bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relic galaxy NGC 1277 rules out intermediate-age stellar populations origin of CO-strong absorptions in massive early-type galaxies
Authors: Eftekhari Elham , La Barbera Francesco , Vazdekis Alexandre , Beasley Michael 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT
Massive early-type galaxies (ETGs) show several strong CO absorption features in their H- and K-band spectra that cannot be explained by state-of-the-art stellar population models. For many years, the disagreement has been attributed to the presence of intermediate-age stellar components that are dominated by stars in the asymptotic giant branch phase. However, no robust evidence of this scenario has been provided so far. One way to test this claim is by comparison of CO indices for ETGs and for relic galaxies. Lacking the intermediate-age stellar populations, relic galaxies provide us with a unique opportunity to address the origin of strong CO absorptions in ETGs. Here, we utilize the prototype relic galaxy NGC 1277 and compare the CO absorption features of this galaxy with the ones of a representative sample of massive ETGs. We show that the CO lines in both systems have similar strengths, significantly stronger than the predictions of stellar population synthesis models. We conclude that intermediate-age stellar populations in massive ETGs are not the culprit of the strong CO absorptions.
Disguised as Ovarian Tumor: A Rare Case of Uterine Abscess Due to Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection
Authors: Kamau Edwin , Ranson Elizabeth L , Zakhour Mae , Mayo Mark S , Sakona Ashlyn N , Allyn Paul R , Yang Shangxin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) causes invasive infections in the community setting. We report a rare case of uterine abscess due to hvKp, which appeared as a large-sized ovarian tumor-like pelvic mass. A timely laboratory warning of possible hvKp prompted correct diagnosis and helped guide perioperative decision making, contributing to successful treatment.
The Price of Mathematical Scepticism
Authors: Levy Paul Blain 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTThis paper argues that, insofar as we doubt the bivalence of the Continuum Hypothesis or the truth of the Axiom of Choice, we should also doubt the consistency of third-order arithmetic, both the classical and intuitionistic versions.Underlying this argument is the following philosophical view. Mathematical belief springs from certain intuitions, each of which can be either accepted or doubted in its entirety, but not half-accepted. Therefore, our beliefs about reality, bivalence, choice and consistency should all be aligned.
Sleep well to perform well: the association between sleep quality and medical student performance in a high-stakes clinical assessment
Authors: Falloon Karen , Bhoopatkar Harsh , Moir Fiona , Nakatsuji Miriam , Wearn Andy 
Published: June 2022

AbstractStudy ObjectivesTo investigate medical students’ sleep quality and duration prior to a major clinical assessment, and their association with clinical performance.MethodsThird year medical students were surveyed following the end of year Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) using a self-completed questionnaire. The questionnaire focussed on sleep in the month and night before the assessment. OSCE scores were linked to questionnaire data for analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 76.6% (216/282). Poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index &gt; 5) was reported by 56.9% (123/216) and 34.7% (75/216) of students the month and night before the OSCE, respectively. Sleep quality the night before the OSCE was significantly associated with OSCE score (p = .038), but not sleep quality in the preceding month. The night before the OSCE, students obtained an average of 6.8 h sleep (median 7, SD 1.5, range 2–12 h). Short sleep duration (≤6 h) was reported by 22.7% (49/216) and 38.4% (83/216) of students in the month and the night before the OSCE, respectively. Sleep duration the night before the OSCE was significantly associated with OSCE score (p = .026), but no significant association was found between OSCE score and sleep duration in the preceding month. Use of medication to help with sleep was reported by 18.1% (39/216) of students in the preceding month and by 10.6% (23/216) in the night before the OSCE.ConclusionsMedical students’ sleep quality and duration the night before a clinical assessment were correlated with their performance in that assessment.
Hypocholesterolaemia as a prognostic factor in venomous snakebite: a retrospective study from a single centre in Kerala, India
Authors: Menon Jaideep C , Joseph Joseph K , Jose Manoj P , Janakiram Chandrasekhar , Kumar K Dileep , Lakappa Dhananjaya B , Sudhakaran Perumana R , Oomen Oomen V 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Studies have suggested a association between serum cholesterol values and severity of envenoming. The objective of the study was to correlate the serum cholesterol levels with severity of envenoming in victims of snakebite, across snake species in our patient population.

Methods
Retrospective secondary data analysis of health records of a cohort of snakebite victims treated at Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly, Kerala during June 2006–January 2008 was performed. The cholesterol values were assessed in 205 consecutive patients admitted with snakebite envenoming, within 24 h of admission and 10 h of overnight fasting. Lipid fractions were estimated from fasting serum through the standard CHOD-PAP method on a Hitachi analyzer. The cholesterol level was compared between victims with mild and serious envenoming to assess the proportion among each category with a low cholesterol (defined as ≤150 mg/dl as per institutional criteria). In addition, low cholesterol as a marker of severity was compared with other laboratory parameters suggesting severe envenoming such as low fibrinogen, low platelet count, neutrophilia, elevated creatinine, d-dimer, hepatic transaminases and albuminuria.

Results
Of the 146 victims with serious degree of snakebite envenoming 116 (79%) had low cholesterol values ≤150 mg%, while 30 (21%) had values &gt;150 mg%. Of the patients with low cholesterol, 116 (78%) had serious envenoming, while 22% had mild envenoming. By contrast, 30 patients (21%) had values &gt;150 mg%. The risk of moderate-severe envenoming with low cholesterol was 2.7 times (170%) that of victims with normal or high cholesterol on admission.

Conclusions
A low cholesterol on admission in victims of snake envenoming suggested a more severe degree of envenoming and likelihood of complications.
Rotational thromboelastometry in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild COVID-19 pneumonia: A pilot prospective study
Authors: Bolek Tomáš , Samoš Matej , Škorňová Ingrid , Schnierer Martin , Jurica Jakub , Bánovčin Peter , Staško Ján , Kubisz Peter , Mokáň Marián 
Published: June 2022

Background:
It was repeatedly demonstrated that patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, as well as patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have higher risk of thromboembolic complications. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) is a viscoelastic hemostatic assay which allows complex assessment of hemostasis in whole blood. The aim of this study was to compare changes in hemostasis measured by ROTEM® in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with mild COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods:
We performed a pilot, prospective, observational study and enrolled 33 consecutive patients (14 with T2D and 19 nondiabetic ones) admitted to regular ward with mild COVID-19 pneumonia. The control group consisted from 11 healthy, nondiabetic blood donors. Blood samples were tested with ROTEM® using INTEM® and EXTEM® reagents.

Results:
We detected significant differences in EXTEM® clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), and maximum clot firmness (MCF) comparing patients with mild COVID-19 pneumonia and healthy donors. However, there were no significant differences in EXTEM®, INTEM®, and HEPTEM® parameters (CT, CFT, and MCF) according to diabetes status.

Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated hypercoagulation in patients with mild COVID-19 pneumonia. T2D did not affected ROTEM® parameters in patients with mild COVID-19 pneumonia.
Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair compared with Lichtenstein tension-free open mesh inguinal hernia repair: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Shah Mohammed Yunus , Raut Pratik , Wilkinson T.R.V. , Agrawal Vijay 
Published: June 2022

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed surgery. The ideal procedure for inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. Open Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair (LMR) is one of the most preferred open techniques with satisfactory outcomes. Laparoscopic approach in inguinal hernia surgery remains controversial, especially in comparison with open procedures. In this study, we have reported a comparison of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair with LMR. Postoperative pain, operative time, complications like seroma, wound infection, chronic groin pain, and recurrence rate were parameters to evaluate the outcome.
One hundred seventy-four patients were included in the study by consecutive randomized prospective sampling. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair, and group B, LMR. The procedures were performed by experienced surgeons. The primary outcomes were evaluated based on postoperative pain and recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes considered for evaluation were operative time, complications like seroma, infection, and chronic groin pain.
Severe pain was reported in group A (7.9%) compared to group B (15.1%), which was statistically significant (P < .001). Moderate pain was reported more in group B (70.9%) compared to group A (29.5%) (P < .001). The mean operative time in group A was 84.6 ± 32.2, which was significantly higher than that in group B, 59.2 ± 14.8. There was no major complication in both groups. The chronic pain postoperatively was significantly in higher number of patients in group B vs group A (22.09% vs 3.4%). The postoperative hospital stay period was significantly lesser for group A vs for group B (2.68 ± 1.52 vs 3.86 ± 6.16). Time duration taken to resume normal activities was significantly lower in group A (13.6 ± 6.8) vs (19.8 ± 4.6) in group B (P < .001).
Although there is definite evidence of longer operative time and learning curve, laparoscopic TEP has added advantages like less postoperative pain, early resumption of normal activities, less chronic groin pain, and comparable recurrence rate compared to open Lichtenstein repair. Laparoscopic TEP can be performed with acceptable outcomes and less postoperative complications if performed by experienced hands.
Building Blocks of Biofilms – an engaging and hands-on microbiology outreach activity for school children and the general public
Authors: Pincott Hayley , Hughes Megan , Cummins Thomas , Morse Daniel James 
Published: June 2022

Biofilms are naturally occurring communities of microorganisms, attached to a surface and often embedded in a matrix of self-produced polymeric substances. Biofilms are widely implicated in human infections, particularly on prostheses and medical implants. Such biofilms are difficult to eradicate, often leading to replacement of the prosthesis and resulting in a significant burden to healthcare.
Here we present a fun and engaging interactive activity targeted toward primary school/early secondary school children, introducing the concept of natural and healthcare-associated biofilms, using dental plaque as an archetypal example. Dental plaque forms as a result of poor oral/dental hygiene, and develops according to a typical series of defined stages: attachment and adherence to the surface, followed by colonisation and maturation of the biofilm structure, and eventually, dispersal. This activity uses dental disclosing tablets to visualise real biofilms (plaque) on the participants teeth, and uses interlocking building-blocks to represent microorganisms, where children build three-dimensional ‘biofilms’ of varying shapes and structural integrities. Each of the stages of development are discussed in detail, and after building the biofilms, balls of different shapes, sizes and weights can be used as ‘antimicrobials’ to disrupt the biofilm structure.
The outcomes of the activity are to enhance knowledge and general understanding of biofilms; their ubiquitous presence in the natural environment, development, implications in healthcare, and challenges of treatment. The various ‘antimicrobial’ balls also provide a basis to introduce and discuss drug selection for infections, and the importance of using the correct antimicrobial for different infections to avoid development of resistance.
Differential Impact of Dyslipidemia on Chronic Kidney Disease between Men and Women
Authors: Dalal Jay 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDyslipidemia (DLD), defined as an imbalance of lipids in the blood, is proven to have a strong association with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is more frequent in women than men, although men are more likely to progress to severe stages. Whether sex differences drive the effect of DLD on CKD severity remains unclear. In this study, the relationship between biological sex and CKD severity was investigated by parsing the public electronic health records of 491 CKD patients in Abu Dhabi. Sex-specific relative risks (RRs) were calculated using a history of DLD as a risk factor for severe CKD (stages 3 - 5). The RR was 2.98 (95% CI: 1.78 - 4.18) in women and 2.86 (95 CI%: 2.02 - 3.70) in men. Smoking was identified as a confounding variable because it has a higher incidence in men and a known negative impact on CKD. Thus, we validated the findings in a subsetted group excluding any patient with a history of smoking: the RR was 2.96 (95% CI: 1.76 - 4.16) in women and 2.61 (95% CI: 1.57 - 3.65) in men. These results indicate that, among CKD patients, women with DLD are more likely to progress to severe stages of CKD than men with DLD. The excess risk may be explained by notably higher rates of obesity in women and the idea that women have poorer adherence to DLD medications, although this is newly discovered evidence. Future studies are needed to investigate mechanisms behind this observed disparity.
The Impact of Self-Management-Based Care Interventions on Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Philosophical Perspective
Authors: Fadli  
Published: June 2022

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus is caused by the disruption of insulin secretion and resistance. One aspect that plays an important role in this disease is self-management education. Good self-care behavior facilitates controlled diabetes management and prevents complications as well as ensures a better life quality. This literature aims to study the philosophy of diabetes self-management based care interventions to improve the quality of life viewed from philosophical perspectives. A literature search was performed on Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and Science Direct using keywords including type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetes self-management and quality of life. The inclusion criteria are peer-reviewed articles in English that discuss diabetes self-management and quality of life. Articles published within the last five years (2017-2021). Research such as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and full text method. Based on the philosophy study self care interventions, eight articles showed that self-management interventions provide significant effectiveness for lifestyle changes and self-care for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Eight articles were selected based on an axiological philosophical study approach, six of which discussed self-management interventions’ effect on self-care behavior, and two measured the quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Almost all the articles stated an increase in self-care behaviors and quality of life after receiving self-management interventions. Successful diabetes self-management depends on individual self-care activities to control symptoms presented. Furthermore, regular self-management activities prevent complications from arising. Therefore, patients’ compliance with diabetes self-management is needed to improve their life quality.
Investigating the mechanistic role of painful self-experience in emotional contagion: an effect of auto-conditioning?
Authors: Packheiser Julian , Soyman Efe , Paradiso Enrica , Ramaaker Eline , Sahin Neslihan , Muralidharan Sharmistha , Wöhr Markus , Gazzola Valeria , Keysers Christian 
Published: June 2022

SummaryEmotional contagion refers to the transmission of emotions from one conspecific to another. Previous research in rodents has demonstrated that the self-experience of footshocks enhances how much an observer is affected by the emotional state of a conspecific in pain or distress. We hypothesized auditory auto-conditioning to contribute to this enhancement: during the observer’s own experience of shocks, the animal associates its own audible nocifensive responses, i.e. its pain squeaks, with the negative affective state induced by the shock. When the animal later witnesses a cage mate receive shocks and hears it squeak, the previously strengthened connection between fear and squeaks could be a mechanism eliciting the enhanced fearful response in the observer. As hypothesized, in a first study, we found pre-exposure to shocks to increase freezing and 22 kHz vocalizations associated with distress upon the playback of pain squeaks. Freezing was also increased during the playbacks of phase-scrambled squeaks, but 22 kHz calls were more frequent during the playback of regular squeaks. Core to the notion of auto-conditioning is that the effect of pre-exposure is due to the pairing of a pain-state with hearing one’s own pain squeaks. In a second study, we therefore compared the response to squeak playbacks after animals had been pre-exposed to pairings of a CO2 laser with a squeak playback against three control groups that were pre-exposed to the CO2 laser alone, to squeak playbacks alone or to neither of these conditions. We however could not find any differences in freezing or 22 kHz calls among all experimental groups. In summary, we demonstrate the sufficiency of pain squeaks to trigger fear in a way that critically depends on the nature of an animal’s prior experience and discuss why the pairing of a CO2 laser with pain squeaks cannot substitute footshock pre-exposure.
Detection of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes Using Built Environment Testing for SARS-CoV-2: A Multicentre Prospective Study
Authors: Fralick Michael , Nott Caroline , Moggridge Jason , Castellani Lucas , Raudanskis Ashley , Guttman David S. , Hinz Aaron , Thampi Nisha , Wong Alex , Manuel Doug , McGeer Allison , Doukhanine Evgueni , Mejbel Hebah , Zanichelli Veronica , Burella Madison , Donaldson Sylva , Wang Pauline W. , Kassen Rees , MacFadden Derek 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundEnvironmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 via wastewater has become an invaluable tool for population-level surveillance of COVID-19. Built environment sampling may provide a more spatially refined approach for surveillance of COVID-19 in congregate living settings and other high risk settings (e.g., schools, daycares).MethodsWe conducted a prospective study in 10 long-term care homes (LTCHs) across three cities in Ontario, Canada between September 2021 and May 2022. Floor surfaces were sampled weekly at multiple locations (range 10 to 24 swabs per building) within each building and analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using RT-qPCR. The exposure variable was detection of SARS-CoV-2 on floors. The primary outcome was the presence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the week that floor sampling was performed.ResultsOver the 9-month study period, we collected 3848 swabs at 10 long-term care homes. During the study period, 19 COVID-19 outbreaks occurred with 103 cumulative weeks under outbreak. During outbreak periods, the proportion of floor swabs positive for SARS-CoV-2 was 50% (95% CI: 47-53) with a median quantification cycle of 37.3 (IQR 35.2-38.7). During non-outbreak periods the proportion of floor swabs positive was 18% (95% CI:17-20) with a median quantification cycle of 38.0 (IQR 36.4-39.1). Using the proportion of positive floor swabs for SARS-CoV-2 to predict COVID-19 outbreak status in a given week, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78-0.92). Using thresholds of ≥10%, ≥30%, and ≥50% of floor swabs positive for SARS-CoV-2 yielded positive predictive values for outbreak of 0.57 (0.49-0.66), 0.73 (0.63-0.81), and 0.73 (0.6-0.83) respectively and negative predictive values of 0.94 (0.87-0.97), 0.85 (0.78-0.9), and 0.75 (0.68-0.81) respectively. Among 8 LTCHs with an outbreak and swabs performed in the antecedent week, 5 had positive floor swabs exceeding 10% at least five days prior to outbreak identification. For 3 of these 5 LTCHs, positivity of floor swabs exceeded 10% more than 10 days before the outbreak being identified.ConclusionsDetection of SARS-CoV-2 on floors is strongly associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in LTCHs. These data suggest a potential role for floor sampling in improving early outbreak identification.
Microbial Profile in Bile from Cholecystectomised Patients by Culture and Multiplex PCR
Authors: Farhana Nasreen , Fardows Jannatul , Khan Mohammad Ashraf Uddin , Shamsuzzaman SM 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesBile in the biliary tract is normally sterile but presence of gallstones, ascending infection from duodenum or bacterial translocation from portal vein leads to microfloral colonization. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the microbiological profile of bile for determination of the appropriate antimicrobials in cholecystectomised patients.DesignThis was a descriptive type of cross sectional study from July, 2013 to December, 2014SettingIn a tertiary medical college hospital, Dhaka, BangladeshParticipantsThis study included 246 patients irrespective of age and sex who underwent laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy for various indications in a tertiary hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSimilar secondary outcome as in protocolMethodsThe intraoperative bile samples were collected and cultured in Blood agar and MacConkey’s agar media aerobically in the laboratory of Microbiology Department, Dhaka Medical College. The isolates were then tested for antibiotic sensitivity pattern. To detect anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium perfringensandFusobacterium nucleatum), multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used with specific primers.ResultsOut of 246 bile samples, organisms were identified in 69.51% cases where 48.37% were aerobic bacteria identified by culture and 21.14% were anaerobic bacteria identified by multiplex PCR.Escherichia coli(26.61%) were found predominantly followed byStaphylococcus aureus(19.35%),Citrobacter freundii(14.52%),Clostridium perfringens(13.82%),Pseudomonasspp. (11.29%),Salmonella enterica serovarTyphi 8 (3.45%), andAcinetobacterspp. (3.23%). Gram negative bacteria showed resistance to amoxiclav, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime while meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam and colistin were found more effective antimicrobials.ConclusionsA great proportion of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infection associated with gallstones or biliary tract obstruction may warrants serious health risk to cholecystectomised patients in this region. Regular surveillance of bile culture from gallbladder should be done after cholecystectomy.StrengthThe antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of aerobic bacteria was assessed to find out multidrug resistant bacteriaMultiplex PCR was done to detect important biliary anaerobic bacteriaLimitationsIsolation by culture and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of anaerobic bacteria was not assessedDue to lack of primers, PCR could not be done for other biliary anaerobic bacteria, virulence genes and drug resistance genesSource(s) of funding for workThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.Competing interestsNoneConflict of interestsNone