bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Who touched that? Interconnection of high-touch surfaces drives pathogen spread in public spaces
Authors: Ackerley L , Cooper S , Upson S , Paskey A , Gent L , Buckley C , Spitzer M E , Sexton J D , Picton J L , Reynolds K A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Surface contamination via hands plays an important role in pathogen spread in public spaces. This study aimed to identify frequently touched surfaces and evaluate the spread of a surrogate virus in a hotel lobby.

Methods
In a working hotel lobby, observation was performed (30 hours) to identify the surfaces and objects touched. An entry doorknob and first floor elevator button were seeded with a bacteriophage (Phi-X174) tracer; 4 hours later 25 surfaces were swabbed to determine tracer distribution and contamination levels.

Results
A total of 324 individuals performed 627 touches over 13 different fomites in the hotel lobby. The elevator button and front desk counter were the most frequently touched (32 and 22% of all touches respectively), with 55% of individuals touching the elevator button and 79% touching either the elevator button, the front desk counter, or both. More than half (56%) touched 2 or more surfaces; there were 314 interactions between surfaces. Touches from the elevator button to other surfaces (92 interactions) and from other surfaces to the elevator button (41) made up 42% of all interactions and connected the elevator button to 9 other fomites including doors, countertops, seating, a credit card reader and a hand sanitizer pump. From two seeded sites, the tracer spread to 13 surfaces over 4 hours. The most contaminated surfaces were tables, counter tops and door handles. Other contaminated objects were the luggage cart handle, sanitizer pump, and computer equipment.

Conclusions
Surfaces in the hotel lobby were frequently touched and highly interconnected, resulting in extensive spread of surface contamination in as little as 4 hours. This study demonstrates the importance of hands in distributing contamination between shared surfaces and highlights the need for hand and surface hygiene interventions to disrupt the journey of the germ in public settings.

Key messages
• Frequently touched surfaces in public spaces are interconnected.
• Interconnection of people via touched surfaces drives the spread of pathogens in a public setting.
Lessons from the past: how 19th-century anti-smallpox efforts enlighten current pandemic control
Authors: Vigezzi G P , Vecchio R , Mazzarello P , Odone A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
In the first decades of the 19th century, vaccination was a brand-new innovation in Lombardy, Northern Italy. Yet, anti-smallpox vaccination campaigns were successfully carried out despite organisational and communication obstacles. By establishing a parallel with current COVID-19 vaccinations, we aimed to study how laws were enforced for outbreak control through vaccination services and to evaluate how health authorities handled public communication on vaccination.

Methods
A systematic search of original documents was conducted at the State Archives of Pavia and Milan, that of the City of Pavia and the Museum for the History of Pavia University. The search timeframe was between 1797 and 1830.

Results
Luigi Sacco introduced anti-smallpox vaccination in Lombardy in 1801 (1769-1836). He inoculated a million and a half citizens with his team in seven years. Student of Johann Peter Frank, generally known as one of the founders of modern Hygiene, Sacco was appointed General Director of Vaccination for the Kingdom of Italy and designed vaccination campaigns. Church parishes acted as organisational units: they were assigned to a vaccinating doctor, and priests were asked to provide a register of newborns to plan infant immunisation sessions. Authorities adopted a mixed approach towards vaccination mandates: these were formally effective but not imposed with coercion. When new outbreaks exploded, extraordinary vaccinations were implemented with easier compliance than in the absence of contagion. Great attention was paid to effective communication: priests were involved in scientific divulgation and vaccination promotion. Of note is the sermon written by Sacco impersonating an imaginary bishop from the city of Goldstadt who condemned vaccine refusal.

Conclusions
19th-century public health officials and authorities dealt with the same issues we face nowadays: effective organisation of vaccination services, vaccine hesitancy and related mandates, and communication strategies.

Key messages
• To ensure broad vaccination coverage, the most dependable structure consists of locally based and socially integrated organisational units, such as districts.
• Effective vaccination coverage was achieved through targeted communication, a gentle approach to mandatory vaccinations, and focusing efforts during epidemic periods.
Covid-19 vaccination coverage by birth country and underlying risk for severe Covid-19 disease
Authors: Delalic L , Gjefsen H M , Hussaini L , Gleditsch R N , Winje B A , Godøy A A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Backround
It is unknown whether differences in age and health profiles contribute to explain the observed variation in Covid-19 vaccination coverage between birth countries. If the unvaccinated are mostly young and healthy, the consequences for severe illness and healthcare capacity will be less than if the unvaccinated have underlying risk for severe Covid-19 disease. This study aims to investigate whether differences in Covid-19 vaccination coverage by birth country in Norway are equally prominent among individuals with underlying risk for a severe Covid-19 disease course.

Methods
With register data from the Norwegian Emergency Preparedness Register, we linked vaccination coverage to demographic and socioeconomic variables for all Norwegian residents. Using Poisson regression, we examined if demonstrated differences in vaccination coverage between countries of birth were as prominent among individuals with underlying risk factors for severe Covid-19 disease, controlled for gender, age, education level, household income, and county.

Results
The demonstrated variation in Covid-19 vaccination coverage between Norwegian-born and foreign-born is lower when we limit the study population to those with underlying risk factors. Among people without underlying risk, the incidence rate ratio for being vaccinated was lowest for people born in Poland (IRR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.56) and Lithuania (IRR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.6 to 0.62), but the greatest increase in IRR was found for people with underlying risk factors born in these countries.

Conclusions
The study illuminates two facets of the difference in vaccination coverage between Norwegian-born and foreign-born individuals. First, the difference in vaccination coverage was smaller within groups with underlying risk for severe Covid-19 outcomes than for groups without. Second, the differences in vaccination coverage by birth country remains, even constrained on individuals with underlying risk.

Key messages
• The observed differences in Covid-19 vaccination coverage by birth country are smaller within groups with underlying risk factors.
• Foreign-born individuals are a heterogenous group, crucial in considering all health policy formulations.
Tolerability of bictegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine versus dolutegravir/lamivudine as maintenance therapy in a real-life setting
Authors: Rocabert Alba , Borjabad Beatriz , Berrocal Leire , Blanch Jordi , Inciarte Alexy , Chivite Ivan , Gonzalez-Cordon Ana , Torres Berta , Ambrosioni Juan , Martinez-Rebollar Maria , Laguno Montserrat , De La Mora Lorena , Foncillas Alberto , Sempere Abiu , Rodriguez Ana , Solbes Estela , Llobet Roger , Miro Jose M , Mallolas Josep , Blanco Jose L , De Lazzari Elisa , Martinez Esteban 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
While both the burden of therapy and the individual drugs in bictegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (BIC/TAF/FTC) and dolutegravir/lamivudine differ, it is unclear whether their real-life tolerability may be also different.

Methods
Single-centre, clinical cohort analysis of all virologically suppressed persons with HIV (PWH) who were first prescribed bictegravir as BIC/TAF/FTC or dolutegravir as dolutegravir/lamivudine and had taken ≥1 dose of study medication. Major outcomes were discontinuations either for any reason or due to toxicity. Incidence was calculated as number of episodes per 100 person-years adjusted through propensity score analysis.

Results
Relative to persons treated with BIC/TAF/FTC (n = 1231), persons treated with dolutegravir/lamivudine (n = 821) were older and had more AIDS-defining conditions although better HIV control. After a median follow-up of 52 weeks, adjusted incidence rates for discontinuation were 6.68 (95% CI 5.18–8.19) and 8.44 (95% CI 6.29–10.60) episodes per 100 person-years for BIC/TAF/FTC and dolutegravir/lamivudine, respectively; adjusted incidence rate ratio for dolutegravir/lamivudine was 1.26 (95% CI 0.89–1.78) relative to BIC/TAF/FTC (P = 0.1847). Adjusted incidence rates for discontinuation due to toxicity were 3.88 (95% CI 2.70–5.06) and 4.62 (95% CI 3.05–6.19) episodes per 100 person-years for BIC/TAF/FTC and dolutegravir/lamivudine, respectively; adjusted incidence rate ratio for dolutegravir/lamivudine was 1.19 (95% CI 0.75–1.90) relative to BIC/TAF/FTC (P = 0. 4620). Adverse events leading to discontinuation were neuropsychiatric (n = 42; 2%), followed by gastrointestinal (n = 23; 1%), dermatological (n = 15; 1%) and weight increase (n = 15; 1%), without differences between regimens.

Conclusions
Switching to BIC/TAF/FTC or dolutegravir/lamivudine showed no difference in the risks of overall or toxicity-related discontinuations or in the profile of adverse events leading to discontinuation.
Examining Disparities in Alcohol Use Testing on Burn Patient Admissions: A Call for Association Guidance
Authors: Abrams Thereasa E , Nugent William R , Joseph-McCatty Andrea A , Moulick Aritra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Burn injuries are associated with as well as complicated by alcohol misuse. To date, there are no stated guidelines for alcohol testing upon burn patient admissions. This study investigated if there were associations between race and testing for alcohol upon burn admissions, controlling for demographics, burn severity (degree), and other circumstances associated with burn injuries. This study was a secondary analysis of 32 258 cases from the National Burn Data Repository. The dependent variable was whether a burn case was screened for alcohol use, and independent variables were age, gender, whether physical abuse was reported, mental health comorbidities, marital status, the severity of burns, whether the injury was work-related, injury circumstances, and etiology of injury. Controlling for independent variables, race was associated with an increased probability of having been screened for alcohol use on admission to a burn center. Data reflecting alcohol screening/testing results reported in the NBR were not included in the analysis. Study results were consistent with the possibility of bias and may have influenced decisions to screen/test for alcohol misuse/abuse in reported burn cases. It is argued these findings support the recommendation that guidelines for alcohol testing of burn patients are warranted and would benefit from specific guidance from the American Burn Association.
The critical role of BTRC in hepatic steatosis as an ATGL E3 ligase
Authors: Qi Weiwei , Fang Zhenzhen , Luo Chuanghua , Hong Honghai , Long Yanlan , Dai Zhiyu , Liu Junxi , Zeng Yongcheng , Zhou Ti , Xia Yong , Yang Xia , Gao Guoquan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatic steatosis, is one of the commonest causes of liver dysfunction. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is closely related to lipid turnover and hepatic steatosis as the speed-limited triacylglycerol lipase in liver lipolysis. However, the expression and regulation of ATGL in NAFLD remain unclear. Herein, our results showed that ATGL protein levels were decreased in the liver tissues of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, naturally obese mice, and cholangioma/hepatic carcinoma patients with hepatic steatosis, as well as in the oleic acid-induced hepatic steatosis cell model, while ATGL mRNA levels were not changed. ATGL protein was mainly degraded through the proteasome pathway in hepatocytes. Beta-transducin repeat containing (BTRC) was upregulated and negatively correlated with the decreased ATGL level in these hepatic steatosis models. Consequently, BTRC was identified as the E3 ligase for ATGL through predominant ubiquitination at the lysine 135 residue. Moreover, adenovirus-mediated knockdown of BTRC ameliorated steatosis in HFD-fed mouse livers and oleic acid-treated liver cells via upregulating the ATGL level. Taken together, BTRC plays a crucial role in hepatic steatosis as a new ATGL E3 ligase and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating NAFLD.
Delayed closed-suction drain removal following inflatable penile prosthesis placement: a multi-institutional experience
Authors: Shumaker Luke , Zulia Nicholas , Kennedy Emmett , Beilan Jonathan , Ortiz Nicolas , Baumgarten Adam 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
There are little published data regarding longer percutaneous drain durations following inflatable penile prosthesis placement; despite this, drain proponents suggest reduced scrotal hematoma formation, while detractors cite the risk of retrograde device seeding.

Aim
Here, we quantify the outcomes of a multi-institutional cohort with drain durations of 48 hours or greater.

Methods
Data were collected retrospectively for patients undergoing primary 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement who had a postoperative drain placed. Cases were performed by 3 surgeons at 3 high-volume centers between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022. It was the routine practice of these surgeons to leave percutaneous drains for an interval of 48 hours or greater. R software was used to perform statistical analysis and data visualization.

Outcomes
Primary outcomes included rates of infection and hematoma formation. Secondary outcomes included device explantation.

Results
During the study period, there were 224 patients meeting initial inclusion criteria. Of these, 15 patients had their drains removed before 48 hours, leaving 209 patients for the analysis. Mean drain duration was 67 ± 24.7 hours. The mean follow-up interval was 170 days. Diabetes mellitus was present in 84 (40%) patients with a mean hemoglobin A1c of 7.2%. Penoscrotal and infrapubic approaches were employed (n = 114 [54.5%] vs n = 95 [45.5%]). Reservoir location was split between space of Retzius and high submuscular, with space of Retzius being more common (n = 164 [78.5%] vs n = 45 [21.5%]). Discrete hematomas were observed in 7 patients, with subsequent operative intervention on 2. Notably, both of these were infection cases. There were 3 (1.4%) total device infections. Revision for noninfection causes was required in 9 (4.3%) patients. Fisher’s exact testing demonstrated significant association between hematoma formation and anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet therapy (P = .017). On multivariable logistic regression, only anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet therapy remained significant (P = .035).

Clinical implications
Maintaining percutaneous closed-suction bulb drains for &gt;48 hours following IPP placement is safe.

Strengths and limitations
This multi-institutional study fills a hole in IPP perioperative literature, as there have been no previously published data regarding drain durations &gt;48 hours. The primary limitations are the retrospective nature and lack of a control population.

Conclusion
Maintaining closed-suction bulb drains for &gt;48 hours following IPP implantation is safe and associated with infection rates comparable to other modern cohorts and a very low rate of hematoma formation.
Infectious complications associated with buttonhole cannulation of native arteriovenous fistulas: a 22-year follow-up
Authors: Labriola Laura , Crott Ralph , Desmet Christine , Romain Cécile , Jadoul Michel 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Buttonhole (BH) cannulation of native arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) appears to be associated with an increased infectious risk. We previously reported a dramatic increase in the incidence of infectious events (IE) after shift to the BH technique in an in-center hemodialysis unit, which was largely reduced after staff (re)education regarding strict respect of the procedure. We assessed the evolution over the following 12-year period in our center.

Methods
In this prospective follow-up of a previous, pre [rope-ladder (RL)]–post (BH) comparison (2001–10), all in-center hemodialysis patients with a native AVF were included from 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2022. Primary and secondary outcomes were IE (unexplained bacteremia due to skin bacteria and/or local AVF infection) and complicated IE (metastatic infection, AVF surgery, death). Overall, the impact of several quality improvement strategies was tested according to the events rate over six periods: Period 1: RL in all; Period 2: switch to BH; Period 3: BH in all, before workshops; Period 4: BH in all, after workshops; Period 5: BH withdrawal in problematic AVFs; Period 6: additional procedural changes.

Results
This extended observation period allowed the addition of 195 180 AVF-days to our previous report. Overall, 381 661 AVF-days (366 AVFs, 345 patients) were analysed. After an increase of the IE rate in 2012, the shift to RL in problematic AVFs during Period 5 did not have a significant impact. The incidence of IE decrease significantly during Period 6 compared with Periods 3, 4 and 5 {incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–0.52], P = .0001, IRR 0.22 (95% CI 0.09–0.47), P &lt; .0001 and IRR 0.29 (95% CI 0.11–0.66), P = .001, respectively}, and became eventually for the first time comparable to Period 1 [IRR 0.59 (95% CI 0.21–1.62), P = .27].

Conclusion
The constant observance of reinforced hygiene protocols by trained staff and central coordination succeeded in significantly mitigating the infectious risk associated with buttonhole cannulation.
Emergency in Ellipses
Authors: Bhagya C. S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This chapter argues that U. R. Ananthamurthy’s 1976 novella Bara represents the Indian National Emergency (1975–1977) through ellipses. In the narrative, the bureaucratic machinery of the central and state governments colludes with self-regarding local leaders to exacerbate an ongoing ecological crisis—the titular “bara,” or drought—therefore worsening its impact on the depicted community in rural Karnataka. By situating its allusive form against patterns of representation in the anglophone literature of the Emergency, and alongside the National Award–winning Kannada film adaptation by M. S. Sathyu (1980), the chapter offers an intermedial, comparative analysis of Bara and its imagination of postcolonial Indian modernity. The chapter examines the novella’s linguistic idiosyncrasies and translational makeup to argue that “instability”—as feature and aesthetic—marks its form, its philosophy, and its negotiation of Emergency politics.
SET DOMAIN GROUP 711-mediated H3K27me3 methylation of cytokinin metabolism genes regulates organ size in rice
Authors: Lu Jingqin , Jiang Zuojie , Chen Junyu , Xie Minyan , Huang Wenda , Li Jing , Zhuang Chuxiong , Liu Zhenlan , Zheng Shaoyan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Organ size shapes plant architecture during rice (Oryza sativa) growth and development, affecting key factors influencing yield, such as plant height, leaf size, and seed size. Here, we report that the rice Enhancer of Zeste [E(z)] homolog SET DOMAIN GROUP 711 (OsSDG711) regulates organ size in rice. Knockout of OsSDG711 produced shorter plants with smaller leaves, thinner stems, and smaller grains. We demonstrate that OsSDG711 affects organ size by reducing cell length and width and increasing cell number in leaves, stems, and grains. The result of chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) using an antitrimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) antibody showed that the levels of H3K27me3 associated with cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase genes (OsCKXs) were lower in the OsSDG711 knockout line Ossdg711. ChIP-qPCR assays indicated that OsSDG711 regulates the expression of OsCKX genes through H3K27me3 histone modification. Importantly, we show that OsSDG711 directly binds to the promoters of these OsCKX genes. Furthermore, we measured significantly lower cytokinin contents in Ossdg711 plants than in wild-type plants. Overall, our results reveal an epigenetic mechanism based on OsSDG711-mediated modulation of H3K27me3 levels to regulate the expression of genes involved in the cytokinin metabolism pathway and control organ development in rice. OsSDG711 may be an untapped epigenetic resource for ideal plant type improvement.
The humoral response to COVID-19 vaccinations can predict the booster effect on health care workers—toward personalized vaccinations?
Authors: Freund Ophir , Harish Alma , Breslavsky Anna , Wand Ori , Zacks Nadav , Bilenko Natalya , Bar-Shai Amir 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Waning immunity after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations creates the constant need of boosters. Predicting individual responses to booster vaccines can help in its timely administration. We hypothesized that the humoral response to the first two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine can predict the response to the booster vaccine.

Methods
A prospective cohort of hospital health care workers (HCW) that received three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Participants completed serological tests at 1 and 6 months after the second vaccine dose and 1 month after the third. We analyzed predictive factors of antibody levels after the booster using multivariate regression analyses.

Results
From 289 eligible HCW, 89 (31%) completed the follow-up. Mean age was 48 (±10) and 46 (52%) had daily interaction with patients. The mean (±standard deviation) antibody level 1 month after the second vaccine was 223 (±59) AU/ml, and 31 (35%) had a rapid antibody decline (&gt;50%) in 6 months. Low antibody levels 1 month after the second vaccine and a rapid antibody decline were independent predictors of low antibody levels after the booster vaccine.

Conclusions
The characteristics of the humoral response to COVID-19 vaccinations show promise in predicting the humoral response to the booster vaccines.
N6‐methyladenosine methyltransferase METTL3 modulates the cell cycle of granulosa cells via CCND1 and AURKB in Haimen goats
Authors: Liu Zifei , Zhou Lei , Li Dongxu , Lu Honghui , Liu Liang , Mao Weijia , Yu Xiaoqing , Fan Yixuan , Huang Qunhao , Wang Feng , Wan Yongjie 
Published: October 2023

AbstractN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays a crucial role in many bioprocesses across species, but its function in granulosa cells during oocyte maturation is not well understood in animals, especially domestic animals. We observed an increase in m6A methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) in granulosa cells during oocyte maturation in Haimen goats. Our results showed that knockdown of METTL3 disrupted the cell cycle in goat granulosa cells, leading to aggravated cell apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation and hormone secretion. Mechanistically, METTL3 may regulate the cell cycle in goat granulosa cells by mediating Aurora kinase B (AURKB) mRNA degradation in an m6A‐YTH N6‐methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2) manner and participating in AURKB transcription via the Cyclin D1 (CCND1)‐Retinoblastoma protein (RB)‐E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) pathway. Overall, our study highlights the essential role of METTL3 in granulosa cells during oocyte maturation in Haimen goats. These findings provide a theoretical basis and technical means for understanding how RNA methylation participates in oocyte maturation through granulosa cells.