bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 preventive measures against ESKAPE and Escherichia coli infections
Authors: Gaspari Rita , Spinazzola Giorgia , Teofili Luciana , Avolio Alfonso W. , Fiori Barbara , Maresca Gian M , Spanu Teresa , Nicolotti Nicola , De Pascale Gennaro , Antonelli Massimo
Published: October 2021

Background/Objectives

We investigated whether behavioral precautions adopted during Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic also influenced the spreading and multidrug resistance (MDR) of ESKAPEEc (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii [AB], Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp and Escherichia Coli, [EC]) among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients.

Subjects/Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective study in adult patients admitted to our COVID‐19‐free surgical ICU. Only patients staying in ICU for more than 48 hours were included. The ESKAPEEc infections recorded during the COVID‐19 period (June 1, 2020 ‐ February 28, 2021) and in the corresponding pre‐pandemic period (June 1, 2019 ‐ February 28, 2020) were compared. An interrupted time series analysis was performed to rule out possible confounders.

Results

Overall, 173 patients in the COVID‐19 period and 132 in the pre‐COVID‐19 period were investigated. The ESKAPEEc infections were documented in 23 (13.3%) and 35 (26.5%) patients in the pandemic and the pre‐pandemic periods, respectively (p = 0.005). Demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities, type of surgery, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, length of mechanical ventilation, hospital and ICU length of stay, ICU death rate, and 28‐day hospital mortality were similar in the two groups. In comparison with the pre‐pandemic period, no AB was recorded during COVID‐19 period, (p = 0.017), while extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing EC infections significantly decreased (p = 0.017). Overall, the ESKAPEEc isolates during pandemic less frequently exhibited multidrug‐resistant (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a robust adherence to hygiene measures together with human contact restrictions in a COVID‐19 free ICU might also restrain the transmission of ESKAPEEc pathogens.
End of treatment FDG‐PET in primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma treated with R‐chemotherapy: Prognostic indicator and implications for consolidation radiotherapy
Authors: Freitas Ana Carolina , Carvalho Inês Patrocínio , Esteves Susana , Salgado Lucília , Gomes da Silva Maria
Published: October 2021

The ideal therapeutic regimen in primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is controversial and may include consolidation radiotherapy (RT). An adequate strategy is essential in a population where long‐term effects of RT are significant. We evaluated the prognostic value of end‐of‐treatment (EOT) FDG‐PET in 50 patients receiving rituximab and anthracycline‐containing chemotherapy and its implications for consolidative RT. Thirty patients (60%) obtained complete metabolic response (CMR), five received consolidation RT. The remaining patients had partial response (14) and progression (6). Of these, 12 received mediastinal RT, six salvage chemotherapy, and two no further treatment. Five‐year progression free survival was 100% and 48% (95% CI 30%‐77%) in patients with negative and positive EOT FDG‐PET, respectively (P < .001). Five‐year overall survival for negative and positive EOT FDG‐PET was 100% and 67% (95% CI 48%‐93%) respectively (P = .001). Within positive EOT FDG‐PET cases, an association was found between Deauville score and survival. The negative predictive value (NPV) of EOT FDG‐PET for disease relapse/progression was 100% (95% CI 0.88‐1.00); the positive predictive value was 47% (95% CI 0.24‐0.71). This study demonstrates the importance of metabolic assessment in PMBCL and is relevant for its high NPV. Our data favor the use of EOT FDG‐PET for decisions concerning RT.
Intravenous ibuprofen for acute treatment of migraine: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot study
Authors: Yuan Hsiangkuo , Curran John G. , Keith Scott W. , Hopkins Mary M. , Silberstein Stephen D.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) Ibuprofen for acute treatment of migraine.

Background

IV nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an alternative to oral NSAIDs, especially in patients with severe migraine who have emesis or gastroparesis. To date, only three IV NSAIDs (ketorolac, ibuprofen, and meloxicam) are available in the United States for use in moderate and severe pain, but no placebo‐controlled trial is available for migraine. We performed a single‐center, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IV ibuprofen as an acute treatment of migraine (NCT01230411).

Methods

Individuals with episodic migraine were screened at the Jefferson Headache Center. Qualified subjects were treated for migraine attacks within 2–72 h following the headache onset with either 800 mg of IV ibuprofen or placebo in 250 ml saline bolus. Migraine pain intensity (4‐point Likert scale) and associated symptoms were assessed at predetermined time points (0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, 24 h). The primary endpoint was pain relief at 2 h after infusion. Important secondary endpoints included pain freedom at 2 h, sustained relief over 24 h, use of rescue therapy, and absence of associated symptoms. Adverse events (AEs) were also collected.

Results

Seventy‐four participants were enrolled between 2011 and 2017. Forty‐four subjects (female 33/44; 75.0%) with mean (SD) age 41.0 (11.2)   11.2 years came for the treatment. All treated subjects (n = 44) were included in the analysis. Among them, 23 were randomized to receive IV ibuprofen. Both groups were demographically similar except for longer migraine duration (i.e., years lived with disease) in the active treatment than in the placebo group. At 2 h posttreatment, pain relief was found in 74% (17/23) and 48% (10/21) after IV ibuprofen and placebo, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 3.12, 95% CI: 0.88–11.0;p = 0.078). Other secondary endpoints at 2 and 24 h were not significant. The longitudinal repeated‐measures analysis within 2 h on ibuprofen treatment showed significant pain relief (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.08–5.7;p = 0.033) and absence of associated symptoms: photophobia (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.57–10.3;p = 0.004), phonophobia (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.16–8.4;p = 0.025), and osmophobia (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.01–11.8;p = 0.048). AEs were observed in seven subjects in both groups, with arm pain being the most common. No serious AE was reported.

Conclusion

This study did not meet the primary endpoint but showed pain relief and elimination of several associated symptoms within 2 h on repeated‐measures analysis. Although limited by small sample size and high placebo response, our results indicate that IV ibuprofen may be a safe and effective option for acute treatment of migraine, but more extensive studies are necessary.
Interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of anal dysplasia: comparison between gastrointestinal and gynaecological pathologists and utility of consensus conferences
Authors: Abu‐Farsakh Sohaib , Drage Michael G , Huber Aaron R , Turner Bradley M , Varghese Sharlin , Wang Xi , Whitney‐Miller Christa L , Gonzalez Raul S
Published: October 2021

Aims

Management of anal dysplasia relies upon the accurate diagnosis of anal biopsy specimens. As institutions move towards subspecialty signout (SSSO), decisions must be made regarding whether to assign anal biopsies to the gastrointestinal (GI) or gynaecological (GYN) pathology service.

Materials and results

We identified 200 archival tissue biopsies of anal mucosa and circulated them among three GI pathologists and three GYN pathologists. Each pathologist separately scored each biopsy as normal, atypical, low‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion (LSIL) or high‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion (HSIL). Every case that was called HSIL by at least one pathologist was stained with p16 immunostain and a ‘gold standard’ interpretation of whether or not a case represented HSIL was made. The GI pathologists agreed on 97 (49%) cases prior to consensus; the GYN pathologists agreed on 33 (17%). The sensitivities of the three GI pathologists in detecting HSIL against the ‘gold standard’ were 47, 100 and 21% and for the GYN pathologists the sensitivities were 74, 89 and 84%; the sensitivities of the GI and GYN consensus diagnoses were 74% each. The specificities of the three GI pathologists in detecting HSIL were 99, 90 and 100% and for the GYN pathologists the specificities were 99, 92 and 91%; the specificities of both the GI and GYN consensus diagnoses were 100%.

Conclusions

A mild to moderate degree of interobserver variability exists in the diagnosis of anal dysplasia among pathologists. Our study indicates the utility of some form of consensus conference, as overall agreement among GI pathologists and among GYN pathologists improved following in‐person consensus.
Impact of network topology on the thermal and mechanical properties of lithium germanate glasses
Authors: Sørensen Søren S. , To Theany , Christensen Johan F. S. , Johra Hicham , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: October 2021

In this work, we study the structure–topology–property relations of a series of melt‐quenched lithium germanate glasses. These glasses exhibit the so‐called germanate anomaly, that is, the germanium atoms feature a distribution of four‐coordinated and higher coordinated germanium species, manifesting itself as anomalies in several material properties. Here, we couple variations in the number of atomic bond constraints with measured variations in thermal and mechanical properties, including thermal conductivity, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness. For thermal conductivity, a strong correlation is found with sound velocity as well as with the volumetric constraint density. For hardness, a good correlation with volumetric constraint density is found, whereas, for fracture toughness, variations in network topology alone are insufficient to explain the composition–property relation. To account for this, we apply a recent model which incorporates knowledge of local structure, mechanical properties, and fracture patterns to predict the fracture toughness, showing a good qualitative agreement with the experimental data.
Mixed‐signal stock splits
Authors: Elnahas Ahmed M. , Jain Pankaj K. , McInish Thomas H.
Published: October 2021

We investigate CEOs who combine insider selling with stock splits, which is suspicious, because dumping stocks is inconsistent with the positive stock‐split signal. Our empirical results indicate that, compared with other splits, these mixed‐signal splits perform poorly and are followed by much lower buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns and much higher likelihoods of announcing an earnings restatement and CEO turnover in the post‐split period. Our results are robust to entropy balancing and controlling for CEO characteristics, incentives, and corporate governance and highlight previously ignored agency issues around stock splits. Attention to insider trades is essential to properly interpret a stock‐split signal.
Partial wing transparency works better when disrupting wing edges: Evidence from a field experiment
Authors: Arias Mónica , Leroy Lucie , Madec Clément , Matos Louane , Tedore Cynthia , Elias Marianne , Gomez Doris
Published: October 2021

Lepidoptera—a group of insects in which wing transparency has arisen multiple times—exhibits much variation in the size and position of transparent wing zones. However, little is known as to how this variability affects detectability. Here, we test how the size and position of transparent elements affect the predation of artificial moths by wild birds in the field. Morphs with transparent elements touching wing borders showed a reduced predation risk, with the effect being the same regardless of the number of wing borders being touched. By contrast, transparent element size had little to no effect on predation risk. Overall, this experiment shows for the first time that transparency offers higher protection when it disrupts prey contour in terrestrial habitats.
Allopregnanolone and neuroHIV: Potential benefits of neuroendocrine modulation in the era of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Salahuddin Mohammed F. , Qrareya Alaa N. , Mahdi Fakhri , Moss Emaya , Akins Nicholas S. , Li Jing , Le Hoang V. , Paris Jason J.
Published: October 2021

Forty years into the HIV pandemic, approximately 50% of infected individuals still suffer from a constellation of neurological disorders collectively known as ‘neuroHIV.’ Although combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has been a tremendous success, in its present form, it cannot eradicate HIV. Reservoirs of virus reside within the central nervous system, serving as sources of HIV virotoxins that damage mitochondria and promote neurotoxicity. Although understudied, there is evidence that HIV or the HIV regulatory protein, trans‐activator of transcription (Tat), can dysregulate neurosteroid formation potentially contributing to endocrine dysfunction. People living with HIV commonly suffer from endocrine disorders, including hypercortisolemia accompanied by paradoxical adrenal insufficiency upon stress. Age‐related comorbidities often onset sooner and with greater magnitude among people living with HIV and are commonly accompanied by hypogonadism. In the post‐cART era, these derangements of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal and ‐gonadal axes are secondary (i.e., relegated to the brain) and indicative of neuroendocrine dysfunction. We review the clinical and preclinical evidence for neuroendocrine dysfunction in HIV, the capacity for hormone therapeutics to play an ameliorative role and the future steroid‐based therapeutics that may have efficacy as novel adjunctives to cART.
Acupuncture: A therapeutic approach against acne
Authors: Chun‐Yan Chen , Guang‐yao Xu , Yan‐yan Shang , Ming‐Shu Xu , Peng Liu
Published: October 2021

Acne is a common but chronic skin disease that influence large population especially juvenile. Acne can continue, begin, or grow into severe form in adult age, affecting face, back, and chest. It may be a serious issue if not cared or treated timely. Even if acne got treated it leaves a persistent scar, which is difficult to alleviate. These acne lesions are long‐lasting and result in significant impact on mental and physical health of an individual. There are four mechanisms that are involved in acne lesion formation. However, the accurate series of events of the interaction among the factors in acne pathogenesis is still unsettled. Pubescent acne is due to increase hormone levels, when in fact adult acne is due to fluctuation in hormone levels. There are various approaches for the treatment of acne, including oral medications, creams or gels, acupuncture. Traditional Chinese Medicine stated acne as a infection that is associated with the pathogenic influence of damp heat and heat on specific meridians. As an ancient and integral part of Chinese medicine acupuncture therapy is employed in the treatment of many diseases including acne. It functions by ameliorating the deep‐rooted mechanisms playing crucial role in acne development. In this review, we have explained the acne causes, pathogenesis, and its available treatment options. Additionally, we also discussed the acupuncture therapy methods, devices, different techniques. and its mechanism of action in treating acne. Furthermore, clinical trials studies motivated us to highlight the scope of acupuncture in the growing system of medicine.
Unpacking characteristics of spirituality through the lens of persons of colour living with serious illness: The need for nurse‐based education to increase understanding of the spiritual dimension in healthcare
Authors: Earlix Kerith , Shive Nadia , Coats Heather
Published: October 2021

Aims and objectives

To examine the characteristics of spirituality as expressed by persons of colour living with serious illness.

Background

Spiritual, Religious and Existential Care, as specified in the National Consensus Project (NCP) Guidelines, is a core domain of palliative nursing.

Design of the study

A constructionist approach to narrative analysis was used for this study and reported in accordance with the COREQ guideline.

Methods

In‐depth narrative interviews were conducted with 20 participants. These participants included persons of colour living with serious illness who were admitted to an acute‐care hospital. Through a deductive coding approach, a codebook was created based on a broad definition of spirituality including: religion, self, family, community, nature and art/music/literature.

Results

The major themes expressed were religion, self and family. Subthemes of religion included increased faith, support of the church community and God's intervention in patients' lives. Subthemes of self included increased self‐worth, self‐awareness of one's place in the world and individualised transition to new meaning in life. Subthemes of family included family adding meaning and purpose to their lives, family as an important source of strength and support, wanting to regain their health to go back to caring for their families, and believing that their illness had brought their family closer together.

Conclusion

The thematic analysis revealed a broader existential aspect of what brought value, meaning and purpose into their lives, despite their progressive physical illness. More research is needed to understand spiritual, religious or existential needs of persons of colour living with serious illness and how nurses can best support these needs. By understanding the components of spirituality, nurses can learn to recognise the signs of spiritual distress. This awareness also helps to know when a spiritual specialist is needed—either the patient's own spiritual guide(s) or the hospital chaplain. Nurses can also use spiritual assessment tools when performing a general assessment on the patient.

Relevance to clinical practice

By understanding the components of spirituality, nurses can learn to recognise the signs of spiritual distress. This awareness also helps to know when a spiritual specialist is needed—either the patient's own spiritual guide(s) or the hospital chaplain. Nurses can also use spiritual assessment tools when performing a general assessment on the patient.
Intermediation Variety
Authors: DONALDSON JASON RODERICK , PIACENTINO GIORGIA , THAKOR ANJAN
Published: October 2021

We explain why banks and nonbank intermediaries coexist in a model based only on differences in their funding costs. Banks enjoy a low cost of capital due to safety nets and money‐like liabilities. We show that this can actually be a disadvantage: it generates a soft‐budget‐constraint problem that makes it difficult for banks to credibly threaten to withhold additional funding to failed projects. Nonbanks emerge to solve this problem. Their high cost of capital is an advantage: it allows them to commit to terminate funding. Still, nonbanks never take over the entire market, but other coexist with banks in equilibrium.
The effect of unemployment on couples separating in Germany and the UK
Authors: Di Nallo Alessandro , Lipps Oliver , Oesch Daniel , Voorpostel Marieke
Published: October 2021

Objective

This article examines how unemployment affects the separation risk of heterosexual coresiding couples, depending on couples' household income and whether men or women become unemployed.

Background

Unemployment may decrease the separation risk as a drop in resources makes separation more costly—or it may increase the separation risk if unemployment creates stress and reduces the quality of couple relations. Moreover, unemployment may be more detrimental for couples if men rather than women, or low‐earners rather than high‐earners, become unemployed.

Method

This article adopts a couple perspective and assesses heterogeneous effects of unemployment on separation based on longitudinal data—large household panels from Germany and the UK using discrete‐time event history models.

Results

For both countries, results show that the annual separation rate almost doubles after an unemployment spell: It increases from 0.9% to 1.6% per year. This effect does not vary when men or women lose their job. The separation risk after unemployment is somewhat higher for low‐income couples than high‐income couples in the UK, but overall differences are small.

Conclusion

Findings show that unemployment does not strengthen unions, but makes them more vulnerable—regardless of which partner becomes unemployed and regardless of a household's economic resources.
Epidemiological, clinical, and electrophysiological findings in dogs and cats with traumatic brachial plexus injury: A retrospective study of 226 cases
Authors: Troupel Thibaut , Van Caenegem Nicolas , Jeandel Aurélien , Thibaud Jean‐Laurent , Nicolle Audrey , Blot Stéphane
Published: October 2021

Background

The imaging and electrodiagnostic (EDX) characteristics of traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) are incompletely reported.

Objectives

To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and EDX characteristics of TBPIs in a series of cases in dogs and cats; to determine the association between clinical data, EDX findings, and clinical outcomes; and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of EDX studies to classify nerve lesions.

Animals

One hundred and seventy‐five dogs and 51 cats with TBPI and EDX exploration of radial nerve, ulnar nerve, or both nerves.

Methods

Retrospective case series. All medical records were searched for dogs and cats presenting with TBPIs that underwent EDX exploration. Epidemiological, clinical, EDX, and follow‐up data were extracted. Association between clinical data, EDX findings, and clinical outcomes was explored.

Results

Forty‐six percent of affected animals were injured before 2 years of age and 57% of dogs weighed more than 20 kg. The radial compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude for dogs and cats that had clinical improvement was higher than in animals without improvement (4.3 mV [0‐23.6] vs 0 mV [0‐2.4], respectively, P = .02). A discriminating radial CMAP amplitude threshold value of 5 mV had a specificity of 93% (95% CI [80‐100]) to predict recovery.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Electrodiagnostic studies, particularly measurement of radial CMAP amplitude, are valuable diagnostic tests to refine the prognosis of these animals.
Migration without interbreeding: Evolutionary history of a highly selfing Mediterranean grass inferred from whole genomes
Authors: Stritt Christoph , Gimmi Elena L. , Wyler Michele , Bakali Abdelmonaim H. , Skalska Aleksandra , Hasterok Robert , Mur Luis A. J. , Pecchioni Nicola , Roulin Anne C.
Published: October 2021

Wild plant populations show extensive genetic subdivision and are far from the ideal of panmixia which permeates population genetic theory. Understanding the spatial and temporal scale of population structure is therefore fundamental for empirical population genetics – and of interest in itself, as it yields insights into the history and biology of a species. In this study we extend the genomic resources for the wild Mediterranean grass Brachypodium distachyon to investigate the scale of population structure and its underlying history at whole‐genome resolution. A total of 86 accessions were sampled at local and regional scales in Italy and France, which closes a conspicuous gap in the collection for this model organism. The analysis of 196 accessions, spanning the Mediterranean from Spain to Iraq, suggests that the interplay of high selfing and seed dispersal rates has shaped genetic structure in B. distachyon. At the continental scale, the evolution in B. distachyon is characterized by the independent expansion of three lineages during the Upper Pleistocene. Today, these lineages may occur on the same meadow yet do not interbreed. At the regional scale, dispersal and selfing interact and maintain high genotypic diversity, thus challenging the textbook notion that selfing in finite populations implies reduced diversity. Our study extends the population genomic resources for B. distachyon and suggests that an important use of this wild plant model is to investigate how selfing and dispersal, two processes typically studied separately, interact in colonizing plant species.
Nursing support for older people's autonomy in residential care: An integrative review
Authors: Moilanen Tanja , Suhonen Riitta , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: October 2021

Background

Nurses play a crucial role in enabling older people's autonomy in residential care. However, there is a lack of synthesised knowledge about how nurses can support older people.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify and synthesise nursing support for older people's autonomy in residential care.

Methods

An integrative review was carried out by searching the CINAHL, Philosopher's index, PubMed, SocINDEX, Scopus and Web of Science databases, supplemented by manual searches. The searches focused on peer‐reviewed scientific empirical research papers published in English, without date limitations. The constant comparison method was used for the analysis.

Results

The review identified 24 papers, and these showed that older people's autonomy was based on dignity. Nurses protected older people's autonomy in eight different ways. They protected their right to make their own decisions, acted as advocates, respected their wishes, provided opportunities for autonomy, fostered independence, gave information to residents and relatives, provided individualised care practices and protected older people's safety. However, there were also barriers that needed to be overcome.

Conclusions

Nurses used multiple, individually tailored activities to support older people's autonomy, but they also had different reasons for supporting or hindering it. Work and leadership structures are needed to ensure that older people's autonomy is driven by ethical practices.

Implications for practice

The results of this review can help nurses who provide residential care for older people to recognise the different nursing activities that can be used to support older people's autonomy and to develop strategies to apply them in different daily care situations. However, further research is needed to determine how these activities can be realised in daily care and how they cover different aspects of older people's lives in residential care.
Laboratory testing of sunscreens on the US market finds lower in vitro SPF values than on labels and even less UVA protection
Authors: Andrews David Q. , Rauhe Kali , Burns Carla , Spilman Emily , Temkin Alexis M. , Perrone‐Gray Sean , Naidenko Olga V. , Leiba Nneka
Published: October 2021

Background

New research has attributed increased significance to the causal link between ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation and immunosuppression and carcinogenesis. In the United States, sunscreens are labeled with only their sun protection factor (SPF) and an imprecise term “broad‐spectrum protection.” Sunscreen marketing and efficacy evaluations continue to be based primarily on skin redness (sunburn) or erythema. We sought to evaluate the ultraviolet (UV) protection offered by common sunscreen products on the US market using laboratory‐measured UV‐absorption testing and comparing with computer‐modeled protection and the labeled SPF values. This approach enables an investigation of the relationship between the labeled SPF and measured UVA protection, a factor that is ignored in current regulations.

Methods

Fifty‐one sunscreen products for sale in the United States with SPF values from 15 to 110 and labeled as providing broad‐spectrum protection were tested using a commercial laboratory. All products were evaluated using the ISO 24443:2012 method for sunscreen effectiveness. The final absorbance spectra were used for analysis of in vitro UV protection.

Results

In vitro SPF values from laboratory‐measured UV absorption and computer modeling were on average just 59 and 42 percent of the labeled SPF. The majority of products provided significantly lower UVA protection with the average unweighted UVA protection factor just 24 percent of the labeled SPF.

Conclusion

Regulations and marketplace forces promote sunscreens that reduce sunburn instead of products that provide better, more broad‐spectrum UV protection. The production and use of products with broad spectrum UV protection should be incentivized, removing the emphasis on sunburn protection and ending testing on people.
Classifying foreign publics: Examining the relationships behavioral experience, symbolic environment, and communication behaviors among key foreign publics
Authors: Perez Loarre Andreu , Chon Myoung‐Gi , Vibber Kelly , Kim Jeong‐Nam
Published: October 2021

This study applies Tam and Kim's 2019 taxonomy to alumni data for the Global Korea Scholarship in order to segment key foreign publics and understand their communication behaviors toward South Korea in the context of public diplomacy. In this study, key foreign publics refer to groups of foreign publics who are positioned to impact the public diplomacy goals of a nation. They have a direct behavioral relationship with a foreign host country and maintain communication and relationships with those in their home country. The findings of this study provide empirical results that identify four types of foreign publics, showing that the new segmentation taxonomy of foreign publics by Tam and Kim is applicable in public diplomacy. The results also indicate that each public type acts differently in terms of positive megaphoning, negative megaphoning, and likelihood of recommending of South Korea, further supporting the typology's behavioral descriptions.

Related Articles in this Special Issue

Ayhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–1291. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440.

Hong, Moon Suk, Minjeong Jeon, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “International Scholarship for Social Change? Re‐contextualizing Global Korea Scholarship Alumni's Perceptions of Justice and Diversity in South Korea.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1359–1390. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12435.

Tam, Lisa, and Kadir Jun Ayhan. 2021. “Evaluations of People, Affection, and Recommendation for a Host Country: A Study of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipients.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1292–1307. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12438.
Forest and landscape restoration monitoring frameworks: how principled are they?
Authors: Gutierrez Victoria , Hallett James G. , Ota Liz , Sterling Eleanor , Wilson Sarah J. , Bodin Blaise , Chazdon Robin L.
Published: October 2021

Forest and landscape restoration (FLR) aims to simultaneously restore ecological functionality to deforested or degraded landscapes and ensure the provision of ecosystem services essential for human well‐being. Interest in FLR has followed the ambitious commitments made to restore degraded forest by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge and the New York Declaration on Forests. To clarify and define FLR, the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration articulated six principles that underlie this approach, but other sets of principles have also been developed. Our paper examines if and to what extent these principles and their interdependencies are captured in frameworks currently used to monitor FLR. We conducted a literature review to identify FLR monitoring frameworks that linked criteria to principles, but found only five appropriate publications. These frameworks were strictly hierarchical and thus unlikely to capture the interactions and interdependencies among different elements of FLR. Two of the five addressed all six principles. Second, we conducted a series of group exercises with experts to characterize the topology of FLR monitoring frameworks by linking criteria to principles and examining interconnections. We cataloged 18 criteria and 76 indicators, in a non‐exhaustive exercise. Cognitive mapping of the interconnections between FLR principles and criteria showed that criteria are typically linked to more than one principle indicating the need to consider networked frameworks. However, no FLR monitoring frameworks currently exist for understanding and operationalizing all six principles, and integrating the interconnected processes underpinning FLR planning, monitoring, and assessment.
Poverty in India in the face of Covid‐19: Diagnosis and prospects*
Authors: Dang Hai‐Anh , Lanjouw Peter , Vrijburg Elise
Published: October 2021

India has been hard‐hit by the Covid‐19 pandemic. The virus has exacted a heavy toll in terms of lives lost and deteriorating health outcomes. The economic consequences of the pandemic have been similarly grim. In this paper we attempt an initial, interim, assessment of the impacts of the crisis on poverty. We review the growing literature that considers emerging poverty impacts, noting that there remain significant knowledge gaps due to limited evidence on current welfare outcomes. We analyze pre‐Covid survey data to examine the incidence of chronic poverty and downward mobility during a period of rapid economic growth and declining poverty. A profile of poverty during such a period might offer a plausible, partial, window on population groups currently at risk. We suggest that, notwithstanding the severe initial impacts of the crisis on poverty, there are grounds for expecting further consequences going forward. As the virus has spread out of the relatively affluent cities, and as economic stagnation persists, rural areas, with historically higher rates of chronic poverty and vulnerability, may see particularly sharp increases in poverty. While recent vaccination developments offer some grounds for optimism, there remains an urgent need to identify, implement and amplify effective policy alleviation measures.
Detection of the novel HLA allele, HLA‐DQA1*01:65, identified in a Danish donor
Authors: Hald Jacob , Plesner Annette , Hauge Anne Werner , Bruunsgaard Helle
Published: October 2021

HLA‐DQA1*01:65 differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:03 in exon 1 at amino acid ‐7 a valine to methionine substitution.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*05:255 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Gatouillat Grégory , Tabary Thierry , Tonye‐Libyh Marcelle , Pham Bach Nga , Giusti Delphine
Published: October 2021

HLA‐C*05:255 differs from HLA‐C*05:01:01:02 by one nucleotide substitution at position 2013 in exon 5.
Detection of the new HLA‐DQB1*06:384 allele in a Russian individual
Authors: Shagimardanova Elena , Ananeva Anastasiia , Osipova Nailia
Published: October 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 148 of HLA‐DQB1*06:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*06:384.
Macrosomia and its predictors in pregnant women with diabetes in Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Demeke Mesfin , Bayih Wubet Alebachew , Alemu Abebaw Yeshambel , Sinshaw Aklilu Endalamaw , Mekonen Demewoz Kefale , Ayele Amare Simegn , Aytenew Tigabu Munye , Aynew Yeshambaw Eshetie , Hailemichael Wasihun , Getu Sisay , Kiros Mulugeta , Andualem Henok , Birihan Binyam Minuye
Published: October 2021

Background

To estimate the prevalence of macrosomia and contributing factors among pregnant women with diabetes in Ethiopia.

Methods

The Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science electronic databases and grey literature found in online university repositories were searched for primary studies reporting the prevalence of macrosomia (birth weight ≥4 kg, irrespective of gestational age) and/or at least one determinant factor using WHO diabetes diagnosis criteria were involved. Variations across the studies were checked using theI2 statistic; funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. A weighted inverse random effect model was used to estimate the overall prevalence of macrosomia.

Results

The overall prevalence of macrosomic newborns among pregnant women with diabetes [15.1% (95% CI: 9.0%, 21.2%)] was higher than the prevalence among non‐diabetic mothers (3.9%). Maternal blood glucose level >100 mg/dl [AOR = 10.5: 95% CI: 5.9, 15.1] and >120 mg/dl [AOR = 8.8: 95% CI: 4.5, 13.0], lack of Antenatal Care (ANC) visit [AOR = 10.8: 95% CI: 6.0, 15.0], previous adverse birth outcomes and advanced maternal age [AOR = 3.5: 95% CI: 1.0, 5.9] were significantly associated with the prevalence of macrosomia at 95% CI.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of macrosomia among pregnant women with diabetes was higher than the prevalence among non‐diabetic pregnant women (3.9%). Advanced maternal age, previous adverse birth outcomes, lack of ANC and uncontrolled maternal plasma glucose level were independent predictors of macrosomia.
Outcomes of tocilizumab therapy in severe or critical COVID‐19 patients: A retrospective cohort, single‐centre study
Authors: Abdelnaby Hassan , Aboelhassan Wael , Al‐Jarallah Mohammed , Rajan Rajesh , Dashti Raja , Zhanna Kobalava D. , Alsaber Ahmad R. , Abd el‐Aleem Ahmed , Ashry Islam , Abdullah Mohammed , Mahmoud Fouad Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab, a humanised anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor antibody, in the treatment of critical or severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of severe or critical COVID‐19 patients (≥18 years) admitted to one hospital in Kuwait. Fifty‐one patients received intravenous tocilizumab, while 78 patients received the standard of care at the same hospital. Both groups were compared for clinical improvement and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

The tocilizumab (TCZ) group had a significantly lower 28‐day in‐hospital mortality rate than the standard‐of care‐group (21.6% vs. 42.3% respectively; p = 0.015). Fifty‐five per cent of patients in the TCZ group clinically improved vs. 11.5% in the standard‐of‐care group (p < 0.001). Using Cox‐proportional regression analysis, TCZ treatment was associated with a reduced risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11–0.61) and increased likelihood of clinical improvement (adjusted hazard ratio 4.94; 95% CI: 2.03–12.0), compared to the standard of care. The median C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin levels in the tocilizumab group decreased significantly over the 14 days of follow‐up. Secondary infections occurred in 19.6% of the TCZ group, and in 20.5% of the standard‐of‐care group, with no statistical significance (p = 0.900).

Conclusion

Tocilizumab was significantly associated with better survival and greater clinical improvement in severe or critical COVID‐19 patients.
Pathogenicity Factors and Antibiotic Resistance of the Bacteroides Fragilis
Authors: Kozhakhmetova S.S. , Zholdybayeva E.V. , Mukhtarova K.E. , Ramankulov Ye.M.
Published: October 2021

This article presents novel ideas about classification, genomic structure (inverted regions, mobile genetic elements, plasmids, mobilized and conjugated transposons), pathogenicity factors (adhesins, various enzymes, toxins, in particular, data on enterotoxin fragmentinis BFT - B. fragilis toxin), and the role of their metabolites in the manifestation of pathogenicity. Data on the global prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the clinical B. fragilis strains are presented. Mechanisms of development of the drug resistance are considered and the role of cfiA, tet, nim genes in the development of antibiotic resistance is disclosed. Information on the use of the MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-activated laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) method for distinguishing B.fragilis strains into two groups based on the ability to carry carbapenem resistant gene (carrying and not carrying cfiA gene) are presented. Basics of modes of emergence of multi-resistance in clinical strains of B. fragilis are considered. In addition, prospects for genome-wide sequencing in predicting antimicrobial resistance are presented. Currently increasing attention of researchers is payed to increase in resistance of B. fragilis to widely used antimicrobials. This is indeed of a great importance when choosing adequate antimicrobial therapy.
Biologically Active Substances of Fungus Aspergillus Niger
Authors: Zhursinali A.B. , Kurmanbaev A.A.
Published: October 2021

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is frequently used for industrial production of fermentative products such as enzymes, proteins and biochemicals. In contrast to what most people might think, citric acid is not or not anymore isolated from citrus fruits, but is industrially produced by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. In 1917, a food chemist named James Currie made a promising discovery: any strain of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger would produce high concentrations of citric acid when grown in sugar medium. This tricarboxylic acid, which we now know is an intermediate of the Krebs cycle, had previously been extracted from citrus fruits for applications in food and beverage production. Two years after Currie’s discovery, industrial-level production using Aspergillus niger began, the biochemical fermentation industry started to flourish, and industrial biotechnology was born. Aspergillus niger additionally producing a diverse range of proteins, enzymes and secondary metabolites. In this review, we presented materials on more than 100 years of use of Aspergillus niger in biotechnological production of biologically active substances and environmental protection.
PGPR Bacteria - Promising Objects to Create BIOFERTILIZERS of Complex Action
Authors: Abdykadyrova A.B. , Aipova R. , Raisov B.O. , Kurmanbaev A.A.
Published: October 2021

The review summarizes literature data and the results of the authors own research on the agronomically useful group of soil microorganisms stimulating plant growth (plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria - PGPR bacteria). PGPRs have great potential for plant growth promoting as they control pest and disease and have been considered important in sustainable agriculture. PGPR includes a promising group of bacteria that live on the surface and inside the roots of agricultural plants. They possess a number of positive properties such as fixation of molecular nitrogen of the atmosphere, decomposition of harmful chemical compounds, synthesis of substances of a hormonal nature, are able to transform difficult phosphorus soil compounds, and also prevent or reduce the growth of phytopathogens due to the ability to synthesize substances with bactericidal and fungicidal effects, as well as competition for ions iron, without which the growth of phytopathogens is difficult. In addition, PGPR bacteria provide plant resistance to adverse environmental factors: heavy metal pollution of the soil, soil salinization, and drought. Under stress caused by heavy metal contamination of the soil, PGPR bacteria enhance plant survival. Data are presented showing the prospects of using these microorganisms in the development of technologies of ecological farming in order to increase plant productivity, biocontrol over the development of plant diseases, reduce the chemical load on the soil, increase its fertility.
Modification Of Taq DNA Polymerase with Improved Elongation Ability
Authors: Sarsen A. , Akishev Zh. , Saginova M. , Sultankulov B. , Khassenov B.
Published: October 2021

Thermostable polymerases play a significant role in molecular biology and diagnostic practice. The most famous and demanded is Polymerase I from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus (Taq-pol). This polymerase at one time made a kind of revolution in the polymerase chain reaction. In this work, we attempted to modify this polymerase by attaching an additional Sso7d protein from Sulfolobus solfataricus to Taq-pol, which provides additional binding to the double-stranded DNA of the template. Sso7d-Taq fusion gene was expressed in BL21(DE3) cells. Optimal conditions were selected for maximum production of modified Sso7d-Taq polymerase. The optimal conditions for the intracellular accumulation of Sso7d-Taq polymerase: activation of the T7 promoter when the optical density of the culture reaches OD600 = 0.8-1.0 by adding IPTG at a concentration of 0.2 mM, followed by incubation of the culture at 37°C for 20-24 hours. Recombinant Sso7d-Taq polymerase has been purified and tested by PCR for thermal stability and elongation time. It was found that the Sso7d-Taq enzyme withstands 5 hour incubation at 95°C and 75 minute incubation at 98°C. Comparative analysis with unmodified Taq DNA polymerase showed that the Sso7d-Taq enzyme reduces the elongation rate by several times - up to 15-13 seconds per 1 kbp. The results obtained indicate the prospects of using Sso7d-Taq DNA polymerase in scientific research and diagnostic practice.
In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Radio- Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
Authors: Begimbetova D. A. , Baiskhanova D. M. , Matkarimov B. T. , Shulgau Z. T.
Published: October 2021

In recent years, there has been a massive distribution of mobile phones and Wi-Fi networks. In this regard, concerns about their potential effects on living organisms, including humans, are increasing. Despite earlier assumptions about the absence of harmful effects of short-term exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones and Wi-Fi networks, there is now increasing evidence of the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic fields on the human body through the induction of oxidative stress and damage to DNA structure. It is assumed that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields can cause the development of various pathological conditions in the human body, including oncological diseases, impaired cognitive functions and sleep, etc.

This review analyzes and summarizes existing studies indicating various negative effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields on human and animal cells. Since there is a large amount of conflicting data on the effect of electromagnetic fields on the human body, only further research can provide an answer to the possible negative effects of mobile phones and Wi-Fi networks usage.
Effect of Molybdenum on The Activity of Molybdoenzymes
Authors: Iksat N.N. , Zhangazin S.B. , Madirov A.A. , Omarov R.T.
Published: October 2021

The soil is a reservoir of various contaminants with heavy metals and has a strong cation exchange property. Among these heavy metals, molybdenum is an essential element that is required in small quantities for optimal plant growth and development. This useful heavy metal performs several biochemical and physiological tasks in plants and is also considered as an important component of various cellular enzymes and is actively involved in redox reactions. Mononuclear molybdenum-containing enzymes, as a rule, have a certain conserved metal center, coordinated by one or two pyranopterins. The pyranopterin fragment plays a key role in the properties of the metal site in the group of mononuclear enzymes of molybdenum with various functions: coordination; stabilization and modulation of the redox transitions of the center, acting as a redox buffer; and for redox regulation/compliance in a variety of catalytic reactions. The coordination sphere of the metal is equipped with oxygen and/or sulfur, selenium atoms in various forms. Tungsten is an antagonist of molybdenum and inhibits molybdoenzymes. In the current review we elaborately reviewed various studies regarding heavy metals - molybdenum and tungsten, their uptake mechanism, essential transporters, and also discuss about the destructive properties of heavy metals in response to their concentration.