bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vasomotor symptoms, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms in community‐dwelling Japanese women
Authors: Tomida Makiko , Otsuka Rei , Tange Chikako , Nishita Yukiko , Kimura Tomomi , Stoelzel Matthias , Tanaka‐Amino Keiko , Shimokata Hiroshi , Terauchi Masakazu
Published: July 2021

Aim

To assess prevalence and characteristics of vasomotor symptoms in community‐dwelling Japanese women.

Methods

These were cross‐sectional analyses using data from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences‐Longitudinal Study of Aging. The main outcome measures were prevalence and severity of hot flashes and sweating. Associations between hot flashes/sweating (slight, moderate, or severe vs none) and sleep problems were explored using logistic regression, with and without adjustment for age, daily physical activity, and number of urinations/night. Associations between hot flashes/sweating and sleep problems, depressive symptoms, and dietary variables were explored in logistic regression models or general linear models.

Results

A total of 1152 women between 40 and 91 years of age were enrolled. Hot flashes were reported by 24.5% of participants; with prevalence and severity highest in those 50–54 years or 2–5 years postmenopause. Sleep problems were reported 15 percentage points more frequently by women who reported hot flashes than by those without hot flashes. Adjusted odds ratios [95% CI] for difficulty in falling asleep and difficulty in sleeping through were 2.09 [1.565–2.796] and 2.07 [1.549–2.763]), respectively. Also, hot flashes were associated with higher risk of depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 2.99 [2.07–4.32]) and lower life satisfaction, self‐esteem, and self‐rated health status. A similar pattern was observed in women with and without sweating. No associations were found between hot flashes and dietary factors.

Conclusions

Clear associations were found between hot flashes and sleeping problems, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Women who reported hot flashes also reported worse mental and physical health than those who did not report hot flashes.
Broad ligament pregnancy with pelvic congestion syndrome: A case report
Authors: Ma Ruyue , Guan Junhua , Chen Jina , Sun Ke , Zhang Liwen , Chen Rujun
Published: July 2021

We present the first case that describes a right broad ligament pregnancy patient complicated with pelvic congestion syndrome. A 23‐year‐old female referred to the gynecological emergency room with pelvic pain and amenorrhea. Serum beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) test of the patient was positive, and ultrasonography indicated that there were mixed mass signals and a large number of blood flow signals in the right parauterine area. Considering the possibility of a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, we performed laparoscopic exploration for this patient. According to the intraoperative situation, we formally diagnosed the right broad ligament pregnancy. Although the intraoperative hemorrhage was fierce, we still successfully completed the resection of the lesion and performed the ipsilateral salpingectomy. We performed three‐dimensional CT vascular reconstruction on the patient after surgery, and diagnosed right pelvic congestion syndrome combined with the patient's usual chronic pelvic pain symptoms.
Sexual orientation disclosure to classmates among Latinx sexual minority high school and college youth
Authors: Zhao Zhenqiang , Toomey Russell B. , Anhalt Karla
Published: July 2021

This study examined how minority stressors mediate the association between sexual orientation disclosure to classmates and well‐being in a sample of 238 Latinx sexual minority youth (SMY; age range: 14–24 years). Results indicated that sexual orientation disclosure to classmates was associated with higher levels of sexual orientation‐based victimization, which contributed to higher levels of internalized homonegativity, which ultimately contributed to higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower self‐esteem. Sexual orientation‐based victimization and internalized homonegativity were positively associated with depressive symptoms and negatively associated with self‐esteem but sexual orientation disclosure to classmates was only positively associated with depressive symptoms. Associations between sexual orientation‐based victimization and internalized homonegativity were stronger among college Latinx SMY compared to SMY in high school.
Health Risk Behaviors, Experiences, and Conditions Among Students Attending Private and Public High Schools*
Authors: Deputy Nicholas P. , Bryan Leah , Lowry Richard , Brener Nancy , Underwood J. Michael
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Approximately 8.8% of US high school students attended private schools in 2015. Few studies have characterized health risk behaviors among these students or compared prevalence of behaviors between students in private and public schools using a contemporary, nationally representative sample.

METHODS

Pooled 2007‐2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey data were used to estimate the prevalence of 35 health risk behaviors for 89,848 public and private high school students. Unadjusted prevalence ratios were used to compare prevalence by school type. Differences in behaviors by school type were explored by sex and grade.

RESULTS

Among private school students, the prevalence ranged from 5.0% to 31.9% for sexual risk behaviors; from 0.8% to 30.1% for substance use behaviors; from 0.7% to 21.8% for behaviors related mental health and suicide; from 3.2% to 6.8% for violence victimization experiences; and from 3.1% to 52.9% for behaviors related to unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. Private school students were less likely than public school students to report most behaviors; differences by school type were generally consistent across sex and grade.

CONCLUSIONS

Students in both public and private schools reported health risk behaviors. Findings might inform prevention activities by identifying behaviors to prioritize in each school setting.
Parenthood and well‐being: Examining time pressure and religious practices in a Canadian national sample of immigrants and non‐immigrants
Authors: Browne Dillon T. , Colucci Laura , Basabose Jean de Dieu , Georgiades Katholiki , Thabane Lehana , Ferro Mark
Published: July 2021

The present study examined correlates of well‐being amongst a cross‐sectional, national sample of Canadians, focusing on respondents’ parenthood and immigration status. Indirect associations via time pressure and religious practices were examined, in addition to the moderating role of religious practices on the relationship between time pressure and well‐being. Participants were from the 2015 Canadian General Social Survey between 25 and 65 years of age (N = 11,254). A structural regression model revealed that immigrants (vs. non‐immigrants) and parents (vs. non‐parents) had higher levels of time pressure, which strongly and inversely related to well‐being. No interaction between immigrant status and parenthood was observed in the prediction of time pressure. Immigrants had higher levels of religious practices, while parents had lower levels, though a significant interaction suggested that the highest levels of religious practices were for immigrants who were also parents. There was a small but significant positive relationship between religious practices and well‐being. Indirect effects suggested that the association between parenthood/immigrant status and well‐being may partially operate via these parallel pathways (i.e., time pressure and religious practices). There was no evidence that religious practices moderated the relationship between time pressure and well‐being. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.
Discrimination and sensory characterization of Protected Designation of Origin Salers‐ and Cantal‐type cheeses: An approach using descriptive analysis and consumer insights by check‐all‐that‐apply questions
Authors: Bord Cécile , Lenoir Louis , Schmidt‐Filgueras Renata , Benoit Julie , Dechambre Gilles , Chassard Christophe
Published: July 2021

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Salers and Cantal are two French uncooked semi‐hard cheeses. Despite a quite similar cheese‐making process, both types of cheeses exhibit specific sensory attributes. Salers and Cantal cheeses are produced with either Salers milk or with milk from “other cow breeds.” The aim of this study is to evaluate the specific sensory properties in order to differentiate both types of cheese: Cantal versus Salers combining a consumer test (n = 152) using the CATA method and a sensory profile with a trained panel (n = 9). Ten cheeses (Salers cheeses; n = 6 and Cantal cheeses; n = 4) were selected, after 12 months of ripening and storage in the same maturing cellar. A clear discrimination of Cantal cheeses and Salers cheeses was achieved by using sensory and CATA terms. More precisely, Cantal cheeses were characterized by their texture, whereas Salers cheeses were differentiated by aromatic profile and appearance. The CATA method offers a good description of cheeses (14 attributes out of 16 were discriminant) even if consumer preference scores were slightly close. Although the sensory profile allows a more detailed product characterization than CATA terms, both methods provided similar information about the sensory characterization. Overall, these results suggest the validity of CATA method and once again, show the interest of using it for the sensory characterization by consumers applied on cheese samples with subtle differences.

Practical Applications

The findings of this study are useful for French artisanal cheese producers as they make it possible to use a sensory approach to differentiate cheese categories from different cheese‐making process. This sensory distinction contributes to the improvement of qualities of PDO French cheeses. Hence, these specific sensory attributes could be useful to the supply chain to communicate and to better explain to consumers the sensory differences between these two cheese categories, which are sometimes poorly distinguished by consumers during purchase. In addition, the good agreement between sensory profile and the CATA method demonstrated similarities about the sensory description of cheeses. In spite of the fact that the liking scores were very close between the cheeses, consumers were able to distinguish the Salers and Cantal cheeses by using the CATA method.
Validation study of the Italian version of the Sleep Hygiene Index
Authors: Bacaro Valeria , Curati Sara , Baglioni Chiara
Published: July 2021

Sleep hygiene rules are a set of behavioural and environmental recommendations that promote healthy and good quality sleep, playing a role in insomnia disorder. The Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) is a self‐report questionnaire developed to evaluate the practice of sleep hygiene behaviours with adequate psychometric properties in different samples. The present study aimed to translate the original version of the SHI into the Italian language and evaluate the psychometric properties of this instrument in the Italian adult population. After the translation of the SHI from the original English version into the Italian version, factorial structure, internal consistency, as well as convergent and discriminant validity were estimated. The principal component analysis showed a four‐factor solution for the SHI, accounting for 52.03% of the total sample variance (F1 = 25.65%, F2 = 10.00%, F3 = 8.48% and F4 = 7.90%). Factor 1 comprised items regarding arousal; Factor 2 comprised items regarding regular sleep habits; Factor 3 comprised items about sleep environment; and Factor 4 comprised items on sleep‐disrupted behaviours. The Italian version of the SHI can be regarded as a reliable tool with adequate concurrent and predictive validity for assessing sleep hygiene in Italian adults with or without insomnia symptoms.
Lethal and sublethal effects of the anti‐sea lice formulation Salmosan® on the Pacific spot prawn (Pandalus platyceros)
Authors: Mill Kate , Kennedy Christopher J.
Published: July 2021

The effects of the aquaculture chemotherapeutant Salmosan® (active ingredient [a.i.]: azamethiphos) were examined in Pacific spot prawns (Pandalus platyceros) at three temperatures (5, 11, and 17°C). Post‐molt prawns were more sensitive to Salmosan® than intermolt prawns; repeated (3x) 1‐hr LC50 values for post‐molt prawns ranged from 17 (9.3–31 95% confident intervals) to 40 (25–63) μg/L a.i. while intermolt prawns survived 3 × 1‐hr exposures up to 100 μg/L a.i. Using LC50 values, Salmosan® was approximately 2.4 times more toxic at 17 versus 5°C. Temperature significantly altered chemosensory and locomotory behaviors in intermolt prawns with the highest activity at the intermediate temperature. Significant decreases in antennule flicking (84 and 104% over controls) were seen at 17°C after 3 × 1‐hr pulse exposures to 50 and 100 μg/L a.i., respectively. Temperature, but not Salmosan®, affected molting success: at 17°C significantly lower survival was seen during ecdysis (60% of those at 5°C) and at 5°C, molt time was longer (41 ± 3 days) compared to 11°C (34 ± 4 days) or 17°C (21 ± 4 days). Life stage (molt status) and environmental parameters (temperature) alter the effects of Salmosan® to non‐target spot prawns.
Making programmes worth their salt: Assessing the context, fidelity and outcomes of implementation of the double fortified salt programme in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Cyriac Shruthi , Webb Girard Amy , Ramakrishnan Usha , Mannar M. G. Venkatesh , Khurana Kriti , Rawat Rahul , Neufeld Lynnette M. , Martorell Reynaldo , Mbuya Mduduzi N. N.
Published: July 2021

Double fortified salt (DFS) has proven efficacy in addressing iron deficiency and anaemia, thus improving maternal and child nutrition outcomes. However, DFS delivery in large‐scale settings is less understood, with limited documentation of its fidelity of implementation (FOI). We assessed the FOI of the DFS intervention in Uttar Pradesh, India, to improve the design and implementation of such programmes that aim to reduce the anaemia burden, especially in women of reproductive age (WRA). We conducted in‐depth interviews with DFS programme staff (n = 25) and end‐user WRAs (23), guided by a programme impact pathway. We transcribed and thematically analysed the interviews and used an adapted analytic framework to document FOI across four domains—objects of intervention, implementation staff, implementation context and target of implementation. DFS utilisation remained low due to a combination of factors including poor product quality, distribution challenges, ineffective promotion and low awareness amongst end‐user WRAs. Motivation levels were higher amongst district‐level staff compared to frontline staff, who lacked supervisory support and effective incentives to promote DFS. Three typologies of DFS users emerged—‘believers’, ‘thrifters’ and ‘naysayers’—who indicated differing reasons for DFS purchase and its use or nonuse. The implementation of the DFS programme varied significantly from its theorised programme impact pathway. The adapted analytic framework helped document FOI and assess the programme's readiness for impact assessments and subsequent scale‐up. The programme needs product quality improvements, incentivised distribution and stronger promotion to effectively deliver and improve the realisation of its potential as an anaemia prevention strategy.
Stratum corneum biomarkers after in vivo repeated exposure to sub‐erythemal dosages of ultraviolet radiation in unprotected and sunscreen (SPF 50+) protected skin
Authors: Keurentjes Anne Josephine , Jakasa Ivone , van Dijk Arjan , van Putten Edith , Brans Richard , John Swen Malte , Rustemeyer Thomas , van der Molen Henk F. , Kezic Sanja
Published: July 2021

Background

There is a need for non‐invasive biomarkers to assess in vivo efficacy of protective measures aiming at reducing ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Stratum corneum (SC) biomarkers showed to be promising markers for internal UVR dose and immune response.

Purpose

To establish a dose‐response relationship for SC biomarkers and explore their suitability for in vivo assessment of the blocking effect of two sunscreens with a high sun protection factor (SPF) (50+).

Methods

Twelve volunteers were exposed to a broad‐spectrum UVB (280‐320 nm), five times a week, during one week. Unprotected back skin was irradiated with 0.24, 0.48, 0.72 and 1.44 standard erythema dose (SED) and sunscreen‐protected skin with 3.6 SED. SC samples for determination of the relative amount of cis‐urocanic acid (cUCA) and thirteen immunological makers including cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) were collected after each irradiation.

Results

cUCA sharply increased after the first irradiation in a dose‐dependent fashion. However, it levelled‐off after subsequent exposures and reached a plateau for the highest UV‐dose after the third irradiation. None of the immunological markers showed dose‐dependency. However, MMP‐9, IL‐1β and CCL27 increased gradually from baseline during repetitive exposures to the highest UV‐dose. Assessed from cUCA, both sunscreens blocked >98% of the applied UV‐dose.

Conclusions

cUCA is a sensitive, non‐invasive marker of the internal UVR dose enabling in vivo assessment of the blocking effect of high SPF sunscreens in the UVB‐region. Immunological SC markers show low sensitivity in detecting immune response at sub‐erythemal UVR dosages, suggesting they might be suitable only at higher and/or repetitive UVR exposure.
Managing Stochastic Bucket Brigades on Discrete Work Stations
Authors: Wang Peng , Pan Kai , Yan Zhenzhen , Lim Yun Fong
Published: July 2021

Bucket brigades are notably used to coordinate workers in production systems. We study a J‐station, I‐worker bucket brigade system. The time duration for each worker to serve a job at a station is exponentially distributed with a rate that depends on the station's expected work content and the worker's work speed. Our goal is to maximize the system's productivity or to minimize its inter‐completion time variability. We analytically derive the throughput and the coefficient of variation (CV) of the inter‐completion time. We study the system under two cases. (i) If the work speeds depend only on the workers, the throughput gap between the stochastic and the deterministic systems can be up to [Formula: see text] when the number of stations is small. Either maximizing the throughput or minimizing the CV of the inter‐completion time, the slowest‐to‐fastest worker sequence always outperforms the reverse sequence for the stochastic bucket brigade. To maximize the throughput, more work content should be assigned to the stations near the faster workers. In contrast, to minimize the CV of the inter‐completion time, more work content should be allocated to the stations near the slower workers. (ii) If the work speeds depend on the workers and the stations such that the workers may not dominate each other at every station, the asymptotic throughput can be expressed as a function of the average work speeds and the asymptotic expected blocked times of the workers, and can be interpreted as the sum of the effective production rates of all the workers.
Analysis of Longitudinal Advice-Seeking Networks Following Implementation of High Stakes Testing
Authors: Adhikari Samrachana , Sweet Tracy , Junker Brian
Published: July 2021

Teacher interactions around instructional practices have been a topic of study for a long time. Previous studies concerning such interactions have focused on questions pertaining to cross-sectional networks. In fact, very few studies have considered longitudinal networks and still fewer have employed longitudinal network models to study changes in such interactions. We analyse teachers’ advice-seeking networks, observed annually between 2010 and 2013, in schools within a district where several initiatives were implemented starting in 2011. We assess whether formal structures, teaching assignment and leadership position, and teacher characteristics, gender and experience, are associated with advice-seeking ties, and the extent to which these associations change over time. To analyse the advice-seeking networks, we implement a Bayesian longitudinal latent space network model with covariates and random sender-receiver effects. Within the Bayesian framework, we address practical aspects of a principled network analysis such as missing ties and yearly immigration and emigration of teachers. Goodness of model fit assessment is conducted using posterior predictive checks. Our results demonstrate that while some of the associations between observed covariates and teachers’ interactions varied in 2011, most were otherwise stable. In 2011, we found decreases in the associations with same grade assignment, leadership position, and teaching in the same school.
Building structural competency through community engagement
Authors: Khazanchi Rohan , Keeler Heidi , Strong Sheritta , Lyden Elizabeth R. , Davis Precious , Grant B. Kay , Marcelin Jasmine R.
Published: July 2021

Context

The importance of addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) in medical education has been ubiquitously recognised. However, current pedagogical approaches are often limited by inadequate or ahistorical exploration of the fundamental causes of health inequity. Community‐engaged pedagogy and structural competency frameworks advocate for progressing from passive SDOH education to directly discussing systemic aetiologies of health inequity through reciprocal partnership with marginalised communities. Herein, we describe the development and exploratory evaluation of a community‐engaged structural competency curriculum implemented in 2019 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Our curriculum explored the downstream impacts of sociopolitical structures on local health inequities. We engaged university, health system and community stakeholders throughout curriculum development, implementation and evaluation. Curricular components included didactic lectures, reflective writing assignments and a community‐based, stakeholder‐led experience in North Omaha.

Methods

We used inductive thematic analysis to explore free‐text responses to a post‐curriculum survey.

Results

Eighteen community stakeholders, eleven multidisciplinary UNMC facilitators, and all 132 first‐year medical students were involved in the curriculum pilot, with 93% and 55.1% of students and faculty/community facilitators, respectively, responding to the post‐session evaluation. Analysis revealed themes including widespread desire for community‐engaged teaching, appreciation for the hyperlocal focus of curricular content and recognition of the importance of creating space for lived experiences of community members.

Discussion

Co‐created by a university‐community coalition, our pilot findings highlight the crucial role of community‐engaged pedagogy in promoting critical understanding of historic structural inequities and present‐day health disparities. Our communities can and should be reciprocal partners in training the physicians of tomorrow.
Canine Oncopanel: A capture‐based, NGS platform for evaluating the mutational landscape and detecting putative driver mutations in canine cancers
Authors: Wang Guannan , Wu Ming , Durham Amy C. , Mason Nicola J. , Roth David B.
Published: July 2021

Canine cancer, a significant cause of mortality in domestic dogs, is a powerful comparative model for human cancers. Revealing genetic alterations driving the oncogenesis of canine cancers holds great potential to deepen our understanding of the cancer biology, guide therapeutic development, and improve cancer management in both dogs and people. Next generation sequencing (NGS) based‐diagnostic panels have been routinely used in human oncology for the identification of clinically‐actionable mutations, enabling tailored treatments based on the individual's unique mutation profiles. Here, we report the development of a comprehensive canine cancer gene panel, the Canine Oncopanel, using a hybridization capture‐based targeted NGS method. The Canine Oncopanel allows deep sequencing of 283 cancer genes and the detection of somatic mutations within these genes. Vigorous optimization was performed to achieve robust, high‐standard performance using metrics of similar cancer panels in human oncology as benchmarks. Validation of the Canine Oncopanel on reference tumour samples with known mutations demonstrated that it can detect variants previously identified by alternative methods, with high accuracy and sensitivity. Putative drivers were detected in over 90% of clinical samples, showing high sensitivity. The Canine Oncopanel is suitable to map mutation profiles and identify putative driver mutations across common and rare cancer types in dogs. The data generated by the Canine Oncopanel presents a rich resource of putative oncogenic driver mutations and potential clinically relevant markers, paving the way for personalized diagnostics and precision medicine in canine oncology.
The Importance of the Governance Role in Achieving Stability and Sustainability in Family Business Companies Through Generations
Authors: Abdelaziz Samir A.
Published: July 2021

Family businesses have continued to draw researchers' attention due to their strategies while making sustainable decisions. Notably, these business models deserve more recognition in this discourse, considering that they contribute up to 70% of the global Domestic Product. This article focuses on some drivers to sustainable decisions revolving around three pillars: environmental, social, and economic. The author's aim in this context is to provide a statistical model that could be used to forecast revenue trends to establish if family businesses are poised for sustainability or not. The models essentially allow for an analysis of the relationship between family businesses' internal drivers with corresponding financial objectives.However, these business models may fail to achieve their objectives if they do not embrace good governance, allowing them to react to challenges. Corporate governance is an essential framework that companies use to reconcile individual, community, business owners, and shareholders' interests in a dynamic global economy. Companies that align with the principles of good governance are more likely to remain sustainable, stable, and profitable. In retrospect, business enterprises that ignore the provisions of corporate governance risk facing uncertainties, most notably, dissolution and bankruptcy. The second, third, and subsequent generations fail to internalize and advance the founder's long-term organizational goals.This study adds to the existing literature on economic sustainability of family businesses characterized by market value and higher revenue generation.
The bassoon tonehole lattice: Links between the open and closed holes and the radiated sound spectrum
Authors: Petersen Erik Alan , Colinot Tom , Silva Fabrice , H.-Turcotte Vincent
Published: July 2021

The acoustics of the bassoon has been the subject of relatively few studies compared with other woodwind instruments. One reason for this may lie in its complicated resonator geometry, which includes irregularly spaced toneholes with chimney heights ranging from 3 to 31 mm. The current article evaluates the effect of the open and closed tonehole lattice (THL) on the acoustic response of the bassoon resonator. It is shown that this response can be divided into three distinct frequency bands that are determined by the open and closed THL: below 500 Hz, 500–2200 Hz, and above 2200 Hz. The first is caused by the stopband of the open THL, where the low frequency effective length of the instrument is determined by the location of the first open tonehole. The second is due to the passband of the open THL, such that the modes are proportional to the total length of the resonator. The third is due to the closed THL, where part of the acoustical power is trapped within the resonator. It is proposed that these three frequency bands impact the radiated spectrum by introducing a formant in the vicinity of 500 Hz and suppressing radiation above 2200 Hz for most first register fingerings.
Theoretical model of membrane acoustic absorber with compact magnet
Authors: Zhao Junjuan , Li Xianhui , Zhu Liying , Wang Yueyue , Wang Wenjiang , Li Xingyun , Liu Yunan
Published: July 2021

The membrane sound absorber (MSA) with a compact magnet has exhibited excellent tunable properties for low-frequency sound absorption. To further clarify its acoustic properties, this paper presents a theoretical model based on a multi-mechanism coupling impedance method. The model predicts the absorption coefficients and resonant frequencies of the MSA at different tuning magnetic states for three cavity configurations. These parameters are then experimentally measured using an impedance tube for model validation, demonstrating good agreement between the measured and predicted values. Subsequent analysis reveals the iron-platelet–magnet resonance mechanism introduced by the tuned magnetic field is the main factor behind the appearance and shift of absorption peaks in the low-frequency region, which are mostly independent of the back cavity. In other words, the MSA with a back cavity of any size can achieve sound absorption in the low-frequency region. This demonstrates the potential of the structure in achieving an ultra-thin, low-frequency, tunable sound-absorber design that can be adapted to different noise sources.
Exploration of Synergistic Action of Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: van Schie Loes , Borgers Katlyn , Michielsen Gitte , Plets Evelyn , Vuylsteke Marnik , Tiels Petra , Festjens Nele , Callewaert Nico
Published: July 2021

The major global health threat tuberculosis is caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
M. tuberculosis
has a complex cell envelope—a partially covalently linked composite of polysaccharides, peptidoglycan, and lipids, including a mycolic acid layer—which conveys pathogenicity but also protects against antibiotics. Given previous successes in treating Gram-positive and -negative infections with cell wall-degrading enzymes, we investigated such an approach for
M. tuberculosis
. In this study, we aimed to (i) develop an
M. tuberculosis
microtiter growth inhibition assay that allows undisturbed cell envelope formation to overcome the invalidation of results by typical clumped
M. tuberculosis
growth in surfactant-free assays, (ii) exploring anti-
M. tuberculosis
potency of cell wall layer-degrading enzymes, and (iii) investigate the concerted action of several such enzymes.
Plasma and Lung Tissue Pharmacokinetics of Ceftaroline Fosamil in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass: an
In Vivo
Microdialysis Study
Authors: Edlinger-Stanger M. , al Jalali V. , Andreas M. , Jäger W. , Böhmdorfer M. , Zeitlinger M. , Hutschala D.
Published: July 2021

Ceftaroline fosamil, a fifth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with activity against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), is currently approved for the treatment of pneumonia and complicated skin and soft tissue infections. However, pharmacokinetics data on free lung tissue concentrations in critical patient populations are lacking.
Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms, Multilocus Sequence Typing, and NG-STAR Sequence Types of Diverse Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Mitchev Nireshni , Singh Ravesh , Allam Mushal , Kwenda Stanford , Ismail Arshad , Garrett Nigel , Ramsuran Veron , Niehaus Abraham J. , Mlisana Koleka P.
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major challenge to managing infectious diseases. Africa has the highest incidence of gonorrhoea, but there is a lack of comprehensive data from sparse surveillance programs.
Interplay between Meropenem and Human Serum Albumin on Expression of Carbapenem Resistance Genes and Natural Competence in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Le Casin , Pimentel Camila , Tuttobene Marisel R. , Subils Tomas , Nishimura Brent , Traglia German M. , Perez Federico , Papp-Wallace Krisztina M. , Bonomo Robert A. , Tolmasky Marcelo E. , Ramirez Maria Soledad
Published: July 2021

Acinetobacter baumannii
A118, a mostly carbapenem-susceptible strain, and AB5075, carbapenem resistant, were cultured in lysogeny broth (LB) or LB with different supplements, such as 3.5% human serum albumin (HSA), human serum (HS), meropenem, or meropenem plus 3.5% HSA. Natural transformation levels were enhanced in
A. baumannii
A118 and AB5075 cultured in medium supplemented with 3.5% HSA.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of the Novel Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulator GST-HG141 in Healthy Chinese Subjects: a First-in-Human Single- and Multiple-Dose Escalation Trial
Authors: Li Cuiyun , Wu Min , Zhang Hong , Mai Jiajia , Yang Lizhi , Ding Yanhua , Niu Junqi , Mao John , Wu Wenqiang , Zhang Dong , Tang Yanan , Yan Wenhao
Published: July 2021

Hepatitis B virus capsid assembly modulators (HBV CAMs) are promising, clinically validated therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of GST-HG141, a novel HBV CAM, were evaluated in healthy Chinese volunteers.
Catalase Activity is Critical for Proteus mirabilis Biofilm Development, Extracellular Polymeric Substance Composition, and Dissemination during Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: White Ashley N. , Learman Brian S. , Brauer Aimee L. , Armbruster Chelsie E.
Published: July 2021

Proteus mirabilis
is a leading uropathogen of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which are among the most common health care-associated infections worldwide. A key factor that contributes to
P. mirabilis
pathogenesis and persistence during CAUTI is the formation of catheter biofilms, which provide increased resistance to antibiotic treatment and host defense mechanisms.
Temporal trends of in utero and early postnatal transfer of extremely preterm infants between 2011 and 2016: a UK population study
Authors: Shipley Lara , Hyliger Gillian , Sharkey Don
Published: July 2021

Objective

Early postnatal transfer (PNT) of extremely preterm infants is associated with adverse outcomes compared with in utero transfer (IUT). We aimed to explore recent national trends of IUT and early PNT.

Design

Observational cohort study using the National Neonatal Research Database.

Setting

Neonatal units in England, Scotland and Wales.

Patients

Extremely preterm infants 23+0–27+6 weeks’ gestation admitted for neonatal care from 2011 to 2016.

Main outcome

The incidence of IUT or PNT within 72 hours of life. Secondary outcomes included mortality, hospital transfer level between centres and temporal changes across two equal epochs, 2011–2013 (epoch 1 (Ep1)) and 2014–2016 (epoch 2 (Ep2)).

Results

14 719 infants were included (Ep1=7363 and Ep2=7256); 4005 (27%) underwent IUT; and 3042 (20.7%) had PNT. IUTs decreased significantly between epochs from 28.3% (Ep1=2089) to 26.0% (Ep2=1916) (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.97, p<0.01). Conversely, PNTs increased from 19.8% (Ep1=1416) to 21.5% (Ep2=1581) (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20, p=0.01). PNTs between intensive care centres increased from 8.1% (Ep1=119) to 10.2% (Ep2=161, p=0.05). Mortality decreased from 21.6% (Ep1=1592) to 19.3% (Ep2=1421) (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.97, p=0.01). Survival to 90 days of age was significantly lower in infants undergoing PNT compared with IUT (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.46), with the greatest differences observed in infants <25 weeks’ gestational age.

Conclusion

In the UK, IUT of extremely preterm infants has significantly decreased over the study period with a parallel increase in early PNT. Strategies to reverse these trends, improve IUT pathways and optimise antenatal steroid use could significantly improve survival and reduce brain injury for these high-risk infants.
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy sequential to SARS-CoV-2 virus pneumonia: preventable by endothelial protection?
Authors: Moschetta Laura , Fasolino Giuseppe , Kuijpers Robert W
Published: July 2021

We present a case of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with no ocular or systemic risk factors in a patient who recovered from a recent SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. NAION is the most common acute optic neuropathy among individuals over 50 years of age. It results from a transient hypoperfusion of the optic nerve head circulation, especially in patients with low vascular compliance due to ocular or systemic risk factors. We attribute the ophthalmological condition to a SARS-CoV-2 virus-associated endotheliopathy that can be prevented with timely protection of endothelial function with vitamins D and K2.
Successful surgical management of interlenticular membrane by vitreoretinal interlenticular membranectomy (VIM)
Authors: Kong Cheng Fei , Lee Brendon , Downie John , Francis Ian C
Published: July 2021

The formation of a light scattering interlenticular membrane (ILM) is a known complication of polypseudophakia and has been particularly noted with the use of dual intracapsular Alcon AcrylSof intraocular lenses (IOLs). The treatment options for this condition have largely been restricted to either Nd:YAG laser membranotomy or explantation of the dual IOL complex. In this case report, we describe an unusual case of ILM in a 76-year-old woman whose ILM had formed between her primary intracapsular IOL and her piggyback sulcal IOL. Furthermore, we describe vitreoretinal interlenticular membranectomy (VIM), a novel technique involving a translimbal anterior interlenticular membranectomy using vitreoretinal instrumentation. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 6/4, maintained for 3 years of follow-up. VIM is offered as a management option for surgeons to address ILM when Nd:YAG laser therapy fails, and the IOLs cannot be safely explanted.
McCune-Albright syndrome onset with vaginal bleeding
Authors: Van Doan Ngo , Minh Duc Nguyen , Kim Ngan Vuong , Van Anh Nguyen
Published: July 2021

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), a rare genetic disorder, affects multiple organs and classically presents with the triad of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (FD), skin hyperpigmentation (café-au-lait spots) and precocious puberty. Diagnosis occurs when patients manifest at least two of these three symptoms. We describe a 4-year-old girl who was admitted to our hospital due to recurrent vaginal bleeding, initially diagnosed as precocious puberty. On brain MRI, abnormalities in the maxillary and occipital bones were compatible with FD. Clinical examination after craniofacial bone lesions and clinical signs indicated MAS revealed abnormally pigmented macules on the neck and back, which were initially overlooked. No abnormal hormone tests were observed. Precocious puberty is the most common MAS-associated symptom that results in the admission to the hospital, whereas the clinical manifestation of FD in the first years of life is usually equivocal and probably has not been discovered by parents. Thus, comprehensive medical examinations are necessary to obtain a prompt and proper diagnosis.
Jejunojejunal intussusception in an adult: a rare presentation of abdominal pain in the emergency department
Authors: Al Zaabi Ahmed Hasan Yousef , Al Janahi Jasmine Abdulla , Alremeithi Salwa Najim , Qayyum Hasan
Published: July 2021

Abdominal pain is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) and the differential diagnoses is broad. Intussusception is more common in children, with only 5% of cases reported in adults. 80%–90% of adult intussusception is due to a well-defined lesion resulting in a lead point, whereas in children, most cases are idiopathic. The most common site of involvement in adults is the small bowel. Treatment in adults is generally operative management whereas in children, a more conservative approach is taken with non-operative reduction. We present a case of a 54-year-old woman who presented to our ED with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. CT of the abdomen revealed a jejunojejunal intussusception. The patient had an urgent laparoscopy and small bowel resection of the intussusception segment was performed. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen found no pathologic lead point and, therefore, the intussusception was determined to be idiopathic.
Psychosocial and mental health disorders among a population-based, case–control cohort of patients with congenital upper eyelid ptosis
Authors: Hendricks Tina M , Griepentrog Gregory J , Hodge David O , Mohney Brian G
Published: July 2021

Background/Aim

Recent studies have demonstrated adverse psychosocial and mental health disorders among children with ocular disorders. The mental health burden of children with simple congenital ptosis, however, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychosocial and mental health findings of children with simple congenital ptosis with controls.

Methods

The medical records of all children (<19 years) diagnosed with simple congenital ptosis from 1 January 1965 through 31 December 2004 while residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota were retrospectively reviewed for psychosocial and mental health morbidity. One-to-one randomly selected age-matched and gender-matched controls from the same population were similarly reviewed.

Results

81 children with ptosis were diagnosed at a mean age of 3.2 years (range, 1 month–16 years), 35 (43.2%) of whom were girls. An adverse psychosocial development was diagnosed in 41 (50.6%) patients with simple congenital ptosis monitored to a mean age of 21.4 years, compared with 26 (32.5%) controls (p=0.02). A mental illness was diagnosed in 31 (38.3%) patients with ptosis compared with 16 (20%) controls (p=0.01). Children with ptosis were 2.5 times more likely than controls to develop a mental illness and 2.1 times more likely to develop a psychosocial maladjustment. Patients with ptosis were also significantly more likely to have more mental health disorders (p=0.02) and a longer duration of psychotropic medication use (p=0.005).

Conclusions

Children diagnosed with simple congenital ptosis in this population had significantly greater psychosocial and mental health morbidity compared with controls. Children with ptosis may benefit from early psychosocial intervention.
Predicting mortality of individual patients with COVID-19: a multicentre Dutch cohort
Authors: Ottenhoff Maarten C , Ramos Lucas A , Potters Wouter , Janssen Marcus L F , Hubers Deborah , Hu Shi , Fridgeirsson Egill A , Piña-Fuentes Dan , Thomas Rajat , van der Horst Iwan C C , Herff Christian , Kubben Pieter , Elbers Paul W G , Marquering Henk A , Welling Max , Simsek Suat , de Kruif Martijn D , Dormans Tom , Fleuren Lucas M , Schinkel Michiel , Noordzij Peter G , van den Bergh Joop P , Wyers Caroline E , Buis David T B , Wiersinga W Joost , van den Hout Ella H C , Reidinga Auke C , Rusch Daisy , Sigaloff Kim C E , Douma Renee A , de Haan Lianne , Gritters van den Oever Niels C , Rennenberg Roger J M W , van Wingen Guido A , Aries Marcel J H , Beudel Martijn
Published: July 2021

Objective

Develop and validate models that predict mortality of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A multicentre cohort across 10 Dutch hospitals including patients from 27 February to 8 June 2020.

Participants

SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (age ≥18) admitted to the hospital.

Main outcome measures

21-day all-cause mortality evaluated by the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. The predictive value of age was explored by comparison with age-based rules used in practice and by excluding age from the analysis.

Results

2273 patients were included, of whom 516 had died or discharged to palliative care within 21 days after admission. Five feature sets, including premorbid, clinical presentation and laboratory and radiology values, were derived from 80 features. Additionally, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)-based data-driven feature selection selected the 10 features with the highest F values: age, number of home medications, urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, oxygen saturation (%), oxygen saturation is measured on room air, oxygen saturation is measured on oxygen therapy, blood gas pH and history of chronic cardiac disease. A linear logistic regression and non-linear tree-based gradient boosting algorithm fitted the data with an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.85) and 0.82 (0.79 to 0.85), respectively, using the 10 selected features. Both models outperformed age-based decision rules used in practice (AUC of 0.69, 0.65 to 0.74 for age >70). Furthermore, performance remained stable when excluding age as predictor (AUC of 0.78, 0.75 to 0.81).

Conclusion

Both models showed good performance and had better test characteristics than age-based decision rules, using 10 admission features readily available in Dutch hospitals. The models hold promise to aid decision-making during a hospital bed shortage.
Frailty differences across population characteristics associated with health inequality: a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Griffith Lauren E , Raina Parminder , Kanters David , Hogan David , Patterson Christopher , Papaioannou Alexandra , Richardson Julie , Gilsing Anne , Thompson Mary , van den Heuvel Edwin
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the pattern of frailty across several of social stratifiers associated with health inequalities.

Design, setting and participants

Cross-sectional baseline data on 51 338 community-living women and men aged 45–85 years from the population-based Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (collected from September 2011 to May 2015) were used in this study.

Primary outcomes and measures

A Frailty Index (FI) was constructed using self-reported chronic conditions, psychological function and cognitive status and physical functioning variables. Social stratifiers were chosen based on the Pan-Canadian Health Inequalities Reporting Initiative, reflecting key health inequalities in Canada. Unadjusted and adjusted FIs and domain-specific FIs (based on chronic conditions, physical function, psychological/cognitive deficits) were examined across population strata.

Results

The overall mean FI was 0.13±0.08. It increased with age and was higher in women than men. Higher mean FIs were found among study participants with low income (0.20±0.10), who did not complete secondary education (0.17±0.09) or had low perceived social standing (0.18±0.10). Values did not differ by Canadian province of residence or urban/rural status. After simultaneously adjusting for population characteristics and other covariates, income explained the most heterogeneity in frailty, especially in younger age groups; similar patterns were found for men and women. The average frailty for people aged 45–54 in the lowest income group was greater than that for those aged 75–85 years. The heterogeneity in the FI among income groups was greatest for the psychological/cognitive domain.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that especially in the younger age groups, psychological/cognitive deficits are most highly associated with both overall frailty levels and the gradient in frailty associated with income. If this is predictive of later increases in the other two domains (and overall frailty), it raises the question whether targeting mental health factors earlier in life might be an effective approach to mitigating frailty.