bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy and neurobiological correlates of electroconvulsive therapy in patients with clozapine-resistant/intolerant schizophrenia: study protocol of multi-site parallel arm double-blind randomized sham-controlled study
Authors: Arumugham Shyam Sundar , Praharaj Samir K. , Shreekantiah Umesh , Sreeraj Vanteemar S. , Roy Chandramouli , Shenoy Sonia , Purohith Abhiram Narasimhan , Chithra Uppinkudru , Bagali Kiran Basawaraj , Venkataramaiah Sudhir , Nanjundaiah Gopala Krishna Kadarapura , Thennarasu Kandavel , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Goyal Nishant , Das Basudeb , Mehta Urvakhsh Meherwan , Muralidharan Kesavan , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , Sinha Preeti , Thirthalli Jagadisha
Published: October 2022

Background: A substantial proportion of patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia do not respond well or partially to clozapine, with a subset that does not tolerate an adequate trial of clozapine. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is regarded as one of the augmenting options, but there is a lack of high-quality evidence for this practice. This protocol describes a double-blind randomised sham-controlled modified-ECT trial to evaluate its efficacy in patients with clozapine resistant/intolerant schizophrenia. The study also involves multimodal investigations to identify the response predictors and the mechanistic basis of modified ECT in this population.

Methods: One hundred consenting schizophrenia patients with resistance/intolerance to clozapine referred by clinicians for ECT would be randomly assigned to receive true ECT or sham ECT at three study centers. Sham ECT would mimic all the procedures of modified ECT including anaesthesia and muscle relaxation, except the electrical stimulation. After a blinded course, non-responders to sham ECT would be offered open-label true ECT. Clinical assessments, neurocognitive assessments and multimodal investigations (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], electroencephalography, heart rate variability, investigative transcranial magnetic stimulation-transcranial direct current stimulation, gene polymorphism) would be conducted at baseline and repeated after the end of the trial, as well as open-label ECT course. The trial would evaluate the improvement in positive symptoms (scale for assessment of positive symptoms) of schizophrenia as the primary outcome measure with prediction of this change by resting-state functional-MRI based brain-connectivity as the second primary objective.

Registration: Clinical Trial Registry of India (Reg no: CTRI/2021/05/033775) on 24th May 2021.
The genome sequence of the garden grass-veneer, Chrysoteuchia culmella (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Parkerson Louis ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Chrysoteuchia culmella (the garden grass-veneer; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Crambidae). The genome sequence is 645 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly (99.81%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules with the Z sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 21,251 protein coding genes.
El agua: un derecho humano y de la naturaleza Claves para reinterpretar su normatividad
Authors: Villa Fontecha Germán Humberto
Published: October 2022

Este libro tiene como punto de partida el examen de algunos documentos elaborados en el ámbito del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos, para después viajar a través de diferentes espacios conceptuales como la filosofía del derecho, la bioética, la biopolítica y la filosofía de la biología, de los que se tomaron algunos conceptos apropiados para formular una explicación de los fundamentos del derecho humano al agua. Así, la obra ofrece una mirada alternativa, crítica y propositiva al contenido normativo del derecho humano al agua existente, apuntando, en última instancia, a entenderlo como un potencial puente para avanzar en la reintegración del humano y la naturaleza, necesaria después de varios siglos de modernidad occidental, además de útil para todos aquellos que aborden el estudio e investigación de este tema en general y, más específicamente, del derecho humano al agua.
‘Only through unity’: lessening the impact of cardiac diseases on cognitive function
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: October 2022

In this quarterly column, Helen Cowan sheds some light on the lesser known area of cardiac nursing in care homes, looking at nurse-led diagnosis and management of cardiac conditions.
Rethinking Economic Analysis: The Perspective of Political Economy
Authors: Ding Xiaoqin , Ma Jinrun , Yan Xinqi
Published: October 2022

Organized around the theme “Rethinking Economic Analysis: The Perspective of Political Economy,” the 15th Forum of the World Association for Political Economy was hosted by the World Association for Political Economy and the Shanghai International Studies University on December 18 and 19, 2021. Nearly 300 scholars from more than 40 countries discussed in depth the topics of Marxist and capitalist economics; the crisis and criticism of capitalism; envisioning socialism; socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era; agricultural problems; ecological problems and new economic forms from the perspective of political economy; the plight of developing countries and how to solve it; political and economic considerations related to COVID-19; multipolarization, and geopolitical economy. The scholars attending the forum put forward many scientific theories and policy suggestions, which strengthened the position of Marxist political economy and provided an important ideological weapon helping working people all over the world to unite against the irrational capitalist system and the hegemonic acts of the new imperialism, while promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind and the creation of a new form of human civilization.
Eliminating the influence of modulation depth by a laser interference double detection system
Authors: Tong Kai , Qian Kunmiao , Wang Hui , Wang Tao , Zhang Qianqian
Published: October 2022

We propose a method of combining a double optical path detection system with a phase generation carrier arctangent algorithm. The feasibility of eliminating the influence of modulation depth by the double optical path detection vibration measurement system is verified by simulation and experiment. Results show that the average total harmonic distortion of the single frequency signal is 1%, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the speech signal is improved by an average of 5.6 dB. Therefore, the double optical path detection system can eliminate the influence of modulation depth, avoid nonlinear distortion, and improve the detection performance of the system.
All-optical polarimeter for laser Stokes vector measurement using self-induced nonlinear phase modulation
Authors: Krarup Ole , Baker Chams , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi
Published: October 2022

This paper utilizes an analytical model of polarization dependent frequency sideband generation via the Kerr effect in a highly nonlinear fiber to determine the state of polarization (SOP) of a laser by all-optical means. Theoretical analysis shows that the power of the n
th
order sideband generated by the propagation of two lasers with distinct frequencies in the nonlinear medium is proportional to cos 2n(α/2), where α is the angle between the normalized Stokes vectors representing the SOPs of the lasers on the Poincaré sphere. By tailoring the SOP of one laser acting as a reference and experimentally measuring the power of the first order sideband, the SOP of the laser under test is recovered with an error smaller than 10.22° on the Poincaré sphere corresponding to 0.8% the sphere’s total area. Comparing the SOPs of two lasers without referencing them to fixed polarizers enables potential applications in remote environmental sensing, novel polarization division multiplexing schemes for enhanced telecommunication data rates, and scientific instrumentation.
Wide-field tomography imaging of a double circuit using NV center ensembles in a diamond
Authors: Li Zhonghao , Liang Yanling , Shen Chong , Shi Zhenrong , Wen Huanfei , Guo Hao , Ma Zongmin , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: October 2022

The wide-field (2.42 mm × 1.36 mm, resolution: 5.04 µm) tomography imaging of double circuits is performed using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center ensembles in a diamond. The magnetic-field distribution on the surface of the circuit produced by the lower layer is obtained. Vector magnetic superposition is used to separate the magnetic-field distribution produced by the lower layer from the magnetic-field distribution produced by two layers. An inversion model is used to perform the tomography imaging of the magnetic-field distribution on the lower layer surface. Compared with the measurements of the upper layer, the difference in the maximum magnetic-field intensity of inversion is approximately 0.4%, and the difference in the magnetic-field distribution of inversion is approximately 8%, where the depth of the lower layer is 0.32 mm. Simulations are conducted to prove the reliability of the imaging. These results provide a simple and highly accurate reference for the detection and fault diagnosis of multilayer and integrated circuits.
Electrically reconfigurable waveguide Bragg grating filters
Authors: Khalil Mostafa , Sun Hao , Berikaa Essam , Plant David V. , Chen Lawrence R.
Published: October 2022

We propose and demonstrate an electrically reconfigurable waveguide Bragg grating filters in silicon-on-insulator using a multiple-contact heater element. There are six electrical pads connected to the heater element in an equidistant manner. These electrical pads allow to create different heat, and corresponding refractive index, distributions across the grating so that the local Bragg wavelength corresponding to the heated segments can be controlled. In turn, this control over the heat distribution allows the device to be reconfigured to implement different filter spectral responses. These filters are applicable for both wavelength division multiplexing systems and optical signal processing applications. As a verification, we demonstrate the generation of two (or more) separate filter bands with a spacing up to 35 nm or a Fabry-Pérot cavity with a 1.6 nm free-spectral range. Moreover, we explain a firm and accurate simulation framework of the proposed device based on COMSOL Multiphysics and the transfer matrix method, which is in excellent agreement with our experimental measurements.
Miniaturization and image optimization of a full-color holographic display system using a vibrating light guide
Authors: Chuang Chih-Hao , Chen Chien-Yu , Li Siao-Ting , Chang Hsuan-Ting , Lin Hoang-Yan
Published: October 2022

In this study, a miniaturized full-color holographic reconstruction system that uses a single spatial light modulator to achieve full-color image reconstruction was developed. The reconstruction system uses a single light guide for light combination and is therefore less voluminous than conventional reconstruction systems. The experimental results demonstrated that the system had a full-color display, corrected light combination, and eliminated zero-order light. The vibrations of the light guide disrupted the temporal coherence of the laser beam, thus ensuring that the speckle in the reconstructed image was almost imperceptible to the human eye.
Resonators with a continuously variable output coupling rate to enhance output performance of Yb:YAG thin-disk lasers
Authors: Dai Longhui , Liu Rui , Gong Faquan , Li Xiang , Lei Xiyin , Zheng Li , Deng Songwen , Lv Qipeng , Sun Tianxiang , Teng Fei , Li Gang , Jin Yuqi
Published: October 2022

Beam quality and average output power are two long-sought parameters of continuous-wave lasers. The operating characteristics of a Yb:YAG thin-disk laser based on a 72-pass pump module using output couplers with continuously variable coupling rates are reported. When the pump power is 450 W, the average power of more than 210 W is obtained, and the corresponding optical-optical efficiency is about 46.67%. The output beam is near diffraction limited with M2=1.20 and 1.18 on the horizontal and vertical directions respectively. The thin-disk laser maintains the beam quality near diffraction limited within the whole pump power range by continuously changing the coupling rate of the output coupler (the combination of thin film polarizer and quarter-wave plate) according to the incident pump power. The experimental results show that by continuously changing the coupling rate, combined with the dynamic change of thermal lens effect, the laser beam quality factor M2 can be reduced from 2.0 to 1.2, and the beam quality can be improved by about 40%. The improvement of and increase of average output power confirm that resonators with continuously variable coupling rate are a promising method for enhancing output performance of thin-disk lasers.
Design and analysis of recurrent neural networks for ultrafast optical pulse nonlinear propagation
Authors: Martins Gustavo R. , Silva Luís C. B. , Segatto Marcelo E. V. , Rocha Helder R. O. , Castellani Carlos E. S.
Published: October 2022

In this work, we analyze different types of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) working under several different parameters to best model the nonlinear optical dynamics of pulse propagation. Here we studied the propagation of picosecond and femtosecond pulses under distinct initial conditions going through 13 m of a highly nonlinear fiber and demonstrated the application of two RNNs returning error metrics such as normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) as low as 9%. Those results were further extended for a dataset outside the initial pulse conditions used on the RNN training, and the best-proposed network was still able to achieve a NRMSE below 14%. We believe that this study can contribute to a better understanding of building RNNs employed for modeling nonlinear optical pulse propagation and of how the peak power and nonlinearity affect the prediction error.
Zero-GVD slow light of coupled topological edge states in a sandwiched photonic crystal waveguide
Authors: Zheng Wang , Liu Lei , Wang Yueke
Published: October 2022

We propose a new scheme to realize topological photonic states with low group velocity (vg) and zero group velocity dispersion (zero-GVD) based on a sandwiched photonic crystal (PC) waveguide, which are composed of finite sized PCs with different topological phases. In our proposed sandwiched heterostructure, two coupled topological edge states (CTESs) can be found, one of which can be applied to slow light by modifying the radii of the dielectric rods. The slow light characteristics of CTES, including zero-GVD, large average group index and normalized delay-bandwidth product, are discussed in detail based on finite element method (FEM) simulation. Besides, the robustness of CTES with slow light is verified, when introducing random disorders. Time-domain simulation results demonstrate the dispersionless transport of CETS in zero-GVD region. Our findings pave a way of topological slow light, enrich the topological PC research, and have new application in optical buffers and optical delay lines.
In-situ phase control of a low-loss membrane-based lithium-niobate polarisation-state modulator
Authors: Mwangi Morris , Behague Florent , Coste Antoine , Safioui Jassem , Suarez Miguel , Byiringiro Jean , Lutz Philippe , Clévy Cédric , Courjal Nadège
Published: October 2022

We report on lithium niobate intermediate-thin films with reduced energy-manufacturing costs for manufacturing low-loss electro-optic components. A micrometer-thick membrane surrounded with tapers is inscribed in a single step by smoothly dicing the bottom face of a standard LiNbO3 electro-optic modulator. Hence, we demonstrate a freestanding polarisation-state modulator with insertion losses as low as 2.6 dB. The in-situ structuring of the membrane allows a giant phase control extending over 40°. These developments open the way to a new generation of membrane-based electro-optic devices with low manufacturing-energy costs and reduced yield losses for sensing, telecommunications, or quantum photonics applications.
Random-effects meta-analysis of effect sizes as a unified framework for gene set analysis
Authors: Makrooni Mohammad A. , O’Shea Dónal , Geeleher Paul , Seoighe Cathal
Published: October 2022

Gene set analysis (GSA) remains a common step in genome-scale studies because it can reveal insights that are not apparent from results obtained for individual genes. Many different computational tools are applied for GSA, which may be sensitive to different types of signals; however, most methods implicitly test whether there are differences in the distribution of the effect of some experimental condition between genes in gene sets of interest. We have developed a unifying framework for GSA that first fits effect size distributions, and then tests for differences in these distributions between gene sets. These differences can be in the proportions of genes that are perturbed or in the sign or size of the effects. Inspired by statistical meta-analysis, we take into account the uncertainty in effect size estimates by reducing the influence of genes with greater uncertainty on the estimation of distribution parameters. We demonstrate, using simulation and by application to real data, that this approach provides significant gains in performance over existing methods. Furthermore, the statistical tests carried out are defined in terms of effect sizes, rather than the results of prior statistical tests measuring these changes, which leads to improved interpretability and greater robustness to variation in sample sizes.
Progress towards achieving child survival goals in Kenya after devolution: Geospatial analysis with scenario-based projections, 2015–2025
Authors: Joseph Noel K. , Macharia Peter M. , Okiro Emelda A.
Published: October 2022

Subnational projections of under-5 mortality (U5M) have increasingly become an essential planning tool to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda and strategies for improving child survival. To support child health policy, planning, and tracking child development goals in Kenya, we projected U5M at units of health decision making. County-specific annual U5M were estimated using a multivariable Bayesian space-time hierarchical model based on intervention coverage from four alternate intervention scale-up scenarios assuming 1) the highest subnational intervention coverage in 2014, 2) projected coverage based on the fastest county-specific rate of change observed in the period between 2003–2014 for each intervention, 3) the projected national coverage based on 2003–2014 trends and 4) the country-specific targets of intervention coverage relative to business as usual (BAU) scenario. We compared the percentage change in U5M based on the four scale-up scenarios relative to BAU and examined the likelihood of reaching SDG 3.2 target of at least 25 deaths/1,000 livebirths by 2022 and 2025. Projections based on 10 factors assuming BAU, showed marginal reductions in U5M across counties with all the counties except Mandera county not achieving the SDG 3.2 target by 2025. Further, substantial reductions in U5M would be achieved based on the various intervention scale-up scenarios, with 63.8% (30), 74.5% (35), 46.8% (22) and 61.7% (29) counties achieving SDG target for scenarios 1,2,3 and 4 respectively by 2025. Scenario 2 yielded the highest reductions of U5M with individual scale-up of access to improved water, recommended treatment of fever and accelerated HIV prevalence reduction showing considerable impact on U5M reduction (≥ 20%) relative to BAU. Our results indicate that sustaining an ambitious intervention scale-up strategy matching the fastest rate observed between 2003–2014 would substantially reduce U5M in Kenya. However, despite this ambitious scale-up scenario, 25% (12 of 47) of the Kenya’s counties would still not achieve SDG 3.2 target by 2025.
Midwifery continuity of care: A scoping review of where, how, by whom and for whom?
Authors: Bradford Billie F. , Wilson Alyce N. , Portela Anayda , McConville Fran , Fernandez Turienzo Cristina , Homer Caroline S. E.
Published: October 2022

Systems of care that provide midwifery care and services through a continuity of care model have positive health outcomes for women and newborns. We conducted a scoping review to understand the global implementation of these models, asking the questions: where, how, by whom and for whom are midwifery continuity of care models implemented? Using a scoping review framework, we searched electronic and grey literature databases for reports in any language between January 2012 and January 2022, which described current and recent trials, implementation or scaling-up of midwifery continuity of care studies or initiatives in high-, middle- and low-income countries. After screening, 175 reports were included, the majority (157, 90%) from high-income countries (HICs) and fewer (18, 10%) from low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). There were 163 unique studies including eight (4.9%) randomised or quasi-randomised trials, 58 (38.5%) qualitative, 53 (32.7%) quantitative (cohort, cross sectional, descriptive, observational), 31 (19.0%) survey studies, and three (1.9%) health economics analyses. There were 10 practice-based accounts that did not include research. Midwives led almost all continuity of care models. In HICs, the most dominant model was where small groups of midwives provided care for designated women, across the antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care continuum. This was mostly known as caseload midwifery or midwifery group practice. There was more diversity of models in low- to middle-income countries. Of the 175 initiatives described, 31 (18%) were implemented for women, newborns and families from priority or vulnerable communities. With the exception of New Zealand, no countries have managed to scale-up continuity of midwifery care at a national level. Further implementation studies are needed to support countries planning to transition to midwifery continuity of care models in all countries to determine optimal model types and strategies to achieve sustainable scale-up at a national level.
Associations of adverse maternal experiences and diabetes on postnatal maternal depression and child social-emotional outcomes in a South African community cohort
Authors: Rayport Yael K. , Sania Ayesha , Lucchini Maristella , Du Plessis Carlie , Potter Mandy , Springer Priscilla E. , Gimenez Lissete A. , Odendaal Hein J. , Fifer William P. , Shuffrey Lauren C.
Published: October 2022

Previous literature has identified associations between diabetes during pregnancy and postnatal maternal depression. Both maternal conditions are associated with adverse consequences on childhood development. Despite an especially high prevalence of diabetes during pregnancy and maternal postnatal depression in low- and middle-income countries, related research predominates in high-income countries. In a South African cohort with or without diabetes, we investigated associations between adverse maternal experiences with postnatal maternal depression and child social-emotional outcomes. South African mother-child dyads were recruited from the Bishop Lavis community in Cape Town. Participants consisted of 82 mother-child dyads (53 women had GDM or type 2 diabetes). At 14–20 months postpartum, maternal self-report questionnaires were administered to assess household socioeconomic status, food insecurity, maternal depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)), maternal trauma (Life Events Checklist), and child social-emotional development (Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment, Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional, Second Edition). Lower educational attainment, lower household income, food insecurity, living without a partner, and having experienced physical assault were each associated with postnatal maternal depressive symptoms and clinical maternal depression (EPDS ≥ 13). Maternal postnatal depression, lower maternal educational attainment, lower household income, household food insecurity, and living in a single-parent household were each associated with child social-emotional problems. Stratified analyses revealed maternal experiences (education, income, food insecurity, trauma) were associated with postnatal maternal depressive symptoms and child social-emotional problems only among dyads with in utero exposure to diabetes. Women with pre-existing diabetes or gestational diabetes in LMIC settings should be screened for health related social needs to reduce the prevalence of depression and to promote child social-emotional development.
The role of environmental enteric dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Schistosoma mansoni-associated morbidity in school-aged children
Authors: Araújo Fiuza Jacqueline , Colt Susannah , Gambogi de Ornellas Letícia , Ferreira Matoso Leonardo , Gazzinelli Andrea , Friedman Jennifer F. , Corrêa-Oliveira Rodrigo
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies have implicated schistosomiasis as a cause of intestinal barrier disruption, a salient feature of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), as eggs translocate from the sterile bloodstream through the gut wall. We examined the longitudinal impact of praziquantel (PZQ) treatment on a) EED biomarkers and b) Insulin growth factor I (IGF-1), a key driver of childhood linear growth, since EED has been implicated in linear growth stunting.

Methodology

290 children infected withS.mansoniin Brazil were treated with PZQ at baseline. EED biomarkers lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and intestinal fatty acid binding-protein (I-FABP) were measured, as well as IGF-1 at baseline, 6 and 12-months. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to assess associations betweenS.mansoniintensity and plasma biomarkers (LPS, I-FABP, and IGF-1), controlling for potential confounding variables.

Principal findings

At baseline,S.mansoniinfection intensities were 27.2% light, 46.9% moderate, and 25.9% heavy. LPS concentrations were significantly reduced at the 12-month visit compared to baseline (p = 0.0002). No longitudinal changes were observed for I-FABP or IGF-1 in the 6- or 12-month periods following baseline treatment. After 6-months, I-FABP concentration was significantly higher in high vs low intensity (p = 0.0017). IGF-1 concentrations were significantly lower among children with high and moderate vs low intensity infections at each study visit.

Conclusions/significance

We report thatS.mansoniinfection impacts LPS, I-FABP and IGF-1. These findings suggest a mechanistic role for EED in schistosomiasis-related morbidities, particularly linear growth.
Genetic diversity and population structure of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] accessions from Togo using SSR markers
Authors: Dagnon Yao Dodzi , Palanga Koffi Kibalou , Bammite Damigou , Bodian Amy , Akabassi Ghislain Comlan , Foncéka Daniel , Tozo Koffi
Published: October 2022

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a crop with significant agronomic and nutritional value. In Togo, the crop is very appreciated by local people. It is the third food habit in Togo after maize and rice. However, several accessions of cowpea cultivated in Togo are now prone to extinction, creating a risk of genetic erosion. It is therefore urgent to assess the genetic diversity of accessions in order to set up a good conservation program. To achieve this, genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among 70 accessions of cowpea collected in the five (5) administrative regions of Togo were assessed using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers. The twenty-eight SSR primers used in this study generated a total of 164 alleles with an average of 5.82 alleles per locus. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0.20 to 0.89 with an average value of 0.58. Population structure analysis using model-based revealed that the cowpea germplasm was grouped into two subpopulations. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 98% of genetic variation existed among accessions within regions. The fixation index (Fst) value, which was 0.069 was low, indicating relatively low population differentiation. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the 70 accessions into two main groups that can be further divided into four groups independent of their origins. This study provides a foundation for a Togolese cowpea germplasm conservation program and can serve for the selection of parental material for further studies aimed at the genetic improvement of local germplasm.
Comparison of treatment recompression tables for neurologic decompression illness in swine model
Authors: Johnson W. Rainey , Roney Nicholas G. , Zhou Hanbing , Ciarlone Geoffrey E. , Williams Brian T. , Green William T. , Mahon Richard T. , Dainer Hugh M. , Hart Brett B. , Hall Aaron A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Significant reductions in ambient pressure subject an individual to risk of decompression illness (DCI); with incidence up to 35 per 10,000 dives. In severe cases, the central nervous system is often compromised (>80%), making DCI among the most morbid of diving related injuries. While hyperbaric specialists suggest initiating recompression therapy with either a Treatment Table 6 (TT6) or 6A (TT6A), the optimal initial recompression treatment for severe DCI is unknown.

Methods

Swine were exposed to an insult dive breathing air at 7.06 ATA (715.35 kPa) for 24 min followed by rapid decompression at a rate of 1.82 ATA/min (184.41 kPa/min). Swine that developed neurologic DCI within 1 hour of surfacing were block randomized to one of four United States Navy Treatment Tables (USN TT): TT6, TT6A-air (21% oxygen, 79% nitrogen), TT6A-nitrox (50% oxygen, 50% nitrogen), and TT6A-heliox (50% oxygen, 50% helium). The primary outcome was the mean number of spinal cord lesions, which was analyzed following cord harvest 24 hours after successful recompression treatment. Secondary outcomes included spinal cord lesion incidence and gross neurologic outcomes based on a pre- and post- modified Tarlov assessment. We compared outcomes among these four groups and between the two treatment profiles (i.e. TT6 and TT6A).

Results

One-hundred and forty-one swine underwent the insult dive, with 61 swine meeting inclusion criteria (43%). We found no differences in baseline characteristics among the groups. We found no significant differences in functional neurologic outcomes (p = 0.77 and 0.33), spinal cord lesion incidence (p = 0.09 and 0.07), or spinal cord lesion area (p = 0.51 and 0.17) among the four treatment groups or between the two treatment profiles, respectively. While the trends were not statistically significant, animals treated with TT6 had the lowest rates of functional deficits and the fewest spinal cord lesions. Moreover, across all animals, functional neurologic deficit had strong correlation with lesion area pathology (Logistic Regression, p < 0.01, Somers’ D = 0.74).

Conclusions

TT6 performed as well as the other treatment tables and is the least resource intensive. TT6 is the most appropriate initial treatment for neurologic DCI in swine, among the tables that we compared.
Seeing the self through rose-colored glasses: A cross-cultural study of positive illusions using a behavioral approach
Authors: Kim Hyunji , Lee Hwaryung , Lo Ronda F. , Suh Eunkook M. , Schimmack Ulrich
Published: October 2022

Previous studies on self-enhancement bias used self-report measures to investigate individual and cultural differences in well-being. In the current research, we took a behavioral approach to analyze positive and negative perception tendencies between European Canadians, Asian Canadians and Koreans. In Study 1 and 2, participants were asked to bet on their expectation of success on a given task and then perform the task. The betting behaviors and actual performance were used to quantify positive and negative perception tendencies. In Study 1, we did not find cultural differences in positive and negative illusions. Positive self-perceptions were also not associated with higher self-reported well-being. In Study 2, we employed the same research design as Study 1, and we included a measure of perceived desirability to examine whether perceived desirability of the performance tasks are related to the two illusions indices. The results from Study 2 replicated the findings from Study 1, and perceived desirability did not influence the results. Our findings suggest that North Americans do not always exhibit more positive self-perceptions than Asians, suggesting that North Americans do not always view the self through rose-colored lenses.
Antiproliferative effects of dried Moringa oleifera leaf extract on human Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Ramarao Kivaandra Dayaa Rao , Somasundram Chandran , Razali Zuliana , Kunasekaran Wijenthiran , Jin Tan Li , Musa Sabri , Achari Vijayan Manickam
Published: October 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have seen an elevated use in clinical works like regenerative medicine. Its potential therapeutic properties increases when used in tandem with complementary agents like bio-based materials. Therefore, the present study is the first to investigate the cytotoxicity of a highly valued medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera, on human Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) and its effects on the cells’ gene expression when used as a pre-treatment agent in vitro. M. oleifera leaves (MOL) were dried and subjected to UHPLC-QTOF/MS analysis, revealing several major compounds like apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin in the MOL, with various biological activities like antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. We then treated the hWJMSCs with MOL and noticed a dose-dependant inhibition on the cells’ proliferation. RNA-sequencing was performed to explain the possible mechanism of action and revealed genes like PPP1R1C, SULT2B1, CDKN1A, mir-154 and CCNB1, whose expression patterns were closely associated with the negative cell cycle regulation and cell cycle arrest process. This is also evident from gene set enrichment analysis where the GO and KEGG terms for down-regulated pathways were closely related to the cell cycle regulation. The Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software further predicted the significant activation of (p < 0.05, z-score > 2) of the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint regulation pathway. The present study suggests that MOL exhibits an antiproliferative effect on hWJMSCs via cell cycle arrest and apoptotic pathways. We believe that this study provides an important baseline reference for future works involving MOL’s potential to accompany MSCs for clinical works. Future works can take advantage of the cell’s strong anti-cancer gene expression found in this study, and evaluate our MOL treatment on various cancer cell lines.
Pharmacological investigations of effort-based decision-making in humans: Naltrexone and nicotine
Authors: Nunez Cecilia , Hoots Jennifer K. , Schepers Scott T. , Bower Michael , de Wit Harriet , Wardle Margaret C.
Published: October 2022

Many mental health disorders are characterized by an impaired ability, or willingness, to exert effort to obtain rewards. This impairment is modeled in effort-based decision tasks, and neuropharmacological studies implicate dopamine in this process. However, other transmitter systems such as opioidergic and cholinergic systems have received less attention. Here, in two separate studies we tested the acute effects of naltrexone and nicotine on effort-based decision-making in healthy adults. In Study 1, we compared naltrexone (50mg and 25mg) to placebo, and in Study 2, a pilot study, we compared nicotine (7mg) to placebo. In both studies, participants completed the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT), which measured effort-based decision-making related to monetary rewards. Although subjects expended greater effort for larger reward magnitude and when there was a higher probability of receiving the reward, neither naltrexone nor nicotine affected willingness to exert effort for monetary rewards. Although the drugs produced significant and typical drug effects on measures of mood and behavior, they did not alter effort-based decision-making. This has implications both for the clinical use of these drugs, as well as for understanding the neuropharmacology of effort-related behavior.
Developing EMR-based algorithms to Identify hospital adverse events for health system performance evaluation and improvement: Study protocol
Authors: Wu Guosong , Eastwood Cathy , Zeng Yong , Quan Hude , Long Quan , Zhang Zilong , Ghali William A. , Bakal Jeffrey , Boussat Bastien , Flemons Ward , Forster Alan , Southern Danielle A. , Knudsen Søren , Popowich Brittany , Xu Yuan
Published: October 2022

Background

Measurement of care quality and safety mainly relies on abstracted administrative data. However, it is well studied that administrative data-based adverse event (AE) detection methods are suboptimal due to lack of clinical information. Electronic medical records (EMR) have been widely implemented and contain detailed and comprehensive information regarding all aspects of patient care, offering a valuable complement to administrative data. Harnessing the rich clinical data in EMRs offers a unique opportunity to improve detection, identify possible risk factors of AE and enhance surveillance. However, the methodological tools for detection of AEs within EMR need to be developed and validated. The objectives of this study are to develop EMR-based AE algorithms from hospital EMR data and assess AE algorithm’s validity in Canadian EMR data.

Methods

Patient EMR structured and text data from acute care hospitals in Calgary, Alberta, Canada will be linked with discharge abstract data (DAD) between 2010 and 2020 (n~1.5 million). AE algorithms development. First, a comprehensive list of AEs will be generated through a systematic literature review and expert recommendations. Second, these AEs will be mapped to EMR free texts using Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies. Finally, an expert panel will assess the clinical relevance of the developed NLP algorithms. AE algorithms validation: We will test the newly developed AE algorithms on 10,000 randomly selected EMRs between 2010 to 2020 from Calgary, Alberta. Trained reviewers will review the selected 10,000 EMR charts to identify AEs that had occurred during hospitalization. Performance indicators (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score, etc.) of the developed AE algorithms will be assessed using chart review data as the reference standard.

Discussion

The results of this project can be widely implemented in EMR based healthcare system to accurately and timely detect in-hospital AEs.
Determinants of mammography screening participation–a cross-sectional analysis of the German population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS)
Authors: Pokora Roman M. , Büttner Matthias , Schulz Andreas , Schuster Alexander K. , Merzenich Hiltrud , Teifke Andrea , Michal Matthias , Lackner Karl , Münzel Thomas , Zeissig Sylke Ruth , Wild Philipp S. , Singer Susanne , Wollschläger Daniel
Published: October 2022

Purpose

We investigated the association between social inequality and participation in a mammography screening program (MSP). Since the German government offers mammography screening free of charge, any effect of social inequality on participation should be due to educational status and not due to the financial burden.

Methods

The ‘Gutenberg Health Study’ is a cohort study in the Rhine-Main-region, Germany. A health check-up was performed, and questions about medical history, health behavior, including secondary prevention such as use of mammography, and social status are included. Two indicators of social inequality (equivalence income and educational status), an interaction term of these two, and different covariables were used to explore an association in different logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 4,681 women meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Only 6.2% never participated in the MSP. A higher income was associated with higher chances of ever participating in a mammography screening (odds ratios (OR): 1.67 per €1000; 95%CI:1.26–2.25, model 3, adjusted for age, education and an interaction term of income and education). Compared to women with a low educational status, the odds ratios for ever participating in the MSP was lower for the intermediate educational status group (OR = 0.64, 95%CI:0.45–0.91) and for the high educational status group (0.53, 95%CI:0.37–0.76). Results persisted also after controlling for relevant confounders.

Conclusions

Despite the absence of financial barriers for participation in the MSP, socioeconomic inequalities still influence participation. It would be interesting to examine whether the educational effect is due to an informed decision.
Perceived behavioral control as a moderator: Scientists’ attitude, norms, and willingness to engage the public
Authors: Ho Shirley S. , Goh Tong Jee , Chuah Agnes S. F.
Published: October 2022

Scientists play important roles in conducting public engagement, but evidence shows that scientists perceive great challenges in doing so. Drawing broadly from the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study examines factors predicting scientists’ willingness to conduct public engagement. This study further examines how perceived behavioral control (PBC) of conducting public engagement would moderate the relationships between the proposed predictors and scientists’ willingness to conduct public engagement. Using survey data collected from 706 scientists based in Singapore, this study found that attitude toward and personal norms of conducting public engagement, as well as PBC, significantly predicted scientists’ willingness to conduct public engagement. Notably, PBC interacted with attitude toward conducting public engagement, the perceived descriptive norms, the perceived positive media influence, and the perceived negative external norms of conducting public engagement, as well as personal norms of conducting public engagement to predict scientists’ willingness to conduct public engagement. We postulated the key role that the perception of the ease or difficulty plays in motivating scientists to conduct the skill-intensive endeavor explains the significant moderating effects. The theoretical implications on the TPB and the practical implications for public engagement are further discussed.
Psychometric properties of the sit-to-stand test for patients with pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Cardoso Natália Lopes , de Sá Joceline Ferezini , do Nascimento Larissa F. E. , Mendes Luciana A. , Bruno Selma , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Fregonezi Guilherme A. F. , Resqueti Vanessa R.
Published: October 2022

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex syndrome characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and classified into five groups, according to dyspnea on exertion and systemic muscle dysfunction. These symptoms can be identified using the sit-to-stand test (STS), which indirectly evaluates exercise tolerance and lower limb muscle strength. Previous studies used the STS in PH; however, psychometric properties to understand and validate this test were not described for patients with PH.

Objective

To evaluate the psychometric properties (validity, reliability, and responsiveness) of different STS protocols in patients with PH.

Methods and analyses

This is a systematic review protocol that will include studies using STS in patients with PH. Searches will be conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science databases following PICOT mnemonic strategy and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). Rayyan software will be used for study selection. The Risk of bias will be assessed using the Consensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) tool, while the quality of evidence will be assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Two researchers will independently conduct the study, and a third researcher will be consulted in case of disagreement. The psychometric properties will be evaluated according to the COSMIN. This protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, no. CRD42021244271).

Conclusion

This systematic review will attempt to identify and show the available evidence on STS for different groups of PH and report validity, reliability, and responsiveness of different protocols.
GCET Lives
Authors: Queiroz Alessandra Souza Melo , Cândido Fernanda de Lima , Melo Priscila Fernandes Carvalho de , Brambilla Adriana
Published: October 2022

One of the consequences of the social isolation caused by the COVID19 pandemic caused was that it discouraged many students from continuing with studies. This fact was identified by the members of the research group, and it is a situation faced by many people. In view of this scenario, GCET came up with the idea of creating a Lives project, to encourage learning during the pandemic. This study aims to encourage students and teachers, and society in general, to continue teaching, performing research and complementing studies during the period of social isolation, through the organization of weekly Lives – live videos transmitted on the Instagram platform. The first step in the project was to conduct bibliographic and documentary research, seeking the necessary background for the construction and elaboration of the themes to be addressed. Weekly meetings were held, via videoconferencing, to plan the Lives and facilitate communication and preparation of the advance planning to achieve the project objective. The email addresses and Whatsapp accounts of the research group were also used for correspondence, to answer questions, receive suggestions, and conduct surveys on the issues to be addressed during the Lives. Reports on the Lives were prepared and made available on the YouTube, Podcast and Instagram accounts of GCET. This support was essential for the success of the Lives, and for the satisfaction of the public. The project was carried according to the following steps: identification of the problem, theoretical input, weekly planning, survey, distribution of themes and technical support. The project aired a total of sixteen Lives in the period April 17 to July 9, analyzing the ability to meet specific needs and social inclusion. The Lives were held once a week addressing different themes, according to the theoretical findings and the demands of the target audience, resulting in the construction of knowledge and providing new skills to society, encouraging and motivating the practice of scientific knowledge. The experience of the GCET Lives project impacted not only the external participants but also its creators, as it became a motivational tool for scientific knowledge during social isolation. The project demonstrated that technology can be used for different purposes, enabling a new restructuring of scientific knowledge.
This is Not a Costume
Authors: Hertz Carrie
Published: October 2022

This reflective essay describes the research design for Dressing with Purpose: Belonging and Resistance in Scandinavia, an exhibition and publication for the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This essay outlines the theoretical, conceptual, and collaborative foundations supporting the project and explores their implications for the future of collecting, categorizing, and representing dress in museum contexts.