bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making a diagnosis of periodic fever syndrome: Experience from a single tertiary centre
Authors: McNaughton Peter , Willcocks Sophie , Lum Su Han , Whitehead Ben , Peake Jane , Preece Kahn
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the utility of genetic testing of patients diagnosed with periodic fever syndromes and to assess the validity of existing scoring criteria.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical history of patients diagnosed with periodic fever syndromes at Queensland Children's Hospital between November 2014 and June 2018.

Results

Forty‐three patients were diagnosed with periodic fever syndromes. Diagnoses in the cohort included periodic fever, adenitis, pharyngitis and aphthous stomatitis (10), tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated periodic syndrome (9), cryopyrin‐associated periodic syndrome (6), mevalonate kinase deficiency (4) while 14 remained unspecified. No presenting symptoms were uniquely associated with any particular diagnosis. Genetic testing of between 1 and 26 genes was performed in 26 (60%) patients. Two (7.7%) patients had pathogenic variants identified. Variants of uncertain significance which were insufficient to confirm a monogenic disorder were identified in a further 7 (27%) patients. The Eurofever classification criteria correlated with clinical diagnosis for patients diagnosed with cryopyrin‐associated periodic syndrome (P = 0.046) and tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated periodic syndrome (P = 0.025) but not for patients diagnosed with mevalonate kinase deficiency (P = 0.47); however, the Eurofever classification criteria were often positive for more than one diagnosis in these patients.

Conclusion

The European classification criteria can form a potentially useful tool to guide diagnosis; however, clinical judgement remains essential, because the score is often positive for multiple diagnoses. The diagnostic yield of genetic testing in this cohort was low and genetic testing may be more useful to confirm a strong clinical suspicion than to clarify a diagnosis for patients with less clear symptoms.
TRIPS waiver of COVID‐19 vaccines: Impact on pharmaceutical industry and what it means to developing countries
Authors: Chaudhary Talat , Chaudhary Arshi
Published: September 2021

The WTO was formed in 1995 and since then countries have abide by Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The agreement provides for comprehensive plan for patenting and protection including those of medical supply units including vaccines and diagnosis. Recently developing countries such as India and South Africa have demanded TRIPS waiver for access to vaccines for all the developing countries The TRIPS waiver demanded, would apply to vaccines, diagnosis, and treatment related to COVID‐19. The waiver is important as it would allow member state in researching, manufacturing, and supplying of vaccines. The proposal by the developing countries for temporary waiver of IP rights argues that IP could impede the supply of COVID‐19 drugs and vaccines. However, there is no near consensus as most of the developed countries opposed this stance and they even argue that waiving TRIPS is not going to ramp up the manufacturing process. The pharmaceutical industry is also against this stance of developing countries, they put their argument forward that waiving of the IP will inhibit research and development of future prospects.
Activation of the BABA‐induced priming defence through redox homeostasis and the modules of TGA1 and MAPKK5 in postharvest peach fruit
Authors: Li Chunhong , Wang Kaituo , Huang Yixiao , Lei Changyi , Cao Shifeng , Qiu Linglan , Xu Feng , Jiang Yongbo , Zou Yanyu , Zheng Yonghua
Published: September 2021

The priming of defence responses in pathogen‐challenged model plants undergoes a preparation phase and an expression phase for defence function. However, the priming response in postharvest fruits has not been elucidated. Here, we found that 50 mM β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA) treatment could induce two distinct pathways linked with TGA1‐related systemic acquired resistance (SAR), resulting in the alleviation of Rhizopus rot in postharvest peach fruit. The first priming phase was elicited by BABA alone, leading to the enhanced transcription of redox‐regulated genes and posttranslational modification of PpTGA1. The second phase was activated by an H2O2 burst via up‐regulation of PpRBOH genes and stimulation of the MAPK cascade on pathogen invasion, resulting in a robust defence. In the MAPK cascade, PpMAPKK5 was identified as a shortcut interacting protein of PpTGA1 and increased the DNA binding activity of PpTGA1 for the activation of salicylic acid (SA)‐responsive PR genes. The overexpression of PpMAPKK5 in Arabidopsis caused the constitutive transcription of SA‐dependent PR genes and as a result conferred resistance against the fungus Rhizopus stolonifer. Hence, we suggest that the BABA‐induced priming defence in peaches is activated by redox homeostasis with an elicitor‐induced reductive signalling and a pathogen‐stimulated H2O2 burst, which is accompanied by the possible phosphorylation of PpTGA1 by PpMAPKK5 for signal amplification.
Neuronal‐enriched extracellular vesicles in individuals with IBS: A pilot study of COMT and BDNF
Authors: Weaver Kristen R. , Mustapic Maja , Kapogiannis Dimitrios , Henderson Wendy A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain, bowel habit alterations, and psychiatric comorbidities. Although pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, prior work demonstrates associations with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT). The purpose of this study was to quantify BDNF and COMT in plasma and in neuronal‐enriched extracellular vesicles (nEVs), assess relationships with psychological symptoms, and gain insight on the brain‐gut connection in IBS.

Methods

Clinical data and biorepository samples from a parent investigation were used, including scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D). Distinct subpopulations of nEVs were isolated using neural cell adhesion molecule L1CAM; levels of COMT, mature BDNF, and pro‐BDNF were quantified in plasma and in nEVs using ELISA.

Key Results

Data from 47 females (28.11 ± 6.85 years) included 18 IBS and 29 healthy control (HC) participants. IBS participants displayed reduced plasma levels of mature BDNF compared with HC (p = 0.024). Levels of COMT plasma and IBS grouping significantly predicted CES‐D scores (p = 0.034). Exploratory analyses by IBS subtype and race revealed African American HC display lower levels of COMT EV than Caucasian HC (p = 0.022).

Conclusions & Inferences

Lower levels of mature BDNF in IBS participants, preliminary patterns detected in cargo content of nEVs, and relevance of COMT and IBS status to CES‐D scores, offer insight on depressive symptomatology and brain‐gut dysregulation in IBS. Lower COMT levels in nEVs of African Americans highlight the relevance of race when conducting such analyses across diverse populations.
Perspective and application of molecular markers linked to the cytoplasm types and male‐fertility restorer locus in onion (Allium cepa)
Authors: Manjunathagowda Dalasanuru Chandregowda
Published: September 2021

The male sterility trait is an economically essential feature for the exploitation of hybrid vigour in onions; hence, scientists have looked into the molecular component of male sterility in onions. As a result, numerous molecular markers associated with male‐sterile (CMS‐S and CMS‐T) cytoplasms, male‐fertile normal (N) cytoplasm and nuclear‐male‐fertility restorers (Mslocus) were developed. The discovered markers have proven to be helpful in the effective selection and isolation of male‐sterile lines, their maintainer lines and restorer‐of‐fertility lines. These lines are required for breeding F1hybrid to harness heterosis through marker‐assisted selection (MAS) of cytoplasmic genotypes withMsormsloci. Thus, the study came up with a compilation of molecular markers, by revealing their molecular perspective, practical utility and functional effectiveness in the MAS of male‐sterile cytoplasm types with nuclear‐fertility‐restorer locus, to speed up onion breeding, development of F1hybrids and production of pure hybrid seeds.
Airborne lidar planar roof point extraction using least‐squares fitting supervised by a posteriori variance estimation
Authors: Chio Shih‐Hong , Chan Li‐Cheng
Published: September 2021

The least‐squares fitting method can be used for planar roof point extraction from airborne lidar points; however, it cannot avoid the impact of non‐planar roof points (blunders) due to lack of robustness. Therefore, this study has developed a least‐squares plane fitting based on a posteriori variance estimation, as proposed by Li in 1983, to reduce the weights of non‐planar roof points. Additionally, least absolute deviation (LAD) was integrated into the first step of this improved Li method, to increase blunder detection. For simulated data, the proposed approach increased the blunder detection rate by up to 6% compared to the original Li method. Test results with real data showed that the proposed approach demonstrated robustness, applicability and effectiveness.
Burying, not broadcasting seeds improves the seedling establishment of most woody species under different ecological conditions in a semiarid ecosystem of central Chile
Authors: Becerra Pablo I. , Aqueveque Naijem , Velasco Nicolás
Published: September 2021

The importance of the sowing method (broadcasting or burying) for seedling establishment, and the extent to which environmental conditions modulate differences between these sowing methods, are understudied. When seeds are buried, they may be exposed to soil conditions with higher moisture content than broadcast. This advantage may occur especially under drier soil conditions within a semiarid climate, such as with less precipitation, open sites, and in presence of herbaceous layer. In this study we conducted an experiment to compare the seedling establishment of 13 woody species between a buried sowing and broadcast, under different conditions of precipitation, shade, and herbaceous layer in a degraded semiarid grassland of central Chile. For each species, some seeds were sown by burying them to a depth of 1 cm and others were broadcast. Orthogonally, we applied two irrigation treatments to simulate a dry and a rainier year, two shade treatments simulating the canopy of woody plants and open sites (with vs. without), and two treatments of herbaceous layer (without vs. with). Establishment was monitored for 10 months between July 2016 and March 2017. Species richness of established seedlings was greater when seeds were buried than broadcast under all environmental conditions. The seedling density per species was greater when seeds were buried than broadcast in nine species, although in some cases this depended on environmental conditions. We conclude that, burying seeds of woody species is more effective and can be a widely applicable restoration method for different environmental conditions and species in semiarid ecosystems.
Relational links for insertion in non‐mass global value chains: Opportunities for middle‐income countries
Authors: González Andrea , Hallak Juan Carlos
Published: September 2021

This paper describes two Argentine case studies of firm's integration in global value chains (GVCs) that target non‐mass market segments in developed countries. The cases involve a manufacturer of high‐end footwear and a manufacturer of customized automotive parts. Based on the common findings in these two cases, we build a conceptual framework that emphasizes relational links as an opportunity of GVC insertion for middle‐income countries that cannot buttress their international competitiveness on low wages. We call these modes of insertion manufacturing with co‐design.
Welcome to the Real World: Escaping the Sociology of Culture and Cognition
Authors: Vaisey Stephen
Published: September 2021

In this article, I argue that the sociology of culture and cognition is a virtual world and that—although it will be painful—we should try to escape it. This will involve engaging in true interdisciplinary work rather than in a pretense of it. To illustrate my argument, I focus on a particular case study—the study of values. I then examine more general (non‐topic‐specific) mechanisms that dissuade sociologists from doing truly interdisciplinary work. I will conclude by outlining some possibilities that I believe we are currently missing.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*04:438 allele by next generation sequencing
Authors: Jacob Valentine , Farce Fabienne , Kaveri Rangolie , Desoutter Judith , Guillaume Nicolas
Published: September 2021

HLA‐C*04:438 differs from HLA‐C*04:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 237 in exon 4.
Bacterial genotype and clinical outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
Authors: Eichenberger Emily M , Ruffin Felicia , Sharma‐Kuinkel Batu , Dagher Michael , Park Lawrence , Kohler Celia , Sinclair Matthew R , Maskarinec Stacey A , Fowler Vance G
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Outcomes from Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are poorly understood.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study comparing the bacterial genotype and clinical outcomes of SAB among SOT and non‐transplant (non‐SOT) recipients from 2005 to 2019. Each subject's initial S. aureus bloodstream isolate was genotyped using spa typing and assigned to a clonal complex.

Results

A total of 103 SOT and 1783 non‐SOT recipients with SAB were included. Bacterial genotype did not differ significantly between SOT and non‐SOT recipients (p = .4673), including the proportion of SAB caused by USA300 (13.2% vs. 16.0%, p = .2680). Transplant status was not significantly associated with 90‐day mortality (18.4% vs. 29.5%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44, 1.25), but was associated with increased risk for septic shock (50.0% vs. 21.8%; aOR 2.31; 95% CI: 1.48, 3.61) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (21.4% vs. 13.7%; aOR 2.03; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.37), and a significantly lower risk of metastatic complications (33.0% vs. 45.5%; aOR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.76). No association was found between bacterial genotype and 90‐day mortality (p = .6222) or septic shock (p = .5080) in SOT recipients with SAB.

Conclusions

SOT recipients with SAB do not experience greater mortality than non‐SOT recipients. The genotype of S. aureus bloodstream isolates in SOT recipients is similar to that of non‐SOT recipients, and does not appear to be an important determinant of outcome in SOT recipients with SAB.
Drop Landing Biomechanics in Individuals With and Without a Concussion History
Authors: Shumski Eric J. , Kasamatsu Tricia M. , Wilson Kathleen S. , Pamukoff Derek N.
Published: September 2021

Research has identified an increased risk of lower extremity injury postconcussion, which may be due to aberrant biomechanics during dynamic tasks. The purpose of this study was to compare the drop landing biomechanics between individuals with and without a concussion history. Twenty-five individuals with and 25 without a concussion history were matched on age (±3 y), sex, and body mass index (±1 kg/m2). Three-dimensional landing biomechanics were recorded to obtain dependent variables (peak vertical ground reaction force, loading rate, knee flexion angle and external moment, knee abduction angle and external moment, and knee flexion and abduction angle at ground contact). A 1-way multivariate analysis of variance compared outcomes between groups. There was no difference in drop landing biomechanics between individuals with and without a concussion history (F10,39 = 0.460,P = .877, Wilk Λ = .918). There was an effect of time since concussion on knee flexion characteristics. Time since most recent concussion explained a significant amount of variation in both peak (ΔR2 = .177,β = −0.305, ΔP = .046) and initial ground contact (ΔR2 = .292,β = −0.204, ΔP = .008) knee flexion angle after covarying for sex and body mass index. Therefore, time since concussion should be considered when evaluating biomechanical patterns.
The Effect of Navigation Demand on Decision Making in a Dynamic, Sport-Inspired Virtual Environment
Authors: Alt Jeromy M. , Kiefer Adam W. , MacPherson Ryan , Davis Tehran J. , Silva Paula L.
Published: September 2021

Athletes commonly make decisions about the passability of closing gaps when navigating sport environments. This study examined whether increased temporal pressure to arrive at a desired location modifies these decisions. Thirty participants navigated toward a waypoint in a virtual, sport-inspired environment. To do so, they had to decide whether they could pass through closing gaps of virtual humans (and take the shortest route) or steer around them (and take a longer route). The decision boundary of participants who were time pressured to arrive at a waypoint was biased toward end gaps of smaller sizes and was less reliably defined, resulting in a higher number of collisions. Effects of temporal pressure were minimized with experience in the experimental task. Results indicate that temporal pressure affects perceptual–motor processes supporting information pickup and shapes the information–action coupling that drives compliance with navigation demands. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Synaptic mechanism underlying serotonin modulation of transition to cocaine addiction
Authors: Li Yue , Simmler Linda D. , Van Zessen Ruud , Flakowski Jérôme , Wan Jin-Xia , Deng Fei , Li Yu-Long , Nautiyal Katherine M. , Pascoli Vincent , Lüscher Christian
Published: September 2021

Prevention of compulsive cocaine taking

Over time, about 20% of chronic cocaine users lose control and become addicted. There are indications that the differential efficacy of the brain serotonin (5-HT) system may be involved in the vulnerability to drug addiction. However, the relevant circuits and underlying cellular processes remain elusive. Li
et al
. discovered a synaptic mechanism in mice that underlies the modulatory role of 5-HT in reducing the likelihood of transition to compulsion and eventually addiction (see the Perspective by Miyazaki and Miyazaki). Cocaine binds to 5-HT transporters to block 5-HT reuptake. The elevated extracellular 5-HT activates 5-HT
1B
receptors and causes presynaptic depression of a projection from the orbitofrontal cortex to the dorsal striatum. These changes reduce the likelihood of inducing postsynaptic potentiation at these synapses, which ultimately drives compulsion. —PRS
Genome Sequences of Two Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from Asian Elephants in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Sarad , Brenner Evan P. , Hadi Syeda A. , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Nakajima Chie , Tsubota Toshio , Gairhe Kamal Prasad , Maharjan Bhagwan , Sreevatsan Srinand
Published: September 2021

This report describes the genome sequences of two
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates, S1 and S3, recovered from Asian elephants in Nepal. These genome sequences will enhance our understanding of the genomic epidemiology of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in Asian elephants.
Clay templates in Ediacaran vendotaeniaceans: Implications for the taphonomy of carbonaceous fossils
Authors: Becker-Kerber B. , Elmola A. Abd , Zhuravlev A. , Gaucher C. , Simões M.G. , Prado G.M.E.M. , Vintaned J.A. Gámez , Fontaine C. , Lino L.M. , Sanchez D. Ferreira , Galante D. , Paim P.S.G. , Callefo F. , Kerber G. , Meunier A. , El Albani A.
Published: September 2021

Although rare, sedimentary deposits containing exceptionally preserved fossils (i.e., Lagerstätten) have shaped our view on the history of life at particular intervals, such as those recording the Cambrian radiation of animals. Therefore, understanding the processes that lead to the fossilization of unmineralized tissues is crucial to better interpret these fossil assemblages. A key issue on the fossilization of exceptionally preserved fossils is linked to the role of clay minerals in the high-fidelity preservation of recalcitrant and soft tissues. Here, we show for the first time, an association of unusual fibrous clays with carbonaceous fossils (Vendotaenia) in the late Ediacaran Tamengo Formation (Mato Grosso do Sul State, western Brazil). The vendotaeniaceans occur in laminated mudstones/siltstones interpreted as being deposited in outer to distal mid-ramp depositionary settings. The fossils are characterized by ribbon-shaped compressions 0.56 mm in mean width. The fibrous clays are obliquely oriented with respect to the bedding plane, and follow the orientation of tectonically deformed structures. Our mineralogical, geochemical, and petrographic data demonstrate that these clays are mainly composed of chlorite-smectite mixed layered minerals, with >50% chlorite. Altogether, our results suggest that these fibrous minerals formed in the late-diagenetic zone to lower anchizone, reinforcing the previous idea that clay minerals associated with fossils are not necessarily related to the preservation of soft tissues. Instead, the initial preservative pathway in our fossils was probably restricted to organic matter conservation in reducing fine-grained sediments, similar to other deposits with carbonaceous fossils. This newly established mechanism, which involves the formation of clays on organic templates in the late-diagenetic zone, is likely a more widespread phenomenon than previously thought.
Residential exposure to transportation noise in Denmark and incidence of dementia: national cohort study
Authors: Cantuaria Manuella Lech , Waldorff Frans Boch , Wermuth Lene , Pedersen Ellen Raben , Poulsen Aslak Harbo , Thacher Jesse Daniel , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole , Ketzel Matthias , Khan Jibran , Valencia Victor H , Schmidt Jesper Hvass , Sørensen Mette
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the association between long term residential exposure to road traffic and railway noise and risk of incident dementia.

Design

Nationwide prospective register based cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

1 938 994 adults aged ≥60 years living in Denmark between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2017.

Main outcome measures

Incident cases of all cause dementia and dementia subtypes (Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson’s disease related dementia), identified from national hospital and prescription registries.

Results

The study population included 103 500 participants with incident dementia, and of those, 31 219 received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, 8664 of vascular dementia, and 2192 of Parkinson’s disease related dementia. Using Cox regression models, 10 year mean exposure to road traffic and railway noise at the most (L
den
max) and least (L
den
min) exposed façades of buildings were associated with a higher risk of all cause dementia. These associations showed a general pattern of higher hazard ratios with higher noise exposure, but with a levelling off or even small declines in risk at higher noise levels. In subtype analyses, both road traffic noise and railway noise were associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, with hazard ratios of 1.16 (95% confidence interval 1.11 to 1.22) for road L
den
max ≥65 dB compared with <45 dB, 1.27 (1.22 to 1.34) for road L
den
min ≥55 dB compared with <40 dB, 1.16 (1.10 to 1.23) for railway L
den
max ≥60 dB compared with <40 dB, and 1.24 (1.17 to 1.30) for railway L
den
min ≥50 dB compared with <40 dB. Road traffic, but not railway, noise was associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia. Results indicated associations between road traffic L
den
min and Parkinson’s disease related dementia.

Conclusions

This nationwide cohort study found transportation noise to be associated with a higher risk of all cause dementia and dementia subtypes, especially Alzheimer’s disease.
Medical cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pain: a clinical practice guideline
Authors: Busse Jason W , Vankrunkelsven Patrick , Zeng Linan , Heen Anja Fog , Merglen Arnaud , Campbell Fiona , Granan Lars-Petter , Aertgeerts Bert , Buchbinder Rachelle , Coen Matteo , Juurlink David , Samer Caroline , Siemieniuk Reed A C , Kumar Nimisha , Cooper Lynn , Brown John , Lytvyn Lyubov , Zeraatkar Dena , Wang Li , Guyatt Gordon H , Vandvik Per O , Agoritsas Thomas
Published: September 2021

Clinical question

What is the role of medical cannabis or cannabinoids for people living with chronic pain due to cancer or non-cancer causes?

Current practice

Chronic pain is common and distressing and associated with considerable socioeconomic burden globally. Medical cannabis is increasingly used to manage chronic pain, particularly in jurisdictions that have enacted policies to reduce use of opioids; however, existing guideline recommendations are inconsistent, and cannabis remains illegal for therapeutic use in many countries.

Recommendation

The guideline expert panel issued a weak recommendation to offer a trial of non-inhaled medical cannabis or cannabinoids, in addition to standard care and management (if not sufficient), for people living with chronic cancer or non-cancer pain.

How this guideline was created

An international guideline development panel including patients, clinicians with content expertise, and methodologists produced this recommendation in adherence with standards for trustworthy guidelines using the GRADE approach. The MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation (MAGIC) provided methodological support. The panel applied an individual patient perspective.

The evidence

This recommendation is informed by a linked series of four systematic reviews summarising the current body of evidence for benefits and harms, as well as patient values and preferences, regarding medical cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pain.

Understanding the recommendation

The recommendation is weak because of the close balance between benefits and harms of medical cannabis for chronic pain. It reflects a high value placed on small to very small improvements in self reported pain intensity, physical functioning, and sleep quality, and willingness to accept a small to modest risk of mostly self limited and transient harms. Shared decision making is required to ensure patients make choices that reflect their values and personal context. Further research is warranted and may alter this recommendation.
Measuring gender-based violence risk mitigation in humanitarian settings: results from a comprehensive desk review and systematic mapping
Authors: Kelly Jocelyn TD , Ausubel Emily , Kenny Emma , Blake Meredith , Heckman Christine , Rastogi Sonia , Sharma Vandana
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To systematically document measurement approaches used in the monitoring and evaluation of gender-based violence (GBV) risk mitigation activities, categorise the types of available literature produced by sector, identify existing tools and measures and identify knowledge gaps within the humanitarian sector.

Design

Systematic mapping and in-depth review.

Data sources: Pubmed, Global Health, PsychInfo, ReliefWeb, OpenGrey (grey literature), Google Scholar, Web of Science (Social Science Index)

Eligibility criteria: a structured search strategy was systematically applied to 17 databases as well as registers, websites and other resources to identify materials published between 1 January 2005 and 15 May 2019.

Data extraction and synthesis: Those resources that met the inclusion criteria underwent a comprehensive full-text review. A detailed matrix was developed and key data from each resource were extracted to allow for the assessment of patterns in thematic areas.

Results

A total of 2108 documents were screened. Overall, 145 documents and 112 tools were reviewed, representing 10 different humanitarian sectors. While numerous resources exist, many lack sufficient information on how to monitor outputs or outcomes of GBV risk mitigation activities. There is also limited guidance on how to integrate the measurement of GBV risk mitigation into existing monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Those reports that aimed to measure GBV risk mitigation activities mostly employed qualitative methods and few measured the impact of a GBV risk mitigation with robust research designs.

Conclusions

Recent efforts to adapt humanitarian response to COVID-19 have highlighted new and existing challenges for GBV risk mitigation. There is a significant gap in the evidence base around the effectiveness of GBV risk mitigation across all sectors. Understanding and strengthening measurement approaches in GBV risk mitigation remains a critical task for humanitarian response.
Impact on Mental, Physical and Cognitive functioning of a Critical care sTay during the COVID-19 pandemic (IMPACCT COVID-19): protocol for a prospective, multicentre, mixed-methods cohort study
Authors: Castro-Ávila Ana Cristina , Merino-Osorio Catalina , González-Seguel Felipe , Camus-Molina Agustín , Leppe Jaime
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The ongoing pandemic could affect the duration, variety and severity of the mental, physical, and cognitive impairments intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and their families frequently present. We aim to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental, physical, and cognitive health of survivors, the experience of their families and their treating healthcare professionals.

Methods and analysis

Prospective, multicentre, mixed-methods cohort study in seven Chilean ICUs. Sample: 450 adults, able to walk independently prior to admission, in ICU and mechanical ventilation >48 hours with and without COVID-19. Clinical Frailty Scale, Charlson comorbidity index, mobility (Functional Status Score for the Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit) and muscle strength (Medical Research Council Sum Score) will be assessed at ICU discharge. Cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment–blind), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), post-traumatic stress (Impact of Event Scale-Revised) symptoms, disability (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0), quality of life (European Quality of Life Health Questionnaire), employment and survival will be assessed at ICU discharge, 3 months and 6 months. A sample will be assessed using actigraphy and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire at 6 months after ICU discharge. Trajectories of mental, physical, and cognitive impairments will be estimated using multilevel longitudinal modelling. A sensitivity analysis using multiple imputations will be performed to account for missing data and loss-to-follow-up. Survival will be analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. The perceptions of family members regarding the ICU stay and the later recovery will be explored 3 months after discharge. Healthcare professionals will be invited to discuss the challenges faced during the pandemic using semistructured interviews. Interviews will be thematically analysed by two independent coders to identify the main themes of the experience of family members and healthcare professionals.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Clinica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Ethics Committee (2020–78) and each participating site. Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through social media and conference meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT04979897.
FCC-ee: the synthesis of a long history of e+e- circular colliders
Authors: Oide K. , Wenninger J.
Published: September 2021

The design of FCC-ee is relying on the accumulated experience of $$\mathrm {e^{+}e^{-}}$$

e
+

e
-

colliders that have been designed, constructed and operated in the past 40 years. FCC-ee will surpass the 26.7 km long Large Electron Positron collider LEP by a factor 4 in size. Like for LEP the large size is justified by the need to control the synchrotron radiation losses that for both machines reach a few percent per turn. To that end LEP had the first large super-conducting (SC) RF system with around 3.8 GV of accelerating voltage. LEP achieved for the first time very large beam-beam parameters of around 0.08, and it relied on transversely polarized beams to determine accurately the beam energy for the experiments. The DA$$\varPhi $$
Φ
NE collider, together with PEP II and KEKB split the two beams into separate vacuum chambers to reach much higher Ampere-level beam currents. To overcome beam-beam lifetime and performance issues DA$$\varPhi $$
Φ
NE used for the first time the Crab Waist concept for the interaction region (IR) optics. The B-factories, PEP-II and KEKB have verified the double-ring $$\mathrm {e^{+}e^{-}}$$

e
+

e
-

collider with multi-ampere stored currents for over 1000 bunches, small $$\beta ^*$$

β
∗

, top-up injection, and achieved then-highest luminosity. KEKB has applied 22-mrad crossing angle at the IP with crab crossing. Both machines inherited accelerator techniques from their predecessors, PEP and TRISTAN, which was a small-scale LEP. Currently the next generation SuperKEKB collider is starting up. It has already achieved some milestones required for FCC-ee such as small $$\beta ^*$$

β
∗

(0.8 mm) and virtual crab-waist scheme with a large Piwinski angle (>10).
Single-Machine Due-Window Assignment Scheduling with Resource Allocation and Generalized Earliness/Tardiness Penalties
Authors: Tian Yu
Published: September 2021

In this study, the due-window assignment single-machine scheduling problem with resource allocation is considered, where the processing time of a job is controllable as a linear or convex function of amount of resource allocated to the job. Under common due-window and slack due-window assignments, our goal is to determine the optimal sequence of all jobs, the due-window start time, due-window size, and optimal resource allocation such that a sum of the scheduling cost (including weighted earliness/tardiness penalty, weighted number of early and tardy job, weighted due-window start time, and due-window size) and resource consumption cost is minimized. We analyze the optimality properties, and provide polynomial time solutions to solve the problem under four versions of due-window assignment and resource allocation function.
Thermodynamical study of (CaGa2S4)x(BaGa2S4)1−x solid solutions
Authors: Naghiyev T. G. , Rzayev R. M.
Published: September 2021

The solid solutions of [Formula: see text] were synthesized by solid-phase reactions from powder components of CaS, BaS, and Ga2S3. The temperature-concentration dependences of the Gibbs free energy of formation of [Formula: see text] solid solutions from ternary compounds and phase diagrams of the CaGa2S4–BaGa2S4 were determined by a calculation method. It was revealed that continuous solid solutions are formed in these systems. The spinodal decomposition of [Formula: see text] solid solutions into two phases is predicted at ordinary temperatures.
Apposite solutions to fractional nonlinear Schrödinger-type evolution equations occurring in quantum mechanics
Authors: Islam Md. Tarikul , Akbar Md. Ali , Guner Ozkan , Bekir Ahmet
Published: September 2021

Nonlinear evolution equations of arbitrary order bearing a significantly broad range of capability to illustrate the underlying behavior of naturalistic structures relating to the real world, have become a major source of attraction of scientists and scholars. In quantum mechanics, the nonlinear dynamical system is most reasonably modeled through the Schrödinger-type partial differential equations. In this paper, we discuss the (2+1)-dimensional time-fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation and the (1+1)-dimensional space–time fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation for appropriate solutions by means of the recommended enhanced rational [Formula: see text]-expansion technique adopting Cole–Hopf transformation and Riccati equation. The considered equations are turned into ordinary differential equations by implementing a composite wave variable replacement alongside the conformable fractional derivative. Then a successful execution of the proposed method has been made, which brought out supplementary innovative outcomes of the considered equations compared with the existing results found so far. The well-generated solutions are presented graphically in 3D views for numerous wave structures. The high performance of the employed technique shows the acceptability which might provide a new guideline for research hereafter.
Design of broadband single-polarization filter based on simple structure photonic crystal fiber with gold-coated air holes
Authors: An Sinuo , Hu Chunjie , Zhou Lei , Yi Zao , Liu Chao , Lv Jingwei , Yang Lin , Chu Paul K.
Published: September 2021

A polarization filter based on simple structure photonic crystal fiber (PCF) coated with gold air holes is designed in this work. The full vector finite element method (FEM) is used to calculate the characteristic parameters of PCF. In the final numerical simulation results, the loss peak in the [Formula: see text] polarization direction is 2305.72 dB/cm and the [Formula: see text]-polarized loss is as low as 75.86 dB/cm at 1.31 [Formula: see text]m. For the fiber length of 1000 [Formula: see text]m, the CT reaches 1936.83 dB and a wide bandwidth greater than 20 dB can provide above 800 nm. The content of this paper can provide a new idea for filter structure design.
A spatial-temporal approach for traffic status analysis and prediction based on Bi-LSTM structure
Authors: Li Linjia , Yang Yang , Yuan Zhenzhou , Chen Zhi
Published: September 2021

Urban traffic control has become a big issue to help traffic management in recent years. With data explosion, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is developing rapidly. ITS is an advanced data-based method for traffic control, which requires timely and effective information supply. This research aims at providing real-time and accurate traffic flow data by intelligent prediction method. Applying multiple road traffic flow data of the Caltrans Performance Measurement System (PeMS) and separating the time series, the mechanism of spatial-temporal differences was taken into consideration. Based on the basic Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, an improved LSTM model with Dropout and Bi-structure (Bi-LSTM) for traffic flow prediction was presented. In the prediction process, we applied three models including the improved Bi-LSTM model, Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model and Linear Regression in the experiment, and made a comparison from aspects of model structure complexity, operating efficiency and prediction accuracy. To validate the portability of the prediction model, the features of traffic flow from different datasets were further analyzed. The experimental results show that the improved Bi-LSTM model performs best in traffic flow prediction with comprehensive rationality, which reaches an accuracy of about 92% when considering temporal differences. Particularly, the specific factors of traffic situations and locations which is more applicable to be predicted by the improved Bi-LSTM model are summarized considering spatial differences. This research proposes an advanced and accurate model to provide real-time and short-term traffic flow prediction data, which is of great help to intelligent traffic control. Considering the mechanism between model and road traffic properties, the results suggest that it is more applicable in urban commercial area.
Research Advances in COPD Drugs and Novel Targets
Authors: Wang Lveli , Xiao Chuang , Liang Yaping , Weng Zhiying , Yang Weimin
Published: September 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-most deadly disease in the world and will be a major healthcare problem for decades to come. Its etiology is mainly related to the exposure to cigarette smoke and poisonous gases, and the infections of viruses including COVID-19 induce acute exacerbation of COPD, which may cause death in patients. Few advances have been made in COPD pathological mechanism, and the current clinical treatment strategies focus on both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory interventions; but with limited clinical therapeutic agents, COPD therapies still lack more drugs especially those that antagonize COPD-specific inflammatory responses. We review the COPD clinically applied drugs, and the progress of research on new drugs and related novel targets, including [Formula: see text] agonists and anti-muscarinic drugs for airway diastole, glucocorticoids and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors for anti-inflammatory, protease inhibitors, emerging antioxidants, adhesion factor inhibitors, growth factor antagonists, adenylate cyclase agonists, chemokine antagonists, etc. We thus provide insights on the COPD new drugs research and development.
Life in Anticipation of the COVID-19 Pandemic ‘Peak’: Reflecting on ‘Strategies’ for and Variations in attempts at ‘Flattening the Curve’ and Managing the Crisis
Authors: Staupe-Delgado Reidar
Published: September 2021

On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the emerging COVID-19 threat a pandemic following the global spread of the virus. As countries around the world implemented emergency measures in a concerted effort to handle the emerging pandemic, the nature and implications of the different kinds of precautionary measures adopted have remained contested. The majority of countries opted for efforts to slow the rate of infection, whilst critics have argued for stricter and milder measures, respectively. The living experience of the pandemic is inherently temporal as it is shaped by sentiments of living in anticipation of the envisioned pandemic peak(s) and aftermath, as vividly illustrated with references to the need for ‘flattening the curve’ so as to reduce the impact of the looming or creeping crisis. This paper sets out to critically discuss the notion of pandemic ‘strategies’, recognizing also that governments altered their strategic stances throughout the initial phase of the pandemic. It is likely that the aftermath of the crisis will trigger discussions of what kind of response should be considered as best practice. Thus, greater attention to the notion of ‘strategies’ in light of the COVID-19 pandemic is in order.
Achievement Motivation: What We Know and Where We Are Going
Authors: Wigfield Allan , Muenks Katherine , Eccles Jacquelynne S.
Published: September 2021

We review work on the development of children's and adolescents’ achievement motivation, focusing on recent advances in the empirical work in the field and commenting on the status of current theories prominent in the literature. We first focus on the main theories guiding the field and the development of motivational beliefs, values, and goals; intrinsic and extrinsic motivation; identity and motivation; and motivation and emotion. We provide our views on future directions for theory development and what we believe are the critical next steps in developmental research. We then discuss the burgeoning intervention work designed to enhance different aspects of children's motivation: their competence beliefs and mindsets, intrinsic motivation, valuing of achievement, and growth mindsets. We also provide suggestions for next steps in this area in order to guide the field forward. We close with a brief consideration of neuroscience approaches to motivation.
Non-P450 Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes: Contribution to Drug Disposition, Toxicity, and Development
Authors: Fukami Tatsuki , Yokoi Tsuyoshi , Nakajima Miki
Published: September 2021

Most clinically used drugs are metabolized in the body via oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis reactions, which are considered phase I reactions. Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes, which primarily catalyze oxidation reactions, contribute to the metabolism of over 50% of clinically used drugs. In the last few decades, the function and regulation of P450s have been extensively studied, whereas the characterization of non-P450 phase I enzymes is still incomplete. Recent studies suggest that approximately 30% of drug metabolism is carried out by non-P450 enzymes. This review summarizes current knowledge of non-P450 phase I enzymes, focusing on their roles in controlling drug efficacy and adverse reactions as an important aspect of drug development.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Its Diverse Ligands and Functions: An Exposome Receptor
Authors: Larigot Lucie , Benoit Louise , Koual Meriem , Tomkiewicz Céline , Barouki Robert , Coumoul Xavier
Published: September 2021

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcriptional factor that regulates multiple functions following its activation by a variety of ligands, including xenobiotics, natural products, microbiome metabolites, and endogenous molecules. Because of this diversity, the AhR constitutes an exposome receptor. One of its main functions is to regulate several lines of defense against chemical insults and bacterial infections. Indeed, in addition to its well-established detoxication function, it has several functions at physiological barriers, and it plays a critical role in immunomodulation. The AhR is also involved in the development of several organs and their homeostatic maintenance. Its activity depends on the type of ligand and on the time frame of the receptor activation, which can be either sustained or transient, leading in some cases to opposite modes of regulations as illustrated in the regulation of different cancer pathways. The development of selective modulators and their pharmacological characterization are important areas of research.
Home-based physiology labs in the time of COVID-19 prove popular with medical students
Authors: Youssef Farid F. , Mohan Junette , Davis Elaine M. , John Melford
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting “lockdown” have forced many medical schools to shift from traditional “face-to-face” teaching methodologies and embrace full online delivery. Although lectures and tutorials are readily communicated by this approach, the execution of laboratory exercises is much more difficult. To overcome these challenges, face-to-face laboratory sessions were replaced by a blended learning approach in which students were provided instructional material online and then required to conduct the laboratory exercises at home. These laboratory exercises made use of easily accessible household materials and mobile applications. A self-report survey was designed to assess students’ perception of their learning experience and attitudes to the home-based laboratory exercises. The survey consisted of 16 questions that students had to respond to using a 5-point Likert scale. Students were also allowed to provide open responses to select questions. Overall, the 80% of students that completed the survey expressed strong satisfaction with their learning experience and were enthusiastic toward home-based laboratory exercises. However, concerns about not being able to complete particular face-to-face exercises that required specialized equipment were expressed. Several students proposed a combined approach going forward. Our results show that home-based laboratory exercises offer a multimodal option that enriches the learning curriculum by engaging students in “hands-on” bespoke practicals using inexpensive household materials.