bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C (HCV) therapy for HCV mono-infected and HIV-HCV co-infected individuals living in Nepal
Authors: KC Sudhamshu , Murphy Holly , Dixit Sameer , Rai Apurva , Pradhan Bickram , Lagrange-Xelot Marie , Karki Niyanta , Dureault Amélie , Karmacharya Ujjwal , Panthi Santosh , Tulachan Nabin , KC Prawchan , KC Anjay , Rajbhandari Rajesh , Trotter Andrew B. , Gölz Jörg , Pradat Pierre , Trépo Christian , Creac'H Philippe
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite direct-acting antivirals (DAA), aims to “eradicate” viral hepatitis by 2030 remain unlikely. In Nepal, an expert consortium was established to treat HCV through Nepal earthquakes aftermath offering a model for HCV treatment expansion in a resource-poor setting.

Methodology/Principal findings

In 2015, we established a network of hepatologists, laboratory experts, and community-based leaders at 6 Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) sites from 4 cities in Nepal screening 838 patients for a treatment cohort of 600 individuals with HCV infection and past or current drug use. During phase 1, patients were treated with interferon-based regimens (n = 46). During phase 2, 135 patients with optimal predictors (HIV controlled, without cirrhosis, low baseline HCV viral load) were treated with DAA-based regimens. During phase 3, IFN-free DAA treatment was expanded, regardless of HCV disease severity, HIV viremia or drug use. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was assessed at 12 weeks.

Median age was 37 years and 95.5% were males. HCV genotype was 3 (53.2%) or 1a (40.7%) and 32% had cirrhosis; 42.5% were HIV-HCV coinfected. The intention-to-treat (ITT) SVR rates in phase 2 and 3 were 97% and 81%, respectively. The overall per-protocol and ITT SVR rates were 97% and 85%, respectively. By multivariable analysis, treatment at the Kathmandu site was protective and substance use, treatment during phase 3 were associated with failure to achieve SVR.

Conclusions/Significance

Very high SVR rates may be achieved in a difficult-to-treat, low-income population whatever the patient’s profile and disease severity. The excellent treatment outcomes observed in this real-life community study should prompt further HCV treatment initiatives in Nepal.
Five-day rehabilitation of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty using an end-effector gait robot as a neuromodulation blending tool for deafferentation, weight offloading and stereotyped movement: Interim analysis
Authors: Koo Kyo-in , Hwang Chang Ho
Published: December 2020

Deafferentation and weight offloading can increase brain and spinal motor neuron excitability, respectively. End-effector gait robots (EEGRs) can blend these effects with stereotyped movement-induced neuroplasticity. The authors aimed to evaluate the usefulness of EEGRs as a postoperative neuro-muscular rehabilitation tool. This prospective randomized controlled trial included patients who had undergone unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: one using a 200-step rehabilitation program in an EEGR or the other using a walker on a floor (WF) three times a day for five weekdays. The two groups were compared by electrophysiological and biomechanical methods. Since there were no more enrollments due to funding issues, interim analysis was performed. Twelve patients were assigned to the EEGR group and eight patients were assigned to the WF group. Although the muscle volume of the quadriceps and hamstring did not differ between the two groups, the normalized peak torque of the operated knee flexors (11.28 ± 16.04 Nm/kg) was improved in the EEGR group compared to that of the operated knee flexors in the WF group (4.25 ± 14.26 Nm/kg) (p = 0.04). The normalized compound motor action potentials of the vastus medialis (VM) and biceps femoris (BF) were improved in the EEGR group (p < 0.05). However, the normalized real-time peak amplitude and total, mean area under the curve of VM were decreased during rehabilitation in the EEGR group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between operated and non-operated knees in the EEGR group. Five-day EEGR-assisted rehabilitation induced strengthening in the knee flexors and the muscular reactivation of the BF and VM after TKA, while reducing the real-time use of the VM. This observation may suggest the feasibility of this technique: EEGR modulated the neuronal system of the patients rather than training their muscles. However, because the study was underpowered, all of the findings should be interpreted with the utmost caution.
Quantifying influence of human choice on the automated detection of Drosophila behavior by a supervised machine learning algorithm
Authors: Leng Xubo , Wohl Margot , Ishii Kenichi , Nayak Pavan , Asahina Kenta
Published: December 2020

Automated quantification of behavior is increasingly prevalent in neuroscience research. Human judgments can influence machine-learning-based behavior classification at multiple steps in the process, for both supervised and unsupervised approaches. Such steps include the design of the algorithm for machine learning, the methods used for animal tracking, the choice of training images, and the benchmarking of classification outcomes. However, how these design choices contribute to the interpretation of automated behavioral classifications has not been extensively characterized. Here, we quantify the effects of experimenter choices on the outputs of automated classifiers of Drosophila social behaviors. Drosophila behaviors contain a considerable degree of variability, which was reflected in the confidence levels associated with both human and computer classifications. We found that a diversity of sex combinations and tracking features was important for robust performance of the automated classifiers. In particular, features concerning the relative position of flies contained useful information for training a machine-learning algorithm. These observations shed light on the importance of human influence on tracking algorithms, the selection of training images, and the quality of annotated sample images used to benchmark the performance of a classifier (the ‘ground truth’). Evaluation of these factors is necessary for researchers to accurately interpret behavioral data quantified by a machine-learning algorithm and to further improve automated classifications.
Reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analysis with protocols in Diabetes Mellitus Type II: A systematic review
Authors: Rainkie Daniel Christopher , Abedini Zeinab Salman , Abdelkader Nada Nabil
Published: December 2020

Background

Systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses (SR/MAs) are strongly encouraged to work from a protocol to facilitate high quality, transparent methodology. The completeness of reporting of a protocol (PRISMA-P) and manuscript (PRISMA) is essential to the quality appraisal (AMSTAR-2) and appropriate use of SR/MAs in making treatment decisions.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the completeness of reporting and quality of SR/MAs, assess the correlations between PRISMA-P, PRISMA, and AMSTAR-2, and to identify reporting characteristics between similar items of PRISMA-P and PRISMA.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus SR/MAs of hypoglycemic agents with publicly available protocols. Cochrane reviews, guidelines, and specific types of MA were excluded. Two reviewers independently, (i) searched PubMed and Embase between 1/1/2015 to 20/3/2019; (ii) identified protocols of included studies by searching the manuscript bibliography, supplementary material, PROSPERO, and Google; (iii) completed PRISMA-P, PRISMA, and AMSTAR-2 tools. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariable linear regression.

Results

Of 357 relevant SR/MAs, 51 had available protocols and were included. The average score for PRISMA-P was 15.8±3.3 (66%; maximum 24) and 25.2±1.1 (93%; maximum 27) for PRISMA. The quality of SR/MAs assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool identified an overall poor quality (63% critically low, 18% low, 8% moderate, 12% high). The correlation between the PRISMA-P and PRISMA was not significant (r = 0.264; p = 0.06). Correlation was significant between PRISMA-P and AMSTAR-2 (r = 0.333; p = 0.02) and PRISMA and AMSTAR-2 (r = 0.555; p<0.01). Discrepancies in reporting were common between similar PRISMA-P and PRISMA items.

Conclusion

Adherence to protocol reporting guidance was poor while manuscript reporting was comprehensive. Protocol completeness is not associated with a completely reported manuscript. Independently, PRISMA-P and PRISMA scores were weakly associated with higher quality assessments but insufficient as a surrogate for quality. Critical areas for quality improvement include protocol description, investigating causes of heterogeneity, and the impact of risk of bias on the evidence synthesis.
Institutional delivery services utilization and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last year in Mandura district, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mitikie Kassahun Asres , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse , Beyene Melkamu Bedemo
Published: December 2020

Background

The risk of death from complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth for women’s lifetime is higher in developing countries. Improving maternal and child health through a well-organized institutional delivery service is central to achieving reduced maternal and child mortality. Despite the efforts that have been made to improve maternal health outcomes in Ethiopia, institutional delivery is still unacceptably low.

Objective

This study was conducted to assess institutional delivery service utilization and associated factors in the study area.

Methods

A Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to employ a total of 546 women. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0. for analysis. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with the outcome variable. Adjusted Odds ratios with 95% CI were computed to measure the strength of association and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

Results

The Prevalence of institutional delivery in the study area was 38% (34%-42%). Factors significantly associated with institutional delivery were ANC visit 1.80 (1.12–2.91), knowledge of danger sign during pregnancy 3.60 (2.25–5.76), urban residency 2.09 (1.15–3.81), Parity 0.49 (0.25–0.95) accessibility of health facility 4.60 (2.01–10.89), husbands educational level: primary 2.50 (1.27–4.91), secondary and above 2.36 (1.24–4.48), mothers occupation: governmental employee 2.05 (1.00–4.18), and Private employee 2.42 (1.09–5.35).

Conclusions

The prevalence of institutional delivery in the District was low. Antenatal visits, residency, knowledge of pregnancy danger signs, parity, and accessibility of health facilities, maternal occupation, and husband education were factors significantly associated with institutional delivery.
Comparison of muscle quality and functional capacity between Japanese and Brazilian older individuals
Authors: Akima Hiroshi , Yoshiko Akito , Radaelli Régis , Ogawa Madoka , Shimizu Kaori , Tomita Aya , Maeda Hisashi , Neske Rodrigo , Teodoro Juliana , Maeda Kazuhiro , Tanaka Noriko , Pinto Ronei
Published: December 2020

Muscle quality is well-known to decrease with aging and is a risk factor for metabolic abnormalities. However, there is a lack of information on race-associated differences in muscle quality and other neuromuscular features related to functional performance. This study aimed to compare muscle quality, function, and morphological characteristics in Japanese and Brazilian older individuals. Eighty-four participants aged 65–87 years were enrolled in the study (42 Japanese: 23 men, 19 women, mean age 70.4 years; 42 Brazilians: 23 men, 19 women, mean age 70.8 years). Echo intensity (EI) and muscle thickness (MT) of the quadriceps femoris were measured using B-mode ultrasonography. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis with EI as a dependent variable revealed that MT was a significant variable for Japanese participants (R2 = 0.424, P = 0.001), while MT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) thickness were significant variables for Brazilian participants (R2 = 0.490, P = 0.001). A second stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed after excluding MT and SCAT thickness from the independent variables. Sex and age for Japanese participants (R2 = 0.381, P = 0.001) and lean body mass and body mass index for Brazilian participants (R2 = 0.385, P = 0.001) were identified as significant independent variables. The present results suggest that MT is closely correlated with muscle quality in Japanese and Brazilian older individuals. Increases in muscle size may induce decreases in intramuscular adipose tissue and/or connective tissues, which are beneficial for reducing the risks of metabolic impairments in Japanese and Brazilian older individuals.
Effectiveness of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in improving the survival and neurological recovery of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A nationwide patient cohort study
Authors: Lee Joongyub , Lee Woojoo , Lee Yu Jin , Sim Hyunman , Lee Won Kyung
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Few studies have focused on enhancing causality and yielding unbiased estimates on the effectiveness of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) on the outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in a real-world setting. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of BCPR on the outcomes of OHCA and its differences according to the characteristics of OHCA.

Methods

This study enrolled all patients with OHCA of cardiac etiology treated by emergency medical services (EMS) in Korea from 2012 to 2015. The endpoints were survival and neurological recovery at discharge, and the main exposure was BCPR conducted by a layperson. The effect of BCPR was analyzed after adjusting for confounders, determined using a directed acyclic graph, by inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and model-based standardization (STR). Moreover, differences in subgroups and time trends were evaluated.

Results

Among 10,505 eligible patients after excluding those with missing data on BCPR, 7,721 patients received BCPR, accounting for 74.3% of EMS-treated OHCA patients. BCPR increased the odds of survival and good neurological recovery at discharge by 1.67- (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44–1.93) and 1.93- (95% CI: 1.56–2.39) fold, respectively, in the IPTW analysis. These findings were comparable to those obtained with STR. The odds ratios were 2.39 (95% CI: 1.91–2.94) and 2.70 (95% CI: 1.94–3.41), respectively, in the sensitivity analysis of the missing BCPR information considering confounders and the outcome variable. However, the effect of qualified BCPR was not evenly distributed, and it did not increase with time. BCPR was likely to be more effective in male patients aged <65 years, those who experienced an OHCA in a private place or non-capital region, and those with shockable rhythm at the scene.

Conclusion

Based on data from a nationwide registry, the estimated effect of BCPR on survival and neurological recovery was moderate and did not improve from 2012 to 2015.
Exploring the potential effect of paricalcitol on markers of inflammation in de novo renal transplant recipients
Authors: Pihlstrøm Hege Kampen , Ueland Thor , Michelsen Annika E. , Aukrust Pål , Gatti Franscesca , Hammarström Clara , Kasprzycka Monika , Wang Junbai , Haraldsen Guttorm , Mjøen Geir , Dahle Dag Olav , Midtvedt Karsten , Eide Ivar Anders , Hartmann Anders , Holdaas Hallvard
Published: December 2020

Following a successful renal transplantation circulating markers of inflammation may remain elevated, and systemic inflammation is associated with worse clinical outcome in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Vitamin D-receptor (VDR) activation is postulated to modulate inflammation and endothelial function. We aimed to explore if a synthetic vitamin D, paricalcitol, could influence systemic inflammation and immune activation in RTRs. Newly transplanted RTRs were included in an open-label randomized controlled trial on the effect of paricalcitol on top of standard care over the first post-transplant year. Fourteen pre-defined circulating biomarkers reflecting leukocyte activation, endothelial activation, fibrosis and general inflammatory burden were analyzed in 74 RTRs at 8 weeks (baseline) and 1 year post-engraftment. Mean changes in plasma biomarker concentrations were compared by t-test. The expression of genes coding for the same biomarkers were investigated in 1-year surveillance graft biopsies (n = 60). In patients treated with paricalcitol circulating osteoprotegerin levels increased by 0.19 ng/ml, compared with a 0.05 ng/ml increase in controls (p = 0.030). In graft tissue, a 21% higher median gene expression level of TNFRSF11B coding for osteoprotegerin was found in paricalcitol-treated patients compared with controls (p = 0.026). Paricalcitol treatment did not significantly affect the blood- or tissue levels of any other investigated inflammatory marker. In RTRs, paricalcitol treatment might increase both circulating and tissue levels of osteoprotegerin, a modulator of calcification, but potential anti-inflammatory treatment effects in RTRs are likely very modest.

[NCT01694160 (2012/107D)]; [www.clinicaltrials.gov].
First proteomic analysis of the role of lysine acetylation in extensive functions in Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Ye Jingwen , Li Jun
Published: December 2020

Lysine acetylation (Kac) plays a critical role in the regulation of many important cellular processes. However, little is known about Kac in Solenopsis invicta, which is among the 100 most dangerous invasive species in the world. Kac in S. invicta was evaluated for the first time in this study. Altogether, 2387 Kac sites were tested in 992 proteins. The prediction of subcellular localization indicated that most identified proteins were located in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nucleus. Venom allergen Sol i 2, Sol i 3, and Sol i 4 were found to be located in the extracellular. The enriched Kac site motifs included Kac H, Kac Y, Kac G, Kac F, Kac T, and Kac W. H, Y, F, and W frequently occurred at the +1 position, whereas G, Y, and T frequently occurred at the –1 position. In the cellular component, acetylated proteins were enriched in the cytoplasmic part, mitochondrial matrix, and cytosolic ribosome. Furthermore, 25 pathways were detected to have significant enrichment. Interestingly, arginine and proline metabolism, as well as phagosome, which are related to immunity, involved several Kac proteins. Sequence alignment analyses demonstrated that V-type proton ATPase subunit G, tubulin alpha chain, and arginine kinase, the acetylated lysine residues, were evolutionarily conserved among different ant species. In the investigation of the interaction network, diverse interactions were adjusted by Kac. The results indicated that Kac may play an important role in the sensitization, cellular energy metabolism, immune response, nerve signal transduction, and response to biotic and abiotic stress of S. invicta. It may be useful to confirm the functions of Kac target proteins for the design of specific and effective drugs to prevent and control this dangerous invasive species.
Check the gap: Facemask performance and exhaled aerosol distributions around the wearer
Authors: Kolewe Emily L. , Stillman Zachary , Woodward Ian R. , Fromen Catherine A.
Published: December 2020

Current facemask research focuses on material characterization and efficiency; however, facemasks are often not tested such that aerosol distributions are evaluated from the gaps in the sides, bottom, and nose areas. Poor evaluation methods could lead to misinformation on optimal facemasks use; a high-throughput, reproducible method which illuminates the issue of fit influencing aerosol transmission is needed. To this end, we have created anin vitromodel to quantify particle transmission by mimicking exhalation aerosols in a 3D printed face-nose-mouth replica via a nebulizer and quantifying particle counts using a hand-held particle counter. A sewn, sewn with pipe cleaner nose piece, and sewn with a coffee filter facemask were used to evaluate current common homemade sewn facemask designs, benchmarked against industry standard surgical, N95 respirator tightly fit, and N95 respirator loosely fit facemasks. All facemasks have significantly reduced particle counts in front of the facemask, but the side and top of the facemask showed increases in particle counts over the no facemask condition at that same position, suggesting that some proportion of aerosols are being redirected to these gaps. An altered size distribution of aerosols that escape at the vulnerable positions was observed; escaped particles have larger count median diameters, with a decreased ratio of smaller to larger particles, possibly due to hygroscopic growth or aggregation. Of the homemade sewn facemasks, the facemask with a coffee filter insert performed the best at reducing escaped aerosols, with increased efficiency also observed for sewn masks with a pipe cleaner nose piece. Importantly, there were minimal differences between facemasks at increasing distances, which supports that social distance is a critical element in reducing aerosol transmission. This work brings to light the importance of quantifying particle count in positions other than directly in front of the facemask and identifies areas of research to be explored.
Response of human oral mucosal epithelial cells to different storage temperatures: A structural and transcriptional study
Authors: Yazdani Mazyar , Shahdadfar Aboulghassem , Reppe Sjur , Sapkota Dipak , Vallenari Evan M. , Lako Majlinda , Connon Che J. , Figueiredo Francisco C. , Utheim Tor Paaske
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Seeking to improve the access to regenerative medicine, this study investigated the structural and transcriptional effects of storage temperature on human oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs).

Methods

Cells were stored at four different temperatures (4°C, 12°C, 24°C and 37°C) for two weeks. Then, the morphology, cell viability and differential gene expression were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy, trypan blue exclusion test and TaqMan gene expression array cards, respectively.

Results

Cells stored at 4°C had the most similar morphology to non-stored controls with the highest viability rate (58%), whereas the 37°C group was most dissimilar with no living cells. The genes involved in stress-induced growth arrest (GADD45B) and cell proliferation inhibition (TGFB2) were upregulated at 12°C and 24°C. Upregulation was also observed in multifunctional genes responsible for morphology, growth, adhesion and motility such asEFEMP1(12°C) andEPHA4(4°C–24°C). Among genes used as differentiation markers,PPARAandTP53(along with its associated geneCDKN1A) were downregulated in all temperature conditions, whereasKRT1andKRT10were either unchanged (4°C) or downregulated (24°C and 12°C; and 24°C, respectively), except for upregulation at 12°C forKRT1.

Conclusions

Cells stored at 12°C and 24°C were stressed, although the expression levels of some adhesion-, growth- and apoptosis-related genes were favourable. Collectively, this study suggests that 4°C is the optimal storage temperature for maintenance of structure, viability and function of OMECs after two weeks.
Older age is a protective factor for academic achievements irrespective of treatment modalities for posterior fossa brain tumours in children
Authors: Kruseova Jarmila , Kovacova Anna Sarah , Zapotocky Michal , Sumerauer David , Pernikova Ivana , Starkova Darja , Misove Adela , Zichova Andrea , Capek Vaclav , Langer Thorsten , am Zehnhoff-Dinnesen Antoinette , Eckschlager Tomas , Kyncl Martin
Published: December 2020

The treatment of children with posterior fossa brain tumours (PFBT) impacts their long term functional and imaging outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate academic achievement correlated with long-term sequelae after different PFBT treatment modalities. The study cohort consisted of 110 survivors (median age at diagnosis 10.1 years and median time of follow up 13.2 years) who completed hearing questionnaires, neurological assessment and MRI of the brain ≥5 years after the end of treatment. There were three treatment groups. A cisplatin group which underwent cisplatin chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery (medulloblastoma N = 40), a radiotherapy group which underwent radiotherapy and surgery (astrocytoma/ependymoma N = 30), and a surgery group (astrocytoma N = 40). Academic achievement was correlated to the age at diagnosis, ototoxicity, Karnofsky score (KS), and MRI findings (Fazekas Score (FS)- treatment related parenchymal changes). For a modelled age at diagnosis of five years, the cisplatin group had lower academic achievements compared to the radiotherapy (p = 0.028) and surgery (p = 0.014) groups. Academic achievements evaluated at a modelled age of 10 years at diagnosis did not significantly differ among the treatment groups. The cisplatin group exhibited a higher occurrence of ototoxicity than the radiotherapy (p<0.019) and surgery groups (p<0.001); however, there was no correlation between ototoxicity and academic achievements (p = 0.722) in older age at diagnosis. The radiotherapy group exhibited lower KS than the surgery group (p<0.001). KS significantly influenced academic achievements in all groups (p<0.000). The cisplatin group exhibited higher FS than the surgery group (p<0.001) while FS did not correlate with academic achievement (p = 0.399). Older age is a protective factor for academic achievements irrespective of a treatment modality.
Fine-scale genetic structure of the overwintering Chilo suppressalis in the typical bivoltine areas of northern China
Authors: Zhu Ke-Xin , Jiang Shan , Han Lei , Wang Ming-Ming , Wang Xing-Ya
Published: December 2020

The rice stem borer (RSB),Chilo suppressalis(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is an important agricultural pest that has caused serious economic losses in the major rice-producing areas of China. To effectively control this pest, we investigated the genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and genetic structure of 16 overwintering populations in the typical bivoltine areas of northern China based on 12 nuclear microsatellite loci. Moderate levels of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among the studied populations were detected. Neighbour-joining dendrograms, Bayesian clustering and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) consistently divided these populations into three genetic clades: western, eastern and northern/central. Isolation by distance (IBD) and spatial autocorrelation analyses demonstrated no correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance. Bottleneck analysis illustrated that RSB populations had not undergone severe bottleneck effects in these regions. Accordingly, our results provide new insights into the genetic relationships of overwintering RSB populations and thus contribute to developing effective management strategies for this pest.
Validation and repurposing of the MSL-COVID-19 score for prediction of severe COVID-19 using simple clinical predictors in a triage setting: The Nutri-CoV score
Authors: Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Antonio-Villa Neftali E. , Ortiz-Brizuela Edgar , Vargas-Vázquez Arsenio , González-Lara María Fernanda , de Leon Alfredo Ponce , Sifuentes-Osornio José , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A.
Published: December 2020

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, risk stratification has been used to decide patient eligibility for inpatient, critical and domiciliary care. Here, we sought to validate the MSL-COVID-19 score, originally developed to predict COVID-19 mortality in Mexicans. Also, an adaptation of the formula is proposed for the prediction of COVID-19 severity in a triage setting (Nutri-CoV).

Methods

We included patients evaluated from March 16th to August 17th, 2020 at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, defining severe COVID-19 as a composite of death, ICU admission or requirement for intubation (n = 3,007). We validated MSL-COVID-19 for prediction of mortality and severe disease. Using Elastic Net Cox regression, we trained (n = 1,831) and validated (n = 1,176) a model for prediction of severe COVID-19 using MSL-COVID-19 along with clinical assessments obtained at a triage setting.

Results

The variables included in MSL-COVID-19 are: pneumonia, early onset type 2 diabetes, age > 65 years, chronic kidney disease, any form of immunosuppression, COPD, obesity, diabetes, and age <40 years. MSL-COVID-19 had good performance to predict COVID-19 mortality (c-statistic = 0.722, 95%CI 0.690–0.753) and severity (c-statistic = 0.777, 95%CI 0.753–0.801). The Nutri-CoV score includes the MSL-COVID-19 plus respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry. This tool had better performance in both training (c-statistic = 0.797, 95%CI 0.765–0.826) and validation cohorts (c-statistic = 0.772, 95%CI 0.0.745–0.800) compared to other severity scores.

Conclusions

MSL-COVID-19 predicts inpatient COVID-19 lethality. The Nutri-CoV score is an adaptation of MSL-COVID-19 to be used in a triage environment. Both scores have been deployed as web-based tools for clinical use in a triage setting.
The adverse health effects of punitive immigrant policies in the United States: A systematic review
Authors: Vernice Nicholas A. , Pereira Nicola M. , Wang Anson , Demetres Michelle , Adams Lisa V.
Published: December 2020

Background

Immigrants in the United States (US) today are facing a dynamic policy landscape. The Trump administration has threatened or curtailed access to basic services for 10.5 million undocumented immigrants currently in the US. We sought to examine the historical effects that punitive laws have had on health outcomes in US immigrant communities.

Methods

In this systematic review, we searched the following databases from inception–May 2020 for original research articles with no language restrictions: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane Library (Wiley), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Social Work Abstracts (Ovid). This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42019138817. Articles with cohort sizes >10 that directly evaluated the health-related effects of a punitive immigrant law or policy within the US were included.

Findings

6,357 studies were screened for eligibility. Of these, 32 studies were selected for inclusion and qualitatively synthesized based upon four themes that appeared throughout our analysis: (1) impact on healthcare utilization, (2) impact on women’s and children’s health, (3) impact on mental health services, and (4) impact on public health. The impact of each law, policy, mandate, and directive since 1990 is briefly discussed, as are the limitations and risk of bias of each study.

Interpretation

Many punitive immigrant policies have decreased immigrant access to and utilization of basic healthcare services, while instilling fear, confusion, and anxiety in these communities. The federal government should preserve and expand access for undocumented individuals without threat of deportation to improve health outcomes for US citizens and noncitizens.
From Whitman to Hugo: An interview with Brian Selznick
Authors: Ue Tom
Published: December 2020

‘Walt Whitman loved words’. So begins Barbara Kerley’s and Brian Selznick’s Walt Whitman: Words for America (2004), a biography of the American poet for young readers that has been recognized as a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book. Kerley and Selznick trace the poet from his beginnings as a printer’s apprentice to his volunteer work as a nurse during the American Civil War; and from the young Walt poring over the pages of Arabian Nights and Ivanhoe to his own creative output being interpreted as the voice of his nation. Like all of Selznick’s books, Walt Whitman is illustrated with precise, evocative drawings for all ages. The New York Times bestselling author and illustrator returns to the poet with his latest, Live Oak, with Moss (2019). Among Selznick’s many other popular books for children are The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2007) and Wonderstruck (2011) (covers available at https://www.thebrianselznick.com/books.htm). These two works have now been adapted into award-winning films by Martin Scorsese (2011) and Todd Haynes (2017), respectively.
George Barker: ‘The triumph of the incommunicable’
Authors: Salmon Andy
Published: December 2020

George Barker has always been a troubling poet. Lionized in the 1930s and 1940s along with fellow Apocalyptic Poets Dylan Thomas, David Gascoyne, Kathleen Raine, by the time of Margaret Drabble’s overview of his life’s work in the Oxford Companion to English Literature, Barker is summarily dismissed as ‘characteristically rhetorical, Dionysian, and surreal, though some critics have suggested that he achieves disorder more by accident than intent’. My purpose in the next few pages is to directly challenge these assertions of bombast, overexuberance and superficiality. Both W. B. Yeats and T. S. Eliot regarded him as a ‘genius’. Harold Pinter praised him as ‘a love poet of the highest order’. Yet Barker is forgotten now. I want to suggest that this is actually because of the troubling depth of what he has to say, and the clarity with which he says it, rather than the reverse.
Out loud: The experience of literature in the digital space
Authors: Warner Marina
Published: December 2020

In the present climate of discouragement that threatens all of us who hold the Humanities dear, one of the worst threats, or so it seems, has been the dumbing down consequent on digital media and the rise of hate speech on digital platforms. I want to offer some countervailing reflections and hopes, and explore the activity and the potential of the World Wide Web as a forum for literature; in spite of the instinctive recoil and bristling horror I feel for social media as currently used, it is possible to consider and reframe the question of reading on the web. Doing so leads to the questions, what is literature and can literature be found beyond the printed book? It is my contention – perhaps my Candide-like hope – that the internet is spurring writers on to creating things with words that are not primarily aimed at silent readers but at an audience that is listening and viewing and feeling, and maybe also reading all at the same time, participating in word events channelled through electronic media.
Eliza Fenwick: Early Modern Feminist, Lissa Paul (2019)
Authors: Ue Tom
Published: December 2020

Review of: Eliza Fenwick: Early Modern Feminist, Lissa Paul (2019)

Newark, NJ: University of Delaware Press, 318 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-64453-010-8, p/bk, $39.50
Az űrkutatás és az űripar globális perspektívái: Interjú dr. Ferencz Orsolyával (PhD), az űrkutatásért felelős miniszteri biztossal
Authors: Ferencz Orsolya , Bonyhády Elek , Horváth Anna , Trautmann Gábor , Trautmann László
Published: December 2020

A Köz-Gazdaság és az MKT Fejlődésgazdaságtani szakosztálya interjút készített dr. Ferencz Orsolyával az űrkutatás és az űripar globális perspektíváiról. Szóba került, hogy az Európai Unió és Magyarország milyen szerepet vállal az űriparban, amely gazdasági húzóágazattá vált napjainkban. Az interjút Bonyhády Elek, Horváth Anna, Trautmann Gábor és Trautmann László készítette.
Az ökotudatos falufejlesztések sikertényezői és adaptálható elemei
Authors: Lovász Tamás , Vara Bálint , Verhás Georgina
Published: December 2020

A cikk a mai magyar vidéken tapasztalható problémákkal és az azokra adott, a 21. századi trendeknek megfelelő zöld, ökotudatos válaszokkal foglalkozik. Írásunk során kiválasztottunk 13 olyan kezdeményezést, amelyek ebben az irányban határozták meg a fő fejlesztési irányvonalat. A kutatott sokaságot különböző szempontok alapján több csoportra bontottuk, illetve más-más adatok alapján kerestük a sikertényezőket. Fő kérdésnek az adaptálható tényezők kutatását választottuk, kerestük, mik azok az összefüggések, amelyek más, krízisben lévő települések számára is hosszútávú segítséget nyújthat a társadalmi-gazdasági problémák megoldására. A rendelkezésre álló adatok elemzése és az interjúk segítségével meghatároztuk azokat a fő pontokat is, amelyek jelentősen befolyásolják a mindenkori sikerességet.
Mesenchymal and Phosphatase of Regenerating Liver-3 Status in Circulating Tumor Cells May Serve as a Crucial Prognostic Marker for Assessing Relapse or Metastasis in Postoperative Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Su PengWei , Lai Wei , Liu Lu , Zeng Yujie , Xu Heyang , Lan Qiusheng , Chu Ziqiang , Chu Zhonghua
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3) have been considered to be significant prognostic indicators in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). This study discusses the prognostic significance of mesenchymal CTCs with PRL-3 (M+ PRL-3+ CTCs) in postoperative patients with CRC.

METHODS:

We detected CTC subtypes (including epithelial CTCs, biphenotypic epithelial/mesenchymal CTCs, and mesenchymal CTCs) and PRL-3 in CTCs from the peripheral blood samples of 156 patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to identify the prognostic value of mesenchymal CTCs with PRL-3+. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of PRL-3 in tumor tissues from some of the patients to explore the connection between CTCs and tissues.

RESULTS:

All CTCs were positive in all samples, both mesenchymal CTCs and PRL-3–positive cells. The count of mesenchymal and PRL-3+ CTCs was significantly associated with recurrence, and the optimal cutoff value was 2 (area under the curve = 0.690, P < 0.001). In addition, these patients had a significantly shorter median disease-free survival than those who did not fulfill the criteria (8.5 vs 24 months, P < 0.001) according to multivariable and multinomial logistic regression. Immunohistochemistry was applied to explore the associations between PRL-3 expression and significant prognostic risk factors, including recurrence (R = 0.566; P < 0.001), and M+ PRL-3+ status in CTCs (R = 0.452; P = 0.001).

DISCUSSION:

The status of M+ PRL-3+ in CTCs may serve as a crucial prognostic marker for assessing clinical outcomes in CRC.
Cap-Assisted Endoscopic Sclerotherapy vs Ligation in the Long-Term Management of Medium Esophageal Varices: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Wang An-Jiang , Zheng Xue-Lian , Hong Jun-Bo , Zhong Jia-Wei , Yu Hui-Qiang , Zeng Hai-Ying , Gong Yue , Gan Na , Wang Jian , You Yu , Guo Gui-Hai , Xie Bu-Shan , Li Bi-Min , Zhu Xuan
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Compared with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL), cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy (CAES) improves efficacy in the treatment of small esophageal varices (EVs) but has not been evaluated in the management of medium EVs. The aim of this study was to compare CAES with EVL in the long-term management of patients exhibiting cirrhosis with medium EVs and a history of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB), with respect to variceal eradication and recurrence, adverse events, rebleeding, and survival.

METHODS:

Cirrhotic patients with medium EVs and a history of EVB were divided randomly into EVL and CAES groups. EVL or CAES was repeated each month until variceal eradication. Lauromacrogol was used as a sclerosant. Patients were followed up until 1 year after eradication.

RESULTS:

In total, 240 patients (age: 51.1 ± 10.0 years; men: 70.8%) were included and randomized to the EVL and CAES groups. The recurrence rate of EVs was much lower in the CAES group than in the EVL group (13.0% vs 30.7%, P = 0.001). The predictors for variceal recurrence were eradication by EVL (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.37, P = 0.04), achievement of complete eradication (HR: 0.27, P < 0.001), and nonselective β-blocker response (HR: 0.32, P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the rates of eradication, rebleeding, requirement for alternative therapy, and mortality or the incidence of complications between groups.

DISCUSSION:

CAES reduces the recurrence rate of EVs with comparable safety to that of EVL in the long-term management of patients presenting cirrhosis with medium EVs and a history of EVB.
Influences on single-use and reusable cup use: a multidisciplinary mixed-methods approach to designing interventions reducing plastic waste
Authors: Allison Ayse Lisa , Lorencatto Fabiana , Michie Susan , Miodownik Mark
Published: December 2020

Background: An estimated 2.5-5 billion single-use coffee cups are disposed of annually in the UK, most of which consist of a plastic lining. Due to the difficulty of recycling poly-coated material, most of these cups end up as litter or in landfill. As hot beverage consumption is a consumer behaviour, behaviour change interventions are necessary to reduce the environmental impacts of single-use coffee cup waste. Basing the design of interventions on a theoretical understanding of behaviour increases transparency of the development process, the likelihood that the desired changes in behaviour will occur and the potential to synthesise findings across studies.

Aim: The present paper presents a methodology for identifying influences on using single-use use and reusable cups as a basis for designing intervention strategies.

Method and application: An online survey and follow-up interviews were developed by a multi-disciplinary group of practitioners, health psychologists, material scientists, behavioural scientists and catering staff. They used two behaviour change frameworks: The Theoretical Domains Framework and Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model of behaviour. Research findings can inform selection of intervention strategies using a third framework, the Behaviour Change Wheel. The application of the methodology is illustrated in relation the setting of a university campus.

Conclusions: We have developed a detailed method for identifying behavioural influences relevant to pro-environmental behaviours, together with practical guidance for each step and a worked example.
Effects of Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Synbiotic Mixed Culture Based on Wheat Pollard on Productivity of Kampung’s Chicken
Authors: Utama Cahya Setya , Zuprizal Zuprizal , Hanim Chusnul , Wihandoyo Wihandoyo
Published: December 2020

This research was aimed to assess the effectiveness of processed wheat pollard -based rations to increase the productivity of Kampung chickens raised until 8 weeks old. The research was carried out in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments consisted of wheat pollard based ration (WP), wheat pollard based ration plus probiotic mixed culture (WPPro), wheat Pollard as prebiotic mixed (WPPre)            , wheat pollard as synbiotic mixed culture ration 40% (WPS40), wheat pollard as synbiotic mixed culture ration 60% (WPS60)   . The parameters observed were feed consumption, final body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain, nitrogen retention, income over feed and chick cost (IOFCC) and profiles of intestinal villus. Results showed a significant effect of the treatments on the final body weight, weight gain, nitrogen retention, IOFCC and profiles of small intestinal villus (duodenum, jejenum, ileum). It was concluded that the inclusion of 40% wheat pollard synbiotic mixed culture (WPS 40) in the ration was able to increase the productivity of kampung chickens reared until 8 weeks old.
Notas sobre as interfaces teóricas de Marx e Gramsci para a educação
Authors: Corrêa Derossi Caio
Published: December 2020

O presente ensaio teórico objetiva realizar apontamentos de naturezas teórica e qualitativa sobre os aspectos relacionados a educação presente nas obras de Karl Marx e Antonio Gramsci. Assim, discutir-se-ão os pressupostos de uma educação, no caso da teoria marxista, voltada a classe trabalhadora e comprometida com a transformação da sociedade, objetivando a emancipação dos sujeitos. Já para Gramsci, suas premissas educacionais refletiam uma escola unitária, de formação integral e humana, também comprometida com a mudança social. Portanto, a justificativa do ensaio se faz relevante para refletir os contextos contemporâneos e os embates em prol de uma educação pública, gratuita, laica e de qualidade socialmente referenciada.
substantive sense of citizenship
Authors: Refve Furuhaug Mari
Published: December 2020

Based on an exploratory literature review, this article focuses on the substantive sense of citizenship in the context of second-generation migrants in Scandinavia. Through a theoretical framework that dives into the two terms of citizenship and belonging and a discussion of the relevant findings from the existing literature, the article aims to investigate the following research question: How can the politics of belonging interfere with citizenship? The article concludes that an individual need to feel a sense of belonging to a community in order to be fully a citizen or member of the given state, nation, or area in a substantive sense.
Relações Históricas entre Itália e Tunísia e o Caso Khlaifia e Outros vs. Itália da Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos
Authors: Vieira de Siqueira Estela Cristina
Published: December 2020

O caso Khalifia e outros vs. Itália, sobre a detenção de migrantes em centros inadequados de acolhida na Ilha de Lampedusa e em Palermo, confronta diretamente a fragilidade da proteção dos direitos fundamentais das pessoas que migram no contexto atual da União Europeia, sendo tratados como um elemento passível de securitização, ao invés de receptores e destinatários de bem engendradas políticas de acolhimento, sobretudo àqueles em contextos de migração forçada. Nesse sentido, o passado histórico da Europa colonizadora dos séculos anteriores e, sobretudo, da Itália, sempre a estabelecer laços próximos com a Tunísia, revela um paradoxo sobre a livre circulação, dentro dos restritivos limites da categorização e hierarquização dos vistos de ingresso na nova Europa, de portas abertas aos cidadãos europeus, mas não extensível a países outrora colonizados e/ou antigas zonas de interesse econômico.
Democracia e Controle de Convencionalidade no Brasil
Authors: Grazziotin Noschang Patricia , Piucco Micheli
Published: December 2020

O Estado Democrático de Direito é essencial para garantia e efetivação dos direitos humanos na esfera estatal, que ao serem recepcionados transformam-se em direitos fundamentais. A ratificação de tratados de direitos humanos pelos Estados, também, só é possível quando se tem democracia. Para garantir a proteção dos direitos humanos, os sistemas regionais de proteção aos direitos humanos instituíram um controle para garantir a aplicação efetiva dos tratados ratificados pelos Estados: o controle de convencionalidade. Neste sentido, utilizando do método de abordagem dedutivo e da técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica, este trabalho busca demonstrar que os direitos humanos se consolidam e somente são garantidos quando há um Estado Democrático de Direito, porém ainda é possível a violação destes direitos pelos Estados. Desta forma, o controle de convencionalidade pode ser o caminho para buscar a efetivação destes direitos fora da jurisdição estatal. Analisa-se a relação de interdependência da democracia, dos direitos humanos e do controle de convencionalidade no Brasil.