bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low COVID-19 impact in Africa: The multifactorial Nexus
Authors: Udoakang Aniefiok , Oboh Mary , Henry-Ajala Agatha , Anyigba Claudia , Omoleke Semeeh , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Paemka Lily , Awandare Gordon , Quashie Peter
Published: October 2021

Africa has defied predictions of being the worst hit by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which has devastated Europe, the Americas, and some Asian countries. However, with a current second and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic across other continents, pertinent​ questions have arisen regarding the lower disease severity and seemingly better outcomes in most African countries. Several factors have been proposed as discussed in this review including, underreporting, quick lockdown measures, effective public health intervention, younger population structure, cross-immunity and experience from fighting previous epidemics, such as the Ebola virus outbreak, previous infections or vaccinations, genetic predisposition, and tropical climate. We have discussed the implications of these factors on the magnitude of the outbreak and the better-than-expected outcomes observed in Africa. In addition, other potential factors like vitamin-D deficiency and chronic non-communicable diseases could predispose non-African regions to severe COVID-19 outcome. Therefore, this review further advocates for research to understand the precise mechanisms responsible for the pandemic’s relatively mild impact in Africa and proposed recommendations to prevent an infection surge.
Screening for postoperative vital signs abnormalities, and particularly hemodynamic ones, by continuous monitoring: protocol for the Biobeat-Postop cohort study
Authors: Paternot Alexis , Aegerter Philippe , Martin Aurélie , Ouattara Jonathan , Ma Sabrina , Adjavon Sherifa , Trillat Bernard , Alfonsi Pascal , Fischler Marc , Le Guen Morgan
Published: October 2021

Background: Postoperative hypotension associated with postoperative morbidity and early mortality has been studied previously. Hypertension and other hemodynamic, respiratory, and temperature abnormalities have comparatively understudied during the first postoperative days.

Methods: This bi-centre observational cohort study will include 114 adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery hospitalized on an unmonitored general care floor and wearing a multi-signal wearable sensor, allowing remote monitoring (Biobeat Technologies Ltd, Petah Tikva, Israel). The study will cover the first 72 hours after discharge of the patient from the post-anaesthesia care unit. Several thresholds will be used for each variable (arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and skin temperature). Data obtained using the sensor will be compared to data obtained during the routine nurse follow-up. The primary outcome is hemodynamic abnormality. The secondary outcomes are postoperative respiratory and temperature abnormalities, artefacts and blank/null outputs from the wearable device, postoperative complications, and finally, the ease of use of the device. We hypothesize that remote monitoring will detect abnormalities in vital signs more often or more quickly than the detection by nurses’ routine surveillance.

Discussion: A demonstration of the ability of wireless sensors to outperform standard monitoring techniques paves the way for the creation of a loop which includes this monitoring mode, the automated creation of alerts, and the sending of these alerts to caregivers.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04585178. Registered on October 14, 2020
Improvement of Cardiac Fibrosis Biomarkers through Inflammation Inhibition by Green Tea and Decaffeinated Light Roasted Green Coffee Extract Combination Administration in Metabolic Syndrome Rat Model
Authors: Lukitasari Mifetika , Rohman Mohammad Saifur , Nugroho Dwi Adi , Wahyuni Nila Aisyah , Nur Kholis Mukhamad , Widodo Nashi
Published: October 2021

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Green tea and green coffee extracts, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents may participate in metabolic syndrome-induced cardiac fibrosis alleviation. However, the effect of combination of those extracts still needs exploration. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of green tea and decaffeinated light roasted green coffee extracts and their combination in metabolic syndrome-induced cardiac fibrosis rats.

Methods: Metabolic syndrome rat model was i1nduced through high-fat high sucrose diets feeding for 8 weeks and injection of low dose streptozotocin at the 2nd week. The metabolic syndrome rats were divided into 4 experimental groups metabolic syndrome rats (MS); metabolic syndrome rats treated with 300 mg/ kg b.w green tea extract (GT); metabolic syndrome rats treated with 200 mg/ kg b.w decaffeinated light roasted green coffee extract (GC); metabolic syndrome rats treated with the combination of the two extracts (CE); and a normal control (NC) group was added. Angiotensin 2 level was analyzed by ELISA method. Gene expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, Tgf-β1, Rac-1, and α-sma were analyzed by touchdown polymerase chain reaction methods.

Results: Metabolic syndrome rats treated with green tea and decaffeinated light roasted green coffee significantly decreased angiotensin-2 serum level and cardiac inflammation and fibrosis gene expression level (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, Tgf-β1, Rac-1, and α-sma). More significant alleviation was observed in the combination group.

Conclusion: This study suggested that combination of green tea and decaffeinated light roasted green coffee extracts showed better improvement in metabolic syndrome-induced cardiac fibrosis rat model compared to that of single extract administration through inflammation inhibition
Methods to measure calcitonin receptor activity, up-regulated in cell stress, apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Wookey Peter , Gupta Pragya , Bittencourt Lucas , Cheung Shane , Hare David , Furness Sebastian
Published: October 2021

The expression of the calcitonin receptor (CT Receptor) is widespread throughout the life cycle of mammals and in many diseases, and in these contexts the functions of the common isoforms is largely unknown. The relatively recent development of anti-CT Receptor antibodies that bind separate epitopes on the CTa Receptor and CTb Receptor isoforms has advanced our knowledge and understanding of these events. CT Receptor at the protein level is upregulated in programmed cell death including apoptosis (as described in a previous publication) and autophagy, which is discussed in our upcoming, unpublished review. Incomplete data sets are cited in this review on the upregulation of CACLR (encoding CT Receptor) mRNA, in particular the insert-positive isoform (CTb Receptor), in response to cell stress. Cell stress is induced by growth in depleted foetal bovine serum (dFBS) or without FBS, both of which induce degrees of starvation and autophagy, or dFBS plus staurosporine, which induces apoptosis. Details of the methods deployed to generate these data are described here including measurement of the upregulation of CTb Receptor mRNA with qPCR and nanopore long range sequencing. An anti-CT Receptor antibody also known as CalRexinTM, which binds an epitope in the N-terminal domain, was conjugated to either fluorophore 568, which is accumulated into apoptotic cells as previously reported, or pHrodo Red, a pH dependent fluorescent dye, which is accumulated into autophagic and apoptotic cells.  These conjugates are under development to image programmed cell death. The methods for conjugation and high content imaging on the Operetta platform are described. The high fluorescence intensity at low pH of CalRexin:pHrodo Red in both autophagic and apoptotic cells suggests localisation in autophago-lysosomes and lysosomes respectively. Overall, these observations and the methods that underpin them have contributed to our understanding of the widespread expression of CT Receptor isoforms.
The Multidimensional Battery of Prosody Perception (MBOPP)
Authors: Jasmin Kyle , Dick Frederic , Tierney Adam Taylor
Published: October 2021

Prosody can be defined as the rhythm and intonation patterns spanning words, phrases and sentences. Accurate perception of prosody is an important component of many aspects of language processing, such as parsing grammatical structures, recognizing words, and determining where emphasis may be placed. Prosody perception is important for language acquisition and can be impaired in language-related developmental disorders. However, existing assessments of prosodic perception suffer from some shortcomings.  These include being unsuitable for use with typically developing adults due to ceiling effects and failing to allow the investigator to distinguish the unique contributions of individual acoustic features such as pitch and temporal cues. Here we present the Multi-Dimensional Battery of Prosody Perception (MBOPP), a novel tool for the assessment of prosody perception. It consists of two subtests: Linguistic Focus, which measures the ability to hear emphasis or sentential stress, and Phrase Boundaries, which measures the ability to hear where in a compound sentence one phrase ends, and another begins. Perception of individual acoustic dimensions (Pitch and Duration) can be examined separately, and test difficulty can be precisely calibrated by the experimenter because stimuli were created using a continuous voice morph space. We present validation analyses from a sample of 59 individuals and discuss how the battery might be deployed to examine perception of prosody in various populations.
Development of the Risk Management System for Innovative Projects in the Framework of the Integrated Management System of the Retailers
Authors: Degtyareva V.
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the development of the innovative projects risk management system within the framework of the retailers` integrated management system in order to increase the corporate governance efficiency in general. In the research is identified the problem of the presence of a large number of risks accompanying the implementation of innovative projects of the retailers, including such risks as the risks of an unfavorable epidemiological situation development. In the article, the advantages and difficulties of the risk management system for innovative projects implementation within the framework of an integrated management system are analyzed and the recommendations for the development of its organizational and management structure, functionality and integration are given.
Forecasting Economic Indicators of Transport Activity
Authors: Biryukov D. , Rod'kina O. , Vakulenko Ruslan , Lapaev D.
Published: October 2021

The article discusses the methodological and practical aspects of forecasting the economic indicators of the transport sector at the level of a transport company and the type of economic activity. The development of forecasting methodology at the present time is analyzed. The necessity, features and main directions of development of the forecasting methodology for the type of economic activity are revealed. The methodological basis for forecasting the development of the transport sector is investigated and characterized. A method for forecasting transportation and storage as a type of economic activity under conditions of uncertainty is proposed and tested. Based on the results of the correlation analysis, subsets of predicted indicators and factors were formed that were optimal for constructing the corresponding linear regression models. Predictive regression models have been developed, their significance and statistical accuracy have been confirmed.
Reescritura del mito y representación de lo femenino en la novela Les prénoms épicènes (2018) de Amélie Nothomb.
Authors: Ippolito Speziale Antonella
Published: October 2021

La contribución analiza los mecanismos con los que Amélie Nothomb, en su novela Les prénoms épicènes (2018), establece un proceso de recombinación y reescritura a partir de diferentes formas de “mito”. El relato convierte la relación explícita con la comedia Epicoene (1609) de Ben Johnson y el recurso al mito órfico en instrumentos de escenificación irónica de clichés asociados a la identidad femenina.
DETERMINAN PENGUNGKAPAN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: STUDI EMPIRIS PADA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA
Authors: Jauhari Nanda Amelia , Segarawasesa Fajar Satriya
Published: October 2021

This study aims to analyze and provide empirical evidence on the effect of firm age, foreign ownership, board of commissioners, audit committee, and industry type on corporate social responsibility disclosure. The population in this study is manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2017-2019, totalling 180 companies. The sampling technique used is the purposive sampling method with a total sample of 96 companies that met the criteria for the research samples. This study applies a quantitative approach with secondary data types. Data collection uses documentation techniques. Data analysis uses descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis employed SPSS version 21 program. The results show that the company’s age, the board of commissioners and the type of industry have a positive effect on the disclosure of corporate social responsibility, while foreign ownership and the audit committee do not affect the corporate social responsibility disclosure.
New approaches to an old challenge: what can we do about smoking?
Authors: Ross Louise
Published: October 2021

Smoking cessation remains a challenge. Louise Ross describes new strategies practice nurses can use to help their patients to stop smoking

Practice nurses are in an excellent position to help patients who smoke to think about quitting and to guide them towards the course of action most likely to be successful. Unfortunately some nurses, like many other health professionals, have become disillusioned about the power to change the minds of patients who smoke and influence their choices. This article looks at new strategies and approaches, to empower practice nurses and to support them to contribute to the national ambition of a Smokefree 2030.
Cocriação de Valor em Sala de Aula como um Antecedente do Engajamento dos Estudantes de Ensino Superior
Authors: Araujo Clécio Falcão , Frio Ricardo Saraiva , Rosa Caroline da , Silva Patrícia Rodrigues da
Published: October 2021

A concepção da lógica dominante de serviço pode ser compreendida a partir do contexto do ensino superior. Em um ambiente de sala de aula, alunos e professores podem cocriar valor contribuindo para um melhor aproveitamento das disciplinas e, consequentemente, maior engajamento dos alunos e melhor resultado para as universidades. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o efeito da cocriação de valor em sala de aula como um antecedente do engajamento de estudantes do ensino superior. A partir de uma amostra de 320 estudantes de universidades da região sul do Brasil e utilizando-se de modelagem de equações estruturais, os resultados apontaram que a cocriação de valor aumenta o engajamento dos estudantes com a disciplina. As descobertas também forneceram apoio empírico, demonstrando que o tipo de metodologia aplicada pelo professor exerce um papel moderador na relação entre a coprodução e o engajamento do aluno com a disciplina. Os resultados têm implicações para as universidades e para os professores ao instigar o desenvolvimento de metodologias que sejam centradas na cocriação de valor do aluno.
Inovação em mercados emergentes
Authors: Barros Henrique Machado , Hsun Shih Chih
Published: October 2021

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Algorithm for real-time defect detection of micro pipe inner surface
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Wu Bin
Published: October 2021

Quantitative analysis and identification of unknown shaped defects have always been difficult and challenging in the quality control of micro pipes. A series of algorithms for defect detection and feature recognition is presented in this study. A lightweight convolution neural network (LCNN) is introduced to realize defect discrimination. A shallow segmentation network is employed to cooperate with LCNN to obtain pixel-wise crack detection, and a feature recognition algorithm for quantitative measurement is presented. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithms can achieve defect detection with an accuracy of 98.5%, segmentation with mean intersection over union of 0.834, and latency of only 0.2 s. It can be used for online feature recognition and defect detection of the inner surface of a hole.
Nb2CTx MXene-tilted fiber Bragg grating optofluidic system based on photothermal spectroscopy for pesticide detection
Authors: Li Wenjie , Miao Yinping , Guo Tuan , Zhang Kialiang , Yao Jianquan
Published: October 2021

An optofluidic system based on photothermal spectroscopy is proposed, which combines molecular photothermal effect with Nb2CTx MXene-tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) with temperature compensated. Under the irradiation of excitation light, the photothermal effect of OPs produces a detectable change in the refractive index of the sample, and the concentration of chlorpyrifos can be quantified using TFBG. The Nb2CTx MXene coated TFBG allow more molecules to be absorbed on the surface of TFBG, which enhances the interaction between light and matter, and improves the sensitivity of detection. The temperature compensation is performed by referring to the core mode of TFBG, thereby eliminating the influence of ambient temperature on the photothermal detection. The experimental results show that the sensitivity reaches 1.8 pm/ppm with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.35 ppm, and the obtained temperature compensation coefficient is 4.84 ppm/°C. This photothermal biosensor has the advantages of low LOD, temperature compensation and real-time online monitoring, making it a good candidate in medicine, chemistry and environmental monitoring.
Pearcey beam tuning and caustic evolution
Authors: Wang Yihao
Published: October 2021

Based on the principle of catastrophe theory, by adding an additional phase factor, we adjust Pearcey beams, which therefore have a more flexible and controllable light-field structure. The basic optical structure and evolution characteristics of caustics are also investigated. In particular, we derive analytical equations of caustics for Pearcey beams by exactly considering the specially engineered phase factor. Experimentally, binary masks are used to encode light-field information with the superpixel method so that the theoretically designed Pearcey beam can be generated. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations indicate that the caustics remain unchanged but exhibit lateral shift for a series of phase parameters during propagation in free space. This phenomenon has potential applications in the field of optical manipulation.
Edge-based modulation transfer function measurement method using a variable oversampling ratio
Authors: Masaoka Kenichiro
Published: October 2021

The ISO 12233 edge-based method approximates the modulation transfer function (MTF) as a function of horizontal or vertical spatial frequency by analyzing a 1D supersampled edge gradient obtained from the captured image of a near-vertical or near-horizontal bi-tonal edge, respectively. The method involves the slanted projection of pixels in a square array into a linear array of subpixel-wide bins. It can be modified to accommodate diagonal MTF measurements; however, using a fixed integer oversampling ratio degrades the accuracy and precision of diagonal MTF estimates due to periodic misalignment between the projection paths and the bin array. In this study, an edge-based method—called OMNI-sine—is proposed to counter the misalignment and improve MTF estimates by using a variable oversampling ratio dependent on the slant angle.
Fundamental and multipole solitons in amplitude-modulated Fibonacci lattices
Authors: Huang Changming , Lin Zhiyu , Dong Liangwei , Li Chunyan , Gao Penghui , Su Weiwei
Published: October 2021

We investigated the existence and stability of fundamental and multipole solitons supported by amplitude-modulated Fibonacci lattices with self-focusing nonlinearity. Owing to the quasi-periodicity of Fibonacci lattices, families of solitons localized in different waveguides have different properties. We found that the existence domain of fundamental solitons localized in the central lattice is larger than that of solitons localized in the adjacent central waveguide. The former counterparts are completely stable in their existence region, while the latter have a narrow unstable region near the lower cut-off. Two families of dipole solitons were also comprehensively studied. We found the outer lattice distribution can significantly change the existence region of solitons. In addition, we specifically analyzed the properties of four complicated multipole solitons with pole numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9. In the Fibonacci lattice, their field moduli of multipole solitons are all asymmetrically distributed. The linear-stability analysis and direct simulations reveal that as the number of poles of the multipole soliton increases, its stable domain is compressed. Our results provide helpful insight for understanding the dynamics of nonlinear localized multipole modes in Fibonacci lattices with an optical nonlinearity.
Tunable illumination for LED-based systems using refractive freeform arrays
Authors: Shadalou Shohreh , Cassarly William J. , Suleski Thomas J.
Published: October 2021

Tunable illumination with high uniformity can improve functionality for multiple application areas. In lighting applications, dynamic illumination has been achieved by applying axial movement to the source(s) or other optical elements, resulting in poor uniformity, or using a liquid lens that adds design complexity. Advances in high-precision manufacturing methods have facilitated the practical implementation of freeform optical components, enabling new design approaches for illumination systems. This paper explores the use of arrays of varifocal transmissive freeform Alvarez lenses for an LED-based illumination system. The design is initialized using paraxial geometrical optics concepts and then refined for a 1mm-by−1 mm white LED source through a multi-step optimization. Design procedures are discussed, and simulation results are presented for an example illumination system that varies from a small circular spot mode to a large square uniform flood mode through millimeter-scale lateral translation between the Alvarez lens arrays.
Supersymmetry-enhanced stark-chirped rapid-adiabatic-passage in multimode optical waveguides
Authors: Viedma David , Ahufinger Verònica , Mompart Jordi
Published: October 2021

We propose a method to efficiently pump an excited mode of a multimode optical waveguide starting from a fundamental-mode input by combining Stark-Chirped Rapid Adiabatic Passage (SCRAP) and Supersymmetry (SUSY) transformations. In a two-waveguide set, we implement SCRAP by modulating the core refractive index of one waveguide, which is evanescently coupled to its SUSY partner. SCRAP provides an efficient transfer of light intensity between the modes of different waveguides, while SUSY allows to control which modes are supported. Using both techniques allows to achieve fidelities above 99% for the pumping of the excited mode of a two-mode waveguide. Additionally, we show that SCRAP can be exploited to spatially separate superpositions of fundamental and excited modes, and how SUSY can also improve the results for this application.
Smartphone-based hybrid 3D profilometry with an extended imaging depth range based on binary code and phase-shifting
Authors: Chen Szu-Yu , Wang Han-Hsien
Published: October 2021

For the emerging demands of three-dimensional (3D) profile measurement in daily life, a smartphone-based 3D profilometry based on structured light was presented in this paper. To measure 3D profiles within a large depth range, a method combing binary code and phase-shifting was employed. Applying anti-phase complementary binary code patterns successfully overcame the defocusing issue of both the camera and projector. It also helped reduce the influence of objects’ surface reflectivity and the phase unwrapping error. For a depth range of 1100 mm, an average height reconstruction error lower than 2 mm can be achieved with this system.
Molecular mechanism of proton-coupled ligand translocation by the bacterial efflux pump EmrE
Authors: Jurasz Jakub , Bagiński Maciej , Czub Jacek , Wieczór Miłosz
Published: October 2021

The current surge in bacterial multi-drug resistance (MDR) is one of the largest challenges to public health, threatening to render ineffective many therapies we rely on for treatment of serious infections. Understanding different factors that contribute to MDR is hence crucial from the global “one health” perspective. In this contribution, we focus on the prototypical broad-selectivity proton-coupled antiporter EmrE, one of the smallest known ligand transporters that confers resistance to aromatic cations in a number of clinically relevant species. As an asymmetric homodimer undergoing an “alternating access” protomer-swap conformational change, it serves as a model for the mechanistic understanding of more complex drug transporters. Here, we present a free energy and solvent accessibility analysis that indicates the presence of two complementary ligand translocation pathways that remain operative in a broad range of conditions. Our simulations show a previously undescribed desolvated apo state and anticorrelated accessibility in the ligand-bound state, explaining on a structural level why EmrE does not disrupt the pH gradient through futile proton transfer. By comparing the behavior of a number of model charged and/or aromatic ligands, we also explain the origin of selectivity of EmrE towards a broad class of aromatic cations. Finally, we explore unbiased pathways of ligand entry and exit to identify correlated structural changes implicated in ligand binding and release, as well as characterize key intermediates of occupancy changes.
Disease progression of 213 patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in the Czech Republic in March–October 2020: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Modrák Martin , Bürkner Paul-Christian , Sieger Tomáš , Slisz Tomáš , Vašáková Martina , Mesežnikov Grigorij , Casas-Mendez Luis Fernando , Vajter Jaromír , Táborský Jan , Kubricht Viktor , Suk Daniel , Horejsek Jan , Jedlička Martin , Mifková Adriana , Jaroš Adam , Kubiska Miroslav , Váchalová Jana , Šín Robin , Veverková Markéta , Pospíšil Zbyšek , Vohryzková Julie , Pokrievková Rebeka , Hrušák Kristián , Christozova Kristína , Leos-Barajas Vianey , Fišer Karel , Hyánek Tomáš
Published: October 2021

We collected a multi-centric retrospective dataset of patients (N = 213) who were admitted to ten hospitals in Czech Republic and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the early phases of the pandemic in March—October 2020. The dataset contains baseline patient characteristics, breathing support required, pharmacological treatment received and multiple markers on daily resolution. Patients in the dataset were treated with hydroxychloroquine (N = 108), azithromycin (N = 72), favipiravir (N = 9), convalescent plasma (N = 7), dexamethasone (N = 4) and remdesivir (N = 3), often in combination. To explore association between treatments and patient outcomes we performed multiverse analysis, observing how the conclusions change between defensible choices of statistical model, predictors included in the model and other analytical degrees of freedom. Weak evidence to constrain the potential efficacy of azithromycin and favipiravir can be extracted from the data. Additionally, we performed external validation of several proposed prognostic models for Covid-19 severity showing that they mostly perform unsatisfactorily on our dataset.
Sequence and structure comparison of ATP synthase F0 subunits 6 and 8 in notothenioid fish
Authors: Katyal Gunjan , Ebanks Brad , Lucassen Magnus , Papetti Chiara , Chakrabarti Lisa
Published: October 2021

Mitochondrial changes such as tight coupling of the mitochondria have facilitated sustained oxygen and respiratory activity in haemoglobin-less icefish of the Channichthyidae family. We aimed to characterise features in the sequence and structure of the proteins directly involved in proton transport, which have potential physiological implications. ATP synthase subunit a (ATP6) and subunit 8 (ATP8) are proteins that function as part of the F0 component (proton pump) of the F0F1complex. Both proteins are encoded by the mitochondrial genome and involved in oxidative phosphorylation. To explore mitochondrial sequence variation for ATP6 and ATP8 we analysed sequences from C. gunnari and C. rastrospinosus and compared them with their closely related red-blooded species and eight other vertebrate species. Our comparison of the amino acid sequence of these proteins reveals important differences that could underlie aspects of the unique physiology of the icefish. In this study we find that changes in the sequence of subunit a of the icefish C. gunnari at position 35 where there is a hydrophobic alanine which is not seen in the other notothenioids we analysed. An amino acid change of this type is significant since it may have a structural impact. The biology of the haemoglobin-less icefish is necessarily unique and any insights about these animals will help to generate a better overall understanding of important physiological pathways.
The major worldwide stress of healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic – the international COVISTRESS survey
Authors: Couarraze Sébastien , Delamarre Louis , Marhar Fouad , Quach Binh , Jiao Jiao , Avilés Dorlhiac Raimundo , Saadaoui Foued , Liu Andy Su-I , Dubuis Benoït , Antunes Samuel , Andant Nicolas , Pereira Bruno , Ugbolue Ukadike C. , Baker Julien S. ,   The COVISTRESS network, Clinchamps Maëlys , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated an upheaval in society and has been the cause of considerable stress during this period. Healthcare professionals have been on the front line during this health crisis, particularly paramedical staff. The aim of this study was to assess the high level of stress of healthcare workers during the first wave of the pandemic.

Materials and methods

The COVISTRESS international study is a questionnaire disseminated online collecting demographic and stress-related data over the globe, during the pandemic. Stress levels were evaluated using non-calibrated visual analog scale, from 0 (no stress) to 100 (maximal stress).

Results

Among the 13,537 individuals from 44 countries who completed the survey from January to June 2020, we included 10,051 workers (including 1379 healthcare workers, 631 medical doctors and 748 paramedical staff). The stress levels during the first wave of the pandemic were 57.8 ± 33 in the whole cohort, 65.3 ± 29.1 in medical doctors, and 73.6 ± 27.7 in paramedical staff. Healthcare professionals and especially paramedical staff had the highest levels of stress (p < 0.001 vs non-healthcare workers). Across all occupational categories, women had systematically significantly higher levels of work-related stress than men (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and stress level (r = -0.098, p < 0.001). Healthcare professionals demonstrated an increased risk of very-high stress levels (>80) compared to other workers (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.87–2.41). Paramedical staff risk for very-high levels of stress was higher than doctors’ (1.88, 1.50–2.34). The risk of high levels of stress also increased in women (1.83, 1.61–2.09; p < 0.001 vs. men) and in people aged <50 (1.45, 1.26–1.66; p < 0.001 vs. aged >50).

Conclusions

The first wave of the pandemic was a major stressful event for healthcare workers, especially paramedical staff. Among individuals, women were the most at risk while age was a protective factor.
An economic evaluation of the Whole Genome Sequencing source tracking program in the U.S.
Authors: Brown Brad , Allard Marc , Bazaco Michael C. , Blankenship Joseph , Minor Travis
Published: October 2021

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created the GenomeTrakr Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Network in 2013, as a tool to improve food safety. This study presents an analysis of Whole Genome source tracking implementation on potential food contamination and related illnesses through theoretical, empirical, and cost benefit analyses. We conduct empirical tests using data from FDA regulated food commodity outbreaks garnering FDA response from 1999 through 2019 and examine the effect of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Pathogen detection program of source tracking WGS isolates collected in the U.S. on outbreak illnesses for three pilot pathogens (E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella). Empirical results are consistent with the theoretical model and suggest that each additional 1,000 WGS isolates added to the public NCBI database is associated with a reduction of approximately 6 illnesses per WGS pathogen, per year. Empirical results are connected to existing literature for a Monte Carlo analysis to estimate benefits and costs. By 2019, annual health benefits are estimated at nearly $500 million, compared to an approximately $22 million investment by public health agencies. Even under conservative assumptions, the program likely broke even in its second year of implementation and could produce increasing public health benefits as the GenomeTrakr network matures.
Cuando ella es la salvadora
Authors: Molpeceres Arnáiz Sara
Published: October 2021

Los escritores de ciencia ficción han recurrido a menudo a la riqueza del imaginario mítico y se han servido de mitos antiguos para configurar mundos nuevos con los que transmitir simbólicamente su cosmovisión ideológica. Un ejemplo lo constituye la autora chilena Elena Aldunate (1925-2005), quien en la novela Del cosmos las quieren vírgenes (1977) nos presenta diversos mitos bíblicos y clásicos que se integran magistralmente en una narrativa heroica en la que la figura salvadora es femenina. Este trabajo se centra, precisamente, en cómo la interpretación que Aldunate hace de estos mitos es la vía que le permite materializar una temática central en su producción como es el papel de la mujer en la sociedad.
High sensitivity C-reactive protein level in various manifestations of tuberculosis in children
Authors: Kusumaningrum Radita , Anam Moh Syarofil , Dadiyanto Dwi Wastoro , Mexitalia Maria , Sidhartani Magdalena
Published: October 2021

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Of all TB patients, 40-50% are children. C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced during the inflammation process and is an indicator of active TB disease. High sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test has higher accuracy and sensitivity to detect CRP at lower levels.

Objective To compare hs-CRP in children with TB infection, pulmonary TB, and extra-pulmonary TB.

Methods This cross-sectional study of children with tuberculosis was conducted at Dr. Kariadi Hospital and the Semarang Community Health Center, Semarang, Central Java, from January 2020–February 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 1–18 years with suspected TB (contact with adult TB patient or clinically suspected to have TB).

Results From 95 study subjects, 19 had TB infection, 51 had pulmonary TB, and 25 had extra-pulmonary TB. There was a significant increase in hs-CRP level based on prolonged fever (P<0.001), enlarged lymph glands (P=0.004), joint swelling (P=0.006), low WHZ or BMI for age (P=0.048), positive bacteriological evidence (P<0.001), and negative/not done tuberculin skin test (P=0.001). There was a significant difference of hs-CRP level based on TB status, with the highest hs-CRP level in extra-pulmonary TB [14.3 mg/l (0.16–321.5)], followed by pulmonary TB [0.8 mg/l (0.3–129.1)], and TB infection [0.7 mg/l (0.3–20.2)]. The highest hs-CRP level for extra-pulmonary TB was found in abdominal TB [84.5 mg/l (0.6–321.5)].

Conclusion  Children with extra-pulmonary TB have significantly higher hs-CRP than children with TB infection or pulmonary TB.
Gastric antral duplication cyst: A case report
Authors: Fathema Kaniz , Benzamin MD. , Begum Fahmida , Khanam Fahmina , Hasan Md Mahamudul , Ahmed Mizu , Mazumder Md Wahiduzzaman , Azad Salahuddin Al , Dey Bishnu Pada , Karim A S M Bazlul
Published: October 2021

Alimentary tract duplications may be symptomatic or may be discovered incidentally. They are named for the organ with which they are associated.1 Congenital gastrointestinal (GI) tract duplication cysts are commonly located in the ileum (53%), mediastinum (18%), colon (13%), stomach (7%), duodenum (6%), rectum (4%), or oesophagus (2%)2. A single theory is insufficient to explain all types of duplications.3 Children may present with symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, lumps, or weight loss.4 The presence of ectopic gastric mucosa and the potential for malignancy remain matters of concern.2 Surgical management is essential for these rare cysts.5 We encountered a Bangladeshi boy with a gastric duplication cyst (GDC) that was pre-operatively diagnosed as a pancreatic cyst. A variety of imaging modalities failed to indicate GDC before the operation. Here we present the clinical course of the case and discuss the difficulties and problems in diagnosing GDC.
How to create

public

health

Facebook

posts

based on Motivational Interviewing

a

pproach

?
Authors: Pócs Dávid
Published: October 2021

Objective:

This research aimed at identifying which types of social media content could achieve higher engagement rate and encourage smokers' motivational language. Intervention contents were classified according to motivational interviewing (MI) strategies.

Methods:

We categorized the included 701 Facebook posts (N=701) into five different groups according to specific MI strategies. Entertaining and informative strategies were in the control group. Facebook users’ interactions were the primary outcomes (engagement rate, negative feedback, and fan-total reach ratio). The comments reflecting smokers’ motivational language were the secondary outcomes (change talk and sustain talk).

Results:MI strategies achieved significantly higher engagement rate, higher fan-total reach ratio, and evoked more change talk. “Elaborating change talk” strategies elicited considerably more change talk. “Affirming change talk” strategies obtained higher fan-total reach ratio and generated significantly more change talk. “Relational MI” strategies achieved significantly higher engagement rate.

Conclusions:

This study offers an important insight into the Facebook post creating for public health professionals who design Facebook-based interventions. These MI strategies can increase the engagement rate: ”Building Partnership” and ”Expressing Empathy”. These MI strategies can reach more fans: ”Affirming Change Talk” and ”Reflecting Change Talk” strategies. Finally, these MI strategies can support smoking cessation: ”Elaborating Change Talk” and ”Affirming Change Talk” strategies.

Source: Pócs D, Óvári T, Watti J, Hamvai Cs, Kelemen O. How to create social media contents based on Motivational Interviewing approach to support tobacco use cessation? A content analysis. Journal of Substance Use 2021; DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2021.1967484. [Full preprint with appendix is available at ResearchGate.]
Post-Induction High Adalimumab Drug Levels Predict Biological Remission at Week 24 in Patients With Crohn's Disease
Authors: Zittan Eran , Steinhart A. Hillary , Goldstein Pavel , Milgrom Raquel , Gralnek Ian M. , Silverberg Mark S.
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCTION:

We investigated whether early adalimumab drug levels (ADL) at week 4 predicted biological remission at week 24.

METHODS:

In a prospective study, we assessed clinical and biological remission at weeks 0, 4, 12, and 24 after induction of adalimumab in 33 patients with Crohn's disease. Disease activity was determined by the Harvey-Bradshaw Index, ileocolonoscopy reports, cross-sectional imaging, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels. Clinical remission was defined as Harvey-Bradshaw Index <5. Biological remission was defined as a combination of FC < 200 μg/g and CRP <5 μg/mL. ADL trough levels were tested using a liquid phase, mobility shift assay.

RESULTS:

At 24 weeks, 18/33 (55%) of the patients were with biological remission. Ten (30%) patients required dose escalation or withdrawal from adalimumab by week 24 because of lack of response and exhibited significantly higher FC (P = 0.003) and CRP (P = 0.002). ADL levels at week 4 (19.8 μg/mL vs 10.2 μg/mL, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with biological remission vs nonresponders at week 24. ADL levels at week 4 were a good predictor of biological remission at week 24, with area under the curve 0.86, 95% confidence interval (1.1; 1.67) and for combined biological and clinical remission, with area under the curve 0.8. The best ADL cutoff at week 4 that predicted biological remission at week 24 was 13.9 μg/mL (sensitivity 94.4% and specificity 73.3%).

DISCUSSION:

In individuals with Crohn's disease, higher adalimumab drug levels at week 4 (>13.9 μg/mL) were significantly associated with biological remission at week 24.
“A Great Investment in Our Communities”: Strengthening Nunavut’s Whole-of-Society Search and Rescue Capabilities
Authors: Kikkert Peter , Lackenbauer P. Whitney
Published: October 2021

Community-based organizations along with territorial, provincial, and federal agencies are responsible for search and rescue (SAR) in the Canadian Arctic. In delivering response capabilities at all hours of the day and for 365 days a year, the community-based organizations face a wide array of challenges. Using the data collected through the Kitikmeot Search and Rescue Project and the Kitikmeot Roundtable on SAR, coupled with academic and non-government organization literature, this article explores the major challenges facing community SAR organizations in Nunavut and builds a case for how targeted investment can best bolster community-based capabilities. We suggest novel, practical, and holistic solutions that have been proposed by or co-devised with community partners, are rooted in the unique context of Nunavut’s communities, and are reflective of a community resilience-building approach. One set of recommendations involves strengthening current programming, including the expansion of Nunavut Emergency Management’s inReach program, continued support for the enlargement of the CCGA, streamlining the process to activate Canadian Ranger patrols, and encouraging greater cooperation in the provision of training by federal and territorial agencies. We also propose new approaches, including a whole-of-society preventative SAR program centred on educational and youth programming, the adoption of a SAR equipment usage rate model, and the launch of a Community Public Safety Officer program in Nunavut. Finally, to justify greater investment at the community level, we argue that policymakers must change how they conceptualize community-based SAR capabilities in Nunavut. An effective SAR system is about more than the ability to respond to emergency events. It is a critical enabler to broader objectives and goals prioritized in the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and other federal, territorial, and Inuit strategies.
Workforce Compensation Policies for Lead Teachers in State-Funded Preschool
Authors: Khan Zaynab , Friedman-Krauss Allison
Published: October 2021

Each state in the US has different compensation parity policies for their early childhood education programs. Currently, public preschool teachers often have similar qualifications to K-3 teachers but earn significantly lower salaries. Compensation parity policies ensure that equivalent work and qualifications are compensated with equivalent pay and benefits. Using data collected by the National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER), I organized and analyzed policy data from all state-funded preschool programs in the U.S., with a focus on state compensation parity policies for lead preschool teachers. Ultimately, my purpose was to understand state-funded preschool compensation parity for lead teachers in order to identify areas of improvement for the workforce within early education programs. I initially hypothesized that Pre-K programs that required pay parity did not cost states more per child than Pre-K programs that did not require pay parity. Literature from NIEER and other early education research institutions has shown that quality early education programs are critical in a child’s formative years and suggests that a more satisfied workforce yields more positive outcomes for children. Parity policies in state-funded Pre-K programs are not highly correlated to spending per child or program quality. Moreover, parity policies improve workforce well-being and should still be incorporated into state-funded Pre-K. Results show that there are only six programs across four states that require full salary parity for lead preschool teachers and no states require benefit parity for lead preschool teachers in both public and private settings. No clear pattern has emerged between compensation parity policies and state preschool spending or program quality.
Systematic Analysis of Compounds Present in Ocimum Tenuiflorum (Tulsi) Regarding its Anti-Inflammatory Properties Using In-Silico Techniques
Authors: Patel Jinay , Arora Sonia
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to gather data, create a database of the compounds present in Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. tenuiflorum), and gather related literature on the compounds found. A thor-ough literature search was performed to gather in-formation on compounds present in O. tenuiflorum, including chemical structures, relative abundance, presence in different plant parts, and availability from chemical supply vendors. The compounds’ chemical structures were refined using Discovery Studio Visualizer and Chimera software for future in-silico docking studies. The structures with cleaned structural geometry were obtained through D.S. Vis-ualizer for docking in the future. From the literature search of previously presented articles, it was found that methyl eugenol had the greatest percent com-position in O. tenuiflorum. After searching the Pro-tein Data Bank, COX-1, COX-2, and NF Kappa B were found to be the main protein targets of O. ten-uiflorum compounds in the arachidonic acid inflamematory pathway. Thus, the anti-inflammatory proper-ties of O. tenuiflorum have been analyzed in this ar-ticle for future in silico docking.
From Libra to Diem. The Pursuit of a Global Private Currency
Authors: Pupolizio Ivan
Published: October 2021

The official launch of the Libra project in 2019, and the subsequent troubles experienced by the project, stimulated a vigorous debate, from different perspectives, on the pros and cons of a private currency with global ambitions. This paper describes the main characteristics of Libra and of its heir, Diem, locating both in a partial taxonomy of the increasingly crowded field of so-called ‘digital currencies’. In the light of the distinguishing features and risks of such an ambitious project, the paper also aims to assess the potential impact on a crucial issue of the present international monetary system: the power to create money.
The mirror, the magus and more: reflections on John Dee's obsidian mirror
Authors: Campbell Stuart , Healey Elizabeth , Kuzmin Yaroslav , Glascock Michael D.
Published: October 2021

The obsidian mirror associated with the Elizabethan polymath and magus John Dee (1527–1608/1609) has been an object of fascination for centuries. The mirror, however, has a deeper history as an Aztec artefact brought to Europe soon after the Spanish conquest. The authors present the results of new geochemical analysis, and explore its history and changing cultural context to provide insights into its meaning during a period in which entirely new world views were emerging. The biography of the mirror demonstrates how a complex cultural history underpins an iconic object. The study highlights the value of new compositional analyses of museum objects for the reinterpretation of historically significant material culture.