bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scurvy in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Baluch Amarah , Landsberg David
Published: December 2021

Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, is a forgotten disease in the modern era of medicine. The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in the United States is reported to be 7.1%. We present a case of a 56-year-old man with a history of chronic alcohol use who was admitted to the intensive care unit due to sepsis. He was found to have a rash on his hands and feet which consisted of palpable lesions as well as petechiae. Work up of the patient’s skin pathology revealed ascorbic acid deficiency, also known as scurvy. This case highlights the importance of considering severe nutritional deficiency in patients with underlying alcohol use who present with skin findings that may mimic those of a vasculitis. Although rare, vitamin C deficiency still exists, and it is important to be aware of presenting signs and identify those who are at risk.
Going to College With a Posse: How Having High School Peers on Campus Supports College Achievement
Authors: Binning Kevin R. , Blatt Lorraine R. , Chen Susie , Votruba-Drzal Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

The social experience of transitioning to a 4-year university varies widely among students. Some attend with few or no prior contacts or acquaintances from their hometown; others attend with a large network of high school alumni. Using a sample (N = 43,240) of undergraduates spanning 7.5 years at a public university, we examine what factors predict high school peer prevalence (HSPP) on campus and whether HSPP predicts college achievement above and beyond such factors. Analyses found that HSPP was predicted by variables associated with societal privilege (e.g., being White, continuing generation). Above and beyond these variables, HSPP independently predicted higher grades in gateway STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses and, among first-generation college students, higher retention. The role of HSPP in fostering equity and inequity is discussed. A preprint of this article is available at https://psyarxiv.com/xhpuc/ .
Introduction to the Special IBMR Issue on the World Christian Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition
Authors: Zurlo Gina A. , Johnson Todd M.
Published: December 2021

Forty years ago, David B. Barrett, then based in Nairobi, Kenya, put the finishing touches on the first edition of the World Christian Encyclopedia. A second edition was produced in 2001, and now a third edition is in circulation, prepared between 2015 and 2019. This special issue of the IBMR reflects a core part of the methodology of the World Christian Encyclopedia, namely, interaction with World Christianity from different disciplinary perspectives and geographic locations. This introduction to the issue features reflection on articles on global Catholicism, missions, women and gender studies, religious freedom, Christianity in the Middle East, and refugees.
PGY1 Resident‐Led Mock Virtual Interviews to Prepare for the 2022 Otolaryngology Residency Virtual Interviews
Authors: Blumenstein Nicole Rose , Bruss David Mendel , Kan Krystal , Yu Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, virtual interviews are planned for the 2021‐2022 residency application cycle. The virtual interview will remain novel to applicants for each match cycle until the graduating medical student class has experience from virtual interviews during their medical school admissions. The virtual interview poses unique challenges that are unique from in‐person formats. Given the lack of experience of applicants in the 2022 match, practicing interviewing skills prior to the actual date is vital to success. We describe a postgraduate year 1 (PGY1)–run mock interview session for applicants preparing for the 2021‐2022 otolaryngology interview cycle and discuss the methodology. Deliberate practice with PGY1 residents who have just recently undergone the virtual interview process can better prepare applicants for their virtual interviews, improve on‐camera behaviors, and ameliorate mental health challenges unique to the virtual format.
Double-Level Osteotomy in Severe Varus Malalignment to Optimize Knee Joint Restoration
Authors: Harrer Jörg , Schenke Max , Lutter Christoph , Dickschas Jörg , Feucht Matthias , Tischer Thomas
Published: December 2021

Background:

Lower extremity alignment-correcting procedures for unicompartmental osteoarthritis are experiencing a rapid rise. Medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW-HTO) thereby represents the most common technique among osteotomies but is limited in cases of severe malalignment. Some cases make a double-level osteotomy necessary.

Indications:

If planning of malalignment correction using a MOW-HTO results in a mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) of more than 93° (causing an oblique joint line), double-level osteotomy is indicated to avoid nonphysiological knee kinematics.

Technique Description:

After clinical examination and detailed analysis of malalignment (full-weight-bearing long-leg radiograph: hip-knee-angle [HKA], mMPTA, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle [mLDFA], joint line convergence angle [JLCA]), as well as individualized planning of the correction, the surgical procedure starts with an arthroscopy to evaluate the cartilage conditions and eventually treat intraarticular pathologies. Then, the femoral supracondylar correction is performed (closed wedge, biplanar osteotomy [ to increase bony healing]) according to the presurgical planning by resecting the osteotomy wedge with the measured length. K-wires are placed to check the correction. An angle-stable plate is used for osteosynthesis. The wedge taken out will be used as bone stock for the MOW-HTO afterward. The biplanar open-wedge tibial osteotomy is then performed subsequently using a medial tibial approach and an angle-stable plate. Opening of the osteotomy is then performed and double checked with intraoperative fluoroscopy using an alignment rod. Postoperative partial weight bearing for 6 weeks is recommended.

Results:

In recent literature, only few publications report on results of double-level osteotomies. Babis et al reports that it is a valuable procedure for patients with large varus deformity. Nakayama et al noted a significant improvement in patient-registered clinical outcomes in early postoperative evaluation of 20 patients. Schröter et al reports on 37 knees and findings include good clinical results, despite progressive osteoarthritis.

Discussion/Conclusion:

In cases of severe malalignment, adequate axis correction may require a double-level osteotomy. Exact preoperative planning is essential. Results reported in recent publications are promising. By splitting 1 large correction into 2 smaller ones, complications like hinge fracture and delayed bone healing are lowered.
Demonstration of a Flexible Graphene-Based Biosensor for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Han Ling , Wan Qi , Zheng Ai , Guo Yunchuan , Chen Yali
Published: December 2021

It is significant to develop an efficient early detection and prediction method for ovarian cancer via a facile and low-cost approach. To address such issues, herein, we develop a novel circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection method to sensitively detect ovarian cancer by using a flexible graphene-based biosensor on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The results show that the graphene-based flexible biosensor demonstrates sensitive and rapid detection for ovarian cancer cells: it delivers obvious different responses for cell culture medium and cancer solution, different cancer cells and cancer cell solution with different concentrations; it demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting several tens of ovarian cancer cells per ml; moreover, the flexible graphene biosensor is very suitable for rapid and sensitive detection of ovarian cancer cells within 5 s. This work provides a low-cost and facile graphene biosensor fabrication strategy to sensitively and rapidly detect / identify CTC ovarian cancer cells.

Graphical Abstract
Co-option of the same ancestral gene family gave rise to mammalian and reptilian toxins
Authors: Barua Agneesh , Koludarov Ivan , Mikheyev Alexander S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Evolution can occur with surprising predictability when organisms face similar ecological challenges. For most traits, it is difficult to ascertain whether this occurs due to constraints imposed by the number of possible phenotypic solutions or because of parallel responses by shared genetic and regulatory architecture. Exceptionally, oral venoms are a tractable model of trait evolution, being largely composed of proteinaceous toxins that have evolved in many tetrapods, ranging from reptiles to mammals. Given the diversity of venomous lineages, they are believed to have evolved convergently, even though biochemically similar toxins occur in all taxa.

Results

Here, we investigate whether ancestral genes harbouring similar biochemical activity may have primed venom evolution, focusing on the origins of kallikrein-like serine proteases that form the core of most vertebrate oral venoms. Using syntenic relationships between genes flanking known toxins, we traced the origin of kallikreins to a single locus containing one or more nearby paralogous kallikrein-like clusters. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate serine proteases revealed that kallikrein-like toxins in mammals and reptiles are genetically distinct from non-toxin ones.

Conclusions

Given the shared regulatory and genetic machinery, these findings suggest that tetrapod venoms evolved by co-option of proteins that were likely already present in saliva. We term such genes ‘toxipotent’—in the case of salivary kallikreins they already had potent vasodilatory activity that was weaponized by venomous lineages. Furthermore, the ubiquitous distribution of kallikreins across vertebrates suggests that the evolution of envenomation may be more common than previously recognized, blurring the line between venomous and non-venomous animals.
Enhanced production of γ-amino acid 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid by recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum under oxygen limitation
Authors: Kawaguchi Hideo , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Ohnishi Yasuo , Sazuka Takashi , Kondo Akihiko , Ogino Chiaki
Published: December 2021

Background

Bio-based aromatic compounds are of great interest to the industry, as commercial production of aromatic compounds depends exclusively on the unsustainable use of fossil resources or extraction from plant resources. γ-amino acid 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-AHBA) serves as a precursor for thermostable bioplastics.

Results

Under aerobic conditions, a recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum strain KT01 expressing griH and griI genes derived from Streptomyces griseus produced 3,4-AHBA with large amounts of amino acids as by-products. The specific productivity of 3,4-AHBA increased with decreasing levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) and was eightfold higher under oxygen limitation (DO = 0 ppm) than under aerobic conditions (DO ≥ 2.6 ppm). Metabolic profiles during 3,4-AHBA production were compared at three different DO levels (0, 2.6, and 5.3 ppm) using the DO-stat method. Results of the metabolome analysis revealed metabolic shifts in both the central metabolic pathway and amino acid metabolism at a DO of < 33% saturated oxygen. Based on this metabolome analysis, metabolic pathways were rationally designed for oxygen limitation. An ldh deletion mutant, with the loss of lactate dehydrogenase, exhibited 3.7-fold higher specific productivity of 3,4-AHBA at DO = 0 ppm as compared to the parent strain KT01 and produced 5.6 g/L 3,4-AHBA in a glucose fed-batch culture.

Conclusions

Our results revealed changes in the metabolic state in response to DO concentration and provided insights into oxygen supply during fermentation and the rational design of metabolic pathways for improved production of related amino acids and their derivatives.

Graphical Abstract
The development of clinical guidelines in China: insights from a national survey
Authors: Song Yang , Li Jing , Chen Yaolong , Guo Ruixia , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Zhang Yuan
Published: December 2021

Background

Previous research suggests that the quality of clinical guidelines (CGs) in China is suboptimal. However, little is known about the methodology that CGs follow. We conducted a national survey of methods used by Chinese CG developers for CG development, adaptation, and updating.

Methods

We used a previously piloted questionnaire based on methodologies of CG development, adaptation, and updating, which was distributed during September–November 2020 to 114 organizations identified from published Chinese CGs (searched 2017–2020), recommended by Chinese CG developers, and recommended by clinical discipline experts.

Results

We collected 48 completed questionnaires (42.1% response). Most organizations developed CGs based on scientific evidence (89.6%), existing CGs (75%), or expert experience and opinion (64.6%). Only a few organizations had a specific CG development division (6.3%), a CG monitoring plan (on clinicians 33.3%; on patients 18.8%), funding (33.3%), or a conflict-of-interest (COI) management policy (23.4%). Thirty (62.5%) organizations reported using a CG development methodology handbook, from international organizations (14/30, 46.7%), methodology or evaluation resources (3/30, 10.0%), expert experience and opinion (3/30, 10.0%), or in-house handbooks (3/30, 10.0%). One organization followed a published adaptation methodology. Thirty-eight organizations (88.4%) reported de novo CG development: 21 (55.3%) formed a CG working group, and 29 (76.3%) evaluated the quality of evidence (21 [72.4%] using a methodological tool). Nineteen organizations (52.8%) reported CG adaptation: three (31.6%) had an adaptation working group, and 12 (63.2%) evaluated the quality of source CGs (2 (16.7%) using the AGREE II instrument). Thirty-three organizations (68.8%) updated their CGs, seven (17.5%) using a formal updating process.

Conclusions

Our study describes how CGs are developed in a middle-income country like China. To ensure better healthcare, there is still an important need for improvement in the development, adaptation, and updating of CG in China.
Identification and development of a novel 5-gene diagnostic model based on immune infiltration analysis of osteoarthritis
Authors: Han YaGuang , Wu Jun , Gong ZhenYu , Zhou YiQin , Li HaoBo , Wang Bo , Qian QiRong
Published: December 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA), which is due to the progressive loss and degeneration of articular cartilage, is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore OA biomarkers for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of OA.

Methods and materials

The GSE129147, GSE57218, GSE51588, GSE117999, and GSE98918 datasets with normal and OA samples were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GSE117999 and GSE98918 datasets were integrated, and immune infiltration was evaluated. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the limma package in R, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to explore the co-expression genes and co-expression modules. The co-expression module genes were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database, and hub genes were identified by the degree, MNC, closeness, and MCC algorithms. The hub genes were used to construct a diagnostic model based on support vector machines.

Results

The Immune Score in the OA samples was significantly higher than in the normal samples, and a total of 2313 DEGs were identified. Through WGCNA, we found that the yellow module was significantly positively correlated with the OA samples and Immune Score and negatively correlated with the normal samples. The 142 DEGs of the yellow module were related to biological processes such as regulation of inflammatory response, positive regulation of inflammatory response, blood vessel morphogenesis, endothelial cell migration, and humoral immune response. The intersections of the genes obtained by the 4 algorithms resulted in 5 final hub genes, and the diagnostic model constructed with these 5 genes showed good performance in the training and validation cohorts.

Conclusions

The 5-gene diagnostic model can be used to diagnose OA and guide clinical decision-making.
RhANP attenuates endotoxin-derived cognitive dysfunction through subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve-mediated gut microbiota–brain axis
Authors: Wu Yuming , Zhang Yujing , Xie Bing , Abdelgawad Amro , Chen Xiaoyan , Han Mengqi , Shang You , Yuan Shiying , Zhang Jiancheng
Published: December 2021

Background

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secreted from atrial myocytes is shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of ANP on bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia-derived neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment.

Methods

LPS (5 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally to mice. Recombinant human ANP (rhANP) (1.0 mg/kg) was injected intravenously 24 h before and/or 10 min after LPS injection. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) was performed 14 days before LPS injection or 28 days before fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). ANA-12 (0.5 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally 30 min prior to rhANP treatment.

Results

LPS (5.0 mg/kg) induced remarkable splenomegaly and an increase in the plasma cytokines at 24 h after LPS injection. There were positive correlations between spleen weight and plasma cytokines levels. LPS also led to increased protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule (iba)-1, cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the hippocampus. LPS impaired the natural and learned behavior, as demonstrated by an increase in the latency to eat the food in the buried food test and a decrease in the number of entries and duration in the novel arm in the Y maze test. Combined prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with rhANP reversed LPS-induced splenomegaly, hippocampal and peripheral inflammation as well as cognitive impairment. However, rhANP could not further enhance the protective effects of SDV on hippocampal and peripheral inflammation. We further found that PGF mice transplanted with fecal bacteria from rhANP-treated endotoxemia mice alleviated the decreased protein levels of hippocampal polyclonal phosphorylated tyrosine kinase receptor B (p-TrkB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cognitive impairment, which was abolished by SDV. Moreover, TrkB/BDNF signaling inhibitor ANA-12 abolished the improving effects of rhANP on LPS-induced cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that rhANP could mitigate LPS-induced hippocampal inflammation and cognitive dysfunction through subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve-mediated gut microbiota–brain axis.
Corporate political activity of baby food companies in Thailand
Authors: Cetthakrikul Nisachol , Baker Phillip , Banwell Cathy , Kelly Matthew , Smith Julie
Published: December 2021

Background

Recent studies show corporate political activity (CPA) can have detrimental impacts on health policy processes. The Control of Marketing Promotion of Infant and Young Child Food Act B.E. 2560 (the Act) was implemented in Thailand in 2017, but there have been no studies documenting CPA during its policy processes. Furthermore, the effects of CPA on the Act and how non-industry stakeholders dealt with the CPA have not been explored. This study aimed to analyze the CPA of baby food companies in Thailand, its effects on the Act, and how policymakers have responded to CPA around the Act.

Methods

This qualitative study applied an established framework developed by Mialon and colleagues to collect and systematically analyze publicly available information from seven baby food companies with the highest percentage market share in Thailand. In-depth interviews were also used to explore how people involved in the policy process of the Act experienced the CPA of baby food companies, the consequent effects on the Act, and how they responded to the CPA.

Results

During development of the Act, baby food companies used two main strategies, ‘information and messaging’ and ‘constituency building’. We found the companies met policymakers, and they employed evidence or provided information that was favorable to companies. Also, they established relationships with policymakers, health organizations, communities and media. The effects of CPA were that the scope of products controlled by the Act was reduced, and CPA led relevant people to misunderstand and have concerns about the Act. Officials and others countered the influence of CPA by raising awareness and building understanding among involved people, as well as avoiding contact with companies informally.

Conclusions

CPA consists of a variety of practices that resulted in a weakened Act in Thailand. Government officials and other non-industry stakeholders employed strategies to counteract this influence. This study suggests the Department of Health, and other relevant government agencies, would benefit from establishing safeguards and protections against CPA. Efforts to raise awareness about the harms of CPA within and outside of government and establish a systematic monitoring system, including avoid conflict of interest in policy process would improve policymaking and implementation of the Act.
Transportal versus all-inside techniques of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review
Authors: Bhimani Rohan , Shahriarirad Reza , Ranjbar Keivan , Erfani Amirhossein , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil
Published: December 2021

Background

Transportal (TP) and all-inside techniques (AIT) are the most commonly used anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures in current clinical practice. However, there is an ongoing debate over which procedure is superior. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes and complications of these two techniques to propose recommendations for future application. Our primary hypothesis was that AIT is a superior ACLR technique compared to TP.

Methods

A systematic literature review, using PRISMA guidelines, was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and EMBASE, up to February 2021 to identify studies focusing on AIT and TP techniques of ACL reconstruction. We excluded animal experiments, cadaveric studies, retrospective studies, case reports, technical notes, and studies without quantitative data. Patients’ characteristics, surgical technical features, along with postoperative follow-up and complications were extracted and reported accordingly. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS).

Results

A total of 44 studies were selected for this review, of which four were comparative studies. A total of 923 patients underwent AIT and 1678 patients underwent the TP technique for ACLR. A single semitendinosus graft was commonly used in the AIT compard to combined semitendinosus and gracilis graft in the TP group. The postoperative increase in International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, KT-1000, and Short Form-12 (physical and mental) scores were similar in the AIT group and the TP group. Contrastingly, the VAS pain score was significantly lower in the AIT group compared to the TP group. Furthermore, the pooled complication rates from all studies were similar between the two groups (AIT: 54 patients, 8.26% vs. PT: 55 patients, 6.62%). However, the four studies that prospectively compared AIT and TP techniques showed lesser complications in the AIT group than the TP group.

Conclusion

Since the future trend in orthopedic surgery is toward less invasive and patients’ satisfaction with good outcomes, AIT is a good alternative method considering preserving bony tissue and gracilis tendon with less post-operative pain, along with more knee flexor strength and equal outcomes compared to conventional ACL reconstruction surgery.

Level of Evidence II.
Growth in achondroplasia including stature, weight, weight-for-height and head circumference from CLARITY: achondroplasia natural history study—a multi-center retrospective cohort study of achondroplasia in the US
Authors: Hoover-Fong Julie E. , Schulze Kerry J. , Alade Adekemi Y. , Bober Michael B. , Gough Ethan , Hashmi S. Shahrukh , Hecht Jacqueline T. , Legare Janet M. , Little Mary Ellen , Modaff Peggy , Pauli Richard M. , Rodriguez-Buritica David F. , Serna Maria E. , Smid Cory , Liu Chengxin , McGready John
Published: December 2021

Background

Achondroplasia is the most common genetic skeletal disorder causing disproportionate short stature/dwarfism. Common additional features include spinal stenosis, midface retrusion, macrocephaly and a generalized spondylometaphyseal dysplasia which manifest as spinal cord compression, sleep disordered breathing, delayed motor skill acquisition and genu varus with musculoskeletal pain. To better understand the interactions and health outcomes of these potential complications, we embarked on a multi-center, natural history study entitled CLARITY (achondroplasia natural history study). One of the CLARITY objectives was to develop growth curves (length/height, weight, head circumference, weight-for-height) and corresponding reference tables of mean and standard deviations at 1 month increments from birth through 18 years for clinical use and research for achondroplasia patients.

Methods

All available retrospective anthropometry data including length/height, weight and head circumference from achondroplasia patients were collected at 4 US skeletal dysplasia centers (Johns Hopkins University, AI DuPont Hospital for Children, McGovern Medical School University of Texas Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health). Weight-for-age values beyond 3 SD above the mean were excluded from the weight-for-height and weight-for-age curves to create a stricter tool for weight assessment in this population.

Results

Over 37,000 length/height, weight and head circumference measures from 1374 patients with achondroplasia from birth through 75 years of age were compiled in a REDCap database. Stature and weight data from birth through 18 years of age and head circumference from birth through 5 years of age were utilized to construct new length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, head circumference-for-age and weight-for-height curves.

Conclusion

Achondroplasia-specific growth curves are essential for clinical care of growing infants and children with this condition. In an effort to provide prescriptive, rather than purely descriptive, references for weight in this population, extreme weight values were omitted from the weight-for-age and weight-for-height curves. This well-phenotyped cohort may be studied with other global achondroplasia populations (e.g. Europe, Argentina, Australia, Japan) to gain further insight into environmental or ethnic influences on growth.
Molecular detection of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in yaks (Bos grunniens) and Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: He Yongcai , Chen Wangkai , Ma Ping , Wei Yaoping , Li Ruishan , Chen Zhihong , Tian Shuyu , Qi Tongsheng , Yang Jinfang , Sun Yali , Li Jixu , Kang Ming , Li Ying
Published: December 2021

Background

Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria are tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) that affect livestock worldwide. However, information on these pathogens in yaks (Bos grunniens) and Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), China, is limited. In this study, Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. infections were assessed in yaks and Tibetan sheep from Qinghai Province.

Methods

A total of 734 blood samples were collected from 425 yaks and 309 Tibetan sheep at nine sampling sites. Standard or nested polymerase chain reaction was employed to screen all the blood samples using species- or genus-specific primers.

Results

The results showed that 14.1% (60/425) of yaks and 79.9% (247/309) of Tibetan sheep were infected with at least one pathogen. Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia bovis and Theileria spp. were detected in this study, with total infection rates for all the assessed animals of 22.1% (162/734), 16.3% (120/734), 23.6% (173/734), 8.2% (60/734), 2.7% (20/734) and 19.3% (142/734), respectively. For yaks, the infection rate of A. bovis was 6.4% (27/425), that of B. bovis was 4.7% (20/425) and that of Theileria spp. was 3.3% (14/425). Moreover, 52.4% (162/309) of the Tibetan sheep samples were infected with A. ovis, 30.1% (93/309) with A. bovis, 56.0% (173/309) with A. capra, 19.4% (60/309) with A. phagocytophilum and 41.4% (128/309) with Theileria spp.

Conclusions

This study revealed the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in yaks and Tibetan sheep in Qinghai Province, China, and provides new data for a better understanding of the epidemiology of TBPs in these animals in this area of the QTP, China.

Graphical Abstract
Circulating dengue virus serotypes and vertical transmission in Aedes larvae during outbreak and inter-outbreak seasons in a high dengue risk area of Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesinghe Chandana , Gunatilake Jagath , Kusumawathie P. H. D. , Sirisena P. D. N. N. , Daulagala S. W. P. L. , Iqbal Bushran N. , Noordeen Faseeha
Published: December 2021

Background

Spatial and temporal changes in the dengue incidence are associated with multiple factors, such as climate, immunity among a population against dengue viruses (DENV), circulating DENV serotypes and vertical transmission (VT) of DENV in an area at a given time. The level of VT in a specific location has epidemiological implications in terms of viral maintenance in vectors. Identification of the circulating DENV serotypes in both patients andAedesmosquito larvae in an area may be useful for the early detection of outbreaks. We report here the results of a prospective descriptive study that was conducted to detect the levels of VT inAedesmosquito larvae and circulating DENV serotypes in patients andAedesmosquito larvae from December 2015 to March 2017 in an area of Sri Lanka at high risk for dengue.

Methods

A total of 200 patients with clinically suspected dengue who had been admitted to a tertiary care hospital during a dengue outbreak (3 study periods: December 2015–January 2016, June–August 2016, December 2016–January 2017) and in the inter-outbreak periods (February–May 2016 and September–November 2016) were investigated. Blood samples were drawn from the study participants to test for DENV. The houses of the study participants were visited within 7 days of admission to the hospital, andAedeslarvae were also collected within a radius of 400 m from the houses. The larvae were separately identified to species and then pooled according to each patient’s identification number. Patients’ sera and theAedeslarvae were tested to identify the infecting DENV serotypes using a reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) method. Levels of VT inAedesmosquito larvae were also identified.

Results

All four DENV serotypes (DENV-1 to -4) were identified in the study area. In the early part of the study (December 2015–February 2016), DENV-3 was predominant and from April 2016 to March 2017, DENV-2 became the most predominant type. Four cases of DENV co-infections were noted during the study period in patients. Interestingly, all four DENV serotypes were detected inAedes albopictuslarvae, which was the prominent immature vectorial form identified throughout the study period in the area, showing 9.8% VT of DENV. With the exception of DENV-4, the other three DENV serotypes were identified inAedes aegyptilarvae with a VT of 8.1%.

Conclusion

Comparatively high rates of VT of DENV was detected inAe. albopictusandAe. aegyptilarvae. A shift in the predominant DENV serotype with simultaneous circulation of all four DENV serotypes was identified in the study area from December 2015 to March 2017.

Graphical Abstract
Diabetic yoga protocol improves glycemic, anthropometric and lipid levels in high risk individuals for diabetes: a randomized controlled trial from Northern India
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Majumdar Vijaya , Nagarathna Raghuram , Malik Neeru , Anand Akshay , Nagendra Hongasandra Ramarao
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To study the effectiveness of diabetic yoga protocol (DYP) against management of cardiovascular risk profile in a high-risk community for diabetes, from Chandigarh, India.

Methods

The study was a randomized controlled trial, conducted as a sub study of the Pan India trial Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharath (NMB). The cohort was identified through the Indian Diabetes Risk Scoring (IDRS) (≥ 60) and a total of 184 individuals were randomized into intervention (n = 91) and control groups (n = 93). The DYP group underwent the specific DYP training whereas the control group followed their daily regimen. The study outcomes included changes in glycemic and lipid profile. Analysis was done under intent-to-treat principle.

Results

The 3 months DYP practice showed diverse results showing glycemic and lipid profile of the high risk individuals. Three months of DYP intervention was found to significantly reduce the levels of post-prandial glucose levels (p = 0.035) and LDL-c levels (p = 0.014) and waist circumference (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the DYP intervention could improve the metabolic status of the high-diabetes-risk individuals with respect to their glucose tolerance and lipid levels, partially explained by the reduction in abdominal obesity. The study highlights the potential role of yoga intervention in real time improvement of cardiovascular profile in a high diabetes risk cohort.

Trial registration: CTRI, CTRI/2018/03/012804. Registered 01 March 2018—Retrospectively registered, http://www.ctri.nic.in/CTRI/2018/03/012804.
Adolescent suicide attempts in three diverse island nations: patterns, contextual differences and demographic associations
Authors: Fu Jinrong , Abiodun Olumide , Lowery Wilson Michael , Shaikh Masood Ali
Published: December 2021

Objective

Most epidemiological studies on suicidal behavior have been focused on high-income country settings. This study examine factors associated with suicidal behaviors among school-attending adolescents in three island nations. In this secondary analysis of the publicly available 2015 nationally representative GSHS data, we tested demographic, social, and behavioral attributes using multivariable logistic regression to association with suicide attempts.

Results

Within the recall period, 13.6% of participants reported having attempted suicide one or more times in the Cook Islands, 10.8% in Curaçao, and 9.8% in East Timor. In the Cook Islands, suicide ideation (AOR = 19.42, 95% CI = 9.11–41.41), anxiety (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.08–5.82), physical bullying (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.10–9.91), and cigarette smoking (AOR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.38–10.54) were associated with suicide attempts. For Curaçaoo, suicide ideation (AOR = 7.88, 95% CI = 5.20–11.95) and suicide planning (AOR = 7.01, 95% CI = 4.24–11.60) were statistically significant. While for East Timor, suicide ideation (AOR = 4.59, 95% CI = 2.14–9.88), suicide planning (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.76–6.29), bullying victimization (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.02–7.12), and serious injuries (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.31–3.74) were statistically significant. Suicide attempt is relatively common in each of the three island nations. The socioeconomic context of adolescents might play a significant role in moderating suicidal behavior. Therefore, prevention efforts should be grounded in view of geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic contexts of the populations at risk.
Extended Branciari quasi-b-distance spaces, implicit relations and application to nonlinear matrix equations
Authors: Jain Reena , Nashine Hemant Kumar , Parvaneh Vahid
Published: December 2021

This study introduces extended Branciari quasi-b-distance spaces, a novel implicit contractive condition in the underlying space, and basic fixed-point results, a weak well-posed property, a weak limit shadowing property and generalized Ulam–Hyers stability. The given notions and results are exemplified by suitable models. We apply these results to obtain a sufficient condition ensuring the existence of a unique positive-definite solution of a nonlinear matrix equation (NME) $\mathcal{X}=\mathcal{Q} + \sum_{i=1}^{k}\mathcal{A}_{i}^{*} \mathcal{G(X)}\mathcal{A}_{i}$
X
=
Q
+

∑

i
=
1

k

A
i
∗

G
(
X
)

A
i

, where $\mathcal{Q}$
Q
is an $n\times n$
n
×
n
Hermitian positive-definite matrix, $\mathcal{A}_{1}$

A
1

, $\mathcal{A}_{2}$

A
2

, …, $\mathcal{A}_{m}$

A
m

are $n \times n$
n
×
n
matrices, and $\mathcal{G}$
G
is a nonlinear self-mapping of the set of all Hermitian matrices that are continuous in the trace norm. We demonstrate this sufficient condition for the NME $\mathcal{X}= \mathcal{Q} +\mathcal{A}_{1}^{*}\mathcal{X}^{1/3} \mathcal{A}_{1}+\mathcal{A}_{2}^{*}\mathcal{X}^{1/3} \mathcal{A}_{2}+ \mathcal{A}_{3}^{*}\mathcal{X}^{1/3}\mathcal{A}_{3}$
X
=
Q
+

A
1
∗

X

1
/
3

A
1

+

A
2
∗

X

1
/
3

A
2

+

A
3
∗

X

1
/
3

A
3

, and visualize this through convergence analysis and a solution graph.
Barriers in adult vitamin D service provision by health care workers: a qualitative study in three ecologies of Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Wubegzier , Feleke Yeweyenhareg , Asnake Wubetsh , Desalegn Yakob , Haidar Jemal , Lambisso Biruk , Zewdie Tewabech
Published: December 2021

Background

Adult vitamin D deficiency, which is a public health problem in low-income countries, is correlated with increased mortality. Although health care workers (HCWs) in Ethiopia are educated on important minerals their counseling on the uses of vitamin D and its possible sources was not witnessed since their knowledge and practice is low. The main aim of this study is to explore barriers to good knowledge, positive attitude, and practice of health care providers on adult vitamin D.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study is done in three ecologies covering highland, midland, and lowland. The size of 27 participants was fixed by saturation of ideas. In-depth interviews were conducted among leaders and HCWs of different professional groups in health centers and hospitals. Moderators were Ph.D. holders. An interview guide was developed after reviewing research that was translated into the local language. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and, translated. Open Code software was used to code and categorize the data. Themes were developed using thematic analysis which is presented using themes and sub-themes.

Result

The main barriers are related to health systems, HCWs’ understandings, and the educational system. Lack of attention by the health systems’ leadership, missing adult vitamin D as a priority in health programs, lack of capacity building scheme and the absence of adult vitamin D management and treatment guidelines are barriers related to the health system. On the other hand, health care professionals believed that the prevalence of adult vitamin D deficiency is insignificant and vitamin D deficiency is only an issue related to children. Besides, the absence of studies,the focus of the medical curriculum on child vitamin D and the inadequacy of laboratory investigation are barriers related to the education system and research.

Conclusion

Adult vitamin D deficiency is a neglected public health problem with many barriers related to diagnosis and treatment. Barriers are related to the professionals themselves, their leadership, health facilities, and the education system. The government should give attention to adult vitamin D management and treatment, continuous on the job training, development of guidelines, purchase of laboratory equipment, the inclusion of adult vitamin D in pre-service and, in-service training curriculums.
Effects of Japanese-style online hemodiafiltration on survival and cardiovascular events
Authors: Okada Kazuyoshi , Michiwaki Hiroyuki , Tashiro Manabu , Inoue Tomoko , Shima Hisato , Minakuchi Jun , Kawashima Shu
Published: December 2021

Background

All-cause mortality can be reduced in patients receiving European-style high-volume post-dilution online hemodiafiltration (post-OHDF) compared with hemodialysis (HD). Japanese-style high-volume pre-dilution online hemodiafiltration (pre-OHDF) can also decrease all-cause mortality. No studies have investigated survival in patients receiving Japanese-style post-OHDF, and directly compared survival between pre-OHDF and post-OHDF. This study sought to clarify these issues.

Methods

We conducted this retrospective observational study at multiple facilities of our medical corporation, which have similar quality of healthcare management, from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2020. Japanese-style OHDF included pre-OHDF and post-OHDF. Pre-OHDF and post-OHDF were each divided into high-volume and low-volume subgroups. We compared 3-year all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events between OHDF and high-flux HD using propensity score matching. In addition, we examined the effects of different modalities through comparisons between high-volume and low-volume pre-OHDF and between pre-OHDF and post-OHDF.

Results

Post-OHDF was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality (P = 0.004, log-rank test; hazard ratio [HR] 0.257, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.094–0.701) and cardiovascular events during all 3 years (P < 0.05) compared with HD. High-volume post-OHDF was associated with lower all-cause mortality compared with hemodialysis (log-rank test P = 0.022) but low-volume post-OHDF was not. Pre-OHDF was also associated with lower all-cause mortality (P < 0.001, log-rank test; HR 0.316; 95% CI 0.212–0.472) compared with HD but was not associated with cardiovascular events. All-cause mortality did not significantly differ between post-OHDF and pre-OHDF.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Japanese-style post-OHDF may improve all-cause mortality to a level similar to that of pre-OHDF and that post-OHDF, particularly high-volume post-OHDF may reduce cardiovascular events.
Drawing on Internal Strengths and Creating Spaces for Growth: How Black Science Majors Navigate the Racial Climate at a Predominantly White Institution to Succeed
Authors: Stanton Julie Dangremond , Means Darris R. , Babatola Oluwadamilola , Osondu Chimezie , Oni Omowunmi , Mekonnen Birook
Published: December 2021

A participatory action research approach was used to identify the community cultural wealth Black science majors use to navigate the racial climate at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Black science students use their internal strengths to succeed in their majors, and they create spaces where they share support and resources to thrive at a PWI.
“Moving the Science Forward”: Faculty Perceptions of Culturally Diverse Mentor Training Benefits, Challenges, and Support
Authors: White-Lewis Damani K. , Romero Ana L. , Gutzwa Justin A. , Hurtado Sylvia
Published: December 2021

This study applied social exchange theory to examine 74 faculty members’ perceptions of culturally diverse mentor training activities at 10 undergraduate institutions in the early stages of implementing grant-funded interventions focused on determining the most effective ways to engage and retain racially diverse students in biomedical research.
Unification of massless field equations solutions for any spin
Authors: Hojman Sergio A. , Asenjo Felipe A.
Published: December 2021

A unification in terms of exact solutions for massless Klein-Gordon, Dirac, Maxwell, Rarita-Schwinger, Einstein, and bosonic and fermionic fields of any spin is presented. The method is based on writing all of the relevant dynamical fields in terms of products and derivatives of pre-potential functions, which satisfy the d'Alembert equation. The coupled equations satisfied by the pre-potentials are non-linear. Remarkably, there are particular solutions of (gradient) orthogonal pre-potentials that satisfy the usual wave equation which may be used to construct exact non-trivial solutions to Klein-Gordon, Dirac, Maxwell, Rarita-Schwinger, (linearized and full) Einstein and any spin bosonic and fermionic field equations, thus giving rise to a unification of the solutions of all massless field equations for any spin. Some solutions written in terms of orthogonal pre-potentials are presented. Relations of this method to previously developed ones, as well as to other subjects in physics are pointed out.
Bigdata-based investigation of heterogeneous migration and population distribution
Authors: Fan Z. W. , Xiong L. , Zheng B.
Published: December 2021

Human mobility is very important in understanding complex social and economic systems. With massive empirical datasets from the China Household Finance Survey and the National Statistics in the UK, we construct a migration probability matrix, and analyze the heterogeneous migration patterns. We then develop a random walk model to dynamically simulate the population distribution. In the stationary state, the resulting population distribution is in good agreement with the real statistical data. For comparison, simulations with an optimized gravity model and other datasets such as the census data in China are also performed. Further, the model simulation is applied to predict the demographic trend with different education levels. Our method could be generally extended to other real communities and internet worlds.
Quantitative intracellular retention of delivered RNAs through optimized cell fixation and immunostaining
Authors: Paramasivam Prasath , Stöter Martin , Corradi Eloina , Dalla Costa Irene , Höijer Andreas , Bartesaghi Stefano , Sabirsh Alan , Lindfors Lennart , Yanez Arteta Marianna , Nordberg Peter , Andersson Shalini , Baudet Marie-Laure , Bickle Marc , Zerial Marino
Published: December 2021

Detection of nucleic acids within subcellular compartments is key to understanding their function. Determining the intracellular distribution of nucleic acids requires quantitative retention and estimation of their association with different organelles by immunofluorescence microscopy. This is particularly important for the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, which depends on endocytic uptake and endosomal escape. However, the current protocols fail to preserve the majority of exogenously delivered nucleic acids in the cytoplasm. To solve this problem, by monitoring Cy5-labeled mRNA delivered to primary human adipocytes via lipid nanoparticles (LNP), we optimized cell fixation, permeabilization, and immunostaining of a number of organelle markers, achieving quantitative retention of mRNA and allowing visualization of levels that escape detection using conventional procedures. The optimized protocol proved effective on exogenously delivered siRNA, miRNA, as well as endogenous miRNA. Our protocol is compatible with RNA probes of single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) and molecular beacon, thus demonstrating that it is broadly applicable to study a variety of nucleic acids in cultured cells.