bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bewältigungsstrategien von Videoconference Fatigue
Authors: Bauer Victoria , Riedl René
Published: March 2023

Die COVID-19 Pandemie veränderte global das Berufs- und Privatleben der Menschen und führte zu einer zunehmenden Nutzung von Digitaltechnologien, insbesondere von Videokonferenzsystemen (z. B. Zoom, Webex, Teams, Skype). Trotz der möglichen Vorteile dieser Systeme (z. B. Einsparung von Emissionen durch Reiseverzicht) wird in Wissenschaft und Praxis zunehmend über ein negatives Phänomen berichtet: Videoconference Fatigue (VCF) (synonym oft als Zoom Fatigue bezeichnet). Damit wird die Erschöpfung und Ermüdung beschrieben, die aus der Nutzung von Videokonferenzsystemen resultiert. Im vorliegenden Beitrag berichten wir über eine Analyse der Fachliteratur, deren Ziel es ist, den Stand der Forschung zu Bewältigungsstrategien zu dokumentieren. Die Analyse der Bewältigungsstrategien hilft, das Phänomen VCF besser zu verstehen sowie die Ermüdung und Erschöpfung zu verhindern bzw. zu reduzieren. Weiter sind die hier berichteten Ergebnisse eine Grundlage für zukünftige Arbeiten. Konkret haben wir mit Stand Mai 2022 48 wissenschaftliche Artikel zu VCF identifiziert, von denen sich 37 auch mit Bewältigungsstrategien befassen. Wir gliedern diese Strategien in organisatorische (z. B. Pausen während und zwischen Meetings), persönliche (z. B. Vermeidung von Multitasking) und technologische (z. B. Nutzung des „together mode“ in Teams) Maßnahmen. Ein wesentlicher Befund unserer Analyse ist zudem, dass die Wirksamkeit der Bewältigungsstrategien – mit einer Ausnahme – bislang nicht direkt empirisch untersucht und somit auch nicht nachgewiesen wurde. Dies eröffnet großes Forschungspotenzial für die Zukunft.
Exploring how informed mental health app selection may impact user engagement and satisfaction
Authors: Kopka Marvin , Camacho Erica , Kwon Sam , Torous John
Published: March 2023

The prevalence of mental health app use by people suffering from mental health disorders is rapidly growing. The integration of mental health apps shows promise in increasing the accessibility and quality of treatment. However, a lack of continued engagement is one of the significant challenges of such implementation. In response, the M-health Index and Navigation Database (MIND)- derived from the American Psychiatric Association’s app evaluation framework- was created to support patient autonomy and enhance engagement. This study aimed to identify factors influencing engagement with mental health apps and explore how MIND may affect user engagement around selected apps. We conducted a longitudinal online survey over six weeks after participants were instructed to find mental health apps using MIND. The survey included demographic information, technology usage, access to healthcare, app selection information, System Usability Scale, the Digital Working Alliance Inventory, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale questions. Quantitative analysis was performed to analyze the data. A total of 321 surveys were completed (178 at the initial, 90 at the 2-week mark, and 53 at the 6-week mark). The most influential factors when choosing mental health apps included cost (76%), condition supported by the app (59%), and app features offered (51%), while privacy and clinical foundation to support app claims were among the least selected filters. The top ten apps selected by participants were analyzed for engagement. Rates of engagement among the top-ten apps decreased by 43% from the initial to week two and 22% from week two to week six on average. In the context of overall low engagement with mental health apps, implementation of mental health app databases like MIND can play an essential role in maintaining higher engagement and satisfaction. Together, this study offers early data on how educational approaches like MIND may help bolster mental health apps engagement.
Unmasking the truth: Experimental evidence of facemask compliance in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Grépin Karen A. , Mueller Valerie , Wu Nicole , Rabbani Atonu
Published: March 2023

High levels of compliance with public health measures are critical to ensure a successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies. However, most data on compliance are self-reported and the tendency to overreport due to social desirability could yield biased estimates of actual compliance. A list experiment is a widely used method to estimate social desirability bias in self-reported estimates of sensitive behaviours. We estimate rates of compliance with facemask mandates in Kenya, Nigeria, and Bangladesh using data from phone surveys conducted in March-April 2021. Data on compliance were collected from two different survey modules: a self-reported compliance module (stated) and a list experiment (elicited). We find large gaps between stated and elicited rates of facemask wearing for different groups depending on specific country contexts and high levels of overreporting of facemask compliance in self-reported surveys: there was an almost 40 percentage point gap in Kenya, 30 percentage points in Nigeria, and 20 percentage points in Bangladesh. We also observe differences in rates of self-reported facemask wearing among key groups but not using the elicited responses from the list experiment, which suggest that social desirability bias may vary by demographics. Data collected from self-reported surveys may not be reliable to monitor ongoing compliance with public health measures. Moreover, elicited compliance rates indicate levels of mask wearing are likely much lower than those estimated using self-reported data.
Carbon footprint of South Dakota dairy production system and assessment of mitigation options
Authors: Naranjo Anna M. , Sieverding Heidi , Clay David , Kebreab Ermias
Published: March 2023

Livestock production contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, there is a considerable variability in the carbon footprint associated with livestock production. Site specific estimates of GHG emissions are needed to accurately focus GHG emission reduction efforts. A holistic approach must be taken to assess the environmental impact of livestock production using appropriate geographical scale. The objective of this study was to determine baseline GHG emissions from dairy production in South Dakota using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. A cradle-to-farm gate LCA was used to estimate the GHG emissions to produce 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) in South Dakota. The system boundary was divided into feed production, farm management, enteric methane, and manure management as these activities are the main contributors to the overall GHG emissions. The production of 1 kg FPCM in South Dakota dairies was estimated to emit 1.23 kg CO2 equivalents. The major contributors were enteric methane (46%) and manure management (32.7%). Feed production and farm management made up 14.1 and 7.2%, respectively. The estimate is similar to the national average but slightly higher than the California dairy system. The source of corn used in the dairies influences the footprint. For example, South Dakota corn had fewer GHG emissions than grain produced and transported in from Iowa. Therefore, locally and more sustainably sourced feed input will contribute to further reducing the environmental impacts. Improvements in efficiency of milk production through better genetics, nutrition animal welfare and feed production are expected to further reduce the carbon footprint of South Dakota dairies. Furthermore, anaerobic digesters will reduce emissions from manure sources.
Longitudinal health survey of women from Venezuela in Colombia (ELSA-VENCOL): First report
Authors: Acosta-Reyes Jorge , Fernández-Niño Julián Alfredo , Rojas-Botero Maylen Liseth , Bonilla-Tinoco Laura Juliana , Aguirre Melissa , Anillo Luis Ángel , Rodríguez David Alejandro , Cifuentes Lida Yoana , Jiménez Iván , León Luisa Fernanda , Bojorquez-Chapela Ietza
Published: March 2023

Background

Colombia is currently the world’s main recipient country for Venezuelan migrants, and women represent a high proportion of them. This article presents the first report of a cohort of Venezuelan migrant women entering Colombia through Cúcuta and its metropolitan area. The study aimed to describe the health status and access to healthcare services among Venezuelan migrant women in Colombia with irregular migration status, and to analyze changes in those conditions at a one-month follow-up.

Methods

We carried out a longitudinal cohort study of Venezuelan migrant women, 18 to 45 years, who entered Colombia with an irregular migration status. Study participants were recruited in Cúcuta and its metropolitan area. At baseline, we administered a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, migration history, health history, access to health services, sexual and reproductive health, practice of early detection of cervical cancer and breast cancer, food insecurity, and depressive symptoms. The women were again contacted by phone one month later, between March and July 2021, and a second questionnaire was applied.

Results

A total of 2,298 women were included in the baseline measurement and 56.4% could be contacted again at the one-month follow-up. At the baseline, 23.0% of the participants reported a self-perceived health problem or condition in the past month and 29.5% in the past 6 months, and 14.5% evaluated their health as fair or poor. A significant increase was found in the percentage of women who reported a self-perceived health problem during the past month (from 23.1% to 31.4%; p<0.01); as well as in the share who reported moderate, severe, or extreme difficulty working or performing daily chores (from 5.5% to 11.0%; p = 0.03) and who rated their health as fair (from 13.0% to 31.2%; p<0.01). Meanwhile, the percentage of women with depressive symptoms decreased from 80.5% to 71.2% (p<0.01).

Conclusion

This report presents initial information on the health status of Venezuelan migrant women in Colombia, and is a starting point for further longer longitudinal follow-ups to assess changes over time in health conditions.
Use of multi-color flow cytometry for canine immune cell characterization in cancer
Authors: Parys Maciej , Bavcar Spela , Mellanby Richard J. , Argyle David , Kitamura Takanori
Published: March 2023

Although immunotherapy is becoming a standard approach of human cancer treatment, only a small but critical fraction of patients responds to the therapy. It is therefore required to determine the sub-populations of patients who will respond to immunotherapies along with developing novel strategies to improve efficacy of anti-tumor immune reactions. Current development of novel immunotherapies relies heavily on mouse models of cancer. These models are important for better understanding of mechanisms behind tumor immune escape and investigation of novel strategies to overcome it. Nevertheless, the murine models do not necessarily represent the complexity of spontaneously occurring cancers in humans. Dogs spontaneously develop a wide range of cancer types with an intact immune system under similar environment and exposure to humans, which can serve as translational models in cancer immunotherapy research. To date though, there is still a relatively limited amount of information regarding immune cell profiles in canine cancers. One possible reason could be that there are hardly any established methods to isolate and simultaneously detect a range of immune cell types in neoplastic tissues. To date only a single manuscript describes characterization of immune cells in canine tumour tissues, concentrating solely on T-cells. Here we describe a protocol for multi-color flow cytometry to distinguish immune cell types in blood, lymph nodes, and neoplastic tissues from dogs with cancer. Our results demonstrate that a 9-color flow cytometry panel enables characterization of different cell subpopulations including myeloid cells. We also show that the panel allows detection of minor/aberrant subsets within a mixed population of cells in various neoplastic samples including blood, lymph node and solid tumors. To our knowledge, this is the first simultaneous immune cell detection panel applicable for solid tumors in dogs. This multi-color flow cytometry panel has the potential to inform future basic research focusing on immune cell functions in translational canine cancer models.
A novel eukaryotic RdRP-dependent small RNA pathway represses antiviral immunity by controlling an ERK pathway component in the black-legged tick
Authors: Feng Canran , Torimaru Kyosuke , Lim Mandy Yu Theng , Chak Li-Ling , Shiimori Masami , Tsuji Kosuke , Tanaka Tetsuya , Iida Junko , Okamura Katsutomo
Published: March 2023

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are involved in antiviral defense and gene regulation. Although roles of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerases (RdRPs) in sRNA biology are extensively studied in nematodes, plants and fungi, understanding of RdRP homologs in other animals is still lacking. Here, we study sRNAs in the ISE6 cell line, which is derived from the black-legged tick, an important vector of human and animal pathogens. We find abundant classes of ~22nt sRNAs that require specific combinations of RdRPs and sRNA effector proteins (Argonautes or AGOs). RdRP1-dependent sRNAs possess 5’-monophosphates and are mainly derived from RNA polymerase III-transcribed genes and repetitive elements. Knockdown of some RdRP homologs misregulates genes including RNAi-related genes and the regulator of immune response Dsor1. Sensor assays demonstrate that Dsor1 is downregulated by RdRP1 through the 3’UTR that contains a target site of RdRP1-dependent repeat-derived sRNAs. Consistent with viral gene repression by the RNAi mechanism using virus-derived small interfering RNAs, viral transcripts are upregulated by AGO knockdown. On the other hand, RdRP1 knockdown unexpectedly results in downregulation of viral transcripts. This effect is dependent on Dsor1, suggesting that antiviral immunity is enhanced by RdRP1 knockdown through Dsor1 upregulation. We propose that tick sRNA pathways control multiple aspects of immune response via RNAi and regulation of signaling pathways.
Ameliorating effect of probiotics in a rat model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Inatomi Takio , Honma Mihoko
Published: March 2023

Chronic kidney disease is a prevalent and significant disease worldwide. This study investigated the effects of a medicinal probiotic (BIO-THREE, TOA Biopharma Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) with safety assurance that contained Bacillus subtilis TO-A, Enterococcus faecium T-110, and Clostridium butyricum TO-A in chronic kidney disease. BIO-THREE was approved as a medical drug by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and is widely used in the human medical field to improve various symptoms caused by abnormal intestinal microflora. Sixty male rats were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) normal group (n = 20, group 1), rats were given a normal diet for 3 weeks, followed by phosphate-buffered solution (once daily, orally) and a normal diet for 4 weeks; (2) control group (n = 20, Group 2), rats were given a normal diet including 0.75% adenine for 3 weeks, followed by phosphate-buffered saline (once daily, orally) and a normal diet for 4 weeks; and (3) probiotic group (n = 20, Group 3), rats were given a normal diet including 0.75% adenine for 3 weeks, followed by probiotics (once daily, orally) and a normal diet for 4 weeks. Probiotic administration resulted in a decrease in intestinal pH by increasing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and consequently suppressed the production of urea toxin production, thus, protecting renal function. The lower intestinal pH also promoted a reduction in the blood phosphorus levels by promoting ionisation of calcium and its binding to free phosphorus. This probiotic-induced increase in SCFA production reduced intestinal permeability, inhibited blood lipopolysaccharide and urea toxin production, and prevented the weakening of muscle function and strength. Moreover, it improved dysbiosis in the gut. This study shows the potential of this probiotics approved as medicinal drug to reduce chronic kidney disease progression, especially where safety is required. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings in humans.
Novel carbon skeletons activate human NicotinAMide Phosphoribosyl Transferase (NAMPT) enzyme in biochemical assay
Authors: Almeida Karen H. , Avalos-Irving Lisbeth , Berardinelli Steven , Chauvin Kristen , Yanez Silvia
Published: March 2023

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a central molecule in cellular metabolism that has been implicated in human health, the aging process, and an array of human diseases. NAD is well known as an electron storage molecule, cycling between NAD and the reduced NADH. In addition, NAD is cleaved into nicotinamide and Adenine diphosphate ribose by NAD-consuming enzymes such as sirtuins, PARPs and CD38. There are numerous pathways for the biosynthesis of NAD to maintain a baseline concentration and thus avoid cellular death. The NAD salvage pathway, a two-step process to regenerate NAD after cleavage, is the predominant pathway for humans. Nicotinamide PhosphribosylTransferase (NAMPT) is the rate-limiting enzyme within the salvage path. Exposure to pharmacological modulators of NAMPT has been reported to either deplete or increase NAD levels. This study used a curated set of virtual compounds coupled with biochemical assays to identify novel activators of NAMPT. Autodock Vina generated a ranking of the National Cancer Institute’s Diversity Set III molecular library. The library contains a set of organic molecules with diverse functional groups and carbon skeletons that can be used to identify lead compounds. The target NAMPT surface encompassed a novel binding location that included the NAMPT dimerization plane, the openings to the two active site channels, and a portion of the known binding location for NAMPT substrate and product. Ranked molecules were evaluated in a biochemical assay using purified recombinant NAMPT enzyme. Two novel carbon skeletons were confirmed to stimulate NAMPT activity. Compound 20 (NSC9037) is a polyphenolic xanthene derivative in the fluorescein family, while compound 2 (NSC19803) is the polyphenolic myricitrin nature product. Micromolar quantities of compound 20 or compound 2 can double NAMPT’s product formation. In addition, natural products that contain high concentrations of polyphenolic flavonoids, similar to myricitrin, also stimulate NAMPT activity. Confirmation of a novel binding site for these compounds will further our understanding of the cellular mechanism leading to NAD homeostasis and better human health outcomes.
A Bayesian model to estimate the cutoff value of TSH for management of preterm birth
Authors: Rahmati Maryam , Nazarpour Sima , Minooee Sonia , Behboudi-Gandevani Samira , Azizi Fereidoun , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani
Published: March 2023

Background

Determining a thyroid hormone cutoff value in pregnancy is challenging issue and several approaches have been introduced to optimize a utility function. We aimed to estimate the cutoff value of TSH using Bayesian method for prediction of preterm-birth.

Methods

This study was a secondary-analysis of the population-based data collected prospectively within the framework of the Tehran Thyroid and Pregnancy Study. A total of 1,538 pregnant women attending prenatal clinics.

Results

Using Bayesian method resulted a TSH-cutoff of (3.97mIU/L,95%CI:3.95–4.00) for distinguishing pregnant women at risk of preterm-birth. The cutoff was associated with acceptable positive predictive and negative predictive values (0.84,95% CI:0.80–0.88) and 0.92 (95%CI: 0.91–0.94), respectively). In women who were negative for thyroid peroxides antibody (TPOAb) with sufficient urinary iodine concentration (UIC), the TSH cutoff of 3.92 mIU/L(95%CI:3.70–4) had the highest predictive value; whereas in TPOAb positive women with insufficient UIC, the cutoff of 4.0 mIU/L(95%:CI 3.94–4) could better predict preterm birth. Cutoffs estimated in this study are close to the revised TSH value of 4.0mIU/L which is currently recommended by the American Thyroid Association.

Conclusion

Regardless of TPOAb status or iodine insufficiency, risk of preterm labor is increased in pregnant women with TSH value of > 3.92 mIU/L; these women may benefit from Levothyroxine (LT4) therapy for preventing preterm birth.
Effects of PTH glandular and external dosing patterns on bone cell activity using a two-state receptor model—Implications for bone disease progression and treatment
Authors: Martonová Denisa , Lavaill Maxence , Forwood Mark R. , Robling Alexander , Cooper David M. L. , Leyendecker Sigrid , Pivonka Peter
Published: March 2023

Temporal aspects of ligand specificity have been shown to play a significant role in the case of pulsatile hormone secretion, as exemplified by parathyroid hormone (PTH) binding to its receptor (PTH1R), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on surfaces of osteoblasts and osteocytes. The latter binding reaction regulates intracellular signalling and subsequently modulates skeletal homeostasis via bone remodelling. PTH glandular secretion patterns dictate bone cellular activity. In healthy humans, 70% of PTH is secreted in a tonic fashion, whereas 30% is secreted in low-amplitude and high-frequency bursts occurring every 10–20 min, superimposed on the tonic secretion. Changes in the PTH secretion patterns have been associated with various bone diseases. In this paper, we analyse PTH glandular secretion patterns for healthy and pathological states and their link to bone cellular responsiveness (αR). We utilise a two-state receptor ligand binding model of PTH to PTH1R together with a cellular activity function which is able to distinguish various aspects of the stimulation signal including peak dose, time of ligand exposure, and exposure period. Formulating and solving several constrained optimisation problems, we investigate the potential of pharmacological manipulation of the diseased glandular secretion and via clinical approved external PTH injections to restore healthy bone cellular responsiveness. Based on the mean experimentally reported data, our simulation results indicate cellular responsiveness in healthy subjects is sensitive to the tonic baseline stimulus and it is 28% of the computed maximum responsiveness. Simulation results for pathological cases of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, initial and steady state hypocalcemia clamp tests indicate αR values significantly larger than the healthy baseline (1.7, 2.2, 4.9 and 1.9-times, respectively). Manipulation of the pulsatile glandular secretion pattern, while keeping the mean PTH concentration constant, allowed restoration of healthy baseline values from these catabolic bone diseases. Conversely, PTH glandular diseases that led to maximum bone cellular responsiveness below the healthy baseline value can’t be restored to baseline via glandular manipulation. However, external PTH injections allowed restoration of these latter cases.
Molecular and functional characterization of protease from psychrotrophic Bacillus sp. HM49 in North-western Himalaya
Authors: Mushtaq Hina , Ganai Shabir Ahmad , Jehangir Arshid , Ganai Bashir Ahmad , Dar Rubiya
Published: March 2023

In this work, a psychrotrophic bacteria producing cold-active protease, was obtained from Dachigam National Park, an ecologically significant habitat in Western Himalayas owing to its varied endemic and endangered flora and fauna. This isolate was identified as Bacillus sp. HM49 via phenotypic, Gram staining, bio-chemical and 16S rRNA gene identification. Isolate HM49 when tested for proteolytic activity revealed prominent hydrolytic zone with the most production at 20 °C and pH, 8.0 post 72 h incubation. This enzyme was purified, enhancing its specific activity to 61.15 U/mg and its characterization studies revealed it to be a cold-alkaline protease being active in a wide pH (6.0–12) and temperature (5–40 °C) range. Amplification of CAASPR gene of HM49 was performed, followed by enzyme-substrate docking studies and MMGBSA providing details about its type, molecular weight validation as well as functional applications. The purified protease of HM49 was tested for laundry applications and the enzyme was found to be compatible with majority of the detergents tested. Its potential as an eco-friendly detergent additive was further validated by wash performance test as it effectively removed recalcitrant blood stains at a low temperature of 20 °C that could be beneficial for fine garments like silk which preferably need cold washing.
Assessment of multiple herbicide protection seed treatments for seed-based restoration of native perennial bunchgrasses and sagebrush across multiple sites and years
Authors: Baughman Owen W. , Eshleman Magdalena , Griffen Jessica , Rios Roxanne , Boyd Chad , Kildisheva Olga A. , Olsen Andrew , Cahill Matthew , Kerby Jay D. , Riginos Corinna
Published: March 2023

The invasion of exotic, annual plant species is a leading contributor to ecological degradation in drylands globally, and the use of pre-emergent herbicide to control these species is common. Pre-emergent herbicides pose challenges for seed-based restoration due to toxicity to the seeds of desired species. Herbicide protection (HP) technologies pose a potential solution by using activated carbon seed treatments to protect desirable seeds from herbicide exposure. In the sagebrush steppe ecosystem of North America, we used an adaptive small plot design over three planting years to test for effects on seeding outcomes (seedling density and size) of large and small multi-seed HP pellets, several single-seed HP coatings, and carbon banding treatments at geographically dispersed sites for several perennial bunchgrasses and the keystone perennial shrub, Wyoming big sagebrush. We also compared different methods of seed delivery and litter pre-seeding management. Seeding success was low overall, especially for sagebrush, and it was clear that other, often less predictable barriers to establishment than herbicide exposure, such as inadequate spring moisture, were strong drivers of seeding outcomes. Despite this, HP treatments were associated with higher seedling density than bare seed in multiple instances, most notably for grasses. The large HP pellet occasionally outperformed the small HP pellet, and several HP coatings performed similarly to the small pellet. Surprisingly, we did not see consistent negative effects of pre-emergent herbicide on unprotected bare seed. We conclude that HP seed treatments show some promise to improve seeding success in the presence of herbicide, but that consistent success will require further improvements to HP treatments as well as integration with other innovations and approaches.
Assessment of three alternative methods for bacterial disinfection of hatching eggs in comparison with conventional approach in commercial broiler hatcheries
Authors: Motola Gerzon , Hafez Hafez Mohamed , Brüggemann-Schwarze Sarah
Published: March 2023

The disinfection of commercial hatching eggs before incubation is a common strategy to reduce potential vertical transmission of bacterial and fungal infections from the eggshell to one-day-old chicks that may prevail in poultry products and eventually reach the end consumer. The present investigation focuses on the parallel testing and application of four different disinfection methods (conventional and alternative) under commercial hatchery conditions against natural eggshell bacterial contamination. Hatching eggs from two ROSS 308 broiler breeder flocks were selected and divided into six different groups: two groups were not disinfected and served as negative controls, and four were independently disinfected following product specifications and protocols. From each group, a sample of 100 hatching eggs was selected for bacterial re-isolation, utilizing a modified shell rinse method. Colony-forming units (cfu) from the shell rinse suspensions were determined and analyzed to establish cfu values for each tested egg. These values were analyzed to determine the bacterial disinfection capacity of the four disinfection methods under commercial hatchery conditions. The tested methods were hydrogen peroxide + alcohol, peracetic acid, low energy electron beam, and the gold standard in practice: formaldehyde. Among these methods, formaldehyde, peracetic acid, and low energy electron beam showed a significant difference when compared to the non-disinfected groups whereas hydrogen peroxide + alcohol did not. The bacterial disinfection capacity of the tested methods was compared as well to the gold standard method formaldehyde fumigation and only low energy electron beam achieved similar disinfection levels as formaldehyde. According to our data, three methods significantly reduce the bacterial load on the eggshell of hatching eggs under commercial hatching conditions, including potential alternative methods such as low energy electron beam that perform similar to the gold standard in practice.
What are the modifiable factors of treatment burden and capacity among people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers: A qualitative study
Authors: Tan Qian Yue , Roberts Helen C. , Fraser Simon D. S. , Amar Khaled , Ibrahim Kinda
Published: March 2023

Background

People with long-term conditions must complete many healthcare tasks such as take medications, attend appointments, and change their lifestyle. This treatment burden and ability to manage it (capacity) is not well-researched in Parkinson’s disease.

Objective

To explore and identify potentially modifiable factors contributing to treatment burden and capacity in people with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with nine people with Parkinson’s disease and eight caregivers recruited from Parkinson’s disease clinics in England (ages 59–84 years, duration of Parkinson’s disease diagnosis 1–17 years, Hoehn and Yahr (severity of Parkinson’s disease) stages 1–4) were conducted. Interviews were recorded and analyzed thematically.

Results

Four themes of treatment burden with modifiable factors were identified: 1) Challenges with appointments and healthcare access: organizing appointments, seeking help and advice, interactions with healthcare professionals, and caregiver role during appointments; 2) Issues obtaining satisfactory information: sourcing and understanding information, and satisfaction with information provision; 3) Managing medications: getting prescriptions right, organizing polypharmacy, and autonomy to adjust treatments; and 4) Lifestyle changes: exercise, dietary changes, and financial expenses. Aspects of capacity included access to car and technology, health literacy, financial capacity, physical and mental ability, personal attributes and life circumstances, and support from social networks.

Conclusions

There are potentially modifiable factors of treatment burden including addressing the frequency of appointments, improving healthcare interactions and continuity of care, improving health literacy and information provision, and reducing polypharmacy. Some changes could be implemented at individual and system levels to reduce treatment burden for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Recognition of these by healthcare professionals and adopting a patient-centered approach may improve health outcomes in Parkinson’s disease.
How do group workers respond to suicidal behavior? Experiences and perceptions of suicidal female adolescents residing in secure residential youth care in the Netherlands
Authors: Kaijadoe S. P. T. , Klip H. , de Weerd A. , van Arragon E. A. , Nijhof K. S. , Popma A. , Scholte R. H. J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Adolescent suicidal behavior, including non-suicidal self-injury, is increasingly prevalent in Secure Residential Youth Care (SRYC) in the Netherlands. Group workers play a vital role in the well-being and functioning of adolescents in SRYC as they interact with adolescents on a daily basis. However, we have little understanding of how adolescents perceive group workers’ responses to suicidal behavior and we lack knowledge about the impact of these responses on adolescents and the group climate.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore (a) how adolescents value group workers responses towards suicidal behavior and (b) the impact of these responses on adolescents, as well as (c) on the group climate. The results can be used to develop care-policy to improve care for suicidal adolescents in SYRC.

Method

Eleven suicidal female adolescents residing in SRYC were interviewed. All adolescents had previously displayed suicidal behavior, including non-suicidal self-injury. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory.

Conclusion

This study presents the perceptions of suicidal female adolescents residing in SRYC about group workers’ responses on suicidal behavior. Adolescents prefer group workers who react responsive to suicidal behavior. Responsive care, trust and connectedness help adolescents disclose their suicidal thoughts. Participants criticize group workers who are non-responsive as being distant, and their relationship with these group workers lacked trust, communication, a sense of connection, or personal depth. All adolescents underline the devastating impact of involuntary seclusion, and stress the importance of being able to disclose without fear of coercive consequences. Findings indicate that non-responsive reactions contribute to an increase in suicidal distress as well as a closed group climate.
Ending the HIV epidemic PrEP equity recommendations from a rapid ethnographic assessment of multilevel PrEP use determinants among young Black gay and bisexual men in Atlanta, GA
Authors: Hill Miranda , Smith Justin , Elimam Dena , Mustafaa Genetha , Wortley Pascale , Taylor Brittany , Harris Orlando
Published: March 2023

Background

Efforts to mitigate HIV transmission among gay and bisexual men have not been sufficient to level persistent racial inequities which now extend to the use of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. Community-involved ethnographic research is crucial to galvanizing collaboration between patients, researchers, and policymakers to identify the social determinants of emerging PrEP inequities. In partnership with community key informants, we conducted a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment (REA) of multilevel PrEP use determinants among young Black gay and bisexual (YBGBM) men in the metropolitan Atlanta area to inform the development and coordination of local HIV programs.

Methods

In the assessment, we drew upon the perspectives of local clinicians, community-based organization leaders, health educators, and PrEP clients to identify barriers and facilitators to PrEP use among YBGBM through interviews (N = 23). Data were collected from September 2020 –to January 2021 and were analyzed through a staged deductive-inductive thematic analysis. The themes were later summarized and presented to community stakeholder participants to facilitate member-checking.

Results

Our analyses revealed structural, cultural, relationship, and developmental factors which shaped PrEP use. The most prominent being “ease of access to PrEP” (structural level), “provider support” (interpersonal), and “life-stage traits” (individual). Our results also contribute novel information concerning the axes of intersectional stigma (spatial, racial, sexual identity, and HIV) among YBGBM in Atlanta and its divergent effects on PrEP use.

Conclusion

Increased PrEP use among YBGBM, particularly among those living in the south, is essential to ending the domestic HIV epidemic. Altogether, our results emphasize the need for PrEP program modifications, which increase flexibility in methods and modes of access and are culturally adapted to the needs of YBGBM. There is also a need for resources that holistically focus on mental health, trauma, and racism as critical components of support.
Micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities to facilitate university technology transfer
Authors: Ma Zhongxuan , Augustijn K. D. , De Esch I. J. P. , Bossink B. A. G.
Published: March 2023

Within the university-industry ecosystem, improvement and innovation of technology transfer involve implementing appropriate dynamic capabilities. To answer the question—What are the micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities in university technology transfer?—this study investigates in-depth organizational-level dynamic capabilities in transferring university-based knowledge to business and society. Two qualitative case studies were deployed at organizational entities at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: the Industry Alliance Office, and the Demonstrator Lab. These two organizations stimulate science- and business-oriented university technology transfer. In this context, the micro-foundations of the dynamic capabilities “sensing”, “seizing” and “reconfiguring” are identified and discussed. For “sensing”, which is the university’s ability to explore the opportunities in the ecosystem, the micro-foundations are “selecting internal competency” and “sensing external partners”. For “seizing”, which supports universities in managing complementarity with industry and society, micro-foundations include “resource co-allocation” and “collaborative business model”. The micro-foundations of “reconfiguring”, through which universities maintain evolutionary fitness in the innovation ecosystem, are “strategic renewal”, “establishing a university technology transfer-friendly environment”, and “asset orchestration”. This study provides researchers with a better understanding of how dynamic capabilities facilitate university technology transfer. Industrial practitioners and policymakers can consider the suggestions of the present study when pursuing collaboration with universities.
Hunting Drosophila viruses from wild populations: A novel isolation approach and characterisation of viruses
Authors: Bruner-Montero Gaspar , Luque Carlos M. , Cesar Cássia Siqueira , Ding Shuai Dominique , Day Jonathan P. , Jiggins Francis Michael
Published: March 2023

Metagenomic studies have demonstrated that viruses are extremely diverse and abundant in insects, but the difficulty of isolating them means little is known about the biology of these newly discovered viruses. To overcome this challenge in Drosophila, we created a cell line that was more permissive to infection and detected novel viruses by the presence of double-stranded RNA. We demonstrate the utility of these tools by isolating La Jolla virus (LJV) and Newfield virus (NFV) from several wild Drosophila populations. These viruses have different potential host ranges, with distinct abilities to replicate in five Drosophila species. Similarly, in some species they cause high mortality and in others they are comparatively benign. In three species, NFV but not LJV caused large declines in female fecundity. This sterilization effect was associated with differences in tissue tropism, as NFV but not LJV was able to infect Drosophila melanogaster follicular epithelium and induce follicular degeneration in the ovary. We saw a similar effect in the invasive pest of fruit crops Drosophila suzukii, where oral infection with NFV caused reductions in the fecundity, suggesting it has potential as a biocontrol agent. In conclusion, a simple protocol allowed us to isolate new viruses and demonstrate that viruses identified by metagenomics have a large effect on the fitness of the model organism D. melanogaster and related species.
A snapshot on HIV-1 evolution through the identification of phylogenetic-specific properties of HIV-1 integrases M/O
Authors: Toccafondi Elenia , Kanja Marine , Winter Flore , Lener Daniela , Negroni Matteo
Published: March 2023

Transmissions of simian viruses to humans has originated the different groups of HIV-1. We recently identified a functional motif (CLA), in the C-terminal domain of the integrase, essential for integration in HIV-1 group M. Here, we found that the motif is instead dispensable in group O isolates, because of the presence, in the N-terminal domain of HIV-1 O of a specific sequence, Q7G27P41H44, that we define as the NOG motif. Alterations of reverse transcription and of 3’ processing observed by mutating the CLA motif of IN M are fully rescued to wt levels by inserting the sequence of the NOG motif in the N-ter of the protein. These results indicate that the two motifs (CLA and NOG) functionally complement each other and a working model accounting for these observations is proposed. The establishment of these two alternative motifs seems to be due to the different phylogenetic origin and history of these two groups. Indeed, the NOG motif is already present in the ancestor of group O (SIVgor) while it is absent from SIVcpzPtt, the ancestor of group M. The CLA motif, instead, seems to have emerged after SIVcpzPtthas been transferred to humans, since no conservation is found at the same positions in these simian viruses. These results show the existence of two-group specific motifs in HIV-1 M and O integrases. In each group, only one of the motifs is functional, potentially leading the other motif to diverge from its original function and, in an evolutionary perspective, assist other functions of the protein, further increasing HIV genetic diversity.
Same, same but different: Exploring Plasmodium cell division during liver stage development
Authors: Roques Magali , Bindschedler Annina , Beyeler Raphael , Heussler Volker T.
Published: March 2023

Plasmodium parasites have a complex life cycle alternating between a mosquito and a vertebrate host. Following the bite of an Anopheles female mosquito, Plasmodium sporozoites are transmitted from the skin to the liver; their first place of replication within the host. Successfully invaded sporozoites undergo a massive replication and growth involving asynchronous DNA replication and division that results in the generation of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of merozoites depending on the Plasmodium species. The generation of a high number of daughter parasites requires biogenesis and segregation of organelles to finally reach a relatively synchronous cytokinesis event. At the end of liver stage (LS) development, merozoites are packed into merosomes and released into the bloodstream. They are then liberated and infect red blood cells to again produce merozoites by schizogony for the erythrocytic stage of the life cycle. Although parasite LS and asexual blood stage (ABS) differ in many respects, important similarities exist between the two. This review focuses on the cell division of Plasmodium parasite LS in comparison with other life cycle stages especially the parasite blood stage.
Closer readings
Authors: Jones-Barlow Katie
Published: March 2023

In this article, I introduce the device of close reading in historical academic contexts through to contemporary queer-theoretical thought and open this up to illustration research and practice. Illustration seeks to capture the paradox of the representable and the unseen; this puts an emphasis on illustration as elucidating. For this reason, its historical origins in illumination remain core to how the subject is taught. However, if we are asking illustrators to illuminate and offer clarity on a subject, should we also ask what is being concealed? It is my intention to explore how illustration methods have the capacity to bring overlooked histories to the fore and consider what an illustrative close reading practice may offer as a visual historicizing technique.
Ideas of class
Authors: S. Parker David
Published: March 2023

This text was originally published by David S. Parker in 1998 as an introduction to the book The Idea of the Middle Class: White-Collar Workers and Peruvian Society, 1900-1950, published by Penn State University Press. In the book, the author reflects on the union organization of private employees in Lima (Peru) and the origin of the 1924 law that established a legal distinction between empleado (white-collar employee) and obrero (blue-collar worker). Both the “constructivist” school and the linguistic turn argue that social classes are abstractions, inventions of the collective imaginary, that is, ideas that compete in an ideological market. Among the infinite ways of conceptualizing society, only a few images and discourses become common sense, influencing the formation of identities and inspiring laws and public policies. This text affirms and characterizes that the formation of the middle class concept in Peru is due to ideological, discursive and political processes.
Identidades en el fondo. Algunas notas sobre el trabajo con archivos personales a partir de la experiencia del acervo de Gino Germani
Authors: Grondona Ana
Published: March 2023

A partir de la presentación de algunos problemas y dilemas vinculados al trabajo con el fondo documental del sociólogo ítalo-argentino Gino Germani (1911-1979), recientemente repatriado a la Universidad de Buenos Aires, el texto se propone enfocar las sinuosidades de la identidad y de la herencia en los archivos personales, como ámbito específico de la práctica de investigación y producción cultural. Para ello, y a partir de la noción de «heterogeneidades discursivas» elaborada desde el análisis materialista de los discursos, nos centramos (y desestabilizamos) una noción que funciona como pivote en la archivística clásica, la de «sujeto productor». En ese despliegue, se abren paso distintos modos de interrogar las identidades múltiples que se refractan/reflejan en los archivos personales. Hacia el final del texto retomamos, además, aquello que rehúye a ser representado en el archivo y que lo desborda como «deshecho» o «resto».
Az esztergomi Szent Tamás-prépostság története a 14. század közepéig
Authors: Thoroczkay Gábor
Published: March 2023

The study presents the history of the Becket St. Thomas Collegiate
Chapter of Esztergom, founded at the end of the 12th century, up to the
middle of the 14th century, the activities of its provosts and canons and
their income. It begins briefly with a discussion of the development of the
secular provostries of episcopal sees in Europe, and then presents a brief
history of the other two collegiate chapters in Esztergom.
Synthetic Routes and Biological Activities of Chromone Scaffolds: An Overview
Authors: Deharkar Pravin , Satpute Shridhar , Panhekar Deepa
Published: March 2023

The central backbones of natural assets and therapeutic medications are chromone and flavone. Utilizing such preferred chalcone analogs in drug research has shown a successful blueprint, yielding new hits/leads and fast optimization procedures. Chromone can create novel molecules with pharmacological promise, particularly in neurological, inflammatory, infectious diseases, cancer and diabetes. The current perspective focuses mainly on flavones and flavonoids of biological significance, such as chromon-4-one analogs, both synthetic and natural sources. Furthermore, because drug repurposing is now a popular drug discovery strategy, current chromone-based medication repurposing research is discussed. As well the methods utilized to synthesize chromones and their derivatives are described in detail in this review. Since it’s uses in so many pharmacologically active substances, the stiff bicyclic chalcone fraction has been described as a preferred scaffold in drug development, with few instances as therapeutic agents. Due to their photochemical characteristics, chromone analogs are also utilized as scaffolds for creating bioactive molecules and their application in drug development, such as the production of fluorescent probes.