bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telemedicine in civil protection: A controlled simulation study for the analysis of patient care
Authors: Müller Anna , Kraus Simon , Arimond Robert , Kunczik Janosch , Rossaint Rolf , Czaplik Michael , Follmann Andreas
Published: August 2024

Objectives

More and more disasters are occurring and there will be an increasing shortage of physicians in the future. Telemedicine could be a solution here to offer medical care despite the lack of physicians in the area of operation. This study analyzes whether telemedicine for lower-qualified paramedics is comparable to conventional disaster medicine.

Methods

A simulation study was conducted in which one conventional and two telemedicine groups cared for thermal-traumatically injured in a stressful situation. The telemedicine was conducted on tablets with integrated vital sign monitoring or on smartphones. The physician engagement time, the number of physician contacts, the time for relevant measures and the usage behavior of telemedicine were examined between these groups.

Results

One telemedicine group showed significantly fewer patient contacts. This can be attributed to the ongoing consultation in the intervention group with more contacts. There are no significant differences in the relevant measures.

Conclusion

Telemedicine is comparable to conventional disaster medicine in civil protection. Due to potential technical failures, it should primarily be used to compensate for the lack of physicians, and training should focus on an exit-strategy in case of a failure of the telemedicine.
Conducting ethnographic research in China’s digital industry: Experience, challenges, and practical solutions
Authors: Li Angela Ke
Published: August 2024

Recent studies on China’s digital industry have often highlighted the challenge of gaining access to internet companies, which has limited scholarly engagement with these corporations in critical research on China’s digital economy. However, the endeavor of studying closed subjects is not new in the world of academia. Drawing from my prior ethnographic research experiences, this article presents three strategic approaches for conducting meso-level research on internet companies in China. The first strategy involves paying attention to a disparate array of sources. The second strategy focuses on acquiring fluency in the terminology commonly employed by individuals working in internet companies. The final strategy centers on de-escalating sensitivity. In conclusion, this article discusses the implications of these strategies for future ethnographic research on internet companies in China.
Social Anxiety, Pregaming Motives/Behaviors, and Negative Alcohol Consequences Among a Multisite Sample of University Students
Authors: Walukevich-Dienst Katherine , Newins Amie R. , Zamboanga Byron L. , Dehmer Makayla L. , Ham Lindsay S. , Kim Su Yeong
Published: August 2024

Social anxiety symptoms may increase risk for heavy drinking and alcohol-related negative consequences during pregaming (drinking before a social event); efforts to identify malleable psychosocial risk factors are needed. This study examined cross-sectional relationships between social anxiety symptoms, pregaming behaviors, negative alcohol-related consequences, and pregaming-specific motives, moderated by gender. Undergraduates who endorsed current drinking ( N = 7528) completed a self-report survey on drinking behaviors as part of a large, multisite study. Social anxiety symptoms were not associated with lifetime history of pregaming. Among participants who engaged in past 30-day pregaming, social anxiety symptoms were related to more negative alcohol-related consequences, greater interpersonal enhancement motives, and lower situational control motives. Social anxiety symptoms were not associated with pregaming quantity. The associations between social anxiety symptoms and pregaming frequency, situational control, and intimate pursuit motives varied by gender. Findings highlight social anxiety symptoms and gender as important factors associated with pregaming-specific motives and behaviors.
Virtual Healthcare Revolution: Understanding Nurse Competencies and Roles
Authors: Mubarak Al Baalharith Ibrahim , Aboshaiqah Ahmad Eissa
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Digital healthcare, especially virtual health, has changed nurses' jobs and skills. In the evolving healthcare landscape, nurses healthcare landscape is increasingly required to have diverse competencies to navigate the world of virtual health effectively.

Objective

This study aims to qualitatively explore the role of nurses in virtual health and the competencies required to work in virtual health in Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on SEHA virtual hospital.

Methods

An online open survey with nursing experts was employed as the qualitative method approach during the initial phase of an online Delphi study design.

Results

Twelve core competencies were identified: digital technology proficiency, professionalism, clinical expertise, leadership, legal and ethical considerations, care coordination, documentation, effective communication, patient assessment and diagnosis, patient safety, patient-centered care, and remote patient monitoring.

Conclusions

The research emphasizes the crucial role of nurses in virtual hospitals and clinics, contributing to the expansion of the virtual healthcare environment. It presents a thorough competency framework that can guide the development of training programs and policies, enhancing the effectiveness of virtual healthcare delivery.

Impact

The study provides a foundational competencies list that can guide the development of comprehensive training programs for nurses in virtual healthcare. Policymakers and educational leaders are encouraged to use these findings to create standardized practices and policies, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of virtual healthcare delivery.
Physical Activity Barriers Among Adolescents in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alhroub Nisser , Al-Sarairhe Ishraq , Awamleh Rana Al , Ayasreh Ibrahim , Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Oweidat Islam Ali , ALBashtawy Sa'd , Ayed Ahmad , ALBashtawy Zaid , Abdalrahim Asem , Alkhawaldeh Hasan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Physical activity is critical for health promotion and the prevention of noncommunicable illnesses, especially among teenagers. However, teenagers’ active participation in physical exercise may be hampered by perceived impediments to physical activity.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the external and internal barriers to physical activities among adolescents, as well as any differences in these barriers between males and females.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 600 adolescent students (aged 11–16) from a public school in Jordan. A self-administered questionnaire with 12 items assessed barriers to physical activity. Internal and external barriers were identified, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS.

Results

Male adolescents reported more perceived hurdles to physical exercise than female adolescents, with lack of time and lack of self-confidence being the most significant impediments. External impediments were more prominent than internal barriers, particularly a lack of resources. The total score for external barriers was significantly higher than that for internal barriers. “Lack of resources” was the most important external barrier (mean = 3.49), and “lack of self-confidence” was the most significant internal barrier (mean = 3.47). Male and female teenagers differed in the obstacles of “lack of self-confidence” ( p = .045) and “lack of time” ( p = .040). The most significant perceived hurdles included a lack of awareness of the health benefits of exercise, concerns about appearance while exercising, limited access to fitness centers, lack of exercise equipment at home, and insufficient spare time due to a packed class schedule.

Conclusion

It is critical to implement interventions that address the identified barriers to physical activity, particularly among female adolescents, such as improving opportunities for physical activity and providing social support for participation.
Barriers and Facilitators Experienced by Undergraduate Nursing Faculty Teaching Clinical Judgment: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kerns Carolyn , Wedgeworth Monika
Published: August 2024

Background

Clinical judgment is declining in new graduate nurses, which affects patient safety and is therefore tested on the Next Generation NCLEX. There is limited research describing barriers and facilitators impacting nursing faculty's experiences teaching clinical judgment.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators affecting undergraduate nursing faculty's clinical judgment teaching methods.

Methods

Sixteen qualitative interviews were conducted with full-time nursing faculty at seven universities in the Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States.

Results

The findings revealed program, student, and faculty factors affecting clinical judgment teaching methods. Subthemes included time, class size, students’ class preparation, critical thinking, task orientation, professional development, and faculty resistance.

Conclusion

Minimizing barriers and strengthening facilitators based on participants’ practices and previous research can support more effective clinical judgment pedagogy, which has the potential to achieve Next Generation NCLEX success and potentially increase patient safety.
Impact of Psychiatry Posting on Attitudes Toward Mental Illness: A Prospective Cohort Study of Medical Students From Three Universities
Authors: Akanni Oluyemi O , Eboreime-Oikeh Imesidayo O , Oyeyemi Oderinde K , Olashore Anthony A
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Negative attitudes towards mental illness are known to exist among medical students in Nigeria. However, the effect of undergoing a rotation in psychiatry on their attitudes is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

It aimed to determine the effect of psychiatry posting during medical training on medical students’ attitudes toward mental illness and examine the association of posting-related and demographic factors with their attitudes.

METHODS

It is a prospective cohort study in which 187 medical students from three different universities were followed up during their psychiatry postings in two different posting sites. Questionnaires containing basic demography, posting-related variables, and the Community Attitude to Mental Illness (CAMI) scale were administered to all available students before and after the rotation in psychiatry. A paired t-test was applied to test the differences in the CAMI scores before and after posting, while ANOVA and hierarchical regression were utilized to determine the association of variables with the CAMI scores.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the pre-and post-rotation CAMI scores in CAMI's social restrictiveness (SR) and community mental health ideology (CMHI) domains, indicating improved attitudes. Demographic factors had no significant influence on the students’ attitudes, but the length of posting, university of the students, and posting sites had varying impacts.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatry rotation has a positive impact on students’ attitudes toward mental illness in both posting sites, particularly in the domains of SR and CMHI. This underscores the importance of psychiatry training in medical education in changing the attitudes of future healthcare professionals.
‘I think both of us drew strength from it’: qualitative reflections from next of kin following the death and post-mortem brain donation of a loved one with brain cancer
Authors: Griffin Cassandra P. , Carlson Melissa A. , Walker Marjorie M. , Lynam James , Paul Christine L.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Glioblastoma, a high-grade primary brain cancer, has a median survival of approximately 14 months. Post-mortem brain donation provides insight to pathogenesis along with spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Post-mortem brain biobanking programs are increasing in number and the need to understand and improve the associated human experience is pressing. This study aims to qualitatively explore the experiences of next of kin (NOK) following the death and brain donation of a loved one and to understand the impact such programs have on NOK carers.

Method:

We interviewed 29 NOK following the death of their loved one and subsequent brain donation. Thematic analysis was conducted on the transcribed, qualitative interviews.

Results:

Four themes were identified; (1) Brain donation is a straightforward decision grounded in altruism and pragmatism; (2) Supporting donors is a source of comfort, pride and empowerment; (3) Brain donation can provide meaning for suffering and tragedy and (4) Perceptions of procedures and processes when supporting a loved one to donate. Insights into areas for improvement, for example transporting donors following a home death and the role of the body bag were also noted.

Conclusion:

Supporting a loved one to donate their brain can be a positive experience providing a source of hope, empowerment and purpose for NOK. Data indicating areas for consideration are broadly relevant for improving the delivery of brain donation programs for future donors and their loved ones.
The Governance, Legitimacy and Efficacy of Facebook's Oversight Board: A Model for Global Tech Platforms?
Authors: Ang Peng Hwa , Haristya Sherly
Published: August 2024

In May 2020, the social media giant Meta, parent company of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, established an Oversight Board to allow some recourse to the content moderation policy of the company. The Oversight Board is an experiment in self-regulation (where ‘self’ refers to the company, not industry) by one of the global platforms to address content regulation. The Board is structured on the ‘arm's length principle’ to ensure independence from Meta. This paper analyses the structure for legitimacy and takes a bird's eye view of the decisions that have been made to date for efficacy. Of the more than 100 decisions by the Board, a total of 80% had been overturned. Interestingly, the percentage of overturned decisions has been increasing. This study suggests that the company was indeed not able to handle decisions around content well by itself. Further, the Board reported the need to increase the answerability and comprehensiveness of Meta to its recommendations. The paper suggests a shift in the tone of the global debate on content moderation from a near-absolutist position against moderation to a willingness to consider content governance. It concludes that while there is room for improvement, the structure could serve as a model for other companies that face a similar need to moderate content globally.
Social Determinants of Health, Tribal Payments, and Probability of Contracting COVID-19 in American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples
Authors: Henderson Austin , MacLehose Richard F. , Manson Spero M. , Buchwald Dedra
Published: August 2024

Little is known about the relationships between demographic and economic social determinants of health and the probability of contracting COVID-19 in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples. In addition, we do not know if and how tribal payments, unique to AI/AN peoples, are associated with the probability of contracting COVID-19. We surveyed 767 AI/AN patients of five geographically disparate health organizations that primarily served AI/AN peoples in urban settings between January and May of 2021. We used univariate modified Poisson regressions to estimate the influence of age, gender, household composition, education, household income, and tribal payments on risk of contracting COVID-19, with results presented as both risk and risk difference. Fifteen percent of the sample contracted COVID-19, and individuals who lived in households with two or more generations had an 11-percentage point elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to those who lived alone. Twenty-seven percent of participants received tribal payments; receipt was associated with seven percentage points (change from 18% probability to 11% probability) lower risk of contracting COVID-19. Our findings showed interventions specifically designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in multigenerational households, and regular tribal payments may help improve health outcomes in urban AI/AN populations.
How I approach intersectionality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hamad Nada
Published: August 2024

In the context of health care, intersectionality refers to a framework that focuses on the ways in which multiple axes of social inequality intersect and compound at the macro and micro levels to produce a broad range of unequal health outcomes. With the aid of tools such as the wheel of power and privilege, this framework can help identify systemic biases hidden in plain sight in the routine diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic paradigms used in clinical practice. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a high-cost, highly specialized complex procedure that exemplifies the impact of intersectional identities and systemic biases in health care systems, clinical research, and clinical practice. Examples include the derivation of clinical algorithms for prognosis and risk assessments from data with limited representation of diverse populations in our communities. Transplant clinicians and teams are uniquely positioned to appreciate the concept of intersectionality and to apply it in clinical practice to redress inequities in outcomes in patients with marginalizing social determinants of health. An intersectional approach is the most efficient way to deliver effective and compassionate care for all.
Daratumumab in pediatric relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma: the DELPHINUS study
Authors: Bhatla Teena , Hogan Laura E. , Teachey David T. , Bautista Francisco , Moppett John , Velasco Puyó Pablo , Micalizzi Concetta , Rossig Claudia , Shukla Neerav , Gilad Gil , Locatelli Franco , Baruchel André , Zwaan C. Michel , Bezler Natalie S. , Rubio-San-Simón Alba , Taussig David C. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Mao Zhengwei J. , Wood Brent L. , Alvarez Arias Diana , Krevvata Maria , Nnane Ivo , Bandyopadhyay Nibedita , Lopez Solano Lorena , Dennis Robyn M. , Carson Robin , Vora Ajay
Published: August 2024

Patients with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) have poor outcomes compared with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve patients. The phase 2, open-label DELPHINUS study evaluated daratumumab (16 mg/kg IV) plus backbone chemotherapy in children with relapsed/refractory B-cell ALL (n = 7) after ≥2 relapses, and children and young adults with T-cell ALL (children, n = 24; young adults, n = 5) or LL (n = 10) after first relapse. The primary end point was complete response (CR) in the B-cell ALL (end of cycle 2) and T-cell ALL (end of cycle 1) cohorts, after which patients could proceed off study to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Seven patients with advanced B-cell ALL received daratumumab with no CRs achieved; this cohort was closed because of futility. For the childhood T-cell ALL, young adult T-cell ALL, and T-cell LL cohorts, the CR (end of cycle 1) rates were 41.7%, 60.0%, and 30.0%, respectively; overall response rates (any time point) were 83.3% (CR + CR with incomplete count recovery [CRi]), 80.0% (CR + CRi), and 50.0% (CR + partial response), respectively; minimal residual disease negativity (<0.01%) rates were 45.8%, 20.0%, and 50.0%, respectively; observed 24-month event-free survival rates were 36.1%, 20.0%, and 20.0%, respectively; observed 24-month overall survival rates were 41.3%, 25.0%, and 20.0%, respectively; and allogeneic HSCT rates were 75.0%, 60.0%, and 30.0%, respectively. No new safety concerns with daratumumab were observed. In conclusion, daratumumab was safely combined with backbone chemotherapy in children and young adults with T-cell ALL/LL and contributed to successful bridging to HSCT. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03384654.
mtDNA “nomenclutter” and its consequences on the interpretation of genetic data
Authors: Bajić Vladimir , Schulmann Vanessa Hava , Nowick Katja
Published: August 2024

Population-based studies of human mitochondrial genetic diversity often require the classification of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes into more than 5400 described haplogroups, and further grouping those into hierarchically higher haplogroups. Such secondary haplogroup groupings (e.g., “macro-haplogroups”) vary across studies, as they depend on the sample quality, technical factors of haplogroup calling, the aims of the study, and the researchers' understanding of the mtDNA haplogroup nomenclature. Retention of historical nomenclature coupled with a growing number of newly described mtDNA lineages results in increasingly complex and inconsistent nomenclature that does not reflect phylogeny well. This “clutter” leaves room for grouping errors and inconsistencies across scientific publications, especially when the haplogroup names are used as a proxy for secondary groupings, and represents a source for scientific misinterpretation. Here we explore the effects of phylogenetically insensitive secondary mtDNA haplogroup groupings, and the lack of standardized secondary haplogroup groupings on downstream analyses and interpretation of genetic data. We demonstrate that frequency-based analyses produce inconsistent results when different secondary mtDNA groupings are applied, and thus allow for vastly different interpretations of the same genetic data. The lack of guidelines and recommendations on how to choose appropriate secondary haplogroup groupings presents an issue for the interpretation of results, as well as their comparison and reproducibility across studies. To reduce biases originating from arbitrarily defined secondary nomenclature-based groupings, we suggest that future updates of mtDNA phylogenies aimed for the use in mtDNA haplogroup nomenclature should also provide well-defined and standardized sets of phylogenetically meaningful algorithm-based secondary haplogroup groupings such as “macro-haplogroups”, “meso-haplogroups”, and “micro-haplogroups”. Ideally, each of the secondary haplogroup grouping levels should be informative about different human population history events. Those phylogenetically informative levels of haplogroup groupings can be easily defined using TreeCluster, and then implemented into haplogroup callers such as HaploGrep3. This would foster reproducibility across studies, provide a grouping standard for population-based studies, and reduce errors associated with haplogroup nomenclatures in future studies.
Detection of male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) associated with human, zoonotic and hybrid schistosomes in Southern Malawi
Authors: Kayuni Sekeleghe , Cunningham Lucas , Mainga Bright , Kumwenda Dingase , Jnr David Lally , Chammudzi Priscilla , Kapira Donales , Namacha Gladys , Chisale Alice , Nchembe Tereza , Kinley Louis , Chibwana Ephraim , Ntaba Bessie , Chapweteka Gilbert , Khumalo Waleke , Chibowa Henry , Kumfunda Victor , Juhasz Alexandra , Jones Sam , Archer John , O’Ferrall Angus M. , Rollason Sarah , Chiphwanya John , Makaula Peter , LaCourse E. James , Musaya Janelisa , Stothard J. Russell
Published: August 2024

Background

Male Genital Schistosomiasis (MGS) remains an often-overlooked chronic sequela of urogenital schistosomiasis in endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa. As part of a 2-year longitudinal study on Hybridization of UroGenital Schistosomiasis (HUGS) in Malawi, a MGS sub-study was conducted to assess whether hybrid schistosomes were incriminated.

Methods

During recruitment, demographic, health and socio-economic data were collected through individual questionnaire interviews in Mthawira community from Nsanje District along Shire River and Samama community from Mangochi District along Lake Malawi shoreline. Urine and semen samples were collected and analysed to determine the identity of schistosome infection. Urine filtration and microscopy, direct microscopy of semen and its sediments (after centrifugation) were performed. Thereafter, the sediments were examined by molecular DNA analysis with a novel two-tube real-time PCR assay. The participants were also screened for Human papilloma virus (HPV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Results

Twenty-two men were recruited for the sub-study, 8 in Nsanje District and 14 in Mangochi District, with a median age of 22.0 years. By microscopy, ten (45.7%) participants had Schistosoma ova in their urine, 11 (50.0%) in semen while 16 (72.7%) were positive by real-time PCR. One participant had both S. haematobium and S. mattheei ova in his semen, three showed symptoms, and one had a mixed infection of S. mansoni and possible S. haematobium-S. mattheei hybrid. Twelve men had detectable high-risk HPV serotypes 16, 18 and others while six had Trichomonas vaginalis and other STIs.

Conclusion

Zoonotic and hybrid schistosomes can cause MGS similar to human schistosomes, which can be co-infected with HPV and STIs, thereby posing a new challenge in diagnosis, management and control measures in resource poor settings. Increased awareness of these infections among local communities and primary healthcare workers and improvement of disease management are needed and advocated.
Simulated medication administration for vulnerable populations using scanning technology: a quasi-experimental pilot study
Authors: Meginniss Anne , Coffey Courtney , Clark Kristen D.
Published: August 2024

Background

Medication errors may occur due to shortcuts and pressures on time and resources on nurses. Nursing students are enculturated into these environments where their perceptions of norms around reporting and responding to medication errors are formative, yet simulated medication administration experiences are rarely reflective of the real-world environment. such as the standard use of medication scanning technology. The purpose of the present study is to test a pilot intervention, Medication Quick Response (QR) code scanning, and evaluate its effect on medication errors during simulation when compared to traditional simulation medication administration practices and to assess the students’ perceptions of the intervention.

Methods

We conducted a quasi-experimental, observational study involving Junior and Senior (3rd and 4th year) undergraduate, pre-licensure nursing students from Spring 2022 until Fall 2023. Seven simulations were conducted in pediatric and obstetric courses. The intervention group used non-patented, low cost QR scanning during medication administration. The control group used standard manual administration. Medication errors were measured based on the quantity, type of error, and degree of patient risk. A Qualtrics survey was used to assess the students’ perceptions of the intervention following simulation participation.

Results

A total of 166 students participated in the study. In each course, 7 groups were assigned to the intervention and 8 were assigned to the control. More than half of the groups made at least one medication error (n = 17), one-third of groups (n = 10) made a high-risk medication error. There was no statistically meaningful difference in the rate, type, or potential patient risk of medication errors between the intervention and control groups. The majority of participants (n = 53) felt that QR scanning more closely mimicked medication administration in clinical settings. Half of the participants responded that it improved their safety practices (n = 37).

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study indicate that while there is a high risk for error among pre-licensure nursing students, the use of QR scanning did not increase the risk of medication errors. The next study iteration will build upon these pilot findings to integrate the use of embedded medication errors, time management tasks, and a multi-site implementation.
Advancing osteoarthritis therapy with GMOCS hydrogel-loaded BMSCs-exos
Authors: Zhou Renyi , Guo Jiarong , Jin Zhe
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the mechanism of the extracellular matrix-mimicking hydrogel-mediated TGFB1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in osteoarthritis using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSCs-Exos). A GMOCS-Exos hydrogel was synthesized and evaluated for its impact on chondrocyte viability and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. In an OA rat model, GMOCS-Exos promoted cartilage regeneration and inhibited NETs formation. Transcriptome sequencing identified TGFB1 as a key gene, with GMOCS-Exos activating Nrf2 signaling through TGFB1. Depletion of TGFB1 hindered the cartilage-protective effect of GMOCS-Exos. This study sheds light on a promising therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis through GMOCS-Exos-mediated TGFB1/Nrf2 pathway modulation.
Veterinary perspectives on the urbanization of leishmaniosis in Morocco
Authors: Lima Clara M. , Bourquia Maria , Zahri Abderrahmane , Haissen Nada , Santarém Nuno , Cardoso Luís , Cordeiro da Silva Anabela
Published: August 2024

Background

Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum, L. major and L. tropica is endemic in Morocco. Growing evidence of both human and canine Leishmania infections in urban centres has been reported. Since many forms of the disease are zoonotic, veterinarians play an important role in leishmaniosis control by intervening at the parasite host level. This study aimed to bring together One Health principles to connect canine and feline leishmaniosis epidemiology within urban centres of Morocco (Rabat and Fez) and assess the level of awareness of Moroccan veterinarians about facing this threat.

Methods

A molecular survey was conducted for Leishmania DNA detection in canine (n = 155) and feline (n = 32) whole-blood samples. Three conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols were implemented. The first PCR aimed at identifying infected animals by targeting Leishmania spp. kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA). The second and third PCR targeted the Leishmania internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1) and the Leishmania small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSUrRNA) gene, respectively, aiming at identification of the infecting species after Sanger sequencing-positive amplicons. Total immunoglobulin G (IgG) against Leishmania spp. was evaluated in 125 dogs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using an in-house protocol, including three Leishmania-specific antigens (SPLA, rKDDR and LicTXNPx). Sera from 25 cats were screened for total IgG to Leishmania spp. by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). An online questionnaire was presented to Moroccan veterinarians addressing their knowledge and practices towards animal leishmaniosis.

Results

Overall, 19.4% of the dogs tested positive for Leishmania kDNA and ITS-1 and sequencing revealed infection with L. infantum among PCR-positive dogs. These animals presented a wide range of ELISA seropositivity results (16.7%, 34.9% and 51.6%) according to the tested antigens (rKDDR, SPLA and LicTXNPx, respectively). Use of kDNA-PCR revealed 12.5% cats positive to Leishmania spp. otherwise found to be seronegative by IFAT.

Conclusions

A considerable prevalence of infection was identified in dogs from urban centres of Morocco. Additionally, this is the first report of feline infection with Leishmania spp. in this country and in urban settings. Moroccan veterinarians are aware that animal leishmaniosis is endemic in Morocco, representing a public health threat, and are knowledgeable about canine leishmaniosis diagnosis and treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Transorbital B-mode ultrasound for the assessment of posterior globe flattening in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a pilot study
Authors: Knoche Theresia , Pietrock Charlotte , Neumann Konrad , Rossel-Zemkouo Mirjam , Danyel Leon Alexander
Published: August 2024

Background

Posterior globe flattening (PGF) is a specific neuroimaging sign in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), but its detection is based on subjective qualitative neuroradiological assessment. This study sought to evaluate the utility of transorbital ultrasound to detect and quantify PGF in IIH patients using the Posterior Globe Angle (PGA).

Methods

Consecutive IIH patients and healthy controls were enrolled in a prospective case-control study. Transorbital ultrasound was performed to assess the presence of PGF. For quantification of PGF, an angular measurement (PGA) was performed with the vertex centering the optic nerve at a predefined distance from the lamina cribrosa and angle legs tangentially aligned to the borders of the vitreous body. PGA measurements were compared between IIH patients and healthy controls. Additionally, the diagnostic accuracy of PGA measurements in detecting PGF was evaluated using ROC analysis.

Results

Thirty-one IIH patients (37.3 ± 12.3 years, 29 female) and 28 controls (33.3 ± 11.8 years, 21 female) were compared. PGF was present in 39% of IIH patients and absent in the control group. PGA3mm measurements significantly differed between IIH and controls (116.5° ± 5.5 vs. 111.7° ± 2.9; p < 0.001). A PGA3mm cutoff of ≥ 118.5° distinguished IIH patients from controls with 100% specificity, while retaining a sensitivity of 37.5%.

Conclusions

Transorbital ultrasound may be applied to detect and quantify PGF in IIH patients. Prospective, multicenter studies with extended cohorts and blinded design are needed to validate these preliminary findings and confirm the diagnostic utility of transorbital ultrasound for the assessment of PGF in IIH.
New generic name for a small Triassic ray-finned fish from Perledo (Italy)
Authors: López-Arbarello Adriana , Brocke Rainer
Published: August 2024

Our new study of the species originally included in the genus Allolepidotus led to the taxonomic revision of the halecomorph species from the Triassic of Perledo, Italy. The morphological variation revealed by the analysis of the type material is sufficient to confirm four different taxa represented in the Perledo Formation. We correct the misunderstanding about the type species of Allolepidotus, which is A. ruppelii and not “A.” bellottii as considered in the literature over the past two decades. The latter species was originally placed in the genus Semionotus. Fossils from the Kalkschieferzone of Besnasca/Ca' del Frate (Viggiù-Varese, Italy) and Meride (Ticino, Switzerland) which were referred to Allolepidotus, rather represent a species of Eoeugnathus. Therefore, we transfer the species Semionotus bellottii to that genus and propose the new combination E. bellottii. The second and only other species originally included in the genus Allolepidotus is transferred here to the new genus Perledovatus. The holotype of P. nothosomoides new comb. has been mechanically prepared, revealing additional anatomical information that allows to place this taxon in the halecomorph family Subortichthyidae. The other halecomorph species named from the Perledo Formation, Pholidophorus oblongus and Pholidophorus curionii, have been treated as junior synonyms of E. bellottii, but our analysis indicates that they represent distinct separate taxa. However, due to the loss of the type specimens, it is not possible to decide whether they might have been conspecific with other ray-finned fishes from the Middle Triassic of the Alps.
PRRSV hijacks DDX3X protein and induces ferroptosis to facilitate viral replication
Authors: Mao Qian , Ma Shengming , Li Shuangyu , Zhang Yuhua , Li Shanshan , Wang Wenhui , Wang Fang , Guo Zekun , Wang Chengbao
Published: August 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a severe disease with substantial economic consequences for the swine industry. The DEAD-box helicase 3 (DDX3X) is an RNA helicase that plays a crucial role in regulating RNA metabolism, immunological response, and even RNA virus infection. However, it is unclear whether it contributes to PRRSV infection. Recent studies have found that the expression of DDX3X considerably increases in Marc-145 cells when infected with live PRRSV strains Ch-1R and SD16; however, it was observed that inactivated viruses did not lead to any changes. By using the RK-33 inhibitor or DDX3X-specific siRNAs to reduce DDX3X expression, there was a significant decrease in the production of PRRSV progenies. In contrast, the overexpression of DDX3X in host cells substantially increased the proliferation of PRRSV. A combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics investigations revealed that in PRRSV-infected cells, DDX3X gene silencing severely affected biological processes such as ferroptosis, the FoxO signalling pathway, and glutathione metabolism. The subsequent transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging displayed the typical ferroptosis features in PRRSV-infected cells, such as mitochondrial shrinkage, reduction or disappearance of mitochondrial cristae, and cytoplasmic membrane rupture. Conversely, the mitochondrial morphology was unchanged in DDX3X-inhibited cells. Furthermore, silencing of the DDX3X gene changed the expression of ferroptosis-related genes and inhibited the virus proliferation, while the drug-induced ferroptosis inversely promoted PRRSV replication. In summary, these results present an updated perspective of how PRRSV infection uses DDX3X for self-replication, potentially leading to ferroptosis via various mechanisms that promote PRRSV replication.
Comprehensive analysis of a peripheral blood transcriptome signature in piglets infected with Salmonella Typhimurium: insight into immune responses
Authors: Bok Eun-Yeong , Yi Seung-Won , Lee Han Gyu , Kim Jae Kyeom , Lee Kangwook , Ha Seungmin , Kim Bumseok , Jung Young-Hun , Oh Sang-Ik
Published: August 2024

Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) infection in pigs poses a significant threat to animal health and food safety; the intricate mechanisms underlying host–immune responses and pathogen persistence remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we comprehensively analyzed the peripheral blood transcriptome in piglets infected with ST. We performed histopathological evaluation, blood parameter analysis, advanced RNA-sequencing techniques, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR)-based validation. The increasement in the monocyte counts at 2 days post-infection suggested its potential to serve as a hematological marker for ST infection in piglets. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially expressed genes highlighted the pivotal roles of innate and adaptive immune responses, notably in pathways associated with Toll-like receptors, NIK/NF-κB signaling, cytokine signaling, and T cell proliferation. RT-qPCR-based validation using peripheral blood mononuclear cells provided additional insights into the immune system dynamics in response to ST infection, revealing the marked elevation of the interleukin (IL)-15, IL-27, and CXCL10 levels being significantly elevated in ST-infected piglets. Our comprehensive analysis underscores the multifaceted impact of ST infection on piglets and offers valuable insights into the host–pathogen interactions and the role of host immune system during ST infection.
Defining Vaginal Community Dynamics: daily microbiome transitions, the role of menstruation, bacteriophages, and bacterial genes
Authors: Hugerth Luisa W. , Krog Maria Christine , Vomstein Kilian , Du Juan , Bashir Zahra , Kaldhusdal Vilde , Fransson Emma , Engstrand Lars , Nielsen Henriette Svarre , Schuppe-Koistinen Ina
Published: August 2024

Background

The composition of the vaginal microbiota during the menstrual cycle is dynamic, with some women remaining eu- or dysbiotic and others transitioning between these states. What defines these dynamics, and whether these differences are microbiome-intrinsic or mostly driven by the host is unknown. To address this, we characterized 49 healthy, young women by metagenomic sequencing of daily vaginal swabs during a menstrual cycle. We classified the dynamics of the vaginal microbiome and assessed the impact of host behavior as well as microbiome differences at the species, strain, gene, and phage levels.

Results

Based on the daily shifts in community state types (CSTs) during a menstrual cycle, the vaginal microbiome was classified into four Vaginal Community Dynamics (VCDs) and reported in a classification tool, named VALODY: constant eubiotic, constant dysbiotic, menses-related, and unstable dysbiotic. The abundance of bacteria, phages, and bacterial gene content was compared between the four VCDs. Women with different VCDs showed significant differences in relative phage abundance and bacterial composition even when assigned to the same CST. Women with unstable VCDs had higher phage counts and were more likely dominated by L. iners. Their Gardnerella spp. strains were also more likely to harbor bacteriocin-coding genes.

Conclusions

The VCDs present a novel time series classification that highlights the complexity of varying degrees of vaginal dysbiosis. Knowing the differences in phage gene abundances and the genomic strains present allows a deeper understanding of the initiation and maintenance of permanent dysbiosis. Applying the VCDs to further characterize the different types of microbiome dynamics qualifies the investigation of disease and enables comparisons at individual and population levels. Based on our data, to be able to classify a dysbiotic sample into the accurate VCD, clinicians would need two to three mid-cycle samples and two samples during menses. In the future, it will be important to address whether transient VCDs pose a similar risk profile to persistent dysbiosis with similar clinical outcomes. This framework may aid interdisciplinary translational teams in deciphering the role of the vaginal microbiome in women’s health and reproduction.
A high-precision automatic extraction method for shedding diseases of painted cultural relics based on three-dimensional fine color model
Authors: Hu Chunmei , Huang Xiangpei , Xia Guofang , Liu Xi , Ma Xinjian
Published: August 2024

In recent years, with the development of 3D digitization of cultural relics, most cultural sites contain a large number of fine 3D data of cultural relics, especially complex geometric objects such as painted cultural relics. At present, how to automatically extract surface damage information from the fine 3D color model of painted cultural relics and avoid the loss of accuracy caused by reducing the dimension using conventional methods is an urgentproblem. In view of the above issues, this paper proposes an automatic and high-precision extraction method for cultural relics surface shedding diseases based on 3D fine data. First, this paper designs a 2D and 3D integrated data conversion model based on OpenSceneGraph, a 3D engine, which performs mutual conversion between 3D color model textures and 2D images. Second, this paper proposes a simple linear iterative clustering segmentation algorithm with an adaptive k value, which solves the problem of setting the superpixel k value and improves the accuracy of image segmentation. Finally, through the 2D and 3D integrated models, the disease is statistically analyzed and labeled on the 3D model. Experiments show that for painted plastic objects with complex surfaces, the disease extraction method based on the 3D fine model proposed in this paper has improved geometric accuracy compared with the current popular orthophoto extraction method, and the disease investigation is more comprehensive. Compared with the current 3D manual extraction method in commercial software, this method greatly improves the efficiency of disease extraction while ensuring extraction accuracy. The research method of this paper activates many existing 3D fine data of cultural protection units and converts conventional 2D data mining and analysis into 3D, which is more in line with the scientific utilization of data in terms of accuracy and efficiency and has certain scientific research value, leading value and practical significance.
Association mapping of important agronomic traits in Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.
Authors: Lepcha Patrush , Shekhar Mahesh , Murugesan Leelambika , Jaheer Mahammad , Chopra Ratan , Belamkar Vikas , Sathyanarayana Narayana
Published: August 2024

Background

The tropical legume Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. can meet three agricultural needs: low-cost protein, high-value medicines, and green manure or cover crops. But like other underutilized crops, it needs more modern breeding resources. Identifying marker-trait associations (MTAs) can facilitate marker-assisted breeding and crop improvement. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of identifying MTAs using a small number of accessions (< 100). We have characterized a panel of 70 M. pruriens accessions across two consecutive years and performed association analysis for 16 phenotypic traits related to seed (seed length, seed width, seed thickness, seed yield per plant, hundred seed weight); pod (pod length, pod width, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant); inflorescence (inflorescence length, flower buds per inflorescence, flower length, pedicel length), and biochemical attributes (L-DOPA, total protein, total carbohydrate), using 66 genic-microsatellite markers following mixed linear model.

Results

The results showed significant phenotypic (P < 0.05) and genetic diversity (Shannon’s information index, I = 0.62) in our germplasm collection. Many tested traits were highly heritable (broad-sense heritability ranging from 42.86 to 99.93%). A total of 15 MTAs was detected at an adjusted significance level of P < 5.55 × 10− 3 for nine traits (seed length, seed thickness, seed width, hundred seed weight, seed yield per plant, inflorescence length, flower buds per inflorescence, flower length, and petiole length), contributed by 10 SSR markers (MPU_19, MPU_42, MPU_54, MPU_57, MPU_58, MPU_83, MPU_89, MPU_108, MPU_111, and MPU_122.) with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) ranging from 14.7 to 31.1%. Out of the ten trait-associated markers, the BLAST analysis revealed putative functions of seven markers, except MPU_57, MPU_58, and MPU_83.

Conclusion

Fifteen MTAs identified for important traits with phenotypic variance explained > 10% from mixed linear model offer a solid resource base for improving this crop. This is the first report on association mapping in M. pruriens and our results are expected to assist with marker-assisted breeding and identifying candidate genes in this promising legume.