bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dental service utilization in the general adult population in Bangladesh
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: May 2024

Objectives

With the help of a national community‐based survey, the analysis aimed to estimate the number of adults in Bangladesh who used dental services (DSU).

Methods

The 8185 participants (18–69 years old) in the Bangladesh cross‐sectional STEPS survey in 2018 provided national data for analysis. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors for DSU were included in the interview data, physical examinations, and biochemical analyses. To estimate the DSU (last 12 months) predictors, Poisson regression was employed.

Results

Seven out of 10 participants (71.0%) had never DSU, 13.2% within the past 12 months, and 15.9% more than 12 months ago. In terms of predisposing factors, the final model showed a negative relationship between past 12‐month DSU and living in the northern region (adjusted prevalence ratio‐APR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.96). The enabling factors of living in an urban area (APR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.41) and seeing a doctor or other healthcare provider within the previous year (APR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.74) were positively correlated with DSU. In terms of need factors, dental pain (APR: 15.37, 95% CI: 9.68, 24.40), multimorbidity (APR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.55), oral health impact (OHI) speech problem (APR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.63), and OHI felt tense (APR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.64) were positively associated with DSU.

Conclusions

A low proportion of participants had DSU in the past 12 months and several associated factors were identified.
The IPTA Nashville consensus conference on post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after solid organ transplantation in children: IV‐consensus guidelines for the management of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in children and adolescents
Authors: Allen Upton D. , L'Huillier Arnaud G. , Bollard Catherine M. , Gross Thomas G. , Hayashi Robert J. , Höcker Britta , Maecker‐Kolhoff Britta , Marks Stephen D. , Mazariegos George Vincent , Smets Francoise , Trappe Ralf U. , Visner Gary , Chinnock Richard E. , Comoli Patrizia , Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Dulek Daniel E. , Dipchand Anne I. , Ferry Judith A. , Martinez Olivia M. , Metes Diana M. , Michaels Marian G. , Preiksaitis Jutta , Squires James E. , Swerdlow Steven H. , Wilkinson James D. , Dharnidharka Vikas R. , Green Michael , Webber Steven A. , Esquivel Carlos O.
Published: May 2024

The International Pediatric Transplant Association convened an expert consensus conference to assess current evidence and develop recommendations for various aspects of care relating to post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) after pediatric solid organ transplantation. This report addresses the outcomes of deliberations by the PTLD Management Working Group. A strong recommendation was made for reduction in immunosuppression as the first step in management. Similarly, strong recommendations were made for the use of the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) as was the case for chemotherapy in selected scenarios. In some scenarios, there is uncoupling of the strength of the recommendations from the available evidence in situations where such evidence is lacking but collective clinical experiences drive decision‐making. Of note, there are no large, randomized phase III trials of any treatment for PTLD in the pediatric age group. Current gaps and future research priorities are highlighted.
Treatment outcome at the pediatric stem cell transplantation center in Syria: A single‐center experience
Authors: khudari Rawan Al , Doba Dalal , Esmandar Amjad , Kheder Maged
Published: May 2024

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a therapeutic approach known for its high success rates in treating various hematologic malignancies, hemoglobinopathies, immune deficiencies, and other disorders. Notably, pediatric HSCT commenced in Syria in 2021 amidst the prevailing crisis. This study aims to assess the demographic and clinical profiles of pediatric patients who underwent stem cell transplantation and to analyze treatment outcomes at Syria's inaugural pediatric HSCT center.

Methods

This study is a single‐center retrospective analysis of 25 pediatric patients who underwent HSCT underage of 14 years in the National Stem Cell Center (HAYAT) in Damascus within the period 2021–2023. The databases were created based on data that were collected from patient medical records.

Results

In autologous patients, transplant‐related mortality (TRM) was 0%, with 4 (57%) experiencing disease relapse, resulting in the death of one patient. Additionally, 3 (42.8%) of patients remain alive under second‐line management. The overall survival rate was 6 (85.7%), and the disease‐free survival rate was 16 (88%). In allogeneic patients, TRM was 5.5% (1/18). One allogeneic patient experienced disease relapse and subsequently died. The overall survival rate and disease‐free survival rate were 16 (88%).

Conclusions

The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes of pediatric HSCT patients who have undergone transplantation thus far. Given the recent initiation of pediatric stem cell transplantation in Syria, our dataset provides a basis for comparison with international hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers regarding treatment complications and outcomes, notwithstanding the challenges and crises faced within our country.
BK polyomavirus DNAemia, allograft rejection, and de novo donor‐specific antibodies after lowering target tacrolimus levels in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Huang Hou‐Xuan , Xiang Yijin , George Roshan , Winterberg Pamela , Serluco Anastacia , Liverman Rochelle , Yildirim Inci , Garro Rouba
Published: May 2024

Background

BK polyomavirus (BKV) DNAemia is a challenging infectious complication after kidney transplant (KT). Reduction of immunosuppression is the mainstay of management, and tacrolimus is often the first immunosuppressive medication adjusted upon the diagnosis of BKV DNAemia. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a new institutional protocol with lower target tacrolimus levels on BKV DNAemia, allograft rejection, and de novo donor‐specific antibodies (dnDSA) among pediatric KT recipients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all KT episodes between January 2013 and December 2018. The new protocol with lower target tacrolimus levels was implemented in March 2015. One hundred twenty‐seven patients were included in primary analysis. All patients received induction with basiliximab and methylprednisolone and were maintained on a steroid‐based immunosuppressive regimen.

Results

In the post‐intervention cohort, cumulative incidence of BKV DNAemia at 100 days (13.4% vs. 17.8%, p = .605) and 18 months post‐KT (34.1% vs. 26.7%, p = .504) was not significantly different from the pre‐intervention cohort. Biopsy‐proven rejection rate did not change. However, we observed a trend toward earlier development of dnDSA in the post‐intervention cohort using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (log‐rank p = .06). Younger recipient age at the time of transplant was found to slightly increase the risk of BKV DNAemia (OR: 1.09, 95% CI [1.01, 1.16], p = .024). There was an association between BKV DNAemia and biopsy‐proven rejection of any type (adjustedOR: 2.77, 95% CI [1.26, 6.23], p = .012), especially acute T‐cell‐mediated rejection grade 1A and above (adjustedOR: 2.95, 95% CI [1.06, 8.30], p = .037), after adjusted for recipient age at the time of transplant.

Conclusions

Targeting lower tacrolimus levels did not decrease the incidence of BKV DNAemia within 100 days or 18 months post‐KT, nor did it increase the risk of biopsy‐proven rejection among pediatric KT recipients in our center. However, there was a trend toward earlier development of dnDSA, which may portend worse long‐term graft outcome post‐KT. Our findings highlight the need for individualized immunosuppressive regimens based on immunologic and infectious risk factors and the importance of implementing innovative biomarkers to guide therapy and improve outcomes.
Shamelessly Blue: Pitch Complexes and the Social Otherwise
Authors: Warmack Andrea Dionne
Published: May 2024

Early american Black Blueswomen—such as Ma Rainey, Alberta Hunter, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone—perform Blues as a praxis that both critiques and transforms the ways in which american Black people were—and continue to be—excluded from the construct of the human subject. Merleau‐Ponty's account of inter‐subjectivity is predicated on his account of the human subject who is always‐already in a social milieu in which they are never taken for an object. Subjectivity is affirmed through the subject's ability to differentiate itself from objects via sight. In this way the human subject is sensorially, affectively, epistemically, and axiologically organized as eye‐forward. The human subject's ability to exceed objectification runs counter to the lived experiences of a number of precaritized peoples, specifically, american Black people. If being seen without being objectified is the lived experience of the subject, then subjectivity is an exclusive way‐of‐ being in the world. Rather than inhabit this exclusion from human subjectivity as a lack, american Black people—as is evidenced by Blues—create a social otherwise with distinct ways of living—not just surviving or enduring—created within, but not wholly determined by, the pornotrope or the wake. This paper begins to sound out a way that this social otherwise breathes life into its own socio‐ethical experience via a turn to the aural. This paper takes up Blues to explore what expressive and affective ways‐of‐ being in the world are possible with an ear‐forward sensorial organization.
Causal Models and Metaphysics – Part 1: Using Causal Models
Authors: McDonald Jennifer
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a general introduction to the use of causal models in the metaphysics of causation, specifically structural equation models and directed acyclic graphs. It reviews the formal framework, lays out a method of interpretation capable of representing different underlying metaphysical relations, and describes the use of these models in analyzing causation.
Retrospective evaluation of a right heart parameter score in the assessment of precapillary pulmonary hypertension in dogs (2017–2021): 135 cases
Authors: Gelé Rebecca R. , Burnotte Priscilla , Valcke Annelies , Walker Thomas G. , Kennedy Christopher R. , Merveille Anne‐Christine , Gommeren Kris
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine if emergency and critical care residents can identify moderate to severe precapillary pulmonary hypertension on cardiologist‐obtained cineloops using a pulmonary hypertension score (PHS) and report the interobserver variability of the PHS.

Design

Multicenter, retrospective, case–control study from 2017 to 2021.

Setting

Private referral center and veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

One hundred and thirty‐five client‐owned dogs that underwent diagnostic echocardiography.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records of dogs with stage B1 myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and dogs diagnosed with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PCPH) via echocardiograms were reviewed. Dogs were categorized by a cardiologist into 5 groups (normal, B1 MMVD, mild, moderate, and severe PCPH) based on Doppler pulmonary pressure gradients and right heart morphology. Cineloops from each case were subjectively evaluated by emergency and critical care residents for the presence of right atrial and ventricular enlargement, right ventricular hypertrophy, interventricular septal flattening, and pulmonary artery and trunk enlargement to form a composite pulmonary hypertension score out of 8 (PHS8). When available, signs of peritoneal effusion and distention of the caudal vena cava were subjectively assessed to generate a pulmonary hypertension score out of 10 (PHS10). There was excellent discrimination of moderate to severe PCPH versus grouped absent to mild PCPH using PHS8 (area under the receiver operator curve [AUC] [95% confidence interval, CI] = 0.90 [0.84–0.95], P < 0.0001) and PHS10 (AUC [95% CI] = 0.89 [0.81–0.97], P < 0.0001). PHS8 ≥3 was 64% sensitive and 98% specific for moderate to severe PCPH (positive likelihood ratio [LR+] 32, negative likelihood ration [LR−] 0.37). PHS10 ≥ 3.3 was 64% sensitive and 92% specific for moderate to severe PCPH (LR+ 8, LR− 0.39). Interobserver agreement was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.66–0.80], n = 135).

Conclusions

Residents identified moderate to severe PCPH in dogs using PHS on cineloops previously obtained by a cardiologist. The interrater agreement was good to excellent with limited training. Prospective studies to determine if residents can obtain diagnostic images for PHS are warranted.
Epidemiologic and tick exposure characteristics among people with reported Lyme disease – Minnesota, 2011–2019
Authors: Earley Austin R. , Schiffman Elizabeth K. , Wong Karen K. , Hinckley Alison F. , Kugeler Kiersten J.
Published: May 2024

Aims and Methods

In the United States, blacklegged Ixodes spp. ticks are the primary vector of Lyme disease. Minnesota is among the states with the highest reported incidence of Lyme disease, having an average of 1857 cases reported annually during 2011–2019. In contrast to the Northeast and mid‐Atlantic United States where exposure to ticks predominately occurs around the home, the circumstances regarding risk for exposure to blacklegged ticks in Minnesota are not well understood, and risk is thought to be highest in rural areas where people often participate in recreational activities (e.g. hiking, visiting cabins). We analysed enhanced surveillance data collected by the Minnesota Department of Health during 2011–2019 to describe epidemiologic and tick exposure characteristics among people with reported Lyme disease.

Results

We found that younger age, male gender, residence in a county with lower Lyme disease risk, residence in the Minneapolis‐St. Paul metropolitan area, and an illness onset date later in the year were independently associated with higher odds of reporting tick exposures away from the home. We also describe the range of activities associated with tick exposure away from the home, including both recreational and occupational activities.

Conclusions

These findings refine our understanding of Lyme disease risk in Minnesota and highlight the need for heterogeneous public health prevention messaging, including an increased focus on peridomestic prevention measures among older individuals living in high‐risk rural areas and recreational and occupational prevention measures among younger individuals living in the Minneapolis‐St. Paul metropolitan area.
The Growth Effect of Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from Time-Frequency Analysis
Authors: Touray Alfusainey
Published: May 2024

The impact of FDI inflow on the economy of the host country had not been clearly defined, especially in the empirical literature. Most of the empirical results from past studies are distorted by model misspecification and endogeneity problems. To find a cure for these deficiencies, this study uses an unconventional methodology called wavelet coherence to examine the nexus between FDI inflows and per capita income growth in three African countries (The Gambia, Ghana, and Senegal. Wavelet coherence is a localized correlation in time-frequency space that examines the dynamic nexus between two time series. Most traditional econometric methods that were used to study the nexus between FDI inflows and income assumed that the series are stationary, however, most economic time series are not stationary, hence, this makes most traditional methods ineffective in finding the nexus between FDI and income. The use of wavelet coherence can overcome this challenge because it does not require the assumption of stationarity of the data.The empirical results of the study showed that the impact of FDI inflows depends on the degree to which the FDI is a complement or a substitute for domestic investment. Senegal where FDI complements domestic investment in enhancing growth derived more benefit from FDI inflows than The Gambia where FDI inflows substitute domestic investment and Ghana where FDI inflows had no impact on domestic investment.  The causality between per capita income growth and per stock of FDI inflows runs from per stock of FDI inflows or the two series move together.
Accountants and Sustainability Reporting
Authors: Einar Gudbjartsson , Ivar Jonsson Eythor , Snorri Snorrason Jon
Published: May 2024

This study enhances the understanding of sustainability reporting by examining Icelandic auditors’ readiness to engage with existing sustainability frameworks. In collaboration with the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Iceland, a survey was conducted in 2022. The results highlighted a significant gap in knowledge and experience among Icelandic auditors regarding eight specific sustainability frameworks—which, notably, lacked any legal audit requirements at the time. In a similar survey in the United States focused on auditors’ familiarity with sustainability reporting within financial statements and their practical experience in this area came to comparable conclusions. To build on these findings, future research could utilize qualitative interviews to delve deeper into auditors’ perspectives and practices, particularly within audit teams. Exploring how audit firms develop expertise in sustainability reporting practices could also yield important insights into effective strategies. This study points to a critical need for improved education and training in sustainability reporting. The recent requirement for mandatory audits of sustainability reports—introduced after our survey—underscores the urgency of addressing these educational gaps.
Two genome-wide interaction loci modify the association of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with colorectal cancer
Authors: Drew David A. , Kim Andre E. , Lin Yi , Qu Conghui , Morrison John , Lewinger Juan Pablo , Kawaguchi Eric , Wang Jun , Fu Yubo , Zemlianskaia Natalia , Díez-Obrero Virginia , Bien Stephanie A. , Dimou Niki , Albanes Demetrius , Baurley James W. , Wu Anna H. , Buchanan Daniel D. , Potter John D. , Prentice Ross L. , Harlid Sophia , Arndt Volker , Barry Elizabeth L. , Berndt Sonja I. , Bouras Emmanouil , Brenner Hermann , Budiarto Arif , Burnett-Hartman Andrea , Campbell Peter T. , Carreras-Torres Robert , Casey Graham , Chang-Claude Jenny , Conti David V. , Devall Matthew A.M. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Gruber Stephen B. , Gsur Andrea , Gunter Marc J. , Harrison Tabitha A. , Hidaka Akihisa , Hoffmeister Michael , Huyghe Jeroen R. , Jenkins Mark A. , Jordahl Kristina M. , Kundaje Anshul , Le Marchand Loic , Li Li , Lynch Brigid M. , Murphy Neil , Nassir Rami , Newcomb Polly A. , Newton Christina C. , Obón-Santacana Mireia , Ogino Shuji , Ose Jennifer , Pai Rish K. , Palmer Julie R. , Papadimitriou Nikos , Pardamean Bens , Pellatt Andrew J. , Peoples Anita R. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Rennert Gad , Ruiz-Narvaez Edward , Sakoda Lori C. , Scacheri Peter C. , Schmit Stephanie L. , Schoen Robert E. , Stern Mariana C. , Su Yu-Ru , Thomas Duncan C. , Tian Yu , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Um Caroline Y. , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J.B. , Van Guelpen Bethany , White Emily , Hsu Li , Moreno Victor , Peters Ulrike , Chan Andrew T. , Gauderman W. James
Published: May 2024

Regular, long-term aspirin use may act synergistically with genetic variants, particularly those in mechanistically relevant pathways, to confer a protective effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We leveraged pooled data from 52 clinical trial, cohort, and case-control studies that included 30,806 CRC cases and 41,861 controls of European ancestry to conduct a genome-wide interaction scan between regular aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and imputed genetic variants. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, we identified statistically significant interactions between regular aspirin/NSAID use and variants in 6q24.1 (top hit
rs72833769
), which has evidence of influencing expression of TBC1D7 (a subunit of the TSC1-TSC2 complex, a key regulator of MTOR activity), and variants in 5p13.1 (top hit
rs350047
), which is associated with expression of PTGER4 (codes a cell surface receptor directly involved in the mode of action of aspirin). Genetic variants with functional impact may modulate the chemopreventive effect of regular aspirin use, and our study identifies putative previously unidentified targets for additional mechanistic interrogation.
Exercise activates interferon response of the liver via Gpld1 to enhance antiviral innate immunity
Authors: Ren Tengfei , He Jiuyi , Zhang Tingting , Niu Anxing , Yuan Yukang , Zuo Yibo , Miao Ying , Zhang Hongguang , Zang Lichao , Qiao Caixia , Cao Xinhua , Yang Xinyu , Zheng Zhijin , Xu Yang , Wu Depei , Zheng Hui
Published: May 2024

Healthy behavioral patterns could modulate organ functions to enhance the body’s immunity. However, how exercise regulates antiviral innate immunity remains elusive. Here, we found that exercise promotes type I interferon (IFN-I) production in the liver and enhances IFN-I immune activity of the body. Despite the possibility that many exercise-induced factors could affect IFN-I production, we identified Gpld1 as a crucial molecule, and the liver as the major organ to promote IFN-I production after exercise. Exercise largely loses the efficiency to induce IFN-I in

Gpld1
−/−

mice. Further studies demonstrated that exercise-produced 3-hydroxybutanoic acid (3-HB) critically induces Gpld1 expression in the liver. Gpld1 blocks the PP2A-IRF3 interaction, thus enhancing IRF3 activation and IFN-I production, and eventually improving the body’s antiviral ability. This study reveals that exercise improves antiviral innate immunity by linking the liver metabolism to systemic IFN-I activity and uncovers an unknown function of liver cells in innate immunity.
Avian eye–inspired artificial vision takes a step forward
Authors: Liu Qing , Zhang Yihui
Published: May 2024

Bioinspiration from avian eyes allows development of artificial vision systems with foveated and multispectral imaging.
In vitro
phenotypic susceptibility of HIV-1 non-group M to CCR5 inhibitor (maraviroc): TROPI-CO study
Authors: Gracias Ségolène , El Yaalaoui Ikrame , Visseaux Benoît , Charpentier Charlotte , Descamps Diane , Martin Charlène , Lermechain Fanny , Plantier Jean-Christophe , Alessandri-Gradt Elodie
Published: May 2024

The susceptibility of genetically divergent HIV-1 strains (HIV-1 non-M) from groups O, N, and P to the CCR5 co-receptor antagonist, maraviroc (MVC), was investigated among a large panel of 45 clinical strains, representative of the viral genetic diversity. The results were compared to the reference strains of HIV-1 group M (HIV-1/M) with known tropism. Among the non-M strains, a wide range of phenotypic susceptibilities to MVC were observed. The large majority of HIV-1/O strains (40/42) displayed a high susceptibility to MVC, with median and mean IC
50
values of 1.23 and 1.33 nM, respectively, similar to the HIV-1/M R5 strain (1.89 nM). However, the two remaining HIV-1/O strains exhibited a lower susceptibility (IC
50
at 482 and 496 nM), in accordance with their dual/mixed (DM) tropism. Interestingly, the two HIV-1/N strains demonstrated varying susceptibility patterns, despite always having relatively low IC
50
values (2.87 and 47.5 nM). This emphasized the complexity of determining susceptibility solely based on IC
50
values. Our study examined the susceptibility of all HIV-1 non-M groups to MVC and correlated these findings with virus tropism (X4, R5, or DM). The results confirm the critical significance of tropism determination before initiating MVC treatment in patients infected with HIV-1 non-M. Furthermore, we advocate for the consideration of additional parameters, such as the slope of inhibition curves, to provide a more thorough characterization of phenotypic susceptibility profiles.

IMPORTANCE

Unlike HIV-1 group M, the scarcity of studies on HIV-1 non-M groups (O, N, and P) presents challenges in understanding their susceptibility to antiretroviral treatments, particularly due to their natural resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The TROPI-CO study logically complements our prior investigations into integrase inhibitors and anti-gp120 efficacy. The largest panel of 45 non-M strains existing so far yielded valuable results on maraviroc (MVC) susceptibility. The significant variations in MVC IC50 reveal a spectrum of susceptibilities, with most strains displaying R5 tropism. Notably, the absence of MVC-resistant strains suggests a potential therapeutic avenue. The study also employs a robust novel cell-based phenotropism assay and identifies distinct groups of susceptibilities based on inhibition curve slopes. Our findings emphasize the importance of determining tropism before initiating MVC and provide crucial insights for selecting effective therapeutic strategies in the delicate context of HIV-1 non-M infections.
RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFA combined with a digital visualization instrument to detect
Toxoplasma gondii
in stray dogs and cats in Zhejiang province, China
Authors: Sun Hao , Fan Jiyuan , Chu Hongkun , Gao Yafan , Fang Jiawen , Wu Qinli , Ding Haojie , Zhuo Xunhui , Kong QingMing , Lv HangJun , Zheng Bin , Lu Shaohong
Published: May 2024

Toxoplasma gondii
, which causes toxoplasmosis, is prevalent in warm-blooded animals, such as cats, dogs, and humans.
T. gondii
causes economic losses to livestock production and represents a potential risk to public health. Dogs and cats are common hosts in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. The current molecular diagnostic tools for
T. gondii
infection require high technical skills, a laboratory environment, and complex instruments. Herein, we developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 12a (Cas12a) assay to detect
T. gondii
. The lowest limit of detection of the assay was 31 copies/μL for the
T. gondii B1
gene. In addition, we established a visual RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a lateral flow band assay (RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFA) combined with a digital visualization instrument, which minimized the problem of false-negative results for weakly positive samples and avoided misinterpretation of the results by the naked eye, making the LFA assay results more accurate. The assay established in this study could identify
T. gondii
within 55 min with high accuracy and sensitivity, without cross-reaction with other tested parasites. The developed assay was validated by establishing a mouse model of toxoplasmosis. Finally, the developed assay was used to investigate the prevalence of
T. gondii
in stray cats and dogs in Zhejiang province, Eastern China. The positive rates of
T. gondii
infection in stray cats and dogs were 8.0% and 4.0%, respectively. In conclusion, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFA is rapid, sensitive, and accurate for the early diagnosis of
T. gondii
, showing promise for on-site surveillance.

IMPORTANCE

Toxoplasma gondii
is a virulent pathogen that puts millions of infected people at risk of chronic disease reactivation. Hosts of
T. gondii
are distributed worldwide, and cats and dogs are common hosts of
T. gondii
. Therefore, rapid diagnosis of early
T. gondii
infection and investigation of its prevalence in stray dogs and cats are essential. Here, we established a visual recombinase polymerase amplification-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 12a-assay combined with a lateral flow band assay and a digital visualization instrument. Detailed analyses found that the assay could be used for the early diagnosis of
T. gondii
without false-negative results. Moreover, we detected the prevalence of
T. gondii
in stray cats and dogs in Zhejiang province, China. Our developed assay provides technical support for the early diagnosis of
T. gondii
and could be applied in prevalence surveys of
T. gondii
in stray dogs and cats.
Towards drone-based magnetometer measurements for archaeological prospection in challenging terrain
Authors: Schmidt Volkmar , Coolen Joris , Fritsch Thomas , Klingen Stefan
Published: May 2024

While airborne magnetometry has been used for geological surveys for decades, magnetic surveys for archaeological prospection are almost exclusively ground-based, as the detection of archaeological features requires higher spatial resolution and close proximity between sensor and object. However, the recent development of drones and magnetic sensors allows for low-altitude drone-based surveys, which are an interesting alternative for magnetic prospection of challenging areas, where vegetation, difficult terrain, access restrictions, or safety concerns hamper ground-based surveys. In this paper, we present test measurements in challenging areas in Germany and Switzerland, which demonstrate the potential as well as technical and practical concerns of drone-based magnetometry for archaeological prospection. We used a miniature total-field magnetometer, which was tethered to an octocopter drone. Although it is preferable to fly the sensor close to the ground where anomalies show the highest values, we could also detect magnetic anomalies in altitudes up to few metres above ground. Flights at different altitudes show the decay and widening of the anomalies with height. Drone-based magnetic measurements in rough and vegetated terrain require careful flight planning based on a high-resolution surface model. Further development is needed to improve positioning accuracy of the tethered magnetometer and to improve heading error correction.
Simple Criteria, Yet the Dearth Utilization-Antithrombotic Management Practice among Atrial Fibrillation Patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia
Authors: Hussen Mubarak , Woubshet Kindie , Bacha Seifu , Ketema Worku
Published: May 2024

Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity from stroke and thromboembolism. Despite the availability of effective oral anticoagulation medication, AF patients remain at a high risk of stroke if not treated properly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antithrombotic therapy practices in patients with AF in the adult cardiac clinic at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH). Methods. It was a retrospective document review study. Total charts of 119 patients who had follow-up at the adult cardiac clinic with a history of documented AF from January 1 to December 30, 2018, were included. Indicators for antithrombotic therapy based on the congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 (doubled), diabetes, stroke (doubled), vascular disease, age 65 to 74, and sex category (female) (CHA2DS2-VASc) score were recorded. A p value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data analysis was done using SPSS 23 software. Results. In this study, about 55% of patients with AF were receiving the appropriate antithrombotic treatment. The patients were 48 ± 18.2 years old. Of these, 70% were women. The most frequent underlying cardiac etiology was chronic rheumatic valvular heart disease (50%), followed by cardiomyopathy (14%). In nonvalvular AF, the mean CHA2DS2VASc score was 4.0 ± 1.07. In valvular AF compared to nonvalvular AF, the need for appropriate antithrombotic therapy was substantially greater p 0.0001. Only 8 (13.6%) of the warfarin-using patients had adequate anticoagulation. Conclusion. The study’s findings in regard to antithrombotic usage and maintenance of appropriate antithrombotics for stroke prevention in our patients revealed a discrepancy between recommendations and practice. Therefore, we demand that patients with AF who meet the criteria utilize antithrombotics properly to prevent stroke. Warfarin-taking patients’ subpar optimum anticoagulation has to be addressed. Lastly, we advocate proper CHA2DS2-VASc score utilization for nonvalvular heart disease. A regular INR follow-up is also advised for patients who have started taking warfarin.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of CuO@ZnO Nanocomposites Using Artemisia vulgaris Leaf Extract and Study of Its Photocatalytic Activity for Methylene Blue
Authors: Nepal Pujan , Parajuli Sandhya , Awasthi Ganesh Prasad , Sharma Krishna Prasad , Oli Hari Bhakta , Shrestha Ram Lal , Bhattarai Deval Prasad
Published: May 2024

In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and copper oxide/zinc oxide nanocomposites (CuO@ZnO NPs) were synthesized by green synthetic route where bioactive compounds inherently present in the leaf extract of Artemisia vulgaris act as stabilizing and reducing agents. Phytochemicals present in leaf extract were assessed by qualitative chemical tests and spectroscopic measurements. UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the as-synthesized nanomaterials, i.e., CuO, ZnO, and CuO@ZnO NPs. XRD pattern revealed the crystalline nature of nanoparticles. Based on the Debye–Scherrer formula, the sizes of CuO NPs, ZnO NPs, and CuO@ZnO NCs were found to be 17.24, 20.74, and 22.50 nm, respectively. The band gap of the as-prepared nanomaterials was measured using the Tauc plot. Using the nanomaterials, MB degradation was studied at room temperature under exposure to UV light. The degradation efficiency of CuO, ZnO, and 2% CuO@ZnO was found to be 52%, 68%, and 98%, respectively. Kinetic degradation process reveals that the CuO@ZnO NCs showed a better photocatalytic activity on MB dye with the degradation constant of 0.04124 min−1 compared to those of either constituent. Based on the findings, it was found that CuO@ZnO nanocomposites have the potential to degrade MB as an organic dye and can be used for wastewater treatment.
Solutions for a Generalized Type of the Fokas–Lenells Equation
Authors: Gómez S. Cesar A.
Published: May 2024

This work investigates the following generalization of the Fokas–Lenells equation. ıqt+Atqxx+Btqxt+Ctq2q+ıDtq2qx=ıHtqx+Ftq2qx+Gtq2xq which is a Schro¨dinger-type equation with applications in theory of communications. Here, the coefficients are variables and depend on the temporal variable t. The improved tanh–coth method is used to obtain exact solutions for it in a general form. If the coefficients turn constants, the equation is known as the standard Fokas–Lenells equation (FLE) which has several applications in nonlinear science. As a particular case, novel soliton solutions, chirped solutions, and the respective chirps associated with them are derived for (FLE). Also, the work explores the behaviour of the solutions when the coefficients change in time, obtaining novel structures of the solutions which help understand in a better way the phenomenon described by the (FLE). We show the graphs of some of the solutions with the aim to compare the two cases, variable and constant coefficients. Finally, some conclusions are given.
TABLE 1 from Efficacy and Safety of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab in Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hornstein Nicholas J. , Zeineddine Mohammad A. , Gunes Betul B. , Pellatt Andrew J. , Knafl Mark , Zhu Haifeng , Willett Anneleis F. , Yousef Abdelrahman , Liu Suyu , Sun Ryan , Futreal Andrew , Woodman Scott E. , Taggart Melissa W. , Overman Michael J. , Halperin Daniel M. , Raghav Kanwal P. , Shen John Paul
Published: May 2024

Patient demographics and molecular status
Supplementary Tables from Efficacy and Safety of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab in Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hornstein Nicholas J. , Zeineddine Mohammad A. , Gunes Betul B. , Pellatt Andrew J. , Knafl Mark , Zhu Haifeng , Willett Anneleis F. , Yousef Abdelrahman , Liu Suyu , Sun Ryan , Futreal Andrew , Woodman Scott E. , Taggart Melissa W. , Overman Michael J. , Halperin Daniel M. , Raghav Kanwal P. , Shen John Paul
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Table 1 Supplementary Table 2
Kidney replacement therapies and ultrafiltration in cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Villegas-Gutiérrez Luz Yareli , Núñez Julio , Kashani Kianoush , Chávez-Iñiguez Jonathan S.
Published: May 2024

Background:
Some patients with cardiorenal syndrome 1 and congestion exhibit resistance to diuretics. This scenario complicates management and is associated with a worse prognosis. In some cases, rescue treatment may be considered by starting kidney replacement therapies or ultrafiltration. This decision is complex and necessitates a profound understanding of these techniques and the pathophysiology of this syndrome. These modalities are classified into continuous, intermittent, and ultrafiltration therapies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages that are pertinent in selecting the optimal treatment.
Summary:
In patients with diuretic-resistant cardiorenal syndrome, extracorporeal ultrafiltration and kidney replacement therapies have the potential to relieve congestion, restore the neurohormonal system, and improve quality of life.
Key message:
• In cardiorenal syndrome the resistance to diuretics it is common.
• Extracorporeal ultrafiltration and renal replacement therapies are rescue options that may improve the management of these patients.
• Better understanding of these modalities will help the development of new devices which are friendlier, safer, and more affordable for patients in these clinical settings.
Tentativa de suicídio e fatores associados ao padrão de uso e abuso do álcool
Authors: Cordeiro Eliana Lessa , Silva Liniker Scolfild Rodrigues da , Mendes Emmanuel Wagner Pereira , Silva Luiz Claudio Luna da , Duarte Vanessa Lacerda , Lima Évelyn Cristina Morais Pessôa
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo relacionar el patrón de uso abusivo y problemas relacionados con el alcohol entre pacientes que intentaron suicidarse en Recife en 2015. Método: este es un estudio transversal, prospectivo, del tipo descriptivo, epidemiológico de abordaje cuantitativo en el municipio de Recife-PE, realizado en las residencias de los pacientes que intentaron suicidio, con nombres em notificaciones obligatorias, enviadas para Vigilancia de Atención a Enfermedad no Transmisibles de la Secretaría Municipal de Recife. Para coletar los datos, se aplicó la prueba AUDIT, por entrevistas, organizando los datos en el programa EPI-7 y analizando en el programa SPSS®, versión 21.0. Resultados: se presentó una prevalencia mayor en mujeres jóvenes, con edad media de 38 años, con 1 grado de escolaridad, pardas, solteras, desempleadas y pertecentes a la clase social C. En la prueba AUDIT 41,4% de los entrevistados se encuentran en la zona I, necesitando asesoramiento a los riesgos del consumo de alcohol y 24,1% de los pacientes que beben. Conclusion: los comportamientos suicidas se acentuan con el uso abusivo del alcohol y deben ser encarados por los equipos de salud con seriedad y compromiso, pues las consecuencias de esas complicaciones se vuelven más difíciles cuando descuidadas.
Correlações entre as dimensões jurídico-política e teórico-conceitual da noção de abstinência
Authors: Braga Matheus Campos , Melo Junior Walter , Melo Sanny Rhemann Baeta
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: analisar o conceito de abstinência (dimensão teórico-conceitual) apresentado em documentos do Ministério da Saúde (dimensão jurídico-política), a saber, a Política do Ministério da Saúde para a Atenção Integral a Usuários de Álcool e Outras Drogas e a Portaria n.º 3088, de 2011, que institui a Rede de Atenção Psicossocial, distinguindo os diferentes sentidos que tal conceito apresenta. Metodologia: pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, sendo a análise do conceito permeada pelo método da Análise Documental de caráter qualitativo. Resultados: foram encontrados três sentidos para o conceito de abstinência a partir da análise feita nos documentos escolhidos: (1) finalidade do tratamento; (2) possibilidade de tratamento; e (3) quadro clínico. Conclusão: o conceito de abstinência, presente nos documentos que se norteiam pela política de redução de danos, possui sentidos que não se contrapõem a tal política, mas a reafirmam. No entanto, é possível que esse conceito seja deturpado e utilizado de modo a validar, ao contrário, propostas terapêuticas pautadas na lógica proibicionista, fomentando a ambiguidade que atravessa o campo assistencial ao usuário de álcool e outras drogas.
Screening of drought tolerance indices for selection of resistance wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landraces under drought stress conditions
Authors: Singh Chandrakant , Pansuriya A.G. , Mamrutha H.M. , Vekaria D.M.
Published: May 2024

During the cropping season 2016-2017, an experiment was conducted in a split plot design to study the response of 25 wheat genotypes to drought stress under irrigated and minimal irrigation conditions. Different drought tolerance indices for 25 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes were evaluated. The calculation drought tolerance indices was based on the grain yield of wheat under irrigated and water stress conditions. The result indicated a significant effect of drought stress on the yield of different wheat genotypes based on mean values of different drought tolerance indices. Among the studied different indices, mean productivity (MP), stress tolerance index (STI), and geometric mean productivity (GMP) were more efficient to discriminate between drought sensitive and drought tolerant genotypes based on the calculation of correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis. Twenty-five genotypes were classified into tolerant and susceptible groups through drought tolerance indices using cluster analysis. Among the genotypes, C-306, WH 1236, WH 1235, and GW 477 having higher yields under drought conditions which showing their stability under stress conditions. The most yield stable genotypes under adverse environment were identified by multivariate analysis of drought tolerance indices individually or in combination. From the result, we concluded that GMP, MP and STI are more efficient drought tolerance indices among other indices to identify stable genotypes under stress conditions.
Entomophagy in Mexico: current trends and outlook
Authors: Ronquillo-de Jesús E. , Aguilar-Méndez M.A. , Rodrı́guez-Ortega L.T. , San Juan-Lara J.
Published: May 2024

One-fifth of the edible insect species identified worldwide have been documented in Mexico. In states with an entomophagy tradition, insects have been incorporated into the local cuisine. Results show that the country has a wide diversity of climates and vegetation; thus, each state has its own set of edible insects. This narrative review aims to determine the current state of entomophagy in Mexico, divided into two segments: wild-collected insects, and farmed insect products, and to identify the current trends, both in research and in commercial products available. Wild-gathered insects are mostly purchased at local marketplaces, with prices varying widely, depending on the insect and the sales point. Increased demand for wild edible insects, and the loss of natural habitat, have put some insect species at risk of extinction. Since whole edible insects are wild-gathered and commercialised whole in traditional markets, there are currently no specific mandatory standards for food products containing insects as ingredients. Alongside traditional wild insect activities, there is a fledgling industry of farmed edible insect products which can be purchased online. In conclusion, while the wild-gathered edible insect market is well established, a farmed insect products market is developing, with manufacturers incorporating insect flour into food products where the insect element is inconspicuous, seeking to appeal to a wider range of consumers, yet most recent academic research focuses on wild edible insect species, with a near absence of research articles on the farmed insect species. The insect food product industry would benefit from a closer collaboration with the academic research sector. Furthermore, the lack of a specific regulation for manufacturing insect food products constitutes a disadvantage for firms seeking to export to countries with stricter regulations. Also, with the food safety concerns inherent in wild-gathered insect consumption, studies focusing on the sanitary aspects of entomophagy are insufficient.
Impatiens alboarenicola, a new species of Balsaminaceae from north-western Madagascar
Authors: FUJIMOTO YUTARO , TAGANE SHUICHIRO , RABARISON HARISON , ANDRIAMAHASETRA ROVA N. , KOMADA NATSUKI , KITAJIMA KAORU
Published: May 2024

A new species of Impatiens, I. alboarenicola (Balsaminaceae), is described and illustrated from Ankarafantsika National Park, north-western Madagascar. This species is similar to I. barthlottii and I. tsingycola in leaf and flower shape, but clearly distinguished from the former by its shorter stature, absence of a tuber at the stem base, solitary (rarely 2) flowers in the axils of leaves, and smaller flowers, and from the latter by its smaller leaf blades with fewer pairs of teeth on the dentate leaf margin, solitary (rarely 2) flowers in the axils of leaves, and saccate spur-like projection located at ca. 5 mm below the apex of the lower petal lobe of the lateral united petals (vs. at the apex of the lower petal lobe).
Mallomonas paraperfossa sp. nov. (Chrysophyceae, Synurales), a new species from the shallow ephemeral ponds in the steppe zone of the Southern Urals, Russia
Authors: IGNATENKO MARINA , GUSEV EVGENIY , YATSENKO-STEPANOVA TATYANA
Published: May 2024

This paper describes a new species of Mallomonas, discovered in small ephemeral waterbodies of the steppe zone of the Southern Urals (Russia). The species description is based on scale morphology studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Mallomonas paraperfossa sp. nov. is most similar to M. perfossa from the section Pseudocoronatae. A comparison was also made with the species M. lelymene and M. sabulosa. The scales of M. paraperfossa are characterized by the presence of rimmed depressions and papillae, randomly located on the shield, and wide and raised anterior flanges with parallel, evenly spaced ribs.