bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acquired Syphilis by Nonsexual Contact in Childhood
Authors: Moscatelli Guillermo , Moroni Samanta , García Bournissen Facundo , Falk Nicolás , Destito Alejandra , González Nicolás , Ballering Griselda , D’Amico Indira , García Luciana , Altcheh Jaime
Published: July 2021

Background:

Children may acquire syphilis by nonsexual contact as a consequence of close and repetitive contact with mucosal or skin lesions of people with active syphilis.

Methods:

Prospective cohort study of pediatric patients with acquired syphilis by nonsexual contact. Demographics, clinical findings, posttreatment serology development and general laboratory data were collected. Sexual transmission was ruled out after a careful medical and psychosocial evaluation of the patient and his/her family.

Results:

Twenty-four patients were included in the study. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.2 years old. All of them came from overcrowded households with poor hygiene conditions. The most frequent reason for consultations was secondary syphilis skin lesions (79.2%). The psychosocial evaluation of children and their families did not reveal signs of sexual abuse in any of the cases. Seventy-eight families and their cohabitants were evaluated, 23 (29.5%) resulted positive for rapid plasma reagin and treponemal test of hemagglutination; 60.9% of the cases were asymptomatic. The symptomatic relatives showed lesions of secondary syphilis. A sustained fall on nontreponemal antibodies titer (rapid plasma reagin) was observed after treatment, becoming negative in 6/24 (25%) cases within 12 months posttreatment.

Discussion:

Following evaluation, it was considered that sexual abuse was unlikely. However, if examination and psychosocial evaluation do not support it, other ways of transmission must be considered. Overcrowded and poor household conditions boost the risks for nonsexual treponema transmission. An infected member of the family or a caretaker are a particular risk to an infant due to common practices such as using saliva to moisten the rubber nipples of the milk bottles or trying the food temperature using the lips before feeding the infants.
Neonatal Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Vaughn Jessica , Tablizo Mary Anne , Zayed Zahia , Hepple Robert R. , McCarty James M. , Naeem Fouzia
Published: July 2021

Background:

Coccidioidomycosis is common in adult and pediatric populations living in endemic areas of the United States but has rarely been reported in neonates. We reviewed recent cases of neonatal coccidioidomycosis treated at a tertiary care children’s hospital in an endemic area and compared them with previously reported cases in the literature.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of infants 1 month old or less hospitalized with a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019. Additionally, we performed a literature review of all reported cases of neonatal coccidioidomycosis over the past 7 decades through PubMed. Infants born to mothers with confirmed or suspected active coccidioidomycosis were excluded.

Results:

Three cases of neonatal coccidioidomycosis were identified at our institution. Each presented in a unique manner and had an alternative diagnosis at the time of initial presentation. Two patients had negative coccidioidal screening tests upon admission but later seroconverted. All patients had extrapulmonary involvement, and all recovered after appropriate treatment. A review of the literature reveals that the presentations and outcomes of neonatal coccidioidomycosis vary widely.

Conclusions:

There is significant variability in the presentation of coccidioidomycosis in the neonatal period, and diagnosis may be challenging. In endemic regions, healthcare providers should consider coccidioidomycosis in their differential diagnoses of ill-appearing neonates that do not respond to treatment.
Lived Experiences of Federally Qualified Health Center Board Members During a Period of Rapid Change in New York City (2010-2020)
Authors: McReynolds Larry K.
Published: July 2021

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide primary care services in underserved areas and are governed by patient-majority boards. A phenomenological approach was used to explore the lived experiences of board members as they addressed the need for fundamental change to meet the demands of a rapidly changing, highly competitive health care market (2010-2020). Findings were that board members rely upon personal experience and monthly board meetings to be alerted to change that affects health care delivery. They may need additional training to adjust governance and organizational performance to address the new patient consumerism, market conditions, and competition from other providers.
Domain-Specific Active and Sedentary Behaviors in Relation to Workers’ Presenteeism and Absenteeism
Authors: Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Yasunaga Akitomo , McCormack Gavin R. , Shibata Ai , Ishii Kaori , Nakaya Tomoki , Oka Koichiro
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To examine the associations between domain-specific sedentary and active behaviors and workers’ presenteeism and absenteeism in a sample of company employees.

Methods:

This study recruited participants (n = 2466) from a nationwide online survey database (Japan, 2019). Participants completed a questionnaire that captured data on relative and absolute presenteeism and absenteeism and domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviors.

Results:

Daily minutes of work-related physical activity were negatively associated with relative absenteeism. Daily minutes of leisure-related physical activity were positively associated with absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). Daily minutes of total physical activity were negatively and positively associated with relative absenteeism and absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). There was also a positive association between car sitting time and absolute absenteeism.

Conclusions:

A change in work culture and practices that support active behaviors at work and outside of work may improve employee's productivity indices.
Mini-Trampoline Jumping as an Exercise Intervention for Postmenopausal Women Who Experienced a Stroke: A Case Report
Authors: Fricke Anja , Fink Philip W. , Lark Sally D. , Mundel Toby , Shultz Sarah P.
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

This case report details a mini-trampoline exercise intervention for a 56-year-old postmenopausal woman who experienced a stroke 7 years ago, which has not previously been reported in medical literature.

Case Description:

The patient was diagnosed with a cerebral infarction on the left hemisphere following 3 aneurysms at 49 years of age. The patient underwent extensive physical rehabilitation for 6 years, which included physiotherapy, swimming, walking, and attending a cardiac exercise clinic. Although she is able to walk unaided, she still experiences a right-sided hemiparetic gait.

Outcomes:

The patient showed great improvements in walking speed, lower leg strength, flexibility, pelvic floor muscle strength, bone health, and some aspects of balance following a supervised 12-week mini-trampoline exercise intervention and 12-week follow up.

Discussion:

This article represents a case in which a mini-trampoline exercise intervention improved physical function and female-specific health risk factors in a postmenopausal woman who experienced a stroke 7 years ago.
Hospital Length of Stay Prediction Methods
Authors: Lequertier Vincent , Wang Tao , Fondrevelle Julien , Augusto Vincent , Duclos Antoine
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This systematic review sought to establish a picture of length of stay (LOS) prediction methods based on available hospital data and study protocols designed to measure their performance.

Materials and Methods:

An English literature search was done relative to hospital LOS prediction from 1972 to September 2019 according to the PRISMA guidelines. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and arXiv databases. Information were extracted from the included papers according to a standardized assessment of population setting and study sample, data sources and input variables, LOS prediction methods, validation study design, and performance evaluation metrics.

Results:

Among 74 selected articles, 98.6% (73/74) used patients’ data to predict LOS; 27.0% (20/74) used temporal data; and 21.6% (16/74) used the data about hospitals. Overall, regressions were the most popular prediction methods (64.9%, 48/74), followed by machine learning (20.3%, 15/74) and deep learning (17.6%, 13/74). Regarding validation design, 35.1% (26/74) did not use a test set, whereas 47.3% (35/74) used a separate test set, and 17.6% (13/74) used cross-validation. The most used performance metrics were R
2 (47.3%, 35/74), mean squared (or absolute) error (24.4%, 18/74), and the accuracy (14.9%, 11/74). Over the last decade, machine learning and deep learning methods became more popular (P=0.016), and test sets and cross-validation got more and more used (P=0.014).

Conclusions:

Methods to predict LOS are more and more elaborate and the assessment of their validity is increasingly rigorous. Reducing heterogeneity in how these methods are used and reported is key to transparency on their performance.
A Novel Case of Concurrent T-cell and Early T-cell Precursor Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in an Adolescent Female
Authors: Treinen Charles , Abu-Arja Mohammad H. , Kahwash Samir B. , Rangarajan Hemalatha G. , Willen Faye , Audino Anthony N.
Published: July 2021

In the context of an evolving understanding of early T-cell precursor (ETP) lymphoma and leukemia, we present a case of concurrent T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and ETP lymphoma in an adolescent female. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of both lymphoblastic lymphoma and ETP lymphoma as distinct and conjoined components of the same neoplasm. As an exception to current literature, our patient had a strictly lymphomatous ETP component with no leukemic manifestation. Her ETP component remained viable following induction, supporting ETP resistance to chemotherapy. The patient remains in remission 4 years postallogeneic matched sibling donor bone marrow transplant.
Changes in Depression and Sleep Quality and Associated Factors in Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wu Hui-Ju , Chuang Chi-Mu , Chien Ching-Hui , Wang Tsae-Jyy , Liang Shu-Yuan
Published: July 2021

Background

Although women with ovarian cancer experience depression and poor sleep quality, little is known about how various factors, particularly self-efficacy, might be associated with these conditions.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of and changes in depression and sleep quality and the factors associated with these conditions in a cohort of women with ovarian cancer before, during, and after chemotherapy.

Methods

A prospective repeated-measures design was adopted in this study. Participants were women with ovarian cancer who were expected to receive 4 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy and were recruited at a medical center in Taiwan. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included the Symptom Distress Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The data were collected before, during, and after the course of chemotherapy.

Results

Overall, 24.6% to 36.9% of women were at risk for depression; 75.4% to 80.0% of women had poor sleep quality. There were no significant changes in depressive symptoms and sleep quality throughout the course of chemotherapy. More severe depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of symptom distress and lower self-efficacy. Poorer sleep quality was associated with higher levels of symptom distress.

Conclusions

Among participants, more depressive symptoms and poorer sleep quality were associated with higher levels of symptom distress or lower self-efficacy.

Implications for Practice

Healthcare providers should continuously assess depression and sleep quality in women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms may be improved by strengthening self-efficacy and relieving symptom distress.
A Qualitative Study of Cancer Survivors’ Experienced Outcomes of a Multidimensional Rehabilitation Program in Primary Healthcare
Authors: Løken Oddbjørg Utheim , Hauken May Aasebø
Published: July 2021

Background

Cancer survival rates are increasing, but survival is often followed by several late effects. Cancer survivors’ need for complex rehabilitation is well documented, but this is mostly missing in primary healthcare.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore cancer survivors’ experienced outcomes of a multidimensional rehabilitation program in primary healthcare.

Methods

The study used a qualitative method with a descriptive research design. Fifty-six cancer survivors completed a 12-week rehabilitation program built upon the 5 elements of goal setting, physical exercise, psychoeducation, individual follow-up, and peer support. Data were collected at the end of the program via 8 focus group interviews, and systematic text condensation was used to analyze the data.

Results

“Increased coping and participation” was identified as the overarching theme of the participants’ experienced outcomes from the program, and this was elaborated by 3 main themes: (1) “increased energy and capacity,” (2) “acceptance and understanding,” and (3) “structure and hope.”

Conclusion

The multidimensional rehabilitation program seemed to address cancer survivors’ multiple challenges in survivorship. Proximity and accessibility to a local rehabilitation program and professionals’ competence seemed to be essential factors for the participants’ experienced outcomes of the program.

Implication for Practice

A multidimensional rehabilitation program integrated in a Healthy Life Centre in primary healthcare may be beneficial for cancer survivors’ coping and participation in everyday life. Cancer nurses play a crucial role in initiating and facilitating such programs.
Quality of Oncology Nursing Care as Perceived by Patients With Cancer
Authors: Abu Sharour Loai , Al Sabei Sulaiman , Al Harrasi Maryam , Anwar Samah , Bani Salameh Ayman , Al Qadire Mohammad
Published: July 2021

Background

Patient satisfaction was defined as expectation and perception of the patients about real nursing care they receive.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of oncology nursing care as perceived by patients with cancer in 3 Arabic countries (Jordan, Oman, and Egypt).

Methods

A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling approach was used. A total of 517 patients with cancer (Jordan, 200, 38.7%; Sultanate of Oman, 137, 26.5%; and Egypt, 180, 34.8%) participated and completed the study’s questionnaires including sociodemographic data and the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS).

Results

Moderate quality of oncology nursing care was reported by the participants. The overall mean for the quality of oncology care as measured by the QONCS-Ar (QONCS Arabic version) was highest in Oman (153.40; SD, 4.10), followed by Jordan (150.93; SD, 2.10) and then Egypt (148.0; SD, 3.80). The results were significantly different in the total score of the QONCS-Ar (F = 45.20, P < .001) among the 3 countries. The results also differed in all domains of oncology nursing care according to days of treatment and marital status.

Conclusion

Findings are considered a baseline for future research and highlight the importance of evaluating quality of oncology nursing care as perceived by the patients with cancer.

Implications for Practice

The results from the current study can be used to develop an interventional program focusing on the needs of patients and their perceptions of care.
Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Deficiency in Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Iwasaki Akiko , Shinozaki-Ushiku Aya , Kunita Akiko , Yamazawa Sho , Sato Yasuyoshi , Yamashita Hiroharu , Fukayama Masashi , Seto Yasuyuki , Ushiku Tetsuo
Published: July 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is effective only for a subset of patients with gastric cancer. Impaired neoantigen presentation caused by deficiency of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) has been reported as a common mechanism of immune evasion which is associated with resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. To elucidate the significance of HLA-I deficiency in gastric cancer with special focus on microsatellite instable (MSI) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive tumors, we examined HLA-I expression on tumor cells and correlated the results with clinicopathologic features, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, and degree of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. This study included 58 MSI, 44 EBV-positive, and 107 non-EBV non-MSI tumors for comparison. The frequency of HLA-I deficiency (≥1% tumor cells) was significantly higher in MSI tumors (52%) compared with EBV-positive tumors (23%) and the other tumors (28%). In contrast, PD-L1 expression levels were highest in EBV-positive tumors, followed by MSI tumors, with the lowest prevalence in the other tumors in both Tumor Proportion Score and Combined Positive Score. HLA-I deficiency was significantly more frequent in advanced tumors (pT2-4) than in early tumors (pT1) in MSI and non-EBV non-MSI subtypes. In addition, the degree of CD8-positive cells infiltration was significantly reduced in HLA-I deficient tumor areas compared with HLA-I preserved tumor area within a tumor. Based on our observations, HLA-I, as well as PD-L1, should be considered as a common mechanism of immune escape especially in the MSI subtype, and therefore could be a biomarker predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in gastric cancer.
A Novel Septoplasty Technique for Patients With Nasal Fractures
Authors: Chen Feifei , Yan Yongyi , Gong Huicheng
Published: July 2021

Nasal structures have both functional and cosmetic significance. These structures maintain the shape of the nose and regulate the nasal airflow. During trauma, fractures of the nasal bone are frequently associated with nasal septum deviations. This can lead to the nasal bone collapsing and nasal obstruction. The septoplasty technique is a major surgical intervention to improve nasal obstructions, with the submucosal resection of the deviated septum. In the past, septoplasty was deferred until the nasal bone fracture was healed to reduce the postoperative risk of saddle-nose and flat nose deformities. Advances in technology have enabled surgeons to attempt septoplasty together with a closed reduction of the nasal bone fraction. It is most important to preserve the septal support structure during surgery. Hence, we advocate that the nasal septum be reset in the midline rather than removed, by modified endoscopic septoplasty.
Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap for Scalp Reconstruction and Postoperative Ulceration Management
Authors: Deng Ke , Xiao Haitao , Wang Huaisheng , Xu Xuewen
Published: July 2021

The latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap has been widely accepted as the best choice for subtotal or total scalp reconstruction. Because of the unique anatomic and functional features of scalp, ulcerations formation would occur after reconstructive surgeries. in this study, we are presenting a patient with a large scalp defect successfully reconstructed by a latissimus dorsi muscle free flap. Ulcerations with skull exposure formed on the transplanted flap after the first surgery. They were subsequently repaired by flap recycling and tissue expansion techniques. An excellent reconstructive outcome was achieved at the 30-month follow-up after the last surgery and no further complication was found. This clinical report highlights the possibility of ulcer formation after scalp reconstructive surgeries and supports the use of recycle flaps and tissue expanders to manage postoperative ulcerations after latissimus dorsi muscle free flap transplantation.
The Regulation of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap–induced Tissue Damage by Human CD177
Authors: Yoneyama Tomohisa , Maeda Akira , Kogata Shuhei , Toyama Chiyoshi , Lo Pei-Chi , Masahata Kazunori , Kamiyama Masafumi , Haneda Tomoko , Okamatu Chizu , Eguchi Hiroshi , Tazuke Yuko , Ueno Takehisa , Okuyama Hiroomi , Miyagawa Shuji
Published: July 2021

Background.

Neutrophil-induced tissue damage contributes to the rejection in xenotransplantation. Therefore, suppressing neutrophil function could be effective in suppressing xenogeneic rejection. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the ectopic expression of human cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) on porcine endothelial cells (PEC) significantly suppressed neutrophil-mediated cytotoxicity through the homophilic binding of CD31. Cluster of differentiation 177 (CD177) was recently reported to be a high-affinity heterophilic binding partner for CD31 on endothelial cells. Thus, we hypothesized that human CD177 on PEC might induce a stronger suppression in neutrophil-mediated cytotoxicity compared with CD31. In this study, the inhibitory function of human CD177 on PEC in neutrophil-mediated cytotoxicity was investigated.

Methods.

PEC were transfected with a cloning plasmid containing cDNA inserts that encoded for hCD177 and hCD31 genes. Neutrophil-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated by flow cytometry after coculturing with PEC or PEC/CD177 in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. To elucidate the mechanisms responsible for hCD177-induced suppression, the phosphorylation of src homology region 2 domain containing phosphatase 1 was measured by immunoblot analysis.

Results.

Human CD177 on PEC induced a significant reduction in neutrophil-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, CD177 on PEC induced a significant increase in the phosphorylation of src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 in neutrophils and suppressed NETosis.

Conclusions.

These findings suggest that human CD177 suppresses neutrophil-mediated cytotoxicity through the inhibition of NETosis.
Clinical Correlates and Outcomes of Dual Basiliximab and Antithymocyte Globulin Induction in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A National Study
Authors: Lam Ngan N. , Jeong Rachel , Quinn Robert R. , Ravani Pietro , Xiao Huiling , McAdams-DeMarco Mara , Axelrod David A. , Schnitzler Mark A. , Snyder Jon J. , Lentine Krista L.
Published: July 2021

Background.

The unplanned use of dual induction therapy with interleukin-2 receptor-blocking antibodies (IL2rAb) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) may portend adverse outcomes.

Methods.

We used national transplant registry data to study clinical correlates and outcomes of single versus dual induction therapy in adult kidney-only transplant recipients in the United States (2005–2018). The risk of death and graft loss at 1 and 5 y, according to induction therapy type, was assessed using multivariate Cox regression analysis (adjusted hazard ratio with 95% upper and lower confidence limits [LCLaHRUCL]).

Results.

Of the 157 351 recipients included in the study, 67% were treated with ATG alone, 29% were treated with IL2rAb alone, and 5% were treated with both. Compared with IL2rAb alone, the strongest correlates of dual induction included Black race, calculated panel reactive antibody ≥80%, prednisone-sparing maintenance immunosuppression, more recent transplant eras, longer cold ischemia time, and delayed graft function. Compared with ATG alone, dual induction was associated with an increased 5-y risk of death (aHR 1.071.151.23; P < 0.0001), death-censored graft failure (aHR 1.051.131.22; P < 0.05), and all-cause graft failure (aHR 1.061.121.18; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions.

Further research is needed to develop risk-prediction tools to further inform optimal, individualized induction protocols for kidney transplant recipients.
Validation of the Short Version of the 10/66 Dementia Diagnosis in Urdu in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Qurat ul ain , Prince Martin J.
Published: July 2021

The standard 10/66 battery has been translated and validated in Pakistan; however, it takes long to administer it with specialized training for the staff. This study was performed to validate a shorter version of the 10/66. The data for validation of the short version was extracted from the full version study. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Board of the Aga Khan University. The study was funded by the Aga Khan University, University Research Council Grant. The total number of participants was 257, equally divided between people with dementia and normal cognition. The sensitivity of the short version was 95.7% and 80.5%; specificity was 83.5% and 90.7%; κ was 0.751 and 0.712; and the area under the curve was 0.89 and 0.85 against the standard 10/66 diagnosis and clinician diagnosis, respectively. The short version of 10/66 battery is a valid instrument for diagnosing dementia in the Urdu-speaking Pakistani population.
Variation in Evolving Optic Neuritis
Authors: Bouffard Marc A. , Mallery Robert M. , Liao Yaping J. , Torun Nurhan
Published: July 2021

Background:

The typical natural history of optic neuritis is subjected to important exceptions. Recognition of these exceptions has led to valuable insights regarding specific etiologies of optic neuritis. Exceptions to the natural history of recovering optic neuritis are well-defined (e.g., chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy), but exceptions to the natural history of evolving optic neuritis are less so.

Methods:

Medical records of patients illustrating an atypical course of evolving optic neuritis were reviewed in a retrospective manner. Each patient was treated by at least one of the authors.

Results:

Four patients were identified who illustrated an atypical natural history of incipient optic neuritis. Diagnoses included idiopathic optic neuritis, seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease, anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease, and multiple sclerosis in 1 patient each. Features of interest included an atypical temporal relationship between development of pain and onset of clinical optic neuropathy, an unusually protracted duration of pain, and an unusually long duration of worsening optic neuropathy before stabilization.

Conclusions:

This case series illustrates the substantial clinical heterogeneity which may be observed in the evolution of optic neuritis. The temporal relationship between development of pain and onset of clinical optic neuropathy, the duration of pain, and duration of worsening optic neuropathy before stabilization are all subjected to significant variability. Although most patients with optic neuritis present with painful vision loss which progresses over 1 week or less, careful attention to the exceptions described herein may facilitate earlier recognition of diagnostically challenging cases.
Predictors of long-acting injectable antipsychotic prescription at discharge in patients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Authors: Şahin Olcay Şenay , Mursalova Zhala , Gadimov Shahriyar , Üçok Alp
Published: July 2021

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) increase drug compliance and offer a reliable treatment option with stable pharmacokinetics. The aim of our study is to examine the rate and predictors of LAIs’ prescription at discharge in inpatients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. This retrospective study included 400 inpatients. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the treatments applied in the past and prescribed at discharge were obtained from the hospitalization files. We compared these characteristics of those who were given LAI treatment at discharge to the patients who were given oral treatments. Thirty-nine percent of the patients were prescribed a LAI at discharge. Duration of illness was longer, and number of previous hospitalizations was higher in the LAI group. Nonadherence to the antipsychotics before the hospitalization, the previous history of LAI use, lack of insight at the admission and no previous antidepressant use were found as independent contributors to LAI prescription as the treatment of discharge in logistic regression analysis. Our study showed that LAIs are used at a high rate in our clinic; however, they are still initiated at a later stage, mostly in chronic patients with a lack of insight and compliance at admission.
Pseudomonas lactucae sp. nov., a pathogen causing bacterial rot of lettuce in Japan
Authors: Sawada Hiroyuki , Fujikawa Takashi , Satou Mamoru
Published: July 2021

Two phytopathogenic bacteria, MAFF 301380T and MAFF 301381, isolated from rot lesions of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata L.) in Japan, were characterized using a polyphasic approach. The cells were Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped and motile with one to three polar flagella. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strains belong to the genus

Pseudomonas

and are closely related to

Pseudomonas cedrina

subsp.

cedrina

CFML 96-198T (99.72 %),

Pseudomonas cedrina

subsp.

fulgida

P515/12T (99.65 %),

Pseudomonas gessardii

DSM 17152T (99.51 %),

Pseudomonas synxantha

DSM 18928T (99.44 %),

Pseudomonas libanensis

CIP 105460T (99.44 %) and

Pseudomonas lactis

DSM 29167T (99.44 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 60.4 mol% and the major fatty acids consisted of summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω7c/C16 : 1
 ω6c), C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c/C18 : 1
 ω6c). Phylogenetic analysis using the rpoD gene sequences and phylogenomic analyses based on the whole genome sequences demonstrated that the strains are members of the

Pseudomonas fluorescens

subgroup but formed a monophyletic and robust clade separated from their closest relatives. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the strains and their closely related species were 88.65 % or less and 36.3 % or less, respectively. The strains could be distinguished from their closest relatives by phenotypic characteristics, pathogenicity towards lettuce and whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS profiles. The evidence presented in this study supports the classification of the strains as representing a novel

Pseudomonas

species, for which we propose the name Pseudomonas lactucae sp. nov., with the type strain MAFF 301380T (=ICMP 23838T).
The emerging importance of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli other than serogroup O157 in England
Authors: Vishram Bhavita , Jenkins Claire , Greig David R. , Godbole Gauri , Carroll Kevin , Balasegaram Sooria , Byrne Lisa
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Shiga toxin-producing

Escherichia coli

(STEC) can cause severe disease and large outbreaks. In England, the incidence and clinical significance of STEC serogroups other than O157 (non-O157) is unknown due to a testing bias for detection of STEC O157. Since 2013, the implementation of PCR to detect all STEC serogroups by an increasing number of diagnostic laboratories has led to an increase in the detection of non-O157 STEC.

Hypothesis/Gap statement. Due to a bias in testing methodologies to select for STEC serogroup O157 in frontline diagnostic laboratories in most countries, very little surveillance data have been previously generated on non-O157 STEC.

Aim. Five years (2014–2018) of STEC national surveillance data were extracted and descriptive analysis undertaken to assess disease severity of non-O157 STEC strains.

Methods. Data from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 were extracted from the National Enhanced Surveillance System for STEC and analysed.

Results. The implementation of Gastrointestinal Polymerase Chain Reaction (GI-PCR) has resulted in a four-fold increase in the detection of non-O157 STEC cases between 2014 and 2018. There were 2579 cases infected with 97 different non-O157 serogroups. The gender distribution was similar amongst STEC O157 and non-O157 STEC cases with 57 and 56 % of cases being female respectively, but a significantly higher proportion of cases (P <0.001) under 5 years of age was observed among STEC O157 (22 %) cases compared to non-O157 STEC (14 %). The most common non-O157 serogroups were O26 (16 %), O146 (11 %), O91 (10 %), O128 (7 %), O103 (5 %) and O117 (3 %). Overall, rates of bloody diarrhoea were highest in O26 (44 %) and O103 (48 %) cases and lowest in STEC O117 cases (17 %). Strains harbouring Shiga toxin stx1a caused the highest proportion of diarrhoea (93 %) and caused the same level of bloody diarrhoea as stx2a (39 %). However, stx2a caused the highest proportion of vomiting (46 %), hospitalisation (49 %) and considerably more HUS (29 %) than other stx profiles.

Conclusion. The implementation of PCR targeting stx at diagnostic laboratories has shown that non-O157 STEC, most notably STEC O26, are an emerging risk to public health.
Altered functional connectome hierarchy with gene expression signatures in newly-diagnosed focal epilepsy
Authors: de Bézenac Christophe E , Caciagli Lorenzo , Alonazi Batil K , Bernhardt Boris C , Marson Anthony G , Keller Simon S
Published: July 2021

Objective

Neuroimaging research is providing insights into epilepsy as a disorder of brain connectivity linked to functional impairments which may have an identifiable genetic component. This case-control study aims to identify imbalances in a functional connectome dimension spanning from unimodal to transmodal networks and explore the potential genetic basis of such alterations in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy (NDfE).

Methods

We used gradient-based analysis of resting-sate fMRI data comparing cortical gradient maps in patients with NDfE (n = 27) to age and sex-matched controls (n = 36). Using a brain-wide gene expression dataset, gene combinations associated with altered brain regions were then entered into an enrichment analysis.

Results

We found an increased differentiation of connectivity profiles between unimodal and transmodal networks in NDfE, which was particularly pronounced in the patients with persistent seizures at 12-months follow-up (n=10). Differences corresponded to gradient score reductions in a visual network and increases in limbic and default mode systems which subserve higher-level cognition. Cortical difference maps were spatially correlated with regional expression of a weighted gene combination. These genes were enriched for disease and ontology terms and pathways previously associated with epilepsy and seizure susceptibility.

Interpretations

Large-scale functional hierarchy may be altered from in focal epilepsy from diagnosis and correlate with response to treatment. Combining functional neuroimaging and transcriptional data analysis may provide a framework for understanding the wide-ranging impairments associated with the disorder and mechanistic insight into how gene processes may drive alterations in brain function mediating the genetic risk of epilepsy.
The devil is in the details: Reporting and transparent research practices in sports medicine and orthopedic clinical trials
Authors: Schulz Robert , Langen Georg , Prill Robert , Cassel Michael , Weissgerber Tracey
Published: July 2021

Introduction

While transparent reporting of clinical trials is essential to assess the risk of bias and translate research findings into clinical practice, earlier studies have shown that deficiencies are common. This study examined current clinical trial reporting and transparent research practices in sports medicine and orthopedics.

Methods

The sample included clinical trials published in the top 25% of sports medicine and orthopedics journals over nine months. Two independent reviewers assessed pre-registration, open data and criteria related to scientific rigor, the study sample, and data analysis.

Results

The sample included 163 clinical trials from 27 journals. While the majority of trials mentioned rigor criteria, essential details were often missing. Sixty percent (confidence interval [CI] 53-68%) of trials reported sample size calculations, but only 32% (CI 25-39%) justified the expected effect size. Few trials indicated the blinding status of all main stakeholders (4%; CI 1-7%). Only 18% (CI 12-24%) included information on randomization type, method, and concealed allocation. Most trials reported participants’ sex/gender (95%; CI 92-98%) and information on inclusion and exclusion criteria (78%; CI 72-84%). Only 20% (CI 14-26%) of trials were pre-registered. No trials deposited data in open repositories.

Conclusions

These results will aid the sports medicine and orthopedics community in developing tailored interventions to improve reporting. While authors typically mention blinding, randomization and other factors, essential details are often missing. Greater acceptance of open science practices, like pre-registration and open data, is needed. These practices have been widely encouraged, we discuss systemic interventions that may improve clinical trial reporting.

Registration

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9648H
Recruitment of highly functional SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+T cell receptors mediating cytotoxicity of virus-infected target cells in non-severe COVID-19
Authors: Wagner Karolin I. , Mateyka Laura M. , Jarosch Sebastian , Grass Vincent , Weber Simone , Schober Kilian , Hammel Monika , Burrell Teresa , Kalali Behnam , Poppert Holger , Beyer Henriette , Schambeck Sophia , Holdenrieder Stefan , Strötges-Achatz Andrea , Haselmann Verena , Neumaier Michael , Erber Johanna , Priller Alina , Yazici Sarah , Roggendorf Hedwig , Odendahl Marcus , Tonn Torsten , Dick Andrea , Witter Klaus , Mijočević Hrvoje , Protzer Ulrike , Knolle Percy A. , Pichlmair Andreas , Crowell Claudia S. , Gerhard Markus , D’Ippolito Elvira , Busch Dirk H.
Published: July 2021

T cell immunity is crucial for the control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and has been widely characterized on a quantitative level. In contrast, the quality of such T cell responses has been poorly investigated, in particular in the case of CD8+T cells. Here, we explored the quality of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+T cell responses in individuals who recovered from mild symptomatic infections, through which protective immunity should develop, by functional characterization of their T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. CD8+T cell responses specific for SARS-CoV-2-derived epitopes were low in frequency but could be detected robustly early as well as late - up to twelve months - after infection. A pool of immunodominant epitopes, which accurately identified previous SARS-CoV-2 infections, was used to isolate TCRs specific for epitopes restricted by common HLA class I molecules. TCR-engineered T cells showed heterogeneous functional avidity and cytotoxicity towards virus-infected target cells. High TCR functionality correlated with gene signatures of T cell function and activation that, remarkably, could be retrieved for each epitope:HLA combination and patient analyzed. Overall, our data demonstrate that highly functional HLA class I TCRs are recruited and maintained upon mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such validated epitopes and TCRs could become valuable tools for the development of diagnostic tests determining the quality of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+T cell immunity, and thereby investigating correlates of protection, as well as to restore functional immunity through therapeutic transfer of TCR-engineered T cells.
Positive and negative stroke signs revisited: dissociations between synergies, weakness, and impaired reaching dexterity
Authors: Hadjiosif Alkis. M. , Branscheidt Meret , Anaya Manuel A. , Runnalls Keith D. , Keller Jennifer , Bastian Amy J. , Celnik Pablo A. , Krakauer John W.
Published: July 2021

Most stroke victims experience motor deficits, usually referred to collectively as hemiparesis. While hemiparesis is one of the most common and clinically recognizable motor abnormalities, it remains under-characterized in terms of its behavioral subcomponents and their interactions. Hemiparesis is comprised of both negative and positive motor signs. Negative signs consist of weakness and loss of motor control (dexterity), whereas positive signs consist of spasticity, abnormal resting posture, and intrusive movement synergies (abnormal muscle co-activations during voluntary movement). How positive and negative signs interact, and whether a common mechanism generates them, remains poorly understood. Here we employed a planar, arm-supported reaching task to assess post-stroke arm dexterity loss, which we compared to the Fugl-Meyer stroke scale; a measure primarily reflecting abnormal synergies. We examined 53 patients with hemiparesis after a first-time ischemic stroke. Reaching kinematics were markedly more impaired in patients with subacute (<3 months) compared to chronic (>6 months) stroke even when matched for Fugl-Meyer score. This suggests a dissociation between abnormal synergies (reflected in the Fugl-Meyer scale) and loss of dexterity, which in turn suggests different underlying mechanisms. Moreover, dynamometry suggested that Fugl-Meyer scores capture weakness as well as abnormal synergies, in line with these two deficits sharing a neural substrate. These findings have two important implications: First, clinical studies that test for efficacy of rehabilitation interventions should specify which component of hemiparesis they are targeting and how they propose to measure it. Second, there may be an opportunity to design rehabilitation interventions to address specific subcomponents of hemiparesis.
Reduced neutralizing activity of post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination serum against variants B.1.617.2, B.1.351, B.1.1.7+E484K and a sub-variant of C.37
Authors: Carreño Juan Manuel , Alshammary Hala , Singh Gagandeep , Raskin Ariel , Amanat Fatima , Amoako Angela , Gonzalez-Reiche Ana Silvia , van de Guchte Adriana ,   PARIS study group, Awawda Mahmoud , Banu Radhika , Beach Katherine , Bermúdez-González Carolina , Bielak Dominika , Cao Liyong , Chernet Rachel , Desai Parnavi , Fabre Shelcie , Ferreri Emily. D. , Floda Daniel , Gleason Charles , Kawabata Hisaaki , Khan Zenab , Kleiner Giulio , Jurczyszak Denise , Matthews Julia , Mendez Wanni , Mulder Lubbertus CF , Paniz-Mondolfi Kayla Dr. Alberto E , Russo  , Salimbangon Ashley , Saksena Miti , Shin A. , Sominsky Levy , Tcheou Johnston , Srivastava Komal , Sordillo Emilia Mia , Sather D. Noah , van Bakel Harm , Krammer Florian , Simon Viviana
Published: July 2021

Highly efficacious vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed.1 However, the emergence of viral variants that are more infectious than the earlier SARS-CoV-2 strains is concerning.2 Several of these viral variants have the potential to partially escape neutralizing antibody responses warranting continued immune-monitoring. Here, we tested a number of currently circulating viral variants of concern/interest, including B.1.526 (Iota), B.1.1.7+E484K (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.2 (Delta) and C.37 (Lambda) in neutralization assays using a panel of post-mRNA vaccination sera. The assays were performed with authentic SARS-CoV-2 clinical isolates in an assay that mimics physiological conditions. We found only small decreases in neutralization against B.1.526 and an intermediate phenotype for B.617.2. The reduction was stronger against a sub-variant of C.37, followed by B.1.351 and B.1.1.7+E484K. C.37 is currently circulating in parts of Latin America3 and was detected in Germany, the US and Israel. Of note, reduction in a binding assay that also included P.1, B.1.617.1 (Kappa) and A.23.1 was negligible. Taken together, these findings suggest that mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may remain effective against these viral variants of concern/interest and that spike binding antibody tests likely retain specificity in the face of evolving SARS-CoV-2 diversity.
RTT109 and Fun30 proteins mediate epigenetic regulation of the DNA damage response pathway in C. albicans
Authors: Garai Pramita , Maurya Prashant Kumar , Bhatt Himanshu , Goyal Aarti , Dewasthale Sakshi , Gupta Meghna , Haokip Dominic Thangminlen , Muthuswami Rohini
Published: July 2021

Fun30, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeller, from S. cerevisiae mediates both regulation of gene expression as well as DNA damage response/repair. In this paper, we have characterized the biochemical and physiological function of Fun30 from the opportunistic fungi, C. albicans. Biochemically, the protein shows DNA-stimulated ATPase activity. Physiologically, the protein co-regulates transcription of RTT109, TEL1, MEC1, and SNF2-genes that encode for proteins involved in DNA damage response and repair pathway. The expression of FUN30, in turn, is regulated by histone H3 acetylation catalysed by Rtt109 encoded by RTT109. The RTT109Hz/FUN30Hz mutant strain shows sensitivity to oxidative stress and resistance to MMS as compared to the wild type strain. Quantitative PCR showed that the sensitivity to oxidative stress results from downregulation of MEC1, RAD9, MRC1 and RAD5 expression; ChIP experiments showed Fun30 but not H3ac regulates the expression of these genes in response to oxidative stress. In contrast, on treatment with MMS, the expression of RAD9 is upregulated and this upregulation is co-regulated by both Fun30 and H3 acetylation catalysed by Rtt109. Thus, Fun30 and H3 acetylation mediate the response of the fungal cell to genotoxic agents in C. albicans by regulating the expression of DNA damage response and repair pathway genes.
The framework of plant regeneration in duckweed (Lemna turonifera) comprises genetic transcript regulation and cyclohexane release
Authors: Yang Lin , Sun Jinge , Yao Jie , Wang Yaya , Yan Congyu , Wu Junyi , Ren Qiuting , Zhao Ling , Sun Jinsheng
Published: July 2021

Regeneration is important for vegetative propagation of excellent variety, detoxification and the obtain of transgenic plant, but plant regeneration is time-consuming. Here, we found that duckweed regeneration could be enhanced by regenerating callus. Firstly, Genetic transcript regulation has been applied to study the molecular mechanism controlling regeneration. Auxin related genes have been significantly down-regulated in regenerating callus. Cytokinin signal pathway genes have been up-regulated in regenerating callus. Secondly, volatile organic compounds release has been analysised by gas chromatography/mass spectrum during the stage of plant regeneration, and 11 kinds of unique volatile organic compounds in the regenerating callus were increased. Among them, cyclohexane treatment enhanced duckweed regeneration by initiating root. Moreover, Auxin signal pathway genes were down-regulated in callus treated by cyclohexane. All together, these results provide novel mechanistic insights into how regenerating callus promotes duckweed regeneration.

Graphical abstract