bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herpes simplex virus tracheitis in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Baras L , Farber CM , Van Vooren JP , Parent D
Published: November 2022

Herpetic tracheobronchitis and pneumonia occur basically in immunodepressed patients, but have rarely been reported in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Some large reviews on pulmonary manifestations in AIDS report a small number of herpetic pulmonary infections, without determining any prevalence of this particular viral involvement. Predisposing factors are alteration of cell-mediated immunity and invasive procedures (such as endotracheal tube use) in debilitated patients. The case we report illustrates the occurrence of a herpetic tracheitis in an HIV-infected patient with severe P. carinii pneumonia, needing systemic corticotherapy and mechanical ventilation. It illustrates the risk of dissemination of herpes simplex virus (HSV) from a herpetic stomatitis to the lower respiratory tract, even after the endotracheal cannula has been removed.
A persistent unilateral lung infiltrate
Authors: Tits G , Verschakelen J , Decramer M
Published: November 2022

We describe the case of an intrabronchial aspirated foreign body that caused a persistent right lower lobe infiltrate. A first fibreoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated a mass with tumour-like appearance in the right bronchus intermedias, but the bronchial biopsies and the cytological smears of the bronchial aspirate failed to reveal any malignancy. During a control fibreoptic bronchoscopy, we found a chicken bone in this friable granulation tissue. It was subsequently removed with a flexible bronchofibrescope and a four-pronged forceps under topical anaesthesia.
Role of multidimensional factors in the diagnosis and treatment of tonsillopharyngitis in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Rutkovska Ieva , Linde-Ozola Zane , Poplavska Elita
Published: November 2022

Background

Tonsillopharyngitis is one of the most frequently observed upper respiratory tract infections, for which antibiotics are prescribed in ambulatory care. In most cases, tonsillopharyngitis is benign and self-limiting, mostly a viral condition. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and treatment process of tonsillopharyngitis by general practitioners and to understand decisions regarding antibiotic prescribing and the factors that shape these practices.

Methods/design

This was a qualitative interview study in primary care practices in Latvia. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with general practitioners from November 2016 to January 2017. Thematic analysis was applied to identify factors that influence the prescribing practice in a primary care setting in conjunction with a specific context in which the prescriber practices.

Results

Decisions and practice of general practitioner are not static over time or context; they occur within an environmental setting influenced by individual factors of general practitioners, the health care system, and practice-specific factors that shape the diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing in the tonsillopharyngitis. Interviewed general practitioners rely primarily on their personal experience, perception, and skills acquired in their practice, which are encouraged by the environment, where the necessary tools and resources are not in place to encourage rational prescribing of antibiotics.

Conclusions

General practitioners’ decision regarding antibiotic prescribing is an unstable concept that differs between prescribers. The health care system could augment the experience of general practitioners through structural changes such as guidelines, availability of antibiotics, and available antibiotics package size.
Neonatal heavy metals levels are associated with the severity of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a case–control study
Authors: Mohany Khalid M. , El-Asheer Osama Mahmoud , Raheem Yaser F. Abdel , sayed Ahmed Abd-Elrasoul , El-Baz Mona Abd El-Hamid Hassan
Published: November 2022

Background

This case–control study aimed to compare lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) levels in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) with those levels in normal neonates and tested their associations with the severity of NRDS indicated by the levels of serum surfactant protein D (SP-D) and cord blood cardiac troponin I (CTnI), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

Methods

The study included two groups: G1 (60 healthy neonates) and G2 (100 cases with NRDS). Cord blood Pb, erythrocytic Cd (E-Cd), neonatal scalp hair As (N-As), maternal urinary Cd (U-Cd), and arsenic (U-As) were measured by a Thermo Scientific iCAP 6200, while CTnI, hs-CRP, and SP-D by their corresponding ELISA kits.

Results

The levels of cord blood Pb, E-Cd, N-As, U-Cd, U-As, SP-D, CTnI, and hs-CRP were significantly higher in G2 than G1 (p = 0.019, 0.040, 0.003, 0.010, 0.011, < 0.001, 0.004, < 0.001, respectively). While the birth weight, and APGAR score at 1, 5 and 10 min were significantly lower in G2 than G1 (p = 0.002, < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). The levels of the studied heavy metals correlated positively with the levels of SP-D, CTnI, and hs-CRP.

Conclusion

Heavy metals toxicity may be accused to be one of the causes of NRDS especially if other apparent causes are not there. Measuring and follow-up of heavy metal levels should be considered during pregnancy.
A pilot study of evaluation of semi-rigid and flexible catheters for less invasive surfactant administration in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Auer-Hackenberg Lorenz , Brandner Johannes , Hofstätter Edda , Stroicz Patricia , Hager Tobias , Eichhorn Anna , Schütz Sebastian , Feldner Raphael , Wald Martin
Published: November 2022

Background

In respiratory distress syndrome, many neonatology centers worldwide perform minimal invasive surfactant application in premature infants, using small-diameter catheters for endotracheal intubation and surfactant administration.

Methods

In this single-center, open-label, randomized-controlled trial, preterm infants requiring surfactant administration after birth, using a standardized minimal invasive protocol, were randomized to two different modes of endotracheal catheterization: Flexible charrière-4 feeding tube inserted using Magill forceps (group 1) and semi-rigid catheter (group 2). Primary outcome was duration of laryngoscopy. Secondary outcomes were complication rate (intraventricular hemorrhage, soft-tissue damage in first week of life) and vital parameters during laryngoscopy. Between 2019 and 2020, 31 infants were included in the study. Prior to in-vivo testing, laryngoscopy durations were studied on a neonatal airway mannequin in students, nurses and doctors.

Results

Mean gestational age and birth weight were 27 + 6/7 weeks and 1009 g; and 28 + 0/7 weeks and 1127 g for group 1 and 2, respectively. Length of laryngoscopy was similar in both groups (61.1 s and 64.9 s) overall (p.77) and adjusted for weight (p.70) or gestational age (p.95). Laryngoscopy failed seven times in group 1 (43.8%) and four times (26.7%) in group 2 (p.46). Longer laryngoscopy was associated with lower oxygen saturation with lowest levels occurring after failed laryngoscopy attempts. Secondary outcomes were similar in both groups. In vitro data on 40 students, 40 nurses and 12 neonatologists showed significant faster laryngoscopy in students and nurses group 2 (p < .0001) unlike in neonatologists (p.13).

Conclusion

This study showed no difference in laryngoscopy duration in endotracheal catheterization when comparing semi-rigid and flexible catheters for minimal invasive surfactant application in preterm infants. In accordance with preliminary data and in contrast to published in-vitro trials, experienced neonatologists were able to perform endotracheal catheterization using both semi-rigid and flexible catheters at similar rates and ease, in vitro and in vivo.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05024435 Registered 27 August 2021—Retrospectively registered.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health, daily and occupational activities among health professionals in Colombia: a national study
Authors: Peñaranda Augusto , García Elizabeth , Pérez-Herrera Lucia C. , Trojan Annabelle , Peñaranda Daniel , Molina Juan , Moreno-López Sergio
Published: November 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented physical and mental burden on healthcare workers who are frequently at high risk of infection, particularly in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as changes in daily and occupational activities among healthcare professionals due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2021. The survey incorporated validated mental health tools such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with severe mental health outcomes.

Results

Among 1345 healthcare workers the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress were 75.61, 59.18, and 53.09%, respectively. Anxiety (OR:1.44; 95%CI:1.16–1.8), depression (OR:1.74; 95%CI:1.27–2.37), and stress (OR:1.51; 95%CI:1.18–1.94) were more frequent in women, and individuals who expressed fear of a negative outcome (death, sequelae) (OR:2.25; 95%CI:1.60–3.25), (OR:1.49; 95%CI:1.03–2.16) and (OR:2.36; 95%CI:1.69–3.29) respectively. Age was negatively associated with anxiety (OR:0.98; 95%CI:0.98–0.99), stress (OR:0.98; 95%CI:0.97–0.99), and depression (OR:0.97; 95% CI:0.96–0.98). Reduction in consultations and surgeries (OR:1.01; 95%CI:1.0–1.01) was positively associated with anxiety. Due to the pandemic, most specialists expected to incorporate drastic long-term (> 1 year) changes in their clinical setting and daily activities.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress is higher among Colombian healthcare workers compared to previous reports. Further research regarding these psychological outcomes is needed to achieve early mental health intervention strategies.

Trial registration

Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe, Ethical Committee Registration ID: CCEI-12992-2021.
Subtotal gastrectomy pancreaticoduodenectomy versus conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy in the incidence of delayed gastric emptying: single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Jinzhu , Li Shu , Zhu Weihua , Leng Xisheng , Gao Jie , Zhang Dafang
Published: November 2022

Background

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). There is currently no widely accepted procedure for PD to reduce the incidence of DGE. Our institution attempts to perform subtotal gastrectomy in patients undergoing PD to reduce DGE. Here we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PD with subtotal gastric resection.

Methods

Patients who underwent PD between January 2014 and December 2021 were reviewed. They were stratified by extent of gastrectomy into a conventional PD group (PD that resected approximately 1/3 of the distal stomach) and a subtotal gastrectomy PD group (PD that resected approximately 3/4 of the distal stomach), which were compared in terms of intraoperative and postoperative parameters.

Result

From January 2014 to December 2021, a total of 512 patients underwent PD in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital. Nineteen patients were excluded from this study due to benign disease. A total of 493 patients were included, with 378 in the conventional PD group and 115 in the subtotal gastrectomy PD group. Compared with the conventional PD group, the subtotal gastrectomy PD group had a lower incidence of DGE (8.7% vs. 17.7%, p = 0.019), and a shorter hospital stay. Multivariate analysis showed that conventional PD and higher body mass index were independent risk factors for grade B/C DGE.

Conclusion

This study showed that, compared with conventional PD, subtotal gastrectomy PD can reduce the incidence of DGE and shorten the length of hospital stay. At the same time, subtotal gastrectomy PD is comparable to conventional PD in terms of surgical safety. Furthermore, high BMI is an independent risk factor for postoperative DGE.
Accuracy of thoracic pedicle screw placement in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients using the entry point identified by new landmarks: a computed tomography study
Authors: Jiang Jun , Chen Xu , Qiu Yong , Wang Bin , Zhu Ze-zhang , Yu Yang
Published: November 2022

Background

Although thoracic pedicle (TP) screw has gained increasingly popularity in the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, questions remain about the accurate selection of entry point for TP screw placement in these patient. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of TP screw placement in AIS patients using the entry point identified by new landmarks.

Methods

Thirty-four thoracic AIS patients treated with posterior TP screw instrumentation were included. All these TP screws were inserted through the entry point identified by new landmarks with free-hand technique. Postoperative CT scans were obtained to evaluate the screw position. The perforations of the pedicle were classified as grade 0 (no perforation), grade 1 (≤ 2 mm), grade 2 (2.1–4 mm), grade 3 (4.1–6 mm) and grade 4 (6.1–8.0 mm). Screws in grade 0, displaced either medially or anteriorly in grade 1 and displaced laterally in grades 1 to 2 were considered acceptable.

Results

Of the 495 TP screws inserted, 34 (6.9%) screws were displaced with 7 screws (1.4%) displaced medially, 20 screws (4.1%) displaced laterally and 7 screws (1.4%) displaced anteriorly (P < 0.05). Among the 34 displaced screws, 11 screws (32.4%) were considered as grade 1, 14 screws (38.2%) as grade 2 and 9 screws (29.4%) as grade 3 (P < 0.05). The overall rate of acceptable screws was 97.8%. No screw-related complication was noted.

Conclusion

Our new method for selecting the entry point of TP screw in AIS patients is convenient and can achieve high accuracy of screw placement, which is worthy of being widely popularized.
Implementation of a threefold intervention to improve palliative care for persons experiencing homelessness: a process evaluation using the RE-AIM framework
Authors: Klop Hanna T. , de Veer Anke J. E. , Gootjes Jaap R. G. , Groot Marieke , Rietjens Judith A. C. , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D.
Published: November 2022

Background

Palliative care provision for persons experiencing homelessness is often poor. A threefold consultation service intervention was expected to increase knowledge of palliative care and multidisciplinary collaboration, and improve palliative care for this population. This intervention comprised: 1) consultation of social service professionals by palliative care specialists and vice versa; 2) multidisciplinary meetings with these professionals; and 3) training and education of these professionals. We aimed to evaluate the implementation process and its barriers and facilitators of this service implemented within social services and healthcare organizations in three Dutch regions.

Methods

A process evaluation using structured questionnaires among consultants, semi-structured individual and group interviews among professionals involved, and (research) diaries. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The process evaluation was structured using the Reach, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance dimensions of the RE-AIM framework.

Results

All three regions adopted all three activities of the intervention, with differences between the three regions in the start, timing and frequency. During the 21-month implementation period there were 34 consultations, 22 multidisciplinary meetings and 9 training sessions. The professionals reached were mainly social service professionals. Facilitators for adoption of the service were a perceived need for improving palliative care provision and previous acquaintance with other professionals involved, while professionals’ limited skills in recognizing, discussing and prioritizing palliative care hindered adoption. Implementation was facilitated by a consultant’s expertise in advising professionals and working with persons experiencing homelessness, and hindered by COVID-19 circumstances, staff shortages and lack of knowledge of palliative care in social service facilities. Embedding the service in regular, properly funded meetings was expected to facilitate maintenance, while the limited number of persons involved in this small-scale service was expected to be an obstacle.

Conclusions

A threefold intervention aimed at improving palliative care for persons experiencing homelessness is evaluated as being most usable when tailored to specific regions, with bedside and telephone consultations and a combination of palliative care consultants and teams of social service professionals. It is recommended to further implement this region-tailored intervention with palliative care consultants in the lead, and to raise awareness and to remove fear of palliative care provision.
Optimisation of Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil nanoemulsion as a potential wound healing agent
Authors: Saki Elnaz , Murthy Vinuthaa , Khandanlou Roshanak , Wang Hao , Wapling Johanna , Weir Richard
Published: November 2022

Background

Efficient delivery systems of Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil (CSO) in the form of nanoemulsion were optimised to enhance its stability and ensure its therapeutic efficiency as a potential agent for various biomedical applications.

Method

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to determine the effects of independent variables (oil, surfactant, water percentage and homogenisation time) on physicochemical characteristics, including droplet size, polydispersity index and turbidity.

Results

The optimised CSO nanoemulsion (CSONE) has a 46.68 nm particle size, 0.15 Polydispersity index value and 1.16 turbidity. After 4 weeks of storage at 5 ± 1 °C and 25 ± 1 °C, the CSONE was physically stable. The optimised CSO nanoemulsion showed enhancement in cell viability and wound healing in baby hamster kidney a clone BHK-21 (BSR) cells as compared to the CSO. The wound healing property of CSONE was higher than CSO.

Conclusion

Thus, our in vitro wound healing results demonstrated that CSO in the nanoemulsion form can promote wound healing by enhancing the proliferation and migration of epidermal cells.

Graphical Abstract

The coarse emulsion of Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil nano emulsion was prepared using high shear homogeniser techniques. The optimised CSONE with the droplet size of 46.68 nm was prepared from a mixture of CSO, Tween 80, and high pure water (HPW), then used for the biological investigation. The in vitro cell monolayer scratch assay revealed that CSONE in the lowest concentration of CSO resulted in 100% wound closure after 48 hrs. The optimised CSO nanoemulsion was found to be a promising and effective approach in the treatment of wounds by boosting the proliferation and migration of epidermal cells.
Nucleic acid direct delivery to fibroblasts: a review of nucleofection and applications
Authors: Ren Ranyue , Guo Jiachao , Liu Guangwu , Kang Hao , Machens Hans-Günther , Schilling Arndt F. , Slobodianski Alex , Zhang Ziyang
Published: November 2022

The fibroblast is one of the ideal target cell candidates for cell-based gene therapy approaches to promote tissue repair. Gene delivery to fibroblasts by viral transfection has been confirmed to have high transfection efficiency. However, in addition to immunogenic effects of viruses, the random integration of viral genes may damage the genome, affect the cell phenotype or even cause cancerous mutations in the transfected cells. Due to these potential biohazards and unknown long-term risks, the clinical use of viral transfection has been very limited. In contrast, initial non-viral transfection methods have been simple and safe to implement, with low immunogenicity, insertional mutagenesis, and risk of carcinogenesis, but their transfection efficiency has been relatively low. Nucleofection, a more recent non-viral transfection method, now combines the advantages of high transfection efficiency and direct nucleic acid delivery to the nucleus with a high safety.

Here, we reviewed recent articles on fibroblast nucleofection, summarized different research points, improved methods and application scopes, and opened up ideas for promoting the further improvement and development of fibroblast nucleofection to meet the needs of a variety of disease research and clinical applications.
Maps and stories in the creation of richer accounts of change in pastoral landscapes in Nordland, northern Norway
Authors: Risvoll Camilla , Galafassi Diego , Veland Siri , Pavall Mats , Lifjell Tom , Lundberg Aase Kristine , Eilertsen Svein Morten
Published: November 2022

The categories and concepts in the existing official land-use maps have been under improvements over recent years; however, this study from Nordland, northern Norway, shows that they continue to pose several dilemmas when aiming to better capture the impacts of multiple land uses on reindeer herding. While these developments have done much to better communicate the presence of reindeer herding to developers and planners, there remain significant challenges to achieve best practices. In particular, the confluence of multiple landscape features, for instance, roads, farmland, ecoregions, tenure, pastures, tourism paths and cabins, may have interactions that create cumulative impacts that do not “add up” neatly across map layers. Migration routes, herding routes, and resting areas have been introduced in these maps. In collaboration with reindeer herders, this article analyses how to enrich mapping practices by for example including bottlenecks, parallel to increased attention to influence zones and avoidance zones, as important emergent impacts of multiple interacting features of the landscape. Our research reveals how local knowledge developed by herders through their “presence in the landscape” is better capable of accounting for interactions and cumulative dimensions of landscape features. Through our participatory mapping approach with Sámi reindeer herders, we focus on ways of combining reindeer herders’ knowledge and GIS maps and demonstrate the potential in collaborative work between herders and policymakers in generating a richer understanding of land-use change. We conclude that the practical knowledge of people inhabiting and living with the landscape and its changing character generates a rich understanding of cumulative impacts and can be harnessed for improved land-use mapping and multi-level governance.
Pastoralism in the high Himalayas: Understanding changing practices and their implications for parasite transmission between livestock and wildlife
Authors: Khanyari Munib , Robinson Sarah , Milner-Gulland E. J. , Morgan E. R. , Rana Rashmi Singh , Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh R.
Published: November 2022

Rangelands are increasingly being affected by climatic variations, fragmentation and changes in livestock management practices. Along with resource competition between livestock and wildlife, disease transmission has implications for people and wildlife in these shared landscapes. We worked with two pastoral communities in the Western Indian Himalayas: the migratory Kinnauras that travel to the Trans-Himalayan Pin valley in summer and the resident herders of Pin Valley. Asiatic ibex (Capra sibirica) is the predominant wild herbivore in Pin. The pastures in Pin are grazed by both livestock (migratory and resident) and ibex, with the potential for disease transmission. We investigate the effects of herding practices on livestock health and disease transmission, while focusing on gastro-intestinal nematodes (GINs) as they can spread by sharing pasture between wild and domestic ungulates. Surveys were carried out between June and August 2019, the period when migratory Kinnauras, local herders and Asiatic Ibex are found in Pin Valley. We found that the Kinnaura flocks share pasture with ibex during their time in Pin, exhibiting significantly higher endo-parasite burdens than sedentary livestock, and the Kinnaura flocks are increasing in number. This suggests GIN cross-transmission is possible, as GINs have low host specificity and a free-living, environmental stage that is trophically acquired. As local (sedentary) sheep and goats rarely share pasture with ibex, have low endo-parasite burdens and are few in number, they are unlikely to transmit parasites to ibex. However, increasingly large local stock numbers may be contributing to pasture degradation which could cause nutritional stress and resource competition, exacerbating GIN impacts. We also find evidence for transhumance persisting, in spite of signs of pasture degradation that are seemingly affecting livestock productivity and potentially disease transmission. It is critical that proactive measures are taken, like participatory disease management with the Kinnauras, to align livelihoods with wildlife and rangeland conservation.
Follow our path with asparaginase activity: one technique, but different uses in clinical practice
Authors: Cecconello Daiane Keller , Rechenmacher Ciliana , Silva Klerize Anecely de Souza , Scherer Fernanda Fetter , Prates Thomas Dal Bem , Marques Rebeca Ferreira , Daudt Liane Esteves , Michalowski Mariana Bohns
Published: November 2022

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy. One of the drugs used in the treatment is Asparaginase, and monitoring of its activity levels enables better outcomes. Since 2018, our laboratory has been working to establish a regular analysis of activity. This implementation allowed to qualify care by detecting silent inactivation and also establishing desensitization as a safe way to overcome the lack of Erwinia. We were able to monitor children aged 0 to 18 years who were being treated with PEG-ASNase. The activity was assessed on days 7 (90 samples) and 14 (52 samples) after ASNase infusions. 142 samples were analyzed. 95.7% reached an adequate activity level (≥ 0.1 IU/mL). Patients treated with ASNase can develop allergic reactions. With the activity monitoring, is possible to circumvent situations like these and implement desensitization protocols for patients who had clinical hypersensitivity without inactivation. Desensitization induces temporary unresponsiveness to drug antigens, allowing the patients to proceed with the prescribed chemotherapy. We have received samples from four patients being treated with different desensitization protocols. Patients tolerated the protocols well. Only one had a grade 2 reaction during the infusion and activity < 0.1 IU/mL, which resulted in the switch to Erwinia. The dose adaptation is a possible and more recent use of ASNase monitoring and we were able to confirm the feasibility of PEG-ASNase desensitization protocols.
Aging and distractor resistance in working memory: Does emotional valence matter?
Authors: Ding Lin-jie , Zhang Shao-shuai , Peng Ming , Li Xu
Published: November 2022

Background

Emotional stimuli used as targets of working memory (WM) tasks can moderate age-related differences in WM performance, showing that aging is associated with reductions in negativity bias. This phenomenon is referred to as the positivity effect. However, there is little research on whether emotional distractors have a similar moderating effect. Moreover, the underlying neural mechanism of this effect has not been studied. In this study, we examined the behavioral and neurophysiological basis for age differences in resistance to emotional distractors within WM.

Methods

Older adults (n = 30, ages 60–74) and young adults (n = 35, ages 19–26) performed a 2-back task in which a digit was superimposed on a face with a happy, angry, or neutral expression as a distractor. Event-related potential (ERP) was simultaneously recorded to assess P2, N2, and later positive potential (LPP) amplitudes.

Results

Older adults were less accurate and slower than young adults on the WM task. Moreover, the results demonstrated a significant interaction between age and emotional valence on response accuracy, young adults' performance was worse when the distractor was neutral or positive than when it was negative, but there was no effect of the emotional valence of distractors on older adults’ WM performance. ERP analyses revealed greater P2 amplitude in older adults than young adults, regardless of the emotional valence of distractors. However, older adults and young adults did not differ on N2 or LPP amplitude, and negative distractors elicited greater N2 than positive distractors in both age groups.

Conclusions

The behavioral findings provided evidence of age-related reductions in negativity bias. Thus, the behavioral measures indicated a positivity effect in WM. However, the ERP results did not show this same interaction. These discrepant results raise questions about whether and to what extent older and young adults differ in controlling the effect of emotional distractors in WM.
The Persian version of the psychological flexibility in sport scale: a psychometric study
Authors: Badinlou Farzaneh , Badami Rokhsareh , Reinebo Gustaf , Jansson-Fröjmark Markus , Sepehri Fahimeh , Molaviniya Shiva , Lundgren Tobias
Published: November 2022

Background

There is a growing body of research suggesting that psychological flexibility (PF) is an important psychological construct related to psychological health and human performance. The Psychological Flexibility in Sport Scale (PFSS) is the first general scale to assess sport-related PF. So far, the PFSS has not yet been validated in other contexts than Sweden. Therefore, the current study sought to investigate a Persian version of the PFSS (P-PFSS) and extend the investigation of the psychometric properties of the PFSS in Iranian athletes.

Methods

A total of 302 athletes from both team and individual sports (average age of 20.7 years, SD ± 7.5, 62.3% were female) were involved in the current study. Statistical analysis was performed on the data to test validity and reliability. The validity of the P-PFSS was tested through face and content validity, construct validity, criterion validity, and known-groups validity. The reliability of P-PFSS was verified through internal consistency and temporal stability of the scale.

Results

Results revealed that validity of the P-PFSS was satisfactory. The instrument was determined to have strong face and content validity. With modifications, the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the scale’s unidimensionality. The convergent validity of the P-PFSS was found to be acceptable (average variance extracted = 0.66) and satisfactory results were also found in the correlation matrix for the assessment of construct validity. The P-PFSS showed good criterion validity related to generic psychological flexibility and athletic-related variables. Also, the P-PFSS was able to differentiate PF between known groups. The P-PFSS was found to be reliable, with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92; composite reliability = 0.92) and temporal stability on retest (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95).

Conclusions

Overall, the Persian version of the PFSS showed good psychometric qualities in Iranian athletes. The current study provides additional support for the PFSS and extends the context-specific utility for practitioners and researchers in assessing sport-related PF.
Bioproduction of testosterone from phytosterol by Mycolicibacterium neoaurum strains: “one-pot”, two modes
Authors: Tekucheva Daria N. , Nikolayeva Vera M. , Karpov Mikhail V. , Timakova Tatiana A. , Shutov Andrey V. , Donova Marina V.
Published: November 2022

The main male hormone, testosterone is obtained from cheap and readily available phytosterol using the strains of Mycolicibacterium neoaurum VKM Ac-1815D, or Ac-1816D. During the first “oxidative” stage, phytosterol (5–10 g/L) was aerobically converted by Ac-1815D, or Ac-1816D to form 17-ketoandrostanes: androstenedione, or androstadienedione, respectively. At the same bioreactor, the 17-ketoandrostanes were further transformed to testosterone due to the presence of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the strains (“reductive” mode). The conditions favorable for “oxidative” and “reductive” stages have been revealed to increase the final testosterone yield. Glucose supplement and microaerophilic conditions during the “reductive” mode ensured increased testosterone production by mycolicibacteria cells. Both strains effectively produced testosterone from phytosterol, but highest ever reported testosterone yield was achieved using M. neoaurum VKM Ac-1815D: 4.59 g/l testosterone was reached from 10 g/l phytosterol thus corresponding to the molar yield of over 66%. The results contribute to the knowledge on phytosterol bioconversion by mycolicibacteria, and are of significance for one-pot testosterone bioproduction from phytosterol bypassing the intermediate isolation of the 17-ketoandrostanes.

Graphical Abstract
A case of long-term survival treated with three metastasectomies and two subsequent adjuvant nivolumab therapies for recurrent malignant melanoma of the esophagus
Authors: Hanada Keita , Tsunoda Shigeru , Nomura Motoo , Fujimura Shintaro , Yutaka Yojiro , Nishigori Tatsuto , Hisamori Shigeo , Maekewa Hisatsugu , Hoshino Nobuaki , Itami Atsushi , Tanaka Eiji , Obama Kazutaka
Published: November 2022

Background

The treatment strategy for metastatic lesions of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is currently determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for cutaneous melanoma. The NCCN guidelines state that resection should be considered in patients with resectable metastatic recurrence. Herein, we report a case of long-term survival treated with three metastasectomies and two subsequent adjuvant nivolumab therapies for the metastatic recurrence of PMME.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old female patient with PMME underwent thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy, gastric tube reconstruction via the posterior mediastinal route, and cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the tumor was PMME with tumor invasion into the muscularis propria and no lymph node metastasis. At the age of 68 years, she developed intestinal invagination due to jejunal metastasis of malignant melanoma and underwent resection of the jejunum. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed two metastases of malignant melanoma in the jejunum and one metastasis to the mesenteric lymph node. At the age of 75 years, a recurrence of malignant melanoma was found in the cervical esophagus. She underwent thoracoscopic mobilization of the gastric tube and esophagus followed by cervical esophagectomy and reconstruction with a free jejunum flap. She received 24 courses of nivolumab therapy for 1 year as a postoperative adjuvant therapy. Subsequently, at the age of 78 years, an enlarged left cervical lymph node and a mass in the right lower lobe of the lung were found. She underwent left cervical lymph node dissection and thoracoscopic wedge resection of the right lung. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens revealed that both tumors were metastases of malignant melanoma. At age 79 years, she received eight courses of nivolumab therapy as a second postoperative adjuvant therapy, with no sign of recurrence in a 9-month follow-up period after the third metastasectomy.

Conclusion

In cases of metastatic recurrence of PMME, aggressive resection of oligometastasis with postoperative adjuvant nivolumab therapy may result in long-term survival.
Efficacy of neomycin dosing regimens for treating enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-related post-weaning diarrhoea in a Danish nursery pig herd not using medicinal zinc oxide
Authors: Morsing Malene Kjelin , Larsen Inge , Pedersen Ken Steen , Weber Nicolai Rosager , Nielsen Jens Peter
Published: November 2022

Neomycin is a concentration-dependant aminoglycoside antimicrobial used to treat enterotoxigenic Escherichiacoli(ETEC)-related post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in pigs. The objective was to compare the efficacy of neomycin administered in a single high dose (50,000 IU/kg) and a standard dose and frequency (25,000 IU/kg daily for 3 consecutive days) in reducing the number of pigs with clinical PWD. We also aimed to evaluate the development of antimicrobial resistance inE. colifollowing neomycin treatment. The study was performed in a Danish herd not using medicinal zinc oxide and experiencing outbreaks of PWD caused by ETEC in the first week after weaning. Pigs from six batches with perianal faecal staining on days 4–6 after weaning and a faecal score of 3–4 were ear tagged and treated with neomycin. Pens were randomly assigned to a treatment group before inclusion. A total of 772 pigs (471 in the control group and 301 in the experimental group) were included and treated orally. The apparent prevalence of diarrhoea on the first day of inclusion across six batches (n = 1,875) was 27%. The efficacy of the neomycin treatment strategy was 86% for the control group and 91% for the single high-dose group (p = 0.043), and the mean percentage (standard deviation (sd)) of haemolyticE. coli-like colonies was 12% (26) and 26% (37) (p < 0.001), respectively. Neomycin resistance did not differ between groups. Before treatment, all analysed isolates were identified as ETEC (n = 142), while after treatment, 91% were identified as ETEC (n = 69) and 9% (n = 7) as non-ETECE. coli(without fimbria or toxins). A higher cure rate in the single high-dose group suggests that ETEC-related PWD can be treated with a single high dose of 50,000 IU/kg of neomycin, thereby reducing antimicrobial use by 33% compared to the standard treatment of 25,000 IU/kg for 3 consecutive days. The study indicated a higher number of haemolyticE. coliin the single high-dose group after treatment, but no evidence of increased neomycin resistance in coliforms was observed compared to the standard treatment.
Knee osteoarthritis pre-screening questionnaire (KOPS): cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of the brazilian version—KOPS Brazilian version
Authors: Trombini-Souza Francis , Macedo Ingrid , Yázigi Flávia , Veiga Diogo , Carnide Filomena , Espanha Margarida , Oliveira George , Goldenstein-Schainberg Claudia , Fuller Ricardo
Published: November 2022

Background

Despite the criteria already established for the classification of knee osteoarthritis (OA), a radiographic and/or clinical knee OA diagnosis usually occurs in cases of fully manifest or more advanced disease, which can make health promotion, prevention, and functional rehabilitation in more advanced stages of the disease less effective. In addition, radiographic knee OA can generate more financial costs for health services. Therefore, developing and validating screening instruments to assess the probability of development and progression of knee OA would be of great value for both clinical practice and science.

Objective

To cross-culturally adapt and investigate the measurement properties of the Knee OA Pre-screening Questionnaire Brazilian version.

Methods

A total of 250 individuals of both sexes aged between 35 and 92 years [(mean (standard deviation): 63 (11) years old; 74.1 (15.1) kg; 1.59 (0.09) m; 29.38 (5.44) kg/m2] participated in this study. The cross-cultural adaptation and analyses of the measurement properties of the KOPS Brazilian version included: (1) assessment of conceptual and item equivalence; (2) assessment of semantic equivalence; (3) assessment of operational equivalence; and (4) assessment of measurement equivalence, reliability, and validity.

Results

Cronbach’s alpha for the internal consistency among the six components of the KOPS Brazilian version was 0.71. The test-retest 72 h apart for each component resulted in a coefficient correlation intraclass ranging from 0.74 to 1.00. The probability of an individual randomly chosen from the population having KL ≥ 1 and KOPS Brazilian version ≥ 21 points was 0.74 (area under the curve of the Receiver Operating Characteristic – AUC of ROC); furthermore, the AUC for KL ≥ 2 and the KOPS Brazilian version ≥ 23 points was 0.77.

Conclusion

The KOPS Brazilian version is a reliable and valid instrument for early screening of knee OA in individuals aged 35 years and over in the Brazilian context.
Supplementation of Mulberry (Morus indica) and Vernonia (V. amygdalina) leaves as protein source on morphometric measurement, weight change, and carcass characteristics of sheep
Authors: Mengistu Gezahegn , Assefa Getnet
Published: November 2022

Back ground

Protein source supplement such as noug seed cake (NSC) has a greater cost. To overcome the problems associated with the shortage of protein source supplements, there is a need to look for options of protein source feeds preferably cheap, locally available, and easily accessible by farmers. In this regard, browse tree species such as mulberry (Morus indica) and Vernonia amygdalina represents a valuable option to overcome such problem.

Methods

We evaluated the feed intake, morphometric measurements, weight change, and carcass parameters of 25 male sheep, with initially weighed 20.8 ± 1.7 kg, supplemented for 90 days of experimental period. The treatments (diets) were the replacement of the protein in the NSC with iso-nitrogenous at (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of mulberry and Vernonia mixed leaves meal. The sheep were given a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay, supplemented with 400.0 (D1), 429.8 (D2), 459.5 (D3), 489.3 (D4), and 519.0 (D5) g day− 1. The design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five animals in each treatment and replication.

Results

The total DM intake (g day− 1) was significantly higher in D3 (771.4) than in D1 (722.8) and D5 (642.8) but similar to D2 (754.9) and D4 (759.7). Chest-depth and hip-width were significantly influenced by the diets. The average daily gain of sheep in D1 (87.7), D2 (82.0), D3 (83.4), and D4 (75.2) were significantly higher than in D5 (56.0 g day− 1). The hot carcass weight of sheep fed D1 (14.1), D2 (13.7), D3 (12.7), and D4 (12.8) were significantly higher than sheep fed D5 (10.9 kg). Likewise, dressing percentage of sheep for D1 to D4 were higher than D5.

Conclusion

The results of the present investigation confirm that replacement of noug seed cake with mulberry and Vernonia mixed leaves meal up to 75% (25% NSC + 75% mulberry and Vernonia mixed leaves) achieved comparable result with concentrate mix in weight gain and carcass yield.
Parent and medical team disagreements in the UK: universal lessons in the origins and resolution in conflict
Authors: Mackintosh Karen , McConnell Paul
Published: November 2022

In recent decades, there has been an increase in life expectancy in children with life-limiting conditions. Ideally, parents and clinicians would work together to ensure the best care for these children. Several cases have appeared in the media in recent years where conflict has risen between parents and healthcare professionals acting in the ‘best interests’ of children, which have resulted in court action. However, the legislation itself promotes conflict. Similar laws exist across Europe based on Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The aim of the Children’s Act 1989 in the UK was to place the ‘child’s welfare’ as the ‘paramount consideration’. It has prevented draconian care and supervision orders, which can only be made if the child is at risk of ‘significant harm’. This threshold does not apply to healthcare teams. Healthcare decisions are based on ‘best interests’, which are not explicitly defined. This sets the threshold for progression to court action much lower, and due to a lack of definitive definition of what ‘best interests’ are, this has unfortunately escalated conflict rather than resolve it.

Healthcare institutions have been criticised for not utilising alternative approaches first, such as mediation. We propose an alternative approach based on collaboration, reasonableness and the threshold of significant harm, which we have explored in this review.

Conflict management frameworks are a tool that can be used to recognise early signs of conflict and develop strategies to prevent escalation at ward level. They can be tailored to individual institutions and utilise content-oriented and empathetic communication strategies through designated clinicians. They should offer guidance on when to refer to the courts.

Parental wishes should be assessed on whether they represent significant harm or not. If not, they cannot simply be wrong. Acknowledgement of the ‘reasonableness’ of parental requests can be a key factor which is diffusing conflict. Therefore, setting the threshold for state intervention at ‘significant harm’ rather than ‘best interests’ would help to reduce the number of these cases progressing to courts.
The Poisoned Periphery: Research Methods for City's Edge
Authors: Crane Emma Shaw
Published: November 2022

This essay develops the idea of the “suburban periphery”: a place of municipal and imperial dirty work, produced by circulations and dispossessions across scale. Homestead, Florida, a suburb of Miami, is home to a military base, a detention camp for migrant children, agricultural industries, and a nuclear power plant. The essay offers methodological reflections for the study of this socio-spatial formation, paying particular attention to how race becomes material through uneven exposure to hazard and to collaborative knowledge production with movements for environmental and migrant justice.
Manifold Enclosures
Authors: Kim Janette
Published: November 2022

In 2021, the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative (EB PREC) purchased Esther's Orbit Room—the last remaining venue of Oakland's West Coast blues scene—to build a haven for Black culture and livelihood. As a novel system of land ownership inspired by land trusts, cooperatives, and social movements, EB PREC orchestrates local, collective governance to harness the staying power of ownership and resist its commodification. EB PREC's complex institutional structure is mirrored in the manifold enclosures of the Orbit Room property, which expands, contracts, and subdivides an ever-contested form of parcelization. As an architectural designer and member of EB PREC, the author combines an analysis of the Orbit Room's as-built conditions with an institutional portrait of EB PREC. This article asks how alignment and misalignment between ownership and property lines can enable—and preclude—the decommodification of property and transform it into an enduring source of power for those so long excluded from it.
Sumud: Repertoires of Resistance in Silwan
Authors: Sabbagh Mahdi
Published: November 2022

This essay aims to identify methods and strategies used to manipulate the Palestinian urban fabric. First, the essay will focus on Israeli settler-colonial activity through a study of the deployed tactics of de-development, destruction, and harassment. Second, it will focus on Silwan's popular movements and their culture of resistance. Instead of viewing their resistance as reactionary or as an act of survival, the essay attempts to frame it as an active praxis. Silwan's collective movement's various means of manipulation—sumud, communal awareness, outreach, and the sit-in tent—form a powerful set of resistance tactics that embody possibly universal lessons in urban resilience.