bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small-scale field evaluation of transfluthrin-treated eave ribbons and sandals for the control of malaria vectors in rural Tanzania
Authors: Mmbando Arnold S. , Mponzi Winifrida P. , Ngowo Halfan S. , Kifungo Khamis , Kasubiri Robert , Njalambaha Rukiyah M. , Gavana Tegemeo , Eiras Alvaro E. , Batista Elis P. A. , Finda Marceline F. , Sangoro Onyango P. , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: May 2022

Background: Early-evening and outdoor-biting may compromise the efficacy of frontline malaria interventions, notably insecticide treated nets (ITNs). This study investigated the potential of low-cost insecticide-treated eave ribbons and sandals against mosquitoes indoors and outdoors in rural-Tanzanian villages where ITNs are widely used and malaria vectors have resistance to pyrethroids.Methods: Seventy-two (72) households were selected from three villages, (24 households per village), and upon consent recruited into the study. The households were divided into four study arms and assigned either transfluthrin-treated sandals (TS), transfluthrin-treated eave ribbons (TER), a combination of TER and TS or experimental controls. Each study arm had 18 households in total, all of which received new ITNs. Mosquitoes were collected using double net traps (to assess outdoor-biting), CDC-light traps (to assess indoor-biting) and Prokopack® aspirators (to assess indoor-resting). To evaluate the level of protection conferred by these tools, mosquito biting and resting densities were compared between treatment groups and control. Additional experiments were done in experimental huts to assess mortality of wild mosquitoes exposed to the treatments.Results: TERs reduced indoor-biting, indoor-resting and outdoor-biting Anopheles arabiensis by 60%, 73% and 41% respectively, while TS reduced the densities by 18%, 40% and 42% respectively. When used together, TER & TS reduced outdoor-biting An. arabiensis by 57% and indoor-biting by 53%. Protection against Anopheles funestus ranged between 42 - 69% by TER and 57 - 74% by TER & TS combined, but protection against Culex mosquitoes did not exceed 32% even when TER and TS were combined. Mortality of field-collected mosquitoes exposed to TER, TS or both interventions ranged from 56 – 78% for An. arabiensis, 47 – 74% for An. funestus and 58 – 63% for Culex spp.Conclusion: Transfluthrin-treated eave ribbons and sandals or their combination can offer moderate household-level protection against common malaria vectors. Their efficacy is likely to be magnified by the transfluthrin-induced mortality, which was observed despite the prevailing pyrethroid resistance in the study area. Overall, the transfluthrin-treated eave ribbons were more efficacious than the sandals. Further studies are needed to improve the technologies and validate their potential as supplementary interventions against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.
Risk factors for multidimensional attitudes and behaviors of reproductive health toward pregnancy among early and late adolescents in Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hirose Naoki , Sanmei Chen , Okamoto Mariko , Madeni Frida E , Madeni Nicolaus Elikana , Teshima Ayaka , Ando Yasunobu , Takahama Koji , Yoshikawa Mayu , Kunimoto Yu , Shimpuku Yoko
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAdolescent pregnancy is a serious reproductive health problem in Tanzania. However, the risk factors for multidimensional attitudes and behaviors of reproductive health toward pregnancy in Tanzanian adolescents remain unexplored.MethodsWe collected baseline characteristics and information on attitudes and behaviors of reproductive health from 4161 Tanzanian adolescents in all 54 primary and secondary schools in the Korogwe district. We applied mixed effect multiple regression analyses stratified by sex to find the factors related to reproductive health attitudes and behaviors toward pregnancy.ResultsIn female students, regarding the attitudes of reproductive health, higher age, hope for marriage in the future, a talk with a parent about sex or pregnancy, and a higher hope score were significantly associated with a lower score. For the behaviors of reproductive health, higher age, a talk with a parent about sex or pregnancy, time to talk with a parent about daily life, and a higher hope score were significantly associated with a lower score. In male students, regarding the attitudes of reproductive health, a higher hope score was significantly associated with a lower score. For the behaviors of reproductive health, higher age, time to talk with a parent about daily life, and a higher hope score was significantly associated with a lower score.ConclusionsThe heterogeneous factor-outcomes association between female and male students suggested that sex-specialized interventions may be required to change their risky attitudes or behaviors of reproductive health. Although we cannot conclude as points of intervention, our study suggested that it may be effective to improve parent-adolescents communication about sex or reproductive health and change adolescents’ views of pregnancy or marriage for gaining financial or social status.
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of colon from esophageal cancer: a case report and literature review
Authors: Mao Mian , Liu Xiqian , Liang Long , Wen Zhipeng , Liao Qiong , Xiao Hongtao , Shi LiHong
Published: May 2022

Background:
Esophageal cancer occupies the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Colorectal metastases are less likely to occur in squamous esophageal cancer. We report a case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of colon from esophageal cancer.
Case presentation:
A 66-year-old Chinese female with diabetes presented with left neck mass for 1 month. CT scan demonstrated uneven thickening wall of the mid-thoracic esophagus. A lymph node aspiration biopsy of the neck showed metastases in the lymph nodes of the left cervical region 4, which were supported by immunohistochemistry as squamous cell carcinoma. Stage ⅣA (T4N2M0) middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma was diagnosed. The patient had been treated with neoadjuvant concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for 1 cycle. Then she had undergone thoracoscopic radical esophageal cancer surgery in September 2020. Pathology from esophagus and nodes showed no residual tumor and pathological stage was ypT0N0M0. In August 2021, the patient developed hematochezia, and the colonoscopy showed a nodular neoplasm with a brittle texture. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the colon neoplasm showed squamous cell carcinoma with poorly differentiation. She subsequently received chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and irinotecan for 1 cycle. Two months later, the patient underwent a palliative resection operation and the patient died 3 months after the operation.
Conclusion:
We report the first case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of colon from esophageal cancer with ypT0N0M0 underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. This case raises clinical awareness regarding colorectal metastases from esophageal cancer with pT0N0M0 underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
Quality appraisal for systematic literature reviews of health state utility values. A descriptive analysis
Authors: Muchadeyi Muchandifunga Trust , Hernandez-Villafuerte Karla , Schlander Michael
Published: May 2022

Background
Health state utility values (HSUVs) are essential input parameters to cost-utility analysis (CUA). Quality appraisal (QA) of systematic literature reviews (SLRs) of HSUVs is an important process towards the credibility of HSUVs estimates; yet, authors often overlook this crucial process. A scientifically developed and widely accepted QA tool for this purpose is lacking and warranted.
Objectives
To comprehensively describe the nature of QA in SRLs of HSUVs and generate a list of commonly used items.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed from 01.01.2015 to 15.05.2021. SLRs of empirical studies of HSUVs that were published in English were included. Descriptive data, including QA tools checklists or good practice recommendations used or cited, items used, and methods of incorporating QA results into study findings were extracted and comprehensively reviewed. Descriptive statistics (frequencies of use and occurrences of items, acceptance and counterfactual acceptance rates) were computed. A comprehensive list of QA items was generated.
Results
A total of 68 SLRs were included, comprising 84 items and 30 QA tools and good recommendation practices. The prevalence of QA was 56% (38/68). Recommendations by NICE and ISPOR guidelines appeared in 42% (16/38) of the SLRs that appraised quality. The most commonly used QA items in SLRs were response rates (26/38), loss of follow up (21/38), statistical analysis (20/38) and sample size (20/38). Yet, the most commonly featured items in QA tools and GPRs were statistical analysis (21/30), confounding or baseline equivalency (20/30), and blinding (14/30). Only 5% of the SLRS used QA to inform the data analysis, with acceptance rates of 100% (in two studies) and 53% and 33%. A mean counterfactual acceptance rate of 55% (median 53% and IQR 56%) was observed.
Conclusions
There is a considerably low prevalence of QA in the SLRs of HSUVs. Also, there is wide a variation in the QA dimensions and items included in both SLRs and extracted tools. This underscores the need for a scientifically developed QA tool for multi-variable primary studies of HSUVs.
Effect of vitamin D deficiency on ACE2 and inflammatory factors in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Xing Chenhao , Lu Yamin , Zhang Cuigai , LIU Guangxia , Chen Fang , Hou Zhan , Lv Xiuqin
Published: May 2022

Objective: To analyze the levels and correlation of vitamin D, ACE2, ACE and inflammatory factors in patients with type 2 diabetes,To explore the effect of vitamin D deficiency on ACE2 and inflammatory factors and the mechanism of action on the occurrence and development of diabetes.Methods: Non-diabetic control 87 cases and type 2 diabetes 96 cases,According to the level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 47 cases of non-diabetic vitamin D normal group and 40 cases of vitamin D deficiency group were divided into two groups.52 patients in the normal vitamin D group and 44 patients in the vitamin D deficient group were tested for ACE, ACE2, IL-6, TNF-a and other inflammatory indexes.The correlation and influencing factors of vitamin D and each index were analyzed.Results: The levels of HOMA-IR, ACE, AngII, IL-6 and TNF-a in vitamin D deficient group were significantly higher than those in vitamin D normal group.ACE2 and IL-10 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05); Compared with non-diabetic vitamin D deficiency group, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, INS, HOMA-IR, ACE, AngII, IL-6 and TNF-a were significantly increased with the severity of vitamin D deficiency. Insulin resistance was more severe, ACE2 and IL-10 decreased significantly(P < 0.05); Pearson correlation analysis showed that vitamin D in non-diabetic group was negatively correlated with AngII and IL-6, but positively correlated with IL-10 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).Vitamin D in diabetic group was positively correlated with ACE2 and IL-10, and negatively correlated with ACE, AngII, IL-6, TNF-a, HOMA-IR and HbA1c (all P < 0.01).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that IL-10 and AngII were the main influencing factors of vitamin D deficiency in the non-diabetic group (P < 0.05).33.6% of the total variation of regression equation was explained. In diabetic group, ACE2, IL-6, TNF-a, IL-10 and HOMA-IR were the main influencing factors of vitamin D deficiency (P < 0.05), explaining 55.8% of the total variation of regression equation.Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may change the improper regulation of ACE2 and ACE/AngII and the release of inflammatory factors, destroy the autoimmune state of the body, and participate in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus.The degree of vitamin D deficiency can aggravate insulin resistance by mediating RAS system and inflammatory factors, and increase the potential pathogenic effect of diabetes.ACE2, ACE/AngII and inflammatory factors can be used as markers of diabetes vitamin D deficiency.
ARP2/3 complex associates with peroxisomes to participate in pexophagy in plants
Authors: Martinek Jan , Cifrová Petra , Vosolsobě Stanislav , Krtková Jana , Sikorová Lenka , Malínská Kateřina , Mauerová Zdeňka , Leaves Ian , Sparkes Imogen , Schwarzerova Katerina
Published: May 2022

ARP2/3 is a heteroheptameric protein complex evolutionary conserved in all eukaryotic organisms. Its conserved role is based on the induction of actin polymerization at the interface between membranes and the cytoplasm. Plant ARP2/3 has been reported to participate in actin reorganization at the plasma membrane during polarized growth of trichomes and at the plasma membrane-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites. We demonstrate here that individual plant subunits of ARP2/3 fused to fluorescent proteins form motile dot-like structures in the cytoplasm that are associated with plant peroxisomes. ARP2/3 dot structure is found at the peroxisome periphery and contains assembled ARP2/3 complex and WAVE/SCAR complex subunit NAP1. This dot occasionally colocalizes with the autophagosome, and under conditions that affect the autophagy, colocalization between ARP2/3 and the autophagosome increases. ARP2/3 subunits co-immunoprecipitate with ATG8f marker. Since mutants lacking functional ARP2/3 complex have more peroxisomes than WT, we link the ARP2/3 complex on peroxisomes to the process of peroxisome degradation by autophagy called pexophagy. Additionally, several other peroxisomal proteins colocalize with ARP2/3 dot on plant peroxisomes. Our results suggest a specific role of ARP2/3 and actin in the peroxisome periphery, presumably in membrane remodelling. We hypothesize that this role of ARP2/3 aids processes at the peroxisome periphery such as peroxisome degradation through autophagy or regulation of peroxisomal proteins localization or function.
Precipitation and land use alter soil respiration in an Inner Mongolian grassland
Authors: Zhang Chi , Song Chao , Wang Donghui , Qin Wenkuan , Zhu Biao , Li Frank Yonghong , Wang Yonghui , Ma Wenhong
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Changes in precipitation amount and land use are expected to greatly impact soil respiration (Rs) of grasslands, but little is known about whether they can interactively impact Rs and how plant and soil microbial communities regulate the Rs response.
Methods
We investigated the impacts of altered precipitation amount (–50%, ambient and + 50%) and land use (fencing, mowing and grazing) on autotrophic (Ra), heterotrophic (Rh) and total Rs as well as their abiotic and biotic drivers with a field experiment in the Inner Mongolian grassland.
Results
Precipitation positively impacted respirations and 50% changes in precipitation leads to more substantial changes in abiotic and biotic drivers, and thus respirations, than land use. We identified the interactive effects and found that, over the 3-year experiment, a 50% decrease in precipitation caused a 31.9% decrease in Rs under fencing, but a 38.4% and a 37.2% decrease under grazing and mowing, respectively.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that taking the more intensive land use into consideration can precisely predict grassland carbon cycling in responding to future precipitation changes. In addition, chronically shifted plant and soil microbial communities under changing precipitation and land use may regulate the long-term responses of carbon cycling in grasslands.
Aptamer functionalized ZnO thin-film transistor based multiplexed detection of Lead and E. coli in water
Authors: Honnali Sanath Kumar , Ragha Vikram Srinivasa , Ashwath Roopa , Saravanavel Ganapathy , Gunasekhar K R , Sambandan Sanjiv , Gorthi Sai Siva , O’Driscoll Benjamin , Jenkins David
Published: May 2022

Background: Contamination of lead (Pb 2+) disturbs biological functions and causes neurotoxicity even at low levels. Pathogens such as Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus found in packaged drinking water causes infections. Therefore, we demonstrate the multiplexed detection of Pb 2+ and E. coli in water using ZnO thin-film transistor (TFT) arrays. Results: Low voltage ZnO TFTs fabricated by physical vapour deposition were functionalized with APTES-glutaraldehyde molecules. TFTs with such functionalized ZnO surfaces showed good sensitivity and high specificity to the targets. The TFTs showed a detection limit of 27 nM and 10 5 cfu/ml for Pb 2+ and E. coli, respectively with the TFT flat-band voltage (V fb), and hence the TFT transconductance, being dependent on the target concentration. The direct integration of the sensing with the TFT and associated integrated circuits promises high density sensor arrays.Conclusion: The present work highlights the importance of aptamers in the multiplexed detection of different targets using low cost ZnO TFT array.
The Paris Target, Human Rights, and IPCC Weaknesses: Legal Arguments in favour of Smaller Budgets
Authors: Ekardt Felix , Bärenwaldt Marie , Heyl Katharine
Published: May 2022

Background:
The Paris Climate Agreement provides an overall target which limits global warming to “well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursuing “efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels” (Art. 2 para. 1 Paris Agreement). This article assesses the extent to which new insights can be derived from recent IPCC reports for the interpretation of Art. 2 para. 1 PA from a legal perspective. To this end, the article analyses the contributions of Working Groups I and III of the sixth assessment report. We compare the findings with previously published IPCC reports, namely the 1.5 ºC report and the fifth assessment report. A legal interpretation of the Paris Agreement and of core concepts of human rights follows.
Results:
Several empirical indications show that current greenhouse gas budget calculations are quite generous. We provide six empirical arguments that clearly point in that direction. These empirical arguments demonstrate, combined with legal arguments, that the budgets have to be smaller than those estimated by the IPCC. The legal arguments are based on Art. 2 of the Paris Agreement as well as on human rights and the precautionary principle. These norms contain an obligation to minimise the risk of significant damage, i.e. to take rapid and drastic climate protection measures. 1.5 degrees Celsius is the legally binding temperature target; adherence requires a very high probability of achieving the target; temperature overshoot and geoengineering tend to be prohibited, and budget calculations must be based on sceptical factual assumptions. These findings have also been confirmed by recent rulings of supreme courts such as the ground breaking climate decision of the German Federal Constitutional Court.
Conclusions:
The Paris Agreement and human rights underline a legally binding obligation for smaller greenhouse gas budgets as those estimated in the greenhouse gas budgets of the IPCC – even compared to the 83 percent scenario in the latest assessment. Climate policy will have to raise its ambitions towards zero fossil fuels and a drastic reduction of livestock farming. This can - in times of the Ukraine war - also include policies to achieve behavioural change towards climate neutrality.
Is Canine Calprotectin in Serum Stabile After Storage at Low Temperature?
Authors: Kostanjšak Tara , Bojanić Krunoslav , Čičak Helena , Gotić Jelena , Vrbanac Zoran , Šimundić Ana-Maria , Vnuk Dražen , Bottegaro Nika Brkljača
Published: May 2022

Background: In human and veterinary medicine calprotectin is most widely used in diagnosing different gastro-intestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the stability of canine calprotectin (cCP) in serum after storage at low temperatures and imprecision of the method. Blood samples were collected from randomly chosen dogs with different clinical diagnoses. Twenty-two dogs were included in this study. Calprotectin concentration was measured 4 hours after serum separation (T0), and after being frozen at -80 °C for 8 (T1) and 16 weeks (T2). The maximum permissible difference (MPD) was derived from the equation for calculating total error (TE) TE = %Bias + (1.96 x %CV), where bias and coefficient of variation (CV) were defined by the manufacturer.; Methods: The dogs enrolled in this study were patients admitted during the morning (9-12 a.m.), on the day the first measurement was performed. The dogs were admitted due to various reasons that were not known to the examiners at the time of sampling. All sample analysis for determination of stability were done in duplicates. For determination of within-run precision, the two patients’ serum samples were analyzed in 20 replicates. Imprecision was assessed by analyzing 20 replicates on one plate on two samples where high and low concentrations were anticipated.;Results: The calculated value of MPD was 32.52%. Median calprotectin concentrations were higher at T1 114.08 µg/L (IQR=55.05-254.56) and T2 133.6 µg/L (IQR=100.57-332.98) than at T0 83.60 µg/L (IQR=50.38-176.07). Relative and absolute bias at T1 (49.3%; 45.98 µg/L) and T2 (109.93%; 94.09 µg /L) have shown that calprotectin concentrations increase after long term storage at -80°C.; Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that c-CP was not stable for 16 weeks at low storage temperature (-80°C). Considering the observed change in the concentration of c-CP at T1, a storage time of 8 weeks should be safely applied. The method imprecision was not satisfactory, especially in the lower concentration range.
Comparison of Tools for Postoperative Pulmonary Complication Following Cardiac surgery
Authors: Wang Yuqiang , Zhou Yaxin , Luo Zeruxin , Huang Wei , Zhang Xiu , Guo Yingqiang , Yu Pengming
Published: May 2022

Objectives: To review the efficacy of two scoring tools for identifying pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery.Method: A total of 244 patients underwent elective cardiac surgery between March 2021 and December 2021 were included in this observational study. Three independent physiotherapists use two different sets of PPC scoring criteria, described by Kroenke et al (Kroenke Score) and Reeve et al (Melbourne Group Scale [MGS]) to evaluate PPC status daily following surgery at midday. We then retrospective analysis the occurrence of PPC was performed 14 days postoperatively according to European Perioperative Clinical Outcome (EPCO) definitions (included atelectasis, pleural effusion, pneumonia and respiratory failure).Result: PPC frequency was 46.31% (113/244) with the Kroenke Score, 25.82% (63/244) with the Melbourne Group Scale. The clinically observed incidence of PPC (atelectasis 41.80%, pleural effusion 24.59%, pneumonia 40.57%, respiratory failure 20.08%) was 53.69% (131/244). The ROC curve shows that the overall validity of the Kroenke score is better than that of the Melbourne Group Scale (AUC, 0.94 vs. 0.88, p=0.01). The Kroenke Score performed better in open-heart surgery cohort than the Melbourne Group Scale (AUC, 0.97 vs. 0.87, p<0.01), while in interventional procedures cohort show similar (AUC, 0.90 vs. 0.86, p=0.32).Conclusion: The incidence of pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery was highly prevalent. Both the Kroenke Score and the MGS score are effective in identifying patients with postoperative pulmonary complications. The two scoring tools performed comparably in the interventional procedure population. Compared to MGS, the Kroenke Score performed better in the open-heart surgery population.Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ChiCTR2100054869 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/).
Boosting For Regression Transfer via Importance Sampling
Authors: Gupta Shrey , Bi Jianzhao , Liu Yang , Wildani Avani
Published: May 2022

Current Instance Transfer Learning (ITL) methodologies use domain adaptation and sub-space transformation to achieve successful transfer learning. However, these methodologies, in their processes, sometimes overfit on the target dataset or suffer from negative transfer if the test dataset has a high variance. Boosting methodologies have been shown to reduce the risk of overfitting by iteratively re-weighing instances with high-residual. However, this balance is usually achieved with parameter optimization, as well as reducing the skewness in weights produced due to the size of the source dataset. While the former can be achieved, the latter is more challenging and can lead to negative transfer. We introduce a simpler and more robust fix to this problem by building upon the popular boosting ITL regression methodology, two-stage TrAdaBoost.R2. Our methodology, S-TrAdaBoost.R2, is a boosting and random-forest based ensemble methodology that utilizes importance sampling to reduce the skewness due to the source dataset. We show that S-TrAdaBoost.R2 performs better than competitive transfer learning methodologies 63% of the time. It also displays consistency in its performance over diverse datasets with varying complexities, as opposed to the sporadic results observed for other transfer learning methodologies.
Hyphomonas sediminis sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment
Authors: Wang Lu , He Wei , Gao Zeng-Yu , Zhang Dao-Feng , Huang Jian-Ke , Liu Chuang , Li Wen-Jun , Zhang Ai-Hua
Published: May 2022

A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic and pear-shaped bacterial strain, designated WL0036T, was isolated from coastal sediment sample collected in Nantong city, Jiangsu province of China (120°51′13″E, 32°6′26″N) in October 2020. Strain WL0036T was found to grow at 20–37°C (optimum, 28°C) with 0–9.0% NaCl (optimum, 2.5-4.0%) and displayed alkaliphilic growth with the pH range of pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0). The polar lipids profile of strain WL0036T included phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, glycolipid and an unidentified lipid. The major isoprenoid quinone was determined to be Q-11 and the major fatty acids were C16:0, 11-methyl-C18:1ω7c, and summed features 8 (C18:1ω6c and/or C18:1ω7c). The G + C content of genomic DNA was 61.8%. Phylogenetic trees constructed based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and bac120 gene set indicted that strain WL0036T clustered with strains Hyphomonas neptunium ATCC 15444T and H. polymorpha PS728T. The average nucleotide identities between strain WL0036T and strains H. neptunium ATCC 15444T and H. polymorpha PS728T were 80.7% and 81.2%, respectively. Strain WL0036T showed 22.8% and 23.2% of digital DNA-DNA hybridization identities with H. neptunium ATCC 15444T and H. polymorpha PS728T, respectively. As inferred from the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and the phylogenetic trees, strain WL0036T ought to be recognized as a novel species in genus Hyphomonas, for which the name Hyphomonas sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WL0036T (= MCCC 1K05843T = JCM 34658T = GDMCC 1.2413T).
A Maximum Bit Rate Formulation and Design Method of FSK-based Simultaneous Wireless Power and Data Transfer Circuit
Authors: Fujita Takahiro , Wada Kazuyuki
Published: May 2022

A relationship between a maximum bit rate and circuit parameters of FSK-based simultaneous wireless power and data transfer system with a magnetic resonance wireless power transfer (MR-WPT) circuit is considered. The time required for switching between the two FSK carrier frequencies is formulated as a function of the circuit parameters. A design procedure for circuit parameters to achieve the desired bitrate is proposed. The validity of the example parameters determined by the proposed design procedure is confirmed by the transient simulation.
Coil and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate migration into the stomach after TIPS for gastroesophageal variceal bleeding: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Yue-Lin , Nie Chun-Hui , Zhou Tan-Yang , Zhou Guan-Hui , Zhu Tong-Yin , Chen Sheng-Qun , Wang Hong-Liang , Wang Bao-Quan , Yu Zi-Niu , Jing Li , Xia Qi , Chen Hong-Tan , Sun Jun-Hui
Published: May 2022

Background
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a well-established therapeutic option for the management of variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. The simultaneous migration of the coil and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) is an extremely rare but significant complication after TIPS. Because of its rare presentation, there are currently no definitive recommendations for the management of this condition.
Case presentation:
A 46-year-old man with hepatitis B cirrhosis underwent TIPS placement for uncontrolled gastroesophageal varix (GEV) bleeding secondary to portal hypertension in August 2018. During the procedure, large GEVs were embolized using a coil and NBCA. After a year, coil and NBCA migration into the stomach was observed. Attempts to remove the coil using biopsy forceps during esophagogastroduodenoscopy failed. The patient refused further intervention on the coil to prevent further complications and received conservative therapy instead. Close surveillance with endoscopy is recommended for detecting coils and varices.
Conclusions
The present case reports an extremely rare but significant complication after TIPS, which highlights the management and follow-up recommendation for such rare complications. Our experience may provide guidance for the management of future similar cases and stimulate discussion about treatment methods of similar patients.
Wave after wave – Determining the temporal lag in Covid-19 infections and deaths using spatial panel data from Germany
Authors: Fritz Manuela Katharina
Published: May 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic requires a continuous evaluation of whether current policies and measures taken are sufficient to protect vulnerable populations. One quantitative indicator of policy effectiveness and pandemic severity is the case fatality ratio, which relies on the lagged number of infections relative to current deaths. The appropriate length of the time lag to be used, however, is heavily debated. In this article, I contribute to this debate by determining the temporal lag between the number of infections and deaths using daily panel data from Germany’s 16 federal states. To account for the dynamic spatial spread of the virus, I rely on different spatial econometric models that allow not only to consider the infections in a given state but also spillover effects through infections in neighboring federal states. My results suggest that a wave of infections within a given state is followed by increasing death rates 12 days later. Yet, if the number of infections in other states rises, the number of death cases within that given state subsequently decreases. The results of this article contribute to the better understanding of the dynamic spatio-temporal spread of the virus in Germany, which is indispensable for the design of effective policy responses. .
Changes in diaphragm thickness and 6-min walking distance improvement after inspiratory muscle training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ichiba Tomomi , Miyagawa Tetsuo , Tsuda Toru , Kera Takeshi
Published: May 2022

Background
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines (http://www.goldcopd.org, accessed January 16, 2020) reported the use of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) as a part of comprehensive respiratory rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, some studies have indicated that the effect of such training is uncertain. Moreover whether IMT effects are caused by improvement in central or peripheral factors remains unclear. Few studies examining IMT effects have used new evaluation items. We aimed to clarify the effects of IMT by additionally measuring the airway-occlusion pressure at 0.1 s after the start of inspiratory flow (P0.1), as an index of respiratory central output, and by evaluating diaphragm movement based on the thickness of the diaphragm muscle (Tdi) using ultrasound.
Methods
Thirteen patients with COPD participated in the study. IMT was performed using the POWER breathe® Medic Plus breathing trainer in combination with each participant’s outpatient rehabilitation regimen. Starting at 20% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) and increasing to 50%, the participants performed 30 IMT repetitions twice a day for 2 months. Respiratory muscle strength, P0.1, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), and Tdi were measured before and after IMT. Dyspnea, lower limb fatigue (assessed using the Borg Scale), and respiratory rate (RR) were measured before and after the 6-min walk test (6MWT).
Results
PImax and 6MWD significantly increased after training. Tdi at resting inspiration and expiration and maximal inspiration also significantly increased after training. In addition, the Borg Scale scores for dyspnea and leg fatigue and the RR of the 1-min recovery period after the 6MWT significantly decreased. There was no significant difference in P0.1.
Conclusions
We examined the combined effects of IMT, incorporating the evaluation of P0.1 and Tdi. We found that the PImax, 6MWD, and Tdi significantly increased, but no significant difference was observed in P0.1 after training. These results suggest that the effects of IMT may be attributed to the improved peripheral factors rather than to the central factors.
Challenges and lessons learned from four years of planning and implementing pharmacovigilance enhancement in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Stegmann Jens Ulrich , Jusot Viviane , Menang Olga , Gardiner Gregory , Vesce Sabino , Volpe Stephanie , Ndalama Anderson , Adou Felix , Ofori-Anyinam Opokua , Oladehin Olakunle , Mendoza Yolanda Guerra
Published: May 2022

Pharmacovigilance (PV) systems in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are not fully functional. The spontaneous adverse events (AE) reporting rate in SSA is lower than in any other region of the world, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in SSA countries have limited awareness of AE surveillance and reporting procedures. The GSK PV enhancement pilot initiative, in collaboration with PATH and national PV stakeholders, aimed to strengthen passive safety surveillance through a training and mentoring program of HCPs in healthcare facilities in three SSA countries: Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Project implementation was country-driven, led by the Ministry of Health via the national PV center or department, and was adapted to each country’s needs. The implementation phase for each country was scheduled to last 18 months. At project start, low AE reporting rates reflected that awareness of PV practices was very low among HCPs in all three countries, even if a national PV center already existed. Malawi did not have a functional PV system nor a national PV center prior to the start of the initiative. After 18 months of PV training and mentoring of HCPs, passive safety surveillance was enhanced significantly as shown by the increased number of AE reports: from 22 during 2000–2016 to 228 in 18 months to 511 in 30 months in Malawi, and ~ 80% of AE reports from trained healthcare facilities in Côte d’Ivoire. In DRC, project implementation ended after seven months because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Main challenges encountered were delayed AE report transmission (1–2 months, due mainly to remoteness of healthcare facilities and complex procedures for transmitting reports to the national PV center), delayed or no causality assessment due to lack of expertise and/or funding, negative perceptions among HCPs toward AE reporting, and difficulties in engaging public health programs with the centralized AE reporting processes. This pilot project has enabled the countries to train more HCPs, increased reporting of AEs and identified KPIs that could be flexibly replicated in each country. Country ownership and empowerment is essential to sustain these improvements and build a stronger AE reporting culture.
Assessing Students’ Learning Attitude and Academic Performance Through m-Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aremu Bamidele , Adeoluwa Olufemi
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to assess college of education students’ learning attitude and academic performance in using m-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employed a pre-test and post-test experimental research design with 50 students from the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Nigeria. Two research instruments were used to collect data from the participants on two occasions. The first instrument was a students’ attitude questionnaire that measured the attitude of the participants towards learning. The second instrument was the students’ academic performance test that measured the students’ scores. The differences between pre- and post-tests were measured through independent t-test. Demographic data are presented in a bar chart and show that the majority of the students own mobile devices that were suitable for learning; that the majority of the students used mobile devices for learning; and that all the respondents in the experimental group possessed mobile devices with the Zoom app. The pre-test findings revealed no significant differences in the attitude and performance of students towards m-learning and traditional learning (p>0.005) while the post-test findings showed significant differences in the attitude and performance of students towards m-learning and traditional learning (p<0.005). These findings suggest that m-learning should be integrated into the school curriculum.
Exact dynamical correlations of nonlocal operators in quadratic open Fermion systems: a characteristic function approach
Authors: Wang Qing-Wei
Published: May 2022

The dynamical correlations of nonlocal operators in general quadratic open fermion systems is still a challenging problem. Here we tackle this problem by developing a new formulation of open fermion many-body systems, namely, the characteristic function approach. Illustrating the technique, we analyze a finite Kitaev chain with boundary dissipation and consider anyon-type nonlocal excitations. We give explicit formula for the Green's functions, demonstrating an asymmetric light cone induced by the anyon statistical parameter and an increasing relaxation rate with this parameter. We also analyze some other types of nonlocal operator correlations such as the full counting statistics of the charge number and the Loschmidt echo in a quench from the vacuum state. The former shows clear signature of a nonequilibrium quantum phase transition, while the later exhibits cusps at some critical times and hence demonstrates dynamical quantum phase transitions.
An introduction to the surface code
Authors: Cleland Andrew
Published: May 2022

This chapter provides an introduction to the surface code, discussing details about how physical qubits are connected and operated to create logical qubits, how errors are handled, and what performance metrics are needed to generate logical qubits with performance that exceeds their underlying physical qubit performance.
Strengths and Challenges to the Integration of Mental Health Services into the Primary Health Care System in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maloney Roxanne Stowe
Published: May 2022

The existence of a treatment gap for persons with mental disorders has led the WHO to implore leaders around the world to integrate mental health services into the community or primary health care system. Whilst there are strengths, there are great challenges to the integration process that are hindering the implementation of this initiative in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to synthesize evidence from various researchers regarding the strengths and challenges to the integration of mental health services into the primary or community health care system in developing countries. The sources of information included Pubmed, Medline, Google Scholar, Ebsco Host, and the WHO website. Seventeen (17) studies met the inclusion criteria out of the search results of 2,200. The challenges most reported were inadequate support and supervision structures; lack of key resources, limited Knowledge, inadequate training, and lack of experience of healthcare providers in mental health; time constraints for the primary healthcare workers; lack of regulatory measures to encourage the integration. The strengths most reported were health care workers’ acceptance of responsibility to provide mental health services in the community setting. This paper has proven a number of strengths and challenges regarding the integration of mental health services into the primary or community health care system. It is hoped that this paper will assist stakeholders and policymakers in overcoming the majority of the challenges identified in the integration of mental health services in the primary health care system.
Does Gender Matter in the Adoption of Emails in the Namibian Enterprises?
Authors: Kamanzi Adalbertus
Published: May 2022

The paper examines if gender matters in the use of emails in the enterprises of Namibia. The paper is based on the usefulness of emails in business organizations, using the Namibia Enterprise Survey data collected from 580 enterprises by the World Bank in 2014/2015 in order to test a null hypothesis that there is no association in the use of emails between women and men top-managed enterprises in Namibia. The paper finds out that there is an association with men in top-managed enterprises using more emails than women’s top-managed organizations. This finding signifies the institutionalized gender digital divide in enterprises, signalling the marginal benefit of advantages accruing from emails in the enterprises that are top managed by women. Hence, gender matters.
Survival Outcomes of Patients With Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: A Retrospective Single-institutional Experience
Authors: YAEGASHI HIROSHI , NOHARA TAKAHIRO , SHIGEHARA KAZUYOSHI , IZUMI KOUJI , KADONO YOSHIFUMI , MAKINO TOMOYUKI , YAMASHITA KANAME , OHTSUBO KOUSHIRO , IKEDA HIROKO , MIZOKAMI ATSUSHI
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim: Primary mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (PMNSGCTs) are occasionally complicated by a hematologic malignancy, as with somatic-type malignant tumors called germ cell tumors with somatic-type malignancy (GCTSTM) and are known to have a poor prognosis. Patients and Methods: Data obtained between September 1997 and February 2020 for patients with mediastinal germ cell tumor at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Key outcome measures included survival rates and the clinical features of non-seminoma cases. Results: Of 16 patients, 9 had pure seminoma, and 7 had non-seminoma. At the median follow-up of 56.2 months, the 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients with seminoma (100%) than in those with non-seminoma (37%) (log-rank test, p=0.0153). Regarding PMNSGCT, two patients evolved into GCTSTM and three had concomitant hematological malignancies. Conclusion: Patients with PMNSGCTs, GCTSTM complications, and hematologic malignancies showed poor survival, suggesting the need for the development of treatment strategies.
Exploring the Use of a Facebook-Based Support Group for Caregivers of Children and Youth With Complex Care Needs: Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Kelly Katherine Jennifer , Doucet Shelley , Luke Alison , Azar Rima , Montelpare William
Published: May 2022

Background

Caregivers of children and youth with complex care needs (CCN) require substantial support to ensure the well-being of their families. Web-based peer-to-peer (P2P) support groups present an opportunity for caregivers to seek and provide timely informational and emotional support. Despite the widespread use of social media for health-related support across diverse patient and caregiver populations, it is unclear how caregivers of children and youth with CCN use and potentially benefit from these groups.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the use of a web-based P2P support group for caregivers of children and youth with CCN in New Brunswick, Canada, and investigate factors related to its use by members.

Methods

The study sample consisted of individuals who joined a closed Facebook group and an analysis of content published to the group. In phase 1, a Facebook group was developed in consultation with a patient and family advisory council, and members were recruited to the group. Phase 2 of this study consisted of an observation period during which posts and related interactions (ie, likes, loves, and comments) by members were collected. In phase 3, a web-based survey was distributed, and semistructured interviews were conducted with a subsample of group members. Survey and interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 108 caregivers joined the Facebook group between October 2020 and March 2021. There were 93 posts with 405 comments and 542 associated interactions (448/542, 82.7% likes and 94/542, 17.3% loves). Of these 93 posts, 37 (40%) were made by group members, and 56 (60%) were made by moderators. Of the 108 members, a subsample of 39 (36.1%) completed a web-based survey, and 14 (13%) participated in the interviews. Content analyses of posts by members revealed that inquiry (17/37, 46%), informational (15/37, 41%), and emotional posts (4/37, 11%) were the most common. Emotional posts received the highest number of interactions (median 24.5). In total, 5 themes emerged from the interviews related to the use of the group and mediating factors of interactions between group members: resource for information, altruistic contribution, varying level of engagement, perceived barriers to and facilitators of group activity, and moderators as contributing members.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that caregivers of children and youth with CCN seek geography-specific P2P support groups to meet informational and social support needs. This study contributes to the knowledge on how caregivers use Facebook groups to meet their support needs through moderate and passive engagement.
Testing a Mobile App for Participatory Research to Identify Teen-Targeted Food Marketing: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Truman Emily , Elliott Charlene
Published: May 2022

Background

Mobile apps are not only effective tools for promoting health to teenagers but are also useful for engaging teenagers in participatory research on factors that influence their health. Given the impact of food marketing messages on teenagers’ food attitudes and consumption choices, it is important to develop effective methods for capturing the food advertisements targeted at this population to assess their content.

Objective

The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and usability of a mobile app, “GrabFM!” (“Grab Food Marketing!”), designed for teenagers to facilitate monitoring of self-identified targeted food marketing messaging.

Methods

A mixed methods approach, including quantitative user response rates and qualitative focus group discussion feedback, was used in the evaluation process.

Results

A total of 62 teenagers (ages 13-17) completed GrabFM! app pilot testing over a 7-day data collection period. Teenagers submitted a total of 339 examples of food marketing, suggesting high feasibility for the app. Participants also took part in focus group discussions about their experience, providing positive feedback on usability, including ease of use and design aesthetic appeal.

Conclusions

The GrabFM! app had high feasibility and usability, suggesting its efficacy in capturing accurate data relevant to the teenage population’s experience with food marketing messaging.