bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the Bottleneck Unit: Impact of Congestion Spillover in Hospital Inpatient Unit Network
Authors: Kim Song-Hee , Zheng Fanyin , Brown Joan
Published: August 2023

Because a hospital is an interconnected, interdependent network of care units, allocating resources—beds, nurses, and improvement initiatives—to one unit to reduce its congestion may have spillover effects on other units. If such congestion spillover is substantial, ignoring it may lead to unintended consequences and missed opportunities. We use data collected over five years from a hospital with 16 inpatient units to empirically examine whether and how much congestion propagates through the network of inpatient units. Our estimation result suggests that the magnitude of the congestion spillover is indeed substantial in our study hospital. For example, increasing one inpatient unit’s utilization by 10 percentage points today can increase its neighboring inpatient unit’s utilization by up to 4.33 percentage points tomorrow. Using counterfactual analyses, we estimate the effect of adding a bed to each unit. We find that due to congestion spillover, adding one bed to the bottleneck unit can free up 4.14 beds in the hospital, which translates to 383.53 more hospital visits per year or a 3% increase in hospital throughput. This effect is about three times bigger in magnitude compared with what one can achieve by naively choosing which unit to add a bed to. Hospitals and other manufacturing and service systems with complex interdependence across resources can use our empirical framework to examine the spillover effect of resources on performance metrics and leverage such understanding to effectively improve their operations.

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.

Funding: This work was supported by the Creative-Pioneering Researchers Program through Seoul National University.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4887 .
Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia in a Young 11-Year-Old Girl Presenting with Menorrhagia: When to Suspect and How to Manage a Rare Disease
Authors: Cammarata Claudia , Ingrascì Manuela G , Tomasello Riccardo , Mattana Marta , Siragusa Sergio , Napolitano Mariasanta
Published: August 2023

We report on an otherwise healthy 11-year-old girl without any past or family history of bleeding, presenting with abnormal menstrual blood losses since menarche which started 4 months back. The patient was evaluated by a gynecologist with evidence of a normal physical examination and pelvic ultrasounds except for the diagnosis of anovulatory cycles. Blood tests including complete blood cells count and first line coagulation assays were normal. She did not respond to oral tranexamic acid treatment suggested by a pediatrician. The patient was later admitted in a reference hospital for investigations and a hematology consult was requested. A second line coagulation assay was normal but platelets aggregation tests were suggestive of Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia which was confirmed by flow cytometry. Treatment recommendations were made and with the additional estro-progestin treatment administration, a good control of excessive menstrual blood losses was achieved and haemoglobin levels remained stable.
Reduction rate of monoclonal protein as a useful prognostic factor in standard-risk group of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Liu Min , Zhang Jun-Yu
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Relevant detection indicator of prethrombotic state in patients with primary hypertension
Authors: Luo Jie , Yang Tuo , Ding Lan , Xiong Jian-Hui , Ying Teng , Xu Fen
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Malignant melanoma of the prostate: Primary or metastasis? A case report
Authors: Zhao Hong , Liu Chun , Li Bin , Guo Jian-Ming
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Neonatal erythema multiforme associated with a rotavirus infection: A case report
Authors: Kim Jung Jae , Lee Joon Kee
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Hemorrhagic Bartholin’s cyst in a woman using anti-platelet medication: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Li Yi-Rong , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Machine learning framework for timely soft-failure detection and localization in elastic optical networks
Authors: Behera Sadananda , Panayiotou Tania , Ellinas Georgios
Published: August 2023

This work proposes a soft-failure evolution and localization framework to detect and localize the root cause of future hard-failure incidents in a timely manner enabling repair actions to effectively take place with reduced operational expenses (OpEx). To model soft-failure evolution, the capabilities of an encoder–decoder learning framework are leveraged to forecast the progression of soft-failures over an extended time period. This enables timely detection of the event of a costly hard-failure to proactively schedule the necessary repair actions. Repair actions are subsequently guided by the soft-failure localization algorithm, triggered once the hard-failure event is predicted. Specifically, the root cause of a future hard-failure is localized through a correlation algorithm that ranks all the soft-failures suspected of causing the predicted hard-failure. It is shown that the proposed framework is capable of triggering a repair action several days prior to the expected day of a hard-failure, contrary to myopic soft-failure detection schemes that are based on rule-based fixed quality-of-transmission margins, ultimately leading to either premature repair actions or repair actions that are taken too late. This fact, along with the proposed soft-failure localization approach, shown to effectively rank the suspected soft-failures, leads to reduced OpEx associated with both the reduced frequency of repair actions that are triggered and the effort required by technicians to localize and repair the root cause of an expected hard-failure in a timely manner.
Helico-conical vector beams
Authors: Medina-Segura Edgar , Miranda-Culin Leonardo , Rodríguez-Fajardo Valeria , Perez-Garcia Benjamin , Rosales-Guzmán Carmelo
Published: August 2023

In this work, we propose and demonstrate experimentally a new family of
vector beams, the helico-conical vector beams (HCVBs), whose spatial
degree of freedom is encoded in the helico-conical optical beams. We
use Stokes polarimetry to study their properties and find that upon
propagation their transverse polarization distribution evolves from
nonhomogeneous to quasihomogeneous, such that even though their global
degree of nonseparability remains constant, locally it decreases to a
minimum value as z → ∞. We corroborated
this quantitatively using the Hellinger distance, a novel metric for
vectorness that applies to spatially disjoint vector modes. To the
best of our knowledge, HCVBs are the second family of vector beams
featuring this behavior, paving the way for applications in optical
tweezing or information encryption.
Catastrophic health care spending in managing type 2 diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania
Authors: Binyaruka Peter , Mtenga Sally
Published: August 2023

COVID-19 disrupted health care provision and access and reduced household income. Households with chronically ill patients are more vulnerable to these effects as they access routine health care. Yet, a few studies have analysed the effect of COVID-19 on household income, health care access costs, and financial catastrophe due to health care among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), especially in developing countries. This study fills that knowledge gap. We used data from a cross-sectional survey of 500 people with T2D, who were adults diagnosed with T2D before COVID-19 in Tanzania (March 2020). Data were collected in February 2022, reflecting the experience before and during COVID-19. During COVID-19, household income decreased on average by 16.6%, while health care costs decreased by 0.8% and transport costs increased by 10.6%. The overall financing burden for health care and transport relative to household income increased by 32.1% and 45%, respectively. The incidences of catastrophic spending above 10% of household income increased by 10% (due to health care costs) and by 55% (due to transport costs). The incidences of catastrophic spending due to health care costs were higher than transport costs, but the relative increase was higher for transport than health care costs (10% vs. 55% change from pre-COVID-19). The likelihood of incurring catastrophic health spending was lower among better educated patients, with health insurance, and from better-off households. COVID-19 was associated with reduced household income, increased transport costs, increased financing burden and financial catastrophe among patients with T2D in Tanzania. Policymakers need to ensure financial risk protection by expanding health insurance coverage and removing user fees, particularly for people with chronic illnesses. Efforts are also needed to reduce transport costs by investing more in primary health facilities to offer quality services closer to the population and engaging multiple sectors, including infrastructure and transportation.
Knockdown resistance mutations are common and widely distributed in Xenopsylla cheopis fleas that transmit plague in Madagascar
Authors: Hutton Shelby M. , Miarinjara Adelaide , Stone Nathan E. , Raharimalala Fara N. , Raveloson Annick O. , Rakotobe Harimanana Ravo , Harimalala Mireille , Rahelinirina Soanandrasana , McDonough Ryelan F. , Ames Abbe D. , Hepp Crystal , Rajerison Minoarisoa , Busch Joseph D. , Wagner David M. , Girod Romain
Published: August 2023

Background

Plague, caused by the bacteriumYersinia pestis, remains an important disease in Madagascar, where the oriental rat flea,Xenopsylla cheopis, is a primary vector. To control fleas, synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) have been used for >20 years, resulting in resistance in manyX.cheopispopulations. The most common mechanisms of SP resistance are target site mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene.

Methodology/Principal findings

We obtained 25 collections ofX.cheopisfrom 22 locations across Madagascar and performed phenotypic tests to determine resistance to deltamethrin, permethrin, and/or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Most populations were resistant to all these insecticides. We sequenced a 535 bp segment of the VGSC gene and identified two different mutations encoding distinct substitutions at amino acid position 1014, which is associated with knockdown resistance (kdr) to SPs in insects.Kdrmutation L1014F occurred in all 25 collections; a rarer mutation, L1014H, was found in 12 collections. There was a significant positive relationship between the frequency ofkdralleles and the proportion of individuals surviving exposure to deltamethrin. Phylogenetic comparisons of 12 VGSC alleles in Madagascar suggested resistant alleles arose from susceptible lineages at least three times. Because genotype can reasonably predict resistance phenotype, we developed a TaqMan PCR assay for the rapid detection ofkdrresistance alleles.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study provides new insights into VGSC mutations in Malagasy populations ofX.cheopisand is the first to report a positive correlation between VGSC genotypes and SP resistance phenotypes in fleas. Widespread occurrence of these two SP resistance mutations inX.cheopispopulations in Madagascar reduces the viability of these insecticides for flea control. However, the TaqMan assay described here facilitates rapid detection ofkdrmutations to inform when use of these insecticides is still warranted to reduce transmission of plague.
Isoniazid preventive therapy completion and factors associated with non-completion among patients on antiretroviral therapy at Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Amanya Ian , Muhoozi Michael , Aruhomukama Dickson , Ssebagereka Anthony , Mugambe Richard
Published: August 2023

Background

Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is given to HIV patients to reduce the risk of active tuberculosis (TB). However, treatment completion remains suboptimal among those that are initiated. This study aimed to determine the completion level of IPT and the factors associated with non-completion among patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Kisenyi Health Center IV in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

A mixed-methods facility-based retrospective cohort study utilizing routinely collected data from 341 randomly selected HIV patients initiated on IPT was conducted. Data extracted from the registers was used to determine IPT completion. Robust Poisson regression was conducted to determine the associated factors of IPT non-completion, while in-depth interviews were conducted to explore barriers to IPT completion from the patient’s perspective.

Results

A total of 341 patients who started on isoniazid (INH) were retrospectively followed up, with 69% (236/341) being female. Overall IPT completion was 83%. Multivariate analysis revealed the prevalence of IPT non-completion among males was 2.24 times the prevalence among females (aPR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.40–3.58, p = 0.001). The prevalence of IPT non-completion among patients with a non-suppressed HIV viral load was 3.00 times the prevalence among those with a suppressed HIV viral load (aPR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.44–6.65, p = 0.007). The prevalence of IPT non-completion among patients who were married, or cohabiting was 0.31 times the prevalence among those who were single (aPR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17–0.55, p<0.000). Lack of IPT-related health education, pill burden, distance to the health facility, and patient relocation were reported as barriers to IPT completion.

Conclusion

IPT completion was found to be 83% among the cohort studied. However, lower completion levels persist among males and HIV-virally non-suppressed patients. Lack of IPT-related health education, pill burden, distance to the health facility, and patient relocation were reported as barriers to IPT completion. Interventions that target these groups of people need to be intensified.
Urban-rural inequalities and spatial arrangement of informed choice of family planning in Ethiopia: Further analysis of 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey
Authors: Tareke Abiyu Abadi , Takele Bayley Adane , Ahmed Mohammedjud Hassen , Tegegne Masresha Derese , Eshetu Habitu Birhan
Published: August 2023

Background

Ethiopia has made satisfactory progress in improving maternal and child health over the past two decades. The introduction of family planning through informed choice is one of the main strategies to improve maternal and child health. However, this positive progress may have masked the significant urban-rural disparities in informed choice for family planning.

Objective

To identify factor contributing to observed urban-rural disparities and to determine the spatial distribution of informed family planning choices in Ethiopia.

Methods

The study used information from 3,511 women currently using contraceptives (rural-2685 and urban-826) as per recent Ethiopian demographic health survey cross-sectional data. Spatial and descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable logit-based decomposition analysis methods were used.

Results

The spatial configuration of uninformed choice was clustered. The primary cluster (LLR = 34.8, p-value<0.001) was located at the southern portion of Amhara region that covers east & west Gojjam, south Gondar and south Wollo administrative zones. The magnitude of informed choice was 12 percent higher in urban residents compared to rural residents. Urban-rural gap was attributed to variations in characteristics (74%). Place of family planning offer i.e., private health facility, being aged between 35 and 49 years, and having visited to health facility in the last 1 year are found decrease the urban-rural gap of informed family planning choice by 15%, 9% and 5% respectively. Conversely, being aged between 25 and 34 years, being a listener to radio has increased the gap by 9% and 12% respectively.

Conclusion

The variables being private health facility visitors, being aged between 35 and 49 years and having visited health facilities in the last one year are found to increase the gap of informed family planning choices between urban and rural residents Besides, the spatial distribution of uninformed family planning choices is non-random.
Close-range photogrammetry reveals morphometric changes on replicative ground stones
Authors: Sorrentino Giusi , Menna Fabio , Remondino Fabio , Paggi Marco , Longo Laura , Borghi Alessandro , Re Alessandro , Lo Giudice Alessandro
Published: August 2023

The pursuit of a quantitative approach to functional analysis of stone tools is an ongoing endeavour for traceologists. Technological advancements in 3D imaging techniques, such as photogrammetry/3D scanners, CT scanning, 3D digital microscopy, confocal microscopy, AFM and FEG-SEM and micro-topographical scanning, have greatly facilitated the detailed capturing of the geometry and surface texture at multiple levels of observation, from the object-scale to the nano-scale. However, while such technological innovations have predominantly focused on flaked assemblages, ground stone tools have only recently begun to receive due attention, and a standardised protocol for their study is yet to be established. In order to comprehend the function(s) of these tools, analytical techniques that enable a 3D visualisation of the entire item and the wear affecting the used surfaces have proven to be of great support. To this end, an analytical procedure was developed and tested on slabs and pebbles in order to replicate the use-wear traces observed on Upper Palaeolithic tools. The purpose was to assemble a site-specific reference collection tailored on the artefacts from the cultural level III of the Brînzeni I cave in north-west Moldova. Experimental replicas were used to treat different plant organs during controlled sequential experiments. The present article reports on the analysis based on photogrammetric data acquired during two stages of replicative usage. We tested multiple acquisition setups and elaborations to assess the geometry modification and the surface depletion. By exploring various acquisition strategies, a critical evaluation of potential sources of bias in data collection and subsequent elaboration were performed, and the methodology was accordingly adjusted thereby enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of the results. This study highlights the importance of carefully considering the acquisition strategy in archaeological related research to ensure accurate analyses and to validate robust interpretation.
Sociocultural factors associated with persistent prescription opioid use (PPOU) among Puerto Rican adults in Massachusetts
Authors: Essien-Aleksi Inyene E. , Zhang Yuan , Koren Ainat , Palacios Natalia , Falcon Luis M. , Tucker Katherine L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Increasing numbers of opioid-overdose deaths have been witnessed among Hispanics and other underserved populations in Massachusetts. Puerto Rican adults (PRs) have a disproportionately higher prevalence of chronic diseases than non-Hispanic White adults—conditions linked to increased prescription opioid use and misuse. Stress indicators, including low acculturation, low social support, and perceived discrimination, have been recognized as correlates of chronic diseases. However, little research has been undertaken on how these socio-cultural factors relate to persistent prescription opioid use among PRs. This study evaluated the prevalence of prescription opioid use and socio-cultural factors associated with persistent prescription opioid use among PRs.

Methods

Data from the prospective population-based Boston Puerto Rican Health Study, at baseline, ~2-year, and ~ 6-year follow-up, were used to estimate prescription opioid use prevalence and its associations with acculturation, social support, and perceived discrimination. Analyses were conducted using multivariable binary logistic regression modeling.

Results

The study sample was comprised of 798 PRs (age 56.5 ± 7.5y) with data at all three-time points. A high prevalence of prescription opioid use was observed and was associated with lower household income. PRs with experiences of perceived discrimination had higher odds of persistent prescription opioid use (y/n; OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.46–5.58). No significant associations were found between acculturation, social support, and persistent prescription opioid use.

Conclusion

Our study reported a high prevalence of prescription opioid use in PRs, with persistent prescription opioid use significantly associated with perceived discrimination. Future programs to limit discrimination practices may reduce persistent prescription opioid use and opioid-related complications among PRs.
Iranian primary healthcare system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic using the healthcare incident command system
Authors: Yari Arezoo , Yousefi Khoshsabegheh Homa , Zarezadeh Yadolah , Amraei Majid , Soufi Boubakran Mohsen , Motlagh Mohamad Esmaeil
Published: August 2023

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the healthcare incident command system (HICS) on the district health networks (DHNs) covered by provincial Medical Universities (PMU) in terms of the management and commanding of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. This study was a cross-sectional survey. The study was performed in Iran in June 2020 in 60 DHNs, 41 of which had an active HICS. Data were collected on eight HCIS dimensions from all 60 DHNs by trained crisis management experts to evaluate the effects of HICS use on management of the COVID-19 pandemic. For all the 60 DHNs, the mean score of the COVID-19 incident command and management was 78.79 ± 11.90 (range 20–100); with mean scores highest for organizational support and coordination and lowest for logistic and planning. Significant differences were observed between the DHNs with active HICS and DHNs with inactive or no HICS in terms of the mean scores of incident management and command and their associated dimensions. According to the results, the HICS use had a positive impact on the improvement of incident management and command and all the related dimensions. Therefore, the HICS could be conducted and implemented in primary healthcare for the systematic and proper management of crises caused by infectious diseases and increasing primary healthcare system efficiency in response to these crises.
Patients’ and carers’ priorities for cancer research in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: de Vries Millie , Stewart Tiria , Ireton Theona , Keelan Karen , Jordan Jennifer , Robinson Bridget A. , Dachs Gabi U.
Published: August 2023

Background

Discrepancies have been reported between what is being researched, and what patients/families deem important to be investigated. Our aim was to understand research priorities for those who live with cancer in Aotearoa/New Zealand, with emphasis on Māori.

Methods

Adult outpatients with cancer and their whānau/family completed a survey (demographics, selecting keywords, free-text comments) at Christchurch hospital. Quantitative and qualitative data were evaluated using standard statistical and thematic analyses, respectively.

Results

We recruited 205 participants, including both tūroro/patients (n = 129) and their whānau/family/carer (n = 76). Partnership with Māori health workers enabled greater recruitment of Māori participants (19%), compared to the proportion of Māori in Canterbury (9%). Cancer research was seen as a priority by 96% of participants. Priorities were similar between Māori and non-Māori participants, with the keywords ‘Cancer screening’, ‘Quality of Life’ and ‘Development of new drugs’ chosen most often. Free-text analysis identified three themes; ‘Genetics and Prevention’, ‘Early Detection and Treatment’, and ‘Service Delivery’, with some differences by ethnicity.

Conclusions

Cancer research is a high priority for those living with cancer. In addition, participants want researchers to listen to their immediate and practical needs. These findings may inform future cancer research in Aotearoa.

Māori terms and translation

Aotearoa (New Zealand)

he aha ō whakaaro (what are your thoughts)

hui (gathering)

mate pukupuku (cancer)

mokopuna (descendent)

Ōtautahi (Christchurch)

rongoā (traditional healing)

tāne (male)

te reo (Māori language)

Te Whatu Ora (weaving of wellness, Health New Zealand)

tikanga (methods, customary practices)

tūroro (patients) (alternative terms used: whānau affected by cancer or tangata whaiora (person seeking health))

wahine (female)

Waitaha (Canterbury)

whakapapa (genealogy)

whānau ((extended) family, based on whakapapa, here also carer)
Cultured fibroblasts of the Okinawa rail present delayed innate immune response compared to that of chicken
Authors: Katayama Masafumi , Fukuda Tomokazu , Kato Noriko , Nagamine Takashi , Nakaya Yumiko , Nakajima Nobuyoshi , Onuma Manabu
Published: August 2023

The Okinawa rail is endemic to Okinawa Island and is categorized as an endangered animal. In this study, we focused on innate immunity because it is the first line of host defense. In particular, signals recognizing foreign RNA (e.g., viruses) are important for host defense because they activate the host immune system. The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR) families (RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2) are sensors that activate innate immunity. Therefore, we analyzed these functions in the Okinawa rail using genomic and cellular analyses of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts can be obtained from dead individuals, allowing these cells to be obtained from dead individuals, which is particularly useful for endangered species. The MDA5 gene of Okinawa rail was sequenced using the Sanger method following PCR amplification and extraction of the amplified sequence from agarose gel. Additionally, mRNA expression analysis of cultured fibroblasts exposed to poly I:C was done. The MDA5 gene was found to be a mutated nonfunctional gene in the Okinawa rail. The mRNA expression rates of inflammatory cytokine genes type I IFN, and Mx1 were slower in Okinawa rail than in chicken cultured fibroblasts. Similar to the mRNA expression results, cell number and live cell ratio also slowly decreased in the Okinawa rail compared with chicken cultured fibroblasts, indicating that the innate immune reaction differs between chicken and the Okinawa rail. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental evaluation of the loss of function of the Okinawa rail innate immune genes. In conclusion, our results provide a basis for conservation strategies for the endangered Okinawa rail.
Cumulative multisensory discrepancies shape the ventriloquism aftereffect but not the ventriloquism bias
Authors: Kayser Christoph , Park Hame , Heuer Herbert
Published: August 2023

Multisensory integration and recalibration are two processes by which perception deals with discrepant signals. Both are often studied in the spatial ventriloquism paradigm. There, integration is probed by the presentation of discrepant audio-visual stimuli, while recalibration manifests as an aftereffect in subsequent judgements of unisensory sounds. Both biases are typically quantified against the degree of audio-visual discrepancy, reflecting the possibility that both may arise from common underlying multisensory principles. We tested a specific prediction of this: that both processes should also scale similarly with the history of multisensory discrepancies, i.e. the sequence of discrepancies in several preceding audio-visual trials. Analyzing data from ten experiments with randomly varying spatial discrepancies we confirmed the expected dependency of each bias on the immediately presented discrepancy. And in line with the aftereffect being a cumulative process, this scaled with the discrepancies presented in at least three preceding audio-visual trials. However, the ventriloquism bias did not depend on this three-trial history of multisensory discrepancies and also did not depend on the aftereffect biases in previous trials ‐ making these two multisensory processes experimentally dissociable. These findings support the notion that the ventriloquism bias and the aftereffect reflect distinct functions, with integration maintaining a stable percept by reducing immediate sensory discrepancies and recalibration maintaining an accurate percept by accounting for consistent discrepancies.
Variation among strains of Borrelia burgdorferi in host tissue abundance and lifetime transmission determine the population strain structure in nature
Authors: Zinck Christopher B. , Raveendram Thampy Prasobh , Uhlemann Eva-Maria E. , Adam Hesham , Wachter Jenny , Suchan Danae , Cameron Andrew D. S. , Rego Ryan O. M. , Brisson Dustin , Bouchard Catherine , Ogden Nicholas H. , Voordouw Maarten J.
Published: August 2023

Pathogen life history theory assumes a positive relationship between pathogen load in host tissues and pathogen transmission. Empirical evidence for this relationship is surprisingly rare due to the difficulty of measuring transmission for many pathogens. The comparative method, where a common host is experimentally infected with a set of pathogen strains, is a powerful approach for investigating the relationships between pathogen load and transmission. The validity of such experimental estimates of strain-specific transmission is greatly enhanced if they can predict the pathogen population strain structure in nature.Borrelia burgdorferiis a multi-strain, tick-borne spirochete that causes Lyme disease in North America. This study used 11 field-collected strains ofB.burgdorferi, a rodent host (Mus musculus, C3H/HeJ) and its tick vector (Ixodes scapularis) to determine the relationship between pathogen load in host tissues and lifetime host-to-tick transmission (HTT). Mice were experimentally infected via tick bite with 1 of 11 strains. Lifetime HTT was measured by infesting mice withI.scapularislarval ticks on 3 separate occasions. The prevalence and abundance of the strains in the mouse tissues and the ticks were determined by qPCR. We used published databases to obtain estimates of the frequencies of these strains in wildI.scapularistick populations. Spirochete loads in ticks and lifetime HTT varied significantly among the 11 strains ofB.burgdorferi. Strains with higher spirochete loads in the host tissues were more likely to infect feeding larval ticks, which molted into nymphal ticks that had a higher probability ofB.burgdorferiinfection (i.e., higher HTT). Our laboratory-based estimates of lifetime HTT were predictive of the frequencies of these strains in wildI.scapularispopulations. ForB.burgdorferi, the strains that establish high abundance in host tissues and that have high lifetime transmission are the strains that are most common in nature.
SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein inhibits the PKR-mediated integrated stress response through RNA-binding domain N2b
Authors: Aloise Chiara , Schipper Jelle G. , van Vliet Arno , Oymans Judith , Donselaar Tim , Hurdiss Daniel L. , de Groot Raoul J. , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M.
Published: August 2023

The nucleocapsid protein N of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enwraps and condenses the viral genome for packaging but is also an antagonist of the innate antiviral defense. It suppresses the integrated stress response (ISR), purportedly by interacting with stress granule (SG) assembly factors G3BP1 and 2, and inhibits type I interferon responses. To elucidate its mode of action, we systematically deleted and over-expressed distinct regions and domains. We show that N via domain N2b blocks PKR-mediated ISR activation, as measured by suppression of ISR-induced translational arrest and SG formation. N2b mutations that prevent dsRNA binding abrogate these activities also when introduced in the intact N protein. Substitutions reported to block post-translation modifications of N or its interaction with G3BP1/2 did not have a detectable additive effect. In an encephalomyocarditis virus-based infection model, N2b - but not a derivative defective in RNA binding—prevented PKR activation, inhibited β-interferon expression and promoted virus replication. Apparently, SARS-CoV-2 N inhibits innate immunity by sequestering dsRNA to prevent activation of PKR and RIG-I-like receptors. Similar observations were made for the N protein of human coronavirus 229E, suggesting that this may be a general trait conserved among members of other orthocoronavirus (sub)genera.
A chilei költészet organikus jellege Raúl Zurita verseiben
Authors: Yilmaz-Mészáros Enikő
Published: August 2023

Doktori disszertációmat a kortárs chilei költő, Raúl Zurita munkássága kapcsán írom. Kutatásaim elsődleges célja a szerző alkotói stílusának elhelyezése a chilei nemzeti költészeti hagyományok és a chilei etnokulturális hatások koordinátái között, elsősorban a helyi természeti egységek (mint például a Kordillerák, az Atacama-sivatag vagy a chilei folyók) költészeti ábrázolásainak vizsgálatán keresztül. Ez az elhelyezés a XX. századi és a kortárs chilei kulturális tendenciák felettébb bonyolult hálózatában való eligazodást is jelenti, többek között rámutat a nemzeten belüli interkulturális folyamatokra. Az utóbbi ötven év során teret nyert etnokulturális költészeti mozgalom nagyban hozzájárult ahhoz, hogy a chilei irodalomtudomány egyre tudatosabban juttassa érvényre a korábbi évszázadok alatt domináló nemzeti irodalmi kanonizációs folyamatok kritikai diskurzusát, s elemezze azokat az asszimilációs folyamatokat, melyeknek korábban a nyugati (legfőképpen nyugat-európai) kulturális minták beemelése volt a központi mechanizmusa. Mindezen irányvonalakhoz igazodva, egyes nyugati minták szembeállítása mellett vezetem végig a chilei ember és a chilei természet egységét tárgyaló gondolatmeneteimet. Kutatásaim meghatározó alapja az a feltevés, hogy egy közös, jellegzetesen „chilei” etno-természeti áramlat figyelhető meg a különböző helyi költészeti programok között, vagy másképp fogalmazva, a chilei irodalmi és kulturális megnyilvánulások rendszeresen és egyre elmélyültebb formában térnek vissza az autokton gyökerekhez. Mindazon költészeti hagyományok nyomában, melyeket többek között Gabriela Mistral, Pablo Neruda vagy Nicanor Parra hátrahagyott, Raúl Zurita verseiben milyen módokon kerülnek be autokton elemek a chilei nemzeti költészetbe? Az autokton elemek miként vegyülnek az európai formulákkal, melyek azok a jegyek, amelyek a latin-amerikai kultúrák fejlődésének jellegzetes, alapvető rendező elvének, a keveredés problematikájának chilei arculatát emelik ki?
Az embert ábrázoló kis műfajok
Authors: Fenyvesiné Prohászka Erzsébet
Published: August 2023

Disszertációmban az embert ábrázoló kis műfajok: az életkép és a portré megítélésében bekövetkezett változásokat tekintettem át a XVII. század második felétől a XVIII. század végéig. Az értekezés alapját Denis Diderot 1759 és 1781 között írt Szalonjai, Értekezés a festőművészetről (1765) című írása, valamint a XVII. és XVIII. századi francia elméletírók: André Félibien, Roger de Piles és Jean-Baptiste Du Bos művészetelméleti és La Font de Saint-Yenne művészetkritikai írásai nyújtják. Interdiszciplináris megközelítésre törekedtem, a művészetelméleti és -kritikai nézőpont mellett a művészetszociológiai aspektust is figyelembe vettem. Értekezésemet magyar nyelven írtam, annak ellenére, hogy a felhasznált szakirodalom jelentős része francia nyelvű. Ennek az az elsődleges oka, hogy dolgozatomnak hiánypótló szerepet szánok, hiszen a vizsgált korszakkal kapcsolatosan magyar nyelven jórészt művészettörténeti és esztétikai tárgyú tanulmányokat olvashatunk, művészetelméleti szakirodalom azonban csak elvétve jelenik meg Magyarországon. Értekezésemben többek között arra a kérdésre kerestem a választ, hogy az embert ábrázoló kis műfajok a XVII. és a XVIII. században miként tükrözik a korabeli francia társadalmi viszonyokat, emellett arra is kitértem, hogy a korszakban bekövetkezett ízlésváltozás hogyan jelenik meg a festészetben. A korszak festészetét nagy mértékben meghatározta ugyanis a festészeti hierarchia elve, melyet 1667-ben André Félibien fogalmazott meg a francia Királyi Festészeti és Szobrászati Akadémia előadásaihoz írt Előszavában. Eszerint a történeti és az allegorikus festmények előbbre valók, mint a hétköznapi eseményt bemutató életképek, tájképek, vagy csendéletek. A szigorú akadémiai doktrínák ellenére a XVII. században olyannyira alábecsült kis műfajok mégis egyre népszerűbbé és elismertebbé váltak a XVIII. század folyamán. Ebből következően az alábbi kérdés merült fel bennem: milyen motivációk hatására készült a XVIII. században egyre több embert ábrázoló, a kis műfajokhoz tartozó alkotás, annak ellenére, hogy a vizsgált korszakot meghatározta a festészeti hierarchia elve? E kérdés megválaszolása során arra is kitértem, hogy a XVII. és XVIII. században milyen uralkodó eszmék voltak érvényben, amelyek eleinte gátat szabtak az egyes festészeti műfajok megerősödésének, valamint azt is vizsgáltam, hogyan vezetett végül ezen paradigmák meggyengülése a kis műfajok felértékelődéséhez.
Walt Whitman’s poetic-political experiment
Authors: Sueyoshi Kiyotaka
Published: August 2023

A disszertáció két figyelmen kívül hagyott motívumot kíván feltárni Walt Whitman kritikájában: Jefferson politikájának hatását Whitmanre és Whitman szaglószervi (olfactory) trópusait. A disszertáció központi hipotézise, hogy Whitman költői vállalkozásának értelmezését az amerikai önkormányzati kísérlet keretein belül kell elvégezni. Ez a hipotézis adja a keretet Whitman és Jefferson politikai nézetei összekapcsolásához, valamint Whitman poétikájának – különösen Whitman szaglótrópusainak – jobb megértéséhez. Ahogyan az amerikai forradalom Jefferson amerikai önkormányzati kísérletének színtere, úgy a Fűszálak Whitman amerikai kísérletének színháza, amely háromféle önkormányzatiságot szintetizál – személyes önkormányzást, önkormányzást a poetizálásban, és a politikai önkormányzatot. Az dolgozat amellett érvel, hogy ennek a szintézisnek a középpontjában a whitmani büszkeség motívuma áll, amely az amerikai kísérlet folytatására serkentő büszkeség. A dolgozat bemutatja, hogy Whitman szaglószervi trópusai, amelyek az ún. „új illendőség” fő elemei, a versekben a büszkeség hordozóivá válnak. A szaglószervi trópusok a „büszkeség-légzés-szaglás séma” és a „Whitman sajátos szagélménye” fogalmak révén válnak a büszkeség kifejezőeszközeivé. Whitman a szaglást a büszkeség médiumaként fogadta el, és ez azért is figyelemreméltó, mert ezáltal a szaglás az öt érzékszerv hierarchiájában a perifériáról a középpontba kerül. Az dolgozat amellett érvel, hogy a poétika és a politika ily módon való összemosása Whitman par excellence költői-politikai kísérlete. Mivel Whitman politikája és poétikája kéz a kézben járnak, módszertani keretem az új historizmusban rejlik, különösen abban, amit David Simpson „analitikus” historizmusnak nevez. A disszertáció a Fűszálak 1855-ös kiadását helyezi előtérbe, mivel Whitman poétikájának két aspektusát – a kezdeti formációt és a kísérleti jelleget – mutatja be. A disszertáció bemutatja, hogy az amerikai politikai kísérlet szemszögéből nézve Whitman médiumválasztása, témaválasztása és poétikai gyakorlata – beleértve a szaglótrópusok alkalmazását is – összefügg.
Fontes de zinco no enriquecimento e na produtividade de cultivares de alface
Authors: Sousa Ádila Pereira de , Teles Simone Pereira , Oliveira Liomar Borges de , Luz José Magno Queiroz , Da Silva Rubens Ribeiro , Nascimento Ildon Rodrigues do , Paula Carolina Pereira de , Casais Luana Keslley Nascimento
Published: August 2023

O zinco é um importante elemento do metabolismo vegetal, desempenhando papéis em diversas reações enzimáticas. A biofortificação na cultura da alface com Zn é uma forma de suprir a demanda deste nutriente via alimentação. Avaliar o efeito da adubação foliar com diferentes fontes de zinco na biofortificação agronômica de cultivares especiais de alface sob condições tropicais de baixa altitude foi o objetivo desse trabalho. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em duas safras em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial (4 x 3) + 1, composto por quatro cultivares de alface (SVR 2005®, Romanela®, Crocantela® e Rubinela®), três fontes de Zn (sulfato de Zn , óxido de Zn e quelato de Zn) e uma testemunha sem aplicação de zinco, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as seguintes características: diâmetro da cabeça (em cm); massa foliar fresca (em g planta-1); volume da cabeça (em cm3); produtividade (em ton ha-1) e teor de Zn (em mg kg-1). As cultivares especiais de alface apresentaram diâmetro de cabeça dentro da exigência comercial. As cultivares Romanela e Crocantela apresentaram os melhores resultados para as características volume de cabeça, massa fresca foliar e produtividade. O teor de zinco na matéria seca foliar foi maior nas cultivares Rubinela e SVR 2005. A fonte de óxido de zinco foi a melhor para biofortificar as alface especial com teores foliares de 260 mg kg-1.