bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen uptake rates have contrasting responses to temperature in the root meristem and elongation zone
Authors: Zimmermann Maura J. , Bose Jayakumar , Kramer Eric M. , Atkin Owen K. , Tyerman Stephen D. , Baskin Tobias I.
Published: April 2022

Growing at either 15 or 25°C, roots of Arabidopsis thaliana, Columbia accession, produce cells at the same rate and have growth zones of the same length. To determine whether this constancy is related to energetics, we measured oxygen uptake by means of a vibrating oxygen‐selective electrode. Concomitantly, the spatial distribution of elongation was measured kinematically, delineating meristem and elongation zone. All seedlings were germinated, grown, and measured at a given temperature (15 or 25°C). Columbia was compared to lines where cell production rate roughly doubles between 15 and 25°C: Landsberg and two Columbia mutants, er‐105 and ahk3‐3. For all genotypes and temperatures, oxygen uptake rate at any position was highest at the root cap, where mitochondrial density was maximal, based on the fluorescence of a reporter. Uptake rate declined through the meristem to plateau within the elongation zone. For oxygen uptake rate integrated over a zone, the meristem had steady‐state Q10 values ranging from 0.7 to 2.1; by contrast, the elongation zone had values ranging from 2.6 to 3.3, implying that this zone exerts a greater respiratory demand. These results highlight a substantial energy consumption by the root cap, perhaps helpful for maintaining hypoxia in stem cells, and suggest that rapid elongation is metabolically more costly than is cell division.
Modelling Clusters of Corporate Defaults: Regime-Switching Models Significantly Reduce the Contagion Source
Authors: Berentsen Geir D. , Bulla Jan , Maruotti Antonello , Støve Bård
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we report robust evidence that the process of corporate defaults is time-dependent and can be modelled by extending an autoregressive count time series model class via the introduction of regime-switching. That is, some of the parameters of the model depend on the regime of an unobserved Markov chain, capturing the model changes during clusters observed for count time series in corporate defaults. Thus, the process of corporate defaults is more dynamic than previously believed. Moreover, the contagion effect—that current defaults affect the probability of other firms defaulting in the future—is reduced compared to models without regime-switching, and is only present in one regime. A two-regime model drives the counts of monthly corporate defaults in the United States. To estimate the model, we introduce a novel quasi-maximum likelihood estimator by adapting the extended Hamilton–Gray algorithm for the Poisson autoregressive model.
Income distribution and unequal gains from trade
Authors: Gao Bo , Qiu Bin
Published: April 2022

This paper studies welfare gains from trade in a tractable model with a nonhomothetic preference over product quality. We show that the welfare changes due to trade shocks are unequal across consumers and derive a parsimonious formula to measure these welfare changes as in Arkolakis et al. (2012, American Economic Review, 102, 94–130). We find that the welfare changes are larger for consumers with lower income. Moreover, this paper shows that the welfare implications are different between a change in (iceberg‐type) variable trade cost and a change in tariff when tariff revenue matters. More importantly, we show that the difference varies across consumers with different income levels.
Reported non‐compliance with pre‐donation screening among blood donors in Québec, Canada: A focus on the 3‐month deferral for men who have sex with men
Authors: Lewin Antoine , Grégoire Yves , Delage Gilles , Thibeault Catherine , Viau Catherine , Milot Christine , Parent Éric , Renaud Christian
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

In Québec (Canada), the donation deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) has recently been shortened to 3 months. Whether this change impacted compliance with pre‐donation screening is unknown. We assessed compliance with the disclosure of male‐to‐male sex and other behavioural risk factors for HIV amid this change.

Materials and Methods

Québec residents who donated from 14 July 2020 to 30 November 2020 were invited to participate in an online survey. Donors were informed that the survey was optional and anonymous. Survey questions were those used for routine pre‐donation screening. Rates of reported non‐compliance were weighted based on several characteristics.

Results

Of 21,918 contacted donors, 7113 (32.45%) participated. Among male participants (N = 3347), six (0.27% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.09%–0.44%]) were not compliant with a 3‐month MSM deferral. Among female participants (N = 3766), two (0.06% [95% CI = 0.00%–0.13%]) were not compliant with a 3‐month deferral for sex with a man who had male‐to‐male sex ≤12 months. Other risk factors exhibited similar or lower rates of reported non‐compliance.

Conclusion

Reported non‐compliance with a 3‐month MSM deferral and the disclosure of other HIV behavioural risk factors was low. These results warrant the investigation of behavioural donor risk assessment approaches to further improve the inclusiveness of blood donation.
Interplay between epithelial and mesenchymal cells unveils essential proinflammatory and pro‐resolutive mediators modulated by photobiomodulation therapy at 660 nm
Authors: Oliveira Rafaela F. , Marquiore Larissa F. , Gomes Cristopher B. S. , de Abreu Priscila T. R. , Ferreira Luiza A. Q. , Diniz Luiza A. , Gomes Natália A. , Jácome‐Santos Humberto , Moreno Amália , Macari Soraia , Mesquita Ricardo A. , Silva Tarcília A. , Marques Márcia M. , Diniz Ivana M. A.
Published: April 2022

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been widely used to promote tissue repair. However, PBMT's critical roles in the epithelial and mesenchymal tissues interactions are still barely known. Herein, we investigated light parameters on challenged keratinocytes (KC)—i.e., cultivated under oxidative stress—solely or associated with fibroblasts (FB) in a co‐culture system. Cells were treated with PBMT at the wavelength of 660 nm, at 20 mW and 0.71 W/cm2. Three different energy densities were primarily evaluated on KC: 1 (1.4 s), 5 (7 s), and 50 J/cm2 (70 s). Next, KC and FB were co‐cultured and assessed at 5 J/cm2. This energy density was also tested in ex vivo murine skin samples. Our main data suggest that PBMT can increase cellular proliferation at low doses and cell migration in a biphasic mode (1 and 50 J/cm2), both further confirmed by the epidermal growth factor receptor ligand—amphiregulin—upregulation. IL‐1RA mRNA—the IL‐1β (interleukin‐1β) receptor antagonist recognized to fasten wound repair—was upregulated in the co‐culture system. Upon PBMT, the ex vivo findings showed a progressive increase in the epidermal thickness, although presenting qualitatively less differentiated epithelium than the control group. In conclusion, PBMT effects are dependent on the cellular interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. Ultimately, PBMT is anti‐inflammatory and contributes to the expression of critical mediators of wound repair.
Experimental Investigation on the Mechanism of Impeller Synchronous and Nonsynchronous Vibrations in an Industrial Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Li Hongkun , Zhao Xinwei , Zhou Qiang , Yang Shuhua , Zhang Xiaowen
Published: April 2022

Understanding of the fluid–structure interaction phenomena in centrifugal compressors is essential for the impeller structural integrity design. To enhance the understanding of blade vibration in a realistic flow environment, a single-stage centrifugal compressor representative of industrial architecture has been investigated experimentally. For deterministic synchronous vibrations, the response amplitudes at different operating lines are measured and compared. The fundamental relations between flow excitation and rotor modal resonance are established by pairwise strain gages from experimental perspective. Compared with the third mode, the impeller first bending mode shows traveling wave response characteristic only within the frequency band where two adjacent blades have the same resonant frequency. Besides, the impeller encounters unexpected nonsynchronous vibrations when operating near the flow instability boundary. Speed ramp tests show that the stall cell propagating speed increases along with the rotor rotational speed without changing the cell count. Response amplification is further measured when throttling the compressor into stall. Experimental findings point toward vaned diffuser rotating stall and the corresponding propagating pressure waves in circumference leads to the impeller vibration. The aerodynamic asymmetry of stall cells increases the possibility of aeroelastic coupling with the blade modes. These results contribute to an in-depth understanding of the aeroelastic phenomena in industrial centrifugal compressors. The observed nonsynchronous vibration is important for the aeroelastic design and also of great interest for numerical predictions near stall.
Effect of low frequency voltage waveform on plasma uniformity in a dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasma
Authors: Rauf Shahid , Tian Peng , Kenney Jason , Dorf Leonid
Published: April 2022

In a dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) with disparate frequencies, the low frequency (LF) voltage usually has a strong influence on the ion energy distribution function (IEDF) but contributes less to plasma generation. It is well-known that rectangular LF voltage waveform with a small positive period yields a narrow, nearly monoenergetic IEDF. This paper focuses on the effect of the LF voltage waveform on plasma uniformity in a low-pressure dual-frequency (40 + 0.8 MHz) CCP. A two-dimensional particle-in-cell model is used for this investigation, and the effect of LF voltage amplitude on plasma uniformity is investigated for sinusoidal and rectangular voltage waveforms. When the LF voltage is low, the peak in plasma density is at the chamber center due to ample diffusion at the low pressure considered (20 mTorr) and higher losses to the chamber walls. As the LF voltage is increased, the sheath gets thicker at the powered electrode and charged species densities decrease for a constant 40 MHz voltage. The plasma profile, however, evolves differently for the two LF voltage waveforms. With sinusoidal LF voltage, the plasma spreads out between the electrodes. On the other hand, with rectangular LF voltage waveform, the plasma splits into two regions: a density peak at the chamber center and another peak near the electrode edge. This double-peaked density profile with a rectangular wave can be attributed to the location and timing of plasma generation. 40 MHz produces plasma most efficiently when the LF rectangular wave is positive and the sheath at the powered electrode is thin (frequency coupling). This plasma is produced uniformly between the electrodes, but only for a short period. When the LF voltage becomes negative, the sheath expands at the powered electrode and the plasma is produced near the electrode edge where the sheath is thinner and the electric field is stronger.
BDSF Is a Degradation-Prone Quorum-Sensing Signal Detected by the Histidine Kinase RpfC of
Xanthomonas campestris
pv.
campestris
Authors: Tian Xiu-Qi , Wu Yao , Cai Zhen , Qian Wei
Published: April 2022

The diffusible signal factor (DSF) family consists of quorum-sensing signals employed by Gram-negative bacteria. These signals are a group of
cis
-2-unsaturated fatty acids, such as DSF, BDSF, IDSF, CDSF, and SDSF.
A Brief History of Plasmids
Authors: Helinski Donald R.
Published: April 2022

In the late 1950s, a number of laboratories took up the study of plasmids once the discovery was made that extrachromosomal antibiotic resistance (R) factors are the responsible agents for the transmissibility of multiple antibiotic resistance among the enterobacteria. The use of incompatibility for the classification of plasmids is now widespread.
SARS-CoV-2 Testing in the Community: Testing Positive Samples with the TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel To Find Variants in Real Time
Authors: Ashford Fiona , Best Angus , Dunn Steven J. , Ahmed Zahra , Siddiqui Henna , Melville Jordan , Wilkinson Samuel , Mirza Jeremy , Cumley Nicola , Stockton Joanne , Ferguson Jack , Wheatley Lucy , Ratcliffe Elizabeth , Casey Anna , Plant Tim ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Aggarwal Dinesh University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Cambridge, UK, Blane Beth University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Cambridge, UK, Brooks Ellena University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Cambridge, UK, Carabelli Alessandro M. University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Cambridge, UK, Churcher Carol M. University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Cambridge, UK, Galai Katerina University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Quick Joshua , Richter Alex , Loman Nicholas , McNally Alan
Published: April 2022

Genome sequencing is a powerful tool for identifying SARS-CoV-2 variant lineages; however, there can be limitations due to sequence dropout when used to identify specific key mutations. Recently, ThermoFisher Scientific has developed genotyping assays to help bridge the gap between testing capacity and sequencing capability to generate real-time genotyping results based on specific variants.
Escherichia coli Uses a Dedicated Importer and Desulfidase To Ferment Cysteine
Authors: Zhou Yidan , Imlay James A.
Published: April 2022

Cysteine is a singularly reactive amino acid; in high concentrations, it can disrupt cytoplasmic metabolism. This phenomenon prompted the view that the
cyuPA
operon of
Escherichia coli
serves to detoxify cysteine by degrading it.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Rare Pigment-Producing Strain of Acinetobacter johnsonii, Isolated from the Bile of a Patient in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Mu Xinli , Liu Haiyang , Yao Yue , Zhao Feng , Fang Youhong , Yu Yunsong , Hua Xiaoting
Published: April 2022

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a rare pigment-producing strain of
Acinetobacter johnsonii
. The genome consists of a 3,360,823-bp circular chromosome (G+C content, 41.56%) and an 8,887-bp plasmid (G+C content, 33.71%). It possesses 3,038 coding gene sequences, 19 rRNA genes, 87 tRNA genes, and 4 noncoding RNA (ncRNA) genes.
Abiotic Treatment to Common Bean Plants Results in an Altered Endophytic Seed Microbiome
Authors: Bintarti A. Fina , Kearns Patrick J. , Sulesky-Grieb Abby , Shade Ashley
Published: April 2022

Seed microbiome members initiate the assembly of plant-associated microbial communities, but the environmental drivers of endophytic seed microbiome composition are unclear. Here, we exposed plants to short-term drought and fertilizer treatments during early vegetative growth and quantified the microbiome composition of the seeds that were ultimately produced.
Development of Antifungal Peptides against Cryptococcus neoformans; Leveraging Knowledge about the
cdc50Δ
Mutant Susceptibility for Lead Compound Development
Authors: Tancer Robert J. , Wang Yina , Pawar Siddhi , Xue Chaoyang , Wiedman Gregory R.
Published: April 2022

The authors have developed a lead compound peptide antifungal drug targeting a protein from the organism
Cryptococcus neoformans
. Binding of the drug to the target fungal protein causes charged lipid molecules to be retained on the surface.
Assembly and Functional Role of PACE Transporter PA2880 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zhao Jiangfeng , Hellwig Nils , Djahanschiri Bardya , Khera Radhika , Morgner Nina , Ebersberger Ingo , Wang Jingkang , Michel Hartmut
Published: April 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a pathogen that causes hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and sepsis syndromes. Chlorhexidine diacetate is a disinfectant used for bacterial control in various environments potentially harboring
P. aeruginosa
.
Standardized Hepatitis B Virus RNA Quantification in Untreated and Treated Chronic Patients: a Promising Marker of Infection Follow-Up
Authors: Cortese Maria Francesca , Riveiro-Barciela Mar , Tabernero David , Rodriguez-Algarra Francisco , Palom Adriana , Sopena Sara , Rando-Segura Ariadna , Roade Luisa , Kuchta Alison , Ferrer-Costa Roser , Quer Josep , Pacin Beatriz , Vila Marta , Casillas Rosario , Garcia-Garcia Selene , Esteban Rafael , Pumarola Tomás , Buti Maria , Rodriguez-Frias Francisco
Published: April 2022

This study focused on the quantification of circulating HBV RNA by using a standardized and sensitive assay. Thanks to this system we observed a higher difference between circulating HBV DNA and RNA than previously reported.
Absence of Ribosome Modulation Factor Alters Growth and Competitive Fitness of Escherichia coli
Authors: Sebastian Hans , Finkel Steven E.
Published: April 2022

Ribosomes are the sole source in any cell for new protein synthesis that is vital to maintain life. While ribosomes are frequently consumed as sources of nutrients under low-nutrient conditions, some ribosomes appear to be preserved for later use.
Proteomic Response Revealed Signaling Pathways Involving in the Mechanism of Polymyxin B-Induced Melanogenesis
Authors: Zhang Chuhan , Liu Xiaofen , Wu Hailan , Wang Yu , Fan Yaxin , Guo Beining , Bian Xingchen , Li Xin , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2022

Polymyxin B-induced skin hyperpigmentation seriously affects the psychological health and compliance of patients. This study provides a proteomic clue to the mechanism at the cellular level for understanding polymyxin B-induced hyperpigmentation, contributing to a follow-up investigation of the corresponding PI3K/Akt signaling transduction pathway and calcium signaling pathway.
Invasive stage III breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma successfully treated with incomplete resection
Authors: Nestler John A , Kim Jin Kyung , Goodreau Adam M , Mountziaris Paschalia M , McGuire Kandace P
Published: April 2022

A woman with history of bilateral breast augmentation 15 years prior presented with right breast swelling, peri-implant effusion and a palpable inferomedial mass. Effusion aspiration demonstrated pleiomorphic cells consistent with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Further diagnostic studies confirmed stage III disease with a 4.7 cm right breast mass and fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in an internal mammary chain lymph node. The patient underwent surgery with incomplete resection due to invasion of the chest wall followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. BIA-ALCL typically presents as an indolent effusion, however advanced disease carries a worse prognosis. This case highlights successful treatment without recurrence past the one-year mark as well as the need for multidisciplinary management when dealing with advanced disease.
Efficacy of interventions to reduce long term opioid treatment for chronic non-cancer pain: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Avery Nicholas , McNeilage Amy G , Stanaway Fiona , Ashton-James Claire E , Blyth Fiona M , Martin Rebecca , Gholamrezaei Ali , Glare Paul
Published: April 2022

Objective

To review interventions to reduce long term opioid treatment in people with chronic non-cancer pain, considering efficacy on dose reduction and discontinuation, pain, function, quality of life, withdrawal symptoms, substance use, and adverse events.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies of interventions.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library searched from inception to July 2021. Reference lists and previous reviews were also searched and experts were contacted.

Eligibility criteria for study selection

Original research in English. Case reports and cross sectional studies were excluded.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools for randomised and non-randomised studies (RoB 2 and ROBINS-I). Authors grouped interventions into five categories (pain self-management, complementary and alternative medicine, pharmacological and biomedical devices and interventions, opioid replacement treatment, and deprescription methods), estimated pooled effects using random effects meta-analytical models, and appraised the certainty of evidence using GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation).

Results

Of 166 studies meeting inclusion criteria, 130 (78%) were considered at critical risk of bias and were excluded from the evidence synthesis. Of the 36 included studies, few had comparable treatment arms and sample sizes were generally small. Consequently, the certainty of the evidence was low or very low for more than 90% (41/44) of GRADE outcomes, including for all non-opioid patient outcomes. Despite these limitations, evidence of moderate certainty indicated that interventions to support prescribers’ adherence to guidelines increased the likelihood of patients discontinuing opioid treatment (adjusted odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.0 to 2.1), and that these prescriber interventions as well as pain self-management programmes reduced opioid dose more than controls (interventionvcontrol, mean difference –6.8 mg (standard error 1.6) daily oral morphine equivalent, P<0.001; pain programmevcontrol, −14.31 mg daily oral morphine equivalent, 95% confidence interval −21.57 to −7.05).

Conclusions

Evidence on the reduction of long term opioid treatment for chronic pain continues to be constrained by poor study methodology. Of particular concern is the lack of evidence relating to possible harms. Agreed standards for designing and reporting studies on the reduction of opioid treatment are urgently needed.

Review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020140943.
Influence of placental and peripheral malaria exposure in fetal life on cardiometabolic traits in adult offspring
Authors: Grunnet Louise G , Bygbjerg Ib C , Mutabingwa Theonest K , Lajeunesse-Trempe Fanny , Nielsen Jannie , Schmiegelow Christentze , Vaag Allan A , Ramaiya Kaushik , Christensen Dirk L
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Fetal malaria exposure may lead to intrauterine growth restriction and increase the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. We investigated the extent to which fetal peripheral and placental malaria exposure impacts insulin sensitivity and secretion, body composition and cardiometabolic health 20 years after in utero malaria exposure.

Research design and methods

We traced 101 men and women in Muheza district, Tanga region whose mothers participated in a malaria chemosuppression during a pregnancy study in 1989–1992. All potential participants were screened for malaria, hepatitis B and HIV to ascertain study eligibility. Seventy-six individuals (44 men, 32 women) were included in this cohort study. The participants underwent a thorough clinical examination including anthropometric measurements, ultrasound scanning for abdominal fat distribution, blood pressure, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, an intravenous glucose tolerance test followed by a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and a submaximal exercise test.

Results

Offspring exposed to placental malaria during pregnancy had significantly higher 30-minute plasma post-glucose load levels, but no significant difference in peripheral insulin resistance, insulin secretion or other cardiometabolic traits compared with non-exposed individuals.

Conclusions

Using the state-of-the-art euglycemic clamp technique, we were unable to prove our a priori primary hypothesis of peripheral insulin resistance in young adult offspring of pregnancies affected by malaria. However, the subtle elevations of plasma glucose might represent an early risk marker for later development of type 2 diabetes if combined with aging and a more obesogenic living environment.
Gatekeeper training for vendors to reduce pesticide self-poisoning in rural South Asia: a study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Weerasinghe Manjula , Pearson Melissa , Turner Nicholas , Metcalfe Chris , Gunnell David J , Agampodi Suneth , Hawton Keith , Agampodi Thilini , Miller Matthew , Jayamanne Shaluka , Parker Simon , Sumith Jayakody Arachchige , Karunarathne Ayanthi , Dissanayaka Kalpani , Rajapaksha Sandamali , Rodrigo Dilani , Abeysinghe Dissanayake , Piyasena Chathuranga , Kanapathy Rajaratnam , Thedchanamoorthy Sundaresan , Madsen Lizell Bustamante , Konradsen Flemming , Eddleston Michael
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Pesticide self-poisoning kills an estimated 110 000–168 000 people worldwide annually. Data from South Asia indicate that in 15%–20% of attempted suicides and 30%–50% of completed suicides involving pesticides these are purchased shortly beforehand for this purpose. Individuals who are intoxicated with alcohol and/or non-farmers represent 72% of such customers. We have developed a ‘gatekeeper’ training programme for vendors to enable them to identify individuals at high risk of self-poisoning (gatekeeper function) and prevent such individuals from accessing pesticides (means restriction). The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the gatekeeper intervention in preventing pesticide self-poisoning in Sri Lanka. Other aims are to identify method substitution and to assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

Methods and analysis

A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial of a gatekeeper intervention is being conducted in rural Sri Lanka with a population of approximately 2.7 million. The gatekeeper intervention is being introduced into 70 administrative divisions in random order at each of 30 steps over a 40-month period. The primary outcome is the number of pesticide self-poisoning cases identified from surveillance of hospitals and police stations. Secondary outcomes include: number of self-poisoning cases using pesticides purchased within the previous 24 hours, total number of all forms of self-harm and suicides. Intervention effectiveness will be estimated by comparing outcome measures between the pretraining and post-training periods across the divisions in the study area. The original study protocol has been adapted as necessary in light of the impact of the COVID-19.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethical Review Committee of the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka (ERC/2018/30), and the ACCORD Medical Research Ethics Committee, Edinburgh University (18-HV-053) approved the study. Results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

SLCTR/2019/006, U1111-1220-8046.
Why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians fall and fracture: the codesigned Study of Indigenous Muscle and Bone Ageing (SIMBA) protocol
Authors: Zengin Ayse , Shore-Lorenti Cat , Sim Marc , Maple-Brown Louise , Brennan-Olsen Sharon Lee , Lewis Joshua R , Ockwell Jennifer , Walker Troy , Scott David , Ebeling Peter
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have a substantially greater fracture risk, where men are 50% and women are 26% more likely to experience a hip fracture compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Fall-related injuries in this population have also increased by 10%/year compared with 4.3%/year in non-Indigenous Australians. This study aims to determine why falls and fracture risk are higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Setting

All clinical assessments will be performed at one centre in Melbourne, Australia. At baseline, participants will have clinical assessments, including questionnaires, anthropometry, bone structure, body composition and physical performance tests. These assessments will be repeated at follow-up 1 and follow-up 2, with an interval of 12 months between each clinical visit.

Participants

This codesigned prospective observational study aims to recruit a total of 298 adults who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and reside within Victoria, Australia. Stratified sampling by age and sex will be used to ensure equitable distribution of men and women across four age-bands (35–44, 45–54, 55–64 and 65+ years).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome is within-individual yearly change in areal bone mineral density at the total hip, femoral neck and lumbar spine assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Within-individual change in cortical and trabecular volumetric bone mineral density at the radius and tibia using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography will be determined. Secondary outcomes include yearly differences in physical performance and body composition.

Ethical approval

Ethics approval for this study has been granted by the Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee (project number: RES-19–0000374A).

Trial registration number

ACTRN12620000161921.
Tuberculosis contact investigation in African Portuguese-speaking countries at End TB Strategy era: a scoping review
Authors: Loesch Regina Becker Reifschneider , Ribeiro Rafaela M. , Conceição Cláudia
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The contact investigation of tuberculosis (TB) index case is one of the critical elements pointed by the WHO to reach the end of the TB epidemic. The scoping review aimed to map out the recommended and the adopted processes applied to active contact investigation of TB index case in African Portuguese-speaking countries (PALOP).

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

We searched B-on, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, WHOLIS, IRIS, OKR, each country’s Ministry of Health websites, WHO, Global Fund, World Bank and bibliographic reference lists from February to May 2020.

Eligibility criteria

All available literature on TB contact investigation in each country part of PALOP (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe) published from 1 January 2010 to 31 January2020.

Data extraction and synthesis

A data-charting form was developed to extract data on documents' characteristics and variables pertinent to the TB contact investigation process. Before qualitative analysis, we thematically synthesised findings and converted them into appropriate text units.

Results

Fifteen documents were included in the scoping review. The recommended processes for TB contact investigation were identified only for Cape Verde and Mozambique. It included clinical evaluation, counselling and testing for HIV, chest radiography, tuberculin skin test, sputum smear microscopy or Xpert MTB/RIF. The adopted processes were detected only in research studies from Angola, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique. Therefore, they cannot be assumed as adopted within the scope of the national programmes of the respective countries.

Conclusion

This review highlights the scarcity of references on TB contact investigation in PALOP at the End TB Strategy era. Furthermore, it is well clear the importance of an information system that provides actual data for assessing the real impact of such interventions in controlling the disease in African Portuguese-speaking countries.
Modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults in southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kumma Wondimagegn Paulos , Lindtjørn Bernt , Loha Eskindir
Published: April 2022

Objective

To assess the prevalence, magnitude and factors associated with the number of major modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Design

Community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

General population in urban and rural Wolaita, southern Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 2483 adults aged 25–64 years were selected using the three-stage random sampling.

Outcome measures

Prevalence of major modifiable CVD risk factors, co-occurrences and the number of modifiable CVD risk factors.

Results

The major modifiable CVD risk factors documented in the Wolaita area were smoking with a weighted prevalence of 0.8%, hypercholesterolaemia 5.0%, hypertriglyceridaemia 15.5%, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 31.3%, high systolic blood pressure 22.2%, high diastolic blood pressure 22.4%, physical inactivity 44.1%, obesity 2.8% and hyperglycaemia 3.7%. The numbers of participants having ≥1, ≥2 and ≥3 major modifiable CVD risk factors in the study area were 2013, 1201 and 576 with a weighted prevalence of 75.8%, 42.3% and 19.4%, respectively. In general, there were 28 different combinations of major modifiable CVD risk factor co-occurrences. The combination of physical inactivity with low HDL-C was found in 19.7% of the study participants, followed by physical inactivity with hypertension of 17.8%. Urban residence, male gender, sugar-sweetened food consumption and older age had a positive association with the number of major modifiable CVD risk factors, while being a farmer had a negative association.

Conclusions

The prevalence and magnitude of major modifiable CVD risk factors in the study area were high. The components of the most prevalent combinations of major modifiable CVD risk factors should be targeted. Therefore, public health measures against major modifiable CVD risk factors such as promotion of physical exercise and reduction of sugar-sweetened food consumption have to be taken, targeting the vulnerable groups such as urban residents and older age.
Safety and efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of sepsis induced by pneumonia: study protocol for a single-centre, randomised single-blind parallel group trial
Authors: Wang Chunxue , Zhao Dongyang , Zheng Liang , Bao Xiaowei , Yang Qian , Jiang Sen , Zhou Xiaohui , Tang Lunxian , Liu Zhongmin
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ disorder caused by a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection with no effective treatment options exist thus far. Therefore, novel therapeutic methods are urgently advocated for decreasing the high mortality rate. Recently, preclinical studies supported the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of sepsis. In this study, we aim to test the safety, tolerability and efficacy of human umbilical cord MSCs (HUC-MSCs) for the treatment of pneumonia induced sepsis.

Methods and analysis

This study is a single-centre, randomised single-blind parallel group, placebo-controlled trial. Forty eligible participants with pneumonia-induced sepsis will be randomly assigned to the observational cohort and the interventional cohort in a 1:1 ratio. In addition to the standard treatments recommended by the Sepsis 3.0 guidelines, HUC-MSCs will be administered intravenously as adjunctive therapy on day 0 at a dose of 1×106 cells/kg with a total volume of 100 mL diluted with normal saline through 120 mL/hour intravenous central line infusion in the interventional cohort. Placebo (normal saline) will also be administered through 120 mL/hour intravenous central line infusion at the same quantity (total volume of 100 mL) in the observational cohort. The study is approved by Research Ethics Board of East Hospital/Tongji University, which has been registered on Chinese clinical trial registry (chictr.org.cn) and initiated from October 2021. All the participants will be followed at regular intervals for 1 year. Funding is from the ‘National Natural Science Foundation, China and top‐level clinical discipline project of Shanghai Pudong’. This study is the first trial to assess the safety and efficacy of HUC-MSCs for the treatment of sepsis induced by pneumonia. The results will advance our understanding of the mode of action of HUC-MSCs and will also be critical for the design of future investigation in larger randomised controlled trials in multicentre. These data will offer insight into defining endpoints, key biomarkers and sample size determination.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Board of East Hospital, Tongji University (Shanghai, China), which has accepted responsibility for supervising all aspects of the study (DFSC-2021(CR-04). The results of this study will be presented at both national and international conferences and be considered for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. All the results presented in this study will be of group data, therefore, individual participants will not be identifiable.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100050544, the trial is now at the stage of pre-results.
Development of bioelectrical impedance-based equations for the prediction of body composition of Malawian adolescents aged 10–18 years: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Divala Oscar Henry , Mwakhwawa Queen , Phiri Madalitso Makawa , Owino Victor , El Kari Khalid , Maleta Kenneth Mphatso
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) depends on population-specific prediction equations and there is no population-specific equation for predicting fat-free mass (FFM) in Malawian adolescents. This study aimed at determining the agreement between FFM measured by deuterium oxide dilution technique (the reference) and FFM by BIA; and propose BIA-based prediction equations to estimate FFM for Malawian adolescents.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted in Blantyre, Malawi

Participants

186 Malawian adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years were included in this study. Body composition was estimated by both the BodyStat BIA analyser and the deuterium oxide dilution method.

Results

BIA inbuilt equation underestimated FFM compared with deuterium oxide dilution (p=0.039). The new prediction equation for FFM (kg)=−4.316+ 0.425* height2(cm)/resistance (Ω)+1.287* sex (male=1, female=0)+0.307*age(years)+0.344* weight(kg)+0.019*reactance(Ω) yielded an R2 of 0.926. The equation for total body water (TBW) (kg)=−2.152 + 0.328*height2(cm)/resistance (Ω) 0.910*sex (male=1, female=0)+0.307 *age (years)+0.249*weight(kg)+0.015*reactance(Ω) yielded an R2 of 0.922. The Bland-Altman plot illustrated a good level of concordance between the FFM and TBW predicted by the new equations and the values derived using deuterium dilution method.

Conclusions

The new BIA prediction equations for estimating FFM and TBW could be used to assess with very good accuracy and precision the body composition of Malawian and adolescents with similar characteristics.
Predicting neurodevelopmental risk in children born to mothers living with HIV in Kenya: protocol for a prospective cohort study (Tabiri Study)
Authors: Oyungu Eren , El Kebbi Ola , Vreeman Rachel , Nyandiko Winstone , Monahan Patrick O , Tu Wanzhu , Khaitan Alka , Desta Zeruesenay , Slogrove Amy L , Humphrey John M , Were Edwin , Patel Rena C , Carlucci James G , Wools-Kaloustian Kara , McHenry Megan S
Published: April 2022

Introduction

For the growing number of children with in utero and postpartum exposure to HIV and/or antiretrovirals, it is unclear which exposures or risk factors play a significant role in predicting worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This protocol describes a prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants born to mothers living with HIV and those born to mothers without HIV. We will determine which risk factors are most predictive of child neurodevelopment at 24 months. We aim to create a risk assessment tool to help predict which children are at risk for worse neurodevelopment outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This study leverages an existing Kenyan cohort to prospectively enrol 500 children born to mothers living with HIV and 500 to those without HIV (n=1000 total) and follow them from birth to age 24 months. The following factors will be measured every 6 months: infectious morbidity and biological/sociodemographic/psychosocial risk factors. We will compare these factors between the two groups. We will then measure and compare neurodevelopment within children in both groups at 24 months of age using the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition. Finally, we will use generalised linear mixed modelling to quantify associations with neurodevelopment and create a risk assessment tool for children ≤24 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Moi University’s Institutional Research and Ethics Committee (IREC/2021/55; Approval #0003892), Kenya’s National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI, Reference #700244) and Indiana University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB Protocol #110990). This study carries minimal risk to the children and their mothers, and all mothers will provide written consent for participation in the study. Results will be disseminated to maternal child health clinics within Uasin Gishu County, Kenya and via papers submitted to peer-reviewed journals and presentation at international conferences.
Prognostic significance of first-degree atrioventricular block in a large Asian population: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Moujie , Du Zhi , Sun Yingxian
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the prognostic significance of first-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) in Asian populations.

Design and setting

Participants (N=9634) from the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study were included. The first-degree AVB was defined as PR (from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex on an electrocardiogram) interval >200 ms, and primary composite outcome (all events) included new onset cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Cox regression and restricted cubic spline were used to identify the associations of PR interval or first-degree AVB with end points. Furthermore, the relationship between new-onset CVD and mortality and first-degree AVB was separately evaluated. The value of first-degree AVB for predicting adverse events was evaluated by reclassification and discrimination analyses.

Results

During a median of 4.65 years follow-up, 524 participants developed CVD and 371 died. Compared with participants with PR ≤200 ms, those with first-degree AVB had an increased risk of all events (HR: 1.84; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.88). Furthermore, first-degree AVB was predictive of incident CVD (1.96, 1.18 to 3.23) and stroke (2.22, 1.27 to 3.90) after adjusting for conventional risk. These statistically significant associations remained unchanged after further stratification by potential confounding factors. Discrimination and reclassification analyses suggested that first-degree AVB addition could improve the conventional model for predicting adverse outcomes within 4 years.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that first-degree AVB was an independent risk factor for adverse events, suggesting that it should not be considered as inconsequential factor in general population. These results have potential clinical value for identifying individuals at high risk for adverse outcomes.
TIGIT-CD226-PVR axis: advancing immune checkpoint blockade for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chiang Eugene Y , Mellman Ira
Published: April 2022

Recent advances in understanding the roles of immune checkpoints in allowing tumors to circumvent the immune system have led to successful therapeutic strategies that have fundamentally changed oncology practice. Thus far, immunotherapies against only two checkpoint targets have been approved, CTLA-4 and PD-L1/PD-1. Antibody blockade of these targets enhances the function of antitumor T cells at least in part by relieving inhibition of the T cell costimulatory receptor CD28. These successes have stimulated considerable interest in identifying other pathways that may bte targeted alone or together with existing immunotherapies. One such immune checkpoint axis is comprised of members of the PVR/nectin family that includes the inhibitory receptor T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory domains (TIGIT). Interestingly, TIGIT acts to regulate the activity of a second costimulatory receptor CD226 that works in parallel to CD28. There are currently over two dozen TIGIT-directed blocking antibodies in various phases of clinical development, testament to the promise of modulating this pathway to enhance antitumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the role of TIGIT as a checkpoint inhibitor, its interplay with the activating counter-receptor CD226, and its status as the next advance in cancer immunotherapy.
Using poetry to elicit internal medicine residents’ perspectives on wellness
Authors: Wietlisbach Larissa E , Asch David A , Eriksen Whitney , Barg Frances K , Bellini Lisa M , Desai Sanjay V , Yakubu Abdul-Rakeem , Shea Judy A
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To elicit internal medicine residents’ perspectives on wellness through poetry writing, examining (1) response rates, (2) the tone/sentiment of their submissions and (3) the primary thematic content.

Study design

In academic year 2019–2020, a random sample of 88 residents from four internal medicine residency programmes was invited to participate in a year-long study of wellness. In December 2019, an open-ended prompt asked residents to write a poem reflecting on their well-being. Responses were inductively coded using content analysis techniques.

Results

The response rate for the poetry prompt was 94%. The tone of the entries was most often neutral or contradictory (42%), followed by negative (33%) and positive (25%). There were three main themes: (1) Mindsets: most residents simply wanted to make it through their programme; (2) wellness influencers: the main wellness supporters were external to the programme such as vacationing and exercise; within hospitals, friendships with colleagues and boosted wellness and (3) scheduling/repetition: difficult schedules drained energy as did the monotony of administrative tasks.

Conclusions

Poetry appears to be an innovative and effective vehicle to elicit residents’ perspectives without compromising response rate. Poetry survey techniques allow medical trainees to provide powerful messaging to leadership. Most of what is known about trainee wellness is derived from quantitative surveys. This study showed medicine trainees’ willingness to engage in poetry and add richness and personal detail to highlight key drivers of wellness. Such information provides context and brings attention in a compelling manner to an important topic.
Artificial intelligence in orthopaedics surgery: transforming technological innovation in patient care and surgical training
Authors: St Mart Jean-Pierre , Goh En Lin , Liew Ignatius , Shah Zameer , Sinha Joydeep
Published: April 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an exciting field combining computer science with robust data sets to facilitate problem-solving. It has the potential to transform education, practice and delivery of healthcare especially in orthopaedics. This review article outlines some of the already used AI pathways as well as recent technological advances in orthopaedics. Additionally, this article further explains how potentially these two entities could be combined in the future to improve surgical education, training and ultimately patient care and outcomes.
Work Values and Emotional Intelligence Determinants of Career Commitment among Generation Y in the Indonesian Banking Industry
Authors: Damayanti Nur , Yahya Khulida Kirana , Tan Fee Yean
Published: April 2022

This article examines the relationship between work values, emotional intelligence, and career commitment in the Indonesian banking industry. Generation Y have different characteristics, behaviours, and views than previous generations. This cohort is highly expressive and confident but lacks career commitment. If Generation Y individuals feel their career expectations are not met, they change careers easily. A pilot test of 50 Generation Y respondents in Mandiri Bank, Jakarta was performed. Questionnaire data was collected and analysed using correlation and regression analyses. The results showed that work values influence their career commitment while emotional intelligence does not. Implications of the findings are discussed.