bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A long-lasting porcine model of ARDS caused by pneumonia and ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Barbeta Enric , Arrieta Marta , Motos Ana , Bobi Joaquim , Yang Hua , Yang Minlan , Tanzella Giacomo , Di Ginnatale Pierluigi , Nogas Stefano , Vargas Carmen Rosa , Cabrera Roberto , Battaglini Denise , Meli Andrea , Kiarostami Kasra , Vázquez Nil , Fernández-Barat Laia , Rigol Montserrat , Mellado-Artigas Ricard , Frigola Gerard , Camprubí-Rimblas Marta , Ferrer Pau , Martinez Daniel , Artigas Antonio , Ferrando Carlos , Ferrer Miquel , Torres Antoni
Published: June 2023

Background

Animal models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) do not completely resemble human ARDS, struggling translational research. We aimed to characterize a porcine model of ARDS induced by pneumonia—the most common risk factor in humans—and analyze the additional effect of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).

Methods

Bronchoscopy-guided instillation of a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was performed in ten healthy pigs. In six animals (pneumonia-with-VILI group), pulmonary damage was further increased by VILI applied 3 h before instillation and until ARDS was diagnosed by PaO2/FiO2 < 150 mmHg. Four animals (pneumonia-without-VILI group) were protectively ventilated 3 h before inoculum and thereafter. Gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, hemodynamics, microbiological studies and inflammatory markers were analyzed during the 96-h experiment. During necropsy, lobar samples were also analyzed.

Results

All animals from pneumonia-with-VILI group reached Berlin criteria for ARDS diagnosis until the end of experiment. The mean duration under ARDS diagnosis was 46.8 ± 7.7 h; the lowest PaO2/FiO2 was 83 ± 5.45 mmHg. The group of pigs that were not subjected to VILI did not meet ARDS criteria, even when presenting with bilateral pneumonia. Animals developing ARDS presented hemodynamic instability as well as severe hypercapnia despite high-minute ventilation. Unlike the pneumonia-without-VILI group, the ARDS animals presented lower static compliance (p = 0.011) and increased pulmonary permeability (p = 0.013). The highest burden of P. aeruginosa was found at pneumonia diagnosis in all animals, as well as a high inflammatory response shown by a release of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. At histological examination, only animals comprising the pneumonia-with-VILI group presented signs consistent with diffuse alveolar damage.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we established an accurate pulmonary sepsis-induced ARDS model.
Nonlinear changes in delayed functional network topology in Alzheimer’s disease: relationship with amyloid and tau pathology
Authors: Mijalkov Mite , Veréb Dániel , Canal-Garcia Anna , Hinault Thomas , Volpe Giovanni , Pereira Joana B. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the abnormal deposition of pathological processes, such as amyloid-ß and tau, which produces nonlinear changes in the functional connectivity patterns between different brain regions across the Alzheimer’s disease continuum. However, the mechanisms underlying these nonlinear changes remain largely unknown. Here, we address this question using a novel method based on temporal or delayed correlations and calculate new whole-brain functional networks to tackle these mechanisms.

Methods

To assess our method, we evaluated 166 individuals from the ADNI database, including amyloid-beta negative and positive cognitively normal subjects, patients with mild cognitive impairment, and patients with Alzheimer’s disease dementia. We used the clustering coefficient and the global efficiency to measure the functional network topology and assessed their relationship with amyloid and tau pathology measured by positron emission tomography, as well as cognitive performance using tests measuring memory, executive function, attention, and global cognition.

Results

Our study found nonlinear changes in the global efficiency, but not in the clustering coefficient, showing that the nonlinear changes in functional connectivity are due to an altered ability of brain regions to communicate with each other through direct paths. These changes in global efficiency were most prominent in early disease stages. However, later stages of Alzheimer’s disease were associated with widespread network disruptions characterized by changes in both network measures. The temporal delays required for the detection of these changes varied across the Alzheimer’s disease continuum, with shorter delays necessary to detect changes in early stages and longer delays necessary to detect changes in late stages. Both global efficiency and clustering coefficient showed quadratic associations with pathological amyloid and tau burden as well as cognitive decline.

Conclusions

This study suggests that global efficiency is a more sensitive indicator of network changes in Alzheimer’s disease when compared to clustering coefficient. Both network properties were associated with pathology and cognitive performance, demonstrating their relevance in clinical settings. Our findings provide an insight into the mechanisms underlying nonlinear changes in functional network organization in Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that it is the lack of direct connections that drives these functional changes.
Determinants of antenatal care utilization – contacts and screenings – in Sao Tome & Principe: a hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Vasconcelos Alexandra , Sousa Swasilanne , Bandeira Nelson , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana Luísa , Pereira Filomena , Machado Maria Céu
Published: June 2023

Background

Sao Tome & Principe (STP) has a high peri-neonatal mortality rate and access to high-quality care before childbirth has been described as one of the most effective means of reducing it. The country has a gap in the coverage-content of antenatal care (ANC) services that must be addressed to better allocate resources to ultimately improve maternal and neonatal health. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants for adequate ANC utilization considering the number and timing of ANC contacts and screening completion.

Methods

A hospital based cross-sectional study was undertaken among women admitted for delivery at Hospital Dr. Ayres de Menezes (HAM). Data were abstracted from ANC pregnancy cards and from a structured face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. ANC utilization was classified as partial vs adequate. Adequate ANC utilization was defined as having ANC 4 or more contacts, first trimester enrolment plus one or more hemoglobin tests, urine, and ultrasound. The collected data were entered into QuickTapSurvey and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify determinants of adequate ANC utilization at P-value < 0.05.

Results

A total of 445 mothers were included with a mean age of 26.6 ± 7.1, an adequate ANC utilization was identified in 213 (47.9%; 95% CI: 43.3–52.5) and a partial ANC utilization in 232 (52.1%; 95% CI: 47.5–56.7). Age 20–34 [AOR 2.27 (95% CI: 1.28–4.04), p = 0.005] and age above 35 [AOR 2.5 (95% CI: 1.21–5.20), p = 0.013] when comparing with women aged 14–19 years, urban residence [AOR 1.98 (95% CI: 1.28–3.06), p < 0.002], and planned pregnancy [AOR 2.67 (95% CI: 1.6–4.2), p < 0.001] were the determinants of adequate ANC utilization.

Conclusion

Less than half of the pregnant women had adequate ANC utilization. Maternal age, residence and type of pregnancy planning were the determinants for adequate ANC utilization. Stakeholders should focus on raising awareness of the importance of ANC screening and engaging more vulnerable women in earlier utilization of family planning services and choosing a pregnancy plan, as a key strategy to improve neonatal health outcomes in STP.
Progress and outlook of Sn–Pb mixed perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lee Hyemin , Kang Seok Beom , Lee Sangwook , Zhu Kai , Kim Dong Hoe
Published: June 2023

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have revolutionized solar cell research owing to their excellent material properties. Most previous research has been done on Pb-based perovskites. Recently, efforts to discover a Pb-free or Pb-less perovskite material with an ideal bandgap ranging 1.1–1.3 eV have led researchers to investigate Sn–Pb mixed perovskites. Sn–Pb mixed perovskites have a bandgap of ~ 1.25 eV, which is suitable for high-efficiency single-junction and perovskite/perovskite tandem solar cells. Moreover, the Pb content of Sn–Pb mixed perovskites is 50–60% lower than that of Pb-based perovskites, partially mitigating the Pb toxicity issue. However, incorporating Sn2+into the crystal structure also causes various drawbacks, such as inhomogeneous thin film morphologies, easy oxidation of Sn2+, and more vulnerable surface properties. Researchers have made substantial progress in addressing these challenges through improvements in compositional design, structural optimization, precursor design, and surface treatments. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the progress in Sn–Pb mixed perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, we analyze the key variables and trends as well as provide an outlook for future directions in the research on Sn–Pb mixed perovskites.

Graphical Abstract
Distinct taxonomic and functional profiles of high Arctic and alpine permafrost-affected soil microbiomes
Authors: Sannino Ciro , Qi Weihong , Rüthi Joel , Stierli Beat , Frey Beat
Published: June 2023

Background

Global warming is affecting all cold environments, including the European Alps and Arctic regions. Here, permafrost may be considered a unique ecosystem harboring a distinct microbiome. The frequent freeze–thaw cycles occurring in permafrost-affected soils, and mainly in the seasonally active top layers, modify microbial communities and consequently ecosystem processes. Although taxonomic responses of the microbiomes in permafrost-affected soils have been widely documented, studies about how the microbial genetic potential, especially pathways involved in C and N cycling, changes between active-layer soils and permafrost soils are rare. Here, we used shotgun metagenomics to analyze the microbial and functional diversity and the metabolic potential of permafrost-affected soil collected from an alpine site (Val Lavirun, Engadin area, Switzerland) and a High Arctic site (Station Nord, Villum Research Station, Greenland). The main goal was to discover the key genes abundant in the active-layer and permafrost soils, with the purpose to highlight the potential role of the functional genes found.

Results

We observed differences between the alpine and High Arctic sites in alpha- and beta-diversity, and in EggNOG, CAZy, and NCyc datasets. In the High Arctic site, the metagenome in permafrost soil had an overrepresentation (relative to that in active-layer soil) of genes involved in lipid transport by fatty acid desaturate and ABC transporters, i.e. genes that are useful in preventing microorganisms from freezing by increasing membrane fluidity, and genes involved in cell defense mechanisms. The majority of CAZy and NCyc genes were overrepresented in permafrost soils relative to active-layer soils in both localities, with genes involved in the degradation of carbon substrates and in the degradation of N compounds indicating high microbial activity in permafrost in response to climate warming.

Conclusions

Our study on the functional characteristics of permafrost microbiomes underlines the remarkably high functional gene diversity of the High Arctic and temperate mountain permafrost, including a broad range of C- and N-cycling genes, and multiple survival and energetic metabolisms. Their metabolic versatility in using organic materials from ancient soils undergoing microbial degradation determine organic matter decomposition and greenhouse gas emissions upon permafrost thawing. Attention to their functional genes is therefore essential to predict potential soil-climate feedbacks to the future warmer climate.
A loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the rapid diagnosis of soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi
Authors: Ouyang Haibing , Zhang Zhichao , Sun Guangzheng , Yang Huawei , Ye Wenwu , Wang Yuanchao
Published: June 2023

Soybean rust caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi is one of the most destructive diseases to soybean production worldwide. For the rapid diagnosis and the control of soybean rust, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that targets a P. pachyrhizi-specific gene (Phapa_6409908) identified from a comparative genomic analysis of 61 Pucciniomycotina strains. Using a set of screened primers and the optimized reaction conditions of 62°C for 70 min, the LAMP assay can detect P. pachyrhizi while excluding other plant pathogens. The assay consistently showed high sensitivity in detecting low contents of P. pachyrhizi DNA (10 pg). We confirmed the practical application of this LAMP assay in diagnosing soybean rust using soybean leaf samples collected from fields in four cities of Sichuan Province, China, in 2020 and 2021. The developed LAMP assay provides a specific, sensitive, and rapid method for the diagnosis of soybean rust caused by P. pachyrhizi, which can assist in the prediction, prevention, and control of this major soybean disease.
Image encryption based on 2DNA encoding and chaotic 2D logistic map
Authors: Alrubaie Asmaa Hasan , Khodher Maisa’a Abid Ali , Abdulameer Ahmed Talib
Published: June 2023

DNA has recently been investigated as a possible medium concerning ultra-compact information storage and ultra-scale computation. The development of secure image encryption systems has recently received a certain effective and new direction from chaos-based cryptographic algorithms. This paper proposes a novel image encryption algorithm, 2DNALM, based on double-dynamic DNA sequence encryption and a chaotic 2D logistic map. The three phases regarding the suggested approach are as follows: the first phase involves permuting the positions of the pixels using a position key-based scrambling operation. The second phase involves double DNA encoding on scrambled images using various rules by DNA cryptography concept to produce an encoded image, and in the final step, an image which has been encoded is encrypted using XOR operation and chaotic keys created through a chaotic 2D logistic map. The entropy analysis and experimental findings show that the suggested scheme exhibits great encryption and withstands several common attacks.
Intracranial Efficacy of Adagrasib in Patients From the KRYSTAL-1 Trial With KRASG12C-Mutated Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Who Have Untreated CNS Metastases
Authors: Negrao Marcelo V. , Spira Alexander I. , Heist Rebecca S. , Jänne Pasi A. , Pacheco Jose M. , Weiss Jared , Gadgeel Shirish M. , Velastegui Karen , Yang Wenjing , Der-Torossian Hirak , Christensen James G. , Sabari Joshua K.
Published: June 2023

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

Patients with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog ( KRAS)–mutated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and untreated CNS metastases have a worse prognosis than similar patients without KRAS mutations. Adagrasib has previously demonstrated CNS penetration preclinically and cerebral spinal fluid penetration clinically. We evaluated adagrasib in patients with KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC and untreated CNS metastases from the KRYSTAL-1 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03785249 ; phase Ib cohort), in which adagrasib 600 mg was administered orally, twice daily. Study outcomes included the safety and clinical activity (intracranial [IC] and systemic) by blinded independent central review. Twenty-five patients with KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC and untreated CNS metastases were enrolled and evaluated (median follow-up, 13.7 months); 19 patients were radiographically evaluable for IC activity. Safety was consistent with previous reports of adagrasib, with grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in 10 patients (40%) and one grade 4 (4%) and no grade 5 TRAEs. The most common CNS-specific TRAEs included dysgeusia (24%) and dizziness (20%). Adagrasib demonstrated an IC objective response rate of 42%, disease control rate of 90%, progression-free survival of 5.4 months, and median overall survival of 11.4 months. Adagrasib is the first KRASG12C inhibitor to prospectively demonstrate IC activity in patients with KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC and untreated CNS metastases, supporting further investigation in this population.
Patterns of Relapse in Australian Patients With Clinical Stage 1 Testicular Cancer: Utility of the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group Surveillance Recommendations
Authors: Conduit Ciara , Lewin Jeremy , Weickhardt Andrew , Lynam James , Wong Shirley , Grimison Peter , Sengupta Shomik , Pranavan Ganes , Parnis Francis , Bastick Patricia , Campbell David , Hansen Aaron R. , Leonard Matt , McJannett Margaret , Stockler Martin R. , Gibbs Peter , Toner Guy , Davis Ian D. , Tran Ben , Kuchel Anna
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

International guidelines advocate for active surveillance as the preferred treatment strategy for patients with stage 1 testicular cancer after orchidectomy although a personalized discussion is required.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an analysis of individuals registered in iTestis, Australia's testicular cancer registry, to describe the patterns of relapse and outcomes of patients treated in Australia where the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group Surveillance Recommendations are widely adopted.

RESULTS

A total of 650 individuals diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 were included, 63% (411 of 650) seminoma and 37% (239 of 650) nonseminoma. The median age was 34 years (range 14-74). 26% (106 of 411) with seminoma and 15% (36 of 239) nonseminoma received adjuvant chemotherapy. After a median follow-up of 43 months (range 0-267) postorchidectomy, relapse occurred in 10% (43 of 411) of seminoma and 18% (43 of 239) of nonseminoma. The two-year relapse-free survival was 92% (95% CI, 89 to 95) and 82% (95% CI, 78 to 87) in seminoma and nonseminoma, respectively. All relapses (86 of 86) were detected at a routine surveillance visit; 98% (85 of 86) were asymptomatic and detected solely through imaging (62 of 86, 72%), tumor markers (6 of 86, 7%), or a combination (17 of 86, 20%). The most common relapse site was isolated retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (53 of 86, 62%). No nonpulmonary visceral metastases occurred. At relapse, 98% (84 of 86) had International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) good prognosis; 2 of 86 intermediate prognosis (both nonseminoma). No deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of stage 1 testicular cancer, where national surveillance recommendations have been widely adopted, recurrences were detected at routine surveillance visits and, almost exclusively, asymptomatic with IGCCCG good-prognosis disease. This provides reassurance that active surveillance is safe.
Practice Advisory for Preoperative and Intraoperative Pain Management of Cardiac Surgical Patients: Part 2
Authors: Makkad Benu , Heinke Timothy Lee , Sheriffdeen Raiyah , Khatib Diana , Brodt Jessica Louise , Meng Marie-Louise , Grant Michael Conrad , Kachulis Bessie , Popescu Wanda Maria , Wu Christopher L. , Bollen Bruce Allen
Published: June 2023

Pain after cardiac surgery is of moderate to severe intensity, which increases postoperative distress and health care costs, and affects functional recovery. Opioids have been central agents in treating pain after cardiac surgery for decades. The use of multimodal analgesic strategies can promote effective postoperative pain control and help mitigate opioid exposure. This Practice Advisory is part of a series developed by the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) Quality, Safety, and Leadership (QSL) Committee’s Opioid Working Group. It is a systematic review of existing literature for various interventions related to the preoperative and intraoperative pain management of cardiac surgical patients. This Practice Advisory provides recommendations for providers caring for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This entails developing customized pain management strategies for patients, including preoperative patient evaluation, pain management, and opioid use–focused education as well as perioperative use of multimodal analgesics and regional techniques for various cardiac surgical procedures. The literature related to this field is emerging, and future studies will provide additional guidance on ways to improve clinically meaningful patient outcomes.
Neurological Examination Frequency and Time-to-Delirium After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chotai Silky , Chen Jeffrey W. , Turer Robert , Smith Candice , Kelly Patrick D. , Bhamidipati Akshay , Davis Philip , McCarthy Jack T. , Bendfeldt Gabriel A. , Peyton Mary B. , Dennis Bradley M. , Terry Douglas P. , Guillamondegui Oscar , Yengo-Kahn Aaron M.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Frequent neurological examinations in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupt sleep-wake cycles and potentially contribute to the development of delirium.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the risk of delirium among patients with TBI with respect to their neuro-check frequencies.

METHODS:

A retrospective study of patients presenting with TBI at a single level I trauma center between January 2018 and December 2019. The primary exposure was the frequency of neurological examinations (neuro-checks) assigned at the time of admission. Patients admitted with hourly (Q1) neuro-check frequencies were compared with those who received examinations every 2 (Q2) or 4 (Q4) hours. The primary outcomes were delirium and time-to-delirium. The onset of delirium was defined as the first documented positive Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit score.

RESULTS:

Of 1552 patients with TBI, 458 (29.5%) patients experienced delirium during their hospital stay. The median time-to-delirium was 1.8 days (IQR: 1.1, 2.9). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients assigned Q1 neuro-checks had the greatest rate of delirium compared with the patients with Q2 and Q4 neuro-checks (P < .001). Multivariable Cox regression modeling demonstrated that Q2 neuro-checks (hazard ratio: 0.439, 95% CI: 0.33-0.58) and Q4 neuro-checks (hazard ratio: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.34-0.68) were protective against the development of delirium compared with Q1. Other risk factors for developing delirium included pre-existing dementia, tobacco use, lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, higher injury severity score, and certain hemorrhage patterns.

CONCLUSION:

Patients with more frequent neuro-checks had a higher risk of developing delirium compared with those with less frequent neuro-checks.
Development and evaluation of prevention bundle for neonatal healthcare-associated infections: an interventional study
Authors: Rani Usha , Lewis Leslie E , Chawla Kiran , Naha Anup , Kumar Praveen
Published: June 2023

Background: Neonatal healthcare-associated infection (HAI) globally is the leading preventable cause of neonatal mortality. Neonatal mortality in India is also very high. Considering that HAIs can be prevented globally, there are disparities in resources; the current study aimed at developing locally feasible and effective prevention bundles for neonatal HAIs. 

Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted at one tertiary care teaching hospital's level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The study explores the causes of neonatal HAIs, current processes, benchmark practices, gaps in current practices with HAIs, root-cause analysis and system process mapping, and failure mode effect analysis. Observations, interviews, brainstorming activities, and a survey were conducted. Written and audio-video recorded prevention bundle was developed and implemented using a quasi-experimental study design. 

Results: Process standardisation, healthcare worker training, hand hygiene practices, nursing care process and vascular access process were identified as key improvement areas to prevent neonatal HAIs. Out of eighteen identified processes, three processes were standardised. All the healthcare providers were trained at three-time intervals of three months each. After implementing the prevention bundle, there was a significant decline in the rate of HAIs, reducing it from 9.6 to 7.0 per 100 admissions >48 hours. The bacteraemia rate fell from 5.2 per 1000 patient days to 2.6 per 1000 patient days and was statistically significant on a two-tailed student t-test with 95% CI with p-value=0.00073. 

Conclusions: Our developed prevention bundle for neonatal HAIs was significantly effective and reproducible for healthcare workers' training and development. Considering variations in global infection control practices and resources constraint, it is effective to develop a local prevention bundle for neonatal HAIs.
The genome sequence of the Cloaked Minor, Mesoligia furuncula (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Broad Gavin R. , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Mesoligia furuncula (the Cloaked Minor; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 889.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 21,903 protein coding genes.
Dietary and obstetric correlates of anaemia among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study from the Wa municipality, Ghana
Authors: Faabie Alfred Pie , Buunaaim Alexis DB , Suara Sufyan Bakuri , Mornah Louis Nebayeng , Koray Munawar Harun , Zunuo Anzunna Doreen
Published: June 2023

Introduction/Aims

Anaemia is the most severe pregnancy-related hematological condition globally and affects approximately 32.4 million pregnant women. This study's aim was to identify factors influencing anaemia in pregnancy at 36 weeks in the Wa municipality.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 pregnant women. The participants' haemoglobin levels and obstetric variables were extracted from antenatal record books. Data were analysed using multivariate binary logistics regression analysis to determine risk factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy at 36 weeks.

Results

The prevalence of anaemia at 36 weeks was 81.5%. Predictors included no previous use of family planning methods, paragravidity, low dietary diversity and an average monthly income of <1000 Ghanaian Cedi.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anaemia at 36 weeks was high. Preventive interventions targeting preconception nutrition and promoting regular antenatal care visits throughout pregnancy are urgently required.
Prolonged second stage labour and maternal-neonatal outcomes in northern Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kumsa Henok , Mullu Getachew , Dimtsu Balem , Gebre Gelawdiwos , Reda Mihreat-ab , Yimer Nigus
Published: June 2023

Background/Aims

Prolonged second stage labour is thought to be a risk factor for obstetric and perinatal complications. However, its effect on complications has been found to be inconclusive by a broad range of studies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and prolonged second stage of labour in northern Ethiopia.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1055 systematically selected records of women who gave birth between 1 September 2014 and 30 August 2017. Binary and multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the effect of prolonged second stage labour on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results

Adverse outcomes significantly associated with prolonged second stage labour were: operative vaginal birth (P<0.010), caesarean birth (P<0.010), puerperal sepsis (P=0.010) and third- or fourth-degree perineal tears (P=0.028), episiotomy (P=0.003), a 5-minute Apgar score <7 (P=0.030) and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P<0.010).

Conclusions

Multiple adverse outcomes were significantly associated with prolonged second stage labour. Therefore, close monitoring, follow up and timely interventions are needed for women experiencing prolonged second stage labour.
Boundary-Based Rice-Leaf-Disease Classification and Severity Level Estimation for Automatic Insecticide Injection
Authors: Tepdang Sayan , Chamnongthai Kosin
Published: June 2023

Highlights

A rice-leaf-disease detection and classification algorithm for multiple rice-leaf-diseases in a complicated rice leaf image is proposed in this article.

To increase rice-leaf-disease classification accuracy, an algorithm for coarse-to-fine determination is proposed. Since features of rice-leaf-disease types such as color, shape, and so on are similar and difficult to classify even with the human eye, tolerances among those features are small. The algorithm considers enlarging the tolerances using two-step classification of coarse-to-fine.

Severity level of rice leaf disease is also estimated in our proposed method.

Abstract. Farmers may decide to select an appropriate insecticide for rice-leaf disease treatment in a paddy rice field based on disease class and severity level. To classify the class of rice leaf disease and estimate the severity level in a paddy rice field, several parts of the rice leaf are included in a captured image, and sometimes there exists more than one disease boundary in a part of rice leaf. This article proposes a method of rice-leaf disease classification and severity level estimation for multiple diseases on a multiple rice-leaf image. This method first finds rice-leaf candidate boundaries and identifies the rice leaf based on its feature of color, shape, and area ratio. To enlarge classification tolerance based on the coarse-to-fine concept, disease candidate boundaries are categorized into two major groups in the coarse level, and then both groups are classified into rice leaf classes in the fine level. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, experiments were performed with 8,303 images of three rice leaf diseases including brown spot, rice blast, rice hispa and healthy rice leaf, and our proposed method achieved 99.27% which outperformed the deep learning approach by 0.43%. Keywords: Coarse to fine, Multiple rice-leaf diseases, Rice-leaf disease recognition, Severity level.
Impact of Storage Time on the Composition of a Finished Compost Product: A Case Study
Authors: Chastain John P.
Published: June 2023

Highlights

The concentrations of major plant nutrients, key minor plant nutrients, and carbon were measured for finished turkey poult litter compost that had been stored for 29 to 583 days in open windrows at a commercial composting facility.

It was found that the concentrations of TN, P2O5, K2O, and minor plant nutrients were not significantly correlated with respect to compost age.

Significant negative correlations were observed for the concentrations of organic matter and carbon resulting in a decrease in C:N.

Significant decreases in compost pH and increases in bulk density were also observed.

Abstract. Several studies have provided information concerning the loss of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, carbon, and organic matter from manures and plant residues during active composting. However, very little information was found to provide insight into the changes in compost composition as the product ages during curing and storage in uncovered windrows. The objective of this study was to observe changes in compost composition after it was removed from a composting shed and was stored in large un-covered windrows at a compost production site that used turkey poult litter (manure and wood shavings) as the primary ingredient. Compost samples and production records were obtained for 7 windrows and it was determined that the active composting time under the shed (AC) averaged 99 days and the time allowed for curing and storage in the uncovered windrows (CS) ranged from 29 to 583 days. As a result, the total compost age (CA = AC + CS) at the time of sampling ranged from 131 to 674 days. The quantities measured were moisture, pH, bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC), carbon (C). organic matter (OM), total ammoniacal N (TAN = NH4+-N + NH3-N), nitrate-N, organic-N, total-N (TN), P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Na, and Al. The TN content was not found to change significantly while being stored in the outside windrows. However, the TAN content decreased significantly with storage time while nitrate-N and organic-N concentrations increased. The results showed evidence of nitrification of ammonium-N and a build-up of organic-N during storage. Storage time did not significantly impact concentrations of P2O5, K2O, Al, Na, and all minor plant nutrients measured. The pH fell from 8.9 at a compost age of 131 days to a mean of 6.8 by day 363 providing evidence of formation of organic acids during storage. Significant decreases during storage were observed for C, OM, and C:N. The rate of organic matter loss during storage was -0.623 g OM/kg DM/day and carbon was lost at the rate of -0.447 g C/kg DM/day. The electrical conductivity was not correlated with storage time and the mean was 3.80 ± 3.25 mmhos/cm. The bulk density increased significantly during curing and storage (R2 = 0.693) and was believed to be the result of compression settling. Keywords: Compost, Manure Management, Plant nutrients, Treatment.
Real-time computing for a holographic 3D display based on the sparse distribution of a 3D object and requisite Fourier spectrum
Authors: Sando Yusuke , Goto Yutaro , Barada Daisuke , Yatagai Toyohiko
Published: June 2023

In holographic three-dimensional (3D) displays, the surface structures of 3D objects are reconstructed without their internal parts. In diffraction calculations using 3D fast Fourier transform (FFT), this sparse distribution of 3D objects can reduce the calculation time as the Fourier transform can be analytically solved in the depth direction and the 3D FFT can be resolved into multiple two-dimensional (2D) FFTs. Moreover, the Fourier spectrum required for hologram generation is not the entire 3D spectrum but a partial 2D spectrum located on the hemispherical surface. This sparsity of the required Fourier spectrum also reduces the number of 2D FFTs and improves the acceleration. In this study, a fast calculation algorithm based on two sparsities is derived theoretically and explained in detail. Our proposed algorithm demonstrated a 24-times acceleration improvement compared with a conventional algorithm and realized real-time hologram computing at a rate of 170 Hz.
Deep learning enhanced fast fluorescence lifetime imaging with a few photons
Authors: Xiao Dong , Sapermsap Natakorn , Chen Yu , Li David Day Uei
Published: June 2023

We present a deep learning (DL) framework, termed few-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging (FPFLI), for fast analysis of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) data under highly low-light conditions with only a few photons per pixel. FPFLI breaks the conventional pixel-wise lifetime analysis paradigm and fully exploits the spatial correlation and intensity information of fluorescence lifetime images to estimate lifetime images, pushing the photon budget to an unprecedented low level. The DL framework can be trained by synthetic FLIM data and easily adapted to various FLIM systems. FPFLI can effectively and robustly estimate FLIM images within seconds using synthetic and experimental data. The fast analysis of low-light FLIM images made possible by FPFLI promises a broad range of potential applications.
How do disease control measures impact spatial predictions of schistosomiasis and hookworm? The example of predicting school-based prevalence before and after preventive chemotherapy in Ghana
Authors: Kulinkina Alexandra V. , Farnham Andrea , Biritwum Nana-Kwadwo , Utzinger Jürg , Walz Yvonne
Published: June 2023

Background

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections are among the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting primarily marginalized communities in low- and middle-income countries. Surveillance data for NTDs are typically sparse, and hence, geospatial predictive modeling based on remotely sensed (RS) environmental data is widely used to characterize disease transmission and treatment needs. However, as large-scale preventive chemotherapy has become a widespread practice, resulting in reduced prevalence and intensity of infection, the validity and relevance of these models should be re-assessed.

Methodology

We employed two nationally representative school-based prevalence surveys of Schistosoma haematobium and hookworm infections from Ghana conducted before (2008) and after (2015) the introduction of large-scale preventive chemotherapy. We derived environmental variables from fine-resolution RS data (Landsat 8) and examined a variable distance radius (1–5 km) for aggregating these variables around point-prevalence locations in a non-parametric random forest modeling approach. We used partial dependence and individual conditional expectation plots to improve interpretability of results.

Principal findings

The average school-level S. haematobium prevalence decreased from 23.8% to 3.6% and that of hookworm from 8.6% to 3.1% between 2008 and 2015. However, hotspots of high-prevalence locations persisted for both infections. The models with environmental data extracted from a buffer radius of 2–3 km around the school location where prevalence was measured had the best performance. Model performance (according to the R2 value) was already low and declined further from approximately 0.4 in 2008 to 0.1 in 2015 for S. haematobium and from approximately 0.3 to 0.2 for hookworm. According to the 2008 models, land surface temperature (LST), modified normalized difference water index, elevation, slope, and streams variables were associated with S. haematobium prevalence. LST, slope, and improved water coverage were associated with hookworm prevalence. Associations with the environment in 2015 could not be evaluated due to low model performance.

Conclusions/significance

Our study showed that in the era of preventive chemotherapy, associations between S. haematobium and hookworm infections and the environment weakened, and thus predictive power of environmental models declined. In light of these observations, it is timely to develop new cost-effective passive surveillance methods for NTDs as an alternative to costly surveys, and to focus on persisting hotspots of infection with additional interventions to reduce reinfection. We further question the broad application of RS-based modeling for environmental diseases for which large-scale pharmaceutical interventions are in place.
Flattening the curve: Insights from queueing theory
Authors: Palomo Sergio , Pender Jamol J. , Massey William A. , Hampshire Robert C.
Published: June 2023

The worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then, the disease has spread worldwide. As it is currently spreading in the United States, policy makers, public health officials and citizens are racing to understand the impact of this virus on the United States healthcare system. They fear a rapid influx of patients overwhelming the healthcare system and leading to unnecessary fatalities. Most countries and states in America have introduced mitigation strategies, such as using social distancing to decrease the rate of newly infected people. This is what is usually meant by flattening the curve. In this paper, we use queueing theoretic methods to analyze the time evolution of the number of people hospitalized due to the coronavirus. Given that the rate of new infections varies over time as the pandemic evolves, we model the number of coronavirus patients as a dynamical system based on the theory of infinite server queues with time inhomogeneous Poisson arrival rates. With this model we are able to quantify how flattening the curve affects the peak demand for hospital resources. This allows us to characterize how aggressive societal policy needs to be to avoid overwhelming the capacity of healthcare system. We also demonstrate how curve flattening impacts the elapsed lag between the times of the peak rate of hospitalizations and the peak demand for the hospital resources. Finally, we present empirical evidence from Italy and the United States that supports the insights from our model analysis.
Proposal of a guide for the interpretation, simplification of the regulatory process and good tax compliance, case of digital taxpayers, influencers
Authors: Mamani Monrroy Karen Yosio , Moreno-Leyva Nelly Rosario , Santander Kodi , Salinas Shirley Eliza , Sánchez-Garcés Jorge
Published: June 2023

Influencers generate opinions in individuals through multiple virtual platforms, this phenomenon implies social influence that induces consumers to buy and direct these activities to the sponsorship of brands, which means monetary income for the influencer. Many of these incomes are not reported to the tax system, which causes evasion due to misinformation or lack of knowledge. Therefore, the need for a correct adaptation and interpretation of the Peruvian tax regulations for the payment of taxes on income received by this segment of taxpayers was observed. The purpose of this research was a guide that interprets, simplifies the processes and provides a regulatory framework for tax compliance for domiciled and non-domiciled influencers. The tax guide was designed thanks to the adaptation of the Scribber methodology and consisted of 4 steps: Familiarization, coding, theme generation, defining themes. The guide was organized in level 01, describing how to achieve the tax obligation in the sector of digital taxpayers influencers, level 02, where the activities described by the regulations are mentioned and level 3, tax procedures carried out by the tax administration to influencers. This guide is an aid to define the category that attributes the taxpayer’s tax payment method. By identifying the tax categorization code according to the type of activity. It identifies the key factors to be able to interpret and adapt the law to the influencer’s activities.
Developing context-specific water, sanitation and hygiene guidance for National Cholera Plans: Qualitative inputs
Authors: Ricau Marine , Ali Cawo , Yates Travis , String Gabrielle , Lantagne Daniele
Published: June 2023

Globally, cholera continues to cause morbidity and mortality, and the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) works with countries affected by cholera to develop National Cholera Plans (NCPs). Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) can prevent and/or control cholera. However, WASH program success varies, and is not necessarily replicable across contexts. Thus, guidance needs to be developed to assist countries in appropriately designing WASH programming in NCPs. The objective of this project was to develop guidelines for selecting context-specific WASH for cholera response. For that, a literature review of WASH interventions in cholera was completed, a Working Group was convened to collaboratively develop the guidelines, and we conducted key informant interviews (KII) with Working Group experts, representing international and national non-governmental organizations, donors, international organizations and health authorities. Inductive qualitative content analysis of KIIs was completed. KIIs were conducted with 18 informants, and data was coded into 26 subcategories, categorized under: 1) intervention objectives; 2) decision factors; 3) intervention circumstances; 4) influencing factors; and, 5) WASH activities. Based on these categories, we developed guidelines with the following steps: 1) define the disease objective (control, prevention, or elimination); 2) understand and define the broad context (including existing WASH infrastructure and population habits, available funding, outbreak sources and transmission pathways, stakeholder capacity, and access difficulties); and, 3) focus on monitoring of activities, multi-sectoral coordination (including WASH and health), and targeted approaches, both for implementation and future research. Overall, while building upon previous research and guidance, our results expand to include specific guidance for countries incorporating WASH into their NCPs, and highlight the necessity of a broad contextual understanding to select the most appropriate and successful WASH for cholera programming. These results have been used, with GTFCC, to develop a guidance document for including context-specific WASH in NCPs.
Urbanism and Minecraft: Designing a game jam to reimagine the city
Authors: Sora-Domenjó Carles , Roig Antoni , Fernández Ruiz Marta , Tomasena José M.
Published: June 2023

This article presents a theoretical–methodological experience that combines a card game and a game jam in Minecraft to re-imagine cities. A game jam workshop was designed for the City and Science Biennial 2021 held in Barcelona with three central components: (1) the identification of urban space problems in the chosen environment, (2) the co-creation of stories about the future and improvements for the city areas using speculative storytelling techniques based on cards, and finally (3) the creation and modelling of urban spaces and the resulting actions in the Minecraft environment, in which the participants are both designers and players. This experience is an original combination of game jam methodologies and research in the field of digital and non-digital storytelling. The results show that adding the speculative narrative dynamic in the form of a card game to the co-designing of an environment in a video game world generates a creative methodological environment that allows participants of different ages to become involved.
Híd a felsőoktatási emberi erőforrások alapképzés és a munkaerőpiaci kompetenciaelvárások szakadéka felett
Authors: Raffay-Danyi Ágnes , Bogdány Eszter , Dabrónaki-Priszinger Krisztina
Published: June 2023

A munkaadók által elvárt kompetenciák és a frissen végzett hallgatók tényleges kompetenciái között eltérés tapasztalható. A munkaerőpiaci elvárásokhoz való illeszkedés eléréséhez elsődleges, hogy a munkaerőpiaci elvárások alapján összeállított kompetencia felméréseken és fejlesztéseken alapuló képzési programok alakuljanak ki. A tanulmány célja a képzési követelmények és a munkaadók elvárásai alapján legfontosabbnak vélt kompetenciák feltárása az emberi erőforrások alapszak esetében. A szakhoz kapcsolódó képzési és kimeneti követelmények és a szakirodalomban a jövőben legfontosabb elvárható kompetenciák áttekintése mellett álláshirdetések és munkaadókkal készült fókuszcsoportos interjúk alapján vizsgálták a szerzők a munkaerőpiac által elvárt kompetenciákat. A Q-módszertant alkalmazó vizsgálat rámutatott ezek fontosságának rangsorára. A képzési és kimeneti követelmények és a munkaadói elvárások közötti eltérések az ismeretjellegű kompetenciák dominanciája mellett az olyan képességek és attitűdök esetében is megnyilvánulnak, mint az asszertív kommunikáció, az időmenedzsment, valamint az empátia és a nyitottság. Az eredmények felhasználhatók a kompetenciaalapú oktatás kialakításában, továbbá az alapszakokhoz kapcsolódó kompetencia térképek összeállításában és a munkaerőpiaci elvárásoknak jobban megfelelő fejlesztési programok kialakításában.