bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term morphological and functional dynamics of human stem cell-derived neuronal networks on high-density micro-electrode arrays
Authors: Habibey Rouhollah , Striebel Johannes , Schmieder Felix , Czarske Jürgen , Busskamp Volker
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive electrophysiological characterizations of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal networks are essential to determine to what extent these in vitro models recapitulate the functional features of in vivo neuronal circuits. High-density micro-electrode arrays (HD-MEAs) offer non-invasive recording with the best spatial and temporal resolution possible to date. For 3 months, we tracked the morphology and activity features of developing networks derived from a transgenic hiPSC line in which neurogenesis is inducible by neurogenic transcription factor overexpression. Our morphological data revealed large-scale structural changes from homogeneously distributed neurons in the first month to the formation of neuronal clusters over time. This led to a constant shift in position of neuronal cells and clusters on HD-MEAs and corresponding changes in spatial distribution of the network activity maps. Network activity appeared as scarce action potentials (APs), evolved as local bursts with longer duration and changed to network-wide synchronized bursts with higher frequencies but shorter duration over time, resembling the emerging burst features found in the developing human brain. Instantaneous firing rate data indicated that the fraction of fast spiking neurons (150–600 Hz) increases sharply after 63 days post induction (dpi). Inhibition of glutamatergic synapses erased burst features from network activity profiles and confirmed the presence of mature excitatory neurotransmission. The application of GABAergic receptor antagonists profoundly changed the bursting profile of the network at 120 dpi. This indicated a GABAergic switch from excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmission during circuit development and maturation. Our results suggested that an emerging GABAergic system at older culture ages is involved in regulating spontaneous network bursts. In conclusion, our data showed that long-term and continuous microscopy and electrophysiology readouts are crucial for a meaningful characterization of morphological and functional maturation in stem cell-derived human networks. Most importantly, assessing the level and duration of functional maturation is key to subject these human neuronal circuits on HD-MEAs for basic and biomedical applications.
Crosstalk among long non-coding RNA, tumor-associated macrophages and small extracellular vesicles in tumorigenesis and dissemination
Authors: Zhang Li-jie , Chen Feng , Liang Xiao-ru , Ponnusamy Murugavel , Qin Hao , Lin Zhi-juan
Published: October 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which lack protein-coding ability, can regulate cancer cell growth, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment that have a significant impact on cancer progression. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) are crucial mediators of intercellular communications. Cancer cell and macrophage-derived sEV can carry lncRNAs that influence the onset and progression of cancer. Dysregulation of lncRNAs, TAMs, and sEV is widely observed in tumors which makes them valuable targets for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize current updates on the interactions among sEV, lncRNAs, and TAMs in tumors and provide new perspectives on cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Multifunctions of CRIF1 in cancers and mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Jiang Yangzhou , Xiang Yang , Lin Chuanchuan , Zhang Weiwei , Yang Zhenxing , Xiang Lixin , Xiao Yanni , Chen Li , Ran Qian , Li Zhongjun
Published: October 2022

Sustaining proliferative signaling and enabling replicative immortality are two important hallmarks of cancer. The complex of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and its cyclin plays a decisive role in the transformation of the cell cycle and is also critical in the initiation and progression of cancer. CRIF1, a multifunctional factor, plays a pivotal role in a series of cell biological progresses such as cell cycle, cell proliferation, and energy metabolism. CRIF1 is best known as a negative regulator of the cell cycle, on account of directly binding to Gadd45 family proteins or CDK2. In addition, CRIF1 acts as a regulator of several transcription factors such as Nur77 and STAT3 and partly determines the proliferation of cancer cells. Many studies showed that the expression of CRIF1 is significantly altered in cancers and potentially regarded as a tumor suppressor. This suggests that targeting CRIF1 would enhance the selectivity and sensitivity of cancer treatment. Moreover, CRIF1 might be an indispensable part of mitoribosome and is involved in the regulation of OXPHOS capacity. Further, CRIF1 is thought to be a novel target for the underlying mechanism of diseases with mitochondrial dysfunctions. In summary, this review would conclude the latest aspects of studies about CRIF1 in cancers and mitochondria-related diseases, shed new light on targeted therapy, and provide a more comprehensive holistic view.
Exosomal RNF157 mRNA from prostate cancer cells contributes to M2 macrophage polarization through destabilizing HDAC1
Authors: Guan Han , Mao Likai , Wang Jinfeng , Wang Sheng , Yang Shuai , Wu Hongliang , Sun Wenyan , Chen Zhijun , Chen Ming
Published: October 2022

Background

Exosomes have been identified to mediate the transmission of RNAs among different cells in tumor microenvironment, thus affecting the progression of different diseases. However, exosomal messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have been rarely explored. RNF157 mRNA has been found to be up-regulated in PCa patients’ exosomes, but the role of exosomal RNF157 mRNA in PCa development remains unclear.

Methods

Online databases were utilized for predicting gene expression and binding correlation between different factors. RT-qPCR and western blot assays were respectively done to analyze RNA and protein expressions. Flow cytometry analysis was implemented to analyze M2 polarization.

Results

RNF157 expression was high in PCa tissues and cells. M2 polarization of macrophages was enhanced after co-culture with PCa cells or with exosomes released by PCa cells. Upon RNF157 knockdown in PCa cells, the extracted exosomes could not lead to the facilitated M2 polarization. Mechanistically, RNF157 could bind to HDAC1 and contribute to HDAC1 ubiquitination, which led to HDAC1 degradation and resulting in promoting M2 polarization of macrophages. Animal experiments validated that exosomal RNF157 accelerated PCa tumor growth through facilitating macrophage M2 polarization.

Conclusion

Exosome-mediated RNF157 mRNA from PCa cells results in M2 macrophage polarization via destabilizing HDAC1, consequently promoting PCa tumor progression.
Dosimetric analysis and biological evaluation between proton radiotherapy and photon radiotherapy for the long target of total esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Yongbin , Pan Yuteng , Li Zhenjiang , Wu Qiang , Zou Jingmin , Han Dali , Yin Yong , Ma Changsheng
Published: October 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study is to compare the dosimetric and biological evaluation differences between photon and proton radiation therapy.

Methods

Thirty esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients were generated for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning and intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) planning to compare with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning. According to dose–volume histogram (DVH), dose–volume parameters of the plan target volume (PTV) and homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), and gradient index (GI) were used to analyze the differences between the various plans. For the organs at risk (OARS), dosimetric parameters were compared. Tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) was also used to evaluate the biological effectiveness of different plannings.

Results

CI, HI, and GI of IMPT planning were significantly superior in the three types of planning (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to IMRT and VMAT planning, IMPT planning improved the TCP (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). As for OARs, IMPT reduced the bilateral lung and heart accepted irradiation dose and volume. The dosimetric parameters, such as mean lung dose (MLD), mean heart dose (MHD), V5, V10, and V20, were significantly lower than IMRT or VMAT. IMPT afforded a lower maximum dose (Dmax) of the spinal cord than the other two-photon plans. What’s more, the radiation pneumonia of the left lung, which was caused by IMPT, was lower than IMRT and VMAT. IMPT achieved the pericarditis probability of heart is only 1.73% ± 0.24%. For spinal cord myelitis necrosis, there was no significant difference between the three different technologies.

Conclusion

Proton radiotherapy is an effective technology to relieve esophageal cancer, which could improve the TCP and spare the heart, lungs, and spinal cord. Our study provides a prediction of radiotherapy outcomes and further guides the individual treatment.
Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for early gastric cancer: Perspective for actual practice
Authors: Zhao Peng-yue , Ma Zhao-fu , Jiao Ya-nan , Yan Yang , Li Song-yan , Du Xiao-hui
Published: October 2022

Early gastric cancer (EGC) has a desirable prognosis compared with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). The surgical concept of EGC has altered from simply emphasizing radical resection to both radical resection and functional preservation. As the mainstream surgical methods for EGC, both endoscopic resection and laparoscopic resection have certain inherent limitations, while the advent of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) has overcome these limitations to a considerable extent. LECS not only expands the surgical indications for endoscopic resection, but greatly improves the quality of life (QOL) in EGC patients. This minireview elaborates on the research status of LECS for EGC, from the conception and development of LECS, to the tentative application of LECS in animal experiments, then to case reports and retrospective clinical studies. Finally, the challenges and prospects of LECS in the field of EGC are prospected and expounded, hoping to provide some references for relevant researchers. With the in-depth understanding of minimally invasive technology, LECS remains a promising option in the management of EGC. Carrying out more related multicenter prospective clinical researches is the top priority of promoting the development of this field in the future.
The global research and emerging trends in autophagy of pancreatic cancer: A bibliometric and visualized study
Authors: Song Mingyang , Lu Qin , Xu Min , Li Yajie , Zhao Yawen , Gong Chen , Ou Xilong
Published: October 2022

Objective

To present the global research features and hotspots, and forecast the emerging trends by conducting a bibliometric analysis based on literature related to autophagy of pancreatic cancer from 2011 to 2022.

Methods

The literature data regarding autophagy of pancreatic cancer were retrieved and downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) from Clarivate Analytics on June 10th, 2022. VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) was used to perform the bibliometric analysis.

Results

A total of 616 studies written by 3993 authors, covered 45 countries and 871 organizations, published in 263 journals and co-cited 28152 references from 2719 journals. China (n=260, 42.2%) and the United States (n=211, 34.3%) were the most frequent publishers and collaborated closely. However, publications from China had a low average number of citations (25.35 times per paper). The output of University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center ranked the first with 26 papers (accounting for 4.2% of the total publications). Cancers (n=23, 3.7%; Impact Factor = 6.639) published most papers in this field and was very pleasure to accept related researches. Daolin Tang and Rui Kang published the most papers (n=18, respectively). The research hotspots mainly focused on the mechanisms of autophagy in tumor onset and progression, the role of autophagy in tumor apoptosis, and autophagy-related drugs in treating pancreatic cancer (especially combined therapy). The emerging topics were chemotherapy resistance mediated by autophagy, tumor microenvironment related to autophagy, autophagy-depended epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), mitophagy, and the role of autophagy in tumor invasion.

Conclusion

Attention has been increasing in autophagy of pancreatic cancer over the past 12 years. Our results undoubtedly provide scholars with new clues and ideas in this field.
Supplementation of serum albumin is associated with improved pulmonary function: NHANES 2013–2014
Authors: Hu Sheng , Guo Qiang , Wang Silin , Zhang Wenxiong , Ye Jiayue , Su Lang , Zou Sheng , Zhang Deyuan , Zhang Yang , Yu Dongliang , Xu Jianjun , Wei Yiping
Published: October 2022

Background: The serum albumin level is reflective of the function of multiple organs, such as the liver and kidneys. However, the association between serum albumin and pulmonary function is unclear; therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between pulmonary function and serum albumin, including the threshold of serum albumin at the changes of the pulmonary function in the total population and in different strata of population.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, We examined the relationship between serum albumin and two independent indicators of pulmonary function: forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1), using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2013–2014) (n = 3286). We used univariate analysis, stratified analysis, and multiple regression equation analysis to examine the correlation between serum albumin levels and FVC and FEV 1, and performed smoothed curve fitting, threshold effect, and saturation effect analysis (for stratification) to determine the threshold serum albumin level at which FVC and FEV 1 begin to change.

Results: The adjusted smoothed curve fit plot showed a linear relationship between serum albu-min levels and FVC: for every 1 g/dl increase in the serum albumin level, FVC increased by 80.40 ml (11.18, 149.61). Serum albumin and FEV 1 showed a non-linear relationship. When serum al-bumin reached the inflection point (3.8 g/dl), FEV 1 increased with increasing serum albumin and the correlation coefficient β was 205.55 (140.15, 270.95).

Conclusion: Serum albumin is a core indicator of liver function, and abnormal liver function has a direct impact on pulmonary function. In the total population, serum albumin levels were linearly and positively correlated with FVC. Above 3.6 g/dl, serum albumin was positively correlated with FEV 1. Based on the total population and different population strata, this study revealed a positive association between the serum albumin level and pulmonary function, and identified the threshold of serum albumin when Indicators of pulmonary function tests starts to rise, providing a new early warning indicator for people at high risk of pulmonary insufficiency and has positive implications for the prevention of combined respiratory failure in patients with liver insufficiency.
An electron microscopic and biochemical study of the potential protective effect of ginger against Cadmium-induced testicular pathology in rats
Authors: Motawee Moustafa E. , Damanhory Ahmed A. , Sakr Hany , Khalifa Mohamed Mansour , Atia Tarek , Elfiky Mohamed M. , Maher Muhammad , Sakr Hader I.
Published: October 2022

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal used in many industries. Since the second half of the 20th century, legislation on Cd use was put to limit the exponential rise in its environmental levels. This study aimed to investigate Cd’s functional and ultrastructural changes on rats’ reproductive systems and the role of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in protecting against Cd-induced toxicity.

Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were randomly assigned into three equal groups (n = 10); control, Cd-exposed/untreated, and Cd-exposed/Gin-treated. Rat testes were weighed, and testicular tissue sections were examined under the electron microscope. Semen analysis, morphological examination of spermatozoa, and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were measured. In addition, testicular tissue homogenates were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels.

Results: Cd-induced significant reduction in the mean testicular weight and GSH levels and plasma testosterone, LH and FSH levels with a concomitant increase in testicular MDA and NO levels. There was also a deterioration in semen analysis parameters and spermatozoa morphology, with testicular structural damage in the form of architecture distortion and necrosis of seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitial cells. Daily administration of ginger for 4 weeks protected against CD-induced toxicity, preserving tissue architecture, improved plasma levels of testosterone, LH and FSH and testicular levels of GSH, and reduced testicular levels of MDA, NO.

Conclusion: Ginger has a protective effect on Cd-induced deterioration of testicular tissue’s structural and functional integrity by improving testicular tissue antioxidant capacity and steroid production, which ameliorates sex hormone levels in the blood.
Surface phytolith and pollen assemblages of a low-latitude subtropical region in Southwest China and their implications for vegetation and climate
Authors: Wang Min , Yang Qing , Yang Wanshu , Shi Lin , Zhang Yu , Zhou Zining , Zhang Wuqi , Zheng Hongbo
Published: October 2022

Phytoliths, as a newly developing plant proxy, have broad application prospects in paleoclimate and paleoethnobotany. However, the shortage of studies regarding tropical-subtropical plants and topsoil phytoliths interferes with the research progress on primitive humanity’s utilization of plant resources and paleoclimate in the region. This research focuses on the subtropical mountainous region with a monsoon climate of low latitudes in Southwest China to conduct phytolith morphology analysis of living plants and phytolith/pollen assemblages of topsoil to reveal the indicative significance of vegetation and climate. A total of 111 species from 50 families, including 73 species from 33 tree/shrub families, 31 species from 12 herb families and 7 species from 5 fern families, were collected for morphological characteristics analysis, as well as 19 topsoil specimens for phytolith and pollen assemblage analysis. The results suggest that phytoliths are mainly deposited in situ, with assemblages of topsoil corresponding well with plant types in the quadrat and being able to exhibit constructive species in small regions. In comparison, pollen assemblages of topsoil dominantly respond to regional vegetation due to their long-distance transportation and widespread presence, in addition to their characteristics that correspond to the vegetation in the quadrat. The topsoil phytolith assemblages are mainly based on the elongate-bulliform flabellate-square/rectangle-broadleaf-types (including spheroid echinate), and the vegetation types indicate the subtropical climate. In addition, phytolith assemblages of Poaceae are dominated by collapsed saddle-bulliform flabellate square/rectangle-elongate-point, reflecting warm and humid conditions. The pollen assemblages mainly consist of Pinus, Betula, Alnus, deciduous Quercus, Euphorbiaceae, Rhamnaceae and Polygonum, reflecting tropical-subtropical plant communities and indicating warm and humid conditions. Overall, phytolith and pollen assemblages have unique characteristics and are thus explicitly representative of the low-latitude subtropical monsoon climate.
Management of chickpea Ascochyta blight using fungicides and cultivar resistance improves grain yield, quality, and grower profitability
Authors: Fanning Joshua , Brand Jason , Munoz Santa Isabel , McDonald Linda , Taylor Julian , Hollaway Grant
Published: October 2022

International production of chickpea is under constant threat from the fungal disease Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei). In Australia, there is limited cultivar resistance, and disease management is reliant on foliar applied fungicides. Several recently registered fungicides in Australia that combine active ingredients with different modes of actions, have been shown to have curative properties. In this study, in the presence of Ascochyta blight, disease severity, grain yield and quality were measured and the subsequent gross margin for growers calculated in seven field experiments conducted in Victoria (Australia) across three seasons. These experiments investigated the effects of: two cultivars with differing disease resistance (PBA Striker and Genesis 090), and several fungicide strategies for the control of Ascochyta blight. Fungicides that combine different modes of actions (Tebuconazole + Azoxystrobin, Bixafen + Prothioconazole and Fludioxonil + Pydiflumetofen) were applied before a rainfall event (preventative) or after the first signs of disease (post-infection). Older, single active fungicides compared included Captan, Chlorothalonil, and Propiconazole, all applied preventatively. Maximum disease severities ranged from 87% at Horsham and 94% at Curyo across three seasons with Nhill recording 87% during 2020. Demonstrating the benefit of cultivar resistance for Ascochyta blight management, grain yield losses were substantially lower in the partially resistant cultivar Genesis 090 (64%) compared to the susceptible cultivar PBA Striker (96%), at Curyo in 2020. The preventative fungicide strategies reduced grain yield losses from 96 and 64% to 51 and 15% for PBA Striker and Genesis 090, respectively, demonstrating the benefit of fungicides in Ascochyta blight management. Across seasons and environments, a comparison between fungicides applied preventatively or post-infection highlighted both were both profitable ($23–$1,095/ha), except when dry conditions limited grain yield to less than 0.6 t/ha. The post infection timing had greater yield losses in sites/seasons with higher rainfall, but with dual active ingredient fungicides and partially resistant cultivars this timing could allow a reduction in the number of fungicide applications, thus improving profitability. These experiments highlighted the importance of controlling Ascochyta blight through cultivar resistance and fungicides to improve grain yields, grain quality, and grower profitability.
The space paradox in graphic representation
Authors: Lange-Küttner Christiane , Vinueza Chavez Ximena
Published: October 2022

The negative space drawing technique refers to drawing the transparent space around and between objects, rather than drawing the objects themselves. This space-based instruction is thought to attenuate object-specific visual attention and to enhance perception of a spatial expanse. Developmentally, it is equivalent to the Piagetian dichotomic space concept of filled and empty space. A sample of 96 children from 5 to 12 years of age and 24 adults (N = 120) drew on a computer tablet a real-life model spacebox placed in front of the participant, with three cubes placed inside the model. Children followed two instructions, a Visual Realism (VR) Instruction “Please draw the three cubes and the box as you can see them” and a Negative Space (NSp) Instruction “Please draw the space around the objects,” with the sequence counterbalanced. NSp outline drawings began to show from 9 years onwards. A positive effect of the NSp technique showed for occlusion drawing because of the depiction of common contour of objects which could create a cohesive scene feature such as a horizon. The VR instruction focused attention toward the space box and enhanced 3D drawing of both the spacebox and the cubes. Thus, it could be concluded—rather paradoxically—that drawing in 3D is better based on object- than on space-based attention, while drawing occlusion is better based on space-based than object-based attention. We suggest, however, that a better definition of VR as attention to object appearances is that VR unifies objects and spatial context into one global plane.
Dynamic changes in mental health status related to the COVID-19 pandemic among health care workers and inpatients in China
Authors: Tong Yujun , Zhang Qian , Wang Xiaoran , Du Yanlin , Chang Dong , Cui Yong , Duan Xinchun
Published: October 2022

Background

Exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause severe mental health problems, the dynamics of which remain unclear. This study evaluated the mental status of frontline health care workers (FHWs) and suspected infected patients (SIPs) during different periods of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Materials and methods

Demographic and psychological data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 409 participants in a hospital from 20 January to 7 August 2020. COVID-19 outbreaks were divided into three periods owing to the time, place, and scale, including the national outbreak period (a nationwide pandemic period from 20 January to 8 April 2020), sporadic period (a stable period from 9 April to 10 June), and local epidemic period (a local pandemic in Beijing from 11 June to 7 August 2020). Acute psychological disorders (APDs), including symptoms of anxiety and depression, were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale (SAS/SDS).

Results

A total of 206 FHWs and 203 SIPs completed the electronic questionnaire. Overall, the prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among SIPs were 3.9 and 19.4%, respectively, while significantly higher prevalence rates (17.7 and 25.1%) were found among FHWs, P-value < 0.05. Psychological status among SIPs did not differ significantly across the three periods. The FHWs were more vulnerable, as their SAS and SDS scores and almost all the dimension scores were significantly higher during the local epidemic period than during the national outbreak and sporadic periods (all P-values < 0.001). The prevalence of anxiety (34.41%) and depression (41.94%) was significantly higher during the local epidemic period (P < 0.001). Logistic and linear mixed models showed that age, sex, and doctor-patient ratio especially, independently influenced most dimension scores of SAS and SDS among FHWs (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to the COVID-19 epidemic at the national level, the local epidemic had a greater influence on FHWs’ mental health. More attention should be given to the workload of FHWs.
Efficiency measurement and spatial spillover effect of provincial health systems in China: Based on the two-stage network DEA model
Authors: Yang Yuping , Zhang Liqin , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Mengting , Zou Wenjie
Published: October 2022

The effectiveness of a health care system is an important factor for improving people's health and quality of life. The purpose of this research is to analyze the efficiency and spatial spillover effects of provincial health systems in China using panel data from 2009 to 2020. We employ the two-stage network DEA model to evaluate their efficiencies and use a spatial econometric model for empirical estimation. The results suggest that the overall efficiency, resource allocation efficiency, and service operation efficiency of health systems in different regions of China generally have fluctuating upward trends, with large differences in efficiency among the various regions. Further analysis reveals that the efficiency of China's health system has a significant spatial spillover effect. The level of economic development, fiscal decentralization and old-age dependency ratio are important factors affecting the health system efficiency. Our findings help to identify the efficiency and internal operating mechanisms of China's health system at different stages, and are expected to contribute to policymakers' efforts to build a high-quality health service system.
Trends in willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in India: Findings from repeated cross-sectional national surveys
Authors: Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Chakrapani Venkatesan , Gupta Madhu , Sharma Nikita , Patro Binod Kumar , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Singh Ritesh , Pala Star , Sankhe Lalit , Modi Bhavesh , Bali Surya , Rustagi Neeti , Jain Lovely , Vij Jatina , Satapathy Prakasini , Goel Kapil , Rajagopal Vineeth , Kiran Tanvi , Aggarwal Arun Kumar
Published: October 2022

Background

COVID-19 vaccination of the healthcare workers (HCWs) is a key priority in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. India launched its COVID-19 vaccination program in January 2021. We aimed to understand the trends in willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines and its associated factors among HCWs in India.

Methods

Using a repeated cross-sectional survey design, we collected information from HCWs in three critical time points: before (n = 937, October 2020), during (n = 1346, January 2021); and after (n = 812, May 2021) the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in India. The third survey coincided with the peak of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Findings

Of the study participants, 43.7, 60.2, and 73.2% were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines during the first, second and third rounds of surveys, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, participants who trusted the health care system were more likely to report willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; medical trust emerged as a significant factor in all the three rounds of surveys (First survey—aOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.67–2.99; Second survey—aOR: 3.38, 95% CI: 2.64-4.33; Third survey—aOR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.65–3.91). Having confidence in domestic vaccines (Second survey—aOR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.61–3.02; Third survey—aOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.24–3.37); and high perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 (Second survey—aOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.13–1.93; Third survey—aOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.31–3.13) were found to be associated with willingness to receive vaccines. Among socio-demographic characteristics, being married (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.08–2.71) and having high socio-economic status (aOR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.65–5.51) emerged as significant factors associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the third round of the surveys.

Interpretation

Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine increased with time, as the severity of the pandemic increased. To increase COVID-19 acceptance and coverage among HCWs, it is important to instill confidence in domestic vaccines and assist in accurate assessment of risk toward contracting COVID-19 infection.
Treatise on Analytic Nonlinear Optimal Guidance and Control Amplification of Strictly Analytic (Non-Numerical) Methods
Authors: Sands Timothy
Published: October 2022

Optimal control is seen by researchers from a different perspective than that from which the industry practitioners see it. Either type of user can easily become confounded when deciding which manner of optimal control should be used for guidance and control of mechanics. Such optimization methods are useful for autonomous navigation, guidance, and control, but their performance is hampered by noisy multi-sensor technologies and poorly modeled system equations, and real-time on-board utilization is generally computationally burdensome. Some methods proposed here use noisy sensor data to learn the optimal guidance and control solutions in real-time (online), where non-iterative instantiations are preferred to reduce computational burdens. This study aimed to highlight the efficacy and limitations of several common methods for optimizing guidance and control while proposing a few more, where all methods are applied to the full, nonlinear, coupled equations of motion including cross-products of motion from the transport theorem. While the reviewed literature introduces quantitative studies that include parametric uncertainty in nonlinear terms, this article proposes accommodating such uncertainty with time-varying solutions to Hamiltonian systems of equations solved in real-time. Five disparate types of optimum guidance and control algorithms are presented and compared to a classical benchmark. Comparative analysis is based on tracking errors (both states and rates), fuel usage, and computational burden. Real-time optimization with singular switching plus nonlinear transport theorem decoupling is newly introduced and proves superior by matching open-loop solutions to the constrained optimization problem (in terms of state and rate errors and fuel usage), while robustness is validated in the utilization of mixed, noisy state and rate sensors and uniformly varying mass and mass moments of inertia. Compared to benchmark, state-of-the-art methods state tracking errors are reduced one-hundred ten percent. Rate tracking errors are reduced one-hundred thirteen percent. Control utilization (fuel) is reduced eighty-four percent, while computational burden is reduced ten percent, simultaneously, where the proposed methods have no control gains and no linearization.
The canary in the mine: Mediterranean mines as indicators of the hold on territories and resources: French Pyrenees, Moroccan Middle Atlas, and Tunisian coastal mountains
Authors: Saqalli Mehdi , Hamrita Abdelkarim , Mouri Hassane , Rejeb Hichem , El Hachimi Moulay Lâarabi , Benyassine El Mehdi , Rebaï Nasser
Published: October 2022

Mediterranean mountains have been and continue to be used by human populations along an interweaving of numerous uses: agro-sylvo-pastoralism, trade, industry and mining have all gone hand in hand for several millennia. Mines are however a so important source of wealth that, by putting in contact external powers and mountain locals, it creates an imbalance of powers inducing structural violence and tensions. The 1830–1962 colonial era did change the magnitude of these imbalances and this affect all Mediterranean mountainous ranges. The French expansion did affect as a result the Moroccan Atlas, the Tunisia Coastal Mounts but also the French Pyrenees. The article explores the available archives regarding the history of three mines in each of these emblematic mountains with a shared mining and agro-sylvo-pastoral past and where mining were actually well-known: Sem-Rancié and Puymorens in the French Pyrenees, Mibladen and Zeïda in the Moroccan Middle Atlas and Jebel Ressass in Tunisia. These reconstructions show that the initial social and political situations, as diverse as they are, are of little importance in the trajectory of these mines: all of them see a rapid appropriation by economic powers that are more and more powerful and more and more distant as far as Paris, the common capital in colonial times, despite several revolts and tensions. The initial expansion then gave way to a structural crisis due to the competition with other mining sites until abandonment. The following powers, post-colonial in Morocco or Tunisia or decentralized in France, did not endorse any responsibility of this the post-mining environmental, social and economic legacy. For each of these sites, the mine could be seen as an indicator of the power balance evolution among activities and actors, a canary in the mine on which we propose a methodology for further investigations.
Development and comparison of an esophageal Doppler monitoring-based treatment algorithm with a heart rate and blood pressure-based treatment algorithm for goal-directed fluid therapy in anesthetized dogs: A pilot study
Authors: Henze Inken Sabine , Hilpert Laura , Kutter Annette P. N.
Published: October 2022

The objective of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of a study comparing the efficacy of an esophageal Doppler monitor (EDM)-based fluid therapy algorithm with a heart rate (HR)- and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP)-based algorithm in reducing hypotension and fluid load in anesthetized dogs. Client-owned dogs undergoing general anesthesia for surgical procedures were randomized to two groups. An EDM probe for monitoring blood flow in the descending aorta was placed in each dog before receiving a crystalloid bolus (5 mL/kg) over 5 min. Fluids were repeated in case of fluid responsiveness defined by increasing Velocity Time Integral (VTI) ≥ 10% in group EDM and by decreasing HR ≥ 5 beats/min and/or increasing MAP ≥ 3 mmHg in group standard. The feasibility outcomes included the proportion of dogs completing the study and the clinical applicability of the algorithms. The clinical outcomes were the total administered fluid volume and the duration of hypotension defined as MAP < 60 mmHg. Data was compared between groups with Mann-Whitney U-test. p < 0.05 were deemed significant. Of 25 dogs screened, 14 completed the study (56%). There were no differences in the proportion of recorded time spent in hypotension in group standard [2 (0–39)% (median (range))] and EDM [0 (0–63) %, p = 1], or the total volume of fluids [standard 8 (5–14) mL/kg/h, EDM 11 (4–20) mL/kg/h, p = 0.3]. This study declined the feasibility of a study comparing the impact of two newly developed fluid therapy algorithms on hypotension and fluid load in their current form. Clinical outcome analyses were underpowered and no differences in treatment efficacy between the groups could be determined. The conclusions drawn from this pilot study provide important information for future study designs.
Necesidad de una transición energética justa con las personas y la naturaleza: una mirada a la transición energética europea
Authors: Rivera Lennys
Published: October 2022

La guerra en Ucrania ha dejado en evidencia la alta vulnerabilidad de la economía europea a la importación de combustibles fósiles y, como respuesta, la UE ha propuesto el plan REPowerEU (mayo de 2022), el cual busca acelerar el cambio del modelo energético. REPowerEU se enmarca en el Pacto Verde Europeo e incrementa el objetivo de energías renovables del 40% (paquete Fit for 55) al 45% de cara a 2030. Si bien acelerar la producción de energías renovables es una de las principales acciones de mitigación de cambio climático, la demanda de materiales y suelo para el despliegue de las renovables puede exacerbar conflictos territoriales y generar amenazas a la biodiversidad que deben ser abordadas, y no solo en clave interna, sino también internacional, considerando que la UE es dependiente de la importación de materias primas críticas para el desarrollo de tecnologías de energías renovables. De ahí que este documento tenga como objetivo aproximar a la complejidad de la transición energética en un escenario de despliegue acelerado y a gran escala de energías renovables, identificando elementos que permitan un desarrollo consistente y equilibrado con respecto a los objetivos climáticos, sociales y ambientales, en un contexto más amplio de transformación justa.
Maggot debridement therapy in an infected wounded dog: A case report
Authors: USLU Ugur , EVCİ Ayşe , AKDENİZ Hüseyin Koray , CEYLAN Onur
Published: October 2022

Losing its importance over time with the discovery of antibiotics, maggot debridement therapy (MDT) to treat non-healing wounds tends to increase in recent years. However, its use in veterinary medicine is rather limited than human medicine. The material of this case report consisted of a 5-month-old Doberman dog bandaged for a fracture of the left hind toe. An anamnesis was taken that the bandage on the leg area was wet and remained on the wound for five days, and due to these, the foot turned into a macerated and gangrenous structure. Then, the gangrenous foot was amputated, and an infected wound that did not respond to antibiotic therapy occurred in the amputation area. The study was planned to investigate the efficacy of MDT on a post-operative infected wound. For this purpose, the sterile first and second instar larvae of Lucilia sericata were used. The first MDT administration was performed six days after the amputation. The second application was repeated after 24 hours, and the other two applications were repeated 48 hours intervals. After the first application, the amount of discharge gradually decreased in the wound, and rapid healing was determined. The wound was successfully treated by the wound healing-promoting characteristics of sterile L. sericata larvae. It is thought that this study will contribute to the spread of MDT applications, which are applied at a limited level for the treatment of non-healing chronic infected wounds in the field of veterinary medicine.
Preliminary Trials of Hormone-Induced Production of Fertilised Eggs in the West Australian Dhufish (Glaucosoma hebraicum, Richardson, 1845)
Authors:   AQUAMEN BP 323, Madagascar, PIRONET F.N.
Published: October 2022

This paper describes the first trials of spawning induction on the WA dhufish. Spawning was achieved using hormone treatments at low dose rates such as: I) 13 µg LHRH-a·kg· 1 in cholesterol-based implant, 2) a double treatment with 5 µg LHRH-a·kg·1 (by implant + saline injection) 3) 6 µg GnRH-a ·kg- 1 (0.3 ml Ovaprim·kg1 ). Treatments with hCG (900-1600 IU·kg·1 ) and with implants of LHRH-a at high dose rates (25, 50, 80, 100, 120 µg·kg· 1 ) induced ovulation but not spawning in which case eggs had to be stripped manually. The timing at which to strip females was critical since the viability of eggs dramatically decreased within a few hours after ovulation. Sperm production by male dhufish post-capture was achieved in 50% of cases with LHRH-a implants at a dose rate of 30 and 100 µg·kg·1. Males captured at least 2.5 months before the spawning season and held in tanks as sole males with a group of females produced highly active sperm naturally. When several males (up to eight) were present in a group with females, a maximum of two males produced viscous sperm with active spermatozoa. Treatments with hCG or LHRH-a performed immediately after capture failed to retain the viscosity of the sperm and activity of spermatozoa.
Efeito da facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva na Doença de Hirayama: relato de caso
Authors: Barroso Leandra Cristina Coelho , Moraes Márcia Goretti Guimarães de , Oliveira João Sérgio de Sousa , Silva Dayse Danielle de Oliveira
Published: October 2022

Objetivo. Avaliar os efeitos da Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva (FNP) sobre a força dos Membros Superiores (MMSS), atividade elétrica muscular, funcionalidade e a qualidade de vida de um indivíduo com doença de Hirayama. Método. Relato de caso realizado por meio de um protocolo com 20 sessões fisioterapêuticas baseadas na FNP. A medida da força muscular de MMSS foi obtida utilizando o dinamômetro hidráulico, a atividade elétrica muscular pelo eletromiógrafo de superfície, a qualidade de vida pelo The Medical Outcomes Study 36- Item Short-Form Health Survery SF-36 e a funcionalidade pelo questionário de Avaliação Funcional das Mãos em Hanseníase (AFMH), pré e pós protocolo pela FNP. Resultados. Obteve-se melhora na força muscular de MMSS. Quanto à atividade elétrica muscular em relação aos músculos abdutor curto do polegar direito e abdutor do dedo mínimo direito, observou-se aumento, indicando que o indivíduo está recrutando mais unidades motoras após as 20 sessões, diminuindo assim a sua eficiência biomecânica. Ademais, ele obteve melhora nos domínios capacidade funcional e vitalidade e piora no domínio estado geral de saúde no questionário SF-36. Na AFMH observou-se uma melhora para se realizar atividades cotidianas. Conclusão. A FNP teve efeito positivo sobre a força dos MMSS, a atividade elétrica muscular do Extensor Radial Longo Carpo Direito, a funcionalidade e a qualidade de vida do indivíduo com DH participante do estudo.
Implementation of Multimode Fiber in Eight Channels Mimo Multiplexing System By Eliminating Dispersion with Optical Grating Methodologies
Authors: Karpagarajesh Guruviah
Published: October 2022

In recent years, with the swift development of the internet industry, people urgently necessitate extra capacity and speedy network systems. Under this circumstance, optical fibers are becoming the most favourable delivering media as it has a major important role in the information business, with their huge bandwidth and excellent transmission performance. Dispersion compensation is the main important attribute required in an optical fiber communication system because the presence of dispersion leads to pulse spreading that causes the output signal pulses to overlap. For a long-haul transmission system, an 8x1 Wavelength Division Multiplexing Multi Input Multi Output (WDM MIMO) channel with a novel dispersion compensation system has been designed. Various dispersion compensation techniques are explored in this work, including dispersion-compensating fibers, fiber Bragg grating, Ideal compensation Bragg grating, and opti-grating, with a 2.5 Gbit/s data rate for each channel. With a power of 20 dBm, the proposed model is simulated with 32768 samples. The length of an optical fibre can range from 5 to 100 kilometres. Throughout the simulation, the operation frequency is 193.1 THz. The software opti-system-17.0 was used to design and implement the system. The 8-channel device was used to simulate and calculate metrics such as Q-factor, Bit Error Rate (BER), and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). The proposed model enhances performance in terms of (BER) and quality factor at the receiver end of systems.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN INTERAKTIF BERBASIS LECTORA INSPIRE DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA KELAS X LINTAS MINAT PADA MATA PELAJARAN GEOGRAFI DI SMAN 1 PADANG SAGO
Authors: Dahlia Dahlia , Rianto Slamet , Yuherman Yuherman
Published: October 2022

This study analyzes interactive learning using Lektora Inspire. The 4D research approach developed by Thiagarajan is used: define, design, develop, and distribute. The students of class X cross-interest at SMAN 1 Padang Sago were studied. The construction of interactive learning media based on Lectora Inspire Inspire by media, language, education, and IT lecturers, and the results obtained are 0.737 and are acceptable. The study revealed that this media can be created and the location of the media determined using Microsoft Excel, with a score of 214 with a mean of 4.89 and 98% with “Very Good” information. The practicality test of Lectora Inspire media based on questionnaire data obtained a score of 2,920 with an average of 4.71, 94% with "Very Practical" knowledge
Preference Factors for Escrow Service in Real Estate Transactions
Authors:   Korea Real Estate Research Institute, Seol Jung Hee , Lee Sang Youb
Published: October 2022

We analyzed the disparities in perceptions of the factors favoring the use of escrow services for real estate transaction safety between service users, the general public, service providers, and escrow service workers. We identified key factors that should be prioritized to promote service use. Furthermore, AHP methodology was used to determine the relative importance and priority of the upper and lower core factors, weight analysis between factors, and comparative analysis between service users and service providers. Research findings indicate that the measures to prevent transaction accidents are the most important, followed by relieve anxiety about transaction accidents, establishment of a business processing system, reduced fee, and public institutions’ participation. This study contributes to service activation by ranking the factors of preference for escrow service use in order of importance.