bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of pinocembrin in a sheep model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Derseh Habtamu B. , Goodger Jason Q. D. , Scheerlinck Jean-Pierre Y. , Samuel Chrishan S. , Woodrow Ian E. , Palombo Enzo A. , Cumming Alistair , Snibson Ken
Published: December 2021

The primary flavonoid, pinocembrin, is thought to have a variety of medical uses which relate to its reported anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties. Some studies have reported that this flavonoid has anti-fibrotic activities. In this study, we investigated whether pinocembrin would impede fibrosis, dampen inflammation and improve lung function in a large animal model of pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrosis was induced in two localized lung segments in each of the 10 sheep participating in the study. This was achieved via two infusions of bleomycin delivered bronchoscopically at a two-week interval. Another lung segment in the same sheep was left untreated, and was used as a healthy control. The animals were kept for a little over 5 weeks after the final infusion of bleomycin. Pinocembrin, isolated from Eucalyptus leaves, was administered to one of the two bleomycin damaged lung segments at a dose of 7 mg. This dose was given once-weekly over 4-weeks, starting one week after the final bleomycin infusion. Lung compliance (as a measure of stiffness) was significantly improved after four weekly administrations of pinocembrin to bleomycin-damaged lung segments. There were significantly lower numbers of neutrophils and inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage of bleomycin-infused lung segments that were treated with pinocembrin. Compared to bleomycin damaged lung segments without drug treatment, pinocembrin administration was associated with significantly lower numbers of immuno-positive CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the lung parenchyma. Histopathology scoring data showed that pinocembrin treatment was associated with significant improvement in inflammation and overall pathology scores. Hydroxy proline analysis showed that the administration of pinocembrin did not reduce the increased collagen content that was induced by bleomycin in this model. Analyses of Masson’s Trichrome stained sections showed that pinocembrin treatment significantly reduced the connective tissue content in lung segments exposed to bleomycin when compared to bleomycin-infused lungs that did not receive pinocembrin. The striking anti-inflammatory and modest anti-fibrotic remodelling effects of pinocembrin administration were likely linked to the compound’s ability to improve lung pathology and functional compliance in this animal model of pulmonary fibrosis.
Common Mental Disorders and Economic Uncertainty: Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S.
Authors: Tham Wing Wah , Sojli Elvira , Bryant Richard , McAleer Michael
Published: December 2021

Mental health disorders represent an enormous cost to society, are related to economic outcomes, and have increased markedly since the COVID-19 outbreak. Economic activity contracted dramatically on a global scale in 2020, representing the worst crisis since the Great Depression. This study used the COVID Impact Survey to provide insights on the interactions of mental illness and economic uncertainty during COVID-19. We used a probability-based panel survey, COVID Impact Survey, conducted in the U.S. over three waves in the period April-June 2020. The survey covered individual information on employment, economic and financial uncertainty, mental and physical health, as well as other demographic information. The prevalence of moderate mental distress was measured using a Psychological Distress Scale, a 5-item scale that is scored on a 4-point scale (total range: 0–15). The mental distress effect of employment, economic, and financial uncertainty, was assessed in a logit regression analysis conditioning for demographic and health information. It is found that employment, health coverage, social security, and food provision uncertainty are additional stressors for mental health. These economic factors work in addition to demographic effects, where groups who display increased risk for psychological distress include: women, Hispanics, and those in poor physical health. A decrease in employment and increases in economic uncertainty are associated with a doubling of common mental disorders. The population-representative survey evidence presented strongly suggests that economic policies which support employment (e.g., job keeping, job search support, stimulus spending) provide not only economic security but also constitute a major health intervention. Moving forward, the economic uncertainty effect ought to be reflected in community level intervention and prevention efforts, which should include strengthening economic support to reduce financial and economic strain.
Trend in blood lead levels in Taiwanese adults 2005–2017
Authors: Fang Chun-Wan , Ning Hsiao-Chen , Huang Ya-Ching , Chiang Yu-Shao , Chuang Chun-Wei , Wang I-Kuan , Fan Nai-Chia , Weng Cheng-Hao , Huang Wen-Hung , Hsu Ching-Wei , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: December 2021

This study examined the trend of blood lead levels (BLLs) in Taiwanese adults and analyzed the variations in the BLL between Linkou (northern) and Kaohsiung (southern) hospital branches. Between 2005 and 2017, 3,804 adult participants received blood lead tests at the Linkou (n = 2,674) and Kaohsiung (n = 1,130) branches of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The geometric mean of BLL was 2.77 μg/dL. The adult participants from the Kaohsiung branch were not only age older (49.8±14.1 versus 39.4±14.2 years; P<0.001) and male predominant (65.8 versus 41.7%; P<0.001) but also showed a higher BLL (4.45±3.93 versus 2.82±2.42 μg/dL; P<0.001) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (87.62±25.94 versus 93.67±23.88; P<0.001) than those from the Linkou branch. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the Kaohsiung branch [odds ratio (OR): 7.143; 95% confident interval (CI): 5.682–8.929; P<0.001], older age (OR: 1.008; 95% CI: 1.000–1.015; P = 0.043) and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 1.009; 95% CI: 1.004–1.014; P = 0.001) were significant predictors for BLL > 5 μg/dL. Therefore, this study confirmed a continuous decreasing trend in the BLL in Taiwan after banning leaded petrol in 2000.
Malaria infection and anemia status in under-five children from Southern Tanzania where seasonal malaria chemoprevention is being implemented
Authors: Mwaiswelo Richard O. , Mmbando Bruno P. , Chacky Frank , Molteni Fabrizio , Mohamed Ally , Lazaro Samwel , Mkalla Sylvia F. , Samuel Bushukatale , Ngasala Billy
Published: December 2021

Background

Malaria and anemia remain major public health challenges in Tanzania. Household socioeconomic factors are known to influence these conditions. However, it is not clear how these factors influence malaria transmission and anemia in Masasi and Nanyumbu Districts. This study presents findings on malaria and anemia situation in under-five children and its influencing socioeconomic factors in Masasi and Nanyumbu Districts, surveyed as part of an ongoing seasonal malaria chemoprevention operational study.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2020. Finger-prick blood samples collected from children aged 3–59 months were used to test for malaria infection using malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT), thick smears for determination of asexual and sexual parasitemia, and thin smear for parasite speciation. Hemoglobin concentration was measured using a HemoCue spectrophotometer. A structured questionnaire was used to collect household socioeconomic information from parents/caregivers of screened children. The prevalence of malaria was the primary outcome. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression models were used appropriately.

Results

Overall mRDT-based malaria prevalence was 15.9% (373/2340), and was significantly higher in Nanyumbu (23.7% (167/705) than Masasi District (12.6% (206/1635), p<0.001. Location (Nanyumbu), no formal education, household number of people, household number of under-fives, not having a bed net, thatched roof, open/partially open eave, sand/soil floor, and low socioeconomic status were major risks for malaria infection. Some 53.9% (1196/2218) children had anemia, and the majority were in Nanyumbu (63.5% (458/705), p<0.001. Location (Nanyumbu), mRDT positive, not owning a bed net, not sleeping under bed net, open/partially open eave, thatched window, sex of the child, and age of the child were major risk factors for anemia.

Conclusion

Prevalence of malaria and anemia was high and was strongly associated with household socioeconomic factors. Improving household socioeconomic status is expected to reduce the prevalence of the conditions in the area.
Supramolecular dynamic binary complexes with pH and salt-responsive properties for use in unconventional reservoirs
Authors: Bhat Bhargavi , Liu Shuhao , Lin Yu-Ting , Sentmanat Martin L. , Kwon Joseph , Akbulut Mustafa
Published: December 2021

Hydraulic fracturing of unconventional reservoirs has seen a boom in the last century, as a means to fulfill the growing energy demand in the world. The fracturing fluid used in the process plays a substantial role in determining the results. Hence, several research and development efforts have been geared towards developing more sustainable, efficient, and improved fracturing fluids. Herein, we present a dynamic binary complex (DBC) solution, with potential to be useful in the hydraulic fracturing domain. It has a supramolecular structure formed by the self-assembly of low molecular weight viscosifiers (LMWVs) oleic acid and diethylenetriamine into an elongated entangled network under alkaline conditions. With less than 2 wt% constituents dispersed in aqueous solution, a viscous gel that exhibits high viscosities even under shear was formed. Key features include responsiveness to pH and salinity, and a zero-shear viscosity that could be tuned by a factor of ~280 by changing the pH. Furthermore, its viscous properties were more pronounced in the presence of salt. Sand settling tests revealed its potential to hold up sand particles for extended periods of time. In conclusion, this DBC solution system has potential to be utilized as a smart salt-responsive, pH-switchable hydraulic fracturing fluid.
The association between socioeconomic disadvantage and children’s working memory abilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mooney Kate E. , Prady Stephanie L. , Barker Mary M. , Pickett Kate E. , Waterman Amanda H.
Published: December 2021

Background and objective

Working memory is an essential cognitive skill for storing and processing limited amounts of information over short time periods. Researchers disagree about the extent to which socioeconomic position affects children’s working memory, yet no study has systematically synthesised the literature regarding this topic. The current review therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic position and working memory in children, regarding both the magnitude and the variability of the association.

Methods

The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO and the PRISMA checklist was followed. Embase, Psycinfo and MEDLINE were comprehensively searched via Ovid from database inception until 3rdJune 2021. Studies were screened by two reviewers at all stages. Studies were eligible if they included typically developing children aged 0–18 years old, with a quantitative association reported between any indicator of socioeconomic position and children’s working memory task performance. Studies were synthesised using two data-synthesis methods: random effects meta-analyses and a Harvest plot.

Key findings

The systematic review included 64 eligible studies with 37,737 individual children (aged 2 months to 18 years). Meta-analyses of 36 of these studies indicated that socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with significantly lower scores working memory measures; a finding that held across different working memory tasks, including those that predominantly tap into storage (d= 0.45; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.62) as well as those that require processing of information (d= 0.52; 0.31 to 0.72). A Harvest plot of 28 studies ineligible for meta-analyses further confirmed these findings. Finally, meta-regression analyses revealed that the association between socioeconomic position and working memory was not moderated by task modality, risk of bias, socioeconomic indicator, mean age in years, or the type of effect size.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic review to investigate the association between socioeconomic position and working memory in children. Socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with lower working memory ability in children, and that this association was similar across different working memory tasks. Given the strong association between working memory, learning, and academic attainment, there is a clear need to share these findings with practitioners working with children, and investigate ways to support children with difficulties in working memory.
Thermogravimetric analysis of the pyrolysis and combustion kinetics of surface dead combustibles in the Daxing’an Mountains
Authors: Shu Yang , Zhang Jinqi , Li Wei , Zhao Pengwu , Zhang Qiyue , Zhou Mei
Published: December 2021

In boreal regions, the frequency of forest fires is increasing. In this study, thermogravimetric analysis was used to analyze the pyrolysis kinetics of dead surface combustibles in different forest types within the Daxing’an Mountains, China. The results show that the combustible material load of forest types, the Larix forest (LG) is relatively high. Base on the E of kinetic parameters, the LG, and Quercus forest (QM) forest types had relatively high combustibility values and comprehensive combustibility values for 1-, 10-, and 100-h time lags. According to the obtained P values, the pyrolysis of dead surface fuels with 1-, 10-, and 100-h time lags is relatively difficult in the Larix / Betula mixed forest (L-B) and QM forest types. Therefore, mixed forests of the LG, L-B, and QM tree species can be established as fire-resistant forests to establish a fire barrier, reduce the combustibility of forest stands, and reduce the possibility of forest fires.
Time efficiency and reliability of established computed tomographic obstruction scores in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Meyer Hans-Jonas , Bailis Nikolaos , Surov Alexey
Published: December 2021

Objective

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening disease with a high mortality. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is used in clinical routine for diagnosis of PE. Many pulmonary obstruction scores were proposed to aid in stratifying clinical course of PE. The purpose of the present study was to compare common pulmonary obstruction scores in PE in regard of time efficiency and interreader agreement based upon a representative patient sample.

Methods

Overall, 50 patients with acute PE were included in this single center, retrospective analysis. Two readers scored the CT images blinded to each other and assessed the scores proposed by Mastora et al., Qanadli et al., Ghanima et al. and Kirchner et al. The required time was assessed of each reading for scoring.

Results

For reader 1, Mastora score took the longest time duration, followed by Kirchner score, Qanadli score and finally Ghanima score (every test, p<0.0001). The interreader variability was excellent for all scores with no significant differences between them. In the Spearman’s correlation analysis strong correlations were identified between the scores of Mastora, Qanadli and Kirchner, whereas Ghanima score was only moderately correlated with the other scores. There was a weak correlation between time duration and Mastora score (r = 0.35, p = 0.014). For the Ghanima score, a significant inverse correlation was found (r = -0.67, p<0.0001).

Conclusion

For the investigated obstruction scores, there are significant differences in regard of time consumption with no relevant differences in regard of interreader variability in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Mastora score requires the most time effort, whereas the score by Ghanima the least time.
Healthcare cost attributable to bronchiolitis: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Sander Beate , Finkelstein Yaron , Lu Hong , Nagamuthu Chenthila , Graves Erin , Ramsay Lauren C. , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Schuh Suzanne
Published: December 2021

Objective

To determine 1-year attributable healthcare costs of bronchiolitis.

Methods

Using a population-based matched cohort and incidence-based cost analysis approach, we identified infants <12 months old diagnosed in an emergency department (ED) or hospitalized with bronchiolitis between April 1, 2003 and March 31, 2014. We propensity-score matched infants with and without bronchiolitis on sex, age, income quintile, rurality, co-morbidities, gestational weeks, small-for-gestational-age status and pre-index healthcare cost deciles. We calculated mean attributable 1-year costs using a generalized estimating equation model and stratified costs by age, sex, income quintile, rurality, co-morbidities and prematurity.

Results

We identified 58,375 infants with bronchiolitis (mean age 154±95 days, 61.3% males, 4.2% with comorbidities). Total 1-year mean bronchiolitis-attributable costs were $4,313 per patient (95%CI: $4,148–4,477), with $2,847 (95%CI: $2,712–2,982) spent on hospitalizations, $610 (95%CI: $594–627) on physician services, $562 (95%CI: $556–567)] on ED visits, $259 (95%CI: $222–297) on other healthcare costs and $35 ($27–42) on drugs. Attributable bronchiolitis costs were $2,765 (95%CI: $2735–2,794) vs $111 (95%CI: $102–121) in the initial 10 days post index date, $4,695 (95%CI: $4,589–4,800) vs $910 (95%CI: $847–973) in the initial 180 days and $1,158 (95%CI: $1,104–1213) vs $639 (95%CI: $599–679) during days 181–360.

Mean 1-year bronchiolitis costs were higher in infants <3 months old [$5,536 (95%CI: $5,216–5,856)], those with co-morbidities [$17,530 (95%CI: $14,683–20,377)] and with low birthweight [$5,509 (95%CI: $4,927–6,091)].

Conclusions

Compared to no bronchiolitis, bronchiolitis incurs five-time and two-time higher healthcare costs within the initial and subsequent six-months, respectively. Most expenses occur in the initial 10 days and relate to hospitalization.
Method validation for determination of nine pesticides in okra and their mitigation using different solutions
Authors: Srivastava Anjana , Singh Gajan Pal , Srivastava Prakash Chandra
Published: December 2021

In this paper we optimized QuEChERS method for extraction of nine pesticides viz. acephate, acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, profenofos (insecticides), carbendazim and tebuconazole (fungicides) and performed their quantitative estimation in okra crop by HPLC-UV and GC-ECD. Decontamination treatments namely washing with running tap water, soaking in lukewarm water (50–60°C), soaking in solutions of 1% NaCl, 5% NaHCO3, 2% CH3COOH, 0.01% KMnO4 and three commercial formulations were also done for ten minutes every time, to calculate the extent of pesticide removal from okra. Results revealed that the proposed extraction method was efficient, inexpensive, accurate, rapid and precise and can suitably be used for the simultaneous quantitative determination of the above pesticides. The standard curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.05–5μg g-1 with R2 close to one (0.999). Soaking of okra in 2% acetic acid and then washing proved as the best decontamination treatments for all the pesticides. It showed the highest relative decontaminating capacity in comparison to the other solutions tested. Since the pesticide residues are usually present in higher amount in vegetables being consumed, it is of utmost importance to keep an eye over the use of pesticides to protect the crops.
International trade and finance exploration using network model of computer trade platform
Authors: Zhang Yi , Yuan Yi
Published: December 2021

International trade becomes increasingly frequent with the deepening of economic globalization. In order to ensure the stable and rapid development of international trade and finance, it is particularly crucial to predict the sales trend of foreign trade goods in advance through the network model of computer trade platform. To optimize the accuracy of sales forecasts for foreign trade goods, under the background of "Internet plus foreign trade", the controllable relevance big data mining of foreign trade goods sales, personalized prediction mechanism, intelligent prediction algorithm, improved distributed quantitative and centralized qualitative calculation are taken as the premise to design dynamic prediction model on export sales based on controllable relevance big data of cross border e-commerce (DPMES). Moreover, after the related experiments and comparative discussions, the forecast error ratios from the first quarter to the fourth quarter are 2.3%, 2.1%, 2.4% and 2.4% respectively, which are also within the acceptable range. The experimental results show that the design combines the advantages of openness and extensibility of Internet plus with dynamic prediction of big data, and achieves the wisdom, quantitative and qualitative prediction of the volume of goods sold under the background of "Internet plus foreign trade", which is controlled by the relevant data of foreign trade. The overall performance of this design is stronger than the previous models, has better dynamic evolution and high practical significance, and is of great significance in the development of international trade and finance.
HIV incidence, viremia, and the national response in Eswatini: Two sequential population-based surveys
Authors: Nkambule Rejoice , Philip Neena M. , Reid Giles , Mnisi Zandile , Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha Harriet , Ao Tony T. , Ginindza Choice , Duong Yen T. , Patel Hetal , Saito Suzue , Solmo Chelsea , Brown Kristin , Moore Chiara S. , Voetsch Andrew C. , Bicego George , Bock Naomi , Mhlanga Fortune , Dlamini Tengetile , Mabuza Khanya , Zwane Amos , Sahabo Ruben , Dobbs Trudy , Parekh Bharat S. , El-Sadr Wafaa , Ryan Caroline , Justman Jessica
Published: December 2021

With the highest HIV incidence and prevalence globally, the government of Eswatini started a substantial scale-up of HIV treatment and prevention services in 2011. Two sequential large population-based surveys were conducted before and after service expansion to assess the impact of the national response. Cross-sectional, household-based, nationally representative samples of adults, ages 18 to 49 years, were sampled in 2011 and 2016. We measured HIV prevalence, incidence (recent infection based on limiting antigen ≤1.5 optical density units and HIV RNA ≥1000 copies/mL), viral load suppression (HIV RNA <1000 copies/mL among all seropositive adults) and unsuppressed viremia (HIV RNA ≥1000 copies/mL among all, regardless of HIV status) and assessed for temporal changes by conducting a trend analysis of the log ratio of proportions, using a Z statistic distribution. HIV prevalence remained stable from 2011 to 2016 [32% versus 30%, p = 0.10]. HIV incidence significantly declined 48% [2.48% versus 1.30%, p = 0.01]. Incidence remained higher among women than men [2011: 3.16% versus 1.83%; 2016: 1.76% versus 0.86%], with a smaller but significant relative reduction among women [44%; p = 0.04] than men [53%; p = 0.09]. The proportion of seropositive adults with viral load suppression significantly increased from 35% to 71% [p < .001]. The proportion of the total adult population with unsuppressed viremia decreased from 21% to 9% [p < .001]. National HIV incidence in Eswatini decreased by nearly half and viral load suppression doubled over a five-year period. Unsuppressed viremia in the total population decreased 58%. These population-based findings demonstrate the national impact of expanded HIV services in a hyperendemic country.
Walking on the bright side: Associations between affect, depression, and gait
Authors: Kumar Divya , Villarreal Dario J. , Meuret Alicia E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Psychomotor change is a core symptom of depression and one of the criteria in diagnosing depressive disorders. Research suggests depressed individuals demonstrate deviations in gait, or walking, compared to non-depressed controls. However, studies are sparse, often limited to older adults and observational gait assessment. It is also unclear if gait changes are due to dysregulation of affect, a core feature of depression. The current study addressed this gap by investigating the relation between positive and negative affect, depressive symptom severity, and gait in young adults.

Methods

Using three-dimensional motion capture, gait parameters (velocity, stride length, and step time) were attained from 90 young adults during a task where they walked ten meters at their own pace overground in a laboratory for ten minutes. Self-report measures of mood and affect were collected.

Results

On average, the study population reported high negative and low positive affect. Contrary to our hypotheses, hierarchical regressions demonstrated no significant associations between gait parameters and affective or depressive symptoms (ps>.05).

Conclusions

Our findings do not support a relation between affective symptoms and gait parameters. The results may indicate age-dependent gait pathology or that other symptoms of depression may influence gait more strongly than affect. They may also reflect an observational bias of gait changes in depressed young adults, one that is unsupported by objective data. Replication is warranted to further examine whether affective symptomology is embodied via gait differences in young adults.
Quantitative method for resilience assessment framework of airport network during COVID-19
Authors: Guo Jiuxia , Li Yang , Yang Zongxin , Zhu Xinping
Published: December 2021

The resilience and vulnerability of airport networks are significant challenges during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Previous studies considered node failure of networks under natural disasters and extreme weather. Herein, we propose a complex network methodology combined with data-driven to assess the resilience of airport networks toward global-scale disturbance using the Chinese airport network (CAN) and the European airport network (EAN) as a case study. The assessment framework includes vulnerability and resilience analyses from the network- and node-level perspectives. Subsequently, we apply the framework to analyze the airport networks in China and Europe. Specifically, real air traffic data for 232 airports in China and 82 airports in Europe are selected to form the CAN and EAN, respectively. The complex network analysis reveals that the CAN and the EAN are scale-free small-world networks, that are resilient to random attacks. However, the connectivity and vulnerability of the CAN are inferior to those of the EAN. In addition, we select the passenger throughput from the top-50 airports in China and Europe to perform a comparative analysis. By comparing the resilience evaluation of individual airports, we discovered that the factors of resilience assessment of an airport network for global disturbance considers the network metrics and the effect of government policy in actual operations. Additionally, this study also proves that a country’s emergency response-ability towards the COVID-19 has a significantly affectes the recovery of its airport network.
Niclosamide shows strong antiviral activity in a human airway model of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a conserved potency against the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351) and Delta variant (B.1.617.2)
Authors: Weiss Anne , Touret Franck , Baronti Cecile , Gilles Magali , Hoen Bruno , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier , Sommer Morten O. A.
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2 variants are emerging with potential increased transmissibility highlighting the great unmet medical need for new therapies. Niclosamide is a potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent that has advanced in clinical development. We validate the potent antiviral efficacy of niclosamide in a SARS-CoV-2 human airway model. Furthermore, niclosamide remains its potency against the D614G, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants. Our data further support the potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties of niclosamide and highlights its great potential as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19.
Analysis of anticholinergic adverse effects using two large databases: The US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database and the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database
Authors: Nagai Junko , Ishikawa Yoichi
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Anticholinergic adverse effects (AEs) are a problem for elderly people. This study aimed to answer the following questions. First, is an analysis of anticholinergic AEs using spontaneous adverse drug event databases possible? Second, what is the main drug suspected of inducing anticholinergic AEs in the databases? Third, do database differences yield different results?

Methods

We used two databases: the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database (FAERS) and the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database (JADER) recorded from 2004 to 2020. We defined three types of anticholinergic AEs: central nervous system (CNS) AEs, peripheral nervous system (PNS) AEs, and a combination of these AEs. We counted the number of cases and evaluated the ratio of drug–anticholinergic AE pairs between FAERS and JADER. We computed reporting odds ratios (RORs) and assessed the drugs using Beers Criteria®.

Results

Constipation was the most reported AE in FAERS. The ratio of drug–anticholinergic AE pairs was statistically significantly larger in FAERS than JADER. Overactive bladder agents were suspected drugs common to both databases. Other drugs differed between the two databases. CNS AEs were associated with antidementia drugs in FAERS and opioids in JADER. In the assessment using Beers Criteria®, signals were detected for almost all drugs. Between the two databases, a significantly higher positive correlation was observed for PNS AEs (correlation coefficient 0.85,P= 0.0001). The ROR was significantly greater in JADER.

Conclusions

There are many methods to investigate AEs. This study shows that the analysis of anticholinergic AEs using spontaneous adverse drug event databases is possible. From this analysis, various suspected drugs were detected. In particular, FAERS had many cases. The differences in the results between the two databases may reflect differences in the reporting countries. Further study of the relationship between drugs and CNS AEs should be conducted.
The oxidative stress response of pathogenic Leptospira is controlled by two peroxide stress regulators which putatively cooperate in controlling virulence
Authors: Zavala-Alvarado Crispin , G. Huete Samuel , Vincent Antony T. , Sismeiro Odile , Legendre Rachel , Varet Hugo , Bussotti Giovanni , Lorioux Céline , Lechat Pierre , Coppée Jean-Yves , Veyrier Frédéric J. , Picardeau Mathieu , Benaroudj Nadia
Published: December 2021

PathogenicLeptospiraare the causative agents of leptospirosis, the most widespread zoonotic infectious disease. Leptospirosis is a potentially severe and life-threatening emerging disease with highest burden in sub-tropical areas and impoverished populations. Mechanisms allowing pathogenicLeptospirato survive inside a host and induce acute leptospirosis are not fully understood. The ability to resist deadly oxidants produced by the host during infection is pivotal forLeptospiravirulence. We have previously shown that genes encoding defenses against oxidants inL.interrogansare repressed by PerRA (encoded by LIMLP_10155), a peroxide stress regulator of the Fur family. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of another putative PerR-like regulator (LIMLP_05620) inL.interrogans. Protein sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that LIMLP_05620 displayed all the canonical PerR amino acid residues and is restricted to pathogenicLeptospiraclades. We therefore named this PerR-like regulator PerRB. InL.interrogans, the PerRB regulon is distinct from that of PerRA. While aperRAmutant had a greater tolerance to peroxide, inactivatingperRBled to a higher tolerance to superoxide, suggesting that these two regulators have a distinct function in the adaptation ofL.interrogansto oxidative stress. The concomitant inactivation ofperRAandperRBresulted in a higher tolerance to both peroxide and superoxide and, unlike the single mutants, a doubleperRAperRBmutant was avirulent. Interestingly, this correlated with major changes in gene and non-coding RNA expression. Notably, several virulence-associated genes (clpB,ligA/B, andlvrAB) were repressed. By obtaining a double mutant in a pathogenicLeptospirastrain, our study has uncovered an interplay of two PerRs in the adaptation ofLeptospirato oxidative stress with a putative role in virulence and pathogenicity, most likely through the transcriptional control of a complex regulatory network.
“Reading” a new chapter in protozoan parasite transcriptional regulation
Authors: Fleck Krista , Nitz Malorie , Jeffers Victoria
Published: December 2021

Protozoan parasites continue to cause a significant health and economic burden worldwide. As infectious organisms, they pose unique and difficult challenges due to a level of conservation of critical eukaryotic cellular pathways with their hosts. Gene regulation has been pinpointed as an essential pathway with enough divergence to warrant investigation into therapeutically targeting. Examination of human parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, and kinetoplastids have revealed that epigenetic mechanisms play a key role in their gene regulation. The enzymes involved in adding and removing epigenetic posttranslational modifications (PTMs) have historically been the focus of study. However, the reader proteins that recognize and bind PTMs, initiating recruitment of chromatin-modifying and transcription complexes, are now being realized for their critical role in regulation and their potential as drug targets. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge on epigenetic reader proteins in model parasitic protozoa, focusing on the histone acyl- and methyl-reading domains. With this knowledge base, we compare differences between medically relevant parasites, discuss conceivable functions of these understudied proteins, indicate gaps in knowledge, and provide current progress in drug development.
Early Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy pada Pasien COVID-19 dengan Gagal Napas: Laporan Kasus
Authors: Fadhlurrahman Ahmad Feza , Vitraludyono Rudy , Siswagama Taufiq Agus , Fatoni Arie Zainul
Published: December 2021

Latar belakang: Pasien kritis dengan infeksi coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) memiliki kecenderungan untuk perawatan ventilasi mekanik dalam waktu yang lama. Perawatan dengan translaryngeal intubasi dalam waktu lama beserta penggunaan sedasi dan tindakan lainnya di intensive care unit (ICU) dapat memunculkan beberapa komplikasi lebih lanjut.Kasus: Pasien perempuan pascaoperasi sectio caesaria dengan gagal napas akibat infeksi COVID-19.  Pasien mendapat support high flow nasal canule (HFNC) di awal perawatan di ICU. 4 hari perawatan, kondisi distress napas pasien memberat dan dilakukan intubasi translaryngeal. Dari evaluasi kondisi pasien selama 4 hari perawatan dengan ventilasi mekanik, tim ICU memutuskan melakukan tracheostomy melalui pendekatan dilatasi perkutan. Prosedur dilakukan di ruang bertekanan negatif dengan penggunaan alat pelindung diri (APD) level 3. Kondisi pasien berangsur mengalami perbaikan selama 7 hari perawatan dengan tracheostomy. Support ventilasi yang minimal, kebutuhan fraksi oksigen yg menurun dan perbaikan kondisi umum menjadi pertimbangan dilakukan dekanulasi. 3 hari pasca dekanulasi pasien dipindah rawat ke ruangan dengan kondisi stabil.Selama perawatan di ICU, pasien mendapat standar terapi berupa antiviral, antibiotik, antikoagulan, analgesik, steroid, dan obat penunjang lainnya.Pembahasan: Tindakan tracheostomy berhubungan dengan insiden pneumonia yang lebih rendah, penurunan penggunaan obat sedasi dan percepatan masa lepas rawat dari ventilasi mekanik. Early tracheostomy dilakukan sebelum hari ke-10 intubasi. Teknik dilatasi perkutan memiliki kelebihan atas efektifitas dan efisiensi biaya dan alat pendukung. Tindakan percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) pada pasien COVID-19 harus dilakukan dengan proteksi tenaga medis yang optimal.Kesimpulan: Early tracheostomy dapat dipertimbangkan dalam tatalaksana pasien kritis COVID-19. Penilaian kondisi klinis pasien dan proteksi tenaga medis merupakan faktor utama menentukan tindakan early tracheostomy pada pasien COVID-19.
Proyección internacional del Centro de Investigaciones Sociojurídicas de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad Católica de Colombia en la clasificación QS como referente para su desarrollo estratégico
Authors: SANTOS ESPINOSA ALFONSO
Published: December 2021

Este artículo es una aproximación general a la forma como la investigación sociojurídica aborda la construcción de un objeto de conocimiento por medio de temáticas y metodologías complementarias, en el marco del programa de Derecho de la Universidad Católica de Colombia. En esta oportunidad se analizan las tendencias de la investigación sociojurídica en la actualidad, como orientación para el desarrollo estratégico del Centro de Investigaciones Sociojurídicas de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad Católica de Colombia. Se seleccionan los programas de Derecho catalogados en la clasificación QS, por medio de los cuales se revisan las tendencias y los requerimientos generales, así como las prácticas de la investigación sociojurídica en cada Facultad de Derecho y los resultados obtenidos
Authenticity and awareness of English as a lingua franca in English language classrooms
Authors: TAGLIALATELA ANTONIO
Published: December 2021

Research on the incorporation of the emerging English as a lingua franca (ELF) paradigm into English language teaching has flourished in recent years, foregrounding the necessity of translanguaging practices. However, despite the growing awareness of ELF, teachers still struggle to determine whether and how to adhere to the emerging paradigm. In particular, the authenticity of ELF teaching methods in the English language classroom has not been sufficiently addressed, and therefore, needs to be revamped. The aim of this paper is twofold. On the one hand, it explores the aspect of teachers’ ELF awareness in English teaching practices as well as the importance of incorporating authentic ELF materials into the classroom to help learners become ELF-aware and, consequently, competent intercultural speakers. On the other hand, it helps English language teachers, specifically those who have no or marginal exposure to ELF to reflect on the subject they teach, challenging the dominant World Englishes paradigm.
Privacy concerns can stress you out: Investigating the reciprocal relationship between mobile social media privacy concerns and perceived stress
Authors: Stevic Anja , Schmuck Desirée , Koemets Anna , Hirsch Melanie , Karsay Kathrin , Thomas Marina F. , Matthes Jörg
Published: December 2021

Mobile social media have become a widespread means to participate in everyday social and professional life. These platforms encourage the disclosure and exchange of personal information, which comes with privacy risks. While past scholarship has listed various predictors and consequences of online privacy concerns, there has been to date no empirical investigation of a conceivable relationship with perceived stress. Using a longitudinal panel study, we examined the reciprocal relationship between mobile social media privacy concerns and perceived stress. Results supported the hypothesis that mobile social media privacy concerns at T1 are associated with higher perceived stress at T2. However, we found no evidence for the reverse association, that is, perceived stress at T1 was not related to mobile social media privacy concerns at T2. The findings are discussed based on two models—the “Antecedents privacy concerns outcomes” model and the “Privacy calculus” model.
Reflections on the Past and Present of Research on Partisan Identity
Authors: Bankert Alexa
Published: December 2021

Scholarship on partisanship has been transformed by political scientists’ embrace of social and cognitive psychology in the past few decades. This interdisciplinary union has drastically changed the way political scientists examine the origins and effects of partisanship. In this essay, I provide a brief history of scholarship on partisanship, its transformation into a partisanidentityas well as its role in the study of polarization. I then demonstrate how this identity framework has propelled research on negative partisan identity in the U.S. two-party system and European multi-party systems. I conclude with a few avenues for future research that could enrich our understanding of partisanship.

Scholarship on partisanship has been transformed by political scientists’ embrace of social and cognitive psychology in the past few decades. Since then, the concept of partisan identity has become widely known beyond the narrow subfield of political psychology. Indeed, the sheer volume of research on the origins, measurement, and effect of partisan identity on political behavior is indicative of its centrality in the general discipline of political science. In this essay, I provide a brief (and therefore necessarily incomplete) history of scholarship on partisanship as well as its transformation into a partisanidentity. I then review contemporary research on positive and negative partisan identity in the U.S. and beyond, focusing on their differential effects on political attitudes and behavior. Last, I sketch out a few thoughts on the complexities and caveats of current scholarship, including a plea for more research on the interaction of partisanship with other identities, the necessity of studying partisanship in more externally valid contexts, as well as the promise of common identities in bridging partisan divisions.
Non-equidistant partition predictor–corrector method for fractional differential equations with exponential memory
Authors: Kong Hua , Wu Guo-Cheng , Fu Hui , Wu Kai-Teng
Published: December 2021

A new class of fractional differential equations with exponential memory was recently defined in the space

A

C

δ

n

[

a
,
b

]

$A{C}_{\delta }^{n}\left[a,b\right]$

. In order to use the famous predictor–corrector method, a new quasi-linear interpolation with a non-equidistant partition is suggested in this study. New Euler and Adams–Moulton methods are proposed for the fractional integral equation. Error estimates of the generalized fractional integral and numerical solutions are provided. The predictor–corrector method for the new fractional differential equation is developed and numerical solutions of fractional nonlinear relaxation equation are given. It can be concluded that the non-equidistant partition is needed for non-standard fractional differential equations.
Theoretical Analysis of Activation Energy Effect on Prandtl–Eyring Nanoliquid Flow Subject to Melting Condition
Authors: Ullah Ikram , Ali Rashid , Nawab Hamid , Abdussatar  , Uddin Iftikhar , Muhammad Taseer , Khan Ilyas , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: December 2021

This study models the convective flow of Prandtl–Eyring nanomaterials driven by a stretched surface. The model incorporates the significant aspects of activation energy, Joule heating and chemical reaction. The thermal impulses of particles with melting condition is addressed. The system of equations is an ordinary differential equation (ODE) system and is tackled numerically by utilizing the Lobatto IIIA computational solver. The physical importance of flow controlling variables to the temperature, velocity and concentration is analyzed using graphical illustrations. The skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number are examined. The results of several scenarios, mesh-point utilization, the number of ODEs and boundary conditions evaluation are provided via tables.
Sociolecto literario y discurso heterolingüe en la obra de Faïza Guène: la traducción en espacio multicultural
Authors: Alarcón Soledad Díaz
Published: December 2021

El objetivo principal de este trabajo es poner de manifiesto dos de los principales retos de traducción a los que se enfrenta un traductor cuando acomete la tarea de verter, en este caso, del francés al español, narraciones contemporáneas catalogadas por la crítica como littérature de banlieue o littérature urbaine, como son el Français Contemporain des Cités (FCC) y la hibridación translingüística. En este trabajo identificamos, en primer lugar, los recursos más relevantes que utiliza la escritora Faïza Guène en su obras para representar la lengua codificada de la banlieue (como las prácticas verlanescas y argóticas, las variaciones fonéticas, sintácticas, gramaticales y léxicas) y el heterolingüismo recogidos en segmentos lingüísticos en los que confluye el francés con el árabe y el inglés. Posteriormente esbozamos los principales retos a los que nos enfrentamos como traductores en las fases de comprensión del texto original y su trasvase a la lengua meta. Finalmente exponemos las soluciones adoptadas y las estrategias implementadas para salvar los retos que esta lengua codificada nos plantea y que podrán servir de ayuda para la traducción de otras obras de autores enmarcados en estas estéticas literarias.
Nanostructure-enhanced infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Tanaka Takuo , Yano Taka-aki , Kato Ryo
Published: December 2021

While infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique that provides molecular information such as chemical constituents and chemical structures of analytes, it suffers from low absorption cross-section resulting in low sensitivity and poor signal-to-noise or signal-to-background ratios. Surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy, which is supported by nanometer scale structures, is a promising technology to overcome these problems in conventional infrared (IR) spectroscopy and enhances IR signals using the field enhancement properties of surface plasmon resonance. Recently resonant SEIRA technique was proposed, and signal enhancement factor was significantly improved. In this review, we present an overview of the recent progresses on resonant SEIRA technologies including nanoantenna- and metamaterial-based SEIRA, and also SEIRA techniques with nanoimaging capabilities.