bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Willingness to Disclose Personal Information for Monetary Reward: A Study of Fitness Tracker Users in Thailand
Authors: Phonthanukitithaworn Chanchai , Sellitto Carmine
Published: May 2022

The paper investigates a person’s willingness to reveal personal information for a monetary reward using a model that includes factors reflecting trust belief, risk belief, information type, subjective norm, and privacy concerns. A survey of fitness-tracker users ( N = 504) using a convenience sampling approach allowed data to be collected. Data analysis used a measurement model to assess construct reliability and validity, with structural equation modeling (SEM) used to test the model’s hypotheses. Findings highlight the direct effect of information type and subjective norm as factors that influence privacy. Trust and risk belief associated with information disclosure did not affect privacy concerns nor the willingness to disclose for monetary reward. Subjective norm was the only factor associated with people’s willingness to disclose information for monetary reward—highlighting the influence of peer groups and culture on the disclosure process. Notably, subjective norm as a factor that influences information disclosure is seldom reported. The paper contributes to further understanding of factors that influence personal information disclosure when people are offered a monetary incentive. Practical implications include how a reasonable monetary reward can potentially influence disclosure and that leveraging social networks when requesting information may enhance disclosure. Theoretical implications highlight that the modeling of commonly measured risk and trust factors may not hold in certain situations.
The Political Influence Pattern of the “Eurasia Central Region”Based on Syria and Ukraine Events
Authors: Zhao Changping , Liu Mengru , Gong Yu , Hou Yingying , Cao Xuping
Published: May 2022

Due to geopolitical factors, Eurasia is at the center of gravity in international relations and has become the core area of the game of great powers. Focusing on the Syrian and Ukrainian issues, we conduct event research by looking for relevant literature and news materials, and organize and analyze the theme of international organization meetings dedicated to solving these two issues. By creating complex networks, we use quantitative data to analyze the geopolitical forces in central Eurasia and reflect the evolution of the political landscape in the region. We have found that: First, Eurasia is still the center of geopolitics in the world, and the status of land-powered countries will rise. Second, the geopolitical structure of the Eurasian center has begun to take shape as a quadrilateral relationship between the United States and its Asia-Pacific allies (Japan and Australia), the European Union, Russia, and China. Third, the political influence of the United States in Eurasia is declining and its hegemonic status is weakening. China’s political influence has gradually increased, and Russia’s geopolitical influence has declined significantly. The study, on the one hand, clarifies the evolution of the political landscape of the region and gives the reader a clear idea of the involvement of geopolitical forces. On the other hand, it provides some guidance for the future development of the Eurasian countries, especially China.
The System Dynamics Analysis of Cost Overrun Causations in UK Rail Projects in a COVID-19 Epidemic Era
Authors: Omotayo Temitope Seun , Awuzie Bankole , Obi Valerie Kenechukwu , Ajayi Saheed , Obi Lovelin Ifeoma , Osobajo Oluyomi , Oke Adekunle
Published: May 2022

Cost overrun is a global issue plaguing transportation infrastructure projects, and the rail industry in the United Kingdom is not exempted. This industry plays a significant role in stimulating the country’s economic development and growth in the United Kingdom (UK). Understanding the factors contributing to cost overruns in rail projects is viable to sustain its contribution, especially in the COVID-19 epidemic era. This study analyzed and predicted the impact of cost overruns on rail projects in the UK in a COVID-19 pandemic era through a sparse network and system dynamics approach. It leverages a review of existing literature and perceptions of 80 construction professionals purposively to establish the factors affecting cost overruns affecting the UK rail construction sector. Findings reveal a web of causations that highlights labor productivity, delay in the supply of construction materials and equipment, and access to the site as fundamental predictors of cost overruns during a COVID-19 pandemic era. The resulting findings are beneficial to assist project managers with the needed awareness to strategically plan and mitigate the potential rise in cost overruns of rail projects in the UK during the pandemic.
The Instrumental Consumption of Ethnic Culture: Assessing Two Economically Driven Ways of Consuming the Cheongsam in China
Authors: Chew Matthew Ming-Tak
Published: May 2022

Under the contemporary circumstances of symbolic consumption, multiculturalism, and accelerated globalization, ethnic cultures have become more available and more attractive to consumers. A consequence is that the instrumental consumption of ethnic culture becomes much more common. This study’s first objective is to clarify it by analyzing the instrumental consumption of the cheongsam, a Chinese traditional dress. This study’s second objective is to illustrate that the normative implications of instrumental consumption of ethnic culture are more complex and open-ended than currently understood. I substantiate this argument by contrasting two economically driven ways of consuming the cheongsam: non-wealthy women wearing cheongsams for their affordability and fashion businesses using the cheongsam style to generate profits. I show that the former case is relatively benign while the latter is not. They show that even when instrumental consumption is driven by purposes irrelevant to ethnicity, some instances of it can yield ethnicity-relevant outcomes. Among these ethnicity-relevant outcomes, some of them empower ethnic cultures. This study’s data include formal and informal interviews, participant observation in several Chinese cities, and a variety of documentary sources.
The impact of Internet use on labor wage distortions: Empirical Evidence From China
Authors: Zhao Xin , Jiao Yishuo , Wu Dan
Published: May 2022

With the general growth of human capital, it is urgent to reduce and eliminate the distortion of labor factor allocation, which may cause the loss of productivity. This study focuses on whether internet use has a moderating effect on labor wage distortion and its mechanism. Based on the national China Family Panel Studies survey in 2016, the study uses a stochastic frontier approach. The results show that the degree of average wage distortion in the labor market ranged from 45.02% to 55.24%, while internet use alleviated wage distortion by 3.76% on the whole. This reduction was maintained after treatments for endogeneity and tests for robustness. Internet use effectively reduced wage distortion through educational matching, employment security, and job expectation.
Predicting Smartphone Brand Loyalty Using Four-Stage Loyalty Model
Authors: Seduram Linda , Mamun Abdullah Al , Salameh Anas A. , Perumal Selvan , Shaari Hasnizam
Published: May 2022

Rapid advances in mobile technology with high product diversity have led to high levels of smartphone brand switching among users. Hence, customers’ brand loyalty is the key to a smartphone manufacturer’s survival in this highly competitive market. This study developed Oliver’s four-stage loyalty model by integrating major constituents of each loyalty stage with the incorporation of brand reputation as a moderator. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative data from 327 smartphone users in Malaysia. The results from the structural model supported the sequential process of loyalty development through cognitive (hedonic value), affective (brand satisfaction and emotional attachment), conative (brand trust), and action (smartphone brand loyalty). Contrary to expectation, cognitive (utilitarian value) has no impact on affective (brand satisfaction and emotional attachment). Further, the moderating impact of brand reputation on the linkage between conative (brand trust) and action (smartphone brand loyalty) was verified. The discussions, implications, and limitations are provided in this study.
A Moderated Mediation Model of Emotion Regulation and Work-to-Family Interaction: Examining the Role of Emotional Labor for University Teachers in Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Zohra , Hanif Ayaz Muhammad , Shenbei Zhou
Published: May 2022

This study develops an Employee Emotional Engagement Model in the work and family domain using structural equation modeling. The effects of transiting from work to family role are measured via the experience sampling method over 2 weeks from 126 university teachers. Multilevel modeling results indicate that family engagement worsened when employees engaged in surface acting but improved when they engaged in deep acting. Furthermore, work-to-family conflict mediates the negative relationship between surface acting and family engagement, while work-to-family enrichment mediates the positive relationship of deep acting on family engagement. Employees older in age, married, and with bigger family size predict a higher level of work-to-family conflict and lower level of work-to-family enrichment. Findings reveal that females experienced stronger enrichment from work to family while deep acting compared to males. Analyses also revealed that family engagement strongly predicts work engagement in employees.
Impact of Vlog Marketing on Consumer Travel Intent and Consumer Purchase Intent With the Moderating Role of Destination Image and Ease of Travel
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Malik Muhammad Shaukat , Zubair Syeda Khadija
Published: May 2022

The following study first examined how consumers are influenced by social media advertising and what role vloggers play in influencer marketing. Secondly, the factors considered by consumers while making a final decision for purchasing and traveling are explored, affected by the destination image for the country of origin. The aim of the research was fulfilled by reviewing relevant literature and defining and exploring the relationship among variables: vlog marketing, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, E-WOMs, consumer travel intent, consumer purchase intent, destination image, and ease of travel. A self-administered survey questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale was utilized and shared online among social media users for collecting data via two resources: personal connections and relevant social media platforms. A total of 428 valid responses were collected. The PLS-SEM software was used to analyze and interpret the data. The measurement model, structural model, regression analysis, and t-tests were used for testing and concluding results for hypotheses. The results concluded that vlog marketing, with all its higher-order constructs, except Snapchat, has a significant positive effect on consumer travel intent and purchase intent. Moreover, destination image and ease of travel enhance the relationship of vlog marketing and consumer travel intention but not that of vlog marketing and consumer purchase intention. The study contributes to the literature on influencer and content marketing on social media networks by emphasizing the role of vloggers in shaping consumer behavior and placing a distinct image of a destination place, and how ease of travel affects the decision to travel and buy travel goods and services advertised on vlogs.
Teach for Qatar: Teachers’ Challenges and Resources in Qatar’s Government Schools
Authors: Romanowski Michael H. , Qadhi Saba Mansoor
Published: May 2022

Launched in 2014, Teach for Qatar (TFQ) is a local non-governmental organization under Teach For All (TFALL) that recruits and prepares graduates and professionals as teaching fellows in the Qatari government schools. This qualitative exploratory study used semi-structured interviews to identify TFQ Fellows’ challenges they faced and the resources available during their teaching in Qatar’s Government Schools. Findings indicate that these TFQ Fellows experienced similar challenges that TFALL participants face worldwide and regional, including unreal expectations, unexpected workloads, and unmotivated and unprepared students. It was reported that TFQ provides a comprehensive and valuable resource and support system that enabled these individuals to complete their 2-year commitment. The discussion offers additional insights into the TFQ program and how these findings might benefit teacher education programs and programs like TFQ.
The Making of the Licitness of Right-Wing Rhetoric: A Case Study of Digital Media in the Netherlands
Authors: Missier Clyde Anieldath
Published: May 2022

In the Netherlands, the challenges of the multicultural society are high on the political agenda. At present 24.4% of the Dutch population has an immigration background of which 13.9% has a non-western migration background and almost 50% of all the people with a migration background are second-generation migrants born in the Netherlands. However, today’s Dutch multicultural society is associated with a complex range of challenges linked with cultural and religious diversity. This article investigates how news media in the Netherlands facilitated the making of the licitness of xenophobic rhetoric of the two main Dutch populist right-wing parties Partij voor de Vrijheid (PVV) and Forum voor Democratie (FvD) during the Provincial Elections in March 2019. I conclude that these rising political extremist movements dominate the immigration debate and are accountable for the making of the licit social resentment against particularly non-western immigrants.
Effects of an Abbreviated and Adapted PEERS® Curriculum as Part of a College Transition Program for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Howorth Sarah K. , Rooks-Ellis Deborah L. , Cobo-Lewis Alan , Taylor Joshua , Moody Christine T.
Published: May 2022

College students on the autism spectrum report the following support needs: interpersonal skills and coping with unexpected change. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of an interpersonal skills seminar using elements of the PEERS® curriculum on the acquisition of conversational behaviors by three young adults on the autism spectrum who were attending a summer college transition program designed to help prepare and familiarize individuals with college living. A multiple probe across behaviors design was used. According to visual analysis, a functional relation was not established between participation and acquisition of foundational conversational skills. Our findings provide a model for how state vocational rehabilitation agencies and institutes of higher education can collaborate to provide effective support for college students with autism spectrum disorder.
Virilization by an Ovarian Tumor: Presentation Is Not Always Acute
Authors: Tjitro Amanda , Wong Debra A. , Ajmal Adnan , Buddhdev Kajal , Brady Robert
Published: May 2022

Androgen-producing steroid cell ovarian tumors are rare, comprising less than 1% of ovarian neoplasms, and can present with infertility and rapid virilization. Here we discuss the case of a 28-year-old woman who presented with an unusually insidious 2-year history of infertility, hirsutism, and clitoromegaly who was found to have an elevated serum testosterone and a left ovarian mass. She underwent oophorectomy and pathology revealed a steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified (NOS), with no malignant features. Following surgery, the patient’s hyperandrogenic symptoms resolved with normalization of testosterone within 6 months, and she was able to conceive spontaneously. In reproductive-aged women with progressive hyperandrogenic symptoms, androgen-producing tumors, including those of ovarian origin, should be suspected. Thorough investigation, including plasma hormone levels and tumor histology, can lead to accurate diagnosis and management. Treatment should be guided by histology and surgical staging, with consideration for future fertility desires. Women who have not completed childbearing can undergo unilateral oophorectomy or tumor resection for benign tumors, with close monitoring of sex hormone levels postoperatively.
Neurological Involvement Complicating Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Diallo Ibrahima Dokal , Lrhorfi Najlae , Traoré Wend-Yam Mohamed , Onka Behyamet , Chat Latifa , Allali Nazik
Published: May 2022

Cerebral aspergillosis is a fungal infection with a bad prognosis. It usually occurs in immunocompromised patients and manifests itself .Cross-sectional imaging reveals suggestive lesions.
Regulation of glutamate transport and neuroinflammation in a term newborn rat model of hypoxic–ischaemic brain injury
Authors: Pregnolato Silvia , Sabir Hemmen , Luyt Karen , Rienecker Kira DA , Isles Anthony R , Chakkarapani Elavazhagan
Published: May 2022

In the newborn brain, moderate-severe hypoxia–ischaemia induces glutamate excitotoxicity and inflammation, possibly via dysregulation of candidate astrocytic glutamate transporter ( Glt1) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. Tnfα, Il1β, Il6). Epigenetic mechanisms may mediate dysregulation. Hypotheses: (1) hypoxia–ischaemia dysregulates mRNA expression of these candidate genes; (2) expression changes in Glt1 are mediated by DNA methylation changes; and (3) methylation values in brain and blood are correlated. Seven-day-old rat pups ( n = 42) were assigned to nine groups based on treatment (for each timepoint: naïve ( n = 3), sham ( n = 3), hypoxia–ischaemia ( n = 8) and timepoint for tissue collection (6, 12 and 24 h post-hypoxia). Moderate hypoxic–ischemic brain injury was induced via ligation of the left common carotid artery followed by 100 min hypoxia (8% O2, 36°C). mRNA was quantified in cortex and hippocampus for the candidate genes, myelin ( Mbp), astrocytic ( Gfap) and neuronal ( Map2) markers (qPCR). DNA methylation was measured for Glt1 in cortex and blood (bisulphite pyrosequencing). Hypoxia–ischaemia induced pro-inflammatory cytokine upregulation in both brain regions at 6 h. This was accompanied by gene expression changes potentially indicating onset of astrogliosis and myelin injury. There were no significant changes in expression or promoter DNA methylation of Glt1. This pilot study supports accumulating evidence that hypoxia–ischaemia causes neuroinflammation in the newborn brain and prioritises further expression and DNA methylation analyses focusing on this pathway. Epigenetic blood biomarkers may facilitate identification of high-risk newborns at birth, maximising chances of neuroprotective interventions.
The politics of co-implementation and their potential in shaping egalitarian cities
Authors: Paidakaki Angeliki , Katsigianni Xenia , Van den Broeck Pieter
Published: May 2022

This paper contributes to the debate on co-production in planning theory and practice by examining the political agency of non-profit housing actors—here termed “alternative co-producers”—in building an egalitarian city. Drawing from theories of co-production, planning politics, democracy and governance, the paper introduces, theorizes and operationalizes the concept of “co-implementation” as the political moment in which egalitarian cities can be jointly shaped by public authorities, co-producers and the civil society. By egalitarian cities, we mean cities governed by a reinvented democratic arrangement that can better realize policy and planning goals in the direction of “housing for all.” To test the political agency of alternative co-producers in their role as plan co-implementers, the paper relies on empirical evidence from HousingNOLA; a 10-year strategy and implementation plan in post-Katrina New Orleans. By critically examining the politics of HousingNOLA during the first 3 years of its implementation (2015–2018), the paper reveals the political conditions and practices that have favored or hampered co-implementation in New Orleans and that have determined progress in realizing an egalitarian city.
Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis With Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization Managed With Anti-VEGF Therapy
Authors: Wai Karen M. , Gong Dan , Rodriguez Marianeli , Cunningham Jr Emmett T. , Vavvas Demetrios G. , Eliott Dean
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

We describe the development and management of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a patient with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC).

Methods:

A retrospective case review is presented.

Results:

A 66-year-old man presented with unilateral blurry vision. He had a history of systemic syphilis infection twice, the last diagnosed 15 years before presentation and treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, resulting in seroreversion of an initially positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR). Examination revealed ASPPC with subfoveal CNV. Repeat testing revealed an RPR titer of 1:16 384. He was treated with 6 monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and systemic antibiotics, resulting in resolution of his ASPPC and regression of his CNV.

Conclusions:

CNV is a rare complication of ASPPC. Multimodal imaging can be useful to suggest the diagnosis, and prompt treatment with systemic antibiotics and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents can lead to resolution of ASPPC and regression of CNV, respectively.
Predicting epitopes for vaccine development using bioinformatics tools
Authors: Yurina Valentina , Adianingsih Oktavia Rahayu
Published: May 2022

Epitope-based DNA vaccine development is one application of bioinformatics or in silico studies, that is, computational methods, including mathematical, chemical, and biological approaches, which are widely used in drug development. Many in silico studies have been conducted to analyze the efficacy, safety, toxicity effects, and interactions of drugs. In the vaccine design process, in silico studies are performed to predict epitopes that could trigger T-cell and B-cell reactions that would produce both cellular and humoral immune responses. Immunoinformatics is the branch of bioinformatics used to study the relationship between immune responses and predicted epitopes. Progress in immunoinformatics has been rapid and has led to the development of a variety of tools that are used for the prediction of epitopes recognized by B cells or T cells as well as the antigenic responses. However, the in silico approach to vaccine design is still relatively new; thus, this review is aimed at increasing understanding of the importance of in silico studies in the design of vaccines and thereby facilitating future research in this field.
Variations in Craniosynostosis Surgery Affect Perioperative Outcomes: An Analysis of Peds-NSQIP Data
Authors: Hopkins Elizabeth R. , Sanchez Ruston , Leverson Glen , Mount Delora , Garland Catharine B.
Published: May 2022

While many single-institution studies have investigated the relationship between surgical technique and perioperative outcomes in craniosynostosis surgery, the Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (Peds NSQIP) allows this on a nationwide scale. By analyzing the CPT codes associated with craniosynostosis surgery, insight can be gained not only into the prevalence of certain procedures, but into their effects on perioperative outcomes. Patients with craniosynostosis were selected from the Peds NSQIP database (2012-2018) based on the corresponding ICD-9 code. CPT codes associated with single suturectomy or craniectomy with and without the use of distractors/springs, and craniotomy with and without the use of bone grafts, were used to further identify patient groups. Outcome variables included operative time, hospital stay, and blood transfusions. Analysis showed that patients undergoing single suturectomies or extensive cranioplasties with distractor/spring placement had shorter operative times, shorter hospital stays, and decreased incidence of blood transfusions. The use of bone grafts was associated with significantly longer operative times and a higher incidence of blood transfusions, as well as higher volumes of blood transfused. Distractor/spring use can facilitate shorter operative times and decreased rates of blood transfusion. Bone grafting, while commonly used, is associated with increased rates of blood transfusion. Despite the statistical significance of these results, the nonspecific nature of the craniosynostosis-specific CPT codes severely limited the extent of analysis possible. Updating the CPT coding system would allow for greater utility of NSQIP in determining nationwide procedure-specific outcomes.
Comparison of different microbiological procedures for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia on bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid
Authors: Franconi Iacopo , Leonildi Alessandro , Erra Gianluca , Fais Roberta , Falcone Marco , Ghelardi Emilia , Lupetti Antonella
Published: May 2022

Background

The current diagnostic gold standard for Pneumocystis jirovecii is represented by microscopic visualization of the fungus from clinical respiratory samples, as bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid, defining “proven” P. jirovecii pneumonia, whereas qPCR allows defining “probable” diagnosis, as it is unable to discriminate infection from colonization. However, molecular methods, such as end-point PCR and qPCR, are faster, easier to perform and interpret, thus allowing the laboratory to give back the clinician useful microbiological data in a shorter time. The present study aims at comparing microscopy with molecular assays and beta-D-glucan diagnostic performance on bronchoalveolar-lavage fluids from patients with suspected Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid from eighteen high-risk and four negative control subjects underwent Grocott-Gomori’s methenamine silver-staining, end-point PCR, RT-PCR, and beta-D-glucan assay.

Results

All the microscopically positive bronchoalveolar-lavage samples (50%) also resulted positive by end-point and real time PCR and all, but two, resulted positive also by beta-D-glucan quantification. End-point PCR and RT-PCR detected 10 (55%) and 11 (61%) out of the 18 samples, respectively, thus showing an enhanced sensitivity in comparison to microscopy. All RT-PCR with a Ct < 27 were confirmed microscopically, whereas samples with a Ct ≥ 27 were not.

Conclusions

Our work highlights the need of reshaping and redefining the role of molecular diagnostics in a peculiar clinical setting, like P. jirovecii infection, which is a rare but also severe and rapidly progressive clinical condition affecting immunocompromised hosts that would largely benefit from a faster diagnosis. Strictly selected patients, according to the inclusion criteria, resulting negative by molecular methods could be ruled out for P. jirovecii pneumonia.
Regulation mechanisms of flavonoids biosynthesis of Hancheng Dahongpao peels (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim) at different development stages by integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis
Authors: Zheng Tao , Han Jun , Su Ke-xing , Sun Bing-yin , Liu Shu-ming
Published: May 2022

Background

Flavonoids have strong free radical scavenging and antioxidant capacity. The high abundance of flavonoids in Chinese prickly ash peels have many benefits to human health. In this study, ‘Hancheng Dahongpao’, a main cultivar, was taken as materials to investigate the flavonoids biosynthesis mechanism of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim at three key development stages by integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis.

Results

A total of 19 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified, the key flavonoids compounds were kaempferol, quercetin and their glycoside derivatives, and two major anthocyanins (peonidin O-hexoside and peonidin 3-O-glucoside). 5 gene networks/modules including 15 important candidate genes were identified, which was highly correlated with flavonoids. Among these genes, ZM-163828 and ZM-184209 were strongly correlated with kaempferol and quercetin, and ZM-125833 and ZM-97481 were controlled the anthocyanins biosynthesis. Moreover, it was shown that MYB-ZM1, MYB-ZM3, MYB-ZM5, MYB-ZM6 and MYB-ZM7 coordinately controlled flavonoids accumulation through regulating the structural genes.

Conclusions

Generally, this study systematically revealed the flavonoids metabolic pathways and candidate genes involved in flavonoids biosynthesis and laid a foundation for the potential targets for the breeding of new valuable Chinese prickly ash cultivars.
Quantifying human mixing patterns in Chinese provinces outside Hubei after the 2020 lockdown was lifted
Authors: Zhao Yining , O’Dell Samantha , Yang Xiaohan , Liao Jingyi , Yang Kexin , Fumanelli Laura , Zhou Tao , Lv Jiancheng , Ajelli Marco , Liu Quan-Hui
Published: May 2022

Background

Contact patterns play a key role in the spread of respiratory infectious diseases in human populations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the regular contact patterns of the population have been disrupted due to social distancing both imposed by the authorities and individual choices. Many studies have focused on age-mixing patterns before the COVID-19 pandemic, but they provide very little information about the mixing patterns in the COVID-19 era. In this study, we aim at quantifying human heterogeneous mixing patterns immediately after lockdowns implemented to contain COVID-19 spread in China were lifted. We also provide an illustrative example of how the collected mixing patterns can be used in a simulation study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Methods and results

In this work, a contact survey was conducted in Chinese provinces outside Hubei in March 2020, right after lockdowns were lifted. We then leveraged the estimated mixing patterns to calibrate a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Study participants reported 2.3 contacts per day (IQR: 1.0–3.0) and the mean per-contact duration was 7.0 h (IQR: 1.0–10.0). No significant differences in average contact number and contact duration were observed between provinces, the number of recorded contacts did not show a clear trend by age, and most of the recorded contacts occurred with family members (about 78%). The simulation study highlights the importance of considering age-specific contact patterns to estimate the COVID-19 burden.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, despite lockdowns were no longer in place at the time of the survey, people were still heavily limiting their contacts as compared to the pre-pandemic situation.
Diarrhoeal outcomes in young children depend on diarrhoeal cases of other household members: a cross-sectional study of 16,025 people in rural Uganda
Authors: Shaaban Farina L. , Kabatereine Narcis B. , Chami Goylette F.
Published: May 2022

Background

There is a limited understanding of how diarrhoeal cases across other household members influence the likelihood of diarrhoea in young children (aged 1–4 years).

Methods

We surveyed 16,025 individuals from 3421 households in 17 villages in Uganda. Using logistic regressions with standard errors clustered by household, diarrhoeal cases within households were used to predict diarrhoeal outcomes in young children. Regressions were adjusted for socio-demographic, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and ecological covariates. Selection bias for households with (1632/3421) and without (1789/3421) young children was examined.

Results

Diarrhoeal prevalence was 13.7% (2118/16,025) across all study participants and 18.5% (439/2368) in young children. Young children in households with any other diarrhoeal cases were 5.71 times more likely to have diarrhoea than young children in households without any other diarrhoeal cases (95% CI: 4.48–7.26), increasing to over 29 times more likely when the other diarrhoeal case was in another young child (95% CI: 16.29–54.80). Diarrhoeal cases in older household members (aged ≥ 5 years) and their influence on the likelihood of diarrhoea in young children attenuated with age. School-aged children (5–14 years) had a greater influence on diarrhoeal cases in young children (Odds Ratio 2.70, 95% CI: 2.03–3.56) than adults of reproductive age (15–49 years; Odds Ratio 1.96, 95% CI: 1.47–2.59). Diarrhoeal cases in individuals aged ≥ 50 years were not significantly associated with diarrhoeal outcomes in young children (P > 0.05). These age-related differences in diarrhoeal exposures were not driven by sex. The magnitude and significance of the odds ratios remained similar when odds ratios were compared by sex within each age group. WASH factors did not influence the likelihood of diarrhoea in young children, despite influencing the likelihood of diarrhoea in school-aged children and adults. Households with young children differed from households without young children by diarrhoeal prevalence, household size, and village WASH infrastructure and ecology.

Conclusions

Other diarrhoeal cases within households strongly influence the likelihood of diarrhoea in young children, and when controlled, removed the influence of WASH factors. Future research on childhood diarrhoea should consider effects of diarrhoeal cases within households and explore pathogen transmission between household members.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and white matter lesions in patients with migraine
Authors: Öcal Serkan , Öcal Ruhsen , Suna Nuretdin
Published: May 2022

Background/aim

White matter lesions (WML) are more frequently observed in migraine patients than in the average population. Associations between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and different extraintestinal pathologies have been identified. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between H. pylori infection and WML in patients diagnosed with episodic migraine.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was conducted with 526 subjects with a diagnosis of episodic migraine. Hyperintensity of WML had been previously evaluated in these patients with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Previous endoscopic gastric biopsy histopathological examination of the same patients and reports on H. pylori findings were recorded. The demographic characteristics of the patients, such as age, gender and chronic systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) were recorded. Statistical evaluation was made.

Results

Evaluation was made among 526 migraine patients who met the inclusion criteria, comprising 397 (75.5%) females and 129 (24.5%) males with a mean age of 45.57 ± 13.46 years (range, 18–69 years). WML was detected on brain MRI in 178 (33.8%) patients who were also positive for H. pylori (p <  0.05). Subjects who are H. pylori-positive with migraine, WML were observed at a 2.5-fold higher incidence on brain MRI (odds ratio: 2.562, 95% CI 1.784–3.680). WML was found to be more significant in patients with hypertension and migraine than those without (p <  0.001). Older age was also found to be associated with WML (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.04, p <  0.001). The age (p <  0.001), H. pylori (p <  0.001), hypertension (p <  0.001), and hypertension + DM (p <  0.05), had significant associations in predicting WML according to the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The presence of hypertension had a higher odds ratio value than the other variables.

Conclusion

It was concluded that H. pylori infection, as a chronic infection, can be considered a risk factor in developing WML in subjects with migraine.
Characteristics and co-admissions of mothers and babies admitted to residential parenting services in the year following birth in NSW: a linked population data study (2000–2012)
Authors: Dahlen Hannah Grace , Schmied Virginia , Fowler Cathrine , Peters Lilian L. , Ormsby Simone , Thornton Charlene
Published: May 2022

Background

There is a tiered healthcare system in Australia to support maternal and child health, including, non-psychiatric day stay and residential parenting services (RPS) such as Tresillian and Karitane (in New South Wales [NSW]). RPS are unique to Australia, and currently there is limited information regarding the healthcare trajectory of women accessing RPS and if they are more likely to have admissions to other health facilities within the first-year post-birth. This study aimed to examine differences in hospital co-admissions for women and babies admitted to RPS in NSW in the year following birth compared to non-RPS admitted women.

Methods

A linked population data study of all women giving birth in NSW 2000–2012. Statistical differences were calculated using chi-square and student t-tests.

Results

Over the 12-year timeframe, 32,071 women and 33,035 babies were admitted to RPS, with 5191 of these women also having one or more hospital admissions (7607 admissions). The comparator group comprised of 99,242 women not admitted to RPS but having hospital admissions over the same timeframe (136,771 admissions). Statistically significant differences between cohorts were observed for the following parameters (p ≤ .001). Based upon calculated percentages, women who were admitted to RPS were more often older, Australian born, socially advantaged, private patients, and having their first baby. RPS admitted women also had more multiple births and labour and birth interventions (induction, instrumental birth, caesarean section, epidural, episiotomy). Their infants were also more often male and admitted to Special Care Nursery/Neonatal Intensive Care. Additionally, RPS admitted women had more admissions for mental health and behavioural disorders, which appeared to increase over time. There was no statistical difference between cohorts regarding the number of women admitted to a psychiatric facility; however, women attending RPS were more likely to have mood affective, or behavioural and personality disorder diagnoses.

Conclusion

Women accessing RPS in the year post-birth were more socially advantaged, had higher birth intervention and more co-admissions and treatment for mental health disorders than those not accessing RPS. More research is needed into the impact of birth intervention and mental health issues on subsequent parenting difficulties.
Role of CDH23 as a prognostic biomarker and its relationship with immune infiltration in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yang Jiao , Lu Fei , Ma Guangxin , Pang Yihua , Zhao Yanan , Sun Tao , Ma Daoxin , Ye Jingjing , Ji Chunyan
Published: May 2022

Background

Cadherin-23 (CDH23) plays an important role in intercellular adhesion and is involved in the progression of several types of cancer. However, the biological functions and effect of CDH23 expression on the prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are unexplored. Herein, we aim to characterize the role and molecular functions of CDH23 in AML.

Methods

We downloaded the transcriptomic profiles and clinical data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Beat AML trial. The expression level of CDH23 was assessed using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess prognostic value of CDH23. Correlation and biological function analyses were performed using LinkedOmics and GeneMANIA. Relationship of CDH23 with immune infiltration level was determined using Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER).

Results

We found that the CDH23 expression was aberrantly upregulated in patients with AML and could be used as an independent risk factor of overall survival using Cox multivariate analysis. Notably, we observed a negative correlation between CDH23 expression and immune cell infiltration abundance by calculating the immune and stromal scores. In addition, functional enrichment analysis established that CDH23 plays a crucial role in tumor immunity.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that upregulated CDH23 expression corresponds to decreased overall survival of patients with AML. CDH23 may be involved in mediating tumor immune environment, and this highlights the potential of CDH23 as a therapeutic target in AML.
Volasertib as a monotherapy or in combination with azacitidine in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or acute myeloid leukemia: summary of three phase I studies
Authors: Platzbecker Uwe , Chromik Joerg , Krönke Jan , Handa Hiroshi , Strickland Stephen , Miyazaki Yasushi , Wermke Martin , Sakamoto Wataru , Tachibana Yoshifumi , Taube Tillmann , Germing Ulrich
Published: May 2022

Background

This report summarizes three phase I studies evaluating volasertib, a polo-like kinase inhibitor, plus azacitidine in adults with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or acute myeloid leukemia.

Methods

Patients received intravenous volasertib in 28-day cycles (dose-escalation schedules). In Part 1 of 1230.33 (Study 1; NCT01957644), patients received 250–350 mg volasertib on day (D)1 and D15; in Part 2, patients received different schedules [A, D1: 170 mg/m2; B, D7: 170 mg/m2; C, D1 and D7: 110 mg/m2]. In 1230.35 (Study 2; NCT02201329), patients received 200–300 mg volasertib on D1 and D15. In 1230.43 (Study 3; NCT02721875), patients received 110 mg/m2 volasertib on D1 and D8. All patients in Studies 1 and 2, and approximately half of the patients in Study 3, were scheduled to receive subcutaneous azacitidine 75 mg/m2 on D1–7.

Results

Overall, 22 patients were treated (17 with MDS; 12 previously untreated). Across Studies 1 and 2 (n = 21), the most common drug-related adverse events were hematological (thrombocytopenia [n = 11]; neutropenia [n = 8]). All dose-limiting toxicities were grade 4 thrombocytopenia. The only treated patient in Study 3 experienced 18 adverse events following volasertib monotherapy. Studies 1 and 2 showed preliminary activity (objective response rates: 25 and 40%).

Conclusions

The safety of volasertib with azacitidine in patients with MDS was consistent with other volasertib studies. All studies were terminated prematurely following the discontinuation of volasertib for non-clinical reasons by Boehringer Ingelheim; however, safety information on volasertib plus azacitidine are of interest for future studies in other diseases.
Effect of pre and post-transplant body mass index on pediatric kidney transplant outcomes
Authors: Abdelrahman Safaa M. , Samir Basma , Alazem Eman Abobakr Abd , Musa Noha
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Kidney transplantation (KT) has been established as an efficient treatment of end stage renal disease (ESRD) with the advantage of allowing the patient to live a nearly healthy life. We aimed to determine whether pre-transplant body mass index (BMI) affects renal allograft function and survival in pediatric KT recipients.

Methods

cross sectional cohort study included 50 post KT recipients (more than 3 years) with an age range of 10 to 15 years, regularly following at the Kidney Transplantation Outpatient Clinic, Cairo University Children’s Hospital, were subjected to a detailed history and physical examination, laboratory investigation in the form of fasting blood glucose (FBG),oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and microalbuminuria.

Results

Pre- post- kidney transplant BMI has significant positive correlation with graft rejection episodes, HbA1c, FBG, BMI post-KT, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the mean difference of BMI (post – pre) and graft survival in years (p = 0.036). Obese patients displayed lower survival compared with non-obese subjects at 5 years, but this was statistically not significant (p-value = 0.165).

Conclusion

obesity is an independent risk factor for graft loss and patient death in kidney transplantation. Careful patient selection with pre-transplantation weight reduction is mandatory to reduce the rate of early post-transplantation complications and to improve long-term outcomes.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown and link to women and children’s experiences of violence in the home in South Africa
Authors: Mahlangu P , Gibbs A , Shai N , Machisa M , Nunze N , Sikweyiya Y
Published: May 2022

Background

Evidence on the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown remains at an early stage. There is limited research about the impact of hard lockdown restrictions on families, specifically how these restrictions impact on women and children’s experiences of domestic violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse in South Africa. We conducted research among men and women in Gauteng province, South Africa to understand their experiences of the COVID-19 national lockdown and its impact and link to women and children’s experiences of domestic violence.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study, using social media to recruit men and women who were 18 years and older, living with a spouse and/or children in Gauteng province, South Africa during the lockdown. To collect the data, we conducted telephone interviews, and analyzed data using the thematic approach.

Results

The lockdown had unprecedented negative economic impacts on families, and exacerbated some of the risk factors for violence against women and children in the home in South Africa. Some women reported experiences of emotional violence. Experiences of physical violence were mostly amongst children. The risk factors for women and children’s experiences of violence in the home differed by socio-economic class. Job losses and reduction in earnings resulted to food insecurity which was a key driver of violence in most low socio-economic status (SES) families. Confinement in the home with spouses was an unfamiliar and difficult experience, associated with conflict and perpetration of violence by men in high SES families. Participants across socio-economic groups reported high levels of stress with limited psychosocial support available during the lockdown.

Conclusions

Our finding showing a link between low-socio-economic status and increased risk for domestic violence during the lockdown in South Africa suggests the need for socio-economic interventions to mitigate these risks. Structural and social relief measures need to be strengthened to reduce the loss of jobs and income and to address food insecurity during pandemics. Psychosocial support should be provided to men and women to mitigate the mental health impacts of the pandemics and lockdown.