bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MassSpecBlocks: a web-based tool to create building blocks and sequences of nonribosomal peptides and polyketides for tandem mass spectra analysis
Authors: Přívratský Jan , Novák Jiří
Published: July 2021

Nonribosomal peptides and polyketides are natural products commonly synthesized by microorganisms. They are widely used in medicine, agriculture, environmental protection, and other fields. The structures of natural products are often analyzed by high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry, which becomes more popular with its increasing availability. However, the characterization of nonribosomal peptides and polyketides from tandem mass spectra is a nontrivial task because they are composed of many uncommon building blocks in addition to proteinogenic amino acids. Moreover, many of them have cyclic and branch-cyclic structures. Here, we introduce MassSpecBlocks – an open-source and web-based tool that converts the input chemical structures in SMILES format into sequences of building blocks. The structures can be searched in public databases PubChem, ChemSpider, ChEBI, NP Atlas, COCONUT, and Norine and edited in a user-friendly graphical interface. Although MassSpecBlocks can serve as a stand-alone database, our primary goal was to enable easy construction of custom sequence and building block databases, which can be used to annotate mass spectra in CycloBranch software. CycloBranch is an open-source, cross-platform, and stand-alone tool that we recently released for annotating spectra of linear, cyclic, branched, and branch-cyclic nonribosomal peptides and polyketide siderophores. The sequences and building blocks created in MassSpecBlocks can be easily exported into a plain text format used by CycloBranch. MassSpecBlocks is available online or can be installed entirely offline. It offers a REST API to cooperate with other tools.
SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody testing for an entire rural community: methods and feasibility of high-throughput testing procedures
Authors: Appa Ayesha , Chamie Gabriel , Sawyer Aenor , Baltzell Kimberly , Dippell Kathryn , Ribeiro Salu , Duarte Elias , Vinden Joanna , Consortium CLIAHUB , Kramer-Feldman Jonathan , Rahdari Shahryar , MacIntosh Doug , Nicholson Katherine , Im Jonathan , Havlir Diane , Greenhouse Bryan
Published: July 2021

Background

Early in the pandemic, inadequate SARS-CoV-2 testing limited understanding of transmission. Chief among barriers to large-scale testing was unknown feasibility, particularly in non-urban areas. Our objective was to report methods of high-volume, comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 testing, offering one model to augment disease surveillance in a rural community.

Methods

A community-university partnership created an operational site used to test most residents of Bolinas, California regardless of symptoms in 4 days (April 20th – April 23rd, 2020). Prior to testing, key preparatory elements included community mobilization, pre-registration, volunteer recruitment, and data management. On day of testing, participants were directed to a testing lane after site entry. An administrator viewed the lane-specific queue and pre-prepared test kits, linked to participants’ records. Medical personnel performed sample collection, which included finger prick with blood collection to run laboratory-based antibody testing and respiratory specimen collection for polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Using this 4-lane model, 1,840 participants were tested in 4 days. A median of 57 participants (IQR 47–67) were tested hourly. The fewest participants were tested on day 1 (n = 338 participants), an intentionally lower volume day, increasing to n = 571 participants on day 4. The number of testing teams was also increased to two per lane to allow simultaneous testing of multiple participants on days 2–4. Consistent staffing on all days helped optimize proficiency, and strong community partnership was essential from planning through execution.

Conclusions

High-volume ascertainment of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence by PCR and antibody testing was feasible when conducted in a community-led, drive-through model in a non-urban area.
Receipt of medications for opioid use disorder among youth engaged in primary care: data from 6 health systems
Authors: Bagley Sarah M. , Chavez Laura , Braciszewski Jordan M. , Akolsile Mary , Boudreau Denise M. , Lapham Gwen , Campbell Cynthia I. , Bart Gavin , Yarborough Bobbi Jo H. , Samet Jeffrey H. , Saxon Andrew J. , Rossom Rebecca C. , Binswanger Ingrid A. , Murphy Mark T. , Glass Joseph E. , Bradley Katharine A. ,   PROUD Collaborative, Szapocznik José , Liebschutz Jane M. , Ahmedani Brian K. , Pflugeisen Bethann Mangel , Schwartz Robert P. , Stotts Angela L. , Northrup Thomas F. , Horigian Viviana E. , Silva Angela J.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Little is known about prevalence and treatment of OUD among youth engaged in primary care (PC). Medications are the recommended treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) for adolescents and young adults (youth). This study describes the prevalence of OUD, the prevalence of medication treatment for OUD, and patient characteristics associated with OUD treatment among youth engaged in PC.

Methods

This cross-sectional study includes youth aged 16–25 years engaged in PC. Eligible patients had ≥ 1 PC visit during fiscal years (FY) 2014–2016 in one of 6 health systems across 6 states. Data from electronic health records and insurance claims were used to identify OUD diagnoses, office-based OUD medication treatment, and patient demographic and clinical characteristics in the FY of the first PC visit during the study period. Descriptive analyses were conducted in all youth, and stratified by age (16–17, 18–21, 22–25 years).

Results

Among 303,262 eligible youth, 2131 (0.7%) had a documented OUD diagnosis. The prevalence of OUD increased by ascending age groups. About half of youth with OUD had documented depression or anxiety and one third had co-occurring substance use disorders. Receipt of medication for OUD was lowest among youth 16–17 years old (14%) and highest among those aged 22–25 (39%).

Conclusions

In this study of youth engaged in 6 health systems across 6 states, there was low receipt of medication treatment, and high prevalence of other substance use disorders and mental health disorders. These findings indicate an urgent need to increase medication treatment for OUD and to integrate treatment for other substance use and mental health disorders.
Initial self-blame predicts eating disorder remission after 9 years
Authors: Petersson Suzanne , Birgegård Andreas , Brudin Lars , Mantilla Emma Forsén , Monell Elin , Clinton David , Björck Caroline
Published: July 2021

Background

Research into predictors of outcome in eating disorders (ED) has shown conflicting results, with few studies of long-term predictors and the possible importance of psychological variables that may act as risk- and maintenance factors.

Aim

To identify baseline predictors of ED remission nine years after initial clinical assessment using self-report measures of ED psychopathology, psychiatric symptoms, and self-image in a sample of adult ED patients (N = 104) treated at specialist units in Stockholm, Sweden. Sixty patients participated in the follow-up, of whom 41 patients (68%) had achieved remission.

Results

Results suggested that the only significant predictor of diagnostic remission after nine years was initial levels of self-blame.

Conclusion

In order to ensure long-term recovery in ED it may be important for clinicians to widen their therapeutic repertoire and utilise techniques that reduce self-blame and increase self-compassion.

Plain English summary

It is difficult to predict how an eating disorder will develop, and research has found varying factors that affect the outcome of the condition. Recovery rates vary from nearly nil to over 90%. This variation could be explained by different research factors, but are more likely due to varying definitions of ‘recovery’, with less stringent definitions yielding high recovery rates and more stringent definitions yielding lower rates. The present study investigated whether the severity of eating disorder symptoms and other psychiatric symptoms could predict recovery nine years from first admission to specialised eating disorder care. Sixty patients at three eating disorder treatment units participated, and their scores on self-report measures of symptoms were used as predictor variables. Forty-one participants had no eating disorder diagnosis at nine-year follow-up. Most participants with binge-eating disorder had recovered, while the poorest outcome was found for anorexia nervosa with slightly over half of patients recovered after nine years. The only predictor for the nine-year outcome was a higher initial rating of self-blame, measured with the Structural Analysis of the Social Behavior. It was concluded that it may be important for clinicians to detect and address self-blame early in the treatment of eating disorders in order to enhance the possibility of recovery. Treatment should focus on reducing self-blame and increasing self-acceptance.
Movement syndromes of a Neotropical frugivorous bat inhabiting heterogeneous landscapes in Brazil
Authors: Kerches-Rogeri Patricia , Ramos Danielle Leal , Siren Jukka , de Oliveira Teles Beatriz , Alves Rafael Souza Cruz , Priante Camila Fátima , Ribeiro Milton Cezar , Araújo Márcio Silva , Ovaskainen Otso
Published: July 2021

Background

There is growing evidence that individuals within populations can vary in both habitat use and movement behavior, but it is still not clear how these two relate to each other. The aim of this study was to test if and how individual bats in a Stunira lilium population differ in their movement activity and preferences for landscape features in a correlated manner.

Methods

We collected data on movements of 27 individuals using radio telemetry. We fitted a heterogeneous-space diffusion model to the movement data in order to evaluate signals of movement variation among individuals.

Results

S. lilium individuals generally preferred open habitat with Solanum fruits, regularly switched between forest and open areas, and showed high site fidelity. Movement variation among individuals could be summarized in four movement syndromes: (1) average individuals, (2) forest specialists, (3) explorers which prefer Piper, and (4) open area specialists which prefer Solanum and Cecropia.

Conclusions

Individual preferences for landscape features plus food resource and movement activity were correlated, resulting in different movement syndromes. Individual variation in preferences for landscape elements and food resources highlight the importance of incorporating explicitly the interaction between landscape structure and individual heterogeneity in descriptions of animal movement.
Individual and seasonal variation in the movement behavior of two tropical nectarivorous birds
Authors: Smetzer Jennifer R. , Paxton Kristina L. , Paxton Eben H.
Published: July 2021

Background

Movement of animals directly affects individual fitness, yet fine spatial and temporal resolution movement behavior has been studied in relatively few small species, particularly in the tropics. Nectarivorous Hawaiian honeycreepers are believed to be highly mobile throughout the year, but their fine-scale movement patterns remain unknown. The movement behavior of these crucial pollinators has important implications for forest ecology, and for mortality from avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum), an introduced disease that does not occur in high-elevation forests where Hawaiian honeycreepers primarily breed.

Methods

We used an automated radio telemetry network to track the movement of two Hawaiian honeycreeper species, the ʻapapane (Himatione sanguinea) and ʻiʻiwi (Drepanis coccinea). We collected high temporal and spatial resolution data across the annual cycle. We identified movement strategies using a multivariate analysis of movement metrics and assessed seasonal changes in movement behavior.

Results

Both species exhibited multiple movement strategies including sedentary, central place foraging, commuting, and nomadism , and these movement strategies occurred simultaneously across the population. We observed a high degree of intraspecific variability at the individual and population level. The timing of the movement strategies corresponded well with regional bloom patterns of ‘ōhi‘a (Metrosideros polymorpha) the primary nectar source for the focal species. Birds made long-distance flights, including multi-day forays outside the tracking array, but exhibited a high degree of fidelity to a core use area, even in the non-breeding period. Both species visited elevations where avian malaria can occur but exhibited little seasonal change in elevation (< 150 m) and regularly returned to high-elevation roosts at night.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the power of automated telemetry to study complex and fine-scale movement behaviors in rugged tropical environments. Our work reveals a system in which birds can track shifting resources using a diverse set of movement behaviors and can facultatively respond to environmental change. Importantly, fidelity to high-elevation roosting sites minimizes nocturnal exposure to avian malaria for far-ranging individuals and is thus a beneficial behavior that may be under high selection pressure.
Eye-tracking support for architects, conservators, and museologists. Anastylosis as pretext for research and discussion
Authors: Rusnak Marta
Published: July 2021

Conservators, museologists, and architects make extremely complex decisions capable of affecting the way people perceive monuments. One might give this idea deeper consideration while pondering anastylosis. One of the things a designer should do when selecting a method of merging together parts of a damaged monument is answer the question whether the chosen method will facilitate the interest of onlookers in the presented object. In which case will the observers spend most of their time looking at the authentic relic fragments and distinguishing between the old and the new parts? The definitions in force do not explain how to approach this topic. By using eye-tracking research, we can learn how observers look at historical objects that have been reassembled again. By combining the observation of visual behaviours with a survey of people looking at such objects, it is possible to see how the process of classifying what is new and old actually works. This knowledge allows for more conscious approach to heritage management processes. In future, results of eye-tracking experiments should help experts plan sustainable conservation projects. Thanks to knowing the reactions of regular people, one will be able to establish conservation programmes in which the material preservation of a monument will reflect the way in which this object affects contemporary onlookers. Such an approach ought to result in real social and economic benefits.
The forecast of COVID-19 spread risk at the county level
Authors: Hssayeni Murtadha D. , Chala Arjuna , Dev Roger , Xu Lili , Shaw Jesse , Furht Borko , Ghoraani Behnaz
Published: July 2021

The early detection of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is important to save people’s lives and restart the economy quickly and safely. People’s social behavior, reflected in their mobility data, plays a major role in spreading the disease. Therefore, we used the daily mobility data aggregated at the county level beside COVID-19 statistics and demographic information for short-term forecasting of COVID-19 outbreaks in the United States. The daily data are fed to a deep learning model based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) to predict the accumulated number of COVID-19 cases in the next two weeks. A significant average correlation was achieved (r=0.83 (p = 0.005)) between the model predicted and actual accumulated cases in the interval from August 1, 2020 until January 22, 2021. The model predictions hadr> 0.7 for 87% of the counties across the United States. A lower correlation was reported for the counties with total cases of <1000 during the test interval. The average mean absolute error (MAE) was 605.4 and decreased with a decrease in the total number of cases during the testing interval. The model was able to capture the effect of government responses on COVID-19 cases. Also, it was able to capture the effect of age demographics on the COVID-19 spread. It showed that the average daily cases decreased with a decrease in the retiree percentage and increased with an increase in the young percentage. Lessons learned from this study not only can help with managing the COVID-19 pandemic but also can help with early and effective management of possible future pandemics. The code used for this study was made publicly available onhttps://github.com/Murtadha44/covid-19-spread-risk.
Subpacket structure in strong VLF chorus rising tones: characteristics and consequences for relativistic electron acceleration
Authors: Foster John C. , Erickson Philip J. , Omura Yoshiharu
Published: July 2021

Van Allen Probes in situ observations are used to examine detailed subpacket structure observed in strong VLF (very low frequency) rising-tone chorus elements observed at the time of a rapid MeV electron energization in the inner magnetosphere. Analysis of the frequency gap between lower and upper chorus-band waves identifies fceEQ, the electron gyrofrequency in the equatorial wave generation region. Initial subpackets in these strong chorus rising-tone elements begin at a frequency near 1/4 fceEQ and exhibit smooth gradual frequency increase across their > 10 ms temporal duration. A second much stronger subpacket is seen at frequencies around the local value of 1/4 fce with small wave normal angle (< 10°) and steeply rising df/dt. Smooth frequency and phase variation across and between the initial subpackets support continuous phase trapping of resonant electrons and increased potential for MeV electron acceleration. The total energy gain for individual seed electrons with energies between 100 keV and 3 MeV ranges between 2 and 15%, in their nonlinear interaction with a single chorus element.
Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry of fault rocks and its possibilities: tectonic implications from calcites within Himalayan Frontal Fold-Thrust Belt
Authors: Sarkar Dyuti Prakash , Ando Jun-ichi , Kano Akihiro , Kato Hirokazu , Ghosh Gautam , Das Kaushik
Published: July 2021

Disentangling the temperature and depth of formation of fault rocks is critical for understanding their rheology, exhumation, and the evolution of fault zones. Estimation of fault rock temperatures mostly relies on conventional geothermometers of metamorphic minerals and element partitioning analysis, which are largely inapplicable in shallow crustal fault rocks. Here, we demonstrate the applicability of the carbonate clumped isotope thermometer in low-grade carbonate-bearing fault rocks from the Himalayan frontal wedge (northwest India). Coalescing carbonate clumped isotope thermometry and calcite e-twin morphology allows us to constrain the temperature and depth of formation of the two main thrusts of the Himalayan frontal wedge, the Nahan thrust (170 ± 10 °C; 6–7 km depth), and the Main Boundary thrust (262 ± 30 °C; 10–11 km depth). The integration of the adopted analytical techniques can promote the application of calcite-based clumped isotope thermometry to the fault zone processes and refinement of shallow crustal fault zone models.
Physiotherapists’ use and perceptions of digital remote physiotherapy during COVID-19 lockdown in Switzerland: an online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rausch Anne-Kathrin , Baur Heiner , Reicherzer Leah , Wirz Markus , Keller Fabienne , Opsommer Emmanuelle , Schoeb Veronika , Vercelli Stefano , Barbero Marco
Published: July 2021

Background

The Swiss containment strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic during the first wave in spring 2020 resulted in a moratorium on non-urgent physiotherapy via regular direct patient contact. Consequently, such physiotherapy sessions declined by 84%. This study investigates the impact of this moratorium on the use of digital remote physiotherapy in Switzerland during this period and the perceptions of its use by Swiss physiotherapists (PTs).

Methods

A cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed between June and August of 2020 via the Swiss Physiotherapy Association (physioswiss) and various associations of physiotherapy specialists (e.g., sport, pediatric) working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The questionnaire was designed to capture the demographics of participants and the perceptions of PTs using 33 questions in the following domains: Demography; Attitudes towards digital technology; Private and professional use of digital technology; Use of digital technology during therapy; and, Support requirements. Closed and open-ended questions were included and the frequency of answers was analyzed. Non-parametric inferential statistics were used to identify differences, where appropriate. The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) was adopted.

Results

Participants in the survey were 742 PTs (23.5% male, mean age of 43 years, mean working experience of 18 years) from the German-speaking (75.5%), French-speaking (15.1%), and Italian-speaking (9.4%) regions of Switzerland. The percentage of PTs using digital remote therapy increased from 4.9% prior to the lockdown to 44.6% during the lockdown period. The majority of PTs did not consider that digital remote therapy could complement usual physiotherapy practice and did not plan to continue with digital remote therapy after the pandemic.

Conclusions

During the lockdown, Swiss PTs adopted various low-cost and easily accessible digital technologies. However, several barriers hampered further implementation of this modality. Specific education and training programs need to be provided among PTs, appropriate digital technologies should be introduced, and a correct reimbursement scheme should be developed.

Trial registration

COVIDPhysio Registry of World Physiotherapy, registered 15th June 2020 (https://world.physio/covid-19-information-hub/covid-19-covidphysio-registry).
Translation of the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare in Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation for Portugal and Brazil
Authors: Couto Thomaz Bittencourt , Matos Francisco Maio , de Toledo Rodovalho Paula Dias , Fey Mary , Simon Robert , Muller-Botti Sacha
Published: July 2021

Background

Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH©) is an instrument to assist in developing and evaluating debriefing skills. The objectives of this study were to translate the DASH from English to Portuguese and to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation of this translated instrument for Portugal and Brazil.

Methods

A forward translation of the DASH score sheets and Rater’s Handbook was accomplished and reviewed by authors from both Portuguese-speaking countries to reach the consensus harmonized version. A backward translation was reviewed by the original authors and discussed with the authors to produce the approved harmonized translation. This was then tested through a questionnaire to assess clarity, comprehensiveness, appropriateness, and cultural relevance among 10 simulation specialists from Portugal and Brazil.

Results

During the forward translation, 19 discrepancies were detected in the Portuguese DASH. After backward translation, 7 discrepancies were discussed and harmonized. All 10 simulation specialists from both countries reviewed the harmonized translation and made 70 suggestions, 64 of which were incorporated in the instrument after discussion among authors.

Conclusions

The translated DASH has undergone translation to Portuguese and a cross-cultural adaptation across Portugal and Brazil. It may be used to assess debriefings in healthcare settings in these countries.
Grading of meningioma tumors based on analyzing tumor volumetric histograms obtained from conventional MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient images
Authors: Haghighi Borujeini Meysam , Farsizaban Masoume , Yazdi Shiva Rahbar , Tolulope Agbele Alaba , Ataei Gholamreza , Saber Korosh , Hosseini Seyyed Mohammad , Abedi-Firouzjah Razzagh
Published: July 2021

Background

Our purpose was to evaluate the application of volumetric histogram parameters obtained from conventional MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images for grading the meningioma tumors.

Results

Tumor volumetric histograms of preoperative MRI images from 45 patients with the diagnosis of meningioma at different grades were analyzed to find the histogram parameters. Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was used for comparison between the parameters obtained from different grades. Multi-parametric regression analysis was used to find the model and parameters with high predictive value for the classification of meningioma. Mode; standard deviation on post-contrast T1WI, T2-FLAIR, and ADC images; kurtosis on post-contrast T1WI and T2-FLAIR images; mean and several percentile values on ADC; and post-contrast T1WI images showed significant differences among different tumor grades (P < 0.05). The multi-parametric linear regression showed that the ADC histogram parameters model had a higher predictive value, with cutoff values of 0.212 (sensitivity = 79.6%, specificity = 84.3%) and 0.180 (sensitivity = 70.9%, specificity = 80.8%) for differentiating the grade I from II, and grade II from III, respectively.

Conclusions

The multi-parametric model of volumetric histogram parameters in some of the conventional MRI series (i.e., post-contrast T1WI and T2-FLAIR images) along with the ADC images are appropriate for predicting the meningioma tumors’ grade.
The core trainee ‘residential’: an opportunity for trainees to feel connected in a world of virtual teaching
Authors: de Cates Angharad , Lane Victoria , Turner Erin
Published: July 2021

MRCPsych courses play a key role in helping trainees prepare for Membership examinations and specialist training. Historically, their social aspect, although arguably as important, has perhaps not been sufficiently prioritised. During a pandemic, when teaching is largely delivered virtually, the social benefit of meeting peers is highlighted by its absence. Given the future likelihood of increased virtual teaching, it is of paramount importance to explore ways of enhancing the sociability of teaching courses. In addition to the social needs of trainees, there is a recognised need to increase and integrate the neuroscience component of the curriculum to better meet the needs of modern day mental health research, treatment and practice. This article describes how the Birmingham MRCPsych course successfully addressed both these issues with a 2-day ‘residential’ in October 2019, and considers whether future residentials could be delivered virtually.
Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ludwig Megan , Rajvansh Rhea , Drake Justin M
Published: July 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. While the use of prostate-specific antigen has improved the ability to screen and ultimately diagnose PCa, there still remain false positives due to noncancerous conditions in the prostate gland itself and other prognostic biomarkers for PCa are needed. Contents within extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising biomarkers that can give valuable information about disease state, and have the additional benefit of being acquired through noninvasive liquid biopsies. Meaningful communication between cancer cells and the microenvironment are carried by EVs, which impact important cellular processes in prostate cancer such as metastasis, immune regulation, and drug resistance.
Twitchy, the Drosophila orthologue of the ciliary gating protein FBF1/dyf-19, is required for coordinated locomotion and male fertility
Authors: Hodge Suzanne H. , Watts Amy , Marley Richard , Baines Richard A. , Hafen Ernst , MacDougall Lindsay K.
Published: July 2021

Primary cilia are compartmentalised from the rest of the cell by a ciliary gate comprising transition fibres and a transition zone. The ciliary gate allows the selective import and export of molecules such as transmembrane receptors and transport proteins. These are required for the assembly of the cilium, its function as a sensory and signalling centre and to maintain its distinctive composition. Certain motile cilia can also form within the cytosol as exemplified by human and Drosophila sperm. The role of transition fibre proteins has not been well described in the cytoplasmic cilia.

Drosophila have both compartmentalised primary cilia, in sensory neurons, and sperm flagella that form within the cytosol. Here, we describe phenotypes for twitchy the Drosophila orthologue of a transition fibre protein, mammalian FBF1/C. elegans dyf-19. Loss-of-function mutants in twitchy are adult lethal and display a severely uncoordinated phenotype. Twitchy flies are too uncoordinated to mate but RNAi-mediated loss of twitchy specifically within the male germline results in coordinated but infertile adults. Examination of sperm from twitchy RNAi-knockdown flies shows that the flagellar axoneme forms, elongates and is post-translationally modified by polyglycylation but the production of motile sperm is impaired. These results indicate that twitchy is required for the function of both sensory cilia that are compartmentalised from the rest of the cell and sperm flagella that are formed within the cytosol of the cell. Twitchy is therefore likely to function as part of a molecular gate in sensory neurons but may have a distinct function in sperm cells.
Endosomal recycling tubule scission and integrin recycling involve the membrane curvature-supporting protein LITAF
Authors: Wunderley Lydia , Zhang Ling , Yarwood Rebecca , Qin Wenxia , Lowe Martin , Woodman Philip
Published: July 2021

Recycling to the cell surface requires the scission of tubular membrane intermediates emanating from endosomes. Here, we identify the monotopic membrane protein LPS-induced TNF-activating factor (LITAF) and the related protein cell death involved p53 target 1 (CDIP1) as novel membrane curvature proteins that contribute to recycling tubule scission. Recombinant LITAF supports high membrane curvature, shown by its ability to reduce proteoliposome size. The membrane domains of LITAF and CDIP1 partition strongly into ∼50 nm diameter tubules labelled with the recycling markers Pacsin2, ARF6 and SNX1, and the recycling cargoes MHC class I and CD59. Partitioning of LITAF into tubules is impaired by mutations linked to Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 1C. Meanwhile, co-depletion of LITAF and CDIP1 results in the expansion of tubular recycling compartments and stabilised Rab11 tubules, pointing to a function for LITAF and CDIP1 in membrane scission. Consistent with this, co-depletion of LITAF and CDIP1 impairs integrin recycling and cell migration.
Too big to study? The biologging approach to understanding the behavioural energetics of ocean giants
Authors: Watanabe Yuuki Y. , Goldbogen Jeremy A.
Published: July 2021

Wild animals are under selective pressure to optimise energy budgets; therefore, quantifying energy expenditure, intake and allocation to specific activities is important if we are to understand how animals survive in their environment. One approach toward estimating energy budgets has involved measuring oxygen consumption rates under controlled conditions and constructing allometric relationships across species. However, studying ‘giant’ marine vertebrates (e.g. pelagic sharks, whales) in this way is logistically difficult or impossible. An alternative approach involves the use of increasingly sophisticated electronic tags that have allowed recordings of behaviour, internal states and the surrounding environment of marine animals. This Review outlines how we could study the energy expenditure and intake of free-living ocean giants using this ‘biologging’ technology. There are kinematic, physiological and theoretical approaches for estimating energy expenditure, each of which has merits and limitations. Importantly, tag-derived energy proxies can hardly be validated against oxygen consumption rates for giant species. The proxies are thus qualitative, rather than quantitative, estimates of energy expenditure, and have more limited utilities. Despite this limitation, these proxies allow us to study the energetics of ocean giants in their behavioural context, providing insight into how these animals optimise their energy budgets under natural conditions. We also outline how information on energy intake and foraging behaviour can be gained from tag data. These methods are becoming increasingly important owing to the natural and anthropogenic environmental changes faced by ocean giants that can alter their energy budgets, fitness and, ultimately, population sizes.
Diagnostic accuracy of a urine dipstick for detecting albuminuria in hypertensive patients
Authors: Panta Phornwipa , Techakehakij Win
Published: July 2021

Background: Screening for albuminuria is generally recommended among patients with hypertension. While the urine dipstick is commonly used for screening urine albumin, there is little evidence about its diagnostic accuracy among these patients in Thailand. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a dipstick in Thai hypertensive patients for detecting albuminuria.

Methods: This study collected the data of 3,067 hypertensive patients, with the results of urine dipstick and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) from random single spot urine being examined in the same day at least once, at Lampang Hospital, Thailand, during 2018. For ACR, a reference standard of ≥ 30 mg/g was applied to indicate the presence of albuminuria.

Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value of the trace result from dipsticks were 53.6%, 94.5%, 86.5%, and 75.5%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the dipstick was 0.748.

Conclusion: Using the dipstick for screening albuminuria among hypertensive patients should not be recommended for mass screening due to its low sensitivity. In response to high PPV, a trace threshold of the dipstick may be used to indicate presence of albuminuria.
Case Report: Polyvinylpyrrolidone deposition disease from repeated injection of opioid substitution drugs: report of a case with a fatal outcome
Authors: Stalund Ida Viken , Riise Gro Nygard , Leh Friedemann , Bjånes Tormod Karlsen , Riise Lars , Svarstad Einar , Leh Sabine
Published: July 2021

Background: Intravenous injection of oral opioid substitution drugs (OSD) is widespread among injecting drug users. Several OSDs contain the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as an excipient. Parenterally administered PVP of high molecular weight may accumulate in tissues and organs. This phenomenon was first described in the 1950s, when PVP was utilised in medication for parenteral use. We report a case of an opioid-addicted patient with extensive PVP–deposition caused by repeated injections of OSDs.

Case presentation: A 30-year-old male drug addicted patient in opioid substitution therapy (OST) was repeatedly referred to his local hospital in a poor general condition. Work-up revealed severe normocytic anaemia, renal insufficiency, pancreas insufficiency and pathological fractures. Biopsies from fractured bones, bone marrow and gastric mucosa showed extensive infiltrates of histiocytes with intracytoplasmic vacuoles. Vacuole content stained slightly bluish in hematoxylin and eosin stain, red in Congo red stain and black in periodic acid methenamine silver stain. The morphological appearance and staining properties were in accordance with the diagnosis of PVP deposition. The patient had been injecting both buprenorphine tablets and a specific methadone syrup for several years. The methadone syrup contained large amounts of high molecular weight PVP, making it the most likely cause of the deposition. His health quickly deteriorated and he died, impaired by multi-organ failure and cachexia, five years after the first diagnosis of PVP-deposition. The autopsy revealed extensive PVP-deposition in all sampled organs and tissues.

Conclusions: Histological investigation and the correct identification of PVP in the biopsies led to the discovery of a severe adverse effect from long-standing misuse of a drug. The disseminated PVP deposition likely contributed to multi-organ dysfunction and cachexia with a fatal outcome. The deposited PVP likely originated from repeated injections of a certain methadone syrup.
Case Report: SARS-CoV-2 as an unexpected causal agent of predominant febrile hepatitis
Authors: Filippidis Paraskevas , van Ouwenaller Francois , Cerutti Alberto , Geiger-Jacquod Anaïs , Sempoux Christine , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Moradpour Darius , Lamoth Frederic
Published: July 2021

Background: Respiratory symptoms and pneumonia are the predominant features of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to emerging SARS-CoV-2 virus, but extrapulmonary manifestations are also observed. For instance, some degree of liver injury has been described among patients requiring hospital admission for severe COVID-19. However, acute febrile hepatitis as an initial or predominant manifestation of COVID-19 has been rarely reported.

Case presentation: A 34-year-old man without underlying medical conditions presented with fever of unknown origin for two weeks in the absence of respiratory symptoms or other complaints. Laboratory testing revealed isolated acute hepatitis, for which an extensive microbiological work-up did not reveal identification of the causal agent. PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 on a nasopharyngeal swab was negative on two occasions and initial serology for SARS-CoV-2 (at 15 days from symptoms onset) was also negative. However, repeated SARS-CoV-2 serological testing at 30 days demonstrated seroconversion leading to the diagnosis of COVID-19-related hepatitis. The patient's condition progressively improved, while transaminases steadily declined and eventually returned back to normal within 30 days.

Conclusions: We describe here a unique case of SARS-CoV-2 isolated febrile hepatitis in a young and previously healthy man, which was diagnosed by demonstration of seroconversion, while PCR screening was negative. This case report highlights the role of repeated serological testing for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Nepal from 2000 to 2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Budhathoki Pravash , Sedhai Yub Raj , Marahatta Achyut , Lamichhane Samit , Nepal Sarbin , Adhikari Anurag , Poudel Ayusha , Nepal Samata , Atreya Alok
Published: July 2021

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from 2000-2020 in various parts of Nepal. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using the appropriate keywords. All Nepalese studies mentioning the prevalence of T2DM and/or details  such as risk factors were included. Studies were screened using Covidence. Two reviewers independently selected studies based on the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software v.3. Results: Total 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of T2DM, pre-diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance in Nepal in the last two decades was 10% (CI, 7.1%- 13.9%), 19.4% (CI, 11.2%- 31.3%), and 11.0% (CI, 4.3%- 25.4%) respectively. The prevalence of T2DM in the year 2010-15 was 7.75% (CI, 3.67-15.61), and it increased to 11.24% between 2015-2020 (CI, 7.89-15.77). There were 2.19 times higher odds of having T2DM if the body mass index was ≥24.9 kg/m2. Analysis showed normal waist circumference, normal blood pressure, and no history of T2DM in a family has 64.1%, 62.1%, and 67.3% lower odds of having T2DM, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of T2DM, pre-diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance in Nepal was estimated to be 10%, 19.4%, and 11% respectively.
Parental spiritual and religious beliefs and behaviour data collected from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, 2020
Authors: Iles-Caven Yasmin , Gregory Steven , Bickerstaffe Iain , Northstone Kate , Golding Jean
Published: July 2021

There are few studies that chart the ways in which the religious beliefs and practices of parents and their offspring vary over time. Even fewer can relate this to aspects of their physical and mental health or distinguish the different facets of the environment that may have influenced the development or loss of religious/spiritual belief and behaviours over time. This paper describes the recent data collection in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) on the beliefs and behaviours of the study parents some 27-28 years after the first measures were collected. Questions that were previously administered to the mother and her partner on religion, spirituality, behaviours, and beliefs (RSBB) were repeated for the fourth time, together with enhanced data on RSBB. The new data are described and compared with previous responses. The most notable difference between the 9 year and the 2020 sweep was the increase of professed non-believers in both the mothers (17.5% vs 29.8%) and partners (31.9% vs. 45.3%).

As expected, on each occasion study partners were less likely to acknowledge RSBB compared to the study mothers. In the latest sweep, respondents were less likely to be unsure if they believed and more likely to not believe. Responses to “Do you believe in God or a divine power?” in mothers ranged from 49.9% stating ‘yes’ antenatally to 43.5% doing so in 2020; 14.9% vs 29.8% for ‘no’ and 35.2% to 26.6% for ‘not sure’. For partners, the corresponding figures are: ‘yes’ 37.0% vs. 30.0%; ‘no’ 28.6% vs. 45.3% and ‘not sure’ 34.5% vs. 24.6%. We plan to undertake detailed analyses of the antecedents and consequences of RBSS. All data are available for use by interested researchers.
Stent graft treatment of an ilioenteric fistula secondary to radiotherapy: a case report
Authors: Jang Joo Yeon , Jeon Ung Bae , Kim Jin Hyeok , Kim Tae Un , Hwang Jae Yeon , Ryu Hwa Seong
Published: July 2021

Fistulas between the arteries and the gastrointestinal tract are rare but can be fatal. We present a case of an ilioenteric fistula between the left external iliac artery and sigmoid colon caused by radiotherapy for cervical cancer, which was treated with endovascular management using a stent graft. A 38-year-old woman underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer recurrence. Approximately 9 months later, the patient suddenly developed hematochezia. On her first visit to the emergency room of our hospital, computed tomography (CT) images did not reveal extravasation of contrast media. However, 8 hours later, she revisited the emergency room because of massive hematochezia with a blood pressure of 40/20 mmHg and a heart rate of 150 beats per minute. At that time, CT images showed the presence of contrast media in almost the entire colon. The patient was referred to the angiography room at our hospital for emergency angiography. Inferior mesenteric arteriography did not reveal any source of bleeding. Pelvic arteriography showed contrast media extravasation from the left external iliac artery to the sigmoid colon; this was diagnosed as an ilioenteric fistula and treated with a stent graft. When the bleeding focus is not detected on visceral angiography despite massive arterial bleeding, pelvic arteriography is recommended, especially in patients with a history of pelvic surgery or radiotherapy.
Are we getting it right? A review of end-of-life care in community nursing
Authors: Thorpe Nicky , Singh Rachel , Chapman Helen , Farndon Lisa
Published: July 2021

End-of-life (EoL) care is an important role in community nursing. In order to assess a community nursing team's performance in the delivery of EoL care, an evaluation of the EoL care template was undertaken from electronic patient records. Records were assessed against a set of four care priorities across 23 nursing teams in a large acute/community trust. Some 103 electronic patient records were evaluated out of a convenience sample of 110 (94% response rate). The results demonstrated that patients' wishes are being discussed and documented and the priorities of care are being considered with patients needing EoL care. Thus, patients and their families are being supported by the community nursing service, which is communicating with them sensitively and involving patients in the decision-making process. In some cases, the EoL Care Template was not fully completed, which would result in poorer communication across teams and organisations of practice within the wider community. Future action will be focused on continuing to encourage and improve the use of the EoL care template as well as the local online e-learning package for EoL care.
Women's perception of choice and support in making decisions regarding management of breech presentation
Authors: Sierra Antonio
Published: July 2021

Background

Professional guidelines recommend midwives and obstetricians actively involve women in making decisions about their care. To date, breech research has focused mainly on assessing the effectiveness of different management options.

Aim

This research explores women's experience of breech presentation and their perception of choice and support in making decisions with regards to breech management.

Methods

This study uses a phenomenological research design. Semi-structured interviews took place in hospital or women's homes. A total of six postnatal women who were diagnosed with breech presentation after 36 weeks' gestation took part in the study. Data was analysed using Colaizzi's method.

Findings

A total of 84 significant statements were clustered into four main emerging themes. These include women's feelings, their healthcare expectations, their preferences and their values.

Results

Breech discussions mostly occurred between obstetricians and women. These primarily focused on external cephalic version, Elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section and Breech Vaginal Birth. These options did not always become choices available to women.
How is the Origin of the Cold War Depicted in Turkish History Textbooks?
Authors: Sungur Hasan
Published: July 2021

The primary purpose of this article is to analyze how the origin of the Cold War is represented in Turkish history textbooks for general secondary school education for the twelfth grade. The author examined three history textbooks, which are only approved by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) for teaching the course of Contemporary Turkish and World History. This research applied content analysis, including narratives and visual interpretation of the origins of the Cold War, and also the events regarding the emergence of Soviet Bloc and Western Bloc in high school history textbooks in Turkey. Findings indicate that treatments of the origin of the Cold War in Turkish history textbooks are remarkably similar in many ways. The traditional approach of the origin of the Cold War, which depicts the Soviet Union as an aggressive power whose primary purpose was to expand Communism to the world, constitutes the dominant narrative in Turkish history textbooks. The representation of the United States is very positive. All textbooks underline that the United States played a crucial role in solving many problems in many different parts of the world to prevent the expansion of Communism.