bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological and molecular characterization of bidens mosaic virus infecting patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) in Brazil
Authors: Martines Caroline da Cruz , Favara Gabriel Madoglio , Marubayashi Julio Massaharu , Dovigo Leonardo Hipólito , Nogueira Angélica Maria , Kitajima Elliot Watanabe , Krause‐Sakate Renate
Published: November 2023

Six patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) plants showing symptoms of viral infection were found in Brazil. Transmission electron microscopy revealed flexuous particles and characteristic pinwheel‐shaped cytoplasmic inclusions of potyvirus in sap and cells of symptomatic leaves. Potyvirus infection was confirmed through RT‐PCR, using universal primers followed by nucleotide sequencing. The obtained sequences, comprising part of the CP gene and the 3′ non‐translated region, showed 97.71%–97.87% identity with an isolate of bidens mosaic virus (BiMV). The nucleotide sequences of the CP, HC‐Pro and CI genes of BiMV isolates from patchouli plants were obtained through RT‐PCR with specific primers followed by nucleotide sequencing. The obtained sequences showed 95.78%–97.1% identities with BiMV isolates from Brazil. One BiMV isolate from a patchouli infected plant was sap‐transmitted to different plant species. Chenopodium amaranticolor exhibited local lesions, Bidens pilosa developed leaf mosaic, and Nicotiana benthamiana exhibited chlorosis and stunting. The BiMV isolate was transmitted from infected patchouli plant to B. pilosa using Myzus persicae aphids. This is the first confirmation of patchouli infected with BiMV in Brazil. Further studies are necessary to assess the incidence of this potyvirus in commercial patchouli crops, as well as the damage caused to plant development and the quantity and quality of essential oils produced.
A decade beyond the economic recession: A study of health‐related lifestyles in urban and rural Spain (2006–2017)
Authors: García‐Mayor Jesús , Moreno‐Llamas Antonio , De La Cruz Sánchez Ernesto
Published: November 2023

The 2008 economic recession may have affected health‐related indicators differently depending on the living environment. We analyze health‐related indicators in Spain using data from four Spanish health surveys (2006, 2011, 2014, and 2017, 95 924 individuals aged ≥16 years). In 2006–2011, physical activity decreased among men and women, while in 2006–2017, physical activity only decreased among urban women. Daily vegetable intake, except in rural women, increased in 2006–2011 but decreased in 2006–2017 in all groups. Smoking decreased among urban women in 2006–2011 and 2006–2014 but only decreased among men, and even increased among rural women, in 2006–2017. In 2006–2017, obesity increased among men and urban women, good self‐rated health status increased in all groups and flu vaccination declined. Blood pressure and cholesterol control decreased in urban women in 2006–2011 but increased in 2006–2017 in all groups, as well as mammographic and cytological control. Our findings highlight the differential impact of the economic recession on health‐related lifestyles according to sex and place of residence, underscoring the need for targeted health policies to address evolving health disparities over time.
Outcome of pediatric living donor liver transplant: Experience from Pakistan; a resource limited setting
Authors: Aaraj Sahira , Khan Sabeen Abid , Maroof Fatima , Hussain Syed Zohaib , Dar Faisal Saud , Malik Munir Iqbal
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as a lifesaving modality for many liver diseases in children. Pediatric LT is an established treatment in the Western world but is relatively a new procedure in resource‐limited countries like Pakistan. The study aims to highlight the outcomes and survival of pediatric recipients from the first pediatric liver transplant center in Pakistan.

Method

A retrospective analysis of pediatric LT was done from 2012 to 2019. The study was conducted in the Hepatobiliary and liver transplant department of Shifa International Hospital (SIH), Islamabad. A detailed analysis for indications for pediatric LT, survival, and complications was done.

Results

Forty‐five patients under 18 years of age underwent Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) in SIH. Median age was 9 years and M:F of 2:1. Cryptogenic liver disease followed by Wilson disease were the two most common indications of LT. The majority of patients had chronic liver disease 34 (75%) while 11 (24%) had acute liver failure. The right lobe graft was the most common type of graft 19 (42.2%). Thirty days, 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year survival was 77.8%, 75.6%, 73.3%, and 60.6% respectively. Mortality was highest in patients with biliary atresia 4 (33%). Causes of death included pulmonary embolism, sepsis, surgical complications, and acute kidney injury. Mean survival was 88.850 months (±7.899) (CI 73.369–104.331).

Conclusion

Pediatric LDLT has offered disease‐free survival for patients. Survival can improve further with nutritional rehabilitation and anticipation and management of post‐operative complications.
Decomposing the late positive potential to cannabis cues in regular cannabis users: A temporal–spatial principal component analysis
Authors: Preston Thomas J. , Cougle Jesse R. , Schmidt Norman B. , Macatee Richard J.
Published: November 2023

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is increasing in the United States, yet, specific neural mechanisms of CUD are not well understood. Disordered substance use is characterized by heightened drug cue incentive salience, which can be measured using the late positive potential (LPP), an event‐related potential (ERP) evoked by motivationally significant stimuli. The drug cue LPP is typically quantified by averaging the slow wave's scalp‐recorded amplitude across its entire time course, which may obscure distinct underlying factors with differential predictive validity; however, no study to date has examined this possibility. In a sample of 105 cannabis users, temporo‐spatial Principal Component Analysis was used to decompose cannabis cue modulation of the LPP into its underlying factors. Acute stress was also inducted to allow for identification of specific cannabis LPP factors sensitive to stress. Factor associations with CUD severity were also explored. Eight factors showed significantly increased amplitudes to cannabis images relative to neutral images. These factors spanned early (~372 ms), middle (~824 ms), and late (>1000 ms) windows across frontal, central, and parietal‐occipital sites. CUD phenotype individual differences were primarily associated with frontal, middle/late latency factor amplitudes. Acute stress effects were limited to one early central and one late frontal factor. Taken together, results suggest that the cannabis LPP can be decomposed into distinct, temporal‐spatial factors with differential responsivity to acute stress and CUD phenotype variability. Future individual difference studies examining drug cue modulation of the LPP should consider (1) frontalcentral poolings in addition to conventional central‐parietal sites, and (2) later LPP time windows.
Trust and trustworthy artificial intelligence: A research agenda for AI in the environmental sciences
Authors: Bostrom Ann , Demuth Julie L. , Wirz Christopher D. , Cains Mariana G. , Schumacher Andrea , Madlambayan Deianna , Bansal Akansha Singh , Bearth Angela , Chase Randy , Crosman Katherine M. , Ebert‐Uphoff Imme , Gagne David John , Guikema Seth , Hoffman Robert , Johnson Branden B. , Kumler‐Bonfanti Christina , Lee John D. , Lowe Anna , McGovern Amy , Przybylo Vanessa , Radford Jacob T. , Roth Emilie , Sutter Carly , Tissot Philippe , Roebber Paul , Stewart Jebb Q. , White Miranda , Williams John K.
Published: November 2023

Demands to manage the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) are growing. These demands and the government standards arising from them both call for trustworthy AI. In response, we adopt a convergent approach to review, evaluate, and synthesize research on the trust and trustworthiness of AI in the environmental sciences and propose a research agenda. Evidential and conceptual histories of research on trust and trustworthiness reveal persisting ambiguities and measurement shortcomings related to inconsistent attention to the contextual and social dependencies and dynamics of trust. Potentially underappreciated in the development of trustworthy AI for environmental sciences is the importance of engaging AI users and other stakeholders, which human–AI teaming perspectives on AI development similarly underscore. Co‐development strategies may also help reconcile efforts to develop performance‐based trustworthiness standards with dynamic and contextual notions of trust. We illustrate the importance of these themes with applied examples and show how insights from research on trust and the communication of risk and uncertainty can help advance the understanding of trust and trustworthiness of AI in the environmental sciences.
A new paradigm for high‐dimensional data: Distance‐based semiparametric feature aggregation framework via between‐subject attributes
Authors: Liu Jinyuan , Zhang Xinlian , Lin Tuo , Chen Ruohui , Zhong Yuan , Chen Tian , Wu Tsungchin , Liu Chenyu , Huang Anna , Nguyen Tanya T. , Lee Ellen E. , Jeste Dilip V. , Tu Xin M.
Published: November 2023

This article proposes a distance‐based framework incentivized by the paradigm shift toward feature aggregation for high‐dimensional data, which does not rely on the sparse‐feature assumption or the permutation‐based inference. Focusing on distance‐based outcomes that preserve information without truncating any features, a class of semiparametric regression has been developed, which encapsulates multiple sources of high‐dimensional variables using pairwise outcomes of between‐subject attributes. Further, we propose a strategy to address the interlocking correlations among pairs via the U‐statistics‐based estimating equations (UGEE), which correspond to their unique efficient influence function (EIF). Hence, the resulting semiparametric estimators are robust to distributional misspecification while enjoying root‐n consistency and asymptotic optimality to facilitate inference. In essence, the proposed approach not only circumvents information loss due to feature selection but also improves the model's interpretability and computational feasibility. Simulation studies and applications to the human microbiome and wearables data are provided, where the feature dimensions are tens of thousands.
How to maximise asynchronous video resources that have been co‐produced with patient partners
Authors: Martin Romany , Hardcastle Sibella , Moyle Bruce , Dowlman Michele , Williams Andrew
Published: November 2023

Ensuring that health professional education is person centred is vital in the pursuit of person‐centred clinical care. However, the volume of person‐centred care content varies broadly in health professional education. One acknowledged approach to designing curriculum that is person‐centred is to embed resources that have been co‐produced by patients with lived and living experience. In this article, we aim to provide a guideline for the inclusion of asynchronous interdisciplinary video resources that have been co‐produced by patients with lived and living experience.
Robust estimation of synchronized spontaneous otoacoustic emission via singular value decomposition and optimal shrinkage
Authors: Lin Hao-Ping , Liu Yi-Wen
Published: November 2023

We investigate matrix signal processing techniques for estimating synchronized spontaneous otoacoustic emission (OAE) in noise. Responses to repeated clicks are first stored in a matrix, and singular value decomposition is either applied in the time domain or the frequency domain after constructing a Hankel matrix at every frequency. The singular values are subject to optimal shrinkage (OS) which maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio. Human OAE data were analyzed, and the Hankel matrix method outperforms the time-domain OS method in synchronized spontaneous otoacoustic emission estimation, but not in the estimation of transient-evoked otoacoustic emission. Reasons for the performance discrepancy are discussed.
Comparison Between Movement Pattern Training and Strengthening on Kinematics and Kinetics in Patients With Chronic Hip-Related Groin Pain
Authors: Palaniappan Ramya , Harris Michael D. , Steger-May Karen , Bove Allyn M. , Fitzgerald G. Kelley , Clohisy John C. , Harris-Hayes Marcie
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the preliminary effects of movement pattern training (MoveTrain) versus strengthening/flexibility (standard) treatment on hip and pelvic biomechanics in patients with chronic hip-related groin pain. This is a secondary analysis of data collected during a pilot randomized clinical trial. Thirty patients with hip pain, between the ages of 15 and 40 years, were randomized to MoveTrain or standard. Both groups completed 10 treatment sessions over 12 weeks along with a daily home exercise program. Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to collect kinematic and kinetic data of the pelvis and hip during a single-leg squat task at pretreatment and immediately posttreatment. Compared with the standard group, the MoveTrain group demonstrated smaller hip adduction angles (P = .006) and smaller hip external adduction moments (P = .008) at posttreatment. The desired changes to hip joint biomechanics, as found in this study, may require specificity in training that could allow health care professionals to better customize the rehabilitation of patients with hip pain. These findings can also be applied to the design and implementation of future clinical trials to strengthen our understanding of the long-term implications of different rehabilitation techniques for patients with hip pain.
An Ecosystem Framework for the Meta in Esport Games
Authors: Thaicharoen Sunny , Gow Jeremy , Drachen Anders
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the evolving landscape of modern digital games, emphasizing their nature as live services that continually evolve and adapt. In addition to engaging with the core gameplay, players and other stakeholders actively participate in various game-related experiences, such as tournaments and streaming. This interplay forms a vibrant and intricate ecosystem, facilitating the construction and dissemination of knowledge about the game. Such knowledge flow, accompanied by resulting behavioral changes, gives rise to the concept of a video game meta. Within the competitive gaming context, the meta represents the strategic and tactical knowledge that goes beyond the fundamental mechanics of the game, enabling players to gain a competitive advantage. We present a review of the state-of-the-art of knowledge for game metas and propose a novel model for the meta knowledge structure and propagation that accounts for this ecosystem, based on a review of the academic literature and practical examples. By exploring the dynamics of knowledge exchange and its influence on gameplay, the review presented here sheds light on the intricate relationship between game evolution, player engagement, and the associated emergence of game meta.
Inequalities in Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Television Viewing According to Age Among a Brazilian Adult Population
Authors: Wendt Andrea , Machado Adriana K.F. , da Silva Bruna G.C. , Costa Caroline S. , Ricardo Luiza I.C. , da Silva Shana Ginar
Published: November 2023

Background: The present study aims to estimate leisure-time physical activity and television (TV) viewing curves according to age stratified by sex, area of residence, and socioeconomic position. Methods: Using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey, we estimated the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and TV viewing according to continuous age. The estimates were calculated using fractional polynomials and stratified by sex, wealth, skin color, and area of residence. Results: The sample included 87,376 adults (aged 18 y or over). In general, leisure-time physical activity decreased according to age while TV viewing increased. Regarding behavior of curves according to stratifiers, for leisure-time physical activity the disadvantaged groups maintained a pattern of low physical activity across all age groups or presented the decrease earlier when compared to groups in social advantage. On the other hand, for TV viewing, women presented an increase in prevalence before men, and individuals living in the urban area and the wealthiest group were those with a higher increase according to age. Conclusions: Our findings may help researchers and policymakers further explore inequalities in physical activity across life in different settings, as well as develop sensitive cultural actions to support more vulnerable people to adopt public health recommendations.
CNS therapeutics: Immune cells break the barriers
Authors: Thai Karine , Prat Alexandre
Published: November 2023

Peripheral immune cells can be seen as attractive vectors and drug carriers for central nervous system therapeutics because these cells have unique properties that allow them to migrate across the blood-brain barrier, enabling drug delivery to brain regions that are inaccessible to free drugs.
Essential role of
Helicobacter pylori
apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase (Lnt) in stomach colonization
Authors: Jung Matthew S. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Brackman Lee C. , McClain Mark S. , Algood Holly M. Scott
Published: November 2023

Bacterial lipoproteins are post-translationally modified with acyl chains, anchoring these proteins to bacterial membranes. In Gram-negative bacteria, three enzymes complete the modifications. Lgt (which adds two acyl chains) and LspA (which removes the signal peptide) are essential. Lnt (which adds a third acyl chain) is not essential in certain bacteria including
Francisella tularensis
,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, and
Acinetobacter baumannii
. Deleting
lnt
results in mild to severe physiologic changes. We previously showed
lnt
is not essential for
Helicobacter pylori
growth
in vitro
. Here, the physiologic consequences of deleting
lnt
in
H. pylori
and the role of Lnt in the host response to
H. pylori
were examined using
in vitro
and
in vivo
models. Comparing wild-type, Δ
lnt
, and complemented mutant
H. pylori
, no changes in growth rates or sensitivity to acid or antibiotics were observed. Since deleting
lnt
changes the number of acyl chains on lipoproteins and the number of acyl chains on lipoproteins impacts the innate immune response through Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling, primary human gastric epithelial cells were treated with a purified lipoprotein from wild-type or
lnt
mutant
H. pylori
. Differential gene expression analysis indicated that lipoprotein from the
lnt
mutant induced a more robust TLR2 response. In a complementary approach, we infected wild-type and
Tlr2
−/−
mice and found that both the wild-type and complemented mutant strains successfully colonized the animals. However, the
lnt
mutant strain was unable to colonize either mouse strain. These results show that
lnt
is essential for
H. pylori
colonization and identifies lipoprotein synthesis as a target for therapeutic intervention.
Exploring the diverse definitions of ‘evidence’: a scoping review
Authors: Yu Xuan , Wu Shouyuan , Sun Yajia , Wang Ping , Wang Ling , Su Renfeng , Zhao Junxian , Fadlallah Racha , Boeira Laura , Oliver Sandy , Abraha Yoseph G , Sewankambo Nelson K , El-Jardali Fadi , Norris Susan L , Chen Yaolong
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To systematically collect and analyse diverse definitions of ‘evidence’ in both health and social sciences, and help users to correctly use the term ‘evidence’ and rethink what is the definition of ‘evidence’ in scientific research.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Definitions of evidence in the health sciences and social sciences were included. We have excluded the definition of evidence applied in the legal field, abstracts without full text, documents not published in either Chinese or English and so on. We established a multidisciplinary working group and systematically searched five electronic databases including Medline, Web of Science, EBSCO, the Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index and the Chinese Science Citation Database from their inception to 26 February 2022. We also searched websites and reviewed the reference lists of the identified studies. Six reviewers working in pairs, independently, selected studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and extracted information. Any differences were discussed in pairs, and if there was disagreement, it was resolved via discussion or with the help of a third reviewer. Reviewers extracted document characteristics, the original content for the definitions of ‘evidence’, assessed definitions as either intensional or extensional, and any citations for the given definition.

Results

Forty-nine documents were finally included after screening, and 68 definitions were obtained. After excluding duplicates, a total of 54 different definitions of ‘evidence’ were identified. There were 42 intensional definitions and 12 extensional definitions. The top three definiens were ‘information’, ‘fact’ and ‘research/study’. The definition of ‘evidence’ differed between health and social sciences. The term ‘research’ appeared most frequently in the definitions.

Conclusions

The definition of ‘evidence’ has gradually attracted the attention of many scholars and decision-makers in health and social sciences. Nevertheless, there is no widely recognised and accepted definition in scientific research. Given the wide use of the term, we need to think about whether, or under what circumstances, a standardised, clear, meaningful and widely applicable definition of ‘evidence’ might be helpful.
Improving surgical safety checklist utilisation at 23 public health facilities in Ethiopia: a collaborative quality improvement project
Authors: Bete Dawit Yifru , Sibhatu Manuel Kassaye , Godebo Melaku Gebremichael , Abdulahi Ilili Jemal , Liyew Tewodros Worku , Minas Seye Mesfin , Bryce Emily , Ashengo Tigistu Adamu , Varallo John
Published: November 2023

Background

In 2009, the WHO introduced the surgical safety checklist (SSC) as one of the interventions for improving patient safety. The systematic use of structured checklists during surgery has been shown to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. However, SSC utilisation has been challenging in low-income and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Jhpiego Ethiopia implemented a quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to increase SSC utilisation.

Methodology

A model for improvement was used to design and implement a collaborative QIP to improve SSC utilisation at 23 public health facilities (13 primary health care facilities, 4 general hospitals and 6 tertiary hospitals) in Ethiopia from October 2020 to September 2021. SSC utilisation was defined as when a patient chart had SSC attached and each part of the checklist was completed. Training of surgical staff on safe surgery packages, monthly clinical mentorship and cluster-based learning platforms were implemented during the study period. We analysed bimonthly chart audit reports from each facility to assess the proportion of surgeries where the SSC was used. Shewhart charts were used to conduct a time-series analysis. Additionally, the Z-test for two sample proportions was used to determine if there is a statistically significant change from the baseline measure with a p<0.05.

Result

In the postintervention period, the overall SSC utilisation improved by 39.9 absolute percentage points to 90.3% (p<0.0001) compared with the baseline value of 50.4% early in 2020. A time-series analysis using Shewhart charts showed a shift in the mean performance and signals of special cause variation. The largest improvement was observed in primary health care facilities in which the SSC utilisation improved from 50.8% to 97.9% (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that onsite clinical capacity building, mentorship and collaborative cluster-based learning platforms can improve SSC utilisation across all levels of facilities performing surgery.
Healthcare provider perspectives on COVID-19 vaccination for children in India
Authors: Mehta Kayur , Kaur Amarpreet , Banerjee Preetika , Gupta Piyush , Thacker Naveen , Saxena Vineet , Shet Anita
Published: November 2023

Background

The rapid development and deployment of effective COVID-19 vaccines have been critical to halt the spread of the pandemic. India started vaccinating children in early 2022, however, vaccine uptake has been suboptimal.

Methods

Between September and November 2022, we conducted an online survey that was disseminated to eligible participants via email, text messages and social media platforms across India. The survey aimed to gather the perspectives of Indian healthcare providers regarding key factors related to the rollout of paediatric COVID-19 vaccines. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant demographics and responses on knowledge about paediatric COVID-19 vaccines, perceived risks and benefits, and vaccine rollout strategies.

Results

The survey yielded 805 respondents from 23 Indian states; 63.5% were men, 97.3% were paediatricians, median age was 44 years (IQR 25–81). Eighty-one per cent and 65.2% respondents had heard about the most common paediatric COVID-19 vaccines in India, Covaxin and Corbevax, but only 52.9%, 53.7% and 62.1% felt adequately informed about their safety, efficacy and vaccination schedules, respectively. Thirty per cent of respondents were unaware of vaccination guidelines. Eighty-five per cent of respondents felt that vaccines would reduce the incidence of severe disease, hospitalisation and deaths, and 60.6% felt children with comorbidities should be prioritised for vaccination. Perceived supply side barriers included lack of enforcement of guidelines (45.2%) and adverse effects following immunisation monitoring systems (37.6%), and on the demand side, parental vaccine hesitancy (64.4%). Eighty-one per cent believed that school-based vaccination strategies would be highly effective in increasing uptake.

Conclusions

Most respondents were in support of the COVID-19 paediatric vaccination, although just over half did not feel adequately informed. Concerns about vaccine hesitancy among caregivers were the leading reported barrier. Targeted interventions are needed to provide adequate knowledge support to healthcare providers and evidence-based public health messaging to reduce vaccine hesitancy among caregivers.
Therapeutic effects of fatty acid binding protein 1 in mice with pulmonary fibrosis by regulating alveolar epithelial regeneration
Authors: Fu Zhenli , Yin Hang , Liu Jiani , He Ying , Song Shengren , Peng Xiaomin , Huang Xihui , Lai Yunxin , Li Shuang , Luo Qun , Su Jin , Yang Penghui
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with limited therapeutic options and high lethality, related to alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cell dysregulation, the abnormal repair of alveolar epithelial cells and activation of fibroblasts promote the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) was significantly downregulated in the fibrotic state by proteomics screening in our previous date, and the ATII cell dysregulation can be mediated by FABP1 via regulating fatty acid metabolism and intracellular transport. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and potential mechanism of FABP1 in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

Proteomics screening was used to detect changes of the protein profiles in two different types (induced by bleomycin and silica, respectively) of pulmonary fibrosis models. The localisation of FABP1 in mouse lung was detected by Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Experimental methods such as lung pathology, micro-CT, western blotting, small animal imaging in vivo, EdU, etc were used to verify the role of FABP1 in pulmonary fibrosis.

Results

The expression of FABP1 in the mouse lung was significantly reduced in the model of pulmonary fibrosis from our proteomic analysis and immunological methods, the double immunofluorescence staining showed that FABP1 was mainly localised in type II alveolar epithelial cells. Additionally, the expression of FABP1 was negatively correlated with the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that overexpression of FABP1 alleviated pulmonary fibrosis by protecting alveolar epithelium from injury and promoting cell survival.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a proof-of-principle that FABP1 may represent an effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis by regulating alveolar epithelial regeneration, which may be associated with the fatty acid metabolism in ATII cells.
Association between air pollutant exposure, body water distribution and sleep disorder indices in individuals with low-arousal-threshold obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Yu , Liu Ming , Huang Huei-Tyng , Hsu Wen-Hua , Kuan Yi-Chun , Majumdar Arnab , Lee Kang-Yun , Feng Po-Hao , Tseng Chien-Hua , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Kang Jiunn-Horng , Lee Hsin-Chien , Wu Cheng-Jung , Liu Wen-Te
Published: November 2023

Background

Air pollution may alter body water distribution, it may also be linked to low-arousal-threshold obstructive sleep apnoea (low-ArTH OSA). Here, we explored the mediation effects of air pollution on body water distribution and low-ArTH OSA manifestations.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we obtained sleep centre data from healthy participants and patients with low-ArTH OSA (N=1924) in northern Taiwan. Air pollutant exposure at different time intervals (1, 3, 6 and 12 months) was estimated using the nearest station estimation method, and government air-quality data were also obtained. Regression models were used to assess the associations of estimated exposure, sleep disorder indices and body water distribution with the risk of low-ArTH OSA. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the relationships between air pollution, body water distribution and sleep disorder indices.

Results

First, exposure to particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of ≤10 µm (PM10) for 1 and 3 months and exposure to PM with a diameter of ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) for 3 months were significantly associated with the Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (AHI), Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), Arousal Index (ArI) and intracellular-to-extracellular water ratio (I-E water ratio). Significant associations were observed between the risk of low-ArTH OSA and 1- month exposure to PM10(OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.84), PM2.5(OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.74) and ozone (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.6). I-E water ratio alternation caused by 1-month exposure to PM10and 3-month exposure to PM2.5and PM10had partial mediation effects on AHI and ODI.

Conclusion

Air pollution can directly increase sleep disorder indices (AHI, ODI and ArI) and alter body water distribution, thus mediating the risk of low-ArTH OSA.
Phenotyping the Responses to Systemic Corticosteroids in the Management of Asthma Attacks (PRISMA): protocol for an observational and translational pilot study
Authors: Celis-Preciado Carlos Andrés , Leclerc Simon , Duval Martine , Cliche Dominic O. , Larivée Pierre , Lemaire-Paquette Samuel , Lévesque Simon , Côté Andréanne , Lachapelle Philippe , Couillard Simon
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Asthma and its associated exacerbation are heterogeneous. Although severe asthma attacks are systematically prescribed corticosteroids and often antibiotics, little is known about the variability of response to these therapies. Blood eosinophils and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) are type 2 inflammation biomarkers that have established mechanistic, prognostic and theragnostic values in chronic asthma, but their utility in acute asthma is unclear. We speculate that the clinical and biological response to those treatments varies according to inflammometry and microbiological test results.

Methods and analysis

An observational longitudinal pilot study with multimodal clinical and translational assessments will be performed on 50 physician-diagnosed ≥12-year-old asthmatics presenting with an asthma attack and 12 healthy controls, including blood eosinophil count (venous and point-of-care (POC) capillary blood), FeNO and testing for airway infection (sputum cultures and POC nasopharyngeal swabs). People with asthma will be assessed on day 0 and after a 7-day corticosteroid course, with home monitoring performed in between. The primary analysis will be the change in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s according to type 2 inflammatory status (blood eosinophils ≥0.15×109/L and/or FeNO ≥25 ppb) after treatment. Key secondary analyses will compare changes in symptom scores and the proportion of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference. Exploratory analyses will assess the relationship between clinical, lung function, inflammatory and microbiome parameters; satisfaction plus reliability indices of POC tests; and sex–gender variability in treatment response. Ultimately, this pilot study will serve to plan a larger trial comparing the clinical and biological response to systemic corticosteroids according to inflammatory biomarkers, offering valuable guidance for more personalised therapeutic strategies in asthma attacks.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the CIUSSS de l'Estrie–CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (#2023-4687). Results will be communicated in an international meeting and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05870215).
Seat belt use among pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates: the Mutaba’ah Study
Authors: Abdullahi Aminu S. , Yasin Yasin J. , Shah Syed M. , Ahmed Luai A. , Grivna Michal
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Motor vehicle collisions are a major cause of death and injury among pregnant women and their fetuses. Seat belt use compliance during pregnancy varies in different populations. We aimed to study seat belt use among pregnant women and factors affecting seat belt use during pregnancy in Al Ain City, the United Arab Emirates.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis used the baseline data collected from pregnant women participating in the Mutaba’ah Study from May 2017 to November 2022. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Variables included sociodemographic, gestation periods and seat belt-related information. All pregnant women who responded to the questions related to seat belt use were included (N=2354).

Results

Seat belt use before and during pregnancy was estimated at 69.7% (95% CI 67.9% to 71.6%) and 65.5% (95% CI 63.6% to 67.4%), respectively. The reasons for not using seat belts during pregnancy included being uncomfortable to wear, habitual non-use and considering them unsafe for pregnancy. Age, higher levels of education of the pregnant woman or her spouse, being employed, having a sufficient household income, lower gestational age, and using a seat belt before pregnancy were positively associated with using a seat belt during pregnancy in the bivariate analyses. Pregnant women in their third trimester had independently significant lower odds of using a seat belt compared with those in the first trimester (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.76).

Conclusions

The findings indicate decreased compliance with seat belt use during pregnancy and as gestation progressed. The decrease was related to several reasons, including feeling uncomfortable wearing seat belts, habitual non-use and unsafe for pregnancy, necessitating appropriate measures to increase awareness. Raising public awareness about the advantages of wearing seat belts during pregnancy and the involvement of healthcare professionals in educating pregnant women are warranted.
Gender and ethnicity intersect to reduce participation at a large European hybrid HIV conference
Authors: Howe Alice , Wan Yize I , Gilleece Yvonne , Aebi-Popp Karoline , Dhairyawan Rageshri , Bhagani Sanjay , Paparini Sara , Orkin Chloe
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate how gender and ethnicity of panel members intersect to effect audience participation at a large European hybrid conference.

Design

An observational cross-sectional study design was used to collect data at the conference and descriptive survey was used to collect data retrospectively from the participants.

Setting

European AIDS Clinical Society 18th Conference; a 3223-delegate, hybrid conference held online and in London over 4 days in October 2021.

Main outcome measures

We observed the number and type of questions asked at 12 of 69 sessions and described characteristics of the panel composition by ethnicity, gender and seniority. A postconference survey of conference attendees collated demographic information, number of questions asked during the conference and the reasons for not asking questions.

Results

Men asked the most questions and were more likely to ask multiple questions in the observed sessions (61.5%). People from white ethnic groups asked >95% of the questions in the observed sessions. The fewest questions were asked in the sessions with the least diverse panels in terms of both ethnicity and gender. Barriers to asking questions differed between genders and ethnicities.

Conclusions

Our study aims to provide evidence to help conference organisers improve leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion in the professional medical conference setting. This will support equitable dissemination of knowledge and improve education and engagement of delegates. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing conference participation by both ethnicity and gender in panellists and delegates within a hybrid conference setting.
Neurological injury following peripheral nerve blocks: a narrative review of estimates of risks and the influence of ultrasound guidance
Authors: Lemke Ethan , Johnston David F , Behrens Matthew B , Seering Melinda S , McConnell Brie M , Swaran Singh Tejinder Singh , Sondekoppam Rakesh V
Published: November 2023

Background

Peripheral nerve injury or post-block neurological dysfunction (PBND) are uncommon but a recognized complications of peripheral nerve blocks (PNB). A broad range of its incidence is noted in the literature and hence a critical appraisal of its occurrence is needed.

Objective

In this review, we wanted to know the pooled estimates of PBND and further, determine its pooled estimates following various PNB over time. Additionally, we also sought to estimate the incidence of PBND with or without US guidance.

Evidence review

A literature search was conducted in six databases. For the purposes of the review, we defined PBND as any new-onset sensorimotor disturbances in the distribution of the performed PNB either attributable to the PNB (when reported) or reported in the context of the PNB (when association with a PNB was not mentioned). Both prospective and retrospective studies which provided incidence of PBND at timepoints of interest (>48 hours to <2 weeks; >2 weeks to 6 weeks, 7 weeks to 5 months, 6 months to 1 year and >1 year durations) were included for review. Incidence data were used to provide pooled estimates (with 95% CI) of PBND at these time periods. Similar estimates were obtained to know the incidence of PBND with or without the use of US guidance. Additionally, PBND associated with individual PNB were obtained in a similar fashion with upper and lower limb PNB classified based on the anatomical location of needle insertion.

Findings

The overall incidence of PBND decreased with time, with the incidence being approximately 1% at <2 weeks’ time (Incidence per thousand (95% CI)= 9 (8; to 11)) to approximately 3/10 000 at 1 year (Incidence per thousand (95% CI)= 0. 3 (0.1; to 0.5)). Incidence of PBND differed for individual PNB with the highest incidence noted for interscalene block.

Conclusions

Our review adds information to existing literature that the neurological complications are rarer but seem to display a higher incidence for some blocks more than others. Use of US guidance may be associated with a lower incidence of PBND especially in those PNBs reporting a higher pooled estimates. Future studies need to standardize the reporting of PBND at various timepoints and its association to PNB.
New Zealand community pharmacists’ perspectives on supplying smoked tobacco as an endgame initiative: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Hoek Janet , Muthumala Charika , Fenton Elizabeth , Gartner Coral E , Petrović-van der Deen Frederieke Sanne
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Tobacco endgame strategies often include measures to reduce tobacco availability by decreasing retailer numbers. Recently, some US pharmacies have delisted tobacco, though overall retailer numbers have not reduced markedly. Paradoxically, others have suggested limiting tobacco sales to pharmacies, to reduce supply and support cessation. We explored how pharmacists from Aotearoa New Zealand, a country planning to reduce tobacco supply, perceived supplying tobacco.

Methods

We undertook in-depth interviews with 16 pharmacists from Ōtepoti Dunedin; most served more deprived communities with higher smoking prevalence. We probed participants’ views on supplying tobacco, explored factors that could limit implementation of this policy, and analysed their ethical positions. We used qualitative description to analyse data on limiting factors and reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the ethical arguments adduced.

Results

Most participants noted time, space and safety concerns, and some had strong moral objections to supplying tobacco. These included concerns that supplying tobacco would contradict their duty not to harm patients, reduce them to sales assistants, undermine their role as health experts, and tarnish their profession. A minority focused on the potential benefits of a pharmacy supply measure, which they thought would use and extend their skills, and improve community well-being.

Conclusions

Policy-makers will likely encounter strongly expressed opposition if they attempt to introduce a pharmacy supply measure as an initial component of a retail reduction strategy. However, as smoking prevalence falls, adopting a health-promoting supply model, using pharmacies that chose to participate, would become more feasible and potentially enhance community outreach and cessation support.
U-shaped PCF humidity sensor coated with polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Gao Peng , Zhou Yuting , Fu Tianqi , Cao Yibo , Zheng Xiaolin , Liu Ying , Wang Zimu
Published: November 2023

Relative humidity is an important parameter. The detection and control of humidity is of great significance for agriculture, new material development, biological research and protection, health services and other industrial and agricultural production. In this paper, a micro-nano photonic crystal fiber humidity sensor with U-shaped structure is proposed. Due to its probe structure, this structure can more conveniently realize the detection work. The experiment shows that this kind of optical sensor has good linearity in the humidity range of 42–62[Formula: see text]RH%, and can realize the humidity sensing of 27.62[Formula: see text]pm/RH%. The detection range of this kind of sensor is relatively wide, and can realize the optical fiber sensing in a larger humidity range.
Students’ perceptions and experiences of remote learning amid covid-19 pandemic in Ghana
Authors: Kumi Rockson , Quartey Jonathan , Kwakye Samuel Koranteng , Oppong Emmanuella Dufie
Published: November 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on students, instructors, and educational organisations all around the world. Remote learning was an emergency response by most universities in Ghana during this pandemic to ensure the continuation of their academic calendar. Conducting this study among Ghanaian undergraduate students is crucial because factors like socioeconomic status, technological resources, and individual learning preferences can significantly impact their experience and the perception of remote learning, which may differ from studies conducted elsewhere.

Objective: To determine the perceptions and experiences of remote learning among allied health sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 218 second, third, and final year Allied Health Sciences students in the University of Ghana. A questionnaire was used to obtain data concerning health professions students’ perception and experience of remote learning. The readiness of students in respect to the emergency remote learning, attitudes towards remote learning, perception of remote learning, satisfaction, and the level of anxiety was calculated using mean and mean percentages. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to analyse differences between programmes of study and the perceptions and experiences of remote learning.

Results: One hundred and fifteen (53.1%) of the participants had moderate perceptions of independence and responsibility in their learning experiences while 80 (36.7%) students reported that their satisfaction levels regarding remote learning was high. Seventy-seven (38.4%) students reported that they had a burden of anxiety. There was no statistically significant difference between anxiety level and programme of study.

Conclusion: Ghana Allied Health Sciences students had positive perceptions and experiences towards remote learning. They could adapt to the new teaching method with appropriate technology integration. Despite a number of students who were anxious about using remote learning. Adequate support towards transitioning into the use of technology may be a good consideration.
Shale barrier performance in petroleum systems: implications for CO
2
storage and nuclear waste disposal
Authors: Fisher Quentin , Kaminskaite Ieva , del Pino Sanchez Adriana
Published: November 2023

Shale is often required to act as a natural barrier to fluid flow around nuclear waste repositories and above CO
2
storage sites. The small pore size of the shale matrix makes it an effective barrier to fluid flow. However, leakage could occur along faults or fractures. Experiments provide insight into fault/fracture-related leakage on short timescales (i.e. 1–10 years) compared to that needed for safe disposal (up to 1 Ma). Data collected by the petroleum industry provides strong evidence on how faults and fractures in shale impact fluid flow on such timescales. Faulted shales act as seals to petroleum reservoirs and abnormal pressures on geological timescales (>10 Ma). This observation suggests that faults in shale can either form without acting as flow conduits or act as temporary conduits but then reseal. Index properties such as clay content and elastic moduli are useful for identifying shales in which faults/fractures are likely to self-seal. However, fault and fracture-related fluid flow can occur through weak shales if high overpressures are maintained. Nuclear waste repositories can be sited away from where overpressures could develop. Leakage from CO
2
storage sites is more risky because the CO
2
provides drive to maintain high pressures, which could suppress self-sealing.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Fault and top seals 2022 collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/fault-and-top-seals-2022
Which Voice for which Robot? Designing Robot Voices that Indicate Robot Size
Authors: Fischer Kerstin , Niebuhr Oliver
Published: November 2023

Many social robots will have the capacity to interact via speech in the future, and thus they will have to have a voice. However, so far it is unclear how we can create voices that fit their robotic speakers. In this article, we explore how robot voices can be designed to fit the size of the respective robot. We therefore investigate the acoustic correlates of human voices and body size. In Study I, we analyzed 163 speech samples in connection with their speakers’ body size and body height. Our results show that specific acoustic parameters are significantly associated with body height, and to a lesser degree to body weight, but that different features are relevant for female and male voices. In Study II, we tested then for female and male voices to what extent the acoustic features identified can be used to create voices that are reliably associated with the size of robots. The results show that the acoustic features identified provide reliable clues to whether a large or a small robot is speaking.