bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha‐synuclein pathology in isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Iftikhar Imran H. , AlShimemeri Sohaila , Rabah Hussein , Rao Saad Tauheed , BaHammam Ahmed S.
Published: April 2024

Accumulating evidence indicates that patients with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD), a prodromal stage of synucleinopathies, show abnormal deposition of misfolded alpha‐synuclein (a‐Syn) in peripheral tissues. The clinical utility of testing for a‐Syn in iRBD is unclear. This meta‐analysis focused on the utility of testing for the abnormal a‐Syn phosphorylated at Ser129 (p‐syn) and a‐Syn seeding activity (a‐Syn seed amplification assays [aSyn‐SAA]). Following an electronic database search, 15 studies were included that provided at a minimum data on test positivity in participants with iRBD. Test positivity from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68–88%, I2 = 71%) and for skin was 74.8% (95% CI 53.2–88.5%, I2 = 64%) for aSyn‐SAA and 78.5% (95% CI 70.4–84.9%, I2 = 14%) for p‐syn. The phenoconversion rate ratio of biopsy‐positive versus biopsy‐negative iRBD was 1.28 (95% CI 0.68–2.41, I2 = 0%). Skin as a source had a specificity of 99% (95% CI 95–100%, I2 = 0%; p = 0.01 compared to CSF). As a test, p‐syn, had a specificity of 100% (95% CI 93–100%, I2 = 0%; p < 0.001) compared to aSyn‐SAA. The odds ratio of a‐Syn test positivity in iRBD versus other RBDs was 112 (95% CI 20–629, I2 = 0%). These results demonstrate clinically significant test positivity in iRBD and favour skin over CSF as the source of a‐Syn pathological analysis, and p‐syn over aSyn‐SAA as the testing method. Overall, these findings indicate that testing for a‐Syn could help in differentiating iRBD from RBD secondary to other conditions.
Management of biliary tract cancers in early‐onset patients: A nested multicenter retrospective study of the ACABI GERCOR PRONOBIL cohort
Authors: Lebeaud Antoine , Antoun Leony , Paccard Jane‐Rose , Edeline Julien , Bourien Hélène , Fares Nadim , Tournigand Christophe , Lecomte Thierry , Tougeron David , Hautefeuille Vincent , Viénot Angélique , Henriques Julie , Williet Nicolas , Bachet Jean‐Baptiste , Smolenschi Cristina , Hollebecque Antoine , Macarulla Teresa , Castet Florian , Malka David , Neuzillet Cindy , Vernerey Dewi , Boilève Alice , Turpin Anthony
Published: April 2024

Background & Aims

Accumulating data has shown the rising incidence and poor prognosis of early‐onset gastrointestinal cancers, but few data exist on biliary tract cancers (BTC). We aimed to analyse the clinico‐pathological, molecular, therapeutic characteristics and prognosis of patients with early onset BTC (EOBTC, age ≤50 years at diagnosis), versus olders.

Methods

We analysed patients diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder adenocarcinoma between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2021. Baseline characteristics and treatment were described in each group and compared. Progression‐free survival, overall survival and disease‐free survival were estimated in each group using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

Overall, 1256 patients were included, 188 (15%) with EOBTC. Patients with EOBTC demonstrated fewer comorbidities (63.5% vs. 84.5%, p < .0001), higher tumour stage (cT3–4: 50.0% vs. 32.3%, p = .0162), bilobar liver involvement (47.8% vs. 32.1%, p = .0002), and metastatic disease (67.6% vs. 57.5%, p = .0097) compared to older. Patients with EOBTC received second‐line therapy more frequently (89.5% vs. 81.0% non‐EOBTC, p = .0224). For unresectable patients with BTC, median overall survival was 17.0 vs. 16.2 months (p = .0876), and median progression‐free survival was 5.8 vs. 6.0 months (p = .8293), in EOBTC vs. older. In advanced stages, fewer actionable alterations were found in EOBTC (e.g., IDH1 mutations [7.8% vs. 16.6%]; FGFR2‐fusion [11.7% vs. 8.9%]; p = .029).

Conclusions

Patients with EOBTC have a more advanced disease at diagnosis, are treated more heavily at an advanced stage but show similar survival. A distinctive molecular profile enriched for FGRF2 fusions was found.
Symbiodiniaceae diversity varies by host and environment across thermally distinct reefs
Authors: Marzonie Magena R. , Nitschke Matthew R. , Bay Line K. , Bourne David G. , Harrison Hugo B.
Published: April 2024

Endosymbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) influence coral thermal tolerance at both local and regional scales. In isolation, the effects of host genetics, environment, and thermal disturbances on symbiont communities are well understood, yet their combined effects remain poorly resolved. Here, we investigate Symbiodiniaceae across 1300 km in Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park to disentangle these interactive effects. We identified Symbiodiniaceae to species‐level resolution for three coral species (Acropora cf humilis, Pocillopora verrucosa, and Pocillopora meandrina) by sequencing two genetic markers of the symbiont (ITS2 and psbAncr), paired with genotype‐by‐sequencing of the coral host (DArT‐seq). Our samples predominantly returned sequences from the genus Cladocopium, where Acropora cf humilis affiliated with C3k, Pocillopora verrucosa with C. pacificum, and Pocillopora meandrina with C. latusorum. Multivariate analyses revealed that Acropora symbionts were driven strongly by local environment and thermal disturbances. In contrast, Pocillopora symbiont communities were both partitioned 2.5‐fold more by host genetic structure than by environmental structure. Among the two Pocillopora species, the effects of environment and host genetics explained four times more variation in symbionts for P. meandrina than P. verrucosa. The concurrent bleaching event in 2020 had variable impacts on symbiont communities, consistent with patterns in P. verrucosa and A. cf humilis, but not P. meandrina. Our findings demonstrate how symbiont macroscale community structure responses to environmental gradients depend on host species and their respective population structure. Integrating host, symbiont, and environmental data will help forecast the adaptive potential of corals and their symbionts amidst a rapidly changing environment.
Good reasons to philosophize: On Hadot, Cooper, and ancient philosophical protreptic
Authors: Sharpe Matthew
Published: April 2024

This paper reassesses the Cooper‐Hadot debate surrounding how students are converted to philosophy as a way of life (section 1) through engagement with philosophical protreptics. In section 2, the paper identifies the core “argument from finality” in philosophical protreptics seeking to convert non‐philosophers to philosophy, starting from the universal human interest in securing eudaimonia. In line with Cooper, this argument seeks to persuade prospective students on rational grounds, so that their choice to philosophise would be rationally motivated. In section 3.1, the paper illustrates how in Plato's Euthydemus (a) the choice to undertake philosophy is rationally justified by Socrates, using the eudaimonistic argument from finality. In section 3.2, by recourse to Aristotle's Protrepticus, the paper shows how the protreptic texts also compared philosophy to other intellectual pursuits, notably rhetoric, so as to recommend philosophy specifically for delivering a directive wisdom concerning how to live.
Context‐aware hand gesture interaction for human–robot collaboration in construction
Authors: Wang Xin , Veeramani Dharmaraj , Dai Fei , Zhu Zhenhua
Published: April 2024

Construction robots play a pivotal role in enabling intelligent processes within the construction industry. User‐friendly interfaces that facilitate efficient human–robot collaboration are essential for promoting robot adoption. However, most of the existing interfaces do not consider contextual information in the collaborative environment. The situation where humans and robots work together in the same jobsite creates a unique environmental context. Overlooking contextual information would limit the potential to optimize interaction efficiency. This paper proposes a novel context‐aware method that utilizes a two‐stream network to enhance human–robot interaction in construction settings. In the proposed network, the first‐person view‐based stream focuses on the relevant spatiotemporal regions for context extraction, while the motion sensory data‐based stream obtains features related to hand motions. By fusing the vision context and motion data, the method achieves gesture recognition for efficient communication between construction workers and robots. Experimental evaluation on a dataset from five construction sites demonstrates an overall classification accuracy of 92.6%, underscoring the practicality and potential benefits of the proposed method.
Low toxicity contributes to Sporothrix globosa invade the skin of patients in low‐epidemic areas of China
Authors: Qu Yuying , Feng Yahui , Bian Shaodong , Yang Yang , Li Dongmei , Liu Weida , Shi Dongmei
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the clinical characteristics of sporotrichosis in low‐endemic areas of China, including the prevalence geography, genotypic traits of patients, clinical manifestations, and strain virulence and drug sensitivities. The objective is to improve the currently used clinical management strategies for sporotrichosis.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from patients diagnosed with sporotrichosis through fungal culture identification. The isolates from purified cultures underwent identification using CAL (Calmodulin) gene sequencing. Virulence of each strain was assessed using a Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella) larvae infection model. In vitro susceptibility testing against commonly used clinical antifungal agents for sporotrichosis was conducted following CLSI criteria.

Results

In our low‐endemic region for sporotrichosis, the majority of cases (23) were observed in middle‐aged and elderly women with a history of trauma, with a higher incidence during winter and spring. All clinical isolates were identified as Sporothrix globosa (S. globosa). The G. mellonella larvae infection model indicated independent and dose‐dependent virulence among strains, with varying toxicity levels demonstrated by the degree of melanization of the G. mellonella. Surprisingly, lymphocutaneous types caused by S. globosa exhibited lower in vitro virulence but were more common in affected skin. In addition, all S.globosa strains displayed high resistances to fluconazole, while remaining highly susceptible to terbinafine, itraconazole and amphotericin B.

Conclusion

Given the predominance of elderly women engaged in agricultural labour in our region, which is a low‐epidemic areas, they should be considered as crucial targets for sporotrichosis monitoring. S. globosa appears to be the sole causative agent locally. However, varying degrees of melanization in larvae were observed among these isolates, indicating a divergence in their virulence. Itraconazole, terbinafine and amphotericin B remain viable first‐line antifungal options for treating S.globosa infection.
A novel heterozygous variant of the SALL1 gene with atypical Townes‐Brocks syndrome phenotypes in Chinese family
Authors: Liu Xuyan , Wang Hong , Zhang Yiyin , Zhang Ran , Zhang Ruixiao , Shi Xiaomeng , Pan Fengjiao , Qiao Dan , Xin Qing , Liu Zhiying , Zhang Yan , Li Changying , Lang Yanhua , Shao Leping
Published: April 2024

Townes‐Brocks syndrome (TBS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by the triad of anorectal, thumb, and ear malformations. It may also be accompanied by defects in kidney, heart, eyes, hearing, and feet. TBS has been demonstrated to result from heterozygous variants in the SALL1 gene, which encodes zinc finger protein believed to function as a transcriptional repressor. The clinical characteristics of an atypical TBS phenotype patient from a Chinese family are described, with predominant manifestations including external ear dysplasia, unilateral renal hypoplasia with mild renal dysfunction, and hearing impairment. A novel heterozygous variant c.3060T>A (p.Tyr1020*) in exon 2 of the SALL1 gene was identified in this proband. Pyrosequencing of the complementary DNA of the proband revealed that the variant transcript accounted for 48% of the total transcripts in peripheral leukocytes, indicating that this variant transcript has not undergone nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. This variant c.3060T > A is located at the terminal end of exon 2, proximal to the 3′ end of the SALL1 gene, and exerts a relatively minor impact on protein function. We suggest that the atypical TBS phenotype observed in the proband may be attributed to the truncated protein retaining partial SALL1 function.
Ideas of the university
Authors: Dirks Nicholas B.
Published: April 2024

When intellectual values are no longer paramount, other commitments—say to the professionalized disciplinary pathways that have congealed as the default means of university organization and governance—not only fill the vacuum but seriously limit our imagination.
Coordinated distributed experiments in ecology do not consistently reduce heterogeneity in effect size
Authors: Bebout Julia , Fox Jeremy W.
Published: April 2024

Ecological meta‐analyses usually exhibit high relative heterogeneity of effect size: most among‐study variation in effect size represents true variation in mean effect size, rather than sampling error. This heterogeneity arises from both methodological and ecological sources. Methodological heterogeneity is a nuisance that complicates the interpretation of data syntheses. One way to reduce methodological heterogeneity is via coordinated distributed experiments, in which investigators conduct the same experiment at different sites, using the same methods. We tested whether coordinated distributed experiments in ecology exhibit 1) low heterogeneity in effect size, and 2) lower heterogeneity than meta‐analyses, using data on 17 effects from eight coordinated distributed experiments, and 406 meta‐analyses. Consistent with our expectations, among‐site heterogeneity typically comprised <50% of the variance in effect size in distributed experiments. In contrast, heterogeneity within and among studies typically comprised >90% of the variance in effect size in meta‐analyses. However, this difference largely reflected the small size of most coordinated distributed experiments, and was no longer significant after controlling for size (number of studies or sites). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that methodological heterogeneity rarely comprises a substantial fraction of variance in effect size in ecology. We also conducted pairwise comparisons of absolute heterogeneity between coordinated distributed experiments and meta‐analyses on the same topics. Coordinated distributed experiments did not consistently exhibit lower absolute heterogeneity in effect size than meta‐analyses on the same topics. Our findings suggest that coordinated distributed experiments rarely increase uniformity of results by reducing methodological heterogeneity. Our results help refine the numerous distinct reasons for conducting coordinated distributed experiments.
Case series of peripherally inserted central catheter insertion in young children: A new approach to the axillary vein
Authors: Frykholm Peter , Modiri Ali‐Reza , Frithiof Robert
Published: April 2024

Background

We have developed a new approach for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion that we think has several advantages, including ease of insertion, access to a larger vein and patient comfort.

Methods

In this case series report, the first 19 cases were audited.

Results

All PICCs were inserted without complications; 17 on the first attempt.

Conclusion

We conclude that the novel approach to the axillary vein for PICC insertion is feasible and appears to be safe when performed by an experienced operator.
Laboratory‐scale preparation of prostaglandins using acetone powder of the red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla
Authors: Illijas Muhammad Ikbal , Suzuki Nobuya , Honda Masaki , Arma Nur Rahmawaty , Nasir Andriani , Saleh Luqman , Dahlia Dahlia , Mulyani Rahmi , Itabashi Yutaka
Published: April 2024

The red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla is a prostaglandin (PG)‐producing macroalga. The alga is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with 20 carbon atoms, mainly arachidonic acid (AA), which is a precursor of PGs. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the ability of the red alga to produce PGs using acetone powder as the crude enzyme prepared from the alga. The acetone powder (250 mg) was incubated with different amounts of exogenous AA (0.1–4 mg). For the determination of PG contents, 5 μL of a sample solution (5 mL in water) consisting of acetone powder and AA was injected into the HPLC column. For PG analysis, an HPLC system connected with a mass spectrometer was used. Results of the study showed that the released PGs from incubation of acetone powder and AA consisted of PGE2, 15‐keto‐PGE2, 15‐hydroperoxy‐PGE2, PGA2, and PGF2α. The capability of the crude enzyme prepared from the red alga to produce PGs was affected by available oxygen and AA concentrations. The crude enzyme (250 mg) was capable of producing 164 and 141 μg of PGE2 and 15‐keto‐PGE2, respectively, from incubation with 250 μg of AA. This in vitro method could be a simple way to provide PGs in the laboratory.
Naturalistic use of psychedelics does not modulate processing of self‐related stimuli (but it might modulate attentional mechanisms): An event‐related potentials study
Authors: Orłowski Paweł , Hobot Justyna , Ruban Anastasia , Szczypiński Jan , Bola Michał
Published: April 2024

Classic psychedelics are able to profoundly alter the state of consciousness and lead to acute experiences of ego dissolution – the blurring of the distinction between representations of self and the external world. However, whether repeated use of psychedelics is associated with more prolonged and permanent modifications to the concept of self remains to be investigated. Therefore, we conducted a preregistered, cross‐sectional study in which experienced psychedelics users (15 or more lifetime experiences with psychedelics; N = 56) were compared to nonusers (N = 57) in terms of neural reactivity to a Self‐name (i.e., each participant's own name) stimulus, which is known to robustly activate a representation of self. Two control stimuli were additionally used: an Other‐name stimulus, as a passive control condition in which no reaction was required, and a Target‐name stimulus, to which participants provided a manual response and which thus constituted an active control condition. Analysis of the amplitude of the P300 ERP component evoked by the Self‐ or Target‐names revealed no difference between the psychedelics users and nonusers. However, psychedelic users exhibited increased P300 amplitude during perception of Other‐names. In addition, in comparison to nonusers, psychedelics users exhibited a smaller increase in P300 amplitude when processing the task‐relevant Target‐names (in relation to both Self‐ and Other‐names). Therefore, our data suggests that regular naturalistic use of psychedelics may not be related to long‐term changes in the representation of self, but it might potentially affect the allocation of attentional resources to task‐relevant stimuli.
Coordinating school improvement: Understanding the impact of state implementation approach on coordination in multilevel governance systems
Authors: Green Jordyn E. , Koebele Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2024

Multilevel governance is theorized to facilitate effective policy implementation by encouraging the use of local knowledge and expertise, enabling the participation of non‐government actors, and capitalizing on the coordinating and sanctioning authority of centralized governments. Whether a particular multilevel governance arrangement achieves this, however, depends in part on the degree to which it enables coordination among governmental and non‐governmental actors representing different levels and jurisdictions. Using a comparative case study of education governance reform in the United States, this study investigates how differences in state policy implementation approach impact the structure and mode of coordination in multilevel governance systems and considers the effects this has on policy implementation processes. The results indicate that a state's implementation approach impacts coordination by structuring how different levels of government interact, share information, and influence policy. Specifically, variation in the structure of the central governing agency directly enables or restricts the influence of bottom‐up coordination from lower levels of government. The results also highlight the theoretical limitations of current binary structure models of multilevel governance (i.e., centralized vs. decentralized, top‐down vs. bottom‐up, hierarchy vs. network) for capturing important nuances in policy coordination. These findings advance the understanding of policy coordination in multilevel governance systems and inform the design of institutional arrangements that balance trade‐offs in centralization and the delegation of authority across governance systems during policy implementation.
A Novel Numerical Model Considering Unsaturated Soil Properties and Computational Study on Heat and Moisture Transfer Characteristics of Helix Ground Heat Exchanger
Authors: Liu Yajiao , Zhao Yu , Li Tao , Xiong Ye , Liu Li , Li Zhiyong , Wang Yuan , Chen Zizi
Published: April 2024

A novel three-dimensional numerical simulation model for the helix ground heat exchanger was proposed in this paper, which takes into account unsaturated soil properties. This model is more suitable for real working conditions. To validate its accuracy, a miniature model heat transfer experimental platform was constructed. Additionally, the study conducted simulation research using three types of soil with significantly different thermal and moisture characteristics. Moreover, the comprehensive thermal conductivity and water diffusion coefficient of these three soil types were determined by relevant literature and experimental tests. The aim was to comprehensively explore the impact of different soil types on the heat and mass transfer of the helix ground heat exchanger. The results indicate that the numerical model developed in this paper accurately captures the heat and mass transfer characteristics of the helix ground heat exchanger to a certain extent. Increasing the comprehensive thermal conductivity and water diffusion coefficient of the soil can significantly enhance the heat exchange capacity of the exchanger. For instance, under sandy loam conditions, the heat exchange capacity is approximately 20.73% higher compared to clay loam conditions. The study also identifies two distinct areas around the helix ground heat exchanger: the severe change region and the soft change region. In the severe change region, there is a notable decrease in soil water content near the exchanger, which inevitably weakens the thermal conductivity of the soil. It is advised to minimize this effect through measures like active water spraying.
The Role of Turbulence Transport in Mechanical Energy Budgets
Authors: Przytarski Pawel J. , Lengani Davide , Simoni Daniele , Wheeler Andrew P. S.
Published: April 2024

In this article, we study the role of turbulence transport on loss prediction using high fidelity scale-resolving simulations. For this purpose, we use eight high-fidelity simulation datasets and compute flux of entropy and stagnation pressure transport equation budgets for all the cases. We find that under certain unsteady inflow conditions, the stagnation pressure coefficient is not a reliable loss metric even at low Mach number conditions. This is due to the turbulence transport terms. The impact of these terms, typically assumed to be negligible, made stagnation pressure loss coefficient underpredict loss from 0% to over 40% when compared to entropy loss coefficient for cases considered here. This effect was most pronounced for the cases with highly unsteady inflow conditions and at low Reynolds numbers.
The small molecule CBR-5884 inhibits the
Candida albicans
phosphatidylserine synthase
Authors: Zhou Yue , Phelps Gregory A. , Mangrum Mikayla M. , McLeish Jemma , Phillips Elise K. , Lou Jinchao , Ancajas Christelle F. , Rybak Jeffrey M. , Oelkers Peter M. , Lee Richard E. , Best Michael D. , Reynolds Todd B.
Published: April 2024

Systemic infections by
Candida
spp. are associated with high mortality rates, partly due to limitations in current antifungals, highlighting the need for novel drugs and drug targets. The fungal phosphatidylserine synthase, Cho1, from
Candida albicans
is a logical antifungal drug target due to its importance in virulence, absence in the host, and conservation among fungal pathogens. Inhibitors of Cho1 could serve as lead compounds for drug development, so we developed a target-based screen for inhibitors of purified Cho1. This enzyme condenses serine and cytidyldiphosphate-diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) into phosphatidylserine (PS) and releases cytidylmonophosphate (CMP). Accordingly, we developed an
in vitro
nucleotidase-coupled malachite-green-based high throughput assay for purified
C. albicans
Cho1 that monitors CMP production as a proxy for PS synthesis. Over 7,300 molecules curated from repurposing chemical libraries were interrogated in primary and dose-responsivity assays using this platform. The screen had a promising average
Z
’ score of ~0.8, and seven compounds were identified that inhibit Cho1. Three of these, ebselen, LOC14, and CBR-5884, exhibited antifungal effects against
C. albicans
cells, with fungicidal inhibition by ebselen and fungistatic inhibition by LOC14 and CBR-5884. Only CBR-5884 showed evidence of disrupting
in vivo
Cho1 function by inducing phenotypes consistent with the
cho1∆∆
mutant, including a reduction of cellular PS levels. Kinetics curves and computational docking indicate that CBR-5884 competes with serine for binding to Cho1 with a
K
i
of 1,550 ± 245.6 nM. Thus, this compound has the potential for development into an antifungal compound.

IMPORTANCE

Fungal phosphatidylserine synthase (Cho1) is a logical antifungal target due to its crucial role in the virulence and viability of various fungal pathogens, and since it is absent in humans, drugs targeted at Cho1 are less likely to cause toxicity in patients. Using fungal Cho1 as a model, there have been two unsuccessful attempts to discover inhibitors for Cho1 homologs in whole-cell screens prior to this study. The compounds identified in these attempts do not act directly on the protein, resulting in the absence of known Cho1 inhibitors. The significance of our research is that we developed a high-throughput target-based assay and identified the first Cho1 inhibitor, CBR-5884, which acts both on the purified protein and its function in the cell. This molecule acts as a competitive inhibitor with a
K
i
value of 1,550 ± 245.6 nM and, thus, has the potential for development into a new class of antifungals targeting PS synthase.
Supplemental Material: Carbon-rich polyphasic inclusions in postcollisional mafic magmatic rocks from the Dabie Shan, China: Implications for the carbon cycle in continental subduction zones
Authors: Tan Dongbo , al. et
Published: April 2024

Figure S1: Microphotographs display the textures of polyphasic inclusions trapped in the olivine of Zhujiapu rocks from Dabie Shan. Figure S2: Microphotographs show the abundant carbon phases inside both types of inclusions in four host minerals of Zhujiapu rocks from Dabie Shan. Figure S3: The variation of δ26Mg versus δ25Mg for Zhujiapu rocks from Dabie Shan aligns along the terrestrial equilibrium mass fractionation line. 
Magnitude of fruit and vegetable consumption and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending health services at selected health centers in Yeka subcity, Addis Ababa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hussien Burtukan , Elema Teshome Bekele , Worku Lelisa , Rekiti Taferi Atomsa , Luke Amana Ogatu , Sime Addisu Tadesse , Bogale Eyob Ketema
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess the fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending health services at selected health centres.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. A study was conducted in selected health centres of Yeka subcity, Addis Ababa, from 2 March 2022 to 5 May= 2022. The sample comprised 285 patients with T2DM chosen by simple random sampling technique. Data collection was carried out via a structured questionnaire, followed by interviews and further analysed using SPSS V.25. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe the study population’s characteristics, while logistic regression was used to identify the factors linked to FV consumption.

Results

The study’s findings indicated that the recommended amount of FV consumption was low among study participants at 25.8%, with a range of 20.9%–31.5%. The consumption of FV was linked to various factors, including food prepared by house servants (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.97), having knowledge about FV intake (AOR 4.38, 95% CI 1.88 to 10.15), accessibility of FV (AOR 4.54, 95% CI 2.05 to 10.09), affordability to buy FVs (AOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.04 to 5.18), perceiving FVs as preferable (AOR 4.51, 95% CI 2.13 to 9.54) and awareness of WHO recommendations (AOR = 0.25,95% CI, 0.11–0.55).

Conclusion

About one-fourth of study participants consume more than five servings of FV every day, which is the recommended quantity of servings. Eating food prepared by servants, having no information, difficulty accessing FV, not affording to buy FV, not perceiving FV as a preferable food for diabetics, having awareness about WHO recommendations on FV were factors significantly associated with FV consumption among people with T2DM. Hence health information dissemination about recommended FV consumption among people with T2DM should be strengthened.
Social determinants of the healthcare needs of undocumented migrants living with non-communicable diseases: a scoping review
Authors: Tenorio-Mucha Janeth , Jeffries-Tolksdorf Corinne , Burton-Jeangros Claudine , Refle Jan-Erik , Jackson Yves
Published: April 2024

Objectives

We aimed to map the social determinants of meeting the healthcare needs of undocumented migrants living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) throughout their migration journey (from the country of origin to the country(/ies) of transit and destination).

Design

We conducted a scoping review.

Data sources

We searched literature in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar.

Eligibility criteria

We included articles that describe interventions, programmes or policies for undocumented migrants living with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, or diabetes. There were no restrictions by setting (eg, hospital, community or mobile clinic) or country. We included articles published in English, Spanish, or French between 2000 to 2022.

Data extraction and synthesis

The data were structured according to the Commission on Social Determinants of Health framework, differentiated along the migration journey (country of origin, transit, departure and integration, and country of destination). A new conceptual model emerged from data synthesis.

Results

We included 22 studies out of 953 identified articles. They reported data from Italy, the USA, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France, Austria, and Sweden. They show that individual determinants (material, biological, psychosocial and behavioural) evolve throughout the migration journey and influence healthcare needs. The satisfaction of these needs is conditioned by health system-related determinants such as availability and accessibility. However, the individual and health-system determinants depend on the political and legal context of both the country of origin and the country(/ies) of destination, as well as on the socioeconomic position of undocumented migrants in the destination country.

Conclusions

Migrant health policies should aim at better responding to NCDs-related healthcare needs of undocumented migrants throughout their migration journey, taking into account the social, economic and legal factors that underlie their health vulnerability.
Long-term performance of textured HDPE geomembranes in municipal solid waste landfills
Authors: Rowe R. Kerry , Ali M.M. , Morsy M.S.
Published: April 2024

The effect of blown-film co-extrusion texturing (using entrained nitrogen gas) on the long-term performance of high-density polyethylene geomembranes (GMBs) immersed in synthetic municipal solid waste leachate is examined over an approximately 8-year period. Antioxidant depletion of the textured part is shown to be much faster than that of the smooth edge. Likewise, the degradation in the tensile break properties at 85 °C is faster for the textured part than for the smooth-edge portion and smooth equivalent. The updated estimates for antioxidant depletion time based on data at four different temperatures (40, 55, 75, and 85 °C) over 98 months of data collection are compared with predictions based on 34 months of data, and the implications are discussed. Nominal failure was reached at 75 °C, and this combined with data at 85 °C allows prediction of the time between depletion of standard oxidative induction time and nominal failure at lower temperatures. The effect of salt concentration in incubation fluid on the time to degradation is examined. Finally, the paper comments on the uses of textured versus smooth GMB.
Conserved energy–momentum tensor for real-time lattice simulations
Authors: Boguslavski K. , Lappi T. , Peuron J. , Singh P.
Published: April 2024

We derive an expression for the energy–momentum tensor in the discrete lattice formulation of pure glue QCD. The resulting expression satisfies the continuity equation for energy conservation up to numerical errors with a symmetric procedure for the time discretization. In the case of the momentum conservation equation, we obtain an expression that is of higher accuracy in lattice spacing ($${\mathcal {O}}(a^2)$$

O
(

a
2

)

) than the naive discretization where fields in the continuum expressions are replaced by discretized counterparts. The improvements are verified by performing numerical tests on the derived expressions using classical real-time lattice gauge theory simulations. We demonstrate substantial reductions in relative error of one to several orders of magnitude compared to a naive discretization for both energy and momentum conservation equations. We expect our formulation to have applications in the area of pre-equilibrium dynamics in ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions, in particular for the extraction of transport coefficients such as shear viscosity.
The core of secondary level quantum education: a multi-stakeholder perspective
Authors: Merzel Avraham , Bitzenbauer Philipp , Krijtenburg-Lewerissa Kim , Stadermann Kirsten , Andreotti Erica , Anttila Daria , Bondani Maria , Chiofalo Maria Luisa , Faletič Sergej , Frans Renaat , Goorney Simon , Greinert Franziska , Jurčić Leon , Koupilová Zdeňka , Malgieri Massimiliano , Müller Rainer , Onorato Pasquale , Pospiech Gesche , Ubben Malte , Woitzik Andreas , Pol Henk
Published: April 2024

Quantum physics (QP) education at the secondary school level is still in its infancy. Not only is there ongoing discussion about how to teach this subject, but there is also a lack of coherence in the selection of concepts to be taught, both across countries and over time. To contribute to this discussion, we investigated the perspectives of$N= 39$N=39high school teachers, university-level physics educators, and physics education researchers regarding the essential concepts in QP and the corresponding illustrations that should be introduced at the secondary school level. We examined the prominence of different key concepts and illustrations, as well as the level of consensus among the various professional groups. Our analysis revealed that certain key concepts are universally valued across all professional groups, while others are specific to particular groups. Additionally, we explored the relationships between these key concepts and their corresponding illustrations. Overall, our study offers valuable insights into the perspectives of different stakeholders, emphasizing the essential concepts and visualizations that should be considered when designing and implementing the teaching of QP at the secondary school level.
Perturbation solution of multiphase flow of Williamson fluid through convergent and divergent conduits: Electro-osmotic effects
Authors: Almutairi Shahah , Hussain Farooq , Nazeer Mubbashar , Saleem S. , Mohammed Rubina Sultana
Published: April 2024

Problem Statement: The hafnium particles are suspended through carrier fluid (Williamson fluid) to discuss the momentum analysis in multiphase flow in two different types of configurations.

Research gap: The analysis of the interaction of hafnium nanoparticles with the Williamson fluid model through the convergent and divergent conduits has not been discussed before.

Methodology: The equation of continuity and momentum equations are used for this analysis. The solution of both fluid and particle velocities is obtained through the perturbation analytical technique. The perturbation solution is also compared with the numerical solution.

Computational results: The Weissenberg number decays the velocity distribution. The suspension of hafnium particles updates the flow distribution through the conduits. The magnitude of the stream function decreases via the Weissenberg number.

Applications: This study can help develop a new approach to cancer therapy by using a high atomic number of nanoparticles.

Originality: This analysis is original and has neither been submitted nor published before.
Heat and mass transfer analysis of conducting non-Newtonian nanofluid flows over an elongating sheet with a non-uniform heat source
Authors: Reddy M. Vinodkumar , Meenakumari R. , Sucharitha G. , Ali F. , Zafar S. S. , Lakshminarayana P.
Published: April 2024

Nanofluids help in many fields to improve the performance of thermal systems by augmenting heat transfer rates through their thermophysical properties. The performance of the nanofluids with various base fluids may be different. Therefore, the study and comparison of behaviors of various nanofluids are useful in several applications such as fuel as a coolant in automobiles, and in medical and electronic equipment to reduce the thermal resistance. This research proposed a novel model to investigate the flow behavior of three different nanofluids over an elongating surface in the presence of a non-uniform heat source and thermal radiation effects. This investigation describes how the considered nanofluids behave in the presence of a transverse magnetic field, and other effects. The proposed governing boundary layer partial differential equations (PDEs) are reformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by introducing the proper similarity transformation. The finalized equations are solved numerically with the help of the ND solve package in Mathematica software. We intended how the fluid flow and heat transfer are affected by non-dimensional controlling factors with the help of graphics. Further, the calculations and discussions are accompanied by the numerical values of the skin friction coefficient and heat and mass transfer rates. According to the current findings, the Maxwell nanofluid exhibits superior performance in velocity, and the Oldroyd-B nanofluid shows more concentration and less temperature. As a special case, the results of this investigation are compared with the existing results, and found a good agreement between the results.
Thermodynamic survey of a reactive MHD couple stress fluid through saturated porous substances with convective boundary conditions
Authors: Alsaud Huda , Hassan Anthony R. , Inc Mustafa , Disu Akeem B. , Oke A. S. , Rezapour Shahram
Published: April 2024

This study explores the thermodynamic behavior of a reactive hydromagnetic liquid flowing through permeable materials, with convective cooling applied to the walls. This study holds practical significance in optimization of thermal management systems and it is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of controlling thermal runaway. The flow is modeled as a system of partial differential equations which are numerically solved. The modified Adomian Decomposition Method and Pade approximation technique are utilized in solving the equations. The results acquired for velocity and temperature distributions are thereby employed to estimate entropy generation rate with critical values over numerous effects of various boundaries over improvement of thermal runaway utilizing Pade approximation technique to show the significant impact of convective cooling term (Biot number) and other thermophysical parameters on the fluid flow. The outcomes show that fluid velocity continuously increases with rising values of inverse couple stress and fluid temperature increases Biot number.
CABiT Cabs — Radhika’s Dilemma
Authors: Dsouza Anil , Aranha Rekha , Saldanha Avil , Rani Jaya
Published: April 2024

The focus of this case is the human resources management challenges faced by the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at CABiT Cabs. This case discusses the CHRO’s dilemma in resolving the challenges. CABiT Cabs’ operations and expansion are discussed to provide students an overview of the dynamics and challenges of the radio taxi business. In addition, this case explores the weakness in the CABiT business model and the challenges on the human resources front. The case extensively discusses the dynamics of a start-up and the pressures faced by the top management. Finally, the options available to the protagonist to address the challenges are discussed. The dilemma faced by the protagonist in her career front is also discussed in this case.
Nice Error Basis and Quantum Channel
Authors: Rajarama Bhat B. V. , Chakraborty Purbayan , Franz Uwe
Published: April 2024

The Weyl operators give a convenient basis of [Formula: see text] which is also orthonormal with respect to the Hilbert-Schmidt inner product. The properties of such a basis can be generalised to the notion of a nice error basis (NEB), as introduced by E. Knill [3]. We can use an NEB of [Formula: see text] to construct an NEB for [Formula: see text], the space of linear maps on [Formula: see text]. Any linear map will then correspond to a [Formula: see text] coefficient matrix in the basis decomposition with respect to such an NEB of [Formula: see text]. Positivity, complete (co)positivity or other properties of a linear map can be characterised in terms of such a coefficient matrix.
Lindbladian Dynamics Generates Inter-system Connectedness in Psychological Phenomena
Authors: Englman R.
Published: April 2024

Exploring a general stratagem for the way that Nature operates, one finds that in a variety of phenomena of one’s experience these come into existence (only) thanks to the special way that two disparate systems, being parts of an open system, are coupled together. This connectedness is shown here to come about through a Lindbladian operator, such that it leads to the exclusion of many more possibilities absent in the connectedness. An instance of this phenomenon, here subsumed under the term “inter-system connectedness” and known to occur in the reduction of quantum mechanical wave-packets, is here proposed in the emergence of consciousness resulting from and linked to neural activity. For this, a dual Hilbert-space formulation of mental activities is proposed, which then enables a semi-quantitative explanation of R. N. Shepard’s seminal findings for reaction times in recalls. Affinities with and differences from Khrennikov’s recent widely scoped treatise on these subjects are described.
Cardiac biomarker responses following high-intensity interval and continuous exercise: the influence of ACE-I/D gene polymorphism and training status in men
Authors: Falahati Akram , Arazi Hamid
Published: April 2024

Our study investigated the impact of athletic status and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism on cardiac biomarkers in soccer players. Trained players showed higher baseline cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels, whereas postexercise ΔcTnI remained consistent across groups. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide increased after exercise in both groups, staying within normal limits. ACE genotypes did not significantly affect pre-exercise cTnI. Overall, athletic status influences baseline cTnI, but neither it nor ACE genotypes significantly impact exercise-induced cardiac biomarker responses in this population.
Comprehensive Review of Epidemiology and Treatment of Snakebite Envenomation in West Africa: Case of Benin
Authors: Dossou Ayékotchami Jacques , Fandohan Adandé Belarmain , Omara Timothy , Chippaux Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2024

Snakebite envenomation (SBE) constitutes a public health, social, and economic problem affecting poor communities in intertropical and subtropical regions. This review sought to synthesize literature on snakebite envenomation in Benin to highlight research perspectives and strategies for better management of the menace. A literature search performed in multidisciplinary electronic databases showed that the prevalence of SBE is high in Benin, but the incidences, associated morbidities, and mortalities are greatly underestimated. Most snake envenomations are by Echis ocellatus in Northern Benin during the rainy season. Adults involved in agricultural activities are the most affected. The absence of antivenin serum in the most affected areas explains the preference for alternative and traditional medicine as the first-line treatment for SBE in Benin. In conclusion, it would be imperative to revitalize the snakebite reporting system in order to have better epidemiological data and to develop a sustainable national strategy for the control and management of snakebite envenomation.