bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among non-refugees and refugees in Kenya
Authors: Rego Ryan T. , Ngugi Anthony K. , Sophie Delius Antonia Johanna , Luchters Stanley , Kolars Joseph C. , Irfan Furqan B. , Weinheimer-Haus Eileen , Abubakar Amina , Shah Reena , Zhu Ji , Boulton Matthew L. , Hofer Timothy , Waljee Akbar K.
Published: August 2022

Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (which we define as refusal to be vaccinated when asked, resulting in delayed or non- vaccination) are poorly studied in sub-Saharan Africa and among refugees, particularly in Kenya. Using survey data from wave five (March to June 2021) of the Kenya Rapid Response Phone Survey (RRPS), a household survey representative of the population of Kenya, we estimated the self-reported rates and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among non-refugees and refugees in Kenya. Non-refugee households were recruited through sampling of the 2015/16 Kenya Household Budget Survey and random digit dialing. Refugee households were recruited through random sampling of registered refugees. Binary response questions on misinformation and information were transformed into a scale. We performed a weighted (to be representative of the overall population of Kenya) multivariable logistic regression including interactions for refugee status, with the main outcome being if the respondent self-reported that they would not take the COVID-19 vaccine if available at no cost. We calculated the marginal effects of the various factors in the model. The weighted univariate analysis estimated that 18.0% of non-refugees and 7.0% of refugees surveyed in Kenya would not take the COVID-19 vaccine if offered at no cost. Adjusted, refugee status was associated with a -13.1[95%CI:-17.5,-8.7] percentage point difference (ppd) in vaccine hesitancy. For the both refugees and non-refugees, having education beyond the primary level, having symptoms of COVID-19, avoiding handshakes, and washing hands more often were also associated with a reduction in vaccine hesitancy. Also for both, having used the internet in the past three months was associated with a 8.1[1.4,14.7] ppd increase in vaccine hesitancy; and disagreeing that the government could be trusted in responding to COVID-19 was associated with a 25.9[14.2,37.5]ppd increase in vaccine hesitancy. There were significant interactions between refugee status and some variables (geography, food security, trust in the Kenyan government’s response to COVID-19, knowing somebody with COVID-19, internet use, and TV ownership). These relationships between refugee status and certain variables suggest that programming between refugees and non-refugees be differentiated and specific to the contextual needs of each group.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and risk factors for resistance among Escherichia coli isolated from canine specimens submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Indiana, 2010–2019
Authors: Ekakoro John E. , Hendrix G. Kenitra , Guptill Lynn F. , Ruple Audrey
Published: August 2022

Escherichia coli(E.coli) is the most common Gram-negative pathogen isolated in human infections. Antimicrobial resistant (AMR)E.colioriginating from dogs may directly or indirectly cause disease in humans. The objective of this study was to calculate the proportion of antimicrobial susceptibleE.coliisolated from canine specimens submitted to the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and to identify temporal patterns of susceptibility among these isolates. Susceptibility data of 2,738E.coliisolates from dogs from 2010 through 2019 were used in this study. Proportions of isolates susceptible to the various antimicrobials were calculated using SAS statistical software and the Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to investigate the temporal trends in susceptibility. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was built to investigate the association between host factors and AMR. Overall, 553/2,738 (20.2%) of the isolates were susceptible to 17 of the 27 antimicrobials examined. Of the 2,638 isolates examined for amikacin susceptibility, 2,706 (97.5%) were susceptible, 2,657/2,673 (99.4%) isolates were susceptible to imipenem, and 2,099/2,670 (78.6%) were susceptible to marbofloxacin. A significant decreasing trend in susceptibility was observed for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (P<0.0001), ampicillin (P<0.0001), Cefazolin (P<0.0001), ceftazidime (P= 0.0067), chloramphenicol (P<0.0001), and orbifloxacin (P= 0.008). The overall percentage of AMR isolates (isolates not susceptible to at least one antimicrobial) was 61.7% (1,690/2,738) and 29.3% (801/2,738) of isolates were multidrug resistant. Multivariable regression analyses showed significant associations between AMR and age (P= 0.0091), breed (P= 0.0008), and sample isolation site/source (P<0.0001). The decreasing trend in the proportion of isolates susceptible to several beta-lactam antimicrobials suggests that resistance ofEscherichia coliin dogs to these antimicrobials could be increasing in Indiana. The decreasing trend in susceptibility to these drugs could be due to selection pressure from antimicrobial use.
Fetal macrosomia, fetal insulin, and insulin-like growth factor- 1 among neonates in Lagos, Nigeria: A case-control study
Authors: Akinmola Olukayode O. , Okusanya Babasola O. , Olorunfemi Gbenga , Okpara Henry C. , Azinge Elaine C.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Fetal macrosomia is associated with perinatal injuries. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between fetal insulin, insulin-like Growth factor-1(IGF-1), and macrosomia in a resource-limited setting.

Method

This was a case-control study at tertiary and secondary health facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty mother-neonate pairs were recruited, and their socio-demographic and obstetric history was recorded. Fetal cord venous blood was collected at birth, and neonatal anthropometry was measured within 24hrs of life. Insulin and IGF-1 assay were measured with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Pearson’s Chi-square was used to assess the association between categorical variables and macrosomia. Spearman’s rank correlation of insulin, IGF-1, and fetal anthropometry was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of insulin and IGF-1 with fetal birth weight. A statistically significant level was set at P-value < 0.05.

Results

Macrosomic neonates had mean fetal weight, fetal length, and occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) of 4.15±0.26kg, 50.85±2.09cm and 36.35± 1.22cm respectively. The median Insulin (P = 0.023) and IGF-1 (P < 0.0001) were significantly higher among macrosomic neonates as compared to normal weight babies. Maternal BMI at birth (p = 0.003), neonate’s gender (p < 0.001), fetal cord serum IGF-1 (p < 0.001) and insulin assay (P-value = 0.027) were significant predictors of fetal macrosomia. There was positive correlation between cord blood IGF-1 and birth weight (r = 0.47, P-value < 0.001), fetal length (r = 0.30, P-value = 0.0002) and OFC (r = 0.37, P-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Among participating mother-neonate dyad, maternal BMI at birth, neonate’s gender, and fetal cord serum IGF-1 and serum insulin are significantly associated with fetal macrosomia.
Evidence for deleterious effects of immunological history in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sen Sanjana R. , Sanders Emily C. , Santos Alicia M. , Bhuvan Keertna , Tang Derek Y. , Gelston Aidan A. , Miller Brian M. , Ricks-Oddie Joni L. , Weiss Gregory A.
Published: August 2022

A previous report demonstrated the strong association between the presence of antibodies binding to an epitope region from SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, termed Ep9, and COVID-19 disease severity. Patients with anti-Ep9 antibodies (Abs) had hallmarks of antigenic interference (AIN), including early IgG upregulation and cytokine-associated injury. Thus, the immunological memory of a prior infection was hypothesized to drive formation of suboptimal anti-Ep9 Abs in severe COVID-19 infections. This study identifies a putative primary antigen capable of stimulating production of cross-reactive, anti-Ep9 Abs. Binding assays with patient blood samples directly show cross-reactivity between Abs binding to Ep9 and only one bioinformatics-derived, homologous putative antigen, a sequence derived from the neuraminidase protein of H3N2 influenza A virus. This cross-reactive binding is highly influenza strain specific and sensitive to even single amino acid changes in epitope sequence. The neuraminidase protein is not present in the influenza vaccine, and the anti-Ep9 Abs likely resulted from the widespread influenza infection in 2014. Therefore, AIN from a previous infection could underlie some cases of COVID-19 disease severity.
An accurate wearable hydration sensor: Real-world evaluation of practical use
Authors: Rodin Dmitry , Shapiro Yair , Pinhasov Albert , Kreinin Anatoly , Kirby Michael
Published: August 2022

A wearable body hydration sensor employing photoplethysmographic and galvanic biosensors was field evaluated using 240 human participants with equal numbers of men and women volunteers. Monitoring of water mass loss due to perspiration was performed by medical balance measurements following one of two different treadmill physical exercise regimens over 90 minutes in 15-minute intervals with intervening 10-minute rest periods. Participants wore two different models of the dehydration body monitor device mated to commercially-available smartwatches (Samsung Gear S2 and Samsung Gear Fit2). Device output was recorded by Bluetooth wireless link to a standard smartphone in 20-second blocks. Comparison of the devices with the standard measurement method (change in body mass measured by medical balance) indicated very close agreement between changes in body water mass and device output (percent normalized mean root square error averaged approximately 2% for all participants). Bland-Altman analyses of method agreement indicated that <5% of participant values fell outside of the 95% confidence interval limits of agreement and all measured value differences were normally distributed around the line of equality. The results of this first-ever field trial of a practical, wearable hydration monitor suggests that this device will be a reliable tool to aid in geriatric hydration monitoring and physical training scenarios.
In-hospital outcomes of SARS-CoV-2-infected health care workers in the COVID-19 pandemic first wave, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Darwish Ilyse , Harrison Luke B. , Passos-Castilho Ana Maria , Labbé Annie-Claude , Barkati Sapha , Luong Me-Linh , Kong Ling Yuan , Tutt-Guérette Marc-Antoine , Kierans James , Rousseau Cécile , Benedetti Andrea , Azoulay Laurent , Greenaway Christina
Published: August 2022

Background

Health care workers (HCW), particularly immigrants and ethnic minorities are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Outcomes during a COVID-19 associated hospitalization are not well described among HCW. We aimed to describe the characteristics of HCW admitted with COVID-19 including immigrant status and ethnicity and the associated risk factors for Intensive Care unit (ICU) admission and death.

Methods

Adults with laboratory-confirmed community-acquired COVID-19 hospitalized from March 1 to June 30, 2020, at four tertiary-care hospitals in Montréal, Canada were included. Demographics, comorbidities, occupation, immigration status, country of birth, ethnicity, workplace exposures, and hospital outcomes (ICU admission and death) were obtained through a chart review and phone survey. A Fine and Gray competing risk proportional hazards model was used to estimate the risk of ICU admission among HCW stratified by immigrant status and region of birth.

Results

Among 1104 included persons, 150 (14%) were HCW, with a phone survey participation rate of 68%. HCWs were younger (50 vs 64 years; p<0.001), more likely to be female (61% vs 41%; p<0.001), migrants (68% vs 55%; p<0.01), non-White (65% vs 41%; p<0.001) and healthier (mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 0.3 vs 1.2; p<0.001) compared to non-HCW. They were as likely to be admitted to the ICU (28% vs 31%; p = 0.40) but were less likely to die (4% vs. 17%; p<0.001). Immigrant HCW accounted for 68% of all HCW cases and, compared to Canadian HCW, were more likely to be personal support workers (PSW) (54% vs. 33%, p<0.01), to be Black (58% vs 4%) and to work in a Residential Care Facility (RCF) (59% vs 33%; p = 0.05). Most HCW believed that they were exposed at work, 55% did not always have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and 40% did not receive COVID-19-specific Infection Control (IPAC) training.

Conclusion

Immigrant HCW were particularly exposed to COVID-19 infection in the first wave of the pandemic in Quebec. Despite being young and healthy, one third of all HCW required ICU admission, highlighting the importance of preventing workplace transmission through strong infection prevention and control measures, including high COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
Changes in postural sway during upright stance after short-term lower limb physical inactivity: A prospective study
Authors: Ikeda Takuro , Takano Makoto , Oka Shinichiro , Suzuki Akari , Matsuda Kensuke
Published: August 2022

Previous studies have reported that motor behavior is affected by short-term physical inactivity using cast immobilization; however, the effects of inactivity on postural sway are not well-understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term lower limb disuse on postural sway in the upright position after cast removal. Twenty-two healthy young adults were enrolled, and each participant’s lower limb on one side was fixed with a soft bandage and medical splint made from metal and soft urethane for 10 h. Fluctuations in the center of pressure (COP) were measured before and after immobilization; the total trajectory length, mean velocity, COP root mean square (RMS) area, mean medial-lateral (M-L) COP, and mean anterior-posterior (A-P) COP were selected as evaluation parameters. Compared with the postural sway before cast application, we noted an increase and shift (from the fixed to the nonfixed side) in the postural sway after cast removal. Our results therefore suggest that short-term disuse may cause acute changes in COP movements during quiet standing. Moreover, patients may maintain their standing posture by adopting a compensatory strategy involving lateral control, similar to individuals with stroke and patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty.
A Metabologenomic approach reveals alterations in the gut microbiota of a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Favero Francesco , Barberis Elettra , Gagliardi Mara , Espinoza Stefano , Contu Liliana , Gustincich Stefano , Boccafoschi Francesca , Borsotti Chiara , Lim Dmitry , Rubino Vito , Mignone Flavio , Pasolli Edoardo , Manfredi Marcello , Zucchelli Silvia , Corà Davide , Corazzari Marco
Published: August 2022

The key role played by host-microbiota interactions on human health, disease onset and progression, and on host response to treatments has increasingly emerged in the latest decades. Indeed, dysbiosis has been associated to several human diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and also neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson, Huntington and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although whether causative, consequence or merely an epiphenomenon is still under investigation. In the present study, we performed a metabologenomic analysis of stool samples from a mouse model of AD, the 3xTgAD. We found a significant change in the microbiota of AD mice compared to WT, with a longitudinal divergence of the F/B ratio, a parameter suggesting a gut dysbiosis. Moreover, AD mice showed a significant decrease of some amino acids, while data integration revealed a dysregulated production of desaminotyrosine (DAT) and dihydro-3-coumaric acid. Collectively, our data show a dysregulated gut microbiota associated to the onset and progression of AD, also indicating that a dysbiosis can occur prior to significant clinical signs, evidenced by early SCFA alterations, compatible with gut inflammation.
Active power control strategy for wind farms based on power prediction errors distribution considering regional data
Authors: Kader Mst Sharmin , Mahmudh Riyadzh , Xiaoqing Han , Niaz Ashfaq , Shoukat Muhammad Usman
Published: August 2022

One of the renewable energy resources, wind energy is widely used due to its wide distribution, large reserves, green and clean energy, and it is also an important part of large-scale grid integration. However, wind power has strong randomness, volatility, anti-peaking characteristics, and the problem of low wind power prediction accuracy, which brings serious challenges to the power system. Based on the difference of power prediction error and confidence interval between different new energy power stations, an optimal control strategy for active power of wind farms was proposed. Therefore, we focus on solving the problem of wind power forecasting and improving the accuracy of wind power prediction. Due to the prediction error of wind power generation, the power control cannot meet the control target. An optimal control strategy for active power of wind farms is proposed based on the difference in power prediction error and confidence interval between different new energy power stations. The strategy used historical data to evaluate the prediction error distribution and confidence interval of wind power. We use confidence interval constraints to create a wind power active optimization model that realize active power distribution and complementary prediction errors among wind farms with asymmetric error distribution. Combined with the actual data of a domestic (Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh) wind power base, a simulation example is designed to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Barriers, enablers and acceptability of home-based care following elective total knee or hip replacement at a private hospital: A qualitative study of patient and caregiver perspectives
Authors: Wallis Jason A. , Gearon Emma , Naylor Justine , Young Kirby , Zayontz Shay , Risbey Phillipa , Harris Ian A. , Buchbinder Rachelle , O’Connor Denise
Published: August 2022

Background

To facilitate implementation of home-based care following an elective total knee or hip replacement in a private hospital, we explored patient and caregiver barriers and enablers and components of care that may increase its acceptability.

Method

Thirty-one patients (mean age 71 years, 77% female) and 14 caregivers (mean age 69 years, 57% female) were interviewed. All themes were developed using thematic analysis, then categorised as barriers or enablers to uptake of home-based care or acceptable components of care. Barrier and enabler themes were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

Eight themes emerged as barriers or enablers: feeling unsafe versus confident; caregivers’ willingness to provide support and patients’ unwillingness to seek help; less support and opportunity to rest; positive feelings about home over the hospital; certainty about anticipated recovery; trusting specialist advice over family and friends; length of hospital stay; paying for health insurance. Five themes emerged as acceptable components: home visits prior to discharge; specific information about recovery at home; one-to-one physiotherapy and occupational therapy perceived as first-line care; medical, nursing and a 24/7 direct-line perceived as second-line care for complications; no one-size-fits-all model for domestic support. Theoretical domains relating to barriers included emotion (e.g., feeling unsafe), environmental context and resources (e.g., perceived lack of physiotherapy) and beliefs about consequences (e.g., unwillingness to burden their caregiver). Theoretical domains relating to enablers included beliefs about capabilities (e.g., feeling strong), skills (e.g., practising stairs), procedural knowledge (e.g., receiving advice about early mobility) and social influences (e.g., caregivers’ willingness to provide support).

Conclusions

Multiple factors, such as feeling unsafe and caregivers’ willingness to provide support, may influence implementation of home-based care from the perspectives of privately insured patients and caregivers. Our findings provide insights to inform design of suitable home-based care following joint replacement in a private setting.
On the general Erd\H{o}s-Moser equation via the notion of olloids
Authors: Agama Theophilus
Published: August 2022

We introduce and develop the notion of theolloid.

We applythis notion to study a variant and a generalized version of the Erd ̋os-Moserequation under some special local condition.
THE CITY THROUGH THE PRISM OF LINGUO-CULTURE
Authors: Petrova Elka , Yanev Boryan
Published: August 2022

A city is an object of reality, having its geographical coordinates and architecture, but it is also an organizational social phenomenon with inherent internal dynamics, pulsating in its rhythm, reflecting and transforming the pattern of civilization and culture. Placed in the context of linguculturalology, the city is defined as a relatively stable structure existing in mass and individual consciousness, a set of emotional-evaluative and rational ideas about a given space, formed based on various sources, and the individual, emotional and practical experience of a person. The purpose of this poster is to present in a synthesized form the results of the complex analysis of the "city", understood as a multifaceted element of human existence, a complete diverse cultural organism, which is characterized by a certain structure, preserves specific symbolism and has its face and spirit. In particular, attention has been paid to the axiological interpretation of the city by the individual, and the outline of its national nuances in the Bulgarian language. Through the prism of linguculturalology, the city is culturally constant, one of the universal concepts of the social structure, which includes a set of images, perceptions, and values, and a fragment of reality, the complete description of which requires turning to the immediate reactions of the individual. This is the reason why we chose the complex approach – directed chain associative experiment. 97 students, aged between 18 and 45, studying in various specialties at Plovdiv University "Paisiy Hilendarski", city of Plovdiv, took part in the associative experiment. During the experiment, the respondents were given the word – stimulus –

city
, to which they had to indicate a minimum of three associations. And then indicate characteristics with which they associate the same stimulus word. The total number of associations given by the respondents is 467, and we can summarize them in 73, which are repeated with different intensities. The results are presented in a synthesized form in this poster. The conducted associative experiment leads us to the conclusion that in the modern image of man, the city is predominantly perceived as a bearer of the negative, has moved aside its main function of identifying the individual, and has taken a particular position of an enemy - repulsive, ugly and alienated.

The authors express sincere gratitude to the Scientific Research Fund at the Ministry of Education and Science and the "Scientific and Project Activity" Division at Plovdiv University "PaisiiHilendarski" for the assistance provided.
A Retrospective Cohort Study of Factors Influencing Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Early Gastric Papillary Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Chang , Xu Guifang , Tang Dehua , Ni Muhan , Cheng Yuqing , Du Mingzhan , Wang Yaohui , Xu Yuejie , Jiang Jingwei , Xiang Ying , Sun Qi , Chen Ling , Fan Xiangshan , Huang Qin , Zhou Yihua , Zou Xiaoping , Wang Lei
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

High risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric papillary adenocarcinoma causes endoscopists to worry about the suitability of endoscopic resection for early gastric papillary adenocarcinoma (EPAC). We compared risk factors and attempted to establish a scoring system to stratify LNM risk in patients with EPAC.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was performed on 2,513 patients with early gastric carcinoma (EGC) who underwent radical resection in 4 tertiary hospitals in China. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare the invasiveness in EPAC and other types of EGC and to evaluate potential factors in predicting LNM risk in EPAC groups.

RESULTS:

Three hundred thirty-five patients with EPAC were enrolled in our study, of which 62 patients were found to have LNM. After comparing clinicopathological characteristics of EPAC with and without LNM, the following factors were included in the risk scoring system: 1 point each for lower stomach location and tumor size >2.0 cm, 3 points for lymphovascular invasion, and 4 points for submucosal invasion; the risk scoring system was validated in a small internal validation set with an area under the curve of 0.844.

DISCUSSION:

Our results suggested that EPAC was highly invasive compared with other EGCs, especially differentiated EGC types, and need to be treated more rigorously. This proposed risk scoring system could stratify LNM risk in patients with EPAC, and endoscopic resection may only be performed safely on the groups with a low LNM rate.
The influence of accelerated aging on selected mechanical properties of polypropylene with organic fillers
Authors: Szymiczek Małgorzata , Chomiak Monika , Chmielnicki Błażej , Sarraj Sara , Gołuch Paulina
Published: August 2022

The aging effect aging in water at the temperature of 100±2°C on selected mechanical properties of polypropylene with organic fillers (hemp chaff, a mixture of oak, birch and maple leaves) was investigated. A significant influence of the aging process on the impact strength and elongation at break was observed. The degradation processes were also visible on the surface of the samples.
Decongestion Models and Metrics in Acute Heart Failure: ESCAPE Data in the Age of the Implantable Cardiac Pressure Monitor
Authors: Paniagua David , Levine Glenn N. , Cornwell Lorraine D. , Jimenez Ernesto , Kar Biswajit , Jneid Hani , Denktas Ali E. , Ma Tony S.
Published: August 2022

The United States Food and Drug Administration restricts the use of implantable cardiac pressure monitors to patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III heart failure (HF). We investigated whether single-pressure monitoring could predict survival in HF patients as part of a model constructed using data from the ESCAPE (Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness) trial.

We validated survival models in 204 patients, using all-cause 180-day mortality. Two levels of model complexity were tested: 1) a simplified 1-pressure model based on pulmonary artery mean pressure ([PAM]1P) (information obtainable from an implanted intracardiac monitor alone), and 2) a pair of 5-variable risk score models based on right atrial pressure (RAP) + pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) ([RAP+PCWP]5V) and on RAP + PAM ([RAP+PAM]5V). The more complex models used 5 dichotomous variables: a congestion index above a certain threshold value, baseline systolic blood pressure of <100 mmHg, baseline blood urea nitrogen level of ≥ 34 mg/dL, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation or mechanical ventilation, and posttreatment NYHA class IV status. The congestion index was defined as posttreatment RAP+PCWP or posttreatment RAP+PAM, with congestion thresholds of 34 and 42 mmHg, respectively (median pulmonary catheter indwelling time, 1.9 d).

The 5-variable models predicted survival with areas under the curve of 0.868 for the (RAP+PCWP)5V model and 0.827 for the (RAP+PAM)5V model, whereas the 1-pressure model predicted survival with an area under the curve of 0.718. We conclude that decongestion as determined by hemodynamic assessment predicts survival in HF patients and that it may be the final pathway for treatment benefit despite improvements in pharmacologic intervention since the ESCAPE trial.
Applied linguistics from the Global South: way forward to linguistic equality and social justice
Authors: Sultana Shaila
Published: August 2022

The Commentary critically reflects on the papers published in the Special Issue (SI) of Applied Linguistics Review titled ‘Reflection and Reform of Applied Linguistics from the Global South: Power and Inequality in English users from the Global South’. While the papers in the SI add new insights to the recent innovations in the ontology and epistemology of Applied Linguistics based on research studies done in the contexts of Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Nepal, the Commentary shows that more research studies on the multi-modal meaning-making processes and the spatiality and temporality of semiotic resources will give a greater understanding of the meaning-making processes. The Commentary also indicates that the politics underlying the governance, policy packages of neoliberalism in education, and hidden linguistic governmentality observable in language policies and practices in both Global South and Global North require further attention. Decoloniality, moreover, requires delinking from the academic practices that give immense importance to northern theories. Minimizing intellectual dependency on northern theories may help gain the intellectual sovereignty of the South. Hence, the Commentary indicates that it is high time to explore what the epistemological South and geographical South have to say about the Global South.
Free urinary sialic acid levels may be elevated in patients with pneumococcal sepsis
Authors: Donoghue Sarah E. , Heath Oliver , Pitt James , Hong Kai Mun , Fuller Maria , Smith Joel
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Urine free sialic acid (UFSA) is an important diagnostic biomarker for sialuria (GNE variants) and infantile sialic acid storage disease/Salla disease (SLC17A5 variants). Traditionally, UFSA has been measured using specific single-plex methodology in relatively small cohorts of patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of these disorders. The use of multiplex tandem mass spectrometry urine screening (UMSMS) has meant that UFSA can be measured semi-quantitatively in a much larger cohort of patients being investigated for suspected metabolic disorders. We hypothesised that the neuraminidase of Streptococcus pneumoniae may release free sialic acid from endogenous sialylated glycoconjugates and result in increased UFSA levels.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of clinical records of patients who were identified as having S. pneumoniae infection and who also had UMSMS at the time of their acute infection.

Results

We identified three cases of increased UFSA detected by UMSMS screening that were secondary to S. pneumoniae sepsis. Additional testing ruled out genetic causes of increased UFSA in the first patient. All three patients had overwhelming sepsis with multiorgan dysfunction which was fatal. Glycosylation abnormalities consistent with the removal of sialic acid were demonstrated in serum transferrin patterns in one patient.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated in a retrospective cohort that elevation of UFSA levels have been observed in cases of S. pneumoniae sepsis. This expands our knowledge of UFSA as a biomarker in human disease. This research demonstrates that infection with organisms with neuraminidase activity should be considered in patients with unexplained increases in UFSA.
Concept of Unani Jali (detergents/cleansers) drugs and its scientific validation: scope for new opportunities in dermatological pharmacotherapeutics
Authors: Ara Shabnam Anjum , Akhlaq Shaheen , Ahmad Bilal , Fazil Mohammad , Akram Usama , Haque Merajul , Sayeed Ahmad , Khan Asim Ali
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The use of detergent-action drugs in traditional Unani therapeutic intervention has been a long-standing Unani medicinal practice. The key aim of the article is to provide thorough information on the novel, unexplored idea of Unani Jali (detergent/cleansers) drugs for the treatment of skin ailments, as well as to identify medicinal plants that have detergent action and correlate these findings with scientific studies that may support evidence for the drug’s detergent effect.

Content

The ethnobotanical classical literature of Unani medicine was investigated in order to have a comprehensive insight of Unani detergents/cleansers. Scientific studies were carried from databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and google Scholar, among others. More than fifty exclusive plant, mineral, and animal-based detergents are found specifically for skin disorders in Unani therapy. These drugs basically evacuate impurities from the body’s excretory system and and have been found to have keratolytic and debris-peeling effects, as well as the ability to maintain skin tone consistency. Unani Jali drugs have also been found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, and tonic properties, suggesting its usefulness holistically.

Summary and outlook

Based on phyto constituents, prospective therapeutic response, and scientific data, this review proposes that Unani Jali drugs could be a safe and promising therapeutic option for dermatological illnesses such as vitiligo, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin sensitivity.
The diagnostic potential and barriers of microbiome based therapeutics
Authors: Acharjee Animesh , Singh Utpreksha , Choudhury Saptamita Paul , Gkoutos Georgios V.
Published: August 2022

High throughput technological innovations in the past decade have accelerated research into the trillions of commensal microbes in the gut. The ‘omics’ technologies used for microbiome analysis are constantly evolving, and large-scale datasets are being produced. Despite of the fact that much of the research is still in its early stages, specific microbial signatures have been associated with the promotion of cancer, as well as other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, neurogenerative diareses etc. It has been also reported that the diversity of the gut microbiome influences the safety and efficacy of medicines. The availability and declining sequencing costs has rendered the employment of RNA-based diagnostics more common in the microbiome field necessitating improved data-analytical techniques so as to fully exploit all the resulting rich biological datasets, while accounting for their unique characteristics, such as their compositional nature as well their heterogeneity and sparsity. As a result, the gut microbiome is increasingly being demonstrating as an important component of personalised medicine since it not only plays a role in inter-individual variability in health and disease, but it also represents a potentially modifiable entity or feature that may be addressed by treatments in a personalised way. In this context, machine learning and artificial intelligence-based methods may be able to unveil new insights into biomedical analyses through the generation of models that may be used to predict category labels, and continuous values. Furthermore, diagnostic aspects will add value in the identification of the non invasive markers in the critical diseases like cancer.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among undergraduate students in Thailand during the peak of the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021
Authors: Lin Su Myat , Rattanapan Cheerawit , Mongkolchati Aroonsri , Aung Myo Nyein , Ounsaneha Weerawat , Sritoomma Netchanok , Laosee Orapin
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To determine the point prevalence of undergraduate students who are hesitant to accept COVID-19 vaccination and to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted during June–July 2021. A total of 542 undergraduate students from universities in three central provinces of Thailand participated in an online survey via Google Form. We used a transculturally translated, Thai version of the Oxford Coronavirus Explanations, Attitudes, and Narratives Survey (OCEANS II).

Results

There were 217 undergraduate students (40%) who were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and the significant predictors for this hesitancy were: being students in Year 2 and higher (AOR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.55–4.84); having negative beliefs toward the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR: 10.99; 95% CI: 6.82–17.73); and having a perceived positive general vaccine conspiracy belief (AOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.02–3.52).

Conclusions

It is important to minimize vaccine hesitancy among Thai undergraduate students with a negative perception of vaccines by clarifying false information.
Numerical study on the distribution of flue gas residence time in the desulfurization and denitrification system by the optimization of the model
Authors: Wang Junjie , Wang Yanjiang , She Xuefeng , Wang Jianfang , Xue Qingguo
Published: August 2022

During the operation of the CSCR activated carbon desulfurization and denitrification flue gas purification system, due to the unreasonable design of flue gas pipe diameter and the uneven distribution of activated carbon porosity, the uniformity of flue gas distribution is prone to problems, which affects flue gas removal efficiency and increases operating costs. In this article, the Fluent software was used to establish a three-dimensional numerical model of the flue gas purification system, and the flow characteristics of the flue gas were studied by continuously optimizing the structure of the system model. The effects of different pipe diameters, the accumulation method of activated carbon in the desulfurization and denitration module and the distribution of porosity on the flue gas are analyzed, and the effects on the average residence time and variance of flue gas were further analyzed. The results show that the average residence time, the variance, the dead volume fraction, and well-mixed volume decreased, while the dispersed plug volume fraction increased for a module after optimization. The average residence time and the dispersed plug volume fraction decreased. While the variance, the dead volume fraction, and well-mixed volume fraction increased for the system after optimization.
Evidence implementation among complementary medicine practitioners: a meta-summary
Authors: Leach Matthew J. , Foley Hope
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To explore the factors impacting evidence implementation in complementary medicine (CM) practice.

Content

MEDLINE and CINAHL were systematically searched for cross-sectional studies examining evidence implementation among CM practitioners. Qualitative data from eligible studies were collated and analysed using a meta-summary approach. Data were coded according to the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and translated into barriers and enablers.

Qualitative data were available for 614 participants (from 16 disciplines) across 14 studies. Coding identified 34 themes, with most themes aligning with the Inner Setting (11 themes) and Characteristics of the Intervention (10 themes) domains of the CFIR. The most commonly referenced barriers to evidence implementation were: ‘Lack of supportive resources’ (Effect size [ES]=33.3%), ‘Research misalignment with profession and practice’ (ES=14.5%) and ‘Lack of access to knowledge and information’ (ES=10.5%). The most common enablers were: ‘Recognition of a need for change’ (ES=8.2%) and ‘Perceived adaptability of EBP to the profession’ (ES=7.8%).

Outlook

This research offers new insights into the challenges and opportunities to implementing evidence-based practices in the field of CM. The findings underline the complexity of the phenomenon, and the need for a nuanced, multi-faceted and multi-stakeholder approach to improving evidence implementation in CM.
Pain and functional recovery from chronic low back pain over 12 months: implications for osteopathic medicine
Authors: Licciardone John C. , Pandya Vishruti
Published: August 2022

Context

Although low back pain is a common medical condition that often progresses to become a chronic problem, little is known about the likelihood of recovery from chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Objectives

This study aimed to measure the risk of recovery from CLBP based on low back pain intensity and back-related functioning measures reported by participants within a pain research registry over 12 months of observation and to consider the implications for osteopathic medicine.

Methods

A total of 740 participants with CLBP in the Pain Registry for Epidemiological, Clinical, and Interventional Studies and Innovation in the United States were studied between April 2016 and October 2021. Inception cohorts for pain recovery and functional recovery were assembled from the participants who did not meet the recovery criteria at registry enrollment. The pain recovery criterion was having a score of ≤1/10 on a numerical rating scale for low back pain intensity, and the functional recovery criterion was having a score of ≤4/24 on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. A total of 737 and 692 participants were included in the inception cohorts for pain recovery and functional recovery, respectively. Participants provided follow-up data at quarterly encounters over 12 months to determine if they achieved and maintained a pain or functional recovery from CLBP over the entire period of observation. Logistic regression was utilized to identify factors associated with recovery.

Results

The mean age of the participants at baseline was 52.9 years (SD, 13.1 years) and 551 (74.5%) were female. No participant reported a pain recovery that was maintained over all four quarterly encounters, whereas 16 participants (2.3%; 95% CI, 1.2–3.4%) maintained a functional recovery. Having high levels of pain self-efficacy (OR, 17.50; 95% CI, 2.30–133.23; p=0.006) and being Hispanic (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.11–11.37; p=0.03) were associated with functional recovery, and high levels of pain catastrophizing (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03–0.65; p=0.01) and having chronic widespread pain (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08–0.66; p=0.007) were inversely associated with functional recovery. The findings for pain self-efficacy and Hispanic ethnicity remained significant in the multivariate analysis that adjusted for potential confounders.

Conclusions

The absence of pain recovery and the low likelihood of functional recovery observed in our study suggests that osteopathic physicians should embrace a biopsychosocial approach to CLBP management and work with patients to set realistic expectations based on more pragmatic outcome measures, such as those that address health-related quality of life. The findings also suggest the potential importance of patient education and counseling to enhance pain self-efficacy.
Biocomposites from agricultural wastes and mycelia of a local mushroom, Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) Singer
Authors: Ly Lina , Jitjak Wuttiwat
Published: August 2022

Biomaterials from mushrooms and natural fibers have been used to reduce environmental impacts. This study aimed to develop the mycelium composite from four local mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus, Auricularia auricula-judae, Lentinus squarrosulus, and Lentinus polychrous and three substrates derived from agricultural wastes (coconut husk, rice husk, and rice straw). The mycelia of all mushrooms were cultured on potato dextrose agar and measured for the growth for 9 days. It showed that L. squarrosulus had a colony size significantly greater than the other species. Then, L. squarrosulus was selected to form the biocomposites and tested for material properties, e.g., morphology, compressive strength, water and moisture absorption, and biodegradability. Microscopically, the mycelium colonized almost all parts of the rice husk while it colonized less in the rice straw and coconut husk. However, the rice straw absorbed significantly more moisture than rice husk and coconut husk, but the coconut husk absorbed significantly more water than the rice husk and rice straw. Moreover, the rice straw composite showed the highest compressive strength value and the greatest biodegradability according to the highest weight loss. This research provided the results of the mycelium biocomposite production and mechanical tests for future biomaterials.
A case series and literature review of necrobiosis lipoidica
Authors: Verheyden Matthew J , Rodrigo Natassia , Gill Anthony J , Glastras Sarah J
Published: August 2022

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare and chronic disease characterised by yellow-brown, atrophic, telangiectatic plaques usually located on the lower extremities, with pathological features of collagen necrobiosis and dermal inflammation. Most cases are seen in those with diabetes mellitus, particularly type 1 diabetes (T1DM), and many without diabetes have evidence of abnormal glucose tolerance or family history of autoimmune disease. In this study, we describe four patients with NL and T1DM. A common theme is late identification and delay in diagnosis. Hence, we discuss the clinical features, need for clinicopathological correlation, and the management and prognostic implications for this distinctive entity. While most remain relatively asymptomatic, others progress to debilitating disease with pruritus, dysesthesia, and pain. Pain is often intense in the presence of ulcerated plaques, a morbid complication of NL. Diagnosis requires the integration of both clinical and histopathological findings. NL has proven a challenging condition to treat, and despite the numerous therapeutic modalities available, there is no standard of care. Hence, in this study, we provide an overview of current management strategies available for NL.

Learning points

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is classically seen in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Koebner phenomenon, defined as the appearance of new skin lesions on previously unaffected skin secondary to trauma, is a well-recognised feature in NL.

Background skin phototype contributes to variable yellow appearance of lesions in NL.

Diagnosis of NL requires careful clinicopathological correlation.

NL is a chronic disease often refractory to treatment leading to significant morbidity for the patient and a management conundrum for the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

No standard therapeutic regimen has been established for the management of NL.