bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Factors Related to The Accuracy of Triage Assessment at The Emergency Room
Authors: Kartika Sari Nurul , Mustamu Alva Cherry
Published: February 2024

Triage assessment in the emergency department plays an important role in providing appropriate and effective services for emergency patients. However, the factors that affect the accuracy of triage assessments still need to be further understood, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the relationship between nurse response time, nurse knowledge level, and respondent characteristics with the accuracy of triage assessment in the emergency room. This study used an analytical observational approach with a cross-sectional study approach. The sample consisted of 24 emergency room nurses who were selected using a nonprobability sampling technique, namely consecutive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and observation sheets and analyzed using the chi-square test. The analysis showed that nurse response time had a significant relationship with the accuracy of triage scoring (p<0.001). In addition, the level of knowledge of nurses was also significantly relatedto the accuracy of triage assessment (p = 0.017). However, no significant association was found between respondent characteristics such as age, gender, and education and the accuracy of triage assessments. The results of this study concluded that nurse response time and nurse knowledge level contributed to the accuracy of triage assessment in the emergency room. Nonetheless, respondent characteristics such as age, gender, and education did not affect the accuracy of triage scoring. This research provides adeeper understanding of the factors that influence the accuracy of triage assessments, which can help improve the quality of emergency services and more accurate decision-making in emergency departments
Systematic review: Telehealth in the Patients Management with Heart Failure
Authors: Gustian Citra Indra , Nursalam  , Qur'aniati Nuzul
Published: February 2024

A recurrence of heart failure can lead to rehospitalization. Therefore, it is necessary to have a prevention strategy that aims to reduce mortality and the recurrence of heart failure by minimizing physical contact. Telehealth is an alternative for providing health services to heart failure patients by minimizing mobilization and treatment costs. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing telehealth in the management and care of patients with heart failure. This study used the systematic review method. There were four stages in this study, namely identifying sources, determining eligibility, screening, and deciding which to be reviewed. Literature selection used the PRISMA approach from 4 databases such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, with inclusion criteria including articles with a period of less than 5 years (2018-2023), free full text, article reviews, and articles using English and Indonesia. Searching results from 4 databases found 43,846 articles. After screening based on the specified criteria, there were 9 articles reviewed. Of the 9 articles, there were 3 that stated that telehealth can reduce the cost of treating heart failure. 3 articles stated that the health status of heart failure patients improved when using the telehealth system. 2 articles stated that telehealth can be implemented by telephone or nursing telephone support to monitor the condition of heart failure patients remotely. Another article stated that telehealth can improve the quality of life of patients with heart failure. It is necessary to implement telehealth in health services to reduce the frequency of readmissions and to make it easier for health workers to monitor patients, especially those with heart failure.
Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: Management Updates and Common Questions
Authors: O'Neill Alissa , Goodwin Brandon , Abidi Riyaz , Collins Philip
Published: February 2024

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is an advanced form of peripheral vascular disease with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Patients often present with claudication, impaired walking, and ischemic pain. Screening for CLTI and peripheral arterial disease is recommended with ankle-brachial indexing. To prevent progression to CLTI, family medicine physicians can intervene with lifestyle modification of hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, and encouraging well-rounded high-fiber diets. OMT can be useful in increasing lower-extremity circulation and collateral-vessel development. If refractive to optimized medical management and lifestyle modification, surgical intervention is required. Regardless of intervention, CLTI maintains a high rate of morbidity and mortality, with halting progression being the primary objective.
Herpetofauna of the Estação Biologia Marinha Augusto Ruschi, a coastal forest remnant in the Atlantic Forest, south-eastern Brazil
Authors: ZOCCA CÁSSIO , MILANEZI FERNANDES MAURÍCIO , ALVES JULIANA , RUSCHI GABRIEL , ORNELLAS IAGO , BARBOSA FERREIRA RODRIGO
Published: February 2024

A four-day herpetofauna survey was undertaken monthly from October 2018 to September 2019 at the Estação Biologia Marinha Augusto Ruschi (EBMAR) nature reserve, a coastal forest remnant in south-eastern Brazil. Each survey involved active visual and auditory searching at night, pitfall traps and incidental observations. This study revealed 31 species of anurans and 28 reptiles. Swamp forest was the most used habitat by these species. Marginal vegetation was the most used microhabitat, followed by leaf litter and bromeliads. Regarding temporal occurrence, 27 (47%) species were occasional, 20 (34%) semi-constant and 11 (19%) constant. Three species are listed as Data Deficient (Chelonoidis carbonarius, Physalaemus signifer and Sphaenorhynchus pauloalvini) and two (3%) as Endangered (Ameivula nativo and Arcovomer passarellii). Thirty-seven (63%) species were recorded during the active survey whereas 11 (17%) were recorded in pitfall traps. The herpetofauna of EBMAR is spatially isolated because the surrounding landscape has been converted to agriculture and human settlement.
Behaviour and activity pattern of a Kanchanaburi viper Trimeresurus kanburiensis
Authors: BARNES CURT H. , MAKOEN PAKPOOM , AKSORNNEAM AKRACHAI , TIPPRAPATKUL WANRAWEE , STRINE COLIN T.
Published: February 2024

Several conservation assessments have proposed that the Kanchanaburi pit viper Trimeresurus kanburiensis is threatened with extinction due to limited distribution, few documented sites and the collection of mature individuals for the international pet trade. No previous study has evaluated these threats comprehensively, nor investigated the natural history of the species in the wild. To address these knowledge gaps, we began with a brief review of wildlife trade reports and then during September–November 2020 we undertook a field study (nearly 100 surveyor hours) using fixed camera recording. We located only a single specimen, a male, whose behaviour, activity pattern and natural history appeared similar to those of other green pit viper species. The general habitat selected by this individual conformed to prior observations although close proximity to a paved road and use of a termite mound were novel. The review of wildlife trade reports did not reveal any seizures or observations, which was likely due to T. kanburiensis not receiving formal international protection and exclusion from stringent local legislation. We recommend further field study, identification of sites of occurrence, and investigation on popular websites and social media platforms that trade in T. kanburiensis and phenotypically similar Thai species. For a Thai language summary of this article see Supplementary Material on the BHS website.
New Strain of COVID-19 – Interest or Concern!
Authors: Saha Chinmoy Kumar
Published: February 2024

Abstract not available
J Com Med Col Teachers’ Asso July 2023; 27(2): 44
Factors Predicting Relapse in Children with First Attack Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome- A Hospital Based Retrospective Study
Authors: Shanta Shamsun Nahar , Begum Afroza , Haque Syed S , Jesmin Tahmina , Khan Ashiqur Rahman , Mamun Abdullah Al , Sharmim Shanjida , Islam Ashraful
Published: February 2024

Background: Nephrotic Syndrome is a disease of relapse. So, it is very important to find out such children who are prone to develop frequent relapse and the predictors responsible for relapse. This retrospective study was conducted in the department of Pediatric Nephrology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, from September 2016 to August 2017.
Methods: A total of 75 patients of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) with the initial attack, aged 1–18 years, were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with prednisolone 60 mg/m2/day, single morning dose for 6 weeks, followed by 40 mg/m2 every alternate day for another 6 weeks and were analyzed and followed upfor a minimum period of six months to identify the risk factors related to relapses.
Results: Among them, 50 (66.7%) were males, 25 (33.3%) were females, with a male: female ratio of 2:1. Ten (13.3%) children had no relapse, 18 (24.0%) had infrequent relapse, and 40 (53.3%) had frequent relapse. Children responding between 2 and 4 weeks after the start of treatment had a more chance of relapse (P = 0.002) than those who responded less than 1 week. Only urinary tract infection and respiratory tract infection are independent risk factors for subsequent relapse. Children with INS whohave UTI atonset had 1.55 times more chance for further relapse and RTI caused 1.42 times more chance for relapse. Patient with low serum albumin have 1.91 times more chance for relapse than with high albumin with in significant association.
Conclusion: Young age at diagnosis of INS, male gender, low serum albumin and infections were predictive risk factors of multiple relapses. So, physicians should be vigilant to monitor these patients closely and counsel the families of nephrotic children regarding the prediction of subsequent relapses and ultimate outcome.
J Com Med Col Teachers’ Asso July 2023; 27(2): 57-61
Predicting Retail Company Bankruptcies in the Era of COVID
Authors: Campbell Annhenrie , Lindsay David H. , Soydemir Gökçe , Tan Kim B.
Published: February 2024

Trade journals and the popular press have suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a second “retail apocalypse.” The current study tests whether pre-pandemic data can be used to predict COVID-19 retail firm bankruptcies using a chaos-based model. This study successfully uses a chaos statistic calculated from stock market time-series returns for pair-match retail firms prior to the pandemic to predict bankruptcies occurring shortly afterwards.
APPLICATIONS USED IN TREATMENT AGAINST CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND BIOTERRORISM
Authors: İLBASMIŞ TAMER Sibel , ERDOĞAN ORHAN İlkay
Published: February 2024

Objective: In the present study, the chemical and physical properties of various chemical warfare agents, general information about medical protection methods, current analysis methods equipment, decontamination techniques and pharmaceutical formulations used when exposed to chemical agents will be discussed.
Result and Discussion: Among weapons of mass destruction, chemical warfare agents are one of the most brutal dangers posed to humanity compared to biological and nuclear weapons. These war agents can be produced easily, cheaply and can cause mass casualties in small amounts with chemicals that are easily obtained in our daily lives, even by small terrorist groups. Chemical warfare agents can enter the body through various routes; and symptoms may vary accordingly. When inhaled, gases, vapors and aerosols can be absorbed through any part of the respiratory tract, from the mucosa of the nose and mouth to the alveoli of the lungs. The eye may able to absorb these agents directly. Liquid droplets and solid particles can be absorbed from the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. Toxic compounds that have a characteristic effect on the skin can demonstrate their effects when they accumulate on the skin as solid or liquid particles. The vapors of some volatile substances can penetrate intact skin and subsequently cause poisoning. Wounds or abrasions are more permeable than intact skin. Chemical warfare agents can contaminate food and beverages and absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. While chemical warfare agents penetrate through various transmucosal routes, they can cause irritation or damage to the surfaces. In addition, toxic substances can pollute groundwater, leaking into the environment by soil and air and cause long-term harmful effects on living organisms.
Experiments in conservation aquaculture to optimize restoration for Olympia oysters Ostrea lurida in Elkhorn Slough, CA, USA
Authors: Harris J , Gardner L , Kahn AS , Ridlon AD , Wasson K
Published: February 2024

Foundation species are emerging as a focus in restoration to enhance long-term ecosystem recovery. Conservation aquaculture can support population recovery for depleted and low-density coastal foundation species, including oysters. Long-term restoration success may be constrained by conditions that reduce oyster survival and growth rates during the first months after transferring from the hatchery to the natural habitat. We conducted a series of experiments with aquaculture-raised, juvenile Olympia oysters Ostrea lurida in central California (USA) to inform adaptive management and develop best restoration practices. Oysters were outplanted to 2 tidal elevations. Low-elevation oysters initially had higher growth and survival, but after 1 yr, there was no difference in size or survival between elevations. The effect of age on survival in the estuary was tested by delaying outplanting for groups of oysters from the same cohort. Oysters that spent more time in the hatchery survived better than those outplanted earlier. In a separate experiment comparing 3 age groups outplanted at the same time, older juveniles had markedly higher survival rates than younger groups. Oysters settled on various substrate types had different survival rates. Juveniles on shell substrates generated cluster structures that are more typical in natural habitats. Cages did not inhibit growth and supported higher survival rates than uncaged substrates. This study demonstrates how conservation aquaculture provides an opportunity to conduct restoration experimentally for recovering foundation species.
Exercise-based gaming in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elhusein Amal Mohamed , Fadlalmola Hammad Ali , Awadalkareem Eltayeb Mohammed , Alhusain Ekram Yahia Mahmowd , Alnassry Soad Mohamed , Alshammari Mukhlid , Abdulrahman Elsadig Eltahir , Fadila Doaa El Sayed , Ibrahim Fatma M. , Saeed Abdalrahman Abdallatif Mohmmed , Abdalla Adel , Moafa Hassan N , El-Amin Ehab I. , Mamanao Daniel Mon
Published: February 2024

Background: Multiple sclerosis presents a significant burden, with balance disturbances impacting patients’ daily living. Conventional therapies have been supplemented with technological advancements like virtual reality (VR) and exergaming, providing engaging, multisensory rehabilitation options.
Objective: This study aimed to synthesize evidence on exergaming’s role in multiple sclerosis treatment, particularly to evaluate the impact of exergaming on cognitive, motor, and psychological outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: A systematic review and subsequent meta-analysis design were employed. An extensive search was conducted up to June 2023 across five electronic databases - Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE. The data extraction process from the selected studies was conducted independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool 1 (ROB1) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assessment tool. Continuous outcomes were consolidated as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan ver. 5.4.
Results: Out of 1,029 studies, 27 were included for meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in cognitive outcomes between the exergaming and the no-intervention group or the Conventional Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation interventions (CPRh) subgroups. However, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) showed a statistically significant difference in favor of exergaming in the no-intervention subgroup (MD = 5.40, 95% CI [0.08, 10.72], p = 0.05). In motor outcomes, exergaming only demonstrated better results in the 6-minute walking test compared to the no-intervention group (MD = 25.53, 95% CI [6.87, 44.19], p = 0.007). The Berg Balance Scale score in both studied subgroups and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in the no-intervention group favored exergaming. In terms of psychological outcomes, the Beck Depression Inventory did not reveal any significant differences, while the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) score favored exergaming in the CPRh subgroup.
Conclusion: Exergaming shows promise for enhancing cognitive and motor functions, motivation, adherence, and quality of life in MS patients, which is beneficial for nurses. It can be tailored to individual preferences and easily conducted at home, potentially serving as a viable alternative to traditional rehab programs, especially during relapses. However, further research is necessary to fully understand its optimal and lasting benefits.
Cicatrices de una época
Authors: Sarmiento Héctor José
Published: February 2024

El editorial de nuestra edición 20 hace un análisis de los impactos socioculturales de la pandemia en el proceso de reactivación socioeconomica de Latinoamérica, en conexión con los cambios políticos que registra la región en esta nueva etapa.
THREE DOUBLY CHARGED LAYERS ON THE SURFACE OF STARS
Authors: Svanbayev Yeldos
Published: February 2024

A.S. Eddington in 1926 pointed out that stars must have a small positive charge to hold electrons, and this is a doubly charged layer! Here we consider the interconnected formation of three doubly charged layers around a hot star. Thermal energy initiates thermoelectron emission, and strong gravity holds the positive ions. This is how the first "Edington" double charged layer (DCL1) is formed on the surface of the lower chromosphere. Charge fluctuations locally strengthen DCL1, ionisation instability and local ambipolar diffusion start. Thus spicules with DCL2 on top are formed, DCL2 is an accelerator with positive ions on top and a cathode of shielding electrons. Ions accelerated to 1.8-9 KeV are injected into the corona causing it to heat up. The emission of electrons from the high-temperature corona forms DCL3. The magnitude of the positive charge of each DCL depends on the mass, spin, temperature, and composition of the star. The chromospheric spicules, the high temperature of the star's corona, the presence of many charged ions, recombination emission from the EUV to gamma rays, and the solar wind form these doubly charged layers.
Investigating the influence of collagen cross-linking on mechanical properties of thoracic aortic tissue
Authors: Lee Chung Won , Lee Chiseung , Baek Seungik , Akkoyun Emrah , Ryu Dongman
Published: February 2024

Vascular diseases, such as abdominal aortic aneurysms, are associated with tissue degeneration of the aortic wall, resulting in variations in mechanical properties, such as tissue ultimate stress and a high slope. Variations in the mechanical properties of tissues may be associated with an increase in the number of collagen cross-links. Understanding the effect of collagen cross-linking on tissue mechanical properties can significantly aid in predicting diseased aortic tissue rupture and improve the clarity of decisions regarding surgical procedures. Therefore, this study focused on increasing the density of the aortic tissue through cross-linking and investigating the mechanical properties of the thoracic aortic tissue in relation to density. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on the porcine thoracic aorta in four test regions (anterior, posterior, distal, and proximal), two loading directions (circumferential and longitudinal), and density increase rates (0%–12%). As a result, the PPC (Posterior/Proximal/Circumferential) group experienced a higher ultimate stress than the PDC (Posterior/Distal/Circumferential) group. However, this relationship reversed when the specimen density exceeded 3%. In addition, the ultimate stress of the ADC (Anterior/Distal/Circumferential) and PPC group was greater than that of the APC (Anterior/Proximal/Circumferential) group, while these findings were reversed when the specimen density exceeded 6% and 9%, respectively. Finally, the high slope of the PDL (Posterior/Distal/Longitudinal) group was lower than that of the ADL (Anterior/Distal/Longitudinal) group, but the high slope of the PDL group appeared larger due to the stabilization treatment. This highlights the potential impact of density variations on the mechanical properties of specific specimen groups.
Commercial hydrogel product for drug delivery based on route of administration
Authors: Raeisi Amin , Farjadian Fatemeh
Published: February 2024

Hydrogels are hydrophilic, three-dimensional, cross-linked polymers that absorb significant amounts of biological fluids or water. Hydrogels possess several favorable properties, including flexibility, stimulus-responsiveness, versatility, and structural composition. They can be categorized according to their sources, synthesis route, response to stimulus, and application. Controlling the cross-link density matrix and the hydrogels’ attraction to water while they’re swelling makes it easy to change their porous structure, which makes them ideal for drug delivery. Hydrogel in drug delivery can be achieved by various routes involving injectable, oral, buccal, vaginal, ocular, and transdermal administration routes. The hydrogel market is expected to grow from its 2019 valuation of USD 22.1 billion to USD 31.4 billion by 2027. Commercial hydrogels are helpful for various drug delivery applications, such as transdermal patches with controlled release characteristics, stimuli-responsive hydrogels for oral administration, and localized delivery via parenteral means. Here, we are mainly focused on the commercial hydrogel products used for drug delivery based on the described route of administration.
Case Report: Enhancing lead extraction techniques: a novel approach using a loop formed by an ablation catheter and a gooseneck snare
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Lei , Li Xiaofang , Li Na , Shao Xin , Zhang Anxin , Shu Yan , Wang Haixiong
Published: February 2024

The difficulty and complexity of lead extraction procedures increase with the age of the lead to be extracted. The extraction of old (>20 years) leads is more time-consuming and requires advanced tools and a complex technique. In this case, we retrieved a very old (>30 years) lead using a loop formed by a catheter and a gooseneck snare. The catheter was rotated to remove the lead-bound sites. The lead was successfully retrieved using a Needle's Eye Snare.
A comparative analysis of energy expenditure and substrate metabolism in male university students with overweight/obesity: Tabata vs HIIT and MICT
Authors: Wang Yongbo , Fan Changming , Cheng Lin , Wang Yifei , Peng Danxing , Li Fengcai , Han Yanbai , Wang Hongli
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Exploring the energy expenditure and substrate metabolism data during exercise, 10-minute recovery, and 20-minute recovery phases in Tabata, HIIT(High-Intensity Interval Training), and MICT(Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training). This study explores the scientific aspects of weight reduction strategies, examining energy expenditure and substrate metabolism from various training perspectives. The aim is to establish a theoretical foundation for tailoring targeted exercise plans for individuals within the population with overweight/obesity.

Methods

This study used an experimental design with fifteen male university students with overweight/obesity. Participants underwent random testing with Tabata, HIIT, and MICT. Tabata involved eight sets of 20 seconds exercise and 10 seconds rest, totaling 4 minutes. HIIT included four sets of power cycling: 3 minutes at 80% VO2max intensity followed by 2 minutes at 20% VO2max. MICT comprised 30 minutes of exercise at 50% VO2max intensity. Gas metabolism indices were continuously measured. Subsequently, fat and glucose oxidation rates, along with energy expenditure, were calculated for each exercise type.

Results

During both the exercise and recovery phases, the Tabata group exhibited a significantly higher fat oxidation rate of (0.27 ± 0.03 g/min) compared to the HIIT group (0.20 ± 0.04 g/min, p<0.05) and the MICT group (0.20 ± 0.03g/min, p<0.001). No significant difference was observed between the HIIT and MICT groups (p=0.854). In terms of energy expenditure rate, the Tabata group maintained a substantially elevated level at 5.76 ± 0.74kcal/min compared to the HIIT group (4.81 ± 0.25kcal/min, p<0.01) and the MICT group (3.45 ± 0.25kcal/min, p<0.001). Additionally, the energy expenditure rate of the HIIT group surpassed that of the MICT group significantly (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The study finds that male college students with overweight/obesity in both exercise and recovery, Tabata group has lower fat and glucose oxidation rates, and energy expenditure compared to HIIT and MICT groups. However, over the entire process, Tabata still exhibits significantly higher rates in these aspects than HIIT and MICT. Despite a shorter exercise duration, Tabata shows a noticeable “time-efficiency” advantage. Tabata can be used as an efficient short-term weight loss exercise program for male college students with overweight/obesity.
Macrophage extracellular traps require peptidylarginine deiminase 2 and 4 and are a source of citrullinated antigens bound by rheumatoid arthritis autoantibodies
Authors: Bashar S. Janna , Holmes Caitlyn L. , Shelef Miriam A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis, but the sources of citrullinated antigens as well as which peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are required for their production remain incompletely defined. Here, we investigated if macrophage extracellular traps (METs) could be a source of citrullinated proteins bound by APCAs, and if their formation requires PAD2 or PAD4.

Methods

Thioglycolate-induced peritoneal macrophages from wild-type, PAD2-/-, and PAD4-/- mice or human peripheral blood-derived M1 macrophages were activated with a variety of stimulants, then fixed and stained with DAPI and either anti-citrullinated histone H4 (citH4) antibody or sera from ACPA+ or ACPA- rheumatoid arthritis subjects. METs were visualized by immunofluorescence, confirmed to be extracellular using DNase, and quantified.

Results

We found that ionomycin and monosodium urate crystals reliably induced murine citH4+ METs, which were reduced in the absence of PAD2 and lost in the absence of PAD4. Also, IgG from ACPA+, but not ACPA-, rheumatoid arthritis sera bound to murine METs, and in the absence of PAD2 or PAD4, ACPA-bound METs were lost. Finally, ionomycin induced human METs that are citH4+ and ACPA-bound.

Discussion

Thus, METs may contribute to the pool of citrullinated antigens bound by ACPAs in a PAD2- and PAD4-dependent manner, providing new insights into the targets of immune tolerance loss in rheumatoid arthritis.
COVID-19 mortality rate and its determinants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wondmeneh Temesgen Gebeyehu , Mohammed Jemal Abdu
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 mortality rate continues to be high in low-income countries like Ethiopia as the new variant’s transmission expands and the countries’ limited capacity to combat the disease causes severe outcomes, including deaths. The aim of this study is to determine the magnitude of the COVID-19 mortality rate and its determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

The main electronic databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and African journals online. The included studies’ qualities were assessed independently using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The data was extracted in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format. The pooled effect size and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals across studies were determined using the random-effects model. I2 is used to estimate the percentage of overall variation across studies due to heterogeneity. Egger’s test and funnel plot were used to find the published bias. A subgroup analysis was conducted. The effect of a single study on the overall estimation was determined by sensitivity analysis.

Results

A total of 21 studies with 42,307 study participants were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 mortality was 14.44% (95% CI: 10.35–19.08%), with high significant heterogeneity (I2 = 98.92%, p < 0.001). The risk of mortality from COVID-19 disease was higher for patients with comorbidity (AHR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.13–2.54) and cardiovascular disease (AHR = 2, 95% CI: 1.09–2.99) than their counterparts without these conditions.

Conclusion

A significant number of COVID-19 patients died in Ethiopia. COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, should receive special attention to reduce COVID-19 mortality.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, registration identifier (ID) CRD42020165740.
Diversity of species and geographic distribution of tick-borne viruses in China
Authors: Wu Yi , Zhou Qian , Mao Meihan , Chen Huangliang , Qi Rui
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Tick-borne pathogens especially viruses are continuously appearing worldwide, which have caused severe public health threats. Understanding the species, distribution and epidemiological trends of tick-borne viruses (TBVs) is essential for disease surveillance and control.

Methods

In this study, the data on TBVs and the distribution of ticks in China were collected from databases and literature. The geographic distribution of TBVs in China was mapped based on geographic locations of viruses where they were prevalent or they were detected in vector ticks. TBVs sequences were collected from The National Center for Biotechnology Information and used to structure the phylogenetic tree.

Results

Eighteen TBVs from eight genera of five families were prevalent in China. Five genera of ticks played an important role in the transmission of TBVs in China. According to phylogenetic analysis, some new viral genotypes, such as the Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) strain detected in Liaoning Province and the JMTV strain detected in Heilongjiang Province existed in China.

Discussion

TBVs were widely distributed but the specific ranges of viruses from different families still varied in China. Seven TBVs belonging to the genus Orthonairovirus of the family Nairoviridae such as Nairobi sheep disease virus (NSDV) clustered in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and northeastern areas of China. All viruses of the family Phenuiviridae except Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) were novel viruses that appeared in the last few years, such as Guertu virus (GTV) and Tacheng tick virus 2 (TcTV-2). They were mainly distributed in the central plains of China. Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) was distributed in at least fourteen provinces and had been detected in more than ten species of tick such as Rhipicephalus microplus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, which had the widest distribution and the largest number of vector ticks among all TBVs. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and Lymphatic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) were two potential TBVs in Northeast China that could cause serious diseases in humans or animals. Ixodes persulcatus carried the highest number of TBVs, followed by Dermacentor nuttalli and H. longicornis. They could carry as many as ten TBVs. Three strains of Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) from Inner Mongolia Province clustered with ones from Russia, Japan and Heilongjiang Province, respectively. Several SFTSV strains from Zhejiang Province clustered with strains from Korea and Japan. Specific surveillance of dominant TBVs should be established in different areas in China.
Hospital antimicrobial stewardship: profiling the oral microbiome after exposure to COVID-19 and antibiotics
Authors: Buendia Patricia , Fernandez Krystal , Raley Castle , Rahnavard Ali , Crandall Keith A. , Castro Jose Guillermo
Published: February 2024

Introduction

During the COVID-19 Delta variant surge, the CLAIRE cross-sectional study sampled saliva from 120 hospitalized patients, 116 of whom had a positive COVID-19 PCR test. Patients received antibiotics upon admission due to possible secondary bacterial infections, with patients at risk of sepsis receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSA).

Methods

The saliva samples were analyzed with shotgun DNA metagenomics and respiratory RNA virome sequencing. Medical records for the period of hospitalization were obtained for all patients. Once hospitalization outcomes were known, patients were classified based on their COVID-19 disease severity and the antibiotics they received.

Results

Our study reveals that BSA regimens differentially impacted the human salivary microbiome and disease progression. 12 patients died and all of them received BSA. Significant associations were found between the composition of the COVID-19 saliva microbiome and BSA use, between SARS-CoV-2 genome coverage and severity of disease. We also found significant associations between the non-bacterial microbiome and severity of disease, with Candida albicans detected most frequently in critical patients. For patients who did not receive BSA before saliva sampling, our study suggests Staphylococcus aureus as a potential risk factor for sepsis.

Discussion

Our results indicate that the course of the infection may be explained by both monitoring antibiotic treatment and profiling a patient’s salivary microbiome, establishing a compelling link between microbiome and the specific antibiotic type and timing of treatment. This approach can aid with emergency room triage and inpatient management but also requires a better understanding of and access to narrow-spectrum agents that target pathogenic bacteria.
The archaeome in metaorganism research, with a focus on marine models and their bacteria–archaea interactions
Authors: von Hoyningen-Huene Avril J. E. , Bang Corinna , Rausch Philipp , Rühlemann Malte , Fokt Hanna , He Jinru , Jensen Nadin , Knop Mirjam , Petersen Carola , Schmittmann Lara , Zimmer Thorsten , Baines John F. , Bosch Thomas C. G. , Hentschel Ute , Reusch Thorsten B. H. , Roeder Thomas , Franke Andre , Schulenburg Hinrich , Stukenbrock Eva , Schmitz Ruth A.
Published: February 2024

Metaorganism research contributes substantially to our understanding of the interaction between microbes and their hosts, as well as their co-evolution. Most research is currently focused on the bacterial community, while archaea often remain at the sidelines of metaorganism-related research. Here, we describe the archaeome of a total of eleven classical and emerging multicellular model organisms across the phylogenetic tree of life. To determine the microbial community composition of each host, we utilized a combination of archaea and bacteria-specific 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Members of the two prokaryotic domains were described regarding their community composition, diversity, and richness in each multicellular host. Moreover, association with specific hosts and possible interaction partners between the bacterial and archaeal communities were determined for the marine models. Our data show that the archaeome in marine hosts predominantly consists of Nitrosopumilaceae and Nanoarchaeota, which represent keystone taxa among the porifera. The presence of an archaeome in the terrestrial hosts varies substantially. With respect to abundant archaeal taxa, they harbor a higher proportion of methanoarchaea over the aquatic environment. We find that the archaeal community is much less diverse than its bacterial counterpart. Archaeal amplicon sequence variants are usually host-specific, suggesting adaptation through co-evolution with the host. While bacterial richness was higher in the aquatic than the terrestrial hosts, a significant difference in diversity and richness between these groups could not be observed in the archaeal dataset. Our data show a large proportion of unclassifiable archaeal taxa, highlighting the need for improved cultivation efforts and expanded databases.
Transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing and phenotypic analysis of Salmonella enterica after acid exposure for different time durations using adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Ghoshal Mrinalini , Bechtel Tyler D. , Gibbons John G. , McLandsborough Lynne
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study is the final part of a two-part series that delves into the molecular mechanisms driving adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) of Salmonella enterica in acid stress. The phenotypic and transcriptomic alterations in the acid-evolved lineages (EL) of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis after 70 days of acid stress exposure were analyzed.

Materials and methods

The stability of phenotypic changes observed after 70 days in acetic acid was explored after stress removal using a newly developed evolutionary lineage EL5. Additionally, the impact of short-term acid stress on the previously adapted lineage EL4 was also examined.

Results

The results indicate that the elevated antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) observed after exposure to acetic acid for 70 days was lost when acid stress was removed. This phenomenon was observed against human antibiotics such as meropenem, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and streptomycin. The MIC of meropenem in EL4 on day 70 was 0.094 mM, which dropped to 0.032 mM when removed from acetic acid stress after day 70. However, after stress reintroduction, the MIC swiftly elevated, and within 4 days, it returned to 0.094 mM. After 20 more days of adaptation in acetic acid, the meropenem MIC increased to 0.125 mM. The other human antibiotics that were tested exhibited a similar trend. The MIC of acetic acid in EL4 on day 70 was observed to be 35 mM, which remained constant even after the removal of acetic acid stress. Readaptation of EL4 in acetic acid for 20 more days caused the acetic acid MIC to increase to 37 mM. Bacterial whole genome sequencing of EL5 revealed base substitutions in several genes involved in pathogenesis, such as the phoQ and wzc genes. Transcriptomic analysis of EL5 revealed upregulation of virulence, drug resistance, toxin-antitoxin, and iron metabolism genes. Unstable Salmonella small colony variants (SSCV) of S. Enteritidis were also observed in EL5 as compared to the wild-type unevolved S. Enteritidis.

Discussion

This study presents a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the phenotypic, genomic, and transcriptomic changes in S. Enteritidis due to prolonged acid exposure through ALE.
Peptide selection via phage display to inhibit Leishmania-macrophage interactions
Authors: Verga Juliane Buzzon Meneghesso , Graminha Márcia A. S. , Jacobs-Lorena Marcelo , Cha Sung-Jae
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Leishmaniasis comprises a complex group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites from theLeishmaniagenus, presenting a significant threat to human health. Infection starts by the release into the skin of metacyclic promastigote (MP) form of the parasite by an infected sand fly. Soon after their release, the MPs enter a phagocytic host cell. This study focuses on finding peptides that can inhibit MP-phagocytic host cell interaction.

Methods

We used a phage display library to screen for peptides that bind to the surface ofL. amazonensis(causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis) andL. infantum(causative agent for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis) MPs. Candidate peptide binding to the MP surface and inhibition of parasite-host cell interaction were testedin vitro. Peptide Inhibition of visceral leishmaniasis development was assessed in BALB/c mice.

Results

The selected L. amazonensis binding peptide (La1) and theL. infantumbinding peptide (Li1) inhibited 44% of parasite internalization into THP-1 macrophage-like cellsin vitro. While inhibition of internalization by La1 was specific toL. amazonensis, Li1 was effective in inhibiting internalization of both parasite species. Importantly, Li1 inhibitedL. infantumspleen and liver infection of BALB/c mice by 84%.

Conclusion

We identified one peptide that specifically inhibitsL. amazonensisMP infection of host cells and another that inhibits both,L. amazonensisandL. infantum, MP infection. Our findings suggest a promising path for the development of new treatments and prevention of leishmaniasis.
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and its main determinants in a sample of Italian adults: results from the ARIANNA cross-sectional survey
Authors: Cardamone Erica , Iacoponi Francesca , Di Benedetto Rita , Lorenzoni Giulia , Di Nucci Annalisa , Zobec Federica , Gregori Dario , Silano Marco
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Over the last years, many Mediterranean countries, including Italy, have witnessed a shift away from the Mediterranean Diet, thus contributing to the high rates of overweight and obesity. The survey “Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Italy (ARIANNA)” aimed to evaluate the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet (AMD) and its main determinants in the Italian population.

Materials and methods

This study started on March 2023 and was addressed to adults aged ≥17 years, born and resident in Italy, proficient in Italian. Data are collected electronically through a voluntary, anonymous and self-administered questionnaire on the project website. Univariate and then multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate associations between AMD and demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, health status, and lifestyle.

Results

On a total of 3,732 completed questionnaires, the 87.70% of the respondents was female and the 71.28% was 17–40 years old. The 83.82% of the respondents had medium AMD, 11.33% low and only 4.85% high. The multivariate analysis revealed that being male (p < 0.001), aged >40 years (p < 0.05), workers (p ≤ 0.001), and unemployed (p < 0.05), determined the probability of having a lower AMD. Vegans and vegetarian’s diets positively contributed to a higher AMD (p < 0.001).

Discussion

These results highlighted a medium AMD in the Italian adult participants and suggested the necessity to implement tailored public health intervention strategies to improve food habits.
Primary central nervous system tumors survival in children in ten Colombian cities: a VIGICANCER report
Authors: Ramirez Oscar , Piedrahita Vivian , Ardila Jesus , Pardo Carlos , Cabrera-Bernal Edgar , Lopera John , Suarez Amaranto , Portilla Carlos Andrés , Narváez Carlos , Rodriguez Pamela , Castro Ximena , Castro Ángel , Estupinan-Perico Diego Ivan , Valencia Diana , Álvarez María del Rosario , Fox Javier Enrique , Bravo Luis Eduardo , Aristizabal Paula
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common cancer in children and adolescents, leading to premature death and disability. Population-based survival estimates aid decision-making in cancer control, however data on survival for primary CNS tumors in Latin America is lacking. We describe survival rates for children with primary CNS tumors treated in ten Colombian cities.

Methods

We analyzed data from children and adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer between 2012 and 2021, participating in the Childhood Cancer Clinical Outcomes Surveillance System (VIGICANCER) in ten cities in Colombia. VIGICANCER collects information on clinical outcomes from twenty-seven pediatric oncology units and conducts active follow-up every three months. VIGICANCER does not register craniopharyngiomas; we excluded intracranial germ cell tumors for this report. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the overall survival probability, stratified by sociodemographic variables, topography, WHO grading, receipt of radiation therapy, and type of surgical resection. We analyzed the prognostic capacity of variables using multivariate proportional Cox’s regression, stratified by city and year of diagnosis.

Results

During the study period, VIGICANCER included 989 primary CNS tumors in 879 children and 110 adolescents. The cohort median age was 9 years; 53% of patients were males, and 8% were Afro-descendants. Most common tumors were supratentorial astrocytomas (47%), astrocytic tumors (35%), medulloblastomas (20%), ependymomas (11%), and mixed and unspecified gliomas (10%). Five-year overall survival of the entire cohort was 54% (95% CI, 51-58); for supratentorial gliomas, WHO grade I was 77%, II was 62%, III-IV was 27%, respectively, and for medulloblastoma was 61%. The adjusted hazard rate ratio for patients with WHO grade III and IV, for those with subtotal resection, for brainstem location, and for those not receiving radiation therapy was 7.4 (95% CI, 4.7–11.8), 6.4 (95% CI, 4.2–9.8), 2.8 (95% 2.1–3.8), 2.0 (95% CI, 1.3–2.8) and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.7–3.0), respectively.

Conclusion

We found that half of Colombia’s children and adolescents with primary CNS tumors survive five years, compared to 70% to 80% in high-income countries. In addition to tumor biology and location, gross total resection was crucial for improved survival in this cohort. Systematic monitoring of survival and its determinants provides empirical data for guiding cancer control policies.
Seasonal influenza vaccines differentially activate and modulate toll-like receptor expression within the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Gupta Kajal H. , Giurini Eileena F. , Zloza Andrew
Published: February 2024

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are well-known for their role in cancer development as well as in directing anti-tumor immunity. Because TLRs have also been implicated in the innate recognition of the influenza virus, it was of great interest to investigate the potential TLRs’ contribution to the reduction in tumor growth following intratumoral injection of an unadjuvanted influenza vaccine and the lack of antitumor response from an adjuvanted vaccine. In our previous publication, we showed that the unadjuvanted flu vaccine modulates TLR7 expression leading to anti-tumor response in a murine model of melanoma. Here, we show that the unadjuvanted and adjuvanted flu vaccines robustly stimulate different sets of TLRs, TLR3 and TLR7, and TLR4 and TLR9, respectively. In addition, the reduction in tumor growth and improved survival from intratumoral administration of the unadjuvanted vaccine was found to be diminished in TLR7-deficient mice. Finally, we observed that both vaccines have the capacity to modulate TLR expression on both innate and adaptive immune cells. Our findings add to the mechanistic understanding of the parameters that influence tumor outcomes in unadjuvanted and adjuvanted influenza vaccines.