bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the discourse pragmatics of German wh-headlines
Authors: Finkbeiner Rita , Külpmann Robert
Published: February 2022

This paper deals with autonomous uses of German subordinate wh-interrogatives as headlines, so-called wh-headlines (e.g.Was Kinder brauchen, ‘What children need’), which we approach from a discourse-pragmatic and diachronic perspective. We take our starting point in the QUD-based, discourse-pragmatic model of interrogatives as proposed by Rosemeyer (this issue). Applying this model, first, to the case of wh-headlines in present-day news discourse, we develop the hypothesis that a writer in using a wh-headline may explicitly introduce an implicit QUD into discourse without posing it as an information-seeking question. In a second step, we assess this hypothesis with respect to the use of wh-headlines in various genres from the Middle High German and Early New High German periods, for which we provide three in-depth case studies. The case studies are contextualized against the backdrop of reflections on potential impact factors in the diachronic evolvement of this particular writing practice. Overall, the results of our study can be taken to lend support to our hypothesis also for genres other than news discourse and for time periods other than modern German.
Return migrants from the United States to Mexico
Authors: Jacobo Suárez Mónica L. , Despagne Colette I. , Chávez Guadalupe
Published: February 2022

This article examines Mexican return migrants belonging to the 1.5 generation of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Our analysis disaggregates the notions that these return migrants have regarding “being Mexican” and speaking Spanish after spending most of their lives in the U.S. Building on critical citizenship theories (Isin 2008, 2009), specifically on the concepts of status, habitus, and acts, we analyze how these return migrants experience and build notions of citizenship in Mexico while they develop additional linguistic repertoires in Spanish and acquire basic knowledge of Mexican culture. Our findings suggest that return migrants go through various simultaneous learning processes to acquire Mexican habitus in Mexico even though they acquire formal citizenship. This learning process we argue occurs amidst multiple social, linguistic, and cultural tensions that trigger important acts of (linguistic) citizenship through which returnees found their own definition of what it means to be “Mexican”.
Hamiltonian formalism for cosmological perturbations: the separate-universe approach
Authors: Artigas Danilo , Grain Julien , Vennin Vincent
Published: February 2022

The separate-universe approach provides an effective description of cosmological perturbations at large scales, where the universe can be described by an ensemble of independent, locally homogeneous and isotropic patches.
By reducing the phase space to homogeneous and isotropic degrees of freedom, it greatly simplifies the analysis of large-scale fluctuations. It is also a prerequisite for the stochastic-inflation formalism.
In this work, we formulate the separate-universe approach in the Hamiltonian formalism, which allows us to analyse the full phase-space structure of the perturbations. Such a phase-space description is indeed required in dynamical regimes which do not benefit from a background attractor, as well as to investigate quantum properties of cosmological perturbations.
We find that the separate-universe approach always succeeds in reproducing the same phase-space dynamics for homogeneous and isotropic degrees of freedom as the full cosmological perturbation theory, provided that the wavelength of the modes under consideration are larger than some lower bound that we derive. We also compare the separate-universe approach and cosmological perturbation theory at the level of the gauge-matching procedure, where the agreement is not always guaranteed and requires specific matching prescriptions that we present.
Role of Topocentric Parallax in Near-Earth Object Initial Orbit Determination
Authors: Zhai Chengxing , Shao Michael , Saini Navtej S. , Choi Philip , Trahan Russell , Nazli Kutay , Zhan Max , Evans Nez
Published: February 2022

Near-Earth Object (NEO) initial orbit determination typically uses astrometric measurements during a close approach over a time window much shorter than the orbital period of the NEO. The initial orbit is only weakly determined with dominant uncertainties in the distance of the NEO from the Earth. Topocentric astrometric measurements allow us to estimate NEO distances using observed nonlinear motions of the NEOs relative to observers, which come from the relative orbital motion of the NEOs to the Earth plus the topocentric parallax (parallax) from the diversity of observatory locations relative to the Earth center. We calculate the ratio of the contributions to the nonlinear motion from the relative orbital motion and the parallax to be approximately (TΔ/(day au))2, where T is the arc length measured in days and Δ is the distance of close approach. The dominant nonlinear motion for ranging the NEO comes from the relative orbital motion of the NEO to the Earth center, due to mainly the differential solar gravitational acceleration, when TΔ ≳ 1 day au and the parallax when TΔ ≲ 1 day au. This is confirmed by simulation data and supported by observational data of real NEOs. In the regime TΔ ≲ 1 day au, the orbit determination uncertainties are inversely proportional to the amplitude of the parallax. Introducing diversities of hour angles and observatory latitudes (especially alternating between extreme values) into scheduled follow-up observations can improve the parallax amplitude, thus the orbit accuracy. Most of the newly discovered NEOs are in this regime, we recommend optimizing parallax by properly scheduling observations when the NEO is very close to the Earth and using synthetic tracking to improve astrometry accuracy for initial orbit determination.
A study on the radon removal performance of low background activated carbon
Authors: Chen Y.Y. , Zhang Y.P. , Liu Y. , Liu J.C. , Guo C. , Zhang P. , Qiu S.K. , Yang C.G. , Tang Q.
Published: February 2022

Radon and radon daughters pose significant backgrounds to
rare-event searching experiments. Activated carbon, which has very
strong adsorption capacity for radon, can be used for radon removal
and radon enrichment. The internal 226Ra concentration
ultimately limits its radon enrichment ability. In order to measure
the intrinsic background and study the radon adsorption capability
of Saratech activated carbon at various temperatures, a
radon-emanation measurement system with a high-sensitivity radon
detector and an adsorption-performance research-system have been
developed. In this paper, a 0.71 mBq/m3 high-sensitivity radon
detector and measurement details of the radon-adsorption capability
of Saratech activated carbon at low temperature will be presented.
A Scoping Review of Gender, Sex and Sexuality Differences in Polysubstance Use in Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Goodwin Shelby R , Moskal Dezarie , Marks Russell M , Clark Ashton E , Squeglia Lindsay M , Roche Daniel J O
Published: February 2022

Background

Polysubstance use is a common, problematic behavior that increases risk of harm to self and others. Research suggests that rates may vary based on gender, sex and sexuality. Understanding the current state of this literature may inform prevention and treatment of polysubstance use, leading to reduced public health burden.

Objectives

This review aimed to synthesize research on gender, sex and sexuality differences in polysubstance use in adults and adolescents.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using all EBSCO databases, PubMed and Google Scholar to identify articles examining the effects of gender, sex and sexuality on polysubstance use. Polysubstance use was defined broadly as the use of any combination of substances over any time period and included licit (alcohol, tobacco) and illicit substances, concurrent and simultaneous use, from lifetime to daily use and use at any frequency. Studies were considered if they were published in peer-reviewed journals between January 1990 and October 2020 and were written in English. Publicly available data sources were also utilized to fully capture prevalence data that has not been published elsewhere.

Results

Findings were mostly inconsistent and often conflicting. Only two findings were generally consistent: adult men were overall more likely to report polysubstance use than adult women, and sexual and gender minorities report more frequent polysubstance use than non-minorities.

Conclusions

Research has been unable to clearly elucidate differences in polysubstance use prevalence and patterns according to gender, sex and sexuality. Several recommendations are offered to advance future research and address limitations of current research.
BERT6mA: prediction of DNA N6-methyladenine site using deep learning-based approaches
Authors: Tsukiyama Sho , Hasan Md Mehedi , Deng Hong-Wen , Kurata Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

N6-methyladenine (6mA) is associated with important roles in DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, regulation of gene expression. Several experimental methods were used to identify DNA modifications. However, these experimental methods are costly and time-consuming. To detect the 6mA and complement these shortcomings of experimental methods, we proposed a novel, deep leaning approach called BERT6mA. To compare the BERT6mA with other deep learning approaches, we used the benchmark datasets including 11 species. The BERT6mA presented the highest AUCs in eight species in independent tests. Furthermore, BERT6mA showed higher and comparable performance with the state-of-the-art models while the BERT6mA showed poor performances in a few species with a small sample size. To overcome this issue, pretraining and fine-tuning between two species were applied to the BERT6mA. The pretrained and fine-tuned models on specific species presented higher performances than other models even for the species with a small sample size. In addition to the prediction, we analyzed the attention weights generated by BERT6mA to reveal how the BERT6mA model extracts critical features responsible for the 6mA prediction. To facilitate biological sciences, the BERT6mA online web server and its source codes are freely accessible at https://github.com/kuratahiroyuki/BERT6mA.git, respectively.
Moving forwards, sideways and up in the air: observations on the locomotion of semiterrestrial tadpoles (Cycloramphidae)
Authors: Sabbag Ariadne Fares , Dos Santos Dias Pedro Henrique , Brasileiro Cinthia A , Haddad Célio F B , Wassersug Richard J
Published: February 2022

Semiterrestrial tadpoles live on wet rock surfaces and have evolved independently in at least seven anuran families. They have a flat venter, laterally compressed keratinized jaws and elongated, largely finless tails. When threatened, they can jump. Here, we describe the kinematics of locomotion for semiterrestrial tadpoles of the genera Cycloramphus and Thoropa (Cycloramphidae). Forward locomotion can be accomplished solely by the upper jaw cyclically engaging and disengaging from the substrate. Undulating tail movements, in contrast, cause the tadpoles to move laterally, like sidewinding snakes, rather than forwards. Jumping is an explosive escape behaviour with an unpredictable trajectory. Jumping requires rapid elevation of the head and extension of the torso and tail. This is made possible by epaxial musculature that extends onto the cranium and movement of the tail in the sagittal plane. Tadpoles near metamorphosis extend their hindlimbs symmetrically when jumping, even when the limbs are too small to provide thrust. The rapid rostral elevation of the snout, extension of the trunk and symmetrical extension of the hindlimbs is a kinematic pattern shared with post-metamorphic frogs when they jump. This suggests that semiterrestrial tadpoles use essentially the same neural programme as that used by frogs to jump.
Distributed Cox proportional hazards regression using summary-level information
Authors: Li Dongdong , Lu Wenbin , Shu Di , Toh Sengwee , Wang Rui
Published: February 2022

Individual-level data sharing across multiple sites can be infeasible due to privacy and logistical concerns. This article proposes a general distributed methodology to fit Cox proportional hazards models without sharing individual-level data in multi-site studies. We make inferences on the log hazard ratios based on an approximated partial likelihood score function that uses only summary-level statistics. This approach can be applied to both stratified and unstratified models, accommodate both discrete and continuous exposure variables, and permit the adjustment of multiple covariates. In particular, the fitting of stratified Cox models can be carried out with only one file transfer of summary-level information. We derive the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators and compare the proposed estimators with the maximum partial likelihood estimators using pooled individual-level data and meta-analysis methods through simulation studies. We apply the proposed method to a real-world data set to examine the effect of sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on the time to first postoperative readmission.
Shame and Pride among Social Workers in Israel: A Concept Map
Authors: Savaya Rivka
Published: February 2022

The research on shame and pride among social workers is in its infancy. Given the potential consequences of these emotions on social workers and social work practice, this study had two main aims: (i) to identify practice situations in which social workers in Israel felt shame and pride and (ii) to classify and map these situations into conceptual domains. A concept mapping approach was used to achieve these aims. Eighty social workers recruited via social networks and snowballing participated in the statement generation of experiences of shame and pride in their daily practice. The sample was diverse in terms of seniority, role (managerial/frontline), populations served and agencies. The process yielded ten clusters, six of them representing sources of shame and four sources of pride. Based on the statements comprising the clusters, it can be argued that the ability of social workers to advance change can serve as an organising concept for comparing shame and pride. Not being able to promote desired change induces shame, while promoting such change fosters pride. These outcomes can be explained by self-discrepancy theory. The article discusses the implications of the study's results for theory, practice and research.
Structural and functional brain alterations in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Klaus Benita , Müller Patrick , van Wickeren Nora , Dordevic Milos , Schmicker Marlen , Zdunczyk Yael , Brigadski Tanja , Leßmann Volkmar , Vielhaber Stefan , Schreiber Stefanie , Müller Notger G.
Published: February 2022

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease affecting neuromuscular transmission and causing skeletal muscle weakness. Additionally, systemic inflammation, cognitive deficits and autonomic dysfunction have been described. However, little is known about myasthenia gravis-related reorganization of the brain. In this study, we thus investigated the structural and functional brain changes in myasthenia gravis patients. Eleven myasthenia gravis patients (age: 70.64 ± 9.27; 11 males) were compared to age-, sex- and education-matched healthy controls (age: 70.18 ± 8.98; 11 males). Most of the patients (n = 10, 0.91%) received cholinesterase inhibitors. Structural brain changes were determined by applying voxel-based morphometry using high-resolution T1-weighted sequences. Functional brain changes were assessed with a neuropsychological test battery (including attention, memory and executive functions), a spatial orientation task and brain-derived neurotrophic factor blood levels. Myasthenia gravis patients showed significant grey matter volume reductions in the cingulate gyrus, in the inferior parietal lobe and in the fusiform gyrus. Furthermore, myasthenia gravis patients showed significantly lower performance in executive functions, working memory (Spatial Span, P = 0.034, d = 1.466), verbal episodic memory (P = 0.003, d = 1.468) and somatosensory-related spatial orientation (Triangle Completion Test, P = 0.003, d = 1.200). Additionally, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were significantly higher in myasthenia gravis patients (P = 0.001, d = 2.040). Our results indicate that myasthenia gravis is associated with structural and functional brain alterations. Especially the grey matter volume changes in the cingulate gyrus and the inferior parietal lobe could be associated with cognitive deficits in memory and executive functions. Furthermore, deficits in somatosensory-related spatial orientation could be associated with the lower volumes in the inferior parietal lobe. Future research is needed to replicate these findings independently in a larger sample and to investigate the underlying mechanisms in more detail.
An amyloid beta vaccine that safely drives immunity to a key pathological species in Alzheimer’s disease: pyroglutamate amyloid beta
Authors: Vukicevic M. , Fiorini E. , Siegert S. , Carpintero R. , Rincon-Restrepo M. , Lopez-Deber P. , Piot N. , Ayer M. , Rentero I. , Babolin C. , Bravo-Veyrat S. , Giriens V. , Morici C. , Beuzelin M. , Gesbert A. , Rivot S. , Depretti S. , Donati P. , Streffer J. , Pfeifer A. , Kosco-Vilbois M. H.
Published: February 2022

Pyroglutamate amyloid beta3–42 (pGlu-Abeta3–42), a highly amyloidogenic and neurotoxic form of Abeta, is N-terminally truncated to form a pyroglutamate and has recently been proposed as a key target for immunotherapy. Optimized ACI-24, a vaccine in development for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, focuses the antibody response on the first 15 N-terminal amino acids of Abeta (Abeta1–15). Importantly, clinical data with an initial version of ACI-24 incorporating Abeta1–15, established the vaccine’s safety and tolerability with evidence of immunogenicity. To explore optimized ACI-24’s capacity to generate antibodies to pGlu-Abeta3–42, pre-clinical studies were carried out. Vaccinating mice and non-human primates demonstrated that optimized ACI-24 was well-tolerated and induced an antibody response against Abeta1–42 as expected, as well as high titres of IgG reactive with pyroGlu-Abeta. Epitope mapping of the polyclonal response confirmed these findings revealing broad coverage of epitopes particularly for Abeta peptides mimicking where cleavage occurs to form pGlu-Abeta3–42. These data are in striking contrast to results obtained with other clinically tested Abeta targeting vaccines which generated restricted and limited antibody diversity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that optimized ACI-24 vaccination represents a breakthrough to provide a safe immune response with a broader Abeta sequence recognition compared to previously tested vaccines, creating binders to pathogenic forms of Abeta important in pathogenesis including pGlu-Abeta3–42.
ALK-Fusion Transcripts Can Be Detected in Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) from Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines and Patient Plasma: Toward EV-Based Noninvasive Testing
Authors: Sánchez-Herrero Estela , Campos-Silva Carmen , Cáceres-Martell Yaiza , Robado de Lope Lucía , Sanz-Moreno Sandra , Serna-Blasco Roberto , Rodríguez-Festa Alejandro , Ares Trotta Dunixe , Martín-Acosta Paloma , Patiño Cristina , Coronado María José , Beneitez Alexandra , Jara Ricardo , Lago-Baameiro Nerea , Camino Tamara , Cruz-Bermúdez Alberto , Pardo María , González-Rumayor Víctor , Valés-Gómez Mar , Provencio Mariano , Romero Atocha
Published: February 2022

Background

ALK rearrangements are present in 5% of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors and identify patients who can benefit from ALK inhibitors. ALK fusions testing using liquid biopsies, although challenging, can expand the therapeutic options for ALK-positive NSCLC patients considerably. RNA inside extracellular vesicles (EVs) is protected from RNases and other environmental factors, constituting a promising source for noninvasive fusion transcript detection.

Methods

EVs from H3122 and H2228 cell lines, harboring EML4-ALK variant 1 (E13; A20) and variant 3 (E6a/b; A20), respectively, were successfully isolated by sequential centrifugation of cell culture supernatants. EVs were also isolated from plasma samples of 16 ALK-positive NSCLC patients collected before treatment initiation.

Results

Purified EVs from cell cultures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and flow cytometry. Western blot and confocal microscopy confirmed the expression of EV-specific markers as well as the expression of EML4-ALK-fusion proteins in EV fractions from H3122 and H2228 cell lines. In addition, RNA from EV fractions derived from cell culture was analyzed by digital PCR (dPCR) and ALK-fusion transcripts were clearly detected. Similarly, plasma-derived EVs were characterized by NTA, flow cytometry, and the ExoView platform, the last showing that EV-specific markers captured EV populations containing ALK-fusion protein. Finally, ALK fusions were identified in 50% (8/16) of plasma EV-enriched fractions by dPCR, confirming the presence of fusion transcripts in EV fractions.

Conclusions

ALK-fusion transcripts can be detected in EV-enriched fractions. These results set the stage for the development of EV-based noninvasive ALK testing.
An Examination of the Context-Linked Influences on the Achievement Outcomes of African American Male High School Seniors
Authors: Clayton M Annette , Teasley Martell L
Published: February 2022

Although students must successfully navigate transition years in school in pursuit of sustained academic success, not enough is known about the context-linked experiences of African American male adolescents as they seek to traverse their senior year, one of the most important pivotal points in time for all students. This study examined the relationship between perceptions of support from significant others, exposure to contextual risks, and two achievement outcomes in a representative sample of 139 African American male high school seniors. At this critical juncture in their education career, teacher support was predictive of higher grade point average (GPA), and a specific type of family support was associated with lower GPA. Qualitative analysis revealed similarities and differences in types of support reported to have had an impact on the participants’ success in school. Results from the study confirm one hypothesis that exposure to contextual risks predicts poorer achievement outcomes. Findings affirm the need for tailored interventions that target and strengthen the systems of support within the social environment of academically at-risk African American male students.
The Smoot-Hawley Trade War
Authors: Mitchener Kris James , O'Rourke Kevin Hjortshøj , Wandschneider Kirsten
Published: February 2022

We document the outbreak of a trade war after the United States adopted the Smoot-Hawley tariff in June 1930. U.S. trade partners initially protested, with many eventually choosing to retaliate with tariffs. Using a new quarterly dataset on bilateral trade for ninety-nine countries, we show that U.S. exports to retaliators fell by 28%–32%. Using a second new dataset on U.S. exports at the product level, we find that the most important U.S. exports to retaliating markets were particularly affected, suggesting a possible mechanism whereby the United States was targeted despite most-favoured-nation obligations. The retaliators’ welfare gains from trade fell by 8%–16%.
Oncological outcome of segmentectomy for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer with invasive characteristics: a multicentre study
Authors: Kagimoto Atsushi , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Shimada Yoshihisa , Mimae Takahiro , Miyata Yoshihiro , Ito Hiroyuki , Nakayama Haruhiko , Ikeda Norihiko , Okada Morihito
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

Segmentectomy can provide oncologically acceptable results for small-sized non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, in cases of NSCLC with pathological invasive characteristics such as lymphatic invasion (LY), vascular invasion (V), pleural invasion (PL) and/or lymph node metastasis, the feasibility of segmentectomy is not known.

METHODS

The patients included in the study (i) underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy for NSCLC with invasive characteristics such as LY, V, PL or pathological lymph node metastasis; (ii) presented with a node-negative, solid component-predominant tumour (consolidation tumour ratio >50%) on preoperative computed tomography; (iii) had a whole-tumour size of 2 cm or less; and (iv) presented between January 2010 and December 2019 to one of the 3 institutions. Cumulative incidences of recurrence (CIRs) after segmentectomy and lobectomy were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 321 patients were included. Segmentectomy and lobectomy were performed in 80 (24.9%) and 241 (75.1%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in CIR between segmentectomy (5-year CIR rate, 17.2%) and lobectomy patients (5-year CIR rate, 27.8%, P = 0.135). In the propensity score-matched cohort, there was no significant difference in CIR between segmentectomy (5-year CIR rate, 19.1%) and lobectomy patients (5-year CIR rate, 19.2%; P = 0.650). In the multivariable analysis using inverse probability of treatment weighting and surgical method, segmentectomy was not a significant predictor of worse CIR (P = 0.920).

CONCLUSIONS

Segmentectomy is feasible for clinically early-stage NSCLC irrespective of the presence of LY, V, PL or lymph node metastasis.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction: lack of prognostic predictive power of ventilatory variables
Authors: Corrà Ugo , Giordano Andrea , Gambarin Fabiana Isabella , Gnemmi Marco , Marcassa Claudio , Pistono Massimo
Published: February 2022

Aims

The indication for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in predictive evaluation has been extended beyond chronic heart failure (HF) patients to include asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD) patients, but its prognostic value is still unclear. We aimed to verify if CPET can predict outcome in ALVD and to identify which of the CPET parameters predictive in chronic HF are also effective in ALVD patients.

Methods and results

We screened ALVD (LVEF ≤ 40% without HF symptoms) and HF patients for cardiac death, and compared peak oxygen consumption (pVO2), exertional oscillatory ventilation (EOV), and ventilatory response (VE/VCO2 slope) between survivors and non-survivors. Asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction and HF patients formed the study population (585 ALVD and 695 HF). Both groups had similar male prevalence (98% vs. 98%; P = 0.345) but ALVD patients were younger (52 ± 10 vs. 60 ± 10 years, P = 0.004). Cardiac death was observed in 142 patients (5% of ALVD, 15% of HF). Exertional oscillatory ventilation occurred in 4% of ALVD, whereas VE/VCO2 slope was significantly lower (30 ± 7 vs. 35 ± 4) and pVO2 higher (16 ± 4 vs. 14 ± 3 mL/kg/min) than in chronic HF patients. Asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction non-survivors had a significantly greater EOV incidence (13% vs. 3%, P = 0.003), lower pVO2 (13 ± 4 vs. 16 ± 3 mL/kg/min P = 0.000) and higher VE/VCO2 slope (33 ± 7 vs. 31 ± 5, P = 0.032). No ventilatory parameter had prognostic value at multivariable analysis in ALVD patients.

Conclusions

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing can predict events in ALVD patients, but the risk stratification relies on different parameters than in HF patients. Further analysis in a multi-centre trial is required to better quantify the predictive impact of CPET risk parameters in ALVD patients.
The psychosocial impact of quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Israel
Authors: HaGani Neta , Eilon Yael , Zeevi Sagit , Vaknin Liat , Baruch Hagar
Published: February 2022

Quarantine is an essential practice during pandemics but it could have negative effects. There are currently no studies on the experiences of health care workers (HCWs) in quarantine during the coronavirus disease pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial effects of quarantine on tertiary hospital HCWs who were exposed to coronavirus. A cross-sectional study on the psychological wellbeing, needs and resources of HCWs during quarantine was conducted using an online survey in a large tertiary hospital. In total, 148 quarantined HCWs participated in this study. Overall self-reported psychological wellbeing scores were high (5.22 ± 1.11). Physicians had higher psychological wellbeing compared to nurses (5.58 ± 1.05 and 4.83 ± 1.21, respectively). Being a nurse, separation from family during quarantine, experiencing public shaming and longer quarantine period were associated with lower psychological wellbeing and higher needs. Working from home and confidence in safety at work was associated with fewer needs during quarantine. Nurses might be a risk group for the negative influences of quarantine. The ability to remain connected to work by working from home could have a protective effect on HCWs’ psychological wellbeing. More efforts should be implemented in order to support HCWs in quarantine and after their return to work.
Genome-wide interaction analysis identified low-frequency variants with sex disparity in lung cancer risk
Authors: Li Yafang , Xiao Xiangjun , Li Jianrong , Byun Jinyoung , Cheng Chao , Bossé Yohan , McKay James , Albanes Demetrios , Lam Stephen , Tardon Adonina , Chen Chu , Bojesen Stig E , Landi Maria T , Johansson Mattias , Risch Angela , Bickeböller Heike , Wichmann H-Erich , Christiani David C , Rennert Gad , Arnold Susanne , Goodman Gary , Field John K , Davies Michael P A , Shete Sanjay S , Le Marchand Loic , Melander Olle , Brunnström Hans , Liu Geoffrey , Hung Rayjean J , Andrew Angeline S , Kiemeney Lambertus A , Shen Hongbing , Sun Ryan , Zienolddiny Shan , Grankvist Kjell , Johansson Mikael , Caporaso Neil , Teare Dawn M , Hong Yun-Chul , Lazarus Philip , Schabath Matthew B , Aldrich Melinda C , Schwartz Ann G , Gorlov Ivan , Purrington Kristen , Yang Ping , Liu Yanhong , Han Younghun , Bailey-Wilson Joan E , Pinney Susan M , Mandal Diptasri , Willey James C , Gaba Colette , Brennan Paul , Amos Christopher I ,   INTEGRAL-ILCCO lung cancer consortium
Published: February 2022

Differences by sex in lung cancer incidence and mortality have been reported which cannot be fully explained by sex differences in smoking behavior, implying existence of genetic and molecular basis for sex disparity in lung cancer development. However, the information about sex dimorphism in lung cancer risk is quite limited despite the great success in lung cancer association studies. By adopting a stringent two-stage analysis strategy, we performed a genome-wide gene–sex interaction analysis using genotypes from a lung cancer cohort including ~ 47 000 individuals with European ancestry. Three low-frequency variants (minor allele frequency < 0.05), rs17662871 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.71, P = 4.29×10−8); rs79942605 (OR = 2.17, P = 2.81×10−8) and rs208908 (OR = 0.70, P = 4.54×10−8) were identified with different risk effect of lung cancer between men and women. Further expression quantitative trait loci and functional annotation analysis suggested rs208908 affects lung cancer risk through differential regulation of Coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor gene expression in lung tissues between men and women. Our study is one of the first studies to provide novel insights about the genetic and molecular basis for sex disparity in lung cancer development.
Carrying capacity of Saccharina latissima cultivation in a Dutch coastal bay: a modelling assessment
Authors: Jiang Long , Blommaert Lander , Jansen Henrice M , Broch Ole Jacob , Timmermans Klaas R , Soetaert Karline
Published: February 2022

Kelp cultivation receives increasing interest for its high-value products and ecological services, especially in Europe and North America. Before industrial kelp farming in marine ecosystems continue to scale up, evaluation of the site-wide production relative to ecological carrying capacity (CC) of the identified system is essential. For this purpose, a mechanistic kelp model was developed and applied for hypothetical numerical experiments of expanding the farming area in a Dutch coastal bay (the Eastern Scheldt), where cultivation of Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) is emerging. The kelp model was implemented within a three-dimensional hydrodynamic–biogeochemical model to account for the environmental interactions. The model captured the seasonal growth dynamics of S. latissima, as well as its carbon and nitrogen contents measured at the Eastern Scheldt pilot sites. The model results suggest that expanding the kelp farming area to ∼1–30% of the bay (representing ∼3.4–75 kt harvest dry weight in the 350-km2 bay) had the potential to weaken the spring bloom, and thereby affected the coexisting shellfish culture in the bay. Competition between S. latissima and phytoplankton mostly occurred in late spring for nutrients (dissolved inorganic nitrogen). The ecological CC should be weighed according to these negative impacts. However, the production CC was not reached even when farming ∼30% of the Eastern Scheldt, i.e. harvesting totally 75 kt dry mass, given that the simulated overall S. latissima production kept increasing with the farming activity. Our modelling approach can be applied to other systems for S. latissima cultivation and assist in assessing CC and environmental impacts.
Provision of externally accredited immunisation certification within an Australian Professional Pharmacy University programme: a survey of graduates on benefits and outcomes
Authors: Bernaitis Nijole , Grant Gary , Hall Susan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

In Australia, pharmacists may become authorised immunisers by obtaining additional credentialling from certified providers. Some Australian Universities are providing externally accredited immunisation training to final year pharmacy students. Student satisfaction has been demonstrated, but graduate views on benefits and outcomes are yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate graduates’ perceptions of providing an accredited immunisation certification during their University pharmacy programme.

Methods

A survey was sent to Griffith University pharmacy graduates of 2016–2020 inclusive. Respondents who completed the accredited immunisation training at University were asked to rank their agreement with five statements on a five-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree). Further information, including free-text responses, was collected on current area of practice and involvement in vaccinations.

Key findings

Of the 46 graduates who completed the survey, 42 (91.3%) completed the accredited immunisation training at University. Statements that the accredited immunisation training was considered a valuable additional offering to the pharmacy programme and the time commitment was worthwhile resulted in a mean agreement of 4.74 ± 0.73 and 4.64 ± 0.76, respectively. The majority of respondents (n = 27, 58.7%) were providing immunisations on a daily, weekly or monthly basis with over half reporting becoming more actively involved in immunisation due to COVID-19.

Conclusions

Pharmacy graduates valued completing an externally accredited immunisation training within their University programme and reported benefits to their employability and current roles. Incorporating externally accredited training into the curriculum can ensure graduates are prepared and skilled in continually expanding roles for pharmacists.
Synergistic effect of the novel β-lactamase inhibitor BLI-489 combined with imipenem or meropenem against diverse carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Shi Shiyi , Zhang Xiaodong , Yao Zhuocheng , Xu Mengxin , Zhou Beibei , Liu Qi , Zhang Ying , Zhou Cui , Zhou Tieli , Ye Jianzhong
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To investigate the antibacterial activity of the novel β-lactamase inhibitor BLI-489 combined with imipenem or meropenem against diverse carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

Twenty-five CRE strains, including Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 10), Escherichia coli (n = 6) and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 9), were used in chequerboard assays to evaluate the synergistic effect of BLI-489 combined with imipenem or meropenem. A cytotoxicity test was used to detect the toxicity of BLI-489 monotherapy or combination therapy. Three isolates producing class A, B and D carbapenemases, respectively, were selected to further confirm the synergistic effect in vitro by time–kill assays and in vivo by the Galleria mellonella infection model.

Results

Chequerboard assays demonstrated that BLI-489 combined with imipenem had a synergistic effect on 7/10, 7/9 and 5/6 of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae and E. coli, respectively, while BLI-489 and meropenem had a synergistic effect on 8/10, 9/9 and 6/6 of the isolates, respectively. No cytotoxicity was observed when BLI-489 was used alone or in combination with imipenem or meropenem at the test concentrations. In the time–kill assays, combination therapy had a synergistic effect on DC5114 carrying blaKPC-2, FK8401 carrying blaNDM-5 and CG996 carrying blaOXA-23. The synergistic effect in vivo was confirmed by the G. mellonella infection model.

Conclusions

The novel β-lactamase inhibitor BLI-489 possesses a synergistic effect against diverse carbapenemase-producing CRE combined with imipenem or meropenem.
Flomoxef and fosfomycin in combination for the treatment of neonatal sepsis in the setting of highly prevalent antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Darlow Christopher A. , Farrington Nicola , Johnson Adam , McEntee Laura , Unsworth Jennifer , Jimenez-Valverde Ana , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi , Da Costa Renata M A , Ellis Sally , Franceschi François , Sharland Mike , Neely Michael , Piddock Laura J. V. , Das Shampa , Hope William
Published: February 2022

Background

Neonatal sepsis is a serious bacterial infection of neonates, globally killing up to 680 000 babies annually. It is frequently complicated by antimicrobial resistance, particularly in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings with widespread resistance to the WHO’s recommended empirical regimen of ampicillin and gentamicin.

Objectives

We assessed the utility of flomoxef and fosfomycin as a potential alternative empirical regimen for neonatal sepsis in these settings.

Methods

We studied the combination in a 16-arm dose-ranged hollow-fibre infection model (HFIM) experiment and chequerboard assays. We further assessed the combination using clinically relevant regimens in the HFIM with six Enterobacterales strains with a range of flomoxef/fosfomycin MICs.

Results

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of the HFIM experimental output, along with data from chequerboard assays, indicated synergy of this regimen in terms of bacterial killing and prevention of emergence of fosfomycin resistance. Flomoxef monotherapy was sufficient to kill 3/3 strains with flomoxef MICs ≤0.5 mg/L to sterility. Three of three strains with flomoxef MICs ≥8 mg/L were not killed by fosfomycin or flomoxef monotherapy; 2/3 of these were killed with the combination of the two agents.

Conclusions

These data suggest that flomoxef/fosfomycin could be an efficacious and synergistic regimen for the empirical treatment of neonatal sepsis in LMIC settings with prevalent antimicrobial resistance. Our HFIM results warrant further assessment of the flomoxef/fosfomycin combination in clinical trials.
The Legality of Unilateral Extra-territorial Sanctions under International Law
Authors: Schmidt Julia
Published: February 2022

Following its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the USA re-imposed economic and financial sanctions against Iran. Its current unilateral sanctions regime against the country contains extra-territorial sanctions which prohibit non-US nationals and non-US companies from trading with and investing in Iran. Foreign legal and natural persons who do not comply with the US extra-territorial legislation are faced with a variety of limitations, including access restrictions, fines and penalties. Thereby they not only put pressure on operators worldwide but also interfere with the sovereign foreign policy choices of states and international organisations such as the European Union (EU) who support legitimate trade with Iran. Equally problematic are the extra-territorial sanctions contained in the US sanctions regime against Cuba. The article examines the lawfulness of unilateral extra-territorial sanctions as a form of targeted sanction under international law in the relationship between the sanctioning state and other sovereign international actors affected by the extra-territorial legislation in light of the customary law on jurisdiction, the law on sanctions as well as the principle of non-intervention. The relationship between the US and the EU and its Member States will be taken as an example. It will be shown that unilateral extra-territorial sanctions may amount to an abuse of rights in case they are functionally connected to primary sanctions that violate jus cogens norms or that undermine the UN Charter system, irrespective of the strength of the exercised economic pressure.
Comparing little brown and big brown bat isotopic niches over the past century in an agriculturally dominated landscape
Authors: Wray Amy K , Peery M Zachariah
Published: February 2022

Agricultural intensification has caused population declines and reduced species diversity in both arthropods and their predators. Despite conservation and habitat management implications, the effects of land-use change on the trophic relationships between nocturnal arthropod predators and their prey have seldom been described. To assess how arthropodivorous bats may have shifted their diets in response to land-use changes, we compared bulk δ 13C and δ 15N values from little brown and big brown bat museum specimens and carcasses collected in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States from 1898 to 2019. As an exploratory analysis, we also investigated relationships between isotopic values and climate or landcover variables to quantify potential correlations with changes in arthropodivorous bat foraging patterns over time. Overall, we found that isotopic niche overlap of little brown and big brown bats increased from 24% to 45% between historical and contemporary time periods. Our results indicate that the isotopic niches of little brown bats have been largely conserved, whereas the isotopic niches of big brown bats are more flexible and became more similar to little brown bats over time. Further analyses showed that stable isotope values from arthropodivorous bat tissues were also correlated with certain landcover variables such as the prevalence of wetland, forest, and grassland habitats, but not with the prevalence of agricultural land on a local scale. These findings suggest that the foraging patterns of some aerial arthropodivores have shifted in response to the loss of habitat diversity and corresponding changes in prey resources.
Pharmacological investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract from Mitracarpus frigidus (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Lemos Ari Sérgio de O , Campos Lara M , Souza Thalita de F , Paula Priscila de L , Granato Juliana da T , da Silva João Victor G , Aragão Danielle M O , Rocha Vinicius N , Coimbra Elaine S , Fabri Rodrigo L
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of aqueous extract from Mitracarpus frigidus aerial parts (MFAq) in the treatment of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as to characterize its chemical constituents.

Methods

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined, and phytoconstituents were detected by ultra-fast liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-QTOF-MS). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, TAC and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity, cell viability and cell cycle were performed in J774A.1 cell line. In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by two ear oedema assays (croton oil and phenol).

Key findings

Chlorogenic acid, clarinoside, quercetin-hexosylpentoside, rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-rhamnosylhexoside, quercetin-pentosylrhamnosylhexoside, harounoside, 2-azaanthraquinone and sucrose were identified by UFLC-QTOF-MS. MFAq showed antioxidant activity, which was positively correlated to the content of phenolic compounds. MFAq significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide, did not decrease viability in MTT assay (all concentrations) and showed no changes in membrane permeability and cell cycle of J774A.1 cell line. Furthermore, MFAq showed a reduction in ear oedema in all tested doses.

Conclusion

MFAq was effective in some antioxidant and inflammatory parameters, in the experimental conditions that were used in the study. This is the first report of chemical composition and bioactivities from this extract.
Ancient Literary Culture and Meals in the Greco-Roman World: The Role of Reading During Ancient Symposia and its Relevance for the New Testament
Authors: Heilmann Jan
Published: February 2022

Was reading literary texts common during ancient symposia? What is the relationship between reading and other forms of dinner entertainment? Was the meal the common place for the so-called recitatio, the reading of unpublished literary works by its authors? Can we assume that biblical texts were read during early Christian meals? The paper addresses these questions by giving an overview of the relevant Greco-Roman sources which refer to reading practices during ancient meals. It will be shown that the symposium was not the primary social setting for reading longer literary texts. On the contrary, one can detect a convention to read only short portions of literary texts, serving as a stimulus for table talk. These findings challenge the assumptions of so-called Biblical Performance Criticism on the one hand, and on the other have significant impact for the question of the primary setting of reading longer New Testament texts, as well as for the development of the New Testament Canon.
Singapore’s Adult Guardianship Law and the Role of the Family in Medical Decision-Making
Authors: Tang Hang Wu
Published: February 2022

Singapore’s adult guardianship law was derived from the Mental Capacity Act in England and Wales. This article explores the process of how Singapore’s Mental Capacity Act was adapted and fine-tuned to operate in a jurisdiction with different cultural conditions, religions, familial norms, and social institutions. The first part of the article demonstrates that despite its apparent similarities, the policymakers in Singapore have omitted crucial portions of the Mental Capacity Act which deal with the human rights of persons lacking capacity. This omission is unsurprising considering Singapore’s history of advancing an Asian values approach to human rights. In the second part, it will be demonstrated that Singapore’s Mental Capacity Act has been interpreted by some healthcare professionals through the lens of relational autonomy in certain circumstances to accommodate a family-centric mode of decision-making. The appeal to relational autonomy may be explained on the centrality of the family in the lived reality of most persons in Singapore. In this regard, this article argues that a formal protocol should be drafted to guide healthcare professionals in navigating the tricky minefield of furthering a person’s autonomy while recognizing the centrality of the family in certain contexts.