bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ and nursing students’ reasons for entering the profession: content analysis of open-ended questions
Authors: McKenna Lisa , Mambu Ian Ruddy , Sommers Christine L. , Reisenhofer Sonia , McCaughan Julie
Published: May 2023

Background

Global nursing shortages require effective recruitment strategies and understanding of individuals’ motivations to enter the profession. These can be complex and bound by numerous factors such as gender and culture. While much research around this has been conducted, little has been undertaken in non-Western cultures where motivations could be different.

Aim

To explore Indonesian nurses’ and nursing students’ motivations for entering the nursing profession.

Design

Online survey with closed and open-ended questions drawn from two different studies. This paper reports findings from one similar open-ended question.

Methods

As part of two larger surveys, nurses from 13 hospitals across one private health care group and nursing students with clinical experienced enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program in Indonesia were asked the question, Why do you want to be a nurse? Responses were translated into English and back-translated into Indonesian prior to being subjected to summative content analysis.

Results

In total, 1351 nurses and 400 students provided responses to the question, representing 98.72% and 99.70% respectively of those completing the survey. Both groups were primarily influenced by desire to serve others and God, personal calling and influence of family members and others. Nurses identified a desire to work in the health field and with the sick, in a noble and caring profession.

Conclusions

Nurses and nursing students were motivated by traditional perspectives on nursing. These should be considered in future recruitment activities. However, more research is needed to understand how these factors influence career choice.
Development and psychometric properties of a friendly dietary function assessment scale for home-dwelling people with dementia
Authors: Liu Mei-Yin , Hsiao Hua-Tsen , Chen Yi-Ju , Wang Chi-Jane , Wang Jing-Jy
Published: May 2023

Background

Mealtime difficulties related to cognitive functioning negatively impact a patient’s life during the various stages of dementia, and they typically cause a burden and stress on family caregivers. Most people with dementia live at home alone or are cared for by informal caregivers, typically their spouses or other family members. However, no suitable screening tools for home-dwelling patients with dementia have been developed, nor have measurements focused on executive and self-eating functions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dietary Function Assessment Scale (DFAS) for community-dwelling persons with dementia.

Methods

A mixed-method design was used to develop the instrument. Methods included a comprehensive literature review to identify the item pool and an expert panel to assess the initial item pool. We performed convenience sampling of 190 home-dwelling people with dementia for psychometrical evaluation. The psychometric properties tests included item and factor analyses, criterion-related validity testing, internal consistency reliability testing, and defining the optimal cut-off values. The study was conducted from 2018 to 2019.

Results

Items were generated based on an extensive literature review and pre-existing scales related to mealtime and executive functions in persons with dementia. The S-CVI/Ave of the DFAS was 0.89. A Principal Component factor analysis demonstrated seven items, with a two-factor structure accounting for 56.94% of the total variance. The two extracted factors were Self-eating ability and Dietary executive function. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit. The criterion-related validity was adequate (r = -0.528, p < 0.01). The reliability of Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency was 0.74, and McDonald’s Omega coefficient was 0.80; the optimal cut-off value of 13 points with an AUC of 0.74 was established to determine poor dietary functioning in persons with dementia.

Conclusion

The DFAS was simple, user-friendly, and a valid and reliable instrument to assess dietary functioning in community-dwelling persons with dementia. This short scale can be helpful for caretakers, who can use it to identify the dietary needs of home-dwelling persons with dementia and improve their care and eating experience.
Prioritising Cochrane reviews to be updated with health equity focus
Authors: Tomlinson Eve , Pardo Pardo Jordi , Sivesind Torunn , Szeto Mindy D , Laughter Melissa , Foxlee Ruth , Brown Michael , Skoetz Nicole , Dellavalle Robert P , VA Franco Juan , Clarke Mike , Krentel Alison , Reveiz Ludovic , Saran Ashrita , Tse Frances , A Wells George , Boyle Robert , Hilgart Jennifer , Ndi Euphrasia Ebai-Atuh , Welch Vivian , Petkovic Jennifer , Tugwell Peter
Published: May 2023

Background

The prioritisation of updating published systematic reviews of interventions is vital to prevent research waste and ensure relevance to stakeholders. The consideration of health equity in reviews is also important to ensure interventions will not exacerbate the existing inequities of the disadvantaged if universally implemented. This study aimed to pilot a priority setting exercise based on systematic reviews of interventions published in the Cochrane Library, to identify and prioritise reviews to be updated with a focus on health equity.

Methods

We conducted a priority setting exercise with a group of 13 international stakeholders. We identified Cochrane reviews of interventions that showed a reduction in mortality, had at least one Summary of Findings table and that focused on one of 42 conditions with a high global burden of disease from the 2019 WHO Global Burden of Disease report. This included 21 conditions used as indicators of success of the United Nations Universal Health Coverage in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. Stakeholders prioritised reviews that were relevant to disadvantaged populations, or to characteristics of potential disadvantage within the general population.

Results

After searching for Cochrane reviews of interventions within 42 conditions, we identified 359 reviews that assessed mortality and included at least one Summary of Findings table. These pertained to 29 of the 42 conditions; 13 priority conditions had no reviews with the outcome mortality. Reducing the list to only reviews showing a clinically important reduction in mortality left 33 reviews. Stakeholders ranked these reviews in order of priority to be updated with a focus on health equity.

Conclusions

This project developed and implemented a methodology to set priorities for updating systematic reviews spanning multiple health topics with a health equity focus. It prioritised reviews that reduce overall mortality, are relevant to disadvantaged populations, and focus on conditions with a high global burden of disease. This approach to the prioritisation of systematic reviews of interventions that reduce mortality provides a template that can be extended to reducing morbidity, and the combination of mortality and morbidity as represented in Disability-Adjusted Life Years and Quality-Adjusted Life Years.
Modelling count, bounded and skewed continuous outcomes in physical activity research: beyond linear regression models
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Cerin Ester , Lamb Karen E. , White Simon R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Inference using standard linear regression models (LMs) relies on assumptions that are rarely satisfied in practice. Substantial departures, if not addressed, have serious impacts on any inference and conclusions; potentially rendering them invalid and misleading. Count, bounded and skewed outcomes, common in physical activity research, can substantially violate LM assumptions. A common approach to handle these is to transform the outcome and apply a LM. However, a transformation may not suffice.

Methods

In this paper, we introduce the generalized linear model (GLM), a generalization of the LM, as an approach for the appropriate modelling of count and non-normally distributed (i.e., bounded and skewed) outcomes. Using data from a study of physical activity among older adults, we demonstrate appropriate methods to analyse count, bounded and skewed outcomes.

Results

We show how fitting an LM when inappropriate, especially for the type of outcomes commonly encountered in physical activity research, substantially impacts the analysis, inference, and conclusions compared to a GLM.

Conclusions

GLMs which more appropriately model non-normally distributed response variables should be considered as more suitable approaches for managing count, bounded and skewed outcomes rather than simply relying on transformations. We recommend that physical activity researchers add the GLM to their statistical toolboxes and become aware of situations when GLMs are a better method than traditional approaches for modeling count, bounded and skewed outcomes.
Pangenomic genotyping with the marker array
Authors: Mun Taher , Vaddadi Naga Sai Kavya , Langmead Ben
Published: May 2023

We present a new method and software tool called that applies a pangenome index to the problem of inferring genotypes from short-read sequencing data. The method uses a novel indexing structure called the marker array. Using the marker array, we can genotype variants with respect from large panels like the 1000 Genomes Project while reducing the reference bias that results when aligning to a single linear reference. can infer accurate genotypes in less time and memory compared to existing graph-based methods. The method is implemented in the open source software tool available at https://github.com/alshai/rowbowt.
A comparison of pulsed radiofrequency and radiofrequency denervation for lumbar facet joint pain
Authors: Li Shao-Jun , Zhang Shu-Li , Feng Dan
Published: May 2023

Background

Lumbar facet joint pain is a common disorder. The main symptom is chronic lumbar pain, which can reduce quality of life. Radiofrequency has often been used to treat lumbar facet joint pain. However, the effectiveness of this technique has been controversial. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and radiofrequency denervation (RD) for lumbar facet joint pain.

Methods

One hundred and forty-two patients with lumbar facet joint pain were allocated to two treatment groups: PRF group (N = 72) and RD group (N = 70). Patients enrolled in the study were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire before therapy, 3 months and 12 months later.

Results

There were no significant differences in VAS, RMQ score, ODI score and SF-36 score at 3 months (p > 0.05). Significant differences in pain control were observed in both groups at 12 months (3.09 ± 1.72 vs. 2.37 ± 1.22, p = 0.006). There was a significant difference in RMQ score (11.58 ± 3.58 vs. 8.17 ± 2.34, p < 0.001) and ODI score (43.65 ± 11.01 vs. 35.42 ± 11.32, p < 0.001) at 12 months. The total SF-36 score was higher in the RD group than in the PRF group at 12 months (58.45 ± 6.97 vs. 69.36 ± 6.43, p < 0.001). In terms of complications, skin numbness occurred in three patients. Mild pain such as burning and pinking at the puncture site in two patients. One patient experienced a decrease in back muscle strength and back muscle fatigue. These complications disappeared in 3 weeks without any treatment. There were no serious adverse events in the PRF group.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with lumbar facet joint pain. RD could provide good and lasting pain relief, with significant improvement in lumbar function and quality of life at long-term follow-up.
E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF180 prevents excessive PCDH10 methylation to suppress the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by promoting ubiquitination of DNMT1
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Gao Xiaoliang , Yuan Qiangqiang , Fu Xin , Wang Pengliang , Cai Fenglin , Liu Hui , Zhang Jing , Liang Han , Nie Yongzhan , Deng Jingyu
Published: May 2023

Background

Downregulation of certain tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) by aberrant methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region contributes a great deal to the oncogenesis and progression of several cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). Protocadherin 10 (PCDH10) is a newly identified TSG in various cancers and is downregulated in GC; however, the specific mechanisms of PCDH10 in GC remain elusive. Here, we elucidated a novel epigenetic regulatory signaling pathway involving the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF180 and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), responsible for modulating PCDH10 expression by affecting its promoter methylation.

Results

We revealed that PCDH10 was downregulated in GC cells and tissues, and low PCDH10 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with GC. Additionally, PCDH10 overexpression suppressed GC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, DNMT1-mediated promoter hypermethylation resulted in decreased expression of PCDH10 in GC tissues and cells. Further analysis revealed that RNF180 can bind directly to DNMT1 and was involved in DNMT1 degradation via ubiquitination. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between RNF180 and PCDH10 expression and an inverse association between DNMT1 and PCDH10 expression showed considerable prognostic significance.

Conclusion

Our data showed that RNF180 overexpression upregulated PCDH10 expression via ubiquitin-dependent degradation of DNMT1, thus suppressing GC cell proliferation, indicating that the RNF180/DNMT1/PCDH10 axis could be a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.
Effects of the free healthcare policy on maternal and child health in Burkina Faso: a nationwide evaluation using interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Ilboudo Patrick Gueswendé , Siri Alain
Published: May 2023

Background

Burkina Faso has recently instituted a free healthcare policy for women and children under five. This comprehensive study examined the effects of this policy on the use of services, health outcomes, and removal of costs.

Methods

Interrupted time-series regressions were used to investigate the effects of the policy on the use of health services and health outcomes. In addition, an analysis of household expenditures was conducted to assess the effects of spending on delivery, care for children, and other exempted (antenatal, postnatal, etc.) services on household expenditures.

Results

The findings show that the user fee removal policy significantly increased the use of healthcare facilities for child consultations and reduced mortality from severe malaria in children under the age of five years. It also has increased the use of health facilities for assisted deliveries, complicated deliveries, and second antenatal visits, and reduced cesarean deliveries and intrahospital infant mortality, although not significantly. While the policy has failed to remove all costs, it decreased household costs to some extent. In addition, the effects of the user fee removal policy seemed higher in districts with non-compromised security for most of the studied indicators.

Conclusions

Given the positive effects, the findings of this investigation support the pursuit of implementing the free healthcare policy for maternal and child care.
Extracellular production of a thermostable Cellvibrio endolytic β-agarase in Escherichia coli for agarose liquefaction
Authors: Lee Hee Kyoung , Jang Won Young , Kim Young Ho
Published: May 2023

Four GH16 family β-agarases (GH16A, GH16B, GH16C, and GH16D), originated from an agarolytic bacterium Cellvibrio sp. KY-GH-1, were expressed in an Escherichia coli system and their activities were compared. Only GH16B (597 amino acids, 63.8 kDa), with N-terminal 22-amino acid signal sequence, was secreted into the culture supernatant and demonstrated a robust endolytic agarose hydrolyzing activity for producing neoagarotetraose (NA4) and neoagarohexaose (NA6) as end products. The optimal temperature and pH for the enzyme activity were 50 °C and 7.0, respectively. The enzyme was stable up to 50 °C and over a pH range of 5.0–8.0. The kinetic parameters, including Km, Vmax, kcat, and kcat/Km, of GH16B β-agarases for agarose were 14.40 mg/mL, 542.0 U/mg, 576.3 s−1, and 4.80 × 106 s−1 M−1, respectively. The addition of 1 mM MnCl2 and 15 mM tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine enhanced the enzymatic activity. When agarose or neoagaro-oligosaccharides were used as substrates, the end products of enzymatic catalysis were NA4 and NA6, whereas agaropentaose was produced along with NA4 and NA6 when agaro-oligosaccharides were used as substrates. Treatment of 9%[w/v] melted agarose with the enzyme (1.6 µg/mL) under continuous magnetic stirring at 50 °C for 14 h resulted in efficient agarose liquefaction into NA4 and NA6. Purification of NA4 and NA6 from the enzymatic hydrolysate (9%[w/v] agarose, 20 mL) via Sephadex G-15 column chromatography yielded ~ 650 mg NA4/~ 900 mg NA6 (i.e., ~ 85.3% of the theoretical maximum yield). These findings suggest that the recombinant thermostable GH16B β-agarase is useful for agarose liquefaction to produce NA4 and NA6.

Graphical Abstract
Genetic labeling reveals spatial and cellular expression pattern of neuregulin 1 in mouse brain
Authors: Ding Chen-Yun , Ding Yan-Ting , Ji Haifeng , Wang Yao-Yi , Zhang Xinwen , Yin Dong-Min
Published: May 2023

Background

Where the gene is expressed determines the function of the gene. Neuregulin 1 (Nrg1) encodes a tropic factor and is genetically linked with several neuropsychiatry diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Nrg1 has broad functions ranging from regulating neurodevelopment to neurotransmission in the nervous system. However, the expression pattern of Nrg1 at the cellular and circuit levels in rodent brain is not full addressed.

Methods

Here we used CRISPR/Cas9 techniques to generate a knockin mouse line (Nrg1Cre/+) that expresses a P2A-Cre cassette right before the stop codon of Nrg1 gene. Since Cre recombinase and Nrg1 are expressed in the same types of cells in Nrg1Cre/+ mice, the Nrg1 expression pattern can be revealed through the Cre-reporting mice or adeno-associated virus (AAV) that express fluorescent proteins in a Cre-dependent way. Using unbiased stereology and fluorescence imaging, the cellular expression pattern of Nrg1 and axon projections of Nrg1-positive neurons were investigated.

Results

In the olfactory bulb (OB), Nrg1 is expressed in GABAergic interneurons including periglomerular (PG) and granule cells. In the cerebral cortex, Nrg1 is mainly expressed in the pyramidal neurons of superficial layers that mediate intercortical communications. In the striatum, Nrg1 is highly expressed in the Drd1-positive medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the shell of nucleus accumbens (NAc) that project to substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). In the hippocampus, Nrg1 is mainly expressed in granule neurons in the dentate gyrus and pyramidal neurons in the subiculum. The Nrg1-expressing neurons in the subiculum project to retrosplenial granular cortex (RSG) and mammillary nucleus (MM). Nrg1 is highly expressed in the median eminence (ME) of hypothalamus and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum.

Conclusions

Nrg1 is broadly expressed in mouse brain, mainly in neurons, but has unique expression patterns in different brain regions.
Emerging roles of mitochondria in animal regeneration
Authors: Zhao Yun , Gao Chong , Pan Xue , Lei Kai
Published: May 2023

The regeneration capacity after an injury is critical to the survival of living organisms. In animals, regeneration ability can be classified into five primary types: cellular, tissue, organ, structure, and whole-body regeneration. Multiple organelles and signaling pathways are involved in the processes of initiation, progression, and completion of regeneration. Mitochondria, as intracellular signaling platforms of pleiotropic functions in animals, have recently gained attention in animal regeneration. However, most studies to date have focused on cellular and tissue regeneration. A mechanistic understanding of the mitochondrial role in large-scale regeneration is unclear. Here, we reviewed findings related to mitochondrial involvement in animal regeneration. We outlined the evidence of mitochondrial dynamics across different animal models. Moreover, we emphasized the impact of defects and perturbation in mitochondria resulting in regeneration failure. Ultimately, we discussed the regulation of aging by mitochondria in animal regeneration and recommended this for future study. We hope this review will serve as a means to advocate for more mechanistic studies of mitochondria related to animal regeneration on different scales.
Effectiveness of training programs based on mindfulness in reducing psychological distress and promoting well-being in medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: da Silva Claudia Cardoso Gomes , Bolognani Cláudia Vicari , Amorim Fábio Ferreira , Imoto Aline Mizusaki
Published: May 2023

Background

Medical schools have used mindfulness meditation as a strategy to assist students in stress management. This study aimed to seek evidence regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training programs in reducing psychological distress and promoting the well-being of medical students.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO/PsycNet, LILACS/BVS, ERIC (ProQuest), Web of Science, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials published until March 2022, without time or language restrictions. Two authors independently screened the articles, extracted data using a standardized extraction form, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using the Cochrane’s Risk of Bias 2 (ROB 2) tool and the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool.

Results

Of the 848 articles retrieved, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Mindfulness-based training improved the outcomes: mindfulness (small post-intervention effect: SMD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.54; p = 0.03; I2 = 46%; high evidence quality, and small effect at follow-up: SMD = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.70; p = 0.03; I2 = 53%; low evidence quality), psychological well-being/health (there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the post-intervention effect: SMD =  − 0.27; 95% CI: − 0.67 to 0.13; p = 0.18; I2 = 76%; moderate evidence quality, and a significant difference at follow-up: SMD =  − 0.73; 95% CI: − 1.23 to − 0.23; p = 0.004; I2 = 61%; low evidence quality), and stress (small post-intervention effect: SMD =  − 0.29; CI of 95%: − 0.56 to − 0.02; p = 0.04; I2 = 57%; moderate evidence quality, and moderate effect at follow-up: SMD =  − 0.45, 95% CI: − 0.67 to − 0.22, p = 0.0001, I2 = 0%, moderate evidence quality). The quality of evidence for the anxiety, depression, and resilience outcomes is low and for the empathy outcome, very low.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the students who participated in the mindfulness training perceived improvements in the stress and psychological distress symptoms and improved health perception and psychological well-being. However, the significant heterogeneity among studies should be considered when interpreting these findings.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020153169.
The effect of relationship marketing towards switching barrier, customer satisfaction, and customer trust on bank customers
Authors: Hidayat Kadarisman , Idrus Muhammad Ishlah
Published: May 2023

Basically, relationship marketing focuses more on creating customer value through interaction with customers to get information regarding evaluation of customer needs and expectations on an ongoing basis. Interaction with customers must be conducted, because customer involvement can increase customer value, so that the company can meet their expectations and needs. Furthermore, customer satisfaction, customer trust, and customer retention can be influenced by the implementation of a relationship marketing strategy. This study aims to examine and analyze the correlation between relationship marketing variables to switching barriers, customer satisfaction, customer trust and customer retention. Regarding to the objectives and study hypotheses, structural equation technique (SEM) is considered as relevant to be used. The population in this study was BNI customers who are members of BNI Emerald in East Java Province. The sample was obtained based on the top five BNI branches. Furthermore, the sample was determined by area proportional random sampling based on branches with a total sample of 141 respondents. Based on the study results, it is concluded that the effect of Relationship Marketing on Switching Barriers, Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Trust is positively significant. As a result, relational marketing is positioned as the primary exogenous variable to be investigated in conjunction with other relevant factors, such as switching barrier variables, customer happiness, customer trust, and customer retention. Customer satisfaction has a considerable positive impact on customer trust, indicating that the better the customer satisfaction, the higher the customer trust. Customer satisfaction has a positive and considerable impact on customer retention, indicating that the better the customer satisfaction, the higher the customer retention.
A review of the pangenome: how it affects our understanding of genomic variation, selection and breeding in domestic animals?
Authors: Gong Ying , Li Yefang , Liu Xuexue , Ma Yuehui , Jiang Lin
Published: May 2023

As large-scale genomic studies have progressed, it has been revealed that a single reference genome pattern cannot represent genetic diversity at the species level. While domestic animals tend to have complex routes of origin and migration, suggesting a possible omission of some population-specific sequences in the current reference genome. Conversely, the pangenome is a collection of all DNA sequences of a species that contains sequences shared by all individuals (core genome) and is also able to display sequence information unique to each individual (variable genome). The progress of pangenome research in humans, plants and domestic animals has proved that the missing genetic components and the identification of large structural variants (SVs) can be explored through pangenomic studies. Many individual specific sequences have been shown to be related to biological adaptability, phenotype and important economic traits. The maturity of technologies and methods such as third-generation sequencing, Telomere-to-telomere genomes, graphic genomes, and reference-free assembly will further promote the development of pangenome. In the future, pangenome combined with long-read data and multi-omics will help to resolve large SVs and their relationship with the main economic traits of interest in domesticated animals, providing better insights into animal domestication, evolution and breeding. In this review, we mainly discuss how pangenome analysis reveals genetic variations in domestic animals (sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens) and their impacts on phenotypes and how this can contribute to the understanding of species diversity. Additionally, we also go through potential issues and the future perspectives of pangenome research in livestock and poultry.
Thermoelastic instability on a frictional surface and its implication for size effect in friction experiments
Authors: Noda Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Recent laboratory friction experiments on large rock samples revealed that dynamic weakening, a remarkable reduction in the friction coefficient at elevated slip rates, occurs at lower slip rates in larger samples. There is a large difference between the sizes of natural faults and those in laboratory experiments. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the effect of size on rock friction. In the field of tribology, the interaction between frictional heating and thermoelastic effect has long been investigated. It was shown that higher slip rates than the critical value $${V}_{\mathrm{cr}}$$

V
cr

causes growth of temperature and normal stress heterogeneity (thermoelastic instability), and $${V}_{\mathrm{cr}}$$

V
cr

is proportional to the wavenumber of the heterogeneity. Severely heterogeneous normal stress may cause concentration of frictional power, thus locally activating dynamic weakening and leading to macroscopic weakening. Because a larger sample hosts a perturbation of a smaller wavenumber, it is expected to weaken at a lower slip rate than a smaller sample. In this study, a new numerical method was developed for analysis of thermoelastic instability based on the definition of memory variables and numerical approximation to the integration kernel, for the 2-dimensional problem of a planar fault embedded in an infinite medium. This method was advantageous over the standard integral equation method in terms of numerical costs. Numerical solutions with the new method on sinusoidal perturbations in the normal stress were compared with previously derived steady-state solution and its stability for validation. The typical thermoelastic properties of gabbro yield $${V}_{\mathrm{cr}}$$

V
cr

in a range of experimentally adopted slip rates, indicating that the thermoelastic effect may play an important role in high-velocity friction experiments. Because the temperature rise and the resulting normal stress change smear out after the friction experiments, measurement of the temperature distribution in a sample during a friction experiment is important for further understanding the dynamic weakening and scale effect of rock friction.

Graphical Abstract
Upward propagation of gravity waves and ionospheric perturbations triggered by the 2022 Hunga-Tonga volcanic eruption
Authors: Miyoshi Yasunobu , Shinagawa Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Using an atmosphere–ionosphere coupled model (GAIA), atmospheric and ionospheric perturbations triggered by the 2022 Hunga-Tonga volcanic eruption are studied. Our result shows that ionospheric perturbations are caused by neutral wind perturbations associated with gravity waves. Gravity waves with horizontal phase speeds of 200–310 m/s are excited in the troposphere near the Hunga-Tonga volcano, and propagate upward into the thermosphere. While the amplitude of the eruption-generated gravity waves is small in the troposphere (~ 1 m/s), the amplitude of the gravity waves increases exponentially with height because of the exponential decrease of the density, reaching 60‒80 m/s at 300 km height. General features of the TIDs appeared in GNSS–TEC observations reported in earlier studies are reproduced fairly well. We can conclude that the eruption-generated gravity waves whose horizontal phase velocity is close to the sound speed play an important role in thermospheric and ionospheric perturbations after the Hunga-Tonga volcano eruption.

Graphical Abstract
Geomagnetic activity dependence and dawn-dusk asymmetry of thermospheric winds from 9-year measurements with a Fabry–Perot interferometer in Tromsø, Norway
Authors: Oyama Shin-ichiro , Aikio Anita , Sakanoi Takeshi , Hosokawa Keisuke , Vanhamäki Heikki , Cai Lei , Virtanen Ilkka , Pedersen Marcus , Shiokawa Kazuo , Shinbori Atsuki , Nishitani Nozomu , Ogawa Yasunobu
Published: May 2023

Ion drag associated with the ionospheric plasma convection plays an important role in the high-latitude thermospheric dynamics, yet changes in the thermospheric wind with geomagnetic activity are not fully understood. We performed a statistical analysis of the thermospheric wind measurements with a Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI; 630 nm wavelength) in Tromsø, Norway, in the winter months for 9 years. The measurements were sorted by a SuperMAG (SME) index, and a quiet-time wind pattern was defined as an hourly mean under SME ≤ 40 nT. The quiet-time wind pattern can be expected to be represented by a pressure gradient associated with the solar radiation and a geostrophic force balance. With an increase in the geomagnetic activity level, the thermospheric wind turned over from eastward to westward at dusk and increased the equatorward magnitude from midnight to dawn. Deviations from the quiet-time wind presented similar patterns in the direction with the ionospheric plasma convection but were larger in magnitude at dusk than at dawn. This is the first study to report a dawn-dusk asymmetry of the thermospheric wind acceleration feature and signatures of the eastward wind acceleration at dawn by ion drag.

Graphical Abstract
NEDD4-1 deficiency impairs satellite cell function during skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Cabezas Felipe , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio , González Natalia , Salas Jeremy , Ramírez Manuel J. , de la Vega Eduardo , Olguín Hugo C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Satellite cells are tissue-specific stem cells primarily responsible for the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. Satellite cell function and maintenance are regulated by extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms, including the ubiquitin–proteasome system, which is key for maintaining protein homeostasis. In this context, it has been shown that ubiquitin-ligase NEDD4-1 targets the transcription factor PAX7 for proteasome-dependent degradation, promoting muscle differentiation in vitro. Nonetheless, whether NEDD4-1 is required for satellite cell function in regenerating muscle remains to be determined.

Results

Using conditional gene ablation, we show that NEDD4-1 loss, specifically in the satellite cell population, impairs muscle regeneration resulting in a significant reduction of whole-muscle size. At the cellular level, NEDD4-1-null muscle progenitors exhibit a significant decrease in the ability to proliferate and differentiate, contributing to the formation of myofibers with reduced diameter.

Conclusions

These results indicate that NEDD4-1 expression is critical for proper muscle regeneration in vivo and suggest that it may control satellite cell function at multiple levels.
Group music therapy with songwriting for adult patients with long-term depression (SYNCHRONY study): a feasibility and acceptability study of the intervention and parallel randomised controlled trial design with wait-list control and nested process evaluation
Authors: Carr Catherine Elizabeth , Millard Emma , Dilgul Merve , Bent Cornelia , Wetherick Donald , French Jennifer , Priebe Stefan
Published: May 2023

Background

Despite effective treatments, one fifth of patients develop chronic depression. Music therapy may offer a different approach. This study aimed to assess feasibility and acceptability of a music therapy intervention and trial methodology.

Methods

A parallel two-arm randomised controlled trial with wait-list control, mixed feasibility/acceptability measures and nested process evaluation. Adults with long-term depression (symptom duration > 1 year) were recruited from community mental health services and computer randomised to 42 sessions of group music therapy with songwriting three times per week or wait-list control. Depression, social functioning, distress, quality of life, satisfaction and service use were assessed by blinded researchers at enrolment, 1 week and 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Outcomes were analysed descriptively, controlling for baseline covariates. Recruitment (number eligible, participation and retention rates) and intervention (fidelity, adherence) feasibility were assessed using pre-defined stop–go criteria. Attendance, adverse events, mood, relationship satisfaction and semi-structured interviews were analysed in a nested process evaluation.

Results

Recruitment processes were feasible with 421 eligible, 12.7% participation and 60% (18/30) retention. Thirty participants were randomised to intervention (N = 20) and control (N = 10). Session attendance was low (mean 10.5) with four withdrawals. Music therapist adherence was good but changes to session frequency were suggested. Outcomes were available for 10/20 treatment and 9/10 wait-list participants. Depression increased in both arms post-therapy. Treatment depression scores fell below baseline 3 and 6 months post-therapy indicating improvement. Wait-list depression scores increased from baseline 3 and 6 months post-therapy. At 3 months, the treatment arm improved from baseline on all measures except satisfaction and functioning. At 6 months, quality of life, distress and functioning improved with reduction in health service contacts. High-attending participants improved more than low-attending. Seven adverse events (one serious) were reported.

Limitations

As this was a feasibility study, clinical outcomes should be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusion

A randomised controlled trial of group music therapy using songwriting is feasible with inclusion criteria and session frequency modifications, but further intervention development is required.

Trial registration

ISRCTN18164037 on 26.09.2016.
Integrated cognitive behavioral treatment for substance use and depressive symptoms: a homeless case series and feasibility study
Authors: Molander Olof , Bjureberg Johan , Sahlin Hanna , Beijer Ulla , Hellner Clara , Ljótsson Brjánn
Published: May 2023

Background

Homelessness is associated with high prevalence of psychiatric disorders such as substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder, and depression.

Methods

This case series and feasibility trial evaluated a novel integrated cognitive behavioral treatment (ICBT), which was adapted specifically for homeless individuals and developed to treat substance use and depressive symptoms simultaneously. The ICBT was delivered among four homeless individuals enrolled in the Treatment First program (a social services program where treatment is offered in conjunction with temporary transitional housing), who had access to stable and sober housing milieus.

Results

The ICBT was rated high in expectancy of improvement, credibility, and satisfaction, with few treatment-related adverse events, and fairly high treatment retention. At 12 months follow-up, three of four participants were not homeless anymore. Some participants experienced short-term reductions in substance use and/or depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The study provided preliminary support that the ICBT can be a feasible and potentially effective treatment for homeless individuals with substance use and/or depressive symptoms. However, the delivery format within the Treatment First program was not feasible. The ICBT could be offered within the social services Housing First program instead (where permanent housing is offered before treatment), or to non-homeless individuals.

Trial registration

The study was registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05329181).
EM-Gaze: eye context correlation and metric learning for gaze estimation
Authors: Zhou Jinchao , Li Guoan , Shi Feng , Guo Xiaoyan , Wan Pengfei , Wang Miao
Published: May 2023

In recent years, deep learning techniques have been used to estimate gaze—a significant task in computer vision and human-computer interaction. Previous studies have made significant achievements in predicting 2D or 3D gazes from monocular face images. This study presents a deep neural network for 2D gaze estimation on mobile devices. It achieves state-of-the-art 2D gaze point regression error, while significantly improving gaze classification error on quadrant divisions of the display. To this end, an efficient attention-based module that correlates and fuses the left and right eye contextual features is first proposed to improve gaze point regression performance. Subsequently, through a unified perspective for gaze estimation, metric learning for gaze classification on quadrant divisions is incorporated as additional supervision. Consequently, both gaze point regression and quadrant classification performances are improved. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing gaze-estimation methods on the GazeCapture and MPIIFaceGaze datasets.
Recent progress and future perspectives on non-thermal apple juice processing techniques
Authors: Arya Shalini S. , Nachiappan Nachal , Waghmare Roji , Bhat Mohmad Sayeed
Published: May 2023

Fresh apple juice is one of the most popular and consumed juice, owing to its pleasant taste, natural flavour and nutritional richness. Regular consumption of apple juice is associated with reducing the risk of cancer, cardiovascular related diseases, asthma and diabetes. However,  the shelf life of apple juice is limited by detrimental effect of enzymes. Due to the demand of wholesome nutritious product, there arises a need for adoption of novel non-thermal techniques as they help to retain the nutritional content and at the same time aid in improving the shelf life as compared to the thermal treatment.

High pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric field (PEF), ultrasound, pulsed light, UV, high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) are all examples of novel procedures tested and tried for the better retention of nutritional and phytochemical composition in apple juice. This study aimed to find the influence of these mechanisms on the quality and composition of apple juice.

Apple juice processing has been successfully examined using non-thermal techniques. These exhibited promising results in terms of minimising physical, chemical, enzymatic and microbial deterioration of the apple juice while still retaining a high percentage of nutritious components. Though all the non-thermal process require a hurdle approach for inactivation of enzymes, HC can be a better alternative in terms of operating costs and ease in handling the bulk volumes of juice.

Graphical Abstract
Equitable Access to Clinical Trials: How Do We Achieve It?
Authors: Acuña-Villaorduña Ana , Baranda Joaquina Celebre , Boehmer Jessica , Fashoyin-Aje Lola , Gore Steven D.
Published: May 2023

The mismatch between the study populations participating in oncology clinical trials and the composition of the targeted cancer population requires urgent amelioration. Regulatory requirements can mandate that trial sponsors enroll diverse study populations and ensure that regulatory revue prioritizes equity and inclusivity. A variety of projects directed at increasing accrual of underserved populations to oncology clinical trials emphasize best practices: broadened eligibility requirements for trials, simplification of trial procedures, community outreach through patient navigators, decentralization of clinical trial procedures and institution of telehealth, and funding to offset costs of travel and lodging. Substantial improvement will require major changes in culture in the educational and professional practice, research, and regulatory communities and will require major increases in public, corporate, and philanthropic funding.
The cilium–centrosome axis in coupling cell cycle exit and cell fate
Authors: Atmakuru Priti S. , Dhawan Jyotsna
Published: May 2023

The centrosome is an evolutionarily conserved, ancient organelle whose role in cell division was first described over a century ago. The structure and function of the centrosome as a microtubule-organizing center, and of its extracellular extension – the primary cilium – as a sensory antenna, have since been extensively studied, but the role of the cilium–centrosome axis in cell fate is still emerging. In this Opinion piece, we view cellular quiescence and tissue homeostasis from the vantage point of the cilium–centrosome axis. We focus on a less explored role in the choice between distinct forms of mitotic arrest – reversible quiescence and terminal differentiation, which play distinct roles in tissue homeostasis. We outline evidence implicating the centrosome–basal body switch in stem cell function, including how the cilium–centrosome complex regulates reversible versus irreversible arrest in adult skeletal muscle progenitors. We then highlight exciting new findings in other quiescent cell types that suggest signal-dependent coupling of nuclear and cytoplasmic events to the centrosome–basal body switch. Finally, we propose a framework for involvement of this axis in mitotically inactive cells and identify future avenues for understanding how the cilium–centrosome axis impacts central decisions in tissue homeostasis.
The economic costs of malaria in pregnancy: evidence from four sub-Saharan countries
Authors: Cirera Laia , Sacoor Charfudin , Meremikwu Martin , Ranaivo Louise , F. Manun’Ebo Manu , Arikpo Dachi , Matavele Osvaldo , Rafaralahy Victor , Ndombe Didier , Pons Duran Clara , Ramirez Maximo , Ramponi Francesco , González Raquel , Maly Christina , Roman Elaine , Sicuri Elisa , Pagnoni Franco , Menéndez Clara
Published: May 2023

Background

Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which imposes a significant economic burden. We provide evidence on the costs of malaria care in pregnancy to households and the health system in four high-burden countries in SSA. 

Methods

Household and health system economic costs associated with malaria control in pregnancy were estimated in selected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar (MDG), Mozambique (MOZ) and Nigeria (NGA). An exit survey was administered to 2,031 pregnant women when leaving the antenatal care (ANC) clinic from October 2020 to June 2021. Women reported the direct and indirect costs associated to malaria prevention and treatment in pregnancy. To estimate health system costs, we interviewed health workers from 133 randomly selected health facilities. Costs were estimated using an ingredients-based approach.

Results

Average household costs of malaria prevention per pregnancy were USD6.33 in DRC, USD10.06 in MDG, USD15.03 in MOZ and USD13.33 in NGA. Household costs of treating an episode of uncomplicated/complicated malaria were USD22.78/USD46 in DRC, USD16.65/USD35.65 in MDG, USD30.54/USD61.25 in MOZ and USD18.92/USD44.71 in NGA, respectively. Average health system costs of malaria prevention per pregnancy were USD10.74 in DRC, USD16.95 in MDG, USD11.17 in MOZ and USD15.64 in NGA. Health system costs associated with treating an episode of uncomplicated/complicated malaria were USD4.69/USD101.41 in DRC, USD3.61/USD63.33 in MDG, USD4.68/USD83.70 in MOZ and USD4.09/USD92.64 in NGA. These estimates resulted in societal costs of malaria prevention and treatment per pregnancy of USD31.72 in DRC, USD29.77 in MDG, USD31.98 in MOZ and USD46.16 in NGA.

Conclusions

Malaria in pregnancy imposes a high economic burden on households and the health system. Findings emphasize the importance of investing in effective strategies that improve access to malaria control and reduce the burden of the infection in pregnancy.