bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multicentre Canadian survey of caregiver perspectives on COVID vaccine-related pain and stress for their family
Authors: Ali Samina , Kammerer Elise , Thompson Graham , Mater Ahmed , Rajagopal Manasi , Bone Jeffrey N , Birnie Kathryn A , Oberlander Tim , Chambers Christine T , Goldman Ran D ,   on behalf of the International COVID-19 Parental Attitude Study (COVIPAS) Group
Published: May 2022

Background:

Caregiver hesitancy for their children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine remains due to concerns regarding safety and efficacy, but also due to fear of vaccine administration-related pain and distress. Study objectives were to determine caregivers’ perceptions regarding both their personal and child’s COVID-19 vaccine administration-related stress and fear and relate this to their likelihood to allow their child to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

Methods:

This study was a secondary data analysis of a multicentre, cross-sectional survey of caregivers presenting to four Canadian pediatric emergency departments. Caregivers were surveyed between December 2020 and March 2021 and completed a digital survey on their own smartphones.

Results:

331 caregivers responded to the survey (mean age 39.9 years [SD 7.71]); 74.2% (245/331) were mothers. Children’s mean age was 8.8 years [SD 5.4]; 49.8% (165/331) were female. 64.1% (209/326) of caregivers were willing to vaccinate their child against COVID-19, while 35.9% (117/326) were not. Greater perceived COVID-19 vaccine administration-related pain (0.88 [0.80; 0.95], p = .003) and stress (0.82 [0.76; 0.89], p = <.001) for their child as well as greater perceived personal stress with their own COVID-19 vaccine administration (0.81 [0.75; 0.88], p = <.001) were associated with caregivers being less likely to vaccinate their child.

Conclusions:

During the time period between COVID-19 pandemic waves 2 and 3, and after the vaccine had been federally approved for adults, one-third of Canadian caregivers surveyed reported being unwilling to vaccinate their child against COVID-19 in the future. Managing children’s and caregivers’ vaccine administration-related fear and stress may improve vaccine uptake for children.
Anti-Racism and Intersectionality in Feminist Criminology and Academia: Introduction to a Special Issue
Authors: Palmer Jane E. , Rajah Valli , Wilson Sean K.
Published: May 2022

In this introduction to the special issue on Anti-Racism and Intersectionality in Feminist Criminology and Academia, we describe the Virtual Forum of the same name that inspired the special issue. The June 4, 2021 Forum was organized by an ad hoc committee of the American Society of Criminology's Division on Women & Crime's Diversity & Inclusion Committee and featured over 100 presenters. We also outline the contributions to the special issue, which contain concrete recommendations on how to improve our discipline, our research, our mentorship, our departments, and our universities. Finally, we included two beautiful tributes on the legacy of bell hooks, in light of her December 2021 passing. We hope that readers will find the contributions to this special issue informative and beneficial as they work to advance antiracist and intersectional ideas and practices within criminology, feminist criminology and academia.
20-year Inflation-Adjusted Medicare Reimbursements (Years: 2000-2020) For Common Lumbar and Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Procedures
Authors: Honarpisheh Pedram , Parker Samantha L. , Conner Christopher R. , Anjum Sami , Stark Jessica R. , Quinn John C. , Caridi John M.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Reimbursement trends for common procedures have persistently declined over the past 2 decades. Spinal instrumentational and fusion procedures are increasingly utilized and have increased in clinical complexity, yet longitudinal inflation-adjusted data for Medicare reimbursements of these procedures have not been evaluated.

Methods

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool was used to extract Medicare reimbursements for the 5 most common spinal procedures and associated instrumentations from 2000-2020. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes include 22551, 22600, 22633, 63030, and 63047 as well as instrumentation CPT codes 22840 and 22842-6. The nominal values were adjusted for inflation according to the latest consumer price index (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; reported as 2020 USD) and used to calculate average annual percent changes and compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) in reimbursements.

Results

After inflation adjustment, the physician fee reimbursement decreased by 11.05% ± 8.46% (mean ± s.d., from $2,009.89 in 2011 to $1,787.85 in 2020) for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), 28.38% ± 8.42% (from $1,889.38 in 2000 to $1,353.14 in 2020) for posterior cervical fusion, 7.85% ± 8.20% (from $2,111.20 in 2012 to $1,945.49 in 2020) for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), 28.17% ± 13.88% (from $1,421.78 in 2000 to $1,021.22 in 2020) for lower back disc surgery, and 31.88% ± 8.22% (from $1,700.38 in 2000 to $1,158.25 in 2020) for lumbar laminectomy. Instrumentation reimbursements showed an average decrease of 33.43% ± 8.4% over this period. Average CAGR was −1.7% ± .41% for procedures and −2.02% ± .14% for instrumentation.

Conclusion

Our analysis reveals a persistent decline in reimbursement rates of the most common spine procedures and instrumentation since the year 2000. If unaddressed, this trend can serve as a substantial disincentive for physicians to perform these procedures and can significantly limit access to spinal care at the population level.
Exploring Early-Career Job Seekers’ Online Uncertainty Management
Authors: Smith Stephanie A. , Piercy Cameron , Zhu Yaguang
Published: May 2022

Using the framework of uncertainty management theory (UMT), this study qualitatively explores the extent to which entry-level job seekers engage in online information seeking, or cybervetting, about employers, why they do it, and how cybervetting influences their subsequent communication. We conducted 19 focus groups, involving 100 participants across three universities, to capture the rich experiences of early-career job seekers. Findings offer evidence of cybervetting from the perspective of a potential employee, exploring how information-seeking foregrounds the modern employee-employer relationship. The findings indicate that many job seekers use social media and employee-generated review websites as an initial mode of communication to find organizational information that helps to manage their uncertainty and anxiety, prepare for interviews, engage with their existing interpersonal networks because of information they find online, and to aid in their decision-making about joining organizations. In line with UMT, many participants also use cognitive and behavioral alternatives to information seeking to manage their uncertainty.
Framing the Black Lives Matter Movement: An Analysis of Shifting News Coverage in 2014 and 2020
Authors: Carney Nikita , Kelekay Jasmine
Published: May 2022

The police killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd sparked a resurgence of Black Lives Matter protests throughout the summer of 2020, reminiscent of the wave of Black Lives Matter protests that occurred after several police killings in 2014 including the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Based on qualitative analysis of mainstream media coverage of the protests, this paper examines key themes in the discourse surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement in 2014 and 2020. Our findings highlight the ways in which mainstream news sources situate the Black Lives Matter protests within a broader history of Black uprisings. We also emphasize the erasure of violence against Black women in mainstream media depictions of the BLM movement, as well as the erasure of Black women’s leadership in the movement.
How to Survive as an Armed Non-state Actor? An Assessment of the Syrian Democratic Union Party
Authors: İpek Fatih Oğuzhan
Published: May 2022

This article examines the case of the Syrian Democratic Union Party (Partiya Yekîtiya Demokrat or PYD) to explain the survival strategies of the non-state armed actor (NSAA). Although the Middle Eastern State System remarkably remained stable after the end of Mandates, the legitimacy of states has been eroded by a combination of colonial legacy, neo-patrimonialism, and authoritarianism, laying the seeds for the rise of non-state challengers to states. At the beginning of the Syrian uprising, the PYD did not fight against the Syrian regime but established its autonomy in northern Syria by taking advantage of the chaos. Using the process-tracing method, the article explains the survival of the PYD until the territorial defeat of the so-called Islamic State and offers parameters of the territorial logic, its organizational structuring, and relations with the states to explain the survival strategies of the PYD. Finally, the study concludes that while the territorial and organizational structuring logics of the NSAA shape its strategies, its complex relationship with states determines its survival.
Serious Experience Events: Applying Patient Safety Concepts to Improve Patient Experience
Authors: Donnelly Lane F , Uhlhorn Elizabeth , Bargmann-Losche Jessey , Platchek Terry S
Published: May 2022

Pediatric healthcare systems have successfully decreased patient harm and improved patient safety by adopting standardized definitions, processes, and infrastructure for serious safety events (SSEs). We have adopted those patient safety concepts and used that infrastructure to identify and create action plans to mitigate events in which patient experience is severely compromised. We define those events as serious experience events (SEEs). The purpose of this research brief is to describe SEE definitions, infrastructure used to evaluate potential SEEs, and creation of action plans as well as share our preliminary experiences with the approach.
Carer perceptions of a specialist mental health service for children and young people in care
Authors: Eadie Kathryn , Moss Kelly , Burton Judith
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Children and young people in care are a key client group for child and youth mental health services. A collaborative approach to addressing the complex and long-term needs of children or young people in care is essential and carers who support these children or young people are vital team members of this collaboration. Method: This research surveyed carers over a 4-year period to gather feedback about a specialist mental health service. 277 carers responded to the Carer Perceptions Survey. Participants were mainly foster (65%) and kinship (17%) carers. However, residential workers (13%) and biological parents (5%) also responded to the survey. A thematic analysis was undertaken with responses to open-ended questions about most liked aspects of the service and ideas for service improvement. Results: Themes included support for carers, communication between carers and staff, personal attributes of staff, working in collaboration, accessibility to the service, and carer training. Carers expressed their appreciation of staff who provided support in collaborative and respectful ways and valued staff who listened to their experiences and ideas. In addition, carers expressed interest in receiving more information and training about how best to support the mental health of children and young people in their care. Conclusion: Effective mental health services for children and young people in care require clinical staff that foster respectful engagement and facilitate collaboration with carers in all aspects of care.
A Comprehensive Review of Orthognathic Surgery: Fixation, Relapse, and Complications
Authors: Puthumana Joseph S. , Lopez Christopher D. , Magrath Walker J. , Lake Isabel V. , Girard Alisa O. , Redett Richard J. , Steinbacher Derek M. , Grant Michael P. , Lopez Joseph , Yang Robin
Published: May 2022

Background:

This study aims to investigate all papers on orthognathic fixation to better understand changes in operative techniques and fixation materials and to better compare relapse and complication rates.

Methods:

A PubMed search was conducted of “orthognathic” AND “fixation” in the title or abstract between 1989 and 2020.

Results:

Three reviewers independently screened 439 papers and extracted data from 166 included papers. Of these studies, 118 investigated sagittal split ramus osteotomies (SSRO), 96 LeFort osteotomies, 25 genioplasties, and 21 intraoral vertical ramus osteotomies (IVRO). The most used fixation materials in the maxilla were titanium miniplates with monocortical screws (n = 65), followed by resorbable miniplates (n = 10); in the mandible, the most common were titanium miniplates (n = 67) and titanium bicortical screws (n = 49). Wide variability was demonstrated in relapse rates by operation, fixation type, and relapse time-point studied. Meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher infection rate in SSRO versus LeFort ( P = .003) and, surprisingly, a trend toward higher relapse rate in titanium versus resorbable fixation at 6 months in SSRO setback ( P = .08).

Conclusion:

This study reports all the available data on relapse rates across techniques, with non-inferiority of bicortical screws versus miniplates.
Ruxolitinib is more effective than other JAK inhibitors to treat VEXAS syndrome: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Heiblig Maël , Ferrada Marcela A. , Koster Matthew T. , Barba Thomas , Gerfaud-Valentin Mathieu , Mékinian Arsène , Coelho Henrique , Fossard Gaelle , Barraco Fiorenza , Galicier Lionel , Bienvenu Boris , Hirsch Pierre , Vial Guillaume , Boutin Anne Blandine , Galland Joris , Le Guenno Guillaume , Bigot Adrien , Warrington Kenneth J. , Kermani Tanaz A. , Grayson Peter C. , Patel Bhavisha A. , Beck David B. , Jamilloux Yvan , Fenaux Pierre , Sujobert Pierre
Published: May 2022

VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles in myeloid progenitors, E1 ubiquitin activating enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory manifestations and somatic) is an autoinflammatory condition caused by somatically acquired UBA1 mutations. Heiblig et al report on an international retrospective analysis of 30 patients with VEXAS syndrome treated with different Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, finding encouraging evidence supporting the use of the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib with clinical remissions and reductions in steroid use seen in the majority of patients.
The economic and personal burden of cluster headache: a controlled cross-sectional study
Authors: Petersen Anja Sofie , Lund Nunu , Snoer Agneta , Jensen Rigmor Højland , Barloese Mads
Published: May 2022

Background

Cluster headache is a less-prevalent primary headache disorder but is overrepresented with regards to use of health care and social services. More insight into the socioeconomic impact is required.

Methods

We investigated both the personal and societal disease burden and cost in 400 patients with well-classified cluster headache according to the ICHD-criteria and 200 sex- and age matched controls. All participants completed a cross sectional questionnaire and semi-structured interview.

Results

Patients with chronic cluster headache constituted 146 out of 400 (37%). Overall, restriction in personal and/or professional life was reported by 94% of patients during attack periods. Even in remission, nine times as many episodic patients rated their health as poor/very poor compared to controls (9% vs 1%, p = 0.002). For chronic patients, the odds of rating health as good/very good were ten times lower compared to controls (OR:10.10, 95%CI:5.29–18.79. p < 0.001) and three times lower compared to episodic patients in remission (OR:3.22, 95%CI:1.90–5.47, p < 0.001). Additionally, chronic cluster headache patients were 5 times more likely to receive disability pension compared to episodic (OR:5.0, 95%CI:2.3–10.9, p < 0.001). The mean direct annual costs amounted to 9,158€ and 2,763€ for chronic and episodic patients, respectively (p < 0.001). We identified a substantial loss of productivity due to absence from work resulting in a higher indirect cost of 11,809 €/year/patient in the chronic population and 3,558 €/year/patient in the episodic population. Presenteeism could not be quantified but productivity was reduced in patients by 65% in periods with attacks compared to controls.

Conclusion

Cluster headache has a major negative impact on personal life, self-perceived health, and societal cost. Patients with the chronic variant are vastly more burdened. Patients with the episodic form were still markedly affected during the remission period. This study highlights the need for more effective therapy to lighten the burden on patients and society.
RCAN1 knockout and overexpression recapitulate an ensemble of rest-activity and circadian disruptions characteristic of Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and normative aging
Authors: Wong Helen , Buck Jordan M. , Borski Curtis , Pafford Jessica T. , Keller Bailey N. , Milstead Ryan A. , Hanson Jessica L. , Stitzel Jerry A. , Hoeffer Charles A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is overexpressed in Down syndrome (DS), but RCAN1 levels are also increased in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and normal aging. AD is highly comorbid among individuals with DS and is characterized in part by progressive neurodegeneration that resembles accelerated aging. Importantly, abnormal RCAN1 levels have been demonstrated to promote memory deficits and pathophysiology that appear symptomatic of DS, AD, and aging. Anomalous diurnal rest-activity patterns and circadian rhythm disruptions are also common in DS, AD, and aging and have been implicated in facilitating age-related cognitive decline and AD progression. However, no prior studies have assessed whether RCAN1 dysregulation may also promote the age-associated alteration of rest-activity profiles and circadian rhythms, which could in turn contribute to neurodegeneration in DS, AD, and aging.

Methods

The present study examined the impacts of RCAN1 deficiency and overexpression on the photic entrainment, circadian periodicity, intensity and distribution, diurnal patterning, and circadian rhythmicity of wheel running in young (3–6 months old) and aged (9–14 months old) mice of both sexes.

Results

We found that daily RCAN1 levels in the hippocampus and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of light-entrained young mice are generally constant and that balanced RCAN1 expression is necessary for normal circadian locomotor activity rhythms. While the light-entrained diurnal period was unaltered, RCAN1-null and RCAN1-overexpressing mice displayed lengthened endogenous (free-running) circadian periods like mouse models of AD and aging. In light-entrained young mice, RCAN1 deficiency and overexpression also recapitulated the general hypoactivity, diurnal rest-wake pattern fragmentation, and attenuated amplitudes of circadian activity rhythms reported in DS, preclinical and clinical AD, healthily aging individuals, and rodent models thereof. Under constant darkness, RCAN1-null and RCAN1-overexpressing mice displayed altered locomotor behavior indicating circadian clock dysfunction. Using the Dp(16)1Yey/+ (Dp16) mouse model for DS, which expresses three copies of Rcan1, we found reduced wheel running activity and rhythmicity in both light-entrained and free-running young Dp16 mice like young RCAN1-overexpressing mice. Critically, these diurnal and circadian deficits were rescued in part or entirely by restoring Rcan1 to two copies in Dp16 mice. We also found that RCAN1 deficiency but not RCAN1 overexpression altered protein levels of the clock gene Bmal1 in the SCN.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study’s findings suggest that both loss and aberrant gain of RCAN1 precipitate anomalous light-entrained diurnal and circadian activity patterns emblematic of DS, AD, and possibly aging.
CrisprVi: a software for visualizing and analyzing CRISPR sequences of prokaryotes
Authors: Sun Lei , Wang Jinbiao , Yan Fu , Wang Gongming , Li Yun , Huang Jinlin
Published: May 2022

Background

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their spacers are important components of prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas systems. In order to analyze the CRISPR loci of multiple genomes more intuitively and comparatively, here we propose a visualization analysis tool named CrisprVi.

Results

CrisprVi is a Python package consisting of a graphic user interface (GUI) for visualization, a module for commands parsing and data transmission, local SQLite and BLAST databases for data storage and a functions layer for data processing. CrisprVi can not only visually present information of CRISPR direct repeats (DRs) and spacers, such as their orders on the genome, IDs, start and end coordinates, but also provide interactive operation for users to display, label and align the CRISPR sequences, which help researchers investigate the locations, orders and components of the CRISPR sequences in a global view. In comparison to other CRISPR visualization tools such as CRISPRviz and CRISPRStudio, CrisprVi not only improves the interactivity and effects of the visualization, but also provides basic statistics of the CRISPR sequences, and the consensus sequences of DRs/spacers across the input strains can be inspected from a clustering heatmap based on the BLAST results of the CRISPR sequences hitting against the genomes.

Conclusions

CrisprVi is a convenient tool for visualizing and analyzing the CRISPR sequences and it would be helpful for users to inspect novel CRISPR-Cas systems of prokaryotes.
Gene co-expression network based on part mutual information for gene-to-gene relationship and gene-cancer correlation analysis
Authors: Jiang Yi-Hua , Long Jie , Zhao Zhi-Bin , Li Liang , Lian Zhe-Xiong , Liang Zhi , Wu Jia-Rui
Published: May 2022

Background

Finding correlation patterns is an important goal of analyzing biological data. Currently available methods for correlation analysis mainly use non-direct associations, such as the Pearson correlation coefficient, and focus on the interpretation of networks at the level of modules. For biological objects such as genes, their collective function depends on pairwise gene-to-gene interactions. However, a large amount of redundant results from module level methods often necessitate further detailed analysis of gene interactions. New approaches of measuring direct associations among variables, such as the part mutual information (PMI), may help us better interpret the correlation pattern of biological data at the level of variable pairs.

Results

We use PMI to calculate gene co-expression networks of cancer mRNA transcriptome data. Our results show that the PMI-based networks with fewer edges could represent the correlation pattern and are robust across biological conditions. The PMI-based networks recall significantly more important parts of omics defined gene-pair relationships than the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC)-based networks. Based on the scores derived from PMI-recalled copy number variation or DNA methylation gene-pairs, the patients with cancer can be divided into groups with significant differences on disease specific survival.

Conclusions

PMI, measuring direct associations between variables, extracts more important biological relationships at the level of gene pairs than conventional indirect association measures do. It can be used to refine module level results from other correlation methods. Particularly, PMI is beneficial to analysis of biological data of the complicated systems, for example, cancer transcriptome data.
Cloning and functional verification of a porcine adipose tissue-specific promoter
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Shen Liangcai , Wu Wenjing , Liu Keke , Zhang Jin
Published: May 2022

Background

Fat deposition is an important economic trait in pigs. In the past decades, many genes regulating porcine fat deposition were identified by Omics technology and verified by cell biology studies. Using genetically modified pigs to investigate the function of these genes in vivo is necessary before applying in breeding. However, lack of tissue-specific promoters of pigs hinders the generation of adipose tissue-specific genetically modified pigs.

Results

In order to identify a porcine adipose tissue-specific promoter, we used the software Digital Differential Display (DDD) to screen 99 genes highly expressed in porcine adipose tissue. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the 99 genes were mainly related to lipid metabolism. Q-PCR proved that LGALS12 was an adipose tissue-specific gene. Five truncated fragments of the LGALS12 promoter were cloned and the 4 kb fragment (L-4 kb) exhibited a high level of promoter activity in adipocytes and no promoter activity in non-adipocytes. Following co-transfection with adipogenic transcription factors, the promoter activity of L-4 kb was enhanced by PPARγ, C/EBPβ, and KLF15, whereas it was suppressed by KLF4. Finally, we demonstrated that L-4 kb can drive APOR gene expression to exert its function in adipocytes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that porcine LGALS12 is an adipose tissue-specific gene, and identified the 4 kb fragment of LGALS12 promoter that exhibited adipocyte-specific promoter activity. These results provide new evidence for understanding porcine fat deposition and a promoter element for adipose tissue-specific genetic modification in pigs.

Highlights

Identified porcine LGALS12 as an adipose tissue-specific gene.

Truncated LGALS12 promoter (L-4 kb) showed adipose tissue-specific promoter activity.

Identified transcription factors involved in the regulation of L-4 kb promoter activity.
Isolation and characterization of pectinase-producing bacteria (Serratia marcescens) from avocado peel waste for juice clarification
Authors: Haile Setegn , Masi Chandran , Tafesse Mesfin
Published: May 2022

Background

Bacterial pectinase is an enzyme that could be employed in numerous sectors to break down pectin polysaccharide compounds. The goal of this study is to find pectinase-producing bacteria in avocado peel waste and see if the pectinase enzyme produced can be used to make fruit juice clarification.

Results

The researchers isolated four different bacterial strains from avocado peel waste samples. The potential two bacterial isolates that were identified as being Serratia marcescens and Lysinibacillus macrolides. Finally, the analysis of pectinase production and its application in fruit juice clarification were performed using one of the bacterial strains of Serratia marcescens. The clear apple, lemon, and mango juices were further processed to assess each juice's properties. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded in lemon juice samples. The lemon juice showed the highest total titratable acidity and total phenol content. Apple juices contained the highest total soluble solids, reducing sugar content, and viscosity and the mango juices have the maximum pH value recorded.

Conclusions

The pectinase isolated from the bacterium Serratia marcescens could clear fruit juices. This pectinase needs to be studied more to make sure it works better in the fruit industry and other businesses.
Impact of Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens ZF1 on the soil enzyme activity and microbial community during the bioremediation of atrazine-contaminated soils
Authors: Zhang Zhifei , Fu Qian , Xiao Changyixin , Ding Mingyue , Liang Dong , Li Haitao , Liu Rongmei
Published: May 2022

Bioremediation of atrazine-contaminated soil is considered a safe and effective approach in removing contaminates from the soil. However, the effects of adding foreign organisms to assist bioremediation on soil environmental quality and ecosystem are unclear. Here, the ecological remediation potential of strain Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens ZF1 on atrazine-contaminated soil was investigated through miniature experiments using variations in soil enzymes and bacterial communities as indicators. The results showed that strain ZF1 accelerated atrazine degradation, which could completely degrade atrazine at concentrations of 100 mg·L− 1 atrazine within 2 h in liquid medium and could remove up to 99.3% of atrazine (100 mg·kg− 1 in soil) within 6 days. During soil bioremediation, atrazine promoted the activities of urease and cellulase, and inhibited the activities of sucrase and catalase, while the strain ZF1 significantly promoted the activities of these four enzymes. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes showed that ZF1 affected the relative abundance and bacterial community structure, and promoted bacterial diversity and evenness. Furthermore, redundancy analysis revealed a certain correlation among the strain ZF1, atrazine residue, soil enzyme activity, and soil bacterial community. The strain ZF1 in this work demonstrated remarkable potential for ecological restoration, and can be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative in remediating atrazine-contaminated soil.
GsERF1 enhances Arabidopsis thaliana aluminum tolerance through an ethylene-mediated pathway
Authors: Li Lu , Li Xingang , Yang Ce , Cheng Yanbo , Cai Zhandong , Nian Hai , Ma Qibin
Published: May 2022

Ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factors constitute a subfamily of the AP2/ERF superfamily in plants and play multiple roles in plant growth and development as well as in stress responses. In this study, theGsERF1gene from the wild soybean BW69 line (an Al-resistantGlycine sojaline) was rapidly induced in response to aluminum stress. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT–PCR) analysis showed that theGsERF1gene maintained a constitutive expression pattern and was induced in soybean in response to aluminum stress, with increased amounts of transcripts detected in the roots. The putative GsERF1 protein, which contains an AP2 domain, was located in the nucleus and maintained transactivation activity. In addition, under AlCl3 treatment, GsERF1 overexpression increased the relative growth rate of the roots of Arabidopsis and weakened the hematoxylin staining of hairy roots. Ethylene synthesis-related genes such asACS4,ACS5andACS6were upregulated inGsERF1transgenic lines compared with the wild type under AlCl3treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of stress/ABA-responsive marker genes, includingABI1, ABI2, ABI4, ABI5andRD29B, in theGsERF1transgenic lines were affected by AlCl3treatment, unlike those in the wild type. Taken together, the results indicated that overexpression ofGsERF1may enhance aluminum tolerance ofArabidopsisthrough an ethylene-mediated pathway and/or ABA signaling pathway, the findings of which lay a foundation for breeding soybean plants tolerant to aluminum stress.
Enhanced anti-herbivore defense of tomato plants against Spodoptera litura by their rhizosphere bacteria
Authors: Ling Sumei , Zhao Yi , Sun Shaozhi , Zheng Dong , Sun Xiaomin , Zeng Rensen , Chen Dongmei , Song Yuanyuan
Published: May 2022

Background

The use of beneficial microorganisms as an alternative for pest control has gained increasing attention. The objective of this study was to screen beneficial rhizosphere bacteria with the ability to enhance tomato anti-herbivore resistance.

Results

Rhizosphere bacteria in tomato field from Fuqing, one of the four locations where rhizosphere bacteria were collected in Fujian, China, enhanced tomato resistance against the tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura, an important polyphagous pest. Inoculation with the isolate T6–4 obtained from the rhizosphere of tomato field in Fuqing reduced leaf damage and weight gain of S. litura larvae fed on the leaves of inoculated tomato plants by 27% in relative to control. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence identities indicated that the isolate T6–4 was closely related to Stenotrophomonas rhizophila supported with 99.37% sequence similarity. In the presence of S. litura infestation, inoculation with the bacterium led to increases by a 66.9% increase in protease inhibitor activity, 53% in peroxidase activity and 80% in polyphenol oxidase activity in the leaves of inoculated plants as compared to the un-inoculated control. Moreover, the expression levels of defense-related genes encoding allene oxide cyclase (AOC), allene oxide synthase (AOS), lipoxygenase D (LOXD) and proteinase inhibitor (PI-II) in tomato leaves were induced 2.2-, 1.7-, 1.4- and 2.7-fold, respectively by T6–4 inoculation.

Conclusion

These results showed that the tomato rhizosphere soils harbor beneficial bacteria that can systemically induce jasmonate-dependent anti-herbivore resistance in tomato plants.
Lilium regale Wilson WRKY3 modulates an antimicrobial peptide gene, LrDef1, during response to Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Wang Zie , Deng Jie , Liang Tingting , Su Linlin , Zheng Lilei , Chen Hongjun , Liu Diqiu
Published: May 2022

Background

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play vital roles in plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. In a previous transcriptome sequencing analysis of Lilium regale Wilson, we identified multiple WRKY TFs that respond to exogenous methyl jasmonate treatment and lily Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum).

Results

In the present study, the WRKY TF LrWRKY3 was further analyzed to reveal its function in defense response to F. oxysporum. The LrWRKY3 protein was localized in the plant cell nucleus, and LrWRKY3 transgenic tobacco lines showed higher resistance to F. oxysporum compared with wild-type (WT) tobacco. In addition, some genes related to jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, salicylic acid (SA) signal transduction, and disease resistance had higher transcriptional levels in the LrWRKY3 transgenic tobacco lines than in the WT. On the contrary, L. regale scales transiently expressing LrWRKY3 RNA interference fragments showed higher sensitivity to F. oxysporum infection. Moreover, a F. oxysporum-induced defensin gene, Def1, was isolated from L. regale, and the recombinant protein LrDef1 isolated and purified from Escherichia coli possessed antifungal activity to several phytopathogens, including F. oxysporum. Furthermore, co-expression of LrWRKY3 and the LrDef1 promoter in tobacco enhanced the LrDef1 promoter-driven expression activity.

Conclusions

These results clearly indicate that LrWRKY3 is an important positive regulator in response to F. oxysporum infection, and one of its targets is the antimicrobial peptide gene LrDef1.
Different preoperative fluids do not affect the hemodynamic status but gastric volume: results of a randomized crossover pilot study
Authors: Zhao Shuhua , Ling Qiong , Liang Fengping , Lin Zhongmei , Deng Yingqing , Huang Shaonong , Zhu Qianqian
Published: May 2022

Background and objective

Inferior vena cava (IVC) examination has been reported as a noninvasive method for evaluating the hemodynamic state. We conducted this crossover pilot study to investigate the effects of the administration of water and high-carbohydrate-containing fluids on the hemodynamic status of volunteers through collapsibility index of IVC (IVCCI) measurement.

Methods

Twenty volunteers were randomly assigned to a water or high-carbohydrate group according to computer-generated random numbers in a 1:1 ratio. In the water group, volunteers received water (5 mL/kg), and in the high-carbohydrate group, patients received carbohydrate drinks (5 mL/kg). Respiratory variations in the IVC diameter, gastric volume, and blood pressure and heart rates in erect and supine positions were measured at admission (T1), 1 h (T2), 2 h (T3), 3 h (T4), and 4 h (T5).

Results

When considering participants with an IVCCI of more than 42%, there were no significant differences between the water and carbohydrate drink groups at each time point (all p > 0.05). At T2, more participants had an empty stomach in water group than in carbohydrate drink group (p < 0.001). At T3, 30% of the participants could not empty their stomachs in carbohydrate drink group. However, with regard to the number of volunteers with empty stomach at T3, there was no significant difference between water and carbohydrate drink group. Repeated measures data analysis demonstrated that IVCCI showed no significant differences over time (p = 0.063 for T1-T5). There were no differences between water and carbohydrate drinks (p = 0.867).

Conclusion

Our results suggested that neither water nor carbohydrate drinking affected the hemodynamic status through IVCCI measurement over time, up to 4 h after drinking. Furthermore, carbohydrate drinking might delay gastric emptying at 1 h, but not 2 h after drinking, in comparison with water.
Factors used by general practitioners for referring patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a qualitative study
Authors: Slatman Syl , Mossink Annemiek , Jansen Duncan , Broeks José , van der Lugt Peter , Prosman Gert-Jan , d’Hollosy Wendy Oude Nijeweme -
Published: May 2022

Around 20% of the Dutch population is living with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), which is a complex and multifactorial problem. This complexity makes it hard to define a classification system, which results in non-satisfactory referring from the general practitioner (GP). CMP is often explained using the biopsychosocial model in which biological, psychological and social factors cause and maintain the pain. The presented study investigated the factors related to the GPs’ referral for patients with CMP to further treatment.

Using convenience sampling, semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted among 14 GPs. The interviews were iteratively analyzed using inductive conventional content analysis.

Analysis of the interviews demonstrated that there were 28 referral factors that were mentioned by more than 50% of the interviewed GPs. The results showed that the GPs were mostly focussing on the physical (e.g. pain location) and psychological (e.g. acceptation of pain) factors, indicating that they lack focus on the social factors. Furthermore, unfamiliarity of GPs with treatment options was a noteworthy finding.

The referral of patients with CMP by GPs is complex and based on multiple factors. To improve referral, it is recommended to include social factors in the decision-making process and to increase the familiarity of the GPs with available treatments.
Genetic analysis assists diagnosis of clinical systemic disease in children with excessive hyperopia
Authors: Wen Shijin , Min Xiaoshan , Zhu Ying , Zhou Xia
Published: May 2022

Background

A thorough examination (especially those including visual functional evaluation) is very important in children’s eye-development during clinical practice, when they encountered with unusual excessive hyperopia especially accompanied with other possible complications. Genetic testing would be beneficial for early differential diagnosis as blood sampling is more convenient than all other structural imaging capture tests or functional tests which need children to cooperate well. Thus genetic testing helps us to filter other possible multi-systemic diseases in children patients with eye disorder.

Case presentation

A 3-year-old and an 8-year-old boy, both Chinese children clinically manifested as bilateral excessive hyperopia (≥+10.00), severe amblyopia and exotropia, have been genetically diagnosed as Senior-Loken syndrome-5 (SLSN5) and isolated posterior microphthalmos (MCOP6), respectively.

Conclusions

This report demonstrates the importance of genetic diagnosis before a clinical consult. When children are too young to cooperate with examinations, genetic testing is valuable for predicting other systemic diseases and eye-related development and for implementing early interventions for the disease.
Does birth season correlate with childhood stunting? An input for astrological nutrition
Authors: Linger Endalifer Melese , Diress Gedefaw , Linger Endalifer Bedilu , Wagaye Birhanu , Almaw Hunegnaw
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Chronic malnutrition is highly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and a severe public health problem in Ethiopia.At country level in the past three decades,the prevalence of stunting is above 40%.Different researchs and intervention were implemented in the past;but the progresss is non-remarkable.Despite; the effect of birth season on childhood chronic malnutrition was not studied yet in Ethiopia.

Methods

This research was extracted from the 2016 demographic health survey of Ethiopia. The data was collected based on national and international scientific protocols. A total of 645 enumeration areas were selected for the national survey.The surevey uses two stage stratified sampling technique to gather data from the sampling unit. After excluding non eligible children a total of 8855 participants were included for final analysis.Height and weight were measured based on the standards nutritional assessment procedure.SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data.Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Binary and multivariable logistic regression models were regressed to identify the potential predictors.A p-value of less than 0.05 with 95% CI were used to declare an association.

Result

The prevalence of stunting in Ethiopia was 38.7% (95% CI: 36.8, 40.6). Season of birth had a significant association with stunting. The odds of being stunted among children born in the spring season were decreased by 16% as compared to children born in the winter season.

Conclusion

Children born in the spring season were less likely to be stunted (the so called October effect). The clear scientific relation between the season of birth and child anthropometric indicator is not well understood. Nutritional interventions and policies are better to consider the birth season of the child.
SARS-CoV-2 cases reported from long-term residential facilities (care homes) in South Africa: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Arendse Tracy , Cowper Beverley , Cohen Cheryl , Masha Maureen , Tempia Stefano , Legodu Civil , Singh Sandhya , Ratau Tebogo , Geffen Leon , Heymans Ansie , Coetzer Dane , Blumberg Lucille , Jassat Waasila
Published: May 2022

Background

Globally, long-term care facilities (LTCFs) experienced a large burden of deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to describe the temporal trends as well as the characteristics and risk factors for mortality among residents and staff who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in selected LTCFs across South Africa.

Method

We analysed data reported to the DATCOV sentinel surveillance system by 45 LTCFs. Outbreaks in LTCFs were defined as large if more than one-third of residents and staff had been infected or there were more than 20 epidemiologically linked cases. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for mortality amongst LTCF residents.

Results

A total of 2324 SARS-CoV-2 cases were reported from 5 March 2020 through 31 July 2021; 1504 (65%) were residents and 820 (35%) staff. Among LTCFs, 6 reported sporadic cases and 39 experienced outbreaks. Of those reporting outbreaks, 10 (26%) reported one and 29 (74%) reported more than one outbreak. There were 48 (66.7%) small outbreaks and 24 (33.3%) large outbreaks reported. There were 30 outbreaks reported in the first wave, 21 in the second wave and 15 in the third wave, with 6 outbreaks reporting between waves. There were 1259 cases during the first COVID-19 wave, 362 during the second wave, and 299 during the current third wave.

The case fatality ratio was 9% (138/1504) among residents and 0.5% (4/820) among staff. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 mortality among LTCF residents were age 40–59 years, 60–79 years and ≥ 80 years compared to < 40 years and being a resident in a LTCF in Free State or Northern Cape compared to Western Cape. Compared to pre-wave 1, there was a decreased risk of mortality in wave 1, post-wave 1, wave 2, post-wave 2 and wave 3.

Conclusion

The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases in sentinel LTCFs in South Africa points to an encouraging trend of decreasing numbers of outbreaks, cases and risk for mortality since the first wave. LTCFs are likely to have learnt from international experience and adopted national protocols, which include improved measures to limit transmission and administer early and appropriate clinical care.
B cell subsets were associated with prognosis in elderly patients with community acquired pneumonia
Authors: Wang Chun-Mei , Zhang Ying , Xu Hui-Hui , Huo Fang-Jie , Li Yin-Zhen , Li Zhi-Fang , Li Hong-Qiang , Liu Si-Ting , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Bai Jian-Wen
Published: May 2022

Background

The role of B cell subsets remained to be elucidated in a variety of immune diseases, though which was used as an effective biomarker for anti-inflammatory or antiviral response. This study aimed to evaluate the early changes of B cell subtypes distribution in elderly patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP), as well as the association between B cell subtypes and prognosis.

Methods

This prospective study included elderly patients with CAP, severe CAP (sCAP) and healthy elderly subjects between April 2016 and March 2018. Flow cytometry was used to detect CD3, CD20, HLA-DR, CD24, CD27, CD38, IgM, and IgD. CD20+ B cells were further divided into naïve B cells (Bn), IgM/D+ memory B cells (IgM+ Bm), switched B cells (SwB), and transitional B cells (Btr).

Results

A total of 22 healthy controls, 87 patients with CAP and 58 patients with sCAP were included in the study. Compared to CAP, sCAP was characterized by significantly lower absolute number of B cells, Bn and Btr, significantly lower Btr and Bn subset percentage, while percentage of IgM+ Bm was significantly higher. Heat map showed Bn and Btr on day 3 and day 7 was negatively correlated with activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II). After 28-day follow-up, Btr percentage in survival group was significantly higher. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis found that Btr count showed sensitivity of 48.6% and specificity of 87.0% for predicting the 28-day survival, with an area under the ROC curves of 0.689 (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

Severity and prognosis of CAP in elderly people is accompanied by changes in the B cell subsets. Btr subsets could play prognostic role for a short-term mortality of elderly CAP patients.
Patellofemoral cartilage defects are acceptable in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy for medial osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Bode Lisa , Kühle Jan , Brenner Anna-Sophie , Freigang Viola , Eberbach Helge , Niemeyer Philipp , Südkamp Norbert P. , Schmal Hagen , Bode Gerrit
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients suffering cartilage defects of the medial compartment with underlying varus deformity do benefit from high tibial osteotomy (HTO) even in the long term. Nonetheless, kinematic and geometric changes especially in the patellofemoral joint have been described.

Purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of patellofemoral cartilage defects detected during the diagnostic arthroscopy and their influence on HTO’s postoperative outcome.

Methods

Ninety patients with a mean follow-up of 10.08 ± 2.33 years after surgery were included. Patients were divided into four groups according to their cartilage status in the patellofemoral joint (A = no defects, B = isolated lesions of the patella, C = isolated lesions of the trochlea, D = kissing lesions). Functional outcome was evaluated before surgery and about ten years thereafter by relying on the IKDC, Lysholm, and KOOS scores. Radiological parameters were assessed pre- and six weeks postoperatively.

Results

In groups A to D, the HTO led to significant patellar distalisation in the sagittal view, with the mean indices remaining at or above the limit to a patella baja. All patients in all groups profited significantly from HTO (higher Lysholm score, lower VAS p < 0.001), patients in group D had the lowest outcome scores. Patella height negatively influenced outcome scores in group C (Blackburne-Peel-Index—VAS p = 0.033) and D (Caton-Deschamps-Index—Tegner p = 0.018), a larger valgus correction was associated with lower outcome scores in group D (Lysholm p = 0.044, KOOSpain 0.028, KOOSQOL p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Long-term results of HTO for varus medial compartment osteoarthritis remain good to excellent even in the presence of patellofemoral defects. Overcorrection should be avoided. Distal biplanar HTO should be considered for patients presenting trochlear or kissing lesions of the patellofemoral joint.

Trial registration

DRKS00015733 in the German Registry of Clinical Studies.