bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FreeClimber: Automated quantification of climbing performance in Drosophila
Authors: Spierer Adam N. , Yoon Denise , Zhu Chen-Tseh , Rand David M.
Published: November 2020

Negative geotaxis (climbing) performance is a useful metric for quantifying Drosophila health. Manual methods to quantify climbing performance are tedious and often biased, while many available computational methods have challenging hardware or software requirements. We present an alternative: FreeClimber. This open source, Python-based platform subtracts a video's static background to improve detection for flies moving across heterogeneous backgrounds. FreeClimber calculates a cohort's velocity as the slope of the most linear portion of a mean-vertical position vs. time curve. It can run from a graphical user interface for optimization or a command line interface for high-throughput and automated batch processing, improving accessibility for users with different expertise. FreeClimber outputs calculated slopes, spot locations for follow up analyses (e.g. tracking), and several visualizations and plots. We demonstrate FreeClimber's utility in a longitudinal study for endurance exercise performance in Drosophila mitonuclear genotypes using six distinct mitochondrial haplotypes paired with a common w1118 nuclear background.
Limits to sustained energy intake XXXII: Hot again: dorsal shaving increases energy intake and milk output in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Ohrnberger S. A. , Hambly C. , Speakman J. R. , Valencak T. G.
Published: November 2020

Golden hamsters have four times the body size of mice, raise very large litters and are required to produce big quantities of milk during the 18 days lactation period. We have previously proposed that they may be prone to being limited by their heat dissipation capacity. Studies where lactating females are shaved to elevate their heat dissipation capacity have yielded conflicting data so far. With their short pregnancy of ca. 18 days, the large litters and the reported higher skin temperatures they may serve an ideal model as to elucidate the role of epilation for energy budgets in lactating mammals. We shaved one group of lactating females dorsally on the 6th day of lactation, and tested, if the elevated heat dissipation capacity would enable them to have higher energy intakes and better food to milk conversion rates. Indeed, we observed that females from the shaved group had 6% higher body masses and 0.78° C lower skin temperatures than control females during lactation. When focusing on the phase of peak lactation, we observed significantly higher (10%) gross energy intakes of food and 23.4% more milk energy output in the shaved females resulting in 3.3g higher individual pup weights.

We conclude that shaving off the females’ fur, even though restricted to the dorsal surface, had large consequences on female energy metabolism in lactation and improved milk production and pup growth in line with our previous work on heat dissipation limitation. Our new data from golden hamsters confirm heat dissipation as a limiting factor for sustained metabolic rate in lactation in some small mammals and emphasize the large effects of a relatively small manipulation such as fur removal on energy metabolism of lactating females.
Complex sensory environments alter mate choice outcomes
Authors: Taylor Ryan C. , Wilhite Kyle O. , Ludovici Rosalind J. , Mitchell Kelsey M. , Halfwerk Wouter , Page Rachel A. , Ryan Michael J. , Hunter Kimberly L.
Published: November 2020

Noise is a common problem in animal communication. We know little, however, about how animals communicate in noise using multimodal signals. Multimodal signals are hypothesized to be favoured by evolution because they increase the efficacy of detection/discrimination in noisy environments. We tested the hypothesis that female túngara frogs’ responses to attractive male advertisement calls are improved in noise when a visual signal component is added to the available choices. We tested this at two levels of decision complexity (two and three choices). In a two-choice test, the presence of noise did not reduce female preferences for attractive calls. The visual component of a calling male, associated with an unattractive call, also did not reduce preference for attractive calls in the absence of noise. In the presence of noise, however, females were more likely to choose an unattractive call coupled with the visual component. In three-choice tests, the presence of noise alone reduced female responses to attractive calls and this was not strongly affected by the presence or absence of visual components. The responses in these experiments fail to support the multimodal signal efficacy hypothesis. Instead, the data suggest that audio-visual perception and cognitive processing, related to mate choice decisions, are dependent on the complexity of the sensory scene.
Rare presentation of inflammatory pseudotumour involving subcutaneous tissues with superficial fat sparing
Authors: Newallo Domnique , Perricone Adam J , Martinez Anthony P , Hussain Dania , Muzahir Saima
Published: November 2020

We present a unique case of inflammatory pseudotumour involving gluteal subcutaneous tissue with the sparing of superficial fat and report its contrast-enhanced CT, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT and pathological findings. Although rare, inflammatory pseudotumours have been reported with a diverse spectrum of locations; however, the involvement of the subcutaneous tissue overlying the gluteal muscles with sparing of the most superficial fat has not been reported.
Investigating a novel multiplex proteomics technology for detection of changes in serum protein concentrations that may correlate to tumor burden
Authors: Ren Annie He , Prassas Ioannis , Soosaipillai Antoninus , Jarvi Stephanie , Gallinger Steven , Kulasingam Vathany , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: November 2020

Background: To account for cancer heterogeneity, we previously introduced the concept of “personalized” tumor markers, which are biomarkers that are informative in subsets of patients or even a single patient. Recent developments in various multiplex protein technologies create excitement for the discovery of markers of tumor burden in individual patients, but the reliability of the technologies remains to be tested for this purpose. Here, we sought to explore the potential of a novel proteomics platform, which utilizes a multiplexed antibody microarray, to detect changes in serum protein concentration that may correlate to tumor burden in pancreatic cancer.

Methods: We applied the Quantibody® Human Kiloplex Array to simultaneously measure 1,000 proteins in sera obtained pre- and post-surgically from five pancreatic cancer patients. We expected that proteins which decreased post-surgery may correlate to tumor burden. Sera from two healthy individuals, split into two aliquots each, were used as controls. To validate the multiplexed results, we used single-target ELISA assays to measure the proteins with the largest serum concentration changes after surgery in sera collected pre- and post-surgically from the previous five patients and 10 additional patients.

Results: The multiplexed array revealed nine proteins with more than two-fold post-surgical decrease in at least two of five patients. However, validation using single ELISAs showed that only two proteins tested displayed more than two-fold post-surgical decrease in one of the five original patients. In the independent cohort, six of the proteins tested showed at least a two-fold decrease post-surgery in at least one patient.

Conclusions: Our study found that the Quantibody® Human Kiloplex Array results could not be reliably replicated with individual ELISA assays and most hits would likely represent false positives if applied to biomarker discovery. These findings suggest that data from novel, high-throughput proteomic platforms need stringent validation to avoid false discoveries.
Outcomes assessment pitfalls: challenges to quantifying knowledge gain in a sex education game
Authors: Bertozzi Elena , Bertozzi-Villa Amelia , Padankatti Swathi , Sridhar Aparna
Published: November 2020

Background: The use of videogames as a public health tool is rapidly expanding. Accurate assessment of the efficacy of such games is complicated by many factors. We describe challenges associated with measuring the impact of playing a videogame with information about human sexual anatomy and reproduction and discuss motivations for, and solutions to, these challenges.

Methods: The My Future Family Game (MFF) is a validated tool for collecting data about family planning intentions which includes information about human anatomy and sexual reproduction. We sought to assess the efficacy of the game as a tool for teaching sexual education using a pre-post model which was deployed in three schools in and around Chennai, India in summer of 2018.

Results: The MFF game was successfully modified to collect data about players’ pre-gameplay knowledge of sexual anatomy and processes. The post gameplay assessment process we used did not effectively assess knowledge gain. Designing assessments for games dealing with sexuality presents challenges including: effectively communicating about biological parts and processes, designing usable and intuitive interfaces with minimal text, ensuring that all parts of the process are fun, and integrating assessments into the game in a way that makes them invisible.

Conclusion: Games can be an effective means of gathering data about knowledge of sex and reproduction that it is difficult to obtain through other means. Assessing knowledge about human sexual reproduction is complicated by cultural norms and taboos, and technical hurdles which can be addressed through careful design. This study adds to the sparse literature in the field by providing information about pitfalls to avoid and best practices in this evolving area.
Il mito di Prometeo riscritto
Authors: Grzelak-Krzymianowska Adriana
Published: November 2020

The Prometheus myth is an essential part of European culture, observed in each literary epoque, being variously interpreted and adopted. This article aims to examine the presence and meaning of the myth about the Titan in one of the works of Giacomo Leopardi La scommessa di Prometeo basing on both ancient and earlier Italian literary tradition in depicting the deity. Leopardi, well familiar with ancient and contemporary culture, rewrites the myth in the way to express his vision of human life. Although his idea seems original and new he obviously makes use of many motives already present in earlier tradition transforming them and reinterpreting to create a new and significant quality.
Die Marchaenhafte Rhetorik - die Redekunst in der Ilias
Authors: Hermann Marek
Published: November 2020

Die Ursprünge der Rhetorik werden in etwa um die Mitte des 5. Jahrhunderts vor Chr. angesetzt. Manchmal wird sogar ein genaueres Datum angegeben, und zwar das Jahr 467 (in dem der sizilianische Tyrann Thrasybulos aus Syrakus verbannt wurde und die Demokratie Einzug hielt). Damals sollen zwei Bewohner von Syrakus, Korax und Tisias, die juristische und politische Redekunst ausfindig gemacht haben1. Die Redekunst wuchs üppig in der ganzen griechischen Welt, von Sizilien bis nach Kleinasien2. Doch die Rhetorik entstand nicht ad hoc, auf einmal, noch griffen die Menschen erst unter Einfluss der Sizilianer auf die überzeugende Redekunst zurück. Diese bildete bereits Hunderte Jahre zuvor einen festen Bestandteil der Kultur. Ein Zeugnis davon legen die Poeme Homers, des größten griechischen Dichters. Besonders viele Beispiele der Beredsamkeit der griechischen Götter und der trojanischen und griechischen Helden finden wir in der Ilias. Diese Beispiele wurden von späteren griechischen und römischen Rhetorikern exakt analysiert, und die Theoretiker der Redekunst berufen sich bis heute auf sie.
A Note of the Latin Granicies 'Border' and the -(it)ies Formations in the Corpus of Medieval Latin in Polan
Authors: Jasińska Katarzyna , Piwowarczyk Dariusz R.
Published: November 2020

The Polish medieval Latin corpus is a specific collection of texts created during the Middle Ages in the Polish lands. The language itself had a special status as it was no longer the native language of any specific population. Consequently, it underwent changes in the lexicon to the extent that both Latin forms were transferred into Polish and the Polish ones into Latin. Such is the case with the word granicies ‘border’ which was transferred from the Polish word granica ‘border’. The baffling thing is that the transfer itself created a word within the non-productive Latin fifth declension. The purpose of the present article is to try to explain why it was transferred to this specific type of inflection.
The Gate of Alexander in Hebrew Alexander Romances
Authors: Klęczar Aleksandra
Published: November 2020

However surprising it may seem, the story of the gate of Alexander in the Hebrew versions of the Romance is associated rather with certain geographical and historical facts than with the eschatological dimension and the popular association of Gog and Magog with the Unclean Nations are not a part of the narrative. This does not mean that the eschatological aspect was absent from the Jewish interpretation of the figure of Alexander. Quite the contrary: it seems a crucial part of Alexander’s role as presented especially in Hellenistic Jewish literature. But this eschatological significance of Alexander in Jewish tradition is more often suggested by Alexander’s linking with the end of prophecy2 or the beginning of the new universal kingship. The Unclean Nations episode is not so important in that aspect. It is rather used by the authors of the Hebrew Alexander Romances to stress the exotic and fanciful elements in the narrative, thus eliciting the curiosity of the reader, or to comment on Alexander’s decisions as a king and on political aspects of his rule.
WHEN TECHNICAL SKILLS AREN’T ENOUGH: TRAINING FOR THE SOFTER SIDE OF COMMUNITY ACTION LEADERSHIP
Authors: Greenhaw Laura L. , Denny Marina D’Abreau
Published: November 2020

It is common for professionals in technical and science-related careers to interact with colleagues and the general public frequently in their daily work. However, most do not receive any education or practice developing interpersonal skills. Thus, these professionals may struggle to create positive interactions, especially while in leadership roles or interacting with stakeholders or clientele. We worked with the Wildlife Services National Training Academy to develop and deliver a half-day training on leadership competencies including emotional intelligence, power and influence, and conflict management. This application brief describes the training, including learning activities implemented, and reports evaluative feedback from participants and the workshop developers and facilitator. Recommendations for implementing similar leadership development programming for technical audiences is included.
SUPPORTING PROBLEM SOLVING IN THE LEADERSHIP CLASSROOM: Using the pVASE Framework for Bridging Theory to Practice
Authors: Werner Linnette R. L. , Hellstrom David
Published: November 2020

Several models of leadership outline theories on successful intervention such as “Observe, Interpret, and Intervene” within the Adaptive Leadership model (Heifetz, Grashow, & Linsky, 2009) or the “Five Practices” within Kouzes & Posner’s (2012) work. However, during stressful moments of leadership practice, many models for leadership intervention are difficult for students to implement. The authors suggest the pVASE framework as an additional component to other intervention models of leadership in order to better support cognitive load and leadership problem-solving during real-time, emergent leadership moments within and beyond the classroom.
VALIDATING THE READY, WILLING, AND ABLE LEADER SCALE OF STUDENT LEADERSHIP CAPACITY
Authors: Rosch David M. , Collins Jasmine D.
Published: November 2020

Numerous difficulties exist in employing psychometrically sound quantitative measures of leadership development that are both generalizable and brief. Here, we highlight our efforts in creating the Ready, Willing, and Able Leader (RWAL) Scale. This instrument of leadership capacity: (a) has been psychometrically validated for use with college student populations; (b) includes measures of leadership capacity that are known to be essential to effective leadership practice (leader self-efficacy, motivation, and skill); (c) is broad enough for use across diverse educational and developmental contexts; and (d) is brief and concise.
‘Nice, happy and approachable’
Authors: Smith Anne
Published: November 2020

Why oral health education for children ticks boxes for Anne Smith
Let's get digital
Authors: Naher Safa al
Published: November 2020

The pandemic has forced us all much to embrace new technology. We hear from Safa al Naher how her family's dental clinic has seen an uptake in the dental treatments that start this way
Golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) as an alternative protein source in Pasupati catfish (Pangasius sp.) fish feed
Authors: Putri Pertiwi Meilisha , Dyah Saputri Dina
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Pertiwi MP, Saputri DD. 2020. Golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) as an alternative protein source in Pasupati catfish (Pangasius sp.) fish feed. Nusantara Bioscience 12: 162-167. Research on efforts to conserve golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) meat has been done. This research aimed to utilize the snail meat as an alternative feed for the Pasupati catfish (Pangasius sp.). The research was carried out from May to August 2020. It began by collecting Pomacea canaliculata by hand sorting then processed into artificial feed/pellets. The research was CRD designed with 5 treatments and 3 replications. Pasupati catfish juvenil measuring 7.4 ± 0.8 cm and weighing 11.7 ± 0.5 g, was maintained for 21 days with a stocking density of 15 individuals/aquarium. Feeding as much as 8% of the biomass with a frequency of feeding 3 times a day at satiation. Variables measured were SGR, L, RP, FCR, and SR. The results showed that feed B produced the best fish growth and could be an alternative fish feed without having a negative effect on growth and feed utilization. Feed B (90% fish meal + 10% Pomacea canaliculata meat meal) had the highest SGR value and was supported by a high PR value and a low FCR value. In addition, there is a difference among variables, despite least significant. ANOVA test also supports the differences between treatments, but HSD test (p<0,05) is not significantly different. This means that the addition of the percentage of P. canaliculata meat meal to the feed does not provide a good performance of the Pasupati catfish. Value of abiotic parameters was ​​to support fish farming.
Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy for cancer of the head of the pancreas in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: perioperative challenges
Authors: Thakur UK , Kaman L , Singh C , Kumar M , Bhukal I , Shree R
Published: November 2020

The association of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and pancreatic cancer is rare. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by pure motor symptoms in the form of progressive muscle weakness and wasting, and can involve the bulbar and respiratory muscles, leading to significant morbidity. Successful surgery for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for pancreatic cancer has rarely been reported. Surgery in such patients is a dual-edged sword and is decided based on risk–benefit ratio. Patients are at high risk for general anaesthesia because of muscular weakness, increased sensitivity to muscle relaxants and certain anaesthetic drugs. There is a high chance of prolonged postoperative ventilatory support, aspiration pneumonia and pulmonary complications. We report a patient with cancer of the head of the pancreas who underwent successful elective pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Spatial-light-modulator-based dual shearing direction shearography
Authors: Zhang Boyang , Sun Fangyuan , Yang Lei , Yang Lianxiang
Published: November 2020

We propose a dual shearing shearography system based on a spatial light
modulator (SLM). Compared to spatial phase shift shearography, the
advantages of this system include its simple structure, relatively
high light efficiency, and good phase map quality. Digital
shearography is a fast, practical, non-contact, whole-field, and
anti-turbulent optical approach to non-destructive testing (NDT) and
strain measurement. Because the shearing direction determines the
strain direction being measured, tests using multiple shearing
directions are sometimes required to obtain strain in different
directions and detect all defects. Various setups, based on the
spatial phase shift method, have been proposed to solve the issue.
While some of these setups perform well, they may also introduce new
problems, such as poor phase map quality and low light efficiency. We
present a sequential dual shearing shearographic system with good
phase map quality and high light efficiency. Due to the SLM’s
high-speed response, capable of reaching hundreds of hertz, SLM-based
dual shearing direction shearography allows for fast temporal phase
shifting and shearing direction switching while providing very good
phase map quality. Unlike the spatial phase shift method, which has
low light efficiency due to its need for a small aperture to enable a
relatively large speckle size to cover multiple pixels, the proposed
method is based on a fast temporal phase shift and does not have this
limitation. In addition, SLM can provide a programmable and adjustable
shearing method in any direction and distance, which is beneficial for
strain measurements and NDT requiring strain measurements in different
directions using a small and precise shearing distance. We describe in
detail the theory derivation and non-destructive testing application
results for the SLM-based dual shearing direction
shearography system.
Multiple-pulse damage thresholds of retinal explants in the ns-time regime
Authors: Lipp Scarlett , Kotzur Sebastian , Elmlinger Philipp , Stork Wilhelm
Published: November 2020

The data situation of laser-induced damage measurements after multiple-pulse irradiation in the ns-time regime is limited. Since the laser safety standard is based on damage experiments, it is crucial to determine damage thresholds. For a better understanding of the underlying damage mechanism after repetitive irradiation, we generate damage thresholds for pulse sequences up to N = 20 000 with 1.8 ns-pulses using a square-core fiber and a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Porcine retinal pigment epithelial layers were used as tissue samples, irradiated with six pulse sequences and evaluated for damage by fluorescence microscopy. The damage thresholds decreased from 31.16 µJ for N = 1 to 11.56 µJ for N = 20 000. The reduction indicates photo-chemical damage mechanisms after reaching a critical energy dose.
Enhanced absorption per unit mass for infrared arrays using subwavelength metal–dielectric structures
Authors: Das Avijit , Talghader Joseph J.
Published: November 2020

The absorption-to-mass ratio of the infrared arrays is enhanced to

∼

1.33

−

7.33

times larger than the previously
reported structures by incorporating two design characteristics:
first, the coupling of evanescent fields in the air gaps around pixels
to create effectively larger pixel sizes and, second, the use of
guided-mode resonance (GMR) within the subwavelength metal–dielectric
gratings. The bilayer

T
i

−

S
i

3

N

4

gratings achieve broadband long-wave
infrared (LWIR,

λ

∼

8

−

12

µ

m

) absorption by the combined effects
of free carrier absorption by the thin Ti films and vibrational phonon
absorption by the thick

S
i

3

N

4

films. In the presence of GMR, this
broadband absorption can be enormously enhanced even with low fill
factor subwavelength grating cells. Further, the spacing and design of
the cells can be modified to form a pixel array structure that couples
the light falling in the air gaps via evanescent field coupling.
Calculations are performed using the finite difference time domain
technique. Excellent broadband absorption is observed for the
optimized arrays, yielding maximum absorption of 90% across the LWIR
and an average absorption per unit mass (absorption/mass) per pixel of

3.45

×

10

13

k
g

−
1

.
A perceptual eyebox for near-eye displays
Authors: Cholewiak Steven A. , Başgöze Zeynep , Cakmakci Ozan , Hoffman David M. , Cooper Emily A.
Published: November 2020

In near-eye display systems that support three-dimensional (3D) augmented and virtual reality, a central factor in determining the user experience is the size of the eyebox. The eyebox refers to a volume where the eye receives an acceptable view of the image with respect to a set of criteria and thresholds. The size and location of this volume are primarily driven by optical architecture choices in which designers trade-off a number of constraints, such as field of view, image quality, and product design. It is thus important to clearly quantify how design decisions affect the properties of the eyebox. Recent work has started evaluating the eyebox in 3D based purely on optical criteria. However, such analyses do not incorporate perceptual criteria that determine visual quality, which are particularly important for binocular 3D systems. To address this limitation, we introduce the framework of a perceptual eyebox. The perceptual eyebox is the volume where the eye(s) must be located for the user to experience a visual percept falling within a perceptually-defined criterion. We combine optical and perceptual data to characterize an example perceptual eyebox for display visibility in augmented reality. The key contributions in this paper include: comparing the perceptual eyebox for monocular and binocular display designs, modeling the effects of user eye separation, and examining the effects of eye rotation on the eyebox volume.
Dispersion-tailored few-mode fiber design for tunable microwave photonic signal processing
Authors: Nazemosadat Elham , Gasulla Ivana
Published: November 2020

We present a novel double-clad step-index few-mode fiber that operates as a five-sampled tunable true-time delay line. The unique feature of this design lies in its particular modal chromatic dispersion behavior, which varies in constant incremental steps among adjacent groups of modes. This property, which to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in any other few-mode fiber to date, is the key to tunable operation of radiofrequency signal processing functionalities implemented in few-mode fibers. The performance of the designed true-time delay line is theoretically evaluated for two different microwave photonics applications, namely tunable signal filtering and optical beamforming networks for phased array antennas. In the 35-nm optical wavelength tuning range of the C-band, the free spectral range of the microwave filter and the beam-pointing angle in the phased array antenna can be continuously tuned from 12.4 up to 57 GHz and 12.6° up to 90°, respectively.
Sputtering AlN/InxAl1−xN distributed Bragg reflector across the full visible range on Si and SiO2 substrates
Authors: Long Linyun , Li Tao , Hu Zelin , Song Wenqing , Zhang Lei , Wang Liancheng
Published: November 2020

III-nitride-based distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) are advantageous
in being in-situ integrated in
III-nitride devices, and the bandgaps and their other corresponding
optical parameters are tunable. However, a growing nitride DBR with
low strain and high reflectivity remains a challenge. Here we
demonstrate an DBR grown on Si and SiO2
substrates by reactive radio-frequency magnetron sputtering.
Reflectance wavelengths covering the whole visible regions of the
visible spectrum were achieved by rationally tuning the indium
composition in and each layer’s thickness of an DBR. This Letter should advance the
design and fabrication of nitride optical and optoelectrical devices
by incorporating an DBR, such as vertical-cavity
surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and RC LEDs.
Lithographically-prepared gold nanobowls to detect mesoscale target analytes
Authors: Wi Jung-Sub , Son Jin Gyeong , Lee Tae Geol
Published: November 2020

To detect mesoscale analytes with a size of hundreds of nanometers, we propose a three-dimensional gold nanobowl as a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor. Electromagnetic simulations demonstrated that the structural advantage obtained from the concave shape of the nanobowl enabled to extention of the local plasmon fields and consequently detected mesoscale analytes. Because the gold nanobowl arrays were prepared by nanoimprint lithography and vacuum deposition, uniform gold nanobowls could be perfectly arranged on a wafer-scale substrate, which resulted in reliable and reproducible LSPR signals. In addition, experimental measurements of extinction spectra demonstrated a zeptomole-level detection for 200-nm-sized analytes with the proposed LSPR sensor. Our results highlight the potential of gold nanobowl arrays as a plasmonic sensing platform for mesoscale analytes, such as viruses and exosomes.
Raman enhancement properties of a high uniformity PS microsphere-Ag nanoparticle substrate
Authors: Junfan Chen , Tao Li , Jie Zhang
Published: November 2020

A structured SERS substrate with high uniformity and sensitivity was fabricated orderly by hydrophilizing the monocrystalline silicon substrate, self-assembling a layer of dense polystyrene (PS) microsphere array on the silicon, and depositing a layer (5 nm, 10 nm, 20 nm, 30 nm or 50 nm) of silver film. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) was used as a probe to characterize the performance of Raman enhancement. Experimental results show that our sample with deposition of a 5 nm silver film (PS-Ag-5) can obtain a large number of spatially distributed local electromagnetic field hot spots, with an enhancement factor of over 108, which is several orders of magnitude higher than that of other samples. The sensitivity of PS-Ag-5 to the concentration of probe molecules and the optical enhancement effect of PS microspheres were also analyzed. This novel structured substrate can achieve considerable uniformity, and the calculated relative standard deviation (RSD) of the characteristic peak at 1650 cm-1 is approximately 8%.
Role of Vitamin-D Receptor (VDR) single nucleotide polymorphisms in gestational hypertension development: A case-control study
Authors: Caccamo Daniela , Cannata Attilio , Ricca Sergio , Catalano Liliana Maria , Montalto Antonella Federica , Alibrandi Angela , Ercoli Alfredo , Granese Roberta
Published: November 2020

Background

Recent literature data have highlighted the important role of hypovitaminosis D in pregnancy complications and prenatal/perinatal health. Vitamin D action takes place through vitamin D receptor (VDR) activation. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms ofVDRgene,FokIandBsmI, have been reported to affect VDR molecular signaling and be associated with several disorders, including hypertension.

Methods

We carried out a case-control study aimed to assess vitamin D serum levels together with the distribution ofVDR FokI andBsmI in a population of 116 pregnant women with gestational hypertension (GH) and 69 normotensive pregnant women (CTR).

Results

Hypovitaminosis D was largely prevalent both in GH (81%) and CTR (69%) pregnant women. Vitamin D insufficiency (10–30 ng/ml) had a similar frequency in both cohorts (GH 60% vs CTR 58%), while vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) was more frequent in GH cohort than in CTR one (21% vs 11%). Regression analysis showed that GH was significantly (p = 0.031) linked to vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a threefold-increased risk of developing GH, while a normal vitamin D status was protective against this pregnancy disorder. TheVDR FF/bBhaplotype was the most frequent in GH cohort, and resulted to increase by two folds the risk for GH. Notably, hypovitaminosis D was found in 92% ofFF/bBGH pregnant women, 27% of which had deficient vitamin D levels compared with 11% of their normotensive counterparts.

Conclusions

Despite being preliminary, these findings suggest that genotyping of pregnant women forVDRpolymorphisms may be useful for a tailored vitamin D supplementation strategy.
Individual and community level factors associated with anemia among children 6—59 months of age in Ethiopia: A further analysis of 2016 Ethiopia demographic and health survey
Authors: Gebremeskel Menaseb Gebrehaweria , Mulugeta Afework , Bekele Abate , Lemma Lire , Gebremichael Muzey , Gebremedhin Haftay , Etsay Berhe , Tsegay Tesfay , Haileslasie Yared , Kinfe Yohannes , Gebremeskel Fre , Mezgebo Letemichael , Shushay Selam
Published: November 2020

Background

Anemia is a global public health problem; but its burden is disproportionately borne among children in the African Regions. The 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey report showed that the prevalence of anemia among children 6–59 months of age was 57%; far exceeding the national target of 25% set for 2015. Although studies have been conducted in Ethiopia, multilevel analysis has rarely been used to identify factors associated with anemia among children. Therefore, this study aimed to identify individual and community-level factors associated with anemia among children 6–59 months of age by fitting a multilevel logistic regression model.

Methods

The data was obtained from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, conducted from January to June 2016, and downloaded from the websitehttp://www.DHSprogram.com. The sample was taken using two-stage stratified sampling. In stage one, 645 Enumeration Areas and in stage two 28 households per Enumeration Area were selected. A sample of 7790 children 6–59 months of age was included. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was obtained.

Result

From the individual-level factors, anemia was associated most strongly with child age, wealth index, maternal anemia and child stunting followed by child underweight, child fever and birth order whereas from the community-level, the strongest odds of anemia occurred among children from Somali, Harari, Dire Dawa and Afar region followed by Oromia and Addis Ababa. Low community-poverty is a protective factor for anemia. The odds of anemia were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.66, 0.99) times lower for children who were living in communities of lower poverty status than children who were living in communities of higher poverty status. Children from Somali and Dire Dawa had 3.38 (95% CI: 3.25, 5.07) and 2.22 (95% CI: 1.42, 3.48) times higher odds of anemia, respectively than children from the Tigray region.

Conclusions

This study shows that anemia among children 6–59 months of age is affected both by the individual and community level factors. It is better to strengthen the strategies of early detection and management of stunted and underweight children. At the same time, interventions should be strengthened to address maternal anemia, child fever and poverty, specifically targeting regions identified to have a high risk of anemia.
Nineteen-year prognosis in Japanese patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Lean versus overweight patients
Authors: Hirose Shunji , Matsumoto Koshi , Tatemichi Masayuki , Tsuruya Kota , Anzai Kazuya , Arase Yoshitaka , Shiraishi Koichi , Suzuki Michiko , Ieda Satsuki , Kagawa Tatehiro
Published: November 2020

Background

Many studies have investigated the prognosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, most studies had a relatively short follow-up. To elucidate the long-term outcome of NAFLD, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD.

Methods

We re-evaluated 6080 patients who underwent liver biopsy from 1975 to 2012 and identified NAFLD patients without other etiologies. With follow-up these patients, we evaluated the outcome-associated factors.

Results

A total of 223 patients were enrolled, 167 (74.9%) was non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The median follow-up was 19.5 (0.5–41.0) years and 4248.3 person-years. The risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension was 11.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.70–15.6) and 7.99 (95% CI 6.09–10.5) times higher, respectively, in NAFLD patients than in the general population. Twenty-three patients died, 22 of whom had NASH. Major causes of death were extrahepatic malignancy and cardiovascular disease (21.7%) followed by liver-related mortality (13.0%). All-cause mortality was significantly higher in NASH patients than in nonalcoholic fatty liver patients (P = 0.041). In multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.09 [95% CI 1.05–1.14], P<0.001) and T2DM (HR 2.87 [95% CI 1.12–7.04], P = 0.021) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. The factors significantly associated with liver-related events were older age, T2DM, milder hepatic steatosis, and advanced liver fibrosis. Body mass index wasn’t associated with either mortality or liver-related events.

Conclusions

T2DM was highly prevalent in NAFLD patients and was significantly associated with both all-cause mortality and liver-related events. The lean patients’ prognosis wasn’t necessarily better than that of overweight patients.
Investigating the welfare and conservation implications of alligator wrestling for American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Riordan Casey , Jacquet Jennifer , Franks Becca
Published: November 2020

Wildlife tourism attractions (WTA) are popular in the United States, but they may be harmful to the individual animals involved and we question whether they provide benefits to environmental conservation. Most research on the welfare and environmental implications of WTAs focuses on charismatic mammals, with few studies investigating these issues for reptiles. Here we examine alligator wrestling, including its impact on animal welfare and environmental conservation. Using a sample of 94 relevant YouTube videos of alligator wrestling in Florida representing 16 different venues, we coded the environmental and behavioral characteristics evident in each video. We then performed a content analysis of wrestlers’ narration in a subset of 51 videos to analyze the environmental awareness and educational components of alligator wrestling. Our results show systemic welfare harm: 11 venues housed adult alligators together with conspecifics, 96% of alligator wrestling performances facilitated direct contact in the form of physical restraint by one or more human wrestlers, and as many as 96% of the videos did not show a suitable water or waterside features for captive alligators. Furthermore, 12% of performances showed wrestlers flipping alligators onto their backs while 16% showed wrestlers tying alligators’ jaws shut, both of which are known to be acute stressors. Finally, just under half of alligator wrestling commentary (49%) addressed environmental conservation topics, and much of this commentary included contradictory or misleading information that is not likely to benefit alligators in the wild. We argue that alligator wrestling serves no role in promoting positive relationships between humans, animals, and the environment, and instead furthers traditional notions of dominion that undermine welfare and conservation aims.
The cost-effectiveness of a program to reduce intrapartum and neonatal mortality in a referral hospital in Ghana
Authors: Bogdewic Stephanie , Ramaswamy Rohit , Goodman David M. , Srofenyoh Emmanuel K. , Ucer Sebnem , Owen Medge D.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a program intended to reduce intrapartum and neonatal mortality in Accra, Ghana.

Design

Quasi-experimental, time-sequence intervention, retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis.

Methods

A program integrating leadership development, clinical skills and quality improvement training was piloted at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital from 2013 to 2016. The number of intrapartum and neonatal deaths prevented were estimated using the hospital’s 2012 stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates as a steady-state assumption. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention was calculated as cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. In order to test the assumptions included in this analysis, it was subjected to probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses.

Main outcome measures

Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), which measures the cost per disability-adjusted life-year averted by the intervention compared to status quo.

Results

From 2012 to 2016, there were 45,495 births at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, of whom 5,734 were admitted to the newborn intensive care unit. The budget for the systems strengthening program was US $1,716,976. Based on program estimates, 307 (±82) neonatal deaths and 84 (±35) stillbirths were prevented, amounting to 12,342 DALYs averted. The systems strengthening intervention was found to be highly cost effective with an ICER of US $139 (±$44), an amount significantly lower than the established threshold of cost-effectiveness of the per capita gross domestic product, which averaged US $1,649 between 2012–2016. The results were found to be sensitive to the following parameters: DALYs averted, number of neonatal deaths, and number of stillbirths.

Conclusion

An integrated approach to system strengthening in referral hospitals has the potential to reduce neonatal and intrapartum mortality in low resource settings and is likely to be cost-effective. Sustained change can be achieved by building organizational capacity through leadership and clinical training.
“I was raped by the broker on the first day of my arrival in the town.” Exploring reasons for risky sexual behavior among sexually-active unmarried young female internal migrants in Ethiopia: A qualitative study
Authors: Baru Ararso , Adeoye Ikeola A. , Adekunle Adeyemi O.
Published: November 2020

Background

Studies revealed that internal migrants are one of the most vulnerable groups for poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Risky sexual behavior (RSB) is a threat to public health and might lead to serious health problems such as unintended pregnancy, abortion, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. The reported prevalence of RSB among young female internal migrants in Ethiopia was as high as 70.3%. This requires in-depth understanding of the underlying cause. So, this study aimed at exploring reasons for RSB among sexually-active unmarried young female migrants in Ethiopia.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions among sexually-active young female migrants working Burayu town. The focus group discussions were done in the local languages of participants (Afaan Oromo and Amharic). The recorded data were transcribed verbatim and translated into English for analysis and presentation in the study. The data were coded and Atlas.ti 7.5 software packages were used for data analyses. Then, the findings were thematically organized and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

This study revealed that poor socio-economic status, social media indulgence, rape, substance use, poor knowledge of condom use, unfavorable attitude toward condom use, misconceptions about emergency pills, and the nature of the new environment and work place were responsible for RSB among internal migrants. The participants described that the migrants’ economic conditions and workplace sexual violence are pushing them toward engaging in unprotected sex, being sexually abused, commercial sex, and transactional sex.

Conclusions

Internal migrants’ sexual behavior is a complex process influenced by multiple interrelating systems. We have explored a set of factors namely poverty, pressure and sexual abuse from brokers, sexual exploitation and abuses against domestic workers by their bosses, indulgence in social media, sexting, inadequate knowledge, and unfavorable attitude toward condom use that led young female internal migrants to risky sexual practices. An intervention to promote safe sex targeted to this population is urgently needed with a focus on an intervention to eliminate misconceptions about condoms, increase proper condom use, and end sexual violence. Moreover, a relevant policy is needed to safeguard internal migrants from sexual exploitation and abuses at their work place.
Risk factors and etiology of neonatal sepsis after hospital delivery: A case-control study in a tertiary care hospital of Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Rafi Md. Abdur , Miah M. Morsed Zaman , Wadood Md. Abdul , Hossain Md. Golam
Published: November 2020

Background

Sepsis is one of the major causes of neonatal death worldwide as well as in Bangladesh. The objective of the present study was to identify the risk factors and causative organisms of neonatal sepsis after delivery in a tertiary care hospital, Bangladesh.

Methods

This was a case-control study conducted in the neonatal ward of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), a 1000-bed tertiary hospital situated in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Neonates diagnosed as neonatal sepsis by clinical and laboratory parameters were included as cases in this study. Admitted neonates unsuspected or undiagnosed for sepsis were considered as controls. Maternal and neonatal information and their laboratory reports were collected and analyzed. Both bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors of neonatal sepsis.

Results

A total of 91 cases and 193 controls were included in the study. Maternal history of urinary tract infection (UTI) during the third trimester of pregnancy (aOR 2.75, 95% CI: 1.04–7.23, p <0.05), premature birth (aOR 2.77, 95% CI: 1.08–7.13, p <0.05) and APGAR score <7 at five minutes (aOR 2.58, 95% CI: 1.04–6.39, p <0.05) were associated with onset of neonatal sepsis in multiple logistic regression model. All these factors were also associated with developing early-onset neonatal sepsis, while maternal UTI and male sex of neonates were associated with developing late-onset neonatal sepsis. Escherichia coli (40.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (27.5%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.7%) were the commonly isolated organisms causing neonatal sepsis. All these organisms were highly resistant to common antibiotics like amoxicillin, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and quinolones. Carbapenemase group of drugs along with amikacin, nitrofurantoin and linezolid were the most sensitive drugs.

Conclusions

Strengthening the existing facility for antenatal screening for early diagnosis and treatment of maternal infection during pregnancy as well as identifying high-risk pregnancy for adequate perinatal management is necessary to prevent neonatal sepsis-related morbidity and mortality. Rational use of antibiotics according to local epidemiology and culture and sensitivity reports may minimize the increasing hazards of antibiotic resistance.