bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misogyny in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Wistrich Harriet
Published: January 2022

Focussing on a number of events during the month of March 2021, this article illustrates the enduring presence of misogynistic attitudes across criminal justice institutions, which leads to discriminatory practice and unjust outcomes for women. In particular, it focusses on the events following the high‐profile disappearance and murder of Sarah Everard, the growing awareness of police perpetrated abuse, the collapse in rape prosecutions and the unwillingness of the courts to hold the Crown Prosecution Service accountable. The article references the Domestic Abuse Bill in the final stages of its parliamentary journey and what was missing from it. Concluding with a detailed exploration of how the small number of women who kill their violent partners are frequently convicted of murder, illustrated by a detailed case study of Emma‐Jayne Magson. How women who kill are treated in the criminal justice system is a microcosmic illustration of misogyny in the criminal justice system.
The incidence of acute kidney injury and its association with mortality in patients diagnosed withCOVID‐19 followed up in intensive care unit
Authors: Bayrakci Nergiz , Özkan Gülsüm , Şakaci Murat , Sedef Samet , Erdem İlknur , Tuna Nazan , Mutlu Levent Cem , Yildirim İlker , Kiraz Nuri , Erdal Berna , Gelgeç Ebru , Erer Ayşen , Saraç Ömürhan , Yavuz Ahmet , Dolap Uysal , Hayri Uluğ Bey , Kocadelioğlu İnci , Batmaz Emrah
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The kidneys are some of the most frequently affected organs during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This multicenter study evaluated the incidence of and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID‐19 patients followed up in intensive care unit (ICU) and its association with mortality.

Methods

Three hundred twenty‐eight patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 and hospitalized in ICU were included. Risk factors associated with AKI and mortality were evaluated.

Results

Eighty‐eight patients (27.9%) were diagnosed with AKI. AKI was significantly associated with older age, higher baseline creatinine level, lower albumin level, and coexistence of cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mortality in the entire study group was significantly associated with AKI, older age, requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation, higher neutrophil level, lower lymphocyte, and albumin levels.

Conclusion

AKI is frequently seen during the course of COVID‐19 and is associated with high mortality. Identifying AKI‐related risk factors appears essential in the management of COVID‐19 patients.
Hospitalization patterns in HD patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive cohort study
Authors: Abderrahim Ezzedine , Moussa Ayman S. , Ahmed Mahmoud , Alobaili Saad , Dridi Afef , Jubran Ibrahim A. , Al‐Badr Wisam H. A. , Jacobson Stefan H.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The rate of hospitalization represents a morbidity indicator in HD patients. The study aimed to evaluate hospitalization patterns in a large HD cohort.

Methods

All DaVita‐KSA HD patients from October 2014 to December 2019 were included. Demographical and clinical characteristics and hospitalization data were recorded. Less than 24 h admission was excluded. Overall and cause‐specific hospitalization rates were calculated.

Results

During the follow‐up period, 3982 patients with a mean age of 52.5 ± 16.8 years, 2667 hospitalizations were recorded in 34.1% of the patients and 45.6% had repeated admissions. Infectious causes accounted for 26.6% of all recorded causes vs. 15.6% for cardiovascular complications. The median hospital stay length was 11 days, while the overall annual hospitalization rate of 34.9% and the annual duration of 3.7 days per patient. Hospitalized patients had a higher risk of mortality (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Infectious complications were the leading cause of hospitalization and had the longest hospital stay.
Predicting the optimal amount of time to spend learning before designating protected habitat for threatened species
Authors: Camaclang Abbey E. , Chadès Iadine , Martin Tara G. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: January 2022

Deciding when to protect threatened species habitat when complete knowledge about the habitat extent is uncertain is a common problem in conservation. More accurate habitat mapping improves conservation outcomes once that habitat is protected. However, delaying protection to improve accuracy can lead to species decline or, at worst, local extinction when threats to that habitat continue unabated before protection is implemented. Hence, there is a trade‐off between gaining knowledge and taking conservation action.

We quantified this trade‐off and determined the optimal time to spend learning about a species' habitat before protecting that habitat. We used a range of hypothetical learning curves to model improvements in the accuracy of predicted habitat over time, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to model the corresponding increase in the proportion of habitat protected. We used rates of habitat loss to model the impact of delaying habitat protection and derived analytical solutions to the problem for different types of learning curves.

We illustrate our approach using two threatened species, the koala Phascolarctos cinereus in Australia and northern abalone Haliotis kamtschatkana in Canada. Our approach confirms that when impacts of threatening processes are incurred rapidly, the need for timely protection is high, and the optimal time to spend learning is short for all learning curves. When the rate of habitat loss is low, we benefit from better habitat identification, and the optimal time to protect is sensitive to assumptions about how we learn and the proportion of non‐habitat we are willing to protect unnecessarily.

Navigating the trade‐off between information gain and timely action is a common problem in conservation. By optimizing the trade‐off between the benefits of improving mapping accuracy and the costs of delaying protection, we provide guidelines on the effective allocation of resources between habitat identification and habitat protection. Importantly, by explicitly modelling this trade‐off with a range of learning curves and estimates of the rates of habitat loss or other threatening processes, we can predict the optimal time to spend learning even when relatively little is known about a species and its habitat.
Serological testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in clinical practice: A comparative diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Horn Michael P. , Jonsdottir Hulda R. , Brigger Daniel , Damonti Lauro , Suter‐Riniker Franziska , Endrich Olga , Froehlich Tanja K. , Fiedler Martin , Largiadèr Carlo R. , Marschall Jonas , Weber Benjamin , Eggel Alexander , Nagler Michael
Published: January 2022

Background

Serological tests are a powerful tool in the monitoring of infectious diseases and the detection of host immunity. However, manufacturers often provide diagnostic accuracy data generated through biased studies, and the performance in clinical practice is essentially unclear.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of various serological testing strategies for (a) identification of patients with previous coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) and (b) prediction of neutralizing antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 in real‐life clinical settings.

Methods

We prospectively included 2573 consecutive health‐care workers and 1085 inpatients with suspected or possible previous COVID‐19 at a Swiss University Hospital. Various serological immunoassays based on different analytical techniques (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, ELISA; chemiluminescence immunoassay, CLIA; electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, ECLIA; and lateral flow immunoassay, LFI), epitopes of SARS‐CoV‐2 (nucleocapsid, N; receptor‐binding domain, RBD; extended RBD, RBD+; S1 or S2 domain of the spike [S] protein, S1/S2), and antibody subtypes (IgG, pan‐Ig) were conducted. A positive real‐time PCR test from a nasopharyngeal swab was defined as previous COVID‐19. Neutralization assays with live SARS‐CoV‐2 were performed in a subgroup of patients to assess neutralization activity (n = 201).

Results

The sensitivity to detect patients with previous COVID‐19 was ≥85% in anti‐N ECLIA (86.8%) and anti‐S1 ELISA (86.2%). Sensitivity was 84.7% in anti‐S1/S2 CLIA, 84.0% in anti‐RBD+LFI, 81.0% in anti‐N CLIA, 79.2% in anti‐RBD ELISA, and 65.6% in anti‐N ELISA. The specificity was 98.4% in anti‐N ECLIA, 98.3% in anti‐N CLIA, 98.2% in anti‐S1 ELISA, 97.7% in anti‐N ELISA, 97.6% in anti‐S1/S2 CLIA, 97.2% in anti‐RBD ELISA, and 96.1% in anti‐RBD+LFI.

The sensitivity to detect neutralizing antibodies was ≥85% in anti‐S1 ELISA (92.7%), anti‐N ECLIA (91.7%), anti‐S1/S2 CLIA (90.3%), anti‐RBD+LFI (87.9%), and anti‐RBD ELISA (85.8%). Sensitivity was 84.1% in anti‐N CLIA and 66.2% in anti‐N ELISA. The specificity was ≥97% in anti‐N CLIA (100%), anti‐S1/S2 CLIA (97.7%), and anti‐RBD+LFI (97.9%). Specificity was 95.9% in anti‐RBD ELISA, 93.0% in anti‐N ECLIA, 92% in anti‐S1 ELISA, and 65.3% in anti‐N ELISA. Diagnostic accuracy measures were consistent among subgroups.

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of serological tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies varied remarkably in clinical practice, and the sensitivity to identify patients with previous COVID‐19 deviated substantially from the manufacturer's specifications. The data presented here should be considered when using such tests to estimate the infection burden within a specific population and determine the likelihood of protection against re‐infection.
Place‐based price differentials of prostitution: a case study in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Kanayama Yuki , Yoshikawa Kanako , Aung Kyaw Wai
Published: January 2022

Using data collected on female sex workers (FSWs) in Yangon, Myanmar, we compare the prices of sexual services offered to investigate whether prices are associated with the place where they find clients—after controlling for FSW and client characteristics and types of services provided. Compared with FSWs in brothels, workers who find clients online charge 62 per cent higher prices, while those in massage parlours charge 39 per cent lower prices. In addition, we find evidence that suggests street‐based FSWs earn less than those in brothels. No price differentials are observed among FSWs finding clients in karaoke clubs and in brothels. These findings imply worksites play a vital role in determining the price of sex services in Yangon. We further investigate why these place‐based price differentials arise. We describe the plausible characteristics of the price negotiation process, including the matching process and client information, and discuss how these work to yield place‐based price differentials at various worksites.
EP1 receptor antagonism mitigates early and late stage renal fibrosis
Authors: Kresse Jean‐Claude , Mutsaers Henricus A. M. , Jensen Michael Schou , Tingskov Stine Julie , Madsen Mia Gebauer , Nejsum Lene N. , Prætorius Helle , Nørregaard Rikke
Published: January 2022

Aim

Renal fibrosis is a major driver of chronic kidney disease, yet current treatment strategies are ineffective in attenuating fibrogenesis. The cyclooxygenase/prostaglandin system plays a key role in renal injury and holds great promise as a therapeutic target. Here, we used a translational approach to evaluate the role of the PGE2‐EP1 receptor in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis in several models of kidney injury, including human (fibrotic) kidney slices.

Methods

The anti‐fibrotic efficacy of a selective EP1 receptor antagonist (SC‐19220) was studied in mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), healthy and fibrotic human precision‐cut kidney slices (PCKS), Madin‐Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and primary human renal fibroblasts (HRFs). Fibrosis was evaluated on gene and protein level using qPCR, western blot and immunostaining.

Results

EP1 receptor inhibition diminished fibrosis in UUO mice, illustrated by a decreased protein expression of fibronectin (FN) and α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and a reduction in collagen deposition. Moreover, treatment of healthy human PCKS with SC‐19220 reduced TGF‐β‐induced fibrosis as shown by decreased expression of collagen 1A1, FN and αSMA as well as reduced collagen deposition. Similar observations were made using fibrotic human PCKS. In addition, SC‐19220 reduced TGF‐β‐induced FN expression in MDCK cells and HRFs.

Conclusion

This study highlights the EP1 receptor as a promising target for preventing both the onset and late stage of renal fibrosis. Moreover, we provide strong evidence that the effect of SC‐19220 may translate to clinical care since its effects were observed in UUO mice, cells and human kidney slices.
A new phenotype of syndromic retinitis pigmentosa with myopathy is caused by mutations in retinol dehydrogenase 11
Authors: Liu Yi‐Dan , Huang Shu‐Shu , Li Mei , Lek Monkol , Song Dan‐Yu , Tan Dan‐Dan , Chen Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Hong , Liu Jie‐Yu , Chang Xing‐Zhi , Xiong Hui
Published: January 2022

Retinol dehydrogenase 11 (RDH11) is an 11‐cis‐retinol dehydrogenase that has a well‐characterized, albeit auxiliary role in the retinoid cycle. Diseases caused by mutations in the RDH11 gene are very rare, and only one affected family with eye and intelligence involvement has been reported. In the present study, we describe the clinical and genetic findings in a Chinese patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), juvenile cataracts, intellectual disability, and myopathy. Trio‐based whole‐exome sequencing and whole genomic copy number variation detection were performed in this family, and compound heterozygous mutations were identified in RDH11 of the patient: c.938T>C (p.Leu313Pro) derived from the father and c.75‐3C>A derived from the mother. Variant c.75‐3C>A was confirmed to be a splice‐site mutation by cDNA sequencing. It caused exon 2 skipping, resulting in a frameshift mutation and premature translation termination (p.Lys26Serfs*38). Moreover, we found mislocalization of RDH11 protein in muscle cells of the patient by using immunofluorescence staining. This is the first case reported in the Chinese population harboring mutations in RDH11 and revealing a new phenotype of syndromic RP with myopathy.
A Stereo Matching Algorithm for High‐Precision Guidance in a Weakly Textured Industrial Robot Environment Dominated by Planar Facets
Authors: Wei Hui , Meng Lingjiang
Published: January 2022

Although many algorithms perform very well on certain datasets, existing stereo matching algorithms still fail to obtain ideal disparity images with high precision in practical robotic applications with weak or untextured objects. This greatly limits the application of binocular vision for robotic arm guidance. Traditional stereo matching algorithms suffer from disparity loss, dilation and other problems, and deep learning algorithms have weakly generalization ability, making high‐accuracy results impossible with non‐training images. We propose an algorithm that uses segments and edges as matching units. We find the mapping relationship between two‐dimensional images and three‐dimensional scenes using segments. The algorithm obtains highly accurate results in industrial robotic applications with mainly planar facets. We combine it with a deep learning algorithm to obtain very good high‐accuracy results in both general scenes and applications of industrial robots. The algorithm effectively improves the non‐linear optimization ability of traditional algorithms and generalization ability of deep learning, and provides an effective method for the binocular vision guidance of industrial robotic scenes. We used the algorithm to guide the robot arm for threading with a success rate of 70%.
Augmenting Digital Sheet Music through Visual Analytics
Authors: Miller Matthias , Fürst Daniel , Hauptmann Hanna , Keim Daniel A. , El‐Assady Mennatallah
Published: January 2022

Music analysis tasks, such as structure identification and modulation detection, are tedious when performed manually due to the complexity of the common music notation (CMN). Fully automated analysis instead misses human intuition about relevance. Existing approaches use abstract data‐driven visualizations to assist music analysis but lack a suitable connection to the CMN. Therefore, music analysts often prefer to remain in their familiar context. Our approach enhances the traditional analysis workflow by complementing CMN with interactive visualization entities as minimally intrusive augmentations. Gradual step‐wise transitions empower analysts to retrace and comprehend the relationship between the CMN and abstract data representations. We leverage glyph‐based visualizations for harmony, rhythm and melody to demonstrate our technique's applicability. Design‐driven visual query filters enable analysts to investigate statistical and semantic patterns on various abstraction levels. We conducted pair analytics sessions with 16 participants of different proficiency levels to gather qualitative feedback about the intuitiveness, traceability and understandability of our approach. The results show that MusicVis supports music analysts in getting new insights about feature characteristics while increasing their engagement and willingness to explore.
Improving protected area effectiveness through consideration of different human‐pressure baselines
Authors: Feng Chun‐Ting , Cao Ming , Liu Fang‐Zheng , Zhou Yue , Du Jin‐Hong , Zhang Li‐Bo , Huang Wen‐Jie , Luo Jian‐Wu , Li Jun‐Sheng , Wang Wei
Published: January 2022

Previous assessments of the effectiveness of protected areas (PAs) focused primarily on changes in human pressure over time and did not consider the different human‐pressure baselines of PAs, thereby potentially over‐ or underestimating PA effectiveness. We developed a framework that considers both human‐pressure baseline and change in human pressure over time and assessed the effectiveness of 338 PAs in China from 2010 to 2020. The initial state of human pressure on PAs was taken as the baseline, and changes in human pressure index (HPI) were further analyzed under different baselines. We used the random forest models to identify the management measures that most improved effectiveness in resisting human pressure for the PAs with different baselines. Finally, the relationships between the changes in the HPI and the changes in natural ecosystems in PAs were analyzed with different baselines. Of PAs with low HPI baselines, medium HPI baselines, and high HPI baselines, 76.92% (n=150), 11.11% (n=12), and 22.86% (n=8) , respectively, showed positive effects in resisting human pressure. Overall, ignoring human‐pressure baselines somewhat underestimated the positive effects of PAs, especially for those with low initial human pressure. For PAs with different initial human pressures, different management measures should be taken to improve effectiveness and reduce threats to natural ecosystems. We believe our framework is useful for assessing the effectiveness of PAs globally, and we recommend it be included in the Convention on Biological Diversity Post‐2020 Strategy.
Polypharmacy influences the renal composite outcome in patients treated with sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuo , Toyoda Masao , Hatori Nobuo , Furuki Takayuki , Sakai Hiroyuki , Hatori Yutaka , Sato Kazuyoshi , Miyakawa Masaaki , Tamura Kouichi , Kanamori Akira
Published: January 2022

Polypharmacy is a serious concern in general practice, especially among elder patients; however, the evidence showing significantly poor renal outcomes is not sufficient. This survey was performed to evaluate the effect of polypharmacy on the incidence of the renal composite outcome among a sample of patients with sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) treatment. We assessed 624 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease who received SGLT2i treatment for greater than 1 year. The patients were classified as those with concomitant treatment, that was limited to the medications for hypertension, T2DM, and dyslipidemia, with greater than or equal to seven medications (n = 110) and those with less than seven medications (n = 514). Evaluation of the renal composite outcome was performed by propensity score matching and stratification into quintiles. A subgroup analysis of patients of greater than or equal to 62 years of age and less than 62 years of age was also performed. The incidence of the renal composite outcome was larger in patients with greater than or equal to seven medications than in those with less than seven medications in the propensity score‐matched cohort model (6% vs. 17%, respectively, p = 0.007) and also in the quintile‐stratified analysis (odds ratio [OR], 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI, 1.21–4.12, p = 0.01). The quintile‐stratified analysis of patients of less than 62 years of age—but not those of greater than or equal to 62 years of age—also showed a significant difference (OR, 3.29, 95% CI, 1.41–7.69, p = 0.006). Polypharmacy appears to be associated to the incidence of the renal composite outcome, especially in young patients.
The ‘wounded soul’: What alcoholism means to participants of a women‐only Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Antunes de Campos Edemilson , Narchi Nadia Z.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Female alcoholism is a public health problem for which membership in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups is an effective treatment. As AA is predominantly attended by men in Brazil, the aim of this article is to understand the meaning of this problem and the experience of AA meetings for women.

Methods

A qualitative ethnographic study was conducted between August and September 2019 and included 15 participants of a women‐only AA meeting in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected by means of direct participant observation, records in field diaries, ethnographic interviews and records of experience sharing between the women during the AA meetings.

Results

An intelligible, interpretative and comprehensive synthesis of the data collected resulted in two categories: ‘Alcohol, Alcoholism and Gender’ and ‘What AA means to women’. The first category allowed alcoholism to be analysed as a disease associated with gender asymmetries. The second category permitted an assessment to be made of how women‐only AA meetings served to provide alcoholic women with a safe and morally privileged place in which they could share their experiences and treat their addiction.

Discussion and Conclusions

Alcoholism in women is marked by social stigma, making it difficult to find women willing to share their experiences and participate in qualitative research on this important issue in public health. In these women‐only meetings, they shared their experiences, and alcoholism is referred to as a ‘wounded soul’ that causes deep anguish often experienced in the isolation of their own homes.
Saudi foreign policy doctrine post‐2011: The Iranian factor and balance of threat
Authors: Erdogan Ayfer
Published: January 2022

Since 2011, Saudi foreign policy has shifted from its traditional position of self‐restraint and reliance on soft power to an assertive and adventurous one that prioritizes expanding security alliances and use of force. Particularly, after the advent of King Salman to power, the Kingdom experienced various turning points in its foreign policymaking such as its pursuit of increased military engagement in the post‐Arab Spring countries, its normalization of relations with Israel and adopting a new armament program. This unusual shift in the Saudi foreign policymaking inevitably raises the question: “What led Riyadh to adopt policies that completely broke away from its traditional position?.” A closer look at the recent developments unfolding in the region since the Arab uprisings reveals that the Saudi foreign policy decisions are primarily guided by its perceived threat from Iran. Against this backdrop, this article first investigates why Saudi Arabia views Iran as the biggest threat to its survival. Second, it analyzes the new Saudi foreign policy orientation and its implications in light of balance of threat theory. Finally, the article looks into how the change in the US administration and the end of unconditional US support to Saudi Arabia influenced the Kingdom's discourse and tone vis a vis Iran. The article mainly proposes that Saudi Arabia's increasing threat perception from Iran sheds light on the Kingdom's reasoning and motivation behind its more proactive and assertive policies while the Kingdom's discourse and policymaking is heavily restricted by the ambivalence in the US posture in the Middle East and particularly its stance toward Riyadh's policies.
The evolving impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on gender inequality in the US labor market: The COVID motherhood penalty
Authors: Couch Kenneth A. , Fairlie Robert W. , Xu Huanan
Published: January 2022

We explore whether COVID‐19 disproportionately affected women in the labor market using Current Population Survey data through the end of 2020. We find that male–female gaps in the employment‐to‐population ratio and hours worked for women with school‐age children have widened but not for those with younger children. Triple‐difference estimates are consistent with most of the reductions observed for women with school‐age children being attributable to additional childcare responsibilities (the “COVID motherhood penalty”). Conducting decompositions, we find women had a greater likelihood to telework, higher education levels and a less‐impacted occupational distribution, which all contributed to lessening negative impacts relative to men.
Short‐term international dental experiences in undergraduate dental students at an Australian university
Authors: Chen Wei‐Yi , Cheng An‐Lun , La Natalie , Shetty Sowmya
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Learning through international experience has been well documented in USA literature, yet not well explored in Australia. The aim of this study is to understand Australian dental students' experiences and perceptions of international dental experience by: (i) capturing past participation; (ii) identifying potential interests for participants who have not been on a trip and (iii) ascertaining perceived benefits of the trip/s.

Materials and Methods

A 19 question paper survey was distributed to 310 eligible undergraduate dental students of The University of Queensland (UQ). An online counterpart survey was created via Google Forms and promoted on relevant Facebook groups targeted at current dental students of UQ.

Results

A total of 203 of the 310 eligible UQ undergraduate dental students responded to the distributed paper and electronic surveys making the response rate 65.5%. A total of 13 undergraduate respondents participated in an international experience trip. The majority of respondents who had not participated in an international dental experience trip were interested in participating in one. Education (84.6%) and improved dental skills (84.6%) were the most reported perceived benefits by the students who had participated in an international dental experience.

Conclusion

A majority of respondents were interested in participating in international dental experiences. Despite this, only 1 in 15 respondents had participated in an international dental experience. Further exploration of this concept is needed; however, dental schools within Australia could potentially explore integration of international short‐term dental experiences into formal curricula in the future.
European student wellness, stress, coping, support and perceptions about remote dental training during COVID‐19
Authors: Aleksejuniene Jolanta , Hysi Dorjan , Nikolovovska Julijana , Stangvaltaite‐Mouhat Lina , Chałas Renata , Oancea Roxana , Richardas Kubilius , Lipski Mariusz , Sarna‐Boś Katarzyna , Puriene Alina
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare wellness, stress, ability to cope, social support and perceptions about remote training amongst European dental students during COVID‐19.

Methods

1795 undergraduate dental students from six countries and eight dental schools participated. The anonymous survey collected data about different aspects in each of the following domains: wellness, stress, ability to cope, social support and perceptions about remote training. Complex multi‐item scales were used for all domains.

Results

There were differences amongst countries in all the domains. Overall, student stress scores were lower than either their coping or support scores. The highest wellness score (mean ±sd) was observed in Romania: 62.5% ± 11.2% whilst the highest mean stress scores were observed in Albania: 46.3% ± 11.7% and Lithuania: 42.2% ± 13.8%. Overall, student stress and coping ability scores were lower and their support scores higher. About 10% of students did not have any support. In the linear multivariable regression analysis, significant predictors of wellness were being female (β = 0.073), not being in a graduating year (β = 0.059), having less stress (β = 0.222), ability to cope (β = 0.223) and having support (β = 0.179). The student positive perceptions about remote training were predicted by less stress (β = 0.080), coping (β = 0.182) and support (β = 0.057).

Conclusions

Students varied in wellness, stress, coping, social support and perceptions of remote training. Also, there were significant differences amongst students from different countries. Coping was the best predictor of both student wellness and their positive perceptions about remote training.
Brain iron deposition and movement disorders in hereditary haemochromatosis without liver failure: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sharma Soumya , Sethi Sean Kumar , Reese David , Gharabaghi Sara , Yerramsetty Kiran Kumar , Palutla Vinay Kumar , Chen Yongsheng , Haacke E. Mark , Jog Mandar S.
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is the most common inherited disorder of systemic iron excess in Northern Europeans. Emerging evidence indicates that brain iron overload occurs in HH. Despite this observation, there is a paucity of literature regarding central neurological manifestations, in particular movement disorders, in HH. The current study documents deep gray matter (DGM) nuclei iron deposition, movement disorders, and clinicoradiological correlations in HH without liver failure.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study. Consecutive subjects with HFE‐haemochromatosis without liver disease were recruited from an outpatient gastroenterology clinic. Age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Iron content in individual DGM nuclei was measured as mean susceptibility on magnetic resonance imaging using quantitative susceptibility mapping‐based regions of interest analysis. Occurrence and phenotype of movement disorders were documented and correlated with patterns of DGM nuclei iron deposition in subjects with HH.

Results

Fifty‐two subjects with HH and 47 HCs were recruited. High magnetic susceptibility was demonstrated in several DGM nuclei in all HH subjects compared to HCs. Thirty‐five subjects with HH had movement disorders. Magnetic susceptibility in specific DGM nuclei correlated with individual movement disorder phenotypes. Serum ferritin, phlebotomy frequency, and duration were poor predictors of brain iron deposition.

Conclusions

Abnormal brain iron deposition can be demonstrated on imaging in all subjects with HH without liver failure. A significant proportion of these subjects manifest movement disorders. Peripheral iron measurements appear not to correlate with brain iron deposition. Therefore, routine neurological examination and quantitative brain iron imaging are recommended in all subjects with HH.
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I‐745 supplementation modifies the fecal resistome during Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy
Authors: Cifuentes Sara Gabriela , Prado María Belén , Fornasini Marco , Cohen Henry , Baldeón Manuel Eduardo , Cárdenas Paúl Andrés
Published: January 2022

Background

The gut microbiota is a significant reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The use and misuse of antimicrobials can select multi‐resistant bacteria and modify the repertoire of ARGs in the gut. Developing effective interventions to manipulate the intestinal resistome would allow us to modify the antimicrobial resistance risk.

Materials and Methods

Applying shotgun metagenomics, we compared the composition of fecal resistome from individuals treated with triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori plus Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM‐I 745 (Sb) versus triple antibiotherapy without S. boulardii (control) before, after, and one month after treatments. DNA samples were sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Reads were trimmed and filtered for quality, and the reads classified as host genome were removed from further analysis. We used the ResFinder database for resistome analysis and the web‐based tool ResistoXplorer and RStudio for graphical representation and statistical analysis.

Results

We identified 641 unique ARGs in all fecal samples, conferring resistance to 18 classes of antibiotics. The most prevalent ARGs found in at least 90% of the samples before the treatments were against tetracyclines, MLS‐B (macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B), beta‐lactams, and aminoglycosides. Differential abundance analysis allowed the identification of ARGs significantly different between treatment groups. Thus, immediately after the treatments, the abundance of ARGs that confer resistance to lincosamides, tetracyclines, MLS‐B, and two genes in the beta‐lactam class (cfxA2 and cfxA3) was significantly lower in the group that received Sb than in the control group (edgeR, FDR <0.05).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the addition of S. boulardii CNCM‐I 745 to the conventional antibiotic eradication therapy for H. pylori reduced the abundance of ARGs, particularly those genes that confer resistance to lincosamides, tetracyclines, MLS‐B, and a few genes in the beta‐lactams class.
Impact of mothers' distress and emotional eating on calories served to themselves and their young children: An experimental study
Authors: Warnick Jennifer , Cardel Michelle , Jones Laura , Gonzalez‐Louis Rachel , Janicke David
Published: January 2022

Background

Parents play a significant role in children's eating behaviours and food environment. Emotional eating (i.e., eating due to/to cope with emotions regardless of hunger) can contribute to excess energy consumption and subsequent weight gain. Yet, there is a paucity of research examining mothers' feeding and eating behaviours in the presence of their young children during times of acute distress.

Objective

The current study examined whether manipulated maternal mood impacted subsequent eating and parental‐feeding in mothers with overweight or obesity with their preschool aged children in a laboratory‐based experiment.

Methods

Mothers (n = 47) with overweight or obesity and their preschool aged children were randomized to either an acute distress or control group. After completing a task which manipulated mothers' moods, respectively, dyads were offered a buffet of snack foods. Measures of mothers' reported emotional eating and distress were collected, and calories served and consumed were objectively measured.

Results

There were no between‐group differences regarding calories served or consumed. Mothers across both groups who reported higher emotional eating served themselves (p = 0.014) and their children (p = 0.007) less food, and mothers consumed less food (p = 0.045). Mothers who reported higher emotional eating and increased acute distress fed their children less food (p = 0.02) and both children and mothers ate less food (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results suggest that mothers who report emotional eating tendencies may feed their children less food during periods of acute distress.
Hospitalization rate of respiratory syncytial virus‐associated acute lower respiratory infection among young children in Suzhou, China, 2010–2014
Authors: Ren Shaolong , Shi Ting , Shan Wei , Shen Si , Chen Qinghui , Zhang Wanqing , Dai Zirui , Xue Jian , Zhang Tao , Tian Jianmei , Zhao Genming
Published: January 2022

Background

There is a limited amount of data in China on the disease burden of respiratory syncytial virus‐ (RSV) associated acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) among young children. This study aimed to estimate the hospitalization rate of RSV‐associated ALRI (RSV‐ALRI) among children aged 0–59 months in Suzhou, China.

Methods

All cases from children hospitalized with ALRI who were aged 0–59 months in Suzhou University Affiliated Children's Hospital during January 2010 to December 2014 were retrospectively identified. Detailed diagnosis and treatment data were collected by reviewing each individual's medical chart. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) influenza disease burden estimation, the hospitalization rate of RSV‐ALRI among children aged 0–59 months in Suzhou, China, was then estimated.

Results

Out of the 28,209 ALRI cases, 19,317 (68.5%) were tested for RSV, of which the RSV positive proportion was 21.3% (4107/19,317). The average hospitalization rate of RSV‐ALRI for children aged 0–59 months was 14 (95% confidence interval [CI]:14–14)/1000 children years, and that for children aged 0–5, 6–11, 12–23, and 24–59 months were 70 (95% CI: 67–73), 31 (95% CI: 29–33), 11 (95% CI: 10–12), and 3 (95% CI: 3–3)/1000 children years, respectively.

Conclusion

A considerable degree of RSV‐ALRI hospitalization exists among children aged 0–59 months, particularly in those under 1 year of age. Therefore, an effective monoclonal antibody or vaccine is urgently needed to address the substantial hospitalization burden of RSV infection.
Lower rates of endoscopy and higher mortality in end‐stage renal disease patients with gastrointestinal bleeding: A propensity matched national study
Authors: Garg Rajat , Parikh Malav P , Chadalvada Pravallika , Singh Amandeep , Sanaka Krishna , Ahuja Keerat R , Aggarwal Manik , Veluvolu Rajesh , Vignesh Shivakumar , Rustagi Tarun
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim

Patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis are considered to be at higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) as compared with those without renal disease (NRD). We conducted a population‐based study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to study the outcomes of GIB in ESRD.

Methods

Patients admitted with GIB (upper and lower) from 2005 to 2013 were extracted from the NIS database using ICD‐9 codes. Patients were divided into NRD and ESRD groups, and a 1:1 propensity matched analysis was performed. Various outcomes were compared in both groups, and subgroup analysis based on the timing of endoscopy was also performed.

Results

A total of 218 032 patients were included in the study. There was an increase in inpatient admissions among ESRD patients with GIB with significant reduction in mortality (P < 0.001). In‐hospital mortality, length of stay, and total costs were significantly higher in ESRD patients as compared with NRD. ESRD patients were less likely to undergo endoscopic evaluation compared with NRD (P < 0.001). Late endoscopy (> 48 h) was associated with increased need for transfusion and health‐care utilization but without a significant difference in mortality as compared with early endoscopy. On multivariate analysis, endoscopy was associated with significantly lower rate of mortality in ESRD patients with GIB (odds ratio 0.28, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

End‐stage renal disease patients with GIB had a significantly higher rate of mortality and a higher health‐care utilization with a lower rate of endoscopic evaluation. Endoscopy was associated with a lower mortality rate on multivariate analysis.
Relevance of c‐Src and protein phosphatase 2A to aromatase activity: Evidence of an acute self‐regulating oestrogenic signalling complex in rat central nervous system
Authors: Storman Emiliya M. , Liu Nai‐Jiang , Gintzler Alan R.
Published: January 2022

We previously reported that aromatase protein levels do not parallel aromatase enzyme activity. This suggests that oestrogenic signalling may be modulated via post‐translational modification of aromatase protein. The tyrosine and serine phosphorylation state of aromatase are known to influence its activity. To investigate the possible relevance of aromatase phosphorylation to the incongruity observed between aromatase protein and its activity, we explored interactions between aromatase and the tyrosine kinase c‐Src and the serine protein phosphatases 2A and 5 (PP2A and PP5), as well as the relationship between levels of tyrosine‐phosphorylated aromatase and the extrapolated aromatase activity. We found that (a) hypothalamic aromatase was significantly more heavily tyrosine‐phosphorylated than spinal aromatase; (b) aromatase was oligomerized with c‐Src and PP2A/PP5, potentially activating aromatase via tyrosine‐phosphorylation and serine‐dephosphorylation; (c) the associations of c‐Src and PP2A/PP5 with hypothalamic aromatase were substantially greater than with spinal aromatase; and (d) aromatase, oestrogen receptor α, PP2A, and c‐Src were present in a common membrane oligomer. The existence of c‐Src and PP2A in an oligomer that also contains aromatase and membrane oestrogen receptor α (and presumably other signalling molecules) indicates the presence in the CNS of a potentially self‐regulating oestrogenic signalling unit. The degree to which such a complex operates autonomously and the regulatory factors thereof are likely to have substantial physiological implications and clinical relevance.
Neonatal early‐onset sepsis calculator safety in an Australian tertiary perinatal centre
Authors: Scott Philip A , Lai Melissa , Inglis Garry D T , Davies Mark W
Published: January 2022

Aim

To determine if any cases of culture‐positive neonatal early‐onset sepsis (EOS) would be missed using the neonatal EOS calculator, when compared with current guidelines and practices.

Methods

Retrospective audit of all neonates born at ≥35 weeks and admitted to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital with EOS from January 2014 to December 2020. A missed case was defined as antibiotic therapy not being recommended within 24 h of birth. Management recommendations according to the neonatal EOS calculator were compared with current guidelines and current practices.

Results

There were significantly more missed cases using the neonatal EOS calculator compared to the current guideline and current management groups. Using the neonatal EOS calculator, 11 neonates (35%, 95% confidence interval 19.2–54.6%) would not have received antibiotics by 24 h of age. In comparison, only one neonate (3%, 95% confidence interval 0.1–16.7%) would not have received antibiotics by 24 h of age using the current guidelines. In terms of the current practice in the cohort of patients, two neonates (6%) did not receive antibiotics by 24 h of age.

Conclusions

The significantly higher rate of missed cases using the neonatal EOS calculator compared with current guidelines and practice supports the concerns many neonatologists have regarding safety of the neonatal EOS calculator.
Ocean acidification alters the nutritional value of Antarctic diatoms
Authors: Duncan Rebecca J. , Nielsen Daniel A. , Sheehan Cristin E. , Deppeler Stacy , Hancock Alyce M. , Schulz Kai G. , Davidson Andrew T. , Petrou Katherina
Published: January 2022

Primary production in the Southern Ocean is dominated by diatom‐rich phytoplankton assemblages, whose individual physiological characteristics and community composition are strongly shaped by the environment, yet knowledge on how diatoms allocate cellular energy in response to ocean acidification (OA) is limited. Understanding such changes in allocation is integral to determining the nutritional quality of diatoms and the subsequent impacts on the trophic transfer of energy and nutrients.

Using synchrotron‐based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, we analysed the macromolecular content of selected individual diatom taxa from a natural Antarctic phytoplankton community exposed to a gradient of fCO2 levels (288–1263 µatm).

Strong species‐specific differences in macromolecular partitioning were observed under OA. Large taxa showed preferential energy allocation towards proteins, while smaller taxa increased both lipid and protein stores at high fCO2.

If these changes are representative of future Antarctic diatom physiology, we may expect a shift away from lipid‐rich large diatoms towards a community dominated by smaller taxa, but with higher lipid and protein stores than their present‐day contemporaries, a response that could have cascading effects on food web dynamics in the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
Greasing the inflammatory pathogenesis of viral pneumonias in diabetes
Authors: Damen Michelle S. M. A. , Alarcon Pablo C. , Shah Amy S. , Divanovic Senad
Published: January 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are independent risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality associated with influenza and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Skewed cellular metabolism shapes immune cell inflammatory responsiveness and function in obesity, T2D, and infection. However, altered immune cell responsiveness and levels of systemic proinflammatory mediators, partly independent of peripheral immune cell contribution, are linked with SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated disease severity. Despite such knowledge, the role of tissue parenchymal cell‐driven inflammatory responses, and specifically those dominantly modified in obesity (e.g., adipocytes), in influenza and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection pathogenesis remain poorly defined. Whether obesity‐dependent skewing of adipocyte cellular metabolism uncovers inflammatory clades and promotes the existence of a ‘pathogenic‐inflammatory’ adipocyte phenotype that amplifies SARS‐CoV‐2 infection diseases severity in individuals with obesity and individuals with obesity and T2D has not been examined. Here, using the knowledge gained from studies of immune cell responses in obesity, T2D, and infection, we highlight the key knowledge gaps underlying adipocyte cellular functions that may sculpt and grease pathogenic processes associated with influenza and SARS‐CoV‐2 disease severity in diabetes.
LIFE‐Seq: a universal Large Integrated DNA Fragment Enrichment Sequencing strategy for deciphering the transgene integration of genetically modified organisms
Authors: Zhang Hanwen , Li Rong , Guo Yongkun , Zhang Yuchen , Zhang Dabing , Yang Litao
Published: January 2022

Molecular characterization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) yields basic information on exogenous DNA integration, including integration sites, entire inserted sequences and structures, flanking sequences and copy number, providing key data for biosafety assessment. However, there are few effective methods for deciphering transgene integration, especially for large DNA fragment integration with complex rearrangement, inversion and tandem repeats. Herein, we developed a universal Large Integrated DNA Fragments Enrichment strategy combined with PacBio Sequencing (LIFE‐Seq) for deciphering transgene integration in GMOs. Universal tilling DNA probes targeting transgenic elements and exogenous genes facilitate specific enrichment of large inserted DNA fragments associated with transgenes from plant genomes, followed by PacBio sequencing. LIFE‐Seq were evaluated using six GM events and four crop species. Target DNA fragments averaging ~6275 bp were enriched and sequenced, generating ~26 352 high fidelity reads for each sample. Transgene integration structures were determined with high repeatability and sensitivity. Compared with next‐generation whole‐genome sequencing, LIFE‐Seq achieved better data integrity and accuracy, greater universality and lower cost, especially for transgenic crops with complex inserted DNA structures. LIFE‐Seq could be applied in molecular characterization of transgenic crops and animals, and complex DNA structure analysis in genetics research.