bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An extension of the fpLLL library to Hermitian lattices
Authors: Elbaz-Vincent Philippe , Marcatel Etienne
Published: October 2021

We present an Hermitian version of the classical floating-point LLL reduction algorithm of Nguyen and Stehlé[16]. This new variant works on imaginary quadratic fields which are norm-Euclidean and also for some adequate cyclotomic fields. An optimized C++ implementation has been performed, based on the fpLLL code and results show a significant improvement for Hermitian lattices reduction of dimension
N
when compared to fpLLL reduction on the corresponding Euclidean lattice of dimension 2
N.
We demonstrate our implementation in the special case of the Gaussian integers.
Clinical Efficacy of Tacrolimus
Ointment
+
3
%
Boric Acid Lotion Joint Chinese Angelica Decoction in Chronic Perianal Eczema
Authors: Gao Weiwei , Qiao Xueli , Zhu Jinxin , Jin Xin , Wei Yuegang
Published: October 2021

Objective. To unearth the clinical efficacy of tacrolimus

ointment
+
3
%

boric acid lotion joint Chinese angelica decoction in chronic perianal eczema. Methods. Patients with chronic perianal eczema admitted to hospital from June 2018 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the control group (

n
=
38

) underwent basic therapy with tacrolimus

ointment
+
3
%

boric acid lotion, whereas those in the observation group (

n
=
38

) were given oral Chinese angelica decoction on the basis of the above therapy. Patient’s baseline information before therapy and clinical symptoms after therapy were observed and compared, including pruritus ani score, anus drainage and damp score, skin lesion score, skin lesion area score, life quality index score, and IL-2, IL-4, and IgE levels in serum. Overall efficacy in the two groups was also evaluated. Results. No significant differences were found in the baseline information between the observation group and control group before therapy. After therapy, pruritus ani score (

P
=
0.023

), anus drainage and damp score (

P
=
0.041

), skin lesion score (

P
=
0.025

), and skin lesion area score (

P
=
0.035

) of patients in the observation group were remarkably lower than those in the control group. Significantly higher release levels of clinical symptoms of patients in the observation group were indicated. With respect to the control group, the life quality score (

P
=
0.020

) and IgE level in serum (

P
=
0.003

) of patients in the observation group were significantly lower, while IL-4 level in serum was significantly higher (

P
=
0.129

). The therapy in the observation group achieved better clinical efficacy. Overall efficacy in the observation group was markedly favorable with respect to the control group. Conclusion. With respect to tacrolimus

ointment
+
3
%

boric acid lotion, patients with chronic perianal eczema displayed better clinical efficacy after jointly being treated by Chinese angelica decoction.
Giant Amoebic Liver Abscess: A Rare Diagnosis in a Rural Setting of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ekabe Cyril Jabea , Kehbila Jules , Clinton Njinju Asaba
Published: October 2021

Background. Extraintestinal amoebiasis is an uncommon complication of Entamoeba histolytica infection, occurring in about 5-10% of patient. Prompt diagnosis and management is essential to prevent complications. However, diagnosis and management in resource-limited settings is very challenging owing to limited diagnostic tools and nonspecific clinical symptoms. Therefore, our case report underscores the role of incisive clinical evaluation, basic investigation, and nonsurgical management of giant amoebic abscess in resource-limited settings. Case Presentation. A 13-year-old female Cameroonian presented with subacute onset of upper abdominal pain, high fever, and chest pain for one week. Before presentation, she had been on treatment at a local traditional practitioner during which her symptoms worsen. After clinical evaluation and basic investigation, she was diagnosed with a giant amoebic liver abscess. She was resuscitated and placed on nonsurgical management. Follow-up after 1 month was significant for complete recovery. Conclusion. Amoebic liver abscess is a rare complication of Entamoeba histolytica infection with devastating complications. The diagnosis of this disease requires high index of suspicion in resource-limited settings. Good clinical evaluation and timely nonsurgical therapy can provide recovery to some patients.
A Novel Cause of Biliary Peritonitis after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Karačić Andrija , Batur Paula , Štritof Domagoj , Fukui Taro , Bakula Branko , Kekez Inka
Published: October 2021

Background. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can lead to several complications such as duodenal or bile duct perforation. The incidence of pneumoperitoneum post-ERCP is rarely seen (<1%) and is associated with perforations of the duodenum or common bile duct in therapeutic ERCP after sphincterotomy. In this case, we disclose a novel cause of biliary peritonitis after ERCP. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and distended abdomen after uneventful ERCP with sphincterotomy. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed whose finding indicated duodenal perforation. The patient was rushed to an emergency laparotomy where only a rupture of an otherwise normal subcapsular intrahepatic bile duct was found. The surrounding liver parenchyma was healthy. The cause of this condition was probably post-ERCP pneumobilia and the increase of pressure in the biliary tract. Conclusions. This is the first case in literature describing the rupture of a subcapsular healthy bile duct as cause of biliary peritonitis after ERCP. This case also suggests that in the management of post-ERCP complications, the cooperation of radiologists and surgeons is vital for the patient’s wellbeing.
The Efficacy of Tripterygium Glycosides Combined with LMWH in Treatment of HSPN in Children
Authors: Jin Yan , Wang Yanzheng , Wang Sai , Zhao Qiongqiong , Zhang Donghua , Feng Xuan
Published: October 2021

Objective. This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy and relevant mechanism of Tripterygium glycosides combined with low molecular weight heparin calcium (LMWH) in the treatment of Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) in children. Methods. 64 cases of children patients with HSPN treated at Qilu Hospital (Qingdao) from January 2015 to May 2020 were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group and 32 cases in each group. Conventional medical treatment was applied in the two groups, besides which the control group was given LMWH while the observation group was given Tripterygium glycosides based on the control group. The clinical efficacy and the indexes of clinical symptoms of the two groups were compared. Immune globulin level, fibrinogen content (FIB), prothrombin time (PT), platelet level (PLT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) level of the two groups were compared before and after the treatment. Results. The total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the recurrence rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group. After treatment, urine red blood cell count and 24 h urine protein were obviously better than those of the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in PT between the two groups of children before and after treatment. The levels of PLT and FIB in the two groups of patients after treatment were significantly lower than before treatment, and the PLT levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group. Conclusion. The combination of Tripterygium glycosides and LMWH had good clinical effects in the treatment of children with HSPN, and it could improve the clinical symptoms, the mechanism of which might be related to the increase of PT, a decrease of PLT, and the improvement of coagulation function.
p53 Inhibition Provides a Pivotal Protective Effect against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via the Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Yanwei , Wu Xinning , Du Deyong , Liu Jing , Zhang Wensheng , Gao Yang , Zhang Haitao
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury enhances brain injury and increases its morbidity and mortality. The purpose of our study was to further explore the specific pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia disease by studying the role of p53 in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and its mechanism to provide a new target for the treatment of cerebral ischemia. Methods: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) was established in rats. The changes in p53 and apoptotic proteins in the rat model were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The effects of p53 inhibitors on cerebral is­chemia-reperfusion injury in rats were evaluated by modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and infarct area. Subsequently, neural stem cells (NSCs) were isolated and cultured in vitro, and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was induced to establish an in vitro ischemia-reperfusion injury model. Cell viability and migration were detected by CCK-8 and transwell assays. Apoptosis of NSCs was detected by flow cytometry. Finally, protein expression in the Wnt pathway activated by p53 was detected by Western blotting. Results: Compared with the sham group, p53 levels, mNSS, cerebral infarction area, and apoptosis were significantly increased in the MCAo group (p < 0.05). When the p53 inhibitor PFT-α was injected, the increase in these levels was reversed. Also, the viability and migration of cells decreased and apo­ptosis increased in the in vitro OGD model, whereas the viability, migration, and apoptosis were significantly reversed after the addition of p53 inhibitors (p < 0.05). Finally, p53 induced Wnt signaling pathway proteins β-catenin and cyclin D1 decrease in the MCAo group, while p53 inhibitors reversed their inhibitory effect on the Wnt signaling pathway. Conclusion: We confirmed in vivo and in vitro that inhibition of p53 has a protective effect on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, which may be related to the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway.
Coronavirus Disease 2019: COSeSco – A Risk Assessment Score to Predict the Risk of Pulmonary Sequelae in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Aiello Marina , Marchi Laura , Calzetta Luigino , Speroni Silvia , Frizzelli Annalisa , Ghirardini Marianna , Celiberti Valentina , Sverzellati Nicola , Majori Maria , Mori Pier Anselmo , Ranzieri Silvia , Pisi Roberta , Pelà Giovanna , Corradi Massimo , Chetta Alfredo
Published: October 2021

Background: The presence of interstitial pneumonia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, as diagnosed through laboratory, functional, and radiological data, provides potential predicting factors of pulmonary sequelae. Objectives: The objectives were the creation of a risk assessment score for pulmonary sequelae at high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) through the assessment of laboratory data, lung function, and radiological changes in patients after the onset of COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia and the identification of predictive factors. Methods: We enrolled 121 subjects hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia in our study. Clinical features, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, HRCT score, and blood chemistry data at hospital admission, as well as HRCT score, pulmonary function testing values, exercise capacity by means of a 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and dyspnea perception by the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) at 4-month follow-up, were all recorded. The variables were elaborated in order to create a predictive model to identify patients at high risk of pulmonary sequelae at HRCT. Results: At the time of follow-up visit, 63% of patients had functional abnormality (diffusion lung capacity and/or total lung capacity <80% of predicted). Age, BMI, CCI, D-dimer, 6MWT, and mMRC were included in the COVID-19 Sequelae Score (COSeSco, ranging 0–15), which was able to individuate COVID-19 patients with radiologic sequelae (HRCT score >10%) at follow-up. The most revelatory COSeSco value that was found to intercept the highest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (77%) was 2. Conclusion: The COSeSco – comprising age, BMI, comorbidities, D-dimer, walking distance, and dyspnea perception – makes it possible to identify particularly at-risk COVID-19 patients who are likely to develop pulmonary sequelae assessed by HRCT.
Geographic and Regional Variability in Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Stroke Thrombolysis in the United States
Authors: Suolang Deji , Chen Bridget J. , Wang Nae-Yuh , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Faigle Roland
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose:

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) after ischemic stroke is underutilized in racially/ethnically minoritized groups. We aimed to determine the regional and geographic variability in racial/ethnic IVT disparities in the United States.

Methods:

Acute ischemic stroke admissions between 2012 and 2018 were identified in the National Inpatient Sample. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between IVT and race/ethnicity, stratified by geographic region and controlling for demographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics.

Results:

Of the 545 509 included cases, 47 031 (8.6%) received IVT. Racially/ethnically minoritized groups had significantly lower adjusted odds of IVT compared with White people in the South Atlantic region (odds ratio [OR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.82–0.91]), the East North Central region (OR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.85–0.97]) and the Pacific region (OR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.85–0.96]). In the South Atlantic region, IVT use in racial/ethnic minority groups was below the national average of all racial/ethnic minority patients (
P
=0.002). Compared with White patients, Black patients had lower odds of IVT in the Middle Atlantic region (OR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.78–0.91]), the South Atlantic region (OR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.74–0.82]), and the East North Central region (OR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.79–0.93]). In the South Atlantic region, this difference was below the national average for Black people (
P
<0.001). Hispanic patients had significantly lower use of IVT only in the Pacific region (OR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.85–0.99]), while Asian/Pacific Islander patients had lower odds of IVT in the Mountain (OR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.59–0.98]) and Pacific region (OR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.82–0.97]).

Conclusions:

Racial/ethnic disparities in IVT use in the United States vary by region. Geographic hotspots of lower IVT use in racially/ethnically minoritized groups are the South Atlantic region, driven predominantly by lower use of IVT in Black patients, and the East North Central and Pacific regions.
A New Perspective on Enriching Augmented Reality Experiences: Interacting with the Real World
Authors: Seo Byung-Kuk , Park Jungsik , Park Jong-Il
Published: October 2021

In the last couple of years, augmented reality (AR) has become one of the most anticipated emerging technologies. The technology is becoming more intimate with people's everyday lives, and user experiences are getting more vivid year by year. However, most of the current AR experiences rely on interacting with virtual content augmented on the real world, becoming less impressive and exciting than they were in the first place. In this article, we explore a new perspective on enriching AR experiences for their emerging mature state. We first investigate interaction schemes in AR environments in detail and highlight potential features in the context of interacting with the real world. We also provide a brief discussion on technical challenges and issues to realize interacting with the real world in online AR scenarios. We believe that this article will initiate new research interests and directions for the next level of AR experiences.
Anti-Eurocentric Historicism: Political Marxism in a Broader Context
Authors: Salgado Pedro
Published: October 2021

Knafo and Teschke’s 2020 article, ‘Political Marxism and the Rules of Reproduction of Capitalism: A Historicist Critique’, is an important contribution to the debate between structuralist and historicist interpretations of Marxism. As such, it presents important implications for how Marxism is presented in broader academic debates. My aim is to highlight the contribution of its radical historicism and its methodological emphasis on agency for questioning Eurocentric macro-narratives, through an engagement with the ways in which Marxism (and the problem of Eurocentric structuralism) is presented in Post- and Decolonial traditions. I end by drawing briefly upon examples from my previous work on Brazilian state-formation and development.
Radical Historicism or Rules of Reproduction? New Debates in Political Marxism
Authors: Pal Maïa
Published: October 2021

This introduction presents the symposium on Sam Knafo and Benno Teschke’s article in Historical Materialism, ‘Political Marxism and the Rules of Reproduction of Capitalism: A Historicist Critique’ (2021). It briefly summarises the foundations of Political Marxism, discusses the broader implications of the debate raised by Knafo and Teschke for questions of collective knowledge-production and methods in Marxist historiography, and outlines the seven contributions of the symposium. The introduction concludes by tracing, through the evolution of debates in Political Marxism and the contributions of its protagonists, some of the lineages of Marxist historiography as well as of the history of this journal.
The Antinomies of Political Marxism: A Historicist Reply to Critics
Authors: Knafo Samuel , Teschke Benno
Published: October 2021

This is a response to the contributions to the symposium on our initial article, ‘Political Marxism and the Rules of Reproduction of Capitalism: A Historicist Critique’.
Blessing or Curse?
Authors: Schmid Lisa Katharina , Reitzenstein Alexander , Hall Nina
Published: October 2021

Earmarked funding to international organizations (IO s) has increased significantly over the past two decades. International relations scholars have examined the causes of this trend, but know less about its effects on UN entities. This article identifies different types of earmarked funding, varying from low to high discretion delegated to IO s. Secondly, it examines trends in the UN Development Programme and UN Children’s Fund and finds that both have significant proportions of earmarked funding with low discretion. Drawing on thirty interviews, the article notes four implications of tightly earmarked financing: 1) higher transaction costs for IO s; 2) less predictable funding; 3) overhead costs that are rarely covered; and 4) increasing competition for financing. Overall, the article highlights that earmarked financing exists on a spectrum from tight to minimal control by donor states, and this has important implications for multilateralism.
A taxonomic assessment of Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus and Chlorospingus semifuscus (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), including the description of a new subspecies
Authors: SÁNCHEZ-NIVICELA MANUEL , AVENDAÑO JORGE ENRIQUE , SÁNCHEZ-NIVICELA JUAN C. , TORRES ANA , FUCHS JÉRÔME , BIRD BENTLEY , BONACCORSO ELISA
Published: October 2021

Chlorospingus flavopectus, a widely distributed member of the New World sparrows and finches (Passerellidae), is among the most variable and complex Neotropical bird species. With up to 28 subspecies that inhabit montane forest from Mexico south to Argentina, it presents a recurring leapfrog pattern, with many genetically differentiated lineages, but even more morphologically distinguishable taxa. Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus is distributed along the eastern Andean slope (from southern Colombia to northern Peru) and in localized patches along the central and southwestern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, in the forest remnants of Chimborazo, El Oro, and adjacent Loja provinces. This allopatric distribution was based on plumage similarities, but no genetic or vocal analysis has tested if these populations share a common ancestry. Here, we compared data for populations of C. f. phaeocephalus, C. semifuscus semifuscus from northwest Ecuador, and C. s. livingstoni from west Colombia, and analyzed them in the context of other Chlorospingus. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that the putative west Ecuadorian populations of C. f. phaeocephalus are nested within C. semifuscus. They also present diagnostic characters when compared to other populations of C. semifuscus and C. f. phaeocephalus. Based on these results, we recognize the population from El Oro and adjacent Loja Provinces as a new subspecies of C. semifuscus, and the population from Chimborazo Province as a morphological variation of C. s. semifuscus.
A new genus and three new species of Agraeciini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, with comments on the function of some phallic components
Authors: TAVARES GUSTAVO COSTA , DE MELLO FRANCISCO DE A. G. , DE MELLO MENDES DIEGO MATHEUS
Published: October 2021

This contribution describes a new genus and three new species of Agraeciini from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Warimiri madiba gen. et sp. nov., Warimiri zumbi gen. et sp. nov., and Warimiri karutasywa gen. et sp. nov.. The new genus resembles the genera Hyperomerus Redtenbacher and Dectinomima Caudell and probably is closely related to them, but the internal and external male genitalia components distinguish the three taxa. We also provide a brief comment about the function of the internal components of the phallic complexes of Warimiri gen. nov. and Hyperomerus.
Revision of Gypogyna Simon, 1900 (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: RUIZ GUSTAVO R.S. , COSTA ERIKA L.S. , BUSTAMANTE ABEL A.
Published: October 2021

Gypogyna Simon, 1900 is revised. Three species are recognized and diagnosed. The type species, Gypogyna forceps Simon, 1900, is redescribed and recorded from several localities in South America. Gypogyna amazonica Ruiz sp. nov. is described based on a male from Manaus, Brazil. Gypogyna mexicana Ruiz & Bustamante sp. nov. is described based on specimens of both sexes from the state of Jalisco, Mexico. In addition, some comments on cheliceral dentiton and genital morphology are discussed.
On the relationship between CYGNSS surface heat fluxes and the lifecycle of low-latitude ocean extratropical cyclones
Authors: Naud Catherine M. , Crespo Juan A. , Posselt Derek J.
Published: October 2021

Surface latent and sensible heat fluxes are important for extratropical cyclone evolution and intensification. Because extratropical cyclone genesis often occurs at low-latitude, CYGNSS surface latent and sensible heat flux retrievals are composited to provide a mean picture of their spatial distribution in low-latitude oceanic extratropical cyclones. CYGNSS heat fluxes are not affected by heavy precipitation and offer observations of storms with frequent revisit times. Consistent with prior results obtained for cyclones in the Gulf Stream region, the fluxes are strongest in the wake of the cold fronts, and weakest to negative in the warm sector in advance of the cold fronts. As cyclone strength increases, or mean precipitable water decreases, the maximum in surface heat fluxes increases while the minimum decreases. This impacts the changes in fluxes during cyclone intensification: the post-cold frontal surface heat flux maximum increases due to the increase in near surface winds. During cyclone dissipation, the fluxes in this sector decrease, due to the decrease in winds and in temperature and humidity contrast. The warm sector minimum decreases throughout the entire cyclone lifetime and is mostly driven by sea-air temperature and humidity contrast changes. However, during cyclone dissipation, the surface heat fluxes increase along the cold front in a narrow band to the east, independently from changes in the cyclone characteristics. This suggests that, during cyclone dissipation, energy transfers from the ocean to the atmosphere are linked to frontal in addition to synoptic-scale processes.
“Surviving to thriving”: a meta-ethnography of the experiences of healthcare staff caring for persons with COVID-19
Authors: Agyei Frank Bediako , Bayuo Jonathan , Baffour Prince Kyei , Laari Cletus
Published: October 2021

Background

The emergence of the Coronavirus disease has heightened the experience of emotional burden among healthcare staff. To guide the development of support programmes, this review sought to aggregate and synthesise qualitative studies to establish a comparative understanding of the experiences of healthcare staff caring for persons with the disease.

Design

A meta-ethnography approach was used to aggregate and synthesise primary qualitative studies. Database search was undertaken from January to November 2020. A standardised tool was used to extract data from the identified primary studies. The studies were translated into each other to formulate overarching concepts/ metaphors which formed the basis of undertaking a narrative synthesis.

Results

Eight qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Two overarching metaphors/ concepts were formulated from the primary studies: 1) surviving to thriving in an evolving space and 2) support amid the new normal. The initial phase of entering the space of caring during the outbreak was filled with psychological chaos as healthcare staff struggled to survive within the context of an illness which was not fully understood. Gradually, healthcare staff may transition to a thriving phase characterised by resilience but still experienced heavy workload and physical/ emotional exhaustion predisposing them to burnout and compassion fatigue. Fear persisted throughout their experiences: fear of contracting the disease or infecting one’s family members/ loved ones remained a key concern among healthcare staff despite infection precaution measures. Healthcare staff who contracted the disease felt isolated with additional fears of dying alone. The sources of support were varied with a strong emphasis on peer support.

Conclusions

Healthcare staff caring for persons infected with the Coronavirus disease are at risk of burnout and compassion fatigue and require ongoing mental health support commensurate to their needs. Staff who contract the disease may require additional support to navigate through the illness and recovery. Policies and concerted efforts are needed to strengthen support systems and build resilience among healthcare staff.
Inhibition of BRD4 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of psoriatic keratinocytes
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Yang Pengfei
Published: October 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a common chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease. The pathogenesis of psoriasis, such as other autoimmune diseases, is still unclear, which brings great difficulties to the treatment. This study aimed to investigate the role of bromine domain protein 4 (BRD4) in affecting the psoriatic keratinocytes.

Methods

Imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice model and TNF-α or IL-17A induced HaCAT cells, an experimental model in vitro for psoriasis, were constructed. The pathological skin changes at the back of mice were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) assay and evaluated by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). KI67 expression and keratinocyte apoptosis at the skin tissues were, respectively, detected by Immunohistochemical analysis and TUNEL assay. The inflammatory factors in mice serum and culture supernatant were determined by ELISA assay. The related proteins expression of proliferation, apoptosis and MAPK pathway were detected by Western blot analysis.

Results

BRD4 expression was upregulated in injured skin on the back of imiquimod-induced mice and (+)-JQ1 relieved the skin injury by suppressing the inflammation and promoting apoptosis of keratinocytes. Consistently, BRD4 expression was also increased in TNF-α or IL-17A induced HaCAT cells. (+)-JQ1 suppressed the viability and inflammation, and promoted apoptosis of TNF-α or IL-17A induced HaCAT cells. In addition, the MAPK signaling pathway was inhibited by (+)-JQ1 whether in mice or HaCAT cells.

Conclusions

Inhibition of BRD4 inhibited proliferation and inflammation and promoted apoptosis of psoriatic keratinocytes.
Micronucleus production, activation of DNA damage response and cGAS-STING signaling in syncytia induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Ren He , Ma Chaobing , Peng Haoran , Zhang Bo , Zhou Lulin , Su Yan , Gao Xiaoyan , Huang Hongyan
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection could cause severe acute respiratory syndrome, largely attributed to dysregulated immune activation and extensive lung tissue damage. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we reported that viral infection could induce syncytia formation within cells expressing ACE2 and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, leading to the production of micronuclei with an average rate of about 4 per syncytium (> 93%). Remarkably, these micronuclei were manifested with a high level of activation of both DNA damage response and cGAS-STING signaling, as indicated by micronucleus translocation of γH2Ax and cGAS, and upregulation of their respective downstream target genes. Since activation of these signaling pathways were known to be associated with cellular catastrophe and aberrant immune activation, these findings help explain the pathological effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection at cellular and molecular levels, and provide novel potential targets for COVID-19 therapy.
Factors influencing the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Darteh Eugene Kofuor Maafo , Dickson Kwamena Sekyi , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Owusu Bernard Afriyie , Okyere Joshua , Salihu Tarif , Bio Bediako Vincent , Budu Eugene , Agbemavi Wonder , Edjah Jane Odurowaah , Seidu Abdul-Aziz
Published: October 2021

Background

Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) of malaria in pregnancy is a full therapeutic course of antimalarial sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) medicine given to pregnant women in their second trimester at routine antenatal care visits, regardless of whether the recipient is infected with malaria. Given the negative consequences of malaria in pregnancy, studies on Intermittent Preventive Therapy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) are important benchmarks for understanding the extent of malaria control and prevention during pregnancy. We, therefore, examined the factors associated with the uptake of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We used data from the current versions of the Malaria Indicators Survey of 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Women aged 15–49 years participated in the surveys. The analyses were carried out using Stata version 14.2. Descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and multilevel regression analyses were carried out. The results of the multilevel regression analysis were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). 

Results

The average prevalence of uptake of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in the studied sub-Saharan African countries was 30.69%, with the highest and lowest prevalences in Ghana (59.64%) and Madagascar (10.08%), respectively. Women aged 40–44 compared to those aged 15–19 (aOR = 1.147, 95%CI = [1.02,1.30) had higher odds of receiving 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP. Women with a secondary/higher level of education compared to those with no formal education (aOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.04,1.20] also had higher odds of receiving 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP. Women who were exposed to malaria messages on the radio (aOR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.02,1.12] and television (aOR = 1.13,95%CI = [1.05,1.21]) had higher odds of receiving 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP compared to those who were not exposed.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the uptake of IPTp-SP is relatively low among the countries included in this study, with significant inter-country variations. Higher educational level, exposure to media, low parity, and higher age group were associated with higher odds of optimal IPTp-SP uptake. National policies, programs, guidance services such as information service and counselling and other interventions aimed at improving the coverage and uptake of IPTp-SP must be targeted at women with low level of education, non-exposure to media, high parity, and younger age group to attain the desired outcome.
Increased urbanization reduced the effectiveness of school closures on seasonal influenza epidemics in China
Authors: Lei Hao , Jiang Hangjin , Zhang Nan , Duan Xiaoli , Chen Tao , Yang Lei , Wang Dayan , Shu Yuelong
Published: October 2021

Background

School closure is a common mitigation strategy during severe influenza epidemics and pandemics. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to explore the effectiveness of school closure on seasonal influenza epidemics in provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) with varying urbanization rates in China.

Methods

This study analyzed influenza surveillance data between 2010 and 2019 provided by the Chinese National Influenza Center. Taking into consideration the climate, this study included a region with 3 adjacent PLADs in Northern China and another region with 4 adjacent PLADs in Southern China. The effect of school closure on influenza transmission was evaluated by the reduction of the effective reproductive number of seasonal influenza during school winter breaks compared with that before school winter breaks. An age-structured Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible (SIRS) model was built to model influenza transmission in different levels of urbanization. Parameters were determined using the surveillance data via robust Bayesian method.

Results

Between 2010 and 2019, in the less urbanized provinces: Hebei, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui, during school winter breaks, the effective reproductive number of seasonal influenza epidemics reduced 14.6% [95% confidential interval (CI): 6.2–22.9%], 9.6% (95% CI: 2.5–16.6%), 7.3% (95% CI: 0.1–14.4%) and 8.2% (95% CI: 1.1–15.3%) respectively. However, in the highly urbanized cities: Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai, it reduced only 5.2% (95% CI: -0.7–11.2%), 4.1% (95% CI: -0.9–9.1%) and 3.9% (95% CI: -1.6–9.4%) respectively. In China, urbanization is associated with decreased proportion of children and increased social contact. According to the SIRS model, both factors could reduce the impact of school closure on seasonal influenza epidemics, and the proportion of children in the population is thought to be the dominant influencing factor.

Conclusions

Effectiveness of school closure on the epidemics varies with the age structure in the population and social contact patterns. School closure should be recommended in the low urbanized regions in China in the influenza seasons.

Graphical abstract
Prevalence and early risk factors for bulimia nervosa symptoms in inner-city youth: gender and ethnicity perspectives
Authors: Ruchkin Vladislav , Isaksson Johan , Schwab-Stone Mary , Stickley Andrew
Published: October 2021

Background

Research on risk factors associated with bulimia nervosa symptoms (BN) in ethnic minorities has been limited. This study adds to the existing literature by providing the ethnicity- and gender-specific prevalence of BN in US inner-city youth and by exploring the longitudinal associations between a clinical level of BN and early risk factors assessed one year previously.

Methods

The study was conducted on a representative sample of predominantly ethnic minority youth (N = 2794; 54.1% female; age 11–16 years old (M(SD) = 12.77(1.29)); 60.0% African-American, 26.1% Hispanic American, 13.9% White). Self-reported information was obtained on BN and early risk factors (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms, posttraumatic stress, somatic complaints). Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine the longitudinal associations.

Results

The 3-month BN prevalence was higher in girls (5.1%) than in boys (2.3%) (ratio 2.22:1). Significant differences in BN rates were found between White and African American students (higher in Whites), whereas Hispanic-Americans did not differ significantly from either group. Individuals with BN had significantly higher levels of early risk factors one year prior.

Conclusions

Timely recognition of BN and associated early risk factors is important for early prevention and intervention strategies.
Dual-energy computed tomography: Survey results on current uses and barriers to further implementation
Authors: Hodgson Kirsten Elizabeth , Larkin Elizabeth A , Aznar Marianne C , Vasquez Osorio Eliana
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To gauge the current availability of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) scanners in the UK, establish available technologies, look broadly at current clinical uses in adults and paediatrics, and identify barriers to implementation and potential ways to increase use.

Methods:

A survey was distributed amongst 10 radiology departments and shared on two national professional co-operation mail bases; the survey ran from 20th July to 9th December 2020. It explored current DECT utilisation in adults and paediatrics as well as barriers to use and suggestions to overcome those barriers.

Results:

The survey demonstrated DECT availability on 39 (40%) of the 98 CT scanners, but there was limited clinical use in adults and paediatrics. Eighteen (72%) of the 25 respondents had access to at least one DECT scanner, with 14 (56%) having adult DECT protocols in clinical use; <10% head examinations and <50% for other anatomical areas. Only two (8%) respondents had DECT paediatric protocols in clinical use; <10% examinations for all anatomical areas. The main barriers to implementation identified were lack of experience with DECT (8 (44%) users (adult) and 10 (56%) users (paediatric)) and no clinical protocols available (6 (33%) users (adult and paediatric)). Understanding DECT benefits and establishing suitable protocols were the most popular suggestions for increased implementation (10 (40%) of 25 respondents).

Conclusion:

DECT scanners are available, but clinical use is limited for both adults and paediatrics. The main barriers identified were lack of experience with DECT and the availability of suitable protocols. Further work identified to help implementation included better education on the benefits of DECT, provision of clinical protocols and ensuring a multidisciplinary approach.

Advances in knowledge:

Barriers to implementation of clinical DECT protocols were identified, together with potential solutions to overcome these and enable further implementation.
The update of immigrant Red Sea fish of Egyptian Mediterranean waters during (2013-2021)
Authors: IBRAHIM RIZKALLA SAMIR , HENEISH RASHA ALI
Published: October 2021

Thirty nine immigrant fish species from the Red sea were observed in seven regions of Egyptian Mediterranean waters during 2013- 2021. These were divided according to their importance in the fish markets into economic species (18) and non-economic species (21). Port- Said region (North opening of Suez Canal) constituted high percentage of occurrence (49.1% of all species) followed by Alexandria (41.9%), Abu-Qir (5.2%) and Marsa Matruh (3.7%). Thirteen new species were recorded in the present review whereas fifteen fish species in the checklist given by Halim and Rizkalla (2011) were not encountered in the study area during the study period. Alepes djedaba and Siganus rivulatus were the most important economic species established in Port Said region, whereas Nemipterus randalli and Sargocentrum rubrum were the more dominant in Alexandria region, Also Nemipterus randalli was well established in Abu-Qir area while Upeneus pori was abundant in Marsa Matruh region.
Digital storytelling as an educational tool for scientific, environmental and sustainable development literacy on marine litter in informal education environments (Case study: Hellenic Center for Marine Research)
Authors: ANDRIOPOULOU ARGYRO , GIAKOUMI SOFIA , KOUVARDA THEODORA , TSABARIS CHRISTOS , PAVLATOU EVAGGELIA , SCOULLOS MICHAEL
Published: October 2021

The modern era is characterized by the explosion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their multiple applications both in the school community and in the extracurricular activities. ICT enables the school community to be engaged in new educational storytelling approaches with educational and learning content, using multimedia applications. This article describes a study that took place at the headquarters of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research and involved a convenience sampling of 153 high school students (ages 13 to 15 years old). The study is aimed to investigate the use of digital storytelling in developing environmental and sustainability awareness and enhancing the scientific literacy of high school students when it is used as an instructional tool in informal learning, for marine litter, a serious environmental and sub-regional issue of our days. A didactic intervention was applied focusing on digital storytelling and experiential hands-on activities covering concepts of marine pollution, to establish the acquisition of new knowledge and the strengthening of optimal behavior towards the environment and sustainable development of attitudes towards the global problem of plastic marine pollution. The results of the study confirm the importance of digital storytelling for the cultivation of students' Scientific and Environmental Literacy for oceans.
Ovarian dynamics, batch fecundity and spawning phenology of the lessepsian migrant Etrumeus golanii DiBattista, Randall & Bowen, 2012 (Clupeidae: Dussumieriinae)
Authors: SOMARAKIS STYLIANOS , GIANNOULAKI MARIA , MARKAKIS KONSTANTINOS , TSIARAS KOSTAS , SCHISMENOU EUDOXIA , PERISTERAKI PANAGIOTA
Published: October 2021

The Golani’s round herring Etrumeus golanii is an Erythraean small pelagic fish (lessepsian migrant) that entered into the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. It has expanded its distribution from the east to the western Mediterranean with well-established local populations. We investigated basic aspects of its reproductive biology off the island of Crete (eastern Mediterranean) using ovarian histology and analysis of oocyte size-frequency distributions. The species exhibited a protracted breeding period (winter to early summer), with all ovaries examined during the main spawning season having markers of recent (postovulatory follicles, POFs) or imminent spawning (advanced oocyte batch in germinal vesicle migration or hydration). The advanced batch (AB) increased rapidly in size and was fully separated from the remainder, less developed oocytes in 95% of females with “old” POFs (POFs with signs of degeneration) and all females in final maturation. The growth of the subsequent batch (SB) was arrested at sizes <630 µm until full maturation of the AB. Mean diameter of hydrated oocytes ranged from 1181 to 1325 µm and relative batch fecundity was low ranging from 56 to 157 eggs g-1. The simulation of a coupled hydrodynamic/biogeochemical model (POM/ERSEM) provided evidence that E. golanii takes advantage of the seasonal cycle of planktonic production to reproduce and exhibits monthly changes in batch fecundity that appear to be closely related with the seasonal cycle of mesozooplankton concentration.
The last fortress fell: mass mortality of Pinna nobilis in the Sea of Marmara
Authors: CINAR MELIH ERTAN , BILECENOGLU MURAT , YOKEŞ MEHMET BAKI , GÜÇLÜSOY HARUN
Published: October 2021

A spring 2021 cruise to the south Marmara Islands revealed a mass mortality event of Pinna nobilis, which were reported to be healthy just seven months ago. The cause of death might be associated with the epidemic infection or a catastrophic mucilage event seen after November 2020 in the Sea of Marmara. A total of 191 Pinna nobilis individuals were found at seven stations out of 10, of which 88% were dead. In the present study, the population density (dead and alive individuals) of P. nobilis was found to be between 0.3 ind.100 m-2 and 12 ind.100 m-2 in the area. A total of three live and four dead juvenile individuals were observed in the area, indicating low recent recruitment. The highest number of dead Pinna nobilis individuals (92 specimens) was encountered in shallow-waters (0-4 m depth). A total of 34 species belonging to six taxonomic groups (Sipuncula, Oligochaeta, Polychaeta, Crustacea, Mollusca, and Pisces) were found within the dead shells of four P. nobilis individuals. The mass mortality of Pinna nobilis in the Sea of Marmara, the last remaining disease-free sea, indicates the necessity of establishing and implementing emergency action plans for this species, including ex-situ conservation.
Bundling Decisions for Selling Multiple Items in Online Auctions
Authors: Huang Yeu-Shiang , Yang Min-Sheng , Ho Jyh-Wen
Published: October 2021

Fueled by the widespread use of the internet, more and more ordinary people have now become merchandise sellers who sell their own possessions, such as antique collections and limited souvenirs, to buyers who are interested in such goods via online auctions. This study examines the decision making related to the bidding strategies used in online auctions by both sellers and buyers. When selling goods for which there is a limited supply, sellers consider whether to sell the single homogenous items in multiple, simultaneous auctions or all the items in a single auction. Moreover, when selling heterogeneous but associated goods, sellers may decide to bundle the items for sale or not with an aim of increasing the potential buyers’ willingness to make a purchase. We investigate the effects that various factors related to the bidding strategies used in online auctions, such as the base price and duration of the auction determined by the seller and the bidding price decided by the buyer, have on the seller’s profit, and the utilities of both parties are considered to derive the equilibrium solutions. This study contributes to the literature by proposing an online auction framework that focuses more on individual sellers selling a limited quantity of items with an aim to establish a favorable online auction for both sellers and buyers and earn more profits for sellers. The results show that the base prices and direct purchase prices should be unestablished to achieve the most attractive characteristics of online auctions, which would encourage more buyers to freely place bids. As a result, the bidding items would have more chances to be eventually obtained by the buyer who places the highest bid, which, thus, maximizes the seller’s profit.
Hip screening in newborns in the UK: what are the latest guidelines?
Authors: Newton Ayla C , Bohatschek Marion , Rehm Andreas , Ashby Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

The Newborn and Infant Physical Examination screening is a national screening programme which aims to identify infants with congenital abnormalities to minimise the risk of long-term complications. It involves a top to toe examination with special focus on the heart, eyes, testes and hips. The hip component of the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination screen aims to pick up infants with developmental dysplasia of the hips and refer them for appropriate treatment in a timely manner. Guidelines for the hip section of have recently changed. This article reviews these changes, the timings of the follow up and investigations, and the diagnosis and management of developmental dysplasia of the hips.
Research Roundup
Authors: Green Laura
Published: October 2021

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care