bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Let the team fix it?—Performance and mood of depressed workers and coworkers in different work contexts
Authors: Vollmann Martin , Schwieren Christiane , Mattern Margarete , Schnell Knut
Published: October 2021

Depression in the workplace is a significant factor for reduced personal well-being and productivity. Consequently, this has negative effects on the economic success of the companies in which depressed people are employed. In addition, the economy has to deal with the significant burden of this illness on the health system. In this paper, we investigated how different working contexts—working in a group or individually—influenced depressed individuals towards higher or lower well-being and productivity. We examined this using a laboratory experiment. In this setting, we were also able to analyze how, in turn, a depressive individual impacted the productivity and affective situation of their workgroup, reflecting the company perspective. The experimental design mimicked the very basic processes of a workplace in a stylized way. We used two distinct samples: subclinically and clinically depressed, both working in a group with healthy controls. As expected, we found generally lower performance in the clinically depressed sample, but in the subclinically depressed sample, we only found this in the individual work context. In contrast to our expectations, the performance of subclinically depressed individuals working in groups with healthy controls was even higher than that of healthy controls in homogenously healthy groups. The performance of the entire group with a depressed member was lower for the sample with clinically manifested depression, while the performance of groups with a subclinically depressed participant was significantly higher than the performance of homogeneously non-depressed control groups. We discuss our results with a focus on the design of workplaces to both re-integrate clinically depressed employees and prevent subclinically depressed employees from developing major depression.
Longitudinal impact on rat cardiac tissue transcriptomic profiles due to acute intratracheal inhalation exposures to isoflurane
Authors: Park Sung-Hyun , Lu Yuting , Shao Yongzhao , Prophete Colette , Horton Lori , Sisco Maureen , Lee Hyun-Wook , Kluz Thomas , Sun Hong , Costa Max , Zelikoff Judith , Chen Lung-Chi , Cohen Mitchell D.
Published: October 2021

Isoflurane (ISO) is a widely used inhalation anesthetic in experiments with rodents and humans during surgery. Though ISO has not been reported to impart long-lasting side effects, it is unknown if ISO can influence gene regulation in certain tissues, including the heart. Such changes could have important implications for use of this anesthetic in patients susceptible to heart failure/other cardiac abnormalities. To test if ISO could alter gene regulation/expression in heart tissues, and if such changes were reversible, prolonged, or late onset with time, SHR (spontaneously hypertensive) rats were exposed by intratracheal inhalation to a 97.5% air/2.5% ISO mixture on two consecutive days (2 hr/d). Control rats breathed filtered air only. On Days 1, 30, 240, and 360 post-exposure, rat hearts were collected and total RNA was extracted from the left ventricle for global gene expression analysis. The data revealed differentially-expressed genes (DEG) in response to ISO (compared to naïve control) at all post-exposure timepoints. The data showed acute ISO exposures led to DEG associated with wounding, local immune function, inflammation, and circadian rhythm regulation at Days 1 and 30; these effects dissipated by Day 240. There were other significantly-increased DEG induced by ISO at Day 360; these included changes in expression of genes associated with cell signaling, differentiation, and migration, extracellular matrix organization, cell-substrate adhesion, heart development, and blood pressure regulation. Examination of consistent DEG at Days 240 and 360 indicated late onset DEG reflecting potential long-lasting effects from ISO; these included DEG associated with oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, angiogenesis, mitochondrial translation elongation, and focal adhesion. Together, the data show acute repeated ISO exposures could impart variable effects on gene expression/regulation in the heart. While some alterations self-resolved, others appeared to be long-lasting or late onset. Whether such changes occur in all rat models or in humans remains to be investigated.
Artificial intelligence on COVID-19 pneumonia detection using chest xray images
Authors: Baltazar Lei Rigi , Manzanillo Mojhune Gabriel , Gaudillo Joverlyn , Viray Ethel Dominique , Domingo Mario , Tiangco Beatrice , Albia Jason
Published: October 2021

Recent studies show the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a screening tool to detect COVID-19 pneumonia based on chest x-ray (CXR) images. However, issues on the datasets and study designs from medical and technical perspectives, as well as questions on the vulnerability and robustness of AI algorithms have emerged. In this study, we address these issues with a more realistic development of AI-driven COVID-19 pneumonia detection models by generating our own data through a retrospective clinical study to augment the dataset aggregated from external sources. We optimized five deep learning architectures, implemented development strategies by manipulating data distribution to quantitatively compare study designs, and introduced several detection scenarios to evaluate the robustness and diagnostic performance of the models. At the current level of data availability, the performance of the detection model depends on the hyperparameter tuning and has less dependency on the quantity of data. InceptionV3 attained the highest performance in distinguishing pneumonia from normal CXR in two-class detection scenario with sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and positive predictive value (PPV) of 96%. The models attained higher general performance of 91-96% Sn, 94-98% Sp, and 90-96% PPV in three-class compared to four-class detection scenario. InceptionV3 has the highest general performance with accuracy, F1-score, and g-mean of 96% in the three-class detection scenario. For COVID-19 pneumonia detection, InceptionV3 attained the highest performance with 86% Sn, 99% Sp, and 91% PPV with an AUC of 0.99 in distinguishing pneumonia from normal CXR. Its capability of differentiating COVID-19 pneumonia from normal and non-COVID-19 pneumonia attained 0.98 AUC and a micro-average of 0.99 for other classes.
Analysis of social media use by European plastic surgery societies: A missing link for #PlasticSurgery
Authors: Nischwitz Sebastian P. , Luze Hanna , Rauch Katharina , Lemelman Benjamin T. , Heine-Geldern Albrecht , Rappl Thomas , Gualdi Alessandro , Kamolz Lars-Peter , Maldonado Andres A.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The field of Plastic Surgery is prominent on social media around the world. Board certified plastic surgeons and societies of plastic surgery play a role in providing accurate, evidence-based information to the public, patients, and colleagues. The aim of this study was to explore the use of social media by European Plastic Surgery Societies.

Methods and materials

A retrospective analysis of the presence and activity of European Plastic Surgery Societies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram was conducted between December 12th 2018 and December 12th 2019. The results have been compared to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Results

Twenty, eleven and nine European societies yielded an active account on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram respectively. Only seven European societies had an account on all three platforms and were therefore considered polypresent. The amount of followers of those seven societies was significantly higher than of the others (p-value = 0.02). Their activity yielded significantly more posts on Facebook (p-value = 0.02). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons had more followers on all three platforms than all European societies combined.

Conclusion

Social media are still rather unexploited by European Plastic Surgery Societies. A tendency towards increased visibility can be observed, yet a higher penetration is required to further educate and engage through social media. The quantitative data provided serve as reasonable foundation for further studies and a guide for growth of #PlasticSurgery.
Influence of an increased number of physical education lessons on the motor performance of adolescents–A non-interventional cohort study
Authors: Reif Astrid , Triska Christoph , Nader Michael , Scharhag Jürgen , Tschan Harald , Wessner Barbara
Published: October 2021

Increasing the amount of regular physical education lessons in school is currently discussed in many countries in order to increase physical activity in youth. The purpose of this study was to compare the motor performance of pupils from an observation group participating in a school trial of two additional physical education lessons (5 lessons of each 50 min/week) without a specific intervention program to a control group with a regular amount of three physical education lessons (3 lessons of each 50 min/week) as indicated by the standard Austrian school curriculum. In this cohort study motor performance of 140 adolescents (12.7±0.5 years) was assessed by means of the German Motor Performance Test 6–18 over a period of 1.5 years with measurement time points before (T1), after eight months (T2) and at the end of the observation period (T3). Two- and three-way mixed analysis of variance were used to detect time, group and interaction effects. Although the observation group demonstrated a higher total motor performance score at all time points (P = 0.005), the improvement over time in total motor performance (P < 0.001) was more pronounced in the control group. Girls and boys developed differently over time (time*gender interaction: P = 0.001), whereby group allocation did not affect this interaction (time*gender*group: P = 0.167). Anyway, girls of control group tend to benefit most of additional physical education lessons. Sports club members scored significantly higher in motor performance across the observation period (P = 0.018) irrespective of group allocation. These findings indicate that there could be a ceiling effect in what the pupils could achieve in terms of motor performance as the pupils of the observation group might have reached this point earlier than their counterparts in the control group. Nevertheless, sports club membership seems to reveal some benefits. Whether improving quality and specificity of the single physical lessons might be superior to merely adding additional ones needs to be confirmed in future studies.
Risk factors for increased COVID-19 case-fatality in the United States: A county-level analysis during the first wave
Authors: Millar Jess A. , Dao Hanh Dung N. , Stefopulos Marianne E. , Estevam Camila G. , Fagan-Garcia Katharine , Taft Diana H. , Park Christopher , Alruwaily Amaal , Desai Angel N. , Majumder Maimuna S.
Published: October 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing significant morbidity and mortality across the US. In this ecological study, we identified county-level variables associated with the COVID-19 case-fatality rate (CFR) using publicly available datasets and a negative binomial generalized linear model. Variables associated with decreased CFR included a greater number of hospitals per 10,000 people, banning religious gatherings, a higher percentage of people living in mobile homes, and a higher percentage of uninsured people. Variables associated with increased CFR included a higher percentage of the population over age 65, a higher percentage of Black or African Americans, a higher asthma prevalence, and a greater number of hospitals in a county. By identifying factors that are associated with COVID-19 CFR in US counties, we hope to help officials target public health interventions and healthcare resources to locations that are at increased risk of COVID-19 fatalities.
Sociodemographic and clinical features predictive of SARS-CoV-2 test positivity across healthcare visit-types
Authors: Phuong Jimmy , Hyland Stephanie L. , Mooney Stephen J. , Long Dustin R. , Takeda Kenji , Vavilala Monica S. , O’Hara Kenton
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite increased testing efforts and the deployment of vaccines, COVID-19 cases and death toll continue to rise at record rates. Health systems routinely collect clinical and non-clinical information in electronic health records (EHR), yet little is known about how the minimal or intermediate spectra of EHR data can be leveraged to characterize patient SARS-CoV-2 pretest probability in support of interventional strategies.

Methods and findings

We modeled patient pretest probability for SARS-CoV-2 test positivity and determined which features were contributing to the prediction and relative to patients triaged in inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth/drive-up visit-types. Data from the University of Washington (UW) Medicine Health System, which excluded UW Medicine care providers, included patients predominately residing in the Seattle Puget Sound area, were used to develop a gradient-boosting decision tree (GBDT) model. Patients were included if they had at least one visit prior to initial SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing between January 01, 2020 through August 7, 2020. Model performance assessments used area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic (AUROC) and area-under-the-precision-recall (AUPR) curves. Feature performance assessments used SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values. The generalized pretest probability model using all available features achieved high overall discriminative performance (AUROC, 0.82). Performance among inpatients (AUROC, 0.86) was higher than telehealth/drive-up testing (AUROC, 0.81) or outpatient testing (AUROC, 0.76). The two-week test positivity rate in patient ZIP code was the most informative feature towards test positivity across visit-types. Geographic and sociodemographic factors were more important predictors of SARS-CoV-2 positivity than individual clinical characteristics.

Conclusions

Recent geographic and sociodemographic factors, routinely collected in EHR though not routinely considered in clinical care, are the strongest predictors of initial SARS-CoV-2 test result. These findings were consistent across visit types, informing our understanding of individual SARS-CoV-2 risk factors with implications for deployment of testing, outreach, and population-level prevention efforts.
Health risk behaviours among people with severe mental ill health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of linked cohort data
Authors: Peckham Emily , Allgar Victoria , Crosland Suzanne , Heron Paul , Johnston Gordon , Newbronner Elizabeth , Spanakis Panagiotis , Wadman Ruth , Walker Lauren , Gilbody Simon
Published: October 2021

Background

People with severe mental ill health (SMI) experience a mortality gap of 15–20 years. COVID-19 has amplified population health inequalities, and there is concern that people with SMI will be disproportionately affected. Understanding how health risk behaviours have changed during the pandemic is important when developing strategies to mitigate future increases in health inequalities.

Methods

We sampled from an existing cohort of people with SMI. Researchers contacted participants by phone or post to invite them to take part in a survey about how the pandemic had affected them. We asked people about their health risk behaviours and how these had changed during the pandemic. We created an index of changed behaviours, comprising dietary factors, smoking, lack of exercise, and drinking patterns. By creating data linkages, we compared their responses during pandemic restrictions to responses they gave prior to the pandemic.

Outcomes

367 people provided health risk data. The mean age of the participants was 50.5 (range = 20 to 86, SD ± 15.69) with 51.0% male and 77.4% white British. 47.5% of participants reported taking less physical activity during the pandemic and of those who smoke 54.5% reported smoking more heavily. Self-reported deterioration in physical health was significantly associated with an increase in health risk behaviours (adjusted OR for physical health 1.59, 95%CI 1.22–2.07; adjusted OR for Age 0.99, 95%CI 0.98–1.00).

Interpretation

COVID-19 is likely to amplify health inequalities for people with SMI. Health services should target health risk behaviours for people with SMI to mitigate the immediate and long lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plasma electrophoresis profiles of Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) and influences of month, age, sex, health status, and location
Authors: Andersson Kirsten E. , Adamovicz Laura , Mumm Lauren E. , Bradley Samantha E. , Winter John M. , Glowacki Gary , Cray Carolyn , Allender Matthew C.
Published: October 2021

Baseline plasma electrophoresis profiles (EPH) are important components of overall health and may aid in the conservation and captive management of species. The aim of this study was to establish plasma protein fractions for free-ranging Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) and evaluate differences due to age class (adult vs. sub-adult vs. juvenile), sex (male, female, or unknown), year (2018 vs. 2019), month (May vs. June vs. July), health status, and geographical location (managed vs. unmanaged sites). Blood samples were obtained from 156 Blanding’s turtles in the summer of 2018 and 129 in 2019 at two adjacent sites in Illinois. Results of the multivariate analysis demonstrated that age class, sex, year, month, health status, and geographical location all contributed to the variation observed in free-ranging populations. Adult females had the highest concentration of many protein fractions, likely associated with reproductive activity. Juveniles had lower protein concentrations. Temperature and rainfall differences between years impacted concentrations between 2018 and 2019, while May and June of both years saw higher levels in some protein fractions likely due to peak breeding and nesting season. Individuals with evidence of trauma or disease also showed increased plasma protein fractions when compared to those that were considered healthy. The two sites showed a wide/large variation over the two years. All of these factors emphasize the importance of considering multiple demographic or environmental factors when interpreting the EPH fractions. Establishing ranges for these analytes will allow investigation into disease prevalence and other environmental factors impacting this endangered species.
Total, bioavailable and free 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels as functional indicators for bone parameters in healthy children
Authors: Heo You Joung , Lee Yun Jeong , Lee Kyunghoon , Kim Jae Hyun , Shin Choong Ho , Lee Young Ah , Song Junghan
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Vitamin D is essential for bone health. Not only total but also free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) may contribute to bone mass. We sought to determine which vitamin D measure best reflected clinical and bone parameters in healthy children.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including 146 healthy children (71 boys, 9.5 ± 1.9 years) conducted at a tertiary medical center. We used a multiplex liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based assay to simultaneously measure vitamin D metabolites. The bioavailable and free 25OHD (25OHDBioA and 25OHDFree) levels were calculated using the genotype-specific or genotype-constant affinity coefficients of vitamin D-binding proteins (yielding spe-25OHDBioA, spe-25OHDFree and con-25OHDBioA, con-25OHDFree respectively). The 25OHDFree level was directly measured (m-25OHDFree). Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

The total 25OHD (25OHDTotal), the two forms of 25OHDBioA, the three forms of 25OHDFree, and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels correlated with parathyroid hormone level (all p < 0.01). Serum 25OHDTotal and m-25OHDFree levels were influenced by age, pubertal status, season, body mass index (BMI), daylight hours, and vitamin D intake (all p < 0.05). The con-25OHDBioA and con-25OHDFree levels better reflected pubertal status and daylight hours than did the spe-25OHDBioA and spe-25OHDFree levels (both p < 0.01). The association between the 25OHDTotal level and bone parameters varied according to the BMI (interaction p < 0.05). In 109 normal-weight children, the con-25OHDBioA and con-25OHDFree levels correlated with total body BMC and BMD (both p < 0.05), whereas the 25OHDTotal and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels were associated with total body BMC (both p < 0.05). No such association was found in overweight or obese children.

Conclusions

In healthy children, total, bioavailable, and free 25OHD levels comparably reflected lifestyle factors. In normal-weight children, the con-25OHDBioA and con-25OHDFree, but not m-25OHDFree levels, reflected bone mass, as did the 25OHDTotal level.
Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer is a potential biomarker to predict portal hypertension and bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Wu Pei-Shan , Hsieh Yun-Cheng , Lee Kuei-Chuan , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hou Ming-Chih , Lin Han-Chieh
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel plasma biomarker for liver fibrosis, but less is known about its role in portal hypertension. We aimed to evaluate the association between M2BPGi and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and to investigate its predictive value on prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

Methods

Forty-eight cirrhotic patients who underwent HVPG measurement in Taipei Veterans General hospital were retrospectively enrolled. The Spearman’s correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between plasma M2BPGi levels and HVPG and other parameters. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify predictors for clinical outcomes.

Results

Plasma M2BPGi levels were higher in cirrhotic patients than healthy subjects and significantly correlated with HVPG levels (rs = 0.45, p = 0.001). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, higher plasma M2BPGi levels [≥ 6 cut-off index (C.O.I)] did not predict mortality within five years for cirrhotic patients and the result was similar in patients without hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, M2BPGi ≥ 6 C.O.I was a potential predictor of bacterial infection within five years [Hazar ratio (HR) = 4.51, p = 0.003]. However, M2BPGi failed to predict occurrence of other cirrhosis-related complications, including variceal bleeding, ascites formation, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy.

Conclusion

Plasma M2BPGi levels positively correlated with HVPG and higher serum M2BPGi levels might have a potential role in predicting development of bacterial infection for cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.
Do patients’ characteristics influence their healthcare concerns?—A hospital care survey
Authors: Pujalte George G. A. , Effiong Isaac I. , Bertasi Tais G. O. , Bertasi Raphael A. O. , Rothstein Susannah S. , Cudahy Ryan , Hernandez Lorenzo O. , Davlantes Timothy M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Hospital performance is often monitored by surveys that assess patient experiences with hospital care. Certain patient characteristics may shape how some aspects of hospital care are viewed and reported on surveys.

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine factors considered important to patients and determine whether there were differences in answers based on age, gender, or educational level.

Methods

Cross-sectional study based on a hospital survey developed via literature review and specialist recommendations. This study included randomly selected patients 18 years or older who were recently admitted to the hospital or admitted more than 50 days before the survey was being applied. Survey domains included age, gender, educational level, factors considered important for the health care in a hospital setting and sources of information about hospital quality used by each subject. Answers description and statistical analysis using Fisher exact test were performed.

Results

The survey was applied to 262 patients who were admitted under different services. The most important concern reported was the risk of getting a hospital-acquired infection (67.18%), followed by understanding explanation from the doctors’ plans (64.12%) and doctors’ ability to listen carefully (58.78%). Women are more concerned about their risk of falling (p = 0.03). Patients older than 65 years find important that the doctors explain everything in a way they can easily understand (p = 0.02), while lower educated patients consider most if the doctor treats them with courtesy and respect (p = 0.0027).

Conclusion

Patient characteristics have an effect on how hospital care is perceived. Regardless of the characteristics of the population, the risk of getting an infection was the main concern overall, so it is important that hospitals promote actions to prevent it and share them with patients.
Do medical students and residents impact the quality of patient care? An assessment from different stakeholders in an Italian academic hospital, 2019
Authors: Perri Giuseppe , d’Angelo Matteo , Smaniotto Cecilia , Del Pin Massimo , Ruscio Edoardo , Londero Carla , Brunelli Laura , Castriotta Luigi , Brusaferro Silvio
Published: October 2021

Medical students and residents play an important role in patient care and ward activities, thus they should follow hospital procedures and ensure best practices and patient safety. A survey concerning staff on training was conducted to assess the perceived quality of healthcare from healthcare workers (HCWs), residents, medical students and patients in Udine Academic Hospital, Italy. Between December, 2018 and March, 2019, a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire was administered in 21 units, covering four thematic areas: patients and medical staff satisfaction with the quality of care provided by residents and students, patient privacy, clinical risk management, patient perception of staff on training. Data analysis included descriptive analysis and ordered logistic regressions. A total of 596/1,863 questionnaires were collected from: HCWs (165/772), residents (110/355), students (121/389), and patients (200/347). Residents were rated high both by patients (median = 5, IQR = 4–5, OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.26–0.93) and HCWs (median = 4, IQR = 3–5, OR 0.14, 95%CI 0.08–0.26), with a lower score for medical students on the same topic, both by patients (median = 4, IQR = 3–5, OR 2.94, 95%CI 1.49–5.78) and HCWs (median = 3, IQR = 2–3, OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.25–0.67). Therefore, the role of staff on training in quality and safety of healthcare deserves integrated regular evaluation, since direct interaction with patients contributes to patients’ perception of healthcare.
The CRL4VPRBP(DCAF1) E3 ubiquitin ligase directs constitutive RAG1 degradation in a non-lymphoid cell line
Authors: Schabla N. Max , Swanson Patrick C.
Published: October 2021

The development of B and T lymphocytes critically depends on RAG1/2 endonuclease activity to mediate antigen receptor gene assembly by V(D)J recombination. Although control of RAG1/2 activity through cell cycle- and ubiquitin-dependent degradation of RAG2 has been studied in detail, relatively little is known about mechanisms regulating RAG1 stability. We recently demonstrated that VprBP/DCAF1, a substrate adaptor for the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, is required to maintain physiological levels of RAG1 protein in murine B cells by facilitating RAG1 turnover. Loss of VprBP/DCAF1 in vivo results in elevated RAG1 expression, excessive V(D)J recombination, and immunoglobulin light chain repertoire skewing. Here we show that RAG1 is constitutively degraded when ectopically expressed in a human fibroblast cell line. Consistent with our findings in murine B cells, RAG1 turnover under these conditions is sensitive to loss of VprBP, as well as CRL4 or proteasome inhibition. Further evidence indicates that RAG1 degradation is ubiquitin-dependent and that RAG1 association with the CRL4VPRBP/DCAF1 complex is independent of CUL4 activation status. Taken together, these findings suggest V(D)J recombination co-opts an evolutionarily conserved and constitutively active mechanism to ensure rapid RAG1 turnover to restrain excessive RAG activity.
Changes in antibiotic consumption, AMR and Clostridioides difficile infections in a large tertiary-care center following the implementation of institution-specific guidelines for antimicrobial therapy: A nine-year interrupted time series study
Authors: Schönherr Sebastian G. , Ranft Donald , Lippmann Norman , Lübbert Christoph
Published: October 2021

Background

Institution-specific guidelines (ISGs) within the framework of antimicrobial stewardship programs offer locally tailored decision support taking into account local pathogen and resistance epidemiology as well as national and international guidelines.

Objectives

To assess the impact of ISGs for antimicrobial therapy on antibiotic consumption and subsequent changes in resistance rates and Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs).

Methods

The study was conducted at the Leipzig University Hospital, a 1,451-bed tertiary-care medical center, and covered the years 2012 to 2020. Since 2014, ISGs were provided to optimize empirical therapies, appropriate diagnostics, and antimicrobial prophylaxis. We used interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) and simple linear regression to analyze changes in antimicrobial consumption, resistance and CDIs.

Results

Over the study period, 1,672,200 defined daily doses (DDD) of antibiotics were dispensed, and 85,645 bacterial isolates as well as 2,576 positive C. difficile cultures were collected. Total antimicrobial consumption decreased by 14% from 2012 to 2020, without clear impact of the deployment of ISGs. However, implementation of ISGs was associated with significant decreases in the use of substances that were rarely recommended (e.g., fluoroquinolones). Over the whole study period, we observed declining resistance rates to most antibiotic classes of up to 25% in Enterobacterales, staphylococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Switching from ceftriaxone to cefotaxime was associated with reduced resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. The number of CDI cases fell by 65%, from 501 in 2012 to 174 in 2020.

Conclusions

Well-implemented ISGs can have a significant, immediate, and lasting impact on the prescription behavior. ISGs might thereby contribute to reduce resistance rates and CDI incidences in the hospital setting.
Exploring the reasons for novice nurse educators’ transition from practice to academia in Ghana
Authors: Laari Timothy Tienbia , Apiribu Felix , Amooba Philemon Adoliwine , Mensah Adwoa Bemah Boamah , Gazari Timothy , Kuunibe Joseph Kuufaakang , Atanuriba Gideon Awenabisa , Akor Moses Haruna
Published: October 2021

Background

There is an increasing transition rate of experienced clinical nurses from practice to academia. When nurses transition from practice to academia for the right reasons, it culminates in job satisfaction and retention. Thus, understanding what attracts clinical nurses to academia is an important consideration for employing and retaining competent nurse educators. Yet, there are gaps in research about what motivates nurses to transition from practice to academia within the Ghanaian context. This study aimed to explore the reasons for novice nurse educators’ transition from practice to academia in three Health Training Institutions in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive phenomenology study used a purposive sampling method to select 12 novice nurse educators. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide through individual face-to-face in-depth interviews. Written informed consent was obtained and interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was done manually guided by Colaizzi’s method of data analysis.

Results

Novice nurse educators transitioned from practice to academia because they were dissatisfied with their clinical nursing practice, they wanted more flexible work, they wanted to work autonomously, and they previously taught their clients in the clinical setting. Four themes emerged namely: (1) dissatisfied with clinical nursing, (2) quest for flexible work role, (3) quest for work autonomy, and (4) previous clinical teaching.

Conclusion

The reasons for transitioning from practice to academia were mostly born out of novice nurse educators’ previous negative experiences in the clinical setting which ought to be considered in the recruitment and retention of teaching staff to train the future nurses. There is the need to revise and implement a tutor recruitment policy that takes into account, what attracts clinical nurses to the academic setting.
Mitochondrial phosphate transporter and methyltransferase genes contribute to Fusarium head blight Type II disease resistance and grain development in wheat
Authors: Malla Keshav B. , Thapa Ganesh , Doohan Fiona M.
Published: October 2021

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an economically important disease of wheat that results in yield loss and grain contaminated with fungal mycotoxins that are harmful to human and animal health. Herein we characterised two wheat genes involved in the FHB response in wheat: a wheat mitochondrial phosphate transporter (TaMPT) and a methyltransferase (TaSAM). Wheat has three sub-genomes (A, B, and D) and gene expression studies demonstrated thatTaMPTandTaSAMhomoeologs were differentially expressed in response to FHB infection and the mycotoxigenicFusariumvirulence factor deoxynivalenol (DON) in FHB resistant wheat cv. CM82036 and susceptible cv. Remus. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of eitherTaMPTorTaSAMenhanced the susceptibility of cv. CM82036 to FHB disease, reducing disease spread (Type II disease resistance). VIGS ofTaMPTandTaSAMsignificantly reduced grain number and grain weight. This indicatesTaSAMandTaMPTgenes also contribute to grain development in wheat and adds to the increasing body of evidence linking FHB resistance genes to grain development. Hence,Fusariumresponsive genesTaSAMandTaMPTwarrant further study to determine their potential to enhance both disease resistance and grain development in wheat.
Nasal delivery of single-domain antibody improves symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in an animal model
Authors: Haga Kei , Takai-Todaka Reiko , Matsumura Yuta , Song Chihong , Takano Tomomi , Tojo Takuto , Nagami Atsushi , Ishida Yuki , Masaki Hidekazu , Tsuchiya Masayuki , Ebisudani Toshiki , Sugimoto Shinya , Sato Toshiro , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Fukunaga Koichi , Sawada Akihito , Nemoto Naoto , Murata Kazuyoshi , Morimoto Takuya , Katayama Kazuhiko
Published: October 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the disease COVID-19 can lead to serious symptoms, such as severe pneumonia, in the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. While vaccines are now available, they do not work for everyone and therapeutic drugs are still needed, particularly for treating life-threatening conditions. Here, we showed nasal delivery of a new, unmodified camelid single-domain antibody (VHH), termed K-874A, effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 titers in infected lungs of Syrian hamsters without causing weight loss and cytokine induction.In vitrostudies demonstrated that K-874A neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in both VeroE6/TMPRSS2 and human lung-derived alveolar organoid cells. Unlike other drug candidates, K-874A blocks viral membrane fusion rather than viral attachment. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed K-874A bound between the receptor binding domain and N-terminal domain of the virus S protein. Further, infected cells treated with K-874A produced fewer virus progeny that were less infective. We propose that direct administration of K-874A to the lung could be a new treatment for preventing the reinfection of amplified virus in COVID-19 patients.
Specific interaction of an RNA-binding protein with the 3′-UTR of its target mRNA is critical to oomycete sexual reproduction
Authors: Feng Hui , Wan Chuanxu , Zhang Zhichao , Chen Han , Li Zhipeng , Jiang Haibin , Yin Maozhu , Dong Suomeng , Dou Daolong , Wang Yuanchao , Zheng Xiaobo , Ye Wenwu
Published: October 2021

Sexual reproduction is an essential stage of the oomycete life cycle. However, the functions of critical regulators in this biological process remain unclear due to a lack of genome editing technologies and functional genomic studies in oomycetes. The notorious oomycete pathogen Pythium ultimum is responsible for a variety of diseases in a broad range of plant species. In this study, we revealed the mechanism through which PuM90, a stage-specific Puf family RNA-binding protein, regulates oospore formation in P. ultimum. We developed the first CRISPR/Cas9 system-mediated gene knockout and in situ complementation methods for Pythium. PuM90-knockout mutants were significantly defective in oospore formation, with empty oogonia or oospores larger in size with thinner oospore walls compared with the wild type. A tripartite recognition motif (TRM) in the Puf domain of PuM90 could specifically bind to a UGUACAUA motif in the mRNA 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of PuFLP, which encodes a flavodoxin-like protein, and thereby repress PuFLP mRNA level to facilitate oospore formation. Phenotypes similar to PuM90-knockout mutants were observed with overexpression of PuFLP, mutation of key amino acids in the TRM of PuM90, or mutation of the 3′-UTR binding site in PuFLP. The results demonstrated that a specific interaction of the RNA-binding protein PuM90 with the 3′-UTR of PuFLP mRNA at the post-transcriptional regulation level is critical for the sexual reproduction of P. ultimum.
The influences of teacher aspirations and practices for children’s inclusive music education: The case of Muziki Changa
Authors: Andang’o Elizabeth Achieng’
Published: October 2021

This article explores the concept of inclusion within a music education programme called Muziki Changa based in Kenya. Through the lenses of Vygotsky’s sociocultural learning theory and Wenger’s communities of practice, the article explores the aspirations and practices of one of the founders and two teachers at Muziki Changa, an informal music education programme, and their impact on children’s inclusive music education. Findings indicate that teachers’ informal learning practices within communities of practice inspire them to pursue children’s social inclusion in music education and to utilize inclusive pedagogies in teaching. The study concludes that early childhood music education through informal education initiatives is contributing significantly to increase opportunities for children’s inclusive music education in Kenya.
Building a future through multicultural early childhood music classes in a conflict-affected city
Authors: Hefer Michal , Gluschankof Claudia
Published: October 2021

The aim of this exploratory study was to understand the experience of several Palestinian and Jewish parents participating in a culturally mixed early childhood music class, held in a conflict-affected city. Collective music-making is considered to be a powerful way for people to connect and socialize, regardless of their backgrounds, and for them to get to know each other through music. It also has the potential of reducing stereotypes, which is especially needed in a conflict-affected area. Data sources included records of the classes (videos and a field diary), parents’ sharing of audio and video recordings of musical episodes at home through the music class WhatsApp group and semi-structured interviews with three parents. Data were analysed inductively through open coding and three themes emerged: why music and music classes?; the music class experience; and music at home. These themes reflect the reasons for participating in the programme and the contexts in which the children and their parents experience music. Findings show that those families who chose to participate in this programme hold positive attitudes towards the Other and reported neither observable nor vocally expressed prejudice of their children against the Other. The toddlers who participated in the classes have the potential to not develop negative stereotypes towards the Other (Arab or Jewish), since their families do not expose them to such stereotypes. Nevertheless, they are members of societies (East and West Jerusalem) holding systemic ethnic biases, and therefore joint music classes may strengthen positive attitudes.
Does the body count as evidence? Exploring the embodied pedagogical content knowledge concerning rhythm skills of a Dutch specialist preschool music teacher
Authors: Bremmer Melissa
Published: October 2021

In educational research, the teacher’s body tends to be neglected as a source of evidence of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The music teacher’s body might, however, communicate knowledge about teaching that is key to the profession of music teachers. This qualitative single case study set out to explore what the embodied PCK of a music teacher regarding teaching rhythm skills could be. Through a stimulated recall interview, two video analysis tasks, a digital notebook and a semi-structured interview, the PCK of a Dutch specialist music teacher teaching rhythm skills to preschoolers was mapped. The findings show that physical modelling, but also instructional, guiding, representational gestures and embodied ways of assessing, reflect embodied aspects of a music teacher’s PCK regarding rhythm skills. This research study illuminates the role of the music teacher’s body in PCK and provides a starting point for developing a body-based pedagogy for (future) music teachers.
Strengthening empathy in children with autism: A single-case study of a music and movement programme
Authors: Bella Maria , Sipsa Zoi
Published: October 2021

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty recognizing subtle expressions of feelings, identifying and understanding various other states of emotion expressed by others, and knowing what to do in a set of conditions that exist at a particular time in a particular place. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that a music-movement programme can have on a 6-year-old girl with ASD – specifically her ability to recognize and understand the feelings of others, communicate clearly about her personal emotional states and build stronger relationships. Results showed that the programme appeared to enhance empathic development for the young girl with ASD and reduced the frequency of difficulty in determining emotional reactions in others, describing emotional states, and difficulty thinking and feeling about a situation. These initial results support the use of the programme to reduce maladaptive behaviours of children with ASD and increase their awareness of and sensitivity towards others.
SOME RESULTS ON THE SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION OF THE OBJECTS OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IN THE ALTAI TERRITORY IN 2020
Authors:   The Department of State Protection of Cultural Heritage Objects Altai Territory, R. BELOUSOV
Published: October 2021

The article is dedicated to the results of the work of the Archaeology Sector of the Department of State Supervision of the Office of State Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Altai Territory which was founded in 2019. The most important areas of activity of the staff of the Archaeology Sector are the systematic observation of archaeological heritage, the identification of damage as a result of illegal and unauthorized archaeological work, as well as the implementation of measures for the preservation and protection of archaeological sites. The article highlights the work in the regulatory and practical sphere of the protection of the objects of cultural heritage in 2020 at various archaeological sites: barrows, archaeological sites, ancient settlements. During these events, archaeological structures were recorded: dwellings, ditches and ramparts. The results of work on the archaeological sites in the Talmensky, Topchikhinsky, Burlinsky and Slavgorodsky districts of Altai Territory are reflected. These observations complement the available scientific evidence for a number of archaeological sites. Keywords: sectors of archaeology, objects of cultural heritage, settlement, moat, rampart, dwelling, burial mound, cultural layer, ceramic vessel, archaeological items
MONITORING OF KURGAN NECROPOLISES IN THE VICINITY OF THE STEPNOY VILLAGE IN THE UST-KALMANSKY DISTRICT IN 2020
Authors:   Altai State Pedagogical University, N. GOLOVCHENKO , A. Telegin ,   Altai State Pedagogical University
Published: October 2021

The article publishes the results of monitoring of five single kurgans located in the vicinity of the Stepnoy village of the Ust-Kalmansky district of Altai Territory, conducted by the Steppe detachment of the archaeological expedition of Altai State Pedagogical University in 2020. The last documented work on these sites was carried out more than 30 years ago. Comparison of the known and newly obtained data on the parameters and state of visible ground structures made it possible to come to the conclusion about a satisfactory trend in the preservation of objects of historical and cultural heritage. The main factors affecting the mounds are anthropogenic, associated with systematic plowing of the floor of the mounds, and exogenous - weathering. The surviving parameters of the mounds are in many respects similar to the studied burial complexes of the steppe zone of the Altai Territory. Based on the peculiarities of the location of the mounds on the ground and their external parameters, the necropolises can be tentatively dated to the middle - second half of the 1st millennium BC. Keywords: single mounds, monitoring, early Iron Age
THE WORK OF THE ARCHEOLOGY SECTOR THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE PROTECTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE ALTAI REGION IN 2019-2020 (RUSSIA)
Authors:   The Department of State Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Altai Region, S. ZAPRUDSKY , R. BELOUSOV ,   The Department of State Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Altai Region, G. MILYAEV ,   The Department of State Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Altai Region, A. LEONOV ,   The Department of State Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Altai Region, K. RYABTSEVA ,   The Department of State Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Altai Region
Published: October 2021

The article considers the main results of the work of the Archaeology Sector of the Department of State Supervision in the Department of State Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Altai Region, created in 2019. The most important areas of activity of the Archaeology Sector within the framework ofthe transferred federal powers are systematic observation of objects of archaeological heritage, identification of damage because of illegal and unauthorized archaeological work and the implementation of measures for the preservation and protection of archaeological sites. As a result, an external visual inspection and photographic recording of892 objects of the archaeological heritage were conducted. Several facts of damage to objects of archaeological heritage because of illegal archaeological and unauthorized excavation have been established. The article highlights the work of the staff of the Archaeology Sector in the legal and practical sphere of the protection of cultural heritage in 2019-2020. Keywords: sector of archaeology, objects of cultural heritage, settlement, burial mound, cultural layer, ceramic vessel, archaeological items