bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotype variation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in carriers of the p.Arg870His pathogenic variant in the MYH7 gene
Authors: Kucher A. N. , Valiakhmetov N. R. , Salakhov R. R. , Golubenko M. V. , Pavlyukova E. N. , Nazarenko M. S.
Published: October 2022

The review analyzes variability of clinical manifestations of p.Arg870His in the MYH7 gene, which is repeatedly registered in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The analysis involves the data from scientific publications obtained as a search result in the PubMed, СlinVar, and eLibrary.ru databases, as well as authors’ own results. A wide range of phenotypic manifestations have been revealed in carriers of p.Arg870His, from the asymptomatic to severe course, rapid progression, and early death. The review considers possible factors that modify the effect of the pathogenic variant (i.e. dosage of the pathogenic variant, the presence of other unfavorable genetic variants, etc.). The importance of accumulating information on the clinical features of HCM in the carriers of specific gene variants is emphasized in order to clarify their pathogenicity and to identify factors modifying the clinical outcome, which is important for the choice of the treatment strategy for HCM.
Expression of inhibitory receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, and Tim-3 by peripheral T cells during pregnancy
Authors: Smetanenko E. A. , Khonina N. A. , Leplina O. Yu. , Tikhonova M. A. , Batorov E. V. , Pasman N. M. , Chernykh E. R.
Published: October 2022

Background. Inhibitory receptors and their ligands (also called checkpoint molecules) are important feedback regulators of the immune response. However, their role in immunological adaptation during pregnancy remains poorly understood.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of checkpoint molecule (PD-1, CTLA-4, Tim-3) expression in peripheral T cells in pregnant women compared with fertile non-pregnant women.

Materials and methods. The study included 36 women in the second half of pregnancy without pregnancy complications, 12 of whom had extragenital pathology. The control group consisted of 28 age-matched fertile non-pregnant women. The proportion of CD8+PD-1+, CD8+TIM-3+, CD8+PD-1+TIM-3+, CD4+PD-1+, CD4+TIM-3+, and CD4+PD-1+TIM-3+ was evaluated by flow cytometry using the corresponding monoclonal antibodies (BD Biosciences, USA).

Results. The proportion of CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ Т cells and CD4+ and CD8+ Т lymphocytes co-expressing PD-1 and Tim-3 in the peripheral blood of pregnant women was statistically significantly higher than in non-pregnant women. An increase in CD4+Tim-3+ and CD8+PD-1+ T cells was observed both in pregnant women with and without extragenital pathology. However, pregnant women with extragenital pathology were characterized by a higher CD8+PD-1+ count and a smaller number of CD8+Tim-3+ cells, as well as by a lack of an increase in PD-1+Tim-3+ T cells typical of pregnant women. The number of comorbidities was directly correlated with the proportion of CD8+PD-1+ lymphocytes and inversely correlated with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+ and CD4+ PD-1+Tim-3+ cells. In addition, the expression of checkpoint molecules was associated with gestational age (a direct correlation was found with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+, CD4+PD-1+Tim-3+, and CD8+PD-1+Tim-3+ cells) and to a lesser extent – with the age of pregnant women (an inverse relationship was found with the proportion of CD8+Tim-3+ cells).

Conclusion. Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy are characterized by increased expression of PD-1 and Tim-3 molecules in peripheral T cells. At the same time, concomitant extragenital pathology affects the expression of these molecules.
Breaking a Dogma in Physics: Euclidean Relativity Outperforms Einstein’s Relativity
Authors: Niemz Markolf H. , Stein Siegfried W.
Published: October 2022

Today’s concepts of space and time trace back to Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity. In special relativity, he derives relations of how a “moving observer” experiences space and time with respect to an “observer at rest”. In general relativity, he derives relations of how mass and energy are affecting space and time. Both theories have been very successful, but fail to solve fundamental mysteries such as competing values of the Hubble constant, dark energy, the wave–particle duality, and quantum entanglement. Here we show that this failure is due to prioritizing a primary observer: Einstein’s relations are valid only for a “system at rest” or a momentarily comoving reference frame. There is no superordinate reference frame in which all observers (“at rest” and moving) are treated alike. In what we call “Euclidean relativity”, we replace Minkowski spacetime (MS) with Euclidean spacetime (ES). We claim that an observer’s reality is formed by projecting ES to 3D space. The major benefit is: ES is a superordinate frame which is not limited to individual observers. It even gives us a Theory of Everything. Matching the symmetry simplifies physics! Alternative models of Euclidean relativity run into paradoxes as they claim reality to be in ES. Our theory profits from two concepts: “distance” (space and time in one) and “wavematter” (electromagnetic wave packet and matter in one). Time is a subordinate quantity: covered distance divided by the speed of light. Wavematter is a generalized concept of energy: Waves and particles are the same thing (energy), but seen from two perspectives. Length contraction, time dilation, acceleration, and gravitation are geometric effects.
Multi-omic Profiling, Structural Characterization and Potent Inhibitor Screening of Evasion Related Proteins of a Parasitic Nematode, Haemonchus contortus, Surviving Vaccine Treatment
Authors: Palevich Nikola , Maclean Paul Haydon , Carbone Vince , Jauregui Ruy , Umair Saleh
Published: October 2022

The emergence of drug-resistant parasitic nematodes of both humans and livestock calls for development of alternative and cost-effective control strategies. For the economically important ruminant strongylid Haemonchus contortus, Barbervax® remains the only registered vaccine available. Here we compared the microbiome, genome-wide diversity and transcriptome of H. contortus adult male populations that survived vaccination with an experimental vaccine after inoculation in sheep. Our genome-wide SNP analysis revealed 16 putative candidate vaccine evasion genes. However, we did not identify any evidence for changes in microbial community profiling based of 16S rRNA gene sequencing results of vaccine surviving parasite populations. A total of 58 genes were identified as significantly differentially expressed with six being long non-coding (lnc) RNAs and no putative candidate SNP associated genes. The genes highly upregulated in surviving parasites from vaccinated animals were associated with GO terms belonging to predominantly molecular function and a few biological processes that may have facilitated evasion or potentially lessened the effect of the vaccine. These included five targets: astacin (ASTL), carbonate dehydratase (CA2), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), glutamine synthetase (GLUL) and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP3). We searched all five DEG targets against the proteomes of selected Nematoda (Clades III, V, IV, C, I) and Platyhelminthes (Clades Monogenea, Trematoda, Cestoda, Rhabditophora) to determine homologs within the H. contortus NZ_HCO_NP v1.0 genome and identified single-copy orthologous groups (OGs) in selected proteomes. All but one (FABP3) demonstrated high levels of duplication and wide-spread occurrence in closely related Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus, with complete absence of all five gene targets among other Clade III (Toxocara canis) and V (Ascaris suum, Ascaris lumbricoides and Parascaris univalens) nematodes, further supporting their vital biological functions in nematodes. Phylogenetic analyses inferred the presence of only ASTL and CA2 in almost all Nematoda, platyhelminthes and metazoans examined, with loss of GLULs observed among all outgroup vertebrate species and the presence of FABP3 in only three other species (Schmidtea mediterranea, Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica). Our tertiary structure predictions and modelling analyses were used to perform in silico searches of all published and commercially available inhibitor molecules or substrate analogues with potential broad-spectrum efficacy against nematodes of human and veterinary importance.
Nonlinear Pauli Equation
Authors: Rashkovskiy Sergey
Published: October 2022

In the framework of the self-consistent Maxwell-Pauli theory, the non-linear Pauli equation is obtained. Stationary and nonstationary solutions of the nonlinear Pauli equation for the hydrogen atom are studied. We show that spontaneous emission and the related rearrangement of the internal structure of an atom, which is traditionally called a spontaneous transition, have a simple and natural description in the framework of classical field theory without any quantization and additional hypotheses. The behavior of the intrinsic magnetic moment (spin) of an electron wave in an external magnetic field is considered. We show that, according to the self-consistent Maxwell-Pauli theory, in a weak magnetic field, the intrinsic magnetic moment of an electron wave is always oriented parallel to the magnetic field strength vector, while in a strong magnetic field, depending on the initial orientation of the intrinsic magnetic moment, two orientations are realized: either parallel or antiparallel to the magnetic field strength vector.
Magnitude and Predictors of Anaemia among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Clinics in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
Authors: Mvandal Samson Peter , Kumbunja Peter Lawrence , Lupoly Godfrey , Nhandi Joseph
Published: October 2022

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy have been a cause of serious concern and burden as it contributes significantly to high maternal mortality worldwide. This study aims to explore how big the burden of anaemia in pregnant women is, how it can be reduced during antenatal clinic in order to minimize risks and complications of anaemia among pregnant women. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study design used, involved 560 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at three regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania, from January to June 2022. Those willing to participate and met inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data was collected by interview through a structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using SPSS v25.0, (p<0.001) considered statistical significant. Results: A total of 560 pregnant women were interviewed. The prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is high about 70.9% whereby 61.2% participants had mild anaemia, 33.2% participants had moderate anaemia and 25.6% participants had severe anaemia. Significant associations were found between age, education level, marital status, Less ANC attendance (<3 visit), lack of health insurance and lack of employment among pregnant women. Conclusion: Prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy women is still high and its predictors highly affect its control. Hence the ministry of health in collaboration with other stakeholders should develop policies, educating community on the importance of antenatal visit for early detection and treatment of anaemia and impacting knowledge to medical personnel in management of anaemia in pregnancy and associated complications in order to decrease maternal mortality rate.
Like the Sea, So Cyberspace: A Brief Exploration of Establishing Norms through a Maritime Lens
Authors: Howard Travis D. , de Arimateia da Cruz Jose
Published: October 2022

This article compares the history of establishing maritime laws, norms, customs, and standards of conduct with the rise of cyberspace as an artificial domain akin to a digital sea. A brief history of how humanity established enduring norms and standards at sea is described, followed by a comparative analysis of the world’s physical maritime domain to digital cyberspace. Recommendations are made for contextualizing cyber threats and policy issues within a naval framework. Finally, the authors offer some brief conclusions.
Novel Design of a Sentiment Based Stock Market Index Forecasting System
Authors: Roy Partha
Published: October 2022

This article proposes a novel idea for creating a sentiment-based stock market index forecasting model by amalgamating price and sentiment data. The design guidelines are provided using which researchers can explore and create prediction or expert systems that can help in profitably trading the stock markets. A modular design approach is proposed for developing the prediction system. The article demonstrates steps using which the prediction system model can be built. A prototype of the model is also been developed whose performance results are provided. It is observed that there is an ample avenue for improvements that can done by the researchers for tuning up the performance of the proposed model. The model performs a unique modification to the traditional tf-idf technique and converts it into a forecasting tool. The model is simple and easy to implement with very nominal memory requirements, compared to other types of models. Nifty-50 index values were used to analyze the performance of the proposed model. This model is being developed for research purposes only.
Activation of persulfate by lanthanum modified activated coke for tetracycline degradation
Authors: Li Guoting , Zhang Zhenzhen , Chen Huan , Li Kangli , Liu Yingxu , Guo Yiping , Guo Yujie , Pak Tannaz
Published: October 2022

Activated coke (ACO) has been applied in some wastewater treatment plants to advance the removal of micro-pollutants from secondary effluent. This work investigated the use of Lanthanum (La) to modify ACO (La-ACO) for enhancing the removal/degradation of micro-pollutants by activating peroxydisulfate (PDS). We report that the immobilization of La oxide on ACO significantly enhances the adsorption of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solution as well as its persulfate-based catalytic oxidation. The pseudo-first-order Kapp value of the La-ACO/PDS process is 1.41 times that of adsorption and PDS oxidation alone, indicating an evident synergistic effect. Surface analysis confirms the introduction of La on ACO, while both La(OH)3 and La2O3 consist of La species on La-ACO. The pH values close to neutral are shown to improve the degradation of TC. Also, increasing reaction temperature improves the TC oxidation. The oxidizing species superoxide anion radical (O2·−) and active holes (h+) prove the predominant oxidizing species, while the contribution percentages of O2·− and h+ achieve 51.3% and 84.2% of the total degradation capacity, respectively. The inhibiting effect of SO42− and Cl− is insignificant, while the coexisting humic acid has actually improved the TC removal. Reusability test indicates the stable and continuable PDS catalytic ability.
Theoretical approach to classical reduced mass vector in the many-body problem and its application to vibrations of water
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Ahmed Sabry
Published: October 2022

Reduced mass value and vector are well known for two-body problem; the study of many-body problems and their applications (such as vibrational spectroscopy) is one of the important physical problems. Vibrational spectroscopy provides a powerful tool to perceive the molecular structures and atom motions of molecules. The water molecule is a three-body system stretching vibration that has been previously quantized, showing the infrared (IR) absorption spectrum based on Morse potential. In this work, the molecule was studied in classical and quantum mechanics to determine its absorption intensity. The results show molecular atomic motions and changes in dipole and reduced mass vector. A Morse-like model for bending was predicted based on the spectroscopic vibration frequency and intensity, defining the bending potential depth of 93.5 kJ/mol.
Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) Method for Health Workforce Planning at Health Facility: A scoping review
Authors: Asres Gizew Dessie , Gessesse Yeshiwork Kebede
Published: October 2022

Background
In the presence of diverse workforce planning method, identifying advantages, challenges and limitations of each method is very important. Population to health workforce ratio method faced challenges of continuous population growth and variations of health care needs over time. Standard staffing schedule was used to solve challenges of population ratio method but itself faced another challenge on how to distribute health workforces between health facilities with in a country. A workload indicator of staffing need (WISN) method was designed to alleviate challenges of the above mentioned methods. Challenges and limitations of WISN method have not been systematically reviewed and that is why this scoping review was designed
Methods
We conducted a scoping review of literatures with the objective of identifying implications, challenges and limitations of WISN method workforce planning at health facilities. Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological steps were followed to develop the research questions, identify relevant studies, include/ exclude studies, extract data, and report the findings. To ensure methodological quality PRISMA guideline and PRISMA- ScR checklist was used.
Results
A total of 27 studies were eligible and more than 83% were published between 2019 and 2022. Majority of studies used retrospective quantitative data with cross sectional study design but four studies incorporated qualitative parts too. The major challenges identified were health service activity standard of workload component, data quality or availability and technical details of the WISN itself. This review reveled WISN method limitations on precision of WISN result as it depends on last year record, service interruptions, time differences in completing clinical activity based on patient status and professional variations and over time health care activities.
Conclusion
WISN model of human resources for health planning adjusts workload pressure among health care workers within and between health facilities. Health care administrators or authorities use it for task shifting indicator within a health facility and equitable distribution indicator between health facilities. Being a very useful human resource planning tool, WISN has challenges and limitations too.
The journey to a Learning Health System in primary care: a qualitative case study utilising an embedded research approach
Authors: Dammery Genevieve , Ellis Louise A. , Churruca Kate , Mahadeva Janani , Lopez Francisco , Carrigan Ann , Halim Nicole , Willcock Simon , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: October 2022

Background Healthcare systems may be resilient and adaptive, but they are not fit for purpose in their current state. Increasing threats to health system sustainability have underscored the need to move towards a learning health system in which research and data are used routinely in clinical practice to facilitate system improvement. This study aimed to evaluate a university-based general practice to establish which elements of the learning health system were being realised within the practice and determine acceptability from staff to embrace further transition towards a learning health system. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with practice staff, including clinical and administrative staff, to determine the current state of the learning health system in the practice. An embedded researcher was placed within the general practice on a part-time basis to investigate the LHS model. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using a framework approach. Results In total, 32 (91%) practice staff were interviewed, comprising general practitioners (n = 15), nurses (n = 3), administrative staff (n = 13), and a psychologist (n = 1). Participants indicated that the practice was operating with several characteristics of a learning health system, supported by the university-based setting, and resultant culture of learning. Nevertheless, there were still areas of the practice where the learning health system could be strengthened, specifically relating to the use of patient data and informatics. Staff generally expressed willingness to engage with the process of strengthening the learning health system within their practice. Conclusion Although the idea of a learning health system has been gaining traction in recent years, there are still comparatively few empirical studies presented in the literature. This research presents a case study of a general practice that is operating as a learning health system and highlights the utility of using the learning health system framework.
The Prevalence and Causes of Self Medication among University Students
Authors: Saghi Fatemeh Kokabi , Emadi Mina Sadat Mousavi , Sharifi Farshad , Houshmand Elaheh , Varmaghani Mehdi
Published: October 2022

Background: Self-medication is a common phenomenon around the world which brings advantages and disadvantages to ones’ health and the health system. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and causes of self-medication among the students of a medical university in Iran.
Methods: The present study was designed as a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study that examined the knowledge, attitude and practice. The population of the study was the students of health sciences program who all entered the study. The data collection tool included a checklist and a questionnaire that was designed online and made available to students.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication among students was 20-25%. The most common reason for self-medication was that in their opinion their medicines were safe (66.67%). The most common form of medication used was the tablet (35.67%), the most commonly used drug was acetaminophen (69.01%) and the most common disease to self-medicate for was headache (67.36%). Estimation of the odds ratio of self-medication with medication and its relationship with demographic variables showed no relationship between gender and marital status with self-medication. Among those surveyed, 17.17% had no insurance; 47.9% of students stated that lack of insurance was the reason for their self-medication.
Conclusion: Although self-medication may be helpful, it is often without proper guidance and logic and can carry various risks that can be controlled. Considering that health students will be influential in society in future, it is necessary to pay more attention to correct their culture of drug use, and provide access to health services for everyone. Appropriate prescriptions of medicines as well as controlling the sale of drugs in pharmacies and highlighting the role of pharmacists in safe self-medication and controlling the prevalence of self-medication are necessary.
Purification of sewage wastewater though sand column filter for lessening of heavy metals accumulation in lettuce, carrot and cauliflower
Authors: Naz Safina , Ahmad Riaz
Published: October 2022

Sewage wastewater is rich in mineral nutrients contributed in plant growth and yield. However, accumulation of heavy metals in edible part of vegetables and fruits is dangerous for human health. Current research was conducted with aim to evaluate the performance of sand column filter for removal of heavy metals from sewage wastewater applied to the selected vegetables. Heavy metals content i.e. Pb, Ni, Cu and Fe were estimated higher in untreated sewage wastewater as compared to treated water. Number of leaves, fresh and dry weights of leaves, roots and total biomass of lettuce, carrot and cauliflower were improved due to irrigation of unfiltered sewage wastewater as compared to sewage wastewater. Curd diameter, fresh and dry weights of curd, and stem fresh weight of cauliflower, root length and diameter of carrot enhanced because of unfiltered sewage wastewater than treated sewage wastewater. The accumulation of heavy metals i.e. Pb, Ni, Cu and Fe was higher in roots, leaves and edible parts of the selected vegetables. In the present study, Cd and Cr concentrations were not affected from filtration process through sand column filter. Conclusively, filtration through sand column filter is very effective for removal of heavy metals from sewage wastewater to irrigate agricultural lands.
Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange in children requiring emergent intubation (Kids THRIVE): A statistical analysis plan for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: George Shane , Gibbons Kristen , Williams Tara , Humphreys Susan , Gelbart Ben , Marsney Renate Le , Craig Simon , Tingay David , Chavan Arjun , Schibler Andreas
Published: October 2022

The placement of an endotracheal tube for children with acute or critical illness is a low frequency and high-risk procedure, associated with high rates of first attempt failure and adverse events, including hypoxaemia. To reduce the frequency of these adverse events the provision of oxygen to the patient during the apnoeic phase of intubation has been proposed as a method to prolong the time available for the operator to insert the endotracheal tube, prior to the onset of hypoxaemia. However, there are limited data from randomised controlled trials to validate the efficacy of this technique in children.
The technique known as Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) uses high oxygen flow rates (approximately 2L/kg/min) delivered through nasal cannulae during apnoea. It has been shown to at least double the amount of time available for safe intubation in healthy children undergoing elective surgery. The technique and its application in real time has not previously been studied in acutely ill or injured children presenting to the emergency department or admitted to an intensive care unit.
The Kids THRIVE trial is a multicentre, international, randomised controlled trial (RCT) in children less than 16 years old undergoing emergent intubation in either the intensive care unit or emergency department of participating hospitals. Participants will be randomised to receive either the THRIVE intervention or standard care (no apnoeic oxygenation) during their intubation. The primary objective of the trial is to determine if the use of THRIVE reduces the frequency of oxygen desaturation and increases frequency of first attempt success without hypoxaemia in emergent intubation of children compared with standard practice. The secondary objectives of the study are to assess the impact of the use of THRIVE on the rate of adverse events, length of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in intensive care.
In this paper we describe the detailed statistical analysis plan as an update the previously published protocol.
Therapeutic Response Prediction to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Rectal Cancer Using the Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Kubota Shunsuke , Wakiya Taiichi , Morohashi Hajime , Miura Takuya , Kanda Taishu , Ichiyama Sotaro , Soma Kenji , Matsuzaka Masashi , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Sakamoto Yoshiyuki , Hakamada Kenichi
Published: October 2022

Background
The prediction of response to chemotherapy can lead to the optimization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study aimed to develop a predicting model of therapeutic response to NAC for rectal cancer (RC).
Methods
Three courses of S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) NAC were administered before total mesorectal excision. We collected the dataset for the prechemotherapy arterial phase of enhanced computed tomography (CT) images from 57 patients undergoing rectal surgery after NAC for RC. In all cases, the therapeutic response to NAC had been pathologically confirmed. We established three prediction labels; poor response, marked response, and complete response (CR). We built a predictive model using a residual convolutional neural network (ResNet50) and used 3-fold cross-validation. The prediction accuracy of the model was analyzed.
Results
Of the 57 patients, pathological CR was observed in 9 (15.8%). A total of 4,607 squares were extracted from the segmented tumor area of each patient. The average accuracy of the ResNet model for predicting pathological CR was 99.9% for the training dataset. In the test dataset, the average accuracy was 94.9%. Likewise, in the prediction of marked and poor responses, the models demonstrated high accuracy (93.6% and 93.3%, respectively) and high AUC (0.966 and 0.976, respectively).
Conclusions
Our deep learning model, using prechemotherapy CT images of RC, exhibited high predictive performance in projecting therapeutic response to SOX NAC. This study presents a novel insight into the optimization of NAC for RC.
Voltammetric method applied to speciation of As(III) and As(V) in paddy field water
Authors: HEINEMANN Mônika Grazielle , LORENZ Mayara Cristina Mombach , SILVA Flávio Manoel Rodrigues , DIAS Daiane
Published: October 2022

A simple and sensitive method for arsenic speciation in paddy field water samples was developed by square wave cathodic stripping voltammetry using hanging mercury drop electrode. Due to the low solubility of arsenic in the mercury, this element was combined with Cu to form an intermetallic compound highly soluble (CuxAsy). In the case of As(V), it must first be reduced to As(III) with sodium thiosulfate to later be quantified by the difference in concentration between the total inorganic As and As(III). Parameters such as concentration of HCl, Cu and sodium thiosulfate (only for As(V)), potential deposition, frequency and amplitude were evaluated. Under ideal conditions, limits of detection (LD) and quantification (LQ) of 0.025 and 0.082 µg L− 1, respectively were obtained for As(III). For the As(V), LD and LQ of 0.12 and 0.39 µg L− 1 (respectively) were obtained. The method presented high accurace (recoveries from 97 to 110%) and it was applied to determine both species in ten samples of paddy field water.
Increased Offshore Westerlies and Reduced Sea Ice Drive Warm Inflow below Fimbulisen
Authors: Lauber Julius , Hattermann Tore , de Steur Laura , Darelius Elin , Auger Matthis , Nøst Ole , Moholdt Geir
Published: October 2022

Understanding the response of ocean-driven melting of the Antarctic ice shelves to a changing climate is one of the greatest challenges for projecting future sea level rise. Under-ice shelf observations are rare around Antarctica, and most hypotheses that link changes in ice shelf basal melting to the large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation are based on model simulations. Here, we address this knowledge gap by analyzing nine years of continuous oceanographic records from below Fimbulisen, East Antarctica. On monthly time scales, warm inflow events are associated with wind-driven upwelling in front of the ice shelf. Since 2016, however, we observe a more sustained warm inflow that coincides with an enhanced cavity circulation and anomalously high basal melt. Our analysis suggests that these changes are linked to a reduction in coastal sea ice cover and a strengthening and southward shift of the circumpolar westerlies. The former modulates the momentum transfer from the atmosphere, while the latter leads to a weakening of the Antarctic Slope Current, bringing warm water closer to the continental shelf break. Our findings show how large-scale atmospheric and oceanic forcing can increase ice shelf mass loss and lead to increased sea level rise in the future.
Association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] with aortic aneurysm: Univariable and Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Wang Shiyue , Du Dongjie , Chen Jian , Zha Li , Liu Danyang , Zhong Ming , Shang Rongfang , Sun Dongxue , Sun Chang , Wang Hao , Li Weihang , Jin Enze
Published: October 2022

To determine the relationship between blood lipids and the risk of aortic aneurysm (AA), including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], we performed univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.Methods: The UK Biobank study of European ancestry provided data for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with LDL-C(n=440546), and HDL-C(n=403943). SNPs for Lp(a) (n=377590) was a Neale Lab genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on European populations. And the data on AA were obtained from the latest analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with 209,366 subjects of European ancestry. Univariate and multivariate MR analyses were performed.Results: The Inverse variance weighted(IVW1) estimate showed that the HDL-C(odds ratio [OR]:0.728, 95%confidence interval [CI]:0.629-0.842, P = 1.87E-05) was negatively correlated with AA. The causal association between LDL-C(OR:1.467, 95%CI:1.184-1.816, P=4.49E-4), Lp(a)(OR:1.005, 95%CI:1.001-1.010, P=0.009) and AA were observed in the IVW1 method. The multivariable MR(MVMR) analysis indicated that HDL(OR:0.685, 95%CI: 0.581-0.807, P=6.77E-06) remained negatively associated with AA after adjusting for the LDL-C and Lp(a).Conclusion: Genetic evidence supported the role of greater LDL-C, Lp(a), and lower HDL-C as risk factors for AA. our MVMR study revealed a negative correlation between HDL and AA. Furthermore, additional research is required to confirm the probable relationship between lipid traits and AA risk. Moreover, therapies to reduce LDL-C and Lp(a) may be advantageous for AA.
Particle and Gas Phase Sampling of Pcdd/fs and Pcbs by Activated Carbon Fiber and Gc/ms Analysis
Authors: Cerasa Marina , Guerriero Ettore , Balducci Catia , Bacaloni Alessandro , Ciccioli Piero , Mosca Silvia
Published: October 2022

Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) are semi-volatile compounds and can be partitioned in the atmosphere between the gas and particulate phase, due to their physicochemical properties. For this reason, the reference standard methods for air sampling include a quartz fiber filter (QFF) for the particulate and a polyurethane foam (PUF) cartridge for the vapor phase, and it is the classical and most popular sampling method in the air. Despite the presence of the two adsorbing media, this method cannot be used for the study of the gas-particulate distribution, but only for a total quantification. This study presents the results and the performance aim to validate an activated carbon fiber (ACF) filter for the sampling of PCDD/Fs and PCBs using laboratory and field tests. The specificity, precision and accuracy of the ACF in relation to the QFF + PUF were evaluated through the isotopic dilution technique, the recovery rates and the standard deviations. Then the ACF performance was assessed on real samples, in a naturally contaminated area, through parallel sampling with the reference method (QFF + PUF). The QA/QC was defined according to the standard methods ISO 16000-13 and − 14 and EPA TO4A and 9A. Data confirmed that ACF meets the requirements for the quantification of native POPs compounds in atmospheric and indoor samples. In addition, ACF provided accuracy and precision comparable to those offered by standard reference methods using QFF + PUF, but with significant savings in terms of time and costs.
What did I do? Memory for own actions in parrots
Authors: Ortiz Sara Torres , Smeele Simeon Q. , Champenois Juliette , von Bayern Auguste M. P.
Published: October 2022

The ability to recall one’s past actions is a crucial prerequisite for mental self-representation and episodic memory. We studied whether blue-throated macaws, a social macaw species, can remember their previous actions. The parrots were trained to repeat four previously learned actions upon command. Test sessions included repeat trials, double repeat trials and trials without repeat intermixed to test if the parrots repeated correctly, only when requested and not relying on a representation of the last behavioral command. Following their success, the parrots also received sessions with increasing time delays preceding the repeat command and successfully mastered 12–15 sec delays. The parrots successfully transferred the repeat command spontaneously at first trial to three newly trained behaviors they had never repeated before, and also succeeded in a second trial intermixed with already trained actions (untrained repeat tests). This corroborates that successful repeating is not just an artifact of intense training but that blue-throated macaws can transfer the abstract “repeat rule” to untrained action. This implies that an important aspect of self-representation has evolved in this avian group and might be adaptive, which is consistent with the complex socio-ecological environment of parrots and previous demonstrations of their complex cognition.
Determinants to implementation of a post-stroke dysphagia evidence-based nursing program in China using the consolidated framework for implementation research: a qualitative study
Authors: Tian Jing , Weng Yingli , Zhao Bolun , Wang Ying , Wang Qiuyi , Liu Jing , Zhang Wei , Chen Xuemei , Zhou Lanshu
Published: October 2022

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a common complication after stroke, which is worthy of research attention. Active intervention is the key to improving the prognosis of stroke patients, and nurses play an important role. Here, the effectiveness of a Post-stroke Dysphagia Evidence-Based Nursing Program (PSD-EBNP) was evaluated post-stroke in four hospitals in China. Before implementing the trial, it was imperative to identify determinants with the potential to influence its implementation.
Methods: Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework, an interview guide was formulated to explore factors in four CFIR domains. From June to October 2019, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 nurses from four hospitals in China. The interview data were then qualitatively analysed by two researchers using a thematic framework analysis approach.
Results: Five facilitators and nine barriers were found. The facilitators were: ① support from external agencies; ② a good team climate; ③ perceiving the benefits of implementation; ④ setting the groundwork of clinical practice; ⑤ the caregiver (outside the CFIR domain). Meanwhile, the barriers were: ① a lack of opportunities for institutional cooperation; ② limited patient cooperation; ③ the organisation's lack of accountability and insufficient human support; ④ lack of clear workflow; ⑤ nurses’ lack of knowledge and skills; ⑥ a lack of confidence in the implementation; ⑦ the presence of alternative interventions; ⑧ the complexity of the intervention; ⑨ the implementation costs.
Conclusion: The CFIR provided a valuable framework for identifying determinants before implementation. In the run-up to a PSD-EBNP, the most important tasks are to improve the organisation's accountability, gain the support of staff, and improve nurses’ knowledge and skills. When patients are on a ward, it is recommended that nurses organise lectures for the patients, along with their caregivers, who play critical roles in their rehabilitation.
Trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR2000039313), registered 23 October 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/login.aspx?referurl=%2fedit.aspx%3fpid%3d53717%26htm %3d4
Parents’ and Caregivers’ Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccination in Children
Authors: Babar Rehmat , Clark Forrest , Krndzija Harun , Parker Laurel , Patel Dimple , Thawanyarat Kometh , Yao Yao , Chappell M. Tresa
Published: October 2022

Background: Even with vaccines approved for children over the age of five, and the FDA granting full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine, studies have shown that only 36-65% of parents plan to have their child receive a COVID-19 vaccine, indicating the need to investigate parental motivations and apprehensions further. The perceptions and intentions of parents/caregivers in the Athens-Clarke County area must be evaluated to assess barriers to vaccine uptake and provide insight into vaccine hesitancy.
Methods: The survey, including demographic questions about the caregivers and children, COVID-19 history, and illnesses in the family, and current COVID-19 vaccination status of the family, was given voluntarily to caregivers of middle school students by middle school staff during parent-teacher conferences in October 2021. Multivariable linear regression was used to calculate statistical significance for whether parents were willing to vaccinate their children with the COVID-19 vaccine for each independent variable collected in the survey.
Results: Of the 366 caregivers of middle school aged children in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia who reported their intentions for vaccinating their children, 310 (84.7%) reported intentions to vaccinate their child against COVID-19 and 56 (15.3%) reported that they do not intend to vaccinate their child against COVID-19 when the child becomes eligible. Caregivers who expressed belief that the vaccine is effective were found to be significantly associated with intention to vaccinate their child (p=0.009). If the caregiver had already received the vaccine, they were also significantly more likely to vaccinate their child (p=0.004). The caregiver was also significantly more likely to vaccinate their child if their child had a chronic disease (p<0.001).
Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy is a public health concern that has arisen since the FDA emergency authorization of vaccines in December of 2020. Multiple studies have sought to elucidate the answer to this question, however detailed demographic studies have not previously been investigated. Concurrently, no study has focused its population to include the southeastern United States. This study promotes the dissemination of knowledge to allow public health experts a better understanding of the current societal opinions and dissents within the southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Growth performance, egg production and exterior egg quality characteristics of Kuroiler chickens in selected sites of Babati district of northern Tanzania
Authors: Moto Edward , Rubanza Chrispinus
Published: October 2022

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of farmers management on performance of Kuroiler chickens in five selected villages of Babati district. Parameters evaluated were growth performance, egg production and egg external quality. The results showed that there was variation of weight gain and average daily weight gain between farmers (P < 0.001). This might be contributed by farmers management, age of the chicken and due to the interaction effects of farmers management and chicken age. The rate of weight gain was slightly variable across farmers (P < 0.05) and action sites (P < 0.05), mainly due to management and age. The chickens attained promising live weights ranging from 1,342.3 to 2,691.7 g at 18 weeks and 1,535.9 to 3,039.1 g at 20 weeks. Egg production was also affected by management especially feeding and nutrition, in which most chicken started to lay eggs at the age between 18–20 weeks. Egg laying was characterised by an increasing trend progressively with days from the first egg laying. However, slight variation in egg laying intensity was noted across farmers and action sites. The exterior egg physical quality characteristics were slightly variable across farmers and the selected action sites. Kuroiler chicken eggs recorded higher weights than the corresponding local chicken eggs (P < 0.05). Egg weight of Kuroiler chicken eggs were higher (52.2–58.7 g) than their counterpart local chicken eggs (43.8–47.9 g), (P < 0.001). Similarly, Kuroiler chicken eggs recorded both higher egg length and egg width than local chicken eggs. Most Kuroiler chicken eggs had normal/ standard shape index (SI: 72.9–75.2%) comparable to the local chicken eggs (74.7–76.1%).
Co-infections among COVID-19 Patients in Ugandan Intensive Care Units
Authors: Olowo Samuel , Obwiin John K. , Pido Florence , Alupo Martha , Ssendikadiwa Charles , Nakibuuka Jane , Jjuuko Edrin , Okello Erasmus E. , Ssenyonga Lydia VN. , Iramiot Jacob S.
Published: October 2022

Background: The pandemic of COVID-19 has led to an upsurge of critically ill patients requiring advanced life support. Bacteria and fungi have been isolated as etiological agents for co-infections among COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Co-infection has been associated with worse outcomes among COVID-19 patients in ICUs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of co-infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units in Uganda.
Materials and Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional retrospective survey was carried out in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Mulago national referral hospital, UMC Victoria and TMR international hospital in Uganda. The records of 216 hospitalized ICU COVID-19 patients were purposively sampled using a standardized data abstraction tool. The collected data were double entered in Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 17.0 for statistical analysis.
Results: The prevalence of co-infections (bacterial and fungal) was 111(51.39%) with respiratory tract infections 57(51.35%) being the most prevalent. Staphylococcus aureus 23(28.75%), Citrobacter freudii 19(23.75%), Pseudomonas aureginosa 15(18.75%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 10(12.50%) were the most frequently isolated bacterial species. The prevalence of multidrug resistant bacterial species was 75.95%. About 07/8(8.75%) of the bacterial species were extended spectrum beta lactamase or AmpC beta lactamase producers. Some of ESBL producers demonstrated susceptibility to Augmentin, Amikacin and trimethoprim. Augmentin 33/54(61.11%) and ceftriaxone 4/44(9.09%) had the highest and lowest overall antibiotic susceptibility respectively. About 31/111(27.93%) of the organisms were Candida albicans. The fungal species isolated had good overall susceptibility to most commonly used antifungal agents in the study setting.
Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of co-infections (bacterial and fungal). Respiratory tract infection was the most prevalent. There was an overwhelming burden of multidrug resistant infections with some extended spectrum drug resistant organisms isolated among COVID-19 patients admitted in the Ugandan ICUs. There is need for establishment of stronger policy measures in regards to antibiotic stewardship, antimicrobial surveillance and infection control to inform empirical antibiotic therapy and mitigate the spread MDR bacteria and antibiotic drug resistance among COVID-19 patients.
Incidence, susceptibility and outcomes of candidemia in adults living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (2010 – 2018)
Authors: Bourassa-Blanchette Samuel , Biesheuvel Marit M. , Lam John C. , Kipp Alexander , Church Deirdre , Carson Julie , Dalton Bruce , Parkins Michael D. , Barkema Herman W. , Gregson Daniel B.
Published: October 2022

Background
Candidemia is increasing in frequency and is associated with high mortality. We sought to determine the burden of illness, the population it affects and its resistance profile in our region.
Methods
The Calgary Zone (CZ) provides all care for residents of Calgary and surrounding communities (~ 1.69 million) via five tertiary hospitals each served by a common single laboratory for acute care microbiology. All adult patients in the CZ with at least one Candida spp.-positive blood culture between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, were identified using microbiological data from Calgary Lab Services, the laboratory that processes > 95% of all blood culture samples in the CZ, were reviewed for the study.
Results
The overall annual incidence of candidemia among individuals living in the CZ was 3.8 per 100,000 persons (Median age 61 years (IQR 48–72) and 221/455 (47.4%) were female). C. albicans was the most common species (50.6%), followed by C. glabrata, (24.0%). No other species accounted for more than 7% of cases. Overall mortality at 30, 90, and 365 days was 32.2, 40.1, and 48.1% respectively. Mortality rate did not differ by Candida species. Of individuals who developed candidemia, more than 50% died within the next year. No new resistance pattern has emerged in the most common Candida species in Calgary, Alberta.
Conclusions
In Calgary, Alberta, the incidence of candidemia has not increased in the last decade. C. albicans was the most common species and it remains susceptible to fluconazole.