bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A AGENDA DO DESENVOLVIMENTO NACIONAL E SEU PAPEL NA REARTICULAÇÃO DA ATUAÇÃO INTERNACIONAL DO BRASIL NA EMERGÊNCIA DA GUERRA FRIA HEMISFÉRICA
Authors: Ioris Rafael R.
Published: November 2022

Resumo: O Brasil início um complexo processo de modernização econômica, social e cultural em meados do século XX. Tais experiências se fundavam na reorganização da atuação do Estado, tanto no ambiente doméstico, como no cenário internacional. Embora a Guerra Fria hemisférica tenha impedido uma maior redefinição da inserção do país no mundo, projetos importantes nesse sentido foram encaminhados ao longo da década de 1950. O presente artigo revisa tais dinâmicas, sob uma perspectiva histórica e de um ponto de vista crítico, provendo assim uma melhor apreciação dos esforços, distantes e recentes, de se valer da politíca externa como instrumento na promoção do desenvolvimento.
PENSAMENTO BRASILEIRO NAS RELAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS: ITINERÁRIOS DESDE A REDEMOCRATIZAÇÃO (1985-2022)
Authors: Almeida Paulo Roberto De
Published: November 2022

Resumo: O ensaio parte da ideia de que haveria um pensamento condutor da política externa e guia da diplomacia brasileira, o que nem sempre correspondeu à realidade, seja a partir de sua formulação e execução, no plano estatal, seja na sua elaboração e interpretação conceitual, no plano acadêmico. Mas o itinerário da política externa brasileira, na sua concepção original, e a sua aplicação prática, por meio da diplomacia, permitiram construir, ao longo do tempo, um conjunto de fundamentos conceituais e práticos que tornaram a atuação externa do Brasil admirada no mundo, pela solidez de suas posições e pela qualidade de seus representantes profissionais. O ensaio, portanto, questiona a existência de um “pensamento internacional brasileiro”, para depois estender-se sobre suas grandes etapas de desenvolvimento da política externa desde a redemocratização dos anos 1980 até a fase recente, quando ocorreu o que é provavelmente a maior ruptura nos padrões tradicionais, ou inovadores, da diplomacia nacional.
District nursing using neighbourhood care principles in practice: reflecting on our experience
Authors: Kamara Yasmin , Rodriguez Cendrig , Moyo Nokuthula
Published: November 2022

There is much interest in the UK, and elsewhere, in the Dutch Buurtzorg model of providing district nursing, and there a number of published, external evaluations of pilot projects. We are nurses who worked in one such pilot that used an adapted Buurtzorg model called neighbourhood nursing using neighbourhood care principles. This article reflects on our experience and describes how we organised ourselves and, our experiences of working in such ways as well as the challenges. This article also offers advice for others who are considering introducing such models
Music: Moving Words
Authors: Newman Sue , Rosen Michael
Published: November 2022

Music, movement and rhyme go together like roast carrots and thyme, say Boogie Mites' Sue Newman, and Michael Rosen
Childcare Counsel: Holiday Pay
Authors: Francis-Hopkins Hannah
Published: November 2022

Hannah Francis-Hopkins, solicitor at Morgan LaRoche, on calculating holiday entitlements
Level 3 Training: T-Building
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: November 2022

Is the Level 3 T-Level in Education and Childcare serving the needs of settings and students? By Charlotte Goddard
Best Practices for Teaching Chemistry Disciplines to Graduates Majoring in Pharmacy During the COVID-19 Restrictions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nizhenkovska Iryna V. , Reva Tatiana D. , Chkhalo Oksana M. , But Iryna O. , Manchenko Oksana V.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study was to identify the - interventions that can be adopted for teaching chemistry disciplines to the graduates majoring in Pharmacy (Mpharm) in Ukraine. The study employed a systematic review methodology and a qualitative approach to synthesising the sources. The triangular assessment method was used to rate the short-listed instructional interventions for feasibility, transferability, and duplicability in the settings of teaching chemistry disciplines to pharmacy graduates in Ukraine. The review found seven eligible publications for the analysis. It was identified that the shortlisted instructional models were technology-mediated and positively affected students’ skills and occupational knowledge. Three out of seven instructional models used chatbots and AI to automate the process of management of students learning activity which suggested that automation of the process of educational content delivery was becoming an emerging trend in instructional design. Having performed the triangular assessment method (TAM) analysis, three instructional models were given preference in terms of their use in medical education settings in Ukraine. These models were as follows: a) PhET simulations-based model, b) the model based on automated delivery of the course using the Smart Sender platform and c) the model based on automation of the Moodle-driven e-course using Dialogflow chatbot.
Effect of Triple Superphosphate on Growth, Total Chlorophyll Content, Essential Oil and Fatty Acid Compositions in Shoots of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
Authors: Chaffai Radhouane , Hfaiedh Yosra , Marzouk Brahim
Published: November 2022

The effect of different doses of triple superphosphate (TSP), 100, 200, and 400 kg P ha-1 on growth, chlorophyll content, and essential oil and fatty acid composition was evaluated in shoots of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) grown in a pot experiment under nursery conditions. The application of TSP to 6 weeks-old seedlings induced an increase in shoot height, shoot dry weight, the chlorophyll and total fatty acid contents. However, phosphate fertilizer did not affect the total essential oil content, expressed as % of dry weight. The major constituents of the essential oils are decanal, aromadendrene and a-cadinol. The total content of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons was strongly increased under 200 kg P ha-1 (1.9-fold). The essential oil components aromadendrene, cadalene, a-copaene, a-octan-2-ol and n-decanol, (E)-nerolidol, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, and myrtenyl acetate, were also increased under phosphate fertilization. Threfore, triple superphosphate application induced changes in the composition of essential oils and fatty acids in coriander shoots, and significantly increased the terpenes and total lipid contents.
Foliar Gall and Antioxidant Enzyme Responses in Alstonia scholaris, R. Br. after Psylloid Herbivory– An Experimental and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Mandal Biswas Suparna , Chakraborty Nabanita , Pal Baidyanath
Published: November 2022

Alstonia scholaris, R. Br. (Apocynaceae, commonly known as Devil tree) is an elegant evergreen tree, which serves as a host for foliar galls caused by Pauropsylla tuberculata, Crawf. A. scholaris is useful both medicinally as well as being an important shade tree and gall formation being problematic for using this tree in the cities. Gall formation in mature plant does not much effect the plant but when the young plants are affected it harms the plant. Gall induction, mediated by insect-herbivore chemical stimuli, is the result of anatomical and biochemical alterations in the host-plant tissues. In order to understand the biochemical changes induced by P. tuberculata on Alstonia, we studied the chlorophyll content and secondary metabolites specially phenolics that apparently act as defense compounds and also the activity of two foliar antioxidant enzymes, catalase and peroxidase both experimentally and statistically. Activity of antioxidant enzymes and phenolics were found to be positively correlated with different stages of gall leaves whereas chlorophyll content exhibited strong negative correlation. Information from both the studies led us to suggest that antioxidant enzymes and phenolics act as biochemical markers of foliar gall resistance in Alstonia scholaris.
Participation of Proteases in the Degradation of Chloroplast Proteins
Authors: Ciesielska Maria , Adamiec Malgorzata , Luciński Robert
Published: November 2022

Degradation of chloroplast proteins within the organelle is supported by the observation that chloroplasts contain several proteases of the ClpP, FtsH, Deg, and Lon families. Clp proteases were among the first identified chloroplasts’ proteases and may play an important role during chloroplast biogenesis. Some members of the ClpP family (i.e., nclpP3 and nclpP5) are up-regulated during senescence, whereas the expression of other Clp proteases is constitutive, with no changes during leaf ontogeny. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of erd1, a Clp regulatory subunit are up-regulated during senescence of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, but the levels of the corresponding ERD1 protein decline. Homologs of the bacterial FtsH protease are also found in plastids. At least 12 FtsH proteases have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, and some of them may play roles in thylakoid protein degradation. An FtsH protease is involved in the breakdown of the 23-kDa fragment of the D1 protein of the PSII reaction centre, which is formed upon photooxidative damage. Chloroplast DegP and FtsH proteases seem to cooperate in D1 degradation during photoinhibition, and it seems likely that they might also be responsible for D1 degradation during senescence. In vitro studies with thylakoids isolated from knock-out lines for FtsH6 have implicated the involvement of this protease in LHCII degradation during senescence. Other FtsH subunits may function in chloroplast biogenesis rather than senescence. In this article, we show which proteases are involved in the degradation of chloroplast proteins. We will focus on both: intrachloroplast and non-chloroplast proteases and their mechanism of the process.
The Effects of Covid-19 in Respiratory Functions and Exercise Capacity: A Pilot Study in Young Adults
Authors: Akinci Buket , Kaya Begum Kara , Kisa Eylul Pinar , Kocyigit Ahmet , Hosbay Zeynep , Ozdincler Arzu
Published: November 2022

Background: The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the pulmonary system and exercise capacity of young adults is important in terms of early detection of the existing or future chronic disease risk and secondary prevention. Objective: To compare the respiratory functions and exercise capacity of young adults who recovered from COVID-19 with healthy peers. Methods: Fifteen individuals (7 male, 8 female) aged 18-25 years, diagnosed with COVID-19 and at least 8 weeks passed after diagnosis (mean time: 239.13±135.77 days; min-max: 67-494 days) were included in the study. Age-sex matched 14 individuals (6 males, 8 females) without any diagnosis of COVID-19 and not been under quarantine because of COVID-19 were invited to the study as a control group. Respiratory functions (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF) and mouth pressures (maximal inspiratory pressure-MIP, maximal expiratory pressure-MEP) were. Submaximal exercise capacity was evaluated with the “6-minutes walking test”. The lower extremity muscle functions were determined with the “1-minute sit to stand test". Results: All subjects were treated at home and fatigue (46%), persistent (40%) cough were the most reported ongoing symptoms in subjects who had COVID-19. Ground-glass appearance consistent with viral pneumonia was detected in radiological imaging of 3 (20%) subjects. The 6-minutes walking distance (p=0.037) and the number of sit-stands for 1 minute (p=0.007) were significantly lower in patients who had COVID-19 than age-gender matched healthy controls. Conclusion: The results of our study show that exercise capacity and muscle strength may be affected in young adults with mild COVID-19 compared to their peers.
Willingness for COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Students and their Perception about Reasons for Society’s Hesitation Against COVID-19 Vaccination: Evidence from a University Students in Turkey
Authors: Doğan Nurhan , Gövercin Şerife Eda , Nur Seval Beyza , Tosun Artun , Yüce Kağan Baturhan , Gür Beyza
Published: November 2022

The attitude of university students studying in health-related fields towards vaccines is an important populationthat can affect the vaccination decision of the public. It is aimed to determine the attitudes of society toward the Covid-19 vaccine from the perspective of Afyonkarahisar Health Science University students. It is a cross-sectional study appliedface-to-face with Afyonkarahisar Health Science University students between November 2021 and December 2021. The mean age of students is 20.5 ± 2.2 and 70.7% of them are female. 56.1% of the students stated that they believed theCOVID-19 vaccine was effective and 49.5% believed it was safe. When the students' requests for the COVID-19 vaccinewere questioned, 71.6% stated that they wanted to be vaccinated, 19.4% stated that they were against the vaccine, and 9.0% had hesitations about the vaccine. According to the perspective of the students, the top 5 reasons for the generalhesitations of the society against the COVID-19 vaccine are; Fear/insecurity with 79%, negative effects of the internetand social media with 73%, ignorance with 73%, false/unauthorized information source with 73% and fear of sudden allergic reaction with 72% has received. According to students, the top three common reasons for the society against notgetting COVID-19 vaccine are; “Nothing will happen to us”, “pandemic is a conspiracy” and “risk/benefit ratio” areincluded. Students who are willing to get vaccinated think that "natural immunity", "alternative medicine", "conspiracy theories about vaccines, and ignorance" are important factors for the society's hesitation not to vaccinate (p<0.05).Adequate pieces of knowledge of the students' risk-benefit ratios and natural and acquired immunity related to vaccinesare can serve to build trust and a positive attitude toward vaccines in the community.
An Audit of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for Recalcitrant Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Bhatia Maneesh , Hignett Nicky
Published: November 2022

Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment modality for overuse and sports related tendon disorders. Over the years its use has steadily grown. There have been numerous publications in the literature with mixed results. We introduced this treatment at our institution in 2010. In this study we have audited our results for patients who had this treatment for recalcitrant musculoskeletal disorders with a minimum follow up period of six months. These patients were asked to fill in a simple questionnaire with three questions related to their experience with ESWT. 57 questionnaires were sent out to 51 patients (6 bilateral). 53 (93%) completed questionnaires were received. The pain score on a visual analogue scale improved from 7.8 to 2.4 following ESWT (p<0.05). 85% cases reported improvement, 13% felt that there was no change in their symptoms and 2% cases reported that their symptoms were worse following this treatment. Although minor & transient side effects were observed by 5.7% cases, there was no major complication following ESWT. 85% cases felt that they would recommend this treatment to others. Based on the results of our audit we feel that ESWT is a safe and effective treatment for recalcitrant musculoskeletal disorders.
An Evaluation of the Need for Blood Transfusion When Using Patient Specific Instrumentation for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Myers Kevin , Merwin Sarah L. , Cabrera Bryan , Lementowski Peter
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the need for blood transfusion and other outcomes when using patientspecific instrumentation (PSI) versus traditional instrumentation. 45 patients underwent TKA with either PSI (12 unilateral/9 bilateral) or traditional instrumentation (19 unilateral/5 bilateral) using the same final implants. Use of PSI demonstrated shorter operative/ tourniquet times, and shorter length of stay compared to traditional TKA, but no difference in the need for blood transfusion. Post-hoc subgroup analysis demonstrated that bilateral PSI replacement had a significantly decreased need for blood transfusion, shorter length of stay, and shorter operative/tourniquet times than bilateral replacement with traditional instrumentation. Use of PSI resulted in shorter length of stay and shorter operative/tourniquet times, with bilateral PSI also having a decreased need for blood transfusion.
Time-evolution characteristics of spectrum and temperature of lightning discharge plasma
Authors: Deng Hong , Yuan Ping , An Tingting , Wan Ruibin , Huang Xin , Wang Wangsheng , Liu Guorong , Jiang Jun , Gou Xueqiang
Published: November 2022

Temperature is one of the crucial parameters reflecting the energy and current transfer
characteristics in lightning discharge plasma channels. According to
the spectra of six lightning return strokes discharges recorded
simultaneously by two high-speed slit-less spectrographs with
different time resolutions, the spectral intensity and temperature
evolution of the plasma channels over time was quantitatively
analyzed. The spectral characteristics show that the ionic line
intensity decayed rapidly with time as the current declined, while the
atomic line intensity decreased more slowly. Additionally, it is found
that the ionic lines existed for a much longer time than previously
reported values, up to hundreds of microseconds in the spectra of
continuing current process. It further indicates that the ionic line
intensities are associated with the discharge currents and that their
radiation mechanisms are closely related to the collision excitation
under the action of strong currents. The temperature calculated by the
ionic lines can reflect the thermodynamic properties of the
current-carrying channel. The temperature calculated using atomic
lines is significantly lower than that calculated by the ionic lines
in the same spectrum. The radiation mechanism for a majority of the
atomic lines differs from that of the ionic lines. During the
continuing current, the channel temperatures calculated by both ionic
and atomic lines showed a similar evolution feature which declined
slowly or even remained basically unchanged. This property reflects
the persistent heating effect of the current.
Discrete Talbot effect in reciprocal and nonreciprocal dimer lattices
Authors: Zhan Kaiyun , Kang Xinyue , Zhang Qian , Chen Qixuan , Zhao Tingjun , Dou Lichao , Liu Bing
Published: November 2022

We investigate the Talbot self-imaging in one-dimensional discrete dimer lattices, where the source of non-Hermiticity derives not from gain and loss but from anisotropic couplings. The conditions that guarantee the existence of the Talbot effect in discrete dimer lattices are defined. It is shown that the Talbot self-imaging effect is possible in both reciprocal (Hermitian) and nonreciprocal (non-Hermitian) dimer lattices when the period of the input pattern is chosen as a finite set of periodicities (

N
=

1

, 2, 3, 4 for reciprocal lattice and

N
=

1

, 2 for nonreciprocal lattice). Unlike the Talbot effect in reciprocal lattices, where the self-imaging with conserved total energy of the central part of the model occurs during propagation, here the total energy of the field exhibits oscillatory behavior in the Talbot process for nonreciprocal dimer lattices. The Talbot distance can be controlled by adjusting the lattice coupling and anisotropic coupling coefficients. Our results can be extended to other photonic superlattices with an arbitrary number of sites in each unit cell.
Phase change metamaterial for tunable infrared stealth and camouflage
Authors: Quan Cong , Gu Song , Zou Jinglan , Guo Chucai , Xu Wei , Zhu Zhihong , Zhang Jianfa
Published: November 2022

In the paper, a type of phase change metamaterial for tunable infrared stealth and camouflage is proposed and numerically studied. The metamaterial combines high temperature resistant metal Mo with phase-changing material GST and can be switched between the infrared “stealthy” and “non-stealthy” states through the phase change process of the GST. At the amorphous state of GST, there is a high absorption peak at the atmospheric absorption spectral range, which can achieve infrared stealth in the atmospheric window together with good radiative heat dissipation in the non-atmospheric window. While at the crystalline state of GST, the absorption peak becomes broader and exhibits high absorption in the long-wave infrared atmospheric window, leading to a “non-stealthy” state. The relationship between the infrared stealth performance of the structure with the polarization and incident angle of the incident light is also studied in detail. The proposed infrared stealth metamaterial employs a simple multilayer structure and could be fabricated in large scale. Our work will promote the research of dynamically tunable, large scale phase change metamaterials for infrared stealth as well as energy and other applications.
Ultrahigh-Q WGM microspheres from ZBLAN for the mid-IR band
Authors: Tebeneva Tatiana S. , Shitikov Artem E. , Benderov Oleg V. , Lobanov Valery E. , Bilenko Igor A. , Rodin Alexander V.
Published: November 2022

The advantages of high-quality-factor (high-Q) whispering gallery mode (WGM) microresonators can be applied to develop novel photonic devices for the mid-infrared (mid-IR) range. ZBLAN (glass based on heavy metal fluorides) is one of the most promising materials to be used for this purpose due to low optical losses in the mid-IR. We developed an original, to the best of our knowledge, fabrication method based on melting of commercially available ZBLAN-based optical fiber to produce high-Q ZBLAN microspheres with the diameters of 250 to 350

μ

m. We effectively excited whispering gallery modes in these microspheres and demonstrated high quality factor both at 1.55

μ

m and 2.64

μ

m. Intrinsic quality factor at telecom wavelength was shown to be (5.4 ± 0.4) × 108 which is defined by the material losses in ZBLAN. In the mid-IR at 2.64

μ

m we demonstrated record quality factor in ZBLAN exceeding 108 which is comparable to the highest values of the Q-factor among all materials in the mid-IR.
Mechanoluminescence ratiometric thermometry via MgF2:Tb3+
Authors: Cai Chongyang , Li Leipeng , Li Pei , Li Tao , Peng Dengfeng , Yang Yanmin
Published: November 2022

Mechanoluminescent materials have attracted considerable attention over the past two decades, owing to the ability to convert external mechanical stimuli into useful photons. Here we present a new, to the best of our knowledge, type of mechanoluminescent material, i.e., MgF2:Tb3+. In addition to the demonstration of traditional applications, such as stress sensing, we show the possibility of ratiometric thermometry using this mechanoluminescent material. Under stimulation of an external force, rather than the conventional photoexcitation, the luminescence ratio of 5D3→7F6 to 5D4→7F5 emission lines of Tb3+ is confirmed to be a good indicator of temperature. Our work not only expands the family of mechanoluminescent materials, but also provides a new and energy-saving route for temperature sensing.
Synaptic reshaping of plastic neuronal networks by periodic multichannel stimulation with single-pulse and burst stimuli
Authors: Kromer Justus A. , Tass Peter A.
Published: November 2022

Synaptic dysfunction is associated with several brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease (PD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Utilizing synaptic plasticity, brain stimulation is capable of reshaping synaptic connectivity. This may pave the way for novel therapies that specifically counteract pathological synaptic connectivity. For instance, in PD, novel multichannel coordinated reset stimulation (CRS) was designed to counteract neuronal synchrony and down-regulate pathological synaptic connectivity. CRS was shown to entail long-lasting therapeutic aftereffects in PD patients and related animal models. This is in marked contrast to conventional deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, where PD symptoms return shortly after stimulation ceases.

In the present paper, we study synaptic reshaping by periodic multichannel stimulation (PMCS) in networks of leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons with spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). During PMCS, phase-shifted periodic stimulus trains are delivered to segregated neuronal subpopulations. Harnessing STDP, PMCS leads to changes of the synaptic network structure. We found that the PMCS-induced changes of the network structure depend on both the phase lags between stimuli and the shape of individual stimuli. Single-pulse stimuli and burst stimuli with low intraburst frequency down-regulate synapses between neurons receiving stimuli simultaneously. In contrast, burst stimuli with high intraburst frequency up-regulate these synapses. We derive theoretical approximations of the stimulation-induced network structure. This enables us to formulate stimulation strategies for inducing a variety of network structures. Our results provide testable hypotheses for future pre-clinical and clinical studies and suggest that periodic multichannel stimulation may be suitable for reshaping plastic neuronal networks to counteract pathological synaptic connectivity. Furthermore, we provide novel insight on how the stimulus type may affect the long-lasting outcome of conventional DBS. This may strongly impact parameter adjustment procedures for clinical DBS, which, so far, primarily focused on acute effects of stimulation.
COVID-19 and systemic lupus erythematosus genetics: A balance between autoimmune disease risk and protection against infection
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Guga Suri , Wu Kejia , Khaw Zoe , Tzoumkas Konstantinos , Tombleson Phil , Comeau Mary E. , Langefeld Carl D. , Cunninghame Graham Deborah S. , Morris David L. , Vyse Timothy J.
Published: November 2022

Genome wide association studies show there is a genetic component to severe COVID-19. We find evidence that the genome-wide genetic association signal with severe COVID-19 is correlated with that of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), having formally tested this using genetic correlation analysis by LD score regression. To identify the shared associated loci and gain insight into the shared genetic effects, using summary level data we performed meta-analyses, a local genetic correlation analysis and fine-mapping using stepwise regression and functional annotation. This identified multiple loci shared between the two traits, some of which exert opposing effects. The locus with most evidence of shared association is TYK2, a gene critical to the type I interferon pathway, where the local genetic correlation is negative. Another shared locus is CLEC1A, where the direction of effects is aligned, that encodes a lectin involved in cell signaling, and the anti-fungal immune response. Our analyses suggest that several loci with reciprocal effects between the two traits have a role in the defense response pathway, adding to the evidence that SLE risk alleles are protective against infection.
Effects of environmental impact labels on the sustainability of food purchases: Two randomised controlled trials in an experimental online supermarket
Authors: Potter Christina , Pechey Rachel , Clark Michael , Frie Kerstin , Bateman Paul A. , Cook Brian , Stewart Cristina , Piernas Carmen , Lynch John , Rayner Mike , Poore Joseph , Jebb Susan A.
Published: November 2022

Providing consumers with product-specific environmental impact information for food products (ecolabels) may promote more sustainable purchasing, needed to meet global environmental targets. Two UK studies investigated the effectiveness of different ecolabels using an experimental online supermarket platform. Study 1 (N = 1051 participants) compared three labels against control (no label), while Study 2 (N = 4979) tested four designs against control. Study 1 found significant reductions in the environmental impact score (EIS) for all labels compared to control (labels presented: values for four environmental indicators [-3.9 percentiles, 95%CIs: -5.2,-2.6]; a composite score [taking values from A to E; -3.9, 95%CIs: -5.2,-2.5]; or both together [-3.2, 95%CIs: -4.5,-1.9]). Study 2 showed significant reductions in EIS compared to control for A-E labels [-2.3, 95%CIs: -3.0,-1.5], coloured globes with A-E scores [-3.2, 95%CIs:-3.9,-2.4], and red globes highlighting ’worse’ products [-3.2, 95%CIs:-3.9,-2.5]. There was no evidence that green globes highlighting ’better’ products were effective [-0.5, 95%CIs:-1.3,0.2]. Providing ecolabels is a promising intervention to promote the selection of more sustainable products.
Reproductive coercion as a form of family violence against immigrant and refugee women in Australia
Authors: Suha Mariyam , Murray Linda , Warr Deborah , Chen Jasmin , Block Karen , Murdolo Adele , Quiazon Regina , Davis Erin , Vaughan Cathy
Published: November 2022

Reproductive coercion (RC), generally considered a form of intimate partner violence (IPV), refers to perpetrator behaviours and actions that are intended to interfere with and control the autonomous decision-making of a person regarding their reproductive health. To date there are few studies that document RC as experienced by immigrant and refugee women. In this article, we explore cases of RC as described by women who were part of a larger qualitative study investigating violence against immigrant and refugee women in southern Australia. The study aimed to identify the types of RC detailed in immigrant and refugee women’s narratives, and to illustrate the contexts in which these experiences occurred. Analysis followed Baxter and Jack’s (2008) case study methodology; whereby particular “cases” are used to describe a phenomenon in context. Thirteen women from seven countries described experiences that fit definitions of RC. The cases describe various types of RC including violence during pregnancy with the intent of causing miscarriage, forced abortion, contraception sabotage and forced pregnancy. As well as intimate partners, some women described multiple perpetrators being complicit in their experience of RC, especially in regard to controlling women’s access to, and interactions with health services. More information is needed about immigrant and refugee women’s experiences of RC, and how vulnerability to multi-perpetrator violence affects health service access. In particular knowledge about how multi-perpetrator RC can affect consent processes for women who already face barriers to health care requires attention. Further research is required to address knowledge gaps about appropriate prevention and advocacy work about RC in refugee and migrant communities, and what training is needed for professionals in the family violence sector, women’s health services, women’s organisations, multicultural and ethno-specific services.
Characteristics and predictive factors of severe or fatal suicide outcome in patients hospitalized due to deliberate self-poisoning
Authors: Geith Stefanie , Lumpe Maja , Schurr Johannes , Rabe Christian , Ott Armin , Zellner Tobias , Rentrop Michael , Eyer Florian
Published: November 2022

Prediction of clinical course of intoxication is essential for timely initiation of appropriate medical treatment in patients hospitalized due to suicidal self-poisoning. In this retrospective single-centre study in patients hospitalized due to suicidal poisoning in a specialized clinical toxicology unit, we aimed to identify predictive factors associated with severe or fatal course of self-poisoning. All patients underwent at least one psychiatric exploration during their inpatient stay. Severity of poisoning was assessed on admission and after 24 hours according to the Poison Severity Score index (PSS). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to test the association of PSS with sociodemographic, anamnestic and (pre-)clinical parameters. Multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictive factors for severe and/or fatal self-poisoning. 1090 patients were included in the study. Median age was 39 years (range 13–91), 66.7% of patients were female. PSS was classified in the majority as “minor” (n = 558, 51.2%) or “moderate” (n = 264, 24.2%). 61 patients (5.6%) had PSS “severe”; 14 patients (1.3%) died. A higher severity of poisoning positively correlated with duration of inpatient therapy (p<0.001, Spearman’s rho = 0.454) and duration of ventilation (p<0.001, rho = 0.474), and it inversely correlated with initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (p<0.001, rho = -0.437). Multivariable analysis identified no alcohol co-ingestion (OR 3.23; 95%CI 1.3, 8.07; p = 0.012) and self-poisoning with non-medicinal substances (OR 5.4; 95%CI 1.78, 16.34; p = 0.003) as factors predictive for “severe” or “fatal” suicide outcome. In contrast, female gender (OR 0.4; 95%CI 0.2, 0.81; p = 0.011), not using an antidepressant as the method for self-poisoning (OR 0.27; 95%CI 0.12, 0.59; p = 0.001) and a higher initial GCS score (OR 0.79; 95%CI 0.73, 0.85; p<0.001) reduced the risk of a severe or fatal course of self-poisoning. The conclusion for clinical practice is that male patients hospitalized due to self-poisoning, with a low initial GCS score, who did not co-ingest alcohol, attempted suicide with non-pharmaceutical substances or antidepressants are at a higher risk of severe/fatal outcome of suicide. Determination of these risk factors at admission could be potentially used to guide treatment intensification in patients hospitalized due to deliberate self-poisoning.
A multi-pulse ultrasound technique for imaging of thick-shelled microbubbles demonstrated in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Berg Sigrid , Eggen Siv , Caidahl Kenneth , Dähne Lars , Hansen Rune
Published: November 2022

Contrast enhanced ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool and ultrasound contrast media are based on microbubbles (MBs). The use of MBs in drug delivery applications and molecular imaging is a relatively new field of research which has gained significant interest during the last decade. MBs available for clinical use are fragile with short circulation half-lives due to the use of a thin encapsulating shell for stabilization of the gas core. Thick-shelled MBs can have improved circulation half-lives, incorporate larger amounts of drugs for enhanced drug delivery or facilitate targeting for use in molecular ultrasound imaging. However, methods for robust imaging of thick-shelled MBs are currently not available. We propose a simple multi-pulse imaging technique which is able to visualize thick-shelled polymeric MBs with a superior contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR) compared to commercially available harmonic techniques. The method is implemented on a high-end ultrasound scanner and in-vitro imaging in a tissue mimicking flow phantom results in a CTR of up to 23 dB. A proof-of-concept study of molecular ultrasound imaging in a soft tissue inflammation model in rabbit is then presented where the new imaging technique showed an enhanced accumulation of targeted MBs in the inflamed tissue region compared to non-targeted MBs and a mean CTR of 13.3 dB for stationary MBs. The presence of fluorescently labelled MBs was verified by confocal microscopy imaging of tissue sections post-mortem.
Why do preconception and pregnancy lifestyle interventions demonstrate limited success in preventing overweight and obesity in children? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Philippe Kaat , Perrotta Carla , O’Donnell Aisling , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Phillips Catherine M.
Published: November 2022

Adverse family-based lifestyle factors in the preconception period, pregnancy and early-childhood are major risk factors for childhood obesity and there is a growing consensus that early life interventions to prevent overweight and obesity in children are required. However, results from recent systematic reviews of preconception and pregnancy interventions have demonstrated mixed success. Therefore, this protocol presents a study aiming to summarise and evaluate complex preconception and pregnancy intervention components, process evaluation components, and authors’ statements, with a view to improving our understanding regarding their success and informing design or adaptation of more effective interventions to prevent childhood obesity. A scoping review will be conducted, using the frameworks of the JBI and Arksey and O’Malley. A two-step approach will be used to identify relevant literature: (1) systematic searches will be conducted in the databases PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL to identify all eligible preconception and pregnancy trials with offspring data; and (2) CLUSTER searches will be conducted to find linked publications to eligible trials (follow-ups, process evaluation publications). Two researchers will independently select studies, chart, and synthesise data. A qualitative thematic analysis will be performed in which statements related to process evaluation components and authors’ interpretations will be coded as “reasons”. A descriptive analysis will be performed to evaluate intervention complexity using a complex intervention framework (AHRQ series; Medical Research Council guidance). The results of this study, which will be discussed with an expert group as part of a consultation stage, aim to identify gaps and inform the design or adaptation of future preconception and pregnancy interventions and approaches to potentially increase success rates. We expect that our results, which will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, will be of interest to researchers, families, and practitioners concerned with good preconception and prenatal care, and healthy child outcomes.
Uncovering the characteristics of the gut microbiota in patients with acute ischemic stroke and phlegm-heat syndrome
Authors: Li Tingting , Sun Qianhui , Feng Luda , Yan Dong , Wang Boyuan , Li Mingxuan , Xiong Xuejiao , Ma Dayong , Gao Ying
Published: November 2022

Growing evidence has indicated that the characteristics of gut microbiota are associated with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Phlegm-heat syndrome (PHS), a specific pathological state of the AIS, is one of the common traditional Chinese syndromes of stroke. The long duration of PHS in patients with AIS could lead to poor clinical outcomes. Gut microbiota characteristics in patients with both AIS and PHS, and their relationship remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the alterations in gut microbiota in patients with AIS and PHS through a cross-sectional study. Fecal samples were collected from 10 patients with AIS and non-PHS (ntAIS), 7 patients with AIS and PHS (tAIS), and 10 healthy controls (HC). Samples were profiled via Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-V4. Stroke severity was assessed at admission by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS); their correlation with gut microbiota was investigated. The alpha-diversity of the bacterial communities was significantly higher in the fecal samples of patients with tAIS than in patients with ntAIS (Shannon index, P = 0.037). In addition, the combined tAIS and ntAIS group (tntAIS) exhibited higher microbiotic diversity when compared with HC (chao1, P = 0.019). The structure of intestinal microbiota was effectively distinguished between the tAIS and ntAIS group (ANOSIM, r = 0.337, P = 0.007). Additionally, the gut microbiota structure was significantly different between the tntAIS and HC groups (ANOSIM, r = 0.217, P = 0.005). The genera, Ruminococcaceae_ UCG_002 and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, were implicated in the discrimination of PHS from non-PHS. The order Lactobacillales and family Lachnospiraceae were significantly negatively correlated with NIHSS and mRS at admission (P < 0.05). By contrast, the order Desulfovibrionales, families Christensenellaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae, and genera Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 and Ruminococcaceae UCG-002 were significantly positively correlated with NIHSS and mRS at admission (P < 0.05). This study is the first to profile the characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with AIS and PHS, compared with those with non-PHS. The genera, Ruminococcaceae_ UCG_002 and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, may be objective indicators of this traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome in AIS. Furthermore, it provides a microbe-inspired biological basis for TCM syndrome differentiation.
A study on the performance and cost-effectiveness of robots in replacing manual nucleic acid collection method: Experience from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chi Zhuoyuan , Tu Yusi , Gong Fangfang , Tang Wenxi
Published: November 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led nucleic acid collection and detection became a measure to ensure normal life in China. Considering the huge detection demand, it has emerged that robots replace manual sample collection. However, the cost-effectiveness of nucleic acid collection by robots instead of humans remain unknown.

Methods

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Shenzhen Luohu District People’s Hospital, number 2021-LHQRMYY-KYLL-031a. All participants signed the written informed consent of this study. 273 volunteers were recruited on December 1st 2021 from Shenzhen and divided into six groups: one group to be sampled by robots and the others to be sampled manually with varying specifications for swab rotation and insertion time. Questionnaires were distributed to the robot group to ask them sampling feeling. The effectiveness and safety of sampling were evaluated through the sampling efficiency, adverse events and sampling feeling of different groups. The economics of the different methods were judged by comparing the sampling cost for each.

Results

The sampling efficiency of the robot group was 96.9%, and there was no statistically significant difference between the other five manually sampled groups (p = 0.586). There were no serious adverse events in any of the six groups, but nasal soreness and tearing did occur in all group. Of the volunteers who underwent robotic sampling, 85.94% reported that the experience was either no different or more comfortable than the manual sampling. In economic terms, a single robot used to replace medical staff for sample collection becomes economically advantageous when the working time is ≥ 455 days. If multiple robots are used to replace twice the number of manual collections, it becomes more economical at 137 days and remains so as long as the robot is used.

Conclusions

It appears safe and effective for robots to replace manual sampling method. Implementation of robotic sampling is economical and feasible, and can significantly save costs when working over a long term.
System resilience distribution identification and analysis based on performance processes after disruptions
Authors: Song Yeqing , Li Ruiying
Published: November 2022

Resilience is a system’s ability to withstand a disruption and return to a normal state quickly. It is a random variable due to the randomness of both the disruption and resilience behavior of a system. The distribution characteristics of resilience are the basis for resilience design and analysis, such as test sample size determination and assessment model selection. In this paper, we propose a systematic resilience distribution identification and analysis (RDIA) method based on a system’s performance processes after disruptions. Typical performance degradation/recovery processes have linear, exponential, and trigonometric functions, and they have three key parameters: the maximum performance degradation, the degradation duration, and the recovery duration. Using the Monte Carlo method, these three key parameters are first sampled according to their corresponding probability density functions. Combining the sample results with the given performance function type, the system performance curves after disruptions can be obtained. Then the sample resilience is computed using a deterministic resilience measure and the resilience distribution can be determined through candidate distribution identification, parameter estimation, and a goodness-of-fit test. Finally, we apply our RDIA method to systems with typical performance processes, and both the orthogonal experiment method and the control variable method are used to investigate the resilience distribution laws. The results show that the resilience of these systems follows the Weibull distribution. An end-to-end communication system is also used to explain how to apply this method with simulation or test data in practice.
New insights into antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 for healthcare personnel vaccinated with tozinameran (Comirnaty)
Authors: Fernández-Suárez Antonio , Jiménez Coronado Rosa , Clavijo Aroca Carlos , Navarro Martín Estrella , Qmega Qmega Amir , Díaz-Iglesias José Miguel
Published: November 2022

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of spike protein IgG and total antibodies in subjects vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (both infected and non-infected) and the titer evolution over time. In addition, we also addressed the performance of each of the included platforms in the study, as they are intended to measure antibody levels in naturally infected patients.

Materials and methods

An observational study including 288 volunteer healthcare professionals vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (Comirnaty™) at the Andújar Alto Guadalquivir Hospital. Serum samples were obtained in September 2020 and 14 and 90 days after administration of the second dose. The following in vitro methods were used: Elecsys Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 N and Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (Roche, Germany) and EliA SARS-CoV-2-Sp1 IgG (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Germany).

Results

For the Elecsys S method at 1/10 dilution and for the EliA Sp1 IgG method at 1/5 dilution, 54% and 19% of samples were out of range, respectively. The vaccine activated a high humoral response– 0 to 3000 BAU/mL being the “normal titer range” in all volunteers. Patients vaccinated after COVID-19 exhibited higher total S antibody load values than non-vaccinated volunteers while showing the same response for S IgG isotype. Titers decreased up to 86% in the case of S IgG neutralizing antibodies.

Conclusions

The characterization of human response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is still far from being completely elucidated. It is important to increase the methods dynamic range to study humoral response evolution in depth and decide whether booster doses or seasonal vaccination plans will be necessary to definitively control the pandemic.
Prevalence and clinical associations of myositis antibodies in a large cohort of interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Moll Sofia A. , Platenburg Mark G. J. P. , Platteel Anouk C. M. , Vorselaars Adriane D. M. , Janssen Bonàs Montse , Kraaijvanger Raisa , Roodenburg-Benschop Claudia , Meek Bob , van Moorsel Coline H. M. , Grutters Jan C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Serologic testing for autoantibodies is recommended in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), as connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are an important secondary cause. Myositis antibodies are associated with CTD-ILD, but clinical associations with other ILDs are unclear. In this study, associations of myositis antibodies in various ILDs were evaluated.

Methods

1463 ILD patients and 116 healthy subjects were screened for myositis antibodies with a line-blot assay on serum available at time of diagnosis. Additionally, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) was analysed.

Results

A total of 394 patients demonstrated reactivity to at least one antibody, including anti-Ro52 (36.0%), anti-Mi-2β (17.3%) and anti-Jo-1 (10.9%). Anti-Jo-1 (OR 6.4; p<0.100) and anti-Ro52 (OR 6.0; p<0.001) were associated with CTD-ILD. Interestingly, anti-Mi-2β was associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; OR 5.3; p = 0.001) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP; OR 5.9; p<0.001). Furthermore, anti-Mi-2β was strongly associated with a histological usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern (OR 6.5; p < 0.001). Moreover, anti-Mi-2β reactivity was identified in BALf and correlated with serum anti-Mi-2β (r = 0.64; p = 0.002). No differences were found in survival rates between ILD patients with and without serum Mi-2β reactivity (hazard ratio 0.835; 95% CI 0.442–1.575; p = 0.577).

Conclusion

In conclusion, novel associations of antibody Mi-2β with fibrotic ILD were found. Furthermore, serum anti-Mi-2β was associated with a histological UIP pattern and presence of anti-Mi-2β in BALf. Possibly, anti-Mi-2β could be implemented as a future diagnostic biomarker for fibrotic ILD.