bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host‐microbial interactions between PTGR2 and Bifidobacterium in the early life gut of atopic dermatitis children
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Hyun , Lee Seung‐Hwa , Kang Mi‐Jin , Hwang Sun‐Goo , Park Yoon Mee , Kim Bong‐Soo , Lee So‐Yeon , Kim Shin Ah , Park Min Jee , Song Kun Baek , Choi Eom Ji , Jung Sungsu , Hong Soo‐Jong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundGut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to the development and responses of the immune system and can play an important role in the onset of allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). This study investigated the association between host genetics and the gut microbiota in AD.MethodsA global gene expression profiling of the gut epithelial colonocytes, genetic variations analysis, and the gut microbial composition analysis were performed.ResultsThis study identified the upregulation of PTGR2 (p = .028), a gene involved in prostaglandin catalysis and inflammatory responses, as a potential risk factor for AD. In subsequent fine mapping analysis using 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PTGR2 in 864 Korean subjects (420 AD patients and 444 unaffected controls), several SNPs and haplotypes showed significant associations with AD and its SCORing AD (SCORAD) values (p = .002). To investigate host‐microbial interactions, further gut microbiota data and genotypes were obtained from an independent cohort of 176 subjects (91 AD patients and 85 controls). From correlation analysis, a significantly negative association between SNP and Bifidobacterium abundance was observed in AD patients (p = .005). In additional observations of PTGR2‐associated downstream molecules, NRF2 (p = .004) and several antioxidant genes (GSTT1, GCLC, GPX1; p < .05) showed significantly reduced expression in AD patients.ConclusionsOur current findings suggest that the interaction between PTGR2 dysregulated expression and a Bifidobacterium abundance affects a higher risk of AD and a more severe onset.
Social and Cognitive Aspects of the Vulnerability to Political Misinformation
Authors: Pantazi Myrto , Hale Scott , Klein Olivier 
Published: December 2021

In the last few years, especially after the Brexit referendum and the 2016 U.S. elections, there has been a surge in academic interest for misinformation and disinformation. Social, cognitive, and political scientists' work on these phenomena has focused on two main aspects:Individuals' (and by extension societies') vulnerability to misinformation;Factors and interventions that can increase individuals' (and societies') resistance to misinformation.In this article, we offer a critical review of the psychological research pertaining to these two aspects. Drawing on this review, we highlight an emerging tension in the relevant literature. Indeed, the current state of the art of the political misinformation literature reflects the combined operation of two opposing psychological constructs: excess gullibility on the one hand and excess vigilance on the other. We argue that this conceptualization is important in both advancing theories of individuals' and societies' vulnerability to misinformation and in designing prospective research programs. We conclude with proposing what, in our view, are the most promising avenues for future research in the field.
Clinical and prognostic significance of CD14 (+) HLA‐DR (−/low) myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma received transarterial radioembolization with Yttrium‐90
Authors: Boral Barış , Ballı Hüseyin Tuğsan , Sözütok Sinan , Pehlivan Umur Anıl , Aikimbaev Kairgeldy 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. For unresectable HCC, transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with Yttrium‐90 is a widely used treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (M‐MDSC) and CD39+ T cells can be non‐invasive predictive biomarkers of radiological response and prognosis in patients with HCC treated with TARE. This study was conducted on 39 patients with HCC who were treated with TARE between August 2018 and December 2019 and the control group consisted of 23 healthy volunteers. CD4+, CD8+, CD39+ T cells, Natural killer (NK) cells, myeloid cells (MC) and M‐MDSC parameters are examined in the course of TARE treatment with student t test and Kaplan‐Meier method. There were statistically significant differences in M‐MDSC, CD39+ T cells and MC values between healthy controls and HCC patients. A statistically significant difference was found in M‐MDSC and CD4+ T cells values in the HCC patient group who responded to the treatment compared to those who did not. Survival analysis found that patients with lower frequencies (under 3.81%) of M‐MDSC showed more prominent differences of overall survival (OS) compared to patients with all high groups. We found that M‐MDSC in the peripheral blood might be a useful non‐invasive biomarker to predict OS. We have shown for the first time that M‐MDSC is correlated with treatment response in HCC patients treated with TARE. Additionally, we have found that the percentage of CD39+ T cells is high in HCC patients and these cells are positively correlated with M‐MDSC.
Absence of correlation between ABO Rh(D) blood group and neutralizing antibody titers in SARS‐CoV‐2 convalescent plasma donors
Authors: Hirani Rena , Hoad Veronica , Gosbell Iain B. , Irving David O. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have described associations between ABO blood group and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection severity in hospitalized patients where group A individuals are over‐represented and group O individuals may have a lower infection rate. In convalescent individuals, group B blood donors have higher neutralizing SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers. We analyzed whether there was any correlation of ABO Rh(D) blood group with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and with neutralizing antibodies in Australian convalescent plasma (CP) donors.Study Design and MethodsABO Rh(D) distribution and demographics of CP donors (n = 765) were compared with the total blood donor panel (n = 488,028), plasmapheresis donors (n = 203,176) and whole blood donors (n = 282,437) from 2020. The presence of neutralizing antibodies in CP donors was measured using the Vero E6 cell microneutralization assay.ResultsThe distribution of ABO group in CP donors compared to the total donor panel was not significantly different (p = .177). There were significantly more group AB donors in the plasmapheresis subset (p = .005) and group O individuals were over‐represented in the whole blood donor subset (p < .0001). There was no significant difference in neutralizing antibody levels among CP donors with differing ABO blood groups (p = .872).ConclusionABO Rh(D) blood group distribution was not found to be significantly different between convalescent plasma donors and general blood donors in our large sample group. Inherent blood donor selection biases associated with clinical demand accounted for some differences within CP donors. The levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies were also not significantly associated with ABO Rh(D) group.
Geomitologia da Pedra da Onça: Conservação do Patrimônio Natural e Cultural por meio da História do Gato-maracajá, o Verdadeiro Felino da Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Authors: Caetano João Marcus Vale , De Araujo Júlia Mayer , Peixinho Lia Fernandes , Ponciano Luiza Corral Martins de Oliveira 
Published: December 2021

A Geomitologia da Pedra da Onça apresenta uma ampla influência cultural sobre os moradores da Ilha do Governador (Rio de Janeiro, RJ). As variantes dessa história têm como parte em comum a transformação de um felídeo em rocha (petrificação), possibilitando a divulgação dos elementos locais da geodiversidade e biodiversidade por meio de uma abordagem lúdica, visando à conservação do Patrimônio Natural e Cultural. Para alcançar tal objetivo, o presente estudo elaborou uma recriação do mito por meio da substituição da onça e do gato-maracajá (os dois animais citados nas variantes) pelo Smilodon populator, animal extinto cuja ocorrência pretérita é bem documentada no Brasil. Além disso, o presente estudo demonstra o potencial de tal metodologia para o ensino da história evolutiva de grupos biológicos, uma vez que se faz presente aqui também um breve resumo sobre a evolução no grupo interno dos Felidae, além de abordar os hábitos de vida do gato-maracajá (Leopardus wiedii) e de Smilodon. Como a história evolutiva de Felidae está intrinsecamente relacionada a ambos os táxons referidos, o método aqui empregado revela um notável potencial para a divulgação e ensino de Geociências e Biologia.
Assessing the Labour Government’s new procurement approach through a Māori economic justice perspective
Authors: Ruckstuhl Katharina , Short Sequoia , Foote Jeff 
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION: Social procurement—the intentional generation of social value through an organisation’s procurement and commissioning processes—is being adopted globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand as progressive social policy. Some of the issues that lie behind calls for economic justice, such as economic opportunity, rights for vulnerable workers, and unemployment, may be addressed through social procurement. While Māori may also benefit from this, there are other factors that should be considered from a Te Tiriti perspective.METHOD: In this research brief, we outline the context behind the government’s current initiatives, drawing on policy and research literature as part of a scoping study aimed at developing a Te Tiriti approach to social procurement.CONCLUSION: We conclude by noting the opportunities for economic justice for Māori, but also some of the caveats drawn from international and Aotearoa New Zealand literature.
Intersections of immigration law and family violence: Exploring barriers for ethnic migrant and refugee background women
Authors: Ayallo Irene 
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION: Action on family violence1 remains a policy priority for the New Zealand government. Accordingly, this article explores the Immigration New Zealand’s Victims of Family Violence (VFV) visa. Specifically, it explores possible barriers preventing MELAA2 cultural groups from utilizing the VFV visa.APPROACH: The discussion is based on administrative immigration data, gathered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), on applicants for VFV visas between July 2010 and March 2021.FINDINGS: Over the last 10 years, INZ received 1,947 applications for the VFV Visa. People of Asian (40%) and Pacific (38%) backgrounds made most of these applications, with India, Fiji, China, the Philippines, and Tonga making up the top five source countries. MELAA communities made only 11% of the total VFV visa applications. Applicants from South Africa, Brazil, Iran, Nigeria, and Argentina made up the top five source MELAA countries. Analyses showed that MELAA applications were mostly work-type visas.IMPLICATIONS: Data presented shows that the VFV visa is still underutilised within these communities. Possible reasons for these notable outcomes are explored in this article, with suggestions for remediating strategies for barriers preventing MELAA communities from utilising the VFV visa. This article concludes that more research is required to gain an in- depth understanding of the specific cultural contexts within which these women engage with this visa.
Microsporidia-induced stromal keratitis: a new cause of presumed immune stromal (interstitial) keratitis
Authors: Mohanty Amrita , Behera Himansu Sekhar , Barik Manas Ranjan , Kaur Amanjot , Sharma Savitri , Das Sujata , Fernandes Merle , Panda Sailendra , Sahu Srikant K 
Published: December 2021

Background and objectiveTo describe the clinical features, diagnosis and management of immune stromal keratitis/interstitial keratitis (IK) associated with microsporidial epithelial keratitis.MethodsBetween October 2020 and January 2021, medical records of IK patients microbiologically proven as microsporidia from samples collected from corneal epithelium on smear examination, and/ or molecular analysis were reviewed. Demography, clinical profile and treatment were analysed. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) for adenovirus (ADV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was done.ResultsTwenty of 152 (13%) microbiologically proven cases of microsporidial keratitis were diagnosed as IK during the study period, the mean age and duration of symptoms were 35.7±11.4 years and 46.3±27.7 days, respectively. Half had predisposing risk factors, like trauma; and 30% had prior recurrences. One-fourth of patients were using antivirals on presentation. Characteristic presentations included disciform keratitis(n=12), incomplete/complete ring(n=5), and combination(n=3), along with variable subepithelial infiltrates (n=14). All cases had stromal oedema, with an intact epithelium and fine pigment dusting on endothelium. Corneal epithelial scrapings had scanty microsporidia spores in smears of 17/20 (85%), and pan-microsporidial DNA was identified in 14/20 (70%), with Vittaforma corneae by sequencing in 11/20 (55%). Other viruses detected were ADV (14,70%), VZV (2,10%), EBV (1,5%) and HSV (1,5%). Rapid resolution of inflammation and oedema within 2 weeks of starting steroids was seen in all cases.ConclusionMicrosporidia epithelial keratitis induced stromal inflammatory keratitis; is distinguished from microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis and stromal keratitis, by characteristic clinical features, and response to topical steroids.
Retrospective observational study of ethnicity-gender pay gaps among hospital and community health service doctors in England
Authors: Woodhams Carol , Williams Mark , Dacre Jane , Parnerkar Ira , Sharma Mukunda 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesTo identify differences in average basic pay between groups of National Health Service (NHS) doctors cross-classified by ethnicity and gender. Analyse the extent to which characteristics (grade, specialty, age, hours, etc.) can explain these differences.DesignRetrospective observational study using repeated cross-section design.SettingHospital and Community Health Service (HCHS) in England.ParticipantsAll HCHS doctors in England employed by the NHS between 2016 and 2020 appearing in the Digital Electronic Staff Record dataset (average N=99 953 per year).Main outcome measuresHours-adjusted full-time equivalent pay gaps; given as raw data and further adjusted for demographic, job, and workplace characteristics (such as grade, specialty, age, whether British nationality, region) using multivariable regression and statistical decomposition techniques.ResultsPay gaps relative to white men vary with the ethnicity-gender combination. Indian men slightly out-earn white men and Bangladeshi women have a 40% pay gap. In most cases, pay gaps can largely be explained by characteristics that can be measured, especially grade, with the extent varying by specific ethnicity-gender group. However, a portion of pay gaps cannot be explained by characteristics that can be measured.ConclusionsThis study presents new evidence on ethnicity-gender pay gaps among NHS doctors in England using high quality administrative and payroll data. The findings indicate all ethnicity-gender groups earn less than white men on average, except for Indian men. In some cases, these differences cannot be explained giving rise to discussions about the role of discrimination.
PARIS: protocol for a prospective single arm, theory-based, group-based feasibility intervention study to increase Physical Activity and reduce sedentary behaviouR after barIatric Surgery
Authors: James Jennifer , Hardeman Wendy , Eborall Helen , Goodall Mark , Wilding John 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionIncreased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour can encourage favourable outcomes after bariatric surgery. However, there is a lack of evidence as to how to support patients with behaviour change. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a physiotherapist led, online group-based behaviour change intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour following bariatric surgery.Methods and analysisSingle arm feasibility study of a theory and evidence-based group behaviour change intervention based on the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework using behaviour change techniques from the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1. The intervention has eight objectives and specifies behaviour change techniques that will be used to address each of these. Groups of up to eight participants who have had surgery within the previous 5 years will meet weekly over 6 weeks for up to 1½ hours. Groups will be held online led by a physiotherapist and supported by an intervention handbook. Feasibility study outcomes include: rate of recruitment, retention, intervention fidelity, participant engagement and acceptability. Secondary outcomes include: physical activity, sedentary behaviour, body composition, self-reported health status and will be analysed descriptively. Change in these outcomes will be used to calculate the sample size for a future evaluation study. Qualitative interviews will explore participants’ views of the intervention including its acceptability. Data will be analysed according to the constant comparative approach of grounded theory.Ethics and disseminationThis study has National Health Service Research Ethics Committee approval; Haydock 20/NW/0472. All participants will provide informed consent and can withdraw at any point. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference and clinical service presentations.Trial registration numberISRCTN31524689.
Prognostic factors for work disability in patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: protocol for a cohort study
Authors: Duhn Pernille H , Locht Henning , Wæhrens Eva Ejlersen , Christensen Robin , Thielen Karsten , Henriksen Marius , Kristensen Lars Erik , Bliddal Henning , Amris Kirstine 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionThe association between chronic widespread pain (CWP) and disability is well established. Although research support large interindividual differences in functional outcomes, limited studies are available on the socio-economic consequences of offering stratified treatment based on prognostic factors. Identification of predictors of long-term functional outcomes such as work disability as a critical consequence, could assist early and targeted personalised interventions. The primary objective of this cohort study is to identify prognostic factors for the primary endpoint work status (employed and working vs not working) in patients with CWP assessed 3 years from baseline, that is, at referral for specialist care.Methods and analysesData are collected at the diagnostic unit at Department of Rheumatology, Frederiksberg Hospital. The first 1000 patients≥18 years of age registered in a clinical research database (DANFIB registry) with CWP either ‘employed and working’ or ‘not working’ will be enrolled. Participants must meet the American College of Rheumatology 1990 definition of CWP, that is, pain in all four body quadrants and axially for more than 3 months and are additionally screened for fulfilment of criteria for fibromyalgia. Clinical data and patient-reported outcomes are collected at referral (baseline) through clinical assessment and electronic questionnaires. Data on the primary endpoint work status at baseline and 3 years from baseline will be extracted from the Integrated Labour Market Database, Statistics Denmark and the nationwide Danish DREAM database. Prognostic factor analysis will be based on multivariable logistic regression modelling with the dichotomous work status as dependent variable.Ethics and disseminationSensitive personal data will be anonymised according to regulations by the Danish Data Protection Agency, and informed consent are obtained from all participants. Understanding and improving the prognosis of a health condition like CWP should be a priority in clinical research and practice. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT04862520.
Multicomponent intervention to improve blood pressure management in chronic kidney disease: a protocol for a pragmatic clinical trial
Authors: Kilgallon John L , Gannon Michael , Burns Zoe , McMahon Gearoid , Dykes Patricia , Linder Jeffrey , Bates David Westfall , Waikar Sushrut , Lipsitz Stuart , Baer Heather J , Samal Lipika 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to incorporate behavioural economic principles and user-centred design principles into a multicomponent intervention for the management of uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in primary care.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, pragmatic, controlled trial cluster-randomised at the clinician level at The Brigham and Women’s Practice -Based Research Network of 15 practices. Of 220 total clinicians, 184 were eligible to be enrolled, and the remainder were excluded (residents and clinicians who see urgent care or walk-in patients); no clinicians opted out. The intervention consists of a clinical decision support system based in behavioural economic and user-centred design principles that will: (1) synthesise existing laboratory tests, medication orders and vital sign data; (2) increase recognition of CKD, (3) increase recognition of uncontrolled HTN in CKD patients and (4) deliver evidence-based CKD and HTN management recommendations. The primary endpoint is the change in mean systolic blood pressure between baseline and 6 months compared across arms. We will use the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance framework. At the conclusion of this study, we will have: (1) validated an intervention that combines laboratory tests, medication records and clinical information collected by electronic health records to recognise uncontrolled HTN in CKD patients and recommend a course of care, (2) tested the effectiveness of said intervention and (3) collected information about the implementation of the intervention that will aid in dissemination of the intervention to other practice settings.Ethics and disseminationThe Human Subjects Institutional Review Board at Brigham and Women’s Hospital provided an expedited review and approval for this study protocol, and a Data Safety Monitoring Board will ensure the ongoing safety of the trial.Trial registration numberNCT03679247.
Effect of leisure-time physical activity in controlling hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Shariful Islam Md , Rabbani Md Golam , Fardousi Ammatul , Sizear Monaemul Islam , Saif-Ur-Rahman KM 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionHypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In 2015, over 1.13 billion individuals worldwide had hypertension. Globally, it results in 10.8 million deaths every year. Around half of the individuals do not continue treatment with medicine to control blood pressure. Physical activity, a non-pharmacological option of treatment, reduces blood pressure. We aim in this research to examine the effect of leisure-time physical activity in controlling blood pressure.Methods and analysisWe will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to conduct this study. We will perform a systematic search in Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Physical Education Index (ProQuest) and CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library). Both experimental and observational studies will be included. The study population would be people with hypertension. Two reviewers will perform screening of the articles, bias assessment and data extraction independently. We will use the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools to assess the risk of bias. We will conduct a meta-analysis if it is applicable.Ethics and disseminationThe results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant scientific seminars and conferences. Ethical approval is not applicable.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021260751.