bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicentre retrospective analysis on pulmonary metastasectomy: an European perspective
Authors: Prisciandaro Elena , Bertolaccini Luca , Fieuws Steffen , Cara Andrea , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Huang Lin , Petersen René H , Ambrogi Marcello C , Sicolo Elisa , Barbarossa Annalisa , De Leyn Paul , Sporici Diana , Balsamo Ludovica , Donlagic Abid , Gonzalez Michel , Fuentes-Gago Marta G , Forcada-Barreda Clara , Congedo Maria T , Margaritora Stefano , Belaroussi Yaniss , Thumerel Matthieu , Tricard Jérémy , Felix Pierre , Lebeda Nina , Opitz Isabelle , De Palma Angela , Marulli Giuseppe , Braggio Cesare , Thomas Pascal A , Mbadinga Frankie , Baste Jean-Marc , Sayan Bihter , Yildizeli Bedrettin , Van Raemdonck Dirk E , Weder Walter , Ceulemans Laurens J
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES

To assess the current practice of pulmonary metastasectomy at 15 European Centres. Short- and long-term outcomes were analysed.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis on patients ≥18 years who underwent curative-intent pulmonary metastasectomy (January 2010 to December 2018). Data were collected on a purpose-built database (REDCap). Exclusion criteria were: previous lung/extrapulmonary metastasectomy, pneumonectomy, non-curative intent and evidence of extrapulmonary recurrence at the time of lung surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1647 patients [mean age 59.5 (standard deviation; SD = 13.1) years; 56.8% males] were included. The most common primary tumour was colorectal adenocarcinoma. The mean disease-free interval was 3.4 (SD = 3.9) years. Relevant comorbidities were observed in 53.8% patients, with a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders (32.3%). Video-assisted thoracic surgery was the chosen approach in 54.9% cases. Wedge resections were the most common operation (67.1%). Lymph node dissection was carried out in 41.4% cases. The median number of resected lesions was 1 (interquartile range 25–75% = 1–2), ranging from 1 to 57. The mean size of the metastases was 18.2 (SD = 14.1) mm, with a mean negative resection margin of 8.9 (SD = 9.4) mm. A R0 resection of all lung metastases was achieved in 95.7% cases. Thirty-day postoperative morbidity was 14.5%, with the most frequent complication being respiratory failure (5.6%). Thirty-day mortality was 0.4%. Five-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 62.0% and 29.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary metastasectomy is a low-risk procedure that provides satisfactory oncological outcomes and patient survival. Further research should aim at clarifying the many controversial aspects of its daily clinical practice.
Spontaneous gas gangrene of the pancreas: extremely rare condition
Authors: Zaidi Bacem , Sindi Sihem , Belgacem Leila , Mansi Zied , Gazzah Wael , Salah Khalil Ben
Published: April 2024

Acute pancreatitis is a common condition, only occasionally leading to necrosis of the pancreas. In instances where abscess formation takes place, the predominant microbial profile involves both aerobic and anaerobic enteric species. We present the case of a patient with clostridial emphysematous pancreatitis who developed pneumoperitoneum without associated visceral perforation.
Detection of a Human Adenovirus Outbreak, Including Some Critical Infections, Using Multipathogen Testing at a Large University, September 2022–January 2023
Authors: Montgomery JoLynn P , Marquez Juan Luis , Nord Jennifer , Stamper Aleksandra R , Edwards Elizabeth A , Valentini Nicholas , Frank Christopher J , Washer Laraine L , Ernst Robert D , Park Ji In , Price Deanna , Collins Jim , Smith-Jeffcoat Sarah E , Hu Fang , Knox Christine L , Khan Rebia , Lu Xiaoyan , Kirking Hannah L , Hsu Christopher H
Published: April 2024

Background

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can cause outbreaks of flu-like illness in university settings. Most infections in healthy young adults are mild; severe illnesses rarely occur. In Fall 2022, an adenovirus outbreak was identified in university students.

Methods

HAdV cases were defined as university students 17–26 years old who presented to the University Health Service or nearby emergency department with flu-like symptoms (eg, fever, cough, headache, myalgia, nausea) and had confirmed adenovirus infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from electronic medical records; clinical severity was categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or critical. We performed contact investigations among critical cases. A subset of specimens was sequenced to confirm the HAdV type.

Results

From 28 September 2022 to 30 January 2023, 90 PCR-confirmed cases were identified (51% female; mean age, 19.6 years). Most cases (88.9%) had mild illness. Seven cases required hospitalization, including 2 critical cases that required intensive care. Contact investigation identified 44 close contacts; 6 (14%) were confirmed HAdV cases and 8 (18%) reported symptoms but never sought care. All typed HAdV-positive specimens (n = 36) were type 4.

Conclusions

While most students with confirmed HAdV had mild illness, 7 otherwise healthy students had severe or critical illness. Between the relatively high number of hospitalizations and proportion of close contacts with symptoms who did not seek care, the true number of HAdV cases was likely higher. Our findings illustrate the need to consider a wide range of pathogens, even when other viruses are known to be circulating.
Italian women who have sex with women: prevalence and co-occurrence of sexual practices
Authors: Pavanello Decaro Sofia , Pessina Rodolfo , Biella Marco , Prunas Antonio
Published: April 2024

Background

Sexuality research on the sexual practices of women who have sex with women (WSW) has thus far mostly centered on risk factors and addressed a limited number of practices, with a focus on oral sex and insertive vaginal sex.

Aim

This study arises from the need to fill such a significant gap, which prevents researchers, clinicians, and policy makers from being adequately up-to-date on the sexual habits and tendencies of this population.

Methods

A multiple-choice questionnaire was completed by 723 WSW with a mean (SD) age of 29.14 (6.94) years.

Outcomes

The survey included closed questions on sexual practices, including genital and oral sex, but also nongenital sexual contact (petting and intercrural sex), anal sex, and kinky practices.

Results

The most common sexual practices were self-masturbation (99.03%), oral sex (performed or received, 98.20%), and insertive genital sex (performed or received, 89.07%). Half of our sample had tried kinky practices at least once in a lifetime (51.31%). Respondents tended to experiment sexually more with stable partners rather than with casual ones. Comparisons among practices in the lesbian and bisexual population are presented.

Clinical Implications

Providers should be aware that sexual orientations have their own specificities, including sexuality and practices, which should increase their knowledge and comfort in working with sexual minorities.

Strengths and Limitations

The novel topic of the study addresses the gap in sexuality research among WSW. Strengths include the sex-positive approach, the inclusion of an array of sexual practices, and the consideration of the specificities of the group. Limitations in the generalization of the results are the cross-sectional design and the explicit topic, which may have kept some persons from responding.

Conclusion

We propose the framing of sex as going beyond genital contact, and we invite clinicians and researchers who come into contact with WSW to be aware that sexual orientation can be associated with specificities regarding sexuality and sexual practices.
Serum copeptin, lactate, and shock index as predictors of morbidity and mortality in shocked acutely poisoned patients
Authors: Abdelhamid Walaa G , Elmorsy Sarah A , Muhammed Ahmed , Mostafa Olfat E , Saeed Sara
Published: April 2024

Background: Poisoning-induced shock is a serious medical emergency with a high mortality rate. Hospitalized poisoned individuals experience multiple adverse cardiovascular events that could progress to cardiac arrest. This study was designed to compare the prognostic role of the admission shock index and plasma copeptin level in shocked poisoned patients and to evaluate their associations with initial patients’ characteristics and outcomes. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on acutely poisoned adult patients. Results: A total of 41 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of all patients was 27.05 ± 10.99 years and most of the patients were females (n = 27, 66%). Pesticides were the most common type of poisoning (n = 18, 44%), followed by cardiovascular drugs (n = 12, 29.3%). Eleven (26.8%) patients died during the hospital stay length. The initial serum copeptin level and shock index could predict organ dysfunction indexed by sequential organ assessment score (SOFA) with area under the curve (AUCs) of 0.862 and 0.755, respectively. Initial serum copeptin and lactate levels, SOFA score, and their combination can strongly differentiate between survivors and non-survivors with an AUC of 0.944, 0.885, and 0.959, and 0.994, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that the shock index, serum lactate level, and SOFA score may help in risk stratifying patients and predicting outcomes in critically ill patients with poisoning-induced shock. Copeptin is superior to the shock index in predicting mortality among the studied patients. However, a combination of SOFA score, serum copeptin level, and serum lactate level can develop a more predominant prediction for overall clinical outcomes in these patients.
Helper Component-Proteinase of Triticum Mosaic Virus Is a Viral Determinant of Wheat Curl Mite Transmission
Authors: Szydło Wiktoria , Wosula Everlyne N. , Knoell Elliot , Hein Gary L. , Mondal Shaonpius , Tatineni Satyanarayana
Published: April 2024

Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV; genus Poacevirus; family Potyviridae) is an economically important virus in the Great Plains region of the United States. TriMV is transmitted by the wheat curl mite ( Aceria tosichella) Type 2 genotype but not by Type 1. Helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) is a vector transmission determinant for several potyvirids, but the role of HC-Pro in TriMV transmission is unknown. In this study, we examined the requirement of the HC-Pro cistron of TriMV for wheat curl mite (Type 2) transmission through deletion and point mutations and constructing TriMV chimeras with heterologous HC-Pros from other potyvirids. TriMV with complete deletion of HC-Pro failed to be transmitted by wheat curl mites at detectable levels. Furthermore, TriMV chimeras with heterologous HC-Pros from aphid-transmitted turnip mosaic virus and tobacco etch virus, or wheat curl mite-transmitted wheat streak mosaic virus, failed to be transmitted by wheat curl mites. These data suggest that heterologous HC-Pros did not complement TriMV for wheat curl mite transmission. A decreasing series of progressive nested in-frame deletions at the N-terminal region of HC-Pro comprising amino acids 3 to 125, 3 to 50, 3 to 25, 3 to 15, 3 to 8, and 3 and 4 abolished TriMV transmission by wheat curl mites. Additionally, mutation of conserved His20, Cys49, or Cys52 to Ala in HC-Pro abolished TriMV transmissibility by wheat curl mites. These data suggest that the N-terminal region of HC-Pro is crucial for TriMV transmission by wheat curl mites. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the HC-Pro cistron of TriMV is a viral determinant for wheat curl mite transmission.
Smoking behaviour in post-acute myocardial infarction patients: cross-sectional study
Authors: Barkhurdar Waseem , Hussain Arif , Saqlain Muhammad , Zahra Rida , Hussain Irshad , Saqib Muhammad , Mumtaz Hassan
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in developed countries, and cigarette smoking contributes to a significant proportion of cardiovascular-related deaths. Abstaining from tobacco use is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of recurrent myocardial infarctions.

Methodology:

In this cross-sectional study, 384 participants post-acute myocardial infarction (MI) were recruited through random sampling to explore the associations between smoking status and intention to quit smoking. Data collection took place over a 6-month period at a tertiary care hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Results:

The majority of participants were male (59.9%) and fell into the age category of 46–50 years (37.5%). Heavy daily smokers comprised the largest smoking group (41.6%), and non-ST-elevated MI was the most common subtype (40.1%). Intention to quit smoking varied among participants, with the pre-contemplation stage having the highest representation (19.3%), followed by contemplation (25.8%). Notably, a significant proportion of participants expressed no intention to quit smoking (35.4%).

Conclusion:

Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified current smoking as a significant predictor of intention to quit in the preparation and contemplation stages. Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering smoking behaviour when evaluating the intention to quit smoking post-MI and highlights the need for tailored interventions and support strategies to address smoking cessation in this population. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of effective strategies aimed at reducing persistent smoking following MI and improving patient outcomes.
Coronary artery calcification: concepts and clinical applications
Authors: Ji Bing , Liu Xue-Bo
Published: April 2024

Vascular calcification is an important hallmark of atherosclerosis. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) implies the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), irrespective of risk factors or symptoms, is concomitant with the development of advanced atherosclerosis. Coronary thrombosis is the most common clinical end event leading to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The least common type of pathology associated with thrombosis is the calcified nodule (CN). It usually occurs in elderly patients with severely calcified and tortuous arteries. The prevalence of calcified nodules in patients with ACS may be underestimated due to the lack of easily recognisable diagnostic methods. In this review, the authors will focus on the classification, clinical significance, pathogenesis, and diagnostic evaluation and treatment of CAC to further explore the clinical significance of CN.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after solid organ transplantation: a scoping review
Authors: Rawashdeh Badi , Yaghmour Nisreen , Sulieman Dara , Abuassi Mohammad , Cooper Matthew
Published: April 2024

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a stress-induced cardiomyopathy that causes temporary left ventricular wall motion abnormalities and abrupt reversible heart failure. The incidence of perioperative TTS is proportional to the severity of surgical trauma, the duration of the procedure, and the degree of apparent sympathetic activity. A growing number of articles have discussed TTS after a solid organ transplant (SOT), which is one of the circumstances in which physical and emotional stress are at their highest levels. The majority of published cases involved patients who had received an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). TTS occurred in 0.3–1.7% of liver transplant recipients, but a limited number of cases of TTS in patients who had received kidney, heart, or lung transplants have also been documented. In this study, we analyzed the TTS instances that developed after SOT, highlighting the symptoms and causes as well as the various treatment approaches that were applied. Most TTS cases following OLT and kidney transplant cases occurred in the first week of the surgery. However, the majority of cases occurred years after heart transplantation. Dizziness, dyspnoea, and chest discomfort are the most typical symptoms. Patients may also experience syncope and generalized weakness. In spite of this, the symptoms differ depending on the transplanted organ. Dyspnoea is a common symptom after lung transplants, whereas chest discomfort and dizziness are a common symptom after liver and kidney transplants. Yet, chest pain is not a typical symptom after a heart transplant.
Quantitative sensory testing for assessment of somatosensory function in children and adolescents: a scoping review
Authors: Tutelman Perri R. , MacKenzie Nicole E. , Chambers Christine T. , Coffman Siobhan , Cornelissen Laura , Cormier Brittany , Higgins Kristen S. , Phinney Jackie , Blankenburg Markus , Walker Suellen
Published: April 2024

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) refers to a group of noninvasive psychophysical tests that examine responses to a range of calibrated mechanical and thermal stimuli. Quantitative sensory testing has been used extensively in adult pain research and has more recently been applied to pediatric pain research. The aims of this scoping review were to map the current state of the field, to identify gaps in the literature, and to inform directions for future research. Comprehensive searches were run in 5 databases. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by 2 reviewers. Data related to the study aims were extracted and analyzed descriptively. A total of 16,894 unique studies were identified, of which 505 were screened for eligibility. After a full-text review, 301 studies were retained for analysis. Date of publication ranged from 1966 to 2023. However, the majority of studies (61%) were published within the last decade. Studies included participants across the developmental trajectory (ie, early childhood to adolescence) and most often included a combination of school-age children and adolescents (49%). Approximately 23% of studies were conducted in healthy samples. Most studies (71%) used only one QST modality. Only 14% of studies reported using a standardized QST protocol. Quantitative sensory testing in pediatric populations is an emerging and rapidly growing area of pain research. Future work is needed using comprehensive, standardized QST protocols to harness the full potential that this procedure can offer to our understanding of pediatric pain.
Preliminary development of a measure of parental behavioral responses to everyday pains in young children: the PREP
Authors: Tutelman Perri R. , Chambers Christine T. , Parker Jennifer A. , Eisen Samantha J. , Noel Melanie
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Everyday pains are experienced frequently by young children. Parent responses shape how young children learn about and experience pain. However, research on everyday pains in toddlers and preschoolers is scarce, and no self-report measures of parent responses to their child's pain exist for this age group.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to develop a preliminary self-report measure of parent behavioral responses to everyday pains in the toddler and preschool years (the PREP) and examine its relationship with child age, sex, and parent and child distress.

Methods:

Items for the PREP were based on a behavioural checklist used in a past observational study of caregiver responses to toddler's everyday pains. Parents (N = 290; 93% mothers) of healthy children (47.9% boys) between 18 and 60 months (Mage = 34.98 months, SD = 11.88 months) completed an online survey of 46 initial PREP items, demographic characteristics, and their child's typical distress following everyday pains. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the PREP items that describe observable actions parents may take in response to their young child's everyday pains.

Results:

The final solution included 10 items across 3 factors: Distract, Physical Soothe, and Extra Attention and explained 60% of the model variance. All PREP subscales were related to child distress; only Physical Soothe and Extra Attention were related to parent distress.

Conclusion:

This study was a preliminary step in the development and testing of a new self-report measure of parental responses to everyday pains during early childhood.
Proposal of Sphingobacterium allocomposti nom. nov., Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. bovistauri nom. nov. and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. allosunkii nom. nov. as new names with replacement specific or subspecific epithets, respectively, for three illegitimate prokaryotic names Sphingobacterium composti Yoo et al. 2007, Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. bovis Kim et al. 2017 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. sunkii Kudo et al. 2012; proposal of Christiangramia oceanisediminis comb. nov. and Christiangramia crocea comb. nov. as replacement names respectively for two illegitimate prokaryotic names Gramella oceanisediminis Yang et al. 2023 and Gramella crocea Zhang et al. 2023
Authors: Goo Ruo-Yun , Li Meng-Syun
Published: April 2024

As required by Rule 54 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes, the authors propose the replacement specific epithet ‘allocomposti’ for the illegitimate prokaryotic name Sphingobacterium composti Yoo et al. 2007, the replacement subspecific epithet ‘bovistauri’ for Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. bovis Kim et al. 2017 and the replacement subspecific epithet ‘allosunkii’ for Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. sunkii Kudo et al. 2012. Meanwhile, new combinations Christiangramia oceanisediminis and Christiangramia crocea are also proposed as replacements for the illegitimate prokaryotic names Gramella oceanisediminis Yang et al. 2023 and Gramella crocea Zhang et al. 2023, respectively.
Using Deep Learning to Automate Eosinophil Counting in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Histopathological Images
Authors: Reigle James , Lopez-Nunez Oscar , Drysdale Erik , Abuquteish Dua , Liu Xiaoxuan , Putra Juan , Erdman Lauren , Griffiths Anne M. , Prasath Surya , Siddiqui Iram , Dhaliwal Jasbir
Published: April 2024

Background

Accurate identification of inflammatory cells from mucosal histopathology images is important in diagnosing ulcerative colitis. The identification of eosinophils in the colonic mucosa has been associated with disease course. Cell counting is not only time-consuming but can also be subjective to human biases. In this study we developed an automatic eosinophilic cell counting tool from mucosal histopathology images, using deep learning.

Method

Four pediatric IBD pathologists from two North American pediatric hospitals annotated 530 crops from 143 standard-of-care hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) rectal mucosal biopsies. A 305/75 split was used for training/validation to develop and optimize a U-Net based deep learning model, and 150 crops were used as a test set. The U-Net model was then compared to SAU-Net, a state-of-the-art U-Net variant. We undertook post-processing steps, namely, (1) the pixel-level probability threshold, (2) the minimum number of clustered pixels to designate a cell, and (3) the connectivity. Experiments were run to optimize model parameters using AUROC and cross-entropy loss as the performance metrics.

Results

The F1-score was 0.86 (95%CI:0.79-0.91) (Precision: 0.77 (95%CI:0.70-0.83), Recall: 0.96 (95%CI:0.93-0.99)) to identify eosinophils as compared to an F1-score of 0.2 (95%CI:0.13-0.26) for SAU-Net (Precision: 0.38 (95%CI:0.31-0.46), Recall: 0.13 (95%CI:0.08-0.19)). The inter-rater reliability was 0.96 (95%CI:0.93-0.97). The correlation between two pathologists and the algorithm was 0.89 (95%CI:0.82-0.94) and 0.88 (95%CI:0.80-0.94) respectively.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that deep learning-based automated eosinophilic cell counting can obtain a robust level of accuracy with a high degree of concordance with manual expert annotations.
Construction and empirical of ICU patient follow-up model based on symptom management theory: a quasi-randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Li Qinqin , Yao Li , Wang Tingshu , Wang Tingrui , Liu Yan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

With the gradual improvement of medical treatment and nursing, more and more patients are successfully transferred out of the ICU. However, intensive care unit (ICU) survivors often experience long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological problems, and their family members also experience physical and psychological dysfunction, summarized as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), affecting their health-related quality of life. Post-ICU follow-up can improve post-ICU syndrome in patients and their families, but the optimal mode of post-ICU follow-up remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to build a follow-up model of ICU patients based on symptom management theory.

Methods and analysis

This study is a quasi-randomized controlled trial that will be conducted in multiple ICUs at one hospital in China, with patients enrolled from January 2024 to December 2024 and followed for 6 months. We expect to enroll 180 ICU patients. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of post-ICU syndrome (PICS) after ICU transfer, and the secondary outcome measure was the incidence of PCS-F, health economics evaluation, and patient/family satisfaction.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by the research ethics committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University (2023 ethical review No. 061). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international scientific conferences to publicize the research to healthcare professionals, health service authorities and the public.

Strengths and limitations of this study

The strength of this study is that this project adopts systematic and scientific research methods, and the ICU post-follow-up model built on the basis of symptom management theory aims to provide patients with the required, predictable and whole-course ICU post-follow-up service, which is helpful to meet the needs of patients under the realistic situation of limited medical resources, and is conducive to improving the utilization efficiency of medical resources. It is of great significance to optimize medical service system.

In the process of clinical implementation of randomized controlled trials, there are many resistance and force majeure factors, and ICU patients are especially special, and they are still in a weak state after being transferred out of ICU, and the implementation of randomized controlled trials is very difficult. Based on this, this study adopts experimental research.

This study was only conducted in one hospital in Guizhou, China, which may have some limitations and should be expanded in the future.

The nature of the intervention does not allow blinding of study personnel and eligible patients at ICUs.
Traditional Healers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions About Tuberculosis and Collaboration with the Conventional Health System in the Kereyu Pastoralist Area of Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sima Bezawit Temesgen , Belachew Tefera , Bjune Gunnar , Abebe Fekadu
Published: April 2024

Background

Traditional Healers (THs) hold significant roles in many developing countries, often sought for ailments like tuberculosis (TB). However, their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding TB, particularly in Ethiopia’s pastoralist areas, remains unexamined. This study evaluates THs’ KAP on TB and their perceptions to collaborate with conventional health systems on TB control.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among THs in Kereyu, Ethiopia from September 2014 to January 2015. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, 268 THs were interviewed. Health Extension workers helped identify the THs.

Results

Of the 268 participants, 80.6% were male. 97.4% were aware of TB (locally “dukubba soombaa”), with 80.2% associating its cause to proximity with a TB patient. Coughing for over two weeks was identified as a primary TB symptom by 87.35%. However, 66.4% displayed limited biomedical knowledge on TB. A notable 38.4% associated TB with sadness and hopelessness, while 47.8% utilized plant-based remedies for treatment. Impressively, 86.2% expressed willingness to collaborate with conventional health services for TB control.

Conclusion

The THs had limited biomedical knowledge and some misconceptions about TB. Despite providing traditional medicine to treat TB, their readiness to collaborate with established health systems is promising. Thus, Ethiopian TB control initiatives should consider integrating THs via targeted training and health education interventions.
Mutational alterations in the QRDR regions associated with fluoroquinolone resistance inPseudomonas aeruginosaof clinical origin from Savar, Dhaka
Authors: Arefin Md. Shamsul , Mitu Meftahul Jannat , Mitu Shomaia Yasmin , Noorjahan Azmeri , Mobin Mir , Nahar Shamsun , Anjum Hasnain , Rahman M. Hasibur
Published: April 2024

Bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV are the major targets of quinolone antibiotic, and mutational alterations in quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDR) serve as major mechanism of resistance in most bacterial species, includingP. aeruginosa. The present investigation was aimed to study the molecular mechanism of fluoroquinolone resistance among clinicalP. aeruginosaisolated from Dhaka, including alterations in target sites of the antimicrobial action.

Laboratory collection of 53P. aeruginosawere subjected to conventional cultural and biochemical characterization, followed by molecular identification using 16S rDNA sequencing. Susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin was tested by disc diffusion method followed by MIC assay. Resistant isolates were analyzed for mutation in their QRDR regions ofgyrAandparC, and subjected to PCR detection of plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genesqnrA, qnrS and qnrB.

Among the isolates, 28% were found to be resistant to both fluoroquinolones tested. All of the fluoroquinolone resistant isolates carried a single mutation ingyrA(Thr-83-Ile), while 20% carried a singleparCmutation (Ser-87-Leu). Higher level of MIC was observed in isolates carrying alterations at both sites. None of the isolates harbored any PMQR genes investigated, suggesting that chromosomal mutations in QRDR regions to be the major contributing factor for quinolone resistance inP. aeruginosaunder investigation.
Estimating the impact of single-cell RNA sequencing of human tissues on drug target validation
Authors: Dann Emma , Teeple Erin , Elmentaite Rasa , Meyer Kerstin B , Gaglia Giorgio , Nestle Frank , Savova Virginia , de Rinaldis Emanuele , Teichmann Sarah A
Published: April 2024

Whilst the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to understand target biology is well established, its predictive role in increasing the clinical success of therapeutic targets remains underexplored. Inspired by previous work on an association between genetic evidence and clinical success, we used retrospective analysis of known drug target genes to identify potential predictors of target clinical success from scRNA-seq data. We investigated whether successful drug targets are associated with cell type specific expression in a disease-relevant tissue (cell type specificity), and with cell type specific over-expression in disease patients compared to healthy controls (disease cell specificity). Analysing scRNA-seq data across diseases and tissues, we found that both cell type and disease cell specificity are features enriched in targets entering clinical development, and that cell type specificity in the disease-relevant tissue is robustly predictive of target progression from Phase I to II. While scRNA-seq analysis identifies a larger and complementary target space to that of direct genetic evidence, its association with specificity and drug approval appears less clear. We discuss how further expansion and harmonization of single-cell datasets, more sophisticated integration of this data in target discovery, and improved methods for tracking clinical trial outcomes could enhance our ability to leverage scRNA-seq insights in drug development in future.
Molecular basis of human nuclear and mitochondrial tRNA 3’-processing
Authors: Bhatta Arjun , Kuhle Bernhard , Yu Ryan D. , Spanaus Lucas , Ditter Katja , Bohnsack Katherine E. , Hillen Hauke S.
Published: April 2024

Eukaryotic transfer RNA (tRNA) precursors undergo sequential processing steps to become mature tRNAs. In humans, ELAC2 carries out 3’-end processing of both nucleus-encoded (nu-tRNAs) and mitochondria-encoded tRNAs (mt-tRNAs). ELAC2 is self-sufficient for processing of nu-tRNAs, but requires TRMT10C and SDR5C1 to process most mt-tRNAs. Here, we show that TRMT10C-SDR5C1 specifically facilitate processing of structurally degenerate mt-tRNAs lacking the canonical elbow. Structures of ELAC2 in complex with TRMT10C, SDR5C1 and two divergent mt-tRNA substrates reveal two distinct mechanisms of pre-tRNA recognition. While canonical nu-tRNAs and mt-tRNAs are recognized by direct ELAC2-RNA interactions, processing of non-canonical mt-tRNAs depends on protein-protein interactions between ELAC2 and TRMT10C. These results provide the molecular basis for tRNA 3’-processing in both the nucleus and mitochondria and explain the organelle-specific requirement for additional factors. Moreover, they suggest that TRMT10C–SDR5C1 evolved as a mitochondrial tRNA maturation platform to compensate for the structural erosion of mt-tRNAs in bilaterian animals.
Field flattening concepts for linac cavities of the cross-bar
H
type
Authors: Almomani Ali M. , Ratzinger Ulrich
Published: April 2024

The development of cross-bar H-type cavities (CH-DTL, H21 mode) is ongoing to improve the technology of this attractive type of drift tube linac (DTL). In comparison with the conventional DTL, the H-type cavities can reach a higher effective field gradient and are competitive in shunt impedance at an energy range up to 100 A MeV. H-mode DTL’s profit in shunt impedance additionally when applying the KONUS beam dynamics. They are in use at research laboratories as well as at hospitals. This paper describes a new concept to approach the zero mode in CH-type cavities, by extending the cavity diameter at the tank ends in combination with tilted drift tube stems. RFQs of the four-vane type are operated as well in the H210 mode and the strategy for voltage flattening can be partly applied there too if conventional vane undercuts are causing problems. Up to around 35 MeV, it is attractive to integrate one or more triplet lenses into each cavity, as one KONUS section is relatively short and would not exploit the full rf power of 3 MW klystrons which are available above 300 MHz. Such a cavity is denoted as a coupled CH-cavity CCH. Three possible arrangements of those internal triplet lenses are discussed and are compared to each other. The operating modes as well as higher modes are then compared with a lens-free CH cavity, where the lens position was filled by ordinary drift tubes. As a result, it is shown that the rf behavior and resonance frequency for the higher harmonics of the frequency band are very similar for all four investigated arrays. This means, that the tuning behavior of the CCH cavity can be simply deduced from the lens-free CH cavity by replacing an even number of ordinary drift tubes (nβλ) with a lens-containing drift tube with adequate length and large outer diameter. This large drift tube itself oscillates like an Alvarez-type drift tube. rf simulations on a 30-gap CH cavity show that the reduction in shunt impedance is about 10% when installing a lens with length 2 beta lambda.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Collisional simulations of the modulator section in coherent electron cooling
Authors: Al Marzouk A. , Erdélyi B.
Published: April 2024

The first section of any coherent electron cooling (CeC) system is the modulator, where the density of the electron beam is modulated by the copropagating ion beam. This density modulation is a result of Coulomb collisions between the individual particles of the two beams. The pairwise, stochastic part of the interactions impacts the overall performance of the CeC process. We present the first simulations of the density modulations of the electron beams from a collisional picture of the dynamics, considering the proof-of-principle CeC experiments at Brookhaven National Laboratory. These simulations were performed using PHAD, which is the first efficient, large-scale collisional numerical method in beam physics that we have previously developed and benchmarked. Realistic beam distributions and external fields have been optimized to provide strong modulation signals necessary for variations of coherent electron cooling systems. Cooling performance limits and potential collisionless simulation pitfalls are pointed out.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How to help students learn: An investigation of how in- and pre-service physics teachers respond to students’ explanations
Authors: Dodlek Danijela , Planinsic Gorazd , Etkina Eugenia
Published: April 2024

Research carried out through the last 20 years gave us undeniable evidence that to learn anything we need to be active participants, not passive observers. One of the important aspects of learning physics is constructing explanations of physical phenomena. To support and guide students toward constructing their explanations, teachers need to be attentive and responsive to students’ explanations. To learn how physics teachers interpret and respond to students’ explanations we investigated pre- and in-service physics teachers’ responses to students’ written explanations of their answers to a complex physics problem. The survey administered to the participants included the problem statement and four authentic student explanations. The participants were asked to identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses and to provide a response to that student. We found that while the participants were successful in identifying productive and problematic aspects of student reasoning, they rarely built on student reasoning when responding to the students, mostly focusing on addressing problematic aspects. The paper discusses why this finding is important for physics teacher preparation programs and professional development programs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Empirical assessment of the impacts of Sino-African cross border relations in the construction industry: a Confirmatory Factor Analysis approach
Authors: Akinshipe Olushola , Ikuabe Matthew , Adekunle Samuel Adeniyi , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: April 2024

Purpose

It is no news that Chinese construction companies are highly motivated to invest in Africa in terms of infrastructure and construction. This influx from the beginning of the millennium marked a game-changer for infrastructural development in most African countries. This study, therefore, explores how the partnership between China and Africa has impacted the construction industry in Africa with a focus on Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was adapted for the study, which is descriptive in nature, and the primary participants of the study were core construction professionals within the Nigerian construction industry. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire, and multivariate statistics was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The study results revealed that the benefits accrued from Chinese participation in the African construction industry can be classified into three distinct categories: socio-economic development through construction, land transportation system development and construction industry development. The study further revealed that Chinese involvement has been most beneficial to the development of the land transportation system in Nigeria with more investment in the construction and maintenance of roads and railways.

Originality/value

The study will serve as a basis for making informed future decisions on Chinese participation in the Nigerian construction industry as it exposes the impacts of the relationship within the current system. The outcome of this study can be used to refocus the partnership to ensure the optimum development of the local construction industry. The government and other relevant agencies can use the findings from this study to ensure that there is sustainable growth in the local construction industry through Chinese participation.
Dynamic dependency between health-care sector and Islamic industry: before, during and after COVID-19 lockdown evidences
Authors: Braiek Sana , Ben Said Houda
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to empirically explore and compare the dynamic dependency between health-care sector and Islamic industries before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Time-varying student-t copula is used for before, during and after COVID-19 periods. The data used are the daily frequency price series of the selected markets from February 2017 to October 2023.

Findings

Empirical results found strong evidence of significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dependence structure of the studied indexes: Co-movements between various sectors are certain. The authors assist also in the birth of new dependence structure with the health-care industry in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This reflects the contagion occurrence from the health-care sector to other sectors.

Originality/value

By specifically examining the Islamic industry, this study sheds light on the resilience, challenges and opportunities within this sector, contributing novel perspectives to the broader discourse on pandemic-related impacts on economies and industries. Also, this paper conducts a comprehensive temporal analysis, examining the dynamics before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Such approach enables an understanding of how the relationship between the health-care sector and the Islamic industry evolves over time, accounting for both short-term disruptions and long-term effects. By considering the pre-pandemic context, the paper adopts a longitudinal perspective, enabling a deeper understanding of how historical trends, structural factors and institutional frameworks shape the interplay between the health-care sector and the Islamic industry.
Dysfunctional behaviours in the Ghanaian public service: can spirituality and ethics offer solutions?
Authors: Kumasey Anthony Sumnaya , Hossain Farhad , Mamman Aminu , Delle Eric
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Concerns regarding the dysfunctional behaviours of public officials have sparked renewed interest in public service ethics and spirituality. While national and organizational systems have been established to eliminate dysfunctional behaviours such as corruption, sexual harassment and misuse of confidential information, the practice continues to have a demoralizing impact on developing countries. The study aims to intend to investigate the empirical relation between the application of spirituality and ethics in reducting dysfunctional behaviours within Ghana's Public Sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a qualitative case analysis that utilized 28 semi-structured interviews and four focus groups. Interviews and group discussions with public sector staff, managers and policymakers were used to collect qualitative data. This approach facilitated an in-depth investigation into their views on dysfunctional actions and the possible impact of workplace spirituality and ethics in the Ghanaian public service.

Findings

The study uncovered a persistent recurrence of dysfunctional behaviours, such as fraudulent activities, resource misuse, unofficial work and inappropriate use of official time. There was uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of integrating ethics and spirituality to curtail dysfunctional behaviours. Nevertheless, the results supported adopting spiritual and ethical rejuvenation in the public service as a universal solution to overcome these behaviours.

Originality/value

This study enhances comprehension of dysfunctional behaviours in Ghana's public service by providing insights into how spirituality and ethics can transform it. The potentials of workplace spirituality and ethics can lead to a strong public service that embodies accountability, integrity and effectiveness, thereby serving as a pivotal device for Ghana's holistic advancement.
Why do athletes consume luxury brands? A study on motivations and values from the lens of theory of prestige consumption
Authors: Akoğlu Halil Erdem , Yildiz Kadir , Kumar Sushant
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although extant literature exists on luxury consumption, limited studies have focused on motivation and values to consume luxury brands among athletes. The study aims to uncover the motivations that guide athletes’ decision-making processes to consume luxury brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized the theory of prestige consumption to develop a model. The model posits that bandwagon, snob and veblen motivations guide athletes to seek social and conspicuous values in their consumption of luxury brands. A survey-based questionnaire approach was used to collect data from 343 athletes from Turkey by considering brands from different product categories.

Findings

Findings indicated that bandwagon and veblen motivations are associated with social and conspicuous values. The findings also suggested that bandwagon, snob and veblen motivation are positively associated with luxury consumption intentions. Also, the social and conspicuous values of athletes determine their intentions to consume luxury. The mediating effects of social and conspicuous values are also confirmed.

Originality/value

The study's findings are first to empirically examine the influence of motivations on social and conspicuous value among athletes. The results show that the luxury consumption motivations of the athletes have a strong role in their intention to purchase luxury products. The findings also offer novel managerial implications.
Evaluating the knowledge and use of property technology among property academics in Australian universities
Authors: Abidoye Rotimi Boluwatife , Adilieme Chibuikem Michael , Ahiadu Albert Agbeko , Alamoudi Abood Khaled , Adegoriola Mayowa Idakolo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

With the increased demand for the application of technology in property activities, there is a growing need for property professionals adept in using digital technology. Hence, it is important to assess the competence of academia in equipping property professionals with digital technology skills. This study, therefore, assesses property academics in Australian universities to identify their level of knowledge and use of digital technology applicable to the property industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Online questionnaire surveys were administered to 22 out of 110 property academics contacted through the Australia Property Institute (API) database to achieve this aim. The collected data were analysed using mean score ranking and ANOVA.

Findings

The study found that apart from databases and analytics platforms such as Corelogic RP data, price finder and industry-based software such as the Microsoft Office suite and ARGUS software, the academics were not knowledgeable in most identified and sampled proptech tools. Similarly, most proptech tools were not used or taught to the students. It was also found that early career academics (below five years in academia) were the most knowledgeable group about the proptech tools.

Research limitations/implications

Relying on the API database to contact property academics potentially excludes the position of property academics who may not be affiliated or have contacts with API, hence, the findings of this study should be generalised with caution.

Practical implications

The study bears huge implications for the property education sector and industry in Australia; a low knowledge and use of nascent tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, drones, fintech, which have received intense interest, reveals some level of skill gap of students who pass through that system and may need to be upskilled by employers to meet the current day demand.

Originality/value

In response to the clamour for technology-inclined property professionals, this paper presents itself as the first to assess the knowledge levels and application of digital technology by property academics.