bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a DNA barcode library for Madagascar’s threatened ichthyofauna
Authors: Vences Miguel , Stützer Dominik , Rasoamampionona Raminosoa Noromalala , Ziegler Thomas
Published: August 2022

In order to improve the molecular resources available for conservation management of Madagascar’s threatened ichthyofauna, we elaborated a curated database of 2860 mitochondrial sequences of the mitochondrialCOI,16SandND2genes of Malagasy fishes, of which 1141 sequences of freshwater fishes were newly sequenced for this data set. The data set is mostly composed ofCOI(2015 sequences) while16SandND2sequences from partly the same samples were used to match theCOIsequences to reliably identified reference sequences of these genes. We observedCOIuncorrected pairwise genetic distances of 5.2‒31.0% (mean 20.6%) among species belonging to different genera, and 0.0‒22.4% (mean 6.4%) for species belonging to the same genus. Deeply divergent mitochondrial lineages of uncertain attribution were found among Malagasy freshwater eleotrids and gobiids, confirming these groups are in need of taxonomic revision. DNA barcodes assigned to introduced cichlids (tilapias) includedCoptodon rendallii,C.zillii,Oreochromis aureus(apparently a new country record),O. cf.mossambicus,O.niloticus, and one undetermined species ofOreochromis, with sequences of up to three species found per location. In aplocheiloid killifishes of the genusPachypanchax, most species from northern Madagascar had only low mitochondrial divergences, three of these species (P.omalonotus,P.patriciae, andP.varatraza) were not reciprocally monophyletic, and one genetically deviant lineage was discovered in a northern locality, suggesting a need for partial taxonomic revision of this genus. While the lack of voucher specimens for most of the samples sequenced herein precludes final conclusions, our first step towards a DNA barcoding reference library of Madagascar’s fishes already demonstrates the value of such a data set for improved taxonomic inventory and conservation management. We strongly suggest further exploration of Madagascar’s aquatic environments, which should include detailed photographic documentation and tissue sampling of large numbers of specimens, and collection of preserved voucher specimens as well as of living fish for the buildup of ex situ assurance populations of threatened species complying with the One Plan Approach proposed by the IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG).
Assessment of corn wet distillers grains fed to crossbred bulls on feeding behavior, rumen morphology, liver abscesses and blood parameters
Authors: Niehues Maria Betânia , Tomaz Laís de Aquino , Ferreira Mateus Silva , Baldassini Welder Angelo , Chardulo Luis Artur Loyola , Sartor Ana Bárbara , Ribeiro Richard Vaquero , Fogaça Luiz Antonio , Arrigoni Mário de Beni , Martins Cyntia Ludovico , Machado Neto Otávio Rodrigues
Published: August 2022

Corn ethanol production has been growing in Brazil in the last ten years, generating by-products to feedlot diets. This study evaluates the effects of the inclusion of low-fat corn wet distillers grains (LF-WDG) on feeding behavior, ruminal health, liver abscesses and blood parameters of F1 Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished. Our hypothesis is that evaluation of data from feeding behavior, rumen and liver health would help to explain animal performance. In this trail, one-hundred animals were fed for 129 days with diets containing amounts of 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% of LF-WDG replacing corn grain and soybean meal. Evaluations of fluctuation of dry matter intake (DMI) were carried out. Additionally, feeding behavior data were assessed by monitoring (24-h period) the feeding, rumination, time spent eating (TSE), and time expended on other activities (resting and number of meals per day). Blood variables such as pH, bicarbonate, total CO2content, and base excess in extracellular fluid (Beecf) were determined. After slaughter, rumen epithelium was classified according to the incidence of lesions (rumenitis) and abnormalities (papillae clumped), and samples were collected for morphology and histology evaluations. Moreover, livers were scored for severity of abscesses as follow: as unabscessed (0), one or two small abscesses (A−), two to four small active abscesses (A) or one or more large, active abscesses (A+). The DMI (kg/day) differed (P =0.03) among treatments and there is a tendency of 15 and 30 LF-WDG (% DM) had lower %DMI fluctuation compared to 0 or 45%. The TSE increased linearly (P< 0.01) as the amounts of inclusion of LF-WDG increased. Moreover, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, NDF consumption rate and NDF rumination efficiency increased linearly (P <0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. The incidence of rumenitis tended (P =0.08) to be greater at 45% LF-WDG, while keratin thickness decreased linearly in bulls fed LF-WDG (P <0.01). The severity of liver abscesses (score A+) increased linearly (P= 0.02). Regarding blood parameters, only Beecf decreased linearly (P <0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. Therefore, the hypothesis of the current study was confirmed. We previous reported that F1 Angus-Nellore bulls fed LF-WDG show greater weight gain (1.94 ± 0.09 kg/day) and final body weight (620 ± 18.8 kg) when compare to control (1.8 ± 0.09 kg/day and 602 ± 18.8 kg, respectively). Here, we conclude that inclusion of 15 to 30% LF-WDG in feedlot diets improved feeding behavior without impairing ruminal health and blood parameters, driving performance and weigh gain of crossbred bulls. However, bulls fed 45% LF-WDG had greater severity of liver abscesses.
The role of religious narratives and religious orientation towards concerns for the natural environment and animal welfare
Authors: Pasaribu Dexon , Takwin Bagus , Martens Pim
Published: August 2022

Several studies show that religion hinders concerns for the natural environment preservation. Others, however, have found that the belief in God or the identification with a particular religion is not associated with measures for environmental concerns. This study investigates the influence of religious narrative framing and the relation between Allport’s intrinsic personal (IP) and extrinsic social (ES) religious orientation towards general environmental apathy (GEA) and acceptability for harming animals (AIS). This study surveyed 657 teachers and school staff in East Java, Indonesia. Using ANOVA, we find that religious narrative affects participant’s GEA and AIS. Participants in stewardship narrative group have significantly lower GEA and AIS compared to participants in human dominance and the non-narratives control group. Using multiple regression, we also confirm the persistence of religious narrative’s influence towards GEA. In addition, lower GEA and AIS correlate with higher IP and lower ES. Lastly, we identify and discuss significant demographic and other determinants relation to GEA and AIS.
Stakeholder perspectives on a patient-centred intervention (DIALOG+) for adolescents with common mental disorders in Colombia: A qualitative study
Authors: Gómez-Restrepo Carlos , Marroquín-Rivera Arturo , Calvo-Valderrama María Gabriela , Ospina-Pinillos Laura , Stanislaus Sureshkumar Diliniya , Bird Victoria Jane
Published: August 2022

Background

Patient and stakeholders’ involvement in the development of mental health interventions is a central part of the research process as end-user’s input can improve the design of patient-centered interventions. This is particularly important when developing interventions directed towards improving the mental health of children and adolescents. The rising prevalence of mental health disorders in this population requires special attention and the development of interventions that include them as active participants is crucial.

Objective

Our aim is to explore the perspectives and opinions of adolescents, parents, educators/youth workers, and clinicians regarding the appeal and usability of an existing patient-centered digital intervention (DIALOG+), which aims to improve quality of life.

Methods

As part of a broader study aiming to adapt and test DIALOG+, we conducted Online Focus Groups (OFGs) with adults and adolescents in two cities in Colombia. The existing DIALOG+ intervention was introduced to participants, followed by a structured discussion regarding the opinions and views of stakeholders. A framework approach was used to identify the main themes followed by content analysis to aid adaptation.

Results

We conducted 10 OFGs with a total of 45 participants. A positive feature highlighted by all groups was the innovation of including a digital intervention in a traditional medical visit. Additionally, participants considered that the active role that adolescents have when using the intervention empowers them. Barriers identified included concerns from clinicians related to the time required during consultations and confusion with terminology. Furthermore, additional domains that are particularly relevant for the adolescent population were suggested.

Conclusions

Data obtained suggest that overall, the DIALOG+ intervention and supporting app are seen as innovative and appealing to adolescents as well as adult stakeholders. However, concerns raised about the availability of time to apply the intervention, the app interface and the language and terminology require modification.
A simple scoring of beam walking performance after spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Ito Shunsuke , Kakuta Yohei , Yoshida Kosuke , Shirota Yuma , Mieda Tokue , Iizuka Yoichi , Chikuda Hirotaka , Iizuka Haku , Nakamura Kazuhiro
Published: August 2022

Precise evaluation of motor functions using simple and reproducible tests for mouse models of spinal cord injury (SCI) are required. Overground walking of SCI mice has been tested by Basso Mouse Scale for locomotion (BMS). In contrast, only a few works quantify walking performances of SCI mice on narrow beams, a different task. Here, we established a novel scoring system using a single beam walking apparatus for SCI mice. The scoring system uses binary judgments of values such as retention, moving forward and reaching the goal on a beam for rating. In addition, high score was given to SCI mouse when the mouse efficiently used hindlimbs for locomotion on the beam. A high rate of concordance of the score derived from positions of hindlimbs between two observers was obtained. Mice displayed the lowest total score on the beam immediately after the SCI, then the score gradually increased like time course of BMS score. Furthermore, the total scores reflected gradation of severity of SCI in 2 strains of mice. The beam walking score proved to be strongly correlated with that of BMS score, indicating that performances between overground walking and beam walking are partly correlated in SCI mice. Collectively, the novel scoring system offers an opportunity to easily evaluate motor performances of mice with SCI.
Obesity and outcomes in patients undergoing upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Du Austin L. , Tully Jeffrey L. , Curran Brian P. , Gabriel Rodney A.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Obesity is frequently debated as a factor associated with increased postoperative complications. Specifically, upper airway surgeries for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common comorbidity among obese patients, may be complicated by obesity’s impact on intraoperative ventilation. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the association of various degrees of obesity with postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for OSA.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database between 2015 and 2019 was used to create a sample of patients diagnosed with OSA who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, tracheotomy, and surgeries at the base of tongue, maxilla, palate, or nose/turbinate. Inverse probability-weighted logistic regression and unadjusted multivariable logistic regression were used to compare outcomes of non-obese and obesity class 1, class 2, and class 3 groups (World Health Organization classification). Primary outcome was a composite of 30-day readmissions, reoperations, and/or postoperative complications, and a secondary outcome was all-cause same-day hospital admission.

Results

There were 1929 airway surgeries identified. The inverse probability-weighted regression comparing class 1, class 2, and class 3 obesity groups to non-obese patients showed no association between obesity and composite outcome and no association between obesity and hospital admission (all p-values > 0.05).

Conclusion

These results do not provide evidence that obesity is associated with poorer outcomes or hospital admission surrounding upper airway surgery for OSA. While these data points towards the safety of upper airway surgery in obese patients with OSA, larger prospective studies will aid in elucidating the impact of obesity.
Characterizing, mapping and valuing the demand for forest recreation using crowdsourced social media data
Authors: Lingua Federico , Coops Nicholas C. , Lafond Valentine , Gaston Christopher , Griess Verena C.
Published: August 2022

Mapping and valuing of forest recreation is time-consuming and complex, hampering its inclusion in forest management plans and hence the achievement of a fully sustainable forest management. In this study, we explore the potential of crowdsourced social media data in tackling the mapping and valuing of forest recreation demand. To do so, we assess the relationships between crowdsourced social media data, acquired from over 350,000 Flickr geotagged pictures, and demand for forest recreation in British Columbia (BC) forests. We first identify temporal and spatial trends of forest recreation demand, as well as the countries of origin of BC forests visitors. Second, we estimate the average number of annual recreational visits with a linear regression model calibrated with empirically collected secondary data. Lastly, we estimate recreational values by deriving the average consumer surpluses for the visitors of BC forested provincial parks. We find that annually, on average, over 44 million recreational experiences are completed in BC forests, with peaks during the summer months and during the weekends. Moreover, a crowdsourced travel cost approach allowed us to value the recreational ecosystem service in five forested provincial parks ranging from ~2.9 to ~35.0 million CAN$/year. Our findings demonstrate that social media data can be used to characterize, quantify and map the demand for forest recreation (especially in peri-urban forests), representing a useful tool for the inclusion of recreational values in forest management. Finally, we address the limitations of crowdsourced social media data in the study of forest recreation and the future perspectives of this rapidly growing research field.
Assessing the progress on the implementation of policy and legislation actions to address the Non-Communicable Diseases crisis in the Pacific
Authors: Win Tin Si Thu , Kubuabola Ilisapeci , Snowdon Wendy , Cash Haley L. , Na’ati Elisiva , Waqa Gade D. , Moadsiri Ada , Bertrand Solene , Ravuvu Amerita
Published: August 2022

Aim

To assess the progress on the implementation of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) related policies and legislations in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs).

Materials and methods

The Pacific Monitoring Alliance for NCD Action (MANA) Dashboard was used to assess the progress on the implementation. The MANA Dashboard includes 31 indicators across four different domains such as leadership and governance; preventative policies and legislations; health system response programs; and monitoring This progress assessment was conducted between 2019 and 2020 for all 21 PICTs. The data were analyzed and compared with the baseline status (2018) report and presented across four different domains of the MANA dashboard.

Results

This progress assessment found that PICTs overall have made advancements in a number of areas, particularly the establishment of a national multi-sectoral NCD taskforce; implementation of referenced approaches to restrict trans-fat in the food supply in national documents; and fiscal measures to affect access and availability to less healthy foods and drinks. However, the strengths of actions varied across PICTs, and most are categorised as low strengths. Measures which had the most limited progress in implementation include policy and legislation that restrict alcohol advertising; tobacco industry interference; marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children; and marketing for breast milk substitutes.

Conclusions

This progress assessment further highlights that while PICTs continue to make progress, NCD policy and legislation gaps still exist, both in terms of weaknesses of existing measures and areas that have had little attention to-date. These require urgent actions to scale up NCD related policies and legislation at regional and national level.
Association between median household income, state Medicaid expansion status, and COVID-19 outcomes across US counties
Authors: Apenyo Tsikata , Vera-Urbina Antonio Elias , Ahmad Khansa , Taveira Tracey H. , Wu Wen-Chih
Published: August 2022

Objective

To study the relationship between county-level COVID-19 outcomes (incidence and mortality) and county-level median household income and status of Medicaid expansion of US counties.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 3142 US counties was conducted to study the relationship between County-level median-household-income and COVID-19 incidence and mortality per 100,000 people in US counties, January-20th-2021 through December-6th-2021. County median-household-income was log-transformed and stratified by quartiles. Multilevel-mixed-effects-generalized-linear-modeling adjusted for county socio-demographic and comorbidities and tested for Medicaid-expansion-times-income-quartile interaction on COVID-19 outcomes.

Results

There was no significant difference in COVID-19 incidence-rate across counties by income quartiles or by Medicaid expansion status. Conversely, for non-Medicaid-expansion states, counties in the lowest income quartile had a 41% increase in COVID-19 mortality-rate compared to counties in the highest income quartile. Mortality-rate was not related to income in counties from Medicaid-expansion states.

Conclusions

Median-household-income was not related to COVID-19 incidence-rate but negatively related to COVID-19 mortality-rate in US counties of states without Medicaid-expansion.
Multi-mode movement decisions across widely ranging behavioral processes
Authors: Prima Marie-Caroline , Duchesne Thierry , Merkle Jerod A. , Chamaillé-Jammes Simon , Fortin Daniel
Published: August 2022

Movement of organisms plays a fundamental role in the evolution and diversity of life. Animals typically move at an irregular pace over time and space, alternating among movement states. Understanding movement decisions and developing mechanistic models of animal distribution dynamics can thus be contingent to adequate discrimination of behavioral phases. Existing methods to disentangle movement states typically require a follow-up analysis to identify state-dependent drivers of animal movement, which overlooks statistical uncertainty that comes with the state delineation process. Here, we developed population-level, multi-state step selection functions (HMM-SSF) that can identify simultaneously the different behavioral bouts and the specific underlying behavior-habitat relationship. Using simulated data and relocation data from mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), plains bison (Bison bison bison) and plains zebra (Equus quagga), we illustrated the HMM-SSF robustness, versatility, and predictive ability for animals involved in distinct behavioral processes: foraging, migrating and avoiding a nearby predator. Individuals displayed different habitat selection pattern during the encamped and the travelling phase. Some landscape attributes switched from being selected to avoided, depending on the movement phase. We further showed that HMM-SSF can detect multi-modes of movement triggered by predators, with prey switching to the travelling phase when predators are in close vicinity. HMM-SSFs thus can be used to gain a mechanistic understanding of how animals use their environment in relation to the complex interplay between their needs to move, their knowledge of the environment and navigation capacity, their motion capacity and the external factors related to landscape heterogeneity.
In the eye of the beholder: Decision-making of lawyers in cases of sexual harassment
Authors: Zvi Liza , Shechory-Bitton Mally
Published: August 2022

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of deliberative vs. intuitive thinking styles on forensic judgments of legal professionals. Two hypotheses were tested: (a) that low deliberative thinking would be related to judgmental biases (b) that lawyers would report a greater tendency and preference toward deliberative thinking in comparison to students and make more rational judgments.

Method

Ninety-one lawyers and 120 undergraduate students, who served as controls, were asked to read a criminal case depicting sexual harassment (SH) and judge victim and offender blame, whether the case constitutes SH, and the damage for the victim.

Results

Deliberative thinking of lawyers was higher than students, and higher than their intuitive thinking style, supporting the more rational blame attributions of the former. In addition, higher deliberative thinking was related to a stronger perception of the event as SH. Nevertheless, all the participants were more inclined to perceive the case as SH when the victim was a woman instead of a man.

Conclusions

The results suggest that gender stereotypes and bias may persist despite high deliberative thinking and may even be manifested through deliberative thinking processes. Awareness of legal professionals of these biases as well as the development of more objective tools which will help make the judging process less subjective—will ensure more accurate assessment of victims, offenders, and cases.
A deep tensor-based approach for automatic depression recognition from speech utterances
Authors: Pandey Sandeep Kumar , Shekhawat Hanumant Singh , Prasanna S. R. M. , Bhasin Shalendar , Jasuja Ravi
Published: August 2022

Depression is one of the significant mental health issues affecting all age groups globally. While it has been widely recognized to be one of the major disease burdens in populations, complexities in definitive diagnosis present a major challenge. Usually, trained psychologists utilize conventional methods including individualized interview assessment and manually administered PHQ-8 scoring. However, heterogeneity in symptomatic presentations, which span somatic to affective complaints, impart substantial subjectivity in its diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy is further compounded by the cross-sectional nature of sporadic assessment methods during physician-office visits, especially since depressive symptoms/severity may evolve over time. With widespread acceptance of smart wearable devices and smartphones, passive monitoring of depression traits using behavioral signals such as speech presents a unique opportunity as companion diagnostics to assist the trained clinicians in objective assessment over time. Therefore, we propose a framework for automated depression classification leveraging alterations in speech patterns in the well documented and extensively studied DAIC-WOZ depression dataset. This novel tensor-based approach requires a substantially simpler implementation architecture and extracts discriminative features for depression recognition with high f1 score and accuracy. We posit that such algorithms, which use significantly less compute load would allow effective onboard deployment in wearables for improve diagnostics accuracy and real-time monitoring of depressive disorders.
Trends in nephrology referral patterns for patients with chronic kidney disease: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ghimire Anukul , Ye Feng , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Zaidi Deenaz , Jindal Kailash K. , Tonelli Marcello A. , Cooper Matthew , James Matthew T. , Khan Maryam , Tinwala Mohammed M. , Sultana Naima , Ronksley Paul E. , Muneer Shezel , Klarenbach Scott , Okpechi Ikechi G. , Bello Aminu K.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Information on early, guideline discordant referrals in nephrology is limited. Our objective was to investigate trends in referral patterns to nephrology for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of adults with ≥1 visits to a nephrologist from primary care with ≥1 serum creatinine and/or urine protein measurement <180 days before index nephrology visit, from 2006 and 2019 in Alberta, Canada. Guideline discordant referrals were those that did not meet ≥1 of: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ˂ 30 mL/min/1.73m2, persistent albuminuria (ACR ≥ 300 mg/g, PCR ≥ 500 mg/g, or Udip ≥ 2+), or progressive and persistent decline in eGFR until index nephrology visit (≥ 5 mL/min/1.73m2).

Results

Of 69,372 patients with CKD, 28,518 (41%) were referred in a guideline concordant manner. The overall rate of first outpatient visits to nephrology increased from 2006 to 2019, although guideline discordant referrals showed a greater increase (trend 21.9 per million population/year, 95% confidence interval 4.3, 39.4) versus guideline concordant referrals (trend 12.4 per million population/year, 95% confidence interval 5.7, 19.0). The guideline concordant cohort were more likely to be on renin-angiotensin system blockers or beta blockers (hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.12, 1.16), and had a higher risk of CKD progression (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.06, 1.13), kidney failure (hazard ratio 7.65, 95% confidence interval 6.83, 8.56), cardiovascular event (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.35,1.45) and mortality (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.52, 1.63).

Conclusions

A significant proportion nephrology referrals from primary care were not consistent with current guideline-recommended criteria for referral. Further work is needed to identify quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing referral patterns of patients with CKD.
Integrating hypertension and HIV care in Namibia: A quality improvement collaborative approach
Authors: Basenero Apollo , Neidel Julie , Ikeda Daniel J. , Ashivudhi Hilaria , Mpariwa Simbarashe , Kamangu Jacques W. N. , Mpalang Kakubu Mireille A. , Hans Linea , Mutandi Gram , Jed Suzanne , Tjituka Francina , Hamunime Ndapewa , Agins Bruce D.
Published: August 2022

Background

Hypertension (HTN) is highly prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) in Namibia, but screening and treatment for HTN are not routinely offered as part of HIV care delivery. We report the implementation of a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) to accelerate integration of HTN and HIV care within public-sector health facilities in Namibia.

Methods

Twenty-four facilities participated in the QIC with the aim of increasing HTN screening and treatment among adult PWH (>15 years). HTN was defined according to national treatment guidelines (i.e., systolic blood pressure >140 and/or diastolic blood pressure >90 across three measurements and at least two occasions), and decisions regarding initiation of treatment were made by physicians only. Teams from participating hospitals used quality improvement methods, monthly measurement of performance indicators, and small-scale tests of change to implement contextually tailored interventions. Coaching of sites was performed on a monthly basis by clinical officers with expertise in QI and HIV, and sites were convened as part of learning sessions to facilitate diffusion of effective interventions.

Results

Between March 2017 and March 2018, hypertension screening occurred as part of 183,043 (86%) clinical encounters at participating facilities. Among 1,759 PWH newly diagnosed with HTN, 992 (56%) were initiated on first-line treatment. Rates of treatment initiation were higher in facilities with an on-site physician (61%) compared to those without one (51%). During the QIC, facility teams identified fourteen interventions to improve HTN screening and treatment. Among barriers to implementation, teams pointed to malfunctions of blood pressure machines and stock outs of antihypertensive medications as common challenges.

Conclusions

Implementation of a QIC provided a structured approach for integrating HTN and HIV services across 24 high-volume facilities in Namibia. As rates of HTN treatment remained low despite ongoing facility-level changes, policy-level interventions—such as task sharing and supply chain strengthening—should be pursued to further improve delivery of HTN care among PWH beyond initial screening.
Machine learning-based predictive modeling of resilience to stressors in pregnant women during COVID-19: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Nichols Emily S. , Pathak Harini S. , Bgeginski Roberta , Mottola Michelle F. , Giroux Isabelle , Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Mohsenzadeh Yalda , Duerden Emma G.
Published: August 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women have been at high risk for psychological distress. Lifestyle factors may be modifiable elements to help reduce and promote resilience to prenatal stress. We used Machine-Learning (ML) algorithms applied to questionnaire data obtained from an international cohort of 804 pregnant women to determine whether physical activity and diet were resilience factors against prenatal stress, and whether stress levels were in turn predictive of sleep classes. A support vector machine accurately classified perceived stress levels in pregnant women based on physical activity behaviours and dietary behaviours. In turn, we classified hours of sleep based on perceived stress levels. This research adds to a developing consensus concerning physical activity and diet, and the association with prenatal stress and sleep in pregnant women. Predictive modeling using ML approaches may be used as a screening tool and to promote positive health behaviours for pregnant women.
Treatment thresholds and minimal clinically important effect sizes of antiosteoporotic medication–Survey among physicians and lay persons in Germany
Authors: van der Keylen Piet , Zeschick Nikoletta , Schlenz Anna Ruth , Kühlein Thomas
Published: August 2022

Background

Patient decisions to take preventative treatments for osteoporosis depend on their perceptions of fracture risk, medication effect sizes (ES) of benefits and harms. However, physicians and lay persons may have differing perceptions of risks and medication efficacy. Both tend to overestimate medication benefits. This study surveyed at what risk physicians would prescribe and lay persons would be willing to take bisphosphonates, the minimum ES both groups do demand and the physicians estimates of the actual benefit of bisphosphonates.

Design

Cross-sectional online questionnaire survey.

Methods

Respondents were confronted with a case vignette with an osteoporotic patient (10-year femoral fracture risk: 32%). They were asked at what threshold of 10-year-risk of femoral neck fracture they would prescribe or take a drug. They were asked for the minimum ES (absolute risk reduction, ARR) they demand from bisphosphonates to prescribe or take them. Physicians were asked to provide their estimate of the actual ARR of bisphosphonates.

Results

114 physicians and 140 lay persons answered (convenience sample/snowball distribution). The 10-year-risk threshold of lay persons (Mdnlay = 60%) willing to take medication was twice as high as the physicians’ threshold (Mdnphy = 30%) to prescribe it (p < .001). The median minimum ARR physicians demanded for bisphosphonates prescription was 17%, whereas lay persons demanded 22% (p < .001). Physicians estimated the actual ARR of bisphosphonates to be 12%. This estimated effect size was below their own minimum threshold for prescription.

Conclusions

Lay persons tolerate a higher fracture risk and demand a larger benefit of antiosteoporotic medication for fracture prevention than physicians. Physicians demand higher minimum benefits than their own estimates which in turn are above the benefit evidence suggests. Physicians should be more familiar with ES of antiosteoporotic drugs concerning patient outcomes and actively advise lay persons before preventive treatment decisions are taken.
Maternal proximity to mountain-top removal mining and birth defects in Appalachian Kentucky, 1997–2003
Authors: Cooper Daniel B. , Walker Courtney J. , Christian W. Jay
Published: August 2022

Extraction of coal through mountaintop removal mining (MTR) alters many dimensions of the landscape. Explosive blasts, exposed rock, and coal washing have the potential to pollute air and water. Previous research suggests that infants born to mothers living in areas with MTR have a higher prevalence of birth defects. In this cross-sectional study, we further examine the relationship between MTR activity and several types of birth defects. Maternal exposure to MTR was assessed using remote sensing data from Skytruth, which captures MTR activity in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. Active MTR area was quantified within a five-kilometer buffer surrounding geocoded maternal address captured on birth records for live births to Appalachian Kentucky mothers between 1997 and 2003 (N = 95,581). We assigned high, medium, and low exposure based on the tertile of total MTR area within 5-km, and births with no MTR within this buffer were assigned zero exposure. The presence or absence of a birth defect grouped into six major organ systems was identified using birth records alone. Finally, we applied conditional multiple imputation for variables with missing values before conducting separate multivariable log-binomial regression models for each birth defect group. Prevalence ratio (PR) estimates were adjusted for individual level covariates from birth records. The prevalence of gastro-intestinal defects was significantly higher in birth records with high and low active MTR exposure compared to records with no exposure. (High exposure: PR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.14–3.47; low exposure PR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.06–3.31). This study supports some of the existing findings of previous ecological studies. Research addressing the relationship between gastro-intestinal birth defects and MTR coal mining is warranted but should carefully consider temporal dimensions of exposure.
Predicting curve progression for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using random forest model
Authors: Alfraihat Ausilah , Samdani Amer F. , Balasubramanian Sriram
Published: August 2022

Background

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional (3D) spinal deformity characterized by coronal curvature and rotational deformity. Predicting curve progression is important for the selection and timing of treatment. Although there is a consensus in the literature regarding prognostic factors associated with curve progression, the order of importance, as well as the combination of factors that are most predictive of curve progression is unknown.

Objectives

(1) create an ordered list of prognostic factors that most contribute to curve progression, and (2) develop and validate a Machine Learning (ML) model to predict the final major Cobb angle in AIS patients.

Methods

193 AIS patients were selected for the current study. Preoperative PA, lateral and lateral bending radiographs were retrospectively obtained from the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Demographic and radiographic features, previously reported to be associated with curve progression, were collected. Sequential Backward Floating Selection (SBFS) was used to select a subset of the most predictive features. Based on the performance of several machine learning methods, a Random Forest (RF) regressor model was used to provide the importance rank of prognostic features and to predict the final major Cobb angle.

Results

The seven most predictive prognostic features in the order of importance were initial major Cobb angle, flexibility, initial lumbar lordosis angle, initial thoracic kyphosis angle, age at last visit, number of levels involved, and Risser "+" stage at the first visit. The RF model predicted the final major Cobb angle with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 4.64 degrees.

Conclusion

A RF model was developed and validated to identify the most important prognostic features for curve progression and predict the final major Cobb angle. It is possible to predict the final major Cobb angle value within 5 degrees error from 2D radiographic features. Such methods could be directly applied to guide intervention timing and optimization for AIS treatment.
Viral-mediated activation and inhibition of programmed cell death
Authors: Verburg Shayla Grace , Lelievre Rebecca Margaret , Westerveld Michael James , Inkol Jordon Marcus , Sun Yi Lin , Workenhe Samuel Tekeste
Published: August 2022

Viruses are ubiquitous intracellular genetic parasites that heavily rely on the infected cell to complete their replication life cycle. This dependency on the host machinery forces viruses to modulate a variety of cellular processes including cell survival and cell death. Viruses are known to activate and block almost all types of programmed cell death (PCD) known so far. Modulating PCD in infected hosts has a variety of direct and indirect effects on viral pathogenesis and antiviral immunity. The mechanisms leading to apoptosis following virus infection is widely studied, but several modalities of PCD, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and paraptosis, are relatively understudied. In this review, we cover the mechanisms by which viruses activate and inhibit PCDs and suggest perspectives on how these affect viral pathogenesis and immunity.
Molecular architecture of bacterial type IV secretion systems
Authors: Sheedlo Michael J. , Ohi Melanie D. , Lacy D. Borden , Cover Timothy L.
Published: August 2022

Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are a versatile group of nanomachines that can horizontally transfer DNA through conjugation and deliver effector proteins into a wide range of target cells. The components of T4SSs in gram-negative bacteria are organized into several large subassemblies: an inner membrane complex, an outer membrane core complex, and, in some species, an extracellular pilus. Cryo-electron tomography has been used to define the structures of T4SSs in intact bacteria, and high-resolution structural models are now available for isolated core complexes from conjugation systems, the Xanthomonas citri T4SS, the Helicobacter pylori Cag T4SS, and the Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm T4SS. In this review, we compare the molecular architectures of these T4SSs, focusing especially on the structures of core complexes. We discuss structural features that are shared by multiple T4SSs as well as evolutionary strategies used for T4SS diversification. Finally, we discuss how structural variations among T4SSs may confer specialized functional properties.
SEMANTIC MEANING OF STONES IN THE JEWELRY ART OF THE KAZAKHS: HISTORIOGRAPHICAL OVERVIEW
Authors:   Altai State University, X. BOYARINTSEVA ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Published: August 2022

The article examines the degree of study of the issue of the use of stones and their sacred-semantic meaning in jewelry by Kazakh masters-zergers. The analysis of research since the 2nd half of the 20th century, which includes articles, monographs, dissertations, is given. Consideration is given to the examples from folk folklore. Special attention is paid to the most commonly used stones: carnelian, turquoise, coral, mother-of-pearl. Their semantic meaning is highlighted, and mineralogical characteristics are also indicated. A number of the reviewed publications are devoted to associations and perception of color in the national culture. The semantics of color is considered as one of the main factors in the choice of stone in the manufacturing of jewelry. Based on the studied material, the main points of semantic features of the use of precious, semi-precious and ornamental stones are highlighted.
ON THE CIVIL TURNOVER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBJECTS (TO THE FORMULATION OF THE PROBLEM)
Authors:   Altai State University, A. KAZAKOV , D. MARAKULIN ,   Barnaul Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, O. KAZAKOVA ,   Altai State University
Published: August 2022

The authors raise the problem that appears from the difference in the content of the concepts “historical and cultural monument”, “antiques” and “archaeological object”, which ultimately leads to the connivance of such illegal activities as the looting of archaeological sites. Activities related to trade, exchange, donation of archaeological objects are often perceived as quite legitimate. Thus, the civil turnover of archaeological objects is one of the main factors stimulating criminal “black digging” that destroys historical and cultural monuments. According to Federal Law of the Russian Federation No. 73 of 25.06.2002, all archaeological objects are subject to mandatory transfer to the state in accordance with the procedure established by the federal body for the protection of cultural heritage objects, i.e. any actions on civil turnover of archaeological objects are subject to mandatory encumbrance.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF GEOLOGIST B.S. MITROPOLSKY TO THE ARCHEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ALTAI KRAI
Authors:   The Museum of Local History of Novosibirsk, A. AVTUSHKOVA
Published: August 2022

This article devoted to the activity of former director of Biysk museum, B.S. Mitropolsky. in investigation of archaeological sites of the Altai Krai in 1927. On the site of the former women’s St. Tikhvin Monastery and in the Zarechensky district of the city of Biysk, he discovered a number of sites of the early Iron Age, collected a significant collection of ceramic fragments. At present, the sites have not been preserved, which increases the value of the B.S. Mitropolsky materials and allows supplementing the data on the history of the early Iron Age in the Altai Territory.
“ACCIDENTAL” FINDS FROM ALTAI KRAI AND THE FIGHT FOR THEIR INFORMATION POTENTIAL
Authors:   Altai State Pedagogical University, N. GOLOVCHENKO
Published: August 2022

Two sets of “accidental” finds are introduced into scientific circulation, identified under unclear circumstances by lovers of instrumental metal detecting on the territory of Altai Krai (in the village of Kislukha and the village of Zonalnoye). The finds of a pendulous ax of the transitional period from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, an early medieval cast flat-relief plate with a twin scene, a spearhead and elements of bridle fittings of the Middle Ages are considered. Cultural and chronological identification of artifacts is carried out by using dated analogies. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the struggle for the information potential of such finds can be based on the search for a wide range of analogies and the compilation of consolidated cartographies of the distribution of the same type of things.
THE RESULTS OF THE EXCAVATIONS OF THE EARLY IRON AGE MOUNDS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE KHANKARINSKY DOL BURIAL GROUND
Authors:   Altai State University, P. DASHKOVSKIY , A. OZHIGANOV ,   Altai State University, E. SHERSHNEVA ,   Altai State University
Published: August 2022

The article presents the results of a study of burial mounds No. 35 and 39 at the Khankarinsky Dol burial ground, located in the Krasnoshchekovsky district ofthe Altai Territory. Mound No. 35 contained the burial of a man over 65 years old, laid in a crouched position on his right side and oriented with his head to the east. Along the northern wall of the grave pit, an accompanying burial of a horse was found: laid on top and also oriented with its head to the east. The features of the funeral rite and inventory from mound No. 35 have certain analogies in the previously studied objects of the Pazyryk culture, both in the necropolises of the Chinetinsky archaeological microdistrict of Khankarinsky Dol, and on the sites excavated in Central and South-Eastern Altai. Mound No. 35 is tentatively dated to the second half of the 4th-3rd centuries BC. Mound No. 39 turned out to be heavily plundered in antiquity and did not contain inventory, therefore, according to the signs of the funeral rite, it was tentatively attributed to the early Iron Age.
NEW FINDS OF THE BRONZE AGE METALWORK FROM THE UPPER REACHES OF THE BARNAULKA RIVER
Authors:   Altai State University, G. IVANOV
Published: August 2022

The upper reaches of the left tributary of the Ob, the Barnaulka River, were densely inhabited in ancient and medieval times, but a significant part of the archaeological sites on the sand dunes of the Barnaulka ribbon forest edge have been destroyed by natural and anthropogenic impacts and are represented by random finds and gatherings from the surface. This article deals with a small collection of Bronze Age metal articles (knives, kelt, a bronze arrowhead with an ornamented sleeve) made by the inhabitants of the village. The exhibition was held at the rural museum, which was created by N.N. Isayev, the head of the Krestyanka Rural House of Culture. They give a description and cultural and chronological attribution of the finds, and suggest that they come from a multi-temporal burial ground which is being destroyed by an unauthorized sand pit and should be identified and investigated.
INVESTIGATION OF MULTILAYERED MILTICULTURAL COMPLEXES OF THE UPPER PRICHUMYSHIYE: KUYUK-I
Authors:   Altai State Museum of Local Lore, A. Kungurov , O. KUNGUROVA ,   Altai State Museum of Local Lore
Published: August 2022

The Kuyuk terrain covers both sides of the Chumysh river valley. On the western side, this is the Biysk-Chumysh Upland, on the eastern side - the Salair Ridge. Several archaeological complexes are known here, timed to specific orographic structures. The present work describes the first object discovered in 1959 and named Kuyuk-I. This segment of the Kuyuk terrain is related to the mouth area of the Kornachak river, which flows into the Chumysh from the left. This river formed a cape 1.37 meter long, dropping from 54 to 9 meters above the floodplain surface. A group of burial sites of the Andronovskaya culture of the Bronze Age and the Odintsovskaya culture of the early Middle Ages have been discovered on the cape. Therefore, cultural layers of the Neolithic Kornachak culture, individual fragments of ceramics of the late Bronze Age and materials of the Bystryanskaya culture of the early Iron Age were recorded.
1ST THOUSAND BC VESSEL FROM THE VALLEY OF THE CHOLUSHMAN RIVER
Authors:   Anokhin National museum of the Aitai Republic, R. KUYUKOV , N. Konstantinov ,   Gorno-Altaisk State University
Published: August 2022

The paper presents a find of a ceramic vessel discovered during field work on the study of irrigation systems in the valley of the Chulyshman River (Ulagan district of the Altai Republic) in the fall of2021. The vessel was found on a trampled section of the slope of a small hill near soddy small flat barrows. Taking into account the peculiarities of the location of the vessel near the burial objects, it is assumed that it can be associated with them. Probably, the ceramic bowl was left at this place during the rituals of the funeral-memorial cycle. The closest analogies to the vessel are found in the materials of the settlements of the early Iron Age in the Northern Altai and the Upper Ob region. Preliminary dating is established within the Early Scythian time (VIII-VI century BC).
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON ALTAI MOUNDS OF THE SCYTHIAN-SAKA TIME IN THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE OF CHUISKY TRACT (1930-S)
Authors:   Altai State University, E. NOVOZHILOVA
Published: August 2022

The article presents the history of the archaeological study of the sites of the Scythian-Saka time in the 1930s during the road construction works of the Chuisky tract. An important role was played by the research and excavations of the Sayano-Altai expedition of the State Historical Museum (SHM) and the State Academy of the History of Material Culture (SAHMC) under the leadership of S.V. Kiselyov and L.A. Yevtyukhova, in the Kosh-Agachsky district of the Altai Mountains in 1935. As a result, a significant amount of factual material was obtained, some of which has not yet been introduced into scientific circulation and has significant informative potential. To do this, it is necessary to understand the entire scope of the research.