bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing of dialysis in acute kidney injury using routinely collected data and dynamic treatment regimes
Authors: Morzywołek Paweł , Steen Johan , Vansteelandt Stijn , Decruyenaere Johan , Sterckx Sigrid , Van Biesen Wim
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives

Defining the optimal moment to start renal replacement therapy (RRT) in acute kidney injury (AKI) remains challenging. Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressed this question whilst using absolute criteria such as pH or serum potassium. However, there is a need for identification of the most optimal cut-offs of these criteria. We conducted a causal analysis on routinely collected data (RCD) to compare the impact of different pre-specified dynamic treatment regimes (DTRs) for RRT initiation based on time-updated levels of potassium, pH, and urinary output on 30-day ICU mortality.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements

Patients in the ICU of Ghent University Hospital were included at the time they met KDIGO-AKI-stage ≥ 2. We applied inverse-probability-of-censoring-weighted Aalen–Johansen estimators to evaluate 30-day survival under 81 DTRs prescribing RRT initiation under different thresholds of potassium, pH, or persisting oliguria.

Results

Out of 13,403 eligible patients (60.8 ± 16.8 years, SOFA 7.0 ± 4.1), 5622 (63.4 ± 15.3 years, SOFA 8.2 ± 4.2) met KDIGO-AKI-stage ≥ 2. The DTR that delayed RRT until potassium ≥ 7 mmol/l, persisting oliguria for 24–36 h, and/or pH < 7.0 (non-oliguric) or < 7.2 (oliguric) despite maximal conservative treatment resulted in a reduced 30-day ICU mortality (from 12.7% [95% CI 11.9–13.6%] under current standard of care to 10.5% [95% CI 9.5–11.7%]; risk difference 2.2% [95% CI 1.3–3.8%]) with no increase in patients starting RRT (from 471 [95% CI 430–511] to 475 [95% CI 342–572]). The fivefold cross-validation benchmark for the optimal DTR resulted in 30-day ICU mortality of 10.7%.

Conclusions

Our causal analysis of RCD to compare RRT initiation at different thresholds of refractory low pH, high potassium, and persisting oliguria identified a DTR that resulted in a decrease in 30-day ICU mortality without increase in number of RRTs. Our results suggest that the current criteria to start RRT as implemented in most RCTs may be suboptimal. However, as our analysis is hypothesis generating, this optimal DTR should ideally be validated in a multicentric RCT.
Exploring the effects of a combined exercise programme on pain and fatigue outcomes in people with systemic sclerosis: study protocol for a large European multi-centre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mitropoulos Alexandros , Boström Carina , Mattsson Malin , Kouidi Evangelia , Dimitroulas Theodoros , Liem Sophie I. E. , Vlieland Theodora P. M. Vliet , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska K. , Jacobsen Søren , Cuomo Giovanna , Akil Mohammed , Klonizakis Markos
Published: November 2022

Background

Pain, related to Raynaud’s phenomenon or digital ulceration, has been identified as very prevalent and debilitating symptoms of systemic sclerosis (SSc), both significantly affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL). Pharmacological therapeutic strategies were found not to be sufficiently effective in the management of SSc-induced pain and fatigue, and evidence for exercise is scarce. As yet, the effects of a long-term, tailored exercise programme on pain and fatigue in patients with SSc have not been explored. In addition to pain and fatigue, this study aims to evaluate the effects of exercise on QoL, physical fitness, functional capacity, and vascular structure in people with SSc (PwSSc).

Methods

This will be a multicentre (n= 6) randomised controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of a previously established, supervised 12-week combined exercise programme on pain and fatigue as compared to no exercise in PwSSc. The study will recruit 180 patients with SSc that will be allocated randomly to two groups. Group A will perform the exercise programme parallel to standard usual care and group B will receive usual care alone. Patients in the exercise group will undertake two, 45-min sessions each week consisting of 30-min high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (30-s 100% peak power output/30-s passive recovery) on an arm crank ergometer and 15 min of upper body circuit resistance training. Patients will be assessed before as well as at 3 and 6 months following randomisation. Primary outcomes of the study will be pain and fatigue assessed via questionnaires. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, structure of digital microvasculature, body composition, physical fitness, and functional capacity.

Discussion

Data from this multi-centre research clinical trial will primarily be used to establish the effectiveness of a combined exercise protocol to improve pain and fatigue in SSc. In parallel, this study will be the first to explore the effects of long-term exercise on potential microvascular alterations assessed via NVC. Overall, this study will provide sufficient data to inform current clinical practice guidelines and may lead to an improvement of QoL for patients with SSc.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05234671. Registered on 14 January 2022
Comparison of intermittent screening (using ultra-sensitive malaria rapid diagnostic test) and treatment (using a newly registered antimalarial pyronaridine-artesunate—PYRAMAX®) to standard intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women living in endemic areas: ULTRAPYRAPREG
Authors: Maketa Vivi , Kabalu Japhet , Kabena Melissa , Luzolo Flory , Muhindo-Mavoko Hypolite , Schallig Henk D. F. H. , Kayentao Kassoum , Mens Petra F. , Lutumba Pascal , Tinto Halidou
Published: November 2022

Background

Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is an important malaria control strategy in sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed, it overcomes the risk of misdiagnosis due to low peripheral parasitemia during pregnancy by treating women with SP on predetermined schedules. However, over time, the spread of Plasmodium-resistant strains has threatened this strategy in many countries. As an alternative, the intermittent screening and treatment for pregnancy (ISTp) aims at a monthly screening of pregnant women, preferably by using very sensitive tests such as ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic tests (us-RDTs) and the treatment of positive cases with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) regardless of the presence of symptoms. Unlike IPTp-SP, ISTp prevents overuse of antimalarials limiting the drug pressure on parasites, an advantage which can be potentiated by using an ACT like pyronaridine-artesunate (Pyramax®) that is not yet used in pregnant women in the field.

Methods

This study aims to compare the non-inferiority of ISTp using us-RDTs and Pyramax® versus IPTp-SP on malaria in pregnancy through a randomized clinical trial performed in Kisenso, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a malaria perennial transmission area.

Discussion

The results will be essential for the National Malaria Control Program to update the malaria prevention policy in pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04783051
Immunological and genomic characterization of Ibizan Hound dogs in an endemic Leishmania infantum region
Authors: Álvarez Luis , Marín-García Pablo-Jesús , Llobat Lola
Published: November 2022

Background

The Ibizan Hound is a canine breed native to the Mediterranean region, where leishmaniosis is an endemic zoonosis. Several studies indicate low prevalence of this disease in these dogs but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, qualitative immunological and genomic profiles of this breed have been analyzed.

Results

Our analysis shows relevant differences between the cytokine serum profile of Ibizan Hound dogs and previously published data from other canine strains. Additionally, several genetic risk variants related to the immune response, regulation of the immune system, and genes encoding cytokines and their receptors have been studied. The most relevant genes that presented such fixed polymorphisms were IFNG and IL6R. Other variants with frequencies ≥ 0.7 were found in the genes ARHGAP18, DAPK1, GNAI2, MITF, IL12RB1, LTBP1, SCL28A3, SCL35D2, PTPN22, CIITA, THEMIS, and CD180. Epigenetic regulatory genes such as HEY2 and L3MBTL3 showed also intronic polymorphisms.

Conclusions

Our analysis and results indicate that the regulation of immune responses is different in Ibizan Hounds compared to other breeds. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether these differences are related to the low prevalence of L. infantum infection in the Ibizan Hound.

Graphical Abstract
Intra-articular injection choice for osteoarthritis: making sense of cell source—an updated systematic review and dual network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yijian , Yang Huilin , He Fan , Zhu Xuesong
Published: November 2022

Background

Intra-articular injection is indicated for mild or moderate osteoarthritis (OA). However, the superiority of cell-based injection and the role of diverse cell sources are still unclear. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effect of intra-articular injection with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cell-free methods for OA treatment.

Methods

A literature search of published scientific data was carried out from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared the efficacy and safety of MSC and cell-free intra-articular injection treatments for OA with at least 6-month follow-up.

Results

Dual network meta-analysis validated the therapeutic advantages of MSC treatments (VAS, Bayesian: 90% versus 10% and SUCRA: 94.9% versus 5.1%; WOMAC total, Bayesian: 83% versus 17% and SUCRA: 90.1% versus 9.9%) but also suggested a potential negative safety induced by cell injection (adverse events, Bayesian: 100% versus 0% and SUCRA: 98.2% versus 1.8%). For the MSC source aspect, adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UBMSCs) showed a better curative effect on pain relief and function improvement compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs).

Conclusion

Intra-articular injection of MSCs is associated with more effective pain alleviation and function improvement than cell-free OA treatment. However, the potential complications induced by MSCs should be emphasized. A comparative analysis of the MSC sources showed that ADMSCs and UBMSCs exerted a better anti-arthritic efficacy than BMMSCs.

Graphical Abstract

Schematic illustration of MSC-based intra-articular injection for treating OA. Three major MSCs (UBMSCs, ADMSCs, and BMMSCs) are extracted and expanded in vitro. Subsequently, the amplified MSCs are concentrated and injected into the knee joint to treat OA.
Age patterns of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease incidence: heterogeneous associations with metabolic changes
Authors: Lin Yansong , Feng Xiongcai , Cao Xu , Miao Rong , Sun Yanhong , Li Rui , Ye Junzhao , Zhong Bihui
Published: November 2022

Background

As the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) epidemic matures, understanding how metabolic changes in NAFLD development vary over the age distribution is important to guide precise prevention. We aimed to clarify metabolic trends in age-specific NAFLD incidence.

Methods

We conducted a 4-year longitudinal retrospective cohort study enrolling 10,240 consecutive healthy individuals who received annual physical examination during 2012–2019. Baseline and dynamic changes in metabolism and hepatic steatosis determined with ultrasound were collected and analyzed stratified by age into the following groups: 20–34, 35–49, 50–64, and over 65 years.

Results

Overall, 1701 incident NAFLD participants (16.6%) were identified. Adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that the baseline and increased body mass index were the main risk factors for NAFLD in people ≤ 65 years old. Baseline high-density lipoprotein (HR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.39–0.78) was a protective factor for newly onset NAFLD in the 50-to-64-year-old group, while baseline SBP (HR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05), baseline uric acid (HR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07), triglyceride increase (HR = 4.76; 95% CI 3.69–6.14), fasting blood glucose increase (HR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.06–1.65) were independently associated with incident NAFLD in over-65-year-old group.

Conclusions

NAFLD incidence attributable to potentially metabolic risk factors varied substantially across age groups in a cohort of Chinese people. The adoption of age targeted metabolic prevention strategies might reduce the burden of NAFLD.
Decay estimate in a viscoelastic plate equation with past history, nonlinear damping, and logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Kakumani Bhargav Kumar , Yadav Suman Prabha
Published: November 2022

In this article, we consider a viscoelastic plate equation with past history, nonlinear damping, and logarithmic nonlinearity. We prove explicit and general decay rate results of the solution to the viscoelastic plate equation with past history. Convex properties, logarithmic inequalities, and generalized Young’s inequality are mainly used to prove the decay estimate.
The combination of olive oil and Lepidium sativum improves the deleterious effects resulting from dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis in rats
Authors: Badary Dalia M. , Galal Heba A. , Abdelraheim Mahmoud H. , Sedeek Mohamed I. , Mohamed Nesma M. , Abd Elmageed Zakaria Y. , Farrag Magda M. Y.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Osteoporosis is characterized by deterioration of bone microarchitecture and reduced bone mass and can increase the risk of fracture. To reduce this risk, the aim of this study was to compare the combination effects of olive oil and Lepidium sativum compared to the conventional drug therapy alendronate.

Methods

Osteoporosed-induced rat model was established by administration of dexamethasone in female adult albino rats. The serum level of Ca2+, P3+, and osteocalcin was assessed. In addition, histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expression of osteopontin within bone specimens were performed.

Results

Our results showed that a combination of olive oil and Lepidium sativum had a beneficial therapeutic effect in the treatment of osteoporosis as compared to alendronate therapy. This was demonstrated by increase of serum Ca2+, P3+, and osteocalcin levels in treated compared to control groups. Intriguingly, the highest effect was noticed in rats that received a combination of olive oil and Lepidium sativum compared to the individual treatment. This was reflected by an increase in the cortical bone thickness and a decrease in immunohistochemical expression of osteopontin compared to individual treated groups.

Conclusion

We concluded that the administration of a combination of olive oil and Lepidium sativum improves bone mineral health and intensity and reduces the risk of osteoporosis in a rat model.
“Domesticating the Unfamiliar”
Authors: Fretwell Elizabeth Ann
Published: November 2022

This article examines the sartorial culture of an African elite as a form of Afropolitanism in the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century West African kingdom of Dahomey. Dahomean elites embraced cultural borrowing to layer styles and materials from European and African sources. Combining textiles and accessories associated with mobility and outsiders, elites asserted authority, power, and privilege within a local framework. Their dress practices also served as an expression of elite inclusion in a larger Atlantic world, in which Dahomey was a major participant in the transatlantic trade in African captives and, later, cash crops produced domestically by enslaved labor. By exploring the political, economic, and social contexts of elite Dahomean dress, this article reveals the deep historical roots of Afropolitanism on the continent and how the domestication of global and African commodities has long distinguished African elites from the masses. In doing so, it also shows how violence, systems of enslavement, and the accumulation of wealth fueled a Dahomean Afropolitan aesthetic of worlds-in-movement, which served to distinguish elites as citizens of Dahomey and as humans of the Atlantic world more broadly.
Racial Storytelling in the Classroom
Authors: Alberto Paulina L.
Published: November 2022

As awareness of “narrative persuasion” surfaces into collective consciousness in the present-day United States, alongside struggles over whether and how to grapple with histories of slavery and racism, the stakes around racial storytelling in the classroom—around which stories about race and belonging get told or cast aside—have become abundantly clear. The power of stories to shape and naturalize beliefs can be mobilized for racist, dehumanizing purposes. But educators at any level can also harness the power of storytelling for anti-racist purposes. They can teach students to become skeptical of existing racial stories and expose their disempowering mechanisms and effects by envisioning racial storytelling as a subject of historical analysis. Educators can also use racial storytelling as a critical method for historical reconstruction, guiding students in composing new racial narratives grounded in historical methods and anti-racist principles. This essay discusses these dual uses of racial stories in the classroom, drawing on the author’s experience teaching across disciplines, languages, and sources.
Does Afropolitanism Apply to the Americas?
Authors: Prandy Aniova
Published: November 2022

Afropolitanism, as a concept, is a practice that has been carried out in Abya Yala since colonization. As a term, it is a novelty in the face of anti-hegemonic customs and experiences that have always been carried out to decolonize the continent. In any case, it substantiates or names something that already exists. Afropolitanism is a recognition of the positive of African descent and the result of years of anti-colonial actions.
Physician Trust in the News Media and Attitudes toward COVID-19
Authors: Goidel Kirby , Callaghan Timothy , Washburn David J. , Nuzhath Tasmiah , Scobee Julia , Spiegelman Abigail , Motta Matt
Published: November 2022

Context: Previous research has established the importance of primary care physicians in communicating public health directives. The implicit assumption is that, because of their expertise, doctors provide accurate and up-to-date information to their patients independent of partisan affiliation or media trust.

Methods: The authors conducted an online survey of 625 primary care physicians and used the results to test (1) whether physician trust in media outlets is consistent with their political partisanship, and (2) whether trust in media outlets influences (a) personal concern that someone in their family will get sick, (b) perceptions about the seriousness of the pandemic as portrayed in the media, and (c) trust in federal government agencies and scientists.

Findings: Physicians are better positioned to critically evaluate health-related news, but they are subject to the same biases that influence public opinion. Physicians' partisan commitments influence media trust, and media trust influences concern that a family member will get sick, perceptions regarding the seriousness of the pandemic, and trust in federal government agencies and scientists.

Conclusions: Physician trust in specific media outlets shapes their understanding of the pandemic, and—to the extent that they trust conservative media outlets—it may limit their effectiveness as health policy messengers.
Optimality of Matched-Pair Designs in Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Bai Yuehao
Published: November 2022

In randomized controlled trials, treatment is often assigned by stratified randomization. I show that among all stratified randomization schemes that treat all units with probability one half, a certain matched-pair design achieves the maximum statistical precision for estimating the average treatment effect. In an important special case, the optimal design pairs units according to the baseline outcome. In a simulation study based on datasets from ten randomized controlled trials, this design lowers the standard error for the estimator of the average treatment effect by 10 percent on average, and by up to 34 percent, relative to the original designs. (JEL C13, C21)
Learning from Manipulable Signals
Authors: Ekmekci Mehmet , Gorno Leandro , Maestri Lucas , Sun Jian , Wei Dong
Published: November 2022

We study a dynamic stopping game between a principal and an agent. The principal gradually learns about the agent's private type from a noisy performance measure that can be manipulated by the agent via a costly and hidden action. We fully characterize the unique Markov equilibrium of this game. We find that terminations/market crashes are often preceded by a spike in manipulation intensity and (expected) performance. Moreover, due to endogenous signal manipulation, too much transparency can inhibit learning and harm the principal. As the players get arbitrarily patient, the principal elicits no useful information from the observed signal. (JEL C73, D82, D83, G24, M13)
Εναλλακτικές γεωμετρίες για συστοιχίες φωτοβολταϊκών λεπτών υμενίων υψηλής απόδοσης
Authors: Προύσκας Κωνσταντίνος
Published: November 2022

Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι να ερευνηθούν οι εναλλακτικές γεωμετρίες οι οποίες θα μπορούσαν να βελτιώσουν τα χαρακτηριστικά της ήδη υπάρχουσας τεχνολογίας των DSSCs, χωρίς καμία παρέμβαση ή τροποποίηση στα υλικά που αυτή χρησιμοποιεί παρά μόνο με εναλλακτικές αρχιτεκτονικές και οπτικές μεθόδους ώστε να γίνει εφικτή η χρησιμοποίησή τους σε εφαρμογές εξωτερικών χώρων Το ενδιαφέρον δεν επικεντρώθηκε στην επίτευξη υψηλών αποδόσεων των ηλιακών κυττάρων παρά μόνο στην επιτυχία της μεθοδολογίας κατασκευής τους με στόχο τη μελέτη της συμπεριφοράς τους σε συνεργασία με εναλλακτικές γεωμετρίες για την αύξηση της απόδοσης και της διάρκειας ζωής τους κάτω από υψηλές εντάσεις ακτινοβόλησης.Διερευνήθηκε μια πρωτότυπη μέθοδος παγίδευσης της ηλιακής ακτινοβολίας δια μέσου μιας νέου τύπου αρχιτεκτονικής σχεδίασης. Η μεθοδολογία που αναπτύχθηκε ήταν μια αρχιτεκτονική τύπου “U” στις κατακόρυφες πλευρές της οποίας βρίσκονται τοποθετημένα τα ευαισθητοποιημένα με χρωστικές ηλιακά κύτταρα. Ο πυθμένας της νέας αυτής γεωμετρίας διαμοιράζει εξίσου την κατακόρυφα εισερχόμενη ηλιακή ακτινοβολία στις κατακόρυφες πλευρές της όπου η ένταση της ακτινοβολίας υποβιβάζεται σημαντικά και τα ηλιακά κύτταρα λειτουργούν σε συνθήκες κατάλληλες ώστε να γίνουν αποδοτικότερα. Η απορρόφηση των εισερχόμενων φωτονίων γίνεται σταδιακά από τα επιμέρους κύτταρα μέσω του μηχανισμού των πολλαπλών ανακλάσεων μεταξύ των παράλληλων κατακόρυφων πλευρών της διάταξης. Τα σημαντικά πλεονεκτήματα της νέας κατακόρυφης αρχιτεκτονικής είναι τόσο η βελτιστοποίηση του συντελεστή πλήρωσης των κυττάρων που βρίσκονται τοποθετημένα στο εσωτερικό της με αποτέλεσμα την σημαντική αύξηση της διάρκειας ζωής τους όσο και της έμμεσης αύξησης της συνολικής ενεργού επιφάνειας των κυττάρων ανά μονάδα εκτιθέμενης οριζόντιας επιφάνειας. Δημιουργείται έτσι μια υβριδική κυψελίδα παγίδευσης του φωτός η οποία μπορεί να περιλαμβάνει τουλάχιστον δύο ή και περισσότερα ηλιακά κύτταρα τύπου DSSC τα οποία είναι κατάλληλα διασυνδεδεμένα μεταξύ τους.
Characterization of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance pattern of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains in a tertiary care center
Authors: Kumar M Naveen , Bhat Sevitha , Bhat K Archana , Saralaya Vishwas , Shenoy Mulki Shalini
Published: November 2022

Background: Urinary tract infection(UTI) is one of the commonly prevalent bacterial infection in humans.The uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) expresses a range of virulence factors that contribute to their pathogenicity. The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR)-associated UTI is increasing.This study monitors the distribution of virulence factors among UPEC strains to note the antibiogram, outcome and type of associated UTI.

Methods:A prospective cross-sectional time-bound study of six months was done on clinically significant urinary isolates of Escherichia coli. Detection of haemolysin production and serum resistance was done by phenotypic methods. Genotypic characterization of the virulence genes (papC, iutA, hlyA, cnf1) was done by multiplex PCR. Demographic data, clinical history, antibiogram and type of UTI was collected from clinical case records.

Results:75 E.coli isolates from patients with suspected UTIs were included. Females had a higher preponderance of UTI (66.7%). 93% of patients were adults and the remaining 7% were from paediatrics.  24 (32%) isolates showed haemolysis by plate haemolysis and all isolates were serum-resistant. Out of 75 isolates, 65 were positive for at least one of four targeted genes, while remaining ten isolates were negative for all four genes.Multidrug resistance was found in 40 (53.3%) isolates. 97.4% of the UTI cases had a favourable clinical outcome at discharge. Mortality due to urosepsis was 2.6%.

Conclusion:Association of hemolysin production with resistance to imipenem and norfloxacin in UPEC strains was significant.Presence of hlyA gene is positively associated with ceftazidime resistance. Nitrofurantoin, piperacillin, tazobactam, and cefaperazone sulbactam are possible candidates for empirical therapy of UTIs. Drugs like aminoglycosides, carbapenems and fosfomycin may be used as reserve drugs in the treatment of MDR-UTI.However, inappropriate usage can increase antibiotic resistance. Hence proper selection of antibiotics in hospitals taking into account the local antibiogram is needed to reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
The dynamics and determinants of specific systemic and mucosal antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in three adult cohorts in the Ecuadorian Andes: a study protocol
Authors: Leon-Rojas Jose E. , Veloz Tatiana , Teran Jair , Perez Monica , Arias-Erazo Fernanda , Villacis Lizet , Velez Jorge , Recalde Ricardo , Jiménez Patricia , Martin Miguel , Chis Ster Irina , Cooper Philip , Romero Natalia
Published: November 2022

Introduction: There are limited longitudinal data on the systemic and mucosal antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 from Latin America, a region severely affected by COVID-19, and where vaccine strategies have been implemented during the evolving pandemic.

Objective: To evaluate determinants of seroprevalence and changes in levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies longitudinally in adults with different levels of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (defined a priori as low, medium, and high based on presumed occupational risk), in two Andean cities in Ecuador.

Methods: Longitudinal cohort study of 1,000 adults aged 18 years and older with questionnaire data and sample collection done at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months during the period 2020-2023. Observations collected included WHO-ISARIC questionnaire and peripheral blood and saliva samples for measurement of IgG and IgA antibodies, respectively.  Planned analyses are tailored to the longitudinal nature of the outcomes defined by participants’ antibody levels and aim at estimating their average trends with time since infection in each of the occupational groups, adjusted for demographics and calendar-time levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population. The latter reflect the impact of the national control measures such as vaccinations and movement restrictions.

Importance: Understanding the duration and the dynamics of waning immunity to SARS-CoV-2, in the context of exposures to emerging virus variants and immunization, will inform the implementation of targeted public health strategies in the Latin American region.

Ethics and Dissemination: This study will observe the bioethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed written consent will be obtained. Samples from participants will be stored for up to three years after which they will be destroyed. The study protocol was approved by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health Ethics Committee for COVID-19 Research. Antibody results will be provided to participants and participating institutions and to the national health authorities.
Anticancer and antiretroviral activities of methanolic extract from Theobroma cacao L pod husk: focusing on the ethyl acetate partition
Authors: Yahya Mustanir , Ginting Binawati , Saidi Nurdin
Published: November 2022

Background: Many researchers have paid attention to Theobroma cocoa pod husk for its bioactive phytoconstituents which have several medicinal benefits. Herein, we aim to evaluate the methanolic extract from T. cocoa pod husk and its partitions for their anticancer and antiretroviral activities.

Methods: The T. cocoa pod husk was macerated using methanol, and then sequentially partitioned with n-hexane and ethyl acetate. MCF-7 and HeLa cells were used to assess the anticancer activities, while the simian retrovirus-2 (SRV-2)-infected A549 cells were used for antiretroviral study. The ethyl acetate partition (TCEA) was then fractionated and screened for in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxicity. The most active fraction was sub-fractionated and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS).

Results: The results suggested that TCEA had moderate and weak activities against MCF-7 (IC50=53.91 μg/mL) and HeLa cells (IC50=120.71 μg/mL), respectively. TCEA 125 μg/mL had higher anti-SRV-2 activity in comparison with lamivudine 25 μg/mL after 1—7 days of incubation. The GC-MS analysis of the polyphenol-predominated sub-fraction from the most active fraction revealed the presence of lupeol, syringaresinol, catechol, and squalene.

Conclusions: TCEA derived from the methanolic extract of T. cacao pod husk had moderate activity against MCF-7 cells and weak activity against HeLa cells. Antiretroviral study suggests that TCEA 125 μg/mL had higher inhibitory activity against SRV-2 replication as compared to lamivudine 25 μg/mL.
Asymmetric response of inelastic circular plates to blast loading
Authors: Mürk Annely , Lellep Jaan
Published: November 2022

The dynamic behaviour of clamped circular plates subjected to the concentrated blast loading is studied. The load is applied at a non-central point of the plate, non-axisymmetric deflections are taken into account. An approximate theoretical procedure developed earlier is applied for the evaluation of residual maximal deflections. The solution technique is based on the idea of equality of the power of the internal and external work, respectively. As it was shown earlier this concept leads to results which are close to exact ones in the case of axisymmetric loading of circular plates, also in the case of circular cylindrical shells.
FOUNDATIONS AND FACTORS OF THE STATENESS OF THE MODERN STATE: INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY: ELECTRONIC MANUAL
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kokurina Olga ,   Federal Research Sociological Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: November 2022

This manual contains a critical generalization of the problems of statehood and stateness of the state as a socio-political organism, based on an interdisciplinary systematic approach. The author reveals the problem of statehood and stateness, sovereignty and viability of the state as a complex socio-political organism. Classical and modern approaches to the study of statehood and stateness are presented. The causal model of the factors of statehood, state capacity and sovereignty proposed in this manual, built on the basis of the teleological concept, can serve as a useful tool for understanding and solving the problems of ensuring the viability and sustainable development of the state in the face of modern global challenges. The manual will be useful to students and graduate students studying social and political sciences, and all those interested in the theory of state formations. The electronic manual "Foundations and factors of the stateness of the modern state: an interdisciplinary study" was prepared as part of the state assignment for the Federal Research Sociological Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences for 2022.
Urban Green Spaces: how geospatial information can help identify diversity. A case study from eastern Lesser Poland
Authors: Cegielska Katarzyna , Piotr Piotrowski , Kukulska-Kozieł Anita
Published: November 2022

Progressing globalisation and suburbanisation are driving dynamic changes in land management, particularly in suburban zones. Green infrastructure and its impact on human quality of life are playing an increasingly important role in appropriate spatial management, because of human activities that are changing the natural environment. Therefore, monitoring and assessing the proportion of green spaces is essential for environmental, urban and social balance. The purpose of the study is to develop a method for measuring and monitoring the diversity of land cover classes, including green spaces as representatives of natural land cover classes. The proposed method describes the current state of land in quantitative and qualitative terms based on spatial data on land cover. The study employs Shannon’s Diversity Index (SHDI) to empirically investigate land cover homogeneity. The intensity of the phenomenon was visualised in space using statistical hot spot analysis. The case study involves two cities in eastern Lesser Poland and districts adjacent to them. The results have demonstrated that the investigated areas have a highly heterogenic land cover. Basic assessment fields have exhibited homogeneity only towards large, green, agricultural, environmentally valuable and, often, protected areas. The results concerning urban green spaces comprise a set of data that constitute a valuable source of information to aid the development of informed urban-planning solutions under the sustainable development paradigm.
Contemporary Folklore and Podcast Culture: Towards Democratization of Knowledge and Re-Oralization of Culture
Authors: MacCath-Moran Ceallaigh S. , Kobus Aldona
Published: November 2022

Ceallaigh S. Maccath-Moran is a PhD candidate in the Folklore Department at Memorial University of Newfoundland, a writer, a poet and a musician. Ceallaigh’s research interests include animal rights activism as a public performance of ethical belief, which is the topic of her dissertation, and creative applications of folkloristic scholarship for storytellers. Her Folklore & Fiction podcast, “where folklore scholarship meets storytelling craft”, launched in 2021.
Hábitat y vida digna a partir de las alianzas socio-técnicas de la comunidad wichí San Ignacio de Loyola (Salta, Argentina).
Authors: Hessling Herrera Franco David , Belmont Colombres María Eugenia
Published: November 2022

A partir de la intervención de una compañía en la comunidad wichí San Ignacio de Loyola se creó una alianza socio-técnica que pervive hasta hoy y que acarreó cambios en los flujos económicos de la zona y también modificaciones estructurales en las condiciones de hábitat, en particular, el acceso a la energía eléctrica domiciliaria y al agua corriente a través de pozo. El caso demuestra cómo las alianzas socio-técnicas pueden inscribirse dentro de procesos asistencial-paternalistas, sin por ello dejar de traer beneficios a las poblaciones que forman parte de esas trayectorias. Proponemos incorporar una mirada interseccional a la perspectiva socio-técnica para contribuir no sólo a una mejor comprensión de este tipo de casos sino también a un más eficiente desarrollo de artefactos y soluciones. Para este artículo se realizó un trabajo de campo que incluyó notas, recuperación de documentación y entrevistas a informantes clave.
Ciudades ancladas a barcos y casas que miran al mar: el habitar noruego en el Archipiélago de Galápagos.
Authors: Ramos Pasquel Daniela
Published: November 2022

El primer asentamiento permanente de la isla Santa Cruz en el Archipiélago de Galápagos –a unos mil kilómetros del Ecuador continental– desembarcó a principios del siglo XX. La colonia noruega Sociedad Anónima Santa Cruz construyó su habitar, anclando las prácticas cotidianas materiales e inmateriales a la isla para sostener los vínculos territoriales con sus lugares de origen. Una década después de este primer desembarco, la familia Kastdalen navegó con su casa a cuestas para expandir su domesticidad a lo largo del territorio insular. Su casa, que mira al mar, es un espacio arquitectónico que posibilita la construcción de narrativas espaciales que articulan el habitar noruego en el archipiélago desde las historias de vida, las ideas, los objetos y las prácticas cotidianas de sus habitantes. Esta narrativa ampliada, escrita desde la experiencia de género, restituye la memoria de las mujeres pioneras, resignificando el legado material e inmaterial de las familias noruegas. Estos relatos se desplazan por distintas escalas y capas territoriales interrelacionando el espacio temporal con los sujetos que lo construyen. Evidenciando que los procesos de construcción del hábitat posibilitan re-localizar y reterritorializar las significaciones y las prácticas cotidianas que han sido trastocadas por la migración.
La traditio epigráfica. Un estudio sobre los originales tardíos, las copias y las ampliationes de las inscripciones medievales de la Catedral de Toledo. The Epigraphic Traditio. A Study on The Late Originals, Copies and Ampliationes of The Medieval Inscriptions of The Cathedral of Toledo
Authors: Menor Natal Elisabeth
Published: November 2022

La Catedral de Toledo alberga un elevado número de inscripciones de época medieval, siendo el centro productor epigráfico más importante en la provincia toledana entre el siglo XIII y el siglo XV. Conserva en su interior un interesante conjunto de epígrafes medievales que por la materialización de sus elementos externos no pueden ser considerados como originales. Abordaremos el estudio de la traditio epigráfica de este conjunto de inscripciones, datadas en época medieval, para tratar de establecer su condición de copia, original tardío o ampliatio, y con ello, analizar el momento de su ejecución real.
De la curva al ángulo: la escritura documental en el monasterio de Santa María de Montederramo (Orense) durante el siglo XIII / From Curve to Angle: Documentary Writing in The Monastery of Santa María De Monterramo (Ourense) During 13th Century
Authors: Piñeiro Pedreira Sandra
Published: November 2022

El monasterio cisterciense de Santa María de Montederramo (Ourense) ofrece uno de los fondos documentales más ricos de Galicia, fruto de su opulenta trayectoria medieval y moderna. Se convierte, así, en un atractivo centro de estudio, con múltiples posibilidades de trabajo. En esta ocasión, la gran disponibilidad de fuentes escritas para el siglo XIII nos animará a analizar la evolución gótica de la escritura carolina en los documentos particulares de este espacio y su entorno. Este minucioso examen paleográfico nos permitirá conocer cómo se efectuó dicha transición gráfica; cuál fue su ritmo; y qué consecuencias tuvo, al menos, en el futuro inmediato.
A propósito de las regidurías del conde duque de Olivares en los ayuntamientos de las ciudades castellanas con voto en cortes / Regarding The Regidurias of The Count Duke of Olivares in The Town Councils of The Castilian Cities with Vote in Courts
Authors: Polo Martín Regina
Published: November 2022

el objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la concesión al conde duque de Olivares de la merced de una regiduría en cada una de las ciudades castellanas con voto en Cortes, el voto fijo y perpetuo en las que se celebrasen en adelante alternativamente y la prerrogativa de presidir la Comisión de Millones. Se explican las causas que motivaron esta merced, claramente de carácter político para incrementar el control sobre las Cortes; el procedimiento seguido, con consultas elevadas al monarca por los principales consejos y la prestación del consentimiento por el Reino junto en Cortes; su contenido, haciendo hincapié en las calidades que la adornaban, como la prelación de voz y asiento y la facultad de nombrar teniente; y, finalmente, las reacciones y consecuencias en los ayuntamientos de las ciudades afectadas –se toma como ejemplo ilustrativo lo acaecido en Salamanca–, y, tras la muerte de Olivares, en el Reino.
El cortejo fúnebre de Isabel I de Castilla en Granada (1504) / The Funeral Cortege of Isabella I of Castile in Granada (1504)
Authors: Espíldora García África
Published: November 2022

Presentamos en este artículo la transcripción y análisis de un documento inédito que describe con detalle la entrada del féretro de Isabel I de Castilla en la ciudad de Granada el 18 de diciembre de 1504. Se trata de una relación anónima que aporta nuevos datos sobre el acontecimiento. En ella se describen los componentes y disposición del cortejo fúnebre, la recepción dispensada por la ciudad y la procesión que se unió a esta comitiva hasta llegar hasta a la plaza del convento de San Francisco, donde la reina había dispuesto ser enterrada.
Significados, experiências e repercussões do cyberbullying por jovens lusófonos do Brasil e de Angola
Authors: Souza Sidclay , Costa-Fernandez Elaine Magalhães , Paranhos da Costa Etã Sobal , Berkenbrock-Rosito Margaréte , Silva Lima Maria da Conceição
Published: November 2022

O cyberbullying é um fenômeno recorrente em todo o mundo, com incalculáveis consequências para a vida dos envolvidos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar significados, experiências e repercussões do cyberbullying por jovens lusófonos do Brasil e de Angola. Participaram de entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais 50 jovens (Brasil = 23; Angola = 27) com idades entre 11 e 17 anos (M = 13.58 anos; D.P.= 1.56), de ambos os sexos e do 6º ao 12° ano de escolaridade. Recorreu-se à análise de conteúdo através de uma abordagem mista (categorizações dedutiva e indutiva). Os resultados dos dois grupos revelam divergências e similaridades no que diz respeito às três perspectivas estudadas. As conclusões são discutidas à luz da literatura lançando uma luz sobre o caminho ainda por trilhar nesta temática tão atual e abrindo perspectivas para novas interrogações.
Championing the elderly
Authors: Grimwood Heidi
Published: November 2022

Heidi Grimwood discusses the passion behind Knowledge Oral Health Care with Jane Peterson.
All in a years work
Authors: Harding Jill
Published: November 2022

Jill Harding describes the busiest year ever for the charity Dentaid.
Ho-Uh-Oh!
Authors: Dixon Sally
Published: November 2022

Sally Dixon takes a look at some of the potential dental pitfalls of an overindulgent festive season.
Gifts galore!
Authors: Wassif Hoda
Published: November 2022

Hoda Wassif explores the gift of excellent feedback this year.

Aim

To understand how effective feedback can be implemented in practice.

Objectives

To identify the features of effective feedback To understand the challenges of using ‘the feedback sandwich’ in practice To understand the importance of the on-going nature of feedback
Headaches in emergency and urgent care
Authors: Lafitte Naomi
Published: November 2022

Headaches are a common disorder, are the fourth commonest reason for attending an emergency department (ED) and account for around 1% of 999 calls. They are often poorly managed. Paramedics will encounter patients with headache disorders regardless of where they work. These presentations, however, can challenge clinicians because of the complexities of assessment and the potential repercussions of missing a significant pathology. The vast majority of headaches that present to the ED are primary migraines. Nonetheless, paramedics need to be aware of the potential for sinister causes; around 0.5% of sinister headache pathologies are missed at first presentation. This article gives an overview of headache categorisation and diagnosis, discusses the characteristics of migraines given their prevalence, and outlines how to assess and manage patients in emergency and urgent care settings.
Effective enhancement method of low-light-level images based on the guided filter and multi-scale fusion
Authors: Lang Yi-Zheng , Qian Yun-Sheng , Kong Xiang-Yu , Zhang Jing-Zhi , Wang Yi-Lun , Cao Yang
Published: November 2022

Aiming to solve the problem of low-light-level (LLL) images with dim overall
brightness, uneven gray distribution, and low contrast, in this paper,
we propose an effective LLL image enhancement method based on the
guided filter and multi-scale fusion for contrast enhancement and
detail preservation. First, a base image and detail image(s) are
obtained by using the guided filter. After this procedure, the base
image is processed by a maximum entropy-based Gamma correction to
stretch the gray level distribution. Unlike the existing methods, we
enhance the detail image(s) based on the guided filter kernel, which
reflects the image area information. Finally, a new method is proposed
to generate a sequence of artificial images to adjust the brightness
of the output, which has a better performance in image detail
preservation compared with other single-input algorithms. Experiments
show that the proposed method can provide a more significant
performance in enhancing contrast, preserving details, and maintaining
the natural feeling of the image than the state of the art.
Numerical analysis of the highly non-linear and ultra-sensitive modified core of a photonic crystal fiber sensor for detection of liquid analytes
Authors: Mumtaz Farhan , Yaseen Ghulam , Roman Muhammad , Abbas Lashari Ghulam , Ashraf Muhammad Aqueel , Fiaz Muhammad Arshad , Dai Yutang
Published: November 2022

A design of the highly non-linear and ultra-sensitive modified core of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor is reported for the detection of various liquid analytes. The sensor design comprises three rings of a hexagonal lattice around the liquid-infiltrated hollow core. A steric-shaped hollow core design in PCF effectively optimizes the sensor’s sensitivity and performance. The design is analyzed numerically by using the full vector finite element method with perfectly matched layers to find a rigorous solution. The proposed PCF sensor exhibits ultra-high relative sensitivity, a high power fraction, high non-linearity coefficient, low confinement loss, ultra-low chromatic dispersion, compact effective mode area, and single-mode operation in a wider wavelength range, i.e., within visible and infrared wavelength regimes. At an operating wavelength of 1.0 µm, optimum relative sensitivities of 96.37%, 97.40%, and 99.82% with high non-linear coefficients of

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are obtained for water, ethanol, and benzene analytes, respectively. Further, waveguiding characteristics of the PCF sensor endorse its usage for a range of liquid analyte detections. It is a simple design and can be fabricated using existing manufacturing technologies.
Enhanced stimulated Raman scattering during intense laser propagation
Authors: Ryan Peterson J. , Hafizi Bahman , Jones Theodore G. , Johnson Luke A. , Gordon Daniel F. , Chen Yu-Hsin , Ting Antonio
Published: November 2022

Stimulated Raman scattering is ubiquitous in many high-intensity laser environments. Parametric four-wave mixing between the pump and Raman sidebands can affect the Raman gain, but stringent phase matching requirements and strongly nonlinear dynamics obscure clear understanding of its effects at high laser powers. Here we investigate four-wave mixing in the presence of strong self-focusing and weak ionization at laser powers above the Kerr critical power. Theoretical analysis shows that the plasma generated at focus naturally leads to phase matching conditions suitable for enhanced Raman gain, almost without regard to the initial phase mismatch. Multidimensional nonlinear optical simulations with multiphoton and collisional ionization confirm the enhancement and suggest that it may lead to significantly higher Raman losses in some high-intensity laser environments.