bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job burnout and its impact on work ability in biosafety laboratory staff during the COVID-19 epidemic in Xinjiang
Authors: Lu Yaoqin , Liu Qi , Yan Huan , Gao Sunyujie , Liu Tao
Published: November 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased the physical and psychological stress of medical workers. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of job burnout and its impact on work ability among Biosafety Laboratory (BSL) staffs during the COVID-19 epidemic in Xinjiang.

Methods

A total of 7911 qualified BSL staffs in Xinjiang were investigated by electronic questionnaires. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) was used for job burnout survey. Work Ability Index (WAI) was used for work ability survey. The prevalence and risk factors of job burnout in BSL staffs were analyzed through chi square test, t-test and one-way ANOVA. And then, the influence of demographic and job-related variables, i.e., confounding factors, were eliminated to the greatest extent by the propensity score analysis (PSA) method, to investigate the impact of job burnout on work ability in BSL staffs.

Results

A total of 67.6% BSL staffs experienced job burnout. There were significant differences in the detection rate of job burnout among demographic and job-related variables, including gender, age, ethnicity, education, working years, professional title, marital status, number of night shift per month and overall sleep condition (all P < 0.05). The detection rate of job burnout in female was higher than that in male. The detection rates of job burnout in 45–50 years old, Han ethnicity, education of postgraduate or above, 11–20 years of working, intermediate professional title, married, staff with many night shifts per month and poor overall sleep condition were higher than that of other groups. The average burnout scores of the Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Cynicism (CY), Reduced Personal Accomplishment (PA) scale were 10.00 ± 5.99, 4.64 ± 4.59 and 15.25 ± 8.16, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the three dimensions of job burnout, i.e., EE, CY, PE, were negatively correlated with work ability and significantly affected the work ability of BSL staffs (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the prevalence of job burnout is extremely common among BSL staffs. In addition, the work ability decreases with the increase of job burnout and the improvement of job burnout can enhance work ability among BSL staffs.
Prognostic value of radiological findings indeterminate for UIP pattern and anterior upper lobe honeycomb-like lesion in chronic fibrosing interstitial lung disease associated with MPO-ANCA
Authors: Yamakawa Hideaki , Sato Shintaro , Nakamura Tomohiko , Nishizawa Tomotaka , Kawabe Rie , Oba Tomohiro , Horikoshi Masanobu , Akasaka Keiichi , Amano Masako , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Sasaki Hiroki , Matsushima Hidekazu
Published: November 2021

Background

Myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) is often positive in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is also often present in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). A possible association between MPO-ANCA, MPA, and idiopathic ILD remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) classification based on recent idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis guideline and specific CT findings can obtain new knowledge of prognostic factors in all MPO-ANCA-positive patients with ILD including both idiopathic ILD and MPA-ILD.

Methods

We analyzed 101 consecutive MPO-ANCA-positive patients with respiratory disease. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of CT findings, HRCT pattern, and specific radiological signs. Prognostic predictors were determined using Cox regression models.

Results

Subjects with chronic ILD included 22 patients with MPA-ILD and 39 patients with ILD but without MPA. A quarter of the patients were radiological indeterminate for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, which resulted in a better prognosis than that for UIP pattern. “Increased attenuation around honeycomb and traction bronchiectasis” and “anterior upper lobe honeycomb-like lesion” were found to be highly frequent radiological findings (39% and 30%, respectively). In addition, the latter finding was a significant negative prognostic factor.

Conclusions

Radiological indeterminate for UIP was a useful HRCT classification in MPO-ANCA-positive patients with ILD. In addition, anterior upper lobe honeycomb-like lesion was found to be specific radiological finding that was a significant prognostic factor. The present results might aid in the assessment of appropriate strategies of diagnosis in these patients.
Enhancing the implementation and sustainability of fundamental movement skill interventions in the UK and Ireland: lessons from collective intelligence engagement with stakeholders
Authors: Ma Jiani , Hogan Michael J. , Eyre Emma L. J. , Lander Natalie , Barnett Lisa M. , Duncan Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Background

To have population-level impact, physical activity (PA) interventions must be effectively implemented and sustained under real-world conditions. Adequate Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) is integral to children being able to actively participate in play, games, and sports. Yet, few FMS interventions have been implemented at scale, nor sustained in routine practice, and thus it is important to understand the influences on sustained implementation. The study’s aim was to use Collective Intelligence (CI)—an applied systems science approach—with stakeholder groups to understand barriers to the implementation of FMS interventions, interdependencies between these barriers, and options to overcome the system of barriers identified.

Methods

Three CI sessions were conducted with three separate groups of experienced FMS intervention researchers/practitioners (N = 22) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Participants generated and ranked barriers they perceive most critical in implementing FMS interventions. Each group developed a structural model describing how highly ranked barriers are interrelated in a system. Participants then conducted action mapping to solve the problem based on the logical relations between barriers reflected in the model.

Results

The top ranked barriers (of 76) are those related to policy, physical education curriculum, and stakeholders’ knowledge and appreciation. As reflected in the structural model, these barriers have influences over stakeholders’ efficacy in delivering and evaluating interventions. According to this logical structure, 38 solutions were created as a roadmap to inform policy, practice, and research. Collectively, solutions suggest that efforts in implementation and sustainability need to be coordinated (i.e., building interrelationship with multiple stakeholders), and a policy or local infrastructure that supports these efforts is needed.

Conclusions

The current study is the first to describe the complexity of barriers to implementing and sustaining FMS interventions and provide a roadmap of actions that help navigate through the complexity. By directing attention to the ecological context of FMS intervention research and participation, the study provides researchers, policy makers, and practitioners with a framework of critical components and players that need to be considered when designing and operationalising future projects in more systemic and relational terms.
Epigenetic adaptations of the masticatory mucosa to periodontal inflammation
Authors: Richter Gesa M. , Kruppa Jochen , Keceli H. Gencay , Ataman-Duruel Emel Tuğba , Graetz Christian , Pischon Nicole , Wagner Gunar , Rendenbach Carsten , Jockel-Schneider Yvonne , Martins Orlando , Bruckmann Corinna , Staufenbiel Ingmar , Franke Andre , Nohutcu Rahime M. , Jepsen Søren , Dommisch Henrik , Schaefer Arne S.
Published: November 2021

Background

In mucosal barrier interfaces, flexible responses of gene expression to long-term environmental changes allow adaptation and fine-tuning for the balance of host defense and uncontrolled not-resolving inflammation. Epigenetic modifications of the chromatin confer plasticity to the genetic information and give insight into how tissues use the genetic information to adapt to environmental factors. The oral mucosa is particularly exposed to environmental stressors such as a variable microbiota. Likewise, persistent oral inflammation is the most important intrinsic risk factor for the oral inflammatory disease periodontitis and has strong potential to alter DNA-methylation patterns. The aim of the current study was to identify epigenetic changes of the oral masticatory mucosa in response to long-term inflammation that resulted in periodontitis.

Methods and results

Genome-wide CpG methylation of both inflamed and clinically uninflamed solid gingival tissue biopsies of 60 periodontitis cases was analyzed using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. We validated and performed cell-type deconvolution for infiltrated immune cells using the EpiDish algorithm. Effect sizes of DMPs in gingival epithelial and fibroblast cells were estimated and adjusted for confounding factors using our recently developed “intercept-method”. In the current EWAS, we identified various genes that showed significantly different methylation between periodontitis-inflamed and uninflamed oral mucosa in periodontitis patients. The strongest differences were observed for genes with roles in wound healing (ROBO2, PTP4A3), cell adhesion (LPXN) and innate immune response (CCL26, DNAJC1,BPI). Enrichment analyses implied a role of epigenetic changes for vesicle trafficking gene sets.

Conclusions

Our results imply specific adaptations of the oral mucosa to a persistent inflammatory environment that involve wound repair, barrier integrity, and innate immune defense.
High-intensity physical activity is not associated with better cognition in the elder: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Zhang Haiping , Miao Xinlei , Li Haibin , Pan Huiying , Zhou Di , Liu Yue , Li Zhiwei , Wang Jinqi , Liu Xiangtong , Zheng Deqiang , Li Xia , Wang Wei , Guo Xiuhua , Tao Lixin
Published: November 2021

Background

To evaluate the association of physical activity (PA) intensity with cognitive performance at baseline and during follow-up.

Methods

A total of 4039 participants aged 45 years or above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were enrolled in visit 1 (2011–2012) and followed for cognitive function in visit 2 (2013–2014), visit 3 (2015–2016), and visit 4 (2017–2018). We analyzed the association of PA intensity with global cognition, episodic memory, and mental intactness at baseline using adjusted regression methods and evaluated the long-term effect of PA intensity using multiple measures of cognition scores by mixed effect model.

Results

In cross-sectional analysis, mild and moderate PA, rather than vigorous PA, was associated with better cognitive performance. The results remained consistent in multiple sensitivity analyses. During the follow-up, participant with mild PA had a 0.56 (95% CI 0.12–0.99) higher global cognition, 0.23 (95% CI 0.01–0.46) higher episodic memory, and 0.33 (95% CI 0.01–0.64) higher mental intactness, while those with moderate PA had a 0.74 (95% CI 0.32–1.17) higher global score, 0.32 (95% CI 0.09–0.54) higher episodic memory, and 0.43 (95% CI 0.12–0.74) higher mental intactness, compared with individuals without PA. Vigorous PA was not beneficial to the long-term cognitive performance.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that mild and moderate PA could improve cognitive performance, rather than the vigorous activity. The targeted intensity of PA might be more effective to achieve the greatest cognition improvement considering age and depressive status.
Limitations of cardiothoracic ratio derived from chest radiographs to predict real heart size: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Simkus Paulius , Gutierrez Gimeno Manuel , Banisauskaite Audra , Noreikaite Jurate , McCreavy David , Penha Diana , Arzanauskaite Monika
Published: November 2021

Background

Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) in chest radiographs is still widely used to estimate cardiac size despite the advent of newer imaging techniques. We hypothesise that a universal CTR cut-off value of 50% is a poor indicator of cardiac enlargement. Our aim was to compare CTR with volumetric and functional parameters derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

309 patients with a chest radiograph and cardiac MRI acquired within a month were reviewed to assess how CTR correlates with multiple cardiac MRI variables: bi-ventricular EDV (absolute and indexed to body surface area), EF, indexed total heart volume and bi-atrial areas. In addition, we have also determined CTR accuracy by creating multiple ROC curves with the described variables.

Results

All cardiac MRI variables correlate weakly but statistically significantly with CTR. This weak correlation is explained by a substantial overlap of cardiac MRI parameters in patients with normal and increased CTR. For all variables, CTR was only mildly to moderately better than a chance to discriminate cardiac enlargement (AUC 0.6–0.7). Large CTR values (> 55%) are specific but not sensitive, while low CTR values (< 45%) are sensitive but not specific. Values in between are not sensitive nor specific.

Conclusions

CTR correlates weakly with true chamber size assessed by gold standard cardiac MRI and has a weak discriminatory power. Thus, clinical decisions based on intermediate CTRs (45–55%) should be avoided. Large CTRs (> 55%) are likely indicative of true heart chamber enlargement. Low CTRs (< 45%) are likely indicative of normal heart size.
Correlation between clarithromycin resistance, virulence factors and clinical characteristics of the disease in Helicobacter pylori infected patients in Shahrekord, Southwest Iran
Authors: Hosseini Razieh Sadat , Rahimian Ghorbanali , Shafigh Mohammad Hadi , Validi Majid , Khaledi Mansoor , Gholipour Abolfazl
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the mutations associated with clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from biopsy samples that were collected from the endoscopic ward of Shahrekord Hajar teaching Hospital and also to study the frequency of virulence factor and their correlation and pathological findings with clarithromycin resistance during the years 2019–2020. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 152 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were considered, and then, two common A2142G and A2143G mutations in the 23SrRNA gene associated with resistance were analyzed by Real-time PCR (Taq man). The presence of vacA, iceA1, iceA2, cagA, babA2, and oipA virulence genes was investigated by PCR and electrophoresis in 8% polyacrylamide gel. Then, data were analyzed using the relevant statistical tests. In this study, the frequency of Helicobacter pylori was 76% and the frequency of mutant isolates was 57.2%. The frequencies of A2142G and A2143G point mutations were 42.1% and 28.3%. There was a significant correlation among oipA, vacA, and iceA1 virulence factors, type of disease, chronic inflammatory score, and glandular atrophy with the antibiotic resistance to clarithromycin. There was no significant correlation between the age and sex of the patients with antibiotic resistance. According to the results of this study, it seems that the use of clarithromycin to combat this bacterium should be limited.
Poorer mental well-being and prior unmet need for mental healthcare: a longitudinal population-based study on men in Sweden
Authors: Olsson Sara , Burström Bo , Hensing Gunnel , Löve Jesper
Published: November 2021

Background

Depression and anxiety disorder contribute to a significant part of the disease burden among men, yet many men refrain from seeking care or receive insufficient care when they do seek it. This is plausibly associated with poorer mental well-being, but there is a lack of population-based research. This study investigated 1) if men who had refrained from seeking mental healthcare at any time in life had poorer mental well-being than those who sought care, 2) if those who had sought care but perceived it as insufficient had poorer mental well-being than those who had perceived care as sufficient, and 3) if these differences persisted after 1 year.

Methods

This longitudinal study used questionnaire data from a population-based sample of 1240 men, aged 19–64 years, in Sweden. Having refrained from seeking mental healthcare, or perceiving the care as insufficient, at any time in life, was assessed in a questionnaire, 2008. Current mental well-being was assessed in 2008 and 2009 using mean scores on the WHO (Ten) Well-being Index. Lower scores indicate poorer mental well-being. Group differences were calculated using t-tests and multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results

Of the men who had perceived a need for mental healthcare, 37% had refrained from seeking such care. They had lower mental well-being scores in 2008, compared to those who sought care. Of those seeking care, 29% had perceived it as insufficient. They had lower mental well-being scores in 2008, compared to those who perceived the care as sufficient, but this was not statistically significant when controlling for potential confounders. There were no differences in mental well-being scores based on care-seeking or perceived care-sufficiency in 2009.

Conclusions

This population-based study indicates that men who have previously refrained from seeking mental healthcare, or perceived the care as insufficient, have poorer mental well-being. However, the lack of differences at the one-year follow-up contradicts these results. The results highlight the need for larger longitudinal studies, measuring care-seeking within a more specified time frame. This should be combined with efforts to increase men’s mental healthcare-seeking and to provide mental healthcare that is perceived as sufficient.
The disruptive triad and entrepreneurship: a theoretical model
Authors: Socorro Márquez Félix O. , Reyes Ortiz Giovanni E.
Published: November 2021

The main objective of this study is to propose a theoretical model to understand the importance of disruption—in three of its dimensions, thinking, creativity, and innovation—developed and applied in the thinking and exercise of entrepreneurship and, at the same time, highlight the relationship of the disruption with competitiveness. Being competitive is one of the most demanding goals that entrepreneurs can and should set themselves; however, unlike established or traditional companies, usually the entrepreneur cannot promote competitiveness in the same way that they do. Taking these into account, it is necessary to use unconventional tools, or a different perspective methodology, for promoting creativity and innovation beyond the entrepreneurial activity itself. Through a qualitative methodology, with an emphasis on documentary research and inferential and deductive reasoning, a theoretical model is proposed. The model seeks to illustrate how disruptive currents can help entrepreneurs to be more competitive and, at the same time, boost their entrepreneurial spirit.
Flight rapidly modulates body temperature in freely behaving bats
Authors: Luo Jinhong , Greif Stefan , Ye Huan , Bumrungsri Sara , Eitan Ofri , Yovel Yossi
Published: November 2021

Background

Bats are remarkable in their dynamic control over body temperature, showing both hypothermia with torpor and hyperthermia during flight. Despite considerable research in understanding bats’ thermoregulation mechanisms, knowledge on the relationship between flight and body temperature in bats remains limited, possibly due to technological restraints.

Results

We used onboard dataloggers including a temperature sensor and an inertial sensor (accelerometers) and continuously recorded the flight behavior and skin temperature (Tsk) subcutaneously of a perch-hunting bat, Hipposideros armiger, both in the laboratory and in the field. We provide evidence that flight increases the body temperature of bats. The median of the maximum increase in the Tsk caused by flight bouts was 3.4 °C (between 1.9 and 5.3 °C for different individuals) in the laboratory. The maximum Tsk for the bats was narrowly centered around 40 °C (between 38.5 and 40.9 °C). Moreover, we found that the faster the Tsk rises, the greater the maximum increase in Tsk. Interestingly, bats can slow down the Tsk rises with intermittent fights, during which they perch after brief flight bouts to allow the body temperature to drop rapidly. Similar data were collected from field recordings in free-ranging bats.

Conclusions

We suggest that perch-hunting behavior observed in approximately 200 species of bats that results in intermittent flights may function as a thermoregulatory strategy, in addition to optimizing energy efficiency as demonstrated by previous studies.
Different low-cost materials to prevent the alteration induced by formic acid on unstable glasses
Authors: Arévalo Rodrigo , Mosa Jadra , Aparicio Mario , Palomar Teresa
Published: November 2021

The most frequent cause of glass degradation is environmental moisture, which is adsorbed on its surface forming a hydration layer that induces the rupture of the glass network. This pathology is accelerated by the accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like formic acid. Although there is extensive knowledge about their impact, concentrations inside display cases are difficult to reduce efficiently. This study presents the assessment of different materials to reduce the concentration of formic acid to mitigate the degradation produced in unstable glasses. With this objective, copper threads, steel wool, silica gel, and activated carbon were chosen as low-cost materials with good adsorption or reactivity to the VOCs, exposing them in desiccators to an environment of 100% RH and 10 ppm of formic acid. Given that silica gel obtained the best results, its optimization as a sorbent material was evaluated by maintaining, regenerating, or renewing it when exposed next to the same glass. The tests carried out concluded that the hygroscopic capacity of the glasses exposed with silica gel decreased and, therefore, a lower degradation is observed on its surface. In addition, regenerating and renewing weekly the silica gel improved the results.
Getting everyone to the table: exploring everyday and everynight work to consider ‘latent social threats’ through interprofessional tabletop simulation
Authors: Brydges Ryan , Nemoy Lori , Ng Stella , Khodadoust Nazanin , Léger Christine , Sampson Kristen , Campbell Douglas M.
Published: November 2021

In this methodological intersection article, we describe how we developed a new variation of the established tabletop simulation modality, inspired by institutional ethnography (IE)-informed principles. We aimed to design and conduct pilot implementations of this innovative tabletop simulation modality, which focused uniquely on everyday and everynight work, along with the factors that govern that work. In so doing, we aimed to develop a modality and preliminary findings that researchers and educators can use to simulate healthcare practices across longer episodes of care (i.e., time scales of hours or an entire day) and to detect the ‘latent social threats’ that can emerge during interprofessional clinical care.

An interprofessional team designed tabletop simulation scenarios of interprofessional challenges during transfers of care on a labour and delivery (L&D) unit. Within each scenario, participants provided real-time explanations for their work and associated drivers, both independently and as a team. Thus, we combined ‘think-aloud’ and simulation principles to design tabletop simulation scenarios to elicit healthcare professionals’ descriptions of how they collaborate in their work on the L&D unit. We completed a total of five tabletop simulations with eight participants (obstetricians, N = 2; midwives, N = 2; nurses, N = 5).

The conversations stimulated by the tabletop simulation scenarios and debriefs allowed us to generate a preliminary understanding of the texts that govern and organize clinicians’ everyday work processes. We generated data about longitudinal, multi-hour work processes in a condensed timeline, with opportunities to pause and probe, and with reduced focus on individual practitioner’s competence.

We believe our innovative tabletop simulation approach allowed us to examine clinical work in ways no other simulation permits. Participants described how the scenarios opened a productive dialogue between professional groups and suggested this simulation-based approach might contribute to enhanced interprofessional understanding and cultural change. We suggest that others can adapt our low-resource approach to understand clinicians’ everyday work and to map how this work is governed by documents, like policies, with the end goal of facilitating system change and managing latent social threats.
Curiosity and the desire for agency: wait, wait … don’t tell me!
Authors: Metcalfe Janet , Kennedy-Pyers Treva , Vuorre Matti
Published: November 2021

Past research has shown that when people are curious they are willing to wait to get an answer if the alternative is to not get the answer at all—a result that has been taken to mean that people valued the answers, and interpreted as supporting a reinforcement-learning (RL) view of curiosity. An alternative 'need for agency' view is forwarded that proposes that when curious, people are intrinsically motivated to actively seek the answer themselves rather than having it given to them. If answers can be freely obtained at any time, the RL view holds that, because time delay depreciates value, people will not wait to receive the answer. Because they value items that they are curious about more than those about which they are not curious they should seek the former more quickly. In contrast, the need for agency view holds that in order to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain the answer by their own efforts, when curious, people may wait. Consistent with this latter view, three experiments showed that even when the answer could be obtained at any time, people spontaneously waited longer to request the answer when they were curious. Furthermore, rather than requesting the answer itself—a response that would have maximally reduced informational uncertainty—in all three experiments, people asked for partial information in the form of hints, when curious. Such active hint seeking predicted later recall. The 'need for agency' view of curiosity, then, was supported by all three experiments.
Molecular insights into the Y-domain of hepatitis E virus using computational analyses
Authors: Shafat Zoya , Hamza Abu , Deeba Farah , Parvez Mohammad K. , Parveen Shama
Published: November 2021

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) of the family Hepeviridae is a major causative agent of acute hepatitis in developing countries. The Y-domain is derived from multi-domain non-structural polyprotein encoded by open reading frame 1 (ORF1). Previous studies have demonstrated the essentiality of Y-domain sequences in HEV life cycle; however, its function remains completely unexplored. The following study was thus conceptualized to examine the detailed computational investigation for the putative Y-domain to estimate its phylogenetic assessment, physiochemical properties, structural and functional characteristics using in silico analyses.

Results

The phylogenetic assessment of Y-domain with a vast range of hosts indicated that the protein was very well conserved throughout the course of evolution. The Y-domain was found to be unstable, hydrophilic and basic in nature with high thermostability value. Structural analysis of Y-domain revealed mixed α/β structural fold of the protein having higher percentage of alpha-helices. The three-dimensional (3D) protein model generated through homology modelling revealed the presence of clefts, tunnels and pore. Gene ontology analysis predicted Y-domain protein’s involvement in several binding and catalytic activities as well as significant biological processes. Mutations in the conserved amino acids of the Y-domain suggested that it may stabilize or de-stabilize the protein structure that might affect its structure–function relationship.

Conclusions

This theoretical study will facilitate towards deciphering the role of unexplored Y-domain, thereby providing better understanding towards the pathogenesis of HEV infection.
A new stability indicating RP-UPLC method for simultaneous estimation of Doravirine, Lamivudine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in bulk and their combined pharmaceutical formulation
Authors: Addanki Swetha , Kuber B. Ramya
Published: November 2021

Background

To establish a simple, sensitive, accurate, precise, efficient, economical RP-UPLC method for simultaneous estimation of Doravirine, Lamivudine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in bulk and their combined pharmaceutical formulations. Optimization of Chromatographic separation was achieved on analytical column HSS C18 (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μ) maintained at temperature 30 °C and mobile phase consisting of 0.01 N Potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate buffer (pH-4.8) and acetonitrile in the ratio 60:40 v/v and at a flow rate 0.3 mL/min in isocratic mode. The injection volume was set as 1 µl detection wavelength is 260 nm. The proposed method validation was done as per International Council on Harmonization Q2 (R1) guidelines.

Results

Doravirine, Lamivudine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate were eluted at retention times of 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8 min respectively. The proposed method was identified an excellent linearity over concentration range of 12.5–75.0 µg/mL for Doravirine and 37.5–225.0 µg/mL for Lamivudine and 37.5–225.0 µg/mL for Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The percentage relative standard deviation for intra-day and inter-day precision of the present method was less than 2% for Doravirine, Lamivudine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Accuracy of the present method was evaluated by recovery studies which were in the range of 99.62–99.88% for Doravirine and 98.78–99.44% for Lamivudine and 99.67–100.52% for Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 0.249 µg/mL and 0.756 µg/mL for Doravirine and 0.24 µg/mL and 0.727 µg/mL for Lamivudine and 0.797 µg/mL and 2.966 µg/mL for Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Forced degradation studies were carried out under various stress conditions like acid, base, peroxide, thermal, photo and neutral conditions.

Conclusions

The present method makes sure about no degraded impurity peak interference at the retention time of analyte peak hence can be applied for quality control investigation of Doravirine, Lamivudine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations.
A new technological approach to the granulation of slag melts of ferrous metallurgy: obtaining glassy fine-grained granules of improved quality
Authors: Sakhvadze David , Jandieri Gigo , Jangveladze Giorgi , Sakhvadze Giorgi
Published: November 2021

The technological factors required to improve the operational properties of granulated metallurgical slags demanded in the building industry have been analyzed. In order to satisfy these factors, a new technology for hydro-vacuum granulation of slag melts (HVG) has been developed. It is shown that the main advantage of the proposed HVG process is the provision of forced high-speed vortex convection of water, with the effect of vertical suction, crushing, and degassing of the three-phase (water–slag granules–water vapor) heterogeneous medium formed during the overcooling and solidification of slag. It is proved that the high-speed volumetric disintegration and overcooling with the degassing effect sharply reduces a degree of aggressive gas/vapor impact on the being cooled particles of slag, which, in turn, leads to the reduction of the perforation degree of the granules. The obtained granules are distinguished by stable fractionation and improved, well-defined dense amorphous glassy structure, the water-holding capacity of which has reduced from 45–50% to 25–13%, the actual moisture content from 24–20% to 6–4%, while the hydraulic activity in terms of CaO-uptake increased from the conventional 320–360 mg/g to 610–650 mg/g. Pilot scale research demonstrated that the designed equipment for the HVG technology allows sustainable control of the quality of granules, and it has the potential for further development and implementation.
Impact of Pembrolizumab Versus Chemotherapy as Second-Line Therapy for Advanced Esophageal Cancer on Health-Related Quality of Life in KEYNOTE-181
Authors: Adenis Antoine , Kulkarni Amit S. , Girotto Gustavo C. , de la Fouchardiere Christelle , Senellart Helene , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Mansoor Wasat , Al-Rajabi Raed , Norquist Josephine , Amonkar Mayur , Suryawanshi Shailaja , Bhagia Pooja , Metges Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

In the phase III KEYNOTE-181 study ( NCT02564263 ) of patients with advanced esophageal cancer (EC), pembrolizumab monotherapy prolonged overall survival versus chemotherapy as second-line therapy in patients with programmed death ligand 1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 10. We present the results of the prespecified health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) analyses of the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), CPS ≥ 10, and CPS ≥ 10 SCC populations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HRQoL was measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30), EORTC QLQ EC questionnaire (OES18), and EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). Data were analyzed in patients who received ≥ 1 dose of study treatment and completed ≥ 1 HRQoL assessment. Key analyses included baseline to week 9 least squares mean change in global health status/quality of life, functional or symptom subscales, and time to deterioration (≥ 10-point deterioration) for specific subscales.

RESULTS

The HRQoL population included 387 patients with SCC. Compliance and completion rates for all three questionnaires were similar in both treatment groups at baseline and week 9. No clinically meaningful differences in global health status/quality of life scores were observed between treatment groups from baseline to week 9 (least squares mean difference, 2.80; 95% CI, –1.48 to 7.08); patients in both treatment groups generally exhibited stable functioning and symptom scores of the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18 from baseline to week 9. Time to deterioration for pain (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.89), reflux (HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.33 to 4.25), and dysphagia (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.31) subscales were similar between treatment groups. These findings were generally similar in the CPS ≥ 10 (n = 218) and CPS ≥ 10 SCC (n = 166) subgroups.

CONCLUSION

In patients with advanced EC, pembrolizumab monotherapy and chemotherapy maintained HRQoL in patients with SCC, CPS ≥ 10, and CPS ≥ 10 SCC.
Therapeutic Actionability of Circulating Cell-Free DNA Alterations in Carcinoma of Unknown Primary
Authors: Kato Shumei , Weipert Caroline , Gumas Sophia , Okamura Ryosuke , Lee Suzanna , Sicklick Jason K. , Saam Jennifer , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a metastatic disease with unidentifiable primary tumor. Somatic alterations can be assessed noninvasively via liquid biopsies interrogating cell-free DNA (cfDNA).

METHODS

We evaluated 1,931 patients with CUP with a cfDNA next-generation sequencing panel (73-74 genes).

RESULTS

Overall, 1,739 patients (90%) had ≥ 1 cfDNA alteration. We then explored alteration actionability (per the levels of evidence from the OncoKB database); 825 patients (47.4% of 1,739) had level 1, level 2, or resistance/R1 alterations. Among 40 clinically annotated patients with CUP who had cfDNA evaluated, higher degrees of matching treatment to alterations (Matching Score > 50% v ≤ 50%) was the only variable predicting improved outcome: longer median progression-free survival (10.4 v 2.5 months; P = .002), overall survival (13.4 v 5.7 months; P = .07, trend), and higher clinical benefit rate (stable disease ≥ 6 months/partial response/complete response; 83% v 25%; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

In summary, cfDNA frequently reveals strong level-of-evidence actionable alterations in CUP, and high degrees of matching to therapy correlates with better outcomes.
Becoming Without
Authors: Reis-Castro Luísa
Published: November 2021

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, known as the vector for Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses, has historically been targeted by public health campaigns as an enemy to be eliminated. However, new strategies, such as the transgenic approach, biologically modify the A. aegypti so that they can be deployed to control their own population—here, mosquito breeding and mating is operationalized as an insecticide. In this case, the insect must be simultaneously a friend and an enemy, cared for and killed, and it must establish encounters and nonencounters. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork at a “biofactory” in the northeast of Brazil dedicated to mass-producing these transgenic mosquitoes, this article investigates the new forms of labor and value produced through these contrasting human-mosquito relations. The author also examines how the project is implemented within broader geopolitics of experimentation and more-than-human gendered conceptions. Analyzing the multispecies relationships engendered under the premise that it is possible to produce nonencounters, she identifies the historical conditions and promissory claims of transforming the A. aegypti ’s reproductive capacity into labor for killing. Such recasting yields what the author calls the “nonencounter value” within the scientific remaking of mosquitoes, their becoming and being.
Diminished Faculties
Authors: Sterne Jonathan
Published: November 2021

In Diminished Faculties Jonathan Sterne offers a sweeping cultural study and theorization of impairment. Drawing on his personal history with thyroid cancer and a paralyzed vocal cord, Sterne undertakes a political phenomenology of impairment in which experience is understood from the standpoint of a subject that is not fully able to account for itself. He conceives of impairment as a fundamental dimension of human experience, examining it as both political and physical. While some impairments are enshrined as normal in international standards, others are treated as causes or effects of illness or disability. Alongside his fractured account of experience, Sterne provides a tour of alternative vocal technologies and practices; a study of “normal” hearing loss as a cultural practice rather than a medical problem; and an intertwined history and phenomenology of fatigue that follows the concept as it careens from people to materials science to industrial management to spoons. Sterne demonstrates how impairment is a problem, opportunity, and occasion for approaching larger questions about disability, subjectivity, power, technology, and experience in new ways. Diminished Faculties ends with a practical user’s guide to impairment theory.
Identification of a new allele of O-fucosyltransferase 1 involved in Drosophila intestinal stem cell regulation
Authors: Shi Lin , Kong Ruiyan , Li Zhengran , Zhao Hang , Ma Rui , Bai Guang , Li Jing , Li Zhouhua
Published: November 2021

Adult stem cells are critical for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. However, how the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are regulated remains not fully understood. Here, we find a mutant, stum 9-3, affecting the proliferation and differentiation of Drosophila adult ISCs in a forward genetic screen for factors regulating the proliferation and differentiation ISCs. stum 9-3 acts through the conserved Notch signaling pathway, upstream of the S2 cleavage of the Notch receptor. Interestingly, the phenotype of stum 9-3 mutant is not caused by disruption of stumble (stum), where the p-element is inserted. Detailed mapping, rescue experiments and mutant characterization show that stum 9-3 is a new allele of O-fucosyltransferase 1 (O-fut1). Our results indicate that unexpected mutants with interesting phenotype could be recovered in forward genetic screens using known p-element insertion stocks.
Housing policy and outcomes in Southern and Southeastern Europe
Authors: Τσαχαγέας Παναγιώτης-Δημήτριος
Published: November 2021

Η παρούσα διατριβή αναλύει συγκριτικά κι εξηγεί τη θεσμική δομή, λειτουργία και δυναμική μεταμόρφωσης των συστημάτων στέγασης Βουλγαρίας κι Ελλάδας, συνυπολογίζοντας το ευρύτερο γεωπολιτικό πλαίσιο. Παρά το διαφορετικό ιστορικό υπόβαθρο, οι δύο χώρες επιλέγονται λόγω συγκεκριμένων δομικών ομοιοτήτων στα στεγαστικά τους συστήματα. Παρομοίως, κανένα εκ των δυο δεν μπορεί εύκολα να ενταχθεί στη σοσιαλιστική ή νοτιοευρωπαϊκή κατηγοριοποίηση, και δέχονται εξίσου ριζικές πιέσεις μεταμόρφωσης και έντονα συστημικά σοκ, εξαιτίας κοινωνικοπολιτικών και οικονομικών αναταραχών. Παρά το ακαδημαϊκό ενδιαφέρον, η στεγαστική έρευνα και στις δυο χώρες υπήρξε σχετικώς «εσωστρεφής», περιορισμένη κυρίως στην περιγραφή κοινωνικοπολιτικών «ιδιοσυγκρασιών» και στην εφαρμογή «τυπολογιών». Μια ενδελεχής συγκριτική μελέτη των δυο χωρών είναι πρακτικώς ανύπαρκτη, ενώ οι εντεινόμενες δυναμικές μεταμόρφωσης στο Βουλγαρικό κι Ελληνικό στεγαστικό σύστημα παραμένουν ανεπαρκώς αναλυμένες. Επομένως, η διαθέσιμη βιβλιογραφία στερείται ευρύτερης συγκριτικής προοπτικής κι έχει αδυναμία να ενταχθεί σε διεθνείς μελέτες. Εφαρμόζοντας μια θεσμικώς ενσωματωμένη μέθοδο μικτής προσέγγισης η παρούσα έρευνα αξιολογεί τις ομοιότητες σεβόμενη τις διαφορές, κι αποφεύγοντας την προσκόλληση σε κατηγοριοποιήσεις. Πρωτογενή δεδομένα συλλέχτηκαν μέσω ποιοτικών εις βάθος συνεντεύξεων με ειδήμονες του κλάδου της στέγασης, καθώς και νοικοκυριά σε Βουλγαρία και Ελλάδα. Η βάσεις δεδομένων EU-SILC καθώς και αυτές των εθνικών στατιστικών υπηρεσιών απετέλεσαν την κύρια πηγή δευτερογενών ποσοτικών δεδομένων. Επισήμως δημοσιευμένες αναφορές και άρθρα εφημερίδων παρείχαν σύγχρονα δευτερογενή ποιοτικά και ποσοτικά δεδομένα ενδιαφέροντος. Η διατριβή καταδεικνύει πως τα στεγαστικά συστήματα Βουλγαρίας και Ελλάδας από το 1990 περίπου και μετά απομακρύνονται σταδιακά από μια απο-εμπορευματοποιημένη σε μια προ-εμπορευματοποιημένη μορφή. Εδραιωμένα θεσμικά πλαίσια πλέον αμφισβητούνται, πιεσμένα υπό το βάρος ισχυρών κοινωνικο-οικονομικών αναδιαρθρωτικών δυνάμεων και εμμενόντων κοινωνικών στεγαστικών κανόνων. Συγκρίνοντας τις δυο χώρες μεταξύ τους και με τα ευρύτερα γκρουπ τους, επιτρέπει μια βελτιωμένη ένταξή τους στα νοτιοευρωπαϊκά στεγαστικά συστήματα. Εν συνεχεία, τα τελευταία μπορούν να ενταχθούν καλύτερα στα στις ευρύτερες συγκριτικές στεγαστικές μελέτες. Η παρούσα έρευνα συμβάλλει συνολικά στην ευρύτερη ανοικτή συζήτηση σχετικά με τη μεταμόρφωση των στεγαστικών συστημάτων στις υπό μετάβαση νοτιοευρωπαϊκές χώρες.
イソップの寓話における翻訳の問題
Authors: Κοβάνη Μαρία
Published: November 2021

Μελετώνται και παρουσιάζονται οι μύθοι του Αισώπου στην ιαπωνική γλώσσα. Στόχος της εργασίας ήταν η παρουσίαση των μύθων στην ιαπωνική και δημιουργία ενός μεταφραστικού παραδείγματος βάσει πραγματολογικής, καταστασιακής, γραμματικής, λεξιλογικής, υφολογικής και προθεσιακής πληροφορίας μεταξύ γλωσσών, οι οποίες ανήκουν σε διαφορετικές γλωσσικές οικογένειες. (Έρευνα και συγγραφή στην ιαπωνική γλώσσα)
Γνώσεις, απόψεις και αξίες αγροτών απέναντι σε θεματικές βιολογικής γεωργίας
Authors: Ταταράκης Νικόλαος
Published: November 2021

Η παρούσα διατριβή ερευνά, τις γνώσεις, απόψεις και αξίες των αγροτών της Ρόδου, σε σχέση με τις βιολογικές καλλιέργειες, που είναι καθοριστικές για την εφαρμογή μιας, φιλοπεριβαλλοντικής, αειφορικής γεωργίας. Για τη διεξαγωγή της διδακτορικής έρευνας, συντάχθηκε ερωτηματολόγιο που περιείχε 21 κύριες ερωτήσεις, με πολλές υποερωτήσεις. Ορισμένα αποτελέσματα είναι: Οι αγρότες της Ρόδου, πιστεύουν ότι το περιβάλλον καταστρέφεται στη σημερινή εποχή και δεν είναι μια υπερβολική εκτίμηση. Επίσης πιστεύουν στην ύπαρξη της κλιματικής αλλαγής και επιθυμούν να γίνουν άμεσα ενέργειες για την αντιμετώπιση των δυσμενών αποτελεσμάτων της. Είναι ενημερωμένοι για την κλασική – συμβατική γεωργία, όχι όμως καλά ενημερωμένοι για την ολοκληρωμένη γεωργία. Όσον αφορά τη βιολογική γεωργία, είναι αρκετά ενημερωμένοι και πιστεύουν ότι τα βιολογικά προϊόντα, συμβάλουν στην προστασία της υγείας του καταναλωτή, στην ατομική τους υγεία και στην προστασία του περιβάλλοντος. Επιθυμούν συγχρόνως να διατίθενται κρατικά κονδύλια, αποκλειστικά για την έρευνα στη βιολογική γεωργία.
The effects of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts as probiotics on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune responses of broiler: A meta-analysis
Authors: Sjofjan Osfar , Adli Danung Nur , Harahap Rakhmad Perkasa , Jayanegara Anuraga , Utama Dicky Tri , Seruni Ainun Pizar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The number of publications in Scopus on this topic increased from less than 50 in 1995 to more than 250 in 2015. In other hand, inconsistency in results about the correlation between yeast and lactic acid bacteria as probiotics has been evident since the early publications on use in broilers.

Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine relationship between lactic acid bacteria and yeast as probiotics to broiler diets on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.  A database was designed based on published data that reported the use of probiotics on the broiler. The method used for selecting articles was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Articles selected were taken from PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science direct databases as well as individual.

Results: The final database consists of 49 in vivo articles, 93 studies, and 225 treatments. The analysis statement in the system was a PROC MIXED procedure of SAS software. The level of probiotic increased (p <0.001) body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of broiler. There was a reduction (p <0.01) on feed conversion ratio and mortality on the level probiotic given to broiler. Supplementation of probiotics in broiler diet increased (p <0.001) the weight of liver, spleen, gizzard, bursa of fabricius and carcass yield, while reduced (p<0.001) abdominal fat weight. The probiotic given increased the total of red and white blood cells (both at p < 0.001) but did not affect lymphocyte. 

Discussion: It can be concluded the yeast act as supporting agent that serves lactic acid bacteria as probiotic increases the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.