bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syphilis in pregnancy and infant outcomes in Manitoba
Authors: Lopez Alison , Lee Santina J , Bullard Jared 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Infectious syphilis has been increasing in incidence in Manitoba since 2012, especially in heterosexual women of childbearing age resulting in an increasing number of infants with in utero exposure and who are at risk for congenital syphilis (CS). We aimed to evaluate the impact of syphilis in pregnancy on infants and to describe our experience with CS.

Methodology
This retrospective 2012 to 2018 cohort study reviewed women with syphilis in pregnancy and short-term infant outcomes. We grouped mother–infant pairs into high risk and low risk for CS and compared their management and outcomes. We also describe our cases of confirmed and possible CS.

Results
Seventy-nine mothers and 80 infants met inclusion criteria. Thirty mother–infant pairs were classified as high risk for CS. Nine of their infants were diagnosed with confirmed CS and four with possible CS. All confirmed CS cases were asymptomatic at birth but two were not recognized to have CS until they later presented with symptoms. One of these infants had negative serologies (treponemal and non-treponemal) at birth, but at 3 months old had reactive serologies. Two months of age was the earliest clearance of maternal treponemal antibodies amongst low-risk infants compared to 6 months in high-risk infants. Most infants who did not have confirmed CS had non-reactive non-treponemal tests by 6 months old.

Interpretation
Our study shows that symptoms and paired maternal-infant non-treponemal titres at birth are not sensitive for diagnosing CS. Serologies can be falsely negative with recent infection. Regardless of investigations or clinical findings, 10 days of intravenous penicillin G should be considered for all high-risk infants.
Thiol-based Oxidative Posttranslational Modifications (OxiPTMs) of Plant Proteins
Authors: Corpas Francisco J , González-Gordo Salvador , Rodríguez-Ruiz Marta , Muñoz-Vargas María A , Palma José M 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe thiol group of cysteine (Cys) residues, often present in the active center of the protein, is of particular importance to protein function, which is significantly determined by the redox state of a protein’s environment. Our knowledge of different thiol-based oxidative posttranslational modifications (oxiPTMs), which compete for specific protein thiol groups, has increased over the last 10 years. The principal oxiPTMs include S-sulfenylation, S-glutathionylation, S-nitrosation, persulfidation, S-cyanylation and S-acylation. The role of each oxiPTM depends on the redox cellular state, which in turn depends on cellular homeostasis under either optimal or stressful conditions. Under such conditions, the metabolism of molecules such as glutathione, NADPH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen peroxide can be altered, exacerbated and, consequently, outside the cell’s control. This review provides a broad overview of these oxiPTMs under physiological and unfavorable conditions, which can regulate the function of target proteins.
THE INFLUENCE OF LOW-DOSE OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION EXPOSURE ON PERIPHERAL BLOOD CELLS IN A COHORT OF CHINESE MEDICAL RADIATION WORKERS
Authors: Wang Gui , Xu Chang , Li Shixia , Zhang Daguang , Chen Yue , Liu Juntian , Liu Ningbo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The study aims to assess the change of peripheral blood cell numbers following protracted low-dose radiation exposure among medical radiation workers.

Methods
A cohort of 375 Chinese medical workers were followed for 5 years (2015–19) and recorded the changes in blood cells and cumulative doses. T-test, least significant difference-T test, variance analysis and correlation analysis were utilized in this study.

Results
Compared with the control group, the white blood cells, hemoglobin counts and the ratio of eosinophils in the study group showed a downward trend. The differences in blood cells between groups were mainly found in the number of red blood cells. In a short cumulative time, such as 1 or 3 years, a correlation between the cumulative dose and the quantity of blood cells was detected, but not at 5 years.

Conclusions
There is no significant difference in the blood cell counts between different types of work, and the long-term cumulative dose has not been statistically correlated with the number of blood cells. So that the number of peripheral blood cells can no longer be used as a good indicator of radiation damage.
Meaningful Refugee Participation: An Emerging Norm in the Global Refugee Regime
Authors: Milner James , Alio Mustafa , Gardi Rez 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Is meaningful refugee participation a norm within the global refugee regime? Despite growing attention since 2016, we argue that meaningful refugee participation in the governance of the global refugee regime is not yet an established norm. By drawing on the norm lifecycle framework developed by Finnemore and Sikkink and an analysis of recent initiatives, we argue instead that meaningful refugee participation is an emerging norm that has the potential to become the standard of appropriate behaviour in global decision-making fora. Despite this progress, we argue that the pursuit of differentiated approaches to refugee participation by norm entrepreneurs may constrain efforts to advance the norm. By examining efforts by States, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and refugee-led initiatives in recent years, we seek to highlight the similarities and differences between these initiatives and the extent to which they meet the threshold for norm emergence. Through this analysis, we consider the current state of the norm of meaningful refugee participation and present some possible scenarios for the future of the norm. While meaningful refugee participation is not yet a norm in the global refugee regime, we argue that a deeper understanding of its steady emergence holds important lessons for future research, policy, and practice.
Dissemination of the Spear & Shield Project using a Training of Trainers Model: A reflection on challenges and successes
Authors: Bowa Kasonde , Rodriguez Violeta J , Malik Fayeza S , Knight Jennifer , Cristofari Nicholas , Parrish Manasi S , Jones Deborah L , Zulu Robert , Weiss Stephen M 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Several large-scale clinical trials have conclusively demonstrated that voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) could provide a 50%–70% reduction in HIV acquisition, but willingness to undergo VMMC has been lowest in Zambia compared to other countries in eastern and southern Africa. This manuscript describes training for “task-shifting” among local healthcare workers at Community Health Centers (CHCs) applying state of the art strategies (e.g., Training of Trainers, i.e., ToT, and Training of Facilitators, ToF) to provide novel clinical services. Staff at 96 CHCs from four Provinces in Zambia were sequentially trained to provide the Spear & Shield intervention. A total of 45,630 men (n = 23,236) and women (n = 22,394) volunteered to participate in the S&S intervention service program when offered in the CHCs. Group session (total = 5313 sessions; 2,736 men’s and 2,582 women’s sessions) were conducted over 4.5 years. Remarkably, both men and women’s groups achieved 97% retention. Of these, 256 sessions recorded from 128 group leaders were assessed and scored for intervention fidelity; fidelity was 80%–90% among the majority of clinics. S&S program sustainment exceeded expectations among 85% of clinics (82/96) in all provinces across the duration of the study. Of note, attendance in the S&S program was encouraged by CHC staff, but no financial incentives were provided to those attending S&S. This study examined the effectiveness of the ToT/ToF model in dissemination of the S&S program, which proved to be feasible even in resource-limited settings. Benefits and challenges are discussed.
Bionomics of the unexplored sand flies fauna of District Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: assessing risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Khan Khurshaid , Sajjad Muhammad , Wahid Sobia , Gul Muhammad , Khan Luqman , Ullah Haseen , Rahman Yasin , Khan Dawood , Khan Kashif , Khan Muhammad Younas , Khan Saqib , Shah Safeer Ullah 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Sand flies are of considerable public health importance in Pakistan because these insects are vectors of leishmaniasis. The current study explores the bionomics of sand flies, their spatial distribution pattern and cutaneous leishmaniasis-associated risk factors in District Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Methods
Sand flies were collected from indoor and outdoor habitats in 69 villages of five tehsils in Mohmand during July–October 2019. Risk factor data were recorded for 829 households in 94 villages.

Results
In total, 2065 sand flies were captured. Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotbmus) sergenti was the most abundant species. Relative density for P. sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi was highest in Prang Ghar and lowest in Safi. Sand flies abundance peaked in August and September, corresponding to maximum relative humidity, temperature and rainfall. Relative density for P. sergenti and P. papatasi was highest in combined dwellings (indoor) and cattle corrals (outdoor). Phlebotomus sergenti and P. papatasi were abundant at an elevation of 283–1140 m on agricultural land and rangelands. Both species were recorded abundantly on Carbontites, Mesozoic and Indus suture Melange rock formations. Presence of domestic animals, ownership of pet dogs, presence of muddy dunes in the village, knowledge of sandflies and use of mosquitoes spray remained significant risk factors.

Conclusions
The study reports sand fly bionomics in District Mohmand. Risk identified for cutaneous leishmaniasis are significant in strategising control methods for Health authorities can allocate localized control means to high-risk areas using these findings.
Long COVID-19 syndrome: a 14-months longitudinal study during the two first epidemic peaks in Southeast Brazil
Authors: de Miranda Daniel A P , Gomes Sarah V C , Filgueiras Priscilla S , Corsini Camila A , Almeida Nathalie B F , Silva Raphael A , Medeiros Maria Izabella V A R C , Vilela Raquel V R , Fernandes Gabriel R , Grenfell Rafaella F Q 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
A growing number of long COVID cases after infection have been reported. By definition, long COVID is the condition whereby affected individuals do not recover for several weeks or months following the onset of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, the profile and timeline of which remains uncertain.

Methods
In this work, in-home, outpatient and hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients were monitored for up to 14 mo to establish the prevalence of long COVID symptoms and their correlation with age, pre-existing comorbidities and course of acute infection. The longitudinal study included 646 positive patients who were monitored once a month.

Results
From the whole population, 50.2% presented with long COVID syndrome. Twenty-three different symptoms were reported. Most frequent were fatigue (35.6%), persistent cough (34.0%), dyspnea (26.5%), loss of smell/taste (20.1%) and frequent headaches (17.3%). Mental disorders (20.7%), change in blood pressure (7.4%) and thrombosis (6.2%) were also reported. Most patients presented with 2–3 symptoms at the same time. Long COVID started after mild, moderate and severe infection in 60, 13 and 27% of cases, respectively, and it was not restricted to specific age groups.

Conclusions
Older patients tended to have more severe symptoms, leading to a longer post-COVID-19 period. The presence of seven comorbidities was correlated with the severity of infection, and severity itself was the main factor that determined the duration of symptoms in long COVID cases.
Exploring the Corn Microbiome: A Detailed Review on Current Knowledge, Techniques, and Future Directions
Authors: Singh Raksha , Goodwin Stephen B. 
Published: March 2022

In their natural environment, plants are colonized by a plethora of microorganisms. These diverse microorganisms interact with each other and the host to form a complex microbiome community. A growing body of research suggests that the microbiome has a significant impact on plant yield or health by promoting growth, stress tolerance, and resistance to pathogens. Although plant microbiomes have great potential for improving plant health and productivity, studies on crop microbiomes, especially in corn, have only recently started to be conducted. During the last few years, progress in next-generation sequencing technologies has enabled an increasing number of studies of corn-associated microbiomes and their dynamics with the plant. The composition and differentiation of microbial communities are affected not only by environmental factors and agricultural management but also by host phenotype and genotype. Although challenges remain in understanding the microbiome, the combination of beneficial plant microbes, microbial community interactions, and the optimization of the taxonomic composition of microbiomes determine the overall health and fitness of the plant and thus lead to more sustainable agriculture. In this review, we present an overview of the current knowledge and research on corn microbiomes using traditional culture-based approaches and next-generation amplicon or metagenomic profiling, discuss results from these approaches with an emphasis on the influence of environmental and host genetic factors on corn-microbe interactions, and outline future directions and challenges in corn microbiome research. A better understanding of the corn microbiome diversity, function, and microbiology will contribute to the improvement of crop health and productivity. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
High-Resolution Melting Analysis Enables Efficient Detection and Differentiation of Two Boxwood Blight Pathogens by qPCR Assays
Authors: Gouker Fred E. , Guo Yonghong , Pooler Margaret R. 
Published: March 2022

Boxwood blight is a devastating disease caused by the fungal pathogens Calonectria henricotiae ( Che) and C. pseudonaviculata ( Cps). Identification and detection of these pathogens from infected plant material could play a significant role in breeding and selection of resistant cultivars and development of disease management strategies in the ornamental nursery industry. We designed a simple, single-tube method for extraction of PCR-amplifiable DNA from boxwood leaves and cultures of the Calonectria pathogens. Previously developed fungal-specific primers based on histone and calmodulin regions were used to detect and distinguish between Che and Cps using real-time PCR and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis, with discernable melting temperature differences of 0.5°C between amplified products. Here, we describe a single-tube acetone-based DNA extraction method and qPCR-HRM assay targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms within the calmodulin and histone H3 DNA regions as a fast and highly sensitive molecular method to detect and differentiate between Che and Cps species directly from plant tissue. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Paraspinal Necrotizing Fasciitis Associated with Pressure Injury: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Yang Kyung Min , Lim Hyoseob 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Necrotizing fasciitis is a type of soft tissue infection that destroys subcutaneous tissue. It is particularly dangerous for patients with chronic diseases and those who are bedridden while recuperating. Although necrotizing fasciitis is often caused by trauma or postoperative infection, in rare cases, it can be attributed to pressure injury (PI). The disease progression is very aggressive and can be lethal for patients who are bedridden or immunocompromised.
This case report describes a 47-year-old man with a history of diabetes and hypertension who became bedridden after a sudden status decline caused by nephrotic syndrome. He gradually developed an infection and rare deterioration of a PI on his upper back. After radiologic evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, surgical intervention was performed and necrotizing fasciitis was confirmed. In this case of necrotizing fasciitis derived from a PI on the upper back, the infected area spread to the periphery at a rapid rate. The infection spread over his back and across the T1-T9 levels.
In this report, the authors describe the integrated system of the thoracolumbar fascia and the very aggressive spread of necrotizing fasciitis. Because of the anatomic structure of the back and the characteristics of this infection, only aggressive surgical debridement could prevent the spread of infection and reduce the systemic effects of the infection. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of PIs in bedridden patients and, in cases of exacerbation of the wound, consider rapid surgical intervention after prompt examination and diagnosis to reduce mortality.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index Compared with Doppler Arterial Waveforms for Detecting Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kashetsky Nadia , Sachdeva Muskaan , Lu Justin D. , Mufti Asfandyar , Kim Patrick , Bagit Ahmed , Sibbald R. Gary 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Although the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a useful tool for the noninvasive assessment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it has several limitations necessitating alternative noninvasive diagnostic tools. This study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of ABPI compared with Doppler arterial waveforms (DAWs) to detect PAD. The authors searched Embase and MEDLINE for original studies that reported sensitivities and specificities for both the ABPI and DAW. Four studies were included representing 657 patients (58.8% men) with a mean age of 63.4 years. The authors detected overall higher sensitivities using DAW compared with ABPI but higher specificities with ABPI compared with DAW. In conclusion, because of the higher sensitivity and lower specificity of DAW compared with ABPI, the authors recommend DAW as a potential screening tool for PAD. To confirm these results, larger sample sizes and comparative trials with homogeneous reference standards and patient populations are required. In addition, DAW is not easily documented for everyday bedside practice in the community. With COVID-19 restrictions, an audible handheld Doppler signal may act as a reproducible equivalent to DAW and thus facilitate timely, safe application of compression therapy at point-of-care.

GENERAL PURPOSE
To present the results of a research study evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) compared with that of Doppler arterial waveforms (DAWs) to detect peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

TARGET AUDIENCE
This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
After completing this continuing education activity, the participant will:
1. Summarize the evidence the authors considered when comparing the diagnostic accuracy of the ABPI with that of Doppler arterial waveforms to detect PAD.
2. Select the characteristics of the participants in the studies the authors analyzed.
3. Identify the results of the authors’ study comparing the diagnostic accuracy of the ABPI with that of Doppler arterial waveforms to detect PAD.
4. Distinguish the authors’ conclusions about the advantages of using Doppler arterial waveforms to detect PAD.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer of unknown primary risk: results from the Netherlands Cohort Study
Authors: Hermans Karlijn E.P.E. , Haque Sharmi , van den Brandt Piet A. , Loef Caroline , Jansen Rob L.H. , Schouten Leo J. 
Published: March 2022

Objective
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a metastatic malignancy with an unidentifiable primary tumour origin. Previous studies suggest that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and CUP risk are associated. This study examines the association in greater depth by investigating T2DM status, T2DM duration, T2DM age at diagnosis, and medication that was being used in relation to CUP.

Methods
Data were utilized from the Netherlands Cohort Study, a prospective cohort that includes 120 852 participants aged 55–69 years at baseline in 1986. All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on cancer risk factors. CUP cases were identified through record linkage with the Netherlands Cancer Registry and Dutch Pathology Registry. After 20.3 years of follow-up, 963 incident CUP cases and 4288 subcohort members were available for case-cohort analyses. Proportional hazards models were employed to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs).

Results
Overall, we observed a nonsignificant positive association between T2DM status and CUP risk [HR, 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–1.99], which increased in women after stratification for sex (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.90–2.64). For participants who were aged less than 50 years at diagnosis of T2DM, a statistically significant positive association was found in relation to CUP (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.26–4.65), compared with participants without T2DM.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that there is a nonsignificant positive association between T2DM and CUP risk and that the association became stronger in women in stratified analyses.
Correlation of Treponemal Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay Screening Test Signal Strength Values With Reactivity of Confirmatory Testing
Authors: Demir Çuha Mervenur , Özdemir Adem , Evren Kübra , Can Bariş , Doyuk Zahide , Yiş Reyhan , Başbulut Eşe , Us Ebru , Kalem Fatma , Appak Özgür , Berkem Rukiye , Sönmez Cemile , Zarakolu Pinar , Saribaş Zeynep , Şener Burçin 
Published: March 2022

Background
Automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays (CMIAs) are the most common first step at high-volume laboratories for syphilis screening. If the initial screening test is reactive, 1 more treponemal test is required, resulting in increased cost. In this multicenter study, we aimed to determine the correlation between the CMIA signal-to-cutoff ratio (S/Co) and the confirmatory tests to reduce unnecessary confirmatory testing.

Methods
Eight hospitals from 5 provinces participated in this study. All laboratories used Architect Syphilis TP CMIA (Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL) for initial screening. Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA), rapid plasma reagin (RPR), and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) were used as confirmatory tests according to the reverse or European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control algorithms. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the optimal S/Co ratio to predict the confirmation results.

Results
We evaluated 129,346 serum samples screened by CMIA between January 2018 and December 2020. A total of 2468 samples were reactive; 2247 (91%) of them were confirmed to be positive and 221 (9%) were negative. Of the 2468 reactive specimens, 1747 (70.8%) had an S/Co ratio ≥10.4. When the S/Co ratios were ≥7.2 and ≥10.4, the specificity values were determined to be 95% and 100%, respectively. In a subgroup of 75 CMIA-positive patients, FTA-ABS was performed and 62 were positive. Among these FTA-ABS–positive patients, 24 had an S/Co ratio <10.4, and negative TPHA and RPR.

Conclusions
We propose a potentially cost-effective reverse screening algorithm with a treponemal CMIA S/Co ratio ≥10.4, obviating the need for secondary treponemal testing in about 71% of the screening-reactive samples. This would substantially reduce the confirmatory testing volume and laboratory expenses. However, in high-risk group patients with CMIA positive results, S/Co ratio <10.4, and negative TPHA and RPR, FTA-ABS may be used for confirmation.