bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled distributed feedback laser system at 820 nm for THz beat-frequency generation
Authors: Liu Yuzhou G. N. , Lee Jongheon , Khajavikhan Mercedeh
Published: July 2024

We present a coupled distributed feedback (DFB) laser system, based on AlGaAs/GaAs epitaxially grown compound semiconductor, with electroluminescence near 820 nm. This DFB laser system supports two lateral modes sharing a Bragg grating, thereby enabling simultaneous lasing operation at two different frequencies. We recorded a dual-mode operation with a 4.2 nm wavelength spacing, corresponding to a 1.86 THz beat frequency, and an output power of 14.7 mW at an injection current of 195 mA. Compared to previous works on dual-mode DFB lasers, this design simplifies the fabrication process, potentially enables tunability of the beat frequency, and offers greater compatibility with low temperature grown GaAs (LT-GaAs) high-frequency photodetectors.
Independent ultrahigh-Q dual-band resonances via coating a resonator on a BIC-driven metasurface
Authors: Wu Qiaohua , Wang Jun , Wang Wei , Lin Jie , Jin Peng , Liu Shutian , Zhou Keya
Published: July 2024

Traditional designs driven by symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum (SP-BICs) hardly support independent dual-band resonances, and they require extremely small perturbations to obtain an ultrahigh-Q. Here, we propose an SP-BIC-driven structure composed of a metasurface and a resonator, which supports independent dual-band resonances and enables ultrahigh-Q at large perturbations. The underlying mechanism enabling this is to form reasonable eigenfield distributions of two BICs by coating a dielectric layer on the metasurface. One eigenfield is confined within the metasurface and the bottom of the resonator, while the other one concentrates at the top of the resonator. Thus, two resonances with different originations can be supported, and the effect of metasurface perturbations on the eigenfields is weakened. This work provides a promising pathway for unlocking the potential of SP-BICs, enhancing light trapping and manipulation across diverse applications.
Whispering Gallery mode lasing with continuous-wave pumping from micro-neck structured fiber containing CdZnSe/CdS quantum dots
Authors: Bhardwaj Asha , Das Palash , Mahato Barnali , Gérôme Frédéric
Published: July 2024

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators provide remarkable optical amplification due to their high Q-factor and low optical losses. While the use of pulsed lasers facilitates lasing, their optoelectronic device integration has proven to be more challenging. Although CW lasers are a good alternative, their low instantaneous power density and high heat generation cause permanent damage to the gain media even before they reach the lasing threshold, making them impractical. Here, a specialized micro-neck structured fiber-capillary made out of AgNP-PVA composite is proposed. The core is filled with parabolic potential surface CdZnSe/CdS QDs with a reduced Auger recombination rate and large Stoke's shift eliminating the problem of reabsorption. Further, AgNP's LSPR band has been employed to boost QD emission by raising the excitation rate. Thus helped realize effective WGM lasing with CW excitation. Quality factor as high as 2026 has been achieved with these specialised fiber based resonators. Finally, decrease in quality factor and increase in lasing threshold, with decrease in the diameter of the micro-neck structure has also been observed.
The new science of sleep: From cells to large-scale societies
Authors: Sharon Omer , Ben Simon Eti , Shah Vyoma D. , Desel Tenzin , Walker Matthew P.
Published: July 2024

In the past 20 years, more remarkable revelations about sleep and its varied functions have arguably been made than in the previous 200. Building on this swell of recent findings, this essay provides a broad sampling of selected research highlights across genetic, molecular, cellular, and physiological systems within the body, networks within the brain, and large-scale social dynamics. Based on this raft of exciting new discoveries, we have come to realize that sleep, in this moment of its evolution, is very much polyfunctional (rather than monofunctional), yet polyfunctional for reasons we had never previously considered. Moreover, these new polyfunctional insights powerfully reaffirm sleep as a critical biological, and thus health-sustaining, requisite. Indeed, perhaps the only thing more impressive than the unanticipated nature of these newly emerging sleep functions is their striking divergence, from operations of molecular mechanisms inside cells to entire group societal dynamics.
The cytidine deaminase APOBEC3A regulates nucleolar function to promote cell growth and ribosome biogenesis
Authors: McCool Mason A. , Bryant Carson J. , Abriola Laura , Surovtseva Yulia V. , Baserga Susan J.
Published: July 2024

Cancer initiates as a consequence of genomic mutations and its subsequent progression relies in part on increased production of ribosomes to maintain high levels of protein synthesis for unchecked cell growth. Recently, cytidine deaminases have been uncovered as sources of mutagenesis in cancer. In an attempt to form a connection between these 2 cancer driving processes, we interrogated the cytidine deaminase family of proteins for potential roles in human ribosome biogenesis. We identified and validated APOBEC3A and APOBEC4 as novel ribosome biogenesis factors through our laboratory’s established screening platform for the discovery of regulators of nucleolar function in MCF10A cells. Through siRNA depletion experiments, we highlight APOBEC3A’s requirement in making ribosomes and specific role within the processing and maturation steps that form the large subunit 5.8S and 28S ribosomal (r)RNAs. We demonstrate that a subset of APOBEC3A resides within the nucleolus and associates with critical ribosome biogenesis factors. Mechanistic insight was revealed by transient overexpression of both wild-type and a catalytically dead mutated APOBEC3A, which both increase cell growth and protein synthesis. Through an innovative nuclear RNA sequencing methodology, we identify only modest predicted APOBEC3A C-to-U target sites on the pre-rRNA and pre-mRNAs. Our work reveals a potential direct role for APOBEC3A in ribosome biogenesis likely independent of its editing function. More broadly, we found an additional function of APOBEC3A in cancer pathology through its function in ribosome biogenesis, expanding its relevance as a target for cancer therapeutics.
Elucidating the complex membrane binding of a protein with multiple anchoring domains using extHMMM
Authors: Madsen Jesper J. , Ohkubo Y. Zenmei
Published: July 2024

Membrane binding is a crucial mechanism for many proteins, but understanding the specific interactions between proteins and membranes remains a challenging endeavor. Coagulation factor Va (FVa) is a large protein whose membrane interactions are complicated due to the presence of multiple anchoring domains that individually can bind to lipid membranes. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the membrane binding of FVa and identify the key mechanisms that govern its interaction with membranes. Our results reveal that FVa can either adopt an upright or a tilted molecular orientation upon membrane binding. We further find that the domain organization of FVa deviates (sometimes significantly) from its crystallographic reference structure, and that the molecular orientation of the protein matches with domain reorganization to align the C2 domain toward its favored membrane-normal orientation. We identify specific amino acid residues that exhibit contact preference with phosphatidylserine lipids over phosphatidylcholine lipids, and we observe that mostly electrostatic effects contribute to this preference. The observed lipid-binding process and characteristics, specific to FVa or common among other membrane proteins, in concert with domain reorganization and molecular tilt, elucidate the complex membrane binding dynamics of FVa and provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of protein-membrane interactions. An updated version of the HMMM model, termed extHMMM, is successfully employed for efficiently observing membrane bindings of systems containing the whole FVa molecule.
Competitive advantages of T-even phage lysis inhibition in response to secondary infection
Authors: Hvid Ulrik , Mitarai Namiko
Published: July 2024

T-even bacteriophages are known to employ lysis inhibition (LIN), where the lysis of an infected host is delayed in response to secondary adsorptions. Upon the eventual burst of the host, significantly more phage progenies are released. Here, we analysed the competitive advantage of LIN using a mathematical model. In batch culture, LIN provides a bigger phage yield at the end of the growth where all the hosts are infected due to an exceeding number of phage particles and, in addition, gives a competitive advantage against LIN mutants with rapid lysis by letting them adsorb to already infected hosts in the LIN state. By simulating plaque formation in a spatially structured environment, we show that, while LIN phages will produce a smaller zone of clearance, the area over which the phages spread is actually comparable to those without LIN. The analysis suggests that LIN induced by secondary adsorption is favourable in terms of competition, both in spatially homogeneous and inhomogeneous environments.
Carbon and carbon-13 in the preindustrial and glacial ocean
Authors: Schmittner Andreas , Fillman Nathaniel J.
Published: July 2024

Despite their importance for Earth’s climate and paleoceanography, the cycles of carbon (C) and its isotope 13C in the ocean are not well understood. Models typically do not decompose C and 13C storage caused by different physical, biological, and chemical processes, which makes interpreting results difficult. Consequently, basic observed features, such as the decreased carbon isotopic signature (δ13CDIC) of the glacial ocean remain unexplained. Here, we review recent progress in decomposing Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) into preformed and regenerated components, extend a precise and complete decomposition to δ13CDIC, and apply it to data-constrained model simulations of the Preindustrial (PI) and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) oceans. Regenerated components, from respired soft-tissue organic matter and dissolved biogenic calcium carbonate, are reduced in the LGM, indicating a decrease in the active part of the biological pump. Preformed components increase carbon storage and decrease δ13CDIC by 0.55 ‰ in the LGM. We separate preformed into saturation and disequilibrium components, each of which have biological and physical contributions. Whereas the physical disequilibrium in the PI is negative for both DIC and δ13CDIC, and changes little between climate states, the biological disequilibrium is positive for DIC but negative for δ13CDIC, a pattern that is magnified in the LGM. The biological disequilibrium is the dominant driver of the increase in glacial ocean C and the decrease in δ13CDIC, indicating a reduced sink of biological carbon. Overall, in the LGM, biological processes increase the ocean’s DIC inventory by 355 Pg more than in the PI, reduce its mean δ13CDIC by an additional 0.52 ‰, and contribute 60 ppm to the lowering of atmospheric CO2. Spatial distributions of the δ13CDIC components are presented. Commonly used approximations based on apparent oxygen utilization and phosphate are evaluated and shown to have large errors.
Molecular surveillance of zoonotic pathogens from wild rodents in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Kyoung-Seong , Hwang Sunwoo , Kim Myung Cheol , Cho Hyung-Chul , Park Yu-Jin , Ji Min-Jeong , Han Sun-Woo , Chae Joon-Seok
Published: July 2024

Background

Rodents are recognized as major reservoirs of numerous zoonotic pathogens and are involved in the transmission and maintenance of infectious diseases. Furthermore, despite their importance, diseases transmitted by rodents have been neglected. To date, there have been limited epidemiological studies on rodents, and information regarding their involvement in infectious diseases in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is still scarce.

Methodology/Principal findings

We investigated rodent-borne pathogens using nested PCR/RT-PCR from 156 rodents including 151 Apodemus agrarius and 5 Rattus norvegicus from 27 regions in eight provinces across the ROK between March 2019 and November 2020. Spleen, kidney, and blood samples were used to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira interrogans, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Of the 156 rodents, 73 (46.8%) were infected with Bartonella spp., 25 (16.0%) with C. burnetii, 24 (15.4%) with L. interrogans, 21 (13.5%) with A. phagocytophilum, 9 (5.8%) with SFTSV, and 5 (3.2%) with Borrelia afzelii. Co-infections with two and three pathogens were detected in 33 (21.1%) and 11 rodents (7.1%), respectively. A. phagocytophilum was detected in all regions, showing a widespread occurrence in the ROK. The infection rates of Bartonella spp. were 83.3% for B. grahamii and 16.7% for B. taylorii.

Conclusions/Significance

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. burnetii and SFTSV infections in rodents in the ROK. This study also provides the first description of various rodent-borne pathogens through an extensive epidemiological survey in the ROK. These results suggest that rodents harbor various pathogens that pose a potential threat to public health in the ROK. Our findings provide useful information on the occurrence and distribution of zoonotic pathogens disseminated among rodents and emphasize the urgent need for rapid diagnosis, prevention, and control strategies for these zoonotic diseases.
Determinants of feto-maternal outcomes of antepartum hemorrhage among women who gave birth in Awi zone public hospitals, Ethiopia. A case-control study
Authors: Zegeye Ambaye Minayehu , Bazezew Yibelu , Adare Ashete , Jaleta Paulos , Kumlachew Wale , Liben Seid Wodajo , Tarik Yaregal Dessalew , Kebede Getahun Degualeh , Dagnaw Yilkal , Zeleke Fentahun Tamene , Belay Dawit Misganaw
Published: July 2024

Background

Antepartum hemorrhage continues to be a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia and it complicates 2–5% of all pregnancies with an increased rate of maternal and perinatal morbidity and even mortality. Despite many activities, still, poor fetomaternal outcomes of antepartum hemorrhage are still there. Moreover, studies around the current study area emphasize the magnitude and associated factors for antepartum hemorrhage rather than its feto-maternal outcomes. Thus, there is a need to identify the determinants associated with the fetomaternal outcomes of antepartum hemorrhage to guide midwives and obstetricians in the early diagnosis and treatment.

Method

An institution-based case-control study was conducted in four-year delivery charts diagnosed with antepartum hemorrhage from April 2, 2022, to May 12, 2022, at Awi Zone public hospitals. To see the association between dependent and independent variables logistic regression model along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of <0.05 were used.

Result

No antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.49–4.2), rural residence (AOR: 1.706, 95%CI 1.09–2.66), delay to seek care >12 hours (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.57–4.23) and advanced maternal age (AOR: 3.43, 95% CI 1.784–6.59) were significant factors associated with feto-maternal outcomes of antepartum Hemorrhage.

Conclusion

This study revealed that rural residence, delay in seeking the care of more than 12 hours, not having antenatal care follow up and advanced maternal age were significant factors associated with feto-maternal outcomes of Antepartum hemorrhage.

Recommendation

The findings of our study suggest the need for health education about the importance of antenatal care follow-up which is the ideal entry point for health promotion and early detection of complications, especially for rural residents.
COVID-19 and Pneumonia detection and web deployment from CT scan and X-ray images using deep learning
Authors: Islam Nahid , Mohsin Abu S. M. , Choudhury Shadab Hafiz , Shaer Tazwar Prodhan , Islam Md. Adnan , Sadat Omar , Taz Nahid Hossain
Published: July 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pneumonia was the leading cause of respiratory failure and death. In addition to SARS-COV-2, it can be caused by several other bacterial and viral agents. Even today, variants of SARS-COV-2 are endemic and COVID-19 cases are common in many places. The symptoms of COVID-19 are highly diverse and robust, ranging from invisible to severe respiratory failure. Current detection methods for the disease are time-consuming and expensive with low accuracy and precision. To address such situations, we have designed a framework for COVID-19 and Pneumonia detection using multiple deep learning algorithms further accompanied by a deployment scheme. In this study, we have utilized four prominent deep learning models, which are VGG-19, ResNet-50, Inception V3 and Xception, on two separate datasets of CT scan and X-ray images (COVID/Non-COVID) to identify the best models for the detection of COVID-19. We achieved accuracies ranging from 86% to 99% depending on the model and dataset. To further validate our findings, we have applied the four distinct models on two more supplementary datasets of X-ray images of bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia. Additionally, we have implemented a flask app to visualize the outcome of our framework to show the identified COVID and Non-COVID images. The findings of this study will be helpful to develop an AI-driven automated tool for the cost effective and faster detection and better management of COVID-19 patients.
The expression of MIR125B transcripts and bone phenotypes in Mir125b2-deficient mice
Authors: Ogasawara Tomohiro , Ito Shota , Ogashira Shintaro , Hoshino Tomonori , Sotomaru Yusuke , Yoshiko Yuji , Tanimoto Kotaro
Published: July 2024

MIR125B, particularly its 5p strand, is apparently involved in multiple cellular processes, including osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. Given that MIR125B is transcribed from the loci Mir125b1 and Mir125b2, three mature transcripts (MIR125B-5p, MIR125B1-3p, and MIR125B2-3p) are generated (MIR125B-5p is common to both); however, their expression profiles and roles in the bones remain poorly understood. Both primary and mature MIR125B transcripts were differentially expressed in various organs, tissues, and cells, and their expression patterns did not necessarily correlate in wild-type (WT) mice. We generated Mir125b2 knockout (KO) mice to examine the contribution of Mir125b2 to MIR125B expression profiles and bone phenotypes. Mir125b2 KO mice were born and grew normally without any changes in bone parameters. Interestingly, in WT and Mir125b2 KO, MIR125B-5p was abundant in the calvaria and bone marrow stromal cells. These results indicate that the genetic ablation of Mir125b2 does not impinge on the bones of mice, attracting greater attention to MIR125B-5p derived from Mir125b1. Future studies should investigate the conditional deletion of Mir125b1 and both Mir125b1 and Mir125b2 in mice.
Analysis of human capital effects introducing Bayesian quantile regression in the process of industrial structural upgrading
Authors: Shi Shaodong , Wang Xinbo
Published: July 2024

In recent years, with the continuous evolution of the global economy and the adjustment of industrial structures, the understanding of the role played by human capital in the process of economic development has become particularly important. However, existing research on the impact of human capital on economic growth often adopts traditional regression methods, failing to comprehensively consider the heterogeneity and nonlinear relationships in the data. Therefore, to more accurately understand the influence of human capital on economic growth at different stages, this study employs Bayesian quantile regression method (BQRM). By incorporating BQRM, a better capture of the dynamic effects of human capital in the process of industrial structure upgrading is achieved, offering policymakers more targeted and effective policy recommendations to drive the economy towards a more sustainable direction. Additionally, the experiment also examines the impact of other key factors such as technological progress, capital investment, and labor market conditions on economic growth. These factors, combined with human capital, collectively promote the upgrading of industrial structure and the sustainable development of the economy. This study, by introducing BQRM, aims to fill the research gap regarding the impact of human capital on economic development during the industrial structural upgrading process. In the backdrop of the ongoing evolution of the global economy and adjustments in industrial structure, understanding the role of human capital in economic development becomes particularly crucial. To better comprehend the direct impact of human capital, the experiment collected macroeconomic data, including GDP, industrial structure, labor skills, and human capital, from different regions over the past 20 years. By establishing a dynamic panel data model, this study delves into the trends in the impact of human capital at various stages of industrial structure upgrading. The research findings indicate that during the high-speed growth phase, the contribution of human capital to GDP growth is 15.2% ± 2.1%, rising to 23.8% ± 3.4% during the period of industrial structure adjustment. Technological progress, capital investment, and labor market conditions also significantly influence economic growth at different stages. In terms of innovation improvement, this study pioneers the use of BQRM to gain a deeper understanding of the role of human capital in economic development, providing more targeted and effective policy recommendations. Ultimately, to promote sustainable economic development, the experiment proposes concrete and targeted policy recommendations, emphasizing government support in training and skill development. This study not only fills a research gap in the relevant field but also provides substantive references for decision-makers, driving the economy towards a more sustainable direction.
Measuring the relationship between museum attributes and visitors: An application of topic model on museum online reviews
Authors: Huo Hong , Shen Keqin , Han Chunjia , Yang Mu
Published: July 2024

In recent years, cultural tourism has increasingly embraced museum visits. Museums serve as both cultural heritage guardians and integral parts of tourist destinations, significantly impacting visitor satisfaction and experience. Moreover, online museum reviews have become a crucial indicator of museum service quality, visitor experience, and public feedback in the digital age. An analysis of online reviews on major tourism websites and social media platforms can assist museums in developing appropriate management strategies. This study employed the structural topic model (STM) to analyze online museum reviews, identifying three primary attributes of museums and visitors’ personal experiences, as well as 19 sub-attributes. The study confirmed that core offerings have a positive impact on visitor experience and satisfaction, while peripheral services and overall ambiance are also positively related to visitor experience and satisfaction. Furthermore, the results of structural equation modeling demonstrated that visitors’ personal experiences have a positive impact on satisfaction. The results of structural equation modeling analysis support all seven hypothesized relationships. These findings will assist museum managers in developing effective management strategies and future plans.
Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy and its predictors among diabetic patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Olani Kuta Aberash , Dida Nagasa
Published: July 2024

Background

Understanding and addressing the concerns of vaccine-hesitant individuals, including those with chronic diseases, is key to increasing vaccine acceptance and uptake. However, in Ethiopia, there is limited evidence on the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and predictor variables among diabetic patients. Hence, the study aimed to assess Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Predictor variables among Diabetic Patients on Follow-Up at Public Hospitals in Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia.

Method

Facility based cross sectional study was conducted among 422 diabetic patients attending public hospitals at Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia between January, to February, 2023. Study participants were recruited by systematic random sampling. The data were collected interviewee administered pre-tested structured survey questioner. The collected data were entered and cleaned using Epi-Data software 4.6 version. The cleaned data were analyzed using SPSS. 25.0 Statical software. Descriptive statistics like frequency, mean and percentage, and binary logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy and association between variables were declared at p-value of 0.05.

Result

The overall magnitude of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 15.2% (95% CI: 11.6–18.7). The top three listed reasons for the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were: negative information about the vaccine (32.90%), lack of enough information (21.80%), and vaccine safety concern (19.40%). The hesitancy of the COVID-19 vaccination uptake among diabetes patients was independently influenced by age between 40–49 (Adjusted Odd Ratio [AOR] = 4.52(1.04–19.66)), having vaccine awareness (AOR = 0.029(0.001–0.86)), having a great deal of trust on vaccine development (AOR = 0.028(0.002–0.52)), and a fear amount trust (AOR = 0.05(0.003–0.79)) on the vaccine preparation, vaccinated for COVID-19 (AOR = 0.13(0.04–0.51)), perceived exposure to COVID-19 infection after having the vaccine as strongly agree/agree (AOR = 0.03(0.01–0.17))and neither agree nor disagree (AOR = 0.07(0.02–0.30)).

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among diabetic patients was relatively low. The identified independent predictors were age, vaccine awareness, COVID-19 vaccination history, awareness on vaccine preparation and exposure status to COVID-19 infection. The relevant agency should focus on efforts to translating these high levels of vaccine acceptance into actual uptake, through targeting identifying predictor variables and vaccine availability for a high-risk diabetes patient.
Spatial distribution and determinants of measles vaccination dropout among under-five children in Ethiopia: A spatial and multilevel analysis of 2019 Ethiopian demographic and health survey
Authors: Zegeye Alebachew Ferede , Mekonen Enyew Getaneh , Tekeba Berhan , Alemu Tewodros Getaneh , Ali Mohammed Seid , Gonete Almaz Tefera , Kassie Alemneh Tadesse , Workneh Belayneh Shetie , Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Wassie Mulugeta
Published: July 2024

Background

Each year, vaccine-preventable diseases cost the lives of 8.8 million under-five children. Although vaccination prevents 1–2 million childhood deaths worldwide, measles vaccination dropouts are not well studied in developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the spatial distribution of the measles vaccination dropout and its determinants among under-five children in Ethiopia.

Methods

Data from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2019 was used for data analysis. The study used a total of 5,753 children. Spatial autocorrelations was used to determine the spatial dependency of measles vaccination dropout. Ordinary interpolation was employed to forecast measles vaccination dropout. Factors associated with measles vaccination dropout were declared significant at p-values <0.05. The data were interpreted using the confidence interval and adjusted odds ratio. A model with the lowest deviance and highest logliklihood ratio was selected as the best-fit model.

Results

In Ethiopia, one in three under-five children had measles vaccination dropouts. Factors such as birth interval (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.70), unmarried marital status women (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.08, 8.45), ≤1 number of under-five children (AOR = 3.86, 95% CI: 2.56, 5.81), rural place of residence (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI: 2.29, 3.11), low community-level ANC utilization (AOR = 3.20, 95% CI: 2.53, 3.56), and residing in Benishangul Gumuz (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.061, 3.06) had higher odds of measles vaccination dropout.

Conclusions

Measles vaccination dropout rates in Ethiopia among under-five children were high compared to the maximum tolerable vaccination dropout level of 10% by the WHO. Both individual and community-level variables were determinants of measles vaccination dropout. The ministry of health in Ethiopia should give attention to those mothers of under-five children who reported underutilization of ANC services and rural residences while designing policies and strategies in areas of high spatial clustering of vaccine dropout in Ethiopia.
Uncovering the wider impact of COVID-19 measures on the lives of children with complex care needs and their families: A mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Curran Janet A. , Lane Jennifer , McCulloch Holly , Keeping-Burke Lisa , Johnson Catie , Wong Helen , Cassidy Christine , McIsaac Jessie-Lee , Lamptey De-Lawrence , Clegg Julie , Forbes Neil , Breneol Sydney , Sheriko Jordan , Best Shauna , Burgess Stacy , Sinclair Doug , Elliot Rose Annette , Standing Mary-Ann , Somerville Mari , King Sarah , Doucet Shelley , Flieger Heather , Lamb Margie , Parsons Leigh Jeanna , Stewart Dana
Published: July 2024

Existing barriers to care were exacerbated by the development and implementation of necessary public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children with complex care needs and their families represent a small portion of the paediatric population, and yet they require disproportionately high access to services. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 public health measures on this population. This study will generate evidence to uncover the wider impact of COVID-19 measures on the lives of children with complex care needs and their families in relation to policy and service changes. This multi-site sequential mixed methods study will take place across the Canadian Maritime provinces and use an integrated knowledge translation approach. There are two phases to this study: 1) map COVID-19 public health restrictions and service changes impacting children with complex care needs by conducting an environmental scan of public health restrictions and service changes between March 2020 and March 2022 and interviewing key informants involved in the development or implementation of restrictions and service changes, and 2) explore how children with complex care needs and their families experienced public health restrictions and service changes to understand how their health and well-being were impacted.
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on inpatient health care in Switzerland 2020–2021—A descriptive retrospective study using admission data of all Swiss hospitals
Authors: Wirth Brigitte , Stucki Michael , Joerg Reto , Thommen Christoph , Höglinger Marc
Published: July 2024

Background

As part of the Covid-19-restrictions in Switzerland, a federal ban on non-urgent examinations and treatments was applied to all hospitals during six weeks in spring 2020 (“spring lockdown”). The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on Swiss inpatient admissions based on data of all hospitals, focusing on selected procedures of different medical urgency.

Methods

The study includes all acute care inpatient cases (including Covid-19 cases, excluding cases in psychiatry and rehabilitation) according to the Swiss Medical Statistics of Hospitals. Besides the total number of admissions, subdivided by regions, hospital types and age groups, we focused on selected procedures representing different medical urgency: elective surgeries, cancer surgeries, and emergencies. Procedures were selected based on expert interviews. We compared the number of admissions during spring lockdown and for the whole years 2020 and 2021 in absolute numbers and in percentage changes to the corresponding periods in 2019 (baseline year).

Results

During spring lockdown, the number of admissions decreased by 47,156 (32.2%) without catch-up effect by the end of 2020 (-72,817 admissions/-5.8%). With procedure-specific decreases of up to 86%, the decline in admissions was largest for elective surgery, a decline that was only fully reversed in the case of a few procedures, such as joint arthroplasty. Strikingly, admissions due to emergencies also substantially decreased during spring lockdown (stroke -14%; acute myocardial infarction STEMI: -9%, NSTEMI: -26%). Results for the selected procedures in cancer surgery showed no consistent pattern. In 2021, admission numbers for most procedures reached or even exceeded those in 2019.

Conclusions

The substantial reduction in admissions, particularly in elective procedures, may reflect the impact of the triage in favor of anticipated Covid-19-cases during spring lockdown. By the end of 2020, admissions were still at lower levels relative to the previous, pre-pandemic year. The numbers in 2021 reached the same levels as those in 2019, which suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic only temporarily impacted inpatient health care in Switzerland. Long-term consequences of the observed reduction in admissions for emergencies and cancer surgery need to be investigated at the individual level.
Associations between mental health & substance use treatment and alcohol use progression and recovery among US women drinkers
Authors: Young Andrea S. , Reboussin Beth A. , Riehm Kira , Mojtabai Ramin , Green Kerry M. , O’Gorman Emily T. , Susukida Ryoko , Amin-Esmaeili Masoumeh , Crum Rosa M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Alcohol use has profound public health impact on women; however, modifiable factors that may influence alcohol use progression/recovery, including health service utilization, are understudied in women.

Objective

To investigate the association between mental health (MH) and substance use (SU) treatment with alcohol use progression and recovery among women who currently use alcohol or have in the past.

Methods

This study is a secondary data analysis of prospective data from waves 1 (2001–2002) and 2 (2004–2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; a US-nationally representative sample of adults). The analytic sample was limited to women who reported past or current alcohol use at wave 1 (N = 15,515). Latent transition analysis (LTA) examined whether receiving SU/MH treatment in the year prior to wave 1 was associated with transitioning between three empirically-derived stages of alcohol involvement (no, moderate, and severe problems classes), between Waves 1 and 2 adjusting for possible confounders using propensity score weight.

Results

Compared to White female drinkers, female drinkers who were from Black, Hispanic, or other races were less likely to receive SU/MH treatment (p-values ≤. 001). SU/MH treatment in the year prior to wave 1 was associated with transitioning from the moderate problems class to the no problems class between Waves 1 and 2 (p-value = .04).

Conclusion

Receipt of SU or MH treatment among women, was associated with a higher likelihood of remission from moderate alcohol use problems to no problems over time. Future research, including investigation into treatment characteristics (e.g., frequency, duration, type) should further explore why women initially experiencing severe alcohol use problems did not experience similar remission.
Understanding similarities and exploring possibilities of using somatic dance/movement aspects of Odissi dance for social, cognitive and emotional development in population with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Dawn Suma
Published: July 2024

Dance allows for expressions of various emotions and interactions. It can be used for entertainment and exercising, as well as for movement therapy, improving health and wellness, and promoting relaxation. It has been known to enhance mindfulness, well-being, healing of body and mind, etc. The key contributions of this work are as follows: (1) present an overview of Odissi dance elements; (2) aggregate certain studies that explore the relevance of somatic dance/movement therapy for neurodegenerative disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); (3) exploring the many similarities between Odissi dance, an Indian classical dance (ICD) form, and somatic dance/movements; and (4) study the implication of using the Odissi dance form as a dance/movement therapy as an alternative rehabilitation tool for a population with neurocognitive disorders such as ASD. ICDs such as Odissi dance practices and somatic dance/movements have been found to have numerous similarities. There are many characteristics of the Odissi dance form that are relatable to somatic dance/movements. Somatic dance/movement praxis generically includes body, action, space, time and energy. These practices are a customary part of Odissi dance as well. The Odissi dance form also allows an in-depth examination of the human body, feelings and flow through music, beat tempo and lyrics. These practices help develop an awareness of the body, its connection and its movements. The fundamental elements of somatic dance/movements, such as mindfulness, breath, sensing, connectivity, initiation, rhythm, movement patterns, temperament depiction and mirroring, are also prevalent in Odissi dance. The various aspects of somatic dance/movement and Odissi dance are explored, and their similarities are investigated in this work. This study also explores having Odissi dance as an alternative rehabilitation therapy form for the population suffering from ASD conditions. Twenty-seven children suffering from some degree of ASDs, aged between 4 and 14 years, for six months, underwent regular Odissi dance training. The participants were taught Odissi’s basics and trained in Bhumi Pranam, Guru Pranam, Mangalacharan and the initials of Sthayee and Battu. Certified teachers and therapists were involved in teaching the participants. Interactions with participants and parents/guardians presented an intuition of the usefulness of regular Odissi dance practice. Feedback was aggregated from subjective questionnaires. These feedbacks indicated increased general health, including physical well-being, cognitive enhancement and sensory-motor coordination. Almost all also reported betterment in social conditions and certain presented clinical conditions.
Hagin-ebakortzen hipomineralizazioa (MIH): etiopatogeniaren garapena, diagnostiko-irizpideak eta tratamendua
Authors: Fernández-Bonet Jon
Published: July 2024

Molar-ebakortzen hipomineralizazioa (MIH) hortzei, bereziki molarrei eta ebakitzaileei, eragiten dien garapenaren baldintza bat da. MIHk esmaltearen akatsa eragiteaz gain,  hortzen sentikortasuna handitu, mina sortu eta batzuetan txantxar azkarra ere eragiten ditu. MIH orban zuri dekoloratua, opakua edo epel forman ager daiteke; gainera, substantzia beroak edo hotzak jatean edota edatean sentsibilitatea eta mina ere sor ditzake. MIH arazo kliniko garrantzitsua da, eta maiz odontologo orokorrari nahiz pediatriako odontologoari eragiten die. Artikulu honek erreferentzia izan nahi du Odontologiako gradua ikasten ari diren ikasleentzat, orain arte ez baitzegoen MIH euskaraz modu didaktikoan azaltzen zuen materialik. Lan honetan, patologiaren etiologiari buruz dakiguna aurkezteaz gain, proposamen diagnostiko argia eta erabaki terapeutikoak hartzeko gida ere aurkezten dira, etorkizuneko ikerketetarako orientazioari buruzko iradokizunekin batera. Hemen aurkezten diren jarraibide diagnostiko eta terapeutikoak Europako Odontopediatria Elkarlegoaren azken bertsio eguneratuan oinarritzen dira.
Oinarrizko partikulen eredu standarra, SM, kinka larrian ote?
Authors: Plazaola Fernando
Published: July 2024

2023ko udan aurkeztutako muoiaren g–2 esperimentuaren emaitzak oinarrizko partikulen eredu estandarra, SM, kinka larrian utzi ote duten kezka dago, balio esperimentalen eta teorikoen arteko desadostasuna, «anomalia», 5σ balioa hartu duela iragarrita. «Anomalia» baten balio horrek adierazi ohi du eredua ez dela gai neurketa esperimentalak azaltzeko, eta, beraz, nahitaez, eredua aldatu behar dela. Autoreak kezkak azaltzen ditu emaitzak iragartzeko hainbatetan aukeratzen diren prentsa agerraldiez, eta artikulu honen idazleak apustu egiten du muoiaren g–2 esperimentuaren iragarritako emaitzak ez duela SM eredua hankaz gora jarriko.
Trenbide ardatzen eta bogien saiakuntza-bankua
Authors: Gómez-Tejedor Paul , García Vadillo Ernesto , Correa Nekane , Santamaría Javier , Robles Rakel , Oyarzabal Olatz , Astarloa Javier , Cosgaya Raúl , Uriondo Felipe
Published: July 2024

Artikulu honek UPV/EHUko Ingeniaritza Mekanikoa sailean diseinatu eta eraikitako roller rig edo bogien saiakuntzarako bankua erakusten du. Saiakuntza-bankuaren trenbide zabalera 5»ekoa da. Eskala hori aukeratzearen arrazoia merkatuan eskala horretako osagaiak aurkitzeko erraztasuna da. Artikuluan, zenbait laborategi, ikerketa-zentro, unibertsitate eta trenbide-sektoreko enpresatan dauden ardatz, bogie eta trenen saiakuntza-bankuen azterketa konparatiboa egiten da. Horrez gain, saiakuntza-banku horien beharra, aplikazio-eremua, prestazioak eta mugak aztertzen dira. Azterketa konparatibo horren helburua da artikulu honetan deskribatzen den saiakuntza-bankuaren ezaugarriak eta prestazioak mugatzea da. Bestalde, egindako proiektua deskribatzen da, hautatutako osagaiak eta horien justifikazioa aurkeztuz, betiere prezioa beharrezko ezaugarri eta prestazioekin uztartuz.
Neuroinflamazioa Parkinson gaixotasunaren agerpenean eta progresioan
Authors: Atxa Ainhoa , Zubelzu Maider , Bidgood Raphaelle , Morera-Herreras Teresa , Murueta-Goyena Ane
Published: July 2024

Parkinson gaixotasuna nahasmendu motor neurodegeneratibo ohikoena da, eta, gaur egun, ez dago gaixotasuna sendatzeko gai den tratamendurik. Bradikinesia, atsedenaldiko dardara, muskuluen zurruntasuna eta jarrera-ezegonkortasuna dira sintoma motor ohikoenak. Substantia nigra pars compactako neurona dopaminergikoen galera progresiboa gertatzen da, bide nigroestriatalaren funtzio desegokia eraginez. Neuronen heriotzan parte hartzen duten hainbat mekanismo zelular eta molekular deskribatu dira, baina oraindik ez da gaixotasunaren patogenesia guztiz ezagutzen. Parkinson gaixotasunaren ezaugarri neuropatologiko nagusia da garunean Lewy gorputzen presentzia, eta horiek gehienbat α-sinukleina proteinaz osatuta daude. Urte luzez, glia-zelulak neuronen euskarri hutsa zirela uste zen arren, hainbat funtzio betetzen dituztela baieztatu da, eta ezinbestekoak dira garunaren egitura eta funtzio egokia bermatzeko. Aktibatutako mikrogliak eta astrozitoek, hurrenez hurren M1 eta A1 fenotipo proinflamatorioa edo M2 eta A2 fenotipo antiinflamatorioa hartu dezakete. Neuroinflamazioaren eta neuroendekapenaren erlazioaren arteko mekanismo zehatzak ezagutzen ez diren arren, neuroinflamazioak funtsezko papera izan dezakeela iradoki da. Gizakietan egindako ikerketek iradokitzen dute neuroinflamazioa Parkinson gaixotasunaren agerpenarekin eta garapenarekin irmoki lotuta dagoela. Postmortem garunetan eta animalia-ereduetan egindako ikerketek, glia-zelulen aktibazioa erakutsi dute. Animalia-ereduak erabakigarriak dira estrategia terapeutiko neurobabesleak garatzeko. Egun, α-sinukleinaren aldez aurretik sortutako zuntzak garunean injektatuz sortzen diren animalia-ereduek errepikatzen dituzte hobekien gaixotasunaren aurkikuntza patologikoak. Gaur egungo ebidentzien arabera, neuroinflamazioa gertaera goiztiarra izan daitekeela uste da Parkinson gaixotasunaren patogenesian, eta baliteke horren sorrera periferiako immunitate-sistemaren eraldaketaren ondorioz gertatzea. Parkinsonean hantura periferikoaren ebidentziak daude, eta baliteke horren eraginez gertatzea garuneko α-sinukleinaren metaketa eta neuronen endekapena. Hori horrela, hanturaren aurkako esku-hartze goiztiarra estrategia baliagarria izan daiteke Parkinson gaixotasuna saihestu edo atzeratzeko.
La transparencia retributiva previa al empleo de la Directiva 2023/970
Authors: Fernandez Antonio
Published: July 2024

La Directiva 2023/970 establece unas medidas de transparencia retributiva previas al empleo. Este trabajo analiza esas medidas para determinar si son eficaces para evitar la discriminación y para indicar las posibles mejoras para su transposición al ordenamiento español.
Effectiveness of Video Intervention Using Natural Images for Anxiety in a Clinical Sample: Results from an Experiment Using Psychophysiological Indicators
Authors: Kim Do Hee , Kim Ki Seong , Joo Hye Sun , Han Ye Jin , Choi Young Jun , Moon Sang Jeong ,   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis
Published: July 2024

This study developed a video intervention using natural images for the anxiety clinical sample group, and it examined its effectiveness, focusing on psychophysiological indicators. After selecting the anxiety clinical sample group, it assigned them into an experimental group(n=15) and a control group(n=15). In the experimental group, it conducted 12 sessions of video programs using natural images. Before and after the program and even at a follow up time, it measured anxiety(General Anxiety Disorder, Trait and State Anxiety), mental well-being, positive affect, negative affect, and baseline EEG. As a result, this study cannot identify significance of its interaction effect between time interval and conditions from every variable. However, anxiety decreased after intervention than before, and it did not increase at follow-up than after, only in the experimental group. In addition, negative affect in the experimental group significantly decreased before and after the intervention. In the experimental group, participants showed decreased beta, high beta and alpha waves while gamma and theta waves increased compared to the control group. Accordingly, this study suggested that the video program can be used as relaxation method to help control anxiety and negative affect.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Zastaprazan Compared With Esomeprazole in Erosive Esophagitis
Authors: Oh Jung-Hwan , Kim Hyun-Soo , Cheung Dae Young , Lee Hang Lak , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Gwang Ha , Choi Suck Chei , Cho Yu Kyung , Chung Woo Chul , Kim Ji Won , Yu Eunju , Kwon Hyesoo , Kim Jun , Kim John , Jung Hwoon-Yong
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Zastaprazan is a potent potassium-competitive acid blocker developed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zastaprazan compared with esomeprazole in patient with erosive esophagitis (EE).

METHODS:

A phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, noninferiority clinical study was conducted with 300 subjects with confirmed EE. Subjects were randomized to receive zastaprazan 20 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg once daily up to 8 weeks. The primary end point was the cumulative proportion of subject with healed EE confirmed by endoscopy at week 8. The secondary end points included the healing rate at week 4, symptom response, and quality of life assessment. Safety profiles and serum gastrin levels were also assessed.

RESULTS:

In the full analysis set, the cumulative healing rate at week 8 were 97.92% (141/144) for zastaprazan and 94.93% (131/138) (P = 0.178) for esomeprazole. The healing rate at week 4 in the zastaprazan group was higher than the esomeprazole group (95.14% [137/144] vs 87.68% [121/138]; P = 0.026). There was no significant difference between groups in healing rates (the per-protocol set) at week 8 and week 4, symptom responses, quality of life assessments, and safety profiles. In addition, serum gastrin levels increased during treatment in both groups, with a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.047), but both decreased after treatment.

DISCUSSION:

An 8-week therapy of zastaprazan 20 mg is noninferior to esomeprazole 40 mg in subjects with predominantly low-grade EE. The healing rate at week 4 appears to be higher for zastaprazan than esomeprazole.