bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of conceptual frameworks to examine health inequities in End‐of‐Life care
Authors: Kang Jung A. , Barcelona Veronica
Published: August 2022

Aims

To discuss existing conceptual frameworks that can be applied to the examination of health inequities in end‐of‐life care and related health outcomes. We used the Fawcett and Desanto‐Madeya evaluation technique modified by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework to include individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels of influence.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

We performed a systematic review of PubMed, CINAHL and Embase for conceptual frameworks of health inequities in end‐of‐life care and health outcomes published as of February 2022.

Implications for nursing

There is a strong need for research that can address multiple factors influencing end‐of‐life care inequities and health outcomes. To mitigate the complex nature of social determinants of health and structural inequities, researchers, clinicians, educators and administrators should have solid conceptualizations of these multi‐level factors. Based on sound and comprehensive frameworks, nurses with interdisciplinary partnerships can promote health equity with a broader health care scope through addressing social determinants of health.

Conclusion

We identified and reviewed three frameworks. We concluded all three frameworks have the potential for use in the examination of health inequities in end‐of‐life care and health outcomes. However, the Conceptual Framework of Minority Access to End‐of‐Life Care was more applicable to diverse studies and settings when adapted to include fundamental characteristics such as sex and gender.

Impact

Despite the substantial rise in end‐of‐life care delivery, health inequities persist in end‐of‐life care access and utilization. Though some studies have been conducted to promote health equity by addressing social determinants of health, progress is hampered by their complex and multi‐faceted nature. Through a concrete conceptual framework, researchers can comprehensively examine multi‐level factors influencing health inequities in end‐of‐life care.

No patient or public contribution

This discussion paper focused on reviewing existing evidence.
Lack of awareness of nursing as a career choice for men: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Guy Max , Hughes Kerri‐Ann , Ferris‐Day Philip
Published: August 2022

Aims

This research aimed to identify the factors that impact why men do not view nursing as a career choice.

Design

Qualitative description was utilized to capture the rich narratives and insight of participants.

Methods

Through convenience sampling, nine New Zealand qualified male nurses within their first three years of practice were recruited. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted between November 2019 and January 2020 via zoom from sites across New Zealand. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, with the data analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.

Results

The findings reflected the experiences of the research participants as they made sense of a predominantly female‐dominated work environment both during their undergraduate training and prior to recruitment. The research identified two key themes: The first found that men in nursing experienced isolation due to the societal gendering of nursing influencing the participant's knowledge and understanding of what nursing was, as a career. The second theme found that for participants, nursing was not prominent in their awareness when leaving school and making career choices.

Conclusion

This research indicates that nursing as a career choice for men is still underpinned by a lack of understanding of the actual role of the nurse and what nurses do, and is more supported by a societal perception that nursing is still a feminized profession. Findings can be used to make recommendations for change in the profession to strengthen diversity in the workforce and redefine the recruitment of men into nursing.

Impact

This research reviewed the career choices of men in nursing and why they chose nursing as a profession. Understanding the barriers of why men do not consider nursing as a career choice assists with finding strategies in both the clinical and academic environments that can enable greater gender diversity within the nursing profession.

No patient or public contribution

This applies to this research as the focus was on male registered nurses only.
DNA polymorphism underlying allozyme variation at a malic enzyme locus (mMEP‐2*) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Taggart John B. , Leaver Michael J. , Bekaert Michaël
Published: August 2022

A non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) underlies a diallelic allozyme polymorphism at the mitochondrial NADP‐dependent mMEP‐2* locus in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). The resultant amino acid substitution, which alters the charge of the allelic products, matches the differential mobility of the two allozyme alleles, whereas allozyme and SNP assays revealed genotyping concordance in 257 of 258 individuals. A single mismatch, homozygous allozyme vs. heterozygote SNP, suggests the presence of a second, less common null allele.
The development of a reliable change index and cutoff score for the SCORE‐15
Authors: Miller Richard B. , Nebeker‐Adams Cara A. , Anderson Shayne R. , Bradford Angela B. , Johnson Lee N.
Published: August 2022

The Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation version 15 (SCORE‐15) is a measure used to assess family‐level change in family therapy. The SCORE‐15 has been demonstrated to be a reliable and valid measure, with high clinical utility; however, the SCORE‐15 lacks the ability to determine whether the change in family functioning during the course of therapy is clinically significant. This study aimed to establish a reliable change index (RCI) and clinical cutoff score so that researchers and clinicians can determine clinically significant change in family therapy. US samples of 71 clinical participants and 244 community participants completed the SCORE‐15. Results indicated a cutoff score of 40.37 and an RCI of 9.52. Consequently, family members who improve their SCORE‐15 score during the course of therapy by at least 9 points and who cross the threshold of 40 during the course of therapy are considered to have experienced clinically significant change.
Intra‐abdominal vas deferens cyst in a laboratory rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Wen Fu , Chungui Tang , Hualin Deng , Li Gong , Licai Zeng , Wen Zeng
Published: August 2022

A 21‐year‐old male rhesus macaque presented with abdominal enlargement. The clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography findings confirmed a large mass occupying the entire abdomen. The mass was surgically removed, and histopathology confirmed a vas deferens cyst. The macaque recovered uneventfully. The veterinarians should be aware of the possibility of an intra‐abdominal vas deferens cyst and that, as our case shows, could be treated with surgical removal.
Association between prenatal provision of lipid‐based nutrient supplements and caesarean delivery: Findings from a randomised controlled trial in Malawi
Authors: Salenius Meeri , Pyykkö Juha , Ashorn Ulla , Dewey Kathryn G. , Gondwe Austrida , Harjunmaa Ulla , Maleta Kenneth , Nkhoma Minyanga , Vosti Stephen A. , Ashorn Per , Adubra Laura
Published: August 2022

In populations with a high prevalence of childhood and adolescent undernutrition, supplementation during pregnancy aiming at improving maternal nutritional status and preventing fetal growth restriction might theoretically lead to cephalopelvic disproportion and delivery complications. We investigated whether the prenatal provision of small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS) was associated with an increased risk of caesarean section (CS) or other delivery complications. Pregnant Malawian women were randomised to receive daily i) iron–folic acid (IFA) capsule (control), ii) multiple micronutrient (MMN) capsule of 18 micronutrients (second control), or iii) SQ‐LNS with similar micronutrients as MMN, plus four minerals and macronutrients contributing 118 kcal. We analysed the associations of SQ‐LNS, CS, and other delivery complications using log‐binomial regressions. Among 1391 women enrolled, 1255 had delivery information available. The incidence of CS and delivery complications was 6.3% and 8.2%, respectively. The incidence of CS was 4.0%, 6.0%, and 8.9% (p = 0.017) in the IFA, MMN, and LNS groups, respectively. Compared to the IFA group, the relative risk (95% confidence interval) of CS was 2.2 (1.3–3.8) (p = 0.006) in the LNS group and 1.5 (0.8–2.7) (p = 0.200) in the MMN group. We found no significant differences for other delivery complications. Provision of SQ‐LNS to pregnant women may have increased the incidence of CS. The baseline rate was, however, lower than recommended. It is unclear if the higher CS incidence in the SQ‐LNS group resulted from increased obstetric needs or more active health seeking and a better supply of services. Trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01239693.
The short‐term, genome‐wide effects of indirect selection deserve study: A response to Charlesworth and Jensen (2022)
Authors: Gompert Zachariah , Feder Jeffrey L. , Nosil Patrik
Published: August 2022

We recently published a paper quantifying the genome‐wide consequences of natural selection, including the effects of indirect selection due to the correlation of genetic regions (neutral or selected) with directly selected regions (Gompert et al., 2022). In their critique of our paper, Charlesworth and Jensen (2022) make two main points: (i) indirect selection is equivalent to hitchhiking and thus well documented (i.e., our results are not novel) and (ii) that we do not demonstrate the source of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between SNPs and the Mel‐Stripe locus in the Timema cristinae experiment we analyse. As we discuss in detail below, neither of these are substantial criticisms of our work.
Tissue Recognition Based on Electrical Impedance Classified by Support Vector Machine in Spinal Operation Area
Authors: Chen Bingrong , Shi Yongwang , Li Jiahao , Zhai Jiliang , Liu Liang , Liu Wenyong , Hu Lei , Zhao Yu
Published: August 2022

Objective

One of the major difficulties in spinal surgery is the injury of important tissues caused by tissue misclassification, which is the source of surgical complications. Accurate recognization of the tissues is the key to increase safety and effect as well as to reduce the complications of spinal surgery. The study aimed at tissue recognition in the spinal operation area based on electrical impedance and the boundaries of electrical impedance between cortical bone, cancellous bone, spinal cord, muscle, and nucleus pulposus.

Methods

Two female white swines with body weight of 40 kg were used to expose cortical bone, cancellous bone, spinal cord, muscle, and nucleus pulposus under general anesthesia and aseptic conditions. The electrical impedance of these tissues at 12 frequencies (in the range of 10–100 kHz) was measured by electrochemical analyzer with a specially designed probe, at 22.0–25.0°C and 50%–60% humidity. Two types of tissue recognition models ‐ one combines principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machine (SVM) and the other combines combines SVM and ensemble learning ‐ were constructed, and the boundaries of electrical impedance of the five tissues at 12 frequencies of current were figured out. Linear correlation, two‐way ANOVA, and pairedT‐test were conducted to analyze the relationship between the electrical impedance of different tissues at different frequencies.

Results

The results suggest that the differences of electrical impedance mainly came from tissue type (p < 0.0001), the electrical impedance of five kinds of tissue was statistically different from each other (p < 0.0001). The tissue recognition accuracy of the algorithm based on principal component analysis and support vector machine ranged from 83%–100%, and the overall accuracy was 95.83%. The classification accuracy of the algorithm based on support vector machine and ensemble learning was 100%, and the boundaries of electrical impedance of five tissues at various frequencies were calculated.

Conclusion

The electrical impedance of cortical bone, cancellous bone, spinal cord, muscle, and nucleus pulposus had significant differences in 10–100 kHz frequency. The application of support vector machine realized the accurate tissue recognition in the spinal operation area based on electrical impedance, which is expected to be translated and applied to tissue recognition during spinal surgery.
Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen Der p 22: Cloning, expression, IgE‐binding in asthmatic children, and immunogenicity
Authors: Zhou Ying , Li Lin , Yu Zhiwei , Gu Xiaohong , Pan Ruilin , Li Qingqing , Yuan Cunyin , Cai Fangfang , Zhu Yimin , Cui Yubao
Published: August 2022

Background

Dust mite extract contains multiple components that, while useful in clinical allergy diagnosis and treatment, can cause serious side effects. Defining components of dust mite extract is important their contributions to allergic disease. This study aimed to characterize a novel dust mite allergen, Der p 22.

Methods

We amplified the cDNA encoding Der p 22 from total RNA of the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and inserted it into an expression construct for transformation to competent cells. Purified recombinant (r) Der p 22 was tested for IgE‐binding reactivity in sera obtained from children with allergic asthma by the Affiliated Wuxi Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu, China). rDer p 22 also was used to challenge BALB/c mice to assess effects on T helper cells and cytokine levels and applied to cultured lung epithelial cells to evaluate apoptosis and cytokine secretion.

Results

rDer p 22 bound to IgE in 93.75% of sera from pediatric allergic asthma patients. Mice challenged with rDer p 22 had altered Th1/Th2 ratios in spleen and lymph, and lower levels of cytokines IFN‐γ but higher levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10 in alveolar lavage fluid compared with controls (p < .05). Cultured lung epithelial cells had greater apoptosis rates and exhibited higher levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, and GM‐CSF when treated with rDer p 22 compared with control treatment (p < .05).

Conclusions

Recombinant Der p 22 exhibited high IgE‐binding rates in allergic children, indicating the activity of the recombinant protein and suggesting this novel allergen may be appropriate for inclusion in an allergy diagnostic workup. This finding is supported by in vitro and mouse in vivo studies showing rDer p 22 induced strong allergenic reactivity and apoptosis.
Therapeutic effects elicited by the probiotic Lacticaseibacillusrhamnosus GG in children with atopic dermatitis. The results of the ProPAD trial
Authors: Carucci Laura , Nocerino Rita , Paparo Lorella , De Filippis Francesca , Coppola Serena , Giglio Veronica , Cozzolino Tommaso , Valentino Vincenzo , Sequino Giuseppina , Bedogni Giorgio , Russo Roberto , Ercolini Danilo , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: August 2022

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting up to 20% of the pediatric population associated with alteration of skin and gut microbiome. Probiotics have been proposed for AD treatment. The ProPAD study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in children with AD.

Methods

In total, 100 AD patients aged 6–36 months were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial to receive placebo (Group A) or LGG (1 x 1010 CFU/daily) (Group B) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the evaluation of the efficacy of LGG supplementation on AD severity comparing the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index at baseline (T0) and at 12‐week (T12). A reduction of ≥8.7 points on the SCORAD index was considered as minimum clinically important difference (MCID). The secondary outcomes were the SCORAD index evaluation at 4‐week (T16) after the end of LGG treatment, number of days without rescue medications, changes in Infant Dermatitis Quality Of Life questionnaire (IDQOL), gut microbiome structure and function, and skin microbiome structure.

Results

The rate of subjects achieving MCID at T12 and at T16 was higher in Group B (p < .05), and remained higher at T16 (p < .05)The number of days without rescue medications was higher in Group B. IDQOL improved at T12 in the Group B (p < .05). A beneficial modulation of gut and skin microbiome was observed only in Group B patients.

Conclusions

The probiotic LGG could be useful as adjunctive therapy in pediatric AD. The beneficial effects on disease severity and quality of life paralleled with a beneficial modulation of gut and skin microbiome.
Cord blood IgE predicts allergic sensitization, elevation of exhaled nitric oxide, and asthma in schoolchildren
Authors: Lee Hsin‐Ju , Tsai Hui‐Ju , Huang Hsin‐Yi , Gau Chun‐Chun , Ho Chia‐Hua , Huang Jing‐Long , Yao Tsung‐Chieh
Published: August 2022

Background

Few data are available in Asian children regarding the validity of cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) in predicting allergic sensitization and pulmonary function. The relationship between cord blood IgE and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) remains unknown. This study investigated the associations of cord blood IgE with allergic sensitization, FeNO, pulmonary function, and allergic diseases in Asian children.

Methods

Five hundred and sixty‐six Asian children with valid cord blood IgE measurements at birth participated a 6‐year follow‐up visit including a questionnaire, serum total and allergen‐specific IgE, FeNO measurement, and spirometry. Regression‐based analyses with covariates adjustment were applied.

Results

Cord blood IgE levels were significantly associated with FeNO levels (β = 0.131, p < .001) and serum total IgE levels (β = 0.325, p < .001). Cord blood IgE levels were positively associated with allergic sensitization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.22, p < .001), and sensitization to mites (p = .002), animals (p = .023), and foods (p = .048). Subjects with cord blood IgE ≥0.24 kU/L (the optimal cutoff) were significantly associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization (AOR = 2.63, p < .001) and asthma (AOR = 2.35, p = .024) than those with cord blood IgE <0.24 kU/L. Subjects with cord blood IgE ≥0.24 kU/L had significantly higher FeNO levels than those with cord blood IgE <0.24 kU/L (p = .028). There were no significant associations between cord blood IgE levels and pulmonary function parameters.

Conclusion

Cord blood IgE ≥0.24 kU/L predicts allergic sensitization, FeNO elevation, and asthma among Asian schoolchildren, suggesting cord blood IgE would be useful for identifying newborns at risk of subsequent allergic sensitization and allergic airway inflammation.
Sensitivity to movement‐evoked pain, central sensitivity symptoms, and pro‐nociceptive profiles in people with chronic shoulder pain: A parallel‐group cross‐sectional investigation
Authors: Othman Rani , Swain Nicola , Tumilty Steve , Jayakaran Prasath , Mani Ramakrishnan
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate whether sensitivity to movement‐evoked pain (SMEP), central sensitivity symptom burden, and quantitative sensory testing (QST) outcomes differ between healthy controls and people with chronic shoulder pain.

Methods

People with chronic shoulder pain (n = 39) and healthy controls (n = 26) completed validated questionnaires measuring demographic, pain characteristics, psychological factors, social support, sleep quality, central sensitivity inventory (CSI), and physical activity levels. A blinded assessor administered QST measuring pressure pain threshold, temporal summation, conditioned pain modulation, and cold hyperalgesia. All participants performed repeated lifting of weighted canisters and reported severity of pain over successive lifts of the weighted canisters. Between‐group differences in the QST, SMEP and CSI scores were investigated. Demographic and psychosocial variables were adjusted in the analyses.

Results

Dynamic mechanical allodynia, mechanical temporal summation, movement‐evoked pain scores, SMEP index, and CSI scores were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the chronic shoulder pain group than in healthy controls. A significant proportion of people with chronic shoulder pain presented with pro‐nociceptive profiles and experienced higher pain severity, interference, and disability.

Conclusions

People with chronic shoulder pain displayed symptoms and signs of central sensitization. Future research should investigate the predictive role of central sensitization on clinical outcomes in shoulder pain.
The development and psychometric properties of the grudge aspect measure
Authors: van Monsjou Elizabeth , Muise Amy , Fergus Karen , Struthers Charles Ward
Published: August 2022

Grudges are a common response to an interpersonal transgression that have received limited empirical attention. In the current research, we developed a self‐report measure of holding a grudge—the grudge aspect measure. The items were based on key findings from van Monsjou et al.'s (2021) thematic analysis: the six underlying components of holding a grudge identified in their analysis (need for validation, moral superiority, inability to let go, latency, sever ties, and expectations of the future); the cyclical process of holding a grudge which is characterized by persistent negative affect and intrusive thoughts that interfere with one's quality of life; and the definition of a grudge as sustained feelings of hurt and anger that dissipate over time but are easily reignited. Across three studies, we validated an 18‐item scale capturing three aspects of holding a grudge: disdain, feelings of dislike and intolerance for the transgressor; emotional persistence, sustained negative affect such as anger and hurt; and perceived longevity, perceptions of never being able to let go of the grudge. As expected, these aspects of holding a grudge were linked to less forgiveness and greater general unforgiveness, as well as revenge, avoidance, and rumination. Topics for future research are discussed.
Mental health and periodontal and peri‐implant diseases
Authors: Ball Jake , Darby Ivan
Published: August 2022

Mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, affect a significant number of the global population. Several pathophysiological pathways for these disorders have been identified, including the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, and the immune system. In addition, life events, environmental factors, and lifestyle affect the onset, progression, and recurrence of mental health disorders. These may all overlap with periodontal and/or peri‐implant disease. Mental health disorders are associated with more severe periodontal disease and, in some cases, poorer healing outcomes to nonsurgical periodontal therapy. They can result in behavior modification, such as poor oral hygiene practices, tobacco smoking, and alcohol abuse, which are also risk factors for periodontal disease and, therefore, may have a contributory effect. Stress has immunomodulatory effects regulating immune cell numbers and function, as well as proinflammatory cytokine production. Stress markers such as cortisol and catecholamines may modulate periodontal bacterial growth and the expression of virulence factors. Stress and some mental health disorders are accompanied by a low‐grade chronic inflammation that may be involved in their relationship with periodontal disease and vice versa. Although the gut microbiome interacting with the central nervous system (gut‐brain axis) is thought to play a significant role in mental illness, less is understood about the role of the oral microbiome. The evidence for mental health disorders on implant outcomes is lacking, but may mainly be through behaviourial changes. Through lack of compliance withoral hygiene and maintenance visits, peri‐implant health can be affected. Increased smoking and risk of periodontal disease may also affect implant outcomes. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been linked with higher implant failure. They have an anabolic effect on bone, reducing turnover, which could account for the increased loss.
Medical student mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Jupina Madison , Sidle Meg Wright , Rehmeyer Caudill Cathryn J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic, medical students exhibited poorer mental health relative to the general population and other students. This research aimed to assess American medical student mental health during the pandemic's height, while also identifying stressors and vulnerable populations.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 960 US allopathic and osteopathic medical students completed a mental health survey screening for depression, anxiety, burnout, suicidal ideation and increased substance use during the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Potential relationships were explored between these mental health indicators and demographic and environmental factors, such as COVID‐19 exposure.

Findings

Of the 960 medical students surveyed, 25.1% (n = 241) screened positive for depression, 40.4% (n = 388) screened positive for anxiety, 21.3% (n = 201) met criteria for at least one dimension of burnout, 19.0% (n = 182) started or increased substance use and 7.2% (n = 69) experienced thoughts of self‐harm or suicide. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) in measures of mental health were associated with those who had accessed mental health care, had a personal COVID‐19 diagnosis, knew someone who died of COVID‐19 or were female.

Conclusions

Although rates of anxiety and substance use among medical students in our study were higher than previously reported, rates of burnout and thoughts of self‐harm or suicide were surprisingly lower. These results indicate that some aspects of remote learning imposed by the pandemic could be protective, warranting additional study for post‐pandemic medical education. Meanwhile, medical schools and clerkships should offer additional resources to students particularly vulnerable to stressors, including females and those with personal pandemic impacts.
Cutaneous lesions in a solid organ transplant recipient: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Ferguson Jessica , Cervera Carlos , Kaffenberger Benjamin , Salgado Moises , Clemente Wanessa Trindade
Published: August 2022

We present the case of a 66‐year‐old female with a history of renal transplant in 1999 with new onset fevers and diffuse skin ulcerations. In this article, we present the diagnostic studies, differential diagnosis, and treatment decisions for the case.
Comparison of ophthalmic loteprednol etabonate and prednisolone acetate effects on adrenocortical response to ACTH in dogs
Authors: Kline Kyle E. , Walton Stuart A. , Specht Andrew J. , Santoro Domenico , Watson Travis J. , Eide Megan L. , Opgenorth Taylor A. , Plummer Caryn E.
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study served to compare the degree of adrenocortical suppression following a 2‐week administration of loteprednol etabonate (LE) and prednisolone acetate (PA) ophthalmic drops.

Procedures

In this prospective double‐masked triple‐crossover study, 21 clinically healthy dogs were randomized to receive loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5%, prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension 1%, or artificial tears (AT). Each group (LE, PA, and AT) received one drop in each eye every 12 h for 2 weeks, followed by a 3‐week washout period between treatment blocks. ACTH stimulation tests were performed before and after each treatment block. Serum cortisol samples were drawn before and 60 min after administration of 1 μg/kg cosyntropin IV. Repeated‐measurement ANOVA followed by a Tukey's multiple comparisons test (or a Friedman test followed by a Dunn's multiple comparisons test) were used to compare pre‐ and post‐treatment cortisol values between each group. A p‐value of ≤.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 18 dogs completed the study. Prestimulation cortisol values were lower in the PA group compared to the LE (p = .0106), but not AT (p = .0589) groups, and post‐stimulation cortisol values were lower in the PA group than either LE (p = .0005) or AT (p = .0002) groups. There was no significant difference detected in pre‐ or post‐stimulation cortisol values after the treatment periods between LE and AT.

Conclusions

Based on the reduced suppression of cortisol values, LE caused significantly less hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis suppression than PA. A topical steroid with minimal adrenocortical suppression, such as LE, may be favorable in patients where systemic glucocorticoid effects should be avoided.
Activation of the myosin motors in fast‐twitch muscle of the mouse is controlled by mechano‐sensing in the myosin filaments
Authors: Hill Cameron , Brunello Elisabetta , Fusi Luca , Ovejero Jesús Garcia , Irving Malcolm
Published: August 2022

Myosin motors in resting muscle are inactivated by folding against the backbone of the myosin filament in an ordered helical array and must be released from that conformation to engage in force generation. Time‐resolved X‐ray diffraction from single fibres of amphibian muscle showed that myosin filament activation could be inhibited by imposing unloaded shortening at the start of stimulation, suggesting that filaments were activated by mechanical stress. Here we improved the signal‐to‐noise ratio of that approach using whole extensor digitorum longus muscles of the mouse contracting tetanically at 28°C. Changes in X‐ray signals associated with myosin filament activation, including the decrease in the first‐order myosin layer line associated with the helical motor array, increase in the spacing of a myosin‐based reflection associated with packing of myosin tails in the filament backbone, and increase in the ratio of the 1,1 and 1,0 equatorial reflections associated with movement of motors away from the backbone, were delayed by imposing 10‐ms unloaded shortening at the start of stimulation. These results show that myosin filaments are predominantly activated by filament stress, as in amphibian muscle. However, a small component of filament activation at zero load was detected, implying an independent mechanism of partial filament activation. X‐ray interference measurements indicated a switch‐like change in myosin motor conformation at the start of force development, accompanied by transient disordering of motors in the regions of the myosin filament near its midpoint, suggesting that filament zonal dynamics also play a role in its activation.

image

Key points

Activation of myosin filaments in extensor digitorum longus muscles of the mouse is delayed by imposing rapid shortening from the start of stimulation.

Stress is the major mechanism of myosin filament activation in these muscles, but there is a small component of filament activation during electrical stimulation at zero stress.

Myosin motors switch rapidly from the folded inhibited conformation to the actin‐attached force‐generating conformation early in force development.
An Expert Model Based on Physics-Aware Neural Network for the Prediction of Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids
Authors: Bhaumik Bivas , Changdar Satyasaran , De Soumen
Published: August 2022

Operating fluids are always a significant factor for not achieving a good enough performance of heat transfer equipment and also for growing the energy costs. To resolve this issue, nanofluids are considered a potential choice for conventional heat transfer fluids due to their efficiency for the improvement of overall thermal performance. The aim of this research is to propose a physics-guided machine learning approach by incorporating physics-based relations at the initial stage and into traditional loss functions for predicting the thermal conductivity of water-based nanofluids using a wide range of both experimental and simulated data of nanoparticles Al2O3, CuO, and TiO2. Further, smart connectionist methods, viz., ridge regression, lasso regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (xgboost (XGB)), and black-box multilayer perceptron (MLP) are applied to compare the present physics-aware MLP model based on different statistical indicators. The accuracy analyses reveal that the use of physical views to monitor the learning of neural networks shows better results with mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 0.7075%, root-mean-squared error (RMSE) = 0.0042 W/mK, and R2 = 0.9525. The temperature and volume concentration variations are discussed graphically. Furthermore, the outcomes of applied algorithms confirm that the well-known theoretical and computer-aided models show substandard results than the proposed model.
Flow Over a Square Cylinder at Intermediate Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Sharma K. R. , Dutta S.
Published: August 2022

This study experimentally investigates the flow over a stationary square cylinder in the test section of a subsonic wind tunnel. Hotwire anemometry (CTA type), particle image velocimetry (2C-PIV), and flow visualization techniques are used in the study to characterize the flow properties. The study is carried out at four intermediate Reynolds numbers (blocking width 'B' as the characteristic length) 600, 800, 1000, and 2000. The flow over the circular cylinder and square cylinder differs, particularly at intermediate Reynolds numbers, but the literature lacks detailed flow behavior over a square cylinder beyond the wake transition regime. Re = 600 is the critical Reynolds number as the flow changes from a disordered fine-scale three-dimensional regime to a shear layer transition regime. The effects of the regime alterations on the flow properties, vortex shedding frequency, and mean drag coefficient are reported in the study for all Reynolds numbers. The flow visualization supplements the CTA and PIV measurements. The turbulent kinetic energy budget has also been compared for all Reynolds numbers.
Tribological Behavior of Mg/Fe3O4 Recycled Nanocomposites Processed Through Turning Induced Deformation Technique
Authors: Pasha Mahammod Babar , Narasimha Rao R. , Ismail Syed , Tekumalla Sravya , Gupta Manoj
Published: August 2022

Magnesium nanocomposites with improved mechanical and tribological properties have attracted widespread interest in the automotive sector. Given the great potential of magnesium nanocomposites in the automotive sector and the need for recycling materials to minimize their negative impact on the environment, it is imperative to consider the possibility of a practical approach to recycling these materials. In this study, turning induced deformation (TID) technique is used to recycle the magnesium composites containing iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The chips collected from the turning process of composites were cold compacted and hot extruded into cylindrical rods. The extruded materials were investigated for their tribological response under dry sliding conditions. The wear tests were performed using a pin on disc tribometer against an EN31 alloy steel counter disc under applied loads of 10, 20, 30, and 50 N and sliding speeds of 1, 2, 3, and 5 m/s. The worn pin surfaces were examined under scanning electron microscopy integrated with an energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer to understand wear characteristics. The results revealed a better wear resistance and friction coefficient for recycled nanocomposites than pure magnesium. The enhanced wear resistance of recycled nanocomposites is attributed to the increased hardness and strength due to the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the turning induced deformation process. The wear surfaces revealed abrasion and delamination as the predominant wear mechanism, with thermal softening occurring only at the highest applied load and sliding speed.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: August 2022

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
Boundary admittance estimation for wave-based acoustic simulations using Bayesian inference
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Xiang Ning , Horoshenkov Kirill V.
Published: August 2022

Acoustic surface admittance/impedance at domain boundaries is essential for wave-based acoustic simulations. This work applies two levels of Bayesian inference to estimate the order and the parameter values of the multipole admittance model. The frequency-dependent acoustic admittance is experimentally measured. Incorporating the maximum entropy strategy, the unified Bayesian framework is applied to the multipole approximation. Analysis results demonstrate that multipole model-based Bayesian inference is well suited to estimating the arbitrary frequency-dependent boundary condition within a wave-based simulation framework.
The Integrative Conjugative Element ICESpyM92 Contributes to Pathogenicity of Emergent Antimicrobial-Resistant
emm92
Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Vega Luis Alberto , Sanson Misu A. , Cubria María Belén , Regmi Shrijana , Shah Brittany J. , Shelburne Samuel A. , Flores Anthony R.
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial resistance-encoding mobile genetic elements (MGEs) may contribute to the disease potential of bacterial pathogens. We previously described the association of Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) derived from invasive disease with increasingly frequent antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Evaluating the Biological Role of Lassa Viral Z Protein-Mediated RIG-I Inhibition Using a Replication-Competent Trisegmented Pichinde Virus System in an Inducible RIG-IN Expression Cell Line
Authors: Di Da , Huang Qinfeng , Ly Hinh , Liang Yuying
Published: August 2022

Lassa virus (LASV) can cause lethal hemorrhagic fever disease in humans but other arenaviruses, such as Pichinde virus (PICV), do not cause obvious disease. We have previously shown that the Z protein of LASV but not of PICV can inhibit RIG-I, a cytosolic innate immune receptor.
Microbial Populations Are Shaped by Dispersal and Recombination in a Low Biomass Subseafloor Habitat
Authors: Anderson Rika E. , Graham Elaina D. , Huber Julie A. , Tully Benjamin J.
Published: August 2022

The cold, oxic subseafloor is an understudied habitat that is difficult to access, yet important to global biogeochemical cycles and starkly different compared to microbial habitats on the surface of the Earth. Our understanding of microbial evolution and population dynamics is largely molded by studies of microbes living in surface habitats that can host 10 to 1,000 times more microbial biomass than is frequently observed in the subsurface.
Cysteinyl Maresins Reprogram Macrophages to Protect Mice from Streptococcus pneumoniae after Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: P. Tavares Luciana , Brüggemann Thayse R. , M. Rezende Rafael , G. Machado Marina , Cagnina R. Elaine , Shay Ashley E. , C. Garcia Cristiana , Nijmeh Julie , M. Teixeira Mauro , Levy Bruce D.
Published: August 2022

Secondary bacterial pneumonia is a serious and common complication of IAV infection, leading to excess morbidity and mortality. New host-directed approaches are needed to complement antibiotics to better address this important global infectious disease.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Mutations on Its Activation by TMPRSS2 and the Alternative TMPRSS13 Protease
Authors: Stevaert Annelies , Van Berwaer Ria , Mestdagh Cato , Vandeput Julie , Vanstreels Els , Raeymaekers Valerie , Laporte Manon , Naesens Lieve
Published: August 2022

Since its introduction in humans, SARS-CoV-2 is evolving with frequent appearance of new variants. The surveillance would benefit from proactive characterization of the functional motifs in the spike (S) protein, the most variable viral factor.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Alkaliphilic, Lithoautotrophic Homoacetogen Fuchsiella alkaliacetigena Z-7100
T
Authors: Huang Yan , Nobu Masaru K. , Igarashi Kensuke , Kato Souichiro
Published: August 2022

Fuchsiella alkaliacetigena
is a spore-forming, alkaliphilic hydrogentrophic homoacetogen that was isolated from the soda lake Lake Tanatar III in Russia. The genome of the type strain Z-7100 (= DSM 24880) is 2.9 Mb, with a G+C content of 36.2%.
Comparative Metagenomics Highlight a Widespread Pathway Involved in Catabolism of Phosphonates in Marine and Terrestrial Serpentinizing Ecosystems
Authors: Frouin Eléonore , Lecoeuvre Aurélien , Armougom Fabrice , Schrenk Matthew O. , Erauso Gaël
Published: August 2022

This first comparative metagenomic study of serpentinite-hosted environments provides an objective framework to understand the functioning of these peculiar ecosystems. We showed a taxonomic similarity between the PBHF and other terrestrial serpentinite-hosted ecosystems.
Mutation in the Two-Component System Regulator YycH Leads to Daptomycin Tolerance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus upon Evolution with a Population Bottleneck
Authors: Sulaiman Jordy Evan , Wu Long , Lam Henry
Published: August 2022

Although population bottlenecks are known to influence the evolutionary dynamics of microbial populations, how such bottlenecks affect the evolution of tolerance to antibiotics in a clinically relevant methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) pathogen are still unclear. Here, we performed
in vitro
evolution of MRSA under cyclic daptomycin treatment and applied population bottlenecks following the treatment.
Supplemental Material: East Antarctic Ice Sheet variability during the middle Miocene Climate Transition captured in drill cores from the Friis Hills, Transantarctic Mountains
Authors: Chorley Hannah , et al.
Published: August 2022

Detailed methods, a complete sample list and associated palynology counts, tephra classification data, siliceous algae counts, prevalent plant genera, and paleomagnetism analyses.
Outcome in octogenarian patients with lower extremity artery disease after endovascular revascularisation: a retrospective single-centre cohort study using in-patient data
Authors: Lakomek Antonia , Köppe Jeanette , Barenbrock Henrike , Volkery Kristina , Feld Jannik , Makowski Lena , Engelbertz Christiane , Reinecke Holger , Malyar Nasser M , Freisinger Eva
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the clinical benefit of endovascular revascularisation (EVR) in octogenarian (aged ≥80 years) patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD).

Design

Retrospective single-centre study.

Setting

University hospital with a specialised centre for vascular medicine.

Participants

681 LEAD patients undergoing EVR between 2010 and 2016 were stratified by age.

Main outcome measure

Technical success, complications and mortality.

Results

The cohort comprised 172 (25.3%) octogenarian and 509 (74.7%) non-octogenarian patients. Despite higher LEAD stages and complexity of EVR in octogenarians, primary technical success rate (79% octogenarians vs 86% non-octogenarians, p=0.006) and 1-year survival (87% vs 96%, p<0.001) were overall on high levels. Especially for the octogenarians, 1-year survival depends on the presence of chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) (octogenarians: non-CLTI 98%; CLTI 79% p<0.001 vs non-octogenarians: non-CLTI 99%; CLTI 91%, p<0.001). In octogenarians, female sex (HR 0.45; 95% CI (0.24 to 0.86); p=0.015), the intake of statins (HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.65; p=0.001) and platelet aggregation inhibitors (HR 0.10; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.45; p=0.003) were independently associated with improved survival after EVR.

Conclusion

EVR can be performed safely and with sustained clinical benefit also in octogenarian patients with LEAD. After-care including medical adherence is of particular importance to improve long-term survival.
Strongyloides stercoralis prevalence in solid-organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplant candidates and recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Barkati Sapha , Naeem Faheel , Hales Lindsay , Quan Curtis , Libman Michael
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal helminth ubiquitous in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It persists in the human host for a lifetime as a result of autoinfection and if undetected and untreated, can lead to increased morbidity and high mortality in immunocompromised individuals such as the transplant population. Transplant patients, including solid-organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplants (SOT and HSCT, respectively), are at a high risk of hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis. Unfortunately screening is often not systematically performed. Prevalence estimates of Strongyloides in this high-risk population is not well studied. Through this systematic review, we aim to summarise the descriptive evidence on Strongyloides prevalence in SOT and HSCT patients, including diagnostic and screening practices alongside the cases of hyperinfection, disseminated strongyloidiasis and the mortality rate in this population.

Methods and analyses

Through the use of various online library databases, we will conduct a systematic review including relevant literature on the prevalence of Strongyloides in SOT and HSCT patients as well as studies assessing hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis in this patient population. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Study Design strategy and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines will be used to determine a final subset of studies for analysis. Quality assessment for case series and case reports will be determined by a modified quality assessment tool developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), and the CARE guidelines, respectively. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the findings pertaining to the primary and secondary outcomes of interest (prevalence of Strongyloides and mortality rate in transplant population, respectively) alongside the associated 95% CI. Estimates from individual studies will be pooled using a random effects model.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not require formal ethical approval since no primary data will be collected. Findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021269305.
Prenatal malaria exposure and risk of adverse birth outcomes: a prospective cohort study of pregnant women in the Northern Region of Ghana
Authors: Hussein Hawawu , Shamsipour Mansour , Yunesian Masud , Hassanvand Mohammad Sadegh , Agordoh Percival Delali , Seidu Mashoud Alabi , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: August 2022

Objective

Malaria remains endemic in most of sub-Saharan Africa and has a negative impact among pregnant women, resulting in morbidity and poor birth outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between malaria and adverse birth outcomes among prenatal women in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Design

This is a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at 28 weeks of gestational age and above recruited between July 2018 and May 2019 from four public hospitals in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Outcome measures

Low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth and perinatal death.

Results

A total of 1323 pregnant women completed the study out of the 1626 recruited, with an average age of 27.3±5.2 years. The incidence of malaria in this population was 9.5% (95% CI 7.9 to 11.1). After adjusting for newborn admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit, parity, maternal age and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, women who were exposed to malaria during the third trimester of pregnancy had 2.02 times (95% CI 1.36 to 2.99) higher odds of premature delivery. Furthermore, they had 2.06 times (95% CI 1.09 to 3.93) higher chance of giving birth to babies with LBW, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. With an OR of 1.02 (95% CI 0.26 to 4.01), there was no difference in perinatal mortality between pregnant women with malaria and those without malaria after adjusting for caesarean section.

Conclusion

This study confirms that prenatal malaria increases the odds of both preterm and LBW deliveries. A decisive policy to eradicate or minimise perinatal malaria is needed to contribute to the prevention of LBW and adverse pregnancy outcomes.