bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of sand fly fauna in six provinces of Southern Vietnam with species identification using DNA barcoding
Authors: Nguyen Trang Thuy , Nugraheni Yudhi Ratna , Nguyen Hoang Lan Anh , Arnuphapprasert Apinya , Pengsakul Theerakamol , Thong Le Quang , Ampol Rinnara , Siriyasatien Padet , Kaewthamasorn Morakot
Published: October 2024

Background

Sand flies, belonging to the Psychodidae family, represent small, hairy insects that serve as significant vectors in various important medical and veterinary diseases. Despite being recognized by the World Health Organization as an endemic area for leishmaniasis, Southeast Asia lacks comprehensive information on the species composition and biology of sand flies. To address this, the current study aimed to survey sand fly biodiversity.

Methods

Sand flies from six provinces in Southern Vietnam were collected using CDC light traps. Sand flies were subsequently identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) sequences. BLASTN searches were conducted, and the species identity of sand flies was further confirmed through a Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) search utilizing COI sequences. Subsequently, nucleotide sequences were subjected to a panel of analyses including intraspecific variation, phylogenetic relationships and haplotype network. The average densities of collected sand flies (sand flies/trap/night) and species richness were also recorded.

Results

A total of 753 sand flies were collected. After excluding damaged specimens, six sand fly species, namely Phlebotomus stantoni, Sergentomyia khawi, Se. silvatica, Se. barraudi, Se. bailyi and Grassomyia indica, were identified. All conspecific sand fly sequences, including Ph. stantoni, Se. barraudi, Gr. indica, Se. bailyi, Se. khawi and Se. silvatica, clustered with their reference sequences, corroborating the results of morphology-based identification, BLASTN analysis and BOLD search. For intraspecific variation of sand flies obtained from the current study, COI diversity indices were consistently higher than those of cytb.

Conclusions

This study provides the first updates on morphological and molecular characterization of sand flies in Southern Vietnam. This acquired knowledge on sand fly species composition is essential for controlling sand fly-borne diseases in this potentially endemic region.

Graphical Abstract
Results of bracing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the context of clinical practice and the Scoliosis Research Society’s criteria: 5-year observational study from a German orthopaedic university hospital
Authors: Delbrück Heide , Karl Isabel , Hildebrand Frank , Hertwig Miriam K. , Pishnamaz Miguel
Published: October 2024

Background

Brace therapy’s influence on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis’s (AIS) natural course is inconclusive.

Methods

Brace-treated AIS patients from 2016 to 2020 were examined regarding four endpoints at brace weaning: surgery need, curve progress ≥ 6° and > 45°, and curve improvement ≥ 6°. Prediction variables’ influence was computed for the all-patients group and three subgroups (Subgroup 1: fulfilling the Scoliosis Research Society’s [SRS] criteria, Subgroup 2: initial Cobb angle < 25°, Subgroup 3: initial Cobb angle > 40°). According to the data characteristics, parametric and non-parametric tests and binary logistic regression were performed.

Results

The research included 69 patients. Overall, after brace weaning surgery was recommended for 20.3% of them, curve progression was ≥ 6° in 23.2%, the Cobb angle was beyond 45° in 11.6%, and the Cobb angle improved by ≥ 6° in 20.3%. Patients needing surgery had a significantly higher initial Cobb angle (38.8° ± 9.8° vs 27.8° ± 7.6°, p < 0.001), lower Risser stages (p = 0.010), and higher Nash and Moe degrees (p = 0.030). Patients with curve progress ≥ 6° were younger at first curve notification (12.4 ± 1.5 vs 13.7 ± 1.7 years, p = 0.011) and older at menarche (13.4 ± 1.1 vs 12.6 ± 1.2 years, p = 0.037). Furthermore, 21.6% of all Risser 3 and 4 patients had still curve progress ≥ 6°. In-brace correction was significantly higher in patients with curve improvement ≥ 6° vs < 6° (54.0% ± 31.2% vs 31.9% ± 30.7%; p = 0.019). Nine patients fulfilled the SRS criteria, 22 had initial Cobb angles < 25°, and 11 had > 40°. Real brace wear (RBW) in all groups had no significant effect on outcome. Two significant subgroup differences were found: Surgery recommendation and curve progression beyond 45° were significantly more frequent in the initial Cobb angle > 40° subgroup.

Conclusions

Brace effectiveness can be assumed because curve improvement was achieved in nearly one-fifth with sufficient in-brace correction. However, no significant influence of RBW on the outcome endpoints was demonstrated. To clarify conflicting results, big data management, including untreated patients, must be employed to further research AIS’s multifactorial influenced aetiology and course. Meanwhile, it is worth starting bracing in AIS in practice also beyond the SRS’s criteria.
TRPV1 alleviates APOE4-dependent microglial antigen presentation and T cell infiltration in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lu Jia , Wu Kexin , Sha Xudong , Lin Jiayuan , Chen Hongzhuan , Yu Zhihua
Published: October 2024

Background

Persistent innate and adaptive immune responses in the brain contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). APOE4, the most important genetic risk factor for sporadic AD, encodes apolipoprotein E4, which by itself is a potent modulator of immune response. However, little is known about the immune hub that governs the crosstalk between the nervous and the adaptive immune systems. Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel is a ligand-gated, nonselective cation channel with Ca2+ permeability, which has been proposed as a neuroprotective target in AD.

Methods

Using Ca2+-sensitive dyes, dynamic changes of Ca2+ in microglia were measured, including exogenous Ca2+ uptake and endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. The mRFP-GFP-tagged LC3 plasmid was expressed in microglia to characterize the role of TRPV1 in the autophagic flux. Transcriptomic analyses and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the effects of APOE4 on brain microglia and T cells from APOE-targeted replacement mice with microglia-specific TRPV1 gene deficiency.

Results

Both APOE4 microglia derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of AD patients and APOE4-related tauopathy mouse model showed significantly increased cholesterol biosynthesis and accumulation compared to their APOE3 counterparts. Further, cholesterol dysregulation was associated with persistent activation of microglia and elevation of major histocompatibility complex II-dependent antigen presentation in microglia, subsequently accompanied by T cell infiltration. In addition, TRPV1-mediated transient Ca2+ influx mitigated cholesterol biosynthesis in microglia by suppressing the transcriptional activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2, promoted autophagic activity and reduced lysosomal cholesterol accumulation, which were sufficient to resolve excessive immune response and neurodegeneration in APOE4-related tauopathy mouse model. Moreover, microglia-specific deficiency of TRPV1 gene accelerated glial inflammation, T cell response and associated neurodegeneration in an APOE4-related tauopathy mouse model.

Conclusions

The findings provide new perspectives for the treatment of APOE4-dependent neurodegeneration including AD.
Integrating path signature and pen-tip trajectory features for online handwriting Yi text recognition
Authors: Xiao Wenjun , Chen Shanxiong , Ma Yuqi , Li Yongbo , Wang Xiaolong , Feng Yaoyao , Qiao Weizheng , Pu Xun
Published: October 2024

Recognizing online handwriting Yi text is crucial for recording and preserving Yi literature. However, the scarcity of online handwriting Yi text datasets has limited relevant research, impeding the process of Yi informatization. In this work, we use synthetic data to train models, and an Online Handwriting Yi Text Recognition Network (YTRN) is proposed, which extracts robust character features to address the gap between synthetic and real data. YTRN adeptly learns the spatial structure features from path signature feature maps and captures trajectory features from the pen-tip trajectories. Subsequently, an innovative adaptive feature fusion module integrates these two sets of features to yield more comprehensive and robust character representations. Experiments on our newly collected Yi-OLHWDB2.0 dataset demonstrate that our method outperforms previous approaches, achieving an impressive 95.67% accuracy. This highlights the model’s effectiveness in extracting comprehensive and robust features from path signature maps and pen-tip trajectories, significantly enhancing recognition accuracy and generalization.
Role of neuropeptides in patients with endometriosis: a literature review
Authors: Mosleh Hamidreza , Hosseini Sedighe , Hajizadeh Nazanin , Majdi Leila , Ajdary Marziyeh , Mofarahe Zahra Shams
Published: October 2024

Background

This article provides an overview of the role of neuropeptides in endometriosis.

Main body.

While the pathogenesis of endometriosis is not discovered exactly yet, researchers have explored endocrine, paracrine, and immunological influences to better understand the disease. Neuropeptides, which play a significant role in regulating communication among endometrial cells, have been extensively studied and found to have effects on neurons and other somatic cells. The interplay between neuropeptides, pain, and the immune response suggests that neuropeptides may play a significant role in the development and progression of endometriosis.

Conclusion

We investigate the role of nerve fibers and neuropeptides, estrogen and estrogen receptors, and new biomarkers in promoting inflammation and pain in endometriosis. Further research should focus on the roles and therapeutic potential of neuropeptides in endometriosis.
Ultrasound assessment of endothelial dysfunction in Egyptian migraine patients
Authors: Elshebawy Haidy , Mohamed Fahmy Ebtesam , Abd El Fattah Nada Mona , Alaa Abd El Hamid Nouran , Heneidy Sarah
Published: October 2024

Background

It becomes clearer that migraine is associated with vascular risks; however, preclinical vascular involvement is not sufficiently addressed. Evidences point that migraine attacks affect vascular endothelium. The aim of this study was to investigate endothelial dysfunction in migraineurs through assessment of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and their correlation with clinical characteristics of migraine, headache severity, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Results

A statistically significant difference was found between migraineurs and controls where carotid IMT was significantly higher and FMD of the brachial artery was significantly lower in migraineurs compared to controls. Carotid IMT was significantly higher and FMD was significantly lower in chronic migraine compared to episodic migraine patients. Mean IMT values were significantly higher in patients receiving ergots and in patients with subcortical white matter lesions in brain MRI. Mean FMD values were significantly lower in patients receiving ergots. There was a significant negative correlation between FMD and carotid IMT, age of the patients, disease duration, duration of headache attacks, headache frequency, and migraine disability assessment questionnaire (MIDAS) score. There were significant positive correlations between carotid IMT and age of patients, disease duration, headache frequency, MIDAS score, and number of MRI white matter lesions. For diagnosing endothelial dysfunction in migraineurs, the sensitivity and specificity of IMT were 72.5 and 70%, respectively, with a cut-off value of 0.575 mm and that of FMD were 82.5 and 90%, respectively, with a cut-off value of 20.55%.

Conclusion

Migraine coincides with endothelial dysfunction which promotes atherogenesis and increased risk of cerebral ischemia. FMD could be used as a potential biomarker for endothelial dysfunction in migraine. The affection of IMT and FMD is more in patients receiving ergots which may influence the selection of treatment in migraineurs in the future.
Fast and accurate short-read alignment with hybrid hash-tree data structure
Authors: Makino Junichiro , Ebisuzaki Toshikazu , Himeno Ryutaro , Hayashizaki Yoshihide
Published: October 2024

Rapidly increasing the amount of short-read data generated by NGSs (new-generation sequencers) calls for the development of fast and accurate read alignment programs. The programs based on the hash table (BLAST) and Burrows-Wheeler transform (bwa-mem) are used, and the latter is known to give superior performance. We here present a new algorithm, a hybrid of hash table and suffix tree, which we designed to speed up the alignment of short reads against large reference sequences such as the human genome. The total turnaround time for processing one human genome sample (read depth of 30) is just 31 min with our system while that was more than 25 h with bwa-mem/gatk. The time for the aligner alone is 28 min for our system but around 2 h for bwa-mem. Our new algorithm is 4.4 times faster than bwa-mem while achieving similar accuracy. Variant calling and other downstream analyses after the alignment can be done with open-source tools such as SAMtools and Genome Analysis Toolkit (gatk) packages, as well as our own fast variant caller, which is well parallelized and much faster than gatk.
Suicidal transition rates and their predictors in the adult general population: a repeated survey over 21 years in France
Authors: Jollant Fabrice , Leon Christophe
Published: October 2024

Background

The “suicidal transition” from ideation to an act has become a specific topic of research. However, rates in the general population, variations across time and risk factors are unclear.

Methods

Data were collected from the phone survey Baromètre Santé among 18–75-year-olds in France. Seven independent samples interviewed between 2000 and 2021 (total N = 133,827 people; 51.3% females) were questioned about suicidal ideation and attempts over the previous 12 months. Transition was calculated as the weighted ratio of attempt on ideation 12-month rates.

Results

Mean 12-month rates of suicidal ideation, attempts and transition were 4.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) (4.6–4.8)), 0.5% (95% CI (0.4–0.5)) and 7.7% (95% CI (6.8–8.6)), respectively. Transition rates varied between 4.5 and 11.9% across surveys. In multivariable analyses, higher transitions rates were associated with a previous suicide attempt (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 11.1 95% CI (7.9–15.6)); 18–25 vs 26–55-year-olds (1.8 95% CI (1.2–2.8)); lower vs higher income (1.7 95% CI (1.0–2.7); and lower vs higher professional categories (aOR around 1.9). No significant association was found with gender, education level, employment status, living alone, urbanicity, current major depression, daily smoking, weekly heavy drinking, cannabis use, and body mass index.

Conclusions

Most people with suicidal ideation do not attempt suicide. These findings emphasize the need to avoid generic terms such as “suicidality”, and to increase research on suicidal transition to improve prevention and prediction. They may also inform the organization of suicide prevention in the general population.
Society of Surgical Oncology Consensus Statement: Assessing the Evidence for and Utility of Gene Expression Profiling of Primary Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Bartlett Edmund K. , O’Donoghue Cristina , Boland Genevieve , Bowles Tawnya , Delman Keith A. , Hieken Tina J. , Moncrieff Marc , Wong Sandra , White Richard L. , Karakousis Giorgos ,   Society of Surgical Oncology Gene Expression Profiling Consensus Statement Work Group
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Gene expression profiling (GEP) of primary cutaneous melanoma aims to offer prognostic and predictive information to guide clinical care. Despite limited evidence of clinical utility, these tests are increasingly incorporated into clinical care.

Methods

A panel of melanoma experts from the Society of Surgical Oncology convened to develop recommendations regarding the use of GEP to guide management of patients with melanoma. The use of currently available GEP tests were evaluated in three clinical scenarios: (1) the utility in patient selection for sentinel lymph node biopsy; (2) the utility to guide surveillance; and (3) the utility to inform adjuvant therapy. As a basis for these recommendations, the panel performed a systematic review of the literature, including articles published from January 2012 until August 2023.

Results

After review of 137 articles, 50 met the inclusion criteria. These articles included evidence related to three available GEP tests: 31-GEP, CP-GEP, and 11-GEP. The consensus recommendations were finalized using a modified Delphi process. The panel found that current evidence often fails to account for known clinicopathologic risk factors and lacks high-level data. The panel recognizes that the study of GEP tests is still evolving. The integration of GEP into routine clinical practice for predicting sentinel lymph node status and patient prognosis in melanoma is therefore not currently recommended.

Conclusion

At present, GEP should be considered primarily an investigational tool, ideally used in the context of clinical trials or specialized research settings.
Recovering the Anchoring of Economic Valuations
Authors: Guo Liang
Published: October 2024

We revisit the interpretation of the anchoring effect as evidence for nonexisting or arbitrary preferences. A theory of endogenous information acquisition (i.e., deliberation) is developed to rationalize the causal dependence of economic valuations on arbitrary anchor numbers. We identify theory-driven moderators to reconcile seemingly discrepant findings among original and follow-up anchoring experiments. We demonstrate in a meta-analysis that the anchoring effect may be systematically moderated by unintended experimental/individual differences. Moreover, apparent replication failure of the anchoring effect may be a false negative for self-countervailing treatment effects, because an anchoring treatment may cast opposite effects on different subjects within an experiment. (JEL C90, D11, D83)
Secure Survey Design in Organizations: Theory and Experiments
Authors: Chassang Sylvain , Zehnder Christian
Published: October 2024

We study secure survey designs in organizational settings where fear of retaliation makes it hard to elicit truth. Theory predicts that (i) randomized-response techniques offer no improvement because they are strategically equivalent to direct elicitation, (ii) exogenously distorting survey responses (hard garbling) can improve information transmission, and (iii) the impact of survey design on reporting can be estimated in equilibrium. Laboratory experiments confirm that hard garbling outperforms direct elicitation but randomized response works better than expected. False accusations slightly but persistently bias treatment effect estimates. Additional experiments reveal that play converges to equilibrium if learning from others’ experience is possible. (JEL C83, C90, D83, D91)
Bargaining in the Shadow of Uncertainty
Authors: Agranov Marina , Eraslan Hülya , Tergiman Chloe
Published: October 2024

In bargaining environments with stochastic future surplus, failing to delay agreement can be inefficient when the expected future surplus is sufficiently high. Theoretically, such inefficiencies never arise under unanimity rule but can arise under majority rule. Using a laboratory experiment, we find support for these predictions, both when the unanimity rule is predicted to be more efficient and when there should be no difference between the two rules. We also find large point prediction deviations under the majority rule. We show these deviations can be explained by higher-than-predicted egalitarian sharing and a lower risk of being excluded from future agreements. (JEL C78, C92, D71, D81)
Eesti õpetajate kliimateadlikkus ja kliimaga seotud teadusmõistete muutus koolituse mõjul
Authors: Arro Grete , Annist Aet , Terasmaa Jaanus , Alekand Anneli , Malleus-Kotšegarov Elina , Jesmin Triinu
Published: October 2024

Eri õppeastmete õpetajate teadmised jätkusuutlikkusest ja kliimamuutusest ei ole kuigi süsteemsed, mis võib takistada kliimateadlikkuse kasvu ühiskonnas. Uuringu esimene eesmärk oli kirjeldada interdistsiplinaarsel kliimamuutuste teemalisel koolitusel osalenud õpetajate teadmisi kliimamuutuste olemuse ning nendega kohanemise kohta. Samuti uuriti õpetajate kliimamuutusega seotud pseudo-, sünteetilisi ja väärmõisteid. Õpetajatele (N = 221) esitati kaks kliimateemalist vabavastuselist küsimust, mille vastuste analüüsimiseks kasutati kontentanalüüsi. Tulemustest ilmnes, et kuigi kliimamuutustest tervikuna on teatud arusaam olemas, mainivad õpetajad mõningaid olulisi aspekte vähe või üldse mitte. Samuti esineb selgitustes mõningaid väärmõisteid. Uuringu teine eesmärk oli seotud kliimateadlikkuse teemalise koolituse mõjuga. Arvestades lühikeste koolituste tavapärasust, nendele kulutatavat ressurssi ning teadmiste illusiooni tekkimise ohtu, on põhjendatud, et uuritakse ka koolitustegevuse efektiivsust. Seepärast hinnati, milline muutus koolitatute kliimamuutusega seotud teadmistes koolituse mõjul tekib. Kui kliimamuutuste olemuse mõistmist peegeldavates vastustes muutust ei ilmnenud, siis nendega kohanemise teemal oli märgata eelkõige sagedasemat kohanemise mõiste kasutust ja kohanemise probleemi äratundmist.
Summary
Meteorological knowledge test for assessing students’ weather literacy
Authors: Uiboupin Kristel , Uibu Krista , Post Piia
Published: October 2024

Hea ilmakirjaoskus on vajalik igas vanuses, kuid selle omandamist tuleks alustada varases koolieas. Siinses uuringus töötati välja meteoroloogiliste teadmiste test (MET-test), mille abil saab hinnata esimese kooliastme õpilaste ilmakirjaoskust: oskust lugeda ilmainfot kirjeldustest ja prognoosidest, hinnata vaatluste põhjal ilma ning tõlgendada infot, toetudes teadmistele ilmaelementidest ja -nähtustest. Samuti saab testiga hinnata õpilaste teadmiste taset, otsustamaks nende osalemise üle ilmaandmeid edastavas harrastusteaduslikus projektis. Uuringusse kaasati 735 eesti õppekeelega 3. klasside õpilast. Testiga hinnati õpilaste arusaamist ilmaelementidest ja -nähtustest hetkeilma vaatluste ja ilmaprognooside kaudu. MET-testi küsimused jaotati testi lahendustulemuste alusel kolmele tasemele. Selgus, et õpilased teavad rohkem sademetest ja temperatuurist, vähem pilvisusest ja tuulest. Üksikelementide ja -nähtuste mõistmisest keerulisemad olid ülesanded, kus nähtused ja elemendid esinesid kombineeritult. Õpilaste arusaamist ilmaprognoosist mõjutas ka prognoosi esitlusviis. Seejuures osutus raskeimaks sidustekstina esitatud prognoos. Samuti osutus õpilaste jaoks keeruliseks ilmaolukordade põhjendamine loodusteaduslikule teadmisele tuginevalt. Uuringu tulemused suunavad mõtlema, kuidas kujundada õpilaste ilmakirjaoskust koolis, kas ja kuidas käsitleda ohtlikke ilmaolukordi, kuidas tuleks hinnata ilma mõju õpilasele ja ümbritsevale keskkonnale, et õpilane tajuks paremini võimalikke kaasnevaid riske.
Summary
Designing and evaluating interactive educational material aimed at increasing climate awareness
Authors: Teessar Janari , Rannikmäe Miia , Soobard Regina , Laius Anne
Published: October 2024

Ringmajandust võib määratleda kui majandusmudelit, mis keskendub ressursside korduskasutusele, jäätmete vähendamisele ja toodete eluea pikendamisele taaskasutuse ja ringlussevõtu teel. Uuringu eesmärk oli koostada kliimateadlikkuse suurendamisele suunatud interakiivne õppematerjal ja selgitada välja, milliseid ülekantavaid oskusi õpilaste arvates koostatud õppematerjal kujundab ning millised on õpilaste soovitused õppematerjali arendamiseks, tuginedes nende õpikogemusele. Uuringus osales 98 gümnaasiumiõpilast kahest koolist. Uuring koosnes kolmest etapist: õppematerjali koostamine ja rakendamine ning õpilaste arvamuste küsimine õppematerjali kasutamise kohta. Kogutud andmeid analüüsiti kirjeldava statistika ja temaatilise analüüsi meetodeid kasutades. Uuringu tulemustest selgus, et õppematerjal aitas õpilaste arvates arendada ülekantavaid oskusi. Õppematerjali arendamisel peaks suurendama interaktiivsust ja visuaalset atraktiivsust, likvideerima tehnilised probleemid, kohandama raskustaset, lisama seoseid reaalse eluga ning parandama tagasisidesüsteemi ja koostöövõimalusi.
Summary
Endogenous Preference for Nonmarket Goods in Carbon Abatement Decisions
Authors: Wang Fangzhi , Liao Hua , Tol Richard S. J. , Ji Changjing
Published: October 2024

Long-term decisions, such as decisions about carbon abatement, are usually based on the implausible assumption of constant social preference. This paper focuses on a specific case of market and nonmarket goods, and it investigates the optimal climate policy when social preference for them is also changed by climate policy in a seminal climate-economy model: the Dynamic Integrated Model of Climate and the Economy (DICE) model with a single objective to maximize market goods consumption. We amend DICE to study an optimization problem that trades off the values of market and nonmarket goods, considering endogenous preferences. The relative price of non-market goods grows over time because of increases in both relative scarcity and the appreciation that represents the preference of it. As nonmarket goods are increasingly valuable relative to market ones, climate damages on nonmarket goods are increasingly expensive. The social cost of carbon, which aggregated climate impact on both goods, is consequently higher. Because abatement decision affects the valuation of nonmarket goods in the utility function, unlike previous climate-economy models, we solve the model iteratively by taking the obtained abatement rates from the last run as inputs in the current run. The results in baseline calibration advocate a more stringent climate policy, where endogenous social preference to climate policy raises the social cost of carbon further by roughly 12%–18% this century. Moreover, neglecting changing social preference leads to an underestimate of nonmarket goods damages by 15%. Climate policy is self-reinforced if it favors the more expensive consumption good. The proposed method can be applied to other long-term problems with endogenous preferences.

Funding: H. Liao appreciates the funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 71925008, 72293603, and 72488101].
Toxoplasmosis infection in an HIV-negative patient presenting with clinical and MRI findings similar to those of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nurgaliyeva Bayan , Nyssanbayeva Kulman , Choudhary Manish
Published: October 2024

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can present in various clinical forms, ranging from asymptomatic to severe neurological manifestations. The primary sources of infection include undercooked meat, unwashed produce and contact with cat faeces. Toxoplasmosis can lead to encephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and is often misdiagnosed as other neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). We report the case of a 44-year-old male from Almaty, Kazakhstan, who presented with neurological symptoms including headaches, dizziness, diplopia, leg weakness and elevated blood pressure. The patient had a history of consuming undercooked meat, but no prior neurological conditions. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed demyelinating lesions, leading to a diagnosis of MS. However, high levels of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were detected, prompting further testing. A polymerase chain reaction test for toxoplasmosis was negative, but the patient was treated empirically with trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole for six months. A follow-up MRI showed a significant reduction in brain lesions, and the patient’s symptoms improved.
Diagnostic accuracy of bedside screening tools for aspiration risk in acute stroke: commentary on a Cochrane review
Authors: Harrison Joanna , Saez Lucy Roebuck , Vernon Helen , Hill James
Published: October 2024

Dysphagia is common after stroke and can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and mortality. Bedside swallow screening tools for aspiration risk associated with dysphagia are available for use by healthcare professionals to quickly assess patients, put in place the necessary interventions and make referral to speech and language therapy. A Cochrane systematic review aimed to identify the diagnostic accuracy of such tools for use in practice ( Boaden et al, 2021 ). This commentary critically appraises and evaluates the systematic review and expands upon the findings in the context of clinical practice and further research.
Improving the patient experience of transition from hospital to home after stroke: a service evaluation
Authors: Trout Ruth , Huffadine Jennifer
Published: October 2024

The period when a patient returns home from hospital after a stroke can be a challenging time. There is often a need for patients to be discharged quickly; therefore, a poor discharge experience for patients and their carers is consistently reported. Individuals can feel anxious and unsupported during this period. The aim was to conduct a service evaluation and improvement project in a regional stroke service to explore the experiences of patients being discharged home from the Acute Stroke Unit with support from the Early Supported Discharge Service. Specific elements of a previously validated questionnaire were completed by nine participants. The service evaluation built on previous research and expanded the data by including patients with communication or cognitive difficulties. Patients generally had a positive experience of discharge home from hospital. Most patients received the information they needed and felt involved in discharge decisions. However, one-third of patients experienced a delay related to waiting for medication. The need for psychological support was identified. A collaborative approach involving patients and professionals is suggested to create changes in stroke services. Patients should be offered psychological support and medication delays should be addressed. Any subsequent study would be improved by recruiting a larger number of participants, particularly from more diverse ethnic groups, and offering the option of online or hard copy questionnaire distribution.
Thrombectomy in UK
Authors: May Maeva
Published: October 2024

This article emphasises why thromebectomy should be equally available to people, irrespective of time of stroke or where they live.
Monitoring a patient following an acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Lyttle Diane , McGranaghan Danielle
Published: October 2024

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, causing around 38000 deaths each year in the UK, while approximately 1.3million people live with the effects of stroke. The World Stroke Organisation reported that 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 years will experience stroke in their lifetime, with a loss of 143million healthy years lost each year. Monitoring a patient following an acute ischaemic stroke is critical to assess recovery, prevent complications, and optimise treatment. The initial phase focuses on stabilising and monitoring changes in the patient's condition. Continuous monitoring of vital signs alongside neurological assessment and haemodynamic and metabolic monitoring is necessary to determine changes in the person's condition and any progression of stroke symptoms. Early detection of post-stroke complications can significantly impact recovery and close monitoring allows for prompt intervention. Nurses play a significant role in the care of the person following an acute ischaemic stroke and, together with the multidisciplinary team, ensure comprehensive care is provided. This article outlines the key aspects of monitoring a patient after an acute ischaemic stroke and how the likelihood of complications can be reduced.
European option prices driven by standard t-process
Authors: Liu Li-Min , Sun Yuan-Xi
Published: October 2024

We consider a standard t-process model of a financial market and obtain the solution to the stock price process under the equivalent martingale measure. Using the equivalent martingale measure we derive the European option pricing based on standard t-process. At the end of this paper, the pricing formula by standard t-process is compared with B-S's formula by numerical simulation.
EVALUATION OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT IN FURNITURE MANUFACTURING USING THE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS
Authors: Ghorbannezhad Payam , Azizi Majid , Ray Charles , Amiri Mostafa , Ghofrani Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Environmental issues in the furniture industry are of great importance due to the use of natural materials, such as wood and chemical substances like adhesives and paints. These issues encompass environmental conservation and managing the pollution and waste that is generated. This study adopted an integrated AHP-LCA decision model which helped identify several key factors as higher priorities. These factors include the bio-economic aspects, the production process, wood quality, stable supply of raw materials, technical considerations, and the recycling process. A pairwise comparison of 24 sub-criteria revealed that the quality of wood as a raw material, wood supply management and connections, the punching process, user education and trained workforce, and process design are critical criteria. Prioritizing these factors not only helps in the removal of pollutants, but also enhances the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework in the furniture industry. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results using Sima-Pro software indicated that scenario 1, which involves designing recyclable furniture, has a significant impact on water toxicity and CO2 emissions. Additionally, replacing birchwood as an imported raw material (scenario 2) can help mitigate ionizing radiation effects. Finally, using recycled wood in the furniture manufacturing processes (scenario 3) significantly affects land use and emissions.
Knowledge Management Status in Russian Higher Education
Authors: Krymskaya Albina
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Though the issue of knowledge management (KM) education is not new in the KM literature, there is not much research on KM education in Russia. There is only one thorough study, published in 2018, that represented what KM education was in this country by that year. There is a lack of case studies on KM courses taught in Russian universities. This paper reviews the current situation with KM education in Russia and focuses primarily on KM as a bachelor’s and master’s course in Russian universities. It demonstrates the way KM has developed since the late 1990s when Russian research began to increase in a variety of fields. The Russian database eLIBRARY. ru and the internet were searched for KM courses and courses that included KM as a topic. This paper presents a range of KM courses that were taught from 2011 to 2022 and the fields of studies that included these courses.
Are Knowledge Management Courses in South Asia Designed Well? A Content Analysis of Syllabi and a Case Study
Authors: Agarwal Naresh Kumar , Islam Md. Anwarul
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Knowledge management (KM) is a set of processes to improve organizational functioning by harnessing organizational knowledge. KM has been taught in different global universities—either as standalone courses or as programs of study. While KM is also taught in a number of library and information science (LIS) programs in South Asian (SA) universities, it is not clear which schools offer KM courses, what topics are covered, which readings are assigned, and how student learning is assessed in these courses. How does KM education in a developing SA country compare with KM education in a developed country? What are the enablers and barriers to KM course design and delivery in South Asia? We explored the answers to these questions through a content analysis of syllabi of KM courses in SA LIS programs as well as a case study comparing the way KM is taught in an SA country and in the United States. Through applying theories of expectancy, information poverty, Bloom’s taxonomy, and context, the study recommends a model KM syllabus template and a research framework for KM education in South Asia. The study concludes that for SA KM education to reach global standards, systemic barriers would need to be addressed.
Negotiated Federalism: Intergovernmental Relations on the Maritime Frontier, 1789–1815
Authors: Mallon Grace E.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The U.S. Constitution was designed to produce a profound alteration in the structure of the American federal polity by giving the U.S. government the power to raise its own money and enforce its own laws within the states. But when federal officials began to implement the new constitutional order across the union in 1789, they realized that this process required the participation and consent of state governments, whose legislation, investment, and manpower were needed to allow federal laws to take effect. Because of the power that state governments continued to wield, the successful institution of federal authority within the states relied on intergovernmental negotiation. The Atlantic port cities presented a crucial test case for this negotiated federalism, as the federal government sought to exercise power in spaces where state authority was already entrenched. In the course of setting up the customs and lighthouse services, rebuilding coastal fortifications, and enforcing neutrality and embargo regulations, early federal officials encountered the limits of federal power within the states, and developed intergovernmental negotiation strategies that allowed them to execute federal law in the ports. This negotiated federalism would become fundamental to the governance of the American union.
“Related Around the Mountain”: Relational Sovereignty and Coalition Building in the California Interior
Authors: Sussman Naomi
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The 1851 Kúpangaxwicham (Cupeño) War was a multinational Native uprising that threatened to destroy U.S. settlements across Southern California. A Native man, Juan Antonio Chem’yuleqa Kústakik, ended the war and saved the United States’ foothold in the region. Kústakik’s act was not a devil’s bargain to shelter his people, the Cahuilla, from impending conquest since the origins of the war lay in the multipolar Indigenous geopolitics of the California interior. The Cahuilla, Kúpangaxwicham, and neighboring peoples drew from a relational framework of sovereignty that prioritized coalition building both within and beyond their nations’ boundaries to make themselves resilient to upheaval. When Native peoples on the Colorado River and then Mexican colonists began to invade the California interior in the early nineteenth century, the Cahuilla and Kúpangaxwicham innovated on their relational practices to tie themselves to more powerful neighbors. These alliances put the Kúpangaxwicham and Cahuilla on opposing sides of many battlefields from 1834 to 1851—but both peoples operated within a shared political ontology of relationship building. The California interior’s history of overlapping and relational sovereignties made the Cahuilla and Kúpangaxwicham durable in the face of conquest, and offers a model for understanding how other non-expansionist Native peoples enacted power and survived invasion across early America.
Randomizing polarization of displays for fundamental improvement of color mura caused by birefringence
Authors: Sasaki Shizuki , Koike Yasuhiro
Published: October 2024

Most existing displays utilize polarization technologies to produce images and improve image quality. However, polarized light from displays causes color mura because of the birefringence of the polymer films used. Thus, eliminating color degradation remains a challenge despite the incorporation of complex polarization technologies such as retardation films. Our proposed random depolarization film (RDF) addresses this issue by randomizing the polarization of light from displays. Chromaticity measurements demonstrate that the RDF effectively compensates for color mura due to low-cost polymer films. Notably, the RDF compensation mechanism is independent of the RDF position and light source spectrum. Therefore, the RDF could be an innovative solution for color degradation in existing displays.
Hänsch Prize Winner Presentation
Authors: Srinivas Raghavendra
Published: October 2024

Abstract not available

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Photonic Interfaces for Neutral Atom Quantum Computers
Authors: Lukin Mikhail , Grinkemeyer Brandon
Published: October 2024

We introduce a platform that integrates atom arrays in optical tweezers with a fiber Fabry-Perot cavity, providing an efficient quantum optical interface for neutral atom quantum computers. Leveraging strong atom-cavity coupling, we demonstrate state readout with error detection and novel methods for cavity-mediated entanglement generation.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Project Qu-Gov: Exploration of Quantum Technologies for and Inside Governmental Administration
Authors: Muth Oliver
Published: October 2024

In 2022 Bundesdruckerei started the Project Qu-Gov which includes an overall advising approach of the German Federal ministry of Finance concerning the topics Quantum-Information, Quantum-Communication, Post-Quantum-Security, Quantum-Analytics and the souvereign use of Quantum devices and services. In this lecture we talk about our approach and first results.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Networking Silicon Spin Qubits
Authors: Higginbottom Daniel
Published: October 2024

Networked quantum computers provide a route to commercial utility. We demonstrate key elements of distributed quantum computing between optically linked silicon quantum processors, including the distribution and consumption of remote entanglement.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Photonic Quantum Technologies: From Unravelling Quantum Foundations to Advancing Quantum Integration and Developing Applications in Quantum Networks and Computing.
Authors: Barz Stefanie
Published: October 2024

I will explore various facets of photonic quantum systems and applications in quantum technologies: quantum interference, a key element in quantum technologies, photonic quantum computing, and both hardware aspects and applications of photonic quantum networks.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
High prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis in school-age children in the villages adjacent to Lake Chamo in the southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Yenenesh , Wegayehu Teklu , Woldeyes Daniel , Massebo Fekadu
Published: October 2024

Background

The prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis remains a challenge despite government efforts to eliminate the disease. This study aims to assess the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis in school-age children living in the villages surrounding Lake Chamo in southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia.

Methodology/Principal findings

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2023 in Shele Mela Kebele in Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia. Stool samples were collected from 597 school-age children. A singe Kato-Katz for helminths and formalin-ether concentration technique for protozoan parasites were used to process the samples. The intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection among school-age children was determined by counting the number of eggs per gram of stool. Of the 597 children screened, 52.3% (95% CI: 48.4.4–56.4) were positive for Schistosoma mansoni. These findings showed that 55% of the infections were light, 30.3% were moderate, and 14.7% were heavy. The mean egg count of S. mansoni parasites was 182.1 eggs per gram. The prevalence of other intestinal parasites (Hymenolopis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Taenia species, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica) was found to be 7.7% (46/597). The overall prevalence of S. mansoni co-infection with other intestinal parasites was 5.0% (30/597). Specifically, the co-infection rates were 1.5% for A. lumbricoides, 1.3% for H. nana, 1.0% for Taenia species, 0.2% for Hookworm, 0.2% for E. histolytica, and 0.2% for G. lamblia.

Conclusions/Significances

The study showed a high rate of S. mansoni infection among school-age children. This calls for immediate action, such as school-based deworming, to protect these children from the disease and reduce the burden. Further research is needed to understand the transmission of the infection by the intermediate host.
HIV seropositive disclosure and associated factors among adult HIV positive clients in public health facilities in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Fikadu Worku , Dechassa Chala , Desalegn Zelalem , Ewunetu Adisu , Lema Matiyos , Tekle Adisu
Published: October 2024

Background

Disclosure of HIV-seropositive is important for HIV prevention and maintenance of health for people living with HIV and the community at large. Although HIV seropositive disclosure is mandatory for access to care and treatment, there is a paucity of data in the study setting.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the magnitude of HIV Sero Positive Disclosure and associated factors among adult HIV positive clients in public health facilities in the east wollega zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia, in 2023.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 250 adult HIV-positive clients in public health facilities in East Wollega Zone. Systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. Data were collected from February 1 to April 15, 2023, using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and reviewing patient cards using a checklist. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. In bivariable analyses, variables with a P-value <0.25 were candidates for the multivariable model; in the multivariable model, significant associations were declared at a P-value < 0.05 and reported by an adjusted odds ratio along with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The magnitude of HIV seropositive disclosure to at least one person was found to be 68.2% (95%CI = 62.5%, 73.9%). HIV seropositive disclosure was significantly associated with being married ((AOR = 5.47, 95%CI: 2.87–10.43), low knowledge level (AOR = 0.095, 95% CI = 0.017–0.54), and perceived community discrimination (AOR = 0.192, 95% CI = 0.050, 0.74).

Conclusion

This study reveals that HIV seropositive disclosure was low among the adult population living in the study area as compared to the other study findings. Disclosure of seropositives was significantly associated with marital status, knowledge level about the importance of disclosure, and perceived discrimination in societies. Healthcare providers and HIV prevention programme planners should provide health education about the importance of HIV disclosure and the stigma against HIV-positive patients by increasing society’s awareness through appropriate channels.