bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORMS OF PREVENTİNG HUNGER AND ENSURİNG FOOD SECURİTY İN TRADİTİONAL VİLLAGE LİFE
Authors: ŞAHİN Hayrettin
Published: September 2022

People benefit from various animals and plants to meet their food needs and pass on their experiences in this direction from generation to generation. Villagers sometimes feed on animals and plants they grow, and sometimes on plants and animals that exist spontaneously in nature. The people living in the village have done various studies to prevent hunger and ensure food security by diversifying food and developing storage methods.

In this research, the food diversity situation between 1878-1960 in the villages of Oltu, Olur, Tortum, Uzundere, Narman and Şenkaya districts of Erzurum province was revealed. It focuses on the efforts to prevent hunger, which the villagers implement in their self-sufficient lives, away from the products produced in the city. The researcher determined the forms of preventing hunger and providing food security by making participant observations and in-depth interviews over a period of approximately five years (2016-2021).

As a result of the research, it has been determined that hunger is prevented and food security is ensured by raising various animals and products, storing them, expanding agricultural lands, making use of edible weeds and wild animals, using water effectively, assuming social responsibilities, providing food for the disadvantaged and getting rid of dependence on others. On the other hand, solidarity and sharing are very important for the village community.
Enhancing the Anti-Corrosion and Reinforcing Properties of Epoxy Coatings using Modified Graphene Oxide
Authors: N. Thamaraiselvi N. Thamaraiselvi , D. Nalini D. Nalini
Published: September 2022

The present study deals with the synthesis and anticorrosion behavior of new modified graphene oxide. Superior corrosion resistance property was exhibited by graphene oxide and modified graphene oxide on mild steel and copper substrates. Along with the corrosion resistance behavior, the reinforcing nature of epoxy coating also improved. Graphene oxide was synthesized by Hummer’s method. Graphene oxide (GO) modified with ethanol extract of Kedrostis foetidissima (KF) plant leaves. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis was selected to identify the chemical constituents present in the plant. GO, KF, and modified GO (GO-KF) were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Corrosion protection behavior of epoxy coating on mild steel and copper with GO and modified Graphene Oxide were studied using, Salt spray test, Peel test, and Contact angle measurements. Results revealed that the modified GO sheets act as a good reinforcing agent for epoxy coating on mild steel and copper substrate in a 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) environment.
The incidence and risk factors for stress fracture following periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Morris William Z. , Justo Pedro G. S. , Williams Kathryn A. , Kim Young-Jo , Millis Michael B. , Novais Eduardo N.
Published: September 2022

Aims

The aims of this study were to characterize the incidence and risk factors associated with stress fractures following periacetabular osteotomy, and to determine their effect on osteotomy union.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all periacetabular osteotomies (PAOs) performed for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) at one institution over a six-year period between 2012 and 2017. Perioperative factors were recorded, and included demographic and surgical data. Postoperatively, patients were followed for a minimum of one year with anteroposterior and false profile radiographs of the pelvis to monitor for evidence of stress fracture and union of osteotomies. We characterized the incidence and locations of stress fractures, and used univariate and multivariable analysis to identify factors predictive of stress fracture and the association of stress fracture on osteotomy union.

Results

A total of 331 patients underwent PAO during the study period with 56 (15.4%) stress fractures: 46 fractures of the retroacetabular posterior column, five cases of ischiopubic stress fracture, and five cases of concurrent ischiopubic and retroacetabular stress fractures. Overall, 86% (48/56) healed without intervention. Univariate analysis revealed that stress fractures occurred more frequently in females (p = 0.040), older patients (mean age 27.6 years (SD 8.4) vs 23.8 (SD 9.0); p = 0.003), and most often with the use of the broad Mast chisel (28.5%; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that increasing age (odds ratio (OR) 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07; p = 0.028) and use of the broad Mast chisel (OR 5.1 (95% CI 1.3 to 19.0) compared to narrow Ganz chisel; p = 0.038) and surgeon (p = 0.043) were associated with increased risk of stress fracture. Patients with stress fractures were less likely to have healed osteotomies after one-year follow-up (76% vs 96%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Stress fracture of the posterior column may be an under-recognized complication following PAO, and the rate may be influenced by surgical technique. Consideration should be given to using a narrow chisel during the ischial cut to reduce the risk of stress propagation through the posterior column. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1017–1024.
The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study
Authors: Winstanley Robert J. H. , Hadfield James N. , Walker Reece , Bretherton Christopher P. , Ashwood Neil , Allison Keith , Trompeter Alex , Eardley William G. P. ,   on behalf of the Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) collaborators
Published: September 2022

Aims

The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study was performed to provide clarity in open fracture management previously skewed by small, specialist centre studies and large, unfocused registry investigations. We report the current management metrics of open fractures across the UK.

Method

Patients admitted to hospital with an open fracture (excluding phalanges or isolated hand injuries) between 1 June 2021 and 30 September 2021 were included. Institutional information governance approval was obtained at the lead site and all data entered using Research Electronic Data Capture software. All domains of the British Orthopaedic Association Standard for Open Fracture Management were recorded.

Results

Across 51 centres, 1,175 patients were analyzed. Antibiotics were given to 754 (69.0%) in the emergency department, 240 (22.0%) pre-hospital, and 99 (9.1%) as inpatients. Wounds were photographed in 848 (72.7%) cases. Median time to first surgery was 16 hrs 14 mins (interquartile range (IQR) 8 hrs 29 mins to 23 hrs 19 mins). Complex injuries were operated on sooner (median 12 hrs 51 mins (IQR 4 hrs 36 mins to 21 hrs 14 mins)). Of initial procedures, 1,053 (90.3%) occurred between 8am and 8pm. A consultant orthopaedic surgeon was present at 1,039 (89.2%) first procedures. In orthoplastic centres, a consultant plastic surgeon was present at 465 (45.1%) first procedures. Overall, 706 (60.8%) patients required a single operation. At primary debridement, 798 (65.0%) fractures were definitively fixed, while 734 (59.8%) fractures had fixation and coverage in one operation through direct closure or soft-tissue coverage. Negative pressure wound therapy was used in 235 (67.7%) staged procedures. Following wound closure or soft-tissue cover, 509 (47.0%) patients received antibiotics for a median of three days (IQR 1 to 7).

Conclusion

OPEN provides an insight into care across the UK and different levels of hospital for open fractures. Patients are predominantly operated on promptly, in working hours, and at specialist centres. Areas for improvement include combined patient review and follow-up, scheduled operating, earlier definitive soft-tissue cover, and more robust antibiotic husbandry. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1073–1080.
Leveraging mHealth usage logs to inform health worker performance in a Resource-Limited setting: Case example of mUzima use for a chronic disease program in Western Kenya
Authors: Savai Simon , Kamano Jemimah , Misoi Lawrence , Wakholi Peter , Hasan Md Kamrul , Were Martin C.
Published: September 2022

Background

Health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can be strengthened when quality information on health worker performance is readily available. With increasing adoption of mobile health (mHealth) technologies in LMICs, there is an opportunity to improve work-performance and supportive supervision of workers. The objective of this study was to evaluate usefulness of mHealth usage logs (paradata) to inform health worker performance.

Methodology

This study was conducted at a chronic disease program in Kenya. It involved 23 health providers serving 89 facilities and 24 community-based groups. Study participants, who already used an mHealth application (mUzima) during clinical care, were consented and equipped with an enhanced version of the application that captured usage logs. Three months of log data were used to determine work performance metrics, including: (a) number of patients seen; (b) days worked; (c) work hours; and (d) length of patient encounters.

Principal findings

Pearson correlation coefficient for days worked per participant as derived from logs as well as from records in the Electronic Medical Record system showed a strong positive correlation between the two data sources (r(11) = .92, p < .0005), indicating mUzima logs could be relied upon for analyses. Over the study period, only 13 (56.3%) participants used mUzima in 2,497 clinical encounters. 563 (22.5%) of encounters were entered outside of regular work hours, with five health providers working on weekends. On average, 14.5 (range 1–53) patients were seen per day by providers.

Conclusions / Significance

mHealth-derived usage logs can reliably inform work patterns and augment supervision mechanisms made particularly challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Derived metrics highlight variabilities in work performance between providers. Log data also highlight areas of suboptimal use, of the application, such as for retrospective data entry for an application meant for use during the patient encounter to best leverage built-in clinical decision support functionality.
Reproductive isolation via polygenic local adaptation in sub-divided populations: Effect of linkage disequilibria and drift
Authors: Sachdeva Himani
Published: September 2022

This paper considers how polygenic local adaptation and reproductive isolation between hybridizing populations is influenced by linkage disequilibria (LD) between loci, in scenarios where both gene flow and genetic drift counteract selection. It shows that the combined effects of multi-locus LD and genetic drift on allele frequencies at selected loci and on heterozygosity at neutral loci are predicted accurately by incorporating (deterministic) effective migration rates into the diffusion approximation (for selected loci) and into the structured coalescent (for neutral loci). Theoretical approximations are tested against individual-based simulations and used to investigate conditions for the maintenance of local adaptation on an island subject to one-way migration from a differently adapted mainland, and in an infinite-island population with two habitats under divergent selection. The analysis clarifies the conditions under which LD between sets of locally deleterious alleles allows these to be collectively eliminated despite drift, causing sharper and (under certain conditions) shifted migration thresholds for loss of adaptation. Local adaptation also has counter-intuitive effects on neutral (relative) divergence: FST is highest for a pair of subpopulations belonging to the same (rare) habitat, despite the lack of reproductive isolation between them.
Factors influencing place of delivery in Ethiopia: Linking individual, household, and health facility-level data
Authors: Bekele Fanuel Belayneh , Shiferaw Kasiye , Nega Adiam , Derseh Anagaw , Seme Assefa , Shiferaw Solomon
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Maternal mortality remains high, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Institutional delivery is one of the key intervention to reduce it. Despite service utilization reflects an interplay of demand- and supply-side factors, previous studies mainly focused on either sides due to methodological challenges and data availability. But, a more comprehensive understanding can be obtained by assessing both sides. The aim of this study is to assess individual, household, community, and health facility factors associated with deliveryplace in Ethiopia.

Methods

We have used the 2019 Performance Monitoring for Action survey data set, which is a nationally representative sample of women linked with national sample of health facilities in Ethiopia. A total of 2547 women who recently delivered were linked with 170 health centers and 41 hospitals. Facility readiness index was calculated based on previous study conducted by Stierman EK on similar data set. We applied survey weights for descriptive statistics. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing delivery place.

Results

Coverage of institutional delivery was 54.49%. Women aged 20–34 [AOR; 0.55 (0.32–0.85)] compared with those younger than 20 years; those with no formal education [AOR: 0.19 (10.05–0.76)] or attended only primary school [AOR: 0.20 (0.05–0.75)] compared with those attended above secondary; and women whose partners didn’t encourage antinatal visit [AOR; 0.57 (0.33–0.98)] all have decreased odd of institutional delivery. Attending at least one antenatal visit [AOR: 3.09 (1.87–5.10)] and increased availability of medicines in the closest facility [AOR: 17.33 (1.32–26.4)] increase odds of institutional deliver.

Conclusion

In Ethiopia, nearly half of the total deliveries take place outside health facilities. In addition to improving women’s education, utilization of antenatal care, and encouragement by partners, it is important to consider the availability of medicine and commodities in the nearby health facilities while designing and implementing programs to reduce home delivery.
Know-do gaps for cardiovascular disease care in Cambodia: Evidence on clinician knowledge and delivery of evidence-based prevention actions
Authors: Sudharsanan Nikkil , Wetzel Sarah , Nachtnebel Matthias , Loun Chhun , Phy Maly , Kol Hero , Bärnighausen Till
Published: September 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in Cambodia. However, it is unknown whether clinicians in Cambodia provide evidence-based CVD preventive care actions. We address this important gap and provide one of the first assessments of clinical care for CVD prevention in an LMIC context. We determined the proportion of primary care visits by adult patients that resulted in evidence-based CVD preventive care actions, identified which care actions were most frequently missed, and estimated the know-do gap for each clinical action. We used data on 190 direct clinician-patient observations and 337 clinician responses to patient vignettes from 114 public primary care health facilities. Our main outcomes were the proportion of patient consultations and responses to care vignettes where clinicians measured blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index, and asked questions regarding alcohol, tobacco, physical activity, and diet. There were very large clinical care shortfalls for all CVD care actions. Just 6.4% (95% CI: 3.0%, 13.0%) of patients had their BMI measured, 8.0% (4.6%, 13.6%) their blood pressure measured at least twice, only 4.7% (1.9%, 11.2%) their blood glucose measured. Less than 21% of patients were asked about their physical activity (11.7% [7.0%, 18.9%]), smoking (18.0% [11.8%, 26.5%]), and alcohol-related behaviors (20.2% [13.7%, 28.9%]). We observed the largest know-do gaps for blood glucose and BMI measurements with smaller but important know-do gaps for the other clinical actions. CVD care did not vary across clinician cadre or by years of experience. We find large CVD care delivery gaps in primary-care facilities across Cambodia. Our results suggest that diabetes is being substantially underdiagnosed and that clinicians are losing CVD prevention potential by not identifying individuals who would benefit from behavioral changes. The large overall and know-do gaps suggest that interventions for improving preventive care need to target both clinical knowledge and the bottlenecks between knowledge and care behavior.
Diagnostics to support the eradication of yaws—Development of two target product profiles
Authors: Fongwen Noah , Handley Becca L. , Martin Diana L. , Beiras Camila , Dyson Louise , Frimpong Michael , Mitja Oriol , Asiedu Kingsley , Marks Michael
Published: September 2022

Background

Yaws is targeted for eradication by 2030, using a strategy based on mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin. New diagnostics are needed to aid eradication. Serology is currently the mainstay for yaws diagnosis; however, inaccuracies associated with current serological tests makes it difficult to fully assess the need for and impact of eradication campaigns using these tools. Under the recommendation of the WHO Diagnostic Technical Advisory Group (DTAG) for Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTDs), a working group was assembled and tasked with agreeing on priority use cases for developing target product profiles (TPPs) for new diagnostics tools.

Methodology and principal findings

The working group convened three times and established two use cases: identifying a single case of yaws and detecting azithromycin resistance. One subgroup assessed the current diagnostic landscape for yaws and a second subgroup determined the test requirements for both use cases. Draft TPPs were sent out for input from stakeholders and experts. Both TPPs considered the following parameters: product use, design, performance, configuration, cost, access and equity. To identify a single case of yaws, the test should be able to detect an analyte which confirms an active infection with at least 95% sensitivity and 99.9% specificity. The high specificity was deemed important to avoid a high false positive rate which could result in unnecessary continuation or initiation of MDA campaigns. If used in settings where the number of suspected cases is low, further testing could be considered to compensate for imperfect sensitivity and to improve specificity. The test to detect azithromycin resistance should be able to detect known genetic resistance mutations with a minimum sensitivity and specificity of 95%, with the caveat that all patients with suspected treatment failure should be treated as having resistant yaws and offered alternative treatment.

Conclusions

The TPPs developed will provide test developers with guidance to ensure that novel diagnostic tests meet identified public health needs.
Long-term health effects perceived by snakebite patients in rural Sri Lanka: A cohort study
Authors: Waiddyanatha Subodha , Silva Anjana , Weerakoon Kosala , Siribaddana Sisira , Isbister Geoffrey K.
Published: September 2022

The acute effects of snakebite are often emphasized, with less information on long-term effects. We aimed to describe the long-term health effects perceived by patients followed up after confirmed snakebites. Two groups of snakebite patients (>18y) from the Anuradhapura snakebite cohort were reviewed: Group I had a snakebite during August 2013-October 2014 and was reviewed after 4 years, and group II had a snakebite during May 2017-August 2018, and was reviewed after one year. Patients were invited by telephone, by sending letters, or doing home visits, including 199 of 736 patients (27%) discharged alive from group I and 168 of 438 patients (38%) from group II, a total of 367 followed up. Health effects were categorised as musculoskeletal, impact on daily life, and medically unexplained. Health issues were attributed to snakebite in 107/199 patients (54%) from group I and 55/168 patients (33%) from group II, suggesting the proportion with health issues increases with time. Sixteen patients (all viperine bites) had permanent musculoskeletal problems, none with a significant functional disability affecting daily routine. 217/367 reported being more vigilant about snakes while working outdoors, but only 21/367 were using protective footwear at review. Of 275 farmers reviewed, only six (2%) had restricted farming activities due to fear of snakebite, and only one stopped farming. 104/199 (52%) of group I and 42/168 (25%) of group II attributed non-specific symptoms (fatigue, body aches, pain, visual impairment) and/or oral cavity-related symptoms (avulsed teeth, loose teeth, receding gums) to the snakebite, which cannot be explained medically. In multivariate logistic regression, farming, type of snake, antivenom administration, and time since snakebite were associated with medically unexplained symptoms. The latter suggests medically unexplained effects increased with time. Based on two groups of snakebite patients reviewed one and four years post-bite, we show that long-term musculoskeletal disabilities are uncommon and not severe in snakebite survivors in rural Sri Lanka. However, a large portion of patients complain of various non-specific general and oral symptoms, not explainable based on the known pathophysiology of snakebite. These perceived effects of snakebite were more common in patients with systemic envenoming, and were more frequent the longer the time post-bite.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associated factors in Malaysia
Authors: Lee Kai Wei , Gew Lai Ti , Siau Ching Sin , Peh Suat Cheng , Chia Yook Chin , Yacob Shakila , Chan Nee Nee , Seow Vei Ken , Ooi Pei Boon
Published: September 2022

The success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme to achieve herd immunity depends on the proportion of the population inoculated. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy is a barrier to reaching a sufficient number of people to achieve herd immunity. This study aims to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and to identify the reasons contributing to vaccine hesitancy using the Theory of Planned Behavior. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between May 2021 to June 2021. Using exponential non-discriminative snowball sampling, participants were recruited via social media and telecommunication platforms. We used a questionnaire that obtained information on participant socio-demographics, vaccine hesitancy, pseudoscientific practices, conspiracy beliefs, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, main reasons for not intending to get the COVID-19 vaccine; influential leaders, gatekeepers and anti-or pro-vaccination lobbies; and global vaccine hesitancy. A total of 354 responses (mean age = 32.5 years old ±13.6; 70.3% females) were included for analysis. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 11.6%. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was significantly and positively associated with those who agreed with influential leaders, gatekeepers, and anti- or pro-vaccination lobbies (adjusted B coefficient = 1.355, p = 0.014), having a “wait and see” attitude to see if the COVID-19 vaccine is safe (adjusted B coefficient = 0. 822, p <0.001), perceiving that the vaccine will give them COVID-19 (adjusted B coefficient = 0.660, p <0.002), planned to use masks/others precautions instead (adjusted B coefficient = 0.345, p = 0.038) and having higher scores in conspiracy beliefs (adjusted B coefficient = 0.128, p <0.001). Concern about the costs associated with the vaccine (adjusted B coefficient = -0.518, p <0.001), subjective norms (adjusted B coefficient = -0.341, p <0.001), and perceived behavioural control (adjusted B coefficient = -0.202, p = 0.004) were negatively associated with vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia is low. Several factors were identified as being associated with vaccine hesitancy. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy would be useful in tailoring specific interventions involving positive messages by influential leaders, which address vaccine misinformation and the wait-and-see attitude which may delay the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.
The epidemiology and evolution of IgA nephropathy over two decades: A single centre experience
Authors: Storrar Joshua , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Sinha Smeeta , Kalra Philip A.
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis worldwide, with an incidence of 2.5 per 100,000 population per year. The 10-year risk of progression to end stage kidney disease (ESKD) or halving of eGFR is 26%. Here we aimed to collect a comprehensive dataset of IgAN patients at our centre over 2 decades to provide real world data, describe outcomes and determine the effects of immunosuppression use.

Design, setting, participants and measurements

All patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven IgAN at our centre over 2 decades were identified. After exclusions, the total cohort size was 401. Data relating to (i) baseline demographics, (ii) laboratory and urine results, (iii) histological data, and (iv) outcomes of initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and mortality were collected.

Results

The median age was 45.0 years, with 69.6% male and 57.6% hypertensive; 20.4% received immunosuppression, 29.7% progressed to RRT and 19.7% died, over a median follow up period of 51 months. Baseline eGFR was 46.7ml/min/1.73m2 and baseline uPCR was 183mg/mmol. Median rate of eGFR decline was -1.31ml/min/1.73m2/year. Those with a higher MEST-C score had worse outcomes. Immunosuppression use was associated with an increased rate of improvement in proteinuria, but not with a reduction in RRT or mortality. Factors favouring improved outcomes with immunosuppression use included female gender; lower age, blood pressure and T-score; higher eGFR; and ACEi/ARB use.

Conclusions

A variety of clinical and histological factors are important in determining risk of progression in IgAN. Therapeutic interventions, particularly use of immunosuppression, should be individualised and guided by these factors.
The determination of causality of drug induced liver injury in patients with COVID-19 clinical syndrome
Authors: Naseralallah Lina Mohammad , Aboujabal Bodoor Abdallah , Geryo Nejat Mohamed , Al Boinin Aisha , Al Hattab Fatima , Akbar Raza , Umer Waseem , Abdul Jabbar Layla , Danjuma Mohammed I.
Published: September 2022

Background

Drug induced liver injury (DILI) is a rising morbidity amongst patients with COVID-19 clinical syndrome. The updated RUCAM causality assessment scale is validated for use in the general population, but its utility for causality determination in cohorts of patients with COVID-19 and DILI remains uncertain.

Methods

This retrospective study was comprised of COVID-19 patients presenting with suspected DILI to the emergency department of Weill Cornell medicine-affiliated Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar. All cases that met the inclusion criteria were comparatively adjudicated by two independent rating pairs (2 clinical pharmacist and 2 physicians) utilizing the updated RUCAM scale to assess the likelihood of DILI.

Results

A total of 72 patients (mean age 48.96 (SD ± 10.21) years) were examined for the determination of DILI causality. The majority had probability likelihood of “possible” or “probable” by the updated RUCAM scale. Azithromycin was the most commonly reported drug as a cause of DILI. The median R-ratio was 4.74 which correspond to a mixed liver injury phenotype. The overall Krippendorf’s kappa was 0.52; with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.79 (IQR 0.72–0.85). The proportion of exact pairwise agreement and disagreement between the rating pairs were 64.4%, kappa 0.269 (ICC 0.28 [0.18, 0.40]) and kappa 0.45 (ICC 0.43 [0.29–0.57]), respectively.

Conclusion

In a cohort of patients with COVID-19 clinical syndrome, we found the updated RUCAM scale to be useful in establishing “possible” or “probable” DILI likelihood as evident by the respective kappa values; this results if validated by larger sample sized studies will extend the clinical application of this universal tool for adjudication of DILI.
Coral taxonomy and local stressors drive bleaching prevalence across the Hawaiian Archipelago in 2019
Authors: Winston Morgan , Oliver Thomas , Couch Courtney , Donovan Mary K. , Asner Gregory P. , Conklin Eric , Fuller Kimberly , Grady Bryant W. , Huntington Brittany , Kageyama Kazuki , Kindinger Tye L. , Kozar Kelly , Kramer Lindsey , Martinez Tatiana , McCutcheon Amanda , McKenna Sheila , Rodgers Ku‘ulei , Shayler Cameron Kaʻilikea , Vargas-Angel Bernardo , Zgliczynski Brian
Published: September 2022

The Hawaiian Archipelago experienced a moderate bleaching event in 2019—the third major bleaching event over a 6-year period to impact the islands. In response, the Hawai‘i Coral Bleaching Collaborative (HCBC) conducted 2,177 coral bleaching surveys across the Hawaiian Archipelago. The HCBC was established to coordinate bleaching monitoring efforts across the state between academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies to facilitate data sharing and provide management recommendations. In 2019, the goals of this unique partnership were to: 1) assess the spatial and temporal patterns of thermal stress; 2) examine taxa-level patterns in bleaching susceptibility; 3) quantify spatial variation in bleaching extent; 4) compare 2019 patterns to those of prior bleaching events; 5) identify predictors of bleaching in 2019; and 6) explore site-specific management strategies to mitigate future bleaching events. Both acute thermal stress and bleaching in 2019 were less severe overall compared to the last major marine heatwave events in 2014 and 2015. Bleaching observed was highly site- and taxon-specific, driven by the susceptibility of remaining coral assemblages whose structure was likely shaped by previous bleaching and subsequent mortality. A suite of environmental and anthropogenic predictors was significantly correlated with observed bleaching in 2019. Acute environmental stressors, such as temperature and surface light, were equally important as previous conditions (e.g. historical thermal stress and historical bleaching) in accounting for variation in bleaching during the 2019 event. We found little evidence for acclimation by reefs to thermal stress in the main Hawaiian Islands. Moreover, our findings illustrate how detrimental effects of local anthropogenic stressors, such as tourism and urban run-off, may be exacerbated under high thermal stress. In light of the forecasted increase in severity and frequency of bleaching events, future mitigation of both local and global stressors is a high priority for the future of corals in Hawai‘i.
An intensity-based post-processing tool for 3D instance segmentation of organelles in soft X-ray tomograms
Authors: Li Angdi , Zhang Shuning , Loconte Valentina , Liu Yan , Ekman Axel , Thompson Garth J. , Sali Andrej , Stevens Raymond C. , White Kate , Singla Jitin , Sun Liping
Published: September 2022

Investigating the 3D structures and rearrangements of organelles within a single cell is critical for better characterizing cellular function. Imaging approaches such as soft X-ray tomography have been widely applied to reveal a complex subcellular organization involving multiple inter-organelle interactions. However, 3D segmentation of organelle instances has been challenging despite its importance in organelle characterization. Here we propose an intensity-based post-processing tool to identify and separate organelle instances. Our tool separates sphere-like (insulin vesicle) and columnar-shaped organelle instances (mitochondrion) based on the intensity of raw tomograms, semantic segmentation masks, and organelle morphology. We validate our tool using synthetic tomograms of organelles and experimental tomograms of pancreatic β-cells to separate insulin vesicle and mitochondria instances. As compared to the commonly used connected regions labeling, watershed, and watershed + Gaussian filter methods, our tool results in improved accuracy in identifying organelles in the synthetic tomograms and an improved description of organelle structures in β-cell tomograms. In addition, under different experimental treatment conditions, significant changes in volumes and intensities of both insulin vesicle and mitochondrion are observed in our instance results, revealing their potential roles in maintaining normal β-cell function. Our tool is expected to be applicable for improving the instance segmentation of other images obtained from different cell types using multiple imaging modalities.
Estimation of Ebola’s spillover infection exposure in Sierra Leone based on sociodemographic and economic factors
Authors: Mursel Sena , Alter Nathaniel , Slavit Lindsay , Smith Anna , Bocchini Paolo , Buceta Javier
Published: September 2022

Zoonotic diseases spread through pathogens-infected animal carriers. In the case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), evidence supports that the main carriers are fruit bats and non-human primates. Further, EVD spread is a multi-factorial problem that depends on sociodemographic and economic (SDE) factors. Here we inquire into this phenomenon and aim at determining, quantitatively, the Ebola spillover infection exposure map and try to link it to SDE factors. To that end, we designed and conducted a survey in Sierra Leone and implement a pipeline to analyze data using regression and machine learning techniques. Our methodology is able (1) to identify the features that are best predictors of an individual’s tendency to partake in behaviors that can expose them to Ebola infection, (2) to develop a predictive model about the spillover risk statistics that can be calibrated for different regions and future times, and (3) to compute a spillover exposure map for Sierra Leone. Our results and conclusions are relevant to identify the regions in Sierra Leone at risk of EVD spillover and, consequently, to design and implement policies for an effective deployment of resources (e.g., drug supplies) and other preventative measures (e.g., educational campaigns).
Loaded inter-set stretch may selectively enhance muscular adaptations of the plantar flexors
Authors: Van Every Derrick W. , Coleman Max , Rosa Avery , Zambrano Hugo , Plotkin Daniel , Torres Xavier , Mercado Mariella , De Souza Eduardo O. , Alto Andrew , Oberlin Douglas J. , Vigotsky Andrew D. , Schoenfeld Brad J.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in changes in muscle strength and muscle thickness (MT) of the plantar flexor muscles between traditional resistance training (RT) involving passive rest and RT combined with inter-set stretch in the calf raise exercise. Employing a within-subject design, 21 young, healthy men performed plantar flexion exercises twice per week in both a traditional RT (TRAD) format and combined with a 20-second inter-set stretch (STRETCH). One leg was randomly assigned to the TRAD condition and the contralateral leg performed the STRETCH condition throughout the 8-week study period. Dependent variables included MT of the lateral gastrocnemius (LG), medial gastrocnemius (MG) and the soleus (SOL), and isometric strength of the plantar flexors. Results indicated a potential beneficial hypertrophic effect of STRETCH compared to TRAD for the SOL [0.7 mm, CI90% = (0, 1.6)], while the LG had more ambiguous effects [0.4 mm (−0.4, 1.3)] and MG effects were equivocal [0 mm (−0.6, 0.7)]. In general, LG demonstrated greater standardized growth [z = 1.1 (1, 1.3)] as compared to MG [z = 0.3 (0.2, 0.5)] and SOL [z = 0.3 (0.2, 0.5)]. Measures of isometric strength showed a modest advantage to STRETCH. In conclusion, loaded inter-set stretch may enhance MT of the soleus but effects on the gastrocnemii appear uncertain or unlikely in untrained men; plantar flexor strength appears to be modestly enhanced by the interventional strategy.
Artificial intelligence for topic modelling in Hindu philosophy: Mapping themes between the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita
Authors: Chandra Rohitash , Ranjan Mukul
Published: September 2022

The Upanishads are known as one of the oldest philosophical texts in the world that form the foundation of Hindu philosophy. The Bhagavad Gita is the core text of Hindu philosophy and is known as a text that summarises the key philosophies of the Upanishads with a major focus on the philosophy of karma. These texts have been translated into many languages and there exist studies about themes and topics that are prominent; however, there is not much done using language models which are powered by deep learning. In this paper, we use advanced language models such as BERT to provide topic modelling of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. We then map those topics of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads since it is well known that Bhagavad Gita summarizes the key messages in the Upanishads. We also analyse the distinct and overlapping topics amongst the texts and visualise the link of selected texts of the Upanishads with the Bhagavad Gita. Our results show very high similarity between the topics of these two texts with the mean cosine similarity of 73%. We find that out of the fourteen topics extracted from the Bhagavad Gita, nine of them have a cosine similarity of more than 70% with the topics of the Upanishads. We also find that topics generated by the BERT-based models show very high coherence when compared to the conventional models. Our best-performing model gives a coherence score of 73% on the Bhagavad Gita and 69% on the Upanishads. The visualization of the low-dimensional embeddings of these texts shows very clear overlapping themes among their topics adding another level of validation to our results.
Effects of walking impairment on mental health burden, health risk behavior and quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication: A cross-sectional path analysis
Authors: Rezvani Farhad , Pelt Mara , Härter Martin , Dirmaier Jörg
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Intermittent claudication is the leading symptom of peripheral artery disease (leg pain when walking). The present study investigates the extent to which walking impairment is associated with health-related quality of life, mental health and health risk behavior.

Methods

A theory-based, cross-sectional path model was empirically examined using pre-intervention baseline data from a multicenter, randomized-controlled trial of patients with intermittent claudication (PAD-TeGeCoach). Data were available from 1 696 patients who completed a battery of questionnaires between April 14, 2018 and March 12, 2019, including measures of walking impairment (Walking Impairment Questionnaire), health-related quality of life (SF-12), mental burden (GAD-7, PHQ-9), nicotine- and alcohol-related risk behavior (Fagerström-Test, AUDIT-C). Sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid conditions were included in the postulated model a priori to minimize confounding effects.

Results

Walking impairment was associated with an increase in depressive (β = -.36, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms (β = -.24, p < .001). The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 48.3% and 35.5%, respectively, with female patients and those of younger age being at greater risk. Depressive symptoms were predictive of an increased tobacco use (β = .21; p < .001). Walking impairment had adverse effects on physical quality of life, both directly (β = .60, p < .001) and indirectly mediated through depressive symptoms (β = -.16, p < .001); and indirectly on mental quality of life mediated through depressive (β = -.43, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms (β = -.35, p < .001).

Discussion

The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive treatment strategy in patients with intermittent claudication. Measures to improve walking impairment (e.g. exercise training) are key to enhance quality of life and should be the primary treatment. As a key mediator of mental quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms should be addressed by rigorously including mental health treatment. Risky health behaviors should be approached by promoting behavior change (e.g. smoking cessation) as a secondary prevention of peripheral artery disease.
Bacteriological quality and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of isolates of ready-to-eat raw minced meat from hotels and restaurants in Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Authors: Tonjo Tomas , Manilal Aseer , Seid Mohammed
Published: September 2022

In Ethiopia, the bacteriological quality of ready-to-eat raw meat is of a great public health concern as it can serve as a source of meat-borne pathogens and worsen the transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria, and hence this cross-sectional study, done on 257 meat samples (ie., 169 beef, 50 mutton and 38 chevon) from randomly selected hotels and restaurants (n = 52). Approximately 25 gm of meat samples were taken bi-weekly and subjected to quantitative and qualitative analyses; antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done as per the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. It was found that 13.2 (n = 34), 17.5 (n = 45) and 21.8% (n = 56) samples exceeded the permissible limit for total viable and coliform and S. aureus counts, respectively. At the same time, 24.9% (n = 64) surpassed the bacteriological limit permissible for consumption. Overall, 36.6% (n = 94) of samples were extrapolated as unsatisfactory for consumption due to high bacterial load and or the presence of pathogens. Five different bacterial spp. such as E. coli 65% (n = 167), S. aureus 59% (n = 152), Salmonella spp. 28.4% (n = 73), Campylobacter spp. 14.4% (n = 37) and Shigella spp. 4.3% (n = 11) were isolated in varied proportions. Alarmingly, 60% (n = 264) of the isolates were multi-drug resistant and 51% of S. aureus were found to be MRSA.
Quantitation of phosphohistidine in proteins in a mammalian cell line by 31P NMR
Authors: Makwana Mehul V. , Williamson Mike P. , Jackson Richard F. W. , Muimo Richmond
Published: September 2022

There is growing evidence to suggest that phosphohistidines are present at significant levels in mammalian cells and play a part in regulating cellular activity, in particular signaling pathways related to cancer. Because of the chemical instability of phosphohistidine at neutral or acid pH, it remains unclear how much phosphohistidine is present in cells. Here we describe a protocol for extracting proteins from mammalian cells in a way that avoids loss of covalent phosphates from proteins, and use it to measure phosphohistidine concentrations in human bronchial epithelial cell (16HBE14o-) lysate using 31P NMR spectroscopic analysis. Phosphohistidine is determined on average to be approximately one third as abundant as phosphoserine and phosphothreonine combined (and thus roughly 15 times more abundant than phosphotyrosine). The amount of phosphohistidine, and phosphoserine/phosphothreonine per gram of protein from a cell lysate was determined to be 23 μmol/g and 68 μmol/g respectively. The amount of phosphohistidine, and phosphoserine/phosphothreonine per cell was determined to be 1.8 fmol/cell, and 5.8 fmol/cell respectively. Phosphorylation is largely at the N3 (tele) position. Typical tryptic digest conditions result in loss of most of the phosphohistidine present, which may explain why the amounts reported here are greater than is generally seen using mass spectroscopy assays. The results further strengthen the case for a functional role of phosphohistidine in eukaryotic cells.
The association between E. coli exceedances in drinking water supplies and healthcare utilisation of older people
Authors: Mohan Gretta , Lyons Seán
Published: September 2022

Evidence concerning the effects of indicators of waterborne pathogens on healthcare systems is of importance for policymaking, future infrastructure considerations and healthcare planning. This paper examines the association between the detection of E. coli in water tests associated with drinking water supplies and the use of healthcare services by older people in Ireland. Uniquely, three sources of data are linked to conduct the analysis. Administrative records of E. coli exceedances recorded from routine water quality tests carried out by Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency are first linked to maps of water systems infrastructure in Ireland. Then, residential addresses of participants of The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA), a nationally representative survey of over 50-year-olds in Ireland, are linked to the water systems dataset which has the associated water quality monitoring information. Multivariate regression analysis estimates a greater incident rate ratio (IRR) of General Practitioner (GP) visits in the previous year where E. coli is detected in the water supply associated with an older person’s residence (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 1.118; [95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.019–1.227]), controlling for demographic and socio-economic factors, health insurance coverage, health, and health behaviours. Where E. coli is detected in water, a higher IRR is also estimated for visits to an Emergency Department (IRR: 1.292; [95% CI: 0.995–1.679]) and nights spent in hospital (IRR: 1.351 [95% CI: 1.004–1.818]).
Acute febrile illness among outpatients seeking health care in Bangladeshi hospitals prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Das Pritimoy , Rahman M. Ziaur , Banu Sayera , Rahman Mahmudur , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Chowdhury Fahmida , Akhtar Zubair , Palit Anik , Martin Daniel W. , Anwar Mahabub Ul , Namwase Angella Sandra , Angra Pawan , Kato Cecilia Y. , Ramos Carmen J. , Singleton Joseph , Stewart-Juba Jeri , Patel Nikita , Condit Marah , Chung Ida H. , Galloway Renee , Friedman Michael , Cohen Adam L.
Published: September 2022

Understanding the distribution of pathogens causing acute febrile illness (AFI) is important for clinical management of patients in resource-poor settings. We evaluated the proportion of AFI caused by specific pathogens among outpatients in Bangladesh. During May 2019-March 2020, physicians screened patients aged ≥2 years in outpatient departments of four tertiary level public hospitals. We randomly enrolled patients having measured fever (≥100.4°F) during assessment with onset within the past 14 days. Blood and urine samples were tested at icddr,b through rapid diagnostic tests, bacterial culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Acute and convalescent samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA) forRickettsiaandOrientia(R/O) andLeptospiratests. Among 690 patients, 69 (10%) had enteric fever (Salmonella entericaserotype Typhi orSalmonella entericaserotype Paratyphi), 51 (7.4%)Escherichia coli, and 28 (4.1%) dengue detected. Of the 441 patients tested forR/O, 39 (8.8%) had rickettsioses. We found 7 (2%)Leptospiracases among the 403 AFI patients tested. Nine patients (1%) were hospitalized, and none died. The highest proportion of enteric fever (15%, 36/231) and rickettsioses (14%, 25/182) was in Rajshahi. Dhaka had the most dengue cases (68%, 19/28).R/Oaffected older children and young adults (IQR 8–23 years) and was detected more frequently in the 21–25 years age-group (17%, 12/70).R/Owas more likely to be found in patients in Rajshahi region than in Sylhet (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 0.85–7.32) between July and December (aOR 2.01, 1.01–5.23), and who had a history of recent animal entry inside their house than not (aOR 2.0, 0.93–4.3). Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae were the most common bacterial infections, and dengue was the most common viral infection among AFI patients in Bangladeshi hospitals, though there was geographic variability. These results can help guide empiric outpatient AFI management.