according to applicable safety regulations could be a revolutionary advance for ecological research.

Results

Here, we report the development of an enhanced thermal tolerant VIGS vector system based on a TRV California isolate. cDNA clones representing the whole viral genome were sequenced and used to construct separate binary plant transformation vectors for functional elements of RNA1 (6765 nt) and RNA2 (3682 nt). VIGS of target genes was induced by transient transformation of the host plant with both vectors or by treating the host plant with sap from already VIGS induced plants. In Nicotiana attenuata the silencing efficiency of the PDS (phytoene desaturase) gene was 90% at 28 °C and 78% at 30 °C. Silencing at these temperatures was more prominent and durable than silencing induced by the widely used TRV PpK20-based pBINTRA6/pTV00 system, but was associated with a viral phenotype. Differences in the suppressor protein and RNA dependent RNA polymerase sequences between the TRV California isolate and PpK20 may be the reason for their different thermal tolerance.

Conclusions

The new TRV California-based VIGS vectors induce gene silencing in Nicotiana attenuata at higher temperatures than the existing pBINTRA6/pTV00 vector system, but cause greater growth defects. The new vector system opens up an avenue to study genes functions in planta under field conditions.
Intubation using VieScope vs. Video laryngoscopy in full personal protective equipment – a randomized, controlled simulation trial
Authors: Ecker Hannes , Kolvenbach Simone , Herff Holger , Wetsch Wolfgang A.
Published: November 2021

Background

VieScope is a new type of laryngoscope, with a straight, transparent and illuminated blade, allowing for direct line of sight towards the larynx. In addition, VieScope is disposed of after single patient use, which can avoid cross-contaminations of contagious material. This has gained importance especially when treating patients with highly contagious infectious diseases, such as during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. In this context, VieScope has not been evaluated yet in a clinical study.

Material and methods

This study compared intubation with VieScope to video-laryngoscopy (GlideScope) in normal and difficult airway in a standardized airway manikin in a randomized controlled simulation trial. Thirty-five medical specialists were asked to perform endotracheal intubation in full personal protective equipment (PPE). Primary endpoint was correct tube position. First-pass rate (i.e., success rate at the first attempt), time until intubation and time until first correct ventilation were registered as secondary endpoints.

Results

For correct tracheal tube placement, there was no significant difference between VieScope and GlideScope in normal and difficult airway conditions. VieScope had over 91% fist-pass success rate in normal airway setting. VieScope had a comparable success rate to GlideScope in difficult airway, but had a significantly longer time until intubation and time until ventilation.

Conclusion

VieScope and GlideScope had high success rates in normal as well as in difficult airway. There was no unrecognized esophageal intubation in either group. Overall time for intubation was longer in the VieScope group, though in an acceptable range given in literature.

Results from this simulation study suggest that VieScope may be an acceptable alternative for tracheal intubation in full PPE.

Trial Registration

The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register www.drks.de (Registration date: 09/11/2020; TrialID:
DRKS00023406).
Organisational determinants and consequences of diagnostic discrepancy in two large patient groups in the emergency departments: a national study of consecutive episodes between 2008 and 2016
Authors: Tipsmark Line Stjernholm , Obel Børge , Andersson Tommy , Søgaard Rikke
Published: November 2021

Background

Diagnostic discrepancy (DD) is a common phenomenon in healthcare, but little is known about its organisational determinants and consequences. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate this among selected emergency department (ED) patients.

Method

We conducted an observational study including all consecutive ED patients (hip fracture or erysipelas) in the Danish healthcare sector admitted between 2008 and 2016. DD was defined as a discrepancy between discharge and admission diagnoses. Episode and department statistics were retrieved from Danish registers. We conducted a survey among all 21 Danish EDs to gather information about organisational determinants. To estimate the results while adjusting for episode- and department-level heterogeneity, we used mixed effect models of ED organisational determinants and 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality and episode costs (2018-DKK) of DDs.

Results

DD was observed in 2308 (3.3%) of 69,928 hip fracture episodes and 3206 (8.5%) of 37,558 erysipelas episodes. The main organisational determinant of DD was senior physicians (nonspecific medical specialty) being employed at the ED (hip fracture: odds ratio (OR) 2.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.15–3.51; erysipelas: OR 3.29, 95% CI 2.65–4.07). However, 24-h presence of senior physicians (nonspecific medical specialty) (hip fracture) and availability of external senior physicians (specific medical specialty) (both groups) were negatively associated with DD. DD was associated with increased 30-day readmission (hip fracture, mean 9.45% vs 13.76%, OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.28–1.66, p < 0.001) and episode costs (hip fracture, 61,681 DKK vs 109,860 DKK, log cost 0.58, 95% CI 0.53–0.63, p < 0.001; erysipelas, mean 20,818 DKK vs 56,329 DKK, log cost 0.97, 95% CI 0.92–1.02, p < 0.001) compared with episodes without DD.

Conclusion

DD was found to have a negative impact on two out of three study outcomes, and particular organisational characteristics seem to be associated with DD. Yet, the complexity of organisations and settings warrant further studies into these associations.
Exploring relationships between drought and epidemic cholera in Africa using generalised linear models
Authors: Charnley Gina E. C. , Kelman Ilan , Green Nathan , Hinsley Wes , Gaythorpe Katy A. M. , Murray Kris A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Temperature and precipitation are known to affect Vibrio cholerae outbreaks. Despite this, the impact of drought on outbreaks has been largely understudied. Africa is both drought and cholera prone and more research is needed in Africa to understand cholera dynamics in relation to drought.

Methods

Here, we analyse a range of environmental and socioeconomic covariates and fit generalised linear models to publicly available national data, to test for associations with several indices of drought and make cholera outbreak projections to 2070 under three scenarios of global change, reflecting varying trajectories of CO2 emissions, socio-economic development, and population growth.

Results

The best-fit model implies that drought is a significant risk factor for African cholera outbreaks, alongside positive effects of population, temperature and poverty and a negative effect of freshwater withdrawal. The projections show that following stringent emissions pathways and expanding sustainable development may reduce cholera outbreak occurrence in Africa, although these changes were spatially heterogeneous.

Conclusions

Despite an effect of drought in explaining recent cholera outbreaks, future projections highlighted the potential for sustainable development gains to offset drought-related impacts on cholera risk. Future work should build on this research investigating the impacts of drought on cholera on a finer spatial scale and potential non-linear relationships, especially in high-burden countries which saw little cholera change in the scenario analysis.
Environmental factors and spatiotemporal distribution of Japanese encephalitis after vaccination campaign in Guizhou Province, China (2004–2016)
Authors: Zhao Suye , Li Yidan , Fu Shihong , Liu Ming , Li Fan , Liu Chunting , Yu Jing , Rui Liping , Wang Dingming , Wang Huanyu
Published: November 2021

Background

Although a vaccination campaign has been conducted since 2004, Japanese encephalitis (JE) is still a public health problem in Guizhou, one of the provinces with the highest incidence of JE in China. The aim of this study was to understand the spatiotemporal distribution of JE and its relationship with environmental factors in Guizhou Province in the post-vaccination era, 2004–2016.

Methods

We collected data on human JE cases in Guizhou Province from 2004 to 2016 from the national infectious disease reporting system. A Poisson regression model was used to analyze the relationship between JE occurrence and environmental factors amongst counties.

Results

Our results showed that the incidence and mortality of JE decreased after the initiation of vaccination. JE cases were mainly concentrated in preschool and school-age children and the number of cases in children over age 15 years was significantly decreased compared with the previous 10 years; the seasonality of JE before and after the use of vaccines was unchanged. JE incidence was positively associated with cultivated land and negatively associated with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, vegetation coverage, and developed land. In areas with cultivated land coverage < 25%, vegetation coverage > 55%, and urban area coverage > 25%, the JE risk was lower. The highest JE incidence was among mid-level GDP areas and in moderately urbanized areas.

Conclusions

This study assessed the relationship between incidence of JE and environmental factors in Guizhou Province. Our results highlight that the highest risk of JE transmission in the post-vaccination era is in mid-level developed areas.
Evaluation and enhancement of standard equations for renal function estimation in individuals with components of metabolic disease
Authors: Brunetti Luigi , Back Hyunmoon , Yu Sijia , Jalil Urma , Kagan Leonid
Published: November 2021

Background

The primary objective of this study aims to test patient factors, with a focus on cardiometabolic disease, influencing the performance of the Cockcroft-Gault equation in estimating glomerular filtration rate.

Methods

A cohort study was performed using data from adult patients with both a 24-h urine creatinine collection and a serum creatinine available. Creatinine clearance was calculated for each patient using the Cockcroft-Gault, Modified Diet in Renal Disease, and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations and estimates were compared to the measured 24-h urine creatinine clearance. In addition, new prediction equations were developed.

Results

In the overall study population (n = 484), 44.2% of patients were obese, 44.0% had diabetes, and 30.8% had dyslipidemia. A multivariable model which incorporating patient characteristics performed the best in terms of correlation to measured 24-h urine creatinine clearance, accuracy, and error. The modified Cockcroft-Gault equation using lean body weight performed best in the overall population, the obese subgroup, and the dyslipidemia subgroup in terms of strength of correlation, mean bias, and accuracy.

Conclusions

Regardless of strategy used to calculate creatinine clearance, residual error was present suggesting novel methods for estimating glomerular filtration rate are urgently needed.
Chlamydia pneumoniae-associated pleuropericarditis: a case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kyriakoulis Konstantinos G. , Kollias Anastasios , Diakos George E. , Trontzas Ioannis P. , Fyta Eleni , Syrigos Nikolaos K. , Poulakou Garyphallia
Published: November 2021

Background

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common cause of atypical community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The diagnostic approach of chlamydial infections remains a challenge. Diagnosis of delayed chlamydial-associated complications, involving complex autoimmune pathophysiological mechanisms, is still more challenging. C. pneumoniae-related cardiac complications have been rarely reported, including cases of endocarditis, myocarditis and pericarditis.

Case presentation

A 40-year old female was hospitalized for pleuropericarditis following lower respiratory tract infection. The patient had been hospitalized for CAP (fever, dyspnea, chest X-ray positive for consolidation on the left upper lobe) 5 weeks ago and had received ceftriaxone and moxifloxacin. Four weeks after her discharge, the patient presented with fever, shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain and was readmitted because of pericardial and bilateral pleural effusions (mainly left). The patient did not improve on antibiotics and sequential introduction of colchicine and methylprednisolone was performed. The patient presented impressive clinical and laboratory response. Several laboratory and clinical assessments failed to demonstrate any etiological factor for serositis. Chlamydial IgM and IgG antibodies were positive and serial measurements showed increasing kinetics for IgG. Gold standard polymerase chain reaction of respiratory tract samples was not feasible but possibly would not have provided any additional information since CAP occurred 5 weeks ago. The patient was discharged under colchicine and tapered methylprednisolone course. During regular clinic visits, she remained in good clinical condition without pericardial and pleural effusions relapse.

Conclusions

C. pneumoniae should be considered as possible pathogen in case of pleuritis and/or pericarditis during or after a lower respiratory tract infection. In a systematic review of the literature only five cases of C. pneumoniae associated pericarditis were identified. Exact mechanisms of cardiovascular damage have not yet been defined, yet autoimmune pathways might be implicated.
Using the ‘huddle’ to enhance interprofessional teamwork among nursing students through a podcast: a qualitative and exploratory pilot study
Authors: Aase Ingunn , Tjoflåt Ingrid , Hjorthaug Urstad Kristin
Published: November 2021

Background

Interprofessional teamwork is crucial for fostering healthcare performance and for minimizing adverse events. The daily huddle is an important arena for interprofessional interaction and communication between nurses and physicians in hospitals.

Although prevalence strongly rooted in clinical practice, the huddle does not seem to be a prioritized area in nursing education programs. Taking part in a huddle is traditionally something nursing students learn in their clinical studies.

Therefore, there is need for learning tools that can provide nursing students with quality assured training that can improve their preparation for interprofessional teamwork and strengthen the link between the educational institution and the field of practice. In this study, we have developed and tested a podcast to increase nursing students’ competence in interprofessional teamwork when participating in huddles.

The aim of the pilot study was to explore nursing students’ experiences with utilizing a huddle-focused podcast as a learning tool during their clinical practice studies in the hospital.

Method

This qualitative and exploratory pilot study used focus group interviews.

Eleven third-year nursing students who had listened to the podcast during their practical studies at a medical hospital ward were included. The interviews were subjected to content analysis.

Result

The analysis identified four categories that resonated across all participants in the focus group interviews: 1. understanding one’s own role in the huddle; 2. being encouraged to speak up; 3. using the huddle as a flexible learning tool; and 4. being authentic but not always realistic.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that the huddle-focused podcast seems to be valuable for nursing students learning about interprofessional teamwork. The podcast seemed especially useful in helping the students to understand their own role and to speak up in the huddle meetings. The positive experiences with the flexibility of the podcast learning tool are promising for use in other educational settings.
Safety, infectivity and immunogenicity of a genetically attenuated blood-stage malaria vaccine
Authors: Webster Rebecca , Sekuloski Silvana , Odedra Anand , Woolley Stephen , Jennings Helen , Amante Fiona , Trenholme Katharine R. , Healer Julie , Cowman Alan F. , Eriksson Emily M. , Sathe Priyanka , Penington Jocelyn , Blanch Adam J. , Dixon Matthew W. A. , Tilley Leann , Duffy Michael F. , Craig Alister , Storm Janet , Chan Jo-Anne , Evans Krystal , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Schofield Louis , Griffin Paul , Barber Bridget E. , Andrew Dean , Boyle Michelle J. , de Labastida Rivera Fabian , Engwerda Christian , McCarthy James S.
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a clear need for novel approaches to malaria vaccine development. We aimed to develop a genetically attenuated blood-stage vaccine and test its safety, infectivity, and immunogenicity in healthy volunteers. Our approach was to target the gene encoding the knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP), which is responsible for the assembly of knob structures at the infected erythrocyte surface. Knobs are required for correct display of the polymorphic adhesion ligand P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), a key virulence determinant encoded by a repertoire of var genes.

Methods

The gene encoding KAHRP was deleted from P. falciparum 3D7 and a master cell bank was produced in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice. Eight malaria naïve males were intravenously inoculated (day 0) with 1800 (2 subjects), 1.8 × 105 (2 subjects), or 3 × 106 viable parasites (4 subjects). Parasitemia was measured using qPCR; immunogenicity was determined using standard assays. Parasites were rescued into culture for in vitro analyses (genome sequencing, cytoadhesion assays, scanning electron microscopy, var gene expression).

Results

None of the subjects who were administered with 1800 or 1.8 × 105 parasites developed parasitemia; 3/4 subjects administered 3× 106 parasites developed significant parasitemia, first detected on days 13, 18, and 22. One of these three subjects developed symptoms of malaria simultaneously with influenza B (day 17; 14,022 parasites/mL); one subject developed mild symptoms on day 28 (19,956 parasites/mL); and one subject remained asymptomatic up to day 35 (5046 parasites/mL). Parasitemia rapidly cleared with artemether/lumefantrine. Parasitemia induced a parasite-specific antibody and cell-mediated immune response. Parasites cultured ex vivo exhibited genotypic and phenotypic properties similar to inoculated parasites, although the var gene expression profile changed during growth in vivo.

Conclusions

This study represents the first clinical investigation of a genetically attenuated blood-stage human malaria vaccine. A P. falciparum 3D7 kahrp– strain was tested in vivo and found to be immunogenic but can lead to patent parasitemia at high doses.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (number: ACTRN12617000824369; date: 06 June 2017).
A novel variant in FOXC1 associated with atypical Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Wei-Qian , Li Xiao-Qin , Zhao Juan , Yang Kun , Feng Yong , Guo Meng-Meng , Liu Min , Liu Xing , Wang Xi , Yuan Yong-Yi , Gao Xue , Xu Jin-Cao
Published: November 2021

Mutations in the Forkhead Box C1 (FOXC1) are known to cause autosomal dominant hereditary Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, which is a genetic disorder characterized by ocular and systemic features including glaucoma, variable dental defects, craniofacial dysmorphism and hearing loss. Due to late-onset of ocular disorders and lack of typical presentation, clinical diagnosis presents a huge challenge. In this study, we described a pathogenic in-frame variant in FOXC1 in one 5-year-old boy who is presented with hypertelorism, pupil deformation in both eyes, conductive hearing loss, and dental defects. By whole exome sequencing, we identified a 3 bp deletion in FOXC1, c.516_518delGCG (p.Arg173del) as the disease-causing variant, which was de novo and not detected in the parents, and could be classified as a “pathogenic variant” according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. After confirmation of this FOXC1 variant, clinical data on Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome-associated clinical features were collected and analyzed. Furthermore, Although the affected individual present hearing loss, however, the hearing loss is conductive and is reversible during the follow-up, which might not linke to the FOXC1 variant and is coincidental. Routine examination of FOXC1 is necessary for the genetic diagnosis of hypertelorism-associated syndrome. These findings may assist clinicians in reaching correct clinical and molecular diagnoses, and providing appropriate genetic counseling.
Concern about: Echinacoside exerts anti-tumor activity via the miR-503-3p/TGF-β1/Smad aixs in liver cancer
Authors: Lin Jiong
Published: November 2021

We concentrated on a paper in Cancer Cell International “Echinacoside exerts anti-tumor activity via the miR-503-3p/TGF-β1/Smad aixs in liver cancer”. Echinacoside may be a safe and effective anti-tumor agent for the treatment of liver cancer. However, some problems in this paper made us confused.
Vaccination distribution by community pharmacists under the COVID-19 vaccine appointment system in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ya Wen , Lin Che Huei , Lin Ming Hung
Published: November 2021

Pharmacists play a critical role in implementing and promoting public health policies, particularly during pandemics, thanks to their exceptional skills, knowledge, expertise, and accessibility to the public. This study aimed to increase the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in a coordinated manner to ensure equal accessibility to all Taiwanese residents. A total of 3301 health insurance special pharmacies, equivalent to 80% of all community pharmacies in Taiwan, are assisting the public in scheduling vaccines. Once pharmacists had ensured adequate vaccine availability, vaccinations were scheduled depending on the time of registration on the platform for vaccination appointments. The roll-out of this program saw a significant number of people register and receive the vaccine throughout the country, and the number of individuals who received both a first and second dose increased significantly. Community pharmacy-based distribution of the vaccine to the public signifies the novel and innovative involvement of pharmacists in government initiatives to promote public health. Our study shows that community pharmacies can potentially enhance the efficiency and equitable distribution of health supplies and resources, particularly during pandemics.
Vasculitis in a patient with mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD): a case report
Authors: Omoyinmi Ebun , Rowczenio Dorota , Sebire Neil , Brogan Paul A. , Eleftheriou Despina
Published: November 2021

Background

Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) is a rare autoinflammatory condition caused by biallelic loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in mevalonate kinase (MVK) gene encoding the enzyme mevalonate kinase. Patients with MKD display a variety of non-specific clinical manifestations, which can lead to diagnostic delay. We report the case of a child presenting with vasculitis that was found by genetic testing to be caused by MKD, and now add this autoinflammatory disease to the ever-expanding list of causes of monogenic vasculitides.

Case presentation

A 2-year-old male presented with an acute 7-day history of high-grade fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding and extensive purpuric and necrotic lesions, predominantly affecting the lower limbs. He had been suffering from recurrent episodes of fever from early in infancy, associated with maculopapular/petechial rashes triggered by intercurrent infection, and after vaccines. Extensive infection screen was negative. Skin biopsy revealed small vessel vasculitis. Visceral digital subtraction arteriography was normal. With a diagnosis of severe idiopathic cutaneous vasculitis, he was treated with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil. Despite that his acute phase reactants remained elevated, fever persisted and the vasculitic lesions progressed. Next-generation sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutation in MVK c.928G > A (p.V310M) and c.1129G > A (p.V377I) while reduced mevalonate enzyme activity was confirmed suggesting a diagnosis of MKD as a cause of the severe vasculitis. Prompt targeted treatment with IL-1 blockade was initiated preventing escalation to more toxic vasculitis therapies and reducing unnecessary exposure to cytotoxic treatment.

Conclusions

Our report highlights the broad clinical phenotype of MKD that includes severe cutaneous vasculitis and emphasizes the need to consider early genetic screening for young children presenting with vasculitis to exclude a monogenic vasculitis which may be amenable to targeted treatment.
The Middle East and COVID-19: time for collective action
Authors: Fawcett Louise
Published: November 2021

Revised: Nov 6 2021

The shortfalls of multilateral and regional organizations in respect of handling the COVID-19 pandemic have been well rehearsed by scholars and policy makers in multiple publications and statements. While the World Health Organization (WHO) and its regional offices have coordinated global responses, regional organizations, like the European Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or African Union, have played complementary roles. However, the response of different regions has varied, revealing multiple deficits in the structures of regional governance. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a region affected by chronic ongoing conflicts and serious inequalities in health and welfare provision, reflected in the absence of concerted responses to the pandemic. Its young population has meant lower comparative mortality rates, but the socio-economic spill-over effects are grave in terms of interrupted education, high unemployment, particularly in respect to vulnerable communities like refugees and migrant workers. With the current situation remaining critical, this paper reviews the impact of COVID-19 on MENA and considers the variable performance of states and institutions to the pandemic, highlighting the shortfalls, but also opportunities for collective action. Drawing on data from the WHO, United Nations (UN), regional organizations, media and secondary sources, it first discusses the wider global-regional context; second, reviews the actions of regional bodies, like the League of Arab States, Gulf Cooperation Council and the cross-regional Organization of Islamic Cooperation; and third, looks at some country-specific situations where both evidence of good practice and the absence of appropriate regional level provision have exposed deep regional divides. It concludes with a call for more collaboration between states and international organizations: better regional coordination is urgently needed to supplement existing multilateral efforts. A collective local response to the COVID-19 pandemic could help transcend regional divides and spur much-needed security cooperation in other areas.
The development of early social cognitive skills in neurogenetic syndromes associated with autism: Cornelia de Lange, fragile X and Rubinstein–Taybi syndromes
Authors: Ellis Katherine , Moss Jo , Stefanidou Chrysi , Oliver Chris , Apperly Ian
Published: November 2021

Background

Cornelia de Lange (CdLS), Fragile X (FXS) and Rubinstein–Taybi syndromes (RTS) evidence unique profiles of autistic characteristics. To delineate these profiles further, the development of early social cognitive abilities in children with CdLS, FXS and RTS was compared to that observed in typically developing (TD) and autistic (AUT) children.

Methods

Children with CdLS (N = 22), FXS (N = 19) and RTS (N = 18), completed the Early Social Cognition Scale (ESCogS). Extant data from AUT (N = 19) and TD (N = 86) children were used for comparison.

Results

Similar to AUT children, children with CdLS, FXS and RTS showed an overall delay in passing ESCogS tasks. Children with CdLS showed a similar degree of delay to AUT children and greater delay than children with FXS and RTS. The CdLS, FXS and RTS groups did not pass tasks in the same sequence observed in TD and AUT children. Children with CdLS (p = 0.04), FXS (p = 0.02) and RTS (p = 0.04) performed better on tasks requiring understanding simple intentions in others significantly more than tasks requiring joint attention skills.

Conclusions

An underlying mechanism other than general cognitive delay may be disrupting early social cognitive development in children with CdLS, FXS and RTS. Factors that may disrupt early social cognitive development within these syndromes are discussed.