bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercio internazionale e tutela dei diritti dei lavoratori: alla ricerca di una globalizzazione sostenibile.
Authors: Rosaria Mauro Maria
Published: January 2022

La liberalizzazione del commercio internazionale può promuovere la crescita economica e le opportunità di lavoro sia nei Paesi in via di viluppo sia nelle economie industrializzate. Peraltro, non tutti gli Stati hanno beneficiato in uguale misura di tale liberalizzazione e, in generale, della globalizzazione delle relazioni economiche internazionali. Di conseguenza, questi fenomeni e gli accordi commerciali di stampo liberista che li hanno favoriti continuano a essere oggetto di un acceso dibattito. In tale contesto, uno degli aspetti più controversi è la mancanza di una protezione adeguata dei diritti dei lavoratori nell’ambito dei suddetti accordi. Partendo dall’attuale mancanza di regole specifiche nel quadro giuridico multilaterale degli scambi, l’autore analizza le cosiddette “clausole sociali” contenute negli accordi di libero scambio bilaterali e regionali di nuova generazione, con particolare riferimento ai trattati conclusi dall’Unione europea (UE). Dall’analisi emerge che tali clausole non garantiscono ancora una sufficiente protezione ai lavoratori e che, pertanto, esse andrebbero modificate.
Melampo & co.: el cómic infantil y el estereotipo jerárquico de la relación hombre–animal.
Authors: Giorgi Pamela
Published: January 2022

Cada cómic infantil es un medio de evasión y al mismo tiempo profundamente formativo, porque su mensaje (explícito e implícito) es capaz de generar interpretaciones de la realidad. Un ejemplo es el eterno desafío entre el bien y el mal, que dirige a la infancia a distinguir las acciones correctas de las incorrectas: el cómic es, al final, una especie de 'guía de los valores subyacentes a las relaciones sociales'. Este artículo busca definir brevemente, a través del análisis de algunos clásicos del cómic de la primera mitad del siglo XX, cuál es la representación del mundo animal; cómo persiste la idea que los seres humanos son portadores de una conciencia y sentimientos "superiores" que los distinguirían también de los animales. ¿Se refuerza en el cómic infantil esa presunta 'inferioridad' sentimental que permitió (y permite) justificar, a su vez, la explotación del cuerpo animal? ¿Cómo se expresa esta jerarquía en el cómic? ¿Fortalece (o, más esporádicamente, contrasta) un modelo atribuible a la categoría de 'especismo'?
El aprendizaje de la historia de los jóvenes de la posguerra: la revista salesiana Mi Colegio (Utrera, 1942-1945).
Authors: Montoya Rodríguez María del Carmen
Published: January 2022

Este artículo analiza la trayectoria de Mi Colegio, editada en el Colegio salesiano de Utrera, entre 1942 y 1945, años decisivos en la conformación del ideario franquista y de redefinición del papel de España en el orden internacional. Este estudio de caso permite clarificar un modelo de revista salesiana que difiere del jesuítico por sus rasgos periodísticos, sus líneas temáticas preferentes y su finalidad divulgativa. El análisis de contenido permite comprender si la revista responde al modelo educativo salesiano y clarificar la propuesta de persona del centro salesiano en el marco de la posguerra. A partir de un enfoque interpretativo e integrador y atendiendo a los textos publicados accederemos al nuevo modelo de ciudadano que trata de forjarse, con un proyecto de vida acorde con los principios nacionales del Movimiento: patriotismo y catolicidad. Esto nos permitirá señalar los referentes culturales, religiosos e históricos que configuran la propuesta educativa-cívica sobre la que pretende asentarse la reconstrucción nacional.
The «Bollettino delle bibliotechine rurali» of zia Mariú a children’s magazine called to build society through books .
Authors: Davida Pizzigoni Francesca
Published: January 2022

In the Italy of the early twentieth century, the initiative created by zia Mariù (Paola Lombroso) and promoted through its organ of dissemination «Bollettino delle bibliotechine rurali» manages to provide over 1000 rural schools with a small school library. This action, carried out through the active commitment of other children, on one hand has the power to affect the society, on the other hand initiating an action of great "active citizenship" by children and, finally, interrupting the condition of extreme poverty and marginality in which rural schools lived in. The article aims to present the initiative through the writings of zia Mariù herself and in particular through the pages of the «Bollettino delle bibliotechine rurali», identifying the role of this communication instrument compared to the success of the project.
Extremizing and Antiextremizing in Bayesian Ensembles of Binary-Event Forecasts
Authors: Lichtendahl Kenneth C. , Grushka-Cockayne Yael , Jose Victor Richmond , Winkler Robert L.
Published: January 2022

Many organizations combine forecasts of probabilities of binary events to support critical business decisions, such as the approval of credit or the recommendation of a drug. To aggregate individual probabilities, we offer a new method based on Bayesian principles that can help identify why and when combined probabilities need to be extremized. Extremizing is typically viewed as shifting the average probability farther from one half; we emphasize that it is more suitable to define extremizing as shifting it farther from the base rate. We introduce the notion of antiextremizing, cases in which it might be beneficial to make average probabilities less extreme. Analytically, we find that our Bayesian ensembles often extremize the average forecast but sometimes antiextremize instead. On several publicly available data sets, we demonstrate that our Bayesian ensemble performs well and antiextremizes anywhere from 18% to 73% of the cases. Antiextremizing is required more often when there is bracketing with respect to the base rate among the probabilities being aggregated than with no bracketing.
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Martin
Published: January 2022

In this issue's ECG of the month, Martin Regan presents a case of a 68-year-old man who was referred by his GP after experiencing chest pain, breathlessness and pins and needles for several weeks.
A referral pathway for stoma patients
Authors: Roberts Alison
Published: January 2022

Alison Roberts, Nurse Team Leader, Respond Healthcare ( alison.roberts@respond.co.uk ) was a runner-up in the Stoma Nurse of the Year category of the British Journal of Nursing Awards 2021
Should we reform the clinical negligence system in 2022?
Authors: Tingle John
Published: January 2022

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, looks forward to government deliberations and a report in 2022 on the reform of the clinical negligence compensation system
Reflecting on the trainee nurse associate role uptake and impact
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: January 2022

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers the lessons from research into the trainee nurse associate role and the implications for workforce planning
Fast reconstruction technology of a laser beam spatial transmission characteristic curve
Authors: Liu Jianing , Meng Jin , Lyu Jiahang , Wang Shifeng
Published: January 2022

The traditional multiposition method of the

M
2

factor measurement system is a good method, but it is relatively time consuming, so it cannot meet the requirements of the transient test of a Gaussian beam. To solve this problem, a quadriwave lateral shearing interferometer and a wavefront construction method based on a difference Zernike polynomial are analyzed. This interferometer uses a special grating to select four replicas of the wavefront, and the interferogram generated by four replicas includes difference wavefront information. Then the difference Zernike polynomial method is used to analyze quadriwave lateral shearing interferograms. The characteristic parameters are obtained after finding the optimal terms of the Zernike polynomials. As a result, the errors of F-number, beam radius, and radius of curvature are 3.7%, 3.8%, and 0.6%, respectively, which verifies this method to calculate parameters of Gaussian beam. In addition, we also find that the shear amount has influence on the reconstructed wavefront. It is showed that as the amount of shear increases from 20 pixels to 90 pixels, the peak-to-valley (P-V) values and RMS values both gradually decrease with a nonlinear relationship, which could be used to decrease the error of wavefront reconstruction further.
Analyzing natural herd immunity media discourse in the United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: Zenone Marco , Snyder Jeremy , Marcon Alessandro , Caulfield Timothy
Published: January 2022

Natural herd immunity, where community-acquired infections in low-risk populations are used to protect high risk populations from infection–has seen high profile support in some quarters, including through the Great Barrington Declaration. However, this approach has been widely criticized as ineffective and misinformed. In this study, we examine media discourse around natural herd immunity in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) to better understand how this approach was promoted. Country-specific news media publications between March 11, 2020 and January 31, 2021 were searched for references to herd immunity. News articles focused on herd immunity and including a stakeholder quote about herd immunity were collected, resulting in 400 UK and 144 US articles. Stakeholder comments were then coded by name, organization, organization type, and concept agreement or disagreement. Government figures and a small but vocal coalition of academics played a central role in promoting natural herd immunity in the news media whereas critics were largely drawn from academia and public health. These groups clashed on whether: natural herd immunity is an appropriate and effective pandemic response; the consequences of a lockdown are worse than those of promoting herd immunity; high-risk populations could be adequately protected; and if healthcare resources would be adequate under a herd immunity strategy. False balance in news media coverage of natural herd immunity as a pandemic response legitimized this approach and potentially undermined more widely accepted mitigation approaches. The ability to protect high risk populations while building herd immunity was a central but poorly supported pillar of this approach. The presentation of herd immunity in news media underscores the need for greater appreciation of potential harm of media representations that contain false balance.
The global epidemiology of chikungunya from 1999 to 2020: A systematic literature review to inform the development and introduction of vaccines
Authors: Bettis Alison A. , L’Azou Jackson Maïna , Yoon In-Kyu , Breugelmans J. Gabrielle , Goios Ana , Gubler Duane J. , Powers Ann M.
Published: January 2022

Chikungunya fever is an acute febrile illness that is often associated with severe polyarthralgia in humans. The disease is caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus. Since its reemergence in 2004, the virus has spread throughout the tropical world and several subtropical areas affecting millions of people to become a global public health issue. Given the significant disease burden, there is a need for medical countermeasures and several vaccine candidates are in clinical development. To characterize the global epidemiology of chikungunya and inform vaccine development, we undertook a systematic literature review in MEDLINE and additional public domain sources published up to June 13, 2020 and assessed epidemiological trends from 1999 to 2020. Observational studies addressing CHIKV epidemiology were included and studies not reporting primary data were excluded. Only descriptive analyses were conducted. Of 3,883 relevant sources identified, 371 were eligible for inclusion. 46% of the included studies were published after 2016. Ninety-seven outbreak reports from 45 countries and 50 seroprevalence studies from 31 countries were retrieved, including from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and Europe. Several countries reported multiple outbreaks, but these were sporadic and unpredictable. Substantial gaps in epidemiological knowledge were identified, specifically granular data on disease incidence and age-specific infection rates. The retrieved studies revealed a diversity of methodologies and study designs, reflecting a lack of standardized procedures used to characterize this disease. Nevertheless, available epidemiological data emphasized the challenges to conduct vaccine efficacy trials due to disease unpredictability. A better understanding of chikungunya disease dynamics with appropriate granularity and better insights into the duration of long-term population immunity is critical to assist in the planning and success of vaccine development efforts pre and post licensure.
People who inject drugs in metropolitan Chicago: A meta-analysis of data from 1997-2017 to inform interventions and computational modeling toward hepatitis C microelimination
Authors: Boodram Basmattee , Mackesy-Amiti Mary Ellen , Khanna Aditya , Brickman Bryan , Dahari Harel , Ozik Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Progress toward hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in the United States is not on track to meet targets set by the World Health Organization, as the opioid crisis continues to drive both injection drug use and increasing HCV incidence. A pragmatic approach to achieving this is using a microelimination approach of focusing on high-risk populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID). Computational models are useful in understanding the complex interplay of individual, social, and structural level factors that might alter HCV incidence, prevalence, transmission, and treatment uptake to achieve HCV microelimination. However, these models need to be informed with realistic sociodemographic, risk behavior and network estimates on PWID. We conducted a meta-analysis of research studies spanning 20 years of research and interventions with PWID in metropolitan Chicago to produce parameters for a synthetic population for realistic computational models (e.g., agent-based models). We then fit an exponential random graph model (ERGM) using the network estimates from the meta-analysis in order to develop the network component of the synthetic population.
Chronic kidney disease biomarkers and mortality among older adults: A comparison study of survey samples in China and the United States
Authors: Miao Hui , Liu Linxin , Wang Yeli , Wang Yucheng , He Qile , Jafar Tazeen Hasan , Tang Shenglan , Zeng Yi , Ji John S.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Among older adults in China and the US, we aimed to compare the biomarkers of chronic-kidney-diseases (CKD), factors associated with CKD, and the correlation between CKD and mortality.

Setting

China and the US.

Study design

Cross-sectional and prospective cohorts.

Participants

We included 2019 participants aged 65 and above from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS) in 2012, and 2177 from US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2011–2014.

Outcomes

Urinary albumin, urinary creatinine, albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, plasma albumin, uric acid, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). CKD (ACR ≥ 30 mg/g or eGFR< 60 ml/min/1.73m2) and mortality.

Analytical approach

Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models. Covariates included age, sex, race, education, income, marital status, health condition, smoking and drinking status, physical activity and body mass index.

Results

Chinese participants had lower levels of urinary albumin, ACR, and uric acid than the US (mean: 25.0 vs 76.4 mg/L, 41.7 vs 85.0 mg/g, 292.9 vs 341.3 μmol/L). In the fully-adjusted model, CKD was associated with the risk of mortality only in the US group (hazard ratio [HR], 95% CI: 2.179, 1.561–3.041 in NHANES, 1.091, 0.940–1.266 in CLHLS). Compared to eGFR≥90, eGFR ranged 30–44 ml/min/1.73m2 was only associated with mortality in the US population (HR, 95% CI: 2.249, 1.141–4.430), but not in the Chinese population (HR, 95% CI: 1.408, 0.884–2.241).

Conclusions

The elderly participants in the US sample had worse CKD-related biomarker levels than in China sample, and the association between CKD and mortality was also stronger among the US older adults. This may be due to the biological differences, or co-morbid conditions.
Twitter and Facebook posts about COVID-19 are less likely to spread misinformation compared to other health topics
Authors: Broniatowski David A. , Kerchner Daniel , Farooq Fouzia , Huang Xiaolei , Jamison Amelia M. , Dredze Mark , Quinn Sandra Crouse , Ayers John W.
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic brought widespread attention to an “infodemic” of potential health misinformation. This claim has not been assessed based on evidence. We evaluated if health misinformation became more common during the pandemic. We gathered about 325 million posts sharing URLs from Twitter and Facebook during the beginning of the pandemic (March 8-May 1, 2020) compared to the same period in 2019. We relied on source credibility as an accepted proxy for misinformation across this database. Human annotators also coded a subsample of 3000 posts with URLs for misinformation. Posts about COVID-19 were 0.37 times as likely to link to “not credible” sources and 1.13 times more likely to link to “more credible” sources than prior to the pandemic. Posts linking to “not credible” sources were 3.67 times more likely to include misinformation compared to posts from “more credible” sources. Thus, during the earliest stages of the pandemic, when claims of an infodemic emerged, social media contained proportionally less misinformation than expected based on the prior year. Our results suggest that widespread health misinformation is not unique to COVID-19. Rather, it is a systemic feature of online health communication that can adversely impact public health behaviors and must therefore be addressed.
Summer crowds: An analysis of USFS campground reservations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shartaj Mostafa , Suter Jordan F. , Warziniack Travis
Published: January 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, US public land managers faced the challenge of catering to large increases in camping demand, while maintaining social distancing guidelines. In this paper, we use multivariate linear regression to analyze weekly changes in reservations to US Forest Service (USFS) campgrounds between 2019 and 2020. The regression models estimate the impact of local COVID infection rates, public health restrictions, and spatial spillovers from proximity to National Parks (NPs), metropolitan areas and wildfire on camping demand. Our sample includes 1,688 individual USFS campgrounds from across the contiguous US. The results illustrate the dramatic increases in camping on USFS land that occurred in the summer of 2020 and demonstrate that increases in local infection rates led to significant increases in camping nights reserved in the summer. The results also illustrate that the increase in camping nights reserved at USFS campgrounds was particularly dramatic for campgrounds located near large metropolitan areas and near NPs that saw increases in overall recreational visits. These results point to the important role that public lands played during the pandemic and can help guide public land resource allocations for campground maintenance and operation.
Profile qualitative variables on the dynamics of weight loss programs in dogs
Authors: Vendramini Thiago Henrique Annibale , Gomes Olivindo Rodrigo Fernando , Zafalon Rafael Vessecchi Amorim , Rentas Mariana Fragoso , Zanini Lucca Denuci , Amaral Andressa Rodrigues , Pedrinelli Vivian , de Oliveira Vinicius Vasques , Risolia Larissa Wünsche , Teixeira Fabio Alves , Brunetto Márcio Antonio
Published: January 2022

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in dogs and it is associated with many comorbidities. Some obesity risk factors have already been established, however, the evaluation of the effect of different individual variables on weight loss induced by calorie restriction, although very important, is still poorly explored. The weight loss protocol can be updated and improved by more precise and adjusted equations throughout the weight loss program in the clinical routine practice. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze weight loss program dynamics in groups according to reproductive status, age, body size, and breed, as well as to define more accurately the amount of calories per target metabolic weight throughout the program. Data of 1,053 cases, presented between 2012 and 2019 at the Veterinary Hospital of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo (FMVZ-USP) were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 77 obese dogs (body condition scores 8/9 or 9/9) of different ages, breeds, sizes, and reproductive status were selected. These dogs did not have any concomitant illnesses and successfully completed the weight loss program. Statistical analysis was performed and values of p≤0.05 were considered significant. The proposed weight loss program was based on an energy restriction protocol where daily energy intake (in kcal) was estimated as 70kcal×target weight0.75. The target weight (TW) was defined as 80% of the animal’s current weight. The average calorie intake for weight loss (calories x target weight0.75) was lower for spayed females (62.36), differing from intact males (66.14) and neutered males (65.41), while intact females (63.66) showed intermediate values without differing between groups (p = 0.015). There were no differences between weight loss calories according to age (p = 0.473) or body size (p = 0.084), allowing the use of the same mathematical equation for intact and neutered dogs; for dogs older than 1 year and of different body sizes. Regarding the breed, the average calorie intake was lower (p = 0.002) in mixed breed dogs (61.54xTW0.75) when compared to obesity-prone purebred dogs (64.17xTW0.75) and other purebreds (65.27xTW0.75). It was concluded that spayed females and mixed breed dogs have greater difficulty in losing weight, that is, they need fewer calories per metabolic body weight for the weight loss program to succeed. A more accurate equation for energy requirement for weight loss can improve chances of success, therefore improving compliance and helping clinical management of obesity in dogs.
Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stage 3/4 CKD: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ning , Zhou Guowei , Zheng Yawei , Lv Dan , Zhu Xiangjun , Wei Ping , Zheng Min , Liu Shijia , Zhou Enchao , Sun Wei , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2022

Introduction

After stage 3 CKD, the risk of adverse cardiovascular events increased significantly. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the cardiovascular protective effect of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with stage 3/4 CKD with different baseline kidney function or underlying diseases.

Method

To identify eligible trials, we systematically searched the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases from inception to April 15, 2021. The primary cardiovascular outcome was defined as a combination of cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure. Baseline kidney functions (stage 3a CKD: eGFR45-59mL/min per 1.73m2, stage 3b CKD: eGFR30-44mL/min per 1.73m2, stage 4 CKD: eGFR<30mL/min per 1.73m2) and underlying diseases (Type 2 diabetes, heart failure (Preserved ejection fraction or reduced ejection fraction), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) were used to stratify efficacy and safety outcomes. The results were subjected to a sensitivity analysis to ensure that they were reliable.

Results

In the present study, a total of eleven trials were included that involved a total of 27,823 patients with stage 3/4 CKD. The treatment and control groups contained 14,451 and 13,372 patients, respectively. In individuals with stage 3/4 CKD, SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of primary cardiovascular outcomes by 26% (HR 0.74, [95% CI 0.69–0.80], I2 = 0.00%), by 30% in patients with stage 3a CKD (HR 0.70, [95% CI 0.59–0.84], I2 = 18.70%), by 23% in patients with stage 3b CKD (HR 0.77, [95% CI 0.66–0.90], I2 = 2.12%), and by 29% in patients with stage 4 CKD (HR 0.71, [95% CI 0.53–0.96], I2 = 0.00%). The risk of primary outcomes was reduced by 29% (HR 0.71, [95% CI 0.63–0.80], I2 = 0.00%) in patients with type 2 diabetes, by 28% (HR 0.72, [95% CI 0.56–0.93], I2 = 37.23%) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, by 21% (HR 0.79, [95% CI 0.70–0.89], I2 = 0.00%) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and by 25% (HR 0.75, [95% CI 0.64–0.88], I2 = 0.00%) in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

For stage 3/4 CKD, SGLT2 inhibitors significantly decreased the risk of primary cardiovascular outcomes, and these benefits were consistent throughout the spectrum of different kidney functions, even in stage 4 CKD. There was no evidence of increased adverse outcomes across different baseline clinical complications, such as type 2 diabetes, heart failure, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Quantification of human plasma metalloproteins in multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke and healthy controls reveals an association of haptoglobin-hemoglobin complexes with age
Authors: Sarpong-Kumankomah Sophia , Knox Katherine B. , Kelly Michael E. , Hunter Gary , Popescu Bogdan , Nichol Helen , Kopciuk Karen , Ntanda Henry , Gailer Jürgen
Published: January 2022

Advanced analytical methods play an important role in quantifying serum disease biomarkers. The problem of separating thousands of proteins can be reduced by analyzing for a ‘sub-proteome’, such as the ‘metalloproteome’, defined as all proteins that contain bound metals. We employed size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled to an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) to analyze plasma from multiple sclerosis (MS) participants (n = 21), acute ischemic stroke (AIS) participants (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 21) for Fe, Cu and Zn-metalloproteins. Using ANOVA analysis to compare the mean peak areas among the groups revealed no statistically significant differences for ceruloplasmin (p = 0.31), α2macroglobulin (p = 0.51) and transferrin (p = 0.31). However, a statistically significant difference was observed for the haptoglobin-hemoglobin (Hp-Hb) complex (p = 0.04), being driven by the difference between the control group and AIS (p = 0.012), but not with the MS group (p = 0.13), based on Dunnes test. A linear regression model for Hp-Hb complex with the groups now adjusted for age found no statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.95), but was suggestive for age (p = 0.057). To measure the strength of association between the Hp-Hb complex and age without possible modifications due to disease, we calculated the Spearman rank correlation in the healthy controls. The latter revealed a positive association (r = 0.39, 95% Confidence Interval = (-0.05, 0.83), which suggests that either the removal of Hp-Hb complexes from the blood circulation slows with age or that the release of Hb from red blood cells increases with age. We also observed that the Fe-peak corresponding to the Hp-Hb complex eluted ~100 s later in ~14% of all study samples, which was not correlated with age or disease diagnosis, but is consistent with the presence of the smaller Hp (1–1) isoform in 15% of the population.
SARS-CoV-2 induces a durable and antigen specific humoral immunity after asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 infection
Authors: Havervall Sebastian , Jernbom Falk August , Klingström Jonas , Ng Henry , Greilert-Norin Nina , Gabrielsson Lena , Salomonsson Ann-Christin , Isaksson Eva , Rudberg Ann-Sofie , Hellström Cecilia , Andersson Eni , Olofsson Jennie , Skoglund Lovisa , Yousef Jamil , Pin Elisa , Christ Wanda , Olausson Mikaela , Hedhammar My , Tegel Hanna , Mangsbo Sara , Phillipson Mia , Månberg Anna , Hober Sophia , Nilsson Peter , Thålin Charlotte
Published: January 2022

Current SARS-CoV-2 serological assays generate discrepant results, and the longitudinal characteristics of antibodies targeting various antigens after asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 are yet to be established. This longitudinal cohort study including 1965 healthcare workers, of which 381 participants exhibited antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen at study inclusion, reveal that these antibodies remain detectable in most participants, 96%, at least four months post infection, despite having had no or mild symptoms. Virus neutralization capacity was confirmed by microneutralization assay in 91% of study participants at least four months post infection. Contrary to antibodies targeting the spike protein, antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein were only detected in 80% of previously anti-nucleocapsid IgG positive healthcare workers. Both anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid IgG levels were significantly higher in previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients four months post infection than in healthcare workers four months post infection (p = 2*10−23 and 2*10−13 respectively). Although the magnitude of humoral response was associated with disease severity, our findings support a durable and functional humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 infection even after no or mild symptoms. We further demonstrate differences in antibody kinetics depending on the antigen, arguing against the use of the nucleocapsid protein as target antigen in population-based SARS-CoV-2 serological surveys.
Determinants of whole-body maximal aerobic performance in young male and female athletes: The roles of lower extremity muscle size, strength and power
Authors: Yamagishi Takaki , Saito Akira , Kawakami Yasuo
Published: January 2022

This study sought to determine whether lower extremity muscle size, power and strength could be a determinant of whole-body maximal aerobic performance in athletes. 20 male and 19 female young athletes (18 ± 4 years) from various sporting disciplines participated in this study. All athletes performed a continuous ramp-incremental cycling to exhaustion for the determination of peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak: the highest V˙O2 over a 15-s period) and maximal power output (MPO: power output corresponding to V˙O2peak). Axial scanning of the right leg was performed with magnetic resonance imaging, and anatomical cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of quadriceps femoris (QF) and hamstring muscles at 50% of thigh length were measured. Moreover, bilateral leg extension power and unilateral isometric knee extension and flexion torque were determined. All variables were normalised to body mass, and six independent variables (V˙O2peak, CSAs of thigh muscles, leg extension power and knee extension and flexion torque) were entered into a forward stepwise multiple regression model with MPO being dependent variable for males and females separately. In the males, V˙O2peak was chosen as the single predictor of MPO explaining 78% of the variance. In the females, MPO was attributed to, in the order of importance, V˙O2peak (p < 0.001) and the CSA of QF (p = 0.011) accounting for 84% of the variance. This study suggests that while oxygen transport capacity is the main determinant of MPO regardless of sex, thigh muscle size also has a role in whole-body maximal aerobic performance in female athletes.
Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in COVID-19: Incidence and correlated risk factors in a cohort of non-ICU patients
Authors: Mumoli Nicola , Dentali Francesco , Conte Giulia , Colombo Alessandra , Capra Riccardo , Porta Cesare , Rotiroti Giuseppe , Zuretti Francesca , Cei Marco , Tangianu Flavio , Evangelista Isabella , Vitale Josè , Mazzone Antonino , Giarretta Igor
Published: January 2022

Background

Venous thromboembolism is a frequent complication of COVID-19 infection. Less than 50% of pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with the evidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities. DVT may also occur in the venous system of the upper limbs especially if provoking conditions are present such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of UEDVT in patients affected by moderate-severe COVID-19 infection and to identify potential associated risk factors for its occurrence.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients affected by moderate-severe COVID-19 infection admitted to our unit. In accordance with the local protocol, all patients had undergone a systematic screening for the diagnosis of UEDVT, by vein compression ultrasonography (CUS). All the patients were receiving pharmacological thromboprophylaxis according to international guidelines recommendations. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with UEDVT.

Results

257 patients were included in the study, 28 patients were affected by UEDVT with an incidence of 10.9% (95% CI, 7.1–14.7). At univariate analysis UEDVT appeared to be significantly associated (p< 0.05) with pneumonia, ARDS, PaO2/FiO2, D-dimer value higher than the age adjusted cut off value and need for CPAP ventilation. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between UEDVT and the need for CPAP ventilation (OR 5.95; 95% IC 1.33–26.58). Increased mortality was found in patients affected by UEDVT compared to those who were not (OR 3.71; 95% CI, 1.41–9.78).

Conclusions

UEDVT can occur in COVID-19 patients despite adequate prophylaxis especially in patients undergoing helmet CPAP ventilation. Further studies are needed to identify the correct strategy to prevent DVT in these patients.
Disruption of CRTC1 and CRTC2 in Sim1 cells strongly increases high-fat diet intake in female mice but has a modest impact on male mice
Authors: Tanaka Jin , Ishikawa Fuka , Jinno Tomoki , Miyakita Motoki , Miyamori Haruka , Sasaki Tsutomu , Yokokawa Takumi , Goto Tsuyoshi , Inoue Kazuo , Matsumura Shigenobu
Published: January 2022

cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivators (CRTCs) regulate gene transcription in response to an increase in intracellular cAMP or Ca2+levels. To date, three isoforms of CRTC have been identified in mammals. All CRTCs are widely expressed in various regions of the brain. Numerous studies have shown the importance of CREB and CRTC in energy homeostasis. In the brain, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) plays a critical role in energy metabolism, and CRTC1 and CRTC2 are highly expressed in PVH neuronal cells. The single-minded homolog 1 gene (Sim1) is densely expressed in PVH neurons and in some areas of the amygdala neurons. To determine the role of CRTCs in PVH on energy metabolism, we generated mice that lacked CRTC1 and CRTC2 in Sim1 cells using Sim-1 cre mice. We found that Sim1 cell-specific CRTC1 and CRTC2 double-knockout mice were sensitive to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Sim1 cell-specific CRTC1 and CRTC2 double knockout mice showed hyperphagia specifically for the HFD, but not for the normal chow diet, increased fat mass, and no change in energy expenditure. Interestingly, these phenotypes were stronger in female mice than in male mice, and a weak phenotype was observed in the normal chow diet. The lack of CRTC1 and CRTC2 in Sim1 cells changed the mRNA levels of some neuropeptides that regulate energy metabolism in female mice fed an HFD. Taken together, our findings suggest that CRTCs in Sim1 cells regulate gene expression and suppress excessive fat intake, especially in female mice.
Protecting brains and saving futures guidelines: A prospective, multicenter, and observational study on the use of telemedicine for neonatal neurocritical care in Brazil
Authors: Variane Gabriel Fernando Todeschi , Magalhães Maurício , Pietrobom Rafaela Fabri Rodrigues , Netto Alexandre , Rodrigues Daniela Pereira , Gasperini Renato , Sant’Anna Guilherme Mendes
Published: January 2022

Background

Management of high-risk newborns should involve the use of standardized protocols and training, continuous and specialized brain monitoring with electroencephalography (EEG), amplitude integrated EEG, Near Infrared Spectroscopy, and neuroimaging. Brazil is a large country with disparities in health care assessment and some neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are not well structured with trained personnel able to provide adequate neurocritical care. To reduce this existing gap, an advanced telemedicine model of neurocritical care called Protecting Brains and Saving Futures (PBSF) Guidelines was developed and implemented in a group of Brazilian NICUs.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter, and observational study will be conducted in all 20 Brazilian NICUs using the PBSF Guidelines as standard-of-care. All infants treated accordingly to the guidelines during Dec 2021 to Nov 2024 will be eligible. Ethical approval was obtained from participating centers. The primary objective is to describe adherence to the PBSF Guidelines and clinical outcomes, by center and over a 3-year period. Adherence will be measured by quantification of neuromonitoring, neuroimaging exams, sub-specialties consultation, and clinical case discussions and videoconference meetings. Clinical outcomes of interest are detection of seizures during hospitalization, use of anticonvulsants, inotropes, and fluid resuscitation, death before hospital discharge, length of hospital stay, and referral of patients to specialized follow-up.

Discussion

The study will provide evaluation of PBSF Guidelines adherence and its impact on clinical outcomes. Thus, data from this large prospective, multicenter, and observational study will help determine whether neonatal neurocritical care via telemedicine can be effective. Ultimately, it may offer the necessary framework for larger scale implementation and development of research projects using remote neuromonitoring.

Trial registration

NCT03786497, Registered 26 December 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03786497?term=protecting+brains+and+saving+futures&draw=2&rank=1.
SARS-CoV-2 variants with reduced infectivity and varied sensitivity to the BNT162b2 vaccine are developed during the course of infection
Authors: Khateeb Dina , Gabrieli Tslil , Sofer Bar , Hattar Adi , Cordela Sapir , Chaouat Abigael , Spivak Ilia , Lejbkowicz Izabella , Almog Ronit , Mandelboim Michal , Bar-On Yotam
Published: January 2022

In-depth analysis of SARS-CoV-2 quasispecies is pivotal for a thorough understating of its evolution during infection. The recent deployment of COVID-19 vaccines, which elicit protective anti-spike neutralizing antibodies, has stressed the importance of uncovering and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutated spike proteins. Sequencing databases have allowed to follow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants that are circulating in the human population, and several experimental platforms were developed to study these variants. However, less is known about the SARS-CoV-2 variants that are developed in the respiratory system of the infected individual. To gain further insight on SARS-CoV-2 mutagenesis during natural infection, we preformed single-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from nose-throat swabs of infected individuals. Interestingly, intra-host SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutated S genes or N genes were detected in all individuals who were analyzed. These intra-host variants were present in low frequencies in the swab samples and were rarely documented in current sequencing databases. Further examination of representative spike variants identified by our analysis showed that these variants have impaired infectivity capacity and that the mutated variants showed varied sensitivity to neutralization by convalescent plasma and to plasma from vaccinated individuals. Notably, analysis of the plasma neutralization activity against these variants showed that the L1197I mutation at the S2 subunit of the spike can affect the plasma neutralization activity. Together, these results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 intra-host variants should be further analyzed for a more thorough characterization of potential circulating variants.
The International Brigades: Fascism, Freedom and the Spanish Civil War, Giles Tremlett (2020)
Authors: Pinheiro Teresa
Published: January 2022

Review of: The International Brigades: Fascism, Freedom and the Spanish Civil War, Giles Tremlett (2020)

London: Bloomsbury, 720 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-40885-398-6, h/bk, £30.00

ISBN 978-1-52664-454-1, e-book, £11.99
Narrativas precarias: Crisis y subjetividad en la cultura española actual, Christian Claesson (ed.) (2019)
Authors: Usoz de la Fuente Maite
Published: January 2022

Review of: Narrativas precarias: Crisis y subjetividad en la cultura española actual, Christian Claesson (ed.) (2019)

Xixón: Hoja de Lata Editorial, 348 pp.,

ISBN 978-8-41653-745-7, p/bk, €18.90
Spatial pattern dynamics of Cyclobalanopsis myrsinifolia in mixed broad-leaved forests on Tianmu Mountain, eastern China, 1996–2012
Authors: Yang Shaoqin , Yi Lita , Ye Nuonan , Wu Mengyuan , Liu Meihua
Published: January 2022

Studies of the spatial patterns of dominant plant species may provide significant insights into processes and mechanisms that maintain stand stability. This study was performed in a permanent 1 ha plot in evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forests on Tianmu Mountain. Based on two surveys (1996 and 2012), the dynamics of the spatial distribution pattern of the dominant population ( (Blume) Oersted) and the intra- and interspecific relationships between and other dominant species populations were analyzed using Ripleyâs () function. We identified the importance value of a species in a community, which is the sum of the relative density, relative frequency, and relative dominance. The drivers of spatial distribution variation and the maintenance mechanisms of the forest were discussed. The results showed that the importance value of within the community decreased over the past 16 years. The population exhibited a significantly aggregated distribution within a spatial scale of 0â25 m in 1996 whereas it changed to a random distribution at scales larger than 5.5 m in 2012. From 1996 to 2012, the spatial distribution patterns between and (Batal.) Iljinsk. and between and (Lamb.) Hook did not change significantly. In 1996, and Miq. were positively associated at the scale of 0â25 m; this relationship was strongly significant at the scale of 6â10 m. However, there was no association between the populations of two species in terms of the spatial distribution at the scale of 0â25 m in 2012. Our findings indicate that the drivers of variation in the spatial distribution of the population were intra- and interspecific mutual relationships as well the seed-spreading mechanism of this species.Cyclobalanopsis myrsinifoliaC. myrsinifoliaKrC. myrsinifoliaC. myrsinifoliaC. myrsinifoliaCyclocarya paliurusC. myrsinifoliaCunninghamia lanceolataC. myrsinifoliaDaphniphyllum macropodumC. myrsinifolia
The regularity properties and blow-up of the solutions for improved Boussinesq equations
Authors: Shakhmurov Veli , Shahmurov Rishad
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we study the Cauchy problem for linear and nonlinear Boussinesq type equations that include the general differential operators. First, by virtue of the Fourier multipliers, embedding theorems in Sobolev and Besov spaces, the existence, uniqueness, and regularity properties of the solution of the Cauchy problem for the corresponding linear equation are established. Here,Lp-estimates for a~solution with respect to space variables are obtained uniformly in time depending on the given data functions. Then, the estimates for the solution of linearized equation and perturbation of operators can be used to obtain the existence, uniqueness, regularity properties, and blow-up of solution at the finite time of the Cauchy for nonlinear for same classes of Boussinesq equations. Here, the existence, uniqueness,Lp-regularity, and blow-up properties of the solution of the Cauchy problem for Boussinesq equations with differential operators coefficients are handled associated with the growth nature of symbols of these differential operators and their interrelationships. We can obtain the existence, uniqueness, and qualitative properties of different classes of improved Boussinesq equations by choosing the given differential operators, which occur in a wide variety of physical systems.
Limited Access to Integral Care: Digital Therapeutics Show Promise of Scalable Solutions to Behavioral Interventions
Authors: Riehl Megan E.
Published: January 2022

Functional gastrointestinal disorders, or disorders of gut-brain interaction, present significant biological, psychological, and social burdens to the individual and society at large. Emerging research shows that because of the multifactorial nature of these conditions, multidisciplinary treatment is typically needed. Traditional medical approaches now benefit from the addition of nutrition therapy and psychogastroenterology, or the use of evidence-based psychological treatments tailored to gastrointestinal conditions. Currently, there are significant barriers to receiving psychogastroenterology services and it is likely that digital therapeutics have an important place in improving treatment access and outcomes for a select group of patients.
On the anniversary of Galina A. Melnichenko, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: January 2022

Galina A. Melnichenko is a famous Russian scientist-endocrinologist, one of the leading in the country, author and head of fundamental and applied research. G.A. Melnichenko is one of the leaders in creating a methodology for organizing the endocrinological service of the Russian Federation. Galina Melnichenko is one of the leading specialists in the Russian Federation in the study of diseases of the thyroid gland, hypothalamic-pituitary system, orphan endocrinopathies, adrenal pathology, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes.
The Effectiveness of Using Big Book Media on Early Reading Skills in 5-6 Years Old
Authors: Oktaviana Winda , Warmansyah Jhoni , Trimelia Utami Winda
Published: January 2022

Purpose – This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using Big Book media on early reading skills in children aged 5-6 years old.Design/methods/approach – This study used a quantitative approach which was carried out in an experimental method with a pre-post-test design. The sampling technique uses a simple random technique with 30 children. Data collection technique is by means of tests. The analysis technique for testing the hypothesis uses the difference test (t-test).Findings – The results showed that children in the experimental group who used Big Book media had a higher average score when compared to children in the control group who used magazine media. Based on the t-test calculation, findings indicate that there was a significant difference between the two groups. Thus, it can be concluded that the Big Book media is effective on early reading skills in children aged 5-6 years old.Research implications/limitations – This study was limited to one location, Mutiara Al-Madani Kindergarten, Jambi Indonesia, and with a small sample size, so the generalizability of the findings was also limited. It is necessary for future researchers to conduct studies with a wider scope and a more diverse population.Practical implications – The use of Big Book media can be an alternative learning media that can attract children's interests and can actively involve children in gaining rich literacy experiences in improving early reading skills.Originality/value – This study contributes to understanding of teacher's reference material in using learning media for early reading skills in children aged 5-6 years old.

Paper type Research paper