bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaze movement analysis examined how people view and interact with health information on Facebook pages
Authors: Syn Sue Yeon
Published: June 2023

Background

Gaze movement analysis is a human–computer interaction analysis method to assess time and viewing patterns of screen pages.

Aims/Objectives

This study examines Facebook users' health information viewing patterns and identifies social media interface factors that affect users' health information behaviour on Facebook. The findings of this study should help researchers and health information providers understand how Facebook is used, and how users might be appraising information viewed.

Methods

This study investigated gaze movement data collected from 48 participants while participants were viewing Facebook pages that presented health‐related posts. Each session was designed to represent four health information sources and four health topics. Each session included an exit interview for a better interpretation of data.

Results

Participants spent the most time viewing the content of the posts, particularly post images. Findings revealed that users' viewing patterns differed when different health topics were presented, but not according to the type of information provider. However, the study showed that users check the Facebook page's banner to verify the health information provider's identity.

Conclusion

This study indicates what health information consumers look for on Facebook when finding, appraising, and reacting to, or sharing health‐related content.
Tree lines do not reduce grassland productivity and herbage quality in alley cropping under drought
Authors: Sutterlütti Rahel , Komainda Martin , Kayser Manfred , Isselstein Johannes
Published: June 2023

In alley cropping, woody perennials are combined with agricultural crops or grassland in order to benefit from favourable interactions between trees and crops. Trees influence growth and senescence processes in grassland as well as plant chemical composition and plant water use. In a field experiment with grassland and alley‐cropped willow coppices, we analysed the impact of distance and position relative to the tree line on grassland herbage biomass, proportion of dead herbage and herbage quality in two successive growth periods of two experimental years. The experimental years were chosen so that growth periods among years showed a similar rainfall pattern. Relative ET (evapotranspiration) as defined by actual divided by potential evapotranspiration reflected the severity of water shortage with a moderately dry (relative ET ~ 0.5) first growth period with increasing dryness in the second growth period of each year. We determined bulk stomatal conductivity of the grass shoot by measuring δ13C (carbon) signatures. Stomatal conductivities were higher close to the trees in drier periods (i.e. more negative δ13C values). Herbage biomass decreased with decreasing relative ET, but showed no systematic influence of the tree line. We found that vegetation composition changed with distance to the tree line. The proportion of dead herbage was equal at all distances from the tree line under very dry conditions, but smaller close to the trees under moderately dry conditions. Herbage quality, as approximated by crude protein and ADF concentrations in live biomass, was higher closer to the tree line. We conclude that the tree line does not adversely affect grassland productivity under drought and improves the plant water status as reflected by the δ13C signature.
Supportive care for the prevention of disease recurrence/progression following peri‐implantitis treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Stiesch Meike , Grischke Jasmin , Schaefer Paula , Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa J. A.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of supportive care provision, frequency and protocol in patients treated for peri‐implantitis, as reported in prospective and retrospective studies of at least 3‐years duration.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search of three electronic databases was undertaken up to 21 July 2022 and supplemented by hand‐search to identify studies that included participants treated for peri‐implantitis and followed for at least 3 years. Owing to high heterogeneity, a meta‐analysis was not appropriate, and therefore, data and risk of bias were explored qualitatively. PRISMA guidelines for reporting were followed.

Results

The search identified 2596 studies. Of 270 records selected during screening, 255 were excluded through independent review and 15 studies (10 prospective and 5 retrospective, with at least 20 patients) were retained for qualitative assessments. Study designs, population characteristics, supportive care protocols and reported outcomes varied markedly. Thirteen of the 15 studies had low risk of bias. Supportive peri‐implant care (SPIC) following different surgical peri‐implantitis treatment protocols and with recall intervals varying between 2 months and annually resulted in peri‐implant tissue stability (no disease recurrence or progression) ranging from 24.4% to 100% at patient level and from 28.3% to 100% at implant level. Sevenhundred and eighty‐five patients with 790 implants were included in this review.

Conclusions

Provision of SPIC following peri‐implantitis therapy may prevent disease recurrence or progression. Insufficient evidence is available to identify (i) a specific supportive care protocol for secondary prevention of peri‐implantitis, (ii) the effect of adjunctive local antiseptic agents in the secondary prevention of peri‐implantitis and (iii) the impact of frequency of supportive care measures. Prospective, randomised, controlled studies designed to evaluate supportive care protocols are needed in future.
Geographic variation in the life history of lane snapper Lutjanus synagris, with new insights from the warm edge of its distribution
Authors: Andrade Hector , Vihtakari Mikko , Santos Jorge
Published: June 2023

Research on life‐history variations in widely distributed fish species is needed to understand global warming impacts on populations and to improve fisheries management advice. The lane snapper Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus, 1758) is commercially important to fisheries in the Western Central Atlantic, where spread information on its life‐history traits is available. We studied growth, age, reproduction and mortality of lane snapper in the Guatemalan Caribbean, the warmest part of its distribution range, and collated the new information with published data in a latitudinal analysis extending between 18°S and 30°N. Longevity was estimated at 11 years, and von Bertalanffy growth parameters were asymptotic length (Linf) 45.6 and 42.2 cm for females and males, respectively, the growth coefficient (K) was 0.1 year−1 and the theoretical age at zero length (t0) was −4.4 years. Lane snapper grew slowest in April, prior to the rainy season, and at the onset of the reproductive season, which lasted from May to October. Fifty percent of female and male lane snappers matured at 23 and 17 cm, corresponding to 3.5 and 2.4 years of age respectively. A regional multivariate analysis found seawater temperature to be an important driver of life‐history variation. Lane snapper lifespan was shorter at the warm edge of its distribution range, and maximum size and peak reproductive investment were negatively related to sea surface temperature. The trade‐offs in lane snapper life‐history traits and phenology likely enhance its fitness to differing environments. Interpolation from the present regional estimates to less‐studied regions of the Caribbean is useful for preliminary understanding of reaction norms and harvest potentials.
ELK1/KIFC1 axis promotes breast cancer cell proliferation by regulating glutathione metabolism
Authors: Yang Binglin , Wang Hebing , Xiao Jian , Chen Wenxin , Chen Weiwei
Published: June 2023

Background

KIFC1 exerts an important function in centrosome aggregation in breast cancer (BC) cells and a variety of other cancer cells, but its potential mechanisms in BC pathogenesis are yet fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of KIFC1 on BC progression and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Expression of ELK1 and KIFC1 in BC was analyzed by The Cancer Genome Atlas database and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferative capacity was examined by CCK‐8 and colony formation assays, respectively. Glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio and GSH level were measured using the kit. Expression of GSH metabolism‐related enzymes (G6PD, GCLM, and GCLC) was detected by western blot. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured by the ROS Assay Kit. The transcription factor ELK1 upstream of KIFC1 was identified by hTFtarget, KnockTFv2 database and Pearson correlation. Their interaction was validated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

This study demonstrated the upregulation of ELK1 and KIFC1 in BC and found that ELK1 could bind to the KIFC1 promoter to promote KIFC1 transcription. KIFC1 overexpression increased cell proliferation and intracellular GSH levels, while decreasing intracellular ROS levels. The addition of the GSH metabolism inhibitor BSO attenuated the promotion of BC cell proliferation induced by KIFC1 overexpression. In addition, KIFC1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of knockdown of ELK1 on BC cell proliferation.

Conclusion

ELK1 was a transcriptional factor of KIFC1. ELK1/KIFC1 axis reduced ROS level by increasing GSH synthesis, thus facilitating BC cell proliferation. Current observations suggest that ELK1/ KIFC1 may be a potential therapeutic target for BC treatment.
The effect of obesity on the mortality of hospitalized adults with COVID‐19 considering the human development index: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Marano Daniele , Amaral Yasmin , Rebelo Fernanda , Abranches Andrea , Vilarim Marina , Moreira Maria Elizabeth Lopes
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study is to verify the association between obesity and mortality in hospitalized patients with SARS–CoV–2 taking into account the Human Development Index (HDI). A search was performed in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (Lilacs/Bireme/VHL Brazil), Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to May 2022. To be eligible, studies had to have cohort or case–control designs, be conducted with hospitalized adults (≥18 years old), and evaluate mortality rates between with obesity and without obesity individuals with SARS‐CoV‐2 confirmed by laboratory tests. The analyses were performed in Stata 12.0 using relative risk (RR) as a summary measure. Heterogeneity was explored by meta‐regression and subgroup analyses considering the HDI, age, sex, and follow‐up period. Out of 912 studies screened, 49 studies were eligible for qualitative synthesis, and 33 studies were eligible for quantitative analysis, representing 42,905 patients. The mortality risk from SARS‐CoV‐2 was higher in individuals with obesity compared with without obesity individuals only in the subgroups of patients <60 years old (RR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.18–1.45, I2 = 0.0%) and living in countries with a low HDI (RR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.10–1.48, I2 = 45.4%).
Risk factors and outcomes associated with unplanned intraoperative extubation of the pediatric surgical patient: An analysis of the NSQIP‐P database
Authors: Cheon Eric C. , Cheon James M. , Chun Yeona
Published: June 2023

Background

Unplanned intraoperative extubation is a rare but potentially catastrophic safety event. Inadvertent extubation in the neonatal and pediatric critical care setting is a recognized quality improvement metric whereas literature for intraoperative extubation is scarce. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors and outcomes associated with unplanned intraoperative extubation.

Methods

We queried the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program—Pediatric database from 2019 to 2020 for patients <18 years of age. A total of 253 673 patients were included in the analysis. Associations between demographics, clinical variables, and unplanned intraoperative extubation were evaluated with univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. The primary outcome was unplanned intraoperative extubation. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pulmonary complication, unplanned reintubation within 24 h, cardiac arrest on day of surgery, and surgical site infection.

Results

Unplanned intraoperative extubation occurred in 163 (0.06%) patients. Specific procedures experienced unplanned intraoperative extubation at a higher rate such as bilateral cleft lip repair (1.31% of procedure type) and thoracic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula (1.11% of procedure type). Age, operative time (z‐score), American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification 3 and 4, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, thoracic surgery, otolaryngology, and structural pulmonary/airway abnormalities were independent risk factors. Unplanned intraoperative extubation was associated with an increased unadjusted risk for postoperative pulmonary complication (p < .005; OR, 6.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93–14.44), unplanned reintubation within 24 h (p < .005; OR, 8.41; 95% CI: 2.08–34.03), cardiac arrest on day of surgery (p < .05; OR, 22.67; 95% CI: 0.56–132.35), and surgical site infection (p < .0005; OR, 3.27; 95% CI 1.74–5.67).

Conclusions

Unplanned intraoperative extubation occurs at a higher frequency in a subset of procedures and patient types. Identifying and targeting at‐risk patients with preventative measures may decrease the incidence of unplanned intraoperative extubation and its associated outcomes.
Possible roles of human mast cells in the formation of xanthelasma palpebrarum
Authors: Nakamura Hiroya , Matsuzaki Takashi , Ito Ken R. , Nakagawa Ryota , Asano Lurica M. , Nishikido Hinako , Haga Hironori , Kataoka Tatsuki R.
Published: June 2023

Cutaneous xanthoma consist of foam cells that originate from monocytes or macrophages and accumulate in perivascular areas of the skin. The main component of these cells is oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL). In this study, we show that mast cells surround the accumulated foam cells, suggesting their involvement in xanthoma formation. Coculture of THP‐1 or U937 monocytes with the human mast cell line LUVA upregulated their uptake of oxLDL. Positive staining for intracellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) at the borders between mast cells and foam cells was seen in pathological specimens of the most common cutaneous xanthoma, xanthelasma palpebrarum, and in cocultures. In the latter, ICAM1 messenger RNA levels were upregulated. The administration of anti‐ICAM‐1 blocking antibody inhibited the increase in oxLDL uptake by THP‐1 or U937 monocytes cocultured with LUVA. Taken together, these results suggest a role for mast cells in the formation of xanthelasma palpebrarum and the involvement of ICAM‐1 in this process.
Role of physical activity and health‐related fitness on self‐confidence and interpersonal relations in 14‐year‐old adolescents from secondary school settings: DADOS study
Authors: Ortega‐Gómez Sonia , Adelantado‐Renau Mireia , Carbonell‐Baeza Ana , Moliner‐Urdiales Diego , Jiménez‐Pavón David
Published: June 2023

Background

The effect of physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) on self‐confidence and interpersonal relations in adolescents is uncertain.

Aim

To analyzed the associations of PA and PF with self‐confidence and interpersonal relations in adolescents.

Sample

A total of 268 (138 boys) adolescents (13.9 ± 0.3 years) from the DADOS study were included in the analysis.

Methods

PA was evaluated using GENEActiv accelerometers and the health‐related PF components by the ALPHA health‐related fitness test battery. The levels of self‐confidence and interpersonal relations were determined by the Behavior Assessment System for Children Level 3.

Results

The associations of PA levels and PF components with self‐confidence reported positive associations of moderate‐vigorous PA (MVPA), standing long jump, and 20‐m shuttle run (shuttle run test) tests (all p < 0.05), and negative association of 4 × 10‐m shuttle run test (4 × 10‐m test), but only the 4 × 10‐m test remained significant in the adjusted model for the whole sample and only in boys (p ≤ 0.01) when analyzed by sex. Regarding interpersonal relations, positive associations of standing long jump and shuttle run test (all p < 0.05), and negative association of 4 × 10‐m test were found in all the adolescents. The shuttle run test was associated with interpersonal relations in boys independently of confounders. PA levels were not associated with interpersonal relations.

Conclusion

A higher level of lower‐limb muscle strength, speed‐agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness might improve self‐confidence and interpersonal relations in adolescents, but these relationships seem to be influenced by sex, body mass index, and pubertal status. Speed‐agility and cardiorespiratory fitness seem to have a stronger impact on boys. MVPA may improve self‐confidence in adolescents.
Crucial roles of Rab22a in endosomal cargo recycling
Authors: Kong Lingjie , Huang Shenghao , Bao Yuxuan , Chen Yingtong , Hua Chunyan , Gao Sheng
Published: June 2023

Endosomal cargo recycling lies at the heart of subcellular trafficking processes under the management of several Ras‐related GTP‐binding proteins (Rabs) which are coordinated by their upstream regulators and require their downstream effectors to display their functions. In this regard, several Rabs have been well‐reviewed except Rab22a. Rab22a is a crucial regulator of vesicle trafficking, early endosome and recycling endosome formation. Notably, recent studies demonstrated the immunological roles of Rab22a, which are closely associated with cancers, infection and autoimmune disorders. This review provides an overview of the regulators and effectors of Rab22a. Also, we highlight the current knowledge of the role of Rab22a in endosomal cargo recycling, including the biogenesis of recycling tubules with the help of a complex with Rab22a at its core, and how different internalized cargo chooses different recycling routes thanks to the cooperation of Rab22a, its effectors and its regulators. Of note, contradictions and speculation related to endosomal cargo recycling that Rab22a brings impacts on are also discussed. Finally, this review endeavors to briefly introduce the various events impacted by Rab22a, particularly focusing on the commandeered Rab22a‐associated endosomal maturation and endosomal cargo recycling, in addition to the extensively investigated oncogenic role of Rab22a.
Determination of a class of permutation quadrinomials
Authors: Ding Zhiguo , Zieve Michael E.
Published: June 2023

We determine all permutation polynomials over of the form where, for some that is a power of the characteristic of , we have and all terms of have degrees in . We use this classification to resolve eight conjectures and open problems from the literature, and we list 77 recent results from the literature that follow immediately from the simplest special cases of our result. Our proof makes a novel use of geometric techniques in a situation where they previously did not seem applicable, namely to understand the arithmetic of high‐degree rational functions over small finite fields, despite the fact that in this situation the Weil bounds do not provide useful information.
Full Field Solution for Remotely Loaded One Side Completely Debonded Short Rigid Line Inclusion Embedded in Soft Matrix: Two-Dimensional Analytical and Experimental Insights
Authors: Patil Swapnil A. , Khaderi S. N. , M Ramji , Chinthapenta Viswanath
Published: June 2023

The problem of a completely debonded short fiber (rigid line inclusion/anticrack) embedded in a 2D isotropic elastic soft matrix subjected to the remote loading condition is of fundamental interest. The current work investigates completely debonded anticrack embedded in a soft (isotropic) matrix using Kolosov Muskhelisvili's complex potential framework. Here two configurations are studied: debonded inclusion oriented (i) parallel and (ii) perpendicular to the loading direction. In particular, the potentials take the form of a non-homogeneous Riemann—Hilbert equation for the given problem. Upon solving analytical forms of potentials, the stress fields were obtained. The stress field for the fully debonded anticrack exhibited oscillatory singular behavior between r−3/4 and r−1/4 with the dependence on the oscillatory index ε and material constants. The correctness of the analytical solution was validated using numerical simulation and experiments based on the digital photoelasticity technique. The analytical results were in good agreement with the experimental and numerically obtained stress fields confirming the accuracy of it. The magnitude of singularity is quantified by defining a complex stress intensity factor at the tip of the discontinuity and compared with the experimentally estimated value. So far in the literature, no full-field analytical solution exists for the completely debonded rigid inclusion embedded in an isotropic soft matrix. The solution obtained in the present work is of fundamental importance in developing the constitutive properties of short fiber reinforced thermoplastic (SFRT) composites.
Turbine Vane Passage Cooling Experiments With a Close-Coupled Combustor–Turbine Interface Geometry Part II: Describing the Coolant Coverage
Authors: Nawathe Kedar P. , Nath Aaditya R. , Kim Yong W. , Simon Terrence W.
Published: June 2023

The first-stage gas turbine vane surfaces and endwalls require aggressive cooling. This two-part paper introduces a modified design of the combustor–turbine (C–T) interface, the “close-coupled interface,” that is expected to increase cooling performance of vane passage surfaces. While Part I of the paper describes secondary flows and coolant transport in the passage, this part discusses the effects of the new C–T interface geometry on adiabatic cooling effectiveness of the endwall and vane surfaces. Compared to the traditional C–T interface, the coolant requirement is reduced for the same level of cooling effectiveness on all three surfaces for the new C–T interface design, confirming that it is an improvement over the previous design. The endwall crossflow is reduced by combustor coolant injection with the new interface leading to more pitchwise-uniform cooling of the endwall. For the pressure surface, increasing combustor coolant flowrate directly increases phantom cooling effectiveness and spreading of coolant away from the endwall. With the traditional passage vortex seen in the literature replaced by the impingement vortex of the present design, the suction surface receives less phantom cooling than does the pressure surface. However, cooling performance is still improved over that of the previous C–T interface design.
Film Cooling Effectiveness on Pressure Surface and Suction Surface of Turbine Guide Vane With Diffusion Slot Holes
Authors: Hu Jia-Jun , An Bai-Tao
Published: June 2023

This paper investigated the film-cooling effectiveness of diffusion slot holes in a turbine nozzle guide vane. The pressure-sensitive paint measurement technique was employed to obtain the film-cooling effectiveness at a density ratio of DR = 1.5. The mainstream Reynolds number based on the axial chord length and the exit velocity was 6 × 105. The mainstream turbulence intensity was approximately 3.7%. Three diffusion slot hole geometries with cross-sectional aspect ratios (ASs) of 2.3, 3.4, and 4.9 were tested and compared with a typical fan-shaped hole. The experiments were performed at three typical hole row locations on the pressure surface (PS) and suction surface (SS). The average blowing ratios varied from M = 0.5 to 2.5. The results showed that throughout the blowing ratio range, on the PS, a substantially higher film-cooling effectiveness than the fan-shaped hole is always obtained from the diffusion slot hole with a large aspect ratio (AS = 4.9); on the SS, the diffusion slot hole with a small AS (AS = 2.3). The influence of hole row positioning is inconsistent for diffusion slot holes with different ASs. The diffusion slot hole is less affected by the PS when the AS is moderate and less affected by the SS when the AS is large. The film-cooling effectiveness of the diffusion slot holes is basically the lowest where the PS has a maximum concave curvature and the highest where the SS has a large favorable pressure gradient.
New species of oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) with auriculate pteromorphs from Indonesia
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Sandmann Dorothee , Scheu Stefan
Published: June 2023

The oribatid mite genera Carinogalumna (Galumnidae) and Neoribates (Parakalummidae) are recorded for the first time in Indonesia. Two new species—Carinogalumna widyastutiae sp. nov. and Neoribates (Neoribates) klarneri sp. nov.—are described from soil and litter in rubber and oil palm plantation systems on the island of Sumatra. An identification key to the 28 known species of Neoribates from the Oriental region is provided.
Toward a cohesive understanding of ecological complexity
Authors: Riva Federico , Graco-Roza Caio , Daskalova Gergana N. , Hudgins Emma J. , Lewthwaite Jayme M. M. , Newman Erica A. , Ryo Masahiro , Mammola Stefano
Published: June 2023

Ecological systems are quintessentially complex systems. Understanding and being able to predict phenomena typical of complex systems is, therefore, critical to progress in ecology and conservation amidst escalating global environmental change. However, myriad definitions of complexity and excessive reliance on conventional scientific approaches hamper conceptual advances and synthesis. Ecological complexity may be better understood by following the solid theoretical basis of complex system science (CSS). We review features of ecological systems described within CSS and conduct bibliometric and text mining analyses to characterize articles that refer to ecological complexity. Our analyses demonstrate that the study of complexity in ecology is a highly heterogeneous, global endeavor that is only weakly related to CSS. Current research trends are typically organized around basic theory, scaling, and macroecology. We leverage our review and the generalities identified in our analyses to suggest a more coherent and cohesive way forward in the study of complexity in ecology.
Blue-ringed octopus-inspired microneedle patch for robust tissue surface adhesion and active injection drug delivery
Authors: Zhu Zhou , Wang Jian , Pei Xibo , Chen Junyu , Wei Xinwei , Liu Yanhua , Xia Pengcheng , Wan Qianbing , Gu Zhen , He Yong
Published: June 2023

Intratissue topical medication is important for the treatment of cutaneous, mucosal or splanchnic diseases. However, penetrating surface barriers to providing adequate and controllable drug delivery while guaranteeing adhesion in bodily fluids remains challenging. Here, the predatory behavior of the blue-ringed octopus inspired us with a strategy to improve topical medication. For effective intratissue drug delivery, the active injection microneedles were prepared in a manner inspired by the teeth and venom secretion of blue-ringed octopus. With on demand release function guided by temperature-sensitive hydrophobic and shrinkage variations, these microneedles can supply adequate drug delivery at an early stage and then achieve the long-term release stage. Meanwhile, the bionic suction cups were developed to facilitate microneedles to stay firmly in place (>10 kilopascal) when wet. With wet bonding ability and multiple delivery mode, this microneedle patch achieved satisfactory efficacy, such as accelerating the ulcers’ healing speed or halting early tumor progression.
Identification and Characterization of Negative Regulators of Rgg1518 Quorum Sensing in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Hu Duoyi , Laczkovich Irina , Federle Michael J. , Morrison Donald A.
Published: June 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae
uses quorum sensing to communicate and regulate virulence. In our study, we focused on one Rgg quorum sensing system (Rgg/SHP1518) and found that multiple other Rgg regulators also control it.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of the grape powdery mildew pathogen
Erysiphe necator
reveals its genomic architecture and previously unknown features of its biology
Authors: Zaccaron Alex Z. , Neill Tara , Corcoran Jacob , Mahaffee Walter F. , Stergiopoulos Ioannis
Published: June 2023

Erysiphe necator
is an obligate fungal pathogen that causes grape powdery mildew, globally the most important disease on grapevines. Previous attempts to obtain a quality genome assembly for this pathogen were hindered by its high repetitive DNA content. Here, chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) with long-read PacBio sequencing was combined to obtain a chromosome-scale assembly and a high-quality annotation for
E. necator
isolate EnFRAME01. The resulting 81.1 Mb genome assembly is 98% complete and consists of 34 scaffolds, 11 of which represent complete chromosomes. All chromosomes contain large centromeric-like regions and lack synteny to the 11 chromosomes of the cereal PM pathogen
Blumeria gramini
s. Further analysis of their composition showed that repeats and transposable elements (TEs) occupy 62.7% of their content. TEs were almost evenly interspersed outside centromeric and telomeric regions and massively overlapped with regions of annotated genes, suggesting that they could have a significant functional impact. Abundant gene duplicates were observed as well, particularly in genes encoding candidate secreted effector proteins. Moreover, younger in age gene duplicates exhibited more relaxed selection pressure and were more likely to be located physically close in the genome than older duplicates. A total of 122 genes with copy number variations among six isolates of
E. necator
were also identified and were enriched in genes that were duplicated in EnFRAME01, indicating they may reflect an adaptive variation. Taken together, our study illuminates higher-order genomic architectural features of
E. necator
and provides a valuable resource for studying genomic structural variations in this pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Grape powdery mildew caused by the ascomycete fungus
Erysiphe necator
is economically the most important and recurrent disease in vineyards across the world. The obligate biotrophic nature of
E. necator
hinders the use of typical genetic methods to elucidate its pathogenicity and adaptation to adverse conditions, and thus comparative genomics has been a major method to study its genome biology. However, the current reference genome of
E. necator
isolate C-strain is highly fragmented with many non-coding regions left unassembled. This incompleteness prohibits in-depth comparative genomic analyses and the study of genomic structural variations (SVs) that are known to affect several aspects of microbial life, including fitness, virulence, and host adaptation. By obtaining a chromosome-scale genome assembly and a high-quality gene annotation for
E. necator
, we reveal the organization of its chromosomal content, unearth previously unknown features of its biology, and provide a reference for studying genomic SVs in this pathogen.
Limited Adaptation of
Staphylococcus aureus
during Transition from Colonization to Invasive Infection
Authors: Räz Anna K. , Andreoni Federica , Boumasmoud Mathilde , Bergada-Pijuan Judith , Schweizer Tiziano A. , Mairpady Shambat Srikanth , Hasse Barbara , Zinkernagel Annelies S. , Brugger Silvio D.
Published: June 2023

S. aureus
is a major pathogen of humans, causing a wide range of diseases. The difficulty to develop a vaccine and antibiotic treatment failure warrant the exploration of novel treatment strategies.
Characteristics of hypersomnia due to inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system
Authors: Ishido Hideaki , Chiba Shigeru , Takahashi Hana , Isa Megumi , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Kubota Hiroki , Imanishi Aya , Omori Yuki , Ono Taisuke , Tsutsui Ko , Han GoEun , Kondo Hideaki , Tsuji Hiroshi , Nakamagoe Kiyotaka , Ishii Akiko , Tanaka Keiko , Tamaoka Akira , Shimizu Tetsuo , Nishino Seiji , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Kanbayashi Takashi
Published: June 2023

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) diagnostic criteria for inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system diseases included symptomatic narcolepsy; however, no relevant case‐control studies exist. We aimed to examine the relationship among cerebrospinal fluid orexin‐A (CSF‐OX) levels, cataplexy and diencephalic syndrome; determine risk factors for low-and-intermediate CSF‐OX levels (≤200 pg/mL) and quantify hypothalamic intensity using MRI.

Methods

This ancillary retrospective case‐control study included 50 patients with hypersomnia and 68 controls (among 3000 patients) from Akita University, the University of Tsukuba and community hospitals (200 facilities). Outcomes were CSF‐OX level and MRI hypothalamus‐to‐caudate‐nucleus‐intensity ratio. Risk factors were age, sex, hypersomnolence and MRI hypothalamus‐to‐caudate‐nucleus‐intensity ratio >130%. Logistic regression was performed for the association between the risk factors and CSF‐OX levels ≤200 pg/mL.

Results

The hypersomnia group (n=50) had significantly more cases of NMOSD (p<0.001), diencephalic syndrome (p=0.006), corticosteroid use (p=0.011), hypothalamic lesions (p<0.023) and early treatment (p<0.001). No cataplexy occurred. In the hypersomnia group, the median CSF-OX level was 160.5 (IQR 108.4–236.5) pg/mL and median MRI hypothalamus-to-caudate-nucleus-intensity ratio was 127.6% (IQR 115.3–149.1). Significant risk factors were hypersomnolence (adjusted OR (AOR) 6.95; 95% CI 2.64 to 18.29; p<0.001) and MRI hypothalamus‐to‐caudate‐nucleus‐intensity ratio >130% (AOR 6.33; 95% CI 1.18 to 34.09; p=0.032). The latter was less sensitive in predicting CSF-OX levels ≤200 pg/mL. Cases with MRI hypothalamus-to-caudate-nucleus-intensity ratio >130% had a higher rate of diencephalic syndrome (p<0.001, V=0.59).

Conclusions

Considering orexin as reflected by CSF‐OX levels and MRI hypothalamus‐to‐caudate‐nucleus‐intensity ratio may help diagnose hypersomnia with diencephalic syndrome.
Efficacy of the combination therapy of platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid on improving knee pain and dysfunction in patients with moderate-to-severe KOA: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mai Yiying , Zhang Jiangshan , Huang Guohang , He Juanjuan , Liu Xiangfu , Guo Lukun , Wei Zhenhai , Jiang Li
Published: June 2023

Introduction

54% of patients with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA) still reported persistent pain and functional loss after conservative treatment according to guidelines. As an emerging treatment, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proven to significantly relieve pain and improve activity function in patients with mild-to-moderate KOA, either used alone or in combination with hyaluronic acid (HA). However, it is still unclear of its efficacy in moderate-to-severe KOA. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PRP and the combination therapy of PRP and HA in patients with moderate-to-severe KOA and to explore the potential synergistic effect of PRP and HA.

Methods and analysis

This triple-blind randomised controlled trial will involve a total of 162 participants with moderate-to-severe KOA from two study centres. Participants will be allocated randomly into three groups: the HA group, the PRP group and the combination (PRP+HA) group and, respectively, receive HA (2.5 mL)+saline (3 mL)/PRP (3 mL)+saline (2.5 mL)/PRP (3 mL)+HA (2.5 mL) intra-articular injection each week for 4 consecutive weeks. All of the injections will be performed under the guidance of ultrasound. The primary outcome is the change of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index from baseline to 6 months, and secondary outcomes include the change of ultrasound images (suprapatellar bursa effusion and synovitis), Timed Up and Go test and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Data will be analysed on intention-to-treat principles and a per-protocol basis.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (reference number (2021)−02-231-02). The study results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100050974.
Recommendations for hand hygiene in community settings: a scoping review of current international guidelines
Authors: MacLeod Clara , Braun Laura , Caruso Bethany A , Chase Claire , Chidziwisano Kondwani , Chipungu Jenala , Dreibelbis Robert , Ejemot-Nwadiaro Regina , Gordon Bruce , Esteves Mills Joanna , Cumming Oliver
Published: June 2023

Background

Hand hygiene is an important measure to prevent disease transmission.

Objective

To summarise current international guideline recommendations for hand hygiene in community settings and to assess to what extent they are consistent and evidence based.

Eligibility criteria

We included international guidelines with one or more recommendations on hand hygiene in community settings—categorised as domestic, public or institutional—published by international organisations, in English or French, between 1 January 1990 and 15 November 2021.

Data sources

To identify relevant guidelines, we searched the WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing Database, Google, websites of international organisations, and contacted expert organisations and individuals.

Charting methods

Recommendations were mapped to four areas related to hand hygiene: (1) effective hand hygiene; (2) minimum requirements; (3) behaviour change and (4) government measures. Recommendations were assessed for consistency, concordance and whether supported by evidence.

Results

We identified 51 guidelines containing 923 recommendations published between 1999 and 2021 by multilateral agencies and international non-governmental organisations. Handwashing with soap is consistently recommended as the preferred method for hand hygiene across all community settings. Most guidelines specifically recommend handwashing with plain soap and running water for at least 20 s; single-use paper towels for hand drying; and alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) as a complement or alternative to handwashing. There are inconsistent and discordant recommendations for water quality for handwashing, affordable and effective alternatives to soap and ABHR, and the design of handwashing stations. There are gaps in recommendations on soap and water quantity, behaviour change approaches and government measures required for effective hand hygiene. Less than 10% of recommendations are supported by any cited evidence.

Conclusion

While current international guidelines consistently recommend handwashing with soap across community settings, there remain gaps in recommendations where clear evidence-based guidance might support more effective policy and investment.
Cannabis use for menopause in women aged 35 and over: a cross-sectional survey on usage patterns and perceptions in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Babyn Katherine , Ross Sue , Makowsky Mark , Kiang Tony , Yuksel Nese
Published: June 2023

Objective

Use of cannabis for medical reasons has increased in Canada since legalisation of recreational cannabis in 2018. The objective of this study was to examine the pattern of use and perceptions about cannabis for menopause in women aged 35 and over in Alberta, Canada.

Design

Cross-sectional, web-based survey.

Setting

Online (location of participant residence in Alberta, Canada).

Participants

Self-selected sample of women recruited through social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) between October and December 2020. Inclusion criteria included: identified as woman, ages 35 and over, living in Alberta, Canada.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures

Self-reported data were collected on demographics, menopause status and symptoms, cannabis usage and how participants perceived cannabis. Descriptive statistics, comparative analysis and logistic regression explored relations in cannabis use and participant characteristics.

Results

Of 1761 responses collected, 1485 were included for analysis. Median age was 49 years; 35% were postmenopausal and 33% perimenopausal. Among analysed responses, 499 (34%) women reported currently using cannabis and 978 (66%) indicated ever using cannabis. Of the 499 current cannabis users, over 75% were using cannabis for medical purposes. Most common reasons for current use were sleep (65%), anxiety (45%) and muscle/joint achiness (33%). In current users, 74% indicated that cannabis was helpful for symptoms. Current cannabis users were more likely to report experiencing menopause symptoms compared with non-users. History of smoking and general health status were associated with current cannabis use.

Conclusions

Some women are using cannabis for symptoms related to menopause. Further research is required to assess safety and efficacy of cannabis for managing menopause and develop clinical resources for women on cannabis and menopause.
Patterns and determinants of incident cataract surgery in China from 2011 to 2015 using a nationally representative longitudinal database
Authors: Jan Catherine , Jin Xin , Dong Yanhui , Butt Thomas , Chang Robert , Keay Lisa , He Mingguang , Friedman David , Congdon Nathan
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To investigate incident cataract surgery and to investigate determinants of cataract surgery uptake in Chinese adults.

Design

This nationally representative longitudinal study recorded self-reported incident cataract surgery, and measured biological, clinical and socioeconomical characteristics at baseline and endline.

Setting

In the first stage, 150 county-level units were randomly chosen with a probability-proportional-to-size sampling technique from a sampling frame containing all county-level units. The sample was stratified by region and within region by urban district or rural county and per capita gross domestic product. The final sample of 150 counties fell within 28 provinces of China.

Participants

Urban and rural Chinese persons aged 45 years and older.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Incident cataract surgery (primary outcome) and the factors associated with incident cataract surgery (secondary outcome).

Results

Among 16 663 people enrolled in 2011, 13 705 (82.2%) attended follow-up in 2015. Among these, 167 (1.22%) reported incident cataract surgery. Those receiving surgery were significantly older (66.2±8.79 vs 58.3±9.18, p≤0.001) and more likely to report: illiteracy (44.9% vs 27.1%, p<0.001), poor baseline distance vision (49.7% vs 20.0%, p≤0.001), poor baseline near vision (37.1% vs 21.8%, p≤0.001), baseline visual impairment (15.6% vs 5.5%, p≤0.001), diabetes (12.0% vs 7.42%, p≤0.05) and higher baseline depression scores (9.7 vs 8.4 on a scale of 0–30, p≤0.05). In linear regression models, older age, worse distance vision, hypertension or diabetes, illiteracy and lower depression score were significantly associated with undergoing surgery. Results were similar in models including only persons aged ≥60 years, except that urban residence was also associated with surgery. When only those aged ≥60 years with poor vision were included, results were again the same, except that higher household expenditure was also associated with surgery.

Conclusions

In China, cataract surgical rates remain low; underserved groups such as rural dwellers are less likely to receive cataract surgery.
Monitoring sarcopenia with wearable devices: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Pimentel Marcela Monteiro , dos Santos Whitney Houston Barbosa , Rodrigues Eujessika Katielly , Gomes Fernandes Sabrina Gabrielle , de Carvalho Polyagna Ferreira , Fernandes Ana Tereza do Nascimento Sales Figu , Barbosa Paulo Eduardo e Silva , Campos Cavalcanti Maciel Álvaro
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Sarcopenia is a highly prevalent muscle dysfunction among older adults and is associated with adverse events. The periodic monitoring enables an early screening of patients at risk and control of the progression of muscle impairment. Wearable devices have been used as clinical support for sarcopenia detection. Therefore, this review aims to identify how wearable devices have been used to screen sarcopenia.

Methods and analyses

Searches will be conducted from August 2023 on PubMed, CINHAL, Embase, Web of Science and SciELO databases. We will include cross-sectional and/or baseline data from prospective studies reporting the use of wearable devices to investigate sarcopenia. Studies that discuss only the development of algorithms or applications for the assessment of sarcopenia or unavailable full texts will be excluded. The main reviewer will conduct the initial search and exclusion of duplicates, while two independent reviewers will select studies, extract data and assess the methodological quality using the Appraisal tool for Cross-sectional Studies.

Ethics and dissemination

No previous ethical approval is required for this review. The findings of this review will be submitted to a scientific journal and disclosed at international scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022356040.
Estimate of the prevalence of subjects with chronic diseases in a province of Northern Italy: a retrospective study based on administrative databases
Authors: Airoldi Chiara , Pagnoni Federico , Cena Tiziana , Ceriotti Daniele , De Ambrosi Damiano , De Vito Marta , Faggiano Fabrizio
Published: June 2023

Objective

To find a definition of chronic disease based on literature review and to estimate the population-based prevalence rate of chronicity in a province in Northern Italy.

Design

Retrospective observational study based on administrative databases.

Data sources/setting

Archives of the National Health Service that contain demographic and administrative information linked with the archives of ticket exemptions (2000–2019), the hospital discharge and drug prescriptions (2016–2019).

Participants

Subjects who lived in Vercelli Local Health Authority, a Northern Italian province (Piedmont region), and were alive in December 2019.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of subjects with at least one chronic disease identified by administrative sources and stratification of population according to the number of comorbidities. The pathologies considered were: chronic ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, stroke, neoplasm, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, dementia, autism spectrum disorder, depression, schizophrenia, hepatitis, HIV and substance use disorders.

Results

Our target population was about 164 344 subjects. The overall prevalence of subjects with at least one chronic condition was 21.43% (n=35 212): 19 541 were female and 15 671 were male with a raw prevalence of 22.96% and 19.77%, respectively. The overall prevalence increases with age until 85 years old, then a decrease is observed. Moreover, 16.39% had only one pathology, 4.30% two diseases and 0.74% had a more complex clinical condition (more than three diseases).

Conclusions

Despite the difficulty of having a unique definition of chronic disease, the prevalence obtained was coherent with the estimates reported by other national surveillance systems such as Passi and Passi d’Argento. Underestimates were observed when international comparisons were done; however, when we used less stringent definitions of chronic diseases, similar results were obtained.