bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic epidemiology of blood type, disease and trait variants, and genome-wide genetic diversity in over 11,000 domestic cats
Authors: Anderson Heidi , Davison Stephen , Lytle Katherine M. , Honkanen Leena , Freyer Jamie , Mathlin Julia , Kyöstilä Kaisa , Inman Laura , Louviere Annette , Chodroff Foran Rebecca , Forman Oliver P. , Lohi Hannes , Donner Jonas
Published: June 2022

In the largest DNA-based study of domestic cats to date, 11,036 individuals (10,419 pedigreed cats and 617 non-pedigreed cats) were genotyped via commercial panel testing elucidating the distribution and frequency of known disease, blood type, and physical trait associated genetic variants across cat breeds. This study provides allele frequencies for many disease-associated variants for the first time and provides updates on previously reported information with evidence suggesting that DNA testing has been effectively used to reduce disease associated variants within certain pedigreed cat populations over time. We identified 13 disease-associated variants in 47 breeds or breed types in which the variant had not previously been documented, highlighting the relevance of comprehensive genetic screening across breeds. Three disease-associated variants were discovered in non-pedigreed cats only. To investigate the causality of nine disease-associated variants in cats of different breed backgrounds our veterinarians conducted owner interviews, reviewed clinical records, and invited cats to have follow-up clinical examinations. Additionally, genetic variants determining blood types A, B and AB, which are relevant clinically and in cat breeding, were genotyped. Appearance-associated genetic variation in all cats is also discussed. Lastly, genome-wide SNP heterozygosity levels were calculated to obtain a comparable measure of the genetic diversity in different cat breeds. This study represents the first comprehensive exploration of informative Mendelian variants in felines by screening over 10,000 pedigreed cats. The results qualitatively contribute to the understanding of feline variant heritage and genetic diversity and demonstrate the clinical utility and importance of such information in supporting breeding programs and the research community. The work also highlights the crucial commitment of pedigreed cat breeders and registries in supporting the establishment of large genomic databases, that when combined with phenotype information can advance scientific understanding and provide insights that can be applied to improve the health and welfare of cats.
Effect of clinician information sessions on diagnostic testing for Chagas disease
Authors: Mahoney West Helen , Milliren Carly E. , Manne-Goehler Jennifer , Davis Jillian , Gallegos Jaime , Perez Juan Huanuco , Köhler Julia R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening neglected disease of poverty that is endemic in continental Latin America. Caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), it is one of six parasitic diseases in the United States targeted by the Centers for Disease Control as a public health problem in need of action. An estimated 300,000 people are infected with T. cruzi in the United States (US). Although its morbidity, mortality and economic burden are high, awareness of Chagas disease is lacking among many healthcare providers in the US. The purpose of this analysis is to determine if the number of diagnostic tests performed at a community health center serving an at-risk population for Chagas disease increased after information sessions. A secondary aim was to determine if there was a difference by provider type, i.e., nurse practitioner vs. physician, or by specialty in the number of patients screened.

Methodology/Principal findings

We conducted a retrospective data analysis of the number of Chagas serology tests performed at a community health center before and after information sessions for clinicians. A time series analysis was conducted focusing on the Adult and Family Medicine Departments at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC). Across all departments there were 1,957 T. cruzi tests performed before the sessions vs. 2,623 after the sessions. Interrupted time series analysis across departments indicated that testing volume was stable over time prior to the sessions (pre-period slope = +4.1 per month; p = 0.12), followed by an immediate shift after the session (+51.6; p = 0.03), while testing volume remained stable over time after the session (post-period slope = -6.0 per month; p = 0.11).

Conclusion/Significance

In this study, Chagas testing increased after information sessions. Clinicians who began testing their patients for Chagas disease after learning of the importance of this intervention added an extra, potentially time-consuming task to their already busy workdays without external incentives or recognition.
An approach to quantitate maternal transcripts localized in sea urchin egg cortex using RT-qPCR with accurate normalization
Authors: Kipryushina Yulia O. , Maiorova Mariia A. , Yakovlev Konstantin V.
Published: June 2022

The sea urchin egg cortex is a peripheral region of eggs comprising a cell membrane and adjacent cytoplasm, which contains actin and tubulin cytoskeleton, cortical granules and some proteins required for early development. Method for isolation of cortices from sea urchin eggs and early embryos was developed in 1970s. Since then, this method has been reliable tool to study protein localization and cytoskeletal organization in cortex of unfertilized eggs and embryos during first cleavages. This study was aimed to estimate the reliability of RT-qPCR to analyze levels of maternal transcripts that are localized in egg cortex. Firstly, we selected seven potential reference genes, 28S, Cycb, Ebr1, GAPDH, Hmg1, Smtnl1 and Ubb, the transcripts of which are maternally deposited in sea urchin eggs. The candidate reference genes were ranked by five different algorithms (BestKeeper, CV, ΔCt, geNorm and NormFinder) based on calculated level of stability in both eggs as well as isolated cortices. Our results showed that gene ranking differs in total RNA and mRNA samples, though Ubb is most suitable reference gene in both cases. To validate feasibility of comparative analysis of eggs and isolated egg cortices, we selected Daglb-2 as a gene of interest, which transcripts are potentially localized in cortex according to transcriptome analysis, and observed increased level of Daglb-2 in egg cortices by RT-qPCR. This suggests that proposed RNA isolation method with subsequent quantitative RT-qPCR analysis can be used to determine cortical association of transcripts in sea urchin eggs.
Environmental monitoring and health assessment in an industrial town in central India: A cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Trushna Tanwi , Dhiman Vikas , Aher Satish Bhagwatrao , Raj Dharma , Ahirwar Rajesh , Shubham Swasti , Nandi Subroto Shambhu , Tiwari Rajnarayan R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Textile industry has been widely implicated in environmental pollution. The health effects of residing near manufacturing industries are not well documented in India, especially in central India. Hence, a cross-sectional environmental monitoring and health assessment study was initiated as per directions of the local authorities.

Methods

Comprehensive exposure data about the concentrations of relevant pollutants in the ambient air and ground water samples in the study area will be collected over one year. Using stratified random sampling, 3003 apparently healthy adults will be selected from the study area. Sociodemographic and anthropometric information, relevant medical and family history, and investigations including spirometry, electrocardiogram, neurobehavioral tests, and laboratory investigations (complete blood count, lipid profile and random blood glucose) will be conducted. Finally Iodine azide test and heavy metal level detection in urine and blood samples respectively will be conducted in a subset of selected participants to assess individual pollution exposure. Ethics approval has been obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (No: NIREH/IEC-7-II/1027, dated 07/01/2021).

Discussion

This manuscript describes the protocol for a multi-disciplinary study that aims to conduct environmental monitoring and health assessment in residential areas near viscose rayon and associated chemical manufacturing industries. Although India is the second largest manufacturer of rayon, next only to China, and viscose rayon manufacturing has been documented to be a source of multiple toxic pollutants, there is a lack of comprehensive information about the health effects of residing near such manufacturing units in India. Therefore implementing this study protocol will aid in filling in this knowledge gap.
Digital teaching tools in sports medicine: A randomized control trial comparing the effectiveness of virtual seminar and virtual fishbowl teaching method in medical students
Authors: Hertling Stefan , Hertling Doreen , Matziolis Georg , Schleußner Ekkehard , Loos Franziska , Graul Isabel
Published: June 2022

Background

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for online courses has increased enormously. Therefore, finding new methods to improve medical education is imperative.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the self-reports of the individual student-centered virtual teaching techniques (seminar versus fishbowl) in a group of medical students.

Methods

During the second semester of 2020, students in the clinical phase of the study (n = 144) participated in the optional subject of Sports Medicine. The students were divided into 2 groups. One group (n = 72) received the knowledge transfer in the form of a virtual seminar, the other group (n = 72) in the form of a virtual fishbowl.

Results

Virtual seminar and virtual fishbowl students gave insights into these teaching techniques. Most of the students from the virtual fishbowl group believed that the virtual fishbowl format allowed them to be more actively involved in learning. The mean quiz scores were statistically higher for students in the virtual fishbowl group than students in the virtual seminar group (p < 0. 001).

Conclusion

This study concluded that virtual seminars and virtual fishbowl formats could be served as structured learning and teaching formats. At the same time, the virtual fishbowl format can promote an active exchange of knowledge from students’ perspectives.
High resolution DOA estimation of acoustic plane waves: An innovative comparison among Cuckoo search heuristics and subspace based algorithms
Authors: Ahmed Nauman , Wang Huigang , Ahmad Rizwan , Salem Ali Ahmed , Abd Rahman Rahisham , Kashif Muhammad , Arshad Shahzad , Lau Kwan. Y.
Published: June 2022

SONAR signal processing plays an indispensable role when it comes to parameter estimation of Direction of Arrival (DOA) of acoustic plane waves for closely spaced target exclusively under severe noisy environments. Resolution performance of classical MUSIC and ESPRIT algorithms and other subspace-based algorithms decreases under scenarios like low SNR, smaller number of snapshots and closely spaced targets. In this study, optimization strength of swarm intelligence of Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) is accomplished for viable DOA estimation in different scenarios of underwater environment using a Uniform Linear Array (ULA). Higher resolution for closely spaced targets is achieved using smaller number of snapshots viably with CSA by investigating global minima of the highly nonlinear cost function of ULA. Performance analysis of CSA for different number of targets employing estimation accuracy, higher resolution, variance analysis, frequency distribution of RMSE over the monte Carlo runs and robustness against noise in the presence of additive-white Gaussian measurement noise is achieved. Comparative studies of CSA with Root MUSIC and ESPRIT along with Crammer Rao Bound analysis witnesses better results for estimating DOA parameters which are further endorsed from the results of Monte Carlo simulations.
Quantifying societal emotional resilience to natural disasters from geo-located social media content
Authors: Bathina Krishna , ten Thij Marijn , Bollen Johan
Published: June 2022

Natural disasters can have devastating and long-lasting effects on a community’s emotional well-being. These effects may be distributed unequally, affecting some communities more profoundly and possibly over longer time periods than others. Here, we analyze the effects of four major US hurricanes, namely, Irma, Harvey, Florence, and Dorian on the emotional well-being of the affected communities and regions. We show that a community’s emotional response to a hurricane event can be measured from the content of social media that its population posted before, during, and after the hurricane. For each hurricane making landfall in the US, we observe a significant decrease in sentiment in the affected areas before and during the hurricane followed by a rapid return to pre-hurricane baseline, often within 1-2 weeks. However, some communities exhibit markedly different rates of decline and return to previous equilibrium levels. This points towards the possibility of measuring the emotional resilience of communities from the dynamics of their online emotional response.
Permeability of dopamine D2 receptor agonist hordenine across the intestinal and blood-brain barrier in vitro
Authors: Hahn Maria , Lindemann Viktoria , Behrens Matthias , Mulac Dennis , Langer Klaus , Esselen Melanie , Humpf Hans-Ulrich
Published: June 2022

Hordenine, a bioactive food compound, has several pharmacological properties and has recently been identified as a dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonist. Since the pharmacokinetic profile of hordenine has been described to a limited extent, the present study focused on the transfer and transport of hordenine across the intestinal epithelium and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vitro. Hordenine was quickly transferred through the Caco-2 monolayer in only a few hours, indicating a rapid oral uptake. However, the high bioavailability may be reduced by the observed efflux transport of hordenine from the bloodstream back into the intestinal lumen and by first pass metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells. To determine the biotransformation rate of hordenine, the metabolite hordenine sulfate was synthesized as reference standard for analytical purposes. In addition, transfer studies using primary porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (PBCEC) showed that hordenine is able to rapidly penetrate the BBB and potentially accumulate in the brain. Thus, a D2R interaction of hordenine and activation of dopaminergic signaling is conceivable, assuming that the intestinal barrier can be circumvented by a route of administration alternative to oral uptake.
Behaviour change interventions to promote health and well-being among older migrants: A systematic review
Authors: Jagroep Warsha , Cramm Jane M. , Denktaș Semiha , Nieboer Anna P.
Published: June 2022

Background

Whether behaviour change interventions are effective for the maintenance of older migrants’ health and well-being is uncertain. A systematic review was conducted to assess evidence for the capacity of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to promote the health and well-being of older migrants.

Methods

Electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science) were searched systematically to identify relevant randomised controlled trials, pre–post studies and quasi-experimental studies published before March 2021. Additional articles were identified through citation tracking. Studies examining BCTs used to promote the health and/or well-being of older migrants were eligible. Two independent reviewers used the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 to extract data on BCTs. Data on intervention functions (IFs) and cultural adaption strategies were also extracted. Intervention contents (BCTs, IFs, culture adaption strategies) were compared across effective and ineffective interventions according to health and well-being outcome clusters (anthropometrics, health behaviour, physical functioning, mental health and cognitive functioning, social functioning and generic health and well-being).

Results

Forty-three studies (23 randomised controlled trials, 13 pre–post studies and 7 quasi-experimental studies) reporting on 39 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen BCTs were identified as promising for at least one outcome cluster: goal-setting (behaviour), problem-solving, behavioural contract, self-monitoring of behaviour, social support (unspecified), instruction on how to perform the behaviour, information about health consequences, information about social and environmental consequences, demonstration of the behaviour, social comparison, behavioural practice/rehearsal, generalisation of a target behaviour and addition of objects to the environment. Three BCTs (instruction on how to perform the behaviour, demonstration of the behaviour, and social comparison) and two IFs (modelling and training) were identified as promising for all outcome clusters.

Conclusions

Thirteen distinct BCTs are promising for use in future interventions to optimise health and well-being among older migrants. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of these BCTs (combinations) in various contexts and among different subgroups of older migrants, as well as the mechanisms through which they act. Given the scarcity of interventions in which cultural adaption has been taken into account, future behavioural change interventions should consider cultural appropriateness for various older migrant (sub)groups.

Trial registration

PROSPEROCRD42018112859.
A leaf reflectance-based crop yield modeling in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tiruneh Gizachew Ayalew , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Adgo Enyew , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Fenta Ayele Almaw , Reichert José Miguel
Published: June 2022

Crop yield prediction provides information to policymakers in the agricultural production system. This study used leaf reflectance from a spectroradiometer to model grain yield (GY) and aboveground biomass yield (ABY) of maize (Zea mays L.) at Aba Gerima catchment, Ethiopia. A FieldSpec IV (350–2,500 nm wavelengths) spectroradiometer was used to estimate the spectral reflectance of crop leaves during the grain-filling phase. The spectral vegetation indices, such as enhanced vegetation index (EVI), normalized difference VI (NDVI), green NDVI (GNDVI), soil adjusted VI, red NDVI, and simple ratio were deduced from the spectral reflectance. We used regression analyses to identify and predict GY and ABY at the catchment level. The coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE), and relative importance (RI) were used for evaluating model performance. The findings revealed that the best-fitting curve was obtained between GY and NDVI (R2 = 0.70; RMSE = 0.065; P < 0.0001; RI = 0.19), followed by EVI (R2 = 0.65; RMSE = 0.024; RI = 0.61; P < 0.0001). While the best-fitting curve was obtained between ABY and GNDVI (R2 = 0.71; RI = 0.24; P < 0.0001), followed by NDVI (R2 = 0.77; RI = 0.17; P < 0.0001). The highest GY (7.18 ton/ha) and ABY (18.71 ton/ha) of maize were recorded at a soil bunded plot on a gentle slope. Combined spectral indices were also employed to predict GY with R2 (0.83) and RMSE (0.24) and ABY with R2 (0.78) and RMSE (0.12). Thus, the maize’s GY and ABY can be predicted with acceptable accuracy using spectral reflectance indices derived from spectroradiometer in an area like the Aba Gerima catchment. An estimation model of crop yields could help policy-makers in identifying yield-limiting factors and achieve decisive actions to get better crop yields and food security for Ethiopia.
Adding a reaction-restoration type transmission rate dynamic-law to the basic SEIR COVID-19 model
Authors: Córdova-Lepe Fernando , Vogt-Geisse Katia
Published: June 2022

The classical SEIR model, being an autonomous system of differential equations, has important limitations when representing a pandemic situation. Particularly, the geometric unimodal shape of the epidemic curve is not what is generally observed. This work introduces the βSEIR model, which adds to the classical SEIR model a differential law to model the variation in the transmission rate. It considers two opposite thrives generally found in a population: first, reaction to disease presence that may be linked to mitigation strategies, which tends to decrease transmission, and second, the urge to return to normal conditions that pulls to restore the initial value of the transmission rate. Our results open a wide spectrum of dynamic variabilities in the curve of new infected, which are justified by reaction and restoration thrives that affect disease transmission over time. Some of these dynamics have been observed in the existing COVID-19 disease data. In particular and to further exemplify the potential of the model proposed in this article, we show its capability of capturing the evolution of the number of new confirmed cases of Chile and Italy for several months after epidemic onset, while incorporating a reaction to disease presence with decreasing adherence to mitigation strategies, as well as a seasonal effect on the restoration of the initial transmissibility conditions.
Assessment of attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among clinical practitioners in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abay Eleleta Surafel , Belew Mezmur Dawit , Ketsela Beza Seleshi , Mengistu Enderas Eneyew , Getachew Liya Sisay , Teferi Yonas Ademe , Zerihun Abebe Bekele
Published: June 2022

Background

Clinical practitioners are influential figures in the public’s health-seeking behavior. Therefore, understanding their attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine is critical for implementing successful vaccination programs. Our study aimed to investigate clinical practitioners’ acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors for evidence-based interventions.

Methods

Data from 461 clinical practitioners were collected using a cross-sectional design via an online self-administered survey. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses and chi-square tests were conducted using R version 3.6.1.

Results

The COVID-19 vaccine was accepted by 84.4 percent of those polled, and 86.1 percent said they would recommend it to others. Individuals with advanced levels of education demonstrated greater readiness for vaccine acceptance (P<0.001) and willingness to recommend (P<0.001). On the other hand, practitioners with concerns about the safety of vaccines developed in emergency settings were less likely to accept vaccines (OR = 0.22). Practitioners influenced by social media posts (OR = 0.91) and religious beliefs (OR = 0.71) were found to be less willing to recommend the vaccine.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that interventions to improve clinical practitioners’ acceptance and recommendation of the COVID-19 vaccine should consider the following factors: level of experience and education, religious beliefs, safety concerns, specific profession, and source of information. Vaccine literacy efforts that directly address specific concerns and misconceptions, such as those that reconcile social media information and religious beliefs with scientific literature, are recommended.
Lower CXCR3 expression in both patients with neovascular AMD and advanced stages of chronic myeloproliferative blood cancers
Authors: Liisborg Charlotte , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Lykke Sørensen Torben
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Peripheral T cell CXCR3 expression has been found uniquely lower in patients having neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) than in healthy individuals. The CXCR3-axis has been shown to have angiostatic and antifibrotic properties. We have recently investigated systemic markers in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) because of their higher prevalence of AMD, and we have observed higher systemic chronic low-grade inflammation and immunosenescence signs in MPNs with drusen (MPNd) compared to those with normal retinas (MPNn). The MPNs evolve in a biological continuum from early cancer-stages (essential thrombocytosis, polycythemia vera) to the advanced myelofibrosis stage. Especially myelofibrosis is characterized by bone marrow angiogenesis and fibrosis, similarly to retinal observations in nAMD. We speculate if we can find lower CXCR3 expression in MPNs, particularly myelofibrosis and if differences are seen between MPNd and MPNn. We also wanted to compare expression in nAMD and intermediate (i)AMD.

Methods

Patients in this cross-sectional study were 29 nAMD, 28 iAMD, 35 MPNd, and 27 MPNn. We performed flowcytometry on blood to measure CXCR3 expression.

Results

CD8+CXCR3 expression in nAMD was 6,1%, significantly lower than in iAMD 16%, MPNd 11%, MPNn 12% (p-values<0.05). Similar results were seen for CD4+CXCR3 expression. We also found CXCR3 expression decreasing over the MPN-continuum. For instance, in myelofibrosis, intermediate monocytes expression was 6.2%, significantly lower than 18% in ET and 18% in PV (p-values<0.05).

Conclusions

We find CXCR3 downregulation on T-cells and some monocyte subset in nAMD compared to iAMD, MPNd, and MPNn, in line with previous nAMD studies. We also find CXCR3 downregulation in most monocyte subsets over the MPN continuum. Systemic leukocyte CXCR3 expression could both be involved in changes seen in the retina and the bone marrow. Further understanding the CXCR3-axis in AMD and MPNs may elucidate underlying pathogenic mechanisms and reveal new targets for treatment.
Performance differences among commercially available antigen rapid tests for COVID-19 in Brazil
Authors: Freire Mariana Lourenço , Alves Lindicy Leidicy , de Souza Carolina Senra , Saliba Juliana Wilke , Faria Verônica , Pedras Mariana Junqueira , Carvalho Nara de Oliveira , Andrade Gláucia Queiroz , Rabello Ana , Avelar Daniel Moreira , Cota Gláucia
Published: June 2022

A rapid and accurate diagnosis is a crucial strategy for containing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Considering the obstacles to upscaling the use of RT–qPCR, rapid tests based on antigen detection (Ag-RDT) have become an alternative to enhance mass testing, reducing the time for a prompt diagnosis and virus spreading. However, the performances of several commercially available Ag-RDTs have not yet been evaluated in several countries. Here, we evaluate the performance of eight Ag-RDTs available in Brazil to diagnose COVID-19. Patients admitted to tertiary hospitals with moderate or mild COVID-19 symptoms and presenting risk factors for severe disease were included. The tests were performed using a masked protocol, strictly following the manufacturer’s recommendations and were compared with RT–qPCR. The overall sensitivity of the tests ranged from 9.8 to 81.1%, and specificity greater than 83% was observed for all the evaluated tests. Overall, slight or fair agreement was observed between Ag-RDTs and RT–PCR, except for the Ag-RDT COVID-19 (Acro Biotech), in which moderate agreement was observed. Lower sensitivity of Ag-RDTs was observed for patients with cycle threshold > 25, indicating that the sensitivity was directly affected by viral load, whereas the effect of the disease duration was unclear. Despite the lower sensitivity of Ag-RDTs compared with RT–qPCR, its easy fulfillment and promptness still justify its use, even at hospital admission. However, the main advantage of Ag-RDTs seems to be the possibility of increasing access to the diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients with a high viral load, allowing immediate clinical management and reduction of infectivity and community transmission.
Knowledge of symptoms and delays in diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in North Shewa zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Bilchut Awraris Hailu , Mekonnen Alemayehu Gonie , Assen Tigist Abetew
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Delayed diagnosis contributes to the high burden and transmission of tuberculosis and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and continued to be a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Currently, there is insufficient knowledge on the contributing factors to diagnostic delay of EPTB patients in healthcare settings in Ethiopia, because of unique cultural and societal issues in this country. This study assessed patients’ knowledge of symptoms and contributing factors of delay in diagnosis of EPTB patients at selected public health facilities in North Shewa zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based study was conducted from March to April 2021. All recently registered EPTB patients were included. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the data. A significant association was declared at a p-value of < 0.05, and the results were presented with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In this study, only 15.5% of respondents knew EPTB symptoms. The median patient and healthcare system delay was 55 days. A patient delay of greater than 3 weeks and a health system delay of greater than 2 weeks were observed among 85.2% and 81% of patients, respectively. After the end of 5 weeks, 87.3% of EPTB patients had been diagnosed with the disease and the total median delay was 108.5 days. Living more than ten kilometers far from a health facility (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.11, 4.63), having never heard of EPTB disease (AOR = 5.52; 95% CI = 1.73, 17.56), and having ever taken antibiotics at the first health facility visit (AOR = 7.62; 95% CI = 2.26, 25.65) were associated with a total diagnostic delay of beyond 5 weeks.

Conclusions

The diagnostic delays of EPTB remain high. Both patient and health system delays equally contributed to the total diagnosis delay. Improving community awareness of EPTB and advancing diagnostic efficiencies of healthcare facilities could help reduce both delays.
Risk factors for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: A worldwide systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xi Ying , Zhang Wei , Qiao Rui-Jun , Tang Jun
Published: June 2022

Background

Since multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a significant public health problem worldwide, identifying associated risk factors is critical for developing appropriate control strategies.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted for identifying factors independently predicting MDR-TB. The random-effects model was used to determine pooled odds ratios (ORs) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the related factors.

Results

Of the 2301 retrieved reports, 28 studies were analyzed, assessing 3152 MDR-TB and 52715 DS-TB cases. Totally 22 related factors were analyzed. The pooled ORs were 1.478 (95%CI 1.077–2.028) for positive sputum AFB smear, 1.716 (95%CI 1.149–2.564) for lung cavity, 6.078 (95%CI 2.903–12.725) for previous TB disease and 5.427 (95%CI 3.469–8.490) for a history of anti-TB therapy. All Z test p values were below 0.05, indicating these parameters were significantly associated with MDR-TB.

Conclusions

Positive sputum AFB smear, lung cavity, previously diagnosed TB and a history of anti-TB therapy are significant risk factors for MDR-TB, which are independent of the clinical setting worldwide. Increased attention should be paid to cases with such parameters to achieve more effective TB control and avoid MDR-TB through the development of a global policy.
Spatiotemporal changes in net primary productivity before and after the development of unused land in the hilly areas of Hebei, China
Authors: Zhao Li , Chen Yaqian , Wang Xueyan , Su Mengwei , Xu Hao , Zhang Pengtao
Published: June 2022

Net primary productivity (NPP) plays an important role in the carbon cycle of an ecosystem. To explore the impact of unused land development on NPP, this study adopted an improved Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model to analyze the changes in NPP before and after the development of unused land in Tang County, Hebei Province, in 2000, 2007, and 2018. The results showed that, due to the changes in land use types from unused land, forestland, arable land with high NPP values to urban and rural residential land, traffic land with low NPP values, and the changes in precipitation and temperature, the NPP in the study area showed an overall trend of decreasing first and then rising from 2000 to 2018. Before the development of unused land in 2000, the total NPP was 38.45×1010g C. After the development in 2007 and 2018, the total NPP was 36.44×1010g C and 41.05×1010g C, respectively. The NPP of each land type in 2018 was arable land (1046.18 g C m-2) > forestland (464.42 g C m-2) > unused land (356.34 g C m-2) > grassland (343.77 g C m-2) > waters (182.56 g C m-2) > urban and rural settlements (120.86 g C m-2) > traffic land (120.70 g C m-2). The distribution of NPP was generally high in the north and low in the south before and after development. NPP was mainly concentrated in the interval of 300 g C m-2yr-1–400 g C m-2yr-1, and the range of NPP change was mostly within 100 g C m-2. The influence of elevation, temperature and precipitation on the spatial distribution of NPP was significant. Elevation and precipitation were positively correlated with NPP, while temperature was negatively correlated with NPP. The increase in NPP mainly originated from the conversion of unused land to forestland and arable land. The loss of NPP was mainly due to the conversion from forestland with high vegetation productivity to a land use type with low vegetation productivity, such as the conversion from forestland to urban and rural residential land. The results can provide references for making reasonable land planning decisions and ecological environment construction.
Barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral adherence and retention in HIV care among people living with HIV in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Panama
Authors: Gabster Amanda , Socha Eliana , Pascale Juan Miguel , Cabezas Talavero Gonzalo , Castrellón Alezander , Quiel Yaremis , Gantes César , Mayaud Philippe
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Panama’s HIV epidemic is far from under control. One of the populations with the fastest-growing epidemic among the Indigenous peoples of the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé (CNB). The CNB is an administratively autonomous Indigenous region in Western Panama that is home to over 200,000 individuals of Ngäbe and Buglé ethnicities. This population is unique and, in several ways, represents the early stages of the AIDS epidemics in high-income countries. The CNB is the most impoverished region in Panama and is relatively isolated from outside influences, with limited roads, electricity, and an internet connection, including medical assistance. Around 1.5% of all rapid HIV tests are positive, compared to a national prevalence of 0.9%; in CNB, diagnosis tends to be late. In CNB, 56.3% of individuals had an initial CD4 count of <350 cells/mm3. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) dropout in this region is five times higher than the national average; there is high early mortality due to opportunistic infections. Using the Social-Ecological Theory for Health as a framework, this study aims to describe the facilitators and barriers associated with ART adherence and retention in HIV care among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the CNB. A better understanding of factors that obstruct adherence could lead to more effective HIV care and prevention in CNB.

Methods

We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with PLHIV who reside across all three regions of the CNB and have attended an antiretroviral (ART) clinic at least once. Deductive thematic analysis was used to uncover themes related ART adherence and retention in HIV care at the individual, social and structural levels.

Discussion

This unique, isolated population of rural Indigenous peoples has high infection rates, late diagnosis, poor ART adherence, and high AIDS-related death rates. The CNB is an important region to examen ART adherence and retention in care. We determined that psychological health, social support, and discrimination acted as individual-level facilitators and barriers to adherence and retention. Notably, structural barriers included difficult access to ART care due to travel costs, ART shortages, and uncooperative Western/Traditional medical systems. Recommended interventions used in other Low- and Middle-Income settings include increasing peer and family-level support and community knowledge and understanding of HIV infection. Additionally, our study suggests structural interventions, including decreasing the cost and distance of traveling to the ART clinic, by decentralizing services, decreasing food scarcity, and increasing collaboration between Western and Traditional providers.
Risk factors of dysphagia in patients with ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Yang Cui , Pan Yun
Published: June 2022

Background

Dysphagia is a common yet serious complication in stroke patients. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review to evaluate the risk factors of dysphagia in patients with ischemic stroke, to provide insights to the clinical treatment and nursing care of dysphagia.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) for studies on dysphagia in patients with ischemic stroke up to January 31, 2022. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 10 studies involving 4637 ischemic stroke patients were included, 1183(25.51%) patients had dysphagia after stroke. The synthesized outcomes showed that elder age (SMD = 0.42, 95%CI:0.34–0.50), hypertension (OR = 1.96, 95%CI:1.48–2.61), diabetes (OR = 1.83, 95%CI:1.47–2.28), brainstem stroke (OR = 2.12, 95%CI:1.45–3.09) were associated with dysphagia in patients with ischemic stroke (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the gender between dysphagia and no dysphagia patients (OR = 1.07, 95%CI:0.91–1.27, P = 0.40). Egger regression tests indicated there were no significant publication biases in the synthesized outcomes (all P>0.05).

Conclusions

Elder age, hypertension, diabetes and brainstem stroke are associated with the development of dysphagia in patients with ischemic stroke. Attention should be paid to the assessment and early intervention of those risk factors for dysphagia to improve the prognosis of stroke patients.
Imaging-based indices combining disease severity and time from disease onset to predict COVID-19 mortality: A cohort study
Authors: Besutti Giulia , Djuric Olivera , Ottone Marta , Monelli Filippo , Lazzari Patrizia , Ascari Francesco , Ligabue Guido , Guaraldi Giovanni , Pezzuto Giuseppe , Bechtold Petra , Massari Marco , Lattuada Ivana , Luppi Francesco , Galli Maria Giulia , Pattacini Pierpaolo , Giorgi Rossi Paolo
Published: June 2022

Background

COVID-19 prognostic factors include age, sex, comorbidities, laboratory and imaging findings, and time from symptom onset to seeking care.

Purpose

The study aim was to evaluate indices combining disease severity measures and time from disease onset to predict mortality of COVID-19 patients admitted to the emergency department (ED).

Materials and methods

All consecutive COVID-19 patients who underwent both computed tomography (CT) and chest X-ray (CXR) at ED presentation between 27/02/2020 and 13/03/2020 were included. CT visual score of disease extension and CXR Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE) score were collected. The CT- and CXR-based scores, C-reactive protein (CRP), and oxygen saturation levels (sO2) were separately combined with time from symptom onset to ED presentation to obtain severity/time indices. Multivariable regression age- and sex-adjusted models without and with severity/time indices were compared. For CXR-RALE, the models were tested in a validation cohort.

Results

Of the 308 included patients, 55 (17.9%) died. In multivariable logistic age- and sex-adjusted models for death at 30 days, severity/time indices showed good discrimination ability, higher for imaging than for laboratory measures (AUCCT = 0.92, AUCCXR = 0.90, AUCCRP = 0.88, AUCsO2 = 0.88). AUCCXR was lower in the validation cohort (0.79). The models including severity/time indices performed slightly better than models including measures of disease severity not combined with time and those including the Charlson Comorbidity Index, except for CRP-based models.

Conclusion

Time from symptom onset to ED admission is a strong prognostic factor and provides added value to the interpretation of imaging and laboratory findings at ED presentation.
On silences and the Ottoman Archives
Authors: Yücel Naz
Published: June 2022

This article explores the making of the National Palaces Privy Purse Archive, which later was conjoined with the State Archives of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey (the Ottoman Archives), and investigates the silences in the Ottoman and Iraqi historiographies that were produced in this process. Building on Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s scholarship, I argue that the moment of fact assembly and the moment of fact retrieval should be highlighted in understanding historiographic shifts as well as their related silences. This article further elaborates on the archival material in the Privy Purse record group, now accessible through the State Archives of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey in Istanbul, Turkey, and suggests ways in which the Privy Purse record group could inform Ottoman and Iraqi historiographies in the future.
Iraq’s archive fever
Authors: Farhan Sara
Published: June 2022

This article contemplates Iraq’s archive fever, a repositioning of Freud’s death-drive as prescribed by Jacques Derrida, to contextualize the feverish obsession with Iraq’s archives. It promotes a grammar to describe the ways in which western institutions have consistently legitimized the dismembering of Iraqi archives in order to oversee and profit from digitization projects. This process is an orientalist pursuit to command Iraq’s history through the restructuration and transplantation of archives along with the exclusion of Iraqis from accessing its new form. This critique begins by describing the etymologies of archive fever, then shifts to highlight the discourse on the transposing of Iraq’s archive and concludes with an examination of masters and doctoral research to study how graduate students in Iraq overcame archival plunder and dislocation. The prevalence of source material in Iraq constitutes the building blocks of Iraqi graduate students’ theses and dissertations, underscoring the fallacies of digitizing plundered records.
Min Zawāyā al-Dhākira: ʿAlā Hāmish Thawrat 14 Tamūz (‘From the corners of memory: On the periphery of the 14 July Revolution’), Tareq Yousif Ismael (2021)
Authors: Abdullah Thabit A. J.
Published: June 2022

Review of: Min Zawāyā al-Dhākira: ʿAlā Hāmish Thawrat 14 Tamūz (‘From the corners of memory: On the periphery of the 14 July Revolution’), Tareq Yousif Ismael (2021)

Beirut: Maktabat al-Nahḍa al-ʿArabiyya, 240 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-92291-292-9, p/bk
Dietary Intake Patterns of Alcoholics; A Case Study of Selected Rehabilitation Centers in Kenya
Authors: Mutuli Lucy Amanya , Bukhala Peter , Nguka Gordon
Published: June 2022

Introduction
Sub-optimal dietary intake patterns have a major detrimental impact on the nutritional status of an alcoholic. These patterns exacerbate the status of alcoholism and the functioning of the alcoholic’s body.

Objective
This study aimed to examine alcoholic’s dietary intake patterns.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 alcoholics undergoing alcohol rehabilitation in selected rehabilitation centers. A 24 hour food recall and food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of the respondents. Factor analysis of food items and groups, cluster analysis of dietary intake patterns, and multivariate regressions were carried out.

Results
Three dietary intake patterns were identified among alcoholics namely a low calorie intake (described mainly by consumption of plant-based foods); a composite intake (distinguished by adequate consumption of both plant-based and animal-based foods) and a high calorie intake (characterized by high consumption of animal-based foods).

Conclusion
Optimal dietary intake promotion programs are needed to address the dietary intakes of recuperating alcoholics under rehabilitation to help prevent malnutrition and other associated comorbidities.
Factors Affecting Atlantic Salmon Populations Adversely; Using the River Dee, Scotland, as an Example
Authors: Hawkins Anthony
Published: June 2022

The stocks of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in many rivers in North America and Europe have declined in recent years and are experiencing a crisis. Despite their high degree of legal protection, the quality of their aquatic environments within rivers and in the sea, including local coastal waters, appears to be deteriorating. Salmon survival, has declined both within the sea and within rivers. The status of the Atlantic salmon stocks is considered here, together with the adverse effects of different sources, and those steps that may need to be taken to improve the condition of the salmon. This paper is intended to assist management bodies in taking steps to resolve the problems that exist for salmon, both within rivers and in the sea. It makes particular use of information available on the River Dee in Scotland.
Configuración del ambiente luminoso seguro en salas de exposición
Authors: Aravena Riffo Javiera Ignacia , Roldán Rojas Jeannette Auristela
Published: June 2022

La iluminación natural aporta importantes beneficios en los espacios arquitectónicos, otorgando dinamismo y enriqueciendo la experiencia de los ocupantes en los aspectos de salud y comodidad lumínica y visual, mientras promueve la sustentabilidad energética. Sin embargo, los recintos de exposición de arte sostienen una relación compleja con la iluminación diurna, cuya variabilidad provoca problemas respecto a su control, entre estos, el potencial deslumbramiento de los ocupantes y el riesgo para la conservación de las obras por sobreexposición lumínica.

En esta investigación se exploran las características lumínicas de estos espacios en las ciudades de Arica, Santiago y Punta Arenas para conformar un ambiente luminoso que permita resguardar las obras sin faltar al bienestar de los visitantes. Conforme a los hallazgos de la investigación los indicadores que muestran mejores resultados para lograr un ambiente luminoso confortable fueron UDI100-3000lux y ASE1000/250horas. Para calificar el confort visual se evaluó el indicador DGP (Daylight Glare Probability), además de los indicadores modificados UDI0-200lux y ASE1000/0horas para evaluar la seguridad lumínica de las obras. A partir del análisis de resultados, se concluyó que para la exposición pictórica, el factor clave fue el rango de iluminancia tolerado hasta 200 lux (IESNA,2011), que excluye la luz solar directa, aceptando un porcentaje DGP imperceptible.
Castillos de arena
Authors: Rimbaud Blengini Tatiana
Published: June 2022

El primer turismo costero en Uruguay se desarrolló en un marco socio-político particular en el entorno de 1900. Los balnearios montevideanos tuvieron diferentes orígenes y recorridos pero comparten algunos fenómenos que permiten interesantes cortes de análisis. Entre ellos, este texto escrutará la incidencia del turismo en el pensamiento arquitectónico y urbano a través de tres episodios temáticos que han sido tratados de manera disímil por la historiografía disciplinar: el espacio público costero, los hoteles y los chalets de veraneo. Los elementos referidos que subsisten hasta hoy son las trazas más duraderas y perdurables de las primeras interacciones entre arquitectura y turismo en el país y llegan a nosotros como un rico legado patrimonial.
Cuando los robots hereden la Tierra
Authors: García Amen Fernando
Published: June 2022

Este artículo propone una arqueología de hechos que construyen la integración de lo maquínico con lo humano, de lo productivo con lo social, y de lo ficcional con lo tecno político, al mismo tiempo que describe algunas líneas de pensamiento que, concatenadas, apuntan hacia un escenario de evolución de la integración entre la acción humana y la inteligencia artificial, como epítome de la evolución maquínica en la Cuarta Revolución Industrial.