bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excitation-dependent spatially resolved photoluminescence in InGaN/GaN LEDs with air-cavity arrays grown on patterned sapphire substrates
Authors: Li Aixing , Li Yufeng , Yang Haifeng , Zhang Minyan , Tian Zhenhuan , Li Qiang , Yun Feng
Published: October 2022

We investigated the excitation-dependent spatially resolved luminescence properties of InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with air-cavity arrays using scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM), and quantified the effect of the air-cavity structure on the spatial distributions of light-extraction efficiency, internal quantum efficiency, and external quantum efficiency through experiments and numerical simulations. We found that higher light-extraction efficiency and less stress were always observed in the air-cavity areas. Compared to flat areas, the average light-extraction efficiency of the air-cavity areas was improved by 65%, and the residual stress of the air-cavity center was reduced by 89 MPa, which resulted in increased PL intensity, reduced wavelength shift, and narrowed full width at half maximum. The highest external quantum efficiency and aggravated efficiency droop were found in the air-cavity center. At 3.1 W/cm2, the external quantum efficiency and internal quantum efficiency of the air-cavity center were enhanced by 255% and 223%, respectively.
Adaptive point-scan imaging beyond the frame rate–resolution limit with scene-reactive scan trajectories
Authors: Draelos Mark , Viehland Christian , McNabb Ryan P. , Kuo Anthony N. , Izatt Joseph A.
Published: October 2022

Point-scanned imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography
(OCT) are subject to frame rate limits governed by the image
resolution, sampling rate, and scanner dynamics. For scenes with
dynamic features on static backgrounds, adaptive scanning escapes
these limits by visiting scan positions only as needed. We implemented
adaptive scanning using a probabilistic approach that balanced
re-imaging of known dynamic positions with exploration for
undiscovered ones. We evaluated our approach in model systems that
simulated multitarget tracking and ophthalmic surgery using a
swept-source OCT system. We demonstrated frame rate speedups in excess
of

5
×

without degradation in image quality,
a performance that would have otherwise required a significantly
faster source.
The impact of digital communication and data exchange on primary health service delivery in a small island developing state setting
Authors: Borgelt Kaye , Siose Taniela Kepa , Taape Isaia V. , Nunan Michael , Beek Kristen , Craig Adam T.
Published: October 2022

Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote countries in the world. Due partly to its geography, the limited availability of human resources for health, infrastructure weaknesses, and the economic situation, Tuvalu faces many health systems challenges to delivering primary health care and achieving universal health coverage. Advancements in information communication technology are anticipated to change the face of health care delivery, including in developing settings. In 2020 Tuvalu commenced installation of Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) at health facilities on remote outer islands to allow the digital exchange of data and information between facilities and healthcare workers. We documented the impact that the installation of VSAT has had on supporting health workers in remote locations, clinical decision-making, and delivering primary health more broadly. We found that installation of VSAT in Tuvalu has enabled regular peer-to-peer communication across facilities; supported remote clinical decision-making and reduced the number of domestic and overseas medical referrals required; and supported formal and informal staff supervision, education, and development. We also found that VSAT’s stability is dependent on access to services (such as a reliable electricity supply) for which responsibility sits outside of the health sector. We stress that digital health is not a panacea for all health service delivery challenges and should be seen as a tool (not the solution) to support health service improvement. Our research provides evidence of the impact digital connectivity offers primary health care and universal health coverage efforts in developing settings. It provides insights into factors that enable and inhibit sustainable adoption of new health technologies in low- and middle-income countries.
Confirming—and testing—bonds of trust: A mixed methods study exploring community health workers’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, Haiti and Kenya
Authors: Sripad Pooja , Gottert Ann , Abuya Timothy , Casseus Alain , Hossain Sharif , Agarwal Smisha , Warren Charlotte E.
Published: October 2022

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and national responses, trust (one’s belief that a system acts in one’s best interest) is important to consider. In community health systems, trust is embedded in relationships between clients, CHWs, and health system stakeholders. This mixed-methods study explores trust through the evolving COVID-19 crisis in Bangladesh, Haiti, and Kenya, where multi-country community health research was underway. We investigate the extent and ways trust between communities, community health workers (CHWs), and health system actors shift, including its relation to community fear and hostility, through self-reported positive and negative experiences of CHWs and policy/program stakeholders on a phone-based survey with 2,025 CHWs and 72 key informant interviews, including CHWs, in late 2020. On surveys, CHWs reported high levels of community trust (8/10 in Bangladesh and Kenya; 6/10 in Haiti) with over 60% reporting client relief in seeing their CHWs. About one-third of CHWs across countries reported experiencing instances of hostility from community members during the pandemic in the form of refused home-entry, ignored advice, or being shouted at. Multivariate analyses revealed that CHWs reporting more positive and fewer negative experiences is consistently associated with continuing routine work, doing COVID-19-related work, and greater community trust. Qualitative interviews showed that existing pre-pandemic trusting relationships withstood the early phase of COVID-19, mitigating negative community reactions toward CHWs and stigma towards COVID-positive individuals, maintaining routine health services, and sustaining appreciation for CHW-provided prevention information and emotional support. CHW-community and CHW-health system actor trust is strengthened when CHWs are well-resourced; CHW-community trust is strained by public frustration at the pandemic, associated restrictions, and sociopolitical stressors. Our study suggests that with adequate institutional support, bonds of trust can promote resilient community health systems during extended public health crises, through CHWs’ commitment to mitigating misinformation, reducing stigma, maintaining routine service provision, and promoting COVID-19 prevention.
Post-translational modifications glycosylation and phosphorylation of the major hepatic plasma protein fetuin-A are associated with CNS inflammation in children
Authors: Ricken Frederik , Can Ahu Damla , Gräber Steffen , Häusler Martin , Jahnen-Dechent Willi
Published: October 2022

Fetuin-A is a liver derived plasma protein showing highest serum concentrations in utero, preterm infants, and neonates. Fetuin-A is also present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The origin of CSF fetuin-A, blood-derived via the blood-CSF barrier or synthesized intrathecally, is presently unclear. Fetuin-A prevents ectopic calcification by stabilizing calcium and phosphate as colloidal calciprotein particles mediating their transport and clearance. Thus, fetuin-A plays a suppressive role in inflammation. Fetuin-A is a negative acute-phase protein under investigation as a biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we studied the association of pediatric inflammatory CNS diseases with fetuin-A glycosylation and phosphorylation. Paired blood and CSF samples from 66 children were included in the study. Concentration measurements were performed using a commercial human fetuin-A/AHSG ELISA. Of 60 pairs, 23 pairs were analyzed by SDS-PAGE following glycosidase digestion with PNGase-F and Sialidase-AU. Phosphorylation was analyzed in 43 pairs by Phos-TagTMacrylamide electrophoresis following alkaline phosphatase digestion. Mean serum and CSF fetuin-A levels were 0.30 ± 0.06 mg/ml and 0.644 ± 0.55 μg/ml, respectively. This study showed that serum fetuin-A levels decreased in inflammation corroborating its role as a negative acute-phase protein. Blood-CSF barrier disruption was associated with elevated fetuin-A in CSF. A strong positive correlation was found between the CSF fetuin-A/serum fetuin-A quotient and the CSF albumin/serum albumin quotient, suggesting predominantly transport across the blood-CSF barrier rather than intrathecal fetuin-A synthesis. Sialidase digestion showed increased asialofetuin-A levels in serum and CSF samples from children with neuroinflammatory diseases. Desialylation enhanced hepatic fetuin-A clearance via the asialoglycoprotein receptor thus rapidly reducing serum levels during inflammation. Phosphorylation of fetuin-A was more abundant in serum samples than in CSF, suggesting that phosphorylation may regulate fetuin-A influx into the CNS. These results may help establish Fetuin-A as a potential biomarker for neuroinflammatory diseases.
Development of a new device for manipulating frozen mouse 2-cell embryos on the International Space Station
Authors: Wakayama Sayaka , Soejima Mariko , Kikuchi Yasuyuki , Hayashi Erika , Ushigome Natsuki , Hasegawa Ayumi , Mochida Keiji , Suzuki Tomomi , Yamazaki Chiaki , Shimazu Toru , Sano Hiromi , Umehara Masumi , Matsunari Hitomi , Ogura Atsuo , Nagashima Hiroshi , Wakayama Teruhiko
Published: October 2022

Whether mammalian embryos develop normally under microgravity remains to be determined. However, embryos are too small to be handled by inexperienced astronauts who orbit Earth on the International Space Station (ISS). Here we describe the development of a new device that allows astronauts to thaw and culture frozen mouse 2-cell embryos on the ISS without directly contacting the embryos. First, we developed several new devices using a hollow fiber tube that allows thawing embryo without practice and observations of embryonic development. The recovery rate of embryos was over 90%, and its developmental rate to the blastocyst were over 80%. However, the general vitrification method requires liquid nitrogen, which is not available on the ISS. Therefore, we developed another new device, Embryo Thawing and Culturing unit (ETC) employing a high osmolarity vitrification method, which preserves frozen embryos at −80°C for several months. Embryos flushed out of the ETC during thawing and washing were protected using a mesh sheet. Although the recovery rate of embryos after thawing were not high (24%-78%) and embryonic development in ETC could not be observed, thawed embryos formed blastocysts after 4 days of culture (29%-100%) without direct contact. Thus, this ETC could be used for untrained astronauts to thaw and culture frozen embryos on the ISS. In addition, this ETC will be an important advance in fields such as clinical infertility and animal biotechnology when recovery rate of embryos were improved nearly 100%.
Cervical length distribution among Brazilian pregnant population and risk factors for short cervix: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Marquart Kaline Gomes Ferrari , Silva Thais Valeria , Mol Ben W. , Cecatti José Guilherme , Passini Renato , Pereira Cynara M. , Guedes Thaísa B. , Fanton Tatiana F. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. ,   The P5 working group
Published: October 2022

Objective

Since there are populational differences and risk factors that influence the cervical length, the aim of the study was to construct a populational curve with measurements of the uterine cervix of pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy and to evaluate which variables were related to cervical length (CL) ≤25 mm.

Materials and methods

This was a multicenter cross-sectional study performed at 17 hospitals in several regions of Brazil. From 2015 to 2019, transvaginal ultrasound scan was performed in women with singleton pregnancies at 18 0/7 to 22 6/7 weeks of gestation to measure the CL. We analyzed CL regarding its distribution and the risk factors for CL ≤25 mm using logistic regression.

Results

The percentage of CL ≤ 25mm was 6.67%. Shorter cervices, when measured using both straight and curve techniques, showed similar results: range 21.0–25.0 mm in straight versus 22.6–26.0 mm in curve measurement for the 5th percentile. However, the difference between the two techniques became more pronounced after the 75th percentile (range 41.0–42.0 mm straight x 43.6–45.0 mm in curve measurement). The risk factors identified for short cervix were low body mass index (BMI) (OR: 1.81 CI: 1.16–2.82), higher education (OR: 1.39 CI: 1.10–1.75) and personal history ([one prior miscarriage OR: 1.41 CI: 1.11–1.78 and ≥2 prior miscarriages OR: 1.67 CI: 1.24–2.25], preterm birth [OR: 1.70 CI: 1.12–2.59], previous low birth weight <2500 g [OR: 1.70 CI: 1.15–2.50], cervical surgery [OR: 4.33 CI: 2.58–7.27]). By contrast, obesity (OR: 0.64 CI: 0.51–0.82), living with a partner (OR: 0.76 CI: 0.61–0.95) and previous pregnancy (OR: 0.46 CI: 0.37–0.57) decreased the risk of short cervix.

Conclusions

The CL distribution showed a relatively low percentage of cervix ≤25 mm. There may be populational differences in the CL distribution and this as well as the risk factors for short CL need to be considered when adopting a screening strategy for short cervix.
Prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children 1–9 years old at Arsi Negele Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Jemal , Kassim Jeylan , Ahmed Muluneh , Gebeyehu Negeso
Published: October 2022

Background

Trachoma is a public health issue in more than 50 nations worldwide, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where hundreds of millions of people are considered blind. Ethiopia is projected to have 30% of the global active trachoma burden. The frequency of Trachoma Folliculitis in children aged 1 to 9 years old is 30% in the Oromia Region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of active trachoma and associated variables among children aged 1 to 9 years old in Arsi Negele Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southern Ethiopia, December 24–26, 2019.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Arsi Negele town community on December 24–26, 2019. A total of 178 study volunteers were recruited using a single population proportion formula and assigned to families in the town’s three kebeles in proportion. A simple random selection procedure was used to choose study participants from the identified households. Madda Walabu University provided ethical approval, and different government structures provided letters of permission. Pre-tested structured questionnaires and binocular loupes X 2.5 were used to collect data from either mothers or fathers of eligible children for eye examination; torches with bottles of alcohol were used to gather data from either mothers or fathers of eligible children for eye examination. For analysis, data was entered into (IBM, SPSS) version 22. To assess factors associated with active trachoma, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used. The crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate the degree of association between the independent variables and active trachoma. Multivariate logistic regression was used to find connections between dependent and independent variables with a p≤ 0.05 confidence levels and a 95% confidence interval.

Result

The prevalence of active trachoma was determined to be 21.91% TF among 178 children aged 1 to 9 years. Flies on children’s faces (AOR = 3.427; 95 percent CI: 1.432–8.171), unclean children’s faces (AOR = 3.99; 95 percent CI: 1.427–11.158), face washing habits (AOR = 3.064; 95 percent CI: 1.273–7.373), and not using soap while face washing (AOR = 4.564; 95 percent CI 1.561–13.342) were found to be statistically significant associated factors with the prevalence of active trachoma.

Conclusion

The prevalence of active trachoma was found to be relatively high. Face washing practices and the lack of soap use while washing faces were found as associated factors requiring optimal interventions to prevent trachoma infection among children aged 1–9 years in Arsi Negele town.
Study protocol for a non-randomised controlled trial: Community-based occupational therapy intervention on mental health for people with acquired brain injury (COT-MHABI)
Authors: Raya-Ruiz Marco Antonio , Rodríguez-Bailón María , Castaño-Monsalve Beatriz , Vidaña-Moya Laura , Fernández-Solano Ana Judit , Merchán-Baeza José Antonio
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The sequelae of moderate-severe acquired brain injury (ABI) encompass motor, cognitive, sensory, emotional and behavioural areas that affect meaningful occupational participation and quality of life, with a high prevalence of associated mental disorders. When the patient returns to community life after discharge from the hospital, specialised care is generally insufficient due to the lack of consideration of the dual condition of mental disorder and ABI. Since there is a negative impact on competence and thus on occupational participation, occupational therapy represents a convenient way of intervention. On these assumptions, a community-based occupational therapy protocol on mental health for people with moderate/severe acquired brain injury (COT-MHABI) is presented. It is focused on meaningful occupational participation and looks for improvement in the quality of life.

Methods and analysis

This study aims: (i) to design a protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of a community occupational therapy intervention based on MOHO for patients with a dual (mental health/ABI) for improving quality of life and self-perceived occupational performance; (ii) to analyse the outcomes of occupational and social variables (occupational balance, participation level, satisfaction with occupation and performed roles and community integration) after the COT-MHABI process; (iii) to analyse the impact of quality of life on satisfaction with occupations performed by this population. A non-randomised controlled clinical trial will be performed. Patients assigned to the experimental group will receive over one year of on-site and telematic occupational therapy sessions, 16 sessions on average. Variables such as quality of life, community integration or satisfaction with occupational performance will be collected at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

Discussion

The needs for the dual mental/ABI population in their reintegration into the community are related to the associated deficits and to the absence of specialised services for the complexity of this patient profile. Few studies consider the coexistence of mental health and ABI issues. The COT-MHABI protocol is proposed to provide continuity to the community needs of this population, conceptualised from occupational participation, person-centred and focused on meaningful activities.

Clinical trial registration

Trial identifier and registry nameClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT04586842https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04586842?term=252136&draw=2&rank=1; Pre-results; Community-based Occupational Therapy Intervention on Mental Health for People With Acquired Brain Injury (COT-MHABI).
The sexuality of couples formed during the pandemic: An exploratory study
Authors: Filisetti Sara , Tortora Carla , Paruta Cristina , Piazza Federica Ida , Panzeri Marta
Published: October 2022

Covid-19 has been affecting people’s lives on a social, economic, emotional, and sexual level. This study aims to investigate any change in how couples formed during the pandemic got to know the partner and experienced sexuality, including factors that could have influenced those changes in comparison with a pre-pandemic period. Particularly, focus groups (N = 26 women) were conducted and an online questionnaire (N = 120; 41 men and 79 women) was administered. Given the exploratory qualitative nature of the present research, no specific hypothesis was tested. Most of the sample reported an increase in sexual desire, sexual frequency, and quality of intercourse, perceiving an early development of intimacy. The results highlight the lack of stress and fear of contagion. The intense state of euphoria, typical of the initial phase of the relationship, has perhaps allowed the couples to overcome the obstacles due to the restrictions. This study underlines the role of being in love in the survival of the species, as it allows for the creation of steady relationships even in moments of danger.
Designing appropriate, acceptable and feasible community-engagement approaches to improve routine immunisation outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: A synthesis of 3ie-supported formative evaluations
Authors: Tripathi Stuti , Jain Monica , Bagai Avantika , Rao Kirthi V.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

As global child vaccination coverage has plateaued, understanding how to increase routine child vaccination rates further is key to avoiding preventable disease and death. To analyse how community engagement strategies can increase child vaccination, we synthesise the results from formative evaluations of interventions that aimed to increase vaccination coverage in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Pakistan

Methods

This paper uses an inductive qualitative approach to synthesise the results from the six evaluations, gathering lessons for designing context appropriate interventions that are feasible to implement and acceptable to providers, communities, and caregivers.

Results

Assessing contextual, caregiver-level and provider-level barriers to vaccination is key to identifying appropriate engagement strategies. Across all contexts, low knowledge about the schedule of vaccines and the importance of timeliness represented a barrier to child immunisation. Despite the variability in how studies measured and reported caregiver attitudes, vaccine hesitancy was not found to represent an important barrier to immunisation. Frontline health workers played a critical role in community engagement approaches to increase vaccination. Interventions successfully obtained community buy-in by centre-staging community members, especially leaders, ensuring their participation in monitoring, and making immunisation an agenda item on community platforms. Interventions were implemented through existing health systems with substantial assistance from research teams. Limited data was available about intervention costs.

Conclusions

Interventions designed around community engagement strategies can be appropriate, acceptable, and feasible approaches to overcome barriers to vaccination in a variety of low- and middle-income country contexts. However, questions remain about the ability of health systems to implement interventions at scale, both from a cost perspective and a capacity perspective.
Neutrophil count multiplied by D-dimer combined with pneumonia may better predict short-term outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Xing Yinting , Yang Wei , Jin Yingyu , Liu Yanhong
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of neutrophil, D-dimer and diseases associated with stroke for short-term outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

By collecting the subitems of laboratory data especially routine blood and coagulation test in AIS patients, and recording their clinical status, the correlation, regression and predictive value of each subitem with the short-term outcomes of AIS were analyzed. The predict model was constructed.

Results

The neutrophil count multiplied by D-dimer (NDM) had the best predictive value among the subitems, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve reached 0.804. When clinical information was not considered, the Youden index of NDM was calculated to be 0.48, corresponding to an NDM value of 7.78, a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.79, specificity of 0.69, negative predictive value of 96%. NDM were divided into 5 quintiles, the five grade of NDM (quintile) were < = 1.82, 1.83–2.41, 2.42–3.27, 3.28–4.49, 4.95+, respectively. The multivariate regression analysis was conducted between NDM (quintile), Babinski+, pneumonia, cardiac disease and poor outcomes of AIS. Compared with the first grade of NDM (quintile), the second grade of NDM (quintile) was not significant, but the third grade of NDM (quintile) showed 7.061 times, the fourth grade of NDM (quintile) showed 11.776 times, the fifth grade of NDM (quintile) showed 23.394 times in short-term poor outcomes occurrence. Babinski sign + showed 1.512 times, pneumonia showed 2.995 times, cardiac disease showed 1.936 times in short-term poor outcomes occurrence compared with those negative patients.

Conclusions

NDM combined with pneumonia may better predict short-term outcomes in patients with AIS. Early prevention, regular examination and timely intervention should be emphasized for patients, which may reduce the risk of short-term poor outcomes.
Drought and temporary migration in rural India: A comparative study across different socio-economic groups with a cross-sectional nationally representative dataset
Authors: Sarkar Badsha , Dutta Swarup , Singh Prashant Kumar
Published: October 2022

Vast stretches of India comes under meteorological drought this year or the other. A huge population base in rural India are rendered highly vulnerable to this drought because of their primary dependency on agriculture and in turn they may respond through temporary migration out of the drought affected rural areas in search of alternative livelihoods. This study aims to investigate the association between drought and temporary migration in rural India by fitting binary logistic regression models on a cross-sectional dataset involving both National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) 64thround data and India Meteorological Department (IMD) rainfall data. The paper also examines whether this association varies across the different socio-economic groups. Out of the total temporary migrants generated in rural India in the study period, 99.46% migrated internally and 67.12% were rural to urban migrants. The study finds that there is a positive association between drought instances and probability of a household to have at least one temporary migrant member in rural India (OR 1.64 with p<0.001) while controlling all other covariates. The study also concludes that the probability of temporary migration on account of drought is more severe among the socio-economically marginalised sections of the rural population compared to their better-off counterparts.
Numerical simulation of the effect of internal hole defect size on the mechanical properties of limestone
Authors: Liu Handong , Liu Shuai , Zhao Yawen , Wang Jialiang , Zheng Chao , Xia Zhiguo , Zheng Guang
Published: October 2022

To better understand the effect of the size of hole defects on the mechanical properties of a rock mass, the two-dimensional particle flow discrete element code (PFC2D) is applied to establish rock mass models with single circular hole defects of different diameters. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests are conducted on each model by only taking the defect size (area) as a variable. This study analyzes each model’s stress-strain, contact force chain, crack evolution, meso-damage and failure, and mechanical properties. The results showed that with the size enlargement of the circular hole defects, each model’s UCS and elastic modulus gradually decrease, and the defect size is negatively correlated with the mechanical strength of the rock samples. The size of the hole defects affects the entire process of contact force chain and crack evolution. The larger the aperture dimension of the circular hole defects in each model, the greater the concentration degree of the contact force chain, the earlier the crack initiation, and the higher the degree of crack coalescence in the post-peak stage. The number of cracks decreases as the hole size increases, and the model is more prone to failure. Rock models’ strength and failure characteristics with different numbers and arrangements of hole defects are discussed under the same defect area condition.
A preliminary, prospective study of peripheral neuropathy and cognitive function in patients with breast cancer during taxane therapy
Authors: Ibrahim Eiman Y. , Munshani Saira , Domenicano Ilaria , Rodwin Rozalyn , Nowak Richard J. , Pusztai Lajos , Lustberg Maryam , Ehrlich Barbara E.
Published: October 2022

Dramatic improvements in cancer survival have occurred in the last decade, but the quality of life for many survivors is compromised due to severe, long-lasting, and often irreversible side effects of chemotherapy. The neurological side effects, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and cancer related/induced cognitive impairment (CRCI/CICI), are under-recognized and can occur after chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation. The cellular mechanisms underlying these neurological side effects are poorly understood and there are no effective treatments or preventions, other than reduction or termination of cancer therapy. In our preliminary prospective, non-interventional study to examine the side effects of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer (NCT03872141), patients with breast cancer who received standard of care single agent weekly taxane-based chemotherapy were assessed at baseline, midpoint, and end of treatment for neurological and cognitive changes and for blood levels of potential protein biomarkers (n = 13). CIPN and CRCI both showed an increase in severity with accumulating taxane and these changes were compared to protein alternations over the course of treatment. Using peripheral blood collected from patients (n = 10) during chemotherapy and tested with an antibody array curated by the MD Anderson RPPA Core), we found that 19 proteins were increased, and 12 proteins decreased over 12 weeks of treatment. Among those downregulate were proteins known to be critical for neuronal viability and function including GRB2 (growth factor receptor-bound protein 2) and NCS1 (neuronal calcium sensor 1). Concurrently, proteins associated with apoptosis, including BAK1 (Bcl-1 homologous antagonist/killer), were upregulated. These results support the proposal that CIPN and CRCI increase with increasing taxane exposure, and identified several proteins that are altered with taxane exposure that could be implicated in their pathogenesis. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for progressive neurological changes and the rationale to investigate the molecular basis for these changes with the goal of target identification for mitigation of these neurological side effects.
Elevated lactate dehydrogenase predicts poor prognosis of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Jin Xia-Xia , Fang Mei-Dan , Hu Ling-Ling , Yuan Yuan , Xu Jiu-Fei , Lu Guo-Guang , Li Tao
Published: October 2022

Background

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is associated with the prognosis of many diseases, but the relationship between LDH and the poor prognosis (recurrence and death) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not been fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate the association between admission LDH level and poor prognosis in patients with AIS.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled AIS patients treated in Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province from July 2019 to December 2019. Poor prognosis included AIS recurrence and all-cause death at 3, 6, and 18 months. The correction between LDH and poor prognosis or all-cause death was assessed. Lasso Cox expression and multivariate Cox expression analyses were used to evaluate the association of LDH with the risk of poor prognosis and all-cause death, respectively. A nomogram was constructed to evaluate the predictive Values of LDH for the poor prognosis and all-cause death of AIS.

Results

732 patients were included in the study. Multivariate analysis shows that admission LDH levels were significantly correlated with poor prognosis [odds ratio (OR),1.003; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.001–1.005; P = 0.001] and all-cause death (OR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.000–1.009; P = 0.031). The correlation analysis showed that admission LDH level was positively correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (td-ROC) curves analysis showed that the AUC values of admission LDH level for predicting prognosis of AIS patients in 3-month, 6-month, 12-month and 18-month were 0.706 (95% CI, 0.604–0.810), 0.653 (95% CI, 0.583–0.723), 0.616 (95% CI, 0.556–60676) and 0.610 (95% CI, 0.552–0.680), respectively. And td-ROC also showed that the AUC values of admission LDH level for predicting all-cause death of AIS patients in 3-month, 6-month,12-month and 18-month were 0.861 (95% CI, 0.764–0.958), 0.824 (95% CI, 0.753–0.890), 0.726 (95% CI, 0.633–0.819) and 0.715 (95% CI, 0.622–0.807), respectively. The nomograms were constructed to create the predictive models of the poor prognosis and all-cause death of AIS.

Conclusion

Higher LDH levels are independently associated with poor prognosis and all-cause death of AIS.
Comparative immune responses after vaccination with the formulated inactivated African horse sickness vaccine serotype 1 between naïve horses and pretreated horses with the live-attenuated African horse sickness vaccine
Authors: Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Wattanaphansak Suphot , Tantilerdcharoen Rachod , Akesowan Surasak , Ouisuwan Suraseha , Naraporn Darm
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim: African horse sickness (AHS) is a non-contagious, high mortality, and insect-borne disease caused by a double-stranded RNA virus from the genus Orbivirus. The study aimed to develop inactivated vaccines serotype 1 inactivated AHS vaccine (IAV) and to compare the effect of IAV on antibody responses in young naïve horses and adult horses pre-immunized with live-attenuated AHS virus (AHSV) serotypes 1, 3, and 4 live-attenuated vaccine (LAV).

Materials and Methods: A total of 27 horses were vaccinated in two trials. Twelve AHS naïve young horses and 15 adult horses were divided into three groups of 4 and 5 horses each, respectively. Horses in control Group 1 were treated with phosphate-buffered saline. Horses in Group 2 were subcutaneously vaccinated with 2 mL of formulated IAV with 10% Gel 01™ (Seppic, France) on day 0 and horses in Group 3 were subcutaneously vaccinated with 2 mL of IAV on day 0 and a booster on day 28. The IAV vaccine was prepared by isolating the AHSV serotype 1 growing on Vero cells, 10× virus titer was concentrated by ultrafiltration and chemically killed by formalin, using 10% Gel 01™ as an adjuvant. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples were taken for hematology, blood biochemistry, and antibody titers using an immunoperoxidase monolayer assay on 158th day post-vaccination.

Results: Vaccination with IAV serotype 1 in adult horses pretreated with LAV increased antibody titers more than in young naïve vaccinated horses. The total leukocyte count and %neutrophils significantly increased, while %lymphocytes and %eosinophils significantly decreased on day 1 after vaccination; no local reactions were observed at the site of injection in any group. All biochemical and electrolyte analyte values were within the normal range after vaccination.

Conclusion: The formulation of IAV serotype 1 using Gel 01™ as an adjuvant is safe and induces high antibody titers. This IAV formulation induced a high antibody response in horses without causing local reactions and mild systemic effects. However, AHS naïve horses still required ≥2 vaccinations and an annual booster vaccination to achieve high antibody titers.
Reflections on entrepreneurial ecosystems, citizen collectives and basic income
Authors: Gimenez Fernando Antonio Prado
Published: October 2022

Objective: To propose entrepreneurial ecosystems could evolve into citizen collectives that, besides creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurial activities, would also be capable of providing a basic income for every citizen in its context. Methodology/design: The text is an essay based on extant literature about entrepreneurial ecosystems, universal basic income, and citizen collectives. Main results: I argue that entrepreneurial ecosystems may be seen as citizen collectives. As such, based on the leadership of a region’s entrepreneurial community, they can foster society’s sustainable development. I propose that basic income initiatives should be included as an expected output of a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. Theorethical/Methodological contributions: I propose that this view of entrepreneurial ecosystem is relevant for a better understanding of the dynamics of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems and their creation of value for society. Relevance/originality: This is a gap in the literature, since no previous papers have approached entrepreneurial ecosystems under this theoretical lens. Entrepreneurial ecosystems, in the form modern citizen collectives, can be an alternative to and complement government and market actions. Social/management contributions: Entrepreneurial ecosystems, as collective of entrepreneurs, would enhance the survival of enterprises and, at the same time, help build a more inclusive society. From the expected positive benefits of basic income initiative could emerge better prepared potential entrepreneurs focused on innovative entrepreneurship, and an increase in the number of traditional small-firms and self-employed people whose entrepreneurial initiatives would emerge from a safer financial situation that allows riskier behavior.
Computer Simulation of Electron Transfer between the Cytochrome Active Center and Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species
Authors: Popova E.A. , Ryabykh A.V. , Maslova O.A. , Beznosyuk S.A.
Published: October 2022

In this work, computer simulation at the level of density functional theory is carried out using the PBE functional and bases of the def2- group. The characteristics of the electron transfer reaction according to the Marcus theory from the bioradicals O2-, NO, and NO- to the active center of cytochrome c are calculated. The values of the activation energy ΔG≠, the overlapping matrix element of the donor and acceptor HDA molecular orbitals, the frequency transfer factor ket , and the second-order transfer rate constant k are obtained. The numerical values of k for three radicals make it possible to draw a conclusion about the efficiency of their neutralization by interaction with the active center of the enzyme. For instance, for superoxide ion O2- k=6.32·105 М-1-с-1 at a distance of 5.02 Å, for nitrogen monoxide NO k=6.96·106 М-1-с-1 at a distance of 5.60 Å and oxoazanide ion NO- k=4.45·101 М-1-с-1 at distances of 5.60 Å and 4.45 Å. The transfer distances are obtained from the potential energy curves when the radical approaches the iron ion. The obtained values allow us to conclude that the iron ion in the heme protein environment is the most effective in deactivating the superoxide ion and nitrogen monoxide.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Brass L63 after Friction Mixing Treatment
Authors: Sudarikov A.V. , Chumaevskii A.V. , Cheremnov A.M. , Zykova A.P. , Kolubaev E.A.
Published: October 2022

The processing of materials by the friction mixing method is one of the advanced technologies for hardening and modifying the surface of metals and alloys in modern mechanical engineering. This technology has been widely used in the processing of aluminum, titanium and, in particular, copper alloys. Recent studies in the field of frictional mixing processing (FMA) of zinc-based copper alloys show that, depending on the technological parameters (speed of rotation and movement of the tool, load) and processing modes, a change in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the material is observed. However, the effect of a multipass FPO on the L63 brass alloy has not actually been studied. Therefore, in this work, we studied the effect of a four-pass FPO on the structure and mechanical properties of the L63 copper alloy. According to the analysis, it was revealed that the microstructure in the mixing zone is a region of equiaxed recrystallized grains with an average grain size of about 1.5-2 μm. Due to severe plastic deformations, a fine-grained structure is formed in the material, which causes the increase of microhardness in the mixing zone. The tensile strength of the material after one pass by the tool increases from 314 to 487 MPa, and after the fourth pass up to 497 MPa, no softening of the metal occurs. No visible defects were found in the cross-section of the material due to the optimally selected processing modes.
Structural-Phenomenological Rheological Model for Engineering Calculations of Polymeric Media Flows
Authors: Laas A.A. , Rudakov G.O. , Pyshnograi G.V. , Koshelev K.B.
Published: October 2022

Studying the behavior of flows of solutions and polymer melts in the field of nonlinear viscoelasticity allows describing the rheological properties in more details and more accurately assess the adequacy of rheological models. A new structural-phenomenological model is proposed to describe the rheological behavior of melts of branched polymers. This model can be recommended for engineering calculations of flows of polymeric media. The model is obtained from the modified Vinogradov-Pokrovsky model which is based on the microstructur-al approach and describes the dynamics of a polymer fluid. Stationary viscometric functions for simple shear and uniaxial tension, as well as stationary shear viscosity, the first-difference coefficient of normal stresses, stationary viscosity at uniaxial tension, are calculated using the obtained model. Also, the influence of model parameters on the form of the functions has been studied. It is shown that the model describes with good accuracy the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of flowing polymer systems: an anomaly in viscosity, a drop in the coefficient of the first difference of normal stresses, and a nonmonotonic nature of the dependence of the steady-state elongation viscosity on the tensile rate. The viscometric functions data are compared with the experimental data for an industrial polyethylene melt sample.
Production of clonal seedlings of black pepper cv. Bragantina under doses of controlled-release fertilizer
Authors: Alexandre Rodrigo Sobreira , Dutra Giles João Antônio , Siqueira André Lucas , Paraguassú Rodrigues Joice , Palacio Araujo Caroline , Mello Tamyris , Lins Monteiro Rosa Thuanny , Lopes José Carlos
Published: October 2022

Commercial substrates and their fertilization are essential for the morphophysiological, nutritional, and sanitary quality of seedlings. In this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of clonal seedlings of the black pepper cultivar Bragantina under doses of controlled-release fertilizers (CLF) in a commercial substrate. The treatments were constituted by five doses of the CLF Osmocote® 19-06-10 Mini Prill (3-4 months) (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kg m-3), with four replications of 16 cuttings. The CLF Osmocote®, especially in doses close to 4.16 kg m-3, showed to be promising for the production of clonal seedlings of the black pepper cultivar Bragantina.
Development and Evaluation of a Thimble-Like Head Bolus Shield for Hemi-Body Electron Beam Irradiation Technique
Authors: Shin Wook-Geun , Lee Sung Young , Jin Hyeongmin , Kim Jeongho , Kang Seonghee , Kim Jung-in , Jung Seongmoon
Published: October 2022

Background: The hemi-body electron beam irradiation (HBIe–) technique has been proposed for the treatment of mycosis fungoides. It spares healthy skin using an electron shield. However, shielding electrons is complicated owing to electron scattering effects. In this study, we developed a thimble-like head bolus shield that surrounds the patient’s entire head to prevent irradiation of the head during HBIe–.Materials and Methods: The feasibility of a thimble-like head bolus shield was evaluated using a simplified Geant4 Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Subsequently, the head bolus was manufactured using a three-dimensional (3D) printed mold and Ecoflex 00-30 silicone. The fabricated head bolus was experimentally validated by measuring the dose to the Rando phantom using a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) detector with clinical configuration of HBIe–.Results and Discussion: The thimble-like head bolus reduced the electron fluence by 2% compared with that without a shield in the MC simulations. In addition, an improvement in fluence degradation outside the head shield was observed. In the experimental validation using the inhouse- developed bolus shield, this head bolus reduced the electron dose to approximately 2.5% of the prescribed dose.Conclusion: A thimble-like head bolus shield for the HBIe– technique was developed and validated in this study. This bolus effectively spares healthy skin without underdosage in the region of the target skin in HBIe–.
Biomassa dan Stok Karbon pada Ekosistem Padang Lamun di Pulau Pamegaran, Taman Nasional Kepulauan Seribu
Authors: Santoso Safira Nurlita , Adharini Ratih Ida
Published: October 2022

Seagrass is one of the important ecosystems in coastal areas. This study aims to determine the biomass and carbon stock in the seagrass ecosystems of the Pamegaran Island, Seribu Islands National Park, Jakarta. Data collection was conducted on December 2021 to January 2022 is done by using SeagrassWatch method and carbon data sampling results were analyzed by Kurmies method / SNI 13-4720-1998 method. Cymodocea rotundata has the highest biomass value, while Halodule uninervis has the lowest biomass value. The seagrass biomass value at the bottom of the substrate was higher than the top of the substrate in all the species found was because the rhizome contained carbohydrates and nutrients produced in the photosynthesis process and stored at the bottom of the substrate. The total value of seagrass carbon stock in the entire area is 1,932,151.36 ± 265,280.90 g C or 1.932 ± 2.652 t C with an area of 3.63 ha of seagrass beds. Thalassia hemprichii has the highest carbon stock value, while Halodule uninervis species has the lowest biomass value. The carbon stock value of the bottom of the substrate was higher than that of the top of the substrate in all species found.   Lamun adalah salah satu ekosistem penting yang ada di daerah pesisir. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui biomassa dan stok karbon pada ekosistem padang lamun di Pulau Pamegaran, Taman Nasional Kepulauan Seribu, Jakarta. Pengambilan data dilakukan pada bulan Desember 2021 hingga Januari 2022 menggunakan metode SeagrassWatch dan analisis data karbon menggunakan metode Kurmies / metode SNI 13-4720-1998. Cymodocea rotundata memiliki nilai biomassa yang tertinggi, sedangkan Halodule uninervis memiliki nilai biomassa terendah. Nilai biomassa lamun bagian bawah substrat lebih tinggi dari bagian atas substrat pada semua spesies yang ditemukan hal ini karena rhizome mengandung karbohidrat serta zat hara yang dihasilkan pada proses fotosintesis dan tersimpan pada bagian bawah substrat. Nilai total stok karbon lamun pada keseluruhan luas wilayah sebesar 1.932.151,36 ± 265.280,90 g C atau 1,932 ± 2,652 t C dengan luas wilayah padang lamun sebesar 3,63 Ha. Thalassia hemprichii memiliki nilai stok karbon tertinggi, sedangkan Halodule uninervis memiliki nilai biomassa terendah. Nilai stok karbon bagian bawah substrat lebih tinggi dari bagian atas substrat pada semua spesies yang ditemukan.