bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of China's Participation in the Value Chains of its Trading Partners on the Carbon Embodied in the Bilateral Trade of Forest Products
Authors: Guo Ling , Xiao Liqiang , Wang Wenlan , Shi Xuanmeng , Wu Shuangshuang
Published: April 2023

To recalibrate the connection between participation in global value chains (GVCs) and carbon embodied in trade is of great importance because it provides significant insights about how China's forest products industry should integrate into GVCs and promotes the reduction of carbon embodied in trade. This paper obtains panel data related to the GVC participation of, and carbon embodied in, the trade between China and 43 of its trading partners from 2000 to 2018, and uses fixed effects and quantile regressions to explore the impact of China's participation in the value chains of its trading partners on the carbon embodied in the trade of forest products from the perspective of bilateral trade. It is found that (1) China's participation in the value chains of its trading partners significantly reduces the carbon embodied in forest product trade, especially that of pollution-intensive products (e.g., paper and its products); (2) China's participation in the value chains of high-income countries reduces the carbon embodied in forest product trade; (3) foreign direct investment (FDI) in trading partners weakly suppresses the carbon embodied in the trade of Chinese forest products; (4) the effect on the carbon embodied in the trade of Chinese forest products is only suppressive when China's degree of participation in the value chain is higher; and (5) China's forward participation in the forest product value chains of its trading partners reduces its overall carbon embodied in trade, while the backward participation has the opposite effect.
A PERCEPÇÃO DA MORAL OITOCENTISTA ATRAVÉS DOS REGISTROS ECLESIÁSTICOS DE ÓBITOS - ELEMENTOS PARA UMA HISTÓRIA CULTURAL DA SAÚDE PÚBLICA EM FEIRA DE SANTANA
Authors: Silva Aldo José Morais
Published: April 2023

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido no âmbito do Curso de Pós-Graduação Latu-Sensu em Teoria e Metodologia da História - UEFS, objetivando identificar elementos da mentalidade do século XIX, mais especificamente de sua moral, a partir  dos registros  eclesiásticos  de óbitos de 1828 a 1894,  existentes  no Arquivo  da Cúria  Diocesana  de Feira de   Santana. A   análise   dessa   documentação  revela-nos   o   fenômeno da quase inexistência da sífilis em Feira de Santana. Uma estranha “anomalia” no desenvolvimento e incidência de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis sobre a população da cidade. Anomalia de gênese social, articulada segundo interesses comuns de todo um corpo social e com um propósito bem definido. Mas além da sífilis, os registros eclesiásticos revelaram também o silêncio em relação aos leprosos. Um silêncio que aguarda ser quebrado para trazer ao presente os sentimentos daquela sociedade que não se atrevia a mencionar a lepra nem mesmo para seus integrantes mais miseráveis.
EM TORNO DO CONCEITO DE REGIÃO
Authors: Martins da Fonseca Antonio Angelo
Published: April 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é o de retomar a discussão sobre o conceito de região na Geografia,  num contexto  onde, ao mesmo tempo em que ocorre o fortalecimento de decisões em escala planetária, paradoxalmente percebe-se o retorno às decisões  e estratégias  locais  e regio- nais, particularmente na Bahia.
Reducing phase errors in multimode interference coupler by side grooves formed on its top surface
Authors: Środa Edyta , Gawlik Andrzej , Olszewski Jacek , Urbańczyk Wacław
Published: April 2023

The performance of multimode interference (MMI) couplers is limited by the presence of phase errors that represent the deviation of the propagation constants of the modes from the quadratic dependence on their order. In this work, we propose a simple and effective method for reducing the phase errors of spatial modes to a relatively high order by forming rectangular grooves near the side edges of the MMI coupler along its entire length. The influence of the groove dimensions and position on the propagation constants of higher-order modes is analyzed using the perturbation method and strict vector simulations for high- and medium-index contrast material platforms. Through numerical simulations, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving the performance of air-cladded dual-mode (TE0 and TE1) MMI-based 50:50 and 100:0 splitters for 1.31 µm wavelength made of medium- and high-contrast materials, TiO2:SiO2/SiO2 and Si/SiO2, respectively.
Non-invasive diffuse optical monitoring of cerebral physiology in an adult swine-model of impact traumatic brain injury
Authors: Forti Rodrigo M. , Hobson Lucas J. , Benson Emilie J. , Ko Tiffany S. , Ranieri Nicolina R. , Laurent Gerard , Weeks M. Katie , Widmann Nicholas J. , Morton Sarah , Davis Anthony M. , Sueishi Takayuki , Lin Yuxi , Wulwick Karli S. , Fagan Nicholas , Shin Samuel S. , Kao Shih-Han , Licht Daniel J. , White Brian R. , Kilbaugh Todd J. , Yodh Arjun G. , Baker Wesley B.
Published: April 2023

In this study, we used diffuse optics to address the need for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of cerebral physiology following traumatic brain injury (TBI). We combined frequency-domain and broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy with diffuse correlation spectroscopy to monitor cerebral oxygen metabolism, cerebral blood volume, and cerebral water content in an established adult swine-model of impact TBI. Cerebral physiology was monitored before and after TBI (up to 14 days post injury). Overall, our results suggest that non-invasive optical monitoring can assess cerebral physiologic impairments post-TBI, including an initial reduction in oxygen metabolism, development of cerebral hemorrhage/hematoma, and brain swelling.
Introduction to the ONDM 2022 special issue
Authors: Piotr Turkiewicz Jarosław , Gomes Teresa , Klinkowski Mirosław , Rak Jacek , Tornatore Massimo
Published: April 2023

This JOCN special issue contains extended versions of selected papers presented at the 26th International Conference on Optical Network Design and Modeling (ONDM 2022), which took place 16–19 May 2022 at Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland. The topics covered by the papers represent trends in optical networking research: application of machine learning to network management, cross-layer network performance optimization, visible light communication as well as coherent metro networks.
Frugal techniques for optimization of CGH generation code
Authors: Gupta Anuj , Das Bhargab , Kumar Raj
Published: April 2023

The numerically calculated and digitally stored full complex wavefront emerging from an object or scene is called a computer generated hologram (CGH). The CGH generation involves intensive calculations resulting in a huge amount of computation time. This makes it hard to display the object’s holographic information in real time. Therefore, the optimization of a CGH generation code is required to reduce the involved computational cost. The present work is an effort to optimize the CGH generation code using basic frugal techniques. Different techniques of optimization viz. analytical solution of mathematical equations, reduction in redundancy, utilization of all available resources etc. are implemented. Results infer that our optimization techniques have the potential to reduce the execution times significantly. The optimization of analytical solution reduced the execution time by more than 55% in the case of phase calculations and by around 98% in the case of calculations of the Fresnel zone plate function. Similarly, the graphics processing unit cores completed the calculations in around 2% of the time that is required by central processing unit cores for the same calculation.
Dissipative Kerr solitons in integrated Fabry–Perot microresonators
Authors: Wildi Thibault , Gaafar Mahmoud A. , Voumard Thibault , Ludwig Markus , Herr Tobias
Published: April 2023

Dissipative Kerr solitons (DKSs) in integrated microresonators have enabled breakthroughs in sensing, communication, and signal processing. So far, integrated DKS sources have relied exclusively on ring-type resonators where the resonator’s dispersion is defined by its waveguide. Means of engineering the dispersion that go beyond modifying the waveguide’s cross section are needed for accessing new wavelength and operating regimes. Here, we demonstrate DKS generation from a continuous-wave driving-laser in an integrated Fabry–Perot microresonator. In this topology, the dispersion is not dominated by the waveguide but by nanostructured photonic crystal mirrors. Leveraging wafer-level fabrication, high intrinsic Q-factors of 4 million are achieved and unintentional avoided mode crossings that can prevent DKS formation are absent. This establishes an integrated resonator topology for DKS generation and creates opportunities for alternative wavelength domains and approaches such as dispersion managed solitons or Nyquist solitons.
The active zone protein Clarinet regulates synaptic sorting of ATG-9 and presynaptic autophagy
Authors: Xuan Zhao , Yang Sisi , Clark Benjamin , Hill Sarah E. , Manning Laura , Colón-Ramos Daniel A.
Published: April 2023

Autophagy is essential for cellular homeostasis and function. In neurons, autophagosome biogenesis is temporally and spatially regulated to occur near presynaptic sites, in part via the trafficking of autophagy transmembrane protein ATG-9. The molecules that regulate autophagy by sorting ATG-9 at synapses remain largely unknown. Here, we conduct forward genetic screens at single synapses ofC.elegansneurons and identify a role for the long isoform of the active zone protein Clarinet (CLA-1L) in regulating sorting of autophagy protein ATG-9 at synapses, and presynaptic autophagy. We determine that disrupting CLA-1L results in abnormal accumulation of ATG-9 containing vesicles enriched with clathrin. The ATG-9 phenotype incla-1(L)mutants is not observed for other synaptic vesicle proteins, suggesting distinct mechanisms that regulate sorting of ATG-9-containing vesicles and synaptic vesicles. Through genetic analyses, we uncover the adaptor protein complexes that genetically interact with CLA-1 in ATG-9 sorting. We also determine that CLA-1L extends from the active zone to the periactive zone and genetically interacts with periactive zone proteins in ATG-9 sorting. Our findings reveal novel roles for active zone proteins in the sorting of ATG-9 and in presynaptic autophagy.
Effects of blood meal source on blood consumption and reproductive success of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis
Authors: Blakely Brittny N. , Agnew John , Gard Charlotte , Romero Alvaro
Published: April 2023

Cat fleas, small blood-feeding ectoparasites that feed on humans and animals, cause discomfort through their bites, and can transmit numerous diseases to animals and humans. Traditionally, fleas have been reared for research on live animals, but this process requires animal handling permits, inflicts discomfort on animals, and requires money and time to maintain the host animals. Although artificial membrane-based feeding systems have been implemented, these methods are not sustainable in the long term because they result in lower blood consumption and egg production than those with rearing on live hosts. To maximize these parameters, we tested blood from four hosts to determine the most suitable blood, on the basis of blood consumption and egg production. We also tested the effects of adding the phagostimulant adenosine-5´-triphosphate to the blood to maximize blood consumption. In 48 hours, fleas fed dog blood consumed the most blood, averaging 9.5 μL per flea, whereas fleas fed on cow, cat, or human blood consumed 8.3 μL, 5.7 μL, or 5.2 μL, respectively. Addition of 0.01 M and 0.1 M adenosine-5´-triphosphate to dog and cow blood did not enhance blood consumption. In a 1-week feeding period, the total egg production was also greatest in fleas fed dog blood, with females producing 129.5 eggs, whereas females on cat, human, and cow blood produced 97.2, 83.0, and 70.7 eggs, respectively. The observed results in dog blood indicate an improvement over previously reported results in cat fleas fed with an artificial feeding system. Improving the sustainability of rearing cat flea colonies without feeding on live animals will enable more humane and convenient production of this pest for scientific research.
Near point-of-care HIV viral load testing: Cascade after high viral load in suburban Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Tun Ni Ni , Smithuis Frank , Tun Nyan Lynn , Min Myo , Hlaing Myo Ma Ma , Olmen Josefien van , Lynen Lutgarde , Gils Tinne
Published: April 2023

Introduction

HIV viral load (VL) testing in resource-limited settings is often centralised, limiting access. In Myanmar, we assessed outcomes according to VL access and the VL cascade (case management after a first high VL result) before and after near point-of-care (POC) VL was introduced.

Methods

Routine programme data from people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were used. We assessed the odds of getting a VL test done by year. Attrition and mortality two years after ART initiation were compared between three groups of PLHIV with different access to VL testing using Kaplan-Meier analysis. We compared VL cascades in those with a first VL result before and after near POC VL testing became available. With logistic regression, predictors of confirmed virological failure after a first high VL in the POC era were explored.

Results

Among 4291 PLHIV who started ART between July 2009 and June 2018, 794 (18.5%) became eligible for VL testing when it was not available, 2388 (55.7%) when centralised laboratory-based VL testing was available, and 1109 (25.8%) when near POC VL testing was available. Between 2010 and 2019, the odds of getting a VL test among those eligible increased with each year (OR: 5.21 [95% CI: 4.95–5.48]). Attrition and mortality were not different in the three groups. When comparing PLHIV with a first VL result before and after implementation of the near POC VL testing, in the latter, more had a first VL test (92% versus 15%, p<0.001), less had a first high VL result (5% versus 14%, p<0.001), and more had confirmed virological failure (67% versus 47%, p = 0.013). Having a first VL ≥5000 copies/mL after near POC implementation was associated with confirmed virological failure (adjusted OR: 2.61 [95% CI: 1.02–6.65]).

Conclusion

Near POC VL testing enabled rapid increase of VL coverage and a well-managed VL cascade in Myanmar.
First-line systemic treatment strategies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: wang Liting , Peng Ye , Qin Shuxia , Wan Xiaomin , Zeng Xiaohui , Li Sini , Liu Qiao , Tan Chongqing
Published: April 2023

Background

Oral multikinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) but may increase cost. This study compared the cost-effectiveness of oral multikinase inhibitors and ICIs in the first-line treatment of patients with aHCC.

Methods

A three-state Markov model was established to study the cost-effectiveness of drug treatment from the perspective of Chinese payers. The key outcomes in this study were total cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results

The total costs and QALYs of sorafenib, sunitinib, donafenib, lenvatinib, sorafenib plus erlotinib, linifanib, brivanib, sintilimab plus IBI305, and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab were $9070 and 0.25, $9362 and 0.78, $33,814 and 0.45, $49,120 and 0.83, $63,064 and 0.81, $74,814 and 0.82, $81,995 and 0.82, $74083 and 0.85, and $104,188 and 0.84, respectively. The drug regimen with the lowest ICER was sunitinib ($551 per QALY), followed by lenvatinib ($68,869 per QALY). For oral multikinase inhibitors, the ICER of lenvatinib, sorafenib plus erlotinib, linifanib and brivanib compared with sunitinib was $779576, $1534,347, $1768,971, and $1963,064, respectively. For ICIs, sintilimab plus IBI305 is more cost effective than atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. The model was most sensitive to the price of sorafenib, the utility of PD, and the price of second-line drugs.

Conclusion

For oral multikinase inhibitors, the order of possible treatment options is sunitinib > lenvatinib > sorafenib plus erlotinib > linifanib > brivanib > donafenib. For ICIs, the order of possible treatment options is sintilimab plus IBI305 > atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.
Single-fed broadband CPW-fed circularly polarized implantable antenna for sensing medical applications
Authors: Butt Arslan Dawood , Khan Jalal , Ahmad Sarosh , Ghaffar Adnan , Abdullah Al-Gburi Ahmed Jamal , Hussein Mousa
Published: April 2023

Biomedical telemetry relies heavily on implantable antennas. Due to this, we have designed and tested a compact, a circularly polarized, a low-profile biomedical implantable antenna that operate in the 2.45 GHz ISM band. In order to keep the antenna compact, modified co-planar waveguide (CPW) technology is used. Slotted rectangular patch with one 45-degree angle slot and truncated little patch on the left end of the ground plane generate a frequency-range antenna with circular polarization. Using a 0.25-millimeter-thick Roger Duroid-RT5880 substrate with a thickness of εr = 2.2, tanδ = 0.0009 provides flexibility. The volume of the antenna is 21 mm x 13.5 mm x 0.254 mm (0.25λg × 0.16λg × 0.003λg). The antenna covers 2.35–2.55 GHz (200 MHz) in free space and 1.63–1.17 GHz (1.17 GHz) in epidermal tissue. With skin tissue that has more bandwidth, the (x and y)-axis bends of the antenna are also simulated via the simulation. Bended antenna simulations and measurements show excellent agreement. At 2.45 GHz, the skin-like gel had -10dB impedance and 3dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidths of 47.7 and 53.8%, respectively. The ultimate result is that the SAR values are 0.78 W/kg in skin over 1 g of bulk tissue, as determined by simulations. The suggested SAR values are lower than the FCC’s maximum allowable limit (FCC). This antenna is small enough to be implanted in the body, making it perfect for biomedical applications.
Can power market reform reduce air pollution?——Evidence from prefecture-level cities in China
Authors: Li Xing , Liu Zimin , Yang Dan , Wei Yong , Gong Na
Published: April 2023

The market-oriented reform of China’s power market has gradually transformed power prices from government pricing to market regulation, which not only promotes the production efficiency of industrial enterprises, but also inhibits the excessive consumption and waste of power by residential power users. This paper uses the data from 2006–2018 combined with the precious industrial power price data and macroeconomic data of 100 cities in China, takes the marketization reform of the power market in 2015 as a quasi-natural experiment, and uses the difference-in-differences model to empirically study the causal relationship between power market reform and air pollution for the first time. The study found that power market reform can reduce air pollution, and this conclusion is also supported by a number of robustness tests. Mechanism analysis shows that power market reform can reduce air pollution by improving power market efficiency, promoting technological progress, and reducing power consumption. Heterogeneity analysis shows that power market reform can suppress air pollution more significantly in eastern regions, regions with severe air pollution, and regions with larger populations. This paper not only provides new research perspectives and research ideas for air pollution prevention and control, but also provides empirical evidence for the positive externalities of power market reform.
Clinical characteristics and diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis in clinical practice at Thailand’s largest national tertiary referral center: An 11-year retrospective review
Authors: Sudcharoen Asawin , Ruchikajorndech Gahwin , Srisajjakul Sitthipong , Pongpaibul Ananya , Ngamskulrungroj Popchai , Tulyaprawat Orawan , Limsrivilai Julajak
Published: April 2023

Background

Diagnosing intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is challenging due to the low diagnostic sensitivity of current methods. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics and diagnosis of ITB at our tertiary referral center, and to explore improved methods of ITB diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective study included 177 patients diagnosed with ITB at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) during 2009–2020.

Results

The mean age was 49 years, 55.4% were male, and 42.9% were immunocompromised. Most diagnoses (108/177) were made via colonoscopy; 12 patients required more than one colonoscopy. Among those, the sensitivity of tissue acid-fast bacilli (AFB), presence of caseous necrosis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and culture was 40.7%, 13.9%, 25.7%, and 53.4%, respectively. Among patients with negative tissue histopathology, 4 (3.7%) and 13 (12.0%) were ITB positive on tissue PCR and culture, respectively. The overall sensitivity when all diagnostic methods were used was 63%. Seventy-six patients had stool tests for mycobacteria. The overall sensitivity of stool tests was 75.0%. However, when analyzing the 31 patients who underwent both endoscopy and stool testing, the sensitivity of stool testing when using tissue biopsy as a reference was 45.8%. Combining stool testing and tissue biopsy did not significantly increase the sensitivity compared to tissue biopsy alone (83.9% vs. 77.4%, respectively).

Conclusion

Despite the availability of PCR and culture for TB, the overall diagnostic sensitivity was found to be low. The sensitivity increased when the tests were used in combination. Repeated colonoscopy may be beneficial. Adding stool mycobacteria tests did not significantly increase the diagnostic yield if endoscopy was performed, but it could be beneficial if endoscopy is unfeasible.
Serum Col3-4: A new type III and IV collagen biochemical marker of synovial tissue turnover in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gineyts Evelyne , Millet Marjorie , Borel Olivier , Coutant Frédéric , Rousseau Jean-Charles , Chapurlat Roland , Marotte Hubert , Garnero Patrick
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to develop a serum biochemical marker of the degradation of type III and IV collagens, as an index of synovium turnover, and evaluate its performance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serum synovial collagen fragments (Col3-4) was developed using an antibody recognizing a specific sequence from human type III collagen, which shares 70% homology with type IV collagen. Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize Col3-4 and the matrix metalloprotease MMP-9 which is upregulated in RA synovial fibroblasts in the synovial tissue from a RA patient. Serum Col3-4 was measured in patients with RA (n = 66, 73% women, mean age 62 years, median disease activity score 28 with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) 2.6) and in sex and age matched healthy controls (n = 70, 76% women, mean age 59 years). Col3-4 immunoassay demonstrated adequate analytical performances and recognized a circulating neoepitope resulting from the cleavage of type III and IV collagens. In RA synovium tissue, Col3-4 fragments were localized in the lining layer where destructive fibroblasts are present and around blood vessels rich in type IV collagen. MMP-9 colocalized with Col3-4 staining and efficiently released Col3-4 fragments from type III and type IV collagen digestion. Serum Col3-4 was markedly increased in patients with RA (+240% vs controls, p < 0.0001) and correlated with DAS28-ESR (r = 0.53, p < 0.0001). Patients with RA and active disease (DAS28-ESR > 3.2, n = 20) had 896% (p < 0.0001) higher levels than subjects with low activity (n = 46). Serum Col3-4 is a specific and sensitive biochemical marker reflecting MMP- mediated type III and IV collagen degradation from synovial tissue. Serum Col3-4 levels are markedly increased in patients with RA, particularly in those with active disease, suggesting that it may be useful for the clinical investigation of RA.
Abdominal imaging associates body composition with COVID-19 severity
Authors: Basty Nicolas , Sorokin Elena P. , Thanaj Marjola , Srinivasan Ramprakash , Whitcher Brandon , Bell Jimmy D. , Cule Madeleine , Thomas E. Louise
Published: April 2023

The main drivers of COVID-19 disease severity and the impact of COVID-19 on long-term health after recovery are yet to be fully understood. Medical imaging studies investigating COVID-19 to date have mostly been limited to small datasets and post-hoc analyses of severe cases. The UK Biobank recruited recovered SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals (n = 967) and matched controls (n = 913) who were extensively imaged prior to the pandemic and underwent follow-up scanning. In this study, we investigated longitudinal changes in body composition, as well as the associations of pre-pandemic image-derived phenotypes with COVID-19 severity. Our longitudinal analysis, in a population of mostly mild cases, associated a decrease in lung volume with SARS-CoV-2 positivity. We also observed that increased visceral adipose tissue and liver fat, and reduced muscle volume, prior to COVID-19, were associated with COVID-19 disease severity. Finally, we trained a machine classifier with demographic, anthropometric and imaging traits, and showed that visceral fat, liver fat and muscle volume have prognostic value for COVID-19 disease severity beyond the standard demographic and anthropometric measurements. This combination of image-derived phenotypes from abdominal MRI scans and ensemble learning to predict risk may have future clinical utility in identifying populations at-risk for a severe COVID-19 outcome.
The effect of quality culture on service quality of public and private Universities: A comparative analysis
Authors: Iqbal Shahzaf , Ashfaq Tahir , Azlan Bin Taib Che , Rizal Razalli Mohd
Published: April 2023

This study aims to differentiate between perceived quality culture (QC) and service quality (SQ) in public and private universities; and to examine the effect of QC on SQ in both types of universities, individually and collectively. This is a quantitative study in which data are collected from administrative and quality managers of randomly selected universities in Pakistan through face-to-face and online surveys. Of the 150 questionnaires distributed, a total of 111 questionnaires are received, of which 105 are valid, giving a response rate of 70%. The collected data are then analyzed by descriptive and causal research methods using SPSS-25 and PLS-SEM. The findings reveal significant differences in perceived QC and SQ between public and private universities; however, public universities scored higher on both variables than private universities. Furthermore, the results show the significant effect of QC on SQ individually and collectively in public and private universities; however, this relationship is stronger for private universities than for public universities. The findings of the study may help administrative and quality managers to improve SQ by cultivating QC in their respective universities, thereby improving organizational performance. This study extends theoretical knowledge by introducing QC as a predictor variable and then measuring SQ from a dual perspective (internal and external customers) in a university setting, which is less explored in the existing literature.
Visual surveys provide baseline data on small vessel traffic and waterbirds in a coastal protected area
Authors: Blight Louise K. , Bertram Douglas F. , O’Hara Patrick D.
Published: April 2023

The coastal waters of southern British Columbia, Canada, encompass habitat of international conservation significance to coastal and marine birds, including sizeable areas designated in the early 1900s as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBS) to protect overwintering waterfowl from hunting near urban centres. Two of these, Shoal Harbour (SHMBS) and Victoria Harbour (VHMBS), have seen significant marine infrastructure development in recent decades and experience considerable vessel traffic. Vessel-related stressors are known to affect waterbirds, but traffic characteristics in coastal urban areas are poorly understood for the smaller vessels not tracked by Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). We conducted a pilot study using shore-based observers to develop small-vessel baselines for the winter months, when regional waterbird numbers are highest. During our surveys we recorded considerable inter-site variability in vessel traffic characteristics, with one site (SHMBS) a source of nearly twice as many vessel transits as the other (VHMBS). Most recorded vessels were small watercraft (mean length 26 ± 17′, mode 18′), and vessels at the high-traffic site were both shorter and faster on average. One in six vessels were classified as ‘noisy’, of interest given that noise is an important component of vessel disturbance of waterbirds and other marine animals. Few vessels (7% of all recorded) were of the type required to carry AIS transponders, which highlights the monitoring gap created by using AIS-based approaches alone in nearshore waters, and allows for correction of AIS-derived vessel counts. Waterbird community composition also varied by locality, with one site dominated by gulls (Laridae), cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), and seaducks (Tribe Mergini), and the other by gulls, cormorants, and alcids (Alcidae). Our results demonstrate that fine-scale local variability must be taken into account when managing for vessel traffic disturbance of waterbirds, particularly at sites of high human population density and increasing coastal development.
Considerations in implementation of social risk factor screening and referral in maternal and infant care in Washington, DC: A qualitative study
Authors: Brown Jason , Ahmed Naheed , Biel Matthew , Patchen Loral , Rethy Janine , Thomas Angela , Arem Hannah
Published: April 2023

Background

The District of Columbia (DC) has striking disparities in maternal and infant outcomes comparing Black to White women and babies. Social determinants of health (SDoH) are widely recognized as a significant contributor to these disparities in health outcomes. Screening for social risk factors and referral for appropriate services is a critical step in addressing social needs and reducing outcome disparities.

Methods

We conducted interviews among employees (n = 18) and patients (n = 9) across three diverse, urban clinics within a healthcare system and one community-based organization involved in a five-year initiative to reduce maternal and infant disparities in DC. Interviews were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to understand current processes and organizational factors that contributed to or impeded delivery of social risk factor screening and referral for indicated needs.

Results

We found that current processes for social risk factor screening and referral differed between and within clinics depending on the patient population. Key facilitators of successful screening included a supportive organizational culture and adaptability of more patient-centered screening processes. Key barriers to delivery included high patient volume and limited electronic health record capabilities to record results and track the status of internal and community referrals. Areas identified for improvement included additional social risk factor assessment training for new providers, patient-centered approaches to screening, improved tracking processes, and facilitation of connections to social services within clinical settings.

Conclusion

Despite proliferation of social risk factor screeners and recognition of their importance within health care settings, few studies detail implementation processes for social risk factor screening and referrals. Future studies should test implementation strategies for screening and referral services to address identified barriers to implementation.
Assessing the dependence of vehicle rollover on many factors based on new 4D graphs
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the author proposes a novel solution to evaluate the dependence between the maximum roll angle and the minimum vertical force at the wheel on the vehicle’s height and speed. 4D graphs that fully and clearly describe the dependence between parameters are used to replace conventional 2D and 3D graphs. A complex dynamic model is established to describe the vehicle’s oscillations when steering. Calculations and simulations are performed using Simulink® software with many specific cases. In all cases, the input values such as steering angle, speed, and distance from RA (roll axis) to CG (the center of gravity), all change flexibly. According to the paper’s findings, the roll angle will rise once speed or height increases. In addition, the maximum roll angle increases significantly once both the velocity and the height increase. This causes the vertical force at the wheel to drop suddenly, and rollover may occur if this value reduces to zero. 4D graphs provide a more specific and intuitive assessment of vehicle rollovers.
Enhanced network load balancing technique for efficient performance in software defined network
Authors: Osei Kofi Evans , Ahene Emmanuel
Published: April 2023

Hash collisions and redirection of loads are major limitations for recent Hash IP algorithms. To overcome this, we propose a new Hash IP algorithm dubbed HDW in network load balancing (NLB) to increase network’s efficiency, availability and scalability. We achieve the new Hash IP load balancing algorithm via a constructive merger with weighted scheduler (WS) technique and dynamic switching of routing path (DSP). This helps to reduce delays, jitters and additionally assures some level of security owing to the hashing process. Our findings after comprehensive simulations and performance evaluation depicts that our proposed HDW algorithm is relatively efficient as against other related load balancing algorithms for software defined network.
Evaluation of the medically necessary, time sensitive triage score during and beyond the local COVID-19 pandemic in the Gynaecologic Oncology Unit of a tertiary hospital in South Africa
Authors: Sajo Adekunle Emmanuel , Mouton Arie , Olorunfemi Gbenga , Cathy Visser , van Aardt Matthys Cornelis , Dreyer Greta
Published: April 2023

Objective

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the Medically Necessary Time Sensitive (MeNTS) scoring system in triaging gynaecologic oncologic surgery during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study including 209 patients who either had surgery (151) or surgery postponed (58) between the 26th March and 30th September 2020 in an academic hospital in South Africa. The MeNTS score was used to independently score each patient three times by two observers.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 46.6 ± 15 years and the cumulative mean MeNTS score was 51.0 ± 5.1. Over two-thirds of the cases had surgery. There was no significant difference between the first and second observers’ cumulative scores, 51.0 vs 51.1 (p 0.77). The cumulative score among those who had surgery was significantly lower than that for those whose surgeries were postponed, 49.8 vs 54.1 (p <0.0001). The intra-observer and inter-observer reliability were 0.78 and 0.74 respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, those with low cumulative MeNTS scores were about 5 times more likely to have surgery than those with high scores (Adj. OR = 4.67, 95% CI: 1.92–11.4, p <0.001. Patients with malignant diagnosis were also 5 times more likely to be operated than those with benign diagnosis (Adj. OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 1.73–14.6, p <0.001. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85 suggesting an excellent discriminatory power between those who were operated and those who were postponed.

Conclusion

The study provided some insight into the potential usefulness of MeNTS score in prioritizing patients for surgery in gynaecologic oncologic sub-specialty. The score performed well across a range of gynaecologic conditions and procedures with good intra-observer and inter-observer consistency and reliability. This is a prioritization tool that is dynamically adaptable to accommodate changes in resources availability and operating theatre capacity.
Evaluation of expression variations in virulence-related genes of Leishmania major after several culture passages compared with Phlebotomus papatasi isolated promastigotes
Authors: Nemati Haravani Taher , Parvizi Parviz , Hejazi Seyed Hossein , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi , Eskandarian Abbasali , Nateghi Rostami Mahmoud
Published: April 2023

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a prevalent infectious disease with considerable morbidity annually. Here, we aimed to investigate the likely variations in gene expression of glycoprotein63 (gp63), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), histone, arginase, cysteine protease B (CPB), Leishmania homologue of receptors for activated C kinase (LACK), small hydrophilic endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein (SHERP) in metacyclic promastigotes of L. major isolated from Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies and promastigotes excessively cultured in culture medium. The parasites were collected from suspected CL cases in Pasteur Institute of Iran, cultured and inoculated into the female BALB/c mice (2×106 promastigotes). Sand flies were trapped in Qom province, fed with the blood of euthanized infected mice and subsequently dissected in order to isolate the midgut including stomodeal valve. The metacyclic promastigotes were isolated from Ph. papatasi (Pro-Ppap) using peanut agglutinin test (PNA), then continuously cultured in RPMI-1640 medium enriched with fetal bovine serum, penicillin (100 U/ml) and streptomycin (100 mg/ml) to reach stationary phase (Pro-Stat). The gene expression was evaluated in both parasitic stages (Pro-Ppap and Pro-Stat) using qRT-PCR. Out results showed a significant increased gene expression at Pro-Ppap stage for gp63 (P = 0.002), SHERP (P = 0.001) and histone (P = 0.026) genes, in comparison with Pro-Stat stage. Noticeably, significant changes were, also, demonstrated in 10th to 15th passages [gp63 (P = 0.041), arginase (P = 0.016), LACK (P = 0.025)] and in 5th to 20th passage (SHERP) (P = 0.029). In conclusion, the findings of the present study seem to be essential in designing Leishmania studies, in particular regarding host-parasite interaction, immunization and infectivity studies.
Development and evaluation of the IPLAY program: A protocol for a mixed-methods feasibility study targeting newcomer youth
Authors: Kwan Matthew Y. W. , Kandasamy Sujane , Graham Jeffrey D. , Konopaki Jennifer , Brown Denver M. Y.
Published: April 2023

Background

Physical Literacy (PL) is a synthesis construct that ties together movement competencies with affective, motivational, and knowledge-based elements. It is considered foundational to the development of physical activity-related outcomes. Many diverse organizations and programs have embraced the concept and are implementing programs targeting each of those core elements. However, research has lagged behind its interest and adoption. Among the more prominent gaps is the design and evaluation of programs that aim to increase PL within special populations such as new immigrants or refugee youth.

Methods

The Immigrant-focused Physical Literacy for Youth (IPLAY) program is a co-developed evidence-informed 8-week PL program designed for new immigrant and refugee youths who have recently settled in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This study aims to use a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach to collect, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data in the evaluation and iteration of the IPLAY program.

Discussion

PL programs can be used as a tool to build confidence and physical competencies among newcomer youth. Furthermore, academic-community collaborations in the design and delivery of PL programs can help improve the access and interest for PL programs among newcomer youth. These partnerships are critical and timely considering the recent and upcoming waves of immigration to “arrival cities” across Canada.
Comparison of intraperitoneal and incisional lidocaine or ropivacaine irrigation for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing major abdominal surgeries
Authors: Brioschi Federica Alessandra , Ravasio Giuliano , Ferrari Francesco , Amari Martina , Di Cesare Federica , Valentini Visentin Martina , Rabbogliatti Vanessa
Published: April 2023

This study compared the postoperative analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal and incisional lidocaine versus ropivacaine in dogs undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Dogs randomly received intraperitoneal lidocaine irrigation (4 mg kg-1, diluted to 5 ml kg-1, L group), ropivacaine (4 mg kg-1, diluted to 5 ml kg-1, R group) or 0.9% saline (5 ml kg-1, C group). Prior to skin closure, dogs received incisional lidocaine 2 mg kg-1 (group L), incisional ropivacaine 2 mg kg-1 (group R) or incisional saline 0.2 ml kg-1 (group C). Pain was assessed at different time points up to 24 hours after extubation, using the Short Form-Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale and VAS Scale. In group C, postoperative pain scores were significantly higher than in groups L and R from T0.5 to T6 (p < 0.05). In R group, postoperative pain scores were significantly lower than in groups L and C from T12 to T24 (p < 0.05). Rescue analgesia was administered to 5/11 dogs in L group, 1/10 dogs in R group and 8/10 dogs in C group. Groups L and R experienced a significantly lower postoperative pain during the first 6 hours after extubation, compared with group C. Ropivacaine provided lower postoperative pain scores than lidocaine and saline up to 24 hours after extubation. According to the obtained results, ropivacaine seemed to provide better and longer lasting postoperative analgesia compared with lidocaine. Therefore, intraperitoneal and incisional administration of ropivacaine in dogs undergoing major abdominal surgeries is recommended.
Infectious complications of radiologically placed upper arm ports: A single center analysis
Authors: Koehler Daniel , Haus Jan-Marcus , Shenas Farzad , Rohde Holger , Ittrich Harald , Adam Gerhard , Peldschus Kersten
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Infections are common complications in venous access ports. The presented analysis aimed to investigate the incidence, microbiological spectrum, and acquired resistances of pathogens in upper arm port associated infections to provide a decision aid in the choice of therapy.

Materials and methods

In total, 2667 implantations and 608 explantations were performed at a high-volume tertiary medical center between 2015 and 2019. In cases with infectious complications (n = 131, 4.9%), procedural conditions and results of microbiological testing were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Of 131 port associated infections (median dwell time 103 days, interquartile range 41–260), 49 (37.4%) were port pocket infections (PPI) and 82 (62.6%) were catheter infections (CI). Infectious complications occurred more often after implantation in inpatients compared to outpatients (P < 0.01). PPI were mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, 48.3%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS, 31.0%). Other gram-positive and gram-negative species were encountered in 13.8% and 6.9%, respectively. CI were caused less frequently by S. aureus (8.6%) than CoNS (39.7%). Other gram-positive and gram-negative strains were isolated in 8.6% and 31.0%, respectively. Candida species were seen in 12.1% of CI. An acquired antibiotic resistance was detected in 36.0% of all significant isolates, occurring especially in CoNS (68.3%) and gram-negative species (24.0%).

Conclusions

Staphylococci comprised the largest group of pathogens in upper arm port associated infections. However, gram-negative strains and Candida species should also be considered as a cause of infection in CI. Due to the frequent detection of potential biofilm-forming pathogens, port explantation is an important therapeutic measure, especially in severely ill patients. Acquired resistances must be anticipated when choosing an empiric antibiotic treatment.
Heterogeneous breast phantom for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Saleh Gameel , Abuelhaija Ashraf , Alfaris Budour , Aljabr Aljohara , Zainalabedin Maryam , Mhareb M. H. A. , Alhashim Maryam , Alenezi Salma
Published: April 2023

In this article, a heterogeneous multimodal anthropomorphic breast phantom with carcinoma is introduced to meet the response of the natural breast tissue when imaged using ionizing and non-ionizing machines. The skin, adipose, fibroglandular, pectoral muscle, and carcinoma tissue were mimicked. A T1-weighted breast magnetic resonance image with BI-RADS I tissue segmentation was used for molds creation. The tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs) were tailored in terms of their elemental composition weight fractions and their response to ionization radiation parameters. These are the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), electron density (ne) and effective atomic number (Zeff). The behaviour of the TMMs, when exposed to a wide range of ionization radiation energy, was investigated analytically and numerically using X-COM. The achieved results showed an excellent agreement with the corresponding properties of the natural breast elemental compositions as reported by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU). The MAC of the TMMs and the ICRU-based breast tissue were found to be consistent. The maximum percentage of error in ne and Zeff amounts to only 2.93% and 5.76%, respectively. For non-ionizing imaging, the TMMs were characterized in term of T1 and T2 relaxation times. Using our preclinical MRI unit, the TMMs relaxation times were measured and compared to the natural tissue. The fabricated phantom was validated experimentally using CT, MRI, and Mammographic machines. The achieved images of the TMMs were in alignment with the real tissue in terms of CT HU values and grayscale colors. T1W and T2W images on MRI revealed the expected contrast between TMMs as in natural tissue.
Histology of metastatic colorectal cancer in a lymph node
Authors: Yokoyama Shozo , Watanabe Takashi , Fujita Yoichi , Matsumura Shuichi , Ueda Katsuya , Nagano Shotaro , Kinoshita Ikuharu , Murakami Daisuke , Tabata Hirotaka , Tsuji Toshiaki , Ozawa Satoru , Tamaki Takuya , Nakatani Yoshihiro , Oka Masami
Published: April 2023

Background

A primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor can contain heterogeneous cancer cells. As clones of cells with different properties metastasize to lymph nodes (LNs), they could show different morphologies. Cancer histologies in LNs of CRC remains to be described.

Methods

Our study enrolled 318 consecutive patients with CRC who underwent primary tumor resection with lymph node dissection between January 2011 and June 2016. 119 (37.4%) patients who had metastatic LNs (mLNs) were finally included in this study. Cancer histologies in LNs were classified and compared with pathologically diagnosed differentiation in the primary lesion. The association between histologies in lymph node metastasis (LNM) and prognosis in patients with CRC was investigated.

Results

The histologies of the cancer cells in the mLNs were classified into four types: tubular, cribriform, poorly differentiated, and mucinous. Same degree of pathologically diagnosed differentiation in the primary tumor produced various histological types in LNM. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, prognosis was worse in CRC patients with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma who had at least some mLN also showing cribriform carcinoma than for those whose mLNs all showed tubular carcinoma.

Conclusions

Histology in LNM from CRC might indicate the heterogeneity and malignant phenotype of the disease.