bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of superspreading COVID-19 outbreak events in meat and poultry processing plants in Germany: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Pokora Roman , Kutschbach Susan , Weigl Matthias , Braun Detlef , Epple Annegret , Lorenz Eva , Grund Stefan , Hecht Juergen , Hollich Helmut , Rietschel Peter , Schneider Frank , Sohmen Roland , Taylor Katherine , Dienstbuehl Isabel
Published: June 2021

Since May 2020, several COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred in the German meat industry despite various protective measures, and temperature and ventilation conditions were considered as possible high-risk factors. This cross-sectional study examined meat and poultry plants to assess possible risk factors. Companies completed a self-administered questionnaire on the work environment and protective measures taken to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for the possibility to distance at least 1.5 meters, break rules, and employment status was performed to identify risk factors associated with COVID-19 cases. Twenty-two meat and poultry plants with 19,072 employees participated. The prevalence of COVID-19 in the seven plants with more than 10 cases was 12.1% and was highest in the deboning and meat cutting area with 16.1%. A subsample analysis where information on maximal ventilation rate per employee was available revealed an association with the ventilation rate (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.996, 95% CI 0.993–0.999). When including temperature as an interaction term in the working area, the association with the ventilation rate did not change. When room temperatures increased, the chance of testing positive for COVID-19 (AOR 0.90 95% CI 0.82–0.99) decreased, and the chance for testing positive for COVID-19for the interaction term (AOR 1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.003) increased. Employees who work where a minimum distance of less than 1.5 m between workers was the norm had a higher chance of testing positive (AOR 3.61; 95% CI 2.83–4.6). Our results further indicate that climate conditions and low outdoor air flow are factors that can promote the spread of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. A possible requirement for pandemic mitigation strategies in industrial workplace settings is to increase the ventilation rate.
Mitochondrial introgression by ancient admixture between two distant lacustrine fishes in Sulawesi Island
Authors: Horoiwa Mizuki , Mandagi Ixchel F. , Sutra Nobu , Montenegro Javier , Tantu Fadly Y. , Masengi Kawilarang W. A. , Nagano Atsushi J. , Kusumi Junko , Yasuda Nina , Yamahira Kazunori
Published: June 2021

Sulawesi, an island located in a biogeographical transition zone between Indomalaya and Australasia, is famous for its high levels of endemism. Ricefishes (family Adrianichthyidae) are an example of taxa that have uniquely diversified on this island. It was demonstrated that habitat fragmentation due to the Pliocene juxtaposition among tectonic subdivisions of this island was the primary factor that promoted their divergence; however, it is also equally probable that habitat fusions and resultant admixtures between phylogenetically distant species may have frequently occurred. Previous studies revealed that some individuals ofOryzias sarasinorumendemic to a tectonic lake in central Sulawesi have mitochondrial haplotypes that are similar to the haplotypes ofO.eversi, which is a phylogenetically related but geologically distant (ca. 190 km apart) adrianichthyid endemic to a small fountain. In this study, we tested if this reflects ancient admixture ofO.eversiandO.sarasinorum. Population genomic analyses of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed thatO.eversiandO.sarasinorumare substantially reproductively isolated from each other. Comparison of demographic models revealed that the models assuming ancient admixture fromO.eversitoO.sarasinorumwas more supported than the models assuming no admixture; this supported the idea that theO.eversi-like mitochondrial haplotype inO.sarasinorumwas introgressed fromO.eversi. This study is the first to demonstrate ancient admixture of lacustrine or pond organisms in Sulawesi beyond 100 km. The complex geological history of this island enabled such island-wide admixture of lacustrine organisms, which usually experience limited migration.
Future heat stress to reduce people’s purchasing power
Authors: Kuhla Kilian , Willner Sven Norman , Otto Christian , Wenz Leonie , Levermann Anders
Published: June 2021

With increasing carbon emissions rising temperatures are likely to impact our economies and societies profoundly. In particular, it has been shown that heat stress can strongly reduce labor productivity. The resulting economic perturbations can propagate along the global supply network. Here we show, using numerical simulations, that output losses due to heat stress alone are expected to increase by about 24% within the next 20 years, if no additional adaptation measures are taken. The subsequent market response with rising prices and supply shortages strongly reduces the consumers’ purchasing power in almost all countries including the US and Europe with particularly strong effects in India, Brazil, and Indonesia. As a consequence, the producing sectors in many regions temporarily benefit from higher selling prices while decreasing their production in quantity, whereas other countries suffer losses within their entire national economy. Our results stress that, even though climate shocks may stimulate economic activity in some regions and some sectors, their unpredictability exerts increasing pressure on people’s livelihood.
Dietary diversity among pregnant women and associated factors in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azene Abebaw Gedef , Aragaw Abiba Mihret , Wubetie Habtamu Tilaye , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse , Tsegaye Gebiyaw Wudie , Derebe Muluwork Ayele , Mitiku Habitamu Dessie
Published: June 2021

Backgrounds

Pregnancy related complications are major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diversified food consumption is essential to produce hormones during pregnancy and it reduced complications. In Ethiopia, many researchers were investigated about the proportion of pregnant women with dietary diversity and its determinant factors. However, those studies are inconsistent and fragmented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the pooled proportion of pregnant women with dietary diversity practice and its associated factors in Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted a systematic electronic web-based search of PubMed/ /MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Google online databases for identifying studies on proportion of pregnant women with dietary diversity practice and its associated factors in Ethiopia using pre-defined quality and inclusion criteria. STATA version 14 statistical software was used to analyze the data. We extracted relevant data and presented in tabular form. The I2test was used to assess heterogeneity across studies. Funnel plot asymmetry and Begg’s test were used to check for publication bias. The final effect size was determined by applying a random-effects model.

Results

Our search identified 170 studies. Of which, 23 were included in the final analysis stage. The pooled proportion of dietary diversity among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 41% (95% CI: 33, 49). Mothers can read and write (OR = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.25, 2.64)), maternal primary school and above educated (OR = 2.11 (95% CI: 1.10, 4.05)), nutritional information (OR = 4.1 (95% CI: 2.1, 7.99), dietary diversity knowledge (OR = 3.4 (95% CI: 2.73, 4.73)) and household had rich wealth index (OR = 3.45 (95% CI: 1.19, 10.1)) were significantly associated with dietary diversity practice during pregnancy.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis; we found that low proportion of pregnant women with adequate dietary diversity in Ethiopia (41%). Maternal education, nutritional information, dietary diversity knowledge and wealth index level of household were significantly associated factors of pregnant woman with dietary diversity practice. This finding implies that improving the awareness of woman about dietary diversity during pregnancy and empowering women economically would play a significant role to improve dietary diversity practice.
Communication and humanization of care: Effects over burnout on nurses
Authors: Molero Jurado María del Mar , Herrera-Peco Iván , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Oropesa Ruiz Nieves Fátima , Martos Martínez África , Ayuso-Murillo Diego , Gázquez Linares Jose Jesús
Published: June 2021

Background

Healthcare professionals may have certain psychological characteristics which contribute to increasing the quality of their professional performance.

Objective

Study the effect that humanization of care and communication have on the burnout syndrome in nursing personal.

Methods

The sample included a total of 330 Spanish nurses. Analytical instruments used were the Health Professional’s Humanization Scale (HUMAS), Communication Styles Inventory Revised (CSI-R) and Brief Burnout Questionnaire Revised (CBB-R).

Results

Two broad nursing profiles could be differentiated by their level of humanization (those with scores over the mean and those with scores below it in optimistic disposition, openness to sociability, emotional understanding, self-efficacy, and affection), where the largest group had the high scores. A communication repertoire based on verbal aggressiveness impacted indirectly on the effect of humanization on burnout, mainly in the personal impact component. We observed the relation of humanization profiles in nursing staff with the job dissatisfaction and burnout components. Besides that, some communication styles, verbal aggressiveness and questioningness, have an indirect effect on the relationship between humanization profiles and job dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

The results on the relationship between communication styles and burnout, and the mediator effect of communication styles on the relationship between humanization of care and burnout in nursing personnel are discussed.
Financial inclusion and physical health functioning among aging adults in the sub-Saharan African context: Exploring social networks and gender roles
Authors: Gyasi Razak M. , Frimpong Siaw , Amoako Gilbert Kwabena , Adam Anokye M.
Published: June 2021

Background

It remains poorly understood how financial inclusion influences physical health functioning in later life in sub-Saharan African context and whether the association differs by gender and social relationships. We aim 1) to examine the associations of financial inclusion with functional impairment during older age in Ghana; and 2) to evaluate whether gender and social networks modify this association.

Methods

The cross-sectional analyses are based on a sample (N = 1,201) of study participants aged 50 years and over (M = 66.5 years, SD = 11.9, 63.3% female) deriving from the 2016–2017 AgeHeaPsyWel-HeaSeeB Study. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses with interactions were performed to estimate the link between financial inclusion and functional health and how the association is modified by gender and older age social networks.

Results

The mean financial inclusion score was 1.66 (SD = 1.74) in women and 2.33 (SD = 1.82) in men whilst mean activities of daily living (ADL) score was 13.03 (SD = 4.99) and 14.85 (SD = 5.06) in women and men respectively. We found that financial inclusion was associated with decreases in ADL (total sample: β = -.548, p < .001; women: β = -.582, p < .001; men: β = -1.082 p < .001) and instrumental ADL (IADL) (total sample: β = -.359, p = .034; women: β = -.445, p = .026 but not in men). Social networks significantly moderated the association of financial inclusion with ADL such that the financially included who were embedded in a stronger constellation of social networks were 6% less likely to report ADL impairment compared to those with weaker social networks (β = -.062, p = .025).

Conclusions

The study provides empirical evidence for a better understanding of the association between financial inclusion and physical health functioning in the context of later life social networks. Interventions for functional health through financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa should include improving interpersonal and social networks for older adult and also through gender lenses.
Factors associated with enrollment for community-based health insurance scheme in Western Ethiopia: Case-control study
Authors: Fite Meseret Belete , Roba Kedir Teji , Merga Bedasa Taye , Tefera Belay Negash , Beha Gemechu Ayela , Gurmessa Temesgen Tafesse
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Modern health services utilization in developing countries has continued low. Financial shortage to access health-care services might be averted by stirring from out-of-pocket payment for health care at the time of use. The government of Ethiopia; depend greatly on foreign aid (50%) and out-of-pocket payments (34%) to fund health services for its population. This study was aimed to identify factors associated with households’ enrollment to CBHI scheme membership.

Methods

Case-control study design was conducted from May 18–July 27, 2019 among 332 participants (166 enrolled and 166 non-enrolled to CBHI scheme). Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression model were fitted to identify factors associated with enrollment to community based health insurance. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was used to report association and significance was declared at P<0.05.

Result

A total of 332 (100% response rate) were involved in the study. Educational status (College and above, AOR = 3.90, 95%CI; 1.19, 12.75), good awareness about CBHI scheme (AOR = 21.595, 95% CI; 7.561, 61.681), affordability of premium payment (AOR = 3.403, 95% CI; 5.638–4.152), wealth index {(Poor, AOR = 2.59, 95%CI; 1.08, 6.20), (Middle, AOR = 4.13, 95%CI; 1.11, 15.32)} perceived health status (AOR = 5.536; 95% CI; 1.403–21.845), perceived quality of care (AOR: 21.014 95%CI; 4.178, 105.686) and treatment choice (AOR = 2.94, 95%CI; 1.47, 5.87) were factors significantly associated with enrollment to CBHI.

Conclusion

Enrolment to CBHI schemes is influenced by educational level, awareness level, affordability of premium, wealth index, perceived health status, perceived quality of care and treatment choice. Implementation strategies aimed at raising community awareness, setting affordable premium, and providing quality healthcare would help in increasing enrollment of all eligible community groups to the CBHI scheme.
Constitutive expression of transcription factor SirZ blocks pathogenicity in Leptosphaeria maculans independently of sirodesmin production
Authors: Urquhart Andrew S. , Elliott Candace E. , Zeng Wei , Idnurm Alexander
Published: June 2021

Sirodesmin, the major secondary metabolite produced by the plant pathogenic fungus Leptosphaeria maculans in vitro, has been linked to disease on Brassica species since the 1970s, and yet its role has remained ambiguous. Re-examination of gene expression data revealed that all previously described genes and two newly identified genes within the sir gene cluster in the genome are down-regulated during the crucial early establishment stages of blackleg disease on Brassica napus. To test if this is a strategy employed by the fungus to avoid damage to and then detection by the host plant during the L. maculans asymptomatic biotrophic phase, sirodesmin was produced constitutively by overexpressing the sirZ gene encoding the transcription factor that coordinates the regulation of the other genes in the sir cluster. The sirZ over-expression strains had a major reduction in pathogenicity. Mutation of the over-expression construct restored pathogenicity. However, mutation of two genes, sirP and sirG, required for specific steps in the sirodesmin biosynthesis pathway, in the sirZ over-expression background resulted in strains that were unable to synthesize sirodesmin, yet were still non-pathogenic. Elucidating the basis for this pathogenicity defect or finding ways to overexpress sirZ during disease may provide new strategies for the control of blackleg disease.
A randomized controlled trial comparing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and fusion protein inhibitors singly and in combination on the histopathology of bovine respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Carvallo Chaigneau Francisco R. , Walsh Paul , Lebedev Maxim , Mutua Victoria , McEligot Heather , Bang Heejung , Gershwin Laurel J.
Published: June 2021

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has substantial morbidity in young calves, and closely parallels human RSV in infants. We performed a randomized controlled trial in five to six-week-old Holstein calves (Bos taurus). comparing fusion protein inhibitor (FPI) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) singly and in combination at three and five days after experimental BRSV infection. Thirty-six calves received one of six treatments; Ibuprofen started on day 3, Ibuprofen started on day 5, FPI started on day 5, FPI and Ibuprofen started on day 3, FPI and Ibuprofen started on day 5, or placebo. We have previously reported significant clinical benefits when combined FPI and NSAID treatment was started at three and five days after bovine RSV infection. Necropsy was performed on Day 10 following infection and hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on sections from each lobe. Histology was described using a four-point scale. We performed canonical discrimination analysis (CDA) to determine the structural level where differences between treatments occurred and mixed effects regression to estimate effect sizes. Separation from placebo was maximal for dual therapy at the levels of the alveolus, septum, and bronchus in CDA. We found that the clinical benefits of combined FPI and NSAID treatment of BRSV extend at least partially from histopathological changes in the lung when treatment was started three days after infection. We found decreased lung injury when ibuprofen was started as monotherapy on day 3, but not day 5 following infection. Combined therapy with both an FPI and ibuprofen was always better than ibuprofen alone. We did not prove that the clinical benefits seen starting FPI and ibuprofen five days after infection can be solely explained by histopathological differences as identified on H&E staining.
Lack of parent-of-origin effects in Nasonia jewel wasp: A replication and extension study
Authors: Olney Kimberly C. , Gibson Joshua D. , Natri Heini M. , Underwood Avery , Gadau Juergen , Wilson Melissa A.
Published: June 2021

In diploid cells, the paternal and maternal alleles are, on average, equally expressed. There are exceptions from this: a small number of genes express the maternal or paternal allele copy exclusively. This phenomenon, known as genomic imprinting, is common among eutherian mammals and some plant species; however, genomic imprinting in species with haplodiploid sex determination is not well characterized. Previous work reported no parent-of-origin effects in the hybrids of closely related haplodiploidNasonia vitripennisandNasonia giraultijewel wasps, suggesting a lack of epigenetic reprogramming during embryogenesis in these species. Here, we replicate the gene expression dataset and observations using different individuals and sequencing technology, as well as reproduce these findings using the previously published RNA sequence data following our data analysis strategy. The major difference from the previous dataset is that they used an introgression strain as one of the parents and we found several loci that resisted introgression in that strain. Our results from both datasets demonstrate a species-of-origin effect, rather than a parent-of-origin effect. We present a reproducible workflow that others may use for replicating the results. Overall, we reproduced the original report of no parent-of-origin effects in the haplodiploidNasoniausing the original data with our new processing and analysis pipeline and replicated these results with our newly generated data.
No benefit for elbow blocking on conservative treatment of distal radius fractures: A 6-month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Okamura Aldo , de Moraes Vinícius Ynoe , Neto Jorge Raduan , Tamaoki Marcel Jun , Faloppa Flavio , Belloti João Carlos
Published: June 2021

Purpose

For displaced distal radius fracture, this trial aimed to compare an above-elbow (AE) and below-elbow (BE) cast at the end of a 24-week follow-up using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire as a primary outcome.

Methods

This is a clinical trial with parallel groups (1:1) and a blinded evaluator. There are two non-surgical interventions: AE and BE. A total of 128 adult patients with acute (up to 7 days) displaced distal radius fracture of type A2-3, C1-3 by the AO classification were included. The follow-up was 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the DASH questionnaire at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the maintenance of reduction by the evaluation of radiographic parameters, pain measured by VAS, PRWE, objective functional evaluation and rate of adverse effects.

Results

The difference between the two groups in the DASH score at 24 weeks was not significant, with the mean (95% CI) DASH score being AE: 9.44 (2.70 to 16.17) vs. BE: 9.88 (3.19 to 16.57) (p = 0.895). The above-elbow group had a significantly greater worsening of the mean DASH score from baseline to 2 weeks (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in any of the other follow-up assessments. Objective functional evaluation, PRWE, radiographical measures and rates of reduction loss were similar between groups. Above-elbow casting resulted in more adverse effects (mostly shoulder pain; 19 events vs. 9 events); RR = 0.39 (0.19–0.94); p = 0.033 at the end of six-month follow-up.

Conclusions

This study did not demonstrate a difference between above-elbow and below-elbow cast in terms of DASH outcome at 6 months in non-surgical treatment of deviated distal radius fractures. However, below-elbow casting is less debilitating during the treatment period, has comparable performance in maintaining the reduction, and is related to fewer minor adverse effects than above-elbow casting.
Perceived stress and associated factors among health care professionals working in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in public health institutions of southern Ethiopia 2020
Authors: Teshome Abinet , Shegaze Mulugeta , Glagn Mustefa , Getie Asmare , Tekabe Beemnet , Getahun Dinkalem , Kanko Tesfaye , Getachew Tamiru , Yenesew Nuhamin , Meskele Simeon , Tolosie Kabtamu , Temtem Zebene , Yirgu Teshome
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Health care professionals are at higher risk of developing stress-related problems during outbreaks, due to the overwhelming clinical workload, fear of contagion, and inadequate protective gears. So, in order to monitoring mental health issues and to understand the factors evidence-based interventions is important. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess perceived stress and associated factors among health care professionals working in the context of COVID-19, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 798 health care professionals from the 1st May to 1st June 2020. The study participants were selected using simple random sampling technique after allocating a proportion to each health institute based on the size of health care professionals. A pre-tested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using KOBO collect survey tool was used to collect data. A total score of >20 points was considered as the cut off for experiencing perceived stress based on perceived stress scale. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify associated factors. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression.

Result

Nearly two-thirds 61.8% (95% CI: 58.4%, 65.2%) of HCPs had perceived stress. Not having COVID-19 updated information (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.31, 4.43), not at all confident on coping with stress (AOR = 9.94, 95% CI:3.74, 26.41), somewhat confident in coping with stress (AOR = 4.69, 95% CI:2.81, 7.84), moderately confident on coping with stress (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.46, 3.82), and not getting along well with people (AOR = 4.88, 95% CI: 1.42, 16.72) were positively association with perceived stress. However, feeling overwhelmed by the demand of everyday life (AOR = 0.52 95% CI: 0.35, 0.77) and worrying about what other people think about them (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.81) were negatively associated with perceived stress.

Conclusion

COVID-19 update, confidence in coping with stress, getting along with people, worrying about what other people think about them, and feeling overwhelmed by the demand of everyday life were factors significantly associated with perceived stress. The provision of COVID-19 update to HCPs along with wider strategies to support their psychological wellbeing is vital.
COVID-19, individual wellbeing and multi-dimensional poverty in the state of South Australia
Authors: Saikia Udoy , Dodd Melinda M. , Chalmers James , Dasvarma Gouranga , Schech Susanne
Published: June 2021

Research efforts in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic focused on the actual and potential impacts on societies, economies, sectors, and governments. Less attention was paid to the experiences of individuals and less still to the impact of COVID-19 on an individual’s wellbeing. This research addresses this gap by utilising a holistic wellbeing framework to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the overall wellbeing of individuals in the Australian state of South Australia through an online survey. The research framework for the survey comprises six dimensions: psychological and emotional health, physical health, living standards, family and community vitality, governance, and ecological diversity and resilience. The results show that most respondents (71%) were able to maintain overall wellbeing during the pandemic. However, more than a half of the respondents could not maintain wellbeing in psychological and emotional health. Further examination of the drivers of inability to maintain overall wellbeing reveals that low-income individuals, younger respondents (aged 18–24) and women suffer disproportionate hardships. Defining poverty in terms of multi-dimensional deprivations in wellbeing enables a nuanced analysis of the unequal impacts of COVID-19 mitigation policies that can be used to improve policymaking.
Cytoplasmic RRM1 activation as an acute response to gemcitabine treatment is involved in drug resistance of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Kato Tomotaka , Ono Hiroaki , Fujii Mikiya , Akahoshi Keiichi , Ogura Toshiro , Ogawa Kosuke , Ban Daisuke , Kudo Atsushi , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: June 2021

Background

RRM1 is functionally associated with DNA replication and DNA damage repair. However, the biological activity of RRM1 in pancreatic cancer remains undetermined.

Methods

To determine relationships between RRM1 expression and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer, and to explore RRM1 function in cancer biology, we investigated RRM1 expression levels in 121 pancreatic cancer patients by immunohistochemical staining and performed in vitro experiments to analyze the functional consequences of RRM1 expression.

Results

Patients with high RRM1 expression had significantly poorer clinical outcomes (overall survival;p= 0.006, disease-free survival;p= 0.0491). In particular, high RRM1 expression was also associated with poorer overall survival on adjuvant chemotherapy (p= 0.008). We found that RRM1 expression was increased 24 hours after exposure to gemcitabine and could be suppressed by histone acetyltransferase inhibition. RRM1 activation in response to gemcitabine exposure was induced mainly in the cytoplasm and cytoplasmic RRM1 activation was related to cancer cell viability. In contrast, cancer cells lacking cytoplasmic RRM1 activation were confirmed to show severe DNA damage. RRM1 inhibition with specific siRNA or hydroxyurea enhanced the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusions

Cytoplasmic RRM1 activation is involved in biological processes related to drug resistance in response to gemcitabine exposure and could be a potential target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Decomposition of income-related inequality in health check-ups services participation among elderly individuals across the 2008 financial crisis in Taiwan
Authors: Chu Chiao-Lee , Lawana Nozuko
Published: June 2021

Encouraging citizens to use health checkup services is a health promotion strategy. In nations with aging populations, ensuring equitable use of health check-ups by senior citizens is a public health concern. The objective of this research was to quantify income-related inequality and its effect on the use of health checkup services in Taiwan during the 2007–2008 global financial crisis. We used the 2005 and 2009 datasets of the Taiwan National Health Interview Surveys to assess how income-related inequality influenced health check-up use among older adults in Taiwan during the 2007–2008 financial crisis. Corrected concentration indices (CCIs) were calculated and decomposed to determine the influences of explanatory variables. The dependent variable was whether participants had used free senior health check-ups in the past year, and the determinant factors were health behavior, health situation, socioeconomic and demographic factors, and area health care resources accessibility factors. The study assessed 2,460 older adults from the 2005 dataset and 2,514 such individuals from the 2009 dataset. The utilization of health check-ups increased from 21.6% in 2005 to 34.0% in 2009. Income-related inequality in the use of health check-up services was generally tilted toward the higher income individuals among both women and men in 2005 and 2009, and income-related inequality decreased among women group and increased among men group with non significantly from 2005 to 2009 (women: CCI decreased from.0738 in 2005 to.0658 in 2009; men: CCI increased from.1068 in 2005 to.1256 in 2009). We analyzed the effect of explanatory factors on men’s and women’s intention to use health check-ups by using a probit model. After controlling for other factors, we determined that income significantly influenced women’s health check-up service use in 2005 and men’s in 2005 and 2009. Positive health behavior significantly increased health check-up services use among men and women group after the financial crisis, and negative health behavior significantly reduced health check-ups use among men across financial crisis. The 2008 global financial crisis strengthened the effect on health check-ups use of income-related inequality of elderly men, especially in older adults with negative health behaviors. Elderly men with negative health behaviors tended to contribute more income-related inequality in use health check-up services after the financial crisis. Health promotion initiatives should focus their efforts on elderly men with negative health behaviors.
Exogenous capture of visual spatial attention by olfactory-trigeminal stimuli
Authors: Ischer Matthieu , Coppin Géraldine , De Marles Axel , Essellier Myriam , Porcherot Christelle , Cayeux Isabelle , Margot Christian , Sander David , Delplanque Sylvain
Published: June 2021

The extent to which a nasal whiff of scent can exogenously orient visual spatial attention remains poorly understood in humans. In a series of seven studies, we investigated the existence of an exogenous capture of visual spatial attention by purely trigeminal (i.e., CO2) and both olfactory and trigeminal stimuli (i.e., eucalyptol). We chose these stimuli because they activate the trigeminal system which can be considered as an alert system and are thus supposedly relevant for the individual, and thus prone to capture attention. We used them as lateralized cues in a variant of a visual spatial cueing paradigm. In valid trials, trigeminal cues and visual targets were presented on the same side whereas in invalid trials they were presented on opposite sides. To characterize the dynamics of the cross-modal attentional capture, we manipulated the interval between the onset of the trigeminal cues and the visual targets (from 580 to 1870 ms). Reaction times in trigeminal valid trials were shorter than all other trials, but only when this interval was around 680 or 1170 ms for CO2 and around 610 ms for eucalyptol. This result reflects that both pure trigeminal and olfactory-trigeminal stimuli can exogenously capture humans’ spatial visual attention. We discuss the importance of considering the dynamics of this cross-modal attentional capture.
Perinatal exposure to a human relevant mixture of persistent organic pollutants: Effects on mammary gland development, ovarian folliculogenesis and liver in CD-1 mice
Authors: Johanson Silje Modahl , Ropstad Erik , Østby Gunn Charlotte , Aleksandersen Mona , Zamaratskaia Galia , Boge Gudrun Seeberg , Halsne Ruth , Trangerud Cathrine , Lyche Jan Ludvig , Berntsen Hanne Friis , Zimmer Karin Elisabeth , Verhaegen Steven
Published: June 2021

The ability of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with endocrine disrupting properties to interfere with the developing reproductive system is of increasing concern. POPs are transferred from dams to offspring and the high sensitivity of neonates to endocrine disturbances may be caused by underdeveloped systems of metabolism and excretion. The present study aimed to characterize the effect of in utero and lactational exposure to a human relevant mixture of POPs on the female mammary gland, ovarian folliculogenesis and liver function in CD-1 offspring mice. Dams were exposed to the mixture through the diet at Control, Low or High doses (representing 0x, 5000x and 100 000x human estimated daily intake levels, respectively) from weaning and throughout mating, gestation, and lactation. Perinatally exposed female offspring exhibited altered mammary gland development and a suppressed ovarian follicle maturation. Increased hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymatic activities indirectly indicated activation of nuclear receptors and potential generation of reactive products. Hepatocellular hypertrophy was observed from weaning until 30 weeks of age and could potentially lead to hepatotoxicity. Further studies should investigate the effects of human relevant mixtures of POPs on several hormones combined with female reproductive ability and liver function.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 using qRT-PCR in saliva obtained from asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patients, comparative analysis with matched nasopharyngeal samples
Authors: Ota Kenji , Yanagihara Katsunori , Sasaki Daisuke , Kaku Norihito , Uno Naoki , Sakamoto Kei , Kosai Kosuke , Miyazaki Taiga , Hasegawa Hiroo , Fujita Ayumi , Tashiro Masato , Tanaka Takeshi , Izumikawa Koichi , Ariyoshi Koya , Mukae Hiroshi , Yasuda Jiro , Morita Kouichi , Kohno Shigeru
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The accurate detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We compared the quantitative RT-PCR results between nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva specimens.

Methods

A COVID-19 outbreak occurred on a cruise ship at Nagasaki port, Japan. We obtained 123 nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva each from asymptomatic or mild patients in the late phase of infection.

Results

The intervals from the diagnosis to the sampling were 25.5 days for nasopharyngeal swabs and 28.9 days for saliva. The positive rate was 19.5% (24/123) for nasopharyngeal swabs and 38.2% (47/123) for saliva (P = 0.48). The quantified viral copies (mean ± SEM copies/5 μl) were 9.3±2.6 in nasopharyngeal swabs and 920±850 in saliva (P = 0.0006).

Conclusions

The advantages of saliva specimens include positive rate improvement and accurate viral load detection. Saliva may be used as a reliable sample for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Hepatitis C virus screening of high-risk patients in a community hospital emergency department: Retrospective review of patient characteristics and future implications
Authors: Park Ji Seok , Wong Judy , Cohen Hillary
Published: June 2021

Background

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is a common infectious disease that affects more than 2.7 million people in the US. Because the emergency department (ED) can present an ideal opportunity to screen patients who may not otherwise get routine screening, we implemented a risk-based screening program for ED patients and established a system to facilitate linkage to care.

Methods and findings

A risk-based screening algorithm for HCV was programmed to trigger an alert in Epic electronic medical record system. Patients identified between August 2018 and April 2020 in the ED were tested for HCV antibody reflex to HCV RNA. Patients with a positive screening test were contacted for the confirmatory test result and to establish medical care for HCV treatment. Patient characteristics including age, sex, self-awareness of HCV infection, history of previous HCV treatment, history of opioids use, history of tobacco use, and types of insurance were obtained.

A total of 4,525 patients underwent a screening test, of whom 131 patients (2.90%) were HCV antibody positive and 43 patients (0.95%) were HCV RNA positive, indicating that only 33% of patients with positive screening test had chronic HCV infection. The rate of chronic infection was higher in males as compared to females (1.34% vs 0.60%, p = 0.01). Patients with history of opioid use or history of tobacco use were found to have a lower rate of spontaneous clearance than patients without each history (opioids: 48.6% vs 72.0%, p = 0.02; tobacco: 56.6% vs 80.5%, p = 0.01). Among 43 patients who were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, 26 were linked to a clinical setting that can address chronic HCV infection, with linkage to care rate of 60.5%. The most common barrier to this was inability to contact patients after discharge from the ED.

Conclusions

A streamlined EMR system for HCV screening and subsequent linkage to care from the ED can be successfully implemented. A retrospective review suggests that male sex is related to chronic HCV infection, and history of opioid use or history of tobacco use is related to lower HCV spontaneous clearance.
A comparison of prospective space-time scan statistics and spatiotemporal event sequence based clustering for COVID-19 surveillance
Authors: Xu Fuyu , Beard Kate
Published: June 2021

The outbreak of the COVID-19 disease was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Cases in the United States began appearing in late January. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic. By mid-March COVID-19 cases were spreading across the US with several hotspots appearing by April. Health officials point to the importance of surveillance of COVID-19 to better inform decision makers at various levels and efficiently manage distribution of human and technical resources to areas of need. The prospective space-time scan statistic has been used to help identify emerging COVID-19 disease clusters, but results from this approach can encounter strategic limitations imposed by constraints of the scanning window. This paper presents a different approach to COVID-19 surveillance based on a spatiotemporal event sequence (STES) similarity. In this STES based approach, adapted for this pandemic context we compute the similarity of evolving daily COVID-19 incidence rates by county and then cluster these sequences to identify counties with similarly trending COVID-19 case loads. We analyze four study periods and compare the sequence similarity-based clusters to prospective space-time scan statistic-based clusters. The sequence similarity-based clusters provide an alternate surveillance perspective by identifying locations that may not be spatially proximate but share a similar disease progression pattern. Results of the two approaches taken together can aid in tracking the progression of the pandemic to aid local or regional public health responses and policy actions taken to control or moderate the disease spread.
Perceptions of wellbeing and quality of life following participation in a community-based pre-operative exercise programme in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: A qualitative pilot study
Authors: Loughney Lisa , McGowan Rachel , O’Malley Kiaran , McCaffrey Noel , Furlong Bróna , Walsh Deirdre
Published: June 2021

Background

Men with a newly diagnosed prostate cancer are often treated by surgery. The time window between cancer diagnosis and surgery causes high levels of uncertainty and stress, which negatively impact quality of life (QoL). We previously reported a larger intervention pilot study which demonstrated that participation in a community-based pre-operative exercise programme significantly improved physical fitness and health-related quality of life in men with prostate cancer prior to surgery. The aim of the current pilot study was to get an insight into men’s perceptions of wellbeing and QoL following completion of the pre-operative exercise programme.

Methods

From November 2017 to June 2018, men scheduled for prostate cancer surgery were recruited and took part in a prescribed community-based pre-operative exercise programme in the time available between referral and surgery. Following completion of the pre-operative exercise programme (within 1 week before surgery), participants took part in one semi-structured interview which explored four broad QoL domains: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Data were analysed using thematic analysis (a bottom up/inductive analysis).

Results

Eleven men were recruited: mean standard deviation (SD) age was 60 ± 7 years. Data supported four main themes. Participation in the community-based pre-operative exercise training programme (over a mean (SD) of 4 ± 2 weeks) provided participants with: 1) a teachable moment; 2) a journey of preparation; 3) a sense of optimism; and 4) social connectedness prior to surgery.

Conclusion

This study provides an insight into how the exercise programme impacted wellbeing and QoL in men preparing for prostate cancer surgery. These findings highlight the important role that exercise prehabilitation plays for men preparing for prostate cancer surgery. Such exercise programmes can be easily implemented into standard cancer pathways by establishing relationships between hospital teams and community exercise programmes.
Common data elements for predictors of pediatric sepsis: A framework to standardize data collection
Authors: Mawji Alishah , Li Edmond , Chandna Arjun , Kortz Teresa , Akech Samuel , Wiens Matthew O. , Kissoon Niranjan , Ansermino Mark
Published: June 2021

Background

Standardized collection of predictors of pediatric sepsis has enormous potential to increase data compatibility across research studies. The Pediatric Sepsis Predictor Standardization Working Group collaborated to define common data elements for pediatric sepsis predictors at the point of triage to serve as a standardized framework for data collection in resource-limited settings.

Methods

A preliminary list of pediatric sepsis predictor variables was compiled through a systematic literature review and examination of global guideline documents. A 5-round modified Delphi that involved independent voting and active group discussions was conducted to select, standardize, and prioritize predictors. Considerations included the perceived predictive value of the candidate predictor at the point of triage, intra- and inter-rater measurement reliability, and the amount of time and material resources required to reliably collect the predictor in resource-limited settings.

Results

We generated 116 common data elements for implementation in future studies. Each common data element includes a standardized prompt, suggested response values, and prioritization as tier 1 (essential), tier 2 (important), or tier 3 (exploratory). Branching logic was added to the predictors list to facilitate the design of efficient data collection methods, such as low-cost electronic case report forms on a mobile application. The set of common data elements are freely available on the Pediatric Sepsis CoLab Dataverse and a web-based feedback survey is available through the Pediatric Sepsis CoLab. Updated iterations will continuously be released based on feedback from the pediatric sepsis research community and emergence of new information.

Conclusion

Routine use of the common data elements in future studies can allow data sharing between studies and contribute to development of powerful risk prediction algorithms. These algorithms may then be used to support clinical decision making at triage in resource-limited settings. Continued collaboration, engagement, and feedback from the pediatric sepsis research community will be important to ensure the common data elements remain applicable across a broad range of geographical and sociocultural settings.
Simulated sunlight decreases the viability of SARS-CoV-2 in mucus
Authors: Sloan Angela , Cutts Todd , Griffin Bryan D. , Kasloff Samantha , Schiffman Zachary , Chan Mable , Audet Jonathan , Leung Anders , Kobasa Darwyn , Stein Derek R. , Safronetz David , Poliquin Guillaume
Published: June 2021

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread into a pandemic since its emergence in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. This has been facilitated by its high transmissibility within the human population and its ability to remain viable on inanimate surfaces for an extended period. To address the latter, we examined the effect of simulated sunlight on the viability of SARS-CoV-2 spiked into tissue culture medium or mucus. The study revealed that inactivation took 37 minutes in medium and 107 minutes in mucus. These times-to-inactivation were unexpected since they are longer than have been observed in other studies. From this work, we demonstrate that sunlight represents an effective decontamination method but the speed of decontamination is variable based on the underlying matrix. This information has an important impact on the development of infection prevention and control protocols to reduce the spread of this deadly pathogen.
Skeletal muscle loss and body composition in progressive supranuclear palsy: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Takamatsu Yasuyuki , Aiba Ikuko
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Skeletal muscle mass loss has been associated with decreased physical performance; however, the body composition characteristics in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are not well understood. We investigated body composition parameters, focusing on skeletal muscle mass, in patients with PSP and compared them with those of healthy older adults.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 39 patients with PSP and 30 healthy older adults (control group). Using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, we measured the skeletal mass index (SMI), basal metabolism, extracellular water/total body water ratio (ECW/TBW), and body fat percentage and examined the relationship between SMI and age, body mass index (BMI) and other body composition parameters.

Results

The PSP group had a higher rate of low muscle mass (56.4%) than the control group (10.0%), although the ages and BMIs were similar. The leg SMI was lower for the PSP group, while the ECW/TBW was higher for the PSP group. The basal metabolism was lower for the PSP group than for the controls but only in the women. The basal metabolism and BMI showed a significant correlation with SMI in the PSP group. There was a significant correlation between SMI and age, ECW/TBW, and body fat percentage in the PSP group but only in the women.

Conclusion

This study is the first to show that a high proportion of patients with PSP have low muscle mass. We showed differences in terms of sex in muscle mass loss in women with PSP, which was associated with inactivity and aging.