bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percepções sobre homeopatia na perspectiva de discentes dos cursos de saúde de um centro universitário de Recife-PE
Authors: Silva Ana Laura Pereira da , Sobral Jennifer Hellen Melo , Campelo Juliana Marina , Neco Heytor Victor Pereira da Costa
Published: July 2021

A homeopatia é um método terapêutico que tem como princípio “semelhante cura semelhante”, tendo como base a experimentação das preparações altamente diluídas e sucussionadas, com objetivo de produzir em pessoas sadias sintomas semelhantes aos da doença que devem combater. O interesse da população por ela vem aumentando e há necessidade de formar profissionais qualificados no ensino de práticas integrativas e complementares para que avancem no SUS. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as percepções sobre homeopatia na perspectiva de discentes dos cursos de saúde de um centro universitário privado em Recife-PE. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo a partir da aplicação de questionário a 500 estudantes de cursos de saúde, entre outubro e novembro de 2018. Apesar de 65,2% dos discentes relatarem ter ouvido falar sobre homeopatia, 73% declararam ter pouco ou nenhum conhecimento sobre as formas de tratamento. Além disso, 82,8% dos discentes afirmaram não conhecer as PNPIC (Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares no SUS), e nem saber que medicamentos homeopáticos são distribuídos gratuitamente pelo SUS (86%). Existe interesse dos estudantes de saúde em incluir homeopatia como disciplina na grade de seus cursos, afim de estarem aptos para oferecer um atendimento integral aos pacientes. Portanto, há necessidade de instituições de ensino superior investirem e promoverem disciplinas que abordem a homeopatia, para formarem profissionais com maior conhecimento sobre as PIC, o que irá acarretar maior informação para a população, contribuindo na melhoria da saúde individual e coletiva através da saúde pública.
Electrically tunable terahertz switch based on superconducting subwavelength hole arrays
Authors: Li Chun , Jiang Ling , Ma Qingxiao , Teng Yan , Bian Borui , Yu Mei , Hua Min , Liu Xiaoming , He Jingjing , Su Runfeng , Jiang Chengtao
Published: July 2021

We experimentally demonstrate an electrically tunable superconducting device capable of switching the extraordinary terahertz (THz) transmission. The planar device consists of subwavelength hole arrays with real-time control capability. The maximum transmission coefficient at 0.33 THz is 0.98 and decreases to 0.17 when the applied voltage only increases to 1.3 V. A relative intensity modulation of 82.7% is observed, making this device an efficient THz switch. Additionally, this device exhibits good narrow-bandpass characteristics within 2 THz, which can be used as a frequency-selective component. This study offers an ideal tuning method and delivers a promising approach for designing active and miniaturized devices in THz cryogenic systems.
Shaping entangled photons through emulated turbulent atmosphere
Authors: Shekel Ronen , Lib Ohad , Sardas Alon , Bromberg Yaron
Published: July 2021

Scattering by atmospheric turbulence is one of the main challenges in creating long free-space optical links, and specifically links of entangled photons. Classical compensation methods are hard to apply to entangled photons, due to inherently low signal to noise ratios and the fragility of entanglement. We have recently shown that we can use a bright laser beam that pumps spontaneous parametric down conversion to control the spatial correlations between entangled photons for compensating their scattering. In this work, we apply the pump-shaping technique to compensate for the scrambling of correlations between entangled photons that scatter by emulated atmospheric turbulence. We use a spatial light modulator and Kolmogorov’s turbulence model to emulate atmospheric turbulence in the lab, and enhance the entangled photons’ signal by a factor of fifteen using pump optimization. We show this for both a static and dynamic emulated atmosphere, and also demonstrate the compensation of the scattering of a higher-order mode. Our results can open the door towards realizing free-space quantum links with entangled photons, used in applications such as quantum key distribution.
Single-shot 3D tracking based on polarization multiplexed Fourier-phase camera
Authors: Teng Jiajie , Hu Chengyang , Huang Honghao , Chen Minghua , Yang Sigang , Chen Hongwei
Published: July 2021

For moving objects, 3D mapping and tracking has found important applications in the 3D reconstruction for vision odometry or simultaneous localization and mapping. This paper presents a novel camera architecture to locate the fast-moving objects in four-dimensional (4D) space (

x

,

y

,

z

,

t

) through a single-shot image. Our 3D tracking system records two orthogonal fields-of-view (FoVs) with different polarization states on one polarization sensor. An optical spatial modulator is applied to build up temporal Fourier-phase coding channels, and the integration is performed in the corresponding CMOS pixels during the exposure time. With the 8 bit grayscale modulation, each coding channel can achieve 256 times temporal resolution improvement. A fast single-shot 3D tracking system with 0.78 ms temporal resolution in 200 ms exposure is experimentally demonstrated. Furthermore, it provides a new image format, Fourier-phase map, which has a compact data volume. The latent spatio-temporal information in one 2D image can be efficiently reconstructed at relatively low computation cost through the straightforward phase matching algorithm. Cooperated with scene-driven exposure as well as reasonable Fourier-phase prediction, one could acquire 4D data (

x

,

y

,

z

,

t

) of the moving objects, segment 3D motion based on temporal cues, and track targets in a complicated environment.
Exclusive breastfeeding continuation and associated factors among employed women in North Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebrekidan Kahsu , Hall Helen , Plummer Virginia , Fooladi Ensieh
Published: July 2021

Background

Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) can prevent up to 13% of under-five mortality in developing countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa the rate of EBF at six months remains very low at 36%. Different types of factors such as maternal, family and work-related factors are responsible for the low rate of EBF among employed women. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of EBF continuation and associated factors among employed women in North Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in two towns of Tigray region, North Ethiopia. Employed women who had children between six months and two years were surveyed using multistage, convenience sampling. Women filled in a paper based validated questionnaire adopted from the Breastfeeding and Employment Study toolkit (BESt). The questions were grouped into four parts of sociodemographic characteristics, maternal characteristics, family support and work-related factors. Factors associated with EBF continuation as a binary outcome (yes/no) were determined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Four-hundred and forty-nine women participated in this study with a mean (SD) age 30.4 (4.2) years. Two hundred and fifty-four (56.4%) participants exclusively breastfed their children for six months or more. The main reason for discontinuation of EBF was the requirement of women to return to paid employment (31.5%). Four-hundred and forty (98.2%) participants believed that breastfeeding has benefits either to the infant or to the mother. Three hundred and seventy-one (82.8%) of the participants received support from their family at home to assist with EBF, most commonly from their husbands and mothers. Having family support (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.1, 95%, CI 1.2–3.6; P = 0.005), having frequent breaks at work (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI, 1.4–4.8; P = 0.002) and the possibility of buying or borrowing required equipment for expressing breast milk (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI, 1.0–3.0; P = 0.033) were statistically associated with an increased chance of EBF.

Conclusion

Although returning to work was reported by the study participants as the main reason for discontinuation of EBF, families and managers’ support play significant roles in EBF continuation, which in the absence of six-month’s maternity leave for employed women in Ethiopia would be of benefit to both mothers and children.
Response of essential oil hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) growth, biomass, and cannabinoid profiles to varying fertigation rates
Authors: Anderson Steven L. , Pearson Brian , Kjelgren Roger , Brym Zachary
Published: July 2021

Five essential oil hemp (Cannabis sativaL.) cultivars (Cherry Blossom, Cherry Blossom (Tuan), Berry Blossom, Cherry Wine, and Cherry Blossom × Trump) were treated with six fertigation treatments to quantify the effects of synthetic fertilizer rates and irrigation electrical conductivity on plant growth, biomass accumulation, and cannabinoid profiles. Irrigation water was injected with a commercial 20-20-20 fertilizer at rates of 0, 50, 150, 300, 450, and 600 ppm nitrogen equating to 0.33 (control), 0.54, 0.96, 1.59, 2.22, and 2.85 dS m−1, respectively. Plants were grown under artificial lighting (18 hr) to maintain vegetative growth for eight weeks, followed by an eight-week flowering period. High linear relationship between chlorophyll concentrations and SPAD-502 measurements validated the utilization of SPAD meters to rapidly identify nutrient deficiency in essential oil hemp. Cultivars expressed significant variation in plant height and cannabinoid profiles (% dry mass), in concurrence with limited biomass and cannabinoid (g per plant) yield variation. Cherry Blossom was the best performing cultivar and Cherry Wine was the least productive. Variation in plant growth, biomass, and cannabinoid concentrations were affected to a greater extent by fertilizer rates. Optimal fertilizer rates were observed at 50 ppm N, while increased fertilizer rates significantly reduced plant growth, biomass accumulation, and cannabinoid concentrations. Increased fertilizer rates (> 300 ppm N) resulted in compliant THC levels (< 0.3%), although when coupled with biomass reductions resulted in minimal cannabinoid yields. Additionally, CBD concentration demonstrated higher sensitivity to increased fertilizer rates (> 300 ppm N) compared to THC and CBG (> 450 ppm N). The results of this study can serve as a guide when using fertigation methods on essential oil hemp cultivars; although results may differ with cultivar selection, environmental conditions, and management practices.
Evidence of potentially unrelated AmpC beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae from cattle, cattle products and hospital environments commonly harboring the blaACC resistance determinant
Authors: Matloko Keduetswe , Fri Justine , Ateba Tshepiso Pleasure , Molale-Tom Lesego G. , Ateba Collins Njie
Published: July 2021

The occurrence and genetic relatedness of AmpC beta-lactamase producingEnterobacteriaceaeisolated from clinical environments, groundwater, beef, human and cattle faeces were investigated. One hundred seventy-seven (177) samples were collected and cultured on MacConkey agar. A total of 203 non-repetitive isolates were characterised using genus/species-specific PCRs and the identified isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The production of AmpC beta-lactamases was evaluated using cefoxitin disc, confirmed by the D96C detection test and their encoding genes detected by PCR. The D64C extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) test was also performed to appraise ESBLs/AmpC co-production. The genetic fingerprints of AmpC beta-lactamase producers were determined by ERIC-PCR. A total of 116 isolates were identified asE.coli(n= 65),Shigellaspp. (n= 36) andKlebsiella pneumoniae(n= 15). Ciprofloxacin resistance (44.4–55.4%) was the most frequent and resistance against the Cephem antibiotics ranged from 15–43.1% forE.coli, 25–36.1% forShigellaspp., and 20–40% forK.pneumoniae. On the other hand, these bacteria strains were most sensitive to Amikacin (0%), Meropenem (2.8%) and Piperacillin-Tazobactam (6.7%) respectively. Nineteen (16.4%) isolates comprising 16E.coliand 3Shigellaspp. were confirmed as AmpC beta-lactamase producers. However, onlyE.coliisolates possessed the corresponding resistance determinants:blaACC(73.7%,n= 14),blaCIT(26%,n= 5),blaDHA(11%,n= 2) andblaFOX(16%,n= 3). Thirty-four (27.3%)Enterobacteriaceaestrains were confirmed as ESBL producers and a large proportion (79.4%,n= 27) harboured theblaTEMgene, however, only two were ESBLs/AmpC co-producers. Genetic fingerprinting of the AmpC beta-lactamase-producingE.coliisolates revealed low similarity between isolates. In conclusion, the findings indicate the presence of AmpC beta-lactamase-producingEnterobacteriaceaefrom cattle, beef products and hospital environments that commonly harbour the associated resistance determinants especially theblaACCgene, nonetheless, there is limited possible cross-contamination between these environments.
Beta regression model nonlinear in the parameters with additive measurement errors in variables
Authors: de Brito Trindade Daniele , Espinheira Patrícia Leone , Pinto Vasconcellos Klaus Leite , Farfán Carrasco Jalmar Manuel , do Carmo Soares de Lima Maria
Published: July 2021

We propose in this paper a general class of nonlinear beta regression models with measurement errors. The motivation for proposing this model arose from a real problem we shall discuss here. The application concerns a usual oil refinery process where the main covariate is the concentration of a typically measured in error reagent and the response is a catalyst’s percentage of crystallinity involved in the process. Such data have been modeled by nonlinear beta and simplex regression models. Here we propose a nonlinear beta model with the possibility of the chemical reagent concentration being measured with error. The model parameters are estimated by different methods. We perform Monte Carlo simulations aiming to evaluate the performance of point and interval estimators of the model parameters. Both results of simulations and the application favors the method of estimation by maximum pseudo-likelihood approximation.
Differences in immune status and fecal SCFA between Indonesian stunted children and children with normal nutritional status
Authors: Surono Ingrid S. , Jalal Fasli , Bahri Syukrini , Romulo Andreas , Kusumo Pratiwi Dyah , Manalu Erida , Yusnita  , Venema Koen
Published: July 2021

We recently showed that the gut microbiota composition of stunted children was different from that of children with normal nutritional status. Here, we compared immune status and fecal microbial metabolite concentrations between stunted and normal children, and we correlated macronutrient intake (including energy), metabolites and immune status to microbiota composition. The results show that macronutrient intake was lower in stunted children for all components, but after correction for multiple comparison significant only for energy and fat. Only TGF-β was significantly different between stunted children and children of normal nutritional status after correction for multiple comparisons. TNF-alpha, IL-10, lipopolysaccharide binding protein in serum and secretory IgA in feces were not significantly different. Strikingly, all the individual short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids were higher in fecal samples of stunted children (significant for acetate, valerate and total SCFA). These metabolites correlated with a number of different microbial taxa, but due to extensive cross-feeding between microbes, did not show a specific pattern. However, the energy-loss due to higher excretion in stunted children of these metabolites, which can be used as substrate for the host, is striking. Several microbial taxa also correlated to the intake of macronutrients (including dietary fibre) and energy. Eisenbergiella positively correlated with all macronutrients, while an uncharacterized genus within the Succinivibrionaceae family negatively correlated with all macronutrients. These, and the other correlations observed, may provide indication on how to modulate the gut microbiota of stunted children such that their growth lag can be corrected. Trail registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04698759.
How personal values shape job seeker preference: A policy capturing study
Authors: Hicklenton Carol L. , Hine Donald W. , Driver Aaron B. , Loi Natasha M.
Published: July 2021

Does the “ideal” organization exist? Or do different workplace attributes attract different people? And if so, what attributes attract what types of employees? This study combines person-organization fit theory and a policy capturing methodology to determine (a) which attributes are the strongest predictors of perceived organization attractiveness in a sample of Australian job seekers, and (b) whether the magnitude of these predictive effects varies as a function of job seekers’ personal values. The design of this study is a randomized experiment of Australian job seekers who responded to an online survey invitation. Each of the 400 respondents received a random subset of 8 of 64 possible descriptions of organizations. Each description presented an organization that scored either high or low on six attributes based on the Employer Attractiveness Scale: economic, development, interest, social, application, and environmental value. Multi-level modelling revealed that all six attributes positively predicted job seekers’ ratings of organization attractiveness, with the three strongest predictors being social, environmental, and application value. Moderation analyses revealed that participants with strong self-transcendent or weak self-enhancement values were most sensitive to the absence of social, environmental, and application value in workplaces, down-rating organizations that scored low on these attributes. Our results demonstrate how job seekers’ personal values shape preferences for different types of workplaces. Organizations may be able to improve recruitment outcomes by matching working conditions to the personal values of workers they hope to employ.
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes associated competitive endogenous RNA networks as predictors of outcome in hepatic carcinoma based on WGCNA analysis
Authors: He Ying , Xu Rui , Peng Li , Hu Xiaoyu
Published: July 2021

Background

The important regulatory role of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been confirmed. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are of great significance to tumor outcome and prognosis. This study will systematically analyze the key factors affecting the prognosis of HCC from the perspective of ceRNA and TILs.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used for transcriptome data acquisition of HCC. Through the analysis of the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WCGNA), the two modules for co-expression of the disease were determined, and a ceRNA network was constructed. We used Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis to screen prognostic factors and constructed a risk score model. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to validate the model. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was used for mRNAs functional analysis. The cell composition of TILs was analyzed by the CIBERSORT algorithm, and Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to explore the correlation between TILs and prognostic factors.

Results

We constructed a ceRNA regulatory network composed of 67 nodes through WGCNA, including 44 DElncRNAs, 19 DEGs, and 4 DEmiRNAs. And based on the expression of 4 DEGs in this network (RRM2, LDLR, TXNIP, and KIF23), a prognostic model of HCC with good specificity and sensitivity was developed. CIBERSORT analyzed the composition of TILs in HCC tumor tissues. Correlation analysis showed that RRM2 is significantly correlated with T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells CD4 memory resting, T cells CD8, and T cells follicular helper, and TXNIP is negatively correlated with B cells memory.

Conclusions

In this study, a ceRNA with prognostic value in HCC was created, and a prognostic risk model for HCC was constructed based on it. This risk score model is closely related to TILs and is expected to become a potential therapeutic target and a new predictive indicator.
A phenolic-rich extract from Ugni molinae berries reduces abnormal protein aggregation in a cellular model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Pérez-Arancibia Rodrigo , Ordoñez Jose Luis , Rivas Alexis , Pihán Philippe , Sagredo Alfredo , Ahumada Ulises , Barriga Andrés , Seguel Ivette , Cárdenas César , Vidal Rene L. , Hetz Claudio , Delporte Carla
Published: July 2021

Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain is a common hallmark of most age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies from our group identified the presence of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in leaves derived from the Chilean berry Ugni molinae (murtilla), in addition to show a potent anti-aggregation activity in models of Alzheimer´s disease. However, possible beneficial effects of berry extracts of murtilla was not investigated. Here we evaluated the efficacy of fruit extracts from different genotypes of Chilean-native U. molinae on reducing protein aggregation using cellular models of Huntington´s disease and assess the correlation with their chemical composition. Berry extraction was performed by exhaustive maceration with increasing-polarity solvents. An unbiased automatic microscopy platform was used for cytotoxicity and protein aggregation studies in HEK293 cells using polyglutamine-EGFP fusion proteins, followed by secondary validation using biochemical assays. Phenolic-rich extracts from murtilla berries of the 19–1 genotype (ETE 19–1) significantly reduced polyglutamine peptide aggregation levels, correlating with the modulation in the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins. Using LC-MS and molecular network analysis we correlated the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and ellagitannins with the protective effects of ETE 19–1 effects on protein aggregation. Overall, our results indicate the presence of bioactive components in ethanolic extracts from U. molinae berries that reduce the load of protein aggregates in living cells.
Understanding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures: An empirical model of stress
Authors: Wissmath Bartholomäus , Mast Fred W. , Kraus Fabian , Weibel David
Published: July 2021

Epidemics such as COVID-19 and corresponding containment measures are assumed to cause psychological stress. In a survey during the lockdown in Switzerland (n = 1565), we found substantially increased levels of stress in the population. In particular, individuals who did not agree with the containment measures, as well as those who saw nothing positive in the crisis, experienced high levels of stress. In contrast, individuals who are part of a risk group or who are working in healthcare or in essential shops experienced similar stress levels as the general public. The psychological mechanisms that determine stress, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures, are not yet clear. Thus, we conducted a path analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms that lead to stress. Experiencing fear of the disease is a key driver for being worried. Our model further shows that worries about the individual, social, and economic consequences of the crisis, strongly boost stress. The infection rate in the canton (i.e., state) of residence also contributes to stress. Positive thinking and perceived social, organizational, and governmental support mitigate worries and stress. Our findings indicate that containment measures increase worries and stress, especially for those who feel that these measures either are not sufficient or go too far. Thus, highlighting positive aspects of the crisis and convincing people of the effectiveness and necessity of mitigation measures can, not only promote compliance, but also reduce stress. Our model suggests that people who feel protected by the authorities have fewer worries, which can, in turn, limit the negative impact of the crisis on mental health.
Impact of a family history of cardiovascular disease on prevalence, awareness, treatment, control of dyslipidemia, and healthy behaviors: Findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Seung Jae , Kwon Oh Deog , Lee Eung-Joon , Ock Sun Myeong , Kim Kyung-Soo
Published: July 2021

Background

Family history (FH) is one of important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, little is known about its impact on dyslipidemia prevalence and management status. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of FH of CVD on dyslipidemia prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and healthy behaviors in Korean adults.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014–2018. A total of 22,024 participants aged ≥ 19 years without histories of CVDs were classified into two groups according to the presence of FH of CVD (with FH, n = 3,778; without FH, n = 18,246). FH of CVD was defined as having a first-degree relative with ischemic heart disease or stroke. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between FH of CVD and dyslipidemia prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and healthy behaviors (weight control, non-smoking, non-risky drinking, sufficient physical activity, and undergoing health screening).

Results

FH of CVD was significantly associated with a higher dyslipidemia prevalence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–1.51), better awareness (aOR 1.54, 95%CI 1.19–2.00), and treatment rates (aOR 1.34, 95%CI 1.12–1.60), but not control. Having an FH of CVD was not predictive of any healthy behaviors in dyslipidemia patients. For non-dyslipidemia patients, FH of CVD even showed significant association with smoking (aOR 1.18, 95%CI 1.02–1.36), and risky drinking (aOR 1.20, 95%CI 1.03–1.40) while it was predictive of receiving health screening (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.27).

Conclusions

Having an FH of CVD might positively trigger dyslipidemia patients to start pharmacological intervention, but not non-pharmacological interventions. Therefore, physicians should make more efforts to educate and promote the importance of non-pharmacological behavioral modification in dyslipidemia patients with an FH of CVD.
Anxiety, PTSD, and stressors in medical students during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lee Carmen M. , Juarez Marianne , Rae Guenevere , Jones Lee , Rodriguez Robert M. , Davis John A. , Boysen-Osborn Megan , Kashima Kathleen J. , Krane N. Kevin , Kman Nicholas , Langsfeld Jodi M. , Harries Aaron J.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To assess psychological effects of the initial peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on United States (US) medical students in clinical training to anticipate sequelae and prepare for future outbreaks.

Methods

Authors emailed a cross-sectional survey in April-May, 2020 to students in clinical training years at six US medical schools which included validated General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Primary Care-PTSD (PC-PTSD-5) screening tools, and asked students about pandemic-related stress and specific concerns. Authors used quantitative and thematic analysis to present results.

Results

Of 2511 eligible students, 741 responded (29.5%). Most students (84.1%) reported at least “somewhat” increased levels of stress and anxiety related to the pandemic. On the GAD-7, 34.3% showed mild, 16.1% moderate, and 9.5% severe anxiety symptoms, with 39.6% demonstrating no/minimal symptoms. One quarter (25.4%) screened positive for PTSD risk symptoms. Top concerns of students chosen from a pre-populated list included inadequate COVID-19 testing, undiagnosed or asymptomatic spread and racial or other disparities in the pandemic. In thematic analysis, students’ reactions to removal from clinical learning included: understanding the need to conserve PPE (32.2%), a desire to help (27.7%), worry over infectious risk to others (25.4%) and self (21.2%), and lost learning opportunities (22.5%). Female students were significantly more likely to report anxiety and PTSD risk symptoms. Asian students had a greater risk of moderate anxiety and those underrepresented in medicine (UIM) had greater risk of moderate and severe anxiety symptoms compared to white students.

Conclusions

During the initial peak phase of COVID-19, over 60% of US medical students screened positive for pandemic-related anxiety and one quarter were at risk for PTSD. Female and UIM students were significantly more affected. Medical schools should consider broad support of students, and targeted outreach to female and UIM students.
Nurses’ and teachers’ perceived barriers and facilitators to the uptake of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination program in Iquitos, Peru: A qualitative study
Authors: Clavé Llavall Anna , de Wildt Gilles , Meza Graciela , Tattsbridge Jasmine , Jones Laura
Published: July 2021

Globally, over 300,000 women die of cervical cancer annually. Given that human papillomavirus vaccines are highly effective in the primary prevention of cervical cancer, it is important to explore the barriers and facilitators to vaccination uptake in areas where the burden of disease remains high. This study, informed by the socio-ecological model, aimed to qualitatively explore vaccination uptake via in-depth interviews with eleven nurses and ten teachers involved in vaccine delivery in Iquitos, Peru. The results highlighted that vaccine uptake was influenced by multiple factors including individuals’ knowledge and attitudes, community beliefs, geography, and policy level variables. Findings suggested that professionals were informed and supportive of the HPV vaccination program but perceived that parents were uninformed about the vaccine. There is a need for community education programs, for a revision of the process of obtaining parental consent, for improved communication between professionals and for involvement of grassroots staff in policy making.
Analysis of the specificity of a COVID-19 antigen test in the Slovak mass testing program
Authors: Hledík Michal , Polechová Jitka , Beiglböck Mathias , Herdina Anna Nele , Strassl Robert , Posch Martin
Published: July 2021

Aims

Mass antigen testing programs have been challenged because of an alleged insufficient specificity, leading to a large number of false positives. The objective of this study is to derive a lower bound of the specificity of the SD Biosensor Standard Q Ag-Test in large scale practical use.

Methods

Based on county data from the nationwide tests for SARS-CoV-2 in Slovakia between 31.10.–1.11. 2020 we calculate a lower confidence bound for the specificity. As positive test results were not systematically verified by PCR tests, we base the lower bound on a worst case assumption, assuming all positives to be false positives.

Results

3,625,332 persons from 79 counties were tested. The lowest positivity rate was observed in the county of Rožňava where 100 out of 34307 (0.29%) tests were positive. This implies a test specificity of at least 99.6% (97.5% one-sided lower confidence bound, adjusted for multiplicity).

Conclusion

The obtained lower bound suggests a higher specificity compared to earlier studies in spite of the underlying worst case assumption and the application in a mass testing setting. The actual specificity is expected to exceed 99.6% if the prevalence in the respective regions was non-negligible at the time of testing. To our knowledge, this estimate constitutes the first bound obtained from large scale practical use of an antigen test.
Forecasting suicide rates in India: An empirical exposition
Authors: Swain Prafulla Kumar , Tripathy Manas Ranjan , Priyadarshini Subhadra , Acharya Subhendu Kumar
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Suicide is a major social and health issue in India. Yearly statistics show a concerning increasing pattern of suicidal deaths in India which is higher in comparison to the global trend. There is limited evidence regarding historical analysis of suicide or any forecasting for suicide in India towards predicting the possible risks of death due to suicide.

Methods

This paper examines the trend of suicide rate and characteristics of suicide victims in India, based on the longitudinal time series data over the last 50 years—collected from the National Crime Record Bureau Reports (1969 to 2018) of the Government of India. In our analysis, we have used the time series model to forecast the suicide rates in India for the next decade. ARIMA (4,1,0) model is found to be the best fit model for forecasting the data.

Findings

There has been an observable and rising trend of suicide rates in India over the last five decades. The forecast indicates a continuance of rising suicide cases for an upcoming couple of years in India with a limited decline in the following years. The prediction model indicates a future relatively consistent pattern of suicide in India which does not seem to be a very encouraging trend. As we have not included the period staring the year 2020 onwards affected by Covid-19 and which has several disruptions in personal and family spaces, the projected suicide trend during the period of next two to three years (2020–22) may rise far high and then it may show a declining path. Along with this, there is a shift in means of suicide in the last couple of decades. Constituting the second-highest number of cases, Illness associated suicide was visibly a serious concern.

Conclusion

The present analysis finds that there is no visible substantial relief for suicide deaths during the coming years in India. On the other hand, more extensive exploration of sample cases may provide important information for suicide prevention. Availability of detailed and more inclusive data will be highly useful for analysis and suicide preventive policies. Investment in public health care and other welfare activities like education and employment generation will yield visible positive results in suicide control.
Effects of psychogenic stress on some peripheral and central inflammatory markers in rats with the different level of excitability of the nervous system
Authors: Shalaginova I. G. , Tuchina O. P. , Sidorova M. V. , Levina A. S. , Khlebaeva D. A-A. , Vaido A. I. , Dyuzhikova N. A.
Published: July 2021

Patients with post-stress pathologies display the signs of inflammation in the peripheral blood as well as in the brain. The mechanisms of such post-stress neuroimmune changes, their contribution to the behavior, the relationship of the intensity of inflammation with genetically determined features have not been clarified. The goal of this work was to evaluate the dynamics of post-stress inflammation in the blood and hippocampus of rats which differ in level of excitability of the nervous system. Rats of two strains (high/low excitability threshold) were subjected to stress according to the K. Hecht protocol and their behavior, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio and the number of Iba+ cells in the hippocampus were analysed 24 hours, 7 and 24 days after stress exposure. Highly excitable animals show an increase in anxiety-like behavior, in the number of neutrophils compared to lymphocytes as well as in the number of Iba1+ cells in CA1, CA3 and DG areas of the hippocampus in response to stress. Thus, hereditary high excitability of the nervous system is a possible risk factor for the development of post-stress pathologies.
Experiences of people with opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Galarneau Lexis R. , Hilburt Jesse , O’Neill Zoe R. , Buxton Jane A. , Scheuermeyer Frank X. , Dong Kathryn , Kaczorowski Janusz , Orkin Aaron M. , Barbic Skye Pamela , Bath Misty , Moe Jessica , Miles Isabelle , Tobin Dianne , Grier Sherry , Garrod Emma , Kestler Andrew
Published: July 2021

Aim

To capture pandemic experiences of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) to better inform the programs that serve them.

Design

We designed, conducted, and analyzed semi-structured qualitative interviews using grounded theory. We conducted interviews until theme saturation was reached and we iteratively developed a codebook of emerging themes. Individuals with lived experience of substance use provided feedback at all steps of the study.

Setting

We conducted phone or in-person interviews in compliance with physical distancing and public health regulations in outdoor Vancouver parks or well-ventilated indoor spaces between June to September 2020.

Participants

Using purposive sampling, we recruited participants (n = 19) who were individuals with OUD enrolled in an intensive community outreach program, had visited one of two emergency departments, were over 18, lived within catchment, and were not already receiving opioid agonist therapy.

Measurements

We audio-recorded interviews, which were later transcribed verbatim and checked for accuracy while removing all identifiers. Interviews explored participants’ knowledge of COVID-19 and related safety measures, changes to drug use and healthcare services, and community impacts of COVID-19.

Results

One third of participants were women, approximately two thirds had stable housing, and ages ranged between 23 and 59 years old. Participants were knowledgeable on COVID-19 public health measures. Some participants noted that fear decreased social connection and reluctance to help reverse overdoses; others expressed pride in community cohesion during crisis. Several participants mentioned decreased access to housing, harm reduction, and medical care services. Several participants reported using drugs alone more frequently, consuming different or fewer drugs because of supply shortages, or using more drugs to replace lost activities.

Conclusion

COVID-19 had profound effects on the social lives, access to services, and risk-taking behaviour of people with opioid use disorder. Pandemic public health measures must include risk mitigation strategies to maintain access to critical opioid-related services.
Isolamendu molekularrean oinarritutako gas faseko espektroskopiaren abantailak antrazenoan oinarritutako polimeroaren karakterizazioan
Authors: Parra M. , Usabiaga I. , Insausti A. , Camiruaga A. , Veloso A. , Basterretxea F. J.
Published: July 2021

Molekulen propietate fisiko-kimikoen jatorria ezagutzea ezinbestekoa da material berrien garapenerako. Hala ere, teknika esperimental konbentzionalen mugak direla eta, aipatutako helburua betetzea ez da erraza. Erronka hau gainditzeko beharrezkoa den zehaztasuna egoera isolatutako ikasketetan eskuragarri dago. Kasu honetan, konduktantzia altua aurkezten duen antrazeno unitatez osatutako foldameroen familia berriaren propietate intrintsekoak aztertu dira egoera isolatutako RIDIRS (Resonant Ion Dip Infrared Spectroscopy) laser-espektroskopia eta espantsio supersonikoak erabiliz. Modu horretan, isolatutako molekulen berezko infragorri espektro esperimentala eta DFT (Density-functional theory) kalkuluen emaitzak konparatu dira antrazeno monomeroen arteko π-π elkarrekintzen nagusitasuna determinatu ahal izateko. Horren ondorioz, laser-espektroskopia gainerako karakterizazio-teknikentzako osagarri ezin hobea dela egiaztatu da.
Eguzki-energia termikoa: etxebizitzen eskariak asetzeko erabilera anitzeko iturri-berriztagarria
Authors: Picallo-Perez Ana , Sala-Lizarraga Jose Maria , Hernandez-Arizaga Arrate
Published: July 2021

Lan honen helburua da eguzki-kolektoreen egungo egoeraren informazioa ematea, eraikuntza-sektorean. Energia-trantsiziorako giltzarri bat da eguzki-energia termikoa, eta, horregatik, iturria ustiatzeko teknologiak eta horien funtzionamendu-tarteak ezagutu behar dira, kontuan hartuz, batez ere, Espainiako eguzki-energiaren egungo egoera eta eraikinen instalazio espezifikoak. Egun, ohiko eguzki-sistemak instalatzen badira ere, hain ohikoak ez diren beste konfigurazio batzuk ere badaude. Hori dela eta, azken urteen aurkikuntzak aintzat hartu behar dira eguzki-kolektoreen material, geometria eta fluido bero-eramaile berriak ezagutarazteko. Gainera, eguzki-sistemak elementu arkitektonikoetan integra daitezke, eta eguzki bidezko hozte-sistemen aplikazioak eta klimatizazio-sareak ere bultza daitezke. Ondorioz, eguzki-energiaren aplikazio termikoak aldakorrak eta moldagarriak direla frogatzen da, eraikuntzako edozein eskari termikorako.
Diabetesa gaixotasun inflamatorio gisa
Authors: ALQUIZA AMAIA , ECHEAZARRA LEYRE , GALLEGO MONICA , CASIS OSCAR
Published: July 2021

Diabetesa gaixotasun kronikoa da, prebalentzia handikoa, zeinetan pankreak ez duen behar adina intsulina sortzen edo organismoak sortzen duen intsulina ez duen eraginkortasunez erabiltzen. Kontrolatu gabeko diabetesaren ondorioa hipergluzemia da, denborarekin organo eta sistema asko larriki kaltetzen dituena, nerbioak eta odol-hodiak batez ere. 2 motako diabetesa (DT2) diabetes motarik ohikoena da, non ehunek ez dioten intsulinari eraginkortasunez erantzuten. Egoera horri intsulinarekiko erresistentzia deritzo. Obesitatea, munduko asaldura metabolikorik ohikoena da, eta DT2 garatzeko arrisku-faktore nagusienetako bat. Obesitatea diabetesarekin lotzen duten mekanismoak oraindik argi ez badaude ere, azken urteotan hanturak indarra hartu du funtsezko faktore gisa. Paziente diabetikoek zitokina proinflamatorioen maila altuak dituzte, eta horrek gradu baxuko hantura kroniko orokortua eragiten du, gantz-ehunean sortzen duena. Hantura kroniko horrek alterazioak eragiten ditu intsulinaren seinaleztapen-jauzian eta, ondorioz, intsulinarekiko erresistentzia eta hipergluzemia dakar. Gaur egungo tratamenduaren helburu nagusia gluzemia normalizatzea da, farmako hipogluzemiatzaileen bidez. Hala ere, sistema immunearen modulazioak, TNF-α eta IL-b bezalako zitokinen blokeoaren bidez, medikamentuak garatzeko aukera berri interesgarriak irekitzen ditu.
Talde abeldar finituetarako Galoisen alderantzizko problema
Authors: Gago Fruniz Maialen , Legarreta Solaguren Leire
Published: July 2021

Galoisen alderantzizko problema honetan datza: talde (finitu) bat emanda, Ga­ loisen hedadura bat ea existitzen den zehaztea, zeinentzat hedadura horri dagokion Galoisen taldea hasieran emandako taldearen isomorfoa baita. Artikulu honen helburua izango da Kro­ necker­Weberren teorema frogatzea, edo, bestera esanda, edozein talde abeldar finitu Q-ren gai­neko Galoisen hedadura baten Galoisen taldearen isomorfoa dela frogatzea. Artikulu honetan, froga horri eusteko beharrezkoak diren hainbat kontzeptu eta emaitzen pintzelkadak aipatuko eta aurkeztuko dira: hasteko, aljebraren oinarrizko zenbait emaitza, polinomioei eta kongruentziei dagozkionak, azalduko dira; gero, Galoisen teoriaren oinarrizko definizio eta teoremak eta heda­dura ziklotomikoen inguruko apunte batzuk aurkeztuko dira; eta, azkenik, Kronecker­-Weberren teorema enuntziatu eta frogatuko da, aurretik azaldutako emaitza guztiak aintzat harturik.
Investigation of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of emaciated Omani goats
Authors: Shawaf Turke , Al Bulushi S. , Al-Ali M. A. , Meligy A. M. A. , Salouci M. , Hussen Jamal
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim: The analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters is widely used in assessing animal health status. Limited information is available on trace element levels and their association with hematological and biochemical parameters in Omani goats suffering from emaciation. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the levels of some trace elements in emaciated Omani goats and their relationship with hematological and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Goats suffering from emaciation and muscular dystrophy (n=18) were compared with healthy goats (n=12). Venous blood samples for the hematological, biochemical, and trace element analysis were collected from the jugular vein. Results: Emaciated goats showed significantly lower white blood cell, lymphocyte, and red blood cell counts than the healthy goats. In contrast, the percentages of monocytes and eosinophils were higher in emaciated goats than in healthy ones. In addition, emaciated goats showed higher levels of biochemical parameters alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and total bilirubin but lower levels of albumin than the healthy goats. The results of trace element analysis revealed lower concentrations of zinc, iron, and selenium in serum from emaciated goats than in serum from healthy goats. Conclusion: This study identified significant differences in the serum levels of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters between healthy and emaciated Omani goats. The identified differences represent valuable diagnostic biomarkers for the evaluation of the health status of Omani goats.
Effect of feeding goat meat containing low cholesterol and rich omega-6 fatty acid on blood lipid status of white rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Widiyanto Widiyanto , Mulyono Mulyono , Sutrisno Sutrisno , Pangestu Eko , Christiyanto Marry , Surahmanto Surahmanto , Yunianto Vitus Dwi , Prasetiyono Bambang Waluyo Hadi Eko
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim: Healthy goat meat is an essential aspect in increasing consumer acceptance for this livestock product. The research aimed to examine the effect of goat meat containing low cholesterol and rich omega-6 fatty acid on the performance and blood lipid status of white rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Materials and Methods: Thirty 2-month-old male white rats (R. norvegicus) weighing 195-230 g were randomly divided into three groups, with each group consisting of 10 rats. Group I was treated with a control feed (T0; BR I concentrate). Group II (T1) was treated with a mixed feed containing 50% control feed and 50% goat meat. Group III (T2) was treated with a mixed feed comprising 50% control feed and 50% goat meat with low cholesterol and rich omega-6 fatty acids. Each treatment was given ad libitum for 30 days. The variables measured were dry matter and organic matter consumption, daily body weight gain, feed conversion, triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and atherogenic index (AI). The data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance in a completely randomized design.

Results: The total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol levels at T0, T1, and T2 were as follows: 99.97, 35.97, and 50.43 mg/dL (total cholesterol); 108.35, 33.92, and 58.17 mg/dL (HDL cholesterol); and 101.43, 38.09, and 48.65 mg/dL (LDL cholesterol). The highest HDL and the lowest LDL cholesterol levels (p<0.05) were observed in the T2 treatment group, which had the lowest AI (1.69 vs. 1.77 and 2.19).

Conclusion: The consumption of goat with low cholesterol and rich omega-6 fatty acids reduces the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, raises the HDL cholesterol levels, and decreases the AI.
An Investigation into Consumer Attitudes in Relation to the Publishing Industry and the Environment
Authors: Gilmour Dominic
Published: July 2021

Written amid a climate emergency, this paper investigates how the publishing industry is operating to convert its operations to reduce its carbon footprint as it works towards achieving climate neutral status. One of the main obstacles comes from the risk of making changes to the products they produce and whether consumers would be open to such changes. In order to assess this, a questionnaire with 114 recipients was used to collect data relating to consumer attitudes towards books and the environment. Questions were used to determine whether consumers are open to change and whether changes in the production of books are viable from a commercial perspective.The results show a general enthusiasm for books to be produced in environmentally sustainable methods, with respondents showing a willingness to support such behaviour. While the impact these changes might have on the consumer is generally undesirable, increased transparency seems the most effective way in spreading understanding for any changes that might take place to books and their price.