bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sargassum sp. extract improve hematological profile of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Gazali Mohamad , Effendi Irwan , Husni Amir , Nurjanah Nurjanah , Wahyuni Sri , Kurniawan Ronal
Published: January 2024

Background Strategies to increase body resistance and prevent disease in aquaculture include using vaccines, antibiotics, and probiotics. Today, the use of antibiotics with natural ingredients is becoming a trend. Sargassum sp is a natural ingredient that contains high antioxidants and antibiotics. Methods This research was conducted from March to May 2022 at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Riau, in two stages: 1) the sensitivity of extracts of Sargassum sp. and 2) the application of Sargassum sp. extract orally in tilapia (O. niloticus). The parameters measured were clear zone, minimum inhibitory concentration, LD50 test of leaf extract of Sargassum sp. in tilapia (O. niloticus), hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, total leukocytes, total erythrocytes, leukocyte differentiation, and survival rate. Data on hematology parameters were tabulated and analyzed using a One-Way ANOVA followed by a Student Newman Keuls (SNK) test when deemed necessary. Results The results showed that the extract of Sargassum sp. inhibited the growth of Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria with a clear zone of 6.5-15.0 mm, which is classified as resistant. At doses of 2000, 2500, and 3000 ppm, it did not cause death in fish for 96 hours (LD50). Hematological parameters can be a sign of the health status of fish. Tilapia given Sargassum sp. in different doses gave an effect between treatments after 30 days of rearing and post-test against A. hydrophila bacteria (p<0.05). The results showed that the hematology of fish fed with Sargassum sp. extract was in the normal or healthy range. Healthy tilapia had erythrocyte counts ranging from 1.34-2.11×106 cells/mm3, hematocrit 26.17-33.19%, hemoglobin 6.26-11.2 g/dL and total leukocytes 1.01-1.50×104 cells/mm3 and total erythrocytes 5.88-9.13×104 cells/ mm3. Conclusions A dose of 3000 ppm provided the highest health improvement against A. hydrophila bacterial infection.
Die Bevölkerung mit Migrationshintergrund neu entdecken
Authors: Milewski Nadja , Sander Nikola , C. Katharina Spieß , Sulak Harun , Weinmann Martin
Published: January 2024

Die Publikation vermittelt detaillierte Einblicke in die Sozialstruktur der Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund in Deutschland entlang von Alter und Geschlecht. Die verschiedenen Bevölkerungspyramiden zeigen grafisch anschaulich, wie sich diese Bevölkerungsgruppe in den letzten beiden Jahrzehnten verändert hat und wie sie sich von der Bevölkerung ohne Migrationshintergrund unterscheidet. Als Datengrundlage dient der Mikrozensus, die größte jährliche Haushaltsbefragung der amtlichen Statistik in Deutschland. Dieser ermöglicht repräsentative Aussagen über die soziodemografischen und sozioökonomischen Merkmale der Bevölkerung mit und ohne Migrationshintergrund wie beispielsweise Familienstand, Schulbildung oder Einkommen. Die grafische Darstellung verdeutlicht anschaulich die Potenziale und Herausforderungen von Migration für eine alternde Gesellschaft und damit verbundene Handlungsfelder, beispielsweise für den Arbeitsmarkt.
Optimal Cross-Sectional Regression
Authors: Liao Zhipeng , Liu Yan , Xie Zhenzhen
Published: January 2024

Errors-in-variables (EIV) biases plague asset pricing tests. We offer a new perspective on addressing the EIV issue: instead of viewing EIV biases as estimation errors that potentially contaminate next stage risk premium estimates, we consider them to be return innovations that follow a particular correlation structure. We factor this structure into our test design, yielding a new regression model that generates the most accurate risk premium estimates. We demonstrate the theoretical appeal as well as the empirical relevance of our new estimator.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Supplemental Material: The supplemental appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4966 .
The need for Islamic premarital counseling in Indonesia by professional school counselors
Authors: Sutoyo Anwar , Saraswati Sinta , Muslikah Muslikah , Supriyanto Agus
Published: January 2024

The challenges of premarital counseling arise due to early marriage, divorce, marriage due to prior pregnancy, or various partner problems. As educators for students and prospective couples, counselors can conduct premarital counseling based on needs. The premarital counseling model has yet to be formed for the profession's development, so this study aims to analyze the needs of premarital counseling. The research method type is quantitative descriptive, with 21 students as subjects and a purposive sampling technique. The research instrument was an open questionnaire analyzed using quantitative description through percentages. The results of the study found five basic and salient needs for premarital counseling regarding the conditions for pillars of marriage to be valid, knowledge to form a happy family, setting goals for marriage, selecting criteria for a good husband/wife candidate in religion, and understanding the wisdom behind the prohibition to marry individuals who different faiths. Premarital counselors, as educators who are Islamic, competent, professional, and have integrity, use the Al-Qur'an and Sunnah in answering life's problems with a positive counseling mindset so that they know the relationship with God, application in life, awareness, and meaningful self-quality. The five needs of premarital counseling with an Islamic approach are the basis for developing a premarital counseling model with an Islamic system to be implemented in group and individual counseling. The design of Islamic premarital counseling can be designed for the prevention of early marriages and unwanted cases.
The effectiveness of solution-focused brief counseling in reducing bullying behavior
Authors: Yeschisca Bettrisca Zefilla , Suardiman Siti Partini , Supriyanto Agus
Published: January 2024

Bullying is a problem that until now requires intensive handling from several parties, one of which is the implementation of Guidance and Counseling services. A strategy counselors can use to deal with the problem of bullying is brief, solution-focused counseling. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of concise counseling focused on solutions to reduce bullying behavior in students. This type of research is an experiment with a Pre-Experimental Design using the One Group Pretest Posttest Design model. The instrument used to determine student bullying is a bullying scale with good reliability and validity. Determination of the subject using the technique of Nonprobability Sampling Design by using Purposive Sampling. The subjects of this study were five students of class VII SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Prambanan, with very high categories of bullying behavior. Based on the study results, there is a difference between the level of student bullying behavior before and after being given a concise solution-focused counseling service.
The reducing phubbing behavior among high school students: Application of live modeling technique
Authors: Masrukhin Akhmad , Muslihati Muslihati , Permana Veri Susanto Yoga
Published: January 2024

The phenomenon of phubbing, which is increasingly widespread, especially among students, is caused by excessive use of social media on smartphones. However, serious handling is needed to reduce such addictive behavior. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the level of classical guidance with live modeling techniques related to communication disorders and smartphone obsession of students in State Senior High School 1 Kencong Jember Indonesia. Using a quantitative approach and field research type with one group pretest-posttest design experiment method, the sample was determined purposively with 35 students out of 1116 populations. The instrument used in this research is a phubbing scale which has been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis used paired sample t-test. The research results showed that there were differences in students' phubbing levels before and after being given classical guidance treatment using live modeling techniques. Aspects of phubbing which include communication disturbance and smartphone dependency, both decreased significantly after being given treatment in the form of classical guidance on live modeling techniques. Counselors can use live modeling as an alternative guidance technique to reduce phubbing.
Serial Motion Comic Sebagai Edukasi Pelestarian Lingkungan Hidup Bergenre Sci-Fi (Science Fiction)
Authors: Hidayah Faizal Achwalul , Alamin Rabendra Yudistira , Sayatman Sayatman , Dwitasari Putri
Published: January 2024

Environmental pollution is a problem that cannot be separated from human life today. The sustainability of human activities without paying attention to the surrounding environmental conditions will worsen human life in the future. The importance of preserving the environment needs to be considered with the educational aspect. The existence of education related to environmental conservation is important to do from an early age. One of them is for teenagers, and it is hoped this education will help develop awareness regarding preserving the environment in the future. The design begins with a collection of opinions related to the habits of teenagers and their insights related to the environment. Based on the survey, the media subject is in the form of motion comics, the storytelling medium considered to be able disseminate educational messages with its advantages in the audio-visual field. Interviews with experts are conducted in order to obtain valid information related to educational suggestions that will be delivered. Literature studies as secondary data research, as well as visual observations for visual motion comic references. Through the design of this motion comic, it is hoped that ideas and invitations to preserve the environment can be conveyed through story narratives with attractive and representative visuals.
A safe and effective winged peripheral intravenous cannula for use in clinical practice
Authors: Munoz-Mozas Gema , Gabriel Janice
Published: January 2024

Vascular access continues to be a key factor for the reliable and safe delivery of intravenous (IV) therapy to patients in any healthcare setting. Clinical guidelines advocate for the right vascular access device selection, in order to reduce avoidable complications, eg multiple stabs, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, insertion site infection, and blood stream infection, while improving efficiency and reducing costs. Peripheral intravenous catheters or cannulas (PIVCs) remain widely used for gaining vascular access in all clinical settings, with both adults and children, because they provide a relatively cheap and simple way to provide blood sampling and the prompt administration of IV medications. Although safe and easy to insert, PIVCs present with associated risks that can be costly to the organisation. The case studies included with this article introduce Nipro's Safetouch Cath Winged with Injection Port as a new cost-effective choice of PIVC, which is now available from NHS Supply Chain.
Content validity of an instrument for analysing nurses' knowledge of peripherally inserted central catheters
Authors: Bispo Kamilla Alves Costa , Furlan Maryana da Silva , Saba Amanda
Published: January 2024

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) ensure safe and long-lasting venous access. Using validated instruments to assess nurses' knowledge of PICC use will allow educational measures to improve this area of care to be developed. Objective: This study aimed to build an instrument for analysing nurses' knowledge about PICCs and assess its content validity. Methods: A psychometric study was used with the construction of a knowledge analysis instrument. This was developed in two stages: instrument construction; and content validation by expert judges using the content validity ratio. Results: The panel of experts comprised nine nurses. Nineteen changes related to content and semantics were suggested for the instrument. Conclusion: The research allowed for the construction and validation of a tool for knowledge analysis; this is relevant to practice as no such knowledge instrument exists. It is proposed to use this assessment instrument to identify gaps in knowledge and implement focused training interventions.
A case study exploration of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mark Joanna , Mortimore Gerri
Published: January 2024

This article will explore the case of an 82-year-old woman, who was referred by primary care into community physiotherapy service with a 12–18-month history of reducing mobility, rapid shuffling gait, and three falls in the last 6 months. After careful clinical history-taking and examination, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was given. This article will deliberate the aetiology and epidemiology of Parkinson's disease; it will discuss the presenting symptoms and why these were deemed more in keeping with Parkinson's rather than other considered differentials. The treatment and management offered will also be explored and the evidence relating to these decisions will be reflected upon.
The complex challenge of prescribing as an advanced clinical practice physiotherapist
Authors: Boggon Craig , Pryor Claire
Published: January 2024

Non-medical prescribing (NMP) has been developing in the UK over the last couple of decades. As part of their NMP course, the author explores some of the legal, professional and ethical complexities that await them and other Health and Care Professions Council workers upon conclusion of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's competency framework for all prescribers. Focus is primarily directed towards the application of NMP by an individual with physiotherapists background, working in an advanced clinical practice (ACP) role in paediatric intensive care. This commentary critiques some of the dilemmas that may present regarding legislation, regulation and the inability to prescribe controlled drugs independently. Solutions using clinical management plans are presented, alongside ideas for future development of prescribing ACPs.
Paramedics in advanced practice: role, requirements and impact
Authors: Huxley Catherine Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Paramedic practice has been rapidly developing over a short space of time, with more paramedics entering the world of advanced practice across a variety of healthcare settings. Although there is a need for further advanced practitioners, due to the global healthcare workforce crisis and ageing population, advanced practitioner paramedics face many barriers to integration into the workforce. This article reviews the factors influencing UK paramedic advanced practice, and explores the attributes required for the role and its impact in healthcare. Although recognised as a vital resource, it is recommended that more research is needed to look at the effectiveness of paramedics as advanced practitioners.
The advanced practice nurse role's development and identity: an international review
Authors: Mackavey Carole , Henderson Colette , van Leeuwen Esmeralda de Zwart , Maas Lillian , Ladd Angharad
Published: January 2024

Healthcare is changing; the physician shortage continues to grow and the complexity of health care continues to increase in relation to aging populations, lower reimbursement rates, and increased documentation requirements; an alternative has to be addressed. Globally, the advanced practice nurse (APN) role has grown enormously. Despite the growing use of APN practitioners worldwide, many facilitators and barriers exist to role implementation. Many countries face similar issues, including a lack of clarity and regulation regarding the APN role. Despite these barriers, APNs continue to make headway. This narrative will review barriers and challenges to role advancement across countries and offer opportunities to facilitate APN role development.
Advanced practice in Wales
Authors: Jones Anna , Simcox Ffion , Thomas Jonathan
Published: January 2024

In this spotlight article, three members of the UK's advanced practice (AP) landscape, Anna Jones, Ffion Simcox and Jonathan Thomas, detail the development history of AP throughout Wales. They discuss how the Welsh governance and collaborative style differs from that of the rest of the UK, and explore how Wales is developing, leading and innovating across the UK's wider advanced practice landscape
Fermentation of rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal using mixed microbes to improve its nutritional quality
Authors: ANWAR ASNI , ZAINUDDIN ZAINUDDIN , DJAWAD MUHAMMAD IQBAL , ASLAMYAH SITI
Published: January 2024

Abstract. Anwar A, Zainuddin, Djawad MI, Aslamyah S. 2023. Fermentation of rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal using mixed microbes to improve its nutritional quality. Biodiversitas 24: 5863-5872. Rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal is a source of protein; however, its utilization remains limited due to the presence of anti-nutrients, such as tannins acting as protein inhibitors, high crude fiber content, dissolved protein, and low digestibility of dry and organic matter. Fermentation using mixed microbes potentially enhances the nutritional value of rain tree seed meal. This study aims to improve the nutritional quality and reduce anti-nutritional factors in rain tree seed flour using mixed microbes at various doses and incubation times in vitro. Microbes utilized in this study include Bacillus sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhizopus sp. The study was designed using a Factorial Completely Randomized Design, using two factors, i.e., 3 doses of mixed microbes (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mL/100 g rain tree seed meal) and 3 different incubation times (42, 72 and 96 hours). There were significant interactions between the microbe doses and incubation times. The treatment of 4.5 mL of mixed microbes/100 g rain tree seed meal and a 72 hours incubation time reduced substantially crude fiber content (59.60%) and crude fat (73.20%), coupled with an increase in crude protein content (11.62%), NFE (6.52%), dry matter digestibility (DMD) (36.78%), organic matter digestibility (OMD) (50.42%), and dissolved protein content (20.27%). Tannin content reduced significantly (37.72%) at the treatment of 4.5 mL of mixed microbes/100g rain tree seed meal with an incubation time of 96 hours. These findings suggest that rain tree seed meal, subjected to fermentation for 72 hours or more, improves nutritional quality, DMD, and OMD.
Morphological trait variation of the immature liberica coffee (Coffea liberica) from West Java applied difference of coffee husk compost and biofertilizer
Authors: MAXISELLY YUDITHIA , NAFY FERRANI RIEFALINA , ANJARSARI INTAN RATNA DEWI
Published: January 2024

Abstract. Maxiselly Y, Nafy FR, Anjarsari IRD. 2023. Morphological trait variation of the immature liberica coffee (Coffea liberica) from West Java applied difference of coffee husk compost and biofertilizer. Biodiversitas 24: 5988-5994. Improving the growth of immature Liberica coffee is achievable through fertilizer application. This is because nutrients can be provided to plants by microorganisms from organic and biological fertilizers. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the response and the best treatment for applying coffee husk compost and consortium biofertilizer, which contained nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on the growth of immature Liberica plant. The experiment was held at Ciparanje Research Center, Padjadjaran University, West Java, with an altitude of ±750 meters above sea level (masl) from January to May 2023. Furthermore, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was conducted with six treatment combinations. Each treatment was repeated four times including control (Urea 20 g.plant-1 + SP36 25 g.plant-1 + KCl 15 g.plant-1), solid coffee husk compost 3 kg.plant-1, liquid coffee husk compost 80 mL.L-1, biofertilizer 10 mL.L-1, solid coffee husk compost 3 kg.plant-1 + biofertilizer 10 mL.L-1, and liquid coffee husk compost 80 mL.L-1 + biofertilizer 10 mL.L-1. The results showed that biofertilizer significantly affected for increasing the morphology trait of immature Liberica coffee, namely the plant height, stem diameter, number of primary branches, length of primary branches, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll index. The best treatment for immature Liberica plants was the liquid coffee husk compost 80 mL.L-1 + biofertilizer 10 mL.L-1. Based on this research, the combination of coffee husk compost, especially the liquid form, and biofertilizer is the potential application to boost the immature Liberica coffee growth.
In conversation: Melissa Baksh interviews Suchitra Mattai
Authors: Baksh Melissa
Published: January 2024

On the occasion of the Guyanese-born artist Suchitra Mattai’s solo exhibition ‘Monster’ in London, the Art historian and writer Melissa Baksh interviewed Mattai about her work. This interview took place at Unit London in February 2022 and touched on themes such as the representation of women of the South Asian diaspora and how society ‘others’ and stigmatizes immigrants and those experiencing mental health problems.
Finding Home for Winnie-the-Pooh and Other Bears
Authors: Rim Jiwon
Published: January 2024

Abstract: This article shows how A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) and The House at Pooh Corner (1928) concern the "real" animal, specifically bears at the zoo. The article follows the buried figure of the bear at the zoo—as a shadow twin of the comfortable and comforting figure of the "Pooh" bear—in the texts surrounding Milne's Pooh stories proper (i.e., stories that take place in the Hundred Acre Wood). In the main text of the Pooh stories, readers—and Christopher Robin—are promptly asked to put the thought of these real bears aside in favor of the pleasure of entering the Hundred Acre Wood with a fictional bear. Two recent picture-book sequels to Pooh stories turn attention back to the problematic figure of the original bear at the zoo, revealing shared cultural anxieties concerning the zoos and those surrounding the unanswerable question of "homing" animals in the Anthropocene.
Aesthetic Radicals: White Violence as Exclusion in William Faulkner’s US South and Guðbergur Bergsson’s Iceland
Authors: Sciuto Jenna Grace
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Exploring the work of US Southern writer William Faulkner alongside Icelandic novelist Guðbergur Bergsson reveals much about each region’s history and the complexity of colonial dynamics. The narrator of Bergsson’s Tómas Jónsson, Bestseller (1966), Tómas Jónsson, invents a surreal episode during the US Occupation of Iceland in WWII, building from the historical agreement that no Black soldiers would be stationed on the island to the government-sanctioned murder of a mixed-race baby. I relate this vignette to the scenes of lynching in Light in August (1932) and Absalom, Absalom! (1936) and the corresponding forms of toxic Whiteness and racial fanaticism revealed. Arising from different historical contexts, these examples of racial violence and exclusion to the point of nonexistence demonstrate the devastating and self-annihilating effects of Whiteness, exposing anti-Black, paternalistic, and patriarchal underpinnings to the social, political, and economic systems in Iceland and the US.
Scheiße bei Marx: Zu einer Symptomatik von Geschichte und Krise
Authors: Mohnkern Ansgar
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Analysis of alignment requirements for off-axis resonant cavity based on coupling efficiency
Authors: Hai HongWen , Fang Sijun , Fan WenTong , Sun QiCheng , Zhao Kai , Zhang Rui , Li BoHong , Luo Jian , Song Jie , Cao YeHao , Li XinYu , Li ZiZheng , Fan Lei , Zhao HongChao , Yan Yong
Published: January 2024

The optical path length stability of
the off-axis four-reflection
telescope is one of the key technical indicators for the TianQin
gravitational wave detection system. In the mHz observation band, the
telescope must exhibit an optical path length stability of 0.4pm/Hz1/2. As a feasible solution, the optical
path length stability measurement of the off-axis four-reflection
telescope based on the Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) technique imposes
stringent requirements on the alignment of the off-axis resonant
cavity (ORC). Taking the off-axis two-reflection prototype as the
research object, we propose a Monte Carlo analysis-based method for
ORC alignment precision analysis. By considering misalignment as an
intermediate function, we establish a relationship between the
coupling efficiency of the ORC and the wavefront aberration of the
telescope. The research results show that by considering the combined
effects of multiple misalignment couplings of the primary and
secondary mirrors, when the detected telescope wavefront aberration is
better than 0.068λ (λ=1064nm) with a probability of 98%, the ORC
coupling efficiency can achieve greater than 40% with a probability of
97.13%, which can be used as the main reference indicator for system
misalignment analysis. This method simplifies the alignment difficulty
of the target under test and can provide alignment reference for
subsequent resonant cavities with internal off-axis telescopes.
Automated control and stabilization of ultrabroadband laser pulse angular dispersion
Authors: Buck Samuel , Reid Derryck , Galimberti Marco
Published: January 2024

We present an innovative automatic control of angular dispersion for high-power laser systems. A novel, to the best of our knowledge, diagnostic has been developed to visualize angular dispersion in ultrashort near-infrared laser pulses for on-shot analysis. The output of a commercial ultrabroadband oscillator was prepared with an arbitrary chromatic dispersion and sent through a compensation system composed of 4° glass wedges in motorized mounts. These wedges were rotationally controlled in discrete steps about the beam axis in accordance with the diagnostic, via an automated feedback loop, to successfully eliminate angular dispersion to a precision of 5 nrad/nm. The system can be implemented to maintain a zero or nonzero target dispersion for experiments.
Interpolation linearization predistortion technology for FMCW LiDAR
Authors: Chen Honggang , Zhao Le , Hu Leilei , Chen Long , Zhang Bo , Luo Yong , Liang Xuerui , Gan Linfei
Published: January 2024

Frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) laser ranging technology is an important development direction of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) for the future. It has the advantages of high ranging accuracy, high resolution, wide range, and no ranging blind zone. A distributed feedback laser can be used as a high-quality light source in FMCW laser ranging systems because of its wide frequency modulation range, simple frequency modulation mode, and small package. Aiming at the nonlinear problem of the laser in the frequency modulation process, we present a novel, to our knowledge, predistortion algorithm based on interpolation linear fitting to enhance the linearity of the FMCW laser for LiDAR systems. The sweeping frequency curve of the laser is obtained using the Hilbert transform, and then the sweeping frequency curve is segmented and linearly fitted to calculate the interpolated driving current signals corresponding to linear frequency changes. Using this method, we achieved a nonlinearity error lower than 1e-7 for the swept-frequency signal and demonstrated that the ranging error is less than ±5cm at a distance of 100 m in the FMCW system. In addition, we also demonstrated a 3D static object point cloud with high imaging quality. Compared with the iterative predistortion algorithm based on the function fitting, this method avoids fitting errors at the inflection points of the triangular swept-frequency signal and the complexity of multiple iterative calculations. It enables rapid generation of pre-distorted swept-frequency signals, making it particularly suitable for real-time applications of automotive LiDAR systems.
Numerical modeling of Dy3+-doped aluminosilicate fiber lasers for yellow light emission
Authors: Lee Jinho , Ososkov Yan , Jackson Stuart D.
Published: January 2024

Numerical simulations of Dy3+-doped aluminosilicate fiber lasers for yellow light emission are presented. The 4F9/2→6H13/2 laser transition emitting at approximately 580 nm has been developed experimentally with 445 nm diode pumping and shows promise for higher output power in both silicate and in particular fluoride glass hosts. In this report, we focus on accumulating the published spectroscopic data in order to quantify cross relaxation (CR) in each of these hosts and use it to estimate its role in the laser dynamics. The model involves calculation of the branching ratios, and radiative and nonradiative decay rates and compares well with reported experimental results. We show the important role of the background losses on previous laser performance and the relatively strong increase in the laser threshold as a result of CR despite the moderately low Dy3+ concentrations that have been experimentally tested.
Deep convolutional neural networks-based scatterer density and resolution estimators in optical coherence tomography: erratum
Authors: Seesan Thitiya , Abd El-Sadek Ibrahim , Mukherjee Pradipta , Zhu Lida , Oikawa Kensuke , Miyazawa Arata , Shen Larina Tzu-Wei , Matsusaka Satoshi , Buranasiri Prathan , Makita Shuichi , Yasuno Yoshiaki
Published: January 2024

Errata are presented to correct the inconsistencies between the values and their units displayed in the figures and the texts in our published manuscript [Biomed. Opt. Express 13, 168 (2022)10.1364/BOE.443343]. The errors were caused by the unit presentation of the original manuscript, and hence, it does not affect the main results and the conclusion.
Lhx3/4 initiates a cardiopharyngeal-specific transcriptional program in response to widespread FGF signaling
Authors: Pickett C. J. , Gruner Hannah N. , Davidson Bradley
Published: January 2024

Individual signaling pathways, such as fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), can regulate a plethora of inductive events. According to current paradigms, signal-dependent transcription factors (TFs), such as FGF/MapK-activated Ets family factors, partner with lineage-determining factors to achieve regulatory specificity. However, many aspects of this model have not been rigorously investigated. One key question relates to whether lineage-determining factors dictate lineage-specific responses to inductive signals or facilitate these responses in collaboration with other inputs. We utilize the chordate modelCiona robustato investigate mechanisms generating lineage-specific induction. Previous studies inC.robustahave shown that cardiopharyngeal progenitor cells are specified through the combined activity of FGF-activatedEts1/2.band an inferred ATTA-binding transcriptional cofactor. Here, we show that the homeobox TFLhx3/4serves as the lineage-determining TF that dictates cardiopharyngeal-specific transcription in response to pleiotropic FGF signaling. Targeted knockdown ofLhx3/4leads to loss of cardiopharyngeal gene expression. Strikingly, ectopic expression ofLhx3/4in a neuroectodermal lineage subject to FGF-dependent specification leads to ectopic cardiopharyngeal gene expression in this lineage. Furthermore, ectopicLhx3/4expression disrupts neural plate morphogenesis, generating aberrant cell behaviors associated with execution of incompatible morphogenetic programs. Based on these findings, we propose that combinatorial regulation by signal-dependent and lineage-determinant factors represents a generalizable, previously uncategorized regulatory subcircuit we term “cofactor-dependent induction.” Integration of this subcircuit into theoretical models will facilitate accurate predictions regarding the impact of gene regulatory network rewiring on evolutionary diversification and disease ontogeny.
The forkhead transcription factor Foxj1 controls vertebrate olfactory cilia biogenesis and sensory neuron differentiation
Authors: Rayamajhi Dheeraj , Ege Mert , Ukhanov Kirill , Ringers Christa , Zhang Yiliu , Jung Inyoung , D’Gama Percival P. , Li Summer Shijia , Cosacak Mehmet Ilyas , Kizil Caghan , Park Hae-Chul , Yaksi Emre , Martens Jeffrey R. , Brody Steven L. , Jurisch-Yaksi Nathalie , Roy Sudipto
Published: January 2024

In vertebrates, olfactory receptors localize on multiple cilia elaborated on dendritic knobs of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Although olfactory cilia dysfunction can cause anosmia, how their differentiation is programmed at the transcriptional level has remained largely unexplored. We discovered in zebrafish and mice that Foxj1, a forkhead domain-containing transcription factor traditionally linked with motile cilia biogenesis, is expressed in OSNs and required for olfactory epithelium (OE) formation. In keeping with the immotile nature of olfactory cilia, we observed that ciliary motility genes are repressed in zebrafish, mouse, and human OSNs. Strikingly, we also found that besides ciliogenesis, Foxj1 controls the differentiation of the OSNs themselves by regulating their cell type–specific gene expression, such as that ofolfactory marker protein(omp) involved in odor-evoked signal transduction. In line with this, response to bile acids, odors detected by OMP-positive OSNs, was significantly diminished infoxj1mutant zebrafish. Taken together, our findings establish how the canonical Foxj1-mediated motile ciliogenic transcriptional program has been repurposed for the biogenesis of immotile olfactory cilia, as well as for the development of the OSNs.
Integration of expression QTLs with fine mapping via SuSiE
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Jiang Wei , Zhao Hongyu
Published: January 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have achieved remarkable success in associating thousands of genetic variants with complex traits. However, the presence of linkage disequilibrium (LD) makes it challenging to identify the causal variants. To address this critical gap from association to causation, many fine-mapping methods have been proposed to assign well-calibrated probabilities of causality to candidate variants, taking into account the underlying LD pattern. In this manuscript, we introduce a statistical framework that incorporates expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) information to fine-mapping, built on the sum of single-effects (SuSiE) regression model. Our new method, SuSiE2, connects two SuSiE models, one for eQTL analysis and one for genetic fine-mapping. This is achieved by first computing the posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) from an eQTL-based SuSiE model with the expression level of the candidate gene as the phenotype. These calculated PIPs are then utilized as prior inclusion probabilities for risk variants in another SuSiE model for the trait of interest. By prioritizing functional variants within the candidate region using eQTL information, SuSiE2 improves SuSiE by increasing the detection rate of causal SNPs and reducing the average size of credible sets. We compared the performance of SuSiE2 with other multi-trait fine-mapping methods with respect to power, coverage, and precision through simulations and applications to the GWAS results of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and body mass index (BMI). Our results demonstrate the better performance of SuSiE2, both when the in-sample linkage disequilibrium (LD) matrix and an external reference panel is used in inference.
Syndromic surveillance during 2022 Uganda Martyrs’ commemoration
Authors: Ninsiima Mackline , Wanyana Mercy W. , Kiggundu Thomas , King Patrick , Lubwama Bernard , Migisha Richard , Bulage Lilian , Kadobera Daniel , Ario Alex Riolexus
Published: January 2024

Mass gatherings frequently include close, prolonged interactions between people, which presents opportunities for infectious disease transmission. Over 20,000 pilgrims gathered at Namugongo Catholic and Protestant shrines to commemorate 2022 Uganda Martyr’s Day. We described syndromes suggestive of key priority diseases particularly COVID–19 and viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) among visiting pilgrims during May 25–June 5, 2022. We conducted a survey among pilgrims at the catholic and protestant shrines based on signs and symptoms for key priority diseases: COVID–19 and VHF. A suspected COVID–19 case was defined as acute respiratory illness (temperature greater 37.5°C and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory infection such as cough or shortness of breath) whereas a suspected VHF case was defined as fever >37.5°C and unexplained bleeding among pilgrims who visited Namugongo Catholic and Protestant shrines from May 25 to June 5, 2022. Pilgrims were sampled systematically at entrances and demarcated zonal areas to participate in the survey. Additionally, we extracted secondary data on pilgrims who sought emergency medical services from Health Management Information System registers. Descriptive analysis was conducted to identify syndromes suggestive of key priority diseases. Among 1,350 pilgrims interviewed, 767 (57%) were female. The mean age was 37.9 (±17.9) years. Nearly all pilgrims 1,331 (98.6%) were Ugandans. A total of 236 (18%) reported ≥1 case definition symptom and 42 (3%) reported ≥2 symptoms. Thirty-nine (2.9%) were suspected COVID–19 cases and three (0.2%) were suspected VHF cases from different regions of Uganda. Among 5,582 pilgrims who sought medical care from tents, 628 (11.3%) had suspected COVID–19 and one had suspected VHF. Almost one in fifty pilgrims at the 2022 Uganda Martyrs’ commemoration had at least one symptom of COVID–19 or VHF. Intensified syndromic surveillance and planned laboratory testing capacity at mass gatherings is important for early detection of public health emergencies that could stem from such events.
Epidemiology of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in the Greater Horn of Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Aregawi Weldegebrial G. , Levecke Bruno , Ashenafi Hagos , Byaruhanga Charles , Kebede Nigatu , Mulinge Erastus , Wassermann Marion , Romig Thomas , Dorny Pierre , Dermauw Veronique
Published: January 2024

Background

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease that is caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), the life cycle of which involves multiple hosts. We conducted a systematic review (SR) on E. granulosus s.l. in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA), to provide a picture of its recent epidemiology across all hosts.

Methods

For this SR, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, five electronic databases, as well experts in the region were consulted to retrieve records published between 2000 and 2022, reporting the presence of E. granulosus s.l. infections in any natural host in the GHA (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda).

Principal findings

A total of 247 records were retained, describing the presence of E. granulosus s.l. throughout the GHA, except for Djibouti. Only few population surveys on human CE were conducted in the area, with the prevalence ranging between 0.3 and 11.3%. In animals, the reported prevalence ranged up to 61.6% in camels, 88.4% in cattle; 65.2% in goats, 9.9% in pigs, 67.8% in sheep and 94.5% in dogs. In addition, E. granulosus s.l. was also reported in wildlife. A total of five species were reported in the different hosts, namely E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1, G3, GOmo), E. canadensis (G6/7), E. ortleppi (G5), E. felidis, and E. equinus (G4).

Conclusions

We confirm that E. granulosus s.l. is prevalent throughout the GHA. Nevertheless, despite our efforts to screen grey literature, an accurate assessment of the epidemiology in GHA remains challenging, due to the lack of combined host, in-depth risk factor and behavioural studies, as well as the wide diversity in subpopulations studied and diagnostic tools used. Interdisciplinary and transboundary partnerships would be essential for the design of effective control strategies, tuned to the GHA setting.
Strengthening health service delivery and governance through institutionalizing ‘Urban Health Atlas’—A geo-referenced Information Communication and Technology tool: Lessons learned from an implementation research in three cities in Bangladesh
Authors: Shafique Sohana , Bhattacharyya Dipika Shankar , Hossain Md. Tarek , Hasan Shaikh Mehdi , Ahmed Shakil , Islam Rubana , Adams Alayne M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Urban health governance in Bangladesh is complex as multiple actors are involved and no comprehensive data are currently available on infrastructure, services, or performance either in public and private sectors of the healthcare system. The Urban Health Atlas (UHA)–a novel and interactive geo-referenced, web-based visualization tool was developed in Bangladesh to provide geospatial and service information to decision makers involved in urban health service planning and governance. Our objective was to study the opportunities for institutionalization of the UHA into government health systems responsible for urban healthcare delivery and document the facilitators and barriers to its uptake.

Methods

This implementation research was carried out during 2017–2019 in three cities in Bangladesh: Dhaka, Dinajpur and Jashore. During the intervention period, six hands-on trainings on UHA were provided to 67 urban health managers across three study sites. Thirty in-depth and twelve key informant interviews were conducted to understand user experience and document stakeholder perceptions of institutionalizing UHA.

Results

Capacity building on UHA enhanced understanding of health managers around its utility for service delivery planning, decision making and oversight. Findings from the IDIs and KIIs suggest that UHA uptake was challenged by inadequate ICT infrastructure, shortage of human resources and lack of ICT skill among managers. Motivating key decision makers and stakeholders about the potential of UHA and engaging them from its inception helped the institutionalization process.

Conclusion

While uptake of UHA by government health managers appears possible with dedicated capacity building initiatives, its use and regular update are challenged by multiple factors at the implementation level. A clear understanding of context, actors and system readiness is foundational in determining whether the institutionalization of health ICTs is timely, realistic or relevant.
Prospective cohort study of surgical site infections following single dose antibiotic prophylaxis in caesarean section at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Medchal, India
Authors: Basany Kalpana , Chaudhuri Sirshendu , Shailaja P. Lakshmi , Agiwal Varun , Angaali Neelima , A. Y. Nirupama , D. Shailendra , Haggerty Catherine , Reddy P. S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Caesarean section (CS) is considered to be a life-saving operative intervention for women and new-borns in certain antepartum and intrapartum conditions. Caesarean delivery may be accompanied by several complications including surgical site infections (SSI). However, there is a significant lack of uniformity in the administration of antibiotics for preventing surgical site infections (SSI) following caesarean deliveries. The present study was conducted to determine the incidence of post CS SSI following the adoption of single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis as recommended by WHO at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Medchal, India. Also, to identify the risk factors of SSI and reported the bacteriological profiles and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the culture positive isolates.

Main objectives

To estimate the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI’s) according to CDC criteria following WHO-recommended single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean section at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Medchal, India.

Methods

A prospective hospital-based study was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019, in which women who underwent caesarean delivery were followed up for 30 days post-delivery. Clinical details were collected using a structured questionnaire, and participants were followed up weekly after discharge to document any signs and symptoms of SSI. Symptomatic patients were requested to come to the hospital for further investigation and treatment. Standard microbiological tests were conducted to detect microorganisms and their antibiotic sensitivity.

Results

The study included 2,015 participants with a mean age of 24.1 years. The majority were multigravida (n = 1,274, 63.2%) and underwent emergency caesarean delivery (n = 1,232, 61.1%). Ninety two participants (4.6%, 95% CI: 3.7% to 5.6%) developed surgical site infections, with 91 (98.9%) having superficial and 1 (1.1%) having a deep infection. Among those who developed an SSI, 84 (91.3%) did so during their hospital stay, while 8 (8.7%) developed an SSI at home. The adjusted relative risk (a RR) for developing an SSI was 2.5 (95% CI: 1.4 to 4.6; power 99.9%) among obese women and 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1 to 4.7; power 100%) among women aged 25 years or younger. Microbial growth in culture was observed from 55 (75.8%) out of total 66 samples. The most common organisms identified were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 7(12.3%)23, 46.0%), Klebsiella sp. (n = 13, 26.0%), and Escherichia coli (n = 12, 24.0%).

Conclusion

The rate of SSI following caesarean deliveries subjected to single dose antibiotic prophylaxis was low. Young women and obese women were at high risk of developing SSI.
Omicron vs. the rest: Assessing the competitive dynamics and coinfection scenarios of COVID-19 strains on a social network
Authors: Jabraeilian Hamed , Jamali Yousef
Published: January 2024

The rapid spread and evolving nature of COVID-19 variants have raised concerns regarding their competitive dynamics and coinfection scenarios. In this study, we assess the competitive interactions between the Omicron variant and other prominent variants (Alpha, Beta and Delta) on a social network, considering both single infection and coinfection states. Using the SIRS model, we simulate the progression of these variants and analyze their impact on infection rates, mortality and overall disease burden. Our findings demonstrate that the Alpha and Beta strains exhibit comparable contagion levels, with the Alpha strain displaying higher infection and mortality rates. Moreover, the Delta strain emerges as the most prevalent and virulent strain, surpassing the other variants. When introduced alongside the less virulent Omicron strain, the Delta strain results in higher infection and mortality rates. However, the Omicron strain’s dominance leads to an overall increase in disease statistics. Remarkably, our study highlights the efficacy of the Omicron variant in supplanting more virulent strains and its potential role in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. The Omicron strain demonstrates a competitive advantage over the other variants, suggesting its potential to reduce the severity of the disease and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and understanding the dynamics of COVID-19 variants, as they can inform effective prevention and mitigation strategies, particularly with the emergence of variants that possess a relative advantage in controlling disease transmission.