bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Bai Lod” holistic health experienced by homebound older people in the southern Thai community
Authors: Detthippornpong Supussajee , Songwathana Praneed , Bourbonnais Anne
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This qualitative descriptive study aims to explore the meanings of holistic health in the southern Thai culture experienced by homebound older people.

Background

The ageing society necessitates many services to meet the holistic needs of older people. Homebound older people are commonly an understudied population who may view their holistic health and well‐being differently from others. Due to geographical differences and local Thai cultural context, exploring the holistic health in the southern Thai culture would help promote a healthy lifestyle and improve their health outcomes.

Methods

Based on purposeful sampling, 16 key informants who were homebound older people (ages ≥ 60 years old) living at home in a rural southern Thai community were participated in semi‐structured interviews. Informants consisted of six males and ten females who were Buddhist and married. Their ages ranged from 79 to 99, including nine homebound older people who lived in a couple, and seven widows and widowers. Eight had completed the primary school, and others were uneducated. The data were analysed with a content analysis.

Results

Most of the informants had chronic diseases. In a broad main theme, the informants described the holistic health in local context as ‘Bai Lod; which means being alive with positive, active and independent functioning. This theme included three sub‐themes: self‐supporting or taking care of themselves, having the ability to control their health conditions and being proud as a healthy older adult. The older people described self‐supporting as the ability to perform their activities of daily living, take care of their own health and work independently (active living). Having the ability to control their health conditions meant functioning well physically, although being frail, by maintaining their health through self‐management, and having a good mental health during such a life‐changing situation. Older people valued the ability to live by themselves without being a burden to their family. They felt happy with their life.

Conclusion

Holistic health was described as being positive and active at home, and influenced by beliefs and values related to good physical function, mental health and spiritual activities. These findings could help healthcare professionals better understand older people’ health, well‐being and cultural care in order to develop alternative strategies to maintain, enhance and support an active life for homebound older people.
The role of innate immunity and inflammation in Parkinson´s disease
Authors: Öberg Maria , Fabrik Ivo , Fabrikova Daniela , Zehetner Nina , Härtlova Anetta
Published: January 2021

For many years, it was postulated that the brain is the organ behind the barrier with an autonomous need for its maintenance. This view has been changed by the concept that the central nervous system is sensitive to the immune processes occurring in the periphery as well as to the infiltration of peripheral immune cells. However, how the immune system might contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), remains unclear. PD is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor and cognitive functions. Although the precise cause of PD is unknown, studies in both mice and human suggest that alterations in the innate immunity may play a critical role in modulating PD progression. Here, we review recent advancements in our understanding of inflammation and the innate immune mechanisms in PD pathology.
Letermovir prophylaxis in solid organ transplant—Assessing CMV breakthrough and tacrolimus drug interaction
Authors: Winstead Ryan J. , Kumar Dhiren , Brown Andrew , Yakubu Idris , Song Chelsey , Thacker Leroy , Gupta Gaurav
Published: January 2021

Background

Valganciclovir is the preferred drug for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in solid organ transplantation. A limitation to its use is profound myelosuppression. Letermovir is a new agent approved for CMV prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and is associated with less toxicity. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of letermovir in solid organ transplantation.

Methods

A single‐center, matched cohort study was performed on 31 transplant recipients who were converted from valganciclovir to letermovir from November 2017 to June 2020. The primary outcome was the rate of CMV breakthrough infections while on prophylaxis. Secondary outcomes included rate of leukopenia, doses of immunosuppression, rejection, non‐CMV infection, and renal function. Statistical analyses of continuous variables included the student's t‐test, ANOVA test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Categorical data were analyzed with chi‐square test and Fisher’s Exact test.

Results

There was no difference in the rate of CMV breakthrough between patients on letermovir (8.7%) and valganciclovir (13.5%), (P = .7097). After conversion to letermovir, patients required lower tacrolimus doses at ‐3.34 mg (SD‐1.3, P = .0273), between conversion and day 7. Transplant Infectious Disease The median difference in tacrolimus trough concentrations from conversion to day seven was 9.1 ng/ml [4.9, 16.95] (P = .0002). Leukopenia improved by 1.8 109/L [1.08, 4.85] (P < .0001).

Conclusions

Patients converted from valganciclovir to letermovir did not show an increased rate of CMV breakthrough compared to a historical, matched cohort of patients remaining on valganciclovir. A significant drug interaction was noted with tacrolimus, leading to a recommendation to reduce the dose by 40‐50% upon initiation of letermovir.
Addressing the challenges to skin health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European region
Authors: Bartovic Jozef , Padovese Valeska , Pahlman Kari
Published: January 2021

The prevalence of dermatological disease and skin conditions is a significant issue facing refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region. Displaced populations in particular are vulnerable to dermatological diseases, due to the often poor conditions in which they live and transit through at different stages of their journey. Exposure to adverse weather conditions and heightened risk for injuries and violence are also potential causes for skin conditions and abnormalities. Through a review of published literature focusing on refugee and migrant health, this paper outlines the prevalence of skin conditions and dermatological diseases among these populations, and the impact of migration and displacement on susceptibility for them. It then discusses some of the challenges associated with managing skin conditions and highlights key opportunities to strengthen the integration of skin health within health care for migrants and refugees in the WHO European Region.
Feline allergic diseases: introduction and proposed nomenclature
Authors: Halliwell Richard , Pucheu‐Haston Cherie M. , Olivry Thierry , Prost Christine , Jackson Hilary , Banovic Frane , Nuttall Tim , Santoro Domenico , Bizikova Petra , Mueller Ralf S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Feline allergic diseases present as challenging problems for clinicians, not least because of the number of reaction patterns of the feline skin, none of which are specific for allergy. Furthermore, there is some controversy over the nomenclature that should be used in their description.

Objectives

To review the literature, assess the status of knowledge of the topic and the extent to which these diseases could be categorized as atopic in nature, and make recommendations concerning nomenclature.

Methods

Atopic diseases in humans and cats were researched. A comparison then was made of the essential features in the two species.

Results

There were sufficient similarities between human atopic diseases and the manifestations of feline diseases of presumed allergic aetiology to justify the use of “atopic” to describe some of the feline conditions affecting the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. However, none of the allergic skin diseases showed features consistent with atopic dermatitis as described in man and the dog.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The term “Feline Atopic Syndrome” (FAS) is proposed to encompass allergic diseases of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, and “Feline atopic skin syndrome” (FASS) proposed to describe allergic skin disease associated with environmental allergies. We are not aware of any adverse food reactions in cats that are attributable to causes other than immunological reactions against the food itself. We therefore propose an aetiological definition of “Food Allergy” (FA) to describe such cases.
Treatment of the feline atopic syndrome – a systematic review
Authors: Mueller Ralf S. , Nuttall Tim , Prost Christine , Schulz Bianka , Bizikova Petra
Published: January 2021

Background

Feline allergic skin disease and asthma occur regularly in small animal practice.

Objectives

To provide evidence‐based recommendations for small animal practitioners on the treatment of feline atopic syndrome (FAS).

Methods and materials

The authors reviewed the literature available before February 2020, prepared a detailed evidence‐based literature review and made recommendations based on the evaluated evidence.

Results

Sixty‐six papers and abstracts were identified describing treatment interventions for FAS and evaluated to establish treatment recommendations. For many treatment options, the papers were retrospective, open studies or case reports.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

In this review, there was good evidence for the efficacy of systemic glucocorticoids and ciclosporin, and limited evidence for the efficacy of topical glucocorticoids, oclacitinib and allergen‐specific immunotherapy in feline atopic skin syndrome. Evidence pointed to low‐to‐moderate efficacy for antihistamines, fatty acids and palmitoyl ethanolamide. In feline asthma, there was good evidence for the efficacy of oral and inhaled glucocorticoids, and limited evidence of moderate efficacy for allergen‐specific immunotherapy. Evidence supported low‐to‐moderate efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells, inhaled lidocaine and oclacitinib as treatments for feline asthma. For almost all therapeutic options (with the exception of glucocorticoids and ciclosporin), more randomised controlled trials are needed.
Los daños corporales, estado del arte de las tendencias indemnizatorias en Francia y Colombia
Authors: Tabares Cortés Felipe , Gómez Restrepo David Ricardo
Published: January 2021

Los daños corporales han sido objeto recientemente de una amplia discusión jurídica, sin que ninguna iniciativa legislativa haya mediado en la organización de los sistemas de indemnización de este tipo de perjuicios. En Colombia, la Altas Cortes han instituido una clasificación propia que incluye subcategorías para cada tipo de perjuicio. En Francia, la nomenclatura Dintilhac unificó los criterios de indemnización, la cual se hizo efectiva a través de unos Acuerdos entre Aseguradores para la Indemnización de Perjuicios Corporales. En el presente artículo daremos cuenta de estas evoluciones en ambos países, de los conceptos transversales de la indemnización de los perjuicios corporales y de las perspectivas de evolución en la materia.
Intereses moratorios, indexación y otros límites de la aseguradora en caso de subrogación frente al tercero responsable
Authors: Sánchez García Mateo
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo pretende exponer de manera analítica y reflexiva la posibilidad o no del cobro de intereses moratorios, indexación, y otros límites ulteriores, como son los gastos de liquidación del contrato y gastos de honorarios del informe pericial extrajudicial realizado por la aseguradora en el caso de subrogación del asegurador frente al tercero responsables. Por otro lado, se tratarán los límites concernientes a la exclusión de personas que generarían la responsabilidad del asegurado por nexos familiares o condición de dependencia, teniendo como marco normativo la ley y jurisprudencia española.
La pérdida total constructiva. Alcance de la transferencia de responsabilidad
Authors: Carvajal García Mauricio
Published: January 2021

La pérdida total constructiva es una institución común en el seguro marítimo, sin embargo, por más que se encuentra regulada por la ley colombiana, es una figura desconocida para muchos. Si bien la incorporación de esta en la ley colombiana es más o menos uniforme con los principios fundamentales de la misma, aplicables en otras jurisdicciones de gran tradición marítima y de seguros, nuestra ley establece requisitos formales que son de necesario cumplimiento para la aplicación de la figura, lo que hace de interés su estudio. Adicionalmente, ésta institución produce efectos para la aseguradora, no sólo respecto del contrato de seguro sino también respecto de la responsabilidad civil que se le transfiere cuando opera el abandono de la cosa asegurada. Por todo lo anterior, en el presente escrito se analizará la figura de la pérdida total constructiva, sus características y los efectos que de cara al seguro y la responsabilidad de la aseguradora produce.
Seguros cibernéticos
Authors: Saraiva lima Henrique José M.
Published: January 2021

Los asegurados tienen problemas en saber en concreto lo que pretenden / necesitan y las aseguradoras continuan enfrentandose a grandes dificultades en concretizar / prever los riesgos en concreto que pueden ocurrir. En lo que respecta a los riesgos cibernéticos no existe un histórico basado en años de experiencia que permita a las aseguradoras prever los riesgos en causa y los siniestros que puedan ocurrir de forma a crear y presentar soluciones equilibradas que satisfagan las necesidades de los clientes. Es importante que existan soluciones standardizadas pero, en determinados casos, el mercado asegurador debe ofrecer soluciones específicas que correspondan a las reales necesidades de los clientes, teniendo por base diligencias precontractuales, incluyendo un análisis riguroso de los riesgos envueltos. Estamos claramente ante una situación especial que puede traducirse en una alta frecuencia aliada a una alta severidad, lo que obliga a las aseguradoras a repensarse sus estratégias de forma a prevenir o disminuir eventuales perdidas substanciales. Los asegurados y aseguradoras luchan contra un enemigo que es invisible y que no puede ser responsabilizado por los daños causados por lo que la posibilidad de ejercicio del derecho de reembolso contra el causador del siniestro es practicamente inexistente. Los seguros cibernéticos deben incluir coberturas a nível de los daños propios, que puedan ser básicas o incluir coberturas complementarias, y de responsabilidad civil ante terceros, siendo que las indemnizaciones a pagar puedan alcanzar valores substancialmente altos. Las exposiciones no afirmativas (riesgos silenciosos) constituian una preocupación real para las aseguradoras en el contexto de la acumulación de riesgos en cuanto están en causa seguros en que los riesgos cibernéticos no están expresamente incluídos ni excluídos en el ambito de cobertura de las respectivas pólizas. La resolución del problema puede pasar por la revisión / actualización de las cláusulas de las pólizas de seguro de forma a excluir expresamente los riesgos cibernéticos o, en alternativa, a incluirlos de forma clara e inequívoca con acuerdo con los asegurados y el consecuente aumento de la prima del seguro. La alternativa pasa por la resolución de los potenciales litígios en Tribunal en el sentido de saber si un determinado siniestro está (o no) incluído en el âmbito de cobertura de la póliza.
Annexin-A1 SUMOylation regulates microglial polarization after cerebral ischemia by modulating IKKα stability via selective autophagy
Authors: Li Xing , Xia Qian , Mao Meng , Zhou Huijuan , Zheng Lu , Wang Yi , Zeng Zhen , Yan Lulu , Zhao Yin , Shi Jing
Published: January 2021

SUMOylation of annexin-A1 promotes an anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype and protects against cerebral ischemic injury.
Experimental quantum reading with photon counting
Authors: Ortolano Giuseppe , Losero Elena , Pirandola Stefano , Genovese Marco , Ruo-Berchera Ivano
Published: January 2021

The readout of digital data from an optical memory is enhanced by quantum-correlated light and photon-counting measurements.
Atomic-scale spin-polarization maps using functionalized superconducting probes
Authors: Schneider Lucas , Beck Philip , Wiebe Jens , Wiesendanger Roland
Published: January 2021

Functionalized STM tips can map the spin polarization of nanomagnets quantitatively with atomic spatial resolution.
1-Methylnicotinamide is an immune regulatory metabolite in human ovarian cancer
Authors: Kilgour Marisa K. , MacPherson Sarah , Zacharias Lauren G. , Ellis Abigail E. , Sheldon Ryan D. , Liu Elaine Y. , Keyes Sarah , Pauly Brenna , Carleton Gillian , Allard Bertrand , Smazynski Julian , Williams Kelsey S. , Watson Peter H. , Stagg John , Nelson Brad H. , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Jones Russell G. , Hamilton Phineas T. , Lum Julian J.
Published: January 2021

MNA contributes to the immune suppression of T cells and represents a potential immunotherapy target to treat human cancer.
Linkage-specific deubiquitylation by OTUD5 defines an embryonic pathway intolerant to genomic variation
Authors: Beck David B. , Basar Mohammed A. , Asmar Anthony J. , Thompson Joyce J. , Oda Hirotsugu , Uehara Daniela T. , Saida Ken , Pajusalu Sander , Talvik Inga , D’Souza Precilla , Bodurtha Joann , Mu Weiyi , Barañano Kristin W. , Miyake Noriko , Wang Raymond , Kempers Marlies , Tamada Tomoko , Nishimura Yutaka , Okada Satoshi , Kosho Tomoki , Dale Ryan , Mitra Apratim , Macnamara Ellen ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Matsumoto Naomichi , Inazawa Johji , Walkiewicz Magdalena , Õunap Katrin , Tifft Cynthia J. , Aksentijevich Ivona , Kastner Daniel L. , Rocha Pedro P. , Werner Achim
Published: January 2021

Disease-causing mutations in a linkage-specific deubiquitylase provide insights into chromatin remodeling during embryogenesis.
Leadership or luck? Randomization inference for leader effects in politics, business, and sports
Authors: Berry Christopher R. , Fowler Anthony
Published: January 2021

A new method finds that leaders are highly consequential in politics and sports but not business.
Electric field–catalyzed single-molecule Diels-Alder reaction dynamics
Authors: Yang Chen , Liu Zitong , Li Yanwei , Zhou Shuyao , Lu Chenxi , Guo Yilin , Ramirez Melissa , Zhang Qingzhu , Li Yu , Liu Zhirong , Houk K. N. , Zhang Deqing , Guo Xuefeng
Published: January 2021

An electric field promotes an unprecedented stepwise Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction mechanism.
A resonant squid-inspired robot unlocks biological propulsive efficiency
Authors: Bujard Thierry , Giorgio-Serchi Francesco , Weymouth Gabriel D.
Published: January 2021

A flexible pulsed-jetting robot swims as efficiently as animals by leveraging fluid-body resonance.
Squid-inspired robots perform swimmingly
Authors: Xu Nicole W.
Published: January 2021

A squid-like robot leverages resonance to match the swimming efficiency of biological animals.
Characterization of ascites- and tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells reveals distinct repertoires and a beneficial role in ovarian cancer
Authors: Foord Emelie , Arruda Lucas C. M. , Gaballa Ahmed , Klynning Charlotte , Uhlin Michael
Published: January 2021

γδ T cells are clonotypically distinct in ascites and tumors of patients with ovarian cancer and their functionality correlates with clinical outcome.
Inhibition of Arenaviruses by Combinations of Orally Available Approved Drugs
Authors: Herring Shawn , Oda Jessica M. , Wagoner Jessica , Kirchmeier Delaney , O’Connor Aidan , Nelson Elizabeth A. , Huang Qinfeng , Liang Yuying , DeWald Lisa Evans , Johansen Lisa M. , Glass Pamela J. , Olinger Gene G. , Ianevski Aleksandr , Aittokallio Tero , Paine Mary F. , Fink Susan L. , White Judith M. , Polyak Stephen J.
Published: January 2021

Neglected diseases caused by arenaviruses such as Lassa virus (LASV) and filoviruses like Ebola virus (EBOV) primarily afflict resource-limited countries, where antiviral drug development is often minimal. Previous studies have shown that many approved drugs developed for other clinical indications inhibit EBOV and LASV and that combinations of these drugs provide synergistic suppression of EBOV, often by blocking discrete steps in virus entry.
Boromycin Has Potent Anti-Toxoplasmaand Anti-CryptosporidiumActivity
Authors: Abenoja Jaypee , Cotto-Rosario Alexis , O’Connor Roberta
Published: January 2021

Toxoplasma gondiiandCryptosporidium parvum, members of the phylum Apicomplexa, are significant pathogens of both humans and animals worldwide for which new and effective therapeutics are needed. Here, we describe the activity of the antibiotic boromycin againstToxoplasmaandCryptosporidium. Boromycin potently inhibited intracellular proliferation of bothT. gondiiandC. parvumat half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) of 2.27 nM and 4.99 nM, respectively.
Temporal and Agricultural Factors Influence Escherichia coli Survival in Soil and Transfer to Cucumbers
Authors: Litt Pushpinder K. , Kelly Alyssa , Omar Alexis , Johnson Gordon , Vinyard Bryan T. , Kniel Kalmia E. , Sharma Manan
Published: January 2021

Poultry litter and other biological soil amendments are commonly used fertilizers in fruit and vegetable production and can introduce enteric pathogens such as
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 or
Salmonella
previously associated with outbreaks of illness linked to contaminated produce.
E. coli
survival duration in soils covered with plastic mulch or uncovered and containing poultry litter or heat-treated poultry litter pellets were evaluated. Nitrate levels on day 30 and moisture content in soils on day 40 on specific days were good predictors of
E. coli
survival in soils; however, the combination of year, amendment, and mulch type was a better predictor.
A First Look at the Essential Genes of Pseudomonas protegens
Authors: Poulsen Bradley E.
Published: January 2021

Transposon insertion sequencing is a useful tool to identify the genes that are essential for a bacterial species to grow and divide effectively. In this issue of
Journal of Bacteriology
, Fabian et al. present the first set of transposon insertion sequencing data highlighting the genes essential to the plant-commensal species
Pseudomonas protegens
strain Pf-5 and describe comparative analyses with other pseudomonads (B. K. Fabian, C. Foster, A. J. Asher, L. D. Elbourne, et al., J Bacteriol 203:e00432-20, 2021,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00432-20
).
Comparison of Antibody Class-Specific SARS-CoV-2 Serologies for the Diagnosis of Acute COVID-19
Authors: Verkerke Hans , Horwath Michael , Saeedi Bejan , Boyer Darra , Allen Jerry W. , Owens Joshua , Arthur Connie M. , Nakahara Hirotomo , Rha Jennifer , Patel Kashyap , Wu Shang-Chuen , Paul Anu , Yasin Nini , Wang Jianmei , Shin Sooncheon , Brown DeAndre , Normile Katherine , Cole Lisa , Meyers Mark , Lin Heather , Woods Emily , Isaac Jennifer , Broder Kari , Wade Jenna , Kauffman Robert C. , Patel Ravi , Josephson Cassandra D. , Reynolds Stacian , Sherman Melanie , Wrammert Jens , Alter David , Guarner Jeannette , Roback John D. , Neish Andrew , Stowell Sean R.
Published: January 2021

Accurate diagnosis of acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is critical for appropriate management of patients with this disease. We examined the possible complementary role of laboratory-developed class-specific clinical serology in assessing SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized patients.
Transmission and Antibiotic Resistance of
Achromobacter
in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Gabrielaite Migle , Bartell Jennifer A. , Nørskov-Lauritsen Niels , Pressler Tacjana , Nielsen Finn C. , Johansen Helle K. , Marvig Rasmus L.
Published: January 2021

Achromobacter
species are increasingly being detected in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and this emerging pathogen is associated with antibiotic resistance and more-severe disease outcomes. Nonetheless, little is known about the extent of transmission and antibiotic resistance development in
Achromobacter
infections.
Complete Genome Sequence of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp.
masoucida
Strain BR19001YR, Isolated from Diseased Korean Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)
Authors: Kang Yu-Ra , Kim Ahran , Lee Yoonhang , Kim Nameun , Roh HeyongJin , Kim Do-Hyung
Published: January 2021

We report the complete genome sequence of the virulent
Aeromonas salmonicida
subsp.
masoucida
strain BR19001YR, isolated from diseased black rockfish (
Sebastes schlegelii
). Sequencing of the circular chromosome and three plasmids using the PacBio and Illumina platforms yielded 4,982,192 bp with a 58.24% G+C content.
Draft Genome Sequences of Idiomarina abyssalis Strain KJE, Marinobacter salarius Strain NP2017, and Marinobacter salarius Strain AT3901, Isolated from Deep-Sea Sediment near the Western Flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Mullis Megan M. , Weisend Rachel E. , Kiel Reese Brandi
Published: January 2021

We report the draft genomes of environmental cultures collected from shallow sediment from the western flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The isolates were most closely related to
Idiomarina abyssalis
strain KJE (100% complete),
Marinobacter salarius
strain NP2017 (97.6% complete), and
Marinobacter salarius
strain AT3901 (98.4% complete). Isolates identified as an
Idiomarina
species possess complete nitrite oxidation and reduction pathways, and isolates identified as a
Marinobacter
species possess complete dissimilatory nitrate reduction pathways.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis subsp.
subtilis
MD 32, Isolated from the Korean Fermented Food Kimchi
Authors: Lee Ji-Young , Cho Gyu-Sung , Franz Charles M. A. P. , Kang Dae-Ook
Published: January 2021

Bacillus subtilis
subsp.
subtilis
MD 32 was isolated from kimchi. The strain was sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform, and the genome size was 4,238,856 bp with a GC content of 43.41 mol%. The genome encoded 4,396 proteins, with 45 tRNAs, 6 rRNAs, and 5 noncoding RNAs.
Monogenic diabetes: a new pathogenic variant of HNF1A gene
Authors: Oliveira Raquel Vilela , Bernardo Teresa , Martins Sandrina , Sequeira Ana
Published: January 2021

Maturity onset diabetes of the young defines a diabetes mellitus subtype, with no insulin resistance or autoimmune pancreatic β-cells dysfunction, that occurs by mutation in a single gene. A 13-year-old girl hospitalised due to hyperglycemia plus glycosuria without ketosis, and with normal glycated haemoglobin of 6.8%. She started a sugar-free fast-absorption diet and no insulin therapy was required. Fasting glucose was normal, but 2 hours after lunch she presented hyperglycemia as after 2 hours of an oral glucose tolerance test, with 217 mg/dL. Family history was positive for type 2 diabetes mellitus with an autosomal dominant pattern. She was discharged with fast-absorption sugar-free diet and low-dose of sulfonylurea. A genetic test was performed detecting a mutation in heterozygosity of HNF1A gene, compatible with the diagnosis of maturity onset diabetes of the young 3 (MODY3), not reported in the literature. Early recognition of signs and symptoms increase awareness of MODY. Genetic test allows confirmation and leads to optimised treatment.
Autologous tenon plug and patch in phacoburn
Authors: Mansour Hana A , Mansour Ahmad M
Published: January 2021

This 75-year-old woman had phacomorphic angle closure, dense nuclear sclerosis, deep set eye, miotic pupil and tight corneal wound during phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification wound burn was noted at the end of surgery. Tenon was harvested from the inferior conjunctiva, placed over the gape and anchored by two radial corneoscleral 10–0 nylon. Ten days later, anterior optical coherence tomography showed good wound apposition and sutures were removed with visual recovery to 20/25 (6/7.5) without astigmatism.
Spatial and temporal resolution of the photoreceptors rescue dynamics after treatment with voretigene neparvovec
Authors: Stingl Krunoslav , Kempf Melanie , Bartz-Schmidt Karl U , Dimopoulos Spyridon , Reichel Felix , Jung Ronja , Kelbsch Carina , Kohl Susanne , Kortüm Friederike Charlotte , Nasser Fadi , Peters Tobias , Wilhelm Barbara , Wissinger Bernd , Wozar Fabian , Zrenner Eberhart , Fischer M Dominik , Stingl Katarina
Published: January 2021

Background

Voretigene neparvovec is a gene therapeutic agent for treatment of retinal dystrophies caused by bi-allelic RPE65 mutations. In this study, we report on a novel and objective evaluation of a retinotopic photoreceptor rescue.

Methods

Seven eyes of five patients (14, 21, 23, 24, 36 years, 1 male, 4 females) with bi-allelic RPE65 mutations have been treated with voretigene neparvovec. The clinical examinations included visual acuity testing, dark-adapted full-field stimulus threshold (FST), dark-adapted chromatic perimeter (DAC) with a 30-degree grid, and a 30 degrees grid scotopic and photopic chromatic pupil campimetry (CPC). All evaluations and spectral domain optical coherence tomography were performed at baseline, 1 month and 3 months.

Results

All except the oldest patient had a measurable improvement of the rod function assessed via FST, DAC or scotopic CPC at 1 month. The visual acuity improved slightly or remained stable in all eyes. A cone function improvement as measured by photopic CPC was observed in three eyes. The gain of the dark-adapted threshold with blue FST and the DAC stimuli (cyan) average correlated strongly with age (R2>0.7). The pupil response improvement in the scotopic CPC correlated with the baseline local retinal volume (R2=0.5).

Conclusions

The presented protocols allow evaluating the individual spatial and temporal effects of gene therapy effects. Additionally, we explored parameters that correlated with the success of the therapy. CPC and DAC present new and fast ways to assess functional changes in retinotopic maps of rod and cone function, measuring complementary aspects of retinal function.
Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abioye Ajibola Ibraheem , Bromage Sabri , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: January 2021

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of ill-health and death globally. Individual or multiple micronutrients have been shown to modulate immune function and affect the risk and severity of a number of infectious diseases. We systematically reviewed the evidence on the impact of micronutrient supplements to reduce the occurrence of ARIs and shorten the duration of ARI symptoms among adults. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled effects of vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc and multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) on the occurrence of ARIs and the duration of ARI symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of ARI (risk ratio (RR)=0.97; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.00; p=0.028) and shortened the duration of symptoms (per cent difference: −6% (95% CI −9% to −2%; p=0.003)). The RR of vitamin D to prevent ARI was farther from the null when diagnosis was based on clinical diagnosis or laboratory testing, compared with self-report and when the loading dose was <60 000 IU. Vitamin C supplementation reduced the risk of ARIs (RR=0.96; 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99; p=0.01) and shortened the duration of symptoms (per cent difference: −9% (95% CI −16% to −2%; p=0.014)). The effect of vitamin C on preventing ARI was stronger among men and in middle-income countries, compared with women and high-income countries, respectively. Zinc supplementation did not reduce the risk of ARIs but shortened the duration of symptoms substantially (per cent difference: −47% (95% CI −73% to −21%;p=0.0004)). Our synthesis of global evidence from randomised controlled trials indicates that micronutrient supplements including zinc, vitamins C and D, and multiple micronutrient supplements may be modestly effective in preventing ARIs and improving their clinical course. Further research is warranted to better understand the effectiveness that individual or multiple micronutrients have on SARS-CoV-2 infection and treatment outcomes.
Predictors of disease severity in children presenting from the community with febrile illnesses: a systematic review of prognostic studies
Authors: Chandna Arjun , Tan Rainer , Carter Michael , Van Den Bruel Ann , Verbakel Jan , Koshiaris Constantinos , Salim Nahya , Lubell Yoel , Turner Paul , Keitel Kristina
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Early identification of children at risk of severe febrile illness can optimise referral, admission and treatment decisions, particularly in resource-limited settings. We aimed to identify prognostic clinical and laboratory factors that predict progression to severe disease in febrile children presenting from the community.

Methods

We systematically reviewed publications retrieved from MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase between 31 May 1999 and 30 April 2020, supplemented by hand search of reference lists and consultation with an expert Technical Advisory Panel. Studies evaluating prognostic factors or clinical prediction models in children presenting from the community with febrile illnesses were eligible. The primary outcome was any objective measure of disease severity ascertained within 30 days of enrolment. We calculated unadjusted likelihood ratios (LRs) for comparison of prognostic factors, and compared clinical prediction models using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs). Risk of bias and applicability of studies were assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool.

Results

Of 5949 articles identified, 18 studies evaluating 200 prognostic factors and 25 clinical prediction models in 24 530 children were included. Heterogeneity between studies precluded formal meta-analysis. Malnutrition (positive LR range 1.56–11.13), hypoxia (2.10–8.11), altered consciousness (1.24–14.02), and markers of acidosis (1.36–7.71) and poor peripheral perfusion (1.78–17.38) were the most common predictors of severe disease. Clinical prediction model performance varied widely (AUROC range 0.49–0.97). Concerns regarding applicability were identified and most studies were at high risk of bias.

Conclusions

Few studies address this important public health question. We identified prognostic factors from a wide range of geographic contexts that can help clinicians assess febrile children at risk of progressing to severe disease. Multicentre studies that include outpatients are required to explore generalisability and develop data-driven tools to support patient prioritisation and triage at the community level.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019140542.
Conference equity in global health: a systematic review of factors impacting LMIC representation at global health conferences
Authors: Velin Lotta , Lartigue Jean-Wilguens , Johnson Samantha Ann , Zorigtbaatar Anudari , Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney , Truche Paul , Joseph Michelle Nyah
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Global health conferences are important platforms for knowledge exchange, decision-making and personal and professional growth for attendees. Neocolonial patterns in global health at large and recent opinion reports indicate that stakeholders from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may be under-represented at such conferences. This study aims to describe the factors that impact LMIC representation at global health conferences.

Methods

A systematic review of articles reporting factors determining global health conference attendance was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles presenting conference demographics and data on the barriers and/or facilitators to attendance were included. Articles were screened at title and abstract level by four independent reviewers. Eligible articles were read in full text, analysed and evaluated with a risk of bias assessment.

Results

Among 8765 articles screened, 46 articles met inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis yielded two themes: ‘barriers to conference attendance’ and ‘facilitators to conference attendance’. In total, 112 conferences with 254 601 attendees were described, of which 4% of the conferences were hosted in low-income countries. Of the 98 302 conference attendees, for whom affiliation was disclosed, 38 167 (39%) were from LMICs.

Conclusion

‘Conference inequity’ is common in global health, with LMIC attendees under-represented at global health conferences. LMIC attendance is limited by systemic barriers including high travel costs, visa restrictions and lower acceptance rates for research presentations. This may be mitigated by relocating conferences to visa-friendly countries, providing travel scholarships and developing mentorship programmes to enable LMIC researchers to participate in global conferences.
Improving the neonatal team handoff process in a level IV NICU: reducing interruptions and handoff duration
Authors: Quinones Cardona Vilmaris , LaBadie Alison , Cooperberg David B , Zubrow Alan , Touch Suzanne M
Published: January 2021

Background

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients are at increased risk for handoff communication failures due to complexity and prolonged length of stay. We report a quality initiative aimed at reducing avoidable interruptions during neonatal handoffs while monitoring handoff duration and provider satisfaction.

Methods

Observational time series between August 2015 and March 2018 in an academic level IV NICU. NICU I-PASS and process changes were implemented using plan–do–study–act cycle, and statistical process control charts were used in the analysis. Unmatched preintervention and postintervention satisfaction surveys were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

There was special cause variation in the mean number of avoidable interruptions per handoff from 4 to 0.3 (92% reduction). The mean duration of handoff was reduced ~1 min/patient. Provider satisfaction with the quality of handoffs also improved from a mean of 3.36 to 3.75 on a 1–5 Likert scale (p=0.049).

Conclusions

Standardisation of NICU handoff with NICU I-PASS and process changes led to the sustained reduction in avoidable interruptions with the added benefit of reduced handoff length and improved provider satisfaction.
The translocation trade-off for eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida): balancing harm to source populations with the goal of re-establishment1
Authors: Lamothe Karl A. , van der Lee Adam S. , Drake D. Andrew R. , Koops Marten A.
Published: January 2021

The use of translocations to recover populations requires a sufficiently large number of individuals from source populations, but removing too many individuals could lead to source population collapse. To understand the trade-off between the probabilities of source population extirpation and translocation success, matrix population models that incorporate Allee effects, density dependence, and demographic and environmental stochasticity were combined with a model that simulates removals from source populations. We apply these models to eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida; Species at Risk Act status: Threatened) translocation scenarios in Canada. The results suggest that translocations most often require source populations >20 000 individuals, as source population extirpation probability increased with the number and frequency of removals. Transport mortality or losses immediately following introduction further affected translocation success. Uncertainty around life-history parameters and the strength of Allee effects led to additional uncertainty about the required source population size. Although stochastic processes affected the probability of translocation success, factors such as stocking density and frequency can be controlled, and translocation may therefore be a viable strategy for eastern sand darter recovery, even when applying cautious thresholds to guard against uncertainty.
Impacts of coarse-resolution soil maps and high-resolution digital-elevation-model-generated attributes on modelling forest soil zinc and copper
Authors: Zhao Zhengyong , Yang Qi , Ding Xiaogang , Xing Zisheng
Published: January 2021

The depth-specific zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) maps with high resolution (i.e., ≤10 m) are important for soil and forest management and conservation. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of easily accessible model inputs, i.e., existing coarse-resolution parent material, pH, and soil texture maps with 1:1 800 000–2 800 000 scale and nine digital elevation model (DEM)-generated terrain attributes with 10 m resolution, on modelling Zn and Cu distributions of forest soil over a large area (e.g., thousands of km2). A total of 511 artificial neural network (ANN) models for each depth (20 cm increments to 100 cm) were built and evaluated by a 10-fold cross-validation with 385 soil profiles from the Yunfu forest, South China, about 4915 km2 areas. The results indicated that the optimal models for five depths engaged five to seven DEM-generated attributes together with three coarse-resolution soil attributes as inputs, respectively, and accuracies for estimating Zn and Cu varied with R2 of 0.76–0.85 and relative overall accuracy ±10% of 74%–86%. The produced maps showed that DEM-generated sediment delivery ratio, topographic position index (TPI), and aspect were the most important attributes for predicting Cu, but flow length, TPI, and slope were for Zn, which heavily affected Zn and Cu distributions in detail. Boundaries of three coarse-resolution maps were still visible in the generated maps indicated that the maps affected the distributions of Zn and Cu in large scales. Thus, the modelling method, i.e., developing ANN models with k-fold cross-validation, can be used to map high-resolution Zn and Cu over a large area.
Residual effects of papermill biosolids and forest-derived alkaline materials on crop yield and plant metal accumulation
Authors: Gagnon Bernard , Ziadi Noura
Published: January 2021

Combined papermill biosolids (PB) and forest-derived alkaline by-products are known for their direct benefits to agricultural crops, but their residual effects after several years of application have received little attention. A 10 yr field study was initiated on a loamy soil at Yamachiche, QC, to assess the residual effects of PB application after nine consecutive years, either alone or with several liming by-products, on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and metal accumulation in plant and crop yield. The treatments consisted of PB at 0, 30, 60, and 90 Mg wet·ha−1, three liming by-products (calcitic lime, lime mud, and wood ash), each at 3 Mg wet·ha−1 with 30 Mg wet PB·ha−1, and a mineral N fertilizer (MIN). During the residual years, only the MIN treatment was carried out every year according to crop needs. Grain yield and total plant N and P accumulation were evaluated each year, whereas metal accumulation was determined on a 3 yr cycle. The residual effects of PB applications increased crop yields in some years, but the effects were generally lower than with MIN. Plant N recovery in the first three residual years was half of that recorded during years of application (15% vs. 30%), whereas P recovery was at 6%. Residual PB applications had little effect on metal accumulation in grain. Soil liming decreased zinc and cadmium concentrations in grain but increased molybdenum. This study showed that repeated applications of PB and alkaline materials continued to have a positive effect on field crops 3–5 yr after their cessation.
Cosmological perturbations in modified teleparallel gravity models: boundary term extension
Authors: Bahamonde Sebastian , Gakis Viktor , Kiorpelidi Stella , Koivisto Tomi , Levi Said Jackson , Saridakis Emmanuel N.
Published: January 2021

Teleparallel gravity offers a new avenue in which to construct gravitational models beyond general relativity. While teleparallel gravity can be framed in a way to be dynamically equivalent to general relativity, its modifications are mostly not equivalent to the traditional route to modified gravity. f(T, B) gravity is one such gravitational theory where the second and fourth order contributions to the field equations are decoupled. In this work, we explore the all important cosmological perturbations of this new framework of gravity. We derive the gravitational propagation equation, its vector perturbation stability conditions, and its scalar perturbations. Together with the matter perturbations, we derive the effective gravitational constant in this framework, and find an interesting branching behaviour that depends on the particular gravitational models being probed. We close with a discussion on the relation of these results with other gravitational theories.
Radiative $$p_{\perp }$$-broadening of fast partons in an expanding quark–gluon plasma
Authors: Zakharov B. G.
Published: January 2021

We study contribution of radiative processes to $$p_{\perp }$$

p
⊥

-broadening of fast partons in an expanding quark–gluon plasma. It is shown that the radiative correction to $$\langle p_{\perp }^2\rangle $$

⟨

p

⊥

2

⟩

for the QGP produced in AA-collisions at RHIC and LHC may be negative, and comparable in absolute value with the non-radiative contribution. We have found that the QGP expansion enhances the radiative suppression of $$p_\perp $$

p
⊥

-broadening as compared to the static medium.
Charged anisotropic spherical collapse with heat flow
Authors: Charan Kali , Yadav Om Prakash , Tewari B. C.
Published: January 2021

In this article, we study the shear-free gravitational collapse of a charged radiating star. The Einstein field equations of gravitational collapse for the charged stars are known to give rise to a high degree of non-linearity in the ordinary differential equation coming from junction conditions. The attempts to solve it analytically proved to be unfortunate. Numerical methods have been suggested in the past. However, the high degree of non-linearity tends to introduce fluctuations and large round off errors in the numerical calculation. A new ansatz is proposed in the present work to reduce the degree of non-linearity. An ordinary differential equation is derived by satisfying junction conditions, and its numerical solution is demonstrated. Physical quantities associated with the collapse process are plotted to observe the effect of charge on these quantities. It is concluded that the charge can delay the collapse of a star and can even prevent it depending upon the amount of charge. It is also verified that the solution satisfies all the energy conditions.
Modeling the spectrum and composition of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays with two populations of extragalactic sources
Authors: Das Saikat , Razzaque Soebur , Gupta Nayantara
Published: January 2021

We fit the ultrahigh-energy cosmic-ray (UHECR,$$E\gtrsim 0.1$$E≳0.1EeV) spectrum and composition data from the Pierre Auger Observatory at energies$$E\gtrsim 5\cdot 10^{18}$$E≳5·1018eV, i.e., beyond the ankle using two populations of astrophysical sources. One population, accelerating dominantly protons ($$^1$$1H), extends up to the highest observed energies with maximum energy close to the GZK cutoff and injection spectral index near the Fermi acceleration model; while another population accelerates light-to-heavy nuclei ($$^4$$4He,$$^{14}$$14N,$$^{28}$$28Si,$$^{56}$$56Fe) with a relatively low rigidity cutoff and hard injection spectrum. A significant improvement in the combined fit is noted as we go from a one-population to two-population model. For the latter, we constrain the maximum allowed proton fraction at the highest-energy bin within 3.5$$\sigma $$σstatistical significance. In the single-population model, low-luminosity gamma-ray bursts turn out to match the best-fit evolution parameter. In the two-population model, the active galactic nuclei is consistent with the best-fit redshift evolution parameter of the pure proton-emitting sources, while the tidal disruption events could be responsible for emitting heavier nuclei. We also compute expected cosmogenic neutrino flux in such a hybrid source population scenario and discuss possibilities to detect these neutrinos by upcoming detectors to shed light on the sources of UHECRs.