bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors responsible for the persistence of Hypothyroidism among Pakistani Women
Authors: Hidayat Mariyah
Published: October 2023

Substantial change in climate over the years in South Asia is directly affecting the diet and health of the population. It is important to analyze the aftermath of this change and its impact on the thyroid status. In recent years, a complex interplay of the changing climate with the environmental, geographical and dietary factors has contributed to the continued prevalence of hypothyroidism in Pakistani women. To study the influence of various factors which might be aggravating hypothyroidism in the female population of Pakistan, a thorough search of literature was conducted of various databases including Google Scholar and PubMed. Google as a search engine was also explored. This included both interventional and observational studies, published in English, from the year 1950 onwards uptil June 2023. It also included WHO website and local news clips about the awareness campaigns on iodine deficiency over the past years. All studies conducted on females to diagnose hypothyroidism, with both positive and negative outcomes were included in this study. The factors contributing to hypothyroidism among the female population in Pakistan encompass the effects of climate change, both direct and indirect, topographical factor, indiscriminate use of hazardous pesticides, presence of chemical contaminants in food and water, and a lack of awareness among the public and healthcare professionals about the condition’s symptoms and management.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8446

How to cite this: Hidayat M. Factors responsible for the persistence of Hypothyroidism among Pakistani Women. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8446

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Ser hombre. Las masculinidades en la España del siglo XIX
Authors: Martykánová Darina , Walin Marie
Published: October 2023

A pesar de que el siglo XIX ha sido calificado como el «siglo del triunfo de la virilidad» por varios autores, la España decimonónica no ha sido objeto de un estudio sistemático de las masculinidades. Este volumen analiza su construcción sociohistórica en el período de entrada en la modernidad, marcado por nociones como el individualismo, nacionalismo, colonialismo, autogobierno, capitalismo e industrialización. En relación con el género, la masculinidad española fue tematizada tanto en nuestro país como más allá de sus fronteras. En el proceso de construcción de los estados-nación en Europa, las identidades se fueron construyendo en un proceso dinámico de carácter transnacional en el que el este concepto jugó un papel destacado; la actividad pública, el trabajo o el servicio militar adquirieron una importancia central en la visión que tenían muchos hombres de sí mismos y de sus congéneres. Las nuevas ideas sobre el amor, la pareja y la familia moldearon no solo el comportamiento de hombres y mujeres, sino también sus sueños y aspiraciones; algunas maneras de ser hombre se vieron condenadas al olvido o al ridículo, mientras que otras se erigieron en nueva norma.
Stroke: at a glance
Authors: Hill Barry , Mitchell Aby
Published: October 2023

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK. Every year, it is estimated that over 100 000 people in the UK experience a stroke, equating to one every 5 minutes ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2023a ). Beyond the immediate health implications, strokes have a profound impact on survivors, their families, and the healthcare system. Nurses play a pivotal role in every stage of care for those that have had a stroke, from the acute management to rehabilitation.
Capacity, belief and impairment of the mind or brain
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: October 2023

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, considers the implications of a recent Court of Protection ruling for nurses who undertake mental capacity assessments
Patient empowerment: the need to go beyond buzzwords
Authors: Tingle John
Published: October 2023

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses the potential pitfalls of buzzwords in the NHS and looks at several reports around patient empowerment
HArmonyCa: a first-in-class, hybrid, dual-functioning hyaluronic acid/calcium hydroxyapatite dermal filler
Authors: Mills Alexandra , Haq Syed
Published: October 2023

HArmonyCa is a first-in-class, dual-action, synthetic non-pyrogenic biodegradable hybrid dermal filler composed of calcium hydroxyapatite (CAHa) (55.5%) and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (44.5%) that is clinically indicated to enhance volume as well as lift and rejuvenate the mid and lower face and overlying skin. Its effects are illustrated in three case studies. Significant and immediate improvements in cheek projection, lifting of the midface, reduction of the pre-jowl sulcus and in the depth of the nasojugal groove were observed in these cases. The hybrid injectable is effective with a good tolerability profile, with the patients reporting a high level of satisfaction. The early clinical changes that were seen resulted mainly from the cross-linked hyaluronic acid filler and, secondly, from the CAHa. CAHa microspheres have been demonstrated to provide long-term efficacy through regional collagen synthesis. Effects will be monitored in the treated cases at 6, 12 and 18 months.
Examining Choice and Control for People With IDD Over Time
Authors: Houseworth James , Pettingell Sandra L. , Bershadsky Julie , Tichá Renáta , Lemanowicz James , Feinstein Celia , Zhang Alicia
Published: October 2023

Choice making is an important aspect of everyone’s life in terms of fully becoming an adult within a democratic society. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at risk for diminished choice making due to various factors, including guardianships; dependence on supports that are not person-centered; and, in some cases, limited capacity to express one’s desires effectively. Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) data for 9,195 and 9,817 for adult services users with IDD were analyzed across two types of choice. Repeated measures mixed regression examined choice over time after controlling for age, support needs, residence type, and community type. We found significant increases in everyday choice making among IDD service users in Pennsylvania, but not in support-related choice. This study is the first to our knowledge to consider change in choice making, an important indicator of rights and inclusion for persons with IDD. By comparing three waves of data from the state of Pennsylvania (2013, 2016, and 2019), we were able to detect changes in choice making over time among home and community-based service (HCBS) users with IDD.
Looking Across the Border: Comparing Gendered Policy Frameworks
Authors: Kapic Tajma , Connolly Eileen , Doyle John
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This article explores changes in public policy and services with a strong gender dimension in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland since the Good Friday Agreement, in terms of an observed gap between actual policy and service provision and activists’ views. On abortion services, welfare benefits, levels of poverty, and gender recognition and transgender rights, the Republic’s policy framework and supports are more focused on gender equality than the equivalent regimes in Northern Ireland. Perceptions of equality issues have changed in the aftermath of the abortion and marriage equality referenda in the South, but the level of detailed knowledge of policy on the ‘other’ side of the border is low, even for those active in women’s organisations. Cross-border perceptions were often not supported by contemporary evidence. This comparative analysis shows that in the Republic, policy and practice have produced stronger gender equality outcomes in almost every area of the women’s rights agenda.
OCTSharp: an open-source and real-time OCT imaging software based on C#
Authors: Chen Weihao , Wang Hui
Published: October 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demands massive data processing and real-time displaying during high-speed imaging. Current OCT imaging software is predominantly based on C++, aiming to maximize performance through low-level hardware management. However, the steep learning curve of C++ hinders agile prototyping, particularly for research purposes. Moreover, manual memory management poses challenges for novice developers and may lead to potential security issues. To address these limitations, OCTSharp is developed as an open-source OCT software based on the memory-safe language C#. Within the managed C# environment, OCTSharp offers synchronized hardware control, minimal memory management, and GPU-based parallel processing. The software has been thoroughly tested and proven capable of supporting real-time image acquisition, processing, and visualization with spectral-domain OCT systems equipped with the latest advanced hardware. With these enhancements, OCTSharp is positioned to serve as an open-source platform tailored for various applications.
WaveFlex biosensor based on S-tapered and waist-expanded technique for detection of glycosylated hemoglobin
Authors: Zhang Guiwei , Singh Ragini , Zhang Bingyuan , Kumar Santosh , Li Guoru
Published: October 2023

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is considered a new standard for the detection of diabetes mellitus because it is more accurate than regular blood sugar tests and there is no need to take blood on an empty stomach or at a specific time. In this work, we have developed a novel optical fiber biosensor, referred to as the “WaveFlex biosensor,” which operates on the principles of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) plasmonic wave. The sensor is fabricated using an innovative S-tapered and waist-expanded technique, enabling it to effectively detect HbA1c. Compared to the HbA1c sensors currently in use, HbA1c optical fiber sensors possess the characteristics of high sensitivity, low cost, and strong anti-interference ability. The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), cerium oxide (CeO2) nanorods (NRs), and tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets (NSs) are functionalized to improve the effectiveness of the fiber sensor on the probe surface. AuNPs are utilized to generate LSPR by the excitation of evanescent waves to amplify the sensing signal. The CeO2-NRs can have a strong metal-carrier interaction with AuNPs, enhancing the cascade of CeO2-NRs and AuNPs. The WS2-NSs with layered fold structure have a large specific surface area. Therefore, the combination of CeO2-NRs and WS2-NSs is conducive to the binding of antibodies and the addition of sites. The functionalized antibodies on the fiber make the sensor probe capable of specific selection. The developed probe is applied to test the HbA1c solution over concentrations of 0-1000 µg/mL, and the sensitivity and limits of detection of 1.195×10−5 a.u./(µg/mL) and 1.66 µg/mL are obtained, respectively. The sensor probe is also evaluated using assays for reproducibility, reusability, selectivity, and pH. According to the findings, a novel method for detecting blood glucose based on a plasmonic biosensor is proposed.
Simulation of spatiotemporal light dynamics based on the time-dependent Schrödinger equation
Authors: Richter Maria , Morales Felipe , Patchkovskii Serguei , Husakou Anton
Published: October 2023

We establish a first-principle model for the simulation of spatiotemporal light pulse dynamics based on the combination of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and the unidirectional propagation equation. The proposed numerical scheme enables computationally efficient simulation while being stable and accurate. We use the new model to examine self-focusing of a short pulse in atomic hydrogen and show that an accurate description of the excited-levels dynamics can only be achieved by a propagation model with an ab-initio description of the light-matter interaction, which accounts for the laser-dressed multilevel structure of the system, including bound and free states, and its sub-cycle response.
Mie scattering with 3D angular spectrum method
Authors: Lamberg Joel , Zarrinkhat Faezeh , Tamminen Aleksi , Ala-Laurinaho Juha , Rius Juan , Romeu Jordi , Khaled Elsayed E. M. , Taylor Zachary
Published: October 2023

Mie theory is a powerful method to model electromagnetic scattering from a multilayered sphere. Usually, the incident beam is expanded to its vector spherical harmonic representation defined by beam shape coefficients, and the multilayer sphere scattering is obtained by the T-matrix method. However, obtaining the beam shape coefficients for arbitrarily shaped incident beams has limitations on source locations and requires different methods when the incident beam is defined inside or outside the computational domain or at the scatterer surface. We propose a 3D angular spectrum method for defining beam shape coefficients from arbitrary source field distributions. This method enables the placement of the sources freely within the computational domain without singularities, allowing flexibility in beam design. We demonstrate incident field synthesis and spherical scattering by comparing morphology-dependent resonances to known values, achieving excellent matching and high accuracy. The proposed method has significant benefits for optical systems and inverse beam design. It allows for the analysis of electromagnetic forward/backward propagation between optical elements and spherical targets using a single method. It is also valuable for optical force beam design and analysis.
Narrow linewidth and wideband tunable continuous-wave terahertz generator based on difference frequency generation with DAST crystal
Authors: Wang Zelong , Wang Yuye , Li Haibin , Ge Meilan , Xu Degang , Yao Jianquan
Published: October 2023

A narrow linewidth and wideband tunable continuous-wave terahertz generator with DAST crystal has been demonstrated in this paper. Two narrow-linewidth CW fiber lasers were used as the pump sources for difference frequency generation. The terahertz wave can be continuously tunable in the range of 1.1-3 THz. The maximum output power of 2.79nW was obtained at 2.568 THz. The linewidth of the output THz wave was estimated to be 56.5 MHz by fitting transmission spectrum of CO gas at 450 Pa pressure around 80.52 cm-1 with the Vogit gas model. Furthermore, the output spectra at room temperature and pressure was in good agreement with the air absorption lines in Hitran database. Moreover, the narrower absorption characteristic spectrum of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose sample has been obtained through the spectrum measurements. Therefore, it could promote the practical prospect of tunable CW-THz source, which will have good potential in THz high-precision spectroscopic detection and multispectral imaging.
Estimation of atmospheric refractive index structure constant using an InGaAs/InP single-photon detector
Authors: Jiang Pu , Xia Haiyun , Hu Jiadong , Wei Tianwen
Published: October 2023

Remote sensing of atmospheric refractive index structure constant () using lidar incorporating a single-photon detector (SPD) is proposed. The influence of turbulence on the fiber coupling efficiency with different fiber modes is analyzed. can be derived from the ratio of the backscattering signals counted on single-mode and multimode fiber-coupling channels of the SPD. In the experiment, by eliminating the shot noise effect on the fluctuation of the ratio, the lowest coupling ratio is used to retrieve and demonstrated by comparing to the results measured from a large aperture scintillometer (LAS). Good agreement between results from the LAS and the lidar is achieved. The correlation coefficients are 0.90, 0.89, and 0.89, under three different weather conditions.
Histone methyltransferase activity affects metabolism in human cells independently of transcriptional regulation
Authors: Perez Marcos Francisco , Sarkies Peter
Published: October 2023

The N-terminal tails of eukaryotic histones are frequently posttranslationally modified. The role of these modifications in transcriptional regulation is well-documented. However, the extent to which the enzymatic processes of histone posttranslational modification might affect metabolic regulation is less clear. Here, we investigated how histone methylation might affect metabolism using metabolomics, proteomics, and RNA-seq data from cancer cell lines, primary tumour samples and healthy tissue samples. In cancer, the expression of histone methyltransferases (HMTs) was inversely correlated to the activity of NNMT, an enzyme previously characterised as a methyl sink that disposes of excess methyl groups carried by the universal methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine (SAM or AdoMet). In healthy tissues, histone methylation was inversely correlated to the levels of an alternative methyl sink, PEMT. These associations affected the levels of multiple histone marks on chromatin genome-wide but had no detectable impact on transcriptional regulation. We show that HMTs with a variety of different associations to transcription are co-regulated by the Retinoblastoma (Rb) tumour suppressor in human cells. Rb-mutant cancers show increased total HMT activity and down-regulation of NNMT. Together, our results suggest that the total activity of HMTs affects SAM metabolism, independent of transcriptional regulation.
Bayesian modeling of the impact of antibiotic resistance on the efficiency of MRSA decolonization
Authors: Ojala Fanni , Sater Mohamad R. Abdul , Miller Loren G. , McKinnell James A. , Hayden Mary K. , Huang Susan S. , Grad Yonatan H. , Marttinen Pekka
Published: October 2023

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Colonization by MRSA increases the risk of infection and transmission, underscoring the importance of decolonization efforts. However, success of these decolonization protocols varies, raising the possibility that some MRSA strains may be more persistent than others. Here, we studied how the persistence of MRSA colonization correlates with genomic presence of antibiotic resistance genes. Our analysis using a Bayesian mixed effects survival model found that genetic determinants of high-level resistance to mupirocin was strongly associated with failure of the decolonization protocol. However, we did not see a similar effect with genetic resistance to chlorhexidine or other antibiotics. Including strain-specific random effects improved the predictive performance, indicating that some strain characteristics other than resistance also contributed to persistence. Study subject-specific random effects did not improve the model. Our results highlight the need to consider the properties of the colonizing MRSA strain when deciding which treatments to include in the decolonization protocol.
Objects guide human gaze behavior in dynamic real-world scenes
Authors: Roth Nicolas , Rolfs Martin , Hellwich Olaf , Obermayer Klaus
Published: October 2023

The complexity of natural scenes makes it challenging to experimentally study the mechanisms behind human gaze behavior when viewing dynamic environments. Historically, eye movements were believed to be driven primarily by space-based attention towards locations with salient features. Increasing evidence suggests, however, that visual attention does not select locations with high saliency but operates on attentional units given by the objects in the scene. We present a new computational framework to investigate the importance of objects for attentional guidance. This framework is designed to simulate realistic scanpaths for dynamic real-world scenes, including saccade timing and smooth pursuit behavior. Individual model components are based on psychophysically uncovered mechanisms of visual attention and saccadic decision-making. All mechanisms are implemented in a modular fashion with a small number of well-interpretable parameters. To systematically analyze the importance of objects in guiding gaze behavior, we implemented five different models within this framework: two purely spatial models, where one is based on low-level saliency and one on high-level saliency, two object-based models, with one incorporating low-level saliency for each object and the other one not using any saliency information, and a mixed model with object-based attention and selection but space-based inhibition of return. We optimized each model’s parameters to reproduce the saccade amplitude and fixation duration distributions of human scanpaths using evolutionary algorithms. We compared model performance with respect to spatial and temporal fixation behavior, including the proportion of fixations exploring the background, as well as detecting, inspecting, and returning to objects. A model with object-based attention and inhibition, which uses saliency information to prioritize between objects for saccadic selection, leads to scanpath statistics with the highest similarity to the human data. This demonstrates that scanpath models benefit from object-based attention and selection, suggesting that object-level attentional units play an important role in guiding attentional processing.
Dose-response in modulating brain function with transcranial direct current stimulation: From local to network levels
Authors: Soleimani Ghazaleh , Kupliki Rayus , Paulus Martin , Ekhtiari Hamed
Published: October 2023

Understanding the dose-response relationship is crucial in studying the effects of brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The dose-response relationship refers to the relationship between the received stimulation dose and the resulting response, which can be described as a function of the dose at various levels, including single/multiple neurons, clusters, regions, or networks. Here, we are focused on the received stimulation dose obtained from computational head models and brain responses which are quantified by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. In this randomized, triple-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial, we recruited sixty participants with methamphetamine use disorders (MUDs) as a sample clinical population who were randomly assigned to receive either sham or active tDCS. Structural and functional MRI data, including high-resolution T1 and T2-weighted MRI, resting-state functional MRI, and a methamphetamine cue-reactivity task fMRI, were acquired before and after tDCS. Individual head models were generated using the T1 and T2-weighted MRI data to simulate electric fields. In a linear approach, we investigated the associations between electric fields (received dose) and changes in brain function (response) at four different levels: voxel level, regional level (using atlas-based parcellation), cluster level (identifying active clusters), and network level (task-based functional connectivity). At the voxel level, regional level, and cluster level, no FDR-corrected significant correlation was observed between changes in functional activity and electric fields. However, at the network level, a significant positive correlation was found between frontoparietal connectivity and the electric field at the frontopolar stimulation site (r = 0.42, p corrected = 0.02; medium effect size). Our proposed pipeline offers a methodological framework for analyzing tDCS effects by exploring dose-response relationships at different levels, enabling a direct link between electric field variability and the neural response to tDCS. The results indicate that network-based analysis provides valuable insights into the dependency of tDCS neuromodulatory effects on the individual’s regional current dose. Integration of dose-response relationships can inform dose optimization, customization, or the extraction of predictive/treatment-response biomarkers in future brain stimulation studies.
Maternal adverse childhood experiences on child growth and development in rural Pakistan: An observational cohort study
Authors: Chung Esther O. , Scherer Elissa , LeMasters Katherine , Bates Lisa , Hagaman Ashley , Staley Brooke S. , Zalla Lauren C. , Sikander Siham , Maselko Joanna
Published: October 2023

Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have significant impacts on the next generation with links to negative birth outcomes, impaired cognitive development, and increased socioemotional problems in children. However, not all types or levels of adversity are similarly deleterious and research from diverse contexts is needed to better understand why and how intergenerational transmission of adversity occurs. We examined the role of maternal ACEs on children’s growth, cognitive, and socioemotional development at 36 months postpartum in rural Pakistan. We used data from 877 mother-child dyads in the Bachpan Cohort, a birth cohort study. Maternal ACEs were captured using an adapted version of the ACE-International Questionnaire. Outcomes at 36 months of age included child growth using the WHO growth z-scores, fine motor and receptive language development assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, and socioemotional and behavioral development measured with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Socioemotional and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. To estimate the associations between maternal ACEs and child outcomes, we used multivariable generalized linear models with inverse probability weights to account for sampling and loss to follow-up. Over half of mothers in our sample (58%) experienced at least one ACE. Emotional abuse, physical abuse, and emotional neglect were the most commonly reported ACEs. We found null relationships between the number of maternal ACEs and child growth. Maternal ACEs were associated with higher fine motor and receptive language development and worse socioemotional and behavioral outcomes. Maternal ACE domains had similarly varying relationships with child outcomes. Our findings highlight the complexity of intergenerational associations between maternal ACEs and children’s growth and development. Further work is necessary to examine these relationships across cultural contexts and identify moderating factors to mitigate potential negative intergenerational effects.
Malaria treatment health seeking behaviors among international students at the University of Ghana Legon
Authors: Lwenge Mathias , Govule Philip , Katongole Simon Peter , Dako-Gyeke Phyllis
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Appropriate management of malaria demands early health seeking behaviour upon suspicion of malaria-like symptoms. This study examined malaria treatment seeking behaviour and associated factors among international students at University of Ghana.

Methods

The study used a cross-sectional and quantitative approach. Data collection was undertaken using a structured questionnaire administered on a random sample of 264 international students. Data obtained on malaria treatment and factors influencing treatment behaviors were analyzed using IBM, SPSS Statistics version 22. Associations between individual characteristics and Malaria treatment seeking behavior was assessed by Pearson Chi-square(X2) test of independence. Binary logistic regression model was built using a backwards Wald approach, with variables retained at Wald p-value <0.05.

Results

The findings show that 35% of the respondents obtained self-prescribed antimalarial at their utmost first choice of Malaria treatment. At bivariate level, a significant relationship between Malaria health-care seeking behaviour and:- Respondents continent, X2(1, N = 264) = 7.936, p = .005; Service accessibility, X2(1, N = 264) = 7.624, p = .006; Wait time, X2(1, N = 264) = 22.514, p <0.001; Treatment cost, X2(1, N = 264) = 97.160, p <0.001; Health insurance, X2(1, N = 264) = 5.837, p = 0.016, and Perceived staff attitude, X2(1, N = 264) = 18.557, p < 0.001. At multivariable analysis, inappropriate malaria health seeking behaviours was associated with low perceived service accessibility as (≥30mins) (aOR = 6.67; p<0.001), perceived long wait time (≥30mins), (aOR = 5.94; p = 0.015), perceived treatment cost affordability (<15 GHC) (aOR = 19.88; p<0.001) and age group: -34-41years (aOR = 8.83; p<0.001).

Conclusion

There were widespread inappropriate health-care seeking behavior for Malaria treatment among international students. Improving accessibility to malaria treatment services, reducing wait time at health facilities and the treatment cost will address inappropriate malaria treatment health seeking behaviours among the international students.
Screening and hospitalization of breast and cervical cancer in Brazil from 2010 to 2022: A time-series study
Authors: Ferreira Haryelle Náryma Confessor , Capistrano Gustavo Nepomuceno , Morais Thiffany Nayara Bento de , Costa Ketyllem Tayanne da Silva , Quirino Ana Luiza Santos , Costa Roberta Letícia Pimentel da , Andrade Fábia Barbosa de
Published: October 2023

In Brazil, during the pandemic caused by COVID-19, screening for breast and cervical cancers was postponed or interrupted due to the prevailing health conditions. These neoplasms, however, are responsible for high morbidity and mortality among women in Brazil and have a major impact on the quality of life of this population and public health. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the epidemiological behavior of hospitalization for cervical and breast cancer in Brazilian women, as well as the trend of screening tests of breast and cervical cancer in the years 2010 to 2022 according to the regions of Brazil. This is ecological research of time series, based on secondary data obtained from information systems of the country, about hospital admissions for breast and cervical cancer and screening methods used for these tumors. The data were analyzed in the Joinpoint Regression Program, to obtain the linear regression and temporal analysis of the variables. As a result, between 2010 and 2022, the rates of mammography varied from 36 to 71 exams, while in the pap smear, the variations were 126 and 226 cytopathological exams per 1000 women. Hospitalizations for these cancers peaked in 2019, with 48 hospitalizations for cervical cancer per 100,000 women and 147 hospitalizations for breast cancer for the same population. For both, in the pandemic years, between 2020 and 2022, there is a decrease in Brazil and in all its regions. As for the tracking of these diseases, it was observed that the performance of mammograms and preventive tests showed a similar behavior, in which there is a higher supply of these tests until 2019 and a drop during the pandemic period. This leads to the conclusion that even though Brazil has several policies for the screening of these diseases, there is still instability in the offering of these tests and that there was instability in this area during the pandemic.
Coupling coordination evaluation and driving path of digital economy and carbon emission efficiency in China: A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis based on 30 provinces
Authors: Li Zhou , Xinlan Chen , Yixuan Mi , Guangming Yang
Published: October 2023

Enhancing the level of coupling coordination between the digital economy (DIE) and carbon emission efficiency (CEE) is not only an inevitable choice for achieving the goals of energy conservation and emission reduction and promoting green development in China, but also a key path to implementing China’s “Double Carbon” strategy. Based on the relevant statistical data of 30 provincial-level regions in China from the period covering 2011 to 2019, this paper empirically analyzed the coupling coordination between the DIE and CEE and its influencing factors. In this study, an improved coupling coordination degree (CCD) model was used to evaluate the degree of the coupling and coordinated development of the DIE and CEE in provincial regions of China. Finally, based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was employed to identify the realization path of the coupling and coordinated development of the DIE and CEE from the perspective of configuration. The results demonstrated that the coupling coordination between the DIE and CCE in China demonstrated a gradual upward trend, and exhibited regional differences, showing a decreasing trend of east > middle > west. Regarding the influencing factors, no single influencing factor could act as a necessary condition for the high CCD, the coupling and coordinated development of the DIE and CEE is a multifactorial synergy. There were five paths for the high degree of coupling coordination between the DIE and CEE, which were divided into three types: organization-environment-led type, environment-led type, and technology-organization-led type. Furthermore, technological innovation level and industrial structure could substitute for one another in some conditions, and environmental regulation and economic development level were synchronized. These conclusions provide a theoretical basis for countries to formulate policies to promote the coupling and coordinated development of their DIE and CEE.
Interchangeability of class I and II fumarases in an obligate methanotroph Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z
Authors: Melnikov Oleg I. , Mustakhimov Ildar I. , Reshetnikov Alexander S. , Molchanov Maxim V. , Machulin Andrey V. , Khmelenina Valentina N. , Rozova Olga N.
Published: October 2023

The methanotrophic bacterium Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z is an industrially promising candidate for bioconversion of methane into value-added chemicals. Here, we have study the metabolic consequences of the breaking in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle by fumarase knockout. Two fumarases belonging to non-homologous class I and II fumarases were obtained from the bacterium by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. Class I fumarase (FumI) is a homodimeric enzyme catalyzing the reversible hydration of fumarate and mesaconate with activities of ~94 and ~81 U mg-1 protein, respectively. The enzyme exhibited high activity under aerobic conditions, which is a non-typical property for class I fumarases characterized to date. The calculation of kcat/S0.5 showed that the enzyme works effectively with either fumarate or mesaconate, but it is almost four times less specific to malate. Class II fumarase (FumC) has a tetrameric structure and equal activities of both fumarate hydration and malate dehydration (~45 U mg-1 protein). Using mutational analysis, it was shown that both forms of the enzyme are functionally interchangeable. The triple mutant strain 20Z-3E (ΔfumIΔfumCΔmae) deficient in the genes encoding the both fumarases and the malic enzyme accumulated 2.6 and 1.1 mmol g-1 DCW fumarate in the medium when growing on methane and methanol, respectively. Our data suggest the redundancy of the metabolic node in the TCA cycle making methanotroph attractive targets for modification, including generation of strains producing the valuable metabolites.
Cross-culturally adapted psychological interventions for the treatment of depression and/or anxiety among young people: A scoping review
Authors: Mishu Masuma Pervin , Tindall Lucy , Kerrigan Philip , Gega Lina
Published: October 2023

Background

Mental health problems among young people are a major global public health challenge. Psychological interventions may improve mental health, yet most are developed in western cultures, and it is unclear whether they are applicable to other geographical settings and can be delivered successfully to diverse populations. We identified empirical studies focusing upon cross-culturally adapted psychological interventions and examined the cultural adaptation process used and the effectiveness of the interventions in the treatment of depression and/or anxiety disorders among young people (defined here as children and adolescents aged between 8–18 years).

Method

We conducted a scoping review aligning to the guidelines reported in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Statement. Stakeholder engagement enabled us to discuss the findings of the review and obtain feedback.

Results

We identified 17 studies of cross-culturally adapted psychological interventions that considered the appropriate language, metaphors, culturally appropriate terms, and cultural values of young people. Most studies (n = 11) adopted a randomised control trial (RCT) methodology. Six studies used the ecological validity and cultural sensitivity framework. Planned adaptation, cultural adaptation of content, and surface and deep structure level adaptations were used in other studies. Apart from one pilot study, all studies reported that culturally adapted interventions resulted in improvements in depression and/or anxiety symptoms in young people. The results suggest the potential effectiveness of cross-culturally adapted interventions within this context. Our stakeholder consultations demonstrated that engaging different community-level stakeholders in the adaptation process was highly recommended.

Conclusions

Whilst most included studies indicated improvements in depression and/or anxiety symptoms in young people following a cross-culturally adapted intervention, more work is needed in this area. In particular, focus should be placed upon identifying the dimensions of interventions that should be culturally adapted to make them acceptable, engaging and effective.
Violence against women on Twitter in India: Testing a taxonomy for online misogyny and measuring its prevalence during COVID-19
Authors: Dehingia Nabamallika , McAuley Julian , McDougal Lotus , Reed Elizabeth , Silverman Jay G. , Urada Lianne , Raj Anita
Published: October 2023

Background

Online misogyny is a violation of women’s digital rights. Empirical studies on this topic are however lacking, particularly in low- and middle- income countries. The current study aimed to estimate whether prevalence of online misogyny on Twitter in India changed since the pandemic.

Methods

Based on prior theoretical work, we defined online misogyny as consisting of six overlapping forms: sexist abuses, sexual objectification, threatening to physically or sexually harm women, asserting women’s inferiority, justifying violence against women, and dismissing feminist efforts. Qualitative analysis of a small subset of tweets posted from India (40,672 tweets) substantiated this definition and taxonomy for online misogyny. Supervised machine learning models were used to predict the status of misogyny across a corpus of 30 million tweets posted from India between 2018 and 2021. Next, interrupted time series analysis examined changes in online misogyny prevalence, before and during COVID-19.

Results

Qualitative assessment showed that online misogyny in India existed most in the form of sexual objectification and sexist abusive content, which demeans women and shames them for their presumed sexual activity. Around 2% of overall tweets posted from India between 2018 and 2021 included some form of misogynistic content. The absolute volume as well as proportion of misogynistic tweets showed significant increasing trends after the onset of COVID-19, relative to trends prior to the pandemic.

Conclusion

Findings highlight increasing gender inequalities on Twitter since the pandemic. Aggressive and hateful tweets that target women attempt to reinforce traditional gender norms, especially those relating to idealized sexual behavior and framing of women as sexual beings. There is an urgent need for future research and development of interventions to make digital spaces gender equitable and welcoming to women.
A d factor? Understanding trait distractibility and its relationships with ADHD symptomatology and hyperfocus
Authors: Zhang Han , Miyake Akira , Osborne Jahla , Shah Priti , Jonides John
Published: October 2023

People differ substantially in their vulnerability to distraction. Yet, many types of distractions exist, from external stimulation to internal thoughts. How should we characterize individual differences in their distractibility? Two samples of adult participants (totalN= 1220) completed a large battery of questionnaires assessing different facets of real-world distractibility. Latent modeling revealed that these measures could be explained by three correlated-yet-distinct factors: external distraction, unwanted intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering. Importantly, about 80% of the total variance in these three factors could be explained by a single higher-order factor (d) that could be construed in terms of a person’s general distractibility, and this general distractibility model was replicated across the two samples. We then applied the general distractibility model to understand the nature of ADHD symptomatology and hyperfocus (an intense state of long-lasting and highly focused attention).dwas substantially associated with self-reported ADHD symptoms. Interestingly,dwas also positively associated with hyperfocus, suggesting that hyperfocus may, to some degree, reflect attention problems. These results also show marked consistencies across the two samples. Overall, the study provides an important step toward a comprehensive understanding of individual differences in distractibility and related constructs.
Soil fauna-microbial interactions shifts fungal and bacterial communities under a contamination disturbance
Authors: Correa-Garcia Sara , Corelli Vincenzo , Tremblay Julien , Dozois Jessica Ann , Mukula Eugenie , Séguin Armand , Yergeau Etienne
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to determine whether the soil faunal-microbial interaction complexity (SFMIC) is a significant factor influencing the soil microbial communities and the willow growth in the context of PAH contamination. The SFMIC treatment had eight levels: just the microbial community, or the microbial community with nematodes, springtails, earthworms and all the possible combinations. SFMIC affected the height and biomass of willows after eight weeks or growth. SFMIC affected the structure and the composition of the bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities, with significant effects of SFMIC on the relative abundance of fungal genera such as Sphaerosporella, a known willow symbiont during phytoremediation, and bacterial phyla such as Actinobacteriota, containing many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) degraders. These SFMIC effects on microbial communities were not clearly reflected in the community structure and abundance of PAH degraders, even though some degraders related to Actinobacteriota and the diversity of Gram-negative degraders were affected by the SFMIC treatments. Over 95% of PAH was degraded in all pots at the end of the experiment. Overall, our results suggest that, under our experimental conditions, SFMIC changes willow phytoremediation outcomes.
Zooplankton-phytoplankton biomass and diversity relationships in the Great Lakes
Authors: Kovalenko Katya E. , Reavie Euan D. , Figary Stephanie , Rudstam Lars G. , Watkins James M. , Scofield Anne , Filstrup Christopher T.
Published: October 2023

Quantifying the relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton may offer insight into zooplankton sensitivity to shifting phytoplankton assemblages and the potential impacts of producer-consumer decoupling on the rest of the food web. We analyzed 18 years (2001–2018) of paired phytoplankton and zooplankton samples collected as part of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program to examine both the long-term and seasonal relationships between zooplankton and phytoplankton across all five Laurentian Great Lakes. We also analyzed effects of phytoplankton diversity on zooplankton biomass, diversity, and predator-prey (zooplanktivore/grazer) ratios. Across the Great Lakes, there was a weak positive correlation between total algal biovolume and zooplankton biomass in both spring and summer. The relationship was weaker and not consistently positive within individual lakes. These trends were consistent over time, providing no evidence of increasing decoupling over the study period. Zooplankton biomass was weakly negatively correlated with algal diversity across lakes, whereas zooplankton diversity was unaffected. These relationships did not change when we considered only the edible phytoplankton fraction, possibly due to the high correlation between total and edible phytoplankton biovolume in most of these lakes. Lack of strong coupling between these producer and consumer assemblages may be related to lagging responses by the consumers, top-down effects from higher-level consumers, or other confounding factors. These results underscore the difficulty in predicting higher trophic level responses, including zooplankton, from changes in phytoplankton assemblages.
Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) is associated with DNA methylation changes at DNA repeats: A pilot study
Authors: Marson Fabio , Zampieri Michele , Verdone Loredana , Bacalini Maria Giulia , Ravaioli Francesco , Morandi Luca , Chiarella Salvatore Gaetano , Vetriani Valerio , Venditti Sabrina , Caserta Micaela , Raffone Antonino , Dotan Ben-Soussan Tal , Reale Anna
Published: October 2023

The control of non-coding repeated DNA by DNA methylation plays an important role in genomic stability, contributing to health and healthy aging. Mind-body practices can elicit psychophysical wellbeing via epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. However, in this context the effects of movement meditations have rarely been examined. Consequently, the current study investigates the effects of a specifically structured movement meditation, called the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on psychophysical wellbeing and on the methylation level of repeated sequences. An 8-week daily QMT program was administered to healthy women aged 40–60 years and compared with a passive control group matched for gender and age. Psychological well-being was assessed within both groups by using self-reporting scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire [MLQ] and Psychological Wellbeing Scale [PWB]). DNA methylation profiles of repeated sequences (ribosomal DNA, LINE-1 and Alu) were determined in saliva samples by deep-sequencing. In contrast to controls, the QMT group exhibited increased Search for Meaning, decreased Presence of Meaning and increased Positive Relations, suggesting that QMT may lessen the automatic patterns of thinking. In the QMT group, we also found site-specific significant methylation variations in ribosomal DNA and LINE-1 repeats, consistent with increased genome stability. Finally, the correlations found between changes in methylation and psychometric indices (MLQ and PWB) suggest that the observed epigenetic and psychological changes are interrelated. Collectively, the current results indicate that QMT may improve psychophysical health trajectories by influencing the DNA methylation of specific repetitive sequences.