bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing transparency and accountability of national action plans on antimicrobial resistance in 15 African countries
Authors: Harant Anne
Published: January 2022

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an increasing public health threat to low- and lower-middle income countries. Recent studies found that in fact poor governance and transparency correlate more strongly with AMR than factors such as antibiotic use. While many African countries now have national action plans (NAPs) on AMR, it is unclear whether information is publicly available on their implementation, surveillance and financing.

Methods

Here, the transparency of information related to AMR national action plans in 15 African countries is assessed, based on a governance framework for AMR action plans. Public availability is assessed for AMR documents, progress reports, AMR surveillance data, budget allocations, as well as bodies and persons responsible for implementation of NAPs. Government websites and search engines were perused using search terms related to the studied criteria and countries.

Results

Results show that most countries have a national action plan publicly available. AMR surveillance data was available for a few countries, but systematic progress reports and funding allocations were absent in all but one country. Information on a body mandated to coordinate NAP implementation was available for most countries, but their functionality remain unclear. Most countries have nominated at least one person responsible for AMR nationally. In general, information was often fragmented and frequently available on external, non-government websites. It appears that commitments on AMR made in the often comprehensive NAPs are rarely met in a timely manner, exhibiting rather weak accountability for AMR results. The article provides concrete policy recommendations on how transparency and accountability may be improved with little effort.

Conclusions

Making information available can enable stakeholders such as civil society to demand accountability for results and lead to much needed specific actions on curbing AMR in countries.
Characterizing the bioburden of ESBL-producing organisms in a neonatal unit using chromogenic culture media: a feasible and efficient environmental sampling method
Authors: Vurayai Moses , Strysko Jonathan , Kgomanyane Kgomotso , Bayani One , Mokomane Margaret , Machiya Tichaona , Arscott-Mills Tonya , Goldfarb David M. , Steenhoff Andrew P. , McGann Carolyn , Nakstad Britt , Gezmu Alemayehu , Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Coffin Susan
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Infections due to extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms (ESBL) have emerged as the leading cause of sepsis among hospitalized neonates in Botswana and much of sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Yet, ESBL reservoirs and transmission dynamics within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment are not well-understood. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and feasibility of a chromogenic-culture-media-based environmental sampling approach to characterize the ESBL bioburden within a NICU.

Methods

A series of four point-prevalence surveys were conducted at a 36-bed NICU at a public tertiary referral hospital in Botswana from January-June 2021. Samples were collected on 4 occasions under semi-sterile technique using 1) flocked swabs & templates (flat surfaces); 2) sterile syringe & tubing (water aspiration); and 3) structured swabbing techniques (hands & equipment). Swabs were transported in physiological saline-containing tubes, vortexed, and 10 µL was inoculated onto chromogenic-agar that was selective and differential for ESBL (CHROMagar™ ESBL, Paris, France), and streaking plates to isolate individual colonies. Bacterial colonies were quantified and phenotypically characterized using biochemical identification tests.

Results

In total, 567 samples were collected, 248 (44%) of which grew ESBL. Dense and consistent ESBL contamination was detected in and around sinks and certain high-touch surfaces, while transient contamination was demonstrated on medical equipment, caregivers/healthcare worker hands, insects, and feeding stations (including formula powder). Results were available within 24–72 h of collection. To collect, plate, and analyse 50 samples, we estimated a total expenditure of $269.40 USD for materials and 13.5 cumulative work hours among all personnel.

Conclusions

Using basic environmental sampling and laboratory techniques aided by chromogenic culture media, we identified ESBL reservoirs (sinks) and plausible transmission vehicles (medical equipment, infant formula, hands of caregivers/healthcare workers, & insects) in this NICU environment. This strategy was a simple and cost-efficient method to assess ESBL bioburden and may be feasible for use in other settings to support ongoing infection control assessments and outbreak investigations.
Impact of regional bans of highly hazardous pesticides on agricultural yields: the case of Kerala
Authors: Sethi Aastha , Lin Chien-Yu , Madhavan Indira , Davis Mark , Alexander Peter , Eddleston Michael , Chang Shu-Sen
Published: January 2022

Background

Removing highly hazardous pesticides from agricultural practice in low- and middle-income countries is crucial to ensuring community and environmental health and occupational safety of farmers. However, the approach has been challenged as threatening food production, despite evidence from Asian countries that curbing agricultural use of highly hazardous pesticides does not affect crop yields. In 2011, the state of Kerala, India, banned 14 highly hazardous pesticides resulting in a marked reduction in deaths from pesticide poisoning.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether the Kerala pesticide bans impacted agricultural yields.

Methods

We collected data on agricultural production, area under cultivation, and rainfall, published by the Kerala state agricultural department from 2004 to 2018 for eight key crops that had been treated with the banned pesticides. Trends in crop yields (total production/area under cultivation) and rainfall across 14 districts in Kerala were aggregated and analysed using joinpoint regression. These trends were evaluated to ascertain possible associations with the pesticide bans.

Results

The joinpoint regression analyses showed no evidence for any change in yield trends for any of the eight crops in the year of the pesticide bans (2011), or the subsequent year (2012), suggesting a negligible impact of the bans on crop yields. Steady trends of predominately reductions in overall rainfall, without any change around the time of the pesticide bans, was observed in Kerala throughout the period. No evidence of district-level changes in rainfall that might have offset any potential adverse impacts of the pesticide bans on crop yields was noted. Fluctuations in yield until 2018 could be explained by variation in rainfall, changes in land use, and agricultural policies.

Conclusion

We found no evidence of an adverse effect on agricultural yields in Kerala that could be attributed to bans of highly hazardous pesticides. This work provides further evidence that such pesticides can be withdrawn from agricultural use without affecting yields. Further studies are required for the whole of India after the national bans of 12 pesticides in 2018 to identify state-level effects of the bans.
Dietary Enteromorpha polysaccharide-Zn supplementation regulates amino acid and fatty acid metabolism by improving the antioxidant activity in chicken
Authors: Wassie Teketay , Duan Xinyi , Xie Chunyan , Wang Ruxia , Wu Xin
Published: January 2022

Background

Enteromorpha prolifera (E. prolifera) polysaccharide has become a promising feed additive with a variety of physiological activities, such as anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, and cation chelating ability. However, whether Enteromorpha polysaccharide-trace element complex supplementation regulates amino acid and fatty acid metabolism in chicken is largely unknown. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of E. prolifera polysaccharide (EP)-Zn supplementation on growth performance, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism in chicken.

Methods

A total of 184 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chickens were randomly divided into two treatment groups with 8 replicates, 12 chickens per replicate, and fed either the basal diet (control group) or basal diet plus E. prolifera polysaccharide-Zinc (400 mg EP-Zn/kg diet).

Results

Dietary EP-Zn supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) the body weight, average daily gain, muscle antioxidant activity, serum HDL level, and reduced serum TG and LDL concentration. In addition, dietary EP-Zn supplementation could modulate ileal amino acid digestibility and upregulate the mRNA expression of amino acid transporter genes in the jejunum, ileum, breast muscle, and liver tissues (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, breast meat from chickens fed EP-Zn had higher (P < 0.05) Pro and Asp content, and lower (P < 0.05) Val, Phe, Gly, and Cys free amino acid content. Furthermore, EP-Zn supplementation upregulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expressions of mTOR and anti-oxidant related genes, while down-regulated protein degradation related genes in the breast muscle. Breast meat from EP-Zn supplemented group had significantly lower (P < 0.05) proportions of Σn-3 PUFA, and a higher percentage of Σn-6 PUFA and the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA. Besides, EP-Zn supplementation regulated lipid metabolism by inhibiting the gene expression of key enzymes involved in the fatty acid synthesis and activating genes that participated in fatty acid oxidation in the liver tissue.

Conclusions

It is concluded that EP-Zn complex supplementation regulates apparent ileal amino acid digestibility, enhances amino acid metabolism, and decreases oxidative stress-associated protein breakdown, thereby improving the growth performance. Furthermore, it promotes fatty acid oxidation and restrains fat synthesis through modulating lipid metabolism-related gene expression.

Graphical abstract
Enhanced IgA coating of bacteria in women with Lactobacillus crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota
Authors: Breedveld Annelot C. , Schuster Heleen J. , van Houdt Robin , Painter Rebecca C. , Mebius Reina E. , van der Veer Charlotte , Bruisten Sylvia M. , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , van Egmond Marjolein
Published: January 2022

Background

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays an important role in maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiome, but little is known about the interaction between local immunoglobulins and the vaginal microbiome. We assessed immunoglobulins (unbound and bound to bacteria), their association with vaginal microbiota composition and the changes over time in 25 healthy women of reproductive age.

Results

In both Lactobacillus crispatus-dominated and non-L. crispatus-dominated microbiota, IgA and IgG (unbound and bound to bacteria) were higher during menses (T = 1) compared to day 7‑11 (T = 2) and day 17‑25 (T = 3) after menses onset. The majority of vaginal bacteria are coated with IgA and/or IgG. Women with L. crispatus-dominated microbiota have increased IgA coating of vaginal bacteria compared to women with other microbiota compositions, but contained less IgA per bacterium. Presence of a dominantly IgA-coated population at T = 2 and/or T = 3 was also strongly associated with L. crispatus-dominated microbiota. In women with non-L. crispatus-dominated microbiota, more bacteria were uncoated. Unbound IgA, unbound IgG, and bound IgG levels were not associated with microbiota composition.

Conclusions

In conclusion, L. crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota have higher levels of bacterial IgA coating compared to non-L. crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota. Similar to its regulating function in the intestinal tract, we hypothesize that IgA is involved in maintaining L. crispatus-dominated microbiota in the female genital tract. This may play a role in L. crispatus-associated health benefits.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 alters the microbial community composition and metabolic potential to mineralize organic phosphorus in the rhizosphere of wheat
Authors: Jin Jian , Krohn Christian , Franks Ashley E. , Wang Xiaojuan , Wood Jennifer L. , Petrovski Steve , McCaskill Malcolm , Batinovic Steven , Xie Zhihuang , Tang Caixian
Published: January 2022

Background

Understanding how elevated atmospheric CO2(eCO2) impacts on phosphorus (P) transformation in plant rhizosphere is critical for maintaining ecological sustainability in response to climate change, especially in agricultural systems where soil P availability is low.

Methods

This study used rhizoboxes to physically separate rhizosphere regions (plant root-soil interface) into 1.5-mm segments. Wheat plants were grown in rhizoboxes under eCO2(800 ppm) and ambient CO2(400 ppm) in two farming soils, Chromosol and Vertosol, supplemented with phytate (organic P). Photosynthetic carbon flow in the plant-soil continuum was traced with13CO2labeling. Amplicon sequencing was performed on the rhizosphere-associated microbial community in the root-growth zone, and 1.5 mm and 3 mm away from the root.

Results

Elevated CO2accelerated the mineralization of phytate in the rhizosphere zones, which corresponded with increases in plant-derived13C enrichment and the relative abundances of discreet phylogenetic clades containing Bacteroidetes and Gemmatimonadetes in the bacterial community, andFunneliformisaffiliated to arbuscular mycorrhizas in the fungal community. Although the amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) associated the stimulation of phytate mineralization under eCO2differed between the two soils, these ASVs belonged to the same phyla associated with phytase and phosphatase production. The symbiotic mycorrhizas in the rhizosphere of wheat under eCO2benefited from increased plant C supply and increased P access from soil. Further supportive evidence was the eCO2-induced increase in the genetic pool expressing the pentose phosphate pathway, which is the central pathway for biosynthesis of RNA/DNA precursors.

Conclusions

The results suggested that an increased belowground carbon flow under eCO2stimulated bacterial growth, changing community composition in favor of phylotypes capable of degrading aromatic P compounds. It is proposed that energy investments by bacteria into anabolic processes increase under eCO2to level microbial P-use efficiencies and that synergies with symbiotic mycorrhizas further enhance the competition for and mineralization of organic P.
Gut microbiota–derived metabolite 3-idoleacetic acid together with LPS induces IL-35+ B cell generation
Authors: Su Xiaomin , Zhang Minying , Qi Houbao , Gao Yunhuan , Yang Yazheng , Yun Huan , Zhang Qianjing , Yang Xiaorong , Zhang Yuan , He Jiangshan , Fan Yaqi , Wang Yuxue , Guo Pei , Zhang Chunze , Yang Rongcun
Published: January 2022

Background

IL-35–producing Bregs and Treg cells critically regulate chronic illnesses worldwide via mechanisms related to disrupting the gut microbiota composition. However, whether the gut microbiota regulates these IL-35+ cells remains elusive. We herein investigated the regulatory effects of the gut microbiota on IL-35+ cells by using genetically modified mouse models of obesity.

Results

We first found that gut Reg4 promoted resistance to high-fat diet-induced obesity. Using 16S rRNA sequencing combined with LC-MS (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry)/MS, we demonstrated that gut Reg4 associated with bacteria such as Lactobacillus promoted the generation of IL-35+ B cells through 3-idoleacetic acid (IAA) in the presence of LPS. HuREG4IECtg mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited marked IL-35+ cell accumulation in not only their adipose tissues but also their colons, whereas decreased IL-35+ cell accumulation was observed in the adipose and colon tissues of Reg4 knockout (KO) mice. We also found that Reg4 mediated HFD-induced obesity resistance via IL-35. Lower levels of IAA were also detected in the peripheral blood of individuals with obesity compared with nonobese subjects. Mechanistically, IAA together with LPS mediated IL-35+ B cells through PXR and TLR4. KO of PXR or TLR4 impaired the generation of IL-35+ B cells.

Conclusion

Together, IAA and LPS induce the generation of IL-35+ B cells through PXR and TLR4.
Epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial analysis of overseas imported dengue fever cases in outbreak provinces of China, 2005–2019
Authors: Lun Xinchang , Wang Yiguan , Zhao Chunchun , Wu Haixia , Zhu Caiying , Ma Delong , Xu Mingfang , Wang Jun , Liu Qiyong , Xu Lei , Meng Fengxia
Published: January 2022

Background

Overseas imported dengue fever is an important factor in local outbreaks of this disease in the mainland of China. To better prevent and control such local outbreaks, the epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial distribution of overseas imported dengue fever cases in provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) where dengue fever is outbreak in the mainland of China were explored.

Methods

Using the Chinese National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System (CNNDS), we identified overseas imported dengue fever cases in dengue fever outbreak areas in the mainland of China from 2005 to 2019 to draw the epidemic curve and population characteristic distribution of overseas imported cases in each PLAD. Based on spatial autocorrelation analysis of ArcGIS 10.5 and temporal-spatial scanning analysis of SaTScan 9.5, we analyzed the temporal-spatial distribution of overseas imported dengue fever in dengue fever outbreak areas in the mainland of China.

Results

A total of 11,407 imported cases, mainly from Southeast Asia, were recorded from 2005 to 2019 in these 13 PLADs. Of which 62.1% were imported into Yunnan and Guangdong Provinces. Among the imported cases, there were more males than females, mainly from the 21–50 age group. The hot spots were concentrated in parts of Yunnan, Guangdong and Fujian Provinces. We found the cluster of infected areas were expanding northward.

Conclusions

Based on the analysis of overseas imported dengue cases in 13 PLADs of the mainland of China from 2005 to 2019, we obtained the epidemiological characteristics and spatial distribution of imported dengue cases. Border controls need to pay attention to key population sectors, such as 21–50 years old men and education of key populations on dengue prevention. There is a need to improve the awareness of the prevention and control of imported cases in border areas. At the same time, northern regions cannot relax their vigilance.

Graphical Abstract
Proteomic profiling in cerebral amyloid angiopathy reveals an overlap with CADASIL highlighting accumulation of HTRA1 and its substrates
Authors: Zellner Andreas , Müller Stephan A. , Lindner Barbara , Beaufort Nathalie , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , Arzberger Thomas , Gassen Nils C. , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. , Kuster Bernhard , Haffner Christof , Dichgans Martin
Published: January 2022

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is an age-related condition and a major cause of intracerebral hemorrhage and cognitive decline that shows close links with Alzheimer's disease (AD). CAA is characterized by the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and formation of Aβ deposits in the brain vasculature resulting in a disruption of the angioarchitecture. Capillaries are a critical site of Aβ pathology in CAA type 1 and become dysfunctional during disease progression. Here, applying an advanced protocol for the isolation of parenchymal microvessels from post-mortem brain tissue combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), we determined the proteomes of CAA type 1 cases (n = 12) including a patient with hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D), and of AD cases without microvascular amyloid pathology (n = 13) in comparison to neurologically healthy controls (n = 12). ELISA measurements revealed microvascular Aβ1-40 levels to be exclusively enriched in CAA samples (mean: > 3000-fold compared to controls). The proteomic profile of CAA type 1 was characterized by massive enrichment of multiple predominantly secreted proteins and showed significant overlap with the recently reported brain microvascular proteome of patients with cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), a hereditary cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) characterized by the aggregation of the Notch3 extracellular domain. We found this overlap to be largely attributable to the accumulation of high-temperature requirement protein A1 (HTRA1), a serine protease with an established role in the brain vasculature, and several of its substrates. Notably, this signature was not present in AD cases. We further show that HTRA1 co-localizes with Aβ deposits in brain capillaries from CAA type 1 patients indicating a pathologic recruitment process. Together, these findings suggest a central role of HTRA1-dependent protein homeostasis in the CAA microvasculature and a molecular connection between multiple types of brain microvascular disease.
Immediate induction of varicosities by transverse compression but not uniaxial stretch in axon mechanosensation
Authors: Sun Chao , Qi Lin , Cheng Yang , Zhao Yi , Gu Chen
Published: January 2022

Uniaxial stretch is believed to drive diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Axonal varicosities are enlarged structures along axonal shafts and represent a hallmark feature of DAI. Here we report that axonal varicosities initiate in vivo immediately after head impact and are mainly induced by transverse compression but not uniaxial stretch. Vertical and lateral impacts to the mouse head induced axonal varicosities in distinct brain regions before any changes of microglial markers. Varicosities preferentially formed along axons perpendicular to impact direction. In cultured neurons, whereas 50% uniaxial strain was needed to rapidly induce axonal varicosities in a nanowrinkled stretch assay, physiologically-relevant transverse compression effectively induced axonal varicosities in a fluid puffing assay and can generate large but nonuniform deformation simulated by finite element analysis. Therefore, impact strength and direction may determine the threshold and spatial pattern of axonal varicosity initiation, respectively, partially resulting from intrinsic properties of axon mechanosensation.
Transparent reversible prosthesis, a new way to complete the conservation–restoration of a Black Ding bowl with application of 3D technologies
Authors: Liu Shengyu , Tu Yuanwei , Wang Xin , Qin Bo , Xie Zhenda , Zhang Yeliang , Zhang Hai , Hu Dongbo
Published: January 2022

In recent years, 3D technology has been widely used in various aspects of the entire workflow of conservation–restoration. However, in the majority of cases, researchers have mainly relied on 3D technologies to assist the conventional conservation–restoration process, and its advantages have not truly been exploited. In this paper, we applied a combination of digital acquisition, virtual anastylosis, virtual reconstruction, and 3D printing of a transparent reversible prosthesis with slots for the restoration of a gold foil decorated Black Ding bowl collected by the Chifeng Museum of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. While completing the physical/aesthetic restoration of the artifact, the conservation–restoration principles of the integrity and authenticity of cultural heritage, minimal intervention and reversibility were followed to the utmost extent. At the same time, we also conducted preliminary performance tests on the 3D printing material of the prosthesis, and the results showed that the material has excellent mechanical properties and stain resistance, contributing to the long-term, stable preservation of the artifact. This work presents an innovative solution applicable to other pieces of cultural heritage and has high significance for promotion.
Part of speech tagging: a systematic review of deep learning and machine learning approaches
Authors: Chiche Alebachew , Yitagesu Betselot
Published: January 2022

Natural language processing (NLP) tools have sparked a great deal of interest due to rapid improvements in information and communications technologies. As a result, many different NLP tools are being produced. However, there are many challenges for developing efficient and effective NLP tools that accurately process natural languages. One such tool is part of speech (POS) tagging, which tags a particular sentence or words in a paragraph by looking at the context of the sentence/words inside the paragraph. Despite enormous efforts by researchers, POS tagging still faces challenges in improving accuracy while reducing false-positive rates and in tagging unknown words. Furthermore, the presence of ambiguity when tagging terms with different contextual meanings inside a sentence cannot be overlooked. Recently, Deep learning (DL) and Machine learning (ML)-based POS taggers are being implemented as potential solutions to efficiently identify words in a given sentence across a paragraph. This article first clarifies the concept of part of speech POS tagging. It then provides the broad categorization based on the famous ML and DL techniques employed in designing and implementing part of speech taggers. A comprehensive review of the latest POS tagging articles is provided by discussing the weakness and strengths of the proposed approaches. Then, recent trends and advancements of DL and ML-based part-of-speech-taggers are presented in terms of the proposed approaches deployed and their performance evaluation metrics. Using the limitations of the proposed approaches, we emphasized various research gaps and presented future recommendations for the research in advancing DL and ML-based POS tagging.
Improving bedside dispensing services through early medication discharge planning: a pre-post intervention study
Authors: Oh Ai Ling , Tan Yi Jing , Chong Wan Choon , Chieng Irene Yee Yew , Chan Jaime Yoke May , Kho Boon Phiaw , Theng Mei Ing , Tan Crystal Sing Yee
Published: January 2022

Background

Delays in producing discharge prescriptions have hindered the provision of bedside dispensing services (BEDISC) that enable medication reconciliation and pharmaceutical intervention, which is an important element in transitional care medication safety. We aimed to assess the impact of early medication discharge planning on the delivery of BEDISC in terms of the rate of bedside dispensing, medication errors, and cost-saving from medication reconciliation by reusing patient’s own medicines (POMs).

Methods

A pre–post intervention study was conducted at medical wards in a public tertiary hospital. During the intervention phase, a structured bedside dispensing process was delineated and conveyed to the doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Regular verbal reminders were given to the doctors to prioritize discharge patients by producing the prescriptions once discharge decisions had been made and nurses to hand the prescriptions to ward pharmacists and not patients. Throughout the study, ward pharmacists were involved in medication reconciliation via screening of discharge prescriptions and reusing POMs, performed pharmaceutical interventions for any medication errors detected, and provided bedside dispensing with discharge counseling. Comparisons were made between bedside versus counter-dispensing at pre–post intervention phases using the chi-square test.

Results

A total of 1097 and 817 discharge prescriptions were dispensed in the pre-intervention and post-intervention phases, respectively. The bedside dispensing rate increased by 13.5% following remedial actions (p < 0.001). The number of prescriptions intervened due to detection of medication errors increased by 13.4% for bedside dispensing (p < 0.001) versus 4.7% for counter-dispensing (p = 0.002), post-intervention. Most medication errors fell under the category of inappropriate drug (44.5%), followed by inappropriate dose (12.8%). Reusing POMs resulted in cost-saving of MYR6,851.66 at pre-intervention and MYR7,032.98 at the post-intervention phase. Overall, the cost-saving from reusing POMs in both intervention phases was 52.7% (MYR13,884.64 out of the total MYR26.367.47), with the majority contributed by respiratory medications (40.2%) followed by cardiovascular (18%) and vitamins/minerals (17.5%).

Conclusion

Pharmacist-coordinated early medication discharge planning has improved the delivery of bedside dispensing services, enhanced medication safety, and reduced medication costs.
Development of a detection method for short-term slow slip events using GNSS data and its application to the Nankai subduction zone
Authors: Okada Yutaro , Nishimura Takuya , Tabei Takao , Matsushima Takeshi , Hirose Hitoshi
Published: January 2022

Using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data to detect millimeter-order signals of short-term slow slip events (S-SSEs) and to estimate their source parameters, especially duration, is challenging because of low signal-to-noise ratio. Although the duration of S-SSEs in the Nankai subduction zone has been estimated using tiltmeters, its regional variation has never been quantitatively studied. We developed an S-SSE detection method to estimate both the fault model and duration with their errors based on the detection methods developed by previous studies and applied it to a 23-year period of GNSS data in the Nankai subduction zone. We extracted S-SSE signals by calculating correlation coefficients between the GNSS time series and a synthetic template representing the time evolution of an S-SSE and by computing the average of correlation coefficients weighted by the predicted S-SSE signals. We enhanced the signals for duration estimation by stacking GNSS time series weighted by displacements calculated from the estimated fault model. By applying the developed method, we detected 284 S-SSEs from 1997 to 2020 in the Nankai subduction zone from Tokai to Kyushu and discussed their regional characteristics. The results include some newly detected S-SSEs, including events accompanying very low-frequency earthquakes and repeating earthquakes in offshore Kyushu. Our study provides the first geodetic evidence for synchronization of S-SSEs and other seismic phenomena in offshore Kyushu. We estimated the cumulative slip and duration, and their error carefully. We also estimated the average slip rate by dividing the cumulative slip by the cumulative duration. This study clarified that the average slip rate in western Shikoku was approximately twice as that in eastern Shikoku and Kyushu. These regional differences were statistically significant at the 95% confidence interval. Multiple factors can influence the regional characteristics of S-SSEs, and we speculate that the subducting plate interface geometry is one of the dominant factors.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of conventional and digital workflow for dental rehabilitation with a novel patient-specific framework implant system: an experimental dataset evaluation
Authors: Spalthoff Simon , Borrmann Mandy , Jehn Philipp , Rahlf Björn , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Korn Philippe
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a digital workflow by comparing the accuracy of prosthetic teeth positioning between virtual standard-size digitally constructed and conventional dental laboratory-fabricated prostheses.

Methods

Twenty-five computed tomography datasets with a dentate upper jaw were selected after applying inclusion criteria to 100 random datasets obtained from the institutional library, and partially edentulous maxillae were constructed virtually. Digital datasets of temporary prostheses were fabricated on these virtually constructed edentulous maxillae in two ways: one dataset comprised prostheses that were fabricated conventionally using prosthetic teeth and wax in the dental laboratory and then scanned using a model scanner, whereas the other dataset was designed virtually using standardized virtual dental arches. The digital datasets of both prostheses were compared for differences at six dental-based measurement points with the original patient dentition.

Results

Overall, the conventional design pathway was more accurate than the digital one (conventional 2.915 ± 1.388 mm, digital 3.609 ± 2.052 mm, P < 0.001). However, when all six measurement points were evaluated individually, only three points showed significant differences in the tooth positions. Compared with the original dentition, the deviations were less in the anterior teeth region than in the molar region, fulfilling the esthetic expectations of the patients. Standardized virtual dental arches were practically adequate because virtual reconstruction of every edentulous case using these virtual arches was possible without any additional modifications.

Conclusion

It is possible to fabricate clinically acceptable temporary prostheses using a comprehensive digital workflow based on standardized digital dental arches.
Modelling the Influence of Task Constraints on Goal Kicking Performance in Australian Rules Football
Authors: Browne Peter R. , Sweeting Alice J. , Robertson Sam
Published: January 2022

Background

The primary aim of this study was to determine the influence of task constraints, from an ecological perspective, on goal kicking performance in Australian football. The secondary aim was to compare the applicability of three analysis techniques; logistic regression, a rule induction approach and conditional inference trees to achieve the primary aim. In this study, an ecological perspective has been applied to explore the impact of task constraints on shots on goal in the Australian Football League, such as shot type, field location and pressure. Analytical techniques can increase the understanding of competition environments and the influence of constraints on skilled events. Differing analytical techniques can produce varying outputs styles which can impact the applicability of the technique. Logistic regression, Classification Based on Associations rules and conditional inference trees were conducted to determine constraint interaction and their influence on goal kicking, with both the accuracy and applicability of each approach assessed.

Results

Each analysis technique had similar accuracy, ranging between 63.5% and 65.4%. For general play shots, the type of pressure and location particularly affected the likelihood of a shot being successful. Location was also a major influence on goal kicking performance from set shots.

Conclusions

When different analytical methods display similar performance on a given problem, those should be prioritised which show the highest interpretability and an ability to guide decision-making in a manner similar to what is currently observed in the organisation.
Decolonizing global health: what should be the target of this movement and where does it lead us?
Authors: Kwete Xiaoxiao , Tang Kun , Chen Lucy , Ren Ran , Chen Qi , Wu Zhenru , Cai Yi , Li Hao
Published: January 2022

The current decolonizing global health movement is calling us to take a post-colonial perspective at the research and practice of global health, an area that has been re-defined by contemporary scholars and advocates with the purpose of promoting equity and justice. In this article, we summarize the main points of discussion from the Symposium organized by the editorial board of Global Health Research and Policy, convened in July 2021 in Wuhan, China. Experts participating in the symposium discussed what decolonizing global health means, how to decolonize it, and what criteria to apply in measuring its completion. Through the meeting, a consensus was reached that the current status quo of global health is still replete with various forms of colonial vestiges–ideologies and practices–, and to fully decolonize global health, systemic reforms must be taken that target the fundamental assumptions of global health: does investment in global health bring socioeconomic development, or is it the other way around? Three levels of colonial vestiges in global health were raised and one guiding principle was proposed when thinking of solutions for them. More theoretical discussion needs to be explored to guide practices to decolonize global health.
A spatially explicit analytical framework to assess wildfire risks on brown bear habitat and corridors in conservation areas
Authors: Khosravi Rasoul , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Adavoudi Roya , Julaie Leila , Wan Ho Yi
Published: January 2022

Background

Humans have altered fire regimes across ecosystems due to climate change, land use change, and increasing ignition. Unprecedented shifts in fire regimes affect animals and contribute to habitat displacement, reduced movement, and increased mortality risk. Mitigating these effects require the identification of habitats that are susceptible to wildfires. We designed an analytical framework that incorporates fire risk mapping with species distribution modeling to identify key habitats ofUrsus arctoswith high probability of fire in Iran. We applied the random forest algorithm for fire risk mapping. We also modeled brown bear habitats and predicted connectivity between them using species distribution models and connectivity analysis, respectively. Finally, the fire risk map, critical habitats, and corridors were overlaid to spatially identify habitats and corridors that are at high risk of fire.

Results

We identified 17 critical habitats with 5245 km2of corridors connecting them, 40.06% and 11.34% of which are covered by conservation areas, respectively. Our analysis showed that 35.65% of key habitats and 23.56% of corridors are at high risk of fire.

Conclusions

Since bears habitat in this semi-arid landscape rely on forests at higher altitudes, it is likely that shifting fire regimes due to changing climate and land use modifications reduce the extent of habitats in the future. While it is not well known how fire affects bears, identifying its key habitat where wildfires are likely to occur is the first step to manage potential impacts from increasing wildfires on this species.
Impact of vitamin D status on CF and non-CF bronchiectasis outcomes
Authors: Ali Heba A. , Deraz Thrwat E. , Mohamed Dina A. , Mahmoud Menna Z.
Published: January 2022

Background

Vitamin D deficiency occurs frequently in cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis patients. Yet, few studies have assessed the impact of vitamin D status on the clinical outcomes in pediatric bronchiectasis. This study is designed to assess vitamin D level and determine its effect on exacerbations, bacterial colonization, and lung function in pediatric patients with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis.

Results

This cross-sectional case-control study assessing vitamin D level was performed in a total of sixty cases under the age of 18 years—forty cases with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis and twenty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Associations between serum vitamin D and clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed in the patient groups. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients (75%, 45%) compared to controls (10%) (P < 0.001). In addition, vitamin D deficiency was associated with more frequent and severe pulmonary exacerbations (66.7%, 46.7%) (P=0.033, < 0.001), chronic Pseudomonas infection (80%) (P=0.060) among CF patients, and with lower FEV1 (66%) (P= 0.071) among non-CF bronchiectasis. Moreover, a cutoff value of vitamin D level equal or less than 22.5 ng/ml was accurate in differentiating moderate from mild pulmonary exacerbations in both patients’ groups (AUC=0.809) (p=0.004).

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon in both CF and non-CF bronchiectasis. In this population, vitamin D deficiency is associated with more frequent pulmonary exacerbations, chronic Pseudomonas infection, and worse lung function.
Glycemic gap and the outcome of diabetic patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Ghanem Yehia Mostafa , Ayad Mona Wagdy , Kareem Azza Abdel , Guirguis Maged Osama , Alkafafy Asmaa Mohamed , Badrah Mai Hesham
Published: January 2022

Background

Acute hyperglycemia is a common finding in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who present to the emergency department (ED). The prognostic role of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients with ACS remains controversial at least on the short-term basis. The aim of the present study was to find the relation between the glycemic gap and clinical outcome in diabetic patients with ACS.

Methods

The study included 100 diabetic patients with ACS to who were prospectively followed during their hospital stay. Admission blood glucose was measured and glycemic gap was calculated.

Results

In diabetic patients suffering ACS, there was a significant relation between the glycemic gap value, occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Glycemic gap is a better marker than admission blood glucose alone in diabetic patients presenting with ACS. This study added the optimal cut-off value for this important biomarker.
Clinical correlates of different forms of endolymphatic hydrops
Authors: Taha Hesham Mohammed , Nada Ihab , Alagamy Maha Mohammed , Rahman Tayseer Taha Abdel
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to explore the different kinds of endolymphatic hydrops and the sensitivity of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) and electrocochleography in their diagnosis. Three groups of patients were selected according to the diagnosis, definitive MD (DMD), cochlear MD (CMD), and recurrent vestibulopathy (RV) groups. A basic audiological evaluation was carried out. It included pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, acoustic immittancemetry testing and electrocochleography, cervical VEMP (c-VEMP), and ocular VEMP (o-VEMP).

Results

The overall sample was 40 cases, 13 with DMD, 10 with CMD, and 17 with RV. The mean age is variable between groups (p-value < 0.001) with the highest in the DMD group (38.3 ± 7.4 years) and the lowest in the CMD group (25.2 ± 4.6 years). The male to female ratio is variable between groups of the study (p-value = 0.03) with the highest ratio 9:4 in the DMD group. There was a significant difference between groups (p < 0.001) regarding dizziness. Asymmetric response of c-VEMP was seen in nine (69.2%) of DMD cases, in 14 (82.4%) of RV cases, and only in three (30%) of CMD cases (p-value < 0.001). Low amplitude of o-VEMP was seen in 11 (84.6%) of DMD cases, 9 (90%) of CMD cases, 15 (88.2%) of RV cases, and only two (25%) of normal cases (p-value = 0.002). A significant difference was found between definitive and cochlear Meniere’s as regards o-VEMP inter-aural amplitude difference (IAD) (p-value = 0.032) only. There was a significant positive strong correlation between age and EcochG SP/AP ratio left ear, o-VEMP IAD, and o-VEMP left ear n1. In addition, there is a significant positive weak correlation between duration and EcochG SP/AP ratio left ear and c-VEMP left ear n1.

Conclusions

Asymmetric response of c-VEMP can be used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate different kinds of MD: DMD, RV, and CMD.
The effect of receiving thyroid hormone replacement on the dysphonia severity index for congenital hypothyroid children
Authors: Farag Heba Mahmoud , Hady Aisha Fawzy Abdel , Hamid Asmaa Abdel , Soliman Hend
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Dysphonia is a common compliant in hypothyroid patients. Subjective voice changes could be clearly found in congenital hypothyroid children (CHC); however, the early treated children with thyroid hormone replacement (THR) may not experience dysphonia. The objective of this study is to determine if the CHC who were receiving early THR would have objectively measurable changes on vocal function as assessed by the dysphonia severity index (DSI).

Methods

Participants were 29 children aged from 6 to 12 years. Fifteen children had congenital hypothyroidism on eltroxin therapy started before the age of 1 year and 14 were typically developing children (TDC). All children did not have voice compliant. DSI was calculated for all children through the measure of maximum phonation time (MPT), highest frequency (F0-high), lowest intensity (I-low), and jitter percent (j %).

Results

CHC receiving early THR were not significantly different from TDC on DSI value; however, both groups showed significant difference on MPT and F0-high. Degree of voice changes by DSI in males was significantly higher than females in CHC on eltroxin therapy while no significant difference regarding gender has been found on DSI in TDC.

Conclusions

The results suggested that there is no evidence of DSI objective voice changes in CHC receiving THR compared to TDC, yet separate objective voice measures alternations had been found in CHC. This highlights the importance of achieving efficient neonatal screening programs for CHC and providing strong support to initiate early THR to avoid any alternation of laryngeal function.
Bilateral xanthogranulomatous inflammation of nasal and nasopharynx mass: a case report
Authors: Boon Wei Jie , Vong Khim Soon , Tang Ing Ping
Published: January 2022

Background

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is an uncommon condition in adult nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Case presentation

We report a male patient who developed xanthogranulomatous inflammation in the bilateral nose and nasopharynx. The patient was not responsive to oral steroid. Multiple biopsies were taken to confirm the definitive diagnosis, and endoscopic debulking of mass was performed to provide symptomatic relief. Patient was free from nasal symptoms, and residual nasal and nasopharyngeal masses showed no increment in size and number during follow-up.

Conclusion

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx can be easily confused with other nasal masses. A histopathology examination is crucial to establish the diagnosis. A repeated biopsy is needed if previous biopsy result is inconclusive. Surgical excision is recommended for symptomatic relief. The effectiveness of medical treatment is still unclear. A long-term follow-up is mandatory.
Discussion and expostulations on postoperative worsening of hearing following middle ear surgeries
Authors: Pandey Apoorva Kumar , Gupta Mudit , Varma Arvind , Bansal Chetan , Singh Sahil Deep , Bhardwaj Aparna , Kala Sonal
Published: January 2022

Background

Hearing assessment after middle ear surgery has always been of interest to otologists for one of its major unavoidable and unpredictable complication is hearing loss. As the initial indication for operation is to treat precisely this problem, this complication poses a major dilemma for surgeons. We, thus, aimed to detect the proportion of postoperative worsening of hearing, causes, and risk factors in patients undergoing middle ear surgery.

Method

This retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the department of otolaryngology of a tertiary care center and data of medical records were retrieved from January 2016 until December 2020. This study included middle ear surgery patients with pre- and postoperative audiometric results. Those patients whose hearing worsened post-operatively (where bone conduction deteriorated > 10 dB) were noted and assessed accordingly.

Results

The medical records regarding morphological and audiological outcomes of 178 patients were available. We observed auditory degradation after surgery in eight patients (five primary cases and three revision cases), with an overall incidence rate of 4.49%. The mastoidectomy was performed in seven cases, either cortical (n= 5) and modified radical (n= 2). Modified radical mastoidectomy showed the greatest incidence of hearing loss (40%) among all surgical procedures. Except in one case, where sudden, profound loss occurred following otorrhoea on third day, hearing loss was progressive in rest of cases.

Conclusion

A patient with deteriorating hearing after middle ear surgery must be evaluated properly. There is an increased chance of hearing loss following surgery that involves more ossicular manipulation, drilling, extensive disease clearance, and revision. Utmost care must be taken while operating around ossicles and during disease clearance in key areas. Proper consent should be taken from such patients to avoid future litigations.