bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual variation in the habitat selection of upstream migrating fish near a barrier
Authors: Mawer Rachel , Bruneel Stijn P. , Pauwels Ine S. , Elings Jelger , Pickholtz Eliezer , Pickholtz Renanel , Schneider Matthias , Coeck Johan , Goethals Peter L. M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Migration is a vital element of the life cycle of many freshwater fish species but is increasingly hampered globally by riverine barriers. Fish passes are a common approach to enable migration past barriers but are often ineffective. More knowledge is required on fish behaviour as they approach barriers such as habitat preferences.

Methods

We evaluate the habitat selection of two upstream migrating fish species, barbel Barbus barbus and grayling Thymallus thymallus, at a hydropower plant in southern Germany, considering individual variation and population trends. Fish were tracked via fine-scale 2D acoustic telemetry in 2018 during their spawning migration. Step selection functions were used to evaluate selection of hydraulic parameters by the fish for a time step of 20 s. Exploratory models were built via model selection for each individual fish, to evaluate the extent of individual variation in model structure. A population model was developed for each species by averaging coefficients from individual models to describe general trends. The extent of individual variation was determined and confidence intervals for the population model coefficients were calculated.

Results

Fish varied greatly in individual model structure though common terms were apparent in both species, such as depth, flow velocity, the angular difference between fish and velocity, and the logarithm of the step length. Final population models for barbel included several parameters describing habitat selection and displacement. Barbel selected for faster flows, deeper water, and higher spatial velocity gradients. In addition, they selected to move more with the flow than against. Interactions were also present between habitat parameters, suggesting selection is context dependent. Barbel movement speed also changed with depth, flow velocity and spatial velocity gradient. With grayling, terms often had contrasting effects among individuals and thus general trends could not be distinguished for most terms.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate habitat selection by upstream migrating fish approaching a fish pass and differences in individual selection which may have an impact on barrier management. Step selection functions are a promising approach and can provide useful insight into habitat selection and movement by migrating freshwater fish in an altered river system.
Nearly one-in-five households utilized inadequate iodized salt in Nifas Silk Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mezgebu Getachew Sale , Enyew Endalkachew Amare , Tefera Beakal Zinab , Feleke Fentaw Wassie
Published: August 2023

Background

There is no country in the developing world where iodine deficiency is not a public health problem including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess inadequate utilization of iodized salt and associated factors at household level in woreda 11 Nifas Silk Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with multistage sampling technique on 348 household respondents. The data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires and an iodine rapid test kit. The data were edited, cleaned, and entered using Epi-data version 4.6.2 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors for inadequate utilization of iodized salt. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 348 household respondents were participated. The amount of iodine content in salt 0 ppm, < 15ppm and > 15ppm were 11.8%, 7.2% and 81.0% respectively. Total inadequate utilization of iodized salt was 19%. Using unpacked salt [AOR; 0.50 (95%CI: 0.27, 0.93)], using a container without a lid [AOR; 0.29 (95%CI: 013, 0.63)], and having insufficient knowledge [AOR; 2.10 (95%CI: 1.14, 3.86)] were all significantly connected with using inadequate iodized salt.

Conclusions

Iodized salt utilization was inadequate. Using containers without a lid, unpacked salt, and poor knowledge were associated factors. There should be a provision of adequate knowledge about iodized salt, a proper storage and handling.
Application of fused-grid-based CYP-Template systems for genotoxic substances to understand the metabolisms
Authors: Yamazoe Yasushi , Murayama Norie , Kawamura Tomoko , Yamada Takashi
Published: August 2023

Understanding of metabolic processes is a key factor to evaluate biological effects of carcinogen and mutagens. Applicability of fused-grid Template* systems of CYP enzymes (Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022) was tested for three phenomena. (1) Possible causal relationships between CYP-mediated metabolisms of β-naphthoflavone and 3-methylcholanthrene and the high inducibility of CYP enzymes were examined. Selective involvement of non-constitutive CYP1A1, but not constitutive CYP1A2, was suggested on the oxidative metabolisms of efficient inducers, β-naphthoflavone and 3-methylcholanthrene. These results supported the view of the causal link of their high inducibility with their inefficient metabolisms due to the lack of CYP1A1 in livers at early periods after the administration of both inducers. (2) Clear differences exist between human and rodent CYP1A1 enzymes on their catalyses with heterocyclic amines, dioxins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Reciprocal comparison of simulation results with experimental data suggested the rodent specific site and distinct sitting-preferences of ligands on Template for human and rodent CYP1A1 enzymes. (3) Enhancement of metabolic activation and co-mutagenicity have been known as phenomena associated with Salmonella mutagenesis assay. Both the phenomena were examined on CYP-Templates in ways of simultaneous bi-molecule bindings of distinct ligands as trigger and pro-metabolized molecules. α-Naphthoflavone and norharman served consistently as trigger-molecules to support the oxidations of PAHs and arylamines sitting simultaneously as pro-metabolized molecules on Templates of CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. These CYP-Template simulation systems with deciphering capabilities are promising tools to understand the mechanism basis of metabolic activations and to support confident judgements in safety assessments.
A review of current status of cell-based therapies for aortic aneurysms
Authors: Yamawaki-Ogata Aika , Mutsuga Masato , Narita Yuji
Published: August 2023

An aortic aneurysm (AA) is defined as focal aortic dilation that occurs mainly with older age and with chronic inflammation associated with atherosclerosis. The aneurysmal wall is a complex inflammatory environment characterized by endothelial dysfunction, macrophage activation, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis, and the production of proinflammatory molecules and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) secreted by infiltrated inflammatory cells such as macrophages, T and B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and natural killer cells. To date, a considerable number of studies have been conducted on stem cell research, and growing evidence indicates that inflammation and tissue repair can be controlled through the functions of stem/progenitor cells. This review summarizes current cell-based therapies for AA, involving mesenchymal stem cells, VSMCs, multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring cells, and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. These cells produce beneficial outcomes in AA treatment by modulating the inflammatory environment, including decreasing the activity of proinflammatory molecules and MMPs, increasing anti-inflammatory molecules, modulating VSMC phenotypes, and preserving elastin. This article also describes detailed studies on pathophysiological mechanisms and the current progress of clinical trials.
High performing primary health care organizations from patient perspective: a qualitative study in China
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Zhang Jinnan , Loban Katya , Wei Xiaolin
Published: August 2023

Background

There is a global call to build people-centred primary health care (PHC) systems. Previous evidence suggests that without organization-level reform efforts, the full potential of policy reforms may be limited. This study aimed to generate a profile of high performing PHC organizations from the perspective of patients.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 58 PHC users from six provinces (Shandong, Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Henan, Shanxi, Heilongjiang) in China using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Transcription was completed by trained research assistants through listening to the recordings of the interviews and summarizing them in English by 30-s segments to generate the narrative summary. Informed by the Classification System of PHC Organizational Attributes, thematic analysis aimed to identify domains and attributes of high performing PHC organizations.

Results

A profile of a high performing PHC organization with five domains and 14 attributes was generated. The five domains included: (1) organizational resources including medical equipment, human and information resource; (2) service provision and clinical practice including practice scope, internal integration and external integration; (3) general features including location, environment and ownership; (4) quality and cost; and (5) organizational structure including continuous learning mechanism, administrative structure and governance.

Conclusions

A five-domain profile of high performing PHC organizations from the perspective of Chinese PHC users was generated. Organizational resources, service delivery and clinical practices were most valued by the participants. Meanwhile, the participants also had strong expectation of geographical accessibility, high quality of care as well as efficient organizational structure. These organizational elements should be reflected in further reform efforts in order to build high performing PHC organizations.
Management of bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) of brinjal using Bacillus cereus, Trichoderma harzianum and Calotropis gigantea consortia in Bangladesh
Authors: Qulsum Most. Ummey , Islam Md. Mukul , Chowdhury Md. Emran Khan , Hossain Sheikh Md. Mobarak , Hasan Md. Mohidul
Published: August 2023

Background

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating disease of brinjal in Bangladesh. The study was targeted to evaluate the bacterial wilt management ability of microbial consortia composed of isolated and identified native Bacillus cereus, Trichoderma harzianum and Calotropis gigantea for the first time in Bangladesh.

Results

Twenty bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of the brinjal plant following serial dilution method. Among the strains, HSTUB 17 showed maximum zone of inhibition (1.5 ± 0.1 cm) against R. solanacearum in the dual culture method. Molecular characterization using 16 s rRNA partial coding sequence revealed HSTUB 17 as B. cereus. Consortia composed with the identified B. cereus HSTUB 17 (108 CFU ml−1 @ 5 ml/plant), previously isolated T. harzianum (@5 mm size of four mycelial disk/plant) and aqueous leaf extracts of C. gigantea (1:1, w/v basis @ 40 ml/plant) were applied in the root zone following soil drenching method and found to reduce bacterial wilt incidence by 74.87, 66.67 and 66.67% at 30, 50 and 70 days after transplanting, respectively, in comparison with plants received only R. solanacearum (108 CFU ml−1 @ 5 ml/plant). The single application of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea also minimized wilt incidence by 21.16–37.34, 33.33 and 21.48–28.14%, respectively, on all the days of observations. The consortia of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea also resulted in maximum plant height (56.67 cm), the number of branches/plants (10.33), the number of fruits/plants (8.33) and fruit yield (25.56 ton/ha) in comparison with the plant exposed to R. solanacearum only.

Conclusion

The findings of the study revealed the potentiality of consortia composed of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea for the eco-friendly management of bacterial wilt of brinjal for the first time in Bangladesh.
Identification of small diameter nerve fiber damage in hemodialysis patients' hands using the cutaneous silent period
Authors: Al-Adl Ahmed Salama , Ali Hossam Abd El Monem
Published: August 2023

Background

The arteriovenous fistula is the most effective vascular access option for hemodialysis patients. An important and largely unreported concern detected at follow-up is the complaints of tingling or numbness in the hands of those patients. Furthermore, the cutaneous silent period qualifies as a straightforward evaluation of small nerve fiber function. This study aims to evaluate the function of small-diameter nerve fibers in the hands of patients undergoing continuous hemodialysis (HD) on the side with the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and on the contralateral side.

Results

A cross-sectional study of 40 randomly chosen patients with chronic kidney disease on regular hemodialysis three times weekly the cutaneous silent period (CSP) was recorded on the hand with and without AV fistula. The cutaneous silent period (CSP) CSP was elicited by electrical square pulse stimulation using standard bipolar electrodes. The average cutaneous silent period onset and end latencies demonstrated significant prolongation in the hemodialysis patient group (arteriovenous fistula and non-arteriovenous fistula) compared with the control group. Correlation between cutaneous silent period with hemodialysis duration and adequacy of hemodialysis (KT\V). There was a statistically negative correlation observed between cutaneous silent period onset latency on the arteriovenous side and a positive correlation with KT\V on non-arteriovenous fistula. side.

Conclusions

Hemodialysis patients recommended to undergo regular neurophysiological testing to check for small nerve fiber affection. In particular, measuring the cutaneous Silent period that provides a quick and noninvasive way to rule out small A-delta nerve malfunction. In addition, less nerve injury results from hemodialysis's increased efficiency.
Using 3D CNN for classification of Parkinson’s disease from resting-state fMRI data
Authors: Islam Nair Ul , Khanam Ruqaiya , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2023

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain. Currently, there is no specific diagnostic test available for Parkinson’s disease, and physicians rely on symptoms and medical history for diagnosis. In this study, a 3D-CNN deep learning model is proposed for detecting Parkinson’s disease using 4D-fMRI data. The data is preprocessed using independent component analysis (ICA) and dual regression processes through MELODIC in FSL, which results in a sequence of 30 3D spatial maps, each with its unique time course. A reference network, referred to as an atlas, is then applied using the fslcc command in FSL to map the 3D spatial maps. Fourteen resting-state networks (RSNs) are identified successfully, while the remaining maps are rejected as noise or artifacts. The detected RSNs or 3D spatial maps are fed into the 3D-CNN model, which is trained with a 10-fold cross-validation method. The proposed model has an accuracy of 86.07% on average.
Role of clinical attachments in psychiatry for international medical graduates to enhance recruitment and retention in the NHS
Authors: Rajpara Milap , Chand Parveen , Majumder Pallab
Published: August 2023

Aims and method

There are numerous challenges in the recruitment and retention of the medical workforce in psychiatry. This mixed-methods study examined the role of psychiatry clinical attachments for international medical graduates (IMGs) to enhance recruitment and retention. An online survey was launched to capture views and perceptions of IMGs about clinical attachments. The quantitative and qualitative responses were analysed to elicit findings.

Results

In total, 92 responses were received, with respondents commonly from India, Pakistan and Egypt. Respondents were mostly aged 25–34, with ≥3 years of psychiatry experience. Over 80% expressed strong interest in completing a psychiatry clinical attachment and believed it would support career progression. Qualitative data indicated that IMGs hoped to gain clinical experience and understanding of the National Health Service (NHS). They wished for a clearer, simpler process for clinical attachments.

Clinical implications

Clinical attachment can be mutually beneficial, providing IMGs with opportunity to confidently start their psychiatry career in the UK and enhance medical recruitment in mental health services across the NHS.
Temperature-driven structural phase transitions in 0.05(Na0.50Bi0.50)TiO3-0.95NaNbO3 solid solution via amplitude mode analysis
Authors: Jayakrishnan V. B. , Mishra S. K. , Sastry P. U.
Published: August 2023

Structural phase transitions in the ABO3-type lead-free eco-friendly piezoelectric

(05NBT) have been studied as a function of temperature using dielectric and X-ray diffraction techniques. Below 300 K, we observed dispersion in dielectric permittivity with the frequency, which confirmed relaxor behaviour in 05NBT. Using detailed analysis of temperature-dependent powder X-ray diffraction data of 05NBT, four phase transitions were identified across 600 K, 773 K, 823 K and 923 K. We found that on doping 5% NBT in pure sodium niobate, the low-temperature rhombohedral ferroelectric (N) phase and the high-temperature (S) phase of the sodium niobate get suppressed. To get a better insight about the temperature-driven structural phase transitions, various antiferrodistortive and additional distortive mode as well as the mode amplitude relative to high-symmetry cubic phase were computed and results are discussed.
Evolution of the wave function's shape in a time-dependent harmonic potential
Authors: Livine E. R.
Published: August 2023

An effective operational approach to quantum mechanics is to focus on the evolution of wave packets, for which the wave function can be seen in the semi-classical regime as representing a classical motion dressed with extra degrees of freedom describing the shape of the wave packet and its fluctuations. These quantum dressing are independent degrees of freedom, mathematically encoded in the higher moments of the wave function. We review how to extract the effective dynamics for Gaussian wave packets evolving according to the Schrödinger equation with time-dependent potential in a 1 + 1-dimensional spacetime, and derive the equations of motion for the quadratic uncertainty. We then show how to integrate the evolution of all the higher moments for a general wave function in a time-dependent harmonic potential.
Biosynthesis and Function of VIP and Oxytocin: Mechanisms of C-terminal Amidation, Oxytocin Secretion and Transport
Authors: Yonekura Hideto , Kato Ichiro , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Ikeda Takayuki , Higashida Haruhiro , Okamoto Hiroshi
Published: August 2023

In this review, we provide the status of research on vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and oxytocin, typical C-terminal α-amidated peptide hormones, including their precursor protein structures, processing and C-terminal α-amidation, and the recently identified mechanisms of regulation of oxytocin secretion and its transportation through the blood brain barrier. More than half of neural and endocrine peptides, such as VIP and oxytocin, have the α-amide structure at their C-terminus, which is essential for biological activities. We have studied the synthesis and function of C-terminal α-amidated peptides, including VIP and oxytocin, since the 1980s. Human VIP mRNA encoded not only VIP but also another related C-terminal α-amidated peptide, PHM-27 (peptide having amino-terminal histidine, carboxy-terminal methionine amide, and 27 amino acid residues). The human VIP/PHM-27 gene is composed of 7 exons and regulated synergistically by cyclic AMP and protein kinase C pathways. VIP has an essential role in glycemic control using transgenic mouse technology. The peptide C-terminal α-amidation proceeded through a 2-step mechanism catalyzed by 2 different enzymes encoded in a single mRNA. In the oxytocin secretion from the hypothalamus/the posterior pituitary, the CD38-cyclic ADP-ribose signal system, which was first established in the insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells of the islets of Langerhans, was found to be essential. A possible mechanism involving RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) of the oxytocin transportation from the blood stream into the brain through the blood–brain barrier has also been suggested.
Salinomycin disturbs Golgi function and specifically affects cells in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Marjanović Marko , Mikecin Dražić Ana-Matea , Mioč Marija , Paradžik Mladen , Kliček Filip , Novokmet Mislav , Lauc Gordan , Kralj Marijeta
Published: August 2023

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gives rise to cells with properties similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Targeting the EMT program to selectively eliminate CSCs is a promising way to improve cancer therapy. Salinomycin (Sal), a K+/H+ ionophore, was identified as highly selective towards CSC-like cells, but its mechanism of action and selectivity remains elusive. Here, we show that Sal, similar to monensin and nigericin, disturbs the function of the Golgi. Sal alters the expression of Golgi-related genes and leads to marked changes in Golgi morphology, particularly in cells that have undergone EMT. Moreover, Golgi-disturbing agents severely affect post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein processing, glycosylation and secretion. We discover that the alterations induced by Golgi-disturbing agents specifically affect the viability of EMT cells. Collectively, our work reveals a novel vulnerability related to the EMT, suggesting an important role for the Golgi in the EMT and that targeting the Golgi could represent a novel therapeutic approach against CSCs.
A Novel Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework Constructed by Triptycene-2,3,6,7,14, 15-Hexacarboxylic Acid
Authors: Sugamata Koh , Yamada Shoko , Yanagisawa Daichi , Minoura Mao
Published: August 2023

Triptycene-2,3,6,7,14,15-hexacarboxylic acid (4) was synthesized via a new and efficient route. A single-component, porous hydrogen-bonded organic framework (TrpHOF) was constructed by recrystallization of 4. Although TrpHOF shows almost no N2 uptake, not even at 1 atm and 77 K, the maximum CO2 adsorption at 1 atm and 273 K is 8.2 cm3/g, showing a type-I isotherm, which is characteristic of microporous materials.
The Effect of Lightweight Shoes on Air Force Basic Training Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kasper Korey B. , Nye Nathaniel S. , Casey Theresa M. , Cockerell Meredith G. , Trigg Steven D.
Published: August 2023

Introduction/Purpose

Bone stress injuries (BSI) are a leading medical diagnosis and cause of training disruptions and increased costs in US Air Force basic military training (BMT). Currently, as required by law, all trainees are issued athletic shoes upon arrival to BMT; however, the issued shoes are often disliked by trainees and are suspected of contributing to injury. This study investigated the effect of issuing shoes with lighter weight, lower heel-to-toe drop, and wider toe box than the standard-issue shoes to compare comfort, musculoskeletal injuries, and training outcomes.

Methods

In this blinded, randomized controlled product evaluation, trainees of a single BMT squadron were issued either the standard-issue shoes or a lighter-weight alternative; following completion of BMT, male and female cohorts were compared for differences in fitness assessment results, musculoskeletal injuries, and graduation delays using routinely collected databases. Associations between categorical variables were analyzed using a chi-square test with significance set to α ≤ 0.05.

Results

Among male trainees, issuing the lighter-weight shoe resulted in an absolute risk reduction of 6.05% (from 13.87% to 7.82%) and a relative risk reduction of 43.62% for BSI. Also, trainees who received the heavier standard-issue shoes noted the shoes to be “too uncomfortable to wear” at a significantly higher rate.

Conclusion

Issuing shoes with lighter weight, smaller heel-to-toe drop, and wider toe box appears to reduce the risk of BSI and shoe dissatisfaction among male BMT trainees; such shoe characteristics should be considered for use in populations engaging in similar physical training.
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Rikuzen flounder, Dexistes rikuzenius (Jordan & Starks, 1904)
Authors: Chae Jun Young , Kim JinHo , Kang Tae-Wook , Kim Jinkoo , Lee Hyung-Ho , Kim Moo-Sang
Published: August 2023

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the Rikuzen flounder (Dexistes rikuzenius) using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis is presented. The mitogenome was found to be a circular molecule 17,494 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and one control region (D-loop). Proportional nucleotide composition was A: 28.80% (5,039 bp), T: 26.51% (4,638 bp), C: 28.72% (5,025 bp) and G: 15.96% (2,792 bp), with a combined A+T content of 55.32%. The phylogenetic relationships of the taxon with 19 other flatfish species in the order Pleuronectiformes were then analyzed based on the 13 PCGs. Dexistes rikuzenius was most closely clustered with Cleisthenes herzensteini within this order, suggesting a close relationship.
Comparison of efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl as an adjuvant to bupivacaine and ropivacaine in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries for post-operative analgesia
Authors: Bhuyan Shyamolima , Chandak Aruna , Chakole Vivek
Published: August 2023

Background: Sub-arachnoid block or spinal anaesthesia is a common mode of anaesthesia that is used for lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. Bupivacaine hydrochloride is a long-acting amide anaesthetic used extensively intrathecally. It has the ability to effectively block sensory and motor pathways. However, it has drawbacks, like cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Ropivacaine is a long-acting amide local anaesthetic agent. It has the capacity to block sensory nerves more than motor nerves. Ropivacaine has reduced potential for neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It can be added as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic agents used intrathecally. Fentanyl is characterised by its high potency, rapid serum elimination, and minimal histamine release. The blood-brain barrier can be quickly crossed by fentanyl, which takes one to two minutes to generate analgesia.

Objectives: To compare post-operative analgesia in patients receiving bupivacaine with fentanyl and ropivacaine with fentanyl in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries via sub-arachnoid block; onset, duration of analgesia, duration of sensory and motor blockade; study the haemodynamic stability of patients in both groups; compare the requirement of 24 hours rescue analgesia; to compare the incidence of side effects.

Methodology: This study will be a comparative interventional study which will be conducted on 60 adult patients of both sexes posted for lower limb orthopaedic surgery. They will be randomly divided into two groups with 30 patients in both groups. Group A: Patients receiving bupivacaine 3 mL with fentanyl 25 µg and Group B:  Patients receiving ropivacaine 3mL with fentanyl 25 µg. The onset of and duration of block (sensory as well as motor), hemodynamic parameters, post-operative analgesia time and side effects (if any) will be recorded.

Trial registration: Submitted to Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI)

Trial REF/2023/05/067586
Effect of Powerbreath Medic Plus versus Threshold IMT on maximal inspiratory pressure and functional capacity in post-operative ventricular septal defect closure: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choubisa Chitrakshi A , Vardhan Dr. Vishnu
Published: August 2023

Background: Congenital heart disease is a general phrase that refers to any heart conditions that exist at birth, the most prevalent of which being ventricular septal defects (VSD) and foetal congenital malformations. VSD refers to the presence of aperture between the ventricles which leads to mixing of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood. Although many VSDs close on their own, failing to do so can result in a number of issues and typically necessitates open heart surgery for closure of the defect. According to various studies, there is reduced functioning of diaphragm post cardiac surgeries which leads to occurrences of pulmonary complications such as lung collapse, fluid accumulation in pleura, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumothorax which can be debilitating and jeopardize recovery as well as increase hospital stay. There are several devices which are proven to improve the strength of inspiratory musculature and hence improve maximal inspiratory pressure and functional capacity post cardiac surgeries.

Method: In this study we aimed to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of Powerbreath Medic Plus and Threshold Inspiratory Muscle Trainer (IMT) adjunct to conservative physiotherapy management on subjects who underwent VSD closure in a two arm parallel superiority randomized control trial on improving maximal inspiratory pressure and functional capacity. 60 individuals in total will be allocated equally into two groups, and both groups will be receiving treatment for four weeks with five sessions per week. After four weeks of therapy and two weeks after the intervention is through, the results will be assessed for follow-up.

Predicted results: By increasing maximal inspiratory pressure and functional capacity, this technique may be used to treat complications following heart surgery if our study's premise is found to be significant.

CTRI registration: CTRI/2023/03/051090
Role of specialized pro-resolving mediators on inflammation, cardiometabolic health, disease progression, and quality of life after omega-3 PUFA supplementation and aerobic exercise training in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized 16-week, placebo-controlled interventional trial *
Authors: Jannas-Vela Sebastián , Candia Alejandro A , Peñailillo Luis , Barrios-Troncoso Paola , Zapata-Urzúa Jeremy , Rey-Puente Joanny , Aukema Harold M , Mutch David M , Valenzuela Rodrigo , Valladares-Ide Denisse
Published: August 2023

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by autoantibody production and synovial membrane damage. It significantly impairs overall function and quality of life. Consumption of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and regular aerobic exercise (AEx) training are reported to have positive effects on the progression of RA. However, the mechanisms behind these benefits are still inconclusive. This study protocol will investigate the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation and AEx training on disease progression, cardiometabolic health, and quality of life, and their association with the plasma and synovial fluid levels of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in subjects with RA.

Methods: The study consists of a 16-week intervention period, during which participants will be randomly assigned in a double-blinded manner to one of four groups: placebo control (PLA), PLA+AEx, n-3, or n-3+AEx. The PLA groups will be given a gelatin-filled capsule, while the n-3 groups will be given n-3 PUFAs equivalent to 2.5 g/d of docosahexaenoic acid and 0.5 g/d of eicosapentaenoic acid. The AEx groups will perform exercise three times per week on a stationary electronically braked cycle ergometer at 60-70% of their VO2peak for 50-60 minutes. Before and after the intervention, participants will undergo RA-specific and functional measurements, peak aerobic capacity test, and a dietary and physical activity assessment. Venous blood and synovial fluid from the knee joint will be collected. Changes in disease progression, cardiometabolic health, and quality of life, as well as erythrocyte membrane composition to assess n-3 incorporation, SPM levels, inflammatory markers, and gene expression from blood and synovial fluid will be analyzed.

Conclusions: The study aims to elucidate the SPMs that regulate the inflammatory gene expression pathways and associate them with the improvements in disease progression, cardiometabolic health, and quality of life after n-3 PUFA supplementation and AEx training. 

Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT05945693.
Incentives and disincentives to private sector reporting on family planning in Kenya: why these matter, and how they may change over time
Authors: Appleford Gabrielle , Mumbia Daniel , Emmart Priya
Published: August 2023

Background: This study sought to understand private sector reporting on family planning in Kenya’s health information system (KHIS). We approached this through three lenses: governance, procedural and technical. Our study looked at these areas of interest in Kenya, complemented by deeper exploration in Nairobi County.

Methods: The study used mixed methods drawing on analysis from the KHIS and surveys, complemented by desk review. The qualitative research entailed group discussions with public sector personnel while more in-depth qualitative interviews were done with public and private sector respondents. A framework matrix was developed for the qualitative analysis. The study was approved by the Ministry of Health in March 2022 and conducted over the period March - May 2022. 

Results: From a governance lens, private sector respondents recognised the importance of registry and reporting as a government policy requirement. From a procedural lens, private sector respondents saw reporting procedures as duplicative and parallel processes as reports are not generated through digitised information systems. From a technical lens, private sector reporting rates have improved over time however other data quality issues remain, which include over- and under-reporting of family planning services into KHIS. Secondary analysis for Nairobi County shows that the private facility contribution to family planning has declined over time while family planning access through pharmacies have grown over the same period; there is no visibility on this shift within the KHIS. Changes in private sector family service provision have implications for assumptions underpinning modern contraceptive modelled estimates and programmatic decision-making.

Conclusions: There is limited monitoring of the incentives and disincentives for reporting by private health facilities into the KHIS. These have changed over time and place. Sustained private sector engagement is important to align incentives for reporting as is greater visibility on the role of pharmacies in family planning.
TRENDS OF EVOLUTION OF FOOD SECURITY: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND HUMAN DIGNITY
Authors: Bakharev Vladimir V. , Mityashin Gleb Yu. , Stelmashonok Elena V. , Stelmashonok Vitaly L. , Chargasiya Grigory G.
Published: August 2023

This paper examines innovations in the field of ensuring food security for those in need. It is noted that in the modern world, in addition to traditional food supply models (that is, those that set themselves the only goal – to help those in need) innovative methods are emerging (which pursue several goals, one of which is to help those in need). In more detail, this paper discusses innovative methods, to which the authors refer the possibility of creating a public retail network with fixed prices, conducting a markdown procedure, getting food in commercial enterprises for free, obtaining a comprehensive restaurant service at a significantly lower price and self-organization of people in a digital environment. The paper presents a detailed analysis of each of the above methods. The main conclusion of the study is the need to segment the needy depending on their specific needs. The authors propose to distinguish the following groups of people in need: those in need of basic food, those in need of additional food, those in need of socially acceptable practices for obtaining food, the well-off. For each of the selected groups, innovative methods of providing food are proposed, depending on the specifics of the needs of the people in each group. It is noted that considering individual needs while ensuring food security leads to an increase in the quality of life of the population.
Correlated Cluster-Based Randomized Experiments: Robust Variance Minimization
Authors: Candogan Ozan , Chen Chen , Niazadeh Rad
Published: August 2023

Experimentation is prevalent in online marketplaces and social networks to assess the effectiveness of new market intervention. To mitigate the interference among users in an experiment, a common practice is to use a cluster-based experiment, where the designer partitions the market into loosely connected clusters and assigns all users in the same cluster to the same variant (treatment or control). Given the experiment, we assume an unbiased Horvitz–Thompson estimator is used to estimate the total market effect of the treatment. We consider the optimization problem of choosing (correlated) randomized assignments of clusters to treatment and control to minimize the worst-case variance of the estimator under a constraint that the marginal assignment probability is [Formula: see text] for all clusters. This problem can be formulated as a linear program where both the number of decision variables and constraints are exponential in the number of clusters—and hence is generally computationally intractable. We develop a family of practical experiments that we refer to as independent block randomization (IBR) experiments. Such an experiment partitions clusters into blocks so that each block contains clusters of similar size. It then treats a fraction q of the clusters in each block (chosen uniformly at random) and does so independently across blocks. The optimal cluster partition can be obtained in a tractable way using dynamic programming. We show that these policies are asymptotically optimal when the number of clusters grows large and no cluster size dominates the rest. In the special case where cluster sizes take values in a finite set and the number of clusters of each size is a fixed proportion of the total number of clusters, the loss is only a constant that is independent of the number of clusters. Beyond the asymptotic regime, we show that the IBR experiment has a good approximation for any problem instance when q is not very tiny. We also examine the performance of the IBR experiments on data-driven numerical examples, including examples based on Airbnb and Facebook data.

This paper was accepted by Itai Ashlagi, revenue management and market analytics.

Funding: O. Candogan acknowledges NSF [Award 2216912] for “Institute for Data, Econometrics, Algorithms and Learning.”

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02741 .
Inverted Apprenticeship: How Senior Occupational Members Develop Practical Expertise and Preserve Their Position When New Technologies Arrive
Authors: Beane Matthew , Anthony Callen
Published: August 2023

New technologies create a dilemma for senior members of occupations. Traditionally, practical expertise and position are considered correlates, yet when new technologies arrive, they may be knocked out of alignment. This means that senior members must develop new expertise lest their position be threatened. However, because position often signifies expertise, developing new practical expertise may be challenging. Indeed, senior members face strong pressures not to appear to nor actually devote time to comprehensive formal training as they are booked with complex problems using prior methods, they are responsible for the learning of junior members, and they have passed early career training windows. Through comparative ethnographic field studies of urological surgery and investment banking, we show that “inverted apprenticeships,” defined as configured struggle and restructured interactions with junior members that allow senior members to develop practical expertise with new technologies while maintaining their position, resolve this dilemma. We identify four pathways that senior experts took to structure these inverted apprenticeships, including seeking, stalling, leveraging, and confronting. We uncover the conditions of each pathway and trace their consequences. Although these pathways allowed senior members to enhance or preserve their position, they generated widely varying practical expertise with the new technology. Furthermore, the majority of these pathways undermined the learning of those most junior, who were supposed to be developing expertise through their interactions with seniors.

Funding: This work was supported by the Strategic Management Society [Grant SRF-2015DP-0063] and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada [Grant 752-2014-0378].
Value-based pricing of add-on life-extending medicines based on economic evaluation
Authors: Gandjour Afschin
Published: August 2023

Value-based pricing of new medicines, when defined as pricing or reimbursement based on economic evaluation, requires the use of a threshold incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Value-based pricing can leave little room for setting a price above zero for manufacturers of new life-extending add-on medicines that are used in combination regimens. This study aimed to present and explore different methodological approaches for pricing life-extending add-on medicines in this value-based pricing framework. The analysis demonstrated that excluding the costs of background therapy will create opportunity costs. A proportional division of the price can avoid opportunity costs. In the absence of information on relative health benefits, a counterfactual scenario of a head-to-head trial has suggested halving the price of background therapy in the relevant patient subgroups. Overall, the most plausible approach appears to be a proportional division of the total price of the combination therapy, in proportion to the health benefits of the add-on medicine and the background therapy.
AUGMENTATION OF MENISCUS REPAIR USING AUTOGENOUS BLOOD CLOT
Authors: Myers Peter , Goldberg Michael , Davies Peter
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Augmentation of meniscus repairs with fibrin clot may enhance the healing capacity. Pulling the clot into the tear with a suture ensures that it stays in position. This paper aims to assess the outcome of this technique.

Methods

52 patients over 4 years undergoing suture repair of a meniscus tear with blood clot augmentation were collected from a prospective database. Follow up included outcome scores and a questionnaire. Failure was defined as pain or further surgery secondary to meniscal pathology.

Results

There were 32 males and 20 females, mean age of 35 (14–70). The medial meniscus was repaired in 32 knees and the lateral in 20. Complete radial tears were the most common type. Only 2% of tears were in the red-red zone. Follow-up ranged from 12 months to 7 years. Only 1 patient is known to have come to subsequent arthroscopy. Lysholm scores improved from 53.97 (SD 18.14) to 92.08 (SD 8.97), Oxford Knee Scores from 29.84 (SD 9.65) to 45.79 (SD 2.66), KOOS pain scores from 61.49 (SD 22.76) to 93.54 (SD 8.06) and Tegner scores from 4.56 (SD 3.35) to 6.05 (SD 2.41).

Conclusions

Pulling a fibrin blood clot into a meniscus tear with a suture ensures that the clot remains in place while the meniscus is repaired. Patients have shown excellent outcomes with 98% survivorship at 45 months. This is a reliable technique for augmenting meniscus repairs especially for tears which otherwise may not have been repaired.
Surface plasmon enhanced THz spontaneous emission near metal-cored wires coated with graphene
Authors: Olivo Julieta , Cuevas Mauro
Published: August 2023

This work deals with the theoretical study of the spontaneous emission of a point dipole source placed near a cylindrical structure composed of a central metallic core and a dielectric shell covered with graphene. We show that the spontaneous emission rate is dominated by coupling into surface plasmon (SP) modes on graphene, which present high values of the propagation constant along the cylinder symmetry axis. When the dielectric shell thickness is reduced, the plasmon dispersion is modified into a linear dependence and the modal SP propagation constant is further incremented, involving an improved field confinement. This effect is manifested as a redshift of the emission frequency spectrum for each individual cylindrical harmonic mode. We propose a simple model that provides us a link between the dispersion characteristics and maximum emission rate for each SP cylindrical mode.
Quantum frequency conversion using 4-port fiber-pigtailed PPLN module
Authors: Murakami Shoichi , Fujimoto Rintaro , Kobayashi Toshiki , Ikuta Rikizo , Inoue Asuka , Umeki Takeshi , Miki Shigehito , China Fumihiro , Terai Hirotaka , Kasahara Ryoichi , Mukai Tetsuya , Imoto Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Takashi
Published: August 2023

Quantum frequency conversion (QFC), which involves the exchange of frequency modes of photons, is a prerequisite for quantum interconnects among various quantum systems, primarily those based on telecom photonic network infrastructures. Compact and fiber-closed QFC modules are in high demand for such applications. In this paper, we report such a QFC module based on a fiber-coupled 4-port frequency converter with a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. The demonstrated QFC shifted the wavelength of a single photon from 780 to 1541 nm. The single photon was prepared via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) with heralding photon detection, for which the cross-correlation function was 40.45 ± 0.09. The observed cross-correlation function of the photon pairs had a nonclassical value of 13.7 ± 0.4 after QFC at the maximum device efficiency of 0.73, which preserved the quantum statistical property. Such an efficient QFC module is useful for interfacing atomic systems and fiber-optic communication.
Performance of finite-size metal-dielectric nanoslits metasurface optical filters
Authors: He Rong , Chen Cheng , Tang Xisaina , Zheng Yuxiang , Chen Liangyao , Guo Junpeng
Published: August 2023

In this work, we analyze the performance of finite-size metal-dielectric nanoslits guided mode resonance metasurface optical filters by using finite-difference time-domain simulations and spatial Fourier transform analysis. It is shown that in the direction of the nanoslits period, the critical size required to maintain the performance of the corresponding infinite size filter is the product of the nanoslits period and the quality factor of the infinite size filter. Size reduction in this dimension below the critical dimension reduces the peak transmittance and broadens the spectral linewidth of the filter. In the dimension orthogonal to the nanoslits period direction, the critical dimension size required is not related to the quality factor of the corresponding infinite size filter. Our analysis shows that the critical size is 12 times the filter peak wavelength in the orthogonal dimension for maintaining the filter performance. The 12 times filter wavelength requirement corresponds to the second zero of the Fourier transform of the aperture function.