bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in Milan, Jan-Feb 2020
Authors: Milani Gregorio P. , Casazza Giovanni , Corsello Antonio , Marchisio Paola , Rocchi Alessia , Colombo Giulia , Agostoni Carlo , Costantino Giorgio
Published: June 2021

Background

A few studies have suggested that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was present in Northern Italy several weeks before its official detection on February 21, 2020. On the other hand, no clinical data have been provided so far to support such hypothesis. We investigated clinical-epidemiological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children and adults referring to emergency department (ED) in the main hospital of the center of Milan (Italy) before February 21, 2020.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of medical records of ED visits at the Fondazione Ca′ Granda Policlinico, Milan between January 11 and February 15 in 2017, 2018, 2019 and in 2020 was performed. The number of subjects referring with fever, cough or dyspnea was compared between the studied period of 2020 and the previous 3 years, by calculating a standardized referral ratio (SRR, number of observed cases in 2020 divided by the number of expected cases according to 2017–2019) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In the pediatric ED, 7709 (average 2570/year) and 2736 patients were visited during the period 2017–2019 and in the 2020, respectively. Among adults, 13,465 (average 4488/year) and 4787 were visited during the period 2017–2019 and in the 2020, respectively. The SRR was 1.16 (95% CI 1.10–1.23) in children and 1.25 (95% CI 1.16–1.35) in adults. The ratio for the two (children and adults) SRRs was 0.93 (0.84–1.02), suggesting a trend towards a higher frequency in adults compared to children.

Conclusions

This study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 might have spread in Milan before February 21, 2020 with a minor trend among children.
Public access to protocols of contemporary cancer randomized clinical trials
Authors: Babu Christopher , Mell Loren , Lee Nancy , Zakeri Kaveh
Published: June 2021

Access to randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocols is necessary for the interpretation and reproducibility of the study results, but protocol availability has been lacking. We determined the prevalence of protocol availability for all published cancer RCTs in January 2020. We found that only 36.1% (48/133) of RCTs had an accessible protocol and only 11.3% of RCTs (15/133) had a publicly accessible protocol that was not behind a paywall. Only 18.0% (24/133) of RCTs were published in conjunction with the protocol on the journal website. In conclusion, few cancer RCTs have an accessible research protocol. Journals should require publication of RCT protocols along with manuscripts to improve research transparency.
A novel approach for the synthesis of nanostructured Ag3PO4 from phosphate rock: high catalytic and antibacterial activities
Authors: Dânoun Karim , Tabit Rida , Laghzizil Abdelaziz , Zahouily Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Background

Silver orthophosphate (Ag3PO4) has received enormous attention over the past few years for its higher visible light photocatalytic performance as well as for various organic pollutants degradation in aqueous media. Therefore, considerable efforts have been made to the synthesis of Ag3PO4 with high catalytic efficiency, long lifetime, and using low-cost inorganic precursors.

Results

This article describes our efforts to develop a novel approach to synthesize of nanostructured silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) using phosphate rock as alternative and natural source of PO43− precursor ions. The catalytic experimental studies showed that the nanostructured Ag3PO4 exhibited excellent catalytic activity for reduction of p-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4 at room temperature. Furthermore, the antibacterial studies revealed that the obtained Ag3PO4 possess significant effect against E. Coli and S. Aureus bacteria.

Conclusion

The obtained results make the nanostructured Ag3PO4 prepared from natural phosphate as a highly promising candidate to be used as efficient catalyst and antibacterial agent.

Graphic Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies and anticoagulant therapy: capillaroscopic findings
Authors: Ferrari Giorgia , Gotelli Emanuele , Paolino Sabrina , Pesce Giampaola , Nanni Luca , Colombo Barbara Maria , Pacini Greta , Schenone Carlotta , Pizzorni Carmen , Sulli Alberto , Smith Vanessa , Cutolo Maurizio
Published: June 2021

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by specific vascular and obstetric manifestations and by antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) positivity. Microvascular damage in the course of APS and “aPL carrier” patients without symptoms is poorly investigated.

Objectives

This study aims to compare nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) microvascular parameters in APS patients and non-symptomatic "aPL carriers" and to investigate their possible correlations with different aPL subtypes.

Methods

NVC was performed during standard evaluations in 18 APS patients (mean age 50 ± 13.8 years), 24 "aPL carriers" without symptoms (mean age 46.4 ± 16.4 years), and 18 control patients (CTR) (mean age 74 ± 12.5 years) taking oral anticoagulants for non-immunological indications (i.e., cardiovascular accidents). All patients were investigated for the presence of dilated capillaries, giant capillaries, microhemorrhages, capillary loss, and further non-specific/specific abnormalities (i.e., branched “bushy” capillaries, sign of neoangiogenesis) by NVC. Every alteration was also classified according to a semi-quantitative score. Lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and antibeta2 glycoprotein I antibodies were tested in each patient.

Results

APS patients showed at NVC increased frequency of microhemorrhages (p = 0.039)—particularly a “comb-like” pattern (parallel hemorrhages) (p = 0.002)—than "aPL carriers". Of note, there were no significant differences concerning the isolated number of microhemorrhages between APS and the CTR group (p = 0.314), but “comb-like” hemorrhages were significantly more frequent in the APS group (p = 0.034). Not any significant correlation was found between the aPL subtypes and NVC parameters.

Conclusions

APS patients showed significantly a greater number of non-specific NVC abnormalities than "aPL carriers", particularly the “comb-like” NVC pattern. Oral anticoagulants may represent a confounding factor for isolated microhemorrhages. Not any correlation was found between aPL subtypes and NVC parameters. Further investigations are needed to better characterize the microvascular endothelium damage induced by aPL.
Swimming turn performance: the distinguishing factor in 1500 m world championship freestyle races?
Authors: Polach Marek , Thiel Dan , Kreník Jan , Born Dennis-Peter
Published: June 2021

Objective

Turn sections represent the second largest part of total race time in 1500 m freestyle races and may substantially affect race results. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate individual race strategies and compare the effect of start, swim, and turn performances between short-course and long-course races. Video footages were collected from all 16 male finalists at the 2018 short and 2019 long-course World swimming championships (age 23.06 ± 2.3 years, FINA points 941 ± 42) for subsequently analysis of start, turn, and swim performance.

Results

The larger number of turns in short-course races resulted in significantly faster race times (p = 0.004), but slower mean turn times compared to long-course races (p < 0.001). Total race velocity closely correlated with swim and turn but not start section velocity in short- (r ≥ 0.80, p ≤ 0.017) and long-course races (r ≥ 0.83, p ≤ 0.011). Analysis of individual race strategies showed that turn performance affected race results in 6 (75%) and 3 (37.5%) of the 8 world-best 1500 m swimmers in short-course and long-course races, respectively. Medal standing was improved for 1st, 3rd, and 4th ranked short- as well as 1st and 2nd ranked long-course finalist. Coaches, athletes, and performance analysts may carefully consider the importance of turn performance additionally to free-swimming skills.
Relationship between disease activity level and physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis using a triaxial accelerometer and self-reported questionnaire
Authors: Toyoshima Yoichi , Yajima Nobuyuki , Nemoto Tetsuya , Namiki Osamu , Inagaki Katsunori
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study evaluated the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity level and physical activity (PA) by using an accelerometer and self-reported questionnaire.

Results

The cross-sectional study was part of a cohort study designed to determine disease activity is associated with PA in RA patients. We classified patients with a Disease Activity Score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) of less than and higher than 3.2 into the low-disease-activity (LDA) group and moderate/high-disease-activity (MHDA) group, respectively. We measured the wear time, time of vigorous-intensity PA, moderate-intensity PA, light-intensity PA, and sedentary behavior per day using a triaxial accelerometer. 34 patients were included in the study. The accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was 17.2 min/day and 10.6 min/day in the LDA group and MHDA group (p < 0.05), respectively. There was no significant association between RA disease activity level and accelerometer-measured PA with adjustment for age and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score. There was no correlation between accelerometer-measured MVPA and self-reported MVPA in the MHDA group, but these factors were correlated in the LDA group (rs = 0.57, p < 0.05). In conclusion, no significant association was noted between RA disease activity level and accelerometer-measured PA.
Patterns of financial incentives in primary healthcare settings in Nigeria: implications for the productivity of frontline health workers
Authors: Okereke Ekechi , Eluwa George , Akinola Akinwumi , Suleiman Ibrahim , Unumeri Godwin , Adebajo Sylvia
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study was designed to explore the patterns of financial incentives received by some frontline health workers (including nurses, midwives as well as community health workers in paid employment) and the implications for their productivity within rural settings in Nigeria. A cross-sectional quantitative design in two States in Nigeria was adopted. Structured interviews were conducted with 114 frontline health workers. Bivariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were carried out to explore relationships between the satisfaction of frontline health workers with the financial incentives received and their productivity in rural settings as well as the extent of any such relationships.

Results

Bivariate analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship (P = 0.013) between satisfaction with incentives received by frontline health workers and their productivity in rural settings. When other predictors were controlled for within a multivariate regression model, those who received incentives and were satisfied with the incentives were about three times more likely to be more productive at work than those who were unsatisfied with incentives (AOR: 3.3; P = 0.009, 95% CI = 1.3–8.2). In conclusion, the determination of type and content of incentives should be done in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including possibly a cross-section of health workers themselves.
Race, APOE genotypes, and cognitive decline among middle-aged urban adults
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Weiss Jordan , Beydoun Hind A. , Hossain Sharmin , Maldonado Ana I. , Shen Botong , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B.
Published: June 2021

Background

Associations of Apolipoprotein (APOE) ε2 or ε4 (APOE2 or APOE4) dosages with cognitive change may differ across racial groups.

Methods

Longitudinal data on 1770 middle-aged White and African American adults was compiled from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS 2004-2013) study. APOE2 and APOE4 dosages were the two main exposures, while v1 and annual rate of change in cognitive performance (between v1 and v2) on 11 test scores were the main outcomes of interest (v1: 2004–2009 and v2: 2009–2013). Mixed-effects linear regression models were conducted adjusting for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related potential confounders. Race (African American vs. White) and sex within racial groups were main effect modifiers.

Results

Upon adjustment for multiple testing and potential confounders, APOE4 allelic dosage was associated with faster decline on a test of verbal memory among Whites only (CVLT-List A: γ12 = − 0.363 ± 0.137, p = 0.008), but not among African Americans. In contrast, among African American women, APOE4 dosage was linked to slower decline on a test of attention (BTA: γ12 = + 0.106 ± 0.035, p = 0.002), while no association was detected among African American men. APOE2 and APOE4 dosages showed inconsistent results in other domains of cognition overall and across racial groups that did not survive correction for multiple testing.

Conclusions

In conclusion, APOE4 dosage was associated with faster decline on a test of verbal memory among Whites only, while exhibiting a potential protective effect among African American women in the domain of attention. Further longitudinal studies are needed to replicate our race and sex-specific findings.
Autism symptoms in anorexia nervosa: a comparative study with females with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kerr-Gaffney Jess , Hayward Hannah , Jones Emily J. H. , Halls Daniel , Murphy Declan , Tchanturia Kate
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent research suggests a link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anorexia nervosa (AN). Individuals with AN show high scores on measures of ASD symptoms, relative to individuals without AN, however, there are currently no studies directly comparing women with AN to women with ASD. The aim of the current study was to examine profiles of ASD symptoms in young women in the acute and recovered stages of AN, women with ASD, and typically developing controls (TD), on both self-report and clinical interview measures.

Methods

Four groups of participants aged 12–30 years were included (n = 218): AN, recovered AN (REC), ASD, and TD. Group differences on the Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd edition (SRS-2), 10-item Autism Quotient (AQ-10), and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2) were examined. To explore similarities and differences in specific symptom profiles associated with AN and ASD, individual item endorsement on the ADOS-2 was also examined in AN, REC, and ASD.

Results

Across measures, women with ASD showed the highest scores, and TDs the lowest. Generally, individuals with AN and REC showed intermediate levels of ASD symptoms, scoring between the other two groups. However, AN and ASD did not differ on restricted interests and repetitive behaviour subscales. The ADOS-2 item ‘quality of social response’ adequately discriminated between ASD and non-ASD participants.

Limitations

A full diagnostic assessment for ASD was not provided for participants with AN/REC, nor were eating disorders assessed in the ASD group. Therefore, some diagnostic overlap between groups is possible. The cross-sectional design is another limitation.

Conclusions

The results suggest similarities in scores on both self-report and clinical interview measures in AN and ASD. However, individual ADOS-2 item analyses also revealed subtle differences, particularly in reciprocal social interaction. ASD symptoms may be a combination of both state and trait features in AN.
Optimized SQE atomic charges for peptides accessible via a web application
Authors: Schindler Ondřej , Raček Tomáš , Maršavelski Aleksandra , Koča Jaroslav , Berka Karel , Svobodová Radka
Published: June 2021

Background

Partial atomic charges find many applications in computational chemistry, chemoinformatics, bioinformatics, and nanoscience. Currently, frequently used methods for charge calculation are the Electronegativity Equalization Method (EEM), Charge Equilibration method (QEq), and Extended QEq (EQeq). They all are fast, even for large molecules, but require empirical parameters. However, even these advanced methods have limitations—e.g., their application for peptides, proteins, and other macromolecules is problematic. An empirical charge calculation method that is promising for peptides and other macromolecular systems is the Split-charge Equilibration method (SQE) and its extension SQE+q0. Unfortunately, only one parameter set is available for these methods, and their implementation is not easily accessible.

Results

In this article, we present for the first time an optimized guided minimization method (optGM) for the fast parameterization of empirical charge calculation methods and compare it with the currently available guided minimization (GDMIN) method. Then, we introduce a further extension to SQE, SQE+qp, adapted for peptide datasets, and compare it with the common approaches EEM, QEq EQeq, SQE, and SQE+q0. Finally, we integrate SQE and SQE+qp into the web application Atomic Charge Calculator II (ACC II), including several parameter sets.

Conclusion

The main contribution of the article is that it makes SQE methods with their parameters accessible to the users via the ACC II web application (https://acc2.ncbr.muni.cz) and also via a command-line application. Furthermore, our improvement, SQE+qp, provides an excellent solution for peptide datasets. Additionally, optGM provides comparable parameters to GDMIN in a markedly shorter time. Therefore, optGM allows us to perform parameterizations for charge calculation methods with more parameters (e.g., SQE and its extensions) using large datasets.

Graphic Abstract
On the impact of heterogeneity-aware mesh partitioning and non-contributing computation removal on parallel reservoir simulations
Authors: Thune Andreas , Cai Xing , Rustad Alf Birger
Published: June 2021

Parallel computations have become standard practice for simulating the complicated multi-phase flow in a petroleum reservoir. Increasingly sophisticated numerical techniques have been developed in this context. During the chase of algorithmic superiority, however, there is a risk of forgetting the ultimate goal, namely, to efficiently simulate real-world reservoirs on realistic parallel hardware platforms. In this paper, we quantitatively analyse the negative performance impact caused by non-contributing computations that are associated with the “ghost computational cells” per subdomain, which is an insufficiently studied subject in parallel reservoir simulation. We also show how these non-contributing computations can be avoided by reordering the computational cells of each subdomain, such that the ghost cells are grouped together. Moreover, we propose a new graph-edge weighting scheme that can improve the mesh partitioning quality, aiming at a balance between handling the heterogeneity of geological properties and restricting the communication overhead. To put the study in a realistic setting, we enhance the open-source Flow simulator from the OPM framework, and provide comparisons with industrial-standard simulators for real-world reservoir models.
Structural comparison of CD163 SRCR5 from different species sheds some light on its involvement in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus-2 infection in vitro
Authors: Ma Hongfang , Li Rui , Jiang Longguang , Qiao Songlin , Chen Xin-xin , Wang Aiping , Zhang Gaiping
Published: June 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a serious disease burdening global swine industry. Infection by its etiological agent, PRRS virus (PRRSV), shows a highly restricted tropism of host cells and has been demonstrated to be mediated by an essential scavenger receptor (SR) CD163. CD163 fifth SR cysteine-rich domain (SRCR5) is further proven to play a crucial role during viral infection. Despite intense research, the involvement of CD163 SRCR5 in PRRSV infection remains to be elucidated. In the current study, we prepared recombinant monkey CD163 (moCD163) SRCR5 and human CD163-like homolog (hCD163L1) SRCR8, and determined their crystal structures. After comparison with the previously reported crystal structure of porcine CD163 (pCD163) SRCR5, these structures showed almost identical structural folds but significantly different surface electrostatic potentials. Based on these differences, we carried out mutational research to identify that the charged residue at position 534 in association with the one at position 561 were important for PRRSV-2 infection in vitro. Altogether the current work sheds some light on CD163-mediated PRRSV-2 infection and deepens our understanding of the viral pathogenesis, which will provide clues for prevention and control of PRRS.
Effects of carbon concentration, oxygen, and controlled pH on the engineering strain Lactiplantibacillus casei E1 in the production of bioethanol from sugarcane molasses
Authors: Wang Song , Tian Ran , Liu Buwei , Wang Hongcai , Liu Jun , Li Chenghui , Li Mingyue , Evivie Smith Etareri , Li Bailiang
Published: June 2021

Sugarcane molasses are considered a potential source for bioethanol’s commercial production because of its availability and low market price. It contains high concentrations of fermentable sugars that can be directly metabolized by microbial fermentation. Heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria, especially Lactiplantibacillus casei, have a high potential to be a biocatalyst in ethanol production that they are characterized by strong abilities of carbohydrate metabolism, ethanol synthesis, and high alcohol tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of producing ethanol by Lactiplantibacillus casei used the ethanologen engineering strain L. casei E1 as a starter culture and cane molasses as substrate medium. The effects of environmental factors on the metabolism of L. casei E1 were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, and the gene expression of key enzymes in carbon source metabolism was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (RT–qPCR). Results showed that the strain could grow well, ferment sugar quickly in cane molasses. By fermenting this bacterium anaerobically at 37 °C for 36 h incubation in 5 °BX molasses when the fermenter’s pH was controlled at 6.0, ethanol yield reached 13.77 g/L, and carbohydrate utilization percentage was 78.60%. RT-qPCR results verified the strain preferentially ferment glucose and fructose of molasses to ethanol at the molecular level. In addition, the metabolism of sugars, especially fructose, would be inhibited by elevating acidity. Our findings support the theoretical basis for exploring Lactic acid bacteria as a starter culture for converting sugarcane molasses into ethanol.
Seven key parameters that facilitate clinical pharmacy practice: a comparison between Israel and the United States
Authors: Rose Adam J. , Witt Daniel , Azran Carmil , Nissan Ran
Published: June 2021

Clinical pharmacists have advanced training that enables them to manage medication therapy, including prescribing, titrating, and discontinuing medications, in order to achieve therapeutic goals. In some countries, such as the United States, advances in training, responsibility, legal frameworks, and public acceptance of new roles have proceeded in parallel to expand the scope and contribution of clinical pharmacists over several decades. In this manuscript, we detail seven discrete key parameters of professional advancement for clinical pharmacists, corresponding to the seven areas in which they must advance in order to contribute fully to delivering high-quality medical care. For each key parameter, we briefly summarize the progress made in the United States to date, as well as goals for future progress. We then compare this to the development of the analogous key parameter in Israel. We found that on some key parameters, the development of clinical pharmacy in Israel lags behind the United States. This manuscript can provide a roadmap for the future advancement of clinical pharmacy in Israel, toward its full realization as a profession that can contribute to delivering high-quality medical care.
Seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus infection in yak (Bos grunniens) in Tibet, China
Authors: Liang Lin , Wen Yuan , Li Zhaocai , Liu Ping , Liu Xing , Tan Shuming , Liu Donghui , Zhou Jizhang , Tong Dewen
Published: June 2021

Chlamydiaspp. are prevalent zoonotic pathogens that infect a wide variety of host species.Chlamydia abortus(C. abortus) infection in yaks has been reported in Gansu and Qinghai province, China. However, no data aboutC. abortusinfection are available in yaks in Tibet, China. A total of 938 serum samples was collected from yaks in Tibet, China and specific antibodies againstC. abortuswere detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the overall seroprevalence ofC. abortusin yaks was 104/938 (11.1 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 9.1–13.1). The prevalence in female and male yaks was 59/556 (10.6 %, 95 % CI 8.0-13.2) and 45/382 (11.8 %, 95 % CI 8.5–15.0), respectively with no significant difference (p > 0.05). The seroprevalence of antibodies toC. abortusin yaks ranged from 8.0 to 18.2 % among the six different areas, and the difference was also without statistical significance (p > 0.05). The prevalence among different age groups ranged from 7.0 to 15.9 %, with a higher prevalence among 1 to 2 years age category. The results demonstrate the presence ofC. abortusinfection in yaks in Tibet and may pose a risk for the general yak populations in addition to its potential impact on public health and the local Tibetan economy. To our knowledge, this is the first seroprevalence survey ofC. abortusin yaks in Tibet, China.
Effect modification of the association between comorbidities and severe course of COVID-19 disease by age of study participants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fernández Villalobos Nathalie Verónica , Ott Jördis Jennifer , Klett-Tammen Carolina Judith , Bockey Annabelle , Vanella Patrizio , Krause Gérard , Lange Berit
Published: June 2021

Background

Comprehensive evidence synthesis on the associations between comorbidities and behavioural factors with hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death due to COVID-19 is required for deriving national and international recommendations on primary targets for non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) and vaccination strategies.

Methods

We performed a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis on studies and publicly accessible data to quantify associations between predisposing health conditions, demographics, behavioural factors on the one hand and hospitalisation, ICU admission, and death from COVID-19 on the other hand. We provide ranges of reported and calculated effect estimates and pooled relative risks derived from a meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Results

Seventy-five studies were included in qualitative and 74 in quantitative synthesis, with study populations ranging from 19 to 44,672 COVID-19 cases. The risk of dying from COVID-19 was significantly associated with cerebrovascular [pooled relative risk (RR) 2.7 (95% CI 1.7–4.1)] and cardiovascular [RR 3.2 (CI 2.3–4.5)] diseases, hypertension [RR 2.6 (CI 2.0–3.4)], and renal disease [RR 2.5 (CI 1.8–3.4)], with high heterogeneity in pooled estimates, partly but not solely explained by age of study participants. For some comorbidities, our meta-regression showed a decrease in effect on the severity of disease with a higher median age of the study population. Compared to death, associations between several comorbidities and hospitalisation and ICU admission were less pronounced.

Conclusions

We obtained robust estimates on the magnitude of risk for COVID-19 hospitalisation, ICU admission, and death associated with comorbidities, demographic, and behavioural risk factors and show that these estimates are modified by age of study participants. This interaction is an important finding to be kept in mind for current vaccination strategies and for the protection of individuals with high risk for a severe COVID-19 course.
What are the variables associated with Altmetric scores?
Authors: Araujo Amanda Costa , Vanin Adriane Aver , Nascimento Dafne Port , Gonzalez Gabrielle Zoldan , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena
Published: June 2021

Background

Social media has been used to disseminate the contents of scientific articles. To measure the impact of this, a new tool called Altmetric was created. Altmetric aims to quantify the impact of each article through online media. This systematic review aims to describe the associations between the publishing journal and published article variables and Altmetric scores.

Methods

Searches on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Cochrane Library were conducted. We extracted data related to both the publishing article and the publishing journal associated with Altmetric scores. The methodological quality of included articles was analyzed by the Appraisal Tool for Cross-sectional Studies.

Results

A total of 19 articles were considered eligible. These articles summarized a total of 573,842 studies. Citation counts, journal impact factor, access counts, papers published as open access, and press releases generated by the publishing journal were associated with Altmetric scores. The magnitude of these associations ranged from weak to strong.

Conclusion

Citation counts and journal impact factor are the most common variables associated with Altmetric scores. Other variables such as access counts, papers published in open access journals, and the use of press releases are also likely to be associated with online media attention.

Systematic review registration

This review does not contain health-related outcomes. Therefore, it is not eligible for registration.
Inequalities and pth moment exponential stability of impulsive delayed Hopfield neural networks
Authors: Zhang Yutian , Chen Guici , Luo Qi
Published: June 2021

In this paper, thepth moment exponential stability for a class of impulsive delayed Hopfield neural networks is investigated. Some concise algebraic criteria are provided by a new method concerned with impulsive integral inequalities. Our discussion neither requires a complicated Lyapunov function nor the differentiability of the delay function. In addition, we also summarize a new result on the exponential stability of a class of impulsive integral inequalities. Finally, one example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
The dual Brunn–Minkowski inequality for log-volume of star bodies
Authors: Lai Dandan , Jin Hailin
Published: June 2021

This paper aims to consider the dual Brunn–Minkowski inequality for log-volume of star bodies, and the equivalent Minkowski inequality for mixed log-volume.
Blowup for nonlinearly damped viscoelastic equations with logarithmic source and delay terms
Authors: Park Sun-Hye
Published: June 2021

In this work, we investigate blowup phenomena for nonlinearly damped viscoelastic equations with logarithmic source effect and time delay in the velocity. Owing to the nonlinear damping term instead of strong or linear dissipation, we cannot apply the concavity method introduced by Levine. Thus, utilizing the energy method, we show that the solutions with not only non-positive initial energy but also some positive initial energy blow up at a finite point in time.
Perceived family cohesion, social support, and quality of life in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders compared with patients with mental and physical disorders
Authors: Birkeland Bente , Weimand Bente , Ruud Torleif , Maybery Darryl , Vederhus John-Kåre
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Support from family and other social network elements can be important in helping patients to cope with practical and emotional consequences of diseases. The aim of the study was to examine perception of family and social support and quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). We compared them with patients in treatment for mental disorders (MDs) and physical disorders (PDs).

Methods

We used data from a national multicenter study that recruited patients (N  =  518) from three treatment domains; SUD treatment units, MD treatment units, and PD treatment units (severe neurological conditions or cancer). Data on family cohesion, social support, and QoL were compared across patient groups. In addition, data on health variables was collected. We used a multiple linear regression procedure to examine how health and support variables were associated with QoL.

Results

Family cohesion and social support in the SUD and MD groups were rated at similarly low levels, substantially lower than in the PD group. The SUD group exhibited a somewhat lower QoL than did the PD group, but their QoL was still in the near-to-normal range. In contrast, the MD group had markedly low QoL. When examining factors associated with QoL, we found that greater family cohesion and social support were positively associated with QoL. Mental distress was the strongest factor, and was negatively associated with QoL (beta − 0.15, 95% CI  =  − 0.17/− 0.14, p  <  0.001).

Conclusion

Service providers need to be aware of the weaker networks and less regulatory family and/or social support available to patients with SUDs. Providers should focus consistently on the social networks of patients and include patients’ families in treatment processes.
Tanzanian primary healthcare workers’ experiences of antibiotic prescription and understanding of antibiotic resistance in common childhood infections: a qualitative phenomenographic study
Authors: Emgård Matilda , Mwangi Rose , Mayo Celina , Mshana Ester , Nkini Gertrud , Andersson Rune , Msuya Sia E. , Lepp Margret , Muro Florida , Skovbjerg Susann
Published: June 2021

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a threat to global child health. Primary healthcare workers play a key role in antibiotic stewardship in the community, but few studies in low-income countries have described their experiences of initiating antibiotic treatment in children. Thus, the present study aimed to describe primary healthcare workers’ experiences of antibiotic prescription for children under 5 years of age and their conceptions of antibiotic resistance in Northern Tanzania.

Methods

A qualitative study involving individual in-depth interviews with 20 prescribing primary healthcare workers in Moshi urban and rural districts, Northern Tanzania, was performed in 2019. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated from Kiswahili into English and analysed according to the phenomenographic approach.

Findings

Four conceptual themes emerged during the analysis; conceptions in relation to the prescriber, the mother and child, other healthcare actors and in relation to outcome. The healthcare workers relied mainly on clinical examination and medical history provided by the mother to determine the need for antibiotics. Confidence in giving advice concerning non-antibiotic treatment varied among the participants and expectations of antibiotic treatment were perceived to be common among the mothers. Antibiotic resistance was mainly perceived as a problem for the individual patient who was misusing the antibiotics.

Conclusions

To increase rational antibiotic prescription, an awareness needs to be raised among Tanzanian primary healthcare workers of the threat of antibiotic resistance, not only to a few individuals, but to public health. Guidelines on childhood illnesses should be updated with advice concerning symptomatic treatment when antibiotics are not necessary, to support rational prescribing practices and promote trust in the clinician and mother relationship.
Amiodarone-induced organizing pneumonia mimicking COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Zizzo Gaetano , Caruso Stefano , Ricchiuti Elisabetta , Turato Roberto , Stefani Ilario , Mazzone Antonino
Published: June 2021

Background

Differential diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult, due to similarities in clinical and radiological presentation between COVID-19 and other ILDs on the one hand, and frequent false-negative swab results on the other. We describe a rare form of interstitial and organizing pneumonia resembling COVID-19, emphasizing some key aspects to focus on to get the right diagnosis and treat the patient properly.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old man presented with short breath and dry cough in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. He showed bilateral crackles and interstitial-alveolar opacities on X-ray, corresponding on computed tomography (CT) to extensive consolidations with air bronchograms, surrounded by ground glass opacities (GGO). Although his throat-and-nasopharyngeal swab tested negative, the picture was overall compatible with COVID-19. On the other hand, he showed subacute, rather than hyperacute, clinical onset; few and stable parenchymal consolidations, rather than patchy and rapidly evolving GGO; pleural and pericardial thickening, pleural effusion, and lymph node enlargement, usually absent in COVID-19; and peripheral eosinophilia, rather than lymphopenia, suggestive of hypersensitivity. In the past year, he had been taking amiodarone for a history of ventricular ectopic beats. CT scans, in fact, highlighted hyperattenuation areas suggestive of amiodarone pulmonary accumulation and toxicity. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) investigation confirmed the absence of coronavirus genome in the lower respiratory tract; conversely, high numbers of foamy macrophages, eosinophils, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes with low CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio were detected, confirming the hypothesis of amiodarone-induced cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. Timely discontinuation of amiodarone and initiation of steroid therapy led to resolution of respiratory symptoms, systemic inflammation, and radiographic opacities.

Conclusions

A comprehensive analysis of medical and pharmacological history, clinical onset, radiologic details, and peripheral and BALF cellularity, is required for a correct differential diagnosis and management of ILDs in the COVID-19 era.
Agricultural insurance access and acceptability: examining the case of smallholder farmers in Ghana
Authors: Ankrah Daniel Adu , Kwapong Nana Afranaa , Eghan Dennis , Adarkwah Francis , Boateng-Gyambiby Dominic
Published: June 2021

Background

Weather-related risks thwart agricultural productivity gains especially in the face of climate change. Agricultural insurance serves as a reliable risk mitigation instrument for coping with climate-related hazards. This notwithstanding, agricultural insurance penetration among smallholder farmers in the global south remains low. This study investigated the access and acceptability of agricultural insurance among smallholder food crop farmers in Ghana.

Method

The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study was carried out in the Northern, Volta and Western regions involving 7 communities in 5 districts. A total of 200 farmers were sampled through a multi-stage purposive sampling and interviewed. A cross-sectional survey involved 100 respondents under the quantitative approach whilst the qualitative study engaged additional 100 farmers.

Results

The results show that smallholder farmers’ access and acceptability of agricultural insurance is low (14%) and scarce but ironically considered useful by many (90%) as an effective tool to deal with agricultural risks. Inadequate knowledge about agricultural insurance products constituted the most stated reason (64%) for the scarce adoption rate, followed (23%) by the unavailability of insurance products in areas needed but absent. A few (5%) reported insurance to be expensive. Acceptability and accessibility of agricultural insurance are further influenced by gender, educational level, low knowledge, information asymmetry and wrong perception concerning agricultural insurance products. Sense of security and reduced impact of climate variabilities constituted important benefits guaranteed by agricultural insurance.

Conclusions

Agricultural insurance access and acceptability is constrained by limited knowledge of agricultural insurance products. It is recommended that more insurance companies be incentivized to augment already existing efforts by Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool (GAIP) to enroll more smallholder farmers. The government can consider bundling existing insurance products with credit or inputs under the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme (PFJ) to improve uptake and accessibility of agricultural insurance.
The U-shaped crime recovery during COVID-19: evidence from national crime rates in Mexico
Authors: Balmori de la Miyar Jose Roberto , Hoehn-Velasco Lauren , Silverio-Murillo Adan
Published: June 2021

The existing empirical evidence suggests a reduction in aggregate crime as a consequence of the COVID-19 lockdown. However, what happens when lockdown measures are relaxed? This paper considers how the COVID-19 pandemic affects crime rates throughout Mexico when the stay-at-home orders end. We use national crime data from Mexico’s National Public Security System, which reports municipality-level rates on assault & battery, theft & property crime, fraud, drug crimes & extortion, and homicides. Our results show that the majority of crimes follow a U-shaped trend—when the lockdown ends—crimes rise back to pre-pandemic levels.
Using crime script analysis to elucidate the details of Amur tiger poaching in the Russian Far East
Authors: Skidmore Allison
Published: June 2021

Poaching is the most direct threat to the persistence of Amur tigers. However, little empirical evidence exists about the modus operandi of the offenders associated with this wildlife crime. Crime science can aid conservation efforts by identifying the patterns and opportunity structures that facilitate poaching. By employing semi-structured interviews and participants observation with those directly involved in the poaching and trafficking of Amur tigers in the Russian Far East (RFE), this article utilizes crime script analysis to break down this criminal event into a process of sequential acts. By using this framework, it is possible account for the decisions made and actions taken by offenders before, during and after a tiger poaching event, with the goal of identifying weak points in the chain of actions to develop targeted intervention strategies. Findings indicate poaching is facilitated by the ability to acquire a firearm, presence of roads that enable access to remote forest regions, availability of specific types of tools/equipment, including heat vision googles or a spotlight and a 4 × 4 car, and a culture that fosters corruption. This crime script analysis elucidates possible intervention points, which are discussed alongside each step in the poaching process.
Defining the resilience of the human salivary microbiota by a 520-day longitudinal study in a confined environment: the Mars500 mission
Authors: Bacci Giovanni , Mengoni Alessio , Emiliani Giovanni , Chiellini Carolina , Cipriani Edoardo Giovanni , Bianconi Giovanna , Canganella Francesco , Fani Renato
Published: June 2021

Background

The human microbiota plays several roles in health and disease but is often difficult to determine which part is in intimate relationships with the host vs. the occasional presence. During the Mars500 mission, six crewmembers lived completely isolated from the outer world for 520 days following standardized diet regimes. The mission constitutes the first spaceflight simulation to Mars and was a unique experiment to determine, in a longitudinal study design, the composition and importance of the resident vs.a more variable microbiota—the fraction of the human microbiota that changes in time and according to environmental conditions—in humans.

Methods

Here, we report the characterization of the salivary microbiota from 88 samples taken during and after Mars500 mission for a total of 720 days. Amplicon sequencing of the V3–V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene was performed, and results were analyzed monitoring the diversity of the microbiota while evaluating the effect of the three main variables present in the experimental system: time, diet, and individuality of each subject.

Results

Results showed statistically significant effects for either time, diet, and individuality of each subject. The main contribution came from the individuality of each subject, emphasizing salivary microbiota-personalized features, and an individual-based resilience of the microbiota.

Conclusions

The uniqueness of Mars500 mission, allowed to dampen the effect of environmental variables on salivary microbiota, highlighting its pronounced personalization even after sharing the same physical space for more than a year.
Single-cell chromatin accessibility landscape of human umbilical cord blood in trisomy 18 syndrome
Authors: Qiu Xiaofen , Yu Haiyan , Wu Hongwei , Hu Zhiyang , Zhou Jun , Lin Hua , Xue Wen , Cai Wanxia , Chen Jiejing , Yan Qiang , Dai Weier , Yang Ming , Tang Donge , Dai Yong
Published: June 2021

Background

Trisomy 18 syndrome (Edwards syndrome, ES) is a type of aneuploidy caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 18. Aneuploidy is the leading cause of early pregnancy loss, intellectual disability, and multiple congenital anomalies. The research of trisomy 18 is progressing slowly, and the molecular characteristics of the disease mechanism and phenotype are still largely unclear.

Results

In this study, we used the commercial Chromium platform (10× Genomics) to perform sc-ATAC-seq to measure chromatin accessibility in 11,611 single umbilical cord blood cells derived from one trisomy 18 syndrome patient and one healthy donor. We obtained 13 distinct major clusters of cells and identified them as 6 human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell types using analysis tool. Compared with the NC group, the ES group had a lower ratio of T cells to NK cells, the ratio of monocytes/DC cell population did not change significantly, and the ratio of B cell nuclear progenitor and megakaryocyte erythroid cells was higher. The differential genes of ME-0 are enriched in Human T cell leukemia virus 1 infection pathway, and the differential peak genes of ME-1 are enriched in apopotosis pathway. We found that CCNB2 and MCM3 may be vital to the development of trisomy 18. CCNB2 and MCM3, which have been reported to be essential components of the cell cycle and chromatin.

Conclusions

We have identified 6 cell populations in cord blood. Disorder in megakaryocyte erythroid cells implicates trisomy 18 in perturbing fetal hematopoiesis. We identified a pathway in which the master differential regulatory pathway in the ME-0 cell population involves human T cell leukemia virus 1 infection, a pathway that is dysregulated in patients with trisomy 18 and which may increase the risk of leukemia in patients with trisomy 18. CCNB2 and MCM3 in progenitor may be vital to the development of trisomy 18. CCNB2 and MCM3, which have been reported to be essential components of the cell cycle and chromatin, may be related to chromosomal abnormalities in trisomy 18.