bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Thorley Natasha , Jones Alexis , Ciurtin Coziana , Castelino Madhura , Bainbridge Alan , Abbasi Maaz , Taylor Stuart , Zhang Hui , Hall-Craggs Margaret A. , Bray Timothy J.P.
Published: January 2023

Imaging, and particularly MRI, plays a crucial role in the assessment of inflammation in rheumatic disease, and forms a core component of the diagnostic pathway in axial spondyloarthritis. However, conventional imaging techniques are limited by image contrast being non-specific to inflammation and a reliance on subjective, qualitative reader interpretation. Quantitative MRI methods offer scope to address these limitations and improve our ability to accurately and precisely detect and characterise inflammation, potentially facilitating a more personalised approach to management. Here, we review quantitative MRI methods and emerging quantitative imaging biomarkers for imaging inflammation in axial spondyloarthritis. We discuss the potential benefits as well as the practical considerations that must be addressed in the movement toward clinical translation of quantitative imaging biomarkers.
Evaluation of pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation on CT
Authors: Ma Runlei , Fari Roberto , van der Harst Pim , N. De Cecco Carlo , E.Stillman Arthur , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , van Assen Marly
Published: January 2023

Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) is the fat deposit surrounding coronary arteries. Although PCAT is part of the larger epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) depot, it has different pathophysiological features and roles in the atherosclerosis process. While EAT evaluation has been studied for years, PCAT evaluation is a relatively new concept. PCAT, especially the mean attenuation derived from CT images may be used to evaluate the inflammatory status of coronary arteries non-invasively. The most commonly used measure, PCATMA, is the mean attenuation of adipose tissue of 3 mm thickness around the proximal right coronary artery with a length of 40 mm. PCATMA can be analyzed on a per-lesion, per-vessel or per-patient basis. Apart from PCATMA, other measures for PCAT have been studied, such as thickness, and volume. Studies have shown associations between PCATMA and anatomical and functional severity of coronary artery disease. PCATMA is associated with plaque components and high-risk plaque features, and can discriminate patients with flow obstructing stenosis and myocardial infarction. Whether PCATMA has value on an individual patient basis remains to be determined. Furthermore, CT imaging settings, such as kV levels and clinical factors such as age and sex affect PCATMA measurements, which complicate implementation in clinical practice. For PCATMA to be widely implemented, a standardized methodology is needed. This review gives an overview of reported PCAT methodologies used in current literature and the potential use cases in clinical practice.
Nietzsche’s Wagner
Authors: Roman Emily , Geilhausen Lily
Published: January 2023

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Extraction and Characterization of Chitin and Chitosan from Penaeus Monodon and its Application for Water Purification: An Approach to Utilize Waste
Authors: Berlin M. Asha , Leena R.
Published: January 2023

This study was conducted to elucidate the uses of chitosan extracted from Penaeus monodon. Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that shapes structural additives inside the exoskeleton of crustaceans. In this research, chitin and chitosan had been extracted from the Penaeus monodon exoskeleton via the chemical system through a series of steps which include demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation. The chitosan received by the deacetylation system turned into analyzed for biochemical parameters like protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash, moisture, degree of deacetylation, water binding capacity (WBC), fats binding capacity (FBC), and solubility. The statistics show that chitin contains 3.82% protein, 1.24% lipid, 68.45% carbohydrate, 2.9% ash, 9.6% moisture content, 67.60% DD, 640% WBC, 420% FBC, and 99% solubility which were higher than chitosan. The textile effluent was treated with extracted chitosan and chitosan membrane for 30 days. Maximum decolourization (55.56 to 95.75%) of the effluent occurs with 2 g of chitosan. This study concluded that chitosan is a promising absorbent for removing colour from textile effluent.
Current Status of Electronic Waste in Information Communication Technology (ICT) and its Environmental Management
Authors: Alaskar Kamal Miyalal , Akaram Sanjay , Memon Shabana Abdul Khaliq , Desai Vaibhava Vasantrao , Patil Ramchandra Dadu , Tamboli Firoj Allauddin
Published: January 2023

The production of electronic devices in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has seen a massive increase in the past few decades due to changes in the lifestyle of individuals across the globe. The Covid-19 pandemic has been like a catalyst in this process, where the demand has reached its peak due to work-from-home activities. A huge amount of electronic waste generated is by the ICT sector which is not efficiently managed and ultimately risks human health and the environment. The challenges arise in the pathway of efficient and sustainable recycling of electronic waste due to improper defined rules and regulations, unskilled personnel handling electronic waste, high cost of recycling, poor coordination between manufacturers, customers, and government bodies, and the prevailing of informal sector. The present review investigates the current scenario of electronic waste around the globe, strategies developed to manage the electronic waste and methods to be adopted for achieving sustainable goals in managing waste from the ICT sector. An attempt is also made to cover the data related to the approaches made by manufacturers to overcome the issue of electronic waste management.
The prevalence and intensity of ectoparasites that infects tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in floating net cages
Authors: Melanie Kavinta , El Rahimi Sayyid Afdhal , Suryani Amaliah , Mellisa Siska , Djamani Rianjuanda , Aprilla Ratna Mutia
Published: January 2023

Ectoparasites which often attack tilapia include Trichodina sp., Dactylogyrus spp., Gyrodactylus spp., and Epistylis spp. This research aims to determine the types, prevalence, and intensity of ectoparasites found on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the floating net cages of Batanghari River, Jambi. The research was conducted from February through March 2020. A survey method is carried out through direct sampling at the study site to identify the tilapia ectoparasites. The sampling technique is done using random sampling. Ninety fish were taken for parasite inspection at the Fish Quarantine, Quality Control, and Safety of Fishery Products Class I Jambi Station. The observations found three types of ectoparasites namely Dactylogyrus sp., Epistylis sp., and Oodinium sp. The highest ectoparasite prevalence rate was found from the species Epistylis sp. with a value of 37.7% and an intensity value of 24.7 ind/fish. The prevalence of Dactylogyrus sp. was 26.6% and an intensity value of 1.3 ind/fish. The lowest prevalence value was from Oodinium sp. with a prevalence value of 7.7% and an intensity value of 3.2 ind/fish. The prevalence and intensity values of tilapia ectoparasites based on their locations were 56.6% and 23 ind/fish (station I), 50% and 18.6 ind/fish (station II) and 43.3% and 17.6 ind/fish (station III). The types of ectoparasites found on tilapia in this study were Epistylis sp., Oodinium sp., and Dactilogyrus sp. The parasite with the highest prevalence and intensity found during the survey was Epistylis sp.Keywords:EctoparasitesTilapiaPrevalenceIntensityFloating net cages
Biological aspects of Diopatra sp. (Onuphidae, Polychaeta) collected from mangrove habitats of Jeruklegi, Cilacap Regency
Authors: Wibowo Eko Setio , Puspitasari IGA Ayu Ratna , Atang Atang , Pamungkas Joko
Published: January 2023

Diopatra species are members of the family Onuphidae (Polychaeta, Annelida) that are widely used as fishing bait. These tubicolous worms are common in particular mangrove areas of Cilacap. However, biological aspects of Diopatra sp. inhabiting the areas have not been studied. In the present work, we investigated several biological aspects of the worms, including the segment number, the body weight and the sex ratio, based on Diopatra samples collected from four mangrove habitats of Jeruklegi Village, Cilacap Regency, between June and July 2021. The results show that the average numbers of segments of Diopatra sp. obtained ranged from 195 to 216 segments, whereas the average body weights ranged from 2.03 to 3.12 g, and the average sex ratios ranged from 0.5 to 1.3. In general, the biological aspects of Diopatra sp. between sampling sites were relatively similar; this can be attributed to the similar environmental conditions at all sampling sites, including salinity (25–32 ppt), water temperature (30–32 oC), dissolved oxygen (6.4–8.8 ppm) and pH (7). While Diopatra worm farming is necessary so that local people do not rely on natural catch, a further taxonomic study is required to reveal the identity of this economically important local species.Keywords:Biological aspectDiopatraMangrove habitatPolychaetesTubicolous worms
Prevalence and abundance of coral disease in Aceh Besar regency Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Ulfah Maria , Turnip Iqbal Nindo , Octavina Chitra , Dewiyanti Irma , Purnawan Syahrul
Published: January 2023

The aims of this research was to  knew the prevalence, abundance and types of coral diseases detected in Peukan Bada Aceh Besar Regency. Method used in this research was a 20x2m belt transect with 3 replicates. Results show that the prevalence value was between 27,94% – 58,25%. The value was quite higher if compared with other prevalence on some place in indonesia. Average value of coral disease abundance in this research was 0,23 ind/m2. There was 13 types of coral disease found during sampling, including Fish Bite, Drupella Predation, Acanthaster planci Predation, White Syndrome, Ulcerative White Spot, Focal Bleaching, Non-Focal Bleaching, Invertebrate Galls, Sponge Overgrowth, Cyanobacteria, Pigmentation Response, Sedimentation Damage, Algae Overgrowth. The most infected coral genus was Acropora with branching growth form.Keywords:AbundanceConditionCoral diseasePrevalence
Study on shipyard location and model development
Authors: Rizwan Thaib , Husaini Husaini , Husin Husni , Akhyar Akhyar
Published: January 2023

The shipyard location and model highly influence shipyard industry development. This study aims to assess the location feasibility and determine the shipyard model suitable for shipyard industry development in Kutaraja Fishing Port. The study was conducted in Kutaraja Fishing Port. AHP method was used to determine the location and model, then analyzed using the Expert Choice v11 software. The data were collected using questionnaire interviews and further allocated the value using paired comparison scale table. The result shows that the shipyard industry is feasible to be developed in an area where land parameters adjacent to the waters have a maximum value of 37.3% compared with the five other parameters. The suitable shipyard model to be developed in Kutaraja Fishing Port is the slipway type with a value of 46.1%.Keywords:LocationModelShipyard
How does policy learning take place across a multilevel governance architecture during crises?
Authors: Zaki Bishoy Louis , Wayenberg Ellen
Published: January 2023

Policy learning plays a significant role in shaping policy during crises. While scholarship has explored many of the mechanisms and outcomes of such learning, little is known about how policy learning takes place across different levels of a multilevel governance architecture. This is despite their prevalence and influence on crisis responses. Using a case of the Belgian COVID-19 policy response, we explore how policy learning takes place across different levels of multilevel governance within creeping crises, focusing on epistemic policy learning (learning from experts) as one of the most pronounced learning types within such contexts. By means of document analysis, supplemented by primary source data from expert and senior official interviews, we offer an exploratory account of how learning took place at the national and subnational levels. Our findings reveal how the inherent features of the COVID-19 crisis, and the existing multilevel governance architecture broke the policy learning process into smaller heterogenous learning processes at different levels. We find that decentralised approaches to learning provided the space for customised, yet often fragmented policy responses. We also find that institutional legacies, varying degrees of policymaker control over learning, and absence of common approaches to structuring and designing learning processes led policymakers in different jurisdictions to engage in varying policy learning processes. We take stock of these different learning processes and highlight their key features. We conclude by highlighting the implications of these findings for policy learning theory and practice.
High-speed optical pulse shaping based on programmable lithium niobate spatial light modulators
Authors: Ni Fengchao , Li Honggen , Liu Haigang , Zheng Yuanlin , Chen Xianfeng
Published: January 2023

Pulse shaping plays a key role in various applications of ultrafast lasers, such as optical communications, laser micromachining, microscopy, and quantum coherent control. Conventional pulse shaping devices based on liquid crystal spatial light modulators (LCSLMs) or digital micromirror devices (DMDs) only have the shaping speed of several hertz to kilohertz, which is not suitable for applications requiring a high-speed response. Here, we demonstrate a high-speed programmable lithium niobate spatial light modulator (LNSLM) with 128 individual modulation channels and a modulation speed that can reach 1 MHz. Then we establish a high-speed LNSLM-based Fourier-transform (FT) pulse shaper to realize high-speed pulse shaping, and the update rate can reach 350 kHz, only limited by the electric circuit. The proposed high-speed pulse shaper scheme opens new avenues for future applications of ultrafast science, such as microscopic imaging, interaction between light and matter, and spectroscopy.
Stability of silicon resonator temperature sensors with the Pound–Drever–Hall technique
Authors: Zhu Xiantao , Li Yanjie , Lin Zude , You Minmin , Liu Jingquan
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we research the temperature stability of silicon-based ring resonator thermometers utilizing the Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) technique. A slight temperature fluctuation of 12.2 mK in 200 s was experimentally detected by immersing the sensor in the triple point of water (TPW) system with ultrahigh precision. Additionally, factors that affect temperature stability, including fundamental thermal noise, laser frequency drift, and power fluctuation were analyzed and calculated theoretically. This shows high consistency with experimental results. Moreover, it is proved that the laser drift can be suppressed from 11.3 pm to 0.013 pm with the developed experimental system based on the PDH technique. The silicon-based ring resonator as a potential platform for precise temperature monitoring is proved based on this work.
SurvivalPath:A R package for conducting personalized survival path mapping based on time-series survival data
Authors: Shen Lujun , Mo Jinqing , Yang Changsheng , Jiang Yiquan , Ke Liangru , Hou Dan , Yan Jingdong , Zhang Tao , Fan Weijun
Published: January 2023

The survival path mapping approach has been proposed for dynamic prognostication of cancer patients using time-series survival data. The SurvivalPath R package was developed to facilitate building personalized survival path models. The package contains functions to convert time-series data into time-slices data by fixed interval based on time information of input medical records. After the pre-processing of data, under a user-defined parameters on covariates, significance level, minimum bifurcation sample size and number of time slices for analysis, survival paths can be computed using the main function, which can be visualized as a tree diagram, with important parameters annotated. The package also includes function for analyzing the connections between exposure/treatment and node transitions, and function for screening patient subgroup with specific features, which can be used for further exploration analysis. In this study, we demonstrate the application of this package in a large dataset of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which is embedded in the package. The SurvivalPath R package is freely available from CRAN, with source code and documentation hosted at https://github.com/zhangt369/SurvivalPath.
Reduced coenzyme Q synthesis confers non-target site resistance to the herbicide thaxtomin A
Authors: Casey Chloe , Köcher Thomas , Champion Clément , Jandrasits Katharina , Mosiolek Magdalena , Bonnot Clémence , Dolan Liam
Published: January 2023

Herbicide resistance in weeds is a growing threat to global crop production. Non-target site resistance is problematic because a single resistance allele can confer tolerance to many herbicides (cross resistance), and it is often a polygenic trait so it can be difficult to identify the molecular mechanisms involved. Most characterized molecular mechanisms of non-target site resistance are caused by gain-of-function mutations in genes from a few key gene families–the mechanisms of resistance caused by loss-of-function mutations remain unclear. In this study, we first show that the mechanism of non-target site resistance to the herbicide thaxtomin A conferred by loss-of-function of the gene PAM16 is conserved in Marchantia polymorpha, validating its use as a model species with which to study non-target site resistance. To identify mechanisms of non-target site resistance caused by loss-of-function mutations, we generated 107 UV-B mutagenized M. polymorpha spores and screened for resistance to the herbicide thaxtomin A. We isolated 13 thaxtomin A-resistant mutants and found that 3 mutants carried candidate resistance-conferring SNPs in the MpRTN4IP1L gene. Mprtn4ip1l mutants are defective in coenzyme Q biosynthesis and accumulate higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than wild-type plants. Mutants are weakly resistant to thaxtomin A and cross resistant to isoxaben, suggesting that loss of MpRTN4IP1L function confers non-target site resistance. Mutants are also defective in thaxtomin A metabolism. We conclude that loss of MpRTN4IP1L function is a novel mechanism of non-target site herbicide resistance and propose that other mutations that increase ROS levels or decrease thaxtomin A metabolism could contribute to thaxtomin A resistance in the field.
Impact of COVID-19 on health services utilization in mainland China and its different regions based on S-ARIMA predictions
Authors: Zhang Xiangliang , Yin Rong , Zheng Meng , Kong Di , Chen Wen
Published: January 2023

Global health services are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated extent and duration of impacts of the pandemic on health services utilization in different economically developed regions of mainland China. Based on monthly health services utilization data in China, we used Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (S-ARIMA) models to predict outpatient and emergency department visits to hospitals (OEH visits) per capita without pandemic. The impacts were evaluated by three dimensions:1) absolute instant impacts were evaluated by difference between predicted and actual OEH visits per capita in February 2020 and relative instant impacts were the ratio of absolute impacts to baseline OEH visits per capita; 2) absolute and relative accumulative impacts from February 2020 to March 2021; 3) duration of impacts was estimated by time that actual OEH visits per capita returned to its predicted value. From February 2020 to March 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced OEH visits by 0.4676 per capita, equivalent to 659,453,647 visits, corresponding to a decrease of 15.52% relative to the pre-pandemic average annual level in mainland China. The instant impacts in central, northeast, east and west China were 0.1279, 0.1265, 0.1215, and 0.0986 visits per capita, respectively; and corresponding relative impacts were 77.63%, 66.16%, 44.39%, and 50.57%, respectively. The accumulative impacts in northeast, east, west and central China were up to 0.5898, 0.4459, 0.3523, and 0.3324 visits per capita, respectively; and corresponding relative impacts were 23.72%, 12.53%, 13.91%, and 16.48%, respectively. The OEH visits per capita has returned back to predicted values within the first 2, 6, 9, 9 months for east, central, west and northeast China, respectively. Less economically developed areas were affected for a longer time. Safe and equitable access to health services, needs paying great attention especially for undeveloped areas.
Spatial distribution of suspected and confirmed cholera cases in Mwanza City, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Madullu Monica T. , Thomas Deborah S. K. , Nyanza Elias C. , Seni Jeremiah , Ngallaba Sospatro E. , Kiluvia Sophia , Asori Moses , Kangmennaang Joseph
Published: January 2023

Cholera, which is caused byVibrio cholerae, persists as a devastating acute diarrheal disease. Despite availability of information on socio-cultural, agent and hosts risk factors, the disease continues to claim lives of people in Tanzania. The present study explores spatial patterns of cholera cases during a 2015–16 outbreak in Mwanza, Tanzania using a geographical information system (GIS) to identify concentrations of cholera cases. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ilemela and Nyamagana Districts, Mwanza City. The two-phase data collection included: 1) retrospectively reviewing and capturing 852 suspected cholera cases from clinical files during the outbreak between August, 2015, and April, 2016, and 2) mapping of residence of suspected and confirmed cholera cases using global positioning systems (GPS). A majority of cholera patients were from Ilemela District (546, 64.1%), were males (506, 59.4%) and their median age was 27 (19–36) years. Of the 452 (55.1%) laboratory tests, 352 (77.9%) were confirmed to haveVibrio choleraeinfection. Seven patients (0.80%) died. Cholera cases clustered in certain areas of Mwanza City. Sangabuye, Bugogwa and Igoma Wards had the largest number of confirmed cholera cases, while Luchelele Ward had no reported cholera cases. Concentrations may reflect health-seeking behavior as much as disease distribution. Topographical terrain, untreated water, physical and built environment, and health-seeking behaviors play a role in cholera epidemic in Mwanza City. The spatial analysis suggests patterns of health-seeking behavior more than patterns of disease. Maps similar to those generated in this study would be an important future resource for identifying an impending cholera outbreak in real-time to coordinate community members, community leaders and health personnel for guiding targeted education, outreach, and interventions.
Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibody profiling in patients with Chagas disease treated with benznidazole assessed by genome phage display
Authors: Rodriguez Carnero Luis Antonio , Kuramoto Andréia , Campos de Oliveira Léa , Monteiro Jhonatas Sirino , Setubal João Carlos , Cunha-Neto Edécio , Cerdeira Sabino Ester , Giordano Ricardo José
Published: January 2023

Background

There have been significant improvements in Chagas disease therapy and it is now widely accepted that most patients with chronic disease might benefit from therapy. However, there are challenges to monitor drug efficacy and cure for these patients, which are important impediments for current and future therapies. Trypanosoma cruzi-PCR is highly variable while IgG seroconversion takes decades yielding variable results depending on the antigen(s) used for the assay.

Methods and results

We used the genomic phage display (gPhage) platform to perform a pairwise comparison of antigens and epitopes recognized by twenty individual patients with chronic Chagas disease before and after treatment with benznidazole. In total, we mapped 54,473 T. cruzi epitopes recognized by IgG from individual patients (N = 20) before benznidazole treatment. After treatment, the number of epitopes recognized by all patients was significantly smaller (21,254), a reduction consistent with a decrease in anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Most of these epitopes represent distinct fragments from the same protein and could, therefore, be grouped into 80 clusters of antigens. After three years of treatment with benznidazole, we observed a 64% reduction in the number of clusters of antigens recognized by patients (59 clusters before versus 21 clusters after treatment). The most abundant antigenic clusters recognized by patients correspond to the surface antigen CA-2 (B13) followed by the microtubule associated antigen, which highlights the value of these epitopes in Chagas disease diagnosis. Most importantly, quantitative pairwise comparison of gPhage data allowed for the prediction of patient response to treatment based on PCR status.

Principal finding

Here, we compiled a list of antigens and epitopes preferentially recognized by Chagas disease patients before and after benznidazole treatment. Next, we observed that gPhage data correlated with patient PCR-status and could, therefore, predict patient response to treatment. Moreover, gPhage results suggest that overall, independent of PCR status, treatment led to a reduction in the presence of T. cruzi-specific antibody levels and the number of antigens and epitopes recognized by these patients.

Conclusion

The gPhage platform use of unbiased library of antigens, which is different from conventional serological assays that rely on predetermined antigens, is a contribution for the development of novel diagnostic tools for Chagas disease.
Vertical distribution of radionuclides in soil at the Semipalatinsk Test Site beyond its test locations
Authors: Panitskiy Andrey , Syssoeva Yelena , Baigazy Symbat , Kunduzbayeva Assiya , Kenzhina Laura , Polivkina Yelena , Larionova Natalya , Krivitskiy Pavel , Aidarkhanova Almira
Published: January 2023

Data on the vertical distribution of radionuclides in the soil is necessary to fully understand the radioecological situation around ecosystems, give predictive estimates to how safe crop products are and justify a rehabilitation strategy for radioactively contaminated areas. A study was conducted to investigate the vertical distribution of radionuclides in soils of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) territory beyond its testing sites, that is, in areas in which no nuclear weapons or nuclear effects of radiological warfare agents were tested. Soil was sampled layerwise all over the Semipalatinsk Test Site down to 30 cm deep at a 5-cm spacing. Most of high activity concentrations of radionuclides all over the study area were detected in the 0–5 cm soil layer. Activity concentrations of the major man-made radionuclides were determined in soil samples collected by γ-, β and α-spectrometry. As a result, ranges of activity concentrations of 137Cs, 241Am, 90Sr and 239+240Pu were determined in 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20, 20–25, 25–30 cm soil layers. In the conventionally ‘background’ area, the 0–5 cm soil layer, on average, contains (the percentage of total activity concentration across the soil profile depth): 137Cs– 83%, 239+240Pu– 87% and 90Sr– 38%. For the 1953 plume, these values were 92%, 83% and 73%, respectively. Values for the 1951 plume in the 0–5 cm soil layer were: 137Cs– 93%, 239+240Pu– 93% and 90Sr– 59%. The minimum concentration of radionuclides are observed 20–30 cm deep in all areas studied. 90Sr is the most mobile radionuclide from the perspective of its ability to travel deep down the soil. The study found out that the nuclide vertical migration rates downward in soils based on detected activity were as follows (in descending order): 90Sr– 137Cs– 239+240Pu– 241Am. Coefficients that determine the ratio of the activity concentration of the radionuclide in the 0–20 and 0–30 cm soil cover layers to that of this radionuclide in the 0–5 cm topsoil were calculated. These coefficients enable to estimate the radionuclide inventory at each soil sampling point from their activity concentration in the 0–5 cm soil layer.
Using mobile audiometry (Wulira App) to assess noise induced hearing loss among industrial workers in Kampala, Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Batte Charles , Atukunda Immaculate , Semulimi Andrew Weil , Nakabuye Mariam , Bwambale Festo , Mumbere Joab , Twinamasiko Nelson , Mukunya David , Nyarubeli Israel Paul , Mukisa John
Published: January 2023

Background

Occupational noise is a common cause of hearing loss in low-income countries. Unfortunately, screening for hearing loss is rarely done due to technical and logistical challenges associated with pure tone audiometry. Wulira app is a valid and potentially cost-effective alternative to pure tone audiometry in screening for occupational hearing loss. We aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational hearing loss among workers in a metal industry company in Kampala district.

Methodology

We recruited 354 participants conveniently from a steel and iron manufacturing industry in Kampala. All eligible participants answered a pretested and validated questionnaire and were assessed for noise induced hearing loss in a quiet office room approximately 500 meters from the heavy machinery area using the Wulira app. Descriptive statistics such as proportions were used to describe the study population while inferential statistics were used to determine associations.

Results

Of the 354 participants sampled, 333 (94.1%) were male, and the median age was 27, IQR (25–30). Regarding the risk factors of hearing loss, fourteen (3.9%) had history of smoking and more than half (65.5%) had worked in the industry for more than 2 years. The overall prevalence of hearing loss among industrial workers was 11.3% (40/354). 16.2% and 9% had mild hearing loss in the right and left ear respectively. Bilateral audiometric notch was present where fourteen (4%) of the participants had notch in their right ear while seven (2%) had notch in their left ear. Residing outside Kampala district was associated with hearing loss (OR, 95% CI, 0.213 (0.063–0.725), p = 0.013).

Conclusion

One in 10 workers in a metal manufacturing industry in Kampala had occupational hearing loss. Industrial workers residing outside Kampala were likely to develop hearing loss. Periodic screening should be done for early detection and intervention to prevent progression of hearing loss in this population.
Does China Pakistan Economic Corridor become an avenue to achieve sustainable development goal no. 2 (food security) in Pakistan: Under the condition of COVID-19?
Authors: Baig Nida , Khan Shahbaz , Bashir Imran , Ma Jianfu
Published: January 2023

The post Covid-19 era steer towards stakeholder thinking, which demands to look for sustainable solutions in terms of other epidemics and food security is one of the most notable for the developing world. In South Asia, China Pakistan Economic Corridor could be an avenue for multi-layered socio-economic assistance where Pakistan can seek solution for one epidemic (food security) while engaged with the effects of pandemic through studying all the stakeholders. This could be a roadmap for the west-east or developed-underdeveloped countries reliance on one another for food security through economic corridor alike settings. Academically, it has been projected by the plethora of research that holistically and inclusively, stakeholder analysis is lacking in the available reservoir of research. Methodologically, the stakeholder analysis was performed in three layers–identification, investigation through social networks, and communication by prioritization matrix. The findings suggested that apart from stakeholders’ differences in regard to interest, influence and knowledge, all of them agreed with the argument that China Pakistan Economic Corridor has enviably and irrefutably positive effects on food security. The policy implications project the need for integrated reports of various ministries to be unidirectional for having synergical effect and taking all the stakeholders into consideration as leaving any group behind will repeat the past results.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TROTS) registry: A study protocol for the primary upper extremity deep venous thrombosis section
Authors: Schropp Ludo , de Kleijn Robert J. C. M. F. , Westerink Jan , Nijkeuter Mathilde , Vonken Evert-Jan , van der Schaaf Irene C. , Goedee H. Stephan , Vrancken Alexander F. J. E. , van Hattum Eline S. , Petri Bart-Jeroen , de Borst Gert J. ,   TROTS registry collaborators
Published: January 2023

Introduction

There is a lack of comprehensive and uniform data on primary upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (pUEDVT). pUEDVT includes venous thoracic outlet syndrome related upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) and idiopathic UEDVT. Research on these conditions has been hampered by their rarity, lack of uniform diagnostic criteria, and heterogeneity in therapeutic strategies. To improve current research data collection using input of all various pUEDVT treating medical specialists, we initiated the ThoRacic OuTlet Syndrome (TROTS) registry. The aim of the TROTS registry is to a) collect extensive data on all pUEDVT patients through a predefined protocol, b) give insight in the long term outcome using patient reported outcome measures, c) create guidance in the diagnostic and clinical management of these conditions, and thereby d) help provide content for future research.

Methods and analysis

The TROTS registry was designed as an international prospective longitudinal observational registry for data collection on pUEDVT patients. All pUEDVT patients, regardless of treatment received, can be included in the registry after informed consent is obtained. All relevant data regarding the initial presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up will be collected prospectively in an electronic case report form. In addition, a survey containing general questions, a Health-related Quality of Life questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), and Functional Disability questionnaire (Quick-DASH) will be sent periodically (at the time of inclusion, one and two years after inclusion, and every five years after inclusion) to the participant. The registry protocol was approved by the Medical Ethical Review Board and registered in the Netherlands Trial Register under Trial-ID NL9680. The data generated by the registry will be used for future research on pUEDVT and published in peer reviewed journals.

Conclusion

TROTS registry data will be used to further establish the optimal management of pUEDVT and lay the foundation for future research and guidelines.
Metabolomics of a neonatal cohort from the Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement biorepository: Effect of preanalytical variables on reference intervals
Authors: Jafri Lena , Khan Aysha Habib , Ilyas Muhammad , Nisar Imran , Khalid Javairia , Majid Hafsa , Hotwani Aneeta , Jehan Fyezah
Published: January 2023

Background

The study was conducted to determine reference interval (RI) and evaluate the effect of preanalytical variables on Dried blood spot (DBS)-amino acids, acylcarnitines and succinylacetone of neonates.

Methodology

DBS samples were collected within 48–72 hours of life. Samples were analyzed for biochemical markers on tandem mass spectrometer at the University of Iowa. Comparison of RI across various categorical variables were performed.

Results

A total of 610 reference samples were selected based on exclusion criteria; 53.2% being females. Mean gestational age (GA) of mothers at the time of delivery was 38.7±1.6 weeks; 24.5% neonates were of low birth weight and 14.3% were preterm. Out of the total 610 neonates, 23.1% were small for GA. Reference intervals were generated for eleven amino acids, thirty-two acylcarnitines and succinylacetone concentrations. Markers were evaluated with respect to the influence of gender, GA, weight and time of sampling and statistically significant minimal differences were observed for some biomarkers.

Conclusion

RI for amino acids, succinylacetone and acylcarnitine on DBS has been established for healthy neonates, which could be of use in the clinical practice. Clinically significant effect of GA, weight, gender and time of sampling on these markers were not identified.
Development and validation of a clinical rule for the diagnosis of chikungunya fever in a dengue-endemic area
Authors: Batista Raquel Pereira , Hökerberg Yara Hahr Marques , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes , Lambert Passos Sonia Regina
Published: January 2023

Rio de Janeiro is a dengue-endemic city that experienced Zika and chikungunya epidemics between 2015 and 2019. Differential diagnosis is crucial for indicating adequate treatment and assessing prognosis and risk of death. This study aims to derive and validate a clinical rule for diagnosing chikungunya based on 3,214 suspected cases consecutively treated at primary and secondary health units of the sentinel surveillance system (up to 7 days from onset of symptoms) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Of the total sample, 624 were chikungunya, 88 Zika, 51 dengue, and 2,451 were negative for all these arboviruses according to real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The derived rule included fever (1 point), exanthema (1 point), myalgia (2 points), arthralgia or arthritis (2 points), and joint edema (2 points), providing an AUC (area under the receiver operator curve) = 0.695 (95% CI: 0.662–0.725). Scores of 4 points or more (validation sample) showed 74.3% sensitivity (69.0% - 79.2%) and 51.5% specificity (48.8% - 54.3%). Adding more symptoms improved the specificity at the expense of a lower sensitivity compared to definitions proposed by government agencies based on fever alone (European Center for Disease Control) or in combination with arthralgia (World Health Organization) or arthritis (Pan American Health Organization, Brazilian Ministry of Health). The proposed clinical rule offers a rapid, low-cost, easy-to-apply strategy to differentiate chikungunya fever from other arbovirus infections during epidemics.
Employee well-being and innovativeness: A multi-level conceptual framework based on citation network analysis and data mining techniques
Authors: Elsamani Yousif , Mejia Cristian , Kajikawa Yuya
Published: January 2023

This study proposes a multilevel conceptual framework for a deeper understanding of the relationship between employee well-being and innovativeness. We overview 49 years of well-being research [1972–2021] and 54 years of research on innovativeness [1967–2021] to uncover 24 dominant themes in well-being and ten primary topics in innovativeness research. Citation network analysis and text semantic similarity were used to develop a conceptual framework featuring 21 components and three levels: individual, organizational, and market. These components consist of constructs, domains, and factors that can influence or be influenced by employee well-being and innovativeness either directly or indirectly. This is the first study to use citation network analysis and data mining techniques to investigate the relationship between employee well-being and innovativeness. This novel framework can aid organizations in identifying more holistic and efficient strategies for fostering innovativeness and enhancing the well-being of their workforce. It can also assist in developing new theories and serve as a roadmap for future research. We discuss the research limitations and theoretical and practical implications and propose three research themes that future studies may address.
Entomological parameters and population structure at a microgeographic scale of the main Colombian malaria vectors Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles nuneztovari
Authors: Altamiranda-Saavedra Mariano , Naranjo-Díaz Nelson , Conn Jan E. , Correa Margarita M.
Published: January 2023

Population subdivision among several neotropical malaria vectors has been widely evaluated; however, few studies have analyzed population variation at a microgeographic scale, wherein local environmental variables may lead to population differentiation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic and geometric morphometric structure ofAnopheles nuneztovariandAnopheles albimanusin endemic localities of northwestern Colombia. Genetic and phenetic structures were evaluated using microsatellites markers and wing geometric morphometrics, respectively. In addition, entomological indices of importance in transmission were calculated. Results showed that the main biting peaks ofAnopheles nuneztovariwere between 20:00 and 22:00, whereasAnopheles albimanusexhibited more variation in biting times among localities. Infection inAn.nuneztovaribyPlasmodiumspp. (IR: 4.35%) and the annual entomological inoculation rate (30.31), indicated high vector exposure and local transmission risk. We did not detectPlasmodium-infectedAn.albimanusin this study. In general, low genetic and phenetic subdivision among the populations of both vectors was detected using a combination of phenotypic, genetic and environmental data. The results indicated high regional gene flow, although local environmental characteristics may be influencing the wing conformation differentiation and behavioral variation observed inAn.albimanus. Furthermore, the population subdivision detected by microsatellite markers for both species by Bayesian genetic analysis provides a more accurate picture of the current genetic structure in comparison to previous studies. Finally, the biting behavior variation observed for both vectors among localities suggests the need for continuous malaria vector surveys covering the endemic region to implement the most effective integrated local control interventions.
Behavioral and hormonal assessment of stress in foals (Equus caballus) throughout the weaning process
Authors: Delank Kristin , Reese Sven , Erhard Michael , Wöhr Anna-Caroline
Published: January 2023

This study had the aim to demonstrate the midterm effects (three weeks) of weaning on foals’ welfare. For this purpose, foals’ behavioral changes and fecal levels metabolites of cortisol were evaluated. The observations took place at the state stud farm of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. Ten foals (six colts and four fillies) were observed from one day before weaning up until three weeks after weaning. Weaning was divided into three blocks, the first in September, the second in October, and the last in November. The behavioral observation was done during an eight-hour period between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The observer documented the exact behavior shown by the foal every five minutes during the eight hours. To scale the stress experienced by the foal, the glucocorticoid metabolite 11,17-dioxoandrostane was measured with the 11-oxoetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay, which allows assessing the foal’s plasma cortisol level changes throughout the trail through fecal samples. All foals displayed a distinct hormonal stress response to the weaning process through increased fecal cortisol metabolite levels. Their body posture distribution took a shift from mainly moving before weaning to mainly standing during the three weeks after weaning. Compared with the day before weaning, the foals showed less active behavior and significantly increased their resting behavior. Regarding the overall resting behavior, the weaned foals initially increased their time spent resting in a lying position during daytime and then started to decrease the time lying. After weaning, the foals showed a significant increase in resting while standing. In conclusion, the foals showed an expected behavioral development and an expected curve of cortisol metabolite values throughout the study. However, it seemed that the changes had not returned “back to normal” at three weeks after weaning. Therefore, we suggest that weaned foals need a minimum of three weeks to acclimate to the new situation.
Lack of the Ig cell adhesion molecule BT-IgSF (IgSF11) induced behavioral changes in the open maze, water maze and resident intruder test
Authors: Montag Dirk , Pelz Laura , Rathjen Fritz G.
Published: January 2023

The brain- and testis-specific Ig superfamily protein (BT-IgSF, also termed IgSF11) is a homotypic cell adhesion protein. In the nervous system, BT-IgSF regulates the stability of AMPA receptors in the membrane of cultured hippocampal neurons, modulates the connectivity of chandelier cells and controls gap junction-mediated astrocyte-astrocyte communication. Here, we performed behavioral tests in BT-IgSF-deficient mice. BT-IgSF-deficient mice were similar to control littermates with respect to their reflexes, motor coordination and gating, and associative learning. However, BT-IgSF-deficient mice displayed an increased tendency to stay in the central illuminated areas in the open field and O-Maze paradigms suggesting reduced anxiety or increased scotophobia (fear of darkness). Although BT-IgSF-deficient mice initially found the platform in the water maze their behavior was compromised when the platform was moved, indicating reduced behavioral flexibility. This deficit was overcome by longer training to improve their spatial memory. Furthermore, male BT-IgSF-deficient mice displayed increased aggression towards an intruder. Our results show that specific behaviors are modified by the lack of BT-IgSF and demonstrate a contribution of BT-IgSF to network functions.
Early experience with low-pass filtered images facilitates visual category learning in a neural network model
Authors: Jinsi Omisa , Henderson Margaret M. , Tarr Michael J.
Published: January 2023

Humans are born with very low contrast sensitivity, meaning that inputs to the infant visual system are both blurry and low contrast. Is this solely a byproduct of maturational processes or is there a functional advantage for beginning life with poor visual acuity? We addressed the impact of poor vision during early learning by exploring whether reduced visual acuity facilitated the acquisition of basic-level categories in a convolutional neural network model (CNN), as well as whether any such benefit transferred to subordinate-level category learning. Using the ecoset dataset to simulate basic-level category learning, we manipulated model training curricula along three dimensions: presence of blurred inputs early in training, rate of blur reduction over time, and grayscale versus color inputs. First, a training regime where blur was initially high and was gradually reduced over time—as in human development—improved basic-level categorization performance in a CNN relative to a regime in which non-blurred inputs were used throughout training. Second, when basic-level models were fine-tuned on a task including both basic-level and subordinate-level categories (using the ImageNet dataset), models initially trained with blurred inputs showed a greater performance benefit as compared to models trained exclusively on non-blurred inputs, suggesting that the benefit of blurring generalized from basic-level to subordinate-level categorization. Third, analogous to the low sensitivity to color that infants experience during the first 4–6 months of development, these advantages were observed only when grayscale images were used as inputs. We conclude that poor visual acuity in human newborns may confer functional advantages, including, as demonstrated here, more rapid and accurate acquisition of visual object categories at multiple levels.