bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal-Organodiphosphonate Chemistry: Hydrothermal Syntheses and Structures of Two Novel Copper(II) Coordination Polymers with o-Xylylenediphosphonic Acid and 4,4′-Bipyridine Ligands
Authors: Ay Burak , Takano Rina , Ishida Takayuki
Published: October 2023

Two novel copper organodiphosphonates, namely [Cu4(L)2(H2O)4]n (MOF 1) and [Cu4(bpy)(HL)2(OH)2]n•2nH2O (MOF 2), (where H4L = o-xylylenediphosphonic acid and bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine), have been synthesized as a result of changing the pH values (Initial pH: 3.50 for MOF 1 and pH: 6.00 to 3.50 for MOF 2) under hydrothermal conditions. Coordination polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. MOFs 1 and 2 crystalize in the orthorhombic Pna21 and triclinic P$\bar{1}$ space groups, respectively. The organophosphates acted as multidentate bridging ligands in both compounds to link copper ions into a framework. From the analysis of magnetic susceptibility measurements between 1.8 to 300 K, all the Cu valences were confirmed to be 2+, and antiferromagnetic interactions were characterized. The adsorption properties of MOFs 1 and 2 as well as known [Cu3(HL)2]n, [Cu(SO4)(bpy)(H2O)3]n•2nH2O, and [Cu(SO4)(bpy)(H2O)3]n•2nH2O have also been investigated with mono- and divalent dyes including Bromophenol Blue and Orange G as a pollutant removal model.
The Effects of a Short-Term Corporate Social Impact Activity on Employee Turnover: Field Experimental Evidence
Authors: Portocarrero Florencio F. , Burbano Vanessa C.
Published: October 2023

Short-term corporate social impact activities, wherein employees participate in firm-sponsored prosocial initiatives, are becoming increasingly common. However, it remains unclear whether short-term social impact activities affect employee behavior in a manner of relevance to the firm. Theoretically, arguments could be made in favor of or against the likelihood that such short-term activities would increase firm-benefitting employee behavior. We utilized data from a randomized field experiment implemented at a large Latin American bank to examine whether a short-term social impact activity can be beneficial for firms, focusing on one important outcome: turnover. Newly hired employees were randomly assigned to a short-term social impact activity as part of the new employee onboarding process or not. Notably, we find causal evidence that a day-long, short-term engagement reduced employee turnover almost a year later. We explore potential mechanisms behind this effect and find that employees’ perceptions of organizational justice help to explain the effects of the intervention on turnover. We also explore heterogeneous treatment effects and find more substantial effects for male, rather than female, employees. This paper advances the literature on the implications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices by shedding light on the causal mechanisms through which a theoretically underexplored and practically relevant type of CSR activity can benefit organizations and their employees.

This paper was accepted by Lamar Pierce, organizations.

Funding: The authors acknowledge funding from NSF through the Learning the Earth with Artificial intelligence and Physics (LEAP) Science and Technology Center (STC) (Award #2019625).

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01517 .
La jornada vanguardista de los pintores cubistas a través de Jusep Torres Campalans
Authors: Silva Ana Cláudia de Oliveira da
Published: October 2023

En la producción ficcional de Max Aub, la verdad fácilmente se transforma en ficción y la invención en realidad. Este es el punto principal de la novela Jusep Torres Campalans, una biografía ficticia de un pintor cubista que nunca existió, pero que, debido al carácter verosímil de la estructura textual, podría ser interpretado como verdadero por un lector desavisado. Al aparente carácter mimético de la novela, se suman en la narrativa algunos trazos de la estética cubista. Sin embargo, además de considerar la importancia del estilo cubista en la obra, importa en este trabajo analizar la construcción discursiva de un artista que, a su vez, se torna símbolo de los anhelos, conflictos y amarguras de la travesía vanguardista. Para comprehender como eso ocurre, se analizarán las diferentes voces utilizadas en el relato para retomar reflexivamente el contexto histórico y cultural formador de las vanguardias, bien como establecer un panorama de las influencias artísticas, de los conceptos importantes, de las repercusiones y de los límites del cubismo. De esa manera, la novela maxaubiana demuestra la imposibilidad de describir lo real, sino de escribirlo, de reinventarlo en sus propios moldes.
Trabajo social en la humanización de la asistencia sanitaria ante procesos de finalización de la vida: revisión de un caso práctico.
Authors: García Aguña Sonia
Published: October 2023

El análisis de los procesos de finalización de la vida siempre ha estado en el núcleo del pensamiento social y teórico fundamentalmente por sus complejidades éticas. Es por esto por lo que en el presente documento se profundizará en la cuestión mediante la revisión de un caso real acontecido en una institución sanitaria de la Comunidad de Madrid. Para ello, se expondrá la teoría esencial para el estudio y desarrollo del caso, los aspectos éticos ligados y las técnicas y métodos utilizados para su resolución.
Retos de los Servicios Sociales Públicos
Authors: Zamanillo Peral Teresa
Published: October 2023

Este artículo es, en su mayoría, la comunicación dada en Torrejón de Ardoz en las jornadas llamadas "Lo social, tejido que arropa" los días 15 y 16 de marzo de 2022. En la introducción planteo el principal reto que tienen, a mi juicio, los Servicios Sociales Públicos: el de desafiar las creencias que se han asentado en los últimos años sobre los Servicios Sociales y el Trabajo Social. Se trata, no tanto de cambiar el entorno o las circunstancias para adaptarlas a nosotras/os, sino de cambiar lo que no funciona en nosotras/os para adaptarnos a las circunstancias nuevas que vivimos. Se exponen, además, varios puntos de vista críticos sobre el mandato político de dar ayudas económicas, casi como exclusiva función, la excesiva burocratización, la falta de evolución y la rigidez operativa a la que ha llegado el Sistema. Para innovar y salir del peligro de involución es preciso, cuanto antes, poner en marcha un sistema de supervisión como camino hacia el conocimiento de una/o misma/o, de las/os otras/os y de las instituciones. Con la supervisión se persigue fundamentar la práctica profesional en unos cimientos firmes y en unos criterios éticos y políticos racionales. Mas, la formación de equipos también es otro de los retos pendientes de los Servicios Sociales Públicos que no ha sido impulsado en la planificación. La atención individual a las personas o familias sin apoyo de un equipo ni de supervisión corre el riesgo de quedar al arbitrio de los juicios personales de las/os profesionales. La Renta Básica Universal cierra la comunicación, no como un reto propio de las/os trabajadoras/es sociales puesto que se trata de una cuestión política por excelencia, pero sí como una invitación a apoyarla masivamente.
Overcoming misrecognition: the subtle ways of benevolence in international relations
Authors: Ramel Frédéric
Published: October 2023

Some realists refer to benevolence in diplomacy as an artificial mask for achieving political aims. In another perspective, liberal theories of hegemonic stability aim at describing the different conditions that shape an international order based on benevolent leadership. From duplicity or Samaritan conduct that could be transformed into a paternalism reflex, benevolence does not entail a thick recognition of others. However, not only the Scottish tradition of moral sense but also other references in political theory propose an alternative conception that opens alternative paths for handling international relations. By coming back to the concepts and tools developed by these perspectives, this article proposes to explore some interactions in the international relations realm that shed light on ways to go beyond the misrecognition of alterity. This benevolent conduct is a source of social agency by taking into account the affective component of respect towards others.
Random walk reduction in dithered ring laser gyroscope
Authors: Fan Zhenfang , Yuan Baolun , Luo Hui , Tan Zhongqi , Wu Suyong , Hu Shaomin
Published: October 2023

We experimentally demonstrated that the random walk in a dithered ring laser gyroscope caused by lock-in crossing can be eliminated by lock-in error compensation. Computer simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of this method. The experimental results show that the random walk coefficient can be reduced as predicted. Furthermore, gyroscopes with different random walk performances can achieve nearly the same random walk level after compensation, illustrating that the quantum limit can be approached after removing the lock-in error.
Vision transformers motivating superior OAM mode recognition in optical communications
Authors: Merabet Badreddine , Liu Bingyi , Li Zhixiang , Tian Jinglong , Guo Kai , Shah Syed Afaq Ali , Guo Zhongyi
Published: October 2023

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) has recently obtained tremendous research interest in free-space optical communications (FSO). During signal transmission within the free-space link, atmospheric turbulence (AT) poses a significant challenge as it diminishes the signal strength and introduce intermodal crosstalk, significantly reducing OAM mode detection accuracy. This issue directly impacts the performance of OAM-based communication systems and leads to a reduction in received information. To address this critical bottleneck of low mode recognition accuracy in OAM-based FSO-communications, a deep learning method based on vision transformers (ViT) is proposed for what we believe is for the first time. Designed carefully by numerous experts, the advanced self-attention mechanism of ViT captures more global information from the input image. To train the model, pretraining on a large dataset, named IMAGENET is conducted. Subsequently, we performed fine-tuning on our specific dataset, consisting of OAM beams that have undergone varying AT strengths. The computer simulation shows that based on ViT method, the multiple OAM modes can be recognized with a high accuracy (nearly 100%) under weak-to-moderate turbulence and with almost 98% accuracy even under long transmission distance with strong turbulence (C
N
2=1×10−14). Our findings highlight that leveraging ViT enables robust detection of complex OAM beams, mitigating the adverse effects caused by atmospheric turbulence.
Limitations of frequency stability transfer in the near infrared using a fiber-based ring cavity: erratum
Authors: Steshchenko Tatiana , Manamanni Karim , Mouhamad Haniffe , Roncin Vincent , Du-Burck Frédéric
Published: October 2023

We have detected a calibration error in the experiments presented in Opt. Lett. 47, 5465 (2022)10.1364/OL.472887.
OpenCap: Human movement dynamics from smartphone videos
Authors: Uhlrich Scott D. , Falisse Antoine , Kidziński Łukasz , Muccini Julie , Ko Michael , Chaudhari Akshay S. , Hicks Jennifer L. , Delp Scott L.
Published: October 2023

Measures of human movement dynamics can predict outcomes like injury risk or musculoskeletal disease progression. However, these measures are rarely quantified in large-scale research studies or clinical practice due to the prohibitive cost, time, and expertise required. Here we present and validate OpenCap, an open-source platform for computing both the kinematics (i.e., motion) and dynamics (i.e., forces) of human movement using videos captured from two or more smartphones. OpenCap leverages pose estimation algorithms to identify body landmarks from videos; deep learning and biomechanical models to estimate three-dimensional kinematics; and physics-based simulations to estimate muscle activations and musculoskeletal dynamics. OpenCap’s web application enables users to collect synchronous videos and visualize movement data that is automatically processed in the cloud, thereby eliminating the need for specialized hardware, software, and expertise. We show that OpenCap accurately predicts dynamic measures, like muscle activations, joint loads, and joint moments, which can be used to screen for disease risk, evaluate intervention efficacy, assess between-group movement differences, and inform rehabilitation decisions. Additionally, we demonstrate OpenCap’s practical utility through a 100-subject field study, where a clinician using OpenCap estimated musculoskeletal dynamics 25 times faster than a laboratory-based approach at less than 1% of the cost. By democratizing access to human movement analysis, OpenCap can accelerate the incorporation of biomechanical metrics into large-scale research studies, clinical trials, and clinical practice.
The parenting hub of the hypothalamus is a focus of imprinted gene action
Authors: Higgs Matthew J. , Webberley Anna E. , Allan Alasdair J. , Talat Moaz , John Rosalind M. , Isles Anthony R.
Published: October 2023

Imprinted genes are subject to germline epigenetic modification resulting in parental-specific allelic silencing. Although genomic imprinting is thought to be important for maternal behaviour, this idea is based on serendipitous findings from a small number of imprinted genes. Here, we undertook an unbiased systems biology approach, taking advantage of the recent delineation of specific neuronal populations responsible for controlling parental care, to test whether imprinted genes significantly converge to regulate parenting behaviour. Using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, we identified a specific enrichment of imprinted gene expression in a recognised “parenting hub”, the galanin-expressing neurons of the preoptic area. We tested the validity of linking enriched expression in these neurons to function by focusing on MAGE family member L2 (Magel2), an imprinted gene not previously linked to parenting behaviour. We confirmed expression of Magel2 in the preoptic area galanin expressing neurons. We then examined the parenting behaviour of Magel2-null(+/p) mice. Magel2-null mothers, fathers and virgin females demonstrated deficits in pup retrieval, nest building and pup-directed motivation, identifying a central role for this gene in parenting. Finally, we show that Magel2-null mothers and fathers have a significant reduction in POA galanin expressing cells, which in turn contributes to a reduced c-Fos response in the POA upon exposure to pups. Our findings identify a novel imprinted gene that impacts parenting behaviour and, moreover, demonstrates the utility of using single-cell RNA sequencing data to predict gene function from expression and in doing so here, have identified a purposeful role for genomic imprinting in mediating parental behaviour.
Parental burnout among Somali mothers: Associations with mental health, perceived social support, and sociodemographic factors
Authors: Abshir Juweria N. L. , Osman Fatumo , Dahir Gallad , Dahlberg Anton
Published: October 2023

Parenthood can be defined by the contradiction that it is one of the most satisfying yet stressful experiences in life. Many parents experience stress during parenthood, and some to the extent that they display symptoms of parental burnout. Nevertheless, research on parental burnout is scant and many studies have only examined the condition in Western settings. The aim of this study was to examine parental burnout among Somali mothers in Mogadishu, Somalia, and its association with certain psychological, psychosocial, and sociodemographic factors. In this cross-sectional study, questionnaire data were collected through the measurements Parental Burnout Assessment and Patient Health Questionnaire 9, as well as through social and demographic questions. A total of 882 Somali mothers in Mogadishu participated. The analysis methods used were univariate, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results revealed that the mean parental burnout score was low in the sample. Additionally, a significant association was found between higher levels of parental burnout and higher levels of depression, perceived lack of social support, being unmarried, having a low monthly household income, and when the youngest child was of school-age.
Who are the most affected by Bothrops snakebite envenoming in Brazil? A Clinical-epidemiological profile study among the regions of the country
Authors: da Silva Weslley Ruan Guimarães Borges , de Siqueira Santos Lucas , Lira Derick , de Oliveira Luna Karla Patrícia , Fook Sayonara Maria Lia , Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega
Published: October 2023

Snakebite envenoming represents an important Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) that mainly affects tropical and subtropical developing countries according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As a priority issue in the tropics, it is estimated that accidental encounter between snakes and humans is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all NTDs in the world. In Brazil, an extremely diverse country with continental dimensions, snakebite envenoming is the second leading cause of reported human envenoming. Treating the disease has been an unprecedented challenge for Brazilian Health Systems for decades. Despite access to Antivenom therapy and distributing it free of charge across the country, Brazil faces numerous issues regarding the notification process and accurate treatment targeting for at-risk populations. Thus, this study aimed to identify the temporal epidemiological dynamics of accidents caused by Bothrops snakes in Brazil, the country’s major group of venomous snakes, based on secondary information from the online database provided by The Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). For this purpose, reported Bothrops snakebites between 2012 and 2021 were counted, then the data were analyzed. We looked at the frequency, occurrence, mortality rates, case fatality rate (CFR), age and gender distribution, and the time lapse between the incident and the initiation of Antivenom therapy. The data were also organized considering regional variations of the country. Throughout the studied period, a total of 202,604 cases of envenoming caused by Bothrops spp. were notified, resulting in 766 fatalities. These accidents were found to occur in variable proportions across different regions in Brazil, with notable concentrations observed in the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions. The epidemiological profile of patients varied greatly between the regions, revealing that snake envenoming is much more a social, economic, and ecological problem than a medical one. In conclusion, our study provides an overview of the clinical and epidemiological profile of envenoming by Bothrops snakes in Brazil. Notably, this is the first study to present such information in a country as vast and diverse as Brazil, encompassing a comparative analysis of its regions using SINAN data, that proves to be a very useful national tool to improve the control and management of envenoming.
On the driver of blood circulation beyond the heart
Authors: Li Zheng , Pollack Gerald H.
Published: October 2023

The heart is widely acknowledged as the unique driver of blood circulation. Recently, we discovered a flow-driving mechanism that can operate without imposed pressure, using infrared (IR) energy to propel flow. We considered the possibility that, by exploiting this mechanism, blood vessels, themselves, could propel flow. We verified the existence of this driving mechanism by using a three-day-old chick-embryo model. When the heart was stopped, blood continued to flow for approximately 50 minutes, albeit at a lower velocity. When IR was introduced, the postmortem flow increased from ~41.1 ± 25.6 μm/s to ~153.0 ± 59.5 μm/s (n = 6). When IR energy was diminished under otherwise physiological conditions, blood failed to flow. Hence, this IR-dependent, vessel-based flow-driving mechanism may indeed operate in the circulatory system, complementing the action of the heart.
Variations in elemental composition of rice (Oryza sativa L.) with different cultivation areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Desalew Abebe , Mehari Bewketu
Published: October 2023

Variations in the elemental composition of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains, and the link with the growing soil, were investigated across the major production areas of Ethiopia (Fogera, Metema and Pawe). The elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb) were determined by using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), after digesting samples through an optimized procedure with respect to volumes of reagents (HNO3, HClO4 and H2O2), temperature and time. The accuracy of the FAAS method was in the range of 87‒113%. The most abundant element in rice was Mg (414‒561 mg kg-1) followed by Fe (49.4‒168 mg kg-1), while in soil was Fe (11674‒12917 mg kg-1) followed by Mg (619‒709 mg kg-1). Chromium, Cd and Pb were all below the limit of quantitation of the method. The concentrations of the elements, except Zn in rice and Fe in soil, varied significantly (p < 0.05) with the growing region. Notably, rice from Fogera contained more than double Fe, while from Pawe less than half Cu than from the other region. Soils from the rice fields of Pawe, generally, had lower levels of the elements than from the other regions. The order of the abundances of the elements in soil was reflected in the rice grains, except for the reversal between Fe and Mg. However, elemental concentrations were higher in soil than in rice, indicating the absence of bioaccumulation by the rice grains. Furthermore, only copper exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0.991) between the rice grain and soil.
Effects of different factors on the friction and wear mechanical properties of titanium alloy materials with cortical bones at near service conditions
Authors: Sun Xingdong , Zhou Jianfei , Xu Ke , Wu Wandi , Xu Liangyuan , Jiang Rui , Fang Liangfei
Published: October 2023

The artificial joint is one of the most effective methods to treat joint injuries. The service performance of artificial joints is gradually weakened because of the wear of artificial joints in actual service. In order to obtain the potential failure mechanism of the artificial joint in actual service, the study was carried out with the multiple factors that affect the service performance of the artificial joint. The experimental study was carried out on the change rule of mechanical behavior of the contact interface between the artificial joint of titanium alloy and cortical bone. The multi-factor is compression load, contact load, friction velocity, and lubrication environment, respectively. The results indicate that the friction coefficient, wear mass, and wear coefficient of Ti-6A1-4V titanium alloy decreased with the increasing of the compression load. The friction rate and the friction coefficient of Ti-6A1-4V titanium alloy decreased with the increasing of the contact load. The wear mass and friction coefficient of Ti-6A1-4V titanium alloy increased with the increasing of contact load. The lubrication effect is better with the increasing of lubricant concentration. Based on the observation of the SEM, the wear type influenced by compression load and friction rate is mainly abrasive wear and oxidation wear. The wear type influenced by contact load is mainly abrasive wear and adhesive wear. The wear type influenced by lubricants is mainly oxidation wear. When wear mass and wear coefficient are used as the criteria for evaluating friction and wear, the order of influential factors to friction and wear of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy plate is friction rate, compression load, contact load, and lubricant concentration. This research can provide a theoretical reference for the optimal manufacture of the artificial joint of titanium alloy and optimal rules of safe service conditions.
Engagement of community health workers to improve immunization coverage through addressing inequities and enhancing data quality and use is a feasible and effective approach: An implementation study in Uganda
Authors: Bakkabulindi Pamela , Ampeire Immaculate , Ayebale Lillian , Mubiri Paul , Feletto Marta , Muhumuza Simon
Published: October 2023

Background

Uganda, like many other developing countries, faces the challenges of unreliable estimates for its immunization target population. Strengthening immunization data quality and its use for improving immunization program performance are critical steps toward improving coverage and equity of immunization programs. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using community health workers (CHWs) to obtain quality and reliable data that can be used for planning and evidence-based response actions.

Methods

An implementation study in which 5 health facilities were stratified and randomized in two groups to (i) receive a package of interventions including monthly health unit immunization data audit meetings, and defaulter tracking and linkage and (ii) to serve as a control group was conducted between July and September 2020. Immunization coverage of infants in both arms was determined by a review of records three months before and after the study interventions. In addition, key informant and in-depth interviews were conducted among facility-based health workers and CHWs respectively, at the endline to explore the feasibility of the interventions.

Results

Overall, a total of 2,048 children under one year eligible for immunization were registered in Bukabooli sub-county by CHWs as compared to the estimated district population of 1,889 children representing a moderate variance of 8.4%. The study further showed that it is feasible to use CHWs to track and link defaulters to points of immunization services as more than two-thirds (68%) of the children defaulting returned for catch-up immunization services. At the endline, immunization coverage for the Oral Polio Vaccine third dose; Rotavirus vaccine second dose; Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine third dose increased in both the intervention and control health facilities. There was a decrease in coverage for the Measles-Rubella vaccine decreased in the intervention health facilities and a decrease in Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine coverage in the control facilities. Difference in difference analysis demonstrated that the intervention caused a significant 35.1% increase in coverage of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine (CI 9.00–61.19; p<0.05)). The intervention facilities had a 17.9% increase in DTP3 coverage compared to the control facilities (CI: 1.69–34.1) while for MR, OPV3, and Rota2 antigens, there was no significant effect of the intervention.

Conclusion

The use of CHWs to obtain reliable population estimates is feasible and can be useful in areas with consistently poor immunization coverage to estimate the target population. Facilitating monthly health unit immunization data audit meetings to identify, track, and link defaulters to immunization services is effective in increasing immunization coverage and equity.
Anatomy of the sacroiliac joint with relation to the lumbosacral trunk: Is there sufficient space for a two-hole plate?
Authors: Kułakowski Michał , Elster Karol , Reichert Paweł , Królikowska Aleksandra , Jerominko Joanna , Ślęczka Paweł , Grzonkowska Magdalena , Szpinda Michał , Baumgart Mariusz
Published: October 2023

Dislocations of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) are treated with iliosacral screws or anterior plating. The study aimed to investigate the course of the lumbosacral trunk with reference to SIJ and determine whether is there sufficient space for two screws through the sacrum while performing anterior plating. Sixty patients, who underwent an MRI of the lumbar spine were included in our study. The three transverse LT—SIJ distances were measured at the three points (A, B, and C). We also analyzed 60 CT pelvic scans at points A, B, and C in order to measure: the vertebral canal–to–SIJ distance, the sacrum’s pelvic–to–dorsal surface sagittal distance, and the median plane–to–SIJ angle. The mean transverse LT–SIJ distances at points A, B, and C were 20.0 ± 3.05 mm, 17.9 ± 3.20 mm, and 12.3 ± 2.49 mm, respectively. Based on CT analyses, the vertebral canal–to–SIJ distances were 30.5 ± 7.65 mm at point A, 21.4 ± 5.05 mm at point B and 15.7 ± 6.05 mm at point C. The sacrum’s pelvic–to–dorsal surface sagittal distances reached values: 35.1 ± 11.62 mm at point A, 52.5 ± 10.58 mm at point B, and 57.5 ± 7.79 mm at point C. The median plane–to–SIJ angles measured 31.4 ± 4.82 degrees at point A, 26.6 ± 3.77 degrees at point B and 21.3 ± 3.25 mm at point C. Proximally, the safe zone for applying an anterior plate of SIJ is 20.0 mm. Since both the safe zone and safe corridor taper distally, surgeons may securely use one screw of gradually increased length towards the distal direction of SIJ, with inclination of 30 degrees in relation to the median plane of the lesser pelvis.
Translation and cultural adaptation of drug use stigma and HIV stigma measures among people who use drugs in Tanzania
Authors: Mlunde Linda B. , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Nyblade Laura , Rothrock Nan E. , Mbugi Erasto V. , Moskowitz Judith T. , Kaaya Sylvia , Hawkins Claudia , Leyna Germana , Mbwambo Jessie K.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

People who use drugs (PWUD) experience stigma from multiple sources due to their drug use. HIV seroprevalence for PWUD in Tanzania is estimated to range from 18 to 25%. So, many PWUD will also experience HIV stigma. Both HIV and drug use stigma have negative health and social outcomes, it is therefore important to measure their magnitude and impact. However, no contextually and linguistically adapted measures are available to assess either HIV or drug use stigma among PWUD in Tanzania. In response, we translated and culturally adapted HIV and drug use stigma measures among Tanzanian PWUD and described that process in this study.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. We translated and adapted existing validated stigma measures by following a modified version of Wild’s ten steps for translation and adaptation. We also added new items on stigmatizing actions that were not included in the original measures. Following translation and back translation, we conducted 40 cognitive debriefs among 19 PWUD living with and 21 PWUD not living with HIV in Dar es Salaam to assess comprehension of the original and new items. For challenging items, we made adaptations and repeated cognitive debriefs among ten new PWUD participants where half of them were living with HIV.

Results

Most of the original items (42/54, 78%), response options and all items with new 12 stigmatizing actions were understood by participants. Challenges included response options for a few items; translation to Swahili; and differences in participants’ interpretation of Swahili words. We made changes to these items and the final versions were understood by PWUD participants.

Conclusion

Drug use and HIV stigma measures can successfully be translated and culturally adapted among Tanzanian PWUD living with and without HIV. We are currently conducting research to determine the stigma measures’ psychometric properties and we will report the results separately.
The breeding systems and floral visitors of two widespread African dry forest species of ethnobotanical significance
Authors: Coppinger Christine Rose , Stanley Dara A.
Published: October 2023

Forest products derived from woody trees, such as fruits, seeds, honey, wood and others, are important resources for supporting rural livelihoods. However, little is known about the breeding systems or floral visitors of trees that provide these resources, often due to the difficulty of accessing tree canopies. This study addresses key knowledge gaps from a data poor region, providing information on the breeding systems and contribution of biotic pollination to two trees abundant in south-central Africa, that provide forest product supports for rural livelihoods: Julbernardia paniculata (Benth.) Troupin and Syzygium guineense (Willd.) subsp. barotsense F. White (Fabaceae and Myrtaceae respectively). The breeding systems of these species were assessed by conducting controlled pollination experiments, and then measuring the effects on reproductive success to determine the degree of self-compatibility and pollen limitation. Floral visitors and their behaviour were observed to provide preliminary information on possible pollinator groups. S. guineense appeared to be self-compatible, while J. paniculata showed signs of both self-incompatibility and pollen limitation. Floral visitors of both species were dominated by bees, with native honeybees (Apis mellifera) providing the highest visitation rates. These insights provide the first steps for understanding the reproductive ecology of these key tree species and can help to inform sustained management and conservation aimed at protecting forests and supporting rural livelihoods, as well as broaden the understanding of the floral visitors, and contribution of biotic pollination to forest tree reproductive success.
Importance of mobile genetic elements for dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in metagenomic sewage samples across the world
Authors: Johansson Markus H. K. , Aarestrup Frank M. , Petersen Thomas N.
Published: October 2023

We are facing an ever-growing threat from increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria. To mitigate this, we need a better understanding of the global spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). ARGs are often spread among bacteria by horizontal gene transfer facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGE). Here we use a dataset consisting of 677 metagenomic sequenced sewage samples from 97 countries or regions to study how MGEs are geographically distributed and how they disseminate ARGs worldwide. The ARGs, MGEs, and bacterial abundance were calculated by reference-based read mapping. We found systematic differences in the abundance of MGEs and ARGs, where some elements were prevalent on all continents while others had higher abundance in separate geographic areas. Different MGEs tended to be localized to temperate or tropical climate zones, while different ARGs tended to separate according to continents. This suggests that the climate is an important factor influencing the local flora of MGEs. MGEs were also found to be more geographically confined than ARGs. We identified several integrated MGEs whose abundance correlated with the abundance of ARGs and bacterial genera, indicating the ability to mobilize and disseminate these genes. Some MGEs seemed to be more able to mobilize ARGs and spread to more bacterial species. The host ranges of MGEs seemed to differ between elements, where most were associated with bacteria of the same family. We believe that our method could be used to investigate the population dynamics of MGEs in complex bacterial populations.
Can the post-ruminal urea release impact liver metabolism, and nutritional status of beef cows at late gestation?
Authors: Santos Marta M. , Costa Thaís C. , Mendes Tiago A. O. , Dutra Luana L. , Silva Davi N. L. , Araújo Renato D. , Serão Nick V. L. , Rennó Luciana N. , Silva Yamê F. R. S. , Detmann Edenio , Martín-Tereso Javier , Carvalho Isabela P. , Gionbelli Mateus P. , Duarte Marcio S.
Published: October 2023

We aimed to evaluate the effects of post-ruminal supply of urea (PRU) on nutritional status, and liver metabolism of pregnant beef cows during late gestation. Twenty-four Brahman dams, pregnant from a single sire, and weighing 545 kg ± 23 kg were confined into individual pens at 174 ± 23 d of gestation, and randomly assigned into one of two dietary treatments up to 270 d of gestation: Control (CON, n = 12), consisting of a basal diet supplemented with conventional urea, where the cows were fed with diets containing 13.5 g conventional urea per kg dry matter; and PRU (PRU, n = 12), consisting of a basal diet supplemented with a urea coated to extensively prevent ruminal degradation while being intestinally digestible, where the cows were fed with diets containing 14,8 g urea protected from ruminal degradation per kg dry matter. Post-ruminal supply of urea reduced the urine levels of 3-methylhistidine (P= 0.02). There were no differences between treatments for dry matter intake (DMI;P= 0.76), total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake (P= 0.30), and in the body composition variables, such as, subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT;P= 0.72), and rib eye area (REA;P= 0.85). In addition, there were no differences between treatments for serum levels of glucose (P= 0.87), and serum levels of glucogenic (P= 0.28), ketogenic (P= 0.72), glucogenic, and ketogenic (P= 0.45) amino acids, neither for urea in urine (P= 0.51) as well as urea serum (P= 0.30). One the other hand, enriched pathways were differentiated related to carbohydrate digestion, and absorption, glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, pentose phosphate pathway, and biosynthesis of amino acids of the exclusively expressed proteins in PRU cows. Shifting urea supply from the rumen to post-ruminal compartments decreases muscle catabolism in cows during late gestation. Our findings indicate that post-ruminal urea supplementation for beef cows at late gestation may improve the energy metabolism to support maternal demands. In addition, the post-ruminal urea release seems to be able to trigger pathways to counterbalance the oxidative stress associated to the increase liver metabolic rate.
Enhancing EFL students’ critical thinking skills using a technology-mediated self-study approach: EFL graduates and labor market in perspective
Authors: Algouzi Sami , Alzubi Ali Abbas Falah , Nazim Mohd
Published: October 2023

This research project bridges the gap between Saudi Vision 2030 and labor market needs by strengthening English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ critical thinking skills. The increasing unemployment rates may not be due to insufficient vacancies in the labor market, but graduates’ lack of the general abilities deemed vital to meet the labor market needs. With employability in mind, this study reiterates that graduates should ideally be advanced specialists, critical researchers, creative initiators, and active communicators to be more competitive and contribute to the prosperity of their nation. Therefore, this research employs a quasi-experimental design (time series design) to investigate how effectively students’ critical thinking skills are enriched using a video-mediated self-study program through Telegram. Studies in this respect, regarding the Saudi EFL context, are limited. Therefore, this research employed a video-mediated self-study program through Telegram on learning critical thinking skills for EFL students majoring in English or Translation. The data collection included a pre-and post-test on critical thinking skills and a semi-structured interview. The findings showed that students improved their critical thinking skills due to the training program compared to their performance before the treatment at a low level. Besides, the participants evaluated learning critical thinking skills from thinking ways, feelings, benefits, motivation, challenges and problems, and suggestions. In light of the findings, recommendations were presented.
A retrospective cohort study of prescribing outcomes in outpatients treated with nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir for COVID-19 in an interdisciplinary community clinic
Authors: Leung Valerie , Gill Suzanne , Llanes Andrea , Khawaja Armughan , Stagg Amanda , McCready Janine , Jacubovich Mariana , Ho Grace , Powis Jeff , Kandel Christopher
Published: October 2023

Background

Large observational studies have demonstrated the real-world effectiveness of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in preventing severe COVID-19 in higher risk individuals, but have provided limited information on other aspects of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir use. Our objective was to evaluate prescribing outcomes such as the prevalence of drug-drug interactions (DDI), adverse drug events (ADE) and treatment adherence in an outpatient community clinic setting.

Methods

We conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study of adult outpatients prescribed nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in our community COVID-19 assessment clinic in Toronto, Ontario between March 3 and September 20, 2022. We performed a descriptive analysis of the patient population, DDIs, DDI interventions, treatment adherence, ADEs and clinical outcomes of patients prescribed nirmatrelvir–ritonavir.

Results

There were 637 individuals prescribed nirmatrelvir–ritonavir during the study period. The median age was 70, the median number of risk factors for severe disease were 2, 45% were immunocompromised and 82% had received 3 or more COVID-19 vaccine doses. 95% (542/572) completed the 5-day course of therapy with 68% (388/572) having complete symptom resolution by 28-day. Eleven percent (60/572) experienced recurrent symptoms following the completion of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. Over 70% had one or more clinically significant DDIs requiring mitigation and 62% of patients experienced at least one ADE, which was most commonly dysgeusia or gastrointestinal-related. Ninety-five percent (542/572) of patients completed therapy as prescribed. Overall, hospitalization within 28 days was 3.3% with 1.2% attributed to COVID-19 and there were no deaths.

Interpretation

Nirmatrelvir–ritonavir was associated with a high prevalence of clinically significant DDIs, which required mitigation strategies and a high frequency of mild ADEs. Collaborative assessment to address medication alterations resulted in high treatment adherence.
Regulatory T cell-like response to SARS-CoV-2 in Jamaican fruit bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) transduced with human ACE2
Authors: Burke Bradly , Rocha Savannah M. , Zhan Shijun , Eckley Miles , Reasoner Clara , Addetia Amin , Lewis Juliette , Fagre Anna , Charley Phillida A. , Richt Juergen A. , Weiss Susan R. , Tjalkens Ronald B. , Veesler David , Aboellail Tawfik , Schountz Tony
Published: October 2023

Insectivorous Old World horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus spp.) are the likely source of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 prior to its spillover into humans and causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Natural coronavirus infections of bats appear to be principally confined to the intestines, suggesting fecal-oral transmission; however, little is known about the biology of SARS-related coronaviruses in bats. Previous experimental challenges of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) resulted in limited infection restricted to the respiratory tract, whereas insectivorous North American big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) showed no evidence of infection. In the present study, we challenged Jamaican fruit bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) with SARS-CoV-2 to determine their susceptibility. Infection was confined to the intestine for only a few days with prominent viral nucleocapsid antigen in epithelial cells, and mononuclear cells of the lamina propria and Peyer’s patches, but with no evidence of infection of other tissues; none of the bats showed visible signs of disease or seroconverted. Expression levels of ACE2 were low in the lungs, which may account for the lack of pulmonary infection. Bats were then intranasally inoculated with a replication-defective adenovirus encoding human ACE2 and 5 days later challenged with SARS-CoV-2. Viral antigen was prominent in lungs for up to 14 days, with loss of pulmonary cellularity during this time; however, the bats did not exhibit weight loss or visible signs of disease. From day 7, bats had low to moderate IgG antibody titers to spike protein by ELISA, and one bat on day 10 had low-titer neutralizing antibodies. CD4+ helper T cells became activated upon ex vivo recall stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid peptide library and exhibited elevated mRNA expression of the regulatory T cell cytokines interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β, which may have limited inflammatory pathology. Collectively, these data show that Jamaican fruit bats are poorly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 but that expression of human ACE2 in their lungs leads to robust infection and an adaptive immune response with low-titer antibodies and a regulatory T cell-like response that may explain the lack of prominent inflammation in the lungs. This model will allow for insight of how SARS-CoV-2 infects bats and how bat innate and adaptive immune responses engage the virus without overt clinical disease.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Covert/Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lv Xiu-He , Lu Qing , Deng Kai , Yang Jin-Lin , Yang Li
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Covert/minimal hepatic encephalopathy (C/MHE) is the mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), but it is closely related to the quality of life and prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. Currently, the epidemiological data of C/MHE have not been well described.

METHODS:

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant articles. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions to estimate the pooled prevalence of C/MHE in patients with cirrhosis. We also examined potential risk factors for C/MHE by comparing characteristics of patients with and without C/MHE.

RESULTS:

Finally, a total of 101 studies were included. The prevalence of C/MHE was 40.9% (95% confidence interval, 38.3%–43.5%) among patients with cirrhosis worldwide. The pooled C/MHE prevalence was 39.9% (95% confidence interval 36.7%–43.1%) based on studies using the psychometric HE score as a diagnostic tool. Meta-regression models showed that geographic region, sample size, mean age, sex ratio, and Child-Pugh classification were influencing factors for the heterogeneity of C/MHE prevalence. The presence of C/MHE was found to be associated with various factors including age, level of education, alcoholic etiology, Child-Pugh classification, MELD score, history of overt HE, presence of other complications, and laboratory tests related to impaired liver function.

DISCUSSION:

This study reports detailed data on the prevalence of C/MHE as well as clinical features associated with C/MHE, suggesting that C/MHE is one of the most common complications of liver cirrhosis.
Metastatic Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma Manifesting as Chronic Leg Pain
Authors: Lee Hwewon E. , Malone Jordan , Abdul-Baki Kian , Salim Hamza , Silva Mauro , Muthukumarana Vidarshi , Merwat Sheharyar K.
Published: October 2023

Signet ring cell carcinoma, a type of gastrointestinal system-related cancer, rarely metastasizes to the skeletal muscle. We present signet ring-cell carcinoma in a 28-year-old man who presented with left lower extremity pain and swelling. Imaging showed thickening of the distal esophagus, intestines, and bladder wall. Endoscopy revealed friable gastric mucosa and stenosis in the ascending colon, but biopsies were unrevealing. Leg muscle biopsy showed metastatic adenocarcinoma with focal signet ring features. Carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 19-9 were elevated. A gastrointestinal primary tumor was suspected. Our case urges clinicians to consider this rare cancer in patients presenting with skeletal muscle mass.
Menopausal Transition and the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis An Overview
Authors: Ramachandran Athira , Sharma Uday Raj , Haripriya Reddibathina Leela , Sulthana Simran , Borah Runashree , Taj Nageena , Mudagal Manjunatha P
Published: October 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory illness caused by an accumulation of inflammatory infiltration in the synovial membrane, which leads to the progressive deterioration of joint architecture. Women are three times more likely than men to have RA, with more severe functional loss and disability. The purpose of this review is to study the shifts in the hormonal system brought on by menopause and their potential links with RA. Females are more likely to develop RA as a result of hereditary and environmental interactions of sex hormones and their effects on the immune system. Rapid declines in ovarian function and systemic estrogen have been linked to postmenopausal increases in proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The majority of the data from the literature review imply that female hormone characteristics that can be influenced by hereditary and environmental variables impact the development of autoimmune illnesses, including RA.