bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making a living moment more resonant: an exploration of the role of the artist in co-creative work with people living with dementia
Authors: West Julian , Zeilig Hannah , Cape Timothy , Payne Lucy , Whistler Clare
Published: December 2023

Background: Despite a growth in interest in recent years in the benefits of working co-creatively with the Arts for people living with dementia, little attention has been given to understanding the role of the professional artists within this context. This paper has been informed by the insights gained from a series of conversations, observations and journals that were kept by four UK based artists (two musicians and two dancers) who reflexively interrogated what they were doing during the course of an 8-week co-creative arts project with people living with dementia.

Methods: The research used an empirical case study methodology, with the authors adopting a thematic approach to the analysis of the data.

Results: Thematic analysis resulted in three main themes: Authenticity, Enabling Risk and Togetherness. These themes characterise the skills, techniques and specialised knowledge used by the artists during the co-creative sessions.

Conclusions: Following this analysis, the article argues that the beneficial effects for people living with dementia of co-creative art-based work come about through the conscious application by the artists of their shared skills and knowledge, acquired through training and ongoing artistic practice. Rather than an assumption that ‘The Arts’ are in themselves beneficial for people living with dementia, we must consider the active role played by the artists who are so integral to the process.
VRPSolverEasy: A Python Library for the Exact Solution of a Rich Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Errami Najib , Queiroga Eduardo , Sadykov Ruslan , Uchoa Eduardo
Published: December 2023

The optimization community has made significant progress in solving vehicle routing problems (VRPs) to optimality using sophisticated branch-cut-and-price (BCP) algorithms. VRPSolver is a BCP algorithm with excellent performance in many VRP variants. However, its complex underlying mathematical model makes it hardly accessible to routing practitioners. To address this, VRPSolverEasy provides a Python interface to VRPSolver that does not require any knowledge of mixed integer programming modeling. Instead, routing problems are defined in terms of familiar elements, such as depots, customers, links, and vehicle types. VRPSolverEasy can handle several popular VRP variants and arbitrary combinations of them.

History: Accepted by Ted Ralphs, Area Editor for Software Tools. This paper has been accepted for the INFORMS Journal on Computing Special Issue on Software Tools for Vehicle Routing.

Funding: This work was supported by Faperj [Grant E-26/202.887/2017] and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [Grant 305684/2022-1].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0103 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0103 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Diffusion-Based Staffing for Multitasking Service Systems with Many Servers
Authors: Storm Jaap , Berkelmans Wouter , Bekker René
Published: December 2023

We consider a many-server queue in which each server can serve multiple customers in parallel. Such multitasking phenomena occur in various applications areas (e.g., in hospitals and contact centers), although the impact of the number of customers who are simultaneously served on system efficiency may vary. We establish diffusion limits of the queueing process under the quality-and-efficiency-driven scaling and for different policies of assigning customers to servers depending on the number of customers they serve. We show that for a broad class of routing policies, including routing to the least busy server, the same one-dimensional diffusion process is obtained in the heavy-traffic limit. In case of assignment to the most busy server, there is no state-space collapse, and the diffusion limit involves a custom regulator mapping. Moreover, we also show that assigning customers to the least (most) busy server is optimal when the cumulative service rate per server is concave (convex), motivating the routing policies considered. Finally, we also derive diffusion limits in the nonheavy-traffic scaling regime and in the heavy-traffic scaling regime where customers can be reassigned during service.

Funding: The research of J. Storm is partly funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) Gravitation project Networks [Grant 024.002.003].
Study of the phenomenon of self-improvement in an interdisciplinary context
Authors:   Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, Zhelanova Viktoriia , Riy Yuliia ,   Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University
Published: December 2023

The presented article proves the relevance of the phenomenon of self-improvement as an essential personal and professional quality in the context of the globalization of the modern world, the integration of Ukrainian education into the European educational space, and transgressiveness of society in the XXIst century. The expediency of the analysis of self-improvement on the basis of an interdisciplinary methodology, which involves the consideration of certain objects, phenomena and processes as an interdisciplinary synthesis according to the phenomenology of various sciences, is substantiated. In the format of philosophy, the genesis of approaches to the interpretation of self-improvement, starting from antiquity, is analyzed. The social conditionality of the process of self-improvement is highlighted, the consideration of its basic forms is presented, namely: idealistic, materialistic and dialectical. The determination of the self-improvement of the individual by the goals and values of society is proven. Three main aspects of consideration of self-improvement in psychology are presented, namely: as a phenomenon that reveals the capabilities of a person, his essence; as phenomena of self-actualization of the individual; as a quality that contributes to the spiritual growth of the individual and reveals the possibilities of human consciousness and self-awareness. The connection between self-improvement and individual subjectivity is emphasized. It was found that the self-improvement of an individual depends on his own activity, goals, motives and beliefs. The pedagogical interpretation of self-improvement is related to its consideration as the highest form of personal self-development, which is a conscious process aimed at changing oneself and one's professional abilities, which meets external and internal requirements and universal human values. It was found that scientists sometimes identify the concept of “self-improvement” with such concepts as “self-actualization”, “self-development”, “self-education”, “self-realization”, “self-education”.
Pedagogical modeling of methodical competence of future officers – physical culture and sports specialists during their professional preparation
Authors:   The National Defence University of Ukraine, Kyrpenko Yevhenii
Published: December 2023

The problem of pedagogical modeling of the methodological competence of future officers – specialists in physical culture and sports during their professional training is considered in the article. We analyzed the scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists regarding pedagogical modeling of methodical competence in future officers, military specialists, as well as physical culture and sports specialists. The concept of “modelling“ and “model” in modern psychological and pedagogical science was defined and its essence substantiated. It has been proven that pedagogical modeling helps to clearly indicate and display the purpose, tasks, methodological approaches, components, functions, criteria, indicators of diagnosing the levels of the formation of methodological competence and to clarify the connections between them. It has been found that modeling the formation of methodical competence in future officers – specialists in physical culture and sports is a complex pedagogical process that involves the use of certain methodological approaches: competence, axiological, systemic, contextual and subject-activity. We have developed and substantiated a pedagogical model for the formation of methodical competence in future officers – specialists in physical culture and sports in a military higher educational institution. We also determined its structure, identified its main blocks and components. Taking into account the specifics of professional activity, as well as taking into account the modern realities facing the future officer and his job competencies, the following main blocks of the pedagogical model of the formation of methodical competence of future officers – specialists in physical culture and sports during their professional training are identified: goal-methodological, meaningful – functional, subjective, diagnostic-corrective and effective.
Extrapolation of the experience of developing the professional skills of teachers by means of theatrical art in a modern domestic school
Authors:   Rivne State Humanitarian University, Stykhun Nataliia
Published: December 2023

The possibilities of extrapolation of teacher professional skills experience in modern educational system by means of performing arts of researched period are found out. It deals with the feasibility to use arts complex not only during the lessons of liberal but also of physical and mathematic cycle (Ya. Mamontov’s artistic and didactic method); the organization of school amateur teacher theatres, teaching and drama studios for conducting of different trainings, lectures in performing arts basics, enhancement of collaboration between schools and theatres in upbringing of spiritual and moral, artistic and esthetic, theatre, speech culture of students; creative partnership of teachers, actors, stage directors; improvement of teacher professional skills basing on self-education in performing arts; considerable experience of teacher in drama theatre; additions to the methodological resources of innovative and more effective methods, forms, approaches, technologies of performing arts; improvement of future teacher vocational training to theatre creative work in educational process at school.
Digital technologies: an effective means of social-emotional learning in conditions of uncertain time
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University ", Shpeko Anna ,   Chernihiv Collegium"
Published: December 2023

The article emphasizes that social-emotional learning is an important component during any form of primary education for the development of citizens encouraged to do good deeds, capable of fruitful interaction and understanding of themselves and others. The key changes and needs in the educational process of the institution of higher education in the conditions of an uncertain time are characterized. The results of the questionnaire of the 013 Primary Education speciality students from the Faculty of Preschool, Primary Education and Arts of T. H. Shevchenko National University «Chernihiv Colehium» are presented and analyzed, which made it possible to consider approaches to understanding the term SEL, describe the level of perception and readiness of future primary teachers to the introduction of social-emotional learning, in particular through the use of digital technologies. As a result of the study, the desire of students to learn the theoretical foundations and practices of SEL, to develop original exercises in a digital format, to develop their own social and emotional skills, and to take informal education courses in this direction to enrich their pedagogical experience was revealed. Also, the analysis of the results recorded high indicators of politeness from the teachers’ and students’ side and the desire to participate in relaxation stages of the lesson during the educational process in universities. It is noted that the opportunities for social-emotional development expand along with digital technologies, because the use of digital tools and materials, interactive methods by teachers contributes to the development of student skills necessary for success in the modern world. Methodological recommendations on the introduction of elements of social-emotional learning into the digital educational space of the university have been formulated. The implementation of the effective use of teaching methods and tools in higher education institutions based on an open process of knowledge exchange and experience, partnership interaction has been demonstrated.
An integrative approach to the development of professional competence of masters-oligophrenopedagogues in the professional training system
Authors:   MI ", Kapustina Olena ,   Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy",   of the Kharkiv Regional Council
Published: December 2023

The article updates the problem of developing the competence of masters-oligophrenopedagogues, whose activities involve working with children with intellectual disabilities. Unfortunately, today the number of children with such disorders in special and inclusive education institutions is increasing, and therefore there is a need for specialists capable of carrying out corrective and developmental work based on the principles of humanism, equality and partnership. Understanding the essence of this phenomenon is determined by well-founded approaches to its research, where a special role belongs to the integrative one. According to the results of the analysis of the reference and scientific and pedagogical literature, the concepts of «approach» and «methodological approach» were clarified. The article concludes that the category «methodological approach» should be understood as the basis of the investigated phenomenon or process, which combines philosophical, theoretical and methodological knowledge. It is emphasized that the combination of different approaches to the implementation of the content of education justifies the integrative approach. Various views on the issue of integration in education are summarized. It was concluded that integration in education is aimed at combining various elements and ways with the aim of forming a coherent system of ideas about the world, certain phenomena and properties. The implementation of an integrative approach will promote the existence and interaction of different opinions and ideas. The article also states that in professional education, the implementation of this methodological approach is carried out with the help of the integration of various knowledge, the use of integrated methodological support, the unity of theory and practice. The features of its use in special and inclusive education are analyzed, as well as its role in the study of the development of the professional competence of the master oligophrenopedagogue in the professional training system. It has been established that the use of an integrative approach will contribute to the solution of both subject and general tasks based on psychological, pedagogical, medical, anatomical-physiological and other knowledge, and will contribute to the formation of a competent specialist capable of providing psychological and pedagogical support, generating new ideas, striving for self-improvement.
Improved PGC demodulation algorithm for fiber optic interferometric sensors
Authors: Zhu Mingda , Wang Xinxin , Chang Jiaying , Zhou Haoyu
Published: December 2023

An improved phase generated carrier arctangent demodulation algorithm based on harmonic mixing and phase quadrature technology (PGC-Arctan-HP) is proposed in this paper, which can eliminate the effects of modulation depth shift, carrier phase delay, and light intensity disturbance (LID) on the demodulation results. The simulation results are consistent with theoretical analysis, and indicate that the PGC-Arctan-HP algorithm can achieve optimal demodulation compared with other demodulation algorithms. The results of interferometric experiments show that the demodulated waveforms of the improved algorithm are relatively stable with an amplitude error of 0.0294%. The total-harmonic-distortion (THD) and the signal-to-noise-and-distortion (SINAD) can reach -60.0286 dB and 59.5388 dB.
Joint constraints of guided filtering based confidence and nonlocal sparse tensor for color polarization super-resolution imaging
Authors: Huang Feng , Chen Yating , Wang Xuesong , Wang Shu , Wu Xianyu
Published: December 2023

This paper introduces a camera-array-based super-resolution color polarization imaging system designed to simultaneously capture color and polarization information of a scene in a single shot. Existing snapshot color polarization imaging has a complex structure and limited generalizability, which are overcome by the proposed system. In addition, a novel reconstruction algorithm is designed to exploit the complementarity and correlation between the twelve channels in acquired color polarization images for simultaneous super-resolution (SR) imaging and denoising. We propose a confidence-guided SR reconstruction algorithm based on guided filtering to enhance the constraint capability of the observed data. Additionally, by introducing adaptive parameters, we effectively balance the data fidelity constraint and the regularization constraint of nonlocal sparse tensor. Simulations were conducted to compare the proposed system with a color polarization camera. The results show that color polarization images generated by the proposed system and algorithm outperform those obtained from the color polarization camera and the state-of-the-art color polarization demosaicking algorithms. Moreover, the proposed algorithm also outperforms state-of-the-art SR algorithms based on deep learning. To evaluate the applicability of the proposed imaging system and reconstruction algorithm in practice, a prototype was constructed for color polarization image acquisition. Compared with conventional acquisition, the proposed solution demonstrates a significant improvement in the reconstructed color polarization images.
Ultra-broadband on-chip power splitters for arbitrary ratios on silicon-on-insulator
Authors: Liu Xiang , Sheng Zhen , Zhao Yingxuan , Gan Fuwan
Published: December 2023

We propose and demonstrate on-chip power splitters based on adiabatic rib waveguide enabling arbitrary splitting ratios on a monolithic silicon photonic platform. The devices are elaborately engineered based on adiabatic directional couplers with a trapezoid-structure in the longitudinal direction in the mode evolution region. The measurement results indicate that the proposed devices can achieve over 150 nm bandwidth for arbitrary splitting ratios of 50%:50%, 70%:30% and 90%:10%. The mode evolution footprint is greatly narrowed to below 79 µm with an insertion loss of less than 0.22 dB. The demonstrated arbitrary ratio power splitters offer a promising application prospect in high-density photonic integrated circuits.
Intensity controlled and multi-multiplexed full-space achromatic metalens and modulated orbital angular momentum
Authors: Qi Yunping , Li Hao , Su Mingrui , Wu Qilonhg , Wang Xiangxian
Published: December 2023

The Fabry-Perot (F-P) interference model was used to make a 6-layer metasurface with cross-polarization that can be changed by heat. The fundamental concept behind the metasurface is to utilize the selectivity of linearly polarized waves by a metal grating to achieve broadband and efficient polarized conversion (PC). It also uses the thermal conversion properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) to control the amplitude of terahertz (THz) waves in a dynamic way. While achromatic metalenses have been extensively studied, altering the entire spatial incidence angle remains relatively uncommon. Enter modulated orbital angular momentum (MOAM), a promising approach for applications such as holographic encryption, optical communication, and imaging. However, achieving MOAM multidimensional multiplexing has proven to be a significant challenge. In response to this challenge, we have integrated the transmission phase into the metasurface design. This new idea makes it possible to make a full spatially achromatic metalenses with angular multiplexing and makes MOAM multidimensional multiplexing easier by letting you switch between frequency, angle, and MOAM modes. This pioneering approach unveils new prospects for enhancing the capacity, rate, and quality of information exchange in domains such as optical encryption, optical imaging, optical communication, and other related technological fields.
Conducting epidemiological studies on snakebite in nomadic populations: A methodological paper
Authors: Oluoch George O. , Otundo Denis , Nyawacha Seth , Ongeri Derick , Smith Monica , Meta Vivianne , Trelfa Anna , Ahmed Sayem , Harrison Robert A. , Lalloo David G. , Stienstra Ymkje , Tianyi Frank-Leonel
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Research on snakebite has mostly been conducted on settled populations and current risk factors and potential interventions are therefore most suited for these populations. There is limited epidemiological data on mobile and nomadic populations, who may have a higher risk of snakebite.

Methods and results

We conducted a scoping review to gather evidence on survey methods used in nomadic populations and compared them with contemporary survey methods used for snakebite research. Only 16 (10.5%) of 154 articles reportedly conducted on pastoralist nomadic populations actually involved mobile pastoralists. All articles describing snakebite surveys (n = 18) used multistage cluster designs on population census sampling frames, which would not be appropriate for nomadic populations. We used geospatial techniques and open-source high-resolution satellite images to create a digital sampling frame of 50,707 households and used a multistage sampling strategy to survey nomadic and semi-nomadic populations in Samburu County, Kenya. From a sample of 900 geo-located households, we correctly identified and collected data from 573 (65.4%) households, of which 409 were in their original locations and 164 had moved within 5km of their original locations. We randomly sampled 302 (34.6%) households to replace completely abandoned and untraceable households.

Conclusion

Highly mobile populations require specific considerations in selecting or creating sampling frames and sampling units for epidemiological research. Snakebite risk has a strong spatial component and using census-based sampling frames would be inappropriate in nomadic populations. We propose using open-source satellite imaging and geographic information systems to improve the conduct of epidemiological research in these populations.
Can the home experience in luxury hotels promote pro-environmental behavior among guests?
Authors: Liu Meixin , Peng Xingxing
Published: December 2023

While the home is an important place for individuals to act pro-environmentally, researchers have rarely explored the pro-environmental behavior of hotel customers in terms of their home away from home experiences during their travels. This study uses a combination of qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (questionnaires) methods to explore customer experiences of home spaces in the hotel context and the relationship between people’s experience in hotels and their pro-environmental behavior. The study shows that (1) customers’ experience of home spaces in hotels occurs through three dimensions: the function of home, the emotion of home, and the imagination of home. (2) Both the function of home and the emotion of home exert a significantly positive impact on hotel customers pro-environmental behavior. (3) The imagination of home exerts a significant positive effect on pro-environmental behavior both inside and outside of the hotel. (4) The pro-environmental behavior of customers in their own homes has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between the home experience and pro-environmental behavior in the hotel context. By combining the concepts of home spaces and pro-environmental behavior, this study, on the one hand, bridges the research gap between place experience and pro-environmental behavior in the hotel context; on the other hand, the study transcends the limitations engendered by studying pro-environmental behavior in the hotel and home space from a binary perspective.
Oligosaccharide production and signaling correlate with delayed flowering in an Arabidopsis genotype grown and selected in high [CO2]
Authors: Kinmonth-Schultz Hannah , Walker Stephen Michael , Bingol Kerem , Hoyt David W. , Kim Young-Mo , Markillie Lye Meng , Mitchell Hugh D. , Nicora Carrie D. , Taylor Ronald , Ward Joy K.
Published: December 2023

Since industrialization began, atmospheric CO2([CO2]) has increased from 270 to 415 ppm and is projected to reach 800–1000 ppm this century. SomeArabidopsis thaliana(Arabidopsis) genotypes delayed flowering in elevated [CO2] relative to current [CO2], while others showed no change or accelerations. To predict genotype-specific flowering behaviors, we must understand the mechanisms driving flowering response to rising [CO2]. [CO2] changes alter photosynthesis and carbohydrates in plants. Plants sense carbohydrate levels, and exogenous carbohydrate application influences flowering time and flowering transcript levels. We asked how organismal changes in carbohydrates and transcription correlate with changes in flowering time under elevated [CO2]. We used a genotype (SG) ofArabidopsisthat was selected for high fitness at elevated [CO2] (700 ppm). SG delays flowering under elevated [CO2] (700 ppm) relative to current [CO2] (400 ppm). We compared SG to a closely related control genotype (CG) that shows no [CO2]-induced flowering change. We compared metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles in these genotypes at current and elevated [CO2] to assess correlations with flowering in these conditions. While both genotypes altered carbohydrates in response to elevated [CO2], SG had higher levels of sucrose than CG and showed a stronger increase in glucose and fructose in elevated [CO2]. Both genotypes demonstrated transcriptional changes, with CG increasing genes related to fructose 1,6-bisphosphate breakdown, amino acid synthesis, and secondary metabolites; and SG decreasing genes related to starch and sugar metabolism, but increasing genes involved in oligosaccharide production and sugar modifications. Genes associated with flowering regulation within the photoperiod, vernalization, and meristem identity pathways were altered in these genotypes. Elevated [CO2] may alter carbohydrates to influence transcription in both genotypes and delayed flowering in SG. Changes in the oligosaccharide pool may contribute to delayed flowering in SG. This work extends the literature exploring genotypic-specific flowering responses to elevated [CO2].
Telementoring versus face-to-face mentoring in the training of scleral fixation surgery of intraocular lenses
Authors: Lucatto Luiz Filipe Adami , Prazeres Juliana Moura Bastos , Barbosa Gabriel Castilho Sandoval , Novais Eduardo Amorim , Leitão Guerra Ricardo Luz. , Badaró Emmerson , de Lima Luiz Henrique Soares Gonçalves , Rodrigues Eduardo Buchele
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To assess telementoring as a complementary tool for surgical training of a scleral fixation technique.

Design

Randomized, controlled, two-arm, blinded clinical trial.

Methods

Using a 3D visualization system, 132 participants were randomized in order of enrollment into traditional face-to-face mentoring (n = 66) and telementoring (n = 66). A single surgeon mentored all participants in the 2 groups. The procedure was performed in a model suitable for training in intraocular lens fixation SimulEYE® (INSEYET, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, USA). In the telementoring group, the images captured on a local computer were sent to a second computer located in another room through a teleconferencing platform in real-time. Nine steps of the recorded procedure were evaluated and scored by two masked independent surgeons experienced in the technique.

Main outcomes measures

The primary outcomes evaluated were the global score (the sum of each score on the rubric), surgical failure, and surgical time (in seconds).

Results

Surgical success was achieved in 98.5% in the face-to-face group and in 95.5% in the telementoring group (p-value = 0.619). Minimal technical problems were reported in 8 procedures in the telementoring group (12%), without interfering with the surgical result, and completion of the procedure.

Conclusions

Telementoring is an encouraging educational tool that can overcome geographical barriers to ease the transfer of abilities and knowledge. We lack evidence in terms of group differences for superiority comparing face-to-face and telementoring, in addition to presenting comparable results regarding surgical success and failure. More studies are needed to explore the impact of telementoring in other ophthalmological surgeries.

Trial registration

The Federal University of São Paulo institution’s Research Ethics Committee reviewed and approved this study protocol (approval number, 5.383.484).
RVCNet: A hybrid deep neural network framework for the diagnosis of lung diseases
Authors: Alam Fatema Binte , Podder Prajoy , Mondal M. Rubaiyat Hossain
Published: December 2023

Early evaluation and diagnosis can significantly reduce the life-threatening nature of lung diseases. Computer-aided diagnostic systems (CADs) can help radiologists make more precise diagnoses and reduce misinterpretations in lung disease diagnosis. Existing literature indicates that more research is needed to correctly classify lung diseases in the presence of multiple classes for different radiographic imaging datasets. As a result, this paper proposes RVCNet, a hybrid deep neural network framework for predicting lung diseases from an X-ray dataset of multiple classes. This framework is developed based on the ideas of three deep learning techniques: ResNet101V2, VGG19, and a basic CNN model. In the feature extraction phase of this new hybrid architecture, hyperparameter fine-tuning is used. Additional layers, such as batch normalization, dropout, and a few dense layers, are applied in the classification phase. The proposed method is applied to a dataset of COVID-19, non-COVID lung infections, viral pneumonia, and normal patients’ X-ray images. The experiments take into account 2262 training and 252 testing images. Results show that with the Nadam optimizer, the proposed algorithm has an overall classification accuracy, AUC, precision, recall, and F1-score of 91.27%, 92.31%, 90.48%, 98.30%, and 94.23%, respectively. Finally, these results are compared with some recent deep-learning models. For this four-class dataset, the proposed RVCNet has a classification accuracy of 91.27%, which is better than ResNet101V2, VGG19, VGG19 over CNN, and other stand-alone models. Finally, the application of the GRAD-CAM approach clearly interprets the classification of images by the RVCNet framework.
Persistent symptoms are associated with long term effects of COVID-19 among children and young people: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies
Authors: Behnood Sanaz , Newlands Fiona , O’Mahoney Lauren , Haghighat Ghahfarokhi Mahta , Muhid Mohammed Z. , Dudley Jake , Stephenson Terence , Ladhani Shamez N. , Bennett Sophie , Viner Russell M. , Bhopal Rowan , Kolasinska Paige , Shafran Roz , Swann Olivia V. , Takeda Andrea
Published: December 2023

Background

Research on the long-term impact on COVID-19 in children and young people (CYP) has been published at pace. We aimed to update and refine an earlier systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence for Post-COVID-19 Condition in CYP.

Methods

Studies from the previous systematic review were combined with studies from a systematic search from July 2021 to November 2022 (registration PROSPERO CRD42021233153). Eligible studies included CYP aged ≤19 years with confirmed or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptoms persisting at least 12 weeks.

Findings

55 studies (n = 1,139,299 participants) were included. Over two-hundred symptoms were associated with Post COVID-19 Condition. Gastrointestinal problems, headaches, cough and fever were among the most prevalent symptoms with rates of 50.2%, 35.6%, 34.7% and 25.8% respectively. Twenty-one symptoms from 11 studies were suitable for meta-analysis. There were significantly higher pooled estimates of proportions of symptoms for altered / loss of smell or taste, dyspnoea, fatigue, and myalgia in CYP with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Heterogeneity was high suggesting substantial variation amongst the included studies.

Conclusions

Many CYP continue to experience symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Efforts to aid early identification and intervention of those most in need is warranted and the consequences of COVID-19 for CYP call for long-term follow-up.
ROS mediated anticandidal efficacy of 3-Bromopyruvate prevents vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice model
Authors: Jothi Ravi , Hong Seong-Tshool , Enkhtsatsral Munkhtur , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha , Gowrishankar Shanmugaraj
Published: December 2023

Candidal infections, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), necessitate effective therapeutic interventions in clinical settings owing to their intricate clinical nature and elusive understanding of their etiological mechanisms. Given the challenges in developing effective antifungal therapies, the strategy of repurposing existing pharmaceuticals has emerged as a promising approach to combat drug-resistant fungi. In this regard, the current study investigates molecular insights on the anti-candidal efficacy of a well-proven anticancer small molecule -3-bromopyruvate (3BP) against three clinically significant VVC causing Candida species viz., C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Furthermore, the study validates 3BP’s therapeutic application by developing it as a vaginal cream for the treatment of VVC. 3BP exhibited phenomenal antifungal efficacy (killing >99%) with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) of 256 μg/mL against all tested Candida spp. Time killing kinetics experiment revealed 20 min as the minimum time required for 3BP at 2XMIC to achieve complete-killing (99.9%) in all Candida strains. Moreover, the ergosterol or sorbitol experiment explicated that the antifungal activity of 3BP does not stem from targeting the cell wall or the membrane component ergosterol. Instead, 3BP was observed to instigate a sequence of pre-apoptotic cascade events, such as phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, nuclear condensation and ROS accumulations, as evidenced by PI, DAPI and DCFH-DA staining methods. Furthermore, 3BP demonstrated a remarkable efficacy in eradicating mature biofilms of Candida spp., achieving a maximum eradication level of 90%. Toxicity/safety profiling in both in vitro erythrocyte lysis and in vivo Galleria mellonella survival assay authenticated the non-toxic nature of 3BP up to 512 μg/mL. Finally, a vaginal cream formulated with 3BP was found to be effective in VVC-induced female mice model, as it significantly decreasing fungal load and protecting vaginal mucosa. Concomitantly, the present study serves as a clear demonstration of antifungal mechanistic action of anticancer drug -3BP, against Candida species. This finding holds significant potential for mitigating candidal infections, particularly VVC, within healthcare environments.
Unraveling the relationship between ACTH and cortisol levels in COVID-19 infections: A meta-analysis
Authors: Cai Zixin , Liu Bilian
Published: December 2023

Objective

In December 2019, a novel pneumonia associated with the 2019 coronavirus emerged unexpectedly. However, limited data exist on the effects of COVID-19 on ACTH and cortisol levels. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies on the relationship between COVID-19 patients and their ACTH and cortisol levels.

Methods

We conducted a thorough search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up until May 2023. We assessed the relevance of each study we found, specifically looking for studies that reported on ACTH and cortisol levels in COVID-19 patients. We calculated weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to investigate the relationship between ACTH and cortisol levels in COVID-19 patients. We evaluated the quality of each study using the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS), and we assessed publication bias using Begg’s rank correlation test, Egger’s test, and funnel plot. We conducted our meta-analysis using the Stata 12.0 (Stata Corporation, TX).

Results

Our search yielded nine studies that met our inclusion criteria, which included a total of 440 COVID-19 patients and 474 controls, with data up to May 2023. Seven of these studies reported on ACTH levels, and six studies reported on cortisol levels. Our findings revealed that COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of cortisol compared to controls (WMD 3.46 (95% CI 2.29 to 4.62)). However, there was no significant difference in ACTH levels between COVID-19 patients and controls (WMD 1.58 (95% CI -5.79 to 8.94)).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates a potential relationship between elevated cortisol levels and COVID-19 infection. However, more well-designed, adequately powered, randomized controlled trial will be needed to assess the use of cortisol in patients with COVID-19 infection.
Factors influencing the acceptability of alcohol drinking for a patient with colorectal cancer
Authors: Auriol Camille , Cantisano Nicole , Raynal Patrick
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer worldwide. One of the risk factors for the development of this type of cancer is alcohol consumption. Patients with colorectal cancer may be stigmatized regarding their cancer and regarding drinking behaviors they may exhibit. This study aimed to analyze community persons’ and health professionals’ acceptability judgments regarding alcohol drinkers having colorectal cancer.

Method

This study relies on an experimental method enabling the identification of variables involved in one’s judgment, based on the exhaustive combination of factors yielding several scenarios rated by participants. Scenarios implemented factors possibly influencing participants’ perception of a woman character having colorectal cancer. Factors included her drinking habits, post-diagnosis drinking behavior and type of diagnosis/prognosis. The participants were community persons (N’ = 132) or health professionals (N" = 126). Data were analyzed using a within-subject factorial ANOVA.

Results

In both samples, the "Post-diagnosis behavior" factor had large effect sizes, with drinking cessation being more acceptable than other drinking behaviors. Another factor, "Drinking habits", had significant influences on participants judgments, as higher drinking was considered less acceptable. A third factor, "Diagnosis" (polyps, early- or late-stage cancer), was taken into account by participants when it interacted with "Drinking habits" and "Post-diagnosis behavior". Indeed, participants considered most acceptable to continue drinking in the case of late-stage cancer, especially in the health professional sample where the acceptability of continuing drinking was almost doubled when the character had advanced- rather than early-cancer.

Conclusion

The lesser the drinking behavior, the better the acceptability. However, advanced cancer stage attenuated the poor acceptability of drinking in both samples, as participants’ attitudes were more permissive when the patient had advanced cancer.
“High blood pressure comes from thinking too much”: Understandings of illness among couples living with cardiometabolic disorders and HIV in Malawi
Authors: Jere Jane , Ruark Allison , Bidwell Julie T. , Butterfield Rita M. , Neilands Torsten B. , Weiser Sheri D. , Mulauzi Nancy , Mkandawire James , Conroy Amy A.
Published: December 2023

Cardiometabolic disorders (CMD) such as hypertension and diabetes are increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, placing people living with HIV at risk for cardiovascular disease and threatening the success of HIV care. Spouses are often the primary caregivers for people living with CMD, and understanding patients’ and partners’ conceptions of CMD could inform care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 couples having a partner living with HIV and either hypertension or diabetes. Couples were recruited from HIV clinics in Malawi and were interviewed on beliefs around symptoms, causation, prevention, and treatment for CMD. Data were analyzed at the individual and dyadic levels using framework analysis and Kleinman’s theory of explanatory models as a lens. On average, participants were 51 years old and married for 21 years. Approximately 57%, 14%, and 80% had hypertension, diabetes, and HIV. Couples endorsed a combination of biomedical explanatory models (beliefs around physical and mental health) and traditional explanatory models (beliefs around religion and natural remedies), although tended to emphasize the biomedical model. Half of couples believed stress was the main cause of hypertension. For diabetes, diet was believed to be a common cause. In terms of prevention, dietary changes and physical activity were most frequently mentioned. For disease management, medication adherence and diet modifications were emphasized, with some couples also supporting herbal remedies, stress reduction, and faith in God as strategies. Participants were generally more concerned about CMD than HIV due to poor access to CMD medications and beliefs that CMD could lead to sudden death. Within couples, partners often held many of the same beliefs but diverged around which etiological or preventive factors were most important (e.g., stress versus diet) and the best diet for CMD. Health education programs should involve primary partners to build knowledge of CMD and address overlap with HIV, and reinforce accurate information on lifestyle factors for the prevention and treatment of CMD.
Continued selection on cryptic SARS-CoV-2 observed in Missouri wastewater
Authors: Gregory Devon A. , Rushford Clayton , Hunter Torin , Lin Chung-Ho , Darby Christie , Niehues Nicole , Semkiw Elizabeth , Reynolds Melissa , Wenzel Jeff , Johnson Marc C.
Published: December 2023

Deep sequencing of wastewater to detect SARS-CoV-2 has been used during the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor viral variants as they appear and circulate in communities. SARS-CoV-2 lineages of an unknown source that have not been detected in clinical samples, referred to as cryptic lineages, are sometimes repeatedly detected from specific locations. We have continued to detect one such lineage previously seen in a Missouri site. This cryptic lineage has continued to evolve, indicating continued selective pressure similar to that observed in Omicron lineages.
Screening of the antiparasitic activity of gold nanoparticles on hydatid cysts protoscolices in vitro
Authors: Anah Sadiya Aziz
Published: December 2023

Many scolicidal agents have been used to destroy fertile protoscolices, but these scolicidal agents have side effects, highlighting the need for research on effective and non-toxic replacement scolicidal agents. Gold nanoparticles are biocompatible and non-toxic. The current study examined the effects of AuNPs in killing the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus in vitro using eosin staining. The protoscolices were treated with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.0 mg/mL of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. A concentration of 1.0 mg/mL was the most efficient in killing the protoscolices after 60 minutes exposure, reaching 96%, followed by 0.8 mg/mL (84.5%), whereas 0.4 and 0.2 mg/mL of AuNPs achieved a death rate of 76.8% and 68.5%, respectively. The loss of the protoscolices was lower at shorter exposure times with the same concentration of AuNPs and increased as the AuNP concentration was increased at the same exposure time. Significant differences were found between the different groups compared to the control group.
Treatment of canine CD3+/CD21+/CD45- T-zone lymphoma with chlorambucil and prednisolone in two dogs: case reports
Authors: Park Hee-Tae , Lee Jeong-Min , Bae Hyeon-A , Yu Do-Hyeon , Jung Dong-In , Song Kun-Ho , Song Joong-Hyun
Published: December 2023

Canine T-zone lymphoma (TZL) is an indolent form of T-cell lymphoma. Conservative management is usually recommended; however, chemotherapy may be considered for symptomatic or progressive cases. Herein, we describe two dogs with generalized peripheral lymphadenopathy and peripheral blood lymphocytosis at presentation. One dog presented with gross lesions on the tongue. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping and cytological examinations demonstrated findings consistent with those of TZL. Chemotherapy with chlorambucil and prednisolone was administered, which resulted in improvement of the condition without any adverse events. Chemotherapy with chlorambucil may be considered as an appropriate choice for treating canine TZL.
Natural pesticides for pest control in agricultural crops: an alternative and eco-friendly method
Authors: Swapan Chowdhury , Mainak Banerjee , Deewa Basnett , Tanmoy Mazumdar
Published: December 2023

Biological pesticides are pesticides derived from natural materials such as bacteria, plants, and minerals that are applied to crops to kill pests. Biopesticides are targeted, inexpensive, eco-friendly, sustainable, leave no trace, and are not associated with the production of greenhouse gases. It contributes significantly to the agricultural bio-economy's sustainability. The advantages to the ecosystem provided by many significant biological resources justify the incorporation of biopesticides in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Through advancements in research and development, the use of biopesticides has significantly reduced environmental contamination. The development of biopesticides promotes agricultural modernization and will surely result in a gradual phase-out of chemical pesticides. Although synthetic pesticides have positive effects on crop yield and productivity, they also have some negative impacts on soil biodiversity, animals, aquatic life, and humans. In general, synthetic pesticides make the soil brittle, decrease soil respiration, and reduce the activity of some soil microorganisms, such as earthworms. Pesticide buildup in bodies of water can spread from aquatic life to animals including people, as their biomagnification can cause fatal diseases like cancer, kidney disease, rashes on the skin, diabetes, etc. Biopesticides, on the other hand, have surfaced and have proven to be quite beneficial in the management of pests and are safe for the environment and hence have emerged as very useful in the control of pests with a lot of merits.  The present review provides a broad perspective on the different kinds of pesticides. We analyzed suitable and environmentally friendly ways to improve the acceptance and industrial application of microbial herbicides, phytopesticides, and nano biopesticides for plant nutrition, crop protection/yield, animal/human health promotion, as well as their potential integration into the integrated pest management system.