bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an observational exposure human biomonitoring study to assess Canadian children’s DEET exposure during protective use
Authors: Gibson Jennifer C. , Marro Leonora , Borghese Michael M. , Brandow Danielle , Remedios Lauren , Fisher Mandy , Malowany Morie , Kieliszkiewicz Katarzyna , Lukina Anna O. , Irwin Kim
Published: August 2022

Biomonitoring data of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) in children is scarce and limited to controlled exposure and surveillance studies. We conducted a 24-hour observational exposure and human biomonitoring study designed to estimate use of and exposure to DEET-based insect repellents by Canadian children in an overnight summer camp setting. Here, we present our study design and methodology. In 2019, children between the ages of 7 and 13 took part in the study (n = 126). Children controlled their use of DEET-based insect repellents, and provided an account of their activities at camp that could impact insect repellent absorption. Children provided a total of 389 urine samples throughout the study day, and reported the time that they applied insect repellent, which allowed us to contextualize urinary DEET and metabolite concentrations with respect to the timing of insect repellent application. DEET (2.3% <Limits of detection (LOD)) and two metabolites, N,N-diethyl-m-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide (DHMB) (0% <LOD) and 3-diethylcarbamoyl benzoic acid (DCBA) (0% <LOD), were measured in urine samples. Three time difference scenarios were established for the data and analysed to account for these complex time-dependent data, which demonstrated the need for DEET biomonitoring to be done in context with the timing of a known DEET exposure or over the course of at least 14 to 24 hours to better capture the excretion curve. To our knowledge, this is the first field-based study of real-world exposure to DEET in children. Our experience and results suggest that this type of real-world observational exposure study with a human biomonitoring component can generate data reflective of actual exposure, but is not without significant logistic, practical, and analytical challenges.
Parametric equations to study and predict lower-limb joint kinematics and kinetics during human walking and slow running on slopes
Authors: Shkedy Rabani Anat , Mizrachi Sarai , Sawicki Gregory S. , Riemer Raziel
Published: August 2022

Comprehensive data sets for lower-limb kinematics and kinetics during slope walking and running are important for understanding human locomotion neuromechanics and energetics and may aid the design of wearable robots (e.g., exoskeletons and prostheses). Yet, this information is difficult to obtain and requires expensive experiments with human participants in a gait laboratory. This study thus presents an empirical mathematical model that predicts lower-limb joint kinematics and kinetics during human walking and running as a function of surface gradient and stride cycle percentage. In total, 9 males and 7 females (age: 24.56 ± 3.16 years) walked at a speed of 1.25 m/s at five surface gradients (-15%, -10%, 0%, +10%, +15%) and ran at a speed of 2.25 m/s at five different surface gradients (-10%, -5%, 0%, +5%, +10%). Joint kinematics and kinetics were calculated at each surface gradient. We then used a Fourier series to generate prediction equations for each speed’s slope (3 joints x 5 surface gradients x [angle, moment, mechanical power]), where the input was the percentage in the stride cycle. Next, we modeled the change in value of each Fourier series’ coefficients as a function of the surface gradient using polynomial regression. This enabled us to model lower-limb joint angle, moment, and power as functions of the slope and as stride cycle percentages. The average adjusted R2 for kinematic and kinetic equations was 0.92 ± 0.18. Lastly, we demonstrated how these equations could be used to generate secondary gait parameters (e.g., joint work) as a function of surface gradients. These equations could be used, for instance, in the design of exoskeletons for walking and running on slopes to produce trajectories for exoskeleton controllers or for educational purposes in gait studies.
Efficacy and safety of anakinra in adults presenting deteriorating respiratory symptoms from COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Audemard-Verger Alexandra , Le Gouge Amélie , Pestre Vincent , Courjon Johan , Langlois Vincent , Vareil Marc-Olivier , Devaux Mathilde , Bienvenu Boris , Leroy Vincent , Goulabchand Radjiv , Colombain Léa , Bigot Adrien , Guimard Thomas , Douadi Youcef , Urbanski Geoffrey , Faucher Jean François , Maulin Laurence , Lioger Bertrand , Talarmin Jean-Philippe , Groh Matthieu , Emmerich Joseph , Deriaz Sophie , Ferreira-Maldent Nicole , Cook Ann-Rose , Lengellé Céline , Bourgoin Hélène , Mekinian Arsène , Aouba Achille , Maillot François , Caille Agnès
Published: August 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether anakinra, an interleukin-1receptor inhibitor, could improve outcome in moderate COVID-19 patients.

Methods

In this controlled, open-label trial, we enrolled adults with COVID-19 requiring oxygen. We randomly assigned patients to receive intravenous anakinra plus optimized standard of care (oSOC) vs. oSOC alone. The primary outcome was treatment success at day 14 defined as patient alive and not requiring mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Results

Between 27th April and 6th October 2020, we enrolled 71 patients (240 patients planned to been enrolled): 37 were assigned to the anakinra group and 34 to oSOC group. The study ended prematurely by recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board due to safety concerns. On day 14, the proportion of treatment success was significantly lower in the anakinra group 70% (n = 26) vs. 91% (n = 31) in the oSOC group: risk difference—21 percentage points (95% CI, -39 to -2), odds ratio 0.23 (95% CI, 0.06 to 0.91), p = 0.027. After a 28-day follow-up, 9 patients in the anakinra group and 3 in the oSOC group had died. Overall survival at day 28 was 75% (95% CI, 62% to 91%) in the anakinra group versus 91% (95% CI, 82% to 100%) (p = 0.06) in the oSOC group. Serious adverse events occurred in 19 (51%) patients in the anakinra group and 18 (53%) in the oSOC group (p = 0·89).

Conclusion

This trial did not show efficacy of anakinra in patients with COVID-19. Furthermore, contrary to our hypothesis, we found that anakinra was inferior to oSOC in patients with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia.
Women’s empowerment and intra-household gender dynamics and practices around sheep and goat production in South East Kenya
Authors: Ogolla Kennedy O. , Chemuliti Judith K. , Ngutu Mariah , Kimani Winnie W. , Anyona Douglas N. , Nyamongo Isaac K. , Bukachi Salome A.
Published: August 2022

Small ruminant production facets like decision-making, ownership, labour allocation, access to- and control over assets are gendered. This study investigates intra-household gender dynamics and practices around sheep and goat production among smallholder farmers in South East region of Kenya. A quantitative study was conducted on 358 dual-headed (married) households to generate gender-disaggregated data on ownership, decision-making and labour allocation around small ruminant production. Qualitative data was collected through focused group discussions to bring out the community perspectives. From the findings, the average number of small ruminants owned by the households as reported by men was slightly higher than women. The average number of small ruminants solely owned by men was significantly higher than by women. Men reported a relatively higher number of jointly owned small ruminants compared to women. More women than men reported that they could give as a gift, sell-off and slaughter jointly owned small ruminants without consulting their spouses. Small ruminants were considered the most important livestock asset in supporting a household’s livelihood by relatively more women than men. Men had more decision-making autonomy over jointly owned small ruminants compared to women. Production tasks around small ruminants such as feeding, watering, selling milk and cleaning housing structures were mostly performed by the women. Qualitative data identified men as the de facto owners of small ruminants with a higher power position in making the important production decisions. The study offers three implications on the design of livestock interventions to empower women, the interventions should ensure that; 1) women are not just owners of livestock assets but also share power and decision-making rights in all aspects of production, 2) production labour is shared equitably between men and women and, 3) women access benefits from livestock production even when animals are owned by men.
Burnout prevalence and contributing factors among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey study in an urban community in Thailand
Authors: Kunno Jadsada , Supawattanabodee Busaba , Sumanasrethakul Chavanant , Wiriyasirivaj Budsaba , Yubonpunt Pataraporn
Published: August 2022

Background

Burnout is associated with an increased risk for severe COVID-19. Few studies have examined burnout prevalence related to healthcare workers during the pandemic. This study investigated the burnout prevalence and contributing factors among HCWs, including medical staff and support staff, during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban community in Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among HCWs in Bangkok, Thailand, from July–August 2021. The independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the contributing factors and burnout items. Variable factors associated with burnout among HCWs were used in multiple linear regression models.

Results

A total of 517 HCWs’ survey responses were received. Most participants were medical staff (55.3%), female (83.4%), and over the age of 35 (59.4%); most participants (65.6%) did not have any diseases but had family members that did (63.6%). The prevalence of overall burnout presented among medical staff (25.9%). The results of the multiple linear regression models found that female (vs. male, β 0.088; 95% CI 0.033, 6.614) was higher associated with overall burnout score. In addition, hours of sleep as > 6 hr./day (vs. ≤ 6 hr./day, β -0.120; 95% CI -6.012, -0.969) was lower associated with overall burnout score.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of addressing burnout among HCWs, in which female medical staff who slept less than six hours per day were associated with burnout. Our study further suggested that both intervention and identification are needed of frontline HCWs to prevent and reduce the risk of burnout, as the proportion of females compared to males is high. Thus, the government should provide support in these areas to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
Bioactive potentiality of secondary metabolites from endophytic bacteria against SARS-COV-2: An in-silico approach
Authors: Akter Yasmin , Barua Rocktim , Nasir Uddin Md. , Muhammad Sanaullah Abul Fazal , Marzan Lolo Wal
Published: August 2022

Five endophytic bacterial isolates were studied to identify morphologically and biochemically, according to established protocols and further confirmed by 16S rDNA Sanger sequencing, asPriestia megaterium,Staphylococcus caprae,Neobacillus drentensis,Micrococcus yunnanensis, andSphingomonas paucimobiliz, which were then tested for phytohormone, ammonia, and hydrolytic enzyme production. Antioxidant compounds total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were assessed by using bacterial crude extracts obtained from 24-hour shake-flask culture. Phylogenetic tree analysis of those identified isolates shared sequence similarities with the members ofBacillus,Micrococcus,Staphylococcus, andPseudomonasspecies, and after GenBank submission, accession numbers for the nucleotide sequences were found to be MW494406, MW494408, MW494401, MW494402, and MZ021340, respectively.In silicoanalysis was performed to identify their bioactive genes and compounds in the context of bioactive secondary metabolite production with medicinal value, where nine significant bioactive compounds according to six different types of bioactive secondary metabolites were identified, and their structures, gene associations, and protein-protein networks were analyzed by different computational tools and servers, which were reported earlier with their antimicrobial, anti-infective, antioxidant, and anti-cancer capabilities. These compounds were then docked to the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) of the novel SARS-COV-2. Docking scores were then compared with 3CLproreference inhibitor (lopinavir), and docked compounds were further subjected to ADMET and drug-likeness analyses. Ligand-protein interactions showed that two compounds (microansamycin and aureusimine) interacted favorably with coronavirus 3CLpro. Besides,in silicoanalysis, we also performed NMR for metabolite detection whereas three metabolites (microansamycin, aureusimine, and stenothricin) were confirmed from the 1H NMR profiles. As a consequence, the metabolites found from NMR data aligned with ourin-silicoanalysis that carries a significant outcome of this research. Finally, Endophytic bacteria collected from medicinal plants can provide new leading bioactive compounds against target proteins of SARS-COV-2, which could be an effective approach to accelerate drug innovation and development.
Thromboembolic events in COVID-19 ambulatory patients: An observational study about incidence, and thromboprophylaxis outcomes
Authors: Hammami Rania , Jdidi Jihen , Chakroun Olfa , Issaoui Fadhila , Ktata Nouha , Maamri Hanen , Baklouti Mouna , Bahloul Amine , Gargouri Rania , Nasri Abdennour , Msaad Sameh , Kammoun Samy , Kammoun Samir , Rejab Imen Ben , Charfeddine Selma , Abid Leila
Published: August 2022

Introduction

There are no clear data about the incidence and the prophylactic strategies of arterial and venous thromboembolic events (TE) in COVID-19 ambulatory patients. Thus, we conducted this study to analyze thromboembolic complications in this setting and to assess thromboprophylaxis management and outcomes in the real life.

Patients and methods

This is an observational study including Covid-19 ambulatory patients. We assessed incidence of venous and arterial TE events as well as thromboprophylaxis outcomes and hemorrhagic complications. We defined high risk thrombo-embolic factor according to the Belgian guidelines which are the only guidelines that described thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19 ambulatory patients.

Results

We included 2089 patients with a mean age of 43±16 years. The incidence of 30 days venous and arterial TE complications in our cohort was 1%. Venous thromboembolic complications occurred in 0.8% and arterial thromboembolic complications occurred in 0.3%.We noted at least one high-risk TE factor in 18.5% of patients but thromboprophylaxis was prescribed in 22.5% of the cases, LMWH in 18.1%, and Rivaroxaban in 3.7%. Hemorrhagic events occurred in eight patients (0.3%): five patients showed minor hemorrhagic events and three patients showed major ones (0.14%).

Conclusions

Our study showed that the incidence of thromboembolic complications is very low in COVID-19 ambulatory patients. Paradoxically, there is an over prescription of thrombo-prophylaxis in this population.
Predictors of chronic COVID-19 symptoms in a community-based cohort of adults
Authors: Silverberg Jonathan I. , Zyskind Israel , Naiditch Hiam , Zimmerman Jason , Glatt Aaron E. , Pinter Abraham , Theel Elitza S. , Joyner Michael J. , Hill D. Ashley , Lieberman Miriam R. , Bigajer Elliot , Stok Daniel , Frank Elliot , Rosenberg Avi Z.
Published: August 2022

Background

COVID-19 can cause some individuals to experience chronic symptoms. Rates and predictors of chronic COVID-19 symptoms are not fully elucidated.

Objective

To examine occurrence and patterns of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV2 infection (PASC) symptomatology and their relationship with demographics, acute COVID-19 symptoms and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses.

Methods

A multi-stage observational study was performed of adults (≥18 years) from 5 US states. Participants completed two rounds of electronic surveys (May-July 2020; April-May 2021) and underwent testing to anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein IgG antibody testing. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify clusters of chronic COVID-19 symptoms.

Results

Overall, 390 adults (median [25%ile, 75%ile] age: 42 [31, 54] years) with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies completed the follow-up survey; 92 (24.7%) had ≥1 chronic COVID-19 symptom, with 11-month median duration of persistent symptoms (range: 1–12 months). The most common chronic COVID-19 symptoms were fatigue (11.3%), change in smell (9.5%) or taste (5.6%), muscle or joint aches (5.4%) and weakness (4.6%). There were significantly higher proportions of ≥1 persistent COVID-19 symptom (31.5% vs. 18.6%; Chi-square, P = 0.004), and particularly fatigue (15.8% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.008) and headaches (5.4% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.011) in females compared to males. Chronic COVID-19 symptoms were also increased in individuals with ≥6 acute COVID-19 symptoms, Latent class analysis revealed 4 classes of symptoms. Latent class-1 (change of smell and taste) was associated with lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels; class-2 and 3 (multiple chronic symptoms) were associated with higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and more severe acute COVID-19 infection.

Limitations

Ambulatory cohort with less severe acute disease.

Conclusion

Individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection commonly experience chronic symptoms, most commonly fatigue, changes in smell or taste and muscle/joint aches. Female sex, severity of acute COVID-19 infection, and higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were associated with the highest risk of having chronic COVID-19 symptoms.
Grading detection of “Red Fuji” apple in Luochuan based on machine vision and near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Jin , Huo Yujia , Wang Yutong , Zhao Haoyu , Li Kai , Liu Li , Shi Yinggang
Published: August 2022

A quality detection system for the “Red Fuji” apple in Luochuan was designed for automatic grading. According to the Chinese national standard, the grading principles of apple appearance quality and Brix detection were determined. Based on machine vision and image processing, the classifier models of apple defect, contour, and size were constructed. And then, the grading thresholds were set to detect the defective pixel ratio t, aspect ratio λ, and the cross-sectional diameter Wp in the image of the apple. Spectral information of apples in the wavelength range of 400 nm~1000 nm was collected and the multiple scattering correction (MSC) and standard normal variable (SNV) transformation methods were used to preprocess spectral reflectance data. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm and the successive projections algorithm (SPA) were used to extract characteristic wavelength points containing Brix information, and the CARS-PLS (partial least squares) algorithm was used to establish a Brix prediction model. Apple defect, contour, size, and Brix were combined as grading indicators. The apple quality online grading detection platform was built, and apple’s comprehensive grading detection algorithm and upper computer software were designed. The experiments showed that the average accuracy of apple defect, contour, and size grading detection was 96.67%, 95.00%, and 94.67% respectively, and the correlation coefficient Rp of the Brix prediction set was 0.9469. The total accuracy of apple defect, contour, size, and Brix grading was 96.67%, indicating that the detection system designed in this paper is feasible to classify “Red Fuji” apple in Luochuan.
Perceived barriers and enablers influencing physical activity in heart failure: A qualitative one-to-one interview study
Authors: Amirova Aliya , Lucas Rebecca , Cowie Martin R. , Haddad Mark
Published: August 2022

In heart failure (HF), increased physical activity is associated with improved quality of life, reduced hospitalisation, and increased longevity and is an important aim of treatment. However, physical activity levels in individuals living with HF are typically extremely low. This qualitative study with one-to-one interviews systematically explores perceived clinical, environmental, and psychosocial barriers and enablers in older adults (≥70 years old) living with HF. Semi-structured interviews (N = 16) based on the Theoretical Domains Framework elicited 39 belief statements describing the barriers and enablers to physical activity. Theoretical domains containing these beliefs and corresponding constructs that were both pervasive and common were deemed most relevant. These were: concerns about physical activity (Beliefs about Consequences), self-efficacy (Beliefs about Capabilities), social support (Social Influences), major health event (Environmental Context and Resources), goal behavioural (Goal), action planning (Behavioural Regulation). This work extends the limited research on the modifiable barriers and enablers for physical activity participation by individuals living with HF. The research findings provide insights for cardiologists, HF-specialist nurses, and physiotherapists to help co-design and deliver a physical activity intervention more likely to be effective for individuals living with HF.
Genetic characterization of the highlander Tibetan population from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau revealed by X chromosomal STRs
Authors: Li Xiao-na , Adnan Atif , Hadi Sibte , Al-Qahtani Wedad Saeed , Alwaili Maha Abdullah , Alshaya Dalal S. , Jalal Areej S. , Amer Sayed A. M. , Jin Feng
Published: August 2022

Tibetans are considered an East Asian ethnic group and primarily live in the high Tibetan plateau, the western Sichuan and Yunnan mountains of central and southern China, and areas throughout the Himalayas and around the Tibetan plateau. These people exhibit rare molecular machinery that allows them to adapt to hypoxic environments in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and make them a potential candidate for providing insights related to medical genetic, molecular medicine and human population studies. In the current study, we have genotyped 549 individuals with Investigator Argus X-12 Kit. For 12 X-STRs, a total of 174 unique alleles were found, among them DXS10134 and DXS10135 were the most polymorphic loci. All of the loci were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). The numbers of observed haplotypes in Highlander Tibetans males were 161,112, 96 and 108, respectively, whereas haplotype diversities (HD) were 0.9959, 0.9880, 0.9809 and 0.9873, respectively. The combined discrimination power for males (PDm) was 0.999 999 99701 and for females (PDf) was 0.999 999 999 999 9958. This study represents an extensive report on X chromosomal STR markers variation in the Highlander Tibetans population for forensic applications and population genetic studies.
Assessing risk factors for latent and active tuberculosis among persons living with HIV in Florida: A comparison of self-reports and medical records
Authors: Seneadza Nana Ayegua Hagan , Kwara Awewura , Lauzardo Michael , Prins Cindy , Zhou Zhi , Séraphin Marie Nancy , Ennis Nicole , Morano Jamie P. , Brumback Babette , Cook Robert L.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study examined factors associated with TB among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Florida and the agreement between self-reported and medically documented history of tuberculosis (TB) in assessing the risk factors.

Methods

Self-reported and medically documented data of 655 PLWH in Florida were analyzed. Data on sociodemographic factors such as age, race/ethnicity, place of birth, current marital status, education, employment, homelessness in the past year and ‘ever been jailed’ and behavioural factors such as excessive alcohol use, marijuana, injection drug use (IDU), substance and current cigarette use were obtained. Health status information such as health insurance status, adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART), most recent CD4 count, HIV viral load and comorbid conditions were also obtained. The associations between these selected factors with self-reported TB and medically documented TB diagnosis were compared using Chi-square and logistic regression analyses. Additionally, the agreement between self-reports and medical records was assessed.

Results

TB prevalence according to self-reports and medical records was 16.6% and 7.5% respectively. Being age ≥55 years, African American and homeless in the past 12 months were statistically significantly associated with self-reported TB, while being African American homeless in the past 12 months and not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were statistically significantly associated with medically documented TB. African Americans compared to Whites had odds ratios of 3.04 and 4.89 for self-reported and medically documented TB, respectively. There was moderate agreement between self-reported and medically documented TB (Kappa = 0.41).

Conclusions

TB prevalence was higher based on self-reports than medical records. There was moderate agreement between the two data sources, showing the importance of self-reports. Establishing the true prevalence of TB and associated risk factors in PLWH for developing policies may therefore require the use of self-reports and confirmation by screening tests, clinical signs and/or microbiologic data.
The role of repetitive thinking and spirituality in the development of posttraumatic growth and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Eames Catrin , O’Connor Donna
Published: August 2022

Both post-traumatic growth (PTG) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with spirituality and different kinds of repetitive thinking, such as deliberate rumination (DR) and intrusive rumination (IR), respectively. This study aimed to examine if spirituality modifies the relationship between types of rumination and trauma outcomes. Ninety-six students completed an online survey of four questionnaires in a cross-sectional online survey: The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, the Event Related Rumination Inventory, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Short form and the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory- Revised. Findings revealed that spirituality was related to DR and PTG, but not to IR or PTSD symptoms. Moderation analysis showed that spirituality significantly moderated the relationship between PTG and DR, but not the relationship between PTSD and IR. These findings indicate that while spirituality has no relationship with negative outcomes of trauma, it may help individuals to ruminate in a constructive manner in order to develop positive outcomes.
Drug administration errors in Latin America: A systematic review
Authors: Assunção-Costa Lindemberg , Costa de Sousa Ivellise , Alves de Oliveira Maria Rafaela , Ribeiro Pinto Charleston , Machado Juliana Ferreira Fernandes , Valli Cleidenete Gomes , de Souza Luís Eugênio Portela Fernandes
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study systematically reviewed studies to determine the frequency and nature of medication administration errors in Latin American hospitals.

We systematically searched the medical literature of seven electronic databases to identify studies on medication administration errors in Latin American hospitals using the direct observation method. Studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese between 1946 and March 2021 were included. A total of 10 studies conducted at 22 hospitals were included in the review. Nursing professionals were the most frequently observed during medication administration and were observers in four of the ten included studies. Total number of error opportunities was used as a parameter to calculate error rates. The administration error rate had a median of 32% (interquartile range 16%–35.8%) with high variability in the described frequencies (9%–64%). Excluding time errors, the median error rate was 9.7% (interquartile range 7.4%–29.5%). Four different definitions of medication errors were used in these studies. The most frequently observed errors were time, dose, and omission. Only four studies described the therapeutic classes or groups involved in the errors, with systemic anti-infectives being the most reported. None of the studies assessed the severity or outcome of the errors. The assessment of the overall risk bias revealed that one study had low risk, three had moderate risk, and three had high risk. In the assessment of the exploratory, observational, and before-after studies, two were classified as having fair quality and one as having poor quality.

Conclusion

The administration error rate in Latin America was high, even when time errors were excluded. The variation observed in the frequencies can be explained by the different contexts in which the study was conducted. Future research using direct observation techniques is necessary to more accurately estimate the nature and severity of medication administration errors.
Characterization of social behavior in young and middle-aged ChAT-IRES-Cre mouse
Authors: Lhopitallier Cyril , Perrault Charlotte , Chauveau Frédéric , Saurini Françoise , Berrard Sylvie , Granon Sylvie , Faure Alexis
Published: August 2022

The cholinergic system is an important modulator of brain processes. It contributes to the regulation of several cognitive functions and emotional states, hence altering behaviors. Previous works showed that cholinergic (nicotinic) receptors of the prefrontal cortex are needed for adapted social behaviors. However, these data were obtained in mutant mice that also present alterations of several neurotransmitter systems, in addition to the cholinergic system. ChAT-IRES-Cre mice, that express the Cre recombinase specifically in cholinergic neurons, are useful tools to investigate the role of the cholinergic circuits in behavior. However, their own behavioral phenotype has not yet been fully characterized, in particular social behavior. In addition, the consequences of aging on the cholinergic system of ChAT-IRES-Cre mice has never been studied, despite the fact that aging is known to compromise the cholinergic system efficiency. The aim of the current study was thus to characterize the social phenotype of ChAT-IRES-Cre mice both at young (2–3 months) and middle (10–11 months) ages. Our results reveal an alteration of the cholinergic system, evidenced by a decrease of ChAT, CHT and VAChT gene expression in the striatum of the mice, that was accompanied by mild social disturbances and a tendency towards anxiety. Aging decreased social dominance, without being amplified by the cholinergic alterations. Altogether, this study shows that ChAT-IRES-Cre mice are useful models for studying the cholinergic system‘s role in social behavior using appropriate modulating technics (optogenetic or DREADD).
Obstructive sleep apnea and anatomical structures of the nasomaxillary complex in adolescents
Authors: Kang Jeong-Hyun , Kim Hyun Jun , Song Seung Il
Published: August 2022

The aim of the present study was to reveal the associations between skeletal and soft tissue features of the nasomaxillary complex and development and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adolescents. A total of 100 adolescents (mean age, 14.9 ± 1.4 years; age range, 13–17 years) were enrolled. All participants underwent full-night polysomnography and had an assessment of size and position of the tongue, tonsillar size, body mass index (BMI), and circumference of the waist, neck, and hip. The skeletal features of the nasomaxillary complex, including the zygomatic arch width, nasal cavity width, nasal base width, intercanine width, intermolar width, maxillary dental arch length, palatal vault angle, palatal depth, and SNA were measured on the three-dimensional images constructed with computed tomography data. Participants with an apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) of lower than 5 (AHI ≤ 5) were classified as control and participants while those with an AHI of greater than 5 were classified as OSA group. Each variable with a significant outcome in the independent T-test and age and sex factors were integrated into the multivariate linear regression and the dependent variable was AHI. There were significant differences in the BMI and hip circumference between two groups. The width of nasal base, palatal vault angle and SNA also showed significant differences between groups. The results from multivariate linear regression demonstrated that the BMI, width of the nasal base, and SNA showed significant contributions to the severity of OSA in adolescents. The features of the nasomaxillary complex seemed to have significant influences on development and severity of OSA.
Entropic associative memory for manuscript symbols
Authors: Morales Rafael , Hernández Noé , Cruz Ricardo , Cruz Victor D. , Pineda Luis A.
Published: August 2022

Manuscript symbols can be stored, recognized and retrieved from an entropic digital memory that is associative and distributed but yet declarative; memory retrieval is a constructive operation, memory cues to objects not contained in the memory are rejected directly without search, and memory operations can be performed through parallel computations. Manuscript symbols, both letters and numerals, are represented in Associative Memory Registers that have an associated entropy. The memory recognition operation obeys an entropy trade-off between precision and recall, and the entropy level impacts on the quality of the objects recovered through the memory retrieval operation. The present proposal is contrasted in several dimensions with neural networks models of associative memory. We discuss the operational characteristics of the entropic associative memory for retrieving objects with both complete and incomplete information, such as severe occlusions. The experiments reported in this paper add evidence on the potential of this framework for developing practical applications and computational models of natural memory.
Achieving the 95 95 95 targets for all: A pathway to ending AIDS
Authors: Frescura Luisa , Godfrey-Faussett Peter , Feizzadeh Ali , El-Sadr Wafaa , Syarif Omar , Ghys Peter D. ,   on behalf of the 2025 testing treatment target Working Group
Published: August 2022

In December 2020, UNAIDS released a new set of ambitious targets calling for 95% of all people living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy to have viral suppression by 2025. Adopted by United Nations Member states in June 2021 as part of the new Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, these targets, combined with ambitious primary prevention targets and focused attention to supporting enablers, aim to bridge inequalities in treatment coverage and outcomes and accelerate HIV incidence reductions by focusing on progress in all sub-populations, age groups and geographic settings. Here we summarise the evidence and decisions underpinning the new global targets.
Effects of an individualized nutritional intervention on kidney function, body composition, and quality of life in kidney transplant recipients: Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Morais Tássia Louise Sousa Augusto de , Souza Karla Simone Costa de , Lima Mabelle Alves Ferreira de , Pereira Maurício Galvão , Almeida José Bruno de , Oliveira Antônio Manuel Gouveia de , Sena-Evangelista Karine Cavalcanti Mauricio , de Rezende Adriana Augusto
Published: August 2022

Background

Proteinuria after kidney transplantation (KTx) has been a frequent problem due to several factors, high protein intake being one of them. Individualized nutritional intervention in the late post-KTx period can promote the improvement or the reduction of risks associated with the parameters of evaluation of kidney function, body composition, and quality of life in individuals submitted to KTx.

Methods

This is a single-center, randomized and stratified clinical trial. The study will be conducted in a university hospital in northeastern Brazil with 174 individuals aged ≥19 years submitted to KTx and followed up for 12 months. Assessments will take place at 3-month intervals (T0, T3, T6, T9, and T12). The patients will be allocated to intervention and control groups by random allocation. The intervention group will receive individualized nutritional interventions with normoproteic diets (1.0 g/kg) after 60 days of KTx whereas the controls will receive the standard nutritional guidance for the post-KTx period. The primary efficacy variable is the change from baseline in log proteinuria assessed with the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. Secondary efficacy variables include body composition, anthropometry, quality of life assessment and physical activity, lipid profile and glycemic control. Ninety-two subjects per group will afford 70% power to detect a difference of 25% between groups in log proteinuria. Primary efficacy analysis will be on the modified intention-to-treat population with between-groups comparison of the change from baseline in log proteinuria by analysis of covariance.

Discussion

The study will assess the effects of an individualized nutritional intervention on proteinuria 12 months after KTx.

Trial registration

REBEC (RBR-8XBQK5).
Physiological responses, yield and medicinal substance (andrographolide, AP1) accumulation of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) in response to plant density under controlled environmental conditions
Authors: Chutimanukul Panita , Mosaleeyanon Kriengkrai , Janta Supattana , Toojinda Theerayut , Darwell Clive Terence , Wanichananan Praderm
Published: August 2022

Agricultural practice in adjusting planting density and harvest date are important factors for plant development and crop improvement, reaching maximum yields and enhancing the production of secondary metabolites. However, it is unclear as to the optimal planting densities during mass production that encourage consistent, high yield secondary metabolite content. For this, controlled environment, crop production facilities such as plant factories with artificial lighting (PFAL) offer opportunity to enhance quality and stabilize production of herbal plants. This study assessed the effect of plant density and harvest date on physiological responses, yield and andrographolide (AP1) content in Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis) using hydroponic conditions in a PFAL system. Andrographis, harvested at vegetative stage (30 days after transplanting; 30 DAT) and initial stage of flowering (60 DAT) exhibited no significant differences in growth parameters or andrographolide accumulation according to planting densities. Harvest time at flowering stage (90 DAT) showed the highest photosynthetic rates at a planting density of 15 plants m-2. Highest yield, number of leaves, and Andrographolide (AP1) content (mg per gram of DW in m2) were achieved at a more moderate planting density (30 plants m-2). Finally, five out of seventeen indices of leaf reflectance reveal high correlation (r = 0.8 to 1.0 and r = -0.8 to -1.0, P<0.01) with AP1 content. These results suggest that a planting density of 30 plants m-2 and harvest time of 90 DAT provide optimal growing condition under the hydroponic PFAL system.
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the spatio-temporal characteristics of a bicycle-sharing system: A case study of Pun Pun, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Sangveraphunsiri Tawit , Fukushige Tatsuya , Jongwiriyanurak Natchapon , Tanaksaranond Garavig , Jarumaneeroj Pisit
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is found to be one of the external stimuli that greatly affects mobility of people, leading to a shift of transportation modes towards private individual ones. To properly explain the change in people’s transport behavior, especially in pre- and post- pandemic periods, a tensor-based framework is herein proposed and applied to Pun Pun–the only public bicycle-sharing system in Bangkok, Thailand–where multidimensional trip data of Pun Pun are decomposed into four different modes related to their spatial and temporal dimensions by a non-negative Tucker decomposition approach. According to our computational results, the first pandemic wave has a sizable influence not only on Pun Pun but also on other modes of transportation. Nonetheless, Pun Pun is relatively more resilient, as it recovers more quickly than other public transportation modes. In terms of trip patterns, we find that, prior to the pandemic, trips made during weekdays are dominated by business trips with two peak periods (morning and evening peaks), while those made during weekends are more related to leisure activities as they involve stations nearby a public park. However, after the first pandemic wave ends, the patterns of weekday trips have been drastically changed, as the number of business trips sharply drops, while that of educational trips connecting metro/subway stations with a major educational institute in the region significantly rises. These findings may be regarded as a reflection of the ever-changing transport behavior of people seeking a sustainable mode of private transport, with a more positive outlook on the use of bicycle-sharing system in Bangkok, Thailand.
Evaluation of thermoregulation of different pine organs in early spring and estimation of heat reward for the western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) on male cones
Authors: Kitajima Ryotaro , Matsuda Osamu , Mastunaga Koji , Hara Ryotaro , Watanabe Atsushi , Kume Atsushi
Published: August 2022

The western conifer seed bug (WCSB, Leptoglossus occidentalis) is a pest of many pine species and is invasive worldwide. WCSB directly and indirectly deteriorates pine nut production by sucking seeds from cones. Currently, researchers think that WCSBs search for food by a combination of cues from visible light, infrared radiation, and chemicals such as monoterpenes. Some research revealed that WCSBs prefer larger cones, and it was thought that WCSBs suck seeds from and obtain more heat on larger cones. However, in early spring, we observed that most WCSBs gathered on male cones rather than on female cones and young cones. We hypothesized that male pine cones were warmer than female cones and needles, and WCSBs sucking male cones may receive more heat. To test these hypotheses, we measured spectral reflectance with a hyperspectral sensor and temperature of pine organs with tiny thermocouples, and the data were analyzed by a heat budget model. Our results revealed that male cones were significantly warmer and more reflective than female cones and needles, which may attract WCSBs. These results supported our hypothesis that WCSBs on male cones were warmer than those on other organs. This study will help further understanding of WCSBs and the adaptive value of pine cone colors.
Hydrothermal synthesis of Mn3O4 nanorods modified indium tin oxide electrode as an efficient nanocatalyst towards direct urea electrooxidation
Authors: El-Said Waleed A. , Alsulmi Ahmad , Alshitari Wael
Published: August 2022

Control fabrication of metal-oxide nanocatalysts for electrochemical reactions has received considerable research attention. Here, manganese oxide (Mn3O4) nanorods modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes were prepared based on the in-situ one-step hydrothermal methods. The nanorods were well characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The results showed the formation of pure crystalline Mn3O4 nanorods with a length of approximately 1.4 μm and a thickness of approximately 100 ± 30 nm. The Mn3O4 nanorod-modified ITO electrodes were used for accelerating urea electrochemical oxidation at room temperature using cyclic and square wave voltammetry techniques. The results indicated that the modified electrode demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic performance toward urea electrooxidation in an alkaline medium over concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 4 mol/L. The modified electrode showed high durability, attaining more than 88% of its baseline performance after 150 cycles; furthermore, the chronoamperometry technique demonstrated high stability. Thus, the Mn3O4 nanorod-modified ITO electrode is a promising anode for direct urea fuel cell applications.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of disposing and storing unused and expired medicines among the communities of Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Jha Nisha , Kafle Sajala , Bhandary Shital , Shankar Pathiyil Ravi
Published: August 2022

Background

Unused medicines can be stored by many people at their places of residence and houses for later use. This study evaluated knowledge, and attitudes regarding unused and expired medicines and explored medicine storage and disposal practices among selected households in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal.

Method

A cross-sectional study with a two-stage cluster survey design was done using a semi-structured questionnaire from April to October 2021. The sample size (total number of households) after adjusting for design effect and non-response rate was 210 and the study population was the household heads. Simple random sampling was done to select clusters during the first stage and systematic random sampling to select households during the second stage. Descriptive statistics and t-test/one-way ANOVA were used to compare the respondents’ average knowledge scores. Practice variables were presented using frequency distribution.

Results

Around half the respondents were from the Kathmandu district, nearly 20% were from Bhaktapur and 30% were from Lalitpur. Nearly two-thirds were male and about 25% had a bachelor’s degree. Nearly 90% of respondents agreed that storage of excess medicines at home may promote self-medication. Similarly, 97.6% of respondents agreed there is a lack of adequate information on the safe disposal of unused medicines. The majority [125 (59.5%)] of participants always checked the expiry date of medicines. The safe methods of medicine disposal were not known by 137 (65.2%) participants. Throwing in a dustbin was the preferred method of expired medicine disposal.

Conclusion

The level of knowledge and practice of disposing of unused and expired medicines requires improvement. Educational interventions may help improve awareness further. Creating a chart summarizing disposal procedures of common medicines is important. Similar studies in other regions are required.
Intermittent bulk release of human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Flomm Felix J. , Soh Timothy K. , Schneider Carola , Wedemann Linda , Britt Hannah M. , Thalassinos Konstantinos , Pfitzner Søren , Reimer Rudolph , Grünewald Kay , Bosse Jens B.
Published: August 2022

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can infect a variety of cell types by using virions of varying glycoprotein compositions. It is still unclear how this diversity is generated, but spatio-temporally separated envelopment and egress pathways might play a role. So far, one egress pathway has been described in which HCMV particles are individually enveloped into small vesicles and are subsequently exocytosed continuously. However, some studies have also found enveloped virus particles inside multivesicular structures but could not link them to productive egress or degradation pathways. We used a novel 3D-CLEM workflow allowing us to investigate these structures in HCMV morphogenesis and egress at high spatio-temporal resolution. We found that multiple envelopment events occurred at individual vesicles leading to multiviral bodies (MViBs), which subsequently traversed the cytoplasm to release virions as intermittent bulk pulses at the plasma membrane to form extracellular virus accumulations (EVAs). Our data support the existence of a novel bona fide HCMV egress pathway, which opens the gate to evaluate divergent egress pathways in generating virion diversity.