bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis B birth dose vaccination: Perspectives from healthcare providers and pregnant women accessing antenatal care in Nigeria
Authors: Freeland Catherine , Kanu Florence , Mohammed Yahaya , Nwokoro Ugochukwu Uzoechina , Sandhu Hardeep , Ikwe Hadley , Uba Belinda , Asekun Adeyelu , Akataobi Charles , Adewole Adefisoye , Fadahunsi Rhoda , Wisdom Margeret , Akudo Okeke Lilian , Ugbenyo Gideon , Simple Edwin , Waziri Ndadilnasiya , Vasumu James Jacob , Bahuli Abubakar Umar , Bashir Suleiman Saidu , Isa Abdullahi , Ugwu George Onyemachi , Obi Emmanuel Ikechukwu , Binta Haj , Bassey Bassey Okposen , Shuaib Faisal , Bolu Omotayo , Tohme Rania A.
Published: June 2023

Nigeria is estimated to have the largest number of children worldwide, living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the leading cause of liver cancer. Up to 90% of children infected at birth develop chronic HBV infection. A birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB-BD) followed by at least two additional vaccine doses is recommended for prevention. This study assessed barriers and facilitators of HepB-BD administration and uptake, using structured interviews with healthcare providers and pregnant women in Adamawa and Enugu States, Nigeria. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Sciences Research (CFIR) guided data collection and analysis. We interviewed 87 key informants (40 healthcare providers and 47 pregnant women) and created a codebook for data analysis. Codes were developed by reviewing the literature and reading a subsample of queries line-by-line. The overarching themes identified as barriers among healthcare providers were: the lack of hepatitis B knowledge, limited availability of HepB-BD to vaccination days only, misconceptions about HepB-BD vaccination, challenges in health facility staffing capacity, costs associated with vaccine transportation, and concerns related to vaccine wastage. Facilitators of timely HepB-BD vaccination included: vaccine availability, storage, and hospital births occurring during immunization days. Overarching themes identified as barriers among pregnant women were lack of hepatitis B knowledge, limited understanding of HepB-BD importance, and limited access to vaccines for births occurring outside of a health facility. Facilitators were high vaccine acceptance and willingness for their infants to receive HepB-BD if recommended by providers. Findings indicate the need for enhanced HepB-BD vaccination training for HCWs, educating pregnant women on HBV and the importance of timely HepB-BD, updating policies to enable HepB-BD administration within 24 hours of birth, expanding HepB-BD availability in public and private hospital maternity wards for all facility births, and outreach activities to reach home births.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and retrospective mortality in two African settings: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Simons Erica , Nikolay Birgit , Ouedraogo Pascal , Pasquier Estelle , Tiemeni Carlos , Adjaho Ismael , Badjo Colette , Chamman Kaouther , Diomandé Mariam , Dosso Mireille , Doumbia Moussa , Izia Yves Asuni , Kakompe Hugues , Katsomya Anne Marie , Kij Vicky , Akissi Viviane Kouakou , Mambula Christopher , Mbala-Kingebeni Placide , Muzinga Jacques , Ngoy Basile , Penali Lou , Pini Alessandro , Porten Klaudia , Salou Halidou , Sevede Daouda , Luquero Francisco , Gignoux Etienne
Published: June 2023

Although seroprevalence studies have demonstrated the wide circulation of SARS-COV-2 in African countries, the impact on population health in these settings is still poorly understood. Using representative samples of the general population, we evaluated retrospective mortality and seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Lubumbashi and Abidjan. The studies included retrospective mortality surveys and nested anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence surveys. In Lubumbashi the study took place during April-May 2021 and in Abidjan the survey was implemented in two phases: July-August 2021 and October-November 2021. Crude mortality rates were stratified between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods and further investigated by age group and COVID waves. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was quantified by rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) and laboratory-based testing (ELISA in Lubumbashi and ECLIA in Abidjan). In Lubumbashi, the crude mortality rate (CMR) increased from 0.08 deaths per 10 000 persons per day (pre-pandemic) to 0.20 deaths per 10 000 persons per day (pandemic period). Increases were particularly pronounced among <5 years old. In Abidjan, no overall increase was observed during the pandemic period (pre-pandemic: 0.05 deaths per 10 000 persons per day; pandemic: 0.07 deaths per 10 000 persons per day). However, an increase was observed during the third wave (0.11 deaths per 10 000 persons per day). The estimated seroprevalence in Lubumbashi was 15.7% (RDT) and 43.2% (laboratory-based). In Abidjan, the estimated seroprevalence was 17.4% (RDT) and 72.9% (laboratory-based) during the first phase of the survey and 38.8% (RDT) and 82.2% (laboratory-based) during the second phase of the survey. Although circulation of SARS-CoV-2 seems to have been extensive in both settings, the public health impact varied. The increases, particularly among the youngest age group, suggest indirect impacts of COVID and the pandemic on population health. The seroprevalence results confirmed substantial underdetection of cases through the national surveillance systems.
Simulation and team training to improve preterm birth knowledge, evidence-based practices, and communication skills in midwives in Kenya and Uganda: Findings from a pre- and post-intervention analysis
Authors: Miller Lara , Wanduru Phillip , Wangia Josline , Calkins Kimberly , Spindler Hilary , Butrick Elizabeth , Santos Nicole , Kirumbi Leah , Walker Dilys
Published: June 2023

Simulation training in basic and emergency obstetric and neonatal care has previously shown success in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in low-resource settings. Though preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal deaths, application of this training methodology geared specifically towards reducing preterm birth mortality and morbidity has not yet been implemented and evaluated. The East Africa Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi-EA) was a multi-country cluster randomized controlled (CRCT) trial that successfully improved outcomes of preterm neonates in Migori County, Kenya and the Busoga region of Uganda through an intrapartum package of interventions. PRONTO simulation and team training (STT) was one component of this package and was introduced to maternity unit providers in 13 facilities. This analysis was nested within the larger CRCT and specifically looked at the impact of the STT portion of the intervention package. The PRONTO STT curriculum was modified to emphasize prematurity-related intrapartum and immediate postnatal care practices, such as assessment of gestational age, identification of preterm labour, and administration of antenatal corticosteroids. Knowledge and communication techniques were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention through a multiple-choice knowledge test. Clinical skills and communication techniques used in context were assessed through the use of evidence-based practiced (EBPs) as documented in video-recorded simulations through StudioCodeTM video analysis. Pre-and-post scores were compared in both categories using Chi-squared tests. Knowledge assessment scores improved from 51% to 73% with maternal-related questions improving from 61% to 74%, neonatal questions from 55% to 73%, and communication technique questions from 31% to 71%. The portion of indicated preterm birth EBPs performed in simulation increased from 55% to 80% with maternal-related EBPs improving from 48% to 73%, neonatal-related EBPs from 63% to 93%, and communication techniques from 52% to 69%. STT substantially increased preterm birth-specific knowledge and EBPs performed in simulation.
Health systems interventions for hypertension management and associated outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Byiringiro Samuel , Ogungbe Oluwabunmi , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Adeleye Khadijat , Sarfo Fred Stephen , Himmelfarb Cheryl R.
Published: June 2023

Hypertension is a significant global health problem, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite the effectiveness of medications and lifestyle interventions in reducing blood pressure, shortfalls across health systems continue to impede progress in achieving optimal hypertension control rates. The current review explores the health system interventions on hypertension management and associated outcomes in SSA. The World Health Organization health systems framework guided the literature search and discussion of findings. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases for studies published between January 2010 and October 2022 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We assessed studies for the risk of bias using the tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Twelve studies clustered in 8 SSA countries met the inclusion criteria. Two thirds (8/12) of the included studies had low risk of bias. Most interventions focused on health workforce factors such as providers’ knowledge and task shifting of hypertension care to unconventional health professionals (n = 10). Other health systems interventions addressed the supply and availability of medical products and technology (n = 5) and health information systems (n = 5); while fewer interventions sought to improve financing (n = 3), service delivery (n = 1), and leadership and governance (n = 1) aspects of the health systems. Health systems interventions showed varied effects on blood pressure outcomes but interventions targeting multiple aspects of health systems were likely associated with improved blood pressure outcomes. The general limitations of the overall body of literature was that studies were likely small, with short duration, and underpowered. In conclusion, the literature on health systems internventions addressing hypertension care are limited in quantity and quality. Future studies that are adequately powered should test the effect of multi-faceted health system interventions on hypertension outcomes with a special focus on financing, leadership and governance, and service delivery interventions since these aspects were least explored.
Improving provider and client communication around family planning in Togo: Results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Bellow Nicole , Dougherty Leanne , Nai Dela , Kassegne Sethson , Nagbe Robert Hugues Yaovi , Babogou Lorimpo , Guede Kossi Mawuko , Silva Martha
Published: June 2023

Previous research has shown that clients are better able to achieve their reproductive intentions when family planning (FP) services meet their needs and they have satisfying client provider interactions. There are several areas of quality provider-client communication, including providers taking a complete reproductive history of their clients to best gauge their needs, communication around alternative FP methods and side effects captured in the method information index, and communication around sexually transmitted infections and HIV risk as it relates to FP choices. This study examines data from a clinic-based intervention in Togo that focuses on strengthening health provider counseling related to FP, including improving in these three areas of provider-client communication. A clustered sampling approach was used to select 650 FP clients from 23 intervention facilities and 235 clients from 17 control facilities in the Lomé and Kara districts of Togo. The FP clients’ interactions with providers were observed and clients exit interviews were conducted in December 2021. For each communication area measured through client interviews and observations, principal components analysis and Cronbach’s alpha scores were used to ensure that the individual components could be indexed. Outcomes variables based on an index of sub-questions were then created for those who had fulfilled each of the components within an index. Multivariate multilevel mixed-effects logit models accounted for clients nested within facilities and included independent variables capturing client demographic and facility variables. Multivariate results show that all three outcome variables representing the three provider-client communication areas were statistically significantly better for FP clients in intervention clinics versus control clinics (p<0.05). The results speak to the emphasis that the Togo Ministry of Health has placed on building the provider capacity to provide quality counseling and administration of FP methods and working to assist in achieving health programming goals through well-designed interventions.
Pioneering family physicians and the mechanisms for strengthening primary health care in India—A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Gupta Archna , Prasad Ramakrishna , Abraham Sunil , Nedungalaparambil Nisanth Menon , Landes Megan , Steele Gray Carolyn , Sridharan Sanjeev , Bhattacharyya Onil
Published: June 2023

India has one of the most unequal healthcare systems globally, lagging behind its economic development. Improved primary care and primary health care play an integral role in overcoming health disparities. Family medicine is a subset of primary care—delivered by family physicians, characterized by comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, collaborative, personal, family and community-oriented services—and may be able to fill these gaps. This research aims to understand the potential mechanisms by which family physicians can strengthen primary health care. In this qualitative descriptive study, we interviewed twenty family physicians, identified by purposeful and snowball sampling, who are among the first family physicians in India who received accredited certification in FM and were identified as pioneers of family medicine. We used the Contribution of Family Medicine to Strengthening Primary Health Care Framework to understand the potential mechanisms by which family medicine strengthens primary health care. Iterative inductive techniques were used for analysis. This research identifies multiple ways family physicians can strengthen primary health care in India. They are skilled primary care providers and support mid and low-level health care providers’ ongoing training and capacity building. They develop relationships with specialists, ensure appropriate referral systems are in place, and, when necessary, work with governments and organizations to access the essential resources needed to deliver care. They motivate the workforce and change how care is delivered by ensuring providers’ skills match the needs of communities and engage communities as partners in healthcare delivery. These findings highlight multiple mechanisms by which family physicians strengthen primary health care. Investments in postgraduate training in family medicine and integrating family physicians into the primary care sector, particularly the public sector, could address health disparities.
Associated factors with vaccine hesitancy in mothers of children up to two years old in a Brazilian city
Authors: Marvila Garcia Érica , Lima de Souza Evelyn , Penido Matozinhos Fernanda , Moreira Ribeiro da Silva Tércia , Alves Waldman Eliseu , Sato Ana Paula Sayuri
Published: June 2023

This study aims to evaluate maternal vaccine hesitancy and its associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study of a probabilistic sample of 450 mothers of children born in 2015, living in a Brazilian city, and who was, at the time of data collection, more than two years old. We used the tool proposed by the World Health Organization (10-item Vaccine Hesitancy Scale). To assess its structure, we performed, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We performed linear regression models to evaluate the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. The factor analysis showed two components for the vaccine hesitancy scale: lack of confidence in vaccines and risk perception of vaccines. High family income was associated with lower vaccine hesitancy (greater confidence in vaccines and lower risk perception of vaccines), while the presence of other children, regardless of birth order, in the family was associated with lower confidence in vaccines. A good rapport with health professionals, willingness to wait for the vaccination and the getting vaccinated through campaigns were associated with greater confidence in vaccines. The deliberate delay or decision not to vaccinate their children and previous experience with adverse reactions to the vaccine were associated with lower confidence in vaccines and greater risk perception of vaccines. Health care providers, especially nurses, play a relevant role to address vaccine hesitancy, guiding vaccination through a trustworthy rapport.
Cross-protocol assessment of induction and durability of VISP/R in HIV preventive vaccine trial participants
Authors: Espy Nicole , Han Xue , Grant Shannon , Kwara Esther , Lakshminarayanan Bharathi , Stirewalt Michael , Seaton Kelly E. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Goecker Erin , McElrath Julie , Andriesen Jessica , Huang Yunda , Walsh Stephen R. , Hural John
Published: June 2023

Candidate HIV vaccines are designed to induce antibodies to various components of the HIV virus. An unintended result of these antibodies is that they may also be detected by commercial HIV diagnostic kits designed to detect an immune response to HIV acquisition. This phenomenon is known as Vaccine-Induced Seropositivity/Reactivity (VISP/R). In order to identify the vaccine characteristics associated with VISP/R, we collated the VISP/R results from 8,155 participants from 75 phase 1/2 studies and estimated the odds of VISP/R by multivariable logistic regression and 10-year estimated probability of persistence in relation to vaccine platform, HIV gag and envelope (env) gene inserts, and protein boost. Recipients of viral vectors, protein boosts, and combinations of DNA and viral-vectored vaccines had higher odds of VISP/R compared to those who received DNA-only vaccines (odds ratio, OR = 10.7, 9.1, 6.8, respectively, p<0.001). Recipients of gp140+ env gene insert (OR = 7.079, p<0.001) or gp120 env (OR = 1.508, p<0.001) had higher odds of VISP/R compared to those participants who received no env. Recipients of gp140 protein had higher odds of VISP/R than those that did not receive protein (OR = 25.155, p<0.001), and recipients of gp120 protein, had lower odds of VISP/R than those that did not receive protein (OR = 0.192, p<0.001). VISP/R persisted at 10 years in more recipients of env gene insert or protein compared to those who did not (64% vs 2%). The inclusion of gag gene in a vaccine regimen had modest effects on these odds and was confounded by other covariates. Participants receiving gp140+ gene insert or protein were most often reactive across all serologic HIV tests. Conclusions from this association analysis will provide insight into the possible impact of vaccine design on the HIV diagnostic landscape and vaccinated populations.
Characterizing dengue transmission in rural areas: A systematic review
Authors: Man Olivia , Kraay Alicia , Thomas Ruth , Trostle James , Lee Gwenyth O. , Robbins Charlotte , Morrison Amy C. , Coloma Josefina , Eisenberg Joseph N. S.
Published: June 2023

Dengue has historically been considered an urban disease associated with dense human populations and the built environment. Recently, studies suggest increasing dengue virus (DENV) transmission in rural populations. It is unclear whether these reports reflect recent spread into rural areas or ongoing transmission that was previously unnoticed, and what mechanisms are driving this rural transmission. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize research on dengue in rural areas and apply this knowledge to summarize aspects of rurality used in current epidemiological studies of DENV transmission given changing and mixed environments. We described how authors defined rurality and how they defined mechanisms for rural dengue transmission. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for articles evaluating dengue prevalence or cumulative incidence in rural areas. A total of 106 articles published between 1958 and 2021 met our inclusion criteria. Overall, 56% (n= 22) of the 48 estimates that compared urban and rural settings reported rural dengue incidence as being as high or higher than in urban locations. In some rural areas, the force of infection appears to be increasing over time, as measured by increasing seroprevalence in children and thus likely decreasing age of first infection, suggesting that rural dengue transmission may be a relatively recent phenomenon. Authors characterized rural locations by many different factors, including population density and size, environmental and land use characteristics, and by comparing their context to urban areas. Hypothesized mechanisms for rural dengue transmission included travel, population size, urban infrastructure, vector and environmental factors, among other mechanisms. Strengthening our understanding of the relationship between rurality and dengue will require a more nuanced definition of rurality from the perspective of DENV transmission. Future studies should focus on characterizing details of study locations based on their environmental features, exposure histories, and movement dynamics to identify characteristics that may influence dengue transmission.
Influence of relay intercropping of barley with chickpea on biochemical characteristics and yield under water stress
Authors: Assadi Negin Mohavieh , Bijanzadeh Ehsan
Published: June 2023

Relay intercropping of legumes with cereals is a useful technique for yield increment. Intercropping may affect the photosynthetic pigments, enzyme activity and yield of barley and chickpea under water stress. To investigate the effect of relay intercropping of barley with chickpea on pigment content, enzyme activity and yield under water stress, a field experiment was conducted during 2017 and 2018. The treatments included irrigation regimes (normal irrigation and cutting off irrigation at the milk development stage) as the main plot. Also, cropping systems as sub plot consisted of sole and relay intercropping of barley with chickpea in two sowing dates (December vs January). Under water stress, the early establishment of barley in December intercropped with chickpea in January (b1c2) enhanced the leaf chlorophyll content by 16% compared to sole cropping due to less competition with chickpea. Late sowing of chickpea enhanced the leaf carotenoid content of chickpea, catalase and peroxidase activities. Barley-chickpea intercropping enhanced the WUE and guaranteed a more efficient use of space (land equivalent ratio of more than 1) compared with sole crops. Under water stress, in b1c2enhancement of total chlorophyll and water use efficiency caused to increase the grain yield of barley. In b1c2,barley and chickpea reacted to water stress with increasing total chlorophyll and enzyme activity, respectively. In this relay intercropping treatment, each crop occupied and used the growth resources from different ecological niches at different times, which is recommended in semi-arid areas.
Effects of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for depression on suicidal thoughts and behavior: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data
Authors: Sander Lasse Bosse , Beisemann Marie , Karyotaki Eirini , van Ballegooijen Wouter , Cuijpers Pim , Teismann Tobias , Doebler Philipp , Domhardt Matthias , Baumeister Harald , Büscher Rebekka
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Digital cognitive behavioral therapy (i-CBT) interventions for the treatment of depression have been extensively studied and shown to be effective in the reduction of depressive symptoms. However, little is known about their effects on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). Information on the impact of digital interventions on STB are essential for patients’ safety because most digital interventions are self-help interventions without direct support options in case of a suicidal crisis. Therefore, we aim to conduct a meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPDMA) to investigate the effects of i-CBT interventions for depression on STB and to explore potential effect moderators.

Methods

Data will be retrieved from an established and annually updated IPD database of randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of i-CBT interventions for depression in adults and adolescents. We will conduct a one-stage and a two-stage IPDMA on the effects of these interventions on STB. All types of control conditions are eligible. STB can be measured using specific scales (e.g., Beck scale suicide, BSS) or single items from depression scales (e.g., item 9 of the PHQ-9) or standardized clinical interviews. Multilevel linear regression will be used for specific scales, and multilevel logistic regression will be used for treatment response or deterioration, operationalized as a change in score by at least one quartile from baseline. Exploratory moderator analyses will be conducted at participant, study, and intervention level. Two independent reviewers will assess the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.

Conclusion

This IPDMA will harness the available data to assess the effects (response and deterioration) of i-CBT interventions for depression interventions on STB. Information about changes in STB is essential to estimate patients’ safety when engaging in digital treatment formats.

Trial registration

We will pre-register this study with the open science framework after article acceptance to ensure consistency between online registration and the published trial protocol.
An intelligent framework to measure the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of medical staff
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Shaf Ahmad , Ali Tariq , Zafar Maryam , Rahman Saifur , I. Hendi Meiaad Ali , M. Baeshen Shatha Abduh , Maghfouri Maryam Mohammed Mastoor , Alahmari Hailah Saeed Mohammed , Shahhar Ftimah Ahmed Ibrahim , Shahhar Nujud Ahmed Ibrahim , Halawi Amnah Sultan , Mahnashi Fatima Hussen , Alqhtani Samar M. , Ali M. Bahran Taghreed
Published: June 2023

The mental and physical well-being of healthcare workers is being affected by global COVID-19. The pandemic has impacted the mental health of medical staff in numerous ways. However, most studies have examined sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic problems in healthcare workers during and after the outbreak. The study’s objective is to evaluate COVID-19’s psychological effects on healthcare professionals of Saudi Arabia. Healthcare professionals from tertiary teaching hospitals were invited to participate in the survey. Almost 610 people participated in the survey, of whom 74.3% were female, and 25.7% were male. The survey included the ratio of Saudi and non-Saudi participants. The study has utilized multiple machine learning algorithms and techniques such as Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Gradient Boosting (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM). The machine learning models offer 99% accuracy for the credentials added to the dataset. The dataset covers several aspects of medical workers, such as profession, working area, years of experience, nationalities, and sleeping patterns. The study concluded that most of the participants who belonged to the medical department faced varying degrees of anxiety and depression. The results reveal considerable rates of anxiety and depression in Saudi frontline workers.
Interrogating 1000 insect genomes for NUMTs: A risk assessment for estimates of species richness
Authors: Hebert Paul D. N. , Bock Dan G. , Prosser Sean W. J.
Published: June 2023

The nuclear genomes of most animal species include NUMTs, segments of the mitogenome incorporated into their chromosomes. Although NUMT counts are known to vary greatly among species, there has been no comprehensive study of their frequency/attributes in the most diverse group of terrestrial organisms, insects. This study examines NUMTs derived from a 658 bp 5’ segment of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene, the barcode region for the animal kingdom. This assessment is important because unrecognized NUMTs can elevate estimates of species richness obtained through DNA barcoding and derived approaches (eDNA, metabarcoding). This investigation detected nearly 10,000 COI NUMTs ≥ 100 bp in the genomes of 1,002 insect species (range = 0–443). Variation in nuclear genome size explained 56% of the mitogenome-wide variation in NUMT counts. Although insect orders with the largest genome sizes possessed the highest NUMT counts, there was considerable variation among their component lineages. Two thirds of COI NUMTs possessed an IPSC (indel and/or premature stop codon) allowing their recognition and exclusion from downstream analyses. The remainder can elevate species richness as they showed 10.1% mean divergence from their mitochondrial homologue. The extent of exposure to “ghost species” is strongly impacted by the target amplicon’s length. NUMTs can raise apparent species richness by up to 22% when a 658 bp COI amplicon is examined versus a doubling of apparent richness when 150 bp amplicons are targeted. Given these impacts, metabarcoding and eDNA studies should target the longest possible amplicons while also avoiding use of 12S/16S rDNA as they triple NUMT exposure because IPSC screens cannot be employed.
Association of 25(OH)-Vitamin D and metabolic factors with colorectal polyps
Authors: Chiang Chih-Hsiang , Chang Yu-Jun , He Sin-Ru , Chao Jih-Ning , Yang Chih-Huai , Liu Yen-Tze
Published: June 2023

Background

Studies have revealed the association of vitamin D with specific types of cancer development, however, its correlation with colorectal polyps (CRPs) remains unverified. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels, metabolic factors, and CRPs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study from 2017 to 2019 involving 1306 participants was conducted to investigate the association among vitamin D levels, metabolic factors, uric acid and CRPs in Taiwan. CRPs diagnoses were determined via colonoscopies conducted by experienced gastrointestinal physicians, and biopsied polyps were inspected under a microscope by experienced pathologists. We employed both simple and multiple logistic regression analyses to identify significant factors associated with CRPs and adenomatous polyps, respectively.

Results

Our result showed that the prevalence of 25(OH)-vitamin D deficiency (≦ 20 ng/mL) and CRPs was 21.21% and 40.89%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the risk of CRPs increased with old age, male sex, hyperglycemia, high triglyceride levels, and low 25(OH)D levels after adjustment for other factors. Besides, low 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with CRPs risk in women, whereas elevated blood pressure was associated with CRPs risk in men. 25(OH)D Deficiency was revealed to be significantly associated with risk of CRPs in adults over 50 years old. Compared to nonadenomatous polyps, older age, higher 25(OH) vitamin D and higher uric acid levels were at increased risk for adenomatous polyps.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with the risk of CRPs, especially in adults over 50 years old and women. We should therefore be concerned about the CRP risk of vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome (especially hyperglycemia, elevated blood pressure in men, and high triglyceride levels) in this population.
Does the contribution of modifiable risk factors on oral health inequities differ by experience of negative life events among Indigenous Australian adults?
Authors: Jamieson Lisa , Hedges Joanne , Paradies Yin , Ju Xiangqun
Published: June 2023

Objective

Although the prevalence of poor self-rated oral health and experience of negative life events among Indigenous adults is high, the contribution of modifiable risk factors is unknown. We aimed to estimate the contribution of modifiable risk factors in poor self-rated oral health among Indigenous Australian adults with high and low experience of negative life events using decomposition analysis.

Methods

The study utilised a cross-sectional design, with data from a large convenience study of Indigenous adults in South Australia. Participants were stratified based on a median split of negative life events in the last 12 months. The outcome was the proportion of fair/poor self-rated oral health (SROH). Independent variables included experience of racism, sex, age, geographic location, car ownership, and time since last dental visit.

Results

Of the 1011 participants, the proportion with fair poor self-rated oral health was 33.5% (95% CI 30.5 to 36.4) and the proportion who had experienced 3+ negative life events in the past 12 months was 47.3% (95% CI 43.7 to 50.9). More than half the contribution in fair/poor self-rated oral health among Indigenous adults with a higher magnitude of negative life events was from experience of racism (55.3%, p<0.001), followed by residential location (19.9%), sex (9.7%) and car ownership (9.8%).

Conclusions

The contributions of modifiable risk factors in poor self-rated oral health among Indigenous adults with different exposures to negative life events differed substantially. Targets to reduce racism will decrease oral health inequities for both groups, however Indigenous adults who have experienced substantial negative life events require additional focus on provision of culturally safe dental care.
Waist—What? Can a single sensor positioned at the waist detect parameters of gait at a speed and distance reflective of older adults’ activity?
Authors: Vavasour Grainne , Giggins Oonagh M. , Flood Matthew W. , Doyle Julie , Doheny Emer , Kelly Daniel
Published: June 2023

One of the problems facing an ageing population is functional decline associated with reduced levels of physical activity (PA). Traditionally researcher or clinician input is necessary to capture parameters of gait or PA. Enabling older adults to monitor their activity independently could raise their awareness of their activitiy levels, promote self-care and potentially mitigate the risks associated with ageing. The ankle is accepted as the optimum position for sensor placement to capture parameters of gait however, the waist is proposed as a more accessible body-location for older adults. This study aimed to compare step-count measurements obtained from a single inertial sensor positioned at the ankle and at the waist to that of a criterion measure of step-count, and to compare gait parameters obtained from the sensors positioned at the two different body-locations. Step-count from the waist-mounted inertial sensor was compared with that from the ankle-mounted sensor, and with a criterion measure of direct observation in healthy young and healthy older adults during a three-minute treadmill walk test. Parameters of gait obtained from the sensors at both body-locations were also compared. Results indicated there was a strong positive correlation between step-count measured by both the ankle and waist sensors and the criterion measure, and between ankle and waist sensor step-count, mean step time and mean stride time (r = .802–1.0). There was a moderate correlation between the step time variability measures at the waist and ankle (r = .405). This study demonstrates that a single sensor positioned at the waist is an appropriate method for the capture of important measures of gait and physical activity among older adults.
Government regulation strategy, leading firms’ innovation strategy, and following firms imitation strategy: An analysis based on evolutionary game theory
Authors: Zhang Mengke , Huang Yan , Jin Yifan , Bao Yuan
Published: June 2023

In the innovation ecosystem, the knowledge-based game behavior of each subject not only pertains to its own survival and development but also affects evolution of the innovation ecosystem. The present study investigates the choice of government’s regulation strategy, leading firms’ innovation protection strategy and following firms’ imitation strategy from the perspective of group evolutionary game. Based on the cost-benefit perspective, an asymmetric tripartite evolutionary game model and a simulation model are constructed to analyze the strategies and stability of the evolutionary equilibrium of each subject. We focus mainly on the protection intensity of innovation achievements by leading enterprises and the difficulty of imitation and substitution by following enterprises. The cost of patent operation and maintenance, government subsidies, and the relative difficulty of technology substitution and imitation were identified as the key factors affecting the evolutionary equilibrium of the system. Based on different scenarios resulting from the aforementioned factors, four equilibrium states are observed in the system, namely {no government regulation, technology secrecy, substitution}, {no government regulation, technology secrecy, imitation}, {no government regulation, patent application, imitation}, and {government regulation, patent application, imitation}. Finally, the study suggests corresponding recommendations for the three parties, which can help governments as well as the leading and following firms to choose appropriate behavioral strategies. At the same time, this study offers positive insights to participants in the global innovation ecosystem.
Chargeability study of disinfectants and the optimization of design parameters of a handheld electrostatic disinfection device for small scale applications
Authors: Chauhan Aarti , Patel Manoj Kumar , Nayak Manoj Kumar , Saini Surender Singh
Published: June 2023

Apart from aerosols, contaminated surfaces with SARS-CoV-2 virus are the significant carriers of virus transmission. The disinfection and sanitization of the indoor and outdoor places are one among the powerful and effective strategies to avoid the surface-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) through frequent touch and physical contact. Electrostatic spraying is one of the effective and efficient methods to apply the liquid-based sprays on surfaces to be disinfected or sanitized. This technique covers the directly exposed and obscured surfaces uniformly and reaches to hidden areas of the target. In this paper, the design and performance parameters of a motorized pressure-nozzle based handheld electrostatic disinfection device were optimized and the chargeability of ethanol (C2H5OH), formaldehyde (CH2O), glutaraldehyde (C5H8O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), phenol (C6H5OH) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) has been critically investigated. The chargeability indicator for disinfectants was presented in terms of the charge-to-mass ratio. The significant value of the charge-to-mass ratio of 1.82 mC/kg was achieved at an applied voltage of 2.0 kV, the liquid flow rate and pressure of 28 ml/min and 5 MPa, respectively. The experimental results are well aligned to the proposed theoretical context.
rang: Reconstructing reproducible R computational environments
Authors: Chan Chung-hong , Schoch David
Published: June 2023

A complete declarative description of the computational environment is usually missing when researchers share their materials. Without such description, software obsolescence and missing system components can jeopardize computational reproducibility in the future, even when data and computer code are available. The R package rang is a complete solution for generating the declarative description for other researchers to automatically reconstruct the computational environment at a specific time point. The reconstruction process, based on Docker, has been tested for R code as old as 2001. The declarative description generated by rang satisfies the definition of a reproducible research compendium and can be shared as such. In this contribution, we show how rang can be used to make otherwise unexecutable code, spanning fields such as computational social science and bioinformatics, executable again. We also provide instructions on how to use rang to construct reproducible and shareable research compendia of current research. The package is currently available from CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/rang/index.html) and GitHub (https://github.com/chainsawriot/rang).
Spatial Heterogeneity analysis of urban forest ecosystem services in Zhengzhou City
Authors: Yang Yarong , Ma Jie , Liu Hong , Song Lili , Cao Wei , Ren Yifan
Published: June 2023

Understanding the spatial distribution of urban forest ecosystem services is essential for urban planners and managers to effectively manage cities and is an essential part of sustainable urban development. Mapping the spatial distribution of urban forest ecosystem services and improving the accuracy of its assessment scale will undoubtedly provide a more accurate reference basis for later management. In this study, we used the i-Tree Eco model and kriging interpolation to quantify and map urban forest ecosystem services and their spatial distribution in Zhengzhou, a city along the lower reaches of the Yellow River in China; analyzed the mapping errors and applicable conditions; and further explored the spatial differences using geographic probes. The i-Tree Eco model estimation results showed that the total carbon storage in the urban forest of Zhengzhou city was 75.7 tons, the annual carbon sequestration was 14.66 tons, the trees and shrubs in the urban area of Zhengzhou city could effectively avoid a total of 307.86 m3 of surface runoff per year, and trees and shrubs removed 411.8 kg/year of air pollution (O3, CO, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2). The spatial distribution of all urban forest ecosystem services showed significant heterogeneity, but the spatial evaluation precision of different factors varied. GDP and population data showed a negative correlation with ecosystem services, and ecosystem services were abundant in watershed and woodland areas. This study differs from traditional assessments based on regional data due to its improved spatial evaluation accuracy, and the results, discussion, and analysis not only help Zhengzhou’s own urban development, but also provide a basis for the future construction and management of other cities, the Central Plains urban agglomeration, and the surrounding larger regions. This will contribute to the enhancement of ecosystem services and thus improve the ecological conditions of the region. This will also have a positive effect on the health of urban residents.
Improving the isolated microspore culture in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) with amino acid nutrition
Authors: Hashemi Mozhgan , Moieni Ahmad , Sabet Mohammad Sadegh
Published: June 2023

It has been proposed that the composition of the culture medium, especially its amino acids, is an important part of getting microspore androgenesis to occur in some plants. However, there have been far fewer studies done on the Solanaceae family. In this study, we studied what happened to eggplant microspore culture when we mixed casein hydrolysate (0 and 100 mg L-1) with four amino acids: proline (0, 100, 500, and 900 mg L-1), glutamine (0 and 800 mg L-1), serine (0 and 100 mg L-1), and alanine (0 and 100 mg L-1). The results showed that a combination of 800 mg L-1of glutamine, 100 mg L-1of serine, 100 mg L-1of casein hydrolysate, and 500 mg L-1of proline produced the maximum number of calli per Petri dish (938). Calli had a globular shape and a compact appearance when formed in media containing 500 mg L-1of proline (alone or combined with serine, alanine, and/or casein hydrolysate). Most of these structures were observed in a medium with 500 mg L-1of proline, 100 mg L-1of casein hydrolysate, and 100 mg L-1of serine. We also investigated what happened when gum arabic (2400, 2600, 3600, 4600, and 5600 mg L-1) was combined with proline (0 and 500 mg L-1), casein hydrolysate (0 and 100 mg L-1), and glutamine (0, 400, and 800 mg L-1). The findings demonstrated the involvement of proline in the increase of calli. Overall, the results give us new information about how amino acids work in eggplant microspore culture and suggest that proline can move this plant’s microspore androgenesis pathway forward.
Correlating continuously captured home-based digital biomarkers of daily function with postmortem neurodegenerative neuropathology
Authors: Hantke Nathan C. , Kaye Jeffrey , Mattek Nora , Wu Chao-Yi , Dodge Hiroko H. , Beattie Zachary , Woltjer Randy
Published: June 2023

Background

Outcome measures available for use in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical trials are limited in ability to detect gradual changes. Measures of everyday function and cognition assessed unobtrusively at home using embedded sensing and computing generated “digital biomarkers” (DBs) have been shown to be ecologically valid and to improve efficiency of clinical trials. However, DBs have not been assessed for their relationship to AD neuropathology.

Objectives

The goal of the current study is to perform an exploratory examination of possible associations between DBs and AD neuropathology in an initially cognitively intact community-based cohort.

Methods

Participants included in this study were ≥65 years of age, living independently, of average health for age, and followed until death. Algorithms, run on the continuously-collected passive sensor data, generated daily metrics for each DB: cognitive function, mobility, socialization, and sleep. Fixed postmortem brains were evaluated for neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neuritic plaque (NP) pathology and staged by Braak and CERAD systems in the context of the “ABC” assessment of AD-associated changes.

Results

The analysis included a total of 41 participants (M±SD age at death = 92.2±5.1 years). The four DBs showed consistent patterns relative to both Braak stage and NP score severity. Greater NP severity was correlated with the DB composite and reduced walking speed. Braak stage was associated with reduced computer use time and increased total time in bed.

Discussion

This study provides the first data showing correlations between DBs and neuropathological markers in an aging cohort. The findings suggest continuous, home-based DBs may hold potential to serve as behavioral proxies that index neurodegenerative processes.