bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of misuse of nonparametric tests in the presence of heteroscedasticity within obesity research
Authors: Kroeger Cynthia M , Hannon Bridget A , Halliday Tanya M , Ejima Keisuke , Teran-Garcia Margarita , Brown Andrew W
Published: May 2021

Background:

Classic nonparametric tests (cNPTs), like Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney U, are sometimes used to detect differences in central tendency (i.e., means or medians). However, when the tests’ assumptions are violated, such as in the presence of unequal variance and other forms of heteroscedasticity, they are no longer valid for testing differences in central tendency. Yet, sometimes researchers erroneously use cNPTs to account for heteroscedasticity.

Objective:

To document the appropriateness of cNPT use in obesity literature, characterize studies that use cNPTs, and evaluate the citation and public sharing patterns of these articles.

Methods:

We reviewed obesity studies published in 2017 to determine whether the authors used cNPTs: (1) to correct for heteroscedasticity (invalid); (2) when heteroscedasticity was clearly not present (correct); or (3) when it was unclear whether heteroscedasticity was present (unclear). Open science R packages were used to transparently search literature and extract data on how often papers with errors have been cited in academic literature, read in Mendeley, and disseminated in the media.

Results:

We identified nine studies that used a cNPT in the presence of heteroscedasticity (some because of the mistaken rationale that the test corrected for heteroscedasticity), 25 articles that did not explicitly state whether heteroscedasticity was present when a cNPT was used, and only four articles that appropriately reported that heteroscedasticity was not present when a cNPT was used. Errors were found in observational and interventional studies, in human and rodent studies, and only when studies were unregistered. Studies with errors have been cited 113 times, read in Mendeley 123 times, and disseminated in the media 41 times, by the public, scientists, science communicators, and doctors.

Conclusions:

Examples of inappropriate use of cNPTs exist in the obesity literature, and those articles perpetuate the errors via various audiences and dissemination platforms.
Risk factors for completed suicide among people who use drugs: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Murphy Lisa , Lyons Suzi , O'Sullivan Michael , Lynn Ena
Published: May 2021

Background: Research over the past several decades has shown an increased risk for completed suicide among people who use drugs (PWUD). However, no study to date has attempted to summarise the available literature on the variety of risk factors associated with this increased risk. This paper presents a protocol for a scoping review that aims to systematically map and synthesise the extent and nature of published, unpublished and grey literature related to risk factors for suicide among PWUD.

Methods: The following six-stage methodological framework for scoping reviews proposed by Arksey and O’Malley with enhancements by Levac and colleagues will be used: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting/mapping the data, (5) collating, summarising and reporting results and (6) expert consultation. The review will be conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Key inclusion and exclusion criteria will be developed to guide literature screening and data charting. Three reviewers will conduct the initial screening of published, unpublished and grey literature. Identified risk factors will be collated, summarised and categorised iteratively by two independent reviewers. Stakeholder consultation will occur with experts from a national steering committee, a national advisory group, a national suicide prevention centre and a European drug monitoring centre.

Conclusion: Collating and thematically categorising the various risk factors for suicide among this high-risk group will hold important implications for future research, policy and practice. The research will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal and a conference presentation, and by sharing the findings with key stakeholders working within research, policy-making and professional practice contexts.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Seroprevalence Among Healthcare Workers by Job Function and Work Location in a New York Inner‐City Hospital
Authors: Purswani Murli U , Bucciarelli Jessica , Tiburcio Jose , Yagudayev Shamuel M , Connell Georgia H , Omidiran Arafat A , Hannaway Launcelot , Zeana Cosmina , Healy Maureen , Yu Gary , Reich Doug
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVE

To describe the seroprevalence and risk for SARS‐CoV‐2 among healthcare workers (HCWs) by job function and work location following the pandemic's first wave in New York City (NYC).

METHODS

A cross‐sectional study conducted between May 18 and June 26, 2020, during which HCWs at a large inner‐city teaching hospital in NYC received voluntary antibody testing. The main outcome was presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies indicating previous infection. Seroprevalence and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for seropositivity by type and location of work were calculated using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 2,749 HCWs tested, 831 tested positive, yielding a crude seroprevalence of 30.2% (95% CI, 29%‐32%). Seroprevalence ranged from 11.1% for pharmacy staff to 44.0% for nonclinical HCWs comprised of patient transporters and housekeeping and security staff, with 37.5% for nurses and 20.9% for administrative staff. Compared to administrative staff, aORs (95% CIs) for seropositivity were 2.54 (1.64‐3.94) for nurses; 2.51 (1.42‐4.43) for nonclinical HCWs; between 1.70 and 1.83 for allied HCWs such as patient care technicians, social workers, registration clerks and therapists; and 0.80 (0.50‐1.29) for physicians. Compared to office locations, aORs for the emergency department and inpatient units were 2.27 (1.53‐3.37) and 1.48 (1.14‐1.92), respectively.

CONCLUSION

One‐third of hospital‐based HCWs were seropositive for SARS‐CoV‐2 by the end of the first wave in NYC. Seroprevalence differed by job function and work location, with the highest estimated risk for nurses and the emergency department, respectively. These findings support current nationwide policy prioritizing HCWs for receipt of newly authorized COVID‐19 vaccines.
Konserwatyści galicyjscy wobec kwestii ukraińskiej w okresie rządów namiestnika Leona Pinińskiego (1898-1903)
Authors: Dudek Tomasz
Published: May 2021

Galician Conservatives on the Ukrainian Question during the Time of Governor Leon Piniński (1898-1903)

The article examines the attitude of Galician conservatives towards the Ukrainian question during the time of Governor Leon Piniński. It discusses the issue of establishing new schools with Ukrainian as the language of instruction and a Ukrainian University in Lviv, and the problem of the 1902-1903 farmers’ strikes in the East Galician countryside, which had not only national but also social grounds. The author also draws attention to the course of the elections to the National Parliament and the Council of State, and their impact on Polish-Ukrainian relations. The author argues that the actions taken during this period by both the governor and part of the broadly understood conservative camp contributed to the deterioration of the mutual relations.
Linear and Utilitarian Choice Functions: Revisiting Myerson’s Theorem
Authors: Bachi Benjamin , Rachmilevitch Shiran
Published: May 2021

Myerson proved that every linear and weakly Paretian choice function is utilitarian. We revisit his model and result for the two-person case and supplement it with an “only if” direction. That is, we characterize the class of linear and weakly Paretian two-person choice functions. It turns out that these are the utilitarian functions with an “egalitarian tie-breaking.”
Early detection and prompt effective treatment of lameness in dairy cattle
Authors: Pedersen Sara , Wilson James
Published: May 2021

Lameness remains a substantial challenge within the UK dairy industry despite significant investment and research in this area. The early detection and prompt effective treatment (EDPET) of new cases of lameness is vital in breaking the chronicity cycle associated with the condition yet remains an under-utilised approach. There needs to be a shift in focus away from using mobility scoring solely as an auditing tool. Mobility scoring should instead be used to empower producers to recognise early cases of lameness to maximise the long-term welfare of the animal and profitability of the unit.
Porcine circoviruses
Authors: Carr John , Howells Mark , Hersey William
Published: May 2021

Porcine circoviruses have become an integral part of the pig production landscape. They are an evolving pathogen whose impact spans non-pathogenic to association with some of the most serious and far-reaching pathological conditions of pigs.
We cannot afford to waste feed on pig farms
Authors: Carr John , Howells Mark
Published: May 2021

In a time of record feed prices it is essential that feed wastage be minimised. It is estimated that 10% of feed delivered is wasted on the average farm. On a 250 sow unit this can be more than 150 tonnes of feed per year! Feed is often wasted from the point of delivery to the passage of faeces. This article details some of the areas where this wastage occurs at the farm level and focuses on simple management practices that veterinarians can discuss with their clients to reduce these losses. Reducing feed wastage by half would make the difference between profit and loss on many farms. Reducing the feed wastage by half is likely to be more than the whole health bill cost for the farm!
The global and national inequality faultlines: the economic dimensions of (in)security
Authors: Lawrence Peter
Published: May 2021

Inequality between nations could be viewed as a major global faultline and although there is evidence that it is slowly being reduced, the gap between countries at the top and bottom remains enormous, with GDP per head of the top 25 high-income countries of the Global North being 52 times that of the bottom 25 countries. Inequality within countries is increasing, with evidence of a growing concentration of income and wealth in the hands of a small number of very rich individuals and senior corporate executives on astronomical salaries and bonuses. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be reinforcing inequality. These developments are widely considered to be a threat to national and international security. Studies that have sought to find a relationship between inequality and threats to security in the form of terrorism and violent and property crime have found it to be positive. There are, therefore, sound practical reasons why inequality should be reduced, if not moral ones to underpin genuine democracy and human rights.
Experiences of domestic abuse within the South Asian community
Authors: Azad Mikahil Sulaiman
Published: May 2021

The Black Lives Matter social movement has once again raised important societal issues around structural and racial inequalities. These issues stem from our political and social structures, which are argued to be a continuance of colonial rule and which allow injustice to amplify. There are many who continue to suffer and are often overlooked, namely victims of domestic abuse within the South Asian community. The Domestic Abuse Bill (DAB) is currently going through the Parliamentary process. It is argued that the DAB is flawed due to an absence of provisions and support for minority ethnic groups, namely the South Asian community. Previous scholarly research has documented the prevalence of honour-based abuse within the South Asian community. Despite the unique nature of abuse, this is not acknowledged in the DAB. The purpose of this paper is to uncover the unique experiences of domestic abuse within the South Asian community by thematically analysing two Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs). The findings will be discussed using aspects ofultra-realism, namelyspecial liberty, andbenign neglect.These findings will form the basis of reasoning behind amendment suggestions for the DAB. Following thethematic analysisof the two DHRs and critical literature review, three recommendations were formed: 1) Removal of ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’, thus providing funding to all, despite immigration status; 2) Provide education to police officers and GPs regarding domestic abuse and how it often differs depending on culture, namely the South Asian community; and 3) Implement neighbourhood committees across Britain that have a working relationship with the police to identify cases of domestic abuse within this South Asian demographic.
Fast dynamics of low-frequency fluctuations in a quantum-dot laser with optical feedback
Authors: Yamasaki Kazuto , Kanno Kazutaka , Matsumoto Atsushi , Akahane Kouichi , Yamamoto Naokatsu , Naruse Makoto , Uchida Atsushi
Published: May 2021

We experimentally investigate the complex dynamics of a multi-mode quantum-dot semiconductor laser with time-delayed optical feedback. We examine a two-dimensional bifurcation diagram of the quantum-dot laser as a comprehensive dynamical map by changing the injection current and feedback strength. We found that the bifurcation diagram contains two different parameter regions of low-frequency fluctuations. The power-dropout dynamics of the low-frequency fluctuations are observed in the sub-GHz region, which is considerably faster than the conventional low-frequency fluctuations in the MHz region. Comparing the dynamics of quantum-dot laser with those of single- and multi-mode quantum-well semiconductor lasers reveals that the fast low-frequency fluctuation dynamics are unique characteristics of quantum-dot lasers with time-delayed optical feedback.
Solving, analyzing, manufacturing, and experimental testing of thickness distribution for a cycloid-like variable curvature mirror
Authors: Xie Xiaopeng , Xu Liang , Wang Yongjie , Shen Le , Fan Xuewu , Fan Wenhui , Li Chuang , Zhao Hui
Published: May 2021

A cycloid-like variable curvature mirror (VCM) for zoom-imaging systems was investigated. An analytical-deformation solution to a thin-elastic plate with a cycloid-like thickness distribution and simply supported boundary condition under uniform pressure was found using a small parameter method. The finite-element analysis of the thin-elastic plate and designed VCM showed a good correlation with the analytical solution. The VCM was manufactured and polished to the initial shape with a root mean square (RMS) of 1/80λ. Finally, with air-pressure-based actuation testing under 0.07 MPa, the VCM deforms approximately 36.89 µm and maintains the RMS surface performance of 1/10λ, 1/40λ with and without spherical aberrations, respectively.
Phase-shifted demodulation technique with additional modulation based on a 3 × 3 coupler and EFA for the interrogation of fiber-optic interferometric sensors
Authors: Shi Jinhui , Guang Dong , Li Shili , Wu Xuqiang , Zhang Guosheng , Zuo Cheng , Zhang Gang , Wang Rui , Ge Qiang , Yu Benli
Published: May 2021

A phase-shifted demodulation technique with a

3

×
3

coupler and ellipse fitting algorithm (EFA) for the interrogation of interferometric sensors is proposed. To reduce the error of the EFA as to measure small phase signals, additional phase modulation is introduced. The additional modulation provides a walk of the operating point along the Lissajous ellipse large enough to permit calculation of the ellipse parameters at every moment. Experimental result shows that this technique demonstrates high accuracy and stability for measuring small phase signals. The setting of this technology expands the application of the EFA in fiber-optic phase demodulation technology.
Enhancing the efficiency of GaN-based laser diodes by the designing of a p-AlGaN cladding layer and an upper waveguide layer
Authors: Hou Yufei , Zhao Degang , Liang Feng , Liu Zongshun , Yang Jing , Chen Ping
Published: May 2021

To obtain high performance of GaN-based laser diodes (LDs), three series of LDs are proposed, the effects of Al content of p-AlGaN cladding layer, as well as the material composition and thickness of upper waveguide layer (UWG) are investigated separately. As the Al content increases, the threshold current and output power are found to improve significantly. Meanwhile, the optical field distributed on the p-type side is reduced. Besides, the photoelectric characteristics of LDs are further improved when In0.03Ga0.97N/In0.01Ga0.99N UWG is used. Moreover, proper choice of the In0.03Ga0.97N/In0.01Ga0.99N UWG thickness is necessary to achieve the high performance of GaN-based LDs.
High-resolution digital spatial control of a highly multimode laser
Authors: Tradonsky Chene , Mahler Simon , Cai Gaodi , Pal Vishwa , Chriki Ronen , Friesem Asher A. , Davidson Nir
Published: May 2021

We developed a rapid and efficient method for generating laser outputs with arbitrary shaped distributions and properties that are needed for a variety of applications. It is based on simultaneously controlling the intensity, phase, and coherence distributions of the laser. The method involves a digital degenerate cavity laser in which a phase-only spatial light modulator and spatial filters are incorporated. As a result, a variety of unique and high-resolution arbitrary shaped laser beams were generated with either a low or a high spatial coherence and with a minimal change in the laser output power. By controlling the phase, intensity, and coherence distributions, a shaped laser beam was efficiently reshaped into a completely different shape after free space propagation. The generation of such laser beams could lead to new and interesting applications.
Cortical propagation tracks functional recovery after stroke
Authors: Cecchini Gloria , Scaglione Alessandro , Allegra Mascaro Anna Letizia , Checcucci Curzio , Conti Emilia , Adam Ihusan , Fanelli Duccio , Livi Roberto , Pavone Francesco Saverio , Kreuz Thomas
Published: May 2021

Stroke is a debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide. The development of improved rehabilitation therapies rests on finding biomarkers suitable for tracking functional damage and recovery. To achieve this goal, we perform a spatiotemporal analysis of cortical activity obtained by wide-field calcium images in mice before and after stroke. We compare spontaneous recovery with three different post-stroke rehabilitation paradigms, motor training alone, pharmacological contralesional inactivation and both combined. We identify three novel indicators that are able to track how movement-evoked global activation patterns are impaired by stroke and evolve during rehabilitation: the duration, the smoothness, and the angle of individual propagation events. Results show that, compared to pre-stroke conditions, propagation of cortical activity in the subacute phase right after stroke is slowed down and more irregular. When comparing rehabilitation paradigms, we find that mice treated with both motor training and pharmacological intervention, the only group associated with generalized recovery, manifest new propagation patterns, that are even faster and smoother than before the stroke. In conclusion, our new spatiotemporal propagation indicators could represent promising biomarkers that are able to uncover neural correlates not only of motor deficits caused by stroke but also of functional recovery during rehabilitation. In turn, these insights could pave the way towards more targeted post-stroke therapies.
Genome-wide association mapping identifies yellow rust resistance loci in Ethiopian durum wheat germplasm
Authors: Alemu Sisay Kidane , Huluka Ayele Badebo , Tesfaye Kassahun , Haileselassie Teklehaimanot , Uauy Cristobal
Published: May 2021

Durum wheat is an important cereal grown in Ethiopia, a country which is also its center for genetic diversity. Yellow (stripe) rust caused by Puccinia striiformis fsp tritici is one of the most devastating diseases threatening Ethiopian wheat production. To identify sources of genetic resistance and combat this pathogen, we conducted a genome wide association study of yellow rust resistance on 300 durum wheat accessions comprising 261 landraces and 39 cultivars. The accessions were evaluated for their field resistance using a modified Cobb scale at Meraro, Kulumsa and Chefe Donsa in the 2015 and 2016 main growing seasons. Analysis of the 35K Axiom Array genotyping data of the panel resulted in a total of 8,797 polymorphic SNPs of which 7,093 were used in subsequent analyses. Population structure analysis suggested two groups in which the cultivars clearly stood out separately from the landraces. Eleven SNPs significantly associated with yellow rust resistance were identified on four chromosomes (1A, 1B, 2B, and 5A) which defined at least five genomic loci. Six of the SNPs were consistently identified on chromosome 1B singly at each and combined overall environments which explained 62.6–64.0% of the phenotypic variation (R2). Resistant allele frequency ranged from 14.0–71.0%; Zooming in to the identified resistance loci revealed the presence of disease resistance related genes involved in the plant defense system such as the ABC transporter gene family, disease resistance protein RPM1 (NBS-LRR class), Receptor kinases and Protein kinases. This study has provided SNPs for tracking the loci associated with yellow rust resistance and a diversity panel which can be used for association study of other agriculturally important traits in durum wheat.
Spinal block and delirium in oncologic patients after laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mitsunaga Jorge Kiyoshi , Calsavara Vinicius Fernando , Onari Elton Shinji , Arantes Vinicius Monteiro , Akamine Carolina Paiva , Handa Adriana Mayumi , Quezada Michael Madeira de la Cruz , Ito Franco Yasuhiro , Porto Ana Carolina Souza , Giroud Joaquim Eduardo Henrique , Nakamura Giane
Published: May 2021

Delirium is the most common postsurgical neurological complication and has a variable incidence rate. Laparoscopic surgery, when associated with the Trendelenburg position, can cause innumerable physiological changes and increase the risk of neurocognitive changes. The association of general anesthesia with a spinal block allows the use of lower doses of anesthetic agents for anesthesia maintenance and facilitates better control over postoperative pain. Our primary outcome was to assess whether a spinal block influences the incidence of delirium in oncologic patients following laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position. Our secondary outcome was to analyze whether there were other associated factors. A total of 150 oncologic patients who underwent elective laparoscopic surgeries in the Trendelenburg position were included in this randomized controlled trial. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: the general anesthesia group and the general anesthesia plus spinal block group. Patients were immediately evaluated during the postoperative period and monitored until they were discharged, to rule out the presence of delirium. Delirium occurred in 29 patients in total (22.3%) (general anesthesia group: 30.8%; general anesthesia plus spinal block: 13.8% p = 0.035). Patients who received general anesthesia had a higher risk of delirium than patients who received general anesthesia associated with a spinal block (odds ratio = 3.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.2–9.6; p = 0.020). Spinal block was associated with reduced delirium incidence in oncologic patients who underwent elective laparoscopic surgeries in the Trendelenburg position.
Disrupted rhythms of life, work and entertainment and their associations with psychological impacts under the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey in 5854 Chinese people with different sociodemographic backgrounds
Authors: Yang Min , He Ping , Xu Xiaoming , Li Dan , Wang Jing , Wang Yanjun , Wang Bin , Wang Wo , Zhao Mei , Lin Hui , Deng Mingming , Deng Tianwei , Kuang Li , Chen Dongfeng
Published: May 2021

Background & aim

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the life and work of people worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the rhythm disruptions of life, work, and entertainment, and their associations with the psychological impacts during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted from the 10th to 17th March 2020 in China. A structured e-questionnaire containing general information, the Chinese version of Brief Social Rhythm Scale, and Zung’s self-rating scales of depression and anxiety (SDS and SAS) was posted and collected online through a public media (i.e. EQxiu online questionnaire platform). Scores in sleeping, getting up, and socializing (SGS) rhythm and eating, physical practice, and entertainment (EPE) rhythm were compared among and between participants with different sociodemographic backgrounds including gender, age, education, current occupation, annual income, health status, and chronic disease status. Correlations of SDS and SAS with SGS-scale and EPE-scale were also analyzed.

Results

Overall, 5854 participants were included. There were significant differences in the scores of SGS-scale and EPE-scale among people with different sociodemographic backgrounds. The scores were significantly higher in the groups with female gender, low education level, lower or higher than average income, poor health status, ages of 26–30 years or older than 61 years, nurses and subjects with divorce or widow status. There were also significant differences in SAS and SDS scores among people with different sociodemographic backgrounds (all P< 0.05). The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety was 24.3% and 12.6%, respectively, with nurses having the highest rates of depression (32.94%) and anxiety (18.98%) among the different occupational groups. SGS-scale was moderately correlated with SDS and SAS, and disruption of SGS rhythm was an independent risk factor for depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Social rhythm disruption was independently associated with depression and anxiety. Interventions should be applied to people vulnerable to the rhythm disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design of a patient-centered decision support tool when selecting an organ transplant center
Authors: Chu Sauman , Bruin Marilyn J. , McKinney Warren T. , Israni Ajay K. , Schaffhausen Cory R.
Published: May 2021

Patients in the US in need of a life-saving organ transplant must complete a long process of medical decisions, and a first step is to identify a transplant center to complete an evaluation. This study describes a patient-centered process of testing and refinement of a new website (www.transplantcentersearch.org) that was developed to provide data to patients who are seeking a transplant center. Mixed methods, including online surveys and structured usability testing, were conducted to inform changes in an iterative process. Survey data from 684 participants indicated the effects of different icon styles on user decisions. Qualitative feedback from 38 usability testing participants informed improvements to the website interface. The mixed methods approach was feasible and well suited to the need to address multiple development steps of a patient-facing tool. The combined methods allowed for large survey sample sizes and also allowed interaction with a functioning website and in-depth qualitative discussions. The approach is applicable for a broad range of target user groups who are faced with challenging decisions and a need for information tailored to individual users. The survey and usability testing concluded with a functioning website that is positively received by users and meets the objective to support patient decisions when seeking an organ transplant.
Generation of the short TRIM32 isoform is regulated by Lys 247 acetylation and a PEST sequence
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Juncal , Overå Katrine Stange , Khan Waqas , Sjøttem Eva
Published: May 2021

TRIM32 is an E3 ligase implicated in diverse biological pathways and pathologies such as muscular dystrophy and cancer. TRIM32 are expressed both as full-length proteins, and as a truncated protein. The mechanisms for regulating these isoforms are poorly understood. Here we identify a PEST sequence in TRIM32 located in the unstructured region between the RING-BBox-CoiledCoil domains and the NHL repeats. The PEST sequence directs cleavage of TRIM32, generating a truncated protein similarly to the short isoform. We map three lysine residues that regulate PEST mediated cleavage and auto-ubiquitylation activity of TRIM32. Mimicking acetylation of lysine K247 completely inhibits TRIM32 cleavage, while the lysines K50 and K401 are implicated in auto-ubiquitylation activity. We show that the short isoform of TRIM32 is catalytic inactive, suggesting a dominant negative role. These findings uncover that TRIM32 is regulated by post-translational modifications of three lysine residues, and a conserved PEST sequence.
Early exclusive breastfeeding cessation and postpartum depression: Assessing the mediating and moderating role of maternal stress and social support
Authors: Islam Md Jahirul , Broidy Lisa , Baird Kathleen , Rahman Mosiur , Zobair Khondker Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Background

Early termination of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and postpartum depression (PPD) are both recognized as global health problems. Recent literature reviews demonstrate a notable link between PPD and breastfeeding outcomes, however, the underlying mechanisms linking the two remain unclear.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to: 1) explore the comparative risk for PPD among new mothers who terminated EBF before the 6-month mark, compared to those who did not; and 2) test whether maternal stress and social support operate to mediate and/or moderate the relationship between EBF and PPD.

Methods

Between October 2015 and January 2016, a cross-sectional study was carried out among 426 new mothers of Bangladesh who were six months postpartum.

Results

Based on the multivariate logistic regression model, non-exclusively breastfeeding mothers were 7.58-fold more likely to experience PPD (95% CI [3.94, 14.59]) than exclusively breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, maternal stress and social support not only partially mediate the relationship between EBF and PPD but also substantially moderate this relationship. Specifically, the odds of PPD are significantly higher among mothers who had early EBF interruption in conjunction with increased stress levels and limited social support.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that concurrent screening for EBF difficulties and maternal stress are important red flags that might hint at complications even before mother’s screen positive for PPD. Support and care from family members can provide assistance in overcoming this issue.
Molecular characterization and population genetics of Theileria parva in Burundi’s unvaccinated cattle: Towards the introduction of East Coast fever vaccine
Authors: Atuhaire David Kalenzi , Muleya Walter , Mbao Victor , Niyongabo Joseph , Nyabongo Lionel , Nsanganiyumwami Deogratias , Salt Jeremy , Namangala Boniface , Musoke Antony Jim
Published: May 2021

Theileria parva (T. parva) is a protozoan parasite that causes East Coast fever (ECF). The disease is endemic in Burundi and is a major constraint to livestock development. In this study, the parasite prevalence in cattle in six regions namely; Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central and North Eastern was estimated. Furthermore, the sequence diversity of p67, Tp1 and Tp2 genes was assessed coupled with the population genetic structure of T. parva using five satellite markers. The prevalence of ECF was 30% (332/1109) on microscopy, 60% (860/1431) on ELISA and 79% (158/200) on p104 gene PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of p67 gene revealed that only allele 1 was present in the field samples. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of Tp1 and Tp2 showed that the majority of samples clustered with Muguga, Kiambu and Serengeti and shared similar epitopes. On the other hand, genetic analysis revealed that field samples shared only two alleles with Muguga Cocktail. The populations from the different regions indicated low genetic differentiation (FST = 0.047) coupled with linkage disequilibrium and non-panmixia. A low to moderate genetic differentiation (FST = 0.065) was also observed between samples and Muguga cocktail. In conclusion, the data presented revealed the presence of a parasite population that shared similar epitopes with Muguga Cocktail and was moderately genetically differentiated from it. Thus, use of Muguga Cocktail vaccine in Burundi is likely to confer protection against T. parva in field challenge trials.
Individual and community level factors associated with use of iodized salt in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis of demographic health surveys
Authors: Yeshaw Yigizie , Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Alamneh Tesfa Sewunet , Worku Misganaw Gebrie , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Iodine deficiency disorder a common problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It affects not only the health of the affected individual but also the economic development of the country. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is a scarcity in literature about the associated factors of iodized salt utilization in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to identify both individual and community level determinants of iodized salt utilization in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

This study used the appended datasets of the most recent demographic and health survey from 31 sub-Saharan countries. A total weighted sample of 391,463 households was included in the study. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression were done to determine the associated factors of iodized salt utilization in SSA. P value ≤ 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant variables.

Results

Those households with primary (AOR  =  1.53, 95% CI  =  1.50–1.57), secondary (AOR  = 1.81, 95% CI  =  1.76–1.86) and higher education level (AOR  =  2.28, 95% CI  =  2.17–2.40) had higher odds of iodized salt utilization. Households with middle (AOR  =  1.05, 95% CI  =  1.02–1.08), richer (AOR  = 1.13, 95% CI  =  1.09–1.17) and richest wealth index (AOR  =  1.23, 95% CI  =  1.18–1.28) also had an increased chance of using iodized salt. Households from high community media exposure (AOR  =  2.07, 95% CI  =  1.71–2.51), high community education level (AOR  =  3.78, 95% CI  =  3.14–4.56), and low community poverty level (AOR = 1.29, CI  =  1.07–1.56) had higher odds of using salt containing iodine.

Conclusion

Both individual and community level factors were found to be associated with use of salt containing iodine in sub-Saharan Africa. Education level, media exposure, community poverty level, wealth index, community education, and community media exposure were found to be associated with use of salt containing iodine in SSA. Therefore, to improve the use of iodized salt in the region, there is a need to increase access to media sources and develop the socioeconomic status of the community.
Sustained release of ancillary amounts of testosterone and alendronate from PLGA coated pericard membranes and implants to improve bone healing
Authors: van de Ven Cindy J. J. M. , Bakker Nicole E. C. , Link Dennis P. , Geven Edwin J. W. , Gossen Jan A.
Published: May 2021

Testosterone and alendronate have been identified as two bone healing compounds which, when combined, synergistically stimulate bone regeneration. This study describes the development of a novel ultrasonic spray coating for sustained release of ancillary amounts of testosterone and alendronate encapsulated in PLGA 5004A as a carrier. Due to the low amounts of testosterone and alendronate used, sensitive in vitro assays were developed to determine in vitro release. The ultrasonic spray coating technology was optimized for coating titanium screws and pericardial collagen membranes, with the aim to improve osseo-integration and (guided) bone regeneration, respectively, without interfering with their primary mode of action. In vitro release analysis of collagen membranes and screws showed up to 21 days sustained release of the compounds without a burst release. Subsequent preclinical studies in rat and rabbit models indicated that testosterone and alendronate coated membranes and screws significantly improved bone regeneration in vivo. Coated membranes significantly improved the formation of new bone in a critical size calvarial defect model in rats (by 160% compared to controls). Coated screws implanted in rabbit femoral condyles significantly improved bone implant contact (69% vs 54% in controls), bone mineral density (121%) and bone volume (119%) up to 1.3 mm from the implant. Based on the results obtained, we suggest that implants or membranes enabled with local sustained delivery of ancillary amounts of testosterone and alendronate can be a promising system to stimulate local bone regeneration resulting in improved osseo-integration of implants and improved healing of bone defects and fractures.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Lifestyle Disorders in Rural Communities, in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Jadhav Prajakta Prakash , Kamble Anushka Nitin , Kanase Suraj Bhimarao , Mane Dhiraj Kumar
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Lifestyle is a way of living which depends on geographical, cultural, social, economic, political, and religious characteristics. An individual’s lifestyle is defined by many factors such as his daily physical activities, diet, nutrition, stress, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, smoking, sleep etc. Disorder means disruption in the normal physical or mental functioning of body. Lifestyle disorders are disorders related with way one lives his life. Lifestyle disorders include cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, stroke, depression, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory disease, and certain types of cancers like lung cancer, cervical cancer etc. Risk factors for lifestyle disorders are physical inactivity, excessive use of alcohol, smoking, wrong body posture, obesity, unhealthy diet. The focus of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices in the rural communities towards lifestyle disorders. METHODS This observational study was conducted among 394 participants aged between 20 and 45 years who were selected from Malkapur, Karad, through simple random sampling method. Out of 394 subjects, 181 were males and 213 were females. A structured questionnaire which involved 30 questions based on knowledge, attitude and practices regarding lifestyle disorders was used in this study. RESULTS In this study it was found that, out of 394 participants, 34 % (132) participants had good knowledge regarding lifestyle disorders, 18 % (70) participants had positive attitude towards lifestyle disorders and only 13 % (61) participants were actually practicing healthy habits (P-value = < 0.0001). After comparison between two age groups 20 - 32 years (181) and 33 – 45 years (213) it was indicated that there was significant association between the practice score with P-value of 0.0004 and chi square value of 15.45. CONCLUSIONS Above study concluded that the participants had adequate knowledge about lifestyle disorders, but they lacked positive attitude and healthy practices towards lifestyle disorders. KEY WORDS Lifestyle Disorders, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices
Haematological Evaluation in Patients of Pancytopenia by Bone Marrow Aspiration
Authors: Agrawal Pallavi , Singh Yogesh , Agrawal Nutan
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Pancytopenia is a reduction in all three major series of formed elements of blood i.e. erythrocytes, leucocytes and platelets. Pancytopenia is not an uncommon condition encountered in day to day clinical practice. The underlying aetiology of pancytopenia determines the management and prognosis of patients. Bone marrow aspiration is a minimally invasive, out-patient procedure which provides definitive diagnosis in a case of pancytopenia. In developing countries like India, the causes of pancytopenia are not well defined, hence, we conducted this study in Bundelkhand region of India to evaluate causes of pancytopenia. We wanted to evaluate haematological findings in patients of pancytopenia, and to study bone marrow findings by bone marrow aspiration to understand the underlying aetiology of pancytopenia. METHODS This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at MLB Medical College, Jhansi, among 65 patients over a one and a half year period from March 2018 to September 2019, to evaluate the causes of pancytopenia. RESULTS We found that out of 65 cases, 32 cases were of megaloblastic anaemia (49.23 %), 20 cases were of dimorphic anaemia (30.77 %), 6 cases were of hypersplenism (9.23 %), 4 cases were of subleukemic leukemia (6.15 %), 2 cases of aplastic anaemia (3.7 %) and 1 case was of myelodysplastic syndrome (1.54 %). CONCLUSIONS Along with detailed clinical examination and complete blood count, bone marrow examination is indispensable to diagnose the aetiology of pancytopenia, thereby helping clinician in planning management of these patients. KEY WORDS Pancytopenia, Megaloblastic Anaemia, Dimorphic Anaemia, Bone Marrow Examination
CHILDREN’S POWER TO CHALLENGE AUTHORITY
Authors: DEMIRAL SERAN
Published: May 2021

Child rights can be considered through the different characteristics of human rights, according to the classification “3P” as Protection, Provision, and Participation. The (potential) distinction between child rights and human rights recalls the former perspective about children’s not seen as human beings. The development of the fields on childhood studies such as “children’s participation” and “agency” are also related to the concept “empowerment,” which indicates the power relations between children and grown-ups. The main purpose of this paper is to debate all those notions through the children’s own experiences by referring to various examples in the frame of Power of children as the Fourth-P right. After discussing how children have the power to “challenge the authority,” I will indicate some examples from Little Review, as a remarkable experience of children’s participation. Lastly, I will try to reveal what today’s children consider the topic of child rights by sharing the findings of a pilot research with children, which I realized in 2019 December. In this study, twelve children who were 11-year-old then, wrote their commentaries about children’s rights and the requirements to have the rights. Thus, in the final part of this paper, the rights will be addressed through children’s perspectives.
Solving nonlinear third-order boundary value problems based-on boundary shape functions
Authors: Liu Chein-Shan , Chang Jiang-Ren
Published: May 2021

For a third-order nonlinear boundary value problem (BVP), we develop two novel methods to find the solutions, satisfying boundary conditions automatically. A boundary shape function (BSF) is created to automatically satisfy the boundary conditions, which is then employed to develop new numerical algorithms by adopting two different roles of the free function in the BSF. In the first type algorithm, we let the BSF be the solution of the BVP and the free function be a new variable. In doing so, the nonlinear BVP is certainly and exactly transformed to an initial value problem for the new variable with its terminal values as unknown parameters, whereas the initial conditions are given. In the second type algorithm, let the free functions be a set of complete basis functions and the corresponding boundary shape functions be the new bases. Since the solution already satisfies the boundary conditions automatically, we can apply a simple collocation technique inside the domain to determine the expansion coefficients and then the solution is obtained. For the general higher-order boundary conditions, the BSF method (BSFM) can easily and quickly find a very accurate solution. Resorting on the BSFM, the existence of solution is proved, under the Lipschitz condition for the ordinary differential equation system of the new variable. Numerical examples, including the singularly perturbed ones, confirm the high performance of the BSF-based numerical algorithms.
The inverted dead of Britain's Bronze Age barrows: a perspective from Conceptual Metaphor Theory
Authors: Wiseman Rob , Allen Michael J. , Gibson Catriona
Published: May 2021

Barrows are a prominent feature of Britain's Bronze Age landscape. While they originated as burial monuments, they also appear to have acquired other roles in prehistory. British prehistorians, however, have been hampered in their interpretations of these monuments, as they are wary of speculating about how Bronze Age people might have conceptualised their dead. Here, the authors suggest that a recurring pattern of inversion is significant. They use Conceptual Metaphor Theory to argue that Bronze Age people in Britain saw their dead inhabiting an inverted underworld directly beneath the surface of the earth. This interpretation would explain not only burial practices, but also some of the barrows’ other apparent functions, such as guarding boundaries and controlling routeways.
The Philosophical Significance of Kohut's Theory of the Self
Authors: Riker John Hanwell
Published: May 2021

The author seeks to articulate the philosophical significance of Heinz Kohut's original theory of the self by showing (a) how it explains the basis of our ability to create and be motivated by personal ideals; (b) how it transforms our understanding of ethical life by showing why it is in one's self-interest to become an empathic, respectful person who embodies the moral virtues as articulated by Aristotle; and (c) how it reverberates with profound insights into what it means to be human by some of the most esteemed philosophers in the Western philosophic tradition, especially Plato, Aristotle, Hegel, and Nietzsche. The author concludes by critically responding to the intersubjectivist critique of Stolorow and Atwood that Kohut's notion of “self” is a reified, metaphysical concept.
CaMKIV Signaling Is Not Essential for the Maintenance of Intrinsic or Synaptic Properties in Mouse Visual Cortex
Authors: Trojanowski Nicholas F. , Turrigiano Gina G.
Published: May 2021

Pyramidal neurons in rodent visual cortex homeostatically maintain their firing ratesin vivowithin a target range. In young cultured rat cortical neurons, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase IV (CaMKIV) signaling jointly regulates excitatory synaptic strength and intrinsic excitability to allow neurons to maintain their target firing rate. However, the role of CaMKIV signaling in regulating synaptic strength and intrinsic excitabilityin vivohas not been tested. Here, we show that in pyramidal neurons in visual cortex of juvenile male and female mice, CaMKIV signaling is not essential for the maintenance of basal synaptic or intrinsic properties. Neither CaMKIV conditional knock-down nor viral expression of dominant negative CaMKIV (dnCaMKIV)in vivodisrupts the intrinsic excitability or synaptic input strength of pyramidal neurons in primary visual cortex (V1), and CaMKIV signaling is not required for the increase in intrinsic excitability seen following monocular deprivation (MD). Viral expression of constitutively active CaMKIV (caCaMKIV)in vivocauses a complex disruption of the neuronal input/output function but does not affect synaptic input strength. Taken together, these results demonstrate that although augmentedin vivoCaMKIV signaling can alter neuronal excitability, either endogenous CaMKIV signaling is dispensable for maintenance of excitability, or impaired CaMKIV signaling is robustly compensated.