bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Octopus maya enzyme activity of the digestive gland and gastric juice
Authors: Pineda-Suazo Daisy , Escobedo-Hinojosa Wendy , Fabian-Canseco Lenin E. , Gallardo Pedro , Moguel-Ojeda Cintia , Caamal-Monsreal Claudia , Sánchez-Arteaga Ariadna , Rosas Carlos
Published: August 2024

As the demand for Octopus maya grows, sustainable farming practices become essential to prevent overexploitation, so that farming can be developed as a sustainable alternative to traditional fishing. Understanding the digestive dynamics of the octopus is essential for devising optimal dietary formulations in aquaculture. Despite the progress in understanding cephalopod digestion, little is known about the specific functioning of the digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down protein substrates. This knowledge gap underscores the need for further research to support sustainable O. maya population management. In this paper, dietary formulations are identified for cephalopods by characterizing O. maya digestive enzymes present in the digestive gland and gastric juice. The investigation revealed that acidic proteases showed a peak activity at higher temperatures than alkaline proteases. Inhibitors confirmed the presence of H, L, and D cathepsins. The lower activation energy of alkaline enzymes compared to acidic ones observed highlights an intriguing aspect of O. maya's digestive physiology. This research provides valuable insights into O. maya digestive enzyme functions, representing a significant advancement in formulating diets crucial for successful octopus farming that may help to fully understand its physiology.
Robotic Radical Cholecystectomy: Demonstrating Technical Equivalence to Open Surgery in Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Varty Gurudutt P. , Patkar Shraddha , Gundavda Kaival , Shah Niket , Goel Mahesh
Published: August 2024

Background

Open radical cholecystectomy is the current “gold standard” for the management of gallbladder cancer. In well-selected patients, robotic radical cholecystectomy (RRC) can be a suitable alternative offering immediate postoperative benefits, such as less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications, while being oncologically equivalent. However, it requires a longer learning curve.1

Methods

This video demonstrates the technical equivalence of the robotic approach when performing portal lymphadenectomy (station 8, 12, and 13) with emphasis on retraction techniques to emulate the open approach. In the case presented, a 40-year-old female patient had an intraluminal gallbladder mass with periportal nodes as revealed by computed tomography. Patient underwent a RRC with portal lymphadenectomy, performed on the DaVinci Xi robotic system. The surgery can be divided into five major steps: (1) Station 16b1 node sampling in the inter-aortocaval region; (2) Right portal lymphadenectomy (station 13, 12b, 12p); (3) Left portal lymphadenectomy (station 8a, 8p, 12a, 12p); (4) Anterior portal lymphadenectomy (station 12a, 12b); and (5) Cholecystectomy with liver wedge resection. The technical nuances of each of these steps is compared with its counterpart in the open approach to demonstrate equivalence. The key element in achieving a thorough oncological clearance is to replicate the retraction techniques of the open approach on the robotic platform by using vessel tapes for portal lymphadenectomy.

Conclusions

There remains little doubt regarding the feasibility and early postoperative benefits of RRC.2 This video demonstrates the equivalence of a standardized technique of robotic portal lymphadenectomy and liver wedge resection to the open approach. However, prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the long-term benefits of the procedure.
Thermal and Cardiovascular Responses during Exertional Heat Stress after Diphenhydramine Use: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: NEWHOUSE DOUGLAS , MIHALCIN EMILY , LEFEBVRE KARLEE , NUCCI MARIO , RAVANELLI NICHOLAS
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Despite sparse systematic evidence, current exercise heat safety recommendations suggest that antihistamines blunt sweating and increase the risk for heat-related injury during exertional heat stress. The primary purpose of the present study was to examine whether diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH), a first-generation antihistamine, affects the sweating, core temperature, and heart rate (HR) response during exertional heat stress using a double-blind randomized crossover design.

Methods

On two occasions separated by >48 h, 20 healthy adults (10 females, 23 ± 3 yr, body surface area: 1.9 ± 0.2 m2, body mass index: 23.7 ± 2.2 kg·m−2) orally consumed either 50 mg of DPH or placebo (PLA), and then rested for 2 h in a climate-controlled room maintained at 30°C and 35% relative humidity (heat index of ~29°C), followed by a 60-min fixed-heat production treadmill walk (6.3 ± 1.0 W·kg−1). Whole-body sweat loss, local sweat rate, rectal temperature (T
rec), and HR were measured.

Results

Whole-body sweat loss was not different between conditions (PLA: 406 ± 78 g, DPH: 396 ± 75 g; P = 0.26, treatment effect: −10 g; 95% confidence interval, −28 to 8). No differences were observed for the onset of sweating (PLA: 13.5 ± 2.4 min, DPH: 13.3 ± 2.7 min; P = 0.79) and steady-state local sweat rate (PLA: 0.83 ± 0.26 mg·cm−2·min−1, DPH: 0.82 ± 0.27 mg·cm−2·min−1; P = 0.99). No difference in baseline T
rec was observed (PLA: 37.09°C ± 0.35°C, DPH: 37.13°C ± 0.33°C; P = 0.68), and the 60-min ΔT
rec was not different (P = 0.99) between PLA (0.83°C ± 0.29°C) and DPH (0.81°C ± 0.30°C). HR was similar at baseline (PLA: 86 ± 13 bpm, DPH: 84 ± 11 bpm; P = 0.30) and end-exercise (PLA: 134 ± 28 bpm, DPH: 132 ± 26 bpm; P = 0.90).

Conclusions

Fifty milligrams of DPH does not modify the sweating, core temperature, and HR response during exertional heat stress in young healthy adults.
Physical Fitness and Exercise Performance of Transgender Women
Authors: SAITONG ATHIWAT , NAEOWONG WITTHAWAT , SUKSOM DAROONWAN , TANAKA HIROFUMI
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In spite of the evolving participation of transgender adults in exercise and sports, research investigating the physical fitness of transgender women remains scarce in the scientific literature.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a variety of reference standard measures of physical fitness of transgender women who had undergone gender-affirming orchiectomy (30 ± 4 yr; n = 15) and who had not (27 ± 4 yr: n = 15) were compared with reference males (28 ± 5 yr; n = 15) and reference females (29 ± 5 yr; n = 15) who were matched for age and estimated physical activity level. Transgender women had been undergoing feminizing gender-affirming therapy for 8 to 10 yr.

Results

Height and lean mass of arms, legs, and trunk (measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) of transgender women were greater than those of reference females but lower than those of reference males (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in isokinetic muscular torque between reference females and transgender women. Both absolute and relative measures of maximal oxygen consumption were greater in reference males than in reference females and transgender women (all P < 0.05) with no significant difference between the latter two groups. Reference males had greater peak Wingate anaerobic power (expressed in both absolute and relative to body weight), countermovement jump, and squat jump than reference females and transgender women (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in anaerobic power between reference females and transgender women. The results on the field tests, including agility T-test and sprint running acceleration, were consistent with the anaerobic power tests. There were no statistical differences in any of the physical fitness measures between transgender women with and without orchiectomy.

Conclusions

Transgender women demonstrated similar levels of reference standard measures of physical fitness to females that were significantly lower than males.
Pacing Behavior Development: The Role of Task Experience and the Presence of Competitors
Authors: MENTING STEIN GERRIT PAUL , KHUDAIR MOHAMMED , ELFERINK-GEMSER MARIJE TITIA , HETTINGA FLORENTINA JOHANNA
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Self-regulation of effort during exercise (i.e., pacing) is a determinant of exercise performance, which develops during childhood and adolescence. Yet the various aspects of pacing under development, such as the capability to use task experience and retain the task goal in the presence of other competitors, have remained relatively unexplored.

Methods

Nine adolescents (14.9 ± 2.1 yr old) and 14 adults (24.2 ± 3.2 yr old) completed four 4-km cycling trials in a well-controlled laboratory setting. After one familiarization visit, trials were performed in random order: alone, with the goal to finish the trial as fast as possible (AloneTime), with a competitor and the same goal (CompTime), or with a competitor and the goal to finish first (CompFirst). Within each age-group, repeated-measures ANOVA (P < 0.05) examined the differences in the estimated task duration, pacing behavior (distribution of mean power output per 500 m), and performance (finish time) between visits (4) or conditions (3).

Results

In contrast to adults (P < 0.05, η
p
2 > 0.20), adolescents did not exhibit a change in estimation of task duration, pacing behavior, or performance over repeated visits (P > 0.05, η
p
2 < 0.10). Adolescents altered their pacing behavior in the presence of a competitor independent of the task goal (CompTime and CompFirst), whereas adults only demonstrated this alteration when instructed to finish first (CompFirst).

Conclusions

Adolescents are still developing the capability 1) to use experience from previous tasks to adjust their pacing behavior and 2) to inhibit the intuitive action of engaging with the competitor to retain the more abstract task goal of finishing the trial as fast as possible. These findings establish novel experimental evidence for the underpinnings of pacing behavior development.
Η κλινική σημασία της έκφρασης των πρωτεϊνών FAK, Src, Paxillin στο νεφροκυτταρικό καρκίνο
Authors: Μήτσος Παναγιώτης
Published: August 2024

Ιστορικό: Το νεφροκυτταρικό καρκίνωμα (RCC) είναι ο τρίτος πιο συχνός καρκίνος του ουροποιητικού συστήματος. Η έρευνα σχετικά με την έκφραση και τον καταρράκτη της κινάσης Src έχει αποκαλύψει πολύτιμους στόχους για τη θεραπεία του. Το σύμπλεγμα FAK/Src και ο μεταγενέστερος στόχος του, η Paxillin, φαίνεται να διαδραματίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στη διαδικασία ογκογένεσης, στην εισβολή του όγκου και στη μετάσταση. Στόχος Αυτή η μελέτη είχε ως στόχο να αξιολογήσει την έκφραση των πρωτεϊνών FAK, Src και Paxillin σε ασθενείς με νεφροκυτταρικό καρκίνο, την ένταση της έκφρασης και τη βαθμολογία ανοσοαντιδραστικής κλίμακας (IRS) και να τις συσχετίσει με κλινικές παραμέτρους. Μέθοδοι: Στη μελέτη συμπεριελήφθησαν ασθενείς της Α' Ουρολογικής Κλινικής (Λαϊκό) του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών με ύποπτα κακοήθη χαρακτηριστικά του νεφρού σε απεικονιστικό έλεγχο που υποβλήθηκαν σε μερική ή ριζική νεφρεκτομή. Η ανοσοϊστοχημική έκφραση των FAK, Src και Paxillin σε ιστό όγκου μονιμοποιημένου με φορμαλίνη ενσωματωμένο σε παραφίνη αναλύθηκε και συσχετίστηκε με κλινικοπαθολογικά χαρακτηριστικά. Αποτελέσματα: 90 ασθενείς (70% άνδρες) με μέση ηλικία 59.96 (SD 12.96) ετών συμμετείχαν στη μελέτη. 58 (64.4%) ασθενείς είχαν διαυγοκυτταρικό RCC (ccRCC), 15 (16.7%) θηλώδες RCC, 11 (12.2%) χρωμόφοβο και 6 είχαν αταξινόμητο RCC. Οι FAK, Src και Paxillin ανιχνεύθηκαν στο 55.6%, στο 32.2% και στο 18.9% όλων των ασθενών. Η μονοπαραγοντική ανάλυση έδειξε ότι η θετικότητα στο FAK και το IRS εκφράστηκαν περισσότερο σε ασθενείς με θηλώδες και χρωμόφοβο RCC παρά σε ασθενείς με διαυγοκυτταρικό καρκίνο του νεφρού. Επιπλέον, η θετικότητα της Src και η IRS εκφράστηκαν συχνότερα στο στάδιο Τ3 σε σύγκριση με το Τ1, ενώ η θετικότητα της Paxillin εκφράστηκε περισσότερο στο στάδιο Τ3 παρά στο Τ2 και στο grade 3-4, σε σύγκριση με το grade 2. Τέλος, οι γυναίκες είχαν 4,2 φορές περισσότερες πιθανότητες να ανιχνευθεί η Paxillin στα δείγματά τους παρά τον χαμηλό αριθμό τους στο δείγμα. Συμπέρασμα: Αυτή η μελέτη δείχνει ότι οι FAK, Src και Paxillin εκφράζονται ανοσοϊστοχημικά σε δείγματα νεφροκυτταρικού καρκίνου, με ποικίλα επίπεδα έκφρασης. Τα στοιχεία υποδηλώνουν ότι ο ιστολογικός τύπος RCC, το στάδιο του καρκίνου, ο πυρηνικός βαθμός και το φύλο μπορεί να επηρεάσουν αυτήν την έκφραση. Αυτά τα ευρήματα επιβεβαιώνουν τα αποτελέσματα από προηγούμενες μελέτες που δείχνουν εμπλοκή της οδού σηματοδότησης FAK/Src στην παθογένεση του RCC. Μελλοντικές μελέτες θα χρειαστούν ώστε να αναδειχτούν πιθανοί θεραπευτικοί ή προγνωστικοί στόχοι στην αντιμετώπιση του καρκίνου του νεφρού.
Online Causal Inference for Advertising in Real-Time Bidding Auctions
Authors: Waisman Caio , Nair Harikesh S. , Carrion Carlos
Published: August 2024

This paper introduces a multiarmed bandit approach to estimate advertising effectiveness and manage experimentation costs in real-time bidding auctions concurrently.
Exploration of student nurse experiences of being mentored by practice supervisors/assessors in placement settings
Authors: Brand Darren
Published: August 2024

The Nursing and Midwifery Council changed its standards in 2018 regarding student learning and assessment on placements. Previously, students were allocated a mentor with whom they spent at least 40% of their time and who also assessed them; the new standards brought in the separate roles of practice supervisor and a practice assessor and abolished the 40% minimum, with the student being supported by a wider range of practitioners. While extensive literature examines the experiences of qualified staff supporting students, there is little evidence on the student experience. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with student nurses from two universities in the south of England was used to explore their experiences. The students reported benefits of being supported by the wider healthcare team, said being taught and assessed by different people was beneficial and that they felt better prepared for assessments.
Principles of safe inter-hospital transfer of critically unwell adults
Authors: Bleakley Greg
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this article is to explore the key themes and safety considerations connected to the inter-hospital transfer of critically unwell adults. First, the evidence base surrounding the subject is critically explored and clinical guidelines and national policy are discussed. Second, safety considerations are explored that highlight the risks and challenges associated with the inter-hospital transfer of critically unwell people.
Brachial Plexus Block in Lateral Position for Fracture Shaft Humerus in Severe Thoracic Kyphoscoliosis- A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Anaesthesiology, Poona Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India., Mutha Sandeep , K Sushmitha ,   Department of Anaesthesiology, Poona Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India., Kothari Rajan ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Poona Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India., Phalguneh Deepak ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Poona Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Published: August 2024

Patients with spine deformities, present unique challenges to the anaesthesiologists. These patients have abnormalities such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculo-skeletal, etc. Spinal deformities may cause difficulties with ventilation, tracheal intubation, regional anaesthesia and positioning. Due to problems associated with respiratory system, regional anaesthesia is widely preferred, though it is technically and logistically difficult. We present a case report of the anaesthetic management of an elderly female with severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis who could not lie supine on bed. She had a fracture of left upper 1/3rd shaft humerus. She was posted for open reduction and internal fixation of fractured shaft of left humerus under brachial plexus nerve block in right lateral position with a pillow under the head. The patient was given left interscalene and costoclavicular (infraclavicular) brachial plexus block under ultrasonography and peripheral nerve stimulator guidance. Major problems for brachial plexus block were positioning, approach, dosage of medications and respiratory compromise. Another difficulty was the position of the patient during the surgical procedure. The surgery was successful and the patient was pain free both intra and postoperatively. Intraoperatively no sedation or anxiolysis were required Keywords: Kyphoscoliosis, Brachial plexus block, Fracture humerus, Patient position.
The anti-gender movement and the populist radical right in Italy: a symbiotic relationship
Authors: Lavizzari Anna
Published: August 2024

The political landscape of Italy experienced a seismic shift in the September 2022 elections, marking a watershed moment. Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the populist radical right party (PRRP) Brothers of Italy, was elected as Italy’s head of government. This event highlighted a significant development in the country’s gender politics, reflecting the ascent of PRRPs across Europe, marked by their reactionary politics, emphasis on traditional values and staunch opposition to gender equality. This study focuses on the dynamics between PRRPs (Brothers of Italy and the League) and the anti-gender movement in Italy. Through a qualitative content analysis of the primary sources of political parties and movements, the research explores their symbiotic relationship, the linkage and adjustment mechanisms employed by both actors, and the political outcomes of their interactions, offering insights into the mobilization of anti-gender actors and their alliance with PRRPs. It contributes to understanding how the organized opposition to gender equality is mainstreamed within political spheres, especially in contexts where right-wing populists hold power.
Oceanic Knowledge and National Space-Time in Pacific History
Authors: Rüegg Jonas
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Nineteenth-century efforts to map the Pacific, with its sinking reefs, growing volcanoes, and offshore topographies of currents and winds, expanded the scientific understanding of planetary history and raised questions about the position of the present in geological space and time. Subsequent attempts to synchronize disparate traditions of knowledge on a scientific timeline offered an opportunity to put forward claims to national ambition or Indigenous modernity. I make this argument by outlining the making of national temporalities in Hawai'i, Japan, and Tuvalu at disparate moments in the history of the Anthropocene. The episodes in this essay showcase different processes in which conflicting temporalities informed the framing and reframing of the nation by the state.
Creolization and Gender: Island Imaginings in Ananda Devi's Pagli and Its Sequel
Authors: Beunel-Fogarty Rosa M. C.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This essay opens the study of "Archipelagic Asias" to the southwest Indian Ocean archipelagos to explore representations of Indic cultures in the literature of the creolized islands of Mauritius. By combining archipelagic and feminist epistemologies, I examine one of the most successful novels of Ananda Devi, Pagli (2001), in which an Indo-Mauritian woman has an affair with a Creole fisherman, and its little-known short story sequel, "Agalega" (2021). Published in Maudrigosa!, a volume celebrating the Mauritian archipelago, the short story denounces the construction of an Indian military base on the Mauritius Outer Island of Agalega. I argue that literary representations of Mauritius's geographic space form different island imaginings that express Mauritius's affective relation to its creolized culture and the impact it has on women's corporeal and sexual freedom.
Suppression of intensity noise and phase noise for thulium-holmium co-doped fiber laser by self-injection locking
Authors: Yang Dandan , Yan Fengping , Guo Ying , Qin Qi , Li Ting , Yu Chenhao , Wang Xiangdong , Guo Hao , Cai Yuezhi , Ji Wenjie , Jiang Youchao , Huang Qiuyu , Peng Siyu , Feng Ting
Published: August 2024

The present study proposes and demonstrates a narrow-linewidth thulium-holmium co-doped fiber laser based on self-injection locking. The laser with single-longitudinal-mode operation is realized using a fiber Bragg grating as a wavelength-selection component and a dual-ring compound cavity as a mode-selection filter. The linewidth was compressed by increasing the photon lifetime by utilizing delay fibers of different lengths in the feedback cavity. The results show that the optical signal-to-noise ratio of the output laser is 57.2 dB, and the relative intensity noise is -130.43 dB/Hz with self-injection locking. The intrinsic linewidth is compressed from 39.45 kHz to 3.21 kHz, a reduction of nearly an order of magnitude. The linewidth compression mechanism solves the problems associated with deep linewidth compression in fiber lasers with long ring cavities and fosters the development of practical and reliable all-fiber structures. The laser source is characterized by low cost, high coherence, and low noise, which are highly desirable features in coherent optical detection, high-resolution spectrometers, microwave photonics, and optical sensing.
Metamaterial-inspired infrared electrochromic devices with wideband microwave absorption for multispectral camouflage
Authors: Meng Zhen , Liu Dongqing , Wang Jiafu , Pang Yongqiang , Liu Tianwen , Jia Yan , Gui Boheng , Cheng Haifeng
Published: August 2024

Infrared (IR) electrochromic devices, capable of dynamically controlling thermal radiation, hold promising applications in adaptive camouflage. However, the strong microwave reflective properties inherent in the device’s electrodes present a significant challenge, rendering them susceptible to radar detection and weakening their camouflage effect. Inspired by the remarkable electromagnetic control capabilities of metamaterials, the integration of frequency selective surfaces into IR electrochromic devices is proposed to address this multispectral compatibility challenge. The designed integrated metadevices simultaneously exhibit large and reversible IR emissivity tunability (Δε≥0.55 at 3–5 μm, Δε≥0.5 at 7.5–13 μm) and wideband microwave absorption (reflection loss ≤−10  dB at 8.5–18 GHz). Furthermore, the monolithic integrated design of the shared barium fluoride substrate offers a simple device architecture, while careful design considerations mitigate coupling between IR electrochromism and microwave wideband absorption. This work introduces opportunities for the development of multispectral adaptive camouflage systems, offering potential advancements in concealment technology.
Dynamic phase transition region in electrically injected PT-symmetric lasers
Authors: Chen Yang , Wang Yufei , Chen Jingxuan , Fu Ting , Sun Guangliang , Liao Ziyuan , Ji Haiyang , Dai Yingqiu , Zheng Wanhua
Published: August 2024

Research on parity-time (PT) symmetry and exceptional points in non-Hermitian laser systems has been extensively conducted. However, in practical electrically injected PT-symmetric lasers, the frequency detuning and linewidth enhancement factor of the laser can influence the symmetry breaking of the system in another dimension. We find that the previous exceptional point now transforms into a dynamic phase transition region, where the states are temporally unstable, indicating the occurrence of multimode oscillation. The relative phase and field amplitude ratio in this region also exhibit many novel phenomena indicating its instability. This region can be manipulated by adjusting the coupling strength between adjacent waveguides and the pumping intensity in the loss waveguide. Experimentally, we characterize the near-field, far-field, and spectrum of several structures, and the results validate our theoretical model. This work elucidates the dynamic process and phase transition process of electrically injected PT-symmetric lasers, providing support for the practical application of PT-symmetric lasers.
Understanding female sex workers’ acceptance of secret Facebook group for HIV prevention in Cameroon
Authors: Blake Hassanatu B. , Njah Mercy , Babey Mary Mah , Asongwe Eveline , Junkins Anna , Dionne Jodie A. , Montgomery Ann E. , Washington Teneasha , Ivankova Nataliya , Smith Tamika , Jolly Pauline E.
Published: August 2024

Despite the widespread utilization of social media in HIV prevention interventions, little is known about the acceptance of social media in the dissemination of HIV prevention information among key at-risk groups like female sex workers (FSWs). This study has investigated FSWs’ acceptance of Secret Facebook Group (SFG) in learning about HIV prevention. During June 2022, a quantitative study was conducted using a 5-star point Likert scale survey among 40 FSWs aged 18 years and older who took part in a Secret Facebook Group (SFG) HIV intervention. Descriptive statistics described demographics, social media accessibility, perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and acceptance among survey participants using SPSS and SAS. Most study participants found SFG utilized in HIV prevention intervention acceptable. Seventy-five percent (75%) of participants selected 5 stars for the acceptance of SFG. The majority of participants used social media, spent more than 90 minutes on social media per day, and could participate in the SFG HIV prevention intervention if airtime was not provided by study investigators, despite experiencing times when the internet was interrupted. The results also showed the PU and PEOU mean scores of SFG in the HIV prevention intervention were slightly lower than the acceptance scores (4.70 and 4.50 vs. 4.74). The data suggested future research should focus on explaining FSWs acceptance of social media and identifying social media platform alternatives for HIV prevention intervention. This study provided useful insights into social media acceptance, use, and importance in HIV prevention education among FSWs. The findings also indicate the need for further research on the reasons for acceptance of social media and relevant social media platforms supporting HIV prevention education among FSWs.
The impact of the National Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis on filariasis morbidity in Sri Lanka: Comparison of current status with retrospective data following the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem
Authors: Gunaratna Indeewarie E , Chandrasena Nilmini T. G. A , Vallipuranathan Murali , Premaratna Ranjan , Ediriweera Dileepa , de Silva Nilanthi R
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Sri Lanka implemented the National Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (NPELF) in its endemic regions in 2002. Five annual rounds of mass drug administration using the two-drug combination diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole led to sustained reductions in infection rates below threshold levels. In 2016, WHO validated that Sri Lanka eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.

Objective

To explore the impact of the NPELF on lymphatic filariasis morbidity in Sri Lanka.

Methods

Passive Case Detection (PCD) data maintained in filaria clinic registries from 2006–2022 for lymphoedema and hospital admission data for managing hydroceles/spermatoceles from 2007–2022 were analyzed. The morbidity status in 2022 and trends in overall and district-wise PCD rates were assessed. Poisson log-linear models were used to assess the trends in PCD for endemic regions, including district-wise trends and hospital admissions for the management of hydroceles/spermatoceles.

Results

In 2022, there were 566 new lymphoedema case visits. The mean (SD) age was 53.9 (16.0) years. The staging was done for 94% of cases, of which 79% were in the early stages (57.3% and 21.4% in stages two and one, respectively). Western Province had the highest caseload (52%), followed by the Southern (32%) and Northwestern (16%) Provinces, respectively. The reported lymphoedema PCD rate in 2022 was 0.61 per 10,000 endemic population. The overall PCD rate showed a decline of 7.6% (95%CI: 4.9% - 10.3%) per year (P < 0.0001) from 2007 to 2022. A steady decline was observed in Colombo, Gampaha and Kurunegala districts, while Kalutara remained static and other districts showed a decline in recent years. Further, admissions for inpatient management of hydroceles/spermatoceles showed a declining trend after 2015.

Conclusions

The PCD rates of lymphoedema and hydroceles/spermatoceles showed a declining trend in Sri Lanka after the implementation of the NPELF.
3.3–4.3 GHz efficient continuous class-F gallium nitride power amplifier based on simplified real frequency technique and harmonic tuning
Authors: Sadeque Md. Golam , Yusoff Zubaida , Roslee Mardeni , Hashim Shaiful Jahari , Mohd Marzuki Azah Syafiah , Lees Jonathan , Zubir Farid , Al-Bawri Samir Salem
Published: August 2024

In order to implement the fifth generation (5G) communication system for a large number of users, the governments of many countries nominated the low 5G frequency band between 3.3 and 4.3 GHz. This paper proposes a wideband RFPA by designing the input matching network (MN) and output MN of the device using the simplified real frequency technique (SRFT) and the harmonic tuning network. The load-pull and source-pull is applied at multiple points for 100 MHz intervals over the bandwidth to obtain the optimum impedances at the output and input of the 10W Gallium Nitride (GaN) Cree CGH40010F device. To verify the design, the RFPA is simulated, and the performance is measured between 3.3 and 4.3 GHz. According to experimental findings, the measured drain efficiency (DE) throughout the whole bandwidth ranged from 57.5 to 67.5% at the output power of 40 dBm. Moreover, at the 1 dB compression point between 39.2 and 42.2 dBm output power, the drain efficiency (DE) achieves a high value of 81.2% with an output power of 42.2 dBm at a frequency of 3.3 GHz. The RFPA can obtain a maximum gain of 12.4 dB at 3.5 GHz. The linearity of the RFPA with a two-tone signal is measured and the value is less than -22 dBc all over the band.
Predictive value of somatic and functional variables for cognitive deterioration for early-stage patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence from a prospective registry on dementia
Authors: Kaufmann Liane , Gruenbaum Tilman , Janssen Roman , Weiss Elisabeth M. , Benke Thomas , Dal-Bianco Peter , Defrancesco Michaela , Ransmayr Gerhard , Schmidt Reinhold , Stögmann Elisabeth , Marksteiner Josef
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) imposes a major burden on affected individuals, their caregivers and health-care systems alike. Though quite many risk factors for disease progression have been identified, there is a lack of prospective studies investigating the interplay and predictive value of a wide variety of patient variables associated with cognitive deterioration (defined as key feature of AD progression). Study participants were patients with probable and possible AD, that were assessed at four time points over a period of two years (T1-T4). The main results were threefold: (i) over time, significant changes were observed regarding patients’ cognitive functioning, activities of daily living and caregiver load (but not depression, pain, neuropsychiatric symptoms); (ii) intercorrelations between caregiver load and patients’ cognitive and functional variables were high, correlation patterns remaining rather stable across time; (iii) cognitive functioning at T4 was best predicted by patients’ age, sex, atrial fibrillation and activities of daily living at T1; and (iv) across all four assessment points, cognitive functioning was best predicted by time (i.e., disease duration), age, sex, activities of daily living and depression. Overall, even in early stages of AD and during a short two-year period, functional changes were significant and tightly intertwined with caregiver load, thus stressing the need to consider caregiver load when diagnosing and treating patients with AD. A novel and clinically relevant finding is that even in early stages of AD, cognitive deterioration was best predicted by a combination of patients’ demographic, somatic and functional variables.
Spatial-temporal assessment of future population exposure to compound extreme precipitation-high temperature events across China
Authors: Jin Ke , Wu Yanjuan , Sun Xiaolin , Sun Yanwei , Gao Chao
Published: August 2024

Global warming has increased the probability of extreme climate events, with compound extreme events having more severe impacts on socioeconomics and the environment than individual extremes. Utilizing the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), we predicted the spatiotemporal variations of compound extreme precipitation-high temperature events in China under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) across two future periods, and analyzed the changes in exposed populations and identified influencing factors. From the result, we can see that, the CMIP6 effectively reproduces precipitation patterns but exhibits biases. The frequency of compound event rises across SSPs, especially under high radiative forcing, with a stronger long-term upward trend. Furthermore, the economically developed areas, notably China’s southeastern coast and North China Plain, will be hotspots for frequent and intense compound extreme events, while other regions will see reduced exposure. Finally, in the long-term future (2070–2100), there is a noteworthy shift in population exposure to compound events, emphasizing the increasing influence of population factors over climate factors. This highlights the growing importance of interactions between population and climate in shaping exposure patterns.
The cumulative contribution of direct and indirect traumas to the production of PTSD
Authors: Even Dan , Cohen Gregory H. , Wang Ruochen , Galea Sandro
Published: August 2024

Objective

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people worldwide. While the relationship between direct exposure to traumatic events and PTSD is well-established, the influence of indirect trauma exposure on PTSD remains unclear. It is similarly unclear what role cumulative exposure to direct and indirect traumas play in the risk of PTSD.

Methods

The study uses data from the Houston Trauma and Recovery Study, conducted on 2020–2021, and involved a random sampling of 1,167 individuals residing in Houston during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Participants were asked about their experiences related to both Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic. Exposures were categorized as direct or indirect traumas, in line with the criteria delineated in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Cumulative exposures were also calculated.

Results

Among participants, 12.6% were experiencing current PTSD. There were significant associations between both direct [OR = 3.18, 95% CI 1.85, 5.46] and indirect [OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.05, 3.46] traumas related to Harvey, as well as direct [OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.20, 3.77] and indirect [OR = 1.69, 95% CI 0.93, 3.09] traumas due to COVID and the risk of PTSD in fully adjusted models. Further, significant associations were found between the cumulative exposure to traumas from both Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19 and the risk of PTSD, considering both direct [OR = 2.53, 95% CI 1.36, 4.70] and indirect exposures [OR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.47, 5.28].

Conclusions

Our study offers support for connections between exposure to both direct and indirect traumas stemming from large-scale disasters and PTSD. Moreover, we show that cumulative exposures to multiple large-scale events increase the risk of PTSD. This highlights the importance of the consideration of a range of exposures as risks for PTSD, particularly in a time of compounding disasters and broad population exposures to these events.
Finding common development paths in voluntary national reviews reporting on sustainable development goals using aspect-based sentiment analysis
Authors: Funk Christoph , Tönjes Elena , Teuber Ramona , Breuer Lutz
Published: August 2024

Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) provide a platform for participating countries to share their experiences, failures, and successes in achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the narrative elements, particularly the sentiment, in VNRs in order to more effectively assess and support global SDG progress. A total of 232 VNRs from 166 countries are analyzed using Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) to extract each country’s sentiment toward the 17 SDGs. The sentiment scores are then compared to the corresponding official UN SDG scores, and countries are grouped by their sentiment toward all 17 SDGs to identify potential common development pathways. The analysis uncovers a notable positive correlation between the reported sentiment and official SDG scores for SDG 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and a negative correlation for SDG 5 (gender equality). Conversely, this relationship is not significant for the majority of SDGs, suggesting that VNR narratives may not directly reflect actual progress. A t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) approach indicates a consistent sentiment score among developed countries. In contrast, there are greater differences in reporting sentiment among Emerging Markets, Frontier Markets, and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where there is greater dispersion (especially among LDCs) and sentiment in reporting on SDG progress that appears to have changed from one reporting year to another. These findings highlight the need to interpret VNRs in the context of each country’s unique situation and challenges specific to each country.
Community-based health insurance beneficiaries’ satisfaction on laboratory services and associated factors in selected public hospitals in Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, Southwest, Ethiopia
Authors: Getachew Nigusu , Girma Mujahid , Sahilemariam Zewudineh , Kabeta Temesgen , Arora Amit
Published: August 2024

Background

The community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme is a growing initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access for the most impoverished members of the community. The Ethiopian CBHI scheme aims to enhance access to essential healthcare services, including medical laboratory services, for the poorest members of the community, but there is limited evidence on satisfaction levels. The aim of this study was to assess the satisfaction level of CBHI beneficiaries with laboratory services and their associated factors among selected public hospitals in Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on selected public hospitals in the Jimma Zone from September to October 2023. A total of 421 CBHI beneficiaries were enrolled in the study using a convenient sampling technique, and interviewers administered structured questionnaires to collect data. Data were entered into Epi-data and analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 25. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize independent variables; bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to test the association between independent and dependent variables; and statistical significance was declared at P<0.05.

Results

More than half (55.8%) of the 419 study participants were female. Above half, 57.5% of the respondents were satisfied by the clinical laboratory services at public hospitals in Jimma Zone. Components with a higher satisfaction rate were providers’ professional appearances (98.3%), procedures for specimen collection (87.6%), and availability of entertainment facilities at the waiting area (67.8%). On the contrary, longer waiting times to receive the test results (76.6%), inefficiency of the reception area (74.7%), and the inability of professionals to explain diagnostic procedures (58.0%) were associated with higher rates of dissatisfaction. Educational status and the number of hospital visits were found to have a statistically significant association with level of satisfaction with laboratory services.

Conclusions

CBHI beneficiaries’ satisfaction with laboratory service was at a moderate level in Jimma Zone public hospitals. Therefore, attention should be given to continuous monitoring of patients’ satisfaction with services, improving reception areas, and practicing routine explanations about the purposes and procedures during specimen collection to improve the beneficiaries’ satisfaction level with clinical laboratory services.
Hydrometeorology and geography affect hospitalizations for waterborne infectious diseases in the United States: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Lynch Victoria D. , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: August 2024

Meteorology, hydroclimatology, and drinking water infrastructure influence the transmission of waterborne infectious diseases in the United States, but their roles are not well-understood and may vary by pathogen type or geographic region. Waterborne pathogens can cause severe intestinal, respiratory, or systemic infections in vulnerable people. Identifying the mechanisms that underlie contamination events and disease transmission is particularly important given that climate change may lead to more extreme floods, droughts, and seasonal precipitation. The association of meteorological variables, drinking water source, geographic region, and location (rural/urban) with hospitalizations for 12 waterborne bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections was examined using 12 years of hospitalization data from 516 hospitals in 25 states. A multimodel inference approach was used to identify the most highly-weighted explanatory variables and these were included in a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) framework. There was a 16% (95% CI: 8%-24%) decrease in hospitalizations for the bacterial pathogen group in urban compared to rural areas; for Campylobacter, specifically, there was a 31% (95% CI: 9%-53%) decrease in urban areas, a 27% (95% CI: 6%-48%) decrease associated with drinking water from surface water sources, and an 11% (95% CI: 4%-17%) increase with a 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in runoff. Parasitic hospitalizations increased 9% (95% CI: 4%-15%) with a 1-SD increase in precipitation, predominantly driven by Cryptosporidium hospitalizations. Legionnaires’ disease increased 124% (95% CI: 90%-157%) with a 1-SD increase in soil moisture. Associations between hospitalization rates and meteorological conditions, location, and drinking water source varied among the specific pathogens; the pathogen-group level analyses masked several of these findings and were largely uninformative. Precipitation, runoff, and rural locations were positively associated with hospitalizations for some enteric bacterial and parasitic infections; conversely, hospitalizations for biofilm-forming bacterial infections were associated with soil moisture and hospitalization rates were higher in urban areas.
COBALT: A Confirmatory Trial of Obeticholic Acid in Primary Biliary Cholangitis With Placebo and External Controls
Authors: Kowdley Kris V. , Hirschfield Gideon M. , Coombs Charles , Malecha Elizabeth S. , Bessonova Leona , Li Jing , Rathnayaka Nuvan , Mells George , Jones David E. , Trivedi Palak J. , Hansen Bettina E. , Smith Rachel , Wason James , Hiu Shaun , Kareithi Dorcas N. , Mason Andrew L. , Bowlus Christopher L. , Muller Kate , Carbone Marco , Berenguer Marina , Milkiewicz Piotr , Adekunle Femi , Villamil Alejandra
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Obeticholic acid (OCA) treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) was conditionally approved in the phase 3 POISE trial. The COBALT confirmatory trial assessed whether clinical outcomes in patients with PBC improve with OCA therapy.

METHODS:

Patients randomized to OCA (5–10 mg) were compared with placebo (randomized controlled trial [RCT]) or external control (EC). The primary composite endpoint was time to death, liver transplant, model for end-stage liver disease score ≥15, uncontrolled ascites, or hospitalization for hepatic decompensation. A prespecified propensity score–weighted EC group was derived from a US healthcare claims database.

RESULTS:

In the RCT, the primary endpoint occurred in 28.6% of OCA (n = 168) and 28.9% of placebo patients (n = 166; intent-to-treat analysis hazard ratio [HR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.68–1.51), but functional unblinding and crossover to commercial therapy occurred, especially in the placebo arm. Correcting for these using inverse probability of censoring weighting and as-treated analyses shifted the HR to favor OCA. In the EC (n = 1,051), the weighted primary endpoint occurred in 10.1% of OCA and 21.5% of non-OCA patients (HR = 0.39; 95% confidence interval = 0.22–0.69; P = 0.001). No new safety signals were identified in the RCT.

DISCUSSION:

Functional unblinding and treatment crossover, particularly in the placebo arm, confounded the intent-to-treat estimate of outcomes associated with OCA in the RCT. Comparison with the real-world EC showed that OCA treatment significantly reduced the risk of negative clinical outcomes. These analyses demonstrate the value of EC data in confirmatory trials and suggest that treatment with OCA improves clinical outcomes in patients with PBC.
Media Image of Mothers and Motherhood on the Online Parenting Website mama:Du
Authors: Trysińska Magdalena
Published: August 2024

The media play a significant role in promoting a new model of motherhood, observed in social life in Poland. The aim of this article is to reconstruct the media’s portrayal of motherhood and maternity. The research material comprises titles and leads of press articles published on the online website mama:Du. The methodological foundation is drawn from the premises of cultural linguistics and the processes of concept profiling. The research material distinguishes profiles such as a suffering and exhausted mother, a single mother, an independent mother, a (non)working mother, and a mother as a woman. Analysis indicates that despite changes in the social perception of a woman’s role, the website presents a unidimensional image of motherhood, reducing women to the mother-child dyad. This image aligns with the stereotype of the mother as a caregiver. However, there are sparse signals of overturning these prevalent stereotypes in texts showcasing mothers who call for alteration of established norms. Nevertheless, the feminine aspect of a mother, as a woman who takes care of herself and has her own interests beyond caregiving duties, remains invisible. Thus, the medium reflects a realistic, consistent with Polish realities portrayal of motherhood and maternity, gradual striving towards its transformation.
Stany depresyjne młodych matek a konceptualizacje macierzyństwa
Authors: Olejniczak Elwira
Published: August 2024

The article analyses selected posts published by young mothers in two private Facebook groups entitled Noworodki, niemowlaki, dzieci – wymiana doświadczeń (Newborns, toddlers, children – sharing experiences) and Karmienie piersią i między karmieniami (Breastfeeding and between feedings). The issue influencing the analysis is conceptualisation which is one of the basic concepts in cognitive linguistics. The result of linguistic reflection is the observation of ways for conceptualising motherhood that are associated with psychophysical problems and depressive states of women in the perinatal period. Due to the thematic and temporal scope of the material, 45 entries published in 2022 and 2023 concerning the most difficult experiences were described. The collected examples were assigned to one of six distinguished conceptualisations, each related to the poor psychophysical condition of mothers.