bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Italian same‐sex parenting in times of COVID‐19: Constructing parenthood on insecure grounds
Authors: Monaco Salvatore
Published: January 2022

Objective

This article focuses on the challenges same‐sex‐parent families in Italy have faced in the context of the COVID‐19 crisis.

Background

It is universally acknowledged that Italy was the first victim of the novel coronavirus in Europe. Due to the hazards caused by the pandemic, the Italian government implemented a series of countermeasures to help families, resolving the increasingly irreconcilable conflicts between work and childcare, providing financing to the most poverty‐stricken families. However, some initiatives have made it clear that in Italy, not all people have received equal benefits.

Method

To further investigate and bring awareness to the issue of the vulnerability of Italian same‐sex‐parent families in times of COVID‐19, 40 in‐depth interviews were conducted online between March and June 2020 to collect data on attitudes, opinions, and behaviors at the individual level.

Results

Italian homosexual fathers and mothers, due to a still uncertain regulatory framework, have been invisible in the face of a bureaucracy remaining deeply rooted in a rigid and obsolete vision of the social reality.

Conclusion

Italy should take into account a possible redefinition of family both at the political and institutional levels. The concept of family is expected to be broader and closer to social reality, encompassing all the possible patterns of family that constitute a real supportive network for all people, in full respect of people's equal dignity and self‐determination.

Implications

A redefinition of what it means to be a family is necessary not only in the acquisition of citizenship and welfare rights of homosexual people, but above all for the protection of the rights and interests of children who grow up in same‐sex‐parented families.
Targeting cellular senescence with senotherapeutics: senolytics and senomorphics
Authors: Zhang Lei , Pitcher Louise E. , Prahalad Vaishali , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Robbins Paul D.
Published: January 2022

The concept of geroscience is that since ageing is the greatest risk factor for many diseases and conditions, targeting the ageing process itself will have the greatest impact on human health. Of the hallmarks of ageing, cellular senescence has emerged as a druggable therapeutic target for extending healthspan in model organisms. Cellular senescence is a cell state of irreversible proliferative arrest driven by different types of stress, including oncogene‐induced stress. Many senescent cells (SnCs) develop a senescent‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) comprising pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, proteases, bioactive lipids, inhibitory molecules, extracellular vesicles, metabolites, lipids and other factors, able to promote chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction. SnCs up‐regulate senescent cell anti‐apoptotic pathways (SCAPs) that prevent them from dying despite the accumulation of damage to DNA and other organelles. These SCAPs and other pathways altered in SnCs represent therapeutic targets for the development of senotherapeutic drugs that induce selective cell death of SnCs, specifically termed senolytics or suppress markers of senescence, in particular the SASP, termed senomorphics. Here, we review the current state of the development of senolytics and senomorphics for the treatment of age‐related diseases and disorders and extension of healthy longevity. In addition, the challenges of documenting senolytic and senomorphic activity in pre‐clinical models and the current state of the clinical application of the different senotherapeutics will be discussed.
Conflicting interests and growing importance of non‐indigenous species in commercial and recreational fisheries of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Kleitou Periklis , Moutopoulos Dimitrios K. , Giovos Ioannis , Kletou Demetris , Savva Ioannis , Cai Leda L. , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Charitou Anastasia , Elia Maria , Katselis George , Rees Siân
Published: January 2022

Non‐indigenous species (NIS) are spreading and reshaping Mediterranean Sea biological communities and fishery resources. The present study used fisheries data and structured interviews to assess the impacts of NIS on recreational and commercial fishers in Cyprus. NIS that have been present in Cyprus for more than two decades were mostly perceived by local fishers as native, NIS with high market value were considered to be beneficial, and venomous or poisonous NIS were considered to be deleterious. Pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae) were identified by fishers as causing significant economic damage, which undermines the sustainability of the commercial fishing sector. The most popular and highly priced NIS were rabbitfishes (Siganus spp.). In terms of commercial landings, six non‐indigenous taxa contributed over a quarter of the total landing value and more than half during the summer season. The results of the present study emphasised the multifaceted interactions of NIS with the fishing sector, and how policy objectives may not align with social and commercial fishery interests.
Climate legacies determine grassland responses to future rainfall regimes
Authors: Broderick Caitlin M. , Wilkins Kate , Smith Melinda D. , Blair John M.
Published: January 2022

Climate variability and periodic droughts have complex effects on carbon (C) fluxes, with uncertain implications for ecosystem C balance under a changing climate. Responses to climate change can be modulated by persistent effects of climate history on plant communities, soil microbial activity, and nutrient cycling (i.e., legacies). To assess how legacies of past precipitation regimes influence tallgrass prairie C cycling under new precipitation regimes, we modified a long‐term irrigation experiment that simulated a wetter climate for >25 years. We reversed irrigated and control (ambient precipitation) treatments in some plots and imposed an experimental drought in plots with a history of irrigation or ambient precipitation to assess how climate legacies affect aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), soil respiration, and selected soil C pools. Legacy effects of elevated precipitation (irrigation) included higher C fluxes and altered labile soil C pools, and in some cases altered sensitivity to new climate treatments. Indeed, decades of irrigation reduced the sensitivity of both ANPP and soil respiration to drought compared with controls. Positive legacy effects of irrigation on ANPP persisted for at least 3 years following treatment reversal, were apparent in both wet and dry years, and were associated with altered plant functional composition. In contrast, legacy effects on soil respiration were comparatively short‐lived and did not manifest under natural or experimentally‐imposed “wet years,” suggesting that legacy effects on CO2efflux are contingent on current conditions. Although total soil C remained similar across treatments, long‐term irrigation increased labile soil C and the sensitivity of microbial biomass C to drought. Importantly, the magnitude of legacy effects for all response variables varied with topography, suggesting that landscape can modulate the strength and direction of climate legacies. Our results demonstrate the role of climate history as an important determinant of terrestrial C cycling responses to future climate changes.
Comparison of the injection of low‐molecular weight heparin in the arterial vs. venous blood line for preventing extracorporeal circuit clotting during hemodialysis
Authors: Belmouaz Mohamed , Goussard Guillaume , Joly Florent , Grand Francois , Sibille Audrey , Ecotiere Laure , Desport Estelle , Bauwens Marc , Thierry Antoine , Bridoux Frank
Published: January 2022

Low‐molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are widely used for preventing clotting during hemodialysis (HD). Although injection in the venous blood line is recommended to avoid initial loss of LMWH through the dialyzer, LMWH is still frequently administered in the arterial blood line at the start of dialysis. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of the same enoxaparin dose administered through the venous blood line or arterial blood line. We also evaluated antifactor Xa (aXa) activity according to the injection route and dialysis modalities: high‐flux (HF) HD, medium cut‐off (MCO) HD, and online hemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF). Forty‐three patients were studied over 18 consecutive dialysis sessions using a fixed enoxaparin dose (20 or 40 mg), first administered through the arterial blood line bolus and then through the venous blood line for another 18 sessions. Compared to arterial blood line administration, venous blood line bolus resulted in a significant increase in median post‐dialysis aXa activity: 0.16 (0.1–0.6) IU/ml versus 0.31 (0.1–1.3) IU/ml, respectively, p = 0.006. After arterial blood line bolus of 40 mg enoxaparin, median post‐dialysis aXa activity was significantly lower with OL‐HDF compared to HF‐HD: 0.14 (0.1–0.35) versus 0.32 (0.15–0.49), p = 0.02. A trend for lower clotting within lines and bubble trap using venous blood line bolus was observed. In conclusion, venous blood line enoxaparin injection is safe in OL‐HDF patients. However, in HF‐HD and MCO‐HD, venous blood line injection of 40 mg enoxaparin may increase overdosing risk. Thus, aXa activity should be monitored in HF‐HD and MCO‐HD patients at risk of bleeding and/or on vitamin K antagonists and careful surveillance is required when administering a 40 mg enoxaparin dose through the venous blood line route.
Virtual reality assessments (VRAs): Exploring the reliability and validity of evaluations in VR
Authors: Sanchez Diana R. , Weiner Erik , Van Zelderen Anand
Published: January 2022

Virtual reality (VR) is a potential assessment format for constructs dependent on certain perceptual characteristics (e.g., realistic environment and immersive experience). The purpose of this series of studies was to explore methods of evaluating reliability and validity evidence for virtual reality assessments (VRAs) when compared with traditional assessments. We intended to provide the basis of a framework on how to evaluate VR assessments given that there are important fundamental differences to VR assessments compared with traditional assessment formats. Two commercial off‐the‐shelf (COTS) games (i.e., Project M and Richie's Plank Experience) were used in Studies 1 and 2, while a game‐based assessment (GBA; Balloon Pop, designed for assessment) was used in Study 3. Studies 1 and 2 provided limited evidence for the reliability and validity of the VRAs. However, no meaningful constructs were measured by the VRA in Study 3. Findings demonstrate limited evidence for these VRAs as viable assessment options through the validity and reliability methods utilized in the present studies, which in turn emphasize the importance of aligning the assessment purpose to the unique advantages of a VR environment.
Current practice, education and recommendations for training of central line insertion for trainees and fellows in adult intensive care units across Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Parikh Tapan , Al‐Bassam Wisam , Shehabi Yahya , Pakavakis Adrian , Subramaniam Ashwin
Published: January 2022

Background

Central venous access device (CVAD) is a common procedure in ICU which, although generally safe, can lead to acute and delayed complications. Training and accreditation process for its insertion vary worldwide.

Aims

The objective of this study was to explore variability in existing training and accreditation processes for central venous access device (CVAD) insertion among different intensive care units (ICU), current practices of CVAD insertion among fellows of the College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM) working in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and their recommendations for improvement.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional web‐based survey was sent through email and CICM e‐newsletter to intensivists and directors of ICU across ANZ. All responses were tabulated, post‐hoc exploratory analysis using multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used and free texts were analysed thematically and summarised.

Results

A total of 115 responses was received from various public and private ICU from all states of ANZ; 32% of the participants did not have any accreditation process for CVAD insertion skill in their ICU, whereas 91% of respondents revealed there were no processes to assess deskilling. Most intensivists recommended supervision, simulation, various education tools and ultrasound training to improve training and assessment. Thirty‐five percent of the participants inserted 0–5 CVAD and more than half of the intensivists had inserted <10 CVAD in a 1‐year period. Two‐thirds of the respondents recommended inserting between 6 and 20 CVAD each year to maintain competence.

Conclusion

The study identified wide variability in current practice, training methods and accreditation process for CVAD insertion among intensivists and ICU trainees in ANZ. Policy makers should consider revising the current clinical practice and training policies to new policies for accreditation and ongoing assessment for CVAD insertions across ANZ ICU.
Estimating the burden of influenza‐related and associated hospitalizations and deaths in France: An eight‐season data study, 2010–2018
Authors: Lemaitre Magali , Fouad Fayssoil , Carrat Fabrice , Crépey Pascal , Gaillat Jacques , Gavazzi Gaëtan , Launay Odile , Mosnier Anne , Levant Marie‐Cécile , Uhart Mathieu
Published: January 2022

Background

In France, each year, influenza viruses are responsible for seasonal epidemics leading to 2–6 million cases. Influenza can cause severe disease that may lead to hospitalization or death. As severe disease may be due to the virus itself or to disease complications, estimating the burden of severe influenza is complex. The present study aimed at estimating the epidemiological and economic burden of severe influenza in France during eight consecutive influenza seasons (2010–2018).

Methods

Influenza‐related hospitalization and mortality data and patient characteristics were taken from the French hospital information database, PMSI. An ecological approach using cyclic regression models integrating the incidence of influenza syndrome from the Sentinelles network supplemented the PMSI data analysis in estimating excess hospitalization and mortality (CépiDc—2010–2015) and medical costs.

Results

Each season, the average number of influenza‐related hospitalizations was 18,979 (range: 8627–44,024), with an average length of stay of 8 days. The average number of respiratory hospitalizations indirectly related with influenza (i.e., influenza associated) was 31,490 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24,542–39,012), with an average cost of €141 million (range: 54–217); 70% of these hospitalizations and 77% of their costs concerned individuals ≥65 years of age (65+). More than 90% of excess mortality was in 65+ subjects.

Conclusions

The combination of two complementary approaches allowed estimation of both influenza‐related and associated hospitalizations and deaths and their burden in France, showing the substantial impact of complications. The present study highlighted the major public health burden of influenza and its severe complications, especially in 65+ subjects.
A mixed‐integer linear programming model and a metaheuristic approach for the selection and allocation of land parcels problem
Authors: Gil Alejandro Fernández , Sánchez Mariam Gómez , Castro Carlos , Pérez‐Alonso Alain
Published: January 2022

This article is about the current agricultural scenario, where large‐scale production causes large amounts of food to be transported to various points of consumption, causing substantial emissions of so‐called greenhouse gases and increasing the carbon footprint. Land use optimization and land parcel allocation are essential areas of agriculture research that currently represent relevant challenges and are classified as combinatorial optimization problems. In this context, the Selection and Allocation of Land Parcels Problem (SA‐LPP) is proposed; its goal is to optimize the selection and allocation of land parcels with rectangular shapes in small areas available for food production. We propose a reformulation of the SA‐LPP as a variant of the two‐dimensional orthogonal packing problem (2OPP), called Group‐2OPP. This problem was solved through a Mixed‐Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model, but due to the model complexity, we also propose a Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure metaheuristic approach. Some sensitivity analyses were performed as well to evaluate the impact of parameters on the solutions. Computational results show that the proposed metaheuristic outperforms the MILP model in terms of solution quality and computational times.
Nurses' and midwives' experiences and views about responding to out of work emergencies: A constructivist grounded theory study
Authors: Crouchman Carolyn , Griffiths Lauren , Harris Ruth , Henderson Keiran
Published: January 2022

Aim

To explore nurses' and midwives' experiences, views, perceptions and impact on their responses to out of work emergencies where first aid may be required.

Design

A constructivist grounded theory study was conducted between 2012 and 2019.

Methodology

In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 16 nurses and midwives. Participants were recruited via a participant referral process with registered nurses and midwives being accessed from three NHS organizations. Data were analysed and coded using constant comparative analysis with the support of Nvivo 10 software leading to the construction of a substantive grounded theory.

Results

A core enduring in vivo theme, ‘The Right Thing to Do’, emerged as a central conceptual reality constructed via three key in vivo themes; ‘Something I've Heard’, ‘Am I Covered?’ and ‘Just Who I Am’, each with several sub‐themes. A pervading anxiety about responding at off‐duty situations requiring first aid was persistently evident across these themes.

Conclusion

The study showed a strong sense of moral agency among nurses and midwives, despite a powerful underlying feeling of anxiety surrounding broader issues of urban myth, protection and personal and professional identity. The substantive theory emerged as ‘doing "The Right Thing" in a climate of anxiety’.

Impact

The study illuminates an area that has previously been the subject of anecdotal debate. The substantive theory, ‘doing "The Right Thing" in a climate of anxiety’ illustrates the issues and tensions that exist surrounding the off‐duty response. Implications and recommendations for practice and education focus on the fostering of knowledge and understanding of professional identity, position in law and scope of practice, together with potential future research directions. This work provides the first in‐depth qualitative study contributing a significant new perspective both nationally and globally.
The combination of sucrose dilaurate and sucrose laurate suppresses HMGB1: an enhancer of melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer to keratinocytes
Authors: Wang J. , Jarrold B. , Zhao W. , Deng G. , Moulton L. , Laughlin T. , Hakozaki T.
Published: January 2022

Background

Hyperpigmented spots are common issues in all ethnicities, involving multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as UVB exposure, hormone balance, inflammatory status and ageing.

Objectives

To determine (i) melanocyte dendricity in multiple facial spot types, (ii) impact of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), and the combination of sucrose dilaurate and sucrose laurate (SDL) on melanogenesis and melanocyte dendricity, and (iii) SDL effect on facial spots in a human use test.

Methods

Facial spot and adjacent non‐spot skin biopsies were collected from Chinese women (age 20‐70). Histological assessment of melanocyte dendricity was performed for 3 spot types (solar lentigo, melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation) by immunofluorescent staining for c‐kit/MITF. Keratinocyte, melanocyte and melanocyte–keratinocyte co‐culture models were used to assess HMGB1 release by UVB radiation, the effects of HMGB1 and SDL on melanin production, melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer. The effect of an SDL‐containing moisturizer on appearance of facial hyperpigmented spots was assessed against a vehicle control in an 8‐week human use test.

Results

Melanocytes in spot areas are more dendritic than melanocytes in adjacent non‐spot skin across three investigated spot types. In cell culture models, a moderate UVB‐radiation exposure caused release of HMGB1 from keratinocytes. HMGB1 did not alter melanin production in melanocytes, but enhanced melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer. SDL reduced HMGB1 release from keratinocytes, inhibited melanin production, reversibly suppressed melanocyte dendricity and reduced melanosome transfer. In the human use test, SDL‐containing moisturizer reduced appearance of spots versus vehicle.

Conclusion

Increased melanocyte dendricity was observed in multiple types of facial spots. Addition of HMGB1 protein increased melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer in cell cultures, implicating potential involvement in spot formation. SDL suppressed melanin production, melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer in vitro and reduced appearance of spots in the use test, suggesting SDL is an effective solution to address hyperpigmented spot concerns.
Microbial dysbiosis in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis mimics shifts in human microbiome and correlates with the key pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐4, IL‐33 and TSLP
Authors: Amar Y. , Schneider E. , Köberle M. , Seeholzer T. , Musiol S. , Hölge I.M. , Gschwendtner S. , Krappmann D. , Steiger K. , Biedermann T. , Schmidt‐Weber C.B. , Alessandrini F.
Published: January 2022

Background

Cutaneous bacterial dysbiosis is a characteristic hallmark of atopic dermatitis (AD), and it decisively influences the severity of the disease. Despite this, frequently used murine models of AD have not been characterized regarding the changes in skin microbiome communities.

Objective

To analyse the skin microbiome of two frequently used murine models for AD for assessing their applicability in translational research.

Methods

AD was induced in mice by topical application of calcipotriol or oxazolone. Following comparable elicitation of AD‐like dermatitis, including IgE induction, the skin microbial communities were analysed and compared with human AD.

Results

We detected critical differences in the microbiota composition of diseased skin. In contrast to calcipotriol treatment, application of oxazolone induced significant changes in the cutaneous microbiota and a drastic drop of bacterial richness. Furthermore, an expansion of Staphylococci, particularly S. xylosus, was observed in the oxazolone group, also displaying positive correlations with AD key markers including pH, TEWL, IL‐4, TSLP and IL‐33.

Conclusions

In this article, we show that (a) the model of choice to investigate AD needs to be characterized for the cutaneous microbiota if applicable and (b) the oxazolone‐mediated mixed Th1‐Th2 immune response triggers microbiota‐induced alterations which share similarities to dysbiosis in human AD and represents therefore a suitable model for translational research on AD if alterations of the microbiome are in the focus of the investigation.
Evaluation of hydrothermal sugarcane bagasse treatment for the production of xylooligosaccharides in different pressures
Authors: Monteiro Carla Roana M. , Rodrigues Luiz Gustavo G. , Cesca Karina , Poletto Patrícia
Published: January 2022

Hydrothermal processing is an organic solvent‐free technology capable of solubilizing hemicellulose in oligomers of interest. This study evaluated the influence of pressure (2.5 and 10 MPa) on the release of the main components of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as reducing sugars, phenolic compounds and xylooligosaccharides (XOS) during hydrothermal treatment in a continuous flow mode for 30 min. The study carried out at 180°C showed that 85% of the sugar extraction capacity was reached after 15 min at both pressures. The evolution of pH, phenolic compounds released in the liquor and small changes in the lignocellulosic structure were also monitored and related to the effects of hydrothermal treatment. The xylose content was similar at both pressures (22 mg/g xylan), while the XOS (X2‐X6) yield was 87.5 and 111.4 mg/g xylan at 2.5 and 10 MPa, respectively. A mass balance was used to estimate that 6.76 kg of XOS could be produced from 100 kg of SCB treated at 180°C, 2.5 MPa, and 15 min.

Practical Applications

Sugarcane production generates a large amount of by‐products. The study aimed to use sugarcane bagasse (SCB) for the extraction of xylooligosaccharides through hydrothermal processing whose the influence of two pressures (2.5 and 10 MPa) in this process was evaluated. This process is an organic solvent‐free technology that establishes a sustainable strategy for the exploitation of this material. Residues (SCB) have great potential to be explored to prepare value‐added products in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Sex‐dependent responsiveness of hippocampal neurons to sex neurosteroids: A role of Arc/Arg3.1
Authors: Brökling Janina , Brunne Bianka , Rune Gabriele M.
Published: January 2022

Sex steroids, such as estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), regulate hippocampal plasticity and memory in a sex‐dependent manner. Because the activity‐regulated cytoskeleton protein Arc/Arg3.1 is essential for long‐term memory formation and synaptic plasticity, we investigated the expression of Arc/Arg3.1 with respect to its responsiveness to E2 and DHT in male and female hippocampal neurons. For the first time, we show that, in hippocampal neurons, Arc/Arg3.1 expression is sex‐dependently regulated by sex steroids. No difference in the expression between sexes was observed under control conditions. Using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and quantitative immunoreactivity, upregulation of Arc/Arg3.1 protein expression was observed in specifically female hippocampal neurons after application of E2 to the cultures. Conversely, upregulation of Arc/Arg3.1 was seen in specifically male neurons after application of DHT. A quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that the sex‐dependency was most pronounced on the mRNA level. Most importantly, the effects of E2 in cultures of female animals were abolished when neuron‐derived E2 synthesis was inhibited. Our results point to a potentially important role of Arc/Arg3.1 regarding sex‐dependency in sex steroid‐induced synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
Characterization of pyraclostrobin‐resistant Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Ruan Hongchun , Tian Peiyu , Shi Niuniu , Du Yixin , Chen Furu , Chen Fengping
Published: January 2022

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae in cultivated rice is a devastating fungal disease. The crop lost to rice blast is enough to feed more than 60 million people every year. At present, chemical control is still the primary measure to control rice blast. Pyraclostrobin is a methoxy acrylate fungicide, which has the characteristics of broad‐spectrum, high efficiency, environmental protection, and friendliness to non‐target organisms. Pyraclostrobin has been a good option for disease control in China. In this study, M. oryzae resistance to pyraclostrobin was evaluated. The pyraclostrobin‐resistant M. oryzae mutants were screened and the primary fitness parameters of resistant and sensitive strains were investigated. A total of nine pyraclostrobin‐resistant mutants were generated, which exhibited a mutation frequency of 3.46 × 10−4. The EC50 values of the mutants ranged from 2.2185 to 4.8946 μg/ml and resistant factors ranging from 467 to 4504. Biological character evaluations showed that all resistant mutants exhibited decreased fitness in mycelial growth rate, sporulation, and pathogenicity. Positive cross‐resistance was observed between pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin or picoxystrobin, but not between pyraclostrobin and propiconazole or carbendazim. Sequence analysis of the partial fragment in cytb gene showed that there were two different point mutations in the nine resistant mutants. Seven mutants had a point mutation at position 427 (G to A transition), resulting in the conversion of glycine to serine (G143S). Two other mutants had a point mutation at position 428 (G to C transversion), resulting in the conversion of glycine to alanine (G143A). This mutation site is the main mechanism that has been reported to cause high resistance to QoI fungicides. Therefore, the G143A and G143S mutations found in this study could be the main reason for the mutant resistant to pyraclostrobin.
Research and training priorities of staff supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities with or without autism
Authors: Simpson Kate , Adams Dawn , Manokara Vimallan , Malone Stephanie
Published: January 2022

Research and training priority setting can help to direct limited resources to areas, which will have maximum benefit in improving the skills and knowledge of support workers to better meet the needs of their clients. Staff from a multi‐site organisation in Singapore that supports individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism completed a questionnaire identifying their research and training practices and priorities. Staff were asked to identify their access to training and research, and what they viewed as priorities in these areas. They also completed a Likert scale questionnaire on training and research priorities identified from previous research. Response rate was 27.8% (n = 82). Analyses found that staff were more likely to rely on training than research to inform their knowledge, with training in understanding and managing behaviours identified as a priority across the organisation. Staff identified interventions and supports for caregivers as a research priority. The consensus with previous research would suggest that there are training needs and research areas, which may inform global priorities for this population.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) in a tertiary general hospital at Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Ohnmar Ohnmar , Hlaing Kyaw Phyo , Win Zin Nwe , Aung Yan Lynn , Tun Zin Phyu , Htay Kyawt Oo Kaythi , Thit Win Min , Umapathi Thirugnanam
Published: January 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to study the profile of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) patients admitted at Yangon General Hospital (YGH), Myanmar.

Methods

Patients with flaccid quadriparesis due to GBS admitted to the Department of Neurology, YGH in 2019 were prospectively studied.

Results

Ninety‐four GBS patients were recruited. Mean age was 36.2 years. Male to female ratio was 2.4:1. Patients were admitted 12.1 ± 14.8 days after disease onset. 46.8% were from outside the Yangon region. Peak incidence was in rainy season (47.9%). 62.8% reported symptoms suggestive of preceding infection: 45.7% unspecified fever, 3.2% upper respiratory infection, 8.5% diarrhea, and 5.3% fever with rash. 27.7% had bulbar and 44.7% had facial weakness. 5.3% had GBS/Miller Fisher syndrome overlap. Electrophysiologically, 50% were acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), 30% acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), and 20% acute motor‐sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN). Maximum disability was reached at 5.6 ± 4.78 days from onset. The plateau phase lasted 12.12 ± 14.27 days. 13.8% required ventilator support. 64.9% of patients received limited manual plasma exchange, 9.6% standard plasma exchange, 4.3% intravenous immunoglobulin and 21.3% no specific treatment. 79.8% had good clinical recovery at 4 weeks from inclusion. Mortality was 0%. Severity at admission was identified as the only poor recovery predictor.

Conclusion

Guillain‐Barré syndrome in a Yangon tertiary hospital peaked in rainy season and axonal GBS accounted for 50% cases. However, diarrhea was an uncommon antecedent. The good recovery was noted in 79.8% and largely predicted by severity of disease at admission.
Black nurses in action: A social movement to end racism and discrimination
Authors: Cooper Brathwaite Angela , Versailles Dania , Juüdi‐Hope Daria A. , Coppin Maurice , Jefferies Keisha , Bradley Renee , Campbell Racquel , Garraway Corsita T. , Obewu Ola A. T. , LaRonde‐Ogilvie Cheryl , Sinclair Dionne , Groom Brittany , Punia Harveer , Grinspun Doris
Published: January 2022

We bear witness to a sweeping social movement for change—fostered and driven by a powerful group of Black nurses and nursing students determined to call out and dismantle anti‐Black racism and discrimination within the profession of nursing. The Black Nurses Task Force, launched by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) in July 2020, is building momentum for long‐standing change in the profession by critically examining the racist and discriminatory history of nursing, listening to and learning from the lived experiences of the Black nursing community, and shaping concrete, actionable steps to confront anti‐Black racism and discrimination in academic settings, workplaces, and nursing organizations. The Black Nurses Task Force and the RNAO are standing up and speaking out in acknowledgment of the magnitude of anti‐Black racism and discrimination that exist in our profession, health system, justice system, and economic system. This social movement is demonstrating, in actions, how individuals and a collective act as change agents to drive meaningful and widespread change for our present and future Black nurses. We also acknowledge the Black nurses who have gone before us.
Crataegus bretschneideri (Rosaceae), a separate species endemic to northeast China
Authors: Yu Li‐Yan , Wang Zhi‐He , Du Xiao , Dong Wen‐Xuan
Published: January 2022

Crataegus bretschneideri has been considered a variety of Crataegus pinnatifida, but has also been proposed as a separate species. We used ITS and three cpDNA sequence fragments (psbA‐trnH, trnG‐trnS, trnH‐trnK) to perform maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference and neighbor‐joining molecular phylogenetic analysis on 108 individuals of 19 hawthorn (Crataegus) species and 4 outgroups (Malus). The ITS, cpDNA and cpDNA‐ITS molecular phylogenetic trees constructed using 4 methods had similar consistency.

In the cpDNA‐ITS tree, C. bretschneideri was resolved as an independent clade separated from Crataegus maximowiczii and C. pinnatifida. In the ITS (biparental inheritance) tree, C. bretschneideri and C. pinnatifida were resolved as closely related and only distantly related to C. maximowiczii. In contrast, the cpDNA (maternal inheritance) tree indicated that C. bretschneideri is closely related to C. maximowiczii but distantly related to C. pinnatifida. In total, 15 chloroplast haplotypes were revealed in the 108 Crataegus individuals, as determined by DNASP analysis. Of these, C. bretschneideri and C. maximowiczii share the same chloroplast haplotype, H1, while C. pinnatifida contains three haplotypes, H13–H15. Taken together with previous results, we confirm that C. bretschneideri is not a variety of C. pinnatifida, but a separate species that gradually developed from natural hybrid offspring in mixed forest areas with C. maximowiczii as the female parent and C. pinnatifida as the male parent.
Reconsidering digital labour: Bringing tech workers into the debate
Authors: Dorschel Robert
Published: January 2022

The digital labour debate has produced manifold insights into new forms of work emerging within digital capitalism. So far, though, most research has focused on highly precarious labourers, neglecting the growing ranks of affluent ‘tech workers’. I argue that this analytical oversight can be attributed to a narrow conceptualisation of digital labour. Thus, this article first proposes a broadening of the digital labour concept to encompass all work entangled with the digital economy. In a second step, I demonstrate the heuristic surplus of this theoretical broadening through a discussion of the empirical literature on tech workers. By bringing tech workers into the debate, I point to the cultural, technological and organisational relations between high and low‐paid digital labourers. Pursuing twin‐aims, the article combines a theoretical reconsideration of digital labour with an analytical discussion of the literature on tech workers to provide a more relational account of work and class in digital capitalism.
Feasibility and safety of left atrial access for ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava
Authors: Kantenwein Verena , Telishevska Marta , Bourier Felix , Kottmaier Marc , Brkic Amir , Risse Elena , Popa Miruna , Lengauer Sarah , Kolb Christof , Deisenhofer Isabel , Hessling Gabriele , Reents Tilko
Published: January 2022

Background

In patients with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) ablation procedures can be challenging. We sought to determine the feasibility and safety of left atrial ablations in patients with PLSVC, especially when PLSVC is unknown prior to the ablation procedure.

Methods and results

In this retrospective analysis 15 adult patients (mean age 64.6 ± 14.5 years, 53.3% male) with PLSVC undergoing 27 ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation or left atrial flutter were included. In 5 (33.3%) patients PLSVC was only discovered during the procedure. Transseptal puncture (TSP) was declared “difficult” by the ablating physician in 13 of 27 (48.2%) procedures and was not successfully completed in the first attempt in two patients with known PLSVC. Once TSP was successfully completed, all relevant structures were reached both during mapping and ablation in all procedures independent of whether PLSVC was known prior to the procedure. One major complication (3.7%) occurred in 27 procedures in a patient with known PLSVC. In the patients with unknown PLSVC no complication occurred.

Conclusion

In experienced hands, left atrial access and ablation in patients with PLSVC is feasible and safe, particularly with regard to patients in whom the PLSVC is unknown prior to the ablation procedure.
Managing disease containment measures during a pandemic
Authors: Shahmanzari Masoud , Tanrisever Fehmi , Eryarsoy Enes , Şensoy Ahmet
Published: January 2022

Throughout the current COVID‐19 pandemic, governments have implemented a variety of containment measures, ranging from hoping for herd immunity (which is essentially no containment) to mandating complete lockdown. On the one hand, containment measures reduce lives lost by limiting the disease spread and controlling the load on the healthcare system. On the other hand, such measures slow down economic activity, leading to lost jobs, economic stall, and societal disturbances, such as protests, civil disobedience, and increases in domestic violence. Hence, determining the right set of containment measures is a key social, economic, and political decision for policymakers. In this paper, we provide a model for dynamically managing the level of disease containment measures over the course of a pandemic. We determine the timing and level of containment measures to minimize the impact of a pandemic on economic activity and lives lost, subject to healthcare capacity and stochastic disease evolution dynamics. On the basis of practical evidence, we examine two common classes of containment policies—dynamic and static—and we find that dynamic policies are particularly valuable when the rate of disease spread is low, recovery takes longer, and the healthcare capacity is limited. Our work reveals a fundamental relationship between the structure of Pareto‐efficient containment measures (in terms of lives lost and economic activity) and key disease and economic parameters such as disease infection rate, recovery rate, and healthcare capacity. We also analyze the impact of virus mutation and vaccination on containment decisions.
Optimization of aquaculture sustainability through ecological intensification in China
Authors: Dong Shuang‐lin , Dong Yun‐wei , Cao Ling , Verreth Johan , Olsen Yngvar , Liu Wen‐jing , Fang Qi‐zhi , Zhou Yan‐gen , Li Li , Li Jing‐yu , Mu Yong‐tong , Sorgeloos Patrick
Published: January 2022

As the world's leading producer of farmed aquatic food products, China faces great uncertainty concerning the further sustainable development of its aquaculture industry due to high and increasing pressure from environmental and resource constraints. To realize truly sustainable development, it is imperative to establish an evaluation system that integrates social, economic, environmental and resource criteria, and optimizes aquaculture systems through a holistic approach. Here, we used analytical hierarchy processes combined with expert judgment and objective data to assess the sustainability of 10 major aquaculture production systems (APSs) in China. Based on the evaluation results, we propose the ecological intensification of aquaculture systems (ELIAS), rationally integrating anthropogenic inputs with aquaculture ecosystem services, to improve the sustainability of APSs. The holistic evaluation system and ELIAS are fundamental and critical for the future development of aquaculture in China and globally.
“When Life Gives You Lemons”: Using Cross‐Sectional Surveys to Identify Chronic Poverty in the Absence of Panel Data
Authors: Bolch Kimberly , Lopez‐Calva Luis F. , Ortiz‐Juarez Eduardo
Published: January 2022

At the core of poverty eradication is the need to eliminate that poverty that is persistent over time (chronic poverty). Unfortunately, traditional approaches to identifying chronic poverty require longitudinal data that is rarely available. In its absence, this paper proposes an alternative approach that only requires 1 year of cross‐sectional data on monetary and non‐monetary poverty. It puts forth two conjectures and contends that the combined profile of a household as both income poorandmultidimensionally poor can be used as a proxy of that household being chronically income poor. To explore the viability of this approach, we use a probit model and longitudinal data for three Latin American countries to estimate households’ probabilities of remaining in income poverty based on their past income and multidimensional poverty statuses. We find empirical support for the approach that is significant, consistent across countries, and robust to various controls and periods of analysis.
Spatiotemporal drought occurrences in the semi‐closed Raya graben along the northern Ethiopian Rift Valley
Authors: Gebrehiwot Misgina , Meaza Hailemariam , Ghebreyohannes Asfaha Tesfaalem , Tesfamariam Zebelo , Demissie Biadgilgn
Published: January 2022

Drought has become a major challenge in many Sub‐Saharan Africa countries. This study aimed to investigate the precipitation trends and drought incidents in the semi‐closed Raya graben in Ethiopia. Monthly precipitation records of nine meteorological stations for the years 1980–2016 were studied. The spatio‐temporal drought conditions were analysed using Man‐Kendall and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) techniques. A decreasing trend of precipitation was observed during the spring season (March−May) (p < 0.01). Many meteorological drought years were identified since 1980, occurring at varying temporal frequencies. Similarly, agricultural drought was occurring continuously for 1−5 years at an interval of five years. Our results also showed major hydrological droughts that persisted for 2−4 years occurring at an interval of five years. Almost all stations experienced an average intensity of moderate and above drought conditions during their agricultural and hydrological drought periods. Drought risk increased with the growing frequency of extreme drought events occurring every 14 months. Spatially, the southern and eastern parts were found to be more vulnerable to frequent, intense and longer drought conditions as compared to the western graben escarpment. Therefore, building adaptive capacity to climate change and extreme events is recommended to reduce the consequences of drought incidents in the Raya graben and northern Ethiopia.
Systematics of Afrotropical Eristalinae (Diptera: Syrphidae) using mitochondrial phylogenomics
Authors: Mullens Nele , Sonet Gontran , Virgilio Massimiliano , Goergen Georg , Janssens Steven B. , De Meyer Marc , Jordaens Kurt
Published: January 2022

We examined the phylogeny and intrageneric classification of eristaline hoverfly genera from the Afrotropical Region using mitochondrial genomes. Genome skimming was used to obtain (nearly) full mtDNA and nuclear rDNA (18S, 28S) genomes of 120 museum vouchers from eight genera and 98 species. Phylogenetic reconstructions of mitogenomes and mitogenomes + nuclear rDNA yielded comparable phylogenies while that of rDNA only resulted in poorly resolved phylogenies. Phylogenetic analyses focused on six genera and supported the monophyly of the genera Chasmomma Bezzi, Eristalinus Rondani, Mesembrius Rondani and Syritta Le Peletier & Serville, whereas Simoides Loew was not monophyletic and rendered Phytomia Guérin‐Méneville paraphyletic. We therefore synonymize Simoides with Phytomia. Within Chasmomma, two species‐groups that differ in the colour and the shape of the hind femora (Chasmomma femoratum and Chasmomma nigrum species‐groups) were supported. Within Eristalinus, the monophyly of the subgenera Merodonoides Curran and Eristalodes Mik was supported, but not of the subgenus Eristalinus Rondani. Within Syritta, the monophyly of three out of the five species‐groups tested was rejected. This approach illustrates the importance of integrative and iterative approaches in taxonomy and shows that genomic data may not only clarify the systematic relationships among hoverfly genera and species, but also offer perspectives into the evolution of morphological and ecological variation within the family.
Differentiating geographic movement described in text documents
Authors: Pezanowski Scott , MacEachren Alan M. , Mitra Prasenjit
Published: January 2022

Understanding movement described in text documents is important, since text descriptions of movement contain a wealth of geographic and contextual information about the movement of people, wildlife, goods, and much more. Our research makes several contributions to improve our understanding of movement descriptions in text. First, we show how interpreting geographic movement described in text is challenging because of general spatial terms, linguistic constructions that make the thing(s) moving unclear, and many types of temporal references and groupings, among others. Next, as a step to overcome these challenges, we report on an experiment with human subjects through which we identify multiple important characteristics of movement descriptions (found in text) that humans use to differentiate one movement description from another. Based on our empirical results, we provide recommendations for computational analysis using movement described in text documents. Our findings contribute toward an improved understanding of the important characteristics of the underused information about geographic movement that is in the form of text descriptions.