bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid and sensitive detection of selective 1,2-diaminobenzene based on facile hydrothermally prepared doped Co3O4/Yb2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: February 2021

In this approach, the performance of a newly developed sensor probe coated with low-dimensional Co3O4/Yb2O3nanoparticles (NPs) in rapidly detecting 1,2-diaminobenzene was evaluated by an electrochemical technique. The sensor probe was fabricated by depositing a very thin layer consisting of synthesized Co3O4/Yb2O3NPs using a 5% Nafion conducting binder onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The facile hydrothermally prepared Co3O4/Yb2O3NPs were totally characterized by conventional methods such as FTIR, UV-vis, TEM, XPS, EDS, and XRD analyses. The fabricated chemical sensor probe was found to exhibit long-term activity, stability in electrochemical response, good sensitivity (5.6962 μAμM-1cm-2), lowest detection limit (0.02±0.001 pM), and broad linear dynamic range (0.1 pM to 0.01 mM). The observed performances suggest that the newly introduced sensor could play an efficient role in detecting 1,2-diaminobenzene especially in healthcare and environmental applications on a broad scale.
Dysbiosis of fecal microbiota in cats with naturally occurring and experimentally induced Tritrichomonas foetus infection
Authors: Bierlein Metzere , Hedgespeth Barry A. , Azcarate-Peril M. Andrea , Stauffer Stephen H. , Gookin Jody L.
Published: February 2021

The protozoal pathogenTritrichomonas foetusinfects the colon of domestic cats and is a major cause of chronic colitis and diarrhea. Treatment failure is common, but antibiotics may improve clinical signs in a subset of cats, leading researchers to question involvement of the colonic microbiota in disease pathogenesis. Studies performed in women with venerealTrichomonas vaginalisinfections have revealed that dysbiosis of host microbiota contributes to pathogenicity with similar findings also found in mice with intestinalTritrichomonas musculisThe aim of this study was to characterize differences in the fecal microbiota of cats with and without naturally occurringT.foetusinfection and in a group of kittens prior to and after experimentally induced infection. Archived fecal DNA from cats undergoing testing forT.foetusinfection (n = 89) and experimentally infected kittens (n = 4; at pre-, 2 weeks, and 9 weeks post-infection) were analyzed by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Amongst the naturally infected population, the generaMegamonasandHelicobacterwere significantly increased in prevalence and abundance in cats testing positive forT.foetusinfection. In the group of four experimentally infected kittens, fecal samples post-infection had significantly lower abundance of genusDialisterandMegamonasand greater abundance of the classBetaproteobacteriaand familySuccinivibrionaceae. We hypothesize thatT.foetuspromotes dysbiosis by competition for fermentable substrates used by these bacteria and that metabolic byproducts may contribute to the pathogenesis of colonic inflammation and diarrhea. Future studies are warranted for the measurement of fecal concentrations of microbial and protozoal metabolites in cats withT.foetusinfection for the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
Bayesian binding and fusion models explain illusion and enhancement effects in audiovisual speech perception
Authors: Lindborg Alma , Andersen Tobias S.
Published: February 2021

Speech is perceived with both the ears and the eyes. Adding congruent visual speech improves the perception of a faint auditory speech stimulus, whereas adding incongruent visual speech can alter the perception of the utterance. The latter phenomenon is the case of the McGurk illusion, where an auditory stimulus such as e.g. “ba” dubbed onto a visual stimulus such as “ga” produces the illusion of hearing “da”. Bayesian models of multisensory perception suggest that both the enhancement and the illusion case can be described as a two-step process of binding (informed by prior knowledge) and fusion (informed by the information reliability of each sensory cue). However, there is to date no study which has accounted for how they each contribute to audiovisual speech perception. In this study, we expose subjects to both congruent and incongruent audiovisual speech, manipulating the binding and the fusion stages simultaneously. This is done by varying both temporal offset (binding) and auditory and visual signal-to-noise ratio (fusion). We fit two Bayesian models to the behavioural data and show that they can both account for the enhancement effect in congruent audiovisual speech, as well as the McGurk illusion. This modelling approach allows us to disentangle the effects of binding and fusion on behavioural responses. Moreover, we find that these models have greater predictive power than a forced fusion model. This study provides a systematic and quantitative approach to measuring audiovisual integration in the perception of the McGurk illusion as well as congruent audiovisual speech, which we hope will inform future work on audiovisual speech perception.
Spatial mapping of soil properties in Konkan region of India experiencing anthropogenic onslaught
Authors: Verma Ram Ratan , Srivastava Tapendra Kumar , Singh Pushpa , Manjunath B. L. , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2021

Soils of Indian Konkan region, part of ecologically sensitive Western Ghats have been subjected to anthropogenic activities of late. This has endangered the ecological security through conspicuous losses in topsoil quality. The rationale of the present study was to map the soil properties and create management zones for ensuring food and nutritional security. The study was conducted in South Goa district of the state of Goa located in Konkan region. A total of 258 geo-referenced soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, EC, SOC, available N, P, K and DTPA extractable micronutrientsviz., Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. Soil pH was found to be in acidic range. A wide variability existed in SOC content ranging from 0.12–5.85%. EC was mostly neutral with mean value 0.08±0.37 dSm-1, while available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) varied in range from 56.4–621.6 kg ha-1, 0.5–49.7 kg ha-1and 31.5–786.2 kg ha-1with mean values 211.2±76.9, 8.4±8.2 and 202.3±137.6 kg ha-1, respectively. A wide range was exhibited by cationic DTPA extractable Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn with mean values, 0.22±0.30, 0.44±0.60, 7.78±5.98 and 7.86±5.86 mg kg-1, respectively. Soil pH exhibited significant positive correlation with EC, AP AK and Zn and negative correlation with Fe and Cu. SOC exhibited significantly correlated with AN, AP, AK, Zn and Fe. Geo-statistical analysis revealed J-Bessel as best fit semivariogram model for pH, AP and AK; Rational Quadratic for EC, SOC, Zn and Mn; Hole effect for AN; Stable for Cu and K-Bessel for Fe for their spatial mapping. Four principal components showed eigenvalues more than one and cumulative variability of 59.38%. Three distinct soil management zones showing significant variation in soil properties were identified and delineated for wider scale management of soils. Precision nutrient management based on spatial variation and their mapping would enable refined agricultural and environmental management practices in the region.
Morphometric study of Yemeni (Apis mellifera jemenitica) and Carniolan (A. m. carnica) honeybee workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-Kahtani Saad N. , Taha El-Kazafy A.
Published: February 2021

The Yemeni honeybee (Apis mellifera jemenitica Ruttner) is the native race in Saudi Arabia. The Carniolan honeybee (A. m. carnica Pollmann) and its hybrid with the Egyptian honeybee (A. m. lamarkii Cockerell) have been imported and frequently reared in Saudi Arabia. Temperature often exceed 40 °C during the summer season in most regions of Saudi Arabia. Honeybees decrease foraging activity in this period during mid-day, which affect colony productivity. The Yemeni bee race appears well adapted to these unique climatic conditions. We compared body weight and morphometric parameters of both subspecies’ worker bees reared at the apiary of Training and Research Station, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa oasis of eastern Saudi Arabia. Measurements of Yemeni bee were smaller than Carniolan bee for body weight, head structures, including antenna, flagellum, and proboscis length, thorax appendages, including femur length, tibia length and width, metatarsus length and width of the right hind leg, and length and width of the right forewing and hind wing, abdominal characteristics, including the length of the 3rd and 4th abdominal tergites and sternites, and length and width of the 1st and 4th wax mirrors. It could be concluded that with the exception of the number of hamuli, worker Yemeni bee body size and morphometric parameters related to the colony productivity were smaller than Carniolan bees under environmental conditions of the study region.
Using soil survey data to model potential Coccidioides soil habitat and inform Valley fever epidemiology
Authors: Dobos Robert R. , Benedict Kaitlin , Jackson Brendan R. , McCotter Orion Z.
Published: February 2021

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is a disease that can result in substantial illness and death. It is most common in the southwestern United States and areas of Latin America with arid climates, though reports increasingly suggest its range is wider than previously recognized. The natural habitat of the causative organisms, Coccidioides spp., have been associated with certain soil properties and climatic conditions. Current understanding of its geographic range is primarily defined by skin test studies and outbreak locations. We developed a fuzzy system model to predict suitable soil habitats for Coccidioides across the western United States based on parameters (electrical conductivity, organic matter content, pH, water holding capacity, temperature, and precipitation) from sites where soil sampling has confirmed the presence of Coccidioides. The model identified high coccidioidomycosis incidence areas as having high suitability and identified pockets of elevated suitability corresponding with outbreak locations outside the traditional range. By providing high-resolution estimates of Coccidioides suitability, including areas without public health surveillance for coccidioidomycosis, this model may be able to aid public health and clinical provider decision making. Awareness of possible Coccidioides soil habitats could help mitigate risk during soil-disturbing activities and help providers improve coccidioidomycosis diagnosis and treatment.
Adult mice are unresponsive to AAV8-Gremlin1 gene therapy targeting the liver
Authors: Khatib Shahidi Roxana , M. Hoffmann Jenny , Hedjazifar Shahram , Bonnet Laurianne , K. Baboota Ritesh , Heasman Stephanie , Church Christopher , Elias Ivet , Bosch Fatima , Boucher Jeremie , Hammarstedt Ann , Smith Ulf
Published: February 2021

Objective

Gremlin 1 (GREM1) is a secreted BMP2/4 inhibitor which regulates commitment and differentiation of human adipose precursor cells and prevents the browning effect of BMP4. GREM1 is an insulin antagonist and serum levels are high in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We here examined in vivo effects of AAV8 (Adeno-Associated Viral vectors of serotype eight) GREM 1 targeting the liver in mature mice to increase its systemic secretion and also, in a separate study, injected recombinant GREM 1 intraperitoneally. The objective was to characterize systemic effects of GREM 1 on insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, body weight, adipose cell browning and other local tissue effects.

Methods

Adult mice were injected with AAV8 vectors expressing GREM1 in the liver or receiving regular intra-peritoneal injections of recombinant GREM1 protein. The mice were fed with a low fat or high fat diet (HFD) and followed over time.

Results

Liver-targeted AAV8-GREM1 did not alter body weight, whole-body glucose and insulin tolerance, or adipose tissue gene expression. Although GREM1 protein accumulated in liver cells, GREM1 serum levels were not increased suggesting that it may not have been normally processed for secretion. Hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis were also not changed. Repeated intraperitoneal rec-GREM1 injections for 5 weeks were also without effects on body weight and insulin sensitivity. UCP1 was slightly but significantly reduced in both white and brown adipose tissue but this was not of sufficient magnitude to alter body weight. We validated that recombinant GREM1 inhibited BMP4-induced pSMAD1/5/9 in murine cells in vitro, but saw no direct inhibitory effect on insulin signalling and pAkt (ser 473 and thr 308) activation.

Conclusion

GREM1 accumulates intracellularly when overexpressed in the liver cells of mature mice and is apparently not normally processed/secreted. However, also repeated intraperitoneal injections were without effects on body weight and insulin sensitivity and adipose tissue UCP1 levels were only marginally reduced. These results suggest that mature mice do not readily respond to GREMLIN 1 but treatment of murine cells with GREMLIN 1 protein in vitro validated its inhibitory effect on BMP4 signalling while insulin signalling was not altered.
The role of quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging in characterization of hypovascular liver lesions: A prospective comparison of intravoxel incoherent motion derived parameters and apparent diffusion coefficient
Authors: Kovač Jelena Djokić , Daković Marko , Janković Aleksandra , Mitrović Milica , Dugalić Vladimir , Galun Daniel , Đurić-Stefanović Aleksandra , Mašulović Dragan
Published: February 2021

Background

The utility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) related parameters in differentiation of hypovascular liver lesions is still unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of IVIM related parameters in comparison to apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for differentiation among intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (IMC), and hypovascular liver metastases (HLM).

Methods

Seventy-four prospectively enrolled patients (21 IMC, and 53 HLM) underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance examination with IVIM diffusion-weighted imaging using seven b values (0–800 s/mm2). Two independent readers performed quantitative analysis of IVIM-related parameters and ADC. Interobserver reliability was tested using a intraclass correlation coefficient. ADC, true diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (ƒ) were compared among the lesions using Kruskal-Wallis H test. The diagnostic accuracy of each parameter was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The interobserver agreement was good for ADC (0.802), and excellent for D, D*, and ƒ (0.911, 0.927, and 0.942, respectively). ADC, and D values were significantly different among IMC and HLM (both p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference among these lesions for ƒ and D* (p = 0.101, and p = 0.612, respectively). ROC analysis showed higher diagnostic performance of D in comparison to ADC (AUC = 0.879 vs 0.821).

Conclusion

IVIM-derived parameters in particular D, in addition to ADC, could help in differentiation between most common hypovascular malignant liver lesions, intrahepatic mass—forming cholangiocarcinoma and hypovascular liver metastases.
Visual art inspired by climate change—An analysis of audience reactions to 37 artworks presented during 21st UN climate summit in Paris
Authors: Klöckner Christian Andreas , Sommer Laura K.
Published: February 2021

This paper suggests and tests a psychological model of environmental art perception and subsequent support for climate change policies. The model is based on findings from art perception and environmental psychology, which indicate that the response of the viewer to the artwork is (1) first an emotional reaction, which can be positive and/or negative. The emotional activation leads to (2) evaluation of the perceived quality of the artwork. This forms the first impression of the artwork the viewer gets, which then triggers (3) reflections on the artwork that are finally related to support for climate policies. The model test uses data collected at the ArtCOP21 that accompanied the 21stUN climate summit in Paris. At 37 connected events, the research team collected 883 audience responses with a brief quantitative paper-pencil questionnaire. The data were analyzed using a multilevel-structural equation modeling approach. Results support the suggested theoretical model. Moreover, the effect of reflections on the artwork on support for climate policies is moderated by environmental attitudes, meaning the lower the environmental attitudes, the higher the effect of reflections on policy support. Finally, artwork features like color, size, displaying something personal, etc., could be identified that had a significant relation to differences on the artwork level regarding the first impression of the artwork and the reflections elicited. The study shows that being confronted with climate change-related artwork relates at least in the short run to increased climate policy support, which is mostly channeled through an emotional activation with following cognitive processing. Features of the artwork relate to how strongly and which emotions are activated.
Car drivers coping with hazardous events in real versus simulated situations: Declarative, behavioral and physiological data used to assess drivers’ feeling of presence
Authors: Gemonet Elise , Bougard Clément , Masfrand Stéphane , Honnet Vincent , Mestre Daniel R.
Published: February 2021

More than 1.3 million people lose their lives every year in traffic accidents. Improving road safety requires designing better vehicles and investigating drivers’ abilities more closely. Driving simulators are constantly being used for this purpose, but the question which often arises as to their validity tends to be a barrier to developments in this field. Here we studied the validity of a simulator, defined as how closely users’ behavior under simulated conditions resembles their behavior on the road, based on the concept of drivers’ feeling of presence. For this purpose, the driving behavior, physiological state and declarative data of 41 drivers were tested in the Sherpa2 simulator and in a real vehicle on a track while driving at a constant speed. During each trial, drivers had to cope with an unexpected hazardous event (a one-meter diameter gym ball crossing the road right in front of the vehicle), which occurred twice. During the speed-maintenance task, the simulator showed absolute validity, in terms of the driving and physiological parameters recorded. During the first hazardous event, the physiological parameters showed that the level of arousal (Low Heart Rate/High Heart Rate ratio x10) increased up to the end of the drive. On the other hand, the drivers’ behavioral (braking) responses were 20% more frequent in the simulator than in the real vehicle, and the physiological state parameters showed that stress reactions occurred only in the real vehicle (+5 beats per minute, +2 breaths per minute and the phasic skin conductance increased by 2). In the subjects’ declarative data, several feeling of presence sub-scales were lower under simulated conditions. These results suggest that the validity of motion based simulators for testing drivers coping with hazards needs to be questioned.
Predictors of sexual violence among female students in higher education institutions in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kefale Bereket , Yalew Melaku , Damtie Yitayish , Arefaynie Mastewal , Adane Bezawit
Published: February 2021

Background

Sexual violence is a profound social and public health problem in Ethiopia. Female students in institutions of higher education are highly vulnerable to sexual violence. Different studies conducted on sexual violence at higher education institutions lack consistency and inclusiveness. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the lifetime and twelve-month prevalence, and predictors of sexual violence among female students in institutions of higher education in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study used a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted from January 1, 2000, to June 1, 2020, in Ethiopia. This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Hinari, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Global Health were searched using relevant search terms. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14 software. The I2 statistics and Egger’s test were used to assess heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. Forest plots were used to present the prevalence and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 10 studies, 5790 study participants. The pooled lifetime and twelve-month prevalence of sexual violence among female students in Ethiopia was 49.4% (95%CI: 37.87, 60.96) and 36.02% (95%CI: 26.42, 45.62) respectively. Rural residence (OR = 2.13;95%CI: 1.33, 3.42), alcohol drinking (OR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.44, 2.87), and ever had a boyfriend (OR = 2.07; 95%CI: 1.32, 3.62) were factors associated with sexual violence.

Conclusions

The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence among female students in institutions of higher education in Ethiopia was high. Place of residence, alcohol drinking, and ever had a boyfriend were statistically significant factors of sexual violence. Life skill training and law enforcement are needed to control alcohol consumption. Additionally, more focused interventions should be done in rural settings.

Registration

This systematic review has been registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) with a specific registration number CRD42020155894.
Context-sensitive smart glasses monitoring wear position and activity for therapy compliance—A proof of concept
Authors: Januschowski Kai , Ihmig Frank R. , Koch Timo , Velten Thomas , Rickmann Annekatrin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To improve the acceptance and compliance of treatment of amblyopia, the aim of this study was to show that it is feasible to design an electronic frame for context-sensitive liquid crystal glasses, which can measure the state of wear position in a robust manner and detect distinct motion patterns for activity recognition.

Methods

Different temple designs with integrated temperature and capacitive sensors were developed to realize the detection of the state of wear position to distinguish three states (correct position/wrong position/glasses taken off). The electronic glasses frame was further designed as a tool for accelerometer data acquisition, which was used for algorithm development for activity classification. For this purpose, training data of 20 voluntary healthy adult subjects (5 females, 15 males) were recorded and a 10-fold cross-validation was computed for classifier selection. In order to perform functional testing of the electronic glasses frame, a proof of concept study was performed in a small group of healthy adults. Four healthy adult subjects (2 females, 2 males) were included to wear the electronic glasses frame and to protocol their activities in their everyday life according to a defined test protocol. Individual and averaged results for the precision of the state of wear position detection and of the activity recognition were calculated.

Results

Context-sensitive control algorithms were developed which detected the state of wear position and activity in a proof of concept. The pilot study revealed an average of 91.4% agreement of the detected states of wear position. The activity recognition match was 82.2% when applying an additional filter criterion. Removing the glasses was always detected 100% correctly.

Conclusion

The principles investigated are suitable for detecting the glasses’ state of wear position and for recognizing the wearer´s activity in a smart glasses concept.
Healthcare workers hospitalized due to COVID-19 have no higher risk of death than general population. Data from the Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry
Authors: Díez-Manglano Jesús , Solís-Marquínez Marta Nataya , Álvarez García Andrea , Alcalá-Rivera Nicolás , Maderuelo Riesco Irene , Gericó Aseguinolaza Martín , Beato Pérez José Luis , Méndez Bailón Manuel , Labirua-Iturburu Ruiz Ane-Elbire , García Gómez Miriam , Martínez Cilleros Carmen , Pesqueira Fontan Paula María , Abella Vázquez Lucy , Blázquez Encinar Julio César , Boixeda Ramon , Gil Sánchez Ricardo , de la Peña Fernández Andrés , Loureiro Amigo José , Escobar Sevilla Joaquín , Guzmán Garcia Marcos , Martín Escalante María Dolores , Magallanes Gamboa Jeffrey Oskar , Martínez González Ángel Luis , Lumbreras Bermejo Carlos , Antón Santos Juan Miguel ,   for the SEMI-COVID-19 Network
Published: February 2021

Aim

To determine whether healthcare workers (HCW) hospitalized in Spain due to COVID-19 have a worse prognosis than non-healthcare workers (NHCW).

Methods

Observational cohort study based on the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, a nationwide registry that collects sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data on patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Spain. Patients aged 20–65 years were selected. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with mortality.

Results

As of 22 May 2020, 4393 patients were included, of whom 419 (9.5%) were HCW. Median (interquartile range) age of HCW was 52 (15) years and 62.4% were women. Prevalence of comorbidities and severe radiological findings upon admission were less frequent in HCW. There were no difference in need of respiratory support and admission to intensive care unit, but occurrence of sepsis and in-hospital mortality was lower in HCW (1.7% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.024 and 0.7% vs. 4.8%; p<0.001 respectively). Age, male sex and comorbidity, were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and healthcare working with lower mortality (OR 0.211, 95%CI 0.067–0.667, p = 0.008). 30-days survival was higher in HCW (0.968 vs. 0.851 p<0.001).

Conclusions

Hospitalized COVID-19 HCW had fewer comorbidities and a better prognosis than NHCW. Our results suggest that professional exposure to COVID-19 in HCW does not carry more clinical severity nor mortality.
Factors associated with registration for organ donation among clinical nurses
Authors: Weng Li-Chueh , Chiang Yang-Jen , Huang Hsiu-Li , Tsai Yu-Hsia , Chen Kang-Hua , Wang Woan-Shyuan , Lin Mei-Hsiu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Healthcare professionals play an important role in the organ donation process. The aim of this study was to examine the organ donation registration rate and related factors among clinical nurses.

Material and methods

In this cross-sectional, correlational study, we used mailed questionnaires to collect data from four geographical areas and three hospital levels in Taiwan from June 6 to August 31, 2018. Two thousand and thirty-three clinical nurses participated in this study.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 34.47 years, and 95.7% were women. Of them, 78.3% were willing to donate their organs and 20.6% had registered for organ donation after death. The results of logistic regression showed that in the personal domain, higher age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.03, p < 0.001), better knowledge of organ donation (OR = 1.09, p < 0.001), and a positive attitude toward organ donation (OR = 2.91, p < 0.001) were positively associated with organ donation registration, while cultural myths (OR = 0.69, p < 0.001) were negatively correlated. In the policy domain, the convenience of the registration procedure (OR = 1.45, p < 0.001) was positively associated with registration. A gap between willingness to donate and actual registration was observed.

Conclusions

Personal factors played an important role in organ donation registration. Therefore, efforts to improve knowledge and inculcate positive cultural beliefs about organ donation among clinical nurses are recommended. There is also a need to cooperate with government policies to provide appropriate in-service training and policy incentives and establish an efficient registration process.
Outcomes of kidney transplantation over a 16-year period in Korea: An analysis of the National Health Information Database
Authors: Lee Hyung Soon , Kang Minjin , Kim Banseok , Park Yongjung
Published: February 2021

Background

This study investigated the outcomes of kidney transplantation (KT) over a 16-year period in Korea and identified risk factors for graft failure using a nationwide population-based cohort.

Methods

We investigated the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database. Health insurance claims for patients who underwent KT between 2002 and 2017 were analyzed.

Results

The data from 18,331 patients who underwent their first KT were reviewed. The percentage of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction continuously increased from 2.0% in 2002 to 23.5% in 2017. Rituximab began to be used in 2008 and had increased to 141 patients (9.6%) in 2013. Acute rejection occurred in 17.3% of all patients in 2002 but decreased to 6.3% in 2017. The rejection-free survival rates were 78.8% at 6 months after KT, 76.1% after 1 year, 67.5% after 5 years, 61.7% after 10 years, and 56.7% after 15 years. The graft survival rates remained over 80% until 12 years after KT, and then rapidly decreased to 50.5% at 16 years after KT. In Cox’s multivariate analysis, risk factors for graft failure included being male, more recent KT, KT from deceased donor, use of ATG, basiliximab, or rituximab, tacrolimus use as an initial calcineurin inhibitor, acute rejection history, and cytomegalovirus infection.

Conclusions

ATG and rituximab use has gradually increased in Korea and more recent KT is associated with an increased risk of graft failure. Therefore, meticulous preoperative evaluation and postoperative management are necessary in the case of recent KT with high risk of graft failure.
Validation of two severity scores as predictors for outcome in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Salbach Christian , Mueller-Hennessen Matthias , Biener Moritz , Stoyanov Kiril M. , Vafaie Mehrshad , Preusch Michael R. , Kihm Lars P. , Merle Uta , Schnitzler Paul , Katus Hugo A. , Giannitsis Evangelos
Published: February 2021

Background

An established objective and standardized reporting of clinical severity and disease progression in COVID-19 is still not established. We validated and compared the usefulness of two classification systems reported earlier–a severity grading proposed by Siddiqi and a system from the National Australian COVID-19 guideline. Both had not been validated externally and were now tested for their ability to predict complications.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-centre observational study, patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 across all severity stages were enrolled. The clinical severity was graded at admission and during hospitalization. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify independent risk factors for mortality, a composite primary (mortality, incident acute respiratory distress syndrome, incident mechanical ventilation), a secondary endpoint (mortality, incident acute myocardial injury, incident venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or stroke) and progression of severity grades.

Results

Of 109 patients 17 died, 31 and 48 developed the primary and secondary endpoint, respectively. Worsening of the severity grade by at least one stage occurred in 27 and 28 patients, respectively. Siddiqi and Australian classification were identified as independent predictors for the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.30, p<0.001 and aHR 2.08, p<0.001), for the secondary endpoint (aHR 2.12, p<0.001 and aHR 1.79, p<0.001) and mortality (aHR 2.30, p = 0.071 and aHR 1.98, p = 0.017). Both classification systems showed very good agreement regarding initial grading and good agreement regarding progression of severity stages.

Conclusions

Standardized and objective severity grading is useful to unequivocally stratify patients presenting with COVID-19 for their individual risk of complications.
The contribution of CD200 to the diagnostic accuracy of Matutes score in the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in limited resources laboratories
Authors: Jalal Sana Dlawar
Published: February 2021

Flow cytometry immunophenotyping has an essential role in distinguishing chronic lymphocytic leukemia from other B-chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. Recently, CD200 is considered as a relatively consistent marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We retrospectively assessed CD200 expression in 252 patients with B chronic lymphoproliferative disorders with four-color flow cytometry. CD200 expression estimation included the proportion of positive cells (≥30%) and the mean fluorescence intensity ratio. Additionally, we have incorporated CD200 into Matutes score, also replaced FMC7 and CD79b in an attempt to improve the score discriminative power. Of 252 patients enrolled, 199(79%) patients were classified as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and 53 (21%) as other B-chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. All chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases and 20 of 53 (37.7%) of other B-chronic lymphoproliferative disorders demonstrated high CD200 expression (≥30%). Further, CD200 (≥30%) revealed a higher accuracy in comparison to other markers in Matutes score (range: 51%–92.5%). Also, CD200 addition to the Matutes score has correctly recognized all 199 chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases including 10 atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases. As for non-CLL cases, 20 of 53 attained a higher score, yet keeping the original diagnosis. Moreover, CD200 enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of Matutes score to 100%, and when included in a simplified 4-markers score, showed an accuracy of 99.8% compared to 99.4% of Matutes score. In conclusion, CD200 is an accurate diagnostic marker for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and can refine the modified Matutes score accuracy when added with other markers.
The dialectical nature of Cindy Sherman’s fashion photographs
Authors: Negrin Llewellyn
Published: February 2021

This article seeks to interrogate the increasingly prevalent consideration of fashion photographs as ‘artworks’, independent of their commercial function. Using Cindy Sherman’s fashion photographs as a case study, I argue that they cannot be read either as a straightforward subversion of the fashion industry or, conversely, as totally subservient to it. While most of the writings about these works have focused on the ways in which they interrogate media constructions of feminine beauty ideals, the reasons for their embrace by the fashion industry have been largely neglected. I seek to address this lacuna by arguing that the challenging nature of Sherman’s fashion photographs, far from being antithetical to their commercial function, is precisely their source of appeal to the fashion industry. Her images are sought after by the fashion world, not because they adhere to the promotional tropes conventionally seen in fashion advertising but because they seek to distance themselves from them. This paradox can be explained by the fact that the economic success of elite industries such as haute couture rests increasingly on their ability to promote themselves as being ‘above’ commerce. It is this double-edged nature of her fashion photographs that enables them to operate simultaneously as critical interrogations of feminine ideals of beauty in an art world context, and as promotional tools within the fashion industry.
Dina Torkia’s Modestly: Beauty work, autobiographical habitus and the modest fashion influencer
Authors: Barron Lee
Published: February 2021

The article examines the Islamic fashion vlogger Dina Torkia’s book Modestly in terms of the ways in which it combines beauty and fashion advice and tutorials relating to modest fashion, hijab styling and cosmetics application. Through a critical discourse analysis of the book’s narrative and its many beauty- and fashion-based images, the article stresses how, having gained renown as a social media-based influencer and vlogger, Torkia’s book represents a remediated approach to communication practices of beauty and style advice. Hence, in a printed book form, Modestly consistently combines instruction with autobiographical content. In this regard, the article explores the differing ways that Modestly articulates expressions of Bourdieu’s concept of habitus in the context of modest Islamic fashion. This is explored in terms of the nature of the beauty and fashion instruction that is the main focus of the book, but also in how the autobiographical aspects of the text articulate Torkia’s self-reflections on cultural and sartorial habitus in relation to a Muslim lifestyle, modest dress and beauty conventions and changing perceptions and articulations of cultural hybridity and intersectional identity.
Opera, devising and community: A creative and pedagogical methodology
Authors: Harries Guy
Published: February 2021

Create An Opera! was a fortnightly devising workshop led by the author at Theatre Delicatessen studios in London in 2017–20. It was free to the general public and attracted participants including both experienced and inexperienced performance practitioners. It aimed to create a safe, inclusive environment for experimentation in writing, composition and collaborative performance. This initiative arose from the author’s interest in challenging the sociopolitical traditions and hierarchical infrastructures associated with opera production. Inspired by the ethos of devised theatre, the workshops created a space for participants to be involved in both creative and performance aspects, working individually and collaboratively. This article presents the pedagogical and creative methodologies informing the delivery of the workshops, focusing on inclusion, collaboration and independent creativity.
The ukulele experiences: Leisure and positive ageing in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Angela , Southcott Jane
Published: February 2021

In Shuilin Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan a group of older people have a small, well-established, active musical club called ‘Can’t Read the Words’ where they learn and play the ukulele together. This research explored the impact of their ukulele playing experiences and paid special attention to song preferences (songs they have chosen to play or sing). Data collection involved 11 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with individual healthy adults. All participants drew from their experiences in regional community music organizations to explore how music effects their daily lives. Thematic analysis of the data unveiled valuable insights. The study concluded that participants believed that their musical club provided opportunities for individuals to practice and perform before audiences, resulting in a sense of achievement and satisfaction. The aged community should view the ‘Can’t Read the Words’ musical club as an example of the positive effects playing the ukulele can have on their lives.
Prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella and risk factors on poultry farms in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Sumit , Fowler Peter D. , Pant Dhan Kumar , Singh Subir , Wilkins Melinda J.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim: Poultry is becoming an increasingly important source of protein in the Nepalese diet. The Chitwan region of Nepal is the hub of the emerging poultry industry. Little is known about the prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) on poultry farms or the role of farm management practices that may contribute to the presence of NTS on farms. The role of poultry in the transmission of Salmonella enterica to humans is also poorly defined. This descriptive study seeks establish baseline data through estimation of the prevalence of NTS on broiler and layer operations in various farms of the Chitwan district of Nepal.

Materials and Methods: Based on district documents on poultry production and meat marketing, a purposive sampling of 18 commercial poultry farms comprising ten broilers farms and eight layers farms was conducted. Environmental samples including water, litter, feces, feed, farm, and eggshell swabs were randomly collected from each farm. Samples were cultured and tested for the presence of NTS; positives were serotyped, and antimicrobial susceptibility determined. A comprehensive farm and practice questionnaire was administered to each farm manager.

Results: The farm level point prevalence rate was 55% (10 of 18 farms) for S. enterica. Of the total 288 farm environmental samples collected, 26 samples (9%) were positive. The rate of isolation varied according to the origin of samples: Water (27.5%), feces (10.6%), litter (8.6%), farm swabs (5%), feed (1.8%), and eggshells (0%). Farm management variables/risk factors are summarized and categorized as non-modifiable and modifiable for analysis. Broiler operations were more likely to be positive than layer operations as were poultry houses with two or less open sides. All-in/all-out management style was found to be protective. Due to the small sample size (18 farms), no associations reached statistical significance.

Conclusion: Based on environmental sampling results, NTS is highly prevalent on the poultry farms in the Chitwan district of Nepal. Certain risk factors are associated with finding NTS on farms. Our findings are generally in agreement with other studies in similar countries with rapidly emerging poultry industries. The identification of risk factors provides owners, technicians, and veterinarians with some guidance to help reduce the prevalence of NTS on farms. This baseline data are critical to understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic strain of NTS in the region and are necessary for the design of future studies and mitigation plans and underlines the need for a one-health approach to protect public health-related to Salmonella spp. from poultry farms.
Aktualisasi Tuhan dalam Syair: Pesan Dakwah Lirik Lagu “Sebelum Cahaya” Karya Band Letto
Authors: Sansidar Afifah Nur
Published: February 2021

This study aims to reveal the da'wah message contained in the lyrics of the song “Sebelum Cahaya” by Band Letto. The song, which is one of the works of art with the power of meaning in the lyrics, is able to invite listeners to appreciate and absorb the meaning contained in it. Song lyrics will affect listeners emotionally because there is a message that the author wants to convey. To achieve this goal, this study uses a qualitative method with the semiotic approach of Charles S. Pierce. This research found that the Letto band, which is not a religious band, through the song “Sebelum Cahaya” incorporated divine values which became the basis of religion. Letto wants to show in his song that God is always there and accompanying humans, even though they are not aware of it. The existence of God is represented in symbols that the listeners can perceive according to the depth of their religious experience. The significance of the semiotic study in this study shows the different levels of meaning in understanding the signs in the song “Sebelum Cahaya” lyrics. Someone at a certain level can interpret the presence and truth of the promise of a true partner. However, to a certain extent, the meaning can lead to the presence and certainty of God's promises to humans.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkapkan pesan dakwah yang terkandung dalam lirik lagu “Sebelum Cahaya” karya Band Letto. Lagu yang merupakan salah satu karya seni dengan kekuatan makna dalam liriknya, mampu mengajak pendengarnya untuk menghayati dan meresapi makna yang terkandung di dalamnya. Lirik lagu akan mempengaruhi pendengar secara emosional, karena terdapat pesan yang ingin disampaikan oleh pengarangnya. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan semiotika Chales S. Pierce. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa band Letto yang bukan merupakan band religi, melalui lagu “Sebelum Cahaya” memasukkan nilai-nilai ketuhanan yang menjadi dasar dari agama. Letto ingin menunjukkan dalam lagunya bahwa Tuhan selalu ada dan menemani manusia, meskipun mereka tidak menyadarinya. Keberadaan Tuhan dimunculkan dalam simbol-simbol yang dapat ditangkap oleh pendengar sesuai dengan tingkat kedalaman pengalaman religius mereka. Signifikansi kajian semiotik dalam penelitian ini menampilkan tingkat pemaknaan yang berbeda dalam memahami tanda dalam lirik lagu “Sebelum Cahaya”. Seseorang dalam tingkatan tertentu, dapat memaknai kehadiran dan kebenaran janji dari pasangannya yang sejati. Akan tetapi, dalam tingkat tertentu, pemaknaannya dapat mengarah pada kehadiran dan kepastian janji Tuhan kepada manusia.
Komparasi Bingkai Peristiwa Bencana di Media Online Indonesia
Authors: Zamhari Zamhari
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the differences between Tirto.id and Republika.co.id in framing reporting on the causes of the crash of the Lion Air JT-610 plane on October 29, 2018. This research is a qualitative study using Robert M. Entman's four-stage framing analysis, namely define problems, define causes, make moral statement, and treatment recommendation. The results of this study indicate that there are differences in framing between the three online media in reporting a disaster. Tirto.id focuses more on the professionalism of Lion Air's management, while Republika.co.id focuses more on the news about the cause of the crash of the Lion Air JT-610 plane because the Lion Air JT-610 aircraft is the latest release. This proves that every newsroom has a certain standard in applying the principles of disaster journalism. Tulisan ini mengulas perbedaan Tirto.id dan Republika.co.id dalam membingkai pemberitaan penyebab jatuhnya pesawat Lion Air JT-610 pada tanggal 29 Oktober 2018. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan analisis framing empat tahap Robert M. Entman, yaitu define problems, define causes, make moral statement, dan treatment recommendation. Hasil penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa terdapat perbedaan framing di antara ketiga media online tersebut dalam memberitakan sebuah bencana. Tirto.id lebih menyoroti profesionalisme manajemen Lion Air, sedangkan Republika.co.id lebih mem-framing pemberitaan penyebab jatuhnya pesawat Lion Air JT-610 lantaran jenis pesawat Lion Air JT-610 merupakan keluaran terbaru. Hal ini membuktikan bahwa setiap newsroom memiliki standar tertentu dalam menerapkan prinsip jurnalisme bencana.
Distribution models and morphometric analyses in Deyeuxia velutina, an Andean grass species
Authors: Ferrero María A. , Sassone Agostina B. , Giussani Liliana M. , Vega Andrea S.
Published: February 2021

Rúgolo de Agrasar recognized two varieties of Deyeuxia velutina (D. velutina var. velutina and D. velutina var. nardifolia) based on leaf sheath indumentum, lemma length, and leaf blade direction. However, taxonomic delimitation has been difficult due to occasional overlapping characters. To assess the infraspecific delimitation of D. velutina, we present a comprehensive study combining morphometric analyses and a potential distribution model. To explore morphological variation and select diagnostic characters, we measured 124 morphological characters in 52 specimens of both varieties and performed a principal coordinate analysis and univariate analyses (Analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test). Both taxa resolved as separate morphological groups. Additionally, a Discriminant Analysis was performed to classify the individuals in the predetermined morphological groups. For modeling the species distribution, 26 specimens of D. velutina var. nardifolia and 68 of D. velutina var. velutina were georeferenced and 20 environmental variables were analyzed through a Maximum Entropy model. Deyeuxia velutina extends in the high Andean region from Peru to southern Argentina and Chile. Both varieties differed in their geographical limits, a result supported by regression analyses of latitude and longitude on the principal coordinates of the PCoA. Deyeuxia velutina var. nardifolia is restricted to the northern area of distribution while D. velutina var. velutina showed a higher habitat suitability in the southern region. Moreover, D. velutina var. nardifolia is here reported for the first time in San Juan province (Argentina), constituting the austral limit of its geographical distribution. Additional reliable morphological characters were considered in an updated key to the varieties.