bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary complications observed in patients with infective endocarditis with and without injection drug use: An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Bui Jenny T. , Schranz Asher J. , Strassle Paula D. , Agala Chris B. , Mody Gita N. , Ikonomidis John S. , Long Jason M.
Published: September 2021

Background

The impact of cardiovascular and neurologic complications on infective endocarditis (IE) are well studied, yet the prevalence and significance of pulmonary complications in IE is not defined. To better characterize the multifaceted nature of IE management, we aimed to describe the occurrence and significance of pulmonary complications in IE, including among persons with IE related to drug use.

Methods

Hospitalizations of adult (≥18 years old) patients diagnosed with IE were identified in the 2016 National Inpatient Sample using ICD-10 codes. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to compare IE patient outcomes between those with and without pulmonary complications and to identify predictors of pulmonary complications. Interaction terms were used to assess the impact of drug-use IE (DU-IE) and pulmonary complications on inpatient outcomes.

Results

In 2016, there were an estimated 88,995 hospitalizations of patients diagnosed with IE. Of these hospitalizations,15,490 (17%) were drug-use related. Drug-use IE (DU-IE) had the highest odds of pulmonary complications (OR 2.97, 95% CI 2.50, 3.45). At least one pulmonary complication was identified in 6,580 (7%) of IE patients. DU-IE hospitalizations were more likely to have a diagnosis of pyothorax (3% vs. 1%, p<0.001), lung abscess (3% vs. <1%, p<0.001), and septic pulmonary embolism (27% vs. 2%, p<0.001). Pulmonary complications were associated with longer average lengths of stay (CIE 7.22 days 95% CI 6.11, 8.32), higher hospital charges (CIE 78.51 thousand dollars 95% CI 57.44, 99.57), more frequent post-discharge transfers (acute care: OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09, 1.71; long-term care: OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.83, 2.61), and increased odds of inpatient mortality (OR 1.81 95% CI 1.39, 2.35).

Conclusion and relevance

IE with pulmonary complications is associated with worse outcomes. Patients with DU-IE have a particularly high prevalence of pulmonary complications that may require timely thoracic surgical intervention, likely owing to right-sided valve involvement. More research is needed to determine optimal management strategies for complications to improve patient outcomes.
Fin whales of the Great Bear Rainforest: Balaenoptera physalus velifera in a Canadian Pacific fjord system
Authors: Keen Eric M. , Pilkington James , O’Mahony Éadin , Thompson Kim-Ly , Hendricks Benjamin , Robinson Nicole , Dundas Archie , Nichol Linda , Alidina Hussein M. , Meuter Hermann , Picard Chris R. , Wray Janie
Published: September 2021

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are widely considered an offshore and oceanic species, but certain populations also use coastal areas and semi-enclosed seas. Based upon fifteen years of study, we report that Canadian Pacific fin whales (B.p.velifera) have returned to the Kitimat Fjord System (KFS) in the Great Bear Rainforest, and have established a seasonally resident population in its intracoastal waters. This is the only fjord system along this coast or elsewhere in which fin whales are known to occur regularly with strong site fidelity. The KFS was also the only Canadian Pacific fjord system in which fin whales were commonly found and killed during commercial whaling, pointing to its long-term importance. Traditional knowledge, whaling records, and citizen science databases suggest that fin whales were extirpated from this area prior to their return in 2005–2006. Visual surveys and mark-recapture analysis documented their repopulation of the area, with 100–120 whales using the fjord system in recent years, as well as the establishment of a seasonally resident population with annual return rates higher than 70%. Line transect surveys identified the central and outer channels of the KFS as the primary fin whale habitat, with the greatest densities occurring in Squally Channel and Caamaño Sound. Fin whales were observed in the KFS in most months of the year. Vessel- and shore-based surveys (27,311 km and 6,572 hours of effort, respectively) indicated regular fin whale presence (2,542 detections), including mother-calf pairs, from June to October and peak abundance in late August–early September. Seasonal patterns were variable year-to-year, and several lines of evidence indicated that fin whales arrived and departed from the KFS repeatedly throughout the summer and fall. Additionally, we report on the population’s social network and morphometrics. These findings offer insights into the dynamics of population recovery in an area where several marine shipping projects are proposed. The fin whales of the Great Bear Rainforest represent a rare exception to general patterns in this species’ natural history, and we highlight the importance of their conservation.
Transcriptome characterization and expression profile of Coix lacryma-jobi L. in response to drought
Authors: Miao Guidong , Qin Yan , Guo Jihua , Zhang Qingxia , Bao Yingying
Published: September 2021

Coix lacryma-jobiL. is a very important economic crop widely cultivated in Southeast Asia. Drought affects more than four million square kilometers every year, and is a significant factor limiting agricultural productivity. However, relatively little is known about howCoix lacryma-jobiL. responds to drought treatments. To obtain a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms regulating the transcriptional responses ofCoix lacryma-jobiL. to drought treatment, we employed high throughput short-read sequencing of cDNA prepared from polyadenylated RNA to explore global gene expression after a seven-day drought treatment. We generated a de novo assembled transcriptome comprising 65,480 unique sequences. Differential expression analysis based on RSEM-estimated transcript abundances identified 5,315 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when comparing samples from plants following drought-treatment and from the appropriate controls. Among these, the transcripts for 3,460 genes were increased in abundance, whereas 1,855 were decreased. Real-time quantitative PCR for 5 transcripts confirmed the changes identified by RNA-Seq. The results provide a transcriptional overview of the changes inCoix lacryma-jobiL. in response to drought, and will be very useful for studying the function of associated genes and selection of molecular marker ofCoix lacryma-jobiL in the future.
Effects of different ischemic preconditioning strategies on physiological and cellular mechanisms of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury: Implication from an isolated perfused rat small intestine model
Authors: Wong Yuk Lung , Lautenschläger Ingmar , Hummitzsch Lars , Zitta Karina , Cossais François , Wedel Thilo , Rusch Rene , Berndt Rouven , Gruenewald Matthias , Weiler Norbert , Steinfath Markus , Albrecht Martin
Published: September 2021

Background

Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-injury often results in sepsis and organ failure and is of major importance in the clinic. A potential strategy to reduce I/R-injury is the application of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) during which repeated, brief episodes of I/R are applied. The aim of this study was to evaluate physiological and cellular effects of intestinal I/R-injury and to compare the influence of in-vivo IPC (iIPC) with ex-vivo IPC (eIPC), in which blood derived factors and nerval regulations are excluded.

Methods

Using an established perfused rat intestine model, effects of iIPC and eIPC on physiological as well as cellular mechanisms of I/R-injury (60 min hypoxia, 30 min reperfusion) were investigated. iIPC was applied by three reversible occlusions of the mesenteric artery in-vivo for 5 min followed by 5 min of reperfusion before isolating the small intestine, eIPC was induced by stopping the vascular perfusion ex-vivo 3 times for 5 min followed by 5 min of reperfusion after isolation of the intestine. Study groups (each N = 8–9 animals) were: iIPC, eIPC, I/R (iIPC group), I/R (eIPC group), iIPC+I/R, eIPC+I/R, no intervention/control (iIPC group), no intervention/control (eIPC group). Tissue morphology/damage, metabolic functions, fluid shifts and barrier permeability were evaluated. Cellular mechanisms were investigated using signaling arrays.

Results

I/R-injury decreased intestinal galactose uptake (iIPC group: p<0.001), increased vascular perfusion pressure (iIPC group: p<0.001; eIPC group: p<0.01) and attenuated venous flow (iIPC group: p<0.05) while lactate-to-pyruvate ratio (iIPC group, eIPC group: p<0.001), luminal flow (iIPC group: p<0.001; eIPC group: p<0.05), goblet cell ratio (iIPC group, eIPC group: p<0.001) and apoptosis (iIPC group, eIPC group: p<0.05) were all increased. Application of iIPC prior to I/R increased vascular galactose uptake (P<0.05) while eIPC had no significant impact on parameters of I/R-injury. On cellular level, I/R-injury resulted in a reduction of the phosphorylation of several MAPK signaling molecules. Application of iIPC prior to I/R increased phosphorylation of JNK2 and p38δ while eIPC enhanced CREB and GSK-3α/β phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Intestinal I/R-injury is associated with major physiological and cellular changes. However, the overall influence of the two different IPC strategies on the acute phase of intestinal I/R-injury is rather limited.
COVID-19 susceptibility variants associate with blood clots, thrombophlebitis and circulatory diseases
Authors: Papadopoulou Areti , Musa Hanan , Sivaganesan Mathura , McCoy David , Deloukas Panos , Marouli Eirini
Published: September 2021

Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with comorbid conditions including diabetes, chronic lung, inflammatory and vascular disease, are at higher risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes. Genome-wide association studies have identified several loci associated with increased susceptibility and severity for COVID-19. However, it is not clear whether these associations are genetically determined or not. We used a Phenome-Wide Association (PheWAS) approach to investigate the role of genetically determined COVID-19 susceptibility on disease related outcomes. PheWAS analyses were performed in order to identify traits and diseases related to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity, evaluated through a predictive COVID-19 risk score. We utilised phenotypic data in up to 400,000 individuals from the UK Biobank, including Hospital Episode Statistics and General Practice data. We identified a spectrum of associations between both genetically determined COVID-19 susceptibility and severity with a number of traits. COVID-19 risk was associated with increased risk for phlebitis and thrombophlebitis (OR = 1.11, p = 5.36e-08). We also identified significant signals between COVID-19 susceptibility with blood clots in the leg (OR = 1.1, p = 1.66e-16) and with increased risk for blood clots in the lung (OR = 1.12, p = 1.45 e-10). Our study identifies significant association of genetically determined COVID-19 with increased blood clot events in leg and lungs. The reported associations between both COVID-19 susceptibility and severity and other diseases adds to the identification and stratification of individuals at increased risk, adverse outcomes and long-term effects.
The effect of sodium carboxymethyl starch with high degree of substitution on defecation
Authors: Lu Wu-dang , Wu Man-li , Zhang Jun-xia , Huang Ting-ting , Du Shuai-shuai , Cao Yong-xiao
Published: September 2021

Sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS-Na), a kind of food additive with high degree of substitution, is also known as a prebiotic. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CMS-Na on defecation. Constipated mouse model was prepared by loperamide. Normal rats were also used in the study. Short-chain fatty acids in rat feces were detected by gas chromatography. The bacterial communities in rat feces were identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) were measured by ELISA. The results showed that CMS-Na increased the fecal granule counts and intestinal propulsion rate in constipated mice. The contents of water, acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyrate in feces, Tph1 in colon and 5-HT in serum of rats were increased. In addition, CMS-Na shortened the colonic transport time in rats. The 16S rDNA gene sequencing results indicated that CMS-Na increased the relative abundance of Alloprevotella and decreased the proportion of Lactobacillus. However, the biodiversity of the normal intestinal flora was not altered. In conclusion, CMS-Na can promote defecation in constipated mice. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of Alloprevotella and Lactobacillus in colon, the increase of short-chain fatty acids, and the promotion of the synthesis of Tph1 and 5-HT.
Development of ACE2 autoantibodies after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Arthur John M. , Forrest J. Craig , Boehme Karl W. , Kennedy Joshua L. , Owens Shana , Herzog Christian , Liu Juan , Harville Terry O.
Published: September 2021

Background

Activation of the immune system is implicated in the Post-Acute Sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) but the mechanisms remain unknown. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) cleaves angiotensin II (Ang II) resulting in decreased activation of the AT1 receptor and decreased immune system activation. We hypothesized that autoantibodies against ACE2 may develop after SARS-CoV-2 infection, as anti-idiotypic antibodies to anti-spike protein antibodies.

Methods and findings

We tested plasma or serum for ACE2 antibodies in 67 patients with known SARS-CoV-2 infection and 13 with no history of infection. None of the 13 patients without history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1 of the 20 outpatients that had a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 had levels of ACE2 antibodies above the cutoff threshold. In contrast, 26/32 (81%) in the convalescent group and 14/15 (93%) of patients acutely hospitalized had detectable ACE2 antibodies. Plasma from patients with antibodies against ACE2 had less soluble ACE2 activity in plasma but similar amounts of ACE2 protein compared to patients without ACE2 antibodies. We measured the capacity of the samples to inhibit ACE2 enzyme activity. Addition of plasma from patients with ACE2 antibodies led to decreased activity of an exogenous preparation of ACE2 compared to patients that did not have antibodies.

Conclusions

Many patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection have antibodies specific for ACE2. Patients with ACE2 antibodies have lower activity of soluble ACE2 in plasma. Plasma from these patients also inhibits exogenous ACE2 activity. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ACE2 antibodies develop after SARS-CoV-2 infection and decrease ACE2 activity. This could lead to an increase in the abundance of Ang II, which causes a proinflammatory state that triggers symptoms of PASC.
Magnetophoretic and spectral characterization of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin: Chemical versus enzymatic processes
Authors: Weigand Mitchell R. H. , Gómez-Pastora Jenifer , Kim James , Kurek Matthew T. , Hickey Richard J. , Irwin David C. , Buehler Paul W. , Zborowski Maciej , Palmer Andre F. , Chalmers Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2021

A new method for hemoglobin (Hb) deoxygenation, in suspension or within red blood cells (RBCs) is described using the commercial enzyme product, EC-Oxyrase®. The enzymatic deoxygenation method has several advantages over established deoxygenation methodologies, such as avoiding side reactions that produce methemoglobin (metHb), thus eliminating the need for an inert deoxygenation gas and airtight vessel, and facilitates easy re-oxygenation of Hb/RBCs by washing with a buffer that contains dissolved oxygen (DO). The UV-visible spectra of deoxyHb and metHb purified from human RBCs using three different preparation methods (sodium dithionite [to produce deoxyHb], sodium nitrite [to produce metHb], and EC-Oxyrase® [to produce deoxyHb]) show the high purity of deoxyHb prepared using EC-Oxyrase® (with little to no metHb or hemichrome production from side reactions). The oxyHb deoxygenation time course of EC-Oxyrase® follows first order reaction kinetics. The paramagnetic characteristics of intracellular Hb in RBCs were compared using Cell Tracking Velocimetry (CTV) for healthy and sickle cell disease (SCD) donors and oxygen equilibrium curves show that the function of healthy RBCs is unchanged after EC-Oxyrase® treatment. The results confirm that this enzymatic approach to deoxygenation produces pure deoxyHb, can be re-oxygenated easily, prepared aerobically and has similar paramagnetic mobility to existing methods of producing deoxyHb and metHb.
Nurses’ perspectives of taking care of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019: A phenomenological study
Authors: Rathnayake Sarath , Dasanayake Damayanthi , Maithreepala Sujeewa Dilhani , Ekanayake Ramya , Basnayake Pradeepa Lakmali
Published: September 2021

The pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought significant pressure on nurses globally as they are the frontline of care. This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges of nurses who worked with hospitalised patients with COVID-19. In this qualitative study, a purposive sample of 14 nurses participated in in-depth telephone interviews. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Five key themes emerged: (1) physical and psychological distress of nurses, (2) willingness to work, (3) the essential role of support mechanisms, (4) educational and informational needs of nurses and (5) the role of modern technology in COVID-19 care. Although the provision of care led to physical and psychological distress among nurses, with their commitment and professional obligation, it is a new experience that leads to personal satisfaction. Guilty feeling related to inefficiency of care, witnessing the suffering of patients, discomfort associated with wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), work-related issues (e.g., long hour shifts), negative impact to the family and rejection by others are the leading distress factors. Religious beliefs, including keeping trust in good and bad merits, have become a strong coping mechanism. Addressing distress among nurses is essential. The reported learning needs of nurses included skills related to donning and doffing PPE, skills in performing nursing procedures and breaking bad news. Nurse managers need to pay special attention to expanding training opportunities as well as support mechanisms, for example, welfare, appreciations and counselling services for nurses. Modern technology, particularly robots and telecommunication, can perform an essential role in COVID-19 care. The establishment of timely policies and strategies to protect health workers during a national disaster like COVID-19 is needed.
Inconsistent PCR detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli: Insights from whole genome sequence analyses
Authors: Castro Vinicius Silva , Ortega Polo Rodrigo , Figueiredo Eduardo Eustáquio de Souza , Bumunange Emmanuel Wihkochombom , McAllister Tim , King Robin , Conte-Junior Carlos Adam , Stanford Kim
Published: September 2021

Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) have been linked to food-borne disease outbreaks. As PCR is routinely used to screen foods for STEC, it is important that factors leading to inconsistent detection of STEC by PCR are understood. This study used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate causes of inconsistent PCR detection ofstx1,stx2, and serogroup-specific genes. Fifty strains isolated from Alberta feedlot cattle from three different studies were selected with inconsistent or consistent detection ofstxand serogroup by PCR. All isolates were initially classified as STEC by PCR. Sequencing was performed using Illumina MiSeq® with sample library by Nextera XT. Virtual PCRs were performed using Geneious and bacteriophage content was determined using PHASTER. Sequencing coverage ranged from 47 to 102x, averaging 74x, with sequences deposited in the NCBI database. Eleven strains were confirmed by WGS as STEC having completestxAandstxBsubunits. However, truncatedstxfragments occurred in twenty-two other isolates, some having multiplestxfragments in the genome. Isolates with completestxby WGS had consistentstx1andstx2detection by PCR, although one also having astx2fragment had inconsistentstx2PCR. For all STEC and 18/39 non-STEC, serogroups determined by PCR agreed with those determined by WGS. An additional three WGS serotypes were inconclusive and two isolates wereCitrobacterspp. Results demonstrate thatstxfragments associated withstx-carrying bacteriophages in theE.coligenome may contribute to inconsistent detection ofstx1andstx2by PCR. Fourteen isolates had integratedstxbacteriophage but lacked complete or fragmentarystxpossibly due to partial bacteriophage excision after sub-cultivation or other unclear mechanisms. The majority of STEC isolates (7/11) did not have identifiable bacteriophage DNA in the contig(s) wherestxwas located, likely increasing the stability ofstxin the bacterial genome and its detection by PCR.
Ethacridine inhibits SARS-CoV-2 by inactivating viral particles
Authors: Li Xiaoquan , Lidsky Peter V. , Xiao Yinghong , Wu Chien-Ting , Garcia-Knight Miguel , Yang Junjiao , Nakayama Tsuguhisa , Nayak Jayakar V. , Jackson Peter K. , Andino Raul , Shu Xiaokun
Published: September 2021

The respiratory disease COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Here we report the discovery of ethacridine as a potent drug against SARS-CoV-2 (EC50 ~ 0.08 μM). Ethacridine was identified via high-throughput screening of an FDA-approved drug library in living cells using a fluorescence assay. Plaque assays, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence imaging at various stages of viral infection demonstrate that the main mode of action of ethacridine is through inactivation of viral particles, preventing their binding to the host cells. Consistently, ethacridine is effective in various cell types, including primary human nasal epithelial cells that are cultured in an air-liquid interface. Taken together, our work identifies a promising, potent, and new use of the old drug via a distinct mode of action for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2.
Relationship between hemagglutinin stability and influenza virus persistence after exposure to low pH or supraphysiological heating
Authors: Yang Guohua , Ojha Chet R. , Russell Charles J.
Published: September 2021

The hemagglutinin (HA) surface glycoprotein is triggered by endosomal low pH to cause membrane fusion during influenza A virus (IAV) entry yet must remain sufficiently stable to avoid premature activation during virion transit between cells and hosts. HA activation pH and/or virion inactivation pH values less than pH 5.6 are thought to be required for IAV airborne transmissibility and human pandemic potential. To enable higher-throughput screening of emerging IAV strains for “humanized” stability, we developed a luciferase reporter assay that measures the threshold pH at which IAVs are inactivated. The reporter assay yielded results similar to TCID50 assay yet required one-fourth the time and one-tenth the virus. For four A/TN/09 (H1N1) HA mutants and 73 IAVs of varying subtype, virion inactivation pH was compared to HA activation pH and the rate of inactivation during 55°C heating. HA stability values correlated highly with virion acid and thermal stability values for isogenic viruses containing HA point mutations. HA stability also correlated with virion acid stability for human isolates but did not correlate with thermal stability at 55°C, raising doubt in the use of supraphysiological heating assays. Some animal isolates had virion inactivation pH values lower than HA activation pH, suggesting factors beyond HA stability can modulate virion stability. The coupling of HA activation pH and virion inactivation pH, and at a value below 5.6, was associated with human adaptation. This suggests that both virologic properties should be considered in risk assessment algorithms for pandemic potential.
Sustainable practice: The future mode of temporality in fashion
Authors: Chon Harah
Published: September 2021

Fashion is indicative of time and, serving as the interpretive and representational forms of a society, is measured against the cyclical rhythms of trend diffusion and style adoption. This article examines the function of time within the framework of historical research, reviewing the construction and translation of contemporary fashion. The temporality of material objects is further probed by an analysis of the sociocultural development of current sustainable practices to grasp the affective nature of time and its relationship to the fashion system. With an overview of emerging sustainable design practices, the relationship between time and meaning creation is critically examined, analysed and discussed. The social production of design and its utilization of the body-as-space are presented in relation to the social construction of time, explicated as part of a subjective, embodied experience. This article presents a new modality of time in how it is articulated, imitated, reproduced and reinterpreted through material culture and future sustainable practices.
Validação da Career-Related Parent Support Scale numa amostra de estudantes portugueses
Authors: Gamboa Vitor , Paixão Olímpio , Rodrigues Suzi
Published: September 2021

A Career Related Parent Support Scale (CRPSS) procura avaliar, de acordo com as principais fontes de autoeficácia, o suporte parental percebido, em quatro dimensões: modelação de carreira, suporte emocional, apoio instrumental, e persuasão verbal. No presente estudo, tivemos como objetivo apresentar os principais resultados do processo de tradução e de adaptação à população portuguesa da CRPSS, com uma amostra de 338 estudantes dos ensinos básico e secundário. Globalmente, os resultados das análises realizadas aos itens e às diferentes subescalas atestam a qualidade psicométrica da CRPSS. No que se refere à análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC), os índices de qualidade do ajustamento ao modelo em quatro fatores foram satisfatórios, embora tenha sido necessário eliminar três itens, o que parece estar de acordo com os resultados obtidos em outros estudos de validação. A CRPSS associou-se de modo significativo à autoeficácia na tomada de decisão e aos comportamentos de exploração de carreira, evidenciando a sua validade convergente. Em síntese, os bons níveis de precisão e de validade obtidos parecem suportar a utilização da versão portuguesa na avaliação do suporte parental percebido em adolescentes portugueses.
Los spots electorales en las primeras campañas multipartidistas españolas: la personalización de la política como valor estratégico
Authors: Gil-Torres Alicia , Cáneba Rocío Asencio , De la Rosa Cristina San José
Published: September 2021

La primacía de la televisión e internet como nuevo medio de comunicación han hecho que los anuncios continúen teniendo importancia durante las campañas electorales. El trabajo aborda el vacío existente de la literatura del estudio de la publicidad electoral en el marco de las primeras elecciones generales multipartidistas del 20D de 2015.  Ante la incapacidad de formar gobierno por parte de los cuatro partidos mayoritarios en España: PP, PSOE, Podemos y Ciudadanos, se repitieron los comicios el 26J de 2016.

Los objetivos se centran en la tipología de spots utilizada y el uso de la publicidad negativa mediante un análisis descriptivo de una muestra de 77 spots recopilados de las cuentas oficiales de YouTube.  Cobra vital importancia la personalización de la política y la imagen que la publicidad hace de los candidatos. De igual manera, la metodología se establece como punto de partida para un análisis de los spots creados para posteriores campañas electorales en España, subsanando así el vacío académico existente.
Antifungal and antitoxin effects of propolis and its nanoemulsion formulation against Aspergillus flavus isolated from human sputum and milk powder samples
Authors: Hassanien Alshimaa A. , Shaker Eman M. , El-Sharkawy Eman E. , Elsherif Walaa M.
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim: Aspergillus flavus causes human and animal diseases through either inhalation of fungal spores or ingestion of mycotoxins as aflatoxins produced in human and animal feed as secondary metabolites. This study was aimed to detect the incidence of A. flavus and its aflatoxins in human sputum and milk powder samples and explore the efficacy of pure propolis (PP) and propolis nanoemulsion (PNE) as natural decontaminants against fungal growth and its released aflatoxins.

Materials and Methods: A. flavus was isolated by mycological culture and identified macroscopically and microscopically. Coconut agar medium and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were used to qualitatively detect aflatoxins in the isolated strains. Toxins were extracted from toxigenic strains by the fast extraction technique. The quantitative detection of toxin types was explored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). PNE was prepared by a novel method using natural components and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Zetasizer, and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of PP and PNE on A. flavus growth and its toxin were determined by the well-diffusion method and HPLC.

Results: The mycological culture showed that 30.9% and 29.2% of sputum and milk powder samples were positive for A. flavus, respectively. TLC confirmed the production of 61.8% and 63.2% aflatoxin by the isolated strains in sputum and milk powder, respectively. PP and PNE showed antifungal activity on A. flavus growth with mean±standard error (SE) inhibition zones of 27.55±3.98 and 39.133±5.32 mm, respectively. HPLC revealed positive contamination of toxin extracts with AFB1, AFB2, and AFG2 at 0.57±0.026, 0.28±0.043, and 0.1±0.05 mg/L, respectively. After treatment with PP and PNE, a significant decrease in AFB1, AFB2, and AFG2 concentrations was observed.

Conclusion: This study suggested using propolis and its nanoformulation as antifungal and antitoxins in human medicine and the food industry to increase the food safety level and stop food spoilage.
Protective paints from natural resources: composition and properties
Authors: Kugler Szymon , Ossowicz-Rupniewska Paula , Wierzbicka Ewa , Łopiński Jakub
Published: September 2021

Climate changes and increasing cost of non-renewable resources cause the growing interest in technical materials prepared from natural resources. To meet this interest, prototype paints from rosin and bio-diols derivatives, and also halloysite, were formulated to check their thermal, mechanical, visual and functional properties, as protective coatings of steel. Prepared materials contained ca. 75 wt.% of natural resources and exhibited considerably better corrosion protection, thermal stability, and also higher glass transition temperatures and hardness, than a commercial petroleum-based reference sample. The other parameters: cross-linking behavior, color, gloss, cupping resistance, adhesion and chemical resistance were within the range that is acceptable for potential users.
COVID-19 in the Two Koreas
Authors: Waitzkin Howard
Published: September 2021

The two Koreas—sharing a language, cultural traditions, history of imperial conquest and war, and interrupted family connections—both have mostly succeeded in controlling the pandemic, within different political-economic systems and with markedly different methods.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of avian influenza virus subtype H9N2 in backyard poultry of Peshawar Pakistan
Authors: Rehman S. , Khan M. I. , Rantam F. A. , Effendi M. H. , Shehzad A. , Tariq A.
Published: September 2021

The current study was conducted to estimate the serological prevalence and risk factors associated with the transmission of avian influenza subtype H9N2 among backyard poultry from different villages of semi-arid climate district Peshawar Pakistan between January to May 2019. In total, 240 blood samples of healthy backyard poultry older than two months were collected from 30 different villages of district Peshawar. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the data related to risk factors. Se-rum samples were tested through the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test further confirmed by the micro-neutralizing test (MN). Antibody body titer ≤ 8 considered negative for prevalence of H9N2. In order to classify risk factors, Chi-square and Logistic regression analyses were performed. Out of 240, 150 were found to be positive. The overall seroprevalence was 62.5%, mean antibody titer for avian influenza virus in all villages was 6.8 and (95%) confidence interval ranges from 35.33 to 51.70% re-spectively. The high prevalence of antibodies to avian influenza viruses in bird serum emphasizes that avian influenza plays an important role in the respiratory infections of backyard chickens in the area, and possibly throughout Pakistan. In order to avoid the introduction of H9N2, biosecurity initiatives, surveillance, monitoring systems, and to some extent, vaccinations are useful tools.
Modern aspects of treatment of hiatal hernia and its main complications
Authors: Usenko A. Yu. , Tyvonchuk O. S. , Dmytrenko О. P. , Tereshkevych I. S. , Babii I. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim. To evaluate the features and results of minimally invasive surgical treatment of patients with hiatal hernia (HH) and its main complications using modern endoscopic and laparoscopic technologies.
Materials and methods. The treatment results of 244 patients with HH and its main complications are given. 28 (11.5 %) patients had a combination of HH with Barrett’s esophagus, and 34 (13.9 %) patients had a combination of HH with esophageal stricture. In 62 patients with complications of HH, two-stage treatment tactics was used. Complete laparoscopic fundoplication was performed in 185 (75.8 %) patients, posterior partial Toupet fundoplication – in 59 (24.2 %) patients. Laparoscopic posterior crurography was performed in 198 (81.1 %) patients. In 7 (2.9 %) posterior crurography was supplemented by anterior. Teflon gaskets were used in 25 (10.3 %) patients during posterior crurography. Synthetic mesh prostheses were implanted in 14 (5.7 %) patients.
Results. In patients with esophageal stricture, the effect was observed after the second session of bougienage or hydro-dilation in 70.6 % of cases, after the third session - in the remaining cases. In Barrett's esophagus, a single session of argon plasma coagulation was radical in 100 % of patients with a lesion size less than 1 cm and in 85 % of patients with lesions of 1 cm to 2 cm in size. Recurrence of type III HH occurred more often than type I. The surgery required sufficient mediastinal dissection and mobilization for an adequate esophagus pull-through. In the surgical treatment of type IV HH, the use of composite diaphragmatic meshes was considered. The effectiveness of antireflux surgical intervention, as well as prevention of specific complications was depended on the technical features of the fundoplication cuff formation.
Conclusions. In the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal stricture in combination with HH, the two-stage tactics is optimal: stage I – ablation or dilatation, and stage II – laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective and safe method for treatment of patients with HH.
Immunopathological reactions, endothelial dysfunction and pathological angiogenesis as independent mechanisms of maladaptive left ventricular remodeling in ischemic and nonischemic heart failure patients
Authors: Rasputniak O. V. , Havrylenko T. I. , Rudenko K. V. , Ryzhkova N. O. , Pidhaina O. A. , Rybakova O. V. , Zalevskyi V. P. , Lomakovskyi О. M.
Published: September 2021

Regardless of the great progress in studying the heart failure (HF) pathophysiology, the question about involvement of immune cells activation, systemic inflammation, inflammatory cytokine dysregulation and endothelial dysfunction in maladaptive left ventricular (LV) remodeling in ischemic and nonischemic HF patients is still open to discussion.
The aim was to study the characteristics of immunopathological reactions (immunoinflammatory and autoimmune), endothelial dysfunction and pathologic angiogenesis in maladaptive LV remodeling in ischemic and nonischemic HF patients.
Materials and methods. A total of 20 healthy volunteers, 31 ischemic HF patients (group 1) and 43 nonischemic HF patients (group 2) were enrolled in the study. All the patients underwent coronarography, ventriculography, echocardigraphic examination. The main lymphocyte subset counts (flow cytometry), serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF), TNFα, endothelin-1 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)), autoantibodies to myocardium and vessels were detected.
Results. Regardless of the HF etiology, all the examined patients demonstrated echocardiographic features of maladaptive LV remodeling and severe intracardiac hemodynamic disorders that was associated with immune system activation, namely increased total and subset lymphocyte counts, chronic systemic inflammation (CRP), autoimmune process with an increase in autoantibodies to myocardium and vessels, and endothelial dysfunction (increased endothelin-1 and VEGF). Under-expression of TNF-α combined with over-expression of VEGF seemed to indicate pathological angiogenesis in ischemic and nonischemic HF patients
Conclusions. Significantly increased VEGF levels in heart failure patients can be considered as additional integral key marker of immune inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and pathological angiogenesis and may indicate maladaptive cardiac remodeling in severe heart failure.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors in therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (a review)
Authors: Kolesnik O. P. , Mykhailychenko V. V.
Published: September 2021

Aim. Based on scientific literature data, to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Materials and methods. To analyze the results of clinical trials of NSCLC treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Conclusions. Among the immune checkpoint inhibitors, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, namely Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab and Atezolizumab, are most successful in the treatment of NSCLC. Their use significantly increases overall survival and progression-free survival with a lower profile of adverse events. They are prescribed as both second-line and first-line drugs in the NSCLC therapy. Such biomarkers as Teff gene expression level, tumor mutational load (TMB) level and interferon gamma (IFNG) mRNA expression level have also been identified. They allow to more accurately determine the group of patients who will show the best response to therapy with PD-1/ PD-L1 inhibitors.
Evidence of Inflammation in Parkinson’s Disease and Its Contribution to Synucleinopathy
Authors: Lai Thuy Thi , Kim Yun Joong , Ma Hyeo-il , Kim Young Eun
Published: September 2021

Accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein in neurons is a renowned pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In addition, accumulating evidence indicates that activated inflammatory responses are involved in the pathogenesis of PD. Thus, achieving a better understanding of the interaction between inflammation and synucleinopathy in relation to the PD process will facilitate the development of promising disease-modifying therapies. In this review, the evidence of inflammation in PD is discussed, and human, animal, and laboratory studies relevant to the relationship between inflammation and αSyn are explored as well as new therapeutic targets associated with this relationship.
Präteritumschwund im Deutschen
Authors: Fischer Hanna
Published: September 2021

The loss of the preterite form in German dialects is still a disputed and unresolved matter. The article summarizes the results of a new study that analyzes several dialectological documentations (e. g. dialect grammars, dialect atlases) and recognizes the areal distribution of the loss of the preterite as a threefold scale (number of preterite building verbs, frequency of forms, hierarchy in loss of forms). On this basis the article reconstructs the historical process of the loss of the preterite and suggests an integrative explanation of the described process as the result of the semantic and functional expansion of the German present perfect.
Three-dimensional transient electromagnetic inversion with optimal transport
Authors: Sun Xiaomeng , Wang Yanfei , Yang Xiao , Wang Yibo
Published: September 2021

Transient electromagnetic method (TEM), as one of the essential time-domain electromagnetic prospecting approaches, has the advantage of expedition, efficiency and convenience. In this paper, we study the transient electromagnetic inversion problem of different geological anomalies. First, Maxwell’s differential equations are discretized by the staggered finite-difference (FD) method; then we propose to solve the TEM inversion problem by minimizing the Wasserstein metric, which is related to the optimal transport (OT). Experimental tests based on the layered model and a 3D model are performed to demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed method.
Physical exercise in pregnancy: benefits, risks and prescription
Authors: Ribeiro Maria Margarida , Andrade Ana , Nunes Inês
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive literature review, gathering the strongest evidence about the risks and benefits and the prescription of physical exercise during pregnancy.

Content

Regular physical exercise during pregnancy is associated with numerous benefits. In general women are not adequately advised on this matter. Along with their concerns regarding the potential associated risks, it contributes to the abandonment or refusal to start exercising during pregnancy. A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE including articles considered to have the highest level of scientific evidence. Fifty-seven articles, including 32 meta-analysis, 9 systematic reviews and 16 randomized controlled trials were included in the final literature review.

Exercise can help preventing relevant pregnancy related disorders, such as gestational diabetes, excessive gestational weight gain, hypertensive disorders, urinary incontinence, fetal macrosomia, lumbopelvic pain, anxiety and prenatal depression. Exercise is not related with an increased risk of maternal or perinatal adverse outcomes. Compliance with current guidelines is sufficient to achieve the main benefits, and exercise type and intensity should be based on woman’s previous fitness level.

Outlook

Exercise in pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus, contributing to prevent pregnancy related disorders. Exercise type and intensity should be adapted to woman’s previous fitness level, medical history and characteristics of the ongoing pregnancy.
Awareness of maternal stress, consequences for the offspring and the need for early interventions to increase stress resilience
Authors: Arabin Birgit , Hellmeyer Lars , Maul Johanna , Metz Gerlinde A.S.
Published: September 2021

Experimental and clinical studies suggest that prenatal experiences may influence health trajectories up to adulthood and high age. According to the hypothesis of developmental origins of health and disease exposure of pregnant women to stress, nutritional challenges, infection, violence, or war may “program” risks for diseases in later life. Stress and anxieties can exist or be provoked in parents after fertility treatment, after information or diagnosis of fetal abnormalities and demand simultaneous caring concepts to support the parents. In vulnerable groups, it is therefore important to increase the stress resilience to avoid harmful consequences for the growing child. “Enriched environment” defines a key paradigm to decipher how interactions between genes and environment change the structure and function of the brain. The regulation of the fetal hippocampal neurogenesis and morphology during pregnancy is one example of this complex interaction. Animal experiments have demonstrated that an enriched environment can revert consequences of stress in the offspring during critical periods of brain plasticity. Epigenetic markers of stress or wellbeing during pregnancy might even be diagnosed by fragments of placental DNA in the maternal circulation that show characteristic methylation patterns. The development of fetal senses further illustrates how external stimulation may impact individual preferences. Here, we therefore not only discuss how maternal stress influences cognitive development and resilience, but also design possibilities of non-invasive interventions for both mothers and children summarized and evaluated in the light of their potential to improve the health of future generations.
On Trade Justice, Power and Institutions – Some Questions for Risse and Wollner
Authors: Suttle Oisin
Published: September 2021

While Risse and Wollner make an important contribution to theorising global justice and trade, I identify certain concerns with their approach and suggest an alternative that addresses these. First, I query their emphasis on subjection to the trade regime as a morally salient feature, suggesting their argument trades on an ambiguity, and fails to connect the trade regime, as a trigger, with their preferred account of trade-justice-as-non-exploitation. Second, I examine their treatment of the WTO, how they understand international organisations as inheritors of states’ obligations, and how far an organisation like the WTO can or should be self-consciously reoriented towards justice-as-non-exploitation. Third, I ask how their account is distinct from existing approaches, and whether it makes sense to apply the same conception of justice across diverse agents and institutions. I conclude by sketching an alternative approach, which makes the justification of states’ policies to outsiders the central problem of trade justice.
On the Road Again: King David as Involuntary Migrant
Authors: Strine C. A.
Published: September 2021

When David ben Jesse’s triumphant return from battle in 1 Sam 18 causes King Saul to despise him, the wheels are set in motion to make David an asylum seeker, refugee, and return migrant. It is burdened with those traumatic experiences that he is announced king in 2 Sam 2. What follows is a narrative of familial conflict and fracture, involuntary migration for David again (2 Sam 15), and a final return (2 Sam 20). From this point, David lives a sedentary life. Although this is an atypical summary of the narrative in 1 Sam 18–2 Kings 2, it foregrounds the important role involuntary migration plays in its plot. This article will explore that story, looking especially at how David’s attitude toward mobility as king is implicitly rejected by the narrative.
Preserving History for the Persistent Legacy of Our School: A Youth-Led Participatory Heritage Project
Authors: Allen-Handy Ayana , Meloche Alysha , Brown Jahyonna , Frazier Ayanna , Escalante Karena , Walker Marie , Burns Isaiah , Edwards-Chapman Nehemiah , Ervin Qudia , Thomas Anna , Thomas Melissa , Wortham Iminie , Bugg Destiny , Dia Janel
Published: September 2021

This in-process project report describes a critical youth-led participatory heritage project that seeks to document, preserve, and make digitally accessible oral histories, archives, and artifacts of an urban, predominantly African American high school with a rich history and legacy. As a long-standing community institution, the narratives emerging from this high school are intricately connected with the larger story of the city of Philadelphia. This article uses an equity-based lens to demonstrate how youth-led participatory heritage can contribute to youth empowerment, critical consciousness development, and critical digital literacies. Implications for schools and communities experiencing gentrification, displacement, and community change are provided, including how participatory heritage with youth can utilize collaborative, asset-based efforts to foster change that allows youth and communities to have agency over their individual and collective stories, community history and legacy, and their futures.