bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous screening of zebrafish larvae cardiac and respiratory functions: a microfluidic multi-phenotypic approach
Authors: Khalili Arezoo , van Wijngaarden Ellen , Zoidl Georg R , Rezai Pouya 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMulti-phenotypic screening of multiple zebrafish larvae plays an important role in enhancing the quality and speed of biological assays. Many microfluidic platforms have been presented for zebrafish phenotypic assays, but multi-organ screening of multiple larvae, from different needed orientations, in a single device that can enable rapid and large-sample testing is yet to be achieved. Here, we propose a multi-phenotypic quadruple-fish microfluidic chip for simultaneous monitoring of heart activity and fin movement of 5–7-day postfertilization zebrafish larvae trapped in the chip. In each experiment, fin movements of four larvae were quantified in the dorsal view in terms of fin beat frequency (FBF). Positioning of four optical prisms next to the traps provided the lateral views of the four larvae and enabled heart rate (HR) monitoring. The device’s functionality in chemical testing was validated by assessing the impacts of ethanol on heart and fin activities. Larvae treated with 3% ethanol displayed a significant drop of 13.2 and 35.8% in HR and FBF, respectively. Subsequent tests with cadmium chloride highlighted the novel application of our device for screening the effect of heavy metals on cardiac and respiratory function at the same time. Exposure to 5 $\mu$g/l cadmium chloride revealed a significant increase of 8.2% and 39.2% in HR and FBF, respectively. The device can be employed to monitor multi-phenotypic behavioral responses of zebrafish larvae induced by chemical stimuli in various chemical screening assays, in applications such as ecotoxicology and drug discovery.
Implementation of antibiotic stewardship programmes in paediatric patients in regional referral hospitals in Tanzania: experience from prescribers and dispensers
Authors: Nkinda Lilian , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L , Kibwana Upendo O , Mikomangwa Wigilya P , Myemba David T , Sirili Nathanael , Mwakalukwa Rodgers , Kilonzi Manase , Sambayi Godfrey , Maganda Betty A , Njiro Belinda J , Ndumwa Harrieth P , Mutagonda Ritah , Marealle Alphonce I , Felix Fatuma F , Mlyuka Hamu J , Makuka Gerald , Kubigwa Samson W , Kunambi Peter P , Mfaume Rashid , Nshau Arapha Bashir , Bwire George M , Scherpbier Robert , Nyankesha Elevanie 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
In 2017, Tanzania launched the National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (NAPAR), 2017–2022 and implementation of antibiotic stewardship programmes (ASPs) was one of the agendas. Since the launch of the National Action Plan, no study has been done to assess its implementation.

Objectives
To explore the experiences of prescribers and dispensers on implementing ASPs among paediatric patients attending Regional Referral Hospitals (RRHs) in Tanzania.

Methods
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted among key informants, in 14 RRHs in Tanzania between July and August 2020. A total of 28 key informants, 14 dispensers in charge of pharmacies and 14 medical doctors in charge of paediatric departments (prescribers), were interviewed. A hybrid thematic analysis was conducted on the gathered information.

Results
Most of the study participants were not conversant with the term ‘antibiotic stewardship’. Some had heard about the programmes but were not aware of the activities involved in the programme. Those who were knowledgeable on ASPs mentioned the lack of existence of such programmes in their settings. They further added that absence or limited knowledge of the stewardship concepts may have influenced the current poor practices. Barriers to the implementation of ASPs mentioned were lack of laboratory facilities to support culture and susceptibility tests, lack of materials and reagents, management pressure to prevent loss or to generate income, patients’ influence and limited training opportunities.

Conclusions
Despite launching the NAPAR in 2017, we found limited implementation of ASPs in the management of paediatric patients. This study highlighted some barriers and identified possible intervention points.
Corporatization, Administrative Intensity, and the Performance of Public Sector Organizations
Authors: Veronesi Gianluca , Kirkpatrick Ian , Altanlar Ali , Sarto Fabrizia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe process of corporatization in public services has led to the emergence of new, more autonomous organizational forms. However, while these reforms have been centrally about the development of management capabilities in public sector organizations, we know surprisingly little about what this process involves. To address this concern, we draw on the literature on administrative intensity (AI) to frame hypotheses about the likely relationship between corporatization and investments in management and administration, and the consequences of these investments for performance. As an empirical case, we then focus on the effects of Foundation Trust status on AI and efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness in the acute care hospital sector in the English NHS. Based on a database of nine years (2008/09–2016/17) and dynamic panel data regressions, the results show that corporatization leads to a leaner administration and improved organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness. In addition, the analysis reveals that lower levels of AI positively mediate the relationship between corporatization and performance, although only in relation to the efficiency dimension. These findings highlight the crucial, but previously misunderstood, importance of lean administration as part of the corporatization reform package, with implications for theory, research, and policy.
External exposure assessment in the Fukushima accident area for governmental policy planning in Japan: part 1. Methodologies for personal dosimetry applied after the accident
Authors: Sanada Yukihisa , Yoshimura Kazuya , Sato Rina , Nakayama Mariko , Tsubokura Masaharu 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The evacuation order areas established due to the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings’ (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) have been reorganized according to the decrease in ambient dose rates and the decontamination progress. The Japanese government decided to decontaminate the difficult-to-return areas and lift the evacuation order by 2030. This radiation protection strategy can be optimized by examining emergency exposure situations to date and the existing exposure after the accident. This article reviews the methods that can determine the individual radiation doses of residents who should return to their homes when the evacuation order is lifted in the specific reconstruction reproduction base area and the difficult-to-return areas outside this base area and summarizes the points to be considered when implementing these methods. In Part 1 of this article, we review the efforts made by the Japanese government and research institutes to assess radiation doses to residents after the FDNPP accident.
Presumptive treatment or serological screening for schistosomiasis in migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa could save both lives and money for the Italian National Health System: results of an economic evaluation
Authors: Zammarchi Lorenzo , Botta Annarita , Tilli Marta , Gobbi Federico , Bartoloni Alessandro , Boccalini Sara 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundSchistosomiasis can lead to severe irreversible complications and death if left untreated. Italian and European guidelines recommend serological screening for this infection in migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, studies on clinical and economic impact of this strategy in the Italian and European settings are lacking. This study aims to compare benefits and costs of different strategies to manage schistosomiasis in migrants from SSA to Italy.MethodsA decision tree and a Markov model were developed to assess the health and economic impacts of three interventions: (i) passive diagnosis for symptomatic patients (current practice in Italy); (ii) serological screening of all migrants and treating those found positive and (iii) presumptive treatment for all migrants with praziquantel in a single dose. The time horizon of analysis was one year to determine the exact expenses, and 28 years to consider possible sequelae, in the Italian health-care perspective. Data input was derived from available literature; costs were taken from the price list of Careggi University Hospital, Florence, and from National Hospitals Records.ResultsAssuming a population of 100 000 migrants with schistosomiasis prevalence of 21·2%, the presumptive treatment has a greater clinical impact with 86.3% of the affected being cured (75.2% in screening programme and 44.9% in a passive diagnosis strategy). In the first year, the presumptive treatment and the screening strategy compared with passive diagnosis prove cost-effective (299 and 595 cost/QALY, respectively). In the 28-year horizon, the two strategies (screening and presumptive treatment) compared with passive diagnosis become dominant (less expensive with more QALYs) and cost-saving.ConclusionThe results of the model suggest that presumptive treatment and screening strategies are more favourable than the current passive diagnosis in the public health management of schistosomiasis in SSA migrants, especially in a longer period analysis.
Mitigating the risk of disputes in the renewable energy sector in North Africa: Lessons learned from solar energy claims brought against European States
Authors: Abdel-Hakam Ahmed 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Over the past 20 years, in an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuel generated power, States have been trying to shift to renewable energy by devising attractive and favourable regulations in order to attract foreign investment in a sector that requires significant amounts of capital that usually needs to be frontloaded. This article aims to provide an overview of claims brought against a number of European States who adopted ambitious and investor-friendly legislations, and as a result of a subsequent change to these regulations, were subject to a large number of arbitration claims in relation to the extent of these States’ right to amend (with a retrospective effect) the incentives that they granted to foreign investors in the renewable energy sector.
Impact of maximal extent of resection on postoperative deficits, patient functioning, and survival within clinically important glioblastoma subgroups
Authors: Gerritsen Jasper K W , Zwarthoed Rosa H , Kilgallon John L , Nawabi Noah Lee , Versyck Georges , Jessurun Charissa A C , Pruijn Koen P , Fisher Fleur L , Larivière Emma , Solie Lien , Mekary Rania A , Satoer Djaina D , Schouten Joost W , Bos Eelke M , Kloet Alfred , Tewarie Rishi Nandoe , Smith Timothy R , Dirven Clemens M F , De Vleeschouwer Steven , Vincent Arnaud J P E , Broekman Marike L D 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
The impact of extent of resection (EOR), residual tumor volume (RTV), and gross-total resection (GTR) in glioblastoma subgroups is currently unknown. This study aimed to analyze their impact on patient subgroups in relation to neurological and functional outcomes.

Methods
Patients with tumor resection for eloquent glioblastoma between 2010 and 2020 at 4 tertiary centers were recruited from a cohort of 3919 patients.

Results
One thousand and forty-seven (1047) patients were included. Higher EOR and lower RTV were significantly associated with improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) across all subgroups, but RTV was a stronger prognostic factor. GTR based on RTV improved median OS in the overall cohort (19.0 months, P &lt; .0001), and in the subgroups with IDH wildtype tumors (18.5 months, P = .00055), MGMT methylated tumors (35.0 months, P &lt; .0001), aged &lt;70 (20.0 months, P &lt; .0001), NIHSS 0–1 (19.0 months, P = .0038), KPS 90–100 (19.5 months, P = .0012), and KPS ≤80 (17.0 months, P = .036). GTR was significantly associated with improved OS in the overall cohort (HR 0.58, P = .0070) and improved PFS in the NIHSS 0–1 subgroup (HR 0.47, P = .012). GTR combined with preservation of neurological function (OFO 1 grade) yielded the longest survival times (median OS 22.0 months, P &lt; .0001), which was significantly more frequently achieved in the awake mapping group (50.0%) than in the asleep group (21.8%) (P &lt; .0001).

Conclusions
Maximum resection was especially beneficial in the subgroups aged &lt;70, NIHSS 0–1, and KPS 90–100 without increasing the risk of postoperative NIHSS or KPS worsening. These findings may assist surgical decision making in individual glioblastoma patients.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of 3 radiation treatment strategies for patients with multiple brain metastases
Authors: Chen Victor Eric , Kim Minchul , Nelson Nicolas , Kim Inkyu Kevin , Shi Wenyin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Patients diagnosed with multiple brain metastases often survive for less than 2 years, and clinicians must carefully evaluate the impact of interventions on quality of life. Three types of radiation treatment are widely accepted for patients with multiple brain metastases: Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), hippocampal avoidance whole-brain radiation therapy (HA-WBRT), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). WBRT, the standard option, is less costly than its newer alternatives but causes more severe adverse effects such as memory loss. To determine whether the cost-effectiveness ratio of HA-WBRT and SRS are superior to WBRT, we used published data to simulate cases of multiple brain metastases.

Methods
We designed a Markov model using data from previously published studies to simulate the disease course of patients with 5 to 15 brain metastases and determine the cost-effectiveness of HA-WBRT and SRS relative to WBRT. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated and compared against a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per quality-adjusted life year.

Results
SRS met the threshold for cost-effectiveness, with ICERs ranging $41 198–$54 852 for patients with 5 to 15 brain metastases; however, HA-WBRT was not cost-effective, with an ICER of $163 915 for all simulated patients. Model results were robust to sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions
We propose that SRS, but not HA-WBRT, should be offered to patients with multiple brain metastases as a treatment alternative to standard WBRT. Incorporating these findings into clinical practice will help promote patient-centered care and decrease national healthcare expenditures, thereby addressing issues around health equity and access to care.
Isolation of single cells from human uterus in the third trimester of pregnancy: myometrium, decidua, amnion and chorion
Authors: Cocker Alexander T H , Whettlock Emily M , Browne Brendan , Lai Pei F , Li Jonathan K H , Sivarajasingam Sivatharjini P , Imami Nesrina , Johnson Mark R , Male Victoria 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
During pregnancy, interactions between uterine immune cells and cells of the surrounding reproductive tissues are thought to be vital for regulating labour. The mechanism that specifically initiates spontaneous labour has not been determined, but distinct changes in uterine immune cell populations and their activation status have been observed during labour at term gestation. To understand the regulation of human labour by the immune system, the ability to isolate both immune cells and non-immune cells from the uterus is required. Here, we describe protocols developed in our laboratory to isolate single cells from uterine tissues, which preserve both immune and non-immune cell populations for further analysis. We provide detailed methods for isolating immune and non-immune cells from human myometrium, chorion, amnion and decidua, together with representative flow cytometry analysis of isolated cell populations present. The protocols can be completed in tandem and take approximately 4–5 h, resulting in single-cell suspensions that contain viable leucocytes, and non-immune cells in sufficient numbers for single-cell analysis approaches such as flow cytometry and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq).
Multi-omics analysis reveals the mechanism of bHLH130 responding to low-nitrogen stress of apple rootstock
Authors: Wang Xiaona , Chai Xiaofen , Gao Beibei , Deng Cecilia , Günther Catrin S , Wu Ting , Zhang Xinzhong , Xu Xuefeng , Han Zhenhai , Wang Yi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNitrogen is critical for plant growth and development. With the increase of nitrogen fertilizer application, nitrogen use efficiency decreases, resulting in wasted resources. In apple (Malus domestica) rootstocks, the potential molecular mechanism for improving nitrogen uptake efficiency to alleviate low-nitrogen stress remains unclear. We utilized multi-omics approaches to investigate the mechanism of nitrogen uptake in two apple rootstocks with different responses to nitrogen stress, Malus hupehensis and Malus sieversii. Under low-nitrogen stress, Malus sieversii showed higher efficiency in nitrogen uptake. Multi-omics analysis revealed substantial differences in the expression of genes involved in flavonoid and lignin synthesis pathways between the two materials, which were related to the corresponding metabolites. We discovered that basic helix–loop–helix 130 (bHLH130) transcription factor was highly negatively associated with the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. bHLH130 may directly bind to the chalcone synthase gene (CHS) promoter and inhibit its expression. Overexpressing CHS increased flavonoid accumulation and nitrogen uptake. Inhibiting bHLH130 increased flavonoid biosynthesis while decreasing lignin accumulation, thus improving nitrogen uptake efficiency. These findings revealed the molecular mechanism by which bHLH130 regulates flavonoid and lignin biosyntheses in apple rootstocks under low-nitrogen stress.
Lessons to learn from the analysis of routine health data from Moria Refugee Camp on Lesvos, Greece
Authors: Hart Paul L , Zahos Helen , Salt Nicola , Schofield Roger , Mahroof-Shaffi Siyana , Simonek Tomas , Harkensee Christian 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Refugees in humanitarian settings commonly experience many health needs and barriers to access healthcare; health data from these settings are infrequently reported, preventing effective healthcare provision. This report describes health needs of refugees in Moria Camp on Lesvos, Greece—Europe’s largest refugee camp.

Methods
A set of routinely collected service data of 18 131 consultations of 11 938 patients, attending a primary care clinic in the camp over 6 months in 2019–20, was analysed retrospectively, focusing on chronic health conditions.

Results
The most frequent chronic conditions were musculoskeletal pain (25.1%), mental health (15.9%), cardiac (12.7%) and endocrine conditions (8.9%). In all, 70.4% of consultations were for acute health problems, with high rates of injuries and wounds (20.8%), respiratory infections (12.5%), gastroenteritis (10.7%) and skin problems (9.7%), particularly scabies.

Conclusions
The prevalence of acute and chronic health problems is high in this setting, with some likely attributable to the deplorable living conditions in the camp. Despite its magnitude, the interpretability of routine health data is limited. A research agenda is identified, and a framework for chronic disease management in refugee camps is proposed.
Controllability of Functional Brain Networks and Its Clinical Significance in First-Episode Schizophrenia
Authors: Li Qian , Yao Li , You Wanfang , Liu Jiang , Deng Shikuang , Li Bin , Luo Lekai , Zhao Youjin , Wang Yuxia , Wang Yaxuan , Zhang Qian , Long Fenghua , Sweeney John A , Gu Shi , Li Fei , Gong Qiyong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis
Disrupted control of brain state transitions may contribute to the diverse dysfunctions of cognition, emotion, and behavior that are fundamental to schizophrenia. Control theory provides the rationale for evaluating brain state transitions from a controllability perspective, which may help reveal the brain mechanism for clinical features such as cognitive control deficits associated with schizophrenia. We hypothesized that brain controllability would be altered in patients with schizophrenia, and that controllability of brain networks would be related to clinical symptomatology.

Study Design
Controllability measurements of functional brain networks, including average controllability and modal controllability, were calculated and compared between 125 first-episode never-treated patients with schizophrenia and 133 healthy controls (HCs). Associations between controllability metrics and clinical symptoms were evaluated using sparse canonical correlation analysis.

Study Results
Compared to HCs, patients showed significantly increased average controllability (PFDR = .023) and decreased modal controllability (PFDR = .023) in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). General psychopathology symptoms and positive symptoms were positively correlated with average controllability in regions of default mode network and negatively associated with average controllability in regions of sensorimotor, dorsal attention, and frontoparietal networks.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that altered controllability of functional activity in dACC may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, consistent with the importance of this region in cognitive and brain state control operations. The demonstration of associations of functional controllability with psychosis symptoms suggests that the identified alterations in average controllability of brain function may contribute to the severity of acute psychotic illness in schizophrenia.
Sleep Loss Influences the Interconnected Brain-Body Regulation of Cardiovascular Function in Humans
Authors: Krause Adam J. , Vallat Raphael , Ben Simon Eti , Walker Matthew P. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Objective
Poor sleep is associated with hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism(s) through which sleep loss affects cardiovascular health remain largely unknown, including the brain and body systems that regulate vascular function.

Method
Sixty-six healthy adults participated in a repeated-measures, cross-over, experimental study involving assessments of cardiovascular function and brain connectivity following a night of sleep and a night of sleep deprivation.

Results
First, sleep deprivation significantly increased blood pressure—both systolic and diastolic. Interestingly, this change was independent of any increase in heart rate, inferring a vasculature-specific rather than direct cardiac pathway. Second, sleep loss compromised functional brain connectivity within the recognized vascular control network, specifically the insula, anterior cingulate, amygdala, and ventral and medial prefrontal cortices. Third, the sleep-loss related changes in brain connectivity and vascular tone were not independent, but significantly inter-dependent, with changes in brain nodes predicting the sleep-loss shift towards hypertension.

Conclusions
These findings establish a previously unrecognized embodied framework in which sleep loss confers increased risk of cardiovascular disease through an impact upon brain control of vascular tone, rather than a direct impact on accelerated heart rate itself.