bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Fast Fashion on Marine Plastic Pollution
Authors: Narisu Helena
Published: May 2023

While widespread internet use has increased the convenience of shopping, it has also changed the shopping behavior of the public. Fast fashion is a term used to describe the mass production of cheap, trendy clothing that is designed to be worn for a short time and then disposed of. A fashion trend cycle is the period during which a trend circulates and retains popularity. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the phenomenon of fast fashion and its negative effect on waterways. We describe the issue in today’s society and how it contributes to the pollution of waterways during its production and daily wear. This is a global issue, but it is especially prevalent in Asia where large quantities of cheap clothing are produced. Next, we highlight how this issue has been perceived by different groups, including business communities, policy makers, and consumers. Finally, we offer two potential solutions to the issue, proposing a policy to regulate the manufacturing processes of fast fashion brands and lowering the demand for fast fashion by encouraging the public to engage in sustainable fashion.
Reliability and validity of pose estimation algorithm for measurement of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Saiki Yoshitomo , Kabata Tamon , Ojima Tomohiro , Kajino Yoshitomo , Kubo Naoyuki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Aims

We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of OpenPose, a posture estimation algorithm, for measurement of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), in comparison to radiography and goniometry.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we analyzed 35 primary TKAs (24 patients) for knee osteoarthritis. We measured the knee angles in flexion and extension using OpenPose, radiography, and goniometry. We assessed the test-retest reliability of each method using intraclass correlation coefficient (1,1). We evaluated the ability to estimate other measurement values from the OpenPose value using linear regression analysis. We used intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) and Bland–Altman analyses to evaluate the agreement and error between radiography and the other measurements.

Results

OpenPose had excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (1,1) = 1.000). The R2 of all regression models indicated large correlations (0.747 to 0.927). In the flexion position, the intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) of OpenPose indicated excellent agreement (0.953) with radiography. In the extension position, the intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) indicated good agreement of OpenPose and radiography (0.815) and moderate agreement of goniometry with radiography (0.593). OpenPose had no systematic error in the flexion position, and a 2.3° fixed error in the extension position, compared to radiography.

Conclusion

OpenPose is a reliable and valid tool for measuring flexion and extension positions after TKA. It has better accuracy than goniometry, especially in the extension position. Accurate measurement values can be obtained with low error, high reproducibility, and no contact, independent of the examiner’s skills.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(5):313–320.
PROPOSTA DE UMA POLÍTICA DE INOVAÇÃO PARA A UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DA GRANDE DOURADOS
Authors: Spier Heloiza , Santos Silva Luan Carlos
Published: May 2023

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo propor uma Política de Inovação para a Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados. A UFGD é uma ICT pública e por lei deve possuir uma política de inovação instituída. Para atingir ao objetivo proposto foram realizadas as seguintes técnicas de coleta de dados: pesquisa bibliográfica, documental, benchmarking e entrevistas. Com base nos resultados obtidos foi possível elaborar uma proposta de minuta para implantação de uma política de inovação na UFGD, além de um modelo de processo para auxiliar os gestores na implantação dessa política
A COOPERAÇÃO PARA A INOVAÇÃO: uma análise da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados
Authors: Almeida Marília Baubueno de , Santos Silva Luan Carlos
Published: May 2023

A Cooperação Universidade-Empresa (U-E) representa um fator importante para a inovação, empreendedorismo e desenvolvimento tecnológico. Nesse sentido, este estudo pretende investigar como a Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD) tem atuado em relação à cooperação U-E, como ocorre e quais os meios utilizados para prospecção com o setor empresarial e analisar os benefícios e os empecilhos encontrados no desenvolvimento da parceria. A natureza do trabalho é de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, com classificação dos objetivos exploratória e descritiva. Como instrumentos de coleta de dados, foram utilizados questionários semiestruturados, entrevistas semiestruturadas e levantamento de dados secundários sobre parcerias realizadas na instituição. Os principais empecilhos detectados foram: trâmites burocráticos, falta de interesse por parte do mercado, falta de conhecimento das ações da universidade e localização. Já os principais benefícios apontados foram: capacitação dos envolvidos, relacionamento entre pesquisadores, alunos e empresários, e divulgação do nome da universidade. As motivações foram atender as expectativas do público externo na universidade, pessoas engajadas e apaixonadas pelo que fazem, tornar os docentes com uma visão mais empreendedora e o impacto gerado no mercado. Tendo a Universidade Estadual de Campinas como referência e como objeto de estudo a Agência de Inovação da Unicamp - INOVA, o modelo proposto interliga os agentes que promovem um ecossistema de inovação e empreendedorismo dentro da universidade, sendo eles: Núcleo de Inovação e Propriedade Intelectual, Incubadoras, Empresas Juniores, Parque Tecnológico Internacional e Núcleo de Inovação e Empreendedorismo. O objetivo é promover a Cooperação U-E, fazendo com que esses agentes conversem entre si e desenvolvam projetos em conjunto. Como recomendação para estudos futuros, sugere-se a criação de uma Política de Cooperação Universidade-Empresa na UFGD e a análise dos impactos gerados a partir desse modelo para a universidade.
Relationship of mangrove environment to the shrimps and milkfish production in silvofishery area of Blanakan, Subang, West Java
Authors: SURYAPERDANA YOGA , SOEWARDI KADARWAN , MASHAR ALI
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Suryaperdana Y, Soewardi K, Mashar A. 2012. Relationship of mangrove environment to the shrimps and milkfish production in silvofishery area of Blanakan, Subang, West Java. Bonorowo Wetlands 2: 74-85. Silvofisheries represent an integrated approach to conserving and utilizing mangrove resources to maintain a relatively high level of integrity in the mangrove area while capitalizing on the economic benefits of brackishwater aquaculture. This research aims to assess the environmental conditions of mangrove ecosystem condition and its relation to farmed shrimp, milkfish, and nature shrimp production in the silvofishery area Blanakan, Subang, West Java. And to see the relationships between the mangroves with the production of fisheries, then analyzed by the method of regression analysis. An attempt has been made to relate the surface areas of mangroves and the commercial shrimp production in those areas and adjacent waters in Indonesia. A significant linear relationship (? = 0.05) was obtained between these two variables as expressed in an equation: y = 3.783 x +23.13, with r2 value of 90.2% where Y is kg the nonfarming production (natural shrimp) and X is the mangrove surface. This relationship indicates that the shrimp production increases with the size of the mangrove area, implying that any reduction of the tidal forests, purposes will cause a decrease in shrimp yield. Meanwhile, the result of regression analysis between the surface areas of mangrove with farming production (shrimp and milkfish) obtained the equation y = 0, 819x 235.3 with a value of r2 = 30.5%. The existence of mangroves can affect environmental conditions, the content of chlorophyll-a relatively higher, stable pH, and DO relatively better. Meanwhile, farming production (shrimp and milkfish) showed uncertain conditions because the success of farmed fish (shrimp and milkfish) is more determined by the management of ponds.
Effect of donor plants and rooting medium on stem cutting propagation of faloak (Sterculia quadrifida)
Authors: Rianawati Heny , Siswadi Siswadi
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Rianawati H, Siswadi. 2020. Effect of donor plants and rooting medium on stem cutting propagation of faloak (Sterculia quadrifida). Trop Drylands 4: 31-35. Faloak (Sterculia quadrifida R.Br.) is a semiarid species and an important medicinal plant from Sterculiaceae family. This species is threatened by overexploitation and low seed production, reducing its population in the wild. Thus, planting is necessary to conserve this species, but limited knowledge exists regarding its propagation. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of donor plants and rooting medium on stem cutting propagation of S. quadrifida. The stem cuttings from S. quadrifida seedlings/juvenile (3.7-8.5 mm in diameter) and S. quadrifida trees/mature plants with two different size of diameter, small diameter (5.8-13.8 mm) and large diameter (15.4-24.4 mm), were planted in three various growth medium (soil, soil+manure of 1:1 ratio, and coco peat). The result showed that the survival rates of stem cuttings from juvenile donor plants and mature plants with large diameter were higher (15%-25%) than the survival rate of mature cuttings with small diameter (0%-5%). However, the rooting medium had no significant effect on the survival rate of stem cutting. Additionally, variables measured at the end of the observation, such as the number of roots/cutting, root length, number of nodes, number of leaves, leaf size were not significantly different among the survived stem cuttings from different treatments.
The perioperative utility of 3D printed models in complex surgical care: feedback from 106 cases
Authors: Thorn C , Ballard J , Lockhart C , Crone A , Aarvold A
Published: May 2023

Introduction

3D models are an emerging tool for surgical planning, providing an augmented method for the visualisation of a patient’s anatomy. As their use increases, more data about the utility of these models is critical to inform budget allocation. This study provides the most comprehensive analysis to date for the use of 3D models in perioperative management.

Methods

3D models for complex surgical cases in NHS hospitals were delivered alongside a surgeon feedback survey. The survey on the model’s utility had been designed alongside the university data analytical team and focused on five areas: surgical planning and diagnosis, economic impact, impact on intraoperative and preoperative time, effect on communication and direct impact on the patient.

Results

There were 106 models used by 63 surgeons for complex surgical cases between May 2020 and March 2021, across multiple surgical specialties. The models were reported to have benefits in all perioperative areas, with 92.5% of responses agreeing that the 3D model was a better method for diagnosis and planning than traditional 2D techniques. Benefits were reported on preoperative planning (92.4%), economic savings due to equipment selection (54.4%), reduction in surgical time (41.5%) and surgeon-to-surgeon communication (92.6%).

Conclusion

3D models were shown to have a wide range of benefits in a surgical setting. The reduction in surgical time could have the potential to help alleviate surgical backlogs. With more widespread use and optimisation of costs the use of 3D models could become the standard for unusual and complex surgical cases.
Chest wall reconstruction reduces hospital mortality following major chest wall trauma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cheruvu MS , Chubsey R , Blagojevic-Bucknall M , Satur CMR
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Chest wall reconstruction was introduced for the management of patients with severe chest wall injuries. We undertook a retrospective cohort study to investigate whether the treatment was associated with improved survival compared with conservative treatment.

Methods

A retrospective single institutional cohort study compared mortality following treatment of major chest wall trauma (Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3) by chest wall reconstruction (CWR) to conservative management (Non-CWR) between September 2014 and December 2019. Univariable and multivariable associations between demographic and comorbid characteristics and mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazard analysis and expressed as hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Of a cohort of 947, CWR (n=157, 16.6%) had a lower prevalence of polytrauma (35.7 vs 56.3%, p<0.001) and head injury (11.5% vs 26.7%, p<0.001). CWR-treated patients experienced a greater number of fractured ribs, (8.3 vs 5.8, p<0.001), higher incidence of flail chest (84.9% vs 48.9%, p<0.001), higher admission to Critical Care (64.3% vs 44.1%, p<0.001), greater demand for ventilation (36.9% vs 25.6%, p=0.004) and a higher New Injury Severity Scale value (36.9 vs 34.6, p=0.003). Mortality of CWR patients was significantly lower (3.8% vs 8.6%, p=0.04), with adjusted HR 0.30 (95% CI 0.12, 0.72, p=0.008).

Conclusions

Chest wall reconstructive surgery, provided as a part of multidisciplinary treatment strategy for major thoracic trauma, reduces risk of mortality. The results validate the UK Government strategy, designed to reduce mortality, by centralising management of serious trauma in Major Trauma Centres.
A master surgeon: George James Guthrie (1785-1856)
Authors: Crumplin MKH
Published: May 2023

A look back at the career and legacy of GJ Guthrie and his lasting influence on surgery.
Illustrating plastic surgery: the past, present and future
Authors: Baldwin AJ
Published: May 2023

How have the methods to record surgical procedures transformed over time?
The Intercollegiate Green Theatre Checklist
Authors: Robb H Douglas , Pegna V
Published: May 2023

How can the NHS take significant steps towards becoming ‘net zero’?
Caring for the future of the Holbein
Authors: Extance-Vaughan N
Published: May 2023

Professor Bertrand Cohen left the RCS England a gift of care and preservation for the Holbein, which is now on display in our new home of surgery.
Anatomical injury patterns, demographics and outcomes data for blunt and penetrating neck injuries on the Trauma Audit and Research Network database
Authors: Dodds N , Hollis S , Islam M , Thompson J
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Penetrating neck trauma is a relatively rare though potentially devastating mode of injury. To date, there has been no analysis on this subject using the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) dataset for the population of England, Wales and Northern Island.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study using the TARN dataset to identify all adult patients (≥16 years) presenting with neck trauma between January 2012 and March 2019.

Results

A total of 2,395 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study: 1,584 with blunt injuries to the neck (374 isolated injuries) and 811 with penetrating neck injuries (412 isolated injuries). The median age of the study population was 44.2 years and 73% were male. The unadjusted mortality rate was 18.2%. Seventy-nine per cent of patients with penetrating injuries required surgical exploration. The odds ratios (ORs) of injury to the trachea, pharynx/retropharynx, jugular vein and larynx were all significantly increased with penetrating injuries to the neck. There was significantly increased mortality for those patients suffering hyoid bone injury (OR: 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.10–4.49), carotid artery injury (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.41–2.32) and laryngeal injury (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.95–1.65).

Conclusions

Our data highlight the potentially devastating consequence of neck injury with associated injury patterns. Patients suffering penetrating neck trauma have complex care requirements needing appropriate specialty input.
Surgical history: a double-edged scalpel
Authors: Arnold-Forster A
Published: May 2023

Our Culture invites a medical historian to discuss the positive and negative implications of looking back at our own industry, and how the profession has evolved.
Pride and prejudice
Authors: Tierney Gillian
Published: May 2023

Guest Editor Gillian Tierney discusses the challenges that are faced by the extended surgical team, and the importance of developing the extended team to create learning opportunities and improve patient care.
A political solution to the future workforce?
Authors: Holloway Victoria
Published: May 2023

Our Political Editor discusses how the extended surgical team can help address the issues faced by the NHS and offers a political solution,
Becoming the Extended Surgical Team: The B-EST workforce modified Delphi study
Authors: Wilkins A , Townsend O , Sayed R , Jarvis K , Dalby S , King M , Shekar V , Peckham-Cooper A , Burke J , EST B
Published: May 2023

What can we learn about the extended surgical team from the outcomes of the B-EST Delphi study?
The physician associate in surgery: autonomy, supervision and prescribing
Authors: Jones A , Ranieri J
Published: May 2023

Two physician associates discuss their roles and how they work as part of the surgical team.
The role of SAS doctors in the extended surgical team
Authors: Shekar V
Published: May 2023

Why are SAS doctors such an integral part of the extended surgical team?
The Technologist's extended surgical team
Authors: Dobbs Tom
Published: May 2023

The Technologist explores how technology could be used to explore the EST.
Physico-Chemical Characterization and Interfacial Electrochemical Properties of Nanoparticles of Anatase-TiO2 Prepared by the Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Daou Ikram , Chfaira Rachid , Zegaoui Omar , Aouni Zakaria , Ahlafi Hammou
Published: May 2023

In this work, we prepared by the sol-gel method titanium dioxide nanoparticles having a large specific area (SBET = 218 m2/g). The isotherm of N2 adsorption-desorption at 77K revealed that it concerns a mesoporous solid with a maximum pore diameter of 43 Ã…. The X-ray diffraction showed that the solid is constituted of the anatase phase. The transmission electron microscopy revealed us that the synthesized grains of TiO2 are of nanometric sizes (diameter between 8 and 20 nm) and manifest under agglomerated shape. The study of its solubility in dispersing phase, by conductometric titrations, showed that the prepared solid is totally insoluble in all the domain of the studied pH. The measured inter-facial electrochemical properties, based on the isotherms of ionic adsorption and the conductometric titrations, are: the point of zero charge found equal to 6,2Â±0,1, the total number of sites of surface found equal to 5,8 OH/nm2 and the nature of action of the dispersed phase on the dispersing phase which is found organizer of the structure of water. Besides, the difference of the ionization constants ï„pK is found superior to 4 for all the adsorbed ions and the constants of surface complexation are independent from the nature of the adsorbed ion.
Wavefront reconstruction of discontinuous phase objects from optical deflectometry
Authors: Legarda-Saenz Ricardo , Flores Jorge L. , Servin Manuel , Martin-Gonzalez Anabel
Published: May 2023

One of the challenges of phase measuring deflectometry is to retrieve the wavefront from objects that present discontinuities or non-differentiable gradient fields. Here, we propose the integration of such gradient fields based on an L
p
-norm minimization problem. The solution of this problem results in a nonlinear partial differential equation, which can be solved with a fast and well-known numerical method and does not depend on external parameters. Numerical reconstructions on both synthetic and experimental data are presented that demonstrate the capability of the proposed method.
Highly sensitive and reliable optical fiber TDLAS gas detection system for methane in situ monitoring in near space
Authors: Zhang Qinduan , Zhang Tingting , Wei Yubin , Liu Tongyu
Published: May 2023

A highly sensitive and reliable tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy gas detection system with a temperature–pressure compensation algorithm is demonstrated for detecting CH4 concentrations in near space. Near space generally refers to the airspace 20–100 km away from the ground, where temperature and pressure changes are complex. Since the gas absorption spectrum is easily affected by temperature and pressure, a temperature–pressure compensation algorithm is proposed and used in the CH4 sensor to improve the detection accuracy of the sensor. First, we measured the basic characteristics of the sensor in the laboratory, such as linearity and long-term stability. Experimental results showed that the linear correlation coefficient R-square can reach 0.999, and the concentration fluctuation of CH4 is less than 0.17 ppm within 3.5 h. Then the sensor was applied to a research activity in Qinghai Province, China, in September, and the results show that the sensor can effectively monitor the CH4 concentration in near space.
Efficient terahertz optical filtering with large-area all-metal and polymer-metal woven wire meshes
Authors: Rossel Simon , Zhang Wentao , Hafez Hassan A. , Fabretti Savio , Turchinovich Dmitry
Published: May 2023

Many components for terahertz (THz) optical filtering are mechanically fragile and are hard to produce with large aperture, making them unsuitable for applications where larger THz beam diameter is required. In this work, the THz optical properties of industrial-grade, readily available and inexpensive woven wire meshes are studied using THz time-domain spectroscopy and numerical simulations. These meshes are meter-sized, free-standing sheet materials that are principally attractive for the use as robust, large-area THz components. Our results show that such meshes can act as efficient, tunable THz bandpass filters due to sharp plasmonic resonance supported by the interwoven metallic wires. Further, the meshes that combine metallic and polymer wires act as efficient THz linear polarizers with a polarization extinction ratio (field) above 60:1 for frequencies below 3 THz.
Control of the electron dynamics in solid-state high harmonic generation on ultrafast time scales by a polarization-skewed laser pulse
Authors: Song Xiaohong , Yang Shidong , Wang Guifang , Lin Jianpeng , Wang Liang , Meier Torsten , Yang Weifeng
Published: May 2023

Since high-order harmonic generation (HHG) from atoms depends sensitively on the polarization of the driving laser field, the polarization gating (PG) technique was developed and applied successfully to generate isolated attosecond pulses from atomic gases. The situation is, however, different in solid-state systems as it has been demonstrated that due to collisions with neighboring atomic cores of the crystal lattice strong HHG can be generated even by elliptically- and circularly-polarized laser fields. Here we apply PG to solid-state systems and find that the conventional PG technique is inefficient for the generation of isolated ultrashort harmonic pulse bursts. In contrast, we demonstrate that a polarization-skewed laser pulse is able to confine the harmonic emission to a time window of less than one-tenth of the laser cycle. This method provides a novel way to control HHG and to generate isolated attosecond pulses in solids.
Efficient beam splitting using zero-load-impedance metagratings
Authors: Tan Zhen , Yi Jianjia , Popov Vladislav , Burokur Shah Nawaz
Published: May 2023

Metagratings with zero load impedance are proposed to achieve efficient beam splitting. Different from previously proposed metagratings that require specific capacitive and/or inductive structures to achieve load impedance, the metagrating proposed here consists solely of simple microstrip-line structures. Such a structure overcomes the implementation constraints such that low-cost fabrication technology can be applied for metagratings operating at higher frequencies. The detailed theoretical design procedure is presented together with numerical optimizations to achieve the specific design parameters. Finally, several reflection-type beam-splitting devices with different pointing angles are designed, simulated, and experimentally measured. The results show very high performance at 30 GHz, paving the way to simple and low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) metagratings at millimeter-wave and higher frequencies.
Phosphorylation of PSD-95 at serine 73 in dCA1 is required for extinction of contextual fear
Authors: Ziółkowska Magdalena , Borczyk Malgorzata , Cały Anna , Tomaszewski Kamil F. , Nowacka Agata , Nalberczak-Skóra Maria , Śliwińska Małgorzata Alicja , Łukasiewicz Kacper , Skonieczna Edyta , Wójtowicz Tomasz , Wlodarczyk Jakub , Bernaś Tytus , Salamian Ahmad , Radwanska Kasia
Published: May 2023

The updating of contextual memories is essential for survival in a changing environment. Accumulating data indicate that the dorsal CA1 area (dCA1) contributes to this process. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of contextual fear memory updating remain poorly understood. Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) regulates the structure and function of glutamatergic synapses. Here, using dCA1-targeted genetic manipulations in vivo, combined with ex vivo 3D electron microscopy and electrophysiology, we identify a novel, synaptic mechanism that is induced during attenuation of contextual fear memories and involves phosphorylation of PSD-95 at Serine 73 in dCA1. Our data provide the proof that PSD-95–dependent synaptic plasticity in dCA1 is required for updating of contextual fear memory.
MyosinA is a druggable target in the widespread protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Kelsen Anne , Kent Robyn S. , Snyder Anne K. , Wehri Eddie , Bishop Stephen J. , Stadler Rachel V. , Powell Cameron , Martorelli di Genova Bruno , Rompikuntal Pramod K. , Boulanger Martin J. , Warshaw David M. , Westwood Nicholas J. , Schaletzky Julia , Ward Gary E.
Published: May 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread apicomplexan parasite that can cause severe disease in its human hosts. The ability of T. gondii and other apicomplexan parasites to invade into, egress from, and move between cells of the hosts they infect is critical to parasite virulence and disease progression. An unusual and highly conserved parasite myosin motor (TgMyoA) plays a central role in T. gondii motility. The goal of this work was to determine whether the parasite’s motility and lytic cycle can be disrupted through pharmacological inhibition of TgMyoA, as an approach to altering disease progression in vivo. To this end, we first sought to identify inhibitors of TgMyoA by screening a collection of 50,000 structurally diverse small molecules for inhibitors of the recombinant motor’s actin-activated ATPase activity. The top hit to emerge from the screen, KNX-002, inhibited TgMyoA with little to no effect on any of the vertebrate myosins tested. KNX-002 was also active against parasites, inhibiting parasite motility and growth in culture in a dose-dependent manner. We used chemical mutagenesis, selection in KNX-002, and targeted sequencing to identify a mutation in TgMyoA (T130A) that renders the recombinant motor less sensitive to compound. Compared to wild-type parasites, parasites expressing the T130A mutation showed reduced sensitivity to KNX-002 in motility and growth assays, confirming TgMyoA as a biologically relevant target of KNX-002. Finally, we present evidence that KNX-002 can slow disease progression in mice infected with wild-type parasites, but not parasites expressing the resistance-conferring TgMyoA T130A mutation. Taken together, these data demonstrate the specificity of KNX-002 for TgMyoA, both in vitro and in vivo, and validate TgMyoA as a druggable target in infections with T. gondii. Since TgMyoA is essential for virulence, conserved in apicomplexan parasites, and distinctly different from the myosins found in humans, pharmacological inhibition of MyoA offers a promising new approach to treating the devastating diseases caused by T. gondii and other apicomplexan parasites.
International carbon markets for carbon dioxide removal
Authors: Michaelowa Axel , Honegger Matthias , Poralla Matthias , Winkler Malte , Dalfiume Sandra , Nayak Ankita
Published: May 2023

International carbon markets are potentially a very powerful tool for mobilizing carbon dioxide removal in line with Paris Agreement ambitions to limit global warming to well below 2°C. This requires reaching global net-zero emissions between 2050 and 2070. Yet, carbon market regulators have not approached removals in a systematic manner. This review assesses the highly fragmented treatment of removals under compliance and voluntary carbon markets, including baseline, credit and cap-and-trade systems. The Kyoto mechanisms and the large voluntary carbon market standards have long focussed on biological removals without inherent storage permanence and only recently started to develop methodologies for removals with geological storage, mineralization or biochar. Driven by high prices for credits from emerging removal technologies and advance market commitment initiatives targeting high permanence removals, various newcomers in voluntary markets are currently establishing their own approaches for generating removal credits. However, they disregard key concepts safeguarding market quality such as additionality, which risks triggering scandals and tainting the entire market for removal credits. Given the diversity of credit prices spanning three orders of magnitude from 1 to 1000, as well as of volumes ranging from a few hundred to tens of millions of credits, the current “gold rush” atmosphere of removal markets needs to quickly be replaced by a coordinated approach, ensuring credibility, and enabling removals to play the required role in reaching global net zero.
Transition from hospital to home care for preterm babies: A qualitative study of the experiences of caregivers in Uganda
Authors: Nalwadda Christine , Tusubira Andrew K. , Nambuya Harriet , Namazzi Gertrude , Muwanguzi David , Waiswa Peter , Kurinczuk Jenny , Kelley Maureen , Nair Manisha
Published: May 2023

Improving care for preterm babies could significantly increase child survival in low-and middle income countries. However, attention has mainly focused on facility-based care with little emphasis on transition from hospital to home after discharge. Our aim was to understand the experiences of the transition process among caregivers of preterm infants in Uganda in order to improve support systems. A qualitative study among caregivers of preterm infants in Iganga and Jinja districts in eastern Uganda was conducted in June 2019 through February 2020, involving seven focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews. We used thematic-content analysis to identify emergent themes related to the transition process. We included 56 caregivers, mainly mothers and fathers, from a range of socio-demographic backgrounds. Four themes emerged: caregivers’ experiences through the transition process from preparation in the hospital to providing care at home; appropriate communication; unmet information needs; and managing community expectations and perceptions. In addition, caregivers’ views on ‘peer-support’ was explored. Caregivers’ experiences, and their confidence and ability to provide care were related to preparation in the hospital after birth and until discharge, the information they received and the manner in which healthcare providers communicated. Healthcare workers were a trusted source of information while in the hospital, but there was no continuity of care after discharge which increased their fears and worries about the survival of their infant. They often felt confused, anxious and discouraged by the negative perceptions and expectations from the community. Fathers felt left-out as there was very little communication between them and the healthcare providers. Peer-support could enable a smooth transition from hospital to home care. Interventions to advance preterm care beyond the health facility through a well-supported transition from facility to home care are urgently required to improve health and survival of preterm infants in Uganda and other similar settings.
COVID-19 in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: de Macedo Priscila Marques , Benko Lorena Macedo Pestana , Falcão Eduardo Mastrangelo Marinho , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , do Valle Antonio Carlos Francesconi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

In 2020, we reported the first patient with concomitant COVID-19 and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Since then, no other cases have been recorded in the literature. We aim to update information on the occurrence of COVID-19 in patients with PCM followed at a reference center for infectious diseases at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records from patients diagnosed with PCM who presented with clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and/or laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 at any time during their acute or follow-up care. The clinical profiles of these patients were described.

Results

Between March 2020 and September 2022, we identified six individuals with COVID-19 among the 117 patients with PCM evaluated. The median age was 38 years and the male to female ratio 2:1. Most patients (n = 5) presented for evaluation due to acute PCM. The severity of COVID-19 ranged from mild to severe in acute PCM and only the single patient with chronic PCM died.

Conclusions

There is a range of disease severity in COVID-19 and PCM co-infection and concomitant disease may represent a severe association, especially in the chronic type of the mycosis with pulmonary involvement. As COVID-19 and chronic PCM share similar clinical aspects and PCM is neglected, it is probable that COVID-19 has been hampering simultaneous PCM diagnosis, which can explain the absence of new co-infection reports. With the continued persistence of COVID-19 globally, these findings further suggest that more attention by providers is necessary to identify co-infections with Paracoccidioides.
Bots, disinformation, and the first impeachment of U.S. President Donald Trump
Authors: Rossetti Michael , Zaman Tauhid
Published: May 2023

Automated social media accounts, known as bots, have been shown to spread disinformation and manipulate online discussions. We study the behavior of retweet bots on Twitter during the first impeachment of U.S. President Donald Trump. We collect over 67.7 million impeachment related tweets from 3.6 million users, along with their 53.6 million edge follower network. We find although bots represent 1% of all users, they generate over 31% of all impeachment related tweets. We also find bots share more disinformation, but use less toxic language than other users. Among supporters of the Qanon conspiracy theory, a popular disinformation campaign, bots have a prevalence near 10%. The follower network of Qanon supporters exhibits a hierarchical structure, with bots acting as central hubs surrounded by isolated humans. We quantify bot impact using the generalized harmonic influence centrality measure. We find there are a greater number of pro-Trump bots, but on a per bot basis, anti-Trump and pro-Trump bots have similar impact, while Qanon bots have less impact. This lower impact is due to the homophily of the Qanon follower network, suggesting this disinformation is spread mostly within online echo-chambers.
Myocarditis and pericarditis recovery following smallpox vaccine 2002–2016: A comparative observational cohort study in the military health system
Authors: Engler Renata J. M. , Montgomery Jay R. , Spooner Christina E. , Nelson Michael R. , Collins Limone C. , Ryan Margaret A. , Chu Clara S. , Atwood John E. , Hulten Edward A. , Rutt Ahlea A. , Parish Dacia O. , McClenathan Bruce M. , Hrncir David E. , Duran Laurie , Skerrett Catherine , Housel Laurie A. , Brunader Janet A. , Ryder Stephanie L. , Lohsl Connie L. , Hemann Brian A. , Cooper Leslie T.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

(1) Characterize the initial clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of smallpox vaccine-associated hypersensitivity myocarditis and pericarditis (MP) in United States service members. (2) Describe the process of case identification and adjudication using the 2003 CDC nationally defined myocarditis/pericarditis epidemiologic case definitions to include consideration of case-specific diversity and evolving evidence.

Background

Between 2002 and 2016, 2.546 million service members received a smallpox Vaccinia vaccine. Acute MP is associated with vaccinia, but the long-term outcomes have not been studied.

Methods

Records of vaccinia-associated MP reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System by vaccination date were adjudicated using the 2003 MP epidemiologic case definitions for inclusion in a retrospective observational cohort study. Descriptive statistics of clinical characteristics, presentation, cardiac complications, and time course of clinical and cardiac recovery were calculated with comparisons by gender, diagnosis and time to recovery.

Results

Out of over 5000 adverse event reports, 348 MP cases who survived the acute illness, including 276 myocarditis (99.6% probable/confirmed) and 72 pericarditis (29.2% probable/confirmed), were adjudicated for inclusion in the long-term follow-up. Demographics included a median age of 24 years (IQR 21,30) and male predominance (96%). Compared to background military population, the myocarditis and pericarditis cohort had a higher percentage of white males by 8.2% (95% CI: 5.6, 10.0) and age <40 years by 4.2% (95% CI: 1.7,5.8). Long-term follow-up documented full recovery in 267/306 (87.3%) with 74.9% recovered in less than a year (median ~3 months). Among patients with myocarditis, the percentage who had a delayed time to recovery at time of last follow-up was 12.8% (95% CI: 2.1,24.7) higher in those with an acute left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of ≤50% and 13.5% (95% CI: 2.4,25.7) higher in those with hypokinesis. Patient complications included 6 ventricular arrhythmias (2 received implanted defibrillators) and 14 with atrial arrhythmias (2 received radiofrequency ablation). Three of 6 patients (50%) diagnosed with cardiomyopathy had clinical recovery at their last follow-up date.

Conclusions

Hypersensitivity myocarditis/pericarditis following the smallpox vaccine is associated with full clinical and functional ventricular recovery in over 87% of cases (74.9% <1 year). A minority of MP cases experienced prolonged or incomplete recovery beyond 1 year.
Broadening participation in science through arts-facilitated experiences at a cultural festival
Authors: Rosin Mark S. , Storksdieck Martin , O’Connell Kari , Keys Brianna , Hoke Kelly , Lewenstein Bruce V.
Published: May 2023

A key broadening participation challenge for science communication is to reach non-traditional audiences beyond those already interested in science. In this study we test a “Guerilla Science” approach that blends elements of access, by removing barriers to participation, with those of inclusion, by designing participant-centered activities, for reaching an art-interested adult audience at the FIGMENT art festival in New York City. Our results show that participants at Guerilla Science were similar to festival goers overall in their connection to and interest in science, indicating the effectiveness of the approach for engaging non-traditional audiences and those who might not self-select into science activities.
The effect of isocaloric, energy-restrictive, KETOgenic diet on metabolism, inflammation, nutrition deficiencies and oxidative stress in women with overweight and obesity (KETO-MINOX): Study protocol
Authors: Drabińska Natalia , Romaszko Jerzy , White Paul
Published: May 2023

Obesity is considered one of the biggest health problems of the 21st century, becoming a worldwide epidemic, leading to the development of many diseases and increasing the risk of premature death. The first step in reducing body weight is a calorie-restricted diet. To date, there are many different diet types available, including the ketogenic diet (KD) which is recently gaining a lot of attention. However, all the physiological consequences of KD in the human body are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week, isocaloric, energy-restricted, KD as a weight management solution in women with overweight and obesity compared to a standard, balanced diet with the same calorie content. The primary outcome is to evaluate the effects of a KD on body weight and composition. The secondary outcomes are to evaluate the effect of KD-related weight loss on inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional status, profiles of metabolites in breath, which informs about the metabolic changes in the body, obesity and diabetes-associated parameters, including a lipid profile, status of adipokines and hormones. Notably, in this trial, the long-term effects and efficiency of the KD will be studied. In summary, the proposed study will fill the gap in knowledge about the effects of KD on inflammation, obesity-associated parameters, nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress and metabolism in a single study.

ClinicalTrail.gov registration number: NCT05652972.
RNAi screening for modulators of an osmo-sensitive gene response to extracellular matrix damage reveals negative feedback and interactions with translation inhibition
Authors: Chandler Luke M. , Rodriguez Michael , Choe Keith P.
Published: May 2023

In epidermal tissues, extracellular matrices (ECMs) function as barriers between the organism and environment. Despite being at the interface with the environment, little is known about the role of animal barrier ECMs in sensing stress and communicating with cytoprotective gene pathways in neighboring cells. We and others have identified a putative damage sensor in the C. elegans cuticle that regulates osmotic, detoxification, and innate immune response genes. This pathway is associated with circumferential collagen bands called annular furrows; mutation or loss of furrow collagens causes constitutive activation of osmotic, detoxification, and innate immune response genes. Here, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen for modulators of osmotic stress response gene gpdh-1 in a furrow collagen mutant strain. RNAi of six genes identified in this screen were tested under other conditions and for effects on other stress responses. The functions of these genes suggest negative feedback within osmolyte accumulation pathways and interactions with ATP homeostasis and protein synthesis. Loss of these gpdh-1 modulators had distinct effects on canonical detoxification and innate immune response genes.
“Of course, drones delivering urgent medicines are necessary. But I would not use them until…” Insights from a qualitative study on users’ needs and requirements regarding the use of medical drones
Authors: Fink Franziska , Paulicke Denny , Grünthal Martin , Jahn Patrick
Published: May 2023

Background

The current COVID-19 pandemic, demographic trends, and the increasing shortage of skilled workers pose major challenges for the care of people with and without care needs. The potential of drones as unmanned aerial vehicles in health care is being discussed as an effective innovative way of delivering much-needed medicines, especially in rural areas. Although the advantages are well known, the needs of the users have not yet been taken into account.

Methods

Online-based focus groups (via WebEx) were conducted with participants from different disciplines: nursing, pharmacy, physicians. Focus groups with COVID-19 patients were conducted face-to-face. The focus was primarily on potential problems and requirements of the users regarding the use of drones. Structured and contrastive snowball sampling has been deployed. The focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed by a transcription-company, and coded with the help of the program “f4analyse 2” for content (Elo et al. 2008).

Results

Especially during the pandemic situation, delays, and restrictions in the delivery of medicines have been noticed. All interview partners (patients, pharmacists, physicians, and nurses; n = 36 participants) see drones as useful in cases of limited mobility, time-critical medicines (rapid availability), emergencies, and disasters (e.g., floods), but also for the delivery of regular medicines in rural areas (e.g., for the treatment of chronic diseases). Moreover, only 16.7% of the participants have experiences with drones.

Discussion

Drone deliveries do not play a role in the health system yet despite their great importance, which is perceived as particularly evident in the pandemic situation. The results lead to the conclusion that this is mainly due to knowledge and application deficits, so that educational and advisory work is absolutely necessary. There is also a need for further studies that go beyond the scope of acceptance research to describing and evaluating concrete scenarios of drone delivery on the basis of a user-centered approach.
Machine learning for spatial stratification of progressive cardiovascular dysfunction in a murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Durr Andrya J. , Korol Anna S. , Hathaway Quincy A. , Kunovac Amina , Taylor Andrew D. , Rizwan Saira , Pinti Mark V. , Hollander John M.
Published: May 2023

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been utilized to evaluate independent spatial alterations in the diabetic heart, but the progressive manifestation of regional and segmental cardiac dysfunction in the type 2 diabetic (T2DM) heart remains understudied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate if machine learning could be utilized to reliably describe patterns of the progressive regional and segmental dysfunction that are associated with the development of cardiac contractile dysfunction in the T2DM heart. Non-invasive conventional echocardiography and STE datasets were utilized to segregate mice into two pre-determined groups, wild-type and Db/Db, at 5, 12, 20, and 25 weeks. A support vector machine model, which classifies data using a single line, or hyperplane, that best separates each class, and a ReliefF algorithm, which ranks features by how well each feature lends to the classification of data, were used to identify and rank cardiac regions, segments, and features by their ability to identify cardiac dysfunction. STE features more accurately segregated animals as diabetic or non-diabetic when compared with conventional echocardiography, and the ReliefF algorithm efficiently ranked STE features by their ability to identify cardiac dysfunction. The Septal region, and the AntSeptum segment, best identified cardiac dysfunction at 5, 20, and 25 weeks, with the AntSeptum also containing the greatest number of features which differed between diabetic and non-diabetic mice. Cardiac dysfunction manifests in a spatial and temporal fashion, and is defined by patterns of regional and segmental dysfunction in the T2DM heart which are identifiable using machine learning methodologies. Further, machine learning identified the Septal region and AntSeptum segment as locales of interest for therapeutic interventions aimed at ameliorating cardiac dysfunction in T2DM, suggesting that machine learning may provide a more thorough approach to managing contractile data with the intention of identifying experimental and therapeutic targets.