bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gating properties of the cAMP‐gated channel in toad olfactory receptor cells.
Authors: Kurahashi T , Kaneko A
Published: October 2023

1. Inside‐out membrane patches were excised from different parts of isolated olfactory receptor cells of the toad, and the gating properties of cAMP‐gated channels were investigated under low concentrations of divalent cations. 2. At +50 mV, an outward current was observed when 1 mM cAMP was applied to the cytoplasmic side of membrane patches excised from cilia. cGMP had a similar effect. The dose‐response relation for the cAMP‐induced current could be fitted with the Hill equation with a coefficient of 1.5 for both cAMP and cGMP, and half‐maximal concentration (K1/2) values of 19 microM (cAMP) and 16 microM (cGMP). 3. cAMP at low concentration (1 microM) induced step‐like currents representing the opening of individual channels with a unitary conductance of about 30 pS. The I‐V relation for the unitary events showed a weak outward rectification. 4. The relation between variance and mean current amplitude was well described with a parabola. Even at a saturating ligand concentration (1 mM cAMP) the current fluctuations did not disappear, indicating that fully liganded channels still switched between open and closed states. The maximum open probability was about 80% (+40 to +60 mV). 5. The current fluctuations at 1 mM cAMP were analysed with power spectral analysis. At +50 mV, frequency components lower than 10 Hz were well described with a Lorentzian function with a corner frequency of 1.7 +/‐ 0.2 Hz (+/‐ S.D.). In addition, higher flat frequency components were observed. At ‐50 mV the corner frequency became 0.6 +/‐ 0.1 Hz. 6. Membrane patches having a single cAMP‐gated channel were obtained from the dendro‐somatic membrane. These channels were very similar to the ciliary channels in electrophysiological characteristics. 7. The single cAMP‐gated channel current showed flickering bursts that were interrupted with gaps. In saturating cAMP condition (1 mM), both burst‐ and gap‐time histograms were fitted with single‐exponential functions with time constants of 148 and 141 ms, respectively. 8. The channels were present at a high density of around 1750 microns‐2 on the ciliary plasma membrane, as compared to 6 microns‐2 on dendro‐somatic membrane.
Quantal transmitter release at snake twitch and tonic muscle fibres during prolonged nerve terminal depolarization.
Authors: Coniglio L M , Hardwick J C , Parsons R L
Published: October 2023

1. Miniature endplate currents (MEPCs) were recorded in vitro from voltage‐clamped twitch and tonic muscle fibres in costocutaneous muscles of the garter snake, Thamnophis. Recordings were made from fibres in a control sodium‐containing solution and then during exposure to an isotonic potassium solution containing either 1.0 mM calcium and 4.2 mM magnesium or 3.6 mM calcium. The experiments were done at two levels of external calcium in order to demonstrate that the change in MEPC frequency was calcium dependent. During the initial exposure to the isotonic potassium solutions, the MEPC frequency was increased manyfold at both twitch and tonic fibres, but it declined progressively with continued exposure. MEPCs were recorded from both fibre types throughout a 20 h exposure to the isotonic potassium solution with 1 mM calcium, but no MEPCs were recorded at most twitch endplates after approximately 6 h in the isotonic potassium solution containing 3.6 mM calcium. In contrast, MEPCs were still present at tonic fibre endplates after 20 h in the isotonic potassium solution containing 3.6 mM calcium. 2. After 30 min in the isotonic potassium solution with 1 mM calcium, the MEPC amplitude recorded from both fibre types was approximately twice that in the control sodium‐containing solution. At tonic endplates, the MEPC amplitude was also twofold greater in the isotonic potassium solution with 3.6 mM calcium than in sodium‐containing solution. In contrast, after 30 min in the isotonic potassium solution containing 3.6 mM calcium, the MEPC amplitude at twitch endplates was similar to that in control solution. 3. In both fibre types, MEPC amplitude decreased progressively with continued exposure to the isotonic potassium solutions. The progressive decrease in MEPC amplitude was not due to a gradual decrease in postsynaptic sensitivity to acetylcholine. 4. The effects of high potassium were reversible as MEPCs were recorded at twitch fibre endplates in preparations which were returned to the control sodium‐containing solution after a 20 h exposure to the isotonic potassium solution containing 3.6 mM calcium. 5. Ultrastructural examination showed that after a 6 h exposure to the isotonic potassium solutions most nerve terminals innervating twitch fibre endplates were devoid of synaptic vesicles whereas at the same time many synaptic vesicles were present in nerve terminals innervating tonic fibre endplates. Surprisingly, numerous synaptic vesicles were present in nerve terminals innervating either fibre type in muscle preparations exposed to the isotonic potassium solutions for 20 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Block of the L‐type Ca2+ channel pore by external and internal Mg2+ in rat phaeochromocytoma cells.
Authors: Kuo C C , Hess P
Published: October 2023

1. Three to eight micromolar external Mg2+ produces discrete block of the unitary inward currents through the L‐type Ca2+ channel carried by 300 mM external Li+. Like the Ca2+ block, increasing Li+ concentration decreases the Mg2+ on‐rate and increases the Mg2+ off‐rate. 2. These kinetic changes are saturating and the apparent dissociation constant (Kd) for the on‐rates in 75 mM Li+ (in activity), the same as that in the case of Ca2+ block. This suggests that Mg2+ and Ca2+ produce the discrete block at the same site. The apparent Kd for the off‐rates is 300 mM, much smaller than that in the case of Ca2+ block. This indicates that Mg2+ exerts much less repulsion on the Li+ ion in the neighbouring (enhancement) site than Ca2+, although Mg2+ and Ca2+ both have two charges. The theoretical fits to the off‐rates also suggest that Mg2+ can exit the blocking sites at a rate of several hundred per second in the absence of any enhancement effect. 3. Seventeen to forty‐eight micromolar internal Mg2+ produces discrete block of the outward unitary currents carried by 300 mM internal Li+. The off‐rates are in general approximately 20 times faster as compared to the Mg2+ off‐rates in the inward currents. This finding suggests that Mg2+ in the high‐affinity sites can much more easily exit to the outside than to the inside, implying significantly higher energy barriers on the inner side of the high‐affinity sites for Mg2+. 4. At least 5‐10 mM internal Mg2+ is needed to produce discrete block of the inward unitary currents carried by 215 mM external Na+. The off‐rates in such experiments are generally the same as those in the case of external Mg2+ block of inward currents. This suggests that internal and external Mg2+ both reach the same site, namely the high‐affinity Ca2+ binding sites in the pore, to produce the discrete block. 5. Other than discrete block, 5‐10 mM internal Mg2+ also decreases the size of the inward unitary current. This is most probably due to a fast block at the more internally located low‐affinity sites in the pore. The fractional decrease of the currents is voltage dependent and can be fitted by a rectangular hyperbola to calculate the apparent Kd, which increases e‐fold per 45 mV hyperpolarization, indicating an electrical distance of 0.3 between the low‐affinity sites and the internal pore mouth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
An Automatic High-Precision Calibration Method of Legs and Feet for Quadruped Robots Using Machine Vision and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Li Yaguan , Xu Handing , Xu Yanjie , Huang Qingxue , Liu Xin-Jun , Nie Zhenguo
Published: October 2023

Kinematics calibration for quadrupled robots is essential to ensuring motion accuracy and control stability. The angle of the leg joints of the quadruped robot is error-compensated to improve its position accuracy. This paper proposes a real-time high-precision kinematics calibration method for quadruped robots using machine vision and artificial neural networks to simplify the calibration process and improve calibration accuracy. The method includes two parts: identifying the markers fixed on the legs through target detection, calculating the center coordinates of the markers, and building an error model based on an artificial neural network to solve the angle error of each joint and compensate for it. A series of experiments have been carried out to verify the model’s accuracy. The experimental results show that, compared to traditional manual calibration, by adding an error correction model to the inverse kinematics neural network, the calibration efficiency can be significantly improved while the calibration accuracy is met.
“No One Works in Isolation Here”: The Socialization of Physical Education Teachers Into a Professional Learning Community
Authors: Beddoes Zack , Whitney Emily , Starck Jenna , Reese Keely
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Drawing from occupational socialization theory and social capital theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the socialization of physical education teachers in a professional learning community during induction. Method: Because this investigation consisted of a single school, a single instrumental case study design was utilized. The school was purposely chosen given its status as a “model professional learning community.” Two physical education teachers, three school administrators, and the founding principal participated in this study. Data collection consisted of a combination of dyadic interviews, focus groups, observations, and documents. Results: Data analysis revealed three overlapping themes with supportive categorical subthemes: (a) Dispersed and Inclusive Leadership, (b) Teacher Empowerment, and (c) Culture of Belonging. Discussion: Implications for physical education teachers include the necessity of ongoing collaboration with administrators, cross-curricular colleagues, and physical education teaching peers. Physical educators should seek to develop strong social capital within the school professional learning community.
A multifunctional soft robot for cardiac interventions
Authors: Rogatinsky Jacob , Recco Dominic , Feichtmeier Joseph , Kang Yuchen , Kneier Nicholas , Hammer Peter , O’Leary Edward , Mah Douglas , Hoganson David , Vasilyev Nikolay V. , Ranzani Tommaso
Published: October 2023

In minimally invasive endovascular procedures, surgeons rely on catheters with low dexterity and high aspect ratios to reach an anatomical target. However, the environment inside the beating heart presents a combination of challenges unique to few anatomic locations, making it difficult for interventional tools to maneuver dexterously and apply substantial forces on an intracardiac target. We demonstrate a millimeter-scale soft robotic platform that can deploy and self-stabilize at the entrance to the heart, and guide existing interventional tools toward a target site. In two exemplar intracardiac procedures within the right atrium, the robotic platform provides enough dexterity to reach multiple anatomical targets, enough stability to maintain constant contact on motile targets, and enough mechanical leverage to generate newton-level forces. Because the device addresses ongoing challenges in minimally invasive intracardiac intervention, it may enable the further development of catheter-based interventions.
Uncovering per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with nontargeted ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry analyses
Authors: Kirkwood-Donelson Kaylie I. , Dodds James N. , Schnetzer Astrid , Hall Nathan , Baker Erin S.
Published: October 2023

Because of environmental and health concerns, legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been voluntarily phased out, and thousands of emerging PFAS introduced as replacements. Traditional analytical methods target a limited number of mainly legacy PFAS; therefore, many species are not routinely assessed in the environment. Nontargeted approaches using high-resolution mass spectrometry methods have therefore been used to detect and characterize unknown PFAS. However, their ability to elucidate chemical structures relies on generation of informative fragments, and many low concentration species are not fragmented in typical data-dependent acquisition approaches. Here, a data-independent method leveraging ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and size-dependent fragmentation was developed and applied to characterize aquatic passive samplers deployed near a North Carolina fluorochemical manufacturer. From the study, 11 PFAS structures for various per- and polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acids and multiheaded perfluorinated ether acids were elucidated in addition to 36 known PFAS. Eight of these species were previously unreported in environmental media, and three suspected species were validated.
Exacerbated Zika virus–induced neuropathology and microcephaly in fetuses of dengue-immune nonhuman primates
Authors: Saron Wilfried A. A. , Shanmugam Keerthana , Tung Chi-Ching , Patmanathan Ranjit Kumar , Rathore Abhay P. S. , Anderson Danielle E. , St. John Ashley L.
Published: October 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that can vertically transmit from mother to fetus, potentially causing congenital defects, including microcephaly. It is not fully understood why some fetuses experience severe complications after in utero exposure to ZIKV, whereas others do not. Given the antigenic similarity between ZIKV and the closely related virus dengue (DENV) and the potential of DENV-specific antibodies to enhance ZIKV disease severity in mice, we questioned whether maternal DENV immunity could influence fetal outcomes in a nonhuman primate model of ZIKV vertical transmission. We found significantly increased severity of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in fetuses of DENV-immune cynomolgus macaques infected with ZIKV in early pregnancy compared with naïve controls, which occurred despite no effect on maternal ZIKV infection or antibody responses. Ultrasound measurements of head circumference and biparietal diameter measurements taken sequentially throughout pregnancy demonstrated CZS in fetuses of DENV-immune pregnant macaques. Furthermore, severe CZS enhanced by DENV immunity was typified by reduced cortical thickness and increased frequency of neuronal death, hemorrhaging, cellular infiltrations, calcifications, and lissencephaly in fetal brains. This study shows that maternal immunity to DENV can worsen ZIKV neurological outcomes in fetal primates, and it provides an animal model of vertical transmission closely approximating human developmental timelines that could be used to investigate severe ZIKV disease outcomes and interventions in fetuses.
Ciprofloxacin in combination with bacteriophage cocktails against multi-drug resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in
ex vivo
simulated endocardial vegetation models
Authors: El Ghali Amer , Stamper Kyle , Kunz Coyne Ashlan J. , Holger Dana , Kebriaei Razieh , Alexander Jose , Lehman Susan M. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: October 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
-associated infective endocarditis represents difficult-to-treat, deep-seated infections. Phage-antibiotic combinations have shown to eradicate multi-drug resistant (MDR)
P. aeruginosa
, limit the development of phage resistance, and restore antibiotic sensitivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of phage-ciprofloxacin (CIP) combinations in 4-day
ex vivo
simulated endocardial vegetation (SEV) models against drug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
isolates. Two
P. aeruginosa
isolates, extensively drug-resistant AR351 and MDR I0003-1, were selected for their drug resistance and sensitivity to phage. Three phages [LL-5504721-AH (LL), E2005-C (EC), and 109] and CIP were evaluated alone and in combination for their activity and influence on drug and phage resistance using 24-h time-kill analysis. The three-phage cocktail (q24h) in combination with CIP (400 mg q12h) was then tested in dynamic 4-day
ex vivo
SEV models, with reduction of log
10
CFU/mL compared using ANOVA with Bonferroni analysis. Compared to other combinations, CIP-LL-EC-109 demonstrated synergistic and bactericidal activity from starting CFU/g against AR351 and I0003-1 (−Δ5.65 and 6.60 log
10
CFU/g, respectively;
P
< 0.001). Additionally, CIP-LL-EC-109 mitigated phage resistance, while all other therapies had a high degree of resistance to >1 phages, and all phage-containing regimens prevented CIP mean inhibitory concentration increases compared to CIP alone for both AR351 and I0003-1 at 96 h.
Simplified urine-based method to detect rifampin underexposure in adults with tuberculosis: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Xie Yingda L. , Modi Nisha , Handler Deborah , Yu Sijia , Rao Prakruti , Kagan Leonid , Petros de Guex Kristen , Reiss Robert , Siemiątkowska Anna , Narang Anshika , Narayanan Navaneeth , Hearn Jasie , Khalil Amanda , Woods Patricia , Young Laura , Lardizabal Alfred , Subbian Selvakumar , Peloquin Charles A. , Vinnard Christopher , Thomas Tania A. , Heysell Scott K.
Published: October 2023

Variable pharmacokinetics of rifampin in tuberculosis (TB) treatment can lead to poor outcomes. Urine spectrophotometry is simpler and more accessible than recommended serum-based drug monitoring, but its optimal efficacy in predicting serum rifampin underexposure in adults with TB remains uncertain. Adult TB patients in New Jersey and Virginia receiving rifampin-containing regimens were enrolled. Serum and urine samples were collected over 24 h. Rifampin serum concentrations were measured using validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and total exposure (area under the concentration–time curve) over 24 h (AUC
0–24
) was determined through noncompartmental analysis. The Sunahara method was used to extract total rifamycins, and rifampin urine excretion was measured by spectrophotometry. An analysis of 58 eligible participants, including 15 (26%) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, demonstrated that urine spectrophotometry accurately identified subtarget rifampin AUC
0–24
at 0–4, 0–8, and 0–24 h. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC ROC) values were 0.80 (95% CI 0.67–0.90), 0.84 (95% CI 0.72–0.94), and 0.83 (95% CI 0.72–0.93), respectively. These values were comparable to the AUC ROC of 2 h serum concentrations commonly used for therapeutic monitoring (0.82 [95% CI 0.71–0.92],
P
= 0.6). Diabetes status did not significantly affect the AUC ROCs for urine in predicting subtarget rifampin serum exposure (
P
= 0.67–0.92). Spectrophotometric measurement of urine rifampin excretion within the first 4 or 8 h after dosing is a simple and cost-effective test that accurately predicts rifampin underexposure. This test provides critical information for optimizing tuberculosis treatment outcomes by facilitating appropriate dose adjustments.
Changing colors and understanding: the use of mutant chromogenic protein and informational suppressor strains of
Escherichia coli
to explore the central dogma of molecular biology
Authors: DeWolf Sarah , Van den Bogaard Maartje , Hart Rachael Brady , Hartman Sparrow , Boury Nancy , Phillips Gregory J.
Published: October 2023

The central dogma of molecular biology is a key concept for undergraduate students in the life sciences as it describes the flow of information in living systems from gene-to-gene product. However, despite often being covered in many introductory life science courses, students may still have misconceptions surrounding the central dogma even as they move on to advanced courses. Active learning strategies such as laboratory activities can be useful in addressing such misconceptions. In the laboratory exercise presented here, senior undergraduate students explore the intricacies of nonsense suppressor mutations to challenge their understanding of the central dogma. The students introduce a plasmid carrying a nonfunctional chromogenic protein gene due to a nonsense mutation in a codon encoding the chromophore to various nonsense suppressor strains of
Escherichia coli
. Students then observe distinct chromogenic phenotypes, depending on the suppressor strain. Students showed a moderate increase in understanding of the central dogma. While the central dogma remains a challenging concept, active learning strategies like the one presented here can help reduce conceptual errors.
Influence of CUREs on STEM retention depends on demographic identities
Authors: Bradshaw Lisa , Vernon Julianne , Schmidt Thomas , James Timothy , Zhang Jianzhi , Archbold Hilary , Cadigan Kenneth , Wolfe John P. , Goldberg Deborah
Published: October 2023

Research has shown that undergraduate research experiences can have substantive effects on retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, it is impossible to provide individual research experiences for every undergraduate student, especially at large universities. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have become a common approach to introduce large numbers of students to research. We investigated whether a one-semester CURE that replaced a traditional introductory biology laboratory course could increase retention in STEM as well as intention to remain in STEM, if the results differed according to demography, and investigated the possible motivational factors that might mediate such an effect. Under the umbrella of the Authentic Research Connection (ARC) program, we used institutional and survey data from nine semesters and compared ARC participants to non-participants, who applied to ARC but either were not randomly selected or were selected but chose not to enroll in an ARC section. We found that ARC had significant effects on demographic groups historically less likely to be retained in STEM: ARC participation resulted in narrowing the gaps in graduation rates in STEM (first vs continuing-generation college students) and in intention to major in STEM [females vs males, Persons Excluded because of Ethnicity or Race (PEERs) vs non-PEERs]. These disproportionate boosts in intending STEM majors among ARC students coincide with their reporting a greater sense of student cohesiveness, retaining more interest in biology, and commenting more frequently that the course provided a useful/valuable learning experience. Our results indicate that CUREs can be a valuable tool for eliminating inequities in STEM participation, and we make several recommendations for further research.
Characterizing the microbiome of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms during a Mediterranean diet intervention
Authors: Avelar-Barragan Julio , Mendez Luque Laura F. , Nguyen Jenny , Nguyen Hellen , Odegaard Andrew O. , Fleischman Angela G. , Whiteson Katrine L.
Published: October 2023

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a class of rare hematological malignancies that result in the overproduction of myeloid lineage cells. These malignancies result in increased cytokine production and inflammation, which correlate with worsened symptom burden and prognosis. Other than bone marrow transplantation, there is no cure for myeloproliferative neoplasms. As such, treatments focus on reducing thrombotic risk, inflammation, and symptom burden. Because current pharmacological treatments carry significant side effects, there is a need to explore low-risk therapies that may modulate inflammation and alleviate symptom burden. One potential way to achieve this is adherence to a Mediterranean (MED) diet, which is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, reduces inflammatory biomarkers, and beneficially alters the gut microbiome. We performed a 15-week clinical trial of 28 individuals with MPN who were randomized to dietary counseling based on either a Mediterranean diet or standard U.S. Guidelines for Americans. Our primary objective was to determine whether MPN patients could adopt a Mediterranean eating pattern when supported with dietician counseling. As exploratory endpoints, we investigated the impact of diet and inflammation on the gut microbiome. Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we found that microbiome diversity and composition were stable throughout the study duration in both cohorts. Furthermore, we discovered significant differences in the microbiomes between MPN subtypes, such as increased beta-dispersion in subjects with myelofibrosis. Lastly, we found several significant correlations between the abundance of multiple bacterial taxa and cytokine levels. Together, this study provides insight into the interaction between diet, inflammation, and the gut microbiome.

IMPORTANCE

The gut microbiome serves as an interface between the host and the diet. Diet and the gut microbiome both play important roles in managing inflammation, which is a key aspect of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Studies have shown that a Mediterranean (MED) diet can reduce inflammation. Therefore, we longitudinally characterized the gut microbiomes of MPN patients in response to Mediterranean or standard 2020 US Guidelines for Americans dietary counseling to determine whether there were microbiome-associated changes in inflammation. We did not find significant changes in the gut microbiome associated with diet, but we did find several associations with inflammation. This research paves the way for future studies by identifying potential mechanistic targets implicated in inflammation within the MPN gut microbiome.
Supplemental Material: Differentiation and convection in a magma chamber: Novel insights on the origin of mafic microgranular enclaves in the Tongkeng pluton, Xiaojiang area, SE China
Authors: Zhang Ruo-Xi , Yang Shui-Yuan , et al.
Published: October 2023

Text S1: Analytical methods. Table S1: Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating results of the Tongkeng pluton. Table S2: Zircon SHRIMP U-Pb dating results of the MMEs in quartz diorite of the Tongkeng pluton. Table S3: Major element contents (wt%) and trace element (ppm) compositions of the Tongkeng pluton. Table S4: Whole-rock Sr-Nd isotope compositions of the Tongkeng pluton. Table S5: Whole-rock Pb isotope compositions of the Tongkeng pluton. Table S6: Zircon in situ Hf isotope compositions of the Tongkeng pluton. Table S7: Values of partition coefficients (Kd) used in fractional crystallization modeling. 
Subtotal pyloric obstruction by atypical hypertrophic pyloric muscle in a newborn
Authors: Brown Christopher James , Bonasso Patrick C , Seifarth Federico G
Published: October 2023

This is a case of a neonate with suspected duodenal atresia on prenatal imaging. However, distal bowel gas was identified postnatally on regular X-rays with a possible pyloric obstructing mass visualised on ultasound. No contrast was visualised passing through the stomach on fluoroscopic studies. Operative evaluation revealed an atypical asymmetric hypertrophic pylorus with exophytic lesions of ectopic glandular tissue. Longitudinal open pyloromyotomy was performed which relieved the gastric obstruction resulting in symptomatic relief without any anatomy altering procedure required.
Prevalence of Acute Malnutrition and Associated Factors among Children aged 6–59 months in South Wollo Zone, East Amhara, Northeast Ethiopia: a Community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mihret Setegn Tarekegn , Biset Gebeyaw , Nurye Nurye Ali
Published: October 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of acute malnutrition and associated factors in South Wollo zone, East Amhara, Northeast Ethiopia.

Design

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 504 children aged 6–59 months who were selected by using a multistage sampling technique. The mid-upper-arm-circumference and Z-scores for weight-for-height were used to determine the nutritional status of the participants. A semi-structured interview questionnaire was used to collect the data. Then data was entered into EpiData V.3.1 and exported to SPSS software V.25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with acute malnutrition and variables with p value<0.05 were declared as statistically significant.

Setting

The study was conducted in South Wollo zone, Northeast Ethiopia from 1 August 2020 to 30 September 2020.

Participants

Children aged 6–59 months with their mothers were the study subjects.

Results

The prevalence of acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months was 31.0%. Child aged 6–11 months (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.92; 95% CI: 1.74 to 8.82), illiterate mothers (AOR=3.01; 95% CI: 1.92 to 7.01), single mother (AOR=3.06; 95% CI: 1.32 to 7.07), lack of latrine (AOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.11), diarrhoea (AOR=4.18; 95% CI: 2.02 to 8.65), respiratory tract infection (AOR=2.31; 95% CI: 1.08 to 4.94), family size (≥5) (AOR=3.29; 95% CI: 1.53 to 7.09) and cessation of breast feeding before 2 years (AOR=3.79; 95% CI: 1.71 to 8.23) were the independent predictors of acute malnutrition.

Conclusion

Acute malnutrition is highly prevalent in the study area which is more than the national figure. Thus, improving maternal education, access to the latrine, improved breastfeeding practice, improved family planning usage and early detection and treatment of diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections will enhance children’s nutritional status. In addition, nutritional diversity education needs to be strengthened.
Caring behaviour and its associated factors among nurses working at public hospitals in Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ashagere Mathewos , Yeheyis Tomas , Addisu Dereje , Abera Workineh , Amlaku Tsegahun , Tadesse Fikru , Beyene Bereket , Samuel Tinbete , Daba Alemneh Kabeta
Published: October 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess nurses caring behaviours and its associated factors among nurses working at public hospitals in the Gamo zone of southern Ethiopia in 2022.

Design

Institutional based cross-sectional study was used.

Setting

This study was conducted in five public hospitals in Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 360 nurses of different level of qualification were included in this study using a proportional allocation method from the five hospitals and final study participants were recruited from all wards using a simple random sampling method from 20 June to 20 July 2022.

Outcome measurements

Caring behaviour was assessed using 24 standardised Caring Behaviour Inventory (CBI) scales. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and, analysed using the logistic regression method, and those variables with a p value of <0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant.

Result

The overall percentage of nurse caring behaviour in this study was 53.3%. Most of the respondents practiced technical aspects of caring behaviour rather than psychosocial aspects of caring. Being married (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.027 (0.003–0.263), having work experience of (0–5 years) (AOR=5.547 (1.42–21.64)), (6–10 years) (AOR=8.693 (2.317–32.6), being satisfied with motivation and prospect (AOR=0.473 (0.290–0.770)) and being satisfied with the nursing profession (AOR=1.716 (1.065–2.765) were significantly associated with nurses caring behaviour.

Conclusion

The proportion of nurses with a good caring behaviour found in this study was relatively poor. Being married, having lower work experience, being satisfied with motivation and prospects, and nursing profession were associated with nurses caring behaviour. This study recommends the need to focus on including caring behaviour courses in the nursing curriculum and training nurses focusing on those with a few experiences on the meaning and importance of caring behaviour.
Supporting patients by family education in psychotic illness: a longitudinal pre–post study protocol
Authors: Zentner Kristen Emily , Shettell Katherine , Abba-Aji Adam , Robles Melanie
Published: October 2023

Introduction

A lack of education, resources and support for family carers of young adults with psychotic illnesses leaves them ill-equipped to support their loved one. By equipping families with skills and knowledge, public healthcare harnesses a powerful ally to support community stabilisation.

Aims

The primary goal is to study the effect of a psychoeducation intervention for family carers supporting young adults with psychosis on family burden and stabilisation of service users.

Methods and analysis

A longitudinal quantitative study with a pre–post design will be used to assess the long-term effectiveness of the psychoeducation intervention for family carers supporting a young adult with psychosis. 111 family carers will be recruited for the intervention and measures will be taken from family carer participants and their matched young adult service users. Nine evidence and family peer-informed and expert-reviewed psychoeducation modules are administered in 2-hour sessions over 9 weeks to family carers. Functional index measures are administered preintervention, and at 6-month, 12-month and 24-month follow-up. Service utilisation will be measured during a 12-month period preintervention, a 12-month period postintervention and during a 12–24-month period post-intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board (Pro00110691). This novel methodological approach to studying family psychoeducation interventions addresses unique methodological challenges and limitations and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and academic and medical conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05500001; National Institutes of Health U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov
Determinants of early antenatal care booking among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at public health facilities in the Nole Kaba district, western Ethiopia: unmatched case–control study
Authors: Gelassa Firaol Regea , Tafasa Segni Mulugeta , Kumera Diriba
Published: October 2023

Background

Early initiation of antenatal care (ANC) is vital for the early detection and treatment of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite the widespread convenience of free ANC services, most women in Ethiopia attend their initial antenatal clinic late and fail to come back for follow-up care, which results in both maternal and fetal complications. Despite the fact that assessing the determinants of early ANC booking based on the local context is advised, it is not well studied in the study area.

Objective

This study aimed to assess determinants of early ANC booking among pregnant women attending ANC at public health facilities in the Nole Kaba district, western Ethiopia.

Methods

Facility-based unmatched case–control study design was conducted from April to June 2020. Systematic random sampling was used to select a total of 297 participants. A validated, pretested and structured instrument was used to interview the participants. The data were cleaned and coded before being entered into Epi-Info V.7.2.2.6 and exported to SPSS V.25 for analysis. The logistic regression analyses were done to assess the determinants of early ANC booking. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was estimated to measure the strength of the association. The level of statistical significance was set at a p value <0.05.

Result

A total of 297 pregnant women participated in the study (99 cases and 198 controls), with a 100% response rate. Place of residence (AOR=2.21, 95% CI 1.11, 2.72), level of education (AOR=3.42, 95% CI 1.01, 6.04), planned pregnancy (AOR=8.01, 95% CI 2.79, 23.03), history of abortion (AOR=5.96, 95% CI 2.07, 17.13), places of previous delivery (AOR=4.57, 95% CI 1.09, 19.12), presence of accompanied by husband during ANC visit (AOR=2.48, 95% CI 2.77, 7.98) and media exposure (AOR=6.95, 95 CI 2.68, 18.02) were found statistically significant.

Conclusion and recommendations

Places of residence, educational level, pregnancy, having a history of abortion, accompanied by the husband during ANC visit, place of previous delivery and media exposure were significantly associated with early initiation of ANC. Therefore, health extension programmes on early ANC initiation should be strengthened by giving priority to less educated women and living in rural areas.
Text messaging intervention to support patients with chronic pain during prescription opioid tapering: protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gholamrezaei Ali , Magee Michael Reece , McNeilage Amy Gray , Dwyer Leah , Jafari Hassan , Sim Alison Michelle , Ferreira Manuela L. , Darnall Beth D. , Glare Paul , Ashton-James Claire Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Increases in pain and interference with quality of life is a common concern among people with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) who are tapering opioid medications. Research indicates that access to social and psychological support for pain self-management may help people to reduce their opioid dose without increasing pain and interference. This study evaluates the efficacy of a text messaging intervention designed to provide people with CNCP with social and psychological support for pain self-management while tapering long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) under the guidance of their prescriber.

Methods and analysis

A double-blind randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Patients with CNCP (n=74) who are tapering LTOT will be enrolled from across Australia. Participants will continue with their usual care while tapering LTOT under the supervision of their prescribing physician. They will randomly receive either a psychoeducational video and supportive text messaging (two Short Message Service (SMS) per day) for 12 weeks or the video only. The primary outcome is the pain intensity and interference assessed by the Pain, Enjoyment of Life and General Activity scale. Secondary outcomes include mood, self-efficacy, pain cognitions, opioid dose reduction, withdrawal symptoms, and acceptability, feasibility, and safety of the intervention. Participants will complete questionnaires at baseline and then every 4 weeks for 12 weeks and will be interviewed at week 12. This trial will provide evidence for the efficacy of a text messaging intervention to support patients with CNCP who are tapering LTOT. If proven to be efficacious and safe, this low-cost intervention can be implemented at scale.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Northern Sydney Local Health District (Australia). Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific and professional meetings.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622001423707.
How, and under what contexts, do academic–practice partnerships collaborate to implement healthcare improvement education into preregistration nursing curriculums: a realist review protocol
Authors: Armstrong Lorraine , Moir Chris , Taylor Peta
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Internationally, healthcare improvement remains a clinical and educational priority. Consensus in Europe, Canada and the USA to implement quality improvement (QI) education into preregistration nursing curricula ensures students become equipped with the skills and knowledge required to improve practice. Now, New Zealand and Australia are beginning to implement QI education into their nursing curricula. However, QI education is complex; comprising multiple components, each influenced by the contexts under which they are developed and implemented. Evaluation studies of QI education unanimously acknowledge that academic and practice partnerships (APPs) are essential to optimally embed QI into preregistration curricula, yet it is not understood how, and under what contexts, APPs collaborate to achieve this.

Methods and analysis

A realist review to determine how, and under what contexts, APPs collaborate to implement QI education in pre-registration nursing will be conducted using the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards Guidelines. International stakeholders will be consulted at each stage which includes (1) clarifying the scope of the review through empirical literature and tacit expert knowledge, (2) searching for evidence in healthcare and social science databases/grey literature, (3) appraising studies using the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre weight of evidence framework and extracting data using Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence in Education Publication Guidelines, (4) synthesising evidence and drawing conclusions through the creation of context, mechanism and outcome configurations and (5) disseminating findings through conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was not required for this study. Findings will be disseminated to international nurse educators, leaders and front-line staff implementing QI education within their own academic and practice contexts through conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021282424.
Circumstances and outcome of active transportation injuries: protocol of a British Columbian inception cohort study
Authors: Pei Lulu X , Chan Herbert , Erdelyi Shannon , Jae Lina , Brubacher Jeffrey R
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Active transport (AT) is promoted by urban planners and health officials for its environmental, economic and societal benefits and its uptake is increasing. Unfortunately, AT users can be injured or killed due to falls or collisions. Active transport injury (ATI) prevention efforts are hindered by limited research on the circumstances, associated infrastructure, injury pattern, severity and outcome of ATI events. This study seeks to address these knowledge gaps by identifying built environment features associated with injury and risk factors for a poor outcome following ATI.

Methods and analysis

This prospective observational study will recruit an inception cohort of 2000 ATI survivors, including pedestrians, cyclists and micromobility users aged 16 years and older who arrive at a participating emergency department within 48 hours of sustaining an ATI. Baseline interviews capture demographic and socioeconomic information, pre-injury health and functional status, as well as circumstances of the injury event and recovery expectations. Follow-up interviews at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months postinjury (key stages of recovery) use standardised health-related quality of life tools to determine physical and mental health outcomes, functional recovery and healthcare resource use and lost productivity costs.

Ethics and dissemination

The Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcome Study is approved by our institutional research ethics board and the research ethics boards of all participating sites. This study aims to provide healthcare providers with knowledge of risk factors for poor outcome following ATI with the goal of improving patient management. Additionally, this study will provide insight into the circumstances of ATI events including built environment features and how those circumstances relate to recovery outcomes. This information can be used to inform city engineers and planners, policymakers and public health officials to plan roadway design and injury prevention policy.
Treehouse: A Case For Carbon-Aware Datacenter Software
Authors: Anderson Thomas , Belay Adam , Chowdhury Mosharaf , Cidon Asaf , Zhang Irene
Published: October 2023

The end of Dennard scaling and the slowing of Moore's Law has put the energy use of datacenters on an unsustainable path. Datacenters are already a significant fraction of worldwide electricity use, with application demand scaling at a rapid rate. We argue that substantial reductions in the carbon intensity of datacenter computing are possible with a software-centric approach: by making energy and carbon visible to application developers on a fine-grained basis, by modifying system APIs to make it possible to make informed trade offs between performance and carbon emissions, and by raising the level of application programming to allow for flexible use of more energy efficient means of compute and storage. We also lay out a research agenda for systems software to reduce the carbon footprint of datacenter computing.
A Red-Emitting Phosphor Rb2TaF7:Mn4+ for White Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yang Qilin , Zhe Haifeng , Yang Jiaojiao , Zhou Qiang , Tang Huaijun , Wang Zhengliang
Published: October 2023

Herein, a new red phosphor Rb2TaF7:Mn4+ was prepared by the co-precipitation method. Under excitation of the blue light at 468 nm, this phosphor exhibits a series of red-emitting peaks, due to the 2E→4A2 transitions of Mn4+. It is worth mentioning that an intense zero-phonon line (ZPL) of Mn4+ appears at 620 nm in this non-equivalent Mn4+ doping system. A white light-emitting diode (w-LED) based on the Rb2TaF7:Mn4+ (1.0 mol%) phosphor emits bright white light with a color temperature (T
c) of 4387 K and a color rendering index (Ra) of 88, showing its potential application in w-LEDs.
Number of Available Embryos: A Prediction Tool for Analyzing the Effect of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Pregnancy Outcome of Patients Undergoing IVF Cycles from Embryology
Authors: Liang Xiaodong , Duan Rubing , Luo Qiangxiang , Wu Haitao , Si Shasha , Mo Ganwen , Ji Peng , Liao Yongbin
Published: October 2023

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) can affect the pregnancy outcome of assisted reproduction technology. The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), a new parameter of pregnancy outcome, attracts the attention of researchers to study the effect of SDF on CLBR. This study will focus on whether the number of available embryos (AEN) can be used as a predictor to investigate the effect of SDF on CLBR of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Our study included 1,347 couples who underwent IVF cycles and detected their SDF results by the sperm chromatin structure assay. Subsequently, CLBR and AEN on Day 3 were examined and compared between the SDF ≤ 30% and SDF > 30% group. The finding by the correlation analysis showed a strong correlation in CLBR and AEN, suggesting that AEN can be used as a predictor of CLBR. When comparing the two groups, significant differences were noticed in CLBR (81.1% vs. 71.5%,

P
=
0.009

) and AEN (8.10 ± 4.43 vs. 7.21 ± 4.27,

P
=
0.021

), revealing that SDF has an influence on both indicators. The results of the covariance analysis suggested that the available embryo rate per maturity oocyte was higher in the SDF ≤ 30% group, and the embryologic parameters showed a significant difference in the available embryo formation rate on Day 3, but not in the fertilization and cleavage rates, suggesting that SDF reduced the quality of embryos, which did not reach the morphological standard of the available embryos, and further reduced AEN and CLBR in the IVF cycles.