bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O08 Severely pruritic juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Best Katie , Leech Suzy
Published: January 2024

A 7-year-old female with type IV skin and autism spectrum disorder presented with a 4 month history of progressive proximal myopathy, weight loss and 20 month history of a worsening, intensely pruritic rash. Cutaneous examination showed a widespread eczematous eruption, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, heliotrope rash and firm subcutaneous changes, in addition to palmar-plantar papules, pustules and burrows. Extra-cutaneous findings included multiple fixed flexion deformities and muscle wasting. Investigations revealed a normocytic anaemia, elevated muscle enzymes, strongly positive anti-nuclear antibodies and negative myositis-specific antibodies. Whole body MRI reported proximal muscle oedema. Skin biopsy demonstrated lichenoid and perifollicular inflammation, dermal mucin and subcutaneous calcification. Clinical findings were consistent with a diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), complicated by concurrent scabies.

Prednisolone in combination with methotrexate was commenced as first-line therapy in line with current consensus JDM treatment plans, in addition to topical steroids and sun protection. Muscle power started to improve after 5 months but ongoing cutaneous inflammation prompted second-line therapy with IV immunoglobulin. Oral ivermectin was required for the management of scabies due to topical permethrin failure.

JDM is a rare autoimmune small-vessel vasculopathy with significant morbidity and limited evidence-based guidelines. Unlike adult-onset disease there is no racial predilection or association with malignancy. Calcinosis is more common in children but early treatment reduces disease complications. JDM has a variable disease course with a median time to remission of 4.67 years. Residual skin changes are increasingly recognised to be an early predictor of prolonged recovery time and these patients may benefit from biologic agents.
Artificial intelligence-generated patient information leaflets: a comparison of contents according to British Association of Dermatologists standards
Authors: Verran Callum
Published: January 2024

Background

Patient information leaflets (PILs) can supplement a clinical consultation and provide additional information for a patient to read in their own time. A wide range of PILs are available for distribution by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and undergo rigorous review ahead of publication. In the UK, 7.1 million adults are estimated to have the reading age of a 9-year-old child and 43% are unable to comprehend written health information.

Objectives

To determine whether artificial intelligence (AI) can produce PILs that include a similar degree of content to current BAD PILs.

Methods

Using the AI tool ChatGPT, 10 PILs were generated, and their contents compared with those of existing BAD PILs using an author-generated list of commonly included themes. Omissions were noted and a repeat series of PILs generated using targeted request phrasing. The readability of AI-generated PILs was also analysed.

Results

AI-generated PILs were found to include similar factual content to BAD PILs but excluded information that was felt to be more pertinent to patient concerns such as curability and heritability. Targeted request phrasing saw AI generate PILs including this content. The readability of AI-generated PILs was beyond that of a large number of UK adults.

Conclusions

Where a condition-specific PIL is not readily available, an AI-generated PIL can provide relevant information of lesser quality than existing BAD PILs, which may be inaccessible to some patients. Specific caution is advised regarding AI-generated medication-specific PILs.
O04 Reintroducing pen and leaving quin-alone: examining the impact of a penicillin allergy de-labelling project on antibiotic prescribing in a hospital setting
Authors: Duffy Lisa , Mulhall Jennifer , Cunningham Deirdre , Moran Cathleen , Connelly Alan , O’Malley Mary , Davenport Ksenia , Lee-Brennan Caríosa , Gallagher David
Published: January 2024

Background

The label of penicillin allergy is carried by between 8 and 25% of all patients (1). Alternative antibiotics may not be as efficacious, can be more expensive and lead to more adverse effects (2). Interrogation of a penicillin allergy is an important stewardship intervention considering only 1-10% of these patients are truly allergic to penicillin (1). The aim of this study was to investigate if a penicillin allergy de-labelling project altered antibiotics subsequently prescribed in a hospital setting.

Methods

A review was carried out of 75 patients identified as part of a penicillin allergy de-labelling project in Galway University Hospital over a 15 month period. Self-reported penicillin allergy by hospitalized patients was investigated and clarified by a collaboration from pharmacy, immunology and infectious diseases. Allergy labels were either reinforced, immediately de-labelled or further investigated with skin testing or oral challenge. Antibiotics prescribed prior to allergy de-labelling and following allergy clarification were noted. This information was obtained from the electronic hospital record.

Results

In total, 118 patients had penicillin allergy assessment. 75 patients had their penicillin allergy de-labelled. 44 patients were de-labelled from history, 22 were de-labelled after skin testing and oral challenge and 9 were de-labelled following an oral challenge only. 47 patients (63%) received penicillin post de-labelling. Out of these 47 patients, 27 had been previously treated with fluoroquinolones (57%), 4 had received teicoplanin surgical prophylaxis for surgical procedures (9%), 4 had received linezolid, 2 had received ceftazidime and 2 had been seemingly prescribed meropenem based on allergy.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that appropriate de-labelling of penicillin allergy has a positive impact on future antibiotic prescription in a hospital setting. It results in reduced use of fluoroquinolones as well as other restricted antibiotics with higher risk of adverse effects and is a useful antimicrobial stewardship tool.
Load carriage exercise increases calcium absorption and retention in healthy young women
Authors: Gaffney-Stomberg Erin , Nakayama Anna T , Lutz Laura J , McClung James P , O’Brien Kimberly O , Staab Jeffery S
Published: January 2024

Aerobic exercise reduces circulating ionized Ca (iCa) and increases parathyroid hormone (PTH), but the cause and consequences on Ca handling are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of strenuous exercise on Ca kinetics using dual stable Ca isotopes. Twenty-one healthy women (26.4 ± 6.7 yr) completed a randomized, crossover study entailing two 6-d iterations consisting of either 60 min of treadmill walking at 65% VO2max wearing a vest weighing 30% body weight on study days 1, 3, and 5 (exercise [EX]), or a rest iteration (rest [REST]). On day 1, participants received intravenous 42Ca and oral 44Ca. Isotope ratios were determined by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Kinetic modeling determined fractional Ca absorption (FCA), Ca deposition (Vo+), resorption (Vo−) from bone, and balance (Vbal). Circulating PTH and iCa were measured before, during, and after each exercise/rest session. Data were analyzed by paired t-test or linear mixed models using SPSS. iCa decreased and PTH increased (P < .001) during each EX session and were unchanged during REST. On day 1, urinary Ca was lower in the EX pool (25 ± 11 mg) compared to REST (38 ± 16 mg, P = .001), but did not differ over the full 24-h collection (P > .05). FCA was greater during EX (26.6 ± 8.1%) compared to REST (23.9 ± 8.3%, P < .05). Vbal was less negative during EX (−61.3 ± 111 mg) vs REST (−108 ± 23.5 mg, P < .05), but VO+ (574 ± 241 vs 583 ± 260 mg) and VO− (−636 ± 243 vs −692 ± 252 mg) were not different (P > .05). The rapid reduction in circulating iCa may be due to a change in the miscible Ca pool, resulting in increased PTH and changes in intestinal absorption and renal Ca handling that support a more positive Ca balance.
Large-scale circulating proteome association study (CPAS) meta-analysis identifies circulating proteins and pathways predicting incident hip fractures
Authors: Austin Thomas R , Fink Howard A , Jalal Diana I , Törnqvist Anna E , Buzkova Petra , Barzilay Joshua I , Lu Tianyuan , Carbone Laura , Gabrielsen Maiken E , Grahnemo Louise , Hveem Kristian , Jonasson Christian , Kizer Jorge R , Langhammer Arnulf , Mukamal Kenneth J , Gerszten Robert E , Nethander Maria , Psaty Bruce M , Robbins John A , Sun Yan V , Skogholt Anne Heidi , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Valderrabano Rodrigo J , Zheng Jie , Richards J Brent , Coward Eivind , Ohlsson Claes
Published: January 2024

Hip fractures are associated with significant disability, high cost, and mortality. However, the exact biological mechanisms underlying susceptibility to hip fractures remain incompletely understood. In an exploratory search of the underlying biology as reflected through the circulating proteome, we performed a comprehensive Circulating Proteome Association Study (CPAS) meta-analysis for incident hip fractures. Analyses included 6430 subjects from two prospective cohort studies (Cardiovascular Health Study and Trøndelag Health Study) with circulating proteomics data (aptamer-based 5 K SomaScan version 4.0 assay; 4979 aptamers). Associations between circulating protein levels and incident hip fractures were estimated for each cohort using age and sex-adjusted Cox regression models. Participants experienced 643 incident hip fractures. Compared with the individual studies, inverse-variance weighted meta-analyses yielded more statistically significant associations, identifying 23 aptamers associated with incident hip fractures (conservative Bonferroni correction 0.05/4979, P < 1.0 × 10−5). The aptamers most strongly associated with hip fracture risk corresponded to two proteins of the growth hormone/insulin growth factor system (GHR and IGFBP2), as well as GDF15 and EGFR. High levels of several inflammation-related proteins (CD14, CXCL12, MMP12, ITIH3) were also associated with increased hip fracture risk. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified reduced LXR/RXR activation and increased acute phase response signaling to be overrepresented among those proteins associated with increased hip fracture risk. These analyses identified several circulating proteins and pathways consistently associated with incident hip fractures. These findings underscore the usefulness of the meta-analytic approach for comprehensive CPAS in a similar manner as has previously been observed for large-scale human genetic studies. Future studies should investigate the underlying biology of these potential novel drug targets.
Inference of Infectious Disease Transmission through a Relaxed Bottleneck Using Multiple Genomes Per Host
Authors: Carson Jake , Keeling Matt , Wyllie David , Ribeca Paolo , Didelot Xavier
Published: January 2024

In recent times, pathogen genome sequencing has become increasingly used to investigate infectious disease outbreaks. When genomic data is sampled densely enough amongst infected individuals, it can help resolve who infected whom. However, transmission analysis cannot rely solely on a phylogeny of the genomes but must account for the within-host evolution of the pathogen, which blurs the relationship between phylogenetic and transmission trees. When only a single genome is sampled for each host, the uncertainty about who infected whom can be quite high. Consequently, transmission analysis based on multiple genomes of the same pathogen per host has a clear potential for delivering more precise results, even though it is more laborious to achieve. Here, we present a new methodology that can use any number of genomes sampled from a set of individuals to reconstruct their transmission network. Furthermore, we remove the need for the assumption of a complete transmission bottleneck. We use simulated data to show that our method becomes more accurate as more genomes per host are provided, and that it can infer key infectious disease parameters such as the size of the transmission bottleneck, within-host growth rate, basic reproduction number, and sampling fraction. We demonstrate the usefulness of our method in applications to real datasets from an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa amongst cystic fibrosis patients and a nosocomial outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Copper metabolism and its implications for canine nutrition
Authors: Amundson Laura A , Kirn Brent N , Swensson Erik J , Millican Allison A , Fahey George C
Published: January 2024

Canine copper nutrition has received increased attention due to recent reports of apparent copper-associated hepatitis in the USA and European Union. In order to properly address the need to modify the U.S. National Research Council and Association of American Feed Control Officials canine copper recommendations that will have implications for all dogs, it is important to understand the complexities of copper metabolism, confounding variables affecting copper status, and the available research on this topic in dogs. Recent trends in consumer preference for dog diets, supplements, and functional treats introduce another layer of complexity, as most ingredients used in these formulations provide vastly different proportions of essential nutrients, thus resulting in great variation in nutrient profiles available to the animal. Although controlled research addressing copper metabolism in dogs is limited, there are lessons to be learned from other monogastric species as well as canine case studies that can provide a base for increasing knowledge to address this issue. Copper metabolism and status in animals is affected by a multitude of factors including absorption, storage, excretion, and nutrient interactions. Given its vital role in many physiological processes, it is important that both nutritional deficiencies and toxicities be avoided. Additionally, another challenge for proper copper nutrition in dogs is the known genetic predispositions of some breeds for copper storage and excretion abnormalities. Therefore, it is imperative that veterinarians, nutritionists, and pet food manufacturers collaborate with the shared goal of providing dog food options that supply the essential nutrients at adequate concentrations to support an active and healthy life. Many questions remain regarding copper metabolism and proper diet formulation for dogs. Future research efforts should focus on discovering reliable, non-invasive methods for evaluating canine copper status, a deeper understanding of genetic predispositions of certain breeds, increased knowledge of copper contributions from various ingredients, and the role of unpredictable physiological stressors on copper metabolism.
A review of the contemporary use of inotropes in patients with heart failure
Authors: Neicheril Radhika , Snipelisky David
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

The role of inotropes has evolved with its use now expanding over multiple indications including cardiogenic shock, low cardiac output states, bridging therapy to transplant or mechanical support, and palliative care. There remains no consensus as to the recommended inotrope for the failing heart. We aim to provide an overview of the recent literature related to inotrope therapy and its application in patients with advanced heart failure and hemodynamic compromise.

Recent findings

In this review, we outline various clinical scenarios that warrant the use of inotrope therapy and the associated recommendations. There remains no mortality benefit with inotrope use. Per American Heart Association recommendations, the choice of the inotropic agent should be guided by parameters such as blood pressure, concurrent arrhythmias, and availability of the medication. Outcome variability remains a heightened concern with inpatient inotropic use in both hemodynamically stable and unstable patients. Finally, inotropic use in palliative care continues to be a recommendation for symptom control and improvement in functional status when the appropriate social support is present for the patient.

In summary, the ideal inotropic agent remains at the discretion of the clinical provider. Different clinical scenarios may favor one agent over another based on the type of cardiogenic shock and mechanism of action of the inotrope. A future shift towards characterizing inotrope use based on subgroup cardiogenic shock profiles may be seen, however further studies are needed to better understand these phenotypes. Inotrope therapy remains a keystone to bridging to advanced therapies and palliative care.
Characterization and Treatment of Chronic Pain After Traumatic Brain Injury—Comparison of Characteristics Between Individuals With Current Pain, Past Pain, and No Pain: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project
Authors: Harrison-Felix Cynthia , Sevigny Mitch , Beaulieu Cynthia L. , Callender Librada , Dams-O'Connor Kristen , Hammond Flora M. , Hanks Robin , Ketchum Jessica M. , Martin Aaron M. , Marwitz Jennifer H. , Peckham Mackenzie , Rabinowitz Amanda R. , Sander Angelle M. , Sterling Ally , Walker William C. , Nakase-Richardson Risa , Hoffman Jeanne M.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of chronic pain after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and identify characteristics that differ from those without chronic pain.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

A total of 3804 TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) participants who completed the Pain Survey at TBIMS follow-up.

Design:

A multisite, cross-sectional observational cohort study.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Functional outcomes, pain experience, and treatment.

Results:

46% reported current chronic pain, 14% reported past (post-injury) chronic pain, and 40% reported no chronic pain. Bivariate differences in sociodemographic and injury characteristics between the 3 pain groups were generally small in effect size, reflecting little clinical difference. However, medium effect sizes were seen for all functional outcomes, such that individuals with current chronic pain had worse functional outcomes compared with individuals in the past pain or no pain groups. Treatment utilization rates were higher for individuals with current chronic pain compared with past pain, with medical treatments being most frequently utilized. Individuals with past pain perceived more improvement with treatment than did those with current chronic pain as represented by a large effect size.

Conclusions:

Chronic pain affects approximately 60% of those living with TBI. The implications of chronic pain for functional outcomes support inclusion of pain metrics in prognostic models and observational studies in this population. Future research is needed to proactively identify those at risk for the development of chronic pain and determine the efficacy and access to pain treatment.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and Down syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kudsi Maysoun , Haj Ali Diaa , Khalayli Naram , Jaber Samah , Almasri Rama Nasser Mansour
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can involve any organ system, and may lead to significant morbidity and even mortality. Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disabilities, typically caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21.

Case presentation:

A 47-year-old Syrian female of DS who complained of low-grade fever, oral aphthae, fatigue, and arthralgia three months before presentation. Although the patient was diagnosed with phenotypically and gynogenically DS, a milder mosaic type was identified. She appeared fatigued with a blood pressure 110/70 mmHg, pulse 104/min, temp 100 F, having oral ulcers, tenderness of joints on palpation, haemoglobin 9.4 g/dl, white blood cells 10.9/mm3, platelets 87 000×109/cm with C-reactive protein of 2,3 mg/dl, and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 68. Urea 33 mg/dl with creatinine 0.9. The rest of the tests were unremarkable. Urine analysis was normal.

Discussion:

The prevalence of SLE in DS in the literature was found only in five cases, with different presentations, in the last 36 years. In our case the patient presented with mild lupus manifestations and responded well to steroids and hydroxychloroquine. Also, In our case, an onset of SLE in an old DS (DS female patient), whereas SLE is more frequent in childbirth-aged women, in addition to that DS patients had a short life expectancy.

Conclusions:

DS is associated with a predisposition to developing connective tissue disorders, especially in young females. unfortunately, patients were not diagnosed in all five cases until later with a flare because of the cognitive defect.
Knowledge, attitude and practice towards Hepatitis B vaccination among medical undergraduate students of Maharajgunj Medical Campus in Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dahal Krishna , Rawal Laba , Shah Sangam , Dahal Mahesh , Shrestha Gambhir
Published: January 2024

Background:

The rate of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among health professionals is about 2–10 times higher than that of the general population since, they are more prone for exposure to infected blood and body fluid and contaminated needles and syringes. The risk of accidental exposure among the medical students is even higher due to their non-experience, insufficient training and lack of preventive knowledge. The objective of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical students towards Hepatitis B.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 206 medical undergraduate students from May 2022 to July 2022. A pretested self- administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice towards Hepatitis B vaccination. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to collect data. Descriptive analysis was done by calculating frequency and percentages of categorical variables. χ2test was used to determine the association between categorical independent variables and categorical dependent variables.

Results:

Among 206 students, 93.7% of them had good knowledge and 98.5% had good attitude. The practice was low with only 35% having safe practices. Similarly, only 46.6% of medical students were completely vaccinated. 23.8% had done Hepatitis B testing. Students who had encountered Hepatitis B patients during their posting were 51.9%. There was significant association of sociodemographic variables with knowledge, attitude and practice towards Hepatitis B vaccination.

Conclusion:

Although, the knowledge and attitude towards Hepatitis B vaccination is high, the practice levels are very low. This indicates need for immunizing medical students against Hepatitis B and reforming training curriculum more focusing on preventive practices against HBV.
177Lu-PSMA-617 Therapy in a Case of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Qu Gengcuo , Hua Qingchu , Li Hongmei , Zhang Yu , Chen Yue
Published: January 2024

We report a 65-year-old man with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who was treated with 2 cycles of 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. PET/CT imaging of 68Ga-PSMA-11 revealed a complete metabolic response (PERCIST1.0) after therapy. The prostate-specific antigen concentration drastically decreased (97.7% down).
68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Found Lower Respiratory Tract Inflammation Due to Inhaler Use
Authors: Beyhan Ediz , Aksoy Tamer , Alçin Göksel , Arslan Esra , Çermik Tevfik Fikret
Published: January 2024

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein physiologically expressed in nonprostatic tissues. Inflammation and infectious diseases could show false-positive PSMA uptake. Herein, we present a 55-year-old patient’s findings of inflammation in the lower respiratory tract due to inhaler use in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in a patient with prostate cancer.
The Impact of the Number of Sutures on Regeneration in Nerve Repair
Authors: Eravsar Ebubekir , Özdemir Ali , Cüce Gökhan , Acar Mehmet A.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The ideal number of sutures for epineural nerve repair is still unclear. Increased number of sutures increases secondary damage and inflammation to the nerve tissue, which negatively affects nerve regeneration. When the number of sutures decreases, the strength of the nerve repair site decreases and nerve endings are fringed, which also negatively affects nerve regeneration. Therefore, each additional suture is not only beneficial but also detrimental. The aim of this study was to find out the ideal number of sutures for nerve repair.

Methods

Seventy rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. One of the groups was used as a control group, and right sciatic nerves of the rats in other 4 groups were repaired by using 2, 3, 4, or 6 epineural sutures, respectively, after nerve transection. Biomechanical assessment was performed on the nerves collected from these rats at 5 days of follow-up. Functional and histological analyses were evaluated after 12 weeks of follow-up.

Results

It was found that an increase in the number of sutures enhances resistance to tensile force in general. However, there was no significant biomechanical difference between the 6-sutured group in which the most sutures were used and the 4-sutured group. In functional examinations, overall successful results were obtained in the group with 4 sutures. In histological examinations, there was no statistical difference between the control group, 2-sutured groups, and 4-sutured groups in terms of connective tissue index. However, it was observed that the group with 6 sutures had a higher connective tissue index than the control group and groups with 2 and 4 sutures. In terms of regeneration index, it was found that repair with 4 sutures was superior to repair with 2 and 6 sutures. No difference was found between any of the suture groups according to the diameter change index.

Conclusions

These results indicate that repair with 4 sutures is the best method of epineural repair that provides both strength and regeneration. These findings will contribute to both the repair of clinically similar nerves and the standardization of rat nerve studies.
How suitable is freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis (Linnaeus, 1759) for time-integrated biomonitoring of microbial water quality?
Authors: Cartwright Allison , Dooley James S.G. , McGonigle Chris D. , Arnscheidt Joerg
Published: January 2024

Faecal pollution of water by bacteria has a negative effect on water quality and can pose a potential health hazard. Conventional surveillance of microbial water quality relies on the analysis of low frequency spot samples and is thus likely to miss episodic or periodic pollution. This study aimed to investigate the potential of filter feeding sponges for time-integrated biomonitoring of microbial water quality. Laboratory trials tested the effects of different ratios of bacterial abundance and the sequence of exposure on bacterial retention by the freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis (Linnaeus, 1759) to establish its potential to indicate bacterial exposure.
 
Gemmule grown sponges were simultaneously exposed to Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis but at different ratios (Trial 1) or individually exposed to each bacterial species but in different sequential order (Trial 2). The E. coli and E. faecalis retained in each sponge was quantified by culture on selective agars. Data analysis was conducted using the Kruskal- Wallis test and/ or the Mann Whitney U test to compare between the numbers of bacteria retained in each treatment. Additionally, the Wilcoxon Matched-Paired Signed-Rank test was used for comparison of the different bacterial abundances retained within each individual sponge.
 
Sponges from all trials retained E. coli and E. faecalis in small numbers relative to the exposure (<0.05% Trial 1 and <0.07% Trial 2) but exhibited higher retention of E. coli. Higher abundance of either bacterial species resulted in significantly lower (p<0.005) retention of the same species within sponges (Trial 1). An initial exposure to E. coli resulted in significantly higher (p=0.040) retention of both bacterial species than when sponges were exposed to E. faecalis first (Trial 2).
 
Bacterial retention by sponges was neither representative of bacterial abundance in the ambient water nor the sequence of exposure. This implies either selective filtration or an attempt by sponges to prevent infection. However, freshwater sponges may still be useful in biomonitoring as qualitative time-integrated samplers of faecal indicator bacteria.
Acanthamoeba castellanii alone is not a growth promoter for Hordeum vulgare
Authors: Sacharow Julia , Ratering Stefan , Schneider Bellinda , Österreicher Cunha-Dupont Alessandra , Schnell Sylvia
Published: January 2024

Protists are important key players in the microbial loop and influence their environment by grazing, which leads to the return of nutrients into the soil and reduces pathogen pressure of plants. Espacially protists on and around plant roots, are important for plant’s development and growth. For this study, the crop Hordeum vulgare was selected, which is the fourth most important crop in the world. Seeds of H. vulgare were inoculated with Acanthamoeba castellanii alone or with additional soil bacteria. The germination of the seedlings and the growth of the plants in pouches was monitored over three weeks, while the plants were reinoculated. No differences were found in leaf growth, root growth, root and leaf nitrogen content or ammonia content of the liquid from the pouches. In contrast, the relative increase in root and leaf dry weight showed a small difference compared to the controls. The results of this experiment demonstrated that seed inoculation with A. castellanii alone or with additional unidentified soil bacteria did not have a major effect on plant growth and development of barley. Nevertheless, small changes in the plant development were detected, indicating that A. castellanii should be considered for further investigation of co-inoculations with plant growth promoting bacteria and additional nutrients.
Emergence and genomic characteristics of multi-drug-resistant Salmonella in pet turtles and children with diarrhoea
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Feng , Li Hui , Li Menghan , Hu Yujie , Li Fengqin , Xiao Jing , Dong Yinping
Published: January 2024

Pet turtles are a well-recognized source of human salmonellosis, posing a threat to human health, particularly children who commonly keep pet turtles. To date, the genomic characteristics of

Salmonella

among pet turtles and children has not been well described. We investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and genomic characteristics of

Salmonella

from pet turtles in Beijing, China. In total, 9.6 % (46/480) of pet turtles were positive for

Salmonella

with S. Thompson being the dominant serovar (19/46) in 2019. Moreover, 80.4 % of

Salmonella

were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and 60.7 % were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides and tetracycline (ASSuT). We further compared the genomes of S. Thompson isolates from pet turtles (n=19) with those from children with diarrhoea (n=28) in the same region and year, most of which were sequence type (ST)26, with one novel ST7937 identified from a child-associated isolate. S. Thompson isolates from children with diarrhoea exhibited less resistance than isolates from pet turtles. Most MDR isolates possessed multiple AMR genes, including the AmpC β-lactamase-encoding genes bla
DHA-15 and bla
DHA-1 which co-occurred with the IncA/C and IncHI plasmid replicon types. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the bla
DHA-15 gene has been detected from

Salmonella

. Several pet turtle-associated S. Thompson isolates comprised phylogenetically close clusters with those from children with diarrhoea (<20 SNP differences). Bayesian analysis demonstrated that the Chinese ST26 S. Thompson strains had a recent evolutionary history and evolved into two major clades, with one clade acquiring various resistant plasmids. Our findings revealed the emergence of MDR

Salmonella

among pet turtles in China and provided evidence for the interspecies transmission of S. Thompson.
Experimental and computational study of the core-level crossing transition in iridium at high pressure
Authors: Storm C. V. , Woolman G. A. , Lonsdale C. M. , McHardy J. D. , Duff M. J. , Ackland G. J. , McMahon M. I.
Published: January 2024

A core-level crossing (CLC) resulting from extreme compression has been calculated to occur in Ir metal at 80 GPa, analogous to a transition previously reported in Os at 392 GPa. We present results from static high-pressure diffraction experiments and theoretical investigations on the compressive behavior of Ir up to 159 GPa, well above the calculated CLC transition pressure. Neither our experimental nor computational results find evidence for a CLC over this pressure range, and instead, our first-principles calculations suggest that the CLC occurs in Ir at the much higher pressure of 400 GPa. Furthermore, computational analysis of the CLC in Ir, combined with previous work on Os, indicates that CLCs at high pressure are not experimentally detectable.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Localized modes in the IR phase of QCD
Authors: Alexandru Andrei , Horváth Ivan , Bhattacharyya Neel
Published: January 2024

Infrared (IR) dimension function dIR(λ) characterizes the space effectively utilized by QCD quarks at Dirac scale λ, and indirectly the space occupied by glue fields. It was proposed that its nonanalytic behavior in thermal reflects the separation of QCD system into an IR component and an independent bulk. Here we study the “plateau modes” in the IR component, whose dimensional properties were puzzling. Indeed, in the recent scenario of transition to IR phase, this low-dimensional plateau connects the Anderson-like mobility edge λIR=0 in Dirac spectrum with mobility edges ±λA. For this structure to be truly Anderson-like, plateau modes have to be exponentially localized, implying that both the effective distances Leff∝Lγ and the effective volumes Veff∝LdIR in these modes grow slower than any positive power of IR cutoff

L

. Although γ=0 was confirmed in the plateau, it was found that dIR≈1. Here we apply the recently proposed technique to the problem. We conclude that a plateau mode of pure-glue QCD at UV cutoff a=0.085  fm occupies a subvolume of IR dimension zero with probability at least 0.9999, substantiating this aspect of metal-to-critical scenario to a respective degree.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Will after-hours technology-mediated work make employees leave? A mediated moderation model
Authors: Sun Xiaolin , Zhu Jiawen , Liang Huigang , Xue Yajiong , Yao Bo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

As after-hours technology-mediated work (ATW) becomes common in organizations, the increased workload and interference to life caused by ATW has induced employee turnover. This research develops a mediated moderation model to explain how employees' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for ATW affect their turnover intention through work–life conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to collect data of 484 employees from Chinese companies. Partial Least Square was used to perform data analysis.

Findings

The results show that intrinsic motivation for ATW has an indirect negative impact on turnover intention via work–life conflict, whereas extrinsic motivation for ATW has both a positive direct impact and a positive indirect impact (via work–life conflict) on turnover intention. This study also helps find that time spent on ATW can strengthen the positive impact of extrinsic motivation for ATW on turnover intention but has no moderation effect on the impact of intrinsic motivation for ATW. Furthermore, this study reveals that the interaction effect of time spent on ATW and extrinsic motivation on turnover intention is mediated by employees' perceived work–life conflict.

Originality/value

By discovering the distinct impact of employees' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for ATW on turnover intention, this research provides a contingent view regarding the impact of ATW and offers guidance to managers regarding how to mitigate ATW-induced turnover intention through fostering different motivations.
The potential of farmers’ markets: the Uganda case
Authors: Nalubowa Winnie , Moruzzo Roberta , Scarpellini Paola , Granai Giulia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In Uganda, smallholder farmers produce about 70% of the food but receive very low prices on the sales channels they use. To improve farmers' livelihoods, other innovative sales channels such as farmers' markets (FMs) have to be explored. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the potential of establishing farmers' markets in Uganda, focusing on Kampala district.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was used to understand farmers' perceptions and the factors that could influence the success of the farmers' markets. In addition, the potential of FMs has been analyzed through the components of the Localized Agri-Food System (LAFS).

Findings

The respondents had a positive perception of the farmers' markets, and farmers have an urgent need for other sales channels that could be profitable for them. Factors that could influence the success of the FMs were highlighted, including infrastructure in the marketplace, transportation and taxation by the government.

Research limitations/implications

The study had a limited sample size of the farmers, and it was carried out in 3 divisions of Kampala district, an urban area; thus, the findings cannot be generalized to fit the other regions of Uganda.

Originality/value

The LAFS showed that the foundation for establishing FMs is available; however, it has to be strengthened through the coordination of different stakeholders that work with the farmers.
Optimizing surface roughness in soft pneumatic gripper fabricated via FDM: experimental investigation using Taguchi method
Authors: Uludag Muhammet , Ulkir Osman
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In this study, experimental studies were carried out using different process parameters of the soft pneumatic gripper (SPG) fabricated by the fused deposition modeling method. In the experimental studies, the surface quality of the gripper was examined by determining four different levels and factors. The experiment was designed to estimate the surface roughness of the SPG.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists of an experimental phase in which the SPG is fabricated and the surface roughness is measured. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) flex filament material was used in the fabrication of SPG. The control factors used in the Taguchi L16 vertical array experimental design and their level values were determined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to observe the effect of printing parameters on the surface quality. Finally, regression analysis was applied to mathematically model the surface roughness values obtained from the experimental measurements.

Findings

Based on the Taguchi signal-to-noise ratio and ANOVA, layer height is the most influential parameter for surface roughness. The best surface quality value was obtained with a surface roughness value of 18.752 µm using the combination of 100 µm layer height, 2 mm wall thickness, 200 °C nozzle temperature and 120 mm/s printing speed. The developed model predicted the surface roughness of SPG with 95% confidence intervals.

Originality/value

It is essential to examine the surface quality of parts fabricated in additive manufacturing using different variables. In the literature, surface roughness has been examined using different factors and levels. However, the surface roughness of a soft gripper fabricated with TPU material has not been examined previously. The surface quality of parts fabricated using flexible materials is very important.
Pelvic floor muscle strength and influencing factors based on vaginal manometry among healthy women at different life stages: A multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sun Zhi‐Jing , Tian Zhao , Xu Tao , Wang Zhong‐Min , Zhu Xi‐Hui , Luo Jun , Cheng Fang , Gong Lin , Zhang Jie , Wang Li‐Hui , Zhu Wei‐Pei , Qu Xue‐Ling , Lin Zhong , Ge Wei‐Ping , Wang Bi‐Nan , Zhu Lan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and influencing factors among healthy women at different life stages.

Design

Multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Fourteen hospitals in China.

Population

A total of 5040 healthy women allocated to the following groups (with 1680 women per group): premenopausal nulliparous, premenopausal parous and postmenopausal.

Methods

The PFM strength was evaluated by vaginal manometry. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors for low PFM strength.

Main Outcome Measures

Maximum voluntary contraction pressure (MVCP).

Results

The median MVCP values were 36, 35 and 35 cmH2O in premenopausal nulliparous (aged 19–51 years), premenopausal parous (aged 22–61 years), and postmenopausal (aged 40–86 years) women, respectively. In the premenopausal nulliparous group, physical work (odds ratio, OR 2.05) was the risk factor for low PFM strength, which may be related to the chronic increased abdominal pressure caused by physical work. In the premenopausal parous group, the number of vaginal deliveries (OR 1.28) and diabetes (OR 2.70) were risk factors for low PFM strength, whereas sexual intercourse (<2 times per week vs. none, OR 0.55; ≥2 times per week vs. none, OR 0.56) and PFM exercise (OR 0.50) may have protective effects. In the postmenopausal group, the number of vaginal deliveries (OR 1.32) and family history of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (OR 1.83) were risk factors for low PFM strength.

Conclusions

Physical work, vaginal delivery, diabetes and a family history of POP are all risk factors for low PFM strength, whereas PFM exercises and sexual life can have a protective effect. The importance of these factors varies at different stages of a woman's life.
Unveiling child trafficking: Local perspectives and context in addressing sustainable development goals in Sierra Leone
Authors: Balch Alex , Cody Anna M. , Okech David , Callands Tamora , Fofanah Umaru , Wurie Haja Ramatulai
Published: January 2024

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) included the goal of combating child labor and human trafficking, but regional variations complicate efforts to address these problems. In Sierra Leone, the government has taken steps to address these issues, but challenges remain, particularly in relation to access to education, in rural areas, and for young girls. This article examines local stakeholder understandings of child trafficking, and the distinction between child labor and child work in Sierra Leone. Participants included community leaders and those with lived experience of exploitation. Findings identify complex intersections and overlaps in understandings of these terms, and the ways these connect with norms and expectations impacting children and childhood in Sierra Leone. Lessons are drawn out for local and international policy and programming to incorporate structural factors within a wider lens of child protection, reframing anti‐trafficking to focus on positive aspects of recovery and resilience.
Routine diversion following delayed IPAA construction does not reduce the incidence of pouch‐related sepsis or failure in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Pooni Amandeep , Brar Mantaj S. , Kennedy Erin , Cohen Zane , MacRae Helen , de Buck van Overstraeten Anthony
Published: January 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare modified 2‐stage and 3‐stage IPAA construction techniques to evaluate the effect of diverting loop ileostomy following completion proctectomy and IPAA for ulcerative colitis. In addition, our overall institutional experience was reviewed to describe long‐term outcomes and changes in staging trends over time.

Methods

Our institutional database was searched to identify all cases of IPAA for ulcerative colitis between 1981 and 2018. Patient, pouch and outcome characteristics were abstracted. Primary study outcomes were the incidence of primary pouch failure and pouch‐related sepsis. Failure was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier estimates of survival over time. The adjusted effect of pouch stage was evaluated using multivariable Cox and logistic regression models. Exploratory analysis evaluated the effect of stage on failure in the pouch related sepsis subgroup.

Results

A total of 2105 patients underwent primary IPAA over the study period. The 5, 10 and 20‐year pouch survival probabilities were 95.2%, 92.7% and 86.6%. The incidence of pouch related sepsis was 12.3%. Adjusted analysis demonstrated no difference in pouch failure (HR = 0.64: 95% 0.39–1.07, p = 0.09) or post‐operative sepsis (aOR = 0.79: 95% CI 0.53–1.17, p = 0.24) by stage of construction. Among patients experiencing pouch sepsis, there was no difference in Kaplan–Meier estimates of pouch survival by stage (p = 0.90).

Conclusions

Pouch related sepsis and IPAA failure did not differ between modified 2‐stage and 3‐stage construction techniques. Among the sub‐group of patients experiencing pouch related sepsis, there was no difference in failure between groups. The results suggest diverting ileostomy may be safely avoided following delayed pouch reconstruction in appropriately selected patients.
Influence of a diet and/or exercise intervention on long‐term mortality and vascular complications in people with impaired glucose tolerance: Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Outcome study
Authors: Yu Liping , Wang Jinping , Gong Qiuhong , An Yali , Chen Fei , Chen Yanyan , Chen XiaoPing , He Siyao , Qian Xin , Chen Bo , Dong Fen , Li Hui , Zhao Fang , Zhang Bo , Li Guangwei ,   for the Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study Group
Published: January 2024

Aim

We aimed to investigate the long‐term influence of a diet and/or exercise intervention on long‐term mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.

Methods

The Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study had 576 participants with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) randomized to diet‐only, exercise‐only and diet‐plus‐exercise intervention group and control group. The participants underwent lifestyle interventions for 6 years. The subsequent Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Outcome Study was a prospective cohort study to follow‐up the participants for up to 24 years after the end of 6‐year intervention. In total, 540 participants completed the follow‐up, while 36 subjects lost in follow‐up. Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied to assess the influence of lifestyle interventions on targeted outcomes.

Results

Compared with controls, the diet‐only intervention in people with IGT was significantly associated with a reduced risk of all‐cause death [hazard ratio (HR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.61‐0.97)], CVD death [HR 0.67, 95% CI (0.46‐0.97)] and CVD events [HR 0.72, 95% CI (0.54‐0.96)]. The diet‐plus‐exercise intervention was significantly associated with a decreased risk of all‐cause death [HR 0.64, 95% CI (0.48‐0.84)], CVD death [HR 0.54, 95% CI (0.30‐0.97)] and CVD events [HR 0.68, 95% CI (0.52‐0.90)]. Unexpectedly, the exercise‐only intervention was not significantly associated with the reduction of any of these outcomes, although there was a consistent trend towards reduction.

Conclusions

A diet‐only intervention and a diet‐plus‐exercise intervention in people with IGT were significantly associated with a reduced risk of all‐cause death, CVD death and CVD events, while an exercise‐only intervention was not. It suggests that diet‐related interventions may have a potentially more reliable influence on long‐term vascular complications and mortality.