bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informal Modes of Social Support among Residents of the Rural American West during the COVID‐19 Pandemic☆
Authors: McConnell Kathryn , Mueller J. Tom , Merdjanoff Alexis A. , Burow Paul Berne , Farrell Justin
Published: August 2023

During the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, federal spending on government safety net programs in the United States increased dramatically. Despite this unparalleled spending, government safety nets were widely critiqued for failing to fully meet many households' needs. Disaster research suggests that informal modes of social support often emerge during times of disruption, such as the first year of the pandemic. However, use of formal government programs and informal support are rarely examined relative to each other, resulting in an incomplete picture of how households navigate disaster impacts and financial shocks. This study compares estimates of informal social support to formal government program use in the rural U.S. West, drawing on data from a rapid response survey fielded during the summer of 2020 and the 2021 Annual Social and Economic Supplement of the Current Population Survey (CPS‐ASEC). We find that informal social support systems were, on aggregate, used almost as extensively as long‐standing government programs. Our findings highlight the critical role of person‐to‐person assistance, such as sharing financial resources, among rural households during a disruptive disaster period. Routine and standardized data collection on these informal support behaviors could improve future disaster research and policy responses, especially among rural populations.
Statistical agreement of gonioscopy performed as a puppy and as an adult in the Samoyed dog
Authors: Turner Gemma , Groth Allyson , Hii Charis , O'Reilly Anu , Volk Hayley , Hardman Chloë
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess whether gonioscopy performed on Samoyed puppies (6–14 weeks of age) is a reliable predictor of their gonioscopy results as adults (>11 months of age).

Procedure

A retrospective medical record search was performed to identify Samoyed dogs that had undergone gonioscopy as a puppy (6–14 weeks of age). A second prospective gonioscopy examination was performed as an adult (>11 months of age) and the results were compared. Gonioscopy was assessed on two characteristics: percent of iridocorneal angle (ICA) unaffected by pectinate ligament abnormalities (PLA) and ICA width, with PLA results categorized into unaffected (75% open), moderately affected (50%–74% open), and severely affected (<50% open) and the width categorized into wide, moderate, narrow, and closed groups. A multivariate model was created that considered factors such as PLA, angle width, sex, puppy age, neuter status, and time between examinations.

Results

The eyes of 77 Samoyed dogs (154 eyes) met inclusion criteria. When assessing PLA, 90% of dogs had the same categorization as a puppy and as an adult. When assessing ICA width, 53.2% of dogs had the same width classification as a puppy and as an adult. There is strong evidence that variation between puppy and adult results increases with time between examination (p = .03).

Conclusion

Puppies unaffected by PLA and with a wide ICA angle, are likely to retain these features as adults. Selection of puppies with desirable gonioscopic traits may help breeders to choose dogs likely to retain these traits as adults for breeding. This may reduce the incidence of glaucoma in the breed. Puppy examinations should be performed in both eyes. Examination of adults prior to breeding remains prudent.
Comparative efficacy of mind‐body exercise for depression in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Geng Liangrong , Duan Yi , Li Xiaoyu , Yue Shujin , Li Ruxue , Liu Hongxia , Su Chunxiang
Published: August 2023

Background

As pharmacotherapy often leads to adverse reactions, mind–body exercise (MBE) treatments have become a more popular option for treating depression in people living with breast cancer (BC). However, the most effective type of MBE treatment for this population remains unclear.

Aims

The aim of this systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy of the different MBE modes for depression in people with BC.

Methods

A systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to March 25, 2023, was conducted in the following database: EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine, OpenGrey, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A traditional meta‐analysis was conducted using the random‐effects model to directly assess the effectiveness of various MBE interventions. Stata 16.0 software was used for performing the NMA.

Results

The NMA was performed in 32 eligible RCTs including 2361 participants. The efficacy of MBE treatments on depression was ranked as the following: Liuzijue (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA] = 95.4%) > Tai chi (SUCRA = 76.9%) > yoga (SUCRA = 55.0%) > Baduanjin (SUCRA = 53.9%) > Pilates (SUCRA = 38.6%) > dance (SUCRA = 30.2%) > Qigong (SUCRA = 28.1%) > control (SUCRA = 21.9%).

Linking Evidence to Action

Our research showed that Liuzijue and Tai chi might be the most significantly effective MBE intervention for mitigating depression among BC survivors. Healthcare professionals could consider recommending Liuzijue and Tai Chi as a complementary therapy for BC survivors who experience depression.
Theatrum passionis: imaginarios y sociabilidades en torno a la ópera en cuatro narradoras hispanoamericanas del siglo XIX
Authors: Puppo María Lucía
Published: August 2023

La centralidad de la ópera en el sistema de géneros musicales del siglo XIX impulsó la circulación de un repertorio de argumentos, personajes y melodías que permearon los imaginarios de las élites letradas americanas. Novelas románticas, positivistas, decadentes y modernistas refieren a la educación musical de sus personajes, describen funciones de ópera y, en algunos casos, presentan tipos humanos ligados a su esfera profesional (la prima donna, el tenor, el empresario). En este trabajo se examinarán los usos del imaginario amoroso y las representaciones de la sociabilidad en torno a la ópera que vehiculizan cuatro novelas escritas por mujeres.
Probabilistic Validation: Computational Platform and Application to Fire Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Bui Ha , Sakurahara Tatsuya , Reihani Seyed , Kee Ernie , Mohaghegh Zahra
Published: August 2023

Recently, there has been an increasing use of advanced modeling and simulation in the nuclear domain across academia, industry, and regulatory agencies to improve the realism in capturing complex and highly spatiotemporal phenomena within the probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) of existing nuclear power plants (NPPs). Advanced modeling and simulation have also been used to accelerate the risk-informed design, licensing, and operationalization of advanced nuclear reactors. Validation of simulation models traditionally relies on empirical validation approaches which require enough validation data. Such validation data are, however, usually costly to obtain in the contexts of the nuclear industry. To overcome this challenge and to effectively support the use of simulation models in PRA and risk-informed decision-making applications, a systematic and scientifically justifiable validation methodology, namely, the probabilistic validation (PV) methodology, has been developed. This methodology leverages uncertainty analysis to support the validity assessment of the simulation prediction. The theoretical foundation and methodological platform of the PV methodology have been reported in the first paper of this two-part series. The purpose of this second paper is to computationalize the PV methodology, embedded in an integrated PRA framework, and apply it for a hierarchical fire simulation model used in NPP Fire PRA.
Shaping the Dynamics of a Low-Stiffness Positioning System by Mechatronic Design for Enabling Stable Unity Gain Feedback
Authors: Csencsics Ernst , Friedl Benjamin , Schitter Georg
Published: August 2023

The paper presents a method for enabling feedback control of a mechatronic system without a dedicated controller by tailoring structural modes of the mechanical structure for loop shaping by design. Structural modes are in general unwanted effects in positioning systems and are by design typically well separated from the frequency range over which control is effective. They can, however, also be deliberately integrated to shape the resulting loop gain of the control loop, to overcome the need for a dedicated position controller and enable unity gain feedback. The method employs a structural mode with antiresonance-resonance-pattern together with a damping mechanism to obtain the required phase lead for feedback control of a low-stiffness positioning system. It is validated by an experimental setup with one degree-of-freedom (DoF), designed for a crossover frequency of 130 Hz and a phase margin of 50 deg. An adjustable electromagnetic damper is integrated to study the effects of parameter variations. The designed closed-loop controlled system achieves a bandwidth of 240 Hz, and is capable of tracking step inputs and rejecting external impacts with settling times a factor of 2–5 smaller than in the detuned case.
Energy Spectrum of β Electrons in Neutrinoless Double-β Decay Including the Excitation of the Electron Shell of Atoms
Authors: Krivoruchenko M. I. , Tyrin K. S. , Karpeshin F. F.
Published: August 2023

Double-β decay is accompanied with a high probability by the excitation of the electron shell of the daughter atom; as a result, the energy carried away by β electrons decreases. The mean value and standard deviation of the excitation energy of the electron shell of the daughter atom in the double-β decay of germanium $$_{{32}}^{{76}}{\text{Ge}} \to \;_{{34}}^{{76}}{\text{Se}}\text{*} + \;2{{\beta }^{ - }}( + 2{{\bar {\nu }}_{e}})$$ have been determined within the Thomas–Fermi and relativistic Dirac–Hartree–Fock methods. Using the estimates thus obtained, a two-parameter model of the energy spectrum of β electrons in the neutrinoless mode has been developed including the redistribution of the reaction energy between the decay products. The shift of the total energy of β electrons does not exceed 50 eV with a probability of 90%. However, the mean excitation energy is ~400 eV, i.e., an order of magnitude higher, whereas the standard deviation is ~2900 eV, which is apparently due to a significant contribution from inner electron levels to the energy characteristics of the process. The distortion of the shape of the peak of the 0ν2β decay should be taken into account when analyzing the data of detectors with a resolution of ~100 eV or higher.
Memory Effects in the Nonequilibrium Critical Behavior of the Two-Dimensional XY Model in the Low-Temperature Berezinskii Phase
Authors: Popova A. P. , Popov I. S. , Chemeris S. P. , Prudnikov V. V. , Prudnikov P. V.
Published: August 2023

The Monte Carlo study of nonequilibrium memory effects in the two-dimensional pure and structurally disordered XY model in the low-temperature Berezinskii phase has been performed. Features of the correlation between memory and aging effects have been demonstrated. A qualitatively novel phenomenon for memory effects has been revealed: dynamic curves of the autocorrelation function in the thermal cycling time interval tend to the dynamic curves with the initial temperature. A unique implementation of memory effects has been demonstrated at both cooling and heating cycling of the system under the condition that cooling and heating temperatures are in the low-temperature Berezinskii phase. The influence of structural disorder on memory effects has been analyzed. It has been found that they are enhanced in the structurally disordered system owing to the enhancement of aging effects.
Practice, confidence and continuity of breast self-examination among women in Thailand during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Taneepanichskul Surasak , Chuemchit Montakarn , Wongsasuluk Pokkate , Sirichokchatchawan Wandee , Hounnaklang Nuchanad , Zongram Onuma , Sematong Saowanee , Viwattanakulvanid Pramon , Herman Bumi
Published: August 2023

Objective

Breast self-examination (BSE) is the most feasible screening tool compared with clinical breast examination and mammography. It is crucial to address the associated factors of practising BSE to develop a targeted BSE promotion programme and improve the BSE quality in Thai women, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design and setting

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Thailand’s north and northeast region from March 2020 to November 2022.

Participants

This study involved 405 women aged 30–70 years old.

Variables and outcomes

Demographic information, health status and BSE were collected using a modified questionnaire based on the Champion Health Belief Model. The outcomes were ever-practising BSE, BSE practice within the last 6 months, continuity of BSE and confidence in doing BSE. Logistic regression and decision tree analysis identified the associated factors.

Results

75.55% of participants ever performed BSE. Around 74.18% did BSE within the last 6 months. Diploma graduates (adjusted OR (aOR) 25.48, 95% CI 2.04 to 318.07), 21–40 reproductive years (aOR 4.29, 95% CI 1.22 to 15.08), ever pregnant (aOR 3.31, 95% CI 1.05 to 10.49), not drinking alcohol (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.55), not receiving hormone replacement (aOR 5.51, 95% CI 2.04 to 14.89), higher knowledge (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.52), attitude (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.26) and practice/cues of action towards BSE were associated with ever-practising BSE. Frequent high-fat diet, high awareness of breast cancer, lower knowledge of BSE and lower attitude toward BSE were associated with not practising BSE within 6 months and BSE discontinuation. Only high knowledge of BSE was associated with absolute confidence in BSE (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Despite having a higher percentage than other studies in different countries prior to the pandemic, it is still crucial to improve knowledge of BSE to encourage BSE practice, confidence and continuity of BSE in Thai women. Moreover, the BSE campaign should target women with prolonged exposure to oestrogen and sedentary lifestyle.
Patient-reported, health economic and psychosocial outcomes in patients with Friedreich ataxia (PROFA): protocol of an observational study using momentary data assessments via mobile health app
Authors: Buchholz Maresa , Weber Niklas , Borel Stephanie , Sayah Sabrina , Durr Alexandra , Xie Feng , Schulz Jörg B , Reetz Kathrin , Boesch Sylvia , Klopstock Thomas , Karin Ivan , Schöls Ludger , Grobe-Einsler Marcus , Klockgether Thomas , Davies Elin Haf , Schmeder Madeleine , Nadke Andreas , Michalowsky Bernhard
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Friedreich ataxia (FA) is the most common hereditary ataxia in Europe, characterised by progressively worsening movement and speech impairments with a typical onset before the age of 25 years. The symptoms affect the patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial health. FA leads to an increasing need for care, associated with an economic burden. Little is known about the impact of FA on daily lives and HRQoL. To fill that gap, we will assess patient-reported, psychosocial and economic outcomes using momentary data assessment via a mobile health application (app).

Methods and analysis

The PROFA Study is a prospective observational study. Patients with FA (n=200) will be recruited at six European study centres (Germany, France and Austria). We will interview patients at baseline in the study centre and subsequently assess the patients’ health at home via mobile health app. Patients will self-report ataxia severity, HRQoL, speech and hearing disabilities, coping strategies and well-being, health services usage, adverse health events and productivity losses due to informal care on a daily to monthly basis on the app for 6 months. Our study aims to (1) validate measurements of HRQoL and psychosocial health, (2) assess the usability of the mobile health app, and (3) use descriptive and multivariate statistics to analyse patient-reported and economic outcomes and the interaction effects between these outcomes. Insights into the app’s usability could be used for future studies using momentary data assessments to measure outcomes of patients with FA.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University Medicine of Greifswald, (BB096/22a, 26 October 2022) and from all local ethics committees of the participating study sites. Findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at relevant international/national congresses and disseminated to German and French Patient Advocacy Organizations.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05943002); Pre-results.
Clinical features and response at head-up tilt test of patients with situational syncope
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Parente Erika , Comune Angelo , Laezza Nunzia , Rago Anna , Nigro Gerardo , Brignole Michele
Published: August 2023

Objective

The study compared clinical characteristics and response at head-up tilt test (HUTT) between situational (SS) and vasovagal syncope (VVS).

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent nitroglycerin-potentiated HUTT were retrospectively dichotomised into two groups: those with a history of SS and those with a history of VVS. The patients with SS were further subdivided into patients with SS alone and with SS and at least one episode of VVS.

Results

1285 patients were enrolled: 246 (19.1%) had SS (SS alone in 121 and SS+VVS in 125). Patients with SS were older (48.8±20.0 vs 44.4±19.1, p=0.007) and more frequently male (57.3% vs 47.7%, p=0.001). At multivariable analysis, smoking habit (OR 2.28; p<0.0001), history of traumatic syncope (OR 2.29; p=0.0001) and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (OR 4.74; p<0.0001) were independently associated with SS. HUTT was positive in 175 (71.1%) patients with SS and in 737 (70.9%) patients with VVS (p=0.9). Patients with SS showed more mixed (42.3% vs 32.0%, p=0.002) and vasodepressor forms (10.6% vs 6.1%, p=0.01) and less cardioinhibitory responses compared with others (18.3% vs 32.8%, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Compared with VVS, patients with SS have different clinical characteristics and a higher prevalence of hypotensive drugs leading to hypotensive susceptibility. The positivity rate of HUTT is high and similar to that of VVS, although patients with SS show a higher prevalence of hypotensive responses.
Impact of recurrent ischaemic and bleeding events on quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome: Insights from the FORCE-ACS registry
Authors: van der Sangen Niels M R , Azzahhafi Jaouad , Chan Pin Yin Dean R P P , Rayhi Senna , van Weede Victoria M , Walhout Ronald J , Tjon Joe Gin Melvyn , Pisters Ron , Nicastia Deborah M , Langerveld Jorina , Vlachojannis Georgios J , van Bommel Rutger J , Appelman Yolande , Henriques José P S , ten Berg Jurriën M , Kikkert Wouter J
Published: August 2023

Objective

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain at high risk for recurrent ischaemic and bleeding events during follow-up. Our study aimed to quantify and compare the impact of these adverse events on quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Data from patients with ACS prospectively enrolled in the FORCE-ACS registry between January 2015 and December 2019 were used for this study. The primary ischaemic and bleeding events of interest were hospital readmission for ACS and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2 or 3 bleeding during 12 months follow-up. QoL was measured using the EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and the 12-item Short Form Survey version 2 derived Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) scores at 12 months follow-up.

Results

In total, 3339 patients (mean age 66.8 years, 27.9% women) were included. During follow-up, ischaemic events occurred in 202 patients (6.0%) and bleeding events in 565 patients (16.9%). After adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, ischaemic events remained independently associated with lower QoL regardless of metric used. Bleeding was also independently associated with lower EQ-5D VAS and PCS scores, but not with a lower MCS score. The QoL decrement associated with ischaemic events was numerically larger than the decrement associated with bleeding.

Conclusions

Ischaemic and bleeding events remain prevalent and are independently associated with lower QoL at 12 months follow-up in patients previously admitted for ACS. The incidence and impact of these adverse events should be considered when balancing individual ischaemic and bleeding risks.
Advanced breast, cervical and prostate cancer- Patient needs: systematic review
Authors: Pabón-Salazar Yusley Katerine , Vela-Prieto César José , Mera-Urbano Gladys Amanda , García-Perdomo Herney Andrés , Polanco-Pasaje Jhon Edwin
Published: August 2023

Background

There are high rates registered globally of breast cancer, cervical and prostate. People going through have needs that cause an impact in their life’s quality, especially in the final stages of the illness.

Goal

To characterise the most evaluated and afflicted physical, emotional, roll, cognitive, social and spiritual needs of patients in the final stages of breast, cervical and prostate cancer.

Interventions/Methods

A thorough systematic search of databases such as Medline (Ovid) and Embase, from databases’ creation throughout 31 December 2021. Quantitative studies were included to evaluate, from the adoption of tools, the dimensions or needs of people going under three types of cancer on final stages.

Results

Twelve studies were included. More common symptoms such as nausea/vomiting and pain were the most evaluated with 83%. Fifty-eight per cent of papers studied the emotional function of people with breast and prostate cancer. Other 42% included roll, cognitive and social appreciations. Sexual, cognitive and physical, in that line, were the most affected. The most common questionnaires used to measure oncological patients on final stages were those from European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer on its C-30, BR-23, C-15 PAL and CR-25 versions.

Conclusions

On breast and prostate cancer, the most affected aspect was the sexual dysfunction, while for cervical cancer, the physical function was the most altered one. Spiritual dimension was not included in any of the evaluated literature.
Sustainability performance of interior wall types used in Canada: a life cycle thinking-based comparison
Authors: Patel Kartik , Ruparathna Rajeev
Published: August 2023

The wall system constitutes a large portion of the material used in building construction. Although interior walls cover more surface area within a building, published literature has mainly focused on the performance assessment of exterior walls. The aim of this research is to examine the life cycle environmental, social, and economic performance of interior wall construction methods (i.e., concrete block masonry, wood stud gypsum, and steel stud gypsum) used for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. The findings indicated that the environmental, social, and economic performance of concrete block masonry wall is 49%, 23%, and 18% higher than the next best alternative. This research has generated important information that can be used in material specification for greener building design.
Efficient multiparty quantum secret sharing based on a novel structure and single qubits
Authors: Kuo Shu-Yu , Tseng Kuo-Chun , Yang Chia-Ching , Chou Yao-Hsin
Published: August 2023

Quantum secret sharing (QSS) is a significant branch of quantum cryptography and can be widely used in various applications. Quantum secret sharing schemes can be developed by utilizing different features of quantum mechanics, and quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) is an effective way to achieve secret sharing using single qubits. The utilization of QSDC offers certain benefits, such as low cost, high security, and great potential for implementation with current technologies. However, the purpose of QSDC is different from that of QSS, which causes some vulnerabilities, such as dishonest participant attacks. We discover two critical factors that affect the security of traditional protocols. Firstly, they skip a few steps from the QSDC protocol to the QSS protocol. Secondly, the participants have different privileges. This can lead to participants with more privileges engaging in potential attack behavior. In light of these issues, this study proposes a new multiparty QSS scheme to address these vulnerabilities. The proposed protocol ensures the independence of each participant and grants them equal privileges. Analysis results demonstrate that it can defend against malicious attackers, retain the advantages of the QSDC protocol, and further reduce transmission costs. It achieves an excellent balance between security and performance.
Sparse Approximate Multifrontal Factorization with Composite Compression Methods
Authors: Claus Lisa , Ghysels Pieter , Liu Yang , Nhan Thái Anh , Thirumalaisamy Ramakrishnan , Bhalla Amneet Pal Singh , Li Sherry
Published: August 2023

This article presents a fast and approximate multifrontal solver for large sparse linear systems. In a recent work by Liu et al., we showed the efficiency of a multifrontal solver leveraging the butterfly algorithm and its hierarchical matrix extension, HODBF (hierarchical off-diagonal butterfly) compression to compress large frontal matrices. The resulting multifrontal solver can attain quasi-linear computation and memory complexity when applied to sparse linear systems arising from spatial discretization of high-frequency wave equations. To further reduce the overall number of operations and especially the factorization memory usage to scale to larger problem sizes, in this article we develop a composite multifrontal solver that employs the HODBF format for large-sized fronts, a reduced-memory version of the nonhierarchical block low-rank format for medium-sized fronts, and a lossy compression format for small-sized fronts. This allows us to solve sparse linear systems of dimension up to 2.7 × larger than before and leads to a memory consumption that is reduced by 70% while ensuring the same execution time. The code is made publicly available in GitHub.
QuanDA: GPU Accelerated Quantitative Deep Neural Network Analysis
Authors: Naseer Mahum , Hasan Osman , Shafique Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Over the past years, numerous studies demonstrated the vulnerability of deep neural networks (DNNs) to make correct classifications in the presence of small noise. This motivated the formal analysis of DNNs to ensure that they delineate acceptable behavior. However, in the case that the DNN’s behavior is unacceptable for the desired application, these
qualitative
approaches are ill equipped to determine the precise degree to which the DNN behaves unacceptably.

  We propose a novel
quantitative
DNN analysis framework, QuanDA, which not only checks whether the DNN delineates certain behavior but also provides the estimated probability of the DNN to delineate this particular behavior. Unlike the (few) available quantitative DNN analysis frameworks, QuanDA does not use any implicit assumptions on the probability distribution of the hidden nodes, which enables the framework to propagate close to real probability distributions of the hidden node values to each proceeding DNN layer. Furthermore, our framework leverages CUDA to parallelize the analysis, enabling high-speed GPU implementation for fast analysis. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated using the ACAS Xu benchmark, to provide reachability probability estimates for all network nodes. This paper also provides potential applications of QuanDA for the analysis of DNN safety properties.
The Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD): Studying Development from Infancy to Adulthood
Authors: Vandell Deborah Lowe , Gülseven Zehra
Published: August 2023

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) is a comprehensive study of human development that has followed participants from birth ( N = 1,364) to age 26 ( N = 814). Observations, diagnostic procedures, standardized tests, and questionnaires were used to measure five developmental contexts (early care and education, home, school, out of school, and neighborhoods) and three developmental domains (social–emotional, cognitive–academic, and physical–biological). Measures were repeated over time so that stability, change, and growth trajectories of both contexts and developmental domains could be studied. The goals of this review are threefold: ( a) to acquaint readers with the depth and breadth of measures available in this public data set, ( b) to provide an overview of longitudinal findings that extend the SECCYD to the end of high school and age 26, and ( c) to highlight promising areas for future research.
Bacterial Etiology of Urinary Tract Infection and Antibiogram Profile in Children Attending Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kiros Teklehaimanot , Zeleke Melaku , Eyayu Tahir , Workineh Lemma , Damtie Shewaneh , Andualem Tesfaye , Tiruneh Tegenaw , Assefa Ayenew , Getu Sisay , Molla Tazeb , Gebreyesus Tsehaynesh
Published: August 2023

Background. Bacterial urinary tract infections are important public health problems in children. This study was conducted to identify the bacterial agents of urinary tract infections and antibiogram patterns in children. Methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional study including 220 children was carried out between November 15, 2021, and March 10, 2022. Simple random sampling was used to enroll participants. The sociodemographic and clinically pertinent information was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. Every participant in the study who was ≤15 years old gave clean-catch midstream urine. Urine samples were inoculated onto a cystine lactose electrolyte-deficient agar using a calibrated inoculating loop with a 0.001 ml capacity and then incubated aerobically for 24 hours at 37°C. Subculturing for significant bacteriuria was done on MacConkey and blood agar. Gram staining, biochemical assays, and colony characteristics were used for bacterial identification. The disc diffusion method developed by Kirby and Bauer was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. SPSS software version 25 was used for data entry and analysis. To find the risk factors, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. An association was deemed statistically significant if thepvalue at the 95 percent confidence interval was less than 0.05. Results. In this study, the majority (50.5%) of the study participants were males. The mean age of the study participants was 6 ± 0.91 years. It was found that 31.8% of children had urinary tract infections. The most prevalent urinary pathogens among the isolates were E. coli (27.1%) and S. aureus (18.6%). Approximately 56% of the participants were infected with multidrug-resistant pathogens. Additionally, compared to children who have never had a urinary tract infection, children with a history of infection had 1.04 (95 percent confidence interval (CI): 0.39, 2.75) times higher risk of infection. Conclusion. This study has shown an alarming increase in the prevalence of pediatric urinary tract infections which warrants further investigation into multidrug-resistant bacterial infection.
Seroprevalence and Associated Factors of HBV and HCV among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Assefa Ayenew , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Delelegn Birtukan
Published: August 2023

Background. Infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are worldwide problems that particularly place a heavy burden on developing nations. HBV and HCV infections during pregnancy have a high rate of vertical transmission and harmful consequences for both the mother and the child. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the seroprevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV infections among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15th to September 16th, 2022, at the Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital antenatal care clinic. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected from 422 pregnant women selected using a simple random sampling method. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors were collected using a prestructured questionnaire. A chi-square test, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the association between dependent and independent variables.

p

values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections was found to be 13% and 0.5%, respectively. Undertaking blood transfusion (AOR = 14.2, CI = 5.81–34.526,

p
=
0.001

), tattooing (AOR = 3.99, CI = 1.1–14.36,

p
=
0.034

), and dental therapy (AOR = 4.9, CI = 1.41–17.025,

p
=
0.012

) were significantly associated with HBV infection. Conclusion. HBV infection in pregnant women was shown to have a high endemicity (13%) in this investigation, whereas the seroprevalence of HCV infection was low (0.5%). HBV infection was significantly associated with a history of blood transfusions, tattooing, and dental therapy. Screening pregnant women for HBV and HCV infections and providing effective therapy would ensure better outcomes for the newborn. In addition, health education must be used to increase knowledge of screening and modes of transmission.
Relationship between Uric Acid to High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Nonoverweight/Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cui Yuliang , Qu Zhenzhen , Hu Wenmei , Shi Haiyan
Published: August 2023

Aims. To investigate the relationship between uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in nonoverweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. A retrospective study was designed including a total of 343 inpatients with type 2 diabetes whose BMI<24 kg/m2. The population was divided into three groups as the UHR tertiles. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of UHR for NAFLD. ROC curve analysis was used to estimate the diagnostic value of UHR for NAFLD. Results. The prevalence rat of NAFLD enhanced progressively from the tertile 1 to tertile 3 of UHR (30.70% vs. 56.52% vs. 73.68%). Logistic regression analysis showed that participants in the higher UHR groups, compared with those in the first tertile group, had higher occurrence risks for NAFLD. The positive association between UHR and NAFLD was independent of age, BMI, blood pressure, hepatic enzymes, and other components of metabolic disorders. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for UHR were 0.697, 0.761, and 0.553, respectively. Conclusions. In type 2 diabetic patients without overweight or obesity, UHR is significantly associated with NAFLD and can be used as a novel and useful predictor for NAFLD onset.
Bacterial Colonization in the Airways and Intestines of Twin and Singleton Preterm Neonates: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Yao Jiawei , Ai Tao , Zhang Lei , Tang Wei , Chen Zijin , Huang Yuedong , Fan Yinghong
Published: August 2023

Limited studies have investigated the microbial colonization of the airways and intestines in preterm neonates. We studied the composition of intestinal and airway bacterial colonies in several preterm twin pairs and singletons to explore the dominant bacteria, assess their variability, and predict their phenotypic and metabolic functions. In this descriptive study, we collected sputum and fetal stool specimens from 10 twin pairs (20 cases) and 20 singleton preterm neonates. These specimens were analyzed using 16S rRNA deep sequencing to study the alpha and beta diversities and community structures of airway and intestinal bacteria and predict their metabolic functions. Specimens from twins and singleton neonates had distinct aggregations of intestinal and airway bacteria but showed similarities and high microbial diversities during initial colonization. The top five phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Cyanobacteria. The top ten genera were Streptococcus, Acinetobacter, Ralstonia, Staphylococcus, Comamonas, Enterococcus, Stenotrophomonas, Dechlorosoma, Sphingopyxis, and Rothia. Potentially pathogenic and highly stress-tolerant Gram-negative bacteria were predominant in the intestinal flora. A considerable proportion of colonies recovered from the airway and intestines of preterm neonates were functional bacteria. The richness of the intestinal and airway flora was not significantly different between twins and singletons, and the flora clustered together. Both intestinal and airway bacteria of twins and singletons were similar. The species involved in initial colonization were similar but different in proportions; therefore, changes in microbial structure and richness may not be attributed to these species.
Description of Streptococcus thalassemiae sp. nov., a Bacterium Isolated from Human Blood
Authors: Diouf Fatou Samba , Beye Mamadou , Gaye Mapenda , Mbaye Babacar , Alibar Stephane , Sarr Mariema , Dubourg Gregory , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Sokhna Cheikh , Fenollar Florence , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Lo Cheikh Ibrahima
Published: August 2023

Blood is a precious biological liquid that is normally sterile. Therefore, bacteria in the bloodstream are shown a priori anomaly. A blood culture is systematically performed to diagnose the cause of the bacteremia. Indeed, a patient received in our service had a thalassemia major and underwent a genoidentical transplant. Then, a blood test was performed to diagnose a four-day fever. In this context, we have isolated strain Marseille-Q2617 from the blood sample. It revealed a new bacterial strain that belongs to the genus Streptococcus. It is a Gram-positive coccus, nonmotile, and nonspore forming. The major fatty acid found is hexadecanoic acid, with 49.5%. A taxonomic method was used to characterize the strain by studying their phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genomic characteristics. In addition, sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene shows that the strain Marseille-Q2617 has 99.94% sequence similarity to Streptococcus mitis. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis for strain Marseille-Q2617T showed the highest similarity of 92.9% with S. mitis. The DNA-DNA hybridization value obtained (50.2%) between strain Marseille-Q2607 and S. mitis, its closest related species, was below the recommended threshold (<70%). Strain Marseille-Q2617T has a genome size of 2.02 Mbp with 40.5 mol% of G + C content. Based on these results, we propose a new species of the genus Streptococcus, for which the name Streptococcus thalassemiae sp. nov., Marseille-Q2617T (=CSUR Q2617 = CECT 30109) was proposed.
A Low-Cost Wireless Multinode Vibration Monitoring System for Civil Structures
Authors: Rocha Ribeiro Renan , de Almeida Sobral Rafael , Cavalcante Ian Barreto , Conte Mendes Veloso Luís Augusto , de Melo Lameiras Rodrigo
Published: August 2023

Structural health monitoring (SHM) has gained importance because many structures are approaching the end of their design life and demanding maintenance and monitoring. Low-cost solutions may push forward a widespread implementation of SHM on infrastructures but further investigation is still required to assess the performance of technically accessible, simple, and scalable low-cost systems. This work presents the development and validation of a low-cost vibration-based SHM multinode wireless system, based on the Arduino platform, for identification of modal parameters in civil infrastructures. Full details about the hardware and source code of the system are disclosed in an open repository, allowing its reproduction even by non-specialists in electronics. The sampling frequency stability of the system is experimentally characterized, and interpolation postprocessing algorithms are proposed to solve inherent limitations. The system is validated, and its performance is investigated in impulse and ambient vibration tests performed in a real-scale slab and a high-grade system. The data obtained from the proposed system in impulse tests allowed estimation of natural frequencies within 2%, and MAC values around 0.3 to 0.9, in relation to those estimated with the high-grade system. However, the low-cost system was unable to produce usable data in ambient vibration tests.
The Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Alstonia boonei Exhibits Anticataract Activity in Sprague Dawley Rat
Authors: Amanfo Adwoa Frema , Kyei Samuel , Boakye Yaw Duah , Akoto Clement Osei , Addo Justice Kwaku , Yeboah Kofi Oduro , Osafo Newman
Published: August 2023

In Africa, Alstonia boonei is used folklorically for the management of the multitude of conditions including cataract, which accounts for 50% of cases of blindness in the region. The current study set out to probe the traditional use of the aqueous extract of Alstonia boonei stem bark (ABE) as an anticataract remedy using Sprague Dawley rat models. We investigated the probable phytochemical constituents in the extract, in vitro antioxidant potential, and its in vitro aldose reductase inhibition. For the anticataract investigations, diabetic cataract was induced using galactose in 3-week-old Sprague Dawley rats, and age-related cataract was induced by the administration of sodium selenite to 10-day-old rat pups. Cataract scores in both models were determined after treatment with 30, 100, and 300 mgkg−1 doses of ABE and 10 mlkg−1 of distilled water. Lens glutathione, total lens protein, soluble lens proteins (alpha-A) crystallin, and aquaporin 0 levels in the enucleated lens homogenates were determined. Changes in lens to body weight were also determined with histopathological analysis done on the lenses in the selenite-induced cataract model. The presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, and triterpenoids was identified in the extract. The extract inhibited aldose reductase activity with IC50 of 92.30 μgml−1. The 30, 100, and 300 mgkg−1ABE-treated rats recorded significantly (

p

 < 0.05) reduced cataract scores indicating a delay in cataractogenesis in galactose-induced cataract and in selenite-induced cataractogenesis as well. Markers of lens transparency such as AQP0, alpha-A crystallin, and total lens proteins and lens glutathione levels were significantly (

p

 < 0.05) preserved. In conclusion, this study establishes the anticataract potential of the aqueous stem bark extract of Alstonia boonei in Sprague Dawley rat models.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Trophoblast Cell Proliferation and Migration by Targeting TFPI2 in Preeclampsia
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhou Chenchen , Zhao Xiaobo , Che Ronghua , Wu Yuelin , Wan Sheng , Pei Jinda , Yao Liping , Hua Xiaolin
Published: August 2023

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by systemic organ damage and high blood pressure. It has been reported that microRNA-195 (miR-195) is associated with preeclampsia. In this study, we discovered the target of miR-195 in regulating human extravillous cytotrophoblast-derived transformed cell proliferation and migration. We analyzed the clinicopathological factors of preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of miR-195 and tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2) were measured in placental tissues derived from normal and preeclampsia patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles were verified by western blot. HTR8-S/Vneo cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and cell migration rate was assessed by the transwell assay. Relative luciferase activities were measured in TFPI2 wild-type (WT) and mutant cells. miR-195 expression was negatively correlated with TFPI2 mRNA levels in preeclampsia patients. Extracellular vesicles derived from hUC-MSCs enhanced HTR8-S/Vneo cell proliferation and migration. In addition, miR-195 isolated from hUC-MSCs enhanced HTR8-S/Vneo cell proliferation and migration by targeting TFPI2. Our findings demonstrate that the upregulation of miR-195 in extracellular vesicles derived from hUC-MSCs promotes HTR8-S/Vneo cell proliferation and migration by targeting TFPI2.
Complex Dynamics and Chaos Control of a Discrete-Time Predator-Prey Model
Authors: Ahmed Rizwan , Rafaqat Muhammad , Siddique Imran , Arefin Mohammad Asif
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate the complexity of a discrete predator-prey system. The discretization is achieved using the piecewise constant argument method. The existence and stability of equilibrium points, as well as transcritical and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations, are all explored. Feedback and hybrid control methods are used to control the discrete system’s bifurcating and fluctuating behavior. To validate the theoretical conclusions, numerical simulations are performed. The findings of the study suggested that the discretization technique employed in this investigation preserves bifurcation and displays more effective dynamic consistency in comparison to the Euler method.
Data from Characterizing Evolutionary Dynamics Reveals Strategies to Exhaust the Spectrum of Subclonal Resistance in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Müller Nina , Lorenz Carina , Ostendorp Jenny , Heisel Felix S. , Friese Ulrich P. , Cartolano Maria , Plenker Dennis , Tumbrink Hannah , Heimsoeth Alena , Baedeker Philipp , Weiss Jonathan , Ortiz-Cuaran Sandra , Büttner Reinhard , Peifer Martin , Thomas Roman K. , Sos Martin L. , Berg Johannes , Brägelmann Johannes
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The emergence of resistance to targeted therapies restrains their efficacy. The development of rationally guided drug combinations could overcome this currently insurmountable clinical challenge. However, our limited understanding of the trajectories that drive the outgrowth of resistant clones in cancer cell populations precludes design of drug combinations to forestall resistance. Here, we propose an iterative treatment strategy coupled with genomic profiling and genome-wide CRISPR activation screening to systematically extract and define preexisting resistant subpopulations in an EGFR-driven lung cancer cell line. Integrating these modalities identifies several resistance mechanisms, including activation of YAP/TAZ signaling by WWTR1 amplification, and estimates the associated cellular fitness for mathematical population modeling. These observations led to the development of a combination therapy that eradicated resistant clones in large cancer cell line populations by exhausting the spectrum of genomic resistance mechanisms. However, a small fraction of cancer cells was able to enter a reversible nonproliferative state of drug tolerance. This subpopulation exhibited mesenchymal properties, NRF2 target gene expression, and sensitivity to ferroptotic cell death. Exploiting this induced collateral sensitivity by GPX4 inhibition clears drug-tolerant populations and leads to tumor cell eradication. Overall, this experimental in vitro data and theoretical modeling demonstrate why targeted mono- and dual therapies will likely fail in sufficiently large cancer cell populations to limit long-term efficacy. Our approach is not tied to a particular driver mechanism and can be used to systematically assess and ideally exhaust the resistance landscape for different cancer types to rationally design combination therapies.
Significance:
Unraveling the trajectories of preexisting resistant and drug-tolerant persister cells facilitates the rational design of multidrug combination or sequential therapies, presenting an approach to explore for treating EGFR-mutant lung cancer.