bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earth-friendly-assessed silver-nanoparticles spectrophotometric method for rapid and sensitive analysis of Molnupiravir, an FDA-approved candidate for COVID-19: application on pharmaceutical formulation and dissolution test
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed R. , Abolmagd Ebrahim , Nour Israa M. , Badrawy Mohamed , Hasan Mohamed A.
Published: March 2023

Molnupiravir is the first oral direct-acting antiviral prodrug recently approved for the COVID-19 pandemic. Here and for the first time, we present a novel, sensitive, robust, and simple silver-nanoparticles spectrophotometric technique for molnupiravir analysis in its capsules and dissolution media. This spectrophotometric technique involved silver-nanoparticles synthesis through a redox reaction between the reducing agent (molnupiravir) and the oxidizing agent (silver nitrate) in presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizing agent. The produced silver-nanoparticles have an intense surface plasmon resonance peak at 416 nm where the measured absorbance values were utilized for the quantitative analysis of molnupiravir. The produced silver-nanoparticles were recognized by using the transmission electron microscope. Under optimal conditions, a good linear rapport was accomplished between molnupiravir concentrations and the corresponding absorbance values in a range of (100–2000) ng/mL with a detection limit of 30 ng/mL. Greenness assessment was implemented using eco-scale scoring and GAPI disclosing the excellent greenness of the suggested technique. The suggested silver-nanoparticles technique was authenticated according to recommendations of the ICH and statistically assessed with the reported liquid chromatographic method without significant differences regarding accuracy or precision. Accordingly, the suggested technique is deemed a green and cheap alternative for assaying molnupiravir due to its reliance primarily on water. Furthermore, the suggested technique’s high sensitivity can be employed for investigating molnupiravir bioequivalence in future studies.

Graphical Abstract
Screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in resource-limited settings
Authors: Nkonge Ken Munene , Nkonge Dennis Karani , Nkonge Teresa Njeri
Published: March 2023

Background

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and a major risk factor for diabetes-related lower-extremity complications. Diffuse neuropathy is the most frequently encountered pattern of neurological dysfunction and presents clinically as distal symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Due to the increasing public health significance of diabetes mellitus and its complications, screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is essential. Consequently, a review of the principles that guide screening practices, especially in resource-limited clinical settings, is urgently needed.

Main body

Numerous evidence-based assessments are used to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In accordance with current guideline recommendations from the American Diabetes Association, International Diabetes Federation, International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot, and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, a screening algorithm for diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on multiphasic clinical assessment, stratification according to risk of developing diabetic foot syndrome, individualized treatment, and scheduled follow-up is suggested for use in resource-limited settings.

Conclusions

Screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in resource-limited settings requires a practical and comprehensive approach in order to promptly identify affected individuals. The principles of screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy are: multiphasic approach, risk stratification, individualized treatment, and scheduled follow-up. Regular screening for diabetes-related foot disease using simple clinical assessments may improve patient outcomes.
Two cases of transplant-acquired food allergy who developed resensitization after a negative oral food challenge
Authors: Nakaoka Akiko , Nomura Takayasu , Ozeki Kazuyoshi , Suzuki Tomotaka , Kusumoto Shigeru , Iida Shinsuke , Saitoh Shinji
Published: March 2023

Background

Cases of food allergy after hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplantation in previously nonallergic transplant recipients were reported as transplant-acquired food allergy (TAFA), but information about its long-term outcome is still limited. A phenomenon where patients reacquire food allergy by resuming daily consumption after a negative oral food challenge has not yet been reported.

Case presentation

We report two cases of TAFA after liver transplantation and cord blood transplantation. In each case, the threshold of daily consumption to cause allergic symptoms decreased when a negative oral food challenge was obtained.

Conclusions

Our cases show an importance of gastrointestinal tract as a route of food sensitization because thresholds that caused allergic reactions decreased during their resuming process. We need to be careful with possible resensitization once a negative substantial dose was confirmed.
Imaging the TGFβ type I receptor in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Rotteveel Lonneke , Poot Alex J. , Kooijman Esther J. M. , Schuit Robert C. , Schalij Ingrid , Sun Xiaoqing , Kurakula Kondababu , Happé Chris , Beaino Wissam , ten Dijke Peter , Lammertsma Adriaan A. , Bogaard Harm Jan , Windhorst Albert D.
Published: March 2023

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) activity is perturbed in remodelled pulmonary vasculature of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), cancer, vascular diseases and developmental disorders. Inhibition of TGFβ, which signals via activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5), prevents progression and development of experimental PAH. The purpose of this study was to assess two ALK5 targeting positron emission tomography (PET) tracers ([11C]LR111 and [18F]EW-7197) for imaging ALK5 in monocrotaline (MCT)- and Sugen/hypoxia (SuHx)-induced PAH. Both tracers were subjected to extensive in vitro and in vivo studies. [11C]LR111 showed the highest metabolic stability, as 46 ± 2% of intact tracer was still present in rat blood plasma after 60 min. In autoradiography experiments, [11C]LR111 showed high ALK5 binding in vitro compared with controls, 3.2 and 1.5 times higher in SuHx and MCT, respectively. In addition, its binding could be blocked by SB431542, an adenosine triphosphate competitive ALK5 kinase inhibitor. However, [18F]EW-7197 showed the best in vivo results. 15 min after injection, uptake was 2.5 and 1.4 times higher in the SuHx and MCT lungs, compared with controls. Therefore, [18F]EW-7197 is a promising PET tracer for ALK5 imaging in PAH.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Li Ziyan , Huang Zhenyi , Liu Yanxia , Cao Yunshan , Li Yating , Fang Yanping , Huang Meiying , Liu Zixi , Lin Lijuan , Jiang Lingxiao
Published: March 2023

Background

G6PD deficiency is a common inherited disorder worldwide and has a higher incidence rate in southern China. Many variants of G6PD result from point mutations in the G6PD gene, leading to decreased enzyme activity. This study aimed to analyse the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of G6PD deficiency in Guangzhou, China.

Methods

In this study, a total of 20,208 unrelated participants were screened from 2020 to 2022. G6PD deficiency was further analysed by quantitative enzymatic assay and G6PD mutation analysis. The unidentified genotype of the participants was further ascertained by direct DNA sequencing.

Results

A total of 12 G6PD mutations were identified. Canton (c.1376G>T) and Kaiping (c.1388G>A) were the most common variants, and different mutations led to varying levels of G6PD enzyme activity. Comparing the enzyme activities of the 6 missense mutations between the sexes, we found significant differences (P < 0.05) in the enzyme activities of both male hemizygotes and female heterozygotes. Two previously unreported mutations (c.1438A>T and c.946G>A) were identified.

Conclusions

This study provided detailed genotypes of G6PD deficiency in Guangzhou, which could be valuable for diagnosing and researching G6PD deficiency in this area.
More than an outcome: a person-centered, ecological framework for eating disorder recovery
Authors: Kenny Therese E. , Lewis Stephen P.
Published: March 2023

Background

Eating disorder recovery is a complex phenomenon. While historical understandings focused on weight and behaviours, the importance of psychological factors is now widely recognized. It is also generally accepted that recovery is a non-linear process and is impacted by external factors. Recent research suggests a significant impact of systems of oppression, though these have not yet been named in models of recovery.

Body

In this paper, we propose a research-informed, person-centered, and ecological framework of recovery. We suggest that there are two foundational tenets of recovery which apply broadly across experiences: recovery is non-linear and ongoing and there is no one way to do recovery. In the context of these tenets, our framework considers individual changes in recovery as determined by and dependent on external/personal factors and broader systems of privilege. Recovery cannot be determined by looking solely at an individual’s level of functioning; one must also consider the broader context of their life in which changes are being made. To conclude, we describe the applicability of the proposed framework and offer practical considerations for incorporating this framework in research, clinical, and advocacy settings.
Trad Rights: Making Eurasian Whiteness at the “End of History”
Authors: Feldman Leah
Published: March 2023

This essay addresses how the collapse of the Soviet Union and the conditions of social, political, and economic precarity that followed gave rise to intertwining strands of global New Right thought. Taking up the Russian Right's revanchist-revolutionary vision of neo-Eurasianism and its attendant imaginary of a white Eurasian statehood comparatively in relation to US and Hungarian New Right thought, the essay exposes how the neotraditionalist (Trad right) generated a global political and intellectual project in counterpoint to the failed leftist internationalist projects of the twentieth century. The essay closes with a postscript reflection on how the invasion of Ukraine constitutes a major step toward the Trad right's reclaiming of a “multipolar” New Right world order.
The White Minority: Natives and Nativism in Contemporary France
Authors: Harrison Olivia C.
Published: March 2023

In 2009, a nativist association named AGRIF sued antiracist activist Houria Bouteldja for “anti-white racism.” Though unsuccessful in court, the legal proceedings against Bouteldja are illustrative of a decades-long phenomenon that has accelerated in the age of new media: the recuperation of antiracist discourses by nativist activists who claim that white people constitute a minority in France. This article tracks the emergence of French nativist discourses from the nineteenth century to the present, with particular attention to identification with the figure of the colonized in the colonial archive and in the nativist discourses that have accompanied decolonization in France. Anchored in the history of France's prized settler colony, Algeria, the colonial genealogy of French nativism offers lessons for the study of nativism in other (post)colonial contexts.
Response evaluation of two commercial thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) against different parameters
Authors: Alanazi Sitah Fahad , Alarifi Haya , Alshehri Abdullah , Almurayshid Mansour
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

It is essential to study the dosimetric performance and reliability of personal dosimeters. This study examines and compares the responses of two commercial thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs), the TLD-100 and the MTS-N.

Methods:

We compared the two TLDs to various parameters such as energy dependence, linearity, homogeneity, reproducibility, light sensitivity (zero point), angular dependence, and temperature effects using the IEC 61066 standard.

Results:

The results acquired showed that both TLD materials show linear behavior as indicated by the quality of the ﬁt. In addition, the angular dependence results for both detectors show that all dose responses are within the range of acceptable values. However, the TLD-100 outperformed the MTS-N in terms of light sensitivity reproducibility for all detectors together, while the MTS-N outperforms the TLD-100 for each detector independently and that showed TLD-100 has more stability than MTS-N. The MTS-N shows better batch homogeneity (10.84%) than TLD-100 (13.65%). The effect of temperature in signal loss was clearer at higher temperature 65°C and it was however below ±30%.

Conclusions:

The overall results for dosimetric properties determined in terms of dose equivalents for all combinations of detectors are satisfactory. The MTS-N cards have better results in the energy dependence, angular dependency, batch homogeneity and less signal fading, whereas the TLD-100 cards are less sensitive to light and more reproducible.

Advances in knowledge:

Although previous studies showed several types of comparisons between TLDs, they have used limited parameters and different data analysis. This study has dealt with more comprehensive characterization methods and examinations combining TLD-100 and MTS-N cards.
Investigation of the Effffect of Cranial Vault Surgery On Parenchymal Perfusion Before and After Surgery in Craniosynostosis Patients
Authors: ASLAN Süleyman Taha , DEMİRCİ Harun
Published: March 2023

Objective: In our study, it is aimed to examine the effect of surgery on brain perfusion with ASL sequence perfusion MRI taken before surgery and 12 weeks after surgery in cases of non-syndromic craniosynostosis treated in our clinic.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between 28.12.2021-16.09.2022 with 10 patients who evaluated preoperatively and treated surgically at the Neurosurgery Clinic of Ankara City Hospital. Perfusion MRI was performed preoperatively and 12 weeks postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative images obtained were evaluated comparatively at the workstation.
Results: After the exclusion of patients who did not appropriate the study criteria, the results of 9 patients were examined. MRI scans taken preoperatively and 87 days as average postoperatively. After surgery, there is perfusion enhancement in 7 patients and a perfusion impairment in 2 patients. About the average perfusion rates, the results were found to be statistically significant in four of the seven patients in whom an increase was detected (p≤0.05), while the results were found to be statistically significant in one of the patients in whom a decrease was observed. (p≤0.05)
Conclusion: Surgical treatment is effective on brain perfusion in patients with non-syndromic craniosynostosis. Perfusion alteration may be different according to surgical technique, patient age at the time of surgery and type of craniosynostosis. In addition to cosmetic improvement, surgical treatment can also be effective in changing neurological functions. ASL sequence perfusion MRI, which doesn’t require contrast and is non-invasive, is a successful method of demonstrating the quantitative effectiveness of surgery in patients with craniosynostosis.
Predictive Model for Clustering Learning Outcomes Affected by COVID-19 Using Ensemble Learning Techniques
Authors: Nuankaew Wongpanya Sararat , Nuankaew Pratya
Published: March 2023

The influence of COVID-19 has caused a sudden change in learning patterns. Therefore, this research studied the learning achievement modified by online learning patterns affected by COVID-19 at Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University. This research has three objectives. The first objective is to study the cluster of learning outcomes affected by COVID-19 at Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University. The second objective is to develop a predictive model using machine learning and data mining technique for clustering learning outcomes affected by COVID-19. The third objective is to evaluate the predictive model for clustering learning outcomes affected by COVID-19 at Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University. Data collection comprised 139 students from two courses selected by purposive sampling from the Faculty of Information Technology at the Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University during the academic year 2020-2021. Research tools include student educational information, machine learning model development, and data mining-based model performance testing. The research findings revealed the strengths of using educational data mining techniques for developing student relationships, which can effectively manage quality teaching and learning in online patterns. The model developed in the research has a high level of accuracy. Accordingly, the application of machine learning technology obviously supports and promotes learner quality development.
The Effect of Gersmehl’s Spatial Learning on Students’ Disaster Spatial Literacy
Authors: Purwanto Purwanto , Hidayah Niswatul , Wagistina Satti
Published: March 2023

Learning geography in Indonesia philosophically aims to develop spatial literacy. Students must improve spatial literacy to form reasoning skills and apply spatial concepts in real life. Applying Gersmehl's spatial learning can improve students' spatial literacy through syntax arranged based on spatial aspects. The use of google earth helps students to complete case studies of disaster mitigation materials without the need to go directly to the field. This quasi-experimental research refers to the posttest-only control group design by comparing the posttest of spatial literacy in the experimental and control classes. This study involved students of class XI IPS SMAN 1 Blitar City. The instrument is a five-point description test based on indicators of spatial literacy in disaster mitigation materials standardized with validity and reliability tests. The research data were analyzed using normality, homogeneity, and hypothesis tests. The data tested were in the form of posttest scores for spatial literacy in the experimental and control classes. The results of Gersmehl's spatial learning influence spatial literacy. The use of LKPD bridges the implementation of spatial learning syntax with Google Earth as a geospatial medium. The implementation of syntax in spatial learning is interrelated with spatial literacy indicators, thereby increasing students' spatial literacy based on experience and spatial recognition.
Fiber-integrated cantilever-based nanomechanical biosensors as a tool for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing
Authors: Zhou Jie , Huang Jiabin , Huang Haoqiang , Zhao Cong , Zou Mengqiang , Liu Dejun , Weng Xiaoyu , Liu Liwei , Qu Junle , Liu Li , Liao Changrui , Wang Yiping
Published: March 2023

There is an urgent need for developing rapid and affordable antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) technologies to inhibit the overuse of antibiotics. In this study, a novel microcantilever nanomechanical biosensor based on Fabry–Pérot interference demodulation was developed for AST. To construct the biosensor, a cantilever was integrated with the single mode fiber in order to form the Fabry–Pérot interferometer (FPI). After the attachment of bacteria on the cantilever, the fluctuations of cantilever caused by the bacterial movements were detected by monitoring the changes of resonance wavelength in the interference spectrum. We applied this methodology to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, showing the amplitude of cantilever’s fluctuations was positively related on the quantity of bacteria immobilized on the cantilever and associated with the bacterial metabolism. The response of bacteria to antibiotics was dependent on the types of bacteria, the types and concentrations of antibiotics. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations for Escherichia coli were obtained within 30 minutes, demonstrating the capacity of this method for rapid AST. Benefiting from the simplicity and portability of the optical fiber FPI-based nanomotion detection device, the developed nanomechanical biosensor in this study provides a promising technique for AST and a more rapid alternative for clinical laboratories.
Functional OCT angiography reveals early retinal neurovascular dysfunction in diabetes with capillary resolution
Authors: Liu Kaiyuan , Zhu Tiepei , Gao Mengqin , Yin Xiaoting , Zheng Rong , Yan Yan , Gao Lei , Ding Zhihua , Ye Juan , Li Peng
Published: March 2023

Altered retinal neurovascular coupling may contribute to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) but remains highly challenging to measure due to limited resolution and field of view of the existing functional hyperemia imaging. Here, we present a novel modality of functional OCT angiography (fOCTA) that allows a 3D imaging of retinal functional hyperemia across the entire vascular tree with single-capillary resolution. In fOCTA, functional hyperemia was evoked by a flicker light stimulation, recorded by a synchronized time-lapse OCTA (i.e., 4D), and extracted precisely from each capillary segment (space) and stimulation period (time) in the OCTA time series. The high-resolution fOCTA revealed that the retinal capillaries, particularly the intermediate capillary plexus, exhibited apparent hyperemic response in normal mice, and significant functional hyperemia loss (P < 0.001) at an early stage of DR with few overt signs of retinopathy and visible restoration after aminoguanidine treatment (P < 0.05). Retinal capillary functional hyperemia has strong potential to provide sensitive biomarkers of early DR, and retinal fOCTA would provide new insights into the pathophysiology, screening and treatment of early DR.
Using rapid antigen testing for early, safe return-to-work for healthcare personnel after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a healthcare system in Pakistan: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Khan Unab Inayat , Mahmood Syed Faisal , Khan Sara , Hasan Zahra , Cheema Ahmed , Hakim Asif , Ali Shehreen Inayat
Published: March 2023

Anticipating staff shortage during the Omicron variant surge, we modified the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s contingency guidelines at a healthcare system in Pakistan. Infected staff had a SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test after 5–7 days of isolation, to decide a safe return-to-work. This led to signifcant cost savings without compromising patient/staff safety.
Seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome using specimens from the Korea National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Choon-Mee , Han Mi Ah , Yun Na Ra , Bang Mi-Seon , Lee You Mi , Lee Beomgi , Kim Dong-Min
Published: March 2023

Background

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute febrile disease caused by bites from ticks infected with the SFTS virus. In Korea, SFTS patients are observed nationwide, including Jeju Island, but there are currently no data regarding the national prevalence of SFTS, including that of residents of 16 cities and provinces. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of SFTS in Korea.

Methodology/Principal findings

A total of 1500 participants were selected through random sampling from the 2014–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). An indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) was performed to assess immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibody titers against SFTS virus.

Results

Of the 1500 participants, 55 (3.7%) tested positive for IgG and 1 (0.1%) tested positive for IgM, with antibody titer of ≥ 1:32. Approximately 3.9% and 2.5% of participants in urban and rural areas, respectively, had a positive titer of ≥ 1:32. There was a significant correlation between SFTS incidence per 100,000 population and seroprevalence using an IgG titer ≥ 1:64 as the cut-off value.

Conclusion

This is the first study to investigate national SFTS seroprevalence in all 16 cities and provinces representing Korea. Our study will also provide useful guidelines for the development of preventive measures against SFTS.
Cultivating well-being in engineering graduate students through mindfulness training
Authors: Crone Wendy C. , Kesebir Pelin , Hays Beverly , Mirgain Shilagh A. , Davidson Richard J. , Hagness Susan C.
Published: March 2023

The mental health crisis in graduate education combined with low treatment rates among engineering graduate students underscores the need for engineering graduate programs to provide effective methods to promote well-being. There is an extensive body of neuroscience research showing that contemplative practices, such as mindfulness, produce measurable effects on brain function and overall well-being. We hypothesized that a mindfulness-based training program designed for engineering graduate students would improve emotional well-being and, secondarily, enhance research capacity. An initial pilot study was conducted at a single institution (Phase 1), followed by a larger study conducted at both the original and a second institution (Phase 2) to gather additional data and show the program’s transferability. The program comprised eight weekly mindfulness training sessions. Individuals in the study were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or wait-list control group. We administered pre- and post-test surveys with quantitative measures designed to assess emotional and physical well-being, as well as creativity, research satisfaction, and desire to contribute to the betterment of society. Participants also completed a summative survey to evaluate the impact of the program on their well-being and research. Analysis revealed statistically significant findings: improved emotional health, decreased neuroticism, increased positive affect, decreased negative affect, and increased mindfulness in the intervention groups compared to the control groups. Intervention groups in Phase 2 also reported statistically significant improvement in satisfaction with their research. Our findings suggest that mindfulness training has the potential to play a vital professional and personal development role in graduate engineering education.
The effects of a yoga intervention on balance and flexibility in female college students during COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luo Xue , Huang Xu
Published: March 2023

Female college students are more likely to have a strong stress response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which seriously affects their health and merits greater attention. The present study is a randomized controlled trial carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore whether a yoga intervention could have a positive impact on balance and flexibility and be the primary form of home exercise for female college students in China. Forty female college students were randomly selected for the study. After 16 weeks of yoga intervention, the ability of the yoga group to balance on one leg improved by 5.35 seconds (using the single-limb stance test) and 5.7 seconds (using the Romberg test). The flexibility of the lower back and legs increased by 3.5 cm (using the sit and reach test), and the flexibility of the groin and hip increased by 6 cm (using the Splits test). The balance ability and flexibility of the control group before and after the experiment were not significantly different (p>0.05). These results suggest that during the COVID-19 outbreak when access to public facilities was limited, a yoga intervention could have a positive impact on health and be the main form of home exercise for female college students. Schools and government departments could design online yoga classes to encourage individuals to actively participate in yoga to stay healthy.
Information battleground: Conflict perceptions motivate the belief in and sharing of misinformation about the adversary
Authors: Mazepus Honorata , Osmudsen Mathias , Bang-Petersen Michael , Toshkov Dimiter , Dimitrova Antoaneta
Published: March 2023

Misinformation has emerged as a major societal concern. But why do citizens contribute to the dissemination of falsehoods online? This article investigates this question by focusing on the role of motivated reasoning and, in particular, perceptions of group-based conflict. It examines the effect of perceived conflict on the endorsement of false news in the context of a regional conflict between Russia and the West as experienced by Ukrainian citizens. In our survey experiment, a sample of Ukrainians (N = 1,615) was randomly assigned to read negative false news stories about Russia, the European Union or Tanzania–a country with no stakes in the conflict. The results show that higher perceived conflict between Ukraine and Russia makes Ukrainians less likely to endorse false news targeting the European Union, but more likely to endorse false news that paint a negative picture of Russia. This finding extends the support for motivated reasoning theory beyond Western contexts investigated so far. Importantly, the effects of conflict perceptions remain strong after controlling for group identity and political knowledge of participants. These results advance our understanding of why false information is disseminated and point to the importance of conflict de-escalation to prevent the diffusion of falsehoods.
Factors regarding the dog owner’s household situation, antisocial behaviours, animal views and animal treatment in a population of dogs confiscated after biting humans and/ or other animals
Authors: Herwijnen Ineke R. van , van der Borg Joanne A. M. , Kapteijn Chantal M. , Arndt Saskia S. , Vinke Claudia M.
Published: March 2023

To examine the dog ownership factors characteristic to a population of dogs confiscated after a human and/ or animal-directed biting incident, we compared bite risk assessment reports of 159 confiscated dogs in the time frame 2008, 2009, 2010 (tf1) and of 215 confiscated dogs in the time frame 2020, 2021, 2022 (until mid-May; tf2). The reports were compiled by the same institute in a standardized format. We studied frequencies and chi-square pairwise comparisons (P<0.05) for 30 identified ownership factors. Overall (tf1 and tf2), 1,308 ownership factors were mentioned in the reports and reports mentioning ≥5 factors were twice as frequent in tf2 (38%) than tf1 (16%). Our data suggest that nine factors may in particular serve as a warning signal for biting incidents, as these factors were most frequently (≥15%) prevalent in the total of reported cases: having a multiple dog household, a dog reportedly roaming a neighbourhood without an owner, a dog’s care tasks being transferred, a short leash and muzzle obligation served to the owner for a dog, an isolated and/ or confined keeping of a dog, a dog owner’s (suspected) substance abuse, a dog owner’s (suspected) animal abuse, a dog owner aggressing at confiscation of the dog and a dog owner being reported on for antisocial behaviours such as intimidation. Particularly, a dog owner’s aggressive or antisocial behaviours and previous obligations to muzzle and short leash a dog (in our dataset often inappropriately adhered to by owners), may indicate that a proportion of owners of confiscated dogs, may not always be willing and/ or capable to guarantee societal safety. The results show that identification of dog ownership factors, might be useful for establishing biting incident policies and further studies should be done on preventive measures and controls.
Citizen science provides valuable data to evaluate elasmobranch diversity and trends throughout the French Polynesia’s shark sanctuary
Authors: Séguigne Clémentine , Mourier Johann , Clua Éric , Buray Nicolas , Planes Serge
Published: March 2023

Observers of the Polynesian Shark Observatory (ORP), a citizen science network organized mainly through the Polynesian dive centers, collected an unprecedented amount of data from more than 13,916 dives spanning 43% of the islands of French Polynesia between July 8, 2011, and April 11, 2018. The objective for this type of data collection, which is not accessible within the standard research context, was to provide a unique dataset, and the opportunity to explore the specific diversity, distribution, seasonality and abundance of many elasmobranch species spread out throughout the territory of French Polynesia. Since the data are based on random citizen observations, the spatial distribution was biased toward the most frequented sites and islands where scuba diving is most developed. Overall, the increase in observed abundance of rays and sharks observed in French Polynesia, and the three most sampled islands as well as the high specific diversity recorded for the region, provide first evidence on the effectiveness of the French Polynesia’s Shark Sanctuary, established in 2006. These data, collected randomly by the volunteers, also provide insights into potential movement patterns and site fidelity of some of the more commonly observed species. While no final conclusions can be drawn, it is clear that the network of volunteers that regularly contributes information to the Polynesian Shark Observatory plays a very important role in the delivery of much needed data for conservation and management action, as well as providing perspectives for new directions in research on sharks and rays in French Polynesia.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the new region-generic version of Fremantle Body Awareness—General Questionnaire
Authors: Walton David M. , Nazari Goris , Bobos Pavlos , MacDermid Joy C.
Published: March 2023

Background

As the field of pain evaluation grows, newer and more targeted tools are being published for patient-centric evaluation of specific aspects of the pain experience. The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) is intended to capture alterations in bodily awareness or perception. To date only region-specific (back, neck, shoulder, knee) versions have been published.

Objectives

The purpose of our study was to report on the properties of a new region-generic version of the FreBAQ, the FreBAQ-general. Structural validity, internal consistency, and convergent validity against external criteria were evaluated in a sample of Canadian military veterans with chronic pain, with results compared against those published for the region-specific FreBAQ versions.

Methods

Eligible participants were those that had prior military service, were at least 18 years of age and self-identified as having chronic pain. We used a split-sample approach to Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) on independent random samples. Factor structure, internal consistency, and associations with external criteria were used to compare against prior versions.

Results

328 respondents (74% of consented) completed at least 7 of the 9 FreBAQ-general questions. EFA and CFA on two independent samples offered support for both 6- and 7-item versions. Comparisons against the external criteria (pain severity, interference, catastrophizing) indicated no statistical superiority of one over the other, so in the interest of parsimony the 6-item FreBAQ-general was endorsed.

Conclusions

The Fremantle Body Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ-general) showed psychometric properties very much in alignment with those previously reported for the region-specific versions, and sound factorial validity accomplished with fewer items (6 vs. 9). We believe this version can be implemented in practice for those seeking a shorter scale without the need to have multiple region-specific versions on hand, though suggest that those seeking direct comparability with previously published work will still wish to use the original versions.
Feeding practices, dietary adequacy, and dietary diversities among caregivers with under-five children: A descriptive cross-section study in Dodoma region, Tanzania
Authors: Millanzi Walter C. , Herman Patricia Z. , Ambrose Bariki A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Suboptimal feeding practices among caregivers contribute to nutritional-related health problems in children in low and middle-income countries, such as Tanzania. The continuum of the recommended feeding practices has been an utmost challenge among caregivers during the transition from health facilities to homes for improved under-five children’s health.

Objective

This study assessed feeding practices, dietary diversities, and dietary adequacy among caregivers with under-five children in the Dodoma region, Tanzania.

Methods

A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study in a quantitative research approach was adopted to study 289 randomly selected caregivers of under-five children in Dodoma region, Tanzania from March to August 2022. The World Health Organization Infant and Young Children Feeding Guidelines was the main data collection tool. Data were analyzed descriptively using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software program version 25. Statistical limits were set at a 95% confidence interval and a 5% significance level.

Results

Mean age was 26±6.47 of which 68.2% (n = 197) were females. Findings revealed 66.1% of caregivers had unsatisfactory feeding practices. It was observed that 67.8% of the caregivers fed their under-five children inadequately. Only 32.2% of them attained the minimum dietary diversity while 35.3% and 31.5% of caregivers demonstrated feeding practices < and > the recommended minimum Dietary diversity respectively. Moreover, 90.7% of caregivers fed their children group one food while 59.1% of them did not practice feeding the children snacks between meals. Feeding practice, dietary diversity, and dietary adequacy were significantly related to the caregiver’s sex, education level, and socioeconomic status (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Under-five children are at serious risk of nutritional problems as most caregivers in this study demonstrated unsatisfactory feeding practices on dietary diversities for dietary adequacy below the world health organization recommended Minimum Dietary diversity and Minimum Meal Frequency. Community-based nutritional education programs for caregivers need to be disseminated to the community level to address the problem accordingly.
Using 10-K text to gauge COVID-related corporate disclosure
Authors: Dutta Shantanu , Kumar Ashok , Pant Pushpesh , Walsh Caolan , Dutta Moumita
Published: March 2023

During the pandemic era, COVID-related disclosure has become quite critical for shareholders and other market participants to understand the uncertainties and challenges associated with a firm’s operation. However, there is no well-grounded and systematic measure to gauge the intensity of COVID-related disclosure and its plausible impact. Therefore, this study develops and validates various COVID-related disclosure measures. More specifically, using a sample of publicly listed U.S. firms and applying natural language processing (NLP) on 10-K reports, we have developed two types of COVID dictionaries (or COVID-related disclosure measurement tools): (a) overall COVID dictionary (count of all COVID-related words/phrases) and (b) contextual COVID-dictionary (count of COVID related words/phrases preceded or followed by positive, negative tones, or financial constraints words). Subsequently, we have validated both types of COVID dictionaries by investigating their association with corporate liquidity events (e.g., dividend payment, dividend change). We confirm that the overall COVID dictionary effectively predicts a firm’s liquidity event. We find similar results for contextual COVID dictionaries with a negative spin (i.e., COVID disclosures with a negative tone or an indication of financial constraints). Our results further show that better-governed firms (e.g., greater board independence, and more female directors) tend to have more COVID-related disclosures, despite the fact that more COVID-related disclosures suppress a firm’s market-based stock performance (e.g. Tobin’s Q). Our results suggest that better-governed firms prefer greater transparency, even if it may hurt their market performance in the short run.
CRK2 controls cytoskeleton morphogenesis in Trypanosoma brucei by phosphorylating β-tubulin to regulate microtubule dynamics
Authors: Lee Kyu Joon , Zhou Qing , Li Ziyin
Published: March 2023

Microtubules constitute a vital part of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotes by mediating cell morphogenesis, cell motility, cell division, and intracellular transport. The cytoskeleton of the parasiteTrypanosoma bruceicontains an array of subpellicular microtubules with their plus-ends positioned toward the posterior cell tip, where extensive microtubule growth and cytoskeleton remodeling take place during early cell cycle stages. However, the control mechanism underlying microtubule dynamics at the posterior cell tip remains elusive. Here, we report that the S-phase cyclin-dependent kinase-cyclin complex CRK2-CYC13 inT.bruceiregulates microtubule dynamics by phosphorylating β-tubulin on multiple evolutionarily conserved serine and threonine residues to inhibit its incorporation into cytoskeletal microtubules and promote its degradation in the cytosol. Consequently, knockdown of CRK2 or CYC13 causes excessive microtubule extension and loss of microtubule convergence at the posterior cell tip, leading to cytoskeleton elongation and branching. These findings uncover a control mechanism for cytoskeletal microtubule dynamics by which CRK2 phosphorylates β-tubulin and fine-tunes cellular β-tubulin protein abundance to restrict excess microtubule extension for the maintenance of cytoskeleton architecture.
Regime-supporting or regime-challenging? Chinese secondary students’ intentions for future political participation
Authors: Wang Yiping , Kennedy Kerry J.
Published: March 2023

This study explores Chinese secondary students’ intentions for future political participation drawing on samples of students from Mainland China and Hong Kong. Political participation examined in this study includes both conventional participation (legal protest, electoral participationandinformal participation) and unconventional participation (illegal protest). Previous studies of adolescents’ political participation intentions have mainly been concerned with democratic regimes while this study focuses on authoritarian and hybrid regimes, such as those in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Adopting a comparative and quantitative methodology, this study utilized secondary data analysis with large samples. This study found that students from both societies showed a weak endorsement of illegal protest but a strong endorsement of all three types of conventional participation. Mainland Chinese students demonstrated a stronger endorsement of conventional participation than their Hong Kong counterparts. To understand inner-group difference, students were clustered into four groups (Alienated-Radical Participators, Supportive-Active Participators, Loyal-Minimal ParticipatorsandCritical-Active Participators) based on their political attitudes (political trustandpolitical efficacy) and intentions for future political participation. Results suggest that Hong Kong had moreAlienated-Radical Participatorswhile Mainland China had moreSupportive-Active Participators. In general, Mainland Chinese students were more regime-supporting and Hong Kong students were more regime-challenging.
On restating the necessity of citizenship education again
Authors: Waghid Yusef
Published: March 2023

Citizenship education (CE) remains underscored by notions of rights recognition and belonging. If any of the above are constrained the possibility is that such a form of education would be undermined. The central argument of this contribution involves advancing claims of CE along the lines of deliberative engagement, recognition of others’ justifications and the quest for justice. Like the articles in this issue intimate, education cannot be oblivious of such claims of citizenship if education were to advance political and social interests.
Prevalence, coinfection, and risk factors associated with Fasciola hepatica and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle from the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Frias Hugo , Maraví César , Arista-Ruiz Miguel A. , Yari-Briones Danitza I. , Paredes-Valderrama Juan R. , Bravo Yesica Rojas , Cortez J. V. , Segura G. T. , Ruiz Ricardo Encina , Lapa Rainer M. Lopez , Valderrama Nilton Luis Murga
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim: Extensive cattle rearing is a major source of economy for the inhabitants of the Amazon region of Peru. Milk and meat production is generally affected by the prevalence of various parasites, including hepatic and gastrointestinal parasites, as these products provide ideal conditions for parasitic growth. This poses a serious public health threat. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, coinfection, and risk factors associated with the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle from the Amazon region of Peru.

Materials and Methods: Fecal samples obtained from 1450 bovine specimens were analyzed using flotation and sedimentation methods to identify parasites, including Eimeria spp., strongyle-type eggs (STEs), and F. hepatica. We collected information about the specimens, including age, sex, origin, breed, category, frequency of deworming, farm size, herd size, water sources, and rearing system by conducting simple inspections and interviewing owners. The data obtained were statistically evaluated using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05) to determine the association between the qualitative variables. We also calculated the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval to identify the risk factors.

Results: We observed that F. hepatica, Eimeria spp., and STEs were 45.6%, 39.8%, and 35.3% prevalent, respectively. We found risk factors related to distomatosis in the animals from Huambo, where the drinking water sources are mainly streams, ditches, and rivers, while the specimens from Valle Chico were predisposed to coccidiosis. Further, the risk factors related to the presence of STEs in feces were age (61–90 months), origin (Valle Chico), herd size (<50 animals), and type of extensive rearing. Furthermore, significant coinfection was observed between Eimeria spp. and STEs.

Conclusion: The high percentages of parasites in cattle observed were related to epidemiological factors, such as the origin of the sample, water sources, age, herd size, and extensive breeding. Similarly, the presence of STEs was a risk factor for contracting coccidiosis. Our future goals include investigating these parasites using a larger sample size and identifying more risk factors using more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests.

Keywords: cattle, Eimeria spp., Fasciola hepatica, gastrointestinal parasites, prevalence, risk factors.