bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violência física no estado do Espírito Santo: uma análise dos casos notificados
Authors: Leite Franciéle Marabotti Costa , Ribeiro Luiza Albina , Tavares Fábio Lúcio , De Oliveira Pedroso Márcia Regina , Venturin Bruna , Portes Ribeiro Luiza Eduarda , Cupertino Edleusa Gomes Ferreira
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Analisar os casos notificados de violência física no Espírito Santo no período de 2011 a 2018. Método: Estudo analítico transversal, com as notificações realizadas no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). A variável dependente foi violência física e as independentes foram as características da vítima, agressor e agressão. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Stata 14.0. Resultados: A frequência de notificação de violência física foi de 56,2% (IC95%: 55,7-56,8). Foram associados a esse agravo: ser homem, adulto, raça/cor preta/parda, sem deficiência/transtorno e residente da zona rural. Os agressores eram a maioria homens adultos, com suspeita de uso de álcool durante o evento, envolvendo mais de uma pessoa. A agressão ocorreu mais em via pública e não foi de repetição. Conclusão: A violência física é a mais frequente dentre todos os tipos de violência, evidenciando a importância da identificação, acolhimento e prevenção a esse agravo.
Benefícios da arteterapia no tratamento de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer
Authors: Rodrigues Jenifer Luana Pessoa , Oliveira Samara dos Santos , Pessoa Naiara Raissa da S. , Nascimento Maria Gabriela de S.M. do , Menezes Beatriz de , Doval Viviane dos Santos Augusto
Published: December 2023

Introdução: O envelhecimento é um processo do desenvolvimento normal, envolvendo alterações neurobiológicas que pode alterar a fisiologia do organismo e tem um impacto na capacidade funcional, tornando o idoso suscetível às doenças crônicas. A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é caracterizada como uma doença neurodegenerativa frequentemente associada à idade, alterando o nível cognitivo e mais tarde o funcionamento do organismo e diversas habilidades. A Arteterapia surge como um processo terapêutico que busca auxiliar as pessoas a alcançarem os conteúdos de seu inconsciente e exportá-los, podendo assim ser uma ferramenta de intervenção não medicamentosa na doença de Alzheimer. Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo apresentar os benefícios da arteterapia como intervenção terapêutica relacionado ao tratamento de pacientes com Alzheimer, buscando sintetizar qual o melhor recurso, além do impacto da arteterapia na melhora cognitiva e funcional. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão de literatura integrativa com ensaios clínicos controlados, experimentais ou relatos de caso sobre a temática que tenham sidos publicados entre 2010 e 2023 nas bases de dados PUBMED e SciELO. Resultados: Foram selecionados 10 estudos relacionados ao uso da arteterapia no paciente com a DA que apontaram o seu benefício na preservação cognitiva residual e na melhora e potencialização da funcionalidade. Conclusão: A arte pode ser aplicada como intervenção no tratamento de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer de forma segura, tendo efeitos positivos na cognição e na funcionalidade, sendo a musicoterapia a terapêutica mais citada e utilizada.
Các rào cản và định hướng cho phát triển nông nghiệp tuần hoàn ở Việt Nam
Authors: Nguyễn Thị Minh Hiền , Mai Lan Phương
Published: December 2023

Ở Việt Nam, các nguồn phát thải nông nghiệp phát sinh từ sự bất hợp lý trong quản lý đất, phân bón, phân chuồng và đốt sinh khối. Chính vì vậy, việc tập trung nghiên cứu và phát triển nông nghiệp tuần hoàn trở nên vô cùng cấp bách nhằm hướng tới việc tối ưu hóa tài nguyên, giảm thiểu lãng phí, tái chế sản phẩm và bảo vệ môi trường. Nghiên cứu tập trung phân tích các rào cản trong phát triển nông nghiệp tuần hoàn dựa trên việc tổng hợp những nghiên cứu về lý luận nông nghiệp tuần hoàn trên thế giới và ở Việt Nam, đồng thời dựa trên việc thảo luận nhóm với hai mô hình quản lý chất thải trong chăn nuôi tại Hà Nội và Bắc Giang. Bài báo đã phân tích 6 rào cản chính về chính sách, đất đai, nhận thức, tài chính, công nghệ kỹ thuật và tổ chức liên kết. Để thúc đẩy phát triển nông nghiệp theo hướng kinh tế tuần hoàn cần tập trung xây dựng và hoàn thiện hành lang pháp lý, thúc đẩy nghiên cứu khoa học công nghệ, đẩy mạnh tuyên truyền, xây dựng hệ thống cơ sở dữ liệu và hình thành chuỗi liên kết giữa các doanh nghiệp và người sản xuất.
Efikasi fase air ekstrak biji srikaya (Annona squamosa, L.) sebagai larvisida terhadap larva nyamuk Aedes Aegypti
Authors: Sundari Sri
Published: December 2023

Mosquito-borne disease controle with chemical insecticide until now is still used although the risk to environmental polution and insect resistance is still high. WHO recommended to develop botanical insecticide vector control. The aim of this study is to asses the effect of water extract of sugar apple seed as larvicide against Aedes aegypti mosquito. In this study, the efficacy as a larvicide, applying several series of concentration (%, w/v) of the water extract of the sugar apple seed extract (WESAS) which were exposed to the larvae of Aedes aegypti for as long as 24 hours and the percentage of the mortality rate was examined by counting the larvae and analyzed according to the Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) conducting the probit analysis. The LC50 and LC90 (%,w/v) as larvicidal effects of water extract of the sugar apple (Annona squamosa L) showed a percentage of as high as 1,02% and 1,08% respectively. As a conclution could be drawn that WESAS, indeed had a larvicidal effect on Ae. aegypti.
The effect of green tea extracts on lymphocyte proliferation: A study in mice inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Johan Andrew
Published: December 2023

Elimination of L. monocytogenes in spleen and liver were dependent on CD4 and CD8 T cells. Since previous studies had shown that green tea extract (GTE) stimulated the production of IL-12, IFN-g, and TNF-a, this recent study was aimed to prove that GTE could induce lymphocyte proliferation. Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 11 groups, each group consisted of 5 mice. Group I, the mice were not given green tea nor bacteria. Group II, the mice were not given tea but they were inoculated with L. monocytogenes. Group III to V, the mice were treated with green tea polyphenon-60 in different doses (1.5, 3, and 6 mg/day). Group VI to VIII, the mice were treated with EGCG (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/day). Group IX to XI, the mice were treated with EGC (0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/day). The mice in group III to XI were treated with those GTE orally for 14 days. They were inoculated with 104 L. monocytogenes intra peritoneally on the 10th day. All the mice were sacrificed on day 15 to examine the number of lymphoblasts in spleens. The results revealed that the number of lymphoblasts increased in all groups of mice treated with green tea polyphenon-60, EGCG, and EGC. Green tea polyphenon-60 had the highest effect to increase the number of lymphoblasts in mice inoculated with L. monocytogenes. It was concluded that green tea extracts could induce lymphocyte proliferation.
Hubungan Pendapatan Keluarga dengan Status Gizi Balita di Desa Pasir Kupa Kabupaten Lebak
Authors: Ramadhan Dwiky Ananda , Mardhiyah Dian
Published: December 2023

Status gizi balita adalah tolak ukur untuk kondisi tubuh yang dapat dinilai dari indeks, yaitu Berat Badan Menurut Umur (BB/U), Tinggi Badan Menurut Umur (TB/U), Berat Badan Menurut Tinggi Badan (BB/TB). Jenis penelitian yang dimanfaatkan dalam stufi ini adalah deskriptif analitik dengan rancangan penelitian cross sectional. Populasi dalam studi ini berjumlah 109 orang dengan sampel merupakan seluruh Ibu dengan balita yang datang ke Posyandu Desa Pasir Kupa Kabupaten Lebak sebanyak 61 ibu dengan balita. Hasil pada penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ditemukan adanya balita dengan gizi kurang berjumlah 6 orang dan stunting sebanyak 5 orang. Tidak ditemukan adanya perbedaan bermakna antara penghasilan keluarga dengan status gizi balita (BB/U dan TB/U). Pentingnya mencukupi kebutuhan keluarga dan edukasi pemilihan makanan yang bernutrisi untuk anak, agar status gizi anak selalu terjaga
‘Strange symbols to the new dawn’: Lola Ridge, Anarchist Networks, and the Carceral Elegy
Authors: Bratton Francesca
Published: December 2023

Lola Ridge is a poet whose work is both pedagogic and visionary. Born in Dublin, moving to Australasia and then to the US, Ridge characterized the transnational experience that helped to shape anarchist networks in New York in the early decades of the twentieth century. In addition to her involvement in the activities of the Ferrer Center Modern School, she both contributed to, and edited, a number of literary magazines. Her poems document the poverty of her surroundings and the complex pressures faced by the city's immigrant communities, as well as featuring a range of political activists and thinkers, from prominent figures to unidentified political groups ‘converging in meeting halls’. Throughout her writing life she engaged deeply with issues of social justice and with the figure of the prisoner as exemplary of social marginalization. This essay examines what may be termed Ridge's ‘carceral elegies’, situating them in the wider context of revolutionary Ireland, and its place in New York literary culture.
Sistem Pendukung Pengambil Keputusan Penerima Beasiswa LAZISMU dengan Metode MAUT
Authors: Bahruddin M. Hildan , Saputra Bagus Dwi , Handoyo Eko
Published: December 2023

Sistem pendukung pengambil keputusan untuk seleksi penerima beasiswa di Universitas Muhammadiyah Lamongan, melalui LAZISMU (Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infaq, dan Sadaqah Muhammadiyah), menggunakan metode Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT). Metode MAUT mempertimbangkan preferensi subjektif dan bobot atribut dalam pengambilan keputusan multi-kriteria. Sistem ini menghitung skor utilitas total untuk setiap calon penerima beasiswa dengan menggunakan bobot atribut dan nilai atribut yang diberikan. Penelitian ini mengambil sampel data dari 18 mahasiswa dan menggunakan lima kriteria pilihan. Lima kriteria tersebut meliputi nilai tes (bobot 0,15), jenis beasiswa (bobot 0,4), nilai IPK (bobot 0,2), kontribusi lembaga Muhammadiyah (bobot 0,15), dan organisasi (bobot 0,1). Hasil perhitungan menggunakan metode MAUT menunjukkan bahwa sistem ini berhasil memberikan nilai utilitas tertinggi sebesar 0,9667 dan terendah sebesar 0,2333. Sistem ini membantu LAZISMU dalam menyeleksi calon penerima beasiswa secara efisien dan objektif, sehingga calon penerima beasiswa dengan skor utilitas tertinggi dapat direkomendasikan sebagai penerima beasiswa.
Atmospheric plasma treatment: an alternative of HF etching in lithium disilicate glass-ceramic cementation
Authors: Wu Xiaoqian , Liu Kun , Luo Rui , Xu Jianhao , Chen Mingsheng
Published: December 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) could modify the surface of lithium disilicate glass ceramics (LDC) instead of hydrofluoric acid (HF) in LDC resin cementation.

Methods: Two hundred and thirty-two LDC blocks were randomly divided into seven groups: Group 1 (16 specimens) was the blank control group (without HF or APPJ treatment); Group 2 (36 specimens) was etched by HF; Groups 3–7 (36 specimens each) were treated with APPJ, and the relative air humidity (RAH) of the discharge was 22.8%, 43.6%, 59.4%, 75.2%, and 94.0%, respectively. Three LDC blocks in each group were characterized via X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, 3 blocks via contact angle measurements, and other 10 blocks via surface roughness measurements. The residual LDC blocks in groups 2–7 were cemented to composite cylinders. Testing the cemented specimens’ shear bond strength (SBS) before and after thermocycling (6,500 cycles of 5°C and 55°C) revealed fracture patterns. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (post hoc: Bonferroni) (α = 0.05).

Results: After APPJ treatment, the water contact angle values of APPJ treated blocks dropped from 31.37° to 5.66°, while that of HF etched ones dropped to 18.33°. The O/C ratio increased after HF etching or APPJ treatment according to the calculated results, except for the APPJ-treated samples at a RAH of 22.8%. The surface roughness of LDC blocks showed no statistic difference before and after APPJ treatment, but experienced significant difference after HF etching. The O/Si and O/C ratios varied after HF etching or APPJ treatment. No significant difference in SBS values could be found among groups 2–7 before or after artificial aging (p > 0.05). All specimens showed mixed failure patterns.

Conclusion: The APPJ treatment method reported in this study is a promising novel strategy for surface modification of the LDC. With acceptable bonding strength, it might be an alternative to HF in LDC-resin cementation.
On the importance of accurate elasto-plastic material properties in simulating plate osteosynthesis failure
Authors: Mischler Dominic , Gueorguiev Boyko , Windolf Markus , Varga Peter
Published: December 2023

Background: Plate osteosynthesis is a widely used technique for bone fracture fixation; however, complications such as plate bending remain a significant clinical concern. A better understanding of the failure mechanisms behind plate osteosynthesis is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. This study aimed to develop finite element (FE) models to predict plate bending failure and validate these against in vitro experiments using literature-based and experimentally determined implant material properties.

Methods: Plate fixations of seven cadaveric tibia shaft fractures were tested to failure in a biomechanical setup with various implant configurations. FE models of the bone-implant constructs were developed from computed tomography (CT) scans. Elasto-plastic implant material properties were assigned using either literature data or the experimentally derived data. The predictive capability of these two FE modelling approaches was assessed based on the experimental ground truth.

Results: The FE simulations provided quantitatively correct prediction of the in vitro cadaveric experiments in terms of construct stiffness [concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.97, standard error of estimate (SEE) = 23.66, relative standard error (RSE) = 10.3%], yield load (CCC = 0.97, SEE = 41.21N, RSE = 7.7%), and maximum force (CCC = 0.96, SEE = 35.04, RSE = 9.3%), when including the experimentally determined material properties. Literature-based properties led to inferior accuracies for both stiffness (CCC = 0.92, SEE = 27.62, RSE = 19.6%), yield load (CCC = 0.83, SEE = 46.53N, RSE = 21.4%), and maximum force (CCC = 0.86, SEE = 57.71, RSE = 14.4%).

Conclusion: The validated FE model allows for accurate prediction of plate osteosynthesis construct behaviour beyond the elastic regime but only when using experimentally determined implant material properties. Literature-based material properties led to inferior predictability. These validated models have the potential to be utilized for assessing the loads leading to plastic deformation in vivo, as well as aiding in preoperative planning and postoperative rehabilitation protocols.
Mechanical testing and comparison of porcine tissue, silicones and 3D-printed materials for cardiovascular phantoms
Authors: Illi Joël , Ilic Marc , Stark Anselm Walter , Amstutz Cornelia , Burger Juergen , Zysset Philippe , Haeberlin Andreas , Gräni Christoph
Published: December 2023

Background: Cardiovascular phantoms for patient education, pre-operative planning, surgical training, haemodynamic simulation, and device testing may help improve patient care. However, currently used materials may have different mechanical properties compared to biological tissue.

Methods/Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of 3D-printing and silicone materials in comparison to biological cardiovascular tissues. Uniaxial cyclic tension testing was performed using dumbbell samples from porcine tissue (aorta, pulmonary artery, right and left ventricle). Flexible testing materials included 15 silicone (mixtures) and three 3D-printing materials. The modulus of elasticity was calculated for different deformation ranges.

Results: The modulus of elasticity (0%–60%) for the aorta ranged from 0.16 to 0.18 N/mm2, for the pulmonary artery from 0.07 to 0.09 N/mm2, and for the right ventricle as well as the left ventricle short-axis from 0.1 to 0.16 N/mm2. For silicones the range of modulus of elasticity was 0.02–1.16 N/mm2, and for the 3D-printed materials from 0.85 to 1.02 N/mm2. The stress-strain curves of all tissues showed a non-linear behaviour in the cyclic tensile testing, with a distinct toe region, followed by exponential strain hardening behaviour towards the peak elongation. The vessel samples showed a more linear behaviour comparted to myocardial samples. The silicones and 3D printing materials exhibited near-linearity at higher strain ranges, with a decrease in stiffness following the initial deformation. All samples showed a deviation between the loading and unloading curves (hysteresis), and a reduction in peak force over the first few cycles (adaptation effect) at constant deformation.

Conclusion: The modulus of elasticity of silicone mixtures is more in agreement to porcine cardiovascular tissues than 3D-printed materials. All synthetic materials showed an almost linear behaviour in the mechanical testing compared to the non-linear behaviour of the biological tissues, probably due to fibre recruitment mechanism in the latter.
Thy-1 (CD90)-regulated cell adhesion and migration of mesenchymal cells: insights into adhesomes, mechanical forces, and signaling pathways
Authors: Valdivia Alejandra , Avalos Ana María , Leyton Lisette
Published: December 2023

Cell adhesion and migration depend on the assembly and disassembly of adhesive structures known as focal adhesions. Cells adhere to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and form these structures via receptors, such as integrins and syndecans, which initiate signal transduction pathways that bridge the ECM to the cytoskeleton, thus governing adhesion and migration processes. Integrins bind to the ECM and soluble or cell surface ligands to form integrin adhesion complexes (IAC), whose composition depends on the cellular context and cell type. Proteomic analyses of these IACs led to the curation of the term adhesome, which is a complex molecular network containing hundreds of proteins involved in signaling, adhesion, and cell movement. One of the hallmarks of these IACs is to sense mechanical cues that arise due to ECM rigidity, as well as the tension exerted by cell-cell interactions, and transduce this force by modifying the actin cytoskeleton to regulate cell migration. Among the integrin/syndecan cell surface ligands, we have described Thy-1 (CD90), a GPI-anchored protein that possesses binding domains for each of these receptors and, upon engaging them, stimulates cell adhesion and migration. In this review, we examine what is currently known about adhesomes, revise how mechanical forces have changed our view on the regulation of cell migration, and, in this context, discuss how we have contributed to the understanding of signaling mechanisms that control cell adhesion and migration.
Mendelian randomization suggests a causal relationship between gut dysbiosis and thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhang Pengpeng , Liu Ying , Bao Chongchan , Qian Dong , Ma Chaoqun , Li Hua , Yu Ting
Published: December 2023

Background

Alterations in gut microbiota composition and function have been linked to the development and progression of thyroid cancer (TC). However, the exact nature of the causal relationship between them remains uncertain.

Methods

A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis was conducted to assess the causal connection between gut microbiota (18,340 individuals) and TC (6,699 cases combined with 1,613,655 controls) using data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The primary analysis used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method to estimate the causal effect, with supplementary approaches including the weighted median, weighted mode, simple mode, and MR-Egger. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were assessed using the Cochrane Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR-PRESSO global test. A reverse TSMR analysis was performed to explore reverse causality.

Results

This study identified seven microbial taxa with significant associations with TC. Specifically, the genus Butyrivibrio (OR: 1.127, 95% CI: 1.008-1.260, p = 0.036), Fusicatenibacter (OR: 1.313, 95% CI: 1.066-1.618, p = 0.011), Oscillospira (OR: 1.240, 95% CI: 1.001-1.536, p = 0.049), Ruminococcus2 (OR: 1.408, 95% CI: 1.158-1.711, p < 0.001), Terrisporobacter (OR: 1.241, 95% CI: 1.018-1.513, p = 0.032) were identified as risk factors for TC, while The genus Olsenella (OR: 0.882, 95% CI: 0.787-0.989, p = 0.031) and Ruminococcaceae UCG004 (OR: 0.719, 95% CI: 0.566-0.914, p = 0.007) were associated with reduced TC risk. The reverse MR analysis found no evidence of reverse causality and suggested that TC may lead to increased levels of the genus Holdemanella (β: 0.053, 95% CI: 0.012~0.094, p = 0.011) and decreased levels of the order Bacillales (β: -0.075, 95% CI: -0.143~-0.006, p = 0.033). No significant bias, heterogeneity, or pleiotropy was detected in this study.

Conclusion

This study suggests a potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and TC, providing new insights into the role of gut microbiota in TC. Further research is needed to explore the underlying biological mechanisms.
Indigenous filmmaking practices: healing in times of climate crises
Authors: Ramirez-Loaiza Viviana
Published: December 2023

The psychological impacts of the climate crisis and its triggers can have long-lasting consequences for public mental health. Many indigenous communities have an in-depth understanding of these impacts, and some of their filmmakers have depicted them through their audiovisual work. By challenging colonial perspectives, these indigenous filmmakers offer invaluable insights into how communities might navigate into adaptation and recovery to cope with the challenges brought about by climate change. Unfortunately, audiovisual work has often been overlooked in climate-related disaster studies despite its significant contributions. Drawing on community-based feminism and the decolonial turn, I sought to explore the healing practices employed by communities in Upper Xingu, Brazil, through the practice of indigenous filmmaker Takumã Kuikuro. To achieve this, I drew on audiovisual analysis of Takumã Kuikuro’s documentaries and records (short videos) from the decolonial panorama. Additionally, I conducted semi-structured interviews with the filmmaker and three members of the People’s Palace Projects, who have worked closely with Takumã, culminating in a validation meeting. I highlight three key findings for this article: (i) healing through rituals as esthetic and ethical-sacred practices within the territory, (ii) bodies in collectivism, and (iii) cascading effects on healing audiences: weaving networks from reciprocities. In seeking a discussion of the findings, I contend that there is an inextricable bond between the community-based healing responses to the climate crisis shown by Takumã’s lenses and the Politics of the Bodies proposed by the Colombian philosopher Laura Quintana, allowing us to frame the decolonial understanding of healing as a political and collective action both within and with territories. Therefore, placing the indigenous cinema as a source of knowledge will enable us to bring community-based discussions that disaster risk reduction has neglected due to its embeddedness in epistemic injustice, from which at-risk communities have been predominantly seen as incapable of knowing their geographies. The rituals and collaborative practices grounded in reciprocity demonstrate forms of adaptation in which mental health becomes a collective responsibility woven into nature at its core.
Introduction to small molecule drug discovery and preclinical development
Authors: Southey Michelle W. Y. , Brunavs Michael
Published: December 2023

Over 90% of marketed drugs are small molecules, low molecular weight organic compounds that have been discovered, designed, and developed to prompt a specific biological process in the body. Examples include antibiotics (penicillin), analgesics (paracetamol) and synthetic hormones (corticosteroids). On average, it takes 10–15 years to develop a new medicine from initial discovery through to regulatory approval and the total cost is often in the billions. For every drug that makes it to the market, there are many more that do not, and it is the outlay associated with abortive efforts that accounts for most of this expense. The discovery of new drugs remains a significant challenge, involving teams of researchers from chemistry, biology, drug development, computer science and informatics. In this article we will discuss the key concepts and issues encountered in small molecule preclinical drug discovery and introduce some of the emerging technologies being developed to overcome current obstacles.
Knowledge and practice of obstetric care providers on prevention of obstetric fistula 2023: an institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Alemu Solomon Seyife , Agago Mahlet Tesfaye , Ukumo Eshetu Yisihak , Hadero Tesfahun Simon
Published: December 2023

Background

Obstetric fistula is a preventable devastating condition that is mostly caused by obstructed labour. About 22% of obstructed labor is complicated by obstetric fistula. Skilled birth attendants during delivery are essential for the prevention of obstetric fistula. However, little is known about the status of the knowledge and practice of obstetric fistula prevention in the Gamo zone.

Objective

We aimed to assess the knowledge, practice, and associated factors of obstetric caregivers on the prevention of obstetric fistula in public health facilities of the Gamo zone in southwest Ethiopia 2023.

Method

A cross-sectional study was employed among 372 obstetric caregivers in selected public health facilities of the Gamo zone in southwest Ethiopia from 1 December 2022 to 30 January 2023. Study participants were selected by a simple random sampling technique, and data were collected by using a pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were coded and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 computer software and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis purposes. Bivariable and Multivariable Logistic analyses were applied. The level of significance was declared at aP-value ≤0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

About 57% [95% CI (53.00–62.00)] of participants had good knowledge, and about 55.4% [95% CI (50.00–60.00)] of obstetric caregivers showed good practice for obstetric fistula prevention. The factors significantly associated with knowledge were service year [AOR = 2.50, 95% CI = (1.12–6.73)], types of a health facility [AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = (1.01–3.92)], age [AOR = 2.38, 95% CI = (1.03–5.49)], and in-service training [AOR = 4.61, 95% CI = (2.35–9.05)]. In-service training [AOR = 14.86, 95% CI = (12.75–18.73)], service year [AOR = 3.58, 95% CI = (1.24–10.29)], and knowledge [AOR: 13.24, 95% CI = (6.18–14.34)] were factors which were significantly associated with the practice of obstetric caregivers towards obstetric fistula prevention.

Conclusion

The knowledge and practice of obstetric caregivers on the prevention of obstetric fistula was low in public health facilities of the Gamo zone. In this study, practicing at a hospital was a factor significantly associated with the knowledge of obstetric caregivers. Having in-service training, advanced service year, and age were factors significantly associated with the knowledge and practice of obstetric caregivers. Regular in-service training of health professionals can enhance their knowledge and practice of obstetric fistula prevention.
Quantifying the linkages between California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) strandings and particulate domoic acid concentrations at piers across Southern California
Authors: Smith Jayme , Cram Jacob A. , Berndt Malena P. , Hoard Vanessa , Shultz Dana , Deming Alissa C.
Published: December 2023

Domoic acid-producing blooms of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia are pervasive in coastal environments globally. Domoic acid, a neurotoxin, accumulates via trophic transfer into marine food webs and is often associated with mass marine mammal mortality and stranding events. In Southern California, California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are an indicator species for food web impacts of domoic acid because they are abundant secondary consumers, sensitive to domoic acid intoxication, and are actively monitored by stranding networks. However, domoic acid exposure may occur a distance from where a sea lion ultimately strands. This spatiotemporal variation complicates coupling domoic acid observations in water to strandings. Therefore, we sought to quantify whether monitoring data from four pier sites across the region, covering nearly 700 km of coastline from 2015-2019, could be used to predict adult and subadult sea lion strandings along the 68 km Orange County coastline surveyed by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. We found that increased sea lion strandings were often observed just prior to an increase in particulate domoic acid at the piers, confirming that clusters of subadult and adult sea lion strandings with clinical signs of domoic acid intoxication serve as indicators of bloom events. In addition, domoic acid concentrations at Stearns Wharf, nearly 200 km from stranding locations, best predicted increased total sea lion strandings, and strandings of sea lions with domoic acid intoxication symptoms. Particulate domoic acid concentrations greater than 0.05 μg/L at Stearns Wharf were linked to stranding probabilities in Orange County ranging from 2.2% to 55% per week, and concentrations of 0.25 μg/L resulted in weekly stranding probabilities ranging from 16% to 81% depending on the stranding scenario modeled.
A temperature-based synthesis and characterization study of aluminum-incorporated diamond-like carbon thin films
Authors: Ghadai Ranjan Kumar , Shanmugasundar G. , Cepova Lenka , Das Soham , Kumar Mahto Premchand , Kalita Kanak
Published: December 2023

The present work deals with the study of various properties of aluminum (Al)-incorporated diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films synthesized using the atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) technique by varying the deposition temperature (Td) and keeping the N2 flow rate constant. Surface morphology analysis, resistance to corrosion, nanohardness (H), and Young’s modulus (E) of the coatings were carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM), corrosion test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nanoindentation test, respectively. SEM results showed a smoother surface morphology of the coatings grown at different process temperatures. With an increase in process temperature, the coating roughness (Ra) lies in the range of 20–36 µm. The corrosion resistance of the coating was found to be reduced with a consecutive increase in the deposition temperature from 800℃ to 880℃. However, above 880℃, the resistance increases further, and it may be due to the presence of more Al weight percentage in the coating. The nanoindentation result revealed that H and E of the coating increase with an increase in the CVD process temperature. The elastic–plastic property indicated by H/E and H3/E2, which are also indicators of the wear properties of the coating, were studied using the nanoindentation technique. The residual stresses (σ) calculated using Stoney’s equation revealed a reduction in residual stress with an increase in the process temperature.
Comparison of MRI radiomics-based machine learning survival models in predicting prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Zhang Di , Luan Jixin , Liu Bing , Yang Aocai , Lv Kuan , Hu Pianpian , Han Xiaowei , Yu Hongwei , Shmuel Amir , Ma Guolin , Zhang Chuanchen
Published: December 2023

Objective

To compare the performance of radiomics-based machine learning survival models in predicting the prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients.

Methods

131 GBM patients were included in our study. The traditional Cox proportional-hazards (CoxPH) model and four machine learning models (SurvivalTree, Random survival forest (RSF), DeepSurv, DeepHit) were constructed, and the performance of the five models was evaluated using the C-index.

Results

After the screening, 1792 radiomics features were obtained. Seven radiomics features with the strongest relationship with prognosis were obtained following the application of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The CoxPH model demonstrated that age (HR = 1.576, p = 0.037), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score (HR = 1.890, p = 0.006), radiomics risk score (HR = 3.497, p = 0.001), and radiomics risk level (HR = 1.572, p = 0.043) were associated with poorer prognosis. The DeepSurv model performed the best among the five models, obtaining C-index of 0.882 and 0.732 for the training and test set, respectively. The performances of the other four models were lower: CoxPH (0.663 training set / 0.635 test set), SurvivalTree (0.702/0.655), RSF (0.735/0.667), DeepHit (0.608/0.560).

Conclusion

This study confirmed the superior performance of deep learning algorithms based on radiomics relative to the traditional method in predicting the overall survival of GBM patients; specifically, the DeepSurv model showed the best predictive ability.
Unveiling antimicrobial resistance in Chilean fertilized soils: a One Health perspective on environmental AMR surveillance
Authors: Fresno Marcela , Pavez Leonardo , Poblete Yanina , Cortez Alexandra , Del Pozo Talía
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to humans and animals as well as the environment. Within agricultural settings, the utilization of antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry can lead to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In Chile, the widespread use of animal-derived organic amendments, including manure and compost, requires an examination of the potential emergence of AMR resulting from their application. The aim of this research was to identify and compare AMR genes found in fertilized soils and manure in Los Andes city, Chile. Soil samples were collected from an agricultural field, comprising unamended soils, amended soils, and manure used for crop fertilization. The selected genes (n = 28) included genes associated with resistance to beta-lactams, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, polymyxins, macrolides, quinolones, aminoglycosides, as well as mobile genetic elements and multidrug resistance genes. Twenty genes were successfully identified in the samples. Tetracycline resistance genes displayed the highest prevalence, followed by MGE and sulfonamides, while quinolone resistance genes were comparatively less abundant. Notably, blaOXA, sulA, tetO, tetW, tetM, aac (6) ib., and intI1, exhibited higher frequencies in unamended soils, indicating their potential persistence within the soil microbiome and contribution to the perpetuation of AMR over time. Given the complex nature of AMR, it is crucial to adopt an integrated surveillance framework that embraces the One Health approach, involving multiple sectors, to effectively address this challenge. This study represents the first investigation of antimicrobial resistance genes in agricultural soils in Chile, shedding light on the presence and dynamics of AMR in this context.
Environmental distribution and genomic characteristics of Solirubrobacter, with proposal of two novel species
Authors: Jiang Zhu-Ming , Mou Tong , Sun Ye , Su Jing , Yu Li-Yan , Zhang Yu-Qin
Published: December 2023

Solirubrobacter spp. were abundant in soil samples collected from deserts and other areas with high UV radiation. In addition, a novel Solirubrobacter species, with strain CPCC 204708T as the type, was isolated and identified from sandy soil sample collected from the Badain Jaran Desert of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Strain CPCC 204708T was Gram-stain positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, and grew optimally at 28–30°C, pH 7.0–8.0, and in the absence of NaCl. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CPCC 204708T showed its identity within the genus Solirubrobacter, with highest nucleotide similarities (97.4–98.2%) to other named Solirubrobacter species. Phylogenetic and genomic analyses indicated that the strain was most closely related to Solirubrobacter phytolaccae KCTC 29190T, while represented a distinct species, as confirmed from physiological properties and comparison. The name Solirubrobacter deserti sp. nov. was consequently proposed, with CPCC 204708T (= DSM 105495T = NBRC 112942T) as the type strain. Genomic analyses of the Solirubrobacter spp. also suggested that Solirubrobacter sp. URHD0082 represents a novel species, for which the name Candidatus “Solirubrobacter pratensis” sp. nov. was proposed. Genomic analysis of CPCC 204708T revealed the presence of genes related to its adaptation to the harsh environments of deserts and may also harbor genes functional in plant-microbe interactions. Pan-genomic analysis of available Solirubrobacter spp. confirmed the presence of many of the above genes as core components of Solirubrobacter genomes and suggests they may possess beneficial potential for their associate plant and may be important resources for bioactive compounds.
Association of plasma amyloid-β oligomerization with theta/beta ratio in older adults
Authors: Bae Heewon , Kang Min Ju , Ha Sang-Won , Jeong Da-Eun , Lee Kiwon , Lim Seungui , Min Jin-Young , Min Kyoung-Bok
Published: December 2023

Background

Oligomeric Aβ (OAβ) is a promising candidate marker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a potential tool for early detection of AD. Still, whether EEG power ratios, particularly the theta/alpha ratio (TAR) and theta/beta ratio (TBR), reflect Aβ burden—a primary mechanism underlying cognitive impairment and AD. This study investigated the association of TAR and TBR with amyloid burden in older adults based on MDS-OAβ levels.

Methods

529 individuals (aged ≥60 years) were recruited. All participants underwent EEG (MINDD SCAN, Ybrain Inc., South Korea) and AlzOn™ test (PeopleBio Inc., Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea) for quantifying MDS-OAβ values in the plasma. EEG variables were log-transformed to normalize the data distribution. Using the MDS-OAβ cutoff value (0.78 ng/mL), all participants were classified into two groups: high MDS-OAβ and low MDS-OAβ.

Results

Participants with high MDS-OAβ levels had significantly higher TARs and TBRs than those with low MDS-OAβ levels. The log-transformed TBRs in the central lobe (β = 0.161, p = 0.0026), frontal lobe (β = 0.145, p = 0.0044), parietal lobe (β = 0.166, p = 0.0028), occipital lobe (β = 0.158, p = 0.0058), and temporal lobe (beta = 0.162, p = 0.0042) were significantly and positively associated with increases in MDS-OAβ levels. After adjusting for the Bonferroni correction, the TBRs in all lobe regions, except the occipital lobe, were significantly associated with increased MDS-OAβ levels.

Conclusion

We found a significant association of MDS-OAβ with TBR in older adults. This finding indicates that an increase in amyloid burden may be associated with an increase in the low-frequency band and a decrease in the relatively high-frequency band.
Large vestibular schwannomas presenting in the late state of pregnancy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Bao Mingbin , He Yunsen , Tao Ye , Liu Li , Li Yuheng , Zhu Yongjun , Huang Qinjiang , Zhang Mengjun , Wu Bo , Wang Hao
Published: December 2023

Vestibular schwannomas in pregnancy have rarely been reported, and there is a lack of in-depth discussion on the experience of management of massive acoustic neuromas in pregnancy. Herein, we present a pregnant woman with a giant vestibular schwannoma and obstructive hydrocephalus who presented at 30 weeks of gestation. She was initially misdiagnosed as having a pregnancy-related reaction of headache, dizziness, and vomiting that had occurred 2 months earlier. After observation at home, her symptoms progressed at 30 weeks of gestation, and imaging findings revealed a brain tumor in the CPA region with secondary cerebella tonsil herniation and obstructive hydrocephalus, and she was transferred to our center for treatment. Consequently, we relieved her hydrocephalus with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (V-P shunt) and used corticosteroids to simulate fetal maturation. After 10 days, her mental condition deteriorated, and her right limb muscle strength gradually decreased until grade 0 (MMT Grading). Finally, under a joint consultation with the Department of Neurosurgery, Obstetrics, and Anesthesiology, she underwent a cesarean section under general anesthesia and first-stage tumor removal at 31 weeks of gestation. Upon discharge, the previously observed neurological deficits, which were reversible and had manifested during her gestational period, had been successfully resolved, and the fetus had been conserved. The neuroimaging confirmed the complete tumor removal, while the neuropathologic examination revealed a vestibular schwannoma. Therefore, we recommend early diagnosis and treatment for these patients, especially people with headaches, vomiting, and sudden hearing loss during pregnancy. Herein, we concluded that our cases provide a valuable experience in the latest acceptable time frame for the operation to prevent irreversible neurological impairment and premature delivery in late pregnancy.
High blood viscosity in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Kang Jihoon , Oh Ju Seok , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Jun Yup , Kim Do Yeon , Yun So-Yeon , Han Moon-Ku , Bae Hee-Joon , Park Inwon , Lee Jae Hyuk , Jo You Hwan , Ahn Kyung Hyun
Published: December 2023

Background

The changes in blood viscosity can influence the shear stress at the vessel wall, but there is limited evidence regarding the impact on thrombogenesis and acute stroke. We aimed to investigate the effect of blood viscosity on stroke and the clinical utility of blood viscosity measurements obtained immediately upon hospital arrival.

Methods

Patients with suspected stroke visiting the hospital within 24 h of the last known well time were enrolled. Point-of-care testing was used to obtain blood viscosity measurements before intravenous fluid infusion. Blood viscosity was measured as the reactive torque generated at three oscillatory frequencies (1, 5, and 10 rad/sec). Blood viscosity results were compared among patients with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and stroke mimics diagnosed as other than stroke.

Results

Among 112 enrolled patients, blood viscosity measurements were accomplished within 2.4 ± 1.3 min of vessel puncture. At an oscillatory frequency of 10 rad/sec, blood viscosity differed significantly between the ischemic stroke (24.2 ± 4.9 centipoise, cP) and stroke mimic groups (17.8 ± 6.5 cP, p < 0.001). This finding was consistent at different oscillatory frequencies (134.2 ± 46.3 vs. 102.4 ± 47.2 at 1 rad/sec and 39.2 ± 11.5 vs. 30.4 ± 12.4 at 5 rad/sec, Ps < 0.001), suggesting a relationship between decreases in viscosity and shear rate. The area under the receiver operating curve for differentiating cases of stroke from stroke mimic was 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.88).

Conclusion

Patients with ischemic stroke exhibit increases in whole blood viscosity, suggesting that blood viscosity measurements can aid in differentiating ischemic stroke from other diseases.
Effect of sleep deprivation and NREM sleep stage on physiological brain pulsations
Authors: Helakari Heta , Järvelä Matti , Väyrynen Tommi , Tuunanen Johanna , Piispala Johanna , Kallio Mika , Ebrahimi Seyed Mohsen , Poltojainen Valter , Kananen Janne , Elabasy Ahmed , Huotari Niko , Raitamaa Lauri , Tuovinen Timo , Korhonen Vesa , Nedergaard Maiken , Kiviniemi Vesa
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Sleep increases brain fluid transport and the power of pulsations driving the fluids. We investigated how sleep deprivation or electrophysiologically different stages of non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep affect the human brain pulsations.

Methods

Fast functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in healthy subjects (n = 23) with synchronous electroencephalography (EEG), that was used to verify arousal states (awake, N1 and N2 sleep). Cardiorespiratory rates were verified with physiological monitoring. Spectral power analysis assessed the strength, and spectral entropy assessed the stability of the pulsations.

Results

In N1 sleep, the power of vasomotor (VLF < 0.1 Hz), but not cardiorespiratory pulsations, intensified after sleep deprived vs. non-sleep deprived subjects. The power of all three pulsations increased as a function of arousal state (N2 > N1 > awake) encompassing brain tissue in both sleep stages, but extra-axial CSF spaces only in N2 sleep. Spectral entropy of full band and respiratory pulsations decreased most in N2 sleep stage, while cardiac spectral entropy increased in ventricles.

Discussion

In summary, the sleep deprivation and sleep depth, both increase the power and harmonize the spectral content of human brain pulsations.
Immune activation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor: implications in neuroinflammation
Authors: Danelon Victor , Garret-Thomson Sarah C. , Almo Steven C. , Lee Francis S. , Hempstead Barbara L.
Published: December 2023

Despite structural similarity with other tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members, the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR, TNFR16) mediates pleiotropic biological functions not shared with other TNFRs. The high level of p75NTR expression in the nervous system instead of immune cells, its utilization of co-receptors, and its interaction with soluble dimeric, rather than soluble or cell-tethered trimeric ligands are all characteristics which distinguish it from most other TNFRs. Here, we compare these attributes to other members of the TNFR superfamily. In addition, we describe the recent evolutionary adaptation in B7-1 (CD80), an immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily member, which allows engagement to neuronally-expressed p75NTR. B7-1-mediated binding to p75NTR occurs in humans and other primates, but not lower mammals due to specific sequence changes that evolved recently in primate B7-1. This discovery highlights an additional mechanism by which p75NTR can respond to inflammatory cues and trigger synaptic elimination in the brain through engagement of B7-1, which was considered to be immune-restricted. These observations suggest p75NTR does share commonality with other immune co-modulatory TNFR family members, by responding to immunoregulatory cues. The evolution of primate B7-1 to bind and elicit p75NTR-mediated effects on neuronal morphology and function are discussed in relationship to immune-driven modulation of synaptic actions during injury or inflammation.