bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive performances of animal models using different multibreed relationship matrices in systems with rotational crossbreeding
Authors: Poulsen Bjarke Grove , Ostersen Tage , Nielsen Bjarne , Christensen Ole Fredslund
Published: April 2022

Background

In livestock breeding, selection for some traits can be improved with direct selection for crossbred performance. However, genetic analyses with phenotypes from crossbred animals require methods for multibreed relationship matrices; especially when some animals are rotationally crossbred. Multiple methods for multibreed relationship matrices exist, but there is a lack of knowledge on how these methods compare for prediction of breeding values with phenotypes from rotationally crossbred animals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare models that use different multibreed relationship matrices in terms of ability to predict accurate and unbiased breeding values with phenotypes from two-way rotationally crossbred animals.

Methods

We compared four methods for multibreed relationship matrices: numerator relationship matrices (NRM), García-Cortés and Toro’s partial relationship matrices (GT), Strandén and Mäntysaari’s approximation to the GT method (SM), and one NRM with metafounders (MF). The methods were compared using simulated data. We simulated two phenotypes; one with and one without dominance effects. Only crossbred animals were phenotyped and only purebred animals were genotyped.

Results

The MF and GT methods were the most accurate and least biased methods for prediction of breeding values in rotationally crossbred animals. Without genomic information, all methods were almost equally accurate for prediction of breeding values in purebred animals; however, with genomic information, the MF and GT methods were the most accurate. The GT, MF, and SM methods were the least biased methods for prediction of breeding values in purebred animals.

Conclusions

For prediction of breeding values with phenotypes from rotationally crossbred animals, models using the MF method or the GT method were generally more accurate and less biased than models using the SM method or the NRM method.
‘Living in a shrinking world’—The experience of loneliness among community-dwelling older people with reduced mobility: a qualitative grounded theory approach
Authors: Moeyersons Marika , De Vliegher Kristel , Huyghe Brooke , De Groof Sacha , Milisen Koen , de Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx
Published: April 2022

Background

Loneliness is associated with severe consequences for both the physical and mental health of older people. Research has shown that mobility limitations are an important risk factor for the emergence and maintenance of feelings of loneliness. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of loneliness among community-dwelling older people with reduced mobility and its underlying dynamics.

Methods

This study employed a qualitative, descriptive design, inspired by a grounded theory approach. Participants were purposively recruited in collaboration with home health care providers. The main inclusion criteria were as follows: aged 75 years or older, being mobile impaired, experiencing feelings of loneliness, and living at home and being cognitively able to be interviewed. Data analysis of 15 semi-structured, in-depth interviews was conducted based on the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL).

Results

Loneliness was expressed through all the stories, but it appeared as an elusive, intangible phenomenon. Both indicating the presence of loneliness and describing what this phenomenon means were difficult to express for most participants. Loneliness was experienced as an inherent part of the ageing process characterised by losses, limitations and meaninglessness. Participants described how they have experienced losing grip on the world in which they live and feel isolated in a literally and figuratively shrinking world. Loneliness is described as the feeling that one is unable to address the situation that results in deep sadness and the feeling of no longer being of value to their environment.

Conclusions

This study shows that loneliness among community-dwelling older persons with reduced mobility is embedded in experiences of loss related to ageing, among which reduced mobility plays a significant role. The results suggest the existence of a more profound experience of loneliness than might appear at first glance. How to recognise experiences of loneliness and how to support a meaningful existence for community-dwelling older persons should be given priority in health care. The findings of this study can increase professional caregivers’ sensitivity to implicit signals of loneliness. Further research is necessary to refine the outcomes and to further explore the role of reduced mobility in the experience of loneliness.
Adverse pregnancy outcome disclosure and women’s social networks: a qualitative multi-country study with implications for improved reporting in surveys
Authors: Kwesiga Doris , Eriksson Leif , Orach Christopher Garimoi , Tawiah Charlotte , Imam Md Ali , Fisker Ane B. , Enuameh Yeetey , Lawn Joy E. , Blencowe Hannah , Waiswa Peter , Bradby Hannah , Malqvist Mats
Published: April 2022

Background

Globally, approximately 6,700 newborn deaths and 5,400 stillbirths occur daily. The true figure is likely higher, with under reporting of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) noted. Decision-making in health is influenced by various factors, including one’s social networks. We sought to understand APOs disclosure within social networks in Uganda, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Bangladesh and how this could improve formal reporting of APOs in surveys. 

Methods

A qualitative, exploratory multi-country study was conducted within four health and demographic surveillance system sites. 16 focus group discussions were held with 147 women aged 15–49 years, who had participated in a recent household survey. Thematic analysis, with both deductive and inductive elements, using three pre-defined themes of Sender, Message and Receiver was done using NVivo software.

Results

Disclosure of APOs was a community concern, with news often shared with people around the bereaved for different reasons, including making sense of what happened and decision-making roles of receivers. Social networks responded with comfort, providing emotional, in-kind and financial support. Key decision makers included men, spiritual and traditional leaders. Non-disclosure was usually to avoid rumors in cases of induced abortions, or after a previous bad experience with health workers, who were frequently excluded from disclosure, except for instances where a woman sought advice on APOs.

Conclusions

Communities must understand why they should report APOs and to whom. Efforts to improve APOs reporting could be guided by diffusion of innovation theory, for instance for community entry and sensitization before the survey, since it highlights how information can be disseminated through community role models. In this case, these gatekeepers we identified could promote reporting of APOs. The stage at which a person is in decision-making, what kind of adopter they are and their take on the benefits and other attributes of reporting are important. In moving beyond survey reporting to getting better routine data, the theory would be applicable too. Health workers should demonstrate a more comforting and supportive response to APOs as the social networks do, which could encourage more bereaved women to inform them and seek care.
The incidence of eosinophilic oesophagitis in 2007–2017 among children in North Denmark Region is lower than expected
Authors: Hollænder Martin , Terkelsen Jacob Holmen , Kramme Frederik , Bredal Kasper , Kragholm Kristian , Dalby Kasper , Hagstrøm Søren , Melgaard Dorte , Krarup Anne Lund
Published: April 2022

Background

In North Denmark Region (NDR), the incidence of Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) among adults has increased following a new biopsy protocol in 2011, whereas data on the incidence of EoE among children is lacking.

Aims

To describe the incidence of EoE in children aged 0–17 in NDR as well as diagnostic delay, clinical manifestations, treatment and complications.

Methods

This retrospective, register-based DanEoE cohort study included 18 children diagnosed with EoE between 2007–2017 in NDR. Medical files were reviewed with attention to symptoms, reason for referral, disease progress, treatment, symptomatic and histological remission as well as diagnostic delay.

Results

The median incidence per year (2007–2017) was 0.86/100,000 children in NDR aged 0–17 years. The median diagnostic delay among children was four years and six months. Sixty percent presented with food impaction at first hospital visit. After initial treatment, only one of 18 children achieved symptomatic and histologic remission and had a long-term treatment plan.

Conclusions

The calculated incidence among children was lower compared to similar studies. Combined with poor remission rates and lack of follow-up, it is likely that EoE is an underdiagnosed and insufficiently treated disease among children in NDR. Our findings suggest that more knowledge concerning EoE in children could lead to a higher incidence, shorter diagnostic delay and more effective treatment.
Determinants of the de-implementation of low-value care: a multi-method study
Authors: Leigh Jeanna Parsons , Sypes Emma E. , Straus Sharon E. , Demiantschuk Danielle , Ma Henry , Brundin-Mather Rebecca , de Grood Chloe , FitzGerald Emily A. , Mizen Sara , Stelfox Henry T. , Niven Daniel J.
Published: April 2022

Background

There is an urgent need to understand the determinants (i.e., barriers and facilitators) of de-implementation. The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive list of determinants of the de-implementation of low-value care from the published literature and to compare this list to determinants identified by a group of stakeholders with lived experience with de-implementation.

Methods

This was a two-phase multi-method study. First, a systematic review examined published barriers and facilitators to de-implementation. Articles were identified through searches within electronic databases, reference lists and the grey literature. Citations were screened independently and in duplicate and included if they were: 1) written in English; and 2) described a barrier or facilitator to de-implementation of any clinical practice in adults (age ≥ 18 years). ‘Raw text’ determinants cited within included articles were extracted and synthesized into a list of representative determinants using conventional content analysis. Second, semi-structured interviews were conducted with decision-makers (unit managers and medical directors) and healthcare professionals working in adult critical care medicine to explore the overlap between the determinants found in the systematic review to those experienced in critical care medicine. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key themes emerging from the interviews.

Results

In the systematic review, reviewers included 172 articles from 35,368 unique citations. From 437 raw text barriers and 280 raw text facilitators, content analysis produced 29 distinct barriers and 24 distinct facilitators to de-implementation. Distinct barriers commonly cited within raw text included ‘lack of credible evidence to support de-implementation’ (n = 90, 21%), ‘entrenched norms and clinicians’ resistance to change (n = 43, 21%), and ‘patient demands and preferences’ (n = 28, 6%). Distinct facilitators commonly cited within raw text included ‘stakeholder collaboration and communication’ (n = 43, 15%), and ‘availability of credible evidence’ (n = 33, 12%). From stakeholder interviews, 23 of 29 distinct barriers and 20 of 24 distinct facilitators from the systematic review were cited as key themes relevant to de-implementation in critical care.

Conclusions

The availability and quality of evidence that identifies a clinical practice as low-value, as well as healthcare professional willingness to change, and stakeholder collaboration are common and important determinants of de-implementation and may serve as targets for future de-implementation initiatives.

Trial registration

The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO CRD42016050234.
Targeting selenoprotein H in the nucleolus suppresses tumors and metastases by Isovalerylspiramycin I
Authors: Cui Jing , Zhou Jingcheng , He Weiqing , Ye Juan , Westlake Timothy , Medina Rogelio , Wang Herui , Thakur Bhushan L. , Liu Juanjuan , Xia Mingyu , He Zhonggui , Indig Fred E. , Li Aiguo , Li Yan , Weil Robert J. , Aladjem Mirit I. , Zhong Laiping , Gilbert Mark R. , Zhuang Zhengping
Published: April 2022

Background

Compared to normal cells, cancer cells exhibit a higher level of oxidative stress, which primes key cellular and metabolic pathways and thereby increases their resilience under oxidative stress. This higher level of oxidative stress also can be exploited to kill tumor cells while leaving normal cells intact. In this study we have found that isovalerylspiramycin I (ISP I), a novel macrolide antibiotic, suppresses cancer cell growth and tumor metastases by targeting the nucleolar protein selenoprotein H (SELH), which plays critical roles in keeping redox homeostasis and genome stability in cancer cells.

Methods

We developed ISP I through genetic recombination and tested the antitumor effects using primary and metastatic cancer models. The drug target was identified using the drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and mass spectrum assays. The effects of ISP I were assessed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA damage, R-loop formation and its impact on the JNK2/TIF-IA/RNA polymerase I (POLI) transcription pathway.

Results

ISP I suppresses cancer cell growth and tumor metastases by targeting SELH. Suppression of SELH induces accumulation of ROS and cancer cell-specific genomic instability. The accumulation of ROS in the nucleolus triggers nucleolar stress and blocks ribosomal RNA transcription via the JNK2/TIF-IA/POLI pathway, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that ISP I links cancer cell vulnerability to oxidative stress and RNA biogenesis by targeting SELH. This suggests a potential new cancer treatment paradigm, in which the primary therapeutic agent has minimal side-effects and hence may be useful for long-term cancer chemoprevention.
Knockdown resistance (kdr) gene of Aedes aegypti in Malaysia with the discovery of a novel regional specific point mutation A1007G
Authors: Akhir Mas Azlin M. , Wajidi Mustafa F. F. , Lavoué Sébastien , Azzam Ghows , Jaafar Izhan Shahrin , Awang Besar Noor Aslinda Ummi , Ishak Intan H.
Published: April 2022

Background

Improved understanding of the molecular basis of insecticide resistance may yield new opportunities for control of relevant disease vectors. In this current study, we investigated the quantification responses for the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Aedes aegypti populations from different states in Malaysia.

Methods

We tested the insecticide susceptibility status of adult Ae. aegypti from populations of three states, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan (Peninsular Malaysia), against 0.25% permethrin and 0.25% pirimiphos-methyl using the World Health Organisation (WHO) adult bioassay method. Permethrin-resistant and -susceptible samples were then genotyped for domains II and III in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) for the presence of any diagnostic single-nucleotide mutations. To validate AS-PCR results and to identify any possible additional point mutations, these two domains were sequenced.

Results

The bioassays revealed that populations of Ae. aegypti from these three states were highly resistant towards 0.25% permethrin and 0.25% pirimiphos-methyl. Genotyping results showed that three knockdown (kdr) mutations (S989P, V1016G and F1534C) were associated with pyrethroid resistance within these populations. The presence of a novel mutation, the A1007G mutation, was also detected.

Conclusions

This study revealed the high resistance level of Malaysian populations of Ae. aegypti to currently used insecticides. The resistance could be due to the widespread presence of four kdr mutations in the field and this could potentially impact the vector control programmes in Malaysia and alternative solutions should be sought.

Graphical Abstract
Successful treatment of an infant with congenital bile acid synthesis disorder type 3 by ursodeoxycholic acid: a case report
Authors: Mo Weiqian , Wang Feng , Zhou Chuanen , Ma Tinghe , Pan Zhaojun , Xie Min , Ren Haoyan , Xie Yongwu
Published: April 2022

Background

Congenital bile acid synthesis disorder type 3 caused by oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase deficiency is an extremely rare genetic liver disease. As it may cause rapid progression to end-stage liver disease, a high cautiousness in diagnosis and early treatment are required. Here we describe the first case of congenital bile acid synthesis disorder type 3 in China that was confirmed by genetic analysis.

Case presentation

A 5-month-old Chinese male infant suffered skin yellowing since birth. The patient showed significantly increased alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and total and direct bilirubin levels, and enlarged liver at admission. Whole-exome sequencing confirmed homozygous mutation in the CYB7B1 gene that encodes oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase. Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment significantly mitigated the condition of the patient and lowered biochemical indicators. Unfortunately, the patient developed septicemia and gave up treatment.

Conclusions

The patient was successfully treated with ursodeoxycholic acid, which has not been reported previously. Ursodeoxycholic acid replacement therapy is an effective and affordable treatment for congenital bile acid synthesis disorder type 3 caused by oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase deficiency.
The effect of FK506 (tacrolimus) loaded with collagen membrane and fibrin glue on promotion of nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve traction injury model
Authors: Kim Jin-Hong , Choi Young-Jin , Park Han-Ick , Ahn Kang-Min
Published: April 2022

Background

Peripheral nerve injury is one of the most common injuries that might occur in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of FK506 loaded with collagen membrane and fibrin glue on the promotion of nerve regeneration after traction nerve injury in a rat model.

Methods

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: group A (n = 10), a sham group whose sciatic nerve was exposed without any injury; and groups B (n = 10) and C (n = 10), which underwent traction nerve injury using 200 g of traction force for 1 min. The injured nerve in group C was covered with a collagen membrane soaked with FK506 (0.5 mg/0.1 mL) and fibrin glue. Functional analysis and microscopic evaluation were performed at 2 and 4 weeks after injury.

Results

The sciatic function index was − 5.78 ± 3.07 for group A, − 20.69 ± 5.22 for group B, and − 12.01 ± 4.20 for group C at 2 weeks after injury. However, at 4 weeks, the sciatic function index was − 5.58 ± 2.45 for group A, − 19.69 ± 4.81 for group B, and − 11.95 ± 1.94 for group C. In both periods, statistically significant differences were found among the groups (p<0.017). Histomorphometric evaluation revealed improved nerve regeneration in group C compared to that in group B. However, no statistical differences in axonal density were found among the three groups (p < 0.017).

Conclusion

Localized FK506 with collagen membrane and fibrin glue could promote axonal regeneration in a rat model of traction nerve injury.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women With and Without Breast Cancer: The Pathways Heart Study
Authors: Greenlee Heather , Iribarren Carlos , Rana Jamal S. , Cheng Richard , Nguyen-Huynh Mai , Rillamas-Sun Eileen , Shi Zaixing , Laurent Cecile A. , Lee Valerie S. , Roh Janise M. , Santiago-Torres Margarita , Shen Hanjie , Hershman Dawn L. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Neugebauer Romain , Kwan Marilyn L.
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE

To examine cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality risk in women with breast cancer (BC) by cancer therapy received relative to women without BC.

METHODS

The study population comprised Kaiser Permanente Northern California members. Cases with invasive BC diagnosed from 2005 to 2013 were matched 1:5 to controls without BC on birth year and race/ethnicity. Cancer treatment, CVD outcomes, and covariate data were from electronic health records. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of CVD incidence and mortality by receipt of chemotherapy treatment combinations, radiation therapy, and endocrine therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 13,642 women with BC were matched to 68,202 controls without BC. Over a 7-year average follow-up (range < 1-14 years), women who received anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab had high risk of heart failure/cardiomyopathy relative to controls, with the highest risk seen in women who received both anthracyclines and trastuzumab (HR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.79 to 7.59). High risk of heart failure and/or cardiomyopathy was also observed in women with BC with a history of radiation therapy (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.69) and aromatase inhibitor use (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.60), relative to their controls. Elevated risks for stroke, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, venous thromboembolic disease, CVD-related death, and death from any cause were also observed in women with BC on the basis of cancer treatment received.

CONCLUSION

Women with BC had increased incidence of CVD events, CVD-related mortality, and all-cause mortality compared with women without BC, and risks varied according to the history of cancer treatment received. Studies are needed to determine how women who received BC treatment should be cared for to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Surgeon-Led Initiatives to Increase Access to Surgical Treatment of Epilepsy at an Academic Level 4 Epilepsy Center: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Cole Tyler S. , Vadera Sumeet
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Underutilization of surgical treatment for epilepsy is multifactorial, and the multidisciplinary nature of caring for these patients represents a significant hurdle in expanding surgical treatment of epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE:

To develop internal and external surgical referral relationships for patients with medically refractory epilepsy with the goal of improving access to care.

METHODS:

To expand access to surgical epilepsy treatment at University of California (UC)–Irvine, 4 broad approaches focused on developing referral relationships and process improvement of surgical evaluation were undertaken in 2015 and 2016. The authors performed a retrospective review of all surgical epilepsy case referrals of the senior author from 2014 through 2020.

RESULTS:

Epilepsy surgical volume at UC–Irvine increased from an average of 5.2 cases annually to 32 cases in the first year (2015) of implementation. There was continued case volume growth from 2015 through 2020 to 52 procedures in the most recent year (P = .03). Hospital payments for epilepsy procedures increased from $1.09M in 2015 to $2.02M and $1.8M in 2019 and 2020 (P < .01), respectively, while maintaining a diverse payer mix. 79.4% of these patients did not have a previously established option for surgical epilepsy care.

CONCLUSION:

We outline strategies that level 4 epilepsy centers may use to strengthen collaborations and improve patient access for surgical epilepsy treatment. Increased collaboration can both improve the number of patients with epilepsy with access to specialized surgical care and produce reimbursement benefits for the centers caring for these patients, regardless of insurance source.
Nursing home-sensitive conditions: analysis of routine health insurance data and modified Delphi analysis of potentially avoidable hospitalizations
Authors: Bohnet-Joschko Sabine , Valk-Draad Maria Paula , Schulte Timo , Groene Oliver
Published: April 2022

Background: Hospitalizations of nursing home residents are associated with various health risks. Previous research indicates that, to some extent, hospitalizations of this vulnerable population may be inappropriate and even avoidable. This study aimed to develop a consensus list of hospital discharge diagnoses considered to be nursing home-sensitive, i.e., avoidable.

Methods: The study combined analyses of routine data from six statutory health insurance companies in Germany and a two-stage Delphi panel, enhanced by expert workshop discussions, to identify and corroborate relevant diagnoses. Experts from four different disciplines estimated the proportion of hospitalizations that could potentially have been prevented under optimal conditions. 

Results: We analyzed frequencies and costs of data for hospital admissions from 242,236 nursing home residents provided by statutory health insurance companies. We identified 117 hospital discharge diagnoses, which had a frequency of at least 0.1%. We recruited experts (primary care physicians, hospital specialists, nursing home professionals and researchers) to estimate the proportion of potentially avoidable hospitalizations for the 117 diagnoses deemed avoidable in two Delphi rounds (n=107 in Delphi Round 1 and n=96 in Delphi Round 2, effective response rate=91%). A total of 35 diagnoses with high and consistent estimates of the proportion of potentially avoidable hospitalizations were identified as nursing home-sensitive. In an expert workshop (n=16), a further 25 diagnoses were discussed that had not reached the criteria, of which another 23 were consented to be nursing home-sensitive conditions. Extrapolating the frequency and mean costs of these 58 diagnoses to the national German context yielded total potentially avoidable care costs of €768,304,547, associated with 219,955 nursing home-sensitive hospital admissions.

Conclusion: A total of 58 nursing home-relevant diagnoses (ICD-10-GM three-digit level) were classified as nursing home-sensitive using an adapted Delphi procedure. Interventions should be developed to avoid hospital admission from nursing homes for these diagnoses.
Incentivising research data sharing: a scoping review
Authors: Woods Helen Buckley , Pinfield Stephen
Published: April 2022

Background: Numerous mechanisms exist to incentivise researchers to share their data. This scoping review aims to identify and summarise evidence of the efficacy of different interventions to promote open data practices and provide an overview of current research.

Methods: This scoping review is based on data identified from Web of Science and LISTA, limited from 2016 to 2021. A total of 1128 papers were screened, with 38 items being included. Items were selected if they focused on designing or evaluating an intervention or presenting an initiative to incentivise sharing. Items comprised a mixture of research papers, opinion pieces and descriptive articles.

Results: Seven major themes in the literature were identified: publisher/journal data sharing policies, metrics, software solutions, research data sharing agreements in general, open science ‘badges’, funder mandates, and initiatives.

Conclusions: A number of key messages for data sharing include: the need to build on existing cultures and practices, meeting people where they are and tailoring interventions to support them; the importance of publicising and explaining the policy/service widely; the need to have disciplinary data champions to model good practice and drive cultural change; the requirement to resource interventions properly; and the imperative to provide robust technical infrastructure and protocols, such as labelling of data sets, use of DOIs, data standards and use of data repositories.
SYSTEM OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA OF COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Kownacki Tomasz
Published: April 2022

The problem of international cooperation for sustainable development in the areas of environmental protection, economics, energy and public goods is a well-known scope of research, which can be classified as a classic canon of analysis in this domain. There is an explicit lack of research in the area of security, particularly in those aspects relating to objectives 8 and 16 of Agenda 2030, referring to combating the crime of human trade. The aim of the publication is to analyse the dynamics of international cooperation for the implementation of sustainable principles in the fight against human trafficking, undertaken in the context of the diagnosis of its effects for the implementation of sustainable principles with the use of resources (created and implemented standards), cooperation structures (global international organisations and their Member States) forming a system of international cooperation, the directions of which are determined by security needs. The article shows the evolution of international law in this area, the cooperation of selected international structures and its effects, as well as the dynamics of change resulting from statistics indicating the directions of implementation of objectives 8 and 16 of the sustainable development of the Agenda 2030. To achieve the objective, the assumptions of institutional theory were applied. The analysis was made using historical, comparative methods and analysis of source documents. The analysis presented in the article allows us to conclude that after the adoption of the Agenda 2030, the dynamics of international cooperation in the analysed area has increased, which is reflected in the new impetus given to the implementation of provisions enshrined in international law and required actions undertaken by member states - signatories of the act. Combating the crime of trafficking in human beings takes place within the framework of a diagnosable multifaceted institutional formula expressed in a detailed division of tasks and competences, allowing for coordination at the global level of preventive and operational actions to combat this practice. Global international cooperation for sustainable development in the area of combating trafficking in human beings in the 21st century is implemented in a systemic way and brings results which provide better and better prospects for effective combating of this crime, thus meeting the assumptions and objectives 8 (p. 8.7) and 16 (p. 16.2) of the Agenda 2030.
THE CONSTITUTION IN THE SHADOW OF A GUN: HISTORICAL AND LEGAL VIEWS ON MYANMAR’S COUP D’ÉTAT
Authors: Amarasinghe Punsara , Orsitto Davide
Published: April 2022

The Tatmadaw’s military takeover in Myanmar on the 1st of February has marked a significant step back in the country’s path towards democracy. Several doubts are raised as to why the military has decided to dismiss the institutional changes that it agreed to grant the country after the Saffron Revolution of 2007 in the first place. This paper seeks to examine the current military takeover in Myanmar through the lenses of its complex post-colonial history, marked by the continuous evolution of various intra-state stakeholder’s interactions, such as the Sangha, the Tatmadaw and the students. Subsequent to the historical analysis, we provide a legal outlook combing through the salient constitutional provision on the division of powers, aiming to understand if the balance thereof has been seen as an existential threat undermining the military’s hegemonic position over time. Finally, we aim to offer an account on why western expectations regarding Aung San Suu Kyi as a representative of Western liberal democracy could not be factually met. We conclude that the 2007 constitution institutionalized a political system that allowed wiggle room for non-military stakeholders to obtain further democratic concessions, that could result in a significant threat to the Tatmadaw’s rule. Such approach sheds outlook on the causes of the coup d’état and allows projections for the near future.
Improving delirium screening in older adults at the Royal United Hospital, Bath
Authors: Trew Christopher AJ , Cross Rachael , Howell Kate , Dyer Chris
Published: April 2022

Aims/Background

Delirium affects around 20% of older inpatients, increasing mortality and length of stay. Around 30% of cases are preventable. The authors sought to determine compliance of the admissions to the Older People's Unit of the Royal University Hospital Bath with the national and internal guidelines for delirium screening and improve its use on admission.

Methods

A total of 60 patients' notes were inspected for compliance. Subsequently, the authors implemented teaching, changed the admission proforma and re-wrote the hospital guidelines for delirium. The notes were rescreened at 6 and 18 months.

Results

Initially, 25% of notes met the national standards and 63% met the hospital criteria. At 6 months this was 52% and 82% respectively, and at 18 months it was 41% and 87% respectively. The proportion of patients screened via multiple methods also increased.

Conclusions

There was a sustained improvement in compliance with the national and hospital standards for delirium screening. There was some degradation in the national standard but the proportion of patients meeting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence standard was still higher than pre-intervention.
Task-related trunk training on balance, trunk control, pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Akhila RM , Karthikbabu Suruliraj , Mohan Divya , Prem Venkatesan , Roy Ajith Kumar
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims

Stooped posture and ‘en-bloc’ movement of the trunk in people with Parkinson's disease are related to balance issues, pulmonary dysfunction and difficulty in daily tasks. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of task-related trunk training on balance in people with Parkinson's disease. The secondary objective was to observe whether trunk control, thoracic rotation range, pulmonary function and quality of life would change for patients with Parkinson's disease after trunk training.

Methods

A total of 32 individuals participated in this randomised controlled trial. They had a mean age of 70.8 years, with a modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale grade of 1.5–3, could take more than six steps in the 360° turn test, were scored as grade I or II on the retropulsion test and had an absence of severe cognitive deficits. Task-related trunk training emphasised the thoracic spine's extension and rotation in prone position on elbows, hands and knees and in kneeling, sitting and standing positions. Standard physiotherapy included breathing exercises, stretching of shoulder and neck muscles, balance and walking training. Both groups practised for 1 hour a day, 3 days a week over 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test. The secondary outcome measures were the Trunk Control Test, thoracic rotation range of movement, Pulmonary Function Test and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39.

Results

Repeated measure analysis of variance revealed significant group by time interaction for the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and thoracic rotation range (P<0.05), but not for the pulmonary function test and quality of life measures.

Conclusions

Task-related trunk training appears to be more beneficial in the balance capacity of individuals with Parkinson's disease than standard physiotherapy, but does not have any significant effects for pulmonary function and health-related quality of life.
Exercise modifies the disease-relevant gut microbial shifts in post-traumatic osteoarthritis rats
Authors: Hao Xiaoxia , Zhang Jiaming , Shang Xingru , Sun Kai , Zhou Jun , Liu Jiawei , Chi Ruimin , Xu Tao
Published: April 2022

Aims

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a subset of osteoarthritis (OA). The gut microbiome is shown to be involved in OA. However, the effect of exercise on gut microbiome in PTOA remains elusive.

Methods

A total of 18 eight-week Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into three groups: Sham/sedentary (Sham/Sed), PTOA/sedentary (PTOA/Sed), and PTOA/treadmill-walking (PTOA/TW). PTOA model was induced by transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT) and the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Treadmill-walking (15 m/min, 30 min/d, five days/week for eight weeks) was employed in the PTOA/TW group. The response of cartilage, subchondral bone, serology, and gut microbiome and their correlations were assessed.

Results

Eight-week treadmill-walking was effective at maintaining the integrity of cartilage-subchondral bone unit and reducing the elevated systematic inflammation factors and microbiome-derived metabolites. Furthermore, 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing showed disease-relevant microbial shifts in PTOA animals, characterized by the decreased abundance of phylum TM7 and the increase of phylum Fusobacteria. At the genus level, the abundance of Lactobacillus, Turicibacter, Adlercreutzia, and Cetobacterium were increased in the PTOA animals, while the increase of Adlercreutzia and Cetobacterium was weakened as a response to exercise. The correlation analysis showed that genus Lactobacillus and Adlercreutzia were correlated to the structural OA phenotypes, while phylum Fusobacteria and genus Cetobacterium may contribute to the effects of exercise on the diminishment of serological inflammatory factors.

Conclusion

Exercise is effective at maintaining the integrity of cartilage-subchondral bone unit, and the exercise-induced modification of disease-relevant microbial shifts is potentially involved in the mechanisms of exercise-induced amelioration of PTOA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(4):214–225.
Arsenic in drinking water: An analysis of global drinking water regulations and recommendations for updates to protect public health
Authors: Frisbie Seth H. , Mitchell Erika J.
Published: April 2022

Evidence-based public health policy often comes years or decades after the underlying scientific breakthrough. The World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) provisional 10 μg/L arsenic (As) drinking water guideline was set in 1993 based on “analytical achievability.” In 2011, an additional proviso of “treatment performance” was added; a health-based risk assessment would lead to a lower and more protective guideline. Since the WHO does not require United Nations member states to submit copies of national drinking water regulations, there is no complete database of national drinking water standards or guidelines. In this study, we collated and analyzed all drinking water regulations for As from national governments worldwide. We found regulations for 176 countries. Of these countries, 136 have drinking water regulations that specify 10 μg/L As or less, while 40 have regulations that allow more than 10 μg/L of As; we could not find any evidence of regulations for 19 countries. The number of people living in countries that do not meet the WHO’s guideline constitutes 32% of the global population. Global As regulations are also strongly tied to national income, with high income countries more likely to meet the WHO’s guideline. In this study, we examined the health risk assessments that show a clear need for reducing As exposure to levels far below the current WHO provisional guideline. We also show that advances in analytical chemistry, drinking water treatment, and the possibility of accessing alternative drinking water supplies without As suggest that both low-income countries with limited resources and high-income countries with adequate resources can adopt a lower and more protective national drinking water standards or guidelines for As. Thus, we recommend that regulators and stake holders of all nations reassess the possibilities for improving public health and reducing health care expenses by adopting more stringent regulations for As in drinking water.
Neuromorphic computing for content-based image retrieval
Authors: Liu Te-Yuan , Mahjoubfar Ata , Prusinski Daniel , Stevens Luis
Published: April 2022

Neuromorphic computing mimics the neural activity of the brain through emulating spiking neural networks. In numerous machine learning tasks, neuromorphic chips are expected to provide superior solutions in terms of cost and power efficiency. Here, we explore the application of Loihi, a neuromorphic computing chip developed by Intel, for the computer vision task of image retrieval. We evaluated the functionalities and the performance metrics that are critical in content-based visual search and recommender systems using deep-learning embeddings. Our results show that the neuromorphic solution is about 2.5 times more energy-efficient compared with an ARM Cortex-A72 CPU and 12.5 times more energy-efficient compared with NVIDIA T4 GPU for inference by a lightweight convolutional neural network when batch size is 1 while maintaining the same level of matching accuracy. The study validates the potential of neuromorphic computing in low-power image retrieval, as a complementary paradigm to the existing von Neumann architectures.
A theropod trackway providing evidence of a pathological foot from the exceptional locality of Las Hoyas (upper Barremian, Serranía de Cuenca, Spain)
Authors: Herrera-Castillo Carlos M. , Moratalla José J. , Belaústegui Zain , Marugán-Lobón Jesús , Martín-Abad Hugo , Nebreda Sergio M. , López-Archilla Ana I. , Buscalioni Angela D.
Published: April 2022

We describe a trackway (LH-Mg-10-16) occurring in laminated carbonated limestones of the Las Hoyas locality, Serranía de Cuenca, Spain. It is unmistakably a large theropod dinosaur trackway encompassing two unusual aspects, namely, wide-steps, and a set of equally deformed left footprints (with a dislocated digit). The layer also preserves other vertebrate trails (fish Undichna) and different impressions in the sediment. To address these complex settings, we devised a multidisciplinary approach, including the ichnological and taphonomical descriptions, characterisation of the rock lithofacies using thin-sections, 3D structured-light digitalisation with a high precision of 200–400 μm, and a geometric morphometric comparison with a large sample of bipedal dinosaur trackways. Sedimentary analyses showed that the trackway was produced in a humid, benthonic microbial mat, the consistency and plasticity of which enabled the preservation of the details of the movement of the animal. The results of the geometric analysis indicate that the “wide-steps” of the trackway is not unusual compared to other trackways, providing evidence that it was made by a single individual with an estimated hip height approximately 2 m. Analogous pathologies in extant archosaurs that yield the combination of wide steps and deformed digits in the same trackway were considered. All results mutually support the hypothesis that a large theropod dinosaur, with a pathological foot, generated the trackway as it crossed an area of shallow water while slowly walking towards the main water source, thus stepping steadily over the benthonic mat over which multiple fish were swimming.
The causes of loneliness: The perspective of young adults in London’s most deprived areas
Authors: Fardghassemi Sam , Joffe Hélène
Published: April 2022

Young adults are currently the loneliest demographic in the UK and other Western countries, yet little is known about how they see the causes of their loneliness. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore the subjective causes of loneliness among young adults (18–24 years old), particularly those of lower socio-economic status (SES) who are in employment, renting and living in the most deprived areas, since they are the loneliest in the UK. Utilising a free association technique and thematic analysis, and embedded in a phenomenological framework, the subjective causes of loneliness in a matched sample of 48 young adults in the four most deprived boroughs of London are found to cluster around five themes: The Feeling of Being Disconnected, Contemporary Culture, Pressure, Social Comparison and Transitions Between Life Stages. Disconnection arises from feeling one does not matter, is not understood or is unable to express oneself. Challenges pertaining to social media and materialism in contemporary culture contribute to loneliness as does pressure associated with work, fitting in and social comparison. Social media play a major role in exacerbating these experiences. Finally, transitions between life stages such as breakups, loss of significant others and transitory stages to do with education and employment are felt to cause loneliness. The findings suggest potential avenues for loneliness reduction.
Analysis of the impact of public health emergencies on the dry bulk shipping market
Authors: Liang Jing , Dai Tianlun , Sun Shuai
Published: April 2022

A structural vector autoregressive model and spillover index analysis based on generalized prediction error variance decomposition were used to explore the impact of public health emergencies on the dry bulk shipping market and provide suggestions for addressing the impact of public health emergencies. Moreover, the risk fluctuation and spillover of the dry bulk shipping market during public health emergencies were analyzed to understand the ways in which public health emergencies impact the dry bulk shipping market and to quantify the impact intensity. In related studies, the influence of the international crude oil price index and dry bulk ship port berthing volume were also considered. The results show that considering the immediate impact, the increase of newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 has a significant impact on the dry bulk shipping market, which lasts for more than 3 weeks and is always a negative shock. Different types of public health emergencies have different effects on the dry bulk shipping segmented shipping market. Dry bulk shipping companies should fully understand the development of public health emergencies, make full use of risk aversion forecasting tools in financial markets and make deployments for different situations.
Bursaphelenchus suri n. sp.: A second Bursaphelenchus syconial parasite of figs supports adaptive radiation among section Sycomorus figs
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Kruger Meike S. , Greeff Jaco M. , Giblin-Davis Robin M.
Published: April 2022

The nematode genusBursaphelenchusis a highly divergent group. This genus mainly consists of mycophagous entomophilic species, but some species have specialized as obligate or facultative plant parasites, facultative insect parasites, or exhibit feeding dimorphism (phenotypic plasticity) leading to mycophagous and predatory forms. In the present study, a newBursaphelenchusspecies,B.surin. sp. was isolated from fresh syconia (figs) ofFicus surand is described and illustrated based on its typological characters and molecular phylogenetic status. The new species is characterized by its highly derived feeding structures found in obligate plant parasites, lip possessing a labial disc and a long and thick stylet with a long conus and extremely well-developed basal swellings. In addition, slender body of both sexes is characteristic of the species. The new species is phylogenetically and typologically closely related toB.sycophilus, i.e., these two species share the characteristic feeding structures and form a well-supported clade within theB.fungivorusgroup in the genus. Biologically, these two species are both isolated from fresh figs of the sectionSycomorus. However, the new species differs fromB.sycophilusby the length of the female post-uterine sac and the shape of the male spicule, i.e., the new species has a long post-uterine sac and spicule condylus without dorsal recurvature. Thus, the new species is the second obligate fig parasite of the genus, and the evolutionary relationship between theB.surin. sp. andB.sycophilusclade and sectionSycomorusfigs is hypothesized as an example of adaptive radiation with more species to be discovered.