bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connectivity underlying motor cortex activity during naturalistic goal-directed behavior
Authors: Finkelstein Arseny , Daie Kayvon , Rózsa Márton , Darshan Ran , Svoboda Karel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNeural representations of information are shaped by local network interactions. Previous studies linking neural coding and cortical connectivity focused on stimulus selectivity in the sensory cortex1–4. Here we study neural activity in the motor cortex during naturalistic behavior in which mice gathered rewards with multidirectional tongue reaching. This behavior does not require training and thus allowed us to probe neural coding and connectivity in motor cortex before its activity is shaped by learning a specific task. Neurons typically responded during and after reaching movements and exhibited conjunctive tuning to target location and reward outcome. We used an all-optical5,4,6,7method for large-scale causal functional connectivity mappingin vivo. Mapping connectivity between > 20,000,000 excitatory neuronal pairs revealed fine-scale columnar architecture in layer 2/3 of the motor cortex. Neurons displayed local (< 100 µm) like-to-like connectivity according to target-location tuning, and inhibition over longer spatial scales. Connectivity patterns comprised a continuum, with abundant weakly connected neurons and sparse strongly connected neurons that function as network hubs. Hub neurons were weakly tuned to target-location and reward-outcome but strongly influenced neighboring neurons. This network of neurons, encoding location and outcome of movements to different motor goals, may be a general substrate for rapid learning of complex, goal-directed behaviors.
CK-666 and CK-869 differentially inhibit Arp2/3 iso-complexes
Authors: Cao LuYan , Huang Shaina , Basant Angika , Mladenov Miroslav , Way Michael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe inhibitors, CK-666 and CK-869, are widely used to probe the function of actin nucleation by the Arp2/3 complexin vitroand in cells. However, in mammals, the Arp2/3 complex consists of 8 iso-complexes, as three of its subunits (Arp3, ArpC1, ArpC5) are encoded by two different genes. Here, we used recombinant Arp2/3 with defined composition to assess the activity of CK-666 and CK-869 against iso-complexes. We demonstrate that both inhibitors prevent linear actin filament formation when ArpC1A- or ArpC1B-containing complexes are activated by SPIN90. In contrast, inhibition of actin branching depends on iso-complex composition. Both drugs prevent actin branch formation by complexes containing ArpC1A, but only CK-869 can inhibit ArpC1B-containing complexes. Consistent with this, in bone marrow-derived macrophages which express low levels of ArpC1A, CK-869 but not CK-666, impacted phagocytosis and cell migration. CK-869 is also only able to inhibit Arp3-but not Arp3B-containing iso-complexes. Our findings have important implications for the interpretation of results using CK-666 and CK-869, given that the relative expression levels of ArpC1 and Arp3 isoforms in cells and tissues remains largely unknown.
Cyperus babakan Steud. (Liliopsida: Poales: Cyperaceae), a new record for southern India
Authors: B.S. Anakha  , A.R. Viji  
Published: November 2023

Cyperus babakan Steud. is reported here for the first time from southern India based on the collection made from Kerala, India. Descriptions, images of the species, distribution and phenology are provided here.
An Auditory Sonic Sleep Treatment for Individuals Living With Dementia in a Memory Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Program Evaluation
Authors: Abushousheh Addie , Taylor Ellen , Brondino Michael J. 
Published: November 2023

Background: The absence of a cure for dementia, combined with the increased longevity of the baby boom generation, is resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of people living with dementia. Aging-related changes coupled with dementia-related behavioral symptoms pose unique challenges for those living with dementia as well as those who provide care. There is evidence that improved sleep can improve health and well-being. Research also supports using auditory interventions as a form of nonpharmacological therapy. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a customized auditory (sonic) treatment during sleep on the mood, behavior, quality of life, functional ability, and health condition of individuals living with the symptoms of dementia. Workforce outcomes were evaluated as a secondary outcome. Methods: A controlled before–after design with a mixed-method approach was used to evaluate the impact of the sonic sleep treatment during baseline, intervention, and discontinuation time frames. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in participants’ cooperation with care ( p = .0249) and daytime drowsiness ( p = .0104). Other nonstatistically significant improvements included bed mobility, appetite, bathing self-performance, toilet use, incidence of falls, following requests and instructions, and nighttime insomnia. While workforce outcomes remained unchanged, staff were supportive of resuming the sonic sleep treatment after the discontinuation time frame. Conclusions: The sonic sleep treatment demonstrated improved outcomes for individuals living with dementia. This supports using an appropriate auditory stimulus as a fundamental component of care for individuals living in memory care settings.
Reimagining America’s Rural Health: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Pati Debajyoti , Sheykhmaleki Pariya , Chilaka Daphne A. U. 
Published: November 2023

Objectives: The objective of this inquiry was to identify (a) rural health challenges in the United States, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and (b) to identify opportunities within the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Background: Rural healthcare challenges in the United States are not the same as those faced in urban and suburban communities. Nor are rural hospitals a miniature version of larger urban hospitals. Urban healthcare and hospital-centric policies and solutions, hence, do not help address or optimize the unique health challenges of rural communities. Furthermore, the challenges previously faced by rural hospitals were further exacerbated by COVID-19. Methods: Key points from public deliberations among experts in a 1-day symposium on rural health, attended by 65 professionals representing 18 west Texas institutions, were captured by the authors. The data were subsequently analyzed to identify common areas of information. Findings: Four clusters of challenges and opportunities were identified: healthcare delivery, healthcare infrastructure/building, community health, and public administration. Conclusions: Symposium data suggest that rural health faced numerous unique challenges, which were further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic also helped discover the resiliency of clinicians working in rural areas. For rural health optimization, rural health buildings also need to be flexible. While funds are not easily available, some innovative community collaborations with healthcare institutions may generate novel solutions. In the meantime, telemedicine promises a radical change in rural community health services in the future.
The cost of implementing the COVID-19 shielding policy in Wales
Authors: Sewell Bernadette , Farr Angela , Akbari Ashley , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Dale Jeremy , Edwards Adrian , Evans Bridie Angela , John Ann , Torabi Fatemeh , Jolles Stephen , Kingston Mark , Lyons Jane , Lyons Ronan A. , Porter Alison , Watkins Alan , Williams Victoria , Snooks Helen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The EVITE Immunity study investigated the effects of shielding Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people during the COVID-19 pandemic on health outcomes and healthcare costs in Wales, United Kingdom, to help prepare for future pandemics. Shielding was intended to protect those at highest risk of serious harm from COVID-19. We report the cost of implementing shielding in Wales.

Methods
The number of people shielding was extracted from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Resources supporting shielding between March and June 2020 were mapped using published reports, web pages, freedom of information requests to Welsh Government and personal communications (e.g. with the office of the Chief Medical Officer for Wales).

Results
At the beginning of shielding, 117,415 people were on the shielding list. The total additional cost to support those advised to stay home during the initial 14 weeks of the pandemic was £13,307,654 (£113 per person shielded). This included the new resources required to compile the shielding list, inform CEV people of the shielding intervention and provide medicine and food deliveries. The list was adjusted weekly over the 3-month period (130,000 people identified by June 2020). Therefore the cost per person shielded lies between £102 and £113 per person.

Conclusion
This is the first evaluation of the cost of the measures put in place to support those identified to shield in Wales. However, no data on opportunity cost was available. The true costs of shielding including its budget impact and opportunity costs need to be investigated to decide whether shielding is a worthwhile policy for future health emergencies.
In situ adsorption of itaconic acid from fermentations of Ustilago cynodontis improves bioprocess efficiency
Authors: Pastoors Johannes , Deitert Alexander , Michel Carina , Günster Karsten , Finger Maurice , Hofstede Jordy , Deischter Jeff , Biselli Andreas , Viell Jörn , Palkovits Regina , Jupke Andreas , Büchs Jochen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Reducing the costs of biorefinery processes is a crucial step in replacing petrochemical products by sustainable, biotechnological alternatives. Substrate costs and downstream processing present large potential for improvement of cost efficiency. The implementation of in situ adsorption as an energy-efficient product recovery method can reduce costs in both areas. While selective product separation is possible at ambient conditions, yield-limiting effects, as for example product inhibition, can be reduced in an integrated process.

Results
An in situ adsorption process was integrated into the production of itaconic acid with Ustilago cynodontis IAmax, as an example of a promising biorefinery process. A suitable feed strategy was developed to enable efficient production and selective recovery of itaconic acid by maintaining optimal glucose concentrations. Online monitoring via Raman spectroscopy was implemented to enable a first process control and understand the interactions of metabolites with the adsorbent. In the final, integrated bioprocess, yield, titre, and space–time yield of the fermentation process were increased to values of 0.41 gIA/gGlucose, 126.5 gIA/L and 0.52 gIA/L/h. This corresponds to an increase of up to 30% in comparison to the first extended batch experiment without in situ product removal. Itaconic acid was recovered with a purity of at least 95% and high concentrations above 300 g/L in the eluate.

Conclusion
Integration of product separation via adsorption into the bioprocess was successfully conducted and improved the efficiency of itaconic acid production. Raman spectroscopy was proven to be a reliable tool for online monitoring of various metabolites and facilitated design and validation of the complex separation and feed process. The general process concept can be transferred to the production of various similar bioproducts, expanding the tool kit for design of innovative biorefinery processes.
Atypical presentation of mpox in Irrua environs: a case report
Authors: Oiwoh S. O. , Tobin E. A. , Asogun D. A. , Erameh C. O. , Iraoyah K. O. , Okoeguale J. , Eifediyi R. A. , Samuel S. O. , Salami T. A. T. , Okogbenin S. A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, -is an orthopoxvirus infection of the skin and previously a public health emergency of international concern. It reemerged in Nigeria over 5 years ago and has since spread to other parts of the world. This is a case report of a confirmed patient who was managed at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria before the global surge. This report shows peculiar differences from previous patients managed at the same center in terms of the relatively prolonged eruptive phase, possible seasonal occurrence of mpox in the community, and some traditional care for mpox and skin rashes. It also corroborates previous reports of possible sexual transmission of mpox in Nigeria before the report from the global outbreak.

Case presentation
The patient is a 30-year-old Nigerian male artisan with a 2-month history of raised rashes on the body that started on the genitals then involved other parts of the body. There was history of sore throat and unprotected sex with a female partner with similar rash whose other sexual history could not be ascertained. There was also history of “seasonal” rash in his village for about 7 years prior to his symptoms. Examination showed multiple vesicles and some nodules (ulcerating, healing, and healed) on the face, trunk, limbs, gluteal region, scrotum, palms, and sole, an almost circumferential penile ulcer, and lymphadenopathy. Polymerase chain reaction skin samples sent for mpox returned positive, while retroviral and coronavirus disease 2019 screenings were negative. He was managed in isolation while contact tracing in the affected community was initiated.

Conclusion
Atypical presentations of mpox, as managed in Irrua before the global surge, emphasize the varied spectrum of presentations (typical and atypical) in Nigeria. Therefore, there is a need for a higher index of suspicion for the uncommon presentations which will strengthen case recognition, case management, and community-based interventions as well as surveillance in the prevention and control of mpox in Irrua, its environs, Nigeria, and the world.
Effect of Taking COVID 19 Vaccine On Nurses’ Fear from Infection and Their Adherence to Preventive Measures
Authors: Hefnawy Gehan Refat 
Published: November 2023

High level of nurses' fear of getting infected with COVID–19 leads to increase distress, lower job satisfaction, decreased health perceptions, and increased turnover intention. This study aims to compare the follow of standard precautionary measures and level of fear of Saudi nurses in dialysis units from acquired COVID-19 infection, before and after patients vaccination. Methods: descriptive cross-sectional study was used. Thirty-three Saudi nurses from dialysis units in Sakaka city participated in our study. Study tools; demographic data, fear of COVID-19 Scale, and questioner about '5 moments of hand washing, and wearing PPE. Results: The study found before vaccination, 54.5% of nurses reported extreme fear of getting acquired COVID-19 infection while only 15.5% reported fear after vaccination. There was a negative relationship between fear from infection and educational level, before and after vaccination. Also, negative relation was found between level of fear and years of experience before vaccination while positive relation was noted after vaccination. Conclusions: after vaccination the nurses' fear level decreased but still within normal level. Both level of education and years of experience played a major role in nurses' fear levels, following hand hygiene, and wearing PPE.
Remote work and family duties. Sociological analysis of selected problems in the functioning of families with minor children during COVID-19
Authors: Żak Monika 
Published: November 2023

The difficulty of balancing professional and personal roles is a challenge in everyday life. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that it can be even more difficult. The aim of this paper is to present the results of a study on the attempt to maintain balance between work and family life during the Covid-19 pandemic. The problems faced by parents of children who were homeschooled will be presented. The analysis is based on several main problems faced by the respondents: time conflict, conflict of space, and role conflict. The result of the undertaken research is a typology of daily functioning strategies developed by parents during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sytuacja demograficzna młodzieży i jej społeczne konsekwencje
Authors: Messyasz Karolina 
Published: November 2023

Artykuł ten poświęcony jest przybliżeniu czytelnikowi globalnej sytuacji społeczno-demograficznej młodzieży. Będę starała się pokazać położenie młodych osób w globalnych strukturach demograficznych oraz nawiązać do wynikających z tego konsekwencji i wyzwań. Tym samym punkt ten poświęcę na charakterystykę, w oparciu o dostępne dane i opracowania, młodego pokolenia w ujęciu globalnym, kontynentalnym i krajowym (Polska). Postaram się wskazać najważniejsze zmienne, które odzwierciedlają sytuację młodych na tle innych grup wiekowych oraz zastanowić się nad konsekwencjami społecznymi ujawnionych procesów dla statusu kategorii młodzieży.
How does atmospheric pressure cold helium plasma affect the biomechanical behaviour on alkali-lesioned corneas?
Authors: Neri Simona , Mascolini Maria Vittoria , Peruffo Antonella , Todros Silvia , Zuin Matteo , Cordaro Luigi , Martines Emilio , Contiero Barbara , Carniel Emanuele Luigi , Iacopetti Ilaria , Patruno Marco , Fontanella Chiara Giulia , Perazzi Anna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background - Melting corneal ulcers are a serious condition that affects a great number of animals and people in the world and it is characterised by a progressive weakening of the tissue leading to possible severe ophthalmic complications, such as visual impairment or blindness. This disease is routinely treated with medical therapy and keratoplasty, and recently also with alternative regenerative therapies, like cross-linking, amniotic membrane transplant and laser. Plasma medicine is another recent example of regenerative treatment that showed promising results in reducing microbial load of corneal tissue together with maintaining its cells vitality. Since the effect of helium plasma application on corneal mechanical viscoelasticity has not yet been investigated, the aim of this study is first to evaluate it on ex vivo porcine corneas for different exposition times, and then to compare the results with previous data on cross-linking treatment.
Results - 94 ex-vivo porcine corneas divided in 16 populations (healthy or injured, fresh or cultured corneas and treated or not with plasma or cross-linking), were analysed. For each population, a biomechanical analysis was performed by uniaxial stress-relaxation test and a statistical analysis was carried out considering the characteristic mechanical parameters. In terms of equilibrium normalized stress, no statistically significative difference resulted when the healthy corneas were compared to the lesioned plasma-treated ones, independently of the treatment time, contrary to what was obtained in relation to the cross-linking treated corneas exhibiting more intense relaxation phenomena.
Conclusions - In this study, the influence of the Helium plasma treatment on the viscoelasticity of ex vivo porcine corneas was observed, by restoring in lesioned tissue a degree of relaxation similar to the one of native tissue, even after only 2 minutes of application. Therefore, the obtained results suggest the plasma treatment as a promising new regenerative ophthalmic therapy for melting corneal ulcers, laying the groundwork for further studies to correlate the mechanical findings to corneal histology and ultrastructural anatomy after plasma treatment.
Development of community-based, cultural-specific infant and young child feeding education material in rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: a study protocol
Authors: Makwarela Vhutshilo , Havemann-Nel Lize , Burger Hester-Maria , Lombard Martani J 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Undernutrition, including stunting, continues to impact child health globally. Stunting remains persistent in low and middle-income countries, including South Africa. The Eastern Cape Province has a high stunting prevalence. Contributing factors include poor infant and young child feeding, lack of infant and young child feeding knowledge, and detrimental cultural-specific practices. Understanding specific barriers preventing improved infant and young child feeding is important to ensure the United Nations’ sustainable development goals are met by 2023. The Health Belief Model contributes to developing effective, cultural-specific nutrition education, resulting in positive behaviour change. Applying design thinking while developing education material encourages engagement with local stakeholders/communities to deliver cultural-specific content. This paper outlines the protocol designed to develop material for a community-based, cultural-specific infant and young child feeding education for mothers/caregivers living in rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
Methods
The study will be conducted in three phases. Phase 1 will use qualitative and quantitative secondary data to conduct a situational analysis of socio-demographic factors, anthropometric profiles, and feeding practices of infants and young children (0–24 months). In Phase 2, a knowledge, practices, and perceptions questionnaire will be developed to quantify infant and young child feeding knowledge, practices and perceptions and to measure the impact of the intervention. Published literature, focus group discussions, and expert opinion will be used. Phase 3 will use the Health Belief Model to develop a conceptual framework, with design thinking constructs as a method to develop the content of the infant and young child feeding education material.
Discussion
This study will provide a detailed analysis of the situation in the community, develop a questionnaire to quantify the effect of knowledge, practices and perceptions on nutrition, and ultimately provide cultural-specific infant and young child feeding education material. It is anticipated that, when implemented, this approach will positively improve maternal/caregiver knowledge, practices and perceptions, provide valuable information on the impact of culture, and ultimately result in improved child growth and diet.
Variability of Ionospheric Total Electron Content over some American, Asian and African Equatorial Stations
Authors: AKINYEMI Gbenga A.. , Ikubanni S. O. , Sanyaolu M. E. , Rabiu A. B. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The Earth’s ionosphere is a highly dynamic region, which interferes with radio wave propagation in the shortwave and L-band frequency. In this study, total electron content (TEC) data derived from the International Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Service (IGS) over four stations were used to investigate the diurnal, seasonal and solar activity effects on ionospheric TEC variability. The stations with their respective geomagnetic latitudes are: DGAR (-16.89o), MBAR (-10.22o), BOGT (-3.80o) and AHUP (12.23o). Analysis of the diurnal variation showed that, across all the stations for all seasons, the nighttime values (ranging between 13 and 143%) are higher than the daytime values (ranging between 7 and 60%). The nighttime values showed two peaks in the range 35–143% during the post-midnight hours and 36–74% during the post-sunset hours. The diurnal-seasonal variation does not exhibit a regular pattern in any station. At three of the four stations considered, highest TEC variability was observed during low solar activity and lowest during high solar activity, particularly during the nighttime. On the average, considering all the seasons together, minimum TEC variability (7%) was observed at MBAR during March Equinox of the year of moderate solar activity and maximum (143%) was observed at AHUP during December Solstice of the year of low solar activity.