bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of the inhibition potential of echinacoside on human cytochrome P450 isozymes
Authors: Wu Yujie , Qiao Aiqing , Lin Shu , Chen Lijia
Published: February 2022

Background

Echinacoside (ECH) possesses a wide range of biological activity. This present study analyzes the effect of ECH on cytochrome P450 isozymes (CYPs) activities of human liver microsomes.

Methods

The effect of ECH on CYPs enzyme activities were studied using the enzyme-selective substrates phenacetin (1A2), chlorzoxazone (2E1), S-mephenytoin (2C19), testosterone (3A4), coumarin (2A6), diclofenac (2C9), paclitaxel (2C8), and dextromethorphan (2D6). The IC50 values for CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 isoforms were examined to express the strength of inhibition. Further, the inhibition of CYPs was checked for time-dependent or not, and then fitted with competitive or non-competitive inhibition models. The corresponding parameters were also obtained.

Results

ECH caused inhibitions on CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzyme activities in HLMs with IC50 of 21.23, 19.15, 8.70 and 55.42 μM, respectively. The obtained results showed that the inhibition of ECH on CYP3A4 was time-dependent with the KI/Kinact value of 6.63/0.066 min− 1·μM− 1. Moreover, ECH inhibited the activity of CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 via non-competitive manners (Ki = 10.90 μM and Ki = 14.40 μM, respectively), while ECH attenuated the CYP2C19 activity via a competitive manner (Ki = 4.41 μM).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that ECH inhibits CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 activities in vitro. In vivo and clinical studies are warranted to verify the relevance of these interactions.
Nursing faculty experiences with student incivility in South Korea: a qualitative study
Authors: Hyun Myung Sun , Kang Hee Sun , De Gagne Jennie C. , Park Jeonghwa
Published: February 2022

Background

Student academic incivility is a serious problem in nursing education because it negatively influences the learning process, wellbeing of faculty members, and faculty–student relationships. The aim of this study was to explore nursing faculty experiences related to student incivility in nursing education.

Methods

We used an exploratory qualitative methodology and conducted in-depth interviews with 14 nursing faculty members working at 11 nursing universities in South Korea. A qualitative content analysis was carried out.

Results

The six themes that emerged from the faculty experiences were nursing student indifference to teachers’ expectations; ignoring behavioral standards in school life; differing responses to uncivil student behavior; self-reflection as a nursing educator; negative impact on faculty in a nursing education context; and awareness of civility in a nursing education context.

Conclusion

Dealing with student academic incivility in nursing education is one of the most challenging tasks for faculty members, and it should be managed to provide a comfortable learning environment. The present study delineated the uncivil behavior experienced by the faculty and their negative effects in the educational context and suggested alternatives to manage student incivility and foster a positive educational environment through the eyes of the faculty. The findings of this study suggest an evidence-based direction for fostering a culture of civility in nursing schools.
Novel insight into pancreatic adenocarcinoma pathogenesis using liquid association analysis
Authors: Shokati Eshkiki Zahra , Khayer Nasibeh , Talebi Atefeh , Karbalaei Reza , Akbari Abolfazl
Published: February 2022

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy associated with a poor prognosis. High-throughput disease-related-gene expression data provide valuable information on gene interaction, which consequently lead to deeper insight about pathogenesis. The co-expression analysis is a common approach that is used to investigate gene interaction. However, such an approach solely is inadequate to reveal the complexity of the gene interaction. The three-way interaction model is known as a novel approach applied to decode the complex relationship between genes.

Methods

In the current study, the liquid association method was used to capture the statistically significant triplets involved in the PDAC pathogenesis. Subsequently, gene set enrichment and gene regulatory network analyses were performed to trace the biological relevance of the statistically significant triplets.

Results

The results of the current study suggest that “response to estradiol” and “Regulation of T-cell proliferation” are two critical biological processes that may be associated with the PDAC pathogenesis. Additionally, we introduced six switch genes, namelyLamc2,Klk1,Nqo1,Aox1,Tspan1,andCxcl12, which might be involved in PDAC triggering.

Conclusion

In the current study, for the first time, the critical genes and pathways involved in the PDAC pathogenesis were investigated using the three-way interaction approach. As a result, two critical biological processes, as well as six potential biomarkers, were suggested that might be involved in the PDAC triggering. Surprisingly, strong evidence for the biological relevance of our results can be found in the literature.
Extended characterisation of five archival tick-borne viruses provides insights for virus discovery in Australian ticks
Authors: O’Brien Caitlin A. , Huang Bixing , Warrilow David , Hazlewood Jessamine E. , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Hall-Mendelin Sonja , Pegg Cassandra L. , Harrison Jessica J. , Paramitha Devina , Newton Natalee D. , Schulz Benjamin L. , Suhrbier Andreas , Hobson-Peters Jody , Hall Roy A.
Published: February 2022

Background

A subset of Australians who have been bitten by ticks experience a complex of chronic and debilitating symptoms which cannot be attributed to the known pathogenic species of bacteria present in Australia. As a result, there has been a renewed effort to identify and characterise viruses in Australian terrestrial ticks. Recent transcriptome sequencing ofIxodesandAmblyommaticks has revealed the presence of multiple virus sequences. However, without virus isolates our ability to understand the host range and pathogenesis of newly identified viruses is limited. We have established a successful method for high-throughput virus discovery and isolation in mosquitoes using antibodies to double-stranded RNA. In this study we sought to characterise five archival tick-borne viruses to adapt our virus discovery protocol for Australian ticks.

Methods

We performed virus characterisation using a combination of bioinformatic sequence analysis and in vitro techniques including replication kinetics, antigenic profiling, virus purification and mass spectrometry.

Results

Our sequence analysis of Nugget virus, Catch-me-Cave virus and Finch Creek virus revealed marked genetic stability in isolates collected from the same location approximately 30 years apart. We demonstrate that theIxodes scapularis-derived ISE6 cell line supports replication of Australian members of theFlaviviridae,Nairoviridae,PhenuiviridaeandReoviridaefamilies, including Saumarez Reef virus (SREV), a flavivirus isolated from the soft tickOrnithodoros capensis. While antibodies against double-stranded RNA could be used to detect replication of a tick-borne reovirus and mosquito-borne flavivirus, the tick-borne flaviviruses Gadgets Gully virus and SREV could not be detected using this method. Finally, four novel virus-like sequences were identified in transcriptome sequencing of the Australian native tickIxodes holocyclus.

Conclusions

Genetic and antigenic characterisations of archival viruses in this study confirm that three viruses described in 2002 represent contemporary isolates of virus species first identified 30 years prior. Our findings with antibodies to double-stranded RNA highlight an unusual characteristic shared by two Australian tick-borne flaviviruses. Finally, comparative growth kinetics analyses of Australian tick-borne members of theFlaviviridae,Nairoviridae,PhenuiviridaeandReoviridaefamilies in ISE6 and BSR cells will provide a useful resource for isolation of Australian tick-borne viruses using existing cell lines.

Graphical Abstract
Preparation of recombinant Kluyveromyces lactis agents for simultaneous degradation of two mycotoxins
Authors: Xia Yu , Qiu Yangyu , Wu Zifeng , Cheng Qianqian , Hu Xiuyu , Cui Xiaobing , Wang Zhouping
Published: February 2022

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) are widely distributed in corns, peanuts, and other cereals, causing serious threat to food safety and human health. As shown by our previous studies, the recombinant yeast strain Kluyveromyces lactis GG799(pKLAC1-ZPF1) had the ability of degrading AFB1 and ZEN simultaneously. In this work, the agent preparation process was optimized for K. lactis GG799(pKLAC1-ZPF1), and the storage conditions of the prepared yeast agents were investigated, for obtaining the products with high storage activities and potent mycotoxin degradation efficiency. The optimal preparation process was as follows: centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 15 min for collection of the yeast cells, spray drying with the ratio of protective compounds to yeast cells at 3:1 (w/w) and then stored at − 20 °C. Simultaneous degradation tests of AFB1 and ZEN were performed using the supernatants of reactivated yeast agents after three months of storage, and the degradation ratios for AFB1 and ZEN in reaction system 1 (70.0 mmol/L malonic buffer, pH 4.5, with 1.0 mmol/L MnSO4, 0.1 mmol/L H2O2, 5.0 μg/mL AFB1 and ZEN, respectively) were 48.2 ± 3.2% and 34.8 ± 2.8%, while that for ZEN in reaction system 2 (50.0 mmol/L Tris–HCl, pH 7.5, with 5.0 μg/mL AFB1 and ZEN, respectively) was 30.1 ± 2.7%. Besides, the supernatants of reactivated yeast agents degraded more than 80% of AFB1 and 55% of ZEN in contaminated peanuts after twice treatments. Results of this work suggested that the optimized process for K. lactis GG799(pKLAC1-ZPF1) was with high value for industrial applications.
An exploration of the potential benefit of extensive listening along with orthography for improving EFL learners’ pronunciation
Authors: Almalki Nada , Algethami Ghazi
Published: February 2022

Explicit pronunciation instruction has been shown to be effective in improving language learners’ pronunciation, yet it is not clear whether the same can be said about implicit pronunciation instruction. In addition, the role of orthography in improving language learners’ pronunciation is yet to be fully understood. Thus, this research examined the contribution of extensive listening combined with orthography to the improvement of language learners’ pronunciation. Ninety Saudi learners of English were randomly allocated to three groups and offered different types of instructions: (A) extensive listening only; (B) extensive listening with orthography; and (C) a control group. Similar utterances were collected from the three groups before and after the instructions. The utterances were then presented randomly to a group of native English listeners for global foreign accent rating. Small, though non-significant, improvement was observed for both experimental groups. This may be attributed to the relatively short duration of exposing the learners to the aural input. Semi-structed interviews, with a sample of the learners from the experimental groups, showed that they had positive opinions regarding extensive listening with orthography for the improvement of their pronunciation. Further research may use longer period to examine whether extensive listening along with orthography can result in significant improvement of language learners’ pronunciation.
Ringlike vortex structures in models with anomalous magnetic moment
Authors: Andrade I. , Marques M. A. , Menezes R.
Published: February 2022

This paper deals with vortices in Maxwell-Chern-Simons models with nonminimal coupling. We introduce constraints between the functions that govern the model and find the conditions to minimize the energy. In this direction, a set of first-order equations with novel features are obtained, allowing us to smoothly modify the slope of the function that drives the scalar field in the rotationally symmetric configurations. The results show that, under specific conditions, the solutions may attain an inflection point outside the origin, while the energy density and the electric and magnetic fields get a ringlike profile. We also introduce a procedure to get multiring vortex configurations whose associated solutions engender several inflection points.
Association Between Changes in Postoperative Opioid Utilization and Long-Term Health Care Spending Among Surgical Patients With Chronic Opioid Utilization
Authors: Sun Eric C. , Rishel Chris A. , Jena Anupam B.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

There is growing interest in identifying and developing interventions aimed at reducing the risk of increased, long-term opioid use among surgical patients. While understanding how these interventions impact health care spending has important policy implications and may facilitate the widespread adoption of these interventions, the extent to which they may impact health care spending among surgical patients who utilize opioids chronically is unknown.

METHODS:

This study was a retrospective analysis of administrative health care claims data for privately insured patients. We identified 53,847 patients undergoing 1 of 10 procedures between January 1, 2004, and September 30, 2018 (total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, open appendectomy, cesarean delivery, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, transurethral resection of the prostate, or simple mastectomy) who had chronic opioid utilization (≥10 prescriptions or ≥120-day supply in the year before surgery). Patients were classified into 3 groups based on differences in opioid utilization, measured in average daily oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), between the first postoperative year and the year before surgery: “stable” (<20% change), “increasing” (≥20% increase), or “decreasing” (≥20% decrease). We then examined the association between these 3 groups and health care spending during the first postoperative year, using a multivariable regression to adjust for observable confounders, such as patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and preoperative health care utilization.

RESULTS:

The average age of the sample was 62.0 (standard deviation [SD] 13.1) years, and there were 35,715 (66.3%) women. Based on the change in average daily MME between the first postoperative year and the year before surgery, 16,961 (31.5%) patients were classified as “stable,” 15,463 (28.7%) were classified as “increasing,” and 21,423 (39.8%) patients were classified as “decreasing.” After adjusting for potential confounders, “increasing” patients had higher health care spending ($37,437) than “stable” patients ($31,061), a difference that was statistically significant ($6377; 95% confidence interval [CI], $5669–$7084; P < .001), while “decreasing” patients had lower health care spending ($29,990), a difference (–$1070) that was also statistically significant (95% CI, –$1679 to –$462; P = .001). These results were generally consistent across an array of subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients with chronic opioid utilization before surgery, subsequent increases in opioid utilization during the first postoperative year were associated with increased health care spending during that timeframe, while subsequent decreases in opioid utilization were associated with decreased health care spending.
TDP-43 promotes tau accumulation and selective neurotoxicity in bigenic Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Latimer Caitlin S. , Stair Jade G. , Hincks Joshua C. , Currey Heather N. , Bird Thomas D. , Keene C. Dirk , Kraemer Brian C. , Liachko Nicole F.
Published: February 2022

Although amyloid β (Aβ) and tau aggregates define the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), TDP-43 has recently emerged as a co-morbid pathology in more than half of patients with AD. Individuals with concomitant Aβ, tau and TDP-43 pathology experience accelerated cognitive decline and worsened brain atrophy, but the molecular mechanisms of TDP-43 neurotoxicity in AD are unknown. Synergistic interactions among Aβ, tau and TDP-43 may be responsible for worsened disease outcomes. To study the biology underlying this process, we have developed new models of protein co-morbidity using the simple animal Caenorhabditis elegans. We demonstrate that TDP-43 specifically enhances tau but not Aβ neurotoxicity, resulting in neuronal dysfunction, pathological tau accumulation and selective neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we find that synergism between tau and TDP-43 is rescued by loss-of-function of the robust tau modifier sut-2. Our results implicate enhanced tau neurotoxicity as the primary driver underlying worsened clinical and neuropathological phenotypes in AD with TDP-43 pathology, and identify cell-type specific sensitivities to co-morbid tau and TDP-43. Determining the relationship between co-morbid TDP-43 and tau is crucial to understand, and ultimately treat, mixed pathology AD.
Prostate MRI quality: clinical impact of the PI-QUAL score in prostate cancer diagnostic work-up
Authors: Karanasios Eleftherios , Caglic Iztok , Zawaideh Jeries P. , Barrett Tristan
Published: February 2022

Objective:

To assess the reproducibility and impact of prostate imaging quality (PI-QUAL) scores in a clinical cohort undergoing prostate multiparametric MRI.

Methods:

PI-QUAL scores were independently recorded by three radiologists (two senior, one junior). Readers also recorded whether MRI was sufficient to rule-in/out cancer and if repeat imaging was required. Inter-reader agreement was assessed using Cohen’s κ. PI-QUAL scores were further correlated to PI-RADS score, number of biopsy procedures, and need for repeat imaging.

Results:

Image quality was sufficient (≥PI-QUAL-3) in 237/247 (96%) and optimal (≥PI-QUAL-4) in 206/247 (83%) of males undergoing 3T-MRI. Overall PI-QUAL scores showed moderate inter-reader agreement for senior (K = 0.51) and junior-senior readers (K = 0.47), with DCE showing highest agreement (K = 0.47). With PI-QUAL-5 studies, the negative MRI calls increased from 50 to 87% and indeterminate PI-RADS-3 rates decreased from 31.8. to 10.4% compared to lower quality PI-QUAL-3 studies. More patients with PI-QUAL scores 1–3 underwent biopsy for negative (47%) and indeterminate probability (100%) MRIs compared to PI-QUAL score 4–5 (30 and 75%, respectively). Ability to rule-in cancer increased with PI-QUAL score, from 50% at PI-QUAL 1–2 to 90% for PI-QUAL 4–5, with a similarly, but greater effect for ruling-out cancer and at a lower threshold, from 0% for scans of PI-QUAL 1–2 to 67.1% for PI-QUAL 4 and 100% for PI-QUAL-5.

Conclusion:

Higher PI-QUAL scores for image quality are associated with decreased uncertainty in MRI decision-making and improved efficiency of diagnostic pathway delivery.

Advances in knowledge:

This study demonstrates moderate inter-reader agreement for PI-QUAL scoring and validates the score in a clinical setting, showing correlation of image quality to certainty of decision making and clinical outcomes of repeat imaging and biopsy of low-to-intermediate risk cases.
Byzantine church chant and Islamic art music on the English recorder: theory and practice
Authors: Lekkas Demetrios E.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the natural appropriateness of the English-drilled and fingered recorder for playing and teaching the basic archetypal movable intervallic structures of Byzantine chant and Islamic art music. The approach lies in the following steps: i. reference to key epistemological features of the research conducted in this quest, ii. historical and functional identification of the said basic structures, by tracing their common central primary diatonic modal cell: the “spondeiac hexachord”; this is achieved by combining historical and systemic considerations; iii. direct attribution of their genesis to the drilling of primary flutes; iv. integral structural synthesis and exposition of both systems and their primary evolution as generated by the spondeiac hexachord; v. identification of the precise drilling and fingering scheme involved, with special focus on the Islamic nāy and the English recorder; vi. arguments underlining the superiority of the modern standard English recorder as a medium for these musics, supporting its adoption and propagation and recommending the manufacture of new “sopranone” and “tenorone” instruments in B♭(π); vii. a full corresponding fingering chart for the English recorder, thoroughly explained and annotated.
Impact of antiretroviral therapy regimens adherence on perceived health and wellbeing status among adults living with HIV in Ghana
Authors: ADAM AWOLU , FUSHEINI ADAM , AGBOZO FAITH A , ASALU GEOFFREY ADEBAYO , AYANORE MARTIN AMOGRE , AMUNA NORBERT , APPIAH PRINCE KUBI , KLOMEGAH SENAM ABENA , ZOTOR FRANCIS BRUNO
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The efficacy of antiretroviral medicines to improve health outcomes and wellbeing depends largely on how soon they are prescribed and how PLHIV adhere to their prescribed regimens. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to examine adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to assess perceived health and wellbeing among people living with HIV(PLHIV) in two regions in Ghana. 

Methods

Quantitative data were collected from 301 PLHIV at three HIV clinics in Volta and Oti regions in Ghana using descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, ART initiation and adherence, and perception of health and wellbeing and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Demographic and categorical variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics while Chi-squared analyses and binary logistics regression were used to determine variables that correlated with adherence to ART regimen. A Mann–Whitney U-test was used to measure differences in perception of health and wellbeing between male and female participants.

Results

80% initiated ART within a month following diagnosis and 97.3% reported adhering to their ART regimens consistently. A Pearson χ2 revealed that the availability of alternatives to the current ART medications showed a significant association with ART adherence (χ2 =12.078, p= 0.002). 90% reported improvement in their health and personal wellbeing. High ART adherence and positive perceived health and wellbeing were found.

Conclusion

Regular supply of ART and investment in LA-ART to ensure more effective, efficient, and stress-free adherence to ART for PLHIV regardless of their residence in the country.
Influences on User Trust in Healthcare Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jermutus Eva , Kneale Dylan , Thomas James , Michie Susan
Published: February 2022

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prominent in domains such as healthcare. It is argued to be transformative through altering the way in which healthcare data is used. The realisation and success of AI depend heavily on people’s trust in its applications. Yet, influences on trust in healthcare AI (HAI) applications so far have been underexplored. The objective of this study was to identify aspects related to users, AI applications and the wider context influencing trust in HAI.

Methods: We performed a systematic review to map out influences on user trust in HAI. To identify relevant studies, we searched seven electronic databases in November 2019 (ACM digital library, IEEE Explore, NHS Evidence, ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis Global, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection). Searches were restricted to publications available in English and German. To be included studies had to be empirical; focus on an AI application (excluding robotics) in a health-related setting; and evaluate applications with regards to users.

Results: Three studies, one mixed-method and two qualitative studies in English were included. Influences on trust fell into three broad categories: human-related (knowledge, expectation, mental model, self-efficacy, type of user, age, gender), AI-related (data privacy and safety, operational safety, transparency, design, customizability, trialability, explainability, understandability, power-control-balance, benevolence) and context-related (AI company, media, users’ social network). The factors resulted in an updated logic model illustrating the relationship between these aspects.

Conclusion: Trust in HAI depends on a variety of factors, both external and internal to AI applications. This study contributes to our understanding of what influences trust in HAI by highlighting key influences, as well as pointing to gaps and issues in existing research on trust and AI. In so doing, it offers a starting point for further investigation of trust environments as well as trustworthy AI applications.
Projeto RESPIRE: protocolo de avaliação do impacto da pandemia na saúde da comunidade do IFSul
Authors: Häfele César Augusto , Kremer Marina Marques , Cunha Gabriel Barros da , Cunha Gicele de Oliveira karini da , Guimarães Ítalo Fontoura , Foster Fabricio Mota , Bacchieri Giancarlo , Reichert Felipe Fossati , Borges Thiago Terra
Published: February 2022

A pandemia do coronavírus (COVID-19) configura-se como uma das maiores crises sanitárias já enfrentadas pela humanidade. Este protocolo detalha o estudo sobre o impacto do distanciamento social na saúde de escolares e servidores dos 14 Câmpus e Reitoria do Instituto Federal Sul-rio-grandense (IFSul). O estudo observacional longitudinal envolve duas coletas de dados: Coleta 1 - realizada entre os meses de maio e agosto de 2021 com informações referentes ao período pré e durante o distanciamento social; Coleta 2 - será realizada no retorno das aulas presenciais no período pós distanciamento social (previsto para abril de 2022). Participantes responderam um questionário auto aplicado através da plataforma QuestionPro, onde foram coletadas variáveis sociodemográficas, comportamentais (atividades físicas, sedentárias, sono, alimentação, tabagismo e consumo de álcool), saúde mental, autopercepção de saúde e relacionadas a instituição de ensino. Estratégias de alcance da população alvo envolveram a utilização da página do Câmpus, aplicação do questionário em aula para alunos, encaminhamento via e-mail aos servidores e divulgação nas mídias sociais. Entender como o distanciamento social afetou a saúde de estudantes e servidores e realizar um acompanhamento no retorno das aulas é importante para os gestores terem um diagnóstico de saúde dos diferentes momentos, criarem políticas para facilitar o retorno as aulas, bem como, auxiliar no enfrentamento dos problemas identificados com a pesquisa durante o retorno as aulas presenciais.
Slater Condition for Tangent Derivatives
Authors: Zheng Xi Yin
Published: February 2022

Noting that the existing Slater condition, as a fundamental constraint qualification in optimization, is only applicable in the convex setting, we introduce and study the Slater condition for the Bouligand and Clarke tangent derivatives of a general vector-valued function F with respect to a closed convex cone K. Without any assumption, it is proved that the Slater condition for the Clarke (respectively, Bouligand) tangent derivative with respect to K is always stable when the objective function F undergoes small Lipschitz (calm) perturbations. Based on this, we prove that if the Clarke (Bouligand) tangent derivative of F satisfies the Slater condition (with respect to K) then the conic inequality determined by F has a stable metric subregularity when F undergoes small Lipschitz (calm regular) perturbations. In the composite-convexity case, the converse implication is also proved to be true. Moreover, under the Slater condition for the tangent derivative of F, it is proved that the normal cone to the sublevel set of F can be formulated by the subdifferential of F, which improves the corresponding results in either the smooth or convex case. As applications, without any qualification assumption, we improve and generalize formulas for the normal cone to a convex sublevel set by Cabot and Thibault [(2014), Sequential formulae for the normal cone to sublevel sets. Transactions of the American Mathematical Society 366(12):6591–6628]. With the help of these formulas, some new Karush–Kuhn–Tucker optimality conditions are established.
Efficacy of automated hand sanitiser dispensers in a teaching hospital
Authors: Walker Hannah K , Parker K , Gow AG
Published: February 2022

Background:

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are routinely used in healthcare establishments worldwide to reduce infection transmission. The volume of sanitiser dispensed has been shown to affect the efficacy of the hand hygiene event.

Aim:

To assess whether the dispensed volume fulfils FDA requirements and if the implementation of a role in maintaining the sanitisers improved dispenser efficacy.

Methods:

Samples were collected from 15 automated dispensers in a veterinary teaching hospital. Samples were collected daily on 6 consecutive days. This was repeated immediately following the assignment of a role to monitor and service the sanitisers, and again 8 months post implementation of the role.

Results:

Of the 270 aliquots collected, 54 (20%) and 216 (80%) were <1 ml and >1 ml, respectively. The mean volume dispensed in a single aliquot was significantly different from the target (1.2 ml). The volumes of sanitiser dispensed and the number of aliquots <1 ml did not change significantly between the three time points.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that there is a high risk of inadequate hand sanitation when using automated dispensers, as a result of the inadequate volumes dispensed. Using dispensers automated to dispense larger volumes of sanitiser and encouraging self-reporting of perceived malfunctions may reduce these risks more than implementing a dispenser servicing role.
Parasite roundup for 2021
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: February 2022

The year 2021 has proven to be another challenging year for UK veterinary professionals in many specialities, and parasite control has presented its own set of challenges. These have focused largely around the high numbers of rescue dogs continuing to be imported from abroad and the challenges of ensuring responsible parasiticide use in increasingly busy veterinary practices. Throughout, the European Council for Companion Animal Parasites UK & Ireland has continued to give parasite control advice, raise awareness of the changing parasite landscape in the UK and promote the need for risk-based parasite control and routine diagnostic surveillance. So what did 2021 hold for parasites and their control?
Feminism, power and politics in policing rape research: time for a paradigm shift
Authors: Geoghegan-Fittall Sophie , Skinner Tina , Stanko Betsy
Published: February 2022

Over the last 40 years, academics, activists and policymakers have attempted to improve police and criminal justice (CJ) responses to rape, yet attrition in rape cases continues to rise (ONS, 2021). Rape attrition studies have increasingly scrutinised the CJ process, initially in smaller scale, local research (for example, Lees and Gregory, 1993) and more recently through national analysis of the CJ outcomes of police reported cases (for example, ONS, 2021). While this has greatly enhanced understanding of why cases may drop out, the focus has increasingly been on explaining attrition in the hope of improving CJ outcomes, rather than victim-survivors’ voices and what they want from the process. Similarly, to explore attrition at the police stage, surveys have been undertaken with officers to understand their attitudes, including rape myth acceptance (for example, Sleath and Bull, 2012); again, with a focus on improving substantive CJ outcomes. In this article we call for researchers, activists and policymakers to pause and reflect upon the political and ideological reasons behind a focus on particular research questions using particular methodologies; and whether there is a need for more victim-survivor centred, indeed person-centred, research and practice where the focus is more on procedural justice rather than substantive justice.
Ultrafast transverse and longitudinal response of laser-excited quantum wires
Authors: Gulley Jeremy R. , Huang Danhong
Published: February 2022

We couple 1D pulse propagation simulations with laser-solid dynamics in a GaAs quantum wire, solving for the electron and hole populations and the interband and intraband coherences between states. We thus model not only the dynamical dipole contributions to the optical polarization (interband bound-charge response) but also the photo-generation and back-action effects of the net free-charge density (intraband free-charge response). These results show that solving for the dynamic electron and hole intraband coherences leads to plasma oscillations at THz frequencies, even in a 1D solid where plasma screening is small. We then calculate the transverse and longitudinal response of the quantum wire and characterize the dispersion relation for the e-h plasma. This approach allows one to predict the optoelectronic response of 1D semiconductor devices during and after exposure to resonant ultrashort pulses.
Tunable optofluidic microbubble lens
Authors: Zhao Xuyang , Chen Yuxing , Guo Zhihe , Zhou Yi , Guo Junhong , Liu Zhiran , Zhang Xiangchao , Xiao Limin , Fei Yiyan , Wu Xiang
Published: February 2022

Optofluidic microlenses are one of the crucial components in many miniature lab-on-chip systems. However, many optofluidic microlenses are fabricated through complex micromachining and tuned by high-precision actuators. We propose a kind of tunable optofluidic microbubble lens that is made by the fuse-and-blow method with a fiber fusion splicer. The optical focusing properties of the microlens can be tuned by changing the refractive index of the liquid inside. The focal spot size is 2.8 µm and the focal length is 13.7 µm, which are better than those of other tunable optofluidic microlenses. The imaging capability of the optofluidic microbubble lens is demonstrated under a resolution test target and the imaging resolution can reach 1 µm. The results indicate that the optofluidic microbubble lens possesses good focusing properties and imaging capability for many applications, such as cell counting, optical trapping, spatial light coupling, beam shaping and imaging.
Factors associated with antenatal depression in the Kingdom of Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Abujilban Sanaa , Mrayan Lina , Al-Obeisat Salwa , Tanash Mu’ath , Sinclair Marlene , Kernohan W. George
Published: February 2022

Fear of infection and measures taken to mitigate infection, such as social distancing, lockdown and isolation can lead to anxiety and depression across the life course, but especially in pregnancy. We set out to identify the prevalence of depression in pregnancy, using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) during national quarantine and to examine women’s knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in regard to potential COVID-19-related depression. Following ethical approval, an observational design, with an online questionnaire and snowball sampling was used to recruit 546 pregnant women (231 primi and 315 multiparous) in Jordan via common social media platforms (facebook, WhatsApp). Over one third (36.7%) reported depressive symptoms. There were significantly lower depression scores among pregnant women who exhibited more knowledge about COVID-19 (in high [vs low] knowledge groups, mean EPDS = 10.8 [vs 12.2]; p = 0.007). Depression scores were not significantly associated with attitude nor with practice. This suggests that enhanced knowledge levels may protect pregnant women against depression. Our findings contribute to understanding of the experience of pregnant women in developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare Professionals should provide health education to all pregnant women and timely services to pregnant women with depressive symptoms. This may lead to the prevention of serious symptoms and reduce negative consequences on the next generation, not only in Jordan, but worldwide.
Development and validation of a multiplex real-time qPCR assay using GMP-grade reagents for leprosy diagnosis
Authors: Manta Fernanda Saloum de Neves , Jacomasso Thiago , Rampazzo Rita de Cássia Pontello , Moreira Suelen Justo Maria , Zahra Najua M. , Cole Stewart T. , Avanzi Charlotte , Leal-Calvo Thyago , Vasconcellos Sidra Ezidio Gonçalves , Suffys Phillip , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo , Krieger Marco Aurelio , Costa Alexandre Dias Tavares , Moraes Milton Ozório
Published: February 2022

Leprosy is a chronic dermato-neurological disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an obligate intracellular bacterium. Timely detection is a challenge in leprosy diagnosis, relying on clinical examination and trained health professionals. Furthermore, adequate care and transmission control depend on early and reliable pathogen detection. Here, we describe a qPCR test for routine diagnosis of leprosy-suspected patients. The reaction simultaneously amplifies two specific Mycobacterium leprae targets (16S rRNA and RLEP), and the human 18S rRNA gene as internal control. The limit of detection was estimated to be 2.29 copies of the M. leprae genome. Analytical specificity was evaluated using a panel of 20 other skin pathogenic microorganisms and Mycobacteria, showing no cross-reactivity. Intra- and inter-operator Cp variation was evaluated using dilution curves of M. leprae DNA or a synthetic gene, and no significant difference was observed between three operators in two different laboratories. The multiplex assay was evaluated using 97 patient samples with clinical and histopathological leprosy confirmation, displaying high diagnostic sensitivity (91%) and specificity (100%). Validation tests in an independent panel of 50 samples confirmed sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 98%, respectively. Importantly, assay performance remained stable for at least five months. Our results show that the newly developed multiplex qPCR effectively and specifically detects M. leprae DNA in skin samples, contributing to an efficient diagnosis that expedites the appropriate treatment.
Henipaviruses—A constant threat to livestock and humans
Authors: Kummer Susann , Kranz Denise-Carina
Published: February 2022

In this review, we highlight the risk to livestock and humans from infections with henipaviruses, which belong to the virus family Paramyxoviridae. We provide a comprehensive overview of documented outbreaks of Nipah and Hendra virus infections affecting livestock and humans and assess the burden on the economy and health systems. In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, attention must be paid to emerging viruses and infectious diseases, as transmission routes can be rapid and worldwide.
The impact of COVID-19 on cryptocurrency markets: A network analysis based on mutual information
Authors: Hong Mi Yeon , Yoon Ji Won
Published: February 2022

The purpose of our study is to figure out the transitions of the cryptocurrency market due to the outbreak of COVID-19 through network analysis, and we studied the complexity of the market from different perspectives. To construct a cryptocurrency network, we first apply a mutual information method to the daily log return values of 102 digital currencies from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, and also apply a correlation coefficient method for comparison. Based on these two methods, we construct networks by applying the minimum spanning tree and the planar maximally filtered graph. Furthermore, we study the statistical and topological properties of these networks. Numerical results demonstrate that the degree distribution follows the power-law and the graphs after the COVID-19 outbreak have noticeable differences in network measurements compared to before. Moreover, the results of graphs constructed by each method are different in topological and statistical properties and the network’s behavior. In particular, during the post-COVID-19 period, it can be seen that Ethereum and Qtum are the most influential cryptocurrencies in both methods. Our results provide insight and expectations for investors in terms of sharing information about cryptocurrencies amid the uncertainty posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers demonstrate hybridization and interspecific gene flow between lumbricid earthworm species, Eisenia andrei and E. fetida
Authors: Jaskulak Marta , Rorat Agnieszka , Vandenbulcke Franck , Pauwels Maxime , Grzmil Paweł , Plytycz Barbara
Published: February 2022

The lumbricid earthworms Eisenia andrei (Ea) and E. fetida (Ef) have been used as model organisms for studies on hybridization. Previously they have been identified by species specific sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene of maternal origin (‘a’ or ‘f’) and the nuclear 28S gene of maternal/paternal origin (‘A’ or ‘F’). In experimental crosses, these hermaphroditic species produce progeny of genotypes Ea (aAA), Ef (fFF) and hybrids (aAF and fFA) originating by self-fertilization or cross-fertilization. To facilitate studies on new aspects of the breeding biology and hybridization of earthworms, polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed based on 12 Ea and 12 Ef specimens and validated on DNA samples extracted from 24 genotyped specimens (aAA, fFF, aAF and fFA) from three laboratory-raised families and 10 of them were applied in the present study. The results indicate that microsatellite markers are valuable tools for tracking interspecific gene flow between these species.
Superiority of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate over entecavir for serum HBsAg level reduction in patients with chronic HBV infection: A 144-week outcome study after switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Nakao Masamitsu , Yamada Shunsuke , Tsuji Shohei , Uemura Hayato , Kouyama Jun-ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Sugawara Kayoko , Nakayama Nobuaki , Imai Yukinori , Tomiya Tomoaki , Mochida Satoshi
Published: February 2022

Background

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog used for treatment from entecavir (ETV) to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) in patients with chronic HBV infection.

Methods

A total of 103 patients with serum HBsAg levels of ≥100 IU/mL who had received ETV were enrolled. The nucleos(t)ide analog used for the treatment was switched from ETV to TAF, and the changes in serum HBsAg levels during the 144-week period before and after the drug switching were compared in 74 patients who had received ETV at least for 192 weeks.

Results

Significant decreases of serum HBsAg levels were observed during both the ETV and the TAF administration period, although the degree of reduction was greater during the latter period than during the former period (P<0.001). Significant decreases of serum HBsAg levels were seen in both patients with genotype B HBV infection and genotype C HBV infection, irrespective of the serum HBsAg and HBcrAg levels at the time of the drug switching.

Conclusion

Switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog used for treatment from ETV to TAF merits consideration in patients with chronic HBV infection, since the extent of reduction of the serum HBsAg level was greater during the TAF treatment period than during the ETV treatment period.
Advances in lentil production through heterosis: Evaluating generations and breeding systems
Authors: Suri Gurpreet Kaur , Braich Shivraj , Noy Dianne M. , Rosewarne Garry M. , Cogan Noel O. I. , Kaur Sukhjiwan
Published: February 2022

Heterosis is defined as increased performance of the F1 hybrid relative to its parents. In the current study, a cohort of populations and parents were created to evaluate and understand heterosis across generations (i.e., F1 to F3) in lentil, a self-pollinated annual diploid (2n = 2× = 14) crop species. Lentil plants were evaluated for heterotic traits in terms of plant height, biomass fresh weight, seed number, yield per plant and 100 grain weight. A total of 47 selected lentil genotypes were cross hybridized to generate 72 F1 hybrids. The F1 hybrids from the top five crosses exhibited between 31%–62% heterosis for seed number with reference to the better parent. The five best performing heterotic crosses were selected with a negative control for evaluation at the subsequent F2 generation and only the tails of the distribution taken forward to be assessed in the F3 generation as a sub selection. Overall, heterosis decreases across the subsequent generations for all traits studied. However, some individual genotypes were identified at the F2 and sub-selected F3 generations with higher levels of heterosis than the best F1 mean value (hybrid mimics). The phenotypic data for the selected F2 and sub selected F3 hybrids were analysed, and the study suggested that 100 grain weight was the biggest driver of yield followed by seed number. A genetic diversity analysis of all the F1 parents failed to correlate genetic distance and divergence among parents with heterotic F1’s. Therefore, genetic distance was not a key factor to determine heterosis in lentil. The study highlights the challenges associated with different breeding systems for heterosis (i.e., F1 hybrid-based breeding systems and/or via hybrid mimics) but demonstrates the potential significant gains that could be achieved in lentil productivity.
The surprising power of a click requirement: How click requirements and warnings affect users’ willingness to disclose personal information
Authors: Epstein Robert , Zankich Vanessa R.
Published: February 2022

What kinds of information and alerts might cause internet users to be more cautious about what they reveal online? We used a 25-item survey to determine whether the strength of Terms of Service (TOS) warnings and the inclusion of a click requirement affect people’s willingness to admit to engaging in inappropriate behaviors. A racially and ethnically diverse group of 1,500 people participated in the study; 98.3% were from the US and India and the remainder from 18 other countries. Participants were randomly assigned to five different groups in which warnings and click requirements varied. In the control condition, no warning was provided. In the four experimental groups, two factors were varied in a 2 × 2 factorial design: strength of warning and click requirement. We found that strong warnings were more effective than weak warnings in decreasing personal disclosures and that click requirements added to the deterrent power of both strong and weak warnings. We also found that a commonly used TOS warning has no impact on disclosures. Participants in the control group provided 32.8% more information than participants in the two click requirement groups combined and 24.3% more information than participants in the four experimental groups combined. The pattern according to which people dropped out of the five different groups sheds further light on the surprising power of the click requirement, as well as on the importance of tracking attrition in online studies.