bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job crafting for female contractors in a male‐dominated profession
Authors: Panteli Niki , Urquhart Cathy
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we explore the job crafting experiences of women who left permanent employment for contracting positions in Information Technology (IT), a sector widely considered male‐dominated with limited career opportunities for women. This qualitative study is based on interviews with 24 female IT contractors. Findings show that through the flexibility and autonomy that come with contracting, numerous crafting practices are adopted by female IT contractors enabling them to gain empowerment in a male‐dominated environment. The study contributes to in‐depth understanding of job crafting theory by showing a reflexive relationship between role and resource crafting for women in alternative forms of employment, especially those with a high degree of autonomy. By engaging directly with the experiences of these female IT contractors, we provide unique insights into what might drive women into IT contracting, and why they often stay with this option owing to the freedom and autonomy offered.
Gene regulation at transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels to combat salt stress in plants
Authors: Singh Ankur , Roychoudhury Aryadeep
Published: July 2021

Soil salinity is a major challenge that will be faced more and more by human population in the near future. Higher salt concentrations in the soil limit the growth and production of crops, which poses serious threats to global food production. Various plant breeding approaches have been followed in the past which are reported to reduce the effect of salt stress by inducing the level of protective metabolites like osmolytes and antioxidants. Conventional breeding approaches are time‐consuming and not cost‐effective. In recent times, genetic engineering has been largely followed to confer salt tolerance through introgressions of single transgenes or stacking multiple transgenes. However, most of such works are limited only at the laboratory level and field trials are still awaited to prove the long‐term efficacy of such transgenics. In this review, we attempt to present a broad overview of the current strategies undertaken to develop halophytic and salt‐tolerant crops. The salt‐induced damages in the plants are highlighted, followed by representing the novel traits, associated with salt stress, which can be used for engineering salt tolerance in glycophytic crops. Additionally, the role of transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in plants for amelioration of salt‐induced damages has been reviewed. The role of post‐transcriptional mechanisms such as microRNA regulation, genome editing and alternative splicing, during salt stress, and their implications in the development of salt‐tolerant crops are also discussed. Finally, we present a short overview about the role of ion transporters and rhizobacteria in the engineering of salt tolerance in crop species.
Provincial luxury in Renaissance Verona
Authors: Farrell Zoe
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the ways in which taste for luxury was expressed in the homes of the provincial Renaissance elite in sixteenth‐century Verona. Through an analysis of the domestic inventories of a crosssection of Verona’s elite, this article argues that items such as gilded and carved chests, opulent bedding, tapestries, decorated objects and religious paintings formed an integral part of luxury display and formation of family identity in elite Veronese households in the sixteenth century. The article explores how otherwise utilitarian goods were frequently ornamented and used to display taste, wealth, piety and status, as the Veronese elite competed to maintain and augment their position within Verona and the Veneto.

Importantly, it is argued that as notable families in Verona manoeuvred amongst an elite social group in the Venetian mainland empire, there developed a shared taste for luxury, which largely mirrored domestic fashions emerging in Venice. Luxury furniture, fabrics and devotional objects were an important part of the construction of a splendid home and thus a positive public reputation for families navigating their way through fragile social hierarchies.
Stratigraphic architecture of a saline lake system: From lake depocentre (Alès Basin) to margins (Saint‐Chaptes and Issirac basins), Eocene–Oligocene transition, south‐east France
Authors: Lettéron Alexandre , Hamon Youri , Fournier François , Demory François , Séranne Michel , Joseph Philippe
Published: July 2021

Changes in sedimentary profiles and stratigraphic architecture over time in lake basins are shown to be relevant markers of climate changes in terrestrial palaeoenvironments. The stratigraphic architecture of the Priabonian (late Eocene)–early Rupelian (early Oligocene) Alès–Saint‐Chaptes–Issirac saline lake system has been reconstructed from the sedimentological, biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic analysis of outcrops and well cores. As a function of the inflow–evaporation balance, three distinct depositional models have been proposed for the Priabonian Alès–Saint‐Chaptes–Issirac lake system which is characterized by both fault‐controlled and low‐angle ramp‐like margins: (i) freshwater to oligohaline lake; (ii) oligohaline to mesohaline closed‐lake; and (iii) hypersaline, evaporitic closed‐lake. Two major stages of lake spreading (possibly middle Priabonian and late Priabonian–early Rupelian) separated by two stages of significant lake closure represented by evaporite succession in the Alès Basin depocentre (middle to late Priabonian) have been evidenced. Regional tectonics and climate induced changes in inflow–evaporation balance of the lake and controlled the development of transgressive–regressive cycles with calcium‐sulphate sedimentation during regression in the lake depocentre (Alès Basin) and during early transgression in lake margins (Saint‐Chaptes and Issirac basins). The correlation between the palaeohydrological cycles inferred for the Alès–Saint‐Chaptes–Issirac lake system and the regional climate changes of Priabonian stage, prior to the Eocene–Oligocene transition, strongly suggests that climate significantly impacted the nature of lacustrine depositional models and the depositional architecture of Palaeogene, syn‐rift, saline lake basins from Western Europe.
Non‐transfusion dependent thalassemia is independently associated with higher alloimmunization risk than transfusion dependent thalassemia and would benefit the most from extended red cell antigen‐matching
Authors: Ang Ai Leen , Lim Chiew Ying , Ng Weng Yik , Lam Joyce Ching Mei
Published: July 2021

Background

Alloimmunization prevalence is conventionally used to identify RBCs alloimmunization risk factors among thalassemia patients, but it may be confounded by differences in transfusion exposure especially between non‐transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) and transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients. To better identify thalassemia patients with high alloimmunization risks, we used cumulative incidence of first alloimmunization as a function of RBCs transfused to compare alloimmunization risks between TDT and NTDT and to evaluate other risk factors. We also proposed practical strategies to prevent alloimmunization in thalassemia.

Study Design and Methods

Adult TDT and NTDT patients who had received ≥2 transfusions and no alloimmunization before their first transfusion were included. Alloimmunization was defined as the development of clinically significant alloantibodies. We estimated the first alloimmunization incidence from transfusion by Kaplan–Meier analysis with the horizontal axis expressed as cumulative non‐antigen‐matched RBC units transfused. We compared this incidence between TDT and NTDT, and analyzed for other alloimmunization risk factors and the alloantibody specificities/frequencies.

Results

The alloimmunization prevalence was similar between TDT and NTDT (27% vs. 30% respectively, p = .726). However, for the same transfusion exposure, NTDT had higher alloimmunization incidence than TDT (hazard ratio 8.59, 95% confidence interval [2.25–32.74], p = .002), independent of age at first transfusion and last follow‐up, gender, and splenectomy. Anti‐E, anti‐c, anti‐Mia, and anti‐Jka were most frequent.

Discussion

NTDT has the highest alloimmunization risk and would benefit the most from extended RBC antigen‐matching, especially C, c, E, and e. Other blood group antigen‐matching should be guided by the patient/donor disparities and alloantibody frequencies in different populations.
Investigation of suspected gadolinium neurotoxicity in a dog
Authors: Fitzgerald Alyson H. , Harkin Kenneth , Biller David , Zhang Yuntao , Njaa Bradley , Ensley Steve
Published: July 2021

Gadolinium‐based contrast agents are used across species to better visualize abnormalities during MRI and are considered generally safe in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate central nervous system (CNS) gadolinium deposition in 11 dogs that had an MRI performed, received 0.22 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) of gadopentetate dimeglumine, and were necropsied on the same hospital admission. The index case was a 5‐year‐old castrated male Australian Shepherd that presented for ataxia and following MRI developed seizure‐like activity that became refractory to anticonvulsant therapy. Gadolinium concentration was quantified in CNS tissues by inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry and was 43‐fold higher in the index case. These findings suggest the possibility of gadolinium toxicity in select patients.
Serological evidence of Bartonellosis in an indigenous community in the Brazilian Legal Amazonia
Authors: Vivi‐Oliveira Viviane Karolina , Junior Adonai Alvino Pessoa , Lacerda Thays Euzébio Joaquim , Rozental Tatiana , Lemos Elba Regina Sampaio de , Espinosa Mariano Martinez , Zenazokenae Leonir Evandro , Nascimento Vagner Ferreira do , Terças‐Trettel Ana Cláudia Pereira , Santos Marina Atanaka dos
Published: July 2021

Background

Due to immunological susceptibility, close contact with the environment and way of life, indigenous communities are in a highly vulnerable condition to be affected by zoonoses, such as bartonellosis.

Methods

Seventy three paired serum samples were collected from indigenous people from a region of the Brazilian Legal Amazon, in cohorts carried out in 2014 and 2015, with the performance of serological tests by indirect immunofluorescence to detect anti‐Bartonella IgG antibodies. The interviews and laboratory results were double entered in the EpiInfo 7 software, and the data processing was performed in the MiniTab 17 software.

Results

5.47% of the indigenous people were seroreagent. The female gender was predominant (65.75%), aged between 20 and 39 years old (39.73%) with complete elementary school (42.47%). As for housing, wooden residences predominated (50.68%). Rodents were seen by 46.58% of the interviewees, and 55.88% of them reported that the animal was close to or inside the house. It was identified that each indigenous family, in its majority, had four to six cats, for the function of hunters of rodents.

Conclusion

The high concentration of domestic cats, the close contact of indigenous people with wild rodents and the lack of care and poor hygiene of both are aspects that imply the possibility of infection by Bartonella sp. Health surveillance through seroepidemiological studies is essential to find evidence of the circulation of bartonellosis in these populations.
Control Banding: The New Approach of Risk Assessment in Malaysia
Authors: Yon Hazlina
Published: July 2021

The control banding method is a simplified risk assessment for chemical handling tasks. It has been integrated into Malaysian risk assessment tool called Simple Risk Assessment and Control (SiRAC). A brief introduction of SiRAC is narrated with small medium enterprises (SMEs) as the initial target audience. SMEs are lacking in occupational safety and health knowledge and resources yet contributed 66% to employment in Malaysia. Purpose of study is to elaborate on this new tool of risk assessment. There are seven steps in the assessment where bands of hazards grouped with bands of exposure to select one of the appropriate four control approaches. Appropriate control guidance sheet will be selected based on task under each approach. SiRAC has its limitation in scope of coverage and only chemicals in liquid or solid forms can be assessed. SiRAC is using hazard classification introduced by the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) which has been embedded in the local legislation. Person to conduct SiRAC should be trained by approved training provider. SiRAC Online is under development to complement the tool. Despite its limitation and anticipated weaknesses, SiRAC is expected to be sufficient as an initial tool to assist SMEs in chemical risk management in Malaysia.
Biological sex disparity in survival outcomes following treatment for renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Nkemjika Stanley , Tokede Oluwatosin , Jadotte Yuri , Olatunji Eniola , Bosah John , Pigott Terri , Okosun Ike S.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This systematic review will assess the biological sex disparity in survival outcomes following treatment for renal cell carcinoma and analyze the estimates of biological sex disparity outcomes following supposed or proposed curative treatment.

Introduction:

Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer. There is a lack of conformity in the literature on the biological sex disparity in survival outcomes after treatment. This review will help inform the decision-making of clinicians, health care administrators, policy makers, public health workers, and pharmaceutical/biotechnology researchers in predicting positive outcomes following treatment.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will consider prospective and retrospective studies on any form of treatment for renal cell carcinoma. The Cox proportional hazard assumption will be used to conduct survival analysis. Hazard rates of participants’ survivability across biological sex will also be reported.

Methods:

A three-step search strategy will be used. First, a limited search of MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO was conducted and text words in the title, abstract, and index terms were analyzed. Second, a search using identified keywords and index terms will be tailored for all included databases. Third, the reference lists of all included reports and articles will be screened to search for additional studies. There will be no language or date restrictions. Papers not written in English but with a professional translated copy will be included. Study screening, critical appraisal, and data extraction will be conducted independently by pairs of reviewers. Data synthesis will include narrative review and meta-analysis, if appropriate.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020195721
La diversificación de la informalidad urbana: una propuesta para aproximarse a la materia desde la tensión entre lo formal y lo informal
Authors: García Diva Marcela , Jaramillo Angela Maria , Astudillo Angela , Moreno Juana , Riaño Dina Luz , Sánchez Michael , Rodriguez Ciro , Martinez Daniel
Published: July 2021

El concepto de informalidad urbana se ha abordado tradicionalmente de manera dicotómica, lo define su oposición a lo que se considera formal. Esta visión dual limita la comprensión de la complejidad espacial que se produce en las ciudades contemporáneas latinoamericanas, reflejo de las tensiones y continuidades entre lo formal e informal. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar dichas tensiones desde sus causas, perfil poblacional y proceso de desarrollo, con el fin de identificar distintos tipos de informalidad que resultan de las transformaciones que suceden entre los espacios y las personas. Esta reflexión partió de una amplia revisión documental que permitió la elaboración de tres escenarios de cambio de la informalidad que reflejan su diversificación y contribuyen tanto al conocimiento del fenómeno como al diseño de intervenciones que respondan a las distintas condiciones de la población.
Perspectiva hermenéutica y vigencia narrativa: Apuesta metodológica en Ciencias Sociales
Authors: ROJAS ARANGO BIBIANA PATRICIA
Published: July 2021

Este artículo de reflexión teórica tiene como eje clave la reflexión epistemológica alrededor de la hermenéutica y las apuestas narrativas en la investigación social como formas de aproximación al mundo y a la comprensión de los otros y otras con los que se coexiste en él. Para esto inicialmente se tiene una breve introducción, posteriormente se desarrolla los fundamentos básicos de la comprensión hermenéutica, pasando a la revisión de las perspectivas narrativas y se finaliza con algunas conclusiones.
Markov and Monte Carlo Simulation of Waste-to-Energy Power Plants Considering Variable Fuel Analysis and Failure Rates
Authors: Behbahaninia Ali , Banifateme Mohsen , Azmayesh Mohammad Hasan , Naderi Shayan , Pignatta Gloria
Published: July 2021

In the present work, a method has been developed to estimate the annual capacity factor of waste to energy power plants. The case study is an under-construction power plant located in an area of high precipitation rate. Existing data of the waste analysis in the region shows that its content, including the mass fractions of the paper, food, and plastic, changes daily and seasonally. The variation of the waste analysis in addition to components’ failure and the off-design performance of the steam cycle make the behavior of the system highly stochastic. To deal with this stochastic nature, the probability distribution function (PDF) of waste analysis is constructed to consider a range of possible inputs. Moreover, time-varying failure rates are used in Markov analysis to calculate the system’s availability by considering infant failures, random failures, and aging. Also, the off-design performance of the power plant is simulated by thermoflex to capture nonlinearities caused by steam flow reduction in the steam turbine. The PDFs of the municipal solid waste (MSW) physical analysis are estimated by sampling from a pit near the location. The Monte Carlo simulation has been used to couple the stochastic nature of the MSW content to the simulation and operation of the power plant, modeled by thermoflex. The results show 2300 kW for power generation in full load condition in the first year, highlighting 30% power derate due to municipal solid waste quality reduction.
The Axial Impact Response and Plantar Load Distribution of the Hybrid III and Military Lower Extremity Under Altered Ankle Postures
Authors: de Lange Julia E. , Quenneville Cheryl E.
Published: July 2021

Foot injuries as a result of automotive collisions are frequent and impactful. Anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs), used to assess injury risk during impact scenarios such as motor vehicle collisions, typically assess risk of foot/ankle injuries by analyzing data in tibia load cells. The peak axial force and the tibia index are metrics commonly used to evaluate risk of injury to the lower extremity but do not directly account for injury risk to the foot, or the risk of injury associated with out-of-position loading. Two ATDs, the Hybrid III lower leg and the Military Lower Extremity, were exposed to axial impacts at seven different ankle postures. An array of piezoresistive sensors located on the insole of a boot was employed during these tests to assess the load distribution variations among postures and between ATD models on the plantar surface of the foot. Both posture and ATD model affected the load distribution on the foot, highlighting the need for regional injury risk assessments in this vulnerable anatomical region. The increase in forefoot loading during plantarflexion was not reflected in the standard industry metrics of peak axial force or tibia index, suggesting that increased fracture risk to the forefoot would not be detected. The variations in load distribution between the models could also alter injury risk assessment in frontal collisions based on differences in attenuation. These data could be used for regional foot injury assessment and to inform the design of an improved ATD foot.
Effect of thermodynamic parameters on properties of silicon-carbon films prepared by radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for anti-reflective and photo-luminescent coatings
Authors: Hernández-Montero William W. , Itzmoyotl-Toxqui Adrián , Zúñiga-Islas Carlos
Published: July 2021

This work reports an experimental study on the synthesis of hydrogenated amorphous silicon-carbon (a-SiC:H) films with improved antireflective and photo-luminescent characteristics. These films were prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at a radio frequency of 13.56 MHz, varying the thermodynamic parameters of pressure, gas flows, and temperature. Silane (SiH4), methane (CH4), and hydrogen (H2) were the precursor gases. In a first experiment, composition in gas phase was varied and correlated to the composition in solid phase. Absorption spectra, conductivity, refractive index, optical gap, and photoluminescence (PL) were analyzed. Optical gap and fraction of carbon in gas phase showed a linear dependence with the atomic fraction of carbon in solid phase. Results indicated that the Si0.4C0.6 alloy exhibited a high PL as well as an optimal combination of optical gap and refractive index to be applied as antireflective coating. The subsequent optimization of PL was carried out by a fractional experiment, by varying pressure, H2 flow, and temperature. Results revealed that PL can be improved at high pressure, without H2 flow, and low temperature during glow discharge. Enhancement of PL was correlated to the proper concentration of silicon and carbon in the films, low dark conductivity, negative AM 1.5 conductivity, fluctuating current at low voltage, the increment of Si−H2, C−H2, and C=C bonds, along with vibrational energies in the range of 3190–3585 cm−1.
Molecular dynamics simulation for reactive ion etching of Si and SiO2 by SF5+ ions
Authors: Tinacba Erin Joy Capdos , Ito Tomoko , Karahashi Kazuhiro , Isobe Michiro , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: July 2021

Silicon (Si)-based materials such as Si and silicon dioxide (SiO2) are commonly used as basic components of advanced semiconductor devices. For example, alternating stacks of poly-Si and SiO2 layers are used in three-dimensional (3D) NAND flash memory devices. Fabrication of high-aspect-ratio deep holes through such stacked materials by plasma etching may be achieved by highly energetic and chemically reactive ion injections to the surface. Etching by sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) plasmas can produce ions carrying multiple fluorine (F) atoms and therefore exhibit high etch rates for both Si and SiO2. In this study, reactive ion etching of Si and SiO2 materials by SF5+ ions was examined with the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. For this purpose, a simplified interatomic potential functions model for sulfur (S) was developed that approximately represents molecular moieties or molecules SFn (n≤6) based on density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations. The etching yields of Si and SiO2 by SF5+ ions evaluated by MD simulations with these new potential functions were found to be in good agreement with those obtained from multibeam injection system experiments, which implies that the etching process is essentially due to sputtering enhanced by chemical reactions of F atoms with the surface materials. Analyses of the depth profiles of atomic concentrations of etched surfaces and desorbed species obtained from MD simulations also indicate that the presence of excess F atoms on the surface enhances the etching yield of Si and SiO2 significantly over corresponding physical sputtering.
Comparing fundamental frequency of German vowels produced by German native speakers and Mandarin Chinese learners
Authors: Gao Yingming , Ding Hongwei , Birkholz Peter , Lin Yi
Published: July 2021

This study compared the f0 of 14 German vowels in monosyllabic words (/dVt/) embedded in carrier sentences produced by 30 native speakers and 30 Mandarin Chinese learners. Appropriate techniques were employed to robustly measure f0 values and reliably analyze f0 profiles. The results showed that Mandarin learners produced the vowels bearing sentence stress with significantly larger f0 ranges and steeper f0 slopes but comparable f0 mean and maximum in comparison to German natives. Moreover, lax vowels produced by both groups demonstrated narrower ranges with faster f0 changes than tense vowels, which was stronger for Mandarin learners.
Controlling a distance from linear loudspeaker arrays to a listening point by using tangent line method
Authors: Kaizuka Tsutomu
Published: July 2021

A technique for confining the acoustic fields near loudspeaker arrays is proposed for personal audio systems. The proposed technique is based on tangent line method (TLM), which enables the production of circular acoustic beams. The produced beams are focused at a point designated as the listening point. Performance of the TLM-based method and acoustic contrast control (ACC) is compared. In terms of the acoustic contrast and array effort, the TLM-based method is not superior to the ACC but is comparable with the ACC under certain conditions. The advantage of the TLM-based method is the simplicity in signal processing.
Fully 3D-printed soft robots with integrated fluidic circuitry
Authors: Hubbard Joshua D. , Acevedo Ruben , Edwards Kristen M. , Alsharhan Abdullah T. , Wen Ziteng , Landry Jennifer , Wang Kejin , Schaffer Saul , Sochol Ryan D.
Published: July 2021

We 3D-print unified soft robots comprising fully integrated fluidic circuitry capable of sophisticated operations.
In situ visualization of long-range defect interactions at the edge of melting
Authors: Dresselhaus-Marais Leora E. , Winther Grethe , Howard Marylesa , Gonzalez Arnulfo , Breckling Sean R. , Yildirim Can , Cook Philip K. , Kutsal Mustafacan , Simons Hugh , Detlefs Carsten , Eggert Jon H. , Poulsen Henning Friis
Published: July 2021

Dark-field X-ray microscopy movies reveal how patterns of microscopic defects in bulk aluminum destabilize from 97-99% of melting.
Activity flow underlying abnormalities in brain activations and cognition in schizophrenia
Authors: Hearne Luke J. , Mill Ravi D. , Keane Brian P. , Repovš Grega , Anticevic Alan , Cole Michael W.
Published: July 2021

The way that brain activity flows across brain wiring helps explain abnormal brain responses and behaviors in schizophrenia.
Dynamical consequences of regional heterogeneity in the brain’s transcriptional landscape
Authors: Deco Gustavo , Kringelbach Morten L. , Arnatkeviciute Aurina , Oldham Stuart , Sabaroedin Kristina , Rogasch Nigel C. , Aquino Kevin M. , Fornito Alex
Published: July 2021

Regional heterogeneity in the brain’s transcriptional landscape supports complex neuronal dynamics.
The H3K36me2 writer-reader dependency in H3K27M-DIPG
Authors: Yu Jia-Ray , LeRoy Gary , Bready Devin , Frenster Joshua D. , Saldaña-Meyer Ricardo , Jin Ying , Descostes Nicolas , Stafford James M. , Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Reinberg Danny
Published: July 2021

The H3K36me2 histone modification pathway is an acquired dependency in H3K27M mutant diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).
Printable elastomeric electrodes with sweat-enhanced conductivity for wearables
Authors: Lv Jian , Thangavel Gurunathan , Li Yi , Xiong Jiaqing , Gao Dace , Ciou Jinghao , Tan Matthew Wei Ming , Aziz Izzat , Chen Shaohua , Chen Juntong , Zhou Xinran , Poh Wei Church , Lee Pooi See
Published: July 2021

Body-secreted sweat increases the conductivity of an Ag- hydrophilic poly(urethane-acrylate) printed wearable conductor.
Systematic evaluation of the association between hemoglobin levels and metabolic profile implicates beneficial effects of hypoxia
Authors: Auvinen Juha , Tapio Joona , Karhunen Ville , Kettunen Johannes , Serpi Raisa , Dimova Elitsa Y. , Gill Dipender , Soininen Pasi , Tammelin Tuija , Mykkänen Juha , Puukka Katri , Kähönen Mika , Raitoharju Emma , Lehtimäki Terho , Ala-Korpela Mika , Raitakari Olli T. , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Koivunen Peppi
Published: July 2021

Low-end normal hemoglobin levels, which carry less oxygen, are associated with lower body weight and healthier metabolism.
Low-dose targeted radionuclide therapy renders immunologically cold tumors responsive to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Patel Ravi B. , Hernandez Reinier , Carlson Peter , Grudzinski Joseph , Bates Amber M. , Jagodinsky Justin C. , Erbe Amy , Marsh Ian R. , Arthur Ian , Aluicio-Sarduy Eduardo , Sriramaneni Raghava N. , Jin Won Jong , Massey Christopher , Rakhmilevich Alexander L. , Vail David , Engle Johnathan W. , Le Trang , Kim KyungMann , Bednarz Bryan , Sondel Paul M. , Weichert Jamey , Morris Zachary S.
Published: July 2021

Low-dose targeted radionuclide therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibition enhances complete response rates in preclinical tumor models.
Contributions of Escherichia coli and Its Motility to the Formation of Dual-Species Biofilms with Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Feiyu , Xu Li , Byun Hyuntae , Fan JinMing , Wang Meng , Li Moran , Zhu Jun , Li Bei
Published: July 2021

Biofilms play an important role in the
V. cholerae
life cycle. Until now, only monospecies biofilm formation of
V. cholerae
has been well studied.
Real-World Evaluation of the Impact of Implementation of the Virtuo Blood Culture System in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Chavez Miguel A. , Munigala Satish , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Yarbrough Melanie L. , Warren David K.
Published: July 2021

The bioMérieux BacT/Alert Virtuo blood culture system used in combination with resin-containing media may enhance the growth of microorganisms. Our objective was to assess the impact of transitioning to the Virtuo system in comparison to the VersaTREK blood culture system at a tertiary care medical center.
Blood Culture Utilization in the Hospital Setting: a Call for Diagnostic Stewardship
Authors: Fabre Valeria , Carroll Karen C. , Cosgrove Sara E.
Published: July 2021

There has been significant progress in detection of bloodstream pathogens in recent decades with the development of more sensitive automated blood culture detection systems and the availability of rapid molecular tests for faster organism identification and detection of resistance genes. However, most blood cultures in clinical practice do not grow organisms, suggesting that suboptimal blood culture collection practices (e.g., suboptimal blood volume) or suboptimal selection of patients to culture (i.e., blood cultures ordered for patients with low likelihood of bacteremia) may be occurring.
Mechanisms of Antiviral Cytotoxic CD4 T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Knudson Cory J. , Férez Maria , Alves-Peixoto Pedro , Erkes Dan A. , Melo-Silva Carolina R. , Tang Lingjuan , Snyder Christopher M. , Sigal Luis J.
Published: July 2021

While it is well established that cytotoxic CD4 T cells (CD4-CTLs) directly contribute to viral clearance, it remains unclear how CD4-CTL are induced. We now show that CD4-CTLs require sustained antigen presentation and are induced by CD11c-expressing antigen-presenting cells.
The Baltimore Classification of Viruses 50 Years Later: How Does It Stand in the Light of Virus Evolution?
Authors: Koonin Eugene V. , Krupovic Mart , Agol Vadim I.
Published: July 2021

Fifty years ago, David Baltimore published a brief conceptual paper delineating the classification of viruses by the routes of genome expression. The six “Baltimore classes” of viruses, with a subsequently added 7th class, became the conceptual framework for the development of virology during the next five decades.
Mutagenesis Mapping of RNA Structures within the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Genome Reveals Functional Elements Localized in the Polymerase (3D
pol
)-Encoding Region
Authors: Lasecka-Dykes Lidia , Tulloch Fiona , Simmonds Peter , Luke Garry A. , Ribeca Paolo , Gold Sarah , Knowles Nick J. , Wright Caroline F. , Wadsworth Jemma , Azhar Mehreen , King Donald P. , Tuthill Tobias J. , Jackson Terry , Ryan Martin D.
Published: July 2021

Some RNA structures formed by the genomes of RNA viruses are critical for viral replication. Our study shows that of 46 conserved RNA structures located within the regions of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) genome that encode the nonstructural proteins, only 3 are essential for replication of an FMDV subgenomic replicon.
Global Geographic Diversity and Distribution of the Myxobacteria
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wang Jianing , Wu Shuge , Zhang Zheng , Li Yuezhong
Published: July 2021

The diversity and distribution of bacteria are crucial for our understanding of their ecological importance and application potential. Myxobacteria are fascinating prokaryotes with multicellular behaviors and a potent capacity for producing secondary metabolites, and have a wide range of potential applications.
Spread of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in an Intensive Care Unit: A Whole-Genome Sequence-Based Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Wei Li , Wu Linfei , Wen Hongxia , Feng Yu , Zhu Shichao , Liu Ying , Tang Li , Doughty Emma , van Schaik Willem , McNally Alan , Zong Zhiyong
Published: July 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae
can be an opportunistic pathogen with the oral cavity and gut the main origin. However, carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) can be found in patient surroundings and is a serious threat for human infections.
Interplay of the RNA Exosome Complex and RNA-Binding Protein Ssd1 in Maintaining Cell Wall Stability in Yeast
Authors: Novačić Ana , Šupljika Nada , Bekavac Nikša , Žunar Bojan , Stuparević Igor
Published: July 2021

Stressful conditions such as high temperatures can compromise cellular integrity and cause bursting. In microorganisms surrounded by a cell wall, such as yeast, the cell wall is the primary shield that protects cells from environmental stress.
Genome Sequences of Two Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates with Defects in Type III Secretion System Gene Expression from a Chronic Ankle Wound Infection
Authors: Karash Sardar , Nordell Robert , Ozer Egon A. , Yahr Timothy L.
Published: July 2021

A common feature of microorganisms that cause chronic infections is a stealthy lifestyle that promotes immune avoidance and host tolerance. During chronic colonization of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
acquires numerous adaptations that include reduced expression of some factors, such as motility, O antigen, and the T3SS, and increased expression of other traits, such as biofilm formation.
When sarcoidosis mimics immunodeficiency
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Kumthekar Anand , Ayesha Bibi
Published: July 2021

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. A 28-year-old previously healthy woman presented with multifocal pneumonia, mediastinal lymphadenopathy which was thought to be caused by actinomyces infection. Despite antibiotics, she developed cavitary lung lesions and had worsening lymphadenopathy prompting evaluation for alternative aetiologies like malignancy, autoimmune or immunodeficiency disorders. Further workup also revealed low CD4, CD8 cell counts, elevated soluble interleukin-2 levels. Over the due course of time, she developed granulomatous pan-uveitis, classical skin lesions leading to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Our case highlights the rare manifestations of sarcoidosis which can mimic immunodeficiency disorders especially when these patients develop secondary infections. Our goal is to raise awareness among clinicians about these atypical presentations of sarcoidosis which can lead to substantial delay in diagnosis thus leading to progression of the disease in the absence of appropriate treatment.
Pulmonary embolism, transient ischaemic attack and thrombocytopenia after the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Malik Bilal , Kalantary Atefeh , Rikabi Kamal , Kunadi Arvind
Published: July 2021

As with past illnesses, an approach has been taken to vaccinate the population and halt the spread of COVID-19. On 13 April 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration called for a halt in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine due to reports of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia being associated with vaccination. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman with a history of dyslipidaemia, depression, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and obesity presenting with dyspnoea, headache and light headedness of 3 days’ duration. Ten days prior, she had received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine. She was found to have thrombocytopenia, elevated D-dimers, pulmonary emboli and presented 1 day after discharge with an arterial clot despite being on apixaban. Six other US-based cases of venous thrombotic events are being reviewed at present. Patients should be informed of the possibility of such events to provide informed consent.
Respiratory-associated deaths in people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Truesdale Maria , Melville Craig , Barlow Fiona , Dunn Kirsty , Henderson Angela , Hughes-McCormack Laura Anne , McGarty Arlene , Rydzewska Ewelina , Smith Gillian S , Symonds Joseph , Jani Bhautesh , Kinnear Deborah
Published: July 2021

Objective

To review and synthesise evidence on rates of respiratory-associated deaths and associated risk factors in the intellectual disability population.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Embase, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science (all databases including Medline) and PsychINFO were searched for studies published between 1st January 1985 and 27th April 2020 and examined study and outcome quality. Reference lists and Google Scholar were also hand searched.

Results

We identified 2295 studies, 17 were included in the narrative synthesis and 10 studies (11 cohorts) in the meta-analysis. Data from 90 302 people with intellectual disabilities and 13 808 deaths from all causes in people with intellectual disabilities were extracted. Significantly higher rates of respiratory-associated deaths were found among people with intellectual disabilities (standardised mortality ratio(SMR): 10.86 (95% CI: 5.32 to 22.18, p<0.001) compared with those in the general population, lesser rates for adults with ID (SMR: 6.53 (95% CI: 4.29 to 9.96, p<0.001); and relatively high rates from pneumonia 26.65 (95% CI: 5.63 to 126.24, p<0.001). The overall statistical heterogeneity was I2=99.0%.

Conclusion

Premature deaths due to respiratory disorders are potentially avoidable with improved public health initiatives and equitable access to quality healthcare. Further research should focus on developing prognostic guidance and validated tools for clinical practice to mitigate risks of respiratory-associated deaths.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020180479.
Qualitative analysis of disposition decision making for patients referred for admission from the emergency department without definite medical acuity
Authors: Trinh Tina , Elfergani Amira , Bann Maralyssa
Published: July 2021

Objective

To map the physician approach when determining disposition for a patient who presents without the level of definite medical acuity that would generally warrant hospitalisation.

Data sources/study setting

Since 2018, our US academic county hospital/trauma centre has maintained a database in which hospitalists (‘triage physicians’) document the rationale and outcomes of requests for admission to the acute care medical ward during each shift.

Study design

Narrative text from the database was analysed using a grounded theory approach to identify major themes and subthemes, and a conceptual model of the admission decision-making process was constructed.

Participants

Database entries were included (n=300) if the admission call originated from the emergency department and if the triage physician characterised the request as potentially inappropriate because the patient did not have definite medical acuity.

Results

Admission decision making occurs in three main phases: evaluation of unmet needs, assessment of risk and re-evaluation. Importantly, admission decision making is not solely based on medical acuity or clinical algorithms, and patients without a definite medical need for admission are hospitalised when physicians believe a potential issue exists if discharged. In this way, factors such as homelessness, substance use disorder, frailty, etc, contribute to admission because they raise concern about patient safety and/or barriers to appropriate treatment. Physician decision making can be altered by activities such as care coordination, advocacy by the patient or surrogate, interactions with other physicians or a change in clinical trajectory.

Conclusions

The decision to admit ultimately remains a clinical determination constructed between physician and patient. Physicians use a holistic process that incorporates broad consideration of the patient’s medical and social needs with emphasis on risk assessment; thus, any analysis of hospitalisation trends or efforts to impact such should seek to understand this individual-level decision making.
Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs): frequency and extent of GP-related variation in PIMs: a register-based cohort study
Authors: Ribe Anette Riisgaard , Christensen Line Due , Vestergaard Claus Høstrup , Prior Anders , Brynningsen Peter Krogh , Bro Flemming , Sandbæk Annelli , Vedsted Peter , Witte Daniel R , Fenger-Grøn Morten
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) pose an increasing challenge in the ageing population. We aimed to assess the extent of PIMs and the prescriber-related variation in PIM prevalence.

Design

Nationwide register-based cohort study.

Setting

General practice.

Participants

The 4.2 million adults listed with general practitioner (GP) clinics in Denmark (n=1906) in 2016.

Main outcome measures

We estimated the patients’ time with PIMs by using 29 register-operationalised STOPP criteria linking GP clinics and redeemed prescriptions. For each criterion and each GP clinic, we calculated ratios between the observed PIM time and that predicted by multivariate Poisson regressions on the patients. The observed variation was measured as the 90th/10th percentile ratios of these ratios. The extent of expectable random variation was assessed as the 90th/10th percentile ratios in randomly sampled GP populations (ie, the sampled variation). The GP-related excess variation was calculated as the ratio between the observed variation and sampled variation. The linear correlation between the observed/expected ratio for each of the criteria and the observed/expected ratio of total PIM time (for each clinic) was measured by Pearson’s rho.

Results

Overall, 294 542 individuals were exposed to 1 44 117 years of PIMs. The two most prevalent PIMs were long-term use (>3 months) of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (51 074 years of PIMs) or benzodiazepines (48 723 years of PIMs). These two criteria showed considerable excess variation of 2.33 and 3.05, respectively; for total PIMs, this figure was 1.65. For more than half of the criteria, we observed a positive correlation between the specific PIM and the sum of remaining PIMs.

Conclusions

This study documents considerable variations in the prescribing practice of GPs for certain PIMs. These findings highlight a need for exploring the causal explanations for such variations, which could be markers of suboptimal GP-prescribing strategies.
Long-term weight loss success and the health behaviours of adults in the USA: findings from a nationally representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Shuval Kerem , Marroquin Elisa Morales , Li Qing , Knell Gregory , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , Drope Jeffrey , Yaroch Amy L , Chartier Karen G , Fennis Bob M , Qadan Mahmoud
Published: July 2021

Objective

To describe the relationship between long-term weight loss (LTWL) success and lifestyle behaviours among US adults.

Design

Serial cross-sectional data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2007–2014.

Setting and participants

Population-based nationally representative sample. The analytic sample included 3040 adults aged 20–64 years who tried to lose weight in the past year.

Measures

Participants were grouped into five LTWL categories (<5%, 5%–9.9%, 10%–14.9%, 15%–19.9% and ≥20%). Lifestyle-related behaviours included the following: alcohol intake, physical activity, smoking, fast-food consumption, dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index (HEI)) and caloric intake. Multivariable regression was employed adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, household income and size, current body mass index and self-reported health status.

Results

Individuals in the 15%–19.9% LTWL group differed significantly from the reference group (<5% LTWL) in their physical activity and dietary quality (HEI) but not caloric intake. Specifically, they had a higher HEI score (β=3.19; 95% CI 0.39 to 5.99) and were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines (OR=1.99; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.55). In comparison, the ≥20% LTWL group was significantly more likely to smoke (OR=1.63; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.57) and to consume lower daily calories (β=−202.91; 95% CI –345.57 to –60.25) than the reference group; however, dietary quality and physical activity did not significantly differ.

Conclusion

Among a national sample of adults, a higher level of LTWL success does not necessarily equate to healthy weight loss behaviours. Future research should attempt to design interventions aimed at facilitating weight loss success while encouraging healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Social isolation and its psychosocial factors in mild lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey of the Japanese population
Authors: Sugaya Nagisa , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Suzuki Naho , Uchiumi Chigusa
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study investigated the sociodemographic, behavioural and psychological characteristics of socially isolated individuals during the ‘mild lockdown’ period of COVID-19 in Japan.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

The seven prefectures where the emergency declaration was first applied in Japan.

Participants

We collected data on 11 333 individuals (52.4% women, 46.3±14.6 years) living in the seven prefectures where the emergency declaration was first applied. The online survey was performed between 11 May and 12 May 2020, in the final phase of the state of emergency.

Primary outcome measures

Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6)

Results

We found that male sex (95% CI 1.60 to 1.98), middle age (95% CI 1.55 to 1.93) and lower income (eg, annual household income <2.0 million: 95% CI 2.29 to 3.54) predicted social isolation; being a student was a protective factor against social isolation (95% CI 0.26 to 0.62). In the comparisons of each item of the LSNS-6 by sociodemographic characteristics, men were more likely to have fewer people to talk to about their personal problems (95% CI −0.37 to −0.28) and to seek help from (95% CI −0.39 to −0.30), and the middle-aged group had a lower social network of friends. Additionally, social isolation was associated with decreased online interaction with familiar people (95% CI −1.28 to −1.13) and decreased optimistic thinking under mild lockdown (95% CI −0.97 to −0.86).

Conclusions

We identified the sociodemographic and psychological characteristics associated with social isolation under mild lockdown. These results are expected to be a useful resource for identifying which groups may require intervention to improve their social interactions in order to preserve their mental health during the pandemic.