bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteriocin-Based Synergetic Consortia: a Promising Strategy to Enhance Antimicrobial Activity and Broaden the Spectrum of Inhibition
Authors: Soltani Samira , Biron Eric , Ben Said Laila , Subirade Muriel , Fliss Ismail
Published: February 2022

Reuterin and bacteriocins, including microcin J25, pediocin PA-1, nisin were produced and purified with >90% purity. Using the broth-based checkerboard assay the interaction between these compounds (synergetic, additive, or antagonistic) was assessed.
Real-Time RT-PCR Allelic Discrimination Assay for Detection of N501Y Mutation in the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Associated with B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern
Authors: Abdulnoor Mariana , Eshaghi AliReza , Perusini Stephen J. , Broukhanski George , Corbeil Antoine , Cronin Kirby , Fittipaldi Nahuel , Forbes Jessica D. , Guthrie Jennifer L. , Kus Julianne V. , Li Ye , Majury Anna , Mallo Gustavo V. , Mazzulli Tony , Melano Roberto G. , Olsha Romy , Sullivan Ashleigh , Tran Vanessa , Patel Samir N. , Allen Vanessa G. , Gubbay Jonathan B.
Published: February 2022

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several variants of concern (VOCs) have been detected, for example, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, and B.1.617.2. The VOCs pose a threat to public health efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Sensitivity of Human Mastadenovirus, the Causal Agent of Pharyngoconjunctival Fever, Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis, and Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Immunocompromised Individuals, to Brincidofovir
Authors: Hanaoka Nozomu , Hazama Masatoshi , Fukushima Koji , Fujimoto Tsuguto
Published: February 2022

We investigated the IC
50
values of BCV for novel HAdV types and found that the epidemic keratoconjunctivitis-associated HAdV-D54 prevalent in the Asian region was the most susceptible. In addition, the mean overall IC
50
value of BCV was lower than that of CDV, indicating that BCV is effective against HAdVs.
Bean Extract-Based Gargle for Efficient Diagnosis of Active COVID-19 Infection Using Rapid Antigen Tests
Authors: Kwon Joseph , Ko Euna , Cho Se-Young , Lee Young-Ho , Jun Sangmi , Lee Kyuhong , Hwang Eunha , Vaidya Bipin , Hwang Jeong-Hwan , Hwang Joo-Hee , Kim Namsu , Song Mi-Kyung , Kim Hye-Yeon , Ito Dai , Lin Yuxi , Jo Eunae , Yang Kyeong Eun , Chung Hee-Chung , Cha Soyoung , Kim Dong Im , Yi Yoon-Sun , Yun Sung-Ho , Park Sun Cheol , Lee Sangmin , Choi Jong-Soon , Kim Dal Sik , Kim Duwoon
Published: February 2022

An Ag-RDT is less likely to be accepted as an initial test method for early diagnosis owing to its low sensitivity. However, our self-collection method, Ag-RDT using BG-based saliva specimens, showed significantly enhanced detection sensitivity and specificity toward SARS-CoV-2 including the Alpha and Delta variants in all patients tested within 6 days of illness.
High-Titer Neutralizing Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Induced by Alhydroxyquim-II-Adjuvanted Trimeric Spike Antigens
Authors: Counoupas Claudio , Pino Paco , Stella Alberto O. , Ashley Caroline , Lukeman Hannah , Bhattacharyya Nayan D. , Tada Takuya , Anchisi Stephanie , Metayer Charles , Martinis Jacopo , Aggarwal Anupriya , Dcosta Belinda M. , Britton Warwick J. , Kint Joeri , Wurm Maria J. , Landau Nathaniel R. , Steain Megan , Turville Stuart G. , Wurm Florian M. , David Sunil A. , Triccas James A.
Published: February 2022

There is an urgent need for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines that are safe, demonstrate high protective efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be manufactured at scale. We describe a vaccine candidate (CoVac-II) that is based on stabilized, trimeric spike antigen produced in an optimized, scalable and chemically defined production process.
Type IV Pilus Shapes a ‘Bubble-Burst’ Pattern Opposing Spatial Intermixing of Two Interacting Bacterial Populations
Authors: Wang Miaoxiao , Chen Xiaoli , Ma Yinyin , Tang Yue-Qin , Johnson David R. , Nie Yong , Wu Xiao-Lei
Published: February 2022

When growing on surfaces, multispecies microbial communities form biofilms that exhibit intriguing spatial patterns. These patterns can significantly affect the overall properties of the community, enabling otherwise impermissible metabolic functions to occur as well as driving the evolutionary and ecological processes acting on communities.
Impact of prior oral anticoagulant use and outcomes on patients from secondary analysis in the AUGUSTUS trial
Authors: Welsh Robert C. , Dehghani Payam , Lopes Renato , Wojdyla Daniel M , Aronson Ronald , Granger Christopher B , Windecker Stephan , Vora Amit N , Vinereanu Dragos , Halvorsen Sigrun , Parkhomenko Alexander , Mehran Roxana , Alexander John H , Goodman Shaun
Published: February 2022

Objective

Managing antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is challenging and can be affected by prior oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment. We examined the relationship between prior OAC use and outcomes in the AUGUSTUS trial.

Methods

This prespecified secondary analysis is from AUGUSTUS, an open-label, 2-by-2 factorial, RCT to evaluate the safety of apixaban versus vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and aspirin versus placebo in patients with AF and ACS and/or PCI. The primary endpoint, major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding and clinical outcomes were compared in patients receiving (n=2262) or not receiving (n=2352) an OAC prior to enrolment.

Results

Patients with prior OAC use had more comorbidities, higher CHA2DS2-VASC and HAS-BLED scores, and were more likely enrolled following elective PCI. There was no difference in major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding with or without prior OAC (30 days: 5.1% vs 5.9% (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.06); 180 days: 13.5% vs 13.5% (aHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.16)). Patients with prior OAC use had a lower risk of death or ischaemic events (30 days: 1.7% vs 2.8% (aHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.92); 180 days: 5.4% vs 7.6% (aHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.88)). No interactions between randomised treatment (apixaban vs VKA, aspirin vs placebo) and prior OAC status were observed for outcomes, apart from apixaban (vs VKA) being associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction with prior OAC use (180 days: 2.0% vs 3.7% (aHR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.91().

Conclusions

In AUGUSTUS, prior OAC use was associated with fewer ischaemic events but not more bleeding. In patients with AF and ACS and/or undergoing PCI, clinicians can be assured that the trial results can be applied to patients regardless of their prior OAC status.

Trial registration number

NCT02415400.
Synthesizing luminescent carbon from condensed tobacco smoke: bio-waste for possible bioimaging
Authors: Ghosh Tanushree , Kandpal Suchita , Rani Chanchal , Pathak Devesh K. , Tanwar Manushree , Jakhmola Shweta , Jha Hem C. , Maximov Maxim Yu , Chaudhary Anjali , Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2022

Used cigarette filters, a waste material and a major source of land pollution, were used as raw material to study the nature of condensed tobacco smoke (tar) using microscopy, optical, IR, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction and electron and fluorescence microscopy. The tar present in the cigarette filter bud was used to synthesize luminescent low dimensional carbon using a simple methanol extraction technique. The collected material shows light blue emission under UV excitation with emission peak energy depending strongly on the excitation wavelength. Such excitation energy dependent emission is observed from the extract solution and the dried film. Careful analysis was carried out to understand its origin, which revealed the presence of a giant red-edge effect in the samples. A correlation between room temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy was carried out. The presence of amorphous phase carbon was established using Raman spectroscopy, and a quantum yield of more than 9% was estimated, which was moderately high in comparison with the one shown by carbon dots prepared by using other sources and can be used for bioimaging applications.
Higgs triplet extension of GRACE
Authors: Kouda Yusaku , Kon Tadashi , Kurihara Yoshimasa , Ueda Takahiro
Published: February 2022

Much theoretical effort and automatization are required to confront new physics models with experimental data for many types of particle reactions at future colliders. In this context, we extend Grace, an automatic calculation system for invariant amplitudes, to incorporate particles and interactions in the Georgi–Machacek model. With the extended Grace system, we study fermiophobic Higgs boson production processes at $$e^+ e^-$$

e
+

e
-

and $$e^- e^-$$

e
-

e
-

colliders in the model. The results show some advantages of $$e^- e^-$$

e
-

e
-

colliders over $$e^+ e^-$$

e
+

e
-

colliders for new physics search and thus its complementary role.
Improved experimental layout for dipole moment measurements at the LHC
Authors: Biryukov V. M. , Ruiz-Vidal J.
Published: February 2022

The electric and magnetic dipole moment of charm and bottom baryons can be measured for the first time by using bent crystal technology at the LHC. The experimental method, proposed in recent years, suffers from limited statistics, which dominates the uncertainty of the measurement. In this work, we present an alternative experimental layout, based on the use of crystal lenses, that improves the trapping efficiency by about a factor 15 (35) for a 2-cm (5-mm) target with respect to the nominal layout, with plain crystal faces. The efficiencies are evaluated taking into account the constraints from the LHC machine, and the technical challenges to realize this novel experimental method are discussed.
Thermodynamic and geometrothermodynamic studies of charged black holes sitting in string theory: Stability analysis
Authors: Haldar Amritendu , Biswas Ritabrata , Ghosh Buddhadeb
Published: February 2022

A particular type of charged black holes is chosen, based on an action obtained from string theory. This theory predicts the existence of such black holes. Thermodynamic properties of such kinds of black holes are studied. As conjectured earlier, for the dilaton-Maxwell field coupling constant [Formula: see text], the behaviors of the thermodynamic parameters ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are found to resemble with those of the Reissner–Nordström black hole. The geometrothermodynamics of the aforesaid black hole is studied and the Ricci scalar of the Ruppeiner metric is graphically examined for different values of the parameter [Formula: see text]. Finally, the parameters as well as the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] criticality with different equations for nonzero values of [Formula: see text] are analyzed. Their deviations from the case of Reissner–Nordström black hole are noted with care. Furthermore, the stability of the black hole is studied by computing the specific heat and analyzing it graphically.
An Effective Forest Fire Detection Framework Using Heterogeneous Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Kizilkaya Burak , Ever Enver , Yatbaz Hakan Yekta , Yazici Adnan
Published: February 2022

With improvements in the area of Internet of Things (IoT), surveillance systems have recently become more accessible. At the same time, optimizing the energy requirements of smart sensors, especially for data transmission, has always been very important and the energy efficiency of IoT systems has been the subject of numerous studies. For environmental monitoring scenarios, it is possible to extract more accurate information using smart multimedia sensors. However, multimedia data transmission is an expensive operation. In this study, a novel hierarchical approach is presented for the detection of forest fires. The proposed framework introduces a new approach in which multimedia and scalar sensors are used hierarchically to minimize the transmission of visual data. A lightweight deep learning model is also developed for devices at the edge of the network to improve detection accuracy and reduce the traffic between the edge devices and the sink. The framework is evaluated using a real testbed, network simulations, and 10-fold cross-validation in terms of energy efficiency and detection accuracy. Based on the results of our experiments, the validation accuracy of the proposed system is 98.28%, and the energy saving is 29.94%. The proposed deep learning model’s validation accuracy is very close to the accuracy of the best performing architectures when the existing studies and lightweight architectures are considered. In terms of suitability for edge computing, the proposed approach is superior to the existing ones with reduced computational requirements and model size.
Structure-aware Meta-fusion for Image Super-resolution
Authors: Ma Haoyu , Gong Bingchen , Yu Yizhou
Published: February 2022

There are two main categories of image super-resolution algorithms: distortion oriented and perception oriented. Recent evidence shows that reconstruction accuracy and perceptual quality are typically in disagreement with each other. In this article, we present a new image super-resolution framework that is capable of striking a balance between distortion and perception. The core of our framework is a deep fusion network capable of generating a final high-resolution image by fusing a pair of deterministic and stochastic images using spatially varying weights. To make a single fusion model produce images with varying degrees of stochasticity, we further incorporate meta-learning into our fusion network. Once equipped with the kernel produced by a kernel prediction module, our meta fusion network is able to produce final images at any desired level of stochasticity. Experimental results indicate that our meta fusion network outperforms existing state-of-the-art SISR algorithms on widely used datasets, including PIRM-val, DIV2K-val, Set5, Set14, Urban100, Manga109, and B100. In addition, it is capable of producing high-resolution images that achieve low distortion and high perceptual quality simultaneously.
Li-Metal Anode in a Conventional Li-Ion Battery Electrolyte: Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation using Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Galvez-Aranda Diego E. , Seminario Jorge M.
Published: February 2022

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were performed for Li+ conducting electrolytes based on 1M lithium hexafluorophosphate (Li+

PF

6

−

) in ethylene carbonate (EC)-ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC) (3:7wt) with 5 wt% vinylene carbonate (VC) in contact with Li-metal (electrode), finding a variety of products due to dissociations of all electrolyte components. The formed solid electrolyte interphase from electrolyte degradation arranges in an outer layer composed of denser materials (sitting over the anode surface) such as Li2(CH2O)2 from EC, Li2CO3, Li2C2H2 and Li2CO2 from VC, and Li2C3H5O2 and LiCH3O from EMC dissociations. Then follows an inner layer made of Li-binary compounds, Li3CO, Li2O and Li3C from EC, Li2O, Li2C2 and LiH from VC, and LiF and Li3P from

PF

6

−

dissociations. We calculated electron affinities of electrolyte molecules during their decomposition using a polarizable continuum model to consider solvent effects molecules degradation.

PF

6

−

has the highest first and second electron affinities, despite explicit Coulomb repulsion, which eventually dissociates the molecule right after capturing an electron from the metal-anode; therefore,

PF

6

−

is also the fastest to dissociate. EMC has the lowest first and second electron affinities, thus it is the least prone to accept electrons and the least likely to dissociate at the Li-metal interface.
Phosphodiesterase-3 Enzyme Inhibitor Drug Milrinone Interaction with DNA and HSA: Electrochemical, Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking
Authors: Unal Didem Nur , Erkmen Cem , Selcuk Ozge , Kurbanoglu Sevinc , Eren Gökcen , Uslu Bengi
Published: February 2022

In this study, the interaction between the phosphodiesterase-3 enzyme inhibitor drug milrinone and biomolecules was investigated by electrochemical, fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular docking studies for the first time. The interaction between milrinone and biomolecules was investigated according to the decrease in deoxyguanosine oxidation signals of milrinone and calf thymus double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ct-dsDNA) by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. In fluorescence spectroscopy studies, a competitive study was conducted on ct-dsDNA by adding a well-known fluorescent methylene blue and ct-dsDNA solution. The fluorescent results showed that milrinone had a higher affinity for ct-dsDNA binding compared to methylene blue. Interaction studies show that milrinone binds to ct-dsDNA via a groove-binding mode, and the binding constant values ​​were calculated as 4.27 × 106M−1and 6.03 × 104M−1at 25 °C, based on cyclic voltammetry and spectroscopic results, respectively. As a result of the interaction of human serum albumin and milrinone, the binding coefficient was calculated as 4.11 × 106M−1by cyclic voltammetry. In addition, experimental results were confirmed by obtaining information about the possible spatial structure of the aggregate formed through theoretical calculations based on energy minimization for milrinone- ct-dsDNA and milrinone-human serum albumin mixtures with molecular insertion.
29 m6A-RNA Methylation (Epitranscriptomic) Regulators Are Regulated in 41 Diseases including Atherosclerosis and Tumors Potentially via ROS Regulation – 102 Transcriptomic Dataset Analyses
Authors: Liu Ming , Xu Keman , Saaoud Fatma , Shao Ying , Zhang Ruijing , Lu Yifan , Sun Yu , Drummer Charles , Li Li , Wu Sheng , Kunapuli Satya P. , Criner Gerard J. , Sun Jianxin , Shan Huimin , Jiang Xiaohua , Wang Hong , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: February 2022

We performed a database mining on 102 transcriptomic datasets for the expressions of 29 m6A-RNA methylation (epitranscriptomic) regulators (m6A-RMRs) in 41 diseases and cancers and made significant findings: (1) a few m6A-RMRs were upregulated; and most m6A-RMRs were downregulated in sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and trauma; (2) half of 29 m6A-RMRs were downregulated in atherosclerosis; (3) inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis modulated m6A-RMRs more than lupus and psoriasis; (4) some organ failures shared eight upregulated m6A-RMRs; end-stage renal failure (ESRF) downregulated 85% of m6A-RMRs; (5) Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infections modulated m6A-RMRs the most among viral infections; (6) proinflammatory oxPAPC modulated m6A-RMRs more than DAMP stimulation including LPS and oxLDL; (7) upregulated m6A-RMRs were more than downregulated m6A-RMRs in cancer types; five types of cancers upregulated ≥10 m6A-RMRs; (8) proinflammatory M1 macrophages upregulated seven m6A-RMRs; (9) 86% of m6A-RMRs were differentially expressed in the six clusters of CD4+Foxp3+ immunosuppressive Treg, and 8 out of 12 Treg signatures regulated m6A-RMRs; (10) immune checkpoint receptors TIM3, TIGIT, PD-L2, and CTLA4 modulated m6A-RMRs, and inhibition of CD40 upregulated m6A-RMRs; (11) cytokines and interferons modulated m6A-RMRs; (12) NF-κB and JAK/STAT pathways upregulated more than downregulated m6A-RMRs whereas TP53, PTEN, and APC did the opposite; (13) methionine-homocysteine-methyl cycle enzyme Mthfd1 downregulated more than upregulated m6A-RMRs; (14) m6A writer RBM15 and one m6A eraser FTO, H3K4 methyltransferase MLL1, and DNA methyltransferase, DNMT1, regulated m6A-RMRs; and (15) 40 out of 165 ROS regulators were modulated by m6A eraser FTO and two m6A writers METTL3 and WTAP. Our findings shed new light on the functions of upregulated m6A-RMRs in 41 diseases and cancers, nine cellular and molecular mechanisms, novel therapeutic targets for inflammatory disorders, metabolic cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, organ failures, and cancers.
Boldine, an Alkaloid from Peumus boldus Molina, Induces Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in the Perfused Rat Kidney: Involvement of Nitric Oxide and Small-Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel
Authors: de Souza Priscila , da Silva Rita de Cássia Vilhena , da Silva Luisa Mota , Steimbach Viviane Miranda Bispo , Moreno Karyne Garcia Tafarelo , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes
Published: February 2022

Boldine, 2,9-dihydroxy-1,10-dimethoxyaporphine, is the main alkaloid found in the leaves and bark of Peumus boldus Molina. In recent years, boldine has demonstrated several pharmacological properties that benefit endothelial function, blood pressure control, and reduce damage in kidney diseases. However, the renal vasodilator effects and mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, perfused rat kidneys were used to study the ability of boldine to induce vasodilation of renal arteries. For that, left kidney preparations with and without functional endothelium were contracted with phenylephrine and received 10–300 nmol boldine injections. The preparations were then perfused for 15 min with phenylephrine plus L-NAME, indomethacin, KCl, tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, apamin, charybdotoxin, or iberiotoxin. In 30, 100, and 300 nmol doses, boldine induced a dose-and endothelium-dependent relaxing effect on the renal vascular bed. No vasodilator effects were observed in preparations lacking functional endothelium. While the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme through the addition of indomethacin did not cause any change in the vasodilating action of boldine, the nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME fully precluded the vasodilatory action of boldine at all doses tested. The perfusion with KCl or tetraethylammonium (nonselective K+ channels blocker) also abolished the vasodilatory effect of boldine, indicating the participation of K+ channels in the renal action of boldine. The perfusion with glibenclamide (selective ATP-sensitive K+ channels blocker), iberiotoxin (selective high-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker), and charybdotoxin (selective high- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker) did not modify the vasodilatory action of boldine. On the other hand, the perfusion with apamin (selective small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker) completely prevented the vasodilatory action of boldine at all doses tested. Together, the present study showed the renal vasodilatory properties of boldine, an effect dependent on the generation of nitric oxide and the opening of a small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel.
Decision-Making Framework of Requirement Engineering Barriers in the Domain of Global Healthcare Information Systems
Authors: Hamza Muhammad , Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Alsanad Abeer Abdulaziz , Alsuwaidan Lulwah , AlSagri Hatoon S. , Al-Alshaikh Halah Abdulaziz , Kanwal Maliha
Published: February 2022

The smart healthcare information system offers several benefits including effectively reducing the cost and risk of medical procedures, improving the utilization efficiency of medical resources, promoting exchanges and cooperation in different regions, pushing the development of telemedicine and self-service medical care, and ultimately connecting people (patients and medical teams). The development of smart healthcare information systems in a globally distributed environment is a swiftly followed paradigm in the recent era. The development and implementation of a global healthcare information system (GHIS) are complicated as it faces several important problems that are more related to requirement engineering (RE). The ultimate aim of this research study is to explore and prioritize the barriers that would hinder the actual RE process in GHIS. To meet the research objective, 17 barriers of RE in GHIS have been identified through literature review and verified with practitioners using a questionnaire survey approach. Moreover, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach was applied to rank the investigated barriers considering their significance for GHIS. The outcomes revolved that coordination is the most critical category for RE barriers in GHIS. Emotions and personal values, scope change, and creep are considered, and ad hoc exchange management and the absence of traceability are analyzed as the high-priority barriers to RE in GHIS. The findings of this study provide a robust framework that is beneficial for researchers and practitioners to consider the most critical barriers on a priority basis and develop the new strategies for RE process success in GHIS.
The Socio-Demographics and Health Service Use of Opioid Overdose Decedents in Wales: A Cross-Sectional Data Linkage Study
Authors: Fuller Gordon Ward , Jones Matthew , Bradshaw Ceri Anne , Jones Jenna , John Ann , Snooks Helen , Watkins Alan
Published: February 2022

Background: Fatal opioid overdose is a significant public health problem with increasing incidence in developed countries. This study aimed to describe demographic and service user characteristics of decedents of opioid overdose in Wales to identify possible targets for behaviour modification and life-saving interventions. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted of a census sample of opioid overdose-related deaths recorded between January 01, 2012, and October 11, 2018, in Wales. UK Office for National Statistics, Welsh Demographic Service, and National Health Service datasets were linked deterministically. Decedents’ circumstances of death, demographic characteristics, residency, and health service use were characterized over 3 years prior to fatal overdose using descriptive statistics. Results: In total, 638 people died of opioid overdose in Wales between January 01, 2012, and October 11, 2018, with an incidence rate of 3.04 per 100,000 people per year. Decedents were predominantly male (73%) and middle aged (median age 50 years). Fatal overdoses predominantly occurred in the community (93%) secondary to heroin (30%) or oxycodone derivative use (34%). In the 3 years prior to death, decedents changed address frequently (53%) but rarely moved far geographically. The majority of decedents had recently visited the emergency department (83%) or were admitted to the hospital (64%) prior to death. Only a minority had visited specialist drug services (32%). Conclusions: Deaths from opioid overdose typically occur in middle-aged men living peripatetic lifestyles. Victims infrequently visit specialist drug services but often attend emergency medical services. Emergency department-based interventions may therefore be important in prevention of opioid overdose fatalities in the community.
Humoral Response to Pfizer BNT162b2 Vaccine Booster in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Shashar Moshe , Nacasch Naomi , Grupper Ayelet , Benchetrit Sydney , Halperin Tamar , Erez Daniel , Rozenberg Ilan , Shitrit Pnina , Sela Yaron , Wand Ori , Cohen-Hagai Keren
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Recent breakthrough infection in vaccinated people has led some authorities to recommend a booster dose for patients fully vaccinated 5–8 months ago. We aimed to assess the humoral response of MHD patients following a booster dose with the BNT162b2 vaccine. Methods: The study included 102 MHD patients vaccinated with 2 doses of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine. A third dose (booster) was recommended to all MHD patients in our center and was given to those who opted to receive it, resulting in a booster group and a control group that did not receive the booster. Previous exposure was excluded by testing for the presence of the anti-nucleocapsid antibody (SARS-CoV-2) or positive PCR. We assessed the humoral response before and after the booster dose. Results: Of 66 patients in the booster group, 65 patients (98.5%) developed a positive antibody response, from 472.7 ± 749.5 to 16,336.8 ± 15,397.3, as compared to a sustained decrease in the control group (695.7 ± 642.7 to 383.6 ± 298.6), p < 0.0001. No significant adverse effects were reported. Prior antibody titers were positively correlated to IgG levels following the booster dose. There was a significant association between malnutrition-inflammation markers and the humoral response. Conclusions: Almost all MHD patients developed a substantial humoral response following the booster dose, which was significantly higher than levels reported for MHD patients following administration of 2 doses alone. Further studies and observations are needed to determine the exact timing and dosing schedule.
The Origin of Epithelium with Low-Grade Atypia in Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yamada Hiroaki , Kaneko Hiroaki , Kuwashima Hirofumi , Sugimori Makoto , Tsuyuki Sho , Sanga Katsuyuki , Irie Kuniyasu , Sasaki Tomohiko , Kondo Masaaki , Miyake Akio , Maeda Shin
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection causes chronic inflammation and atrophy of the gastric mucosa and thus a high risk of gastric cancer (GC). With the increasing success of HP infection treatment, a larger number of GCs that develop after eradication can be assessed. Several studies have shown that epithelium with low-grade atypia (ELA) is a frequent characteristic of these GCs, but the origin of this condition is unknown. In this study, we compared the mucin phenotype, cellular proliferation, and p53 staining in ELA and cancerous tissues obtained from patients with GC with and without HP eradication. Methods: The study population consisted of 23 patients with GC that developed after successful HP eradication therapy (eradicated group) and 24 patients with GC and HP infection (infected group). The prevalence of ELA was determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Tumor tissue and ELA samples were further analyzed by immunohistochemical staining for Muc5AC, Muc2, p53, and Ki-67. Results: The ELA coverage rate was significantly higher in the eradicated group than in the infected group. Gastric-type mucin was frequently expressed by the ELA, and the mucin phenotypes of ELA and cancerous areas differed in 75% of cases. The Ki-67 labeling index was consistently lower in ELA than in the cancerous mucosa. Fourteen of 21 (66.7%) cancerous lesions, but only 3 ELA samples, were p53-positive. Conclusion: In most cases, ELA on the surfaces of GCs seems to have originated from normal gastric cells, not from cancer cells.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Pediatric Stone Disease: A 15-Year Single-Center Experience with 2 Types of Lithotripters
Authors: Zisman Ariel , Assadi Akram , Goldin Oleg , Malshy Kamil , Nativ Omri , Meretyk Shimon , Amiel Gilad E. , Mullerad Michael , Livne Pinhas M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction and Objectives: We report our experience with pediatric shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) using two types of lithotripters: Dornier HM3 (HM3) and Dornier Lithotripter SII (DLS). Study Design: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of children who underwent SWL between 2002 and 2016. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of the lithotripter: during 2002–2009, we used the electrohydraulic HM3 lithotripter which was replaced in 2009 with the DLS electromagnetic lithotripter. Clinical and perioperative parameters were compared. Results: Our cohort included 107 children who underwent SWL. Average age was 11.5 ± 5.1 years. Average stone size was 10.6 ± 4.9 mm. HM3 was used in 38% of children and DLS2 in 62% (n = 41 and 66, respectively). There were no significant differences in age, gender, stone size, or location between the groups. The total SFR did not differ statistically between HM3 and DLS (83% vs. 74%, p = 0.35). SFR after one SWL was higher with the HM3 (78% vs. 62%, p = 0.093). Re-treatment rate was 22% and 17% (HM3 vs. DLS, p = 0.61). Complication rates were low, with renal colic being the most common (HM3 10%, DLS 20%, NS). Conclusions: SWL in the pediatric population using the DLS showed good results with low complication rates that are equivalent to the gold standard HM3.
Frailty Predicts Postoperative Complications following Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Li Vivian , Awan Amen , Serrano Pablo E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Frailty is a clinically recognizable state of decreased reserve and function across physiologic systems, characterized by an inability to cope with acute stressors. A validated modified frailty index (mFI) was used to evaluate the impact of frailty on postoperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods: Data from consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2011 to 2020 were collected retrospectively at a high-volume tertiary care hepatopancreatobiliary hospital. Based on an 11-item mFI, patients were grouped by high (≥0.27) and low mFI. The main outcome was postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification). The impact of frailty on complications was analyzed by evaluating baseline and operative characteristics using multivariable logistic regression. Secondary outcomes included postoperative mortality, length of hospital stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, which were analyzed using univariable logistic regression. Results: There were 64/554 patients (12%) with high mFI. Low and high mFI had similar characteristics, including proportion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (low mFI = 247/490 [50%] vs. high mFI = 31/64 [48%], p = 0.767), intermediate or hard pancreatic texture (low mFI = 75/191 [39%] vs. high mFI = 6/19 [32%], p = 0.512), operative room time (low mFI = 370 min vs. high mFI = 368 min, p = 0.630), and drain placement (low mFI = 355/490 [72%] vs. high mFI = 48/64 [75%], p = 0.642). The mFI score was an independent predictor for the development of any type of postoperative complications (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02–2.10) and major postoperative complications (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.05–1.98) by multivariable analysis. High mFI patients had a higher 90-day mortality rate (high mFI = 7/64 [11%] vs. low mFI = 20/490 [4.1%], p = 0.017), a longer median length of hospital stay (high mFI = 11 days vs. low mFI = 8 days, p = 0.016), and a higher rate of ICU admission (high mFI = 47/64 [73%] vs. low mFI = 211/490 [43%], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Among patients who are considered surgical candidates, the mFI can identify those at high risk of developing postoperative complications. This tool can be used to accurately discuss postoperative risk with patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Lateral Dermal Penetration Is Dependent on the Lipophilicity of Active Ingredients
Authors: Lubda Markus , Zander Maximilian , Salazar Andrew , Kolmar Harald , von Hagen Jörg
Published: February 2022

Introduction: With its large surface area, skin facilitates a topical administration of active ingredients, and thus percutaneous delivery to a specific target site. Due to its high barrier function and different diffusion characteristics, skin governs the efficacy of these active ingredients and a bioavailability in the epidermal and dermal tissue. Objective: In order to characterize the vertical and lateral movement of molecules into and inside the skin, the diffusivity of active ingredients with different physicochemical properties and their penetration ability in different dermal skin layers was investigated. Methods: A novel lateral dermal microdialysis (MD) penetration setup was used to compare the diffusion characteristics of active ingredients into superficial and deep-implanted MD membranes in porcine skin. The corresponding membrane depth was determined via ultrasound and the active ingredients concentration via high-pressure liquid chromatography measurement. Results: The depth depended penetration of superficial and deep-implanted MD membranes and the quantitative diffusivity of two active ingredients was compared. An experimental lateral MD setup was used to determine the influence of percutaneous skin penetration characteristics of an active ingredient with different lipophilic and hydrophilic characteristics. Therefore, hydrophilic caffeine and lipophilic LIP1, which have an identical molecular weight but different lipophilic characteristics, were tested for their penetration ability inside a propylene glycol and oleic acid formulation. Conclusion: The vertical and lateral penetration movement of caffeine was found to exceed that of LIP1 through the hydrophilic dermal environment. The findings of this study show that the lipophilicity of active ingredients influences the penetration movement and that skin enables a conical increasing lateral diffusivity and transdermal delivery.
Avaliação do grau de satisfação dos profissionais de saúde frente a presença de estudantes de medicina nas Unidades de Saúde da Família
Authors: Caires Eda Pires Ferreira Moura , Novaes Isadora Carvalho , Adan Marina  Rabello Sampaio , Silva Cecília Machado , Valadão Patrícia Aparecida da Silva , Lemos Amanda Queiroz
Published: February 2022

A partir da reforma das Diretrizes Curriculares dos Cursos de Graduação em Medicina (DCN), os estudantes de medicina passaram a vivenciar a Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) em seu contexto mais amplo. Porém, a satisfação dos profissionais de saúde frente a essa integração ensino-serviço-comunidade ainda não é plenamente evidenciada. Este estudo tem como objetivo determinar a satisfação dos profissionais das Equipes de Saúde da Família (eSF) em relação à presença de estudantes de medicina na APS. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 95 profissionais de saúde que trabalham em Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF) do município de Lauro de Freitas-BA. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário elaborado pelos pesquisadores, e a satisfação dos profissionais quanto à presença de estudantes de medicina foi mensurada através da aplicação da escala Likert e da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). Em relação à presença desses estudantes nas USFs, 40% dos profissionais concordam plenamente que a rotina de trabalho teve uma mudança positiva e 48,4% deles acreditam que a presença de estudantes contribui para a agilidade do serviço. O nível de satisfação com a presença dos estudantes nas USFs, apresentou mediana de 8,0 (7,0 – 10,0) na EVA.
Conceptos fundamentales en la formación de especialistas de la comunicación organizacional en algunas universidades mexicanas
Authors: Castrejón Eva María Pérez , Camiade Cristina Barroso
Published: February 2022

Como las tendencias de la comunicación organizacional van evolucionando y se van ajustando a las demandas de la globalización, se producen impactos naturalmente en la enseñanza de la disciplina y las organizaciones públicas y privadas. Este artículo pretende definir los conceptos fundamentales en la formación de especialistas de la comunicación organizacional utilizando metodología cualitativa mediante entrevistas a profundidad a los líderes de programas académicos y a empleadores para conocer las demandas del mercado y cómo las universidades las atienden.
Comunicação organizacional e desinformação: uma reflexão sobre comunicação pública no Brasil durante a pandemia da covid-19
Authors: Oliveira Maria Lívia Pacheco de , Colpo Caroline Delevati
Published: February 2022

Neste artigo, discute-se os conceitos de comunicação, informação e desinformação aplicados à comunicação organizacional de caráter público, no que tange à confiança organizacional. Por meio de uma pesquisa exploratória qualitativa, objetiva-se analisar um levantamento sobre desinformação do início da pandemia da covid-19 no Brasil, traçando uma relação com comunicações públicas realizadas nesse período. Conclui-se que a comunicação organizacional pública não pautada na ética contribui negativamente para a confiança das organizações, além de poder ser utilizada na formatação de desinformação.
Reflexões sobre comunicação organizacional na América Latina: ventos da mudança na gestão da diversidade
Authors: Ferrari Maria Aparecida
Published: February 2022

Este artigo destaca a legitimação dos modelos de gestão eurocêntricos nas organizações latino-americanas e sua influência na cultura e nos processos de comunicação. Observa-se que ainda estão presentes matrizes eurocêntricas que deram origem a profundos paradoxos e contradições na agenda das organizações e limitaram o desenvolvimento de uma identidade latina. Esse cenário tem dificultado a gestão da diversidade nas organizações latino-americanas, uma vez que traços como o machismo e o autoritarismo impedem um espaço de resistência e inclusão social.
Tendências de inovação em bibliotecas escolares: vertentes emergentes para ressignificar esses espaços
Authors: Carneiro Gabriela Barbosa , Amiel Tel
Published: February 2022

A implementação de práticas inovadoras em espaços escolares é um movimento necessário para acompanhar as necessidades da sociedade contemporânea, que, mesmo com desigualdades, encontra-se cada vez mais imersa num universo de tecnologias. Este trabalho investiga tendências de inovação em bibliotecas escolares, com foco em novas mídias e espaços de criação colaborativos. Teve como objetivos mapear quais as práticas de inovação têm sido implementadas nas bibliotecas escolares brasileiras e de que forma os conceitos de makerspace, hackerspace e centro de recursos têm sido incorporados pelas instituições escolares. Foi realizado ummapeamento sistemático de literatura, contemplando artigos, publicações em conferências ou resumos expandidos revisados por pares, além de teses e dissertações, publicados entre os anos 2000 e 2020, em português. Como resultado final, obteu-se um escopo de 8 trabalhos que se enquadraram aos critérios de inclusão. As publicações indicaram o makerspacecomo uma tendência promissora de inovação em bibliotecas escolares e um importante recurso ao processo pedagógico, bem como o Centro de Recursos de Aprendizagem que se propõe a compor o planejamento e objetivos do sistema educativo.Os trabalhos apontam que para uma incorporação efetiva desses conceitos se faz necessário uma flexibilização do currículo, um processo de conscientização da comunidade escolar e a qualificação dos profissionais bibliotecários. Conclui-se que essa é uma área ainda pouco desenvolvida em espaços escolares no Brasil, mas, que já se mostra com exemplos efetivos em algumas instituições.
Health Disparities: Research That Matters
Authors: Benson Richard T. , Koroshetz Walter J.
Published: February 2022

Health advances have not benefited all people equally. Health equity remains an aspirational goal, but research that enhances health equity is the highest priority at the National Institutes of Health. Here, we propose a call to action and outline current National Institutes of Health programs that aim to eliminate health disparities both broadly and in high priority areas. Discussed topics include stroke as an indicator of broad health inequity, challenges, and opportunities in health disparities research, the need to diversify the research workforce, and the ongoing efforts and struggles to establish trust with disadvantaged communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seizure-like behaviour in antelope ground squirrels
Authors: Refinetti Roberto
Published: February 2022

In a colony of 52 antelope ground squirrels conceived in the wild and raised in the laboratory, 42% of adult animals exhibited freezing and seizure-like behaviour in response to the minor stress of monthly cage changes. This behavioural pattern, which was never exhibited at other times, is similar to that previously described in Mongolian gerbils. Characteristics of the behavioural pattern do not seem to be indicative of a captivity-induced stereotypy.
Sex-specific prioritization of parental roles by the convict cichlid is differentially affected by brood predator threat
Authors: Snekser Jennifer L.
Published: February 2022

Parents are faced with multiple, critical tasks, and must prioritize mutually exclusive activities. With biparental care, decisions on prioritization become more complex, as sexes may differ in their prioritization of conflicting behaviours and compensation for changes in their mates’ behaviour. Here, I examined the decisions of biparental convict cichlids when they were forced to retrieve displaced young and defend against an intruder. The size and proximity of the potential predator was varied to determine how threat-level influenced prioritization decisions. Males tended to be consistent in their contributions to offspring, regardless of the threat to young. Female parents, however, were much more variable in their care and adjusted their aggression with the size of the intruder and adjusted retrieval in relation to the proximity of the offspring. Sex differences in parental contributions may be due to differences in the parents’ ability or willingness to adjust roles and/or differential potential future reproduction.
Don’t listen to mom: no maternal influence on consistent nest and latrine site choice by their offspring in meadow voles
Authors: Rohrer Karl N. , Ferkin Michael H.
Published: February 2022

Where does an animal build a nest? At a large scale, habitat preference can be informed by ‘natal habitat preference induction’, where an animal’s early environment impacts what habitat it finds suitable later in life. Other preferences may be present within a chosen habitat. We tracked the location angle of nests and latrines within the home cages of captive meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus. Nests and latrines were separated from each other by an angle of approximately 180°, perhaps to reduce disease transmission. Meadow voles’ nest and latrine site choices were individually consistent across time. Only nest site choices were consistent between siblings, as assessed by a random effect coefficient, and these choices were repeatable. However, nest site choices at maturity were independent of their mother’s nest choice. We posit that the nest and latrine site choice is a socially learned preference developed through the consensus of siblings after weaning.
Women and Divorce in The Islamic West
Authors: Powers David S.
Published: February 2022

I examine here three short fatwās that were issued in the Islamic West in connection with divorce disputes. The first two cases took place in the sixth/twelfth century, one in Lisbon, the other in the vicinity of Ceuta; the third case took place in Bijāya in the ninth/fifteenth century. In all three cases, the female protagonist finds herself in an unwanted marriage. In the ensuing litigation, each woman uses her own knowledge of the law or knowledge acquired from a male relative or acquaintance to work the system in an effort to extricate herself from an undesirable situation. In order to overcome the asymmetry of the laws of divorce and to achieve her objective, each woman is compelled to engage in some form of deceit and/or prevarication.
Reconsidering the Special Rules of Mitigation of Damages for Breach of Contract for the Sale of Goods in UAE Law
Authors: Fayyad Mahmoud I. , Hayajneh Ahmad M.
Published: February 2022

This research focuses on the regulatory framework of a creditor’s duty to mitigate damages in UAE law, and examines the extent to which this organization is consistent with the provisions of the UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods. The absence of an explicit legislative provision imposing this duty in the national law does not preclude the possibility of implementing many general rules governing the theory of contract provided in the UAE federal law on civil transactions. It also concludes that the regulation of commercial sales contracts provided in the UAE federal law on commercial transactions is counterproductive in organizing this duty in contravention of the general rules of contract law and international perspective and in contrast to the provided goals of these special provisions (maintaining mutual trust between the contracting parties and the stability of commercial transactions). It suggests fundamental amendments to the federal law on commercial transactions.