bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deficient thalamo-cortical networks dynamics and sleep homeostatic processes in a redox dysregulation model relevant to schizophrenia
Authors: Czekus C , Steullet P , Rusterholz T , Bozic I , Bandarabadi M , Do KQ , Herrera C Gutierrez
Published: July 2021

A growing body of evidence implicates thalamo-cortical oscillations with the neuropathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ) in both mice and humans. Yet, the precise mechanisms underlying sleep perturbations in SZ remain unclear. Here, we characterised the dynamics of thalamo-cortical networks across sleep-wake states in a mouse model carrying a mutation in the enzyme glutathione synthetase gene (Gclm-/-) associated with SZ in humans. We hypothesised that deficits in parvalbumin immunoreactive cells in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) - caused by oxidative stress - impact thalamocortical dynamics, thus affecting non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and sleep homeostasis. Using polysomnographic recordings in mice, we showed that KO mice exhibited a fragmented sleep architecture, similar to SZ patients and altered sleep homeostasis responses revealed by an increase in NREM latency and slow wave activities during the recovery period (SR). Although NREM sleep spindle rate during spontaneous sleep was similar in Gclm-/- and Gcml +/+, KO mice lacked a proper homeostatic response during SR. Interestingly, using multisite electrophysiological recordings in freely-moving mice, we found that high order thalamic network dynamics showed increased synchronisation, that was exacerbated during the sleep recovery period subsequent to SD, possibly due to lower bursting activity in TRN-antero dorsal thalamus circuit in KO compared to WT littermates. Collectively, these findings provide a mechanism for SZ associated deficits of thalamo-cortical neuron dynamics and perturbations of sleep architecture.
GCAT|Panel, a comprehensive structural variant haplotype map of the Iberian population from high-coverage whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Valls-Margarit Jordi , Galván-Femenía Iván , Matías-Sánchez Daniel , Blay Natalia , Puiggròs Montserrat , Carreras Anna , Salvoro Cecilia , Cortés Beatriz , Amela Ramon , Farre Xavier , Lerga-Jaso Jon , Puig Marta , Sánchez-Herrero Jose Francisco , Moreno Victor , Perucho Manuel , Sumoy Lauro , Armengol Lluís , Delaneau Olivier , Cáceres Mario , de Cid Rafael , Torrents David
Published: July 2021

The combined analysis of haplotype panels with phenotype clinical cohorts is a common approach to explore the genetic architecture of human diseases. However, genetic studies are mainly based on single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertions and deletions (indels). Here, we contribute to fill this gap by generating a dense haplotype map focused on the identification, characterization and phasing of structural variants (SVs). By integrating multiple variant identification methods and Logistic Regression models, we present a catalogue of 35,431,441 variants, including 89,178 SVs (≥50bp), 30,325,064 SNVs and 5,017,199 indels, across 785 Illumina high coverage (30X) whole-genomes from the Iberian GCAT Cohort, containing 3.52M SNVs, 606,336 indels and 6,393 SVs in median per individual. The haplotype panel is able to impute up to 14,360,728 SNVs/indels and 23,179 SVs, showing a 2.7-fold increase for SVs compared with available genetic variation panels. The value of this panel for SVs analysis is shown through an imputed rare Alu element located in a new locus associated with mononeuritis of lower limb, a rare neuromuscular disease. This study represents the first deep characterization of genetic variation within the Iberian population and the first operational haplotype panel to systematically include the SVs into genome-wide genetic studies.
Two circadian oscillators in one cyanobacterium
Authors: Köbler Christin , Schmelling Nicolas M. , Pawlowski Alice , Spät Philipp , Scheurer Nina M. , Sebastian Kim , Berwanger Lutz C. , Maček Boris , Wiegard Anika , Axmann Ilka M. , Wilde Annegret
Published: July 2021

Organisms from all kingdoms of life have evolved diverse mechanisms to address the predictable environmental changes resulting from the Earth’s rotation. The circadian clock of cyanobacteria is a particularly simple and elegant example of a biological timing mechanism for predicting daily changes in the light environment. The three proteins KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC constitute the central timing mechanism that drives circadian oscillations in the cyanobacteriumSynechococcus elongatusPCC 7942. In addition to the standard oscillator,Synechocystissp. PCC 6803, another model organism for cyanobacterial research, harbors several divergent clock homologs. Here, we describe a potential new chimeric KaiA homolog that we named KaiA3. At the N-terminus, KaiA3 is similar to the NarL-type response regulator receiver domain. However, its similarity to canonical NarL transcription factors drastically decreases in the C-terminal domain, which resembles the circadian clock protein, KaiA. In line with this, we detected KaiA3-mediated stimulation of KaiC3 phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of KaiC3 was rhythmic over 48 h in vitro in the presence of KaiA3 and KaiB3 as well as inSynechocystiscells under free-running conditions after light/dark entrainment. This results in the presence of two different oscillators in a single-celled prokaryotic organism. Deletion of thekaiA3gene leads to KaiC3 dephosphorylation and results in growth defects during mixotrophic growth and in the dark. In summary, we suggest that KaiA3 is a nonstandard KaiA homolog, thereby extending the KaiB3-KaiC3 system in Cyanobacteria and potentially other prokaryotes.
Growth and immunolocalisation of the brown alga Ectocarpus in a microfluidic environment
Authors: Charrier Bénédicte , Boscq Samuel , Nelson Bradley J. , Läubli Nino F.
Published: July 2021

PDMS chips have proven to be suitable environments for the growth of several filamentous organisms. However, depending on the specimen, the pattern of growth and cell differentiation has been rarely investigated. We monitored the developmental pattern of the brown alga Ectocarpus inside a PDMS lab-on-chip. Two main methods of inoculation of the lab-on-chip were tested, i.e. by injection of spores or by insertion of sporophyte filaments into the chamber. Growth rate, growth trajectory, cell differentiation, and branching were the main development steps that were monitored for 20 days inside 25 μm or 40 μm parallel channels under standard light and temperature conditions. They were shown to be similar to those observed in non-constrained in-vitro conditions. Labelling of Ectocarpus cell wall polysaccharides – both with calcofluor for cellulose, and by immunolocalisation for alginates with monoclonal antibodies–showed expected patterns when compared to open space growth using either epifluorescence or confocal microscopy. Overall this article describes the experimental conditions for observing and studying the basic unaltered processes of brown algal growth using microfluidic technology, which provides the basis for future biochemical and biological research.
Plant-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa harbor multiple virulence traits essential for mammalian infection
Authors: Ambreetha Sakthivel , Marimuthu Ponnusamy , Mathee Kalai , Balachandar Dananjeyan
Published: July 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading opportunistic pathogen capable of causing fatal infections in immunocompromised individuals and patients with degenerative lung diseases. Agricultural soil and plants are the vast reservoirs of this dreaded pathogen. However, there have been limited attempts to analyze the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa strains associated with edible vegetable plants. This study aims to elucidate the virulence attributes of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from the rhizosphere and endophytic niches of cucumber, tomato, eggplant, and chili collected from agricultural fields. Virulence of the agricultural strains was compared to three previously characterized clinical isolates. Our results showed that 50% of the plant-associated strains formed significant levels of biofilm and exhibited swarming motility. Nearly 80% of these strains produced considerable levels of rhamnolipid and exhibited at least one type of lytic activity (hemolysis, proteolysis, and lipolysis). Their virulence was also assessed based on their ability to suppress the growth of plant pathogens (Xanthomonas oryzae, Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium oxysporum) and kill a select nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans). The plant-associated strains showed significantly higher virulence against the bacterial phytopathogen whereas the clinical strains had significantly higher antagonism against the fungal pathogens. In C. elegans slow-killing assay, the clinical strains caused 50-100% death while a maximum of 40% mortality was induced by the agricultural strains. This study demonstrates that some of the P. aeruginosa strains associated with edible plants harbor multiple virulence traits. Upon infection of humans or animals, these strains may evolve to be more pathogenic and pose a significant health hazard.
Immunogenic SARS-CoV2 Epitopes Defined by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pan Ke , Chiu Yulun , Huang Eric , Chen Michelle , Wang Junmei , Lai Ivy , Singh Shailbala , Shaw Rebecca , MacCoss Michael , Yee Cassian
Published: July 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infections elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses. For the prevention and treatment of COVID19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, T cell responses are important in mediating recovery and immune-protection. The identification of immunogenic epitopes that can elicit a meaningful T cell response can be elusive. Traditionally, this has been achieved using sophisticatedin silicomethods to predict putative epitopes; however, our previous studies find that ‘immunodominant’ SARS-CoV-2 peptides defined by suchin silicomethods often fail to elicit T cell responses recognizing SARS-CoV-2. We postulated that immunogenic epitopes for SARS-CoV-2 are best defined by directly analyzing peptides eluted from the peptide-MHC complex and then validating immunogenicity empirically by determining if such peptides can elicit T cells recognizing SARS-CoV-2 antigen-expressing cells. Using a tandem mass spectrometry approach, we identified epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 derived not only from structural but also non-structural genes in regions highly conserved among SARS-CoV-2 strains including recently recognized variants. We report here, for the first time, several novel SARS-CoV-2 epitopes from membrane glycol-protein (MGP) and non-structure protein-13 (NSP13) defined by mass-spectrometric analysis of MHC-eluted peptides, provide empiric evidence for their immunogenicity to induce T cell response.

Significance Statement

Current state of the art uses putative epitope peptides based onin silicoprediction algorithms to evaluate the T cell response among COVID-19 patients. However, none of these peptides have been tested for immunogenicity, i.e. the ability to elicit a T cell response capable of recognizing endogenously presented peptide. In this study, we used MHC immune-precipitation, acid elution and tandem mass spectrometry to define the SARS-CoV-2 immunopeptidome for membrane glycol-protein and the non-structural protein. Furthermore, taking advantage of a highly robust endogenous T cell (ETC) workflow, we verify the immunogenicity of these MS-defined peptides by in vitro generation of MGP and NSP13 peptide-specific T cells and confirm T cell recognition of MGP or NSP13 endogenously expressing cell lines.
Exploring the barriers for implementing waste trading practices in the construction industry in Australia
Authors: Ratnasabapathy Shiyamini , Alashwal Ali , Perera Srinath
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The construction industry is a major generator of waste, which has a high potential to yield a substantial amount of waste into the economy as a valuable resource. Waste trading (WT) is a sustainable strategy for improving resource utilisation and transitioning the construction industry towards the circular economy. However, resource recovery through WT is greatly impeded by several barriers which have not been highlighted in previous research. This paper aims to determine the barriers for implementing effective WT practices in the Australian construction and demolition (C&D) sector.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aim of this research, a triangulation approach of quantitative and qualitative methods has been used. This mixed-method approach combines a comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire survey using an expert forum and semi-structured interviews with industry experts.

Findings

This study has explored a wide range of barriers to the practices of WT in the C&D sector, which have been categorised based on six perspectives. From a collective perspective, the technical barriers were found to be most important among other categories. The key individual barriers found in this study include the following: the high cost associated with sorting and processing of waste on-site, lack of consistent waste data and reporting system at project, industry and national level, insufficient secured and established market for reusable/recycled waste materials, lack of communication and coordination among stakeholders, lack of user-friendly and active web-based waste exchange systems (with reliable waste information) and lack of incentives from the government to encourage market development. Overcoming these barriers collectively would enable the wide application of WT, which in turn, would have a positive impact on the economy, environment and efficiency of the industry.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of this study are based on the data collected only in the state of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia which is considered as the limitation of this study.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge of C&D waste management (WM) by providing the theoretical and practical implications of closing the loop material cycle by highlighting the importance of economic and environmental benefits of WT. In this study, WT has been recognised as a sustainable strategy to manage waste by identifying the barriers impeding the wider application of effective trading practices in the C&D sector. The findings are useful to WM businesses engaged to establish new circular business models and to government/regulatory bodies in developing initiatives and incentives aiming to promote WT strategies and market platforms. Further research is suggested to test and validate the findings from other jurisdictions of Australia.
Personalized news recommendation based on an improved conditional restricted Boltzmann machine
Authors: Zhong Linxia , Wei Wei , Li Shixuan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Because of the extensive user coverage of news sites and apps, greater social and commercial value can be realized if users can access their favourite news as easily as possible. However, news has a timeliness factor; there are serious cold start and data sparsity in news recommendation, and news users are more susceptible to recent topical news. Therefore, this study aims to propose a personalized news recommendation approach based on topic model and restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM).

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the model extracts the news topic information based on the LDA2vec topic model. Then, the implicit behaviour data are analysed and converted into explicit rating data according to the rules. The highest weight is assigned to recent hot news stories. Finally, the topic information and the rating data are regarded as the conditional layer and visual layer of the conditional RBM (CRBM) model, respectively, to implement news recommendations.

Findings

The experimental results show that using LDA2vec-based news topic as a conditional layer in the CRBM model provides a higher prediction rating and improves the effectiveness of news recommendations.

Originality/value

This study proposes a personalized news recommendation approach based on an improved CRBM. Topic model is applied to news topic extraction and used as the conditional layer of the CRBM. It not only alleviates the sparseness of rating data to improve the efficient in CRBM but also considers that readers are more susceptible to popular or trending news.
Recognizing the effective factors in managing fire incidents to reduce the collateral damages and casualties
Authors: Soltaninejad Meysam , Faraji Amir , Noorzai Esmatullah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce and evaluate the effect of critical success factors (CSF) in rescue operations in burning buildings by calculating the partial least squares structural equation modeling of PLS-SEM.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, success criteria (SC) and CSF in the literature, which are related to the topic, articles, standards and relevant books, will be identified and then evaluated through the extended PLS-SEM model.

Findings

The results show that technological factors, awareness, resources and safety play an effective role in successful performance management in fire accidents.

Research limitations/implications

Appropriate use of these factors will promote incident management and decrease casualties and financial loss in the event of accidents.

Originality/value

Fire-fighting is of great importance, especially in tall and complex buildings. In recent years, extended studies have been carried out regarding fire accident management in terms of CSFs in the category of rescue and firefighting. However, attention has not been paid to the relation and severity of impact between SC and CSF by researchers in addition to the identification of the most important criteria during rescue operations.
Barriers to corporate social responsibility: an Indian SME perspective
Authors: Dixit Sushil Kumar , Priya Samant Shant
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the world are generally found to have a limited interest in wider social issues. SMEs face many barriers in operating in a socially responsible and sustainable manner despite it making a good business sense. This paper explores the barriers and challenges faced by Indian SMEs for engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses interpretive structural modelling (ISM) to explore the structural relationship among barriers faced by Indian SMEs in their CSR engagement which were identified from the past literature and validated by the experts.

Findings

The study identified thirteen variables as important barriers resulting in a lower CSR engagement by Indian SMEs. The ISM model indicates that Indian SMEs focus on tactical rather on strategic needs along with their limited information and knowledge about CSR are the main driving forces which keep them away from an active and meaningful CSR engagement. Their limited CSR engagement capabilities, limited need to engage with their workforce and lower CSR perceived benefits also constrain their CSR engagement. The Indian SMEs also do not see a need for CSR engagement because of lower community and governmental pressure.

Originality/value

The study provides a comprehensive listing of CSR engagement barriers faced by Indian SMEs along with the structural relationships among them. The model developed provides CSR professionals and policymakers an understanding of the important impediments in CSR engagement of Indian SMEs based on their driving power and dependence. This insight will help them in designing initiatives to influence identified barriers to promote CSR engagement by Indian SMEs.
Antecedents of satisfaction and loyalty in different spectator tribes in a football context
Authors: Lamberti Giuseppe , Rialp Josep , Simon Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Extending existing research in a football context, this study explores how image and service quality influence spectator tribe satisfaction and loyalty and variations in behaviors depending on age, gender and emotional involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Spectators aged 18 years and older who attended Barcelona Football Club home La Liga matches were sampled. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the model, and hybrid multigroup PLS-SEM was used to explore observed heterogeneity.

Findings

Image and service quality both influence spectator satisfaction and loyalty. Satisfaction and loyalty are associated differently with three tribes: a nonpassionate tribe characterized by low emotional involvement and younger and older passionate tribes composed of emotionally involved spectators aged <30 and >30 years old, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s results contribute to strengthening the suitability of PLS-SEM and multigroup in sport management, in particular for analyzing the behavior of specific groups of football spectators.

Originality/value

The findings of this study underline image and service quality as crucial to football spectator satisfaction and loyalty, with emotional involvement and age defining different consumer tribes as potential targets for marketing purposes.
The effect of environmental humidity/water absorption on tribo-mechanical performance of polymers and polymer composites – a review
Authors: Randhawa Kawaljit Singh , Patel Ashwin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The mechanical and tribological properties of polymers and polymer composites vary with different environmental conditions. This paper aims to review the influence of humidity/water conditions on various polymers and polymer composites' mechanical properties and tribological behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of humidity and water absorption on mechanical and tribological properties of various polymers, fillers and composites has been discussed in this paper. Tensile strength, modulus, yield strength, impact strength, COF and wear rates of polymer composites are compared for different environmental conditions. The interaction between the water molecules and hydrophobic polymers is also represented.

Findings

Pure polymer matrices show somewhat mixed behavior in humid environments. Absorbed moisture generally plasticizes the epoxies and polyamides and lowers the tensile strength, yield strength and modulus. Wear rates of PVC generally decrease in humid environments, while for polyamides, it increases. Fillers like graphite and boron-based compounds exhibit low COF, while MoS2 particulate fillers exhibit higher COF at high humidity and water conditions. The mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites tend to decrease as the rate of humidity increases while the wear rates of fiber-reinforced polymer composites show somewhat mixed behavior. Particulate fillers like metals and advanced ceramics reinforced polymer composites exhibit low COF and wear rates as the rate of humidity increases.

Originality/value

The mechanical and tribological properties of polymers and polymer composites vary with the humidity value present in the environment. In dry conditions, wear loss is determined by the hardness of the contacting surfaces, which may not effectively work for high humid environments. The tribological performance of composite constituents, i.e. matrix and fillers in humid environments, defines the overall performance of polymer composite in said environments.
Covid-19 protocols: assessing construction site workers compliance
Authors: Olukolajo Michael Ayodele , Oyetunji Abiodun Kolawole , Oluleye Ifeoluwa Benjamin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate construction site workers’ compliance with various coronavirus (Covid-19) protocols while working on construction sites.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey was conducted at the end of the imposed lockdown following Nigeria’s upsurge of the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey research method was adopted for the study using a structured questionnaire administered to 246 construction site workers under strict Covid-19 preventive measures. The data was complemented through personal observations of the study site activities. The results were analysed using frequency tables and a factor analytical approach.

Findings

The preventive measures in place on construction sites can be classified into personal protective measures, good etiquette/manners, contact precautions and prompt actions. Although the workers claimed to be aware of the Covid-19 pandemic, their disposition towards the preventive measures on construction sites is worrisome. Hence, their level of compliance with the protocols could mitigate the spread of the virus.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified gap to study the need to promote public health by mitigating the global pandemic’s spread in areas where social distancing cannot be easily observed.
Customers’ perceptions of FinTech adaptability in the Islamic banking sector: comparative study on Malaysia and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Oladapo Ibrahim Abiodun , Hamoudah Manal Mohammed , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Olaopa Olawale Rafiu , Muda Ruhaini
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to compare perceptions of Islamic bank customers concerning FinTech services in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. It also investigates the level to which customers are willing to adapt FinTech services.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected from May to September 2019 using a questionnaire to survey 102 Islamic bank customers in Malaysia and 147 in Saudi Arabia. The data are analyzed based on Structural Equation Modelling using the partial least squares approach.

Findings

The findings show that knowledge, attitude and subjective norms are the highly significant determining factors that influence customers’ opinions on adapting to new technology, but awareness demonstrates only a moderately positive effect. Moreover, the impact of these factors on the intention to adopt FinTech services significantly differs between Malaysian and Saudi Arabian customers.

Originality/value

This is an original study based on primary data on customers of Islamic banking in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. It provides some novel insights into how the banking industry can boost customers’ confidence and enhance their patronage by adopting FinTech in their business operation model. These findings should be of value to senior management, policymakers and regulators in the banking industry in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries.
The impact of financial performance on corporate social responsibility disclosure: the case of VN100 in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Thinh Quoc
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of financial performance (FP) on corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) in the top 100 listed enterprises in Vietnam (VN100).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the ordinary least square method to test and uses time series data of VN100 in five years from 2015 to 2019.

Findings

The results of this study show that the return on assets and return on equity have a positive impact on CSRD of VN100.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has not covered all independent variables related to FP.

Practical implications

The paper contribute to increasing CSRD of VN100.

Social implications

The paper contribute to raising awareness of businesses about community and society.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to increase the level of useful information for stakeholders to meet the trend of regional and international integration.
2020 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous pruritus
Authors: Satoh Takahiro , Yokozeki Hiroo , Murota Hiroyuki , Tokura Yoshiki , Kabashima Kenji , Takamori Kenji , Shiohara Tetsuo , Morita Eishin , Aiba Setsuya , Aoyama Yumi , Hashimoto Takashi , Katayama Ichiro
Published: July 2021

The mechanisms underlying itch are not fully understood. Physicians usually encounter difficulty controlling itch in generalized pruritus. Since only a small percentage of patients with generalized pruritus respond to antihistamines (H1 receptor antagonists), a variety of itch mediators and mechanisms other than histaminergic signals are considered to be involved in itch for these non‐responsive patients. In 2012, we created guidelines for generalized pruritus. Those guidelines have been updated and revised to make some of the definitions, diagnostic terms, and classifications more applicable to daily clinical practice. Cutaneous pruritus as designated in these guidelines is a disease characterized by itch without an observable rash. Generalized pruritus (without skin inflammation) is defined as the presence of itch over a wide area, and not localized to a specific part of the body. This entity includes idiopathic pruritus, pruritus in the elderly, symptomatic pruritus, pregnancy‐associated pruritus, drug‐induced pruritus, and psychogenic pruritus. Localized pruritus (without skin inflammation) represents fixed itch localized to a specific part of the body, and includes anogenital pruritus, scalp pruritus, notalgia paresthetica, and brachioradial pruritus. These guidelines outline the current concepts and specify the diagnostic methods/treatments for cutaneous pruritus.
Erythema nodosum‐like eruption in coronavirus disease 2019: A case report and literature review of Asian countries
Authors: Kuriyama Yuko , Shimizu Akira , Oka Hironori , Sato Masayuki , Makioka Koki , Ikota Hayato , Yanagisawa Kunio , Tokue Yutaka , Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Motegi Sei‐ichiro
Published: July 2021

In the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak, skin manifestations were seen in COVID‐19 patients. We report a case in which a COVID‐19 patient developed cutaneous lesions that were diagnosed as erythema nodosum‐like lesions, which were associated with COVID‐19. Nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Histopathologically, extensive inflammation was seen from the epidermis to the fat tissue. An organized thrombus and disrupted inner elastic lamina were seen in an intradermal vessel. These findings suggest septal panniculitis with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. The results of PCR using the specimen of skin lesion was negative. The patient took non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and the skin lesion improved in 3 weeks. To characterize the skin eruption, we reviewed previous reports on COVID‐19 (confirmed by the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection) from Asian countries. The type of eruption and timing of its appearance in this case seemed rare. Differences in skin manifestations between Western and Asian countries were noted.
Original status of smartphone video by analyzing the data volume according to the recording time
Authors: Hwang Min ku , Park Hyung Ju , Park Sung woo , Har Dong hwan
Published: July 2021

Most video media are filmed and distributed through cell phones due to the improved camera performance and high ease of use. However, due to their digital nature, the original status of cell phone videos used as evidence must be verified. For this analysis, we devised a method to read whether the videos are original or not and whether they are second‐order encoded or higher via a data‐rate analysis over the recording time of the smartphone videos. For this study, videos taken by smartphones were analyzed through experiments, demonstrating that a constant amount of data is generated over time, regardless of the scene. We also demonstrated that a unique pattern exists between the time taken and the amount of data output, depending on the smartphone manufacturer and model. Furthermore, for quantitative numerical computations on unique patterns, we output the amount of data per second generated by each model. Furthermore, the amount of data per second for each model varies when encoded using secondary or higher compression. This method allowed us to use the data‐per‐second analysis techniques proposed in this study to determine whether the videos taken by smartphones are original.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on diagnostic imaging services in Australia
Authors: Sreedharan Subhashaan , Mian Mustafa , McArdle David John Tobias , Rhodes Alexander
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic is driving unprecedented changes in healthcare services worldwide. This study aimed to quantify the impact of the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic on diagnostic imaging services in Australia using an interrupted time series model.

Methods

Monthly data were extracted from the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule for all diagnostic imaging services performed between January 2016 and December 2019. Holt‐Winters forecasting models were developed for total imaging services as well as for each imaging modality. The models were used to predict monthly data between January 2020 and June 2020 with a 95% confidence interval (P < 0.05). Absolute and percentage residual differences (RD) between observed and predicted services for this time period were calculated.

Results

There were statistically significant reductions in total imaging services performed in March 2020 (RD: −332260, −13.1%, 95% CI: −17.5% to −8.4%), April 2020 (RD: −716957, −32.4%, 95% CI: −36.2% to −28.1%) and May 2020 (RD: −571634, −21.4%, 95% CI: −25.1% to −17.3%). Nuclear medicine and CT services were relatively less impacted than general radiography, ultrasound, and MRI services. There was also a statistically significant increase in nuclear medicine and CT services performed in June 2020 compared to predicted values.

Conclusions

During the first wave of COVID‐19 in Australia, there was a significant reduction in total diagnostic imaging services, with variable impacts on different imaging modalities. These findings may have significant public health implications and can be used to inform evidence‐based strategies in the recovery phase of the pandemic.
Long‐term prevention of hereditary angioedema attacks with lanadelumab: The HELP OLE Study
Authors: Banerji Aleena , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Johnston Douglas T. , Lumry William R. , Magerl Markus , Maurer Marcus , Martinez‐Saguer Inmaculada , Zanichelli Andrea , Hao James , Inhaber Neil , Yu Ming , Riedl Marc A. ,   for the HELP OLE Investigators
Published: July 2021

Background

The aim was to evaluate long‐term effectiveness and safety of lanadelumab in patients ≥12 y old with hereditary angioedema (HAE) 1/2 (NCT02741596).

Methods

Rollover patients completing the HELP Study and continuing into HELP OLE received one lanadelumab 300 mg dose until first attack (dose‐and‐wait period), then 300 mg q2wks (regular dosing stage). Nonrollovers (newly enrolled) received lanadelumab 300 mg q2wks from day 0. Baseline attack rate for rollovers: ≥1 attack/4 weeks (based on run‐in period attack rate during HELP Study); for nonrollovers: historical attack rate ≥1 attack/12 weeks. The planned treatment period was 33 months.

Results

212 patients participated (109 rollovers, 103 nonrollovers); 81.6% completed ≥30 months on study (mean [SD], 29.6 [8.2] months). Lanadelumab markedly reduced mean HAE attack rate (reduction vs baseline: 87.4% overall). Patients were attack free for a mean of 97.7% of days during treatment; 81.8% and 68.9% of patients were attack free for ≥6 and ≥12 months, respectively. Angioedema Quality‐of‐Life total and domain scores improved from day 0 to end of study. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (excluding HAE attacks) were reported by 97.2% of patients; most commonly injection site pain (47.2%) and viral upper respiratory tract infection (42.0%). Treatment‐related TEAEs were reported by 54.7% of patients. Most injection site reactions resolved within 1 hour (70.2%) or 1 day (92.6%). Six (2.8%) patients discontinued due to TEAEs. No treatment‐related serious TEAEs or deaths were reported. Eleven treatment‐related TEAEs of special interest were reported by seven (3.3%) patients.

Conclusion

Lanadelumab demonstrated sustained efficacy and acceptable tolerability with long‐term use in HAE patients.
Intrasurgical parameters associated with successful sperm retrieval in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia undergoing salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction
Authors: Caroppo Ettore , Castiglioni Fabrizio , Campagna Cristina , Colpi Elisabetta M. , Piatti Elisabetta , Gazzano Giacomo , Colpi Giovanni M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia with a previously failed conventional testicular sperm extraction may undergo a salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction with the probability of successful sperm retrieval being almost dependent upon the number of previous surgical attempts and to different histopathologic categories.

Objectives

To determine whether the seminiferous tubules pattern and the histological categories could affect the sperm retrieval rate in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia undergoing salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction after failed conventional testicular sperm extraction.

Materials and methods

Seventy‐nine patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction were evaluated. During microdissection testicular sperm extraction, if present, dilated tubules were retrieved, otherwise, tubules with slightly larger caliber than that of the surroundings were removed. When no dilated tubule or tubule with slightly larger caliber was found, not dilated tubules were excised. A prediction model was built with seminiferous tubules pattern and testis histology as covariates.

Results

Sperm retrieval was successful in 30 out of 79 patients. The prediction model correctly classified 88.3% of cases, explained the 29.7% variability of the outcome, and significantly predicted the microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcome with a sensitivity of 67.7% and a specificity of 90.2%, Both tubules with slightly larger caliber and not dilated tubules were negatively associated with the chance of retrieving spermatozoa. Among the histological categories, only early maturation arrest was significant to the model (log(SSR) = 0.57 – 1.9SDT – 3.3NDT – 1.76EMA) (where SSR is sperm retrieval rate, SDT is tubule with slightly larger caliber, NDT is not dilated tubule, and EMA is early maturation arrest). The model had a clearly useful discrimination (area under the curve = 0.814), the estimated performance was 0.8105, and internal calibration was acceptable (p > 0.05).

Discussion

Seminiferous tubules pattern and testis histology may reliably explain the salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcome in all patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia apart from those with early maturation arrest, where the homogeneous apparent seminiferous tubules pattern may be misleading.

Conclusion

The outcome of salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction can be predicted by the same intrasurgical parameters that have been demonstrated to predict the outcome of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in naïve patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia.
Ceuta: The Humanitarian and the Fortress EUrope
Authors: Aris Escarcena Juan Pablo
Published: July 2021

Ceuta, a Spanish city and former colonial enclave in North Africa, is a key place in the construction of the European Union’s external borders. Over the last 30 years, border governance dynamics have developed in this city, marked by the imbrication of security dynamics and humanitarianism. This paper analyses, from a historical and ethnographic point of view, the development of practices, forms of knowledge and institutions shaped by the joint action of securitarian and humanitarian actors. Particular attention is paid to the development of humanitarian reception institutions, especially the CETI (Centro de Estancia Temporal de Inmigrantes—Centre for the Temporary Stay of Immigrants), and humanitarian practices that reinforce the border government’s capacity for control and filtering.
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in offspring of immigrant women in Sweden: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Törn Anna E. , Lampa Erik , Wikström Anna‐Karin , Jonsson Maria
Published: July 2021

Introduction

One in four women giving birth in Sweden is foreign‐born. Immigrant status has been suggested as a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes. It is not known if infants to foreign‐born women have an increased risk of severe birth asphyxia, or which factors might mediate such association.

Material and methods

A population‐based cohort study of 726 730 live births at 36 weeks of gestation or more in Sweden in 2009–2015. The exposure was maternal country of birth, grouped according to the World Bank country classification: low‐, lower‐middle, upper‐middle, and high‐income economies. The main outcome was neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The outcome was estimated by severity and classified as non‐hypothermia‐treated HIE, representing mainly mild cases, and hypothermia‐treated HIE, representing moderate to severe cases. A secondary outcome was low Apgar score at 5 minutes, defined as <7 or <4. Odds ratios with 95% CI were calculated, using Swedish‐born women as the reference. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate potential mediation of known antepartum risk factors.

Results

A total of 854 infants were diagnosed with HIE and 398 received therapeutic hypothermia. Offspring of mothers born in low‐income countries had the highest incidences of HIE and low Apgar score, with an incidence of therapeutic hypothermia of 1.1 per 1000. Compared with offspring of Swedish‐born mothers, these neonates had an almost two‐fold increased risk of HIE, with or without hypothermia treatment (odds ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.7 and odds ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.6, respectively), and a 2‐ to 3‐fold increased risk of low Apgar score. The structural equation model analysis indicated an exclusive direct effect of country of birth on HIE. Factors reflecting socio‐economic status mediated a small proportion of the risk of Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes.

Conclusions

Offspring of women born in low‐income countries had associations with severe birth asphyxia, with increased risk of both HIE and low Apgar score at 5 minutes. The associations seemed only to be marginally mediated by other antepartum factors. The associations are complex and further studies are needed to find explanatory and potentially preventable factors.
Effects of oral administration of Spirulina platensis and probiotics on serum immunity indexes, colonic immune factors, fecal odor, and fecal flora in mice
Authors: Zhang Lingyan , Zhang Xing Tao , Jin Pingting , Zhao Hongbo , Liu Xue , Sheng Qingkai
Published: July 2021

To evaluate the effects of Spirulina platensis and probiotics on growth, immunity indexes, fecal flora, and fecal odor in mice, 40 mice were randomly allotted to four groups, and each was administrated with nothing, S. platensis, probiotics, or both for 28 days, respectively. Then, many indexes were measured. The results showed that S. platensis was more effective (P < 0.001) than probiotics in improving mice's feed conversion ration (FCR). In immunity, probiotics administration increased (P < 0.042) serum IgE, IgM, IFN‐γ, colonic AHR, TLR4, and NF‐κB protein expression and decreased (P < 0.039) serum IL‐1α, IL‐21, IL‐22, and colonic ARNT gene expression. However, the S. platensis showed weaker effect, which increased (P < 0.025) the serum IgE, IgM, TNF‐α, and the colonic AHR and NF‐κB protein expression, and decreased (P < 0.01) serum IL‐21. Probiotics consumption decreased the fecal odor by decreasing (P < 0.02) fecal Escherichia coli, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), and skatole contents, and the S. platensis decreased (P = 0.04) the IAA. These results indicated that oral administration of probiotics, S. platensis, or both of them in mice probably benefited body's immunity and reduced fecal odor. However, their mechanisms were still unclear and need further study.
Emerging therapeutic drug monitoring of anti‐infective agents in Australian hospitals: Availability, performance and barriers to implementation
Authors: Sandaradura Indy , Alffenaar Jan‐Willem , Cotta Menino O. , Daveson Kathryn , Day Richard O. , Van Hal Sebastiaan , Lau Cindy , Marriott Deborah J. E. , Penm Jonathan , Roberts Jason A. , Tabah Alexis , Williams Paul , Imani Sahand
Published: July 2021

Aims

The purpose of the study was to assess the status of emerging therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of anti‐infective agents in Australian hospitals.

Methods

A nationwide cross‐sectional survey of all Australian hospitals operating in the public and private health sector was conducted between August and September 2019. The survey consisted of questions regarding institutional TDM practice for anti‐infective agents and clinical vignettes specific to β‐lactam antibiotics.

Results

Responses were received from 82 unique institutions, representing all Australian states and territories. All 29 (100%) of principal referral (major) hospitals in Australia participated. Five surveys were partially complete. Only 25% (20/80) of hospitals had TDM testing available on‐site for any of the eight emerging TDM candidates considered: β‐lactam antibiotics, anti‐tuberculous agents, flucytosine, fluoroquinolones, ganciclovir, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs, linezolid and teicoplanin. A considerable time lag was noted between TDM sampling and reporting of results. With respect to β‐lactam antibiotic TDM, variable indications, pharmacodynamic targets and sampling times were identified. The three greatest barriers to local TDM performance were found to be (1) lack of timely assays/results, (2) lack of institutional‐wide expertise and/or training and (3) lack of guidelines to inform ordering of TDM and interpretation of results. The majority of respondents favoured establishing national TDM guidelines and increasing access to dose prediction software, at rates of 89% and 96%, respectively.

Conclusion

Translating emerging TDM evidence into daily clinical practice is slow. Concerted efforts are required to address the barriers identified and facilitate the implementation of standardised practice.
Commentary: Considering nomenclature for autism – aligning with the language preferences of the autistic community – a commentary on Kehinde et al. (2021)
Authors: Chapple Melissa , Worsley Joanne Deborah
Published: July 2021

Since the implementation of ‘autism’ as a diagnosable condition in the 1980s, the medical model has continued to dominate how we understand autism. More recently, there has been a rise in understanding autism through the neurodiversity model and the lived experiences of autistic people themselves. However, there is often misalignment between the medical model and the preferences of the autistic community. In particular, there are misalignments around the language we use in society to discuss autism and autistic people. Language misalignments are particularly important, with language playing an important role in conveying understandings of a group within society. This article highlights these nomenclature misalignments, focussing on (1) Asperger syndrome, (2) functioning labels, (3) severity assumptions, (4) the language of disorder and (5) identity‐first compared to person‐first language. The article discusses the difficulties that might present in healthcare settings as a result of these misalignments.