bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern finance through quantum computing—A systematic literature review
Authors: Bunescu Liliana , Vârtei Andreea Mădălina
Published: July 2024

Human intellectual restlessness originates from the need for knowledge of the modern world. The financial world is struggling to prototype accurate and fast data at low risk. The quantum approach to finance can support this desire. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on how quantum computing can be used in finance. This research aims to expose an architecture of the state of the art in quantum finance. In terms of methodology, the PSALSAR framework was used to conduct this systematic literature review. The selection procedure followed the PRISMA guidelines and was applied in two databases (Web of Science and Scopus) without time limit. In total, 94 out of 1646 articles were included for data extraction and assessment of content evaluation covering the period 2001–2023. The current review of quantum finance literature is structured around the following themes: journals, research methods, tested data series, research topics in quantum finance, and future research directions. Within the financial sector, quantum computing is used in three main areas: simulation, optimization, and machine learning. These areas are supported by algorithms that have been created in recent years. Finally, we propose to highlight the benefits and the applications of quantum finance and to stimulate the interest in the future prospects of the debates.
Lead exposure sources and public health investigations for children with elevated blood lead in England, 2014 to 2022
Authors: Dave Mona , Busby Araceli , Shammari Lena Al , Iqbal Neelam , Coole Louise , Bagnall Helen , Crabbe Helen
Published: July 2024

Background

Lead exposure at any concentration can adversely impact health, with children being more vulnerable to its effects. In England, children with an elevated blood lead concentration (BLC) are reported to Health Protection Teams (HPTs) for public health investigation. A detailed review of these cases has not yet been conducted.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the demographics, likely setting and sources of lead exposure, risk behaviours, public health investigations and outcomes for children aged <16 years with a BLC requiring public health action reported to HPTs between 2014–2022 in England.

Methods

Data were collected via a lookback questionnaire and a live enhanced surveillance questionnaire. Data were deduplicated, cleaned and results summarised as numbers and percentages using R studio. A thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative responses to a question relating to problems experienced during case investigation.

Results

There were 340 cases in our study: the majority were aged 1–4 years old (53%) and male (69%). Ethnicity data was poorly recorded. A higher than expected proportion (31%) lived in the most deprived areas. Pica (76%) and learning difficulties (60%) were often present. Cases were primarily exposed to lead in the domestic setting (92%) with paint (43%) and soil (29%) the most common exposures. Most cases lived in rented accommodation (63%), with a higher proportion in social rentals (48%) than privately rented (37%). Case investigations were resource intensive and poor stakeholder engagement/response was most frequently identified as challenging by HPTs.

Conclusions

Lead exposure is harmful to children and requires public health and clinical management, which can be complex and challenging. Prevention of lead exposure in children should be the focus of intervention efforts. Outreach, engagement and preventative work should focus on both renters and homeowners. Collecting ethnicity data consistently may enable identification of more specific groups at increased risk of lead exposure in England.
The Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody assays: Differentiating between vaccination and infection, and assessing long-term performance
Authors: Quee Franke A. , Hogema Boris M. , Molier Michel , Slot Ed , van den Hurk Katja , Zaaijer Hans L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Serological surveillance is useful for assessing SARS-CoV-2 immunity in populations. To effectively study the presence and persistence of antibodies, it is necessary to distinguish between persons with past infection, and persons who only received vaccination. Knowledge of the duration of antibody persistence is essential for correct interpretation of surveillance results.

Methods

Starting in April 2020, waning of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was studied in a longitudinal cohort study of 495 SARS-CoV-2 antibody-positive Dutch blood donors, not pre-selected by PCR testing or disease severity. Additionally, in May 2021, a sample of donors representative for the Dutch population was tested for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, using the Wantai Ab ELISA and the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S assay; and for antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein, which indicate past infection, using the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay.

Results

The anti-S response in donors that were infected in April or May 2020 remained positive in 100% of donors in the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S assay one year after infection, after which follow up of waning was no longer possible because of large scale vaccination. The anti-nucleocapsid response results were still positive in approximately 80% of donors two years after infection. In May 2021, 51% of the donors showed anti-S reactivity and 16.8% tested positive for anti-nucleocapsid antibodies.

Conclusion

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in spike and nucleocapsid antibody levels still detectable in the majority of donors 1–2 years after infection. In May 2021, 51% of donors were vaccinated and 16.8% had had an infection. Thus, both Elecsys® SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays can be used to reliably assess the vaccination and infection status of individuals.
Using a multi-omics approach to explore potential associations with rumen content and serum of cows with different milk production levels based on genomic predicted transmitting ability for milk and phenotypic milk production
Authors: Ravelo Anay D. , Ferm Peter , Guo Yue , Omontese Bobwealth O. , Morley Paul S. , Chen Chi , Noyes Noelle R. , Caixeta Luciano S.
Published: July 2024

This study aims to compare rumen microbiome and metabolites between second lactation dairy cows in the 75thpercentile (n = 12; 57.2 ± 5.08 kg/d) of production according to genomic predicted transmitting ability for milk (GPTAM) and their counterparts in the 25thpercentile (n = 12; 47.2 ± 8.61 kg/d). It was hypothesized that the metagenome and metabolome would differ between production levels. Cows were matched by days in milk (DIM), sire, occurrence of disease, and days open in previous lactation. For an additional comparison, the cows were also divided by phenotype into high (n = 6; 61.3 ± 2.8 kg/d), medium (n = 10; 55 ± 1.2 kg/d), and low (n = 8; 41.9 ± 5.6 kg/d) based on their milk production. Samples were collected 65 ± 14 DIM. Rumen content was collected using an oro-gastric tube and serum samples were collected from the coccygeal vessels. High-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for rumen and serum metabolite profiling. Shotgun metagenomics was used for rumen microbiome profiling. Microbiome sample richness and diversity were used to determine alpha and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index was used to estimate beta diversity. Differences in metabolites were determined using t-tests or ANOVA. Pearson correlations were used to consider associations between serum metabolites and milk production. There was no evidence of a difference in rumen metabolites or microbial communities by GPTAM or phenotype. Cows in the phenotypic low group had greater serum acetate to propionate ratio and acetate proportion compared to the cows in the phenotypic medium group. Likewise, serum propionate proportion was greater in the medium compared to the low phenotypic group. Serum acetate, butyrate, and propionate concentrations had a weak positive correlation with milk production. When investigating associations between rumen environment and milk production, future studies must consider the impact of the ruminal epithelium absorption and post-absorption processes in relation to milk production.
Accuracy of consumer-based activity trackers to measure and coach patients with lower limb lymphoedema
Authors: Blondeel Astrid , Devoogdt Nele , Asnong Anne , Geraerts Inge , De Groef An , Heroes An-Kathleen , Van Calster Charlotte , Troosters Thierry , Demeyer Heleen , Ginis Pieter , De Vrieze Tessa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the accuracy of activity trackers in chronic lower limb lymphoedema (LLL) patients and in comparison to matched controls.

Materials and methods

Seventeen LLL patients and 35 healthy subjects wore an activity tracker at the hip (Fitbit Zip/Inspire; hip-AT) and one at the wrist (Fitbit Alta/Inspire; wrist-AT) combined with a reference activity monitor (Dynaport Movemonitor; DAM), for 14 consecutive days. To analyze accuracy and agreement, mean daily step count from both AT’s were compared to DAM. To evaluate the accuracy as coaching tool, day-by-day differences were calculated. The Kendall correlation coefficient was used to test consistency of ranking daily steps between the AT’s and the DAM.

Results

The wrist-AT significantly overestimated daily step count compared to DAM in the LLL group (+1221 ± 1754 steps per day, p = 0.011) while the hip-AT underestimated the step count, although not significantly. Similar results were found in the healthy control group. As a coaching tool, both wrist-AT and hip-AT showed a moderate correlation with the DAM (r = 0.507 and 0.622, respectively) in the LLL group regarding consistency of ranking from most to least active days.

Conclusion

Wrist-AT’s significantly overestimate daily step count in a LLL population. As a coaching tool, both trackers show moderate validity, indicating applicability to improve physical activity.
The continuum of care for maternal health in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ritbano , Gebre Solomon , Demelash Minychil , Belachew Tamiru , Mohammed Abdurezak , Musema Abdulhakim , Sultan Mohammed
Published: July 2024

Background

The continuum of care for maternal health (COCM) is a critical strategy for addressing preventable causes of maternal and perinatal mortality. Despite notable progress in reducing maternal and infant deaths globally, the problem persists, particularly in low-resource settings. Additionally, significant disparities in the provision of continuous care exist both between continents and within countries on the same continent. This study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of completion across the maternity care continuum in Africa and investigate the associated factors.

Methods

Relevant articles were accessed through the EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, HINARI, and Google Scholar databases. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were employed to assess publication bias, while the I-squared test was used to evaluate study heterogeneity. The inclusion criteria were limited to observational studies conducted exclusively in Africa. The quality of these studies was assessed using the JBI checklist. Data extraction from the included studies was performed using Microsoft Excel and then analysed using Stata 16 software.

Results

A total of 23 studies involving 74,880 mothers met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of women who successfully completed the COCM was 20.9% [95% CI: 16.9–25.0]. Our analysis revealed several factors associated with this outcome, including urban residency [OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.6–3.2], the highest wealth index level [OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4–3.0], primiparous status [OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 2.2–5.1], planned pregnancy [OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 2.3–3.7], and exposure to mass media [OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.9–3.8].

Conclusion

The study revealed that only 20.9% of women fully completed the COCM. It also identified several factors associated with completion of the COCM, such as residing in urban areas, possessing a higher wealth index, being a first-time mother, experiencing a planned pregnancy, and having access to mass media. Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that targeted interventions be implemented in rural areas, financial assistance be provided to women with lower wealth index levels, educational campaigns be conducted through mass media, early antenatal care be promoted, and family planning services be strengthened.

Review registration

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42020205736).
Role of multisegmental nerve ultrasound in the diagnosis of leprosy neuropathy
Authors: De Martino Luppi Andrea , Ferreira Guilherme Emílio , Borges Isabella Sabião , Antunes Douglas Eulálio , Araújo Lúcio , dos Santos Diogo Fernandes , Nogueira-Barbosa Marcello Henrique , Goulart Isabela Maria Bernardes
Published: July 2024

Introduction/Aims

Leprosy is the most common treatable peripheral neuropathy worldwide. The detection of peripheral nerve impairment is essential for its diagnosis and treatment, in order to prevent stigmatizing deformities and disabilities. This study was performed to identify neural thickening through multisegmental ultrasound (US).

Methods

We assessed US measurements of cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of ulnar, median and tibial nerves at two points (in the osteofibrous tunnel and proximal to the tunnel), and also of the common fibular nerve at the fibular head level in 53 leprosy patients (LP), and compared with those of 53 healthy volunteers (HV), as well as among different clinical forms of leprosy.

Results

US evaluation detected neural thickening in 71.1% (38/53) of LP and a mean number of 3.6 enlarged nerves per patient. The ulnar and tibial were the most frequently affected nerves. All nerves showed significantly higher measurements in LP compared with HV, and also greater asymmetry, with significantly higher values for ulnar and tibial nerves. We found significant CSAs differences between tunnel and pre-tunnel points for ulnar and tibial nerves, with maximum values proximal to the tunnel. All clinical forms of leprosy evaluated showed neural enlargement through US.

Discussion

Our findings support the role of multisegmental US as a useful method for diagnosing leprosy neuropathy, revealing that asymmetry, regional and non-uniform thickening are characteristics of the disease. Furthermore, we observed that neural involvement is common in different clinical forms of leprosy, reinforcing the importance of including US evaluation of peripheral nerves in the investigation of all leprosy patients.
The Belt and Road Initiative’s impact on tourism and heritage along the Silk Roads: A systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Dayoub Bashar , Yang Peifeng , Omran Sarah , Zhang Qiuyi , Chen Xu , Ahmed Noman Alabsi Akram , Dayoub Alaa
Published: July 2024

This is a systematic review of the literature on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its impact on tourism and heritage in participating countries along the Silk Roads. China launched the BRI in 2013 with the aim of promoting global trade and stimulating economic growth through the development of infrastructure and cultural cooperation. This review examines studies for the period from 2013 to 2023, focusing on key themes such as tourist flows, destination development, urban renewal, heritage preservation, and cultural route revival. The systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, incorporating 56 relevant documents that cover both tourism and heritage domains. The findings highlight substantial potential for the development of new tourism products and destinations, improved urban renewal, and the preservation of cultural heritage, provided that integrated policies, public-private collaboration, and equitable community participation frameworks are implemented with attention to ecological limits. However, the review also identifies significant challenges, including financial imbalances, uneven access to benefits, social disruption, cultural commodification, and environmental degradation. Addressing these issues requires careful, context-specific planning. The study concludes with a proposal for a future research agenda that includes exploring underrepresented regions, developing sustainable tourism models, and fostering interdisciplinary research to ensure a balanced approach to economic development and heritage preservation. This review’s findings provide valuable insight for policymakers, tourism officials, and cultural heritage managers, guiding the development of policies that balance economic growth with the preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites. This research contributes to the academic discourse by elucidating the complex interplay between the BRI and the Silk Roads’ tourism and heritage, offering a pathway for sustainable and inclusive growth.
A study protocol for risk stratification in children with concussion (RSiCC): Theoretical framework, design, and methods
Authors: Reuter-Rice Karin , Fitterer Amanda N. , Duquette Peter , Yang Qing , Palipana Anushka K. , Laskowitz Daniel , Garrett Melanie E. , Fletcher Margaret , Smith Julia , Makor Lynn , Grant Gerald , Ramsey Kristen , Bloom O. Josh , Ashley-Koch Allison E.
Published: July 2024

Research shows that one in five children will experience a concussion by age 16. Compared to adults, children experience longer and more severe postconcussive symptoms (PCS), with severity and duration varying considerably among children and complicating management of these patients. Persistent PCS can result in increased school absenteeism, social isolation, and psychological distress. Although early PCS diagnosis and access to evidence-based interventions are strongly linked to positive health and academic outcomes, symptom severity and duration are not fully explained by acute post-injury symptoms. Prior research has focused on the role of neuroinflammation in mediating PCS and associated fatigue; however relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and PCS severity, has not examined longitudinally. To identify which children are at high risk for persistent PCS and poor health, academic, and social outcomes, research tracking PCS trajectories and describing school-based impacts across the entire first year postinjury is critically needed. This study will 1) define novel PCS trajectory typologies in a racially/ethnically diverse population of 500 children with concussion (11–17 years, near equal distribution by sex), 2) identify associations between these typologies and patterns of inflammatory biomarkers and genetic variants, 3) develop a risk stratification model to identify children at risk for persistent PCS; and 4) gain unique insights and describe PCS impact, including fatigue, on longer-term academic and social outcomes. We will be the first to use NIH’s symptom science model and patient-reported outcomes to explore the patterns of fatigue and other physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional and academic responses to concussion in children over a full year. Our model will enable clinicians and educators to identify children most at risk for poor long-term health, social, and academic outcomes after concussion. This work is critical to meeting our long-term goal of developing personalized concussion symptom-management strategies to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in the health and quality of life of children.
COVID-19-related stigma within a rural South African community: A mixed methods analysis
Authors: Mashinini Duduzile P. , Kelly Nicole K. , Mataboge Palesa , Hill Frantasia , Nair Harish , Palattiyil George , Kahn Kathleen , Pettifor Audrey
Published: July 2024

Background

Infectious disease-related stigma is a pervasive global issue that impedes disease control efforts by increasing reluctance to seek treatment or engagement in prevention behaviors for fear of ostracism. Despite this, there is limited research on COVID-19 stigma in Africa, specifically rural South Africa, which has faced infectious disease-related stigma throughout the HIV epidemic.

Methods

Population-based surveys were conducted among 1,662 adults living in the Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System (AHDSS) area in Mpumalanga, South Africa, in August-October 2020 and August-October 2021. Surveys measured anticipated COVID-19-related stigma from low to high levels. Changes in stigma between surveys were compared using Wilcoxon ranked sign tests, and log-binomial models estimated the association between socio-demographic factors and anticipated stigma at both intervals. Qualitative interviews were conducted in 2022 among 31 adults who completed the original surveys, and the data were analyzed thematically to describe anticipated, perceived, and enacted stigma.

Results

Anticipated stigma significantly decreased from the first to the second survey (p-value:<0.0001). Stigma was significantly higher among older age groups. In 2020, those less knowledgeable about COVID-19 were 2.24 times as likely to have higher levels of anticipated stigma compared to those who were more knowledgeable (RR:2.24, 95% CI: 1.90,2.64). Fear of being stigmatized influenced willingness to disclose infection. Participants perceived COVID-19 stigma as similar to HIV/AIDS stigma, but concern and fear reduced over time, with differences observed across generations and sexes. For some, fear of death and mistrust of others endorsed enacting stigma toward others.

Conclusion

While COVID-19 stigma decreased over time in rural South Africa, different forms of stigma persisted and influenced participants’ willingness to reveal their COVID-19 infection status. Given South Africa’s history with infectious disease-related stigma hindering public health efforts, it is crucial that government bodies prioritize strategies to mitigate stigma in rural communities.
The effect of photobiomodulation on histamine and Mucuna pruriens-induced pruritus, hyperknesis and alloknesis in healthy volunteers: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study
Authors: Lang-Illievich Kordula , Klivinyi Christoph , Schulze-Bauer Heike , Elhelali Ala , Bornemann-Cimenti Helmar
Published: July 2024

Background

Photobiomodulation, also referred to as Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), has emerged as a promising intervention for pruritus, a prevalent and often distressing symptom.

Objectives

This study investigated the efficacy of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in alleviating pruritus, hyperknesis, and alloknesis induced by histamine and Mucuna pruriens.

Methods

In a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial with a split-body design, healthy volunteers underwent 6 minutes of LLLT and sham treatments in separate upper back quadrants. The histamine model was applied to the upper quadrants, and Mucuna pruriens to the lower quadrants. Pruritus intensity, alloknesis, hyperknesis, flare area, and skin temperature were measured pre and post treatment.

Results

Seventeen individuals (eight females, nine males) participated in the study. In the histamine model, LLLT notably reduced itch intensity (difference = 13.9 (95% CI: 10.5 − 17.4), p = 0.001), alloknesis (difference = 0.80 (95% CI: 0.58–1.02), p = 0.001), and hyperknesis (difference = 0.48 (95% CI: 0.09–0.86), p = 0.01). Skin temperature changes were not significantly different between the two groups (difference = -2.0 (95% CI: -6.7–2.6), p = 0.37). For the Mucuna pruriens model, no significant differences were observed in any measures, including itch intensity (difference = 0.8 (95% CI: -2.3 − 3.8), p = 0.61) hyperknesis (difference = 0.08 (95% CI: -0.06–0.33), p = 0.16) and alloknesis (difference = 0. 0.09 (95% CI: -0.08–0.256), p = 0.27).

Conclusions

LLLT effectively reduced histamine-induced pruritus, alloknesis, and hyperknesis; however, LLLT was ineffective against Mucuna pruriens-induced pruritus. Further investigations are required to determine LLLT’s effectiveness of LLLT in various pruritus models.
Teaching methods for critical thinking in health education of children up to high school: A scoping review
Authors: Prokop-Dorner Anna , Piłat-Kobla Aleksandra , Ślusarczyk Magdalena , Świątkiewicz-Mośny Maria , Ożegalska-Łukasik Natalia , Potysz-Rzyman Aleksandra , Zarychta Marianna , Juszczyk Albert , Kondyjowska Dominika , Magiera Agnieszka , Maraj Małgorzata , Storman Dawid , Warzecha Sylwia , Węglarz Paulina , Wojtaszek-Główka Magdalena , Żabicka Wioletta , Bała Małgorzata M.
Published: July 2024

According to the World Health Organization, the improvement of people’s health literacy is one of the fundamental public health challenges in the 21st century. The key issue in teaching health literacy is to develop critical thinking skills. As health literacy and critical thinking should be developed at school age, we reviewed teaching methods or educational interventions used in empirical studies focused on the development of critical thinking regarding health and implemented by teachers in preschools, primary schools, or secondary schools. We searched seven databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, ERIC, ProqQuest, PsycArticles, and CINAHL) from inception to 20 September 2023 for any type of empirical studies. Due to the heterogeneity in interventions and inadequate reporting of results, a descriptive synthesis of studies was performed in addition to quantitative analysis. Of the 15919 initial records, 115 studies were included in the review. Most of the educational interventions focused on lifestyle-related health issues such as substance use, sexual and reproductive health, and nutrition. The popularity of health issues changed over time and depended on the geographical context. Six dimensions that differentiated the teaching methods were identified: central teaching component, central educator, pupils’ activity level, teaching context, educational materials, and significance of critical thinking. Many educational interventions did not address the development of critical thinking skills in a comprehensive manner, and the significance of critical thinking varied greatly. Interventions in which critical thinking had high and very high significance applied mainly problem-solving methods and involved pupils’ activity. The evidence on the effectiveness of the teaching methods that develop critical thinking is limited because most articles failed to provide detailed information on the teaching methods or did not examine their effects. We recommend that a checklist is developed to facilitate a detailed description of health educational interventions and thus promoting their replicability.

Study registration: The protocol of the review was registered in the OSF Registries on 13 January 2022 (doi: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/46TEZ).
Using machine learning to predict acute myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease in primary care cardiovascular patients
Authors: Salet N. , Gökdemir A. , Preijde J. , van Heck C. H. , Eijkenaar F.
Published: July 2024

Background

Early recognition, which preferably happens in primary care, is the most important tool to combat cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to predict acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) using Machine Learning (ML) in primary care cardiovascular patients. We compare the ML-models’ performance with that of the common SMART algorithm and discuss clinical implications.

Methods and results

Patient-level medical record data (n = 13,218) collected between 2011–2021 from 90 GP-practices were used to construct two random forest models (one for AMI and one for IHD) as well as a linear model based on the SMART risk prediction algorithm as a suitable comparator. The data contained patient-level predictors, including demographics, procedures, medications, biometrics, and diagnosis. Temporal cross-validation was used to assess performance. Furthermore, predictors that contributed most to the ML-models’ accuracy were identified.

The ML-model predicting AMI had an accuracy of 0.97, a sensitivity of 0.67, a specificity of 1.00 and a precision of 0.99. The AUC was 0.96 and the Brier score was 0.03. The IHD-model had similar performance. In both ML-models anticoagulants/antiplatelet use, systolic blood pressure, mean blood glucose, and eGFR contributed most to model accuracy. For both outcomes, the SMART algorithm was substantially outperformed by ML on all metrics.

Conclusion

Our findings underline the potential of using ML for CVD prediction purposes in primary care, although the interpretation of predictors can be difficult. Clinicians, patients, and researchers might benefit from transitioning to using ML-models in support of individualized predictions by primary care physicians and subsequent (secondary) prevention.
Advancements in urban scene segmentation using deep learning and generative adversarial networks for accurate satellite image analysis
Authors: Sangeetha S. K. B. , Sivakumar M. , Mathivanan Sandeep Kumar , Rajadurai Hariharan , Karthikeyan P. , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: July 2024

In the urban scene segmentation, the "image-to-image translation issue" refers to the fundamental task of transforming input images into meaningful segmentation maps, which essentially involves translating the visual information present in the input image into semantic labels for different classes. When this translation process is inaccurate or incomplete, it can lead to failed segmentation results where the model struggles to correctly classify pixels into the appropriate semantic categories. The study proposed a conditional Generative Adversarial Network (cGAN), for creating high-resolution urban maps from satellite images. The method combines semantic and spatial data using cGAN framework to produce realistic urban scenes while maintaining crucial details. To assess the performance of the proposed method, extensive experiments are performed on benchmark datasets, the ISPRS Potsdam and Vaihingen datasets. Intersection over Union (IoU) and Pixel Accuracy are two quantitative metrics used to evaluate the segmentation accuracy of the produced maps. The proposed method outperforms traditional methods with an IoU of 87% and a Pixel Accuracy of 93%. The experimental findings show that the suggested cGAN-based method performs better than traditional techniques, attaining better segmentation accuracy and generating better urban maps with finely detailed information. The suggested approach provides a framework for resolving the image-to-image translation difficulties in urban scene segmentation, demonstrating the potential of cGANs for producing excellent urban maps from satellite data.
Comparative study of Eimeria tenella development in different cell culture systems
Authors: Aguiar-Martins Kelsilandia , Tomley Fiona M. , Blake Damer P. , Marugan-Hernandez Virginia
Published: July 2024

Cell culture systems have long been recognised as great resources to mitigate the use of animals in research, offering effective solutions for replacement or reduction with benefits commonly including lower costs, shorter duration and improved reproducibility. The use of in vitro culture methods has been extensively explored for many apicomplexan parasites, supporting significant research advances, but studies with Eimeria are often limited since they still depend on the animal host. In this study we have used 2.5D and 3D culture systems for the first time to evaluate the growth of Eimeria tenella parasites using a panel of cell lines (MDBK, HD11, COLO-680N and HCC4006). Results were compared to growth in 2D monolayers following established protocols. Observations using the fluorescent transgenic strain Et-dYFP showed invasion and development of parasites inside cells suspended in a collagen matrix (2.5D or 3D), supporting the development of asexual stages with the release of first-generation merozoites. Similar findings were observed when Scaffold-free 3D cell spheroids of HD11 cells were infected with sporozoites. No subsequent developmental stages were identified while evaluating these cell lines and further work will be required to improve in vitro culture systems to a point where reduction and replacement of animal use becomes routine.
Transitional care programs for older adults moving from hospital to home in Canada: A systematic review of text and opinion
Authors: Barber Brittany V. , Gregg Emily E. , Drake Emily K. , Macdonald Marilyn , Hickey Madison , Flynn Chloe , Moody Elaine , Gallant Sarah M. , McConnell Erin , Weeks Lori E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Investing in transitional care programs is critical for ensuring continuity of health and coordinated care for older adults transitioning across health settings. However, literature delineating the scope of transitional care programs across Canada is limited. The aim of this systematic review of text and opinion is to characterize Canadian transitional care programs for older adults transitioning from hospital to home.

Methods

Following JBI guidelines for systematic review of text and opinion, we conducted a search of Canadian grey literature sources published online between 2016 to 2023. A 3-phase search was undertaken for: 1) Canadian databases and organizational websites; 2) advanced Google search of national sources and news media reports; and 3) advanced Google search of provincial/territorial sources. Two reviewers independently screened sources for eligibility against inclusion criteria. Data were extracted by one reviewer and verified by a second. Textual data were extracted from multiple sources to characterize each transitional care program.

Results

Grey literature search produced a total of 17,092 text and opinion sources, identifying 119 transitional care programs in Canada. Model of care was a key characteristic defining the design and delivery of transitional care programs within community (n = 42), hospital (n = 45), and facility-based (n = 32) settings. Programs were characterized by goal, population and eligibility, setting and length of program, intervention and services, and healthcare team members. Patient, caregiver, and health system outcomes were reported for 18 programs. The province of Ontario has the most transitional care programs (n = 84) and reported outcomes, followed by British Columbia (n = 10).

Conclusions

Characterizing transitional care programs is important for informing health services planning and scaling up of transitional care program models across Canada. Recognizing transitional care programs as a core health service is critical to meet the health care needs of older adults at the right time and place.

Trial registration

PROSPERO ID 298821.
The value of nanopore sequencing as a diagnostic tool in tuberculous meningitis: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Yanqin , Ling Yuyang , Yu Guocan , Zhang Xiaoxia
Published: July 2024

Background

Rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains very difficult. Nanopore sequencing is gaining ground in the field of rapid tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics. The purpose of this study was to complete a protocol to guide the conduct of a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the accuracy of nanopore sequencing for the rapid diagnosis of TBM.

Methods

In accordance with the Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines, we completed this protocol, which was also registered on the PROSPERO platform. We will search the EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for literature that evaluated the accuracy of nanopore sequencing for rapid diagnosis of TBM and screen them according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and qualified literature will be extracted with relevant data for further analysis. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) will be used for evaluating the methodological quality of included studies. Stata (V 15.0; Stata Corp., College Station, TX, the USA) with midas module will be used to perform relevant meta-analysis. Heterogeneity between studies will be assessed by I2 statistics. When significant heterogeneity exists between studies, we will conduct meta-regression analyses, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses to further explore the sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

We completed this study protocol, and this systematic review and meta-analysis will be the first systematic evaluation of the role of nanopore sequencing in the rapid diagnosis of TBM, which will allow clinicians to have a better understanding of the test.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42024549837.
Health system adaptations for extreme heat: Protocol for an international scoping review of reviews
Authors: Richmond John , Clowes Mark
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to map the international evidence for extreme heat related adaptation strategies by health systems, with a particular focus on how heat-vulnerable populations and local situational awareness are considered in these strategies.

Introduction

Since the Paris Climate Accords in 2015, awareness has increased of the health risks posed by extreme heat along with interest in adaptations which aim to reduce heat-health-risks for vulnerable populations. However, the extant literature on these adaptations suggest they are insufficient, and call for research to examine whether, how, and what adaptations for extreme heat are effective as public health interventions.

Inclusion criteria

We will include English-language review articles describing and/or evaluating health system adaptations for extreme heat. Health systems will be defined broadly using the WHO Building Blocks model [1] and adaptations will range from the individual level to institutional, regional and national levels, with particular attention to localisation and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of the published literature will be conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Searches will be limited to reviews published since 2015 in the English language. Results will be exported to EndNote for screening (with a sample checked by two reviewers to ensure consistency). A complementary search for related reports by major international agencies (e.g. WHO; International Association of Emergency Managers), as well as local searches for current guidance and case studies, will be conducted in parallel. Data from included papers will be presented in tables with a narrative commentary.
Geospatial variation in dietary patterns and their association with heart disease in Bangladeshi population: Evidence from a nationwide survey
Authors: Hassan Rafid , Ali Masum , Saha Sanjib , Akhter Sadika , Amin Md. Ruhul
Published: July 2024

Heart disease is a significant public health threat, and its burden is increasing worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that dietary pattern is a key modifiable factor for heart disease. Research regarding dietary patterns and heart disease in Bangladesh with their spatial variability is limited. In this study, the spatial variation and relationship between dietary patterns and heart disease among Bangladeshi people was investigated. The country-representative Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2016 dataset was used, and a total of 77,207 participants aged 30 years and over were included. A principal component analysis was conducted to derive the dietary patterns. Both statistical and spatial analyses were performed. The overall prevalence of heart disease was 3.6%, with a variation of 0.6% to 10.4% across districts of Bangladesh. Three major dietary patterns, named “festival pattern”, “pickles and fast foods pattern”, and “rice and vegetable pattern” were identified, accounting for 25.2% of the total dietary variance. Both the dietary pattern and heart disease rate varied across the region. A higher risk of heart disease was persistent in the western-south, southern, central, and eastern regions, as was greater adherence to the “festival pattern” and “pickles and fast foods pattern.” After adjusting for confounders, participants with the highest adherence to the "rice and vegetable pattern" were associated with a lower likelihood of developing heart disease (AOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64–0.95, p <0.05), while the highest adherence to the "pickles and fast foods pattern" was associated with a higher likelihood of developing heart disease (AOR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.27–1.76, p <0.001). The spatial disparities in the prevalence of heart disease and dietary patterns underscore the significance of prioritizing intervention at the district level, especially in the western-south, southern, central, and eastern regions, to control the rising heart disease trends in Bangladesh.
RACK1 enhances STAT3 stability and promotes T follicular helper cell development and function during blood-stage Plasmodium infection in mice
Authors: Cheng Qianqian , Yang Xiqin , Zou Tao , Sun Lin , Zhang Xueting , Deng Lijiao , Wu Mengyao , Gai Wenbin , Jiang Hui , Guo Tingting , Lu Yuchen , Dong Jie , Niu Chunxiao , Pan Weiqing , Zhang Jiyan
Published: July 2024

CD4+ T cells are central mediators of protective immunity to blood-stage malaria, particularly for their capacity in orchestrating germinal center reaction and generating parasite-specific high-affinity antibodies. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are predominant CD4+ effector T cell subset implicated in these processes, yet the factors and detailed mechanisms that assist Tfh cell development and function during Plasmodium infection are largely undefined. Here we provide evidence that receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), an adaptor protein of various intracellular signals, is not only important for CD4+ T cell expansion as previously implied but also plays a prominent role in Tfh cell differentiation and function during blood-stage Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL infection. Consequently, RACK1 in CD4+ T cells contributes significantly to germinal center formation, parasite-specific IgG production, and host resistance to the infection. Mechanistic exploration detects specific interaction of RACK1 with STAT3 in P. yoelii 17XNL-responsive CD4+ T cells, ablation of RACK1 leads to defective STAT3 phosphorylation, accompanied by substantially lower amount of STAT3 protein in CD4+ T cells, whereas retroviral overexpression of RACK1 or STAT3 in RACK1-deficient CD4+ T cells greatly restores STAT3 activity and Bcl-6 expression under the Tfh polarization condition. Further analyses suggest RACK1 positively regulates STAT3 stability by inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation process, thus promoting optimal STAT3 activity and Bcl-6 induction during Tfh cell differentiation. These findings uncover a novel mechanism by which RACK1 participates in posttranslational regulation of STAT3, Tfh cell differentiation, and subsequent development of anti-Plasmodium humoral immunity.
BCC0 collaborates with IMC32 and IMC43 to form the Toxoplasma gondii essential daughter bud assembly complex
Authors: Pasquarelli Rebecca R. , Sha Jihui , Wohlschlegel James A. , Bradley Peter J.
Published: July 2024

Toxoplasma gondii divides by endodyogeny, in which two daughter buds are formed within the cytoplasm of the maternal cell using the inner membrane complex (IMC) as a scaffold. During endodyogeny, components of the IMC are synthesized and added sequentially to the nascent daughter buds in a tightly regulated manner. We previously showed that the early recruiting proteins IMC32 and IMC43 form an essential daughter bud assembly complex which lays the foundation of the daughter cell scaffold in T. gondii. In this study, we identify the essential, early recruiting IMC protein BCC0 as a third member of this complex by using IMC32 as bait in both proximity labeling and yeast two-hybrid screens. We demonstrate that BCC0’s localization to daughter buds depends on the presence of both IMC32 and IMC43. Deletion analyses and functional complementation studies reveal that residues 701–877 of BCC0 are essential for both its localization and function and that residues 1–899 are sufficient for function despite minor mislocalization. Pairwise yeast two-hybrid assays additionally demonstrate that BCC0’s essential domain binds to the coiled-coil region of IMC32 and that BCC0 and IMC43 do not directly interact. This data supports a model for complex assembly in which an IMC32-BCC0 subcomplex initially recruits to nascent buds via palmitoylation of IMC32 and is locked into the scaffold once bud elongation begins by IMC32 binding to IMC43. Together, this study dissects the organization and function of a complex of three early recruiting daughter proteins which are essential for the proper assembly of the IMC during endodyogeny.
Exploring Peptides for Neurological Health & Longevity
Authors: Sutherland Liz
Published: July 2024

The need for safe and effective therapies to promote cognitive health, and the growing interest in healthy longevity have brought the therapeutic promise of neuropeptides increasingly to the forefront of restorative medicine practice.
The Dietary Cation Anion Balance Exacerbates the Effects of Inorganic Phosphates on Parameters of Phosphate Metabolism in Cats
Authors: C Steffen , B Dobenecker
Published: July 2024

Dietary intake of inorganic phosphates is linked to various adverse health effects. Excessive intake of highly soluble inorganic phosphates, which are used as feed and food additives, have been found to impair parameters of kidney health. As chronic kidney disease represents one of the most frequently occurring terminal diseases especially in cats, extensive knowledge regarding the safety of these additives is important. Other minerals, such as calcium, can modulate their effects on the phosphate homeostasis and kidney health. Therefore, it is crucial to examine further factors, such as the dietary cation-anion balance (CAB), resulting from the concentrations of major minerals in a diet. In this study, eleven healthy cats were fed a control diet and two diets with added sodium monophosphate (NaH2PO4) with either a low (-10 mmol/kg dry matter) or high (+450 mmol/kg dry matter) CAB for 28 days each. The serum concentrations of phosphate and parameters of phosphate homeostasis were determined in the fasting and postprandial blood samples next to the apparent digestibility and retention of phosphate and calcium. The diet with positive CAB led to an increase of serum phosphate and the phosphatonin FGF23, apparently digested phosphate, and phosphate retention. This is further proof that source and amount of phosphates in a diet are not the only determinants of the extent of potential adverse health effects. Until the interactions between inorganic phosphates and other dietary compounds are fully understood, recommendations regarding the safe use of phosphate containing additives in pet food are precarious.