bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Report on China-Spain Joint Clinical Testing for Rapid COVID-19 Risk Screening by Eye-region Manifestations
Authors: Fu Yanwei , Li Feng , Fustel Paula boned , Zhao Lei , Jia Lijie , Zheng Haojie , Sun Qiang , Rong Shisong , Tang Haicheng , Xue Xiangyang , Yang Li , Li Hong , Xie Jiao , Wang Wenxuan , Li Yuan , Wang Wei , Pei Yantao , Wang Jianmin , Wu Xiuqi , Zheng Yanhua , Tian Hongxia , Gu Mengwei
Published: September 2021

Background

The worldwide surge in coronavirus cases has led to the COVID-19 testing demand surge. Rapid, accurate, and cost-effective COVID-19 screening tests working at a population level are in imperative demand globally.

Methods

Based on the eye symptoms of COVID-19, we developed and tested a COVID-19 rapid prescreening model using the eye-region images captured in China and Spain with cellphone cameras. The convolutional neural networks (CNNs)-based model was trained on these eye images to complete binary classification task of identifying the COVID-19 cases. The performance was measured using area under receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and F1. The application programming interface was open access.

Findings

The multicenter study included 2436 pictures corresponding to 657 subjects (155 COVID-19 infection, 23·6%) in development dataset (train and validation) and 2138 pictures corresponding to 478 subjects (64 COVID-19 infections, 13·4%) in test dataset. The image-level performance of COVID-19 prescreening model in the China-Spain multicenter study achieved an AUC of 0·913 (95% CI, 0·898-0·927), with a sensitivity of 0·695 (95% CI, 0·643-0·748), a specificity of 0·904 (95% CI, 0·891-0·919), an accuracy of 0·875(0·861-0·889), and a F1 of 0·611(0·568-0·655).

Interpretation

The CNN-based model for COVID-19 rapid prescreening has reliable specificity and sensitivity. This system provides a low-cost, fully self-performed, non-invasive, real-time feedback solution for continuous surveillance and large-scale rapid prescreening for COVID-19.

Funding

This project is supported by Aimomics (Shanghai) Intelligent
Large-scale seroepidemiologic surveillance of COVID-19 - Cross-sectional study in Hyogo prefecture of Japan in August, 2021
Authors: Ren Zhenxiao , Furukawa Koichi , Nishimura Mitsuhiro , Kurahashi Yukiya , Sutandhio Silvia , Tjan Lidya Handayani , Aoki Kaito , Hasegawa Natsumi , Arii Jun , Uto Kenichi , Matsui Keiji , Sato Itsuko , Saegusa Jun , Godai Nonoka , Takeshita Kohei , Yamamoto Masaki , Nagashima Tatsuya , Mori Yasuko
Published: September 2021

The situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan is drastically changing in the 2ndyear, 2021, due to the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and the roll-out of mass vaccination. In addition to PCR diagnosis, periodic seroepidemiologic surveillance is important to analyze the epidemic situation. In this study, we analyzed the rate of seropositivity for the SARS-CoV-2 N and S antigens in Hyogo prefecture, Japan in August 2021. Sera collected from people who received a health check-up in a clinic of the Hyogo Prefecture Health Promotion Association were subjected to analysis of reactivity to the SARS-CoV-2 N and S antigens by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. For a total 1,000 sera, the positive rates to N and S antigens were 2.1% and 38.7%, respectively. The infectious rate estimated by serological analysis based on the presence of the anti-N antibody was 2.5-fold higher than the value reported based on PCR-based analysis, and it increased five-fold compared to the rate determined by our previous seroepidemiologic study in October, 2020. The anti-S positive rate was almost consistent with the vaccination rate in this area. The observed high anti-S antibody level in the seropositive population may indicate that the mass vaccination in Japan is being performed smoothly at this time point, although the infectious rate has also increased.
Estimating the lagged effect of price discounting: a time-series study using transaction data of sugar sweetened beverages
Authors: Mamiya Hiroshi , Schmidt Alexandra M. , Moodie Erica E. M. , Buckeridge David L.
Published: September 2021

Background

Price discount is an unregulated obesogenic environmental risk factor for the purchasing of unhealthy food, including Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB). Sales of price discounted food items are known to increase during the period of discounting. However, the presence and extent of the lagged effect of discounting, a sustained level of sales after discounting ends, is previously unaccounted for. We investigated the presence of the lagged effect of discounting on the sales of five SSB categories, which are soda, fruits juice, sport and energy drink, sweetened coffee and tea, and sweetened drinkable yogurt.

Methods

We fitted a distributed lag model to weekly volume-standardized sales and percent discounting generated by a supermarket in Montreal, Canada between 2008 and 2013.

Results

While the sales of SSB increased during the period of discounting, there was no evidence of a prominent lagged effect of discounting in four of the five SSB; the exception was sports and energy drinks, where a posterior mean of 28,459 servings (95% credible interval: 2,661 to 67,253) of excess sales can be attributed to the lagged effect in the target store during the study period.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that previous studies may have underestimated the effect of price discounting for some food categories.

Key messages

What is already known

Temporary price discounting is an important component of obesogenic food environment, as it has been shown to increase the sales of discretionary food items during the period of discounting.

Novelty of findings

Even after a period of price discounting has ended, the sales of sports and energy drinks remain at a higher level relative to the sales before discounting.

Research and public health implications

Previous research focusing on the immediate effect (i.e., same time period) of price discounting may have systematically underestimated the impact of price discounting for some food categories.

The findings and analytical method in this study promote improved validity of future food environment research targeting the impact of discounting and other types of food promotions on the sales of energy-dense and nutrition-poor food items.
A nighttime telemedicine and medication delivery service to avert pediatric emergencies: An exploratory cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Flaherty Katelyn E. , Klarman Molly B. , Cajusma Youseline , Schon Justin , Exantus Lerby , Beau de Rochars Valery M , Baril Chantale , Becker Torben K. , Nelson Eric J
Published: September 2021

Objective

We sought to compare the costs of a nighttime pre-emergency pediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service (TMDS) per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted to the costs of hospital emergency medicine (HEM) per DALY averted from a societal perspective.

Methods

We studied a nighttime pediatric TMDS and HEM in a semi-urban and rural region of Haiti. Costs of the 2 services were enumerated to represent the financial investments of both providers and patients. DALYs averted were calculated to represent the ‘years lives lost’ (YLL) and ‘years lost to disability’ (YLD) from diarrheal, respiratory, and skin (bacterial and scabies etiologies) disease among children from zero to 9 years old. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated and compared to the per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) of Haiti ($1,177). Cost-effectiveness was defined as an ICER less than 3 times the per-capita GDP of Haiti ($3,531). Univariate sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate how uncertainty of individual parameter estimates (utilization rates, costs, lost wages, discounting factor) affected the ICER.

Results

The total costs of the nighttime TMDS and HEM to society were $285,931.72 per year and $89,335.41 per year, respectively. The DALYs averted by the TMDS and HEM were 199.76 and 22.37, respectively. Through sensitivity analyses, the ICER of the TMDS ranged from $791.43 to $1,593.35.

Conclusion

A nighttime pediatric TMDS is a cost-effective alternative to HEM for pre-emergency pediatric care in semi-urban and rural regions in Haiti, and possibly in similar lower-middle income countries.
Pre-pandemic SARS-CoV-2 serological reactivity in rural malaria-experienced Cambodians
Authors: Manning Jessica , Zaidi Irfan , Lon Chanthap , Rosas Luz Angela , Park Jae-Keun , Ponce Aiyana , Bohl Jennifer , Chea Sophana , Karkanitsa Maria , Sreng Sokunthea , Rekol Huy , Chour Char Meng , Esposito Dominic , Taubenberger Jeffery K. , Memoli Matthew J. , Sadtler Kaitlyn , Duffy Patrick E. , Oliveira Fabiano
Published: September 2021

Greater Mekong inhabitants are exposed to pathogens, zoonotic and otherwise, that may influence SARS-CoV-2 seroreactivity. A pre-pandemic (2005 to 2011) serosurvey of from 528 malaria-experienced Cambodians demonstrated higher-than-expected (up to 13.8 %) positivity of non-neutralizing IgG to SARS-CoV-2 spike and RBD antigens. These findings have implications for interpreting large-scale serosurveys.

Article Summary Line

In the pre-COVID19 pandemic years of 2005 to 2011, malaria experienced Cambodians from rural settings had higher-than-expected seroreactivity to SARS-CoV-2 spike and receptor binding domain proteins.
“The vaccination is positive; I don’t think it’s the panacea”: A qualitative study on COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among ethnically diverse healthcare workers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gogoi Mayuri , Wobi Fatimah , Qureshi Irtiza , Al-Oraibi Amani , Hassan Osama , Nellums Laura B , Pareek Manish
Published: September 2021

Background

Globally, healthcare workers (HCWs) are prioritised for receiving vaccinations against the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Previous research has shown disparities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake among HCWs based on ethnicity, job role, sex, age, and deprivation. However, vaccine attitudes underpinning these variations are yet to be fully explored.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study with 164 HCWs from different ethnicities, sexes, job roles, migration statuses, and regions in the United Kingdom (UK). Interviews and focus groups were conducted using Microsoft Teams or telephone, and recorded with participants’ permission. Recordings were transcribed and thematically analysed following an inductive approach.

Findings

We conducted an in-depth analysis of 53 randomly selected transcripts (involving 82 participants) to generate rapid evidence. Four different vaccine attitudes were identified: Active Acceptance, Passive Acceptance, Passive Decline, and Active Decline. Factors influencing vaccine acceptance include: knowledge of vaccine; risk perception; positive attitude towards other vaccines; social influences; and considerations about the future. Correspondingly, barriers to vaccine acceptance were identified as, low trust in the vaccine and historical (mis)trust, inadequate communication, and inequities in delivery and access. Opinion on mandatory vaccination was divided.

Interpretation

Our data show that vaccine attitudes are diverse and elements of hesitancy may remain even after vaccine acceptance. This has implications for the sustainability of the vaccine programme, particularly as new components (e.g. boosters) are being added. Based on our findings we recommend trust-building, designing inclusive and accessible information, and addressing structural inequities for improving vaccine uptake among HCWs.

Funding

UKRI-MRC and NIHR.
Pseudolaguvia moinensis, a new benthic miniature Asian catfish (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Arunachal Pradesh, north-eastern India
Authors: Tamang Lakpa , Nanda Prasanta , Das Debangshu Narayan
Published: September 2021

A new species of miniature sisorid catfish is described, from the upper Brahmaputra river drainage in northeastern India. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners except P. ferruginea and P. focusa by having an elongate light brown to cream marks either side on ventro-lateral margin just above anus. Further, distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of a W-shaped dark brown band on caudal fin, thoracic adhesive apparatus extending closer to pelvic-fin base, smooth anterior margin of dorsal spine, a narrow V-shaped light brown to cream bands on side of the body, dorsal-spine length (10.7–14.7% SL), dorsal-fin base length (10.7–14.2% SL), pectoral-fin spine length (14.0–21.1% SL), pelvic-fin length (13.5–16.6% SL), caudal peduncle length (14.4–18.2% SL) and depth (7.8–9.9% SL), total vertebrae (30–31), caudal fin with a complete medial hyaline bands towards its anterior end, reaching outer margin of each lobe. Other combination of characters differentiating the new species from its congeners are provided in the respective diagnoses.
Unlatching or latching a door to the competitor
Authors: Cho Wooje , Chang Woojung , Lee Dongryul
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In responding to competitors' strategic choices, firms must choose whether to allocate their customer relationship management (CRM) resources primarily to retaining existing customers or to acquiring new customers. To address this critical but understudied question, the authors examine the strategic choices of two competing firms between retention- and acquisition-focused strategies in consideration of switching costs, technological advancement level, and market share.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop and analyze a game-theoretic model to investigate the strategic choices of two competing firms between retention- and acquisition-focused strategies.

Findings

When switching costs are high, findings show that when the degree of technological advancement is high (low), both firms should employ acquisition-focused (retention-focused) strategies to maximize their profits. When switching costs are low and there are a low degree of technological advancement and asymmetric market shares, the firms choose retention-focused strategies in equilibrium, but only the firm with the higher market share can maximize its profit. When switching costs are low, technological advancement levels are high, and the market shares are asymmetric, the firm with the higher market share chooses a retention-focused CRM strategy, while the rival with lower market share adopts an acquisition-focused strategy in equilibrium. However, neither firm can maximize its profits.

Originality/value

Prior research focused on a single firm's price discrimination decision without considering a competitor's strategic choice. To address this research gap, the authors examine where firms should assign their CRM resources (retention vs. acquisition) in response to a competitor's CRM strategy. This study provides guidance for optimal decision-making regarding a firm's CRM resource allocation in a duopoly market.
Transmission of family identity and consumer response: do consumers recognize family firms?
Authors: Ibáñez María José , Alonso Dos Santos Manuel , Llanos-Contreras Orlando
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Communicating the identity of a family business generates positive results in consumer response. The paper aims to understanding how the efficient transmission of family identity can influence consumer behavior is essential for designing family firms' marketing communication strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study based on the eye-tracking technique was designed to determine how attention to (familiar vs non-familiar) visual stimuli on a website influences consumer recognition of a family firm status and how it influences consumer behavior. A sample of 212 individuals was exposed to (simulated) websites of family and non-family firms in the hospitality industry to capture information about their eye movements and measure visual attention to specific stimuli that communicated family identity.

Findings

Visual attention has a direct and positive influence on recognizing family firm's identity (FFI). Through FFI, visual attention has an indirect positive effect on trust in the company and attitude toward the brand (BraAtt). Trust in a firm positively affects purchase intention (PurInt).

Originality/value

It is known that consumers can perceive a FFI; however, there is no study on the sensory mechanisms operating in consumers' perceptions of family identity. The study contributes to understanding how consumers can perceive a FFI. This study proposes a novel method for evaluating consumer responses by transmitting family business identity on digital platforms.
Instrumental ties or expressive ties? Impact mechanism of supervisor–subordinate ties based on enterprise social media on employee performance
Authors: Wang Changyu , Yuan Tianyu , Feng Jiaojiao
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to answer whether and how supervisor–subordinate instrumental or expressive ties based on enterprise social media (ESM) might enhance employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on social exchange theory, this study developed a theoretical model to explore the influencing mechanism of different supervisor–subordinate ties based on ESM on employee job performance. The model was empirically tested through 219 ESM users.

Findings

The results revealed that supervisor–subordinate instrumental ties based on ESM play a positive role in employee job performance, while supervisor–subordinate expressive ties based on ESM are not significantly related to employee job performance. Supervisor–subordinate instrumental ties and expressive ties based on ESM can positively influence employee job performance through the mediating effect of organizational trust. Besides, perceived performance climate can weaken the relation of organizational trust to job performance, and then weaken the indirect relations via the mediating of organizational trust.

Originality/value

Our findings advance the understanding of ESM use through various underlying mechanisms and have the potential of guiding organizations to fine-tune their social media usage strategies.
Automated text analyses of YouTube comments as field experiments for assessing consumer sentiment towards products and brands
Authors: Areni Charles S.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to show how non-random groupings of YouTube videos can be combined with automated text analysis (ATA) of user comments to conduct quasi-experiments on consumer sentiment towards different types of brands in a naturalistic setting.

Design/methodology/approach

NCapture extracted thousands of comments on multiple videos representing different experimental treatments and Leximancer revealed differences in the lexical patterns of user comments for different types of brands.

Findings

User comments consistently revealed hypothesized relationships between brand types, based on existing theory regarding motivations for nostalgia and the relationship between consumer preferences, online product ratings and purchases. These results demonstrate the viability of conducting quasi-experimental research in naturalistic settings via non-random groupings of YT videos and ATA of user comments.

Research limitations/implications

This research adopts a single quasi-experimental design: the non-equivalent group, after-only design. However, the same basic approach can be used with other quasi-experimental designs to examine different kinds of research questions.

Originality/value

Overall, this research points to the potential for ATA of comments on different categories of YT videos as a relatively straightforward approach for conducting field experiments that establish the ecological validity of laboratory findings. The method is easy to use and does not require the participation and cooperation of private, third party social media research companies.
Environmental analysis for the selection of long-distance natural gas pipeline routes using MACBETH
Authors: Lotfian Delouyi Fahime , Ghodsypour Seyed Hassan , Ashrafi Maryam , Saifoddin Amirali
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Reliable operation of natural gas pipeline (NGP) is a critical factor in Iran’s economic development. NGP projects go through different ecosystems and considerably affect the environment. Environmental analysis is an essential step toward sustainable development. Tackling the challenges, this paper aims to develop a framework to systematically assess the environmental impact of NGPs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a comprehensive framework for environmental impact analysis of NGPs using Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical-Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH). MACBETH protocol is used to calculate the overall environmental scores of projects.

Findings

The results indicate that the impact of implementing NGPs on protected areas is of the highest priority, while the impact on vegetation covers is of least priority for assessing the environmental impact of NGP.

Practical implications

The practicality and validity of the model in the case of three candidate routes for the Polkale-Neizar project in Iran are examined. According to the results, the third alternative is selected based on its non-interference in protected areas and less environmental impacts. The proposed model can be modified and applied to perform environment appraisal of other linear projects such as energy, road and railway networks.

Originality/value

This model addresses a range of environmental impacts of implementing NGPs at two levels, with the second level being non-additive. The novelty of this study translates into considering the qualitative and quantitative features of each evaluation criterion applied to linear projects simultaneously using a multi-criteria value measurement.
Research watch: routes to marginalised students’ increased inclusion and empowerment
Authors: Holttum Sue
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to report on recent research about how students belonging to marginalised groups can be empowered.

Design/methodology/approach

The author searched for articles that covered the topic of empowerment, published in the past two years. The author selected two papers that each focus on a different group and illustrate processes of empowerment applicable in their contexts.

Findings

The first paper deals sensitively with the topic of in-fighting amongst Indigenous students at Canadian universities and how Canada’s colonisation history contributes to this. It also illustrates how Indigenous students are working together to improve universities’ recognition of their needs and rights. The second paper describes a consciousness-raising programme for Black girls in secondary schools in Pennsylvania, USA. Black girls attending the programme valued it and felt more connected with other Black girls. There was some dropout from the programme, but those who remained appeared to benefit.

Originality/value

These two papers represent important illustrations of some complex challenges facing marginalised groups and how their empowerment and inclusion can increase, with implications for their mental and physical well-being.
How does spatial heterogeneity affect inter‐ and intraspecific growth patterns in tundra shrubs?
Authors: Dobbert Svenja , Pape Roland , Löffler Jörg
Published: September 2021

Arctic and alpine ecosystems are strongly affected by rapidly changing environmental conditions, resulting in profound vegetation shifts, which are highly heterogeneous and hard to predict, yet have strong global impacts. Shrubs have been identified as a key driver of these shifts. In this study, we aim to improve the understanding of how such broad‐scale vegetation changes are locally impacted by inter‐ and intraspecific plasticity and topographically driven heterogeneity in microsite conditions.

We assessed continuous stem diameter variation of three dominant tundra shrub species at daily resolution during 5 years, using high‐precision dendrometers, thus bridging the gap between classical dendroecology and plant physiology. From this data, we identified distinct growth patterns which we linked to microsite environmental drivers.

The observed patterns appeared highly variable depending on site and species, strongly influenced by characteristics of the individual plant. As the main driver of this variability, we identified fine‐scale topographic complexity, causing the sampled specimens to adjust locally by developing distinct growth strategies. We found these strategies strongly related to snow‐cover variation and associated freezing and thawing. Predicted changes in winter conditions and associated snow regimes will therefore have strong effects on shrub growth and community structure, yet, these effects are highly complex and not uniform in direction.

Synthesis. The ability to adapt in a heterogeneous environment appeared highly differentiated between species and closely connected to intraspecific plasticity. Here, we identified spatial variability related to local topography as a main indicator for potential future redistribution and niche shifts in response to environmental change.
Comparing Internet and phone survey mode effects across countries and research contexts*
Authors: Cohen Jed J. , Reichl Johannes
Published: September 2021

We compare Internet and telephone survey responses across 27 European Union nations and two research contexts: one, a choice experiment of willingness to pay to avoid power outages, and the other, a public acceptance of energy infrastructure question. The various forms of survey mode effects and the challenges of survey mode choice are documented and developed in the context of statistical theory and an application to an economics survey. We find evidence that survey mode effects vary across research contexts, and to a lesser extent, across nations. We suggest that the degree of measurement bias may be varying between research contexts, for example based on the availability of a perceived socially correct response within a given context. Future survey‐based research should evaluate the choice of survey mode in a context‐ and region‐specific manner.
Understanding stickiness in sugar‐rich food systems: A review of mechanisms, analyses, and solutions of adhesion
Authors: Wang Ruican , Hartel Richard W.
Published: September 2021

Stickinessis an inherent textural property in many sugar‐rich foods, which can be problematic to the processing of confectionery products. The adhesion between foods and contact surfaces during processing and consumption has not been well understood in academia or industry. The theories of adhesion were discovered by scientists in the adhesive field of study, some of which can explain the stickiness phenomenon of confections. This work reviewed these theories in the context of sugar‐rich foods, followed by a survey on the sensory and instrumental analyses of stickiness. Furthermore, the contributions of ingredients, temperature, compression, and contact surfaces to sugar‐rich food adhesion are highlighted.
Nothing lasts forever: understanding microbial biodegradation of polyfluorinated compounds and perfluorinated alkyl substances
Authors: Wackett Lawrence P.
Published: September 2021

Poly‐ and perfluorinated chemicals, including perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), are pervasive in today’s society, with a negative impact on human and ecosystem health continually emerging. These chemicals are now subject to strict government regulations, leading to costly environmental remediation efforts. Commercial polyfluorinated compounds have been called ‘forever chemicals’ due to their strong resistance to biological and chemical degradation. Environmental cleanup by bioremediation is not considered practical currently. Implementation of bioremediation will require uncovering and understanding the rare microbial successes in degrading these compounds. This review discusses the underlying reasons why microbial degradation of heavily fluorinated compounds is rare. Fluorinated and chlorinated compounds are very different with respect to chemistry and microbial physiology. Moreover, the end product of biodegradation, fluoride, is much more toxic than chloride. It is imperative to understand these limitations, and elucidate physiological mechanisms of defluorination, in order to better discover, study, and engineer bacteria that can efficiently degrade polyfluorinated compounds.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of the mirid predator Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae), an important natural enemy in the rice ecosystem
Authors: Bai Yueliang , Shi Zhenmin , Zhou Wenwu , Wang Guiyao , Shi Xiaoxiao , He Kang , Li Fei , Zhu Zeng‐Rong
Published: September 2021

Though the genomes of many rice herbivorous pests have recently been well characterized, little is known about the genome of their natural enemies. Here, by using the Illumina and PacBio platforms, we sequenced and assembled the whole genome of the mirid species Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae), which is an economically and ecologically important natural enemy in the rice ecosystem acting as a dominant predator for planthoppers and leafhoppers in the field. Through Hi‐C scaffolding, 1615 scaffolds with a total size of 338.08 Mb were successfully anchored onto 13 chromosomes. The assembled genome size was 345.75 Mb with a final scaffold N50 of 27.58 Mb. Approximately 107.51 Mb of sequences accounting for 31.10% of the genome were identified as repeat elements, and 14,644 protein‐coding genes were annotated. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. lividipennis clustered with other Hemipteran species and diverged from Apolygus lucorum about 66.7 million years ago. Gene families related to detoxification, environmental adaptation and digestion were analysed comparatively with other Hemipteran species, but no significant expansion or contraction was found in C. lividipennis. We also observed male meiosis in C. lividipennis, which showed a typical post‐reduction of sex chromosomes and a karyotype of 2n = 22 + XY. As the first natural‐enemy genome in the rice ecosystem, the genomic resource of C. lividipennis not only expands our understanding of the multitrophic interactions (host plant–prey–predator), but also provides a genomic basis for better understanding this dominant predator and therefore promotes sustainable rice pest management and food grain production.
Magma Chamber Process of Post‐collisional Magmatism: Insight from Textural and Elemental Characteristics of Plagioclase from the Tatun Volcanic Group, Northern Taiwan Volcanic Zone
Authors: ZHANG Xia , GUO Kun , ZHANG Yu , LAI Zhiqing , JIANG Shulong , JIANG Wenpeng , LI Jingbo
Published: September 2021

The Taiwan mountain belt, one of the youngest orogenies in the world, is caused by the collision of the Luzon arc with the Eurasian margin, which leads to post‐collisional extension and magmatism in the Northern Taiwan Volcanic Zone (NTVZ). The magma chamber process in this region has not previously been elucidated in detail. In this paper, the textural and compositional features of plagioclase phenocrysts in basalt from the Tatun Volcanic Group (TTVG) were studied to restrict the dynamics of magma system. Results show that the magma melts in TTVG are mainly sourced from the underlying MORB‐like mantle wedge but influenced by incorporation of subduction components, causing the elevated Sr/Y and Ba/Y ratios in magma melts. The subduction components are mainly transported in the form of sediment melt. The plagioclase phenocrysts in the TTVG volcanic rocks are generally coarsely core‐sieved with a clear rim. The An contents in the rims of plagioclase are much lower than those of cores, and elevated FeO concentrations are detected in the plagioclase rims. We propose there exists a double‐layer magma chamber in this region. The core of the plagioclase was crystalized in the deeper quiescent magma chamber (∼21 km), which was subsequently partially dissolved during the ascent of magma melt under H2O‐undersaturated condition, forming the typical coarsely sieved texture and synneusis. When this crystal‐rich melt migrates into the shallower chamber, water saturation is reached and more sodic plagioclase formed as the rim of phenocryst. Due to the considerably higher fO2 in the shallow chamber than in the deeper one, and the distribution of Fe between plagioclase and melt positively correlates with fO2, the FeO content in the plagioclase rim elevates in conjunction with increasing fO2.
Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of brain metastases in elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yi , Xiao Linlin , Zhang Jiandong , Lv Xiaoyan , Cao Feng , Zhao Min , Wu Fengpeng , Jing Shaowu , Wang Jun
Published: September 2021

Background

Brain metastases (BM) from esophageal carcinoma (EC) is clinically rare and has not yet been reported in elderly patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, outcomes and prognostic factors of BM in elderly patients with EC, in order to provide guidance for clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 20 EC patients older than 65 years who were diagnosed with BM were identified from the fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018. Survival was evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The median time from diagnosis of EC to BM was 11.8 months (0–249.2 months). The median overall survival (OS) was 4.8 months (1.13–23.3 months), with 20% of patients achieving the 1‐year survival rate. Patients with KPS score of ≥70 had a significantly better OS than those with KPS score<70 (8.4 vs. 3.9 months, p = 0.033). Compared to patients without brain radiotherapy, patients with brain radiotherapy showed better outcomes in both median OS (8.4 vs. 2.9 months) and 1‐year survival rate (23.1% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.043). The median OS of patients with radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy and radiotherapy alone was 9.7 months (3.4–23.3 months) and 7.2 months (1.7–18.4 months), respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.215).

Conclusions

Brain radiotherapy provided clinically meaningful survival benefit for elderly patients with BM from EC. Thus, active treatments for those patients might be required.
Primary desmoplastic fibroblastoma of diaphragm
Authors: Guo Chao , Wang Guige , Ma Dongjie , Li Ji , Liu Hongsheng , Li Shanqing
Published: September 2021

Desmoplastic fibroblastoma is an extremely rare benign soft tissue tumor and desmoplastic fibroblastoma originating from the diaphragm has not been documented previously. In our case, we report the first primary diaphragm desmoplastic fibroblastoma.
Reasons behind failed prehospital intubation attempts while combining C‐MAC videolaryngoscope and Frova introducer
Authors: Ljungqvist Harry E. , Nurmi Jouni O.
Published: September 2021

Background

High first‐pass success rate is achieved with the routine use of C‐MAC videolaryngoscope and Frova introducer. We aim to identify potential reasons and subgroups associated with failed intubation attempts, analyse actions taken after them and study possible complications.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of adult intubated patients at a single helicopter emergency medical service unit in southern Finland between 2016 and 2018. We collected data on patient characteristics, reasons for failed attempts, complications and follow‐up measures from a national helicopter emergency medical service database and from prehospital patient records.

Results

1011 tracheal intubations were attempted. First attempt was successful in 994 cases (FPS 994/1011, 98.3%), 15 needed a second or third attempt and two a surgical airway (non‐FPS 17/1011, 1.7%, 95% CI 1.0–2.7). The failed first attempt group had heterogenous characteristics. The most common cause for a failed first attempt was obstruction of the airway by vomit, food, mucus or blood (10/13, 76%). After the failed first attempt, there were six cases (6/14, 43%) of deviation from the protocol and the most frequent complications were five cases (5/17, 29%) of hypoxia and four cases (4/17, 24%) of hypotension.

Conclusions

When a protocol combining the C‐MAC videolaryngoscope and Frova introducer is used, the most common reason for a failed first attempt is an airway blocked by gastric content, blood or mucus. These findings highlight the importance of effective airway decontamination methods and questions the appropriateness of anatomically focused pre‐intubation assessment tools when such protocol is used.
Genetics of ataxia telangiectasia in a highly consanguineous population
Authors: Al‐Muhaizea Mohammed A. , Aldeeb Hanouf , Almass Rawan , Jaber Hadeel , Binhumaid Felwa , Alquait Laila , Abukhalid Musaad , Aldhalaan Hesham , Alsagob Maysoon , Al‐Bakheet Albandary , Aldosary Mazhor , Alkofide Hadeel , Alrasheed Maha M. , Colak Dilek , Kaya Namik
Published: September 2021

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive multisystemic disorder. It usually presents in toddler years with progressive ataxia and oculomotor apraxia, or less commonly, in the late‐first or early‐second decade of life with mixed movement disorders. Biallelic mutations in ataxia telangiectasia mutated gene (ATM) cause AT phenotype, a disease not well documented in Saudi Arabia, a highly consanguineous society. We studied several Saudi AT patients, identified ATM variants, and investigated associated clinical features. We included 17 patients from 12 consanguineous families. All patients had comprehensive clinical and radiological assessment, and most were examined through whole‐exome sequencing (WES). Selected individuals were analyzed using various genetic approaches. We identified five different ATM variants in our patients: three previously reported mutations, and two novel variants. Nearly all patients had classical AT presentation except for two patients with a milder phenotype. Among the three known variants, a deletion causing truncation (c.381delA resulting in p.(Val128Ter)) was identified in 13 patients. Two patients harboured the other two truncating variants, (c.9001_9002delAG resulting in p.Ser3001Phefs*6) and (c.9066delA resulting in p.Glu3023Alafs*10) and two patients had novel compound heterozygous variants (NM_000051.3:Paternal Allele:c.8762C > G;p.Thr2921Arg and Maternal Allele:c.1057T > C;p.Cys353Arg). We speculate that c.381delA is a founder mutation in our population. This study provides a genotype–phenotype relationship in a previously unstudied consanguineous population. Our findings contribute to improve local clinical care, therapy, and genetic counseling.
Experiences of non‐invasive prenatal screening: A survey study
Authors: Cornell Paige , Armstrong Taylah , Fyfe Rina , Mallise Carly A. , Dudding‐Byth Tracy , Campbell Linda E.
Published: September 2021

Background:

In Australia, using non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to screen for fetal abnormalities is becoming more commonplace. However, there is a lack of standardised procedures surrounding pre‐test counselling. This holds the potential for variability in pregnant people’s experiences when undergoing NIPT, which subsequently may impact their ability to make informed decisions surrounding NIPT results.

Aim:

This study sought to characterise the experiences of Australian women undergoing NIPT, including perceptions of informed choice, counselling experiences and decision to undergo NIPT.

Materials and Methods:

Australian women who had been recently pregnant (n = 94) completed an online survey which assessed: their knowledge of and attitude toward NIPT; satisfaction with counselling; satisfaction with their decision; and decisional conflict to undergo NIPT. The survey also allowed participants to provide qualitative information about their counselling experience and reasons for undergoing NIPT.

Results:

Overall, participants had good knowledge of and positive attitudes toward NIPT, experienced low decisional conflict and were overall satisfied with their counselling experience and decision to undergo NIPT. However, some participants expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of information provided, and biased language, by counselling providers. The desire to be informed was the most frequent reason for undergoing NIPT.

Conclusion:

The provision of accurate and objective information in pre‐test counselling is important to reduce decisional conflict and improve satisfaction with the decision to undergo NIPT. It is recommended counselling providers present pregnant people with neutral, objective, and accurate information at the time of pre‐test counselling.
What we know and still ignore on COVID‐19 immune pathogenesis and a proposal based on the experience of allergic disorders
Authors: Maggi Enrico , Azzarone Bruno Giuseppe , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Moretta Lorenzo
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic started in March 2020 and caused over 5 million confirmed deaths worldwide as far August 2021. We have been recently overwhelmed by a wide literature on how the immune system recognizes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and contributes to COVID‐19 pathogenesis. Although originally considered a respiratory viral disease, COVID‐19 is now recognized as a far more complex, multi‐organ‐, immuno‐mediated‐, and mostly heterogeneous disorder. Though efficient innate and adaptive immunity may control infection, when the patient fails to mount an adequate immune response at the start, or in advanced disease, a high innate‐induced inflammation can lead to different clinical outcomes through heterogeneous compensatory mechanisms. The variability of viral load and persistence, the genetic alterations of virus‐driven receptors/signaling pathways and the plasticity of innate and adaptive responses may all account for the extreme heterogeneity of pathogenesis and clinical patterns. As recently applied to some inflammatory disorders as asthma, rhinosinusitis with polyposis, and atopic dermatitis, herein we suggest defining different endo‐types and the related phenotypes along COVID‐19. Patients should be stratified for evolving symptoms and tightly monitored for surrogate biomarkers of innate and adaptive immunity. This would allow to preventively identify each endo‐type (and its related phenotype) and to treat patients precisely with agents targeting pathogenic mechanisms.
Pulmonary haemorrhage in neonates: Systematic review of management
Authors: Barnes Melissa E. , Feeney Emily , Duncan Andrew , Jassim Samher , MacNamara Honora , O’Hara Joseph , Refila Beshoy , Allen John , McCollum Danielle , Meehan Judith , Mullaly Rachel , O’Cathain Niamh , Roche Edna , Molloy Eleanor J.
Published: September 2021

Aim

Pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) is an acute catastrophic event with low incidence yet high mortality among neonates. We aimed to systematically review the management of PH.

Methods

A search was carried out of the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted on study design and size, patient demographics, primary and adjunctive treatment methods, and treatment outcomes.

Results

Sixteen studies with 385 newborn infants were included and were significantly heterogeneous regarding treatment methods. Primary treatments included surfactant, high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), epinephrine, coagulopathy management, intermittent positive pressure ventilation, cocaine and tolazoline. Adjunctive treatment methods included blood products, HFOV, increased positive end‐expiratory pressure, vitamin K, surfactant, adrenaline, vasopressors and inotropes. All five studies using surfactant as primary treatment were effective in improving oxygenation index measures and preventing recurrence of PH, and three studies found no association between surfactant and death or long‐term disability. Ventilatory support, epinephrine, management of coagulopathy and tolazoline were all found to be effective primary treatments for PH.

Conclusion

There are several effective methods of managing PH in neonates. Further understanding of the aetiology of PH and ongoing research will allow future prevention and improvements in management of PH.
Diagnostics with clinical microbiome‐based identification of microorganisms in patients with brain abscesses—a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hansen Katrine Hartung , Justesen Ulrik Stenz , Kelsen Jesper , Møller Kirsten , Helweg‐Larsen Jannik , Fuursted Kurt
Published: September 2021

Brain abscesses are often polymicrobial and of unclear primary origin. Here, we compare the use of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology with classical microbiological diagnostics for identification of clinically relevant microorganisms and describe the microbiome profiling with respect to the primary source of brain abscess. Thirty‐six samples from 36 patients, with primary brain abscesses, were subjected to both culture‐ and 16S/18S rRNA Sanger sequencing‐based diagnostics (“standard methods”) and compared to a 16S/18S amplicon‐based NGS, which were also subjected to a microbiome diversity analyses. Forty‐seven species were identified with “standard methods” compared to 96 species with NGS, both confirming and adding to the number of species identified (p < 0.05). The variation of the brain abscess microbiome diversity was not continuous but could be stratified comparing the presumable origin of infection (“dental,” “sinus,” “disseminated,” or “unknown”). Alpha diversity did not differ (p > 0.05) between groups while beta diversity differed significantly (p = 0.003) comparing disseminated vs the other presumable origin of infection. Interesting, clustering was also detected between “dental” and “sinusitis,” although not significantly (p = 0.07). Microbiome‐based diagnostics can increase sensitivity without losing specificity. The bacterial beta diversity differed between the presumably origin of the brain abscess and might help to clarify the primary source of infection.
Randomised clinical trial: semaglutide versus placebo reduced liver steatosis but not liver stiffness in subjects with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease assessed by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Flint Anne , Andersen Grit , Hockings Paul , Johansson Lars , Morsing Anni , Sundby Palle Mads , Vogl Thomas , Loomba Rohit , Plum‐Mörschel Leona
Published: September 2021

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists may be a treatment option in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Aims

To investigate the effects of semaglutide on liver stiffness and liver fat in subjects with NAFLD using non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods.

Methods

This randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial enrolled subjects with liver stiffness 2.50‐4.63 kPa by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and liver steatosis ≥10% by MRI proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF). The primary endpoint was change from baseline to week 48 in liver stiffness assessed by MRE.

Results

Sixty‐seven subjects were randomised to once‐daily subcutaneous semaglutide 0.4 mg (n = 34) or placebo (n = 33). Change from baseline in liver stiffness was not significantly different between semaglutide and placebo at week 48 (estimated treatment ratio 0.96 (95% CI 0.89, 1.03; P = 0.2798); significant differences in liver stiffness were not observed at weeks 24 or 72. Reductions in liver steatosis were significantly greater with semaglutide (estimated treatment ratios: 0.70 [0.59, 0.84], P = 0.0002; 0.47 [0.36, 0.60], P < 0.0001; and 0.50 [0.39, 0.66], P < 0.0001) and more subjects achieved a ≥ 30% reduction in liver fat content with semaglutide at weeks 24, 48 and 72, (all P < 0.001). Decreases in liver enzymes, body weight and HbA1c were also observed with semaglutide.

Conclusions

The change in liver stiffness in subjects with NAFLD was not significantly different between semaglutide and placebo. However, semaglutide significantly reduced liver steatosis compared with placebo which, together with improvements in liver enzymes and metabolic parameters, suggests a positive impact on disease activity and metabolic profile.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03357380.