bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying Factors Affecting the Sustainability of the STAR-VA Program in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Adjognon Omonyêlé L , Sullivan Jennifer L , Pendergast Jacquelyn , Wray Laura O , Curyto Kimberly 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSustained implementation of new programs in complex care systems like nursing homes is challenging. This prospective qualitative evaluation examined factors affecting the sustainability of the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences in Veterans Health Administration (STAR-VA) program in Veterans Health Administration (VA) Community Living Centers (CLC, i.e., nursing homes). STAR-VA is an evidence-based interdisciplinary, resident-centered, behavioral approach for managing distress behaviors in dementia.Evaluation Design and MethodsIn 2019, we conducted 39 semistructured phone interviews with STAR-VA key informants across 20 CLCs. We identified a priori themes based on the Organizational Memory Framework, which includes 7 Knowledge Reservoirs (KRs): people, routines, artifacts, relationships, organizational information space, culture, and structure. We conducted content-directed analysis of transcripts to identify factors to program sustainment.ResultsWe identified 9 sustainment facilitators across KRs: engaged site leaders and champions, regular meetings and trainings, written documentation and resources, regular and open communication, available educational tools (e.g., handouts and posters), adequate spaces, leadership support on many levels, staff buy-in across disciplines, and staff competencies and recognition. Ten barriers across KRs included: staffing concerns, inconsistent/inefficient routines, inconsistent documentation, lack of written policies, communication gaps, nonstandardized use of tools, constraints with meeting spaces and regulations on posting information, limited leadership support, division among staff, and missing performance expectations.Discussion and ImplicationsFindings inform tailored strategies for optimizing STAR-VA program sustainment in CLCs, including the development of a sustained implementation guide, implementation resources, regional communities of practice, and STAR-VA integration into national CLC quality improvement routines for team communication and problem-solving.
The National Health Policy for people with disabilities in Brazil: an analysis of the content, context and the performance of social actors
Authors: Lyra Tereza Maciel , Veloso de Albuquerque Maria Socorro , Santos de Oliveira Raquel , Morais Duarte Miranda Gabriella , Andréa de Oliveira Márcia , Eduarda Carvalho Maria , Fernandes Santos Helena , Penn-Kekana Loveday , Kuper Hannah 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to analyse the circumstances in which the National Health Policy for Persons with Disabilities (PNSPCD) came into place in 2002 and the factors supporting or impeding its implementation from 2002 to 2018. The analysis was based on the Comprehensive Policy Analysis Model proposed by Walt and Gilson and focussed on understanding the context, process, content and actors involved in the formulation and implementation of the Policy. Data were obtained from two sources: document analysis of the key relevant documents and seven key informant interviews. Content analysis was undertaken using the Condensation of Meanings technique. The research demonstrates that the development and implementation of PNSPCD is marked by advances and retreats, determined, above all, by national and international macro-political decisions. The policy was formulated during Fernando Henrique’s governments, under pressure from social movements and the international agenda and constituted a breakthrough for the rights of persons with disabilities. However, progress on implementation only took place under subsequent centre-left governments with the establishment of a care network for people with disabilities and a defined specific budget. These developments resulted from the mobilization of social movements, the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the rights of people with disabilities and the adherence of these governments to the human rights agenda. The coming to power of ultra-right governments triggered fiscal austerity, a setback in the implementation of the care network and a weakening in the content of various social policies related to the care of people with disabilities. During this era, the political approach changed, with the attempt to evade the role of the State, and the perspective of guaranteeing social rights. Undoubtedly, the neoliberal offensive on social policies, especially the Unified Health System, is the main obstacle to the effective implementation of the PNPCD in Brazil.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated fine-tuning of miRNA expression in tetraploid potato
Authors: Lukan Tjaša , Veillet Florian , Križnik Maja , Coll Anna , Mahkovec Povalej Tjaša , Pogačar Karmen , Stare Katja , Chauvin Laura , Chauvin Jean-Eric , Gruden Kristina 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which modulate the abundance and spatiotemporal accumulation of target mRNAs at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and through that play important roles in several biological processes in plants. Here we show that in polyploid species, CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used for fine-tuning of miRNA expression, which can have broader range of applications compared to knock-out mutants. We established the complete pipeline for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated modulation of miRNA expression in potato. It consists of (1) design and assembly of dual sgRNA CRISPR/Cas9 constructs, (2) transient transfection of protoplasts following fast and efficient screening by high resolution melting analysis to select functional sgRNAs, and (3) stable transformation of potato explants with functional sgRNAs and selection of regenerated transgenic lines with desired mutations and desired miRNA abundance based on sequencing and RT-qPCR. We show that miRNA-editing using dual sgRNA approach results in different types of mutations among transgenic lines but also in different alleles of the same plant, which are target site-dependent. The most frequent were short deletions, but we also detected 1-nt insertions (T or G), deletions between two sgRNAs and larger deletions. miRNA abundance correlates with the frequency and type of introduced mutations, as more extensive mutations in more alleles result in lower miRNA abundance. Interestingly, some mutated loci can generate alternative miRNAs, now novel targets were however predicted for those. In all transgenic lines with Cas9 expression, we detected mutations, suggesting high efficiency of Cas9-editing. We confirmed the miRNA-editing efficiency of our optimised approach in two different potato genotypes and three different loci.
O-209 Separating spermatozoa from debris, non-germ and red blood cells during differential centrifugation as a new effective approach of sperm recovery from surgically-retrieved specimens
Authors: Zakharova E , Zaletova V 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
What is a more efficient method to separate spermatozoa from debris, non-germ and red blood cells in surgically-retrieved testicular and epididymal specimens?

Summary answer
The newly method based on differential centrifugation is able to recover a pure fraction of spermatozoa from the supernatant; no sperm are contaminated with sediment.

What is known already
Conventional methods of processing testicular and epididymal specimens are based on simple washing so that spermatozoa are contaminated with non-germ cells, large numbers of red blood cells and debris and difficult to identify and recover from the sediment. Thus, even if the sample contains spermatozoa, it is not always possible to recover and use them for ICSI. The newly method is based on differential centrifugation, which has never been used for sperm before. Cell particles are separated according to their sedimentation rate so that spermatozoa remain in the supernatant, whereas the sediment with extra cells and debris is removed.

Study design, size, duration
A total of 223 testicular open biopsies with microdissection (micro-TESE) was performed in patients with NOA. The recovered spermatozoa were used to fertilize the fresh spouse's oocytes (synchronous IVF cycle) and/or cryopreserved ones for delayed transfer in the IVF/ICSI program (non-synchronous IVF cycle). Surplus embryos obtained in IVF programs were cryopreserved for delayed transfer in the FET (frozen-thawed embryo transfer) programs.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
The biopsy material was first processed mechanically. In all cases, the further processing of cell suspensions was carried out by differential centrifugation, with parameters of force and time set individually (on average 200-350 g for 1-2 min, 8-12 times).

Main results and the role of chance
The microscopic examination of cell suspensions, mechanically processed, revealed at least one spermatozoon in all fields of view in 89 patients (39.9%). The further processing of cell suspensions by differential centrifugation was 100% efficient: spermatozoa for ICSI were recovered from the testicular sample in all the 89 cases. Pregnancy occurred in 47 out of 89 patients, in 147 ART cycles (52.8% per patient, 31.9% per ART cycle).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Not applicable

Wider implications of the findings
The newly proposed method of processing cell suspensions for spermatozoa recovery is based on differential centrifugation and allows obtaining male germ cells from biopsy samples and using them for fertilization, especially if they are critically low in number and conventional methods for sperm recovery do no work or are inefficient.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-349 European Atlas of fertility treatment policies - education and advocacy tool
Authors: Fincham A , Davidashvili M , Kordic K , Rautakallio-Hokkanen S , Bye K , Balaban-Kasztelanski O , Datta N 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
What are the fertility treatment policies regulating access to treatment in various European countries?

Summary answer
The fertility treatment policies are very diverse in European countries and access for patients is unequal.

What is known already
The data presented in the Atlas is based on ESHRE Survey on ART and IUI: legislation, regulation, funding and registries in European countries and published on ESHRE websites, but difficult to understand and compare.

Study design, size, duration
The Atlas selected criteria of regulation and funding of fertility treatments in 43 European countries and attributed points to them in order to assess access for patients. The assessment was done to illustrate the access to treatment for the patients in various European countries. The number of points for all the criteria defined if the country is green (good access), orange (needs improvement) or red (poor) on the map.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
The Atlas is prepared by Fertility Europe and Europan Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights. The data presented in the Atlas is based on ESHRE Survey on ART and IUI: legislation, regulation, funding and registries in European countries with updates from ESHRE and national patients' associations.

Main results and the role of chance
The Atlas presents that regulation and funding of fertility treatments in 43 European countries is very diverse and often based on non-medical principles. The selection and assessment was done to illustrate the access to treatment for the patients in various European countries. Presenting the country in traffic-colour green (good access), orange (needs improvement or red (poor) on the map makes this Atlas a great tool to educate the patients and the policymakers and advocate for changes.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The selection of criteria to simplify the picture reduces the accuracy of the assessment. Several criteria couldn't be included as more research is needed to assess what would be their best regulation.

Wider implications of the findings
The Atlas defines patients' views on good regulations and policies and can become a guide for the policymakers and for the medical specialists on following the patients' needs in fertility treatments.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-059 Effect of outcome of microfluidic sperm sorter and conventional swim-up technique on DNA integrity of the sperm
Authors: Brahmbhatt N , Mishra V , Aggrawal R , Chaudhary S , Shah K , Priya P , Solanki S , Sheth H , Patel K , Suthar A , Patel K , Repswal P , Dongare A 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Does the approach of sperm preparation technique plays any role in sperm DNA Integrity

Summary answer
Outcome of the semen sample is directly proportional to the choice of preparation technique. Microfluidics improves sperm selection and results in better sperm DNA integrity

What is known already
Microfluidic systems are promising tools for fluid manipulation that can noninvasively separate motile sperm with higher hydrodynamics profile from the lower ones. It also enables to manipulate micro swimmers as compared to the traditional methods that to without centrifugation .As it is already known that Semen analysis and preparation is one of the most important aspects in andrology and microfluidics can improve sperm analysis and selection, therefore increasing the ART success rates

Study design, size, duration
Comparative study from July 2019 to Dec 2021 in IVF unit of IKDRC Hospital .A total number of 900 patients were enrolled in the study and were randomized by using computer generated list then divided into two groups, Group A contains 460 samples and Group B having 440 samples.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Group A (n = 460) sample was prepared by using Microfluidic sperm Sorting technique and Group B (n = 440) sample was prepared by conventional Swim up technique. Samples were analyzed according to WHO 2010 laboratory manual for examination and processing of human sperm, including all normozoospermic samples. Primary outcomes of the study was DNA Fragmentation index (DFI) and it was evaluated by using sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and secondary outcomes was Progressive motility .

Main results and the role of chance
DNA fragmentation index is significantly lower in group A where Microfluidic Sperm Sorting technique (MFSS )is used than in group B where conventional swim up technique is use (10.06% vs 34.2%, p&lt;0.0001) significant values implies that DNA integrity is better in group A than in group B and progressive motility was also found to be significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (57.6%vs16.9%, p &lt;0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution
As sample size was smaller, larger randomized control studies are needed to strengthen these results and all normal samples were used for the analysis and preparation , abnormal parameters were not involved .

Wider implications of the findings
According to our study the samples prepared by Microfluidic technique have higher DNA integrity than samples prepared by Swim up technique. Lower DNA Fragmentation index in microfluidics outcome indicates lower DNA damage. Choice of technique for the preparation of semen sample also plays a key role in better sperm selection.

Trial registration number
N/A
P-378 Effect of luteinized unruptured follicle on the pregnancy outcomes of single high-quality frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles
Authors: Zheng Q , Mo M , Zhang H , Xu S , Wang X , Zeng Y 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Does luteinized unruptured follicle affect the clinical outcome of natural cycles for single high-quality frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles?

Summary answer
Luteinized unruptured follicle negatively affects the pregnancy outcomes of single high-quality FBT.

What is known already
Recent evidence revealed that natural ovulation cycle with a corpus luteum for frozen-thawed embryo transfer is superior to hormone replacing therapy cycle in preventing early miscarriage and preeclampsia. However, it remains controversial whether a luteinized unruptured follicle of the natural cycle affect the pregnancy outcomes of FBT.

Study design, size, duration
This was a retrospective cohort study comparing the pregnancy outcomes of singe high-quality FBT among 283 cases of LUF cycles and 1083 cases of ovulation cycles between January 2015 to December 2020 in a private fertility center. The study was approved by the hospital's Ethics Committee.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A natural cycle for FBT was performed for all included patients, and was categorized into LUF or ovulation group based on the continuously monitoring of transvaginal ultrasound. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for important confounders. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Main results and the role of chance
Compared to ovulation group, the LUF group was associated with higher proportion of female indication of IVF treatment. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the parental age at oocyte retrieval, body mass index (BMI), cycle rank, infertility duration, proportion of nulliparity and fertilization method, endometrial thickness, and estrogen levels. P levers were higher in the ovulation group than those of LUF (P =0.028). Logistic regression indicated that after controlling for potential confounders, ovulation group was associated with higher incidence of ongoing pregnancy (aOR 1.460, 95% CI: 1.107-1.924) and live birth (aOR 1.455, 95% CI: 1.102-1.919). Ovulation group also had higher clinical pregnancy rate (aOR 1.255, 95% CI: 0.952-1.656) and lower early miscarriage rate (aOR 0.654, 95% CI: 0.394-1.087), but not reach statistical significance. Our results suggested that LUF negatively affected pregnancy outcomes of single high-quality FBT.

Limitations, reasons for caution
The primary limitation of this study was its retrospective nature, and it was difficult to distinguish some confounding factors.

Wider implications of the findings
Clinicians should counsel couples about the negative effect of LUF on the pregnancy outcome of FBT, particularly for those with few high-quality embryos.

Trial registration number
2018YFC1003900/2018YFC1003904, SZSM201502035
Introduction and Establishment of SARS-CoV-2 Gamma Variant in New York City in Early 2021
Authors: Vasylyeva Tetyana I , Fang Courtney E , Su Michelle , Havens Jennifer L , Parker Edyth , Wang Jade C , Zeller Mark , Yakovleva Anna , Hassler Gabriel W , Chowdhury Moinuddin A , Andersen Kristian G , Hughes Scott , Wertheim Joel O 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Monitoring the emergence and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants is an important public health objective. We investigated how the Gamma variant was established in New York City (NYC) in early 2021 in the presence of travel restrictions that aimed to prevent viral spread from Brazil, the country where the variant was first identified.

Methods
We performed phylogeographic analysis on 15 967 Gamma sequences sampled between 10 March and 1 May 2021, to identify geographic sources of Gamma lineages introduced into NYC. We identified locally circulating Gamma transmission clusters and inferred the timing of their establishment in NYC.

Results
We identified 16 phylogenetically distinct Gamma clusters established in NYC (cluster sizes ranged 2–108 genomes); most of them were introduced from Florida and Illinois and only 1 directly from Brazil. By the time the first Gamma case was reported by genomic surveillance in NYC on 10 March, the majority (57%) of circulating Gamma lineages had already been established in the city for at least 2 weeks.

Conclusions
Although travel from Brazil to the United States was restricted from May 2020 through the end of the study period, this restriction did not prevent Gamma from becoming established in NYC as most introductions occurred from domestic locations.
Assessing the Old-Growth Dependency of Two Saproxylic Beetle Species in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Traylor Clayton R , Caterino Michael S , Ulyshen Michael D , Ferro Michael L , McHugh Joseph V 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe southern Appalachian Mountains were intensively logged during the early 1900s, leaving little remaining old-growth forest. Much of the region is now second-growth forest, which may not be suitable to specialist saproxylic species. Moreover, if suitable habitat exists, poorly dispersing species may not be able to colonize it. To investigate this, we assessed the distribution and old-growth dependency of two low-mobility saproxylic beetles in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Using both field surveys and community science data, we found Megalodacne heros (Say 1823) (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) to be limited to lower elevations regardless of disturbance history, while Phellopsis obcordata (Kirby 1837) (Coleoptera: Zopheridae) was restricted to inside or near old-growth forests. Although trees were generally smaller in second-growth, we detected no habitat limitation for P. obcordata: fungal hosts were present in second-growth areas and the beetle was present on trees as small as 11 cm in diameter. This suggests its distribution is shaped by its low dispersal capability and need for temporal continuity of deadwood habitat, therefore qualifying it as an indicator species. For P. obcordata, old-growth acted as refugia during landscape-wide, anthropogenic disturbances in the early 1900s, though we can draw no conclusions about M. heros from our dataset. The difference in sensitivity to human disturbance displayed between species may be linked to their relative dispersal abilities: P. obcordata is entirely flightless while M. heros is capable of some flight. This study highlights the value of using saproxylic invertebrates with limited dispersal ability for assessing impacts from anthropogenic forest disturbances.
Novel small molecules that increase the susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to cationic antimicrobial peptides by inhibiting lipid A phosphoethanolamine transferase
Authors: Mullally Christopher , Stubbs Keith A , Thai Van C , Anandan Anandhi , Bartley Stephanie , Scanlon Martin J , Jarvis Gary A , John Constance M , Lim Katherine Y L , Sullivan Courtney M , Sarkar-Tyson Mitali , Vrielink Alice , Kahler Charlene M 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an exclusively human pathogen that commonly infects the urogenital tract resulting in gonorrhoea. Empirical treatment of gonorrhoea with antibiotics has led to multidrug resistance and the need for new therapeutics. Inactivation of lipooligosaccharide phosphoethanolamine transferase A (EptA), which attaches phosphoethanolamine to lipid A, results in attenuation of the pathogen in infection models. Small molecules that inhibit EptA are predicted to enhance natural clearance of gonococci via the human innate immune response.

Methods
A library of small-fragment compounds was tested for the ability to enhance susceptibility of the reference strain N. gonorrhoeae FA1090 to polymyxin B. The effect of these compounds on lipid A synthesis and viability in models of infection were tested.

Results
Three compounds, 135, 136 and 137, enhanced susceptibility of strain FA1090 to polymyxin B by 4-fold. Pre-treatment of bacterial cells with all three compounds resulted in enhanced killing by macrophages. Only lipid A from bacterial cells exposed to compound 137 showed a 17% reduction in the level of decoration of lipid A with phosphoethanolamine by MALDI-TOF MS analysis and reduced stimulation of cytokine responses in THP-1 cells. Binding of 137 occurred with higher affinity to purified EptA than the starting material, as determined by 1D saturation transfer difference NMR. Treatment of eight MDR strains with 137 increased susceptibility to polymyxin B in all cases.

Conclusions
Small molecules have been designed that bind to EptA, inhibit addition of phosphoethanolamine to lipid A and can sensitize N. gonorrhoeae to killing by macrophages.