bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-fidelity virtual reality simulation training in enhancing competency assessment in orthopaedic training
Authors: Howard Theodore , Iyengar Karthikeyan P , Vaishya Raju , Ahluwalia Raju
Published: September 2023

Surgical competence is the ability to successfully apply academic knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviour to inpatient care. Along with ensuring patient safety, the ability to communicate effectively, collaborative teamwork and probity, and achieving satisfactory competencies form the fundamental principles of good medical practice. Current strategies to develop surgical competencies include a range of formative and summative assessments. The cancellation of traditional face-to-face meetings and training opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the delivery of medical education and opportunities to achieve surgical competencies. Simulation learning has been used since before the pandemic to deliver surgical training across all grades and specialities, including orthopaedic surgery. Simulation-based training provides a safe, controlled environment to develop skill acquisition. Simulated surgery using virtual reality has evolved following developments in software and hardware. This article explores the role of high-fidelity virtual reality simulation to assess competencies in orthopaedic training in the post-COVID-19 era, and examines whether simulation could be used within the curriculum to augment and improve training.
‘Getting old is not all bingo and knitting’. An exploration of positive ageing and occupational participation through engagement with community leisure activities: a qualitative study
Authors: Lowe Julie-Anne , Collins Tracy , Sallis Pasna
Published: September 2023

Background/Aims

Loneliness and social isolation have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of a group of older adults involved in a range of occupational-focused leisure activities provided by the Weekday Wow Factor, a small social enterprise led by an occupational therapist to understand their perceptions of positive ageing and occupational participation.

Methods

This small-scale qualitative research project explored the experiences of participants attending a weekly daytime disco that took place in a city centre nightclub. Participants also engaged in a number of other activities offered by the Weekday Wow Factor and discussed these during the focus groups. A total of 26 participants took part in four focus groups, with topics for discussion being informed by the 4D cycle of appreciative enquiry: discovery, dream, design and destiny.

Results

Three overarching themes with sub-themes were found: mental wellbeing with sub-themes of social isolation, occupational participation and health promotion; inclusivity with sub-themes of positive ageing and community; and engagement with sub-themes of environment, occupational flow and occupational justice.

Conclusions

Activities that facilitated friendship, a feeling of usefulness and belonging to a community were valued by participants, along with a sense of adventure from a range of activities that are not traditionally associated with older people. These activities need to be easily accessible to the community with implications for public transport and the social prescribing agenda. Occupational justice is important to the provision of community-based resources for older people to promote healthy and active ageing, which contributes to wellbeing.
Replacing forward gait training with backward gait training for children with cerebral palsy: what physical therapists should know
Authors: Khzam Alaa Abou , Sleem Majde
Published: September 2023

In this editorial, Alaa Abou Khzam and Majde Sleem briefly discuss the findings of studies that have investigated the effects of backward gait training for children with cerebral palsy.
New data on Urostylis lateralis Walker, 867 (Heteroptera, Urostylididae) from the south of the Russian Far East
Authors: KANYUKOVA ELENA V. , MARKOVA TATYANA О. , MASLOV MIKHAIL V.
Published: September 2023

Nymphal Urostylis lateralis Walker, 1867 were reared in cages from eggs that had overwintered in forest under oak rhytidome in the south of Primorsky Krai, Russia. Instar I nymphs hatch before the onset of oak’s growing season and develop under rhytidome, feeding on the jelly-like coating of egg clutch and molting. As oak leaves unfold, instars II–III leave their shelters and begin feeding on leaf sap. Adults live in the oak crown. The sequence of molts of all nymphal instars, their feeding, and the timing of seasonal development of the species in nature are documented.
Analysis and experiment of a pneumatic-hydraulic composite support system for in-situ mirror processing and testing
Authors: Dong Deyi , Zhou Di , Hu Haifei , Wang Lianqiang , Li Chao , Jiang Yuhan , Guan Yingjun
Published: September 2023

To address the deformation issues caused by the self-gravity and machining stresses in the process of large-aperture mirror fabrication, this paper proposes an in-situ switchable pneumatic-hydraulic hybrid supporting system that enables the seamless transition between machining and testing. By facilitating in-situ switching, this system not only reduces the machining time of large-aperture mirrors, thereby enhancing production efficiency, but also mitigates the risks associated with traditional switching methods that may result in mirror damage due to human error. Three typical working conditions of the hybrid supporting system, namely hydraulic machining support, air-floating testing support, and three-point rigid support, are investigated in terms of mirror loading through a finite element simulation. Additionally, an experimental platform is constructed to validate the proposed system. The experimental results affirm the feasibility of the designed pneumatic-hydraulic hybrid supporting system. This system will serve as a technological support to advance the rapid development of large-aperture space telescope manufacturing techniques.
Matrix analysis method for evaluation of lens parameters influence in polarization transmission
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Li Shun , Luo Lina , Cai Wei , Zhang Zhiwei , Li Gengpeng
Published: September 2023

Most studies on the influence of lens parameters in polarization transmission have been carried out in the traditional geometric analysis method, which has the problems of low accuracy and complicated calculation. In this paper, taking the Galileo beam expanding system as an example, a matrix analysis method is proposed to characterize the process of polarization transmission, and derived the polarization azimuth deflection equation. The numerical simulations of the matrix analysis method and the geometric analysis method are compared with the Zemax simulations and the experiments. The variance of the matrix analysis method is compared with the geometric analysis method under four parameters of the lens. It turns out that the numerical simulation results of the two methods are consistent with the Zemax simulation and the experiments. The variance of the matrix analysis method is mostly smaller than that of the geometric analysis method, which further shows that the matrix analysis method is closer to the Zemax simulations and the experiments, and the accuracy is higher.
Investigation and analysis of pin-point damage and damage growth characteristics in KDP and DKDP crystals
Authors: Hang Yuan , Yuxin Li , Ziqiang Dan , Songlin Zhang , Chengyu Zhu
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we report the damage and damage growth in potassium dihydrogen phosphate and its deuterated analog crystals. A time-resolved shadow imaging system was used to investigate the damage behavior in the bulk and on the rear surface. The damage images show differences in the damage sizes of the crystals with different deuterization rates. Theoretical simulations demonstrated that this may be due to differences in the crystallographic defects. The experimental results showed that the development of crystal damage was not only manifested as the expansion of damage on the rear surface of the crystal but also as an increase in pin-point density and size within the crystal. Crystals with higher deuterization rates had higher probability of the increasing of initial damage size, rather than the increasing of pin-point density.
Optical link encoding based simultaneous correction for crosstalk and nonlinearity in multi-site optical converged networks
Authors: Chen Xiaoxue , Li Shangyuan , Xue Xiaoxiao , Zheng Xiaoping
Published: September 2023

This paper reports a correction scheme to address the problem of modulation nonlinearity and optical switch crosstalk simultaneously for the multi-site optical converged network. Based on the optical link encoding and exclusive-or operation for the received signal, the present spectrum usage can be obtained among the confusion with interferences containing the modulated harmonic distortion and the crosstalk leakage from other sites. The proof-of-concept experiment is performed on various interferences involving the linear frequency modulated (LFM) waveform and the quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal. The corrected spectrum has realized an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of over 22 dB compared to the uncorrected counterpart. Furthermore, it consistently maintains a superior SNR, surpassing the single impairment-corrected scenario by an impressive margin of at least 15.9 dB. Besides, the implementation would not introduce additional noise, making the corrected result agree well with the ideal case. Without any increase in hardware complexity, the presented scheme provides an effective technique to meet the correction challenge of large-scale and complicated optical networks with multiple optoelectronic devices.
High-speed adaptive photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Li Linyang , Qin Wei , Li Tingting , Zhang Junning , Li Baochen , Xi Lei
Published: September 2023

Optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) is capable of observing the distribution of optical absorbers inside bio-tissues with a high spatial resolution of micrometers. Unfortunately, due to the employment of a tight optical focus, it suffers from a limited depth of field (DOF), making it challenging to achieve high-resolution imaging of targets with arbitrary surfaces. Here, we propose a high spatiotemporal adaptive photoacoustic focusing mechanism through integrating a high-speed optical focuser, a time-of-flight contour deriving algorithm, and the rotary-scanning photoacoustic microscopy. The developed system, named high-speed adaptive photoacoustic microscopy (HA-PAM), features an ultrashort focus-shifting time of 5 ms and an enlarged DOF of up to 5 mm. With the assistance of the proposed mechanism, we can achieve a homogeneous lateral resolution of 6 μm over a 10 mm circular imaging domain within 5 s. We demonstrate the advantages of HA-PAM through imaging phantoms with curved surfaces, subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice, resected rabbit kidneys, and pulsating mouse brains. The imaging results suggest that this approach provides a high and consistent spatial resolution for imaging bio-tissues with arbitrary surfaces without sacrificing the imaging speed, and has the potential to extend the fundamental and clinical applications of OR-PAM.
A role for cortical interneurons as adversarial discriminators
Authors: Benjamin Ari S. , Kording Konrad P.
Published: September 2023

The brain learns representations of sensory information from experience, but the algorithms by which it does so remain unknown. One popular theory formalizes representations as inferred factors in a generative model of sensory stimuli, meaning that learning must improve this generative model and inference procedure. This framework underlies many classic computational theories of sensory learning, such as Boltzmann machines, the Wake/Sleep algorithm, and a more recent proposal that the brain learns with an adversarial algorithm that compares waking and dreaming activity. However, in order for such theories to provide insights into the cellular mechanisms of sensory learning, they must be first linked to the cell types in the brain that mediate them. In this study, we examine whether a subtype of cortical interneurons might mediate sensory learning by serving as discriminators, a crucial component in an adversarial algorithm for representation learning. We describe how such interneurons would be characterized by a plasticity rule that switches from Hebbian plasticity during waking states to anti-Hebbian plasticity in dreaming states. Evaluating the computational advantages and disadvantages of this algorithm, we find that it excels at learning representations in networks with recurrent connections but scales poorly with network size. This limitation can be partially addressed if the network also oscillates between evoked activity and generative samples on faster timescales. Consequently, we propose that an adversarial algorithm with interneurons as discriminators is a plausible and testable strategy for sensory learning in biological systems.
Epidemiological and genomic investigation of chikungunya virus in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, between 2015 and 2018
Authors: Moreira Filipe Romero Rebello , Menezes Mariane Talon de , Salgado-Benvindo Clarisse , Whittaker Charles , Cox Victoria , Chandradeva Nilani , Paula Hury Hellen Souza de , Martins André Frederico , Chagas Raphael Rangel das , Brasil Rodrigo Decembrino Vargas , Cândido Darlan da Silva , Herlinger Alice Laschuk , Ribeiro Marisa de Oliveira , Arruda Monica Barcellos , Alvarez Patricia , Tôrres Marcelo Calado de Paula , Dorigatti Ilaria , Brady Oliver , Voloch Carolina Moreira , Tanuri Amilcar , Iani Felipe , Souza William Marciel de , Cardozo Sergian Vianna , Faria Nuno Rodrigues , Aguiar Renato Santana
Published: September 2023

Since 2014, Brazil has experienced an unprecedented epidemic caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV), with several waves of East-Central-South-African (ECSA) lineage transmission reported across the country. In 2018, Rio de Janeiro state, the third most populous state in Brazil, reported 41% of all chikungunya cases in the country. Here we use evolutionary and epidemiological analysis to estimate the timescale of CHIKV-ECSA-American lineage and its epidemiological patterns in Rio de Janeiro. We show that the CHIKV-ECSA outbreak in Rio de Janeiro derived from two distinct clades introduced from the Northeast region in mid-2015 (clade RJ1, n = 63/67 genomes from Rio de Janeiro) and mid-2017 (clade RJ2, n = 4/67). We detected evidence for positive selection in non-structural proteins linked with viral replication in the RJ1 clade (clade-defining: nsP4-A481D) and the RJ2 clade (nsP1-D531G). Finally, we estimate the CHIKV-ECSA’s basic reproduction number (R0) to be between 1.2 to 1.6 and show that its instantaneous reproduction number (Rt) displays a strong seasonal pattern with peaks in transmission coinciding with periods of high Aedes aegypti transmission potential. Our results highlight the need for continued genomic and epidemiological surveillance of CHIKV in Brazil, particularly during periods of high ecological suitability, and show that selective pressures underline the emergence and evolution of the large urban CHIKV-ECSA outbreak in Rio de Janeiro.
Regional differences and dynamic evolution of agricultural water resources utilization efficiency in China
Authors: Zeng Qian , Cao Shuya , H. E. Jiayi
Published: September 2023

Improving water resources utilization efficiency is conducive to achieving the sustainable development of water resources. It is essential to explore the regional differences and dynamic evolution of agricultural water resources utilization efficiency in China to promote high-quality development of agriculture. In this study, based on the unexpected output, we build a super slack-based measure model to measure agricultural water resources utilization efficiency in China’s provinces from 2007 to 2018. In addition, we use the Dagum Gini coefficient to analyze the source of regional differences. Finally, we construct the distributed dynamics model to explore the distribution of the dynamic evolution trend of China’s agricultural water resources utilization efficiency. The results reveal that regional difference is the main source of the overall difference in agricultural water resources utilization efficiency in China. Spatial imbalance exists in the development of agricultural water resources utilization efficiency in China. The agricultural water resources utilization efficiency in various provinces and regions of China is relatively stable, having the characteristics of club convergence. The probability of maintaining the initial state is high, and the internal mobility is low. However, with time, the degree of club convergence decreases.
Cost components of school-based oral health-promoting programs: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Matoso Bárbara da Silva Mourthé , Gomes Viviane Elisângela , Marcenes Wagner , Noronha Kênya Valéria Micaela de Souza , Lima Camilla Aparecida Silva de Oliveira , Ferreira Raquel Conceição
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Oral health-promoting school programs play a crucial role in achieving universal coverage of oral health care, by addressing oral diseases and promoting the well-being and quality of life of children and adolescents. However, a lack of studies has evaluated the costs associated with implementing these programs, which hinders decision-makers in adopting them on a large scale. This review aims to assess the cost components involved in school-based oral health-promoting programs.

Methods

This review will include studies that have conducted either partial or full economic evaluations, focusing on describing the cost components of oral health-promoting programs implemented in primary schools involving students aged 6 to 14. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases: MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, the Virtual Health Library, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Additionally, gray literature was searched using the Health Technology Assessment Database. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction and critical appraisal evaluation will also be carried out independently by two reviewers. In case of disagreements, the reviewer team will resolve them through discussion.

Discussion

The systematic review resulting from this protocol aims to provide evidence regarding the cost components and necessary resources for implementing and maintaining oral health-promoting school programs. This information can assist decision-makers in adopting these programs on a larger scale and effectively addressing oral diseases among children and adolescents.

Protocol registration

CRD42022363743.
Strengthening Community Roots: Anchoring Newcomers in Wellness and Sustainability (SCORE!): A protocol for the co-design and evaluation of a healthy active living program among a newcomer community in Canada
Authors: Wahi Gita , Kandasamy Sujane , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Baumann Andrea , Crea-Arsenio Mary , Desai Dipika , DiLiberto Deborah , Georgiades Katholiki , Jackson-Best Fatimah , Kwan Matthew , Montague Patricia , Newbold K. Bruce , Sherifali Diana , Sim Amanda , de Souza Russell J. , Anand Sonia S. ,   on behalf of the SCORE! Research team
Published: September 2023

Background

The burden of childhood obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors affecting newcomer Canadians living in lower socioeconomic circumstances is a concerning public health issue. This paper describes Strengthening Community Roots: Anchoring Newcomers in Wellness and Sustainability (SCORE!), an academic-community research partnership to co-design interventions that nurture and optimize healthy activity living (HAL) among a community of children and families new to Canada in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Methods/Design

Our overarching program is informed by a socio-ecological model, and will co-create HAL interventions for children and families new to Canada rooted in outdoor, nature-based physical activity. We will proceed in three phases: Phase 1) synthesis of existing evidence regarding nature based HAL interventions among children and families; Phase 2) program development through four data collection activities including: i) community engagement activities to build trustful relationships and understand barriers and facilitators, including establishing a community advisory and action board, qualitative studies including a photovoice study, and co-design workshops to develop programs; ii) characterizing the demographics of the community through a household survey; iii) characterizing the built environment and HAL programs/services available in the community by developing an accessible real-time systems map; and iv) reviewing municipal policies relevant to HAL and sustainability; leading to Phase 3) implementation and evaluation of the feasibility of co-designed HAL programs.

Conclusion

The etiology of childhood obesity and related chronic diseases is complex and multifactorial, as are intervention strategies. The SCORE! program of research brings together partners including community members, service providers, academic researchers, and organizational leaders to build a multi-component intervention that promotes the health and wellness of newcomer children and families.
Association of part-time clinical work with well-being and mental health in General Internal Medicine: A survey among Swiss hospitalists
Authors: Bretagne Lisa , Mosimann Stefanie , Roten Christine , Perrig Martin , Genné Daniel , Essig Manfred , Mancinetti Marco , Méan Marie , Darbellay Farhoumand Pauline , Huber Lars C. , Weber Elisabeth , Knoblauch Christoph , Schoenenberger Andreas W. , Frick Sonia , Wenemoser Eliane , Ernst Daniel , Bodmer Michael , Aujesky Drahomir , Baumgartner Christine
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Burnout and low job satisfaction are increasing among the General Internal Medicine (GIM) workforce. Whether part-time compared to full-time clinical employment is associated with better wellbeing, job satisfaction and health among hospitalists remains unclear.

Materials and methods

We conducted an anonymized cross-sectional survey among board-certified general internists (i.e. hospitalists) from GIM departments in 14 Swiss hospitals. Part-time clinical work was defined as employment of <100% as a clinician. The primary outcome was well-being, as measured by the extended Physician Well-Being Index (ePWBI), an ePWBI ≥3 indicating poor wellbeing. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, mental and physical health, and job satisfaction. We compared outcomes in part-time and full time workers using propensity score-adjusted multivariate regression models.

Results

Of 199 hospitalists invited, 137 (69%) responded to the survey, and 124 were eligible for analysis (57 full-time and 67 part-time clinicians). Full-time clinicians were more likely to have poor wellbeing compared to part-time clinicians (ePWBI ≥3 54% vs. 31%, p = 0.012). Part-time compared to full-time clinical work was associated with a lower risk of poor well-being in adjusted analyses (odds ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.59, p = 0.004). Compared to full-time clinicians, there were fewer depressive symptoms (3% vs. 18%, p = 0.006), and mental health was better (mean SF-8 Mental Component Summary score 47.2 vs. 43.2, p = 0.028) in part-time clinicians, without significant differences in physical health and job satisfaction.

Conclusions

Full-time clinical hospitalists in GIM have a high risk of poor well-being. Part-time compared to full-time clinical work is associated with better well-being and mental health, and fewer depressive symptoms.
Latent class analysis of substance use typologies associated with mental and sexual health outcomes among sexual and gender minority youth
Authors: Carney Tara , Choi Seul Ki , Stephenson Rob , Bauermeister Jose A. , Carrico Adam W.
Published: September 2023

Little is known about sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) who have sex with men’s unique patterns of substance use, even though they are at risk for substance use and adverse mental and other health outcomes. We used latent class analysis to examine typologies of substance use and multinomial logistic regression to investigate mental health outcomes (depression and anxiety) and HIV/STI testing correlates associated with different classes of substance use in a sample of SGMY who have sex with men in the USA and use substances (n = 414) who participated in an online survey. The average age was 22.50 years old (SD = 3.22). A four-class solution was identified representing: ‘depressant and stimulant use’ (3.4%), ‘high polysubstance use’ (4.6%), ‘low substance use with moderate cannabis use’ (79.2%), and ‘high cannabis, stimulant and alcohol use’ (12.8%). Membership to a specified substance use class varied by age, previous arrest, gender identity, anxiety, and lifetime HIV testing. Multivariate logistic regression results indicated that participants in the high polysubstance use (AOR = 5.48, 95% CI 1.51, 19.97) and high cannabis use class (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI 1.25, 11.94) were significantly more likely than those in the low substance use with moderate cannabis use class to report previous arrest. Those in the high polysubstance use class were also significantly less likely to have been tested for HIV than those in the low substance use with moderate cannabis use class (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.05, 0.93). Findings will guide the development and implementation of tailored approaches to addressing the intersection of substance use and HIV risk among SGMY.
Mendelian randomization study of gastroesophageal reflux disease and major depression
Authors: Zheng Xiaofei , Zhou Xin , Tong Li , Gu Wang , Wang Siyu , Yuang Wenkang , Zhang Chong , Zhang Chaoyang , Zhang Chao , Wan Bangbei
Published: September 2023

This study systematically investigated the causal relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and major depression (MD). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with disorders of interest were screened via the genome-wide association study (GWAS) enrolling individuals of European descent. Summary-level data for GERD and MD were extracted from the UK Biobank. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was utilized as the primary analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed using the MR-Egger method, the Maximum likelihood method, the MR-pleiotropy residual sum outlier (MR-PRESSO) method, and MR-robust adjusted profile score (MR-RAPS) method. MR-Egger regression, heterogeneity tests, pleiotropy tests, and leave-one-out tests were also performed to analyze sensitivity. The MR Steiger test was used to verify the directionality of the exposure to the outcome. An available website tool (https://shiny.cnsgenomics.com/mRnd/) was used to calculate the statistical power of MR analysis. Meta-analysis was applied to test MD’s average genetically predicted effect on GERD. Our MR study showed a bidirectional causal association between MD and GERD. Regarding MD to GERD, there was a positive association between them; the ORs were 1.500 (95% CI = 1.320–1.704;P= 4.91E-10) and 2.058 (95% CI = 1.868–2.267;P= 2.20E-48) in the IVW method, respectively. In addition, the meta-analysis also showed a strong positive causal association between MD and GERD. When exposure and outcome were reversed, genetic predisposition to GERD was significantly associated with the overall Risk of advanced MD (ieu-a-1187, OR = 1.982, 95% CI = 1.694–2.319,P= 1.41E-17; ieu-b-102, OR = 1.612, 95% CI = 1.530–2.700,P= 1.15E-70). Our study provides 100% power to detect the causal effect of MD on GERD and vice versa. Genetically predicted MD was positively associated with higher GERD risk, and vice versa. Our study reminds clinicians to pay attention to screening for GERD when diagnosing and treating MD and vice versa. Moreover, there may be positive feedback between MD and GERD when treating and preventing one disorder may benefit the treatment and prevention of the other.
Evaluation of a human mucosal tissue explant model for SARS-CoV-2 replication
Authors: Gordhan Bhavna Gowan , Herrera Carolina , Pillay Azure-Dee , Seiphetlo Thabiso , Ealand Christopher Shawn , Machowski Edith , Singh Natasha , Seatholo Ntombexolo , Otwombe Kennedy , Lebina Limakatso , Frise Rebecca , Scarlatti Gabriella , Chiodi Francesca , Martinson Neil , Fox Julie , Kana Bavesh Davandra
Published: September 2023

With the onset of COVID-19, the development of ex vivo laboratory models became an urgent priority to study host-pathogen interactions in response to the pandemic. In this study, we aimed to establish an ex vivo mucosal tissue explant challenge model for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication. Nasal or oral tissue samples were collected from eligible participants and explants generated from the tissue were infected with various SARS-CoV-2 strains, including IC19 (lineage B.1.13), Beta (lineage B.1.351) and Delta (lineage B.1.617.2). A qRT-PCR assay used to measure viral replication in the tissue explants over a 15-day period, demonstrated no replication for any viral strains tested. Based on this, the ex vivo challenge protocol was modified by reducing the viral infection time and duration of sampling. Despite these changes, viral infectivity of the nasal and oral mucosa was not improved. Since 67% of the enrolled participants were already vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, it is possible that neutralizing antibodies in explant tissue may have prevented the establishment of infection. However, we were unable to optimize plaque assays aimed at titrating the virus in supernatants from both infected and uninfected tissue, due to limited volume of culture supernatant available at the various collection time points. Currently, the reasons for the inability of these mucosal tissue samples to support replication of SARS-CoV-2 ex vivo remains unclear and requires further investigation.
Assessing HLA imputation accuracy in a West African population
Authors: Nanjala Ruth , Mbiyavanga Mamana , Hashim Suhaila , de Villiers Santie , Mulder Nicola
Published: September 2023

The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) region plays an important role in autoimmune and infectious diseases. HLA is a highly polymorphic region and thus difficult to impute. We, therefore, sought to evaluate HLA imputation accuracy, specifically in a West African population, since they are understudied and are known to harbor high genetic diversity. The study sets were selected from 315 Gambian individuals within the Gambian Genome Variation Project (GGVP) Whole Genome Sequence datasets. Two different arrays, Illumina Omni 2.5 and Human Hereditary and Health in Africa (H3Africa), were assessed for the appropriateness of their markers, and these were used to test several imputation panels and tools. The reference panels were chosen from the 1000 Genomes (1kg-All), 1000 Genomes African (1kg-Afr), 1000 Genomes Gambian (1kg-Gwd), H3Africa, and the HLA Multi-ethnic datasets. HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C alleles were imputed using HIBAG, SNP2HLA, CookHLA, and Minimac4, and concordance rate was used as an assessment metric. The best performing tool was found to be HIBAG, with a concordance rate of 0.84, while the best performing reference panel was the H3Africa panel, with a concordance rate of 0.62. Minimac4 (0.75) was shown to increase HLA-B allele imputation accuracy compared to HIBAG (0.71), SNP2HLA (0.51) and CookHLA (0.17). The H3Africa and Illumina Omni 2.5 array performances were comparable, showing that genotyping arrays have less influence on HLA imputation in West African populations. The findings show that using a larger population-specific reference panel and the HIBAG tool improves the accuracy of HLA imputation in a West African population.
The dynamics of entrepreneurial agglomeration formation: Social selection and simulation
Authors: Tang Yong , Javeed Sohail Ahmad
Published: September 2023

From the facts that numerous regions with initially similar economic conditions end up with different levels of entrepreneurial agglomeration, this paper constructs a model assuming that the sequential entrants make their career choices based on existing entrepreneurial ratio and describing the dynamics of entrepreneurial agglomeration formation. After mathematical analysis and numerical simulation using NetLogo, it is found that under social selection, a nonlinear Polya process with self-reinforcing and path-dependency characters will emerge, and the repeated entrants’ career choices will lead to the agglomeration of entrepreneurship; the agent’s risk compensation value, the initial population of agents, the number of role models in the early stage and the initial entrepreneurial ratio are determinants to the formation of entrepreneurial agglomeration. The findings confirm that entrepreneurship has “memory” and the entrepreneurial history could have influence on the future. In order to forge the entrepreneurial agglomeration, our suggestions include exerting influence on the determinants from an early age, and improving the individual’s risk-taking abilities.
Quantitative detection and reduction of potentially pathogenic bacterial groups of Aeromonas, Arcobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex, and Mycobacterium in wastewater treatment facilities
Authors: Aoki Masataka , Takemura Yasuyuki , Kawakami Shuji , Yoochatchaval Wilasinee , Tran P. Thao , Tomioka Noriko , Ebie Yoshitaka , Syutsubo Kazuaki
Published: September 2023

Water quality parameters influence the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. The genera Aeromonas, Arcobacter, Klebsiella, and Mycobacterium are among the representative pathogenic bacteria identified in wastewater. However, information on the correlations between water quality and the abundance of these bacteria, as well as their reduction rate in existing wastewater treatment facilities (WTFs), is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to determine the abundance and reduction rates of these bacterial groups in WTFs. Sixty-eight samples (34 influent and 34 non-disinfected, treated, effluent samples) were collected from nine WTFs in Japan and Thailand. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis revealed the presence of Aeromonas, Arcobacter, and Mycobacterium in all influent wastewater and treated effluent samples. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify the abundance of Aeromonas, Arcobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC), and Mycobacterium. The geometric mean abundances of Aeromonas, Arcobacter, KpSC, and Mycobacterium in the influent wastewater were 1.2 × 104–2.4 × 105, 1.0 × 105–4.5 × 106, 3.6 × 102–4.3 × 104, and 6.9 × 103–5.5 × 104 cells mL−1, respectively, and their average log reduction values were 0.77–2.57, 1.00–3.06, 1.35–3.11, and −0.67–1.57, respectively. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients indicated significant positive or negative correlations between the abundances of the potentially pathogenic bacterial groups and Escherichia coli as well as water quality parameters, namely, chemical/biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, and oxidation-reduction potential. This study provides valuable information on the development and appropriate management of WTFs to produce safe, hygienic water.
Mapping urban living standards and economic activity in developing countries with energy data
Authors: Agyemang Felix S. K. , Memon Rashid , Fox Sean
Published: September 2023

Urban data deficits in developing countries impede evidence-based planning and policy. Could energy data be used to overcome this challenge by serving as a local proxy for living standards or economic activity in large urban areas? To answer this question, we examine the potential of georeferenced residential electricity meter data and night-time lights (NTL) data in the megacity of Karachi, Pakistan. First, we use nationally representative survey data to establish a strong association between electricity consumption and household living standards. Second, we compare gridded radiance values from NTL data with a unique dataset containing georeferenced median monthly electricity consumption values for over 2 million individual households in the city. Finally, we develop a model to explain intra-urban variation in radiance values using proxy measures of economic activity from Open Street Map. Overall, we find that NTL data are a poor proxy for living standards but do capture spatial variation in population density and economic activity. By contrast, electricity data are an excellent proxy for living standards and could be used more widely to inform policy and support poverty research in cities in low- and middle-income countries.
Corticospinal excitability during observation of basketball free-throw movement: Effects of video playback speed and stimulus timing
Authors: Kitamura Masaya , Yamamoto Katsuya , Oshima Atsushi , Kamibayashi Kiyotaka
Published: September 2023

Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies have indicated that action observation (AO) modulates corticospinal excitability. Although a few previous studies have shown that the AO of simple motor movements at a slow playback speed facilitates corticospinal excitability more than that at normal playback speed, it is unclear if this effect occurs during the AO of sport-related complex movements. Therefore, we investigated the changes in the motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles during the AO of a basketball free-throw movement at three different playback speeds (100%, 75%, and 50% speeds). Additionally, we evaluated the effects of stimulus timing (holding the ball vs. releasing the ball for shooting) and motor expertise (expert basketball players vs. novices) on the MEP amplitude during the AO. Our results demonstrated that regardless of motor expertise, the MEP amplitude of the FCR muscle was significantly smaller in the 50% speed condition than in the 100% condition. In the ADM muscle, the MEP amplitude was significantly larger when the ball was held after dribbling than when the ball was released. Therefore, it is suggested that corticospinal excitability in specific muscles during the observation of complex whole-body movements is influenced by video playback speed and stimulus timing.
Using laboratory data to assess the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on reflex cryptococcal antigenaemia (CrAg) testing in South Africa
Authors: Cassim Naseem , Coetzee Lindi Marie , da Silva Manuel Pedro , Stevens Wendy Susan , Glencross Deborah Kim
Published: September 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first reported in Wuhan, China. Due to the rapid spread globally, it was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Social distancing and lockdown measures were introduced to limit transmission. These strategies could potentially impact the diagnosis and treatment of patients with advanced HIV who are susceptible to secondary infections like cryptococcal disease. In South Africa, reflexed cryptococcal antigenaemia (CrAg) testing and pre-emptive antifungal treatment are recommended preceding antiretroviral therapy initiation for patients with a CD4<100 cells/μl. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on CrAg testing in South Africa.

Methods

Specimen-level data was extracted for individuals ≥15 years from the National Health Laboratory Services repository for calendar years 2018 to 2021. Test volumes and CrAg positivity were assessed at national and provincial levels, by age category and gender. The percentage change in annual and monthly CrAg test volumes for 2020 and 2021 (during lockdown levels) are compared to data reported for 2018. The monthly median CD4 and the percentage of samples with a count <25, 25–50, 51–75 and >75-<100 cells/μl were assessed.

Results

Specimen data of 11 944 929 CD4 results included 1 306 456 CrAg tests. Annual CD4 and CrAg test volumes declined by 22.4% and 27.8% for 2020 and 2021 respectively (relative to 2018). There were 23 670 CrAg positive outcomes in 2018 compared to 21 399 (-9.6%) and 17 847 (-24.6%) in 2020 and 2021 respectively. A monthly test volume reduction of up to 36.6%, 35.5%, 36.1% and 13.3% was reported for infection waves one to four. CrAg detection increased from 6.3% in 2018 to 7.5% in 2020. More testing was offered to males (>56%) with a higher detection rate of 8.1% in 2020. Between 81.0% and 81.8% of testing was for patients aged 20 to 49 years. The monthly percentage of specimens <25 cells/μl ranged from 30.2% (June 2019) to 35.3% (August 2020). Overall, the monthly median CD4 ranged from 39 (IQR: 15–70)(August 2020) to 45 (IQR: 19–72)(March 2019) cells/μl. In 2020, the provincial percentage change in CrAg test volumes ranged from 2.9% to -33.7%.

Conclusion

Our findings confirmed the impact of lockdown measures on both the absolute number of CrAg tests performed and detection (increase in 2020). A smaller impact on the median CD4 was noted. The long-term impact on patient management in immune- compromised individuals needs further investigation.
Driving rural industry revitalization in the digital economy era: Exploring strategies and pathways in China
Authors: Luo Gongli , Yang Yu , Wang Lu
Published: September 2023

In the context of the digital economy, achieving rural industrial revitalization in China hinges on digitization. This study delves into the synergistic mechanisms of diverse factors that contribute to Rural Industrial Revitalization across three dimensions: technology, organization, and environment. To investigate these mechanisms, a combination of the necessary condition analysis method and the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method is employed. The research findings indicate that no necessary conditions exist for achieving high-level rural industrial revitalization. However, digital infrastructure and the digital financial environment have a universally significant impact. The study identifies four distinct pathways driving high-level rural industrial revitalization: digitaldriven, digital-government-talentdriven, digital-enterprisedriven, and digital-enterprise-talentdriven. Furthermore, significant variations exist in the driving pathways for rural industrial revitalization among the eastern, central, and western regions of China. By unveiling the multifaceted mechanisms underpinning the revitalization of rural industries, this research provides valuable practical insights for the future development of rural industries in China.
Host-derived reactive oxygen species trigger activation of the Candida albicans transcription regulator Rtg1/3
Authors: Oneissi Mazen , Cruz Melissa R. , Ramírez-Zavala Bernardo , Lindemann-Perez Elena , Morschhäuser Joachim , Garsin Danielle A. , Perez J. Christian
Published: September 2023

The signals that denote mammalian host environments and dictate the activation of signaling pathways in human-associated microorganisms are often unknown. The transcription regulator Rtg1/3 in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans is a crucial determinant of host colonization and pathogenicity. Rtg1/3’s activity is controlled, in part, by shuttling the regulator between the cytoplasm and nucleus of the fungus. The host signal(s) that Rtg1/3 respond(s) to, however, have remained unclear. Here we report that neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) direct the subcellular localization of this C. albicans transcription regulator. Upon engulfment of Candida cells by human or mouse neutrophils, the regulator shuttles to the fungal nucleus. Using genetic and chemical approaches to disrupt the neutrophils’ oxidative burst, we establish that the oxidants produced by the NOX2 complex–but not the oxidants generated by myeloperoxidase–trigger Rtg1/3’s migration to the nucleus. Furthermore, screening a collection of C. albicans kinase deletion mutants, we implicate the MKC1 signaling pathway in the ROS-dependent regulation of Rtg1/3 in this fungus. Finally, we show that Rtg1/3 contributes to C. albicans virulence in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in an ROS-dependent manner as the rtg1 and rtg3 mutants display virulence defects in wild-type but not in ROS deficient worms. Our findings establish NOX2-derived ROS as a key signal that directs the activity of the pleiotropic fungal regulator Rtg1/3.
GC-MS Profiling and Anti-quorum Sensing Screening of Leaf and Bark Extracts and Fractions of Acacia ferruginea: A Threatened Medicinal Plant
Authors: JEEVITHA M. , SRIPATHI SHUBASHINI K.
Published: September 2023

The present study was carried out to screen the anti-quorum sensing property of the possible bioactive fractions and valuable secondary metabolites from the hexane extract of bark and leaves of Acacia ferruginea. Solvent extraction of the plant material using hexane followed by preparative thin layer separation and centrifugal thin layer separation of the extract using silica gel yields 12 and 5 fractions, respectively. Spectral characterization (UV, FT-IR) and anti-QS screening were done for the fractions. GC-MS was done for both nonpolar extracts and cyclograph fractions. The active moieties from bark and leaves fractions were established on the basis of UV, FT-IR and GC-MS. From the anti-QS screening studies, the active fractions were determined. A total of 17 fractions were obtained from the hexane extract of bark and leaves of Acacia ferruginea. Among these fractions, 5 fractions were shown to exhibit activity against Chromobacterium violaceum, while 2 fractions showed moderate activity.
Solid State Synthesis and Characterization of Yb3+/Ho3+ Doped GdPO4 Nanophosphor for Luminescence Properties
Authors: Putta Venkata Nagendra Kumar , Adicherla Meghana , Bandi Sirisha , Koneru Girija Venkateswara , Kanuparti Phaniraja
Published: September 2023

A reliable solid-state method for synthesizing GdPO4:Yb3+/Ho3+ nanophosphor is presented, exhibiting both up and down conversion luminescent properties. The peaks were observed at 460, 550, 640, and 750 nm after excitation at 300 nm, which is followed by nonradiative resonance energy transfer (ET) with the P-O charge transfer band of Ho3+ ions. A significant up-conversion nanophosphors by enhancing Ho3+ ion emissions is accomplished. The Ho3+ ion peaks at 542 and 635 nm were identified using a strong 980 nm laser source, leading to well-crystalline nanoparticles. The present results demonstrated an enormous potential of GdPO4:Yb3+/Ho3+ for high-quality, widespread luminescence. Due to their significant quantum yield when excited at a wavelength of 300 nm, these materials exhibit a diverse array of potential applications and hold considerable potential for advancement across several industries.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ruthenium(II) Carbonyl Complexes of Substituted Quinazoline Derivatives and their Catalytic Activity
Authors: BHATTACHARJEE RITA , GAYATHRI VIRUPAIAH
Published: September 2023

A series of ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of the types [RuCl2(CO)2L]2·nH2O {n = 1, L = L1, L3}; [RuCl2(CO)2(L)(H2O)]·nH2O {n = 1, L = L2, L4, L6 and n = 2, L = L7}; [RuCl(CO)2(L-H)(H2O)]2 {L = L5}; [RuCl2(CO)2]3(L)2 {L = L8} were synthesized where L is 6R-5,6- dihydrobenzoimidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline (R-Diq; R = phenyl: L1/furyl: L2/thiophenyl: L3/o or p-hydroxyphenyl: L4, L5/o or p- hlorophenyl: L6, L7/dimethylaminophenyl: L8). The Ru(II) complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, TGA, infrared, electronic, NMR and mass spectral techniques. An octahedral geometry around the metal ion was proposed for all the complexes and monomeric, dimeric and trimeric stereochemistry was suggested. The catalytic activity for few ruthenium(II) complexes towards oxidation of benzyl alcohol, hydroquinone and cyclohexanol was also investigated.