bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs secreted by the parasitic nematode Brugia malayi disrupt lymphatic endothelial cell integrity
Authors: Johnson Hailey , Banakis Stephanie , Chung Matthew , Ghedin Elodie , Voronin Denis
Published: December 2024

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease affecting over 51 million people in 72 endemic countries. Causative agents of LF are mosquito-borne parasitic nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. The adult parasites impact the integrity of lymphatic vessels and damage valves, leading to a remodeling of the lymphatic system and lymphatic dilation. Chronic infections can develop into severe clinical manifestations, primarily lymphedema, hydrocoele, and elephantiasis. Mechanistic studies on the underlying pathology due to the parasite are necessary to better manage human filariasis. Since parasite molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), can be found in secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are transported between parasite and host cells, we hypothesized that these could also play a role in the development of pathology in LF. In this study, we tested two B. malayi miRNAs previously detected in vitro in the culture media of microfilarial stages of worms. While one is Brugia-specific (bma-miR-5864) and the other nematode-specific (bma-miR-86), both miRNAs are secreted in high abundance. We first examined the in vitro response by transcriptomic profiling of human lymphatic endothelial cells to treatment with these miRNAs, which allowed us to identify genes involved in maintaining the integrity of the lymphatic endothelium. We then measured the effect of these miRNAs on the regulation of proteins necessary for cell integrity, demonstrating downregulation leading to a significant increase in the permeability of the endothelium monolayer. With this study we identify parasite miRNAs involved in undermining the integrity of endothelial cells, thus potentially contributing to the development of pathology. These findings could pave the way for a novel treatment strategy where the inhibition of parasite-secreted molecules could slow the progression of LF pathology. From a broader perspective, the miRNAs secreted by filarial parasites could potentially be used in the future for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression or treatment efficacy.
The performance of a lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay and semi-autonomous SARS-CoV-2 antisense and sense RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in a prospective cohort pilot study within a Dutch military population
Authors: Wijnberg Inge D. , Soons Anton J. , Reimerink Johan G. , Wiersma Marit , Plat Marie Christine J. , van Gool Tom , Jansen Gijsbert J. , Stijnis Cornelis , Koning Jack G. , Meijer Adam
Published: December 2024

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnostic testing was not accessible for mildly ill or asymptomatic individuals. Military operational circumstances exclude the usage of reference laboratory tests. For that reason, at the beginning of the pandemic alternative test methods were needed in order to gain insight into the SARS-CoV-2 status of military personnel. The objectives of this study are to assess whether SARS-CoV-2 antibody rapid lateral flow assay (LFA) in combination with semi-autonomous SARS-CoV-2 antisense and sense genomic RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) could establish disease status in military personnel in a fieldable setting, and to assess how this combination performed and to determine which type of sample performed best. A proof of concept sub-study regarding the SARS-CoV-2 application of the fieldable Biotrack-MED® FISH analyzer, a semi-autonomous multi-sample filter cytometer, preceded this observational prospective cohort pilot study. Dutch military personnel were included in the 26 June 2020–11 May 2021 period. Blood, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs and saliva were tested at days 0 and 14. SPSS version 25 descriptive statistics and Cohen’s kappa assessed agreement between test methods. Both the sensitivity and specificity of the field tests were calculated with ELISA and PCR as reference. Saliva appeared to be the preferred sample type for FISH, where blood was not useful. FISH analysis and LFA results had a concordance of 42% for testing negative, 30% for recovered from infection, 22% for ongoing—and 58% for acute infection in a reference laboratory lab result outcome (RT-PCR or ELISA respectively). The LFA results on serum and full blood corresponded with the ELISA-obtained results (kappa of 0.61 and 0.63 respectively at day 0 and 0.81 and 0.77 respectively at day 14). LFA (full blood-serum), FISH and RT-PCR on saliva did not reach the 90% sensitivity level advised by WHO, with 64–54, 38 and 71% at day 0 and 80–79, 53 and 24% at day 14 respectively.
Modulatory action of Bryonia alba on the immune system in cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppression in BALB/c mice
Authors: Saka Vara Prasad , Kumar Godlaveti Vijay Narasimha , Goswami Abanti , Sanapalli Bharat Kumar Reddy , Gupta Pankaj , Verma Digvijay , Kaushik Subhash
Published: December 2024

Oxidative stress and inflammation are the most common pathologies in immune-compromised diseases and cancer treatments. The study examined the immune stimulation properties of Bryonia alba (BA) in different potencies (6C, 30C, and 200C) on a BALB/c mice model with a compromised immune system induced by cyclophosphamide (CPM) at a dose of 80 mg/kg. Seventy mice (35 males and 35 females) were randomly distributed into seven groups of 5 animals/sex. Mice treated with different potencies of BA showed notable improvements in various immune parameters, including RBC, WBC, and Hb levels, as well as thymus and phagocytic indices. Treatment also increased serum levels and splenic mRNA expression of IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. The histopathology analysis showed that the spleen sections of the normal group exhibited intact white and red pulp. In contrast, the sections of the CPM group exhibited disrupted and atrophied white pulp. The treatment with BA maintained the spleen in a preserved state, with the white and red pulp remaining intact and a higher density of lymphocytes. The results indicate that BA could serve as a valued immunostimulant agent when administered with chemo-therapy. However, additional research is required to assess the immunostimulatory effects of BA in immune-compromised infections.
LC-MS profiling and cytotoxic activity of Angiopteris helferiana against HepG2 cell line: Molecular insight to investigate anticancer agent
Authors: Pandey Bipindra , Thapa Shankar , Biradar Mahalakshmi Suresha , Singh Bhoopendra , Ghale Jaya Bahadur , Kharel Pramod , Jha Prabhat Kumar , Yadav Ram Kishor , Dawadi Sujan , V. Poojashree
Published: December 2024

Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant diseases in humans and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Angiopteris helferiana was mentioned as a possible anticancer herb according to ethnomedicinal applications. However, the molecular docking and chemical profiling of the bioactive phytoconstituents accountable for the reported anticancer action still require research. The present study aims the phytochemical profiling and bioactivity evaluation of A. helferiana. The study design with in-vitro and in-silico technique of the LC-MS followed by a study of the ligand–protein interaction using the molecular docking method, and investigates the cytotoxic activity by MTT assay of A. helferiana bioactive compounds on HepG2 cell lines. LC-MS results detected seventeen phytoconstituents in A. helferiana extract belonging to variable chemical classes with most prevailing compounds such as Vicenin 1, Schafroside, Violanthin, Coumarin, Quercetin, Angiopterioside, and Corosolic acid. The finding concluded that Quercetin showed significant binding energy of -8.8 kcal/mol and then Schafroside also possesses the binding energy of -8.1 kcal/mol against the human PPAR-δ receptor (PDBID: 1I7G). The extract showed the moderate cytotoxic activity having IC50 value of 236.93 μg/mL. Our finding suggests that these bioactive compounds could be developed as promising anticancer agent, but further in-vivo study require to validate the finding along with isolation of individual phytoconstituents.
A replication-incompetent adenoviral vector encoding for HSV-2 gD2 is immunogenic and protective against HSV-2 intravaginal challenge in mice
Authors: Rossetti Elisa , Vujadinovic Marija , van Huizen Ella , Tolboom Jeroen , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Yao Feng , Zahn Roland , Saeland Eirikur
Published: December 2024

Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) is the cause of genital herpes and no prophylactic treatment is currently available. Replication-incompetent adenoviral vectors are potent inducers of humoral and cellular immune responses in humans. We have designed an adenoviral vector type 35 (Ad35)-based vaccine encoding the HSV-2 major surface antigen gD2 (Ad35.HSV.gD2). Immunization of mice with Ad35.HSV.gD2 elicited virus neutralizing antibody titers (VNT) and cellular responses against HSV-2 and HSV-1. While immunity was lower than for CJ2-gD2, both vaccines showed 100% survival against intravaginal challenge with HSV-2 G strain and a strong inverse correlation was observed between HSV-2 infection (as measured by viral shedding) and VNT. A combination of Ad35.HSV.gD2 with Ad35 encoding for gB2 (Ad35.HSV.gB2) resulted in increased VNT and lower infection, compared with Ad35.HSV.gD2 alone. Transfer of immune serum into naïve BALB/c mice before intravaginal challenge confirmed the role of antibodies in the protection of mice against infection although other immune factors may play a role as well.
Characterization of Enterobacter phage vB_EcRAM-01, a new Pseudotevenvirus against Enterobacter cloacae, isolated in an urban river in Panama
Authors: Victoria-Blanco Ednner E. , González-Gómez Jean Pierre , Medina-Sánchez Juan Raúl , Martínez Alexander A. , Castro del Campo Nohelia , Chaidez-Quiroz Cristóbal , Querol-Audi Jordi , Martínez-Torres Alex Omar
Published: December 2024

The Enterobacter cloacae complex, a prominent bacterium responsible worldwide for most bloodstream infections in the hospital environment, has shown broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance, including carbapenems. Therefore, bacteriophages have again attracted the attention of the science and medical community as an alternative to control Multidrug resistant bacteria. In this study, water samples from Río Abajo River, in Panama City, Panama, were collected, for phage isolation, purification, characterization and propagation against the E. cloacae complex. As result, a phage produced clear and round plaque-forming units indicating a lytic phage was isolated. Further analyses concluded that this phage is stable at temperatures between 25°C and 50°C, it remains infective in a pH range between 7 to 11, with high sensitivity to Ultraviolet light. Remarkedly, it exhibits a narrow host specificity only infecting E. cloacae. Whole genome sequencing revealed that is a myovirus with a genome size of 178,477 bp, a G-C content of 45.8%, and containing approximately 294 genes. Among them, protein-encoding genes involved in morphology, inactivation, adsorption to cells, DNA injection and lytic enzymes were identified. Additionally, the genome contained two tRNA sequences. Genes that encode holins and endolysins, typical of lytic bacteriophages, were also present. A whole-genome sequencing analysis indicated that, according to the genus demarcation criteria, this phage belongs to a novel species within the Family Straboviridae, called genus Pseudotevenvirus.
Performance of indirect adherence measures for daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV among adolescent men who have sex with men and transgender women in Brazil
Authors: Zeballos Diana , Magno Laio , Soares Fabiane , Pinto Junior Jony Arrais , Amorim Leila , Greco Dirceu , Grangeiro Alexandre , Dourado Inês ,   on behalf of The PrEP15-19 study group
Published: December 2024

Background

Consistent monitoring of PrEP adherence with accurate measurement tools at point-of-care could greatly contribute to reaching adolescents with poor adherence. We aimed to assess the performance of indirect adherence measures to oral PrEP among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and adolescent transgender women (ATGW).

Methods

PrEP15-19 is a prospective, multicenter, PrEP demonstration cohort study that includes AMSM and ATGW aged 15–19 in three Brazilian cities. A diagnostic accuracy study was conducted using tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations in dried blood spots as the reference standard, along with three index tests: medication possession ratio (MPR), pill count, and self-report. We calculated the area under the curve (AUC) for protective TFV-DP levels (≥800 fmol/punch) and sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) for established cutoff points.

Results

We included 302 samples from 188 participants. Most of participants were AMSM (78.7%), aged 18–19 years (80.3%), and non-whites (72.9%). The AUC was 0.59 for MPR, 0.69 for pill count, and 0.75 for self-report. When combining MPR and self-report, the AUC increased to 0.77. Sensitivity was high for the cutoff points identified by the Youden index, 80% for MPR, 92% for self-report, and 97% for pill count. However, specificities were low 40%, 46%, and 38%, respectively.

Conclusions

Indirect measures were able to discriminate adolescents with good adherence. However, their performance in identifying those with low adherence might be limited, suggesting that it is necessary to initiate adherence interventions when there is no evidence of perfect adherence. Combining measures can provide wider information on adherence.
Differential microvascular endothelial cell responses in the retina in diabetes compared to the heart and kidneys, a spatial transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Wang Eric , Feng Biao , Chen Shali , Su Zhaoliang , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: December 2024

Endothelial cells and high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction are the common origin of chronic diabetic complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Yet their common origins, the vascular manifestations of such complications are different. We examined the basal heterogeneity between microvascular endothelial cells(MECs) from the retina, kidneys, and heart, as well as their differential responses to hyperglycemia in diabetes. To this extent, we used a spatial transcriptomic approach to investigate gene expression differences across retinal, renal, and cardiac MECs in diabetic and non-diabetic mouse models. We validated MEC heterogeneity in vitro using human retinal and cardiac MECs. The spatial transcriptomic approach was also used to explore potential similarities in retinal MECs and neuronal cells in response to hyperglycemia. We found that MECs from different target organs of major diabetic complications were transcriptomically distinct at the basal state and respond differently to hyperglycemia. These findings were recapitulated in cell culture, with selected analytes. We found minimal similarities between retinal MECs and neuronal cells. Our findings show considerable heterogeneity across retinal, renal, and cardiac MECs, both at the basal state and in their responses to hyperglycemia in diabetes. These findings show that organ specific MEC heterogeneity can influence differential development of pathological changes across various target organs of chronic diabetic complications, and suggest that MEC heterogeneity may influence treatment target(s) and drug development.
Quality assessment and umbrella review of systematic reviews about dance for people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Pinto Camila , Simon Myra Rafaela , Severo do Pinho Alexandre , Pereira Francisca , Orgs Guido , Pagnussat Aline Souza
Published: December 2024

Objective(s)

To determine (1) the quality of systematic reviews about dance-based intervention in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and (2) standard evidence for dance-based intervention efficacy based on the categories of The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) from the World Health Organization’s (WHO).

Methods

The data source included MEDLINE, PUBMED, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), CINAHL, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, APA PsycNet (APA PsycINFO), LILACS, SciELO, and AMED. Pairs of independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts of eligible studies by using the software Covidence. Criteria included: systematic review designs; individuals with PD; dance-based interventions aimed to change critical PD symptoms matched to IFC domains (body functions, activities, and participation). Independent reviewers extracted information regarding the characteristics of all systematic reviews included and appraised quality using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2). Randomized controlled trials and their risk of bias were identified within each review and were used to perform an updated pairwise meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 571 manuscripts screened, 55 reviews met the inclusion criteria. The overall confidence in the results of 38 reviews (69%) was rated as ’critically low,’ nine (9%) as ’low,’ one (2%) as ’moderate,’ while seven of 55 reviews (13%) were rated as ’high’. Dance associated with pharmacological usual care is better than pharmacological usual care alone for essential components of ICF, such as motor symptoms severity (body function), depressive symptoms (body function), balance (body function and activity), and functional mobility (activity), but not for gait distance (activity) and quality of life (participation). Dance is also superior to multimodal exercise to improve balance.

Conclusions

Clinicians and people with PD can refer to this paper for a summary of high-quality reviews and the overall evidence supporting dance as an adjunct rehabilitation. This umbrella review not only underscores the therapeutic potential of dance but also reinforces the use of arts-based approaches into healthcare practices for people with neurological conditions.
Plasma microRNA signatures predict prognosis in canine osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Ludwig Latasha , Edson Michael , Treleaven Heather , Viloria-Petit Alicia M. , Mutsaers Anthony J. , Moorehead Roger , Foster Robert A. , Ali Ayesha , Wood R. Darren , Wood Geoffrey A.
Published: December 2024

Appendicular central osteosarcoma (OSA) is a common and highly aggressive tumour in dogs. Metastatic disease to the lungs is common and even with chemotherapy the prognosis is generally poor. However, few cases survive well beyond reported median survival times. Current methods, including histologic grading schemes, have fallen short in their ability to predict clinical outcome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules present in all tissues and bodily fluids and are dysregulated in cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated the diagnostic and prognostic potential of miRNAs in canine OSA. We sought to investigate multiple miRNA and multiple variable models for diagnosis and prognosis of canine OSA using plasma samples across three populations of dogs from two veterinary biobanks. Fifty-six miRNAs were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. MiR-214-3p was the only miRNA with increased expression across all OSA populations compared to controls. Using a decision tree model for diagnosis, miR-214-3p was the first step in this multi-miRNA model. High expression of miR-214-3p alone was also a predictor of shorter overall survival and disease-free interval across all populations. In both multiple miRNA and multiple variable models, miR-214-3p was always the first decision point with high expression consistently predicting a worse prognosis. Additional miRNAs in combination with low expression of miR-214-3p similarly had a worse prognosis demonstrating better outcome prediction using multiple miRNAs compared to using miR-214-3p alone. Multiple variable models only need to use miRNAs to be predictive although clinical parameters such as age, sex, and tumour location were considered. MiR-214-3p is clearly an important prognostic predictor of canine OSA in plasma as supported by previous studies and across our multiple sample populations. Multiple miRNA models provided superior categorization of patients in predicting clinical outcome parameters compared to the single miRNAs.
The effect of social support on academic performance among adolescents: The chain mediating roles of self-efficacy and learning engagement
Authors: Zhang Xiangping , Qian Wensheng
Published: December 2024

Purpose

While the impact of social support on academic performance is acknowledged, the specific mechanisms by which social support affects academic performance, particularly through self-efficacy and learning engagement, remain poorly understood. This study aims to examine the correlation between social support and academic achievement among Chinese middle school students, framed within the Social Cognitive Theory. It also seeks to explore the mediating roles of self-efficacy and learning engagement in this relationship.

Method

Data was collected from 265 individuals (mean age = 13.47 years, SD = 0.5) in four middle schools in Shandong Province, China in June 2023, using the simple random sample technique. Participants completed the questionnaires independently, and the data was analyzed using the structural equation model (SEM) in AMOS 24.0 and SPSS 24.0.

Results

Social support and academic performance have a direct and significant relationship with the SCT among middle school students. In addition, social support indirectly and positively affects academic performance through self-efficacy and learning engagement. The results also highlight self-efficacy as a key factor linking social support with academic performance.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable insights into the role of social support in Chinese middle school students’ academic achievement, particularly by examining the impact of self-efficacy and learning engagement. These valuable findings may guide policymakers in creating a supportive educational environment both inside and outside the classroom, enhancing adolescents’ self-confidence and engagement in learning.

Originality

This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of social support by investigating the mechanisms through which it impacts academic achievement. It clarifies the complex interactions among social support, self-efficacy, learning engagement, and academic achievement, with particular emphasis on the mediating roles of self-efficacy and learning engagement within the Chinese context.
Examining nursing students’ awareness of various medical errors during clinical internships to enhance patient safety: A multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Mousa Ola , Salameh Basma , Ghaly Asmaa Saber , Hasan Md Gulzarull , Almefarfesh Aishah Abdulrahman , Kumari Sheeba , Huwaikem Mashael
Published: December 2024

Background

Patient safety is a global concern within health facilities, primarily attributed to medical errors, constituting a significant global public health issue. Patients experiencing medication errors face serious problems, with increasing mortality rates and escalating hospital costs.

Aim

The study aims to examine nursing students’ awareness of various medical errors during their clinical internships at Al- Ahsa, identifying types of errors to enhance patient safety.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 nursing students during their internship at King Faisal University, Al Ahasa, Saudi Arabia.A total of 131 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire based on a medical error scale consisting of 43 items across six subscales. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The outcomes of interest included falls, blood and blood Products transfusion, medication practices, care practices, communication, and controlled practices.

Results

Overall, nursing students scored 188 out of 215. Among the sub-dimension scores, medication practices received the highest mean score, while Patient falls emerged with the lowest score. In our study, students ranked falling as the least significant factor.

Conclusion

Study findings indicate that nursing students exhibit a low tendency to commit medical errors, which is encouraging for the future implementation of patient safety protocols. This trend suggests that nursing students are developing strong competencies in safe nursing practices, which contributes to reducing the incidence of medical errors and improving overall patient safety in clinical settings.
Predicting pack-ice seal occupancy of ice floes along the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Wethington Michael J. , Şen Bilgecan , Lynch Heather J.
Published: December 2024

We explore the habitat use of Antarctic pack-ice seals by analyzing their occupancy patterns on pack-ice floes, employing a novel combination of segmented generalized linear regression and fine-scale (∼ 50 cm pixel resolution) sea ice feature extraction in satellite imagery. Our analysis of environmental factors identified ice floe size, fine-scale sea ice concentration and nearby marine topography as significantly correlated with seal haul out abundance. Further analysis between seal abundance and ice floe size identified pronounced shifts in the relationship between the number of seals hauled out and floe size, with a positive relationship up to approximately 50 m2 that diminishes for larger floe sizes and largely plateaus after 500 m2. These patterns provide information on pack-ice seal behavior and, when combined with methods to delineate individual ice floes, can yield predictions on the number of seals likely to be found in each satellite image scene. This work represents another step in the pipeline required to automate the survey of pack-ice seals using satellite imagery, a necessary step towards pan-Antarctic monitoring of these key marine predators.
Experience of personnel involved in dead body management at an apex institute in the aftermath of Odisha triple train collision
Authors: Joy Praisy , Giri Prajna Paramita , Patnaik Madhumita , Tripathy Prabhas Ranjan , Gaikwad Manisha Rajanand , Mishra Pravash Ranjan , Sahoo Sanjukta , Rout Sipra , Gopi Kumbha , Parida Dilip Kumar , Biswas Ashutosh
Published: December 2024

Background

Railway disasters cause huge loss of life and resources. A triple train collision occurred at 7 PM on 2nd June 2023 at Bahanaga, Balasore, Odisha. It was the third deadliest train accident in India with 288 deaths and more than 900 injured. This study aimed to bring out the experience and capture the emotions of the personnel involved in body management of this major accident.

Materials and methods

This qualitative questionnaire-based study was done between 13/07/2023 and 29/01/2024, involving 47 personnel (including faculty, residents, staff, and students) who managed the deceased bodies. Six open-ended questions dealing with the experiences of the body management team were analyzed using thematic analysis framework method. Quirkos software was used to generate themes and subthemes. Another six questions about self-reported satisfaction levels of the personnel were graded on a Likert scale of 1 to 5.

Results

Qualitative analysis identified six themes and twelve subthemes. It highlighted critical aspects such as lack of training in managing mass tragedies, inadequate flow of essential supplies, emergency preparedness, and defined standard operating procedures (SOP). Excellent teamwork (91.4% of participants expressed high satisfaction with the teamwork) and on-the-spot decision-making were heralded as strengths. The Likert scale showed that 87.2% of participants rated the overall dead body management at 4 or 5. Furthermore, 93.6% (44/47) of participants gave a score 4 or 5 for Tagging and Embalming.

Conclusions

Teamwork and proper embalming were identified as the top-rated contributors towards effective body management. Recommendations suggested were mock drills and refresher courses in body management for all stakeholders and psychological support to handle the emotional toll of managing mass tragedy. The identification and embalming of dead bodies are an essential humanitarian service and it helped bereaved families to say a final farewell to their loved ones.
Association of N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) with arthritis among adult participants
Authors: Lv Taihong , Yu Hanming , Ji Zishuo , Chen Yuru , Zhao Qi , Ma Li
Published: December 2024

Background

N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), an active ingredient prevalent in insect repellents, has its effects on human health under ongoing debate and scrutiny.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to DEET and arthritis outcomes within the broader adult demographic, leveraging data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

3-diethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid (DCBA) was used as a specific indicator of DEET exposure. Drawing on NHANES 2007–2016 data, our study incorporated 7065 adults to examine urinary DCBA impacts on arthritis risks using logistic regression and cubic spline analysis.

Results

Our study included a total of 7065 patients, of which 1860 (26.33%) had arthritis. After adjusting for all covariates, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high DCBA levels (>7.37 ug/L) were associated with an increased likelihood of arthritis (OR: 1.236, 95% CI: 1.037–1.474, p = 0.018). Nevertheless, participants in the highest quartile of DCBA levels (Q4) were associated with a 33.9% decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (OR: 0.661; 95% CI: 0.501–0.872; p = 0.003).

Conclusion

It was observed that increased levels of DCBA are positively associated with the prevalence of arthritis in the adult population. Conversely, high concentrations of DCBA showed a reverse correlation with the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis.
Retention of bimanual performance following hand arm bimanual intensive therapy in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A six-month longitudinal study
Authors: Gardas Shailesh S. , Lysaght Christine , Patterson Charity , Surkar Swati M.
Published: December 2024

Hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy (HABIT) enhances upper extremity (UE) function and bimanual coordination in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). Previous studies assessed immediate improvements in UE function using clinical and self-reported measures, which may not accurately reflect real-world UE performance and their long-term retention effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the retention of real-world bimanual performance gains over time following HABIT in children with UCP. Thirty children with UCP, age 6–16 years underwent HABIT (6 hours/day for 5 days). Bimanual performance was assessed using GT9X Link accelerometers, worn on bilateral wrists for 3 days pre-, post-, 3-, and 6-month of HABIT. Accelerometer-derived variables–use ratio (UR), magnitude ratio (MR), bilateral magnitude (BM), median acceleration (MA), and acceleration variability (AV)–quantified bimanual performance during real-world activities. UE function was measured with standardized assessments. A mixed model analysis with repeated measures and paired t-tests analyzed the differences real-world bimanual performance and UE function respectively. There was a significant main effect of time in UR (F = 2.72, p = 0.05), BM (F = 4.36, p = 0.007), and MA (F = 3.68, p = 0.016). Post-hoc analysis (mean differences, 95% confidence interval [CI]) revealed improvements immediately post- compared to pre-HABIT in BM (14.99, 4.35–25.63) and MA (7.46, 2.55–12.36). However, subsequent assessments at 3- and 6-months displayed a regression in these gains, suggesting a lack of retention. A decline was observed at 3 months) and 6 months (BM; 16.94, 6.3–27.4, MA; 6.51, 1.61–11.41) in BM and MA compared to post-HABIT. UE capacity measures also showed improvements (p < 0.05) post-HABIT. Although HABIT initially may enhance performance of real-world bimanual tasks, its benefits diminish within six months, suggesting a need for repeating HABIT every 3–6 months to retain long-term improvements.
LIFEPLAN: A worldwide biodiversity sampling design
Authors: Hardwick Bess , Kerdraon Deirdre , Rogers Hanna M. K. , Raharinjanahary Dimby , Rajoelison Eric Tsiriniaina , Mononen Tommi , Lehikoinen Petteri , Banelyte Gaia , Farrell Arielle , Fisher Brian L. , Roslin Tomas , Ovaskainen Otso
Published: December 2024

As the technology for mass identification of species is advancing rapidly, we developed a field sampling method that takes advantage of the emerging possibilities of combining sensor-based data with automated high-throughput data processing. This article describes the five field sampling methods used by the LIFEPLAN project to collect biodiversity data in a systematic manner, all over the world. These methods are designed for use by anyone with basic biology or ecology knowledge from the higher education or university level. We present the selection and characteristics of international sampling locations for urban and natural sites, as well as the nested scale design in the Nordic countries and Madagascar. We describe the steps to collect sequences of animal images (.jpg) from infrared triggered camera traps, audio data (.WAV) of environment sounds from audio recorders, invertebrate samples in ethanol from Malaise traps for DNA metabarcoding, as well as both soil samples and 24-hour air samples obtained from cyclone samplers for fungal DNA metabarcoding. To ensure the usability and consistency of the data for future use, we pay particular attention to the metadata collected. In specifying the current sampling protocols, we note that technology will continue to improve and evolve. Hardware will also change within a short time period, with the advantage of improving the equipment used for collecting samples. Thus, we present examples of the samples collected by each current sampling method, to be used as a baseline or in comparison with different equipment models.
Analysis of clogging factors in single-wing labyrinth drip irrigation tape
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tao Hongfei , Liu Yao , Li Qiao , Jiang Youwei , Aihemaiti Mahemujiang , Yang Wenxin
Published: December 2024

The clogging performance of single-winged labyrinth drip irrigation tapes is influenced by a variety of factors during the muddy fertilizer water irrigation process. In this paper, we designed a uniform orthogonal test to study the effects of fertilizer concentration, sediment content and working pressure on the clogging of single-wing labyrinth drip irrigation tapes. The observed data from the experiment were analysed and calculated using range analysis, variance analysis, and main-effect multiple comparison analysis, then the optimal working conditions were determined. The results of the study showed that fertilizer concentration and sediment content had a significant effect on the average relative flow, and the degree of influence of each influencing factor on the average relative flow was as follows: sediment content > fertilizer concentration > working pressure. The average relative flow of water-fertilizer-integrated irrigation under muddy-water conditions decreased with the increasing of irrigation frequency, and accelerate the clogging of dripper. Eventually we concluded that muddy fertilizer water irrigation exacerbated the clogging of dripper. The highest average relative flows across three sediment levels occurred under the F1 treatment, measuring 0.699, 0.681, and 0.668 for type-H1, type-H2, and type-H3 tapes, respectively. The research results can provide a reference basis for the optimal design of structural parameters of single-wing labyrinth drip irrigation tape channel.
Effect of a blood culture collection bundle on decreasing the contamination rate
Authors: Doi Miki , Takesue Yoshio , Makino Miyuki , Kihara Yousuke , Tanikawa Akiko , Murakami Yasushi , Ogashiwa Hitoshi , Nakano Yukiko , Nakama Soichiro , Ueda Takashi , Nakajima Kazuhiko , Nozaki Yasuhiro
Published: December 2024

In this study, we examined the effect of a bundled approach to blood collection for blood culture on decreasing contamination. Commensal organisms were considered contaminants on the basis of the clinical course if they were recovered from only a single blood draw (set) and if a positive result for two sets was not obtained within 72 hours. The main elements of the bundle were blood collection by venipuncture, skin preparation with a chlorhexidine alcohol swab, disinfection of culture bottles, and use of a sterile blood transfer device instead of the two-needle technique for inoculation. In the bundle intervention, chlorhexidine alcohol was first introduced in the hospital, and use of the blood transfer device was increased during the intervention. Both items were used in most patients requiring blood cultures. Blood collection through a line caused contamination in only one case. The contamination rate decreased significantly from 2.0% to 1.0% after introduction of the bundle approach (3-year control period vs. 2-year bundle period, p<0.001), and a significant decrease in the contamination rate was observed for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (p<0.001). A high contamination rate was found in August and September during the control period. The contamination rate of Bacillus species was significantly higher in those 2 months than in other months. A seasonal increase was not observed during the bundle period. A low contamination rate of 1.0% was achieved using our bundled collection approach for blood culture.
Dimensions of well-being and social harmony of older persons in Ghana: A secondary analysis of longitudinal survey data of the 2014/15 Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE Wave 2)
Authors: Oduro Joseph Kojo , Kumi-Kyereme Akwasi
Published: December 2024

Objectives

A crucial factor in healthy ageing is age-friendly environments for older persons. The opportunities that come with getting older as well as the safety of older persons are influenced by their social surroundings and overall well-being, yet, there is a dearth of research focus on this subject. This study examined the association between dimensions of well-being and the social harmony of older persons in Ghana.

Methods

A secondary analysis of longitudinal survey data of the 2014/15 Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE Wave 2) conducted by the World Health Organization was used. Only older adults 60 years and older were included in this study. Multilevel logistic regression techniques were used to examine dimensions of well-being as predictors of social harmony of older persons. The output was reported as odds ratios (OR).

Results

Results show that high levels of emotional and physical well-being were 13.5% and 14.3% more likely to be associated with a high level of social harmony (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.35,1.35), (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.43,1.43). However, older persons with high levels of psychological and spiritual well-being were 7% and 3% less likely to experience a high level of social harmony (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.63,0.93), (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.39,0.40).

Conclusion

This study shows a multifarious association between dimensions of well-being and the social harmony of older persons. A positive association is found between high levels of emotional and physical well-being and social harmony in older persons. However, older persons with high levels of psychological and spiritual well-being showed less experience of social harmony. This has implications for policy for improving older persons’ well-being and social harmony. Policies and social interventions should consider the various needs and situations of older persons to establish an environment of safety and opportunities concerning higher social harmony in Ghanaian society.
A data-driven approach to establishing cell motility patterns as predictors of macrophage subtypes and their relation to cell morphology
Authors: Kesapragada Manasa , Sun Yao-Hui , Zhu Kan , Recendez Cynthia , Fregoso Daniel , Yang Hsin-Ya , Rolandi Marco , Isseroff Rivkah , Zhao Min , Gomez Marcella
Published: December 2024

The motility of macrophages in response to microenvironment stimuli is a hallmark of innate immunity, where macrophages play pro-inflammatory or pro-reparatory roles depending on their activation status during wound healing. Cell size and shape have been informative in defining macrophage subtypes. Studies show pro and anti-inflammatory macrophages exhibit distinct migratory behaviors, in vitro, in 3D and in vivo but this link has not been rigorously studied. We apply both morphology and motility-based image processing approaches to analyze live cell images consisting of macrophage phenotypes. Macrophage subtypes are differentiated from primary murine bone marrow derived macrophages using a potent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4). We show that morphology is tightly linked to motility, which leads to our hypothesis that motility analysis could be used alone or in conjunction with morphological features for improved prediction of macrophage subtypes. We train a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to predict macrophage subtypes based on morphology alone, motility alone, and both morphology and motility combined. We show that motility has comparable predictive capabilities as morphology. However, using both measures can enhance predictive capabilities. While motility and morphological features can be individually ambiguous identifiers, together they provide significantly improved prediction accuracies (75%) from a training dataset of 1000 cells tracked over time using only phase contrast time-lapse microscopy. Thus, the approach combining cell motility and cell morphology information can lead to methods that accurately assess functionally diverse macrophage phenotypes quickly and efficiently. This can support the development of cost efficient and high through-put methods for screening biochemicals targeting macrophage polarization.
Media ownership and ideological slant: Evidence from Australian newspaper mergers
Authors: Ananyev Maxim , Volkova Ekaterina
Published: December 2024

This study examines how media acquisitions by corporate conglomerates influence the political slant of Australian newspapers. Using a comprehensive measure based on the language of over 30 million news articles from more than 200 newspapers, we analyze the impact of three major acquisitions between 2016 and 2019. Employing a synthetic difference-in-differences approach, we find that acquisitions can significantly shift newspapers’ political slant, with effects varying by acquiring entity. News Corp’s 2016 acquisition led to a marked conservative shift in newspapers it already owned, while subsequent acquisitions by Nine Entertainment and the acquisition of Australian Community Media by Antony Catalano and Alex Waislitz resulted in shifts away from conservative slant in acquired newspapers. Our results provide evidence for the importance of supply-side factors in determining media slant, particularly in an era of increasing media ownership concentration.
Brock’s approaching zero method improved as approaching fixed point frequency to solve optimum damping ratio of dynamic vibration absorber in machine tools and experimental confirmation
Authors: Tian Hongliang , Liang Xixiao , Du Xuan
Published: December 2024

The design parameters of the dynamic vibration absorber significantly affect the motion performance of the main vibration system. The Brock’s approaching zero method was improved as approaching the fixed point frequency method. A general method of obtaining the explicit exact solution to the optimum damping ratio was presented to improve the accuracy of calculating the dynamic vibration absorber’s optimum parameter. Some exact closed-form solutions, for example displacement amplitude gain, fixed point coordinate, and optimum damping ratio, were deduced with the real number form of differential equation of load motion and employing L’Hospital first rule. Many computational parameters of the main vibration system were attained. The fixed point theory essentially computes the extreme large value, not the maximum value. The numerical simulation results of the present paper’s absorber are closer to the vibrational experimental results than those of the Ormondroyd absorber and Lanchester absorber. Moreover, the present paper’s absorber has larger band width than the Ormondroyd absorber and Lanchester absorber. The current answers may be applicable to realize and control the accurate dynamic performances of the main vibration system and dynamic vibration absorber in operation.
Trends in the incidence of the Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignancies extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Shyh-An , Chiu Liang-Chun , Lin Hsin-Chieh , Li Hung-Ju , Lin Sheng-Fung , Su Yu-Chieh
Published: December 2024

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) are associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The current study aimed to evaluate the trends in the incidence of ENKTL and NPC in Taiwan within the last 15–30 years. To assess the incidence of ENKTL from 2008 to 2021 and NPC from 1995 to 2021, an epidemiological study was performed using population-based registry data from the Taiwan Cancer Registry. The secular trends in the annual incidence rates were expressed as average annual percent change (AAPC). During the study period, 872 new ENKTL diagnoses and 39412 new NPC diagnoses were reported. The annual age-adjusted incidence rates of ENKTL and NPC decreased significantly, with an AAPC of −2.47 (p = 0.014) and −1.16 (p < 0.001), respectively. The incidence rates of NPC from 1995 to 2021 in the 20–44-, 45–64-, and ≥65-year-old age groups decreased from 5.23 to 4.42 per 100,000 person-years (AAPC = −0.45, p = 0.011), from 15.28 to 11.36 per 100,000 person-years (AAPC = −1.21, p < 0.001), and from 10.48 to 7.24 per 100,000 person-years (AAPC = −1.91, p < 0.001), respectively. The age-specific incidence rates of ENKTL in the 45–64-year-old age group significantly decreased from 0.46 to 0.32 per 100,000 person-years during 2008–2021 (AAPC = −3.37, p = 0.008). The incidence of ENKTL between 2008 and 2021 in the 20–44- and ≥65-year-old age groups also decreased from 0.16 to 0.11 per 100,000 person-years and from 0.87 to 0.79 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Interestingly, the EBV seroprevalence in Taiwan remained stable from 1984 to 2007. Nonetheless, there was a downward trend in the EBV seroprevalence in early childhood, with a decrease of approximately 20% in children aged 4 years and nearly 50% in children aged <2 years. Based on these findings, the downward trend in the incidence of NPC/ENKTL could be affected by the decline in early EBV infection rates. Considering that the EBV seroprevalence remained stable but the incidence rate of early EBV infection decreased during the same period, delayed EBV infection or factors other than EBV might play an important role in the downward trend in the incidence of NPC/ENKTL in Taiwan. Nevertheless, further investigations should be performed to assess these results.