bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a nuclear disturbed environment on a quantum free space optical link
Authors: Hooper David A. , Wilson Brandon A. , Miloshevsky Alexander , Williams Brian P. , Peters Nicholas A.
Published: July 2021

This manuscript investigates the potential effect of a nuclear-disturbed atmospheric environment on the signal attenuation of a ground/satellite transmitter/receiver system for both classical optical and quantum communications applications. Attenuation of a signal transmitted through the rising nuclear cloud and the subsequently transported debris is modeled climatologically for surface-level detonations of 10 kt, 100 kt, and 1 Mt. Attenuation statistics were collected as a function of time after detonation. These loss terms were compared to normal loss sources such as clouds, smoke from fires, and clear sky operation. Finally, the loss was related to the degradation of transmitted entanglement derived from Bayesian mean estimation.
Ultra-broadband supercontinuum covering a spectrum from visible to mid-infrared generated by high-power and ultrashort noise-like pulses
Authors: Chang Kuan-Yuan , Wang Rui-Ci , Yu Hsin-Chieh , Liu Jia-Ming
Published: July 2021

To facilitate a fiber-based supercontinuum generation system, single-mode fibers with different cutoff wavelengths are introduced to serve as shortpass filters to replace conventional reflective or transmissive filters. Meanwhile, an ytterbium-doped fiber amplifier is adopted to amplify the filtrated pulses, scaling their average power to the watt level up to 4.33 W. Through this approach, ultrashort high-power laser pulses of 1.56 µm and 1.06 µm wavelengths, which are commonly used in optical communications and industrial applications, can be generated by this single system. Furthermore, it is found that the noise-like pulses still maintain their temporal features, even after they undergo multiple optical processes including amplification, supercontinuum generation, and filtration. After that, the generated pulses at 1.06 µm were launched into a photonic crystal fiber to generate a supercontinuum of 1.85 W covering a spectral range from 560 nm in the visible region to 3.5 µm in the mid-infrared region. This is one of the widest records of spectrum in broadband supercontinuum generation.
Numerical investigation for the mode transmission characteristics of a large mode area optical fiber with heterogeneous helical claddings designed for 2.0  µm
Authors: Shen Xiao , Yang Zijun , Xi Xiaoming , Zhang Zuxing , Wei Wei
Published: July 2021

Large mode area (LMA) fibers are widely used in high-power fiber lasers to solve the nonlinear problems. In this Letter, a novel LMA fiber with heterogeneous helical claddings (HHCs) is proposed. A coordinate transformation simulation technique is adopted to analyze the fiber mode transmission characteristics. The effects of the fiber parameters such as

θ
,

Λ
,

r
,

n
0

,

n
1

,

n
2

,

n
3

, and

λ

on the mode transmission characteristics include loss coefficient

L

and effective mode area

A

e
f
f

. When

θ
=

14

∘

,

Λ
=

22

m
m

,

n
0

=

n
2

=

1.439

, and

n
1

=

n
3

=

1.438

are adopted. The loss coefficients are

L

01

=

0.093

d
B

/

m

,

L

11

=

9.47

d
B

/

m

, and

L

21

=

23.36

d
B

/

m

; the single-mode fiber diameter

2

r

is at least 60 µm; and the corresponding effective mode field area

A

e
f
f

is

2025

µ

m

2

. As the helix pitch is a centimeter order of magnitude and the fiber is all solid state, the HHC fiber is relatively easy to fabricate and convenient for cutting, splicing, etc., and will be well applied in the field of high-power fiber lasers.
Homothorax controls a binary Rhodopsin switch in Drosophila ocelli
Authors: Mishra Abhishek Kumar , Fritsch Cornelia , Voutev Roumen , Mann Richard S. , Sprecher Simon G.
Published: July 2021

Visual perception of the environment is mediated by specialized photoreceptor (PR) neurons of the eye. Each PR expresses photosensitive opsins, which are activated by a particular wavelength of light. In most insects, the visual system comprises a pair of compound eyes that are mainly associated with motion, color or polarized light detection, and a triplet of ocelli that are thought to be critical during flight to detect horizon and movements. It is widely believed that the evolutionary diversification of compound eye and ocelli in insects occurred from an ancestral visual organ around 500 million years ago. Concurrently, opsin genes were also duplicated to provide distinct spectral sensitivities to different PRs of compound eye and ocelli. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, Rhodopsin1 (Rh1) and Rh2 are closely related opsins that originated from the duplication of a single ancestral gene. However, in the visual organs, Rh2 is uniquely expressed in ocelli whereas Rh1 is uniquely expressed in outer PRs of the compound eye. It is currently unknown how this differential expression of Rh1 and Rh2 in the two visual organs is controlled to provide unique spectral sensitivities to ocelli and compound eyes. Here, we show that Homothorax (Hth) is expressed in ocelli and confers proper rhodopsin expression. We find that Hth controls a binary Rhodopsin switch in ocelli to promote Rh2 expression and repress Rh1 expression. Genetic and molecular analysis of rh1 and rh2 supports that Hth acts through their promoters to regulate Rhodopsin expression in the ocelli. Finally, we also show that when ectopically expressed in the retina, hth is sufficient to induce Rh2 expression only at the outer PRs in a cell autonomous manner. We therefore propose that the diversification of rhodpsins in the ocelli and retinal outer PRs occurred by duplication of an ancestral gene, which is under the control of Homothorax.
Prevalence of urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis among school children in South-west Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Johnson A. , Adedokun Samuel A. , Akindele Akeem A. , Olorunfemi Adedolapo B. , Otutu Olawumi A. , Ojurongbe Taiwo A. , Thomas Bolaji N. , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Ojurongbe Olusola
Published: July 2021

Background

The risk of co-infection with Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni and the potential harmful effect on morbidity and control is enhanced by the overlapping distribution of both species in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the reported high endemicity of both species in Nigeria, studies on the spread and effect of their mixed infection are limited. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among school children in two communities in South-west Nigeria to investigate the prevalence of mixed human schistosome infection, intensity, and possible ectopic egg elimination.

Methods

Urine and stool samples were collected from consenting school children in Ilie and Ore communities of Osun State, Nigeria. Schistosoma haematobium eggs were detected in urine using the urine filtration technique, while S. mansoni eggs were detected in stool using the Kato–Katz thick smear technique.

Results

The study enrolled 466 primary and secondary school children (211; 45.3% males vs. 255; 54.7% females; mean age 11.6 ± 3.16 years). The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 40% (185/466), with 19% (89/466) recording single S. haematobium infection while 9% (41/465) had a single S. mansoni infection. The geometric mean egg count for S. haematobium was 189.4 egg/10ml urine; 95% CI: range 115.9–262.9, while for S. mansoni, it was 115.7 epg; 95% CI: range 78.4–152.9. The prevalence of ectopic S mansoni (S. mansoni eggs in urine) was 4.7%, while no ectopic S. haematobium (S. haematobium eggs in stool) was recorded. Mixed infection of S. haematobium/S. mansoni had a prevalence of 9.5% (44/466). More females (54.5%) presented with S. haematobium/S. mansoni co-infection. For both parasites, males had higher infection intensity, with a significant difference observed with S. haematobium (p = 0.0004). Hematuria was significant in individuals with single S. haematobium infection (p = 0.002), mixed ectopic S. haematobium/S. mansoni (p = 0.009) and mixed S. haematobium/S. mansoni/ectopic S. mansoni (p = 0.0003).

Conclusions

These findings suggest the probability of interspecific interactions between S. haematobium and S. mansoni. Scaling up of mass administration of praziquantel and control measures in the study areas is highly desirable.
Experiences, challenges and perspectives for ensuring end-of-life patient care: A national online survey with general practitioners in Germany
Authors: Tielker Jannik M. , Weber Jan P. , Simon Steffen T. , Bausewein Claudia , Stiel Stephanie , Schneider Nils
Published: July 2021

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is posing major challenges for health care systems. In Germany, one such challenge has been that adequate palliative care for the severely ill and dying (with and without COVID-19), as well as their loved ones, has not been available at all times and in all settings., the pandemic has underlined the significance of the contribution of general practitioners (GPs) to the care of severely ill and dying patients.

Objectives

To describe GPs’ experiences, challenges and perspectives with respect to end-of-life care during the first peak of the pandemic (spring 2020) in Germany.

Materials and methods

In November and December 2020, a link to an Unipark online survey was sent to GPs registered on nationwide distribution lists.

Results

In total, 410 GPs responded; 61.5% indicated that the quality of their patients’ end-of-life care was maintained throughout the pandemic, 36.8% reported a decrease in quality compared to pre-pandemic times. Of the GPs who made home visits to severely ill and dying patients, 61.4% reported a stable number of visits, 28.5% reported fewer visits. 62.7% of the GPs reported increased telephone contact and reduced personal contact with patients; 36.1% offered video consultations in lieu of face-to-face contact. The GPs reported that relatives were restricted (48.5%) or prohibited from visiting (33.4%) patients in nursing homes. They observed a fear of loneliness among patients in nursing homes (91.9%), private homes (87.3%) and hospitals (86.1%).

Conclusions

The present work provides insights into the pandemic management of GPs and supports the development of a national strategy for palliative care during a pandemic.

To effectively address end-of-life care, GPs and palliative care specialists should be involved in COVID-19 task forces on micro, meso and macro levels of health care.
Mitochondrial genome of Geomydoecus aurei, a pocket-gopher louse
Authors: Spradling Theresa A. , Place Alexandra C. , Campbell Ashley L. , Demastes James W.
Published: July 2021

Parasitic lice demonstrate an unusual array of mitochondrial genome architectures and gene arrangements. We characterized the mitochondrial genome of Geomydoecus aurei, a chewing louse (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) found on pocket gophers (Rodentia: Geomyidae) using reads from both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing coupled with PCR, cloning, and Sanger sequencing to verify structure and arrangement for each chromosome. The genome consisted of 12 circular mitochondrial chromosomes ranging in size from 1,318 to 2,088 nucleotides (nt). Total genome size was 19,015 nt. All 37 genes typical of metazoans (2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 13 protein-coding genes) were present. An average of 26% of each chromosome was composed of non-gene sequences. Within the non-gene region of each chromosome, there was a 79-nt nucleotide sequence that was identical among chromosomes and a conserved sequence with secondary structure that was always followed by a poly-T region. We hypothesize that these regions may be important in the initiation of transcription and DNA replication, respectively. The G. aurei genome shares 8 derived gene clusters with other chewing lice of mammals, but in G. aurei, genes on several chromosomes are not contiguous.
Single-cell immunoblotting resolves estrogen receptor-α isoforms in breast cancer
Authors: Kim John J. , Liang Wenchuan , Kang Chi-Chih , Pegram Mark D. , Herr Amy E.
Published: July 2021

An array of isoforms of the nuclear estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) protein contribute to heterogeneous response in breast cancer (BCa); yet, a single-cell analysis tool that distinguishes the full-length ER-α66 protein from the activation function-1 deficient ER-α46 isoform has not been reported. Specific detection of protein isoforms is a gap in single-cell analysis tools, as the de facto standard immunoassay requires isoform-specific antibody probes. Consequently, to scrutinize hormone response heterogeneity among BCa tumor cells, we develop a precision tool to specifically measure ER-α66, ER- α46, and eight ER-signaling proteins with single-cell resolution in the highly hetero-clonal MCF-7 BCa cell line. With a literature-validated pan-ER immunoprobe, we distinguish ER-α66 from ER-α46 in each individual cell. We identify ER-α46 in 5.5% of hormone-sensitive (MCF-7) and 4.2% of hormone-insensitive (MDA-MB-231) BCa cell lines. To examine whether the single-cell immunoblotting can capture cellular responses to hormones, we treat cells with tamoxifen and identify different sub-populations of ER-α46: (i) ER-α46 induces phospho-AKT at Ser473, (ii) S6-ribosomal protein, an upstream ER target, activates both ER-α66 and ER-α46 in MCF-7 cells, and (iii) ER-α46 partitions MDA-MB-231 subpopulations, which are responsive to tamoxifen. Unlike other single-cell immunoassays, multiplexed single-cell immunoblotting reports–in the same cell–tamoxifen effects on ER signaling proteins and on distinct isoforms of the ER-α protein.
ReVisE: Remote visualization environment for large numerical simulation datasets
Authors: Orlov Stepan , Kuzin Alexey , Zhuravlev Alexey , Reshetnikov Vyacheslav , Usik Egor , Kiev Vladislav , Pyatlin Andrey
Published: July 2021

The paper presents a new open-source visualization system, named ReVisE, aimed to provide interactive visualization of large datasets, which are results of complex numerical simulations. These datasets are hosted on a remote server or a supercomputer. The design of the system is briefly described. Dataset representation, proposed for interactive visualization and implemented in the system, is discussed. The effectiveness of our approach is confirmed by results of performance measurements on test and real-life large datasets. A comparison with other visualization systems is presented. Future plans of system development are outlined.
Use of fourth-generation rapid combined antigen and antibody diagnostic tests for the detection of acute HIV infection in a community centre for men who have sex with men, between 2016 and 2019
Authors: Saz Jorge , Dalmau-Bueno Albert , Meulbroek Michael , Pujol Ferran , Coll Josep , Herraiz-Tomey Ángel , Pérez Félix , Marazzi Giovanni , Taboada Héctor , Culqui Dante R. , Caylà Joan A. ,   BCN Checkpoint Working Group
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess the use of fourth-generation rapid diagnostic tests in identifying acute infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Methods

BCN Checkpoint promotes sexual health among men who have sex with men (MSM), with a focus on diagnosing HIV early, initiating combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) promptly, and recommending regular repeat testing for those who have tested negative. This cross-sectional study included all test results obtained at the centre between 25 March 2016 and 24 March 2019. The Alere™ HIV Combo (now rebranded to Determine™ HIV Ultra, from Abbott) was used to detect p24 antigen (p24 Ag) and/or immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies to HIV-1/HIV-2 (HIV Ab). Rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmatory testing and Western blot (WB) were performed for clients with a positive rapid test result. Confirmed HIV cases were promptly referred to the HIV unit for care and cART prescription.

Results

A total of 12,961 clients attended BCN Checkpoint during the study and 27,298 rapid tests were performed. 450 tests were found to be reactive, of which 430 confirmed as HIV-positive, representing a prevalence of 3.32%. Four confirmed cases (0.93%) were detected as “p24 Ag only”, nine (2.09%) as “both p24 and HIV Ab” and 417 (96.98%) as “HIV Ab only”. The “p24 Ag only” group had a 1-log higher viral load than the other groups and initiated treatment on the following working day. Overall, there were 20 false-positive results (0.07% and 4.44% of total and reactive tests, respectively), of which 10 positive for “p24 Ag only” and 10 for “HIV Ab only”.

Conclusions

Four Acute HIV Infections (AHI), with very high viral loads, have been detected with the “p24 Ag only” while the HIV Ab were still absent. Referral to the HIV unit and initiation of cART on the following working day contributed to improving persons’ health and to reduce HIV transmission chain.
Posttraumatic stress disorder predicts poor health-related quality of life in cardiac patients in Palestine
Authors: Allabadi Hala , Alkaiyat Abdulsalam , Zahdeh Tamer , Assadi Alaa , Ghanayim Aya , Hasan Shaden , Abu Al Haj Dalia , Allabadi Liana , Haj-Yahia Salim , Schindler Christian , Kwiatkowski Marek , Zemp Elisabeth , Probst-Hensch Nicole
Published: July 2021

Background

The longitudinal association of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in cardiac patients’ remains poorly studied, particularly in conflict-affected settings.

Materials and methods

For this cohort study, we used baseline and one-year follow-up data collected from patients 30 to 80 years old consecutively admitted with a cardiac diagnosis to four major hospitals in Nablus, Palestine. All subjects were screened for PTSD and HRQL using the PTSD Checklist Specific and the HeartQoL questionnaire. We used a generalized structural equation model (GSEM) to examine the independent predictive association of PTSD at baseline with HRQL at follow-up. We also examined the mediating roles of depression, anxiety, and stress at baseline.

Results

The prevalence of moderate-to-high PTSD symptoms among 1022 patients at baseline was 27∙0%. Patients with PTSD symptoms reported an approximate 20∙0% lower HRQL at follow-up. The PTSD and HRQL relationship was largely mediated by depressive and anxiety symptoms. It was not materially altered by adjustment for socio-demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that individuals with a combination of PTSD and depression, or anxiety are potentially faced with poor HRQL as a longer-term outcome of their cardiac disease. In Palestine, psychological disorders are often stigmatized; however, integration of mental health care with cardiac care may offer an entry door for addressing psychological problems in the population. Further studies need to assess the effective mental health interventions for improving quality of life in cardiac patients.
Factors influencing study engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study among health and social professions students
Authors: Koob Clemens , Schröpfer Kristina , Coenen Michaela , Kus Sandra , Schmidt Nicole
Published: July 2021

Background

The aim of this study is to explore factors influencing the study engagement of health and social professions students during the COVID-19 pandemic. While antecedents of study engagement have been studied previously, the factors influencing engagement under pandemic conditions have not yet been investigated. Furthermore, there is a particular need for research among students in health and social professions programs, as these students are particularly affected by the pandemic. As theoretical basis, the study draws on the demands-resources-theory. It is hypothesized that pandemic-related study and personal resources drive engagement during the pandemic, and that pandemic-related demands negatively influence engagement.

Method

The study uses a cross-sectional survey to explore the hypothesized effects. The sample consists of 559 university students of health and social professions in Germany. The study was carried out in July 2020, towards the end of the first digital semester and after the first peak in COVID-19 cases. Data are analyzed using linear multiple regression analysis.

Results

The findings show that the demands-resources-theory is suitable to explain study engagement even under pandemic conditions. Suitable digital learning formats and social support are identified as important study resources for study engagement during major life events, while emotional resilience, active self-care and academic self-efficacy are identified as important personal resources.

Conclusions

Under pandemic conditions academic institutions should focus on providing beneficial teaching formats and innovative ways to support students lacking social networks. Besides, they should consider developing means to help students structuring daily life as well as establishing initiatives to strengthen students’ self-efficacy beliefs.
A comparison of children’s diet and movement behaviour patterns derived from three unsupervised multivariate methods
Authors: D’Souza Ninoshka J. , Downing Katherine , Abbott Gavin , Orellana Liliana , Lioret Sandrine , Campbell Karen J. , Hesketh Kylie D.
Published: July 2021

Background

Behavioural patterns are typically derived using unsupervised multivariate methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), latent profile analysis (LPA) and cluster analysis (CA). Comparability and congruence between the patterns derived from these methods has not been previously investigated, thus it’s unclear whether patterns from studies using different methods are directly comparable. This study aimed to compare behavioural patterns derived across diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep domains, using PCA, LPA and CA in a single dataset.

Methods

Parent-report and accelerometry data from the second wave (2011/12; child age 6-8y, n = 432) of the HAPPY cohort study (Melbourne, Australia) were used to derive behavioural patterns using PCA, LPA and CA. Standardized variables assessing diet (intake of fruit, vegetable, sweet, and savoury discretionary items), physical activity (moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity [MVPA] from accelerometry, organised sport duration and outdoor playtime from parent report), sedentary behaviour (sedentary time from accelerometry, screen time, videogames and quiet playtime from parent report) and sleep (daily sleep duration) were included in the analyses. For each method, commonly used criteria for pattern retention were applied.

Results

PCA produced four patterns whereas LPA and CA each generated three patterns. Despite the number and characterisation of the behavioural patterns derived being non-identical, each method identified a healthy, unhealthy and a mixed pattern. Three common underlying themes emerged across the methods for each type of pattern: (i) High fruit and vegetable intake and high outdoor play (“healthy”); (ii) poor diet (either low fruit and vegetable intake or high discretionary food intake) and high sedentary behaviour (“unhealthy”); and (iii) high MVPA, poor diet (as defined above) and low sedentary time (“mixed”).

Conclusion

Within this sample, despite differences in the number of patterns derived by each method, a good degree of concordance across pattern characteristics was seen between the methods. Differences between patterns could be attributable to the underpinning statistical technique of each method. Therefore, acknowledging the differences between the methods and ensuring thorough documentation of the pattern derivation analyses is essential to inform comparison of patterns derived through a range of approaches across studies.
Keel bone fractures are more prevalent in White Leghorn hens than in Red Jungle fowl hens—A pilot study
Authors: Kittelsen Käthe Elise , Gretarsson Pall , Jensen Per , Christensen Jens Peter , Toftaker Ingrid , Moe Randi Oppermann , Vasdal Guro
Published: July 2021

Fractures and deviations to the keel bone are common in commercial laying hens, with reported variations in occurrence across strains and breeds. The aetiology is not fully understood, however, modern genetics and selection for efficient egg production has been claimed to be important factors for the keel bone fractures. To explore this further, we investigated keel bones from two different breeds, representing different degrees of selection for egg production: Red jungle fowl (n = 82), and White Leghorn (n = 32), where the latter is a selected laying breed which is the origin for many modern laying hen hybrids. Keel bones from a total of 116 birds, 53 hens and 63 roosters, were examined by necropsy at 80 weeks of age. All birds were raised in modified aviaries in the same holding facility. Overall, 24.5% of the hens had one or more fractures to the keel, with a difference in the prevalence between hens from the two breeds (p<0.01): 10% (95% CI: 3.7–24%) in the Red Jungle fowl hens and 69% (95% CI: 37–90%) in the White Leghorn hens. No roosters, regardless of breed, had keel bone fractures. Mild to moderate keel bone deviations were present in 54% (95% CI: 25–80%) of the hens and 4.7% (95% CI: 0.5–30%) of the roosters, all White Leghorns.
Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in colorectal carcinoma, adenomatous polyps and non-tumour bearing margins of resection tissues in a cohort of black Africans
Authors: Ezenkwa Uchenna Simon , Okolo Clement Abu , Ogun Gabriel Olabiyi , Akere Adegboyega , Ogunbiyi Olufemi John
Published: July 2021

Background

Emerging data suggest a negative role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in colorectal carcinomas (CRC). Investigating this in developing communities such as ours helps to contribute to existing understanding of these lesions.

Methods and findings

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded CRC colectomy tissues and their corresponding non-tumour margins of resected tissues were sectioned and stained with COX-2 antibody. Adenomatous polyp tissues from non-cancer bearing individuals were similarly processed for comparison. COX-2 expression was scored for percentage (< 5% = 0; 6%-25% = 1; 26%-50% = 2; 51%-75% = 3; 76%-100% = 4) and intensity (no staining = 0; yellow = 2; yellowish-brown = 3, brown = 4). Total immunoscore (percentage + intensity score) ≥ 2 was regarded as positive COX-2 expression. Outcome was statistically evaluated with clinicopathological data to determine COX-2 expression-associated and predictor variables. Ninety-five CRC cases and 27 matched non-tumour tissues as well as 31 adenomatous polyps met the inclusion criteria. Individuals with CRC had a mean age of 56.1 ± 12.6 years while those with adenomatous polyps had a median age of 65 years (range 43–88). COX-2 was differentially overexpressed in CRCs (69/95; 72.6%) and in adenomatous polyps (17/31; 54.8%) than in non-tumour tissues 5/27 (18.5%);p< 0.001). The difference in COX-2 expression between CRC and polyps was non-significant (p> 0.065). Tumour grade, advanced pT-stage, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, and dirty necrosis were also significantly associated with COX-2 expression (p< 0.035; 0.043, 0.035 and 0.004, respectively). Only dirty necrosis and Crohns-like lymphocytic aggregates predicted COX-2 expression (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed a progressive increase in COX-2 expression from normal to adenomatous polyp and CRC tissues, this being associated with poorer prognostic indicators. Although COX-2 appears early in CRC, it may play a secondary role in promoting tumour growth and invasiveness.
Are we walking the talk of participatory Indigenous health research? A scoping review of the literature in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Murphy Kathleen , Branje Karina , White Tara , Cunsolo Ashlee , Latimer Margot , McMillan Jane , Sylliboy John R. , McKibbon Shelley , Martin Debbie
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Participatory research involving community engagement is considered the gold standard in Indigenous health research. However, it is sometimes unclear whether and how Indigenous communities are engaged in research that impacts them, and whether and how engagement is reported. Indigenous health research varies in its degree of community engagement from minimal involvement to being community-directed and led. Research led and directed by Indigenous communities can support reconciliation and reclamation in Canada and globally, however clearer reporting and understandings of community-led research is needed. This scoping review assesses (a) how and to what extent researchers are reporting community engagement in Indigenous health research in Atlantic Canada, and (b) what recommendations exist in the literature regarding participatory and community-led research.

Methods

Eleven databases were searched using keywords for Indigeneity, geographic regions, health, and Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada between 2001-June 2020. Records were independently screened by two reviewers and were included if they were: peer-reviewed; written in English; health-related; and focused on Atlantic Canada. Data were extracted using a piloted data charting form, and a descriptive and thematic analysis was performed. 211 articles were retained for inclusion.

Results

Few empirical articles reported community engagement in all aspects of the research process. Most described incorporating community engagement at the project’s onset and/or during data collection; only a few articles explicitly identified as entirely community-directed or led. Results revealed a gap in reported capacity-building for both Indigenous communities and researchers, necessary for holistic community engagement. Also revealed was the need for funding bodies, ethics boards, and peer review processes to better facilitate participatory and community-led Indigenous health research.

Conclusion

As Indigenous communities continue reclaiming sovereignty over identities and territories, participatory research must involve substantive, agreed-upon involvement of Indigenous communities, with community-directed and led research as the ultimate goal.
Risk factors for poorer health literacy in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Kaps Leonard , Hildebrand Katharina , Nagel Michael , Michel Maurice , Kremer Wolfgang Maximilian , Hilscher Max , Galle Peter R. , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Wörns Marcus-Alexander , Labenz Christian
Published: July 2021

Background

Health literacy is a concept that refers to patients’ ability to manage their disease and the health system’s ability to guarantee access to services. There is evidence that health literacy impacts the health outcomes of patients with chronic diseases, but detailed information on this topic in patients with liver cirrhosis is scarce. It was the aim of this study to identify risk factors for poorer health literacy in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

89 patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in this study and health literacy was measured using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) was diagnosed clinically according to the West-Haven Criteria (HE grade 1) and the PHES (minimal HE). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Based on the nine subscales of the HLQ, risk factors for poor health literacy were identified using linear regression models.

Results

Normalized HLQ scores ranged between 65–76%, while appraisal of health information had lowest score (65%) and ability to actively engage with healthcare providers had highest score (76%). Multivariable regression analyses revealed an association of poorer health literacy and liver function as determined by MELD score and complications of liver cirrhosis such as a history of ascites or CHE. Additionally, we identified modifiable or preventable factors such as depressive symptoms, a history of falls, and active smoking as risk factors for poorer health literacy.

Conclusion

Multiple factors seem to impact on health literacy in patients with liver cirrhosis. Addressing modifiable and preventable factors may improve health literacy.
How is art political? The political construction in the discourse of art activism in Hong Kong
Authors: Chun Fung Lee
Published: July 2021

With the radicalization of activism in Hong Kong in the past decade, it has become increasingly common for artists to engage in the political situation through their creative work; the discussion of art and activism has also become popular and the term ‘art activism’ is usually used to describe such practices, referring it with a new political imagination of art. This article takes the discussion of such practices through the concept of art activism as a complex dynamic of discursive practice. It reflects the ways in which politics are constructed through the discourse of art activism, and how such a concept contributes to its political dynamics in social movements. This article attempts to analyse the changing trajectory of the discourse of art activism and to explore how different actors discuss its confrontational relationship in different contexts. Hence, what kind of politics does this concept refer to? This article suggests that the discourse of art activism has been influenced by the theory of New Social Movements in the West, in which the construction of collective emotions and identities are emphasized. It has become a key element in the political composition of art activism, and provided a new impetus to the dynamics of social movement, but at the same time imposed certain limitations later on. This article takes such a review as an attempt to outline the political construction of the discourse of art activism in Hong Kong, tracing its dynamics and changing trajectories, hence the heterogeneous elements in the discourse of art activism that may provide an alternative perspective in deconstructing its boundaries.
On union, displaced: Capture and captivity with the Hong Kong Artist Union (HKAU)
Authors: Bovino Emily Verla
Published: July 2021

In 2016, between Guangdong strikes in mainland China and Hong Kong’s unionization momentum, Hong Kong artist Wong Ka Ying posted a call on Facebook founding the Hong Kong Artist Union (HKAU). The gesture followed the mischievously named Come Inside, Hong Kong’s ‘first female artist duo’ created by Wong and artist Mak Ying Tung, which declared it would combat art’s ‘formalized system’. Ironically, one of its first actions was to enrol in a course on insurance that could help it formalize healthcare for artists. Come Inside welcomed the idea that opposition to the ‘system’ brings artists into it. HKAU took shape within this ‘trap’ when Wong and Mak started researching trade unions. ‘On Union, Displaced’ explores the past four years of HKAU existing as a union-not-yet-registered-as-an-official-union, a serious gesture of ludic conceptualism that plays with artistic freedom’s relationship to captivity and capture. Through Rey Chow’s theory of conceptual art as trap, it traces HKAU’s entanglement in the history of Hong Kong art groups, regional labour organizing, and efforts to reground the term ‘artist’. Studying HKAU requires various conceptual frameworks: Yuk Hui’s cosmotechnics; Laikwan Pang’s multiple sovereignties; Sandro Mezzandra and Brett Neilson’s border-as-method; Linda Lai Chiu-han’s performative research; and Frank Vigneron’s plastician. The article explores how being ‘plastic’ – a union displaced; a union whose registration with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is perpetually negotiated – has helped HKAU pose important questions about solidarity and sovereignty in art.
HerStory (2007): Falling with Hong Kong in women’s writing and dance
Authors: Ma Xuefei
Published: July 2021

This article analyses Hong Kong-based choreographer Helen Lai’s work HerStory (2007) in the context of Hong Kong’s handover in 1997 and its impact on modern dance and women’s writing. I examine HerStory’s innovation of a gesture – falling – in multiple registers and argue that the gesture of falling enacts a potential field to articulate the unspeakable, unrecognizable bodily experience. I show the ways HerStory, through falling, undid the boundaries of the rural and urban space, the past and the present, the individual and the collective; and expressed the tensions between women’s corporeal experience and gendered social inscriptions. In the end, I discuss why revisiting these relations can help us better understand Hong Kong’s historical moment.
Viajar en el espacio-tiempo: Física y literatura en la historia de tu vida
Authors: Xouplidis Panagiotis
Published: July 2021

Todo tipo de viaje es función del espacio y del tiempo. Según la teoría de la relatividad de Einstein, espacio y tiempo pasan a ser dimensiones de una nueva entidad (el espacio-tiempo) y Bajtín introduce el concepto del cronotopo (tiempo-espacio) para expresar el carácter indisoluble del espacio y el tiempo en la literatura. Εl premiado relato Story of Your Life (La historia de tu vida) de Ted Chiang narra el encuentro de la lingüista Dra. Banks con los heptápodos, seres extraterrestres que llegan a la Tierra en sus naves espaciales. La protagonista se enfrenta con una distinta visión del mundo a través del lenguaje alienígena donde lo enunciado determina el tiempo vivido. El relato introduce la posibilidad de un viaje en el tiempo mediante un lenguaje extraterrestre que conceptualiza la vida en el espacio-tiempo sin los límites humanos. Basada en las interconexiones entre el lenguaje, el tiempo y el espacio, la narración revisa el mundo objetivo y revela lo arbitrario de nuestra percepción del tiempo. Desde el punto de vista de teorías lingüísticas y literarias complementadas por conceptos de Física y Matemáticas, el artículo ofrece una aproximación al viaje en el tiempo a través del texto de ciencia ficción de Ted Chiang.
Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw cow and goat milk produced in the Tiaret and Souk Ahras areas of Algeria
Authors: Tamendjari Sofiane , Bouzebda Farida Afri , Chaib Lina , Aggad Hebib , Ramdani Mohammed , Bouzebda Zoubir
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of infection in both humans and animals. Most livestock strains have shown antibiotic resistance to the many molecules used in veterinary therapeutics. This study aimed to assess the resistance patterns of these bacteria, we carried out our study in the Tiaret and Souk Ahras areas of Algeria.

Materials and Methods: We collected 116 samples of bovine and goat milk to detect S. aureus. We used a selective media to isolate the strains, followed by biochemically identifying the isolates. We determined the susceptibility of the strains to antibiotic molecules using the disk diffusion method and confirmed the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with oxacillin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

Results: Our results showed that 26.72% of the samples were contaminated with S. aureus, and we recovered 31 isolates from the positive samples. We ascribed a high resistance profile to penicillin G (96.77%), fusidic acid (67.74%), and tobramycin (45.16%) and isolated 4MRSA strains.

Conclusion: The presence of S. aureus, including MRSA strains in raw milk, can present a public health hazard, because these strains can cause widespread food poisoning . This finding will be useful to the veterinarians to choose an adequate treatment and to sensitize livestock breeders and milk producers to ensure the health of consumers.
Beauvoir, a politizáló értelmiségi nő
Authors: Joó Mária
Published: July 2021

A politizáló-közéleti értelmiség (public intellectual) kihalóban lévő típus, pedig sokak szerint szükség lenne rá (Bowdith 2006).  Még inkább szükség lenne a női változatra, mint Simone de Beauvoir vagy Heller Ágnes voltak. A közéleti értelmiség szerepe koronként és országonként más és más. A cikk tematikus horizontja az európai, francia politikai szereplőké, pontosabban a Sartre-Beauvoir párosé, míg a cikkíró nézőpontja a mai magyar helyzet. Ezek a horizontok elméleti értelemben összeolvadnak, értelmezik egymást. A 20. század, visszatekintve, a közéleti-politizáló értelmiség és főleg a francia értelmiség aranykorának tűnik, melyből a páros szinte ’királyi pár’-ként emelkedett ki.
KLOTHO, FGF21 AND FGF23: NOVEL PATHWAYS TO MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH?
Authors: BARTALI B. , SEMBA R.D. , ARAUJO A.B.
Published: July 2021

Bone mineral density, muscle mass and physical function reach their peak between the second andfourth decade of life and then decline steadily with aging. The crucial question is: what factors contribute to ormodulate this decline? The aim of this mini-review is to propose a theoretical framework for the potential role ofemerging biomarkers such as klotho, fibroblast growth factors (FGF)21 and FGF23 on musculoskeletal health,with a particular focus on decline in muscle mass and function, and calls for future research to examine thisproposed link. The identification of new physiological mechanisms underlying these declines may open apotentially important avenue for the development of novel intervention strategies aimed at preventing or reducingtheir potentially detrimental consequences.
ARE HEALTH INSURANCE ITEM ALLOCATIONS IN THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY MISSING COMPLETELY AT RANDOM?
Authors: SIORDIA C.
Published: July 2021

Background:Item allocation (the assignment of plausible values to missing or illogical responses insurvey studies) is at times necessary in the production of complete data sets. In the American Community Survey(ACS), missing responses to health insurance coverage questions are allocated. Objectives:Because allocationrates may vary as a function of compositional characteristics, this project investigates how seven different healthinsurance coverage items vary in their degree of allocation along basic demographic variables. Methods: Datafrom the ACS 2010 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample file are used in a logistic regression model and tocalculate allocations rates. Results:The findings reveal that: males; people aged 65 and older; those who speakEnglish “very well” or “well”; US citizens; those out-of-poverty; and all racial/ethnic minority groups havehigher odds of experiencing a health insurance item allocation relative to their counterparts. Conclusions: Sincehealth insurance coverage allocations vary by demographic characteristics, further research is needed toinvestigate their mechanisms of missingness and how these may have implications for frailty related research.
GERIATRIC SYNDROMES IN OLDER SURGICAL PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: McRae P.J . , MUDGE A.M. , PEEL N.M. , WALKER P.J.
Published: July 2021

With the ageing of the population, surgical wards are caring for an increased proportion of olderpatients. Geriatric syndromes are common in older hospitalised medical and hip fracture patients and areimportant predictors of poor outcomes in these groups, however the extent of presenting and hospital acquiredgeriatric syndromes in other older inpatients is less clear. This systematic literature review aimed to identify theproportion of patients aged 60 or older, cared for in usual-care surgical wards, who presented with and/ordeveloped geriatric syndromes. Observational studies in English were identified through searches in CINAHLand Medline databases from 1985-2012. Studies of hip fracture patients and those requiring surgical intensivecare (eg cardiac surgery) were excluded. The review included 25 studies. The majority of studies reported on theincidence of post-operative delirium, which ranged from 2% to 51% and varied with the type of surgery. Theprevalence of depression at pre-admission screening varied from 9% to 29%. No studies reported on functionaldecline. Estimates of falls, malnutrition, pressure ulcers and urinary incontinence were limited by the smallnumber of studies. These findings indicate the need for further studies to improve the understanding of geriatricsyndromes in older surgical patients in usual-care wards.
FISH OILS AND THEIR POTENTIAL IN THE TREATMENT OF SARCOPENIA
Authors: GRAY S.R. , DA BOIT M.
Published: July 2021

We are living in an “ageing society” meaning that there will be an increase in the incidence of agerelated health problems. One issue consistently observed in ageing is for muscle mass and strength to be reduced,a condition termed sarcopenia. The consequences of these changes are numerous and include a reduction inquality of life and an increased risk of falls. The mechanisms underlying sarcopenia remain to be elucidated butinclude an anabolic resistance to both nutrients and exercise and so the search for strategies to overcome thisresistance is of great importance. There are several nutritional strategies purported to be useful in the treatment ofsarcopenia and in recent years the n-3 PUFAs found in fish oil have been of increasing interest. This review willdiscuss the main nutritional interventions used in the treatment of sarcopenia with a focus on fish oils.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR : ARE PRESCRIBING INDICATORS ESSENTIALLY REPRESENTING THE FRAIL OLDER POPULATION?
Authors: Poudel A. , Hubbard R.E. , Nissen L. , Mitchell C.
Published: July 2021

To the Editor: Older populations have multiple comorbidchronic diseases that require multiple treatments, which makethem the larger consumer of medications (1). As a persongrows older the ability to tolerate medications become poor dueto age-related changes in pharmacokinetics andpharmacodynamics. The number of comorbidities increaseswith age that leads to the increase in number of medicationprescribed which is associated with increased risk of adversedrug events (ADEs), impaired mobility, morbidity,hospitalization and death.
Pseudopyloric Metaplasia Is Not Associated With the Development of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Dilaghi Emanuele , Baldaro Francesca , Pilozzi Emanuela , Conti Laura , Palumbo Antonio , Esposito Gianluca , Annibale Bruno , Lahner Edith
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Corpus atrophic gastritis (CAG) is associated with intestinal metaplasia (IM) and pseudopyloric metaplasia (PPM). Prospective data on corpus mucosa PPM and its link to the development of gastric cancer (GC) are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of corpus mucosa PPM at baseline and the development of GC at follow-up in patients with CAG.

METHODS:

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted on patients with consecutive CAG adhering to endoscopic-histological surveillance. Patients were stratified for the presence/absence of corpus PPM without concomitant corpus IM at baseline, and the occurrence of gastric neoplastic lesions at the longest available follow-up was assessed.

RESULTS:

A total of 292 patients with CAG with a follow-up of 4.2 (3–17) years were included. At baseline, corpus PPM without corpus IM was diagnosed in 62 patients (21.2%). At the follow-up, GC was detected in 5 patients (1.7%) and gastric dysplasia (GD) in 4 patients (1.4%). In all these 9 patients with GC/GD at the follow-up, corpus IM was present at baseline and follow-up. Age <50 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.5), absence of pernicious anemia (OR 4.3), and absence of severe corpus atrophy (OR 2.3) were associated with corpus PPM without corpus IM.

DISCUSSION:

At the 4.2-year follow-up, in patients with CAG characterized at baseline with corpus PPM without corpus IM, GC or GD was not observed because these lesions were consistently associated with corpus IM. Corpus PPM without corpus IM was associated with younger age, absence of pernicious anemia, and severe corpus atrophy, suggesting a lower stage of disease progression. Corpus PPM alone seems not to be associated with GC, whose development seems to require the presence of corpus IM as a necessary step.