bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Extent of Ablation on Survival of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Treated With Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy: A Large Single-Institutional Cohort
Authors: Kaisman-Elbaz Tehila , Xiao Tianqi , Grabowski Matthew M. , Barnett Gene H. , Mohammadi Alireza M.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Upfront laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) can be used as part of the treatment paradigm in difficult-to-access newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (ndGBM) cases. The extent of ablation, though, is not routinely quantified; thus, its specific effect on patients' oncological outcomes is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To methodically measure the extent of ablation in the cohort of patients with ndGBM and its effect, and other treatment-related parameters, on patients' progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 56 isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 wild-type patients with ndGBM treated with upfront LITT between 2011 and 2021. Patient data including demographics, oncological course, and LITT-associated parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patient median age was 62.3 years (31-84), and the median follow-up duration was 11.4 months. As expected, the subgroup of patients receiving full chemoradiation was found to have the most beneficial PFS and OS (n = 34). Further analysis showed that 10 of them underwent near-total ablation and had a significantly improved PFS (10.3 months) and OS (22.7 months). Notably, 84% excess ablation was detected which was not related to a higher rate of neurological deficits. Tumor volume was also found to influence PFS and OS, but it was not possible to further corroborate this finding because of low numbers.

CONCLUSION

This study presents data analysis of the largest series of ndGBM treated with upfront LITT. Near-total ablation was shown to significantly benefit patients' PFS and OS. Importantly, it was shown to be safe, even in cases of excess ablation and therefore could be considered when using this modality to treat ndGBM.
Defective COX1 expression in aging mice liver
Authors: Witte Steffen , Boshnakovska Angela , Özdemir Metin , Chowdhury Arpita , Rehling Peter , Aich Abhishek
Published: March 2023

Mitochondrial defects are associated with aging processes and age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In addition, some recent studies suggest mild mitochondrial dysfunctions appear to be associated with longer lifespans. In this context, liver tissue is considered to be largely resilient to aging and mitochondrial dysfunction. Yet, in recent years studies report dysregulation of mitochondrial function and nutrient sensing pathways in ageing livers. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of the aging process on mitochondrial gene expression in liver using wildtype C57BL/6N mice. In our analyses, we observed alteration in mitochondrial energy metabolism with age. To assess if defects in mitochondrial gene expression are linked to this decline, we applied a Nanopore sequencing based approach for mitochondrial transcriptomics. Our analyses show that a decrease of the Cox1 transcript correlates with reduced respiratory complex IV activity in older mice livers.
Therapeutic targeting of vascular malformation in a zebrafish model of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Snodgrass Ryan O. , Govindpani Karan , Plant Karen , Kugler Elisabeth C. , Doh Changmin , Dawson Thomas , McCormack Luis E. , Arthur Helen M. , Chico Timothy J. A.
Published: March 2023

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) causes arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in multiple organs to cause bleeding, neurological and other complications. HHT is caused by mutations in the BMP co-receptor endoglin. We characterised a range of vascular phenotypes in embryonic and adult endoglin mutant zebrafish and the effect of inhibiting different pathways downstream of Vegf signalling. Adult endoglin mutant zebrafish developed skin AVMs, retinal vascular abnormalities and cardiac enlargement. Embryonic endoglin mutants developed an enlarged basilar artery (similar to the previously described enlarged aorta and cardinal vein) and larger numbers of endothelial membrane cysts (kugeln) on cerebral vessels. Vegf inhibition prevented these embryonic phenotypes, leading us to investigate specific Vegf signalling pathways. Inhibiting mTOR or MEK pathways prevented abnormal trunk and cerebral vasculature phenotypes, whereas inhibiting Nos or Mapk pathways had no effect. Combined subtherapeutic mTOR and MEK inhibition prevented vascular abnormalities, confirming synergy between these pathways in HHT. These results indicate that the HHT-like phenotype in zebrafish endoglin mutants can be mitigated through modulation of Vegf signalling. Combined low-dose MEK and mTOR pathway inhibition could represent a novel therapeutic strategy in HHT.
Ammonium Ion Promoted Biodegradable Plastic Precursor D-3-Hydroxybutyrate Production from Bicarbonate and Acetone with Dual Biocatalysts System
Authors: Kita Yu , Amao Yutaka
Published: March 2023

Dual biocatalytic synthesis of D-3-hydroxybutyrate, a precursor of biodegradable polyester, poly-(3-hydoroxybutyrate), from CO2 and acetone via acetoacetate as an intermediate with enzyme extract including acetone carboxylase (AC) and 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase obtained from Rhodobacter capsulatus SB1003 cultured in acetone-bicarbonate medium in the presence of ATP and NADH is accomplished. The catalytic activity of AC was enhanced in the presence of ammonium chloride, and the conversion yield of acetone to D-3-hydroxybutyrate by the dual biocatalytic system was estimated to be up to 95% after 24 h incubation.
O fantasma na máquina: System-level bureaucracy e coordenação interorganizacional em políticas públicas
Authors: Castro Andre Luis de
Published: March 2023

O objetivo é entender como ocorre a coordenação interorganizacional no desenvolvimento de sistemas de informação nas políticas de arrecadação fiscal e de educação básica no estado do Paraná, o que implica a análise das relações estabelecidas entre os system-level bureaucrats (SYBs) – especialistas que atuam no desenvolvimento de sistemas de informação – e outras burocracias na implementação de políticas públicas. Foram mobilizadas referências teóricas sobre burocracia, tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TICs) no setor público e coordenação de políticas públicas. Do ponto de vista metodológico, trata-se de um estudo comparado, analisando duas políticas públicas: a de arrecadação fiscal e de educação básica do estado do Paraná; atendidas pelaempresa de economia mista que desenvolve os sistemas, a Companhia de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação do Paraná (Celepar). Tais políticas diferenciam-se pela forma como ocorrem as relações entre as burocracias. Em ambas, redes informais de aprendizado, mutuamente dependentes, permitem aos atores a criação e a utilização de estratégias de coping que contribuem com a coordenação da política pública. Essas estratégias possuem relação com a redação de leis e editais, a criação de sistemas de informação não oficiais e a resistência às mudanças, refletindo contribuições geralmente benéficas para as políticas públicas. Os resultados implicam demonstrar que os processos decisórios das políticas são alterados em função do uso das TICs e disputas se transferem para outros locus que, por vezes, os sistemas de informação escondem, por vezes evidenciam.
Problems with classification of polineuropaties severity in case of hereditary ones – review of literature
Authors: Stępień Jakub , Pastuszak Żanna
Published: March 2023

Evaluation of neuropathy severity is still a challenge for a modern medicine. Many scales were made to resolve this problem but each of them has limitations. It is known that in case of many patients there is no relation between clinical status and nerve conduction studies (NCS) results. Severe disabled patients with neuropathies can have nerve conduction study result mild impaired and conversely relation is also often observed. Many screening instruments with numerous composite scores are used to evaluate neuropathy. Most of them involved sensory perception, motor functions and reflexes like Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS), Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS), Thoronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring System. Electrophysiological parameters are also useful in classification of disease types especially in Charcot-Marie-Tooth one. There were many attempts of discovering new scores especially in diabetic neuropathies, involving mainly clinical features. There is lack of easy, reliable and precise scores that could improve neuropathy classification and monitoring disease progression especially in case of hereditary polyneuropathy.
Midwives’ experiences using personal protective equipment during COVID-19: a scoping review
Authors: O’Farrell Angela , Chatzi Anna , Doody Owen
Published: March 2023

Background

Correct use of personal protective equipment is vital to minimise the risk of patients acquiring healthcare-associated infections. These measures are also important in preventing exposure to occupational infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment was associated with anxiety, uncertainty and additional training requirements. This study investigated midwives’ experiences using personal protective equipment during the pandemic.

Methods

This systematic scoping review searched seven academic databases and grey literature. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis framework.

Results

A total of 16 studies were included. Four themes were found: ‘fear and anxiety’, ‘personal protective equipment/resources’, ‘education and training needs’ and ‘communication’.

Conclusions

Management and administration inconsistences, logistical issues and lack of training on personal protective equipment led to midwives’ negative feedback. A gap has been identified in the exploration of midwives’ experiences as personal protective equipment end-users during the COVID-19 pandemic.
My journey to head nurse
Authors: O’Neill Hayley
Published: March 2023

Hayley O’Neill details her navigation from dental nurse to an exciting new role!
Artist’s corner
Authors: Brown Clementine Rees
Published: March 2023

Clementine Rees Brown speaks to Francis Salvesen about his upcoming exhibition.
Evaluation of fertility, hatchability and egg quality of indigenous chickens in different agro-ecologies of the Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Authors:   Hawassa Agricultural Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Hawassa 06, Ethiopia, Tunsisa Legesse Yotona , Reda Kefyalew Berihun ,   School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa 05, Ethiopia
Published: March 2023

Poultry is one of the most important subsectors of livestock, supplying a cheap source of good quality animal protein in the form of meat and eggs. This study was conducted to assess egg fertility, hatchability and egg quality parameters of indigenous chickens in the Hulla, Aleta Wondo and Dale districts, representing highland, midland and lowland agroecologies, respectively. Six kebeles (two kebeles from each district) were purposively selected based on a lower distribution of exotic chickens. A total of 750 eggs of indigenous chicken were collected from three different agro-ecologies, 450 eggs were used for fertility and hatchability evaluation, and 300 eggs were used for internal and external quality analysis. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 and Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.0 packages. The results indicated that agroecology has no significant effect on the fertility (78.17%) and hatchability on total egg basis (63.1%) and hatchability on fertile egg basis (84.1%) of indigenous chicken eggs. The values of egg weight (49.50±5.52 (Mean±SD)), egg length (53.25±2.80), shell weight (4.38±0.66), yolk weight (17.86±1.96), and yolk diameter (41.40±2.09) and albumen weight (25.47±3.39) of eggs collected from midland were higher than those of eggs from highland and lowland areas. However, the highest values for albumen height (6.26±1.03), yolk height (16.80±1.10) and Haugh unit (84.23±6.73) were observed on eggs collected from highland agroecology. In conclusion, agroecology has no effect on the fertility and hatchability of indigenous chicken eggs. However, agroecology significantly affects the internal and external egg quality of indigenous chicken eggs. Therefore, the storage condition and duration of storage need consideration to maintain the external and internal quality of eggs.
Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. on retail fresh chicken carcasses in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors:   Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Centre for Asia Pacific, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand, Minh Vu Dung , Meeyam Tongkorn ,   eterinary Public Health and Food Safety Centre for Asia Pacific, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand,   Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand, Unger Fred ,   International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Hanoi,10000, Vietnam, Gölz Greta ,   Institute of Food Safety and Food Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany, Ngoc Pham Thi ,   National Institute of Veterinary Research (NIVR), Hanoi 10000, Vietnam, Giang Truong Thi Huong ,   National Institute of Veterinary Research (NIVR), Hanoi 10000, Vietnam, Alter Thomas ,   Institute of Food Safety and Food Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany, Pichpol Duangporn ,   Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
Published: March 2023

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. on fresh chicken carcasses at retail markets in four selected urban districts in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 107 chicken carcass samples were collected. Campylobacter spp. was found on 44 chicken carcasses and accounted for a prevalence of 41.1%. Among the Campylobacter species detected, C. coli was the predominant Campylobacter spp., being detected in 24 of the 44 samples, followed by C. jejuni, detected in 19 of 44 samples. One carcass was positive for both C. jejuni and C. coli. The high prevalence of zoonotic C. jejuni and C.coli on chicken carcasses emphasizes the need to enhance awareness of the public and relevant stakeholders on food safety and foodborne diseases in Vietnam.
Assessing 2 by 6 Southern Pine Lumber Flexural and Tensile Properties with Nondestructive Techniques
Authors: Uzcategui Marly G. C. , França Frederico José Nistal , Seale R. Daniel , Ross Robert J. , Senalik C. Adam
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the flexural and tensile properties of 702 pieces of No. 2 grade 2 by 6 southern pine lumber using nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques. Longitudinal and transverse vibration techniques were used to test each specimen. The mean dynamic modulus of elasticity in the longitudinal direction was 11,246 MPa, and the mean transverse vibration dynamic modulus of elasticity was 11,491 MPa. Proof-loading bending tests were conducted on each specimen. The mean bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) was 10,615 MPa. Each specimen was then destructively tested in tension parallel to the grain to determine tension MOE (Et) and ultimate tensile stress (UTS). The overall mean for Et was 11,339 MPa and the UTS mean was 28.54 MPa. Correlations between growth characteristics, and physical and mechanical properties were analyzed. From the linear regression analysis, a strong relationship between Et and dynamic MOE was found using both NDT tools. Multivariable regression models were developed to improve UTS estimation. NDT techniques are recommended for the estimation of mechanical properties of No. 2 grade 2 by 6 southern pine lumber.
To the cultural turn and back again: the relevance of aesthetics to the possibility of sustainable futures
Authors: Loukianov Anastasia
Published: March 2023

The sociology of consumption has had a fraught relationship with aesthetics, with varying levels of interest in the concept throughout the history of the discipline. Today, aesthetics is barely mentioned at all and is not considered to be relevant to enabling transitions towards more sustainable futures. In this article I demonstrate how this is due both to the prevalent understanding of aesthetics in sociology – anchored in Kantian discourse on art – and the unwitting consequences of the disciplinary developments which have taken place following the cultural turn. Drawing from philosophy and anthropology, I then present two different understandings of aesthetics, inspired by Aristotle and Dewey, which provide more fruitful avenues for engaging with the concept. The article presents existing work taking these definitions forward and shows how reconceptualising aesthetics enables us both to grasp the specificities of the unsustainable patterns of consumption of the wealthy and unequal societies of Europe, North America and Australasia, and envision the possibility of a societal transformation beyond the consumer aesthetics of ‘the Capitalocene’. Decoupling aesthetics from art, I argue for the importance of defamiliarisation and aesthetic revisioning in the creation of fairer, more sustainable and better futures.
Segmentation of beating embryonic heart structures from 4-D OCT images using deep learning
Authors: Ling Shan , Blackburn Brecken J. , Jenkins Michael W. , Watanabe Michiko , Ford Stephanie M. , Lapierre-Landry Maryse , Rollins Andrew M.
Published: March 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to investigate heart development because of its capability to image both structure and function of beating embryonic hearts. Cardiac structure segmentation is a prerequisite for the quantification of embryonic heart motion and function using OCT. Since manual segmentation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, an automatic method is needed to facilitate high-throughput studies. The purpose of this study is to develop an image-processing pipeline to facilitate the segmentation of beating embryonic heart structures from a 4-D OCT dataset. Sequential OCT images were obtained at multiple planes of a beating quail embryonic heart and reassembled to a 4-D dataset using image-based retrospective gating. Multiple image volumes at different time points were selected as key-volumes, and their cardiac structures including myocardium, cardiac jelly, and lumen, were manually labeled. Registration-based data augmentation was used to synthesize additional labeled image volumes by learning transformations between key-volumes and other unlabeled volumes. The synthesized labeled images were then used to train a fully convolutional network (U-Net) for heart structure segmentation. The proposed deep learning-based pipeline achieved high segmentation accuracy with only two labeled image volumes and reduced the time cost of segmenting one 4-D OCT dataset from a week to two hours. Using this method, one could carry out cohort studies that quantify complex cardiac motion and function in developing hearts.
Random matrix-based laser speckle contrast imaging enables quasi-3D blood flow imaging in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Guo Yong , Weng Yuanchi , Zhang Yifan , Tong Shanbao , Liu Yan , Lu Zheng , Miao Peng
Published: March 2023

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) provides full-field and label-free imaging of blood flow and tissue perfusion. It has emerged in the clinical environment, including the surgical microscope and endoscope. Although traditional LSCI has been improved in resolution and SNR, there are still challenges in clinical translations. In this study, we applied a random matrix description for the statistical separation of single and multiple scattering components in LSCI using a dual-sensor laparoscopy. Both in-vitro tissue phantom and in-vivo rat experiments were performed to test the new laparoscopy in the laboratory environment. This random matrix-based LSCI (rmLSCI) provides the blood flow and tissue perfusion in superficial and deeper tissue respectively, which is particularly useful in intraoperative laparoscopic surgery. The new laparoscopy provides the rmLSCI contrast images and white light video monitoring simultaneously. Pre-clinical swine experiment was also performed to demonstrate the quasi-3D reconstruction of the rmLSCI method. The quasi-3D ability of the rmLSCI method shows more potential in other clinical diagnostics and therapies using gastroscopy, colonoscopy, surgical microscope, etc.
Hybrid silicon-tellurium-dioxide DBR resonators coated in PMMA for biological sensing
Authors: Bonneville Dawson B. , Albert Mitchell , Arbi Ramis , Munir Muhammad , Segat Frare Bruno L. , Miarabbas Kiani Khadijeh , Frankis Henry C. , Knights Andrew P. , Turak Ayse , Sask Kyla N. , Bradley Jonathan D. B.
Published: March 2023

We report on silicon waveguide distributed Bragg reflector (DBR)
cavities hybridized with a tellurium dioxide (TeO2)
cladding and coated in plasma functionalized poly (methyl
methacrylate) (PMMA) for label free biological sensors. We describe
the device structure and fabrication steps, including reactive
sputtering of TeO2 and spin coating and plasma
functionalization of PMMA on foundry processed Si chips, as well as
the characterization of two DBR designs via thermal, water, and bovine
serum albumin (BSA) protein sensing. Plasma treatment on the PMMA
films was shown to decrease the water droplet contact angle from
∼70 to ∼35°, increasing hydrophilicity for liquid
sensing, while adding functional groups on the surface of the sensors
intended to assist with immobilization of BSA molecules. Thermal,
water and protein sensing were demonstrated on two DBR designs,
including waveguide-connected sidewall (SW) and waveguide-adjacent
multi-piece (MP) gratings. Limits of detection of 60 and
300 × 10−4 RIU were measured
via water sensing, and thermal sensitivities of 0.11 and
0.13 nm/°C were measured from 25–50 °C for
SW and MP DBR cavities, respectively. Plasma treatment was shown to
enable protein immobilization and sensing of BSA molecules at a
concentration of 2 µg/mL diluted in phosphate buffered saline,
demonstrating a ∼1.6 nm resonance shift and subsequent
full recovery to baseline after stripping the proteins with sodium
dodecyl sulfate for a MP DBR device. These results are a promising
step towards active and laser-based sensors using rare-earth-doped
TeO2 in silicon photonic circuits, which can be
subsequently coated in PMMA and functionalized via plasma treatment
for label free biological sensing.
Link load prediction in an optical network with restoration mechanisms
Authors: Knapińska Aleksandra , Goścień Róża , Lechowicz Piotr , Walkowiak Krzysztof
Published: March 2023

Knowledge about the future link load is an essential issue for optical network operators, especially in the case of network failure and the restoration of affected traffic. In this paper, we study the dynamic operation of an optical network in its normal non-failure state and the situation of a link failure followed by the restoration process. Data obtained during the simulation are used for link load prediction. We propose dynamic methods for multistep link load prediction. The analyzed link load is expressed in two ways: the bitrate of the overall traffic allocated to the link and the number of frequency slots occupied. The proposed prediction methods are expanded to include additional mechanisms that improve the forecasting quality expressed by the mean absolute percentage error metric. We evaluate developed methods on a dataset collected using a representative European network topology with realistic traffic containing diverse types of network transmissions. In broad numerical experiments, we prove the high prediction quality of regression algorithms aided by the proposed additional features.
“Analytical continuation” of flattened Gaussian beams
Authors: Borghi Riccardo
Published: March 2023

A purely analytical extension of flattened Gaussian beams [Opt. Commun. 107, 335 (1994)OPCOB80030-401810.1016/0030-4018(94)90342-5] to any values of beam order is here proposed. Due to it, the paraxial propagation problem of axially symmetric, coherent flat-top beams through arbitrary ABCD optical systems can definitely be solved in closed form via a particular bivariate confluent hypergeometric function.
Fiber-chip link via mode division multiplexing
Authors: Gordillo Oscar Jimenez , Novick Asher , Wang Oliver , Rizzo Anthony , Dave Utsav , Bergman Keren , Lipson Michal
Published: March 2023

Applying mode division multiplexing techniques to a fiber-chip link would greatly increase its communication bandwidth. However, its implementation is very difficult due to the huge higher-order mode mismatch between multimode integrated waveguides and optical fibers (FMF). Here, we present an integrated coupler between the higher order modes of a silicon waveguide and those of a FMF. Our device is capable of terabit-per-second bandwidth based on the multiplexing of 4 spatial modes. It relies on a multi-stage silicon taper combined with a 3D polymer waveguide, which convert and shape the modes for one-to-one mode coupling to the FMF. We demonstrate an average crosstalk of -7 dB to the closest mode and capability for 1.92 Tb/sec data transmission in the L-band via mode and wavelength division multiplexing.
Deciphering small business community disaster support using machine learning
Authors: Pierel Eleanor D. , Helgeson Jennifer , Dow Kirstin
Published: March 2023

With the increase in severity and frequency of natural hazards due to climate change, developing a holistic understanding of community resilience factors is critically important to disaster response and community support. Our investigation of small business survey responses about COVID-19 impacts finds that they are conduits of national support to their local communities. Small businesses that have demonstrated high levels of pre-disaster local involvement are more likely to take an active role in community resilience during a disaster, regardless of their own financial security. In addition, businesses with natural hazard experience before or during COVID-19 provided help to more community groups than hazard inexperienced businesses. While community resilience models often characterize small businesses as passive actors using variables such as employment or financial security, this research suggests that small businesses take an active role in community resilience by providing critical local support. The pandemic presented an opportunity to consider small business’ role in community resilience nationally, which was utilized here to identify the multi-dimensional factors that predict small business operators’ community disaster support. This study improves upon previous research by studying the small business-community resilience interface at both regional (n = 184) and national (n = 6,121) scales. We predict small business’ active involvement in community resilience using random forest machine learning, and find that adding social capital predictors greatly increases model performance (F1 score of 0.88, Matthews Correlation Coefficient of 0.67).
Maternal mental well-being and recent child illnesses–A cross-sectional survey analysis from Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Salako Julius , Bakare Damola , Colbourn Tim , Isah Adamu , Adams Osebi , Shittu Funmilayo , Uchendu Obioma , Bakare Ayobami A. , Graham Hamish , McCollum Eric D. , Falade Adegoke G. ,   the INSPIRING Consortium, Burgess Rochelle A. , King Carina
Published: March 2023

Child health indicators in Northern Nigeria remain low. The bidirectional association between child health and maternal well-being is also poorly understood. We aim to describe the association between recent child illness, socio-demographic factors and maternal mental well-being in Jigawa State, Nigeria. We analysed a cross-sectional household survey conducted in Kiyawa local government area, Jigawa State, from January 2020 to March 2020 amongst women aged 16–49 with at least one child under-5 years. We used two-stage random sampling. First, we used systematic random sampling of compounds, with the number of compounds based on the size of the community. The second stage used simple random sampling to select one eligible woman per compound. Mental well-being was assessed using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Score (SWEMWBS). We used linear regression to estimate associations between recent child illness, care-seeking and socio-demographic factors, and mental well-being. Overall 1,661 eligible women were surveyed, and 8.5% had high mental well-being (metric score of 25.0–35.0) and 29.5% had low mental well-being (metric score of 7.0–17.9). Increasing wealth quintile (adj coeff: 1.53; 95% CI: 0.91–2.15) not being a subsistence farmer (highest adj coeff: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.31–4.15) and having a sick child in the last 2-weeks (adj coeff: 1.25; 95% CI: 0.73–1.77) were significantly associated with higher mental well-being. Higher levels of education and increasing woman’s age were significantly associated with lower mental well-being. Findings contradicted our working hypothesis that a recently sick child would be associated with lower mental well-being. We were surprised that education and late marriage, which are commonly attributed to women’s empowerment and autonomy, were not linked to better well-being here. Future work could focus on locally defined tools to measure well-being reflecting the norms and values of communities, ensuring solutions that are culturally acceptable and desirable to women with low mental well-being are initiated.
Analysis of the mechanism of Ricinus communis L. tolerance to Cd metal based on proteomics and metabolomics
Authors: Huibo Zhao , Yong Zhao , Rui Luo , Guorui Li , Jianjun Di , Qi Wen , Xiaotian Liang , Mingda Yin , Yanpeng Wen , Zhiyan Wang , Fenglan Huang
Published: March 2023

The pollution of soil with heavy metals is an increasingly serious worldwide problem, and cadmium (Cd) has attracted attention because of its high toxicity to almost all plants. Since castor tolerates the accumulation of heavy metals, it has the potential for heavy metal soil remediation. We studied the mechanism of the tolerance of castor to Cd stress treatments at three doses: 300 mg/L, 700 mg/L, and 1,000 mg/L. This research provides new ideas for revealing the defense and detoxification mechanisms of Cd-stressed castor. By combining the results of physiology, differential proteomics and comparative metabolomics, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the networks that regulate the response of castor to Cd stress. The physiological results mainly emphasize the super-sensitive responses of castor plant roots to Cd stress and the effects of Cd stress on plants’ antioxidant system, ATP synthesis and ion homeostasis. We confirmed these results at the protein and metabolite levels. In addition, proteomics and metabolomics indicated that under Cd stress, the expressions of proteins involved in defense and detoxification, energy metabolism and other metabolites such as organic acids and flavonoids were significantly up-regulated. At the same time, proteomics and metabolomics also show that castor plants mainly block the root system’s absorption of Cd2+ by enhancing the strength of the cell wall, and inducing programmed cell death in response to the three different doses of Cd stress. In addition, the plasma membrane ATPase encoding gene (RcHA4), which was significantly upregulated in our differential proteomics and RT-qPCR studies, was transgenically overexpressed in wild type Arabidopsis thaliana for functional verification. The results indicated that this gene plays an important role in improving plant Cd tolerance.
Head-to-head comparison of nasal and nasopharyngeal sampling using SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing in Lesotho
Authors: Labhardt Niklaus D. , González Fernández Lucia , Katende Bulemba , Muhairwe Josephine , Bresser Moniek , Amstutz Alain , Glass Tracy R. , Ruhwald Morten , Sacks Jilian A. , Escadafal Camille , Mareka Mathabo , Mooko Sekhele M. , de Vos Margaretha , Reither Klaus
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To assess the real-world diagnostic performance of nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs for SD Biosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Ag-RDT).

Methods

Individuals ≥5 years with COVID-19 compatible symptoms or history of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 presenting at hospitals in Lesotho received two nasopharyngeal and one nasal swab. Ag-RDT from nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs were performed as point-of-care on site, the second nasopharyngeal swab used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference standard.

Results

Out of 2198 participants enrolled, 2131 had a valid PCR result (61% female, median age 41 years, 8% children), 84.5% were symptomatic. Overall PCR positivity rate was 5.8%. The sensitivity for nasopharyngeal, nasal, and combined nasal and nasopharyngeal Ag-RDT result was 70.2% (95%CI: 61.3–78.0), 67.3% (57.3–76.3) and 74.4% (65.5–82.0), respectively. The respective specificity was 97.9% (97.1–98.4), 97.9% (97.2–98.5) and 97.5% (96.7–98.2). For both sampling modalities, sensitivity was higher in participants with symptom duration ≤ 3days versus ≤ 7days. Agreement between nasal and nasopharyngeal Ag-RDT was 99.4%.

Conclusions

The STANDARD Q Ag-RDT showed high specificity. Sensitivity was, however, below the WHO recommended minimum requirement of ≥ 80%. The high agreement between nasal and nasopharyngeal sampling suggests that for Ag-RDT nasal sampling is a good alternative to nasopharyngeal sampling.
Computed tomography evaluation of risk factors for an undesirable buccal split during sagittal split ramus osteotomy
Authors: Fujii Yasuyuki , Hatori Ayano , Horiuchi Miwa , Sugiyama-Tamura Tomoko , Hamada Hayato , Sugisaki Risa , Kanno Yuki , Sato Marika , Kono Michihide , Hasegawa On , Kawase-Koga Yoko , Chikazu Daichi
Published: March 2023

Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) sometimes induces an irregular split pattern referred to as a bad split. We investigated the risk factors for bad splits in the buccal plate of the ramus during SSRO. Ramus morphology and bad splits in the buccal plate of the ramus were assessed using preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images. Of the 53 rami analyzed, 45 had a successful split, and 8 had a bad split in the buccal plate. Horizontal images at the height of the mandibular foramen showed that there were significant differences in the ratio of the forward thickness to the backward thickness of the ramus between patients with a successful split and those with a bad split. In addition, the distal region of the cortical bone tended to be thicker and the curve of the lateral region of the cortical bone tended to be smaller in the bad split group than in the good split group. These results indicated that a ramus shape in which the width becomes thinner towards the back frequently induces bad splits in the buccal plate of the ramus during SSRO, and more attention should be paid to patients who have rami of these shapes in future surgeries.
Topics and destinations in comments on YouTube tourism videos during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Carvache-Franco Orly , Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Wilmer , Martin-Moreno Olga
Published: March 2023

This study examines the comments posted on tourism-related YouTube videos during the Covid-19 pandemic to establish sustainable development strategies in destinations. Its objectives were: (i) to identify the topics of discussion, (ii) to establish the perceptions of tourism in a pandemic crisis, and (iii) to identify the destinations mentioned. The data was collected between January and May 2020. 39,225 comments were extracted in different languages and globally through the YouTube API. The data processing was carried out using the word association technique. The results show that the most discussed topics were: “people,” “country,” “tourist,” “place,” “tourism,” “see,” “visit,” “travel,” “covid-19,” “life,” and “live,” which are the focus of the comments made on the perceptions found and represent the attraction factors shown by the videos and the emotions perceived in the comments. The findings show that users’ perceptions are related to risks since the “Covid-19” pandemic is associated with the impact on tourism, people, destinations, and affected countries. The destinations in the comments were: India, Nepal, China, Kerala, France, Thailand, and Europe. The research has theoretical implications concerning tourists’ perceptions of destinations since new perceptions associated with destinations during the pandemic are shown. Such concerns involve tourist safety and work at the destinations. This research has practical implications since, during the pandemic, companies can develop prevention plans. Also, governments could implement sustainable development plans that contain measures so that tourists can make their trips during a pandemic.
Co-Benefits of Largescale Organic farming On huMan health (BLOOM): Protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled evaluation of the Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming programme in India
Authors: Jaacks Lindsay M. , Bliznashka Lilia , Craig Peter , Eddleston Michael , Gathorne-Hardy Alfred , Kumar Ranjit , Mohan Sailesh , Norrie John , Rajan Sheril , Roy Aditi , Yandrapu Bharath , Srinivasapura Venkateshmurthy Nikhil , Prabhakaran Poornima
Published: March 2023

The BLOOM study (co-Benefits of Largescale Organic farming On huMan health) aims to determine if a government-implemented agroecology programme reduces pesticide exposure and improves dietary diversity in agricultural households. To achieve this aim, a community-based, cluster-randomised controlled evaluation of the Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme will be conducted in 80 clusters (40 intervention and 40 control) across four districts of Andhra Pradesh state in south India. Approximately 34 households per cluster will be randomly selected for screening and enrolment into the evaluation at baseline. The two primary outcomes, measured 12 months post-baseline assessment, are urinary pesticide metabolites in a 15% random subsample of participants and dietary diversity in all participants. Both primary outcomes will be measured in (1) adult men ≥18 years old, (2) adult women ≥18 years old, and (3) children <38 months old at enrolment. Secondary outcomes measured in the same households include crop yields, household income, adult anthropometry, anaemia, glycaemia, kidney function, musculoskeletal pain, clinical symptoms, depressive symptoms, women’s empowerment, and child growth and development. Analysis will be on an intention-to-treat basis with an a priori secondary analysis to estimate the per-protocol effect of APCNF on the outcomes. The BLOOM study will provide robust evidence of the impact of a large-scale, transformational government-implemented agroecology programme on pesticide exposure and dietary diversity in agricultural households. It will also provide the first evidence of the nutritional, developmental, and health co-benefits of adopting agroecology, inclusive of malnourishment as well as common chronic diseases.

Trial registration: Study registration: ISRCTN 11819073 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11819073). Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2021/08/035434.
CDCP1 (CUB domain containing protein 1) is a potential urine-based biomarker in the diagnosis of low-grade urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chien-Liang , Tsai Hung-Wen , Peng Shu-Ling , Chang Ching-Ping , Chang Yu-Hao , Huang Huei-Sheng
Published: March 2023

Urine-based cytology is non-invasive and widely used for clinical diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma (UC), but its sensitivity is less than 40% for low-grade UC detection. As such, there is a need for new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of UC. CUB domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein highly expressed in various cancers. Using tissue array analysis, we demonstrated that CDCP1 expression in UC patients (n = 133), especially in those with low-grade UC, was significantly higher than in 16 normal persons. In addition, CDCP1 expression in urinary UC cells could also be detected by using immunocytochemistry method (n = 11). Furthermore, in 5637-CD cells, overexpression of CDCP1 affected the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition-related markers and increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression and migration ability. Conversely, the knockdown of CDCP1 in T24 cells had the opposite effects. Using specific inhibitors, we demonstrated the involvement of c-Src/PKCδ signaling in the CDCP1-regulated migration of UC. In conclusion, our data suggest that CDCP1 contributes to the malignant progression of UC and may have the potential as a urine-based biomarker for detecting low-grade UC. However, a cohort study needs to be conducted.
Effect of additional Nordic hamstring exercise or sprint training on the modifiable risk factors of hamstring strain injuries and performance
Authors: Ripley Nicholas J. , Cuthbert Matthew , Comfort Paul , McMahon John J.
Published: March 2023

The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) has commonly been investigated in isolation, however, within practice multiple modalities are commonly incorporated. However, the NHE has a low level of compliance within sport, with sprinting being potentially being preferred. The present study aimed to observe the effect of a lower-limb program with either additional NHE or sprinting on the modifiable risk factors hamstring strain injury (HSI) and athletic performance. 38 collegiate athletes were randomly assigned into three groups: control standardised lower-limb training program (n = 10 (2 female, 8 male), age = 23.50 ± 2.95 years, height = 1.75 ± 0.09 m, mass 77.66 ± 11.82 kg), additional NHE (n = 15 (7 female, 8 male), age = 21.40 ± 2.64 years, height = 1.74 ± 0.04 m, mass 76.95 ± 14.20 kg) and additional sprinting (n = 13 (4 female, 9 male), age = 22.15 ± 2.54 years, height = 1.74 ± 0.05 m, mass 70.55 ± 7.84 kg). All participants performed a standardised lower-limb training program twice per week for seven weeks, including Olympic lifting derivatives, squatting movements, and the Romanian deadlift, with experimental groups performing with either additional sprinting or NHE. Bicep femoris architecture, eccentric hamstring strength, jump performance, lower-limb maximal strength and sprint ability were measured pre and post. All training groups demonstrated significant (p < 0.001), small-moderate increases in Bicep femoris architecture (g = 0.60–1.22), with significant (p < 0.001), small-large increases in absolute and relative eccentric peak force (g = 0.60–1.84). Significant and small increases were observed in take-off velocity and mean propulsion force (p < 0.02, g = 0.47–0.64), with non-significant and small increases for both the sprint and control training groups for mean propulsion force (p > 0.05, g = 0.42–0.50). Nordic and sprint training groups had significant and small increases in peak absolute and relative net force (p < 0.001, g = 0.44–0.60). The control group had a non-significant trivial increase in absolute peak net force (p > 0.05, g = 0.22), with a significant and small increase in relative peak relative net force (p = 0.034, g = 0.48). Significant and small decreases for the NHE and sprinting training groups was observed for 0–10 m, 0–20 m, and 10–20 m sprint time (p < 0.010, g = 0.47–0.71). Performing multiple modalities, with either additional NHE or sprinting, as part of a complete resistance training program was superiorly effective for measures of modifiable risk factors HSI, with similar increases observed in measures of athletic performance derived from the standardised lower-limb training program.
Structure of the T. brucei kinetoplastid RNA editing substrate-binding complex core component, RESC5
Authors: Salinas Raul , Cannistraci Emily , Schumacher Maria A.
Published: March 2023

Kinetoplastid protists such as Trypanosoma brucei undergo an unusual process of mitochondrial uridine (U) insertion and deletion editing termed kinetoplastid RNA editing (kRNA editing). This extensive form of editing, which is mediated by guide RNAs (gRNAs), can involve the insertion of hundreds of Us and deletion of tens of Us to form a functional mitochondrial mRNA transcript. kRNA editing is catalyzed by the 20 S editosome/RECC. However, gRNA directed, processive editing requires the RNA editing substrate binding complex (RESC), which is comprised of 6 core proteins, RESC1-RESC6. To date there are no structures of RESC proteins or complexes and because RESC proteins show no homology to proteins of known structure, their molecular architecture remains unknown. RESC5 is a key core component in forming the foundation of the RESC complex. To gain insight into the RESC5 protein we performed biochemical and structural studies. We show that RESC5 is monomeric and we report the T. brucei RESC5 crystal structure to 1.95 Å. RESC5 harbors a dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-like (DDAH) fold. DDAH enzymes hydrolyze methylated arginine residues produced during protein degradation. However, RESC5 is missing two key catalytic DDAH residues and does bind DDAH substrate or product. Implications of the fold for RESC5 function are discussed. This structure provides the first structural view of an RESC protein.
Taming the white bear: Lowering reactance pressures enhances thought suppression
Authors: Wallaert Matthew , Ward Andrew , Mann Traci
Published: March 2023

Individuals fail to suppress certain thoughts, especially under conditions that tax cognitive resources. We investigated the impact of modifying psychological reactance pressures on thought suppression attempts. Participants were asked to suppress thoughts of a target item under standard experimental conditions or under conditions designed to lower reactance pressures. In the presence of high cognitive load, weakening associated reactance pressures resulted in greater success at suppression. The results suggest that reducing relevant motivational pressures can facilitate thought suppression, even when an individual experiences cognitive limitation.
Examining public views on decentralised health data sharing
Authors: Neumann Victoria , Davidge Gail , Harding Mike , Cunningham James , Davies Nigel , Devaney Sarah , Leeming Gary , Holm Søren , Ainsworth John
Published: March 2023

In recent years, researchers have begun to explore the use of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), also known as blockchain, in health data sharing contexts. However, there is a significant lack of research that examines public attitudes towards the use of this technology. In this paper, we begin to address this issue and present results from a series of focus groups which explored public views and concerns about engaging with new models of personal health data sharing in the UK. We found that participants were broadly in favour of a shift towards new decentralised models of data sharing. Retaining ‘proof’ of health information stored about patients and the capacity to provide permanent audit trails, enabled by immutable and transparent properties of DLT, were regarded as particularly valuable for our participants and prospective data custodians. Participants also identified other potential benefits such as supporting people to become more health data literate and enabling patients to make informed decisions about how their data was shared and with whom. However, participants also voiced concerns about the potential to further exacerbate existing health and digital inequalities. Participants were also apprehensive about the removal of intermediaries in the design of personal health informatics systems.