bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burden and determinants of multimorbidity among women in reproductive age group: a cross-sectional study based in India
Authors: Puri Parul , Kothavale Ajinkya , Singh S.K. , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: February 2021

Background: India's government is currently running several programs with a sole focus on women's health during their child-bearing years. However, none of these programs incorporate the management of chronic health conditions during the reproductive span. This issue is an emerging public health concern; therefore, the present study aims to identify the patterns and correlates of multimorbidity among women in reproductive age groups in India.

Methods: The study utilizes nationally-representative cross-sectional data from the Demographic and Health Survey on 661,811 women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years. The study uses information on seven chronic morbidities, namely asthma, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, tuberculosis, hypertension, and thyroid disorder. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable techniques were utilized to accomplish the study objective.

Results: The findings show that 17.4 and 3.5 per 100 women of reproductive age suffered from any one morbidity and multimorbidity, respectively. Hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders were commonly occurring morbidities. The prevalence of having any one morbidity or multimorbidity increased with age. Variables like religion, wealth, parity, menopause, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, body mass index, and type of diet were found to be significantly related to the burden of multimorbidity. The prevalence of multimorbidity was found to be higher for women who belong to the Southern, Eastern, and North-Eastern regions of India.

Conclusions: Findings suggest the importance of multimorbidity in the context of women of reproductive age. Inclusion of chronic disease management strategies with maternal and child health services needs to be taken into consideration by the program and policymakers. The annexation of social marketing approaches at the primary level of healthcare would assist policy-makers in educating women about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Practicing dietary diversity can help in maintaining optimal estrogen levels, which would further help in decreasing multimorbidity rates among women in India.
The Bullwhip Effect in Supply Networks
Authors: Osadchiy Nikolay , Schmidt William , Wu Jing
Published: February 2021

We offer a new network perspective on one of the central topics in operations management—the bullwhip effect (BWE). The topic has both practical and scholarly implications. We start with an observation: the variability of orders placed to suppliers is larger than the variability of sales to customers for most firms, yet the aggregate demand variability felt by suppliers upstream does not amplify commensurably. We hypothesize that changes to the supplier’s customer base can smooth out its aggregate demand. We test the hypothesis with a data set that tracks the evolution of supply relationships over time. We show that the effect of customer base management extends beyond the statistical benefits of aggregation. In particular, both the formation and the dissolution of customer-supplier relationships are associated with the smoothing of the aggregate demand experienced by suppliers. This provides fresh insight into how firms may leverage their customer-supplier relationships to mitigate the impact of the BWE.

This paper was accepted by Jay Swaminathan, operations management.
How stoma formation impacts sexuality in adults: a literature review
Authors: Betts Megan
Published: February 2021

Aims:

Stoma formation surgery can affect people socially, psychologically and physically. This literature review aims to explore the factors that affect an adult ostomate's sexuality after stoma formation.

Methods:

The literature search was conducted on three electronic databases: CINAHL, PsychINFO and Medline complete. The search was limited to peer-reviewed studies published in the past 7 years. The reference lists of the identified literature were also searched.

Findings:

Stoma formation was found to greatly impact sexuality in adults. The main themes identified were: hygiene; satisfaction and desire; self-perception; companionship and sexual relationships; and physical considerations. It was found that people were dissatisfied with the information provided by health professionals about sexuality.

Conclusions:

Stoma formation was commonly found to negatively affect adults' sexuality. To improve the quality of life of ostomates, these issues need to be thoroughly addressed in healthcare settings.
Self-management for patients with suspected ‘long COVID’
Authors: Dhoonmoon Luxmi
Published: February 2021

Luxmi Dhoonmoon looks at the novel phenomenon of ‘long COVID’ and how nurses need to respond
Research roundup: February 2021
Authors: Seal Joanne , Odd Dawn
Published: February 2021

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to give an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
The effects of screen use on children's health and development
Authors: Hancock David
Published: February 2021

Screen use by children has increased and starts at an earlier age; but in many cases evidence of the effects is not definitive. Dave Hancock reports on what is known, with some recommendations for advice for parents
The diagnosis and management of Henoch-Schönlein purpura
Authors: Noakes Amy
Published: February 2021

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an acute self-limited illness and usually resolves without treatment, but may lead to complications. It is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in children; 90% of cases occur in childhood under the age of 10 years
Principle study of structure, energetics, and electrical properties of Ge-N-vacancy complexes in diamond
Authors: Tan Xin , Liu Zhixin , Zhang Bochen , Chen Luhua , Wei Xueyuan , Ren Yuan , Sun Shiyang
Published: February 2021

Following first principles and inspired by the special structure of the nickel–nitrogen color center, this work enhances the known diamond germanium-vacancy (GeV) color center by adding nitrogen (N) atoms and increasing the number of vacancies. Results demonstrate that the most stable structure is one without vacancies, where the germanium (Ge) atoms are connected to four N atoms. This work analyzes the new structure of the GeV color center and determines the charge transfer and bonding from the difference in charge density. The electron bands and density of states of the GeV color center with four N atoms are calculated. By analyzing the electrical properties of each atom, we posit that the N atom is a transitional modified atom. The new structure of the GeV color center has good prospects for use in sensors and single-photon sources.
Solution-processed flexible MAPbI3 photodetectors with ZnO Schottky contacts
Authors: Yu Longxin , Mao Longmei , Li Yi , Li Xifeng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: February 2021

With higher detectivity, lower response time, and good mechanical flexibility, perovskite photodetectors are supposed to be a promising alternative as the next generation of photodetectors. In this work, we fabricate a low temperature-processed flexible photodetector with ITO-ZnO Schottky contact via ALD technique which has a lower dark current decreasing from 2.04×10−8 A/cm2 to 1.70×10−9 A/cm2 under -0.5 V bias voltage actuation. With 530 nm laser irradiation, the flexible device exhibits excellent performance in detectivity of 6.19×1012 Jones and LDR of 103dB. It also exhibits superior bending stability after 5000 bending circles.
Compact millijoule Yb3+:CaF2 laser with 162 fs pulses
Authors: Loeser Markus , Bernert Constantin , Albach Daniel , Zeil Karl , Schramm Ulrich , Siebold Mathias
Published: February 2021

We report on a compact diode-pumped, chirped pulse regenerative amplifier system with a pulse duration of 162 fs and an output pulse energy of 1 mJ before as well as 910 µJ after compression optimized for the probing of ultrafast relativistic laser-plasma processes. A chirped volume Bragg grating (CVBG) acts as a combined pulse stretcher/compressor representing a robust solution for a CPA laser system in the millijoule range. Yb3+:CaF2 is used as gain medium to support a large bandwidth of 16 nm (FWHM) when spectral gain shaping is applied. Chirped mirrors compensate for any additional dispersion introduced to the system.
High-speed 3D shape measurement using a rotary mechanical projector
Authors: Liu Yihang , Zhang Qican , Liu Yuankun , Yu Xin , Hou Yanli , Chen Wenjing
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a fast rotary mechanical projector (RMP) is designed and manufactured for high-speed 3D shape measurement. Compared with the common high-speed projectors, RMP has a good performance in high-speed projection, which can obtain high quality projected fringes with shorter camera exposure time by using the error diffusion binary coding method and chrome plating technology. The magnitude, acceptability of systemic projection error is analyzed and quantified in detail. For the quantified error, the probability distribution function (PDF) algorithm is introduced to correct the error. Corrected projection error is reduced to more than one third of the original error. Subsequently, a monocular measurement system composed of the RMP and a single camera is constructed. The combination of the RMP device and PDF algorithm ensure the accuracy of a corresponding 3D shape measurement system. Experiments have demonstrated that the proposed solution has a good performance for the 3D measurement of high-speed scenes.
Spurious level and phase noise improved Fourier domain mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator based on a self-injection-locking technique
Authors: Wang Yalan , Li Xiang , Zhang Jin , Wo Jianghai
Published: February 2021

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a spurious level and phase noise improved Fourier domain mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator (FDML-OEO) based on a self-injection-locking (SIL) technique. The scheme applies a dual-loop FDML-OEO structure, in which a long optical fiber delay loop is used to injection-lock the OEO with a short oscillating optical fiber delay loop. SIL is achieved so long as the delay of the long loop is tuned at the integral multiple of the oscillation loop. The spur suppression ratio of the wideband linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal generated by the FDML-OEO can be improved by 14 dB under SIL. Furthermore, the modification of the spur suppression ratio depending on the injection power is also demonstrated. The phase noise of the proposed OEO is -127.5 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset, which is much improved comparing with a free-running OEO.
Erratum zu: Dem Mitarbeiter zu Diensten. Weiterbildung und Qualifizierung als Personennahe Dienstleistung
Authors: Vladova G. , Teichmann M. , Heuts A.
Published: February 2021

Ein Erratum zu dieser Publikation wurde veröffentlicht: 10.1365/s40702-020-00626-7
Positive interactions within and between populations decrease the likelihood of evolutionary rescue
Authors: Goldberg Yaron , Friedman Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Positive interactions, including intraspecies cooperation and interspecies mutualisms, play crucial roles in shaping the structure and function of many ecosystems, ranging from plant communities to the human microbiome. While the evolutionary forces that form and maintain positive interactions have been investigated extensively, the influence of positive interactions on the ability of species to adapt to new environments is still poorly understood. Here, we use numerical simulations and theoretical analyses to study how positive interactions impact the likelihood that populations survive after an environment deteriorates, such that survival in the new environment requires quick adaptation via the rise of new mutants—a scenario known as evolutionary rescue. We find that the probability of evolutionary rescue in populations engaged in positive interactions is reduced significantly. In cooperating populations, this reduction is largely due to the fact that survival may require at least a minimal number of individuals, meaning that adapted mutants must arise and spread before the population declines below this threshold. In mutualistic populations, the rescue probability is decreased further due to two additional effects—the need for both mutualistic partners to adapt to the new environment, and competition between the two species. Finally, we show that the presence of cheaters reduces the likelihood of evolutionary rescue even further, making it extremely unlikely. These results indicate that while positive interactions may be beneficial in stable environments, they can hinder adaptation to changing environments and thereby elevate the risk of population collapse. Furthermore, these results may hint at the selective pressures that drove co-dependent unicellular species to form more adaptable organisms able to differentiate into multiple phenotypes, including multicellular life.
Analysis of D-A locus of tRNA-linked short tandem repeats reveals transmission of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar among students in the Thai-Myanmar border region of northwest Thailand
Authors: Pattanawong Urassaya , Putaporntip Chaturong , Kakino Azumi , Yoshida Naoko , Kobayashi Seiki , Yanmanee Surasuk , Jongwutiwes Somchai , Tachibana Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Intestinal parasitic infections, including those caused by Entamoeba species, are a persistent problem in rural areas of Thailand. The aims of this study were to identify pathogenic Entamoeba species and to analyze their genotypic diversity. Stool samples were collected from 1,233 students of three schools located in the Thai-Myanmar border region of Tak Province, Thailand. The prevalence of Entamoeba infection was measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species-specific primers. Thirty-one (2.5%) positive cases were detected for E. histolytica, 55 (4.5%) for E. dispar, and 271 (22.0%) for E. coli. Positive samples for E. histolytica and E. dispar were exclusively obtained from a few school classes, whereas E. coli was detected in all grades. No infections caused by E. moshkovskii, E. nuttalli, E. chattoni, and E. polecki were detected in the students studied. The D-A locus of tRNA-linked short tandem repeats was analyzed in samples of E. histolytica (n = 13) and E. dispar (n = 47) to investigate their diversity and potential modes of transmission. Five genotypes of E. histolytica and 13 genotypes of E. dispar were identified. Sequences of the D-A were divergent, but several unique genotypes were significantly prevalent in limited classes, indicating that intra-classroom transmission has occurred. As it was unlikely that infection would have been limited within school classes if the mode of transmission of E. histolytica and E. dispar had been through the intake of contaminated drinking water or food, these results suggest a direct or indirect person-to-person transmission mode within school classes. Positive rates for three Entamoeba species were 2-fold higher in students who had siblings in the schools than in those without siblings, suggesting that transmission occurred even at home due to heavy contacts among siblings.
Clinical characteristics of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis versus idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: Wang Kunkun , Wang Zhenfan , Zeng Qiaozhu , Zhu Lijuan , Gao Jingyuan , Wang Ziqiao , Zhang Shanshan , Yang Fei , Shen Danhua , Wang Yi , Liu Yanying
Published: February 2021

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is an uncommon condition characterized by inflammation and fibrosis in the retroperitoneal space. More than two-thirds of RPF are idiopathic, with the remaining stemed from a variety of secondary causes. It was suggested that IgG4-related RPF is a secondary form of RPF. We undertook this study to compare detailed demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of IgG4-related RPF and IRPF in a large Chinese cohort. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 132 RPF patients diagnosed at Peking University People’s Hospital between March 2010 and March 2018. Among the 132 patients, the mean age at disease onset was 54.8 years. IgG4-related RPF group showed greater male predominance compared to IRPF group. IgG4-related RPF patients showed a longer interval between symptom onset and diagnosis, and allergic diseases were more common in this group. Sixty-four patients (48.4%) had lower back pain, which was more common in IRPF group than that in IgG4-related RPF patients. In terms of organ involvement, although 42 of 47 patients (89.3%) with IgG4-related RPF had other organ involvement, there were no patients in the IRPF group with other organ involvement. In addition, the serum IgG4 level, elevated eosinophils counts and IgE level were significantly higher in IgG4-related RPF patients. We described the demographic, clinical and laboratory differences between IgG4-related RPF and IRPF patients, indicating their potential differences in pathogenesis, which was of great importance to diagnose and manage the two phenotypes.
Maternal and neonatal glycaemic control after antenatal corticosteroid administration in women with diabetes in pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tuohy Jeremy F. , Bloomfield Frank H. , Crowther Caroline A. , Harding Jane E.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To describe maternal and neonatal glycaemic control following antenatal corticosteroid administration to women with diabetes in pregnancy.

Design

Retrospective cohort study

Setting

A tertiary hospital in Auckland, New Zealand

Population

Women with diabetes in pregnancy who received antenatal corticosteroids from 2006–2016.

Methods

Corticosteroid administration, maternal and neonatal glycaemia data were retrieved from electronic patient records. Demographic data were downloaded from the hospital database. Relationships between variables were analysed using multivariate analysis.

Main outcome measures

Maternal hyperglycaemia and neonatal hypoglycaemia

Results

Corticosteroids were administered to 647 of 7317 of women with diabetes (8.8%) who gave birth to 715 babies. After an initial course of corticosteroids, 92% and 52% of women had blood glucose concentrations > 7 and > 10 mmol/L respectively. Median peak blood glucose concentration of approximately 10 mmol/L occurred 9 hours after corticosteroid administration and hyperglycaemia lasted approximately 72 hours. Thirty percent of women gave birth within 72 hours of the last dose of corticosteroids. Babies of women who were hyperglycaemic within 24 hours of birth were more likely to develop hypoglycaemia (< 2.6 mmol/L, OR 1.51 [95% CI 1.10–2.07], p = 0.01) and severe hypoglycaemia (≤ 2.0 mmol/L, OR 2.00 [95% CI 1.41–2.85], p < 0.0001) than babies of non-hyperglycaemic mothers. There was no association between maternal glycaemia within 7 days of the last dose of corticosteroids and neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

Hyperglycaemia is common in women with diabetes in pregnancy following antenatal corticosteroid administration. Maternal hyperglycaemia in the 24 hours prior to birth is associated with increased risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Limitations included the retrospective study design, so that not all data were available for all women and babies and the glucose testing schedule was variable.
Mores of the customer base for ecotourism industry: Development and validation of a new measurement scale
Authors: Bashir Shahid , Khwaja Muddasar Ghani , Mahmood Asif
Published: February 2021

To date, there is no such scale that may precisely measure mores of the customer base for the ecotourism industry. Therefore, a thematic analysis of literature has been conducted by examining various good quality research works on intrinsic characteristics eliciting pro-environmental actions. Based upon the thematic analysis, a new scale of measure has been proposed with the help of 17 scholars and 15 practitioners hailing from different countries by mutually agreed intended meanings and breadth of the theoretical concepts. The new scale has 4 dimensions comprising a pool of 32 items, which has been empirically validated through the data collected from 268 Malaysian tourists. The dimensions are: sense of obligation to care for the natural environment, sense of obligation to practice eco-friendly activities, sense of obligation to purchase eco-friendly products, and sense of obligation to support eco-friendly inventions. The theoretical and managerial implications together with research limitations have been discussed.
Nutritional status and effective verbal communication in Peruvian children: A secondary analysis of the 2019 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Pisfil-Benites Nilthon , Vargas-Fernández Rodrigo , Azañedo Diego
Published: February 2021

Background

To estimate the impact of stunting on the development of effective verbal communication (EVC) in children aged 24 to 36 months.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, quasi-experimental study design using data from 4452 children between 24 and 36 months of age available in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) section of the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) 2019 survey. Achievement of EVC was considered as the dependent variable. After propensity score matching analysis, a total 601 children were included in the exposed (children with stunting) and 3848 in the unexposed group (children without stunting). The psmatch2 Stata software command was used to estimate the impact of stunting on EVC with a level of 5% for significance.

Results

The EVC indicator was achieved by 57.4% of the children between 24 and 36 months of age evaluated, while the prevalence of stunting in this population was 14%. The evaluation of impact showed that the group exposed to stunting was 8% less likely to show EVC compared to the unexposed group (ATT -0.08; 95% CI -0.106 to -0.054; p<0.001).

Conclusions

The presence of stunting was found to have a significant impact on the propensity to show EVC in Peruvian children between 24 and 36 months of age. Strengthening of strategies for reducing malnutrition in vulnerable areas, as well as those directly affecting EVC is a priority for diminishing gaps in the achievement of this indicator in our country.
Multifractal scaling analyses of urban street network structure: The cases of twelve megacities in China
Authors: Long Yuqing , Chen Yanguang
Published: February 2021

Traffic networks have been proved to be fractal systems. However, previous studies mainly focused on monofractal networks, while complex systems are of multifractal structure. This paper is devoted to exploring the general regularities of multifractal scaling processes in the street network of 12 Chinese cities. The city clustering algorithm is employed to identify urban boundaries for defining comparable study areas; box-counting method and the direct determination method are utilized to extract spatial data; the least squares calculation is employed to estimate the global and local multifractal parameters. The results showed multifractal structure of urban street networks. The global multifractal dimension spectrums are inverse S-shaped curves, while the local singularity spectrums are asymmetric unimodal curves. If the moment orderqapproaches negative infinity, the generalized correlation dimension will seriously exceed the embedding space dimension 2, and the local fractal dimension curve displays an abnormal decrease for most cities. The scaling relation of local fractal dimension gradually breaks if theqvalue is too high, but the different levels of the network always keep the scaling reflecting singularity exponent. The main conclusions are as follows. First, urban street networks follow multifractal scaling law, and scaling precedes local fractal structure. Second, the patterns of traffic networks take on characteristics of spatial concentration, but they also show the implied trend of spatial deconcentration. Third, the development space of central area and network intensive areas is limited, while the fringe zone and network sparse areas show the phenomenon of disordered evolution. This work may be revealing for understanding and further research on complex spatial networks by using multifractal theory.
Comparing the impact of genotypic based diagnostic algorithm on time to treatment initiation and treatment outcomes among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Getahun Molla , Merid Mehari Woldemariam , Muluneh Atalay Goshu , Wolde Haileab Fekadu
Published: February 2021

Background

To end Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030, early detection and timely treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is vital. The role of rapid, accurate, and sensitive DR-TB diagnostic tool is indispensable to accelerate the TB control program. There are evidence breaks in the time difference and its effect on treatment outcomes among different DR-TB diagnostic tools in Ethiopia. This article aimed to compare the different DR-TB diagnostic tools with time pointers and evaluate their effect on the treatment outcomes.

Method

We performed a retrospective chart review of 574 DR-TB patients from September 2010 to December 2017 to compare the impact of molecular DR-TB diagnostic tests (Xpert MTB/RIF, Line Probe Assay (LPA), and solid culture-based Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST)) on time to diagnosis, treatment initiation, and treatment Outcomes. Kruskual-Wallis test was employed to assess the presence of a significant difference in median time among the DR-TB diagnostic tests. Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests were used to test the presence of relations between treatment outcome and diagnostic tests.

Result

The data of 574 DR-TB patients were included in the analysis. From these, 321, 173, and 80 patients were diagnosed using Xpert MTB/RIF, Line Probe Assay (LPA), and solid culture-based DST, respectively. The median time in a day with (Interquartile range (IQR)) for Xpert MTB/RIF, LPA, and solid culture-based DST was from a first care-seeking visit to diagnosis: 2(0, 9), 4(1, 55), and 70(18, 182), from diagnosis to treatment initiation: 3(1, 8), 33(4, 76), and 44(9, 145), and from a first care-seeking visit to treatment initiation: 4(1, 11), 3(1, 12) and 76(3.75, 191) respectively. The shorter median time was observed in the Xpert MTB/RIF followed by the LPA, and this was statistically significant with a p-value <0.001. There was no statistically significant difference concerning treatment outcomes among the three DST tests.

Conclusion

Xpert MTB/RIF can mitigate the transmission of DR-TB significantly via quick diagnosis and treatment initiation followed by LPA as equating to the solid culture base DST, particularly in smear-positive patients. However, we didn’t see a statistically significant impact in terms of treatment outcomes. Xpert MTB/RIF can be used as the first test to diagnose DR-TB by further complimenting solid culture base DST to grasp the drug-resistance profile.
Internet addiction and sleep quality among adolescents in a peri-urban setting in Nepal: A cross-sectional school-based survey
Authors: Karki Kshitij , Singh Devendra Raj , Maharjan Dikshya , K. C. Sushmita , Shrestha Shreesha , Thapa Deependra Kaji
Published: February 2021

Background

Excessive use of the internet among adolescents often led to later bedtimes and poor sleep quality. This study assessed the relationship between internet addiction and sleep quality among adolescents in a peri-urban setting in Nepal.

Method

This cross-sectional study employed a questionnaire survey among 390 adolescent students recruited from two schools in Kirtipur Municipality in Nepal. The Internet Addiction Test and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to assess internet addiction and poor sleep quality respectively. The association between internet addiction and sleep quality was analysed by logistic regression.

Results

One-fifth (21.5%) of the participants were identified with borderline internet addiction and 13.3% with possible internet addiction. Poor sleep quality was found among 31% of the participants. Internet addiction was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (OR = 1.85, p = 0.022 for borderline, and OR = 3.98, p = <0.001 for possible internet addiction compared to no internet addiction).

Conclusion

Adolescents with internet addiction were more vulnerable to suffer from poor sleep quality. It is recommended that municipalities and schools should aware the adolescent students on the adverse effects of excessive internet use including poor sleep quality. The findings have implications for adolescents, parents, school authorities and researchers.
A novel dental biosafety device to control the spread of potentially contaminated dispersion particles from dental ultrasonic tips
Authors: Montalli Victor Angelo Martins , Garcez Aguinaldo Silva , de Oliveira Laís Viana Canuto , Sperandio Marcelo , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique , Motta Rogério Heládio Lopes
Published: February 2021

Strategies to return to dental practice in pandemic times is a new challenge due to the generation and spread of potentially contaminated dispersion particles (PCDP) that may contain the SARS-CoV-2, the etiological factor of the COVID-19 disease. Due to the significant dispersion of PCDP in the dental environment, the use of equipment such as ultrasonic tips have been inadvisable during the pandemic. Several clinical procedures, however, benefit from the use of such equipment. Thus, using a microbial dispersion model of PCDP, the aim of this study was to compare the dispersion caused by the dental drill (DD) an ultrasonic tip (UT) alone and the UT coupled with a Spray control (SC) device. The DD, UT (with or without the SC) were activated for one minute having had the water from the reservoir replaced with a suspension of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (1.5 x 108 CFU/mL). Petri dishes containing MRS agar were positioned at 50cm, 100cm and 150cm from the headrest of the dental chair at different angles (0 degree and 90 degrees). At 50 cm, the mean CFU (standard deviation) of L. casei Shirota was 13554.60 (4071.03) for the DD, 286.67 (73.99) for the US (97.89% reduction), and 4.5 (0.58) CFU for the UT-SC (p < 0.0001), establishing a further 98.43% reduction between UT and UT with SC. The UT with SC model proved effective in reducing dispersion from the UT, endorsing its use as an additional strategy to reduce PCDP in the dental environment in times of pandemic.
Characterization of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 promoter reveals a functional CREB binding site
Authors: Stegen Maike , Engler Andrea , Ochsenfarth Crista , Manthey Iris , Peters Jürgen , Siffert Winfried , Frey Ulrich H.
Published: February 2021

Background

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) is part of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase family, whose members act as key regulators of seven-transmembrane receptor signalling. GRK6 seems to play a role in regulation of inflammatory processes, but mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of GRK6 expression in inflammatory cell lines have not been characterized. Protein kinase C (PKC) signalling is also involved in inflammatory regulation and an impact of PKC activation on GRK6 protein expression was described previously. Thus, the aim of this study was to 1) characterize theGRK6promoter, and 2) investigate a potential influence of PKC on GRK6 expression.

Methods

Five deletion constructs of theGRK6promoter were cloned. After transient transfection into a human T cell line, promoter activity was assessed using luciferase reporter gene assays. Putative transcription factor binding sites were identified, mutated, and binding was investigated using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Following stimulation with a PKC activator, GRK6 expression on mRNA and protein levels was assessed by reverse transcriptase qPCR and Western blots.

Results

Investigation of theGRK6promoter revealed a putative cAMP responsive element (CRE), whose mutation led to decreased promoter activity (p = 0.0006). Functionality of the CRE binding protein (CREB) binding site was verified in EMSA blots. Stimulation with a PKC activator resulted in decreasedGRK6promoter activity (p = 0.0027), mRNA (p = 0.04) and protein expression.

Conclusion

We characterized the humanGRK6promoter and identified promoter activity to be influenced by a CREB binding site. PKC might be one determinant contributing to altered GRK6 expression.
Sex-specific contemporary trends in incidence, prevalence and survival of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A long-term real-world data analysis
Authors: Shiyovich Arthur , Chodick Gabriel , Azani Liat , Tirosh Matanya , Shuvy Mony , Pereg David , Katz Amos , Minha Sa’ar
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major increasing public health problem worldwide, with clinical and epidemiological differences between men and women. However, contemporary population-level data on incidence and survival are scarce.

Aim

To evaluate sex-specific contemporary trends in the incidence, prevalence, and long-term survival of non-valvular AF in a real-world setting

Methods

AF patients diagnosed between 2007–2015, insured by a large, state-mandated health organization in Israel (Maccabi Healthcare Services) were included. AF was diagnosed based on registered diagnoses. Patients with valvular disease, active malignancy, cardiac surgery ≤ 6 months, or recent pregnancy, were excluded. Annual incidence rate, period prevalence, and 5-year survival for each calendar year during the study period, were calculated.

Results

A total of 15,409 eligible patients (8,288 males, 7,121 females) were identified. Males were more likely to be younger, have higher rates of underlying diseases (ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), but with lower rates of hypertension and chronic kidney diseases as compared to female patients. During the study period, age-adjusted incidence decreased both in men: (-0.020/1,000-person year, p-for trend = 0.033) and, women (-0.025/1,000 person-year p = 0.009). The five-year survival rate was significantly higher among men vs. women (77.1% vs. 71.5%, respectively, p<0.001). Age-adjusted prevalence increased significantly among men (+0.102 per year, p-for trend<0.001) yet decreased among women (-0.082 per year, p-for trend = 0.005). A significant trend toward improved long-term survival was observed in women and not in men.

Conclusions

The current study shows significant sex-related disparities in the incidence, prevalence, and survival of AF patients between 2007–2015; while the adjusted incidence of both has decreased over-time, prevalence and mortality decreased significantly only in women.
The importance of choosing appropriate methods for assessing wild food plant knowledge and use: A case study among the Baka in Cameroon
Authors: Gallois Sandrine , Heger Thomas , Henry Amanda Georganna , van Andel Tinde
Published: February 2021

In tropical rainforests, access to and availability of natural resources are vital for the dietary diversity and food security of forest-dwelling societies. In the Congo Basin, these are challenged by the increasing exploitation of forests for bushmeat, commercial hardwood, mining, and large-scale agriculture. In this context, a balanced approach is needed between the pressures from forest exploitation, non-timber forest product trade and the livelihood and dietary behavior of rural communities. While there is a general positive association between tree cover and dietary diversity, the complex biocultural interactions between tropical forest food resources and the communities they sustain are still understudied. This research focuses on the knowledge and use of wild food plants by the forest-dwelling Baka people in southeast Cameroon. By using two different sets of methods, namely ex-situ interviews and in-situ surveys, we collected ethnographic and ethnobotanical data in two Baka settlements and explored the diversity of wild edible plants known, the frequency of their consumption, and potential conflicts between local diet and commercial trade in forest resources. Within a single Baka population, we showed that the in-situ walk-in-the-woods method resulted in more detailed information on wild food plant knowledge and use frequency than the ex-situ methods of freelisting and dietary recalls. Our in-situ method yielded 91 wild edible species, much more than the ex-situ freelisting interviews (38 spp.) and dietary recalls (12 spp.). Our results suggest that studies that are based only on ex-situ interviews may underestimate the importance of wild food plants for local communities. We discuss the limitations and strengths of these different methods for investigating the diversity of wild food plant knowledge and uses. Our analysis shows that future studies on wild food plants would profit from a mixed approach that combines in-situ and ex-situ methods.
High density optical neuroimaging predicts surgeons’s subjective experience and skill levels
Authors: Keles Hasan Onur , Cengiz Canberk , Demiral Irem , Ozmen Mehmet Mahir , Omurtag Ahmet
Published: February 2021

Measuring cognitive load is important for surgical education and patient safety. Traditional approaches of measuring cognitive load of surgeons utilise behavioural metrics to measure performance and surveys and questionnaires to collect reports of subjective experience. These have disadvantages such as sporadic data, occasionally intrusive methodologies, subjective or misleading self-reporting. In addition, traditional approaches use subjective metrics that cannot distinguish between skill levels. Functional neuroimaging data was collected using a high density, wireless NIRS device from sixteen surgeons (11 attending surgeons and 5 surgery resident) and 17 students while they performed two laparoscopic tasks (Peg transfer and String pass). Participant’s subjective mental load was assessed using the NASA-TLX survey. Machine learning approaches were used for predicting the subjective experience and skill levels. The Prefrontal cortex (PFC) activations were greater in students who reported higher-than-median task load, as measured by the NASA-TLX survey. However in the case of attending surgeons the opposite tendency was observed, namely higher activations in the lower v higher task loaded subjects. We found that response was greater in the left PFC of students particularly near the dorso- and ventrolateral areas. We quantified the ability of PFC activation to predict the differences in skill and task load using machine learning while focussing on the effects of NIRS channel separation distance on the results. Our results showed that the classification of skill level and subjective task load could be predicted based on PFC activation with an accuracy of nearly 90%. Our finding shows that there is sufficient information available in the optical signals to make accurate predictions about the surgeons’ subjective experiences and skill levels. The high accuracy of results is encouraging and suggest the integration of the strategy developed in this study as a promising approach to design automated, more accurate and objective evaluation methods.
The molecular targets of ivermectin and lotilaner in the human louse Pediculus humanus humanus: New prospects for the treatment of pediculosis
Authors: Lamassiaude Nicolas , Toubate Berthine , Neveu Cédric , Charnet Pierre , Dupuy Catherine , Debierre-Grockiego Françoise , Dimier-Poisson Isabelle , Charvet Claude L.
Published: February 2021

Control of infestation by cosmopolitan lice (Pediculus humanus) is increasingly difficult due to the transmission of parasites resistant to pediculicides. However, since the targets for pediculicides have no been identified in human lice so far, their mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. The macrocyclic lactone ivermectin is active against a broad range of insects including human lice. Isoxazolines are a new chemical class exhibiting a strong insecticidal potential. They preferentially act on the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor made of theresistant todieldrin (RDL) subunit and, to a lesser extent on glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) in some species. Here, we addressed the pediculicidal potential of isoxazolines and deciphered the molecular targets of ivermectin and the ectoparasiticide lotilaner in the human body louse speciesPediculus humanus humanus. Using toxicity bioassays, we showed that fipronil, ivermectin and lotilaner are efficient pediculicides on adult lice. The RDL (Phh-RDL) and GluCl (Phh-GluCl) subunits were cloned and characterized by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology inXenopus laevisoocytes. Phh-RDL and Phh-GluCl formed functional homomeric receptors respectively gated by GABA and L-glutamate with EC50values of 16.0 μM and 9.3 μM. Importantly, ivermectin displayed a super agonist action on Phh-GluCl, whereas Phh-RDL receptors were weakly affected. Reversally, lotilaner strongly inhibited the GABA-evoked currents in Phh-RDL with an IC50value of 40.7 nM, whereas it had no effect on Phh-GluCl. We report here for the first time the insecticidal activity of isoxazolines on human ectoparasites and reveal the mode of action of ivermectin and lotilaner on GluCl and RDL channels from human lice. These results emphasize an expected extension of the use of the isoxazoline drug class as new pediculicidal agents to tackle resistant-louse infestations in humans.
Site-specific analysis of N-glycans from different sheep prion strains
Authors: Nakić Natali , Tran Thanh Hoa , Novokmet Mislav , Andreoletti Olivier , Lauc Gordan , Legname Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Prion diseases are a group of neurodegenerative diseases affecting a wide range of mammalian species, including humans. During the course of the disease, the abnormally folded scrapie prion protein (PrPSc) accumulates in the central nervous system where it causes neurodegeneration. In prion disorders, the diverse spectrum of illnesses exists because of the presence of different isoforms of PrPSc where they occupy distinct conformational states called strains. Strains are biochemically distinguished by a characteristic three-band immunoblot pattern, defined by differences in the occupancy of two glycosylation sites on the prion protein (PrP). Characterization of the exact N-glycan structures attached on either PrPC or PrPSc is lacking. Here we report the characterization and comparison of N-glycans from two different sheep prion strains. PrPSc from both strains was isolated from brain tissue and enzymatically digested with trypsin. By using liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry, a site-specific analysis was performed. A total of 100 structures were detected on both glycosylation sites. The N-glycan profile was shown to be similar to the one on mouse PrP, however, with additional 40 structures reported. The results presented here show no major differences in glycan composition, suggesting that glycans may not be responsible for the differences in the two analyzed prion strains.
Staging Desdemona in African time: A conversation with Peter Sellars
Authors: Rapetti Valentina
Published: February 2021

For the past 40 years, Peter Sellars has been one of the most innovative, eclectic and prolific directors in Western theatre. A deeply cultivated and politically committed practitioner whose vision and craft span a multitude of widely divergent theatrical traditions, genres and styles, Sellars has established his international reputation as a polymath in the performing arts. With more than 100 productions to his name, including community-based, transnational and transcontinental work, Sellars is known worldwide for his contemporary interpretations of canonical plays and operas that combine radical imagery, technical virtuosity, structural rigour, intellectual depth, social critique and moral intent. In this interview, he shares details about his collaboration with African American writer Toni Morrison and Malian musician Rokia Traoré in the creation of Desdemona (2012), a cross-cultural adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Othello, talking about theatre as ritual, directorial choices, acting as channelling and intertextuality.
The History of American Literature on Film, Thomas Leitch (2019)
Authors: Vellucci Sabrina
Published: February 2021

Review of: The History of American Literature on Film, Thomas Leitch (2019)

New York and London: Bloomsbury, 448 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-6289-2373-5, h/bk, £ 120.00
Las escuelas de adultas en los inicios del siglo XX: legislación, currículo y justificación. Caso particular de orense)
Authors: Cid Galante Rosa María
Published: February 2021

Las políticas educativas de comienzos de siglo xx en España se preocuparon por erradicar los problemas del analfabetismo y expansionar la educación a la población y entre sus objetivos estaba formalizar la enseñanza de adultos. Las escuelas de adultos y adultas eran una solución necesaria para los que no acudieran a la escuela primaria y no tenían los conocimientos académicos básicos. Para las mujeres era una gran oportunidad ya que presentaban una formación muy incompleta. Ahora bien, ¿podrían las escuelas de adultas, además de solucionar su mermada formación, allanarles el camino hacia la emancipación? Es la pregunta que subyace en este estudio, y para averiguarlo se revisa y examina la legislación y el currículum y se analizan las opiniones de la época sobre la necesidad de su  implantación para deducir si las escuelas de adultas suponían una oportunidad para cambiar el estatus de las mujeres o, por el contrario, implicaban la permanencia de su condición social.
Megfelelő kultúra = kiváló teljesítmény? (Appropriate culture = excellent performance?)
Authors: Fekete Hajnalka , Dimény Erzsébet
Published: February 2021

A szervezeti kultúra meghatározza azokat az alapvető értékeket, feltételezéseket, értelmezéseket és megközelítéseket, amelyek a szervezetet jellemzik. A definíciók sokszínűsége is bizonyítja, hogy a szervezeti kultúrában kifejeződik mindaz, amitől a szervezet egyedi. A vállalat teljesítményét számos tényező befolyásolja, ezek lehetnek külső, a vállalkozás által nagyrészt befolyásolhatatlan tényezők, de lehetnek belső, a vállalkozás által jelentősen befolyásolható tényezők. A kihívásokra adott egyedi, szervezetenként eltérő válaszok a vállalatok eltérő stratégiáiban, szervezeti felépítéseiben és szervezeti kultúráiban – mint a vállalat által befolyásolható tényezőkben – fejeződnek ki. A szerzők dolgozatukban egy empirikus kutatás eredményeinek egy részét mutatják be, amely az említett tényezők és a vállalati teljesítmény összefüggéseit tárja fel. Jelen tanulmány a vállalati teljesítmény és a szervezeti kultúra közti kapcsolatokat vizsgálja. A cikk elemzi, hogy melyek lehetnek azok a kulturális jellemzők, amelyek elősegíthetik a vállalati teljesítmény növelését. _________ The organizational culture determines the fundamental values, assumptions, interpretations and approaches which characterize the organization. The variability of definitions evidences that everything is expressed in organizational culture that makes organization specific. Corporate performance is influenced by numerous factors, these can be external ones not to be influenced by the company, and internal ones, being influenced by the company. The individual answers to challenges are expressed in different strategies, organizational structures and culture of companies as factors to be influenced by the companies. Authors present one part of the results of an empirical research, exploring connections between the mentioned factors and organizational cultures. The article analyses which cultural characteristics can enhance corporate performance.