bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scansys Versus Pentacam HR: Evaluating the Possible Interchangeability in Healthy Subjects
Authors: khodaparast Mehdi , Hashemian Hesam , Mohmmed Marrwan Hisham , Ahmadzadeh Homan , Hamedani Majid Akhzari , Khorrami-Nejad Masoud
Published: January 2023

Purpose To determine the interchangeability of Scansys (MediWorks, Shanghai, China) and Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) in healthy participants. Methods Eighty-nine eyes of 45 normal individuals underwent three consecutive scans of Scansys and Pentacam HR. Anterior segment measurements included anterior and posterior K-reading, central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), pupil center pachymetry, corneal volume, chamber volume, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), intraocular pressure (IOP), sphericity (Q-value), pupil diameter, and horizontal white-to-white (HWTW). Infraclass correlations (ICC) for reliability and Bland-Altman plots for the agreement between the mean findings of each device were analyzed. Results The mean age of participants was 31.5 ± 7.3 (range, 19–49) years (male/female = 21/24). Most anterior segment parameters had excellent or good reliability in ICC analysis. However, ACA and HWTW were two parameters with moderate reliability. Analysis of Bland-Altman plots showed that the bias line for all measurements was close to zero, except for posterior flat-k and steep-k readings; however, the discrepancy was not large enough to be clinically important. Analysis of the limit of agreement in Bland-Altman plots also displayed narrow limits and clinically irrelevant differences in 95% LoA for anterior and posterior keratometry readings, CCT, TCT, and ACD. Conclusion The findings provided by this study highlight that Scansys and Pentacam HR can be used interchangeably for anterior segment evaluation regarding most of the examined parameters.
Application of ERA5-Land reanalysis data in climate risk zoning for maize in the state of Bahia - Brazil
Authors: Matsunaga Wendy Kaori , Sales Eliton Sancler Gomes , Júnior Gervásio Costa Assis , Silva Madson Tavares , Lacerda Francinete Francis , Lima Evaldo Paiva , Santos Carlos Antonio Costa , Brito José Ivaldo Barbosa
Published: January 2023

Agricultural Zoning of Climate Risk (AZCR) is a fundamental tool for agricultural activities because it identifies regions and times of lower climate risk for planting and sowing crops, aiming to minimize the agricultural losses arising from climate hazards. In Brazil, AZCR has been used since 1996 as an official agricultural policy instrument. However, optimal AZCR representative of large areas require a network of meteorological stations with excellent spatial distribution, routine and accurate observations, and reliable data. Precipitation gauges that perform reliable measurements of precipitation have a good distribution in the Northeast region of Brazil. However, weather stations in this region are scarce. When weather stations are absent at a given location, input variables for AZCR are interpolated, which can lead to errors. Thus, seeking to solve the problem of the shortage of weather stations and improve the spatial distribution of information on meteorological variables, this study aimed to validate data from the ERA5-Land reanalysis of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the CPC Precipitation Project. Once the data were validated, an AZCR was performed for the maize crop in the entire state of Bahia, in a 0.5° x 0.5° grid. It was observed that, with the exception of the far north mesoregion and a small area in the valley of Paraguaçu, the state of Bahia presented large areas suitable for planting of maize crops at different times of the year, with emphasis on areas in the southeast of the state that are suitable for planting all year round.
The sustained psychological impact of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on hospital workers 2 years after the outbreak: a repeated cross-sectional study in Kobe
Authors: Fukushima Haruko , Imai Hissei , Miyakoshi Chisato , Naito Atsumi , Otani Kyohei , Matsuishi Kunitaka
Published: January 2023

Background
Healthcare workers who are exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 are psychologically distressed. This study aimed to evaluate the mental health outcomes of hospital workers 2 years after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 and to identify changes in the stress of hospital workers and predicted risk factors.
Methods
This survey was conducted 2 years after the initial evaluation performed under the first emergency declaration of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among hospital workers at the same hospital in an ordinance-designated city in Japan from June to July 2022. Sociodemographic data, 19 stress-related question responses, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and the Maslach burnout inventory-general survey were collected. Multiple regression models were used to identify factors associated with each of the mental health outcomes 2 years after the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.
Results
We received 719 valid responses. Between 2020 and 2022, hospital workers’ anxiety about infection decreased, whereas their exhaustion and workload increased. Multiple regression analysis revealed that 2 years after the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, nurses and young people were at a higher risk of experiencing stress and burnout due to emotional exhaustion, respectively.
Conclusions
This is the first study to examine the long-term stress of hospital workers measured in Japan. Exhaustion and workload were worsened 2 years into the pandemic. Therefore, health and medical institutions should continuously monitor the physical and psychological health of staff members.
Modelling six sustainable development transformations and their accelerators, impediments, enablers, and interlinkages
Authors: Allen Cameron , Biddulph Annabel , Wiedmann Thomas , Pedercini Matteo , Malekpour Shirin
Published: January 2023

There is an urgent need to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recent research has identified six critical transformations. However, studies are yet to demonstrate how these transformations could be practically accelerated in a national context and what their combined effects would be. Here we deploy integrated systems modelling with transition storylines to elaborate and project six transformation pathways to the SDGs in Australia. By combining quantitative accelerators in the form of decisive policies and investments with storylines that diagnose common impediments and identify enabling conditions for systems change, our study advances knowledge on how the six transformations could be unlocked and accelerated. We find that conditions for transformation are emerging due to recent cascading crises, that feasible and affordable interventions and solutions are readily available that could trigger ‘S-shaped’ acceleration by 2030, and that continued long-term investment in climate action and resilience could stabilize progress towards sustainable wellbeing targets by 2050.
A processing paradigm for loose varved sediments in Anthropocene strata research: An example from the Sihailongwan maar Lake
Authors: Lei Dewen , Han Yongming , Tang Yalan , Guo Meiling , Li Jingyu
Published: January 2023

The concept of the “Anthropocene” was first proposed in the early 21st century and aroused widespread discussion in the public and geological community; however it still requires formal definition. The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) is a key tool in this process. Accurate chronology and high-resolution samples are the material basis for studying the Anthropocene. The varved sediment, deposited in Sihailongwan Maar Lake (42°17′N, 126°36′E) in northeast China, is a GSSP candidate site and a new location for studying the Anthropocene as a new stratigraphic unit. Anthropocene strata are the top few centimeters of sediment and characterized by small thickness, high water content, and lack of compaction and consolidation, which is physically different from older strata and requires special sampling and processing methods. There is currently a lack of standard and normative sampling and sample processing methods. Therefore, we propose a new paradigm specifically for the precise study of the top 20 cm of loose sediments. To avoid disturbing and disrupting the deposition sequence and structure of the sediments, freezing techniques and cryogenics were applied in coring and core processing. A freeze corer was used to collect the varved sediments in situ. To eliminate the effect of high water-content on X-ray fluorescence core scanning, core strips were freeze-dried and impregnated with resin prior to scanning. By cross-varve dating between parallel cores, we established a precise chronology with an annual resolution, and the age uncertainty was nearly eliminated. The top 20-cm long core represents approximately the last 210 years of deposition. At present, the early 1950s is recommended as the onset of the Anthropocene, the corresponding depth in 1950 CE was between 85-95 cm in our parallel cores. To obtain samples with high temporal resolution for proxy analyses, the cores were subsampled along the varve direction at 1 or 2 mm intervals with a scalpel knife in a -10 °C room, which represents an average of ~2 years. For loose Anthropocene sediments, freeze coring, freeze subsampling, and cross-dating are key for ensuring research accuracy.
A Pattern of Stable Isotopes and a Helical Toroidal Wave Orbital Model
Authors: Lin Jingfeng , Lin Guangyi
Published: January 2023

We investigate a pattern of isotopes with the highest isotopic abundance, the number of nucleons
of some stable nuclides tends to A=S(S+1)-2, this means that S is probably the number of shells.
Therefore, we present an arrangement pattern of the magic numbers. Further, based on some simple
patterns in atomic nuclei, such as shell structures, magic numbers, magnetic moment and collective
modes, we developed a helical toroidal wave orbital model to explore the microstructure of isotopes
that matches the proposed arrangement pattern.
Characterization and antibacterial potential of Escherichia phage CMSTMSU isolated from shrimp farm effluent water
Authors: Lelin Chinnadurai , Uma Ganapathi , Sathishkumar Ramamoorthy , Balasubramanian Sathiyapandian , Nisha Selvaraj Jeraldin , Babu Mariavincent Michael , Citarasu THAVASIMUTHU -
Published: January 2023

Escherichia Phage CMSTMSU isolated from the semi-intensive shrimp farm was efficient lytic activity and strong host range against Escherichia coli. A High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) template was used to inhibit biofilm activity against E. coli, and results obtained using a confocal laser scanning microscope showed that the phage efficiently prevented biofilm formation. In order to assess the structural morphology, Escherichia Phage CMSTMSU was investigated using a transmission electron microscope at 80 kV and a magnification of X 12,000. The result revealed that, head measuring about 220–230 nanometer with a hexagonal shape and a non-contractile tail and the phage belongs to Siphoviridae family. By using a spectrophotometric assay to measure the killing efficiency, it was found that the phage significantly (P < = 0.001) contributed to a reduction in E. coli cell densities over time. Escherichia phage CMSTMSU's stability was tested at various temperatures and pH levels, and the results showed that the phage was stable at temperatures of 40 and 50˚C and pH levels of 5 to 9, respectively. These results were considerably (P < = 0.001) different from those of other temperatures and pH levels. The one-step growth curve showed a positive correlation, which indicated that the burst size grew considerably (P < 0.05) as the time increased.
Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Protection of Conserved Some Archaeological Iron Spears Heads from Military Museum, Al-Qala, Egypt
Authors: Megahed Mohamed M. , El-Ashery Noha H. , Saleh Saleh M. , El-Shamy Ashraf M.
Published: January 2023

Archaeological iron artifacts are often covered with a crust, containing organic fibers, mineral particles, dirt, etc. Before conservation, this crust must be carefully removed. With traditional mechanical and chemical methods, there is an obvious risk of over-cleaning. These methods also increase the risk of the oxidized or primary corrosion layer breaking away which will lead to loss of information about the form of the object and other important surface details. The same archaeological iron spears from Military Museum, Al-Qala, Egypt were selected for the study. The aim of this case study is concerned with preserving and controlling the corrosion of steel spears heads. Due to the restriction of the archeological parts preservation and corrosion control are achieved by environmentally friendly chemicals. This inhibitor is of attentiveness since there has been a growth in ecological consciousness and a variation in guidelines that control the toxicity of systematic corrosion inhibitors. So, natural products are becoming the main source of environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors. Furthermost their extracts comprise the required features of the traditional corrosion inhibitors such as oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. These elements are contributed to the adsorption process on the metal surfaces and arrangement a protective layer, which shields the metal surface against environmental corrosion. Progress of green chemical knowledge compromises a new artificial approach for ionic liquids. These compounds are well-thought-out as new safe corrosion inhibitors which act in different corrosive conditions. Finally, exploiting the successfully obtained results, we used this inhibitor to protect the selected objects.
Mechanical activation and expression of HSP27 in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Buckley Molly , Tidwell Maranda , Miller Bronte , Huskin Gillian , Berry Joel , Sewell-Loftin Mary Kathryn
Published: January 2023

Understanding the complex biomechanical tumor microenvironment (TME) is of critical importance in developing the next generation of anti-cancer treatment strategies. This is especially true in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers due to recurrent disease or chemoresistance. However, current models of EOC progression provide little control or ability to monitor how changes in biomechanical parameters alter EOC cell behaviors. In this study, we present a microfluidic device designed to permit biomechanical investigations of the ovarian TME. Using this microtissue system, we describe how biomechanical stimulation in the form of tensile strains upregulate phosphorylation of HSP27, a heat shock protein implicated in ovarian cancer chemoresistance. Furthermore, EOC cells treated with strain demonstrate decrease response to paclitaxel in the in vitro vascularized TME model. The results provide a direct link to biomechanical regulation of HSP27 as a mediator of EOC chemoresistance, possibly explaining the failure of such therapies in some patients. The work presented here lays a foundation to elucidating mechanobiological regulation of EOC progression, including chemoresistance and could provide novel targets for anti-cancer therapeutics.
A new species of Eimeria with notes on previously known species collected in horses from Iran
Authors: Gorji Faezeh Faghihzade , Sadr Soheil , Borji Hassan
Published: January 2023

Background

We conducted a cross-sectional study of indigenous breeds of horses from the north and northeast of Iran to establish the prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species.

Material and Methods

340 fecal samples from randomly selected horses (141 from the north of Iran and 199 from the northeast of Iran) were examined for Eimeria oocyst using standard coprological techniques.

Results

Out of 340 samples, only 3 from north Iran were positive for coccidiosis. Two infections occurred by E. leuckarti species, and one infection happened by E. uninugulata. The mean intensity of oocyst output (3–38 o.p.g.) was very low. No clinical signs of gastrointestinal disorder were noticed in any horses during this study.

Conclusion

This study reports for the first time on the prevalence of E. uninugulata in horses from farms in North Iran. A more comprehensive study in different rural areas of Iran would be advantageous to develop a better understanding of the molecular identification and characterization of Eimeria species and strengthen the knowledge we currently have.
Management of dental care of patients on immunosuppressive drugs for chronic immune-related inflammatory diseases: a survey of French dentists' practices
Authors: Bourgoin Alice , Agossa Kevimy , Seror Raphaele , Fumery Mathurin , Radoi Loredana , Gosset Marjolaine
Published: January 2023

Objectives
Our aim was to provide an overview of the practices of French general dentists (GDs) and specialists (SDs) concerning the management of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), rheumatic inflammatory diseases (IRDs), and vasculitis on biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), conventional DMARDs, or immunosuppressants (ISs).
Materials and Methods
We asked the members of French scientific societies and colleges of dentistry teachers to distribute an online survey over three months.
Result
In total, 105 practitioners fully completed the survey. SDs more frequently performed invasive surgical procedures and were more aware of the recommendations of learned societies than GDs. They encountered more post-operative complications for patients on bDMARDs. For both SDs and GDs, most patients were managed without stopping treatment and pre- and postoperative antibiotics were prescribed to more than 75% of patients. When medical treatment was stopped, the decision was made by the prescribing physician.
Conclusion
Complications were reported more frequently by SDs when highly invasive procedures were performed on patients under active drug therapy. Certain common procedures, such as scaling and root planing, appear to be safe, regardless of treatment management. However, adapted guidelines for the practice of dentistry are needed to standardize the management of patients on bDMARDS, conventional DMARDs, or ISs.
Clinical Relevance:
French dentists perform a wide range of oral procedures on patients on bDMARDS, conventional DMARDs, or ISs under antibiotic coverage and antiseptic mouthwashes. SDs reported more postoperative complications after extensive invasive procedures for patients under active drug therapy, despite their greater knowledge of recommendations on how to manage such patients.
Intermuscular coherence (IMC) reveals that affective emotional pictures modulate neural control mechanisms during the initiation of arm pointing movements.
Authors: Pierrieau Emeline , Charissou Camille , Vernazza-Martin Sylvie , Pageaux Benjamin , Lepers Romuald , Amarantini David , Fautrelle Lilian
Published: January 2023

Several studies in psychology suggest that relationships exist between emotional context and motor control. Such a claim is based mainly on behavioral investigations whereas the underlying neurophysiological processes remain little known. Using a classical paradigm in motor control, we tested the impacts of viewing standardized affective pictures during pointing movements performed from a standing position. The hand reaction and movement times were measured and ten muscle activities spread around the body were recorded to investigate the intermuscular coherence between muscle pairs of interest. The hand movement time increased when an emotional picture perceived as unpleasant appeared under the target to reach, compared to an emotional picture perceived as pleasant. When an unpleasant emotional picture appeared, the beta (β, 15-35 Hz) and gamma (γ, 35-60 Hz) intermuscular coherence decreased in the recorded pairs of postural muscles during the initiation of pointing movements. Moreover, a linear relationship between the magnitude of the intermuscular coherence in the pairs of posturo-focal muscles and the hand movement time appeared in the unpleasant scenarios. Our findings demonstrate that emotional stimuli induce modulation of the motor command sent by the central nervous system to muscles when performing voluntary goal-oriented movements.
High-order harmonic generation, attosecond pulse train, and non- sequential double ionization in the helium atom under high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Zakavi Marjan , Sabaeian Mohammad
Published: January 2023

High-order harmonic generation (HHG), attosecond pulse train (APT), and non-sequential double ionization (NSDI) in the He atom under high intense femtosecond laser pulses are calculated by time-dependent Schrodinger equation (TDSE) in one dimension (1D). By considering the mutual electron-electron and electron-nuclei interactions along with calculating the He atom ground state wave function by imaginary time propagation (ITP) method, besides calculating probability density of electrons, dipole acceleration, HHG, and APT, we could generate the well-known "knee structure" in the probability of the He atom ionization against the intensity in an ionization boundary condition model. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data reported by Walker et al. [B. Walker et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 73, 1227 (1994)].
Annual COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Acceptance among Healthcare workers: the role of Anti-Vaccination Attitudes and Burnout
Authors: Maraqa Beesan , Nazzal Zaher , Baroud Hassan , Douden Mahmoud , Hamshary Yousef El , Jalamneh Tala
Published: January 2023

Background: The emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 variants may necessitate an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare workers' (HCWs) acceptance of a COVID-19 yearly booster vaccine, if recommended, and its association with their attitudes and burnout levels.
Methods: We used an online self-administered questionnaire to conduct a cross-sectional study of all HCWs in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of Palestine between August and September 2022. We used the Vaccination Attitudes Examination scale to assess HCWs' vaccination attitudes and the Maslach Burnout Inventory to assess work-related Burnout. In addition, we conducted logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with the acceptance of the booster vaccine.
Results: The study included 919 HCWs; 52.3% were male, 46.5% were physicians, 30.0% were nurses, and 63.1% worked in hospitals. One-third of HCWs (95% CI: 30.5%-36.7%) said they would accept an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine if recommended. HCWs who are suspicious of vaccine benefits [aOR= .70; 95%CI: .65-.75] and those concerned about unforeseeable future effects [aOR= .90; 95%CI: .84-.95] are less likely to accept the booster vaccine if recommended, whereas those who receive annual influenza vaccine are more likely to get it [aOR= 2.9; 95%CI: 1.7-5.0].
Conclusion: We found that only about a third of HCWs would agree to receive an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine if it was recommended. Mistrust of the vaccine's efficacy and concerns about side effects continue to drive COVID-19 vaccine reluctance. Health officials need to address HCWs' concerns to increase their acceptance of the annual vaccine if it is to be recommended.
Dietary potassium requirement of Cirrhinus mrigala juveniles based on growth performance, gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity and antioxidant enzymes
Authors: Kainat Sana , Shah Syed Zakir Hussain , Hussain Mubashar , Nasar Muhammad Fazail , Fatima Mahroze , Ashraf Shahzad , Aftab Kiran , Hassan Abdul Latheef Inamul
Published: January 2023

Present study was designed to quantify the dietary potassium (K) requirement of mori, Cirrhinus mrigala (initial body weight: 5.71 ± 0.02 g) juveniles. Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous practical diets were formulated by supplementing the graded levels of K at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 g/kg, whereas the actual K level was calculated as 2.96, 5.08, 7.03, 9.07, 11.01, 13.13, and 15.09 g/kg, respectively. The feeding trial was carried out in triplicates for 60 days and fish was fed twice a day to apparent satiation. Weight gain%, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and organ indices were found to be best (P<0.05) in the fish fed with 9.07 g/kg dietary K supplementation. Gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity also peaked at 9.07 g/kg K. Similarly, deposition of potassium in whole-body, scales and vertebrae significantly (P<0.05) increased with the increase in dietary K supplementation up to 9.07 g/kg. The activities of liver catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and alkaline phosphatase increased (P<0.05) with an increase in K supplementation from 2.96 to 9.07 g/kg; however, further increase in K supplementation did not necessarily improve these parameters. Contrarily, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level was observed highest (P<0.05) in fish fed with a basal diet. The data of WG% and gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity were subjected to broken-line regression analysis, and the optimal value of K was estimated to be 7.13 g/kg and 7.87 g/kg, respectively. Therefore, the inclusion of 7.13-7.87 g/kg of K is recommended in the feed of Cirrhinus mrigala juveniles.
Dietary supplemental coated essential oils and organic acids mixtures improves growth performance and gut health along with reduces Salmonella load of broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis
Authors: Hu Zeqiong , Liu Lin , Guo Fangshen , Huang Jia , Qiao Jianing , Bi Ruichen , Zhang Kaichen , Huang Jinyu , Guo Yuming , Wang Zhong
Published: January 2023

Background: Reducing Salmonella infection in broiler chickens by using effective and safe alternatives to antibiotics is vital to provide safer poultry meat and minimize the emergence of drug-resistant Salmonella and the spread of salmonellosis to humans. This study was to first evaluate the protective efficacy of feeding a novel coated essential oils and organic acids mixtures (EOA) on broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis, SE), and then its action mechanism was further explored.
Methods: 480 1-day-old Arbor Acres male chickens were randomly assigned into five treatments with six replicates, including non-challenged control fed with basal diet (A), SE-challenged control (B), and SE-infected birds fed a basal diet with three levels of EOA (300mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 800mg/kg) (BL, BM and BH), respectively. All birds on challenged groups were infected with SalmonellaEnteritidis at 13 days of age.
Results: Feeding EOA showed a reversed ability on negative effects caused by S. Enteritidis infection, as evidenced by decreasing the feed conversion rate (FCR) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) (P < 0.05), obviously decreasing intestinal and internal organs Salmonellaload along with increasing cecal butyric acid-producing bacteria abundance (P < 0.05). Moreover, supplemental different levels of EOA notably up-regulated Claudin-1, Occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), mucin-2 (MUC-2), fatty acid binding protein-2 (FABP-2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), myeloid differential protein-88 (MyD88) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA levels, whereas down-regulated toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) mRNA levels in the ileum of the infected chickens (P < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis combined effect size measurements analysis (LEfSe) showed that the relative abundance of g__Butyricicoccus, g__Anaerotruncus and g__unclassified_f__Bacillaceaesignificantly was enriched in infected birds given EOA. Also, phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis showed that alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the EOA group.
Conclusion: Our data suggest that the novel essential oils and organic acids mixturescan be used as an antibiotic substitute to control Salmonella Enteritidis infection in broiler chickens.
Socio-demographic predictors of obesity among women in Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Athieno Justine , Seera Georgina , Namayengo Faith Muyonga Mayanja , Galabuzi Joweria Nambooze , Namasaba Mariam
Published: January 2023

Background
Recent studies indicate an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women in Uganda; these have been associated with factors like age, marital status, income status, the number of children, and level of education, among others. However, most studies rely solely on the body mass index as the indicator of obesity. This study examined the socio demographic factors associated with obesity among women aged 18–59 years in Mukono Central Division of Central Uganda.
Methods
A cross sectional study design using quantitative methods was employed. A total of 384 women between 18 and 59 years were selected by simple random sampling. A semi structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were used to collect data.
Results
Age and marital status were positively associated with overweight-body mass index classification (Age–OR 1.9; CI 1.3–3.0; p = 0.003: marital status–OR 2.1; 1.1–3.8; p = 0.021), obese-body mass index classification (Age–OR 2.3; CI 1.3–3.8; p = 0.002: marital status–OR 2.8; 1.1–7.2; p = 0.029), increased risk-waist circumference classification (Age–OR 3.2; CI 2.0–5.1; p = 0.000: marital status–OR 2.4; 1.3–4.6; p = 0.005) and substantially increased risk-waist hip ratio classification (Age–OR 1.9; CI 1.2–3.0; p = 0.005: marital status–OR 2.7; 1.3–5.5; p = 0.006). Age was also positively associated with overfat-Total Body Fat percentage classification(Age–OR 2.2; CI 1.4–3.5; p = 0.001) and excessive-Abdominal Fat Level classification (Age–OR 3.2; CI 1.1–9.4; p = 0.03). Employment status was negatively associated with obese-Total Body fat Percentage classification (Employment status–OR 0.6; CI 0.4–0.9; p = 0.015).
Conclusions
Generalized and abdominal obesity in women were both predicted by age, marital status, and employment status. Identifying the changes that occur in the lives of women as they grow older, get married, and have children, and what it is about being unemployed, that predisposes women to obesity within the Ugandan context, will be instrumental in guiding interventions to curb the emerging obesity epidemic among women in Uganda.
Quantification of multiple environmental controls on lipid biomarkers in common marine diatoms and dinoflagellates
Authors: Cao Zhong , Bi Rong , Zhang Chuanli , Cui Jiaxuan , Li Li , Ding Yang , Zhao Meixun
Published: January 2023

Ocean-related global changes have altered phytoplankton community structure, especially the diatom-dinoflagellate competition, which further influences ecosystem structure and functions. The pivotal ecological roles of diatoms and dinoflagellates are strongly related with their biochemical compositions, while quantitative comparisons of biochemical changes between diatoms and dinoflagellates under variable environments are still limited. We investigated responses of lipid biomarkers (sterols and fatty acids (FAs)) to different temperatures (12, 18 and 24℃), nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and their molar ratios (N:P ratio) of 10:1, 24:1 and 63:1 in marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum. Over these wide ranges of temperature and nutrient conditions, sterol and FA profiles were relatively stable in the two species. For C-normalized contents of major sterols and FAs, warming caused non-significant changes in the diatom but an increase (up to 153%) in the dinoflagellate; eutrophication caused an overall decrease (up to 53%) in the diatom but an overall increase (up to 77%) in the dinoflagellate; in contrast, imbalanced N:P ratios caused an overall increase (up to 64%) in the diatom but an overall decrease (up to 53%) in the dinoflagellate. Under future ocean warming, eutrophication and imbalanced N:P ratios, major sterol and polyunsaturated FA contents would increase (ca. 9% ~ 48%) in the dinoflagellate, while those in the diatom would change non-significantly. This study expands our knowledge on lipid-based indicators of phytoplankton under changing environments, which by systematically linking with several other aspects of food quality will help to understand the ecological role of diatom-dinoflagellate community changes.
Group-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy versus waiting list in the treatment of insomnia in primary care: Study protocol for a pragmatic, multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hrozanova Maria , Meisingset Ingebrigt , Kallestad Håvard , Pallesen Ståle , Nordstoga Anne Lovise , Skarpsno Eivind Schjelderup
Published: January 2023

Background

Insomnia is common in the general population and is a risk factor for ill-health, which highlights the importance of treating insomnia effectively and cost-efficiently. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as first-line treatment due to its long-term effectiveness and few side-effects, but its availability is limited. The aim of this pragmatic, multicentre randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effectiveness of group-delivered CBT-I in primary care compared to a waiting-list control group.

Methods

A pragmatic multicentre randomized controlled trial will be conducted with about 300 participants recruited across 26 Healthy Life Centres in Norway. Participants will complete online screening and provide consent before enrolment. Those who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomized to a group-delivered CBT-I or to a waiting list according to a 2:1 ratio. The intervention consists of four two-hour sessions. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 4 weeks, 3- and 6 months post-intervention, respectively. The primary outcome is self-reported insomnia severity at 3 months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, fatigue, mental distress, dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, sleep reactivity, 7-day sleep diaries, and data obtained from national health registries (sick leave, use of relevant prescribed medications, healthcare utilization). Exploratory analyses will identify factors influencing treatment effectiveness, and we will conduct a mixed-method process evaluation to identify facilitators and barriers of participants’ treatment adherence. The study protocol was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research ethics in Mid-Norway (ID 465241).

Discussion

This large-scale pragmatic trial will investigate the effectiveness of group-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy versus waiting list in the treatment of insomnia, generating findings that are generalizable to day-to-day treatment of insomnia in interdisciplinary primary care services. The trial will identify those who would benefit from the group-delivered therapy, and will investigate the rates of sick leave, medication use, and healthcare utilization among adults who undergo the group-delivered therapy.
Trial registration: The trial was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN16185698).
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathies on whole slide histopathology images using a weakly supervised deep learning algorithm
Authors: Kim Minji , Sekiya Hiroaki , Yao Gary , Martin Nicholas B. , Castanedes-Casey Monica , Dickson Dennis W. , Hwang Tae Hyun , Koga Shunsuke
Published: January 2023

Neuropathological assessment at autopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders. We aimed to develop a pipeline for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, including corticobasal degeneration, globular glial tauopathy, Pick’s disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy. We used deep learning (DL)-based approach called clustering-constrained-attention multiple instance learning (CLAM) on whole slide images (WSIs) of tau immunohistochemistry in three brain regions from 120 patients. We also augmented gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) to the model for visualizing cellular-level evidence in the model’s decisions. The model using the sections of cingulate and superior frontal gyri achieved the highest area under the curve (0.970±0.037) and diagnostic accuracy (0.873±0.087). Grad-CAM showed the highest attention in known pathognomonic tau lesions for each disease (e.g., Pick bodies for Pick’s disease). Our findings supported the feasibility of the DL-based approach for the classification task on WSIs, which encouraged further investigation, especially focusing on clinicopathological correlation studies.
Prosaposin PS18 reduces dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a 6- hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wu Kuo-Jen , Hung Tsai-Wei , Wang Yu-Syuan , Chen Yun-Hsiang , Bae Eun-Kyung , Yu Seong-Jin
Published: January 2023

Saposin and its precursor prosaposin are endogenous proteins with neurotrophic and anti-apoptotic properties. Prosaposin or its analog prosaposin-derived 18-mer peptide (PS18) reduced neuronal damage in hippocampus and apoptosis in stroke brain, suggesting that prosaposin is neuroprotective in non-dopaminergic cells. Its role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has not been well characterized. This study aimed to examine the physiological role of PS18 in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) cellular and animal models of PD. We found that PS18 significantly antagonized 6-OHDA -mediated dopaminergic neuronal loss and TUNEL in rat primary dopaminergic neuronal culture. The expression and protective effect of prosaposin were examined in unilaterally 6-OHDA -lesioned rats. Administration of 6-OHDA to striatum transiently upregulated the expression of prosaposin in striatum on D3 (day 3) and returned below the basal level on D29. The 6-OHDA -lesioned rats developed bradykinesia and an increase in methamphetamine-mediated rotation. 6-OHDA significantly upregulated the expression of PERK, ATF6, CHOP, and BiP in the lesioned nigra while reducing dopamine transporter DAT mRNA in the lesioned striatum. Pretreatment with PS18 significantly antagonized these responses. Taken together, our data support that PS18 is neuroprotective in cellular and animal models of PD.
Delivering urgent care services for adult patients by way of video visits at Helsinki University Hospital joint emergency care departments - retrospective observational study
Authors: Vainio Hanna , Castrén Maaret , Kobylin Arja
Published: January 2023

Objective
We aimed to study how video visits could replace in-person visits in emergency care clinics. The objective of this study was to characterise those patient groups that are suitable for receiving care via video visits. We describe our experiences with the number of visits, patient groups and how often the video visits replaced in-person visits in ED on contact day and follow-up visits in ED within 21 days after the index day. The patients in our setting were over 16 years of age. After the initial video visit, we assessed the subsequent medical follow-up visits (at ED), X-rays and laboratory tests performed as well as the antibiotics prescribed. We also present patient self-reported data on patient satisfaction and their video visit experiences.
Design:
A retrospective observational study
Setting:
Emergency departments (EDs) in the Uusimaa region of Finland. Video visits in the ED are a pilot project implemented by Helsinki University Hospital that has been financed by the development project fund that promotes the hospital’s strategic goals.
Participants
: A total of 601 patients registered for video visits were included in the analysis in the period 4/3/2022–29/5/2022.
Interventions:
The seven physicians who were hired exclusively for the project used a digital EPR platform to connect with patients through synchronous video communication.
Main outcome measures:
EPR data from the video visits, including patient demographics, visit characteristics and patient satisfaction.
Results
There were 601 patients cared for through telemedicine during the observation period. Those patients receiving care by video visits had a mean age of 38 (standard deviation 15.5). A wide range of diagnoses was given to patients during the video. Twenty-one days after the initial video visit, 83% (501) of the patients had not been seen by a medical provider in the ED. Twenty-one-day returns requiring ED admission were 9.8% (n = 59) with the same reason for the encounter as in the video visit. The patient satisfaction scores with video visits were high (NPS 80 avg. 9.3)
Conclusions
Telemedicine adoption in ED settings requires more evidence of telehealth benefits. Providing care via video visits for ED patients without compromising patient satisfaction can be effective if the admission is based on a carefully assessed need for ED care and patient safety is ensured during all the stages of the patients’ pathway.
A comparative study of the biodurability and persistence of gold, silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles using the continuous flow through system
Authors: Mbanga Odwa , Cukrowska Ewa , Gulumian Mary
Published: January 2023

Background
The potential for nanoparticles to cause harm to human health and the environment is correlated with their biodurability in the human body and persistence in the environment. Dissolution testing serves to predict biodurability and nanoparticle environmental persistence. In this study, dissolution testing using the continuous flow through system was used to investigate the biodurability and persistence of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in five different simulated biological fluids and two synthetic environmental media to predict their behaviour in real life situations.
Results
The level of dissolved nanoparticles in simulated acidic media was more and higher in magnitude compared to that dissolved in simulated alkaline media. The results obtained via the continuous flow through dissolution system also displayed very significant dissolution rates. For TiO2 NPs the calculated half-times were in the range of 13–14 days, followed by AuNPs ranging between 4–12 days, significantly longer if compared to the half-times of AgNPs ranging between 2–7 days. AuNPs and TiO2 NPs were characterized by low dissolution rates therefore are expected to be (bio)durable in physiological surroundings and persistent in the environment thus, they might impose long-term effects on humans and the environment. In contrast, AgNPs have high dissolution rates and not (bio)durable and hence may cause short-term effects.
Conclusion
The results suggest a hierarchy of biodurability and persistence of TiO2 NPs > AuNPs > AgNPs. It is recommended that nanoparticle product developers should follow the test guidelines stipulated by the OECD to ensure product safety for use before it is taken to the market.
Linking Molecular Structure and Lubrication Mechanisms in Tetraalkylammonium Orthoborate Ionic Liquids
Authors: Yan Jieming , Lien Hsu-Ming , Mangolini Filippo
Published: January 2023

While ionic liquids (ILs) have gained wide interest as potential alternative lubricants able to meet the requirements of next-generation tribological systems owing to their unique physico-chemical properties and promising lubricating behavior, our understanding of the mechanisms by which ILs reduce friction and/or wear is still elusive. Here, we combine macroscale tribological experiments with surface-analytical measurements to shed light on the lubrication mechanisms of a class of halogen-free ILs, namely tetraalkylammonium orthoborate ILs, at steel/steel sliding contacts. The tribological results indicate an improvement of the friction-reducing properties of these ILs as the length of the alkyl chains attached to ammonium cations increases. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses provide further evidence for the dependence of the lubrication mechanism of tetraalkylammonium orthoborate ILs on the IL structure. In the case of tetraalkylammonium orthoborate ILs with asymmetric ammonium cations containing a long alkyl chain, no sacrificial tribofilms were formed on steel surfaces, thus suggesting that the friction-reducing ability of these ILs originates from their propensity to undergo a pressure-induced morphological change at the sliding interface that leads to the generation of a lubricious, solid-like layered structure. Conversely, the higher friction response observed in tribological tests performed with tetraalkylammonium orthoborate ILs containing more symmetric ammonium cations and short alkyl chains is proposed to be due to the inability of this IL to create a transient interfacial layer owing to the reduced van der Waals interactions between the cationic alkyl chains. The resulting hard/hard contact between the sliding surfaces is proposed to lead to the cleavage of boron-oxygen bonds in the presence of water to form species that then adsorb onto the steel surface, including trivalent borate esters and oxalic acid from the decomposition of orthoborate anions, as well as tertiary amines from the degradation of alkylammonium cations induced by hydroxides released during the orthoborate decomposition reaction. The results of this work not only establish links between the molecular structure of a class of halogen-free ILs, their lubricating performance, and lubrication mechanism, but also provide evidence for the existence of multiple mechanisms underpinning the promising lubricating properties of ILs in general. Table of Content (Graphical Abstract)
Novel M7G-Related lncRNA Signature for Predicting Overall Survival in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhao Bin , Liao Yiqun , Chen Yuji , Wang Fei , Ma Yichao , Wei Chen , Zhao Jiahao , Ji Hao , Wang Daorong , Tang Dong
Published: January 2023

Presenting with a poor prognosis, gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the leading causes of disease and death worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate tumor formation and have been long used to predict tumor prognosis. N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is the most prevalent RNA modification. m7G-linked lncRNAs regulate GC onset and progression, but their precise mechanism in GC is unclear. The objective of this research was the development of a new m7G-linked lncRNA signature as a biomarker for predicting GC survival rate and guiding treatment. The Cancer Genome Atlas database helped extract gene expression data and clinical information for GC. Pearson correlation analysis helped point out m7G-linked lncRNAs. Univariate Cox analysis helped in identifying m7G-linked lncRNA with predictive capability. The Lasso-Cox method helped point out seven lncRNAs for the purpose of establishing an m7G-related lncRNA prognostic signature (m7G-LPS), followed by the construction of a nomogram. Kaplan–Meier analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, calibration plot of the nomogram model, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and principal component analysis (PCA) were utilized for the verification of the risk model’s reliability. Furthermore, q-PCR helped verify the lncRNAs expression of m7G-LPS in-vitro. The study subjects were classified into high and low-risk groups based on the median value of the risk score. Gene enrichment analysis (GSEA) confirmed the constructed m7G-LPS’ correlation with RNA transcription and translation and multiple immune-related pathways. Analysis of the clinicopathological features revealed more progressive features in the high-risk group. CIBERSORT analysis showed the involvement of m7G-LPS in immune cell infiltration. The risk score was correlated with immune checkpoint gene expression, immune cell and immune function score, immune cell infiltration, and chemotherapy drug sensitivity. Therefore, our study shows that m7G-LPS constructed using seven m7G-related lncRNAs can predict the survival time of GC patients and guide chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens as biomarker.