bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling the effect of infection prevention and control measures on rate ofMycobacterium tuberculosistransmission to clinic attendees in primary health clinics in South Africa
Authors: McCreesh Nicky , Karat Aaron S , Baisley Kathy , Diaconu Karin , Bozzani Fiammetta , Govender Indira , Beckwith Peter , Yates Tom A , Deol Arminder K , Houben Rein M G J , Kielmann Karina , White Richard G , Grant Alison D 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundElevated rates of tuberculosis in healthcare workers demonstrate the high rate ofMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) transmission in health facilities in high-burden settings. In the context of a project taking a whole systems approach to tuberculosis infection prevention and control (IPC), we aimed to evaluate the potential impact of conventional and novel IPC measures onMtbtransmission to patients and other clinic attendees.MethodsAn individual-based model of patient movements through clinics, ventilation in waiting areas, andMtbtransmission was developed, and parameterised using empirical data from eight clinics in two provinces in South Africa. Seven interventions—codeveloped with health professionals and policy-makers—were simulated: (1) queue management systems with outdoor waiting areas, (2) ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems, (3) appointment systems, (4) opening windows and doors, (5) surgical mask wearing by clinic attendees, (6) simple clinic retrofits and (7) increased coverage of long antiretroviral therapy prescriptions and community medicine collection points through the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) service.ResultsIn the model, (1) outdoor waiting areas reduced the transmission to clinic attendees by 83% (IQR 76%–88%), (2) UVGI by 77% (IQR 64%–85%), (3) appointment systems by 62% (IQR 45%–75%), (4) opening windows and doors by 55% (IQR 25%–72%), (5) masks by 47% (IQR 42%–50%), (6) clinic retrofits by 45% (IQR 16%–64%) and (7) increasing the coverage of CCMDD by 22% (IQR 12%–32%).ConclusionsThe majority of the interventions achieved median reductions in the rate of transmission to clinic attendees of at least 45%, meaning that a range of highly effective intervention options are available, that can be tailored to the local context. Measures that are not traditionally considered to be IPC interventions, such as appointment systems, may be as effective as more traditional IPC measures, such as mask wearing.
Duodenal Anaerobutyricum soehngenii infusion stimulates GLP-1 production, ameliorates glycaemic control and beneficially shapes the duodenal transcriptome in metabolic syndrome subjects: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study
Authors: Koopen Annefleur , Witjes Julia , Wortelboer Koen , Majait Soumia , Prodan Andrei , Levin Evgeni , Herrema Hilde , Winkelmeijer Maaike , Aalvink Steven , Bergman Jacques J G H M , Havik Stephan , Hartmann Bolette , Levels Han , Bergh Per-Olof , van Son Jamie , Balvers Manon , Bastos Diogo Mendes , Stroes Erik , Groen Albert K , Henricsson Marcus , Kemper Ellis Marleen , Holst Jens , Strauch Christopher M , Hazen Stanley L , Bäckhed Fredrik , De Vos Willem M , Nieuwdorp Max , Rampanelli Elena 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveAlthough gut dysbiosis is increasingly recognised as a pathophysiological component of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the role and mode of action of specific gut microbes in metabolic health remain elusive. Previously, we identified the commensal butyrogenic Anaerobutyricum soehngenii to be associated with improved insulin sensitivity in subjects with MetS. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of A. soehngenii L2-7 on systemic metabolic responses and duodenal transcriptome profiles in individuals with MetS.DesignIn this randomised double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study, 12 male subjects with MetS received duodenal infusions of A. soehngenii/ placebo and underwent duodenal biopsies, mixed meal tests (6 hours postinfusion) and 24-hour continuous glucose monitoring.ResultsA. soehngenii treatment provoked a markedly increased postprandial excursion of the insulinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and an elevation of plasma secondary bile acids, which were positively associated with GLP-1 levels. Moreover, A. soehngenii treatment robustly shaped the duodenal expression of 73 genes, with the highest fold induction in the expression of regenerating islet-protein 1B (REG1B)-encoding gene. Strikingly, duodenal REG1B expression positively correlated with GLP-1 levels and negatively correlated with peripheral glucose variability, which was significantly diminished in the 24 hours following A. soehngenii intake. Mechanistically, Reg1B expression is induced upon sensing butyrate or bacterial peptidoglycan. Importantly, A. soehngenii duodenal administration was safe and well tolerated.ConclusionsA single dose of A. soehngenii improves peripheral glycaemic control within 24 hours; it specifically stimulates intestinal GLP-1 production and REG1B expression. Further studies are needed to delineate the specific pathways involved in REG1B induction and function in insulin sensitivity.Trial registration numberNTR-NL6630.
Cytomorphological characterisation of angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma: a case–control study
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Bal Amanjit , Rastogi Pulkit , Prakash Gaurav , Malhotra Pankaj , Dey Pranab , Srinivasan Radhika , Das Ashim 
Published: October 2021

AimsAngioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL) is often misdiagnosed in cytology. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify the distinctive cytomorphological features of AITL in lymph node fine-needle aspirates (LN-FNA).MethodsThis was a 4-year retrospective case–control study. Cases included LN-FNAs from patients with histopathologically confirmed AITL. The controls included LN-FNAs from patients with histopathologically confirmed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH; n=25). Eleven cytomorphological features were assessed in all the aspirates; the strength of association was determined by OR, Cramer’s V and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA).ResultsOf a total of 22 cases of AITL reported on histopathology, 19 adequate aspirates from 14 patients (63.6%) were available for review. On univariate analysis, 5 of 11 cytomorphological variables were found to be significant for AITL; however, on MCA, 3 of these parameters, viz absence of tingible body macrophages (OR=0.014; V=0.74), presence of atypical lymphoid cells (OR=10.8; V=0.41) and singly scattered epithelioid cells (OR=19.3; V=0.31), were found to be the strongest predictors of AITL.ConclusionsThe absence of tingible body macrophages, presence of atypical lymphoid cells and singly scattered epithelioid cells in polymorphic LN-FNAs are significant cytomorphological predictors of AITL in comparison with RLH. Knowledge of these diagnostic predictors, supplemented by clinicoradiological correlation and appropriate ancillary studies, can help diagnose AITL on aspiration cytology.
Prevalence and predictors of obesity among women in the fire service
Authors: Jahnke Sara A , Kaipust Christopher , Jitnarin Nattinee , Hollerbach Brittany S , Koeppel Maria D H , Haddock Christopher K , Poston Walker S C 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesFirefighter health has received a great deal of increased attention over the past decade, but most work has been specific to men in the fire service due to small numbers of women, likely due to challenges with recruitment and retention of women in the fire service. While findings suggest men in the fire service struggle with high rates of overweight and obesity due to a number of occupational challenges, limited data are available on large samples of women firefighters.MethodsUsing snowball sampling techniques, we conducted an online survey of both career (N=2,398) and volunteer (N=781) women firefighters.ResultsRates of obesity for both career (15.4%) and volunteer (31.6%) women firefighters were not only lower than men in the fire service (33.5% career and 43.2% volunteer), but also lower than the general population (41.1%). Women career and volunteer firefighters who engaged in heavy physical activity were less likely to be obese. Being a racial or ethnic minority firefighter was associated with being obese, as was serving more than 20 years in the fire service.ConclusionFindings highlight that women firefighters have been successful in overcoming the occupational risks, such as a challenging nutrition environment, inconsistent schedules, limited time for fitness, and the metabolic impact of shift work, that put firefighters at increased risk for obesity.
Inhaled gene therapy of preclinical muco-obstructive lung diseases by nanoparticles capable of breaching the airway mucus barrier
Authors: Kim Namho , Kwak Gijung , Rodriguez Jason , Livraghi-Butrico Alessandra , Zuo Xinyuan , Simon Valentina , Han Eric , Shenoy Siddharth Kaup , Pandey Nikhil , Mazur Marina , Birket Susan E , Kim Anthony , Rowe Steven M , Boucher Richard , Hanes Justin , Suk Jung Soo 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionInhaled gene therapy of muco-obstructive lung diseases requires a strategy to achieve therapeutically relevant gene transfer to airway epithelium covered by particularly dehydrated and condensed mucus gel layer. Here, we introduce a synthetic DNA-loaded mucus-penetrating particle (DNA-MPP) capable of providing safe, widespread and robust transgene expression in in vivo and in vitro models of muco-obstructive lung diseases.MethodsWe investigated the ability of DNA-MPP to mediate reporter and/or therapeutic transgene expression in lung airways of a transgenic mouse model of muco-obstructive lung diseases (ie,Scnn1b-Tg) and in air–liquid interface cultures of primary human bronchial epithelial cells harvested from an individual with cystic fibrosis. A plasmid designed to silence epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) hyperactivity, which causes airway surface dehydration and mucus stasis, was intratracheally administered via DNA-MPP to evaluate therapeutic effects in vivo with or without pretreatment with hypertonic saline, a clinically used mucus-rehydrating agent.ResultsDNA-MPP exhibited marked greater reporter transgene expression compared with a mucus-impermeable formulation in in vivo and in vitro models of muco-obstructive lung diseases. DNA-MPP carrying ENaC-silencing plasmids provided efficient downregulation of ENaC and reduction of mucus burden in the lungs ofScnn1b-Tg mice, and synergistic impacts on both gene transfer efficacy and therapeutic effects were achieved when DNA-MPP was adjuvanted with hypertonic saline.DiscussionDNA-MPP constitutes one of the rare gene delivery systems providing therapeutically meaningful gene transfer efficacy in highly relevant in vivo and in vitro models of muco-obstructive lung diseases due to its unique ability to efficiently penetrate airway mucus.
Circulating Inflammation Markers and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: A Prospective Case-Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Ma Enbo , Shimazu Taichi , Song Minkyo , Charvat Hadrien , Sawada Norie , Yamaji Taiki , Inoue Manami , Camargo M. Constanza , Kemp Troy J. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Pinto Ligia A. , Rabkin Charles S. , Tsugane Shoichiro 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background:
Previous prospective studies of associations between circulating inflammation-related molecules and pancreatic cancer risk have included limited numbers of markers.

Methods:
We conducted a case–cohort study nested within the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study Cohort II. We selected a random subcohort (n = 774) from a total of 23,335 participants aged 40 to 69 years who returned a questionnaire and provided blood samples at baseline. During the follow-up period from 1993 to 2010, we identified 111 newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer cases, including one case within the subcohort. Plasma concentrations of 62 inflammatory markers of chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors were measured by a Luminex fluorescent bead-based assay. Cox regression models were applied to estimate HR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pancreatic cancer risk for quartiles of marker levels adjusted for potential confounders.

Results:
The HR (95% CI) for the highest versus the lowest category of C–C motif ligand chemokine 8/monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (CCL8/MCP2) was 2.03 (1.05–3.93; Ptrend = 0.048). After we corrected for multiple comparisons, none of the examined biomarkers were associated with pancreatic cancer risk at P-value &lt;0.05.

Conclusions:
We found no significant associations between 62 inflammatory markers and pancreatic cancer risk.

Impact:
The suggestive association with circulating levels of leukocyte recruiting cytokine CCL8/MCP2 may warrant further investigation.
Opportunistic Repression: Civilian Targeting by the State in Response
to COVID-19
Authors: Grasse Donald , Pavlik Melissa , Matfess Hilary , Curtice Travis B. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Across the globe, states have attempted to contain COVID-19 by restricting movement, closing schools and businesses, and banning large gatherings. Such measures have expanded the degree of sanctioned state intervention into civilians' lives. But existing theories of preventive and responsive repression cannot explain why some countries experienced surges in repression after states in Africa initiated COVID-19-related lockdowns. While responsive repression occurs when states quell protests or riots, “opportunistic repression” arises when states use crises to suppress the political opposition. An examination of the relationship between COVID-19 shutdown policies and state violence against civilians in Africa tests this theory of opportunistic repression. Findings reveal a large and statistically significant relationship between shutdowns and repression, which holds after conditioning for the spread and lethality of the disease within-country and over time. A subnational case study of repression in Uganda provides evidence that the increase in repression appears to be concentrated in opposition areas that showed less support for Yoweri Museveni in the 2016 elections. Opportunistic repression provides a better explanation than theories of preventive or responsive repression for why Uganda experienced a surge in repression in 2020 and in what areas. The results have implications for theories of repression, authoritarian survival, the politics of emergency, and security.
Understanding Extremely Elevated Dizziness Handicap Inventory Scores: An Analysis of Predictive Factors
Authors: Wong Emily C. , Chiao Whitney , Strangio Blaze T. , Luong Katrina , Pasquesi Lauren , Allen Isabel E. , Sharon Jeffrey D. 
Published: October 2021

Background: The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) measures impairment in quality of life due to dizziness, with higher scores indicating greater impairment. Little is known about the clinical features that predict extremely elevated DHI scores (eeDHI). Objective: To identify clinical features associated with eeDHI. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 217 patients with dizziness between October 2016 and April 2019. Patients with eeDHI had DHI scores 1 standard deviation higher than the mean. Analyses were performed to generate odds ratios (OR) for having eeDHI based on clinical features and exam findings. Results: The cut-off for eeDHI scores was 71. In total, 20.7% had eeDHI. Logistic regression identified 6 independent predictors for eeDHI scores: numbness in the face or body during dizziness (OR = 5.99, 95% CI 1.77-20.30), history of falls (OR = 4.37, 95% CI 1.74-10.97), female sex (OR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.18-6.66), caloric weakness (OR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.36-5.01), total number of diagnoses associated with dizziness (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.11-4.28), and total number of symptoms during dizziness (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.45). Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients with eeDHI have severe disease and should be screened for falls. By understanding the drivers of high DHI scores, we can alleviate disease related suffering for vestibular disorders.
How does the British public understand mental health? A qualitative analysis of open-text responses
Authors: Arnot Megan , Wolpert Miranda , Greenwood Ethan 
Published: October 2021

Background: An individual’s understanding of mental health can influence their attitudes towards those experiencing mental health problems, and also impact their response to any mental health problems they experience. However, what the lay public understand about mental health is not well explored in existing research. Aims: This study aims to gain a deeper insight into what the general public understand by the term ‘mental health problem’. Methods: Data were taken from a large-scale representative sample of adults from Great Britain ( n = 2,708). A thematic analysis was carried out on an open-text question which asked people what they understood by the term ‘mental health problem’. Results: Six themes were identified in the thematic analysis, which included understanding mental health through thinking about cause and effect, thinking about the location of mental health problems in the body, the universality and variation of mental health problems, reflections on lived experience and identifying a specific mental health problem. Conclusion: The analysis suggests that there are many diverse ways the public conceptualises mental health. The themes identified may be useful for future quantitative analyses, and also may suggest how information about mental health can be best communicated to the public.
Lessons Learned From the E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use–Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Outbreak Response, Minnesota, 2019-2020
Authors: Wiens Terra , Taylor Joanne , Cole Cory , Saravia Stefan , Peterson Jason , Lunda Mark , Margetta Jamie , D’Heilly Paige , Holzbauer Stacy , Lynfield Ruth 
Published: October 2021

Objective Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vaping, product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) is a novel noncommunicable disease with an unknown cause. The objective of this analysis was to describe the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH’s) outbreak response to EVALI, including challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Methods MDH began investigating EVALI cases in August 2019 and quickly coordinated an agencywide response. This response included activating the incident command system; organizing multidisciplinary teams to perform the epidemiologic investigation; laboratory testing of e-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs) and clinical specimens; and collaborating with partners to gather information and develop recommendations. Results MDH faced numerous investigational challenges during the outbreak response of EVALI, including the need to gather information on unregulated and illicit substances and their use and collecting information from minors and critically ill people. MDH laboratorians faced methodologic challenges in characterizing EVPs. Despite these challenges, MDH epidemiologists successfully collaborated with the MDH public health laboratory, law enforcement, partners with clinical and toxicology expertise, and local and national public health partners. Practice Implications Lessons learned included ensuring the state public health agency has legal authority to conduct noncommunicable disease outbreak investigations and the necessity of cultivating and using internal and external partnerships, specifically with laboratories that can analyze clinical specimens and unknown substances. The lessons learned may be useful to public health agencies responding to similar public health emergencies. To improve preparedness for the next outbreak of EVALI or other noncommunicable diseases, we recommend building and maintaining partnerships with internal and external partners.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Gender-Based Violence Among Female Students Attending Private Colleges in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Abubeker Ferhan , Dessie Yadeta , Assefa Nega , Geleto Ayele , Adorjan Kristina , Abdeta Tilahun 
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of gender-based violence (GBV) among second- and third-year female students of private colleges in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia . We conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study among 302 randomly selected second- and third-year female students attending private colleges in Harar town. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval and a P value < .05 were used to interpret associations and to declare a significance of asso ciation, respectively. A total of 298 (98.7%) participants completed the questionnaire, and the overall prevalence of GBV was 57.7% (n = 172). Specifically, 36.2% of the students experienced physical violence; 46.6%, sexual violence; and 56.4%, emotional/verbal violence. The prevalence of attempted and completed rape was 36.7 and 28.8%, respectively. The following were significant predictors of GBV: age ≤ 19 years (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI, 1.4–5.3), monthly pocket money ≤ 240 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7–5.9), Orthodox religion (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI, 1.9–14.4), Amhara ethnicity (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.65–4.2), living alone in a rented house (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.79–6.25), having a partner (husband or boyfriend; AOR = 4.42; 95% CI, 2.4–8.05), having a roommate with a boyfriend (AOR = 4; 95% CI, 2.8–7.6), and studying in the pharmacy department (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1–7.6). This study found that a considerable number of female students were survivors of GBV while at college. The college authorities and other stakeholders need to combat GBV with interventions, such as GBV awareness programs, and legal protections.
Clinical Biomarkers in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Samarrai Ruwaa , Rahman Khalil , Parham Kourosh 
Published: October 2021

Objective The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and compile promising and clinically relevant biomarkers in otolaryngology—head & neck surgery not related to autoimmune disorders. Study Design Narrative review. Methods PubMed and Google Scholar were queried using combined key words such as “biomarkers” and “otolaryngology.” Additional queries were made with combined key words such as “biomarkers” and a particular subspecialty such as “rhinology” or “otology” to maximize yield of relevant titles. Subsequently, specific biomarkers identified, such as “beta-2 transferrin,” were used as key words. Relevant titles were reviewed and selected for abstract review. Applicable abstracts were then selected for review of the full text. Results Biomarkers currently in clinical use within the field of otolaryngology were included in this review. The compiled biomarkers were then detailed individually regarding their molecular characteristics, function, and clinical significance. Conclusions The number of biomarkers in use in otolaryngology is rapidly expanding representing a new diagnostic modality for our field. This review defines the key biomarkers that are currently or likely to be soon translated into clinical use within the field of otolaryngology. The majority of these biomarkers are in the form of proteins such as beta-2 transferrin, thyroglobulin, and P16. Given their growing impact on diagnosis, management and surveillance of otolaryngologic disorders periodic surveys are needed for education and to guide further advances and applications of otolaryngologic biomarkers.