bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological multifocality is not a prognosis factor of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Omi Yoko , Haniu Kento , Kamio Hidenori , Fujimoto Mikiko , Yoshida Yusaku , Horiuchi Kiyomi , Okamoto Takahiro
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Non-total thyroidectomy (non-TTx) is a widely accepted operative procedure for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). PTC patients preoperatively diagnosed with unifocal disease are often revealed as having multifocal foci by microscopy. The present study determined whether or not patients with clinically unifocal, but pathologically multifocal non-high-risk PTC treated with non-TTx have an increased risk of a poor prognosis compared to those with pathologically unifocal PTC.

Materials and methods

PTC patients diagnosed as unifocal preoperatively who underwent non-TTx were multifocal in 61 and unifocal in 266 patients microscopically. Oncologic event rates were compared between pathologically multifocal and unifocal PTC patients.

Results

Pathological multifocality was associated with positive clinical lymph node metastasis (cN1) (odds ratio [OR] 4.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91–8.04) and positive pathological lymph node metastasis (pN1) in > 5 nodes (OR 3.68, 95% CI: 1.60–8.49). No patients died from PTC. There was no significant difference in the disease-free survival rate, remnant thyroid disease-free survival rate, lymph node disease-free survival rate, or distant disease-free survival rate between the two groups. Recurrence in pathologically multifocal PTC patients was locoregional in all cases and able to be salvaged by reoperation. Cox proportional hazard model analyses showed no significant difference in recurrence rates with regard to pathological multifocality and cN or number of pNs.

Conclusion

The prognosis of PTC with pathological multifocality treated by non-TTx was not inferior to that of unifocal PTC. Immediate completion thyroidectomy is not necessary when microscopic foci are proven.
A call for culture-centred care: exploring health workers' perspectives of positive care experiences and culturally responsive care provision to Aboriginal women and their infants in mainstream health in South Australia
Authors: Sivertsen Nina , Deverix Janiene , Gregoric Carolyn , Grant Julian
Published: December 2022

Background

Aboriginal women and their infants experience significant disadvantage in health outcomes compared to their non-Aboriginal counterparts. Access to timely, effective, and appropriate maternal and child health care can contribute to reducing these existing health disparities. This research sought to explore factors that contribute to continuity of care for Aboriginal women and their infants living in metropolitan South Australia. This paper reports on the perspectives of health care workers in mainstream health services from the antenatal period to the end of an infants’ second birthday. It explores health workers’ perspectives of what contributes to positive care experiences and satisfaction with care provided to Aboriginal women and their infants in mainstream health.

Methods

Eight focus groups were held with 52 health professionals. Participants included Aboriginal Cultural Child and Family Support Consultants (n = 7), Aboriginal Maternal Infant Care Workers (n = 3), Midwives (n = 3) and Child and Family Nurses (n = 39). Data was inductively coded and thematically analysed.

Results

Three key themes emerged: the system takes priority, culture is not central in approaches to care, and ‘we’ve got to be allowed to do it in a different way’.

Conclusions

This research highlights a lack of continuity of care for Aboriginal families accessing mainstream health services from the antenatal period through to an infants’ first 1000 days of life. This research has implications for communities, and it calls for strategies to enhance continuity, and healthcare services to provide appropriate and culturally safe care. Findings will inform and guide future changes to improve continuity of care for Aboriginal families and infants in the first 1000 days.
Cost utility and budget impact analysis of dexamethasone compared with bortezomib and lenalidomide for the treatment of second line multiple myeloma from a South African public health perspective
Authors: Matsela Lineo Marie , Cleary Susan , Wilkinson Thomas
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple myeloma is an incurable haematological malignancy that is associated with a high probability of relapse. The survival of relapsed patients has been greatly improved by the development of novel drugs such as lenalidomide and bortezomib. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of these drugs as second-line treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients in the South African public health care system.

Methods

We modelled 3 treatment strategies for second-line RRMM treatment: dexamethasone (standard of care), bortezomib (BORT) and lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (LEN/DEX) from the South African public health perspective. For each strategy we modelled a hypothetical cohort of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients using a three-state Markov model over a 15-year time horizon. Efficacy and utilization data were obtained from the MM009/010 and APEX trials and external studies. Price and cost data were from local sources and presented in 2021 South African Rands. Outcomes were reported in quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated for BORT and LEN/DEX and compared to a local cost-effectiveness threshold of R38 500 per DALY averted using the assumption that 1 DALY averted is equal to 1 QALY gained. A budget impact analysis was conducted to evaluate the financial impact of the introduction of BORT and LEN/DEX, respectively. Deterministic sensitivity analysis was undertaken to account for parameter uncertainties.

Results

The modelled total costs of DEX, BORT and LEN/DEX were estimated to be R8 312, R234 996 and R1 135 323, respectively. DEX treatment provided 1.14 QALYs while BORT and LEN/DEX treatments provided 1.49 and 2.22 QALYs, respectively. The ICER of BORT versus DEX was R654 649 and that of LEN/DEX versus BORT was R1 225 542. Both BORT and LEN/DEX treatments were not cost-effective relative to a cost-effectiveness threshold of R38 500 per DALY averted. Both BORT and LEN/DEX significantly increase the 1 year budget-cost of RRMM treatment.

Conclusion

Both BORT and LEN/DEX treatments are unlikely to be cost-effective strategies for second-line treatment of RRMM in South Africa. The results indicate that the drug prices of lenalidomide and bortezomib are key drivers of value for money. Price reductions could potentially make BORT more cost-effective.
Case report: surgical management of symptomatic pretracheal thyroid gland in a patient with dual ectopic thyroid
Authors: Saito Masayuki , Banno Hirona , Ito Yukie , Ido Mirai , Goto Manami , Ando Takahito , Kousaka Junko , Mouri Yukako , Fujii Kimihito , Imai Tsuneo , Nakano Shogo , Tsuzuki Toyonori
Published: December 2022

Background

Dual ectopic thyroid, a very rare condition, is defined as the simultaneous presence of ectopic thyroid tissue in two abnormal locations. Here, we report the surgical management of a patient with dual ectopic thyroid.

Case presentation

The patient was a 12-year-old boy with right para-midline swelling for 2 months. On physical examination of the upper anterior neck, there was a 4 cm × 3 cm mass that was soft, mobile, smooth, and painless. Blood examination showed euthyroidism. Neck ultrasonography showed a well-circumscribed multilocular cyst. We followed up by observation only because the patient had no local symptoms or malignancy. After 2 years, the mass gradually enlarged, so we performed surgery to improve cosmetic outcomes. Preoperative neck CT revealed both a high-density solid mass at the base of the tongue and a central low-density region surrounded by a high-density area at the pretracheal region below the hyoid. The infrahyoid mass was surgically removed, and the sublingual mass was left intact. Pathological findings showed the growth of multiple-size follicles, leading to a diagnosis of adenomatous goiter. Postoperative 123−I scintigraphy showed radioactive iodine uptake in the sublingual lesion, but none in the normal thyroid bed despite the extirpation of thyroid tissue. Postoperative thyroid hormone replacement was started for subclinical hypothyroidism. One year postoperatively, the patient became euthyroid.

Conclusion

Surgical excision was used to manage a symptomatic cervical infrahyoid mass related to dual ectopic thyroid. Postoperatively, thyroid hormone replacement was required both to prevent enlargement of the remaining sublingual thyroid and to maintain adequate thyroid hormone levels.
Distance-dependent inhibition of translation initiation by downstream out-of-frame AUGs is consistent with a Brownian ratchet process of ribosome scanning
Authors: Li Ke , Kong Jinhui , Zhang Shuo , Zhao Tong , Qian Wenfeng
Published: December 2022

Background

Eukaryotic ribosomes are widely presumed to scan mRNA for the AUG codon to initiate translation in a strictly 5′–3′ movement (i.e., strictly unidirectional scanning model), so that ribosomes initiate translation exclusively at the 5′ proximal AUG codon (i.e., the first-AUG rule).

Results

We generate 13,437 yeast variants, each with an ATG triplet placed downstream (dATGs) of the annotated ATG (aATG) codon of a green fluorescent protein. We find that out-of-frame dATGs can inhibit translation at the aATG, but with diminishing strength over increasing distance between aATG and dATG, undetectable beyond ~17 nt. This phenomenon is best explained by a Brownian ratchet mechanism of ribosome scanning, in which the ribosome uses small-amplitude 5′–3′ and 3′–5′ oscillations with a net 5′–3′ movement to scan the AUG codon, thereby leading to competition for translation initiation between aAUG and a proximal dAUG. This scanning model further predicts that the inhibitory effect induced by an out-of-frame upstream AUG triplet (uAUG) will diminish as uAUG approaches aAUG, which is indeed observed among the 15,586 uATG variants generated in this study. Computational simulations suggest that each triplet is scanned back and forth approximately ten times until the ribosome eventually migrates to downstream regions. Moreover, this scanning process could constrain the evolution of sequences downstream of the aATG to minimize proximal out-of-frame dATG triplets in yeast and humans.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings uncover the basic process by which eukaryotic ribosomes scan for initiation codons, and how this process could shape eukaryotic genome evolution.
HSPB5 suppresses renal inflammation and protects lupus-prone NZB/W F1 mice from severe renal damage
Authors: Knapp Justin , Braunstein Marsela , Berg Spencer Iner Thomas , Shirriff Cody
Published: December 2022

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is an inflammatory disease of the kidneys affecting patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Current immunosuppressive and cytotoxic therapies are associated with serious side effects and fail to protect 20–40% of LN patients from end-stage renal disease. In this study, we investigated whether a small heat shock protein, HSPB5, can reduce kidney inflammation and the clinical manifestations of the disease in NZB/W F1 mice. Furthermore, we investigated whether HSPB5 can enhance the effects of methylprednisolone, a standard-of-care drug in LN, in an endotoxemia mouse model.

Methods

NZB/W F1 mice were treated with HSPB5, methylprednisolone, or vehicle from 23 to 38 weeks of age. Disease progression was evaluated by weekly proteinuria scores. At the end of the study, the blood, urine, spleens, and kidneys were collected for the assessment of proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, kidney histology, serum IL-6 and anti-dsDNA levels, immune cell populations, and their phenotypes, as well as the transcript levels of proinflammatory chemokine/cytokines in the kidneys. HSPB5 was also evaluated in combination with methylprednisolone in a lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia mouse model; serum IL-6 levels were measured at 24 h post-endotoxemia induction.

Results

HSPB5 significantly reduced terminal proteinuria and BUN and substantially improved kidney pathology. Similar trends, although to a lower extent, were observed with methylprednisolone treatment. Serum IL-6 levels and kidney expression of BAFF, IL-6, IFNγ, MCP-1 (CCL2), and KIM-1 were reduced, whereas nephrin expression was significantly preserved compared to vehicle-treated mice. Lastly, splenic Tregs and Bregs were significantly induced with HSPB5 treatment. HSPB5 in combination with methylprednisolone also significantly reduced serum IL-6 levels in endotoxemia mice.

Conclusions

HSPB5 treatment reduces kidney inflammation and injury, providing therapeutic benefits in NZB/W F1 mice. Given that HSPB5 enhances the anti-inflammatory effects of methylprednisolone, there is a strong interest to develop HSBP5 as a therapeutic for the treatment of LN.
Phantom and clinical evaluation of the effect of a new Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction algorithm (HYPER Iterative) on 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT image quality
Authors: Xu Lei , Cui Can , Li Rushuai , Yang Rui , Liu Rencong , Meng Qingle , Wang Feng
Published: December 2022

Background

Bayesian penalized likelihood (BPL) algorithm is an effective way to suppress noise in the process of positron emission tomography (PET) image reconstruction by incorporating a smooth penalty. The strength of the smooth penalty is controlled by the penalization factor. The aim was to investigate the impact of different penalization factors and acquisition times in a new BPL algorithm, HYPER Iterative, on the quality of 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT images. A phantom and 25 patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms who underwent 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT were included. The PET data were acquired in a list-mode with a digital PET/CT scanner and reconstructed by ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) and the HYPER Iterative algorithm with seven penalization factors between 0.03 and 0.5 for acquisitions of 2 and 3 min per bed position (m/b), both including time-of-flight and point of spread function recovery. The contrast recovery (CR), background variability (BV) and radioactivity concentration ratio (RCR) of the phantom; The SUVmean and coefficient of variation (CV) of the liver; and the SUVmax of the lesions were measured. Image quality was rated by two radiologists using a five-point Likert scale.

Results

The CR, BV, and RCR decreased with increasing penalization factors for four “hot” spheres, and the HYPER Iterative 2 m/b groups with penalization factors of 0.07 to 0.2 had equivalent CR and superior BV performance compared to the OSEM 3 m/b group. The liver SUVmean values were approximately equal in all reconstruction groups (range 5.95–5.97), and the liver CVs of the HYPER Iterative 2 m/b and 3 m/b groups with the penalization factors of 0.1 to 0.2 were equivalent to those of the OSEM 3 m/b group (p = 0.113–0.711 and p = 0.079–0.287, respectively), while the lesion SUVmax significantly increased by 19–22% and 25%, respectively (all p < 0.001). The highest qualitative score was attained at a penalization factor of 0.2 for the HYPER Iterative 2 m/b group (3.20 ± 0.52) and 3 m/b group (3.70 ± 0.36); those scores were comparable to or greater than that of the OSEM 3 m/b group (3.09 ± 0.36, p = 0.388 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The HYPER Iterative algorithm with a penalization factor of 0.2 resulted in higher lesion contrast and lower image noise than OSEM for 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT, allowing the same image quality to be achieved with less injected radioactivity and a shorter acquisition time.
Evaluating the potential of whole-genome sequencing for tracing transmission routes in experimental infections and natural outbreaks of bovine respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Johnson Paul C. D. , Hägglund Sara , Näslund Katarina , Meyer Gilles , Taylor Geraldine , Orton Richard J. , Zohari Siamak , Haydon Daniel T. , Valarcher Jean François
Published: December 2022

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is a major cause of respiratory disease in cattle. Genomic sequencing can resolve phylogenetic relationships between virus populations, which can be used to infer transmission routes and potentially inform the design of biosecurity measures. Sequencing of short (<2000 nt) segments of the 15 000-nt BRSV genome has revealed geographic and temporal clustering of BRSV populations, but insufficient variation to distinguish viruses collected from herds infected close together in space and time. This study investigated the potential for whole-genome sequencing to reveal sufficient genomic variation for inferring transmission routes between herds. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data were generated from experimental infections and from natural outbreaks in Jämtland and Uppsala counties in Sweden. Sufficient depth of coverage for analysis of consensus and sub-consensus sequence diversity was obtained from 47 to 20 samples respectively. Few (range: 0–6 polymorphisms across the six experiments) consensus-level polymorphisms were observed along experimental transmissions. A much higher level of diversity (146 polymorphic sites) was found among the consensus sequences from the outbreak samples. The majority (144/146) of polymorphisms were between rather than within counties, suggesting that consensus whole-genome sequences show insufficient spatial resolution for inferring direct transmission routes, but might allow identification of outbreak sources at the regional scale. By contrast, within-sample diversity was generally higher in the experimental than the outbreak samples. Analyses to infer known (experimental) and suspected (outbreak) transmission links from within-sample diversity data were uninformative. In conclusion, analysis of the whole-genome sequence of BRSV from experimental samples discriminated between circulating isolates from distant areas, but insufficient diversity was observed between closely related isolates to aid local transmission route inference.
Streptococcus mutans membrane vesicles inhibit the biofilm formation of Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis
Authors: Cui Guxin , Li Pengpeng , Wu Ruixue , Lin Huancai
Published: December 2022

Streptococcus mutans, whose main virulence factor is glucosyltransferase (Gtf), has a substantial impact on the development of dental caries. S. mutans membrane vesicles (MVs), which are rich in Gtfs, have been shown to affect biofilm formation of other microorganisms. Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are initial colonizers of tooth surfaces, which provide attachment sites for subsequent microorganisms and are crucial in the development of oral biofilms. S. mutans and S. gordonii, as well as S. mutans and S. sanguinis, have a complex competitive and cooperative relationship, but it is unclear whether S. mutans MVs play a role in these interspecific interactions. Therefore, we co-cultured S. mutans MVs, having or lacking Gtfs, with S. gordonii and S. sanguinis. Our results showed that S. mutans MVs inhibited biofilm formation of S. gordonii and S. sanguinis but did not affect their planktonic growth; contrastingly, S. mutans ΔgtfBC mutant MVs had little effect on both their growth and biofilm formation. Additionally, there were fewer and more dispersed bacteria in the biofilms of the S. mutans MV-treated group than that in the control group. Furthermore, the expression levels of the biofilm-related virulence factors GtfG, GtfP, and SpxB in S. gordonii and S. sanguinis were significantly downregulated in response to S. mutans MVs. In conclusion, the results of our study showed that S. mutans MVs inhibited biofilm formation of S. gordonii and S. sanguinis, revealing an important role for MVs in interspecific interactions.
Joint target tracking and identification in complex traffic scene
Authors: Cao Wen , Li Qiwei , Hu Yansu , Ma Shuai
Published: December 2022

In practical road traffic scene, targets usually face high ground clutter, high and variable motion, high nonlinearity, which lead to targets tracking or identification challenging. What’s more, tracking and identification are usually interdependent in reality, and thus it is promising to solve them jointly. In this paper, we propose a novel joint tracking and identification (JTI) scheme to handle such problems involving coupled tracking and identification, i.e., JTI problems. Specifically, we formulate the JTI problem in complex traffic scene using a hybrid system. Then, by exploiting the generalized Bayes risk for JTI, we derive analytical estimator and decider for the coupling of tracking and identification in complex road targets motion. Furthermore, an unscented Kalman filter-expected mode augmentation-based estimation strategy is creatively developed to improve both estimation and decision performance. In additions, a joint performance evaluation metric is presented to assess the performance the joint of the proposed JTI scheme. Finally, two simulation examples under different traffic scenarios demonstrate that the proposed JTI approach outperforms the traditional tracking-then-identification and identification-then-tracking methods in joint performance.
Single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery versus microsurgical resection for the treatment of vestibular schwannoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jakubeit Thomas , Sturtz Sibylle , Sow Dorothea , Groß Wolfram , Mosch Christoph , Patt Mattea , Weingärtner Vera , Boström Jan , Goldbrunner Roland , Markes Martina
Published: December 2022

Background

Vestibular schwannomas are benign tumours for which various treatments are available. We performed a systematic review of prospective controlled trials comparing the patient-relevant benefits and harms of single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (sfSRS) with microsurgical resection (MR) in patients with vestibular schwannoma.

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized prospective controlled trials in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and study registries (last search: 09/2021) and also screened reference lists of relevant systematic reviews. Manufacturers were asked to provide unpublished data. Eligible studies investigated at least one patient-relevant outcome. We assessed the risk of bias (high or low) at the study and outcome level. If feasible, meta-analyses were performed. We graded the results into different categories (hint, indication, or proof of greater benefit or harm).

Results

We identified three non-randomized prospective controlled trials of generally low quality with evaluable data on 339 patients with unilateral vestibular schwannoma. There was an indication of greater benefit of sfSRS compared with MR for facial palsy (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02–0.21, p < 0.001, 2 studies), hearing function (no pooled estimate available, 2 studies), and length of hospital stay (no pooled estimate available, 2 studies). We found no clinically relevant differences for mortality, vertigo, headaches, tinnitus, balance function, work disability, adverse events, and health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

Our systematic review indicates that sfSRS has greater benefits than MR in patients with unilateral vestibular schwannoma. However, it is unclear whether this conclusion still holds after 2 years, as long-term studies are lacking. It is also unclear whether the effects of sfSRS are similar in patients with bilateral vestibular schwannomas. Long-term prospective studies including patients with this condition would therefore be useful.

Systematic review registration

The full (German language) protocol and report (Commission No. N20-03) are available on the institute’s website: www.iqwig.de/en/projects/n20-03.html
Modeling the potential impacts of automated vehicles on pollutant emissions under different scenarios of a test track
Authors: Biramo Zelalem Birhanu , Mekonnen Anteneh Afework
Published: December 2022

One of the significant sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions is the road transportation sector. These emissions are worsened by driving behaviors and network conditions. It is common knowledge that experienced and inexperienced drivers behave differently when operating vehicles. Given the same vehicle in a different timeframe, the drivers’ reactions to similar situations vary, which has a significant influence on the emissions and fuel consumption as their use of acceleration and speed differ. Because the driving patterns of automated vehicles are programmable and provide a platform for smooth driving situations, it is predicted that deploying them might potentially reduce fuel consumption, particularly in urban areas with given traffic situations. This study’s goal is to examine how different degrees of automated vehicles behave when it comes to emissions and how accelerations affect that behavior. Furthermore, the total aggregated emissions on the synthesized urban network are evaluated and compared to legacy vehicles. The emission measuring model is based on the Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport (HBEFA)3 and is utilized with the Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) microscopic simulation software. The results demonstrate that acceleration value is strongly correlated with individual vehicle emissions. Although the ability of automated vehicles (AVs) to swiftly achieve higher acceleration values has an adverse effect on emissions reduction, it was compensated by the rate of accelerations, which decreases as the automation level increases. According to the simulation results, automated vehicles can reduce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by 38.56%, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 17.09%, hydrocarbons (HC) emissions by 36.3%, particulate matter (PMx) emissions by 28.12%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 19.78% in the most optimistic scenario (that is, when all vehicles are replaced by the upper bound automated vehicles) in the network level.
Targeted single-cell genomics reveals novel host adaptation strategies of the symbiotic bacteria Endozoicomonas in Acropora tenuis coral
Authors: Ide Keigo , Nishikawa Yohei , Maruyama Toru , Tsukada Yuko , Kogawa Masato , Takeda Hiroki , Ito Haruka , Wagatsuma Ryota , Miyaoka Rimi , Nakano Yoshikatsu , Kinjo Koji , Ito Michihiro , Hosokawa Masahito , Yura Kei , Suda Shoichiro , Takeyama Haruko
Published: December 2022

Background

Endozoicomonas bacteria symbiosis with various marine organisms is hypothesized as a potential indicator of health in corals. Although many amplicon analyses using 16S rRNA gene have suggested the diversity of Endozoicomonas species, genome analysis has been limited due to contamination of host-derived sequences and difficulties in culture and metagenomic analysis. Therefore, the evolutionary and functional potential of individual Endozoicomonas species symbiotic with the same coral species remains unresolved.

Results

In this study, we applied a novel single-cell genomics technique using droplet microfluidics to obtain single-cell amplified genomes (SAGs) for uncultured coral-associated Endozoicomonas spp. We obtained seven novel Endozoicomonas genomes and quantitative bacterial composition from Acropora tenuis corals at four sites in Japan. Our quantitative 16S rRNA gene and comparative genomic analysis revealed that these Endozoicomonas spp. belong to different lineages (Clade A and Clade B), with widely varying abundance among individual corals. Furthermore, each Endozoicomonas species possessed various eukaryotic-like genes in clade-specific genes. It was suggested that these eukaryotic-like genes might have a potential ability of different functions in each clade, such as infection of the host coral or suppression of host immune pathways. These Endozoicomonas species may have adopted different host adaptation strategies despite living symbiotically on the same coral.

Conclusions

This study suggests that coral-associated Endozoicomonas spp. on the same species of coral have different evolutional strategies and functional potentials in each species and emphasizes the need to analyze the genome of each uncultured strain in future coral-Endozoicomonas relationships studies.
WATLAS: high-throughput and real-time tracking of many small birds in the Dutch Wadden Sea
Authors: Bijleveld Allert I. , van Maarseveen Frank , Denissen Bas , Dekinga Anne , Penning Emma , Ersoy Selin , Gupte Pratik R. , de Monte Luc , ten Horn Job , Bom Roeland A. , Toledo Sivan , Nathan Ran , Beardsworth Christine E.
Published: December 2022

Tracking animal movement is important for understanding how animals interact with their (changing) environment, and crucial for predicting and explaining how animals are affected by anthropogenic activities. The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a region of global importance for millions of shorebirds. Due to climate change and anthropogenic activity, understanding and predicting movement and space-use in areas like the Wadden Sea is increasingly important. Monitoring and predicting animal movement, however, requires high-resolution tracking of many individuals. While high-resolution tracking has been made possible through GPS, trade-offs between tag weight and battery life limit its use to larger species. Here, we introduce WATLAS (the Wadden Sea deployment of the ATLAS tracking system) capable of monitoring the movements of hundreds of (small) birds simultaneously in the Dutch Wadden Sea. WATLAS employs an array of receiver stations that can detect and localize small, low-cost tags at fine spatial (metres) and temporal resolution (seconds). From 2017 to 2021, we tracked red knots, sanderlings, bar-tailed godwits, and common terns. We use parts of these data to give four use-cases revealing its performance and demonstrating how WATLAS can be used to study numerous aspects of animal behaviour, such as, space-use (both intra- and inter-specific), among-individual variation, and social networks across levels of organization: from individuals, to species, to populations, and even communities. After describing the WATLAS system, we first illustrate space-use of red knots across the study area and how the tidal environment affects their movement. Secondly, we show large among-individual differences in distances travelled per day, and thirdly illustrate how high-throughput WATLAS data allows calculating a proximity-based social network. Finally, we demonstrate that using WATLAS to monitor multiple species can reveal differential space use. For example, despite sanderlings and red knots roosting together, they foraged in different areas of the mudflats. The high-resolution tracking data collected by WATLAS offers many possibilities for research into the drivers of bird movement in the Wadden Sea. WATLAS could provide a tool for impact assessment, and thus aid nature conservation and management of the globally important Wadden Sea ecosystem.
Workplace incivility as a risk factor for workplace bullying and psychological well-being: a longitudinal study of targets and bystanders in a sample of swedish engineers
Authors: Holm Kristoffer , Torkelson Eva , Bäckström Martin
Published: December 2022

Background

The aim of the present study is to explore whether (experienced and witnessed) workplace incivility is a risk factor for (experienced and witnessed) workplace bullying. An additional aim is to explore whether experienced workplace incivility is associated with psychological well-being above and beyond the influence of (experienced and witnessed) workplace bullying on well-being.

Methods

A survey was distributed via e-mail to a panel of Swedish engineers. The survey was administered at three time points over one year. In total, N = 1005 engineers responded to the survey. Of these, N = 341 responded to more than one survey, providing longitudinal data. N = 111 responded to all three surveys.

Results

The results showed that the likelihood of being targeted by workplace bullying was higher for those who had previously experienced incivility, even when taking previous bullying exposure into account. There was also partial support for a higher likelihood of witnessing bullying at a later time point for those that had previously witnessed incivility. Additionally, the results showed that experienced workplace incivility was negatively related to psychological well-being over time, even when controlling for previous levels of experienced and witnessed workplace bullying and well-being. However, this result was only found over one of the two time lags.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study suggests that workplace incivility can be a risk factor for future bullying. In addition, the findings suggest that experienced workplace incivility exerts a unique negative effect on psychological well-being, even when accounting for exposure to workplace bullying.
Improving working relationships with families in German early childhood interventions home visitors: a quasi-experimental training study
Authors: Georg Anna K. , Hauschild Sophie , Schröder-Pfeifer Paul , Kasper Lea A. , Taubner Svenja
Published: December 2022

Background

Home visitation services within German Early Childhood Interventions (ECI) for families with a child aged 0–3 are mainly provided by frontline pediatric nurses and family midwifes. Home visitors are often challenged by difficult interactions with families. Mentalizing, the ability to understand mental states of oneself and others, is a key skill for building effective working relationships, which in turn positively affect intervention outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate if a mentalizing skills training offered to home visitors active in German ECI contributes to continued professional development. We investigated, whether the training positively affected the quality of the working relationships with families as well as home visitors’ empathy, self-efficacy, and mentalizing.

Methods

To test the effects of a single day mentalizing skills training on the working relationship inN = 73 ECI home visitors, we used a quasi-experimental design with repeated measures (T0, T1, T2, T3) across seven weeks in order to assess immediate change from baseline (T0) after the training (T2) and stability of changes at follow up (T3). A literature-based intervention was implemented before the training to estimate possible repeated measurement and expectational effects (T1). Primary outcome was the quality of the working relationship experienced by the home visitors. Secondary outcome criteria were empathy, work-related self-efficacy, self-reported and observer-rated mentalizing.

Results

Significant positive change in the working relationship quality was observed at T2 and at T3. Results on the secondary outcomes were less consistent, with data indicating improvement in empathy and increase on some but not all components of mentalizing.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that brief mentalizing skills trainings may be an effective method for continuous professional qualification in frontline ECI home visitors who afterwards, experience better working relationships with families. Thus, training participation may positively impact efficacy and implementation of home visitations in ECI.
Advancing the treatment of long-lasting borderline personality disorder: a feasibility and acceptability study of an expanded DBT-based skills intervention
Authors: Soler Joaquim , Casellas-Pujol Elisabet , Pascual Juan Carlos , Schmidt Carlos , Domínguez-Clavé Elisabet , Cebolla Ausias , Alvear David , Muro Anna , Elices Matilde
Published: December 2022

Background

Long-term follow-up studies in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) consistently show persistent impairment in psychosocial adjustment, although symptoms tend to decrease over time. Consequently, it might be better to deemphasize symptom-oriented interventions and instead promote interventions that incorporate patient perspectives on recovery. In this study we aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel intervention (dialectical behavioral therapy combined with positive psychology and contextual-based skills) in the clinical treatment of long-lasting BPD difficulties.

Methods

This was a qualitative study. We developed an initial 8-week group intervention for long-lasting BPD. Upon completion of the 8-week program, the participants were asked to participate in a group discussion to provide feedback. Based on that feedback, the intervention protocol was modified and then offered to a second group of patients, who also provided feedback. The protocol was revised again and administered to a third group. A total of 32 patients participated in the group interventions; of these, 20 provided feedback in the qualitative study. The main outcome measure was acceptability.

Results

The following overarching themes emerged from the group interviews: helpful, unhelpful and neutral practices; internal/external barriers; facilitators; and effects. Participants reported difficulties in imagining an optimal future and self-compassion. By contrast, positive skills were associated with an increase in positive emotions. The main internal barrier was facing difficult emotions. The main external barriers were language-related issues. The group format was perceived as a facilitator to success. Dropout rates, which were assessed as an additional measure of acceptability, decreased substantially in each successive group, from 60 to 40% and finally 20%.

Conclusions

The intervention was feasible to implement in the clinical setting and participants rated the final set of skills highly. Most of the skills were considered useful. Participant feedback was invaluable to improve the intervention, as evidenced by the large increase in the retention rate from 40 to 80%. Randomized clinical trials are needed to test the efficacy of this intervention in promoting well-being in participants with long-lasting BPD.
Developing a heritage BIM shared library for two case studies in Jordan’s heritage: The House of Art in Amman and the Qaqish House in the World Heritage City of As-Salt
Authors: Aburamadan Rania , Trillo Claudia , Cotella Victoria Andrea , Di Perna Elena , Ncube Chiko , Moustaka Athena , Udeaja Chika , Awuah Kwasi Gyau Baffour
Published: December 2022

International research is moving towards the development of BIM (Building Information Modelling) libraries applied to the built heritage where one of the main issues to be addressed is the modelling of complex or unique shapes that represent the specific construction components of every single asset. This perspective addresses the generation of parametric families of representative architectural geometry in the context of the management and representation of a building of heritage value. Jordan’s architectural heritage has gone through a long period of evolution and development: the result is a mixture of influences and traditions, making a great stride to conserve its buildings and Historical Heritage but has never adopted advanced digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling. In this framework, the present research aims to bridge the gap in Jordan by applying digital technologies to support heritage conservation plans by creating a 3D library of BIM objects related to typical elements of Jordanian and Arabic architecture, specifically in two cases of study. Co-production and collaboration with diverse stakeholders were central to the development of the methodology and design of the research.As a result, the first open-access HBIM shared library of historical features of Jordanian built heritage will be consolidated; this is crucial because it will set a precedent for the further documentation and conservation of the heritage of traditional cities in Jordan, MENA countries and internationally by promoting social cohesion, economic and technological development, tourism and the awareness of Jordan’s cultural heritage.
Comparison of rapid versus slow maxillary expansion on patient-reported outcome measures in growing patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rutili Valentina , Nieri Michele , Franceschi Debora , Pierleoni Felicita , Giuntini Veronica , Franchi Lorenzo
Published: December 2022

Background

No systematic review and meta-analysis are present in the literature comparing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in rapid maxillary expansion (RME) versus slow maxillary expansion (SME) in growing patients.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review was to compare PROMs in RME versus SME in growing patients.

Materials and Methods

Electronic search in PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and OpenGrey was conducted. Only RCTs were included. Inclusion criteria were: growing patients in the mixed dentition or early permanent dentition, mild-to-moderate maxillary transverse deficiency, dental crowding, treatment with fixed expanders for rapid and slow maxillary expansion. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2. GRADE statement was performed. The mean of the differences (MD) and the risk ratio (RR) were used for the aggregation of data. A random effect model was applied.

Results

Two articles with a total of 157 patients were finally included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. One article was at low risk of bias, while one was at risk of bias with some concerns. Pain presence was less, though not statistically significant, in SME patients (RR = 2.02, 95%CI from 0.55 to 7.49, P = 0.29, I2 = 95%, 2 studies, GRADE very low). Pain intensity was significantly lower in SME appliance in the first week of treatment (pooled MD = 0.86 favoring SME, 95%CI from 0.47 to 1.26, P < 0.0001, I2 = 6%, 2 studies, GRADE moderate). There were no significant differences between the two groups in difficulty in speaking, difficulty in swallowing, hypersalivation, difficulty in hygiene, and patient and parent satisfaction.

Conclusions

Pain intensity was significantly lower in SME compared to RME during the first week of treatment. For the following weeks, there were no differences in pain between the two protocols.
Trunk Biomechanics in Individuals with Knee Disorders: A Systematic Review with Evidence Gap Map and Meta-analysis
Authors: Waiteman Marina C. , Chia Lionel , Ducatti Matheus H. M. , Bazett-Jones David M. , Pappas Evangelos , de Azevedo Fábio M. , Briani Ronaldo V.
Published: December 2022

Background

The trunk is the foundation for transfer and dissipation of forces throughout the lower extremity kinetic chain. Individuals with knee disorders may employ trunk biomechanical adaptations to accommodate forces at the knee or compensate for muscle weakness. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature comparing trunk biomechanics between individuals with knee disorders and injury-free controls.

Methods

Five databases were searched from inception to January 2022. Observational studies comparing trunk kinematics or kinetics during weight-bearing tasks (e.g., stair negotiation, walking, running, landings) between individuals with knee disorders and controls were included. Meta-analyses for each knee disorder were performed. Outcome-level certainty was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), and evidence gap maps were created.

Results

A total of 81 studies investigating trunk biomechanics across six different knee disorders were included (i.e., knee osteoarthritis [OA], total knee arthroplasty [TKA], patellofemoral pain [PFP], patellar tendinopathy [PT], anterior cruciate ligament deficiency [ACLD], and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [ACLR]). Individuals with knee OA presented greater trunk flexion during squatting (SMD 0.88, 95% CI 0.58–1.18) and stepping tasks (SMD 0.56, 95% CI 0.13–.99); ipsilateral and contralateral trunk lean during walking (SMD 1.36; 95% CI 0.60–2.11) and sit-to-stand (SMD 1.49; 95% CI 0.90–2.08), respectively. Greater trunk flexion during landing tasks in individuals with PFP (SMD 0.56; 95% CI 0.01–1.12) or ACLR (SMD 0.48; 95% CI 0.21–.75) and greater ipsilateral trunk lean during single-leg squat in individuals with PFP (SMD 1.01; 95% CI 0.33–1.70) were also identified. No alterations in trunk kinematics of individuals with TKA were identified. Evidence gap maps outlined the lack of investigations for individuals with PT or ACLD, as well as for trunk kinetics across knee disorders.

Conclusion

Individuals with knee OA, PFP, or ACLR present with altered trunk kinematics in the sagittal and frontal planes. The findings of this review support the assessment of trunk biomechanics in these individuals in order to identify possible targets for rehabilitation and avoidance strategies.

Trial registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019129257.
Evaluating feasibility of using national registries for identification, invitation, and ultrasound examination of persons with hereditary risk for aneurysm disease—detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms in first degree relatives (adult offspring) to AAA patients (DAAAD)
Authors: Hultgren Rebecka , Fattahi Nina , Nilsson Olga , Svensjö Sverker , Roy Joy , Linne Anneli
Published: December 2022

Background

Sweden and the UK invite all 65-year-old men to a population-based ultrasound-based screening program to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). First-degree relatives of patients with AAA are reported to have an increased risk to develop AAA, both women and men, but are not invited to screening. The “Detecting AAA in First Degree Relatives to AAA patients” (DAAAD) was designed to detect the true prevalence in adult offspring to AAA patients and to evaluate if national registries could be used for identification of index persons and their adult children with a high risk for the disease. The aim of this study is to summarize the design and methodology for this registry-based study.

Methods

The study is based on a registry-based extraction and identification of a risk group in the population with a subsequent identification of their adult offspring. The targeted risk group suffers a heredity for a potentially lethal disease, AAA (n = 750) and matched control group without heredity for AAA is also identified and invited (n = 750). The participation rate in the population-based AAA screening program for men is 75% regionally. This population is younger and have a lower prevalence. A participation rate of 65% is considered clinically adequate. For the DAAAD study, a stratified analysis of the primary outcome, prevalence, will be performed for women and men separately. Two other planned projects are based on the material: firstly, evaluation of the anxiety for disease and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and, secondly, the cost-effectiveness of the study.

Discussion

In conclusion, this feasibility study will be instrumental in supporting the development of a possible new model to invite persons with high risk to develop hereditary rare diseases. To our knowledge, this is a unique, safe, and most likely to be a cost-efficient model to invite targeted risk groups for selected screening. If the study design and the results are shown to be cost-effective at the detected participation rate and prevalence, it should be further evaluated and adopted to a national screening program. The model also invites both women and men, which is unique for this specific patient group, considering that all population-based screening programs only include men.

Trial registration

This trial is registered at the website of Clinical Trials. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT4623268