bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective isolation of extracellular vesicles from minimally processed human plasma as a translational strategy for liquid biopsies
Authors: Fortunato Diogo , Giannoukakos Stavros , Giménez-Capitán Ana , Hackenberg Michael , Molina-Vila Miguel A. , Zarovni Nataša
Published: August 2022

Background

Intercellular communication is mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs), as they enclose selectively packaged biomolecules that can be horizontally transferred from donor to recipient cells. Because all cells constantly generate and recycle EVs, they provide accurate timed snapshots of individual pathophysiological status. Since blood plasma circulates through the whole body, it is often the biofluid of choice for biomarker detection in EVs. Blood collection is easy and minimally invasive, yet reproducible procedures to obtain pure EV samples from circulating biofluids are still lacking. Here, we addressed central aspects of EV immunoaffinity isolation from simple and complex matrices, such as plasma.

Methods

Cell-generated EV spike-in models were isolated and purified by size-exclusion chromatography, stained with cellular dyes and characterized by nano flow cytometry. Fluorescently-labelled spike-in EVs emerged as reliable, high-throughput and easily measurable readouts, which were employed to optimize our EV immunoprecipitation strategy and evaluate its performance. Plasma-derived EVs were captured and detected using this straightforward protocol, sequentially combining isolation and staining of specific surface markers, such as CD9 or CD41. Multiplexed digital transcript detection data was generated using the Nanostring nCounter platform and evaluated through a dedicated bioinformatics pipeline.

Results

Beads with covalently-conjugated antibodies on their surface outperformed streptavidin-conjugated beads, coated with biotinylated antibodies, in EV immunoprecipitation. Fluorescent EV spike recovery evidenced that target EV subpopulations can be efficiently retrieved from plasma, and that their enrichment is dependent not only on complex matrix composition, but also on the EV surface phenotype. Finally, mRNA profiling experiments proved that distinct EV subpopulations can be captured by directly targeting different surface markers. Furthermore, EVs isolated with anti-CD61 beads enclosed mRNA expression patterns that might be associated to early-stage lung cancer, in contrast with EVs captured through CD9, CD63 or CD81. The differential clinical value carried within each distinct EV subset highlights the advantages of selective isolation.

Conclusions

This EV isolation protocol facilitated the extraction of clinically useful information from plasma. Compatible with common downstream analytics, it is a readily implementable research tool, tailored to provide a truly translational solution in routine clinical workflows, fostering the inclusion of EVs in novel liquid biopsy settings.
Improving estimates of the ionosphere during geomagnetic storm conditions through assimilation of thermospheric mass density
Authors: Fernandez-Gomez Isabel , Kodikara Timothy , Borries Claudia , Forootan Ehsan , Goss Andreas , Schmidt Michael , Codrescu Mihail V.
Published: August 2022

Dynamical changes in the ionosphere and thermosphere during geomagnetic storm times can have a significant impact on our communication and navigation applications, as well as satellite orbit determination and prediction activities. Because of the complex electrodynamics coupling processes during storms, which cannot be fully described with the sparse set of thermosphere–ionosphere (TI) observations, it is crucial to accurately model the state of the TI system. The approximation closest to the true state can be obtained by assimilating relevant measurements into physics-based models. Thermospheric mass density (TMD) derived from satellite measurements is ideal to improve the thermosphere through data assimilation. Given the coupled nature of the TI system, the changes in the thermosphere will also influence the ionosphere state. This study presents a quantification of the changes and improvement of the model state produced by assimilating TMD not only for the thermosphere density but also for the ionosphere electron density under storm conditions. TMD estimates derived from a single Swarm satellite and the Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Plasmasphere electrodynamics (CTIPe) physics-based model are used for the data assimilation. The results are presented for a case study during the St. Patricks Day storm 2015. It is shown that the TMD data assimilation generates an improvement of the model’s thermosphere density of up to 40% (measured along the orbit of the non-assimilated Swarm satellites). The model’s electron density during the course of the storm has been improved by approximately 8 and 22% relative to Swarm-A and GRACE, respectively. The comparison of the model’s global electron density against a high-quality 3D electron density model, generated through assimilation of total electron content, shows that TMD assimilation modifies the model’s ionosphere state positively and negatively during storm time. The major improvement areas are the mid-low latitudes during the storm’s recovery phase.

Graphical Abstract
Do the Footwear Profiles and Foot-Related Problems Reported by Netball Players Differ Between Males and Females?
Authors: Kirk Maddison M. , Mattock Joshua P. M. , Coltman Celeste E. , Steele Julie R.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

We explored the footwear profiles and foot-related problems reported by netball players and whether these differed between males and females.

Methods

Two thousand nine hundred and twenty-five amateur, sub-elite and elite netball players (men n = 279; women n = 2646; age 26.4 ± 10.0 years) completed a custom-designed online survey with questions related to netball experience, current netball footwear habits and history of foot-related problems. Footwear profiles and foot-related problems were considered in logistic regressions against sex and competition level to ascertain significant relationships (p < 0.05) and predictive values (odds ratio).

Results

Although 80.4% of respondents reported wearing netball-specific shoes, females were 13.2 times more likely to wear netball-specific shoes than males. Foot-related problems and foot pain were reported by 84.3% and 56.8% of netball players, respectively; with blisters, ankle sprain/strains and calluses being most common. Although women were significantly more likely to suffer from foot-related problems than men, males were significantly more likely to believe their foot pain was caused by the footwear they wore for netball.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of foot-related problems and pain reported by all netball players suggests that the shoes players are currently wearing for netball are not meeting the requirements of players, particularly regarding fit, comfort and functionality. As male netball players have significantly different footwear profiles to female players, men are likely to require netball-specific footwear that differs to the netball-specific shoes designed for female players.
Feasibility of an Audit and Feedback Intervention to Facilitate Journal Policy Change Towards Greater Promotion of Transparency and Openness in Sports Science Research
Authors: Hansford Harrison J. , Cashin Aidan G. , Bagg Matthew K. , Wewege Michael A. , Ferraro Michael C. , Kianersi Sina , Mayo-Wilson Evan , Grant Sean P. , Toomey Elaine , Skinner Ian W. , McAuley James H. , Lee Hopin , Jones Matthew D.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate (1) the feasibility of an audit-feedback intervention to facilitate sports science journal policy change, (2) the reliability of the Transparency of Research Underpinning Social Intervention Tiers (TRUST) policy evaluation form, and (3) the extent to which policies of sports science journals support transparent and open research practices.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, audit-feedback, feasibility study of transparency and openness standards of the top 38 sports science journals by impact factor. The TRUST form was used to evaluate journal policies support for transparent and open research practices. Feedback was provided to journal editors in the format of a tailored letter. Inter-rater reliability and agreement of the TRUST form was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and the standard error of measurement, respectively. Time-based criteria, fidelity of intervention delivery and qualitative feedback were used to determine feasibility.

Results

The audit-feedback intervention was feasible based on the time taken to rate journals and provide tailored feedback. The mean (SD) score on the TRUST form (range 0–27) was 2.05 (1.99), reflecting low engagement with transparent and open practices. Inter-rater reliability of the overall score of the TRUST form was moderate [ICC (2,1) = 0.68 (95% CI 0.55–0.79)], with standard error of measurement of 1.17. However, some individual items had poor reliability.

Conclusion

Policies of the top 38 sports science journals have potential for improved support for transparent and open research practices. The feasible audit-feedback intervention developed here warrants large-scale evaluation as a means to facilitate change in journal policies.

Registration: OSF (https://osf.io/d2t4s/).
Hypertensive attack induced by dexamethasone during induction of anesthesia in a patient with an adrenal pheochromocytoma: a case report
Authors: Kurita Shuichiro , Kamiya Yoshinori
Published: August 2022

Background

Dexamethasone is used perioperatively as an antiemetic for postoperative nausea and vomiting. Evidence and mechanism linking dexamethasone and hypertensive attack of pheochromocytoma during anesthesia have not been reported.

Case description

We report a case of a hypertensive attack during anesthetic induction immediately after dexamethasone administration in a 35-year-old woman with adrenal pheochromocytoma. Approximately 2 min after the anesthetic drugs and dexamethasone were administered, her arterial blood pressure suddenly increased from 143/79 to 243/116 mmHg during manual mask ventilation. Since tracheal intubation had not been performed yet, dexamethasone could be a causative agent of hypertensive episodes. The surgery and anesthesia were uneventful. She was admitted to the intensive care unit to have her blood pressure controlled subsequently.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone should be used with caution in patients with adrenal pheochromocytoma on account of the risk of hypertensive attacks.
Relationship between psychiatric symptoms and activities of daily living in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Matsunaga Yusuke , Takahashi Hiroki , Suzuki Yuta , Yamamoto Shohei , Imamura Keigo , Yoshikoshi Shun , Uchida Juri , Nakajima Takuya , Fukuzaki Narumi , Harada Manae , Matsuzawa Ryota , Yoshida Atsushi , Ichikura Kanako , Fukase Yuko , Murayama Norio , Murase Hanako , Tagaya Hirokuni , Matsunaga Atsuhiko
Published: August 2022

Background

Accurately identifying the factors contributing to decline in activities of daily living (ADL) is important for preventing such decline in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). We studied the prevalence and number of overlapping psychiatric symptoms (depressive symptoms, apathy, and sleep disturbance) in patients undergoing HD and examined the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and ADL.

Methods

The study utilized a cross-sectional research design. The sample included 203 outpatients (median age: 69 years) undergoing stable HD treatment three times a week. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, body composition, dialysis vintage, primary kidney disease, comorbidity, and nutritional status, were collected from patients’ medical records. Functional status was assessed based on the self-reported questionnaire that combined five basic and eight instrumental ADL items. Usual walking speed was used as an index of physical function. Additionally, the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. Further, apathy and sleep disturbance were assessed using the Motivation Score and the Athens Insomnia Scale, respectively.

Results

Overall, 59 (29.1%) patients demonstrated depressive symptoms, 100 (49.3%) reported apathy, 83 (40.9%) had sleep disturbance, 31 (15.3%) had three overlapping psychiatric symptoms, 43 (21.2%) had two overlapping psychiatric symptoms, 63 (31.0%) had only one symptom, and 66 (32.5%) had no psychiatric symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that having two or three overlapping psychiatric symptoms was independently and significantly associated with ADL (functional status of 13 points for the ADL maintenance group, and of < 13 points for the ADL decline group, respectively), even after adjusting for patient characteristics and walking speed (odds ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–6.69, reference; no psychiatric symptoms).

Conclusion

The present study clarified that the overlapping symptoms, including depressive symptoms, apathy, and sleep disturbance, were independently associated with ADL decline in patients undergoing HD. It is useful to examine not only depressive symptoms but also other symptoms such as apathy and sleep disturbance to elucidate factors associated with deteriorated ADL in chronic patients. Our findings provide a strong basis for targeted interventions to prevent functional dependence in the HD population.
Person-centered climate from the perspective of hemodialysis patients and nurses working in hemodialysis units
Authors: Abdolsattari Simin , Ghafourifard Mansour , Parvan Kobra
Published: August 2022

Background

Person-centered care (PCC) is considered an important component of high-quality care in hemodialysis units. Hemodialysis patients and nurses may have different perceptions of person-centeredness in hemodialysis units. The present study aimed to assess the PCC from the perspective of hemodialysis patients and nurses working in the hemodialysis unit.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 patients and 71 nurses working in two hemodialysis units. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, person-centered climate questionnaire-patient version (PCQ-P), and person-centered climate questionnaire-staff version (PCQ-S). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (ver. 24) using ANOVA and independent t-tests.

Results

The mean score of person-centered climate from the patients' view was 81.49 ± 7.14 (Possible score: 17–102). Independent t-test showed that the mean total score of PCQ-P in patients undergoing hemodialysis in the Imam Reza Hospital (82.26 ± 7.09) was more than those undergoing hemodialysis in the Sina Hospital (78.60 ± 6.61) (P < 0.05). The mean score of the safety subscale showed a statistically significant difference between the two hemodialysis centers (P < 0.05). The mean total score of PCQ-S from the nurses' view was 66.86 ± 8.07 out of 84. The mean score of the everydayness subscale showed a statistically significant difference between nurses working in two hemodialysis units (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although the results showed an acceptable score in the person-centered climate questioner, it needs some improvements in the fields of safety and everydayness. The environment of the hemodialysis unit could limit or enhance the implementation of person-centered processes.
Sex-differences in excess death risk during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of the first wave across Italian regions. What have we learned?
Authors: Rizzi Silvia , Strozza Cosmo , Zarulli Virginia
Published: August 2022

In this commentary, we bring together knowledge on sex-differences in excess death during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, one of the most hit European countries. We zoom into Italian regions to account for the spatial gradient of the spread of the virus. Analyses of excess death by sex during the COVID-19 pandemic have been possible thanks to weekly mortality data released by national statistical offices, mainly in developed countries. The general finding is that males up to 75 years old have been suffering more excess death compared to females. However, the picture is less clear-cut at older ages. During previous epidemics, such as SARS, Swine Flu, and MERS, studies are limited and produce scattered, non-conclusive evidence. Knowledge of the sex-pattern of susceptibility to mortality from virulent respiratory diseases and its interplay with age could improve crisis management during future epidemics and pandemics. National statistical offices should provide weekly mortality data with spatial granularity, disaggregated by sex and age groups, to allow for such analyses.
Investigation of gender differences in stillbirths in Italian regions at the turn of the nineteenth century
Authors: Ruiu Gabriele , Pozzi Lucia , Raftakis Michail , Breschi Marco
Published: August 2022

Data quality issues have hindered the analysis of the determinants of stillbirths in the years following Italian unification. By exploiting panel data techniques to take into account the possible effect of stillbirth misreporting, this paper investigates the relationship between seasonal agricultural workload and the number of male and female stillbirths in the Italian regions at the turn of the twentieth century (1883–1913). We found that although stillbirth rates were lower for females, agricultural workload seasonality had a more substantial effect for them. We suggest that this finding may be rationalised through the adaptive sex ratio adjustment hypothesis.
Outbreak of cutaneous anthrax associated with handling meat of dead cows in Southwestern Uganda, May 2018
Authors: Musewa Angella , Mirembe Bernadette Basuta , Monje Fred , Birungi Doreen , Nanziri Carol , Aceng Freda Loy , Kabwama Steven N. , Kwesiga Benon , Ndumu Deo Birungi , Nyakarahuka Luke , Buule Joshua , Cossaboom Caitlin M. , Lowe David , Kolton Cari B. , Marston Chung K. , Stoddard Robyn A. , Hoffmaster Alex R. , Ario Alex Riolexus , Zhu Bao-Ping
Published: August 2022

Background

Anthrax is a zoonotic infection caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Humans acquire cutaneous infection through contact with infected animals or animal products. On May 6, 2018, three cows suddenly died on a farm in Kiruhura District. Shortly afterwards, a sub-county chief in Kiruhura District received reports of humans with suspected cutaneous anthrax in the same district. The patients had reportedly participated in the butchery and consumption of meat from the dead cows. We investigated to determine the magnitude of the outbreak, identify exposures associated with illness, and suggest evidence-based control measures.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among persons whose households received any of the cow meat. We defined a suspected human cutaneous anthrax case as new skin lesions (e.g., papule, vesicle, or eschar) in a resident of Kiruhura District from 1 to 26 May 2018. A confirmed case was a suspected case with a lesion testing positive for B. anthracis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We identified cases through medical record review at Engari Health Centre and active case finding in the community.

Results

Of the 95 persons in the cohort, 22 were case-patients (2 confirmed and 20 suspected, 0 fatal cases) and 73 were non-case household members. The epidemic curve indicated multiple point-source exposures starting on May 6, when the dead cows were butchered. Among households receiving cow meat, participating in slaughtering (RR = 5.3, 95% CI 3.2–8.3), skinning (RR = 4.7, 95% CI = 3.1–7.0), cleaning waste (RR = 4.5, 95% CI = 3.1–6.6), and carrying meat (RR = 3.9, 95% CI = 2.2–7.1) increased the risk of infection.

Conclusions

This cutaneous anthrax outbreak was caused by handling infected animal carcasses. We suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to strengthen surveillance for possible veterinary anthrax and ensure that communities do not consume carcasses of livestock that died suddenly. We also suggested that the Ministry of Health equip health facilities with first-line antibiotics for community members during outbreaks.
Mathematical surface function-based design and 3D printing of airway stents
Authors: Yilmaz Bengi , Kara Bilge Yilmaz
Published: August 2022

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a method applied to build a 3D object of any shape from a digital model, and it provides crucial advantages especially for transferring patient-specific designs to clinical settings. The main purpose of this study is to introduce the newly designed complex airway stent models that are created through mathematical functions and manufactured with 3D printing for implementation in real life.

Methods

A mathematical modeling software (MathMod) was used to design five different airway stents. The highly porous structures with designated scales were fabricated by utilizing a stereolithography-based 3D printing technology. The fine details in the microstructure of 3D printed parts were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties of airway stents with various designs and porosity were compared by compression test.

Results

The outputs of the mathematical modeling software were successfully converted into 3D printable files and airway stents with a porosity of more than 85% were 3D printed. SEM images revealed the layered topography of high-resolution 3D printed parts. Compression tests have shown that the mathematical function-based design offers the opportunity to adjust the mechanical strength of airway stents without changing the material or manufacturing method.

Conclusions

A novel approach, which includes mathematical function-based design and 3D printing technology, is proposed in this study for the fabrication of airway stents as a promising tool for future treatments of central airway pathologies.
Vampyrophrya pelagica (Chatton and Lwoff 1930), an apostome ciliate infectious on calanoid copepod from the Northeastern Arabian Sea
Authors: Purushothaman Aishwarya , Thomas Lathika Cicily , Francis Sanu V. , Padmakumar K. B.
Published: August 2022

Background

Zooplankton provides a dynamic habitat to various kinds of epibionts in the marine ecosystem and also forms a source of food and nutrients to various parasites and parasitoids. The study was conducted to identify the association of ciliates with calanoid copepod of Northeastern Arabian Sea. Zooplankton samples collected were analysed under stereomicroscope for any kind of ciliate attachments. The infective stage and major characteristics of the ciliates were discussed. The present observation is the first report of apostome ciliate Vampyrophrya pelagica on calanoid copepod Bestiolina similis from the open ocean waters off Tarapur, Northeastern Arabian Sea, during the early spring intermonsoon season and also a new host record for the ciliate.

Results

Analysis of ~ 2530 copepod revealed the presence of 12 copepod specimens infested with apostome ciliate Vampyrophrya pelagica. All the host copepod, identified as Bestiolina similis, were females. Approximately 50–60 ciliates occupied the host endocuticular region. V. pelagica was represented by fully grown trophont stage characterized by the presence of a large food vacuole surrounded by a thin layer of cytoplasm with numerous lipid bodies.

Conclusion

The study establishes a new host record, calanoid copepod B. similis for V. pelagica. The report is the first of its kind from the Indian waters and extends the biogeographic boundary of the apostome ciliate.
Safety and efficacy of inferior vena cava filter retrieval: a 5-year single center retrospective review from a tertiary care center
Authors: Schuchardt Philip , Kis Lilla , Goloubev Alexey , Keshishian Edward , Mhaskar Rahul , Hoots Glenn , Davis Cliff , Massis Kamal , Shaikh Jamil
Published: August 2022

Background

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval is typically accomplished with standard snare technique. When this fails, more advanced techniques are necessary, especially when removal falls outside a 12-month window. Complications during filter retrieval depend heavily on technique, type of filter, and filter position. In this study we examined safety and efficacy of 536 filter retrievals at a tertiary care center and compared complication rates between standard snare and endobronchial forcep retrieval.

Method

We reviewed 536 cases between August 2015 and August 2020, recording retrieval success rates, patient comorbidities, and complication rates at the time of removal.

Results

Total overall retrieval success was 97.9% (525/536), and complications occurred in approximately 6.0% (32/536) of all cases. Success and complications with standard snare technique alone were 99.4% (345/347) and 1.7% (5 Grade I/II, 1 Grade III) and advanced forcep technique 98.8% (171/173) and 14.5% (22 Grade I/II, 2 Grade III, and 1 Grade IV), respectively. There was no significant difference between the technical success rates of the standard snare technique and forceps techniques (p = 0.60) despite a significantly longer dwell time in patients undergoing forceps retrieval (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort of forceps directed IVC filter retrieval present in the literature. Rates of successful endobronchial forceps and standard snare retrievals in this study are similar to previous reports. Although use of endobronchial forceps may be associated with higher complication rates, this is likely due to prolonged dwell times, filter tilt, and attempted removal of non retrievable filters. Overall, forceps-directed retrieval offers a safe, effective means of removal in difficult cases.

Level of evidence

Level 3, Large Retrospective Study.
Implementing a text-messaging intervention for unhealthy alcohol use in emergency departments: protocol for implementation strategy development and a pilot cluster randomized implementation trial
Authors: O’Grady Megan A. , Kapoor Sandeep , Harrison Laura , Kwon Nancy , Suleiman Adekemi O. , Muench Frederick J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Unhealthy alcohol use (UAU) is a leading cause of premature mortality among adults in the USA. Emergency departments (EDs) are key intervention settings for UAU but often have limited time and resources. One low-burden, scalable approach to address UAU is text-messaging interventions. Despite strong research support and promise for scalability, there is little research on how to implement such interventions in healthcare settings. The process of providers making them available to patients in an efficient way within already busy and overburdened ED workflows and patients adopting them remains a new area of research. The purpose of this three-phase study is to develop and test an implementation strategy for UAU text-messaging interventions in EDs.

Method

Our first aim is to examine barriers and facilitators to staff offering and patients accepting a text-messaging intervention in the ED using an explanatory, sequential mixed methods approach. We will examine alcohol screening data in the electronic health records of 17 EDs within a large integrated health system in the Northeast and conduct surveys among chairpersons in each. This data will be used to purposively sample 4 EDs for semi-structured interviews among 20 clinical staff, 20 patients, and 4 chairpersons. Our second aim is to conduct a stakeholder-engaged intervention mapping process to develop a multi-component implementation strategy for EDs. Our third aim is to conduct a mixed method 2-arm cluster randomized pilot study in 4 EDs that serve ~11,000 UAU patients per year to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the implementation strategy. The Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework will guide study activities.

Discussion

Low-burden technology, like text messaging, along with targeted implementation support and strategies driven by identified barriers and facilitators could sustain large-scale ED-based alcohol screening programs and provide much needed support to patients who screen positive while reducing burden on EDs. The proposed study would be the first to develop and test this targeted implementation strategy and will prepare for a larger, fully powered hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial. Findings may also be broadly applicable to implementation of patient-facing mobile health technologies.

Trial registration

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05350878) on 4/28/2022.
An experimental study to inform adoption of mindfulness-based stress reduction in chronic low back pain
Authors: Jones Salene M. W. , Sherman Karen J. , Bermet Zoe , Palazzo Lorella G. , Lewis Cara C.
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronic low back pain is a common and sometimes disabling condition, and mindfulness-based stress reduction is recommended as a first line of therapy. This study tested whether different descriptions of mindfulness training altered based on influential intervention characteristics increased adoption intentions.

Methods

People with chronic low back pain (n = 452) were randomized to review one of four mindfulness training descriptions in an online survey using a 2 × 2 factorial design. The first factor was evidence strength and quality with relative advantage (ER). The second factor was adaptability, trialability, complexity, and design quality and packaging (AD). Each factor had two levels: a description of standardized mindfulness training that described each intervention characteristic and a patient-centered description emphasizing flexibility and patient testimonials. The primary outcomes were intentions to try mindfulness training and practice mindfulness at home. Using structural equation modeling with a bootstrapped distribution, we tested six mediators, three of which are Theory of Planned Behavior predictors of intention—self-efficacy, norms, and attitudes— and the other three are predictors of adoption—feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability.

Results

Overall, the mindfulness training descriptions were not associated with an increase in intentions compared to the classic vignette (11/12 p’s > 0.05). Most descriptions were unrelated to mediators except the classic ER with patient-centered AD was associated with higher self-efficacy/control and feasibility (p’s ≤ 0.05; standardized effect range: 0.111–0.125). Self-efficacy/control (training standardized coefficient: 0.531, home: 0.686), norms (training: 0.303, home: 0.256), and attitudes (training: 0.316, home: 0.293) were all positively associated with intentions to adopt mindfulness training and home practice. Feasibility (training: 0.185; home: 0.293) and acceptability (training: 0.639; home: 0.554) were positively related to intentions to adopt mindfulness training. Appropriateness was related to intentions to adopt home practice (0.187) but not mindfulness training (0.100). None of the indirect effects from experimental group to intentions was significant (all p’s > 0.05).

Conclusions

Self-efficacy/control and acceptability may be key mediators for increasing patient adoption of mindfulness. Because experimental manipulation did not substantially change intentions to adopt mindfulness, the presentation and delivery of MBSR may need to be tailored to the individual patient’s needs rather than a specific format for chronic low back pain.
From staple food to market-oriented crop: commercialization level of smallholder teff (Eragrostis teff) growers in Jamma District, Ethiopia
Authors: Gidelew Getachew Eshetu , Tefera Tesfaye Lemma , Aweke Chanyalew Seyoum
Published: August 2022

Introduction

In countries like Ethiopia where the selling of staple food crops is the common way of earning cash income; the concept of agricultural commercialization is never restricted to cash crops. Among the staple food crops, teff is becoming a market-oriented crop in Ethiopia. This paper investigated the challenges, opportunities, and intensity of teff commercialization in the study area.

Methods

Data were collected from 155 randomly selected teff growers, four focus group discussion participants encompassing both women and men farmers, and twelve key informant interviewees from the local leader, development agents, and head of the Woreda agriculture office. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Value of teff sale, Crop Output Market Participation Index (COMPI), double hurdle model, and qualitative data analysis.

Results

The average teff commercialization in terms of the value of teff sale by sample households was 6005 ETB (Ethiopian Birr). The double hurdle model result revealed that sex of the household head, application of agricultural inputs, and row sowing technology positively affected the commercialization decision of farmers in the teff output whilst the size of land allocated to teff, chemical fertilizer, row sowing technology, and frequency of contact with extension agents positively influenced the intensity of teff commercialization. Adjunct to this high input price, lack of input availability, and frost were identified as major hinders to teff production in the study area.

Conclusions

The finding of this study showed that there is a direct relationship between agricultural inputs utilization for teff and farmers’ decision to commercialize it and the level of its commercialization. Therefore, the timely provision of agricultural inputs and possible subsidization of these inputs will increase the productivity of teff since farmland expansion is unthinkable due to scarcity of land. Moreover, the District office of agriculture should collaboratively work with the nearby research centers to reduce the problem of frost by introducing a frost-resistant variety.
Characterizing microplastic hazards: which concentration metrics and particle characteristics are most informative for understanding toxicity in aquatic organisms?
Authors: Thornton Hampton Leah M. , Brander Susanne M. , Coffin Scott , Cole Matthew , Hermabessiere Ludovic , Koelmans Albert A. , Rochman Chelsea M.
Published: August 2022

There is definitive evidence that microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, are ubiquitous in the environment and can cause harm to aquatic organisms. These findings have prompted legislators and environmental regulators to seek out strategies for managing risk. However, microplastics are also an incredibly diverse contaminant suite, comprising a complex mixture of physical and chemical characteristics (e.g., sizes, morphologies, polymer types, chemical additives, sorbed chemicals, and impurities), making it challenging to identify which particle characteristics might influence the associated hazards to aquatic life. In addition, there is a lack of consensus on how microplastic concentrations should be reported. This not only makes it difficult to compare concentrations across studies, but it also begs the question as to which concentration metric may be most informative for hazard characterization. Thus, an international panel of experts was convened to identify 1) which concentration metrics (e.g., mass or count per unit of volume or mass) are most informative for the development of health-based thresholds and risk assessment and 2) which microplastic characteristics best inform toxicological concerns. Based on existing knowledge, it is recommended that microplastic concentrations in toxicity tests are calculated from both mass and count at minimum, though ideally researchers should report additional metrics, such as volume and surface area, which may be more informative for specific toxicity mechanisms. Regarding particle characteristics, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that particle size is a critical determinant of toxicological outcomes, particularly for the mechanisms of food dilution and tissue translocation .
T-cell Metabolism as Interpreted in Obesity-associated Inflammation
Authors: Bharath Leena P , Hart Samantha N , Nikolajczyk Barbara S
Published: August 2022

The appreciation of metabolic regulation of T-cell function has exploded over the past decade, as has our understanding of how inflammation fuels comorbidities of obesity, including type 2 diabetes. The likelihood that obesity fundamentally alters T-cell metabolism and thus chronic obesity-associated inflammation is high, but studies testing causal relationships remain underrepresented. We searched PubMed for key words including mitochondria, obesity, T cell, type 2 diabetes, cristae, fission, fusion, redox, and reactive oxygen species to identify foundational and more recent studies that address these topics or cite foundational work. We investigated primary papers cited by reviews found in these searches and highlighted recent work with >100 citations to illustrate the state of the art in understanding mechanisms that control metabolism and thus function of various T-cell subsets in obesity. However, “popularity” of a paper over the first 5 years after publication cannot assess long-term impact; thus, some likely important work with fewer citations is also highlighted. We feature studies of human cells, supplementing with studies from animal models that suggest future directions for human cell research. This approach identified gaps in the literature that will need to be filled before we can estimate efficacy of mitochondria-targeted drugs in clinical trials to alleviate pathogenesis of obesity-associated inflammation.
What impact do the current anti-vaccine movementsand the Covid-19 pandemic have on the vaccination coverage of Poles? Statistical analysis of epidemiological data on the level of vaccination of Poles in the years 2001-2020
Authors: Ruszel Kinga , Dubel Robert , Czekaj Aleksandra , Namroży Natalia , Dubel Julia , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: August 2022

Vaccine-preventable diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. As new vaccines prove effective and the incidence of some infections decreases, vaccination practices are changing. Therefore, every year in Poland, the need for preventive vaccination on given pathogenic entities in the population is verified and analyzed. Every year, the Chief Sanitary Inspector  issues a communication pursuant to Article 17(11) of the Act of 5 December 2008 on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 1845, as amended(1)) and announces the Preventive Vaccination Program for a given calendar year. The communication contains mandatory and recommended vaccinations, rules for carrying out vaccinations and general information on this principle of carrying out and organizing vaccination. Most vaccine-preventable diseases still carry a significant risk of recurrence and epidemics  in the coming years.
Factores sociales y biofísicos de la transición forestal en el Geoparque Mundial UNESCO Mixteca Alta
Authors: Orozco-Ramírez Q. , Lorenzen M. , Fernández de Castro Martínez G. , Cruz Ramírez M.A.
Published: August 2022

El análisis de los cambios en la cobertura y el uso de suelo representa una cuestión central para la geografía aplicada. En México, aunque la deforestación predomine a nivel nacional, convive con procesos regionales de recuperación de la superficie de bosque –la llamada transición forestal. A pesar de la existencia de una amplia literatura sobre la transición forestal en México y en otros países en desarrollo, pocos estudios han abordado de forma simultánea los factores sociales y biofísicos de este fenómeno. Precisamente, en la Mixteca Alta, en el estado de Oaxaca, se ha documentado un aumento de la cubierta forestal desde hace varias décadas debido a la combinación de estos factores. En este estudio analizamos los cambios en la cobertura y el uso de suelo entre 1967 y 2020 en el Geoparque Mundial UNESCO Mixteca Alta (GMA) a partir de fotografías aéreas (1967) e imágenes de satélite (2020). Se encontró que, en el periodo de estudio, el bosque de encino aumentó 59%, el bosque de pino-encino se incrementó 349%, el pastizal disminuyó 39%, la superficie agrícola se redujo 17% y las áreas sin cubierta vegetal disminuyeron 68%. En total, se recuperaron 5992 ha de bosque (14.5% de la superficie total del GMA). En seguida, se determinaron los principales factores sociales y biofísicos asociados a esta transición forestal, usando tres categorías de cambio: sin cambio, reforestación y deforestación. El análisis se hizo con datos tipo ráster a 15 metros de resolución. Se analizó la importancia de 21 variables a través de una clasificación random forest. Las variables asociadas a la transición forestal más importantes fueron la distancia al bosque, el paisaje geomorfológico, la geología, la pendiente, la elevación, el número de tractores y la temperatura media. El artículo discute por qué las variables biofísicas fueron más importantes que las variables sociales.
Geografía del cáncer de mama y cervicouterino en la Megalópolis de México
Authors: De Las Heras Gutiérrez D. , Cadena Vargas E.
Published: August 2022

En este trabajo se analiza la distribución espacial de las tasas de mortalidad (TBM) por cáncer de mama (CM) y cuello de útero (CCU) en la Megalópolis del Centro de México (MCM) en 2013-2020 con técnicas de análisis espacial. Se calculó el índice de autocorrelación local de Moran para detectar la presencia de clústeres, así como el índice local bivariado de Moran para analizar la relación entre los patrones espaciales de las enfermedades y seis variables de tipo demográfico, socioeconómico, educativo y cultural. Las TBM por CM y CCU en la MCM presentan en el periodo 2013-2020 una dinámica creciente y estable respectivamente. Se determinó una distribución espacial no aleatoria de sus TBM y unos patrones desiguales en los dos tipos de neoplasias. Se detectaron conglomerados significativos de valores altos de mortalidad, para CM en torno a los municipios centrales metropolitanos (fundamentalmente en la Ciudad de México) y conurbados, y en el caso del CCU en el sur y este de la MCM, esencialmente en municipios periféricos. Se encontró una asociación significativa positiva entre las TBM de CM y el porcentaje de mujeres mayores y con estudios superiores, y negativa con el índice de marginación, población femenina con rezago educativo y población sin acceso a servicios de salud. Para el CCU únicamente se encontró una asociación significativa positiva con el porcentaje de mujeres mayores, localmente se detectaron clústeres bivariados entre CCU y marginación en el sur de la MCM.
López Levi, L., Ramos Guzmán, E. y Rosas Castro, O. (Coord.: 2021). El Salvaje y la Unidad Modelo. Leer la novela desde las ciencias sociales.
Authors: Gutiérrez Álvarez del Castillo Adrián
Published: August 2022

México: Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Xochimilco. División de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades. 295 pp., ISBN 978-607-28-2287-0.
A Matching Optimization Algorithm About Low-Altitude Remote Sensing Images Based on Geometrical Constraint and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Yang Nan , Luo Qian
Published: August 2022

This article presents a novel matching optimization algorithm for low-altitude remote sensing images based on a geometrical constraint and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The proposed method was designed to be effective in enhancing the integrity and accuracy of point clouds generated by stereo matching. To overcome the limitations of stereo matching, we trained a CNN to predict how well image patches match and used it in patch optimization. The main advantage of this approach is that the proposed algorithm can decrease the mismatching and errors caused by noise, deep discontinuity, and weak texture in low-altitude remote sensing images and can reconstruct an integrated and accurate point cloud. Comparative studies and experimental results validate the accuracy of the proposed algorithm when used for dense point generation from low-altitude remote sensing images.
Incorporation of Digital Elevation Model, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and Landsat-8 Data for Land Use Land Cover Mapping
Authors: Al-Doski Jwan , Hassan Faez M. , Mossa Hussein Abdelwahab , Najim Aus A.
Published: August 2022

Ancillary data are crucial in land use land cover (LULC) mapping process. This study goal is to investigate if adding Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and digital elevation model (DEM) data as ancillary data to the Landsat-8 spectral imagery (acquired on 14 April 2016)
in the support vector machine (SVM ) classification process improves LULC mapping accuracy in GuaMusang, Malaysia. ENVI software was used to preprocess a single Landsat-8 image, convert it to reflectance, and calculate NDVI. ASTER-GDEM data were used to generate the DEM. The logical channel
method was used to combine NDVI and DEM with Landsat-8 bands and limit the impact of shadows during SVM classification. The SVM accuracy was tested and evaluated on ancillary data and Landsat-8 spectral-based collection. The results revealed that the user's accuracy and producer's accuracy
improved by 15.1% and 2.1%, for primary forest and by 17.93% and 28.86% for secondary forest, respectively. The classification reliability of the majority of LULC categories has increased significantly. Compared to SVM spectral-based set, the overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of the SVM
ancillary-based set improved by 8.77% and 0.12, respectively. In conclusion, this article demonstrated that integrating DEM and NDVI data improves Landsat-8 image classification precision.
TPPI: A Novel Network Framework and Model for Efficient Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Xiaohua , Zhou Jiliu , Wang Yuan
Published: August 2022

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is the most vibrant research field in the hyperspectral community, aiming to assign each pixel in the image to one certain land cover category based on its spectral or spectral-spatial characteristics. Recently, some spectral-spatial–feature
deep learning–based convolutional neural networks have been proposed and demonstrated remarkable classification performance. However, these networks are time consuming when facing a real HSI in practical application. The trained model must be forwarded independently across m ×
m crops of the image in strides of 1 pixel. In this article, an efficient and practical network was proposed for HSI classification that can take an HSI as an input instance and directly output a dense pixel-level classification map. First, a novel mechanism, training based on pixels and prediction
based on images (TPPI ), is proposed and formulated. Second, some basic rules that should be obeyed during network design and implementation are given. Finally, following the basic rules, three TPPI -Nets are derived and demonstrated based on state-of- the-art classification networks. Experimental
results on three public data sets show that the proposed TPPI-Net can not only obtain higher classification accuracy than the existing DCNN-based methods but also greatly reduce the computational complexity of HSI classification.