bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations on parasites and predators of some major forest insect pests in India.
Authors: Sankaran T.
Published: June 2024

Natural enemies of Adelges spp., Pineus laevis Maskell, Lymantria obfuscate WIk., Hypsipyla robusta moore, Petrova Cristata' (Walshingham), Dioryctria spp. and Sire X spp. have been investigated in India with a view to possible biological control of the same or related forest insect pests in various parts of the world. About 50 predatory species attack Adelges and some of these have been introduced into Canada and the U.S.A., but without success. Predators of P. laevis occurring in India are worth trying against Pineus pini (L.) in East Africa and Hawaii. L. obfuscate has a large complex of hymenopterous and dipterous parasites, some of which are common to L. dispar and occur also in Europe and other areas. A number of Lymantria parasites from India are now being bred in the U.S.A. for release against L. dispar. H. robusta is attacked by over 50 species of parasites and several of these have shipped to Trinidad and from there to the Windward Islands, British Honduras, Brazil and Mexico for trial against Hypsipyla grandella Zeller. Trichogrammatoidea robusta Nagaraja has become established in Trinidad. The pine shoot borers P. cristata', Dioryctria sylvestrella complex, D. assamensis Mutuura, D. castanea Bradley and D. raoi Mutuura have a large complex of hymenopterous parasites. Many of these have only been identified generically and warrant more detailed studies to evaluate them. Rhyssa persuasoria himalayensis Wlk is a common parasite of siricids. In the light of the work already carried out in India various biocontrol possibilities against forest insect pests are discussed.
Suomen datiivigenetiivin juuret vertailevan menetelmän valossa
Authors: Inaba Nobufumi
Published: June 2024

Datiivigenetiivi eli genetiivin datiivinen käyttö on ollut kiehtovimpia arvoituksia suomen kielen diakronisessa tutkimuksessa. Sen tyypillisimmät esiintymät löytyvät 1500-luvun kirjallisista tuotteista, kuten Mikael Agricolan Uudesta testamentista: Andaca Keisarin mite Keisarin tule (vrt. vuoden 1992 suomennos: Antakaa siis keisarille mikä keisarille kuuluu). Toisaalta sen on arveltu palautuvan jopa uralilaiseen kantakieleen, mutta siitä ei ole onnistuttu löytämään pitäviä jälkiä niistä suomen sukukielistä, joissa on n-genetiivi tai sen jatkaja. Käsillä oleva tutkimus selvittelee suomen kielen datiivigenetiivin juuria historiallis-vertailevan kielitieteen näkökulmasta osana n-genetiivin alkuperän selvittelyä. Vertailukohtina ovat liivin datiivi sekä eteläsaamen, mordvan ja marin omistuslauseen genetiivi, joilla on aiemmissa tutkimuksissa arveltu olleen yhteyksiä datiivigenetiiviin. Suomen datiivigenetiivistä tehdyn kuvauksen pohjalta on kuvattu ja analysoitu näitä vertailukohtia yksinkertaiseen sijasyntaksiin perustuvalla vertailevalla menetelmällä ja omistussuhteiden ilmaisukeinojen valossa kielikohtaisesti. Tutkimuksessa on kiinnitetty huomiota myös vieraiden kielten mahdolliseen vaikutukseen. Tämän selvittämiseksi on analysoitu varhaisen uusruotsin ja muinaisruotsin verbien giva ja säga esiintymiä.
Tutkimus koostuu suomen datiivigenetiivin kuvauksesta, mainittujen sukukielten omistussuhteiden ilmaisukeinojen kuvauksista sekä uus- ja muinaisruotsin epäsuoran objektin merkinnän selvittelystä. Tutkimuksen taustalla on kysymys diakronisen syntaksin uskottavuudesta ja aineiston merkityksestä siinä.
Simulation Training Using DIALux Evo Software for Estimation of Visual Comfort Level of a Building
Authors: Saputri Fahmy Rinanda , Radithya Linus Gregorius
Published: June 2024

This community outreach aims to conduct simulation training using DIALux Evo to estimate the visual comfort level in a room. Visual comfort is a crucial aspect of building design and management that can impact the occupant’s health, comfort, and productivity. However, it is often challenging for interior designers to accurately estimate the level of visual comfort. This activity involves the application of simulation technology using DIALux Evo. Participants will be provided with knowledge and skills in operating this software, covering tasks from designing rooms, placing objects, selecting building materials, and choosing artificial lighting, to analyzing, and visualizing the lighting level in a room, also will study SNI related to visual comfort. The program’s outcomes provide participants with the knowledge and skills to use DIALux Evo in estimating the visual comfort level before implementation. Finally, they can optimize space design, ensure appropriate lighting quality, and enhance the occupant’s comfort and health.
Post-COVID Teaching Reflections and Take-a-Ways: The Keepers, Innovators, and Losers
Authors: Galbreath Susan Coomer , Creel Tim
Published: June 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, almost overnight, accounting educators moved their courses online. Many universities and faculty felt they were unprepared to make this move. In a session at the American Accounting Association Southeast Regional Meeting, accounting educators expressed their opinions about how they felt about the changes instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The faculty members rated their level of preparation and that of their university for the changes required. They also provided ratings about their feelings about the situation and the faculty and student experiences with the changes. Finally, faculty members also identified what changes they felt should be kept after the end of the pandemic, such as improved Wi-Fi, social distancing, using Zoom in classes, and virtual student meetings. Activities identified for elimination after the pandemic included only online classes, Zoom recordings, grade inflation, and online proctoring
The Need to Practice What We Teach: Revisiting the Sticky Floor Effect in Five Southern U.S. States’ Public Universities
Authors: Johnson Cooper , Long Jamye , Faught Sam
Published: June 2024

Administrative appointments throughout higher education are sought after, highly coveted positions that exhibit power and authority for many as they become leaders. Historically, males have held a majority of these positions. Johnson, Long, and Faught (2014) found “a clear discrepancy exists” (p. 29). This study revisits the research of Johnson, Long, and Faught in examining the gender composition of public university administrators, following the chain of command from the colleges of business upwards, in five southern U.S. states. As in the original research, this study investigates the presence and prevalence of the sticky floor effect and the perceived fair employment practices of universities in applying diversity concepts within their institutions 11 years after the initial study.
Classroom Management in Improving the Quality of Learning in the Education Units
Authors: Mustafa M. Nur , Hermandra . , Zulhafizh . , Hidayat Riyan
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on classroom management in education units as a basis to improve the quality of learning. This process relates to the instruments used for data collection. The instrument consisted of thirty-five related to classroom management. The sample was 142 people who were spread in the education unit of Riau Province, Indonesia. Sampling was undertaken by random sampling in accordance with the readiness of the respondent. Data were analysed by substituting the respondents’ results through descriptive statistics, then using the Product Moment correlation method, the contribution of indicators in realizing the success of implementing learning through ANOVA. The average demographic data of the respondents was 4.273 (very high); compile a lesson plan was 4.304 (very high); carry out learning was 4.352 (very high); assess achievement was 4.233 (very high); carry out follow-up the results of the assessment of learning achievement was 3.813 (high). Quality did not vary with a very high correlation value so that it contributed a role in building class management up to 100%.
Eco-Design in Products and Services of SMEs: Motivation and Results
Authors: Khoja Faiza , Kauffman Ralph , Adams Jeffery , Yegiyan Mikayel
Published: June 2024

This research study examines the direct influence of customer preference and the potential moderating influence of laws and green purchasing on eco-design of products/services in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Also studied is the relationship between these variables and environmental and economic performance in SMEs. The analysis uses theoretical underpinning of stakeholder and neo-institutional theories, and survey data collected from a sample of SMEs. Regression path analysis is applied, bootstrapped with .95 CI (Bias Corrected and Accelerated) and 2,000 samples on all regressions. Significant relationships were found between customer preference and eco-design, moderated by impact of laws, and between eco-design and environmental and economic performance. Green purchasing was found to have no moderating effect on adoption of eco-design. Managerial implications are indicated and discussed.
Prevalência do acidente vascular cerebral não especificamente hemorrágico ou isquêmico no município de Salvador, Estado da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Coppieters Lays Katharina Assis , Silva Filho Lázaro Freire , Oliveira Maria Clara Diniz de , Santos Emanuelle de Souza , Bessa Theolis Costa Barbosa , Raynal José Tadeu
Published: June 2024

Introdução: O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é uma condição grave que pode causar incapacidade neurológica e morte. Pode ser hemorrágico ou isquêmico. No Brasil, o AVC causa cerca de 90 mil mortes anuais. A pandemia de COVID-19 pode ter afetado o cuidado hospitalar desses pacientes. Objetivo: Compreender a prevalência do AVC em Salvador-BA entre os anos de 2017 e 2021, considerando o período pré-pandêmico (2017-2019) e pós-pandêmico (2020 e 2021). Metodologia: Estudo epidemiológico descritivo sobre o perfil de AVC entre 2017 e 2021, utilizando dados secundários do Sistema de Morbidade Hospitalar do SUS (SIH/SUS). Resultados: No período, registramos 10.780 casos de AVC, com uma redução de 10,0% durante a pandemia em comparação com o pré-pandêmico. A maioria dos casos foi em mulheres, mas a prevalência foi maior em homens. Na faixa etária de 60 a 69 anos, houve a maior proporção de casos, com taxa de mortalidade de 11,7%. A faixa etária igual ou acima de 80 anos teve a maior prevalência, correspondendo a uma taxa de mortalidade de 25,1%. A cor/raça não foi registrada em 77,8% dos casos, com aumento notável entre pardos e pretos em 2020 e 2021, coincidindo com a diminuição da proporção de casos sem registro de cor/raça. Conclusão: Observou-se uma diminuição no registro de casos de AVC durante a pandemia, o que pode indicar dificuldades no acesso ao cuidado hospitalar. O aumento de casos entre pardos e pretos pode refletir uma melhoria no registro desses dados.
Basal implants and their importance in clinical Dentistry: Literature review
Authors: Faréz Suin María Belén , Galarza Pintado Johanna Pamela , Lafebre Carrasco Milton Fabricio
Published: June 2024

Background: Basal implants, also known as cortical implants, have a history dating back to the mid-20th century. Although they are not as well known or widely used as conventional dental implants, they have been gaining relevance in dentistry in recent years due to their effectiveness in specific clinical situations. Objective: evaluate clinical effectiveness, analyze their indications, contraindications, examine complications and success rate. Methods: the research was structured based on a search tree (PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Scopus), with keywords such as: Basal Implant. The languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish were used as limiters; open access articles, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, randomized clinical trials, case reports. We established a secondary selection based on the title and summary of the articles according to the objective of the study.Results: The initial search showed 3,099 studies whose title was related to the search patterns, of which 3,029 articles were excluded based on their title and abstract, thus resulting in 70 potentially relevant articles. After reading, 21 articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded: repeated. In this way, 49 articles were finally selected to carry out this review. Conclusions: Dental implants offer significant benefits in oral functionality, facial aesthetics, self-esteem and long-term health. However, there are important considerations that encompass postoperative care, costs, insurance coverage, and access to these treatments.
“A gente precisa acreditar no ser mais deles’’: Reflexões sobre ações da Terapia Ocupacional na promoção de saúde mental com adolescentes sob a luz de Paulo Freire
Authors: Souza Maria Helena de Brito , Gontijo Daniela Tavares , Sousa Luana Barbosa Tavares de , Silva Anderson Gomes Alves da , Lima Thais Adylla Mota de , Ribeiro Nadgila Briano , Nascimento Lais Fátima Mendes do
Published: June 2024

A adolescência é um período crucial para o desenvolvimento humano, com impactos nos mais diversos aspectos. Nesse período, ao mesmo tempo em que há uma vulnerabilidade ao desenvolvimento de problemas psíquicos, é também o momento ideal para a implementação de ações promotoras e preventivas em saúde mental. Referenciados pela Pedagogia de Paulo Freire, terapeutas ocupacionais podem desempenhar um papel importante na promoção da saúde mental dos adolescentes. Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre um processo de intervenção da Terapia Ocupacional voltado para a promoção de saúde mental com adolescentes subsidiado pelo referencial teórico-metodológico de Paulo Freire. Pesquisa documental realizada no banco de dados de um projeto de pesquisa e extensão que desenvolveu intervenções junto a adolescentes do 8° ano do ensino fundamental de uma Escola Municipal da Cidade do Recife, executada em 7 passos e com dados analisados pela técnica da Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados apresentam aspectos da construção das ações e reflexões sobre a vivência dos princípios freireanos, referentes a materialização dos fundamentos do diálogo, além da discussão dos impactos da experiência para a formação em Terapia Ocupacional. Concluiu-se que atuar na promoção de saúde mental com e para adolescentes é um desafio a ser compreendido sob a ótica da esperança e que desenvolver ações educativas pautadas no diálogo significam mais do que dar espaço a uma metodologia ativa e participativa, é também crer que todos os envolvidos nas intervenções podem transformar suarealidade e serem transformados por ela enquanto seres da práxis que buscam ser mais.
Análise descritiva da eficácia entre os métodos Bypass Gástrico em Y de Roux e Sleeve Gástrico
Authors: Medrado José Sandro Baliero , Tanaka Tomaz Massayuki
Published: June 2024

Objetivo: analisar a eficácia das técnicas Bypass Gástrico em Y de Roux e Sleeve Gástrico, atualmente as principais técnicas de cirurgia bariátrica, e analisar a diferença de resultado entre elas. Ambas as técnicas são recomendadas para o tratamento da Obesidade Grau 3 (IMC ≥ 40,0 kg/m²), Grau 2 (IMC = 35-39,9 kg/m²) com comorbidades e Grau 1 (IMC = 30-34,9 kg/m²) com comorbidades consideradas "graves". Metodologia: a pesquisa se caracterizou como um estudo transversal do tipo descritivo. Foi realizada coleta de dados em maio de 2023 em uma clínica bariátrica no Oeste do Paraná. Os principais dados coletados foram: Sexo, Idade, IMC (pré-cirúrgico e após 3 anos do procedimento) e comorbidades, e participaram da amostra 50 pacientes. Os dados foram organizados em uma planilha do Microsoft Excel para análise descritiva. Resultado: a partir dos dados coletados, foi evidenciado o impacto de ambas as técnicas cirúrgicas no IMC, causando uma significativa redução da mesma. Nota-se, analisando as tabelas, predominância entre um dos sexos na realização da cirurgia, maior redução do IMC através de uma das técnicas e possibilidade de verificar qual faixa etária foi mais submetida à cirurgia. Conclusão: é possível verificar, através dos resultados, que ambas as técnicas proporcionam uma redução no IMC, o que garante uma melhora na qualidade de vida do paciente, sobressaindo a técnica Bypass, que se provou mais eficaz na redução, e verifica-se também que o sexo feminino foi o que mais realizou essa cirurgia.
Immunobiological therapy in the treatment of severe asthma
Authors: Oliveira David Evangelista Barros de , Leitão Carlos Gustavo Alves , Falcão Fernanda Oliveira , Torquato João Pedro de Paiva , Jucá Neto José de Ribamar Barroso , Castro Marcela Alina Jereissati de , Fortaleza Simone Castelo Branco
Published: June 2024

Introdução: A asma é uma doença inflamatória, crônica e heterogênea que acomete principalmente as vias aéreas inferiores, as quais apresentam sintomas respiratórios inespecíficos. Em sua maioria dos casos a asma possui bom manejo terapêutico, porém é crescente o número de diagnósticos de asma grave, os quais requerem o uso de imunobiológicos. O presente estudo objetiva uma análise detalhada sob o ponto de vista terapêutico e farmacológico dos principais imunobiológicos. Metodologia: A revisão narrativa da literatura foi realizada a partir da base de dados PUBMED utilizando as palavras chaves de “Severe Asthma”, “Treatment” e “Biological Therapy”, com o filtro de tempo nos últimos 10 anos que acarretaram em 56 artigos, os demais foram descartados por não possuir título ou resumo relacionado diretamente às palavras chaves ou possuírem restrições de acesso online. Resultados e Discussão: Em decorrência do maior conhecimento acerca da fisiopatologia da Asma, visto que apresenta diferentes vias de ativação inflamatória, destacadamente, as vias de ativação dos linfócitos B IgE, a resposta Th2,da ação de IL-5 que recruta neutrófilos e demais células inflamatórias, dentre outras interleucinas. Nesse contexto, o uso de imunobiológicos, por exemplo, Omalizumabe, Mepolizumabe, Reslizumabe, Dupilumabe e Tezepelumabe, em casos refratários à terapia convencional se destacam como uma alternativa assertiva e fisiológica diante do contexto patológico desenvolvido na asma grave. Conclusão: A asma não controlada e a Asma Grave são condições de refratariedade ao tratamento convencional da asma, dentro do espectro de potenciais complicações que podem surgir caso não iniciada terapêuticas avançadas.
The Problem of Girls' Religious Education in Ultra-Orthodox Judaism: The Case of Sarah Schenirer and Bais Yaakov Movement
Authors: Kocaman Funda , Bilgin Türkan
Published: June 2024

In the ultra-Orthodox Jewish tradition, there are different types of schools for men and women, providing education for their varying social and religious roles. This difference is particularly visible in the religious education curricula. Until 1917, the religious education that women were able to receive, albeit to a lesser extent than the religious education received by men, was not systematised. In the late nineteenth century, the rapidly growing interest in the secular world among girls was mainly characterised by the lack of religious education for Jewish girls, and Sarah Schenirer (1883-1935) found it necessary to open religious schools for Jewish girls as a solution. With this initiative, Schenirer called for change in an anti-innovationist culture and aimed to help Ultra-Orthodox girls retain their Jewish identity and remain connected to the community. To this end, Schenirer founded the first Bais Yaakov school in 1917, and within a few years the school grew rapidly into an extensive “network of schools” across Europe, and became known as the Bais Yaakov movement. This initiative acted as the domino that initiated the change in the addressee profile of religious education within the anti-innovationist Ultra-Orthodox Judaism. In this respect, knowing Sarah Schenirer is key to analysing how Bais Yaakov legitimised itself within Ultra-Orthodox Judaism and how this innovation in girls' education found a foundation within a tradition that seemed to lack the necessary resources and support. Considering that there are not enough studies on religious education in Ultra-Orthodox Judaism in Turkey, we believe that this study on the educational activities of Bais Yaakov will contribute to the field of history of religions.
Case Report: The Conundrum of What to Pick? Antibiotic Susceptibility Variability in Burkholderia cenocepacia in Cystic Fibrosis: Implications for Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing and Treatment
Authors: Moore John E. , McCaughan John , Rendall Jacqueline C. , Millar Beverley C.
Published: June 2024

Within cystic fibrosis microbiology, there is often mismatch between the antibiotic susceptibility result of an isolated bacterial pathogen and the clinical outcome, when the patient is treated with the same antibiotic. The reasoning for this remains largely elusive. Antibiotic susceptibility to four antibiotics (ceftazidime, meropenem, minocycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) was determined in consecutive isolates (n = 11) from an adult cystic fibrosis patient, over a 63 month period. Each isolate displayed its own unique resistotype. The first isolate was sensitive to all four antibiotics, in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methodology and interpretative criteria. Resistance was first detected at four months, showing resistance to ceftazidime and meropenen and intermediate resistance to minocycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Pan resistance was first detected at 18 months (resistotype IV), with three resistotypes (I, II and III) preceding this complete resistotype. The bacterium continued to display further antibiotic susceptibility heterogeneity for the next 45 months, with the description of an additional seven resistotypes (resistotypes V–XI). The Relative Resistance Index of this bacterium over the 63 month period showed no relationship between the development of antibiotic resistance and time. Adoption of mathematical modelling employing multinomial distribution demonstrated that large numbers of individual colony picks (>40/sputum), would be required to be 78% confident of capturing all 11 resistotypes present. Such a requirement for large numbers of colony picks combined with antibiotic susceptibility-related methodological problems creates a conundrum in biomedical science practice, in providing a robust assay that will capture antibiotic susceptibility variation, be pragmatic and cost-effective to deliver as a pathology service, but have the reliability to help clinicians select appropriate antibiotics for their patients. This study represents an advance in biomedical science as it demonstrates potential variability in antibiotic susceptibility testing with Burkholderia cenocepacia. Respiratory physicians and paediatricians need to be made aware of such variation by biomedical scientists at the bench, so that clinicians can contextualise the significance of the reported susceptibility result, when selecting appropriate antibiotics for their cystic fibrosis patient. Furthermore, consideration needs to be given in providing additional guidance on the laboratory report to highlight this heterogeneity to emphasise the potential for misalignment between susceptibility result and clinical outcome.
Tackling mosaicism in gene edited livestock
Authors: Salvesen Hamish A. , Grupen Christopher G. , McFarlane Gus R.
Published: June 2024

The farming of livestock has a critical role to play in global nutritional security and poverty alleviation. To meet these goals through more efficient, environmentally sustainable and animal welfare focused means, gene editing technologies could be integrated into current breeding programs. A common issue with gene editing in livestock zygotes is the high incidence of genetic mosaicism. Genetic mosaicism, characterised by a single individual carrying distinct genotypes in different cell lineages, can lead to inconsistent presentation of a desired trait phenotypically, or the absence of the intended genotype in the animal’s germline. This review explores the present status of genetic mosaicism associated with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in cattle, sheep, and pigs, and identifies four areas for refinement; (1) the type of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editor used; (2) the CRISPR-Cas9 formats and timing of gene editing during embryonic development; (3) the method used to deliver the genome editor and (4) the genetic screening strategies applied. We also discuss alternatives to direct zygote gene editing, including surrogate sire technology and blastomere separation, which circumvent the production of mosaic offspring. By exploring these avenues for reducing mosaicism, gene editing protocols in livestock could become more efficient and effective, which will ultimately pave the way for traits to be introduced that improve animal welfare standards and help address gaps in the security of global nutrition access.
Ex-vivo biomechanical evaluation of the application of a novel annulus closure device to closure of annulus fibrosus
Authors: Ying Yijian , Cai Kaiwen , Cai Xiongxiong , Zhang Kai , Qiu Rongzhang , Hu Hangtian , Jiang Guoqiang , Luo Kefeng
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the technical feasibility of applying a simple suture guide device to close the annulus fibrosus (AF) of the intervertebral discs (IVD).

Methods

30 sheep functional discal units (FDUs) were obtained and subjected to mock discectomy. Mock sutures were performed using 3–0 non-absorbable sutures under a novel AF suture device following a suture procedure. The FDUs were compressed under axial loading at 1.8 mm/min and evaluated for Failure load (N).

Results

The failure loads of the hand stitching group (Group H) and suture device stitching group (Group S) were significantly higher than those of the control group (Group C) (p = 0.033; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides reasonable reasons to believe that the simple suture guide device described here is technically feasible for AF defect closure. It thus constitutes an encouraging proof of concept for the proposed device; however, it does not constitute a complete demonstration of the device’s feasibility in the clinical setting considering that the annulus closure operation is performed ex vivo on functional spinal units, as opposed to within an environment that mimics the clinical setting. To this end, confirmatory experiments will be conducted such as more multiaxial or dynamic mechanical testing, and notably performing the surgery on sheep models instead of on ex vivo functional spinal units.
Is nail-plate docking worth the effort? A biomechanical analysis of docking a plate and a nail in peri-implant femur fractures
Authors: Bremer Justus , Heilig Maximilian , Heilig Philipp , Hölscher-Doht Stefanie , Meffert Rainer H. , Jordan Martin C.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The ideal treatment of peri-implant femur fractures (PIFFs) remains unclear due to the thin clinical and biomechanical evidence concerning the most suitable form of osteosynthesis. The purpose of the present study was thus to determine the biomechanical stability that results from combining a cephalomedullary nail and a plate for proximal PIFFs, especially when the nail–plate docking technique is applied.

Methods

Twenty four PIFFs were simulated in both 12 foam and 12 composite specimens and were stabilized via a combination of a cephalomedullary nail and a plate. The control group (n = 6) had a nail and a plate without a connection, while the intervention group (n = 6) had a screw that connected the plate with the interlocking screw hole of the nail, thereby creating a nail–plate docking system. The specimens were evaluated under axial and torsional loading using a material-testing machine and a 3D metrology system.

Results

The data regarding stiffness, failure load, and failure displacement showed significantly higher stability for specimens without nail–plate docking. For docked specimens, a non-significant trend toward a higher resistance to torque was observed. Both techniques displayed no significant difference in fracture gap displacement or total displacement.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that nail–plate docking of a cephalomedullary nail, and a plate significantly decreases the stiffness and stability of osteosynthesis under axial loading. However, there seems to be a tendency toward higher resistance to torque. Therefore, surgeons should consider this technique if higher torsional stability is necessary, and they should decide against it, if axial stability is preferred.
Explorations on the antiviral potential of zinc and magnesium salts against chikungunya virus: implications for therapeutics
Authors: Davuluri Kusuma Sai , Shukla Shridhar , Kakade Mahadeo , Cherian Sarah , Alagarasu Kalichamy , Parashar Deepti
Published: June 2024

Background

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which causes chikungunya fever, is an arbovirus of public health concern with no approved antiviral therapies. A significant proportion of patients develop chronic arthritis after an infection. Zinc and magnesium salts help the immune system respond effectively against viral infections. This study explored the antiviral potential of zinc sulphate, zinc acetate, and magnesium sulphate against CHIKV infection.

Methods

The highest non-toxic concentration of the salts (100 µM) was used to assess the prophylactic, virucidal, and therapeutic anti-CHIKV activities. Dose-dependent antiviral effects were investigated to find out the 50% inhibitory concentration of the salts. Entry bypass assay was conducted to find out whether the salts affect virus entry or post entry stages. Virus output in all these experiments was estimated using a focus-forming unit assay, real-time RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assay.

Results

Different time- and temperature-dependent assays revealed the therapeutic antiviral activity of zinc and magnesium salts against CHIKV. A minimum exposure of 4 hours and treatment initiation within 1 to 2 hours of infection are required for inhibition of CHIKV. Entry assays revealed that zinc salt affected virus-entry. Entry bypass assays suggested that both salts affected post-entry stages of CHIKV. In infected C57BL6 mice orally fed with zinc and magnesium salts, a reduction in viral RNA copy number was observed.

Conclusion

The study results suggest zinc salts exert anti-CHIKV activity at entry and post entry stages of the virus life cycle, while magnesium salt affect CHIKV at post entry stages. Overall, the study highlights the significant antiviral potential of zinc sulphate, zinc acetate, and magnesium sulphate against CHIKV, which can be exploited in designing potential therapeutic strategies for early treatment of chikungunya patients, thereby reducing the virus-associated persistent arthritis.
Probiotic bacteria can modulate immune responses to paratuberculosis vaccination
Authors: Oyanguren Maddi , Molina Elena , Mugica Maitane , Ladero-Auñon Iraia , Fuertes Miguel , Fernández Miguel , Benavides Julio , Elguezabal Natalia
Published: June 2024

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) is the etiological agent of paratuberculosis (PTB), a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease that causes high economical losses in dairy livestock worldwide. Due to the absence of widely available preventive or therapeutical treatments, new alternative therapies are needed. In this study, the effect of a probiotic alone or in combination with a commercial vaccine has been evaluated in a rabbit model. Vaccination enhanced the humoral response, exerted a training effect of peripheral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) against homologous and heterologous stimuli, stimulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) macrophages, and reduced the bacterial burden in GALT as well. However, the administration of the probiotic after vaccination did not affect the PMN activity, increased metabolic demand, and supressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, although humoral response and bacterial burden decrease in GALT was maintained similar to vaccination alone. The administration of the probiotic alone did not enhance the humoral response or PMN activity, and the bacterial burden in GALT was further increased compared to the only challenged group. In conclusion, the probiotic was able to modulate the immune response hampering the clearance of the infection and was also able to affect the response of innate immune cells after vaccination. This study shows that the administration of a probiotic can modulate the immune response pathways triggered by vaccination and/or infection and even exacerbate the outcome of the disease, bringing forward the importance of verifying treatment combinations in the context of each particular infectious agent.
The association between hepatitis C virus infection status and blood pressure in adults in the United States: NHANES 1999–2012
Authors: Yang Feng , Luo Jianping
Published: June 2024

Background

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, but the relationship with blood pressure (BP) remains unclear.

Objectives

To assess the association between HCV infection status and BP in US adults.

Methods

Data for the study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2012. The association of HCV infection status (including HCV infection, current HCV infection, and past HCV infection) with hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were explored using logistic or linear regression analyses respectively.

Results

A total of 25,850 participants (age≥18 years) were enrolled in the current study, including 14,162 participants with hypertension. After adjusting for all covariates, HCV infection/current HCV infection was not associated with hypertension and SBP compared to participants with non-HCV infection (OR: 1.34,95% CI 0.96–1.87/1.31 95% CI 0.91,1.91, β: -0.92, 95% CI -2.7–0.86/-0.35 95% CI -2.51,1.81, respectively). HCV infection/current HCV infection was only associated with elevated DBP (β: 4.1,95% CI 2.57–5.63/4.24,95% CI 2.27–6.21). However, there was no correlation with past HCV infection in participants with hypertension, SBP, and DBP compared to those with non-HCV infection (OR: 1.23,95% CI 0.59–2.54; β: -3.79, 95% CI -7.67–0.08 and 2.28 95% CI -0.36–4.92, respectively).

Conclusion

In a representative sample of US adults, it was found that both HCV infection and current HCV infection were independently linked to higher DBP. However, there was no association between past HCV infection and DBP.
Lung microbiome: new insights into bronchiectasis’ outcome
Authors: Azoicai Alice , Lupu Ancuta , Alexoae Monica Mihaela , Starcea Iuliana Magdalena , Mocanu Adriana , Lupu Vasile Valeriu , Mitrofan Elena Cristina , Nedelcu Alin Horatiu , Tepordei Razvan Tudor , Munteanu Dragos , Mitrofan Costica , Salaru Delia Lidia , Ioniuc Ileana
Published: June 2024

The present treatments for bronchiectasis, which is defined by pathological dilatation of the airways, are confined to symptom relief and minimizing exacerbations. The condition is becoming more common worldwide. Since the disease’s pathophysiology is not entirely well understood, developing novel treatments is critically important. The interplay of chronic infection, inflammation, and compromised mucociliary clearance, which results in structural alterations and the emergence of new infection, is most likely responsible for the progression of bronchiectasis. Other than treating bronchiectasis caused by cystic fibrosis, there are no approved treatments. Understanding the involvement of the microbiome in this disease is crucial, the microbiome is defined as the collective genetic material of all bacteria in an environment. In clinical practice, bacteria in the lungs have been studied using cultures; however, in recent years, researchers use next-generation sequencing methods, such as 16S rRNA sequencing. Although the microbiome in bronchiectasis has not been entirely investigated, what is known about it suggests that Haemophilus, Pseudomonas and Streptococcus dominate the lung bacterial ecosystems, they present significant intraindividual stability and interindividual heterogeneity. Pseudomonas and Haemophilus-dominated microbiomes have been linked to more severe diseases and frequent exacerbations, however additional research is required to fully comprehend the role of microbiome in the evolution of bronchiectasis. This review discusses recent findings on the lung microbiota and its association with bronchiectasis.
Advances and challenges in regenerative therapies for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Chao Calvin L. , Applewhite Brandon , Reddy Nidhi K. , Matiuto Natalia , Dang Caitlyn , Jiang Bin
Published: June 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant source of mortality worldwide and carries a mortality of greater than 80% after rupture. Despite extensive efforts to develop pharmacological treatments, there is currently no effective agent to prevent aneurysm growth and rupture. Current treatment paradigms only rely on the identification and surveillance of small aneurysms, prior to ultimate open surgical or endovascular repair. Recently, regenerative therapies have emerged as promising avenues to address the degenerative changes observed in AAA. This review briefly outlines current clinical management principles, characteristics, and pharmaceutical targets of AAA. Subsequently, a thorough discussion of regenerative approaches is provided. These include cellular approaches (vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells) as well as the delivery of therapeutic molecules, gene therapies, and regenerative biomaterials. Lastly, additional barriers and considerations for clinical translation are provided. In conclusion, regenerative approaches hold significant promise for in situ reversal of tissue damages in AAA, necessitating sustained research and innovation to achieve successful and translatable therapies in a new era in AAA management.
Facial recognition technology: regulations, rights and the rule of law
Authors: Qandeel Mais
Published: June 2024

Despite their pronounced potential, unacceptable risk AI systems, such as facial recognition, have been used as tools for, inter alia, digital surveillance, and policing. This usage raises concerns in relation to the protection of basic freedoms and liberties and upholding the rule of law. This article contributes to the legal discussion by investigating how the law must intervene, control, and regulate the use of unacceptable risk AI systems that concern biometric data from a human-rights and rule of law perspective. In doing so, the article first examines the collection of biometric data and the use of facial recognition technology. Second, it describes the nature of the obligation or duty of states to regulate in relation to new technologies. The article, lastly, assesses the legal implications resulting from the failure of states to regulate new technologies and investigates possible legal remedies. The article uses some relevant EU regulations as an illustrative example.
Building national patient registries in Mexico: insights from the MexOMICS Consortium
Authors: Reyes-Pérez Paula , Hernández-Ledesma Ana Laura , Román-López Talía V. , García-Vilchis Brisa , Ramírez-González Diego , Lázaro-Figueroa Alejandra , Martinez Domingo , Flores-Ocampo Victor , Espinosa-Méndez Ian M. , Tinajero-Nieto Lizbet , Peña-Ayala Angélica , Morelos-Figaredo Eugenia , Guerra-Galicia Carlos M. , Torres-Valdez Estefania , Gordillo-Huerta María Vanessa , Gandarilla-Martínez Nadia A , Salinas-Barboza Karla , Félix-Rodríguez Guillermo , Frontana-Vázquez Gabriel , Matuk-Pérez Yamil , Estrada-Bellmann Ingrid , Alpizar-Rodríguez Deshiré , Rodríguez-Violante Mayela , Rentería Miguel E. , Ruíz-Contreras Alejandra E. , Alcauter Sarael , Medina-Rivera Alejandra
Published: June 2024

Objective

To introduce MexOMICS, a Mexican Consortium focused on establishing electronic databases to collect, cross-reference, and share health-related and omics data on the Mexican population.

Methods

Since 2019, the MexOMICS Consortium has established three electronic-based registries: the Mexican Twin Registry (TwinsMX), Mexican Lupus Registry (LupusRGMX), and the Mexican Parkinson's Research Network (MEX-PD), designed and implemented using the Research Electronic Data Capture web-based application. Participants were enrolled through voluntary participation and on-site engagement with medical specialists. We also acquired DNA samples and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans in subsets of participants.

Results

The registries have successfully enrolled a large number of participants from a variety of regions within Mexico: TwinsMX (n = 2,915), LupusRGMX (n = 1,761) and MEX-PD (n = 750). In addition to sociodemographic, psychosocial, and clinical data, MexOMICS has collected DNA samples to study the genetic biomarkers across the three registries. Cognitive function has been assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in a subset of 376 MEX-PD participants. Furthermore, a subset of 267 twins have participated in cognitive evaluations with the Creyos platform and in MRI sessions acquiring structural, functional, and spectroscopy brain imaging; comparable evaluations are planned for LupusRGMX and MEX-PD.

Conclusions

The MexOMICS registries offer a valuable repository of information concerning the potential interplay of genetic and environmental factors in health conditions among the Mexican population.
Understanding the use of CATI and web-based data collection methods during the pandemic among digitally challenged groups at FQHCs: data from the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Kini Soumya , Cawi Kimberly Marie , Duluk Dave , Yamazaki Katrina , McQueen Matthew B.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The All of Us Research Program (Program) is an ongoing epidemiologic cohort study focused on collecting lifestyle, health, socioeconomic, environmental, and biological data from 1 million US-based participants. The Program has a focus on enrolling populations that are underrepresented in biomedical research (UBR). Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are a key recruitment stream of UBR participants. The Program is digital by design where participants complete surveys via web-based platform. As many FQHC participants are not digitally ready, recruitment and retention is a challenge, requiring high-touch methods. However, high-touch methods ceased as an option in March 2020 when the Program paused in-person activities because of the pandemic. In January 2021, the Program introduced Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) to help participants complete surveys remotely. This paper aims to understand the association between digital readiness and mode of survey completion (CATI vs. web-based platform) by participants at FQHCs.

Methods

This study included 2,089 participants who completed one or more surveys via CATI and/or web-based platform between January 28, 2021 (when CATI was introduced) and January 27, 2022 (1 year since CATI introduction).

Results and discussion

Results show that among the 700 not-digitally ready participants, 51% used CATI; and of the 1,053 digitally ready participants, 30% used CATI for completing retention surveys. The remaining 336 participants had “Unknown/Missing” digital readiness of which, 34% used CATI. CATI allowed survey completion over the phone with a trained staff member who entered responses on the participant's behalf. Regardless of participants' digital readiness, median time to complete retention surveys was longer with CATI compared to web. CATI resulted in fewer skipped responses than the web-based platform highlighting better data completeness. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of using CATI for improving response rates in online surveys, especially among populations that are digitally challenged. Analyses provide insights for NIH, healthcare providers, and researchers on the adoption of virtual tools for data collection, telehealth, telemedicine, or patient portals by digitally challenged groups even when in-person assistance continues to remain as an option. It also provides insights on the investment of staff time and support required for virtual administration of tools for health data collection.
A seasonal snowpack model forced with dynamically downscaled forcing data resolves hydrologically relevant accumulation patterns
Authors: Berg Justine , Reynolds Dylan , Quéno Louis , Jonas Tobias , Lehning Michael , Mott Rebecca
Published: June 2024

The Mountain snowpack stores months of winter precipitation at high elevations, supplying snowmelt to lowland areas in drier seasons for agriculture and human consumption worldwide. Accurate seasonal predictions of the snowpack are thus of great importance, but such forecasts suffer from major challenges such as resolving interactions between forcing variables at high spatial resolutions. To test novel approaches to resolve these processes, seasonal snowpack simulations are run at different grid resolutions (50 m, 100 m, 250 m) and with variable forcing data for the water year 2016/2017. COSMO-1E data is either dynamically downscaled with the High-resolution Intermediate Complexity Atmospheric Research (HICAR) model or statistically downscaled to provide forcing data for snowpack simulations with the Flexible Snowpack Model (FSM2oshd). Simulations covering complex terrain in the Swiss Alps are carried out with the operational settings of the FSM2oshd model or with a model extension including wind- and gravitational-induced snow transport (FSM2trans). The simulated snow height is evaluated against observed snow height collected during LiDAR flights in spring 2017. Observed spatial snow accumulation patterns and snow height distribution are best matched with simulations using dynamically downscaled data and the FSM2trans model extension, indicating the importance of both accurate meteorological forcing data and snow transport schemes. This study demonstrates for the first time the effects of applying dynamical downscaling schemes to snowpack simulations at the seasonal and catchment scale.
A proposed guide to reducing bias and improving assessments of decolonization in global health research
Authors: Ngaruiya Christine , Muhammad Muzzammil Imran , Sam-Agudu Nadia A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The movement to decolonize global health encompasses efforts to dismantle historically inequitable structures and processes in global health research, education, and practice. However, despite increasing literature on the decolonization of global health, gaps between action and knowledge exist in assessments of knowledge production. In this Perspective, we will outline potential biases in current approaches to assessing knowledge production and propose a systems-focused guide to improve the interrogation of knowledge production in this field.

Methods

We leverage the “Inner Setting” and “Outer Setting” domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), a well-established, commonly-used implementation science framework to critically assess the status quo of decolonization and to develop criteria to help guide decolonization efforts in academic contexts. We defined the Inner Setting as academic and research institutions leading and participating in global health research collaborations, and the Outer Setting as the funding, editorial, and peer review policies and practices that influence knowledge production in global health. Research institutions in the Inner organizational domain continually interact with the Outer policy domains. We categorize the levels at which decolonization may occur and where action should be focused as follows: (1) North–South, (2) South–South, (3) Local South, and (4) Local North. Using CFIR domains and the levels of action for decolonization, we propose a multi-level guide to improve on the standardization, granularity, and accuracy of decolonization assessments in global health research.

Conclusion and expected impact

The proposed guide is informed by our global health research expertise and experiences as African scientists with extensive exposure in both global North and global South research contexts. We expect that the proposed guide will help to identify and address the biases identified and will lead to better knowledge-driven action in the process of decolonizing global health research.