bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaria, Urogenital Schistosomiasis, and Anaemia in Pregnant Ghanaian Women
Authors: Frempong Naa Adjeley , Ahiabor Charity , Anyan William K. , Mama Atikatou , Kusi Kwadwo Asamoah , Ofori Michael F. , Adu Bright , Debrah Alex Yaw , Anang Abraham K. , Ndam Nicaise T. , Courtin David
Published: September 2023

Background. Anaemia is common in sub-Saharan Africa, and parasitic infections could worsen its burden during pregnancy. Moreover, women become susceptible to malaria during pregnancy. We investigated Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infections and determined their association with anaemia during pregnancy. Methods. A cross-sectional study involving 707 pregnant women attending antenatal care visits (ANC) and 446 at delivery was conducted in Battor and Adidome hospitals. Pregnant women were screened by microscopy and qPCR for P. falciparum and S. haematobium infections. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined, and most participants received intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) during ANC till delivery. Regression analyses were performed for associations between parasite infection and anaemia. Results. P. falciparum microscopy prevalence at ANC and delivery was 8% and 2%, respectively, and by PCR 24% at ANC and 12% at delivery. Anaemia prevalence at ANC was 52% and 49% at delivery. There was an increased risk of anaemia with P. falciparum infection (

aOR
=
1.92

;

p
=
0.04

). IPTp (

p
=
0.003

) and age (

p
=
0.004

) were associated with increased Hb levels at delivery. S. haematobium prevalence by microscopy was 4% at ANC and 2% at delivery. No significant correlation between S. haematobium and Hb levels was observed (

coef
.
=
−
0.62

 g/dl;

p
=
0.07

). Conclusion. High anaemia prevalence was observed during pregnancy, and P. falciparum infection was associated with anaemia at ANC. Low S. haematobium prevalence could be attributed to previous praziquantel treatment during mass drug administration. Routine diagnosis and treatment of S. haematobium infections in endemic areas could be initiated to reduce schistosomiasis during pregnancy.
Supplementary Table S4 from An Early Neoplasia Index (ENI10), Based on Molecular Identity of CD10 Cells and Associated Stemness Biomarkers, is a Predictor of Patient Outcome in Many Cancers
Authors: Guyot Boris , Clément Flora , Drouet Youenn , Schmidt Xenia , Lefort Sylvain , Delay Emmanuel , Treilleux Isabelle , Foy Jean-Philippe , Jeanpierre Sandrine , Thomas Emilie , Kielbassa Janice , Tonon Laurie , Zhu Helen He , Saintigny Pierre , Gao Wei-Qiang , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud , Tirode Franck , Viari Alain , Blay Jean-Yves , Maguer-Satta Véronique
Published: September 2023

Supplementary Table S4 shows the correlation between the ENI10 score and the IC50 of the indicated drugs in breast cancer cell lines from the "Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer Project".
Mapping Cultural Flows through Contemporary Art in Translation: The Translation(s) Project
Authors: Poposki Zoran , Todorova Marija
Published: September 2023

This article examines the role of translation in contemporary art through a case study of the curatorial project Translation(s), curated by Zoran Poposki in collaboration with Laurence Wood, realized in three editions over five years and involving more than 30 video works by international artists. By exploring the dual significance of translation as a motif and a method, this article investigates how artists engage with the complexities of communication and reinterpretation. The analysis highlights the transformative potential of translation, transcending linguistic barriers and extending into the realm of visual representation, cultural expression, and artistic practices.
Voices of Climate Change
Authors: Volny Sandra , Chaput Julien
Published: September 2023

The authors, an artist and a geophysicist, present three different approaches to art-science projects, depicting hybrid models of interdisciplinarity, particularly via sound art. They first cooperate to create an art installation using sonified seismic data collected in Antarctica, moving then to vibrational data at a seismic deployment in the Jornada desert, New Mexico, envisioning a site-specific listening approach that would effectively merge art and science. The authors propose new models of collaboration in ever-more-urgent global responses to the climate crisis, revealing what we might call the “voices” of climate change.
Multisensor Agile Adaptive Sampling (MAAS): A Methodology to Collect Radar Observations of Convective Cell Life Cycle
Authors: Lamer Katia , Kollias Pavlos , Luke Edward P. , Treserras Bernat P. , Oue Mariko , Dolan Brenda
Published: September 2023

Multisensor Agile Adaptive Sampling (MAAS), a smart sensing framework, was adapted to increase the likelihood of observing the vertical structure (with little to no gaps), spatial variability (at subkilometer scale), and temporal evolution (at ∼2-min resolution) of convective cells. This adaptation of MAAS guided two mechanically scanning C-band radars (CSAPR2 and CHIVO) by automatically analyzing the latest NEXRAD data to identify, characterize, track, and nowcast the location of all convective cells forming in the Houston domain. MAAS used either a list of predetermined rules or real-time user input to select a convective cell to be tracked and sampled by the C-band radars. The CSAPR2 tracking radar was first tasked to collect three sector plan position indicator (PPI) scans toward the selected cell. Edge computer processing of the PPI scans was used to identify additional targets within the selected cell. In less than 2 min, both the CSAPR2 and CHIVO radars were able to collect bundles of three to six range–height indicator (RHI) scans toward different targets of interest within the selected cell. Bundles were successively collected along the path of cell advection for as long as the cell met a predetermined set of criteria. Between 1 June and 30 September 2022 over 315 000 vertical cross-section observations were collected by the C-band radars through ∼1300 unique isolated convective cells, most of which were observed for over 15 min of their life cycle. To the best of our knowledge, this dataset, collected primarily through automatic means, constitutes the largest dataset of its kind.
Statistical Evaluation of Different Surface Precipitation-Type Algorithms and Its Implications for NWP Prediction and Operational Decision-Making
Authors: Reeves Heather Dawn , Tripp Daniel D. , Baldwin Michael E. , Rosenow Andrew A.
Published: September 2023

Several new precipitation-type algorithms have been developed to improve NWP predictions of surface precipitation type during winter storms. In this study, we evaluate whether it is possible to objectively declare one algorithm as superior to another through comparison of three precipitation-type algorithms when validated using different techniques. The apparent skill of the algorithms is dependent on the choice of performance metric—algorithms can have high scores for some metrics and poor scores for others. It is also possible for an algorithm to have high skill at diagnosing some precipitation types and poor skill with others. Algorithm skill is also highly dependent on the choice of verification data/methodology. Just by changing what data are considered “truth,” we were able to substantially change the apparent skill of all algorithms evaluated herein. These findings suggest an objective declaration of algorithm “goodness” is not possible. Moreover, they indicate that the unambiguous declaration of superiority is difficult, if not impossible. A contributing factor to algorithm performance is uncertainty of the microphysical processes that lead to phase changes of falling hydrometeors, which are treated differently by each algorithm, thus resulting in different biases in near −0°C environments. These biases are evident even when algorithms are applied to ensemble forecasts. Hence, a multi-algorithm approach is advocated to account for this source of uncertainty. Although the apparent performance of this approach is still dependent on the choice of performance metric and precipitation type, a case-study analysis shows it has the potential to provide better decision support than the single-algorithm approach.

Significance Statement

Many investigators are developing new-and-improved algorithms to diagnose the surface precipitation type in winter storms. Whether these algorithms can be declared as objectively superior to existing strategies is unknown. Herein, we evaluate different methods to measure algorithm performance to assess whether it is possible to state one algorithm is superior to another. The results of this study suggest such claims are difficult, if not impossible, to make, at least not for the algorithms considered herein. Because algorithms can have certain biases, we advocate a multi-algorithm approach wherein multiple algorithms are applied to forecasts and a probabilistic prediction of precipitation type is generated. The potential value of this is demonstrated through a case-study analysis that shows promise for enhanced decision support.
Empirical mixed Ramanujan Fourier decomposition and its application to early fault diagnosis of planetary gears
Authors: Cheng Jian , Yang Yu , Shao Haidong , Hu Niaoqing , Cheng Zhe , Cheng Junsheng
Published: September 2023

The noise robustness of adaptive empirical Fourier decomposition (AEFD) is not ideal, and Ramanujan Fourier mode decomposition (RFMD) often occurs over decomposition, causing the fault information to be dispersed. Based on this, an original method called empirical mixed Ramanujan Fourier decomposition (EMRFD) is proposed for nonlinear and non-stationary signal analysis. Firstly, EMRFD obtains the coefficients of mixed Ramanujan Fourier transform (MRFT) through the new mixed transform matrix. Then, EMRFD obtains the partition boundary through adaptive frequency band division. Finally, the mode components named mixed Ramanujan Fourier intrinsic band functions (MRFIBFs) of frequency bands are obtained by inverse MRFT. The simulation and experimental signal analysis results show that EMRFD not only has excellent signal decomposition accuracy, but also has effective ability of extracting periodic components, which is a valid method for early fault diagnosis of planetary gears.
Evaluating end of treatment care of young people with cancer
Authors: Twivy Eve , Griffiths Helen , Knight Matthew TD
Published: September 2023

Background

Existing literature implies there may be gaps in post-treatment support for young people with cancer. This service evaluation explored the needs and experiences of young people when ending cancer treatment in a UK children’s hospital to inform service provisions.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine young people, aged 13–18 years, who had finished active cancer treatment and were receiving follow-up care. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes were developed: being in the dark (i.e. limited awareness of what happens when treatment ends); separation from the hospital (i.e. the loss of valued support from staff); consequences of cancer (i.e. managing ongoing psychological and physical effects); and getting back to normal life (i.e. shifting from hospital to everyday life).

Conclusions

Recommendations for improving clinical practice were made. Greater preparedness for ending treatment could be achieved by clearly setting out ongoing care arrangements, providing resource packs, having opportunities to mark the end of treatment, and offering peer support. To identify specific post-treatment needs, there should be an end of treatment multidisciplinary review and space for young people to share how they are feeling in follow-up medical appointments.
Safety and effectiveness of sacituzumab govitecan in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer in real-world settings: first observations from an interdisciplinary breast cancer centre in Germany
Authors: Reinisch Mattea , Bruzas Simona , Spoenlein Jennifer , Shenoy Satyendra , Traut Alexander , Harrach Hakima , Chiari Ouafaa , Cremer Efsthatia , Ataseven Beyhan , Gubelt Lars , Kuemmel Sherko
Published: September 2023

Background:

Sacituzumab govitecan has been recently approved by the USFDA and EMA for the treatment of patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). We report real-world safety and effectiveness in patients with mTNBC receiving sacituzumab govitecan treatment at a breast cancer centre in Germany.

Methods:

Data from patients who had received sacituzumab govitecan as treatment for mTNBC, in both de novo and relapsed disease, at the Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Essen, Germany, were collected through institutional records. Data were analysed for safety parameters and survival outcomes and reported using descriptive statistics.

Results:

Patients ( N = 43) received a median (range) of 5 (1–28) cycles of sacituzumab govitecan and were followed up for a median of 12.9 months. The most reported adverse events (AEs) of any grade were alopecia ( n = 39; 90.7%), diarrhoea ( n = 16; 37.2%), fatigue ( n = 15, 34.9%), anaemia ( n = 15, 34.9%) and neutropenia ( n = 14, 32.6%). AEs ⩾ Grade 3 with the highest incidence were neutropenia ( n = 12; 27.9%) and diarrhoea ( n = 8; 18.6%). In eight (18.6%) patients, dose of sacituzumab govitecan dose was reduced due to patients’ clinical condition prior to commencing treatment; in further 17 (39.5%) patients, sacituzumab govitecan dose had to be reduced or treatment interrupted on account of AEs associated with the drug after treatment had commenced. Median progression-free survival and median overall survival were calculated to be 5.0and 13.1 months, respectively.

Conclusion:

The real-world safety and effectiveness profile of sacituzumab govitecan in patients with mTNBC are in line with clinical trial data. Further studies are required to guide optimal use of sacituzumab govitecan against mTNBC, especially in context of management of accompanying AEs.
Ethno-Religious Conflict in the Cochin Jewish Community: An Analysis of Jewish Life in Kerala through the Life Writing of an Indian Jewish Woman
Authors: Thomas Anita Ann
Published: September 2023

The migration of Cochin Jews from Kerala to the promised land of Israel can be traced back to the 1950s. Though the population of the Jewish community in Cochin is reduced to less than ten in number today, their past cannot be erased from Kerala history, especially the ethnic life of the Malabari Jewish community. Apart from folk songs and archaeological findings, Ruby Daniel, a Malabari Jewish woman, and the renowned ethnographer Barbara C. Johnson left behind an essential source of ethnographic data to explore the social life of Jew town. The significant ethnic life of the Malabari Jewish community and their attempt to claim and confirm their identity as the mainstream Cochin Jewish community continues even today among the remaining Malabari Jews in the Jew town. This article attempts to analyze the ethnic and social life of the Malabari Jewish community and the Cochin Jewish community through the auto-ethnographical narrative of Ruby Daniel.
Enhancing subthreshold slope and ON-current in a simple iTFET with overlapping gate on source-contact, drain Schottky contact, and intrinsic SiGe-pocket
Authors: Lin Jyi-Tsong , Lin Kuan-Pin , Cheng Kai-Ming
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we present a new novel simple iTFET with overlapping gate on source-contact (SGO), Drain Schottky Contact, and intrinsic SiGe pocket (Pocket-SGO iTFET). The aim is to achieve steep subthreshold swing (S.S) and high ION current. By optimizing the gate and source-contact overlap, the tunneling efficiency is significantly enhanced, while the ambipolar effect is suppressed. Additionally, using a Schottky contact at the drain/source, instead of ion implantation drain/source, reduces leakage current and thermal budget. Moreover, the tunneling region is replaced by an intrinsic SiGe pocket posing a narrower bandgap, which increases the probability of band-to-band tunneling and enhances the ION current. Our simulations are based on the feasibility of the actual process, thorough Sentaurus TCAD simulations demonstrate that the Pocket-SGO iTFET exhibits an average and minimum subthreshold swing of S.Savg = 16.2 mV/Dec and S.Smin = 4.62 mV/Dec, respectively. At VD = 0.2 V, the ION current is 1.81 $$\times$$
×
10–6 A/μm, and the ION/IOFF ratio is 1.34 $$\times$$
×
109. The Pocket-SGO iTFET design shows great potential for ultra-low-power devices that are required for the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI applications.
Antibacterial and anti-corona virus (229E) activity of Nigella sativa oil combined with photodynamic therapy based on methylene blue in wound infection: in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Abo-Neima Sahar E. , El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , Al-Zaban Mayasar I. , EL-Sayed Abeer I. M.
Published: September 2023

Microbial skin infections, antibiotic resistance, and poor wound healing are major problems, and new treatments are needed. Our study targeted solving this problem with Nigella sativa (NS) oil and photodynamic therapy based on methylene blue (MB-PDT). Antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined via agar well diffusion assay and broth microdilution, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proved deformations in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry identified useful compounds that were suggested to be responsible for the potency of the oil. NS oil was tested as an antivirus against low pathogenic coronavirus (229E). Therapies examined, MB-PDT, NS, and MB-PDT + NS oil, to accelerate wound healing. The antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus was promising, with a MIC of 12.5% and TEM showing injured cells treated with NS oil. This oil inhibited 229E virus up to 42.85% and 32.14%. All tested therapies were successful in accelerating wound healing. The most successful was combined therapy (MB-PDT + NS oil), with a faster healing time. The combined therapy (MB-PDT + NS oil) reduced bacterial counts, which may be a key factor in accelerating wound healing. Skin wound histology was investigated; blood hematology and biochemical analysis did not change significantly after the safe combination treatment. A combination treatment could facilitate healing in a simple and inexpensive way in the future. Based on the results of the in vitro and in vivo studies, it was determined that NS oil had antibacterial and anti-corona virus activity when used in conjunction with photodynamic treatment based on methylene blue to treat wound infections.
Economic burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a matched case–control study in more than 450,000 Swedish individuals
Authors: Steen Carlsson Katarina , Nilsson Kristoffer , Wolden Michael Lyng , Faurby Mads
Published: September 2023

Aim

To examine direct and indirect costs, early retirement, cardiovascular events and mortality over 5 years in people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and matched controls in Sweden.

Methods

Individuals aged ≥ 16 years living in Sweden on 01 January 2012 were identified in an existing database. Individuals with ASCVD were propensity score matched to controls without ASCVD by age, sex and educational status. We compared direct healthcare costs (inpatient, outpatient and drug costs), indirect costs (resulting from work absence) and the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and early retirement.

Results

After matching, there were 231,417 individuals in each cohort. Total mean per-person annual costs were over 2.5 times higher in the ASCVD group versus the controls (€6923 vs €2699). Indirect costs contributed to 60% and 67% of annual costs in the ASCVD and control groups, respectively. Inpatient costs accounted for ≥ 70% of direct healthcare costs. Cumulative total costs over the 5-year period were €32,011 in the ASCVD group and €12,931 in the controls. People with ASCVD were 3 times more likely to enter early retirement than controls (hazard ratio [HR] 3.02 [95% CI 2.76–3.31]) and approximately 2 times more likely to experience stroke (HR 1.83 [1.77–1.89]) or MI (HR 2.27 [2.20–2.34]).

Conclusion

ASCVD is associated with both economic and clinical impacts. People with ASCVD incurred considerably higher costs than matched controls, with indirect costs resulting from work absence and inpatient admissions being major cost drivers, and were also more likely to experience additional ASCVD events.
The reliability and validity of the Norwegian version of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment for gluteal tendinopathy questionnaire (VISA-G-Norwegian) for patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Authors: Sveinall Håkon , Wenstad Per Kristian , Fearon Angela M. , Skyttemyr Gjermund , Thornes Elisabeth , Skaara Heléne Engberg , Juel Niels Gunnar , Brox Jens Ivar , Roe Cecilie , Johnsen Marianne Bakke
Published: September 2023

Background

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common chronic musculoskeletal condition that may affect physical function, quality of life and sleep. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal questionnaire (VISA-G) has been developed as a Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement (PROM) to address pain, everyday activities, physical activities, and difficulty with weight bearing activities. The aim of the study was to test the reliability, validity and floor and ceiling effects of the Norwegian version of the VISA-G (VISA-G-Norwegian) in a population with GTPS in a specialist health care setting.

Methods

This psychometric evaluation of the VISA-G-Norwegian questionnaire were conducted with a prospective observational design. The VISA-G was translated into Norwegian following recommended guidelines. A subgroup repeated the VISA-G-Norwegian a week after the initial submission. For the reliability, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2.1), Standard Error of the Measurement (SEM) and the Smallest Detectable Change (SDC95%) were calculated. Internal consistency was measured using a Cronbach´s alpha. Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated, and construct validity was assessed with three a priori hypotheses.

Results

78 participants were included in the study of which 47 stable participants undertook the test-retest reliability arm of the study. The ICC2.1 for the total score was 0.85 (95% CI 0.68, 0.92), SEM was 6.6 points and SDC95% 18.4 points. Cronbach`s alpha was 0.77 (95% CI 0.69, 0.84). No floor or ceiling effects were found in the total score, but ceiling effect was found in three of the eight items. For construct validity, one of the three hypotheses were confirmed. VISA-G-Norwegian correlated to the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODI) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), 0.64, -0.75 and − 0.63 respectively.

Conclusion

The VISA-G-Norwegian has acceptable reliability and validity, despite ceiling effect of individual items. The large SDC95% should be considered when measuring change in similar cohorts with GTPS. For a potential future version, it would be recommended to consider response options for questions with ceiling effect and the comprehensibility of question eight.

Trial registration

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov the 28/02/2020 (NCT04289922).
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles for treatment of bone loss within periodontitis in pre-clinical animal models: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Huan , Qi Yan-Xin , Zhu Chun-Hui , Li Ang , Pei Dan-Dan
Published: September 2023

Background

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) represent an effective and promising strategy for periodontitis, although studies remain pre-clinical. Herein, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy of MSC-EVs in animal models of periodontitis.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase electronic databases were searched up to Dec 2022 to retrieve preclinical studies examining the use of MSC-EVs for periodontitis treatment. Meta-analyses and sub-group analyses were performed to assess the effect of MSC-EVs on Bone Volume/Total Volume (BV/TV) or the distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CEJ-ABC) in pre-clinical animal models of periodontitis.

Results

11 studies published from Mar 2019 to Oct 2022 met the inclusion criteria. Overall, MSC-EVs contributed to periodontal bone regeneration in the inflammatory bone loss area due to periodontitis, as represented by a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 14.07% (95% CI = 6.73, 21.41%, p < 0.001) for BV/TV and a WMD of -0.12 mm (95% CI= -0.14, -0.11 mm, p < 0.001) for CEJ-ABC. However, sub-analysis suggested that there was no significant difference in CEJ-ABC between studies with bioactive scaffolds and studies without bioactive scaffolds (p = 0.60).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that MSC-EVs may represent an attractive therapy for the treatment of inflammatory bone loss within periodontitis.
Machine learning prediction models for different stages of non-small cell lung cancer based on tongue and tumor marker: a pilot study
Authors: Shi Yulin , Wang Hao , Yao Xinghua , Li Jun , Liu Jiayi , Chen Yuan , Liu Lingshuang , Xu Jiatuo
Published: September 2023

Objective

To analyze the tongue feature of NSCLC at different stages, as well as the correlation between tongue feature and tumor marker, and investigate the feasibility of establishing prediction models for NSCLC at different stages based on tongue feature and tumor marker.

Methods

Tongue images were collected from non-advanced NSCLC patients (n = 109) and advanced NSCLC patients (n = 110), analyzed the tongue images to obtain tongue feature, and analyzed the correlation between tongue feature and tumor marker in different stages of NSCLC. On this basis, six classifiers, decision tree, logistic regression, SVM, random forest, naive bayes, and neural network, were used to establish prediction models for different stages of NSCLC based on tongue feature and tumor marker.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in tongue feature between the non-advanced and advanced NSCLC groups. In the advanced NSCLC group, the number of indexes with statistically significant correlations between tongue feature and tumor marker was significantly higher than in the non-advanced NSCLC group, and the correlations were stronger. Support Vector Machine (SVM), decision tree, and logistic regression among the machine learning methods performed poorly in models with different stages of NSCLC. Neural network, random forest and naive bayes had better classification efficiency for the data set of tongue feature and tumor marker and baseline. The models’ classification accuracies were 0.767 ± 0.081, 0.718 ± 0.062, and 0.688 ± 0.070, respectively, and the AUCs were 0.793 ± 0.086, 0.779 ± 0.075, and 0.771 ± 0.072, respectively.

Conclusions

There were statistically significant differences in tongue feature between different stages of NSCLC, with advanced NSCLC tongue feature being more closely correlated with tumor marker. Due to the limited information, single data sources including baseline, tongue feature, and tumor marker cannot be used to identify the different stages of NSCLC in this pilot study. In addition to the logistic regression method, other machine learning methods, based on tumor marker and baseline data sets, can effectively improve the differential diagnosis efficiency of different stages of NSCLC by adding tongue image data, which requires further verification based on large sample studies in the future.
A meta-analysis for vaccine protection rate of duck hepatitis a virus in mainland China in 2009–2021
Authors: Ye Lina , Zhou Siyu , Zhang Huiling , Zhang Tangjie , Yang Daiqi , Hong Xingping
Published: September 2023

Background

Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) is a single-stranded, positive-strand small RNA virus that causes a very high mortality rate in ducklings. The DHAV-3 subtype incidence rate has recently increased in China, causing great economic losses to the waterfowl breeding industry. We analyzed the protection rate of DHAV vaccines used in mainland China from 2009 to 2021 and evaluated the effectiveness of vaccine prevention and control to reduce the economic losses caused by DHAV to the waterfowl breeding industry. We screened five electronic research databases and obtained 14 studies and patents on the protection efficiency of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 vaccines.

Results

Meta-analysis demonstrated that immunized ducklings produced higher antibody levels and had a significantly higher survival rate than non-immunized ducklings [relative risk (RR) = 12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6–26, P < 0.01]. The age of the ducks and vaccine valence did not affect protection efficiency. Data source analysis of the vaccine protection rate demonstrated that the vaccines conferred immune protection for ducklings in both small-scale experiments and large-scale clinical conditions. The analysis results revealed that although the vaccines conferred protection, the immune protective effect differed between small-scale experimental conditions and large-scale clinical conditions. This might have been due to non-standard vaccination and environmental factors.

Conclusions

Domestic DHAV vaccines can protect ducklings effectively. The subjects immunized (breeding ducks or ducklings) and vaccine valence had no effect on the protective effect. Both small-scale experiments and large-scale clinical conditions conferred immune protection on ducklings, but vaccine immunization under small-scale experimental conditions had slightly better protective effects than large-scale clinical immunization.
Racism against racialized migrants in healthcare in Europe: a scoping review
Authors: Pattillo Mia , Stieglitz Sigsten , Angoumis Konstantinos , Gottlieb Nora
Published: September 2023

Background

Racism is frequently mentioned as a social determinant of migrants’ health and a barrier to health services. However, in the European context, racism and its impact on racialized migrants’ access to healthcare is remarkably under-researched. This scoping review makes a first step toward filling this void by mapping the existing literature on racial and ethnic discrimination against racialized migrants in healthcare in Europe, identifying evidence gaps, and offering recommendations for future research on this topic.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, four databases were searched for empirical studies published in English between 1992 and 2022. Studies were included if they report findings on manifestations, experiences and/or impacts of racial or ethnic discrimination against racialized migrants in a healthcare setting in a European country. They were summarized by study characteristics (geographical scope, study design, research question and measures) and research findings were synthesized.

Results

Out of 2365 initial hits, 1724 records were included in the title/abstract-screening, 87 records in the full text-screening, and 38 records in the data extraction. For many country and healthcare contexts, evidence on racism in healthcare is lacking. Most studies apply an explorative qualitative research design; comparability and generalizability of research results are low. Our analysis furthermore shows a near-exclusive research focus on racism on the interpersonal level as compared to institutional and structural levels. Our synthesis of study results identifies three interrelated ways in which racism manifests in and impacts migrants’ healthcare: 1) general anti-migration bias, 2) health- and healthcare-related prejudice, and 3) differential medical treatment.

Conclusions

Our review underscores how racism reinforces inequities in healthcare access and quality for racialized migrants. It also highlights the need for more research on racism in Europe across a greater scope of country contexts, healthcare settings and migrant/racialized categories in order to understand specific forms of racism and capture race as a context-contingent social construct. It is critical that future research includes the consideration of individual-level racism as embedded in racism on institutional and structural levels. Methods and insights from other disciplines may help to critically examine concepts in light of underlying historical, sociopolitical and socioeconomic processes and structures, and to improve methods for researching racialization and racism in healthcare.
Construction of a plasmid-free l-leucine overproducing Escherichia coli strain through reprogramming of the metabolic flux
Authors: Hao Yanan , Pan Xuewei , Li Guomin , You Jiajia , Zhang Hengwei , Yan Sihan , Xu Meijuan , Rao Zhiming
Published: September 2023

Background

l-Leucine is a high-value amino acid with promising applications in the medicine and feed industries. However, the complex metabolic network and intracellular redox imbalance in fermentative microbes limit their efficient biosynthesis of l-leucine.

Results

In this study, we applied rational metabolic engineering and a dynamic regulation strategy to construct a plasmid-free, non-auxotrophic Escherichia coli strain that overproduces l-leucine. First, the l-leucine biosynthesis pathway was strengthened through multi-step rational metabolic engineering. Then, a cooperative cofactor utilization strategy was designed to ensure redox balance for l-leucine production. Finally, to further improve the l-leucine yield, a toggle switch for dynamically controlling sucAB expression was applied to accurately regulate the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the carbon flux toward l-leucine biosynthesis. Strain LEU27 produced up to 55 g/L of l-leucine, with a yield of 0.23 g/g glucose.

Conclusions

The combination of strategies can be applied to the development of microbial platforms that produce l-leucine and its derivatives.
Porcine ear necrosis: characterization of lesions and associated pathogens
Authors: Malik Mateusz , Chiers Koen , Theuns Sebastiaan , Vereecke Nick , Chantziaras Ilias , Croubels Siska , Maes Dominiek
Published: September 2023

Porcine ear necrosis (PEN) is characterized by ulcerative lesions of the ear auricle. To investigate that problem, three farms with PEN in nursery pigs were included, and the study aim was to characterize PEN and the potential role of pathogens and mycotoxins. Within each farm, one batch of weaned piglets was included and the prevalence and severity of PEN were monitored for 6–7 weeks. Within each batch, 30 PEN-affected/non-affected animals were randomly selected. Blood samples were taken from these animals, to assess the systemic presence of pathogens and mycotoxins, as well as punch biopsies from the ear auricle for histopathological examination. From 10 animals, scrapings and swabs from the lesions were subjected to nanopore metagenomic sequencing and bacteriological cultivation, respectively. In all three farms, lesions appeared within 3–4 weeks post-weaning. The prevalence at the end of the nursery was 33%, 24%, and 46% for farms A, B, and C, respectively. Most affected pigs had mild to moderate lesions. Blood samples revealed low to very low levels of pathogens and mycotoxins. Different bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Mycoplasma, and Clostridium species were identified by sequencing in the scrapings. The first two pathogens were also most often identified in bacterial cultures. Mycoplasma hyopharyngis was only found in PEN-affected pigs. Histopathological changes were primarily observed in the outer layer of the epidermis. The results suggest that PEN lesions develop by damage to the outer part of the skin e.g. by ear suckling or biting, followed by multiplication of opportunistic pathogens.
The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine
Authors: HUNTER SANDRA K. , S. ANGADI SIDDHARTHA , BHARGAVA ADITI , HARPER JOANNA , HIRSCHBERG ANGELICA LINDÉN , D. LEVINE BENJAMIN , L. MOREAU KERRIE , J. NOKOFF NATALIE , STACHENFELD NINA S. , BERMON STÉPHANE
Published: September 2023

Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of similar age and training status. Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%–30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, but remains low in females. The primary goal of this consensus statement is to provide the latest scientific knowledge and mechanisms for the sex differences in athletic performance. This review highlights the differences in anatomy and physiology between males and females that are primary determinants of the sex differences in athletic performance and in response to exercise training, and the role of sex steroid hormones (particularly testosterone and estradiol). We also identify historical and nonphysiological factors that influence the sex differences in performance. Finally, we identify gaps in the knowledge of sex differences in athletic performance and the underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities for high-impact studies. A major step toward closing the knowledge gap is to include more and equitable numbers of women to that of men in mechanistic studies that determine any of the sex differences in response to an acute bout of exercise, exercise training, and athletic performance.
Schooling, Skill Demand, and Differential Fertility in the Process of Structural Transformation
Authors: Cheung T. Terry
Published: September 2023

Demography and structural transformation are interrelated, and depend critically on education. At the turn of the twentieth century, US parents began having fewer children while increasing educational investment per child. This quantity-quality tradeoff facilitated job reallocation from the low-skilled agricultural sector to the high-skilled nonagricultural sector. This transformation is examined in a heterogeneous agent model with a nondegenerate human capital distribution, focusing on how fertility and education decisions affect structural transformation. The result shows that the quantity-quality decisions account for up to approximately one-third of the decline in the agricultural employment share. (JEL E24, I21, I26, J11, J13, J24, N31)
The general essential objectives of medical rehabilitation in the
management of chronic dyspnea – a systematic review
Authors: Vindis Kinga , Iovanovici Diana Carina , Morenci Marian , Vasca Elisabeta Maria , Nistor Cseppento Carmen Delia , Pop Manuela Simona , Nemeth Noemi , Bustea Cristian , Tarce Alexandra Georgiana , Babeș Katalin , Bochiș Călin Florin , Dogaru Bombonica Gabriela
Published: September 2023

Dyspnea is defined by an increased laboured breathing, due to interactions of motor, sensory and metabolic nerve impulses, with increased airway resistance, caused by hypox-emia or hypercapnia. Chronic dyspnea presents various causes, respiratory disease, car-diovascular disease, skeletal disease, anaemia, obesity or even physical deconditioning, a condition that persists for more than 4–8 weeks. As for the rehabilitation program, it in-volves the patient’s re-education, the actual physical recovery, change in risk factors and psychological counselling, all leading to the
definite improvement of the physical and mental condition, with positive consequences on the quality of life. The rehabilitation pro-gramme applied to increase exercise tolerance in patients with chronic dyspnea can be performed safely; it will also result in an increase in the quality of life of patients. There is a need to develop a strategy for a long-term approach to patients with chronic dyspnea, involving a multidisciplinary team for the constant follow-up of these patients using easily reproducible, feasible and low-cost methods. Rehabilitation therapy in patients with chronic dyspnea uses a set of therapeutic measures, with the aim of restoring greater physical and mental capacity than before the programme
Comparative Study on the Topspin and Retopspin Execution
Biomechanics in Female Cadets
Authors: Mocanu Mircea , Mocanu George , Savu Catalin , Onu Ana , Balint Nela-Tatiana , Musat Carmina Liana
Published: September 2023

Background: Many high-performance table tennis specialists and athletes may wonder if there are differences between the two most used technical-tactical elements in attack and which are these, given that their name and the biomechanical execution are characterized by approximately similar landmarks. Knowing the differences between the two technical elements, we will be able to understand and streamline the execution biomechanics. The biomechanical analysis of a large number of athletes on the three stages of execution and speed developed at the time of using topspin or retopspin (counter loop). Methods: The research engaged several 10 Romanian sportswomen involved in high-performance table tennis, with ages between 13-15 years old. Goal: Identify the distinctive biomechanical features between the two elements and the speed needed for execution optimization. Results: For data collection, analysis, and interpretation, we used Excel, IBM SPSS Statistics 23, analysis software Dartfish 360s, and for the technical-tactical expression level ‘’Topspin with crosswise retopspin, forehand, and backhand’’, “Butterfly” and “Multiball training”. Conclusions (4): The preparation of the forehand topspin hit requires an angle of 146.36 degrees(0) and 0.36 seconds(s) for the entire execution, while the forehand retopspin is 134.20 and 0.31 s, backhand topspin hit requires an angle of 920 and 0.32 s, while the retopspin 86,720 and 0.26 s for the entire execution.
Influence of strong solar proton events on propagation of radio signals in the VLF range in a high-latitude region
Authors: Ahmetov Oleg , Mingalev Igor , Mingalev Oleg , Belahovskiy Vladimir , Maurchev Evgeniy , Larchenko Aleksey , Suvorova Zoya , Balabin Yuriy
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we examine the features of RSDN-20 signal propagation in a high-latitude Earth–ionosphere waveguide during solar proton events, using computational experiment methods. We have analyzed two proton ground-level enhancement (GLE) events of December 13, 2006 (GLE70) and September 10, 2017 (GLE72). Electron density profiles were constructed using the Global Dynamic Model of Ionosphere (GDMI) and the RUSCOSMICS model, developed at PGI. We present estimated phase and amplitude changes in RSDN-20 signals during precipitation of high-energy protons in the high-latitude region of the Earth–ionosphere waveguide. From the results of computational experiments and the analysis of the electromagnetic signal attenuation based on analytical Maxwell’s equation system solution in magnetized ionospheric plasma, we have found a pattern in the signal attenuation frequency dependence associated simultaneously with the signal reflection height, electron density profiles, and the collision frequency of electrons with neutral particles and ions. We discuss limitations of the computational experiment method and compare simulation results with data from Lovozero and Tuloma observatories.
Hubungan Konsumsi Kopi dengan Kejadian Kecemasan pada Mahasiswa Preklinik Angkatan 2020 Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Tadulako
Authors: Idrus Rizka Novia , Handayani Fitriah , Suarayasa Ketut , Salman Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Coffee is a beverage made from seed extract that is consumed in approximately 2.25 billion glasses per day around the world. Students are pressed for time due to the hectic lecture system and must complete assignments or prepare for block exams at night. Students can combat feelings of sleepiness and fatigue in a variety of ways, one of which is to consume caffeine-containing beverages, specifically coffee, which has the negative effect of causing anxiety disorders. The goal of this study is to see if there is a link between coffee consumption and anxiety in preclinical students from Tadulako University's Medical Faculty's batch 2020. The cross-sectional method was used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to collect the samples. The 20-item Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and an 11-item coffee consumption questionnaire were used to assess anxiety. The Spearman rho correlation test was used to calculate the correlation between two variables. The criteria were met by 108 respondents, with an average age of 18.7±0.6 years, 87 women (80.6%), and 21 men (19.4%). Following coffee consumption, the level of anxiety among students was found to be dominated by the absence of anxiety or normal (73.1%), mild anxiety (24.1%), and moderate anxiety (2.8%). There was no association found between coffee consumption and student anxiety levels. This study suggested that other factors should be considered when investigating student anxiety.
Can intermittent fasting be used to prevent or treat hypertension?
Authors: Webster Brian
Published: September 2023

Various lifestyle interventions have been suggested for the prevention and even reversal of hypertension. Brian Webster explores the potential benefits of intermittent fasting, a lifestyle intervention that is gaining increasing attention, for the management of hypertension.
Evidencias psicométricas y análisis de red de la escala inteligencia emocional en estudiantes de instituciones confesionales
Authors: Geraldo-Campos Luis Alberto , Murillo-Antón Jaimin , Soria Quijaite Juan Jesús
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCCIÓN. La inteligencia emocional es un constructo que se estudia a partir de tres enfoques, basados en habilidades, en rasgos y mixto, esto ha permitido el desarrollo de diversos instrumentos que han hecho hincapié en la adaptación en diferentes contextos. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evidenciar las propiedades psicométricas y analizar la red de la escala inteligencia emocional en estudiantes adolescentes de instituciones confesionales. MÉTODO. El método es instrumental con una muestra transversal de 550 estudiantes encuestados. Los datos recolectados tuvieron un análisis de fiabilidad igual a ω = 0.933, que permitió aplicar un estudio de la estructura interna basado en el análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE; n = 280) y en el análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC; n = 270); después de conocer la estructura factorial de la escala se aplicó un análisis de red con la finalidad de mostrar los nodos y las aristas que reflejan las conexiones entre las variables y el índice de centralidad por variable. RESULTADOS. Los resultados muestran que la estructura original se redujo significativamente a una estructura factorial más robusta, basada en 22 items con cargas factoriales mayores a 0.5, cuya estructura se corrobora con el análisis AFC a partir de cuatro factores de la escala inteligencia emocional con índice de bondad de ajuste significativos (X2 < 3; p-valor < 0.001; TLI = 0.939; CFI = 0.947; RMSEA = 0.055); además, el análisis de red de la escala inteligencia emocional encontró nodos y aristas representativas. DISCUSIÓN. Finalmente, el valor de la escala, con una estructura basada en 22 items, mide adecuadamente la inteligencia emocional y puede ser utilizada en estudiantes.