bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sydney's ‘last drinks’ laws: A content analysis of news media coverage of views and arguments about a preventive health policy
Authors: Howse Eloise , Watts Christina , McGill Bronwyn , Kite James , Rowbotham Samantha , Hawe Penelope , Bauman Adrian , Freeman Becky 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionNews media representation of preventive health policies can influence public discussion and political decision making, impacting policy implementation and sustainability. This study analysed news media coverage of the contested ‘last drinks’ alcohol laws in Sydney, Australia, to understand the arguments made by different ‘actors’ (stakeholders) regarding the laws and provide insights on how preventive health policies are positioned within media discourse.MethodsWe identified print and online news media articles discussing the laws from 2014 to 2020. Content analysis was used to quantify the arguments made to justify support or opposition to the laws.ResultsA total of 445 articles were included for analysis. Four hundred and thirty‐five actors were identified, with industry actors mentioned most (213 times) followed by health actors (136 times). There were more quotes from opponents of the laws compared to supporters of the laws (57% vs. 25%). The proportion of media mentions reduced for supporters (34% in 2014 to 14% in 2020) while mentions increased for opponents (47% in 2014 to 73% in 2020). Supporters used arguments about crime, safety and health. Opponents of the laws focused on issues such as Sydney's ‘night time economy’ and negative impacts of the laws.Discussion and ConclusionsOpponents of the laws strategically used the media to influence public debate. Opponents, including industry actors, also ignored the health impacts of alcohol and utilised campaign groups to advocate against the laws. These findings have implications for how governments and advocates communicate and build support for contested preventive health policies.
No antibody response in cutaneous manifestations associated with COVID‐19: An observational study of 64 cases with microbiological and clinical characterization
Authors: García‐Gil Miguel Fernando , Monte‐Serrano Juan , Lapeña‐Casado Alejandro , Villagrasa‐Boli Pablo , Ramírez‐Lluch Mar , Martínez‐Pallás Isabel , Bularca Aura , Aldea‐Manrique Beatriz , Benito‐Ruesca Rafael , Ventura‐Faci María Purificación , Ara‐Martín Mariano 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground: The microbiological diagnosis of skin lesions related to COVID‐19 is not well known. Objective: Perform a microbiological diagnosis in COVID19‐related cutaneous manifestations. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was performed with 64 patients with cutaneous manifestations associated with COVID‐19 who underwent serological and nasopharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for SARS‐CoV‐2. Results: Out of the 64 patients, 6 patients had positive RT‐PCR, with all of them developing SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and 4 of them had positive IgM + IgA. Of the 58 patients with negative RT‐PCR, 8 cases had positive IgM + IgA and only one of them had IgG seroconversion. Therefore, the infection was demonstrated in 7 cases (10.9%) and was doubtful in 7 other cases (10.9%) who presented negative RT‐PCR and presence of IgA + IgM without subsequent seroconversion of IgG. Fifty patients (78.1%) had negative serological tests. The most frequent cutaneous pattern was pseudo‐chilblain (48.4%) followed by maculo‐papular pattern (26.6%), urticarial lesions (10.9%), vesicular eruptions (6.3%) and livedoid pattern (4.7%). The maculo‐papular pattern showed the highest positivity in RT‐PCR (3 cases; 17.6%) and serologies (4 cases; 23.5%). Skin lesions developed after the systemic symptoms in most patients (19 cases; 61.3%). Conclusions: Microbiological confirmation tests may not be an effective diagnostic technique for COVID‐related cutaneous manifestations or that attributed lesions are not related to COVID‐19. Confounding factors such as adverse drug reaction, serological cross‐reactions with other viruses, the low production of antibodies in asymptomatic or mild forms of COVID‐19 or its rapid disappearance, increase diagnostic uncertainty.
Clinico‐epidemiological profile and long term follow up in melasma
Authors: Kumaran Muthu Sendhil , Narayan R Vignesh , Kaushik Akanksha , Bishnoi Anuradha , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Parsad Davinder 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMelasma is a disorder of hyperpigmentation that is frustratingly resistant to therapy with a high recurrence rate on treatment discontinuation. With the scarcity of melasma epidemiological studies from India, we conducted this study to see clinico‐epidemiological trends and therapeutic response. Totally 957 melasma patients were studied during the 5‐year period between October 2014 and September 2019. A female preponderance was seen. Patients were classified as early, moderate, and late responders if they had more than 80% clinical improvement within 8, 8–12, and 12–16 weeks rest classified as nonresponders. Six hundred and forty‐eight patients with mMASI of ≤5 had been prescribed non‐hydroquinone‐based therapies who had overall response rate of 40.9% by end of 16 weeks, 309 with mMASI >5 received hydroquinone based triple combination with a response rate of 33.6% at end of 16 weeks. A total of 33.65% responded to triple combination compared to 40.1% in the non‐hydroquinone group. All nonresponders received oral tranexamic acid 250 mg twice daily. Most patients on oral tranexamic acid group developed recurrence by 6 weeks post discontinuation, compared with triple combination therapy group who had relapsed by 2 months post discontinuation and 4 months to relapse with non‐hydroquinone‐based therapies. Side effects experienced were 0.83% in hydroquinone group reporting erythema and burning. 0.57% in non‐hydroquinone group perceived stinging sensation and none from tranexamic acid group. The longest follow up available in our study was for 18 months. The emergent need of the hour is a long, safe, and effective therapy for melasma.
Survival rates of the first and second offspring of Echthrodelphax fairchildii Perkins (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) under self and conspecific superparasitism: The effects of body size of ovipositing females
Authors: Herlin Weri , Yoshimura Hideto , Yamada Yoshihiro Y. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe effects of ovipositing female body size on the survival of the first and second offspring under self and conspecific superparasitism have not been determined. Here, we report the importance of the body size of ovipositing females for three intervals (0, 1, and 24 h) between first and second ovipositions using a semi‐solitary ectoparasitoid, Echthrodelphax fairchildii, and fourth‐instar nymphs of its host, the planthopper Laodelphax striatellus. We addressed the case in which the first and second parasitoid eggs were laid on different sides of the same host. The second ovipositing female killed the previous offspring using the sting, but when the oviposition intervals were 0 and 1 h, the elimination was unprofitable because both offspring often emerged under non‐probing superparasitism. The survival rate of the second offspring decreased with increasing oviposition intervals under non‐probing superparasitism, whereas that of the first offspring was independent of oviposition intervals. Under non‐probing superparasitism, the survival rates of the first and second offspring were higher under conspecific superparasitism than under self superparasitism, especially when the first and/or second ovipositing females were small. Large mothers ensured high survival rates of their offspring under non‐probing superparasitism, except the survival rate of the second offspring under conspecific superparasitism, which was negatively associated with the first female's size. Thus, the first offspring from small mothers were likely to lose the competition to the second offspring. Under probing superparasitism, the second offspring survival rate was positively associated with the mother's size, suggesting that offspring, not ovipositing females, release agents affecting the mother‐size effect.
Responses of tree leaf gas exchange to elevated CO2 combined with changes in temperature and water availability: A global synthesis
Authors: Wang Zhaoguo , Wang Chuankuan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimAn elevated CO2 concentration (eCO2) can increase photosynthesis (Asat) and reduce stomatal conductance (gs); hence, it can benefit tree growth directly by increasing carbon availability and/or indirectly by saving water. However, uncertainties remain regarding the direction and magnitude of these effects, particularly in combination with changes in temperature and water availability.LocationGlobal.Time period1986–2020.Major taxa studiedTrees.MethodsWe compiled 3,391 observations from 270 studies and performed a meta‐analysis on: (1) the responses of Asat, gs and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) to eCO2, in addition to variations in these responses between species (phylogeny and leaf habit), within species (tree age) and within individuals (canopy position and leaf age); (2) the effects of changes in temperature and/or water availability on these responses; and (3) whether Asat and gs acclimatize to eCO2 in parallel.ResultsWe found that eCO2 stimulated Asat (β‐factor = .68) and decreased gs (β‐factor = −.36) and that iWUE increased in proportion to eCO2 (β‐factor = 1.01), which conform with the theory of optimal stomatal behaviour. Meanwhile, conifers and older trees showed greater increases in Asat but less decreases in gs than angiosperms and young trees, respectively, with a proportional increase in iWUE being independent of phylogeny and tree age, which support the theory further. Warming had little effect on the responses of Asat and gs to eCO2, whereas drought amplified the Asat response but attenuated the gs response. However, Asat, rather than gs, acclimatized to eCO2, owing to nitrogen reduction, active investment of nitrogen and sink limitation.Main conclusionsOur findings suggest that eCO2 can enhance carbon uptake and reduce water loss at the leaf scale, which may be modified by water stress. This study improves our physiological understanding of tree gas exchange in a changing climate.
Association between number of medications and mortality among older adult patients in a specialized cardiology hospital
Authors: Arita Takuto , Suzuki Shinya , Yagi Naoharu , Otsuka Takayuki , Kishi Mikio , Kano Hiroto , Matsuno Shunsuke , Kato Yuko , Uejima Tokuhisa , Oikawa Yuji , Matsuhama Minoru , Iida Mitsuru , Yajima Junji , Yamashita Takeshi 
Published: September 2021

AimAlthough polypharmacy has been associated with poor clinical outcomes, whether taking an increased number of medications is harmful or beneficial for older adult patients treated for cardiovascular diseases might require further discussion.MethodsWe analyzed data of 2089 patients aged ≥75 years in a single hospital‐based cohort. The study population was divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the number of medications at baseline: <3 (n = 647), 3–7 (n = 707) and ≥8 (n = 735).ResultsThe cumulative incidences of all‐cause death at 3 years among patients taking less than three, three to seven and eight or more medications were 3.7%, 4.1% and 7.8%, respectively (log‐rank test P = 0.015). In a Cox regression analysis, taking eight or more total medications (vs 0–2) was independently associated with all‐cause death (hazard ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.01–2.78). For predicting mortality using the number of medications, the maximum Youden Index was 7. In subgroups with certain heart diseases, no regular tendency of an increase in the risk of all‐cause death was observed with an increase in the number of medications.ConclusionsThe number of medications taken was independently associated with mortality among older adult patients, with a relatively high cut‐off point. This association was not observed in patients with certain heart diseases, possibly indicating the merit – rather than the harm – of medical treatment in the cardiovascular field. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 985–995.
Heat Tracing in a Fractured Aquifer with Injection of Hot and Cold Water
Authors: Hoffmann Richard , Maréchal Jean‐Christophe , Selles Adrien , Dassargues Alain , Goderniaux Pascal 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHeat as a tracer in fractured porous aquifers is more sensitive to fracture‐matrix processes than a solute tracer. Temperature evolution as a function of time can be used to differentiate fracture and matrix characteristics. Experimental hot (50 °C) and cold (10 °C) water injections were performed in a weathered and fractured granite aquifer where the natural background temperature is 30 °C. The tailing of the hot and cold breakthrough curves, observed under different hydraulic conditions, was characterized in a log–log plot of time vs. normalized temperature difference, also converted to a residence time distribution (normalized). Dimensionless tail slopes close to 1.5 were observed for hot and cold breakthrough curves, compared to solute tracer tests showing slopes between 2 and 3. This stronger thermal diffusive behavior is explained by heat conduction. Using a process‐based numerical model, the impact of heat conduction toward and from the porous rock matrix on groundwater heat transport was explored. Fracture aperture was adjusted depending on the actual hydraulic conditions. Water density and viscosity were considered temperature dependent. The model simulated the increase or reduction of the energy level in the fracture‐matrix system and satisfactorily reproduced breakthrough curves tail slopes. This study shows the feasibility and utility of cold water tracer tests in hot fractured aquifers to boost and characterize the thermal matrix diffusion from the matrix toward the flowing groundwater in the fractures. This can be used as complementary information to solute tracer tests that are largely influenced by strong advection in the fractures.
COVID‐19‐related oral mucosa lesions among confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 patients: a systematic review
Authors: Erbaş Gizem S. , Botsali Aysenur , Erden Nihan , Arı Canan , Taşkın Banu , Alper Sibel , Vural Secil 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), which manifests as a flu‐like respiratory infection affecting multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, skin, and mucosa. In this review, we investigated the literature on specific manifestations of COVID‐19 in the oral mucosa. An online literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Medline was conducted to retrieve relevant studies on confirmed COVID‐19 patients with oral mucosa findings published between December 31, 2019, and April 07, 2021. After an independent review by two authors, 39 articles considering 59 laboratory‐confirmed cases of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were included in the final analysis. The most common finding, reported in 29 patients (43.9%), was Kawasaki‐like syndrome. In addition, oral ulcers including aphthous, hemorrhagic, and necrotic ulcers were reported in 24 patients (36.3%). Other lesions reported included pustules, macules, bullae, maculopapular enanthema, and erythema multiforme‐like lesions. Concomitant skin lesions were present in 60.6% of patients. Fever was reported in 86.2% of patients. Forty‐eight patients (76.1%) were hospitalized. Loss of taste and smell was present in 30.8% of the patients. A comprehensive understanding of the dermatologic manifestations of COVID‐19 can improve and facilitate patient management and referrals.
Haemoglobin drives inflammation and initiates antigen spread and nephritis in lupus
Authors: Sharma Hritika , Bose Anjali , Sachdeva Ruchi , Malik Monika , Kumar Uma , Pal Rahul 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHaemoglobin (Hb) has well‐documented inflammatory effects and is normally efficiently scavenged; clearance mechanisms can be overwhelmed during erythrocyte lysis. Whether Hb is preferentially inflammatory in lupus and triggers broad anti‐self responses was assessed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from SLE patients secreted higher levels of lupus‐associated inflammatory cytokines when incubated with human Hb than did PBMCs derived from healthy donors, an effect negated by haptoglobin. Ferric murine Hb triggered the preferential release of lupus‐associated cytokines from splenocytes, B cells, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells isolated from ageing, lupus‐prone NZM2410 mice, and also had mitogenic effects on B cells. Pull‐downs, followed by mass spectrometry, revealed interactions of Hb with several lupus‐associated autoantigens; co‐incubation of ferric Hb with apoptotic blebs (structures that contain packaged autoantigens) revealed synergies—in terms of cytokine release and autoantibody production in vitro—that were also restricted to the lupus genotype. Murine ferric Hb activated multiple signalling pathways and, in combination with apoptotic blebs, preferentially triggered MAP kinase signalling specifically in splenocytes isolated from lupus‐prone mice. Infusion of murine ferric Hb into lupus‐prone mice led to enhanced release of lupus‐associated cytokines, the generation of a spectrum of autoantibodies and enhanced‐onset glomerulosclerosis. Given that the biased recognition of ferric Hb in a lupus milieu, possibly in concert with lupus‐associated autoantigens, triggers inflammatory responses and the generation of lupus‐associated cytokines, and also stimulates the generation of potentially pathogenic lupus‐associated autoantibodies, neutralization of Hb could have beneficial effects.
Between a rock and a hard place: Ethics, nurses' safety, and the right to protest during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mavis Mulaudzi Fhumulani , Mulaudzi Mutondi , Anokwuru Rafiat Ajoke , Davhana‐Maselesele Mashudu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimIn this paper, we critically discuss the ethics of nurses' choice to strike during the COVID‐19 pandemic, considering legal and ethical arguments, overlaying the Ubuntu philosophy, an African ethic.BackgroundThe recent unprecedented coronavirus disease pandemic and the increased reports on the absence of personal protective equipment in South Africa places many health workers' lives at risk. Nurses spend most of their time with patients, which exposes them to fatal risks as they work in unsafe environments.Research MethodsExploratory literature review was conducted using Pubmed, CINAHL, Google Scholar and Science Direct) and law cases repository.FindingsNurses thus may be justified in striking to protect their safety. State healthcare entities are obliged to ensure safety and protect the health of professionals during the pandemic. According to their Code of Practice and Pledge of Service, they are ethically obliged to put patients first, and as a result, they are legally barred from engaging in strike action.ConclusionWe conclude that there may be constitutional human rights arguments to support strike action. We also find that ethical principles alone do not provide clear direction to guide nurses in making justified and ethical decisions regarding service provision in an environment threatening to compromise their safety.
Nursing's mandate in climate change
Authors: Mitchell Pamela H. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractScience tells us that human‐induced climate change is real and threatening health and well‐being everywhere. Nurses have a key role as individuals and collectively to mitigate these effects. We are obligated to action, advocacy, and policy change at both a personal and professional level in this global emergency. This includes working to achieve climate justice and the United Nations’ Sustainable Health Goals, which have a strong focus on climate action.
Sexually transmitted infections epidemiology and risk assessment at the main correctional facility in Malta (2017–2019)
Authors: Muscat K. , Cremona C. , Melillo Fenech T. , Abela M. , Padovese V. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundInmates suffer from mental and physical ailments combined with substance misuse and addiction which are often underreported or disregarded by sufferers, for fear of being stigmatized. This vulnerable group has complex medical and psychosocial needs and hence gathering data is essential for a holistic approach to care.ObjectivesUnderstanding the interplay between sexually transmitted (STIs) and blood borne infections, substance misuse and mental health is essential to enable targeted interventions and outreach programmes. The aim was to analyse the occurrence of STIs, hepatitis and tuberculosis in inmates at the main custodial facility in Malta; to assess risk behaviours and vulnerabilities through an outreach programme; to offer treatment and referral and to develop recommendations for screening of prison inmates.MethodsA mixed methodology study was used which involved analysis of health data pooled from the Genitourinary Clinic (GUC) and Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF) in Malta.ResultsIn the study period, 206 inmates were tested for STIs, 67.9% males, aged between 14 and 72. Only 27% were not sexually active in the 6 months prior to testing. Among those sexually active, 31% had had sex with casual partners and 43% had never used condoms for sexual intercourse. Seventy‐five percent admitted to drug use. The most common STI diagnosed was HPV (16.5%), followed by syphilis (5.8%). Genital dermatoses were also frequent (9.2%). The prevalence of Hepatitis C was high (24.5%), in relation to intravenous drug use.ConclusionThe authors advocate for more collaboration between sexual health clinics and prisons to address educational interventions and STIs’ testing. Cultural and linguistic barriers should be considered when devising national health strategies and screening recommendations in custodial settings. Adequate follow‐up should extend into the community setting once inmates leave the prison to ensure a continuum of care.
A single‐arm pilot of a web‐based intervention to improve itch‐related quality of life
Authors: Heckman C.J. , Riley M. , Niu Z. , Lu S.‐E. , Valdes‐Rodriguez R. , Yosipovitch G. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundMany patients with chronic itch and atopic dermatitis (AD) or psoriasis do not receive/use available medical and psychosocial treatments properly due to system, provider and/or patient factors.ObjectiveAn educational website (ITCH‐RELIEF) to improve itch‐related quality of life (QoL) for adults with AD or psoriasis and chronic itch was developed and assessed. ITCH RELIEF stands for Interactive Toolbox of Comprehensive Health Resources to Enhance Living with Itch – Educational Facilitation (for Adults).MethodsSingle‐arm pre‐ and post‐test design with 1‐month follow‐up (N = 137 at baseline).ResultsThere was statistically and clinically significant improvement in the primary outcome of itch‐related QoL impairment as assessed by the ItchyQoL from baseline [M = 78.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 75.9, 81.9] to follow up (M = 75.4, CI = 72.4, 78.5), P = 0.007, as well as statistically significant improvement in several itch‐related secondary outcomes (all Ps < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated initial effectiveness of an online intervention to improve itch‐related QoL among individuals with AD or psoriasis and chronic itch. Future studies should address limitations by randomizing more heterogeneous participants, utilizing a longer follow‐up and assessing medication use.