bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overweight and obesity among women at reproductive age in Cambodia: Data analysis of Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2014
Authors: Um Samnang , Yom An , A. Muir Jonathan , Sopheab Heng
Published: March 2023

Overweight and obesity increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, and some type of cancers, and maternal health globally. In Cambodia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women aged 15–49 years increased from 6% in 2000 to 18% in 2014, becoming a public health burden. We examined socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with overweight and/or obesity among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Cambodia. We analyzed data from the 2014 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) that used a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design. Data analysis was restricted to non-pregnant women, resulting in an analytic sample of 10,818 women. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed using STATA V16 to examine factors associated with overweight and obesity. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among non-pregnant women of reproductive age were 15.2% and 2.8% respectively. Factors independently associated with increased odds of overweight and/or obesity including women aged 20–29 years with adjusted odds ratio [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.6–3.6], 30–39 years [AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: 3.0–6.9], and 40–49 years [AOR = 6.6; 95% CI: 4.3–10.1], married women [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.7], urban residence [AOR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.5], and women having at least 4 children [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.5]. The factors were associated with decreased odds of overweight and obesity: completed at least secondary education [AOR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6–0.8], agricultural work [AOR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5–0.8], and manual labor work [AOR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6–0.9]. Increased age, married women, living in urban residence, and having at least four children were the main risk factors associated with overweight and/or obesity. Conversely, higher education, working in agriculture, and working in manual labor were negatively associated with overweight and/or obesity. Cambodia’s non-communicable disease (NCD) public health programs should consider these characteristic for targeting interventions to further reduce overweight and/or obesity in the coming years.
The epidemiology of human Taenia solium infections: A systematic review of the distribution in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Zulu Gideon , Stelzle Dominik , Mwape Kabemba E. , Welte Tamara M. , Strømme Hilde , Mubanga Chishimba , Mutale Wilbroad , Abraham Annette , Hachangu Alex , Schmidt Veronika , Sikasunge Chummy S. , Phiri Isaac K. , Winkler Andrea S.
Published: March 2023

Background

Taenia solium is a tapeworm that causes taeniosis in humans and cysticercosis in humans and pigs. Within Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), information on the presence of human taeniosis and cysticercosis seems scarce. This systematic review aimed to describe the current information available and gaps in the epidemiology of human T. solium infections in ESA.

Methods/Principle findings

Scientific literature published between 1st January 2000 and 20th June 2022 in international databases [MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Global Health (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), African Index Medicus (via WHO Global Index Medicus), and Open Grey] was systematically reviewed for ESA. The study area included 27 countries that make up the ESA region. Information on either taeniosis, cysticercosis or NCC was available for 16 of 27 countries within the region and a total of 113 reports were retained for the review. Most case reports for cysticercosis and NCC were from South Africa, while Tanzania had the most aggregated cysticercosis reports. Eleven countries reported on NCC with seven countries reporting data on NCC and epilepsy. Unconfirmed human T. solium taeniosis cases were reported in nine countries while two countries (Madagascar and Zambia) reported confirmed T. solium cases. The cysticercosis seroprevalence ranged between 0.7–40.8% on antigen (Ag) ELISA and between 13.1–45.3% on antibody (Ab) ELISA. Based on immunoblot tests the Ab seroprevalence was between 1.7–39.3%, while the proportion of NCC-suggestive lesions on brain CT scans was between 1.0–76% depending on the study population. The human taeniosis prevalence based on microscopy ranged between 0.1–14.7%. Based on Copro Ag-ELISA studies conducted in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia, the highest prevalence of 19.7% was reported in Kenya.

Conclusions

Despite the public health and economic impact of T. solium in ESA, there are still large gaps in knowledge about the occurrence of the parasite, and the resulting One Health disease complex, and monitoring of T. solium taeniosis and cysticercosis is mostly not in place.
Impact of sex in stroke in the young
Authors: Schwarzwald Anina , Fischer Urs , Seiffge David , Beyeler Morin , Scutelnic Adrian , Kaesmacher Johannes , Mordasini Pasquale , Dobrocky Tomas , Gralla Jan , Heldner Mirjam R. , Umarova Roza , Meinel Thomas R. , Arnold Marcel , Jung Simon , Goeggel Simonetti Barbara
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose

Limited data is available on sex differences in young stroke patients describing discrepant findings. This study aims to investigate the sex differences in young stroke patients.

Methods

Prospective cohort study comparing risk factors, etiology, stroke localization, severity on admission, management and outcome in patients aged 16–55 years with acute ischemic stroke consecutively included in the Bernese stroke database between 01/2015 to 12/2018 with subgroup analyses for very young (16-35y) and young patients (36-55y).

Results

689 patients (39% female) were included. Stroke in women dominated in the very young (53.8%, p<0.001) and in men in the young (63.9%, p<0.001). As risk factors only sleep-disordered breathing was more predominant in men in the very young, whereas arterial hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation did not differ in women and men older than 35y. The higher frequency of stroke in women in the very young may be explained by the sex specific risk factors such as pregnancy, puerperium, the use of oral contraceptives, and hormonal replacement therapy. Stroke severity at presentation, etiology, stroke localization, management, and outcome did not differ between women and men.

Conclusions

The main finding of this study is that sex specific risk factors in women may contribute to a large extent to the higher incidence of stroke in the very young in women. Important modifiable stroke risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation did not differ in women and men, either in the young as well as in the very young. These findings have major implications for primary preventive strategies of stroke in young people.
Suitability changes of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle, a medicine-food plants affected by climate warming using the optimized MaxEnt model
Authors: Xia Yanli , Kazim Muhammad , Nabeel Nasir Muhammad , Yang Yuxia , Li Qiang , Li Ting , Xu Shiliang , Wang Yihe , Fan Xuchen , Zhao Jinpeng , Wang Rulin
Published: March 2023

Climatic variables are important conditions for plant growth, development and reproduction. Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle (Rutaceae: Citrus) is one of the traditional bulk Chinese medicinal materials in China with the effects of bacteriostasis, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-cancer cells, regulating the immun. Analyzing the impact of climate change on geographical distribution of C. medica L. var. sarcodactylis can provide strong support for its production layout and agricultural zoning. In our paper, MaxEnt and ArcGIS were applied to simulate the suitable areas of C. medica L. var. sarcodactylis in China from the perspectives of bioclimate, soil, topographic factors and human activities, and the future climate scenarios generated by global climate models (GCMs) were selected to predict its suitable areas in 2050s and 2090s. Results showed that, 1) Under current climate condition, areas of the total, most, moderately and poorly suitable habitats of C. medica L. var. sarcodactylis in China were 177.36×104 km2, 22.27×104 km2, 51.96×104 km2 and 103.13×104 km2 respectively. The range of the most suitable habitat was the narrowest, which was located in the middle east of Sichuan, western Chongqing in the upstream of the Yangtze River Basin, southern Guizhou and western Guangxi in the upstream of the Pearl River Basin, central and southern Yunnan and Southeast Tibet in the Middle-Lower reaches of the Southwest River Basin and western Taiwan. 2) Under the future climate change scenarios, the total suitable area showed a significant increase trend in 2090s, and the change of most, moderately and poorly suitable habitats showed no obvious law. 3) Under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, the centroid of the most suitable habitat of C. medica L. var. sarcodactylis would move to the northwest, southeast and southwest respectively.
JC Polyomavirus T-antigen protein expression and the risk of colorectal cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies
Authors: Kimla Lenka J. , Clark Taane G. , Banerjee Sri , Campino Susana
Published: March 2023

JC Polyomavirus (JCV) is a human polyomavirus encoding T-antigen protein, which is implicated in carcinogenesis. JCV is prevalent in the upper and lower gastrointestinal track. Several studies have reported JCV associations with the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), however, these findings remain controversial. Since JCV DNA may be present in healthy tissues as well as transformed tissues, JCV T-antigen expression could be a more useful measure of JCV’s association with cancer development. The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of case-control studies to investigate if there is a significant association between JCV T-antigen protein expression and risk of CRC. A systematic review was performed to identify studies reporting JCV DNA prevalence in CRC and JCV T-antigen expression. The strength of the association was estimated by odds ratios (ORs). Five (of 66) studies satisfied analysis inclusion criteria, and spanned years 1999 to 2022. Random effects meta-analysis of CRC cases versus controls showed an 11-fold increased risk of CRC development in JCV DNA positive samples with JCV T-antigen expression versus normal tissues (OR 10.95; 95% CI: 2.48–48.24; P = 0.0016). The results of this meta-analysis of JCV infection followed by JCV T-antigen protein expression for the risk of CRC support the argument that JCV infection significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer in tissues where the JCV T-antigen protein is expressed. Further research with JCV T-antigen expression in relation to CRC development is needed.
Factors driving and inhibiting stunting reduction acceleration programs at district level: A qualitative study in West Sumatra
Authors: Syafrawati Syafrawati , Lipoeto Nur Indrawati , Masrul Masrul , Novianti Novianti , Gusnedi Gusnedi , Susilowati Andi , Nurdin Asrawati , Purnakarya Idral , Andrafikar Andrafikar , Umar Hermita Bus
Published: March 2023

Stunting prevalence varies significantly across Indonesian provinces and districts/municipalities, including West Sumatra. This research aims to identify the driving and inhibiting factors for implementing the stunting reduction acceleration program at the district level in West Sumatra. The research was conducted in 2022 with a qualitative study design and a case study approach. Data were collected through (i) group interviews with key informants involving policymakers and program managers at the provincial, district, sub-district, and village levels and (ii) in-depth interviews with mothers of stunted children. Two districts were selected as research sites. One district represents an area that has yet to be developed (District A or failed district). The other district has seen a significant reduction in the prevalence of stunting (District B or successful district). We found several driving and inhibiting factors that affect the reduced prevalence of stunting, such as the need for the relevant agency to play a strong role as the leading and responsible sector for stunting convergence actions. Another important factor is paying close attention to improving the quality of stunting data and providing adequate funding support. High commitment from Public Health Centers to maternal health through classes for pregnant women, infants, and children under the age of five can also have an impact. Furthermore, properly performing duties by assigned actors in specific and sensitive programs and integrated monitoring and evaluation of program implementation and outcomes can influence stunting prevalence. Recommendations for accelerating stunting reduction include improving communication and coordination, establishing stunting prevalence reduction as a performance indicator among the related district government and its various agencies, and assisting the village administration with planning and budgeting to support stunting prevention.
Deciphering the relational dynamics of AF-2 domain of PAN PPAR through drug repurposing and comparative simulations
Authors: Gul Fouzia , Parvaiz Nousheen , Azam Syed Sikander
Published: March 2023

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors, and their activation has been proven to treat mild liver fibrosis, reduce steatosis, inflammation, and the extrahepatic effects of chronic liver disease. Considering the significance of the PPARs, it is targeted for the treatment of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), for which currently there is no FDA-approved drug. Lanifibranor is a next-generation highly potential indole sulfonamide derivative that is presently in clinical trial phase III as an anti-NASH drug which fully activates PPARα and PPARδ and partially activates PPARγ. In the current study, a comprehensive computational investigation including 3D-QSAR pharmacophore modeling, MD simulations and binding free energy calculations is performed to get insights into the activation mechanism of the Lanifibranor. Furthermore, FDA-approved drugs were explored for repurposing through virtual screening against each PPAR pharmacophore to identify potential drug candidates. Forasartan, Raltitrexed, and Lifitegrast stood out as potential agonists for PPARα (full agonist), PPARγ (partial agonist), and PPARδ (full agonist), respectively. The findings of the study highlighted a lack of hydrogen bond acceptor feature in Raltitrexed and Lanifibranor which is responsible for partial activation of PPARγ that plays a critical role in preventing lipid accumulation. In addition to this, the significant role of AF2 domain in full and partial activation of PPARs through electrostatic interactions was also revealed, that facilitates the anchoring of ligand within the binding cavity. Moreover, common chemical scaffolds (methyl sulfonyl benzene, butyric acid, and chlorobenzene) identified using Fingerprinting technique were presented in this study which hold the potential to aid in the design and development of target specific novel Pan PPAR medications in future.
What is associated with reported acute respiratory infection in children under 5 and PCV vaccination in children aged 1–36 months in Malawi? A secondary data analysis using the Malawi 2014 MICS survey
Authors: Gosling Justine , Colbourn Tim
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Acute respiratory illness (ARI) is a leading cause of mortality in children under 5 (CU5) in Malawi and can be prevented with 3-dose pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). There has been no national study in Malawi that seeks to associate social economic factors leading to PCV vaccine uptake and reported acute respiratory infections (RARI). The objectives of our study were to do this.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from the 2014 UNICEF Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey to construct mutlivariable logistic regression models for independent associations with PCV 1/2/3 immunisation and RARI.

Results

56% of CU5 in Malawi RARI in the 2 week recall period of the survey. Independent associations with reduced odds of RARI were central region living (OR 0.82, 95%CI (0.71–0.93)) middle (OR 0.84, (0.73–0.97)) fourth (OR 0.79, (0.68–0.92)) and richest wealth quintiles (OR 0.73, (0.60–0.88)). Using straw/shrubs for fuel was associated with increased RARI (OR 3.13, (1.00–9.79)). Among 1–36 month olds, in 2014, 93.3% received PCV1, 86.8% PCV2 and 77.0% PCV3. Between 2011–2014, the average age in months for a child to receive PCV1/2/3 reduced by 26.6 for PCV1, 26.4 for PCV2, and 26.1 for PCV 3. Independent predicators for increased odds of all 3 PCV doses, relative to 0–5 age group, were age group 6–11 (OR 21.8, (18.2–26.1) 12–23 (OR 27.5, (23.5–32.2) 24–36 months (OR 9.09, (7.89–10.5), mothers having a secondary (OR 1.52, (1.25–1.84)) or higher education (OR 2.68, (1.43–5.04) when compared to no education, and children in the middle (OR 1.24, (1.07–1.43)) fourth (OR 1.27, (1.09–1.48)) richest (OR 1.54, (1.27–1.88)) wealth quintiles relative to the lowest. Children living with 4–6 other children was independently associated with reduced odds of receiving all 3 PCV doses (OR 0.56, (0.33–0.96).

Conclusion

We report nationally representative social economic associations with RARI and PCV vaccine uptake and coverage estimates. We found reductions in the average age a child receives all 3 PCV vaccine doses between 2011–2014.
Information accessibility, accounting manipulation, and sustainable development of digital enterprises: Based on double moderating effect model and panel PSM-DID method
Authors: Wu Shujuan , Li Minmin , Xiao Jianhua , Tang Jianhua
Published: March 2023

A theoretical mechanism was analyzed from the micro perspective of the enterprise to explore how information accessibility moderates the effect of accounting manipulation on the sustainable development of digital enterprises. Using data from 1200 listing digital enterprises in China and the DEA-Malmquist index method, the efficiency value of digital enterprises in 2007–2021 was estimated to represent the index of sustainable development of digital enterprises. The accounting manipulation was detected using the panel PSM-DID method based on the Administrative Measures for the Recognition of High-tech Enterprise’s policy. The information accessibility value was estimated based on the MDA method. Empirical studies were conducted using text analysis, the panel PSM-DID method, and the double moderating effect model. The results showed that: (1) Accounting manipulation had a negative impact on the sustainable development of "true" digital enterprises and the "fake" digital enterprises. (2) Information accessibility directly and positively enhanced the technological progress and scale efficiency of digital enterprises, and its moderating effect was heterogeneous, with a significant moderating effect on the "true" digital enterprises and a negative effect on the "fake" ones.
Multiomic characterization of disease progression in mice lacking dystrophin
Authors: Signorelli Mirko , Tsonaka Roula , Aartsma-Rus Annemieke , Spitali Pietro
Published: March 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by genetic mutations leading to lack of dystrophin in skeletal muscle. A better understanding of how objective biomarkers for DMD vary across subjects and over time is needed to model disease progression and response to therapy more effectively, both in pre-clinical and clinical research. We present an in-depth characterization of disease progression in 3 murine models of DMD by multiomic analysis of longitudinal trajectories between 6 and 30 weeks of age. Integration of RNA-seq, mass spectrometry-based metabolomic and lipidomic data obtained in muscle and blood samples by Multi-Omics Factor Analysis (MOFA) led to the identification of 8 latent factors that explained 78.8% of the variance in the multiomic dataset. Latent factors could discriminate dystrophic and healthy mice, as well as different time-points. MOFA enabled to connect the gene expression signature in dystrophic muscles, characterized by pro-fibrotic and energy metabolism alterations, to inflammation and lipid signatures in blood. Our results show that omic observations in blood can be directly related to skeletal muscle pathology in dystrophic muscle.
Effects of heat waves on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Silveira Ismael H. , Cortes Taísa Rodrigues , Bell Michelle L. , Junger Washington Leite
Published: March 2023

Background

Heat waves are becoming more intense and extreme as a consequence of global warming. Epidemiological evidence reveals the health impacts of heat waves in mortality and morbidity outcomes, however, few studies have been conducted in tropical regions, which are characterized by high population density, low income and low health resources, and susceptible to the impacts of extreme heat on health. The aim of this paper is to estimate the effects of heat waves on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, according to sex, age, and heat wave intensity.

Methods

We carried out a time-stratified case-crossover study stratified by sex, age (0–64 and 65 or above), and by sex for the older group. Our analyses were restricted to the hot season. We included 42,926 participants, 29,442 of whom died from cardiovascular and 13,484 from respiratory disease, between 2012 and 2017. The death data were obtained from Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Health Department. We estimated individual-level exposure using the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method, with temperature and humidity data from 13 and 12 stations, respectively. We used five definitions of heat waves, based on temperature thresholds (90th, 92.5th, 95th, 97.5th, and 99th of individual daily mean temperature in the hot season over the study period) and a duration of two or more days. Conditional logistic regression combined with distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) were used to estimate the short-term and delayed effects of heat waves on mortality over a lag period (5 days for cardiovascular and 10 for respiratory mortality). The models were controlled for daily mean absolute humidity and public holidays.

Results

The odds ratios (OR) increase as heat waves intensify, although some effect estimates are not statistically significant at 95% level when we applied the most stringent heat wave criteria. Although not statistically different, our central estimates suggest that the effects were greater for respiratory than cardiovascular mortality. Results stratified by sex and age were also not statistically different, but suggest that older people and women were more vulnerable to the effects of heat waves, although for some heat wave definitions, the OR for respiratory mortality were higher among the younger group. The results also indicate that older women are the most vulnerable to heat wave-related cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusion

Our results show an increase in the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory mortality on heat wave days compared to non-heat wave ones. These effects increase with heat wave intensity, and evidence suggests that they were greater for respiratory mortality than cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, the results also suggest that women and the elderly constitute the groups most vulnerable to heat waves.
GPU-Accelerated PCG Method for the Block Adjustment of Large-Scale High-Resolution Optical Satellite Imagery Without GCPs
Authors: Fu Qing , Tong Xiaohua , Liu Shijie , Ye Zhen , Jin Yanmin , Wang Hanyu , Hong Zhonghua
Published: March 2023

The precise geo-positioning of high-resolution satellite imagery (HRSI) without ground control points (GCPs) is an important and fundamental step in global mapping, three-dimensional modeling, and so on. In this paper, to improve the efficiency of large-scale bundle adjustment (BA),
we propose a combined Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) and Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) parallel computing approach for the BA of large-scale HRSI without GCPs. The proposed approach consists of three main components: 1) construction of a BA model without GCPs ; 2) reduction of memory
consumption using the Compressed Sparse Row sparse matrix format; and 3) improvement of the computational efficiency by the use of the combined PCG and GPU parallel computing method. The experimental results showed that the proposed method: 1) consumes less memory consumption compared to the
conventional full matrix format method; 2) demonstrates higher computational efficiency than the single-core, Ceres-solver and multi-core central processing unit computing methods, with 9.48, 6.82, and 3.05 times faster than the above three methods, respectively; 3) obtains comparable BA accuracy
with the above three methods, with image residuals of about 0.9 pixels; and 4) is superior to the parallel bundle adjustment method in the reprojection error.
Identification of Drought Events in Major Basins of Africa from GRACE Total Water Storage and Modeled Products
Authors: Elameen Ayman M. , Jin Shuanggen , Olago Daniel
Published: March 2023

Terrestrial water storage (TWS) plays a vital role in climatological and hydrological processes. Most of the developed drought indices from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) over Africa neglected the influencing roles of individual water storage components in calculating
the drought index and thus may either underestimate or overestimate drought characteristics. In this paper, we proposed a Weighted Water Storage Deficit Index for drought assessment over the major river basins in Africa (i. e., Nile, Congo, Niger, Zambezi, and Orange) with accounting for the
contribution of each TWS component on the drought signal. We coupled the GRACE data and WaterGAP Global Hydrology Model through utilizing the component contribution ratio as the weight. The results showed that water storage components demonstrated distinctly different contributions to TWS
variability and thus drought signal response in onset and duration. The most severe droughts over the Nile, Congo, Niger, Zambezi, and Orange occurred in 2006, 2012, 2006, 2006, and 2003, respectively. The most prolonged drought of 84 months was observed over the Niger basin. This study suggests
that considering the weight of individual components in the drought index provides more reasonable and realistic drought estimates over large basins in Africa from GRACE.
Tornar viável a leitura de textos de linguística geral
Authors: Lazzari Melissa Giovana
Published: March 2023

resenha do livro
A reflection on critical reflection in professional education research
Authors:   Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Winberg Chris , Garraway James , Engel-Hills Penelope
Published: March 2023

The roots of universities of technology can be traced back to technical colleges, which required compliance with industry standards, and the rule of labour markets. Universities of technology thus entered the university space, largely without an established critical tradition in teaching, learning, and research. This is the issue that we address in this paper, which is intended to inform potential authors in technical, vocational, and professional higher education who would like to publish their educational research studies in Critical Studies in Teaching and Learning (CriSTaL). The issue is important as universities of technology in South Africa are increasingly taking on the mantle of professional education, particularly in the fields of health, engineering, and applied sciences. In this paper, we discuss examples of published educational research that critique some of the ‘taken-for-granted’ ideas that have shaped the practices and aspirations of universities of technologies. The examples show that by judiciously drawing on traditions of critical reflective practice, and by bringing new ideas, concepts, and theories into educational research studies, further critical concepts can evolve. These new critical concepts will be of interest to the readers (and reviewers) of CRiSTaL, but more importantly could inspire universities of technology to reaffirm their connection to practice and begin to create a critical space for their own scholarly – and critical – identities.
Unpacking the notion of ‘criticality’ in liberatory praxis: A critical pedagogy perspective
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Nomdo Gideon
Published: March 2023

This paper is informed by the field of socially just pedagogies. A critical pedagogy perspective grounded in a transformative and liberatory praxis is employed to discuss why the notion of criticality is fundamental to classroom engagement, especially within historically white South African universities. Although widely adopted, the meanings attached to criticality varies. This paper focuses on criticality as used within critical pedagogy and argues that it ushers in a humanising classroom pedagogy that facilitates dialogic relationships and promotes student agency and critical social consciousness. Through employing a qualitative case study methodology, this research draws on data extracted from two courses on identity. A critically reflective gaze is adopted to examine the impact of criticality in these spaces. Criticality embedded in dialogic praxis was found to aid the development of agency and raise critical awareness about socially just societies. Teachers’ responsibilities for being agents of change, was also highlighted.
Peri-infection titers of neutralizing and binding antibodies as a predictor of COVID-19 breakthrough infections in vaccinated healthcare professionals: importance of the timing
Authors: Gillot Constant , Bayart Jean-Louis , Closset Mélanie , Cabo Julien , Maloteau Vincent , Dogné Jean-Michel , Douxfils Jonathan , Favresse Julien
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The BNT162b2 messenger RNA vaccine is highly effective in reducing COVID‐19 infection, hospitalization and death. However, many subjects developed a breakthrough infection despite a full vaccination scheme. Since the waned efficacy of mRNA vaccines is correlated with the decrease of antibodies occurring over time, we aimed at evaluating whether lower levels of antibodies were associated with an increased risk of breakthrough infection in a cohort of breakthrough subjects that received three vaccine doses.

Methods

Total binding antibodies against the RBD of the S1 subunit (Roche Diagnostics, Machelen, Belgium) and neutralizing antibodies using the Omicron B.1.1.529 variant pseudovirus were measured. Based on individual kinetic curves, the antibody titer of each subject was interpolated just before the breakthrough infection and compared to a matched-control group that did not develop a breakthrough infection.

Results

Lower levels of total binding and neutralizing antibodies were observed compared to the control group (6.900 [95% CI; 5.101–9.470] vs. 11.395 BAU/mL [8.627–15.050] [p=0.0301] and 26.6 [18.0–39.3] vs. 59.5 dilution titer−1 [32.3–110] [p=0.0042], respectively). The difference between breakthrough and control subjects was mostly observed for neutralizing antibodies before three months after the homologous booster administration (46.5 [18.2–119] vs. 381 [285–509] [p=0.0156]). Considering the measurement of total binding antibodies before 3 months, there was no significant difference (p=0.4375).

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results showed that subjects that developed a breakthrough infection had lower levels of neutralizing and total binding antibodies compared to controls. The difference was mostly noticeable considering neutralizing antibodies, especially for infections occurring before 3 months after the booster administration.
Strongly coupled Raman scattering enhancement revealed by scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy
Authors: Qin Kang , Liu Kai , Peng Sheng , Zuo Zongyan , He Xiao , Ding Jianping , Lu Yanqing , Zhu Yongyuan , Zhang Xuejin
Published: March 2023

Recent advances in near-field technology with an ultrahigh spatial resolution breaking optical diffraction limit, make it possible to further identify surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement theories, and to monitor the SERS substrates. Here we verify the electromagnetic enhancement mechanism for SERS with a close-up view, using scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy. The array of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) subwavelength structures is studied, in which the field enhancement comes from the strong coupling between gap plasmon polariton and surface plasmon polariton modes. The near-field optical measurements reveal that SERS enhancement factor (EF) varies from one MIM subwavelength unit to another in a finite array. Besides the enhancement of isolated unit, the loss exchange phenomenon in strong coupling with a large Rabi splitting can give rise to an additional enhancement of more than 2 orders of magnitude in periodic arrays and close to 3 orders of magnitude in finite arrays. The SERS EF of the array composed of only 5 units is demonstrated to yield the best SERS performance. Our near-field optical measurements show evidence that finite-size structures embodied with strong coupling effect are a key way to develop practical high-performance SERS substrates.
Design of functional vancomycin-embedded bio-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels for repairing infectious bone defects
Authors: Dong Qi , Chen Sunfang , Zhou Jiuqin , Liu Jingcheng , Zou Yubin , Lin Jiawei , Yao Jun , Cai Dan , Tao Danhua , Wu Bing , Fang Bin
Published: March 2023

The treatment of infectious bone defects has become a troublesome issue in orthopedics. The disease requires effective anti-infective and bone-reconstruction therapeutic functionalities. In this study, we prepared a novel antibacterial material (vancomycin-impregnated periosteal extracellular matrix [Van-PEM]) by embedding vancomycin in a periosteal extracellular matrix (PEM)-derived hydrogel via physical stirring for the treatment of infectious bone defects. The microstructure, porosity, degradation, and release properties of this antibacterial hydrogel were characterized. The in vitro hemolytic reaction, cytotoxicity, osteogenic ability, and antibacterial properties were also carefully studied. The results showed that the Van-PEM hydrogel possessed a fibrous network structure with high porosity. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrated slow degradation in vitro and could release vancomycin for at least 1 week. The hydrogel showed no cytotoxicity and possessed good biocompatibility with blood cells. It also promoted osteogenesis and exerted a significant bactericidal effect. Subsequently, the anti-infection and bone-healing abilities of the antibacterial hydrogel were investigated in a rat model of infectious calvarial defects, and the infectious skull defect was successfully cured in vivo. Therefore, Van-PEM hydrogels may represent a promising therapeutic approach for treating infectious bone defects.
CIB2 and CIB3 Regulate Stereocilia Maintenance and Mechanoelectrical Transduction in Mouse Vestibular Hair Cells
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Liu Shuang , Cheng Qi , Qu Chengli , Ren Rui , Du Haibo , Li Nana , Yan Keji , Wang Yanfei , Xiong Wei , Xu Zhigang
Published: March 2023

The mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) protein complex in the inner-ear hair cells is essential for hearing and balance perception. Calcium and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) has been reported to be a component of MET complex, and loss of CIB2 completely abolishes MET currents in auditory hair cells, causing profound congenital hearing loss. However, loss of CIB2 does not affect MET currents in vestibular hair cells (VHCs) as well as general balance function. Here, we show that CIB2 and CIB3 act redundantly to regulate MET in VHCs, as MET currents are completely abolished in the VHCs ofCib2/Cib3double knock-out mice of either sex. Furthermore, we show thatCib2andCib3transcripts have complementary expression patterns in the vestibular maculae, and that they play different roles in stereocilia maintenance in VHCs.Cib2transcripts are highly expressed in the striolar region, and knock-out ofCib2affects stereocilia maintenance in striolar VHCs. In contrast,Cib3transcripts are highly expressed in the extrastriolar region, and knock-out ofCib3mainly affects stereocilia maintenance in extrastriolar VHCs. Simultaneous knock-out ofCib2andCib3affects stereocilia maintenance in all VHCs and leads to severe balance deficits. Taken together, our present work reveals that CIB2 and CIB3 are important for stereocilia maintenance as well as MET in mouse VHCs.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCalcium and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) is an important component of mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) complex, and loss of CIB2 completely abolishes MET in auditory hair cells. However, MET is unaffected inCib2knock-out vestibular hair cells (VHCs). In the present work, we show that CIB3 could compensate for the loss of CIB2 in VHCs, andCib2/Cib3double knock-out completely abolishes MET in VHCs. Interestingly, CIB2 and CIB3 could also regulate VHC stereocilia maintenance in a nonredundant way.Cib2andCib3transcripts are highly expressed in the striolar and extrastriolar regions, respectively. Stereocilia maintenance and balance function are differently affected inCib2orCib3knock-out mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that CIB2 and CIB3 are important for stereocilia maintenance and MET in mouse VHCs.
Sex Differences in the Impact of Electronic Nicotine Vapor on Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor 1 Neurons in the Mouse Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Zhu ManHua , Rogers Neil G. , Jahad Jasmine V. , Herman Melissa A.
Published: March 2023

Nicotine engages dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to encode reward and drive the development of nicotine addiction, however how nicotine alters a stress associated VTA population remains unclear. Here, we used male and female CRF1-GFP mice and nicotine vapor exposure to examine the effects of nicotine in VTA corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) neurons. We use immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology to examine neuronal activity, excitability, and inhibitory signaling. We found that VTA CRF1 neurons are mainly dopaminergic and project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc;VTA-NAcCRF1 neurons).VTA-NAcCRF1 neurons show greater phasic inhibition in naive females and greater focal nicotine-induced increases in firing in naive males. Following acute nicotine vapor exposure, phasic inhibition was not altered, but focal nicotine-induced tonic inhibition was enhanced in females and diminished in males. Acute nicotine vapor exposure did not affect firing inVTA-NAcCRF1 neurons, but females showed lower baseline firing and higher focal nicotine-induced firing. Activity (cFos) was increased in the CRF1 dopaminergic VTA population in both sexes, but with greater increases in females. Following chronic nicotine vapor exposure, both sexes displayed reduced basal phasic inhibition and the sex difference in tonic inhibition following acute vapor exposure was no longer observed. Additionally, activity of the CRF1 dopaminergic VTA population was no longer elevated in either sex. These findings reveal sex-dependent and exposure-dependent changes in mesolimbic VTA-NAc CRF1 neuronal activity, inhibitory signaling, and nicotine sensitivity following nicotine vapor exposure. These changes potentially contribute to nicotine-dependent behaviors and the intersection between stress, anxiety, and addiction.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNicotine is known to engage reward systems in the brain historically centering the neurotransmitter dopamine however, how nicotine impacts other neurons in the reward pathway is less clear. The current study investigates the impact of acute and chronic electronic nicotine vapor exposure in a genetically-defined cell population containing the stress receptor corticotropin-releasing factor 1 (CRF1) that is located in the reward circuitry. This study employs functional measures of neuronal activity and identifies important sex differences in nicotine's effects across time and exposure.
PREPARATION AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF ENRICHED SALAD DRESSINGS BASED ON COLD-PRESSED SAFFLOWER OIL
Authors: YILMAZ Emin , BİLDİ Emine
Published: March 2023

The objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize two different salad dressings based on cold-pressed safflower oil. Common physico-chemical and thermal properties, compositions, sensory descriptive analysis, and consumer tests were completed. Both samples had acceptable free fatty acidity, peroxide and pH values, and had color values reflecting the spices (red pepper and green spices). Both dressings were liquid at around -14 to -19 oC and were pourable. They were good sources of essential fatty acids, including around 91-92% of total unsaturated fatty acids. Total phytosterol contents were around 1693-1700 mg/kg, with a majority of β-sitosterol. Further, both samples had around 284 mg/kg of total tocopherols. The panel used 8 sensory terms (consistency, sweet, salty, sour, bitter, spicy, vinegary, and metallic) to describe the samples. Consumers liked their appearance and smell/aroma, but taste/flavor and general acceptance scores were lower. Further studies to improve taste properties are suggested.
Żołnierze garnizonu siedleckiego w latach 1804–1830
Authors:   Muzeum Regionalne w Siedlcach, Chojnacki Andrzej
Published: March 2023

The article focuses on issues related to the development of the Siedlce garrison in the early years after its establishment. It presents military units and soldiers serving in the Siedlce garrison in the years 1804–1831. The presented material is extended by acomplete list of soldiers appearing in the examined period in the records of the local registry office and the local notary’s office.
Losy ostrowskich Żydów (IX 1939–1946)
Authors:   Stowarzyszenie Muzeum Żydów Białegostoku / Łomżyńskie Towarzystwo Naukowe im. Wagów, Reczko Mirosław
Published: March 2023

The geographical location of their shtetl made the wartime fate of the Ostrów Mazowiecka’s Jews different from that of their countryman from other towns in the region. Instead of creating aghetto or planned murder of the Jewish com-munity in Ostrów, the Germans expelled them in 1939 to the Soviet side of the nearby demarcation line. The Soviets, generally wary of all kinds of refugees from the west, qualified alarge part of them for deportation and sent them to the northern regions of their empire. The curse of wandering fate became for them the final blessing of survival.
Preparation of water-based epoxy resin and its application as an automotive air filter paper binder
Authors: Ji Yuanhuo , Qiao Hui , Liang Yun , Xu Guilong , Wang Yi , Hu Jian
Published: March 2023

Water-based epoxy resin emulsion was prepared by emulsifying o-cresol formaldehyde epoxy resin with self-emulsified epoxy curing agent synthesized in this study and then used as an environmentally friendly binder for automotive air filter paper. The preparation process of the self-emulsified epoxy curing agent was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effects of neutralization degree (Neu) and amount of curing agent on the formation of epoxy resin emulsion were studied. The micro-morphology and size distribution of the epoxy resin latex were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic and static light scattering, respectively. The micro-structure of the air filter paper surface was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical strength and moisture-resistance properties of air filter strengthened by the prepared water-based epoxy resin emulsion was tested and compared to three commercial binders. The prepared epoxy resin emulsion greatly enhanced the mechanical properties and moisture-resistance properties of the air filter paper while maintaining its filtration properties. Therefore, the epoxy resin emulsion can be used as an environmentally friendly water-based binder for automotive air filter paper with excellent comprehensive properties.
Hepatic, Splenic, and Bone Marrow Gaucheromas: A Case Series and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Chis Bogdan Augustin , Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Chis Ana-Florica
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims: Gaucher disease (GD) is one of the most common lysosomal storage diseases. It is characterized by the accumulation of glucocerebroside lipids in the macrophages, with liver, spleen and bone marrow frequently affected. The affected organs can develop tumor-like lesions (Gaucheromas), which are difficult to diagnose. We present the Gaucheromas and their ultrasonographic characteristics.

Methods: We selected Gaucheromas and their ultrasonographic characteristics found in the last 5 years during the periodical evaluation of 74 adult GD patients in Romania. All the patients had magnetic resonance imaging examination for comparison. A systematic review of all the Gaucheroma-related articles was performed to compare our results with the literature.

Results: Gaucheromas were found in 7 adult patients: 4 in the spleen, 2 in the liver and one affecting the bone. No malignancy ultrasound characteristics were found and neither on MRI exams. In the literature, 10 articles reported Gaucheromas, most of them in the liver and spleen in type 1 GD patients. All our patients were also type 1 GD, and the ultrasound aspect did not change during the 5 years follow-up.

Conclusions: Gaucheromas can be found in any patient with GD. Malignancies have to be considered unless proven otherwise. Imaging characterization (ultrasound and MRI) are useful as histopathologic examination is difficult to obtain in all cases.
Cerebral Embolic Protection Devices: Current State of the Art
Authors: Agrawal Ankit , Isogai Toshiaki , Shekhar Shashank , Kapadia Samir
Published: March 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a first-line treatment for severe aortic stenosis with intermediate to high-risk population with its use increasingly expanding into younger and low-risk cohorts as well. Cerebrovascular events are one of the most serious consequential complications of TAVR, which increase morbidity and mortality. The most probable origin of such neurological events is embolic in nature and the majority occur in the acute phase after TAVR when embolic events are most frequent. Cerebral embolic protection devices have been designed to capture or deflect these emboli, reducing the risk of peri-procedural ischaemic events. They also carry the potential to diminish the burden of new silent ischemic lesions during TAVR. Our review explores different types of these device systems, their rationale, and the established clinical data.
Economic design optimization of RC road bridges under current conditions in Cuba
Authors: Luna-Delgado Naile , Negrin-Diaz Iván , Chagoyén-Méndez Ernesto
Published: March 2023

This paper presents an algorithm for the optimization of the design of reinforced concrete (RC) road bridges, taking into account the current conditions in Cuba. The use of RC is chosen over the common solutions due to the current high economic cost of prestressing steel. The optimization problem is formulated to find the minimum direct cost, defining constraints based on the AASTHO-LRFD 2014 and NC-207:2019 standards. The algorithm is created to properly obtain practical solutions from the engineering point of view, involving the use of discrete variables. The optimization method used is Biogeography-Based Optimization. A sensitivity analysis of the parameters of this method is performed. The results indicate that the typical projects currently used can be considerably improved to enhance their economic indexes. Based on these results, some specific design recommendations are given. In addition, future research lines are suggested based on the deficiencies of the proposed methodology.