bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urogenital schistosomiasis infection prevalence targets to determine elimination as a public health problem based on microhematuria prevalence in school-age children
Authors: Wiegand Ryan E. , Fleming Fiona M. , Straily Anne , Montgomery Susan P. , de Vlas Sake J. , Utzinger Jürg , Vounatsou Penelope , Secor W. Evan
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent research suggests that schistosomiasis targets for morbidity control and elimination as a public health problem could benefit from a reanalysis. These analyses would define evidence-based targets that control programs could use to confidently assert that they had controlled or eliminated schistosomiasis as a public health problem. We estimated how low Schistosoma haematobium infection levels diagnosed by urine filtration in school-age children should be decreased so that microhematuria prevalence was at, or below, a “background” level of morbidity.

Methodology

Data obtained from school-age children in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Tanzania, and Zambia who participated in schistosomiasis monitoring and evaluation cohorts were reanalyzed before and after initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Bayesian models estimated the infection level prevalence probabilities associated with microhematuria thresholds ≤10%, 13%, or 15%.

Principal findings

An infection prevalence of 5% could be a sensible target for urogenital schistosomiasis morbidity control in children as microhematuria prevalence was highly likely to be below 10% in all surveys. Targets of 8% and 11% infection prevalence were highly likely to result in microhematuria levels less than 13% and 15%, respectively. By contrast, measuring heavy-intensity infections only achieves these thresholds at impractically low prevalence levels.

Conclusions/significance

A target of 5%, 8%, or 11% urogenital schistosomiasis infection prevalence in school-age children could be used to determine whether a geographic area has controlled or eliminated schistosomiasis as a public health problem depending on the local background threshold of microhematuria.
Lay attitudes and misconceptions and their implications for the control of brucellosis in an agro-pastoral community in Kilombero district, Tanzania
Authors: Mburu Caroline M. , Bukachi Salome A. , H. Tokpa Kathrin , Fokou Gilbert , Shilabukha Khamati , Ezekiel Mangi , Bonfoh Bassirou , Kazwala Rudovick , Kreppel Katharina
Published: June 2021

Brucellosis is a priority zoonotic disease in Tanzania that causes ill-health in people and affects livestock productivity. Inadequate awareness and behavior risking transmission can impede control efforts. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 333 livestock owners in three villages in the Kilombero district, Tanzania, to understand their awareness, knowledge and behavior associated with brucellosis. Six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), two in each village, were conducted, as well as an additional FGD with male herders from one of the villages. Factors associated with knowledge on brucellosis, food consumption and animal husbandry behavior risking transmission of this disease, were identified using generalized linear models. Predictors for knowledge of brucellosis were being male and having a higher educational level, while age was positively associated with a higher level of knowledge. Faith and ethnicity were associated with the performance of practices risking transmission. Following traditional religion and belonging to the Wamaasai ethnicity significantly increased the odds of carrying out these practices. Qualitative analysis gave insight into risk practices and reasoning. Of the 333 respondents, 29% reported that they had experienced abortions in their herds, 14% witnessed retained placentas, and 8% had seen still-births in their cattle within the previous year. However, survey results also showed that only 7.2% of participants had heard about brucellosis as a disease in livestock. Of those who had heard about brucellosis in livestock, 91% associated abortions with it and 71% knew that humans can get infected through raw milk consumption. People overwhelmingly attributed symptoms and transmission of brucellosis in livestock to infection with trypanosomiasis and to supernatural reasons instead. In the community, consumption of raw milk was valued and handling of aborted material was not considered a risk for infection. This agro-pastoralist community holds on to long-held beliefs and practices and lacks understanding of the biomedical concept of brucellosis. Transmission routes and symptoms of brucellosis in humans and livestock are completely unknown. The disparity between risk perception and actual transmission risk related to animal handling and consumption of animal products presents a challenge for disease awareness communication. This study recommends focused community engagement and sensitization to address the limited awareness and misconceptions among agro-pastoralists.
Biophysical analysis of drug efficacy on C. elegans models for neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Sofela Samuel , Sahloul Sarah , Song Yong-Ak
Published: June 2021

Caenorhabditis eleganshas emerged as a powerful model organism for drug screening due to its cellular simplicity, genetic amenability and homology to humans combined with its small size and low cost. Currently, high-throughput drug screening assays are mostly based on image-based phenotyping with the focus on morphological-descriptive traits not exploiting key locomotory parameters of this multicellular model with muscles such as its thrashing force, a critical biophysical parameter when screening drugs for muscle-related diseases. In this study, we demonstrated the use of a micropillar-based force assay chip in combination with a fluorescence assay to evaluate the efficacy of various drugs currently used in treatment of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. Using this two-dimensional approach, we showed that the force assay was generally more sensitive in measuring efficacy of drug treatment in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson’s Disease mutant worms as well as partly in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis model. These results underline the potential of our force assay chip in screening of potential drug candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases when combined with a fluorescence assay in a two-dimensional analysis approach.
Real-world safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban using Japan-specific dosage during long-term follow-up in patients with atrial fibrillation: XAPASS
Authors: Ikeda Takanori , Ogawa Satoshi , Kitazono Takanari , Nakagawara Jyoji , Minematsu Kazuo , Miyamoto Susumu , Murakawa Yuji , Iwashiro Sanghun , Okayama Yutaka , Sunaya Toshiyuki , Hirano Kazufumi , Hayasaki Takanori
Published: June 2021

Background

The Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety and Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XAPASS) was designed to investigate safety and effectiveness during long-term follow-up of rivaroxaban treatment, using reduced doses compared with other global regions, in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in real-world clinical practice.

Methods

In this prospective, open-label, single-arm, observational study, 11,308 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation newly prescribed rivaroxaban (15/10 mg once daily) at 1416 sites across Japan were enrolled and followed for a mean of 2.5 years.

Results

In total, 10,664 and 10,628 patients were included in the safety and effectiveness analyses, respectively. In the safety population, mean (standard deviation) age was 73.1 (9.8) years and Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke/TIA (2 points) (CHADS2) score was 2.2 (1.3). Incidences (95% confidence intervals) of any and major bleeding were 3.77 (3.53–4.01) and 1.16 (1.03–1.29) events per 100 patient-years, respectively. Age ≥75 years, creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, diabetes mellitus, and vascular disease were independently associated with incidence of major bleeding. The primary composite effectiveness outcome of stroke, non-central nervous system systemic embolism, and myocardial infarction occurred at an incidence (95% confidence interval) of 1.32 (1.18–1.46) events per 100 patient-years. Age ≥75 years, hypertension, prior ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, and concomitant use of antiplatelets were independently associated with incidence of the composite outcome of stroke, non-central nervous system systemic embolism, and myocardial infarction.

Conclusion

In the XAPASS, a large-scale study involving a broad range of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation newly prescribed rivaroxaban using Japan-specific dosage in real-world clinical practice, no unexpected safety or effectiveness concerns were detected during up to 5 years of follow-up.
Genome skimming reveals novel plastid markers for the molecular identification of illegally logged African timber species
Authors: Mascarello Maurizio , Amalfi Mario , Asselman Pieter , Smets Erik , Hardy Olivier J. , Beeckman Hans , Janssens Steven B.
Published: June 2021

Tropical forests represent vast carbon stocks and continue to be key carbon sinks and buffer climate changes. The international policy constructed several mechanisms aiming at conservation and sustainable use of these forests. Illegal logging is an important threat of forests, especially in the tropics. Several laws and regulations have been set up to combat illegal timber trade. Despite significant enforcement efforts of these regulations, illegal logging continues to be a serious problem and impacts for the functioning of the forest ecosystem and global biodiversity in the tropics. Microscopic analysis of wood samples and the use of conventional plant DNA barcodes often do not allow to distinguish closely-related species. The use of novel molecular technologies could make an important contribution for the identification of tree species. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools to obtain the complete de-novo chloroplast genome of 62 commercial African timber species using the genome skimming method. Then, we performed a comparative genomic analysis that revealed new candidate genetic regions for the discrimination of closely-related species. We concluded that genome skimming is a promising method for the development of plant genetic markers to combat illegal logging activities supporting CITES, FLEGT and the EU Timber Regulation.
In-hospital mortality among consecutive patients with ST-Elevation myocardial infarction in modern primary percutaneous intervention era ~ Insights from 15-year data of single-center hospital-based registry ~
Authors: Takagi Kensuke , Tanaka Akihito , Yoshioka Naoki , Morita Yasuhiro , Yoshida Ruka , Kanzaki Yasunori , Watanabe Naoki , Yamauchi Ryota , Komeyama Shotaro , Sugiyama Hiroki , Shimojo Kazuki , Imaoka Takuro , Sakamoto Gaku , Ohi Takuma , Goto Hiroki , Ishii Hideki , Morishima Itsuro , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: June 2021

Objective

To clarify the association of detailed angiographic findings with in-hospital outcome after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Japan.

Background

Data regarding the association of detailed angiographic findings with in-hospital outcome after STEMI are limited in the p-PCI era.

Methods

Between January-2004 and December-2018, 1735 patients with STEMI (mean age, 68.5 years; female, 24.6%) who presented to the hospital in the 24-hours after symptom onset and underwent p-PCI were evaluated using the disease registries. The registry is an ongoing, retrospective, single-center hospital-based registry.

Results

The 30-day mortality rate and in-hospital mortality rate were 7.7% and 9.2%, respectively. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were ejection fraction (EF) < 40% [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), 4.446, p < 0.001], culprit lesions in the left coronary artery (LCA) (aOR, 2.940, p < 0.001) compared with those in the right coronary artery, Killip class > II (aOR, 7.438; p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (aOR, 4.056; p < 0.001), final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grades 0/1/2 (aOR, 1.809; p = 0.03), absence of robust collaterals (aOR, 17.309; p = 0.01) and hypertension (aOR, 0.449; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Among the consecutive patients with STEMI, the in-hospital mortality rate after p-PCI significantly improved in the second half. Not only CKD, Killip class > II, and EF < 40%, but also the angiographic findings such as culprit lesions in the LCA, absence of very robust collaterals, and final TIMI grades <3 were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality.
COVID-19 treatment combinations and associations with mortality in a large multi-site healthcare system
Authors: Coppock Dagan , Baram Michael , Chang Anna Marie , Henwood Patricia , Kubey Alan , Summer Ross , Zurlo John , Li Michael , Hess Bryan
Published: June 2021

Introduction

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, mortality associated with the disease declined in the United States. The standard of care for pharmacological interventions evolved during this period as new and repurposed treatments were used alone and in combination. Though these medications have been studied individually, data are limited regarding the relative impact of different medication combinations. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association of COVID-19-related mortality and observed medication combinations and to determine whether changes in medication-related practice patterns and measured patient characteristics, alone, explain the decline in mortality seen early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a multi-hospital healthcare system exploring the association of mortality and combinations of remdesivir, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, tocilizumab, and hydroxychloroquine. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of mortality for both the overall population and the population stratified by intensive care and non-intensive care unit admissions. A separate model was created to control for the change in unmeasured variables over time.

Results

For all patients, four treatment combinations were associated with lower mortality: Anticoagulation Only (OR 0.24, p < 0.0001), Anticoagulation and Remdesivir (OR 0.25, p = 0.0031), Anticoagulation and Corticosteroids (OR 0.53, p = 0.0263), and Anticoagulation, Corticosteroids and Remdesivir (OR 0.42, p = 0.026). For non-intensive care unit patients, the same combinations were significantly associated with lower mortality. For patients admitted to the intensive care unit, Anticoagulation Only was the sole treatment category associated with decreased mortality. When adjusted for demographics, clinical characteristics, and all treatment combinations there was an absolute decrease in the mortality rate by 2.5% between early and late periods of the study. However, when including an additional control for changes in unmeasured variables overtime, the absolute mortality rate decreased by 5.4%.

Conclusions

This study found that anticoagulation was the most significant treatment for the reduction of COVID-related mortality. Anticoagulation Only was the sole treatment category associated with a significant decrease in mortality for both intensive care and non-intensive care patients. Treatment combinations that additionally included corticosteroids and/or remdesivir were also associated with decreased mortality, though only in the non-intensive care stratum. Further, we found that factors other than measured changes in demographics, clinical characteristics or pharmacological interventions accounted for an additional decrease in the COVID-19-related mortality rate over time.
Psychostimulants and opioids differentially influence the epigenetic modification of histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase in astrocytes
Authors: Doke Mayur , Pendyala Gurudutt , Samikkannu Thangavel
Published: June 2021

Illicit drugs are known to affect central nervous system (CNS). Majorly psychostimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine (METH) and opioids such as morphine are known to induce epigenetic changes of histone modifications and chromatin remodeling which are mediated by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC). Aberrant changes in histone acetylation-deacetylation process further exacerbate dysregulation of gene expression and protein modification which has been linked with neuronal impairments including memory formation and synaptic plasticity. In CNS, astrocytes play a pivotal role in cellular homeostasis. However, the impact of psychostimulants and opioid mediated epigenetic changes of HAT/HADCs in astrocytes has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of the psychostimulants and opioid on the acetylation-regulating enzymes- HAT and HDACs role in astrocytes. In this study, Class I and II HDACs and HATs gene expression, protein changes and global level changes of acetylation of H3 histones at specific lysines were analyzed. In addition, we have explored the neuroprotective “nootropic” drug piracetam were exposed with or without psychostimulants and opioid in the human primary astrocytes. Results revealed that psychostimulants and opioid upregulated HDAC1, HDAC4 and p300 expression, while HDAC5 and GCN5 expression were downregulated. These effects were reversed by piracetam coexposure. Psychostimulants and opioid exposure upregulated global acetylation levels of all H3Ks, except H3K14. These results suggest that psychostimulants and opioids differentially influence HATs and HDACs.
Evaluation of diagnostic ultrasound use in a breast cancer detection strategy in Northern Peru
Authors: Aklilu Segen , Bain Carolyn , Bansil Pooja , de Sanjose Silvia , Dunstan Jorge A. , Castillo Vanesa , Tsu Vivien , Contreras Ines , Balassanian Ronald , Hayes Constant Tara K. , Scheel John R.
Published: June 2021

To evaluate the diagnostic impact of point-of-care breast ultrasound by trained primary care physicians (PCPs) as part of a breast cancer detection program using clinical breast exam in an underserved region of Peru. Medical records and breast ultrasound images of symptomatic women presenting to the Breast Cancer Detection Model (BCDM) in Trujillo, Peru were collected from 2017–2018. Performance was measured against final outcomes derived from regional cancer center medical records, fine needle aspiration results, patient follow-up (sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values), and by percent agreement with the retrospective, blinded interpretation of images by a fellowship-trained breast radiologist, and a Peruvian breast surgeon. The diagnostic impact of ultrasound, compared to clinical breast exam (CBE), was calculated for actual practice and for potential impact of two alternative reporting systems. Of the 171 women presenting for breast ultrasound, 23 had breast cancer (13.5%). Breast ultrasound used as a triage test (current practice) detected all cancer cases (including four cancers missed on confirmatory CBE). PCPs showed strong agreement with radiologist and surgeon readings regarding the final management of masses (85.4% and 80.4%, respectively). While the triage system yielded a similar number of biopsies as CBE alone, using the condensed and full BI-RADS systems would have reduced biopsies by 60% while identifying 87% of cancers immediately and deferring 13% to six-month follow-up. Point-of-care ultrasound performed by trained PCPs improves diagnostic accuracy for managing symptomatic women over CBE alone and enhances access. Greater use of BI-RADS to guide management would reduce the diagnostic burden substantially.
Disruption of the pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory cytokines and tight junction proteins expression, associated with changes of the composition of the gut microbiota in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ivashkin V. , Poluektov Y. , Kogan E. , Shifrin O. , Sheptulin A. , Kovaleva A. , Kurbatova A. , Krasnov G. , Poluektova E.
Published: June 2021

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a pathologic condition characterized by changes in gut microbiome composition, low-grade inflammation, and disruption of intestinal wall permeability. The interaction between the gut microbiome and the disease manifestation remains unclear. The changing of tight junction proteins and cytokines expression throughout the gastrointestinal tract in IBS patients has not been studied yet.

Aim of the study

To assess the changes of gut microbiome composition, tight junction proteins, and cytokines expression of intestinal mucosa from the duodenum to the distal part of the colon in IBS patients and healthy volunteers.

Methods

In 31 IBS patients (16 patients with IBS-D; 15 patients with IBS-C) and 10 healthy volunteers the expression of CLD-2, CLD-3, CLD-5, IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α in mucosal biopsy specimens was determined by morphological and immune-histochemical methods. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the intestinal microbiota was assessed based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing in both groups of patients.

Results

The expression of IL-2 and TNF-α was significantly increased in IBS patients compared with the controls (p<0.001), with a gradual increase from the duodenum to the sigmoid colon. The expression of IL-10, CLD-3, and CLD-5 in mucosal biopsy specimens of these patients was lower than in the control group (p<0.001). Increased ratios of Bacteroidetes and decreased ratios of Firmicutes were noted in IBS patients compared to healthy volunteers (p<0.05).

Conclusion

IBS patients have impaired gut permeability and persisting low-grade inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Changes in the gut microbiota may support or exacerbate these changes.
Physiotherapists’ perspectives on barriers to implementation of direct access of physiotherapy services in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alnaqbi Arwa , Shousha Tamer , AlKetbi Hamda , Hegazy Fatma A.
Published: June 2021

Background

There are two primary ways of accessing physiotherapy for service users around the world. The direct access, as opposed to the indirect access which requires a referral from a general physician, has several merits including better quality, timeliness, cost effectiveness of treatment and better probability of preventing acute conditions from turning into chronic ailments. Despite these benefits, several countries including the UAE, do not allow direct access to physiotherapists. This study aims to understand the level of awareness among practicing physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about direct access and to determine whether any of their demographic variables influence the way they perceive the concept. Further, the study sought to explore the perceived barriers and benefits of direct access according to the participating physiotherapists.

Subjects and methods

An observational cross-sectional study was employed. The questionnaire survey developed by Bury and Stokes in 2013 was adapted and employed in this study. The instrument had six sections with close-ended items using a Likert five-point scale to rate them. Two hundred and sixty-four physiotherapists answered the questionnaire shared with them through a web link. Finally, MANOVA was employed to explore any influence of demographic variables on the opinions of the respondents.

Results

The findings showed that 70% of participants were aware about direct access while nearly 30% were completely unaware. Younger physiotherapists were more willing to endorse the practice whereas older ones were more apprehensive of the barriers. The main barriers reported were the limited support from the physicians and policy makers, professional autonomy, and the limited scope of practice for the physiotherapists, as well as evidence-based practice. The impact of demographic variables on direct access indicated that physiotherapists under the age of 23 endorsed direct access more strongly than other age groups.

Conclusion

More efforts are needed to implement direct access in the UAE, considering the benefits of improved professional status, cost savings, patient satisfaction, and higher efficiency. This study recommends leadership support, professional autonomy, and mentorship as possible ways to achieve this goal.
Immunohistochemical analysis of CD155 expression in triple-negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Yoshikawa Katsuhiro , Ishida Mitsuaki , Yanai Hirotsugu , Tsuta Koji , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Sugie Tomoharu
Published: June 2021

Introduction

CD155 is an immune checkpoint protein. Its overexpression is an indicator of poor prognosis in some types of cancer. However, the significance of CD155 expression in patients with triple-negative breast cancer, and the relationship between CD155 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, have not yet been analyzed in detail.

Methods

Using immunohistochemical staining and tissue microarrays, we analyzed the expression profiles of CD155 and PD-L1 in 61 patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Relapse-free survival and overall survival rates were compared according to CD155 expression. The correlation between CD155 expression and clinicopathological factors, including PD-L1 expression (using SP142 and 73–10 assays), was also examined.

Results

CD155 expression was noted in 25 patients (41.0%) in this cohort. CD155 expression did not correlate with pathological stage, histological grade, Ki-67 labeling index, or stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Only PD-L1 expression in tumor cells by SP142 assay significantly correlated with CD155 expression (p = 0.035); however, PD-L1 expression in tumor cells by 73–10 assay did not show a correlation (p = 0.115). Using the 73–10 assay, 59% of patients showed CD155 and/or PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. Moreover, using the SP142 assay, 63.3% of patients showed CD155 and/or PD-L1 expression in immune cells. CD155 expression did not correlate with either relapse-free survival or overall survival (p = 0.485 and 0.843, respectively).

Conclusions

CD155 may be a novel target for antitumor immunotherapy. The results of this study indicate that CD155 may expand the pool of candidates with triple-negative breast cancer who could benefit from antitumor immunotherapy.
Experimental transmission of Leishmania (Mundinia) parasites by biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Becvar Tomas , Vojtkova Barbora , Siriyasatien Padet , Votypka Jan , Modry David , Jahn Petr , Bates Paul , Carpenter Simon , Volf Petr , Sadlova Jovana
Published: June 2021

Leishmaniaparasites, causative agents of leishmaniasis, are currently divided into four subgenera:Leishmania,Viannia,SauroleishmaniaandMundinia. The recently established subgenusMundiniahas a wide geographical distribution and contains five species, three of which have the potential to infect and cause disease in humans. While the otherLeishmaniasubgenera are transmitted exclusively by phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), natural vectors ofMundiniaremain uncertain. This study investigates the potential of sand flies and biting midges of the genusCulicoides(Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) to transmitLeishmaniaparasites of the subgenusMundinia. Sand flies (Phlebotomus argentipes,P.duboscqiandLutzomyia migonei) andCulicoidesbiting midges (Culicoides sonorensis) were exposed to fiveMundiniaspecies through a chicken skin membrane and dissected at specific time intervals post bloodmeal. Potentially infected insects were also allowed to feed on ear pinnae of anaesthetized BALB/c mice and the presence ofLeishmaniaDNA was subsequently confirmed in the mice using polymerase chain reaction analyses. InC.sonorensis, allMundiniaspecies tested were able to establish infection at a high rate, successfully colonize the stomodeal valve and produce a higher proportion of metacyclic forms than in sand flies. Subsequently, three parasite species,L.martiniquensis,L.orientalisandL. sp. from Ghana, were transmitted to the host mouse ear byC.sonorensisbite. In contrast, transmission experiments entirely failed withP.argentipes, although colonisation of the stomodeal valve was observed forL.orientalisandL.martiniquensisand metacyclic forms ofL.orientaliswere recorded. This laboratory-based transmission ofMundiniaspecies highlights thatCulicoidesare potential vectors of members of this ancestral subgenus ofLeishmaniaand we suggest further studies in endemic areas to confirm their role in the lifecycles of neglected pathogens.
The Junction Collection: A site-specific public fashion project as a (conceptual) magazine editorial
Authors: Delgado Henry Navarro
Published: June 2021

In the summer of 2018, the author was selected for the Junction Art Residency (JAR) programme, and for three months, he was integrated into the daily life of the Haines Junction village, a rural town in the Kluane region, Yukon. Like the rest of the Yukon, the Haines Junction village includes a sizable community of First Nation residents. To gain a practical understanding on how aboriginal principles and values shape life in Yukon, the author created a series of garments and accessories informed by the nature, histories and peoples of the Kluane region. This critical essay contextualizes the project and discusses the implications of using a magazine editorial as an alternative vehicle to disseminate it. With the direct participation of a diversity of Haines Junction’s residents, the author explored Yukon’s social and cultural complexities by means of integrating fashion design and public art methodologies. Titled The Junction Collection, the site-specific public fashion project incorporated locally available fabrics, traditionally harvested furs and upcycled materials. Throughout the design process, he consulted with indigenous makers, elders and knowledge keepers. Upon completing the series of garments, the author executed a photo shoot featuring Haines Junction’s residents wearing the outfits against the natural setting of the Kluane wilderness. Those images are the central content for the long-format magazine editorial presented and examined here. The critical essay argues that, as a visual narrative, this magazine editorial makes the project more accessible to the general public while effectively translating The Junction Collection’s theme of incorporating indigenous knowledge with contemporary aesthetics.
Carnival to Catwalk: Global Reflections on Fancy Dress Costume, Benjamin Linley Wild (2020)
Authors: Delgado Henry Navarro
Published: June 2021

Review of: Carnival to Catwalk: Global Reflections on Fancy Dress Costume, Benjamin Linley Wild (2020)

London and New York: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 206 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35001-499-2, h/bk, £67.50

ISBN 978-1-35002-469-4, p/bk, £21.59

ISBN 978-1-35001-500-5, eBook, £17.27
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN IN-STORE PROMOTIONS AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR IN SHOPPING MALLS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors:   Tshwane University of Technology, Naidoo Vinessa , Mathivha Nkhumeleni
Published: June 2021

Promotions of products and services close to the point of purchase is a reality to many companies. These promotions include the demonstration of products, price discounts and free samples. This paper sets out to determine the influence of in-store promotions on consumer behaviour. The study sampled 200 middle-of-the-month and month-end shoppers in four of the largest shopping malls in Polokwane, South Africa among. The paper was designed along quantitative method dicta and the primary data were collected by means of a questionnaire. Data were analysed via IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and presented in graphs and tables for easy interpretation. The results and knowledge gained from this study add to the existing body of knowledge in the discipline, and it might assist shop managers in finding the most suitable methods for in-store promotions. All ethical requirements were considered during the course of the study. The outcome of the study indicated a statistically significant relationship between consumer behaviour and in-store coupon offers. However, the association analysis results for the enjoyment of in-store promotions, in-store free samples, in-store buy-one-get-one-free offers, and in-store price discounts, failed to provide any evidence of association with consumer behaviour.
Effects of corona virus outbreak on micro and small scale enterprise operation in southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Zelalem Bayelign Abebe , Abebe Ayalew Ali
Published: June 2021

Goal: This examination is expected to survey the effect of COVID-19 for micro and small scale enterprise activity in southwest Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach: The current study used the graphic exploration plan which includes 346 micro and small-scale enterprises. Enterprise proprietors, government authorities, and specialists were invited to answer self-administered questionnaires and information was also acquired from archive audit of different reports and exploration results zeroing.

Result: The analysis reveals that the outbreak of the pandemic had a negative impact on production, employment, profit, seals level, operation costs and cost of raw material by 59%, 35%, 78%, 72%, 49%, 10%, 10%, 31% and 59% respectively. The virus also has a 10% 9% and 8% impact on local government tax revenue collected from the urban, services, and construction sectors, respectively. The virus has no impact on the manufacturing industry but has a positive effect on the trading sector; finally, the outbreak had a significant impact on the enterprises supply chain with a rate of 48%.

Limitations of the investigation: The examination have the accompanying constraints first; the consequences of this investigation are not summed up to different segments other than Micro and small scale enterprise. Second the investigation utilized qualitative data that can’t fill the advantage of quantitative data. Thus, there must be further examination on the effect of COVID 19 in various benefit arranged and non- benefit arranged associations and even in the micro and small scale enterprise by joining other comports of operation that have not been contacted in the investigation.

Practical implication: The result of this study has some important implications for micro and small scale enterprise owners and the government.  In this way, the examination gives insight to micro and small scale enterprise to take activities like moving their activity to related business and creation of right now requested defensive materials. Moreover, the investigation gives insight to the government and different partners on how COVID 19 affects both the micro and small scale enterprise as well the public tax.

Originality/ value: This study is the first of its kind up to authors’ knowledge, and the data was collected from the most authentic sources.
La arquitectura, el espacio público y el derecho a la ciudad. Entre lo físico y lo vivencial
Authors: Ayala-García Erika Tatiana
Published: June 2021

Se analiza la plaza como elemento articulador y dinamizador del espacio público, a partir del estudio de sus características físicas y vivenciales, así como de las dimensiones física, social e histórica, con el fin de determinar su importancia dentro del desarrollo social y la planificación urbana. Para ello, se utiliza una metodología de revisión documental o bibliográfica interdisciplinar, bajo la técnica de análisis de contenido centrada en la plaza, a partir de categorías o temáticas de estudio como ciudad, urbanismo y planeación territorial, a través de las cuales se desarrollaron los resultados mediante dos componentes teóricos: la dimensión física del espacio público, y la plaza desde lo físico y lo vivencial. Como hallazgo relevante, se reconoce la importancia de la plaza en la construcción y el fortalecimiento de la ciudadanía bajo preceptos sociales y antropológicos que promueven la identidad, el arraigo, y el sentido de pertenencia. Así mismo, se determina la importancia de diagnosticar la calidad de los ambientes físicos de la ciudad a partir de su forma y su función.
La vie humaine au rythme des saisons et des mois – Les Quatre âges de l’homme de Philippe de Novare et Les Douze mois figurez
Authors: Loba Anna
Published: June 2021

The division of human life into ages is not only a sociological issue but also includes a philosophical, moral and religious reflection. The relationship between human life and the course of the year punctuated by the seasons and months has not remained without influence on the very notion of the ages of life. The question that arises is whether we can harmonize the unpredictable flow of human life with the calendar. The confrontation of two medieval works which develop this parallel: the treatise by Philippe de Novare Les Quatre âges de l’homme, and the anonymous poem Les Douze mois figurez, should provide an answer to this question.
De la pointe de l’été au coeur de l’hiver : saisons et construction romanesque chez François Emmanuel
Authors: Meurée Christophe
Published: June 2021

François Emmanuel’s novels are divided in two categories: Summer Tales, which are light-hearted and filled with bitter-sweet irony, and Winter Tales, that are more solemn and tragic. We will investigate the diptych formed by Regarde la vague (2007) and Le Sommeil de Grâce (2015), both Winter Tales: the latter is set in the heart of the Winter, though the other is set at the end of a warm Summer. By comparing how each season is described in each novel, and how it affects the narrative settings, we aim to enlighten animportant part of François Emmanuel’s aesthetics.
Utilization profile of the Canadian-led coalition Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility in Iraq: the growing requirement for multinational interoperability
Authors: DaCambra Mark P. , Kao Raymond L. , Berger Christopher , McAlister Vivian C.
Published: June 2021

Background: The Canadian Armed Forces deployed a Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility (R2MTF) to Iraq in November 2016 as part of Operation IMPACT. We compared the multinational interoperability required of this R2MTF with that of similar facilities previously deployed by Canada or other nations. Methods: We reviewed data (Nov. 4, 2016, to Oct. 3, 2017) from the electronic Disease and Injury Surveillance Report and the Daily Medical Situation Report. Clinical activity was stratified by Global Burden of Diseases category, ICD-10 code, mechanism of injury, services used, encounter type, nationality and blood product usage. We reviewed the literature to identify utilization profiles for other MTFs over the last 20 years. Results: In total, 1487 patients were assessed. Of these, 5.0% had battle injuries requiring damage-control resuscitation and/or damage-control surgery, with 55 casualties requiring medical evacuation after stabilization. Trauma and disease non-battle injuries accounted for 44% and 51% of patient encounters, respectively. Other than dental conditions, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for most presentations. Fifty-seven units of fresh frozen plasma and 64 units of packed red blood cells were used, and the walking blood bank was activated 7 times. Mass casualty activations involved coordination of health care and logistical resources from more than 12 countries. In addition to host nation military and civilian casualties, patients from 15 different countries were treated with similar frequency. Conclusion: The experience of the Canadian R2MTF in Iraq demonstrates the importance of multinational interoperability in providing cohesive medical care in coalition surgical facilities. Multinational interoperability derives from a unique relationship between higher medical command collaboration, international training and adherence to common standards for equipment and clinical practice.
A Bit of Assyrian Imperial Culture
Authors: Radner Karen
Published: June 2021

A key find from the 2018 excavations at the settlement mound of Gird-e Rūstam (Gird-i Rostam) in the easternmost part of the Kurdish Autonomous Region of Iraq, directly on the border with Iran, is an inscribed pottery sherd that can be assigned to the Neo-Assyrian period, more specifically the late 8th or 7th century BC. Albeit small, the sherd certainly belongs to a “carinated bowl”, which is a typical wine-drinking vessel of that time, and preserves a few signs of a cuneiform inscription in Akkadian language and Neo-Assyrian script. It is suggested that the reconstructed text contains mention of the local toponym Birtu-ša-Adad-remanni “Fortress of Adad-remanni”. This place is located in the border region between the Assyrian Empire and the kingdom of Mannea, which raises the possibility that Gird-e Rūstam could be identified with Birtu-ša-Adad-remanni.
Everything Must Go
Authors: Zaia Shana
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a study of YOS 17, 360, a collection of 30–33 administrative records from the Eanna temple in Uruk that are dated to Nabû-kudurrī-uṣur (Nebuchadnezzar) II’s 14thyear. The first few columns contain transactions concerning gold, while the rest are largely related to prebendary payments. In addition to providing an edition of YOS 17, 360 and related texts, this study seeks to understand why these particular transactions were collected and what insight it gives us into the historical circumstances. The evidence suggests that Eanna experienced a financial crisis at this time, during which it sold off its assets and had difficulties paying its priests. The cause of the crisis seems to have been royal demands put on the temple to provide money and manpower in support of the king’s building and/or military endeavors, possibly including Babylonian movements into the Levant and resulting clashes with Egypt.
A multi-laboratory assessment of congenital thrombophilia assays performed on the ACL TOP 50 family for harmonisation of thrombophilia testing in a large laboratory network
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Mohammed Soma , Vong Ronny , Chapman Kent , Swanepoel Priscilla , Kershaw Geoff , Cai Nancy , Just Sarah , Connelly Lynne , Brighton Timothy , Pasalic Leonardo
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Thrombophilia testing is commonly performed within hemostasis laboratories, and the ACL TOP 50 family of instruments represent a new ‘single platform’ of hemostasis instrumentation. The study objective was to evaluate these instruments and manufacturer reagents for utility of congenital thrombophilia assays.

Methods

Comparative evaluations of various congenital thrombophilia assays (protein C [PC], protein S [PS], antithrombin [AT], activated protein C resistance [APCR]) using newly installed ACL TOPs 550 and 750 as well as comparative assessments with existing, predominantly STAGO, instrumentation and reagents. Verification of manufacturer assay normal reference ranges (NRRs).

Results

HemosIL PC and free PS assays showed good comparability with existing Stago methods (R>0.9) and could be considered as verified as fit for purpose. HemosIL AT showed high relative bias with samples from patients on direct anti-Xa agents, compromising utility. Manufacturer NRRs for PC, PS and AT were verified with minor variance. Given the interference with direct anti-Xa agents, an alternate assay (Hyphen) was evaluated for AT, and the NRR also verified. The HemosIL Factor V Leiden (APC Resistance V) evidenced relatively poor performance compared to existing assays, and could not be adopted for use in our network.

Conclusions

This evaluation of HemosIL reagents on ACL TOP 50 family instruments identified overall acceptable performance of only two (PC, free PS) of four thrombophilia assays, requiring use of third-party reagents on ACL instruments for the other two assays (AT, APCR).
Positive evaluation in the language of human resources: textbooks versus reality
Authors: Reich Pavel
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present paper is to focus on the language of Human Resources (HR) as one of the subfields of English for business purposes in respect of positive evaluation and stancetaking and to identify to what extent evaluative language common in real-life situations is reflected in currently available textbooks of English for HR (EHR). Authentic language is taken from blogs and interviews with prominent HR managers onwww.thehrdirector.com, which is a global online magazine dedicated to HR professionals. The corpus created from these texts is analysed from the point of view of evaluative language and the data ascertained are put into contrast with the language presented in three commonly available HR English textbooks. The analysis focusses on the lexical level of language and is based on the Appraisal framework (and the system of Attitude) of Systemic Functional Linguistics. Even though the present study is intended as qualitative rather than quantitative, the findings are quantified in order to shed some light on the commonality and frequency of some of the phenomena ascertained and their reflection in the textbooks. The outcomes of the analysis might serve as food for thought and inspiration for tertiary-level teachers of general business English courses as well as highly specialised courses focusing on the language of human resources.
Impact of broadband power line communication on high frequency equipment using impact analysis
Authors: Zhou Yuzhe
Published: June 2021

With the rapid development of broadband carrier communication technology, the power line communication market is growing. However, the frequency band of power line communication overlaps with other radio services, mainly the High Frequency (HF) radio services. In addition, power line communication may have electromagnetic leakage in the open air. Large-scale power line communication system will give a much greater interference to some critical HF radio services. In this paper, the standards and researches relative to the power line communication system are reviewed. Based on existing studies, impact analysis which includes the impact probability and severity of the power line communication system on HF equipment is proposed. In addition, explicit explanations are provided. The proposed impact analysis methods are applied to simulations and evaluations. Numerical results demonstrate that a large-scale power line communication system will cause additional ambient noise, which affects the performance and reliability of HF equipment with a high probability.
Being(s) in the World: Navigating the Macro Changes in Pastoral Theology in a Neo-Liberal Age
Authors: Reddie Anthony G.
Published: June 2021

This review article focusses on three new texts in Pastoral theology, each of which, offers an important and interesting turn in the discipline. The three texts – Caring For Souls in a Neo-Liberal Age, by Bruce Rogers-Vaughn1, Race, Religion, and Resilience in the Neo-Liberal Age, by Cedric C. Johnson2 and Care of Souls, Care of Polis by Ryan Lamothe1 – will be reviewed in light of the prevailing themes they share. In what ways are these three authors foregrounding important new dimensions in the study of Pastoral theology and Pastoral care?
Newborns at risk of Covid-19 ― lessons from the last year
Authors: Shah Malika D. , Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: June 2021

After more than 1 year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a great deal of knowledge on how this virus affects pregnant women, the fetus and the newborn has accumulated. The gap between different guidelines how to handle newborn infants during this pandemic has been minimized, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)’s recommendations are now more in accordance with those of the World Health Organization (WHO). In this article we summarize present knowledge regarding transmission from mother to the fetus/newborn. Although both vertical and horizontal transmission are rare, SARS-CoV-2 positivity is associated with an increased risk of premature delivery and higher neonatal mortality and morbidity. Mode of delivery and cord clamping routines should not be affected by the mother’s SARS-CoV-2 status. Skin to skin contact, rooming in and breastfeeding are recommended with necessary hygiene precautions. Antibodies of infected or vaccinated women seem to cross both the placenta and into breast milk and likely provide protection for the newborn.