bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of cytokine storm as red flags for severe and fatal COVID-19 cases: A living systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Melo Ana Karla G. , Milby Keilla M. , Caparroz Ana Luiza M. A. , Pinto Ana Carolina P. N. , Santos Rodolfo R. P. , Rocha Aline P. , Ferreira Gilda A. , Souza Viviane A. , Valadares Lilian D. A. , Vieira Rejane M. R. A. , Pileggi Gecilmara S. , Trevisani Virgínia F. M.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To describe the laboratory parameters and biomarkers of the cytokine storm syndrome associated with severe and fatal COVID-19 cases.

Methods

A search with standardized descriptors and synonyms was performed on November 28th, 2020 of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, LILACS, and IBECS to identify studies of interest. Grey literature searches and snowballing techniques were additionally utilized to identify yet-unpublished works and related citations. Two review authors independently screened the retrieved titles and abstracts, selected eligible studies for inclusion, extracted data from the included studies, and then assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Eligible studies were those including laboratory parameters—including serum interleukin-6 levels—from mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 cases. Laboratory parameters, such as interleukin-6, ferritin, hematology, C-Reactive Protein, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and D-dimer, were extracted from the studies. Meta-analyses were conducted using the laboratory data to estimate mean differences with associated 95% confidence intervals.

Data synthesis

The database search yielded 9,620 records; 40 studies (containing a total of 9,542 patients) were included in the final analysis. Twenty-one studies (n = 4,313) assessed laboratory data related to severe COVID-19 cases, eighteen studies (n = 4,681) assessed predictors for fatal COVID-19 cases and one study (n = 548) assessed laboratory biomarkers related to severe and fatal COVID-19 cases. Lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated levels of interleukin-6, ferritin, D-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase, C-Reactive-Protein, procalcitonin, creatinine, neutrophils and leucocytes were associated with severe and fatal COVID-19 cases.

Conclusions

This review points to interleukin-6, ferritin, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, C-Reactive Protein, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and D-dimer as important biomarkers of cytokine storm syndrome. Elevated levels of interleukin-6 and hyperferritinemia should be considered as red flags of systemic inflammation and poor prognosis in COVID-19.
Mining the capacity of human-associated microorganisms to trigger rheumatoid arthritis—A systematic immunoinformatics analysis of T cell epitopes
Authors: Repac Jelena , Mandić Marija , Lunić Tanja , Božić Bojan , Božić Nedeljković Biljana
Published: June 2021

Autoimmune diseases, often triggered by infection, affect ~5% of the worldwide population. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)–a painful condition characterized by the chronic inflammation of joints—comprises up to 20% of known autoimmune pathologies, with the tendency of increasing prevalence. Molecular mimicry is recognized as the leading mechanism underlying infection-mediated autoimmunity, which assumes sequence similarity between microbial and self-peptides driving the activation of autoreactive lymphocytes. T lymphocytes are leading immune cells in the RA-development. Therefore, deeper understanding of the capacity of microorganisms (both pathogens and commensals) to trigger autoreactive T cells is needed, calling for more systematic approaches. In the present study, we address this problem through a comprehensive immunoinformatics analysis of experimentally determined RA-related T cell epitopes against the proteomes of Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses, to identify the scope of organisms providing homologous antigenic peptide determinants. By this, initial homology screening was complemented with de novo T cell epitope prediction and another round of homology search, to enable: i) the confirmation of homologous microbial peptides as T cell epitopes based on the predicted binding affinity to RA-related HLA polymorphisms; ii) sequence similarity inference for top de novo T cell epitope predictions to the RA-related autoantigens to reveal the robustness of RA-triggering capacity for identified (micro/myco)organisms. Our study reveals a much larger repertoire of candidate RA-triggering organisms, than previously recognized, providing insights into the underestimated role of Fungi in autoimmunity and the possibility of a more direct involvement of bacterial commensals in RA-pathology. Finally, our study pinpoints Endoplasmic reticulum chaperone BiP as the most potent (most likely mimicked) RA-related autoantigen, opening an avenue for identifying the most potent autoantigens in a variety of different autoimmune pathologies, with possible implications in the design of next-generation therapeutics aiming to induce self-tolerance by affecting highly reactive autoantigens.
Causes contributing to the excess maternal mortality risk for women 35 and over, United States, 2016–2017
Authors: MacDorman Marian F. , Thoma Marie , Declercq Eugene , Howell Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2021

To better understand age-related disparities in US maternal mortality, we analyzed 2016–2017 vital statistics mortality data with cause-of-death literal text (actual words written on the death certificate) added. We created a subset ofconfirmedmaternal deaths which had pregnancy mentions in the cause-of-death literals. Primary cause of death was identified and recoded using cause-of-death literals. Age-related disparities were examined both overall and by primary cause. Compared to women <35, the 2016–2017 US maternal mortality rate was twice as high for women aged 35–39, four times higher for women aged 40–44, and 11 times higher for women aged 45–54 years. Obstetric hemorrhage was the leading cause of death for women aged 35+ with rates 4 times higher than for women <35, followed by postpartum cardiomyopathy with a 3-fold greater risk. Obstetric embolism, eclampsia/preeclampsia, and Other complications of obstetric surgery and procedures each had a two-fold greater risk of death for women aged 35+. Together these 5 causes of death accounted for 70.9% of the elevated maternal mortality risk for women aged 35+. The excess maternal mortality risk for women aged 35+ was focused among a few causes of death and much of this excess mortality is preventable. Early detection and treatment, as well as continued care during the postpartum year is critical to preventing these deaths. The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health has promulgated patient safety bundles with specific interventions that health care systems can adopt in an effort to prevent these deaths.
Contextualising COVID-19 prevention behaviour over time in Australia: Patterns and long-term predictors from April to July 2020 in an online social media sample
Authors: Ayre Julie , Cvejic Erin , McCaffery Kirsten , Copp Tessa , Cornell Samuel , Dodd Rachael H. , Pickles Kristen , Batcup Carys , Isautier Jennifer M. J. , Nickel Brooke , Dakin Thomas , Bonner Carissa
Published: June 2021

Background

In Australia in March 2020 a national public health directive required that non-essential workers stay at home, except for essential activities. These restrictions began easing in May 2020 as community transmission slowed.

Objectives

This study investigated changes in COVID prevention behaviours from April-July 2020, and psychosocial predictors of these behaviours.

Methods

An Australia-wide (national) survey was conducted in April, with monthly follow-up over four months. Participants who were adults (18+ years), currently residing in Australia and who could read and understand English were eligible. Recruitment was via online social media. Analysis sample included those who provided responses to the baseline survey (April) and at least one subsequent follow-up survey (N = 1834 out of a possible 3216 who completed the April survey). 71.7% of the sample was female (n = 1,322). Principal components analysis (PCA) combined self-reported adherence across seven prevention behaviours. PCA identified two behaviour types: ‘distancing’ (e.g. staying 1.5m away) and ‘hygiene’ (e.g. washing hands), explaining 28.3% and 24.2% of variance, respectively. Distancing and hygiene behaviours were analysed individually using multivariable regression models.

Results

On average, participants agreed with statements of adherence for all behaviours (means all above 4 out of 7). Distancing behaviours declined each month (p’s < .001), whereas hygiene behaviours remained relatively stable. For distancing, stronger perceptions of societal risk, self-efficacy to maintain distancing, and greater perceived social obligation at baseline were associated with adherence in June and July (p’s<0.05). For hygiene, the only significant correlate of adherence in June and July was belief that one’s actions could prevent infection of family members (p < .001).

Conclusion

High adherence to COVID prevention behaviours were reported in this social media sample; however, distancing behaviours tended to decrease over time. Belief in social responsibility may be an important aspect to consider in encouraging distancing behaviours. These findings have implications for managing a shift from government-imposed restrictions to individual responsibility.
Politainment social audience and political engagement: Analysing Twitter conversations in Spain
Authors: Gonzalo Salomé Berrocal , Medina Rocío Zamora , Rebolledo de la Calle Marta
Published: June 2021

Politainment is a phenomenon that deals with the political communication of entertainment regarding its production, diffusion and intake in its different formats. It entails consequences regarding the dynamics of communication such as political informative decline, along with the loss of democratic quality giving prominence to a post-truth communication environment and promoting the celebritization of politicians. The academic basis upholds that, in the politainment environment, social networks play an important role acting as instruments that help promote information exchange, both horizontally and vertically, from an active, connected, empowered social audience which evidences participation, contribution, production and collaboration. This research is pioneer in identifying the kind of contents of politainment programmes that promote a greater engagement among the social audience. Therefore, it includes an empirical analysis from a quantitative and qualitative approach of the contents of tweets and comments with the highest level of interaction among prosumers from the profiles of the three most representative politainment programmes in Spain: El Objetivo, El programa de Ana Rosa and El Intermedio. The results achieved from this comparative analysis include significant differences regarding the politainment content promoted by these programmes and also in relation to the level of online engagement. Although the limited interaction from the social audience was a common pattern, the results show that tweets with hashtags, visual elements and the ones using the attribute of responsibility frame achieved a higher engagement level than the rest of them.
Comparative analysis of the broadcaster’s Twitter strategies of the highest-rated British and Spanish TV series
Authors: Navarro Celina , Delgado Matilde , Paz Elisa , Garcia-Muñoz Nuria , Mendoza Alba
Published: June 2021

The current interrelation between social media and the audio-visual industry has required traditional broadcasters to extend their programming strategies outside the box. TV fiction is a suitable genre to test new forms of audience loyalty, which is essential in a highly competitive environment. In this article, we present results regarding the actions of the industry through a content analysis of the official Twitter profiles of the most-watched series in Spain and the United Kingdom. We conclude that both market strategies revolve around the linear broadcast. However, Spanish channels are more aggressive in their actions to stimulate social conversation.
Fake News: Understanding Media and Misinformation in the Digital Age, Melissa Zimdars and Kembrew McLeod (eds) (2020)
Authors: Hylkema Nico
Published: June 2021

Review of: Fake News: Understanding Media and Misinformation in the Digital Age, Melissa Zimdars and Kembrew McLeod (eds) (2020)

New York: PublicAffairs, 416 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-26253-836-7, p/bk, $38
CO-PRESENCE OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND DISABILITY WITH FRAILTY: AN EXAMINATION OF HETEROGENEITY IN THE FRAIL OLDER POPULATION
Authors: AARTS S. , PATEL K.V. , GARCIA M.E. , VAN DEN AKKER M. , VERHEY F.R.J. , METSEMAKERS J.F.M. , VAN BOXTEL M.P.J. , GUDNASON V. , JONSDOTTIR M.K. , SIGGEIRSDOTTIR K. , JONSSON P.V. , HARRIS T.B. , LAUNER L.J.
Published: June 2021

Background: Frailty is often associated with multimorbidity and disability. Objectives: We investigated heterogeneity in the frail older population by characterizing five subpopulations according to quantitative biological markers, multimorbidity and disability, and examined their association with mortality and nursing home admission. Design: Observational study. Participants: Participants (n=4,414) were from the population-based Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility Reykjavik Study. Measurements: Frailty was defined by ≥ 3 of five characteristics: weight loss, weakness, reduced energy levels, slowness and physical inactivity. Multimorbidity was assessed using a simple disease count, based on 13 prevalent conditions. Disability was assessed by five activities of daily living; participants who had difficulty with one or more tasks were considered disabled. Differences among frail subpopulations were based on the co-presence of multimorbidity and disability. Differences among the following subpopulations were examined: 1) Non-frail (reference group); 2) Frail only; 3) Frail with disability; 4) Frailty with multimorbidity; 5) Frail with disability and multimorbidity. Results: Frailty was present in 10.7% (n=473). Frailty was associated with increased risk for mortality (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.15-1.69) and nursing home admission (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.16-1.93); risks differed by subpopulations. Compared to the non-frail, the frail only group had poorer cognition and increased inflammation levels but did not have increased risk for mortality (OR 1.40; 95% CI 0.84-2.33) or nursing home admission (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.46-2.21). Compared to the non-frail, the other frail subpopulations had significantly poorer cognition, increased inflammation levels, more white matter lesions, higher levels of calcium, glucose and red cell distribution width and increased risk for mortality and nursing home admission. Conclusions: The adverse health risks associated with frailty in the general older adult population may primarily be driven by increased disease burden and disability.
FRAILTY AND SARCOPAENIA TRIALS IN PRIMARY CARE – IDENTIFYING AND OVERCOMING KEY BARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL CLINICIAN PARTICIPATION
Authors: SINCLAIR A.
Published: June 2021

Primary care research involving older people brings together a wide range of primary care practitioners. Key areas of activity include: health promotion, disease prevention, screening and early diagnosis, as well as the management of common and long-term conditions such as frailty and sarcopaenia which are under-researched domains of health in this setting. Few interventional studies have identified frail or sarcopaenic patients as the target population based on recent definitions of either condition. Several barriers to successful research in the primary care area exist and overcoming such barriers is not straightforward but involves a multidimensional approach that attempts to enhance the confidence and opportunity to engage in research of primary care staff and the consideration of factors that allow external leads of research to coordinate their programme.
RISK FACTORS FOR LOW GAIT SPEED: A NESTED CASE-CONTROL SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE MEXICAN HEALTH AND AGING STUDY
Authors: PÉREZ-ZEPEDA M.U. , GONZÁLEZ-CHAVERO J.G. , SALINAS-MARTINEZ R. , GUTIÉRREZ-ROBLEDO L.M.
Published: June 2021

Background: Physical performance tests play a major role in the geriatric assessment. In particular, gait speed has shown to be useful for predicting adverse outcomes. However, risk factors for slow gait speed (slowness) are not clearly described. Objectives: To determine risk factors associated with slowness in Mexican older adults. Design: A two-step process was adopted for exploring the antecedent risk factors of slow gait speed. First, the cut-off values for gait speed were determined in a representative sample of Mexican older adults. Then, antecedent risk factors of slow gait speed (defined using the identified cut-points) were explored in a nested cohort case-control study. Setting, participants: One representative sample of a cross-sectional survey for the first step and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (a cohort characterized by a 10-year follow-up). Measurements: A 4-meter usual gait speed test was conducted. Lowest gender and height-stratified groups were considered as defining slow gait speed. Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, psychological and health-care related variables were explored to find those associated with the subsequent development of slow gait speed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were performed. Results: In the final model, age, diabetes, hypertension, and history of fractures were associated with the development of slow gait speed. Conclusions: Early identification of subjects at risk of developing slow gait speed may halt the path to disability due to the robust association of this physical performance test with functional decline.
PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN FRAILTY AND SARCOPENIA: REPORT BY THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FRAILTY AND SARCOPENIA RESEARCH TASK FORCE
Authors: CESARI M. , FIELDING R. , BÉNICHOU O. , BERNABEI R. , BHASIN S. , GURALNIK J.M. , JETTE A. , LANDI F. , PAHOR M. , RODRIGUEZ-MANAS L. , ROLLAND Y. , ROUBENOFF R. , SINCLAIR A.J. , STUDENSKI S. , TRAVISON T. , VELLAS B.
Published: June 2021

Sarcopenia and frailty often co-exist and both have physical function impairment as a core component. Yet despite the urgency of the problem, the development of pharmaceutical therapies for sarcopenia and frailty has lagged, in part because of the lack of consensus definitions for the two conditions. A task force of clinical and basic researchers, leaders from the pharmaceutical and nutritional industries, and representatives from non-profit organizations was established in 2012 with the aim of addressing specific issues affecting research and clinical activities on frailty and sarcopenia. The task force came together on April 22, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts, prior to the International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research (ICFSR). The theme of this meeting was to discuss challenges related to drugs designed to target the biology of frailty and sarcopenia as well as more general questions about designing efficient drug trials for these conditions. The present article reports the results of the task force’s deliberations based on available evidence and preliminary results of ongoing activities. Overall, the lack of a consensus definition for sarcopenia and frailty was felt as still present and severely limiting advancements in the field. However, agreement appears to be emerging that low mass alone provides insufficient clinical relevance if not combined with muscle weakness and/or functional impairment. In the next future, it will be important to build consensus on clinically meaningful functional outcomes and test/validate them in long-term observational studies.
Interrelated Attributes of Project Feasibility
Authors: McLeod Sam
Published: June 2021

Feasibility consists of inter-related questions. Often, organizations place a narrow technical focus on the technical feasibility of a preferred option (Lucae et al. 2014; Samset 2009). Hence, many frameworks, including TELOS, have been developed to encourage more holistic feasibility appraisal (Bause et al. 2014; Burch 1992).

Poorly considered feasibility studies are a significant contributor to project failure, loss of reputation, lost opportunity, excess sunk costs, loss of morale, and litigation (see Sahu 2014).
The Concept of Fate in Islamic Teachings
Authors: Goraya Umeed Maalik
Published: June 2021

Islam and concept of "fate" is interesting for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. Fate and its existence or non-existence is debatable from the beginning of civilizations. A concept is the starting point of a thought, discourse or reasoning. It provides the basis to the faith and belief. Islam is so close to nature and its requirements. Human nature and instinct are well bestowed in Islamic teachings and divine revolution. The concept of fate in Islamic perspective is therefore, needs to elaborate.
The purposes of Islamic Jurisprudence
Authors: Goraya Umeed Maalik
Published: June 2021

Every existing fact and figure has some reason, purpose and logic behind. This is the undenied beauty of creation in this universe. The drive of each creation is well defined by The Creator. All divine revelations and particularly the last revelation tend to provide ease for humanity, relief from difficulty and protection of wisdom. Purpose behind is to give a way for the betterment of here and hereafter. To know and understand this is a basic need of a person in life. Not only to get guidance in routine matters but to define and adjust contemporary emerging issues in day-to-day life.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: July 2021
Authors: Yaghoobi Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Article Title: Nutrient drinking test as biomarker in functional dyspepsia
Bird Strike to Aircrafts An Assessment of Changing Bird Populations at Select Indian Airfields
Authors: Srinidhi S. , Pramod P.
Published: June 2021

Bird Strikes (BS) are a significant threat to flight safety and a serious economic concern in the aviation industry. Variation of population and activity of different birds over an airfield leads to variation in their vulnerability for Bird Strike as well. In this study, an attempt was made to document the monthly variation of bird activity over three Indian airfields situated in different bio-geographical provinces in the year 2019-20. A significant activity of Black Kites (including the sub-species Black-eared Kite namely Milvus migrans govinda and Milvus migrans lineatus) and Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) were studied to understand their annual cycle as well as long term changes in their activity over airfields (over 30 years). Agra recorded an increase of 10.3 times in the activity of Black Kites in forty years. Black Kite data in correlation with the past information on Vultures indicate that the Black Kites are taking over the ecological niche of Vultures. Sirsa recorded an increase of 15 times in the activity of Red-wattled Lapwings in ten years and started dwindling again. The numbers of both species were stable over the Jodhpur airfield. The probable causes for long-term changes in Black Kite activity were identified as the type of waste management of the cities nearby, presence of other birds and migration. Similarly, changes in the activity of Red-wattled Lapwing could be partly attributed to the type of vegetation cover, long-term ecological changes, and intensive harassment of the bird. These findings will help airfield safety managers to initiate Solid Waste Management projects in the nearby city and monitor the bird population to control the major variations.
Central Banks of the Visegrad Group States in the Light of Constitutional Regulations
Authors: Wilmanowicz-Słupczewska Martyna , Serowaniec Maciej , Wantoch-Rekowski Jacek
Published: June 2021

The Visegrad Group is a regional form of cooperation of four Central European states, i.e. Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. The above states have been members of the European Union since 2004. What is more, the Visegrad Group is recognized as an alliance and forum for exchanging experiences and developing common positions on matters of particular importance for the future of the region and the European Union. The constitutional provisions of the Visegrad Group states regarding the legal and constitutional status of a central bank were analysed and compared on the basis of analogies and differences. Importantly, today central banks play a significant role in the socio-economic and political system of a state. In particular, the article contains an innovative approach to the subject by comparing the subject matter from the perspective of constitutional regulations. The considerations are based on both the literature of scientific representatives and constitutional regulations, creating a complete and original presentation of the issue.
Lane-Emden equations perturbed by nonhomogeneous potential in the super critical case
Authors: Ma Yong , Wang Ying , Ledesma César T.
Published: June 2021

Our purpose of this paper is to study positive solutions of Lane-Emden equation

−

Δ

u
=
V

u
p

i
n

R

N

∖
{
0
}

$$\begin{array}{}
-{\it\Delta} u = V u^p\quad {\rm in}\quad \mathbb{R}^N\setminus\{0\}
\end{array}$$

(0.1)

perturbed by a non-homogeneous potential V when

p
∈
[

p
c

,

N
+
2

N
−
2

)
,

$\begin{array}{}
p\in [p_c, \frac{N+2}{N-2}),
\end{array}$

where pc
is the Joseph-Ludgren exponent. When

p
∈
(

N

N
−
2

,

p
c

)
,

$\begin{array}{}
p\in (\frac{N}{N-2}, p_c),
\end{array}$

the fast decaying solution could be approached by super and sub solutions, which are constructed by the stability of the k-fast decaying solution wk
of −Δ
u = up
in ℝ
N
∖ {0} by authors in [9]. While the fast decaying solution wk
is unstable for

p
∈
(

p
c

,

N
+
2

N
−
2

)
,

$\begin{array}{}
p\in (p_c, \frac{N+2}{N-2}),
\end{array}$

so these fast decaying solutions seem not able to disturbed like (0.1) by non-homogeneous potential V. A surprising observation that there exists a bounded sub solution of (0.1) from the extremal solution of

−

Δ

u
=

u

N
+
2

N
−
2

$\begin{array}{}
-{\it\Delta} u = u^{\frac{N+2}{N-2}}
\end{array}$

in ℝ
N
and then a sequence of fast decaying solutions and slow decaying solutions could be derived under appropriated restrictions for V.
Blow-up solutions with minimal mass for nonlinear Schrödinger equation with variable potential
Authors: Pan Jingjing , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2021

This paper studies the mass-critical variable coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We first get the existence of the ground state by solving a minimization problem. Then we prove a compactness result by the variational characterization of the ground state solutions. In addition, we construct the blow-up solutions at the minimal mass threshold and further prove the uniqueness result on the minimal mass blow-up solutions which are pseudo-conformal transformation of the ground states.
Pediatric reference interval verification for endocrine and fertility hormone assays on the Abbott Alinity system
Authors: Bohn Mary Kathryn , Wilson Siobhan , Hall Alexandra , Adeli Khosrow
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) has developed an extensive database of reference intervals (RIs) for several biomarkers on various analytical systems. In this study, pediatric RIs were verified for key immunoassays on the Abbott Alinity system based on the analysis of healthy children samples and comparison to comprehensive RIs previously established for Abbott ARCHITECT assays.

Methods

Analytical performance of Alinity immunoassays was first assessed. Subsequently, 100 serum samples from healthy children recruited with informed consent were analyzed for 16 Alinity immunoassays. The percentage of test results falling within published CALIPER ARCHITECT reference and confidence limits was determined. If ≥ 90% of test results fell within the confidence limits, they were considered verified based on CLSI guidelines. If <90% of test results fell within the confidence limits, additional samples were analyzed and new Alinity RIs were established.

Results

Of the 16 immunoassays assessed, 13 met the criteria for verification with test results from ≥ 90% of healthy serum samples falling within the published ARCHITECT confidence limits. New CALIPER RIs were established for free thyroxine and prolactin on the Alinity system. Estradiol required special considerations in early life.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate excellent concordance between ARCHITECT and Alinity immunoassays, as well as the robustness of previously established CALIPER RIs for most immunoassays, eliminating the need for de novo RI studies for most parameters. Availability of pediatric RIs for immunoassays on the Alinity system will assist clinical laboratories using this new platform and contribute to improved clinical decision-making.
A preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of heart rate variability biofeedback on heart rate variability and respiration of athletes
Authors: Pagaduan Jeffrey Cayaban , Chen Yung-Sheng , Fell James William , Xuan Wu Sam Shi
Published: June 2021

To date, there is no quantitative review examining the influence of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV BFB) on the athlete population. Such an undertaking may provide valuable information on the autonomic and respiration responses of athletes when performing HRV BFB. Thus, purpose of this preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of HRV BFB on HRV and respiration of athletes. Searches of Springerlink, SportDiscus, Web of Science, PROQUEST Academic Research Library, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were conducted for studies that met the following criteria: (1) experimental studies involving athletes that underwent randomized control trial; (2) availability of HRV BFB as a treatment compared with a control (CON)/placebo (PLA); (3) any pre and post HRV variable and/or breathing frequency as dependent variable/s; and, (4) peer-reviewed articles written in English. Four out of 660 studies involving 115 athletes (25 females and 90 males) ages 16–30 years old were assessed in this review. Preliminary findings suggest the promising ability of HRV BFB to improve respiratory mechanics in athlete population. More work is needed to determine the autonomic modulatory effect of HRV BFB in athletes.
On the structure of some locally nilpotent groups without contranormal subgroups
Authors: Kurdachenko Leonid A. , Longobardi Patrizia , Maj Mercede
Published: June 2021

Following J. S. Rose, a subgroup 𝐻 of a group 𝐺 is said to be contranormal in 𝐺 if

G
=

H
G

G=H^{G}

.
It is well known that a finite group is nilpotent if and only if it has no proper contranormal subgroups.
We study nilpotent-by-Černikov groups with no proper contranormal subgroups.
Furthermore, we study the structure of groups with a finite proper contranormal subgroup.
Covid-19 and pregnancy: the experience of a tertiary maternity hospital
Authors: Antsaklis Panagiotis , Tasias Konstantinos , Psarris Alexandros , Theodora Marianna , Daskalakis George , Rodolakis Alexandros
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The aim of our study is to present the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pregnancy and evaluate its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all COVID-19 positive pregnant women who were admitted to “Alexandra” maternity hospital from March to December 2020 (n=40). The infection status was determined via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab specimen. We documented the demographic features, clinical status, pregnancy characteristics and maternal and fetal outcomes.

Results

Forty COVID-19 positive pregnant women were admitted to our clinic during the study period. Mean maternal age was 27.6 years. Gestational age (GA) ranged from 10–42 weeks of pregnancy with mean GA calculated at 38+3 weeks. Associated comorbidities included hypertension, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hepatitis B and asthma. Thirty-five out of 40 women delivered within the study period. Cesarean section was performed in 57.1% of the cases. Most of the cases (87.5%) were asymptomatic while ventilation was required for only one patient. All neonates tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Neither maternal nor neonatal deaths occurred.

Conclusions

In alignment to other studies, our data show that the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during pregnancy in the majority of cases is mild and neonatal outcomes also appear favorable.
The sound of gender – correlations of name phonology and gender across languages
Authors: Ackermann Tanja , Zimmer Christian
Published: June 2021

Our article is dedicated to the relation of a given name’s phonological structure and the gender of the referent. Phonology has been shown to play an important role with regard to gender marking on a name in some (Germanic) languages. For example, studies on English and on German have shown in detail that female and male names have significantly different phonological structures. However, little is known whether these phonological patterns are valid beyond (closely related) individual languages. This study, therefore, sets out to assess the relation of gender and the phonological structures of names across different languages/cultures. In order to do so, we analyzed a sample of popular given names from 13 countries. Our results indicate that there are both language/culture-overarching similarities between names used for people of the same gender and language/culture-specific correlations. Finally, our results are interpreted against the backdrop of conventional and synesthetic sound symbolism.
Dioxazine pigments
Authors: Christie Robert , Abel Adrian
Published: June 2021

This chapter provides an overview of the structural and synthetic chemistry, and the industrial applications, of dioxazine pigments, a small group of high performance organic pigments. The color violet (or purple) has frequently assumed a prominent position in history, on account of its rarity and cost. The natural colorant Tyrian purple and the first synthetic textile dye, Mauveine, are prime examples of this unique historical feature. CI Pigment Violet 23, also referred to as Dioxazine Violet or Carbazole Violet, is one of the most universally used organic pigments, by far the most important industrial pigment in the violet shade area. Dioxazine Violet is also unique as the dominant industrial violet pigment providing a brilliant, intense violet color and an excellent all-round set of fastness properties. The pigment has a polycyclic molecular structure, originally described wrongly as a linear arrangement, and later shown to adopt an S-shaped arrangement on the basis of X-ray structural analysis. Two other dioxazine pigments are of rather lesser importance. The synthesis and manufacturing route to CI Pigment Violet 23 is described in the review. Finally, a survey of the principal current applications of the individual dioxazine pigments is presented.
Phthalocyanine green pigments
Authors: Christie Robert , Abel Adrian
Published: June 2021

The dominant organic green pigments are polyhalogenated copper phthalocyanines (CuPcs). These pigments exhibit similar excellent coloristic and technical performance to CuPc blue pigments and are produced worldwide in large quantities. The green pigments are halogenated CuPcs. There are two pigments with CI designations. CI Pigment Green 7 is a bluish green product, in which the 16 ring hydrogen atoms of the CuPc molecule are replaced virtually completely by chlorine. Products designated as CI Pigment Green 36 incorporate a range of bromo- and bromochlorocopper phthalocyanines and are yellowish-green pigments. CuPc green pigments are manufactured by direct exhaustive halogenation of crude CuPc blue with chlorine or bromine or an appropriate mixture of the two halogens, depending on the composition of the product required. The synthesis is carried out at elevated temperatures in a suitable solvent, commonly a molten AlCl3/NaCl eutectic mixture.
Covid-19: A Trade-off between Political Economy and Ethics
Authors: Schneider Henrique
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the trade-off between economics and ethics applying them to “lockdowns” as a policy measure to counter the Covid-19-pandemic. This is an academic research on the nature and mechanism of trade-offs in so far as they apply to decision making. In the course of the line of inquiry pursued here, several different ways of trading off are assessed. In applying them to the pandemics, each yield a different answer to the adequacy of lockdowns as measures against the pandemic. The economic trade-off found “optimalcy” conditions, the utilitarian-ethical trade-off failed to do so revealing that there is a problem using “scientific evidence” as basis for such a trade-off. The value-ethical trade-off found out that lockdowns do not pass the test of proportionality within the usual constitutional framework.
Between earth and water: a wooden snake figurine from the Neolithic site of Järvensuo 1
Authors: Koivisto Satu , Lahelma Antti
Published: June 2021

Figurines made of wood, bone, amber, clay and lithics are occasionally discovered in prehistoric contexts in Fennoscandia, but the discovery, in 2020, of a unique wooden snake figurine during the excavations of a Neolithic wetland site in Finland broadens our understanding of the worldview of northern peoples 4400 years ago.
Attachment, Self-Esteem, and Psychological Distress: A Multiple-Mediator Model
Authors: Shen Fei , Liu Yanhong , Brat Mansi
Published: June 2021

The present study examined the relationships between childhood attachment, adult attachment, self-esteem, and psychological distress; specifically, it investigated the multiple mediating roles of self-esteem and adult attachment on the association between childhood attachment and psychological distress. Using 1,708 adult participants, a multiple-mediator model analysis following bootstrapping procedures was conducted in order to investigate the mechanisms among childhood and adult attachment, self-esteem, and psychological distress. As hypothesized, childhood attachment was significantly associated with self-esteem, adult attachment, and psychological distress. Self-esteem was found to be a significant mediator for the relationship between childhood attachment and adult attachment. In addition, adult attachment significantly mediated the relationship between self-esteem and psychological distress. The results provide insight on counseling interventions to increase adults’ self-esteem and attachment security, with efforts to decrease the negative impact of insecure childhood attachment on later psychological distress.
Using a Relational-Cultural and Adlerian Framework to Enhance Multicultural Pedagogy
Authors: Irvine Taylor , Labarta Adriana , Emelianchik-Key Kelly
Published: June 2021

Counselor education (CE) programs are expected to provide counselors-in-training (CITs) with a diversity-infused curriculum. Throughout the CE literature, there are many available methods to accomplish this goal, yet trainees have reported a lack of self-efficacy in essential multicultural competencies before entering clinical work. Graduates of CE programs have also noted feeling unprepared when working with culturally diverse clients. The integration of culturally responsive models in CE programs is limited, and methods to decolonize current educational practices remain sparse. To address these gaps, we propose a culturally responsive and decolonizing framework grounded in the extant research that integrates relational-cultural theory (RCT) and Adlerian theory principles. The Relational-Cultural and Adlerian Multicultural Framework (RAMF) is intended to be a new pedagogical approach to enhance multicultural education across CE programs. By integrating RCT and Adlerian theory frameworks, the RAMF may offer a more comprehensive lens to view multicultural and social justice issues.
Glucokinase activating mutation causing hypoglycaemia diagnosed late in adult who fasts for Ramadhan
Authors: Loh Wann Jia , Dacay Lily Mae , Tan Clara Si Hua , Ang Su Fen , Yap Fabian , Lim Su Chi , Khoo Joan
Published: June 2021

Activating mutation of glucokinase gene (GCK) causes resetting of insulin inhibition at a lower glucose threshold causing hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (GCK-HH). This is the first reported case who tolerated years of regular fasting during Ramadhan, presenting only with seizure and syncope now. We describe a case with GCK gene variant p.T65I diagnosed in a 51-year-old woman with hypoglycaemia unawareness even at glucose level of 1.6 mmol/L. Insulin and C-peptide levels during hypoglycaemia were suggestive of hyperinsulinism, but at a day after intravenous glucagon, hypoglycaemia occurred with low insulin and C-peptide levels, pointing against insulinoma as the underlying aetiology. Imaging studies of the pancreas and calcium arterial stimulation venous sampling were unremarkable. A review of old medical records revealed asymptomatic hypoglycaemia years ago. Genetic testing confirmed activating mutation of GCK. Hypoglycaemia was successfully controlled with a somatostatin analogue. This case highlights the importance of consideration of genetic causes of hypoglycaemia in adulthood, especially when imaging is uninformative.

Learning points

Consider genetic causes of endogenous hyperinsulinism hypoglycaemia in adulthood, especially when imaging is uninformative.

Late presentation of activating mutation of GCK can occur because of hypoglycaemia unawareness.

Long-acting somatostatin analogue may be useful for the treatment of activating mutation of GCK causing hypoglycaemia.

Depending on the glucose level when the blood was taken, and the threshold of glucose-stimulated insulin release (GSIR), the serum insulin and C-peptide levels may be raised (hyperinsulinaemic) or low (hypoinsulinaemic) in patients with activating mutation of GCK.

Glucagon may be useful to hasten the process of unmasking the low insulin level during hypoglycaemia below the GSIR level of which insulin released is suppressed.
Concepciones de estudiantes y maestros de educación básica en torno a lo sonoro y el espacio geográfico: implicaciones didácticas
Authors: Zapata Cardona Giovanni Alberto , Cardona Restrepo Juan Diego
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo pretende determinar las relaciones existentes entre lo sonoro y el espacio geográfico desde la voz de estudiantes y maestros de educación básica. Dada la naturaleza cualitativa de la indagación, se opta por un estudio de caso de corte instrumental en el que la entrevista y el cuestionario son las técnicas para recolección de datos. Al analizar los datos se encuentra que, es posible evidenciar un conjunto de relaciones desde las dimensiones de lo social, lo subjetivo, lo físico y lo holístico, a partir de las cuales pensar lo sonoro como elemento didáctico alternativo y el espacio geográfico como objeto integrador de las disciplinas en la enseñanza de las ciencias sociales en la escuela.
Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis - Report of Two New Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tebay Abdelilah , Bouti Khalid
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by the intra-alveolar accumulation of spherical calcified microliths, of a phospho-calcium nature, in the absence of any problem of phosphocalcium metabolism. The majority of patients are asymptomatic. The disease is often diagnosed on routine radiological examination.CASE REPORTS: We report two cases of PAM; A 17-year-old girl with three generations of consanguinity, who consulted for bronchial syndrome. Auscultation revealed very fine diffuse ronchi. The X-ray showed a bilateral alveolar syndrome, especially on the right, a bilateral bronchointerstitial syndrome, and diffuse bilateral calcifications. The thoracic CT scan showed calcified micro and macronodules with thickening of the septa, middle section involvement with fibrosing remodeling, fibrosis, and tractional bronchiectasis of the bases, pleural and pericardial calcifications. Respiratory function tests showed a restrictive syndrome with a vital capacity of 70% and normal GDS. This radiological and scanographic picture made us think of PAM. We then decided to carry out a family investigation with chest radiographs. All family members had normal radiographs, except for a sister who was three years old, with no particular history, no functional respiratory signs, and no particular complaints. Her chest radiograph showed the famous sandstorm appearance of microcalcifications, with pulmonary distension at the apexes and retractions at the bases. Spirometry and blood gases were normal. Chest CT found microcalcifications, with bilaterally distributed and diffuse ground-glass aspects, with a slight right-hand predominance.CONCLUSION: MLA is known to be radio-clinically dissociative. The diagnosis can be made by radiology alone in typical cases; sometimes, Transbronchial or surgical lung biopsies are needed. The prognosis is compromised in the long term. The only effective treatment nowadays is lung transplantation.
Operaísmo y ecología-mundo. Por una teoría política de la crisis ecológica
Authors: Leonardi Emanuele
Published: June 2021

Este artículo pretende articular un encuentro entre el operaísmo y la ecología-mundo, es decir, un encuentro entre dos paradigmas teóricos cada vez más objeto de debate a nivel global, pero que, hasta el momento, no han sido analizados en estrecha relación. El operaísmo es una corriente del marxismo heterodoxo caracterizada por centrarse en la ambivalencia de la condición de la clase obrera (fuerza de trabajo/trabajo abstracto dentro del capital, clase obrera/trabajo vivo contra el capital) y la noción de la composición de clases sociales. La ecología-mundo puede definirse como un diálogo internacional que desarrolla el análisis del sistema-mundo desde una perspectiva ambiental: el capitalismo, por lo tanto, no tiene un régimen ecológico, sino que es un régimen ecológico, es decir, constituye un modo especifico de organizar la naturaleza. El objetivo de este artículo es demostrar que, a pesar de que las dos perspectivas se relacionan con la cuestión de la crisis (ecológica) de forma muy distinta, ellas pueden integrarse eficazmente si son yuxtapuestas a otro nivel: el del análisis histórico-político de la cuestión medioambiental. En su origen, ambos planteamientos revisan la teoría de la crisis de Marx, pero no eluden la polarización que caracteriza su evolución: mientras que el operaísmo tiende a reafirmar la tradición que considera la crisis como un momento de desarrollo, la ecología-mundo desarrolla la teoría de la brecha metabólica de un modo bastante inaudito. La convergencia entre estos dos paradigmas —lo que, en realidad, constituye un exigente intercambio teórico y que, por lo tanto, requiere una intensa reflexión por parte de ambas posiciones— puede producirse a través de una relectura del proceso histórico de la politización de la ecología. Aunque se suele situarlo entre mediados de los años setenta y la siguiente década —tras el gran ciclo de conflictos fordistas—, en los últimos años se está comprobando una hipótesis distinta: esta politización no sólo ocurrió una década antes, pero también, y, sobre todo, sucedió debido a, y no a pesar de, las luchas del movimiento obrero (en estrecha relación con el surgimiento del feminismo revolucionario). En ese contexto, la economía verde neoliberal —es decir, el intento capitalista de internalizar el límite ecológico, transformándolo de un obstáculo a la valorización a una estrategia innovadora de acumulación— asume simultáneamente la forma de desarrollo (en línea con la hipótesis postulada por el operaísmo) y la de antidesarrollo (en línea con la hipótesis defendida por la ecología-mundo). De esta “convergencia” plausible podría emerger entonces una interpretación política de la crisis ecológica contemporánea capaz de cuestionar la relación entre el capitalismo y la naturaleza, al evitar tanto el catastrofismo como la afinidad electiva entre la lógica del beneficio y la lógica de la protección medioambiental.