bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remdesivir in combination with dexamethasone for patients hospitalized with COVID-19: A retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Gressens Simon B. , Esnault Violaine , De Castro Nathalie , Sellier Pierre , Sene Damien , Chantelot Louise , Hervier Baptiste , Delaugerre Constance , Chevret Sylvie , Molina Jean-Michel ,   Saint-Louis CORE group
Published: February 2022

Background

Dexamethasone is standard of care for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen. The objective is to assess the clinical benefit of adding remdesivir to dexamethasone.

Patients and methods

A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requesting low-flow oxygen who received dexamethasone. Patients admitted to infectious diseases wards also received remdesivir. Primary outcome was duration of hospitalization after oxygen initiation. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital death, and death and/or transfer to the intensive care unit. To handle potential confounding by indication bias, outcome comparison was performed on propensity score-matched populations. Propensity score was estimated by a multivariable logistic model including prognostic covariates; then 1:1 matching was performed without replacement, using the nearest neighbor algorithm with a caliper of 0.10 fold the standard deviation of the propensity score as the maximal distance. Balance after matching was checked on standardized mean differences.

Results

From August 15th 2020, to February 28th, 2021, 325 patients were included, 101 of whom received remdesivir. At admission median time from symptoms onset was 7 days, median age: 68 years, male sex; 61%, >1 comorbidity: 58.5%. Overall 180 patients matched on propensity score were analyzed, 90 each received remdesivir plus dexamethasone or dexamethasone alone. Median duration of hospitalization was 9 (IQR: 7–13) and 9 (IQR: 5–18) days with and without remdesivir, respectively (p = 0.37). In-hospital death rates and rates of transfer to the intensive care unit or death were 8.9 and 17.8% (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21–1.02, p = 0.06) and 20.0 and 35.6% with and without remdesivir, respectively (HR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23–0.89, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

In hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia receiving low-flow oxygen and dexamethasone, the addition of remdesivir was not associated with shorter hospitalization or lower in-hospital mortality but may have reduced the combined outcome of death and transfer to the intensive care unit.
Evocalcet with vitamin D receptor activator treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Shigematsu Takashi , Asada Shinji , Endo Yuichi , Kawata Takehisa , Fukagawa Masafumi , Akizawa Tadao
Published: February 2022

This ad hoc analysis of a previously conducted phase 3 head-to-head comparison study of evocalcet and cinacalcet in secondary hyperparathyroidism patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined once-daily oral evocalcet and intravenous vitamin D receptor activator treatment stratified by weekly vitamin D receptor activator dose (117, 45, and 91 patients in no, low [< 1.5 μg], and high [≥ 1.5 μg] dose groups, respectively). Effects of vitamin D receptor activator were assessed on the basis of intact parathyroid hormone, corrected calcium, phosphorus, and fibroblast growth factor-23 levels; percent changes from baseline; proportions of patients who achieved target intact parathyroid hormone, corrected calcium, and phosphorus at Weeks 28–30; and adverse drug reactions. Intact parathyroid hormone, corrected calcium, phosphorus, and fibroblast growth factor-23 levels decreased in all groups; phosphorus and fibroblast growth factor-23 levels remained high in the high dose group. In the low and high dose groups, greater proportions of patients achieved the corrected calcium target compared with the no dose group (p = 0.043). Ratios of intact-to-C-terminal fibroblast growth factor-23 decreased in all groups. In low and high dose groups, hypocalcemia was less common than in the no dose group (p = 0.014). Evocalcet with concomitant vitamin D receptor activator demonstrated benefits such that more patients achieved the corrected calcium target and exhibited decreased fibroblast growth factor-23 synthesis; the incidence of hypocalcemia also decreased.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02549391) and JAPIC (JapicCTI-153013).
The utility of extended differential parameters as a biomarker of bacteremia at a tertiary academic hospital in persons with and without HIV infection in South Africa
Authors: Lemkus Lauren , Lawrie Denise , Vaughan Jenifer
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Extended differential parameters (EDPs) are generated with the automated differential count by Sysmex XN-series automated hematology analysers, and include the immature granulocyte count (IG%), the neutrophil fluorescent light intensity (NE-SFL) and the neutrophil fluorescent light distribution width (NE-WY). These have been proposed as early biomarkers of bacteremia. This study aimed to evaluate the NE-SFL, NE-WY and IG% in comparison to neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) expression (as a high quality sepsis biomarker) among patients with suspected bacterial sepsis at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods

A daily search of the laboratory information system identified samples submitted for a blood culture (BC) and a concurrent full blood count (FBC). Automated differential counts using a Sysmex XN-9000 haematology analyser and neutrophil CD64 expression by flow cytometry were assessed on the residual FBC samples.

Results

A total of 151 samples were collected, of which 83 were excluded due to equivocal results with regards to the presence of bacterial infection. The remaining 68 samples included 23 with bacteremia, 28 with evidence of non-bacteremic bacterial infection, 13 with no evidence of bacterial infection and 4 with Tuberculosis. HIV status was documented in 90 of the patients, with a seropositivity rate of 57.8%. The EDPs were all significantly higher among patients with bacteremia as compared to those without bacterial infection, but on ROC curve analyses, only the NE-SFL showed good performance (AUC>0.8) for discriminating cases with bacteremia from those without bacterial infection at a cut-off value of 49.75. In comparison to the nCD64, the NE-SFL showed moderate agreement (kappa = 0.5). On stratification of the ROC analysis by HIV status, the NE-SFL showed superior performance among persons with HIV infection (AUC = 1), while the automated IG% showed better performance among the patients without HIV infection (AUC = 0.9).

Conclusion

In this study, EDPs showed differential performance as biomarkers for bacteremia according to HIV-status in the South African setting, with the most promising results seen with the NE-SFL and IG% parameters among people with and without HIV infection, respectively. Further assessment of these parameters without pre-selection of patients likely to have infection is required to further determine their clinical utility, particularly among patients with underlying inflammatory conditions or malignancy.
Study of citizen satisfaction and loyalty in the urban area of Guayaquil: Perspective of the quality of public services applying structural equations
Authors: Ochoa Rico María Salomé , Vergara-Romero Arnaldo , Subia José Fernando Romero , del Río Juan Antonio Jimber
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the satisfaction and adequacy of citizens through the expected quality and perceived quality in the areas of planning and territorial viability, experience in the provision of municipal services and citizen experience in environmental issues, in order to provide tools for territorial decision making for the citizens’ well-being. In our research PLS software is used for the analysis of hypotheses. A questionnaire was delivered to a sample of 521 citizens, representing the spectrum of the population, and the statistical study of the responses yielded results on citizen satisfaction and loyalty. Our research includes the study of moderating effects on the causal ratio of perceived value and satisfaction in territorial planning and viability, the perceived quality in the provision of municipal services and the perceived quality in the citizen experience in the environmental management of the territory on the value relationship perceived by the citizen and general satisfaction. A second objective of the study is to see if there are significant differences in the hypotheses raised by gender by performing a multigroup analysis. This difference has been appreciated in two of the hypotheses. The study shows that the policies exercised by the territorial managers of the different areas have a significant influence on the value perceived by citizens, satisfaction and loyalty, which shape their general well-being. Areas for improvement in territorial policies and municipal services such as citizen security, air quality, public lighting and sports services have been identified. Knowing these shortcomings allows politicians to focus their efforts on improving the quality of life in cities.
Health promotion intervention to prevent risk factors of chronic diseases: Protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial among adolescents in school settings of Chandigarh (India)
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kaur Manmeet , Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancers are on the rise. Most of the risk factors of these diseases commence in Adolescence. Therefore, a cluster randomised controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effect of school-based health promotion intervention on the risk factors of chronic diseases.

Methodology

Considering school as a cluster, twelve schools will be randomly selected from the public schools of Chandigarh, a city in India. After baseline assessment, six schools will be randomly allocated to intervention and six to the control arm. Study participants will be students of 8th grade (age 10–16 years), their parents and teachers. A sample of 360 students (12 clusters x 30 students) has been estimated to provide statistically valid inference. The PRECEDE PROCEED Model will be used to develop health promotion interventions to prevent the use of an unbalanced diet, physical inactivity, alcohol, and tobacco. Interventions will be implemented for six-months in the school setting. For students, the intervention will comprise interactive learning sessions of 30 minutes duration per week and physical activity sessions of 30 minutes duration four times every week. Educational sessions will be conducted for parents and teachers for 30 minutes, four times during the intervention period. Primary outcomes will be changes in the prevalence of behavioural risk factors from pre- to post-intervention. Changes in anthropometric, physiological, and biochemical measures will be the secondary outcomes. The difference-in-difference (DID) method will be used to measure the net change in the outcomes.

Discussion

It is essential to understand whether health promotion interventions implemented in the school setting simultaneously targeting adolescents, teachers, and parents are effective. Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for planning, implementing, and evaluating the intervention as part of a cluster Randomized Controlled Trial design with DID analysis, could objectively assess the impact.
Assessment of without prescription antibiotic dispensing at community pharmacies in Hazara Division, Pakistan: A simulated client’s study
Authors: Ahmad Tawseef , Khan Faiz Ullah , Ali Sayyad , Rahman Asad Ur , Ali Khan Shujaat
Published: February 2022

Antibiotics dispensing without a prescription is an irrational practice and can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, which is a significant public health concern around the globe. This study was aimed to determine the extent to which antibiotics are supplied without prescription in the community pharmacies (CPs) at Hazara Division from November 2020 to February 2021. The simulated client method (SCM) was used, and the data were gathered, recorded, and analyzed through different statistical methods with descriptive and inferential techniques. The antibiotic dispensing was observed in CPs (90.5%), the most dispensed antibiotics were azithromycin (29.4%) and ciprofloxacin (46.5%) respectively. Furthermore, visited medical stores/ drug outlets, 9.5% of the visited stores denied dispensing of antibiotics because they preferred a referral to visit physicians (23. 9%) and (12.8%) did not had the antibiotics at the time of visits. Antibiotics were more obtainable in retail medical stores (AOR = 8.6, 95 percent Cl: 3.0–24.7;p= 0.001) than in pharmacies. In rural areas antibiotics dispensing was more (p = 0.004) as compared to urban areas. Staff members also had asked about patient’s (17.7%) symptoms and drug allergies (12.3% and 3.9%), and (1.5%) they consoled them about their medications. The findings of this study indicate that nonprescription antibiotic sales are very common, despite national rules prohibiting this activity. When the simulated Client requested for any medication to relieve his or her discomfort, many antibiotics were given out without a prescription. Pharmacies/medical stores in Hazara Division selling antibiotics without a prescription are worrying and need immediate action by regulators.
The association of health insurance and race with treatment and survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Mitsakos Anastasios T. , Irish William , Parikh Alexander A. , Snyder Rebecca A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Black patients and underinsured patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) present with more advanced disease and experience worse outcomes. The study aim was to evaluate the interaction of health insurance status and race with treatment and survival in metastatic CRC.

Materials and methods

Patients diagnosed with metastatic CRC within NCDB from 2006–2016 were included. Primary outcomes included receipt of chemotherapy and 3-year all-cause mortality. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox-regression (MVR) including a two-way interaction term of race and insurance were performed to evaluate the differential association of race and insurance with receipt of chemotherapy and mortality, respectively.

Results

128,031 patients were identified; 70.6% White, 14.4% Black, 5.7% Hispanic, and 9.3% Other race. Chemotherapy use was higher among White compared to Black patients. 3-year mortality rate was higher for Blacks and lower for Hispanics, in comparison with White patients. By MVR, Black patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy. When stratified by insurance status, Black patients with private and Medicare insurance were less likely to receive chemotherapy than White patients. All-cause mortality was higher in Black patients and lower in Hispanic patients, and these differences persisted after controlling for insurance and receipt of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Black patients and uninsured or under-insured patients with metastatic CRC are less likely to receive chemotherapy and have increased mortality. The effect of health insurance among Blacks and Whites differs, however, and improving insurance alone does not appear to fully mitigate racial disparities in treatment and outcomes.
The EBS-A* algorithm: An improved A* algorithm for path planning
Authors: Wang Huanwei , Lou Shangjie , Jing Jing , Wang Yisen , Liu Wei , Liu Tieming
Published: February 2022

Path planning plays an essential role in mobile robot navigation, and the A* algorithm is one of the best-known path planning algorithms. However, the traditional A* algorithm has some limitations, such as slow planning speed, close to obstacles. In this paper, we propose an improved A*-based algorithm, called the EBS-A* algorithm, that introduces expansion distance, bidirectional search, and smoothing into path planning. The expansion distance means keeping an extra space from obstacles to improve path reliability by avoiding collisions. Bidirectional search is a strategy searching path from the start node and the goal node simultaneously. Smoothing improves path robustness by reducing the number of right-angle turns. In addition, simulation tests for the EBS-A* algorithm are performed, and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by transferring it to a robot operating system (ROS). The experimental results show that compared with the traditional A* algorithm, the proposed algorithm improves the path planning efficiency by 278% and reduces the number of critical nodes by 91.89% and the number of right-angle turns by 100%.
Are there differences between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 inpatient pressure injuries? Experiences in Internal Medicine Units
Authors: Nieto-García Leticia , Carpio-Pérez Adela , Moreiro-Barroso María Teresa , Ruiz-Antúnez Emilia , Nieto-García Ainhoa , Alonso-Sardón Montserrat
Published: February 2022

Background

Pressure Injuries (PIs) are major worldwide public health threats within the different health-care settings.

Objective

To describe and compare epidemiological and clinical features of PIs in COVID-19 patients and patients admitted for other causes in Internal Medicine Units during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A descriptive longitudinal retrospective study.

Setting

This study was conducted in Internal Medicine Units in Salamanca University Hospital Complex, a tertiary hospital in the Salamanca province, Spain.

Participants

All inpatients ≥18-year-old admitted from March 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020 for more than 24 hours in the Internal Medicine Units with one or more episodes of PIs.

Results

A total of 101 inpatients and 171 episodes were studied. The prevalence of PI episodes was 6% and the cumulative incidence was 2.9% during the first-wave of COVID-19. Risk of acute wounds was four times higher in the COVID-19 patient group (p<0.001). Most common locations were sacrum and heels. Among hospital acquired pressure injuries a significant association was observed between arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus in patients with COVID-19 diagnosis.

Conclusion

During the first wave of COVID-19, COVID-19 patients tend to present a higher number of acute wounds, mainly of hospital origin, compared to the profile of the non-COVID group. Diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension were identified as main associated comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 diagnosis.
Making heads or tails of body inversion effects: Do heads matter?
Authors: Axelsson Emma L. , Buddhadasa Tharindi , Manca Laura , Robbins Rachel A.
Published: February 2022

Observers are better at discriminating upright bodies than inverted bodies, and this body inversion effect (BIE) is reliable with whole figures (bodies with heads), but not with bodies presented without heads or the heads occluded suggesting that heads may be key to BIEs. Some studies present whole figures and bodies without heads between groups, and BIEs are not found for bodies without heads [1]. Other studies present whole figures and bodies without heads in the same blocks and BIEs are found with bodies without heads [2]. Does seeing the heads of whole figures induce BIEs in bodies without heads? Here, participants discriminated bodies with either whole figures and bodies without heads presented within blocks, or in separate blocks with bodies without heads presented first. We tested body identity and posture discrimination and measured participants’ gaze. BIEs were found with whole figures and bodies without heads in both identity and posture discrimination, and in both study designs. However, efficiency scores were better for the whole figures than the bodies without heads, but only when whole figures appeared in separate blocks. The magnitude of the BIE was overall stronger for whole figures compared to bodies without heads, but only in identity discrimination. BIE magnitudes were similar in the identity and posture tasks. Participants were better at identity discrimination, yet, there was greater looking at heads and less at bodies. During posture discrimination, greater looking at bodies and less at heads was associated with better performance. Faces might influence BIEs but are not essential. Configural representations of bodies without heads are sufficient for BIEs in posture and identity discrimination.
Psychological impact during COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study among students studying at College of Science and Technology (CST), Phuentsholing, Bhutan
Authors: Tshering Kezang , Dema Kezang
Published: February 2022

The unprecedented experience of national lockdowns and uncertainty of academic career due to the COVID-19 pandemic has multifaceted impacts on mental health among university students worldwide. This study determined its impact on depression and anxiety level, and associated risk factors among engineering students studying at College of Science and Technology (CST), Phuentsholing, Bhutan during the first lockdown in the country. Self-reported depression and anxiety levels were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) respectively. Data was collected using an e-questionnaire link generated in Google form and the link was shared with students via the student’s official email group. A total of 278 students (response rate, 26.9%) completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents were male (69.8%) and were aged from 18 to 30 (Mean: 21.7 ±SD 2.07) years. The prevalence of self-reported moderate to severe depression and anxiety were 44.2% (95% CI, 38.5–49.6) and 27.3% (95% CI, 22.3–32.4) respectively. Participants having their family members as frontline workers reported a significantly higher level of anxiety (χ2 = 4.85,p= 0.028). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, students who were academically lagging showed a higher risk of depression (AOR = 5.36, 95% CI = 2.86–10.04) and anxiety (AOR = 3.83, 95%CI = 1.86–7.88) as compared to students who were not academically behind. A high percentage of depression and anxiety was reported by students of CST during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from the study highlight the importance of adopting appropriate online-based teaching and learning methods to ensure timely academic and professional achievements. Moreover, the relevant stakeholders should put health system strategies in place to provide psychological support to university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Memory advantage for untrustworthy faces: Replication across lab- and web-based studies
Authors: Giraudier Manon , Ventura-Bort Carlos , Wendt Julia , Lischke Alexander , Weymar Mathias
Published: February 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic imposed new constraints on empirical research and forced researchers to transfer from traditional laboratory research to the online environment. This study tested the validity of a web-based episodic memory paradigm by comparing participants’ memory performance for trustworthy and untrustworthy facial stimuli in a supervised laboratory setting and an unsupervised web setting. Consistent with previous results, we observed enhanced episodic memory for untrustworthy compared to trustworthy faces. Most importantly, this memory bias was comparable in the online and the laboratory experiment, suggesting that web-based procedures are a promising tool for memory research.
Framing South Asian politics: An analysis of Indian and Pakistani English print media discourses regarding Kartarpur corridor
Authors: Ahmed Fasih , Mubeen Muhammad , Nawaz Muhammad
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to analyze the divergent perspectives of Indian and Pakistani English print media on opening the Kartarpur corridor. It is a four-kilometer-long cordoned-off strip from the Indo-Pak international border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur located in Pakistan. The basic purpose of establishing this corridor is to give easy access to the Indian Sikh community. The initiative was taken into account in August 2018, which resulted in the appearance of a vast quantity of contemplations in the national print media of both countries, especially until the opening of the corridor in November 2019. Print media plays a key role in building knowledge and framing the general public’s opinion through interpreting an issue. The data were taken from Dawn, The News International (Pakistan), The Times of India, and Hindustan Times (India) from August 2018 to March 2020 using Lexus Nexus Library. The corpus analysis was carried out by applying the lexical study of Natural Language Processing (NLP) through its Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) tool to find out the general patterns or topics in the print media of both countries. It was found that Pakistani print media terms the Kartarpur corridor as a sign of regional peace, religious tourism, mediation, and diplomatic efforts. In contrast, Indian print media focuses on apprehensions related to traveling modalities, pilgrimage facilities, and tensions between the two states.
Unveiling forensically relevant biogeographic, phenotype and Y-chromosome SNP variation in Pakistani ethnic groups using a customized hybridisation enrichment forensic intelligence panel
Authors: Rauf Sobiah , Austin Jeremy J. , Higgins Denice , Khan Muhammad Ramzan
Published: February 2022

Massively parallel sequencing following hybridisation enrichment provides new opportunities to obtain genetic data for various types of forensic testing and has proven successful on modern as well as degraded and ancient DNA. A customisable forensic intelligence panel that targeted 124 SNP markers (67 ancestry informative markers, 23 phenotype markers from the HIrisplex panel, and 35 Y-chromosome SNPs) was used to examine biogeographic ancestry, phenotype and sex and Y-lineage in samples from different ethnic populations of Pakistan including Pothwari, Gilgit, Baloach, Pathan, Kashmiri and Siraiki. Targeted sequencing and computational data analysis pipeline allowed filtering of variants across the targeted loci. Study samples showed an admixture between East Asian and European ancestry. Eye colour was predicted accurately based on the highest p-value giving overall prediction accuracy of 92.8%. Predictions were consistent with reported hair colour for all samples, using the combined highest p-value approach and step-wise model incorporating probability thresholds for light or dark shade. Y-SNPs were successfully recovered only from male samples which indicates the ability of this method to identify biological sex and allow inference of Y-haplogroup. Our results demonstrate practicality of using hybridisation enrichment and MPS to aid in human intelligence gathering and will open many insights into forensic research in South Asia.
Comparative analysis of hypertensive nephrosclerosis in animal models of hypertension and its relevance to human pathology. Glomerulopathy
Authors: Gutsol Alex A. , Blanco Paula , Hale Taben M. , Thibodeau Jean-Francois , Holterman Chet E. , Nasrallah Rania , Correa Jose W. N. , Afanasiev Sergey A. , Touyz Rhian M. , Kennedy Chris R. J. , Burger Dylan , Hébert Richard L. , Burns Kevin D.
Published: February 2022

Current research on hypertension utilizes more than fifty animal models that rely mainly on stable increases in systolic blood pressure. In experimental hypertension, grading or scoring of glomerulopathy in the majority of studies is based on a wide range of opinion-based histological changes that do not necessarily comply with lesional descriptors for glomerular injury that are well-established in clinical pathology. Here, we provide a critical appraisal of experimental hypertensive glomerulopathy with the same approach used to assess hypertensive glomerulopathy in humans. Four hypertensive models with varying pathogenesis were analyzed–chronic angiotensin II infused mice, mice expressing active human renin in the liver (TTRhRen), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and Goldblatt two-kidney one-clip rats (2K1C). Analysis of glomerulopathy utilized the same criteria applied in humans–hyalinosis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), ischemic, hypertrophic and solidified glomeruli, or global glomerulosclerosis (GGS). Data from animal models were compared to human reference values. Kidneys in TTRhRen mice, SHR and the nonclipped kidneys in 2K1C rats had no sign of hyalinosis, FSGS or GGS. Glomerulopathy in these groups was limited to variations in mesangial and capillary compartment volumes, with mild increases in collagen deposition. Histopathology in angiotensin II infused mice corresponded to mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, but not hypertensive glomerulosclerosis. The number of nephrons was significantly reduced in TTRhRen mice and SHR, but did not correlate with severity of glomerulopathy. The most substantial human-like glomerulosclerotic lesions, including FSGS, ischemic obsolescent glomeruli and GGS, were found in the clipped kidneys of 2K1C rats. The comparison of affected kidneys to healthy control in animals produces lesion values that are numerically impressive but correspond to mild damage if compared to humans. Animal studies should be standardized by employing the criteria and classifications established in human pathology to make experimental and human data fully comparable for comprehensive analysis and model improvements.
Total infectome characterization of respiratory infections in pre-COVID-19 Wuhan, China
Authors: Shi Mang , Zhao Su , Yu Bin , Wu Wei-Chen , Hu Yi , Tian Jun-Hua , Yin Wen , Ni Fang , Hu Hong-Ling , Geng Shuang , Tan Li , Peng Ying , Song Zhi-Gang , Wang Wen , Chen Yan-Mei , Holmes Edward C. , Zhang Yong-Zhen
Published: February 2022

At the end of 2019 Wuhan witnessed an outbreak of “atypical pneumonia” that later developed into a global pandemic. Metagenomic sequencing rapidly revealed the causative agent of this outbreak to be a novel coronavirus denoted SARS-CoV-2. To provide a snapshot of the pathogens in pneumonia-associated respiratory samples from Wuhan prior to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, we collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 408 patients presenting with pneumonia and acute respiratory infections at the Central Hospital of Wuhan between 2016 and 2017. Unbiased total RNA sequencing was performed to reveal their “total infectome”, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. We identified 35 pathogen species, comprising 13 RNA viruses, 3 DNA viruses, 16 bacteria and 3 fungi, often at high abundance and including multiple co-infections (13.5%). SARS-CoV-2 was not present. These data depict a stable core infectome comprising common respiratory pathogens such as rhinoviruses and influenza viruses, an atypical respiratory virus (EV-D68), and a single case of a sporadic zoonotic pathogen–Chlamydia psittaci. Samples from patients experiencing respiratory disease on average had higher pathogen abundance than healthy controls. Phylogenetic analyses of individual pathogens revealed multiple origins and global transmission histories, highlighting the connectedness of the Wuhan population. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogens associated with acute respiratory infections and pneumonia, which were more diverse and complex than obtained using targeted PCR or qPCR approaches. These data also suggest that SARS-CoV-2 or closely related viruses were absent from Wuhan in 2016–2017.
Cómo mejorar la precisión de los diagnósticos I y III del Sistema Bethesda
Authors: Rodríguez González Marta , González Velasco Cristina , Gómez Muñoz María Asunción , Sayagués Manzano José María , Ludeña de la Cruz María Dolores
Published: February 2022

Introducción y objetivo: La punción aspiración con aguja fina es el método de elección para el diagnóstico del nódulo tiroideo, permitiendo discriminar entre lesiones malignas y benignas en un alto porcentaje de pacientes. Sin embargo, las categorías diagnósticas I (No diagnóstico o insatisfactorio) y III (Atipia o Lesión folicular de Significado Incierto) del Sistema Bethesda suponen un reto en el manejo de los nódulos tiroideos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es exponer las opciones de que se disponen en el momento actual para intentar incrementar la rentabilidad de estos diagnósticos. Síntesis: En primer lugar, el abordaje multidisciplinar de los casos, la posibilidad de seguimiento, la repetición de la punción aspiración, la complementación del diagnóstico incorporando técnicas inmunohistoquímicas o moleculares, y finalmente la posibilidad de realizar una biopsiacilindro. Conclusiones: Estas alternativas son especialmente útiles en la categoría diagnóstica III, mientras que se prefiere la opción de seguimiento o repetición de PAAF en la categoría diagnóstica I.
Distribution of bovine cysticercosis prevalence in the southeastern districts of Botswana from 2015 to 2016
Authors: Mazhani Batatu , Masitha Elly , Ntwaetsile Mpho , Thutwa Ketshephaone , Sehularo Kerapetse
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim: Bovine cysticercosis is defined as a foodborne parasitic zoonotic disease of cattle caused by the larval stage of the human tapeworm Taenia saginata. In Botswana, bovine cysticercosis has inflicted major economic consequences on the beef industry due to downgrading, condemnation, or treatment of infected carcasses. Thus, in this study, we aim to (1) estimate the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in Botswana's southeastern districts, (2) describe the distribution of bovine cysticercosis through geospatial mapping, and (3) investigate the effect of seasonality on bovine cysticercosis occurrence.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using abattoir records of cattle slaughtered from August 2015 to July 2016. In total, 13 licensed non-export abattoirs were selected for this study, wherein 26,827 cattle were slaughtered during this period. Detection of cysticerci from the carcass and offal was carried out by meat inspectors visually during meat inspection. Prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was calculated for the extension areas and veterinary districts for each month and form there used to establish its distribution and seasonality. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.

Results: The prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in the southeastern districts of Botswana during this study period was determined to be 6.2%. The prevalence in the veterinary districts differed significantly at p<0.05. Seasonality did not have a significant (p=0.651) effect on the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis. Geospatially, areas with greater than 8% prevalence were mainly located in the southernmost part of the study area.

Conclusion: The prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was 6.2% during the study period. No previous studies on cysticerci prevalence in the study area was conducted; thus, it was not possible to determine whether there has been an increase or decrease in terms of prevalence rate. Therefore, the results of this study can be used as a baseline for the prevalence of cysticerci in the study area.
SUBALTERNITAS TOKOH DIAH AYU DAN MAHARANI: ANTARA KUTUKAN DAN SENJATA
Authors: Irmawati Irmawati , G Wahyu Gandi
Published: February 2022

The story of “Kutukan Dapur” by Eka Kurniawan presents a colonial setting: Dutch colonialism and postcolonialism in the image of two characters, Diah Ayu and Maharani. Maharani is in patriarchal shackles, which is ingrained in her family life and social structure. Meanwhile, Diah Ayu is in the bonds of Dutch colonialism, which is brought back by the author. Both are in a subaltern position but in different conditions. Based on this description, this research asks two questions which are analyzed using Gayatri Spivak's subaltern theory, (1) what the position of Diah Ayu and Maharani in "Kutukan Dapur" short story, and (2) how the subaltern is constructed through the efforts of the two characters to get out of that position is. The method used is qualitative. The narratives are classified and analyzed to understand the subaltern's position and construction and its resistance efforts. This research indicates that Maharani and Diah Ayu are subalterns of Maharani dominated by patriarchy, while Diah Ayu is dominated by Dutch colonialism. Maharani fought back, but only with an idea or ideas. Unlike Diah Ayu, she is able to fight in a real form. However, as the author, Eka is trapped in a biased construction in addition to gender bias and representation. In subaltern studies, representation is only a tool towards more real domination. The two figures seem to be fighting against the power structure (colonial and patriarchal) but are still trapped in the dominance of the other.
Social media influencer and brand loyalty on generation Z: the mediating effect of purchase intention
Authors: Pinto Puput Alvhyona , Paramita Eristia Lidia
Published: February 2022

Influencer marketing has become a new method of promoting a product or brand. The marketers believe that implementing influencer marketing appropriately may form a positive customer view of a product or brand so it can bring customers loyalty on the brand. This study aims to investigate the effect of influencers on brand loyalty of Generation Z with purchase intention as a mediating variable. Generation Z is a generation that is very close to technology even most of their life is spent to playing with social media. By expecting a marketing strategy that is close and easily accessible to generation Z, can create purchase intentions and loyalty at lower cost. The population is the Instagram users in Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used in this study by taking 200 samples. This research was conducted using path analysis and Sobel test to see the indirect effect. Before the path analysis is carried out, the reliability, validity and classical assumption tests are carried out first to see if the data obtained is appropriate for further analysis.  The result show that social media influencers can influence generation Z brand loyalty and purchase intentions are able to mediate social media influencers and generation Z brand loyalty.
An environmentally sustainable isosorbide-based plasticizer for biodegradable poly(butylene succinate)
Authors: Jiang Ying Yong , Ren Liang , Wu Gui Hui , Guo Wei , Guan Xian Feng , Zhang Ming Yao , Zhang Hui Xuan
Published: February 2022

In this article, isosorbide divalerate (SDV), an alternative renewable resource plasticizer for degradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) was successfully synthesized with isosorbide and valeric acid, and was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The mechanical properties, glass transition temperature (T

g
), crystallization properties, rheological behavior of PBS/SDV blends was studied in detail. The results showed that incorporation of SDV had successfully reduced T

g
of the PBS composites, particularly at 20 wt% SDV, where the value of T

g
exhibited a reduction of 12 °C or 39% compared to pure PBS, demonstrating SDV possessed plasticizing efficacy. The crystallinity of PBS was declined by presence of SDV in the blends, and the incorporation of 20 wt% SDV into PBS matrix promoted an impressive decrease of exceeding 22%. Significant enhancement of the toughness and flexibility of PBS was achieved by the addition of SDV. The rheological test revealed that the decrease of modulus and viscosity improved the processing properties of the materials, which broadened the PBS applications. Altogether the SEM showed the fracture surface of the composites undergoes a brittle-tough transition with increasing SDV content below 12% content, meanwhile, significant phase separation was observed in the composites with high content of SDV.
Effects of Injury Severity and Brain Temperature on KAT6A Expression after Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Dilimulati Dilirebati , Zhang Lin , Duan Yourong , Jia Feng
Published: February 2022

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a range of neural changes. A comprehensive understanding of the injury-induced lysine acetyltransferase 6A (KAT6A) response, particularly the temporal profile of biochemical alterations, is crucial to design effective therapeutic interventions.

Methods: Experiments were performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The influence of post-traumatic hypothermia (32°C) or hyperthermia (39°C) on the temporal and regional expression profiles of KAT6A was assessed after moderate or severe TBI. qPCR and western blotting were used to determine the expression of KAT6A in different groups.

Results: In the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres, significantly lower protein and mRNA expression of KAT6A was found after TBI than sham injury. Moreover, two expression minima of KAT6A were observed in the cortex and hippocampus of the ipsilateral hemisphere. A decrease in injury severity was associated with lower levels of KAT6A mRNA at 12 h and protein at 24 h, but KAT6A mRNA at 48 h and protein at 72 h had alterations. Compared with normothermia and hyperthermia, post-traumatic hypothermia intensified the decrease in KAT6A at both the mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, hyperthermia, as compared with normothermia, did not significantly affect the levels of KAT6A mRNA at 12 h and protein at 24 h, but triggered a significant increase in levels of KAT6A mRNA at 24 h and protein at 72 h. Furthermore, an overall upregulation of KAT6A after TBI was associated with greater injury severity in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusions: Post-traumatic hypothermia plays a key role in the regulation of KAT6A expression and thus may at least partially explain the phenotype of post-traumatic temperature in secondary injury after TBI.
Historia historii syberyjskiego związku Anny Slepcowej i Wacława Sieroszewskiego
Authors:   Instytut Filologii Polskiej, Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Kopeć Zbigniew
Published: February 2022

The paper discusses the means of presentation within the field of Polish studies of the relationship between Wacław Sieroszewski, a writer and ethnographer, one of the better known Polish exiles in Siberia, and a Yakut woman, Anna Sleptsova. The author contemplates why in the Polish studies their relationship has been omitted, marginalized or hyperbolized. This resulted from Sieroszewski’s own reticence and the cultural taboo, which prohibited exiles from entering into relationships with Russian women. Additionally, the paper presents some Russian-language studies concerning Sieroszewski, in which Sleptsova, who was a significant writer and researcher for Yakutia, is openly referred to as Sieroszewski’s wife.
Bieżenki – pamięć wnuczek chłopskich uchodźców z 1915 roku
Authors:   Wydział Filologiczny, Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Zawadzka Danuta
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the mnemohistory of the exodus, bieżeństwo. It refers to the history of the escape of Orthodox peasants from the eastern territories of former Poland from the German front during World War I in 1915. The text takes into account the feminine and peasant aspects of experience and memory. In addition to the interpretation of Aneta Prymaka-Oniszk’s historical reportage Bieżeństwo 1915. Zapomniani uchodźcy [Biezhenstvo 1915. Forgotten refugees] and memory studies, the author draws on her own participant observation during the preparations for the 2018 participatory performance “Bieżenki”, which involved the granddaughters of the bieżeństwo refugees from Białystok and Podlasie. She traces the transgenerational transmission of the bieżeństwo in the three-generation family with an emphasis on the generation of granddaughters. She also draws attention to the parallels between the events of 1915 and 2015 (migration crisis), as well as 2021, present in literature and theater, among others, asking – as did Astrid Erll – about their role as the media of remembrance.
„Stachura en cuarto menguante”. Nowe ustanowienie Edwarda Stachury i Amereidy
Authors:   Instytut Kulturoznawstwa, Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Barbaruk Magdalena
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a geopoetic interpretation of an unknown thread of Edward Stachura’s biography, related to the Polish writer’s stay in Paris, where he met, among others, the poets Michel Deguy and Edison Simons, participants of the expedition of the so-called traves´ıa de Amereida (1965). The starting point of the discussion is the analysis of a sentence from a Latin American poem Amereida (1967) “hoy soy todos los mendigos / a cuerpo de rey / con / stachura en cuarto menguante” [today I am all the beggars / with the body of a king / with / stachura in the last quarter]. The author interprets the surprising fact of finding “stachura” in a text written during a South American expedition, when a group of poets, architects, and sculptors led by Godofredo Iommi (Godo) explored the unknown “inner sea”. She also draws attention to the role of Juan Pablo Iommi Amunátegui, Godo’s son, in the last years of Stachura’s life. The following interpretation is inspired by the concept proposed by Vinciane Despret. She calls them the dead ”geographers” who establish other places, routes, and stories. It is part of the research on the manifestations of the complicated relations of the living and the dead.
Diegetyczne uspójnienie systemu nauk. O Nowej Atlantydzie Francisa Bacona
Authors:   Wydział Polonistyki, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Wróbel Łukasz
Published: February 2022

The article interprets New Atlantis by Francis Bacon and reads it as a hypertext of Instauratio Magna, the project of restoration of sciences, which the philosopher failed to carry out fully. The author seeks to discover the interrelations between the discursive, rhetorical and literary modes of writing that shaped the early stages of modern science. In his opinion, empirical science does not establish its starting point only with its own new instruments, but it also deploys contemporary patterns of narrative fiction (for example, the modal frame of travel story) and rhetorical probability (also allegory). The power of this composite renders its own origin coherent.
Przestrzenie tęsknoty w wybranych dramatach Jerzego Szaniawskiego
Authors:   Wydział Filologiczny, Uniwersytet Łódzki, Kowalkiewicz-Kulesza Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

The aim of this article is to analyse metaphorical spaces in two dramas by Jerzy Szaniawski: Murzyn. Komedia w trzech aktach [A Negro. A comedy in three acts] from 1917 and Kowal, pieniądze i gwiazdy. Sztuka w trzech aktach [A blacksmith, money, and stars. A play in three acts] from 1948. Drawing attention to the fact that the world presented in most of Szaniawski’s dramas is connected with the province, the author demonstrates how realistic spaces, far from the tumult of the big world, contrast with the metaphorical spaces of the protagonists’ longing, freedom and dreams. These spaces are extremely complex and varied, marking out and at the same time differentiating the mental area in which the protagonists function and influencing their decisions.
(Re-)kreacyjny rejs arką na koniec świata, czyli jak autor stworzył się Bogiem, czyli diablada z Darwinem. O Galapagos Kurta Vonneguta
Authors:   Wydział Filologiczny, Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Kamionowski Jerzy
Published: February 2022

This paper analyzes the novel Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. in its thematic and formal dimensions. The author aims, first, to identify the work’s references to scientific issues concerning Darwin’s theory of evolution and so-called “social Darwinism.” Secondly, he identifies the novel’s strictly literary references, the citation of which allows him to draw conclusions about the nature of its intertextuality. Of particular relevance here is the relationship of the Galapagos with the biblical myth of the Flood. As a result, the author of the article substantiates the hypothesis that Vonnegut consistently cultivates, for deeply didactic purposes, postmodern metafiction with a moralistic message.