bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of landscape management practices on urban greenhouse gas budgets
Authors: Hundertmark Wiley J. , Lee Marissa , Smith Ian A. , Bang Ashley H. Y. , Chen Vivien , Gately Conor K. , Templer Pamela H. , Hutyra Lucy R.
Published: January 2021

Background

With a lack of United States federal policy to address climate change, cities, the private sector, and universities have shouldered much of the work to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to determine how landcover characteristics influence the amount of carbon (C) sequestered and respired via biological processes, evaluating the role of land management on the overall C budget of an urban university. Boston University published a comprehensive Climate Action Plan in 2017 with the goal of achieving C neutrality by 2040. In this study, we digitized and discretized each of Boston University’s three urban campuses into landcover types, with C sequestration and respiration rates measured and scaled to provide a University-wide estimate of biogenic C fluxes within the broader context of total University emissions.

Results

Each of Boston University’s three highly urban campuses were net sources of biogenic C to the atmosphere. While trees were estimated to sequester 0.6 ± 0.2 kg C m−2 canopy cover year−1, mulch and lawn areas in 2018 emitted C at rates of 1.7 ± 0.4 kg C m−2 year−1 and 1.4 ± 0.4 kg C m−2 year−1, respectively. C uptake by tree canopy cover, which can spatially overlap lawn and mulched landcovers, was not large enough to offset biogenic emissions. The proportion of biogenic emissions to Scope 1 anthropogenic emissions on each campus varied from 0.5% to 2%, and depended primarily on the total anthropogenic emissions on each campus.

Conclusions

Our study quantifies the role of urban landcover in local C budgets, offering insights on how landscaping management strategies—such as decreasing mulch application rates and expanding tree canopy extent—can assist universities in minimizing biogenic C emissions and even potentially creating a small biogenic C sink. Although biogenic C fluxes represent a small fraction of overall anthropogenic emissions on urban university campuses, these biogenic fluxes are under active management by the university and should be included in climate action plans.
Chest MRI to diagnose early diaphragmatic weakness in Pompe disease
Authors: Harlaar Laurike , Ciet Pierluigi , van Tulder Gijs , Pittaro Alice , van Kooten Harmke A. , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E. , Brusse Esther , Wielopolski Piotr A. , de Bruijne Marleen , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Tiddens Harm A. W. M. , van Doorn Pieter A.
Published: January 2021

Background

In Pompe disease, an inherited metabolic muscle disorder, severe diaphragmatic weakness often occurs. Enzyme replacement treatment is relatively ineffective for respiratory function, possibly because of irreversible damage to the diaphragm early in the disease course. Mildly impaired diaphragmatic function may not be recognized by spirometry, which is commonly used to study respiratory function. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify early signs of diaphragmatic weakness in Pompe patients using chest MRI.

Methods

Pompe patients covering the spectrum of disease severity, and sex and age matched healthy controls were prospectively included and studied using spirometry-controlled sagittal MR images of both mid-hemidiaphragms during forced inspiration. The motions of the diaphragm and thoracic wall were evaluated by measuring thoracic cranial-caudal and anterior–posterior distance ratios between inspiration and expiration. The diaphragm shape was evaluated by measuring the height of the diaphragm curvature. We used multiple linear regression analysis to compare different groups.

Results

We included 22 Pompe patients with decreased spirometry results (forced vital capacity in supine position < 80% predicted); 13 Pompe patients with normal spirometry results (forced vital capacity in supine position ≥ 80% predicted) and 18 healthy controls. The mean cranial-caudal ratio was only 1.32 in patients with decreased spirometry results, 1.60 in patients with normal spirometry results and 1.72 in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Anterior–posterior ratios showed no significant differences. The mean height ratios of the diaphragm curvature were 1.41 in patients with decreased spirometry results, 1.08 in patients with normal spirometry results and 0.82 in healthy controls (p = 0.001), indicating an increased curvature of the diaphragm during inspiration in Pompe patients.

Conclusions

Even in early-stage Pompe disease, when spirometry results are still within normal range, the motion of the diaphragm is already reduced and the shape is more curved during inspiration. MRI can be used to detect early signs of diaphragmatic weakness in patients with Pompe disease, which might help to select patients for early intervention to prevent possible irreversible damage to the diaphragm.
Exploring resource scarcity and contextual influences on wellbeing among young refugees in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement, Uganda: findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Okumu Moses , Latif Maya , Musoke Daniel Kibuuka , Odong Lukone Simon , Mwima Simon , Kyambadde Peter
Published: January 2021

Background

Contextual factors including poverty and inequitable gender norms harm refugee adolescent and youths’ wellbeing. Our study focused on Bidi Bidi refugee settlement that hosts more than 230,000 of Uganda’s 1.4 million refugees. We explored contextual factors associated with wellbeing among refugee adolescents and youth aged 16–24 in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement.

Methods

We conducted 6 focus groups (n = 3: women, n = 3: men) and 10 individual interviews with young refugees aged 16–24 living in Bidi Bidi. We used physical distancing practices in a private outdoor space. Focus groups and individual interviews explored socio-environmental factors associated with refugee youth wellbeing. Focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two investigators using thematic analysis. Analysis was informed by a social contextual theoretical approach that considers the interplay between material (resource access), symbolic (cultural norms and values), and relational (social relationships) contextual factors that can enable or constrain health promotion.

Results

Participants included 58 youth (29 men; 29 women), mean age was 20.9 (range 16–24). Most participants (82.8%, n = 48) were from South Sudan and the remaining from the Democratic Republic of Congo (17.2% [n = 10]). Participant narratives revealed the complex interrelationships between material, symbolic and relational contexts that shaped wellbeing. Resource constraints of poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment (material contexts) produced stress and increased sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) targeting adolescent girls and women. These economic insecurities exacerbated inequitable gender norms (symbolic contexts) to increase early marriage and transactional sex (relational context) among adolescent girls and young women. Gendered tasks such as collecting water and firewood also increased SGBV exposure among girls and young women, and this was exacerbated by deforestation. Participants reported negative community impacts (relational context) of COVID-19 that were associated with fear and panic, alongside increased social isolation due to business, school and church closures.

Conclusions

Resource scarcity produced pervasive stressors among refugee adolescents and youth. Findings signal the importance of gender transformative approaches to SGBV prevention that integrate attention to resource scarcity. These may be particularly relevant in the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings signal the importance of developing health enabling social contexts with and for refugee adolescents and youth.
Barriers and facilitators for scaling up mental health and psychosocial support interventions in low- and middle-income countries for populations affected by humanitarian crises: a systematic review
Authors: Troup Jordan , Fuhr Daniela C. , Woodward Aniek , Sondorp Egbert , Roberts Bayard
Published: January 2021

Background

Humanitarian crises increase the burden of mental disorders due to exposure to traumatic events and ongoing daily stressors. Effective mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions exist, but barriers and facilitators for scaling up those interventions are less understood. The study aim was to identify barriers and facilitators for scaling up MHPSS interventions for populations affected by humanitarian crises in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Types of scale up were summarised, and barriers and facilitators analysed using the World Health Organization’s Expandnet framework of scaling up. Evidence quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Fourteen eligible studies were identified. Most described horizontal types of scale up, integrating services into primary and community care through staff training, task-sharing, and establishing referral and supervision mechanisms. Barriers were reported in a range of framework elements, but primarily related to those in the health system. The overall quality of studies were limited.

Conclusion

Few MHPSS interventions in humanitarian crises appear to have been scaled up, and scaling up efforts were largely horizontal which challenges long-term sustainability. Greater focus should be on both horizontal and vertical scaling up, which should be accompanied by higher quality research.
Cell surface GRP78 regulates BACE2 via lysosome-dependent manner to maintain mesenchymal phenotype of glioma stem cells
Authors: Chen Zihang , Wang Huizhi , Zhang Zongpu , Xu Jianye , Qi Yanhua , Xue Hao , Gao Zijie , Zhao Rongrong , Wang Shaobo , Zhang Shouji , Qiu Wei , Guo Xing , Li Gang
Published: January 2021

Background

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are considered the initial cells of gliomas, contributing to therapeutic resistance. Patient-derived GSCs well recapitulate the heterogeneity of their parent glioma tissues, which can be classified into different subtypes. Likewise, previous works identified GSCs as two distinct subtypes, mesenchymal (MES) and proneural (PN) subtypes, and with general recognition, the MES subtype is considered a more malignant phenotype characterized by high invasion and radioresistance. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms involved in the MES phenotype is necessary for glioblastoma treatment.

Methods

Data for bioinformatic analysis were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. An antibody was used to block cell surface glucose-regulated protein 78 (csGRP78). Apoptosis and cell cycle analyses were performed to evaluate radiation damage. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to assess protein expression and distribution. Mass spectrometry combined with bioinformatic analysis was used to screen downstream molecules. Intracranial GSC-derived xenografts were established for in vivo experiments.

Results

Total GRP78 expression was associated with MES GSC stemness, and csGRP78 was highly expressed in MES GSCs. Targeting csGRP78 suppressed the self-renewal and radioresistance of MES GSCs in vitro and in vivo, accompanied by downregulation of the STAT3, NF-κB and C/EBPβ pathways. Mass spectrometry revealed the potential downstream β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 2 (BACE2), which was regulated by csGRP78 via lysosomal degradation. Knockdown of BACE2 inactivated NF-κB and C/EBPβ and significantly suppressed the tumorigenesis and radioresistance of MES GSCs in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Cell surface GRP78 was preferentially expressed in MES GSCs and played a pivotal role in MES phenotype maintenance. Thus, blocking csGRP78 in MES GSCs with a high-specificity antibody might be a promising novel therapeutic strategy.
Why do infants need out-of-hospital emergency medical services? A retrospective, population-based study
Authors: Oulasvirta Jelena , Harve-Rytsälä Heini , Lääperi Mitja , Kuisma Markku , Salmi Heli
Published: January 2021

Background

The challenges encountered in emergency medical services (EMS) contacts with children are likely most pronounced in infants, but little is known about their out-of-hospital care. Our primary aim was to describe the characteristics of EMS contacts with infants. The secondary aims were to examine the symptom-based dispatch system for nonverbal infants, and to observe the association of unfavorable patient outcomes with patient and EMS mission characteristics.

Methods

In a population-based 5-year retrospective cohort of all 1712 EMS responses for infants (age < 1 year) in Helsinki, Finland (population 643,000, < 1-year old population 6548), we studied 1) the characteristics of EMS missions with infants; 2) mortality within 12 months; 3) pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions; 4) medical state of the infant upon presentation to the emergency department (ED); 5) any medication or respiratory support given at the ED; 6) hospitalization; and 7) surgical procedures during the same hospital visit.

Results

1712 infants with a median age of 6.7 months were encountered, comprising 0.4% of all EMS missions. The most common complaints were dyspnea, low-energy falls, and choking. Two infants died on-scene. The EMS transported 683 (39.9%) infants. One (0.1%) infant died during the 12-month follow-up period. Ninety-one infants had abnormal clinical examination upon arrival at the ED. PICU admissions (n = 28) were associated with young age (P < 0.01), a history of prematurity or problems in the neonatal period (P = 0.01), and previous EMS contacts within 72 h (P = 0.04). The adult-derived dispatch codes did not associate with the final diagnoses of the infants.

Conclusions

Infants form a small but distinct group in pediatric EMS care, with specific characteristics differing from the overall pediatric population. Many EMS contacts with infants were nonurgent or medically unjustified, possibly reflecting an unmet need for other family services. The use of adult-derived symptom codes for dispatching is not optimal for infants. Unfavorable patient outcomes were rare. Risk factors for such outcomes include quickly renewed contacts, young age and health problems in the neonatal period.
microRNA-27b shuttled by mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes prevents sepsis by targeting JMJD3 and downregulating NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Jia , Sun Xuan , Chen Junhui , Liao Xin , He Yixuan , Wang Jinsong , Chen Rui , Hu Sean , Qiu Chen
Published: January 2021

Background

Exosomal microRNAs (miRs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to play roles in the pathophysiological processes of sepsis. Moreover, miR-27b is highly enriched in MSC-derived exosomes. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential role and downstream molecular mechanism of exosomal miR-27b in sepsis.

Methods

Inflammation was induced in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and mice were made septic by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The expression pattern of miR-27b in MSC-derived exosomes was characterized using RT-qPCR, and its downstream gene was predicted by in silico analysis. The binding affinity between miR-27b, Jumonji D3 (JMJD3), or nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was characterized to identify the underlying mechanism. We induced miR-27b overexpression or downregulation, along with silencing of JMJD3 or NF-κB to examine their effects on sepsis. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was detected by ELISA.

Results

miR-27b was highly expressed in MSC-derived exosomes. Mechanistic investigations showed that miR-27b targeted JMJD3. miR-27b decreased expression of pro-inflammatory genes by inhibiting the recruitment of JMJD3 and NF-κB at gene promoter region. Through this, MSC-derived exosomal miR-27b diminished production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-treated BMDMs and septic mice, which could be rescued by upregulation of JMJD3 and NF-κB. Besides, in vitro findings were reproduced by in vivo findings.

Conclusion

These data demonstrated that exosomal miR-27b derived from MSCs inhibited the development of sepsis by downregulating JMJD3 and inactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transfer in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Runfeng , Yu Jiang , Zhang Ningkun , Li Wensong , Wang Jisheng , Cai Guocai , Chen Yu , Yang Yong , Liu Zhenhong
Published: January 2021

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracoronary autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

In this randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, patients with STEMI (aged 39–76 years) were enrolled at 6 centers in Beijing (The People’s Liberation Army Navy General Hospital, Beijing Armed Police General Hospital, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing Huaxin Hospital, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital West Hospital). All patients underwent optimum medical treatment and percutaneous coronary intervention and were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to BM-MSC group or control group. The primary endpoint was the change of myocardial viability at the 6th month’s follow-up and left ventricular (LV) function at the 12th month’s follow-up. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of cardiovascular event, total mortality, and adverse event during the 12 months’ follow-up. The myocardial viability assessed by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was used to assess LV function. All patients underwent dynamic ECG and laboratory evaluations. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrails.gov, number NCT04421274.

Results

Between March 2008 and July 2010, 43 patients who had underwent optimum medical treatment and successful percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly assigned to BM-MSC group (n = 21) or control group (n = 22) and followed-up for 12 months. At the 6th month’s follow-up, there was no significant improvement in myocardial activity in the BM-MSC group before and after transplantation. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the change of myocardial perfusion defect index (p = 0.37) and myocardial metabolic defect index (p = 0.90). The LVEF increased from baseline to 12 months in the BM-MSC group and control group (mean baseline-adjusted BM-MSC treatment differences in LVEF 4.8% (SD 9.0) and mean baseline-adjusted control group treatment differences in LVEF 5.8% (SD 6.04)). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the change of the LVEF (p = 0.23). We noticed that during the 12 months’ follow-up, except for one death and one coronary microvascular embolism in the BM-MSC group, no other events occurred and alanine transaminase (ALT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in BM-MSC group were significantly lower than that in the control group.

Conclusions

The present study may have many methodological limitations, and within those limitations, we did not identify that intracoronary transfer of autologous BM-MSCs could largely promote the recovery of LV function and myocardial viability after acute myocardial infarction.
Ultraprotective ventilation allowed by extracorporeal CO2 removal improves the right ventricular function in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients: a quasi-experimental pilot study
Authors: Goursaud Suzanne , Valette Xavier , Dupeyrat Julien , Daubin Cédric , du Cheyron Damien
Published: January 2021

Background

Right ventricular (RV) failure is a common complication in moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). RV failure is exacerbated by hypercapnic acidosis and overdistension induced by mechanical ventilation. Veno-venous extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) might allow ultraprotective ventilation with lower tidal volume (VT) and plateau pressure (Pplat). This study investigated whether ECCO2R therapy could affect RV function.

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental prospective observational pilot study performed in a French medical ICU. Patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS with PaO2/FiO2 ratio between 80 and 150 mmHg were enrolled. An ultraprotective ventilation strategy was used with VT at 4 mL/kg of predicted body weight during the 24 h following the start of a low-flow ECCO2R device. RV function was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during the study protocol.

Results

The efficacy of ECCO2R facilitated an ultraprotective strategy in all 18 patients included. We observed a significant improvement in RV systolic function parameters. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) increased significantly under ultraprotective ventilation compared to baseline (from 22.8 to 25.4 mm; p < 0.05). Systolic excursion velocity (S’ wave) also increased after the 1-day protocol (from 13.8 m/s to 15.1 m/s; p < 0.05). A significant improvement in the aortic velocity time integral (VTIAo) under ultraprotective ventilation settings was observed (p = 0.05). There were no significant differences in the values of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) and RV preload.

Conclusion

Low-flow ECCO2R facilitates an ultraprotective ventilation strategy thatwould improve RV function in moderate-to-severe ARDS patients. Improvement in RV contractility appears to be mainly due to a decrease in intrathoracic pressure allowed by ultraprotective ventilation, rather than a reduction of PaCO2.
Self-determination theory interventions versus usual care in people with diabetes: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Mathiesen Anne Sophie , Rothmann Mette Juel , Zoffmann Vibeke , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Gluud Christian , Lindschou Jane , Due-Christensen Mette , Rasmussen Bodil , Marqvorsen Emilie , Thomsen Thordis
Published: January 2021

Background

Existing self-management and behavioural interventions for diabetes vary widely in their content, and their sustained long-term effectiveness is uncertain. Autonomy supporting interventions may be a prerequisite to achieve ‘real life’ patient engagement and more long-term improvement through shared decision-making and collaborative goal setting. Autonomy supportive interventions aim to promote that the person with diabetes’ motivation is autonomous meaning that the person strives for goals they themselves truly believe in and value. This is the goal of self-determination theory and guided self-determination interventions. Self-determination theory has been reviewed but without assessing both benefits and harms and accounting for the risk of random errors using trial sequential analysis. The guided self-determination has not yet been systematically reviewed. The aim of this protocol is to investigate the benefits and harms of self-determination theory-based interventions versus usual care in adults with diabetes.

Methods/design

We will conduct the systematic review following The Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. This protocol is reported according to the PRISMA checklist. A comprehensive search will be undertaken in the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycINFO, SCI-EXPANDED, CINAHL, SSCI, CPCI-S and CPCI-SSH to identify relevant trials. We will include randomised clinical trials assessing interventions theoretically based on guided self-determination or self-determination theory provided face-to-face or digitally by any healthcare professional in any setting. The primary outcomes will be quality of life, mortality, and serious adverse events. The secondary will be diabetes distress, depressive symptoms and adverse events not considered serious. Exploratory outcomes will be glycated haemoglobin and motivation. Outcomes will be assessed at the end of the intervention and at maximum follow-up. The analyses will be performed using Stata version 16 and trial sequential analysis. Two authors will independently screen, extract data from and perform risk of bias assessment of included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Certainty of the evidence will be assessed by GRADE.

Discussion

Self-determination theory interventions aim to promote a more autonomous patient engagement and are commonly used. It is therefore needed to evaluate the benefit and harms according to existing trials.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020181144
The use of theories, frameworks, or models in knowledge translation studies in healthcare settings in China: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Zhao Junqiang , Li Xuejing , Yan Lijiao , Yu Yamei , Hu Jiale , Li Shelly-Anne , Chen Wenjun
Published: January 2021

Background

Knowledge translation (KT) theories, frameworks, and models (TFMs) can help guide and explain KT processes, and facilitate the evaluation of implementation outcomes. They play a critical role in conducting KT research and practice. Currently, little is known about the usage of TFMs in KT in Chinese healthcare settings. The aim of this scoping review is to identify which TFMs had been used for KT in healthcare settings in China, and how these TFMs were used.

Methods

The protocol for this scoping review is in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework and further enhanced by the recommendations suggested by Levac et al. We will search 8 databases (4 Chinese and 4 English) to identify relevant studies. Four reviewers (2 for Chinese, 2 for English) will independently screen studies based on the eligibility criteria. The basic characteristic of studies and the TFMs utilization (i.e., what, why, and how) will be extracted. Methodological quality and reporting quality will be assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) (or Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence, SQUIRE 2.0 for quality improvement studies), respectively. All the retrieved TFMs will be categorized into Nilsen’s classifications of TFMs for KT research. We will employ the qualitative content analysis approach to summarize how these TFMs have been used, and the rationale. A consultation will be conducted through a 1-h interactive virtual meeting with an expert panel of knowledge users.

Discussion

By conducting this scoping review, we expect to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of why and how TFMs have been used in KT research and practice in China, and to identify gaps and provide recommendations for more efficient and meaningful use of TFMs in the future.

Systematic review registration

This review has been registered with the Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/8NXAM).
Steady state for a predator–prey cross-diffusion system with the Beddington–DeAngelis and Tanner functional response
Authors: Luo Demou
Published: January 2021

The main goal of this paper is investigating the existence of nonconstant positive steady states of a linear prey–predator cross-diffusion system with Beddington–DeAngelis and Tanner functional response. An analytical method and fixed point index theory plays a significant role in our main proofs.
The q-Sumudu transform and its certain properties in a generalized q-calculus theory
Authors: Al-Omari Shrideh Khalaf
Published: January 2021

In this paper we consider a generalization to the q-calculus theory in the space of q-integrable functions. We introduce q-delta sequences and develop q-convolution products to derive certain q-convolution theorem. By using the concept of q-delta sequences, we establish various axioms and set up q-spaces of generalized functions named q-Boehmian spaces. The new assigned spaces of q-generalized functions are acceptable and compatible with the classical spaces of the ordinary functions. Consequently, we extend the generalized q-Sumudu transform to the sets of q-Boehmian spaces. On top of that, we nominate the canonical q-embeddings between the q-integrable sets of functions and the q-integrable sets of q-Boehmians. Furthermore, we address the general properties of the generalized q-Sumudu transform and its inversion formula in some detail.
On the weighted fractional integral inequalities for Chebyshev functionals
Authors: Rahman Gauhar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Khan Sami Ullah , Baleanu Dumitru , Vijayakumar V.
Published: January 2021

The goal of this present paper is to study some new inequalities for a class of differentiable functions connected with Chebyshev’s functionals by utilizing a fractional generalized weighted fractional integral involving another function$\mathcal{G}$Gin the kernel. Also, we present weighted fractional integral inequalities for the weighted and extended Chebyshev’s functionals. One can easily investigate some new inequalities involving all other type weighted fractional integrals associated with Chebyshev’s functionals with certain choices of$\omega (\theta )$ω(θ)and$\mathcal{G}(\theta )$G(θ)as discussed in the literature. Furthermore, the obtained weighted fractional integral inequalities will cover the inequalities for all other type fractional integrals such as Katugampola fractional integrals, generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals, conformable fractional integrals and Hadamard fractional integrals associated with Chebyshev’s functionals with certain choices of$\omega (\theta )$ω(θ)and$\mathcal{G}(\theta )$G(θ).
Mathematical analysis of tuberculosis control model using nonsingular kernel type Caputo derivative
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Ullah Rafi , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: January 2021

This research work investigates some theoretical and semi-analytical results for the mathematical model of tuberculosis disease via derivative due to Caputo and Fabrizio. The concerned derivative involves exponential kernel and very recently it has been adapted for various applied problems. The required results are established by using some fixed point approach of Krasnoselskii and Banach. Further, by the use of iterative tools of Adomian decomposition and Laplace, the semi-analytical results are studied. Some graphical results are given with discussion.
Quantum variant of Montgomery identity and Ostrowski-type inequalities for the mappings of two variables
Authors: Ali Muhammad Aamir , Chu Yu-Ming , Budak Hüseyin , Akkurt Abdullah , Yıldırım Hüseyin , Zahid Manzoor Ahmed
Published: January 2021

In this investigation, we demonstrate the quantum version of Montgomery identity for the functions of two variables. Then we use the result to derive some new Ostrowski-type inequalities for the functions of two variables via quantum integrals. We also consider the particular cases of the key results and offer some new integral inequalities.
A study of a coupled system of Hadamard fractional differential equations with nonlocal coupled initial-multipoint conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Alsaedi Ahmed , Albideewi Amjad F.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we obtain the existence results for a coupled system of Hadamard fractional differential equations supplemented with nonlocal coupled initial-multipoint conditions via fixed point theorems. An example is constructed for the illustration of the uniqueness result.
Disentangling depression in Belgian higher education students amidst the first COVID-19 lockdown (April-May 2020)
Authors:   for the Belgian COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study (C19 ISWS) team, De Man Jeroen , Buffel Veerle , van de Velde Sarah , Bracke Piet , Van Hal Guido F. , Wouters Edwin
Published: January 2021

Background

The surge of COVID-19 infections has prompted many countries to take unprecedented policy measures. In Belgium, the authorities implemented a nation-wide stay-at-home order for several months. Evidence of the mental health effect of such measures is scarce. A recent review by Brooks et al. has compiled a defined list of stressors affecting people’s mental health under quarantine during previous epidemic settings. This study aims to test the association between these stressors and the mental health of students attending higher education during the stay-at-home order in Belgium.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 18,301 students from 13 higher education institutions (HEI) participated in an online survey between 26 April and 11 May 2020. We assessed the association between potential stressors and depressive symptoms severity scores and structural equation modeling was used to assess how stressors may mediate the association between duration of exposure and depressive symptoms severity.

Results

The stressors proposed by Brooks et al. were found to be associated with depressive symptoms severity. The stressors ‘perceived academic stress’, ‘institutional dissatisfaction’ and ‘fear of being infected’ were associated with substantially higher depressive symptoms severity scores. The association between duration of exposure and depressive symptoms severity was mediated by ‘academic stress’. Being in a steady relationship and living together with others were both associated with a lower depressive symptoms severity.

Conclusion

Findings underline the need for a student-centered approach and mental health prevention. Authorities and HEIs should consider whether and if so, how a stay-at-home order should be implemented.
Context matters in understanding the vulnerability of women: perspectives from southwestern Uganda
Authors: Murembe Neema , Kyomuhangi Teddy , Manalili Kimberly , Beinempaka Florence , Nakazibwe Primrose , Kyokushaba Clare , Tibanyendera Basil , Brenner Jennifer L. , Turyakira Eleanor
Published: January 2021

Background

Vulnerability at the individual, family, community or organization level affects access and utilization of health services, and is a key consideration for health equity. Several frameworks have been used to explore the concept of vulnerability and identified demographics including ethnicity, economic class, level of education, and geographical location. While the magnitude of vulnerable populations is not clearly documented and understood, specific indicators, such as extreme poverty, show that vulnerability among women is pervasive. Women in low and middle-income countries often do not control economic resources and are culturally disadvantaged, which exacerbates other vulnerabilities they experience. In this commentary, we explore the different understandings of vulnerability and the importance of engaging communities in defining vulnerability for research, as well as for programming and provision of maternal newborn and child health (MNCH) services.

Methodology

In a recent community-based qualitative study, we examined the healthcare utilization experiences of vulnerable women with MNCH services in rural southwestern Uganda. Focus group discussions were conducted with community leaders and community health workers in two districts of Southwestern Uganda. In addition, we did individual interviews with women living in extreme poverty and having other conventional vulnerability characteristics.

Findings and discussion

We found that the traditional criteria of vulnerability were insufficient to identify categories of vulnerable women to target in the context of MNCH programming and service provision in resource-limited settings. Through our engagement with communities and through the narratives of the people we interviewed, we obtained insight into how nuanced vulnerability can be, and how important it is to ground definitions of vulnerability within the specific context. We identified additional aspects of vulnerability through this study, including: women who suffer from alcoholism or have husbands with alcoholism, women with a history of home births, women that have given birth only to girls, and those living on fishing sites.

Conclusion

Engaging communities in defining vulnerability is critical for the effective design, implementation and monitoring of MNCH programs, as it ensures these services are reaching those who are most in need.
The Clean pilot study: evaluation of an environmental hygiene intervention bundle in three Tanzanian hospitals
Authors: Gon Giorgia , Kabanywanyi Abdunoor M. , Blinkhoff Petri , Cousens Simon , Dancer Stephanie J. , Graham Wendy J. , Hokororo Joseph , Manzi Fatuma , Marchant Tanya , Mkoka Dickson , Morrison Emma , Mswata Sarah , Oza Shefali , Penn-Kekana Loveday , Sedekia Yovitha , Virgo Sandra , Woodd Susannah , Aiken Alexander M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Healthcare associated infections (HAI) are estimated to affect up to 15% of hospital inpatients in low-income countries (LICs). A critical but often neglected aspect of HAI prevention is basic environmental hygiene, particularly surface cleaning and linen management. TEACH CLEAN is an educational intervention aimed at improving environmental hygiene. We evaluated the effectiveness of this intervention in a pilot study in three high-volume maternity and newborn units in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

This study design prospectively evaluated the intervention as a whole, and offered a before-and-after comparison of the impact of the main training. We measured changes in microbiological cleanliness [Aerobic Colony Counts (ACC) and presence of Staphylococcus aureus] using dipslides, and physical cleaning action using gel dots. These were analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. We used qualitative (focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and semi-structured observation) and quantitative (observation checklist) tools to measure why and how the intervention worked. We describe these findings across the themes of adaptation, fidelity, dose, reach and context.

Results

Microbiological cleanliness improved during the study period (ACC pre-training: 19%; post-training: 41%). The odds of cleanliness increased on average by 1.33 weekly during the pre-training period (CI = 1.11–1.60), and by 1.08 (CI = 1.03–1.13) during the post-training period. Cleaning action improved only in the pre-training period. Detection of S. aureus on hospital surfaces did not change substantially. The intervention was well received and considered feasible in this context. The major pitfalls in the implementation were the limited number of training sessions at the hospital level and the lack of supportive supervision. A systems barrier to implementation was lack of regular cleaning supplies.

Conclusions

The evaluation suggests that improvements in microbiological cleanliness are possible using this intervention and can be sustained. Improved microbiological cleanliness is a key step on the pathway to infection prevention in hospitals. Future research should assess whether this bundle is cost-effective in reducing bacterial and viral transmission and infection using a rigorous study design.
Characterization of florfenicol resistance genes in the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) isolates and genomic features of a multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus lentus strain H29
Authors: Wu Chongyang , Zhang Xueya , Liang Jialei , Li Qiaoling , Lin Hailong , Lin Chaoqin , Liu Hongmao , Zhou Danying , Lu Wei , Sun Zhewei , Lin Xi , Zhang Hailin , Li Kewei , Xu Teng , Bao Qiyu , Lu Junwan
Published: January 2021

Background

With the wide use of florfenicol to prevent and treat the bacterial infection of domestic animals, the emergence of the florfenicol resistance bacteria is increasingly serious. It is very important to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the bacteria’s resistance to florfenicol.

Methods

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels were determined by the agar dilution method, and polymerase chain reaction was conducted to analyze the distribution of florfenicol resistance genes in 39 CoNS strains isolated from poultry and livestock animals and seafood. The whole genome sequence of one multidrug resistant strain,Staphylococcus lentusH29, was characterized, and comparative genomics analysis of the resistance gene-related sequences was also performed.

Results

As a result, the isolates from the animals showed a higher resistance rate (23/28, 82.1%) and much higher MIC levels to florfenicol than those from seafood. Twenty-seven animal isolates carried 37 florfenicol resistance genes (including 26fexA, 6cfrand 5fexBgenes) with one carrying acfrgene, 16 each harboring afexAgene, 5 with both afexAgene and afexBgene and the other 5 with both afexAgene and acfrgene. On the other hand, all 11 isolates from seafood were sensitive to florfenicol, and only 3 carried afexAgene each. The whole genome sequence ofS. lentusH29 was composed of a chromosome and two plasmids (pH29-46, pH29-26) and harbored 11 resistance genes, including 6 genes [cfr, fexA, ant(6)-Ia,aacA-aphD, mecAandmph(C)] encoded on the chromosome, 4 genes [cfr, fexA, aacA-aphDandtcaA] on pH29-46 and 1 gene (fosD) on pH29-26. We found that theS. lentusH29 genome carried two identical copies of the gene arrays ofradC-tnpABC-hp-fexA(5671 bp) and IS256-cfr(2690 bp), of which one copy of the two gene arrays was encoded on plasmid pH29-46, while the other was encoded on the chromosome.

Conclusions

The current study revealed the wide distribution of florfenicol resistance genes (cfr, fexAandfexB) in animal bacteria, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that oneS. lentusstrain carried two identical copies of florfenicol resistance-related gene arrays.
Overall assessment of antibiotic substitutes for pigs: a set of meta-analyses
Authors: Xu Bocheng , Fu Jie , Zhu Luoyi , Li Zhi , Jin Mingliang , Wang Yizhen
Published: January 2021

Background

Antibiotic growth promoters are widely used to improve weight gain. However, the abuse of antibiotics can have many negative effects on people. Developing alternatives to antibiotics is an urgent need in livestock production. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA) to investigate the effects of feed additives as potential antibiotic substitutes (ASs) on bacteriostasis, growth performance, intestinal morphology and immunity. Furthermore, the primary, secondary, and tertiary ASs were defined by comparing their results with the results of antibiotics.

Results

Among 16,309 identified studies, 37 were summarized to study the bacteriostasis effects of feed additives, and 89 were included in the meta-analysis and NMA (10,228 pigs). We summarized 268 associations of 57 interventions with 32 bacteria. The order of bacteriostasis effects was as follows: antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) ≈ antibiotics>organic acids>plant extracts>oligosaccharides. We detected associations of 11 feed additives and 11 outcomes. Compared with a basal diet, plant extract, AMPs, probiotics, microelements, organic acids, bacteriophages, lysozyme, zymin, and oligosaccharides significantly improved growth performance (P < 0.05); organic acids, probiotics, microelements, lysozyme, and AMPs remarkably increased the villus height:crypt depth ratio (V/C) (P < 0.05); and plant extracts, zymin, microelements, probiotics, and organic acids notably improved immunity (P < 0.05). The optimal AMP, bacteriophage, lysozyme, microelements, oligosaccharides, organic acids, plants, plant extracts, probiotics, and zymin doses were 0.100%, 0.150%, 0.012%, 0.010%, 0.050%, 0.750%, 0.20%, 0.040%, 0.180%, and 0.100%, respectively. Compared with antibiotics, all investigated feed additives exhibited no significant difference in effects on growth performance, IgG, and diarrhoea index/rate (P > 0.05); AMPs and microelements significantly increased V/C (P < 0.05); and zymin significantly improved lymphocyte levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, linear weighting sum models were used to comprehensively estimate the overall impact of each feed additive on pig growth and health.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that AMPs and plant extracts can be used as primary ASs for weaned piglets and growing pigs, respectively. Bacteriophages, zymin, plants, probiotics, oligosaccharides, lysozyme, and microelements can be regarded as secondary ASs. Nucleotides and organic acids can be considered as tertiary ASs. Future studies should further assess the alternative effects of combinational feed additives.
Human cutaneous neurofibroma matrisome revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Brosseau Jean-Philippe , Sathe Adwait A. , Wang Yong , Nguyen Toan , Glass Donald A. , Xing Chao , Le Lu Q.
Published: January 2021

Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1) is a neurocutaneous genetic syndrome characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, including benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor called neurofibroma. These tumors originate from the Schwann cell lineage but other cell types as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) in the neurofibroma microenvironment constitute the majority of the tumor mass. In fact, collagen accounts for up to 50% of the neurofibroma’s dry weight. Although the presence of collagens in neurofibroma is indisputable, the exact repertoire of ECM genes and ECM-associated genes (i.e. the matrisome) and their functions are unknown. Here, transcriptome profiling by single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the matrisome of human cutaneous neurofibroma (cNF). We discovered that classic pro-fibrogenic collagen I myofibroblasts are rare in neurofibroma. In contrast, collagen VI, a pro-tumorigenic ECM, is abundant and mainly secreted by neurofibroma fibroblasts. This study also identified potential cell type-specific markers to further elucidate the biology of the cNF microenvironment.
Effects of sticky rice addition on the properties of lime-tile dust mortars
Authors: Zhang Kun , Sui Ying , Wang Liqin , Tie Fude , Yang Fuwei , Liu Yan , Zhang Yue
Published: January 2021

The present study focused on the characteristics of lime-tile dust mortars with sticky rice addition, which were prepared according to historic Chinese accounts. Results showed that addition of sticky rice into mortars could improve water retention capacity, prolong setting time, and reduce bulk density values. Sticky rice addition also had long-term detrimental impacts on mortar strength development, concurrently increasing their water absorption values. FTIR, XRD and TG-DSC analyses revealed that the addition of sticky rice into mortars could slow down the carbonation as well as hydration process, at the same time forming both calcite and aragonite as carbonation products.