bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplifying research influence through the social network, open access publishing, and international collaboration: A mediation analysis on nursing studies literature
Authors: Tang Arthur , Li Kin‐Kit , Han SeungHee , Kwok Kin On , Tung Neo , Tam Wilson
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Research impact and influence are commonly measured quantitatively by citation count received by research articles. Many institutes also use citation count as one of the factors in faculty performance appraisal and candidate selection of academic positions. Various strategies were recommended to amplify and accelerate research influence, particularly citation counts, by bringing research articles to a wider reach for potential readers. However, no prior empirical study was conducted to examine and valid effects of those strategies on nursing studies.

This study examines and verifies the direct effects and mediation effects of some strategies, namely, the use of Twitter, international collaboration, the use of ResearchGate, and open access publishing, for amplifying the citation of research and review articles in nursing studies.

Design

Cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

Articles published in top nursing journals in 2016 were identified in PUBMED and the citation metrics for individual articles until 2021 were extracted from Scopus. The primary outcome was the citation count of the article, while the tweet count on Twitter of the article was considered a mediator. The predictors included paper type, the total number of authors, the proportion of authors with a ResearchGate account in the article, funding support, open‐accessed article, and the number of different countries stated in the authors' affiliation. A mediation analysis was conducted to examine the predictors' direct and indirect effects (i.e., via tweet count) on the citation count of the article.

Results

A total of 2210 articles were included in this study, of which 223 (10.1%) were review articles. The median (IQR) number of Scopus citations, tweets, countries, and percentage of authors with ResearchGate accounts were 12 (6–21), 2 (0–6), 1 (1–1), and 75% (50%–100%) respectively. In the mediation analysis, tweet count, article type, number of countries, percentage of authors with a ResearchGate account, and journal impact factors in 2014 were positively associated with the Scopus citation count. The effects of article type, open access, and journals' impact factors in 2014 on Scopus citation count were mediated by the tweet count.

Conclusion

This study provides empirical support for some strategies researchers may employ to amplify the citation count of their research articles. The methodology of our study can be extended to compare research influence between entities (e.g., across countries or institutes).

Clinical Relevance

The citation refers to the research work cited by peers and is one of the indicators for research impact. Higher citations implied the research work is read and used by others, therefore, understanding the associated factors with higher citations is critical.
Meta-Virtuality: Strategies of Disembeddedness in Virtual Interiorities
Authors: Vahdat Vahid
Published: October 2022

To reclaim their seat in the rapidly growing market of virtual space, designers of the built environment can benefit from reevaluating theories that see the virtual as a mere extension/reflection of the physical. By claiming ontological autonomy from external worlds, the virtual is liberated from the hegemonic control of the physical. To explore the opportunities that such disruption in the physical/virtual continuum offers, I reflect on a series of pedagogical experiments that challenge the “myth of total virtuality”—the idea that the ultimate virtual experience is total immersion. The persistent obsession to fully immerse the user in a supposedly unmediated interiority of the virtual is evident in the minimization of the virtual reality apparatus to a state of almost nothingness. In this paper, I introduce a series of alienation/defamiliarization strategies, through which designers can invoke awareness about the mediation involved in a virtual experience—a condition that I refer to as “metavirtual.” One strategy emphasizes the pixelated ontology of the virtual space by techniques of glitching, low-resolution, low-fidelity, and low-color bitmap renders. Another involves manipulating the phenomenological expectations that our perception often experiences in non-virtual environments. This includes, not only a reconceptualization of the spatial object but also revisiting the agency of the subject in the virtual world. Different modes of spatial experience through portals, flying, and teleportation, affect the subject’s perception of space, and thereby alter their measurement of time.
Dentist attitudes toward an annual benefit maximum in Iowa's adult Medicaid program
Authors: Scholtes Morgan , Comnick Carissa , Reynolds Julie C. , Ingleshwar Aparna , McKernan Susan C. , Damiano Peter C.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The Dental Wellness Plan (DWP) provides dental coverage for adult Medicaid enrollees in Iowa. In September 2018, a $1000 annual benefit maximum (ABM) was implemented in the DWP program. The aim of this study was to explore private dentists' attitudes toward ABMs and factors associated with ABM attitudes.

Methods

The data source was a mailed survey administered in spring 2019 to all private practice dentists in Iowa. The two dependent variables were (1) attitude toward the $1000 ABM and (2) attitude towardanyABM generally. Independent variables included demographic and practice‐related factors, and participation in and attitudes toward the DWP. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were conducted.

Results

While over half (56%) of providers reported a positive attitude toward “Any ABM,” less than half (40%) reported a positive attitude toward the “$1000 ABM.” Attitudes toward both “$1000 ABM” and “Any ABM” were significantly and positively associated with attitudes toward DWP overall and toward DWP structure. Independent variables that were significantly associated with both the “$1000 ABM” and “Any ABM” included overall attitude toward the DWP, attitude toward DWP structure, and practice busyness.

Conclusions

Utilizing an ABM, particularly one set at $1000 for a Medicaid program, elicits mixed attitudes among dentists. Future research should evaluate the impact of Medicaid ABMs on long term dentist participation and patient's ability to receive needed care.
Identifying characteristics of a skilled communicator in the clinical encounter
Authors: Verheijden Michelle , Giroldi Esther , van den Eertwegh Valerie , Luijkx Marscha , van der Weijden Trudy , de Bruin Anique , Timmerman Angelique
Published: October 2022

Background

In medical communication research, there has been a shift from ‘communication skills’ towards ‘skilled communication’, the latter implying the development of flexibility and creativity to tailor communication to authentic clinical situations. However, a lack of consensus currently exists what skilled communication entails. This study therefore aims to identify characteristics of a skilled communicator, hereby contributing to theory building in communication research and informing medical training.

Method

In 2020, six nominal group technique (NGT) sessions were conducted in the context of the general practitioner (GP) training programme engaging 34 stakeholders (i.e. GPs, GP residents, faculty members and researchers) based on their experience and expertise in doctor–patient communication. Participants in each NGT session rank‐ordered a ‘Top 7’ of characteristics of a skilled communicator. The output of the NGT sessions was analysed using mixed methods, including descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis during an iterative process.

Results

Rankings of the six sessions consisted of 191 items in total, which were organised into 41 clusters. Thematic content analysis of the identified 41 clusters revealed nine themes describing characteristics of a skilled communicator: (A) being sensitive and adapting to the patient; (B) being proficient in applying interpersonal communication; (C) self‐awareness, learning ability and reflective capacity; (D) being genuinely interested; (E) being proficient in applying patient‐centred communication; (F) goal‐oriented communication; (G) being authentic; (H) active listening; and (I) collaborating with the patient.

Conclusions

We conceptualise a skilled communication approach based on the identified characteristics in the present study to support learning in medical training. In a conceptual model, two parallel processes are key in developing adaptive expertise in communication: (1) being sensitive and adapting communication to the patient and (2) monitoring communication performance in terms of self‐awareness and reflective capacity. The identified characteristics and the conceptual model provide a base to develop a learner‐centred programme, facilitating repeated practice and reflection. Further research should investigate how learners can be optimally supported in becoming skilled communicators during workplace learning.
Cigarette smoking and adverse health outcomes in patients treated with maintenance dialysis
Authors: Bek Sibel G. , Marschner Simone , Sud Kamal , Johnson David W. , Chow Clara K. , Hawley Carmel , Pilmore Helen , Wong Germaine , Lim Wai , Lee Vincent W.
Published: October 2022

Background

The association of smoking with new‐onset cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, malignancy and mortality in dialysis is well‐known. The smoking prevalence and its association with clinical outcome was assessed.

Methods

Multicentre cohort study using ‘ANZDATA’ Registry, 57 838 adults who commenced dialysis (>3 months) between 1990 and 2016 were included. Patients' demographics, initial dialysis modality, presence of comorbidities and smoking history are predictors. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were smoking prevalence, cause‐specific mortality, non‐skin cancers, cardiovascular and chronic lung diseases.

Results

Of the 57 838 patients, 56 512 (mean age of 58.9 ± 15.1 years, 40.1% female, 43% diabetic), had data on smoking history with 13.6% current, 40.7% former and 45.6% never smokers.

Former and current smokers had 10% (HR 1.10; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.13) and 22%(HR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.26) higher risk of all‐cause mortality. They were 13% (HR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.18) and 23% (HR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.29) for CVD mortality. Smoking was associated with higher mortality from respiratory failure (HR 1.59; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.23, p = .073 and HR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.74, p = .042) for current and former smokers.

Current and former smokers had higher risk for non‐skin cancer (HR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.42 and HR 1.24; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.32). Smoking was associated with a higher rate of death from cancer (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.19–1.33) and chronic lung disease (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.15–1.92). Former and current smokers had a higher adjusted risk for de novo vascular disease (PVD, CVD), CAD (adjusted RR 1.1; 95% Cl: 1.09–1.12).

Conclusions

In dialysis patients, smoking was associated with higher rates of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, respiratory failure, chronic lung disease and malignancy along with higher risks of non‐skin cancers, de novo vascular disease and chronic lung disease.
‘Maybe what I do know is wrong…’: Reframing educator roles and professional development for teaching Indigenous health
Authors: Francis‐Cracknell Alison , Truong Mandy , Adams Karen
Published: October 2022

Settler colonisation continues to cause much damage across the globe. It has particularly impacted negatively on Indigenous peoples’ health and wellbeing causing great inequity. Health professional education is a critical vehicle to assist in addressing this; however, non‐Indigenous educators often feel unprepared and lack skill in this regard. In this qualitative study, 20 non‐Indigenous nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy educators in Australia were interviewed about their experiences and perspectives of teaching Indigenous health. Findings from the inductive thematic analysis suggest educators require skill development to: identify their discomfort in teaching cultural safety; contextualise the sources of this discomfort and; reflect on how this understanding can improve their teaching. Additionally, educators require professional training to become practitioners of cultural humility and to be facilitators and colearners (rather than experts) of the Aboriginal‐led curriculum. Of relevance to this is educator training in how to decentre non‐Indigenous needs and perspectives. Educators can also renew their teaching practices by understanding what a dominant settler paradigm is, identifying if this is problematically present in their teaching and knowing how to remedy this. Crucial to improved cultural safety teaching is institutional support, which includes Indigenous leadership, institutional commitment, relevant policies, and well‐designed professional development.
Curbing environmental degradation through energy transition in ASEAN‐9: Does the interactive role of political will matter?
Authors: Sulaiman Chindo , Zubair Azeem Oluwaseyi , Abdul‐Rahim Abdul Samad
Published: October 2022

This study estimates the impact of energy transition and the interactive role of political will on environmental degradation in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the 1999–2020 period. Using pooled mean group and fully modified ordinary least squares estimators, the estimated results revealed that energy transition and political will have negative impact on environmental degradation in the ASEAN region. Equally, the interaction between energy transition and political will has significant negative effect on environmental degradation of the region. This implies that both energy transition and political will are significant in reducing environmental degradation through carbon dioxide emission reduction. Furthermore, strengthening political will/commitment toward energy transition process in the ASEAN countries would significantly contribute to declining environmental degradation. Thus, the study recommended a number of policy suggestions including raising the level of political commitment by governments toward energy transition to cleaner fuel is needed to achieve environmental quality in ASEAN countries.
Novel resistance to the BymovirusBaMMVestablished by targeted mutagenesis of thePDIL5‐1susceptibility gene in barley
Authors: Hoffie Robert Eric , Perovic Dragan , Habekuß Antje , Ordon Frank , Kumlehn Jochen
Published: October 2022

The Potyviridae are the largest family of plant‐pathogenic viruses. Members of this family are the soil‐borne bymovirusesbarley yellow mosaic virus(BaYMV) andbarley mild mosaic virus(BaMMV), which, upon infection of young winter barley seedlings in autumn, can cause yield losses as high as 50%. Resistance breeding plays a major role in coping with these pathogens. However, some viral strains have overcome the most widely used resistance. Thus, there is a need for novel sources of resistance. In ancient landraces and wild relatives of cultivated barley, alleles of the susceptibility factorPROTEIN DISULFIDE ISOMERASE LIKE 5–1(PDIL5‐1)were identified to confer resistance to all known strains of BaYMV and BaMMV. Although the gene is highly conserved throughout all eukaryotes, barley is thus far the only species for whichPDIL5‐1‐based virus resistance has been reported. Whereas introgression by crossing to the European winter barley breeding pool is tedious, time‐consuming and additionally associated with unwanted linkage drag, the present study exemplifies an approach to targeted mutagenesis of two barley cultivars employing CRISPR‐associated endonuclease technology to induce site‐directed mutations similar to those described forPDIL5‐1alleles that render certain landraces resistant. Homozygous primary mutants were produced in winter barley, and transgene‐free homozygous M2mutants were produced in spring barley. A variety of mutants carrying novelPDIL5‐1alleles were mechanically inoculated with BaMMV, by which all frameshift mutations and certain in‐frame mutations were demonstrated to confer resistance to this virus. Under greenhouse conditions, virus‐resistant mutants showed no adverse effects in terms of growth and yield.
Embryo production and transplantation in non‐breeding season of meat sheep breeds by stimulating superovulation with different follicle‐stimulating hormone preparations
Authors: Aybazov Magomet , Selionova Marina , Trukhachev Vladimir , Malorodov Victor , Yuldashbayev Yusupjan , Easa Ahmed A.
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the response of Charolais and Ile‐de‐France meat sheep breeds to stimulate superovulation with various follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) preparations. A total of 14 adult ewes of meat sheep breeds were used in our study as donors, including Charolais breed (n = 8) and Ile‐de‐France breed (n = 6). Donors ewes were randomly divided into two groups in equal numbers (first group, n = 7; second group, n = 7), every group included Charolais breed (n = 4) and Ile‐de‐France breed (n = 3). Ewes in the first group were treated with Folltropin‐V (total dose of 200 mg per ewe, seven injections), and ewes in the second group were treated with FSH‐P (total of 280 IU per ewe, six injections). Thirty‐seven ewes of Edilbay breed used as recipients were divided into two groups (first group, n = 20; second group, n = 17). Our results showed that the number of corpora lutea in donor groups treated with Folltropin‐V was significantly higher than in donor groups treated with FSH‐P (p < .01). A greater number of embryos recovery and embryos suitable for transplantation were found in the first group compared with the second group of donors. After 30 days from transplantation, transabdominal ultrasonography showed that the presence of pregnancy in recipients groups was found in 16 recipient ewes (43.2%), in the first group of recipients were registered nine pregnant ewes of 20 recipient ewes (45.0%), and in the second group of recipients were registered seven pregnant ewes of 17 recipient ewes (41.2%). In conclusion, using Folltropin‐V in Charolais and Ile‐de‐France meat sheep breeds is a more effective scheme for stimulating superovulation than using FSH‐P.
What are the roles of regional and local climate governance discourse and actors? Mediated climate change policy networks in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Stoddart Mark C. J. , Yang Yixi
Published: October 2022

As a global problem with diverse local and regional impacts, climate change is an inherently multilevel issue. Focusing on Atlantic Canada, we examine regional‐local dimensions of Canadian climate politics, drawing on data from six legacy newspapers (two national outlets, four regional outlets). Claims about the importance of provincial governments and municipalities have low levels of media visibility and are more salient in regional news outlets. However, federal, provincial, local government and political party sources articulate the ideas that regional and local actors have important roles to play in climate action. While these ideas are not highly visible, they are diffuse and high consensus across multilevel political, civil society, and other actors. Articulations of the importance of regional and local climate governance tend to connect this with issues of carbon pricing and other economic dimensions of climate governance. While a few municipal actors are highly visible in the mediated policy network, local policy actors tend to receive little visibility in either national or regional media spheres. By contrast, regional actors from provincial governments and political parties are among the top tier of actors in both national and provincial media. Our analysis highlights the significance of regional political arenas and actors that have received less attention than national governments or municipalities as sites of climate governance.
Does helping hurt the helper? – An investigation into the impacts of vicarious traumatisation on social work practitioners in Hawke’s Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Smith Samantha , Hanna Sue
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: This article is based on the findings of a Bachelor of Social Work Honours student research project investigating the impacts of vicarious traumatisation (VT) on a small sample of frontline social work practitioners in the Hawke’s Bay region of Aotearoa New Zealand.METHOD: Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews with the four participants were used to collect the data and the interviews took place in 2019. A thematic analysis approach was applied to identify key themes within and across the data set.FINDINGS: Three of the four social workers had experienced VT resulting from their work with clients with histories of trauma. Participants, however, were also able to identify a range of self- care management strategies they utilised to support and enhance their health and wellbeing. In addition, several important organisational supports were also identified. These included a workplace culture that recognised VT, clinical supervision, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services and supportive supervisors and managers.IMPLICATIONS: The study demonstrates that VT and its associated impacts on social workers are important issues requiring ongoing acknowledgement and research in the New Zealand social work context.
Responses to abuse, neglect, and trauma of children with intellectual disability
Authors: Simpson Kim Louise , Yeung Polly , Munford Robyn
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE: Children with intellectual disabilities are three to four times more likely to be abused and neglected than their peers without intellectual disabilities. While the Children’s Action Plan and Children’s Act (2014) aim to keep children safe and ensure their needs are met, much of the focus still treats children as a homogenous group with limited reference to children with disability. The current research focused on exploring the experiences and perspectives of social workers and health practitioners to abuse, neglect, and trauma among children with intellectual disabilities.
METHODS: In 2020, eight participants were first involved in a focus group to provide a wider perspective of practice and policy issues of abuse, neglect, and trauma among children with intellectual disability. This was followed by a more in-depth exploration and investigation with four experienced social workers to understand the issues and challenges in supporting this cohort of children and to identify what best practices are needed to strengthen service provision.
FINDINGS: Results of the study indicated that, to ensure safety and implement support interventions, practitioners need to be equipped with knowledge about disability and its related needs. Furthermore, to influence positive and transformative change, a strong relational practice with children with intellectual disabilities, their wh nau and family is paramount.
CONCLUSION: Practitioners are urged to draw on knowledge and skills, such as relational practice, socio-ecological frameworks, human rights and social justice, and advocacy to develop appropriate assessments and interventions to support children with intellectual disabilities and their wellbeing.
It takes a village
Authors: Sosteric Mike , Ratkovic Gina
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: Bowlby’s attachment theory (AT) remains a popular way to understand infant, child, adolescent, and even adult and family dysfunction. However, attachment theory, which has not changed significantly since its inception, is a reductive theory that ignores a wider range of human needs and has caused significant hardship and trauma. The limitations of this model, particularly when applied outside the Eurocentric and ethnocentric frames of mainstream psychology, are well known.APPROACH: In this article, we suggest it is time to replace the reductive theory of needs that underpins AT with a comprehensive theory, one that could help us develop a less ideological, healthier, and more empirically informed approach to socialisation and social care; one that might help us answer Abraham Maslow’s eupsychian question which is how to build a society capable of actuating the full potential of all its citizens.CONCLUSIONS: The answer is simply this: the only way to actualise full human potential is to move the locus of human health and full development away from a single female, or even a single nuclear family, to a village, a community, and a society that understands humanity’s complex constellation of needs and that is consequently and exclusively geared towards meeting those needs.
Community Connections
Authors: Sheffield Emily , Withey Lisa , Ford Christine
Published: October 2022

Practice Note.
Simulation of a laser-driven three-level system by a noisy quantum computer
Authors: Nishi Takanori , Lötstedt Erik , Yamanouchi Kaoru
Published: October 2022

By adopting the variational quantum simulator method on noisy quantum computers, we simulate the temporal evolution of the population transfer in a laser-driven three-level system, representing N2+ suddenly exposed to an intense laser field. We have conducted experiments using an IBM Quantum computer. In order to mitigate the error caused by the execution of the Hadamard test circuits, the Clifford data regression method is adopted. The characteristic features in the temporal evolution of the population transfer, leading to the population inversion and the air lasing, have been well reproduced.
A Tale of Two Communities: Improving Student Engagement Through Experiential Learning
Authors: Shultz Sarah P. , Moss Julius , Hicks Lisa L. , Brubeck Robert B.
Published: October 2022

Community engagement creates evidence-based, experiential learning opportunities for kinesiology programs seeking to enhance student experiences through meaningful connections. We argue that increasing community engagement through hands-on experiential learning opportunities should serve as a model for effectively creating a stronger sense of belonging among kinesiology students. Two cases explore kinesiology program initiatives at private universities emphasizing activist learning models with established community-service pedagogy. Both cases conceptualize research activities, including the design and implementation phases, as well as relevant outcomes developed on the respective campuses. We discuss how experiential learning and community engagement enable students’ sense of belonging and improve student engagement outcomes for kinesiology programs.
Lipid droplet turnover at the lysosome inhibits growth of hepatocellular carcinoma in a BNIP3-dependent manner
Authors: Berardi Damian E. , Bock-Hughes Althea , Terry Alexander R. , Drake Lauren E. , Bozek Grazyna , Macleod Kay F.
Published: October 2022

Hepatic steatosis is a major etiological factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but factors causing lipid accumulation leading to HCC are not understood. We identify BNIP3 (a mitochondrial cargo receptor) as an HCC suppressor that mitigates against lipid accumulation to attenuate tumor cell growth. Targeted deletion of
Bnip3
decreased tumor latency and increased tumor burden in a mouse model of HCC. This was associated with increased lipid in
bnip3
−/−
HCC at early stages of disease, while lipid did not accumulate until later in tumorigenesis in wild-type mice, as
Bnip3
expression was attenuated. Low BNIP3 expression in human HCC similarly correlated with increased lipid content and worse prognosis than HCC expressing high BNIP3. BNIP3 suppressed HCC cell growth by promoting lipid droplet turnover at the lysosome in a manner dependent on BNIP3 binding LC3. We have termed this process “mitolipophagy” because it involves the coordinated autophagic degradation of lipid droplets with mitochondria.
Synaptic ensembles between raphe and D
1
R-containing accumbens shell neurons underlie postisolation sociability in males
Authors: Choi Ja Eun , Choi Dong Il , Lee Jisu , Kim Jooyoung , Kim Min Jung , Hong Ilgang , Jung Hyunsu , Sung Yongmin , Kim Ji-il , Kim TaeHyun , Yu Nam-Kyung , Lee Seung-Hee , Choe Han Kyoung , Koo Ja Wook , Kim Joung-Hun , Kaang Bong-Kiun
Published: October 2022

Social animals expend considerable energy to maintain social bonds throughout their life. Male and female mice show sexually dimorphic behaviors, yet the underlying neural mechanisms of sociability and their dysregulation during social disconnection remain unknown. Dopaminergic neurons in dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN
TH
) is known to contribute to a loneliness-like state and modulate sociability. We identified that activated subpopulations in DRN
TH
and nucleus accumbens shell (NAc
sh
) during 24 hours of social isolation underlie the increase in isolation-induced sociability in male but not in female mice. This effect was reversed by chemogenetically and optogenetically inhibiting the DRN
TH
-NAc
sh
circuit. Moreover, synaptic connectivity among the activated neuronal ensembles in this circuit was increased, primarily in D
1
receptor–expressing neurons in NAc
sh
. The increase in synaptic density functionally correlated with elevated dopamine release into NAc
sh
. Overall, specific synaptic ensembles in DRN
TH
-NAc
sh
mediate sex differences in isolation-induced sociability, indicating that sex-dependent circuit dynamics underlie the expression of sexually dimorphic behaviors.
Selection, Characterization, Calibration, and Distribution of the U.S. Serology Standard for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection
Authors: Kemp Troy J. , Quesinberry Jack T. , Cherry Jim , Lowy Douglas R. , Pinto Ligia A.
Published: October 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic resulted in a demand for highly specific and sensitive serological testing to evaluate seroprevalence and antiviral immune responses to infection and vaccines. Hence, there was an urgent need for a serology standard to harmonize results across different natural history and vaccine studies.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas Phage Motto
Authors: Manohar Prasanth , Loganathan Archana , Nachimuthu Ramesh , Loh Belinda , Ma Long , Turner Dann , Leptihn Sebastian
Published: October 2022

We describe the complete genome sequence of bacteriophage Motto, which infects clinical strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Motto is a T1-like siphovirus related to members of the family
Drexlerviridae
and has a capsid width of ~57 nm and a tail length of ~255 nm. The 49.9-kb genome contains 84 protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Bacteriocin-Producing Enterococcus faecium Strains Isolated from Nonfermented Animal Foods in Spain
Authors: Quintela-Baluja Marcos , Jobling Kelly , Graham David W. , Alnakip Mohamed , Böhme Karola , Barros-Velázquez Jorge , Calo-Mata Pilar
Published: October 2022

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two bacteriocin-producing
Enterococcus faecium
strains isolated from nonfermented animal foods in Spain. The genomes of the strains contain at least three different regions encoding bacteriocins, and the strains comply with the European Food Safety Authority guidance for use in animal nutrition.
One-Year Follow-Up of COVID-19 Patients Indicates Substantial Assay-Dependent Differences in the Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies
Authors: Egger Alexander E. , Sahanic Sabina , Gleiss Andreas , Ratzinger Franz , Holzer Barbara , Irsara Christian , Binder Nikolaus , Winkler Christoph , Binder Christoph J. , Posch Wilfried , Loacker Lorin , Hartmann Boris , Anliker Markus , Weiss Guenter , Sonnweber Thomas , Tancevski Ivan , Griesmacher Andrea , Löffler-Ragg Judith , Hoermann Gregor
Published: October 2022

Determination of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 will play an important role in detecting a sufficient immune response. Although all the manufacturers expressed antibody levels in binding antibody units per milliliter, thus suggesting comparable results, we found discrepant behavior between the eight investigated assays when we followed the antibody levels in a cohort of 145 convalescent patients over 1 year.
Nosiheptide Harbors Potent
In Vitro
and Intracellular Inhbitory Activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Yu Xia , Zhu Rui , Geng Zhi , Kong Yaoyao , Wang Fen , Dong Lingling , Zhao Liping , Xue Yi , Ma Xiaochi , Huang Hairong
Published: October 2022

This study is aimed at chemotherapy for MDR-TB, mainly to explore the anti-TB activity of the existing chemotherapeutic reagent. We found that NOS has potent inhibitory activities against
M. tuberculosis
in vitro
regardless of the drug-resistant profile. Furthermore, NOS also showed the long PAE and partial synergistic effect with INH and is nontoxic, providing support for its promise as a drug candidate for drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment.
Genomic Surveillance of Listeria monocytogenes in Taiwan, 2014 to 2019
Authors: Tsai Yu-Huan , Moura Alexandra , Gu Zi-Qi , Chang Jui-Hsien , Liao Ying-Shu , Teng Ru-Hsiou , Tseng Kuo-Yao , Chang Dai-Ling , Liu Wei-Ren , Huang Yu-Tsung , Leclercq Alexandre , Lo Hsiu-Jung , Lecuit Marc , Chiou Chien-Shun
Published: October 2022

Understanding the phylogenetic relationship between clinical and food isolates is important to identify the transmission routes of foodborne diseases. Here, we performed a nationwide study between 2014 and 2019 of both clinical and food
Listeria monocytogenes
isolates and sequenced their genomes.
Proinflammatory reaction to a bisphosphonate infusion in a patient with a reverse shoulder replacement and literature review
Authors: Miles Rebecca , McCadden Austin , Min Kyong
Published: October 2022

Bisphosphonates are the first-line pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis due to their efficacy and low rate of self-limited adverse effects. Challenges in adherence to oral treatment has spurred the development of third-generation bisphosphonates that only require single annual infusion due to high potency and binding efficacy. The authors report the case of a woman in her 70s who presented with postoperative shoulder pain after zoledronic acid infusion. Diagnostic work-up revealed stable prosthesis with no signs of fracture, loosening or infection. Administration of oral steroids resulted in resolution of pain and return to baseline function. Acute postoperative joint pain attributed to bisphosphonate infusion has not been previously described in the literature. This case report and literature review suggests consideration of adverse inflammatory reaction due to bisphosphonate infusion in the setting of a patient presenting with joint replacement and acute exacerbation of pain without clear aetiology.
Needle tract seeding following percutaneous irreversible electroporation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Onafowokan Oluwatobi O , de Liguori Carino Nicola
Published: October 2022

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal ablative technique for unresectable liver malignancies deemed unsuitable for traditional thermal ablation due to proximity to biliary and/or vascular structures. Needle tract tumour seeding is a well-recognised complication following thermal ablation, while little is known about its risk with IRE use. We present a case of tumour seeding after IRE for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in a man in his 70s. The procedure was complicated by bleeding from a pseudoaneurysm, which required coil embolisation and blood transfusion. He initially progressed well, however, imaging at 12 months indicated a new tumour in the right intercostal space along the tract of one of the IRE needles; consistent with seeding. Although the patient subsequently underwent systemic therapy with sorafenib, his disease progressed, and unfortunately he passed away 20 months following IRE. This report adds to mounting evidence of needle tract tumour seeding as a complication following IRE.
Risk assessment models for venous thromboembolism in pregnancy and in the puerperium: a systematic review
Authors: Pandor Abdullah , Daru Jahnavi , Hunt Beverley J , Rooney Gill , Hamilton Jean , Clowes Mark , Goodacre Steve , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Davis Sarah
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To assess the comparative accuracy of risk assessment models (RAMs) to identify women during pregnancy and the early postnatal period who are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Design

Systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and two research registers were searched until February 2021.

Eligibility criteria

All validation studies that examined the accuracy of a multivariable RAM (or scoring system) for predicting the risk of developing VTE in women who are pregnant or in the puerperium (within 6 weeks post-delivery).

Data extraction and synthesis

Two authors independently selected and extracted data. Risk of bias was appraised using PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool). Data were synthesised without meta-analysis.

Results

Seventeen studies, comprising 19 externally validated RAMs and 1 internally validated model, met the inclusion criteria. The most widely evaluated RAMs were the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines (six studies), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines (two studies), Swedish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines (two studies) and the Lyon score (two studies). In general, estimates of sensitivity and specificity were highly variable with sensitivity estimates ranging from 0% to 100% for RAMs that were applied to antepartum women to predict antepartum or postpartum VTE and 0% to 100% for RAMs applied postpartum to predict postpartum VTE. Specificity estimates were similarly diverse ranging from 28% to 98% and 5% to 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

Available data suggest that external validation studies have weak designs and limited generalisability, so estimates of prognostic accuracy are very uncertain.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020221094.
Can we mitigate the psychological impacts of social isolation using behavioural activation? Long-term results of the UK BASIL urgent public health COVID-19 pilot randomised controlled trial and living systematic review
Authors: Littlewood Elizabeth , McMillan Dean , Chew Graham Carolyn , Bailey Della , Gascoyne Samantha , Sloane Claire , Burke Lauren , Coventry Peter , Crosland Suzanne , Fairhurst Caroline , Henry Andrew , Hewitt Catherine , Baird Kalpita , Ryde Eloise , Shearsmith Leanne , Traviss-Turner Gemma , Woodhouse Rebecca , Webster Judith , Meader Nick , Churchill Rachel , Eddy Elizabeth , Heron Paul , Hicklin Nisha , Shafran Roz , Almeida Osvaldo , Clegg Andrew , Gentry Tom , Hill Andrew , Lovell Karina , Dexter-Smith Sarah , Ekers David , Gilbody Simon
Published: October 2022

Background

Behavioural and cognitive interventions remain credible approaches in addressing loneliness and depression. There was a need to rapidly generate and assimilate trial-based data during COVID-19.

Objectives

We undertook a parallel pilot RCT of behavioural activation (a brief behavioural intervention) for depression and loneliness (Behavioural Activation in Social Isolation, the BASIL-C19 trialISRCTN94091479). We also assimilate these data in a living systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021298788) of cognitive and/or behavioural interventions.

Methods

Participants (≥65 years) with long-term conditions were computer randomised to behavioural activation (n=47) versus care as usual (n=49). Primary outcome was PHQ-9. Secondary outcomes included loneliness (De Jong Scale). Data from the BASIL-C19 trial were included in a metanalysis of depression and loneliness.

Findings

The 12 months adjusted mean difference for PHQ-9 was −0.70 (95% CI −2.61 to 1.20) and for loneliness was −0.39 (95% CI −1.43 to 0.65).

The BASIL-C19 living systematic review (12 trials) found short-term reductions in depression (standardised mean difference (SMD)=−0.31, 95% CI −0.51 to −0.11) and loneliness (SMD=−0.48, 95% CI −0.70 to −0.27). There were few long-term trials, but there was evidence of some benefit (loneliness SMD=−0.20, 95% CI −0.40 to −0.01; depression SMD=−0.20, 95% CI −0.47 to 0.07).

Discussion

We delivered a pilot trial of a behavioural intervention targeting loneliness and depression; achieving long-term follow-up. Living meta-analysis provides strong evidence of short-term benefit for loneliness and depression for cognitive and/or behavioural approaches. A fully powered BASIL trial is underway.

Clinical implications

Scalable behavioural and cognitive approaches should be considered as population-level strategies for depression and loneliness on the basis of a living systematic review.
Angiographic tapering sign as a surrogate marker for large vessel occlusion due to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and its clinical implication: a retrospective matched case–control study
Authors: Cho Kwang-Chun , Son Nak-Hoon , Choi Jin Wook , Jung Woo Sang
Published: October 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the initial DSA appearance of the occlusion during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) can help distinguish the nature of the underlying lesion and predict radiological and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent MT for anterior circulation occlusion between March 2017 and February 2020. Underlying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) was determined based on the presence of fixed stenosis after endovascular treatment. Patients were categorized based on the appearance of the occlusion observed in the initial DSA as tapering sign (+) or (−) groups. We performed 1:2 propensity score matching to establish a proper control group among the tapering sign (−) group. We analyzed and compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes between the two groups.

Results

A total of 293 patients (tapering sign (+), n=47; tapering sign (−), n=246) were included in the analysis. The procedure time of MT was significantly longer for the tapering sign (+) group, and the successful recanalization rate after MT was significantly lower in the tapering sign (+) group than in the tapering sign (−) group. Logistic regression showed that ICAS-related occlusion was strongly associated with a positive angiographic tapering sign, and the angiographic tapering sign was a negative factor for the first-pass effect during MT. However, a 3-month good functional outcome was not significantly associated with the angiographic tapering sign.

Conclusions

The tapering sign on the initial DSA could be a surrogate marker for ICAS-related occlusion and procedural difficulty. However, its clinical significance remains unclear.
Involvement of the transient receptor potential A1 in morphine-induced conditioned place preference and physical dependence in mice
Authors: Ahmadian Salami Ali , Alavi Mohaddeseh Sadat , Souri Mohammad Saeid , Roohbakhsh Ali
Published: October 2022

The main side effects of opioid use are physiological and psychological dependence. The transient receptor potential channels, including transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), are involved in various neurological disorders. We aimed to evaluate the effect of TRPA1 inhibition on morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and physical dependence. For induction of CPP, morphine (10 and 20 mg/kg) was administrated for four consecutive days to male BALB/c mice. The effects of HC030031 (TRPA1 antagonist, 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) on the expression and reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP were evaluated. For induction of physical dependence, morphine was injected three times a day for 3 days. Withdrawal-related behaviors such as jumping and defecation were precipitated by the administration of naloxone to morphine-dependent mice. The effect of HC030031 on jumping and defecation was assessed. The results showed that 20 mg/kg of morphine elicited a significant CPP. HC030031 reduced the expression of morphine CPP without any change in the locomotor activity. It also decreased the reinstatement of morphine CPP. HC030031 mitigated morphine withdrawal via reducing jumping and defecation. The present study demonstrated that HC030031 decreased morphine-associated CPP and physical dependence. It is presumed that TRPA1 has interaction with the main pharmacological effects of morphine.
Tools for climate resilience in tree fruit I: large-dwarfing rootstocks can alleviate sunburn damage in “Buckeye Gala” apple
Authors: Xu Hao , Blatt Suzanne , Ediger Danielle
Published: October 2022

Suitable rootstock enhances apple tree resilience. In 2021, we studied “Buckeye Gala” apple ( Malus domestica var. Buckeye Gala") on nine rootstocks with contrasting vigor in NS and BC, Canada. Rootstock effects on vigor, yield, and midday stem water potential were significant in BC. After sustained heat events, the large-dwarfing rootstocks Geneva 935, Geneva 4814, and Geneva 969 had lower ratio of sunburn fruits, resulting in higher projected damage-free yield. We discussed how higher stem water potential and larger canopy volume supported by vigorous rootstocks contributed to alleviate heat stress and improve apple resilience to global warming.
Does land use legacy matter for current soil functioning? A bibliometric study (2001–2020)
Authors: Delcourt Ninon , Farnet-Da Silva Anne-Marie , Rébufa Catherine , Perissol Claude , Dupuy Nathalie
Published: October 2022

This article applies the tools of bibliometric analyses to explore the evolution and strategic orientation of research focusing on the temporal dynamics of land use, which can be considered as an important proxy to assess soil vulnerability. With 1416 papers published in 417 different journals, the investigation showed a growing interest in the subject during the period ranging from 2001 to 2020. The main countries working on that topic are the USA, China, and certain countries of the European Union with a worldwide collaboration regarding coauthors. A cluster analysis of the keywords generated 6 main themes of research, each focusing on different issues and approaches, that is, greenhouse gas emissions, soil nutrients, climate change, erosion risk, human disturbances as well as resilience of soil functioning. Finally, it appears that the effect of land use legacy is poorly considered in the context of climate change, which could represent a future line of research.
Grain size effect on electrical properties of dry friable sand
Authors: Gomaa Mohamed M.
Published: October 2022

The current experiment is designed to look into the effect of pore size dispersion on the electrical properties of some friable sand samples at frequencies ranging from 10–4 to 100 kHz. A large amount of friable sand was sieved. Individual grain sizes were collected and compacted under appropriate pressure to create a sample that would later be measured electrically. The grain size dispersion covers a range from 5 mm up to 56 µm (5 mm, 3.15 mm, 2.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.63 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.056 mm). The samples were compressed into a disk of appropriate size. The observed changes will be due solely to grain size dispersion. The electrical properties of the samples were able to recognize different grain size effects. The main dominant and controlling factor on the electrical properties of the specimens is grain size, in addition to texture or surface roughness. The electrical properties of curves revealed that the conductivity and dielectric constant increase as grain size decreases. Conductivity increases due to an increase in conducting clusters between grains, i.e., the formation of apparently semi-conducting clusters between grains. The decrease in porosity between grain sizes, i.e., the volume of air between grains, has resulted in an increase in the dielectric constant. This is accepted logically because grain size decreases the number of pore voids or throats between grains. In addition, as grain size decreases, so does the complex impedance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that relationships between the electrical properties of friable sand and grain size dispersion have been studied.