bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical gold mining infectious disease epidemics
Authors: Shanks G. Dennis
Published: August 2022

Lethal infectious disease epidemics have historically occurred in military, refugee and mining camps where crowded conditions promote the spread of enteric, respiratory and insect‐borne infections. The early history of gold mines around Palmer River, Queensland in the 1870s, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in the 1890s and Papua on the island of New Guinea in the 1910s are recounted specifically as it relates to infectious disease deaths. Despite large diagnostic gaps, it is likely that malaria was the predominant problem in Palmer River, typhoid in Kalgoorlie and bacillary dysentery in Papua. Nearly two‐thirds of all recorded deaths in the Palmer River district from 1873 to 1883 were due to infections, predominately ‘fevers’. Typhoid fever likely killed >2000 Australians in the early phases of the Western Australian goldfields in the 1890s. Severe dysentery outbreaks killed up to a majority of the local workforce in the Lakekema goldfields of Papua resulting in the colonial authorities stopping mining activity in the second decade of the 20th century. In the absence of public health measures and specific chemotherapy, large mortality rates in miners reflected the over‐riding economic drivers of gold miners and their lack of any understanding of microbial disease and its interruption by public health measures. Similar infectious disease epidemics are likely to reoccur when large numbers of impoverished miners use low‐technology methods to work alluvial gold deposits in conflict areas as has been seen in modern Africa.
Influence of radiologic pattern and the presence of diffuse parenchymal lung disease on outcome in ventilated patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia: impact on prognosis
Authors: Tonietto Tiago A. , Lincho Carla S. , Marques Leonardo d. S. , Elsing Janaina , da Silveira Fernando , Fendt Lucia C. C. , Montes Tiago H. M. , dos Passos Matheus G. , Vargas Taiani , Marin Luiz G. , Nedel Wagner L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Suspected organising pneumonia (OP) is a common finding in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but the impact on outcomes of the radiological patterns of diffuse parenchymal lung disease on outcome of these patients is still uncertain.

Aims

Investigate the presence of radiological images compatible with OP and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with COVID‐19 submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).

Methods

Retrospective, unicentric cohort study composed of patients who required IMV and underwent chest computerized tomography to investigate secondary complications of COVID‐19. We compared patients with radiological findings characteristic of suspected OP with those without this condition. The main outcome was hospital mortality.

Results

Two hundred and ten patients were included, and 65 had signals compatible with OP. All patients with suspected OP were treated with corticosteroids. There was no difference in IVM‐free days until day 28 between the groups (median, 0 days; interquartile range [IQR], 0–14.8) in the group with suspected OP vs 0 days (IQR, 0–11) in the group without suspected OP (P = 0.14). In univariate analysis, the presence of suspected OP was associated with lower hospital mortality; however, after correction for potential confounding variables, it was not associated with the outcome, even after matching by propensity score in patients without this condition.

Conclusion

OP radiologic pattern in patients with severe COVID‐19 is not associated with worse outcomes.
Barriers and enablers to implementation of the therapeutic engagement questionnaire in acute mental health inpatient wards in England: A qualitative study
Authors: Taylor Francesca , Galloway Sarah , Irons Kris , Mess Lorna , Pemberton Laura , Worton Karen , Chambers Mary
Published: August 2022

A strong association exists between the quality of nurse‐service user therapeutic relationship and care outcomes on acute mental health inpatient wards. Despite evidence that service users desire improved therapeutic engagement, and registered mental health nurses recognize the benefits of therapeutic relationships, such interactions remain sub‐optimal. There is a dearth of evidence on factors influencing implementation of interventions to support and encourage therapeutic engagement. This study aimed to understand the barriers and enablers to implementation of the Therapeutic Engagement Questionnaire (TEQ), across fifteen acute inpatient wards in seven English mental health organizations. Qualitative methods were used in which data were collected from ethnographic field notes and documentary review, coded, and analysed using thematic analysis. Theoretical framing supported data analysis and interpretation. Reporting adheres to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. The TEQ as an evidence‐based intervention co‐produced with service users and nurses was valued and welcomed by many nurse directors, senior clinicians, and ward managers. However, a range of practical and perceptual factors impeded implementation. Furthermore, many existing contextual challenges for intervention implementation in acute inpatient wards were magnified by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Suitable facilitation to address these barriers can help support implementation of the TEQ, with some transferability to implementation of other interventions in these settings. Our study suggests several facilitation methods, brought together in a conceptual model, including encouragement of reflective, facilitative discussion meetings among stakeholders and researchers, effort put into winning nurse ‘buy‐in’ and identifying and supporting ward‐level agents of change.
LAMP for in-field quantitative assessments of airborne grapevine downy mildew inoculum
Authors: Douillet Antonin , Laurent Benoit , Beslay Jessie , Massot Marie , Raynal Marc , Delmotte François
Published: August 2022

Aims

Cheap, rapid tools for measuring emissions of Plasmopara viticola sporangia directly in the field are required to protect grapevines efficiently and sustainably against downy mildew. To this end, we adapted an existing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) protocol based on ITS2 sequences, coupled with a rotating-arm sampler and simple cell lysis, for the in-field measurement of airborne sporangia of P. viticola.

Methods and Results

We estimated the sensitivity and specificity of the molecular reaction with an unpurified DNA template in controlled conditions, using the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) as a reference. We show that the LAMP lower limit of quantification is 3.3 sporangia.m−3 air sampled. Cell lysis in KOH solution was less efficient than CTAB for DNA extraction, but the repeatability of the method was good. We tested this protocol directly in a plot at Chateau Dillon (Blanquefort, France) in which we monitored P. viticola sporangia concentrations from March to October 2020 (88 samples which revealed concentrations ranging from 0 to 243 sporangia.m−3). There was a significant quantitative correlation (R2 = 0.52) between ddPCR and LAMP results.

Conclusion

LAMP analysis of an unpurified DNA matrix is a simple and reliable method for in-field estimations of the concentration of airborne P. viticola sporangia.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study constitutes a first step towards the development of a regional grapevine downy mildew monitoring network in the vineyards of Bordeaux.
Confronting the unknown—Nursing surveillance of COVID‐19‐infected patients through remote telephone calls and in an on‐site urgent clinic
Authors: Blöndal Katrín , Sverrisdóttir Sólveig H. , Hafberg Anna , Ragnarsdóttir Erla Dögg , Ingadóttir Brynja , Hafsteinsdóttir Elín J. G. , Zoëga Sigríður , Jónsdóttir Helga
Published: August 2022

Aim

To describe nursing surveillance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐infected patients through remote telephone calls and in an on‐site urgent clinic during the first wave of the pandemic as experienced by nurses providing the care.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Data were collected through seven semi‐structured, audio‐recorded, focus group interviews with 24 nurses. Interviews were conducted in May and June 2020, transcribed and analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis into an overarching category, main categories and subcategories. Reporting followed the COREQ guidelines.

Results

Nurses relied on intensive listening when assessing and caring for COVID‐19‐infected patients. They realized that the patients had complex needs for nursing and healthcare which was beyond the scope of a tentatively prescribed assessment scheme. They designed their care to ensure holistic care, reflected in the overarching category, ‘Confronting an unfamiliar health condition in unprecedented circumstances’ and the categories: ‘Digging into the unknown’ and ‘Ensuring holistic nursing care’. The category ‘Contributing to averting catastrophe’ reflects the wealth of knowledge, support and experience that the nurses used to independently deliver care, albeit in interdisciplinary collaboration, working to their greatest potential. They were proud of the significance of their work.

Conclusion

Novel nursing surveillance through remote telephone calls and in an on‐site urgent care clinic delivered to COVID‐19 patients self‐managing at home resulted in holistic nursing care during the first wave of the pandemic. This has relevance for professionalism in nursing.

Impact

Findings give a unique insight into nursing surveillance of COVID‐19‐infected patients provided through telephone calls and in on‐site urgent care clinics. The potential of intensive listening as conducted in the study suggests that it may be feasible to assess and holistically take care of COVID‐19‐infected patients, and other patient groups as well, with this form of healthcare. This has relevance for healthcare beyond crisis management during pandemics.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution as the study only concerned the providers of the service, i.e. the nurses themselves.
Immersion challenge model for Flavobacterium psychrophilum infection of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fry
Authors: Macchia Valeria , Inami Makoto , Ramstad Anne , Grammes Fabian , Reeve Andrew , Moen Thomas , Torgersen Jacob Seilø , Adams Alexandra , Desbois Andrew P. , Hoare Rowena
Published: August 2022

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is the causative agent of bacterial cold‐water disease (CWBD) and rainbow trout fry syndrome (RTFS), which affect salmonids. To better understand this pathogen and its interaction with the host during infection, including to support the development of resistant breeds and new vaccines and treatments, there is a pressing need for reliable and reproducible immersion challenge models that more closely mimic natural routes of infection. The aim of this present study was to evaluate a challenge model developed previously for rainbow trout for use in Atlantic salmon. First, preliminary challenges were conducted in Atlantic salmon (n = 120) and rainbow trout (n = 80) fry using two F. psychrophilum isolates collected from each fish species, respectively; fish had been pretreated with 200 mg/L hydrogen peroxide for 1 h. Thereafter, the main challenge was performed for just one F. psychrophilum isolate for each species (at 2 × 107 CFU/mL) but using larger cohorts (Atlantic salmon: n = 1187; rainbow trout: n = 2701). Survival in the main challenge was 81.2% in Atlantic salmon (21 days post‐challenge) and 45.3% in rainbow trout (31 days post‐challenge). Mortalities progressed similarly during the preliminary and main challenges for both species, demonstrating the reproducibility of this model. This is the first immersion challenge model of F. psychrophilum to be developed successfully for Atlantic salmon.
Effective finance to increase financial well‐being for low‐income families: Empirical examination and policy implications
Authors: Huang Jin , Sherraden Michael , Sherraden Margaret S. , Johnson Lissa
Published: August 2022

Effective finance is a finance system that assures individuals and families of having beneficial access to financial services and skills. It is a precondition for financial well‐being. Drawing upon a low‐income sample (N = 1473) from the 2016 National Financial Well‐Being Survey, this study examines whether financial skills and financial access are associated with financial well‐being and material hardship. The results identify positive interactions between financial access and financial skills on financial well‐being. The findings point to effective finance policies that have the potential to reduce material hardship and support financial well‐being for low‐income families.
Lubricant for reducing perineal trauma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yang Qiuyu , Cao Xiao , Hu Shasha , Sun Mingyao , Lai Honghao , Hou Liangying , Wang Qi , Wu Cailiang , Wu Yu , Xiao Lin , Luo Xiaofeng , Tian Jinhui , Ge Long , Shi Lei
Published: August 2022

Aim

To assess the effect of lubricants on reducing perineal trauma during vaginal delivery.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, WanFang databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov, were searched for literature up to 25 June 2021. Randomized controlled trials published in English or Chinese that compared the vaginal application of lubricant with standard care for women were included. Two reviewers independently performed study screening, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and certainty of evidence assessment. Pooled effect sizes and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using meta‐analysis.

Results

Nineteen trials enrolling 5445 pregnant women were included. Compared with standard care, women using lubricants had a lower incidence of perineal trauma (risk ratio [RR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.76–0.93; low certainty evidence), second‐degree perineal laceration (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64–0.82; moderate certainty evidence) and episiotomy (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.96; very low certainty evidence), and had a shorter duration of the second‐stage labor (MD −13.72 min, 95% CI −22.68 to −4.77; very low certainty evidence).

Conclusion

Lubricants might reduce the incidence of perineal trauma, especially second‐degree perineal laceration, and shorten the duration of the second‐stage labor. More well‐designed studies will continue developing high‐quality evidence in this field.
A new method for single spore isolation and fungicide resistance monitoring of Cercospora beticola, and the first report of QoI‐resistant isolates with G143A or F129L mutations of the CbCyt b gene in China
Authors: Liu Qi , Dong Ganggang , Qi Houchen , Feng Zhengguo , Zhang Zongying , Han Chenggui , Wang Ying
Published: August 2022

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by Cercospora beticola is the most destructive foliar disease of sugar beet worldwide and is mainly controlled by timely fungicide applications. Recently, CLS control by pyraclostrobin exhibited significantly reduced efficiency in some fields of the Chifeng area in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Purification of fungi by single spore isolation is essential for the study of fungal and fungicide resistance. However, the conventional single spore isolation and fungicide sensitivity assay for C. beticola are time‐consuming with a risk of contamination. We developed a new method for single spore isolation of C. beticola, which facilitated monitoring fungicide sensitivity of infected field samples. First, the composite spore suspension was prepared from typical lesions by vortex in the sterilized centrifuge tube. Then, the diluted spore suspension was spread on the streptomycin‐amended potato dextrose agar (PDA) plate or the PDA plate contained a threshold dosage of specific fungicide. The C. beticola colony derived from a single spore could be observed with naked eye and easily isolated by a sterilized scalpel knife after 36 h of incubation at 25°C. Meanwhile, the percentage of fungicide‐resistant or ‐tolerant isolates could be analysed based on the growth of different PDA media within 3 days. Based on this method, we identified that 22.88% of the C. beticola isolates were resistant to pyraclostrobin in the Chifeng area, indicating a high risk of emergence of C. beticola‐resistant strains to QoI fungicides in this area. Furthermore, the G143A or F129L mutation of the cytochrome b (Cyt‐b) gene was found in these resistant isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. beticola QoI‐resistant isolates with G143A or F129L mutation of CbCyt‐b gene in China. Our approach provides considerable potential for studying the biology, fitness and fungicide resistance of C. beticola.
Antibiotic resistance and virulence factor gene profile of A. hydrophila isolated from carp (Cyprinidae) suspected with hemorrhagic septicemia in Gilan, Iran
Authors: Goudarztalejerdi Ali , Yavari Morteza , Nouri Kalourazi Mahdi , Borzouei Fatemeh , Manouchehri Tabar Arash , Tolouei Gilani Javad
Published: August 2022

The present study was conducted to determine the antibacterial resistance profile of Aeromonas hydrophila (n = 42) isolated from the 100 hemorrhagic septicemia-suspected carp in Gilan, Iran. The prevalence of class 1 and 2 integrons, antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) and virulence factor genes (VFG) among these isolates was investigated using PCR. Also, the possible association between the presence of VFGs and the antibiotic resistance profile of isolates was assessed. The majority of A. hydrophila isolates (83·33%) exhibited multi-drug resistance (MDR) profile, and all isolates were resistant to clindamycin, while all isolates were susceptible to amikacin. intI1 and intI2 gene was found in 26·2 and 4·8% isolates, respectively. This is the first report of the presence of the intI2 gene in A. hydrophila isolates in Iran. The blaTEM (40·5%) and tetA (33·3%) genes were found as the predominant ARGs. The most frequently detected VFGs were lip and ahh1(90·5%), while the examined isolates carrying at least three VFGs and the most prevalent VFGs profile was ast+, act+, alt+, ahhl+, aerA+, ahyB+ and lip+. The results of this study indicate a positive association between the presence of VFGs and antibiotic resistance, and most MDR A. hydrophila isolates showed high frequencies of VFGs.
Studies in the English‐language Robinsonade at the Crusoe tercentenary
Authors: Lipski Jakub
Published: August 2022

This survey article introduces the main areas of research into the English‐language Robinsonade in the context of the Robinson Crusoe tercentenary of 2019. It identifies the major fields of scholarly investigation as generic and formal approaches, with attempts made at defining the Robinsonade, as well as readings from postcolonial, feminist and intermedial perspectives. The article also pays attention to the contribution of childhood and children's literature studies and game studies, and the most recent explorations in ecocriticism and post‐humanism. The wide panorama of research in the Robinsonade is testimony to the continuous relevance of this adaptable and protean form in various critical contexts.
Honouring student repertoires: connecting oracy to “ways of being”
Authors: Gannaway Jessica M.
Published: August 2022

This paper employs autoethnography in a multilingual indigenous community in the north of Australia to examine the in‐practice challenges of both oracy and dialogue in a classroom in which shared language and culture are minimal. Through narrative, this paper examines some dilemmas of dialogue, particularly in regard to the ontological responsiveness needed to create a classroom in which all members are able to participate dialogically. In seeking to crack open the culturally situated nature of oracy and dialogue, doing so through examinations of other “ways of oracy” that occur in the local indigenous context, this paper proposes that the dilemmas around dialogue for CALD students are not just issues of linguistic and cultural access but also an ontological third space. The nature of this challenge requires teachers to first engage with reflective ontological and pedagogical ‘moves’ as a precursor to dialogic possibilities in the classroom. Drawing on intercultural communication, third space theory and the cultural interface, this paper illustrates some possibilities for teacher reflection to ensure greater recognition of all students' repertoires and increased dialogic possibility.
Morphological study of the phrenic nerve to determine a reference value for the myelinated fiber density in elderly individuals
Authors: Motoda Atsuko , Matsubara Tomoyasu , Tanei Zen‐ichi , Sakashita Yasuhiro , Yamazaki Mikihiro , Kawakami Ito , Sengoku Renpei , Arai Tomio , Maruyama Hirofumi , Saito Yuko , Murayama Shigeo
Published: August 2022

Phrenic nerves (PNs) play an important role in respiration; however, very few morphological studies have assessed them. This study aimed to provide control reference values, including the density of large and small myelinated PN fibers, for future pathological studies. We assessed a total of nine nerves from eight cases among consecutive autopsy cases registered to the Brain Bank for Aging Research between 2018 and 2019 (five men and three women, mean age 77.0 ± 7.0 years). The nerves were sampled distally, and their structures were analyzed using semi‐thin sections stained with toluidine blue. The mean and standard deviation of the density of each myelinated fiber of the PN was 6908 ± 1132 fibers/mm2 (total myelinated fiber), 4095 ± 586 fibers/mm2 (large diameter myelinated fiber; diameter ≥7 μm), and 2813 ± 629 fibers/mm2 (small diameter myelinated fiber; diameter <7 μm). There was no correlation between myelinated fiber density and age. This study provides the density measurement of the human PN myelinated fiber, and these findings can be used as reference values for the PN in elderly individuals.
What drives forest carbon storage? The ramifications of source–sink decoupling
Authors: Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , Kannenberg Steven A.
Published: August 2022

This article is a Commentary on Martínez‐Sancho et al. (2022), 236: 58–70.
Signaling by reactive molecules and antioxidants in legume nodules
Authors: Minguillón Samuel , Matamoros Manuel A. , Duanmu Deqiang , Becana Manuel
Published: August 2022

Legume nodules are symbiotic structures formed as a result of the interaction with rhizobia. Nodules fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that is assimilated by the plant and this process requires strict metabolic regulation and signaling. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are involved as signal molecules at all stages of symbiosis, from rhizobial infection to nodule senescence. Also, reactive sulfur species (RSS) are emerging as important signals for an efficient symbiosis. Homeostasis of reactive molecules is mainly accomplished by antioxidant enzymes and metabolites and is essential to allow redox signaling while preventing oxidative damage. Here, we examine the metabolic pathways of reactive molecules and antioxidants with an emphasis on their functions in signaling and protection of symbiosis. In addition to providing an update of recent findings while paying tribute to original studies, we identify several key questions. These include the need of new methodologies to detect and quantify ROS, RNS, and RSS, avoiding potential artifacts due to their short lifetimes and tissue manipulation; the regulation of redox‐active proteins by post‐translational modification; the production and exchange of reactive molecules in plastids, peroxisomes, nuclei, and bacteroids; and the unknown but expected crosstalk between ROS, RNS, and RSS in nodules.
Stronger mutualistic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi help Asteraceae invaders outcompete the phylogenetically related natives
Authors: Sun Dasheng , Yang Xueping , Wang Yi , Fan Yu , Ding Pengcheng , Song Xi'E , Yuan Xiangyang , Yang Xuefang
Published: August 2022

Mutualistic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) greatly affect the outcome of plant–plant competition, especially for invasive plants competing against native plants. We examined the effects of AMF on the competition between invasive Asteraceae plants and the phylogenetically related native plants.

We compared the performance of seven invasive Asteraceae plants from different genera with that of their phylogenetically related native counterparts in response to AMF in monocultures and mixed cultures. We investigated how interactions with AMF impact the competition between Asteraceae relatives.

Total biomass increased with AMF colonization in both invasive and native plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved the competitiveness of invasive plants, but decreased that of native plants. Competition increased the shoot nitrogen, phosphorus and root myristic acid concentrations and relative expression of fatty acid transporter genes (RiFAT1 and RiFAT2) in AMF‐colonized invasive plants, but decreased those in AMF‐colonized native plants. Structural equation models indicated that the presence of AMF increased the uptake of phosphorus, but not nitrogen, by invasive plants, which probably provided more myristic acids to symbiotic AMF in return.

These results suggest that invasive Asteraceae plants have greater mutualistic interactions with AMF than their phylogenetically related native counterparts, potentially contributing to invasion success.
Freehand S2‐Alar‐Iliac Screw Placement Technique in Lumbosacral Spinal Tumors: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Huang Wending , Xu Lun , Cai Weiluo , Cheng Mo , Sun Zhengwang , Wang Shengping , Yan Wangjun
Published: August 2022

Objective

S2‐alar‐iliac (S2AI) screw technique is widely used in spinal surgery, but it is rarely seen in the field of spinal tumors. The aim of the study is to report the preliminary outcomes of the freehand S2AI screw fixation after lumbosaral tumor resection.

Methods

The records of patients with lumbosacral tumor who underwent S2AI screw fixation between November 2016 to November 2020 at our center were reviewed retrospectively. Outcome measures included operative time, blood loss, complications, accuracy of screws, screw breach, and overall survival. Mean ± standard deviation or range was used to present continuous variables. Kaplan–Meier curve was used to present postoperative survival.

Results

A total of 23 patients were identified in this study, including 12 males and 11 females, with an average age of 47.3 ± 14.5 (range,15–73). The mean operation time was 224.6 ± 54.1 (range, 155–370 min). The average estimated blood loss was 1560.9 ± 887.0 (600–4000 ml). A total of 46 S2AI screws were implanted by freehand technique. CT scans showed three (6.5%) screws had penetrated the iliac cortex, indicating 93.5% implantation accuracy rate. No complications of iatrogenic neurovascular or visceral structure were observed. The average follow‐up time was 31.6 ± 15.3 months (range, 13–60 months). Two patients' postoperative plain radiography showed lucent zone around the screw. One patient underwent reoperation for wound delayed infection. At the latest follow‐up, eight patients had tumor‐free survival, 11 had survival with tumor, and four died of disease.

Conclusion

The freehand S2AI screw technique is reproducible, safe, and reliable in the management of lumbosacral spinal tumors.
Evaluation of a pediatric dermatology electronic consult program in a rural state with subanalysis of infantile hemangioma cases
Authors: Seiverling Elizabeth V. , Prentiss Madeline A. , Houk Laura , Alfiero Rachel C. , Markham Abby A. , Ottolini Mary C. , Ahrns Hadjh T. , Cyr Peggy R.
Published: August 2022

An electronic consultation (e‐Consult) store‐and‐forward teledermatology program was implemented to improve access to dermatologic care in Maine. While initially designed to triage potential skin cancers, we found this program to be heavily used for pediatric patients, especially infants. Our findings suggest e‐Consult expedites care for pediatric dermatology patients, particularly those with infantile hemangiomas. The addition of dermoscopy to e‐Consult platforms has the potential to expand e‐Consult effectiveness.
Immunogenicity and safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine with immunosuppressive agents
Authors: Kamei Koichi , Ogura Masao , Sato Mai , Nishi Kentaro , Shoji Kensuke , Funaki Takanori , Ogimi Chikara , Ito Shuichi
Published: August 2022

Background

We conducted a prospective study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination in children and adolescents who were taking immunosuppressive agents.

Methods

Two doses of SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine were administered to patients taking immunosuppressive agents. Titers of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein receptor‐binding domain antibodies were measured before and after vaccination. Vaccine failure was defined as a postvaccination antibody titer of <0.8 U/mL. Seroconversion rates, factors associated with antibody titers after vaccination, clinical effectiveness against breakthrough infection, and adverse events were evaluated.

Results

A total of 42 patients (median age, 18.1 years) were enrolled. Immunogenicity was measured in 34 patients. The median SARS‐CoV‐2 spike antibody titer was 329 U/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 50–812 U/mL). Seroconversion (≥0.8 U/mL) was achieved in 29 patients (85%), whereas vaccine failure was diagnosed in five (15%). All patients with vaccine failure were recipients of solid organ transplants (SOTs) and were taking two immunosuppressants. The median antibody titer in SOT recipients (57 U/mL) was significantly lower than that in non‐recipients (653 U/mL, P = 0.0002); that of patients taking two immunosuppressive agents (93 U/mL) was lower than that of patients taking one (506 U/mL, P = 0.003). Breakthrough infection occurred in three patients (7%). Adverse events were non‐specific, and no flares of primary disease or acute rejection in SOT recipients occurred.

Conclusions

SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine was immunogenic in children and adolescents taking immunosuppressive agents, although SOT recipients and patients taking two immunosuppressive agents tended to show lower postvaccination antibody titers.
Characteristics of intussusception in the period of arbitrary Rotavirus vaccination
Authors: Nakamura Mutsumi , Yoshimaru Koichiro , Matsuura Toshiharu , Hamada Hiroshi , Motomura Yoshitomo , Hayashida Makoto , Ohga Shouichi , Tajiri Tatsuro , Hara Toshiro , Taguchi Tomoaki
Published: August 2022

Background

In November 2011, rotavirus (RV) vaccine was launched in Japan as a voluntary vaccination to prevent RV‐associated gastroenterocolitis. We examined the characteristics of intussusception following RV vaccination in our two centers.

Methods

We investigated intussusception patients <16 years old from January 2006 to September 2020. Patients were categorized according to the period (before [Group A] or after the introduction of arbitrary RV vaccination [Group B]). The patient characteristics and treatment of intussusception were retrospectively investigated.

Results

During the study period, 560 patients (group A, n = 233; group B, n = 327) were identified. The distribution of patients who were 0–6 months old was not significantly different between the groups (group A, n = 12, 5.2%; group B, n = 18, 5.5%). Among these 18 patients in Group B, 7 were vaccinated against RV, and 10 were not. One patient was excluded due to incomplete data. On comparing patients with and without RV vaccination, the mean age at the onset of intussusception was 3.3 ± 0.4 versus 4.0 ± 0.3 months (P = 0.19), the mean interval from the onset to treatment was 7.5 ± 2.4 versus 16.0 ± 2.2 h (P = 0.03), the time of the contrast enema for treatment was 9.1 ± 3.3 versus 7.7 ± 2.8 min (P = 0.76), and the final pressure of the contrast enema was 92.5 ± 4.4 versus 92.2 ± 4.4 cmH2O (P = 0.97).

Conclusions

Arbitrary RV vaccination did not influence the age distribution of intussusception, and the interval from the onset to treatment was significantly shorter in the patients with RV vaccination than in those without it. Recognizing the presence of intussusception following RV vaccination enables accurate treatment.
Wittgenstein on string figures as mathematics: A modern ethnological approach to the limits of empiricism
Authors: English Andrew
Published: August 2022

Wittgenstein’s ‘ethnological approach’ to the philosophy of mathematics, in particular his discussion of calculation as an experiment and the limits of empiricism in mathematics, is presented against three interrelated backdrops: (1) James’ critique of Spencer’s evolutionary empiricism, specifically regarding necessary truths; (2) the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits, led by Haddon and Rivers, whose Reports implicitly confuted Spencer; and (3) the subsequent work of Malinowski, especially his supplement to Ogden and Richards’ The Meaning of Meaning, a book sent to Wittgenstein upon its publication in 1923. String figures as mathematics is a main illustrative example.
The putative obtusifoliol 14α‐demethylase OsCYP51H3 affects multiple aspects of rice growth and development
Authors: Jiao Zhengli , Yin Lijuan , Zhang Qiming , Xu Weijuan , Jia Yongxia , Xia Kuaifei , Zhang Mingyong
Published: August 2022

Some members of the CYP51G subfamily has been shown to be obtusifoliol 14α‐demethylase, key enzyme of the sterol and brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis, which mediate plant development and response to stresses. However, little is known about the functions of CYP51H subfamily in rice. Here, OsCYP51H3, an ortholog of rice OsCYP51G1 was identified. Compared with wild type, the mutants oscyp51H3 and OsCYP51H3‐RNAi showed dwarf phenotype, late flowering, erected leaves, lower seed‐setting rate, and smaller and shorter seeds. In contrast, the phenotypic changes of OsCYP51H3‐OE plants are not obvious. Metabolomic analysis of oscyp51H3 mutant indicated that OsCYP51H3 may also encode an obtusifoliol 14α‐demethylase involved in phytosterol and BR biosynthesis, but possibly not that of triterpenes. The RNA‐seq results showed that OsCYP51H3 may affect the expression of a lot of genes related to rice development. These findings showed that OsCYP51H3 codes for a putative obtusifoliol 14α‐demethylase involved in phytosterol and BR biosynthesis, and mediates rice development.
“Living in History*”: Bush, World War II, and the Use of Historical Analogies in the Gulf Crisis
Authors: Jones Rachael
Published: August 2022

On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Over the next three days, President George H.W. Bush, his advisors, and world leaders would debate and determine the United States' goals and objectives. These decisions would compel the country's trajectory for the next several months. The process regarding the determination to reverse Iraqi aggression, if necessary with force, provides a compelling case study regarding the use of historical analogies in presidential decision making. Using original archival research, this in‐depth history reveals that historical analogies played a key role in shaping policy on the eve of the Iraq War. This article provides the most complete history of the use of analogies in the initial response to the Gulf crisis to date, as well as valuable insight into the Gulf War, President H.W. Bush, and the process of presidential decision making.
Calibrating the Scan Statistic: Finite Sample Performance Versus Asymptotics
Authors: Walther Guenther , Perry Andrew
Published: August 2022

We consider the problem of detecting an elevated mean on an interval with unknown location and length in the univariate Gaussian sequence model. Recent results have shown that using scale-dependent critical values for the scan statistic allows to attain asymptotically optimal detection simultaneously for all signal lengths, thereby improving on the traditional scan, but this procedure has been criticised for losing too much power for short signals. We explain this discrepancy by showing that these asymptotic optimality results will necessarily be too imprecise to discern the performance of scan statistics in a practically relevant way, even in a large sample context. Instead, we propose to assess the performance with a new finite sample criterion. We then present three calibrations for scan statistics that perform well across a range of relevant signal lengths: The first calibration uses a particular adjustment to the critical values and is therefore tailored to the Gaussian case. The second calibration uses a scale-dependent adjustment to the significance levels rather than to the critical values and this adjustment is therefore applicable to arbitrary known null distributions. The third calibration restricts the scan to a particular sparse subset of the scan windows and then applies a weighted Bonferroni adjustment to the corresponding test statistics. This Bonferroni scan is also applicable to arbitrary null distributions and in addition is very simple to implement. We show how to apply these calibrations for scanning in a number of distributional settings: for normal observations with an unknown baseline and a known or unknown constant variance, for observations from a natural exponential family, for potentially heteroscadastic observations from a symmetric density by employing self-normalisation in a novel way, and for exchangeable observations using tests based on permutations, ranks or signs.
Disentangling the transnational belongingness of children in and beyond a Danish school
Authors: Jensen Søren Sindberg
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study is to unravel the multifaceted sentiments of belonging which children who are born in Denmark but whose parents have direct personal experiences of transnational migration can have within and beyond the Danish comprehensive public school system. The empirical basis of the study stems from fieldwork at one school in Denmark and consists primarily of interviews with children (n = 19). This study shows how language, religion, and the countries of birth of the children’s parents play very different roles in the children’s narratives of belonging, which, in turn, indicate that the school to varying degrees accommodates the transnational aspects of children’s lives according to how well they fit into the ‘Danishness’ that the school prescribes. The paper concludes by considering ways forward to better understand and counteract tendencies towards alienation, which schools’ handling of the transnational aspects of children’s lives might entail.
Comparing you, me, and us: Social comparisons in the context of close relationships
Authors: Thai Sabrina
Published: August 2022

Social comparisons in the context of close relationships occur often in daily life. Yet, limited research has examined the various types of comparisons that can occur in relationships and the interpersonal consequences of these comparisons. I first describe the types of comparisons individuals can make in close relationships (between themselves and a close other, between their relationship and another, and between a close other and another person) and the interpersonal consequences of these comparisons. I then discuss how examining comparisons in close relationships leads to new ways of thinking about social comparisons: Comparisons have a greater reach than previously thought (dyadic and cumulative longitudinal effects of comparisons), they are more complex than simply comparing the self to others, and they influence relationship outcomes and reveal processes that have not yet been examined. These new insights and directions demonstrate how this intrapersonal process has important interpersonal consequences.
Welfare developmentalism with interactive central–local relations: Understanding the recent expansion in pension coverage in China
Authors: Guo Yu , Zhao Liqiu
Published: August 2022

This study presents an analytical framework integrating welfare developmentalism and interactive central–local relations to understand the underlying dynamics of the dramatic pension coverage expansion in China in the last decade. We empirically test the research hypotheses based on the analytical framework using data from the Chinese General Social Survey 2008–2017. The results show that various individual and institutional factors, including demographic profiles, socio‐economic status, institutional contexts, and regional economic development, are significant predictors of pension participation. Regions with more local capacity have higher pension participation rates; however, there has been a trend towards regional convergence in China's pension coverage expansion since 2012. This study contributes to the literature on the social policymaking process by revealing how the forces of top‐down pressure from the centre and bottom‐up motivations derived from the local conditions are embedded into the conceptual framework of welfare developmentalism. Our findings imply that the implementation of an inclusive pension scheme requires careful policy design and coordination among regions to address the interests of different parties.
Efficacy of a novel microneedle patch for rejuvenation of the nasolabial fold
Authors: Pruettijarai Ungsuthorn , Meephansan Jitlada , Prapapan Ornicha , Pureesrisak Purit , Sirithanabadeekul Punyaphat , Tantisantisom Kittipong , Thongma Sattra , Rayanasukha Yossawat , Adulyaritthikul Punyanuch , Khanchaitit Paisan
Published: August 2022

Background

Skin rejuvenation plays a significant role in the esthetic medicine market. Microneedle patches have been developed for a wide range of applications based on the principles of transdermal drug delivery; however, clinical trials of microneedle patches for skin rejuvenation remain limited.

Aims

This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of microneedle patches for improving nasolabial folds.

Methods

A total of 23 Thai women completed this prospective clinical trial. The participants were treated according to a split‐face design, with application of microneedle patch plus 1.8% hyaluronic acid solution to the right nasolabial fold and microneedle patch alone to the left nasolabial fold. The treatments were applied to the nasolabial fold for 8 weeks. The test areas were measured before treatment and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after the use of the test product.

Results

Combination treatment using the microneedle patch plus hyaluronic acid solution and use of the microneedle patch alone both significantly improved the Merz esthetic scales for nasolabial folds. Measurement of the nasolabial fold showed an improvement in the two groups, with no significant differences between the groups. No adverse effects were reported during the study period.

Conclusions

Application of a microneedle patch with 1.8% hyaluronic acid solution or a microneedle patch alone were both effective treatments for improving facial wrinkles in the nasolabial folds.
Comparative analysis of hepatitis B virus infections in blood donors born before and after the implementation of universal HBV vaccination in southern China
Authors: Ye Xianlin , Li Tong , Li Yi , Zeng Jinfeng , Li Ran , Xu Xiaoxuan , Guan Xiaoyu , Li Ling
Published: August 2022

Background

In China, the vaccinated blood donors have rapidly increased by recent years, which may impact blood safety. The true prevalence of HBV between vaccinated blood donors and non‐vaccinated blood donors should be explored.

Study Design and Methods

The samples of blood donors were collected and detected for serologic markers of HBV in the Shenzhen Blood Centre (SZBC). The discrepant results were tested with commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ELCI) for HBsAg, anti‐HBs, HBeAg, Anti‐HBe and Anti‐HBc, alternative MPX ID NAT, nested PCR, and a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for HBV DNA. The serological and molecular characteristics of HBV infected blood donors were analysed, and the effects on blood safety for donors born before and after the implementation of universal HBV vaccination were compared.

Results

Out of 242 presumed HBV infected donors from 26 318 donations, 131 (0.49%, [95% CI, 0.43–0.59]) chronic HBV infections (CHB, HBsAg detected with or without DNA), 58 (0.22%, [95% CI, 0.17–0.28]) occult hepatitis B infections (OBI, HBsAg not detected, assume anti‐HBc positive and/or anti‐HBs with HBV DNA) and 3 (0.011%, [95% CI, 0.0023–0.033]) window period (WP) infections were confirmed respectively. There were 28 CHBs (0.44%), 7 OBIs (0.11%) and 1 WP (0.016%) from vaccinated blood donor and 103 CHBs (0.52%), 51 OBIs (0.26%) and 2 WPs (0.01%) from non‐vaccinated blood donor. The HBV+ (CHBs, OBIs and WPs) rate (0.56%) in vaccinated donors was lower than in non‐vaccinated donors (0.78%, p < 0.05). The HBsAg titers of vaccinated infected blood donors (Median: 128.8 IU/ml) were much higher than non‐vaccinated infected blood donors (58.4 IU/ml). The OBI yield rates in the vaccinated blood donors was significantly lower than the non‐vaccinated blood donors (p < 0.05). There 102/124 (82.3%) samples were genotype B, 22/124 (17.7%) were genotype C respectively. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotype between non‐vaccinated blood donors (B/C, 86/17) and vaccinated blood donors (B/C, 23/6; p > 0.05). High frequency of vaccine escape mutations M133L (32.4%) and E164G in S region of genotype B strains and substitution L175S (40.9%) related to vaccine escape in S region of genotype C strains were identified.

Conclusion

The universal HBV vaccination program markedly reduces the risk of HBV infection in blood donors, and provides a significant guarantee for the safety of blood transfusion. Several important mutations detected related vaccine escape and notable mutations needed further investigated.
An Optimization Model for Ordering and Transporting Raw Materials by Manufacturers Based on Linear Programming
Authors: Huang Chengjia , Chen Zhengyong , Chen Sitong
Published: August 2022

This study applies analytic hierarchy process (A­­­HP), 0-1 integer programming and other systematic programming models, combined with the needs of manufacturers to build a set of mathematical models to help manufacturers select suppliers, control raw material ordering costs, and transporting costs. As the production costs of products is linked to the ordering and transporting of raw materials, manufacturers need to choose suitable raw material suppliers and develop the most economical ordering and transporting schemes with the most negligible loss so as to improve profits and enhance the market competitiveness. Taking a building and decorative plate enterprise as a case, this model shows that AHP can effectively quantify the supplying characteristics of suppliers and obtain a list of high-quality suppliers. LINGO software combined with linear programming can be used to obtain the optimal weekly ordering and transporting schemes, thus reducing the raw material ordering costs and transporting losses. It is shown from the results that the production costs of enterprises from the source can be reduced so as to improve their cost control system. The present study seeks to fill the gap in ordering and transporting raw materials for manufacturers to control production costs. At the same time, this model provides references for producers who have the demand for processing raw materials and play a significant role in controlling production costs.