bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in threat and reward neural circuitry activation: Testing dimensional models of early adversity, anxiety and depression
Authors: Young Katherine S. , Ward Camilla , Vinograd Meghan , Chen Kelly , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Nusslock Robin , Zinbarg Richard E. , Craske Michelle G.
Published: January 2022

Altered functioning of the brain's threat and reward circuitry has been linked to early life adversity and to symptoms of anxiety and depression. To date, however, these relationships have been studied largely in isolation and in categorical‐based approaches. It is unclear to what extent early life adversity and psychopathology have unique effects on brain functioning during threat and reward processing. We examined functional brain activity during a face processing task in threat (amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex) and reward (ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex) regions of interest among a sample (N = 103) of young adults (aged 18–19 years) in relation to dimensional measures of early life adversity and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results demonstrated a significant association between higher scores on the deprivation adversity dimension and greater activation of reward neural circuitry during viewing of happy faces, with the largest effect sizes observed in the orbitofrontal cortex. We found no significant associations between the threat adversity dimension, or symptom dimensions of anxiety and depression, and neural activation in threat or reward circuitries. These results lend partial support to theories of adversity‐related alterations in neural activation and highlight the importance of testing dimensional models of adversity and psychopathology in large sample sizes to further our understanding of the biological processes implicated.
Aggression‐based social learning in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Easter Carrie , Rowlands Andrew , Hassall Christopher , Hoppitt William
Published: January 2022

Selectively learning from specific types of individuals may be adaptive if demonstrator characteristics can be used to identify more beneficial sources of social information. Such “social learning biases” have been experimentally demonstrated in a number of species, but these experiments generally involve restricted laboratory conditions using a limited number of potential demonstrators and tend to consider only the characteristics of demonstrators rather than the importance of pairwise relationships on information transfer between individuals. In this study, we presented a novel foraging task to a large population of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) housed in a free‐flying aviary and used multinetwork Network‐Based Diffusion Analysis (NBDA) to establish whether birds learned from individuals they shared particular relationships with. Specifically, we investigated whether task solves followed social learning pathways representing the following relationships between individuals: feeding associations, aggressive interactions, positive associations (e.g. grooming) and mating pairs. We found strong evidence that zebra finches learn from their aggressors, irrespective of the outcome of that aggressive encounter. This has been previously suggested in laboratory‐based studies on zebra finches, but never conclusively documented in a freely interacting population. We also found some weaker evidence to suggest that zebra finches learn from their mates—a social learning bias that has previously received little to no attention. However, we found that mates‐based learning occurred infrequently and was secondary to aggression‐based social learning biases. Our results therefore additionally highlight the importance of including combinations of multiple potential information pathways in social learning analyses to account for secondary learning pathways that may otherwise be missed.
A novel Orca Cultural Algorithm and applications
Authors: Drias Habiba , Drias Yassine , Khennak Ilyes
Published: January 2022

In this article, the paradigm of machine culture as an extension to machine intelligence is introduced. This new concept is modelled based on animal intelligence and culture. The example of orca intelligence and culture is considered as orcas possess in addition to skills allowing them to reach preys, the ability to transmit their culture from generation to generation. The orca intelligence is studied and then simulated to design an algorithm called Orca Algorithm (OA). OA consists in modelling the orca lifestyle and in particular the orcas social organization, echolocation behaviour and hunting techniques. In order to integrate the cultural dimension, OA was hybridized with the Cultural Algorithm (CA) to get an algorithm called Orca Cultural Algorithm (OCA). OCA was tested on 22 benchmark problems of the literature to evaluate its performance. Extensive experiments were first performed to set the algorithm parameters prior to measure its effectiveness and efficiency. In a second stage, OCA was adapted to discrete problems and applied to the maze game with four level of complexity. Additional experiments were held to compare the designed algorithm with recent state‐of‐the‐art evolutionary algorithms. The overall obtained results are very promising.
Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions as an outlet for patient dismay? The case of Levothyrox® change of excipients
Authors: Romani Serena , Fresse Audrey , Parassol‐Girard Nadège , Gerard Alexandre , Levraut Mathieu , Yamani Samir , Van Obberghen Elise K. , Pariente Antoine , Rocher Fanny , Viard Delphine , Drici Milou‐Daniel
Published: January 2022

Following minor changes of excipients of Levothyrox®, the French Pharmacovigilance Database was overwhelmed by patients' spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions associated with the new formula. After noticing that most of these reports differed from those related to other drugs, we aimed to characterize their features and compared them with spontaneous reports associated with other chronic treatments as comparators. We randomly sampled patient reports associated with either Levothyrox® new formula (n = 200) or comparator drugs (n = 200) from March 2017 till March 2018 from the National Pharmacovigilance Database. We evaluated the number of incriminated drugs and adverse drug reactions per report and verified whether they were “expected” or not according to the Summary of Product Characteristics. Levothyrox®‐associated reports included, on average, more adverse drug reactions (8 ± 4) than comparators (2 ± 2, P < 0.01) and mentioned mostly one drug (98.5% of reports), whereas comparators mentioned two at least (P < 0.001). The quantitative distribution of adverse drug reactions per report differed quite significantly, appearing almost Gaussian for Levothyrox® whereas Poisson‐like for comparators (P < 0.0001). Age did not differ significantly in the two groups (54.2 vs. 49.7, NS), but female predominated in Levothyrox® group (94.5%) as compared with comparators (60.8%, P < 0.001). A mere third of the Levothyrox®‐associated adverse drug reactions were deemed “expected,” versus two thirds for comparators (P < 0.001). The pattern of spontaneous reports associated with Levothyrox®, whether fueled by media or influenced by social networks, appears atypical, as compared with that of comparators. Such reports, by their abundance, may impair the automatic detection of relevant concomitant signals.
The impact of panel composition and topic on stakeholder perspectives: Generating hypotheses from online maternal and child health modified‐Delphi panels
Authors: Khodyakov Dmitry , Park Sujeong , Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Parisi Sara M. , Bodnar Lisa M.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Multistakeholder engagement is crucial for conducting health services research. Delphi‐based methodologies combining iterative rounds of questions with feedback on and discussion of group results are a well‐documented approach to multistakeholder engagement. This study develops hypotheses about the impact of panel composition and topic on the propensity and meaningfulness of response changes in multistakeholder modified‐Delphi panels.

Methods

We conducted three online modified‐Delphi (OMD) multistakeholder panels using the same protocol. We assigned 60 maternal and child health professionals to a homogeneous (professionals only) panel, 60 pregnant or postpartum women (patients) to a homogeneous panel, and 30 professionals and 30 patients to a mixed panel. In Round 1, participants rated the seriousness of 11 maternal and child health outcomes using a 0–100 scale and explained their ratings. In Round 2, participants saw their own and their panel's Round 1 results and discussed them using asynchronous, anonymous discussion boards moderated by the study investigators. In Round 3, participants revised their original ratings. Our outcome measures included binary indicators of response changes to ratings of the low, medium and high severity maternal and child health outcomes and their meaningfulness, measured by a change of 10 or more points.

Results

Participants changed 818 of 1491 (55%) of responses; the majority of response changes were meaningful. Patterns of response changes were different for patients and professionals and for different levels of outcome seriousness. Using study results and the literature, we developed three hypotheses. First, OMD participants, regardless of their stakeholder group, are more likely to change their responses on preference‐sensitive topics where there is a range of viable alternatives or perspectives. Second, patients are more likely to change their responses and to do so meaningfully in mixed panels, whereas professionals are more likely to do so in homogeneous panels. Third, the association between panel composition and response change varies according to the topic (e.g., the level of outcome seriousness).

Conclusions

Results of our work not only helped generate empirically derived hypotheses to be tested in future research but also offer practical recommendations for designing multistakeholder OMD panels.

Patient or Public Contribution

Pregnant or postpartum women were involved in this study.
Advanced graphene ceramics and their future in bone regenerative engineering
Authors: Hosseini Fatemeh S. , Laurencin Cato T.
Published: January 2022

The outstanding properties of graphene materials rely on an exceptional two‐dimensional honeycombed lattice. The lattice allows for electrical, thermal, and mechanical reinforcement effects when applied to the ceramic matrix. The biocompatibility of the material allows for providing multifunctional bioceramics applications. However, the potential of graphene lies in its ability to be homogenously distributed as part of a ceramic matrix. Therefore, appropriate processing techniques are important for attaining desired graphene ceramic properties applicable for regenerative biomedical purposes. This article provides an inclusive review of the current knowledge of advanced graphene‐based ceramics for bone regenerative engineering. In this review, the opportunities and challenges in utilizing graphene materials in combination with ceramics suitable for applications in load‐bearing bone defects are discussed.
Incidence of medically attended influenza and influenza virus infections confirmed by serology in Ningbo City from 2017–2018 to 2019–2020
Authors: Xu Cuiling , Lao Xuying , Li Hongyu , Dong Libo , Zou Shumei , Chen Yi , Gu Yongquan , Zhu Yueqin , Xuan Pingfeng , Huang Weijuan , Wang Dayan , Yi Bo
Published: January 2022

Objectives

In mainland China, the disease burden of influenza is not yet fully understood. Based on population‐based data, we aimed to estimate incidence rates of medically attended influenza and influenza virus infections in Ningbo City.

Methods

We used data for outpatient acute respiratory illness (OARI) from a platform covering all health and medical institutes in Yingzhou District, Ningbo City. We applied generalized additive regression models to estimate influenza‐associated excess incidence rate of OARI by age. We recruited local residents aged ≥60 years in the autumn of 2019 and conducted follow‐up nearly 9 months later. Every survey, the sera were collected for testing hemagglutination inhibition antibody.

Results

From 2017–2018 to 2019–2020, the annual average of influenza‐associated incidence rate of OARI in all ages was 10.9%. The influenza‐associated incidence rate of OARI was the highest in 2017–2018 (16.9%) and the lowest in 2019–2020 (4.8%). Regularly, influenza‐associated incidence rates of OARI were the highest in children aged 5–14 years (range: 44.1–77.6%) and 0–4 years (range: 8.3–46.6%). The annual average of excess OARI incidence rate in all ages was the highest for influenza B/Yamagata (3.9%). The overall incidence rate of influenza infections indicated by serology in elderly people was 21% during the winter season of 2019–2020.

Conclusions

We identified substantial outpatient influenza burden in all ages in Ningbo. Our cohort study limited in elderly people found that this age group had a high risk of seasonal influenza infections. Our study informs the importance of increasing influenza vaccine coverage in high‐risk population including elderly people.
Towards assisting the decision‐making process for content creators in cinematic virtual reality through the analysis of movie cuts and their influence on viewers' behavior
Authors: Marañes Carlos , Gutierrez Diego , Serrano Ana
Published: January 2022

Virtual Reality (VR) is gaining popularity in recent years due to the commercialization of personal devices. VR is a new and exciting medium to tell stories, however, the development of Cinematic VR (CVR) content is still in an exploratory phase. One of the main reasons is that in this medium the user has now total or partial control of the camera, therefore viewers create their own personal experiences by deciding what to see in every moment, which can potentially hinder the delivery of a pre‐established narrative. In the particular case of transitions from one shot to another (movie cuts), viewers may not be aligned with the main elements of the scene placed by the content creator to convey the story. This can result in viewers missing key elements of the narrative. In this work, we explore recent studies that analyze viewers' behavior during cinematic cuts in VR videos, and we discuss guidelines and methods that can help filmmakers with the decision‐making process when filming and editing their movies.
How do carriers of hemophilia and their spouses experience prenatal diagnosis by chorionic villus sampling?
Authors: Tedgård U , Ljung R , McNeil TF
Published: January 2022

A semistructured personal interview with 29 female carriers of hemophilia and 23 of their spouses was performed at a median of 3½ years after the first chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and gene analysis. Carriers with a hemophilic father or brother, had high sense of coherence (SOC) scores, and thus would be expected to have good ability to handle the stress of prenatal diagnosis (PD). Prenatal diagnosis of hemophilia by CVS was generally well accepted by the women and their spouses. However, the period while waiting for test results was experienced as emotionally troublesome by both the women and their spouses; women reporting significantly more psychiatric or psychosomatic symptoms than men. Positive effects resulting from participation by the spouse on how the women experienced PD could not be identified. Selective abortion after first trimester PD was clearly experienced as emotionally painful by both the women and their spouses, these reactions being similar to, but not as pronounced as those found after second trimester selective abortion. Notably, signs of depressive mood were observed several years after the abortion, and the provision of psychosocial support should be recommended for couples who decide upon termination of pregnancy following PD.
Plan B for Europe: The Birth of ‘Disobedient Euroscepticism’?
Authors: Bortun Vladimir
Published: January 2022

Despite attempts in the broader literature to go beyond a binary classification of party‐based Euroscepticism, Eurosceptic radical left parties are still generally divided into those advocating reform of the EU and those calling for an exit from the EU. The most notable exception is the classification proposed by Keith (2017), who distinguishes between Rejectionist, Conditional and Expansionist Euroscepticism. However, this article argues that a new form of left‐wing Euroscepticism has emerged since 2016, which does not fit with any of the existing classifications. It is the position put forward by ‘Plan B for Europe’, a transnational initiative of radical left parties, which advocates a disobedient approach towards the EU that simultaneously aims for the reformation of the latter while preparing for a break from it. This is a novel type of party‐based Euroscepticism that should supplement Keith's classification.
Lysozyme inhibits postharvest physiological deterioration of cassava
Authors: Wu Xiaoyun , Xu Jia , Ma Qiuxiang , Ahmed Sulaiman , Lu Xinlu , Ling Erjun , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2022

After harvest, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) storage roots undergo rapid postharvest physiological deterioration, producing blue‐brown discoloration in the vasculature due to the production of polyphenolics (mainly quinones and coumarins) by enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Here, we report the application of hen egg‐white lysozyme (HEWL), a natural PPO inhibitor, in transgenic cassava to repress the symptoms of postharvest physiological deterioration. The HEWL‐expressing transgenic plants had lower levels of the two main cassava coumarins tested, scopoletin and scopolin, compared with wild type. HEWL‐expressing cassava also showed increased tolerance of oxidative stress. Overall, the lysozyme‐PPO system proved to be functional in plants for repressing PPO‐mediated commercial product browning.
UK Nutrition Research Partnership workshop: Nutrition and frailty—opportunities for prevention and treatment
Authors: Ni Lochlainn Mary , Robinson Sian
Published: January 2022

Frailty is a syndrome of growing importance given the global increase in the number of older people. While frailty is a complex, multifactorial process, poor nutritional status is considered to be a key contributor to its pathophysiology. However, the role of nutrition and its influence on the development and progression of frailty is poorly understood. As nutrition is a modifiable risk factor for frailty, future prevention and treatment strategies should consider the potential of diet and dietary change as a component of interventions. This article reports on a UK Nutrition Research Partnership ‘Hot Topic’ workshop on nutrition and frailty. The aim of the workshop was to bring together experts and early career researchers from a range of disciplines to synthesise current understanding of dietary influences on frailty, with a focus on opportunities for prevention and treatment.
How is auxin linked with cellular energy pathways to promote growth?
Authors: Tivendale Nathan D. , Millar A. Harvey
Published: January 2022

Auxin is the ‘growth hormone’ and modulation of its concentration correlates with changes in photosynthesis and respiration, influencing the cellular energy budget for biosynthesis and proliferation. However, the relative importance of mechanisms by which auxin directly influences photosynthesis and respiration, or vice versa, are unclear. Here we bring together recent evidence linking auxin with photosynthesis, plastid biogenesis, mitochondrial metabolism and retrograde signalling and through it we propose three hypotheses to test to unify current findings. These require delving into the control of auxin conjugation to primary metabolic intermediates, translational control under auxin regulation and post‐translational influences of auxin on primary metabolic processes.
Size and activity of the root meristem: A key for drought resistance and a key model of drought‐related signaling
Authors: Verslues Paul E. , Longkumer Toshisangba
Published: January 2022

Plants make many adjustments to their growth and development in response to even small changes in water availability. Under such conditions, root elongation can be actively restricted by stress‐related signaling mechanisms. Here we look at how the Arabidopsis thaliana root meristem can be affected by moderate water limitation (low water potential, ψw). Recent characterization of the clade E Growth‐Regulating (EGR) protein phosphatases and Microtubule Associated Stress Protein 1 (MASP1) provides an example of how active restriction of root meristem size allows the plant to downregulate root elongation during low ψw stress. EGR2 protein accumulation in cortex cells of the transition zone at the distal end of the root meristem illustrates how the balance of cell division versus cell expansion signals at this critical location can determine meristem size and root elongation during low ψw. These characteristics of EGRs also raise the question of whether they may also be involved in hydrotropism, and, more broadly, whether hydrotropism is a distinct response or a specific manifestation of more general mechanisms used to adjust root growth under moderate severity low ψw whether or not a gradient of water availability is present. These questions, as well as a better understanding of how specific cell layers (cortex and endodermis) seem to have an outsized role in growth regulation and better understanding the roles of plasma membrane‐based signaling and polar‐localized proteins in the regulation of root meristem size and cell division activity are key to elucidating the cellular mechanisms that determine root growth behavior during soil drying.
Agro‐climate services and drought risk management in Jamaica: A case study of farming communities in Clarendon Parish
Authors: Buckland Sarah , Campbell Donovan
Published: January 2022

For many generations, Caribbean smallholder farmers have used traditional knowledge to manage drought impacts. However, patterns of increased climate variability increasingly challenge traditional drought management practices, creating livelihood insecurities and uncertainties. Climate Information Services (CIS) have been promoted as an agile risk management strategy to help farmers negotiate challenges of increased climate extremes. Yet, despite the promise and possibilities of CIS, there is limited evidence of CIS uptake and associated risk reduction across the Caribbean. A mixed‐method research approach is used to examine the uptake of CIS among farmers (N = 356), testing the association with selected drought impact outcomes in one of Jamaica's breadbasket regions. The associations between drought impacts and farmer accessibility and use of four (4) locally available CIS are assessed. Results indicate limited farmer uptake of mobile text and online climate information products, with less than 5 per cent of the sample having accessibility to online CIS. Farmers who are aware of, and use CIS, reported lower crop losses, less financial strain, and were more likely to reinvest immediately after drought events. These results provide empirical evidence of associations between farm‐level use of CIS and drought risk management actions, which could be used to inform future drought management interventions.
STFTiS: Introducing a spatio‐temporal FTiS model to investigate the level of citizens' satisfaction of 311 non‐emergency services
Authors: Mohammadi Reza , Taleai Mohammad , Alizadeh Somayeh , Abbasi Omid Reza
Published: January 2022

Using the 311 service, citizens can help the government gain a deeper understanding of citizens' needs by reporting the status of municipal services. This study proposes the STFTiS model to examine the level of citizens' satisfaction by investigating the spatio‐temporal patterns of 311 reports provided by citizens regarding municipal services. The main novelty of the proposed STFTiS model is its ability to integrate the spatial domain into the traditional FTiS (frequency, time interval, and satisfaction) model. For this purpose, Moran's I index was used to cluster the 311 reports from a spatial perspective. Afterward, the reports were clustered based on the spatial labels and the parameters of time interval and frequency. A fuzzy time series and an autoregressive moving average prediction model have been combined to find the best temporal window for association rule mining. The proposed model was applied to a database of the Boston 311 service. The results from interpreting clusters indicate that Boston's citizens are most interested in government responses to address Transportation and Inspection Service issues. Besides, the most important rule states a strong relationship between the Mayor's 24‐Hour Hotline and Inspection Service reports, with 86% support and 95.7% confidence. The evaluation shows that the STFTiS model has significantly improved the results of the non‐spatial FTiS model. The results can be used by policymakers to effectively manage citizens' needs and provide necessary on‐demand support by discovering the most critical needs of citizens.
A Pneumatic-Based Mechanism for Inserting a Flexible Microprobe Into the Brain
Authors: Sharafkhani Naser , Kouzani Abbas Z. , Adams Scott D. , Long John M. , Orwa Julius O.
Published: January 2022

Insertion of flexible microprobes into the brain requires withstanding the compressive penetration force by the microprobes. To aid the insertion of the microprobes, most of the existing approaches use pushing mechanisms to provide temporary stiffness increase for the microprobes to prevent buckling during insertion into the brain. However, increasing the microprobe stiffness may result in acute neural tissue damage during insertion. Moreover, any late or premature removal of the temporary stiffness after insertion may lead to further tissue damage due to brain micromotion or inaccuracy in the microprobe positioning. In this study, a novel pneumatic-based insertion mechanism is proposed which simultaneously pulls and pushes a flexible microprobe toward the brain. As part of the brain penetration force in the proposed mechanism is supplied by the tensile force, the applied compressive force, which the microprobe must withstand during insertion, is lower compared with the existing approaches. Therefore, the microprobes with a critical buckling force less than the brain penetration force can be inserted into the brain without buckling. Since there is no need for temporary stiffness increment, neural tissue damage during the microprobe insertion will be much lower compared with the existing insertion approaches. The pneumatic-based insertion mechanism is modeled analytically to investigate the effects of the microprobe configuration and the applied air pressure on the applied tensile and compressive forces to the microprobe. Next, finite element modeling is conducted, and its analysis results not only validate the analytical results but also confirm the efficiency of the mechanism.
Spin-orbit–driven ferromagnetism at half moiré filling in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Lin Jiang-Xiazi , Zhang Ya-Hui , Morissette Erin , Wang Zhi , Liu Song , Rhodes Daniel , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Hone James , Li J. I. A.
Published: January 2022

Strong electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) can have a profound influence on the electronic properties of materials. We examined their combined influence on a two-dimensional electronic system at the atomic interface between magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene and a tungsten diselenide crystal. We found that strong electron correlation within the moiré flatband stabilizes correlated insulating states at both quarter and half filling, and that SOC transforms these Mott-like insulators into ferromagnets, as evidenced by a robust anomalous Hall effect with hysteretic switching behavior. The coupling between spin and valley degrees of freedom could be demonstrated through control of the magnetic order with an in-plane magnetic field or a perpendicular electric field. Our findings establish an experimental knob to engineer topological properties of moiré bands in twisted bilayer graphene and related systems.
Eroding norms over release of self-spreading viruses
Authors: Lentzos Filippa , Rybicki Edward P. , Engelhard Margret , Paterson Pauline , Sandholtz Wayne Arthur , Reeves R. Guy
Published: January 2022

Risky research on lab-modified self-spreading viruses has yet to present credible paths to upsides
Confronting age-old questions, big and small
The Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything (Abridged): Adventures in Math and Science
Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry
Norton, 2022. 304 pp.
Authors: Engel Megan
Published: January 2022

A wry romp through science’s greatest hits and challenges entertains and illuminates
Setting boundaries for tissue patterning
Authors: Huycke Tyler R. , Gartner Zev J.
Published: January 2022

Engineers point the way toward more complex and homogeneous intestinal organoids
In Science Journals
Authors: Stern Peter , Hodges Kip , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Stajic Jelena , Lavine Marc S. , Jiang Di , Grocholski Brent , Vinson Valda , Kelly Priscilla N. , Purnell Beverly A. , Szuromi Phil , Funk Michael A. , Olingy Claire , Vignieri Sacha , Malo Courtney S.
Published: January 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Plant diversity is blowing in the wind
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

DNA in air reveals the plants below—and requires no tromping through bushes
Draft Genome Sequences of
Saccharopolyspora
sp. Strains and
Streptomyces
sp. Strains, Isolated from Social Wasps (Vespidae; Polistinae: Epiponini)
Authors: Gutiérrez-Araya Mariela , Núñez-Montero Kattia , Pizarro-Cerdá Javier , Chavarría-Pizarro Laura
Published: January 2022

Strains of the genera
Saccharopolyspora
and
Streptomyces
were isolated from
Protopolybia
sp. and
Metapolybia
sp. social wasps in Costa Rica. Draft genome sequences were obtained for six isolates, ranging from 6.4 Mb to 9.1 Mb long and having GC contents of 71 to 73%.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Yersinia kristensenii Strains
Authors: Kislichkina Angelina A. , Platonov Mikhail E. , Skryabin Yury P. , Sizova Angelika A. , Shishkina Lidia A. , Galkina Elena V. , Bogun Alexandr G. , Dentovskaya Svetlana V.
Published: January 2022

Yersinia kristensenii
is one of the
Yersinia enterocolitica
-like bacterial species, which are considered nonpathogenic to humans. In this work, we reported the draft genome sequences of six
Yersinia kristensenii
strains. These draft genomes will help to better characterize
Yersinia kristensenii
at the genomic level.
Effect of COVID-19 on presentations of decompensated liver disease in Scotland
Authors: Manship Thomas , Brennan Paul N , Campbell Iona , Campbell Stewart , Clouston Thomas , Dillon John F , Forrest Ewan , Fraser Andrew , Goh Tee Lin , Johnston Michael , Khan Muhammad I , Livie Victoria , Murray Iain A , Saunders Jayne , Troland Debbie , Simpson Ken J
Published: January 2022

Background and aims

SARS-CoV-2 and consequent pandemic has presented unique challenges. Beyond the direct COVID-related mortality in those with liver disease, we sought to determine the effect of lockdown on people with liver disease in Scotland. The effect of lockdown on those with alcohol-related disease is of interest; and whether there were associated implications for a change in alcohol intake and consequent presentations with decompensated disease.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to seven Scottish hospitals with a history of liver disease between 1 April and 30 April 2020 and compared across the same time in 2017, 2018 and 2019. We also repeated an intermediate assessment based on a single centre to examine for delayed effects between 1 April and 31 July 2020.

Results

We found that results and outcomes for patients admitted in 2020 were similar to those in previous years in terms of morbidity, mortality, and length of stay. In the Scotland-wide cohort: admission MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) (16 (12–22) vs 15 (12–19); p=0.141), inpatient mortality ((10.9% vs 8.6%); p=0.499) and length of stay (8 days (4–15) vs 7 days (4–13); p=0.140). In the Edinburgh cohort: admission MELD (17 (12–23) vs 17 (13–21); p=0.805), inpatient mortality ((13.7% vs 10.1%; p=0.373) and length of stay (7 days (4–14) vs 7 days (3.5–14); p=0.525)).

Conclusion

This assessment of immediate and medium-term lockdown impacts on those with chronic liver disease suggested a minimal effect on the presentation of decompensated liver disease to secondary care.
Using social network analysis to understand multisectoral governance in district-level tobacco control programme implementation in India
Authors: Mondal Shinjini , Bhojani Upendra , Lobbo Samntha , Law Susan , Maioni Antonia , Van Belle Sara
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Interest in multisectoral policies has increased, particularly in the context of low-income and middle-income countries and efforts towards Sustainable Development Goals, with greater attention to understand effective strategies for implementation and governance. The study aimed to explore and map the composition and structure of a multisectoral initiative in tobacco control, identifying key factors engaged in policy implementation and their patterns of relationships in local-level networks in two districts in the state of Karnataka, India.

Methods

Social network analysis (SNA) was used to examine the structure of two district tobacco control networks with differences in compliance with the India’s national tobacco control law. The survey was administered to 108 respondents (n=51 and 57) in two districts, producing three distinct network maps about interaction, information-seeking and decision-making patterns within each district. The network measures of centrality, density, reciprocity, centralisation and E-I index were used to understand and compare across the two districts.

Results

Members from the department of health, especially those in the District Tobacco Control Cell, were the most frequently consulted actors for information as they led district-level networks. The most common departments engaged beyond health were education, police and municipal. District 1’s network displayed high centralisation, with a district nodal officer who exercised a central role with the highest in-degree centrality. The district also exhibited greater density and reciprocity. District 2 showed a more dispersed pattern, where subdistrict health managers had higher betweenness centrality and acted as brokers in the network.

Conclusion

Collaboration and cooperation among sectors and departments are essential components of multisectoral policy. SNA provides a mechanism to uncover the nature of relationships and key actors in collaborative dynamics. It can be used as a visual learning tool for policy planners and implementers to understand the structure of actual implementation and concentrate their efforts to improve and enhance collaboration.
Budgetary impact of using BPaL for treating extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Mulder Christiaan , Rupert Stephan , Setiawan Ery , Mambetova Elmira , Edo Patience , Sugiharto Jhon , Useni Sani , Malhotra Shelly , Cook-Scalise Sarah , Pambudi Imran , Kadyrov Abdullaat , Lawanson Adebola , van den Hof Susan , Gebhard Agnes , Juneja Sandeep , Sohn Hojoon
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid (BPaL) is a new all oral, 6-month regimen comprised of bedaquiline, the new drug pretomanid and linezolid, endorsed by the WHO for use under operational research conditions in patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). We quantified per-patient treatment costs and the 5-year budgetary impact of introducing BPaL in Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan and Nigeria.

Methods

Per-patient treatment cost of BPaL regimen was compared head-to-head with the conventional XDR-TB treatment regimen for respective countries based on cost estimates primarily assessed using microcosting method and expected frequency of each TB service. The 5-year budget impact of gradual introduction of BPaL against the status quo was assessed using a Markov model that represented patient’s treatment management and outcome pathways.

Results

The cost per patient completing treatment with BPaL was US$7142 in Indonesia, US$4782 in Kyrgyzstan and US$7152 in Nigeria – 57%, 78% and 68% lower than the conventional regimens in the respective countries. A gradual adoption of the BPaL regimen over 5 years would result in an 5-year average national TB service budget reduction of 17% (US$128 780) in XDR-TB treatment-related expenditure in Indonesia, 15% (US$700 247) in Kyrgyzstan and 32% (US$1 543 047) in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the BPaL regimen can be highly cost-saving compared with the conventional regimens to treat patients with XDR-TB in high drug-resistant TB burden settings. This supports the rapid adoption of the BPaL regimen to address the significant programmatic and clinical challenges in managing patients with XDR-TB in high DR-TB burden countries.
Equity impact of minimum unit pricing of alcohol on household health and finances among rich and poor drinkers in South Africa
Authors: Gibbs Naomi , Angus Colin , Dixon Simon , Parry Charles DH , Meier Petra S , Boachie Micheal Kofi , Verguet Stéphane
Published: January 2022

Introduction

South Africa experiences significant levels of alcohol-related harm. Recent research suggests minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol would be an effective policy, but high levels of income inequality raise concerns about equity impacts. This paper quantifies the equity impact of MUP on household health and finances in rich and poor drinkers in South Africa.

Methods

We draw from extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) methods and an epidemiological policy appraisal model of MUP for South Africa to simulate the equity impact of a ZAR 10 MUP over a 20-year time horizon. We estimate the impact across wealth quintiles on: (i) alcohol consumption and expenditures; (ii) mortality; (iii) government healthcare cost savings; (iv) reductions in cases of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and household savings linked to reduced health-related workplace absence.

Results

We estimate MUP would reduce consumption more among the poorest than the richest drinkers. Expenditure would increase by ZAR 353 000 million (1 US$=13.2 ZAR), the poorest contributing 13% and the richest 28% of the increase, although this remains regressive compared with mean income. Of the 22 600 deaths averted, 56% accrue to the bottom two quintiles; government healthcare cost savings would be substantial (ZAR 3.9 billion). Cases of CHE averted would be 564 700, 46% among the poorest two quintiles. Indirect cost savings amount to ZAR 51.1 billion.

Conclusions

A MUP policy in South Africa has the potential to reduce harm and health inequality. Fiscal policies for population health require structured policy appraisal, accounting for the totality of effects using mathematical models in association with ECEA methodology.
Vision impairment and cognitive decline among older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Nagarajan Niranjani , Assi Lama , Varadaraj V , Motaghi Mina , Sun Yi , Couser Elizabeth , Ehrlich Joshua R , Whitson Heather , Swenor Bonnielin K
Published: January 2022

Objectives

There has been increasing epidemiological research examining the association between vision impairment (VI) and cognitive impairment and how poor vision may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesise the published literature on the association of VI with cognitive decline, cognitive impairment or dementia, to aid the development of interventions and guide public policies pertaining to the relationship between vision and cognition.

Methods

A literature search was performed with Embase, Medline and Cochrane library databases from inception to March 2020, and included abstracts and articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English. Our inclusion criteria included publications that contained subjective/objective measures of vision and cognition, or a diagnosis of VI, cognitive impairment or dementia. Longitudinal or cross-sectional studies with ≥100 participants aged >50 years were included. The search identified 11 805 articles whose abstracts underwent screening by three teams of study authors. Data abstraction and quality assessment using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool were performed by one author (NN). 10% of the articles underwent abstraction and appraisal by a second author (LA/VV), results were compared between both and were in agreement.

Results

110 full-text articles were selected for data extraction, of which 53 were cross-sectional, 43 longitudinal and 14 were case–control studies. The mean age of participants was 73.0 years (range 50–93.1). Ninety-one (83%) of these studies reported that VI was associated with cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Our systematic review indicates that a majority of studies examining the vision–cognition relationship report that VI is associated with more cognitive decline, cognitive impairment or dementia among older adults. This synthesis supports the need for additional research to understand the mechanisms underlying the association between VI and cognitive impairment and to test interventions that mitigate the cognitive consequences of VI.
Longitudinal study of patients’ health-related quality of life using EQ-5D-3L in 11 Swedish National Quality Registers
Authors: Teni Fitsum Sebsibe , Rolfson Ola , Devlin Nancy , Parkin David , Nauclér Emma , Burström Kristina
Published: January 2022

Objective

To compare problems reported in the five EQ-5D-3L dimensions and EQ VAS scores at baseline and at 1-year follow-up among different patient groups and specific diagnoses in 11 National Quality Registers (NQRs) and to compare these with the general population.

Design

Longitudinal, descriptive study.

Participants

2 66 241 patients from 11 NQRs and 49 169 participants from the general population were included in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Proportions of problems reported in the five EQ-5D-3L dimensions, EQ VAS scores of participants’ own health and proportions of participants and mean/median EQ VAS score in the Paretian Classification of Health Change (PCHC) categories.

Results

In most of the included registers, and the general population, problems with pain/discomfort were the most frequently reported at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Mean EQ VAS score (SD) ranged from 45.2 (22.4) among disc hernia patients to 88.1 (15.3) in wrist and hand fracture patients at baseline. They ranged from 48.9 (20.9) in pulmonary fibrosis patients to 83.3 (17.4) in wrist and hand fracture patients at follow-up. Theimprovedcategory of PCHC, improvement in at least one dimension without deterioration in any other, accounted for the highest proportion in several diagnoses, corresponding with highest improvement in mean EQ VAS score.

Conclusions

The study documented self-reported health of several different patient groups using the EQ-5D-3L in comparing with the general population. This demonstrated the important role of patient-reported outcomes in routine clinical care, to assess and follow-up health status and progress within different groups of patients. The EQ-5D-3L descriptive system and EQ VAS have an important role in providing a ‘common denominator’, allowing comparisons across NQRs and specific diagnoses.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04359628).
Relationship between Braden Scale scores and acute kidney injury among patients with acute coronary syndrome: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Zhichao , Liu Bofu , Li Dongze , Jia Yu , Ye Lei , Liao Xiaoyang , Zeng Zhi , Wan Zhi
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of pressure ulcer events assessed by the Braden Scale (BS) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Design

A multicentre retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Chest pain centres from seven tertiary hospitals in China.

Participants

We analysed 3185 patients with ACS from the Retrospective Evaluation of Acute Chest Pain study. The patients were divided into three groups (B1, B2 and B3) according to their BS scores (≤12 vs 13–14 vs ≥15, respectively) at admission.

Outcome measures

AKI was defined according to the criteria of the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the BS score and AKI.

Results

There were 461 patients (14.5%) with ACS who had the complication of AKI. Patients with a lower score on the BS had a higher incidence of AKI (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that adjusted ORs of the BS score for AKI were 2.242 (B1 vs B3: 95% CI: 1.643 to 3.060, p<0.001) and 1.566 (B2 vs B3: 95% CI: 1.186 to 2.069, p=0.002). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the BS score was 0.719 (95% CI: 0.702 to 0.736; p<0.001) for AKI.

Conclusions

The BS score was independently associated with AKI. It may be a useful tool to identify those who may benefit from further prediction and prevention of AKI in patients with ACS.

Trail registration number

ChiCTR1900024657 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/). The satge rekates to results.
CAPRISA 018: a phase I/II clinical trial study protocol to assess the safety, acceptability, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of a sustained-release tenofovir alafenamide subdermal implant for HIV prevention in women
Authors: Gengiah Tanuja Narayansamy , Abdool Karim Quarraisha , Harkoo Ishana , Mansoor Leila , Zuma Nonhlanhla Yende , Radebe Precious , Samsunder Natasha , Baxter Cheryl , Maharaj B , Baum Marc M , Moss John A , Pozzetto Bruno , Hankins Catherine , Abdool Karim Salim
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Young African women bear a disproportionately high risk for HIV acquisition. HIV technologies that empower women to protect themselves are needed. Safe, potent antiretroviral agents such as tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), formulated as long-acting subdermal implants, offer an innovative solution.

Methods and analysis

CAPRISA 018 is a phase I/II trial to evaluate the safety, acceptability, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of a TAF free base subdermal silicone implant containing 110 mg of TAF with an anticipated 0.25 mg/day release rate.

The phase I trial (n=60) will assess the safety of one implant inserted in six participants (Group 1), followed by dose escalation components (Groups 2 and 3) assessing the safety, tolerability and PK of one to four TAF 110 mg implants releasing between 0.25 mg and 1 mg daily in 54 healthy women at low risk for HIV infection. Data from this phase I trial will be used to determine the dosing, implant location and implant replacement interval for the phase II trial.

The phase II component (Group 4) will assess extended safety, PK, tolerability and acceptability of the implant in 490 at risk women, randomised in a 1:1 ratio to the TAF implant and placebo tablet or to the placebo implant and an oral pre-exposure prophylaxis tablet. Safety will be assessed by calculating the percentage change in creatinine clearance from baseline at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, 72, 96 and 120, compared with the percentage change in the control group.

Ethics and dissemination

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Biomedical Research Ethics Committee have approved the trial. Results will be disseminated through open access peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, public stakeholder engagement and upload of data into the clinical trials registry.

Trial registration number

PACTR201809520959443.