bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychotropic medication uptake: time-series analysis of a population-wide cohort
Authors: Maguire Aideen , Kent Lisa , O'Neill Siobhan , O'Hagan Denise , O'Reilly Dermot
Published: August 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns were predicted to have a major impact on mental health, however current studies have produced contradictory findings with limited longitudinal data.

Aims

Nine years of linked, individual-level administrative data were used to examine changes in psychotropic medication uptake before and during the pandemic.

Method

Medication data from a population-wide prescribing database were linked to demographic and socioeconomic indicators from healthcare registration records (n= 1 801 860). Monthly prescription uptake was split (pre-restrictions: January 2012 to February 2020 and during restrictions: March to October 2020). Auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were trained in R taking into consideration trends and seasonal effects. Forecast (‘expected’) monthly values were compared with ‘actual’ values, stratified by demographic factors.

Results

Over the study period 38.5% of the study population were in receipt of ≥1 psychotropic medication. Uptake of these medications have been following a strong upward trend since January 2012. In March 2020 uptake of all medications increased beyond expected values, returning to expected trends from May 2020 for antidepressants, anxiolytics and antipsychotics. In the 8 months during restrictions uptake of hypnotic medication was 12% higher than expected among those <18 years, and anxiolytic medication higher than expected in those >65 years.

Conclusions

Results suggest an initial ‘stockpiling’ of medications in March 2020 before trends mostly returned to expected levels. The anticipated tsunami of mental ill health is not yet manifest in psychotropic medication uptake. There are indications of increased anxiety and sleep difficulties in some subgroups, although these conditions may resolve as we emerge from the pandemic without need for psychiatric intervention.
Metabolic Factors Predict Changes in Endothelial Function During the Early Course of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zaharia Oana Patricia , Schön Martin , Löffler Luca , Strassburger Klaus , Möser Clara , Yurchenko Iryna , Bódis Kálmán , Antoniou Sofia , Karusheva Yanislava , Szendroedi Julia , Burkart Volker , Roden Michael
Published: August 2022

Context

Endothelial dysfunction may occur early in the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; however, it remains often underestimated and studies rarely discriminate between diabetes types. We have examined endothelial function and its determinants during the early course of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Caucasian participants of the prospective German Diabetes Study (GDS) with known diabetes duration <1 year (n = 398) or without diabetes, but of similar age, body mass index (BMI) and sex distribution (n = 109), underwent measurements of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilatation (NMD). Whole-body insulin sensitivity (M-value) was assessed by hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamps and physical fitness (VO2max) by spiroergometry. A subset of individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (n = 108) was re-evaluated after 5 years.

Results

At baseline, neither FMD nor NMD differed between people with diabetes and the matched glucose-tolerant groups. At the 5-year follow-up, decline in FMD (–13.9%, P = .013) of persons with type 2 diabetes was independent of age, sex, and BMI, but associated with baseline adipose tissue insulin resistance and indices of liver fibrosis. The M-value decreased in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes groups by 24% and 15% (both P < .001, respectively) over 5 years. Higher HbA1c, lower M-value, and lower VO2max at baseline was associated with lower FMD in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

Endothelial function decreases during the early course of type 2 diabetes. In addition to age and BMI, insulin sensitivity at diagnosis was the best predictor of progressive impairment in endothelial function in type 2 diabetes.
Caffeine Increases Endurance Performance via Changes in Neural and Muscular Determinants of Performance Fatigability
Authors: CRISTINA-SOUZA GISLAINE , SANTOS PAMELA SOUZA , SANTOS-MARIANO ANA CARLA , COELHO DANIEL BOARI , RODACKI ANDRE , DE-OLIVEIRA FERNANDO ROBERTO , BISHOP DAVID J. , BERTUZZI ROMULO , LIMA-SILVA ADRIANO EDUARDO
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that caffeine would increase endurance performance via attenuation of neural and muscular determinants of performance fatigability during high-intensity, whole-body exercise.

Methods

Ten healthy males cycled until exhaustion (89% ± 2% of V̇O2max) after the ingestion of caffeine or placebo. During another four visits, the same exercise was performed after either caffeine or placebo ingestion but with exercise discontinued after completing either 50% or 75% of the duration of placebo trial. An additional trial with caffeine ingestion was also performed with interruption at the placebo time to exhaustion (isotime). Performance fatigability was measured via changes in maximal voluntary contraction, whereas neural and muscular determinants of performance fatigability were quantified via preexercise to postexercise decrease in quadriceps voluntary activation (VA) and potentiated twitch force, respectively.

Results

Compared with the placebo, caffeine increased time to exhaustion (+14.4 ± 1.6%, P = 0.017, 314.4 ± 47.9 vs 354.9 ± 40.8 s). Caffeine did not change the rate of decline in maximal voluntary contraction (P = 0.209), but caffeine reduced the twitch force decline at isotime when stimulating at single twitch (−58.6 ± 22.4 vs −45.7 ± 21.9%, P = 0.014) and paired 10 Hz electrical stimuli (−37.3 ± 13.2 vs −28.2 ± 12.9%, P = 0.025), and reduced the amplitude of electromyography signal during cycling at isotime (P = 0.034). The decline in VA throughout the trial was lower (P = 0.004) with caffeine (−0.5 ± 4.2%) than with placebo (−5.8 ± 8.5%). Caffeine also maintained peripheral oxygen saturation at higher levels (95.0 ± 1.9%) than placebo (92.0 ± 6.2%, P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Caffeine ingestion improves performance during high-intensity, whole-body exercise via attenuation of exercise-induced reduction in VA and contractile function.
Developing research cultures in teacher education institutions: the gestation-expansion-maturation theory
Authors: Olvido Michelle Mae
Published: August 2022

An understanding of the development of research culture in universities is vital in the fulfillment of their mandate for knowledge generation. This study aims to develop a framework that would describe the journey of research culture development in teacher education institutions. A deductive approach to theory development where scholarly literature serves as the foundational bases to generate a theory was utilized. Secondary analysis was used to analyze the data collected from available research studies and literature. The generation of the theory was built on the readings and discussion about the process of building a research culture in higher education. Axioms were generated to be able to come up with propositions. The following propositions are posed: 1) Research culture is contextually defined; 2) The development of research culture undergoes phases of development from initiation to maturation. 3.) The levels of research culture development can be attributed to quality human resources, the institutions’ material resources, and its research activities. From the propositions, it was concluded that the development of a research culture undergoes the phases of gestation, expansion, and maturation which are achieved through the presence of people, resources, and research activities that appear or function differently at each stage.
Smartphone apps for tracking physical activity and sedentary behavior: A criterion validity review
Authors: Prado Raul Cosme Ramos , Knebel Margarethe Thaisi Garro , Ribeiro Evelyn Helena Corgosinho , Teixeira Inaian Pignatti , Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Araújo Luciano Vieira de , Guerra Paulo Henrique , Florindo Alex Antonio
Published: August 2022

Smartphone apps have been developed and investigated in validation studies for tracking human behavior such as physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). However, as it is unclear whether these apps are valid for tracking PA and SB when compared to research-grade accelerometers, thus, this systematic review aimed to investigate the validity of smartphone apps for tracking PA and SB using the accelerometer as a criterion measure. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and Scopus databases. The mean percentage difference (MPD) was used to evaluate criterion validity. Ten studies (n = 662) validating different apps using ActiGraph accelerometers as criteria measure (six were conducted in free-living conditions, two in laboratory conditions, and two in both conditions) were included for analyses. While four apps were considered valid for tracking PA, six were not valid or fully valid. The MPD analysis revealed that apps provide no valid scores for tracking PA measures (MPD = -12.6 – 37.7). The scarcity of studies investigating SB limits the tracking of the results on this behavior. Study designs, smartphone location, and exercise intensity tend to affect the accuracy of apps tracking PA; thus, the current review showed conflicting results among studies. This review shows that it is not possible to generalize the valid scores for all apps.
Nonlinear absorption and integrated photonics applications of MoSSe
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Chen Xin , Wei Ning , Chen Chenduan , Yang Zhan , Xie Haijiao , He Jiajing , Dong Ningning , Dan Yaping , Wang Jun
Published: August 2022

This study explores the wavelength-dependent and pulse-width-dependent nonlinear optical properties of liquid-phase exfoliated molybdenum sulfide selenide (MoSSe) nanosheets. The saturable absorption response of MoSSe nanosheets in the visible region is better than that in the near-infrared region, and the response under 6-ns pulse excitation is better than that of a 380-fs pulse. Furthermore, based on the first-principles calculations, we designed a phase modulator and optimized its structure by integrating a monolayer MoSSe into a silicon slot waveguide. The simulation results revealed that the phase shift could achieve a high optical extinction. Consequently, MoSSe exhibits satisfactory nonlinear optical properties and an excellent potential for applications in optoelectronic devices.
High-efficiency ultrathin metasurfaces with simultaneous control of complete phase, amplitude, and polarization
Authors: Yang Yufei , Zhu Yongzhong , Xie Wenxuan , Bu Lijun , Zang Yadan , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: August 2022

Metasurfaces that can simultaneously manipulate both amplitude and phase have garnered interest and have promising applications owing to their strong beam-steering ability; however, achieving a high maximum transmission while covering the full phase shift remains challenging. This paper proposes a chiral-structured meta-atom composed of two external cross-polarized patches and an internal coupling structure. It enables the independent modulation of the phase, amplitude, and polarization at large incidence angles and ensures a high maximum transmission with a complete phase shift enabled by the two internal rotation structures. The transmission phase and amplitude can be independently controlled by adjusting the geometry and rotation angle of the meta-atoms. The performance and feasibility of the method were verified using an ultra-thin high-order Bessel beam generator sample with a thickness of 2 mm (about λ0/11 at 14 GHz). This design can meet arbitrary requirements for extreme beam steering and has broad application prospects in the fields of electromagnetism and photonics.
Super-resolution stimulated Raman scattering microscopy with the phase-shifted spatial frequency modulation
Authors: Lv Xiaobo , Gong Li , Lin Shulang , Jin Peng , Huang Zhiwei
Published: August 2022

We present a unique super-resolution stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy technique based on phase-shifted spatial frequency modulation (PSFM) under wide-field illumination, permitting super-resolution chemical imaging with single-pixel detection. Through projecting a series of the pump and Stokes laser patterns with varying spatial frequencies onto the sample and combining with the proposed π-phase shift, the higher spatial information can be rapidly retrieved by implementing the fast inverse Fourier-transform on the spatial frequency-encoded SRS data. We have derived the theory of the PSFM-SRS technique for super-resolution imaging. Our further modeling results confirm that PSFM-SRS microscopy provides a ∼2.2-fold improvement in spatial resolution but with a much-reduced laser excitation power density required as compared with conventional point-scan SRS microscopy, suggesting its potential for label-free super-resolution chemical imaging in cells and tissue.
Optical single-sideband modulation for a coherent Doppler lidar
Authors: Wolfe Sean , Shirahata Takuma , Set Sze Yun , Yamashita Shinji
Published: August 2022

The first, to the best of our knowledge, implementation of optical single-sideband modulation (OSSBM) in coherent Doppler lidar (CDL) is demonstrated for use with short pulse widths. It is shown that by providing more bandwidth through a higher intermediate frequency (IF), the OSSBM CDL addresses cross talk between the IF and baseband spectra, reducing spectral distortion. Ultimately, a 4-ns pulse width with a 1-GHz IF is achieved and the effectiveness of the OSSBM CDL is confirmed through velocimetry experiments. This represents a several fold improvement over current fiber-based CDL implementations.
Terminal heterocyst differentiation in the Anabaena patA mutant as a result of post-transcriptional modifications and molecular leakage
Authors: Casanova-Ferrer Pau , Ares Saúl , Muñoz-García Javier
Published: August 2022

The Anabaena genus is a model organism of filamentous cyanobacteria whose vegetative cells can differentiate under nitrogen-limited conditions into a type of cell called heterocyst. These heterocysts lose the possibility to divide and are necessary for the colony because they can fix and share environmental nitrogen. In order to distribute the nitrogen efficiently, heterocysts are arranged to form a quasi-regular pattern whose features are maintained as the filament grows. Recent efforts have allowed advances in the understanding of the interactions and genetic mechanisms underlying this dynamic pattern. However, the main role of the patA and hetF genes are yet to be clarified; in particular, the patA mutant forms heterocysts almost exclusively in the terminal cells of the filament. In this work, we investigate the function of these genes and provide a theoretical model that explains how they interact within the broader genetic network, reproducing their knock-out phenotypes in several genetic backgrounds, including a nearly uniform concentration of HetR along the filament for the patA mutant. Our results suggest a role of hetF and patA in a post-transcriptional modification of HetR which is essential for its regulatory function. In addition, the existence of molecular leakage out of the filament in its boundary cells is enough to explain the preferential appearance of terminal heterocysts, without any need for a distinct regulatory pathway.
Capitalizing on the global financial interest in blue carbon
Authors: Friess Daniel A. , Howard Jen , Huxham Mark , Macreadie Peter I. , Ross Finnley
Published: August 2022

Natural climate solutions are crucial interventions to help countries and companies achieve their net-zero carbon emissions ambitions. Blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes have attracted particular attention for their ability to sequester and store carbon at densities that can far exceed other ecosystems. The science of blue carbon is now clear, and there is substantial interest from companies and individuals who wish to offset greenhouse gas emissions that they cannot otherwise reduce. We characterise the rapid recent rise in interest in blue carbon ecosystems from the corporate sector and highlight the huge scale of demand (potentially $10 billion or more) from companies and investors. We discuss why, despite this interest and demand, the supply of blue carbon credits remains small. Several market-related challenges currently limit the implementation of blue carbon projects and the sale of resulting credits, including the cost and burden of verification of blue carbon compared to verifying carbon credits in other ecosystems, the general small scale of current blue carbon projects, and double counting of credits between commercial and national institutions. To overcome these challenges, we discuss other supplementary financial instruments beyond carbon credit trading that may also be viable to fund the conservation and restoration of coastal habitats, such as bonds and ecosystem service insurance. Ultimately, a portfolio of financial instruments will be needed in order to generate funding streams that are substantial and reliable enough to realise the potential of blue carbon ecosystems as a natural climate solution.
Adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in Kwara State, North-central Nigeria
Authors: Odeigah Louis Okeibunor , Mutalub Yahkub Babatunde , Agede Olalekan Ayodele , Obalowu Ismail A. , Aiyetoro Susan , Jimoh Gafar A. A.
Published: August 2022

Safe and effective vaccination remains the mainstay of control of COVID-19 because there is still no universally recommended treatment. This strategy is however being threatened by vaccine hesitancy and resistance due to fear of adverse events and safety concerns. It is, therefore, necessary to study post-vaccination adverse events (AE) in various populations and geographical areas. The objective of this study was to analyze the adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in five major immunization centers of Kwara State Nigeria. A retrospective descriptive study of the adverse events following AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination that were reported from five immunization centers of Kwara State, North-central Nigeria from March to July 2021 was carried out. Statistical Package for Social Science version 26 was used for analysis. Adverse event classification and severity were compared based on age, gender, and time to onset of adverse event and vaccine dose type using the Chi-square test. The incidence of COVID-19 vaccine AE was 1.6%. There was female predominance (51.6%) and a mean age of 41.6±13.7 years. Most of the AE (95.8%) were systemic and mild (81.1%) without a requirement for any therapeutic intervention. Fatal outcome was not reported in any of the AE and the time to outcome of AE was 2 days in most cases (45.3%). No significant association was found between the variables studied and the adverse event type and severity. The low incidence and mild nature of adverse events reported in this study will add to the body of knowledge regarding vaccine adverse events and may eventually impact vaccine uptake.
Analysis of the Drosophila Ajuba LIM protein defines functions for distinct LIM domains
Authors: Rauskolb Cordelia , Han Ahri , Kirichenko Elmira , Ibar Consuelo , Irvine Kenneth D.
Published: August 2022

The Ajuba LIM protein Jub mediates regulation of Hippo signaling by cytoskeletal tension through interaction with the kinase Warts and participates in feedback regulation of junctional tension through regulation of the cytohesin Steppke. To investigate how Jub interacts with and regulates its distinct partners, we investigated the ability of Jub proteins missing different combinations of its three LIM domains to rescuejubphenotypes and to interact with α-catenin, Warts and Steppke. Multiple regions of Jub contribute to its ability to bind α-catenin and to localize to adherens junctions inDrosophilawing imaginal discs. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in cultured cells identified a specific requirement for LIM2 for binding to Warts. However, in vivo, both LIM1 and LIM2, but not LIM3, were required for regulation of wing growth, Yorkie activity, and Warts localization. Conversely, LIM2 and LIM3, but not LIM1, were required for regulation of cell shape and Steppke localization in vivo, and for maximal Steppke binding in co-immunoprecipitation experiments. These observations identify distinct functions for the different LIM domains of Jub.
Appropriability and basicness of R&D: Identifying and characterising product and process inventions in patent data
Authors: Heinrich Sebastian , Seliger Florian , Wörter Martin
Published: August 2022

We present a database that classifies all patent applications filed at either the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the European Patent Office (EPO) as being either product patents, process patents or ‘mixed patents’. We use the share of claims that refer to either product or process inventions which allows to classify all patent applications along a continuum of pure process patents and pure product patents. We find that process-oriented patents draw more on previous knowledge, are more original and more radical than product patents. Lower breadth of protection is positively associated with pure process patenting, whereas product and mixed variants can be protected more broadly. This characterisation uncovers heterogeneity of patented inventions that allows for a more sophisticated use of patent statistics. It can improve the accuracy of analyses, but also reveal new aspects related to property rights.
Towards effective clinical decision support systems: A systematic review
Authors: Hak Francini , Guimarães Tiago , Santos Manuel
Published: August 2022

Background

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are used to assist the decision-making process in the healthcare field. Developing an effective CDSS is an arduous task that can take advantage from prior assessment of the most promising theories, techniques and methods used at the present time.

Objective

To identify the features of Clinical Decision Support Systems and provide an analysis of their effectiveness. Thus, two research questions were formulated: RQ1—What are the most common trend characteristics in a CDSS? RQ2—What is the maturity level of the CDSS based on the decision-making theory proposed by Simon?

Methods

AIS e-library, Decision Support Systems journal, Nature, PlosOne and PubMed were selected as information sources to conduct this systematic literature review. Studies from 2000 to 2020 were chosen covering search terms in CDSS, selected according to defined eligibility criteria. The data were extracted and managed in a worksheet, based on the defined criteria. PRISMA statements were used to report the systematic review.

Results

The outcomes showed that rule-based module was the most used approach regarding knowledge management and representation. The most common technological feature adopted by the CDSS were the recommendations and suggestions. 19,23% of studies adopt the type of system as a web-based application, and 51,92% are standalone CDSS. Temporal evolution was also possible to visualize. This study contributed to the development of a Maturity Staging Model, where it was possible to verify that most CDSS do not exceed level 2 of maturity.

Conclusion

The trend characteristics addressed in the revised CDSS were identified, compared to the four predefined groups. A maturity stage model was developed based on Simon’s decision-making theory, allowing to assess the level of maturity of the most common features of the CDSS. With the application of the model, it was noticed that the phases of choice and implementation are underrepresented. This constitutes the main gap in the development of an effective CDSS.
Determinants of unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcome in Northern Red Sea region, Eritrea
Authors: Araia Zenawi Zeramariam , Kibreab Fitsum , Kibrom Abiel Abraham , Mebrahtu Amanuel Hadgu , Girmatsion Michael Goitom , Teklehiwet Yonatan Woldu , Mesfin Araia Berhane
Published: August 2022

Background

Eritrea has achieved the global target (90%) for tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate. Though, events of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes (death, treatment failure, lost to follow up and not evaluated) could lead to further TB transmission and the development of resistant strains. Hence, factors related to these events should be explored and addressed. This study aims to fill the gap in evidence by identifying the determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes in Eritrea’s Northern Red Sea region.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Eritrea’s Northern Red Sea region. Data collected using a data extraction tool was analyzed using Stata version 13. Frequencies, proportions, median and standard deviations were used to describe the data. Furthermore, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the risk factors for unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes. Crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) presented and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among 1227 TB patients included in this study, 9.6% had unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, TB cases 55–64 years old (AOR: 2.75[CI: 1.21–6.32], p = 0.016) and those ≥ 65 years old (AOR: 4.02[CI: 1.72–9.45], p = 0.001) had 2.7 and 4 times higher likelihood of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome respectively. In addition, HIV positive TB patients (AOR: 5.13[CI: 1.87–14.06], p = 0.002) were 5 times more likely to have unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. TB treatment in Ghindae Regional Referral Hospital (AOR: 5.01[2.61–9.61], p < 0.001), Massawa Hospital (AOR: 4.35[2.28–8.30], p< 0.001) and Nakfa Hospital (AOR: 2.53[1.15–5.53], p = 0.021) was associated with 5, 4 and 2.5 higher odds of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome respectively.

Conclusion

In this setting, old age, HIV co-infection and health facility were the independent predictors of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome.
Calcium ions decrease water-soaking in strawberries
Authors: Hurtado Grecia , Knoche Moritz
Published: August 2022

Water soaking is a common disorder of field-grown strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). It develops when ripe fruit is exposed to rain. Here we investigate the effects of Ca on water soaking. Fruit was incubated in solutions of various Ca salts and the extent of water soaking quantified using a simple rating scheme. Exposure to CaCl2 (10 mM) decreased water soaking and anthocyanin leakage but had no effect on water uptake. The decrease in water soaking due to CaCl2 was not limited to a single cultivar but occurred in all cultivars examined. Incubating fruit in a chelating agent (EGTA) increased water soaking compared to the water control. Calcium salts of different acids varied in their effects on water soaking. Only CaCl2 reduced water soaking significantly. The chlorides of different cations, also varied in their effects on water soaking. Those of the monovalent cations had no effects on water soaking, while those of the divalent cations (CaCl2, BaCl2 and SrCl2) and of the trivalent cations (FeCl3 and AlCl3) were all effective in decreasing water soaking. Overall, CaCl2 decreased microcracking of the strawberry cuticle as compared to deionized water. Furthermore, CaCl2 also reduced the leakage of anthocyanins from flesh discs, irrespective of the osmotic potential of the incubation solution. Our results indicate that CaCl2 reduced water soaking by decreasing cuticular microcracking, by decreasing leakage of plasma membranes and, possibly, by increasing the crosslinking of cell wall constituents.
Bps polysaccharide of Bordetella pertussis resists antimicrobial peptides by functioning as a dual surface shield and decoy and converts Escherichia coli into a respiratory pathogen
Authors: Fullen Audra R. , Gutierrez-Ferman Jessica L. , Yount Kacy S. , Love Cheraton F. , Choi Hyun G. , Vargas Mario A. , Raju Deepa , Corps Kara N. , Howell P. Lynne , Dubey Purnima , Deora Rajendar
Published: August 2022

Infections and disease caused by the obligate human pathogen Bordetella pertussis (Bp) are increasing, despite widespread vaccinations. The current acellular pertussis vaccines remain ineffective against nasopharyngeal colonization, carriage, and transmission. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that Bordetella polysaccharide (Bps), a member of the poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (PNAG/PGA) family of polysaccharides promotes respiratory tract colonization of Bp by resisting killing by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Genetic deletion of the bpsA-D locus, as well as treatment with the specific glycoside hydrolase Dispersin B, increased susceptibility to AMP-mediated killing. Bps was found to be both cell surface-associated and released during laboratory growth and mouse infections. Addition of bacterial supernatants containing Bps and purified Bps increased B. pertussis resistance to AMPs. By utilizing ELISA, immunoblot and flow cytometry assays, we show that Bps functions as a dual surface shield and decoy. Co-inoculation of C57BL/6J mice with a Bps-proficient strain enhanced respiratory tract survival of the Bps-deficient strain. In combination, the presented results highlight the critical role of Bps as a central driver of B. pertussis pathogenesis. Heterologous production of Bps in a non-pathogenic E. coli K12 strain increased AMP resistance in vitro, and augmented bacterial survival and pathology in the mouse respiratory tract. These studies can serve as a foundation for other PNAG/PGA polysaccharides and for the development of an effective Bp vaccine that includes Bps.
What does a receptive bilingual understand? Evidence from Polish as a heritage language in Germany
Authors: Anstatt Tanja , Mikić Ursula
Published: August 2022

Our study explores the field of receptive bilingualism, a highly common phenomenon with respect to heritage languages—one that, despite its commonness, has been analyzed by few studies. We collected data from 10 receptive bilinguals of Polish as a heritage language in Germany, including data from interviews regarding language biographies, a battery of tests on language comprehension skills, and a single-word production task. The main focus of our study was the analysis of the receptive abilities of our 10 participants, with a specific emphasis on their level of listening comprehension of spoken text. We conducted an explorative correlation analysis with respect to the interrelation of listening comprehension with other parameters, such as single-word comprehension, sentence comprehension, single-word production, and the language choice of the participants’ parents. The results indicate that all participants coped well with spoken texts up to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). There was great variance in performance at levels B2 and C1, with some of the participants still performing very well. Their performance at levels B2 and C1 strongly correlated with the number of direct address instances in Polish by the parents during childhood and with single-word comprehension. Furthermore, the word production task generated the lowest outcomes of all tests, thus revealing a wide gap between receptive and productive abilities. Interestingly, the results of the word production task did not correlate with those pertaining to the listening comprehension of texts at levels B2 and C1. This finding underscores the fact that productive skills do not constitute a valid indicator of receptive abilities. In summary, our results demonstrate the special quality of receptive bilingualism and the need to avoid underestimating this specific status (e. g., in language classes).
Financial Digitization using SILARUM Integrated in the Batik Talangsari Cluster, Semarang City
Authors: Rachmadani Wulan Suci , Margunani Margunani , Astuti Dwi Puji , Purasani Hana Netti , Lianingsih Susmy
Published: August 2022

Most MSME actors cannot provide accounting information related to their business conditions. It is motivated by several things, such as the view of MSME actors that accounting practice is difficult. In addition, other obstacles are the educational background that does not understand accounting or bookkeeping and the lack of sufficient funds to hire accountants or buy accounting software. Therefore, there is a need for an accessible and integrated accounting bookkeeping innovation, one of which is in the Batik Cluster of Semarang City. The SMEs in the Semarang City Batik Cluster is part of the Regional Development Planning Agency (PEL) of Semarang City in 2021. The cluster members are 30 SMEs with an average workforce of 64 people. The batik cluster received training from various universities and trainers in collaboration with Bappeda Semarang, such as textile product training and paper stamped batik training. Not only that but accounting training is also provided in an application called SILARUM. This training is expected to be a solution for SMEs actors in making financial reports quickly, even though MSME actors do not have basic accounting. SILARUM is an integrated accounting application system capable of producing financial reports, namely statements of financial position, income statements, reports of changes, and reports of cash flows. The SILARUM system has a broader scope because it provides a cash flow report output.
Mayoritas pelaku UMKM tidak mampu memberikan informasi akuntansi terkait kondisi usahanya. Hal ini dilatarbelakangi oleh beberapa hal seperti pandangan pelaku UMKM bahwa praktik akuntansi merupakan hal yang sulit. Disamping itu, kendala lain adalah latar belakang pendidikan yang tidak paham akuntansi atau tata buku, tidak adanya dana yang cukup untuk mempekerjakan akuntan atau membeli software akuntansi. Oleh karena itulah perlu adanya inovasi pembukuan akuntansi yang mudah dan terintegrasi salah satunya di Klaster Batik Kota Semarang. UMKM Klaster Batik Kota Semarang tersebut tergabung dalam PEL (Pengembangan Ekonomi Lokal) Bappeda Kota Semarang tahun 2021. Anggota klaster terdiri dari 30 UMKM dan memiliki rata-rata tenaga kerja sebanyak 64 orang. Klaster batik mendapatkan pelatihan dari berbagai perguruan tinggi maupun para trainer yang bekerjasama dengan Bappeda Semarang, seperti pelatihan produk tekstil dan pelatihan batik cap kertas. Tidak hanya itu, pelatihan akuntasi juga diberikan dalam aplikasi bernama SILARUM. Pelatihan ini diharapkan menjadi sebuah solusi bagi pelaku UMKM dalam membuat laporan keuangan secara mudah, walaupun pelaku UMKM tidak memiliki basic akuntansi. SILARUM merupakan sistem aplikasi akuntansi terintegrasi yang mampu menghasilkan laporan keuangan, yaitu laporan posisi keuangan, laporan laba rugi, laporan perubahan dan laporan arus kas. Sistem SILARUM memiliki scope yang lebih luas, karena dilengkapi dengan output laporan arus kas.
Impact of the AAP Guideline on Management of Brief Resolved Unexplained Events
Authors: Patra Kamakshya P. , Hall Matthew , DeLaroche Amy M. , Tieder Joel S.
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES

In May 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) defining apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) as brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs) and recommending risk-based management. We analyzed the association of CPG publication on admission rate, diagnostic testing, treatment, cost, length of stay (LOS), and revisits in patients with BRUE.

METHODS

Using the Pediatric Health Information Systems database, we studied patients discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of ALTE/BRUE from January 2012 to December 2019. We grouped encounters into 2 time cohorts on the basis of discharge date: preguideline (January 2012–January 2016) and postguideline (July 2016–December 2019). We used interrupted time series to test if the CPG publication was associated with level change and change in slope for each metric.

RESULTS

The study included 27 941 hospitalizations for ALTE/BRUE from 36 hospitals. There was an early decrease in 12 diagnostic tests that the CPG strongly recommended against. There was a positive change in the use of electrocardiogram (+3.5%, P < .001), which is recommended by CPG. There was a significant reduction in admissions (−13.7%, P < .001), utilization of medications (−8.3%, P < .001), cost (−$1146.8, P < .001), and LOS (−0.2 days, P < .001), without a change in the revisit rates. In the postguideline period, there were an estimated 2678 admissions avoided out of 12 508 encounters.

CONCLUSIONS

Publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics BRUE CPG was associated with substantial reductions in testing, utilization of medications, admission rates, cost, and LOS, without a change in the revisit rates.
Text Message Reminders for the Second Dose of Influenza Vaccine for Children: An RCT
Authors: Stockwell Melissa S. , Shone Laura P. , Nekrasova Ekaterina , Wynn Chelsea , Torres Alessandra , Griffith Miranda , Shults Justine , Unger Rebecca , Ware Leigh Ann , Kolff Chelsea , Harris Donna , Berrigan Lindsay , Montague Heather , Localio A. Russell , Fiks Alexander G.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Among children requiring 2 influenza doses in a given season, second dose receipt nearly halves the odds of influenza. Nationally, many children do not receive both needed doses. This study sought to compare the effectiveness of text message reminders with embedded interactive educational information versus usual care on receipt and timeliness of the second dose of influenza vaccine.

METHODS

This trial took place over the 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019 influenza seasons among 50 pediatric primary care offices across 24 states primarily from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Pediatric Research in Office Settings practice-based research network. Caregiver-child dyads of children 6 months to 8 years in need of a second influenza vaccination that season were individually randomized 1:1 into intervention versus usual care, stratified by age and language within each practice. Intervention caregivers received automated, personalized text messages, including educational information. Second dose receipt by April 30 (season end) and by day 42 (2 weeks after second dose due date) were assessed using Mantel Haenszel methods by practice and language. Analyses were intention to treat.

RESULTS

Among 2086 dyads enrolled, most children were 6 to 23 months and half publicly insured. Intervention children were more likely to receive a second dose by season end (83.8% versus 80.9%; adjusted risk difference (ARD) 3.8%; 95% confidence interval [0.1 to 7.5]) and day 42 (62.4% versus 55.7%; ARD 8.3% [3.6 to 13.0]).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large-scale trial of primary care pediatric practices across the United States, text message reminders were effective in promoting increased and timelier second dose influenza vaccine receipt.
Trabalho rural associado a cânceres linfohematopoiéticos em hospital público de referência: estudo caso-controle, Ceará, Brasil, 2019-2021
Authors: Áfio Neide da Silva , Forte Ana Caroline Freitas do Monte e Silva , Sanzana Carlos Erasmo Sanhueza , Aguiar Italo Wesley Oliveira
Published: August 2022

Trata-se de um estudo do tipo caso-controle pareado com o objetivo de verificar a associação entre ocupações e cânceres linfohematopoiéticos em um hospital público de referência no Estado do Ceará, Brasil, durante 2019-2021. O grupo caso foi constituído por pacientes hematológicos que apresentavam mieloma múltiplo, leucemias ou linfomas não Hodgkin, acompanhados pelo serviço social de uma unidade hospitalar de transplante de medula óssea (n = 114), enquanto indivíduos comparáveis de unidade hospitalar distinta constituíram o grupo controle (n = 114), formando pares 1:1. O diagnóstico foi efetuado por equipe médica e as variáveis foram aferidas por acesso aos registros hospitalares. Comparamos os grupos em regressão logística condicional bivariada e ajustada por região de residência. Entre os resultados, destacamos que o câncer de maior prevalência no grupo caso foi o mieloma múltiplo (43,9%), seguido pelas leucemias (43%) e por linfomas não Hodgkin (13,2%). Proporções de ocupações, zona de residência, abastecimento de água e Superintendência Regional de Saúde de residência apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos caso e controle. Verificamos que trabalhadores rurais possuíam maiores chances de apresentar os cânceres estudados (ORbruto = 5,00, IC95%: 1,91; 13,06 e ORajustado = 3,38, IC95%: 1,20; 9,54), enquanto trabalhadores do comércio apresentaram menores chances (ORbruto = 0,26, IC95%: 0,10; 0,70 e ORajustado = 0,30, IC95%: 0,10; 0,88). Os achados deste estudo possibilitam reflexões sobre o processo de adoecimento dos trabalhadores rurais e refletem o potencial dos serviços de saúde em contribuir com investigações sobre exposições ocupacionais.
Identificação de pessoas para cuidados paliativos na atenção primária: revisão integrativa
Authors: Paraizo-Horvath Camila Maria Silva , Fernandes Daiane de Souza , Russo Tatiana Mara da Silva , Souza Ana Carolina de , Silveira Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira , Galvão Cristina Maria , Mendes Karina Dal Sasso
Published: August 2022

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre o processo de identificação de pessoas adultas e idosas que podem se beneficiar dos cuidados paliativos na atenção primária à saúde. Trata-se de revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science e Embase. Foram selecionados oito estudos, nos quais foram distinguidos diferentes instrumentos com o propósito de identificar as pessoas que podem se beneficiar dos cuidados paliativos no contexto da atenção primária à saúde. A incorporação desses instrumentos na prática clínica é urgente, para aumentar o alcance e a efetividade dos serviços oferecidos pelos profissionais de saúde, considerando o perfil demográfico e epidemiológico atual que aponta para o aumento de pessoas com potencial necessidade de cuidados paliativos. Diferentes instrumentos têm sido utilizados com sucesso na identificação do cuidado paliativo no contexto da atenção primária à saúde. No entanto, alguns possuem fragilidades, como o fato de permitirem a identificação apenas das pessoas com doenças oncológicas, deixando de fora as demais condições de saúde, o que reforça a necessidade de mais estudos sobre esta temática.
Health as a battlefield: diseases and the healing arts in Brazil, 1750-1822
Authors: Freitas Ricardo Cabral de , Nogueira André
Published: August 2022

Abstract This article explores how diseases were contemplated and faced in Portuguese America in the early 1820s, shortly before the consolidation of the political rupture with Portugal that made Brazil an independent country. It analyzes who the individuals called to treat the diseases of the suffering population were, along with their knowledge and their therapies. To achieve this, we must begin by taking a step back in time, emphasizing the influences of the reforms of the Portuguese Empire on medical knowledge in the second half of the eighteenth century. The first section of the article is dedicated to exploring the complex and multifaceted healing practices in Portuguese America, resulting from the mixtures between traditional concepts about the body and the diseases that were part of the cultural references of the local population. The article then moves on to analyze some of the institutional and political conflicts involved in the consolidation of scientific medicine in Brazil, especially after the transfer of the Portuguese Court to Rio de Janeiro. Despite the political prestige of academic doctors, practitioners of the healing arts had broad support from the population, in addition to finding social mobility in the breaches of clientelistic relationships that marked the political culture of the period.
“A pharmácia profissão e a pharmácia indústria”1: conflitos entre médicos e farmacêuticos em Salvador em fins do século XIX
Authors: Sampaio Gabriela dos Reis
Published: August 2022

Resumo Neste artigo são apresentados conflitos envolvendo farmacêuticos e médicos, especialmente aqueles ligados à Inspetoria de Higiene, na cidade de Salvador, na última década do século XIX, tema ainda pouco trabalhando pela historiografia. A intenção é discutir como a regulamentação criada ainda no governo imperial para controlar as práticas de cura em geral e o trabalho dos farmacêuticos em particular acabou limitando a atuação desses últimos. Ao considerar injustas as prescrições impostas pelas autoridades sanitárias, por cercearem sua atuação ao mesmo tempo em que favoreciam embusteiros, diversos farmacêuticos lutaram para adquirir autonomia diante do que consideravam autoritarismo dos médicos. Tais conflitos revelam o quanto o estabelecimento da ciência médica como hegemônica no país foi um processo turbulento, mesmo entre os pares de profissões supostamente aliadas. O início da República, contexto permeado por debates e transformações ocorridos com a queda da monarquia, a abolição da escravidão e as dificuldades iniciais para o estabelecimento do poder, foi marcado fortemente pela presença dos médicos, que atuavam junto com militares e juristas para impor uma nova organização social. Essa presença se verificou na forte influência do pensamento racializado que caracterizou as políticas públicas.
“Professional pharmacy and industrial pharmacy”: disputes between doctors and pharmacists in Salvador at the end of the 19th century
Authors: Sampaio Gabriela dos Reis
Published: August 2022

Abstract In this article, conflicts involving pharmacists and doctors are presented, especially those linked to the Inspectorate of Sanitation, in the city of Salvador in the last decade of the 19th century, a topic that has not yet been addressed by the historiography. We seek to discuss how the regulation created during the imperial government to control healing practices in general and the work of pharmacists in particular, ended up limiting the work of the latter. Considering the regulations imposed on them by the health authorities to be unfair, for restricting their performance while favoring charlatans, several pharmacists fought to acquire autonomy in the face of what they considered the authoritarianism of doctors. Such conflicts reveal how much the establishment of medical science as hegemonic in the country was a turbulent process even between these supposedly allied professions. The beginning of the Republic, a context permeated by debates and transformations that occurred with the fall of the monarchy, the abolition of slavery and the initial difficulties for the establishment of power, was strongly marked by the presence of doctors, who worked together with military and judiciary to impose a new social organization. This medical presence was visible in the strong influence of racialized thinking that characterized public policies.
The great milestones of public health in the Empire and everyday life in São Paulo: 1820-1870
Authors: Mantovani Rafael
Published: August 2022

Abstract In this article, I intend to focus on three public health concerns of the nineteenth century in São Paulo, to demonstrate that the great legislative milestones or important epidemics of the period - regarded by historiographers as decisive - had little to no importance on the social processes that drove changes away from the capital. The three concerns I will be addressing are the prison, the cemetery, and the food trade. Because this is a very divergent reasoning from what is now understood as public health, I will begin with a discussion about the concept of health in the nineteenth century, and also about the anachronism that often permeates studies on this topic. Then, I will focus on the prison, which was a first order issue regarding public health in the nineteenth century, and even more so in São Paulo (and possibly throughout Brazil), where there was a great traffic between the interior of the prisons and the urban space. After that, I will tackle the issue of cemeteries, which was a very important public health topic, but one that generated tension, since it ran into ecclesiastical power. And finally, the issue of food, which was, in São Paulo, the item least consonant with modern demands of health.