bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among patients with cardiovascular disease in Denmark, 2017–2019
Authors: Christensen Daniel Mølager , Jørgensen Sidsel Marie Bernt , El-Chouli Mohamad , Phelps Matthew , Schjerning Anne-Marie , Sehested Thomas S G , Gerds Thomas , Sindet-Pedersen Caroline , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Schou Morten , Gislason Gunnar
Published: August 2022

Background

Influenza vaccination protects against morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to describe influenza vaccine uptake in patients with CVD in a universal-access healthcare system.

Methods

Using nationwide Danish registries, we included all patients with prevalent CVD, defined as heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), ischemic heart disease (IHD), or stroke during three consecutive influenza seasons (October–December 2017–2019). The outcome was relative frequency of influenza vaccination across strata of patient characteristics.

Results

There was an average of 397 346 patients with CVD yearly during 2017–2019. Vaccine uptake was 45.6% for the whole population and ranged from 55.0% in AF to 61.8% in HF among patients aged ≥65 years. Among patients aged <65 years, uptake was 32.6% in HF, 19.0% in AF, 21.1% in IHD, and 18.3% in stroke. There was a lower uptake with decreasing age: 21.6% in HF, 5.5% in AF, 7.4% in IHD, and 6.3% in stroke among males aged <45 years, as opposed to 25.5% in HF, 11.5% in AF, 13.8% in IHD, and 12.1% in stroke for males aged 45–54 years. In the further stratified analyses, uptake ranged from a low of 2.5% for males <45 years with AF who were not vaccinated the previous season to a high of 87.0% for females ≥75 years with IHD who were vaccinated the previous season.

Conclusion

Seasonal influenza vaccine uptake is suboptimal among patients with CVD, even in a universal-access healthcare system with free-of-charge vaccinations. Vaccine uptake was particularly low among young patients.
Impact of Aging and Lifelong Exercise Training on Mitochondrial Function and Network Connectivity in Human Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Ringholm Stine , Gudiksen Anders , Frey Halling Jens , Qoqaj Albina , Meizner Rasmussen Philip , Prats Clara , Plomgaard Peter , Pilegaard Henriette
Published: August 2022

Aging is associated with metabolic decline in skeletal muscle, which can be delayed by physical activity. Moreover, both lifelong and short-term exercise training have been shown to prevent age-associated fragmentation of the mitochondrial network in mouse skeletal muscle. However, whether lifelong endurance exercise training exerts the same effects in human skeletal muscle is still not clear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of volume-dependent lifelong endurance exercise training on mitochondrial function and network connectivity in older human skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle complex I+II-linked mitochondrial respiration per tissue mass was higher, but intrinsic complex I+II-linked mitochondrial respiration was lower in highly trained older subjects than in young untrained, older untrained, and older moderately trained subjects. Mitochondrial volume and connectivity were higher in highly trained older subjects than in untrained and moderately trained older subjects. Furthermore, the protein content of the ADP/ATP exchangers ANT1 + 2 and VDAC was higher and of the mitophagic marker parkin lower in skeletal muscle from the highly trained older subjects than from untrained and moderately trained older subjects. In contrast, H2O2 emission in skeletal muscle was not affected by either age or exercise training, but SOD2 protein content was higher in highly trained older subjects than in untrained and moderately trained older subjects. This suggests that healthy aging does not induce oxidative stress or mitochondrial network fragmentation in human skeletal muscle, but high-volume exercise training increases mitochondrial volume and network connectivity, thereby increasing oxidative capacity in older human skeletal muscle.
Pretty Cool Beetles: Can Manipulation of Visible and Near-Infrared Sunlight Prevent Overheating?
Authors: Ospina-Rozo Laura , Subbiah Jegadesan , Seago Ainsley , Stuart-Fox Devi
Published: August 2022

Synopsis

Passive thermoregulation is an important strategy to prevent overheating in thermally challenging environments. Can the diversity of optical properties found in Christmas beetles (Rutelinae) be an advantage to keep cool? We measured changes in temperature of the elytra of 26 species of Christmas beetles, exclusively due to direct radiation from a solar simulator in visible (VIS: 400–700 nm) and near infrared (NIR: 700–1700 nm) wavebands. Then, we evaluated if the optical properties of elytra could predict their steady state temperature and heating rates, while controlling for size. We found that higher absorptivity increases the heating rate and final steady state of the beetle elytra in a biologically significant range (3 to 5°C). There was substantial variation in the absorptivity of Christmas beetle elytra; and this variation was achieved by different combinations of reflectivity and transmissivity in both VIS and NIR. Size was an important factor predicting the change in temperature of the elytra after 5 min (steady state) but not maximum heating rate. Lastly, we show that the presence of the elytra covering the body of the beetle can reduce heating of the body itself. We propose that beetle elytra can act as a semi-insulating layer to enable passive thermoregulation through high reflectivity of elytra, resulting in low absorptivity of solar radiation. Alternatively, if beetle elytra absorb a high proportion of solar radiation, they may reduce heat transfer from the elytra to the body through behavioral or physiological mechanisms.
Assessment of spent hemp biomass as a potential ingredient in ruminant diet: nutritional quality and effect on performance, meat and carcass quality, and hematological parameters in finishing lambs
Authors: Parker Nathan B , Bionaz Massimo , Ford Hunter R , Irawan Agung , Trevisi Erminio , Ates Serkan
Published: August 2022

Spent hemp biomass (SHB), a byproduct of cannabinoid extraction from the production of industrial hemp has not been approved by FDA-CVM since its effects on animal health, performance, and product quality are unknown. Our objective was to investigate the effects of feeding two levels of SHB and a 4-wk withdrawal period on performance, carcass characteristic, meat quality, and hematological parameters in finishing lambs. A total of 35 weaned, Polypay male lambs kept in single pens were randomly assigned to five feeding treatments (n = 7) and fed diets containing either no SHB (CON) or SHB at 10% (LH1) or 20% (HH1) for 4 wk with 4 wk of clearing period from SHB, or SHB at 10% (LH2) or 20% (HH2) for 8 wk. Chemical analysis revealed SHB to have a nutritive quality similar to alfalfa with no mycotoxin, terpenes, or organic residuals as a result of the extraction process. Feed intake of lambs was negatively affected by 20% SHB in period 1 but not in period 2 where feed intake was the greatest in HH1 and LH2. In contrast, none of the performance data, including liveweight gains, were different across the groups and periods. In period 1, blood glucose, cholesterol, calcium, paraoxonase, and tocopherol were decreased by the level of SHB fed, while bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were increased. In period 2, the concentration in blood of urea, magnesium, bilirubin, ALP, and ferric reducing ability of the plasma (FRAP) were higher in LH2 and HH2 as compared with CON, while β-hydroxybutyrate was lower in HH2. Blood parameters related to liver health, kidney function, immune status, and inflammation were unaffected by feeding SHB. Most carcass and meat quality parameters did not differ across feeding groups either. Except carcass purge loss and meat cook loss were larger in lambs that were fed 20% SHB. Although lower feed intake of lambs that were fed 20% SHB initially in period 1 suggested SHB was not palatable to the lambs, increased feed intake at a lower level of inclusion at 10% in period 2 may point to a positive long-term effect of feeding SHB.
A New Test for Multiple Predictive Regression
Authors: Xu Ke-Li , Guo Junjie
Published: August 2022

We consider inference for predictive regressions with multiple predictors. Extant tests for predictability (especially for joint predictability) may perform unsatisfactorily and tend to discover spurious predictability as the number of predictors increases. We propose a battery of new instrumental variables-based tests which involve enforcement or partial enforcement of the null hypothesis in variance estimation. A test based on the few-predictors-at-a-time parsimonious system approach is recommended. Empirical Monte Carlos demonstrates the remarkable finite-sample performance regardless of numerosity of predictors and their persistence properties. Empirical application to equity premium predictability is provided.
Spatiotemporal Environmental Drivers of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Central Florida: Towards a Predictive Model for a Lethal Disease
Authors: Mundis Stephanie J , Harrison Steve , Pelley Dave , Durand Susan , Ryan Sadie J
Published: August 2022

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a mosquito-borne virus that affects humans and horses, with a high case fatality rate in both species. The virus can be transmitted by several mosquito species and maintained in multiple reservoir hosts, making EEEV dynamics difficult to anticipate. In this study, we identified spatial and temporal factors that precede EEEV detection using sentinel chicken surveillance data from Orange County, Florida, from 2003 to 2017. We first examined the land cover and mosquito species composition associated with sentinel chicken sites. We then fit distributed lag nonlinear models of EEEV detection at the county scale, using monthly temperature, precipitation, and Southern Oscillation Index values, and at the sentinel flock-scale, using remotely sensed temperature and wetness indicators. We found positive associations between the percent wooded wetlands and the count of EEEV detections. We found Culiseta melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) were more abundant at positive sites in winter and summer, but Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker) were more abundant at positive sites in spring. In the county-wide model, precipitation, temperature, and Southern Oscillation Index values at lags of two, nine, and twelve months were significant, respectively, while temperature and wetness were significant at lags of eight and six months in the flock-specific models.
Detection and Co-occurrence of kdr (F1534C and S989P) Mutations in Multiple Insecticides Resistant Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Nigeria
Authors: Fagbohun Ifeoluwa Kayode , Oyeniyi Tolulope Amos , Idowu Emmanuel Taiwo , Nwanya Oge , Okonkwo Felix , Adesalu Kemi O , Jimoh Romoke T , Oladosu Yusuff , Otubanjo Olubunmi Adetoro , Adeogun Adedapo O
Published: August 2022

The outbreak of yellow fever virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti has been of major concern in Nigeria, this mosquito also transmits several other arboviruses globally. The control of many vectors of mosquito-borne diseases relies heavily on the use of insecticides. Therefore, constant monitoring of insecticide resistance status and associated mechanisms is crucial within the local mosquito population. Here, we determined the resistance profile of adult Ae. aegypti from Majidun and Oke Ota communities, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria to different classes of insecticides using WHO procedures. The resistant phenotypes of Ae. aegypti were screened for the presence of kdr mutations F1534C, S989P, and V1016G, which have been implicated in insecticide resistance in yellow fever vectors. A high level of resistance to DDT and pyrethroids was recorded in Ae. aegypti in this study, although possible resistance to deltamethrin, one of the pyrethroids was reported in one of the locations. Resistance to bendiocarb was recorded in the Majidun community while Ae. aegypti in both locations were susceptible to malathion. The presence of F1534C mutation associated with DDT and deltamethrin resistance in Ae. aegypti population, and the presence of S989P mutation were detected singly and in co-occurrence with F1534C for the first time in Africa, while V1016G mutation was not detected in this study. The role of these mutations in resistance phenotype expressed in Ae. aegypti in larger populations needs to be established.
Body Mass Index Trajectories, Weight Gain, and Risks of Liver and Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Yang Wanshui , Zeng Xufen , Petrick Jessica L , Danford Christopher J , Florio Andrea A , Lu Bing , Nan Hongmei , Ma Jiantao , Wang Liang , Zeng Hongmei , Sudenga Staci L , Campbell Peter T , Giovannucci Edward , McGlynn Katherine A , Zhang Xuehong
Published: August 2022

Background

Little is known about the role of early obesity or weight change during adulthood in the development of liver cancer and biliary tract cancer (BTC).

Methods

We investigated the associations of body mass index (BMI) and weight trajectories with the risk of liver cancer and BTC in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. BMI was self-reported at ages 20 years and 50 years and at enrollment. BMI trajectories were determined using latent class growth models. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During a median follow-up of 15.9 years among 138 922 participants, 170 liver cancer and 143 BTC cases were identified. Compared with those whose BMI did not exceed 25 kg/m2, participants with BMI exceeding 25 kg/m2 at age 20 years had increased risks of liver cancer (HR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.26 to 3.28) and BTC (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.16 to 3.39). Compared with participants maintaining normal BMI until enrollment, trajectory of normal weight at age 20 years to obesity at enrollment was associated with increased risk for liver cancer (HR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.55 to 4.04) and BTC (HR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.03 to 3.22). Compared with adults with stable weight (±5 kg) between age 20 years and 50 years, weight gain of 20 kg and greater between ages 20 years and 50 years had higher hazard ratios of 2.24 (95% CI = 1.40 to 3.58) for liver cancer and 1.86 (95% CI = 1.12 to 3.09) for BTC.

Conclusions

Being overweight and/or obese at age 20 years and BMI trajectories that result in being overweight and/or obese may increase risk for both liver cancer and BTC.
Are non-native speakers the drivers of morphological simplification? A Wug experiment on the Dutch past tense system
Authors: De Smet Isabeau , Rosseel Laura , Van de Velde Freek
Published: August 2022

It has often been suggested that there is an inverse correlation between the number of adult non-native speakers in a language and its morphological complexity. Secluded languages often show more complex morphology, while high-contact languages go through more severe simplifications throughout the ages. One such simplification linked to language contact is the regularization of the Germanic past tense. Yet, a Wug task on the English past tense system by Cuskley et al. (2015) showed that non-native speakers tend to use the irregular past tense even more than native speakers. In this article, we replicate the Wug experiment for Dutch. Our results show similar evidence for a higher rate of irregularization across non-native speakers. Furthermore, we do not find any other simplification strategies among non-native speakers. Though caution is warranted, these converging results may suggest that non-native speakers are not the drivers of morphological simplification.
The first case of artemisinin treatment failure of Plasmodium falciparum imported to Oman from Tanzania
Authors: Subudhi Amit Kumar , Bienvenu Anne-Lise , Bonnot Guillaume , Abu-Shamma Reem , Khamis Faryal , Lawati Hussain Ali Abdulhussain Al , Picot Stephane , Petersen Eskild , Pain Arnab
Published: August 2022

We present the clinical and genomic epidemiological perspective of the first case of Artesunate treatment failure in an Omani citizen admitted to a hospital in Muscat who originally contracted Plasmodium falciparum malaria during travel to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
A case of seronegative primary Sjögren’s syndrome complicated by Takayasu arteritis in a Japanese girl
Authors: Yamanishi Shingo , Tanabe Yujiro , Watanabe Makoto , Narazaki Hidehiko , Igarashi Toru , Fukazawa Ryuji , Isobe Mitsuaki , Itoh Yasuhiko
Published: August 2022

In paediatric primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), the initial symptoms manifest systemically, such as fever, general fatigue, and lymphadenopathy, rather than sicca symptoms. Most children with primary SS have autoantibodies, such as antinuclear, anti-Ro/SS-A, and/or anti-La/SS-B antibodies; however, some patients are seronegative. Similar to paediatric patients with primary SS, those with Takayasu arteritis (TAK) initially only present constitutional symptoms, making it difficult to suspect, unless characteristic features are present. To our knowledge, there have been no reports of the coexistence of both diseases in children. We present a rare case of seronegative SS complicated by TAK in a 9-year-old girl who presented with a persistent low-grade fever, general fatigue, cervical lymphadenopathy, and multiple caries. Although blood examination revealed all autoantibodies to be negative, a lip biopsy revealed lymphocytic sialadenitis, and a sialoscintigraphy indicated hypofunctional salivary glands, leading to the diagnosis of seronegative SS. The patient was treated with low-dose glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant administration to inhibit persistent inflammation and the progression of salivary gland dysfunction; although the symptoms resolved, inflammatory markers remained elevated. When the patient was 14 years old, cervical bruits were incidentally found, and TAK was suspected based on cervical ultrasonography and magnetic resonance angiography findings. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography results demonstrated increased fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation from the ascending to descending aorta. Therefore, she was diagnosed with SS complicated by TAK, which is rare. Aortitis should be suspected when the cause of persistent inflammation cannot be ascertained in patients with SS.
Five cases of seronegative persistent inflammatory monoarthritis improved with biological therapy
Authors: Izumiyama Takuya , Mori Yu , Hamada Soshi , Kurishima Hiroaki , Mori Naoko , Aizawa Toshimi
Published: August 2022

Persistent inflammatory monoarthritis is defined as inflammation of one joint that continues for longer than 3 months. Most cases remain as nonspecific arthritis after several years. Persistent inflammatory monoarthritis is difficult to diagnose and treat in the early stage because there are no criteria for diagnosis and treatment. We report five seronegative persistent inflammatory monoarthritis cases that affected the left knee, right knee, left knee, left ankle, and right knee. All patients underwent joint punctures; two patients received steroid injections in the affected joint. The bacterial and mycobacterial culture were negative in all patients. Two patients received oral steroids, and two patients were administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; however, their symptoms did not improve, and one patient experienced progression of joint destruction. We investigated the usefulness of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for the treatment of seronegative persistent inflammatory monoarthritis. We obtained a remarkable improvement effect and prevented the advance of joint destruction.
An academic survey on theoretical foundations, common assumptions and the current state of consciousness science
Authors: Francken Jolien C , Beerendonk Lola , Molenaar Dylan , Fahrenfort Johannes J , Kiverstein Julian D , Seth Anil K , van Gaal Simon
Published: August 2022

We report the results of an academic survey into the theoretical and methodological foundations, common assumptions, and the current state of the field of consciousness research. The survey consisted of 22 questions and was distributed on two different occasions of the annual meeting of the Association of the Scientific Study of Consciousness (2018 and 2019). We examined responses from 166 consciousness researchers with different backgrounds (e.g. philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, and computer science) and at various stages of their careers (e.g. junior/senior faculty and graduate/undergraduate students). The results reveal that there remains considerable discussion and debate between the surveyed researchers about the definition of consciousness and the way it should be studied. To highlight a few observations, a majority of respondents believe that machines could have consciousness, that consciousness is a gradual phenomenon in the animal kingdom, and that unconscious processing is extensive, encompassing both low-level and high-level cognitive functions. Further, we show which theories of consciousness are currently considered most promising by respondents and how supposedly different theories cluster together, which dependent measures are considered best to index the presence or absence of consciousness, and which neural measures are thought to be the most likely signatures of consciousness. These findings provide us with a snapshot of the current views of researchers in the field and may therefore help prioritize research and theoretical approaches to foster progress.
European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) guidelines for treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)
Authors: Hoang-Xuan Khê , Deckert Martina , Ferreri Andrés J M , Furtner Julia , Gallego Perez-Larraya Jaime , Henriksson Roger , Hottinger Andreas F , Kasenda Benjamin , Lefranc Florence , Lossos Alexander , McBain Catherine , Preusser Matthias , Roth Patrick , Rudà Roberta , Schlegel Uwe , Soffietti Riccardo , Soussain Carole , Taphoorn Martin J B , Touitou Valérie , Weller Michael , Bromberg Jacoline E C
Published: August 2022

The management of primary central nervous system (PCNSL) is one of the most controversial topics in neuro-oncology because of the complexity of the disease and the limited number of controlled studies available. In 2021, given recent advances and the publication of practice-changing randomized trials, the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) created a multidisciplinary task force to update the previously published evidence-based guidelines for immunocompetent adult patients with PCNSL and added a section on immunosuppressed patients. The guideline provides consensus considerations and recommendations for the treatment of PCNSL, including intraocular manifestations and specific management of the elderly. The main changes from the previous guideline include strengthened evidence for the consolidation with ASCT in first-line treatment, prospectively assessed chemotherapy combinations for both young and elderly patients, clarification of the role of rituximab even though the data remain inconclusive, of the role of new agents, and the incorporation of immunosuppressed patients and primary ocular lymphoma. The guideline should aid the clinicians in everyday practice and decision making and serve as a basis for future research in the field.
Gender and Tourism in the (Very) Long Nineteenth Century
Authors: Morgan Cecilia
Published: August 2022

The intersections of gender, travel, and tourism have received much scholarly attention, particularly since the publication of Sara Mills’s Discourses of Differences and Mary Louise Pratt’s Imperial Eyes. The travel writings and tourist experiences of European and Anglo-American middle-class women have been prominent in the field. Although much attention has been paid to their imbrication in both class and imperial relations, the wide range of women’s travel writing, its multiple layers, and the varied locations from which it was written suggest that no one model of “feminization” can be applied to its analysis. Scholars also have pointed to the gendered nature of work at tourist sites, whether in the provision of hospitality, the creation of souvenirs, and the presence of female guides. The travels of Indigenous and racialized women also help complicate our understanding of nineteenth and early twentieth-century tourist “gazes.” Although less has been written about male tourists that deploys gender as a category of historical analysis, the existing scholarship that does so suggests possibilities for future work.
Colonial Tourism
Authors: Jennings Eric T.
Published: August 2022

Spanning all continents except for Antarctica, this entry seeks to uncover some of the trends and tropes of colonial tourism. It first considers definitions as well as unique and shared features of colonial travel. It ponders the scale of the phenomenon in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries before analyzing the passage over to the colony, colonial cruises and colonial hunting expeditions. It then turns to power relations at imperial hill stations and spas. It takes on the question of indigenous tourism, tied in part to the rise of an expanding middle-class in a number of different colonial contexts. The entry then engages with armchair travel through colonial exhibits, as well as the issue of non-European imperial tourism. Finally, it discusses postcolonial breaks and continuities during and after the era of decolonization.
Tourism Development in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Wood Andrew Grant
Published: August 2022

In considering the early history of tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean particular attention is paid here to the development of transport technologies, hospitality infrastructure, and economic-social relations. Significant national tourism industry growth in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America is also discussed as well as, however briefly, the emergence of different kinds of travel practices and concerns about the larger negative social and environmental impact that tourism is generating.
Nudism
Authors: Harp Stephen L.
Published: August 2022

The twentieth century saw the emergence and development of nude tourism. Initially a return to nature to get exercise and restore health, mixed-sex public nudity increasingly became a variant of mass beach vacations after World War II. By the early twenty-first century, nudism had become widespread on European beaches, where most practitioners were Europeans or inhabitants of former European settler colonies. Today, a fine line separates nude tourism and sex tourism.
The final piece of the Triangle of U: Evolution of the tetraploid Brassica carinata genome
Authors: Yim Won Cheol , Swain Mia L , Ma Dongna , An Hong , Bird Kevin A , Curdie David D , Wang Samuel , Ham Hyun Don , Luzuriaga-Neira Agusto , Kirkwood Jay S , Hur Manhoi , Solomon Juan K Q , Harper Jeffrey F , Kosma Dylan K , Alvarez-Ponce David , Cushman John C , Edger Patrick P , Mason Annaliese S , Pires J Chris , Tang Haibao , Zhang Xingtan
Published: August 2022

Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) is an ancient crop with remarkable stress resilience and a desirable seed fatty acid profile for biofuel uses. Brassica carinata is one of six Brassica species that share three major genomes from three diploid species (AA, BB, and CC) that spontaneously hybridized in a pairwise manner to form three allotetraploid species (AABB, AACC, and BBCC). Of the genomes of these species, that of B. carinata is the least understood. Here, we report a chromosome scale 1.31-Gbp genome assembly with 156.9-fold sequencing coverage for B. carinata, completing the reference genomes comprising the classic Triangle of U, a classical theory of the evolutionary relationships among these six species. Our assembly provides insights into the hybridization event that led to the current B. carinata genome and the genomic features that gave rise to the superior agronomic traits of B. carinata. Notably, we identified an expansion of transcription factor networks and agronomically important gene families. Completion of the Triangle of U comparative genomics platform has allowed us to examine the dynamics of polyploid evolution and the role of subgenome dominance in the domestication and continuing agronomic improvement of B. carinata and other Brassica species.
Clinical and therapeutic diversity in adult chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) of the sternocostoclavicular region: a meta-analysis
Authors: Leerling Anne T , Dekkers Olaf M , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M , Winter Elizabeth M
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare inflammatory bone disease. The distinct CNO subtype that affects the anterior chest wall is descriptively named sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) and mainly occurs in adults. Literature on CNO/SCCH is scattered and lacks diagnostic and therapeutic consensus.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to characterize clinical presentation and therapeutic modalities applied in adult CNO/SCCH patients. Untransformed numerical data and double-arcsine transformed proportional data were pooled in a random effects model in R-4.0.5; proportions were reported with 95% CI.

Results

Forty studies were included, containing data on 2030 and 642 patients for aim 1 and 2, respectively. A female predisposition (67%, 95% CI 60, 73) and major diagnostic delay (5 years 95% CI 3, 7) were noted. Clinical presentation included chest pain (89%, 95% CI 79, 96) and swelling (79%, 95% CI 62, 91). Patients suffered from pustulosis palmoplantaris (53%, 95% CI 37, 68), arthritis (24%, 95% CI 11, 39) and acne (8%, 95% CI 4, 13). Inflammatory markers were inconsistently elevated. Autoantibody and HLA-B27 prevalence was normal, and histopathology unspecific. Increased isotope uptake (99%, 95% CI 96, 100) was a consistent imaging finding. Among manifold treatments, pamidronate and biologicals yielded good response in 83%, 95% CI 60, 98 and 56%, 95% CI 26, 85, respectively.

Conclusion

CNO/SCCH literature proves heterogeneous regarding diagnostics and treatment. Timely diagnosis is challenging and mainly follows from increased isotope uptake on nuclear examination. Biopsies, autoantibodies and HLA status are non-contributory, and biochemical inflammation only variably detected. Based on reported data, bisphosphonates and biologicals seem reasonably effective, but due to limitations in design and heterogeneity between studies the precise magnitude of their effect is uncertain. Fundamentally, international consensus seems imperative to advance clinical care for CNO/SCCH.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IN VITRO DOSE–RESPONSE CALIBRATION CURVE FOR X-RAY-INDUCED MICRONUCLEI IN HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES
Authors: Meng Qian-Qian , Zhang Rui-Feng , Zhang Zhong-Xin , Yang Yi , Chai Dong-Liang , Yuan Ya-Yi , Ren Yue , Dong Juan-Cong , Dang Xu-Hong
Published: August 2022

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay has proven to be a reliable technique for biological dosimetry. This study aimed to establish the dose–response curve for X-ray-induced micronucleus. Peripheral blood samples from three healthy donors were irradiated with various doses and scoring criteria by the micronuclei (MN) in binucleated cells. The results showed that the frequency of MN increased with the elevation of radiation dose. CABAS and Dose Estimate software were used to fit the MN and dose into a linear quadratic model, and the results were compared. The linear and quadratic coefficients obtained by the two software were basically the same and were comparable with published curves of similar radiation quality and dose rates by other studies. The dose–response curve established in this study can be used as an alternative method for in vitro dose reconstruction and provides a reliable tool for biological dosimetry in accidental or occupational radiation exposures.
Evaluating the persistence and stability of a DNA-barcoded microbial system in a mock home environment
Authors: McDonald Nathan D , Rhea Katherine A , Davies John P , Zacharko Julie L , Berk Kimberly L , Buckley Patricia E
Published: August 2022

Recent advancements in engineered microbial systems capable of deployment in complex environments have enabled the creation of unique signatures for environmental forensics operations. These microbial systems must be robust, able to thrive in specific environments of interest and contain molecular signatures, enabling the detection of the community across conditions. Furthermore, these systems must balance biocontainment concerns with the stability and persistence required for environmental forensics. Here we evaluate the stability and persistence of a recently described microbial system composed of germination-deficient Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae spores containing nonredundant DNA barcodes in a controlled simulated home environment. These spore-based microbial communities were found to be persistent in the simulated environment across 30-day periods and across multiple surface types. To improve the repeatability and reproducibility in detecting the DNA barcodes, we evaluated several spore lysis and sampling processes paired with Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) -CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) detection (Sherlock). Finally, having optimized the detectability of the spores, we demonstrate that we can detect the spores transferring across multiple material types. Together, we further demonstrate the utility of a recently described microbial forensics system and highlight the importance of independent validation and verification of synthetic biology tools and applications.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of standardized ileal digestible lysine level on growth performance and economic return for 18 to 128 kg Duroc-sired pigs
Authors: Royall Rafe Q , Goodband Robert D , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Woodworth Jason C , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: August 2022

The recent shift of the U.S. swine industry toward improved pork quality, such as color, marbling, and firmness, has led to increased use of Duroc-sired pigs in the marketplace. Our objective was to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys requirement estimates for Duroc-sired (600 × 241, DNA, Columbus, NE) pigs from 18 to 128 kg BW. We conducted a series of experiments using corn–soybean meal-based diets with pigs allotted to 6 or 7 treatments in randomized complete block designs. In all experiments an equal number of barrows and gilts were used within a pen. In experiment 1, 300 pigs (initially 18.4 ± 0.50 kg) were used with 5 pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment with 6 SID Lys levels from 1.00% to 1.50%. Increasing SID Lys increased (linear, P < 0.040) final BW, ADG, G:F, and Lys intake/kg of gain, and decreased (linear, P = 0.012) ADFI. In experiment 2, 608 pigs (initially 36.3 ± 0.91 kg) were used with 7 to 9 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment with 6 SID Lys levels from 0.80% to 1.20%. Increasing SID Lys increased (linear, P ≤ 0.036) ADG, G:F, and Lys intake/kg of gain. In experiment 3, 700 pigs (initially 53.2 ± 0.86 kg) were used with 8 to 10 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment with 6 SID Lys levels from 0.65% to 1.00%. Increasing SID Lys increased (linear, P < 0.001) final BW, ADG, and Lys intake/kg of gain, decreased (quadratic, P = 0.004) ADFI, and improved (quadratic, P < 0.001) G:F. In experiment 4, 616 pigs (initially 76.4 ± 1.25 kg) were used with 8 to 10 pigs per pen and 5, 6, or 11 pens per treatment with 7 SID Lys levels from 0.58% to 1.00%. Increasing SID Lys increased (linear, P ≤ 0.022) ADG, Lys intake per kilogram of gain, and G:F. In experiment 5, 679 pigs (initially 103.8 ± 1.32 kg) were used with 8 to 10 pigs per pen and 11 or 12 pens per treatment with 6 SID Lys levels from 0.43% to 0.78%. Increasing SID Lys increased (linear, P ≤ 0.043) final BW, ADG, and Lys intake per kilogram of gain, and improved (quadratic, P ≤ 0.032) G:F. Using results from all experiments, the quadratic equation of Lys:calorie ratio, g of SID Lys/Mcal of NE = 0.0002611 × BW2 – 0.0711037 × BW + 7.284 was developed to reflect the requirement for maximal growth performance from 18 to 128 kg BW. Maximal income over feed cost (IOFC) is best described by the quadratic equation: Lys:calorie ratio, g of SID Lys/Mcal of NE = 0.0001558 × BW2 − 0.04030769 × BW + 5.410. These data provide updated SID Lys estimates for Duroc-sired grow-finish pigs.
Differential tolerance of the woody invasiveHakea sericeato drought and terminal heat stress
Authors: Morais Maria C , Ferreira Helena , Cabral João A , Gonçalves Berta
Published: August 2022

Drought and extreme temperatures are likely to be more common and intense in the Mediterranean region as a consequence of climate change. Both stresses usually arise together in the field, but our understanding of their joint influence on the performance of invasive alien species (IAS) is limited. Thus, the main objective of the present study is to fill this gap by analyzing the individual and combined effects of drought and terminal heat stress on the leaf physiology, biochemistry and growth of Hakea sericea Schrader, one of the most problematic IAS in the Mediterranean-type ecosystems. In this study, 1-year-old plants of H. sericea were exposed to four treatments under controlled conditions: control (CT), drought (DS), terminal heat stress (Ht), and combined Ht and DS (DHt). The DS treatment alone caused a marked reduction in shoot biomass, net photosynthetic (A) rate and stomatal conductance, while increasing the proline content, as compared with CT plants. In turn, the Ht treatment promoted the accumulation of malondialdehyde but hastened the decline in all gas exchange parameters, and also decreased leaf photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, proline and relative water contents Exposure of H. sericea plants to the combined DHt exacerbated the impacts of Ht, which was accompanied by significant decreases in net photosynthetic and transpiration rates, and intrinsic water-use efficiency. Principal component analysis clearly separated the DHt from the other treatments and revealed similarities between DS and CT treatment. These findings suggest that xerothermic weather conditions might modify the fitness, competitive ability, resilience and spread of this IAS, thereby providing opportunities for its control.
Inhibition of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 alleviates liver fibrosis by attenuating the activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice
Authors: Yan Fang‐Zhi , Qian Hui , Liu Fang , Ding Chen‐Hong , Liu Shu‐Qing , Xiao Meng‐Chao , Chen Shi‐Jie , Zhang Xin , Luo Cheng , Xie Wei‐Fen
Published: August 2022

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) has been reported to be involved in various diseases. The expression of PRMT1 was increased in cirrhotic livers from human patients. However, the role of PRMT1 in hepatic fibrogenesis remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effect of PRMT1 on hepatic fibrogenesis and its underlying mechanism. We found that PRMT1 expression was significantly higher in fibrotic livers of the mice treated with thioacetamide (TAA) or 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that PRMT1 expression was augmented in both hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the fibrotic livers. Applying a selective inhibitor of PRMT1, PT1001B, significantly suppressed PRMT1 activity and mitigated liver fibrosis in mice. Hepatocyte‐specific Prmt1 knockout did not affect liver fibrosis in mice. PRMT1 overexpression promoted the expression of fibrotic genes in the LX‐2 cells, whereas knockdown of PRMT1 or treatment with PT1001B exhibited reversal effects, suggesting that PRMT1 plays an important role in HSC activation. Additionally, HSC‐specific Prmt1 knockout attenuated HSC activation and liver fibrosis in TAA‐induced fibrotic model. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that Prmt1 knockout in HSCs significantly suppressed pro‐inflammatory NF‐κB and pro‐fibrotic TGF‐β signals, and also downregulated the expression of pro‐fibrotic mediators in mouse livers. Moreover, treatment with PT1001B consistently inhibited hepatic inflammatory response in fibrotic model. In conclusion, PRMT1 plays a vital role in HSC activation. Inhibition of PRMT1 mitigates hepatic fibrosis by attenuating HSC activation in mice. Therefore, targeting PRMT1 could be a feasible therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
The Experiences of People Who Are Incarcerated in Accessing Mental Health Care: A Qualitative Meta-Ethnography
Authors: Reeder Anne L.
Published: August 2022

Overview

This meta-ethnography synthesizes the findings of seven qualitative studies on the experiences of people who are incarcerated in accessing mental health care with a goal of better understanding the scope of these experiences and identifying gaps in custodial mental health care. Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach was used.

Findings

Five themes were identified: stressful incarceration environments, lack of resources, care is not patient centered, lack of trust, and the value of therapeutic relationships. Findings suggest that the custodial mental healthcare system may provide care that is misaligned with the needs of people who are accessing it.

Limitations

Limitations of this meta-ethnography include the small number of studies identified for review, the diverse foci of the studies, the diversity of the custodial and mental health systems in the four countries from which the studies came, and the unaddressed mixing of jail and prison data in three of the studies.

Implications

Future research should focus on obtaining additional perspectives from people who are accessing custodial mental healthcare services in jail and prison, exploring the differences between the experiences of people in jail versus prison, and identifying ways to develop and maintain high-quality therapeutic relationships between people who are incarcerated and custodial mental healthcare providers, including nurses who work in custodial facilities.
Awareness, Use, and Opinions of Individual Fit Testing of Hearing Protection Devices Among Practicing Michigan Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association Health Care Providers
Authors: Rasmussen Stephanie , Odenigbo Charles , Wang Ling , Wolfe Amir , Rosenman Kenneth
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine the awareness, opinions, and use of individual fit testing of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among occupational medicine practitioners.

Methods

Members of the Michigan Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association completed a 21-question survey on individual fit testing of HPDs.

Results

The survey response rate was 67%, 53% reported having heard of individual fit testing of HPDs, and 24% reported that their clinic/site performed the testing. Major barriers to its use were perceived time to perform (63%), cost (51%), lack of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement (51%), and lack of long-term studies of its effectiveness (20%).

Conclusions

Further work to educate practitioners about the availability, implementation, and potential benefits of fit testing of HPDs is needed if use of this technology is to become more widespread.
Workplace Social Support and Reduced Psychological Distress
Authors: Inoue Reiko , Hikichi Hiroyuki , Inoue Akiomi , Kachi Yuko , Eguchi Hisashi , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Arai Yumi , Iwata Noboru , Tsutsumi Akizumi
Published: August 2022

Objective

There is little evidence that workplace social support can relieve workers' mental health problems. Therefore, we examined whether social support from coworkers and supervisors was associated with reduced serious psychological distress among employees.

Methods

We used two-wave panel data from 13 Japanese companies. The baseline survey was conducted in 2011, and the follow-up survey 1 year later. From 9889 respondents, we selected 759 who had psychological distress at baseline, defined as ≥13 on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6).

Results

Increased coworker support was significantly associated with employees' reduced psychological distress (odds ratio, 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 2.17 to 5.68). The association between increased supervisor support and reduced psychological distress was nonsignificant (odds ratio, 1.32, 95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 2.04).

Conclusion

Encouraging coworker support may contribute to the secondary prevention of mental health problems among employees.
Effectiveness of acupuncture in postpartum depression: A protocol for an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Fan Bu , Zhao Yonghou , Chai Jianbo , Bing Bai , Wang Wanyu
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Since conflicting evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression is observed. To systematically collate, appraise and synthesize the evidence from these SRs/MAs, an overview will be performed, and this study is an overview protocol.

Methods and analysis:

Eight databases will be searched: Medicine, Web of science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, VIP, and Wanfang Data. SRs/MAs of acupuncture on postpartum depression will be included. Literature screening, data extraction, and evaluation of the review quality will be performed by 2 independent reviewers. The methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality will be assessed using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews-2 tool, the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses checklists, and the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation system, respectively. The results will be presented in the context of the topic and the objects of the overview. This study will help bridge the implementation gap between clinical evidence and its translation in clinical application, identify flaws in research and guide future high-quality study.
“I am hesitant to visit the doctor unless absolutely necessary”: A qualitative study of delayed care, avoidance of care, and telehealth experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Moore Ramey , Purvis Rachel S. , Hallgren Emily , Reece Sharon , Padilla-Ramos Alan , Gurel-Headley Morgan , Hall Spencer , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the health care system, resulting in decreased health care utilization. During the pandemic, some patients chose to postpone clinic visits or avoid them altogether while health care providers concurrently scaled back their services. As a result, health care has shifted to a greater reliance on telehealth and virtual care.

This study uses a qualitative descriptive design, focused on providing summaries of participant experiences of health care and telehealth utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three primary themes emerged during analysis: delayed health care, avoidance of care, and experiences of telehealth. Sub-themes of delayed health care included care delays and scheduling difficulties. Participants reported avoidance of health care due to fear of COVID-19 infection, as well as general changes to care-seeking behaviors. Participants also reported positive experiences with telehealth, with some respondents noting limitations of telehealth systems, such as limitations on procedures and patient-centered monitoring of chronic illness.

Our findings support studies that have found both health care delays and changes in health care utilization patterns during the pandemic. Most importantly, this study expands the literature concerning links between fear of COVID-19 and altered care-seeking behaviors, which is the first study to do so focusing on these concerns in the participants’ own words. Finally, while telehealth is promising in preserving continuity of care during pandemics, long-term integration into the health care system is not without challenges, and this study provides insights into how patients experienced telehealth during COVID-19 in their own words.

Data collection, survey design, and research priorities for this study were based on input from ongoing community partnerships.