bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Denoising multiplexed microscopy images in n-dimensional spectral space
Authors: Harman Rebecca C. , Lang Ryan T. , Kercher Eric M. , Leven Paige , Spring Bryan Q.
Published: July 2022

Hyperspectral fluorescence microscopy images of biological specimens frequently contain multiple observations of a sparse set of spectral features spread in space with varying intensity. Here, we introduce a spectral vector denoising algorithm that filters out noise without sacrificing spatial information by leveraging redundant observations of spectral signatures. The algorithm applies an n-dimensional Chebyshev or Fourier transform to cluster pixels based on spectral similarity independent of pixel intensity or location, and a denoising convolution filter is then applied in this spectral space. The denoised image may then undergo spectral decomposition analysis with enhanced accuracy. Tests utilizing both simulated and empirical microscopy data indicate that denoising in 3 to 5-dimensional (3D to 5D) spectral spaces decreases unmixing error by up to 70% without degrading spatial resolution.
Vascular regression in the kidney: changes in 3D vessel structure with time post-irradiation
Authors: Mostaghimi Soudeh , Mehrvar Shima , Foomani Farnaz H. , Narayanan Jayashree , Fish Brian , Camara Amadou K. S. , Medhora Meetha , Ranji Mahsa
Published: July 2022

Though angiogenesis has been investigated in depth, vascular regression and rarefaction remain poorly understood. Regression of renal vasculature accompanies many pathological states such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and radiotherapy. Radiation decreases microvessel density in multiple organs, though the mechanism is not known. By using a whole animal (rat) model with a single dose of partial body irradiation to the kidney, changes in the volume of renal vasculature were recorded at two time points, 60 and 90 days after exposure. Next, a novel vascular and metabolic imaging (VMI) technique was used to computationally assess 3D vessel diameter, volume, branch depth, and density over multiple levels of branching down to 70 µm. Four groups of rats were studied, of which two groups received a single dose of 12.5 Gy X-rays. The kidneys were harvested after 60 or 90 days from one irradiated and one non-irradiated group at each time point. Measurements of the 3D vasculature showed that by day-90 post-radiation, when renal function is known to deteriorate, total vessel volume, vessel density, maximum branch depth, and the number of terminal points in the kidneys decreased by 55%, 57%, 28%, and 53%, respectively. Decreases in the same parameters were not statistically significant at 60 days post-irradiation. Smaller vessels with internal diameters of 70-450 µm as well as large vessels of diameter 451-850 µm, both decreased by 90 days post-radiation. Vascular regression in the lungs of the same strain of irradiated rats has been reported to occur before 60 days supporting the hypothesis that this process is regulated in an organ-specific manner and occurs by a concurrent decrease in luminal diameters of small as well as large blood vessels.
Anomalous wavefront control of third-harmonic generation via graphene-based nonlinear metasurfaces in the terahertz regime
Authors: Zhu Shan , Quan Jiaqi , Fu Yangyang , Chen Huanyang , Gao Lei , Xu Yadong
Published: July 2022

Freely controlling wavefronts with metasurfaces has been widely studied in linear optical systems. By constructing phase gradient meta-atoms with nonlinear responses, the wavefronts of high-harmonic fields in nonlinear metasurfaces can be arbitrarily steered by following nonlinear generalized Snell’s law (NGSL). However, for incident angles above the critical angle, NGSL fails to predict the generated nonlinear waves. In this work, by involving the reciprocal lattice effect of the nonlinear metasurface, we show a modified diffraction law to completely describe the nonlinear diffraction phenomena. This law is numerically demonstrated and confirmed by designed graphene-based nonlinear metasurfaces in the terahertz regime. Moreover, based on the diffraction law, we designed a nonlinear retroreflector and realized tunable control over a nonlinear wavefront in a single nonlinear metasurface. Our work provides a way to manipulate nonlinear waves and provides a better design of functional nonlinear metadevices.
Polarization singularities hidden in a deep subwavelength confined electromagnetic field with angular momentum
Authors: Man Zhongsheng , Zhang Yuquan , Fu Shenggui
Published: July 2022

Topologies associated with polarization point and line singularities can provide tools for controlling light propagation. By using the Stokes parameter, we demonstrate the emergence of polarization singularities hidden in deep subwavelength confined electromagnetic fields with angular momentum. We show that when the incoming orbital angular momentum is appropriately chosen, highly confined electromagnetic fields with super-diffraction-limited spatial dimensions can be obtained. At the same time, a conversion of orbital to spin angular momentum occurs, leading to a non-trivial topology. Our method provides a platform for developing topological photonics and studying the behavior of polarization singularities under strong focusing.
Modelling livestock infectious disease control policy under differing social perspectives on vaccination behaviour
Authors: Hill Edward M. , Prosser Naomi S. , Ferguson Eamonn , Kaler Jasmeet , Green Martin J. , Keeling Matt J. , Tildesley Michael J.
Published: July 2022

The spread of infection amongst livestock depends not only on the traits of the pathogen and the livestock themselves, but also on the veterinary health behaviours of farmers and how this impacts their implementation of disease control measures. Controls that are costly may make it beneficial for individuals to rely on the protection offered by others, though that may be sub-optimal for the population. Failing to account for socio-behavioural properties may produce a substantial layer of bias in infectious disease models. We investigated the role of heterogeneity in vaccine response across a population of farmers on epidemic outbreaks amongst livestock, caused by pathogens with differential speed of spread over spatial landscapes of farms for two counties in England (Cumbria and Devon). Under different compositions of three vaccine behaviour groups (precautionary, reactionary, non-vaccination), we evaluated from population- and individual-level perspectives the optimum threshold distance to premises with notified infection that would trigger responsive vaccination by the reactionary vaccination group. We demonstrate a divergence between population and individual perspectives in the optimal scale of reactive voluntary vaccination response. In general, minimising the population-level perspective cost requires a broader reactive uptake of the intervention, whilst optimising the outcome for the average individual increased the likelihood of larger scale disease outbreaks. When the relative cost of vaccination was low and the majority of premises had undergone precautionary vaccination, then adopting a perspective that optimised the outcome for an individual gave a broader spatial extent of reactive response compared to a perspective wanting to optimise outcomes for everyone in the population. Under our assumed epidemiological context, the findings identify livestock disease intervention receptiveness and cost combinations where one would expect strong disagreement between the intervention stringency that is best from the perspective of a stakeholder responsible for supporting the livestock industry compared to a sole livestock owner. Were such discord anticipated and achieving a consensus view across perspectives desired, the findings may also inform those managing veterinary health policy the requisite reduction in intervention cost and/or the required extent of nurturing beneficial community attitudes towards interventions.
If you don’t let it in, you don’t have to get it out: Thought preemption as a method to control unwanted thoughts
Authors: Fradkin Isaac , Eldar Eran
Published: July 2022

To attain goals, people must proactively prevent interferences and react to interferences once they occur. Whereas most research focuses on how people deal with external interferences, here we investigate the use of proactive and reactive control in dealing with unwanted thoughts. To examine this question, we asked people to generate an association to each of several repeating cue words, while forbidding the repetition of associations. Reactively rejecting and replacing unwanted repeated associations after they occur entails slower response times. Conversely, proactive control entails constricting the search space and thus faster response times. To gain further insight into different potential proactive thought control mechanisms, we augmented the analysis of raw response times with a novel, hypothesis-based, tractable computational model describing how people serially sample associations. Our results indicate that people primarily react to unwanted thoughts after they occur. Yet, we found evidence for two latent proactive control mechanisms: one that allows people to mitigate the episodic strengthening of repeated thoughts, and another that helps avoid looping in a repetitive thought. Exploratory analysis showed a relationship between model parameters and self-reported individual differences in the control over unwanted thoughts in daily life. The findings indicate the novel task and model can advance our understanding of how people can and cannot control their thoughts and memories, and benefit future research on the mechanisms responsible for unwanted thought in different psychiatric conditions. Finally, we discuss implications concerning the involvement of associative thinking and various control processes in semantic fluency, decision-making and creativity.
Transcriptome of the coralline alga Calliarthron tuberculosum (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) reveals convergent evolution of a partial lignin biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Xue Jan Y. , Hind Katharine R. , Lemay Matthew A. , Mcminigal Andrea , Jourdain Emma , Chan Cheong Xin , Martone Patrick T.
Published: July 2022

The discovery of lignins in the coralline red alga Calliarthron tuberculosum raised new questions about the deep evolution of lignin biosynthesis. Here we present the transcriptome of C. tuberculosum supported with newly generated genomic data to identify gene candidates from the monolignol biosynthetic pathway using a combination of sequence similarity-based methods. We identified candidates in the monolignol biosynthesis pathway for the genes 4CL, CCR, CAD, CCoAOMT, and CSE but did not identify candidates for PAL, CYP450 (F5H, C3H, C4H), HCT, and COMT. In gene tree analysis, we present evidence that these gene candidates evolved independently from their land plant counterparts, suggesting convergent evolution of a complex multistep lignin biosynthetic pathway in this red algal lineage. Additionally, we provide tools to extract metabolic pathways and genes from the newly generated transcriptomic and genomic datasets. Using these methods, we extracted genes related to sucrose metabolism and calcification. Ultimately, this transcriptome will provide a foundation for further genetic and experimental studies of calcifying red algae.
Patient feedback on hospital pharmacists’ consultation skills: A feasibility study using the Interpersonal Skills Questionnaire (ISQ)
Authors: Al-Jabr Hiyam , Twigg Michael J. , Katangwe-Chigamba Thando , Saadvandi Robin , Desborough James A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Improvement in practitioners’ consultation skills (CSs) can be driven by patient feedback, however, to date, no study has been conducted with reference to pharmacy consultations. The Interpersonal Skills Questionnaire (ISQ) is potentially appropriate for collecting patient feedback on pharmacists’ CSs. This study aims to explore the feasibility of collecting patient feedback on hospital pharmacists’ CSs using the ISQ, to identify the acceptability of the feedback process, and to identify methods to enhance the process in the future.

Methods

The study was conducted in a teaching hospital, United Kingdom, between 2018 and 2019. A diverse sample of pharmacists with patient-facing roles was purposively selected. The study comprised three phases. Pharmacists collected feedback from patients following their consultation using the ISQ utilising a third person whenever possible (phase-1). Data analysis and individual report writing was conducted by a private company. Interviewing a sample of patient participants by telephone (phase-2), and interviewing pharmacists face-to-face after receiving feedback reports (phase-3). All interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. The study received approval by the NHS Health Research Authority.

Results

Six pharmacists were included. Of the 119 distributed ISQs, 111 were returned (response rate 93%). Patients were mostly recruited by their consulting pharmacists (72%, n = 80). All pharmacists and 14 patients were interviewed. Participants were positive about patient feedback and its role in enhancing CSs. Most did not encounter any problem with the process, however, some pharmacists struggled to find a third person. The ISQ was mostly viewed suitable to assessing pharmacy consultations. Some reports highlighted areas to improve (e.g. protecting patient’s privacy).

Conclusions

Collecting feedback is feasible, acceptable and may enhance CSs, however, the process was associated with challenges such as finding a third person. Several measures should be considered to make the process more feasible within the hospital pharmacy setting.
Period poverty: The perceptions and experiences of impoverished women living in an inner-city area of Northwest England
Authors: Boyers Madeleine , Garikipati Supriya , Biggane Alice , Douglas Elizabeth , Hawkes Nicola , Kiely Ciara , Giddings Cheryl , Kelly Julie , Exley Diane , Phillips-Howard Penelope A. , Mason Linda
Published: July 2022

Background

The menstrual needs of girls and women are important to health, education, and well-being. Unmet need and harm from poor menstrual health in low-and- middle-income countries have been documented, but with little empirical research undertaken in high income countries. Continuing austerity in the UK suggests menstruators are likely more vulnerable to ‘period poverty’ than previously, with the COVID-19 pandemic assumed to exacerbate the situation.

Aim

To explore the menstrual experiences and perceptions of women in the UK who are living under circumstances of deprivation, alongside views of staff working in organisations supporting these women, to understand whether women’s menstrual needs are met.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in an inner-city in NW England. Three focus group discussions and 14 in-depth interviews were conducted across three study sites supporting impoverished women. Data was analysed thematically.

Results

Themes were: reflections on menstruation; affordability of products; access to public facilities; organisational support; potential solutions. Many women perceived menstruation as a burden in three aspects: physical discomfort and pain; psychological anxiety; and shame and stigma. Managing menstruation was difficult due to cost relative to low incomes, with food, heating and lighting prioritised, leaving women improvising with materials or wearing products for longer than desired. Most suggested that products should be free, often remarking if men required similar items this would happen. Most women were unaware supporting organisations provided free products. Staff felt the small range of products offered did not meet client needs and were ill-prepared to have conversations on products and clients’ menstrual needs.

Conclusion

Impoverished women lack the necessary resources to manage their menses well which negatively impacts their health and brings stress, embarrassment, and shame. Support, including access to free products, is needed at both local and national level to help impoverished women manage their menstrual hygiene.
Clinical, laboratory data and inflammatory biomarkers at baseline as early discharge predictors in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients
Authors: Trujillo-Rodriguez María , Muñoz-Muela Esperanza , Serna-Gallego Ana , Praena-Fernández Juan Manuel , Pérez-Gómez Alberto , Gasca-Capote Carmen , Vitallé Joana , Peraire Joaquim , Palacios-Baena Zaira R. , Cabrera Jorge Julio , Ruiz-Mateos Ezequiel , Poveda Eva , López-Cortés Luis Eduardo , Rull Anna , Gutierrez-Valencia Alicia , López-Cortés Luis Fernando
Published: July 2022

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has overwhelmed hospital services due to the rapid transmission of the virus and its severity in a high percentage of cases. Having tools to predict which patients can be safely early discharged would help to improve this situation.

Methods

Patients confirmed as SARS-CoV-2 infection from four Spanish hospitals. Clinical, demographic, laboratory data and plasma samples were collected at admission. The patients were classified into mild and severe/critical groups according to 4-point ordinal categories based on oxygen therapy requirements. Logistic regression models were performed in mild patients with only clinical and routine laboratory parameters and adding plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels to predict both early discharge and worsening.

Results

333 patients were included. At admission, 307 patients were classified as mild patients. Age, oxygen saturation, Lactate Dehydrogenase, D-dimers, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and oral corticosteroids treatment were predictors of early discharge (area under curve (AUC), 0.786; sensitivity (SE) 68.5%; specificity (S), 74.5%; positive predictive value (PPV), 74.4%; and negative predictive value (NPV), 68.9%). When cytokines were included, lower interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 and higher Interleukin 1 beta levels were associated with early discharge (AUC, 0.819; SE, 91.7%; S, 56.6%; PPV, 69.3%; and NPV, 86.5%). The model to predict worsening included male sex, oxygen saturation, no corticosteroids treatment, C-reactive protein and Nod-like receptor as independent factors (AUC, 0.903; SE, 97.1%; S, 68.8%; PPV, 30.4%; and NPV, 99.4%). The model was slightly improved by including the determinations of interleukine-8, Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta and soluble IL-2Rα (CD25) (AUC, 0.952; SE, 97.1%; S, 98.1%; PPV, 82.7%; and NPV, 99.6%).

Conclusions

Clinical and routine laboratory data at admission strongly predict non-worsening during the first two weeks; therefore, these variables could help identify those patients who do not need a long hospitalization and improve hospital overcrowding. Determination of pro-inflammatory cytokines moderately improves these predictive capacities.
Threshold of increase in oxygen demand to predict mechanical ventilation use in novel coronavirus disease 2019: A retrospective cohort study incorporating restricted cubic spline regression
Authors: Yamamoto Ryo , Takemura Ryo , Yamamoto Asako , Matsumura Kazuki , Kaito Daiki , Homma Koichiro , Wada Michihiko , Sasaki Junichi ,   on behalf of Keio Donner Project
Published: July 2022

Background

Rapid deterioration of oxygenation occurs in novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and prediction of mechanical ventilation (MV) is needed for allocation of patients to intensive care unit. Since intubation is usually decided based on varying clinical conditions, such as required oxygen changes, we aimed to elucidate thresholds of increase in oxygen demand to predict MV use within 12 h.

Methods

A single-center retrospective cohort study using data between January 2020 and January 2021was conducted. Data were retrieved from the hospital data warehouse. Adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) who needed oxygen during admission were included. Hourly increments in oxygen demand were calculated using two consecutive oxygen values. Covariates were selected from measurements at the closest time points of oxygen data. Prediction of MV use within 12 h by required oxygen changes was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating curves (AUCs). A threshold for increased MV use risk was obtained from restricted cubic spline curves.

Results

Among 66 eligible patients, 1835 oxygen data were analyzed. The AUC was 0.756 for predicting MV by oxygen demand changes, 0.888 by both amounts and changes in oxygen, and 0.933 by the model adjusted with respiratory rate, PCR quantification cycle (Ct), and days from PCR. The threshold of increments of required oxygen was identified as 0.44 L/min/h and the probability of MV use linearly increased afterward. In subgroup analyses, the threshold was lower (0.25 L/min/h) when tachypnea or frequent respiratory distress existed, whereas it was higher (1.00 L/min/h) when viral load is low (Ct ≥20 or days from PCR >7 days).

Conclusions

Hourly changes in oxygen demand predicted MV use within 12 h, with a threshold of 0.44 L/min/h. This threshold was lower with an unstable respiratory condition and higher with a low viral load.
Asthma in a prospective cohort of rural pregnant women from Sri Lanka: Need for better care during the pre-conceptional and antenatal period
Authors: Rajapakse Shashanka , Wickramasinghe Nuwan , Warnasekara Janith , Abeyrathna Parami , Amarasinghe Gayani , Hettiarachchi Ayesh Umeshana , Jayasinghe Imasha Upulini , Koralegedara Iresha , Agampodi Thilini Chanchala , Agampodi Suneth B.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To describe the epidemiology and the effect of asthma on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women from a rural geography.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka enrolling all eligible pregnant women registered in the maternal care program. An interviewer-administered questionnaire-based symptom analysis and clinical assessment was conducted in the first and second trimesters.

Results

We recruited 3374 pregnant women aged 15–48 years at conception. Self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma prevalence was 6.6% (n = 223) with only 41.7% (n = 93) on regular medical follow-up for asthma. The prevalence of wheeze reduced from pre-pregnancy (67.0%) to the first (46.4%) and second trimesters (47.7%; p<0.01). Of the 73 asthmatic women who did not have wheeze in the last 3 months preceding pregnancy, new-onset wheeze was reported by 6(8.2%) and 12(16.4%) in the first and second trimester, respectively. Pregnant women who sought medical care for asthma in the private sector had a lower likelihood of developing new-onset wheeze in the first trimester (p = 0.03; unadjusted OR = 0.94;95%CI 0.89–0.99). Thirty-four (33.3%) pregnant women had at least one hospital admission due to exacerbation of wheeze during the first and second trimester. The prevalence of low birth weight (16.0%) was higher among pregnant asthmatic women.

Conclusion

This study reports the high prevalence of asthma and asthma-associated pregnancy outcomes in women from a rural geography signifying the importance of targeted management.
Brucella species-induced brucellosis: Antimicrobial effects, potential resistance and toxicity of silver and gold nanosized particles
Authors: Elbehiry Ayman , Aldubaib Musaad , Al Rugaie Osamah , Marzouk Eman , Moussa Ihab , El-Husseiny Mohamed , Ibrahem Mai , Abalkhail Adil , Rawway Mohammed
Published: July 2022

Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic disease caused byBrucellaspecies, which are intramacrophage pathogens that make treating this disease challenging. The negative effects of the treatment regime have prompted the development of new antimicrobials against brucellosis. A new treatment modality for antibiotic-resistant microorganisms is the use of nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, we examined the antibacterial activities of silver and gold NPs (SNPs and GNPs, respectively), the resistance developed byBrucella melitensis(B.melitensis) andBrucella abortus(B.abortus) strains and the toxicity of both of these NPs in experimental rats. To test the bactericidal effects of the SNPs and GNPs, we used 22 multidrug-resistantBrucellaisolates (10B.melitensisand 12B.abortus). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of both types of NPs were determined utilizing the microdilution technique. To test the stability of resistance, 7B.melitensisand 6B.abortusisolates were passaged ten times in culture with subinhibitory concentrations of NPs and another ten times without NPs. Histopathological analysis was completed after rats were given 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg NPs orally for 28 consecutive days. The MIC values (μg/ml) of the 10-nm SNPs and 20-nm GNPs againstB.melitensiswere 22.43 ± 2.32 and 13.56 ± 1.22, while these values were 18.77 ± 1.33 and 12.45 ± 1.59 forB.abortus, respectively. After extensivein vitroexposure, most strains showed no resistance to the 10-nm SNPs or 20-nm GNPs. The NPs and antibiotics did not cross-react in any of the evolvedBrucellastrains. SNPs and GNPs at doses below 2 mg/kg were not harmful to rat tissue according to organ histopathological examinations. However, a greater dose of NPs (2 mg/kg) harmed all of the tissues studied. The bactericidal properties of NPs are demonstrated in this work.Brucellastrains develop similar resistance to SNPs and GNPs, and at low dosages, neither SNPs nor GNPs were hazardous to rats.
Quality of life and health status in older adults (≥65 years) up to five years following colorectal cancer treatment: Findings from the ColoREctal Wellbeing (CREW) cohort study
Authors: Cummings Amanda , Foster Rebecca , Calman Lynn , Permyakova Natalia V. , Bridges Jackie , Wiseman Theresa , Corbett Teresa , Smith Peter W. F. , Foster Claire
Published: July 2022

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common in older adults, with more than 70% of diagnoses in people aged ≥65 years. Despite this, there is a knowledge gap regarding longer-term outcomes in this population. Here, we identify those older people most at risk of poor quality of life (QoL) and health status in the five years following CRC treatment.

Materials and methods

CREW is a UK longitudinal cohort study investigating factors associated with health and wellbeing recovery following curative-intent CRC surgery. Participants completed self-report questionnaires pre-surgery, then at least annually up to five years. Longitudinal analyses explored the prevalence and pre-surgery risk factors of poor QoL (QLACS-GSS) and health status (EQ-5D: presence/absence of problems in five domains) in older (≥65 years) participants over five years.

Results

501 participants aged ≥65years completed questionnaires pre-surgery; 45% completed questionnaires five years later. Oldest-old participants (≥80 years) reported poorer QoL (18% higher QLACS-GSS) and 2–4 times higher odds of having problems with mobility or usual activities, compared with the youngest-old (65–69 years) over follow-up. Baseline higher self-efficacy was significantly associated with better QoL (10–30% lower QLACS-GSS scores compared to those with low self-efficacy) and lower odds of problems in all EQ-5D domains. Adequate social support was significantly associated with better QoL (8% lower QLACS-GSS) and lower odds of problems with usual activities (OR = 0.62) and anxiety/depression (OR = 0.56).

Conclusion

There are important differences in QoL and health status outcomes for the oldest-old during CRC recovery. CREW reveals pre-surgery risk factors that are amenable to intervention including self-efficacy and social support.
The effect of physical fatigue on the performance of soccer players: A systematic review
Authors: Dambroz Felipe , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Teoldo Israel
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to carry out a systematic review to analyze, describe and discuss the effect of physical fatigue on the performance of soccer players. For this systematic review, searches were performed in Pubmed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus electronic database until October 3, 2020, following the guidelines of PRISMA. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria: i) healthy soccer players from any age group, competitive level or sex; ii) exposure to physical fatigue; iii) pre and post-physical fatigue conditions; iv) players’ cognitive, technical, physical and tactical performances and v) no restrictions regarding the study design. The results section was organized in four main dimensions: cognitive, technical, physical and tactical. Studies on cognitive performance have shown divergent results, varying according to the cognitive task employed and the physical protocol used. Regarding technical performance, negative effects of physical fatigue were found on the technical fundamentals of the pass, dribble and kick. With regard to physical performance, studies have shown a reduction in sprint capacity and distances covered at high velocity. Finally, the only study that analyzed the tactical performance in the field showed an increase in the team’s collective tactical behavior, but did not include analysis of the players’ individual tactical actions. In summary, the results of the analyzed studies show that the effect of physical fatigue on cognitive performance is inconclusive and that technical and physical performance are negatively affected. Regarding tactical performance, there is a lack of information on the topic in the current literature.
Self-reported adaptability among postgraduate dental learners and their instructors: Accelerated change induced by COVID-19
Authors: Otaki Farah , Amir-Rad Fatemeh , Al-Halabi Manal , Baqain Zaid , Zary Nabil
Published: July 2022

It is forecasted that the skills and competencies necessary for post-pandemic success in higher education need to be founded upon adaptability, coping, and Self- Regulated Learning (SRL). It is worth investigating how stakeholders perceived their adaptability and coping with the accelerated change accompanying Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the self-reported adaptability of postgraduate dental learners and their instructors in the context of abrupt transition to distance learning induced by the pandemic. This study utilized a convergent mixed methods study design. The quantitative and qualitative data were concurrently collected from instructors and learners, using a tailor-made survey of items measured with a Likert-type scale, complemented with open-ended questions. The collected datasets were independently analyzed. Descriptive and inferential analysis were conducted using the quantitative data. Qualitatively, the researchers underwent a multi-staged thematic analysis. The generated information was then integrated using a joint model analysis. The percentage of the total average of self-reported adaptability for both groups of stakeholders was 81.15%. The instructors, with a mean of satisfaction of 17.94 (±1.76), rated their adaptability significantly higher than the learners, with a mean of satisfaction of 15.66 (±2.77) (p = 0.002). The thematic analysis resulted in two interrelated themes: Self and Environment. Within the Self theme, three subthemes surfaced: Cognitions, Emotions, and Behaviors. As for the Environment theme, it encapsulated two subthemes: Enablers and Impediments. The stakeholders perceived themselves to have adapted well to the transition, and SRL appeared as a cornerstone in the adaptation to the accelerated change accompanying COVID-19. There appeared to be an interplay between the cognitions, emotions, and behaviors on the level of the self as part of the adaptation process. Also, building upon existent models of SRL, this study uncovered that the stakeholders considered the environment to play a crucial role in their adaptation process. This highlights the importance of developing a climate that remains, despite external pressures, conducive to attaining learning and teaching goals. It is also crucial for university-level mental health promotion activities to proactively foster, among learners and instructors, adaptability, building ‘academic resilience’.
The eyes don’t have it: Eye movements are unlikely to reflect refreshing in working memory
Authors: Loaiza Vanessa M. , Souza Alessandra S.
Published: July 2022

There is a growing interest in specifying the mechanisms underlying refreshing, i.e., the use of attention to keep working memory (WM) contents accessible. Here, we examined whether participants’ visual fixations during the retention interval of a WM task indicate the current focus of internal attention, thereby serving as an online measure of refreshing. Eye movements were recorded while participants studied and maintained an array of colored dots followed by probed recall of one (Experiments 1A and 1B) or all (Experiment 2) of the memoranda via a continuous color wheel. Experiments 1A and 2 entailed an unfilled retention interval in which refreshing is assumed to occur spontaneously, and Experiment 1B entailed a retention interval embedded with cues prompting the sequential refreshment of a subset of the memoranda. During the retention interval, fixations revisited the locations occupied by the memoranda, consistent with a looking-at-nothing phenomenon in WM, but the pattern was only evident when placeholders were onscreen in Experiment 2, indicating that most of these fixations may largely reflect random gaze. Furthermore, spontaneous fixations did not predict recall precision (Experiments 1A and 2), even when ensuring that they did not reflect random gaze (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1B, refreshing cues increased fixations to the eventually tested target and predicted better recall precision, which interacted with an overall benefit of target fixations, such that the benefit of fixations decreased as the number of refreshing cues increased. Thus, fixations under spontaneous conditions had no credible effect on recall precision, whereas the beneficial effect of fixations under instructed refreshing conditions may indicate situations in which cues were disregarded. Consequently, we conclude that eye movements do not seem suitable as an online measure of refreshing.
Appropriateness of indirect markers of muscle damage following lower limbs eccentric-biased exercises: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Chalchat Emeric , Gaston Anne-Fleur , Charlot Keyne , Peñailillo Luis , Valdés Omar , Tardo-Dino Pierre-Emmanuel , Nosaka Kazunori , Martin Vincent , Garcia-Vicencio Sebastian , Siracusa Julien
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this review was to (1) characterize the time-course of markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) based on the level of maximal voluntary contraction torque loss at 24-48h post-exercise (MVCloss24-48h), (2) identify factors (e.g., exercise and population characteristics) affecting the level of MVCloss24-48h, and (3) evaluate the appropriateness of EIMD markers as indicators of MVCloss24-48h.

Methods

Magnitude of change of each EIMD markers was normalized using the standardized mean differences method to compare the results from different studies. Time-course of EIMD markers were characterized according to three levels of MVCloss24-48h based on a clustering analysis of the 141 studies included. Association between MVCloss24-48h levels and participant´s characteristics or exercise type/modalities were assessed. Meta-regressions were performed to investigate the associations between MVCloss24-48h and EIMD markers changes at <6h, 24h, 48h, 72h and >96h after exercise.

Results

Time-course of EIMD markers recovery differs between levels of MVCloss24-48h. Training status and exercise type/modality were associated with MVCloss24-48h level (p<0.05). MVCloss24-48h was correlated to changes in myoglobin concentration (<6h), jump height (24h) and range of motion (48h) (p<0.001).

Conclusion

As the exercise could differently affect markers as function of the EIMD severity (i.e., MVCloss24-48h levels), different markers should be used as function of the timing of measurement. Mb concentration should be used during the first hours after the exercise (<6h), whereas jump height (24h) and range of motion (48h) could be used as surrogate for maximal voluntary contraction later. Moreover, training status and exercise type/modality could influence the magnitude of MVCloss24-48h.
Experimental study on shear strength of saturated remolded loess
Authors: Lai Jie , Liu Yun , Xiang Yuzhou , Wang Wei , Xu Jiangbo , Cao Baohua , Zhao Danni , Wei Wei , Bao Han , Yan Changgen , Lan Hengxing
Published: July 2022

Loess has the characteristics of large porosity, loose structure, uniform composition and strong collapsibility. When encountering heavy rainfall and irrigation prone to saturation, resulting in loess landslides, roadbed subsidence and dam instability. In order to study the effect of dry density and shear rate on the shear strength of saturated remolded loess, the consolidated undrained (CU) test was carried out in Yan’an City by using SLB-6A stress-strain controlled triaxial shear permeability test instrument. The shear rate, confining pressure and dry density were controlled during the test. The dry densities of the samples were 1.5 g / cm3, 1.6 g / cm3 and 1.7 g / cm3, respectively. CU tests of saturated remolded loess were carried out at different shear rates under the confining pressures of 100 kPa, 150 kPa and 200 kPa, respectively. It is found that the stress-strain curve of saturated remolded loess gradually moves upward with the increase of dry density. With the increase of dry density, the cohesion and internal friction angle of remolded saturated loess samples increase. At the same shear rate, with the increase of dry density, the deviatoric stress of the specimen increases significantly.
Local hyperexcitability of C-nociceptors may predict responsiveness to topical lidocaine in neuropathic pain
Authors: Landmann Gunther , Stockinger Lenka , Gerber Benjamin , Benrath Justus , Schmelz Martin , Rukwied Roman
Published: July 2022

We explored whether increased C-nociceptor excitability predicts analgesic effects of topical lidocaine in 33 patients with mono- (n = 15) or poly-neuropathy (n = 18). Excitability of C-nociceptors was tested by transcutaneous electrical sinusoidal (4 Hz) and half sine wave (single 500 ms pulse) stimulation delivered to affected and non-affected sites. Analgesic effects of 24 hrs topical lidocaine were recorded. About 50% of patients reported increased pain from symptomatic skin upon continuous 4 Hz sinusoidal and about 25% upon 500 ms half sine wave stimulation. Electrically-evoked half sine wave pain correlated to their clinical pain level (r = 0.37, p < 0.05). Lidocaine-patches reduced spontaneous pain by >1-point NRS in 8 of 28 patients (p < 0.0001, ANOVA). Patients with increased pain to 2.5 sec sinusoidal stimulation at 0.2 and 0.4 mA intensity had significantly stronger analgesic effects of lidocaine and in reverse, patients with a pain reduction of >1 NRS had significantly higher pain ratings to continuous 1 min supra-threshold sinusoidal stimulation. In the assessed control skin areas of the patients, enhanced pain upon 1 min 4 Hz stimulation correlated to increased depression scores (HADS). Electrically assessed C-nociceptor excitability identified by slowly depolarizing electrical stimuli might reflect the source of neuropathic pain in some patients and can be useful for patient stratification to predict potential success of topical analgesics. Central neuronal circuitry assessment reflected by increased pain in control skin associated with higher HADS scores suggest central sensitization phenomena in a sub-population of neuropathic pain patients.
Optimization and evaluation of a two-stage chromogenic assay procedure for measurement of emicizumab plasma levels
Authors: Hamedani Nasim Shahidi , Oldenburg Johannes , Pötzsch Bernd , Müller Jens
Published: July 2022

Emicizumab mimics the hemostatic activity of activated factor VIII (FVIIIa) within the tenase complex. Despite functional similarities between FVIIIa and emicizumab, conventional laboratory methods designed for monitoring of FVIII activity are inappropriate for the measurement of emicizumab. At present, a modified one stage (FVIII) assay (mOSA) is mainly used for emicizumab monitoring. Two-stage chromogenic FVIII assays based on human factors can be used, although limited performance due to lack of corresponding optimization might be observed. Furthermore, the presence of FVIII or anticoagulants in the patient sample may falsify assay results. To address these issues, we optimized and evaluated a two-stage chromogenic assay (emi-tenase) for measurement of emicizumab in plasma samples. Heat inactivation of samples was established to abolish the influence of endogenous or substituted FVIII. The lower limit of quantification (LLoQ) was found to be 2 μg/ml in a manual assay format and 9.5 μg/ml on an automated coagulation analyzer. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) did not exceed 20%. Analysis of 17 patient plasma samples with severe haemophilia A under emicizumab treatment showed good correlation of results between the emi-tenase assay and the mOSA (Cohens Kappa coefficient = 0.9). Taken together, the emi-tenase assay allows specific measurement of emicizumab plasma levels over a broad concentration range (10 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml). The assay can be applied on an automated coagulation analyzer, demonstrating its applicability within a routine laboratory setting.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of community treatment supporters administering multidrug-resistant tuberculosis injections: A cross-sectional study in rural Eswatini
Authors: Peresu Ernest , Heunis J. Christo , Kigozi N. Gladys , De Graeve Diana
Published: July 2022

Background

This study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of lay community treatment supporters (CTSs) delegated with directly observed treatment (DOT) supervision and administration of intramuscular multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) injections in the Shiselweni region in Eswatini.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey among a purposive sample of 82 CTSs providing DOT and administering injections to MDR-TB patients was conducted in May 2017. Observations in the patients’ homes were undertaken to verify CTSs’ self-reported community-based MDR-TB management practices.

Results

Out of 82 respondents, 78 (95.1%) were female and half (n = 41; 50.0%) had primary education or lower. Over one-tenth (n = 12; 14.6%) had not attended a MDR-TB training workshop, but were administering injections. The overall KAP scores were satisfactory. Good self-reported community-based MDR-TB practices were largely verified through observation. However, substantial proportions of respondents incorrectly defined MDR-TB, were unaware of the treatment regimen, stigmatised patients, and underreported needlestick injuries. There was no statistically significant association between duration administering intramuscular injections, MDR-TB training, knowledge and attitudes, and good community-based MDR-TB management practices.

Conclusions

The gaps in the current KAP of CTSs in this setting raise questions about the timing, adequacy, design and content of community-based MDR-TB management training. Nonetheless, with appropriate training, lay CTSs in this region can be an option to complement an overstretched professional health workforce in providing DOT and MDR-TB injections at community level.
Characteristics of soil C:N:P stoichiometry and enzyme activities in different grassland types in Qilian Mountain nature reserve-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Qiang , Yang Junyin , He Guoxing , Liu Xiaoni , Zhang Degang
Published: July 2022

This research was designed to explore the variation characteristics of soil C:N:P stoichiometry and enzyme activity in the Qilian Mountains different grassland types. Thus, 7 grassland types (Upland meadow: UM, Alpine meadow: AM, Temperate steppe: ST, Alpine steppe: AS, Temperate Desert Steppe: TDS, Temperate Desert: TD, Alpine desert: AD) of Qilian Natural Reserve were selected to analyze the variation characteristics of soil enzyme activities and stoichiometry of different grassland types and its relationship with environmental factors. The study indicated that the C/N, C/P, and N/P of different grasslands ranged from 5.08 to 17.35, 2.50 to 72.29, and 0.53 to 4.02.The ranking of different types grassland for the C/N was TS ≥ AM ≥ UM ≥ AS ≥ TDS > AD > TD, and the changing pattern of C/P and N/P is similar to that of C/N. The ranking of different types grassland for the urease enzyme activity was UM ≈AS > AD ≈TDS ≈TS ≈AM > TD, and TS ≈AM ≈UM ≈AS ≈AD > TDS > TD for alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity, and AS ≈AM ≈TS ≈TDS≥UM ≥TD ≈AD for catalase enzyme activity. Based on N/P ratio and RDA analysis, nitrogen was the main factor limiting the grassland productivity, and pH, TN, SOC, Richness index and Simpson diversity index were the main environmental factors affecting the soil C:N:P stoichiometry and enzyme activities. Cluster analysis showed that 7 grassland types were clustered into three categories. In conclusion, the stoichiometric characteristics and soil enzyme activities of different grasslands vary with grassland types. Nitrogen was the main factor limiting the grasslands productivity, and pH, TN, SOC, Richness index and Simpson diversity index were the main environmental factors affecting the soil C:N:P stoichiometry and enzyme activities, and the grassland Qilian Mountain can be managed in the ecological district according to the clustering results. The results of this study can provide data support and theoretical guidance for the scientific management and ecological protection of grassland in Qilian Mountains Reserve.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of burnout amongst veterinary students in Ghana
Authors: Emikpe Benjamin Obukowho , Asare Derrick Adu , Emikpe Abigael Omowumi , Botchway Ludwig Albert Nortey , Bonney Richard Abeiku
Published: July 2022

This study was designed as a cross-sectional study to find out the prevalence and associated risk factors of burnout among veterinary students at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi—Ghana. A total of 74 veterinary students served as the respondents and were given online questionnaires which comprised questions on emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and reduced personal accomplishment (RPA). Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and regression analysis. Results indicated that on average, the EE and RPA were low with mean score of 12.72 ± 4.46 and 27.96 ± 7.94 whilst DP was high with a mean score of 20.72 ± 6.5 among veterinary students. The year of study had a significant effect (p = 0.000) on burnout with levels of high RPA (80%) and DP (70%) being more in the preclinical students as compared to the clinical students (RPA = 20%, DP = 30%). There was also a significant effect (p = 0.028) of the year of study and type of residence of the students on the high level of DP and RPA. Daily sleep hours of students had Daily sleep hours of the veterinary students were also indicated as a significant associated risk factor of burnout among veterinary students in this study as more less sleep hours (<6hours), causes high levels of DP and RPA. Age, gender and marital status, working status, exercise hours and weekly study hours of students did not count as significant predictive factors (p>0.05) of burnout.