bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbidity drives plasticity in the eyes and brains of an African cichlid
Authors: Tiarks J. H. , Gray Suzanne M. , Chapman Lauren J.
Published: February 2024

Natural variation in environmental turbidity correlates with variation in the visual sensory system of many fishes, suggesting that turbidity may act as a strong selective agent on visual systems. Since many aquatic systems experience increased turbidity due to anthropogenic perturbations, it is important to understand the degree to which fish can respond to rapid shifts in their visual environment, and whether such responses can occur within the lifetime of an individual. We examined whether developmental exposure to turbidity (clear, <5 NTU; turbid, ∼9 NTU) influenced the size of morphological structures associated with vision in the African blue-lip cichlid Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor. Parental fish were collected from two sites (clear swamp, turbid river) in western Uganda. F1 broods from each population were split and reared under clear and turbid rearing treatments until maturity. We measured morphological traits associated with the visual sensory system (eye diameter, pupil diameter, axial length, brain mass, optic tectum volume) over the course of development. Age was significant in explaining variation in visual traits even when standardized for body size, suggesting an ontogenetic shift in the relative size of eyes and brains. When age groups were analyzed separately, young fish reared in turbid water grew larger eyes than fish reared in clear conditions. Population was important in the older age category, with swamp-origin fish having relatively larger eyes and optic lobes relative to river-origin fish. Plastic responses during development may be important for coping with a more variable visual environment associated with anthropogenically induced turbidity.
Μεταβολική χειρουργική σε ασθενείς με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου ΙΙ και νοσογόνο παχυσαρκία (BMI ≥40kg/m2)
Authors: Κεχαγιάς Δημήτριος
Published: February 2024

Εισαγωγή: Στην μεταβολική χειρουργική, ο γλυκαιμικός έλεγχος επιτυγχάνεται σε δύο στάδια, πρώϊμα μέσω νευροενδοκρινών μηχανισμών και μακροπρόθεσμα με την επιτυχή διατήρηση απώλειας βάρους. Η εκτομή του γαστρικού θόλου, ως η κύρια θέση παραγωγής της γκρελίνης, σχετίζεται πιθανά με βελτιστοποίηση της γλυκορύθμισης. Σκοπός της μελέτης είναι η ανάδειξη ενισχυμένης αντιδιαβητικής δράσης μέσω προσθήκης εκτομής του γαστρικού θόλου στην γαστρική παράκαμψη κατά Roux-en-Y (LRYGBP), καθώς και η μελέτη των επιπέδων των γαστρεντερικών ορμονών. Υλικά και Μέθοδος: Συνολικά συμμετείχαν 24 ασθενείς, ηλικίας 18-60 ετών, με ΒΜΙ ≥40kg/m2 και σακχαρώδη διαβήτη ΙΙ (T2DM), οι οποίοι τυχαιοποιημένα υποβλήθηκαν σε LRYGBP και LRYGBP με εκτομή γαστρικού θόλου (LRYGBP+FR). Οι ορμόνες του γαστρεντερικού (γκρελίνη, GLP-1, PYY) και γλυκαιμικοί παράμετροι (γλυκόζη, ινσουλίνη, HbA1c, c-πεπτίδιο, ινσουλινογόνος δείκτης, HOMA-IR) μετρήθηκαν προεγχειρητικά, στους 6 και στους 12 μήνες κατά την διάρκεια δοκιμασίας ανοχής γλυκόζης (OGTT). Αποτελέσματα: Παρατηρήθηκε πλήρης ύφεση του ΣΔ ΙΙ (95%) στους 12 μήνες. Η ομάδα LRYGBP+FR δεν σημείωσε καλύτερο γλυκαιμικό έλεγχο, συγκριτικά με την ομάδα LRYGBP. Τα επίπεδα γκρελίνης μειώθηκαν μετεγχειρητικά στην ομάδα LRYGBP+FR στους 6 και 12 μήνες, αλλά όχι στατιστικά σημαντικά. Τα επίπεδα GLP-1 και PYY αυξήθηκαν σημαντικά μεταγευματικά και στις δύο ομάδες στους 6 και 12 μήνες μετεγχειρητικά (p<0.01). Η ομάδα LRYGBP+FR εμφάνισε χαμηλότερο BMI στους 12 μήνες συγκριτικά με την LRYGBP (p<0.05). Συμπεράσματα: Η απώλεια βάρους και η μεταγευματική αυξημένη έκκριση GLP-1, PYY οδήγησαν σε καλύτερο γλυκαιμικό έλεγχο. Η προσθήκη της εκτομής γαστρικού θόλου αν και δεν οδήγησε σε βελτιωμένη γλυκορύθμιση, σημείωσε μεγαλύτερη απώλεια βάρους στον χρόνο, το οποίο θα επιβεβαιωθεί με μεγαλύτερο follow-up και καλά σχεδιασμένες μελέτες.
Jewish Autobiographical Writing. Memoirs of Moses Vasertsug (c. 1760–1832)
Authors: Michałowska-Mycielska Anna
Published: February 2024

The article discusses the memoirs of Moses Vasertsug (c. 1760–1832) – an extremely interesting historical source, brilliantly demonstrating processes and phenomena in Jewish society at the turn of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Vasertsug received a traditional religious education and performed related functions in Jewish communities, first in Pomerania (Karlino, Gryfino), and later in Greater Poland (Kórnik) and Mazovia (Płock). He continued to do so in the post-partition period, but the functions he performed took on a new, quasi-official character. The memoirs show the transformation of the previous occupations performed by the Jews, as well as the new opportunities for settlement and economic activity that opened up for them during the post-partition period. The memoirs also show that Jewish autobiographical writing is not necessarily the result of acculturation and departure from Jewish tradition.
Diagnostic possibilities in peritonsillar abscess and the significance of transcutaneous ultrasound - Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Krasuska Martyna , Nowak Karolina , Olejarz Zuzanna , Drygała Zuzanna , Wyrwał Julia , Zielińska Zuzanna , Słowik Magdalena , Nowak Karolina , Nieć Maria , Gierlach Katarzyna
Published: February 2024

Introduction and purpose:

A peritonsillar abscess is one of the most common complications of tonsillitis, especially among adolescents and young adults. Its diagnosis can pose a challenge, and overlooking it may pose a life-threatening risk. Various diagnostic methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

The aim of this publication is to compare and identify the best diagnostic approach currently described in the literature, contributing to improved clinical decision-making and patient outcomes with particular attention to the significance of transcutaneous ultrasound as a diagnostic method.

A brief description of state of knowledge:Beyond clinical symptoms imaging options include transcutaneous and oral ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound has been gaining importance in the diagnosis of PTA for an extended period due to its easy accessibility, cost-effectiveness, non-invasiveness and a relatively high anticipated specificity and sensitivity.Simultaneously, the use of CT as a tool in primary diagnosis is being called into question and new proposals for the use of MRI are emerging.

Summary:

Currently, the use of both intraoral and transcutaneous ultrasound represents the optimal first-line solution in diagnosing peritonsillar abscess. In cases of uncertainty, a more specific diagnostic tool would be MRI, although for various reasons, CT is more commonly chosen.
La comunicación de emergencias a través de Twitter: nivel de actividad, funciones comunicativas e interacciones de las instituciones y portavoces implicados en los incendios de Sierra Bermeja, Málaga.
Authors: Díaz Cerveró Elba , Calleja Reina María Antonia , Sánchez Calero María Luisa
Published: February 2024

Este artículo analiza la gestión de la comunicación que instituciones y portavoces realizaron en Twitter de los incendios de Sierra Bermeja, Málaga, provocados en septiembre de 2021. Los objetivos son: analizar la cantidad de mensajes, su finalidad comunicativa y el nivel de interacción conseguido. Para alcanzarlos, se ha realizado un análisis de contenido de 582 tuits. La principal conclusión es que las instituciones aprovecharon sus mensajes con una finalidad autopropagandística.
Paediatric supracondylar fractures: assessment and management
Authors: Dalrymple James , Ahluwalia Aashish , Prinja Aditya
Published: February 2024

Supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus are the most common fracture around the elbow in children. A thorough initial assessment must be conducted to identify any associated neurovascular injury and carefully documented. The assessment should include a vascular examination of the radial pulse, temperature, colour and capillary refill time. A neurological examination must comment on the motor and sensory function of the radial, median and ulnar nerves. X-rays allow an evaluation of the fracture location and type, and the degree of displacement. Immobilisation in plaster is the gold standard treatment for paediatric supracondylar fracture of the humerus where the degree of displacement is within acceptable parameters. Casting should be followed by orthogonal radiographs and a repeat neurovascular assessment of the limb. Oral analgesia and safety netting information should be provided on discharge, and the child reviewed in a fracture clinic within 1 week of the injury. The British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics for supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children are useful for junior orthopaedic and emergency medicine clinicians to refer to when dealing with these injuries.
The therapeutic effect of concentrated growth factor gel on skin wounds with bone or tendon exposure
Authors: Chen Binxiong , Ke Changneng , Zou Songyun , Liu Yang , Chen Dengshan , Liu Yueming , Xu Shi
Published: February 2024

Treatment of soft tissue wounds with bone or tendon exposure remains a tough clinical challenge for surgeons. The current clinical approaches include various types of flap reconstruction and artificial dermis grafting as well as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), which are time-consuming and often result in graft failure or significant scarring. Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is a novel blood extract that contains many growth factors, platelets and fibrin to promote an orderly healing process. However, few reports have focused on wounds with bone or tendon exposure. We present a limited series and two specific cases of skin wound with bone or tendon exposed that received surgical debridement followed by CGF treatment. CGF appeared to facilitate wound closure effectively and also reduced scar formation. Our findings provide a novel therapeutic option for refractory wounds with bone or tendon exposure.
Guiding Principles for the Use of Feedback in Educational and Psychosocial Interventions
Authors: Shuster Coral L. , Walls Theodore A. , Stein L.A.R.
Published: February 2024

Psychosocial and educational intervention approaches employ diverse treatment frameworks, most of which involve delivering some form of feedback to participants about their behavior. General conceptions of feedback are well-known to underlie mainstream therapeutic and educational approaches. Recently emerging ‘smart’ approaches also rely on feedback principles. However, little scholarship is available to stitch together evolving strands of feedback principles and no literature characterizes explicitly the diverse landscape of feedback practices employed in education or intervention science. This paper reviews intrinsic conceptions of feedback along with diverse cases of its use in intervention and education. Based on our consideration, we present a typology of feedback modalities that we hope will enrich the efforts of interventionists and educators to design treatment and educational frameworks incorporating feedback.
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of a Scale for Emotional Regulation in Academic Activities
Authors: Cardenas-Rodriguez Magaly , Mendez-Hinojosa Luz Marina , Castillo-de-Leon Monica Azucena , Esquivel-Cruz Jesus Enrique , Ortiz-Paez Cesar Alejandro
Published: February 2024

This study arises from the need to scientifically investigate how university students deal with their emotions in school situations. Therefore, the objective was to develop an instrument that measured university students' level of emotional regulation during academic activities and evaluate its validity and reliability. After a thorough literature review of the definitions of the constructs, the Emotional Regulation Scale in Academic Activities (ERAAS) was developed. The first version of ERAAS consisted of 18 Likert-type items. A total of 1975 university students in various departments responded to the instrument. Two groups of experts evaluated its content validity. Validity and reliability analysis was performed. According to the EFA, three factors were found: emotional regulation, psychologic inadequate emotional regulation, and physiological insufficient emotional regulation. The final version of the scale consisted of 11 items, the validity and reliability of which could be demonstrated for further research purposes.
Institutional and Teaching Practices for Student Retention: Accounts from Four High Schools of Valparaíso, Chile
Authors: Mendoza-Lira Michelle , Ballesta-Acevedo Emilio
Published: February 2024

Although central governments, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, have defined reducing school dropout rates as a priority, and drawn policies accordingly, there are still young people who do not finish secondary education, and numbers are still alarming. Therefore, it is necessary to observe educational communities and analyze how they interpret and implement guidelines issued by the central government. The following study sought to describe the institutional and teaching practices deployed by four high schools in Valparaíso (Chile) in order to achieve student retention. A qualitative approach was employed. The management team, support professionals, teachers, students, and their families were interviewed. The information gathered was analyzed using the Grounded Theory. As a main finding, establishments use practices such as monitoring attendance, providing support to students facing problematic situations, and encouraging them during class, through a series of strategies. It is recommended that researchers implement this type of methodology for other study objectives, and that the central government consider these results to provide feedback on its policies.
Logistic Regression Analysis: Predicting the Effect of Critical Thinking and Experience Active Learning Models on Academic Performance
Authors: Sawiji Hery , Permansah Sigit , Rapih Subroto , Akbarini Nur Rahmi , Rusmana Dede , Prameswara Yosep Tegar , Aminudin Muhammad Irfan
Published: February 2024

This study aims to analyse the relationship between critical thinking and the learning experience provided by instructors through active learning models, specifically Project-based Learning (PjBL) and Simulation-based Learning (SBL), to the potential achievement of academic performance in undergraduate students. The main analysis technique employed in this research was logistic regression, with additional analysis techniques including discriminant validity, EFA, as well as Kendall’s and Spearman’s correlation, serving as a robustness check. The results of this study indicate significant correlations and effects of critical thinking (CT) on academic performance. Higher levels of CT are associated with a greater likelihood of achieving academic excellence, as indicated by the cum laude distinction, compared to not attaining this distinction. Experiences of receiving PjBL (0.025; 6.816) and SBL (0.014; 14.35) predicted the potential for improving academic performance to reach cum laude recognition, relative to not achieving this distinction. Furthermore, other intercept factors need to be considered to achieve cum laude compared to not achieving cum laude. We recommend that policymakers in higher education, instructors, and others focus on enhancing critical thinking and utilizing both Pub and SBL as learning models to improve students’ academic performance.
Conceptual Model for the Assessment of Academic Productivity in Research Seedbeds From a Systematic Review
Authors: Martinez-Daza Magda Alejandra , Valencia-Quecano Lira Isis , Guzmán-Rincón Alfredo
Published: February 2024

Higher education institutions have focused their efforts on promoting research seedbeds as a strategy for formative research. In this regard, the impact of such a strategy remains unknown due to the lack of models that enable its evaluation. Therefore, this study aimed to design an evaluation model for the academic productivity of research seedbeds based on the available evidence in the literature. To achieve this, a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA model, analyzing 53 documents including articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings from the SCOPUS, ProQuest, Jstor, Scielo, and ScienceDirect databases. The results identified indicators that allowed for the design of a model based on six constructs: research training, institutional capabilities, bibliographic production, innovation and development, social appropriation of knowledge, and human resource training. It was concluded that the indicators evaluating research seedbeds seek greater scientific development involving students and improving the quality of research products, which directly impacts the institutional research mission.
Revisit Attraction–Selection–Attrition Model for Teacher Retention in International Schools
Authors: Leong Sok Yee , Said Hamdan
Published: February 2024

The Attraction-Selection-Attrition (ASA) model is a prominent framework for supporting employee retention, stating that organisations attract, select, and retain people who share their values. However, the ASA model only extends to the end of the recruitment stage and lacks clarity on how to assist newcomers in the assimilation process when they first join the organisation. This research proposed a refinement of the ASA paradigm by incorporating the assimilation process of new hires into the new school culture and environment. This study employed a qualitative research approach by interviewing ten participants about the retention process from high teacher retention international schools in Malaysia. Thematic data analysis revealed a new paradigm, 'Attraction-Selection-Onboarding-Retention (ASOR), ' designed to increase teacher retention in international schools. The ASOR model could assist school administrators and human resource managers working in a related setting in properly engaging the workforce to increase teacher retention. This would benefit school sustainability, performance and the local community's economy.
Research Competence of Pre-Service Teachers: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Matjašič Miha , Vogrinc Janez
Published: February 2024

The importance of research competence in pre-service teacher education has been highlighted in many studies, but concerns over the lack and inconsistency of definition, measurement, and development of research competence still exist. This poses a challenge for pre-service education programmes to provide quality education to pre-service teachers in this area. Through a systematic literature review it was found that there is a gap in the existing literature regarding the definition of research competence in pre-service teacher education, as there seems to be no consensus on the definition. There is, however, an agreement that the development of research competence is an important part of study programmes, as it contributes to higher quality education of pre-service teachers. Addressing this, the review proposes a concise definition of research competence as a multifaceted construct that includes critical thinking, self-directed learning, and organizational skills essential for effective research. The review also highlighted a lack of consensus on the most appropriate frameworks and tools to use in measuring research competence in pre-service teachers, with studies using various frameworks and tools that differ in terms of research methods, instruments and sample characteristics. The results suggest that there is a need for greater attention to be paid to the definition and measurement of research competence, as well as its development within pre-service teacher education programmes.
Ensino de eletrostática e a deficiência visual, relato de experiência sobre a inclusão em classe regular de ensino
Authors: Dos Santos Thais Cristina , Tonezer Camila
Published: February 2024

Apresentamos um relato de experiência sobre o ensino de eletrostática realizado em uma turma de terceiro ano do ensino médio, em uma escola estadual da região oeste do Paraná, durante o estágio curricular obrigatório. Tendo por objetivo apresentar as experiências e perspectivas das pesquisadoras em relação a uma proposta de intervenção, proporcionando reflexões em alunos do Ensino Médio sobre a deficiência visual e a promoção da inclusão em sala de aula. Pressupomos que a realização de dinâmicas apresentaram aos estudantes uma melhor convivência entre os pares. A partir da realização de dinâmicas e intervenções definimos como desafio: como promover uma reflexão em alunos videntes, buscando efetivar a inclusão por meio de aulas ministradas com base nas perspectivas dos alunos? Para isso realizamos um questionário promovendo algumas reflexões nos alunos. Objetivando uma melhor interação entre os alunos dessa turma e um ensino de Física de qualidade e inclusivo, onde todos os alunos aprendem em conjunto. Os resultados obtidos e as reflexões do relato vivenciado, evidenciam a importância da colaboração dos alunos para que a inclusão seja efetivada e conquistemos a escola inclusiva, ressaltamos a necessidade de repensar algumas atitudes.
Mapping of atoms via the coherence superpositions of orbital angular momentum light
Authors: Wu Xingke , Wang Zhiping , Yu Benli
Published: February 2024

We propose a scheme to map atoms via the coherence superpositions of orbital angular momentum (OAM) light. The atoms are prepared in the four-level tripod configuration in the presence of a vortex light, which coherently superposes two Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam modes with equal but opposite OAM. Because of the spatially dependent atom-field interaction, the information about the position of the atom can be obtained via the absorption measurement of the weak probe field. It is found that the absorption behavior is significantly impacted by the detuning, control field, azimuthal number, and radial number. Most importantly, atomic mapping accuracy can be controlled by properly adjusting the detunings and control field. The coherent interaction of OAM light with atoms constitutes a platform for active mapping of atoms at specific positions in azimuthal space.
Modulation instability with high-order dispersion: fundamental limitations of pattern formation
Authors: Runge Antoine F. J. , Qiang Y. Long , Pasarelli Nicolás , de Sterke C. Martijn
Published: February 2024

We theoretically and numerically investigate modulation instability in the presence of even, high-order dispersion, focusing on general trends rather than on specific results for a particular dispersion order. We show that high-order dispersion leads to increasingly poor phase matching between the three central waves (i.e. the pump and the ±1 sidebands) and the higher sideband orders, inhibiting in effect four-wave mixing frequency generation. For sufficiently large dispersion orders, the problem in effect can reduce to a three-wave system. Our predictions are in excellent agreement with numerical simulations and show that high-order dispersion imposes a fundamental limit on modulation instability dynamics.
Chirped pulse upconversion for femtosecond mid-infrared spectroscopy at 100 kHz
Authors: Jonušas Mindaugas , Bournet Quentin , Bonvalet Adeline , Natile Michele , Guichard Florent , Zaouter Yoann , Georges Patrick , Druon Frédéric , Hanna Marc , Joffre Manuel
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate that chirped pulse up-conversion (CPU), a method routinely used with systems based on 1-kHz Titanium:Sapphire lasers, can be extended to a repetition rate of 100 kHz with an Ytterbium diode-pumped femtosecond amplifier. Individual mid-infrared spectra can thus be measured directly in the near infrared using a fast CMOS linescan camera. After an appropriate Fourier processing, a spectral resolution of 1.1 cm−1 is reported, currently limited by our spectrometer. Additionally, we demonstrate the application of CPU to a pump-probe measurement of the vibrational relaxation in carboxy-hemoglobin, and we show that the combination of fast scanning and fast acquisition enables a straightforward removal of pump scattering interference.
Graded arc beam in light needle microscopy for axially resolved, rapid volumetric imaging without nonlinear processes
Authors: Kume Daisuke , Kozawa Yuichi , Kawakami Ryosuke , Ishii Hirokazu , Watakabe Yuki , Uesugi Yuuki , Imamura Takeshi , Nemoto Tomomi , Sato Shunichi
Published: February 2024

High-speed three-dimensional (3D) imaging is essential for revealing the structure and functions of biological specimens. Confocal laser scanning microscopy has been widely employed for this purpose. However, it requires a time-consuming image-stacking procedure. As a solution, we previously developed light needle microscopy using a Bessel beam with a wavefront-engineered approach [Biomed. Opt. Express 13, 1702 (2022)10.1364/BOE.449329]. However, this method applies only to multiphoton excitation microscopy because of the requirement to reduce the sidelobes of the Bessel beam. Here, we introduce a beam that produces a needle spot while eluding the intractable artifacts due to the sidelobes. This beam can be adopted even in one-photon excitation fluorescence 3D imaging. The proposed method can achieve real-time, rapid 3D observation of 200-nm particles in water at a rate of over 50 volumes per second. In addition, fine structures, such as the spines of neurons in fixed mouse brain tissue, can be visualized in 3D from a single raster scan of the needle spot. The proposed method can be applied to various modalities in biological imaging, enabling rapid 3D image acquisition.
Attractor neural networks with double well synapses
Authors: Feng Yu , Brunel Nicolas
Published: February 2024

It is widely believed that memory storage depends on activity-dependent synaptic modifications. Classical studies of learning and memory in neural networks describe synaptic efficacy either as continuous or discrete. However, recent results suggest an intermediate scenario in which synaptic efficacy can be described by a continuous variable, but whose distribution is peaked around a small set of discrete values. Motivated by these results, we explored a model in which each synapse is described by a continuous variable that evolves in a potential with multiple minima. External inputs to the network can switch synapses from one potential well to another. Our analytical and numerical results show that this model can interpolate between models with discrete synapses which correspond to the deep potential limit, and models in which synapses evolve in a single quadratic potential. We find that the storage capacity of the network with double well synapses exhibits a power law dependence on the network size, rather than the logarithmic dependence observed in models with single well synapses. In addition, synapses with deeper potential wells lead to more robust information storage in the presence of noise. When memories are sparsely encoded, the scaling of the capacity with network size is similar to previously studied network models in the sparse coding limit.
Diversity and prevalence of zoonotic infections at the animal-human interface of primate trafficking in Peru
Authors: Mendoza A. Patricia , Muñoz-Maceda Ana , Ghersi Bruno M. , De La Puente Micaela , Zariquiey Carlos , Cavero Nancy , Murillo Yovana , Sebastian Miguel , Ibañez Yohani , Parker Patricia G. , Perez Alberto , Uhart Marcela , Robinson Janine , Olson Sarah H. , Rosenbaum Marieke H.
Published: February 2024

Wildlife trafficking creates favorable scenarios for intra- and inter-specific interactions that can lead to parasite spread and disease emergence. Among the fauna affected by this activity, primates are relevant due to their potential to acquire and share zoonoses - infections caused by parasites that can spread between humans and other animals. Though it is known that most primate parasites can affect multiple hosts and that many are zoonotic, comparative studies across different contexts for animal-human interactions are scarce. We conducted a multi-parasite screening targeting the detection of zoonotic infections in wild-caught monkeys in nine Peruvian cities across three contexts: captivity (zoos and rescue centers, n = 187); pet (households, n = 69); and trade (trafficked or recently confiscated, n = 132). We detected 32 parasite taxa including mycobacteria, simian foamyvirus, bacteria, helminths, and protozoa. Monkeys in the trade context had the highest prevalence of hemoparasites (including Plasmodium malariae/brasilianum, Trypanosoma cruzi, and microfilaria) and enteric helminths and protozoa were less common in pet monkeys. However, parasite communities showed overall low variation between the three contexts. Parasite richness (PR) was best explained by host genus and the city where the animal was sampled. Squirrel (genus Saimiri) and wooly (genus Lagothrix) monkeys had the highest PR, which was ~2.2 times the PR found in tufted capuchins (genus Sapajus) and tamarins (genus Saguinus/Leontocebus) in a multivariable model adjusted for context, sex, and age. Our findings illustrate that the threats of wildlife trafficking to One Health encompass exposure to multiple zoonotic parasites well-known to cause disease in humans, monkeys, and other species. We demonstrate these threats continue beyond the markets where wildlife is initially sold; monkeys trafficked for the pet market remain a reservoir for and contribute to the translocation of zoonotic parasites to households and other captive facilities where contact with humans is frequent. Our results have practical applications for the healthcare of rescued monkeys and call for urgent action against wildlife trafficking and ownership of monkeys as pets.
Optimized braces for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A study protocol of a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Coulombe Maxence , Guy Aymeric , Barchi Soraya , Labelle Hubert , Aubin Carl-Éric
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a 3D deformity of the spine that affects 3% of the adolescent population. Conservative treatments like bracing aim to halt the progression of the curve to the surgical threshold. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods for brace design and manufacturing are becoming increasingly used. Linked to CAD/CAM and 3D radiographic reconstruction techniques, we developed a finite element model (FEM) enabling to simulate the brace effectiveness before its fabrication, as well as a semi-automatic design processes. The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to compare and validate such FEM semi-automatic algorithm used to design nighttime Providence-type braces.

Methods and analysis

Fifty-eight patients with AIS aged between 10 to 16-years and skeletally immature will be recruited. At the delivery stage, all patients will receive both a Providence-type brace optimized by the semi-automatic algorithm leveraging a patient-specific FEM (Test) and a conventional Providence-type brace (Control), both designed using CAD/CAM methods. Biplanar radiographs will be taken for each patient with both braces in a randomized crossover approach to evaluate immediate correction. Patients will then be randomized to keep either the Test or Control brace as prescribed with a renewal if necessary, and will be followed over two years. The primary outcome will be the change in Cobb angle of the main curve after two years. Secondary outcomes will be brace failure rate, quality of life (QoL) and immediate in-brace correction. This is a single-centre study, double-blinded (participant and outcome assessor) randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05001568.
Chromosomes of Asian cyprinid fishes: Novel insight into the chromosomal evolution of Labeoninae (Teleostei, Cyprinidae)
Authors: Khensuwan Sudarat , de Menezes Cavalcante Sassi Francisco , Rosa de Moraes Renata Luiza , Rab Petr , Liehr Thomas , Supiwong Weerayuth , Seetapan Kriengkrai , Tanomtong Alongklod , Tantisuwichwong Nathpapat , Arunsang Satit , Buasriyot Phichaya , Tongnunui Sampun , Cioffi Marcelo de Bello
Published: February 2024

The Labeoninae subfamily is a highly diversified but demonstrably monophyletic lineage of cyprinid fishes comprising five tribes and six incertae sedis genera. This widely distributed assemblage contains some 48 genera and around 480 recognized species distributed in freshwaters of Africa and Asia. In this study, the karyotypes and other chromosomal properties of five Labeoninae species found in ThailandLabeo chrysophekadion(Labeonini) andEpalzeorhynchos bicolor,Epalzeorhynchos munense,Henicorhynchus siamensis,Thynnichthys thynnoides(´Osteochilini´) were examined using conventional and molecular cytogenetic protocols. Our results confirmed a diploid chromosome number (2n) invariably 2n = 50, but the ratio of uni- and bi-armed chromosomes was highly variable among their karyotypes, indicating extensive structural chromosomal rearrangements. Karyotype ofL.chrysophekadioncontained 10m+6sm+20st+14a, 32m+10sm+8st forH.siamensis, 20m+12sm+10st+8a inE.bicolor, 20m+8sm+8st+14a inE.munense, and 18m+24sm+8st inT.thynnoides. Except forH.siamensis, which had four sites of 5S rDNA sites, other species under study had only one chromosome pair with those sites. In contrast, only one pair containing 18S rDNA sites were found in the karyotypes of three species, whereas two sites were found in that ofE.bicolor. These cytogenetic patterns indicated that the cytogenomic divergence patterns of these labeonine species largely corresponded to the inferred phylogenetic tree. In spite of the 2n stability, diverse patterns of rDNA and microsatellite distribution as well as their various karyotype structures demonstrated significant evolutionary differentiation of Labeoninae genomes as exemplified in examined species. Labeoninae offers a traditional point of view on the evolutionary forces fostering biological diversity, and the recent findings add new pieces to comprehend the function of structural chromosomal rearrangements in adaption and speciation.
Does the resumption of international tourism heighten COVID-19 transmission?
Authors: Maneejuk Paravee , Sukinta Panuwat , Chinkarn Jiraphat , Yamaka Woraphon
Published: February 2024

Reopening countries also carries the risk of another wave of infections in many parts of the world, raising the question of whether we are ready to reopen our countries. This study examines the impact of reopening countries to receive foreign tourists on the spread of COVID-19 in 2022, encompassing 83 countries worldwide. We employ spatial quantile models capable of analyzing the spatial impact of tourism on the spread of the virus at different quantile levels. The research categorizes countries into three groups: low infection rate (10th-30th quantiles), moderate infection rate (40th-60th quantiles), and high infection rate (70th-90th quantiles). This allows for a more comprehensive and detailed comparison of the impacts. Additionally, considering the spatial dimension enables the explanation of both the direct and indirect effects of tourists on the country itself and neighboring countries. The findings reveal that the number of international tourists has a significant effect on the COVID-19 infection rate, particularly in countries with high initial infection rates. However, countries that effectively controlled their infection rates at a low level could maintain a low infection rate even after reopening to foreign tourists. It is also observed that reopening a country’s borders negatively impacts the infection rate of neighboring countries. These important findings imply that governments of highly infected countries should shift their focus towards bolstering their economy by promoting domestic tourism and should delay reopening until the number of infections decreases.
Short-term responses of temperate and subarctic marine diatoms to Irgarol 1051 and UV radiation: Insights into temperature interactions
Authors: Bi Dongquan , Cao Lixin , An Yuheng , Xu Juntian , Wu Yaping
Published: February 2024

Phytoplankton face numerous pressures resulting from chemical and physical stressors, primarily induced by human activities. This study focuses on investigating the interactive effects of widely used antifouling agent Irgarol 1051 and UV radiation on the photo-physiology of marine diatoms from diverse latitudes, within the context of global warming. Our findings clearly shown that both Irgarol and UV radiation have a significant inhibitory impact on the photochemical performance of the three diatoms examined, with Irgarol treatment exhibiting more pronounced effects. In the case of the two temperate zone diatoms, we observed a decrease in the inhibition induced by Irgarol 1051 and UVR as the temperature increased up to 25°C. Similarly, for the subarctic species, an increase in temperature resulted in a reduction in the inhibition caused by Irgarol and UVR. These results suggest that elevated temperatures can mitigate the short-term inhibitory effects of both Irgarol and UVR on diatoms. Furthermore, our data indicate that increased temperature could significantly interact with UVR or Irgarol for temperate diatoms, while this was not the case for cold water diatoms, indicating temperate and subarctic diatoms may respond differentially under global warming.
Synthetic data in cancer and cerebrovascular disease research: A novel approach to big data
Authors: Lun Ronda , Siegal Deborah , Ramsay Tim , Stotts Grant , Dowlatshahi Dar
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Synthetic datasets are artificially manufactured based on real health systems data but do not contain real patient information. We sought to validate the use of synthetic data in stroke and cancer research by conducting a comparison study of cancer patients with ischemic stroke to non-cancer patients with ischemic stroke.

Design

retrospective cohort study.

Setting

We used synthetic data generated by MDClone and compared it to its original source data (i.e. real patient data from the Ottawa Hospital Data Warehouse).

Outcome measures

We compared key differences in demographics, treatment characteristics, length of stay, and costs between cancer patients with ischemic stroke and non-cancer patients with ischemic stroke. We used a binary, multivariable logistic regression model to identify risk factors for recurrent stroke in the cancer population.

Results

Using synthetic data, we found cancer patients with ischemic stroke had a lower prevalence of hypertension (52.0% in the cancer cohort vs 57.7% in the non-cancer cohort, p<0.0001), and a higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD: 8.5% vs 4.7%, p<0.0001), prior ischemic stroke (1.7% vs 0.1%, p<0.001), and prior venous thromboembolism (VTE: 8.2% vs 1.5%, p<0.0001). They also had a longer length of stay (8 days [IQR 3–16] vs 6 days [IQR 3–13], p = 0.011), and higher costs associated with their stroke encounters: $11,498 (IQR $4,440 –$20,668) in the cancer cohort vs $8,084 (IQR $3,947 –$16,706) in the non-cancer cohort (p = 0.0061). A multivariable logistic regression model identified 5 predictors for recurrent ischemic stroke in the cancer cohort using synthetic data; 3 of the same predictors identified using real patient data with similar effect measures. Summary statistics between synthetic and original datasets did not significantly differ, other than slight differences in the distributions of frequencies for numeric data.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the utility of synthetic data in stroke and cancer research and provided key differences between cancer and non-cancer patients with ischemic stroke. Synthetic data is a powerful tool that can allow researchers to easily explore hypothesis generation, enable data sharing without privacy breaches, and ensure broad access to big data in a rapid, safe, and reliable fashion.
How does COVID-19 vaccination affect long-COVID symptoms?
Authors: Asadi-Pooya Ali A. , Nemati Meshkat , Shahisavandi Mina , Nemati Hamid , Karimi Afrooz , Jafari Anahita , Nasiri Sara , Mohammadi Seyyed Saeed , Rahimian Zahra , Bayat Hossein , Akbari Ali , Emami Amir , Eilami Owrang
Published: February 2024

Objective

The current study aimed to identify the association between COVID-19 vaccination and prolonged post-COVID symptoms (long-COVID) in adults who reported suffering from this condition.

Methods

This was a retrospective follow-up study of adults with long-COVID syndrome. The data were collected during a phone call to the participants in January-February 2022. We inquired about their current health status and also their vaccination status if they agreed to participate.

Results

In total, 1236 people were studied; 543 individuals reported suffering from long long- COVID (43.9%). Chi square test showed that 15 out of 51 people (29.4%) with no vaccination and 528 out of 1185 participants (44.6%) who received at least one dose of any vaccine had long long- COVID symptoms (p = 0.032).

Conclusions

In people who have already contracted COVID-19 and now suffer from long-COVID, receiving a COVID vaccination has a significant association with prolonged symptoms of long-COVID for more than one year after the initial infection. However, vaccines reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 (including reinfections) and its catastrophic consequences (e.g., death). Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all people, even those with a history of COVID-19, receive vaccines to protect themselves against this fatal viral infection.
Inverse association between total bilirubin and type 2 diabetes in U.S. South Asian males but not females
Authors: Visaria Aayush , Kanaya Alka , Setoguchi Soko , Gadgil Meghana , Satagopan Jaya
Published: February 2024

Aims

United States South Asians constitute a fast-growing ethnic group with high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) despite lower mean BMI and other traditional risk factors compared to other races/ethnicities. Bilirubin has gained attention as a potential antioxidant, cardio-protective marker. Hence we sought to determine whether total bilirubin was associated with prevalent and incident T2D in U.S. South Asians.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional and prospective analysis of the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study. Total bilirubin was categorized into gender-specific quartiles (Men: <0.6, 0.6, 0.7–0.8, >0.8; Women: <0.5, 0.5, 0.6, >0.6 mg/dl). We estimated odds of type 2 diabetes as well as other cardiovascular (CV) risk factors using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among a total 1,149 participants (48% female, mean [SD] age of 57 [9] years), 38% had metabolic syndrome and 24% had T2D. Men and women in the lowest bilirubin quartile had 0.55% and 0.17% higher HbA1c than the highest quartile. Men, but not women, in the lowest bilirubin quartile had higher odds of T2D compared to the highest quartile (aOR [95% CI]; Men: 3.00 [1.72,5.23], Women: 1.15 [0.57,2.31]). There was no association between bilirubin and other CV risk factors.

Conclusion

Total bilirubin was inversely associated with T2D in SA men but not women. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand temporality of association.
Neutrophil-like cells derived from the HL-60 cell-line as a genetically-tractable model for neutrophil degranulation
Authors: Bhakta Suhani B. , Lundgren Stefan M. , Sesti Bethany N. , Flores Barbara A. , Akdogan Emel , Collins Sean R. , Mercer Frances
Published: February 2024

Research on neutrophil biology has been limited by the short life span and limited genetic manipulability of these cells, driving the need for representative and efficient model cell lines. The promyelocytic cell line HL-60 and its subline PLB-985 can be differentiated into neutrophil-like cells (NLCs) and have been used to study neutrophil functions including chemotaxis, phagocytosis, endocytosis, and degranulation. Compared to neutrophils derived from hematopoietic stem cells, NLCs serve as a cost-effective neutrophil model. NLCs derived from both HL-60 and PLB-985 cells have been shown to perform degranulation, an important neutrophil function. However, no study has directly compared the two lines as models for degranulation including their release of different types of mobilizable organelles. Furthermore, Nutridoma, a commercially available supplement, has recently been shown to improve the chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst abilities of NLCs derived from promyelocytic cells, however it is unknown whether this reagent also improves the degranulation ability of NLCs. Here, we show that NLCs derived from both HL-60 and PLB-985 cells are capable of degranulating, with each showing markers for the release of multiple types of secretory organelles, including primary granules. We also show that differentiating HL-60 cells using Nutridoma does not enhance their degranulation activity over NLCs differentiated using Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) plus Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Finally, we show that promyelocytic cells can be genetically engineered and differentiated using these methods, to yield NLCs with a defect in degranulation. Our results indicate that both cell lines serve as effective models for investigating the mechanisms of neutrophil degranulation, which can advance our understanding of the roles of neutrophils in inflammation and immunity.
Memory distrust and imagination inflation: A registered report
Authors: Dudek Iwona , Polczyk Romuald
Published: February 2024

Imagination inflation happens when a person’s subjective confidence that an event has occurred increases after they imagine it occurring. In this project, our primary aim is to test whether memory distrust is related to the imagination inflation effect in people who are aware of the discrepancies between their own memories and what they have imagined. Our secondary purpose is to investigate whether the influence of memory distrust on imagination inflation is moderated by traits that are described as disengagement from reality and to test whether memory distrust mediates the relationship between self-esteem and imagination inflation. In a three-step procedure, participants (N = 300) will assess their confidence that a list of childhood events happened to them; then, they will imagine three of these events and reassess their confidence. Half of the participants will undergo a memory distrust induction procedure. In order to sensitize participants to discrepancies, some of them will be given cues about the source and/or perspective of the imagined events.