bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Kill the Armenian/Indian; Save the Turk/Man: Carceral Humanitarianism, the Transfer of Children and a Comparative History of Indigenous Genocide”
Authors: Watenpaugh Keith David
Published: October 2022

This article draws the genocide of the Armenians of the Ottoman Empire into the comparative study of indigenous genocide. Using a Human Rights Studies approach, I focus on the transfer of indigenous children by state authorities through carceral institutions to argue that the ideology and practice of modern humanitarianism is a definitive shared element of indigenous genocides across the late-19th and early-20th Centuries. Common experiences of denial by powerful states and cultural erasure invite added comparison and intersectional solidarity. The article is written to address Native American and Armenian Studies scholars together, elaborate a working vocabulary for future collaborative research in Human Rights Studies and serve as a point of departure for public scholarship and policy engagement.
Dating Coastal Archaeological Wood From Pingusugruk (15th–17th CE), Northern Alaska:
Authors: Taïeb Juliette , Alix Claire , Juday Glenn P. , Jensen Anne M. , Daux Valérie , Petit Christophe
Published: October 2022

Along the coasts of northern Alaska, in a treeless tundra environment, the primary wood resource for coastal populations is driftwood, a seasonal and exogenous resource carried by the major rivers of western North America. The potential of Alaskan coastal archaeological wood for tree-ring research was first assessed in the 1940s by archaeologist and tree-ring research pioneer J. L. Giddings. Despite his success, the difficulties of dendrochronological studies on driftwood and the development of radiocarbon dating during the 1950s resulted in the near-abandonment of dendrochronology to precisely date archaeological sites and build long sequences using archaeological wood in Alaska. In this study, we explored the possibilities and limitations of standard ring-width dendrochronological methods for dating Alaskan coastal archaeological wood. We focus on the site of Pingusugruk, a late Thule site (15th–17th CE) located at Point Franklin, northern Alaska. The preliminary results have been obtained from the standard dendrochronological analyses of 40 timber cross-sections from two semi-subterranean houses at Pingusugruk. We cross-correlated individual ring-width series and built floating chronologies between houses before cross-dating them with existing regional 1000-year-long master chronologies from the Kobuk and Mackenzie rivers (available on the International Tree-Ring Databank, ITRDB). Additional work on various dendro-archaeological collections using an interdisciplinary approach (geochemical analyses of oxygen isotopes and radiocarbon dating) will help develop and expand regional tree-ring chronologies and climatic tree-ring sequences in Alaska.
Italy and the Enforcement of Foreign Judgments on Third States’ Tort Liability for Sponsoring Terrorism
Authors: Greco Donato
Published: October 2022

The present comment deals with the much-debated issue of the denial of foreign States’ jurisdictional immunity for acta iure imperii resulting in serious violations of human rights. This question came to the fore in Italy in the early 2000s and has since led to a stark contrast between the International Court of Justice, on the one hand, and Italian courts, in particular the Constitutional Court, on the other. Against this backdrop, these pages are aimed at analysing Order No. 39391/2021 of the Italian Corte di Cassazione, which concerns a proceeding for the enforcement of a US judgment condemning Iran to pay damages to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Based on the reasoning of the decision, this comment argues that Italian courts, while praiseworthy for attempting to protect fundamental human rights, seem to have renounced speaking the language of international law.
Hypomorphic RAG deficiency: impact of disease burden on survival and thymic recovery argues for early diagnosis and HSCT
Authors: Schuetz C. , Gerke J. , Ege M. , Walter J. , Kusters M. , Worth A. , Kanakry J. A. , Dimitrova D. , Wolska-Kuśnierz B. , Chen K. , Unal E. , Karakukcu M. , Pashchenko O. , Leiding J. , Kawai T. , Amrolia P. J. , Berghuis D. , Buechner J. , Buchbinder D. , Cowan M. J. , Gennery A. R. , Güngör T. , Heimall J. , Miano M. , Meyts I. , Morris E. C. , Rivière J. , Sharapova S. O. , Shaw P. J. , Slatter M. , Honig M. , Veys P. , Fischer A. , Cavazzana M. , Moshous D. , Schulz A. , Albert M. H. , Puck J. M. , Lankester A. C. , Notarangelo L. D. , Neven B.
Published: October 2022

Patients with hypomorphic mutations in the RAG1 or RAG2 gene present with either Omenn syndrome or atypical combined immunodeficiency with a wide phenotypic range. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is potentially curative, but data are scarce. We report on a worldwide cohort of 60 patients with hypomorphic RAG variants who underwent HSCT, 78% of whom experienced infections (29% active at HSCT), 72% had autoimmunity, and 18% had granulomas pretransplant. These complications are frequently associated with organ damage. Eight individuals (13%) were diagnosed by newborn screening or family history. HSCT was performed at a median of 3.4 years (range 0.3-42.9 years) from matched unrelated donors, matched sibling or matched family donors, or mismatched donors in 48%, 22%, and 30% of the patients, respectively. Grafts were T-cell depleted in 15 cases (25%). Overall survival at 1 and 4 years was 77.5% and 67.5% (median follow-up of 39 months). Infection was the main cause of death. In univariable analysis, active infection, organ damage pre-HSCT, T-cell depletion of the graft, and transplant from a mismatched family donor were predictive of worse outcome, whereas organ damage and T-cell depletion remained significant in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.01, HR = 8.46, respectively). All patients diagnosed by newborn screening or family history survived. Cumulative incidences of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease were 35% and 22%, respectively. Cumulative incidences of new-onset autoimmunity was 15%. Immune reconstitution, particularly recovery of naïve CD4+ T cells, was faster and more robust in patients transplanted before 3.5 years of age, and without organ damage. These findings support the indication for early transplantation.
Hyperlipidemia and mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Feng Xiaoran , Zhan Xiaojiang , Wen Yueqiang , Peng FenFen , Wang Xiaoyang , Wang Niansong , Wu Xianfeng , Wu Junnan
Published: October 2022

Background

New lipid-lowering therapy at the start of dialysis and measurement of lipid parameters over the follow-up period is not recommended in dialysis patients, which seems unappropriated in clinical practice. We aimed to examine the effect of hyperlipidemia on mortality in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed, including 2939 incident CAPD patients from five dialysis facilities between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2018. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The association between hyperlipidemia at the start of CAPD and all-cause mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Of 2939 with a median age of 50.0 (interquartile range, 39.0–61.0), 1697 (57.7%) were men, 533 (18.1%) had hyperlipidemia, 549 (18.7%) had diabetes mellitus, 1915 (65.2%) had hypertension, and 410 (14.0%) had a history of CVD. During the median follow-up period of 35.1 months, 519 (17.7%) died, including 402 (16.7%, 47.4/1000 patient-years) in the non-hyperlipidemia group and 117 (22.0%, 71.1/1000 patient-years) in the hyperlipidemia group. Over the overall follow-up period, patients with hyperlipidemia had an equally high risk of all-cause mortality throughout follow-up as those without hyperlipidemia ([HR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83 to 1.31). However, from the 48-month follow-up onwards, hyperlipidemia was associated with a 2.26 (95% CI 1.49 to 3.43)-time higher risk of all-cause mortality than non-hyperlipidemia. Hypertension modified the association between hyperlipidemia and all-cause mortality (P for interaction < 0.001). A significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality was observed among patients with hypertension (HR 2.27, 95%CI 1.44–3.58).

Conclusion

Among CAPD patients, hyperlipidemia at the beginning of CAPD was associated with a high risk of long-term mortality. Hypertension may mediate the association. Our findings suggested that long-term lipid-lowering treatment should be used in those patients with hyperlipidemia.
Use of non-governmental maternity services and pregnancy outcomes among undocumented women: a cohort study from Norway
Authors: Eick Frode , Vallersnes Odd Martin , Fjeld Heidi E. , Sørbye Ingvil Krarup , Storkås Guro , Ekrem Marthe , Børmer Marie , Løberg Sara Andrea , Ebbing Cathrine , Voldner Nanna , Dahl Cecilie
Published: October 2022

Background

In 2011 Norway granted undocumented women the right to antenatal care and to give birth at a hospital but did not include them in the general practitioner and reimbursement schemes. As a response to limited access to health care, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) have been running health clinics for undocumented migrants in Norway’s two largest cities. To further facilitate universal health coverage, there is a need to investigate how pregnant undocumented women use NGO clinics and how this affects their maternal health. We therefore investigated the care received, occurrence of pregnancy-related complications and pregnancy outcomes in women receiving antenatal care at these clinics.

Methods

In this historic cohort study we included pregnant women aged 18–49 attending urban NGO clinics from 2009 to 2020 and retrieved their medical records from referral hospitals. We compared women based on region of origin using log-binominal regression to estimate relative risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Results

We identified 582 pregnancies in 500 women during the study period. About half (46.5%) the women sought antenatal care after gestational week 12, and 25.7% after week 22. The women had median 1 (IQR 1–3) antenatal visit at the NGO clinics, which referred 77.7% of the women to public health care. A total of 28.4% of women were referred for induced abortion. In 205 retrieved deliveries in medical records, there was a 45.9% risk for any adverse pregnancy outcome. The risk of stillbirth was 1.0%, preterm birth 10.3%, and emergency caesarean section 19.3%.

Conclusion

Pregnant undocumented women who use NGO clinics receive substandard antenatal care and have a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes despite low occurrence of comorbidities. To achieve universal health coverage, increased attention should be given to the structural vulnerabilities of undocumented women and to ensure that adequate antenatal care is accessible for them.
Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes in patients with ovarian strumal carcinoid
Authors: Li Sijian , Wang Xiaoxue , Sui Xiaolong , Zhang Xinyue , Yin Min , Yang Jiaxin
Published: October 2022

Background

Ovarian strumal carcinoid is an extremely rare ovarian malignant tumor with limited data on clinical characteristics and survival outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study of 119 patients was conducted, including 98 cases identified from literature review, and their clinical characteristics were investigated. The overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and potential prognostic factors of these patients were also evaluated.

Results

Lesions of 115 cases were confined to the ovarian while four patients presented with extra-ovarian disease upon initial diagnosis. Surgical treatment options performed in this cohort varied, 5.0% received ovarian cystectomy, 36.1% received unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO), 7.6% received bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), 42.0% received hysterectomy with BSO, and 8.4% underwent debulking surgery. Moreover, one patient did not undergo any surgery. No postoperative adjuvant therapy was administered in 89.9% patients, while 7.6% and 2.5% received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, of which two patients received combined radiation and chemotherapy. At the final follow-up, 89.1% patients showed no evidence of the disease, and 5.0% were alive with the disease. Only seven deaths occurred, with two attributed to the tumor. The 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year OS rates were 96.0%, 85.0%, and 85.0%, respectively, with a 15-year recurrence rate of 4.4%. The 5-year and 20-year DSS rate were 98.5% and 95.9%. Multivariate Cox regression showed age ≥ 55 years was the only risk factor associated with the OS (P = 0.014, OR 7.988; 95% CI 1.519 – 42.004). However, the univariate and multivariate Cox regression showed no potential risk factor for RFS and DSS.

Conclusion

Patients with ovarian strumal carcinoid have an excellent prognosis irrespective of the surgical option. Conservative surgery especially USO with individualized adjuvant therapy is recommended.
Suicidal behavior and associated factors among prisoners at Dessie town correctional institution, Dessie, Ethiopia
Authors: Anbesaw Tamrat , Tsegaw Million , Endra Abubekr
Published: October 2022

Background

Suicide is a prominent cause of death among inmates worldwide, accounting for over 30% of all deaths. Several factors, including prison-related, psychiatric disorders, stressful life events, and substance use-related factors are believed to be associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior in a correctional facility. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of Suicidal Behavior among prisoners at Dessie town correctional institution, Ethiopia.

Methods

From February 16 to March 5, 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 288 inmates at the Dessie Town Correctional Center. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants during the study period. Data was collected through face-to-face interview methods using Suicidal Behavior Revised (SBQ-R). The collected data were coded, entered into Epi-data data version 3.1, and analyzed by SPSS Version 26. Binary logistic regression was carried out to identify independent predictors of suicidal behavior at a 95% confidence level. Variables at a p-value < 0.05 with 95% CI were declared statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of Suicidal behavior among prisoners was found to be 25.3% [(95% CI: 20.5, 30.6)]. This study showed that being female [AOR = 5.14;95% CI (1.62,16.29)], depression [AOR = 4.97;95%CI (2.53,9.77)], anxiety [AOR = 3.14; 95%CI (1.59,6.22)], experienced stressful life events [AOR = 5.11; 95%CI (2.24, 11.65)], and ever substance use [AOR = 2.83; 95%CI (1.41, 5.59)] were variables significantly associated with suicidal behavior among prisoners in Dessie town correctional institution.

Conclusion and recommendations

In this study, suicidal behavior was highly prevalent among prisoners compared to the general population. Being female, depression, anxiety, stress full life events, and substance use were variables that are independent predictors of suicidal behavior. This study recommends that the institution needs to deliver an appropriate psychiatric facility to diagnose and treat prisoners with suicidal behavior. Also, special attention should be given to early screening and treatment of prisoners through prison health services, which is the most critical prevention strategy of suicide in prisoners.
Psychometric properties of public trust in Covid-19 control and prevention policies questionnaire
Authors: Kalajahi Riaz Alaei , Saadati Mohammad , Aghdash Saber Azami , Rezapour Ramin , Nouri Mehdi , Derakhshani Naser , Dalal Koustuv
Published: October 2022

Background

Public trust is a crucial concept in the COVID-19 pandemic, which determines public adherence with preventive rules as a success factor for disease management. This study aimed to develop and validate a tool to measure public trust in COVID-19 control and prevention policies (COV-Trust tool).

Methods

This is a psychometric study that was conducted in 2020 (March-August). A primary tool was developed through literature review, in-depth interviews with experts and expert panel meetings. Content and construct validity was evaluated using content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) indexes and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively. Cronbach α coefficient was calculated to determine the internal consistency.

Results

A 28-item questionnaire with seven factors was developed. Factors included macro policy-making and management of pandemic, pandemic control policies implementing at all levels and their effectiveness, providing protective equipment and medicine for hospitals and public, prevention of negative socio-economic consequences of the pandemic, public participation, informing and public education and public behavior. The questionnaire reliability was calculated to be α = 0.959. Based on the experts’ opinion, tool content validity was estimated to be CVR = 0.73, CVI = 0.89. RMSEA = 0.07 revealed a good model fit as the confirmatory factor analysis results for the tool.

Conclusion

COV-Trust tool is a well-fit tool to be used during this pandemic for improving policies effectiveness and could be used in similar situations as it determines the success of public health interventions.
Developing a feedback-rich culture in academic medicine: the effect of coaching and 360-feedback on physician leadership
Authors: Schwartz Rachel , Weimer-Elder Barbette , Wilkins Elizabeth , Deka Dan , Wong Stephanie , Dang Bryan K. , Brown Ryan , Kline Merisa , Kwan Lawrence
Published: October 2022

Background

This is a time of unprecedented change in healthcare. More physicians are being tasked with stepping into a variety of leadership roles without having received the training needed to be an effective leader. Previous data have demonstrated the effectiveness of both leadership coaching and 360-feedback tools to foster physician well-being and leadership growth. In this proof of concept study, we explore the combined effect of these two tools. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a brief physician 360 leadership coaching intervention on perception of professional dynamics and acquired leadership skills.

Methods

Participants completed a tailored 360-feedback tool to gather input on their leadership skills, then engaged in five bi-weekly leadership coaching sessions. We conducted a post-intervention semi-structured qualitative interview. Qualitative data were coded using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

Results

Twenty-three primary care physicians at an academic medical center engaged in the 360 leadership coaching study. Participants reported that the intervention yielded valuable benefits in five coaching sessions. Two overarching themes emerged: a Shift in leadership awareness and Navigating their environment. Leadership awareness included increased clarity of purpose and role, and recognition that routine feedback is critical to leadership development. Navigating their environment included gaining relationship-building communication, organizational awareness and navigation strategies.

Conclusions

Combining a tailored 360-feedback tool with a five-session leadership coaching intervention provided physicians with valued support infrastructure for becoming more effective leaders. Physicians described a nuanced understanding of the leadership challenges physicians face, and identified the leadership tools needed to navigate the evolving healthcare delivery landscape. Curricula for physician leadership learning could consider this combination of a customized 360 plus targeted leadership coaching for training physician leaders.
Feasibility and outcome of reproducible clinical interpretation of high-dimensional molecular data: a comparison of two molecular tumor boards
Authors: Rieke Damian T. , de Bortoli Till , Horak Peter , Lamping Mario , Benary Manuela , Jelas Ivan , Rüter Gina , Berger Johannes , Zettwitz Marit , Kagelmann Niklas , Kind Andreas , Fabian Falk , Beule Dieter , Glimm Hanno , Brors Benedikt , Stenzinger Albrecht , Fröhling Stefan , Keilholz Ulrich
Published: October 2022

Background

Structured and harmonized implementation of molecular tumor boards (MTB) for the clinical interpretation of molecular data presents a current challenge for precision oncology. Heterogeneity in the interpretation of molecular data was shown for patients even with a limited number of molecular alterations. Integration of high-dimensional molecular data, including RNA- (RNA-Seq) and whole-exome sequencing (WES), is expected to further complicate clinical application. To analyze challenges for MTB harmonization based on complex molecular datasets, we retrospectively compared clinical interpretation of WES and RNA-Seq data by two independent molecular tumor boards.

Methods

High-dimensional molecular cancer profiling including WES and RNA-Seq was performed for patients with advanced solid tumors, no available standard therapy, ECOG performance status of 0–1, and available fresh-frozen tissue within the DKTK-MASTER Program from 2016 to 2018. Identical molecular profiling data of 40 patients were independently discussed by two molecular tumor boards (MTB) after prior annotation by specialized physicians, following independent, but similar workflows. Identified biomarkers and resulting treatment options were compared between the MTBs and patients were followed up clinically.

Results

A median of 309 molecular aberrations from WES and RNA-Seq (n = 38) and 82 molecular aberrations from WES only (n = 3) were considered for clinical interpretation for 40 patients (one patient sequenced twice). A median of 3 and 2 targeted treatment options were identified per patient, respectively. Most treatment options were identified for receptor tyrosine kinase, PARP, and mTOR inhibitors, as well as immunotherapy. The mean overlap coefficient between both MTB was 66%. Highest agreement rates were observed with the interpretation of single nucleotide variants, clinical evidence levels 1 and 2, and monotherapy whereas the interpretation of gene expression changes, preclinical evidence levels 3 and 4, and combination therapy yielded lower agreement rates. Patients receiving treatment following concordant MTB recommendations had significantly longer overall survival than patients receiving treatment following discrepant recommendations or physician’s choice.

Conclusions

Reproducible clinical interpretation of high-dimensional molecular data is feasible and agreement rates are encouraging, when compared to previous reports. The interpretation of molecular aberrations beyond single nucleotide variants and preclinically validated biomarkers as well as combination therapies were identified as additional difficulties for ongoing harmonization efforts.
Efficacy of metformin therapy in patients with cancer: a meta-analysis of 22 randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wen Jie , Yi Zhenjie , Chen Yuyao , Huang Jing , Mao Xueyi , Zhang Liyang , Zeng Yu , Cheng Quan , Ye Wenrui , Liu Zhixiong , Liu Fangkun , Liu Jingfang
Published: October 2022

Background

To investigate whether metformin monotherapy or adjunctive therapy improves the prognosis in patients with any type of cancer compared to non-metformin users (age ≥18).

Methods

Databases (Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov; the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were screened for randomized, controlled trials (RCT) reporting at least progression-free survival (PFS) and/or overall survival (OS). Main outcome measures included hazard ratios (HR), and combined HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models.

Results

Of the 8419 records screened, 22 RCTs comprising 5943 participants were included. Pooled HRs were not statistically significant in both PFS (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.82–1.15, I2 = 50%) and OS (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.86–1.13, I2 = 33%) for patients with cancer between the metformin and control groups. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that metformin treatment was associated with a marginally significant improvement in PFS in reproductive system cancers (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74–1.00) and a significantly worse PFS in digestive system cancers (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.03–2.04). The PFS or OS was observed consistently across maintenance dose, diabetes exclusion, median follow-up, risk of bias, and combined antitumoral therapies.

Conclusion

Metformin treatment was not associated with cancer-related mortality in adults compared with placebo or no treatment. However, metformin implied beneficial effects in the PFS of the patients with reproductive system cancers but was related to a worse PFS in digestive system cancers.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42022324672.
Head-to-head comparison of the accuracy of saliva and nasal rapid antigen SARS-CoV-2 self-testing: cross-sectional study
Authors: Schuit Ewoud , Venekamp Roderick P. , Veldhuijzen Irene K. , van den Bijllaardt Wouter , Pas Suzan D. , Stohr Joep J. J. M. , Lodder Esther B. , Hellwich Marloes , Molenkamp Richard , Igloi Zsofia , Wijers Constantijn , Vroom Irene H. , Nagel-Imming Carla R. S. , Han Wanda G. H. , Kluytmans Jan A. J. W. , van den Hof Susan , van de Wijgert Janneke H. H. M. , Moons Karel G. M.
Published: October 2022

Background

The diagnostic accuracy of unsupervised self-testing with rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) is mostly unknown. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of a self-performed SARS-CoV-2 saliva and nasal Ag-RDT in the general population.

Methods

This large cross-sectional study consecutively included unselected individuals aged $$\ge$$
≥
16 years presenting for SARS-CoV-2 testing at three public health service test sites. Participants underwent molecular test sampling and received two self-tests (the Hangzhou AllTest Biotech saliva self-test and the SD Biosensor nasal self-test by Roche Diagnostics) to perform themselves at home. Diagnostic accuracy of both self-tests was assessed with molecular testing as reference.

Results

Out of 2819 participants, 6.5% had a positive molecular test. Overall sensitivities were 46.7% (39.3–54.2%) for the saliva Ag-RDT and 68.9% (61.6–75.6%) for the nasal Ag-RDT. With a viral load cut-off (≥ 5.2 log10 SARS-CoV-2 E-gene copies/mL) as a proxy of infectiousness, these sensitivities increased to 54.9% (46.4–63.3%) and 83.9% (76.9–89.5%), respectively. For the nasal Ag-RDT, sensitivities were 78.5% (71.1–84.8%) and 22.6% (9.6–41.1%) in those symptomatic and asymptomatic at the time of sampling, which increased to 90.4% (83.8–94.9%) and 38.9% (17.3–64.3%) after applying the viral load cut-off. In those with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, sensitivities were 36.8% (16.3–61.6%) and 72.7% (65.1–79.4%). Specificities were > 99% and > 99%, positive predictive values > 70% and > 90%, and negative predictive values > 95% and > 95%, for the saliva and nasal Ag-RDT, respectively, in most analyses. Most participants considered the self-performing and result interpretation (very) easy for both self-tests.

Conclusions

The Hangzhou AllTest Biotech saliva self Ag-RDT is not reliable for SARS-CoV-2 detection, overall, and in all studied subgroups. The SD Biosensor nasal self Ag-RDT had high sensitivity in individuals with symptoms and in those without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection but low sensitivity in asymptomatic individuals and those with a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection which warrants further investigation.
Sex-specific exposures and sex-combined outcomes in two-sample Mendelian randomization may mislead the causal inference
Authors: Wang Zhenqian , Lu Jiawen
Published: October 2022

With great interest, we have read the recent article “Age at menarche, age at natural menopause, and risk of rheumatoid arthritis — a Mendelian randomization study” by Zhu et al. While we have a great appreciation for the work conducted by the authors, there are some methodological issues that need to be reconsidered. First, the gender description of the sample for age at first birth in this study is wrong according to the original genome-wide association study. Second, the study exploited sex-specific SNPs for age at menarche (AAM) and age at natural menopause (ANM) but sex-combined effects of the SNPs on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that possibly lead no evidence for the causation of AAM and ANM on RA. We suggested the author add the possible biases due to the issue in the limitations. With problems mentioned above, we recommend solutions to make this article more perfect.
Ivabradine toxicity: a case report
Authors: Singh Kavisha , Alagarraju Muthukumar R. , Wolf Carl E. , Poklis Justin L. , Kulkarni Nitin , Tharpe William , Joshi Parag H.
Published: October 2022

Background

We describe a case of symptomatic bradycardia resulting from ivabradine toxicity by measurement of ivabradine levels, of which there are limited reports in the literature.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old White female presented with several days of near syncope and dizziness accompanied by a drop in her heart rate to 50 beats per minute. She was taking ivabradine for inappropriate sinus tachycardia. After excluding several other causes of bradycardia, we made the diagnosis of ivabradine toxicity by measurement of serum ivabradine levels, an approach that is currently not clinically available.

Conclusions

Measurement of serum ivabradine levels and knowledge of the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug can be utilized to confirm the diagnosis of ivabradine toxicity.
Deciphering chloramphenicol biotransformation mechanisms and microbial interactions via integrated multi-omics and cultivation-dependent approaches
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Li Xiaoyan , Klümper Uli , Lei Huaxin , Berendonk Thomas U. , Guo Fangliang , Yu Ke , Yang Chao , Li Bing
Published: October 2022

Background

As a widely used broad-spectrum antibiotic, chloramphenicol is prone to be released into environments, thus resulting in the disturbance of ecosystem stability as well as the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes. Microbes play a vital role in the decomposition of chloramphenicol in the environment, and the biotransformation processes are especially dependent on synergistic interactions and metabolite exchanges among microbes. Herein, the comprehensive chloramphenicol biotransformation pathway, key metabolic enzymes, and interspecies interactions in an activated sludge-enriched consortium were elucidated using integrated multi-omics and cultivation-based approaches.

Results

The initial biotransformation steps were the oxidization at the C1-OH and C3-OH groups, the isomerization at C2, and the acetylation at C3-OH of chloramphenicol. Among them, the isomerization is an entirely new biotransformation pathway of chloramphenicol discovered for the first time. Furthermore, we identified a novel glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase responsible for the oxidization of the C3-OH group inSphingomonassp. andCaballeroniasp. Moreover, the subsequent biotransformation steps, corresponding catalyzing enzymes, and the microbial players responsible for each step were deciphered. Synergistic interactions betweenSphingomonassp. andCaballeroniasp. orCupriavidussp. significantly promoted chloramphenicol mineralization, and the substrate exchange interaction network occurred actively among key microbes.

Conclusion

This study provides desirable strain and enzyme resources for enhanced bioremediation of chloramphenicol-contaminated hotspot sites such as pharmaceutical wastewater and livestock and poultry wastewater. The in-depth understanding of the chloramphenicol biotransformation mechanisms and microbial interactions will not only guide the bioremediation of organic pollutants but also provide valuable knowledge for environmental microbiology and biotechnological exploitation.
Crop management shapes the diversity and activity of DNA and RNA viruses in the rhizosphere
Authors: Muscatt George , Hilton Sally , Raguideau Sebastien , Teakle Graham , Lidbury Ian D. E. A. , Wellington Elizabeth M. H. , Quince Christopher , Millard Andrew , Bending Gary D. , Jameson Eleanor
Published: October 2022

Background

The rhizosphere is a hotspot for microbial activity and contributes to ecosystem services including plant health and biogeochemical cycling. The activity of microbial viruses, and their influence on plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, remains undetermined. Given the impact of viruses on the ecology and evolution of their host communities, determining how soil viruses influence microbiome dynamics is crucial to build a holistic understanding of rhizosphere functions.

Results

Here, we aimed to investigate the influence of crop management on the composition and activity of bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, and root viral communities. We combined viromics, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics on soil samples collected from a 3-year crop rotation field trial of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). By recovering 1059 dsDNA viral populations and 16,541 ssRNA bacteriophage populations, we expanded the number of underexplored Leviviricetes genomes by > 5 times. Through detection of viral activity in metatranscriptomes, we uncovered evidence of “Kill-the-Winner” dynamics, implicating soil bacteriophages in driving bacterial community succession. Moreover, we found the activity of viruses increased with proximity to crop roots, and identified that soil viruses may influence plant-microbe interactions through the reprogramming of bacterial host metabolism. We have provided the first evidence of crop rotation-driven impacts on soil microbial communities extending to viruses. To this aim, we present the novel principal of “viral priming,” which describes how the consecutive growth of the same crop species primes viral activity in the rhizosphere through local adaptation.

Conclusions

Overall, we reveal unprecedented spatial and temporal diversity in viral community composition and activity across root, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil compartments. Our work demonstrates that the roles of soil viruses need greater consideration to exploit the rhizosphere microbiome for food security, food safety, and environmental sustainability.
Increasingly detailed insights in animal behaviours using continuous on-board processing of accelerometer data
Authors: Yu Hui , Klaassen Chris A.J. , Deng Jian , Leen Trent , Li Guozheng , Klaassen Marcel
Published: October 2022

Background:

Studies of animal behaviour, ecology and physiology are continuously benefitting from progressing biologging techniques, including the collection of accelerometer data to infer animal behaviours and energy expenditure. In one of the most recent technological advances in this space, on-board processing of raw accelerometer data into animal behaviours proves highly energy-, weight- and cost-efficient allowing for continuous behavioural data collection in addition to regular positional data in a wide range of animal tracking studies.

Methods:

We implemented this latest development in collecting continuous behaviour records from 6 Pacific Black DucksAnas superciliosato evaluate some of this novel technique’s potential advantages over tracking studies lacking behavioural data or recording accelerometer data intermittently only. We (i) compared the discrepancy of time-activity budgets between continuous records and behaviours sampled with different intervals, (ii) compared total daily distance flown using hourly GPS fixes with and without additional behavioural data and (iii) explored how behaviour records can provide additional insights for animal home range studies.

Results:

Using a total of 690 days of behaviour records across six individual ducks distinguishing eight different behaviours, we illustrated the improvement that is obtained in time-activity budget accuracy if continuous rather than interval-sampled accelerometer data is used. Notably, for rare behaviours such as flying and running, error ratios > 1 were common when sampling intervals exceeded 10 min. Using 72 days of hourly GPS fixes in combination with continuous behaviour records over the same period in one individual duck, we showed behaviour-based daily distance estimation is significantly higher (up to 540%) than the distance calculated from hourly sampled GPS fixes. Also, with the same 72 days of data for one individual duck, we showed how this individual used specific sites within its entire home range to satisfy specific needs (e.g. roosting and foraging).

Conclusion:

We showed that by using trackers allowing for continuous recording of animal behaviour, substantial improvements in the estimation of time-activity budgets and daily traveling distances can be made. With integrating behaviour into home-range estimation we also highlight that this novel tracking technique may not only improve estimations but also open new avenues in animal behaviour research, importantly improving our knowledge of an animal’s state while it is roaming the landscape.
Automatic extraction of upper body landmarks using Rhino and Grasshopper algorithms
Authors: Ryu Eun Joo , Song Hwa Kyung
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to develop algorithms for automatic landmark extraction on women with various upper body types and body inclinations using the Grasshopper algorithm editor, which enables the user to interact with the 3D modeling interface. First, 15 landmarks were defined based on the morphological features of 3D body surfaces and clothing applications, from which automatic landmark extraction algorithms were developed. To verify the accuracy of the algorithms on various body shapes, this study determined criteria for key body shape factors (BMI, neck slope, upper body slope, and shoulder slope) that influence each landmark position, classified them into body shape groups and sorted the scan samples for each body type using the 6th SizeKorea database. The statistical differences between the scan-derived measurements and the SizeKorea measurements were compared, with an allowable tolerance of ISO 20685. In the case of landmarks with significant differences, the algorithm was modified. It was found that the algorithms were successfully applied to various upper body shapes, which improved the reliability and accuracy of the algorithm.
Knowledge roadmap of sustainable development in the textile and apparel industry: a scientometric analysis
Authors: Wu Zhaoshan , Zhou Liya , Ding Xuemei , Wu Xiongying , Wang Laili
Published: October 2022

Practices in the textile and apparel industry (TAI) have led to numerous environmental and social problems, which have prompted extensive research on the sustainable development of the textile and apparel industry (SDTAI). This paper presents a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the status quo in the SDTAI domain using scientometrics. From 1987 to 2019, the Web of Science core collection databases (SCI and SSCI) included 863 journal articles related to SDTAI, and our analysis results were as follows: (1) 60 critical research keywords occur in the knowledge base; (2) four research hotspots were identified; (3) five themes constituted the main knowledge area; and (4) based on the knowledge base, research hotspot, and knowledge domain, the knowledge structure consisted of nine subjects and five systems. This paper proposes a knowledge roadmap that can be helpful for practitioners and academicians to better understand the current sustainable development status and trends in the TAI.
Prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated risk factors among women civil servants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: an institution-based study
Authors: Bereka Solomon Gebretsadik , Demisse Ayele Worku , Getahun Genanew Kassie
Published: October 2022

Background

Abdominal obesity increases the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases, disability, and poor quality of life, as well as health-care costs. It is a component of the metabolic syndrome, along with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated risk factors among female civil servants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2021.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from March31stto April 15th, 2021.A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 478 study participants. Data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. A descriptive data analysis was used to present the distribution of study variables. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the relationship between independent variables and abdominal obesity at 95% CI. The level of statistical significance was declared at ap-value less than 0.05.

Result

The prevalence of abdominal obesity defined by waist circumference was found to be29.5% (95% CI: 25.39-33.6%) and 32.8% (95% CI: 28.57%-37.03%) by waist hip ratio, respectively. Age group 29-37 years [AOR= 2.451, 95% CI: (1.199-5.013)], age group 38-46 years [AOR=3.807, 95% CI: (1.328-10.914)], age group 47-55 years [AOR=6.489, 95% CI: (1.367-30.805)], being married [AOR= 4.762, 95% CI: (2.321-9.721)],consumption of meat >=5 per week[ AOR= 4.764, 95% CI: (1.939-11.711)], having lunch daily[AOR= 0.388, 95% CI:(0.166-0.910)] and snack consumption [AOR=4.163, 95% CI:(1.503-11.534)] were significantly associated with abdominal obesity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of abdominal obesity as measured by waist circumference and waist hip ratio was found to be moderate and high, respectively. Age, being married, high consumption of meat, and having lunch daily were identified as associated with abdominal obesity. Healthy diet health education and nutrition intervention should be considered, with a focus on married, meat-consuming, and older age-group female civil servants.
The prevalence of workplace violence and related factors in the emergency department staff of Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Noorullahi Shayan , Safaie Nilufar , Soltani-Kermanshahi Mojtaba , Mansori Kamyar
Published: October 2022

Background

To determine the prevalence of workplace violence and related factors in the emergency department staff of Kosar Hospital of Semnan City (Iran) during 2020–2021. This cross sectional study was performed on 202 medical personnel working in the emergency department of Kosar Hospital in Semnan City. Sampling was done by census. Two questionnaires were used to collect data. The first included demographic characteristics and the second was workplace violence questionnaire in the health sector which was evaluated in term of validity and reliability. Finally, data was analyzed using SPSS26 and P value < 0.05 was considered as a significant level.

Results

Content validity index (CVI) was obtained more than 0.79 and content validity ratio (CVR) was more than 0.70 for all questions. Also, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient with 0.89 confirmed the reliability. The mean (S.D) age of participants was 28.12 (6.72) years and 53.5% (108) were male. The overall prevalence of workplace violence was 88.1%. The prevalence of verbal, physical, sexual and racial violence was 98.9, 25.2, 2, and 2.5%, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between occupational row and shift work and with workplace violence (P value < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between age, gender, education, work experience, work experience in the emergency, employment status, and number of patients cared for shift with the occurrence of violence (P value > 0.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of workplace violence in emergency department personnel is high, which can lead to many physical and psychological complications, so the design and implementation of prevention programs in these employees seems necessary.
Burden of enthesitis on the quality of life and work productivity in psoriatic arthritis patients
Authors: Fahmi Dalia S. , Makarm Wafaa K. , Zaghlol Rabab S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) which affects 6–42% of psoriasis patients is the most common extra-cutaneous manifestation of the psoriasis disease. Enthesitis may be considered as a sign of increased disease burden due to its association with several clinical aspects. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of clinical enthesitis on quality of life and work productivity in PsA patients.

Results

Enthesitis was detected in 50% of patients. There was statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regard disease activity index for psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA) score, psoriatic arthritis impact of the disease 12 (PsAID-12), Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI), and Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada index (SPARCC) with higher mean score in patients with enthesitis. The majority of patients with enthesitis had a higher percentage of impairment in daily activities (95.5%) than those without enthesitis (38.6%), as well as a statistically significant positive correlation between SPARCC index and both work absenteeism and work productivity loss. Furthermore, enthesitis in both the upper and lower sites was related with worse quality of life (36.4%) and higher work impairment (45.5%) compared to patients with enthesitis in either the upper or lower sites alone.

Conclusion

Enthesitis was a frequent complaint among PsA patients. PsA patients with enthesitis had a significant disease burden regardless of enthesitis location, and patients with enthesitis in both the upper and lower sites have a worse quality of life and a higher work impairment.
A deep learning-enhanced framework for multiphysics joint inversion
Authors: Hu Yanyan , Wei Xiaolong , Wu Xuqing , Sun Jiajia , Chen Jiuping , Huang Yueqin , Chen Jiefu
Published: October 2022

Joint inversion has drawn considerable attention due to the availability of multiple geophysical data sets, ever-increasing computational resources, the development of advanced algorithms, and its ability to reduce inversion uncertainty. A key issue of joint inversion is to develop effective strategies to link different geophysical data in a unified mathematical framework, in which the information obtained from different models can complement each other. We have developed a deep learning-enhanced joint inversion framework to simultaneously reconstruct different physical models by fusing different types of geophysical data. Traditionally, structure similarity constraints are pursued by joint inversion algorithms using manually crafted formulations (e.g., cross gradient). The constraint is constructed by a deep neural network (DNN) during the learning process. The framework is designed to combine the DNN and a traditional independent inversion workflow and improve the joint inversion result iteratively. The network can be easily extended to incorporate multiphysics without structural changes. Numerical experiments on the joint inversion of 2D DC resistivity data and seismic traveltime are used to validate our method. In addition, this learning-based framework demonstrates excellent generalization abilities when tested on data sets using different geologic structures. It also can handle different sensing configurations and nonconforming discretization.