Introduction

First advanced in the field of psychology by Martin Seligman, positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living, focusing on both individual and societal well-being (Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi 2000). [...]since at least the late 1980s, glimmers of the concept of joy have been found in the LIS literature, though these writings employed varying terminology and diverse conceptualizations over the decades. [...]he is the author of a chapter on "Joy" in The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology (2009). [...]the paper "Informed by Joy: A Christian Librarian's Reflection on C.S. Lewis" sees David Michels immersing himself in the information world of C. S. Lewis and exploring the role of information in both Lewis's and Michels's own lives of faith.

Urban Farming: The Reluctant Utopia

The old conceptual dichotomy between the city and the countryside has often been a historical stumbling block for architects and urban planners. Whilst there have been many attempts to bring the city closer to the natural environment, some on grand scales, more modest experiments have often gleaned better results. Daniele Belleri is a partner at design and innovation office CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, where he is in charge of all editorial and curatorial projects. He and the practice's founder, architect and engineer Carlo Ratti – who is director of the Senseable City Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – together explore our contemporary options. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A large cohort study of the effects of Lewis, ABO, 13 other blood groups, and secretor status on COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, and long COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported Blood type O to confer a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while secretor status and other blood groups have been suspected to have a similar effect as well. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To determine whether any other blood groups influence testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 severity, or prolonged COVID-19, we used a large cohort of 650,156 Danish blood donors with varying available data for secretor status and blood groups ABO, Rh, Colton, Duffy, Diego, Dombrock, Kell, Kidd, Knops, Lewis, Lutheran, MNS, P1PK, Vel, and Yt. Of these, 36,068 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 whereas 614,088 tested negative between 2020-02-17 and 2021-08-04. Associations between infection and blood groups were assessed using logistic regression models with sex and age as covariates. RESULTS: The Lewis blood group antigen Lea displayed strongly reduced SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility OR 0.85 CI[0.79-0.93] p < .001. Compared to blood type O, the blood types B, A, and AB were found more susceptible toward infection with ORs 1.1 CI[1.06-1.14] p < .001, 1.17 CI[1.14-1.2] p < .001, and 1.2 CI[1.14-1.26] p < .001, respectively. No susceptibility associations were found for the other 13 blood groups investigated. There was no association between any blood groups and COVID-19 hospitalization or long COVID-19. No secretor status associations were found. DISCUSSION: This study uncovers a new association to reduced SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility for Lewis type Lea and confirms the previous link to blood group O. The new association to Lea could be explained by a link between mucosal microbiome and SARS-CoV-2.

Chinese pregnant women's knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-protection against coronavirus disease 2019 during the post-pandemic period: A structural equation modeling-based survey.

This study aimed to investigate the Chinese pregnant women's levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of self-protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the post-pandemic period, to aid the development of targeted health education. An online questionnaire was conducted for 2156 Chinese pregnant women from October 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, to collect socio-demographic and KAP information. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to determine self-protection-related factors. The mean age of the participants was 30 ± 4.1 years. SEM indicated that pregnant women's level of knowledge can directly and indirectly affect the practice of self-protection (r = 0.23) through their belief, with a correlation coefficient of 0.56 and 0.46 between knowledge and belief and belief and practice, respectively. The "basic protection" and "hospital visits after infection" exerted the greatest impact on knowledge formation, with correlation coefficients of 0.85 and 0.89, respectively. Attitude had a direct effect on practice with a correlation coefficient of 0.46. "Awareness of prevention and control" and "family and social support" had the greatest impact on belief formation, with correlation coefficients of 0.77 and 0.73, respectively. Pregnant Chinese women were generally familiar with COVID-19 knowledge, and their levels of knowledge and beliefs particularly affect the practice of self-protection. Health education aimed at improving pregnant women's knowledge and belief toward self-protection against COVID-19 may be an effective way to guide them toward positive practices and promote their health and that of their babies.

Regioselective Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of 1,5-Disubstituted 1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives of Pyrimidine Nucleobases.

1,2,3-triazoles are versatile building blocks with growing interest in medicinal chemistry. For this reason, organic chemistry focuses on the development of new synthetic pathways to obtain 1,2,3-triazole derivatives, especially with pyridine moieties. In this work, a novel series of 1,5-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles functionalized with pyrimidine nucleobases were prepared via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction in a regioselective manner for the first time. The N1-propargyl nucleobases, used as an alkyne intermediate, were obtained in high yields (87-92%) with a new two-step procedure that selectively led to the monoalkylated compounds. Then, FeCl3 was employed as an efficient Lewis acid catalyst for 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between different aryl and benzyl azides and the N1-propargyl nucleobases previously synthesized. This new protocol allows the synthesis of a series of new 1,2,3-triazole derivatives with good to excellent yields (82-92%). The ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) analysis showed good pharmacokinetic properties and no violations of Lipinsky's rules, suggesting an appropriate drug likeness for these new compounds. Molecular docking simulations, conducted on different targets, revealed that two of these new hybrids could be potential ligands for viral and bacterial protein receptors such as human norovirus capsid protein, SARS-CoV-2 NSP13 helicase, and metallo-ß-lactamase.

Visual Art and Fashion as Part of an English Department's Afrofuturism Syllabus

Some students attend from small rural communities in the western part of the state, but a large number come from middle- and uppermiddle-class suburbs in the Kansas City area, as well as St. Louis, Chicago, and various parts of the U.S. Currently, of approximately 17,000 undergraduates, about 71% identify as white;8½% as Hispanic;5% as Asian;5% as multiracial or multi-ethnic;only 4% as Black or African American;and, even more distressingly, only .3% of the undergraduate student population identifies as American Indian or Alaska Native ("KU Racial/Ethnic Diversity"). When students are permitted to submit an original creative work accompanied by an Artist's Statement-one grounded in substantial research, analysis of the work produced, and reflections on class discussions and assigned readings that relate to the development project-they can demonstrate this integration of knowledge and the ability to think across coursework, disciplines, and academic and nonacademic experiences quite skillfully. In non-COVID years, I take classes to KU's Spencer Museum of Art to explore its rich holdings and demonstrate how certain works can allow one to consider course themes from different perspectives. Students were required to articulate the principle that guided their selections on the first slide of a PowerPoint, and each slide that followed featured a single piece of art, the tombstone (artist, title of work, date), and a sentence or two about how that particular work related to the others in the mini gallery.

A large cohort study of the effects of ABO, Lewis, 16 other blood groups and secretor status on COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, and long COVID-19

Background: Early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic a link was reported between ABO blood type and COVID-19 susceptibility. Evidence for this link has been mounting as size and quality of data has grown, although a clear explanation for the mechanism behind this link has yet to be definitively established. Aims: Blood typeOis known to confer lower risk of COVID-19. In order to determine the effect of other blood groups on COVID-19, we used a large cohort of 618,554 SARS-CoV-2 tested Danish blood donors with varying available data for secretor status and blood groups ABO, Rh, Duffy, Diego, Dombrock, Kell, Kidd, Knops, Lewis, Lutheran, MNS, P1PK, Vel and Yt to determine whether any other blood groups influence COVID-19 disease susceptibility, severity, or prolong COVID-19 symptoms. Methods: In total, 618,554 Danish blood donors were investigated. Of these, 33,774 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 whereas 584,780 tested negative between 2020-02-17 and 2021-08-04. Blood groups were retrieved from electronic blood bank systems for the entire cohort, and additionally from genotypes on a subset (~100,000) of the donors. Associations between COVID-19 and blood groups were assessed using logistic regression models with sex and age as covariates. Results: The Lewis blood group antigen Lea displayed strongly reduced COVID-19 susceptibility OR 0.85 CI[0.79-0.93] p = 4.85e-04. Compared to blood type O the blood types B, A and AB were found more susceptible towards SARS-CoV-2 infection with ORs 1.1 CI[1.06-1.14] p = 5.42e-07, 1.17 CI[1.14-1.2] p = 1.29e-36 and 1.2 CI[1.14-1.26] p = 7.85e-12, respectively. No susceptibility associations were found for the other 15 blood groups investigated. There was no association between any blood groups and COVID-19 hospitalization or long COVID-19. No Secretor status associations were found. Summary/Conclusions: In this study, we found strong associations between ABO and Lewis blood groups and COVID-19 susceptibility, whereas the other investigated blood group systems did not display such an association. Larger studies of these blood groups might yet find other COVID-19 associations;however, these are expected to be small given the large sample sizes in our study.

The Orvil end-to-side anastomosis for Ivor-Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy: technique, considerations, and challenges

Novel modification of the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) circular stapler anvil for transoral passage significantly bypassed the technical challenges of intracorporal anvil placement for minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal anastomoses. Since commercialization of this concept as the Orvil (Covidien, Minneapolis, MN, USA), circular double-stapled techniques have been utilized for reconstruction following Ivor-Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Despite its relative simplicity and popularity, the anastomosis has received critique for the issue of overlapping staple lines, which may increase rates of leak and stricture. Although these concerns have validity, their impact can be greatly reduced with strong consideration of procedural nuances. Meticulous care is needed to reduce microvascular trauma, maintain proper alignment, and eliminate tension. Overall construction of a successful anastomosis is a dynamic process which is dependent on a combination of numerous patient and technical factors. Based on the most recent literature, rates of both clinically significant leak and stricture are approximately 4% for the Orvil double-stapled esophagogastric anastomosis. Here we present our own technique and highlight the technical challenges which must be considered for successful creation of the Orvil EEA double-stapled anastomosis during Ivor-Lewis MIE. With proper understanding of technical aspects, experience, and practice refinement, the anastomosis adds an effective and convenient reconstructive option to the esophageal surgeon's repertoire. © 2022 Journal of Innovation Management. All rights reserved.

Minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with linear stapled side-to-side anastomosis

Background: An esophagectomy is still associated with a high complication rate, despite advancements in minimally invasive surgery, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and centralization. Particularly anastomotic complications negatively impact quality of life and long-term survival. These complications are associated with patient factors but also with technical aspects. Methods: We describe the technique for a linear side-to-side stapled intrathoracic anastomosis in patients that underwent a totally minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (MIE-IL) at our institution between January 2016 and November 2020 and retrospectively assessed the outcomes. Results: A total of 246 patients underwent a MIE-IL with this anastomotic technique. Mean age was 65 years and anastomotic leakage (AL) rate was 8.9%. In half (n=11) of these patients (4.5%), these were minor leaks that could be managed conservatively [Type I leaks according to Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) definition]. ECCG Type II leaks occurred in eight patients (3.3%) and were routinely managed with esophageal stenting. Three patients (1.2%) required a reoperation (ECCG Type III). Anastomotic stricture rate was 2.2% at 90 days postoperatively. Median length of hospital stay (LOHS) was 8 days. Hospital readmission rate was 10.2%. Mean duration of surgery was 249 (±36) minutes and surgical conversion rate was 0.8% (n=2). In-hospital mortality rate was 1.6% (n=4). One of these patients died due to SARS-CoV-2. Due to continuous improvements to the entire integrated care pathway, LOHS and overall postoperative complication rate significantly decreased over the years (median LOHS of 6 days and postoperative complication rate of 38.6% in 2020). Conclusions: The linear side-to-side stapled intrathoracic anastomotic technique is associated with a low rate of anastomotic complications and low mortality rate. © 2022 Journal of Innovation Management. All rights reserved.

Lewis Acids and Heteropoly Acids in the Synthesis of Organic Peroxides.

Organic peroxides are an important class of compounds for organic synthesis, pharmacological chemistry, materials science, and the polymer industry. Here, for the first time, we summarize the main achievements in the synthesis of organic peroxides by the action of Lewis acids and heteropoly acids. This review consists of three parts: (1) metal-based Lewis acids in the synthesis of organic peroxides; (2) the synthesis of organic peroxides promoted by non-metal-based Lewis acids; and (3) the application of heteropoly acids in the synthesis of organic peroxides. The information covered in this review will be useful for specialists in the field of organic synthesis, reactions and processes of oxygen-containing compounds, catalysis, pharmaceuticals, and materials engineering.

Technical details for a robot-assisted hand-sewn esophago-gastric anastomosis during minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIILE) provides better outcomes than open techniques, particularly in terms of post-operative recovery and pulmonary complications. However, in addition to requiring advanced technical skills, thoracoscopic access makes it hard to perform esophagogastric anastomosis safely, and the reported rates of anastomotic leak vary from 5 to 16%. Several minimally invasive esophago-gastric anastomotic techniques have been described, but to date strong evidence to support one technique over the others is still lacking. We herein report the technical details and preliminary results of a new robot-assisted hand-sewn esophago-gastric anastomosis technique. METHODS: From January 2018 to December 2020, 12 cases of laparoscopic/thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with robot-assisted hand-sewn esophago-gastric anastomosis were performed. The gastric conduit was prepared and tailored taking care of vascularization with a complete resection of the gastric fundus. The anastomosis consisted of a robot-assisted, hand-sewn four layers of absorbable monofilament running barbed suture (V-lock). The posterior outer layer incorporated the gastric and esophageal staple lines. RESULTS: The post-operative course was uneventful in nine cases. Two patients developed chyloperitoneum, one patient a Sars-Cov-2 infection, and one patient a late anastomotic stricture. In all cases, there were no anastomotic leaks or delayed gastric conduit emptying. The median post-operative stay was 13 days (min 7, max 37 days); the longest in-hospital stay was recorded in patients who developed chyloperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Despite the small series, we believe that our technique looks to be promising, safe, and reproducible. Some key points may be useful to guarantee a low complications rate after MIILE, particularly regarding anastomotic leaks and delayed emptying: the resection of the gastric fundus, the use of robot assistance, the incorporation of the staple lines in the posterior aspect of the anastomosis, and the use of barbed suture. Further cases are needed to validate the preliminary, but very encouraging, results.

Case Report: Management of Malignancy-Exacerbated Pemphigus Vulgaris During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Pemphigus vulgaris is an intraepidermal autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease whose etiopathogenesis includes various trigger factors, i.e., drugs and malignancies. We present a case of malignancy-exacerbated pemphigus vulgaris which required a careful diagnostic process in order to rule out paraneoplastic pemphigus, along with the challenges posed by the need of treating both cutaneous and oncologic diseases. Possible post-operative complications post-poned the start of first-line immunosuppressive treatment of pemphigus. Moreover, the infective risks had to be minimized during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Intravenous immunoglobulins were chosen as "bridge" therapy before the tumor surgical excision, followed by rituximab in post-operative phase.

Chronic kidney disease linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about patient diagnosis and follow-up of chronically ill patients. Patients suffering from chronic illnesses, concomitantly infected by SARS-CoV-2, globally tend to have a worse prognosis and poor outcomes. Renal tropism and acute kidney injury following SARS-CoV-2 infection has recently been described in the literature, with elevated mortality rates. Furthermore, patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease, infected by SARS-CoV-2, should be monitored carefully. Here, we report the case of a 69-year-old patient with splenic marginal zone lymphoma, suffering from longstanding chronic kidney disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old male patient previously diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and splenic marginal zone lymphoma (Splenomegaly, Matutes 2/5, CD5 negative and CD23 positive), was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath, fever and asthenia. A nasopharyngeal swab test was performed in addition to a CT-scan, which confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Blood creatinine increased following SARS-CoV-2 infection at 130 µmol/l, with usual values at 95 µmol/l. The patient was discharged at home with rest and symptomatic medical treatment (paracetamol and hydration), then readmitted to the hospital in August 2020. A kidney biopsy was therefore conducted as blood creatinine levels were abnormally elevated. Immunodetection performed in a renal biopsy specimen confirmed co-localization of SARS-CoV2 nucleocapsid and protease 3C proteins with ACE2, Lewis x and sialyl-Lewis x antigens in proximal convoluted tubules and podocytes. Co-localization of structural and non-structural viral proteins clearly demonstrated viral replication in proximal convoluted tubules in this chronically ill patient. Additionally, we observed the co-localization of sialyl-Lewis x and ACE2 receptors in the same proximal convoluted tubules. Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction test performed on the kidney biopsy was negative, with very low Ct levels (above 40). The patient was finally readmitted to the haematology department for initiation of chemotherapy, including CHOP protocol and Rituximab. CONCLUSIONS: Our case emphasizes on the importance of monitoring kidney function in immunosuppressed patients and patients suffering from cancer following SARS-CoV-2 infection, through histological screening. Further studies will be required to decipher the mechanisms underlying chronic kidney disease and the putative role of sialyl-Lewis x and HBGA during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Learning it the hard way - how enjoying life and positive appraisal buffer the negative effects of stressors on mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Higher levels of stress and negative emotions such as anxiety and depression have been reported since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it remains less clear how positive emotions, such as hedonic capacity, may be affected. Further, during lockdowns, the ability to learn new pleasurable activities (hedonic learning) may be particularly relevant. Here, we investigated if state hedonia and/or hedonic learning mediated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and mental health. Moreover, we explored whether positive appraisal style (PAS), a major resilience factor, influenced these relationships. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, 5000 German-speaking participants filled out online questionnaires targeting stressors, mental health, state hedonia, hedonic learning, and PAS between April 9 and May 15, 2020. After confirming the factor structure of our constructs, we applied latent structural equation modeling to test mediation as well as moderated mediation models. RESULTS: Stress showed a positive association with mental health symptoms, which was buffered by both state hedonia and hedonic learning. While higher stress was related to lower state hedonia, participants reported more hedonic learning with greater stressor load. The latter effect was greater for individuals with high PAS. LIMITATIONS: The present results should be replicated in longitudinal designs with representative samples to confirm the directionality and generalizability of effects. CONCLUSIONS: Both state hedonia and hedonic learning buffered the effect of stress on mental health in an early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning new rewarding activities in combination with a PAS may be especially relevant for maintaining mental health during lockdowns.

Lewis and ABO histo-blood types and the secretor status of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 implicate a role for ABO antibodies in susceptibility to infection with SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) targets the respiratory and gastric epithelium, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Tissue antigen expression variations influence host susceptibility to many infections. This study aimed to investigate the closely linked Lewis (FUT3) and ABO histo-blood types, including secretor (FUT2) status, to infections with SARS-CoV-2 and the corresponding severity of COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients (Caucasians, n = 338) were genotyped for ABO, FUT3, and FUT2, and compared to a reference population of blood donors (n = 250,298). The association between blood types and severity of COVID-19 was addressed by dividing patients into four categories: hospitalized individuals in general wards, patients admitted to the intensive care unit with and without intubation, and deceased patients. Comorbidities were considered in subsequent analyses. RESULTS: Patients with blood type Lewis (a-b-) or O were significantly less likely to be hospitalized (odds ratio [OR] 0.669, confidence interval [CI] 0.446-0.971, OR 0.710, CI 0.556-0.900, respectively), while type AB was significantly more prevalent in the patient cohort (OR 1.519, CI 1.014-2.203). The proportions of secretors/nonsecretors, and Lewis a+ or Lewis b+ types were consistent between patients and controls. The analyzed blood groups were not associated with the clinical outcome as defined. DISCUSSION: Blood types Lewis (a-b-) and O were found to be protective factors, whereas the group AB is suggested to be a risk factor for COVID-19. The antigens investigated may not be prognostic for disease severity, but a role for ABO isoagglutinins in SARS-CoV-2 infections is strongly suggested.

The physical and mental health of the medical staff in Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital during COVID-19 epidemic: A Structural Equation Modeling approach.

INTRODUCTION: Early in the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019, the Chinese government recruited a proportion of healthcare workers to support the designated hospital (Huoshenshan Hospital) in Wuhan, China. The majority of front-line medical staff suffered from adverse effects, but their real health status during COVID-19 epidemic was still unknown. The aim of the study was to explore the latent relationship of the physical and mental health of front-line medical staff during this special period. METHODS: A total of 115 military medical staff were recruited between February 17th and February 29th, 2020 and asked to complete questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, self-reported sleep status, fatigue, resilience and anxiety. RESULTS: 55 medical staff worked within Intensive Care and 60 worked in Non-intensive Care, the two groups were significantly different in reported general fatigue, physical fatigue and tenacity (P<0.05). Gender, duration working in Wuhan, current perceived stress level and health status were associated with significant differences in fatigue scores (P<0.05), the current perceived health status (P<0.05) and impacted on the resilience and anxiety of participants. The structural equation modeling analysis revealed resilience was negatively associated with fatigue (ß=-0.52, P<0.01) and anxiety (ß=-0.24, P<0.01), and fatigue had a direct association with the physical burden (ß=0.65, P<0.01); Fatigue mediated the relationship between resilience and anxiety (ß=-0.305, P=0.039) as well as resilience and physical burden (ß=-0.276, P=0.02). CONCLUSION: During an explosive pandemic situation, motivating the effect of protective resilience and taking tailored interventions against fatigue are promising ways to protect the physical and mental health of the front-line medical staff.

If You're Ready, I Am Ready (But the Wait Is Harming Us Both) Individual Risks in Institutional Conversions.

Rambo, Adele, and a religion professor walk into a coffee shop. What in the world do they have in common? This essay integrates Lewis Rambo's scholarship on conversion with pop singer Adele's popular song "Send My Love to Your Lover" to understand and redress inequity in individual risk within processes of institutional conversion. The author focuses on practices of inclusion in institutions of higher education using the specific example of theological schools with aspirational school mission statements that embrace equity and diversities. She argues that bringing Rambo and Adele into conversation with anecdotal and published research on institutional (in)justice illuminates four practices that institutions could adopt to better align practice with promise and thereby promote wellness for all who are impacted by institutional health.