bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can a knee sleeve influence ground reaction forces and knee joint power during a step-down hop in participants following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A secondary analysis
Authors: Sole Gisela , Pataky Todd , Hammer Niels , Lamb Peter
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Elastic knee sleeves are often worn following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The study aimed to define immediate and 6-week effects of wearing a knee sleeve on ground reaction forces (GRF) and knee joint power during a step-down hop task.

Methods

Using a cross-over design, we estimated GRF and knee kinematics and kinetics during a step-down hop for 30 participants following ACL reconstruction (median 16 months post-surgery) with and without wearing a knee sleeve. In a subsequent randomised clinical trial, participants in the ‘Sleeve Group’ (n = 9) wore the sleeve for 6 weeks at least 1 hour daily, while a ‘Control Group’ (n = 9) did not wear the sleeve. We compared the following outcomes using statistical parametric mapping (SPM): (1) GRF and knee joint power trajectories between three conditions at baseline (uninjured side, unsleeved injured and sleeved injured side); (2) GRF and knee joint power trajectories within-participant changes from baseline to follow-up between groups. We also compared discrete peak GRFs and power, rate of (vertical) force development, and mean knee joint power in the first 5% of stance phase.

Results

SPM showed no differences for GRF for the (unsleeved) injured compared to the uninjured sides; when wearing the sleeve, injured side mean power in the first 5% of stance increased significantly from a concentric to an eccentric power. Discrete variables showed lower peak anterior (propulsive) GRF, mean power in the first 5% of stance, peak eccentric and concentric power for the injured compared to the uninjured sides. After six weeks, a directional change for vertical GRF differed showed slightly decreased forces for the Control Group and increased forces for the Sleeve Group.

Conclusion

Wearing a knee sleeve on the anterior cruciate ligament injured knee improved knee power during the first 5% of stance during the step-down hop. No consistent changes were observed for ground reaction forces for SPM and discrete variable analyses. Wearing the knee sleeve at least one hour daily for 6-weeks lead to a directional change of increased vertical GRF for the Sleeve Group at follow-up.

Trial registration

The trial was prospectively registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No: ACTRN12618001083280, 28/06/2018. https: //anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375347&isClinicalTrial=False.
Applicability of the Padua scale for Chinese rheumatic in-patients with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Peng Qing , Chen Xixi , Han Yaxin , Tang Guo , Liu Jiajun , Liu Yan , Zhou Qiao , Long Li
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients with rheumatic diseases in China. The efficacy of the Padua scale was evaluated and an improved model for predicting VTE in hospitalized patients with rheumatic diseases was developed.

Methods

Records of 2282 patients hospitalized in the department of rheumatology of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The risk factors for VTE were analyzed. The efficacy of the Padua scale was evaluated, Padua-combined prediction model and the independent risk factor-combined prediction model for predicting VTE were assessed using the receiver operating curve (ROC).

Results

A total of 50 patients in the VTE group and 2232 in the non-VTE group were included. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), VTE history, a hospital stay of over 3 days, high D-dimer (D-D), and decreased serum albumin were independent risk factors for VTE. APS was very closely associated with VTE (OR = 19.446). Padua scores in the VTE group and the non-VTE group were 3 (2, 6) and 2 (1, 2) points, respectively (p < 0.05), and the proportion of high-risk patients were 48.0% and 7.4%, respectively (p < 0.05). The incidence of VTE in the high-risk (Padua score ≥4) and low-risk (Padua score <4) groups was 12.7% and 1.2%, respectively (p < 0.05). The area under curve (AUC) of the Padua scale, Padua combined prediction model (Padua scale along with D-D and serum albumin), and the independent risk factor-combined prediction model was 0.771, 0.836, and 0.873, respectively.

Conclusion

The Padua scale has limited predictive efficacy of VTE in hospitalized rheumatic patients. The independent risk factor-combination prediction model was superior in predicting VTE compared to Padua scale and Padua-combined prediction model.
Directed content analysis: A life course approach to understanding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with implications for public health and social service policy
Authors: Purkey Eva , Bayoumi Imaan , Davison Colleen M. , Watson Autumn
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had broad impacts on individuals, families and communities which will continue to require multidimensional responses from service providers, program developers, and policy makers.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to use Life Course theory to understand and imagine public health and policy responses to the multiple and varied impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on different groups.

Methods

“The Cost of COVID-19” was a research study carried out in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington counties in South Eastern Ontario, Canada, between June and December 2020. Data included 210 micronarrative stories collected from community members, and 31 in-depth interviews with health and social service providers. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis to explore the fit between data and the constructs of Life Course theory.

Results

Social pathways were significantly disrupted by changes to education and employment, as well as changes to roles which further altered anticipated pathways. Transitions were by and large missed, creating a sense of loss. While some respondents articulated positive turning points, most of the turning points reported were negative, including fundamental changes to relationships, family structure, education, and employment with lifelong implications. Participants’ trajectories varied based on principles including when they occurred in their lifespan, the amount of agency they felt or did not feel over circumstances, where they lived (rural versus urban), what else was going on in their lives at the time the pandemic struck, how their lives were connected with others, as well as how the pandemic impacted the lives of those dear to them. An additional principle, that of Culture, was felt to be missing from the Life Course theory as currently outlined.

Conclusions

A Life Course analysis may improve our understanding of the multidimensional long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health countermeasures. This analysis could help us to anticipate services that will require development, training, and funding to support the recovery of those who have been particularly affected. Resources needed will include education, mental health and job creation supports, as well as programs that support the development of individual and community agency.
Factors that influence the pancreatic and duodenal microbiome in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery
Authors: Zwart Eline S. , Jeleniewski Suzanne , Boyd Lenka N. C. , Meijer Laura L. , Puik Jisce R. , Zonderhuis Barbara M. , Daams Freek , Budding Andries E. , Mebius Reina E. , Kazemier Geert
Published: December 2022

Background/Objectives

This study examined the correlation between pancreatic microbiome and patients characteristics. Furthermore, we compared different duodenal materials to examine their reflection of the pancreatic microbiome.

Methods

Patients undergoing pancreatic surgery were included in the study. Characteristics of those patients were prospectively registered and sterile pancreatic biopsies were collected during surgery. After completion of the resection, duodenal fluid, -tissue and -swab were collected. Bacterial DNA was extracted and analyzed with IS-pro assay.

Results

Paired samples of 51 patients were available for evaluation, including pancreatic biopsies from all patients, 22 duodenal fluids, 21 duodenal swabs and 11 duodenal tissues. The pancreatic microbiome consisted mostly of Proteobacteria followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria and Verrucomicrobia (FAFV) and Bacteroidetes. On species level, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter-Klebsiella were most abundant. In pancreatic biopsies, the total bacterial load and Proteobacteria load were significantly higher in patients with biliary drainage (54618.0 vs 5623.5; 9119.0 vs 2067.1). Patients who used proton pump inhibitors had a significantly higher total bacterial load (115964.7 vs 8495.8), more FAFV (66862.9 vs 1890.1), more Proteobacteria (24245.9 vs 2951.4) and more Bacteroidetes (542.5 vs 25.8). The head of the pancreas contained significantly more bacteria (21193.4 vs 2096.8) and more FAFV (5225.7 vs 19.0) compared to the tail, regardless of biliary drainage. Furthermore, the microbiome of all duodenal materials showed a weak correlation with the pancreatic microbiome.

Conclusion

Biliary drainage, use of proton pump inhibitors, and anatomic location of the pancreatic biopsy influence the pancreatic microbiome. Furthermore, the duodenal microbiome does not suffice as a surrogate for the pancreatic microbiome.
The moderating role of informatization between country risks and international tourism: A cross-country panel analysis
Authors: Deng Zhaoming , Zhou Meijing , Xu Qiong
Published: December 2022

Informatization plays an increasingly important role in the tourism industry, while its effectiveness in alleviating tourism risks remains to be verified. This research aims to explore the effects of country risks on the international tourism and the moderating role of informatization between the two. This study firstly measures country risks based on the ICRG database, quantifies international tourism by tourism revenue, tourism expenditure, and tourist arrival, and calculates informatization level from informatization facilities, informatization applications, and informatization skills. A dynamic SYS-GMM model is then adopted to verify the research hypotheses based on the panel data of 138 countries from 2000 to 2019. The research results show that the composite country risk, political risk, economic risk, and financial risk all show a negative impact on the international tourism indicators regardless of different time periods, regions, or income levels. However, the effects are more obvious before the global financial crisis in 2008 and regions and countries with lower income levels. In addition, informatization is found to positively mitigate the adverse impacts of country risks on international tourism, especially for economic and financial risks. The research findings indicate the risk hedge potential of informatization in the tourism industry, which provides a profound reference for destination risk management.
Trade-offs during the COVID-19 pandemic: A discrete choice experiment about policy preferences in Portugal
Authors: Filipe Luís , de Almeida Sara Valente , Costa Eduardo , da Costa Joana Gomes , Lopes Francisca Vargas , Santos João Vasco
Published: December 2022

The need to control the sanitary situation during the COVID-19 pandemic has led governments to implement several restrictions with substantial social and economic impacts. We explored people’s trade-offs in terms of their income, life restrictions, education, and poverty in the society, compared to their willingness to avoid deaths. We applied a web-based discrete choice experiment to elicit preferences of the Portuguese citizens for these attributes and computed the marginal rate of substitution in terms of avoided deaths. We recorded 2,191 responses that faced the possibility of having 250 COVID-19 related deaths per day as the worst possible outcome from the choice levels presented. Estimates suggested that individuals would be willing to sacrifice 30% instead of 10% of their income to avoid approximately 47 deaths per day during the first six months of 2021. For the same period, they would also accept 30% of the students’ population to become educationally impaired, instead of 10%, to avoid approximately 25 deaths; a strict lockdown, instead of mild life restrictions, to avoid approximately 24 deaths; and 45% of the population to be in risk of poverty, instead of 25%, to avoid approximately 101 deaths. Our paper shows that avoiding deaths was strongly preferred to the remaining societal impacts; and that being a female, as well as working on site, led individuals to be more averse to such health hazards. Furthermore, we show how a DCE can be used to assess the societal support to decision-making during times of crisis.
Man’s best friend(s): Effects of a brief befriending meditation on human-animal relations
Authors: Simonsson Otto , Goldberg Simon B. , Osika Walter
Published: December 2022

In two studies using samples representative of the US adult population with regard to age, sex and ethnicity, we investigated relationships between loving-kindness and compassion-based practices with speciesism, animal solidarity and desire to help animals. In a cross-sectional study (Study 1, N = 2,822), results showed that past 30 days practice and estimated lifetime number of hours of lovingkindness or compassion meditation were associated with more animal solidarity and greater desire to help animals. Past 30 days practice was also associated with less speciesism, but only when adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. In an experimental study (Study 2, N = 1,102), results showed that participants randomized to a befriending meditation (a practice similar to loving-kindness and compassion meditation) condition scored higher on animal solidarity and desire to help animals than participants randomized to a control condition. No significant difference was observed on speciesism, but mediation analyses suggested that effects on all three outcomes were mediated through perceived commonality with animals.
Prevalence and correlates of teenage pregnancy among in-school teenagers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hoima district western Uganda–A cross sectional community-based study
Authors: Musinguzi Marvin , Kumakech Edward , Auma Anne Grace , Akello Ruth Anne , Kigongo Eustes , Tumwesigye Raymond , Opio Bosco , Kabunga Amir , Omech Bernard
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic related restrictions and lockdown measures had compromised the routine delivery and access of sexual and reproductive health and rights services to the population including the teenage girls. However, the teenage pregnancy rates during COVID-19 pandemic period were poorly documented. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and the factors associated with teenage pregnancy among in-school teenage girls during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Hoima District Uganda.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that employed quantitative research methods. A total of 314 in-school teenage girls aged 13–19 years were selected using a multi-stage sampling techniques. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data from the participant’s homes during the period December 2021-January 2022. Data analysis was done using univariate, bi-variate, and multivariate.

Results

The prevalence of teenage pregnancy among the in-school teenage girls in Hoima district Uganda was 30.6% [96/314]. Higher teenage pregnancy rates were prevalent among the unmarried teenage girls [aOR: 9.6; 95%CI: 4.64–19.87; p = 0.000], teenage girls studying from boarding schools [aOR 2.83, 95%CI 1.36–5.86, p = 0.005], contraceptive non-users [aOR: 2.54; 95%CI: 1.12–5.4; p = 0.015] and teenage girls involved in sex trade [aOR 3.16, 95%CI 1.5–6.7, p = 0.003]. The factors associated with the reduced likelihood for teenage pregnancy included being an adult teenage girl aged 18–19 years [aOR: 0.15; 95%CI: 0.07–0.32; p = 0.000] and not receiving sex education during the period [aOR 0.36, 95%CI 0.13–0.62, p = 0.024].

Conclusion

The results indicated that 3 out of 10 in-school teenage girls from Hoima district Uganda got pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic period of 2021. Teenage pregnancy was prevalent among teenage girls who don’t use modern contraceptive methods and those involved in sex trade. Teenage pregnancy was however, less prevalent among adult teenage girls aged 18–19 years. The findings point to the need for health stakeholders to innovate creative policies, contingency plans and programmes aimed at delaying age for sexual activities, increasing contraceptive use and minimizing pregnancy risk from sex trade among in-school teenage girls during COVID-19 pandemics.
Contingency management to promote smoking cessation in people experiencing homelessness: Leveraging the electronic health record in a pilot, pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Molina Melanie F. , Hall Sharon M. , Stitzer Maxine , Kushel Margot , Chakravarty Deepalika , Vijayaraghavan Maya
Published: December 2022

Background

Cigarette smoking is disproportionately high among people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Contingency management (CM) is a strategy that has shown considerable efficacy for smoking cessation and has been used in short-term studies of smoking abstinence in PEH. We describe a pilot, pragmatic randomized controlled trial protocol, which leverages an electronic health record (EHR) infrastructure to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an extended CM intervention to improve long-term abstinence in PEH.

Methods

We will conduct the study at three safety-net clinics in San Francisco among 90 adults experiencing homelessness who smoke cigarettes currently and have a desire to quit. We will encourage all participants to receive smoking cessation services that include behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy through their clinics. We will randomly assign participants to an extended CM intervention group with escalating incentives contingent on abstinence or to a control group with fixed incentives for attending study visits. We will use the EHR to recruit participants, track receipt of counseling and pharmacotherapy during clinical care, and communicate with providers on participants’ progress. CM participants will get escalating incentives for demonstration of carbon monoxide-verified abstinence over 6 months, with a total possible earnings of $475. Control participants will receive a fixed incentive of $5 for attending study visits, totaling $125. We will conduct the carbon-monoxide verified abstinence assessments—which will determine CM incentive amounts—daily during week 1, bi-weekly through week 4, weekly through week 13, and monthly through week 24. Measures of feasibility and acceptability, both quantitative and qualitative, will include assessments of screening and recruitment, adherence to study visits, engagement in smoking cessation clinical care, retention, and participant satisfaction. One of the primary clinical outcomes will be biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 6 months. We will measure secondary outcomes, which will include 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 2 weeks, 3 and 12 months.

Discussion

This trial will allow us to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a CM cessation intervention among PEH. The protocol’s clinical setting and use of EHRs gives it significant potential for scalability. If found to be feasible, acceptable, and subsequently efficacious in a larger trial, the intervention could reduce tobacco-related health disparities by increasing long-term smoking abstinence among this vulnerable population.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04982952. Registered on July 29, 2021.
Ten-year persistence and evolution of Plasmodium falciparum antifolate and anti-sulfonamide resistance markers pfdhfr and pfdhps in three Asian countries
Authors: Srisutham Suttipat , Madmanee Wanassanan , Kouhathong Jindarat , Sutawong Kreepol , Tripura Rupam , Peto Thomas J. , van der Pluijm Rob W. , Callery James J. , Dysoley Lek , Mayxay Mayfong , Newton Paul N. , Pongvongsa Tiengkham , Hongvanthong Bouasy , Day Nicholas P. J. , White Nicholas J. , Dondorp Arjen M. , Imwong Mallika
Published: December 2022

Background

The amplification of GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (pfgch1) in Plasmodium falciparum has been linked to the upregulation of the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes associated with resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. During the 1990s and 2000s, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was withdrawn from use as first-line treatment in southeast Asia due to clinical drug resistance. This study assessed the temporal and geographic changes in the prevalence of pfdhfr and pfdhps gene mutations and pfgch1 amplification a decade after sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine had no longer been widely used.

Methods

A total of 536 P. falciparum isolates collected from clinical trials in Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR between 2008 and 2018 were assayed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes were analyzed using nested PCR and Sanger sequencing. Gene copy number variations of pfgch1 were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results

Sequences of the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes were obtained from 96% (517/536) and 91% (486/536) of the samples, respectively. There were 59 distinct haplotypes, including single to octuple mutations. The two major haplotypes observed included IRNI-AGEAA (25%) and IRNL-SGKGA (19%). The sextuple mutation IRNL-SGKGA increased markedly over time in several study sites, including Pailin, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, and Ubon Ratchathani, whereas IRNI-AGEAA decreased over time in Preah Vihear, Champasak, and Ubon Ratchathani. Octuple mutations were first observed in west Cambodia in 2011 and subsequently in northeast Cambodia, as well as in southern Laos by 2018. Amplification of the pfgch1 gene increased over time across the region, particularly in northeast Thailand close to the border with Laos and Cambodia.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that SP therapy was discontinued in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos decades ago, parasites retained the pfdhfr and pfdhps mutations. Numerous haplotypes were found to be prevalent among the parasites. Frequent monitoring of pfdhfr and pfdhps in these areas is required due to the relatively rapid evolution of mutation patterns.
Beyond money: Risk preferences across both economic and non-economic contexts predict financial decisions
Authors: Reeck Crystal , Mullette-Gillman O’Dhaniel A. , McLaurin R. Edward , Huettel Scott A.
Published: December 2022

Important decisions about risk occur in wide-ranging contexts, from investing to healthcare. While an underlying, domain-general risk attitude has been identified across contexts, it remains unclear what role it plays in shaping behavior relative to more domain-specific risk attitudes. Clarifying the relationship between domain-general and domain-specific risk attitudes would inform decision-making theories and the construction of decision aids. The present research assessed the relative contribution of domain-general and domain-specific risk attitudes to financial risk taking. We examined risk attitudes across different decision domains, as revealed through a well-validated measure, the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a domain-general risk attitude shaped responses across multiple domains, and structural equation modeling showed that this domain-general risk attitude predicted observed behavioral risk premiums in a financial decision-making task better than domain-specific financial risk attitudes. Thus, assessments of risk attitudes that include both economic and non-economic domains improve predictions of financial risk taking due to the enhanced insight they provide into underlying, domain-general risk preferences.
Analysis of a German blood donor cohort reveals a high number of undetected SARS-CoV-2 infections and sex-specific differences in humoral immune response
Authors: Fischer Bastian , Knabbe Cornelius , Vollmer Tanja
Published: December 2022

Seroprevalence studies can contribute to a better assessment of the actual incidence of infection. Since long-term data for Germany are lacking, we determined the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in residual plasma samples of 3,759 German regular blood donors between July 2020 and June 2021. Over almost the entire study period, the incidences determined based on our data were higher than those officially reported by the Robert Koch Institute, the public health institute in Germany. Using our serological testing strategy, we retrospectively detected natural infection in 206/3,759 (5.48%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.77–6.25) individuals. The IgG seroprevalence ranked from 5.15% (95% CI: 3.73–6.89) in Lower Saxony to 5.62% (95% CI: 4.57–6.84) in North Rhine Westphalia. The analyses of follow-up samples of 88 seropositive blood donors revealed a comparable fast decay of binding and neutralizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. The antibody avidity remained at a low level throughout the whole follow-up period of up to 181 days. Interestingly, female donors seem to express a stronger and longer lasting humoral immunity against the new coronavirus when compared to males. Conclusion: Overall, our data emphasizes that seroprevalence measurements can and should be used to understand the true incidence of infection better. Further characterization of follow-up samples from seropositive donors indicated rapid antibody waning with sex-specific differences concerning the strength and persistence of humoral immune response.
Psychometric evaluation of the interpersonal needs questionnaire in the Indonesian language
Authors: Pandia Veranita , Fitriana Efi , Afriandi Irvan , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Danasasmita Febrianti Santiardi , Ichsan Abdullah , Pradana Kent
Published: December 2022

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among youths and the commonly reported associated risk factor is interpersonal needs, which consists of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. To date, there is no validated interpersonal needs questionnaire in Indonesia. Therefore, this research aims to validate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-15) among adolescents and young adults in the Indonesian language. Based on the results, the INQ-15 has high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It was also found to have satisfactory content and concurrent validity, as well as support two factor model of factorial validity. This implies that The Indonesian version of the INQ-15 is a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure the interpersonal needs among adolescents and young adults, both in clinical and research applications.
Adaptation to HLA-associated immune pressure over the course of HIV infection and in circulating HIV-1 strains
Authors: Alves Eric , Al-Kaabi Marwah , Keane Niamh M. , Leary Shay , Almeida Coral-Ann M. , Deshpande Pooja , Currenti Jennifer , Chopra Abha , Smith Rita , Castley Alison , Mallal Simon , Kalams Spyros A. , Gaudieri Silvana , John Mina
Published: December 2022

Adaptation to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-associated immune pressure represents a major driver of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) evolution at both the individual and population level. To date, there has been limited exploration of the impact of the initial cellular immune response in driving viral adaptation, the dynamics of these changes during infection and their effect on circulating transmitting viruses at the population level. Capturing detailed virological and immunological data from acute and early HIV infection is challenging as this commonly precedes the diagnosis of HIV infection, potentially by many years. In addition, rapid initiation of antiretroviral treatment following a diagnosis is the standard of care, and central to global efforts towards HIV elimination. Yet, acute untreated infection is the critical period in which the diversity of proviral reservoirs is first established within individuals, and associated with greater risk of onward transmissions in a population. Characterizing the viral adaptations evident in the earliest phases of infection, coinciding with the initial cellular immune responses is therefore relevant to understanding which changes are of greatest impact to HIV evolution at the population level. In this study, we utilized three separate cohorts to examine the initial CD8+ T cell immune response to HIV (cross-sectional acute infection cohort), track HIV evolution in response to CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity over time (longitudinal chronic infection cohort) and translate the impact of HLA-driven HIV evolution to the population level (cross-sectional HIV sequence data spanning 30 years). Using next generation viral sequencing and enzyme-linked immunospot interferon-gamma recall responses to peptides representing HLA class I-specific HIV T cell targets, we observed that CD8+ T cell responses can select viral adaptations prior to full antibody seroconversion. Using the longitudinal cohort, we uncover that viral adaptations have the propensity to be retained over time in a non-selective immune environment, which reflects the increasing proportion of pre-adapted HIV strains within the Western Australian population over an approximate 30-year period.
Mechanisms for the circulation of influenza A(H3N2) in China: A spatiotemporal modelling study
Authors: Zhang Bing , Huang Weijuan , Pei Sen , Zeng Jinfeng , Shen Wei , Wang Daoze , Wang Gang , Chen Tao , Yang Lei , Cheng Peiwen , Wang Dayan , Shu Yuelong , Du Xiangjun
Published: December 2022

Circulation of seasonal influenza is the product of complex interplay among multiple drivers, yet characterizing the underlying mechanism remains challenging. Leveraging the diverse seasonality of A(H3N2) virus and abundant climatic space across regions in China, we quantitatively investigated the relative importance of population susceptibility, climatic factors, and antigenic change on the dynamics of influenza A(H3N2) through an integrative modelling framework. Specifically, an absolute humidity driven multiscale transmission model was constructed for the 2013/2014, 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 influenza seasons that were dominated by influenza A(H3N2). We revealed the variable impact of absolute humidity on influenza transmission and differences in the occurring timing and magnitude of antigenic change for those three seasons. Overall, the initial population susceptibility, climatic factors, and antigenic change explained nearly 55% of variations in the dynamics of influenza A(H3N2). Specifically, the additional variation explained by the initial population susceptibility, climatic factors, and antigenic change were at 33%, 26%, and 48%, respectively. The vaccination program alone failed to fully eliminate the summer epidemics of influenza A(H3N2) and non-pharmacological interventions were needed to suppress the summer circulation. The quantitative understanding of the interplay among driving factors on the circulation of influenza A(H3N2) highlights the importance of simultaneous monitoring of fluctuations for related factors, which is crucial for precise and targeted prevention and control of seasonal influenza.
Long-term growth response of Norway spruce in different mounding and vegetation control treatments on fine-textured soils
Authors: Uotila Karri , Luoranen Jaana , Saksa Timo , Laine Tiina , Heiskanen Juha
Published: December 2022

Mechanical site preparation (MSP) is a common practice that precedes the planting of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) in Nordic forests. Mounding has become the most used method in spruce planting in recent years. This study examined the effects of different mounding treatments (spot and ditch mounding, inversion, unprepared control with or without herbicide application) and a mechanical vegetation control (MVC) treatment done 3–4 years after planting on the post-planting growth of spruce container seedlings and their development to saplings during the first 11–13 years on two forest till soils in central Finland, one on flat terrain and other on a southwest slope. On these fine-textured soils the spot and ditch mounding methods favoured spruce saplings development. Inversion and unprepared plots showed weakest growth. On the site with flat terrain, 11 years post planting, spruce saplings were 78–144 cm (38–80%) taller and their breast height diameters were 11–13 mm (60–74%) thicker for ditch or spot mounding than for inversion or herbicide treatment. On the site with sloped terrain the differences were minor between the MSP treatments. MVC improved spruce height growth on sites which did not have intensive MSP, especially on control saplings planted on unprepared soil in herbicide and inversion treatments. On the flat terrain, MVC reduced the density of resprouts to be removed later in pre-commercial thinning. As a conclusion, spot or ditch mounding favoured the growth of spruce over inversion especially on flat terrain with fine-textured soil.
La importancia de visibilizar, en la actualidad, a las mujeres marroquíes en Andalucía
Authors: Morcillo-Martínez Juana-María
Published: December 2022

En esta investigación presentamos los principales resultados de una investigación cuyo objetivo fue analizar cinco cuestiones claves como referente claro de integración social y laboral de mujeres marroquíes en Andalucía: (i) ¿por qué emigran las mujeres marroquíes?, (ii) ¿sus familias apoyan su proyecto migratorio?, (iii) ¿cómo llegan las mujeres marroquíes a Andalucía?, (iv) ¿en qué trabajan?, (v) ¿cuáles son los efectos derivados de la covid en su inserción laboral? Para ello, hemos utilizado la metodología cualitativa. A través de la técnica de la entrevista en profundidad hemos dado voz a las reflexiones y planteamientos de nuestras informantes clave. Los resultados muestran la necesidad de poner en marcha estrategias que favorezcan su inclusión sociolaboral donde queden erradicadas situaciones de desprotección social y explotación laboral. En la actualidad, resulta imprescindible el conocimiento de esta realidad con la finalidad de visibilizarlas y avanzar en materia de derechos para conseguir su empoderamiento en Andalucía./p>
“You’re Better Being Poor Here”: Migration Decision-Making and Political and Lifestyle Considerations Among Qualified Brazilians in Portugal
Authors: Azevedo Leonardo Francisco de , França Thais , Cairns David
Published: December 2022

This article looks at the migration of qualified Brazilians to Portugal, with reference to the impact of political developments in Brazil on migration decision-making processes and their lifestyle aspirations in the host society. Original fieldwork consists of twenty in-depth interviews conducted with qualified Brazilians in the Lisbon area during 2019. These interviews illustrate how political and economic instability in Brazil contributed to establishing a strong migration imperative. In this scenario, Portugal is chosen as a destination due to its perceived social stability and emergence as a fashionable destination for skilled workers, with the promise of a “cosmopolitan” life. In conclusion, we emphasise the need to consider how political conditions in a sending society and lifestyle considerations interact in the migration decision-making of skilled migrants. This approach confronts assumptions that serve to disguise the precariousness of many Brazilian migrants in Portugal due to their relatively high skill levels and raising long-term concerns regarding the sustainability of lifestyle-oriented migration.
La religiosidad mantera
Authors: Espinosa Horacio , Contijoch Marta
Published: December 2022

Lo que aquí presentamos se encuentra a medio camino de la antropología de la migración y la antropología de la religión, procurando profundizar en como la filiación y la práctica religiosa puede devenir un instrumento de adaptación al asentamiento de un determinado colectivo en un contexto urbano. Partiendo del modo en que los manteros de origen senegalés en Barcelona han sido objeto de una persecución política, mediática y jurídico-policial, prestamos atención a las dinámicas de articulación entre procesos de adaptación de colectivos de trabajadores informales y sus prácticas rituales-asociativas de naturaleza formalmente mística. Además de matizar ciertas asunciones sobre el papel de las cofradías sufís en la diáspora senegalesa, tratamos de mostrar cómo la práctica religiosa popular provee de herramientas para hacer frente a las dificultades derivadas de la dedicación al comercio informal, por parte de estos jóvenes senegaleses en Barcelona.
Matrimonios y divorcios transnacionales entre Brasil y España
Authors: Becerril Diego , Jiménez Cabello José
Published: December 2022

El trabajo analiza de forma descriptiva los matrimonios transnacionales de persona brasileña y española, y sus divorcios, profundizando en sus características y evolución, analizándose tanto los matrimonios heterosexuales como los homosexuales. Como marco comparativo se cuenta con el contexto de la población total y el conjunto de extranjeros en España. La metodología se basa en la explotación de datos secundarios. Se utilizan el Movimiento Nacional de la Población (MNP) y la Estadística de Nulidades, Separaciones y Divorcios (ENSD) entre 2015 y 2020. En los matrimonios binacionales con cónyuge brasileño existe mayor presencia de uniones con brasileñas que con brasileños. En el divorcio, la tasa para población brasileña es superior a la de españoles. La ruptura con brasileñas registra una tasa superior respecto al de maridos brasileños. Destaca, entre las características de estos divorcios, la acentuación de las custodias exclusivas y el alto porcentaje de padres que pagan pensiones alimenticias.
Human dignity and lethal autonomous weapon systems: A Christian ethical positioning from a Catholic point of view
Authors: Nass Elmar
Published: December 2022

This article analyses the ethical debate over the use of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) by exploring, from a Catholic perspective, how Christian ethics can position itself in this discussion. Since humanity will not be able to avoid wars in the future, ideas of justified use of armed force (in self-defense), but also of appropriateness of defensive weapon systems, remain important issues. Based on the so-called ‘protection rationale,’ proponents hold that autonomous weapon systems (AWS) can shield one’s own forces while reducing the damage inflicted upon the enemy. Opponents seek to ban AWS categorically, especially LAWS. The moral dilemmas and ethical dimensions involved make LAWS a genuine subject for technology assessment in terms of the technology’s consequences for humanity, dignity, and coexistence.
GENÇLİK ÇALIŞMAK İSTEMİYOR MU? YİYECEK - İÇECEK İŞLETMELERİNDE İSTİHDAMIN İŞVEREN VE İŞGÖREN AÇISINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: KOÇAK BİLGİN Yasemin
Published: December 2022

Bu makale, yiyecek içecek sektörü işgörenlerinin çalışma saatleri, ücretlendirilmeleri, çalışma ortamları gibi unsurları ön plana alarak, sektördeki genel uygulamaları keşfetmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Diğer taraftan yiyecek içecek sektörü işverenlerinin bu unsurlara bakış açısı ile sektörde yaşanan işgören bulma konusunda büyüyen sıkıntıya odaklanmaktadır. Bu bağlamda İstanbul’da yiyecek içecek sektöründe 11 işgören ve 14 işveren olmak üzere toplamda 25 derinlemesine görüşme gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sonuçlarda, işgörenlerin işten ayrılma sebepleri; maaşların düşüklüğü, iş yükünün fazla olması, çalışma ortamından kaynaklı sorunlar, fiziksel ortam, yöneticilerin davranışları, çalışma saatlerinin çok uzun ve düzensiz olması, COVID-19 döneminde işten çıkarılma ya da ücretsiz izin uygulamaları sebebi ile hayatlarını idame ettirmek için daha garantili iş arayışında olmalarıdır. İşverenlere göre, işgörenlerin sektörde çalışmama nedenleri ise, iş yükünün fazla gelmesi, biraz daha rahat iş aramaları, çalışmayı sevmemeleri, telefon bağımlılığı, alanda eğitimli personelin taleplerinin yüksek olması ve sektörün geçici iş olarak görülmesidir. COVID-19 ve ekonomik kriz ile birlikte zor günler yaşayan sektördeki işverenler, işletmelerini ayakta tutmaya çalışmaktadırlar. İşverenler, sektörde kendi başlangıç koşullarını düşünerek, çalıştırmak istedikleri personelden de uzun çalışma saatlerine, çalışma ortamındaki baskıya ve düşük ücretlere dayanıklılık beklemektedirler.
Kolegialność episkopalna na II Soborze Watykańskim. Początek długiej drogi odnowy hierarchii w Kościele
Authors: Kasprzak Artur
Published: December 2022

Drugi Sobór Watykański w programie tzw. aggiornamento, czyli w ważnych kwestiach dotyczących odnowy duszpasterskiej Kościoła, zaproponował odnowione zrozumienie wymiaru hierarchicznego w Kościele. Tak jak to przedstawia Rozdział III Konstytucji dogmatycznej o Kościele, zwany również Lumen gentium, właściwa wizja dotycząca pasterzy Kościoła nie odnosi się tylko do centralnej roli papieża w Kościele. Sobór przypomniał, że – tak jak to funkcjonowało zwłaszcza w pierwszym tysiącleciu chrześcijaństwa – niezastąpioną i fundamentalną dla Kościoła funkcję pełnią również wszyscy biskupi. Jako pasterz każdy z nich jest głową Kościoła partykularnego (diecezji). Konsekracja biskupów jest najwyższym stopniem sakramentu święceń i włącza ich do grona sukcesorów Kolegium apostolskiego (KK 20 i 21). Biskupi w kolegium tym, jak wyjaśnia dalej Sobór, „stanowią również razem ze swoją głową, Biskupem Rzymu, a nigdy bez niego, podmiot najwyższej i pełnej władzy nad całym Kościołem” (KK 22b). Niniejsze studium przedstawia skomplikowaną historię dyskusji i redakcji tekstu nauczania ostatniego Soboru w tej kwestii. Temat, który przeszedł do historii pod hasłem kolegialności episkopalnej, był podejmowany podczas II i III sesji Soboru. W tym czasie dyskusja podzieliła ojców Soboru na dwa obozy, na tzw. mniejszość i większość. „Większość” była za przyjęciem przez Sobór doktryny o kolegialności episkopalnej, natomiast „mniejszość” za jej ograniczeniem czy wręcz odrzuceniem. W czasie wielu sporów do dyskusji włączał się również papież Paweł VI. To z jego inicjatywy, tuż przed ostatecznym głosowaniem nad Konstytucją Lumen gentium i jej promulgacją, w celu wypracowania pełnego konsensusu wokół kolegialności episkopalnej dodano wiążący komentarz zwany Wstępną Notą Wyjaśniającą – Nota Explicativa Praevia. Komentarz ten nie rozwiązał jednak antagonizmów interpretacji wokół kolegialności episkopalnej jeszcze przez długie lata po Soborze.
The role of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases and potential antioxidant therapies
Authors: Sienes Bailo Paula , Llorente Martín Elena , Calmarza Pilar , Montolio Breva Silvia , Bravo Gómez Adrián , Pozo Giráldez Adela , Sánchez-Pascuala Callau Joan J. , Vaquer Santamaría Juana M. , Dayaldasani Khialani Anita , Cerdá Micó Concepción , Camps Andreu Jordi , Sáez Tormo Guillermo , Fort Gallifa Isabel
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The central nervous system (CNS) is essential for homeostasis and controls the physiological functions of the body. However, the biochemical characteristics of the CNS make it especially vulnerable to oxidative damage (OS). This phenomenon compromises correct CNS functioning, leading to neurodegeneration and neuronal death.

Contents

OS plays a crucial role in the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases. It is involved in multiple mechanisms of nucleic acid, protein, and lipid oxidation, thereby contributing to progressive brain damage. These mechanisms include mitochondrial dysfunction; excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; deficiency of antioxidant defenses; protein oligomerization; cytokine production and inflammatory response; blood–brain barrier abnormalities; and proteasome dysfunction. All these dysfunctions are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Summary and outlook

A curative treatment is currently not available. Research is focused on the search for therapies that reduce oxidative damage and delay disease progression. In the recent years, researchers have focused their attention on the effects of antioxidant therapies.
The usefulness of implementing minimum retest intervals in reducing inappropriate laboratory test requests in a Dutch hospital
Authors: Boerman Anneroos W. , Al-Dulaimy Muhammad , Bandt Yvonne C. , Nanayakkara Prabath W.B. , de Jonge Robert
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Inappropriate use of laboratory testing remains a challenging problem worldwide. Minimum retest intervals (MRI) are used to reduce inappropriate laboratory testing. However, their effectiveness and the usefulness in reducing inappropriate laboratory testing is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of broadly implemented MRIs as a means of reducing inappropriate laboratory test requests.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in a general care and teaching hospital in the Netherlands, where MRI alerts have been implemented as standard care since June 7th 2017. Clinical chemistry test orders in adult internal medicine patients placed between July 13th 2017 and December 31st 2019 were included. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of MRIs, expressed as percentages of tests ordered and barred as a result of MRIs.

Results

Of a total of 218,511 test requests, 4,159 (1.90%) got an MRI alert. These MRIs were overruled by physicians in 21.76% of the cases. As a result of implementing MRIs, 3,254 (1.49%) tests were barred. The financial savings for the department of internal medicine directly related to the included barred laboratory tests during this period were 11,880 euros on a total amount of 636,598 euros for all performed tests.

Conclusions

Only a small proportion of laboratory tests are barred after implementation of MRIs, with a limited impact on the annual costs. However, MRIs provide a continuous reminder to focus on appropriate testing and the effectiveness of MRIs is potentially higher than described in this study.
Holding Friends Closer or Keeping Them at a Distance: The Intimacy with Founding Members and Its Effect on Entrepreneurs’ Effectual Problem Setting
Authors: Yang Zhi , Yang Jinglan
Published: December 2022

Whether founding with friends will affect entrepreneurs’ venturing model? Based on construal level theory, this study shows a fresh look into entrepreneurs’ intimacy with other founding members and its effects on their cognition of ongoing venturing projects. We argue that the stronger intimacy with other founding members shortens the perceived psychological distance between an entrepreneur and an ongoing project, thus lowering the entrepreneur’s construal level. The construal level mediates the effect on the problem space the entrepreneurs perceive. Using two-wave survey data from 162 Chinese founding teams, we find that the strong intimacy with other founding members results in less effectual problem setting through lower construal level. Moreover, the indirect effect is moderated by venturing team size in the way that a large venturing team size will weaken the effect. From the construal level theory perspective, our findings may explain why and how founding with friends may affect the venturing model choice and highlight the importance of entrepreneurs’ surrounding relationships within founding teams. This study also provides some potential practical implications for the entrepreneurs when founding with friends.