bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The first report on the sortase-mediated display of bioactive protein A from Staphylococcus aureus (SpA) on the surface of the vegetative form of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Ghaedmohammadi Samira , Ahmadian Gholamreza
Published: November 2021

Protein A (SpA) is one of the most importantStaphylococcus aureuscell wall proteins. It includes five immunoglobulin (Ig)-binding domains which can bind to immune complexes through the Fc region of immunoglobulins. The binding of SpA to the polymeric supports can be used to prepare affinity chromatography resins, which are useful for immunoprecipitation (IP) of antibodies. Protein A is also used to purify many anti-cancer antibodies. In this study, SpA was displayed on the surface ofBacillus subtiliscells using a sortase-mediated system to display the target protein to theB. subtiliscell wall. A series of plasmids consisting of cassettes for cell wall-directed protein A as well as negative controls were constructed and transformed intoB. subtilisWASD (wprA sigD) cells. SDS-PAGE, western blot, flow cytometry, functional IgG purification assay, and a modified ELISA assay were used to confirm the surface display of SpA and evaluate its function. Semi-quantitative ELISA results showed that the binding capacity of lyophilizedBs-SpA is 100 μg IgG from rabbit serum per 1 mg of cells under optimal experimental conditions. Low production costs, optimal performance, and the use of a harmless strain compared to a similar commercial product predict the possible use of SpA immobilization technology in the future.
CircSETDB1 knockdown inhibits the malignant progression of serous ovarian cancer through miR-129-3p-dependent regulation of MAP3K3
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Lu
Published: November 2021

Background

Circular RNA (circRNA) is recently found to participate in the regulation of tumor progression, including ovarian cancer. However, the application of circRNA SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (circSETDB1) as a therapeutic target in serous ovarian cancer (SOC) remains to be elucidated. Herein, circSETDB1 role in SOC malignant progression and underlying mechanism are revealed.

Methods

The expression of circSETDB1, microRNA-129-3p (miR-129-3p) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3) messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein abundance was determined by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were demonstrated by cell counting kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine assays, flow cytometry analysis, transwell invasion assay and wound-healing assay, respectively. The interaction between miR-129-3p and circSETDB1 or MAP3K3 was predicted by online database, and identified by mechanism assays. The effect of circSETDB1 knockdown on tumor formation in vivo was unveiled by mouse model experiment.

Results

CircSETDB1 and MAP3K3 expression were apparently upregulated, whereas miR-129-3p expression was downregulated in SOC tissues and cells in comparison with normal fallopian tube tissues or normal ovarian epithelial cells. CircSETDB1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration, but induced cell apoptosis in SOC cells. Additionally, miR-129-3p inhibitor impaired circSETDB1 silencing-mediated SOC malignant progression. MiR-129-3p repressed SOC cell processes via binding to MAP3K3. Furthermore, circSETDB1 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

CircSETDB1 silencing repressed SOC malignant progression through miR-129-3p/MAP3K3 pathway. This study supports circSETDB1 as a new therapeutic target for SOC.
Ghrelin enhances cisplatin sensitivity in HO-8910 PM human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Leng Yun , Zhao Can , Yan Guoliang , Xu Shuangyue , Yang Yinggui , Gong Ting , Li Xin , Li Chenglin
Published: November 2021

Background

Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the crucial problems in ovarian cancer treatment. Ghrelin, a widely distributed peptide hormone, participates in a series of cancer progression. The aim of this study is to determine whether ghrelin influences the sensitivity of ovarian cancer to cisplatin, and to demonstrate the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The anti-tumor effects of ghrelin and cisplatin were evaluated with human ovarian cancer cells HO-8910 PM in vitro or in vivo. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed via flow cytometry assay. The signaling pathway and the expression of cell cycle protein were analyzed with Western Blot.

Results

Our results showed that treatment with ghrelin specifically inhibited cell proliferation of HO-8910 PM and sensitized these cells to cisplatin via S phase cell cycle arrest, and enhanced the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on tumor growth of HO-8910 PM derived xenografts in vivo. Treatment with ghrelin inhibited the expression of p-Erk1/2 and p-p38, which was opposite the effect of cisplatin. However, under the treatment of ghrelin, cisplatin treatment exhibited a stronger effect on inhibiting P21 expression, upregulating p-CDK1 and cyclin B1 expression, and blocking cell cycle progression. Mechanistically, ghrelin promoted S phase cell cycle arrest and upregulated p-CDK1 and cyclin B1 expression induced by cisplatin via inhibition of p38.

Conclusion

This study revealed a specifically inhibitory effect of ghrelin on platinum-resistance via suppressing p-P38 and subsequently promoting p-CDK1 mediated cell cycle arrest in HO-8910 PM.
In the eye of the storm: impact of COVID-19 pandemic on admission patterns to paediatric intensive care units in the UK and Eire
Authors: Kanthimathinathan Hari Krishnan , Buckley Hannah , Davis Peter J. , Feltbower Richard G. , Lamming Caroline , Norman Lee , Palmer Lyn , Peters Mark J. , Plunkett Adrian , Ramnarayan Padmanabhan , Scholefield Barnaby R. , Draper Elizabeth S.
Published: November 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic had a relatively minimal direct impact on critical illness in children compared to adults. However, children and paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) were affected indirectly. We analysed the impact of the pandemic on PICU admission patterns and patient characteristics in the UK and Ireland.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all admissions to PICUs in children < 18 years during Jan–Dec 2020, using data collected from 32 PICUs via a central database (PICANet). Admission patterns, case-mix, resource use, and outcomes were compared with the four preceding years (2016–2019) based on the date of admission.

Results

There were 16,941 admissions in 2020 compared to an annual average of 20,643 (range 20,340–20,868) from 2016 to 2019. During 2020, there was a reduction in all PICU admissions (18%), unplanned admissions (20%), planned admissions (15%), and bed days (25%). There was a 41% reduction in respiratory admissions, and a 60% reduction in children admitted with bronchiolitis but an 84% increase in admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis during 2020 compared to the previous years. There were 420 admissions (2.4%) with either PIMS-TS or COVID-19 during 2020. Age and sex adjusted prevalence of unplanned PICU admission reduced from 79.7 (2016–2019) to 63.1 per 100,000 in 2020. Median probability of death [1.2 (0.5–3.4) vs. 1.2 (0.5–3.4) %], length of stay [2.3 (1.0–5.5) vs. 2.4 (1.0–5.7) days] and mortality rates [3.4 vs. 3.6%, (risk-adjusted OR 1.00 [0.91–1.11, p = 0.93])] were similar between 2016–2019 and 2020. There were 106 fewer in-PICU deaths in 2020 (n = 605) compared with 2016–2019 (n = 711).

Conclusions

The use of a high-quality international database allowed robust comparisons between admission data prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant reduction in prevalence of unplanned admissions, respiratory diseases, and fewer child deaths in PICU observed may be related to the targeted COVID-19 public health interventions during the pandemic. However, analysis of wider and longer-term societal impact of the pandemic and public health interventions on physical and mental health of children is required.
Adiponectin gene polymorphisms and risk of type 2 diabetes: an updated evidence for meta-analysis
Authors: Alimi Mahrokh , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Nekoei Mehdi
Published: November 2021

Background

Growing body of evidence suggest the association between SNP − 11377 C > G and SNP + 276 G > T polymorphisms of adiponectin gene with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, these findings have not been conclusive and consistent. The present study quantitatively evaluates the data on the association between DIPOQ − 11377C/G, and + 276G/T polymorphisms and risk of T2D through a meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in the PubMed, Web of science, Scopus and Cochrane library databases to extract published studies according to the inclusion criteria. Among the 741 studies, 391 of them were screened as full text and 31 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. Analysis of data was performed using random-effects model. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to analyze the strength of association. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to identify the potential source of heterogeneity.

Results

The pooled analysis showed that there was no statistically significant association between genotypes of CC (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.53–1.09, P = 0.14), CG (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.72–1.20, P = 0.58) and GG (OR = 1, 95% CI: 0.80–1.26, P = 0.94) ADIPO − 11377 polymorphism with increased risk of T2D. In addition, the results revealed a trend toward an increased risk of T2D for the SNP + 276 TT genotype (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77–0.98, P = 0.026) as compared with the GT and GG genotypes. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated significant association between the TT genotype of the SNP + 276 and increased risk of T2D among Europeans. Met-regression demonstrated significant association between the GT genotype of + 276 polymorphism with risk of T2D in male individuals (slope: 0.0006; 95% CI: 0.0002–0.0009; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings demonstrated a positive association between ADIPOQ + 276 G > T polymorphism with increased risk of T2D in male individuals with European ethnicity.

Graphical Abstract
Documenting elimination of co-circulating COVID-19 clusters using genomics in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Arnott Alicia , Draper Jenny , Rockett Rebecca J. , Lam Connie , Sadsad Rosemarie , Gall Mailie , Martinez Elena , Byun Roy , Musto Jennie , Marais Ben , Chen Sharon C.-A. , Kok Jen , Dwyer Dominic E. , Sintchenko Vitali
Published: November 2021

Objective

To adapt ‘fishplots’ to describe real-time evolution of SARS-CoV-2 genomic clusters.

Results

This novel analysis adapted the fishplot to depict the size and duration of circulating genomic clusters over time in New South Wales, Australia. It illuminated the effectiveness of interventions on the emergence, spread and eventual elimination of clusters and distilled genomic data into clear information to inform public health action.
On global classical solutions to one-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes/Allen–Cahn system with density-dependent viscosity and vacuum
Authors: Su Menglong
Published: November 2021

In this paper, by using the energy estimates, the structure of the equations, and the properties of one dimension, we establish the global existence and uniqueness of strong and classical solutions to the initial boundary value problem of compressible Navier–Stokes/Allen–Cahn system in one-dimensional bounded domain with the viscosity depending on density. Here, we emphasize that the time does not need to be bounded and the initial vacuum is still permitted. Furthermore, we also show the large time behavior of the velocity.
Effect of a novel piperazine compound on cancer cells
Authors: Jeon So Hyun , Shin Cha-Gyun
Published: November 2021

Many drugs have been developed for anticancer chemotherapy. However, more anti-cancer drugs should be developed from potential chemicals to circumvent the disadvantages of existing drugs. Most anti-cancer chemicals induce apoptosis in cancer cells. This study tested the efficiency of a new chemical, the piperazine derivative 1-[2-(Allylthio) benzoyl]-4-(4-methoxyphenyl) piperazine (CB01), on glioblastoma (U87) and cervix cancer (HeLa) cells. CB01 was highly cytotoxic to these cells (IC50S  < 50 nM) and induced the traditional apoptotic symptoms of DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation at 40 nM. Western-blot analysis of the cell lysates revealed that the intracellular apoptotic marker proteins, such as cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, and Bax, were highly upregulated in the CB01-treated cells. Furthermore, increased activities of caspase-3 and -9, but not caspase-8, were observed. Therefore, these results suggest that CB01 can act as an anticancer chemotherapeutic by stimulating the intrinsic mitochondrial signaling pathway to induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cancer cells.
Association of vitamin D status and cardio-metabolic risk factors in children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study
Authors: Qorbani Mostafa , Heidari-Beni Motahar , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Shafiee Gita , Goodarzi Farid , Tamehri Zadeh Seyed Saeed , Khademian Majid , Mohammadian Khonsari Nami , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaeil , Asayesh Hamid , Jabbari Mohammad , Heshmat Ramin , Ebrahimi Mehdi , Kelishadi Roya
Published: November 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) starts from early life and is one of the important underlying factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. Controversial evidence exists on the role of vitamin D deficiency in increasing the risk of pediatric MetS.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin D level with MetS and its components in children and adolescents.

Methods

This nationwide cross-sectional study was performed as part of a surveillance program in Iran. Participants were 2596 students, aged 7 to 18 years, living in 30 provinces. In addition to filling questionnaires, a physical examination was conducted, and blood samples were collected. The serum concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured using the direct competitive immunoassay chemiluminescence method.

Results

2596 students with a mean age of 12.2 y (55.1% boys) were recruited. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in participants was 10.6% (n = 276), and 60.5% (n = 1570), respectively. The prevalence of MetS was higher in the vitamin D deficient group. Students with deficient vitamin D levels had higher odds of MetS (OR: 4.25, 95%CI: 2.26–7.98), abdominal obesity (OR: 2.24, 95%CI: 1.61–3.12), low HDL-C (OR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.18–2.30) and high fasting blood sugar (OR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.43–4.57) in comparison to those with sufficient level of vitamin D.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased odds of MetS and its components in the Iranian pediatric population. These findings underscore the importance of prevention and control of vitamin D deficiency in preventative programs against NCDs.
ReIMAGINE: a prostate cancer research consortium with added value through its patient and public involvement and engagement
Authors: Green S. , Tuck S. , Long J. , Green T. , Green A. , Ellis P. , Haire A. , Moss C. , Cahill F. , McCartan N. , Brown L. , Santaolalla A. , Marsden T. , Justo M. Rodriquez , Hadley J. , Punwani S. , Attard G. , Ahmed H. , Moore C. M. , Emberton M. , Van Hemelrijck M.
Published: November 2021

Background

ReIMAGINE aims to improve the current prostate specific antigen (PSA)/biopsy risk stratification for prostate cancer (PCa) and develop a new image-based method (with biomarkers) for diagnosing high/low risk PCa in men. ReIMAGINE’s varied patient and public involvement (PPI) and engagement (PE) strategy maximises the impact of its scientific output by informing and shaping the different stages of research.

Aims

Through including the voice of patients and the public, the ReIMAGINE Consortium aims to translate these different perspectives into the design and implementation process. This will improve the overall quality of the research by:

reflecting the needs and priorities of patients and the public, ensuring methods and procedures are feasible and appropriate

ensuring information is relevant and accessible to those being recruited to the study

identifying dissemination channels relevant to patients/the public and developing outputs that are accessible to a lay audience

With support from our patient/user groups, the ReIMAGINE Consortium aims to improve our ability to derive prognostic information and allocate men to the most appropriate and effective therapies, using a novel image-based risk stratification with investigation of non-imaging biomarkers.

Findings

We have been working with patients and the public from initiation of the project to ensure that the research is relevant to men and their families. Our PPI Sub-Committee, led by a PCa patient, has been involved in our dissemination strategy, outreach activities, and study design recommendations. For example, the sub-committee have developed a variety of informative videos relevant and accessible to those being recruited, and organised multiple online research engagement events that are accessible to a lay audience. As quoted by one of the study participants, “the more we present the benefits and opportunities to patients and the public, the more research commitment we obtain, and the sooner critical clinical questions such as PCa diagnostics will be addressed”.
University students experience the COVID-19 induced shift to remote instruction
Authors: Ives Bob
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic required an abrupt shift from face-to-face to online instruction for many students in higher education in the United States. Prior research has raised some concerns about both equitable access to online courses, and the quality of instruction in online courses compared to face-to-face courses. This survey study included a retrospective pretest approach to comparing students experiences before and after the transition to online instruction. The sample of 1731 students ranged across all available topics of study and all class standings from first-year students to doctoral students at a R1: Doctoral Universities—Very High Research Activity university according to the Carnegie classifications. Quality of instruction was addressed through the three principles of Universal Design for Learning. Students reported that most areas of quality of instruction were poorer after the transition, with having Engagement dropping by the largest effect size. However, Representation showed a small effect of improvement following the transition. Students who preferred online instruction reported less loss of instructional quality. Similarly, students eligible for disability services also reported less loss of instructional quality. Doctoral students reported significantly poorer access on multiple measures compared to all four years of undergraduate students’ standings. Results are discussed in terms of patterns, exceptions, effect sizes, and recommendations for future research.
Improving implementation of smoking cessation guidelines in pregnancy care: development of an intervention to address system, maternity service leader and clinician factors
Authors: Passey Megan E. , Adams Catherine , Paul Christine , Atkins Lou , Longman Jo M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of multiple serious adverse infant, child and maternal outcomes, yet nearly 10% of Australian women still smoke during pregnancy. Despite evidence-based guidelines that recommend routine and repeated smoking cessation support (SCS) for all pregnant women, the provision of recommended SCS remains poor. Guidance on developing complex interventions to improve health care recommends drawing on existing theories, reviewing evidence, undertaking primary data collection, attending to future real-world implementation and designing and refining interventions using iterative cycles with stakeholder input throughout. Here, we describe using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and the Theoretical Domains Framework to apply these principles in developing an intervention to improve the provision of SCS in Australian maternity services.

Methods

Working closely with key stakeholders in the New South Wales (NSW) health system, we applied the steps of the BCW method then undertook a small feasibility study in one service to further refine the intervention. Stakeholders were engaged in multiple ways—as a core research team member, through a project Advisory Group, targeted meetings with policymakers, a large workshop to review potential components and the feasibility study.

Results

Barriers to and enablers of providing SCS were identified in five of six components described in the BCW method (psychological capability, physical opportunity, social opportunity and reflective and automatic motivation). These were mapped to intervention types and we selected education, training, enablement, environmental restructuring, persuasion, incentivisation and modelling as suitable in our context. Through application of the APEASE criteria (Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Acceptability, Side effects and Equity) in the stakeholder workshop, behaviour change techniques were selected and applied in developing the intervention which includes systems, clinician and leadership elements. The feasibility study confirmed the feasibility and acceptability of the midwifery component and the need to further strengthen the leadership component.

Conclusions

Using the BCW method combined with strong stakeholder engagement from inception resulted in transparent development of the MOHMQuit intervention, which targets identified barriers to and enablers of the provision of SCS and is developed specifically for the context in which it will be implemented. The intervention is being trialled in eight public maternity services in NSW.
A foreign body lodged in the sub-mental space through to the retro-pharyngeal area: a review of anatomical risks and surgical approaches
Authors: Cherrabi Kaoutar , Zaki Zouheir , El Alami Mohamed Noureddine
Published: November 2021

Background

Foreign body inclusions are rare in head and neck. They are challenging in regard to anatomical risks and surgical approaches. This is the case of a particular foreign body with a curious trajectory, associated with a brief review of anatomical risks and surgical approaches.

Case presentation

This is the case of a 25-year-old male who has been attacked with a sharp object, which caused an inclusion of a part of the foreign body in the sub-mental and pharyngeal areas.

The clinical exam showed a painful bulging in the sub-mental area, with moderately hemorrhagic sputum and difficulty while swallowing. The intra-oral exam showed a foreign body that was located at the right side of the base of the tongue, and which goes backwards and outwards to penetrate retro-pharyngeal mucosa.

The patients underwent an angio-CT scan, which showed a curious fine and sharp metallic object, without direct signs of lesions to the jugular vein or carotid artery or any collateral branches.

The patient underwent extraction through cervical approach, with satisfying bleeding control. Intra-oral exploration showed a retro-pharyngeal lesion of 2 cm, without particular bleeding. The cervical lesion and retro-pharyngeal lesions were closed. The lesion at the base of the tongue was of 1 cm, palpable but not accessible to sutures, and a naso-pharyngeal tube was inserted.

The patient presented very satisfying post-operative outcome, without any complications.

Conclusion

When dealing with foreign bodies of head and neck, physicians must be precocious and prepared for the risk of bleeding after extraction. Thorough radiological exploration is necessary as long as the patient is stable. Direct and indirect radiological signs allow the clinician to understand the nature and the trajectory of the object, as well as the damage to collateral structures.
International Migration and Modern Contraceptive Use: A Research Note on African Migrants to France
Authors: Behrman Julia A. , Eilers Michelle A. , Brooks Isabel H. McLoughlin , Weitzman Abigail
Published: November 2021

This research note presents a multisited analysis of migration and contraceptive use by standardizing and integrating a sample of African migrants in France from six West and Central African countries in the Trajectoires et Origines survey with a sample of women living in the same six African countries in the Demographic and Health Surveys. Descriptive analyses indicate that the contraceptive use of migrants more closely aligns with that of native French women than with that of women from origin countries. In particular, migrants report dramatically higher use of long-acting reversible contraceptives and short-acting hormonal methods and lower use of traditional methods than do women in the countries of origin. Although migrants differ from women in the countries of origin on observed characteristics, including education and family background, reweighting women in the origin countries to resemble migrants on these characteristics does little to explain differences in contraceptive use between the groups. Given that contraceptive use is an important proximate determinant of fertility, our results suggest that contraceptive use should feature more prominently in the dominant demographic paradigms of migrant fertility.
The Epidemic of Despair and Infant Mortality: A Research Note
Authors: Forsstrom Matthew P.
Published: November 2021

This research note documents that progress against infant mortality in the United States has stalled in the twenty-first century among infants born to White non-Hispanic women without a bachelor's degree. In contrast, the mortality rate fell considerably among infants born to White non-Hispanic women with a bachelor's degree, Black non-Hispanic women across levels of education, and Hispanic women with a bachelor's degree. The decline in infant mortality for Hispanic women without a bachelor's degree was small, but still greater than the decline for White non-Hispanic women without a bachelor's after adjusting for changes in the distribution of maternal age within groups. I also document a marked difference in trends for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) rates by maternal education. The SUID rate increased among those born to women without a bachelor's degree across racial and ethnic groups, while declining or staying constant for those born to women with a bachelor's degree. The lack of progress against infant mortality for White non-Hispanic women without a bachelor's degree was driven by a relatively large increase in SUID rates, coupled with relatively slow progress against other types of infant mortality.
Temperature-induced reorganisation of Schistocephalus solidus (Cestoda) proteome during the transition to the warm-blooded host
Authors: Borvinskaya Ekaterina V. , Kochneva Albina A. , Drozdova Polina B. , Balan Olga V. , Zgoda Victor G.
Published: November 2021

The protein composition of the cestode Schistocephalus solidus was measured in an experiment simulating the trophic transmission of the parasite from a cold-blooded to a warm-blooded host. The first hour of host colonisation was studied in a model experiment, in which sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus infected with S. solidus were heated at 40°C for 1 h. As a result, a decrease in the content of one tegument protein was detected in the plerocercoids of S. solidus. Sexual maturation of the parasites was initiated in an experiment where S. solidus larvae were taken from fish and cultured in vitro at 40°C for 48 h. Temperature-independent changes in the parasite proteome were investigated by incubating plerocercoids at 22°C for 48 h in culture medium. Analysis of the proteome allowed us to distinguish the temperature-induced genes of S. solidus, as well as to specify the molecular markers of the plerocercoid and adult worms. The main conclusion of the study is that the key enzymes of long-term metabolic changes (glycogen consumption, protein production, etc.) in parasites during colonisation of a warm-blooded host are induced by temperature.
Turn it off and on again: characteristics and control of torpor
Authors: Ambler Michael , Hitrec Timna , Pickering Anthony
Published: November 2021

Torpor is a hypothermic, hypoactive, hypometabolic state entered into by a wide range of animals in response to environmental challenge. This review summarises the current understanding of torpor. We start by describing the characteristics of the wide-ranging physiological adaptations associated with torpor. Next follows a discussion of thermoregulation, control of food intake and energy expenditure, and the interactions of sleep and thermoregulation, with particular emphasis on how those processes pertain to torpor. We move on to take a critical view of the evidence for the systems that control torpor entry, including both the efferent circulating factors that signal the need for torpor, and the central processes that orchestrate it. Finally, we consider how the putative circuits responsible for torpor induction integrate with the established understanding of thermoregulation under non-torpid conditions and highlight important areas of uncertainty for future studies.
On the Issue of Advanced Training of Primary School Teachers
Authors: Pozdeeva S.
Published: November 2021

The article presents the results of an empirical study, in the process of which, by means of questionnaires, it was found out how younger students perceive the image of a teacher. Based on the opinions of the respondents, a conclusion is made about what accents should be highlighted in the preparation of a future primary school teacher in the context of mastering teaching and educational activities. The main characteristics of the advanced training of a teacher are highlighted: practice-oriented, anthropological and motivational orientation.
Responsibilities and Interests of Pediatricians Practicing Hospital Medicine in the United States
Authors: Leyenaar JoAnna K , Harrison Wade , Truelove Jessica J , House Samantha , Freed Gary L , Leslie Laurel K
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In 2016, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) approved pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) as the newest pediatric subspecialty. To characterize development of the field, this article aims to: (1) describe the responsibilities and practice settings of US pediatricians self‐identifying as hospitalists; and (2) determine how exclusive PHM practice, compared with PHM practice in combination with general or subspecialty care, was associated with professional development interests.

METHODS

Pediatricians enrolling in the 2017‐2018 American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Maintenance of Certification program were offered a voluntary survey about their responsibilities, interests, and practice settings. Logistic regression was employed to characterize associations between exclusive PHM practice and: (1) interest in quality improvement (QI) leadership; (2) intention to take the PHM certifying exam; (3) satisfaction with allocation of professional time; and (4) intention to maintain more than one ABP certification.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 70.0%; 1662 (13.1%) self‐reported PHM practice. Four‐hundred ninety‐one (29.5%) practiced PHM exclusively, 518 (31.1%) practiced PHM and general pediatrics, and 653 (39.3%) practiced PHM and one or more subspecialties. Respondents reporting exclusive PHM practice were significantly more likely to report interest in QI leadership or consultation (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.09‐1.79), PHM exam certification (adjusted OR, 7.10; 95% CI, 5.45‐9.25), and maintenance of more than one ABP certification (adjusted OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.89‐3.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalists reported diverse clinical and nonclinical responsibilities. Those practicing PHM exclusively expressed high levels of interest in board certification and QI leadership. Ongoing monitoring of PHM responsibilities and practice settings will be important to support the professional development of the PHM workforce.
El difícil choque entre el Este y el Oeste en el nacer del nacionalismo gallego
Authors: Filipowicz-Rudek Maria
Published: November 2021

Spain from the historical point of view remains, without a doubt, one of the key sceneries in medieval Europe where the East and the West intersected in a fruitful way. The prominence of the Jewish people in this process played an unquestionable part in it. In this context the anti-Semitic component in the construction of Galician nationalism is interesting, while creating the founding myth contrasts the West and the East. In the background of this great cultural creation, full of consequences, we may glimpse the absent history of Galicia, the small demos of the western end of the Roman Finisterrae.
Bargaining at Retail Stores: Evidence from Vienna
Authors: Shelegia Sandro , Sherman Joshua
Published: November 2021

In the West, where posted prices are the norm, it is uncommon to observe consumers receive discounts below the posted price. Nevertheless, we find that when stores are asked, a discount is granted approximately 40% of the time, with a median discount percentage of 10%. Discounts are more likely to be offered by small-scale firms, for higher-priced products, and for nonsale items. More generally, differences in price delegation behavior across firm types serve as an indicator that monitoring costs and employee skills are important drivers of bargaining behavior.

This paper was accepted by Duncan Simester, marketing
Sharing Manufacturer’s Demand Information in a Supply Chain with Price and Service Effort Competition
Authors: Wang Yunjie , Ha Albert Y. , Tong Shilu
Published: November 2021

Problem definition: This paper investigates the issue of sharing the private demand information of a manufacturer that sells a product to retailers competing on prices and service efforts. Academic/practical relevance: In the existing literature, which ignores service effort competition, it is known that demand signaling induces an informed manufacturer to distort the wholesale price downward, which benefits the retailers, and so, they do not have any incentive to receive the manufacturer’s private information. In practice, many manufacturers share demand information with their retailers that compete on prices and service efforts (e.g., demand-enhancing retail activities), a setting that has not received much attention from the literature. Methodology: We develop a game-theoretic model with one manufacturer selling to two competing retailers and solve for the equilibrium of the game. Results: We show how an informed manufacturer may distort the wholesale price upward or downward to signal demand information to the retailers, depending on the cost of service effort, the intensity of effort competition, and the number of uninformed retailers. We fully characterize the impact of such wholesale price distortion on the firms’ incentive to share information and derive the conditions under which the manufacturer shares information with none, one, or both of the retailers. We derive conditions under which a higher cost of service effort makes the retailers or the manufacturer better off. Managerial implications: Our results provide novel insights about how service effort competition impacts the incentives for firms in a supply chain to share a manufacturer’s private demand information. For instance, when the cost of effort is high or service effort competition is intense, a manufacturer should share information with none or some, but not all, of the retailers.
Crossref Annual Meeting LIVE21 presentation
Authors:   Crossref, Hendricks Ginny , Pentz Ed , Vickery Bryan , Ofiesh Lucy , Bilder Geoffrey
Published: November 2021

The Crossref annual meeting and board election took place on November 9th, 2021, online. This slide deck includes strategic updates from our leadership team as well as the results of the board election.
Real Time Traffic Prediction Based On Social Media Text Data Using Deep Learning
Authors: Mounica B. , Lavanya K.
Published: November 2021

Due to urbanization Traffic management is one of the major issues in contemporary civic management, considering this circumstance traffic analysis is turning into the need of the present world. Text data generated by Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms can be used for traffic management. Big data helps in traffic prediction and traffic analysis of advancing metropolitan zones. Constant traffic investigation requires preparing of information streams that are produced persistently to increase fast experiences. To measures stream information at a fast rate advancements on high figuring limit is required. Social media text data can be processed by using batch processing and stream processing with big data architecture through Spark and Hadoop framework. In this paper big data architecture is proposed for real time traffic text data analysis. In architecture Spark and Kafka are used in combination. Kafka helps in pipelines text data used in conjunction with spark stream processing engine. Big data architecture using Spark, Kafka with ability for processing and preparing huge measure of information, have settled the serious issue of handling and putting away constantly streaming data. The traffic information from Twitter API is streamed. In The proposed model pointed toward ensemble neural network model to reduce the variance in results for better prediction foreseeing traffic stream text data by incorporating Spark and Kafka that will be of an extraordinary incentive to the public authority for traffic management and analysis.
EEG Signal Enhancement and Spectrum Estimation Using Fourier Transform Magnitude Response Derivative Functions
Authors: Prasad Devulapalli Shyam , Chanamallu Srinivasa Rao , Prasad Kodati Satya
Published: November 2021

Electroencephalograph is an electrical field that produced by our brain without any interrupt. In this paper, I & II-order derivatives of the Magnitude Response Functions are proposed for EEG signal Enhancement. By using this concept the random noise existing in the Electroencephalograph (EEG) signals can be reduced. A simulated model is discussed to mix the random noise of varying frequency & magnitude with the EEG signals and finally remove the noise signal using I & II-order derivatives of the Magnitude Response Functions filtering approach. The model can be used as estimation and get rid of the tool of random as well as artifacts in EEG signal from multiple origins. This work also shows the magnitude spectrum and comparing with FT magnitude spectrum. The filter characteristics are determined on the basis of parameters such as Mean Square Error (RMSE), SNR, PSNR, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) & Normalized Correlation coefficient (NCC) and a good improvement is reported.
Impact of herpes zoster vaccination on incident dementia: A retrospective study in two patient cohorts
Authors: Scherrer Jeffrey F. , Salas Joanne , Wiemken Timothy L. , Hoft Daniel F. , Jacobs Christine , Morley John E.
Published: November 2021

Background

Herpes zoster (HZ) infection increases dementia risk, but it is not known if herpes zoster vaccination is associated with lower risk for dementia. We determined if HZ vaccination, compared to no HZ vaccination, is associated with lower risk for incident dementia.

Methods and findings

Data was obtained from Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) medical records (10/1/2008–9/30/2019) with replication in MarketScan® commercial and Medicare claims (1/1/2009-12/31/2018). Eligible patients were ≥65 years of age and free of dementia for two years prior to baseline (VHA n = 136,016; MarketScan n = 172,790). Two index periods (either start of 2011 or 2012) were defined, where patients either had or did not have a HZ vaccination. Confounding was controlled with propensity scores and inverse probability of treatment weighting. Competing risk (VHA) and Cox proportional hazard (MarketScan) models estimated the association between HZ vaccination and incident dementia in all patients and in age (65–69, 70–74, ≥75) and race (White, Black, Other) sub-groups. Sensitivity analysis measured the association between HZ vaccination and incident Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). HZ vaccination at index versus no HZ vaccination throughout follow-up. VHA patients mean age was 75.7 (SD±7.4) years, 4.0% were female, 91.2% white and 20.2% had HZ vaccination. MarketScan patients mean age was 69.9 (SD±5.7) years, 65.0% were female and 14.2% had HZ vaccination. In both cohorts, HZ vaccination compared with no vaccination, was significantly associated with lower dementia risk (VHA HR = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.67–0.72; MarketScan HR = 0.65; 95%CI:0.57–0.74). HZ vaccination was not related to dementia risk in MarketScan patients aged 65–69 years. No difference in HZ vaccination to dementia effects were found by race. HZ vaccination was associated with lower risk for AD.

Conclusions

HZ vaccination is associated with reduced risk of dementia. Vaccination may provide nonspecific neuroprotection by training the immune system to limit damaging inflammation, or specific neuroprotection that prevents viral cytopathic effects.
Individual determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Gerretsen Philip , Kim Julia , Caravaggio Fernando , Quilty Lena , Sanches Marcos , Wells Samantha , Brown Eric E. , Agic Branka , Pollock Bruce G. , Graff-Guerrero Ariel
Published: November 2021

Background

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy is a barrier to achieving herd immunity, and thus, a prominent public health concern. This study aimed to identify the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy based on the World Health Organization’s ‘3Cs’ model (i.e., confidence, complacency, and convenience) in the United States (U.S.) and Canada.

Methods

Data from 7678 adults ages 18 or older were collected from the four most populous U.S. States, specifically New York, California, Florida, and Texas, and from English-speaking Canada at three timepoints, in May and July 2020, and March 2021 using a web-based survey (www.covid19-database.com). Sociodemographic information was collected, and comprehensive psychological assessments were administered. Univariate analyses were performed to identify the individual determinants of vaccine hesitancy, which were categorized as: 1) vaccine confidence, 2) vaccine complacency, 3) sociodemographic, and 4) other psychological factors. A series of models were computed using these categorizations.

Results

Mistrust of vaccine benefit (β(SE) = 0.67(0.01), p<0.001, partial η2 = 0.26) and lower perceived seriousness of COVID-19 (β(SE) = 0.68(0.02), p<0.001, partial η2 = 0.12) were the principal determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Right-wing political affiliation (β(SE) = 0.32(0.02), p<0.001, partial η2 = 0.03), higher risk propensity (β(SE) = 0.24(0.02), p<0.001, partial η2 = 0.03), and less negative mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (β(SE) = 0.20(0.01), p<0.001, partial η2 = 0.03) were the main sociodemographic and psychological determinants. Other sociodemographic determinants included younger age, women, race, and employment status. Lack of vaccine confidence and complacency explained 38% and 21% of the variance in vaccine hesitancy, respectively; whereas, sociodemographic and psychological determinants explained 13% and 11% of the variance in vaccine hesitancy, respectively.

Discussion

Targeted and tailored public health interventions that enhance the public’s confidence in vaccines and emphasize the risk and seriousness of COVID-19 may address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Efforts directed toward specific marginalized and underserved groups may be required to promote vaccine confidence.
A randomised controlled trial of the 5:2 diet
Authors: Hajek Peter , Przulj Dunja , Pesola Francesca , McRobbie Hayden , Peerbux Sarrah , Phillips-Waller Anna , Bisal Natalie , Myers Smith Katie
Published: November 2021

Objective

The 5:2 diet is a popular intermittent energy restriction method of weight management that awaits further evaluation. We compared the effects of one-off 5:2 instructions with the effects of one-off standard multicomponent weight-management advice; and also examined whether additional behavioural support enhances 5:2 adherence and efficacy compared to one-off instructions.

Methods

Three hundred adults with obesity were randomised to receive a Standard Brief Advice (SBA) covering diet and physical activity (N = 100); 5:2 self-help instructions (5:2SH) (N = 100); or 5:2SH plus six once-weekly group support sessions (N = 100). Participants were followed up for one year.

Results

Adherence to 5:2SH was initially high (74% at 6 weeks), but it declined over time (31% at 6 months and 22% at one year). 5:2SH and SBA achieved similar weight-loss at six months (-1.8kg (SD = 3.5) vs -1.7kg (SD = 4.4); b = 0.23, 95%CI:-0.79–1.27, p = 0.7) and at one year (-1.9kg (SD = 4.9) vs -1.8kg (SD = 5.7), b = 0.20, 95%CI:-1.21–1.60, p = 0.79), with 18% vs 15% participants losing ≥5% of their body weight with 5:2SH and SBA, respectively at one year (RR = 0.83, 95%CI:0.44–1.54, p = 0.55). Both interventions received positive ratings, but 5:2SH ratings were significantly higher. 5:2SH had no negative effect on fat and fiber intake and physical activity compared to SBA. Compared to 5:2SH, 5:2G generated a greater weight loss at 6 weeks (-2.3kg vs -1.5kg; b = 0.74, 95%CI:1.37–0.11, p = 0.02), but by one year, the difference was no longer significant (-2.6kg vs -1.9kg, p = 0.37; ≥5% body weight loss 28% vs 18%, p = 0.10).

Conclusions

Simple 5:2 advice and multicomponent weight management advice generated similar modest results. The 5:2 diet did not undermine other health behaviours, and it received more favourable ratings. Adding initial group support enhanced 5:2 adherence and effects, but the impact diminished over time. Health professionals who provide brief weight management advice may consider including the 5:2 advice as an option.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN79408248).
Differences in mortality and causes of death between STEMI and NSTEMI in the early and late phases after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Takeji Yasuaki , Shiomi Hiroki , Morimoto Takeshi , Yamamoto Ko , Matsumura-Nakano Yukiko , Nagao Kazuya , Taniguchi Ryoji , Yamaji Kyohei , Tada Tomohisa , Kato Eri Toda , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Obayashi Yuki , Suwa Satoru , Inoko Moriaki , Ehara Natsuhiko , Tamura Toshihiro , Onodera Tomoya , Watanabe Hiroki , Toyofuku Mamoru , Nakatsuma Kenji , Sakamoto Hiroki , Ando Kenji , Furukawa Yutaka , Sato Yukihito , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Kadota Kazushige , Kimura Takeshi ,   the CREDO-Kyoto AMI Registry Wave-2 Investigators
Published: November 2021

Background

The detailed causes of death in non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have not been adequately evaluated compared to those in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

The study population was 6,228 AMI patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (STEMI: 4,625 patients and NSTEMI: 1,603 patients). The primary outcome was all-cause death.

Results

Within 6 months after AMI, the adjusted mortality risk was not significantly different between NSTEMI patients and STEMI patients (HR: 0.83, 95%CI: 0.67–1.03, P = 0.09). Regarding the causes of death within 6 months after AMI, mechanical complications more frequently occurred in STEMI patients than in NSTEMI patients, while proportions of post resuscitation status on arrival and heart failure were higher in in NSTEMI patients than in STEMI patients. Beyond 6 months after AMI, the adjusted mortality risk of NSTEMI relative to STEMI was not significantly different. (HR: 1.04, 95%CI: 0.90–1.20, P = 0.59). Regarding causes of death beyond 6 months after AMI, almost half of deaths were cardiovascular causes in both groups, and breakdown of causes of death was similar between NSTEMI and STEMI.

Conclusion

The mortality risk within and beyond 6 months after AMI were not significantly different between STEMI patients and NSTEMI patients after adjusting confounders. Deaths due to post resuscitation status and heart failure were more frequent in NSTEMI within 6 months after AMI.