bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Duchenne muscular dystrophy impact: development of a proxy-reported measure derived from PROMIS item banks
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn E. , Stark Roland B. , Cella David , Borowiec Katrina , Gooch Katherine L. , Audhya Ivana F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Person-reported outcomes measurement development for rare diseases has lagged behind that of more common diseases. In studies of caregivers of patients with rare diseases, one relies on proxy report to characterize this disability. It is important to measure the child’s disability accurately and comprehensively because it affects caregiver burden. We aimed to create a condition-specific caregiver proxy-report measure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in order to understand the impact of DMD on the caregiver. Drawing on relevant item banks from the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS), we sought to confirm their reliability and validity in the target sample of DMD caregivers.

Methods

This web-based study recruited DMD caregivers via Rare Patient Voice, patient-advocacy groups, and word of mouth. Recruitment was stratified by age of the caregiver’s child with DMD, which broadly represents stages of DMD progression: 2–7, 8–12, 13–17, and > 18. Telephone interviews with DMD parent-caregivers pretested possible measures for content validity. The web-based study utilized an algorithm to categorize respondents’ ambulatory status for tailored administration of PROMIS Parent-Proxy items as well as some new items developed based on caregiver interviews. Item response theory analyses were implemented.

Results

The study sample included 521 DMD caregivers representing equally the four age strata. The proxy-report measure included the following domains: fatigue impact, strength impact, cognitive function, upper extremity function, positive affect, negative affect, sleep-device symptoms, and mobility. The first five domains had strong psychometric characteristics (unidimensionality; acceptable model fit; strong standardized factor loadings; high marginal reliability). Negative Affect, covering anger, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and psychological stress, fit a bifactor model with good model fit, high marginal reliability, and strong factor loadings. The Sleep-device symptoms domain was not unidimensional, and the mobility domain did not have a simple structure due to residual correlations among items at opposite end of the mobility-disability continuum. These two domain scores were retained as clinimetric indices (i.e., uncalibrated scales), to achieve the overall goal of having a content-valid DMD-specific measure across all stages of disease severity.

Conclusions

The present study derived a DMD-specific proxy-report measure from PROMIS item banks and supplemental items that could potentially be utilized in caregiver research across all stages of the care recipient’s DMD. Future research will focus on assessing the responsiveness and validity of the measure over time and its comparison to DMD patient self-report.
Humanitarian surgical service utilization by a host country population: comparing surgery patterns between refugees and Tanzanians using an interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Enumah Zachary Obinna , Rapaport Sarah , Ngude Hilary , Yenokyan Gayane , Lekey Amber , Winch Peter J. , Stevens Kent A.
Published: November 2021

Background

While current estimates suggest that up to three million additional surgical procedures are needed to meet the needs of forcibly displaced populations, literature on surgical care for refugee or forced migrant populations has often focused on acute phase and war-related trauma or violence with insufficient attention to non-war related pathologies. To our knowledge, no study has compared refugee versus host population utilization of surgical services in a refugee camp-based hospital over such an extended period of twenty years. The aim of this paper is to first describe the patterns of surgical care by comparing refugee and host population utilization of surgical services in Nyarugusu refugee camp between 2000 and 2020, then evaluate the impact of a large influx of refugees in 2015 on refugee and host population utilization.

Methods

The study was based on a retrospective review of surgical logbooks in Nyarugusu refugee camp (Kigoma, Tanzania) between 2000 and 2020. We utilized descriptive statistics and multiple group, interrupted time series methodology to assess baseline utilization of surgical services by a host population (Tanzanians) compared to refugees and trends in utilization before and after a large influx of Burundian refugees in 2015.

Results

A total of 10,489 operations were performed in Nyarugusu refugee camp between 2000 and 2020. Refugees underwent the majority of procedures in this dataset (n = 7,767, 74.0%) versus Tanzanians (n = 2,722, 26.0%). The number of surgeries increased over time for both groups. The top five procedures for both groups included caesarean section, bilateral tubal ligation, herniorrhaphy, exploratory laparotomy and hysterectomy. In our time series model, refugees had 3.21 times the number of surgeries per quarter at baseline when compared to Tanzanians. The large influx of Burundian refugees in 2015 impacted surgical output significantly with a 38% decrease (IRR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.46–0.84) in surgeries in the Tanzanian group and a non-significant 20% increase in the refugee group (IRR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.99–1.46). The IRR for the difference-in-difference (ratio of ratios of post versus pre-intervention slopes between refugees and Tanzanians) was 1.04 (95% CI 1.00–1.07), and this result was significant (p=0.028).

Conclusions

Surgical care in conflict and post-conflict settings is not limited to war or violence related trauma but instead includes a large burden of obstetrical and general surgical pathology. Host population utilization of surgical services in Nyarugusu camp accounted for over 25% of all surgeries performed, suggesting some host population benefit of the protracted refugee situation in western Tanzania. Host population utilization of surgical services was apparently different after a large influx of refugees from Burundi in 2015.
Born to survive: how cancer cells resist CAR T cell therapy
Authors: Lemoine Jean , Ruella Marco , Houot Roch
Published: November 2021

Although chimeric antigen receptor T cells demonstrated remarkable efficacy in patients with chemo-resistant hematologic malignancies, a significant portion still resist or relapse. This immune evasion may be due to CAR T cells dysfunction, a hostile tumor microenvironment, or resistant cancer cells. Here, we review the intrinsic resistance mechanisms of cancer cells to CAR T cell therapy and potential strategies to circumvent them.
Global, regional, and national cancer incidence and death for 29 cancer groups in 2019 and trends analysis of the global cancer burden, 1990–2019
Authors: Lin Longfei , Li Zhiyong , Yan Lei , Liu Yuling , Yang Hongjun , Li Hui
Published: November 2021

Background and aims

Cancer will soon become the leading cause of death in every country in the twenty-first century. This study aimed to analyze the mortality and morbidity of 29 types of cancer in 204 countries or regions from 1990 to 2019 to guide global cancer prevention and control.

Methods

Detailed information for 29 cancer groups was collected from the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized death rate (ASDR) of the 29 cancer groups were calculated based on sex, age, region, and country. In addition, separate analyses were performed for major cancer types.

Results

In 2019, more than 10 million people died from cancer, which was approximately twice the number in 1990. Tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancers collectively showed the highest death rate, and the ASDR of pancreatic cancer increased by 24%, which was cancer with the highest case fatality rate (CFR). The global cancer ASIR showed an increasing trend, with testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and malignant skin melanoma showing a significant increase. The ASDR and ASIR of cancer in males were about 1.5 times higher than that in females. Individuals over 50 years had the highest risk of developing cancer, with incidences and deaths in this age group accounting for more than 85% of cancers in all age groups. Asia has the heaviest cancer burden due to its high population density, with esophageal cancer in this region accounting for 53% of the total fatalities related to this type of cancer in the world. In addition, the mortality and morbidity of most cancers increased with the increase in the development or socio-demographic index (SDI) in the SDI regions based on the World Bank's Human Development Index (HDI), with cancer characteristics varying in the different countries globally.

Conclusions

The global cancer burden continues to increase, with substantial mortality and morbidity differences among the different regions, ages, countries, gender, and cancer types. Effective and locally tailored cancer prevention and control measures are essential in reducing the global cancer burden in the future.
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of positive blood cultures in Swiss intensive care units: a nationwide surveillance study
Authors: Damonti Lauro , Kronenberg Andreas , Marschall Jonas , Jent Philipp , Sommerstein Rami , De Kraker Marlieke E. A. , Harbarth Stephan , Gasser Michael , Buetti Niccolò
Published: November 2021

Background

Evidence about the impact of the pandemic of COVID-19 on the incidence rates of blood cultures contaminations and bloodstream infections in intensive care units (ICUs) remains scant. The objective of this study was to investigate the nationwide epidemiology of positive blood cultures drawn in ICUs during the first two pandemic waves of COVID-19 in Switzerland.

Methods

We analyzed data on positive blood cultures among ICU patients, prospectively collected through a nationwide surveillance system (ANRESIS), from March 30, 2020, to May 31, 2021, a 14-month timeframe that included a first wave of COVID-19, which affected the French and Italian-speaking regions, an interim period (summer 2020) and a second wave that affected the entire country. We used the number of ICU patient-days provided by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health as denominator to calculate incidence rates of blood culture contaminations and bloodstream infections (ICU-BSI). Incidence rate ratios comparing the interim period with the second wave were determined by segmented Poisson regression models.

Results

A total of 1099 blood culture contaminations and 1616 ICU-BSIs were identified in 52 ICUs during the study. Overall, more episodes of blood culture contaminations and ICU-BSI were observed during the pandemic waves, compared to the interim period. The proportions of blood culture contaminations and ICU-BSI were positively associated with the ICU occupancy rate, which was higher during the COVID-19 waves. During the more representative second wave (versus interim period), we observed an increased incidence of blood culture contaminations (IRR 1.57, 95% CI 1.16–2.12) and ICU-BSI (IRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.39).

Conclusions

An increase in blood culture contaminations and ICU-BSIs was observed during the second COVID-19 pandemic wave, especially in months when the ICU burden of COVID-19 patients was high.
Cellulase production and efficient saccharification of biomass by a new mutant Trichoderma afroharzianum MEA-12
Authors: Peng Zhi-Qing , Li Chuang , Lin Yi , Wu Sheng-Shan , Gan Li-Hui , Liu Jian , Yang Shu-Liang , Zeng Xian-Hai , Lin Lu
Published: November 2021

Background

Cellulase plays a key role in converting cellulosic biomass into fermentable sugar to produce chemicals and fuels, which is generally produced by filamentous fungi. However, most of the filamentous fungi obtained by natural breeding have low secretory capacity in cellulase production, which are far from meeting the requirements of industrial production. Random mutagenesis combined with adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) strategy is an effective method to increase the production of fungal enzymes.

Results

This study obtained a mutant ofTrichoderma afroharzianumby exposures to N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), Ethyl Methanesulfonate (EMS), Atmospheric and Room Temperature Plasma (ARTP) and ALE with high sugar stress. TheT. afroharzianummutant MEA-12 produced 0.60, 5.47, 0.31 and 2.17 IU/mL FPase, CMCase, pNPCase and pNPGase, respectively. These levels were 4.33, 6.37, 4.92 and 4.15 times higher than those of the parental strain, respectively. Also, it was found thatT. afroharzianumhad the same carbon catabolite repression (CCR) effect as otherTrichodermain liquid submerged fermentation. In contrast, the mutant MEA-12 can tolerate the inhibition of glucose (up to 20 mM) without affecting enzyme production under inducing conditions. Interestingly, crude enzyme from MEA-12 showed high enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency against three different biomasses (cornstalk, bamboo and reed), when combined with cellulase fromT. reeseiRut-C30. In addition, the factors that improved cellulase production by MEA-12 were clarified.

Conclusions

Overall, compound mutagenesis combined with ALE effectively increased the production of fungal cellulase. A super-producing mutant MEA-12 was obtained, and its cellulase could hydrolyze common biomasses efficiently, in combination with enzymes derived from model strainT. reesei, which provides a new choice for processing of bioresources in the future.
Translocating lipopolysaccharide correlates with the severity of enterovirus A71-induced HFMD by promoting pro-inflammation and viral IRES activity
Authors: Wang Yuya , Dan Kena , Xue Xiaoling , Yang Xiongbo , Feng Xujiao , Yang Qingqing , Yang Jing , Chen Bangtao
Published: November 2021

Background

The increase of inflammation-inducing enterobacteria was recently observed in severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71). This study aimed to verify the occurrence of bacterial translocation (BT) and further explore the contributory role of BT to severity of EV-A71-mediated HFMD cases.

Methods

Serum specimens from 65 mild and 65 severe EV-A71-associated HFMD cases and 65 healthy children were collected. EV-A71 VP1 in serum, inflammatory mediators including C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, BT related biomarkers including Claudin-3, intestinal fatty acid binding protein, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and endotoxin core antibody were measured by ELISA. Bacterial DNA (BactDNA) fragments were quantified by quantified PCR (qPCR). Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) or SH-SY5Y cells, infected with LPS-pre-incubated EV-A71 or transfected with plasmid containing viral 2Apro or mRNA containing viral internal ribosomal entry site (IRES), were post-treated with or without LPS in vitro. EV-A71 RNA and viral or cellular proteins were determined by qPCR and western blot, respectively.

Results

Compared to mild HFMD patients, remarkably higher inflammatory mediators as well as BT-related biomarkers except BactDNA were observed in severe HFMD cases (all P < 0.05). In severe HFMD group, circulating concentrations of LPS and sCD14 showed statistical correlations with inflammation indices (all P < 0.05), serum levels of EV-A71 VP1 were found to be positively correlated with serum LPS (r = 0.341, P = 0.005) and serum sCD14 (r = 0.458, P < 0.001). In vitro, EV-A71 attachment and internalization were only slightly promoted by LPS pre-incubation; however, EV-A71 proliferation and viral 2Apro-mediated IRES activity were significantly accelerated by LPS post-treatment.

Conclusions

Our results collectively indicate that gut-derived translocating LPS contributes to the severity of EV-A71-induced HFMD by driving inflammatory response and viral proliferation via viral 2Apro-mediated IRES.
Constructing a cell microenvironment with biomaterial scaffolds for stem cell therapy
Authors: Zhao Xiaotong , Li Qiong , Guo Zhikun , Li Zongjin
Published: November 2021

Stem cell therapy is widely recognized as a promising strategy for exerting therapeutic effects after injury in degenerative diseases. However, limitations such as low cell retention and survival rates after transplantation exist in clinical applications. In recent years, emerging biomaterials that provide a supportable cellular microenvironment for transplanted cells have optimized the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells in injured tissues or organs. Advances in the engineered microenvironment are revolutionizing our understanding of stem cell-based therapies by co-transplanting with synthetic and tissue-derived biomaterials, which offer a scaffold for stem cells and propose an unprecedented opportunity to further employ significant influences in tissue repair and regeneration.
Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT for predicting axillary pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer patients: emphasis on breast cancer subtype
Authors: de Mooij Cornelis M. , Mitea Cristina , Mottaghy Felix M. , Smidt Marjolein L. , van Nijnatten Thiemo J. A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) is a widely accepted initial treatment modality that can lead to pathologic downstaging of the axillary disease burden in breast cancer patients. Axillary response as well as baseline 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) differ between breast cancer subtypes. The value of baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT in predicting axillary response to NST is not yet established, possibly since breast cancer subtype was not taken into account. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT in predicting axillary response to NST with a specific emphasis on subtype.

Methods

PET-parameters derived from the primary tumor as well as the most FDG-avid axillary lymph node were measured on baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT. Overall imaging findings were compared with the gold standard of histopathology of the axillary surgery specimen. Analyses for ER-positive/HER2-negative were performed separately from HER2-positive and TN patients. In addition, separate analyses for clinically node-positive patients were performed.

Results

Sixty-six patients with 69 primary tumors were included in this study. Thirty-three axillae contained ER-positive/HER2-negative, 16 HER2-positive, and 20 TN breast cancer. No significant difference in PET-parameters between patients with axillary residual disease and axillary pathologic complete response were found for ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. In the combined HER2-positive/TN subgroup, the SUVmax was significantly lower in patients without residual axillary disease in both the entire cohort and in patients with clinically node-positive disease. In this combined subgroup, a cut-off of 4.89 SUVmax measured on the most FDG-avid axillary lymph node could predict residual axillary disease with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 90%, 69%, 53%, and 95%, respectively.

Conclusions

Predicting axillary response following NST with baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT can be performed when focusing on breast cancer subtypes. The easily computed PET-parameter SUVmax can predict axillary response in HER2-positive and TN breast cancer. This study adds to the accumulating evidence that studies investigating the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in breast cancer should always take subtypes into account.
Common fixed point theorems for auxiliary functions with applications in fractional differential equation
Authors: Wongsaijai Ben , Charoensawan Phakdi , Suebcharoen Teeranush , Atiponrat Watchareepan
Published: November 2021

In this work, we investigate h-ϕ contraction mappings with two metrics endowed with a directed graph which involve auxiliary functions. The achievement allows us to obtain applications for the existence of the solutions for Caputo fractional boundary value problems with the integral boundary condition type. In addition, we also give examples and numerical experiments supporting our main results.
Fourth derivative singularly P-stable method for the numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation
Authors: Shokri Ali , Ramos Higinio , Mehdizadeh Khalsaraei Mohammad , Aliev Fikret A. , Bohner Martin
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we construct a method with eight steps that belongs to the family of Obrechkoff methods. Due to the explicit nature of the new method, not only does it not require another method as predictor, but it can also be considered as a suitable predictive technique to be used with implicit methods. Periodicity and error terms are studied when applied to solve the radial Schrödinger equation, considering different energy levels. We show its advantages in terms of accuracy, consistency, and convergence in comparison with other methods of the same order appearing in the literature.
Poly-central factorial sequences and poly-central-Bell polynomials
Authors: Kim Hye Kyung , Kim Taekyun
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we introduce poly-central factorial sequences and poly-central Bell polynomials arising from the polyexponential functions, reducing them to central factorials and central Bell polynomials of the second kind respectively when $k = 1$
k
=
1
. We also show some relations: between poly-central factorial sequences and power of x; between poly-central Bell polynomials and power of x; between poly-central Bell polynomials and the poly-Bell polynomials; between poly-central Bell polynomials and higher order type 2 Bernoulli polynomials of second kind; recurrence formula of poly-central Bell polynomials.
Framed slant helices in Euclidean 3-space
Authors: Okuyucu Osman Zeki , Canbirdi Mevlüt
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we define framed slant helices and give a necessary and sufficient condition for them in three-dimensional Euclidean space. Then, we introduce the spherical images of a framed curve. Also, we examine the relations between a framed slant helix and its spherical images. Moreover, we give an example of a framed slant helix and its spherical images with figures.
Bullying in schools: prevalence, bystanders’ reaction and associations with sex and relationships
Authors: Eijigu Temesgen Demissie , Teketel Seleshi Zeleke
Published: November 2021

Background

Bullying and peer victimization are the most pressing social problems affecting the wellbeing of children and adolescents. This study attempts to estimate the prevalence and examine the association of bystander’s sex, her/his relationship with the victim and with the bully, and bystander’s reaction to school bullying in East Gojjam Administrative Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

This study followed an explanatory mixed-method study design. For the quantitative phase, 612 participants were selected using multistage cluster sampling techniques and for qualitative phase, 18 participants were selected using purposive sampling technique. We used self-reported questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect data from students attending grades 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Results

This study revealed that 55% of bystanders remained passive while 38% of them defended the victim upon witnessing bullying incidents. Pearson Chi-Square test for independence indicated a significant association between bystanders’ relationship with the victim and/or bully, and bystanders’ reaction. In contrast, sex has no significant association with bystanders’ reaction. The semi-structured interview data also suggested that large number of bystanders most often stood by passively while some of them defended the victim.

Conclusion

The practice of defending among students attending their education in governmental primary and secondary schools in East Gojjam Administrative Zone was low. Close social relationships (being close friends, relatives, and classmates) with the victim and bully were significantly associated with the practice of defending.
Expert consensus on drug treatment of chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Zhang Jianning ,   Chinese Society of Neurosurgery, Chinese Medical Association, Chinese Neurosurgical Critical Care Specialist Council, Collaborational Group of Chinese Neurosurgical Translational and Evidence-based Medicine, Fei Zhou , Feng Hua , Gao Guodong , Hao Jiehe , Hou Lijun , Hu Jin , Huang Ying , Jiao Baohua , Ji Hongming , Jiang Xiaochun , Kang Dezhi , Li Jianrong , Li Xingang , Liu Jinfang , Liu Ning , Liu Xianzhi , Mao Ying , Qu Yan , Poon Wai Sang , Su Ning , Sun Tao , Sun Xiaochuan , Wang Jianjun , Wang Renzhi , Wei Junji , Wang Shuo , Yin Gangfeng , You Chao , Yu Rutong , Yu Xinguang , Yuan Xianrui , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang Junyi , Zhao Shiguang , Zhao Yuanli , Zhao Zongmao , Zhong Chunlong , Zhu Xide , Zhu Xingen , Jiang Rongcai , Wang Dong , Tian Ye , Wei Huijie , Quan Wei , Gao Chuang , Yue Shuyuan , Lei Ping , Deng Quanjun , Zhang Shu , Zhou Yuan , Sun Jian , An Shuo , Wei Yingsheng , Ge Xintong
Published: November 2021

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a chronic space-occupying lesion formed by blood accumulation between arachnoid and dura mater, which is usually formed in the third week after traumatic brain injury. Surgical treatment is usually the first choice for patients with CSDH having a significant space-occupying effect. Most of the patients showed good results of surgical treatment, but still some patients had a postoperative recurrence (the recurrence rate was up to 33%). Because CSDH is often seen in the elderly, patients are weak and have many basic diseases. The risk of surgical treatment is high; serious complications and even death (the death rate is up to 32%) can often occur. The overall good prognosis rate of patients aged more than 90 years is 24%. The drug treatment can provide a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients who are weak, intolerable to surgery, or failed in surgery. Low-dose and long-term use of atorvastatin (20mg/d) is suggested for continuous treatment for at least 8 weeks, while low-dose and short-term use of dexamethasone can improve the therapeutic effect of atorvastatin on CSDH. Patients should undergo CT or MRI scanning at least one time within 2 weeks after the start of drug treatment.
A neoclassical perspective on Switzerland’s 1990s stagnation
Authors: Stucki Yannic , Thomet Jacqueline
Published: November 2021

We study Switzerland’s weak growth during the 1990s through the lens of the business cycle accounting framework of Chari et al. (Econometrica 75(3):781–836, 2007). Our main result is that weak productivity growth cannot account for the 1993–1996 stagnation episode. Rather, the stagnation is explained by factors that made labour and investment expensive. We show that increased labour income taxes and financial frictions are plausible causes. Holding these factors constant, the counterfactual annualized real output growth over the 1993Q1–1996Q4 period is 1.93% compared to realized growth of 0.35%.
Evidence of extensive cellular immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in ocrelizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pompsch Mosche , Fisenkci Neslinur , Horn Peter A. , Kraemer Markus , Lindemann Monika
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients with multiple sclerosis receiving ocrelizumab-treatment are in desperate need of a protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

In this study, Euroimmun semi-quantitative Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG for detection of humoral response and ELISpot assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell-response were used in 10 ocrelizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis twice vaccinated with Comirnaty® mRNA vaccine. This data was compared with a control group of 20 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers, who had all previously received a full SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination with Comirnaty® or Spikevax®.

Results

While all subjects in the control group had high humoral response to the vaccination, in B-cell-depleted individuals a significantly reduced antibody response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was observed. SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell-response, however, did not differ significantly between both cohorts.

Conclusions

T-cell-mediated response to Comirnaty® vaccination is observable despite attenuated humoral response in B-cell-depleted patients. This might enable partial protection against COVID-19.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered.
Neoclassical Supply and Demand, Experiments, and the Classical Theory of Price Formation
Authors: Inoua Sabiou M. , Smith Vernon L.
Published: November 2021

Neoclassical price theory was founded on axioms of price-taking behavior and the law of one price in a market, axioms inconsistent with a theory of endogenous price discovery in markets. Classical economists including Adam Smith narrated a price discovery process based on buyer and seller reservation values and their motivation to buy low and sell high; the classical sketch of price formation offers a quite fruitful foundation for a modern theory of price discovery, supplied below. Market experiments, based on private distributed reservation values and using rules governing open-outcry double auctions, converged endogenously, in three to four periods of repeat interaction, to an efficient outcome. These observations contradicted the widely believed thought and taught necessity for perfect information, large numbers, and price-taking behavior. However, these results were consistent with the old classical conception of price formation emerging from the collective interaction of the traders. Aggregation and price discovery constitute essential functions of classical markets. We explore the divergence of neoclassical scholars from this classical tradition. Revealingly, in describing the microdynamics of market price formation, prominent neoclassical utilitarians such as Marshall, with his description of a “corn-market in a county town,” and Böhm-Bawerk with his farmers’ horse market, reverted to this classical reservation-value framework.
All Production Is Reproduction
Authors: Wallmann Elisabeth
Published: November 2021

The aim of this article is to probe the connections between two key fields of knowledge of the French Enlightenment: political economy and natural history. It does so by analyzing the uses of reproduction, a term that eighteenth- century political economists imported from natural history. While historians of knowledge have demonstrated the crucial role played by political and economic concerns in the practices of naturalists, intent on improving their nation, the significance of natural history for the development of political economy has not been sufficiently analyzed. Studying side-by-side the works of the period’s most famous school of political economy, the physiocrats, and one of its most influential naturalists, the Comte de Buffon, the paper demonstrates that the physiocrats adopted not only the term from natural historians but also the conceptual baggage that accompanied it. Buffon radically reconceptualized the reproduction of living beings as a process governed by natural laws and not divine intervention. As the paper argues, the physiocrats’ political-economic system was based on precisely such a conception of the natural laws of reproduction, which they extended from the world of the living to the entire economy of the nation.
Frizzled3 inhibits Vangl2–Prickle3 association to establish planar cell polarity in the vertebrate neural plate
Authors: Chuykin Ilya , Itoh Keiji , Kim Kyeongmi , Sokol Sergei Y.
Published: November 2021

The orientation of epithelial cells in the plane of the tissue, known as planar cell polarity (PCP), is regulated by interactions of asymmetrically localized PCP protein complexes. In the Xenopus neural plate, Van Gogh-like2 (Vangl2) and Prickle3 (Pk3) proteins form a complex at the anterior cell boundaries, but how this complex is regulated in vivo remains largely unknown. Here, we use proximity biotinylation and crosslinking approaches to show that Vangl2–Pk3 association is inhibited by Frizzled3 (Fz3, also known as Fzd3), a core PCP protein that is specifically expressed in the neuroectoderm and is essential for the establishment of PCP in this tissue. This inhibition required Fz3-dependent Vangl2 phosphorylaton. Consistent with our observations, the complex of Pk3 with nonphosphorylatable Vangl2 did not polarize in the neural plate. These findings provide evidence for in vivo regulation of Vangl2–Pk3 complex formation and localization by a Frizzled receptor.
Cell cycle progression and transmitotic apoptosis resistance promote escape from extrinsic apoptosis
Authors: Pollak Nadine , Lindner Aline , Imig Dirke , Kuritz Karsten , Fritze Jacques S. , Decker Lorena , Heinrich Isabel , Stadager Jannis , Eisler Stephan , Stöhr Daniela , Allgöwer Frank , Scheurich Peter , Rehm Markus
Published: November 2021

Extrinsic apoptosis relies on TNF-family receptor activation by immune cells or receptor-activating drugs. Here, we monitored cell cycle progression at a resolution of minutes to relate apoptosis kinetics and cell-to-cell heterogeneities in death decisions to cell cycle phases. Interestingly, we found that cells in S phase delay TRAIL receptor-induced death in favour of mitosis, thereby passing on an apoptosis-primed state to their offspring. This translates into two distinct fates, apoptosis execution post mitosis or cell survival from inefficient apoptosis. Transmitotic resistance is linked to Mcl-1 upregulation and its increased accumulation at mitochondria from mid-S phase onwards, which allows cells to pass through mitosis with activated caspase-8, and with cells escaping apoptosis after mitosis sustaining sublethal DNA damage. Antagonizing Mcl-1 suppresses cell cycle-dependent delays in apoptosis, prevents apoptosis-resistant progression through mitosis and averts unwanted survival after apoptosis induction. Cell cycle progression therefore modulates signal transduction during extrinsic apoptosis, with Mcl-1 governing decision making between death, proliferation and survival. Cell cycle progression thus is a crucial process from which cell-to-cell heterogeneities in fates and treatment outcomes emerge in isogenic cell populations during extrinsic apoptosis.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Diagnostic yield of CT-guided lung biopsies: how can we limit negative sampling?
Authors: Tipaldi Marcello Andrea , Ronconi Edoardo , Krokidis Miltiadis E , Zolovkins Aleksejs , Orgera Gianluigi , Laurino Florindo , Daffina Julia , Caruso Damiano , Laghi Andrea , Rossi Michele
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

To investigate whether lesion imaging features may condition the outcome of CT-guided lung biopsy (CTLB) and to develop a scoring system of biopsy outcome prediction.

Methods:

This is a single center retrospective study on 319 CTLBs that were performed in 319 patients (167 males/152 females, mean age 68 ± 12.2). Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed aiming to assess the imaging features that are likely to be correlated to a negative biopsy outcome and patients were stratified in groups accordingly.

Results:

Technical success was 100%. 78% of the biopsies (250/319) led to a concrete histology report (218 malignant/32 benign). The remaining lesions led to concrete histology at a second attempt that occurred on a later time. Multivariate analysis revealed increased risk of inconclusive result for nodules with low fludeoxyglucose uptake [odds ration (OR) = 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–4.97; p = 0.003], for nodules with diameter smaller than 18 mm (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.14–3.62; p = 0.017) and for nodules that are located in one of the lung bases (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.06–3.62; p = 0.033). Three different groups of patients were identified accordingly with low (<30%), medium (30–50%) and high (>50%) probability of obtaining an inconclusive biopsy sample.

Conclusion:

This study confirms that percutaneous CT-guided biopsy in nodules that are either small in diameter or present low positron emission tomography-fludeoxyglucose uptake or are in one of the lung bases may lead to inconclusive histology. This information should be factored when planning percutaneous biopsies of such nodules in terms of patient informed consent and biopsy strategy.

Advances in knowledge:

Inconclusive histology after lung biopsy may be subject to factors irrelevant to technical success. Lung biopsy histology outcomes may be predicted and avoided after adequate planning.
Explaining the unexpected COVID-19 trends and potential impact across Africa.
Authors: Oduro-Mensah Daniel , Oduro-Mensah Ebenezer , Quashie Peter , Awandare Gordon , Okine Laud
Published: November 2021

Official COVID-19 case counts and mortality rates across Africa are lower than had been anticipated. Research reports, however, indicate far higher exposure rates than the official counts in some countries. Particularly in Western and Central Africa, where mortality rates are disproportionately lower than the rest of the continent, this occurrence may be due to immune response adaptations resulting from (1) frequent exposure to certain pro-inflammatory pathogens, and (2) a prevalence of low-grade inflammation coupled with peculiar modifications to the immune response based on one’s immunobiography. We suggest that the two factors lead to a situation where post infection, there is a rapid ramp-up of innate immune responses, enough to induce effective defense and protection against plethora pathogens. Alongside current efforts at procuring and distributing vaccines, we draw attention to the need for work towards appreciating the impact of the apparently widespread, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections on Africa’s populations vis a vis systemic inflammation status and long-term consequences for public health.
Postgraduate education in healthy and active ageing: learning needs, curriculum and expected outcomes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Wiggin Daisy , Penič Benjamin , Sulopuisto Outi , Setti Annalisa , Mali Jana , Stitzel Andrea , Kuisma Raija , Baptista Fátima , Kukkonen Tuula , Konstantakopolou Olympia , Timonen Liisa , Carnide Filomena , Velanoki Venetia-Sofia , Ströckl Daniela Elisabeth , Zymbal Vera , Cardadeiro Graça , Nevala Elina , Kaitelidou Daphne , Sourtzi Panayota , Hlebec Valentina , Filipovič Hrast Maša , Timmons Suzanne
Published: November 2021

Background: As the European population ages, it becomes increasingly important to promote and facilitate healthy and active ageing and age-friendly societies. Professionals across a range of disciplines and sectors need knowledge and skills to support both.

Objective: This scoping review aims to identify and map the literature on learning needs, learning outcomes and respective curricula in healthy and active ageing and age-friendly society concepts.

Inclusion criteria: Studies focused on the teaching/learning process in healthy and active ageing and/or age-friendly society, of any design type, are eligible. Included studies may focus on undergraduate, postgraduate or continuing education and on any aspect of the educational process, such as needs analysis, content delivery, learner satisfaction/acceptability, or education outcome.

Methods: This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for conducting scoping reviews. Four electronic databases, PubMed, EBSCO (Academic Search Complete), Scopus and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), will be searched, limited to studies published from 1st January 2000. Text language will be limited to English, German, Greek, Portuguese, Finnish, and Slovenian. Google Scholar and Research Gate will be searched for grey literature, limited to the first 50 results of each. Title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening will be undertaken independently by at least two reviewers. The JBI extraction tool will be adapted for data extraction. Quality assessment will be conducted using a tool developed by Hawker and colleagues. A narrative synthesis will outline the data in relation to the aims and objectives outlined.
Knowledge sharing and discovery across heterogeneous research infrastructures
Authors: Farshidi Siamak , Liao Xiaofeng , Li Na , Goldfarb Doron , Magagna Barbara , Stocker Markus , Jeffery Keith , Thijsse Peter , Pichot Christian , Petzold Andreas , Zhao Zhiming
Published: November 2021

Research infrastructures play an increasingly essential role in scientific research. They provide rich data sources for scientists, such as services and software packages, via catalog and virtual research environments. However, such research infrastructures are typically domain-specific and often not connected. Accordingly, researchers and practitioners face fundamental challenges introduced by fragmented knowledge from heterogeneous, autonomous sources with complicated and uncertain relations in particular research domains. Additionally, the exponential growth rate of knowledge in a specific domain surpasses human experts’ ability to formalize and capture tacit and explicit knowledge efficiently. Thus, a knowledge management system is required to discover knowledge effectively, automate the knowledge acquisition based on artificial intelligence approaches, integrate the captured knowledge, and deliver consistent knowledge to agents, research communities, and end-users. In this study, we present the development process of a knowledge management system for ENVironmental Research Infrastructures, which are crucial pillars for environmental scientists in their quest for understanding and interpreting the complex Earth System. Furthermore, we report the challenges we have faced and discuss the lessons learned during the development process.
Jak myślą prorocy? O procesie zachodzącym w ludzkim umyśle podczas prorokowania
Authors: Machowski Adam
Published: November 2021

Fenomen proroctwa w interpretacji o. José María Arévalo jest procesem współpracy Bożej łaski objawiającej nam prawdę o samym Stwórcy i ludzkiego intelektu, który swymi naturalnymi siłami i zgodą na działanie jest w stanie przyjąć wiedzę o tym, co nadprzyrodzone. Kolumbijski autor ukazuje nam w ten sposób nauczanie Tomasza z Akwinu o proroctwie jako coś, co w interesujący sposób wpisuje się w znane ujęcie Akwinaty odnoszące się do relacji między łaską i naturą: gratia non tollit naturam sed perficit. Jest to bardzo aktualny i potrzebny przekaz w dobie postmodernistycznego kryzysu ludzkiej racjonalności i wiary.
Future War: The Russian Perspective
Authors: Olszanecka Natalia
Published: November 2021

In a multipolar world, military security issues still occupy a key place in the public debate. Military technology is one of the most developing sectors in the world. There is no doubt that the United States and the People’s Republic of China have dominated this sector in recent years. The Russian defense industry is associated with outdated equipment, technology and corruption. Nevertheless, recent conflicts show that the Russian Federation has mastered the elements of information war. “New war” theory was advanced by Mary Kaldor to characterize warfare in the post-Cold War era. According to newest research, nowadays military conflicts employ some elements of both conventional and cybernetic combat, while military operations are supported by domestic and international propaganda. The main goal of this article is to determine what type of conflict is contemporary Russia preparing for and in what ways.
Krzysztof Karczewski, In Trump We Trust. Stosunek Aleksandra Dugina do Donalda Trumpa i jego wizji Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki, Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2020, pp. 201
Authors: Rezmer-Płotka Kamila
Published: November 2021

review
Znaczenie uwarunkowań socjo-demograficznych oraz wybranych cech osobowości w kształtowaniu postaw Polaków wobec szczepień przeciw COVID-19.
Authors: Paduch Jarosław , Syrowatko Agnieszka , Żołnierczuk Michał
Published: November 2021

Cel pracy: Celem pracy jest określenie poziomu poszczególnych cech osobowości oraz postaw Polaków wobec szczepień ochronnych, w tym przeciw COVID-19 oraz analiza potencjalnych predyktorów tych postaw.

Materiały i metody: Badaniem online, prowadzonym we wrześniu i październiku 2021 roku objęto 1466 osób (50,6% kobiet) w wieku od 18 do 80 lat (M = 42.81; SD = 12.46). Anonimowa i dobrowolna ankieta online zawierała autorskie pytania dotyczące postaw wobec szczepień ochronnych, w tym także szczepień przeciwko COVID-19, oceniane na skali 1-7, wystąpienie NOP w przeszłości i polską adaptację testu Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI)- TIPI-PL.

Wyniki: Wykazano, że istotnymi predyktorami poziomu akceptacji szczepień ochronnych były: płeć żeńska, wielkość miejsca zamieszkania, wykształcenie i wystąpienie NOP w przeszłości. W przypadku cech osobowościowych była to ugodowość, stabilność emocjonalna oraz otwartość na doświadczenie. Istotny związek miały również źródła wiedzy na temat szczepień: opinie znajomych, Internet i opinie ekspertów. Wyższy poziom ugodowość i otwartości na doświadczenie współwystępował z wyższym poziomem akcpetacji szczepień ochronnych, natomiast wyższy poziom stabilności emocjonalnej korelował z niższym poziomem akceptacji szczepień. Płeć żeńska, wyższe wykształcenie oraz wielkość miejscowości zamieszkania predysponowały do akceptacji szczepień ochronnych, natomiast wystąpienie NOP predysponowało do niskiego jej poziomu.
Comparison of the physical fitness of karate and taekwondo elite athletes
Authors: Gunawan Gunawan
Published: November 2021

Introduction. A coach compiles and determines a training program based on the physical fitness profile of the athlete. Central Sulawesi taekwondo and karate athletes have been undergoing independent training since mid-2020.

Objective of the study. This study aims to investigate the comparison in physical fitness of elite athletes in taekwondo and karate

Research methods. This study uses a causal-comparative method, where the researcher seeks to determine the cause or effect of the differences that occur between groups. The sample of this research is 20 elite athletes. Evaluation of physical abilities or physical fitness is an instrument used to measure the physical fitness of taekwondo and karate athletes. An independent sample t-test was used for comparison of independent samples.

Research result and Conclusion. The results and conclusions of the study indicate that descriptively the speed, endurance of abdominal muscle strength, and endurance of thigh muscle strength, agility, flexibility, leg reaction speed, and cardiovascular endurance of taekwondo athletes are higher than karate athletes, while for leg muscle strength and breathing karate athletes are higher than taekwondo athletes. Sig value. (2 tailed) or p-value <0.05, it can be concluded that there is a significant difference in the variable components of physical fitness, abdominal muscle strength, agility, flexibility in leg reaction speed, and cardiovascular endurance between taekwondo athletes and karate athletes. Whereas in the variable components of physical fitness, speed, endurance, thigh muscle strength, and leg and respiratory muscle strength, there were no significant differences between taekwondo athletes and karate.