bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximal tubular dysfunction as a predictor of AKI in Hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Bari Amit , Alam Muhammad Rafiqul , Islam Sumona , Islam Muhammad Nazrul , Faroque Md. Omar , Amin Noureen
Published: June 2024

Background

High concentration of Angiotensin converting enzyme receptors in the proximal tubules make kidneys an early target in COVID-19. Proximal tubular dysfunction (PTD) may act as an early predictor of acute kidney injury (AKI) and more severe disease.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in the COVID unit, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. 87 COVID-19 patients without known kidney disease were screened for 6 markers of PTD on admission–hyperuricosuria, normoglycemic glycosuria, proteinuria, renal phosphate leak, sodium leak and potassium leak. Positivity of 2 of the first 4 markers was considered as PTD. 35 patients with PTD and 35 without PTD were followed up throughout their hospital stay.

Results

52.9% had PTD on admission. The most prevalent markers were renal sodium leak (67%), followed by proteinuria (66.7%), hyperuricosuria (42.5%), potassium leak (32.2%), phosphate leak (28.7%) and normoglycemic glycosuria (20.7%). Mean age was 55.7 years. 32.9% patients developed AKI. PTD group had higher odds of developing AKI (odds ratio 17.5 for stage 1, 24.8 for stage 2 and 25.5 for stage 3; p<0.0001). The mean duration of hospital stay was 9 days higher in the PTD group (p<0.001). PTD group also had higher odds of transferring to ICU (OR = 9.4, p = 0.002), need for mechanical ventilation (OR = 10.1, p = 0.002) and death (OR = 10.3, p = 0.001). 32.6% had complete PTD recovery during follow-up.

Conclusion

Proximal tubular dysfunction is highly prevalent in COVID-19 patients very early in the disease and may act as a predictor of AKI, ICU transfer, need for mechanical ventilation and death.
A mixed-methods descriptive study on the role of continuous quality improvement in rural surgical and obstetrical stability: Considering enablers, challenges and impact
Authors: Kornelsen Jude , Cameron Audrey , Stoll Kathrin , Skinner Tom , Humber Nancy , Williams Kim , Ebert Sean
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The Rural Surgical Obstetrical Networks (RSON) initiative in BC was developed to stabilize and grow low volume rural surgical and obstetrical services. One of the wrap-around supportive interventions was funding for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives, done through a local provider-driven lens. This paper reviews mixed-methods findings on providers’ experiences with CQI and the implications for service stability.

Background

Small, rural hospitals face barriers in implementing quality improvement initiatives due primarily to lack of resource capacity and the need to prioritize clinical care when allocating limited health human resources. Given this, funding and resources for CQI were key enablers of the RSON initiative and seen as an essential part of a response to assuaging concerns of specialists at higher volume sites regarding quality in lower volume settings.

Methods

Data were derived from two datasets: in-depth, qualitative interviews with rural health care providers and administrators over the course of the RSON initiative and through a survey administered at RSON sites in 2023.

Findings

Qualitative findings revealed participants’ perceptions of the value of CQI (including developing expanded skillsets and improved team function and culture), enablers (the organizational infrastructure for CQI projects), challenges in implementation (complications in protecting/prioritizing CQI time and difficulty with staff engagement) and the importance of local leadership. Survey findings showed high ratings for elements of team function that relate directly to CQI (team process and relationships).

Conclusion

Attention to effective mechanisms of CQI through a rural lens is essential to ensure that initiatives meet the contextual realities of low-volume sites. Instituting pathways for locally-driven quality improvement initiatives enhances team function at rural hospitals through creating opportunities for trust building and goal setting, improving communication and increasing individual and team-wide motivation to improve patient care.
Costs saved and avoided from pharmacist interventions to address drug-related problems identified from outpatient clinics in Jordan
Authors: Al-Taani Ghaith M. , Muflih Suhaib M. , Al-Azzam Sayer I. , Alzoubi Karem H.
Published: June 2024

Background

The pharmacist plays an essential role in identifying and managing drug-related problems. The aim of this research was to assess the costs avoided by clinical pharmacist interventions to resolve drug-related problems.

Research design and methods

Clinical pharmacists identified drug-related problems and interventions to address them in consecutive outpatients visiting internal medicine clinics at major teaching and public hospitals in Jordan from September 2012 to December 2013. The costs avoided by each intervention to address drug-related problems were collected from the literature. The collected data were used to calculate the overall cost saved and avoided by the interventions implemented to address the identified drug-related problems, adopting a Jordanian healthcare system perspective.

Results

A total of 2747 patients were enrolled in the study. Diagnostic interventions, such as the need for additional diagnostic testing, were employed in 95.07% of the 13935 intervention to address the drug-related problem “Miscellaneous” which was the most frequent drug-related problems. Other common drug-related problems categories included inappropriate knowledge (n = 6972), inappropriate adherence (4447), efficacy-related drug-related problem (3395) and unnecessary drug therapy (1082). The total cost avoided over the research period was JOD 1418720 per month and total cost saved over the study period was JOD 17250.204. Drug-related problems were associated the number of prescription medications (odds ratio = 1.105; 95% confidence interval = 1.069–1.142), prescribed gastrointestinal drugs (3.485; 2.86–4.247), prescribed antimicrobials (3.326; 1.084–10.205), and prescribed musculoskeletal drugs (1.385; 1.011–1.852).

Conclusions

The study revealed that pharmacists have provided cognitive input to rationalize and optimize the medication use and prevent errors, that led to the reported projected avoided and saved expenditures via various interventions to address drug-related problems. This highlights the added economic impact to the clinical impact of drug-related problems on patients and the healthcare system. The high prevalence and cost of drug-related problems offer strong rationale for pharmacists to provide more vigilant intervention to improve patient outcomes while maintaining cost effectiveness.
MCGCL:Adversarial attack on graph contrastive learning based on momentum gradient candidates
Authors: Zhang Qi , Qin Zhenkai , Zhang Yunjie
Published: June 2024

In the context of existing adversarial attack schemes based on unsupervised graph contrastive learning, a common issue arises due to the discreteness of graph structures, leading to reduced reliability of structural gradients and consequently resulting in the problem of attacks getting trapped in local optima. An adversarial attack method based on momentum gradient candidates is proposed in this research. Firstly, the gradients obtained by back-propagation are transformed into momentum gradients, and the gradient update is guided by overlaying the previous gradient information in a certain proportion to accelerate convergence speed and improve the accuracy of gradient update. Secondly, the exploratory process of candidate and evaluation is carried out by summing the momentum gradients of the two views and ranking them in descending order of saliency. In this process, selecting adversarial samples with stronger perturbation effects effectively improves the success rate of adversarial attacks. Finally, extensive experiments were conducted on three different datasets, and our generated adversarial samples were evaluated against contrastive learning models across two downstream tasks. The results demonstrate that the attack strategy proposed outperforms existing methods, significantly improving convergence speed. In the link prediction task, targeting the Cora dataset with perturbation rates of 0.05 and 0.1, the attack performance outperforms all baseline tasks, including the supervised baseline methods. The attack method is also transferred to other graph representation models, validating the method’s strong transferability.
Phased chromosome-scale genome assembly of an asexual, allopolyploid root-knot nematode reveals complex subgenomic structure
Authors: Winter Michael R. , Taranto Adam P. , Yimer Henok Zemene , Coomer Blundell Alison , Siddique Shahid , Williamson Valerie M. , Lunt David H.
Published: June 2024

We present the chromosome-scale genome assembly of the allopolyploid root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. We show that the M. javanica genome is predominantly allotetraploid, comprising two subgenomes, A and B, that most likely originated from hybridisation of two ancestral parental species. The assembly was annotated using full-length non-chimeric transcripts, comparison to reference databases, and ab initio prediction techniques, and the subgenomes were phased using ancestral k-mer spectral analysis. Subgenome B appears to show fission of chromosomal contigs, and while there is substantial synteny between subgenomes, we also identified regions lacking synteny that may have diverged in the ancestral genomes prior to or following hybridisation. This annotated and phased genome assembly forms a significant resource for understanding the origins and genetics of these globally important plant pathogens.
A comparative ultrastructure study of the tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus in the hydrated state, after desiccation and during the process of rehydration
Authors: Galas Simon , Le Goff Emilie , Cazevieille Chantal , Tanaka Akihiro , Cuq Pierre , Baghdiguian Stephen , Kunieda Takekazu , Godefroy Nelly , Richaud Myriam
Published: June 2024

Tardigrades can survive hostile environments such as desiccation by adopting a state of anhydrobiosis. Numerous tardigrade species have been described thus far, and recent genome and transcriptome analyses revealed that several distinct strategies were employed to cope with harsh environments depending on the evolutionary lineages. Detailed analyses at the cellular and subcellular levels are essential to complete these data. In this work, we analyzed a tardigrade species that can withstand rapid dehydration, Ramazzottius varieornatus. Surprisingly, we noted an absence of the anhydrobiotic-specific extracellular structure previously described for the Hypsibius exemplaris species. Both Ramazzottius varieornatus and Hypsibius exemplaris belong to the same evolutionary class of Eutardigrada. Nevertheless, our observations reveal discrepancies in the anhydrobiotic structures correlated with the variation in the anhydrobiotic mechanisms.
Lessons from the deployment and management of public handwashing stations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya: A cross-sectional, observational study
Authors: Muchangi Josphat Martin , Munai Dennis , Moraro Rogers , Thorseth Astrid Hasund , Tupeyia Viola , Muriithi Judy , Lamb Jennifer , Gichuki Richard , Greenland Katie , Simiyu Sheillah
Published: June 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, 5,311 handwashing stations were distributed by the National Business Compact Coalition (NBCC) to help combat the virus. This study evaluated 316 of these stations across five counties, assessing functionality, usability, and accessibility. Quantitative data, including spot checks and surveys, revealed that 83.9% of the evaluated stations were functional, with paid caretakers, which is associated with higher functionality rates. Qualitative insights underscored challenges such as inadequate signage and limited soap and water availability, particularly affecting individuals with disabilities. Despite initial success, only 61% of stations remained functional 6–8 months post-distribution, often due to relocation by caretakers. Future distributions should prioritize long-term support for caretakers to sustain station functionality. This study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and support for public handwashing facilities in pandemic response efforts.
A study protocol for the modified interactive screening program plus MINDBODYSTRONG© RCT: A mental health resiliency intervention for nurses
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Davidson Judy E. , Mayfield Cora , Zisook Sidney , Tucker Sharon , Hsieh Andreanna Pavan , Cooper Andrea , Gray-Bauer Rosalind , Hoying Jacqueline , Cuccia Alison F. , Tan Alai
Published: June 2024

Background

Nurses, the largest workforce in healthcare, are at high risk of depression, anxiety, burnout, and suicidal ideation. Suicide among nurses is higher than the general population. This randomized controlled trial pairs the MINDBODYSTRONG© cognitive-behavioral skills building program with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Modified Interactive Screening Program (mISP) to reduce depression, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and burnout, and improve healthy lifestyle beliefs, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and job satisfaction in nurses with moderate to high risk of suicide.

Aims

This study aims to determine the effects of the mISP combined with the digitized MINDBODYSTRONG© program versus the mISP alone on depression, suicidal ideation, burnout, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, healthy lifestyle beliefs, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and job satisfaction in 364 U.S. nurses.

Methods

A digitized version of MINDBODYSTRONG© combined with the mISP screening and referral platform will be compared to the AFSP mISP alone through a two-arm randomized controlled trial. Follow-up post-intervention data will be collected at week eight and months three, six, and 12.

Discussion

If successful, this study’s findings could assist nurses who are hesitant to use conventional mental health resources by providing them with confidential aid and learning opportunities to reduce suicidality, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and burnout and improve healthy lifestyle beliefs, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and job satisfaction.

Trial/study registration

The Ohio State University Protocol Record 2021B0417, Modified Interactive Screening Program Plus MINDBODYSTRONG: A Mental Health Resiliency Intervention for Nurses, is registered and posted at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05582343. First posted date is October 17, 2022.
Non-destructive identification of varieties of Hawaii-grown avocados using near-infrared spectroscopy: Feasibility studies using bench-top and handheld spectrometers
Authors: Godbout Jemma M. , Ladizinsky Nicolas C. , Harris Serenity , Postler Melissa L. , Sun Xiuxiu , Matsumoto Tracie , Liang Peishih
Published: June 2024

Avocados are an important economic crop of Hawaii, contributing to approximately 3% of all avocados grown in the United States. To export Hawaii-grown avocados, growers must follow strict United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) regulations. Currently, only the Sharwil variety can be exported relying on a systems approach, which allows fruit to be exported without quarantine treatment; treatments that can negatively impact the quality of avocados. However, for the systems approach to be applied, Hawaii avocado growers must positively identify the avocados variety as Sharwil with APHIS prior to export. Currently, variety identification relies on physical characteristics, which can be erroneous and subjective, and has been disputed by growers. Once the fruit is harvested, variety identification is difficult. While molecular markers can be used through DNA extraction from the skin, the process leaves the fruit unmarketable. This study evaluated the feasibility of using near-infrared spectroscopy to non-destructively discriminate between different Hawaii-grown avocado varieties, such as Sharwil, Beshore, and Yamagata, Nishikawa, and Greengold, and to positively identify Sharwil from the other varieties mentioned above. The classifiers built using a bench-top system achieved 95% total classification rates for both discriminating the varieties from one another and positively identifying Sharwil while the classifier built using a handheld spectrometer achieved 96% and 96.7% total classification rates for discriminating the varieties from one another and positively identifying Sharwil, respectively. Results from chemometric methods and chemical analysis suggested that water and lipid were key contributors to the performance of classifiers. The positive results demonstrate the feasibility of NIR spectroscopy for discriminating different avocado varieties as well as authenticating Sharwil. To develop robust and stable models for the growers, distributors, and regulators in Hawaii, more varieties and additional seasons should continue to be added.
Malic enzyme 1 knockout has no deleterious phenotype and is favored in the male germline under standard laboratory conditions
Authors: Alektiar Jonathan M. , Shan Mengrou , Radyk Megan D. , Zhang Li , Halbrook Christopher J. , Lin Lin , Espinoza Carlos , Mier Ivan F. , Lavoie Brooke L. , Salvatore Lucie , Pasca di Magliano Marina , Cantley Lewis C. , Mueller Jacob L. , Lyssiotis Costas A.
Published: June 2024

Malic Enzyme 1 (ME1) plays an integral role in fatty acid synthesis and cellular energetics through its production of NADPH and pyruvate. As such, it has been identified as a gene of interest in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and an array of epithelial cancers, with most work being performed in vitro. The current standard model for ME1 loss in vivo is the spontaneous Mod-1 null allele, which produces a canonically inactive form of ME1. Herein, we describe two new genetically engineered mouse models exhibiting ME1 loss at dynamic timepoints. Using murine embryonic stem cells and Flp/FRT and Cre/loxP class switch recombination, we established a germline Me1 knockout model (Me1 KO) and an inducible conditional knockout model (Me1 cKO), activated upon tamoxifen treatment in adulthood. Collectively, neither the Me1 KO nor Me1 cKO models exhibited deleterious phenotype under standard laboratory conditions. Knockout of ME1 was validated by immunohistochemistry and genotype confirmed by PCR. Transmission patterns favor Me1 loss in Me1 KO mice when maternally transmitted to male progeny. Hematological examination of these models through complete blood count and serum chemistry panels revealed no discrepancy with their wild-type counterparts. Orthotopic pancreatic tumors in Me1 cKO mice grow similarly to Me1 expressing mice. Similarly, no behavioral phenotype was observed in Me1 cKO mice when aged for 52 weeks. Histological analysis of several tissues revealed no pathological phenotype. These models provide a more modern approach to ME1 knockout in vivo while opening the door for further study into the role of ME1 loss under more biologically relevant, stressful conditions.
Exploring the potential of Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis sequencing: An assessment of R10 flowcells and V14 chemistry
Authors: Dippenaar Anzaan , Costa Conceição Emilyn , Wells Felicia , Loubser Johannes , Mann Brendon , De Diego Fuertes Miguel , Rennie Vincent , Warren Robin Mark , Van Rie Annelies
Published: June 2024

Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing is a promising technology. We assessed the performance of the new ONT R10 flowcells and V14 rapid sequencing chemistry for Mtb whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) DNA extracted from clinical primary liquid cultures (CPLCs). Using the recommended protocols for MinION Mk1C, R10.4.1 MinION flowcells, and the ONT Rapid Sequencing Kit V14 on six CPLC samples, we obtained a pooled library yield of 10.9 ng/μl, generated 1.94 Gb of sequenced bases and 214k reads after 48h in a first sequencing run. Only half (49%) of all generated reads met the Phred Quality score threshold (>8). To assess if the low data output and sequence quality were due to impurities present in DNA extracted directly from CPLCs, we added a pre-library preparation bead-clean-up step and included purified DNA obtained from an Mtb subculture as a control sample in a second sequencing run. The library yield for DNA extracted from four CPLCs and one Mtb subculture (control) was similar (10.0 ng/μl), 2.38 Gb of bases and 822k reads were produced. The quality was slightly better with 66% of the produced reads having a Phred Quality >8. A third run of DNA from six CPLCs with bead clean-up pre-processing produced a low library yield (±1 Gb of bases, 166k reads) of low quality (51% of reads with a Phred Quality score >8). A median depth of coverage above 10× was only achieved for five of 17 (29%) sequenced libraries. Compared to Illumina WGS of the same samples, accurate lineage predictions and full drug resistance profiles from the generated ONT data could not be determined by TBProfiler. Further optimization of the V14 ONT rapid sequencing chemistry and library preparation protocol is needed for clinical Mtb WGS applications.
Support needs of Australians bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Ivynian Serra E. , Maccallum Fiona , Chang Sungwon , Breen Lauren J. , Phillips Jane L. , Agar Meera , Hosie Annmarie , Tieman Jennifer , DiGiacomo Michelle , Luckett Tim , Philip Jennifer , Dadich Ann , Grossman Christopher , Gilmore Imelda , Harlum Janeane , Kinchin Irina , Glasgow Nicholas , Lobb Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2024

Background

COVID-19 disrupted access to bereavement support. The objective of this study was to identify the bereavement supports used by Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived helpfulness of supports used, prevalence and areas of unmet support need, and characteristics of those with unmet support needs.

Methods

A convenience sample of bereaved adults completed an online questionnaire (April 2021-April 2022) about their bereavement experiences including support use and perceived helpfulness, unmet support needs and mental health. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine sociodemographic correlates of unmet needs. Open-ended responses were examined using content analysis to determine key themes.

Results

1,878 bereaved Australians completed the questionnaire. Participants were mostly women (94.9%) living in major cities (68%) and reported the death of a parent (45%), with an average age of 55.1 years (SD = 12.2). The five most used supports were family and friends, self-help resources, general practitioners, psychologists, and internet/online community groups. Notably, each was nominated as most helpful and most unhelpful by participants. Two-thirds (66%) reported specific unmet support needs. Those with unmet needs scored lower on mental health measures. Correlates of unmet needs included being of younger age, being a spouse or parent to the deceased; reporting more impacts from public health measures, and not reporting family and friends as supports. The most frequent unmet need was for social support after the death and during lockdown.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the complexity of bereavement support needs during a pandemic. Specialised grief therapy needs to be more readily available to the minority of grievers who would benefit from it. A clear recommendation for a bereavement support action plan is to bolster the ability of social networks to provide support in times of loss. The fostering of social support in the wake of bereavement is a major gap that needs to be addressed in practice, policy, and research.
Histotaphonomic analysis of bone bioerosion reveals a regional framework of diverse deathways in the Neolithic of Southeast Italy
Authors: Thompson Jess E. , Panella Sofia , Booth Thomas J. , Soncin Silvia , Rajkovaca Tonko , Belcastro Maria Giovanna , Isetti Eugenia , Mariotti Valentina , Muntoni Italo Maria , Radina Francesca , Sivilli Sandra , Traverso Antonella , Tafuri Mary Anne , Robb John E.
Published: June 2024

The wide diversity of Neolithic funerary practices is increasingly recognised. In Southeast Italy, recent studies have drawn attention to the co-existence of multiple ways of treating the dead within single sites and across the region. In this study, we address how such diverse deathways form a regional framework of ritual practice through histotaphonomic analysis of bone bioerosion. Samples were obtained from articulated, semi-articulated and disarticulated remains from four sites in Apulia which each presented different modes of treatment and disposal of the dead. Bone thin sections were analysed by light microscopy to characterise microstructural preservation through features including bacterial bioerosion, staining, inclusions, and Wedl tunnelling. We investigate the early post-mortem histories of individuals whose remains ended up in various states of dis/articulation and diverse depositional contexts. Disarticulated remains frequently displayed arrested or extensive bacterial bioerosion, which was also found in articulated and semi-articulated skeletons. Additionally, remains deposited in similar contexts, as well as articulated and disarticulated remains deposited together in the same context, often showed different histotaphonomic characteristics, suggesting diverse early post-mortem trajectories. As a result, we argue that Neolithic deathways in southeastern Italy incorporated a high level of diversity in the early post-mortem treatment of the body. A framework for funerary practices emerges, whereby disarticulated remains probably originated from bodies which had been buried previously and subjected to varying extents of shelter, exposure to invertebrates, and duration of burial. However, we acknowledge the ongoing research into the origins of bacterial bioerosion and the problem of equifinality, which leaves open the possibility for further scenarios of early post-mortem treatment.
Interpersonal discrimination and depressive symptoms among older Black and African American adults
Authors: Arnold Tomorrow D. , Polenick Courtney A. , Maust Donovan T. , Blow Frederic C.
Published: June 2024

To examine the association between recent experiences of discrimination and depressive symptom presentation and severity among a U.S. sample of older Black and African American adults. A cross-sectional survey of 124 Black and African American adults aged 50 and older in the United States was conducted assessing interpersonal discrimination and depressive symptoms. The Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire assessed four forms of interpersonal discrimination. A measure of heightened vigilance to bias assessed anticipatory coping with discrimination experiences. Past-month affective and somatic symptoms of depression were assessed using the Depressive and Somatic Symptoms Scale. All forms of interpersonal racial discrimination were positively associated with greater affective symptom severity. Being avoided, devalued, and threatened or actively physically harmed were associated with greater somatic symptom severity. Vigilant coping was positively associated with affective symptom severity but not somatic symptom severity. Racial discrimination is linked to depression severity among older Black and African American and varies by symptom. This study helps inform work on processes linking discrimination with poorer psychological outcomes and will allow for more effective interventions and prevention efforts that are tailored to older minority populations.
Spatial distribution pattern of colonized native semi-shrubs in two artificial vegetation restoration patterns in Mu Us sandy land, North China
Authors: Hu Ercha , Gao Runhong
Published: June 2024

Vegetation construction is a key process for restoring and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems. However, the spatial pattern and process of native plants colonized by different vegetation restoration methods in semi-arid sandy land are poorly understood. In this study, two artificial vegetation restoration patterns (P1: row belt restoration pattern of Salix matsudana with low coverage; P2: a living sand barrier pattern of Caryopteris mongolica with low coverage) were selected to analyze the spatial distribution pattern and interspecific association of the colonizing native shrubs. The effects of the two restoration models on the spatial patterns of the main native semi-shrubs of the colonies (i.e., Artemisia ordosica and Corethrodendron lignosum var. leave) were studied using single variable and bivariate transformation point pattern analysis based on Ripley’s L function. Our results showed that two restoration patterns significantly facilitated the establishment of A. ordosica and C. lignosum var. leave, with their coverage reaching 17.04% and 22.62%, respectively. In P1, the spatial distribution pattern of colonial shrubs tended to be a random distribution, and there was no spatial correlation between the species. In P2, the colonial shrub aggregation distribution was more dominant, and with the increase in scale, the aggregation distribution changed to a random distribution, whereas the interspecific association was negatively correlated. The differences in the spatial distribution patterns of colonized native semi-shrubs in these two restoration patterns could be related to the life form of planted plants, configuration methods, biological characteristics of colonized plants, and intra- and interspecific relationships of plants. Our results demonstrated that the nurse effect of artificially planted vegetation in the early stage of sand ecological restoration effectively facilitated the near-natural succession of communities. These findings have important implications for ecological restoration of degraded sandy land in the semi-arid region of northern China.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices survey towards pneumococcal infection and vaccination among primary health care physicians, Ukraine, 2021
Authors: Artemchuk Oksana , Evlampidou Iro
Published: June 2024

Background

The Ukrainian Ministerial Order (UMO) recommends pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) in risk groups but not free-of-charge resulting in coverage <5% (crude estimation). In 2022, the vaccination calendar will include PCV for children <5years. Doctors’ pneumococcal knowledge, attitudes and practices (КAP) are paramount to successful roll-out but unexplored. We surveyed doctors aiming to assess their KAP to address gaps and misconceptions and support PCV implementation.

Methods

In March 2021, we selected and surveyed primary care doctors using simple random sampling and structured self-administered online questionnaire. We measured attitudes (importance, effectiveness, safety) and practices using 5-point Likert-type questions. We defined pneumococcal disease (PD) knowledge as low/moderate (<80%) and high (≥80%), PCV and overall knowledge as low (≤50%) and moderate/high (51–100%) and PCV attitudes and practices as negative/neutral (1.0–3.4) and positive (3.5–5.0). We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) using Poisson regression.

Results

The response rate was 46% (286/628). Females represented 85% (243/285); the median age was 47 (interquartile range: 33–59, N = 281) years. Twenty-six percent (72/277) had high PD knowledge associated with age (>47 years: PR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.30–0.90) and child-related UMO awareness (PR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.04–3.08); 65% (182/278) had moderate/high PCV knowledge associated with positive attitudes towards PCV effectiveness (PR = 2.08, 95%CI: 1.20–3.59). Overall knowledge was moderate/high in 69% (188/271); 83% (220/265) had positive PCV attitudes; 52% (135/258) had positive practices associated with female sex (PR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.09–4.09), positive attitudes (PR = 3.40, 95%CI: 1.23–9.39) and perception of vaccine supply as medium/big barrier (PR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.02–2.72).

Conclusion

We observed moderate pneumococcal knowledge, especially in older doctors, positive PCV attitudes and neutral practices. Females and doctors with positive attitudes recommended PCV more. For successful PCV implementation, we recommend proper planning and prior educational activities targeting patients and primary care doctors, especially older males, to improve knowledge, introduce PCV and address concerns while ensuring uninterrupted vaccine supply.
Identifying factors affecting the selection of heads of city health centers in Iran: A phenomenological study
Authors: Rastegarimehr Babak , Raoofi Samira , Zahedi Atefeh , Ahmadi Teymourlouy Ahmad , Mahboubi Mohammad , Sadeghifar Jamil
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Managers in the health care sector have the responsibility of accomplishing objectives and guaranteeing the excellence of services. To be chosen as a manager in a health organization, individuals must possess specific qualities and skills. Examining the process of selecting and appointing managers at the highest level of service provision might offer policymakers valuable insights into the importance of considering competences when choosing and appointing leaders of health centers. Hence, this study was conducted to identify the characteristics that influence the selection process of heads of city health centers in Iran.

Methods

The present study employed a qualitative and phenomenological approach, utilizing interviews performed in the year 2023. The study sample consisted of health deputy from medical sciences universities, local health network managers, and heads of city health center. The participants were selected using a purposive selection method. A total of 16 male participants were interviewed, and the interviews were then analyzed using MAXQDA-10 software using the usual content analysis method.

Results

In this study, the factors affecting the selection of the heads of health care centers were classified into two general topics: individual factors and environmental factors, and eight sub-topics, including health literacy, experience, individual characteristics, communication skills, mental characteristics, legal issues, political factors, and cultural factors.

Conclusion

The development of health literacy, specialized knowledge, and communication skills to coordinate and resolve organizational problems helps train competent managers. Top health system managers, who select health center managers, must understand political and cultural variables and regulate and steer their influence to select effective managers.
Reduction of biologic pricing following biosimilar introduction: Analysis across 57 countries and regions, 2012–19
Authors: Chen Hui-Han , Yemeke Tatenda , Ozawa Sachiko
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the entry of biosimilars on the pricing of eight biologic products in 57 countries and regions.

Methods

We utilized an interrupted time series design and IQVIA MIDAS® data to analyze the annual sales data of eight biologic products (adalimumab, bevacizumab, epoetin, etanercept, filgrastim, infliximab, pegfilgrastim, and trastuzumab) across 57 countries and regions from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2019. We examined the immediate and long-term changes in biologics ex-manufacturer pricing following the entry of biosimilars to the market.

Results

Following the entry of biosimilars, the average price per dose of biologic product was immediately reduced by $438 for trastuzumab, $112 for infliximab, and $110 for bevacizumab. The persistent effect of biosimilars’ market entry led to further reductions in price per dose every year: by $49 for adalimumab, $290 for filgrastim, $21 for infliximab, and $189 for trastuzumab. Similarly, we analyzed the impact of biosimilars on four biologics’ prices in the US, where the prices of three biologics significantly decreased every year, with filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, and infliximab decreasing by $955, $753, and $104, respectively.

Conclusions

The introduction of biosimilars has significantly reduced the prices of biologics both globally and in the US. These findings not only demonstrate the economic benefits of increasing biosimilar utilization, but also emphasize the importance of biosimilars in controlling healthcare costs. Policies should aim to expand the availability of biosimilars to counteract the exponential growth of medical spending caused by the use of biologics.
Where did a dandy of the 1890s sleep at night?
Authors: Bradbury Oliver
Published: June 2024

Although there is quite the promise of the proto-1890s dandy in James Tissot’s portrait of a reclining Colonel Frederick Burnaby (1842–85) of 1870, the particular qualities of the 1890s make it a very much self-contained decade and one that is often viewed as anomalous to the rigidly conformist other decades of Queen Victoria’s long reign. It introduced personal freedoms that defied strict convention and in this sense is anticipatory of those decades of comparable freedom and self-expression: the 1920s, then the 1960s and the first half of the 1970s. Crucial to the 1890s is a discovery of realism in literature and painting and therefore a decisive break with mid-Victorian sentimentality and the withdrawing-room potboiler. A decade evoked by the colours black and mauve, the aim of this article is to understand how rarefied dandies and aesthetes lived their lives during the 1890s in terms of architecture they inhabited; decoration within; how they dressed, ate and perfumed set to a backdrop of gas-lit nightlife, sumptuous Proustian interiors, evening dress canes, smoking jackets and gin palaces. The dandy by his very nature would be drawn to the most refined luxuries of the period, procuring or deriving the very best from the above lifestyle categories. Although the antecedents of today’s luxury consumption can be found in eighteenth-century retail, specialism in the above areas would have been much more developed by the 1890s with highly specialized retail outlets and also the immediate model for twentieth-century mega-hotels (as in by 1897 The Waldorf-Astoria, New York had 1000 rooms, large by even today’s standards). The dandy probably never had it so good post-the 1890s. This was their decade.
Students’ motivations for enrolling and perceptions of informal learning in a modern band course
Authors: Haning Marshall , Burg Jamie J.
Published: June 2024

In this multiple case study, we investigated secondary school students’ motivations to enrol in, and perceptions of their experiences during, a modern band course using an informal learning approach. Results indicated that primary motivations to enrol were related to their perception that this course provided musical opportunities that were not available in other course offerings, especially the opportunity to connect music learning more directly with their personal experiences. ‘Word-of-mouth’ advertising from friends and family members who had previously enrolled in the course was also an important motivator for enrollment. Students’ experiences in the course highlighted the importance of the informal learning structure, which they felt helped them to develop collaboration and other transferable skills as well as their musical abilities. These findings provide additional evidence for the unique benefits of informal popular music courses, and suggest that these benefits encourage student interest and enrollment.
Rethinking research with methodologies of art practice
Authors: Westermann Claudia
Published: June 2024

This issue of Technoetic Arts: A Journal of Speculative Research (TA) encompasses eight articles by artists and scholars from around the globe who engage with methodologies of art practice within research that reflects on technological and ecological change, contributing to the discourse on the inclusion of subjective experience in research. The articles by authors Dulmini Perera, Kate Doyle, Nora S. Vaage, Merete Lie, Nikita Peresin Meden, Kristina Pranjić, Peter Purg, Nicolaas H. Jacobs, Marth Munro, Chris Broodryk, Semi Ryu, Rahul Mahata, Doreswamy, Sana Altaf and Aqib Javid Parry form a collection that crosses disciplines and genres to engage in fundamental critique of existing modes of enquiry and conclusion. The texts situate art and design methodologies in particular cultural contexts and in relation to frameworks defined by research methodologies of the sciences and humanities to gain agency for critique and to counter a sense of inevitability that has come to mark the most recent crises.
Orders of change: Mary Catherine Bateson on ecological thinking, narrative practices and attending to worlds in transformation
Authors: Perera Dulmini
Published: June 2024

The gap between the limited human sense of how living entities change over time and the ways in which living systems change is one of the most potent uncertainties in ecological knowledge. This gap remains a significant source of problems and errors for those working with the transformations of living systems. This article foregrounds Mary Catherine Bateson’s cybernetic practice of working with narratives in order to cultivate better understanding and responses to change, at the level of both societies and individuals. To do so, I investigate some significant moments, encounters and projects that connect her practice to the ecological ideas of her father, Gregory Bateson and situate their ideas on abduction, metaphor, recursion and narrative within broader discussions of ecological change. The Batesons did not seek a particular attitudinal change towards the transformation of selves, cities and worlds but rather sought to change the very understanding of what an attitude towards change should be, a distinction that is worth pondering given the challenges of attending to change within the present ecological crisis.
Embodied performance with digital visual effects technology: Empirical results of a digital acting programme
Authors: Jacobs Nicolaas H. , Munro Marth , Broodryk Chris
Published: June 2024

The impact of digital media and technology on performance arts is evident when digital visual effects (VFX) filming techniques are introduced on a film set. Digital technologies influence the film actor’s approach to be congruent to and authentic within the circumstances of the scene. Actors require an effective skillset and strategies to successfully deliver an embodied performance aligning with the various digital VFX techniques. Focusing on imagination, action and emotion that would facilitate such an embodied performance, we drew on relevant neuroscientific notions such as neuron reactivation, conceptual blending, as-if body states and affordances. Additionally, we incorporated relevant embodied performance concepts from Stanislavski, Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies, Effector Patterns including the Emotional Body Approach and Lessac Kinesensics to the development of a digital acting programme, advancing the actor’s required skills and providing on-set digital acting strategies to support congruency with digital VFX and authenticity within the diegetic reality. The efficacy of this programme was determined by assessing pre- and post-intervention recordings of both a control and an experimental group of trained actors. Reflection-on-action journals from participants supplemented the assessment. The assessments and journals indicate that the acquired skillset and on-set digital acting strategies effectively improve the actor’s performance with digital VFX filming technology.
A critical review and comparison of two new, posthumously published, Odyssey-editions
Authors: De Decker Filip
Published: June 2024

In this article, I will compare two new, posthumously published, Odyssey-editions, that by Martin West (2017) and Helmut Van Thiel (2021). I cannot delve into every issue in detail (discussing every linguistic peculiarity underlying each editorial choice would be tantamount to rewriting the Grammaire homérique or to reediting the text myself), nor is it possible to reference each and every work on the problems discussed here. I therefore only sparingly refer to other works and editions (there are obviously also other useful editions, commentaries, articles and grammars dealing with (epic) Greek, but citing them all would make the article surpass the acceptable limits). I first summarise both editors’ guiding principles, make some general observations on the differences between the editions, and then discuss some differing passages in more detail: the augment and more specifically its absence or presence, 1 instance of a verse that was missing and/or added (depending on the standpoint one takes) in the manuscripts, 3 instances in which 2 different metrically equivalent speech introduction formulae were both attested in the manuscripts, 2 observations on how the oldest alphabet could have influenced or obscured the exact mood or aspect, a passage in which one verb form was twice attested both in the aorist and in the imperfect, 2 instances in which two different moods were transmitted and that could shed some noteworthy new light on the historical syntax of Greek (and in which West and Van Thiel differed), and finally 2 passages in which the modal particle was used in a rather unexpected manner.
Las Memorias de José de Viera y Clavijo, un testimonio de su admiración por la cultura grecolatina
Authors: Martín Bolaños Alejandro
Published: June 2024

En este trabajo se pretende hacer un recorrido por las Memorias del ilustrado canario José de Viera y Clavijo destacando los testimonios que muestran la gran admiración y el interés que sentía por la cultura grecolatina, cultura que subyace en toda su producción literaria de forma más o menos directa. Bien es sabido que esta obra es considerada prácticamente una autobiografía del autor y, teniendo esto en cuenta, llama la atención el hincapié que hace en lo relativo a la cultura literaria y material de Grecia y Roma.
Improving Biological Age, Telomere Length, and Cognition: A Case Report on the Use of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, Peptides, Umbilical Cord Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exosomes in a Patient with Cognitive Decline
Authors: Lee Edwin , Burns Morgan
Published: June 2024

Objective: This case study reports on the novel combination of three treatments for cognitive decline in a 79-year-old male: therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), peptides, and human umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes (UCT-MSC-EXs). Methods: Cognitive function was evaluated with the Central Nervous System-Vital Signs (CNS-VS) test. Biological age and telomere lengths were measured at baseline, 9 months, and 16 months using TruAge. The patient received four rounds of TPE (5% albumin exchange) administered using the Amicus Separator. He was also treated with UCT-MSC-EXs manufactured by Vitti Labs (Liberty, MO, USA). In addition, he was given two peptides, Semax and Epitalon, to address cognitive decline. Results: After 1 year of treatment using TPE with 5% albumin, UCT-MSC-EXs, Semax and Epitalon, the patient’s biological age was reduced by 7.9 years (from 75.93 to 68.03), and his telomere length increased from 6.45 to 6.59 kb. As the CNS-VS test documented, his cognitive function improved from April 2022 to December 2023. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case study to report on reducing biological age, increasing telomere length, and improving cognition using this unique combination of therapies in a patient with mild to moderate cognitive decline.