bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal initiative and work environment as predictors of job satisfaction among nurses: cross-sectional study
Authors: Kagan Ilya , Hendel Tova , Savitsky Bella
Published: June 2021

Background

Job satisfaction contributes to better work outcomes and productivity, and reduces nurses’ absenteeism and turnover. The contribution of personal initiative to the interaction between these variables needs additional examination. This study aimed to examine the relationships between personal initiative, work environment, and job satisfaction among nurses.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. The convenience sample consisted of 1040 nurses working in hospitals across the country. Data were collected by a structured self-administered questionnaire measuring: (a) personal initiative, (b) nursing work environment, (c) job satisfaction.

Results

Personal initiative and work environment scores, together with demographic and occupational characteristics that univariate analysis showed to be significantly associated with job satisfaction, were included in a logistic regression model to predict job satisfaction. The results of multivariable analysis indicated that female gender, working in emergency room (ER) and pediatric wards, a higher personal initiative, and positive perception of work environment, were significantly associated with higher job satisfaction. Work in the ER and pediatric area of practice was significantly associated with five-fold (OR = 4.97; 95% CI 1.52–16.25) and three-fold higher odds (OR = 2.85; 95% CI 1.17–6.91) for high and very high job satisfaction in comparison with work in oncology. The model explained 32% of the variance in job satisfaction.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that high personal initiative together with positive perceptions of the nursing work environment, contributed significantly to the explanation of job satisfaction. There is a need to invest more efforts in strengthening the organizational climate stimulating initiative behavior and encouraging nurses to be active, share knowledge, and promote innovation.
Factors associated with higher healthcare costs in a cohort of homeless adults with a mental illness and a general cohort of adults with a history of homelessness
Authors: Wiens Kathryn , Rosella Laura C. , Kurdyak Paul , Chen Simon , Aubry Tim , Stergiopoulos Vicky , Hwang Stephen W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Healthcare costs are disproportionately incurred by a relatively small group of people often described as high-cost users. Understanding the factors associated with high-cost use of health services among people experiencing homelessness could help guide service planning.

Methods

Survey data from a general cohort of adults with a history of homelessness and a cohort of homeless adults with mental illness were linked with administrative healthcare records in Ontario, Canada. Total costs were calculated using a validated costing algorithm and categorized based on population cut points for the top 5%, top 6–10%, top 11–50% and bottom 50% of users in Ontario. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with higher healthcare costs (with bottom 50% as the reference).

Results

Sixteen percent of the general homeless cohort and 30% percent of the cohort with a mental illness were in the top 5% of healthcare users in Ontario. Most healthcare costs for the top 5% of users were attributed to emergency department and inpatient service costs, while the costs from other strata were mostly for physician services, hospital outpatient clinics, and medications. The odds of being within the top 5% of users were higher for people who reported female gender, a regular medical doctor, past year acute service use, poor perceived general health and two or more diagnosed chronic conditions, and were lower for Black participants and other racialized groups. Older age was not consistently associated with higher cost use; the odds of being in the top 5% were highest for 35-to-49-year year age group in the cohort with a mental illness and similar for the 35–49 and ≥ 50-year age groups in the general homeless cohort.

Conclusions

This study combines survey and administrative data from two cohorts of homeless adults to describe the distribution of healthcare costs and identify factors associated with higher cost use. These findings can inform the development of targeted interventions to improve healthcare delivery and support for people experiencing homelessness.
Diagnostic yield of rare skeletal dysplasia conditions in the radiogenomics era
Authors: Sabir Ataf H. , Morley Elizabeth , Sheikh Jameela , Calder Alistair D. , Beleza-Meireles Ana , Cheung Moira S. , Cocca Alessandra , Jansson Mattias , Lillis Suzanne , Patel Yogen , Yau Shu , Hall Christine M. , Offiah Amaka C. , Irving Melita
Published: June 2021

Background

Skeletal dysplasia (SD) conditions are rare genetic diseases of the skeleton, encompassing a heterogeneous group of over 400 disorders, and represent approximately 5% of all congenital anomalies. Developments in genetic and treatment technologies are leading to unparalleled therapeutic advances; thus, it is more important than ever to molecularly confirm SD conditions. Data on ‘rates-of-molecular yields’ in SD conditions, through exome sequencing approaches, is limited. Figures of 39% and 52.5% have been reported in the USA (n = 54) and South Korea (n = 185) respectively.

Methods

We discuss a single-centre (in the UK) experience of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of 15 paediatric patients (aged 5 months to 12 years) with SD disorders previously molecularly unconfirmed. Our cohort included patients with known clinical diagnoses and undiagnosed skeletal syndromes. Extensive phenotyping and expert radiological review by a panel of international SD radiology experts, coupled with a complex bioinformatics pipeline, allowed for both gene-targeted and gene-agnostic approaches.

Results

Significant variants leading to a likely or confirmed diagnosis were identified in 53.3% (n = 8/15) of patients; 46.7% (n = 7/15) having a definite molecular diagnosis and 6.7% (n = 1/15) having a likely molecular diagnosis. We discuss this in the context of a rare disease in general and specifically SD presentations. Of patients with known diagnoses pre-WES (n = 10), molecular confirmation occurred in 7/10 cases, as opposed to 1/5 where a diagnosis was unknown pre-test. Thus, diagnostic return is greatest where the diagnosis is known pre-test. For WGS (whole genome sequencing, the next iteration of WES), careful case selection (ideally of known diagnoses pre-test) will yield highest returns.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the cost-effective use of WES-targeted bioinformatic analysis as a diagnostic tool for SD, particularly patients with presumed SD, where detailed phenotyping is essential. Thorough co-ordinated clinical evaluation between clinical, radiological, and molecular teams is essential for improved yield and clinical care. WES (and WGS) yields will increase with time, allowing faster diagnoses, avoiding needless investigations, ensuring individualised patient care and patient reassurance. Further diagnoses will lead to increased information on natural history/mechanistic details, and likely increased therapies and clinical trials.
Analysis of spleen histopathology, splenocyte composition and haematological parameters in four strains of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei K173
Authors: Wang Huajing , Li Shuo , Cui Zhao , Qin Tingting , Shi Hang , Ma Ji , Li Lanfang , Yu Guihua , Jiang Tingliang , Li Canghai
Published: June 2021

Background

Malaria is a fatal disease that presents clinically as a continuum of symptoms and severity, which are determined by complex host-parasite interactions. Clearance of infection is believed to be accomplished by the spleen and mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS), independent of artemisinin treatment. The spleen filters infected red blood cells (RBCs) from circulation through immune-mediated recognition of the infected RBCs followed by phagocytosis. This study evaluated the tolerance of four different strains of mice to Plasmodium berghei strain K173 (P. berghei K173), and the differences in the role of the spleen in controlling P. berghei K173 infection.

Methods

Using different strains of mice (C57BL/6, BALB/C, ICR, and KM mice) infected with P. berghei K173, the mechanisms leading to splenomegaly, histopathology, splenocyte activation and proliferation, and their relationship to the control of parasitaemia and host mortality were examined and evaluated.

Results

Survival time of mice infected with P. berghei K173 varied, although the infection was uniformly lethal. Mice of the C57BL/6 strain were the most resistant, while mice of the strain ICR were the most susceptible. BALB/c and KM mice were intermediate. In the course of P. berghei K173 infection, all infected mice experienced significant splenomegaly. Parasites were observed in the red pulp at 3 days post infection (dpi) in all animals. All spleens retained late trophozoite stages as well as a fraction of earlier ring-stage parasites. The percentages of macrophages in infected C57BL/6 and KM mice were higher than uninfected mice on 8 dpi. Spleens of infected ICR and KM mice exhibited structural disorganization and remodelling. Furthermore, parasitaemia was significantly higher in KM versus C57BL/6 mice at 8 dpi. The percentages of macrophages in ICR infected mice were lower than uninfected mice, and the parasitaemia was higher than other strains.

Conclusions

The results presented here demonstrate the rate of splenic mechanical filtration and that splenic macrophages are the predominant roles in controlling an individual’s total parasite burden. This can influence the pathogenesis of malaria. Finally, different genetic backgrounds of mice have different splenic mechanisms for controlling malaria infection.
Older children are at increased risk of Plasmodium vivax in south-central Ethiopia: a cohort study
Authors: Gari Taye , Solomon Tarekegn , Lindtjørn Bernt
Published: June 2021

Background

Better understanding of the distribution of Plasmodium vivax and its risk factors could be used to prevent and control malaria infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the distribution and risk factors of P. vivax, and to compare them with Plasmodium falciparum occurrence in south-central Ethiopia.

Methods

A cohort of 34,548 individuals were followed for 121 weeks between 2014 and 2016 as part of larger cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) on malaria prevention in Ethiopia. Weekly home visit (active search) and patient self- report to health post (passive search) between the weekly home visits were used to register malaria cases. A blood sample was collected by finger prick and malaria was diagnosed using rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) Poisson model that accounts for repeated measure of malaria episodes was applied to assess the risk factors of P. vivax episode.

Results

The overall incidence rate of P. vivax was 7.4 episodes per 1000 person-years of observation. The study showed households closer to the lake Zeway and Bulbula river (potential mosquito breeding sites) were more at risk of P. vivax infection (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.33; 95% CI = 1.23–1.45). Furthermore, the age group under 5 years (IRR: 1.40, 95% CI = 1.10–1.79), the age group 5–14 years (IRR: 1.27, 95% CI = 1.03–1.57), households with less educated household head (IRR: 1.63, 95% CI = 1.10–2.44) and house roof made of thatch/leaf (IRR: 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11–1.65) were at higher risk for P. vivax. Similar explanatory variables such as distance from the breeding sites, age group (under 5 years but not 5–14 years old), educational status and type of housing were also found to be the predictors of P. falciparum incidence.

Conclusion

Households living closer to a mosquito breeding site, age group under 15 years, less educated household heads and thatch/leaf roof housing were the risk factor for P. vivax. The result of this study can be used for tailored interventions for malaria control and prevention by prioritizing those living close to potential mosquito breeding site, enhancing bed net use of children less than 15 years of age, and improving housing.
Effect of topical applications of sunflower seed oil on systemic fatty acid levels in under-two children under rehabilitation for severe acute malnutrition in Bangladesh: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shahunja K. M. , Sévin Daniel C. , Kendall Lindsay , Ahmed Tahmeed , Hossain Md. Iqbal , Mahfuz Mustafa , Zhu Xinyi , Singh Krishan , Singh Sunita , Crowther Jonathan M. , Gibson Rachel A. , Darmstadt Gary L.
Published: June 2021

Background

Children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) have inadequate levels of fatty acids (FAs) and limited capacity for enteral nutritional rehabilitation. We hypothesized that topical high-linoleate sunflower seed oil (SSO) would be effective adjunctive treatment for children with SAM.

Methods

This study tested a prespecified secondary endpoint of a randomized, controlled, unblinded clinical trial with 212 children with SAM aged 2 to 24 months in two strata (2 to < 6 months, 6 to 24 months in a 1:2 ratio) at Dhaka Hospital of icddr,b, Bangladesh between January 2016 and December 2017. All children received standard-of-care management of SAM. Children randomized to the emollient group also received whole-body applications of 3 g/kg SSO three times daily for 10 days. We applied difference-in-difference analysis and unsupervised clustering analysis using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) to visualize changes in FA levels in blood from day 0 to day 10 of children with SAM treated with emollient compared to no-emollient.

Results

Emollient therapy led to systematically higher increases in 26 of 29 FAs over time compared to the control. These effects were driven primarily by changes in younger subjects (27 of 29 FAs). Several FAs, especially those most abundant in SSO showed high-magnitude but non-significant incremental increases from day 0 to day 10 in the emollient group vs. the no-emollient group; for linoleic acid, a 237 μg/mL increase was attributable to enteral feeding and an incremental 98μg/mL increase (41%) was due to emollient therapy. Behenic acid (22:0), gamma-linolenic acid (18:3n6), and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3) were significantly increased in the younger age stratum; minimal changes were seen in the older children.

Conclusions

SSO therapy for SAM augmented the impact of enteral feeding in increasing levels of several FAs in young children. Further research is warranted into optimizing this novel approach for nutritional rehabilitation of children with SAM, especially those < 6 months.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02616289.
Germinal epimutation of Fragile Histidine Triad (FHIT) gene is associated with progression to acute and chronic adult T-cell leukemia diseases
Authors: Bellon Marcia , Bialuk Izabela , Galli Veronica , Bai Xue-Tao , Farre Lourdes , Bittencourt Achilea , Marçais Ambroise , Petrus Michael N. , Ratner Lee , Waldmann Thomas A. , Asnafi Vahid , Gessain Antoine , Matsuoka Masao , Franchini Genoveffa , Hermine Olivier , Watanabe Toshiki , Nicot Christophe
Published: June 2021

Background

Human T cell Leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-I) is etiologically linked to adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease called HTLV-I-associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The exact genetic or epigenetic events and/or environmental factors that influence the development of ATL, or HAM/TSP diseases are largely unknown. The tumor suppressor gene, Fragile Histidine Triad Diadenosine Triphosphatase (FHIT), is frequently lost in cancer through epigenetic modifications and/or deletion. FHIT is a tumor suppressor acting as genome caretaker by regulating cellular DNA repair. Indeed, FHIT loss leads to replicative stress and accumulation of double DNA strand breaks. Therefore, loss of FHIT expression plays a key role in cellular transformation.

Methods

Here, we studied over 400 samples from HTLV-I-infected individuals with ATL, TSP/HAM, or asymptomatic carriers (AC) for FHIT loss and expression. We examined the epigenetic status of FHIT through methylation specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing; and correlated these results to FHIT expression in patient samples.

Results

We found that epigenetic alteration of FHIT is specifically found in chronic and acute ATL but is absent in asymptomatic HTLV-I carriers and TSP/HAM patients’ samples. Furthermore, the extent of FHIT methylation in ATL patients was quantitatively comparable in virus-infected and virus non-infected cells. We also found that longitudinal HTLV-I carriers that progressed to smoldering ATL and descendants of ATL patients harbor FHIT methylation.

Conclusions

These results suggest that germinal epigenetic mutation of FHIT represents a preexisting mark predisposing to the development of ATL diseases. These findings have important clinical implications as patients with acute ATL are rarely cured. Our study suggests an alternative strategy to the current “wait and see approach” in that early screening of HTLV-I-infected individuals for germinal epimutation of FHIT and early treatment may offer significant clinical benefits.
Reliability of GENEActiv accelerometers to estimate sleep, physical activity, and sedentary time in children
Authors: Antczak Devan , Lonsdale Chris , del Pozo Cruz Borja , Parker Philip , Sanders Taren
Published: June 2021

Background

Reliable estimates of habitual sleep, physical activity, and sedentary time are essential to investigate the associations between these behaviours and health outcomes. While the number of days needed and hours/day for estimates of physical activity and sedentary time are generally known, the criteria for sleep estimates are more uncertain. The objective of this study was to identify the number of nights needed to obtain reliable estimates of habitual sleep behaviour using the GENEActiv wrist worn accelerometer. The number of days to obtain reliable estimate of physical activity was also examined.

Methods

Data was used from a two-year longitudinal study. Children wore an accelerometer for up to 8 days 24 h/day across three timepoints. The sample included 2,745 children (51 % girls) between the ages of 7-12-years-old (mean = 9.8 years, SD = 1.1 year) with valid accelerometer data from any timepoint. Reliability estimates were calculated for sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep onset, wake time, time in bed, light physical activity, moderate physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, vigorous physical activity, and sedentary time.

Results

Intraclass correlations and the Spearman Brown prophecy formula were used to determine the nights and days needed for reliable estimates. We found that between 3 and 5 nights were needed to achieve acceptable reliability (ICC = 0.7) in sleep outcomes, while physical activity and sedentary time outcomes required between 3 and 4 days.

Conclusions

To obtain reliable estimates, researchers should consider these minimum criteria when designing their studies and prepare strategies to ensure sufficient wear time compliance.
Bidirectional associations of accelerometer-derived physical activity and stationary behavior with self-reported mental and physical health during midlife
Authors: Barone Gibbs Bethany , Sternfeld Barbara , Whitaker Kara M. , Brach Jennifer S. , Hergenroeder Andrea L. , Jacobs David R. , Reis Jared P. , Sidney Stephen , White Daniel , Pettee Gabriel Kelley
Published: June 2021

Background

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is associated with favorable self-rated mental and physical health. Conversely, poor self-rated health in these domains could precede unfavorable shifts in activity. We evaluated bidirectional associations of accelerometer-estimated time spent in stationary behavior (SB), light intensity physical activity (LPA), and MVPA with self-rated health over 10 years in in the CARDIA longitudinal cohort study.

Methods

Participants (n = 894, age: 45.1 ± 3.5; 63% female; 38% black) with valid accelerometry wear and self-rated health at baseline (2005–6) and 10-year follow-up (2015–6) were included. Accelerometry data were harmonized between exams and measured mean total activity and duration (min/day) in SB, LPA, and MVPA; duration (min/day) in long-bout and short-bout SB (≥30 min vs. < 30 min) and MVPA (≥10 min vs. < 10 min) were also quantified. The Short-Form 12 Questionnaire measured both a mental component score (MCS) and physical component score (PCS) of self-rated health (points). Multivariable linear regression associated baseline accelerometry variables with 10-year changes in MCS and PCS. Similar models associated baseline MCS and PCS with 10-year changes in accelerometry measures.

Results

Over 10-years, average (SD) MCS increased 1.05 (9.07) points, PCS decreased by 1.54 (7.30) points, and activity shifted toward greater SB and less mean total activity, LPA, and MVPA (all p < 0.001). Only baseline short-bout MVPA was associated with greater 10-year increases in MCS (+ 0.92 points, p = 0.021), while baseline mean total activity, MVPA, and long-bout MVPA were associated with greater 10-year changes in PCS (+ 0.53 to + 1.47 points, all p < 0.005). In the reverse direction, higher baseline MCS and PCS were associated with favorable 10-year changes in mean total activity (+ 9.75 cpm, p = 0.040, and + 15.66 cpm, p < 0.001, respectively) and other accelerometry measures; for example, higher baseline MCS was associated with − 13.57 min/day of long-bout SB (p < 0.001) and higher baseline PCS was associated with + 2.83 min/day of MVPA (p < 0.001) in fully adjusted models.

Conclusions

The presence of bidirectional associations between SB and activity with self-rated health suggests that individuals with low overall activity levels and poor self-rated health are at high risk for further declines and supports intervention programming that aims to dually increase activity levels and improve self-rated health.
Stroke-induced immunosuppression: implications for the prevention and prediction of post-stroke infections
Authors: Faura Júlia , Bustamante Alejandro , Miró-Mur Francesc , Montaner Joan
Published: June 2021

Stroke produces a powerful inflammatory cascade in the brain, but also a suppression of the peripheral immune system, which is also called stroke-induced immunosuppression (SIIS). The main processes that lead to SIIS are a shift from a lymphocyte phenotype T-helper (Th) 1 to a Th2 phenotype, a decrease of the lymphocyte counts and NK cells in the blood and spleen, and an impairment of the defense mechanisms of neutrophils and monocytes. The direct clinical consequence of SIIS in stroke patients is an increased susceptibility to stroke-associated infections, which is enhanced by clinical factors like dysphagia. Among these infections, stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is the one that accounts for the highest impact on stroke outcome, so research is focused on its early diagnosis and prevention. Biomarkers indicating modifications in SIIS pathways could have an important role in the early prediction of SAP, but currently, there are no individual biomarkers or panels of biomarkers that are accurate enough to be translated to clinical practice. Similarly, there is still no efficient therapy to prevent the onset of SAP, and clinical trials testing prophylactic antibiotic treatment and β-blockers have failed. However, local immunomodulation could open up a new research opportunity to find a preventive therapy for SAP. Recent studies have focused on the pulmonary immune changes that could be caused by stroke similarly to other acquired brain injuries. Some of the traits observed in animal models of stroke include lung edema and inflammation, as well as inflammation of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Reducing the metabolic energy of walking and running using an unpowered hip exoskeleton
Authors: Zhou Tiancheng , Xiong Caihua , Zhang Juanjuan , Hu Di , Chen Wenbin , Huang Xiaolin
Published: June 2021

Background

Walking and running are the most common means of locomotion in human daily life. People have made advances in developing separate exoskeletons to reduce the metabolic rate of walking or running. However, the combined requirements of overcoming the fundamental biomechanical differences between the two gaits and minimizing the metabolic penalty of the exoskeleton mass make it challenging to develop an exoskeleton that can reduce the metabolic energy during both gaits. Here we show that the metabolic energy of both walking and running can be reduced by regulating the metabolic energy of hip flexion during the common energy consumption period of the two gaits using an unpowered hip exoskeleton.

Methods

We analyzed the metabolic rates, muscle activities and spatiotemporal parameters of 9 healthy subjects (mean ± s.t.d; 24.9 ± 3.7 years, 66.9 ± 8.7 kg, 1.76 ± 0.05 m) walking on a treadmill at a speed of 1.5 m s−1 and running at a speed of 2.5 m s−1 with different spring stiffnesses. After obtaining the optimal spring stiffness, we recruited the participants to walk and run with the assistance from a spring with optimal stiffness at different speeds to demonstrate the generality of the proposed approach.

Results

We found that the common optimal exoskeleton spring stiffness for walking and running was 83 Nm Rad−1, corresponding to 7.2% ± 1.2% (mean ± s.e.m, paired t-test p < 0.01) and 6.8% ± 1.0% (p < 0.01) metabolic reductions compared to walking and running without exoskeleton. The metabolic energy within the tested speed range can be reduced with the assistance except for low-speed walking (1.0 m s−1). Participants showed different changes in muscle activities with the assistance of the proposed exoskeleton.

Conclusions

This paper first demonstrates that the metabolic cost of walking and running can be reduced using an unpowered hip exoskeleton to regulate the metabolic energy of hip flexion. The design method based on analyzing the common energy consumption characteristics between gaits may inspire future exoskeletons that assist multiple gaits. The results of different changes in muscle activities provide new insight into human response to the same assistive principle for different gaits (walking and running).
ITRAQ-based quantitative proteomics reveals the proteome profiles of MDBK cells infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus
Authors: Li Yaxin , Guo Tao , Wang Xiaokui , Ni Wei , Hu Ruirui , Cui Yuying , Mi Taotao , Hu Shengwei
Published: June 2021

Background

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) which is caused by Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is an acute, contagious disease. In spite of the use of vaccines and elimination projects, BVDV still causes severe economic losses to the cattle industry for the past few years. The current study presents a preliminary analysis of the pathogenic mechanisms from the perspective of protein expression levels in infected host cells at different points in time to elucidate the infection process associated with BVDV.

Methods

We used the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) approach for a quantitative proteomics comparison of BVDV NADL-infected MDBK cells and non-infected cells. The functions of the proteins were deduced by functional annotation and their involvement in metabolic processes explored by KEGG pathway analysis to identify their interactions.

Results

There were 357 (47.6% downregulated, 52.4% upregulated infected vs. control), 101 (52.5% downregulated, 47.5% upregulated infected vs. control), and 66 (21.2% downregulated, 78.8% upregulated infected vs. control) proteins were differentially expressed (fold change > 1.5 or < 0.67) in the BVDV NADL-infected MDBK cells at 12, 24, and 48 h after infection. GO analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) are mainly involved in metabolic processes, biological regulation and localization. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that some signaling pathways that involved in the regulation of BVDV NADL-infection and host resistance are significantly (P < 0.05) enriched at different stages of the BVDV NADL-infection, such as Endocytosis signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, Homologous recombination signaling pathway and Lysosome pathway.

Conclusions

These results revealed that the DEPs in BVDV NADL-infected MDBK cells have a wide range of regulatory effects; in addition, they provide a lot of resources for the study of host cell proteomics after BVDV infection.
First metatarsophalangeal fusion with dorsal plate: clinical outcomes
Authors: Restuccia Giuseppe , Cosseddu Fabio , del Chiaro Andrea , Ceccoli Matteo , Lippi Alessandro , Shytaj Sheila
Published: June 2021

Background

First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) fusion is the most effective technique for the treatment of MTPJ primary arthritis, severe hallux valgus and failure of primary corrective surgery of these conditions. It can be achieved through different techniques. We evaluated the outcomes in a cohort of patients treated with dorsal plate arthrodesis.

Materials and methods

We treated 30 feet for 28 patients; the mean follow-up was 35 months. For each foot, we collected radiological and clinical assessment, with the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Manchester and Oxford Foot questionnaire (MOFQ). The technique consisted in a cup and cone arthrodesis with the application of a low profile dorsal plate. Patients were allowed for immediate weight bearing.

Results

Consolidation was achieved in all cases; in 29 cases, radiographic union was recorded within 6 months from surgery, in one case after 9 months. Comparison between the preoperative and postoperative of VAS and MOXFQ values showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Only one case developed wound dehiscence as complication.

Conclusions

Even if there is still a debate regarding the best system for MTPJ fusion, we believe cup and cone fusion with dorsal plating is an effective method. Moreover, the stability of the osteosynthesis obtained allows for immediate post-operative weight bearing, making patients able to return soon to their normal life.

Trial registration

We present a retrospective study; all patients enrolled were retrospectively registered.
Clinical impact of implementing humidified high-flow nasal cannula on interhospital transport among children admitted to a PICU with respiratory distress: a cohort study
Authors: Miura Shinya , Yamaoka Kazue , Miyata Satoshi , Butt Warwick , Smith Sile
Published: June 2021

Background

There is a limited evidence for humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC) use on inter-hospital transport. Despite this, its use during transport is increasing in children with respiratory distress worldwide. In 2015 HHFNC was implemented on a specialized pediatric retrieval team serving for Victoria. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the HHFNC implementation on the retrieval team on the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay and respiratory support use.

Methods

We performed a cohort study using a comparative interrupted time-series approach controlling for patient and temporal covariates, and population-adjusted analysis. We studied 3022 children admitted to a PICU in Victoria with respiratory distress January 2010–December 2019. Patients were divided in pre-intervention era (2010–2014) and post-intervention era (2015–2019).

Results

1006 children following interhospital transport and 2016 non-transport children were included. Median (IQR) age was 1.4 (0.7–4.5) years. Pneumonia (39.1%) and bronchiolitis (34.3%) were common. On retrieval, HHFNC was used in 5.0% (21/420) and 45.9% (269/586) in pre- and post-intervention era. In an unadjusted model, median (IQR) PICU length of stay was 2.2 (1.1–4.2) and 1.7 (0.9–3.2) days in the pre- and post-intervention era in transported children while the figures were 2.4 (1.3–4.9) and 2.1 (1.2–4.5) days in non-transport children. In the multivariable regression model, the intervention was associated with the reduced PICU length of stay (ratio 0.64, 95% confidential interval 0.49–0.83, p = 0.001) with the predicted reduction of PICU length of stay being − 10.6 h (95% confidential interval − 16.9 to − 4.3 h), and decreased respiratory support use (− 25.1 h, 95% confidential interval − 47.9 to − 2.3 h, p = 0.03). Sensitivity analyses including a model excluding less severe children showed similar results. In population-adjusted analyses, respiratory support use decreased from 4837 to 3477 person-hour per year in transported children over the study era, while the reduction was 594 (from 9553 to 8959) person-hour per year in non-transport children. With regard to the safety, there were no escalations of respiratory support mode during interhospital transport.

Conclusions

The implementation of HHFNC on interhospital transport was associated with the reduced PICU length of stay and respiratory support use among PICU admissions with respiratory distress.
Destination shapes antibiotic resistance gene acquisitions, abundance increases, and diversity changes in Dutch travelers
Authors: D’Souza Alaric W. , Boolchandani Manish , Patel Sanket , Galazzo Gianluca , van Hattem Jarne M. , Arcilla Maris S. , Melles Damian C. , de Jong Menno D. , Schultsz Constance ,   COMBAT Consortium, Bootsma Martin C. J. , van Genderen Perry J. , Goorhuis Abraham , Grobusch Martin P. , Molhoek Nicky , Oude Lashof Astrid M. L. , Stobberingh Ellen E. , Verbrugh Henri A. , Dantas Gautam , Penders John
Published: June 2021

Background

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes can spread by hitchhiking in human guts. International travel can exacerbate this public health threat when travelers acquire AMR genes endemic to their destinations and bring them back to their home countries. Prior studies have demonstrated travel-related acquisition of specific opportunistic pathogens and AMR genes, but the extent and magnitude of travel’s effects on the gut resistome remain largely unknown.

Methods

Using whole metagenomic shotgun sequencing, functional metagenomics, and Dirichlet multinomial mixture models, we investigated the abundance, diversity, function, resistome architecture, and context of AMR genes in the fecal microbiomes of 190 Dutch individuals, before and after travel to diverse international locations.

Results

Travel markedly increased the abundance and α-diversity of AMR genes in the travelers’ gut resistome, and we determined that 56 unique AMR genes showed significant acquisition following international travel. These acquisition events were biased towards AMR genes with efflux, inactivation, and target replacement resistance mechanisms. Travel-induced shaping of the gut resistome had distinct correlations with geographical destination, so individuals returning to The Netherlands from the same destination country were more likely to have similar resistome features. Finally, we identified and detailed specific acquisition events of high-risk, mobile genetic element-associated AMR genes includingqnrfluoroquinolone resistance genes,blaCTX-Mfamily extended-spectrum β-lactamases, and the plasmid-bornemcr-1colistin resistance gene.

Conclusions

Our results show that travel shapes the architecture of the human gut resistome and results in AMR gene acquisition against a variety of antimicrobial drug classes. These broad acquisitions highlight the putative risks that international travel poses to public health by gut resistome perturbation and the global spread of locally endemic AMR genes.
Genome‑wide profiling of DNA methylation and gene expression unravel the epigenetic landscape in diabetes-related hypothyroidism
Authors: Luo Jingyi , Wang Xiaoxia , Yuan Li , Guo Lixin
Published: June 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypothyroidism are two common endocrine diseases and the phenomenon that the prevalence of diabetes-related hypothyroidism shows a significant upward trend deserves further attention, but the specific pathogenesis is not yet clear. The study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms on DNA methylation regulating gene expression and participating in diabetes-related hypothyroidism through genome-wide DNA methylation and RNA sequencing.

Results

The prevalence of hypothyroidism in T2DM patients was significantly higher than that in patients without T2DM (P = 0.018). Meanwhile, high TSH and low T3 and T4 levels were detected in diabetic mice. Low T3 and T4 levels were detected in Nthy-ori3-1 cells incubated in high-glucose medium. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected by RNA sequencing and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing in Nthy-ori3-1 cells cultured in high-glucose and normal medium. Functional enrichment analyses reveled that DMRs and DEGs were related to significant pathways including Ras, Wnt and MAPK pathways.

Conclusions

We observed the potential connection between T2DM and hypothyroidism. This study was the first one carrying out DNA methylation and gene expression profiles to explore epigenetic modification in diabetes-related hypothyroidism, which provided information for the detailed study of the molecular mechanism in diabetes-related hypothyroidism.
A certain q-Ruscheweyh type derivative operator and its applications involving multivalent functions
Authors: Khan Bilal , Srivastava H. M. , Arjika Sama , Khan Shahid , Khan Nazar , Ahmad Qazi Zahoor
Published: June 2021

In the present paper, by using the concept of convolution and q-calculus, we define a certain q-derivative (or q-difference) operator for analytic and multivalent (or p-valent) functions. This presumably new q-derivative operator is an extension of the known q-analogue of the Ruscheweyh derivative operator. We also give some interesting applications of this q-derivative operator for multivalent functions by using the method of differential subordination. Relevant connections with a number of earlier works on this subject are also pointed out.
Policy-relevant insights for regional renewable energy deployment
Authors: De Laurentis Carla , Pearson Peter J. G.
Published: June 2021

Background

The paper explores how regional actors engage with energy systems, flows and infrastructures in order to meet particular goals and offers a fine-tuned analysis of how differences arise, highlighting the policy-relevant insights that emerge.

Methods

Using a novel framework, the research performs a comparative case study analysis of three regions in Italy and two of the devolved territories of the UK, Wales and Scotland, drawing on interviews and documentary analysis.

Results

The paper shows that acknowledging the socio-materialities of renewable energy allows a fine-tuned analysis of how institutions, governance and infrastructure can enable/constrain energy transitions and policy effectiveness at local and regional levels. The heuristic adopted highlights (i) the institutions that matter for renewable energy and their varied effects on regional renewable energy deployment; (ii) the range of agencies involved in strategically establishing, contesting and reproducing institutions, expectations, visions and infrastructure as renewable energy deployment unfolds at the regional level and (iii) the nature and extent of infrastructure requirements for and constraints on renewable energy delivery and how they affect the regional capacity to shape infrastructure networks and facilitate renewable energy deployment. The paper shows how the regions investigated developed their institutional and governance capacity and made use of targets, energy visions and spatial planning to promote renewable energy deployment. It shows that several mediating factors emerge from examining the interactions between regional physical resource endowments and energy infrastructure renewal and expansion. The analysis leads to policy-relevant insights into what makes for renewable energy deployment.

Conclusion

The paper contributes to research that demonstrates the role of institutional variations and governance as foundations for geographical differences in the adoption of renewable energy, and carries significant implications for policy thinking and implementation. It shows why and how policy-makers need to be more effective in balancing the range of goals/interests for renewable energy deployment with the peculiarities and specificities of the regional contexts and their infrastructures. The insights presented help to explain how energy choices and outcomes are shaped in particular places, how differences arise and operate in practice, and how they need to be taken into account in policy design, policy-making and implementation.
Does continuity in nursing staff matter? A pilot study on correlation of central line-associated bloodstream infections and employee turnover
Authors: Scheier Thomas , Kuster Stefan P. , Dunic Mesida , Falk Christian , Sax Hugo , Schreiber Peter W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Understaffing has been previously reported as a risk factor for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). No previous study addressed the question whether fluctuations in staffing have an impact on CLABSI incidence. We analyzed prospectively collected CLABSI surveillance data and data on employee turnover of health care workers (HCW) to address this research question.

Methods

In January 2016, a semiautomatic surveillance system for CLABSI was implemented at the University Hospital Zurich, a 940 bed tertiary care hospital in Switzerland. Monthly incidence rates (CLABSI/1000 catheter days) were calculated and correlations with human resources management-derived data on employee turnover of HCWs (defined as number of leaving HCWs per month divided by the number of employed HCWs) investigated.

Results

Over a period of 24 months, we detected on the hospital level a positive correlation of CLABSI incidence rates and turnover of nursing personnel (Spearman rank correlation, r = 0.467, P = 0.022). In more detailed analyses on the professional training of nursing personnel, a correlation of CLABSI incidence rates and licensed practical nurses (Spearman rank correlation, r = 0.26, P = 0.038) or registered nurses (r = 0.471, P = 0.021) was found. Physician turnover did not correlate with CLABSI incidence (Spearman rank correlation, r =  −0.058, P = 0.787).

Conclusions

Prospectively determined CLABSI incidence correlated positively with the degree of turnover of nurses overall and nurses with advanced training, but not with the turnover of physicians. Efforts to maintain continuity in nursing staff might be helpful for sustained reduction in CLABSI rates.
Post-translational regulation of autophagy is involved in intra-microbiome suppression of fungal pathogens
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Chaoyun , Sun Qiming , Xu Jinrong , Chai Yunrong , Berg Gabriele , Cernava Tomislav , Ma Zhonghua , Chen Yun
Published: June 2021

Background

Microbiome interactions are important determinants for ecosystem functioning, stability, and health. In previous studies, it was often observed that bacteria suppress potentially pathogenic fungal species that are part of the same plant microbiota; however, the underlying microbe-microbe interplay remains mostly elusive. Here, we explored antagonistic interactions of the fungus Fusarium graminearum and bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus at the molecular level. Both are ubiquitous members of the healthy wheat microbiota; under dysbiosis, the fungus causes devastating diseases.

Results

In co-cultures, we found that Streptomyces alters the fungal acetylome leading to substantial induction of fungal autophagy. The bacterium secrets rapamycin to inactivate the target of rapamycin (TOR), which subsequently promotes the degradation of the fungal histone acetyltransferase Gcn5 through the 26S proteasome. Gcn5 negatively regulates fungal autophagy by acetylating the autophagy-related protein Atg8 at the lysine site K13 and blocking cellular relocalization of Atg8. Thus, degradation of Gcn5 triggered by rapamycin was found to reduce Atg8 acetylation, resulting in autophagy induction in F. graminearum.

Conclusions

Autophagy homeostasis plays an essential role in fungal growth and competition, as well as for virulence. Our work reveals a novel post-translational regulation of autophagy initiated by a bacterial antibiotic. Rapamycin was shown to be a powerful modulator of bacteria–fungi interactions with potential importance in explaining microbial homeostasis in healthy plant microbiomes. The autophagic process provides novel possibilities and targets to biologically control pathogens.
After the paint has dried: a review of testing techniques for studying the mechanical properties of artists’ paint
Authors: dePolo Gwen , Walton Marc , Keune Katrien , Shull Kenneth R.
Published: June 2021

While the chemistry of artists’ paints has previously been studied and reviewed, these studies only capture a portion of the properties affecting the response of paint materials. The mechanical properties of artists’ paints relate to the deformation response of these materials when a stress is applied. This response is dependent on many factors, such as paint composition, pigment to binder ratio, temperature, relative humidity, and solvent exposure. Here, thirty years of tensile testing data have been compiled into a single dataset, along with the testing conditions, to provide future researchers with easy access to these data as well some general discussion of their trends. Alongside the more commonly used techniques of tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis, new techniques have been developed to more fully investigate the mechanical properties, and are discussed along with salient results. The techniques have been divided into two categories: those that are restricted to use on model systems and those that are applicable to historic samples. Techniques applied to model systems (tensile testing, dynamic mechanic analysis, quartz crystal microbalance, vibration studies) require too large of a sample to be taken from art objects or focus on the mechanical properties of the liquid state (shear rheometry). Techniques applied to historic samples incorporate the use of small sample sizes (nanoindentation), optical techniques (laser shearography), computational simulations (finite element analysis), and non-invasive comparative mechanical properties (single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance) to investigate and predict the mechanical properties of paints.